19. Chapter Nineteen Arryn
Chapter Nineteen: Arryn
After leaving Rhowyn's room, knowing I could trust Baer to keep her safe, I walked to the sitting area and poured myself a glass of whiskey to sip before the fire. So much had happened the last couple of days that I hadn't fully had the chance to process yet, making me feel more reactive instead of my usual proactive self. I much preferred having a plan and full understanding of a situation. Since meeting Rhowyn, I had felt anything but my usual self. I needed a moment to fully wrap my mind around it all, sipping the whiskey as I thought about everything I knew so far and all the things I didn't.
When I’d been given the assignment to accompany the Prince to Earth, I’d had no idea about the intention of the trip or what the outcome would be. I had simply been excited and grateful for the opportunity, hoping to impress him and further rise in the ranks as a result.
My whole life, I’d been groomed for the role of soldier, like my father before me. I’d been raised to appreciate the structure, honor, and predictability that the life of a soldier offered and had come to find peace through control. I liked knowing what would come next, the logical strategizing and planning, and the camaraderie found when more than one person came together to achieve a goal. The role of Consort had never been something I’d planned on, but now that I was here, I needed to find a way to make it work for me, to take back control of my life from the chaos that the trials would bring.
I sighed, taking another sip as I watched the flames dance in the hearth reminding me of Rhowyn, that undeniable passion she held so similar to the conflagration before me. She was beautiful and entrancing but dangerous for those who dared draw too close. And yet, there were those who were brave enough to chance the dance, to risk going up in flames as they mastered the element. This was an opportunity that I was desperate for, the moment when my life would change if I only had the fortitude to see it through despite all the risks. Somehow, I felt she was worth the peril. She had ensnared me like a moth drawn to the light, and I was incapable of resisting her pull on me.
Before the ceremony tonight, I had held only a faint hope of being with her. Which was why I’d distanced myself from her after healing her. The intense desire to protect her had come out of nowhere, overpowering my logic, and I’d had to separate myself from the temptation of a girl who would never be mine. But it seemed fate had other plans for us.
I hadn't decided yet if my infatuation with her was a good thing or not, but I seemed helpless to avoid this path I was on with her and had no choice but to see it through to the end.
When I had glanced up from my post by the wall during tonight’s ceremony, watching over the High Fae and court members present, I had been immediately transfixed by the image she had presented. Despite still being in her human glamor, she was magnetic and regal, shining with such an inner beauty. I wasn't the only one to notice either. Though the other courtiers and fae present held nefarious intentions when they gazed upon her, searching for a way to use her. My desire to ensure that didn’t happen had shaken me. Now, I could see that I was meant to be hers all along. Her protector and consort.
I took my role seriously, which was why tonight had disturbed and angered me in a way I had never truly felt before. I desperately wanted to get my hands on the bastard who thought he could invade Rhowyn's room and privacy in such a way. Although I didn't know his intentions, my realistic view of the dark parts of our world allowed me to guess.
There was nothing else for me to do tonight about the situation, but I would be keeping an eye out for a fae with cuts and injuries from Rhowyn's quick thinking. That's if he didn't have himself healed, but I doubted he would do so as the healers in the castle would have questions or suspicions they would pass on to the guard. Or so I hoped. Thankfully, I could rest easier knowing one of us consorts would be with her. I had fully expected her to fight us on this, but she’d surprised us both, leaving me one less thing to worry about.
Tomorrow morning would bring a flurry of activity for us all as we helped Rhowyn to understand her magic and her place here with us. I wasn't ready for her to return to Earth, even though I knew that’s what she wanted. There was something between us that I wanted to explore. It wasn’t just me that felt this way either. All of us consorts had been drawn to her before tonight’s ceremony, whether some of us wanted to admit it or not. Each of us brought something valuable to the table, things that would help Rhowyn through the upcoming trials.
Baer was powerful in his own right and brought connections through his family that were centuries old. Both his mother and father had been involved in the court when they were younger but had slowly withdrawn back to their own lands. Though his desire to avoid the prestige that came from his title and name was unusual. I’d already figured out that it stemmed from his desire to be judged on his own merits and not those of his parents, but if he wanted to help Rhowyn, he might need to use those to his advantage.
The prince, on the other hand, seemed to rely completely on his name, but his powers were most likely the strongest of us all, though no one knew for sure what they were. He also kept his thoughts and desires to himself, never revealing them to anyone. Most people assumed he was like his parents, cold and ruthless. While he seemed to not discourage those opinions, I had yet to see anything from him that would make me agree with them. Yes, he’d been an asshole and prick to Rhowyn, but he seemed to be doing so purposefully. Why, I couldn't even begin to guess. His desire to push her away was so evident, but the motivations were murky.
That just left our final consort who had yet to show themselves, but I was positive they were near. Since the ceremony, I’d had a connection to Rhowyn and the other consorts. Whoever he might be, he was near and safe. Even when Rhowyn had faced the intruder, I’d felt her panic. Her connection was the strongest, but they were all weak because we hadn’t completed the bond yet. The feelings I received from the others were vague and murky instead of crisp and clear like they should be. Even so, I could tell that everyone was resting easily somewhere nearby. Which I should probably be doing as well.
I finished off my whiskey, setting my glass on the table beside my chair and stood, about to head to my room when Lennox entered from the castle hallway. As the door opened, I noticed two guards by the entrance. He could say whatever he liked, but he cared for Rhowyn's well-being enough to go fetch them and have them assigned to protect her.
The corner of my mouth lifted in amusement as he shut the door and noticed me watching him. “I didn't think anyone would still be awake,” he said.
“I just finished a drink, needing a moment to sort my thoughts.” When he nodded, I added, “Baer is in the room with her tonight so she can sleep. Hopefully.”
“That's good. I assume we will be setting up a rotation? Just let me know when and where I'm needed.” He walked to stand closer to me, and I could see the fatigue and battle in his eyes. It didn't appear he'd gotten any sleep yet for the night.
“Ah, yes, about that. I'm just going to say it, but Rhowyn has requested that you not fall into that rotation. Just Baer and I for the time being,” I told him as gently as I could while still being direct to avoid any confusion.
To my surprise, he laughed. “That doesn't surprise me in the slightest.” He chuckled, “I haven't exactly been the most welcoming.”
Not sure if I should press but needing to know more so I could ensure our group didn’t hinder Rhowyn in the trials, I asked, “Why is that, exactly?” I kept my tone neutral but firm and then waited patiently for his response.
He crossed to the bar, pouring himself a heavier draught than I had done for myself, immediately taking a large drink from his glass. Standing by the fireplace now, he stared into the flames as I had earlier. A dark cloud seemed to have consumed him with my question, his shoulders tense as if holding the weight of the world. The silence extended, and I almost thought he wouldn't answer me, but still, I waited, needing to know why he treated her so callously for no reason I could discern.
It was a good thing that patience was one of my virtues because finally, almost too softly to hear, he began to speak without making eye contact. “It has nothing to do with her. Well, actually, it does, but not in the way one would think. This world, here at court, within the castle, anywhere near me, is absolutely ruthless and so dark...” he trailed off before turning to face me. “No one deserves this life, despite what people may think. I want nothing more than to get away from this and to help Rhowyn avoid the nightmare that I’ve been living. I may not be able to help anyone else, but I can keep her out of this.” He took another drink, draining his glass before turning back toward the fire.
“But it seems that despite everything, we may not have a choice,” he said quietly, as if he'd given up all hope for anything better.
I thought about what he'd said before I replied, “I've been at court for a while, always watching quietly from the sidelines as the High Fae play their games among themselves. I'm not unaware of the dangers and the hidden truths, but it seems to me that fate has deemed us worthy of helping Rhowyn to navigate these treacherous waters. I may not have chosen this path for myself, but I know we now have an opportunity to effect changes in the court that can benefit the entire kingdom.
“I'm not sure if you’ve met with the common fae and the others who reside in this kingdom, but they are suffering. They have been for a while. Now, we have a chance to help them. They didn't ask for any of this, but yet they’re the ones to suffer most from all the games.
“So, while this may not be the life you wanted, who is better to fight against this life for the people than someone who understands their suffering? We have a chance to put in a queen who can help us all.”
He didn't reply, just kept watching the flames, but I didn't need his response. I left him there to think on my words while I headed to my bed for the night.
I sat at the small table in our suite, enjoying a cup of coffee, that amazing human drink doing wonders for my tired mind. I was thankful Baer had brought plenty back with us, especially knowing how much Rhowyn enjoyed it in the morning.
As if my thoughts had conjured her, she came out of her room in the same oversized shirt she’d been wearing last night and some shorts that gave me another glimpse of her toned legs. Though not near the same amount as before when she wore just underwear beneath her shirt, it still allowed me the same vision of her thick thighs wrapped around my waist while I thrusted deep inside her. Blood rushed south as I took notice. I did my best to ignore it, thankful that this time I was at least sitting so I could hide my reaction and that she seemed to still be half asleep, not noticing my perusal.
I smiled to myself at the sight of her hair that was messy and disheveled. It would certainly be more appealing if I had been the reason for the state of her hair. “Coffee?” she barked at me, her voice slightly rough from sleep. In every single way, I found her absolutely intoxicating.
“Right here.” I pointed to the pot on the table that had been enchanted by the kitchen to stay warm, along with the rest of the food they had delivered to us earlier.
Baer had already risen, eaten, and then left to train before we got started for the day. Lennox was somewhere in the castle, having left before breakfast. I wasn't sure when he would return, or if he had even managed to get any sleep last night .
Rhowyn moaned as she took her first sip of coffee, completely unaware that she had done so and of her effect on me. Not feeling the need to speak yet, I allowed her to enjoy her morning silence and peace before we ruined it with everything we had to get done.
When they had brought breakfast to us, I had obtained the itinerary from Juniper, the ladies maid assigned to Rhowyn as a Chosen. I gazed out the window as I sorted out the best course of action to accomplish the extra tasks that Rhowyn would need to complete since she hadn't grown up in Avalon.
When she started to load her plate up with food, I finally broke the silence. “How'd you sleep?”
“About as well as could be expected after having someone break into my room.” She piled the food on, but then conceded, “But better than I had hoped knowing one of you guys were with me.”
She seemed like she didn't want to admit that last part, and I smiled behind my own coffee cup. Stubborn girl. “Well, that's good because it seems we have a busy day today.” She glanced up at that, the question evident in her face. “I'll go over everything when Baer returns, which should be any minute now.”
“Where'd he go? I was surprised he wasn't still in my room when I woke up,” she spoke around bites of food.
“If I hadn't been here, he would still be with you, but since I was, he went to do some training before we all got started.”
“That makes sense. Where'd he go to train? I was hoping I'd be able to get a workout in myself at some point today.”
“I can show you later because I was hoping we could all go and get an understanding of how we work individually and as a group, which will be important to know for the trials.”
“I don't mind going, but I really don't plan on being here much longer. I was hoping to speak with Master Jude some more to see how I can get out of being a Chosen. I just don't think I'd be a good fit as a queen, and I already have people who are counting on me back on Earth.”
I held my tongue for now, knowing there was no way I would convince her otherwise in a single morning. She would need to see over time that she was exactly what we needed in a queen and that she couldn't possibly be worse than the one we currently had.
The door to the room opened, and Baer entered, freshly showered after his training, and joined us at the table, pouring his own cup of coffee, preventing me from having to say anything. “Good morning, Sunshine!” he sing-songed to Rhowyn as he sat down. She cut her eyes at his jovial mood and just took another sip of her coffee. Not taking her mood personally, Baer laughed at her grumpiness, which to be honest was quite endearing in my personal opinion.
I smiled to myself as Lennox joined us as well, taking a seat across from me at the table, the bags under his eyes telling me he hadn't slept at all after our talk. He remained silent as he sat there, not making eye contact with anyone.
Rhowyn bristled at his appearance, but I started speaking before either of them could rile each other up. “So, we have a lot to get done today, especially since Rhowyn has so much to catch up on. No offense, Rhowyn,” I stated matter-of-factly.
“None taken,” she replied, not feeling the need to elaborate or take my words personally. I found I really liked that about her, the ability to allow logic to supersede her emotions.
“That said, outside of the tasks the Queen has set in preparation for the trials, we need to all find time to train Rhowyn so we can figure out which magics are innate to her as a fae, as well as how to control the powers she’ll gain with us as her consorts. We’ll also need to evaluate each other so we can determine how to best work together. Which means we need to find the final consort, whom I'm guessing is in the castle somewhere or nearby. We just need to find him, and the sooner, the better.”
I glanced at them all, waiting for a sign of their approval before continuing. “I'm thinking that we can start with Rhowyn and myself to see if she has an affinity to Summer's magic. Then she can go with Lennox since she's already worked some with Baer.”
“Whatever you think, but I've spoken to Master Jude this morning, and he’ll be making time to see Rhowyn at some point today as well. Hopefully, without raising suspicion,” Lennox stated without looking at anyone.
“Sounds good to me. What about you, Rhowyn?” I asked her.
“I'm game to check out my magic, but I’m also eager to speak with Master Jude. Until then, I guess I can keep up appearances.”
“Okay, why don't you go change, and we'll get started on some training,” I instructed her.
“Yes, Sir.” She gave me a smirk and a salute as she got up to leave. I didn't respond, smiling at her behind my coffee cup as I watched her walk away, her hips swaying softly. Little did she know how much that response had gotten to me. Once she had closed the door behind her, I faced the guys.
“How are we going to find our fourth consort? I would have assumed he would have made himself known by now, but he obviously hasn't,” I asked them, thinking out loud.
Baer shrugged, not seeming too concerned, ever ready to go with the flow. Lennox finally met my gaze, and muttered, “Unless he can't”.
“What do you mean?” I asked him, well aware that there could be several reasons as to why our fourth had not made himself known.
Lennox just shrugged, seeming unconcerned, but I could see the subtle lines of tension running through his body. “I mean, there are many reasons, least of which is a fear of Mother dearest.” He smiled at that, but his eyes remained cold and flashed with anger.
I didn't ask him to elaborate, instead moving on. “Well, whatever the case, maybe Master Jude can assist if he hasn't made an appearance by then.”
“That's if it wouldn't be completely pointless since Rhowyn is wanting to leave as soon as she possibly can. If he has a way to make that happen, none of this will matter,” Lennox said, as if completely unbothered, however the war was evident in him.
As if I didn't have enough on my plate already, I had to deal with his petulance and attitude over the whole situation. I couldn't focus on him right now though, too many other things needed to be accomplished in not a lot of time.
Rhowyn came out of the room, and I stood up, Baer following suit. “Let's head to the training room,” I said as I exited the room, hearing everyone follow behind me.