“Crimson,” Finn said softly, taking her in his arms again. “I think you are a strong and beautiful woman who is trying her best. That is what I think of you. As for the glamour, I wish you didn’t need it. Your eyes are so sexy when you come, I bet they look that great all the time.”
Crimson, blushed so red, she was nearly purple. “That was how you knew? Oh my stars, I’m so humiliated.” Crimson started to cry in frustration. Finn just held her tighter. “I’ll never be able to show my face at Court ever again. I’m the worst Guardian ever. No wonder they all laugh at me. I deserve it.” Crimson cried even harder.
“You are an amazing Guardian. The moment you sensed trouble, you took over and kicked ass. Don’t run yourself down like that. Why would you think such terrible things about yourself?” Finn kissed her cheek, tasting her tears. He gently lifter her chin and looked down into her eyes. “Is it something about that guy Rickon that is making you feel like this, like you are less than the sexy, smart, strong woman I know you are?”
“He’s my ex,” Crimson said, looking down and pulling away. “It wasn’t that serious, I was never in love with him, but it ended badly. Like, he dumped me publically for my sister, bad. And he made sure everyone knew it was because she’s prettier and better in bed. It’s taken a long time, but I thought I was past it. Seeing him, here, when I’m already feeling so confused and unsure, it just…” Finn kissed her hard and stopped her from speaking.
Finally, pulling away and giving her a minute to breathe, Finn looked into her eyes and smiled. “Stop. We don’t have to do this right now. Let’s get out of here. We have a long drive back. You are freaked out, frankly, despite what you seem to think, I am a little freaked out too, but not about you. Come on, let’s go. I’ll drive, you can just relax, and when we get back to your place, we’ll talk, ok?”
Crimson sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “Ok. But you better be nice to my car.”
“Always,” Finn grinned.
Crimson snuggled up next to Finn in the car, and soon, she was snoring quietly. Finn thought it was the most adorable thing he had ever seen. Holding her close to him with his free arm, he could not imagine how he had gotten so lucky. All the resentment he had against Katie for setting him up just went away. The only thing he wanted to do was spend the rest of his life proving to Crimson that she was the perfect woman for him. He had never believed in love at first sight. Even the stories that Katie had told him about his parents’ and their great love had seemed silly before. But he was starting to understand.
Finn pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine, “Crimson love, wake up. We’re here,” he whispered to the sleeping girl next to him. Crimson didn’t wake, just mumbled something and snuggled closer to him. Finn got out of the car and unlocked the cottage door. Then, he went back to the car, gathered Crimson in his arms and took her inside. Being careful not to wake her, he slid off her boots and undressed her. He pulled the white cotton nightgown that was hung over the
bathroom door over her head, laid her down, and covered her up. Taking off everything but his boxers, he slid in beside her. There was nothing he would rather do than sleep next to her and wake up with her next to him. He turned out the bedside lamp and went to sleep.
Chapter 11
Crimson awoke to a bright light streaming through the curtains. Her first thought was that this was the first time she’d seen the sun since coming to Seaside. Her second thought was that she didn’t remember getting home, getting undressed, or getting in bed. Looking over at Finn, still sleeping sweetly next to her, she suddenly felt safe. She was a Guardian, she was the one who looked after people, but last night, Finn had looked after her.
Careful not to wake him, he slipped from the bed and went to the kitchen. She was starting a pot of coffee when she heard a knock at her door. She shrugged on her robe and went to answer it. Kate was standing on the porch with a box of donuts. “Good morning lass! Is Finn here?”
“Shhh, he’s sleeping. We got in pretty late. Those look good,” Crimson said pointing to the donuts. “Come in, I have coffee, and you have some explaining to do.”
“Me? Whatever do you mean,” Kate said slowly.
“He knows, Kate. He knows what I am, and why I’m here, and I want to know how he knows.”
“Oh. Oops?” Kate said with a shrug.
“Yeah, oops. Really, Kate? Why didn’t you just tell me?” Crimson asked, sitting down on the couch.
“Because no one is supposed to know about Finn, so I figured it would be better to keep things quiet.”
“What about Finn?” Crimson asked, confused.
“He didn’t tell you? Well, Finn’s story is his to tell. All I can say is that he knows about our home and a pretty good amount about the people in it. When he’s ready to tell you his part in that, I’m sure he will. I’m sorry, Crimson. I really am, but it was a tough call and I made it. How did you find out anyway?”
“We ran into a little snag picking up your goods last night.” Crimson handed Kate the package from the table. “Why the hell would you be doing business with someone like Garm? He’s a thief and a cheat. I thought better of you.”
“Running a business in a small resort town like this is hard. Sometimes you have to do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do, but I swear, he was only getting me silver, nothing illegal.”
“Well, luckily they let me keep your silver, but you won’t be doing business with Garm anytime soon, I’d say.”
“Bounty hunters?”
“Rickon and his cronies. Yeah. That was awkward.” Crimson stood up. “I need coffee, how about you?”
“No, I should go. It sounds like you and Finn have some things to work out. I just brought the donuts. I’m off for a swim. Tell him to call me later, ok sweetie?”
“I will. Take care, Kate. Thanks for the donuts. I’m still a little angry with you, but sugar will help.”
“A little sugar always helps.” Kate said with a wink, letting herself out. Crimson picked up the donuts and took them to the kitchen. She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat down, head in her hands. This job was supposed to be simple. She couldn’t fathom how she’d managed to muck it up so badly. She could still feel the sting of embarrassment over her little breakdown the night before. Crimson had made great strides in her levelheadedness, her composure in the face of chaos, but she’s lost it. Lost it big time, again. And now she wasn’t sure how to recover from it. Obviously there was more to this than she had been told, perhaps more than the seers had been shown.
Lost in her thoughts, Crimson didn’t realize Finn was up until he kissed her neck, in that spot right behind her ear that always gave her a shiver. “Good morning, beautiful. How are you feeling this morning?” Finn inquired, as he grabbed a cup of coffee for himself and sat down. “Did we get a visit from the donut fairy?”
“Funny. Ha, ha! Have you ever met a real Fairy? They are anything but sweet.”
“Ok,” Finn said putting his hands up defensively. “So who brought the donuts?”
“Kate. She stopped by. She wants you to call her later.”
“I trust you filled her in about our little adventure last night.”
“I did. She suggested that we might have some things to talk about.”
“She did. Hm. What did she tell you?” Finn looked a little unnerved.
“Nothing, really. She said your story was yours to tell. I was hoping that you would be ready to share it with me.”
Finn looked down for a minute and then met Crimson’s eyes. “I’ve been keeping this secret my whole life. There is no one I’d rather share it with than you. But not here. I need you to see something. Will you take a walk with me?”
“Of course,” Crimson replied.
A little while later, Crimson found herself dressed warmly and walking down the beach with Finn. He seemed anxious and quiet. They didn’t talk. Crimson did her best to keep up with him, but in his present state of mind, he didn’t seem to notice that
her short legs didn’t move as fast as his long ones. They walked for miles and finally came to a secluded cove. Large rocks were pounded by the surf just off shore. Crimson, winded from keeping up, sat down on a large piece of driftwood just up from the high tide line. Finn walked out further, the surf hitting his feet and soaking his pant legs. He looked lost. Sad, but almost hopeful at the same time. After a time, he came and sat beside her on the log.
“I haven’t been here in a very long time. This is where my father’s boat washed up. I told you before it was a storm, but that wasn’t the whole truth.” Finn began. “This is so hard. I miss them so much.”
Crimson took his hand and laid her had on his shoulder. He drew her closer, and went on. “Dad was gone, he must have put up a hell of a fight, but in the end, it didn’t make a difference. Mom was locked in the hold. She was still alive when Katie found her, but just barely. She told her what happened, how they’d been betrayed. She made Katie swear to keep us safe, and then she died. All these years, and no one ever knew. She kept her promise well. But it’s time. I can’t stay hidden anymore.” A tear rolled down his cheek. Crimson leaned up to kiss it away.
“Whatever it is, you must know your secret is safe with me. I was sent here to watch over you, but I’ve come to care for you so much. I’d give anything to keep you safe.” Finn kissed her gently.
“I know. I feel the same way. I never thought anyone could make me feel the way I feel about you. It hurts my head a little to think about it. But it’s almost like I’ve been waiting for you to find me.”
Finn stood up and took off his jacket and his shirt. “This is harder than I thought. I’ve been holding it for so long it is almost like I’m stuck.” Finn closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then he released his glamour. As he did so, the sun came out from behind the clouds and seemed to light him up from the inside. His skin took on an iridescent sheen, and turned a pale sea green color. His eyes subtly changed shape, growing rounder and larger, the irises showing the depths of the raging sea inside him. His normally dark auburn hair took on an almost violet hue, the only thing he inherited from his mother.
Crimson was speechless. In his Human form, he was a handsome man. In his true form, he was breathtaking. He embodied the sea. Storms raged in his eyes. She was captivated. She went to him and touched his cheek. His skin was warm and smooth. Every Marbendlar she’d ever seen had scales like a fish covering at least part of their face, but not Finn, his skin had the color and the sheen, but a silky texture. “Who are you?” Crimson asked breathlessly.
“My father was Prince Riordan of the Finn Folk. My mother, Dealen-dé, was a sylph. No one special, really, just another stray that Katie took in once upon a time. After he met my mother, Dad decided not to go home. He stayed here with her, and then with us. His family was not pleased to lose their prince. They came looking for him, and things went bad. Katie hid Mariah and me because we were different, we never should have been born, and Katie worried that something bad could happen if they knew about us. Other than Katie and Mariah, you are the only person alive who knows what I really am. It’s a lot to take in, I know. I’m sorry.”
“Where’s Mariah?” Crimson asked.
“Gone. She had a hard time of it. She got into trouble, so Katie sent her to Mom’s family, but that didn’t work out for her either. She ran away. She’s been gone for nearly 7 years. We hope she’s ok, but there’s just no way to know. It’s been so lonely without my twin. It’s almost as if a part of me is missing some times.”
“I wish I could take away your pain and make it all go away, but I can’t. All I can do is tell you that I’m here, and I promise that I won’t leave you alone.” Crimson wrapped her arms around him. She could feel his heart beating against her cheek. Finn enveloped her in his arms and rested his chin on her head.
“You are right, you can’t take away the pain, but you make me feel more whole. When I’m with you, I feel safe. I feel like I don’t have to hide anymore.” He kissed her softly, and for awhile, he forgot about his pain.
Chapter 12
Kate looked up from the silver she was sorting when she heard the bells on the door tinkle softly. She hadn’t had a customer all day. The off season was always slow, but it had been particularly quiet the last month or so.
An ageless, doe eyed woman stood at the door. Her long black hair shone like silk in the fading light. Her strange magenta eyes seemed to smolder. The piercings in nose and ears glittered with gems. Kate felt herself stiffen with recognition. “It’s been a long time Kate. How have you been?” the woman asked menacingly.
“Amiee.” Kate said dryly. “It has been a long time. I never thought I would see you here.”
“I heard you have something of mine. Something I lost a very long time ago.” Amiee replied, dragging a long pointed fingernail along the glass counter.
“I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” Kate said cautiously.
“A little bird told me that my little lost one was here. Don’t pretend you don’t know who I’m talking about. You may be old, but you are not senile, not yet.”
“Lost? Isn’t that rich. You didn’t lose her. You left her. She doesn’t even know about you. She thinks that the Thorns are her real family.”
“Something I should remedy, don’t you think? I am, after all, her mother.”
“Some mother. Why are you here? Why now?” Kate spat.
“Because of the prophecy. Things are going to get very bad soon, and I need my daughter with me. You understand, don’t you? Oh, that’s right, poor dear, you never had any children of your own. You just take the leavings of others. Poor little Katie, always taking in orphans only to have them leave you. It must be sad to be you. Sad and alone. Pity, that.”
“Crimson is nothing like you. She would never choose the Dark. You betrayed everyone who trusted you, even the only man who ever loved you.”
“Love is such a silly word, old one. Jared never loved me, not really. He wanted me, they all do if I will it. But no, he never loved me. You, he did love, too bad you were too weak to hold him.” Amiee’s face contorted into what could have been a smile if it didn’t hold so much menace. “I see you have kept his swords. You were always the sentimental one.” Amiee paced the length of the shop, the tap of her boot heels so loud, it was almost deafening. Kate winced.
“You can’t have her. I will never allow you to corrupt her.” In a flash, Amiee was on her. She grabbed Kate by the chin with one hand and lifted her chin with one deadly sharp nail.
“I’m losing my patience with you. This is not a negotiation. I know she’s here. I know she’s guarding your little Human boy. It’s disgusting. She carries the blood of the Dragon clan and she’s wasting herself guarding an insignificant creature like that. I won’t have it. She needs to know who she is. She needs to know the extent of her power. She needs me. You will tell me where she is.” Amiee’s gaze became hotter. Kate felt beads of sweat breakout on her forehead.
“Never!” Kate cried as she flung the tray of silver charms in Amiee’s face. Kate could smell Amiee’s flesh burn as the tiny projectiles hit her skin. Kate turned and reached for the sword on the wall, unsheathing the beautiful blade and bringing it up to Aimee’s neck. “Get the fuck out of my shop and never come back.”
Aimee screamed and clawed at her arms to remove the clinging silver charms. “Do you think you can hurt me with a few charmed silver trinkets? You can’t even harm me with that blade that you hold.”Aimee threw back her head. “Go ahead, old woman, no steel can pierce my skin.”
Kate drew the blade closer to her neck and let it slip just a tiny bit. “Do you really think I’m that stupid? I had it silvered and charmed centuries ago, waiting for just this moment.”
Aimee screamed with anger. “You bitch! You don’t have the nerve. You never did.” She stepped back, a thin line of blood running down her snow white throat. “You win this one, but I’ll be back. And I won’t be alone. I will have my daughter.” Aimee turned and swept
out of the shop, slamming the door hard enough to crack the glass.
Kate let out the breath she had been holding and sunk to the floor, still holding the sword tightly. She felt tears stinging her eyes. She dropped the sword with a clatter and let the torrent inside her flow. Her shoulders convulsed as the sobs wracked her body. She knew that the things she had feared most were coming to pass. She had kept all the secrets she’d sworn to keep. She’d spent her entire life trying to make up for not being able to save her one true love. But it would all be for naught if Amiee found Crimson.
Head in her hands, Kate’s mind strayed back to a simpler time. She had been young then, innocent and carefree. Her family had long served the Oak clan. Her father was a gardener, her mother, a cook. She grew up on their vast seaside estate. Their twins, Jared and Illiana were her constant companions. They never looked down on her for being a servant’s child. Instead, they included her in all their games and adventures. Illiana was her best friend, and Jared was her hero.
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