A Flicker In The Still Forest: From Forest To Flames #1

by K. Lyn Hill

  Aerity offered her a reassuring nod. “Nope. Just go say hi and then you can come back. Okay?”

  She hesitated for a moment and then as if deciding it was safe, ran over to the other girl. From the corner of her eye, Aerity could see the same expression of pain on Siel’s face. As soon as she had asked him to join her that day in the village and explained what happened, Siel held the same disbelief she was fighting with. “That just doesn’t sound like something Damien would do.” His eyebrows crested in confusion.

  “Well Elias said he was under the commission of the prince, so would he speak out of turn and make that up?”

  Siel’s frown deepened. “No, Elias is the perfect little lap dog. He wouldn’t act without having true power behind his command.”

  “Then it was Damien’s decision.”

  “I just don’t understand why he would do it. It’s like he was trying to make you upset.”

  Aerity shrugged. “Beats me. Punishing a little girl to get back at me is just cruel.”

  Siel’s face turned contemplative and then a smile tugged at his lips. “And you punched Elias?”

  Her own smile appeared at the memory. “Yup. And it was glorious.”

  “Good. I’m glad someone did it. I can’t stand that guy.”

  They stepped closer to the orphanage while keeping Serenity within their sight. She didn’t want the girl thinking they broke their promise and left her. Peeking up at the shoddy excuse for a building, Aerity grimaced. “This is where they all stay?” Siel’s face turned grim again as he stared at the condition of the structure. “Why does no one fix it or adopt any of the kids?”

  “I guess because everyone is so busy surviving, they don’t have time to help someone else. It’s sad, but what else are they to do? They can barely provide for their own families let alone another mouth to feed.”

  “The castle could house them all.” She whispered softly.

  “I know.” Siel placed his palms up in the air. “I’ve tried before. I have no say in any of it. I might be a prince but I’m just as powerless as they are. My father makes the decisions. I can express my opinion or give a suggestion but it’s the king’s law that sticks. Anything further would be considered treason.”

  “Is he really that heartless?”

  Siel winced. “My father? Or Damien?”

  “Both.”

  “My father is...well, king. I’ve never quite understood most of his actions...he’s done what he thinks is best for his people, although he is human and makes mistakes. And Damien...I know he’s giving you a horrible impression so far, but I promise you, you’re not seeing my true brother.”

  “You keep defending him and I keep trying to find something redeeming in him and yet, I can’t.”

  “I know.”

  She turned to face him. “Why can’t we do it?”

  His eyebrows pulled together again. “Do what?”

  “Rebuild it. Fix it. Something?”

  He stared at her incredulously. “How do you propose we do that?”

  “Does the castle have any scrap wood? Tools?”

  He glanced back at the building. “Maybe. But we don’t even know what we are doing.”

  “Then we find out. We ask builders.”

  He caught sight of her determination. “You’re serious.”

  “Of course I’m serious. Does the castle have tools and scrap wood or what?”

  Her prickliness made him smile. “I’m sure we can find something.”

  "Does that go against any laws?”

  Siel smiled bigger. “Not that I know of.”

  “Good.” That was all she needed to hear.

  ∞∞∞

  Siel

  Aerity called across the yard. “Serenity, I’ll be back. I need to talk to a few people.” The little girl nodded and he found himself speed walking to keep up with Aerity’s anxious strides. Every wood worker, locksmith, business owner, Aerity spoke to and soaked up their answers like a sponge would retain water. Asking the locksmith what metals to use to seal doors, the wood worker which nails to use and which direction to pound the hammer. Before they realized it, the sun had begun to set. It was time to head back to the castle. Siel had to practically pull Aerity back home and pry Serenity out of her arms.

  “We will be back!” She yelled as the little girl sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded. As they approached the gates, Aerity’s face became fierce. “I’m going back tomorrow and fixing the orphanage. Are you coming with me?”

  He blinked slowly in her direction, dumbfounded. “You’re going to do it either way, aren’t you?”

  “Yes.” Her answer was smooth, no hesitation.

  “Well I suppose someone needs to keep you out of trouble then.” He could see her watching him from the corner of his eye, a smile lifting the edge of her mouth. She reached over to squeeze his hand, and he couldn’t find it in him to let go. She started to pull away, but he stopped her, gripping her hand tighter. He slowly laced his fingers through hers. A tiny gasp left her lips just as tingles shot up his own arm at the contact. Their feet seemed to stop moving as they stood silently besides each other, staring at the castle door. Their current position was the only spot outside the wall out of view from the guards. Siel looked down at their bound hands and glanced up to find Aerity examining him carefully.

  “Do you realize how amazing you are?” He whispered; his voice hitching a ride on the wind.

  A deep blush crept up her cheeks in the most adorable way. She was normally a cocky helion, but one compliment sent her face flaming. He decided right then and there that he liked every aspect of her. Blushing and humble, confident and demanding. But then again, he had liked every aspect of her since Elias dragged her to the castle those few weeks prior. “I’m not all that great.” She said in a small voice, trying not to draw attention to herself.

  “You punch advisors in their noses, you pick up orphans off the street then plan on how to rebuild their home. Aerity, you’re a spark in the night. One day you’re going to catch the world on fire, and it will be the most spectacular sight to see.”

  Her lips parted as she struggled with something to say but she was cut off when a guard’s loud yell made her jump. Their hands unlaced.

  “Who goes there?! Announce yourselves!”

  “Prince Siel and Princess Aerity.” Siel yelled back without taking his eyes off hers. “We better go.”

  She nodded and let him lead the way.

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Siel

  “The crowned prince is looking for you, Your Highness.” At first Siel didn’t hear Elias’ approach, his eyes trained on Aerity.

  As soon as he felt the presence beside him, he nodded. “I’ll go find him in a minute.”

  Following the direction of his eyes Elias cleared his throat. “If I may be so bold...” His words trailed off in silent question.

  “I don’t believe you are my General, Elias, but my brother’s.” Siel knew exactly what he was going to say and didn’t particularly want to hear it.

  “Yes, my Prince.”

  Siel sighed. “Spit it out Elias.”

  “Your Highness…I believe you might be in deep waters with this one.”

  “Clarify what you mean or don’t say it at all.” He muttered.

  “I see the way you look at her...” Elias paused, allowing that to sink in. “She’s engaged to your brother.”

  “You’re very intuitive Elias. I can see our money is going to good use paying you to do your job.” Siel added dryly.

  Elias didn’t take the hint. Quietly he spoke again. “This marriage is the solution to our kingdom’s plight.”

  Siel choked out a bitter laugh. “And you don’t think I realize that?”

  “I think that if you continue the way you are, then in the end, whether you know it or not won’t be the issue.”

  Siel knew he was right. It was getting harder and harder to stay away from her. His control regarding the matter was waning. The
fact that people were taking notice of it didn’t improve things. He was revealing too much. “Thank you for your input. I will take your words into consideration.”

  Elias opened his mouth and shut it again, deciding on if he should utter his next thought.

  “Just say it...” Siel quietly growled.

  “It’s just a shame that you were not born crowned Prince instead. Then it would be you who would be marrying her.”

  He had never been envious of Damien’s position, always treasuring his own freedom. Although at that very moment, a streak of green crossed his vision. His brother would marry her and not treat her nearly as well as she deserved. Aerity should be loved and cherished, not accused and manhandled. The thought brought bile to the back of his throat. Damien would be suspicious of her every day of their lives, even though Siel knew her to one of the most loyal people he had ever met. As if sensing his thoughts, Aerity turned her face towards his and the most magnificent smile spread across her features.

  “Yes. It is quite a shame.” If he hadn’t been so focused on Aerity, he might have realized that he uttered those words out loud and if he had been more aware of Elias’ reaction, he might have seen the look of darkness that swiftly passed over his face.

  ∞∞∞

  Damien

  Yet again he was trapped in council meetings that drained every ounce of his energy but that didn’t mean that he wasn’t aware of what was going on around his kingdom. Murmurs of the princess constructing houses alongside his brother had begun to sprout and he waited patiently for Siel to come to him of his own accord. To this point, he still hadn’t. Damien rubbed a hand down his exhausted face.

  The door creaked open, revealing his brother, fitted with a wide smile on his face. Damien instantly recognized the fun-loving mask Siel loved to wear for the world to see. But he knew the truth. Damien could clearly see the lines of indecision that plagued his brother along with frustration and desire. For anyone who knew Siel well, it was plain to see but many didn’t know him as well. He was a good pretender.

  “You rang dear brother of mine?” Siel cheerfully sang but it contrasted the confusion and varying emotions at work on his face.

  Damien never was one to beat around the bush and decided to cut to the. Too much time was wasted that way; time he didn’t have. “I hear you have been very busy the last few days.”

  Siel took his usual seat on the couch by the side wall, crossing his left leg over the right in his typical position. Yet, something was off. There was an anxiousness about him. A twitching of his foot. Guilt? Or was it something else? Casually Siel swung his arm to rest on the head rest beside him in an air of boredom. “I have eaten all of my vegetables, if that is what you’re referring to. Thank you for keeping such close tabs on me.” He smirked and Damien resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He was avoiding something. Damien just didn’t know what it was. Yet.

  “As happy as I am to hear about your healthy eating regiment, I was referring to the new structure being built in the city square.”

  Siel shrugged. “Thought we would do a bit of redecorating.”

  “We?” Damien asked knowingly, hoping Siel would give him something without having to drag it out. That was a fool’s hope.

  “Some of the castle inhabitants.” Siel answered vaguely.

  Damien grew tired of his evasion. “You mean like Aerity?” He pressed but still Siel gave him nothing.

  “She may have been in the town during the remodel.”

  Incensed further, he could no longer hold his temper. “Why do you insist on this stupidity?! You realize that a princess has no place on the roof of a building! She could be injured!”

  “She is much stronger and smarter than you give her credit for.” Siel retorted.

  Damien squeezed the skin between his eyes with his forefinger and thumb. He wouldn’t get anywhere with this. Siel was too stubborn and would argue that the sky wasn’t blue.

  But Damien was worse. “I will send other workers to finish the orphanage. You must keep her out of danger and away from the building.”

  Siel took his lower lip between his fingers in thought. “She won’t be happy about it.”

  “I don’t care. She is a princess and needs to start acting like one! And you need to stop letting her run amuck doing everything she wishes!”

  “What would you have her do? Twiddle her thumbs all day around the castle? She’s growing restless Damien. You’re busy all the time, she doesn’t have Serenity to distract her, you squirm every time she tries to make friends. You’re going to drown her if you keep this up.”

  Siel would never understand reason. His future wife was climbing up ladders like a man. It was inappropriate and dangerous. He refused to let her get hurt on his watch, even if she didn’t realize it was for her protection.

  He was letting her spend her days with other men and that was nearly enough to kill him. Between Siel and her friend Eli popping up, it was enough to make him blow an artery. There were many things he would allow her to do. Embroidery, sewing, knitting, associating with other females. But she refused to do any of them. She wanted to frolic with the boys and rub dirt on her dresses. He had his line and she tiptoed over it every single time.

  “This isn’t up for debate. If I must tie her up and deny her entry to the village then I will.”

  Siel shot him a disapproving glare but he didn’t care. He needed to guarantee Aerity’s safety. “I will have no hand in helping you lock her up. You can tell her yourself and dig your own grave even deeper.”

  Damien had no time for this. He had another meeting in an hour and loads of paperwork to complete before then. Nodding his head simply to appease his brother, he signaled that he was done with the conversation. If Siel wouldn’t tell her than he would just have Elias do it.

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Aerity

  Her and Siel had worked on the orphanage for days, using supplies around the castle, before Damien interfered. When he found out, he had his evil minion inform her she would not be allowed in the village unless she stopped her “silly escapade” (as he so nicely put it) and if she was caught with so much as a nail in her hand, Damien would make sure she was locked in her room for eternity. To say she was pissed would be an understatement.

  Although she wasn’t allowed to aid in the rebuild, Damien gave Siel permission to continue their endeavor and she was thankful for that. Siel promised the orphanage would be finished without her. Even if the idea of not helping mortally wounded her on the inside, she was grateful it would get done regardless of her having a part in it. As much as she wanted to help, she didn’t take Damien’s threat lightly. He would undoubtably lock her in her room, which did not help in easing her anger.

  She was surprised Damien allowed Siel to work on the building with how little he seemed to care for the children residing in it. Nonetheless, it was a step forward. At this point, he couldn’t go anywhere but up in his behavior. Her opinion of him couldn’t possibly go much lower.

  Since she had nowhere else to be, she made plans to spend the day with Eli. Siel had a war meeting to attend, so he couldn’t join them, but she was happy for some alone time with her friend. Well, as alone as they could get, flanked by multiple guards.

  Excitement thrummed through her when Eli strutted down the hallway towards her. “Well hello there, pumpkin pie, you’re looking lovely today." The feeling of elation was short lived at the embarrassing term of endearment.

  She fought back a smile but lost, faux shivering as she replied. "I thought that was one of the things we decided to never speak of?"

  He sauntered over to her in his tailored jacket and slacks looking quite debonair and like a bundle of trouble. “Oh, was that on the list?” He asked innocently said with a wink, “I forgot.”

  She rolled her eyes. At least he wasn't telling everyone else about the incident. Last fall she had entered a pie eating contest. She would have won...if she hadn't spent the last twenty minutes of the event throwing up all t
he pumpkin she had consumed. Eli had been a trooper, holding her hair while laughing hysterically at her demise. "Riiiiiiight." She wrapped her arms around his waist as she always did. He hesitated.

  "What is it?" She squinted at him. The look on his face made her stumble. Why so serious? She chuckled to herself at the batman reference.

  "Aer, you’re getting married in a few days."

  That’s what had him shaken? "Yes." She stated the obvious as he tossed his head from left to right.

  "You don't have to do this Aer. It’s not too late. We could go home."

  She imagined Serenity and all the other people suffering in the street and her heart went out. It may not be her world, but she did believe they were her people, whether by accident or default. She was brought here for a reason and she would see it through to the end, come what may. "Eli, we don't even know how we ended up here. We have no clue how to get back. These people are starving and sick and I can help them. How could I ever turn my back on that?"

  She knew he wouldn't argue. They both lost people they wished they could have saved. These people weren’t any less important than her mom or his sister. Despite the knowledge, his face strained with warring emotions as he struggled with his words. "You’re too good of a person. Your mother would be so proud of you, ya know that?"

  She felt moisture well up in her eyes. Stupid tears. Eli knew her better than anyone, so his words cut straight through her chest.

  "And your dad. Even though right now he's probably going to every door in the country trying to hunt you down." Her father had not escaped her thoughts for one second. She prayed that deep down he somehow knew she was ok.