4. Emilia
Chapter 4
Emilia
M y eyes feel heavy as I try to open them this morning. The emotional heaviness of the situation has made me very tired. After Timas received the summons last night, we talked for a little while longer. Being in his arms has brought me a great deal of comfort and seeing as there was something at work to keep us apart, I needed that reassurance, but it didn’t keep all the doubts and anxious feelings away. We spent another hour talking but I knew he needed to get some rest before the meeting, and though it took some convincing, he did eventually leave to go to bed. My attempts at sleep failed, and I ended up sitting in a chair on the balcony, staring up at the stars for who knows how long. Long enough that I know I didn’t get enough sleep. Stretching my arms above my head a small pop comes from my lower back. That feels better. Part of me wants to stay curled up in the blankets, but I know if I do that, I will stay in bed all day, and that will only leave me to think about everything that is going on. I’m having a hard enough time distracting my thoughts from the meeting Timas is attending this morning .
Pushing the blankets off my feet, I swing my legs off the bed and place them on the cool floor. A pair of warm slippers sit off to the side of my bed, and I slip my feet into them, enjoying the warmth they provide. A couple of weeks ago, I had told Timas that the floors were so cold in the morning, and the next day, he had a huge selection of slippers in all sorts of colours and types filling part of my suite. The man doesn’t know how to reign in his extravagant spending. One pair would have been enough, but he sent nearly fifty pairs. It took way too long to convince him I didn’t need so many pairs, and we agreed to donate them to some of the shelters in the lower city to help those who do not have nearly as much as we do. I kept the lovely dark blue ones because they remind me of Timas’ eyes.
My heart flutters to life thinking about Timas. He is thoughtful and kind, a bit over the top, but I love him so much. He pays attention to the things I say and has tried very hard to make me comfortable in his world. My thoughts are disrupted by the door opening on the other side of the suite, and Sylphina walks in with a large smile on her face.
“Good morning!” Sylphina sings as she walks in. “Did you have a good sleep?” She places the tray of food she is carrying on the end table by the window.
“Not great.” At that exact moment, I am overtaken by a powerful yawn that stretches my entire face. Shaking off the exhaustion, I stand and head towards the smell of fried potatoes and eggs. I missed the food I used to eat in the village. Nothing can replace the smell of roasted meat or potatoes frying in fat wafting through the village in the morning. My belly rumbles at the thought of such delicious food, and though this meal isn’t exactly like what I would get back in the village, it is still amazing. The cooks in the kitchen make it just for me, which makes me feel so special. I told them they didn’t have to, but they wanted me to feel comfortable in the palace, which nearly brought me to tears.
“Thank you so much, Sylphina, this looks great.” The plush chair engulfs me, making me feel all cozy. Sylphina hums and putters away in the room while I dig into my breakfast. What is on these potatoes? They taste great. Between bites I note, “You seem very happy today.” She doesn’t contain her smile as she pulls another dress out of the closet.
“I am. I went on the most amazing date last night!” She clasps her hand and spins in a circle. She is adorable. She’s over a hundred years old but she gives off a youthful energy, like she is just seeing the world for the first time. I envy that. I wish sometimes life hadn’t been so hard growing up—that I was an Orc and would have fit in better in my village, or that my father would have been left alone so we could have lived life in peace in the village. But then I guess I wouldn’t have met Timas, and I can’t imagine living without him. Sadness sits heavy on my heart as I think about what could happen at this meeting. If they forced Timas to bond with Queen Neeve, then what would I be? The mistress? I can’t do that. I can’t share the man I love, but I would understand if Timas needed to go through with it. To protect the many, I can sacrifice my love. I would go back to the village and become a spinster, because the sun knows I won’t find a love like this again. There is no sense dwelling on it right now though, so I focus back on chipper Sylphina.
“Tell me about it.” I give a small smile, hoping she can’t see the turmoil that curls inside of me.
“He came to the palace to pick me up, and then he took me down to the docks! He had organized a boat ride to the middle of the channel, and he had a packed meal! We talked for hours! And oh boy can the man kiss! I’ll likely be thinking about that kiss ALL day!” She squeals.
“When did you meet him?” I pop a piece of fruit into my mouth and taste its sweet flavour, which cuts through the oil that coats the potatoes.
“A week ago I went down to the tavern in the lower city with a friend. We were having a great time, and then this gorgeous hunk of a man walked in, and my whole world tipped on end! I figured he wouldn’t notice me at all, but he looked right at me, smiled, and walked over! We talked all night and we have spent every evening together since! I think I’m in love.”
I chuckle at her infatuation. Part of me wonders about her spirit bond, but she seems so happy, and I don’t want to ruin her happiness by bringing it up.
“I am so happy for you, Sylphina! You deserve all the happiness in the world.” She sighs with a wistful expression, reminding me of when I met Timas. Though it scared me, I also felt so overwhelmed with emotion for him, though maybe that was the bond.
I finish breakfast and Sylphina helps get me ready. I’m wearing a beautiful green dress with gold accents today. It still feels like too much to be wearing such extravagant garments every day, but Timas says that there is a standard for a Queen to maintain. Timas found me attractive in my lady’s maid uniform. I doubt he really cares what I wear but he said it is important to follow these standards. They are beautiful—I just feel like the money could be spent somewhere better.
I figure to distract myself, I will go visit Father and see the new addition to their blacksmith shop. As I wind through the many hallways of the palace, it is a peaceful experience, but sometimes, I would give anything for the busyness and loudness of the village—that way, it can drown out my worrying thoughts. Going down a level, I find the servants’ areas, which is always a fun experience because everyone is very nervous when I come around. Still, over time, I have eventually been able to break down that class wall and start to build relationships with some of them. Timas isn’t a fan of me going into areas that are not as well guarded but I think he is worried for nothing. I am just about to pass the kitchen when the head chef, Bilna, calls out to me.
“Your Majesty!” A smile covers my face. He knows I am not Queen, but he insists on calling me that.
“Bilna, you know I am not Queen yet. Besides, I would much prefer you call me Emilia or Em. Whichever you prefer.”
“I would prefer to give you the respect you deserve, Your Majesty.” I shake my head as he continues. “Did you enjoy your breakfast?” I can almost taste those flavourful potatoes all over again.
“It was amazing! What did you put on the potatoes? I’ve never tasted anything like it before!” His face lights up with a proud smile! I love it when people take pride in their work. Actually, I just love it when people are happy.
“You liked it? Oh good! I had some special herbs from another island brought in. It’s called tynsith. It’s a lovely green herb specific to that island and gives it this earthy taste! I wasn’t sure if you would like it!”
“Like it? I loved it, Bilna! I could eat it everyday.” He laughs and waves a hand in the air, sweeping away the compliment.
“You flatter me. Your presence is always welcome but I fear with all these compliments my head will be too large and I won’t be able to leave this kitchen.” I laugh and give a little wave as I continue my walk to the forge.
Everyone has been so nice to me here. The Fae staff have welcomed me warmly, though some have been wary of me. I have also heard the murmurs, the fear that I –as a human–am not fit to be the Fae Queen. I understand their reservations but I try not to think about it often because I already feel unworthy to be Timas’ spirit bond.
The corridor outside the kitchen leads to a back door. I like this part of the palace, it’s filled with familiar sounds. Staff mill about doing their tasks. It reminds me of working at Lady Dahlia’s estate. I may not have enjoyed working for her but I enjoyed working with the other staff. I have a hard time feeling comfortable walking the main halls where nobles wander and scheme in the corners. I push open the heavy wooden door, the sun lighting the courtyard. I take a deep breath as the sun warms my skin, I love the warmth that the sun brings. Timas set Father up in an extravagant blacksmith shop—it’s the nicest blacksmith I have ever seen—with every tool you could possibly imagine. Father didn’t know what to do with himself when Timas presented it to him. He didn’t say much, of course, but the tight half-smile that pulled against his white tusks, which made them more pronounced, told me he was beyond pleased.
As I walk the short path to Father’s shop, the sounds of hammers hitting metal fill the air. Memories of the early mornings I started the fire for Father consume me. The smell of burning wood and melting metals feels like home. The perfectly cut grass on either side of the path is a stark contrast to the dirty job of smithing, which in turn reminds me how much my life has changed. From a simple rustic life to one of luxury and queen-to-be. My stomach turns again thinking about the meeting that is taking place right now.
Garrick is out front of the smithy, hammering a bright orange piece of metal. His hair is falling out of his tie and getting in his face, but he doesn’t let that stop him from molding the metal into the shape he desires. Across the yard, I see two Fae women huddled together, looking at Garrick. He has become quite the attraction for many Fae women, especially with working out front. With no top on and only a pair of loose-fitting pants and a leather apron to cover him, he is very much on display for anyone to see. I roll my eyes as he stands straight up, rolling out his shoulders in an exaggerated manner, which elicits a few squeals from his audience. He looks over at the women and winks, one woman clutches her chest while the other fans her face.
“Must you entertain them like that?” I ask, finally reaching him. He looks over at me smiling, and chuckles at my annoyance.
“They come here for a show. I am just giving them what they want. Morning Em.” He starts to head toward me, arms outstretched to give me a hug, but I backed up quickly to avoid his messy hands and disgusting, sweating body.
“Ew, gross. Wash up first.” He huffs, still smiling at me.
“You were a lot more easygoing when you weren’t about to be bonded to a Fae King.” He grabs a stray rag and wipes his hands off.
“I also didn’t have ridiculously expensive clothing back then. I don’t need you messing up such nice clothing with your grossness.” Patting down my dress, the soft fabric reminds me how expensive it was.
“Come on, Em. If this one gets dirty then Timas can just buy you another one.” He smirks thinking he is so smart, not realizing the guilt I feel for having such nice things.
I catch a glimpse of movement in my periphery as Father exits the building carrying several pieces of wood in one arm as if they weigh nothing. He is several inches taller than Garrick, which means I am a dwarf in comparison. He drops the wood beside the furnace, dusts off the stray wood shavings, and turns to me with a beaming smile at my presence.
“My little Swallow! What a nice surprise!” Before I have time to react, he has me in his arms in a bone-crushing hug.
“Hello, Father.” I barely squeeze out, but I return the hug with as strong of an embrace as I can muster.
“He can hug you dirty, but I can’t?!” Garrick says somewhere behind Father. Finally, he sets me down. He turns to look at Garrick and smacks him in the shoulder as he goes to grab his tools.
“You, boy, are not her father. I get all sorts of privileges that you don’t. For instance, I got this fancy new hammer, and you got my old one.” Garrick makes a disgruntled noise before grabbing one of the stools and sitting down.
“You both are ridiculous. It’s not a competition. Anyways, what are you working on today? Besides being the entertainment for the passing Fae women.” Father looks around at the comment, seeking the audience I speak of. Garrick just stretches his arms over his head, flexing his muscles for the two women who are STILL watching from afar. Father makes some sort of noise before shaking his head and going back to what he was doing.
“Garrick, stop messing with the poor girls if you aren’t going to pursue them.” Father’s tone is heavy with reprimand, and Garrick responds with a sigh.
“Maybe I will pursue one of them.” A tone of resignation filters heavily through his comment. It’s surprising because I always thought he desired to wait for his soul bond, so I asked him as much. He looks at the two women who have finally decided to move on. He looks past me for a moment, when he replies, his eyes hold the weight of the world, like he is contemplating the existence of life.
“My soul bond isn’t out there. I’m half-Orc, so there is no guarantee the goddess saw fit to give me one. Besides we live here now, if I did have one she would be an Orc. How many Orc’s are around here? And besides, who would want a half-Orc? Few Orc women were interested in me in the village. How did they put it? I’m a ‘half-breed with tiny tusks.’ The Fae women like to look at the big muscled green Orc but they don’t want a relationship.”
He puts his hands on his knees and pushes up, standing to go back to work. Obviously he doesn’t want to continue this conversation.
“Garrick, that’s not true! There is someone out there just for you, and she is going to be perfect! I personally can’t wait to meet the woman that can bring a smile to your face.” I’m not sure my words are helpful, but I do believe there is someone special out there for him. Before Father could say anything to likely encourage him, a whooshing sounds from behind us. A figure blocks out the sun briefly—the figure is a familiar one. It’s Timas. Without thinking, I head in his direction, my cheeks pulling to the side, barely able to contain my grin. Before his feet hit the ground, his arms are stretched out, and I am running to fling myself into his arms. He wraps his arms around me, his palms coming to rest on my sides, squeezing me tight to himself. I have my arms wrapped around his neck, and within a moment, his lips come down on mine. Tingles erupt up and down my skin, and his lips open to mine. Even though we spent all evening together, it never feels long enough. My body constantly craves his presence, and when he is not around, a nagging sensation lives permanently in my stomach telling me to go find him. The idea of being so in love with someone is unnerving, but when I see how he looks at me, it all just feels right. He sets me down, pulling away slightly and my instinct is to grab his robes tightly and keep him close to me. These involuntary reactions are so frustrating that I let out a small groan as I step back.
“It’s the bond,” Timas whispers to me. He tells me all the time that the moment we have our bonding ceremony and we finally become one spirit, it will get easier, but it still annoys me.
“I would believe you felt bad for me if you didn’t smile so much when you told me that.”
He doesn’t even try to hide his smile. “It’s hard to feel sad when the most gorgeous woman in the world is infatuated with me.” A sound of gagging comes from behind us. As I turn around, I see Garrick hunched over, holding his stomach pretending to throw up on the ground.
“Would you guys please keep all your lovey-doveyness to—I don’t know, somewhere else?” He stands.
“I own everything, if you have a problem with my affection for my spirit bond, you can vacate the premises.” Timas stares at Garrick speaking with dead seriousness.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Milori is right. You are dramatic.” Garrick throws his hands up to emphasize his point.
“I am not dramatic!” Timas’ voice rises a level, which just makes me snicker, because he is not helping his case. “ ANYWAYS , I have spoken with the council.“ The atmosphere changes immediately, and the knots I had been trying to ignore all morning come rushing back to twist and turn in my stomach. Father and Garrick turn their attention to Timas.
“It did not go well. They have decided to put it to a vote and enacted the Royal Compliance Act. Where it sits right now, the only vote that will go my way is Estola. The others seem to be determined to have a forced political bonding between Neeve and I.”
“And what about Emilia?!” Father is angry, and I understand why. How could the council expect him to just leave me and bond with her? But then I remember all the people who have died, and I wonder, yet again, if it is better this way. My heart aches for the love that I have for Timas, but if it is what is best for him and his people, perhaps we should consider it.
Timas turns to Father. “I will bond with her, Zornak. She is everything to me. If the council forces this, then I will abdicate, and Emilia and I will go somewhere else. I will not give her up for anyone.” Father seems pleased with Timas’ determination, but I wonder if it is selfish not to think about what this will mean for the Fae people. But I keep that to myself for the time being.
“It is good I found you all here anyways. I have a meeting with Ruk and I wondered if you would care to join.” Immediately, Father and Garrick take off their aprons and arrange the smithy for their departure.
“Is this about you owing him after helping father?” I look up into his dark blue eyes. I knew that the chief would come to collect and it just doesn’t seem right that he is using Timas in that way.
“Well, according to him, this is just to talk alliance, and he feels we have a previously established relationship, seeing as I am bonding with one of ‘his clan members’.” I feel disgusted by how manipulative the Orcs can be. They do nothing to help my father while he is being held captive, then they claim me as a clan member even though many didn’t accept me. “At this point, I want to know what is happening on the continent. Ruk wants to use me, but I can also use him for information. I suppose we will see who can outsmart the other. He may have used you as a way to talk with me but that doesn’t mean we can’t use him to our own advantage, though at the moment I don’t see a need for him. We have enough going on with the Night Court. Their problems will need to wait for the moment.”
We head for the front of the palace, where there is a designated area for guests with unclear business. A series of meeting rooms that are used for such guests are just outside the main area of the palace, however they are inside the palace enough that no one would be the wiser that they aren’t trustworthy.
The room we enter is large, old paintings done by famous artists decorate the walls, some of important Fae people while others are just of landscapes. The long rectangular table fills most of the space with a vase of fresh cut flowers sitting in the centre. Perfectly baked pastries and flower juice lay on the table for our guests to enjoy but not one has been touched. High back chairs surround the table, they are comfortable which will help our guests feel more relaxed. To the left is a series of arched windows, the top of which have stained glass pictures while the bottom is clear and look out onto the courtyard. Chief Ruk stands at the far end studying one of the paintings: a large painting of a Fae woman with white blonde hair. Her bright green eyes remind me of Milori’s. She looks regal, wearing a cream-coloured dress and white diamond jewelry that looks like it probably weighed a ton. The more I stare at the painting the more I am mesmerized by her beauty. She has a soft smile that makes her seem safe and approachable. It’s no wonder Ruk is drawn to this painting.
“Chief Ruk, good to see you.” Timas’ greeting startles the Chief, as if he was in a trance. When Timas is within arm’s length, the Chief puts out his hand and grasps Timas’ arm, hitting his closed fist against his chest in a typical Orc greeting. Timas does the same, making me proud of how much he has learned about Orc culture. “ Please have a seat.”
We all take our seats, Timas at the head of the table, me to his right, my father and brother beside me and Chief Ruk to Timas’ left with his entourage beside him.
“What can I do for you?” Timas doesn’t show any emotion on his face, a defensive expression to put others at a distance. The kind man I know behind closed doors is hidden behind the face of a stoic King.
“As you may have heard, there has been some recent activity in the North,” Ruk says, clasping his hands in front of himself on the table.
“I have been informed of some of the issues on the continent. Care to elaborate on the situation? The last we knew, the Human Kingdom had broken off their alliance with the Northern Orcs. Once High King Alistair realized we were watching the Northern Orcs, they pulled their support completely. From our previous conversation you are able to fight the Northern Orcs without aid. Is that no longer the case?”
“Yes, well, that might have been well and good had the humans stayed where they were supposed to, but my spies have recently discovered that the alliance between the Northern Orcs and the High King has resumed.”
Timas leans forward, clasping his hands in front, mimicking Ruk.
“What has changed?” Timas asks.
“We do not know. I have had spies trying to figure out why King Alistair has joined their fight again, but we have had no luck. I was hoping you might lend a hand. Perhaps if you sent some forces to aid us we may yet scare the Humans back to their side of the continent.”
Timas leans back in his chair and assesses Ruk. He lets out a long sigh before speaking.
“I am afraid there is not much I can do for you right now. We have just discovered another murder in the city, and things are escalating with the Night Court. I am sorry for the issues you are experiencing but I am unable to divide my own forces with a war on the horizon for us.” I’m shocked to hear about the murder. Why hadn’t Timas told me sooner? “The best I can do is send out a couple of my own spies to help discover what Gormesh has on the High King.”
“I believe that whatever is happening between the North and the High King involves the Night Court.”
“I do not appreciate you using my tenuous relationship with the Night Court as a way to get me more involved in Orc politics. I have told you what I am willing to offer. If that is not to your satisfaction, then I guess we are done here.” Timas and I leave the room but Father and Garrick did not follow. They are engaged in a conversation with their Chief because, even though they live in Sonas now, they will always be under the authority of Chief Ruk. I hope they don’t get put into an impossible situation.
When we are a ways away, Timas continues to walk fast as we leave the meeting room behind. I am panting from trying to keep up with him, but he doesn’t notice because he is too wrapped up in what is going on in his mind. I pull on his arm to slow him, but it takes me a couple of tries before he turns to look at me.
“Do we need to run away from the meeting? You seem to forget you are much taller than I am. It’s hard to keep up with you.” He comes to a complete stop and looks at me. Pushing his hand through his hair in frustration, he pulls on it slightly.
“I’m sorry, my flower. I am just on edge with everything going on. After the council meeting and dealing with Ruk, I’m done with leeches in this palace.” He grabs both of my hands in his and looks deep into my eyes.
“I understand it has been a frustrating day, and yes, there have been some unforeseen events, but I think you need to take the Chief’s thoughts seriously. What if there is something else going on with the Night Court?”
He shakes his head as he responds. “They have no reason to get involved in Orc business. They want to destabilize us and take over here. It does not make sense for them to play with the Orcs. No, what I have offered is enough. If he chooses to reject it, that is his choice. Now why don’t we go for a walk or something? We will be having dinner with Queen Neeve tonight. Perhaps I can talk her into another arrangement that doesn’t include bonding. Something we can both benefit from.” I nod my head and he turns, leading us down the hall.
Something doesn’t feel right about this, though, and I think Timas is allowing his frustration with the council to cloud his judgment. I’ll have to come up with a way to help Timas because if he is not going to figure out what is going on then maybe I can do something small to help. I’m supposed to be his partner after all.