Not far from the wishing tree there was a tree house, where her brothers and sisters used to play when they were younger. It belonged to an uncle…Uncle Crement. He had fought with the first wave of the rebellion and lost his life. He had never married, nor had he children of his own. He had been like a second father to them. Uncle Crement was a jolly fairy who loved everyone. It was a great loss to the fairies of Paradan when he had been killed. His death had rallied others to fight.
Most who followed his lead had met the same tragic fate.
Evver stretched her back muscles.
They were tight and sore. Her wings were hurting. She knew it was because she hadn’t slept, but there was no time for sleep. So, she pulled on her pack and made her way to the tree house, praying it would be the last stop of her painful search.
*
I was silent. I didn’t know what to do or say.
Cassius was a prince? It didn’t really surprise me. The kindness he showed to all, his bravery. I knew he would make a wonderful king. His father—biological father—had been a beloved king. He had done all in his power for the people of Paradan to be healthy and happy. If there was anyone who could undo what Tommit had destroyed—it was Cassius. I squeezed his hand, trying to let him know I was here for him…that I believed in him.
“Please, say something.” King Calan pleaded.
“Sorry, sire. It’s quite a shock, as you can understand.”
Aura’s eyes were filled with tears. They matched mine.
“It is a lot for me to take in.”
“I’m so sorry, Cassius. I was young and I felt like I had no choice. I realized it is an overwhelming revelation.” Aura’s words were controlled, but pained. Cassius turned to me, his gaze searching my face for a reaction.
“You were always a prince to me. Now, I guess it’s official.” My words caused the others to laugh. Cassius leaned forward and kissed my forehead. A relaxed smile touched his eyes.
“Just another reason I love her.”
My face felt the familiar heat flooding my cheeks.
“Well, it sounds like we have much to celebrate. Paradan needs to crown their king and we need to celebrate a happy future with my nephew as my ally.” King Calan stood and offered his hand to Cassius. He stood and grasped his uncle’s hand.
“Welcome to the family, son.” King Calan pulled Cassius into a hug, while Aura and my eyes locked on one another. Smiling, she stood and offered her open arms to me. I hugged her tightly.
“Welcome to the family, Aurora.”
Her kind words caused a deep warmth in my heart.
“Thank you.”
We all stepped back and surveyed each other. Unsure of what would come next. King Calan slapped Cassius on the back. “Well, times a wasting. Why don’t we go share the good news with your people?”
I could see Cassius was still in shock, but he nodded and his face took on a determined fire that I had seen in him before.
“Yes. There is much to do.”
He turned back to me, “I will return soon, my love.”
My heart felt like it couldn’t contain the love that I felt for him. The fire in my chest burned strong, until it made its way down my arms and legs. I felt like I would self-combust. Cassius followed King Calan out of the throne room, leaving me with Princess Aura. We stood in silence for a moment.
“I’m sure you have many questions.”
“Too many to count, to be honest, but I realize Cassius needs to be the one to ask the questions first. I am thankful that you are here and the truth is out. Cassius will make a wonderful king. He will be just what Paradan needs to heal from the countless tragedies that have been inflicted on them from Tommit.”
She brushed my cheek. It hurt, even before she touched it. I could feel the continued throbbing in my head, as if it was the cadence drum in a marching band.
“And what about you dear?”
“Me?”
“Yes. How are you? Did he hurt you?” Her gaze swept over me. Aura’s tone reminded me of the way a mother would talk to her daughter. It touched me.
“I am fine. Please, don’t concern yourself with me. There are so many others needing help, so many who are still in hiding.” The thought of the numbers was overwhelming. “Paradan will need Fara’s assistance in caring for all the displaced. It will be worse than any natural disaster I have ever seen.”
Her eyes widened at my words.
“You, my dear, will make a wonderful and caring queen. Caring about your people is the utmost priority for a compassionate king or queen.”
I couldn’t help, it I laughed out loud.
“A queen? I’m sorry, but I will never be a queen.” My declaration surprised her.
“Why?”
There were so many reasons; first, I didn’t belong in Paradan. My home was in Oregon…wasn’t it? My life there seemed like another lifetime ago.
“We will have to discuss it later. Now, why don’t we see to the staff? They will need to be prepared to feed many. As soon as word hits of how Tommit is gone and Cassius is the new king, I suspect the castle will be flooded.”
“Yes. Of course.” We made our way to the kitchen. I wondered if she had ever seen the inside of a kitchen. She seemed so prim and proper. I felt out of place walking next to her.
*
Cassius walked behind King Calan.
It was a sign of respect for his neighboring king—and uncle. This was going to take some getting accustomed to. His mind was still reeling from the revelation that Princess Aura and King Windom were his birth parents. Life as he knew it had totally switched directions in the past few hours.
“Are you prepared for what awaits you, son?”
Cassius wasn’t sure how he felt about Calan calling him son. He knew it was a sign of affection, but he just wasn’t there yet.
“It’s a bit daunting.”
King Calan laughed deeply.
“Ah…yes, it can be. My father, your grandfather, was ill for some time. All of my life I had been raised knowing what my life would become, the responsibilities awaiting me in my future. I would be willing to guess twenty minutes is far shorter than anyone would have liked to prepare you for yours. Cassius, I am truly sorry things have happened the way they have. I wished Aura would have felt safe enough to tell me the truth, years ago.”
Cassius could see it was painful for him to talk about. His gaze became distant while he remembered the sorrow.
“I would have given my life to make her happy. Today is the first time that I have seen her truly smile in years. The moment we walked in…I saw a relief in her that I haven’t—” he choked back the heavy emotion, mixed with threatened tears. They walked in silence for several minutes before the quiet was broken.
“I understand. I will be the King that all of Paradan will be proud to have rule. As for the rest, why don’t we take it day by day?”
Calan nodded in agreement, and stepped aside.
“I believe, as king, it should be your honor to address the people first.”
A large lump formed in the back of his throat. Cassius took a deep breath; he wished that Aurora was by his side. She always soothed him.
*
I slipped into Evver’s room.
Aura was busy giving the castle staff instructions about the upcoming celebration. She didn’t even notice that I slipped away. Several of the staff were already ripping apart Tommit’s bedroom, prepping it for Windom’s heir. There was a spirit of joy in the castle that I had never experienced before. The staff was ecstatic that Tommit was gone and a new king was taking over. For the first time in years, the staff was happy to do their assigned duties. I needed a moment to breathe. So much had happened.
My face hurt. I could still feel the rush of cold blood running down my throat. Moving my tongue around, I’d found the source of the gushing blood. A jagged cut was on the interior of my cheek. My head throbbed. My heart ached. So much had happened. Highs and lows threatened to consume me. I was tir
ed of crying. But they started flowing without my permission. I buried my face deep in Evver’s pillow. The floral scent reminded me of every moment we had shared.
I was grateful that she was safe.
I only wished Fara had arrived sooner—in time to save Evver’s wings. While it was true I had felt out of place before…I had grown comfortable in Paradan. There were people I loved here. People I would give my life for. While it was true—most weren’t human, but they were the kindest most giving…people I have ever known.
Where did I belong now?
Cassius was easy to love. The people of Paradan would be blessed with him as their leader. It was one thing to be forced to marry Tommit. The kingdom feared him. They would have accepted any queen he offered. Cassius was different. Not only was he going to be king, but he had two royal lines of blood flowing through his veins. Feelings of past insecurities crept back in my head. Taunts from my tormentors ran rampant in my heart and mind. My tears had dried, but I stayed buried under the pillow. More than anything, I wanted to hide from the world. It amazed me how I could be fierce enough to challenge Tommit with a sharp sword in his hands. Yet here I was, hiding like a child during a thunderstorm.
*
As he stepped out of the castle doors, Cassius was amazed at the amount of eyes which were glued to him. There were fairies, both flying and not, giants, dwarves, trolls, and humans of every size. Some wore the colors of Fara and some wore the colors of Paradan. But here there they were…intermixed together, as if this was a daily occurrence.
There was no room for sadness today, as the only tears being shed were of—joy. Word had spread quickly—Tommit was gone. This alone was reason enough to celebrate. Cassius held up his hands to quiet the crowd.
“Thank you. We have great cause to rejoice today. King Calan, and the wonderful people of Fara, have relieved us of the monster who has taken so much from us all.” Murmuring was heard throughout the numerous crowds.
“It appears King Calan has done more than this wonderful miracle.” Cassius stepped back. King Calan stepped forward. He seemed more comfortable with the spotlight.
“It is a gift that I wish I could have given the people of Paradan years ago. A true heir has been found, King Windom’s has a son!” Gasps were heard, cries of joy were mingled with shouts of hooray! King Calan raised his hand and the crowd quieted. “I feel blessed to be able to introduce you to King Windom’s son, my nephew, and the rightful heir to Paradan’s throne. I know there will be many who question this revelation, but like Paradan, Fara has had its share of pain. My beautiful sister, Princess Aura, gave birth to Windom’s son. It was just as the war began. She left him in Paradan, with a fairy family to care for him. She has been heartbroken all of these years. I am hoping the revelation of her and Windom’s son will be a step forward in the path of healing and forgiveness for both of our lands.”
His news had stunned them all into complete silence. He wrapped his arm around Cassius’ shoulder and then he pulled him forward.
“People of Paradan, my beloved Fara, let me introduce your new king, King Cassius.”
Cassius wasn’t sure what he’d expected. But the riotous roar of the crowd was painful. He fought against the urge to cover his ears. Tears of joy were being shed by all. He looked around at the people he would be charged to care for, lead, and determine their futures. His shoulders felt heavy and his arms felt empty. Everyone was relishing the victory, except him. It felt hollow—empty, even—not being able to share this with Aurora. He smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. King Calan must have realized that his mind wasn’t fully there, so he held up his hands once again to quiet the gathering.
“Thank you, all. We have much to prepare. Please, spread the word to your friends and family. Let them know they are safe and welcome to return to their homes. In two days’ time, there will be a feast in celebration of the unification between Paradan and Fara.” Another roar came from the assembly. King Calan hugged Cassius and then they waved to all who gathered.
They turned and retreated into the castle.
*
Evver tried the door, it was locked.
Knowing where the spare key was hidden, she started climbing the back side of a nearby tree. Halfway up, an almost invisible knot was hidden on the side of a grouping of large snarled knots. Twisting it just right, it popped open. Hidden deep within the crevice she found—nothing!
Evver’s heart sunk. How could it be missing?
“EVVER!?!” She almost fell out of the tree when she heard the familiar scolding. She gripped the tree and she turned her gaze.
“Ember?” her voice was choked with emotion.
Ember flew up to get her. Holding out her arms, Evver jumped like a lemur into her sisters awaiting arms. The tears she had been holding on to finally won the battle. She was flooded with relief—finally feeling the sense of safety that had long been robbed from her. Ember carried her into the now open tree house. Settling down on one of the open couches, she allowed her little sister the tears she knew she needed to release.
*
Cassius couldn’t believe just how quickly Princess Aura had taken over. When they returned and entered the throne room, she was busy dispatching the staff in every direction.
King Calan smiled, thrilled to see his sister so alive. Light filled her eyes when she saw them approaching.
“Aura, I see you haven’t been wasting your time.” Calan had a twinkle in his eye, his tone half teasing. She flushed.
“Stop it, Calan. You know how much there is to do.” She stopped her gaze, meeting Cassius’. “I hope I didn’t overstep.”
“No. Thank you. It’s overwhelming, looking at all the tasks at hand. I appreciate any help I am lucky enough to receive.” Relief flooded her gentle features. Cassius’ eyes searched the room for Aurora. She was not in sight. “Where is Aurora?”
Confusion clouded her icy eyes. His question had her searching the room. “I’m…I’m sorry. She was with me. I don’t know where she could have gone.”
Cassius’ anxiety grew. A sinking sensation plummeted, deep along the recesses of his heart. He knew he was overreacting. They hadn’t been gone long; and Tommit was gone, hopefully forever, if he had his way. Drayben and Cronan had followed him to the Schelle caverns.
She was safe. It was fine. He continued to repeat this in his mind.
Forcing a smile and controlling the anxiety he felt rising, he said, “It’s fine. I’m sure she is nearby, if you would both, please, excuse me for a moment.”
Bowing slightly, he rushed out of the throne room.
“He loves her.” Aura said simply.
King Calan laughed lightly. “Yes. Yes, I believe he does. I wouldn’t be surprised if he aims to make her his queen.”
Aura’s eyes widened.
“Are you certain?”
“Surely you are still able to see the looks of love and devotion in your son’s face?” The words warmed her. Her son.
*
Cassius made his way to the kitchen. Perhaps Aurora was there. His mood changed when he stepped inside. Everyone struggled to bow or curtsy to their new king. This made him uncomfortable. Just yesterday, they had all laughed with him and shared a meal with him.
“Shia, have you seen Aurora?”
The fairy’s gaze didn’t meet his.
“She was here earlier, sire, but we haven’t seen her for quite some time.”
He needed to find Aurora but he needed to deal with this first.
“Everyone please rise.” They obeyed. “While it is true I will be your king, all of you are also my friends. Please, remember this. It will take all of us to rebuild Paradan. I am really hoping you will all be by my side as we tackle the immense task ahead of all of us. If you will excuse me...”
Cassius turned and left heading down the hallways.
*
“He is going to be a wonderful king.” Shia’s words brought nods of assent from around the kitchen. “Let’s get back to our duties.
We don’t want to disappoint our king.”
*
Evver had calmed enough to tell her sister what was happening at the castle. Ember had shoved food into Evver’s tiny hands. The fierce look on her face said it all—eat!
Evver ate while she watched Ember rushing around, filling identical bags. She was mumbling to herself. It was apparent she was furious with the situation. While she was packing, there was a scratching sound at the front door. She stopped suddenly, frozen in midair. Grabbing the closest thing to her—a cast iron frying pan—she held it like a sword, poised as if she needed to be ready to bring down a dragon. Rushing down, she placed herself in front of Evver and whatever was coming.
“Don’t move!” Ember’s voice was ferocious. Her tense body stood rigid waiting for the door to open. The familiar voice from behind the front door caused her breath to stop.
Stumbling through the front door, a goofy grin appeared. “Ember, were you cooking dinner already?”
Ember growled.
“I should have thrown this at you! Seriously? Abow, you scared me.” She glowered at him, and he started to laugh.
“I scared you? You’re not scared of anything.” He looked closer at her, the fire that still danced in her eyes, and the protective stance she held. “Ember, why did I scare you?”
He could hear the sound of melodic giggling coming from behind her.
“Because of this imp.” Ember stepped aside, revealing a still laughing Evver.
“Evver?” Joy flashed over his features, and then was soon replaced with fear. Running over to his awaiting sisters, he started with an onslaught of questions. “Why are you here? Why did you leave the castle? It’s too dangerous for you to be here.”
Ember was sick of the questions, so she stretched her wings and flew over her brother’s head then continued stuffing her bags with items she deemed necessary. Abow had Evver in a tight bear hug. Her feet struggled to free herself.
“We will explain everything on the way. Why don’t you let go, before you squish her like a moncoe.”