The Drifting

  When Lily finally looks at me a mixture of emotions runs across her face. Before I can see which emotion she chooses, she looks down at her hands, not saying a word.

  “Are you all right?” It’s more of a demand than a question. My anger and fear making it sound harsher than I intended. She sighs, resigned to the fact that I won’t leave until she speaks to me.

  Shaking her head she starts off slowly, almost whispering, “Why didn’t you tell me he was my brother?”

  I reach for her hands, but she slowly pulls them away. Frustrated, I take another deep breath and ask for patience – reminding myself she’s hurt and in shock. And I can see that she is, deeper than the wound on her chest. “I wanted to, but you were going through so much already with Lucas, leaving your home, with coming to Velesi, with the Seating and the wedding. With me. All of it…and I honestly didn’t know how to approach you with it.”

  She keeps her eyes down, nodding her head slowly. I can see her struggling with her thoughts and all I want to do is take her in my arms. Knowing that I can’t touch her further aggravates me, and I’m having a hard time keeping my temper. Ignoring the urge to reach out to her, I ask, “Lily, will you tell me what happened?”

  “I needed air so I went outside alone. When I realized I wasn’t alone, I called for Glynnis…and…Milina.” She stops, swallowing air and trying to keep her emotions together. “At first he was saying things to me…crap I didn’t want to hear. And when he got close enough, he attacked us.” I watch her closely and I hear what’s she saying, but I can’t help but feel she’s holding something back. She doesn’t say anything for a while and I’m about resigned to the fact it will take time for her to trust me again. I set myself to leave her when she looks up at me and a tear slides down her cheek. I reach over and wipe it gently away and that’s all it takes.

  Lily slowly leans forward placing her head on my chest and begins to softly cry. I pull her onto my lap and she tries to resist, but she finally lets go. She lays her head on my shoulder, crying softly. She looks up at me with large eyes, guilt being the foremost emotion coming through them. “What is it, Lily? You can tell me.”

  Almost in a whisper, she says, “He killed her. He killed Milina and it’s my fault. I…I couldn’t breathe and went outside for some air,” she shakes her head. “I should’ve stayed here. It’s my fault because they came to protect me. If I would’ve just stayed inside there wouldn’t have been any reason for them to come for me. Oh my God, Tharin, he killed her.” She buries her head into my neck, her body wracked with guilt and sorrow.

  Milina…Milina is dead? I now understand why she didn’t answer any of my callings. The beautiful redhead pops into my mind and I see her in glimpses of smiling, being serious and determined, daring and unafraid to protect her future queen. I hold back my anger, trying to stay calm for Lily. I remember how she reacted to Fien’s body when she saw him laying on the football field back at Snow College. She wasn’t hysterical, but it did affect her. This time, it’s someone she’s come to know and consider a friend, even if Milina was only a bodyguard. But that’s Lily. She doesn’t see people for the role they play, but for who they are.

  Lily tiredly pulls away from me, sitting up and wiping at her eyes as the cloth on her chest falls to the floor. The gash is ugly and brutal against Lily’s soft skin. The cut is curved, with what looks like a hole stabbed above the cut. I look at it closely and recognize it for what it is. The crescent moon with a star behind it and I remember what Ka had told me about the image. A panic grows in me until I notice a smaller, deeper cut near the bottom tip of the moon. Unlike the flesh wound of Harlu’s cut, this cut gleams with emerald green flecks. I glance over to find Sema sitting on the bed, stroking Cessa. She catches my eye and gives me a nod. She made the extra cut to diffuse the spell from Harlu’s blade. As grateful as I am to her for what she’s done, it doesn’t change the fact that he marked her. He put his filthy hands on her and branded her. I reach out and trace the wound lightly, my anger seething beneath the surface. It will definitely scar.

  “Tharin, don’t. It hurts and…” she stops.

  “And what?”

  “It…it reminds me when he…when he touched there and when he tried to taste my blood,” she finishes, closing her eyes and shuddering over the memory.

  Something inside me snaps. I place Lily back in her chair and she looks at me confused. I reach over, placing my hand behind her neck and lean in. “I promise,” I whisper, “Harlu will pay for this.”

  Her eyes are large, staring at me and holding me to my word. I pull her closer to kiss her, but at the last second she lowers her head. I look down at her as she twists her hands on her lap and know she’s still sore about last night’s event. I plant a kiss on her forehead instead and then get up to leave.

  I make my way to the doors, looking over at the bed. Sema is up and returns to her seat with Lily. “Cessa,” I call and the panther jumps off the bed cautiously and wobbles a bit before following me out.

  Alorn and Mellis are in the living room waiting when Cessa and I walk in. Alorn turns to me first, while Mellis continues to inspect what looks like gold lace. Cessa strolls over to him, sniffing at the lace. I was told that she was hit by some kind of powder and I can see she’s still not herself. Mellis looks down at her, then takes the lace and sniffs at it, too. I ignore him for now, not looking forward to sharing the news about Milina. I move toward Alorn.

  “What has happened, Tharin?” asks Alorn, a bit anxiously. Both he and Mellis are wearing street clothes with worn cloaks. Looks like they came immediately from the great hall where the Seating is to occur.

  “She’s fine,” I answer distracted when Mellis decides to join us. Cessa makes her way to the sideboard full of meats, bakeries and fruit. She sniffs at everything, to the chagrin of the nervous servers standing by.

  I delay the inevitable with Mellis and relate other news. “We received word this morning that Tolan and Ziri have taken the Willow Clan from Falsad and Harlu. From my understanding, it wasn’t much of a fight. The guards easily gave fealty to their new king. Seems the people of the Willow are happy with the change in power. Especially when they found out that Tolan is the son of King Thilthen.”

  “That’s good news,” says Alorn nodding.

  “Tolan will be meeting with the advisors and military chiefs when they return after the Seating.”

  Alorn looks at me surprised, “We’re still going through with the Seating?”

  I nod, “We have no choice. The Seating won’t happen for another four years and Father is worried about the remaining Ancients. He believes they will be killed before the end of this season, if not sooner. We need to get the doorway to Eirrell open.”

  “So what about Falsad, Harlu and the Eathos guy?” asks Mellis.

  “We’ll know after the Seating. They may still try something, but now that everything is out in the open, they will know we’ll be ready for an attack. We’ll take note of everyone close to the court and see who’s still here and who isn’t,” I answer.

  Shaking his head, Alorn adds, “Or he may just remain in court until he’s ready to make his move. We still don’t know who he is.”

  I had the same thought. “You’re right, but he’s not here alone. There were two people who dragged me back to my room after they drugged me. The fake Kalis may have been Eathos in disguise, or the man who helped her is the real Eathos.”

  Mellis asks, “What was the purpose of all that?”

  I look at him, shrugging, “To put a wedge between Lily and me? Remember, she needs to be the realm’s queen to open the doorway. After the wedding, I will no longer be of any use.”

  “But you’re not king yet,” says Phoris.

  “It doesn’t matter,” answers Alorn. “Thilthen won’t marry again, the throne is Tharin’s. As future king, it automatically makes Lily queen of the Oak, not to mention after today she’ll already be a queen.”

  We turn to the door when Kalis and Dalim enters, sever
al guards behind them. Dalim indicates to the guards to search the rooms, as he and Kalis make their way toward us. I step aside as I see Kalis’ face, guarded and distant. Was it an imposter last night, or was it really her? I move toward the balcony that looks out to the city below and she moves with me. Dalim walks over to Alorn and Mellis greeting them. They move to the corner of the room speaking softly.

  Kalis walks before me and reaches the stone railing, holding on with white knuckles. She turns to me, smiling…not good. “So, your little princess is alive…all this time. So many opportunities, Tharin; there were so many times you could have told me she was alive.” She pushes away from the railing and walks over to me, her face a mask of anger. “You could have stopped me from making a fool of myself in the hallway, but you didn’t.” She stops and then smiles again…oh, crap. “That’s all right, really. You know why?”

  I give her a hard look, “Why, Kalis?”

  “Because deep inside you love me, Tharin. You’ve been in love with me since the day you met me, and you love me still.”

  I raise a brow at her and say, “You’re right. I do love you, Kalis. But I’m in love with Lily. You and I…we will never be the way you want us to be.”

  Anger returns to her face and she moves in closer until she’s inches from me. “Tell me that the last time we were together it didn’t mean anything to you.”

  “Kalis, don’t make this any harder than necessary,” I say, trying to hold on to my temper.

  “Oh, it will be much harder for you from this point on.” She steps back, giving me a hard angry look. I can see her thinking, almost hearing her thoughts. She straightens saying, “I understand the future queen was attacked. As captain, it’s my duty to check in on her.”

  I shake my head, now irritated with her behavior. “There’s no need to keep anything from her, Kalis. I’ve told Lily everything about the relationship we had.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, my prince.” She stares at me a moment longer before turning toward the doors, determined to make her way to the master bedroom. I follow behind quickly and just when I’m about to stop her, “Tharin,” calls out Dalim. He signals me to join them and I hesitate. I turn back toward Kalis, but it’s too late. She’s already entering the room and closing the door behind her. Damn.

  Frustrated, I look over at the old guard, irritated by his interruption. He stands with my cousins, all three waiting for me to approach. Dalim should be captain of the king’s personal guard, but when the time came and he was awarded the position by my father, he declined. I never knew his reasons and he never gave any to Father or me. I do know this, I trust him. Before moving to join them, I take one last look at the closed double doors and sigh with resignation. It was bound to happen, and it will be up to Lily to make up her mind and trust her heart…and trust me.

  ~ * ~

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  ~ Lily ~

  “Get Colie and Mathal,” instructs Sema to one of her helpers standing by. The young girl does a clumsy curtsy and runs to retrieve the two seamstresses I met earlier this morning.

  I look at Sema as she walks around me in a slow circle taking in the damaged dress. “What are you doing?” I ask, watching her carefully.

  “Seeing if we can save the dress for the Seating, or if I have to start from scratch,” she replies distractedly.

  I groan inwardly, “We’re still going through with the Seating?”

  “Of course we are. You think something like an attempt on your life is going to stop the coronation of a new queen? Besides, if we don’t do it now, it’s another four years before the next Seating.”

  “Four years? Who decides these things? Is Tharin’s dad making up the rules as he goes?” I question as I turn to allow her to pull at a loose thread on the back of the dress.

  She laughs, “Sometimes I wonder, but these laws come from our time in Eirrell. The Seating is an old custom from the beginning of Eirrell’s existence. Kalinest and his queen brought that tradition with them to Velesi. When the thirteen thrones in the great hall were made, he and his wife, along with the Ancients, imbued their will into each of them. They then called upon the energy and magic of the fae to create the same results as that of the originals in Eirrell.”

  I listen enthralled by her story. “The fae?”

  “Oh come, Lily. I’m sure you’ve heard of the fae? We are fae…you, me, Tharin. All of us who dwell in the realm of Velesi and Eirrell.”

  “It’s not that I haven’t heard of them, it’s just that I thought they were…you know, faerie people – tiny faeries flittering around with small delicate wings – some good, some bad, depending on who’s telling the story and its origin.”

  Sema steps back, giving me a patient look. “Lily, you’re a faerie. And be glad there are no little folks around to hear you. They’re vindictive little beings who tend to hold on to grudges,” she warns as she pulls on a loose piece of fabric causing the tear to rip further. She makes a face before going on, “Deep down you believe everything that’s happened to you so far is just a dream. And sooner or later you’ll wake to find yourself back in San Diego still worrying on what to do with your life. Wake up, child, and look around you. I mean, who do you know who has spoken with a thousand-ton sea serpent?”

  I blink at her and say, “I was just asking.”

  “Excuse me,” I recognize the voice from the hallway, and I come to a standstill as I lock gazes with Sema. We slowly turn toward the doors to find Kalis standing there dressed in what looks like a formal military uniform. The color of her uniform is of aged golden oak leaves, designed with the leaves’ veins giving it a subtle camouflage-like look. Her hair pulled back with a golden band and it’s laced in a thick braid. On her hip is a thicker version of her hair band with a short sword attached to it, but I can see the blades tuck into each of her boots. She looks stunning.

  The double doors open behind her and for a moment I hoped it was Tharin coming to take his mistress away. Instead, Walem, the king’s valet who I met the first night I was here, walks in and stands just behind Kalis. She doesn’t turn around, ignoring the old man.

  Sema walks forward asking, “May I help you?”

  “No,” ignoring Sema and looking at me. “I’m Kalis, the king’s captain to his elite guard. I’m here to speak to you about the recent attempt on your life.”

  “That’s no longer necessary, captain. Tharin has already spoken with his bride,” offers Sema kindly with a smile, not one to be ignored.

  Kalis glares at the old woman saying, “You will leave us, or I’ll have you physically removed.” Oh crap. Kalis may be the warrior Julia told me about, but she doesn’t want to mess with Sema…she’s way out of the old woman’s league.

  I notice Sema’s back become rigid and I step forward before she can respond. “It’s okay, Sema. I’ll call you when we’re through.” Sema gives me a hard look and I can just feel her hands aching to cast an energy blast at Kalis. Instead, she gives me a smile and for the first time since I’ve met her, curtsies. I keep my smile to myself and when Sema rises, she gives me a nod before heading toward the door. Kalis watches the old woman leave and notices Walem for the first time.

  “You can leave too,” she demands haughtily.

  “I’m sorry, Captain, but it is the king’s wish that I remain with Princess Lilianethia.”

  I watch as Kalis’ face goes through a range of emotions. She’s determined to have her say with me, but she won’t go against her king’s order. She turns from the valet frustrated, but looks at me with a wary stare.

  I move back to the dresser and sit. I look at her and offer the empty chair in front of me. She hesitates for a moment but then starts to remove her sword belt while making her way over to me.

  I watch her every move. If she were a cat, she would be Cessa’s sister, fluid and sensual, with a hint of danger behind her movements. She places her sword against the side of the dresser and then takes the offered seat. I can feel my heart b
eating fast and hope the new cloth Sema put on my wound hides any indication of its pounding. At close range she’s even more beautiful, except for the scowl on her face. I look at her curiously waiting to see what she has to say. She said she was here to talk to me about the attack. Yeah, right.

  Kalis stares at me, looking me over and assessing my worth. That, or she’s wondering what Tharin sees in me. She starts to say something, but then turns to look at Walem first. I look over at the old valet as well and wonder why the king would send him.

  “I…I wanted to meet you, Princess,” says Kalis hesitantly.

  Suddenly, the image of her hand moving along Tharin’s arm pops in my head and I have to look down at my hands. I shake my head, trying to stop my mind from picturing Kalis naked next to Tharin. I straighten my shoulders and look at her, meeting her gaze. “I’ve wanted to meet you, too. Tharin tells me you’re old friends…that you grew up together.”

  She tilts her head to one side and looks at me curiously. “What else has Tharin told you about me?”

  I shrug my shoulder at her. “He said that you two were together for a while, until recently.” I look down at my hands again before saying, “I’m sorry how it ended.”

  “You’re sorry for what? Nothing has ended between Tharin and me.”

  I look up at her then, not surprised by what she said, just a little disappointed. “So last night was real,” I say more to myself.

  She gives me a confused look, sitting back in her seat. For a moment we remain quiet, just staring at each other. I finally sigh, getting tired of just staring at her and her ridiculously beautiful face.

  “You wanted to talk to me about the attack?”

  She crosses her legs, shaking her head, “No. We both know that was a lie, and the only reason I would be concerned is because you were attacked here in the tower.” She gives me a raised brow and a challenging sneer as if saying, Do something about. Yeah, she’s not so beautiful now, not so much.