41. Chapter Forty-One
Chapter Forty-One
Astrid
Effie’s hair takes the rest of the afternoon and evening is pressing on us as we exit. Effie’s hair is now in small tight buns all over her head that she calls Bantu knots. Out of the way, perfect for any combat we may end up dealing with if the last couple days are anything like the ones to come. Soreness from the morning workout starts to settle in and I find myself shaking off the aches and pains as we walk through the streets to the castle.
The arch is obstructed by a black wooden gate, and a smaller door opens revealing a fae male in a simple loose purple t-shirt and jeans, “Do you have business at the—Effie!” he says when he looks up to see who is at his gate. “Well look who we’ve got here, the princess is back.”
“I’m not back, I just need to see Alhena,” Effie responds smoothly, and I can’t help but wonder if she will return to Myrr and resume her place as their princess when all of this is over. When the illness is cured in Demendia, and the council of Lumins welcomes me back with open arms. They might even give me a medal for my heroism, but what will happen to Effie? Will she go back to hunting for her mother? I can’t help thinking that if that is what she decides to do, I want to help. I know she is repaying a debt by helping me, but I’m not going to leave her to fight battles alone.
“I do hope you decide to return to us.” The guard bows and steps aside, allowing us to enter castle grounds. Effie makes a sharp right, and I follow her to an open area lined with men and women as they spar in groups or practice maneuvers on dummies much nicer than any I have ever seen before. The ones in Demendia’s training center are trash compared to these.
“Alhena!” Effie calls as she walks ahead, and a reddish-brown haired woman standing in front of the group of recruits turns her head at the sound of her name.
“Effie!” she shouts taking off in a jog to meet us as we approach. “I didn’t think I would ever see you again in the city.” Her sultry voice contradicts the smile spread across her face.
“I had some help along the way.” Effie motions to me. “We could actually use your help.”
“I heard of our princess’s wayward adventures. How can I be of assistance now?” Alhena asks, bowing slightly.
“There’s no need for that.” Effie waves off the gesture and Alhena rights herself. “We need someone to talk to her sister about being able to be a lady and know how to fight.”
“That’s Embla’s excuse every time I bring it up. It’s unladylike,” I say, mimicking my sister’s voice.
“Every woman should know how to defend herself. Bad things happen in the city and women especially should know how to defend themselves.” Alhena takes a second to consider, her gaze roving over the recruits her assistants are currently running through exercises. “I’ll talk to her, but I’m leaving the decision up to her. If she says no there’s nothing more I will be able to do.”
“You might have to convince he—” Astrid tries but Alhena holds up a hand cutting her off.
“I will have a conversation with her, if she doesn’t see the logic in learning how to fight then there is no point. I’ve heard of Demendia and how women are treated within its borders. I will not take another choice from her and force her to do something. That’s not how we do it here.” Alhena offers a soft smile , and I nod in understanding.