Isabelle Saint-Michael's Blog, page 4

Young’s Cry for Help

Young burst through the doors of the great hall. He was tugging on his tunic over his head as he approached the dais. Tessa and I exchanged glances before we looked back at the out-of-breath Dragon. “Princess!” Young bellowed.

I jumped from my chair and rushed towards him. “Yes, Young, I’m here. What’s wrong? Is Vallen all right?” I asked. Fighting or not, I knew Hue would be devastated if anything had happened to his old friend.

As I reached Young I noticed Geren was at my side. The Dragon had all but taken on the guardian role Ian had stepped out of when he returned to his own people. Young sank to his knees with a look of despair on his face. “I know you and my brother are not on good terms right now but we need your help.” Young panted, still catching his breath, as he looked up at me.

“Did you fly here?” I asked him. When he nodded I sank to my knees beside him, forgetting about the onlookers that might be there. I called over my shoulder to a maid who was staring slack-jawed at me. “You there, go fetch some cold water and food for our guest.” She nodded in understanding and skittered away to do my bidding. Turning my attention back to Young, I tried to sound calm. “What’s wrong Young? You know that I hold no malice towards your brother. If it is within my power to help, I will.”

Young nodded at me. “Avery is a Dragon causing a lot of trouble in Drakemoore. She is leading an army of thugs and has the old Dwarven war machines known as Iron Warriors. She is going to march them against the city of Maht. We don’t have the firepower or men needed to protect the city. I wouldn’t be here if there was another way,” he finished.

“I’m glad you came,” I told him. I stood up and offered a hand to him, which he accepted to climb to his feet. Rolling my shoulders back I turned and looked at Geren. “Are you up for a mission?” I asked.

Geren grinned ear to ear. “Princess, I’ve been waiting for a good adventure for months.”

I nodded and walked back up to the dais. Grabbing a quill and a piece of parchment I wrote a quick letter to King Kenthur and Queen Ethba in Vesaria. I let them know their Iron Warriors had been taken and that I knew where. Maht was going to fall under attack because of it. I encouraged them to send warriors familiar with the machinery to aid. I folded the note and used wax and the royal seal to close the letter. I yanked the portal bead from around my neck and handed it and the letter to Geren. “Take this letter to the King and Queen of the Dwarves in Vesaria. Tell them this is a letter from my hand and of great importance. Then return here. I’m going to send you with the guards we still have here to aid in the fight at Maht. Is that clear?”

Geren’s chest swelled with pride. I hadn’t seen someone so excited to serve in a long time. “Immediately, your Highness,” he said, taking the letter and bead from me. He returned to the table he had been at long enough to collect his sword and then he was gone. Young stared after him in shock.

When the maid returned with refreshments, Tessa stepped in and took the tray and excused the girl. I urged Young over to the table where he took a seat. “Are you hungry?” I asked, having never known a time when Young wasn’t hungry.

He took a big drink of water, looking from where Geren had just been then back to me. “He serves you as if you are his Princess,” he said.

“I am,” I said flatly.

Young flinched then made eye contact with me again. “What?”

“Geren has sworn fealty to me,” I explained.

“To Hue, you mean..?”

I cut him off. “No, to me. He will no doubt swear fealty to Hue once we are bonded, but no, he swore it to me and only me.”

“Why… but he…” Young continued to look confused.

“Young, I can’t explain it to you right now. Eat some food. I need to go to the field and chat with Hue. I want our troops ready to move in the morning when Geren will get back. With the portal bead it shouldn’t take that long.” I looked at Tessa. “Want to come?”

Tessa smiled, something she had only recently started doing, and nodded. “Of course,” she said, before picking up the hem of her dress and chasing after me. I wasn’t surprised when Young abandoned the food to follow me as well. I rushed across the grass and mud as fast as my legs and dress would allow me without tripping. When I reached the practice field near the outer wall I slowed my pace. I could see where Hue had abandoned his tunic and now faced off with just a sword and shield against three guardsmen. Young watched in awe as Hue danced intricately with a mixture of swordplay and fire.

“Whoa…” the squire said on a forgotten breath.

I called out to Hue twice but he didn’t seem to hear me. With an annoyed sigh I reached out. “Elemental earth, hear my call,” I said and flung my arm up, creating a wall of stone between Hue and the guards. Everyone came to a stop. All of the guards dropped to a knee and lowered their heads in my presence, a show of respect that made me rather uncomfortable. “Guards of Everbloom, an evil threatens our friends in Drakemoore. I know that it is not your home, but it is my birthplace. The city of Maht lies vulnerable to an encroaching army. They have done nothing to deserve the death and destruction that is about to be brought down upon them. I would ask, are there those among you who would go fight for me, and protect the weak?” Every member of my guard stood.

Hue looked at me, then to Young with concern. “Good, then you will all ride out with Lord Geren in the morning. Is that understood?”

The overwhelming reply of “Yes, your highness!” rang out across the surrounding land.

Hue rushed to my side and stood between myself and Young he spoke. “If you send them tomorrow it will leave the castle here defenseless.”

“No it won’t. I’m staying here until my brother returns. When he returns, the other half of our men will be back as well. I’m not expected in Vesaria for another week.” I smiled and patted Young on the back of the hand. “Will this be enough men?”

Both he and Hue stared at me as if I was mad. Tessa looked uncomfortable. “Princess Alizeyah, I must agree with Lord Hudraer. Your castle and the people here will be left unprotected if I take what is left of your forces.” Young grimaced and nodded agreement.

“Fine,” I said flatly. I looked at Hue. “I was under the impression you were a Tempest and a Dragon like I was.” Hue nodded, unsure of what to say. I turned and faced the long row of practice dummies that ran along the stone wall. I focused for a moment and connected with the elements around me. I felt the wind pick up and swirl my hair in its grip. There was a murmur from the crowd, knowing something was about to happen. I began whispering my chants. “Element of earth give me strength, water give me protection, air give me speed, and fire be with me always.” With a hard fling of my arm I felt myself pull my sword from the air around me and I breathed out hard, forcing the fire from my lungs and hurling it with the wind. A wall of flames easily twenty feet high spiked and the dummies were consumed in white and violet flames. I heard a collective gasp as all the Elves behind me whispered between themselves. I looked back at Hue, Tessa, and Young. “Really, I promise between two Dragon Tempests, we got this.”

Tessa looked horrified, Young looked like a kid on the fourth of July, and Hue… was unreadable. He narrowed his eyes and with a wave of his hand rain beat down on the flames until it had faded to no more than steam and smoke. He looked at me with a raised brow. “I think you’ve made your point,” he said.

I smiled back at Young. “Tell your brother, he has our support.”

 

Baby Blues

She’s in labor!

I shot up out of bed. It felt like Ian had just screamed in my ear. That’s great Ian. Congrats. I looked over at Hue. He was sitting up in bed looking rather startled as well. His short golden hair stuck out in an awkward mess with one side flattened by sleep. His eyes were half open and dried drool clung to the corner of his mouth. He blinked in my direction and I burst into a fit of laughter.

“What?” he asked, looking rather frazzled.

“You look like a mess,” I told him.

Hue shrugged. “Have you see what you look like?”

She’s beautiful when she wakes up. Don’t give Kat a complex while I’m too busy to reassure her, Ian piped in.

How long has she been in labor? I asked. Briar wasn’t my favorite person in the world, but over the last several months I had grown to have a certain respect for her.

About two hours ago, he explained. Arjin is with her now prepping for delivery.

Get your ass in there, I told him. It’s not last century when fathers patiently waited. Get in there, get dirty, and help. At least let her crush your hand or tug on your fur.

I can’t do that, he argued.

Ian Barclay MacGregor, you get your fuzzy butt in there and support her. I don’t care how much you may dislike Briar. She is the mother of your pup. Besides, don’t you want to be there when your daughter is born?

Ian growled. Quit saying it’s a girl. HE is going to be a son. The heir is always a male, he insisted.

Yeah yeah, whatever you say. Get in there! I pushed again.

I’m thrilled for the birth of your child, my friend, but could we keep communication to a minimum? I haven’t slept in four days.

In perfect tandem both Ian and I growled, Shut up Hue!

My Dragon mate looked at me with hurt eyes before turning away, flopping back into the pillows and pulling the blankets over his head. I smirked but just being near him I felt exhausted. It would seem his parents had insisted on celebrating the binding ceremony a bit early. The second half of his trip with my parents and his was spent partying in Perth. I leaned over and kissed the lump I thought was his head before getting out of bed and making my way out of the room.

I knew Hue would still hear any conversation, but at least I wouldn’t have to look at the glares that made me feel guilty. Just hang in there, Ian. I’m sure everything will be all right. Remember, if it’s a girl, name her Jamie. If it’s a boy Jackson.

Yes, I remember. Why do you care so much? he asked.

Because I bought Briar all those baby name books and sat there going through them with her during the downtime at the funeral. I don’t want to listen to a couple hundred years of complaints about how you messed up the naming of your child. I swear I could almost feel Ian rolling his eyes. Finally I gave up. Don’t be nervous. Everything will work out as it should be. Just be the best person you are capable of being and things will be fine.

Try taking your own advice, Princess.

What’s that supposed to mean? I fired back.

It just seems to me that you should be bound to your Soul Mate and move on with your life, Ian explained.

What if I have two Soul Mates? I blurted out.

Ian and Hue were silent but I could sense them both. It’s not possible, Ian said finally. Hue seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

You’re wrong, I said to them both. You and Hue are connected because your half of the soul split a second time. Me, I’m not even supposed to still exist. Not even death could claim me. I felt weak telling them that.

Come back to bed Alizeyah, you’re tired, Hue insisted. I could hear him moving just behind the door.

Just because neither of you want to hear it doesn’t mean it’s not true. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes and my stomach cramped tightly. I clutched my stomach and leaned into the wall. I felt sick. I sank to the floor only for a moment before I heard the door open behind me and two strong arms lifted me from where I sat on the ground. Clutched against Hue’s chest, I didn’t move.

“Shhhh, come to bed my love. We can discuss all of this another time. Right now, I need rest and so do you. Ian is going to need all the support he can get. If we are all truly connected as you say, our exhaustion will only serve to impact him poorly.” Hue’s limp was more noticable as he carried me back to bed. He sat me down carefully before climbing across the mattress and collapsing into his pile of pillows.

“Then do you believe me?” I asked him.

Hudraer turned his head, showing me his half-closed golden eyes.  “I don’t not believe you. Right now though, I am too tired to consider the possibility. If we are all one soul then time will tell and we can handle it as it comes.” He closed his eyes.

Headed Home (Dani’s POV)

 

Dear Kat,

I’m headed home! As I sit here writing this, Oliver is attempting to shove all of our luggage into his sister’s Fiat. I think we would be better off just calling a van, but when Mosquito gets it into his head that he is going to do something it is hard to convince him otherwise. I haven’t spoken with his mother since our surprise chat in Venice. I had expected there to be more talks when we returned to Rome, but all has been silent.

I kept my shopping to a minimum. I arrived with one suitcase and am returning home with three. The larger of the two is entirely books that I can’t read yet. I know it is going to cost a small fortune in overweight charges but Oliver made the mistake of handing me a platinum card and telling me to have fun. He can pay the overage fees while he is at it. The second suitcase is filled with new clothes and shoes. Most of the shoes I expect will disappear once you see them. Good riddance since they hurt my toes and are hard to walk in. I also have a few goodies for Sheldon and Flurry.

Oh good, he’s calling for a van!

I’ll see you soon,

Dani

Return to Rome (Dani’s POV)

Dear Kat,

Oliver and I have arrived back in Rome after our brief holiday in Venice. We leave in two days and he plans on spending them eating food and playing tourist. He wants to show me all the city has to offer because it is where he grew up. I can’t help but wonder if I will be the same way when I drag him home to meet my family in December. Since my time here is limited I plan to visit as many bookstores as possible and eat an alarming amount of gelato and pasta.

I had a surprise meeting with Daemona, Oliver’s mother, while I was in Venice. I still haven’t mentioned it to him, but I should. I can’t wait to speak with you about it more when I get home. I could really use some insight. Also, Oliver mentioned something about you adopting a Banshee while you were in Scotland. Was that the weird girl we met with the dark eyes?

Can’t wait to get home to Sheldon and my own bed,

Dani

Venetian Gem (Dani POV)

“I’ll meet you in the lobby in one hour,” Oliver said as he leaned down to kiss me. I watched with mischievous delight as he turned and walked to the bathroom where his bath waited. As the door closed behind him I found I was once again able to concentrate. I grabbed my purse from where it rested on the coffee table of our suite, gave myself one last glance in the mirror, and headed out the door.

I had just exited the elevator and was heading towards the coffee shop when a strong hand closed around my upper arm and hauled me into a private function room. I tried to cry out but another firm hand clamped over my mouth. The door behind me and my assailant closed with a slamming finality that scared me more than the possible abduction. I was spun around and urged down into a soft chair. I looked up at my assailant.

Her eyes were emerald green and she had golden curls cascading down from her head. Her pale skin looked like porcelain even in the low light of the conference room. “Dani, it’s me, Daemona.” I stopped my struggles when she released me. Oliver’s mother stood over me with sympathetic eyes. “I’m sorry to have frightened you. I’ve been trying to get a moment alone with you for the last few days.”

“Why are you here?” I asked.

“I need to speak with you.” She paused and looked around. “Without Oliver around.”

“You couldn’t have found a time while I was in Rome?” I snapped crankily.

She leaned back against the conference table and looked truly apologetic. “I really am sorry to have frightened you,” she said. She pushed off the table and pulled out a chair beside me and took a seat. “What I need to discuss shouldn’t take long.”

I sighed and nodded. “Very well.”

She pulled a small black velvet pouch from her purse and sat it on the table before me. “Oliver’s father was born a Vampire. As was my second mate who fathered the twins, Oliver’s younger sisters. What Oliver doesn’t know and very few people know, is I was born a halfling. My father was Vampire but my mother was Human. When his father and I were bound, I gave up my Human half to become fully Vampire. It was a difficult decision for me because I was raised Human. It made me a target while I decided, because my father’s house couldn’t protect me from others.”

I listened carefully to what she told me. I wasn’t entirely sure what it all had to do with me but it felt somehow reassuring that she trusted me with the information. “I’m honored that you trust me with this secret, but I’m not sure why you are telling me.”

Daemona shifted in her seat. “My son asked for the ring his father proposed to me with. He said he had found the girl.” She watched my face carefully. “I can see he hasn’t made his move yet, and he may not. I don’t know.” She opened the small velvet bag in front of her and pulled out a large magenta pendant suspended on a short ornate silver chain. Emblazoned in a smoky design within the gem was Oliver’s household crest. “This is the mark of our house. As long as you are with my son, Vampire or not, you are a member of this house. I can offer you the protection that was never given to me.”

I reached out and touched the stone. It seemed to pulsate and glow under my fingers. “I don’t understand.”

“I love my children more than anything. You aren’t even remotely Vampire, Darkling, or even Italian, but you make my son happy. I would never want anything to hurt my child. If you choose not to stay with my son, return the necklace, but as long as you are together, wear it,” she said firmly.

I nodded and didn’t resist when she lifted the chain and suspended it around my neck. “Oliver is going to see this and ask where it came from,” I pointed out.

“Tell him I gave it to you if he asks. He will see it as me giving my blessing.” Daemona stood up. “We’ve been long enough. Just remember Dani, you may not be a Vampire, but you are now family.”

I gulped and started to argue, but when I blinked she was gone. I quickly rummaged through my purse to pull out my phone. I was relieved to find that I still had almost half an hour to calm my nerves before seeing Oliver. I stepped out of the private conference room and back into the hallway. I headed directly to the cafe where I had every intention of buying something chocolate to sooth me.

Geren and Kat Chat

Tessa and I sat in a quiet corner of the great hall. I had spent the better part of the morning meeting with the people of my kingdom and helping resolve issues. I had sorted through land disputes, revenge-fueled brothers, chicken populations, and of course the ongoing vegetable-eating cat problem. We had just started discussing lunch possibilities when a messenger approached the table. “Your Highness, there is a Lord Geren of the Drakemoore Nest here to see you. Should I show him in?”

I looked at Tess and gave her a smile. “Geren’s really nice. Sort of a big goof, but still nice.” I turned back to the messenger awaiting my reply. “Yes, have him shown to my brother’s solar, and please also let the kitchen staff know that we will take lunch there for three.” The young woman gave me a polite bow and darted away to do as she was instructed. I stood and made my way to the solar with Tessa close behind.

“Is this one of the Dragons responsible for banning you from your home?” Tessa asked as we entered the solar.

I shrugged. “I’m not sure responsible is the correct word for it. He is an elder, but I know that most of the anger at the Nest stems from Lord Vallen.” I reflected about it from Vallen’s perspective. “With good reason,” I added.

Tessa patiently waited for me to take a seat first. She still wasn’t comfortable around me, but I knew that would come with time and I would someday see something other than the demure and proper side of her. I took a seat at the end of the table and she sat to my right. I started to ask her a question – I wanted to know more about when she had discovered she was a Banshee – when I was interrupted by a loud pounding on the door. It opened and the messenger stepped inside. “His noble Lordship, Geren Sturlungar Dreki,” she announced.

Geren stepped into the room.  He was dressed in leather boots and leggings and a tunic in vivid green and gold – which was almost overkill considering the rest of his looks. The top of his bright yellow hair was pulled away from his face while all his golden waves tumbled down his back. His golden eyes and light skin, glimmering with the shine of golden scales, served as a reminder that he and Hue were cousins. He approached me with a half-serious smile and a red wooden box in his hands. I stood to greet him. When he was less than an arm’s length from me, he knelt to one knee. “Princess Alizeyah, my deep gratitude for your agreement to see me given current circumstances.”

“Geren, it’s always good to see you,” I told him. I held out a hand, meaning to offer it as a hand up. Instead he took it in his, turned it over, and kissed my palm. Then he looked up at me and gave me a dazzling smile. It was the same smile Hue gave me when he was trying to be charming.

Geren released my hand and stood. I motioned for him to take a seat before I also sat. Carefully he set the box on the table. “Princess, I am here on a secret mission. Neither Hudraer nor members of the Nest know I am here at the moment. Least of all with this.” He patted the box beside him. “What I am about to show you must stay a secret.” He turned to face the box and opened it. It unfolded in three parts that came together at the latch and inside was a crown of silver and gold that seemed to glow with its own power.

“It’s beautiful,” I told him.

He smiled. “As you know, my family has been responsible for watching over a number of artifacts important to the Dragon race. This crown belonged to the Original Dragon. Do you know who that is?” he asked.

I nodded, remembering that he was the Dragon that had given his blood to Arthur to teach Humans to rule themselves and not be ruled by magic. “Yes, I do.”

“Then you know he was chosen because of his pure soul, honor, and power. When Hue, Vallen and I were young, we all took turns touching the crown. All three of us are of the noble bloodline, but only Vallen chose to swear his oath to the Knights of the Order. Hue and I were both Knighted, but under different banners. All three of us were burned when we touched the crown. When the King rises again he will be pure of soul, honor and power.” He took a deep breath and I stared at him.

“Ok, so the Original Dragon will come again?” I said with a smile. “It sounds like a fairy tale.”

“When Hue came to the Nest to collect your parents before going to see my aunt and uncle, he told Lady Jura how you had looked without your glamours during Cariss’s funeral. Something about his description reminded me of something. I remembered the crown. Your armor and the sword you call on is like that of Vallen’s. Only those of the bloodline have that ability. So I’d like you to touch the crown.” He pushed the box towards me.

I laughed as he smiled broadly at me. I shook my head. “You’re being silly,” I told him. “I’m not even full Dragon.”

“Touch it anyway. I’m probably wrong and you’ll get a tiny burn on your finger,” he said mischievously.

“I don’t want a burn on my finger,” I argued.

“Do this for me and I will never never make another silly request of you.”

I glared at him. “You shouldn’t say never when you and I both know that won’t be the case,” I taunted. He wiggled the box in front of me. Sighing loudly, I reached out with a single finger and touched the crown. There was a hiss of something burning, but it didn’t come from me. It sounded like it came from the crown. Geren, Tessa and I all watched with fascination as the crown seemed to glow like fire then turn white in a flow from my finger. I turned my hand over to look at my fingertip. Not so much as a spot of pink.

Geren’s smile faded into something else and he sat the box back on the table. In one fluid motion he drew his sword and sank to his knees. With lowered eyes he stared at my feet. “Forgive me, your Majesty,” he pleaded.

I laughed. “Geren, get up. I’m sorry I broke your crown, but you have nothing to apologize for. I wasn’t burned. If anyone is sorry it’s me. I’ve ruined your sacred crown.”

Geren looked up at me with a mix of awe and outrage. He laid his sword at my feet. “From this day forward I swear my life blood to you and the kingdom you will build.”

“What?” I blinked several times before turning to look at Tessa, who was nodding.

Tessa met my gaze. “It makes so much sense now,” she said.

“What does?” I demanded. I looked back down at Geren. “Will you get up? You kneeling like that makes me uncomfortable.”

Geren immediately rose at my request. “Your Majesty, you have been reborn. Don’t you see Alizeyah? You are the King.”

I looked over at the gleaming crown. “No I’m not. Take it home, put it in your vault, and don’t speak of this with anyone.”

Geren nodded, closing the box. “I will keep your secret, but as I said, from this day forward I am sworn to you. I won’t be the last to make that promise even if you don’t accept my oath.”

I shook my head. “I can’t be who you think I am,” I told him. “You need to pray I’m not.” I buried what had just happened deeper and deeper within me where I hoped neither Ian nor Hue would ever find it.

Lunch arrived then. Nervously, I invited Tessa and Geren to take a seat and enjoy the meal with me. We didn’t speak of the crown or the Original Dragon for the rest of the day. We stayed on topics like the binding ceremony, my upcoming trip back to Vesaria for Lily’s baby shower, and how much I was missing ice cream in the daytime heat.

Romance in Venice (Dani’s POV)

Dear Kat,

We have arrived in Venice. Despite all the warnings from you and other friends, I am really liking it. Yes, the canals smell a little funny, but there is an aura of happiness here that I like. The street food is one-of-a-kind and puts Seoul’s to shame. That’s saying something since you know how much I love Korean street food. Oliver and I have spent every minute together since we arrived and things have been… hot. Yeah, I’ll just leave it at that. I’m not sure if it is because he is glad to be done with work or if it is because I am glad to have escaped the family. They are good people, just… intense. I can tell I don’t fit into their ideal box, but I could see they were trying to be as welcoming as they could be.

I’m sorry this postcard is a little shorter but we are headed out for more gelato and a gondola ride. I’m not sold on the gondola ride but Oliver insists it is romantic and I will love it. I think that is code for river boat make-out session.

Still smiling,

Dani

Roman Holiday (Dani’s POV)

Dear Kat,

Oliver made arrangements for me to visit the library at the Vatican today while he and the others slept. It was the first time since arriving in Rome I felt completely at ease. The books were breathtaking. Don’t get me wrong – the royal libraries in Everwood and Vesaria are impressive, but there is something amazing about touching that much Human history in one room. I was a little bummed that security wouldn’t let me take my hand scanner or cell phone in, but I do get why. I spent the entire day elbow deep in impressive manuscripts and couldn’t have been happier. At closing time, I sadly handed my white gloves over and left. We NEED to go back there. Seriously, we really need to go back there and read stuff.

I’m meeting Oliver and his family at Piazza Navona for dinner tonight. He promised to take me to the gelato place you raved about.  I’ve been enjoying exploring the city during the day while they’re sleeping. You were right; it is an amazing city full of so much history, culture, food, and bookstores. I can’t read Italian, but I used Oliver’s credit card and bought a five-hundred-year-old, leather-bound book that was handwritten and gorgeously illuminated. My Mosquito has promised to read it to me and translate. It’s so sexy when he reads to me in Italian.

Off to eat too much gelato,

Dani

Tea with Tessa

I felt bad. I had dragged poor Tessa back to Everbloom with me then all but ignored her for days while I dealt with my parents. Aiden had ridden out to Vesaria in hopes of finding Avery’s hideout. I had finally convinced Hue to take my parents and discuss the binding ceremony in more detail. They were going to take the portal back to Tarell and meet with his family. It was most likely a trip I should have also gone on, but someone has to run the Kingdom while Aiden is away.

After my daily royal chores I found Tessa out in the garden behind the kitchen. She had a basket filled with herbs and vegetables. “How’s it going?” I asked.

She jumped at the intrusion and swung around to stare at me wide eyed. “Holy hell, you scared me Princess.”

“I’m sorry,” I told her. I held out my hand and took the basket from her. “You know, you don’t have to call me that.”

“Call you what?” she asked.

“Princess”

She raised a brow at me before looking back at the castle. “Was there something I can help you with?” she asked.

“Actually, yes. I was hoping you would join me for tea. I thought we could talk some,” I explained.

Dusting her hands off as she turned towards the castle, she gave me a little nod and headed back for the kitchen. Once inside she began putting away the herbs she had collected. “What would you like for me to fix for you?” she asked.

I stared blankly at her. “Tessa, you do realize I brought you here as a guest, not as a maid, right?”

She shifted back and forth uncomfortably. “You want me to just sort of like… sit there and do nothing?”

“No, you can do whatever it is you would like to do. You aren’t here to wait on me though.” I stepped around her and began filling a kettle with hot water from the stove. I filled a basket with tea and dropped it into the kettle, then made quick work of filling a tray with all the needed elements for an afternoon tea. I then turned to her and motioned with my head towards the great hall. “C’mon, I want to talk to you some.”

Tessa nodded and followed along closely behind me. She took a seat in one of the chairs near the unlit fireplace. I put the tray down on the small table between us and began pouring. Tessa prepared her tea before she finally spoke. “I’m just a little overwhelmed, I think. I came here and it’s the largest number of Otherworlders I have ever been around. Also because all of them are tied to you I can’t really see their destinies. It’s like I’ve lived in a house with loud music blaring everyday nonstop and then suddenly one day the music is totally gone.”

I picked up a scone and took a bite while I considered her words. “Do you have any memories of your past?” I asked her.

She shook her head. “Not really. I think I may have been a nurse or midwife. I seem to have a fairly good understanding of Human anatomy, but I’ve had to learn about other races. I know I can turn into a crow and I may have been able to do that before I became a Banshee. I know my name is Elizabeth, Tessa for short.”

“Have you met other Banshees? Can any of them give you something to go off of?”

“I have met other Banshees, but they don’t seem to be any more knowledgeable about their pasts than I am. It’s like when you become a Banshee your old life just fades away to nothing.” Tessa took a sip of tea and looked around the room. “Where is your Dragon?”

“Hue took my parents to meet with his parents. They are discussing plans for the binding ritual,” I explained. “I’m sort of happy to have them out of the castle for a day or two.”

“What about Ian’s input?” Tessa asked.

I blinked. “Huh?”

“Your other Soul Mate. You can’t do the binding without Ian and Hue,” she said. I continued to stare at her. “Really? Surely, I’m not the only one who can see your souls?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” I finally said.

“There are some souls that are so powerful they aren’t reborn to the world very often. Usually, when they become too powerful they split and that’s where you get a Soul Mate. It’s why frequently the people in positions of power have Soul Mates. Your soul was split into two halves, but it looks like your half was asleep for a very long time. Meanwhile the other half was reborn over and over and eventually split again. Ian and Hue are the two parts of the same half. Technically, they are the Soul Mates,” she explained. She reached for a cookie and popped it into her mouth. “These are really good,” she told me.

I continued to blink at her with nothing to say as she happily munched on cookies. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure I processed that.”

Tessa took a sip of tea and swallowed. “You are way too powerful as it stands. Soul Mates don’t always find each other in every life cycle. Hue and Ian are both a part of you. With you being born now, they would naturally mate with you rather than each other. You’re the more powerful.”

“So why was it just Hue that was my Soul Mate?” I finally asked.

“My guess is that his soul was slightly stronger of the two. When he died it weakened his bond with you some and allowed Ian’s bond to strengthen.”

“Then why wasn’t Ian going crazy without Hue?” I was processing all this new information. It made sense, but I had never had what a Soul Mate really is it broken down so matter-of-factly.

“How do you know he wasn’t? It also stands to reason that part of why you were successful in saving Hudraer was because you had Ian’s help, as well as three quarters of the soul in the living realm.” She lowered her hand to let them rest in her lap.

“So what will happen when Hue and I are bound?” I asked.

Tessa shrugged. “I don’t know. Just because I can see what you are doesn’t mean I knew you existed. Granted I haven’t been a Banshee too long, but I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this before.”

“How the heck do you know so much about it?” I said, exasperated.

“You three are the talk across all the realms. What’s more, I’ve now seen you with my own eyes. In some cases seeing really is believing,” Tessa said.

I sighed heavily and lowered my head to the table in defeat. “Yet again, I’m the freak of the party.”

Tessa sat silently watching.

 

Fitting with the Family (Dani’s POV)

Dear Kat,

I realize all I am doing is venting to the mailbox when I send these, but it still makes me feel better. Oliver’s family is insane. I don’t mean in that fun, makes-a-birthday-cake-for-no-reason way. I mean really certifiable. His grandmother took me shopping for a coffin. His mother insists on teaching me to cook. It’s only been a few days but I have burned lasagna, overcooked a lot of pasta, and sent the house into panic when I cut myself mincing garlic. Then there are his sisters. They have single-handedly taken it upon themselves to plan a wardrobe for my binding, wedding, and honeymoon. Can I point out again that Oliver and I aren’t at this point yet. Not even close.

Each day here I struggle more and more to keep myself calm and not lose my patience. Oliver has been off taking care of the business that he came to Italy to handle. It would seem there have been threats from that household we dealt with last summer. He is concerned because there have been a lot of sightings recently of the higher-ups in Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong. His goal is to arrange a meeting with their Patriarch and make sure he knows that Asia is under Oliver’s jurisdiction. That being said, he has mentioned he may be sending me to stay with you for a while after we return. It doesn’t give me a warm and fuzzy feeling if you know what I mean.

Headed back to the Hell Kitchen,

Dani