Some years later
I smiled and pulled the blue, leather-bound story from its shelf in the cabinet room, then glanced back at the closed door before ducking under the table with my lantern. Running my fingers over the swirling design carved into the hide, I opened it to a preface I had read many times:
When my parents (well, Xander’s parents) died and I was ‘orphaned’ a counselor told me that writing down my thoughts might be the best way to cope if I felt overwhelmed. After everything, I am more than overwhelmed so here it is: The Prophecy of Tyalbrook - a history.
This is my story, the best that I can recall, so that future generations of Merciers and Martins, elves, fae, and Guardians will know how we came to be what we are today.
I chewed my lip and flipped through page after page until I came to the folded piece of parchment which marked the place I had left off. With shivers teasing my skin, I continued reading.
The Prophecy of Tyalbrook - Coming Home
Before Xander and I left the privacy of my room at Valeyah, we discussed the events that took place on the field with the Drakoon. Barda, the cheerful and lovable redhead, had died trying to pull me away from the main battle at Xander’s orders. Xander knew we needed to keep the creature away from the fighting so he would not use his powers on our people if he sensed he were losing. The plan worked. The Drakoon—too intent on possessing me so he could enter Valeyah—had ignored the war raging around him and followed after us. His desire for what he wanted overtook any care he had for his army.
Barda’s sacrifice remains a bitter pill to swallow.
Selene’s death, a thrown dagger to the back, wasn’t nearly as difficult to accept but it was hard to process. Like Lizelle, she had only wanted to live her life. She was a victim of my future, and love. Had she not fallen for Rioden perhaps she would have stayed in that little cabin in the woods and never ventured back into Tyalbrook to make a deal with Tabor. We’d never know what ultimately turned her against us. Thomas later apologized and confessed he was the one to bring her down.
“I spotted her across the fighting, circling where she stood, and watching us all. I could not let her escape through a portal. If she returned to Earth, or found you, or Xander—”
“You have no need to explain, Thomas. You offered yourself up as a sacrifice the day you walked through that portal with me. Without someone here to bind her magic, we couldn’t keep her captive. Killing her was the only way.”
There were others who died there while I battled the Drakoon. Fae who had no choice in the side they fought for, thanks to the dark possession the Drakoon held over them. And Guardians, though, thanks to the elves our losses were small.
That leads me to the next revelation Xander made. The moment the Drakoon was contained in a magical dagger, his spells broke. His army collapsed to the ground, weak but no longer under his control. The Ladies of the Glade brought similar news from Ridgecrest and Ballinger. Montibello was safe and the villages—while heavily damaged—were secure. There were casualties, but the elves sent by Aeromin and Griffin had made a difference.
“One more thing,” Vonnedenia said after she updated us on home. “Amandalyn is back in Montibello.”
My grip on Xander’s hand tightened. “Is she…” I could not voice my fears. Tabor had kidnapped her so long ago. The things he—or the Drakoon—could have done to her.
The Three exchanged amused glances before Vonndenia answered. “She is well, milady. She was rescued by my brother, Bosche, who was taken captive when Elendriel was destroyed.”
I’d barely processed that when Xander chuckled. “What is it you three find so amusing?”
They refused to answer, claiming that it was best left for my sister to explain when we were reunited. That was something I wanted above everything else. That, and to see my friends and family in Tyalbrook. To celebrate our victory, and to mourn our casualties. Casualties we did not yet know the extent of.
So, after stepping into the elaborate main hall of the Valeyahian castle I politely declined Lizelle and Magadalyn’s offers of a tour of the land and their attempts at an awkward family reunion feast and asked to return home to Montibello. Lizelle would remain Queen of Valeyah, for now. The gateway between our two lands would remain open—my great aunt assured me of that—and soon we would gather to discuss what the future held for all of us.
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We were welcomed by a band of riders before my gaze touched the drawbridge of Montibello. Lachlan, Smith, Rioden, and a certain green-eyed soldier who bowed his head when our eyes met. They were safe. I’d cried. Xander lowered me to the ground and allowed me the time I needed to greet each of these men properly with words of gratitude and hugs.
And for once, I had the pleasure of telling Rioden and Xander I knew something they didn’t as I re-introduced them to Thomas as a cousin of Xander’s father. It gave me great joy to give him a family member when so many had been taken away. Leaving them to chat, I pulled Nickoli to the side and slid my arms around his waist.
“When I found you had left for the Enchanted Forest, I feared I’d never see you again.” It took him a moment before he returned my hug. I swallowed a lump in my throat. “Your father—”
“Kerra and I have had long discussions while awaiting your return, Skye. She was justified in killing him. I do not place any blame on her.” His hands went to my elbows and tugged until he’d detached us. “You married him.”
It wasn’t an accusation, though his suffering was written plain for me to see. “I love you. You are my best friend, but I could never live without him, Nick.”
His beautifully sad smile threatened to shred my soul into a million pieces. “I know.” He chucked my chin. “You are my best friend, too. I am happy for you both.”
We walked the remainder of the way to the castle with my arm tucked in his elbow and the rest of the men behind us.
“Our sister—” Nickoli teased, and my heart regained some light knowing he would forever consider Amandalyn his family. “Has found herself in an interesting position.”
“So she’s truly okay? She wasn’t injured or tortured?”
“I believe she would tell you she is being tortured beyond an acceptable amount as we speak.” Nickoli’s light tone set off warning bells that were quieted at the sight that greeted us as we crossed the bridge.
The entire castle seemed to be standing in the outer bailey cheering our return, and at the front of the line were Amandalyn, Mother, and Emeline. Rioden had already informed Xander that Cillian was injured and was fighting an infection that threatened his arm, if not his life.
I looked over my shoulder at Xander who gave me a wink before I ran the remainder of the way. Queenly behavior be damned! The sound of the laughter I shared with my mother and sister for the first time still tickles my ears. The memory of their fierce hugs still clings to my body.
I patted Manda’s cheek, my emotions raw. “I always wanted a sister,” I told her. She hugged me tighter. “And you should finally meet Xander.” I stepped aside as Manda greeted Xander in the same manner she greeted everyone. With love and total acceptance.
“And who is this?” I asked as the fae standing at Amandalyn’s left side stepped closer.
“Bosche, Your Majesty.” The handsome fae said with a well-executed bow. “Your sister’s mate.”
I whipped my head to Manda, and Xander choked. “Your mate?”
“So he says.” Manda rolled her eyes. She leaned closer and spoke for my ears only. “Honestly, I am not sure. He makes my stomach dance and my body weak, Skye, but he is pushy and argumentative, and way too handsome to make a good mate.”
My bark of laughter at her confession turned her cheeks pink as everyone’s attention returned to us. “Sounds like a Guardian I know, sister. Stick with me and I’ll teach you how to deal with him,” I whispered conspiratorially before I turned back to Boshe and thanked him for saving my sister.
Emeline and I shared a hug next. Her tired eyes told me of her worry for her brother. “I will send for Griffin. Perhaps he could help somehow.”
“Griffin is unable to leave Hivernia, Skye.” That came from Nickoli. “He sent word with one of his men. It was something to do with the deal he made with Aeromin.”
Convincing the Elf King to help us had cost Griffin his freedom. That was the price he spoke of when I was in Hivernia. Xander’s hand on my back told me he would support what I was sure he knew I was thinking: I would figure out a way to discuss this with my Great Uncle and Griffin. I would return to Everly and Hivernia one day.
That evening, Montibello celebrated. A few days later, Xander and I discussed having a kingdom official wedding only to find out most everyone knew we’d already had a secret one. Life began to move on. The tent city cleared of people as the refugees felt safe to rebuild their villages. We offered whatever support we could, and the fae—thanks in large part to Bosche, who continued to pursue Manda, and the Ladies of the Glade—offered their services to help rebuild anywhere that would allow them.
And then a fortnight or so after I returned to Montibello, Nickoli asked to leave.
“I cannot stay.”
I can’t say I didn’t expect this when he found me resting before a fire in my bedchamber. He’d been busy helping set up the castle guard and rebuild and secure Ridgecrest. “We don’t want you to go. You must know that.”
His smile was sincere as he took the seat beside me. “I know. I am happy for you, Skye. It was always supposed to be this way, but that does not make it easier…”
“I’m sorry.” His father lied to him his entire life. He expected a wife, a kingdom. He lost the future he was promised. And when I thought I’d lost Xander, I’d loved him just enough to make him think he had a chance.
“You have nothing to be sorry about. I will be fine. There is still much to do and I am happy to do it for you.”
The entirety of our conversation is one best left between us but I can say there were tears. He’d walked me through one of the darkest times I’d known and in turn I’d walked him through processing his father’s death and the loss of the future he’d always planned.
He took Smith, most of his original guards, and a few Guardians and walked through the same portal in the western forest cave that brought me to Tyalbrook. I rode with Thomas, after leaving Xander and a larger contingent of men back at our camp, to see them off.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” I asked once again.
Nickoli reached up and helped me from my horse. “Your husband thought it was a good idea, my Queen.”
I slapped at his shoulders while he couldn’t defend himself. “Yes, and I know how much you respect Xander’s ideas.”
Nickoli’s mouth pulled into a smile before he sobered. “It will be good for me. I will search for your friend Janelle and we will hunt down any of the Semvon or other creatures who might be in your world and be back before first snowfall.” Note: As I write this the first snowfall has come and gone, twice, and still there is no word.
The last words were smudged and I flipped the page where…
“Where is my Ava Belle?” Daddy’s deep voice echoed in the hall outside the cabinet room.
I hurried, flipping pages and finding them all blank. She did not finish telling the story!
The heavy door swung open and I swallowed a scream as Daddy made monster sounds and tiptoed his way to the desk I hid beneath. He snarled, and I giggled.
“Somebody snuck out of her bed again,” he growled. He knelt until his face was level with mine. “Reading again?” he asked, not at all surprised. He found me teaching myself my letters in this very room when I was little. I loved the smell and the beauty of all the books lining the walls.
I slid the book aside and crawled out of my hiding space. “Did I scare you and Mommy?”
His forehead wrinkled as he looked where I left Mommy’s book, then he slid his hands under my arms and lifted me into the air. “Your Daddy is a smart man. He knew where to look.” He kissed the top of my head.
Squeezing me tight, he bent down and extinguished my lantern before carrying me back toward the wing where our bedchambers were. I wrapped myself around his body and settled my head between his neck and shoulder.
“Why are you awake, Daddy?” I asked as he took the staircase up.
“Because Xan was hungry. Why are you up, little one?” He swatted my behind.
“Because Xan cries too much.” I pouted.
“Yes, he does.” Daddy laughed. “He was just born though, Ava Belle. That is how he tells us when he needs something. Someday he will talk just as much as you do.”
“Tomorrow?” I asked, pinching his neck.
“God, I hope not,” he muttered as we walked into Mommy’s bedchamber. “Look who I found with a certain book.”
I wiggled my way from Daddy’s arms as Mommy’s eyes grew wide. “A certain book?”
I climbed onto her bed, my gaze skimming my new baby brother’s tiny body. I frowned. He had been here for two days and all he did was sleep, cry, and eat. He was boring, had made Mommy very sick and round, and took Daddy’s name. Why did they want him?
“Mommy, I read your story. Why didn’t you finish it? I want to know Aunt Manda’s story with Bosche, and Nick, and Griffin. What did Cousin Lizelle do when you left her in charge of Valeyah? And all the others, the fae and elves…”
“Oh, my darling”—she adjusted Xan and wrapped her free arm around my shoulders until I was snuggled into her side— “you know many of those people, do you not? Are they happy?”
My gaze went from Mommy to Daddy’s as he sat on the edge of the bed. He gave me a smile and stroked Xan’s cheek. My little brother’s eyes opened, then closed as his mouth went back to eating. “I think so,” I said thoughtfully, teasing Xan’s little fist until he clenched around my finger. So, maybe he was cute. When he wasn’t crying. “But I want to know how they fell in love like you did. Were there more bad guys? What happened with the elves and the fae after they all fought with each other?”
“Princess.” Daddy reached across the bed and tugged my long hair. “Your mother is exhausted. Maybe you could ask her another time?”
I huffed a little sigh and tipped my chin so I could look at Mommy’s face. Her eyes were closed, though there was a smile on her lips. She patted my arm and rolled her head on her pillow to meet my eyes.
“Better yet, you should ask them. Those are their stories to tell.”
“Like you told your story?”
She yawned. “Exactly like that.”
I drew my legs closer, seeking Mommy’s warmth as Daddy adjusted Xan in her arms and pulled a blanket over his backside. The way he touched Mommy’s cheek—right where she had a magical mark that I was only just beginning to see—made me smile. His blue gaze captured mine and he lifted his brows before he walked around the bed and slid into the vacant spot beside me.
“I gather I get to sleep with both my girls and son tonight?”
I giggled and turned until our faces were inches apart. “Daddy?”
“Yes, my little princess?”
“Do you think they will tell me their stories if I ask?”
His nose nudged mine. “Yes, baby. I think they would love to share their stories with you.”
The End
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