70. Chapter 70
CHAPTER 70
Zev
T he scent of dynalyas was heady on the morning gust. Zev paused by the high rise as the wind tugged against his fur. The view of Avandia opened before them within the rocky hills coated in greenery. Cascades poured down into a crystal blue river below. Their winding path led to a large bridge made of white stone.
Before it rose a white castle tall and proud at the highest point of the land. Its gleaming white walls reflecting the light of the sun. Soaring turrets and towers reached toward the sky, flying the flags of Greenwood.
Zev was both relieved and anxious to see it. In his experience, visiting castles in foreign lands hadn’t gone too well for them. But they were here for Rawn, and by the fates, he hoped it meant something good.
The creek of the carriage wheels and the trotting of the horses arrived as the others caught up to him. Captain Camsen led the escort of Rangers and Norrlen guards. He nodded to Zev as he rode past. The carriage carrying Aerina, and the girls passed him next.
He was surprised to find Tavin riding in the back of the procession with Von, but only a little. The boy followed the Commander around like an excited pup asking all sorts of questions about knife throwing and whatever held his interest.
Klyde had been furious at Von for following Tavin into the market yesterday. “I told you to stay away from him.”
“If he did, Tavin wouldn’t be here now,” Zev had said. “He pulled him out of the water, Klyde. Perhaps you should thank him for that instead of holding onto that stick up your arse.”
The mercenary didn’t have much to argue after that. It wasn’t for Zev to mettle. He still didn’t know why he did but watching Von now as he awkwardly cared for the boy, secretly amused Zev.
“There’s the castle!” Tavin cantered to catch up to Klyde. “Uncle, did you see?”
Von’s shoulders dipped with visible relief, but he stared after him with an odd look on his face. One Zev had seen on several faces as of late.
Cassiel’s briefly came into view as he soared above the clouds with his flock of Valkyrie warriors in golden armor.
When they crossed the bridge, another escort of Rangers were waiting for them They saluted to Camsen and led them through the Capitol of Avandia towards the castle.
Carriage wheels creaked and hoofs clomped as they crossed the gates and rode into the royal courtyard. A garden framed the castle, the smell of dynalyas and rain was strong in the air. North of the courtyard grew a particular tree. It seemed to be an oak tree of some sort. It stood nearly thirty feet tall. The trunk had somehow split from roots in two and formed into a near perfect circle. Its branches had woven around the odd shape with coating of moss and leaves.
Surrounding it, were intricate carvings on the floor. Some of them runes. Round groves were also on the floor. Eight of them and each placed in a perfect circle around the odd tree.
“I have never seen anything like it,” Lucenna murmured beside him in wonder.
Neither had Zev.
But no one offered any explanation as to what it was.
Cassiel flew down, landing in a graceful crouch. His wings brushed the ground as he rose to stand. He was dressed in all black, no color on him at all.
He looked to Dyna wordlessly and she came to stand beside him. Poised, head held high. Despite their differences, they had chosen to present themselves as a united force in this moment for Rawn’s sake.
Even without their crows, Dyna shone of royalty, and Zev felt proud.
The King of Greenwood awaited to greet them at the top of the stairs. Accompanied by his Queen and five girls.
“Sire, thank you for having us.” Lady Aerina and Raiden came forward, lowering into a deferential bow.
“Come now, sister, we haven’t seen each other in so long to hold to such propriety now,” Leif said, holding out his hands.
Aerina rushed up the steps and embraced her brother. She tearfully smiled at him and the queen. “Ossenia!” She gasped when she noticed the bundle in her arms. “Who is this little one?”
Queen Ossenia nuzzled her baby’s cheek. “This is Lotham, the Crown Prince and heir of Greenwood.”
Aerina gathered around her, bustling with excitement. “Oh hello wee one. When did you come into the world?” She playfully glowered at Leif. “Your father kept you a secret.”
“He was born a fortnight ago. I didn’t wish to reveal his coming once we learned Lotham is a boy. His birth will be announced today, and we will hold a feast to celebrate.”
“Today?” Aerina blinked at him and shared a confused look with Raiden.
King Leif moved past her and offered Cassiel a polite smile, bowing his head slightly in greeting. “King Cassiel of Hilos, welcome. Thank you for seeing my sister safely here.”
“Of course,” Cassiel politely dipped his head in the same manner. “I was pleased to receive your letter inviting us to Avandia. I have been meaning to greet the monarchs of Urn now that I have taken the crown. May I introduce?—”
“Your Queen?” King Leif took Dyna’s hand and kissed the back of it. “I have heard much about you Dynalya Astron, and of your companions.”
“We are honored to meet you, Your Majesty,” Dyna bowed. They hadn’t expected him to be so well informed, but Zev had to assume King Leif had spies everywhere.
“The pleasure is mine.”
“Your correspondence mentioned political matters you wished to discuss in person,” Cassiel said.
“Yes, and we will confer on that soon,” King’ Leif said. “That is tomorrow’s business, however. I am honored the King and Queen of Hilos could be here on our joyous occasion. All of must come tonight’s banquet, of course.”
Disquiet fleetingly crossed Cassiel face. “Thank you for extending us an invitation. Perhaps another time.”
“Nonsense. I will not accept no for an answer.” Leif ushered him forward. “Please come in. Your rooms have already been prepared in the west wing. I am sure you are tired from your journey here. Rest, then the festivities will begin at sundown. All of Avandia will arrive.”
The king moved on to join his wife again, but Aerina took his arm. “Leif, wait. I don’t understand. I am happy for you, but we didn’t come all the way here for a feast. We need to discuss how we are to rescue my husband.”
Leif patted her hand and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, leading her into the castle. “Be at peace, Aerina. I have spoken with Altham, and we have come to an agreement regarding Rawn’s release. He has given me his oath that not a hair will be harmed on his head. He is safe .” Aerina inhaled a shaky breath. “I give my word we will discuss it come morning. Greenwood has waited decades for an heir. The kingdom now has a future. Is that not something to celebrate?”
“Yes…”
Raiden was expressionless as he followed. They were led to the east wing with the royal family.
Zev glanced at the others, finding they were not as practiced in discretion. They all had expressions of confusion, annoyance, and shock. But they could say nothing while the Royal Guard stood near.
The servants led the rest of them through the elegant open hallways for the west wing. It provided a view of the gardens bellow, dynalyas climbing up the columns, filling the castle with their sweet scent.
They were provided an entire floor with two suites. The servants opened two large doors, leading them into the first suite for the girls. The many large windows spilled sunlight into the spacious drawing room. Sofas with velvet green upholstery were set near the fireplace.
“King Cassiel,” one the servants said with a bow of their heads. “We have prepared your suite on the next floor for you and your wife.”
Dyna flushed.
“Thank you, I will be up shortly. Meanwhile, please show my Valkyrie where I am to stay. They will inspect it for our security.”
The servants went on their way with Yelrakel. Only Sowmya remained on guard by the door. The Castle Guard were posted in the hall. She exchanged a look with Cassiel and shut the door with her outside, at last giving them privacy.
Dyna nodded to Lucenna.
Purple Essence flared in her hands. With a wave of her fingers, a containment dome formed around them in a circle and enclosed them inside. No sound could be heard outside of it.
“This is ridiculous,” Lucenna blurted. Crossing her arms, she plopped on a sofa. “He wishes to have a feast at a time like this?”
Zev found it odd too when Rawn’s life was on the line. “King Leif seemed nervous,” he told them. “When he was speaking to Lady Aerina, the sound of his heart rate had spiked for a few seconds.”
Dyna looked to Cassiel. “What do you think it means?”
It surprised Zev she cared to ask him, but then again, Cassiel would understand better the workings of politics.
Cassiel crossed his arms behind his back as he studied the castle. “Leif is either stalling or something else is at work here.”
“I find this very unbecoming,” Keena said from where she sat on Von’s shoulder. “Fae are always eager for revelry but to put it above the life of an important member of his court seems rather cavalier. What if King Leif doesn’t care about what happens to Lord Norrlen?”
The question left them in shocked silence. That was one thing they had not once considered. If so, why have them come all this way?
“I hate to be the one to say it…” Klyde said.
“Then don’t,” Lucenna jabbed his thigh, making him jolt. “Rawn isn’t dead. I can still feel him.”
Zev crossed his arms. He didn’t like delaying this another day at all.
“What should we do, then?” Von asked.
They all looked to Dyna, and her shoulders straightened as she took a deep breath. “Oaths are binding to the elves. For the King of Red Highland to make an oath to do no harm, then he must honor it. Rawn cannot be touched.”
For now.
It went unsaid but they all seemed to be thinking it.
“We have no choice but be patient and oblige King Leif today,” Dyna continued. “Tomorrow, we will reconvene on what truly matters.”
Once they settled in their rooms, they all bathed and got dressed in the clothing left out for them. Zev eyed the soft fabric of his fine gray coat and new trousers. If not for his worn boots, he could have passed for a lord in this.
He glanced over at Sowmya standing still and silent in by the girl’s suite. The red-winged Valkyrie looked back at him impassively. She was always Dyna’s shadow even when he didn’t see her. He had to acknowledge that loyalty.
Dyna and Lucenna stepped out into the hall with Keena fluttering around them.
Zev bowed his head. “My ladies, all of you look enchantingly beautiful this evening.”
Dyna smiled at him shily. She took the corner of her green gown and twirled, dipping in curtsy. It was an exquisite dress adorned with trimming of gold and jewels. Lucenna was dressed in a gown that reminded him of lilacs. The corset fitted with lace and embroidered with small flowers and drops of pearl. Ribbons in her silver hair. Keena’s dress had been made from crimson petals, gold beads in her curls.
“Flattery will most certainly earn you my favor,” Lucenna winked, giving his shoulder a pat as she passed him.
“Mine, too.” Keena planted a tiny kiss on his nose. “Handsome wolf.”
Dyna flashed him a smile as the girls walked ahead of them. She straightened out her skirts. “Raiden had it sent for me.”
“Did he?” Zev held out his arm and she took it. He heard Cassiel had also sent gifts with the servants for her, which she had all returned. “Your color looks better.”
“Lucenna brewed us tea last night to replenish our Essence.”
“Good.”
“Have you spoken to him?” Dyna asked after a pause. He could tell she was worried about Cassiel.
“A little, only to make sure he wouldn’t set Evos on fire.”
She wasn’t satisfied with that answer though. Zev sensed what she had really wanted to ask was if he was still angry.
“I have already spoken my peace with him, Dyna.”
She looked up at him with somber green eyes that matched his own. “Zev, Cassiel and I may no longer be together, but that doesn’t mean you can no longer be friends. During the night of the full moon…”
“I remember what Cassiel did to stop me.” Zev paused by the windows as they watched the procession of Lords and Ladies come to the castle. “But I don’t know if it’s enough to pay for all those nights that you suffered and every tear you cried. Even if I wanted to forgive him, how could I forget that?”
Dyna searched his eyes a moment in surprise. “You … remember ?”
He nodded.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Because it was frightening. If he could remember what the Other did when it took over, did that mean it could surface at a whim?
“I have not told you this, Dyna, but I was able to summon the Other when fighting the Bloodhounds in Dwarf Shoe. It’s evolving, or I am. I don’t know what it means.”
He wished he had someone with the answers. A question had been circling in his mind since it first happened. What if the Other surfaced and he couldn’t change back?
Dyna squeezed his hands. “Zev, if you can summon your Other at will, that must mean you’re learning to control it.”
“That type of belief is what led to my father’s death. When I’m the Other, I don’t have control of myself and I’m not conscious of what I’m doing. I only remember after.”
“But you will. I believe it.” Dyna hugged him. “Oh, Zev, this is wonderful news!”
He couldn’t say if it was. His greatest fear was hurting his family again.
“Once this is over, we are headed to Loup Garou next, you hear me? It’s decided. Lara will know how to help you.”
The mention of her name stirred something in Zev’s chest. He could almost see himself there, running through a forest he didn’t know, alongside a white wolf he wished he did.
A servant came by and called Dyna away to be presented with Cassiel. Sowmya followed on her heels.
Zev reached the main hall where music flowed. He came to the entryway of the ballroom and found Lucenna standing there, frozen still.
Coming up behind her, he found what she was looking at. Klyde stood by adorned tables filled with tired plates of food. He was mid conversation with an elf. His hair was no longer long but cropped short on the sides and slicked back. And he had shaved. Zev had already seen him, but to her, he must be nearly unrecognizable compared to how he had looked this morning.
Klyde noticed her and strode over to them.
“Close your mouth,” Zev whispered and Lucenna’s jaw snapped shut. Keena shot him a grin and they made their way inside.
“Lucenna,” Klyde greeted when he reached them. His admiring gaze slowly roamed over the lilac fabric clinging to her curves. “You could start wars in that dress, love.”
She flushed. “You-you shaved.”
“I did.” Klyde’s mouth lifted in a half smile. “Do you like it?”
The question seemed to clear her head, and she fixed her expression into a flat glower. “I hate it.”
“Do I at least look submissive and breedable?”
Lucenna rolled her eyes and strode away for the tables.
Keena snickered behind her hand flew around Zev’s shoulders. “She’s absolutely smitten, isn’t she?”
He chuckled as Klyde followed after Lucenna. “She’s not the only one.”
Zev flinched at the sudden fanfare of trumpets as the herald made an announcement. At the balcony overlooking the ballroom, appeared King Leif and Queen Ossenia, their newborn son in her arms. Only Lady Aerina was not present.
Guests quieted and faced the balcony.
“In the presence of King Leif and Queen Ossenia, presenting before the court, their first-born male, Crown Prince Lotham, heir to the throne of Greenwood.”
Everyone in attendance dipped in a courtly bow.
“And presenting our guest of honor, the King and Queen of Hilos.”
Awed murmurs passed through the crowd as Cassiel and Dyna entered the room with their Valkyrie. Guests once again bowed. Then the music commenced, and pairs took to the dance floor.
Cassiel had arrived dressed in an elegant black waistcoat. The shoulders and cuffs embroidered with luxurious gold patters to match his vest. But he kept crossing his arms and uncrossing them, shifting on his feet. He eyed the doors as if he wished to escape the ballroom immediately.
Raiden surfaced from the crowd, dressing in a fine green coat. He approached Dyna and crossed his arm over his chest with a bow. “Could I request the next dance? If you are not otherwise engaged.”
Zev tensed, bracing for Cassiel’s reaction. But he stared straight ahead as if he didn’t care or didn’t hear. A flex in his jaw was the only sign he did.
Dyna paused for a moment, maybe expecting he would say something, too. When he didn’t, she took Raiden’s hand.
The young lord pressed a kiss to the back of her hand. Only then did Cassiel’s gaze meet Raiden’s and it was as sharp as a blade.
“I can’t stop staring,” Keena whispered to Zev. “I think they are trying to kill each other with their eyes.”
Cassiel probably could, but he stood by as Raiden led Dyna to the dance floor. Zev was impressed he managed to show some restraint after all. Cassiel remained there, staring blankly at nothing. It was the same look he had last night. As though he were far away and lost in thought.
Or merely lost.
And it was too familiar.
It’s easy to shroud ourselves in lies, while hiding the truth we ignore inside.
“Come try the food, Zev!” Keena tugged on his sleeve. Zev followed her to join the others.
Queen Ossenia retreated with young prince as King Leif came down the steps and sat at the grand dining table. It had many open chairs reserved for them, but Zev lingered by the serving tables set up with wine and ale. Von kept to himself, drinking in a corner and eating whatever Keena offered him on a plate to try. Lucenna pointedly ignored everyone else.
“Tavin?” Zev asked Klyde as he poured himself a drink.
“I had the lad stay behind. I can’t account for what may happen tonight and I prefer he stay out of trouble.”
“He wasn’t happy about that, was he?”
“Livid.”
Zev chuckled as Keena brought him a small plate with a roll of bread. The top glistened with butter and sprinkling of seeds. He took a bite and found it was stuffed with savory meat and mint.
“You’re not going to feed me too, shimmer bug?” Klyde asked her.
Keena stuck up her nose. “Only my favorites and you’re not a favorite.”
He gasped and clutched his chest. “That wounds me.”
It really wounded him when Keena flew off to bring Von something else to eat. Zev hid a grin. He wondered if she enjoyed feeding them because her stomach was too small to try all the delicious food.
“How long do you suppose we should entertain this?” Lucenna huffed, crossing her arms.
“For as long as need without insulting the king,” Cassiel replied as he joined them at the table and grabbed a goblet of wine. Possibly out of habit to hold something since his kind didn’t drink.
“Planning to get drunk?” Zev asked him.
Cassiel frowned as he watched Dyna dance with Raiden. “Perhaps I should,” he retorted. “It may help me endure the rest of tonight.”
Zev exchanged a look with Klyde. The moment Cassiel entered the ballroom, he had cared for nothing else, but for the beauty in the green grown. The golden chandeliers cast Dyna in a soft glow as she swayed on the dancefloor...in the arms of another.
Zev could feel very nearly feel the irritation rolling off him in waves. But Cassiel had to endure this.
Cassiel clenched his teeth as Raiden’s fingers trailed down her bare back to her waist. His only place now was to keep watch over her from a distance. The young lord pulled Dyna close, and she smiled at whatever nonsense he whispered in her ear.
Fire flared from Cassiel’s hand, making the wine in his goblet boil over. He set it down with a harsh laugh. “The elf wants to die.”
“Wait.” Klyde grabbed his elbow. “You can’t kill him. Need I remind you who he is?”
“Who said I intend to kill him?” Cassiel jerked free. “I am only going to char him a little.”
“What’s he going to do?” Klyde asked as they watched Cassiel stride toward Raiden and Dyna.
Zev smirked. “Something stupid.”