I groan and roll over to throw my arm across my pillow when I hit a rock solid object. Immediately jumping to attention I notice a shirtless Enzor sleeping soundly to my right. Instinctively, I check to see if I’m clothed and thankfully I am still in the dress from last night. I try to sneak out of Enzor’s giant bed, but before I can move an inch, his arm stretches out and pulls me back against his chest to envelop me in his warmth. “Um, Enzor?” I ask quietly. He grunts in response and I continue. “Don’t you have king stuff to do today? I thought royalty never slept in?”
His whole body shakes as he launches into an intense stretch and sighs. “Yes, I do have a meeting with the day court this afternoon so I suppose I should be preparing.”
“You wouldn’t mind if I joined would you? I am really eager to see you in action!” I wink and force out a flirtatious laugh.
“I’m afraid you can’t join us during the meeting but how about afterwards during the feast?” He sits up and leans close, kissing my forehead as he speaks. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to bore you with politics.”
It takes everything in my power not to rip him a new asshole right then and there but I decided I Should at least wait until breakfast. No one wants to die on an empty stomach.
Pushing my way out of the bed, I trudge towards the bathroom and begin brushing out my wild mane. “What is the meeting even about anyways?” I shout through to the bedroom where Enzor is tugging on his loose tunic and cape. “Trygve has been teaching me about the different courts and our relations with them. I thought that we didn’t really talk with the day court?”
“We don’t,” He yells back, lacing up his boots, “But I’m trying to work out a contract with them for the good of not just my kingdom, but for the good of the whole country.”
“What kind of contract?” I raise my eyebrows and strut forward, grabbing Enzor’s collar to adjust his brooch.
“The Day Court is willing to help join my side in any future battles, and help get other courts support, as long as they get equal land and resources. But everything hasn’t been worked out yet, so king Børg and I are the only two who know of the meeting so far. We wouldn’t want to cause any confusion to the citizens.”
Is he going to start a war? I push away my dangerous questions and force out a laugh. “You’re right,” I sigh, “Politics are boring.”
Once Enzor leaves, I head back to my room to change for lessons today but when I open the door, I’m greeted with a huge stack of books on my desk. “What the hell?” I sigh and walk up to the wooden table. A piece of yellowed parchment with neatly drawn runes written sits on top of the stack. Picking it up, I slowly read through the words aloud. “Maeve, I have left for my trip to the human world today. I will go to your old home and will bring back everything that I can. I will be back in three days time, your lessons for those days are written out below. If you have any questions, speak to Alvida.” Alvida, She may want to know of the contract. Going back out into the hall, I ask Yrsa to go get Alvida and slam my door shut.
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Alvida quietly walks into my room as I’m chewing on my nails and pacin across my room. “What do you need?” She asks, interrupting my thinking.
“Your um...friends may want to know that Enzor is meeting with King Børg from the day court today to discuss a contract.”
“What?” She shrieks. Quickly lowering her voice, she runs up and grips my shoulders. “Enzor and Børg don’t get along. What kind of contract are we talking about?”
“He wouldn’t tell me everything, but I do know that in return for equal land and resources, Børg will support Enzor in convincing other courts to join their fight in any future wars. But Trygve taught me that the courts haven’t fought in centuries after the new rulers came to power. I think he’s going to attack the other courts that don’t want to join him.”
“Oh god,” She stumbles back, her eyes glass over. “This is not good. Are you absolutely sure?” I nod. “A few months ago, we intercepted a message from Enzor to Børg, we tried decoding it but it was in a strange language. Maybe that’s what it was about?”
“I wish I knew, but I just started learning everything about this world.” We both collapse on my bed and stare at the ceiling.
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“I appreciate your help,” She says after a few minutes of silence. “I will let the rebels know tonight or tomorrow if I can get out. You know...” She rolls on her side and smirks. “You’d be an excellent addition to the rebellion you know.”
“As if, I barely know who’s who in this crazy world! I feel like Alice...”
“Who’s Alice?” I sit up and laugh. “What’s so funny?”
“You don’t know about Alice in Wonderland?” She shakes her head. “Okay well it’s very hard to explain, so when Trygve comes back with my things, I’ll give you the book to read.”
“I cannot read my own language, let alone a language from a completely different world!”
“Oh, I didn’t know you couldn’t read. Well, I’ll just read it to you because it’s an amazing story.”
“Listen, you don’t have to do that. I don’t want any pity from you.” She shoves herself off of the bed and straightens her dress.
“Oh come on, please? I like having the connection back home...” Alvida sighs and pauses next to the door.
“Okay, but only if you come out with me to worship Phosna at the festival tonight. Do we have a deal?”
“Deal!” She smiles and leaves me alone to my studies. Gripping a cool leather book in one hand, and some empty pieces of paper in the other, I sit in a large window frame looking out on the bustling town preparing for the festival and begin reading my lessons for the day.
“Deila Kymiir what on earth are you doing?” I jump to attention and toss my mothers journal back onto the shelf. “I specifically asked you not to touch my work journal!”
“But the stories are so interesting, mom! I mean, the one about the sacrifices and festivals for all their crazy gods and goddesses is so detailed. It makes you feel like you’re standing there watching it happen!”
“Yes my dear,” She sighs softly and picks up the journal, flipping to the marked page. “It does feel as if you were in the midst of the excitement.”
“Wake up!” I jolt up, my grip tightening on a book from my lap. “It’s time to get ready! Or did you forget already?” After my heartbeat slows and my vision clears, I see Alvida standing over me. “Oh put the book down, you wouldn’t hurt me.” My gaze switches to the book in my hand, and I put it down.
“How long has it been?”
“Not long, now get up!” She groans and pulls my tiny frame up from under my makeshift blanket of loose scrolls. “We have a lot of work to do.”
She pulls me into the closet and throws clothing at me.
When I step out of the bedroom with Alvida, I’m in a light purple dress with a sheer purple skirt falling over my waist and down to my feet with tall sandals on. I let her borrow one of the dresses in my closet as well, although I don’t believe I had a choice in the matter. Somehow she pinned up my hair into an elaborate braid with small metal pins while also pulling on a pastel pink dress similar to my own. Yrsa and Dag follow close behind as we glide through the castle to the front doors. “So what do you call yourselves? Like in the human world they call their species humans.”
“Well there are thousands of different species in our world, but you and I are called fae. There’s also nymphs, orcs, witches and plenty more.”
“Wait, witches?”
“Yes, there are many different tribes of witches, just like the fae here in the Night Court have different ideals than the Summer Court.”
“Do they have pointy noses with warts and ride around on broomsticks?” I snort. Alvida however doesn’t seem so amused by my comment.
“Witches are soulless creatures who kill anyone that disagrees with them. If you ever encounter one, run far away.”
I cough to fill in the awkward silence as we walk into the bustling town, the moon casting devilish shadows that dance across the walls of houses and stores. “What are these festivals like?” I ask as we finally reach the main square.
“Full of delicious food, music, and a sacrifice to Phosna when the moon is highest.” I stop in my tracks, practically making skid marks as I plant my feet into the ground.
“What kind of sacrifice?”
“Relax,” Alvida laughs and pulls my arm, “It's a goat. Nobody will be sacrificed tonight.”
“Oh yeah, it’s the ‘tonight’ part that totally just calmed me down!” We continue to make our way up to the roofed dock where the band plays numerous different stringed instruments.
“Be careful when you drink tonight, Enzor won’t be here to save you from any guy's affections.” I nod and watch the crowd of people dancing and swaying to the music while chugging their cups full of alcohol.
Almost as quickly as we came, Alvida disappears from my side, leaving me alone in the sea of drunkards of varying appearances. “Wow, what a kind friend.” I push my way towards the dock and lean against a wooden post to gaze upon the group of men and women locking their arms and spinning in some interesting dance. I catch a glimpse of a choppy bob and pale skin in the center of the circle of dancers and when they turn I barely recognize that it’s Yrsa. She shed her leather armor in exchange for a blood red dress with long flowing sleeves and a low cut chest. Gold ribbon lacing up her back and arms sway from side to side as she approaches me.
“Well well we’ll, look who’s been ditched!” She chuckles, her midwestern-sounding accent that I hadn’t before noticed now in full effect. I roll my eyes and smile.
“I didn’t take you for the dancing type?”
“Clearly you don’t know anything about me,” Yrsa winks and bats her long eyelashes. “Come dance with me?”
“Oh I don’t...I don’t really know this dance.”
“Come on!” Gripping my arm, she drags me to the middle of the crowded circle and links our arms. “All you really have to do is skip around in the circle then switch arms every now and then. I’ll lead, don't worry.”
The music kicks up again, the flautist playing a jaunty tune. Everyone picks up speed, each circle going the opposite way as the one it surrounds. Yrsa and I shriek and switch directions when the small guitar joins in the song. “This is crazy!” I shout above the music as she leads me in some combination of moves. We grip each other’s hands and stretch our arms out then she pulls me under a tunnel of other dancers arms.
“That’s what makes it fun!” I throw my head back at her response and look up into the sky as we slow down our dance. “Come on, let’s get a drink.” My mind flashes
“Oh I don't want alcohol.”
“Don’t worry, I don't drink either. My brother forbade me from drinking ever since I stole a boat from the summer court and dumped all of their catch back into the ocean.”
“Holy shit that’s rad!” I shout, causing Yrsa to snort, almost spilling her water as a huge laugh shakes her entire body.
“What is ‘rad’?”
“Oh it means amazing or spectacular!”
“Ah, I understand now, I think.” Yrsa smiles and turns her attention back to the path in front of us as we walk down the coastline. Trees quickly disappear to sand and the ocean's waves crash against the shore. Taking a seat in front of a large boulder, I take a soft breath and let the salty air into my lungs.
“Tell me about your life Yrsa?” I ask.
“What part of it?”
“Everything,” I sigh, “Anything.”
“Well,” She starts, shifting into a more comfortable position against the rock. “My brother Dag and I lived on the edge of the summer court, our father an advisor to the queen.”
“Your father was the advisor to Queen Orian?” She nods and continues her tale.
“My brother moved here to compete in a competition, held by King Enzor, to determine the most qualified to serve him. I moved here after my father passed and joined the military.”
“Wow that’s amazing, but what happened to your father?”
She turns to the sea and sighs, “The Queen went mad one day, killing everyone in the castle. Stories say she kept seeing ghosts.” Ghosts, crazy queens, feels like what Trygve told me about my mother’s experience.
“When was this?” I ask as Yrsa leans against my shoulder.
“A few hundred years ago I think?”
I nod and take the last sip of my water. “Maeve!” A voice calls out. We both jump to attention, Yrsa drawing a hidden dagger from her thigh. “Maeve, where'd you go?” Alvida tumbles out of the forest and we both relax.
“What’s wrong Alvida?”
“We need to leave, now!” She grabs my wrist hard, the strong smell of ale radiating from her mouth.
“She doesn’t need to follow you around everywhere.” Yrsa growls, pointing the small blade at Alvida’s throat. You’re drunk Alvida, go home.”
“The winter court ambushed the ceremony Yrsa! Countless people including military members and nobles are dead. If Enzor finds out Maeve was near the danger, he’d have all our heads on a platter!” This gets her attention, pushing us back to the entrance of town.
“Both of you sneak back to the castle, take the servants entrance. I’m going to make sure everyone’s safe.” Before I can speak, Alvida pulls me behind buildings back to the castle. I watch as Yrsa dashes in the opposite direction, towards the screams that echo across the town.
I finally catch my breath as we duck into a hallway off of the kitchen. “What the hell happened?”
“I have no clue, I was pouring another drink when an arrow flew by my head and then a bunch of guys in armor jumped out and started killing everyone!”
Why would the Winter court send soldiers to attack us?”
“They weren't soldiers, they had no sense of fighting etiquette. Soldiers, especially from the winter court are known for having rigid and disciplined soldiers. These men were barbaric and definitely nobles.” We bolt for the third floor where my bedroom is, only slowing our pace when there are others around.
“How could you know they were nobles?”
“Some of them were using powers. One of them set a longhouse on fire!”
“Hold up, a man set a house on fire? With like a torch?”
“No,” She groans, “They were using magic! Any smart noble with powers will keep it in the immediate family and most certainly wouldn’t let their child join an army.”
“Hold up...first of all, ew! Second of all, magic? Did someone hit your head in the fight?”
“I thought there were those...magicians in your world.” She pauses, then seeing my still shocked face continues, “You mean you don’t have magic in your world? Sure it’s not as common anymore but everyone at least knows it exists.”
“Our magicians are phonies! They pull birds out of hats and toss around decks of cards! There’s no such thing as magic! Is there?” Alvida shuffles through the stack of books on my desk, shoving scrolls to the floor and pushing any unwanted items out of her view.
“Here,” She says, holding up a dusty book. “This is the history and explanation of the known fae abilities.” I take the book from her and sit on the bed. “Read this, then talk to me tomorrow.” Alvida saunters over to the door, pausing in the doorframe. “You’re lucky your mother used to rule this court. If you showed up in any of the other courts, you’d have to deal with their powers as well.”
“Wait, Enzor doesn’t have powers?” Alvida snorts.
“Enzor,” she whispers, “Was a poor farm boy when he met your mother. She brought him into the castle so often that when he announced they married just before she was taken, no one thought twice.” Alvida closes the door and I change into a silk nightgown before crawling into bed and cracking open the leather book Alvida handed me.
“Let’s go Maddoximilian!” I jump off of the trampoline and brush back my light blue cape.
“Right behind you!” Maddox shouts in an exaggerated deep voice. “Look, it's the evil doctor Slobber!” I gasp and look behind me to see Maddox is pointing at his dog Clash. “Don’t let him lick you with his acid breath, it’ll melt your face off!”
“I’ll use my freeze breath to stop him!” I take in a huge breath and push it all out in Clash’s face. He takes the hint and runs away.
“Those aren’t real powers Deila.” My mom coughs, sitting up from the porch with a glass of iced tea in her hand. Mrs.Fallon chuckles and rests a hand on my mom's shoulders.
“They’re just children Maeve, they just like to pretend that they have magical powers.”
“Well they should pretend correctly.” My mother pulls the blue blanket off of my shoulders, I immediately stand straight as does Maddox. “You, my dear Maddoximus possess the great abilities of Ullr, the god of hunting, mountains, and archery.” I smile as mom tells of Ullr's many admirable qualities. Maddox snorts but doesn’t speak, knowing my mother will berate him for not respecting her knowledge.
Before she can describe what god or goddess I will embody, Alex screams at the top of his lungs begging for attention. “Oh dear, it seems Alex needs a nap! Time to head home Maddox.” Maddox grumbles, packing up his toys and shoving them into the car. He hops in his seat and waves a sad goodbye as his mother drives off.
“What goddess would I be mom?” I ask, turning back to my mother, but she began walking back into the house, preoccupied with her journal.
“Maeve,” A voice whispers. I jolt awake and peer into the darkness. “It’s me, Yrsa.” I sit up, lighting the lamp beside me.
“What are you doing here?” My eyes finally adjust to the dark surroundings, and I can see her ripped dress covered in a dark red liquid. The stench of iron and sweat burns my nostrils as she steps closer, careful to avoid the animal rugs on the floor. “Oh my god, what happened?”
“I just wanted to make sure you were okay. I can barely trust a sober Alvida, let alone a drunk one.” I sigh, rolling my eyes and pushing myself out of the warm bed. “What are you doing?” Yrsa asks as I grab her wrist.
“I’m taking you to the bathroom, you need to get patched up.”
“I’m really fine Maeve, I promise.” I begin filling the tub with water as Yrsa unlaces the back of her dress. She winces slightly, trying to cover it with a cough.
“Yeah, fine my ass.” I help her finish taking off her destroyed gown and ease her into the tub, trying not to look at the scars riddled across her body. Yrsa hisses as she sinks lower into the hot water. “What happened to you when you ran off?” I ask, grabbing a wet cloth to carefully rub the crusted blood from her shoulders.
“Just a fight. Nothing interesting I can assure you.”
“It’s not often that I’m dragged by a drunk away from a magic fight. So I find it very interesting.”
Yrsa snorts and grabs another cloth to clean her legs. “Well, I hid behind a small house just watching at first, my small dagger wasn’t going to be very effective in a magic fight. So I swiped an axe and shield from a dead soldier and jumped in.”
She continues to describe the battle and every warrior she encountered on the makeshift battlefield as I work my way down her back, lightly pressing down whenever I feel a tight muscle, trying to ease out the tension in her pale shoulders. “I wish I knew how to fight,” I sigh.
“Maybe I could teach your few things? If you would like of course.” I nod, preparing to answer but as I push down on a particularly tight knot, a slight gasping moan escapes from her lips. I immediately release my fingers and am thrown into a coughing fit.
“Are you alright? I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Yrsa slowly turns around, careful not to splash water anywhere. She leans forward and I try to keep my eyes level with her own. A huge whiff of ocean spray and some herbal scents hits my nose, almost knocking me off of my stool.
“I should be asking you that question, are you okay?” She asks, placing a wet hand over my own. I hold my breath as she stares into my eyes, searching for something I can’t describe. After a few seconds, I finally speak.
“Why the hell do you always smell like ocean and lavender? It’s crazy how good you smell. What soap do you use?” Yrsa retracts her hand and chuckles.
“I don’t use any special soaps Maeve, I think that’s just how I smell?”
“Wow,” I snort, “So you’re beautiful, a good fighter, and you magically smell amazing all the time? That’s annoying.” I gasp when I realize the words coming from my mouth, even in the darkened room I’m sure Yrsa can see the blush on my cheeks.
She smirks and pulls my closer to her. “You think I’m beautiful hm?”
“Well I mean...I meant to say that you’re very, you know attractive. Or at least I’ve heard people call you that! I haven’t said that I’m not-” I stumble over my words, begging my brain to shut up.
“Relax Maeve, I think you’re very...rad.” Her soft smile sends my heart racing. I open my mouth to say something to fill the silent void when Dag bursts through the door, clearly on a mission but pausing as he takes in the sight before him.
In a slight coughing fit, he announces his business. “King Enzor is searching for you.” He turns to Yrsa, his blank expression melting away to reveal a mischievous smirk. “finish up your flirting now sis.” I choke, my spit catching in my throat. Dag regains his stoic expression and closes the door. The tension in the air immediately fades away as we burst into laughter.
“Well Yrsa, I suppose we should finish our flirting so I can go see what Enzor wants.” Handing Yrsa a towel and some fresh clothes from my closet, I take one last look at her scar covered skin before she slips on my trousers and tunic. “Hey Yrsa?” I whisper, decreasing the distance between us until we’re a few inches apart. “We were flirting right?” Yrsa brushes a stray hair from my braid back behind my ear and presses a soft kiss against my forehead. “That’s a pretty good answer...” I smile and step back to let her lace up her boots. “Don’t forget about teaching me to fight!” I shout as I open the door to follow Dag to wherever Enzor is waiting for me.
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