Chapter 19 Azahara #2
“Yes, mine,” Kaed responded without hesitation.
“I read the letter you wrote. For you to think I would choose anything but you is such a human thing to do.” Azahara wanted to laugh, which felt comforting.
“I choose you, this moment, tomorrow, in a year, in this lifetime, and in the next. Because while you think my heart had a choice, it did not. The moment I saw you, I knew. As if I had been waiting for you without even knowing it.”
With the worst timing possible, Illyan came through the door. Kaed didn’t stand right away; he simply smiled up at her. “Later,” he whispered.
She didn’t want to wait until later, especially not after what he had said. Her heart was threatening to cause havoc, not only within her but also with Illyan.
“Torture,” she muttered, voicing her frustration.
“I won’t be able to put the wards back up, not until after the Rite,” Illyan said, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding situation.
Kaed stood and wrapped his arm around her, his grip firm, reminding her he wasn’t going to let her go.
Her eyebrows furrowed with concern. “What happened to them?”
“Helio has died.” Illyan had responded so quickly that she wouldn’t question the answer.
Shock filled her expression. “Illy, I am so sorry…” Helio had been the only family Illyan had, the one who loved them for who they were. While they weren’t always in touch, whenever family was needed, Helio was there.
Illyan smiled weakly. “Likely killed, but I won’t know for certain until the Rite.
Once I am summoned, I can regain my Magic and put up wards around this house at least.” The Fae ran its fingers through their silver hair and sat at the dining room table.
“It isn’t good. An Elder hasn’t died in thousands of years.
The realm will be at a standstill until Magic is put back in alignment. ”
Kaed ushered her to sit with him while asking, “Why?” He sat and pulled her into his lap, his arms wrapping around her waist and resting them on her. Obliging, she leaned into him.
“The source of Magic is the Fae. It is governed by us, or rather the Elder. While Magic exists outside of Fae, during this time, it is volatile. Anyone that uses Magic when it’s unprotected could alter the reality of this existence.”
She wondered if Kaed was as confused as she was.
It’s possible because Illyan continued, “I’ll put it into simple terms, hmm? Think of a lantern. When it’s lit and covered, that fire is contained to not spread. Right?” She nodded and spotted Kaed do the same. “Take the cover off, and you risk—”
“You risk it spreading, getting out of control,” he answered, his arms wrapping a bit tighter around her. She could feel his nose pressing against the side of her head. His heartbeat against her arm, still as quick as it had been when she arrived back in his arms.
“Exactly.”
“I thought you said Magic was gone, though,” he continued.
“No, I said the Magic in myself was gone. The Magic returned to its celestial creator, the Mother. Most Fae are bound to release all ties with Magic for it to be collected by the next Elder. Other creatures that wield Magic have no such contract.”
Azahara stepped in. “Most? Not all?”
“Correct, there are stipulations. It’s a lot of politics…”
She shook her head, waving her hand. “It’s okay—I don’t need to know.”
Kaed hummed under his breath.
Illyan then eyed Azahara and said, “You are a mess. Is he holding you captive so you don’t get cleaned up?”
“We were in the middle of something when you came in,” Kaed answered flatly.
“I think this is important,” she interjected. “I can shower after.”
The Fae thought briefly and then continued, “The next successor is my grandfather, Anthurium, but there are other bloodlines that will stand at the Rite. I’m not sure when I will be called, but at any time, I could be. Which means I must tell you now what I think you both should do.”
Azahara leaned a bit away as if willing Illyan to hurry up and spill it.
They took a deep breath. “Nothing.”
“Anticlimactic, wouldn’t you say?” Kaed, irritation lining his tone, said.
“Just joking.” How could they be so loving one moment and then the next, annoying?
“Unbelievable,” she said, running her hands up and rubbing her eyes.
“Only those close to Magic will know of what has happened. Unfortunate, but uniquely great for us. We should take the news to the king and tell him to prepare for what may come.”
Kaed laughed, but not out of humor, more of amusement. “You’re joking.”
Azahara looked up at him, then to Illyan as they said, “I would never joke.”
They both gave Illyan the side eye.
“Look,” they said, as if wiping away the last moments of levity, their expression becoming serious.
“I don’t know what will come of this. When my great-grandfather took over as the Elder, it was a different time.
The Conquering of Parádeisos had come to an end, and the war with Ilkiz and her Dragons had just begun.
There was no rush for Magic then, but things are different now.
This realm teeters on the precipice of war among its own people, and any misstep with Magic could bring this kingdom, and all the others, to their knees. ”
She felt a weight against her chest. “This isn’t our responsibility, Illy.”
“Are you sure?” Her gaze met theirs, and then she looked up at Kaed. His expression was taut. It may not have been her duty, but it was his.
He was a ranger for the Order to the King.
Kaed then looked at Azahara and smiled. “Tell me to stay, and I will.”
Her heart leaped, and she dared not blink. She noticed in that moment he was staring at her left eye, unwavering. “You know I would never.”
“Do you want to go?” he asked her, his eyes settling on her left one still.
“No, I don’t. I want us to stay right here, get cleaned up, get the wards back around this house. Send a raven to the king. Keep you safe.” She swallowed.
“I’m waiting for the ‘but’,” Kaed said with a smile that held no worries.
“But I know we can’t.” Her eyes closed, and she sighed. “It would eat at you from the inside out… knowing we could have done something.”
Fire blazed in his eyes as she gazed back up at him. Something feral and wanting. “Hm. Good girl.” There wasn’t enough air in the room to fill her lungs at that moment.
Illyan, as if it were their full-time job to ruin everything, let out a sigh that almost sounded like a moan. “Gods, I’m lonely. Kaed, can you hold me like that too?”
“In your dreams, Fae,” Kaed replied with a playful tone. He gently slid Azahara from his lap, ensuring she stood on her own before letting her go. “We’re done here. She really should get cleaned up.”
Azahara felt like her heart had abandoned her body, fluttering around on the floor like a fish. The only thing keeping her from frantically looking for it was the awareness of his correct observation.
“Your right.” She licked her lips. “I need to clean him off of me.”