by Croft, Sky
Shale nodded, then suddenly realising where her hands were, she let them drop. “I’m sorry I woke you.”
“I’m glad I was here.” Blake took hold of Shale’s hands in her own. “Does this happen every night?”
“More often than not,” Shale replied. “I just keep seeing it. How we found our sisters, the way they looked, the smell.” She cringed. “Every little detail.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
After a slight hesitation, Shale nodded, and proceeded to tell Blake all that had happened that day. By the time Shale had finished, both were in tears, so Blake simply pressed Shale down onto the bed, laid next to her, and enfolded Shale in her arms.
SHALE SNUGGLED CLOSER into Blake’s warm embrace. After their talk, Shale had slept soundly, giving her body some much needed rest. She felt Blake’s lips brush over her forehead in a soft kiss, and smiled in response.
“You’re awake,” Blake whispered, as though it were a secret. She caressed dark locks repetitively.
“Not if you keep doing that,” Shale said.
Blake stopped, giggling when Shale groaned in protest.
Shale opened her eyes, letting out a happy sigh at the sight of Blake in bed beside her.
“Any more dreams?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Shale was finding it really hard to keep herself from kissing Blake. Blake was tantalisingly close, but Shale couldn’t bring herself to move away. Her body was thrumming with desire, and when Blake yawned, her breasts pushed against Shale’s, causing her to inhale sharply.
Blake noticed instantly. “Shale?”
Shale silently cursed, Blake was getting far too good at reading her. She thought she saw a glimmer of amusement in those green eyes, but surely she was mistaken. “My knee hurts. I’ll have to get some more herbs from Appollonia.” Shale wasn’t at all pleased at the concept of drinking more of that awful sludge.
“I’ll get it for you.” Blake sat up and pulled back the blankets, giving Shale a sympathetic look when she saw her discolored and very swollen knee. “No wonder it hurts. I’ll go now.”
“There’s no rush.” Shale didn’t want her to leave.
Blake got out of bed, considerately recovering Shale to keep her warm. “I’ll be right back.”
Blake was true to her word, returning quickly with mug in hand. “Does this taste as bad as it smells?”
“Worse,” Shale grumbled. It had helped with the pain though, so she downed the drink without further complaint.
“I have to see my mother this morning.” Blake took the empty mug from Shale and placed it on the table. “But I’ll come and keep you company later. Please stay here and rest your leg.”
Shale nodded. “Are you sure?” She paused. “People are already going to be talking about me staying overnight in your cabin. I don’t want to cause trouble for you.”
“Don’t worry about that, Shale, Amazons always gossip.” Blake let out a short chuckle. “It’s one of the downsides of having so many women together.”
Shale laughed. “That’s true. All right, I’ll stay put.”
“MORNING, MOTHER,” BLAKE greeted upon entering the queen’s personal cabin.
“Blakaea.”
Blake kissed the top of her mother’s head, then sat across the table from her.
“You’re in a good mood,” Zayla said, her mouth quirking upward.
“It’s a beautiful day.”
“Mm-hmm.” Zayla didn’t sound convinced. “I want you to read through this.” She pushed a scroll over to Blake.
“What is it?” Blake asked as she uncurled it.
“Our new trade agreement with the village of Keltack.” Zayla waited for Blake to finish reading it before speaking again. “Do you have anything to add?”
Blake scanned the parchment once more. “We’re giving too many furs for that amount of grain.” She held her hand out for the quill, which Zayla didn’t hesitate to give her, and altered the document.
“Anything else?”
Blake looked up, knowing from her mother’s tone that she was being tested. “Knowing you, there’ll be some more accidental mistakes.”
Zayla smiled innocently. “You have to be patient with me, Blakaea, I’m an old woman.”
Blake rolled her eyes. “Not this again.” She corrected another error, then another.
“My, I have been clumsy with that. It’s a good thing you’re checking it.”
Blake chuckled, her mother was anything but clumsy. Once certain there were no more mistakes, she passed the scroll back.
Zayla noted the changes, and gave Blake a nod of approval. She clasped her hands together on the table. “Now that is taken care of, tell me, how is my daughter?”
“I’m fine, Mother.”
“I notice that you’re smiling a lot more recently. Does it have anything to do with the woman in your cabin?”
“Mother!” Blake admonished. “It’s not like you to listen to idle gossip.”
“I didn’t listen to anything,” Zayla said. “I saw it with my own eyes. You took Shale into your cabin yesterday, and I believe she’s still there, is she not?”
Blake shook her head. “And you wonder why I had those trees put in,” she muttered.
Zayla grinned. “I’m merely commenting on how nice it is to see you happy.”
“I wasn’t happy before Shale got here?”
“I think you were content, but you weren’t really happy, not like you are now.” Zayla reached over and patted Blake’s hand. “I should spend some more time with Shale, get to know her better if she’s going to be such a big part of your life.”
“Mother, Shale and I aren’t lovers,” Blake said, though she wished the statement wasn’t true.
“Not yet,” Zayla said knowingly. “It’s wise to take things slow, Blakaea. Your heart will tell you if she’s the one. Though from the twinkle in your eye, I think it has already spoken.”
Blake couldn’t deny the truth behind her mother’s words. “You’re right. I am in love with Shale.”
Zayla smiled and nodded. “I am glad for you, Blakaea. Truly.”
“I wanted to ask your advice on something.” Blake had run out of ideas on how to solve the problem with Kale, and wondered if her mother could offer any solution.
“I would be happy to give it.”
“Kale doesn’t like me, it’s making things awkward. Shale spends a lot of time with her, which is exactly what I would expect, but it’s difficult when Kale doesn’t want me near.”
“Have you done something to upset Kale?”
“No, there’s nothing I can think of.”
“She’s jealous of you. You’re taking Shale away from her.”
“But I’m not. I first assumed it was that myself. I thought that Kale was feeling left out, but when I try to include her, the hostility is still there. It’s gotten so bad we can’t even be in the same place, which is ridiculous. The three of us should be able to spend time together. It shouldn’t be either Kale or me. That’s not fair.”
“They’re very close. Any relationship except their own is bound to cause animosity.”
“But that’s just it, Kale has become very friendly with Amber, and Shale doesn’t treat her like Kale is treating me.”
“We both know Shale is the more logical of the two.”
“Shale is upset about it herself. She says Kale’s not normally like this, so it has to be me that Kale is averse to.”
Zayla’s brow crinkled. “There has to be a reason, Blakaea. However, if her own twin doesn’t know what it is, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find it out.”
“Precisely, which is why I don’t know what to do.”
Zayla thought for a long moment. “You’ll have to be patient. In time, Kale will get used to your presence.”
Blake frowned. “There must be something I can do?”
“Patience,” Zayla repeated. “Either the answer will reveal itself, or Kale w
ill adapt. Even she cannot be angry forever.”
Though Blake agreed with her mother’s words, the problem was still present.
Zayla smiled fondly, and took Blake’s hand. “I should have known you would end up involved with a twin, Blakaea. You never have done anything the easy way.”
Blake couldn’t help but laugh. “Why start now?”
BLAKE SHUT HER cabin door quietly. Shale was under the blankets with her eyes closed, and Blake couldn’t tell if she was asleep. She tiptoed forward, not wanting to chance waking her.
“No need for that, Blake, I’m awake.”
“My mother wishes you well,” Blake said amusedly.
Shale smirked. “Then I take it half of the village knows I’m here?”
Blake chuckled. “Probably. Does that bother you?”
“Sharing the princess’s bed? Hardly. My reputation’s increased considerably,” Shale joked. “And in a good way this time.”
The chuckle changed into laughter. “Glad I could be of assistance.”
Shale sat upright, groaning as she did so, though it was clear to Blake that she’d tried to muffle the sound. She suspected that Shale’s injured knee had stiffened overnight, and that was the cause. Pain was evident on Shale’s face, and Blake went to her, gripping her hand firmly in an offer of support.
“What can I do to help, Shale?”
She swallowed. “Could you...” Shale cleared her throat, but when she spoke again the tension was still in her voice. “Could you put another cold compress on it?”
“Of course.” Blake immediately got up. The water in the bowl had warmed from the heat inside the cabin, so she went outside and fetched some fresh from the nearby stream.
Shale’s jaw clenched as the compress was placed on top of her knee, but she showed no other sign of distress. “Thank you.”
Blake studied her. “You look tired.”
“Last night was the first proper sleep I’ve had in a while,” she said. “I bet Kale was glad for a bit of peace.”
“Kale doesn’t have the nightmares?”
“No. She’s got a stronger mind than I have,” Shale said selfeffacingly.
“She’s not stronger, Shale. You just have more compassion,” Blake said. “And that’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I’ve never thought of it like that before.” Her lips curled upward. “I prefer your way of thinking.”
A small smile. “Now, lie down. You’re going to get some more sleep.”
“I don’t think I can. I tried while you were gone, but my knee keeps me awake.”
After removing her boots, Blake clambered in beside Shale. “Please?”
Shale shuffled down the bed, smiling as Blake leaned over her.
“Comfortable?” Blake asked, her voice suddenly husky. She could see the longing in Shale’s eyes, and knew the look was reflected in her own. Her heart skipped a beat.
“Very.”
Blake lay on her side, propping her head up on one hand, and began to slowly stroke Shale’s hair.
Shale made a small contented sound, and soon her eyes drifted closed. “You’re cheating,” she mumbled.
Blake’s mouth turned upward. “A good princess will do whatever is needed to get the job done.”
“Blake?” she whispered.
“Yes, Shale?” Blake leaned closer, straining to hear her words.
“You’re...a good...princess,” Shale murmured, before falling asleep.
Blake’s heart swelled, Shale’s opinion meant everything to her. She lightly kissed Shale’s cheek. “Thank you.”
KALE HOVERED AT the bottom of Blake’s cabin steps. She really wanted to see Shale. She hated that the last time they’d spoken they had fought.
“She won’t bite, you know.”
Kale turned at the sound of Amber’s voice, and smiled as she approached. “What?”
“Blake. She won’t bite.”
“Maybe not, but it’s her cabin. I told her to stay away from our camp, I’m sure she expects the same.”
“Blake’s not like that.”
“Maybe not to you,” Kale muttered.
“To anyone,” Amber said. “Look, Shale can’t come to you, so if you want to see her, this is the only way. Unless you can wait a few days until Shale’s up and about?”
Kale didn’t like that notion. Not one bit. Maybe she should come back later. Blake had to leave sometime. As princess, Blake would have many duties to attend to. Kale started to walk away, ignoring Amber’s frustrated sigh.
SHALE’S EYES SNAPPED open, instantly alert.
“Shale?” a startled Blake asked from beside her. She hadn’t moved from her position, and her hand was still entangled in Shale’s dark hair. Blake wondered if she’d had another nightmare.
“Kale’s just outside. By the steps.” Shale immediately sat up.
Blake placed a restraining hand on Shale’s shoulder, then got to her feet and walked to the door. “How do you know she’s there?”
“I can sense her.” Shale shrugged. “It’s a twin thing.” She paused, her eyes going distant for a moment. “She’s walking away.”
Blake couldn’t stand the unhappy look that crossed Shale’s face, and held up a hand to again keep Shale in position. “I’ll get her.” She opened the door, giving Shale an amazed glance when she spotted Kale, who was indeed walking away from her steps. She called out to her.
Kale faced her, but didn’t say anything.
“Shale would really like to see you,” Blake said. At Kale’s hesitation, she added, “Hey, Amber, you fancy going for a stroll?”
Amber made a show of looking up at the sky. “It’s a lovely day for it.”
“Great.” Blake looked back to a now smiling Shale. “I’ll leave you to it.”
Shale beckoned Blake to her. When Blake was in reach, she grasped her hand and pulled her down onto the bed, hugging her gratefully. “Thank you.”
Blake returned the embrace. “You’re welcome.”
Neither hurried, both enjoying the simple pleasure of holding each other.
“Take your time,” Blake finally said, as she drew back. Her lips curled upward. “I know plenty of long walks.”
Shale’s smile widened. “You’re incredible.”
Blake turned somewhat bashful, though she was delighted by
Shale’s comment. “I’ll see you when I get back.” “I’ll be waiting.”
“THAT WAS AWFULLY nice of you, Blake,” Amber said, as they ambled through the surrounding forest.
“They need some time for just the two of them. I respect that.” Blake hopped over a rock. They had travelled west, and the terrain was growing steadily more mountainous.
“It sounds like you’ve given this some thought.”
Blake didn’t pretend otherwise. “I have.”
“You and Shale seem to be getting pretty close.”
Blake smirked. “I could say the same for you and Kale.”
Amber snickered. “Nicely diverted.”
Blake chuckled. It wasn’t as though she didn’t trust Amber, she did, but she had gotten used to keeping her private life to herself, as her mother had taught her discretion at a very young age.
“You’re not going to give me anything, are you?” There was no resentment in her tone, and Blake knew that Amber understood why she felt the need to keep the small amount of privacy that she had.
Blake shook her head. “No.”
“That’s fine. No doubt I’ll hear about it over breakfast tomorrow,” Amber teased, bumping Blake lightly with her hip.
Blake grinned. “You probably know more about my life than I do.”
Amber lowered her voice secretively. “What do you want to know?”
Blake burst into laughter. “Oh, no, I don’t want to hear anything.”
“Some of it is highly amusing.”
“I’m sure,” Blake said dryly.
“Like for example... Don’t worry, it’s not about you,” Amber said quic
kly, when Blake opened her mouth to protest. “Or Shale,” she added with a smirk. “This is about me and Kale.”
Blake remained silent, so Amber continued.
“Apparently, Kale and I are lovers, and we’re already discussing who should carry the baby.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Sadly, no. And the decision’s been made for us, too. Because we’re both warriors, neither of us are really suitable.” Amber giggled. “Good thing I never wanted any kids then.”
Blake couldn’t hold in her laughter any longer. “That’s ludicrous!”
“That’s gossip for you. Kale and I aren’t even together.”
Blake had wondered, but didn’t ask. If she wouldn’t share her own personal life, she couldn’t expect Amber to. She was interested, she just didn’t like to pry. Like always, Amber answered her unasked question.
Amber frowned, suddenly serious. “Not from a lack of trying on my part. I’m not sure Kale thinks of me in that way.” She looked to Blake for advice.
“Why don’t you just tell her?” Blake asked, even though she knew it was easier said than done.
“Is that what you did?”
“I...” Blake caught herself, then scowled at her. “Nice try.”
Amber grinned cheekily. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.”
Blake lost track of what she’d been saying. “Where was I?”
“You were just about to tell me about you and Shale.”
Blake shook her head in despair. “Does Kale know how you feel about her?”
“I haven’t told her, but I have been flirting with her.”
“She must know then, I’ve seen you flirt.”
“Hey!” Amber said indignantly. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Blake chortled. “You’re pretty blatant about it.”
Amber pointed at her. “I resent that.”
Blake patted her arm. “Sorry.”
Amber shrugged. “I said I resented it, I didn’t say it wasn’t true.” She let out a breath. “But that’s my point, if Kale knows, it must mean she’s not interested.”
“Not necessarily.” Blake hated to see her normally upbeat friend unhappy, and searched for something encouraging to say. “Maybe Kale wants to take things slow?”