by L G Nauck
“The package has been accepted. Your duty is done.”
She then closed the door and threw the package on the table carelessly. She stood there, unmoving, staring at the door before her eyes slowly drifted to the small box on the table.
What kind of gift had he sent her? What did he think he could give her to make anything better? Was that even his intention or was it some cruel joke?
Alena walked to the table and touched the edge of the box, her head cocking. She had to admit she was curious. And opening it didn’t mean that she was accepting anything.
She lifted the lid and peered curiously inside. Her eyebrows lowered in confusion as she looked at the little balls of brown and red. She lifted the box to her face and smelled the substance.
It smelled edible.
Alena immediately thought back to the drink Tane had given her and the result. She shuddered at the memory.
But he was so far away. Would he really give her anything to increase her libido when he was nowhere to be found?
She gingerly picked up a piece and inspected it, deciding if it was worth trying. On one hand, it was something given to her by the worst person in the world. On the other hand, it looked like it could taste really good.
Deciding that it was worth the risk, she opened her mouth and put it in her mouth. She immediately closed her eyes and hummed at the taste. It was sweet and savory all at the same time. The outside was hard yet the inside was like a jelly that spread across her taste-buds beautifully.
When she swallowed the tasty treat, she opened her eyes and inspected the assortment of other delectable objects in the box.
Could she eat the rest of them?
They tasted good, but they were also from her enemy. She didn’t want him to think he could accomplish whatever mission he was on at this moment. She had no idea why he was choosing to send her things, but she wanted no part of it.
It was as if he was courting her. And that thought made her want to both gag and laugh.
However, instead of destroying the box, she placed it lightly on the table. She was resistant to the thought of hurting the delicious morsels.
As she started to move away, something stopped her. She looked back at the box. She had so little joys in life, what would it hurt to partake in one? It didn’t mean that she accepted his treatment.
She picked up another one and put it in her mouth, slightly smiling as she moved to continue getting ready for her day. She had a full day planned.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Serena gracefully stepped down from the stairs connected to her carriage. Always one to showcase elegance and nobility, she never rode atop a horse. She always had someone else drive her around. It didn’t do very well for business for her to look like a common pauper. She sold extravagancies. Things that people could not get everywhere. And that was how she built a name for herself.
“If it isn’t the beautiful tigress herself.”
Serena’s mouth immediately spread into a slow smile as she watched Darren approach her. He was one of the public relation officials delegated the position of deciding who would enter the eleven territory. She admired the man’s natural flow as he walked. Elves moved as if they were wind, their bodies flowing instead of striding. They had a type of perfect balance that other species could only try to imitate. Perhaps that was also why they thought they were the superior species. Serena also couldn’t blame them for that. She admired the confidence.
“Darren, it is so great to see you. It has been too long.”
The two leant in for a kiss on the cheek that never touched skin. Eleven culture was all about appearances. Elves could not be more indifferent to affection though. Serena would not fool herself into thinking she was friends with these people. They had a mutually beneficial relationship. She would give them supplies and information and they would trade her items that could only be found within their cities. She gained rare trinkets that increased her reputation and her pockets while they remained in indirect contact with the outside world. It was a perfect balance.
“What has brought you here? I know you did not come just for a meal.”
The elf’s lips drew back in an amused smile at his attempt at a joke. He knew very well that Meticians, especially those of her species, enjoyed meat. The thought of a vegetarian diet made her want to shudder in disgust. Instead, she allowed her lips to draw back in a show of amusement. She knew the game.
“I have some information I think your people would be ecstatic to know.”
Darren’s bluish-silver eyebrow rose in a question but little else showed on his face. Elves could maintain an indifferent expression quite well, their only weapon of intimidation. Since he stood the same height as Serena and the man was much smaller than her in build, Serena was the one who came in first when it came to physical strength. Elves were more known for their cunning, weaponry, and traps. They had poisons that could kill a Metician in seconds without warning. Luckily, their society enjoyed their relationship. If not, the smallest brush of skin could mean her death.
“I may or may not know about the appearance of a Dayuki.”
That had the other eyebrow joining the first.
“That’s impossible.”
“Have you ever known me to lie?”
Darren’s eyebrows scrunched together as he appeared to mull something over.
“What would you want in return for such information?”
Now it was Serena’s turn to look as if she was pondering something over, tapping one of her long claws against her chin as she gazed upward. They both knew the game. She had incredibly valuable information that came at a high price.
“I want six vials of Elvenquin, fifty bows, and some of that delicious blue poison you have.”
She watched as Darren’s face quirked. Serena knew she asked for a lot, but she also knew she had the high ground in this situation. Usually there was no way to get the items she requested. Elvenquin was the liquid that came from their sacred spring that could basically cure any injury or sickness. Their bows were enchanted with magical properties which meant they were the best in the world. And highly sought after. And the poison… well it was not every day that she could barter for it. Serena could just imagine the price people would pay for one drop of it.
“You ask for too much. Twenty-five bows, three vials, and no poison.”
Serena tsked, folding her arms over her chest.
“I would think you would be more excited to hear about the existence of the legendary Dayuki reappearing, especially with how close your people were. No matter, there are plenty of other tribes or kingdoms that would throw me gold for even a hint of information.”
As Serena went to turn, she heard Darren bid her to wait. Her lips turned up into a satisfied smile as she turned once again to look at him.
“Forty bows and you can have the rest. I can only give you a small vial of the poison, however, one drop is enough to do away with whoever you require. My question is, is this information worth the trade?”
Serena shrugged, “I guess that is for your queen to decide. But can you imagine the type of esteem whoever brings her such a juicy treasure would receive? Their name would probably go down in Eleven history.”
Darren seemed to consider that before jerking his head in a nod.
“Get on with it, tiger.”
Serena frowned, “There is no reason to be getting so touchy, Darren. You forget yourself.”
The elf appeared irritated that she had called out his break in character and waved his hand for her to continue. The quirk in his jaw was all that hinted at his hidden impatience.
“The king of Barthamos has found himself a hidden Dayuki amongst his people and has went ahead and mated her. However, she is absolutely miserable and looking for an escape. I have seen for myself the teardrop markings and some of the creatures she has called to her side. It is quite impressive if I do say so myself. And I am happy to admit I have helped her in the journey of discovering herself.”
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br /> Darren quirked an eyebrow, “That does not surprise me.”
Serena shrugged. She had grown up in a culture that forced her to care only about herself. Her top priority had been to become as independent as possible so no one would ever have a say over her life again. As a tiger Metician, she had no pack allies. She cared only about survival.
“If she is mated to the Drkyen king, that means she is well protected. How are we supposed to do anything about that?”
Serena sighed as if the conversation was boring her.
“As I said, she is miserable and looking for a way out. She will not be confined to the palace forever. Barthamos is at war and Tane is excited to showcase his new weapon. He will have her out as soon as possible. Although she will still be protected, I am sure your people can think of something.”
Darren appeared thoughtful before he finally nodded.
“The information you provided is valuable. I will arrange for your items to be collected and put in your carriage. I trust that you have the proper protections. You are welcome to take advantage of our hospitality in the meantime.”
Serena nodded, “I always do. Pleasure doing business with you, your greatness.”
Darren’s eyes twinkled with something unnamable as he outstretched his arm to usher Serena into the twinkling village.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Alena moved her hands slowly, gliding in a rhythm that was comfortable yet foreign to her at the same time. It was as if a lesson that she learned long ago had reared itself. She felt energy course through her as she continued moving, her feet moving with a mind of their own, stepping forward and then turning.
Her body felt like it was no longer her own.
She felt the wind speed up around her, surging as an unknown force began to increase. She could feel something. With her mind, she reached out to it, bade it to come forward.
There was heat. She felt an energy surge. She opened her eyes and stared without fear at a large canine beast. Its’ eyes burned bright blue and it had pure white fur with black stripes. The beast had large canines that glistened in the brightness it was encased in, the long claws sticking out of the paws made crevices in the earth below it.
Alena felt completely calm as she walked towards the beast. The sapphire eyes narrowed, fixing on her as she approached it. The beast did not move as she stopped in front of it. They stared each other in the eyes, neither one moving as energy was exchanged between them.
The beast shook itself, opening its’ mouth to yawn, razor-sharp teeth revealing themselves. Alena waited for the beast to compose itself. The canine beast closed its’ mouth and twisted its’ head in acknowledgement.
You have summoned me yet there is no danger.
Alena’s lip tilted upwards into a half-smile.
There is always danger.
The sapphire eyes studied her.
What do you want from me?
I will need your help in the future. There is going to be a time where I will need you by my side. Are you willing?
The beast remained silent for some moments.
I have not been summoned in many moons. And now some trivial young girl seems to decide I am here to obey her command.
Alena’s eyes fixed on the creature and she sent surges of her will towards it.
I am a Dayuki. I do not wish for you to obey me. I wish for you to work with me.
The creature seemed to consider her. The beast shook its’ head and adjusted its’ legs before lowering in acquiesce.
You have some spirit within you. I feel your rage and power. It is exciting. I will assist you in the future.
Alena let a full smile spread across her face as she nodded, watching as the creature glowed brightly before disappearing.
She turned to walk towards the castle and was satisfied at the look of amazement on the Metician guard’s faces as she passed. They were beginning to see her power. They thought she would help them. Yet she would take great pleasure in crushing every last one of them.
They should fear her.
Lately, it had been as if her power had burst forward. She was discovering new things each day. She had not only found the keys to summoning creatures, but she had also been learning how to manipulate the particles around her to control the elements. That discovery had led to her almost burning her room down.
She remembered the shock she had felt as a curtain had burst into flames. Even though it would be her ultimate fantasy to burn the whole castle down, she did not think this was the optimal time to do it. Especially since she was still an amateur with her abilities.
She wanted to cause pain and suffering but also didn't want to kill herself in the cross-fire.
However, the knowledge she had been gaining would be incredibly useful in the future.
Alena walked into the castle with purpose, her guards trailing behind her. She had found a newfound confidence in herself. While she felt a pressing numbness within her soul, she also felt a darkness spreading through her. It strengthened her resolve and strength. And she knew those around her could feel the shift. She no longer saw sneers or disrespectful looks cast in her direction. Beings moved out of her way when she entered a room. Even the bastard king had been leaving her alone. Although he could just be off doing something war-related.
The war she was supposed to help him win.
She bristled at the thought, moving towards the dining room. Her mind drifted back to the box of sweets that had been sent to her. Had he thought anything would change with the gift?
If he did then he truly was stupid. Or naïve. Either way, he thought he could lure her into becoming more complacent. While it irked her, it could also work in her favor. If she pretended to be more accommodating, then perhaps he would begin to trust her. Then perhaps she would not be watched as strongly. And then she could get him alone when she was at the height of her power…
The thought of what she would do to him made her heart speed up and her hands clench into fists. When she noticed the worried looks she was getting from her guards, she forced herself to calm down. Alena had to remember Meticians had heightened senses which meant they would pick up on anything abnormal. She couldn’t have them becoming curious. She wanted them to trust her, even if it meant they trusted her to remain docile.
As Alena took her seat at the head of the table, an act that many had frowned upon, she listed out some foods she would like. When she described a salad, the servant wrinkled his nose but nodded and walked off. Even though they thought she was beneath them for her human status, they also knew they had to please her since she was important to their king.
What would her life had been if Tane had chosen to be nice? If he had showered her with gifts and then asked her to become his mate? Would she have been happy to be the technical queen of Barthamos? She hadn’t thought about finding a partner and settling down. Before she had come to the palace, she had been focused on building her own life and career. She dreamed of finally escaping the slums and boosting herself up. She hadn’t wanted it to be like this though.
She may have liked being in the position if it meant making changes to the broken society. But even if she had willingly taken over the position, she doubted she would be able to make any changes. She was more like a necessary trophy.
She at least was able to practice her skills, which was one victory…. And she would be able to fight. But it was for a war she didn’t believe in and for a man she detested. And he had said she wouldn’t be allowed around any real danger. Where was the fun in that?
When food appeared in front of her, Alena picked up her utensils and began to eat, uncaring of her manners. What did it matter what these creatures thought of her? They already thought she was inferior because of her genetics. As she ate, her eyes drifted around the dining room, taking in the servants and various other Meticians who were currently occupying the room. It was then that she was reminded of something.
The servant who had been kind to her and first introduced her to the Dayuki
. Where was she?
Alena turned to the guard who was standing to her right.
“I have a question.”
“Yes? Your honor.”
“There was a servant who assisted me when I first got here. Her name was Ann. I was wondering where she is now? I haven’t seen her in a while.”
The guard did not look at her, just continued to stare straight forward as he replied in a monotone voice.
“She has been relocated. Her services were no longer needed here.”
For some reason that answer did not sit well with her.
“Relocated? To where.”
“That is not something we are made aware of.”
“Is she safe?”
“That is all we know.”
Alena’s heart sank. She felt in the pit of her heart that something wasn’t right. And if the other woman had been hurt… She felt a clench of pain before she pushed it away. The girl had still been a Metician.
But she had still tried to help her…
Alena pushed the rest of her food away, suddenly feeling queasy.
“Your honor?”
“I am done. I am going to go outside to practice some archery. You can come if you’d like.”
It was a sick attempt at a joke because she knew fully well they would be joining her. They couldn’t leave her side for a second. She wondered how they felt about following her around all the time. When they had a break, did they go back to their families? Did they even have families?
Alena didn’t like picturing any of these wolf males with wives and children. She wanted to picture them as emotionless creatures who didn’t form attachments. They were monsters who thrived off pain.
She strode out of the room and towards the outside once again. It was glorious not only to stretch her muscles but also to just breathe fresh air.
Soon, she would be able to do it whenever she liked.
That’s what she kept telling herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tane stared at the fire engulfing the village.
His army had been unable to foresee this preemptive strike. And it had led to the unnecessary death of a border town.
But the message was clear. Kathal was coming for blood.