12. The Storm
CHAPTER TWELVE
THE STORM
Ralif of House Wysalar was head of the Ishameti leading family in the Northwest, or, as the humans knew them, the fae royal family that presided over the North American territories. He ruled alongside his wife, the fair Elokima. Ralif had been away for many weeks on official business, kept informed with messenger birds sent by his family. Although he did not like the idea of having a human in the heart of their nation, he liked the idea of aggravating the U.S. even less, which was why he had agreed to extend a hand in the first place.
Elokima advised that this request from the humans was part of a test from the Goddess. She planned to delegate the task of watching Avery to her eldest son, Solois, but to the family’s surprise, Riel volunteered. While the queen had been hesitant to trust him with such an important job, Solois vouched for his brother. Whether it was out of kindness toward Riel, who clearly wanted to prove himself, or a desire of a more self-serving nature, no one knew.
The queen at that moment sat on her carved throne in the entrance hall with Solois standing by her side. Word of the king’s return had made it around the castle, and she planned to fill him in on the current situation. Her thoughts flitted to Riel. He should be part of this conversation; they were due an update.
The front door opened, giving way to a large group of soldiers dressed in layers of white canvas armor. The queen inclined her head in greeting as they bowed and continued on to their quarters to rest and recover after the arduous journey. Finally, a figure adorned in finer clothes than the rest appeared in the open doorway, and the queen straightened. The king resembled his sons in build and stature, and he was handsome for an older man, with thick brows over hooded eyes and a square jawline hidden by a well-kept blond beard. It was clear to see where his eldest son got his looks from, the younger one taking after his fair wife.
“How was your journey, my dear?” the queen asked demurely, lifting one delicate hand in a salute-like greeting as he approached the thrones. The king snatched her hand from the air and brushed a kiss to the back of it before collapsing into the seat beside her.
“Long and exhausting,” he sighed. “Leimor and his kin are as trying as ever. It’s good to be home. How have things been in my absence?”
“You were dearly missed, but the Goddess watched over us.” Elokima sat back in her chair. “Solois collected the season’s taxes in your stead and updated the books. Harvests are coming along nicely. Riel has been looking after the American girl. Last I heard, she was approaching vahela . He will inform us of anything he has discovered since then.”
“Good. Have they given us any trouble, the Americans?”
“Luenki has kept them apprised of the girl’s health as they requested. Beyond the occasional message, all has been peaceful.” The queen hesitated a moment before continuing. “I… hate to say it, but Neyes suggested that her presence here will lead to conflict. I feel the same. The longer she is here, the more knowledge she gleans. As you know, knowledge makes humans da ngerous. They are unpredictable, the ones with magic even more so.”
“She doesn’t know anything, and she’s hardly dangerous.”
Startled by the outburst, Elokima turned to the staircase, where Riel descended with a fierce expression on his face. “She knows as much about our ways and our magic as a fledgling,” he continued, coming to a stop in the middle of the room. “And her intentions are pure. Your fear is misplaced, Mother. She is not a danger to us.”
“Oh?” The queen tutted. “How kind of you to join us, Riel. We were hoping that you could fill us in on what you have learned these past months. Tell me, do you mean to say that Neyes was mistaken? If you believe that she poses no danger, then you discredit our seer.”
“I would never doubt Neyes,” Riel denied with a shake of his head. “But perhaps they saw only one possibility, or they did not see the whole truth. As you well know, much of what they see is incomplete and can be misinterpreted.”
The queen put a hand to her mouth, aghast. “Then, you mean to claim that I, who would never lead our people astray, misinterpreted the Goddess’s words?”
Riel gritted his teeth in frustration. “I’m saying she’s just a healer,” he ground out. “A powerful one, but a healer nonetheless. Her ability is pure mending, and she can’t even use it properly. She poses no threat. Is this not a good thing for our family?”
“I’m sure you won’t mind telling us what else you’ve learned,” Solois remarked. “Isn’t that right? After all, you’ve spent so much time together. You must have an idea of the reach of her abilities by now, if not her intentions. This is your chance to share.”
Riel considered his response. “She is… impressive,” he admitted. “From what she’s told me, she mended life-threatening injuries and illnesses every month for years of her life. And… she hasn’t yet learned how to draw mana . ”
Eyes widened all around at his words.
“She healed from her own power… for years?” The queen looked to the king as if expecting him to correct her. His face had hardened as the conversation progressed.
“The blessed humans may be formidable,” Ralif reasoned, “but they are few. And the Americans are hesitant to wage war. I don’t expect this healer will give us any trouble.” He glanced at his wife. “Though, I’ve no doubt Neyes spoke true. Tensions have been on the rise for several years between us, House Leimor, and the Americans. This last trip confirmed for me that a conflict is inevitable. We can only pray for a quick and painless resolution.”
“Well, if we’re anticipating problems with the Americans, it would be wise for us to strike first,” the queen sniffed. “Show them that we are not to be underestimated. Otherwise, they might think us soft. We’ve already welcomed their spy with open arms.”
“We could send the healer’s head back to them in a box,” Solois suggested thoughtfully. His gaze remained trained on his brother to see how his shocking statement would be received.
“No,” Riel growled, the passion behind his response surprising the rest of the family.
Solois frowned. “Don’t tell me?—”
“Starting a war with the humans is not a good idea,” Riel stated, interrupting whatever Solois was about to call into question. “We may have the Goddess’s blessing on our side, but they have powerful tools and large numbers. We would be fools to think that an empty show of strength would be worth the losses incurred. Not to mention they have been peaceful thus far.”
Elokima stood. “You will respect whatever decision we make,” she said softly, danger clear in her tone. “It is not the place of a second son to question his elders. Perhaps you have done enough. Perhaps Solois should take over the girl’s teaching, as it should have been.”
“Stand down, Elokima.” The king raised his hand in a pacifying gesture. “Astonriel makes a fair point. I don’t doubt that he, too, has the family’s best interests at heart.” He gave Riel a meaningful look before directing his attention back to his wife. “We have House Leimor to contend with as well. They are waiting for an opportunity to tear us down, and I have not yet secured an alliance with the Southern House. Let us maintain open eyes and ears for now, and we can discuss this further when we have more information at our disposal.”
“Of course,” the queen murmured. She perked up and clapped her hands together as a thought struck. “In the meantime, Ralif, let us host a party in honor of your return. I feel our house has been empty for too long, and the people are ready for some cheer.”
“As you like,” the king said, nodding. “But give us at least a day or two to recover, my dear. The last two months have been trying on myself and our soldiers.”
“We shall have it on the night of the new moon, then. That will give us time to spread the word and get the hall prepared for guests.”
“I’ll leave it to you.” Ralif got to his feet, running a tired hand through his hair. “Now, if there is nothing more to discuss, I believe a bath and a good night’s sleep is in order. Shall we retire?” He offered an arm to his wife, who accepted it gracefully, before turning his attention to his sons. “Keep up the good work,” he said with a nod.
Solois lingered, eyes narrowed on his younger brother, as the king and queen swept out of the room. Riel returned the gaze with a blank face, his stance anything but relaxed. Once their parents had gone, Solois crossed the room in a flash. Riel, to his credit, did not flinch, even as Solois closed in so that there was a handbreadth of air between them.
“You seem to have our father fooled into thinking that you’re simply looking out for our family, but make no mistake,” Solois warned in a low voice, “I see what you’re doing, and I don’t appreciate your taking advantage of the situation to goof off. If it comes to war, and you get in between me and the spy, I will have no qualms about taking you out first.”
“Confident, are we?” Riel mused. “That won’t be necessary. We’re on the same side. I’m hurt that you think so little of me, Solois, after everything we’ve been through together.”
His relaxed air and self-assured tone of voice appeared to antagonize Solois. “It’s because I know you that I think so little of you,” he retorted. “You’ve always been soft, and if you can’t see where this is going yourself, then you’re even more half-witted than I thought. Our nation needs strong leadership right now, and you’re practically cavorting with the enemy. Ask yourself, brother—is her cunt really worth treason?”
A flash of shadow crossed Riel’s face, gone as quickly as it had appeared.
“You are mistaken,” he said simply. “The girl is inconsequential, although I do believe her ability could be a benefit to us. I intend to keep our family from making a grievous misstep. Perhaps, if you had bothered to learn about the humans as I have, you would understand that it is in our best interests to avoid war at all costs.”
Solois studied his face for a moment, as though expecting to find evidence of treachery there. Riel showed no fear. Eventually, reluctantly, Solois stepped back.
“Killing her would be rash,” he admitted. “As you say, she doesn’t pose an immediate threat. But don’t let this go too far. We are the blessed race, not them . When it comes down to it, we cannot hesitate to do what needs to be done. Do you understand me?”
“If I believed she posed a threat, I would kill her myself,” Riel countered, a muscle ticking in his jaw. He didn’t bother pointing out that Avery’s very existence showed the Goddess had chosen to bless more than one race. “But I have better things to do than argue. Go to bed, Solois. I plan to do the same. If you can’t find something productive to do tomorrow, we can resume this discussion then. Good night. ”
Solois scowled. “Soften your tongue,” he snapped. “You speak to this family’s future head.” Leaving things at that, he turned on his heel and headed for the stairs.
As his brother disappeared from sight, Riel loosed a breath he had been holding. He lingered a moment longer to gather his thoughts before following, with every intention to return to his room. Fate had other plans, as he found himself outside her door instead, one hand poised to knock. He hesitated for a brief second before dropping his arm. It was late, and she wouldn’t have waited up for him given the abrupt manner in which he’d left. Even if she had… it wouldn’t be right to push things any further. Though it pained him to admit, Solois had not been mistaken about his interest in Avery. It was a good thing she’d the sense to draw the line where she did. He couldn’t afford to get carried away; if he did this, he did it properly.
Without wasting any more time, he pivoted to return to his room, keeping his footsteps even and quiet. Even if she would have welcomed him, he didn’t deserve the comfort she brought—not tonight. It was too much of a risk. And they would both need their rest in order to survive the storm that was coming.