Kastlai Dun

Claire watched Desaree in the reflection of her mirror while Desaree pinned her hair into place. She was already dressed—only the finishing touches remained. She glanced down at her vanity. Queen Ahlessa's sapphire necklace sparkled up at her in its box. After a brief look, she grabbed the box's lid and covered it.

"Oh no!" Desaree swatted her hand away and uncovered the gems. "You will wear it."

She sighed, gazing at Desaree's stern expression in the mirror. "It's just so excessive, don't you think? Besides, why do I have to go? Since when do handmaidens dictate their lady's schedules?"

"Lady Claire," Desaree's voice was unyielding. "You have locked yourself in your sleeping chamber for four days consecutively—ever since your kidnapping. Now, I understand that you need time to heal. However, you cannot hide from the world forever, and you especially cannot hide from King Talon."

Claire offered Desaree a look that said, what's-the-big-deal? In exchange, she earned a gentle shove in the back and a loud scolding. "How many times did King Talon knock at your door?! Hmm? And how many times was I forced to turn him away? Gods above! Me—turn away Dragonwall's king? What would my mother say?"

"I assure you, Desaree, he'll live."

"The king is worried about you, Claire. Don't you crinkle your nose at me! You should have seen how he looked each time I refused him."

"Oh? And how did he look?"

"Like he might gobble me up!" Desaree cried.

Claire laughed. "I think he prefers livestock."

They both laughed. When Desaree calmed down she said, "The least you can do is walk with him. That is all he requested."

"I suppose you're right...it is just a walk." Claire couldn't avoid him forever, no matter how badly she wanted to.

"There now. See?" Desaree smiled. "That was not so difficult, was it?"

Desaree knew all about Claire's rescue. She also knew exactly what had happened between Claire and the king—about the bath and how he had taken gentle care of her. Desaree had appreciated hearing this and said, "Anyone who takes meticulous care of you has earned my favor. King Talon did exactly what he should have."

Desaree also knew why Claire was avoiding him. She knew about the confusing and even frustrating feelings Claire had developed. "It's probably just some kind of rescue-romance syndrome," Claire had claimed rather defensively when she spilled the beans. "I mean, how cliché can I be? But it makes sense, right? I'm not the only person to feel something for her rescuer."

"Reyr rescued you too. How do you feel about him?"

Desaree's point upended Claire's theory and she was unable to give an answer. Even now, Claire knew she felt something different for Talon than she did for Reyr. But Desaree was right. Reyr had rescued her too.

In the mirror's reflection, Claire watched her frown deepen. She hated her confusion, hated not knowing how to feel. What was worse, none of it made sense. How could she go from hating someone's guts to...well...liking them? What happened to the neutral phase?

When Desaree finished with Claire's hair, she attached the heavy diamond-encrusted sapphire necklace around Claire's neck. "There. You are ready for the king's company now."

Claire studied her reflection, rather beside herself. Maybe Desaree was a Mage in disguise because her hands always worked magic. What was more, the combination of her royal blue gown with the sapphire necklace was astonishing. She thought of Talon. "He has good taste, doesn't he?" she mused. And for some reason, she wanted to laugh at her own joke, but she didn't.

Overall, what she saw in the mirror was a bit...well...much. Too much, in fact. It looked like she was ready to step foot on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. All this for a walk?! Apprehension clutched the pit of her stomach, tightening its fist. This would do the opposite of what she wanted, and what she wanted was to melt into the shadows. What she didn't want was attention, and like this, that was exactly what she was going to get. "Des...wouldn't my khaki brocade be a better fit than this?"

"I know you doubt me." Desaree bent over behind her and rested her chin on Claire's shoulder affectionately.

Claire sighed. "I'm going to have to trust your judgement then, just so you know."

Desaree's eyes twinkled in response, but she stayed silent. Moments later, the king himself knocked at the door. Claire rushed to stage herself in her living area.

After formally greeting His Majesty, Desaree melted into the shadows and Claire stepped forward. When King Talon saw her, he appraised her and said, "Lady Claire, you look better than expected. It appears you do not have the plague after all." His eyes lingered longer than necessary over the sapphire necklace before he added, "I think you will find that the weather is beautiful today." After saying all this, he bowed politely.

She went to curtsy. This was all very curious. Worse still, it was unpredictable. Unpredictability left her uneasy. After what had happened, she had no idea how to behave around him. She straightened from her curtesy and said, "Thank you for your concern, King Talon. I apologize for hiding away." Her words were too formal—too stuffy. She mentally cringed at her awkwardness.

"No need to apologize, my lady. It looks like the time has done you well."

"I...I suppose it has."

He gazed at her apprehensively. "I trust that you are well then?"

She opened her mouth and hesitated before saying, "I'm getting there. I still feel...I don't know. It's hard to explain."

"I see. Please let me know if there is anything I can do."

"I...thank you."

King Talon looked appeased. In the gathering silence, his gaze fell to her chest. This time he said, "I did not expect to see you in that."

She exhaled; an unexpected smile tugged at her lips. "Someone once told me this dress needed a necklace and insisted that I wear it next time."

"That must be the first advice you have taken from me." His face stayed neutral, but his eyes glittered with smugness.

She suppressed a laugh. "Funny, Your Grace. Very funny."

"Shall we?" He held out his arm. She took it and they emerged into the corridor. Several heartbeats later, the door latched behind them. There were three people waiting, two castle guards and Bedelth. When Talon saw Claire studying them, he said, "You will get used to it."

His meaning was clear. She was about to see a lot more of his guards in the future. "And what about Bedelth?" she asked, flashing Bedelth a grin over her shoulder. No hard feelings—she didn't mind having him around.

"There is often a Shield by my side, Lady Claire. Why do you think they are called King's Shields?" As he said this, his eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah!" she fired back at his smart-aleck response. For the fun of it, she offered him a dramatic eye roll before turning away. This earned a chuckle in return.

They fell under intense scrutiny as they moved through the keep. It came as no surprise. At first, Claire found herself on edge. This was exactly what she had expected: silent judgement from everyone. It seemed as if every single person living and working in the keep had come to gawk and even laugh at her stupidity. Then something happened to change her mind.

One of the servants she had known during her servant days, Thomas the bread maker, passed by them in a lower corridor. Upon seeing her, Thomas removed his cap and bowed deeply. After mumbling a formal greeting to King Talon, he turned his attention upon Claire and said, "It is a blessing to have you back, Lady Claire! We were all very worried, we was."

Claire stood frozen until Talon nudged her with his elbow. Only then did she remember to cover her surprise with manners. She released Talon's arm and curtsied. "Thank you, Thomas, for your concern. I am grateful for it. You know"—a big smile spread over her face as she thought of something nice to say in return—"I look forward to your spiced bread every morning at breakfast. It is always a delicious treat."

Thomas's face turned a deep shade of red. "Thank you, my lady. Oh, bless you!" He glanced nervously about. His eyes did not land on King Talon a single time. Like many, he showed obvious discomfort in the king's presence.

To distract, she said, "How is your dancing these days?" She fondly recalled the old man's spryness on the dance floor. The night of Verekblot had left her with many happy memories.

Thomas's face split into a brilliant smile. "Better than ever, Lady Claire, better than ever! Say, we all miss you at our little parties. I do hope you might consider coming to the next. I'd be glad to have you back as a partner."

"I..." She glanced up at Talon. He looked on, a small smile tugging at his lips. Otherwise, he said nothing.

Thomas took advantage of her silence to add, "You will always have a place in our hall, Lady Claire, if that's what you be worrying 'bout."

She offered him a smile in return. "Thank you, Thomas. That means a lot to me...You know, I think I will take you up on your offer sometime."

Thomas bowed his head, mumbled his thanks, then took his leave. Once he was gone, Talon's eyes danced more than ever. No doubt the interaction had amused him.

The unexpected behavior didn't stop with Thomas. Many of the keep's servants—particularly those who knew her from her servant days—offered Claire words of comfort. They bowed and said things like, "The gods smile upon you, Lady Claire," and, "Anything you need, my lady, don't hesitate to ask." It was overwhelming.

"The people of Dragonwall admire you," Talon said at one point, which only made her more self-conscious of what was happening. When she glanced up at him, he looked thoughtful.

Overall, they conversed very little out in the open. She was almost glad for it. It gave her time to think over Talon's words and the servants' behavior before they reached the Great Keep's garden.

When they arrived, Talon led the way in, taking them down a path directly left of the entrance. This path—if they stayed on it the whole time—would take them all the way around the garden. The path went around the flowerbeds first, then the shrubberies, and finally through the trees, which were like a tiny forest. At its furthest point, the path deflected and snaked its way back along the right side of the garden. There were other paths to take, each splitting off to take visitors through the garden's displays, but they kept to the path along the edge.

Talon had been right about the weather. It was a stunning day outside. Kastali Dun sat on the coast; the beginning of the fall season meant cool sea breezes to chase away the fleeting heat. Claire welcomed the breeze, especially in her heavy gown. At the moment, the sun was behind a dark cloud. All the faraway things glowed while everything else was bathed in soft, gray light.

As she walked she inhaled deeply, shutting her eyes. She used Talon's arm for balance and allowed her senses to relax. Being outdoors immediately calmed her nerves. Desaree had been right. She shouldn't have locked herself away for four days, but to be fair, she needed that time.

She glanced up at Talon; his face was set. His quietness was probably a sign that something was on his mind. Her theory proved correct when he said, "I wish to know, Claire, is it me that you hide from, or the people?"

She wet her lips and glanced about before saying, "Both, I suppose."

"I see." He fell quiet.

She grew apprehensive. "If you must know," she said, "I fear the peoples' judging gazes. I fear what they might say about my misguided escapade, about my carelessness."

"And from me? What do you fear from me?"

Her heart stuttered. Things between them had changed so quickly in the past week. She didn't know what she felt. "There was a time, Your Grace, when I both feared and hated you."

"And now?" His voice held hope.

"Now? It is neither, I suppose. If anything, I admire and respect you." She glanced up at him in time to see the corner of his mouth turn up into a pleased smile. Her eyes lingered over his scars, studying them as much as the opportunity allowed. He was sensitive about his appearance; she didn't want to make him uncomfortable by staring.

"I am most pleased and honored, Lady Claire. Respect and admiration are noble qualities to have earned, especially from you." He glanced down at her and their eyes met. His silver irises were like brushed aluminum in the sun's absence. She turned away, dropping her gaze from his.

"Tell me, Lady Claire, if you hold me in such high esteem, why do you admit to avoiding me?" Talon's question sharpened her senses.

"Perhaps it is my own shame that keeps me away." They had just rounded a corner along their path, which took them past a bed of exotic plants.

"Shame?" Talon's step faltered and he glanced at her. "Shame for what?"

"For having misjudged you." Her gaze slid over a cluster of purple, unfamiliar flowers, before finding Talon's face.

His eyes closed briefly and he nodded. "Your misjudgment of me was well warranted. You should feel no shame in that."

"I...perhaps so." She fell quiet, desperately searching for something else to say. A couple of hummingbirds caught her eye. She gazed at them, following their quick movements until she felt a smile on her lips. "Nature has a way of lifting one's mood, doesn't it?" she found herself saying. "I suppose Desaree was right. I shouldn't have locked myself away for so long. Although, her reasons were more along the lines of"—she lifted her voice several octaves higher—"In your position, you cannot afford to hide away forever."

Talon chuckled. "Desaree is wise. As royalty, you set the example for the people."

"But how can you stand it?"

"Stand what?"

"Being on display all the time? Doesn't it drive you mad?" She saw that his eyes held a wicked gleam. It made her smirk and say, "Yes, I suppose it does make you a bit mad, doesn't it?"

"I will always be a bit mad—in that I have no choice. I do the best that I can. When it becomes too much, I seek refuge in the only thing that has been mine, the only thing that will always be mine."

She stopped and turned to him, letting her arm fall from the crook of his. "What one thing do you mean? I could use a one thing."

Talon chuckled. "I am afraid this one thing is an ability you do not possess. Can you guess it?"

She was silent for a moment before an answer came. "Flying. You go flying." A dreamy feeling passed over her. Her mind was swept away to the clouds.

"You enjoyed flying too, didn't you?" His voice was low.

"I...Yes..." Her answer was barely a whisper. Before she gave too much of herself away, she took up his arm again and spurred them forward.

A comfortable silence fell between them as they made their way towards the trees. With fall upon them, some of the leaves had already started to change color. It reminded her of Indiana, when the weather turned crisp. It took her mind back to memories of Halloween and Thanksgiving. She lost herself in her thoughts as they meandered along their path. Every so often, people passed by. These people bowed and greeted their king respectfully before paying the same honor to her. Fortunately, being out in public wasn't as bad as she had expected.

After a while, an idea came to her and she said, "Your Grace, I have something to ask you." She stole a glance at him before continuing. "Given what happened to me, I see that I am disadvantaged. I would like to expand my training."

He was silent for a moment before saying, "Perhaps I do not follow."

"When I was in that cellar—" She shuddered at the thought of it. "—I was helpless to do anything. I couldn't have defended myself even if I had tried."

"Poison has wretched effects on the strongest of us."

"Yes, but I'm talking about self-defense. Saffra has her bow. Cyrus had his sword. All I have is magic—not very reliable as we have seen." She wanted to be stronger. If she knew how to fight, then at least she could defend herself.

King Talon considered his answer before he said, "Women do not generally engage in combat. Saffra is a unique exception given that she is not a Rider. But I can think of no reason to say no."

Claire exhaled and smiled. "Thank you. That brings me to my next request."

"Oh?"

"Cyrus's sword."

"It is yours—if you wish for it. I am reluctant to part with it..." He sounded every bit as reluctant as he claimed. "But it makes sense that you should have it."

"Thank you." She schooled her features. Inside she was whooping with excitement. "You know what?"

"Hmm?" His eyes danced with curiosity.

"We just came to several agreements without arguing. I think that's a first for us, isn't it? Shall I continue asking for things?" She held his gaze and lifted an eyebrow.

At this, Talon laughed. Birds from the trees took flight. She began to laugh too—it was contagious. "Do not push your luck too far..." he said after they calmed down.

She returned her gaze to the walking path, smirking. They fell silent after that, walking arm in arm. It was comfortable saying nothing, but it was also dangerous. The silence allowed heavier thoughts to creep into Claire's mind. One in particular clawed at her. To be fair, it had been nagging her for a long while. She had done well to avoid it, but she couldn't do that forever.

"Something is bothering you." Talon's words brought her gaze to his.

"Yes..." She sighed. "We never talked about my mark after..." She trailed off. Talon remained silent, his gaze focused ahead. She stopped and forced him to face her, then said, "Talon, am I a Sprite?"

His continued silence did not sit well with her. When she lifted both eyebrows, he said, "I suppose it is a possibility."

"A possibility? That's it? Talon, people don't randomly acquire Sprite markings for doing magic, do they?"

"Not that I know of. But we cannot make assumptions based on that alone. This requires the attention of one more knowledgeable than me."

"So...you really don't know?"

"Not with certainty, no."

He reclaimed her arm and replaced it about his, intent on continuing their walk. Perhaps he did not like the confrontational stance. They hadn't taken more than a few steps before she said, "Avoid it if you wish, but I think I'm a Sprite. I must be. There's no other way to explain it." Her brain picked through the events leading up to this and she added, "I think I have known for a long time—even before my mark appeared. Seeing it only made the realization more frightening."

"Have you any reasons beyond your mark and the fire that created it?" Talon glanced at her. His face was smooth, but his eyes reflected his curiosity. He wanted answers as badly as she.

"Enough reasons, yes." There was a long silence that followed. "I can share my theories if...if you're interested."

At this, Talon's face lit up. His scars disappeared before her eyes, bringing back the same boyish appearance she had seen when he laughed. She liked this version of him best. "Does this mean I have earned your confidence?" he asked.

She smirked. "Safe to say you have—as long as you behave yourself."

"I shall try my best. You have my word."

Their banter felt so easy now, so natural. Why hadn't it always been this way? Perhaps under different circumstances it would have been.

"Good, then I shall tell you." She did exactly that.

Talon listened quietly as she explained her reasons, going all the way back to the beginning. From the moment she set foot in the Gable Forest, something inside her had clicked. She shared a suspiciously strong connection with all living things in the forest's depths. She found Esterpine when all other outsiders had failed. She recognized wood from its forest in the throne room by scent alone. "More than that, my magic has been wrong. Remember how I told you that the words didn't feel right?"

Talon frowned. "I remember."

"That practically confirms my theory. And if that isn't good enough, the mark is enough to confirm what I have been denying."

"Your reasons are convincing, but I believe you have overlooked one important detail."

"Oh?"

"The Sprites do not leave their forest. They simply don't. Isabella was an exception, as far as I know. How could their blood have made it into your world—into you?"

She chewed on the skin on her bottom lip then said, "I think I have a theory for that too."

"Hmph! I should have known." He pinned her with a stare. "Let's have it then."

"Irelia. Irelia is the key."

"Irelia?" His brow furrowed. "The dead princess?"

"Yes. You're probably going to think this is completely insane. Saffra certainly did."

"Saffra already knows?"

Claire winced apologetically. "I talked to Saffra and Desaree about it when Saffra told me about her dream and..." She was about to mention the cave discovery beneath the keep, but refrained.

"Saffra had a dream?" Talon looked especially interested now. "Does this dream have something to do with your theory?"

"It was a prophetic dream. And yes. She had it the night I was kidnapped—the night Dax woke up. It wasn't exactly about the future, but the past."

"Hmm." Talon appeared thoughtful.

Excited to share more, she told him everything she remembered about Saffra's dream, careful to include all the details. They had walked two circuits around the garden by the time she finished. She was growing more and more convinced with each passing minute. The theory was correct—it had to be. The parallels were too coincidental. "It's like the gods were trying to show us something. I think they were trying to show us that I'm related to Irelia. She's the reason I have Sprite blood. She traveled into my world through one of the Gates." She was so close to telling Talon about the broken Gate beneath the keep. Just like with the cave, something held her back. She hated herself for it.

Secrets will only get harder the longer you hide them...

"Claire," Talon sighed. He looked unconvinced. "Irelia vanished over fifty thousand years ago. If you are related to her that would make you..." He shook his head. "Forgive me, but it just seems so far-fetched."

"Who says time moves the same here?" Claire frowned, and that frown deepened the longer she studied Talon's expression. "You don't believe me, do you?"

"It isn't that. I am just...this is a lot." He sighed, then his expression changed to one of resolution. "I will speak to Queen Jade about it. She will have answers."

Claire stopped abruptly and turned to face him. "You're going to see her? To see Queen Jade?"

"Yes. I leave in two days. I am abiding by your wishes and returning the Stones."

"Oh..." A crummy feeling settled over her, but she wasn't sure why. "Should you leave with...with so much bad stuff going on?" She wasn't sure why she said it, and after she did, she got angry with herself. That didn't stop her from adding, "The last time you left, the Vodar attacked the keep."

"This visit needs to happen. We both know it. Besides, you need answers. I need answers. I am responsible for you, remember?"

Her shoulders fell slightly. "You're right."

"I dare say you will not miss me at all. You will be too busy with your new training schedule."

Claire's face broke into a smile. The idea of learning to defend herself fortified her. She hated feeling vulnerable. This was her opportunity to do something for herself.

She and Talon weren't far from the garden's entrance; he took up her arm for a final time and then led them in that direction. They were quiet until they came to a stop. He dropped her arm and turned to face her. The afternoon sun shone brightly on his black hair and crown.

"There now," he said, smiling down at her. "An entire conversation and not a single argument. I like this new truce between us." He glanced down at his mother's necklace—a symbol of their new beginning—before finding her eyes again.

She couldn't help letting one of her goofy smiles slip. "We should consider this a fresh start for both of us," she said.

"I would like that—quite." His eyes sparkled. "You know, this is the happiest I have seen you all afternoon. Am I to understand that you are now well enough to return to the public's eye?"

She considered him for a moment before nodding. "I suppose. I cannot hide forever, can I?"

"No indeed. I was hoping you would say that. I will see you at dinner."

She groaned. "I forgot about dinner."

"I'll understand if you wish to decline, but your presence in my hall would bring me pleasure."

She considered declining, but the hope in his expression changed her mind. "I'll go." Once again, she internally berated herself. Since when did she cave so easily?

"Thank you, Lady Claire." He smiled and stepped back a single pace. Then he bowed before saying, "And thank you for gracing me with your company this afternoon. My guards will escort you back to your chambers. When you arrive, you will find two more waiting in the corridor outside your door. It is time you grow used to them."

For once, she had no desire to protest. His eyes darted over her face expecting her to. When she said nothing, his chest fell with obvious relief. "I am glad you understand the need. Thank you. See you tonight." With that, he was away. Bedelth winked at her and then took off to join him. She was left to watch their retreat in the presence of her new official entourage.  

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