Amazonia

by Croft, Sky

  “What?” Her voice rose in pitch. “What makes you say that?”

  “I can’t say I know Shale as well as you do, but I do know Blake, and let me tell you, she’s fallen hard for your sister.”

  “She told you that?”

  “No, of course not. Blake keeps her own company. She is the princess after all. But despite that, I do know her, and I’m telling you that unless Shale doesn’t feel the same way, this will happen. And I’m pretty sure Shale does feel the same, I’ve seen how they look at each other.”

  “Does anyone else know about this?”

  “I haven’t told anyone. And I’m only telling you because as Blake’s friend, and yours, you need to accept this. Whether you like

  Blake or not is irrelevant.”

  “I don’t dislike Blake,” Kale said simply.

  Chestnut eyebrows rose. “You could’ve fooled me.”

  “I don’t,” Kale insisted. “It’s not her I’m averse to. She seems nice enough. She’s certainly a good leader.”

  “Then what is it?”

  Kale sighed. “The relationship. I would be like this to whoever Shale fell for, it just so happens that it’s Blake.” She winced, realising she had just confirmed Amber’s suspicions.

  “I give you my word I won’t tell anyone,” Amber said. “So you don’t want Shale to have any sort of romantic relationship?” Amber’s face cleared, as if she knew the answer. “You’re jealous of the time that Blake would take up in Shale’s life, the time she would take away from you.”

  Kale shook her head. “I wish it was that simple. I could get past that.”

  Amber moved closer to Kale, stopping only when they were side by side on the bed.

  “I don’t want either Shale or myself to have that kind of relationship.”

  Amber looked perplexed. “I don’t understand, Kale. Why not?”

  “Because it never works,” Kale said. “No matter how hard Shale and I try, we’re inevitably put into a situation where we have to choose. Them, or each other. And I could never leave Shale, just as she could never leave me. I won’t have Shale put into that situation. I won’t have her heart broken like mine was. I won’t allow it.”

  “You’re trying to protect her.”

  Kale nodded. “Exactly. I won’t stand by and see her hurt.”

  “Kale.” Amber’s smile was gentle. “I think that’s the sweetest, and most messed up thing I’ve ever heard.”

  The corner of Kale’s mouth curled upward. “Tell me about it. I come off as the bad guy, and I’m only watching out for her.”

  “Blake won’t do that to Shale, she’s not like that,” Amber said. “Trust me when I say that, Kale.”

  Kale remembered what Blake had said when choice was mentioned. She clearly hadn’t been keen on the idea herself. “Maybe not intentionally, but that’s what it’ll come down to in the end.”

  “You can’t know that, Kale,” Amber said, though her tone held nothing but patience.

  “That’s what always happens. Shale’s never been in love before. She’s had relationships, but she’s never truly fallen for someone. Not like this, not like Blake. Shale loves her, and it will tear her apart when things don’t work out. And everyone’s expecting me to just allow it, and I can’t. I can’t do that to Shale. I’d rather have her mad at me than have her endure that kind of pain.”

  “Is that what happened to you?” Amber asked quietly.

  Kale nodded ever so slightly. “I won’t have Shale go through that. I couldn’t live with myself, knowing that I could’ve stopped it.”

  Amber placed a comforting hand on top of Kale’s. “You can’t stop this, Kale. If Blake and Shale truly want to be together, they’ll find a way. You need to step back. Accept this.”

  They sat like that for several moments, then Kale abruptly stood and went to the door. Her hand tingled from Amber’s touch, and she tried to focus, her emotions all over the place.

  Kale knew that Amber spoke the truth, but her heart was still pulling her in one direction, while her mind took the other. She glanced back over her shoulder to Amber. “Thanks for the talk.”

  “No problem.”

  Kale’s eyes shifted to the clothes on the bed. “The green one.”

  Amber smiled. “Green it is.”

  SHALE KNEW THAT tonight was going to be hard, and she was seriously considering not making an appearance. But the event was in her and Kale’s honor, and it would be extremely rude of her not to show.

  Shale had no idea how to act around Blake, though. The four blissful days she’d woken up in Blake’s arms were both a blessing and a curse. It was one of the happiest times of her life, but now it was a constant reminder of what she could never have.

  She didn’t want to lose Blake’s friendship, that in itself meant a lot to her, but she also realised how difficult it was going to be to spend time with Blake, her presence would bring both pleasure and pain.

  Even after Appollonia had patched her up, and bandaged her knee to give it some extra support, Shale still stayed in the healer’s lodge. She didn’t want to risk running into either Kale or Blake until she was ready, and Shale was grateful that Appollonia never tried to get rid of her, and left her alone with her thoughts.

  Shale was also pleased that Kale and Blake had done as she’d requested, and given her the space that she had asked for.

  The evening came all too quickly for Shale, and when the drums started to play, she knew the festivities had begun.

  Appollonia had left a while ago, Shale insisting that she could make her own way there.

  Shale hobbled to the door, took a deep breath, then exited the lodge, her eyes scanning the mass of Amazons that had converged into the village center and gathered around the large fire.

  Descending the steps and moving into the crowd, Shale felt the loss of Kale’s usual presence even more, acutely aware that she was on her own. She didn’t like the feeling, not one bit.

  Shale wanted nothing more than to return to the lodge, but she gamely kept going, heading for one of the tables that was filled with food and drink. The least this night could provide her with was good food. And ale too. She hoped the beverage might help ease some of the pain that was ever present in her knee.

  Once her plate and mug were filled, she looked around for a quiet place to sit. Her tall height allowed her to see over the crowd, and she finally spotted a less populated area.

  Making her way to it was more difficult. Negotiating through a group of bustling women wasn’t an easy task, especially while trying to balance what she carried. And with one bad leg.

  The women were friendly to her though, most smiling and greeting her as she passed. Shale returned their kindness, having to stop numerous times as she was questioned about her leg.

  “It’s fine, thank you,” Shale repeated. She had lost count long ago of how many times she’d said that, and she still hadn’t made it to her destination. It most certainly wasn’t fine, her knee was killing her. Shale suspected that by the time she made it to her seat, she would be quite adept at lying.

  People suddenly shifted around her, and Shale felt a hand on her elbow. She followed the hand to its face and found Blake’s twinkling green eyes looking back at her.

  Shale unconsciously smiled upon seeing her, and it widened at Blake’s return grin.

  They remained that way for a long moment, each only seeing the other. Their surroundings finally crept back in, and Blake noted Shale’s newfound bandage.

  “How’s your knee?”

  “It’s fi—” Shale stopped herself from saying the now nearly automatic response. She didn’t want to lie to Blake. “It hurts,” she said quietly.

  Blake winced sympathetically. “All right, let’s get you off it. Where are you headed?”

  Shale pointed. “Over to that tree.”

  Blake followed her finger. “Good choice, it’s quieter there.”

  Shale nodded. It seemed Kale wasn’t the only one who thought like her.<
br />
  “Let me help you.”

  “I can manage,” Shale said, stepping away. She couldn’t handle Blake’s arms around her, though she wished for it at the same time.

  With Blake leading the way, they soon reached the tree, and Shale was relieved to get off her leg.

  Blake sat next to her, but not too close, giving Shale some space. “I was amazed by you today.”

  Great, now she thinks I’m a complete ass for acting the way I did. Shale couldn’t blame her, Blake wouldn’t have the first clue as to why she had suddenly left. Blake probably didn’t want anything further to do with her. Shale drank a mouthful of ale.

  “It took a lot of guts to stand up in front of everyone and explain what happened to your tribe, Shale.” Blake smiled at her. “Especially since I know you warriors don’t like to show your emotions. Thank you for doing that. It’s gone a long way to helping this tribe relate to both of you. Hopefully things will be easier from now on.”

  Shale wasn’t expecting the praise, and from the way she had acted, she certainly didn’t deserve any. Blake should have been mad at her. She had every right to be, and here she was giving Shale praise. The woman was remarkable. The most remarkable woman that Shale had ever met, and she didn’t want Blake to think badly of her. That was the last thing she wanted. Shale would rather risk her friendship and keep Blake’s respect, than lose both, and that was precisely what would happen if she kept acting this way. The thought of that alone made Shale come to her decision quickly. She would tell Blake. She would tell her everything. Then they could get on with their lives.

  “And you amaze me.” Shale whispered. “Every single day.”

  Blake inhaled sharply. “Shale—”

  “I’m so sorry about earlier,” Shale said quickly. “I’ll explain if you’ll give me the chance.”

  Blake nodded. She stood up, offering her hand to Shale.

  Shale was helped to her feet, and she allowed Blake to keep hold of her hand.

  It felt like an eternity before Blake closed her cabin door behind them, but in truth it was only a few moments. Being a princess had its advantages, for people had simply moved aside to let Blake through.

  Shale sat on the bed, nervously chafing the fingers of her right hand together. She wished she had brought her drink. Then Blake gave her one of those soft smiles, and her nerves disappeared. “I’m not sure where to start,” she said.

  Blake sat beside her. “It’s all right. Take your time.”

  “What happened today, it’s been building for weeks, my emotions just got the better of me. I’m sorry you were on the end of it, you shouldn’t have been. I was never angry with you.”

  “I thought I must have said something to upset you?”

  “You did, but you couldn’t have known.”

  Blake looked troubled, and she rested her hand on Shale’s thigh. “It wasn’t my intention to hurt you.”

  “I know that.”

  “What did I say?”

  “You won’t understand. I need to explain a few things first.” She paused, raising her eyebrows at Blake to see if she should continue.

  “I’m listening,” Blake said.

  “Kale and I are close, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. There have been times in our past, a few actually, where one of us has been seeing a woman, and she’s become jealous of our relationship.”

  Blake nodded her head in encouragement.

  “We’ve learned over the years not to get involved with women, not in the romantic sense anyway.” Shale took a breath. “But despite knowing that, I’ve fallen in love with someone, and this afternoon I was faced with the reality that it could never work. That’s why I was upset.”

  “Someone?”

  “I’m in love with you, Blake. I have been for some time now.”

  “Wow.”

  “I know it’s a lot to take in, but I wanted you to know that’s how I...mpfh.” Shale was cut off as Blake leaned over and soundly kissed her. “What... What was that for?” she asked in astonishment when Blake drew back.

  Blake placed a tender hand on Shale’s cheek, gazing into her clear blue eyes. “I love you too, Shale.”

  “You do?”

  “With all my heart.”

  Shale smiled fully, lighting up her face and making her even more beautiful. “Wow,” she repeated Blake’s earlier sentiment, causing Blake to chuckle.

  A moment later Blake’s amusement abruptly vanished, and a frown appeared. “Wait. You were upset because you realised it couldn’t work?”

  “Kale and I don’t get involved anymore, because it never works. Why would this time be any different?”

  Blake’s brow creased further. “It won’t be if you keep thinking like that. And I don’t think it’s very fair of you to compare me to those other women. What makes you think I’m anything like them?” Hurt showed on Blake’s face. “Don’t you trust me?”

  “Of course I do,” Shale replied. “But I also know what happened before, and it’s hard to get past that.”

  “Do you want this to work, Shale?”

  Shale didn’t hesitate. “More than anything.” She took hold of Blake’s hand to back up her statement.

  Blake smiled, entwining her fingers with Shale’s. “Then I need you to tell me what’s happened,” she said gently. “Help me to understand.”

  “All right. I can do that.” This time Shale knew exactly where to start. “The worst time was when Kale was involved with a woman named Aeron. Kale was deeply in love with her, and was fully committed to spend the rest of her life with Aeron. It was serious, they even talked about having a joining ceremony. I’d never seen Kale that happy, nor have I since.” Shale shook her head sadly. “But cracks began to show, as always, Aeron demanding Kale spend more and more time with her, and less with me. Aeron didn’t like me around, so at one point Kale and I hardly saw each other, which was hard, but I tried to give them the space that Aeron wanted. Kale and I couldn’t be apart for very long though. For us, separation can be quite painful.” Shale needed Blake to fully comprehend what she was saying. “Most people can’t understand it, since they don’t have a twin themselves, but the best way to describe it is to imagine yourself cut in two, and each twin represents one half. We’re only whole when we’re together.”

  “I take it Aeron didn’t get that?”

  “Not in the least. In the end, Aeron demanded that Kale choose, either her or me.”

  “That’s awful, Shale,” Blake said. “I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you both.”

  “For Kale much more than me. I felt more guilt than anything.”

  “Why? You did nothing wrong.”

  “It was my presence that did it. I honestly think they’d still be together if it hadn’t been for me.” Shale lowered her head. “Kale still hasn’t recovered from it. And it’s unbearable to know that I caused that. It was my fault her heart was broken.”

  “Oh, Shale, you mustn’t blame yourself. I bet Kale certainly doesn’t.” Blake tipped Shale’s face up. “How long ago was this?”

  “Five summers ago. Aeron was the last. Neither of us have gotten involved since then.”

  “It wasn’t your fault, Shale. Please believe me,” Blake said. “I can see why you’re reluctant, but I promise I’ll never put you in the same situation as Aeron did. I would never do that to you, or Kale.” She gently stroked her hair.

  Shale was surprised to find she was no longer self-conscious of her tears in front of Blake.

  Blake brushed them away affectionately. “Better?”

  Shale felt like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. “Much.”

  A thoughtful expression crossed Blake’s face. “So when I said I was sick of arguing, you thought that I’d had enough? You took it to mean I was giving up?” At Shale’s nod, Blake cupped her cheek. “It would take a lot more than Kale’s bad temper to make me give up on you, Shale.”

  Shale was charmed. “Really?”

  “Really. I love
you.”

  Shale smiled. “I love you, too.” She leaned in for another kiss. As their lips met, all of Shale’s doubts melted. It felt right. The kiss deepened, and their tongues caressed each other. When they pulled apart for air, Shale shifted, trying to get closer still. She wasn’t as careful as she should have been, and caught her left knee against the bed. Her emotions were still raw, and Shale couldn’t help the grunt of pain that escaped her.

  “All right, enough of the tough act. Lie back and put that leg up,” Blake said, though her touch remained light.

  Shale didn’t protest, and was soon stretched flat out on the bed, with Blake lying on her side next to her. Shale entwined their hands together once more, smiling as Blake brought her hand up and kissed it. This more than made up for her miserable afternoon. Shale didn’t think she had ever been this happy. Now if she could just convince Kale to get along with Blake, things would be perfect.

  Blake’s eyes suddenly grew wide. “Now it all makes sense,” she said. “Why Kale doesn’t like me.”

  “It does?”

  Blake nodded emphatically. “Her heart was broken, and she doesn’t want you to experience that. She’s just trying to protect you.”

  Shale was surprised she hadn’t seen that herself. “She doesn’t want me to go through what she did.” It was so obvious now that Blake had pointed it out, and Shale knew in her heart it was true.

  “Exactly,” Blake said. “I’ll just have to prove to her that I’m not like the others. I can be patient.”

  Those words meant everything to Shale. “Thank you,” she whispered. It didn’t express her feelings adequately though, so she pulled Blake on top of her and kissed her thoroughly, trying to convey the depth of her gratitude through touch.

  Their passion rose quickly, and soon hands were on bare flesh, craving more contact. A knock on the door interrupted them.

  Blake let out a frustrated breath. “Ah, the joys of being a princess. Duty calls.” She gave Shale a short, but sweet kiss. “Sorry.”

  Shale smoothed mussed blonde hair back into order. “It’s all right.”

  Smiling at the tender gesture, Blake rolled off Shale, mindful of her injured knee.