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Iliana didn’t see Saira until that night and she was happy about that for it took all day for her to take in what she’d been told and adjust to living with such knowledge.
“What are you thinking, Ili?” Thia asked standing next to her friend at the palace.
“About what the hell convinced me to come” she said as they looked out.
“Well, be pensive later. The queen’s maid said you’re to go to the Riverfork”
“Bloody hell” she groaned about to go find Saira
“Is that what you’re wearing?” Thia asked giving her captain the up and down.
“Yeah, why?”
“You’re living among Faeries. Ten to one you’ll be more widely accepted if you perhaps act a bit more like a Faery” Thia said bemused. “Besides you went shopping with that handsome Faery gent and got some nice things”
“Thia, shut up” Iliana said ushering her friend out as she changed but even in the tight fitting dress she still gave off an ominous aura wearing a dagger strapped on the inside of her thigh. “Well, these slits are good for something” she thought aloud heading down to the main hall.
Saira stood at the bottom of the stairs fighting with several of the Head Councilors who made it their business to be in hers.
“Your protection is key!”
“Now that the Door is open the threat is great!”
“One Elf is not adequate guard!”
“As Queen you have responsibilities!”
The defined snap of Iliana’s fingers as she summoned fire to light a smoke forced the Councilors quiet from curiosity. She took a long drag then blew out the fire, the heels of her boots echoing in the now silent setting as she walked down.
“Nice timing” Saira said gratefully.
She gave a slight acknowledging nod before turning to the Councilors.
“Lord Sevilith. I believe it was you who said one Elf is not adequate? If what I know to be correct, Saira has been off with one Faery before and the respected Lord Liraen felt such was adequate.”
“Liraen may be respected but even his methods are questionable”
“So then what would you find adequate?”
Several spoke at once but as no one had a proper solution Iliana started to escort Saira to her beloved Riverfork. As they sauntered out proudly, Tryck was literally biting his tongue as he’d been severely scolded after his antics with leaving his post.
“He’s staring at you?” Iliana said. “And he’s less than happy”
“He’s mad because I denied him again”
“Derek gave me a few vague details”
“He knows just as much about it as anyone else”
“Meaning?”
“The whole city knows about us because we are a wonderful source of gossip for the trees”
“The trees?”
“Yeah” Saira smirked as they came upon one of the ferry boats. A few Faeries greeted them as they took seats shoving off down one of the many rivers that webbed throughout the massive forest that formed Faylion.
Faeries fluttered overhead and Iliana watched Saira put on the facade covering her heart of grief but Iliana could practically feel how she was being torn up inside.
“How will going tonight help you?” Iliana questioned
“I don’t know if it will” Saira admitted seeing no point in lying to her.
Iliana crossed her arms and legs hating the very idea of going to the Riverfork.
“Don’t even think about it” she snapped as Derek was about to grab Saira from behind.
“She’s good Saira” the ferryman, Barinthus said with a grin
“I’m sitting right here” Iliana tried not to snap but the ferryman just smirked her way.
“Don’t mind, Barinthus. He speaks only to me” Saira explained.
“You ruined my fun” Derek complained crawling into the ferry over the railing making the entire thing slosh side to side in the water. A few Faeries around cursed at him but it was to no avail.
“Scaring people isn’t fun”
“I told you” Saira said sticking her tongue out. A little pixie fluttering around flew down and landed on her tongue for a moment until Saira’s face scrunched up and she pulled it back in. “Where have your feet been?”
The pixie laughed and flew off finding someone of interest that caught Saira’s eye. She rose and walked over to Liraen who smiled brightly at her. Iliana tightened her already crossed arms uncomfortably especially since she felt a sudden light heartedness rise in Saira.
“And here I was under the impression Liraen was one of the few Faeries you may actually like” Derek commented laying down on the ferry floor so he could stretch out on the crowded boat.
“I don’t like any Faeries”
“Not even me?” he teased “C’mon, chisel some of your icy exterior off and converse”
“Saira’s in love”
“What?! With Liraen?” Derek said sitting up quickly giving him a head rush
“No” she replied rolling her eyes
“Jeez, give me a heart attack. So what do you mean then?”
“There’s a feeling of love in her but I cant pinpoint who...not even why”
“Oh well that’s because its no one here and there are no whys to love” Derek sighed leaning back again
“What do you mean?” Iliana asked but Derek found himself distracted by a Faery lass waving above.
“Faeries are meant to live, laugh, drink and love.” Barinthus began. “Never to be bogged down by responsibilities, even lack thereof. And when one finds the latter on such a list, thus exists the Faery kiss”
Barinthus went back to steering and Iliana knew it was futile to push him for meaning so she turned to Derek as he’d been playing a sort of guide for her.
“Nope” he said no needing to look at her. “And if you reach for the dagger you’ll only be setting yourself up for plenty of perverse comments already running through my head” he added knowing her natural instinct and sure enough she retracted her hand. “Ask, don’t expect”
“Ugh...okay, Derek, what did he mean?”
“There’s an old legend many fellow male faeries try to use to their advantage. It’s said the romantic heart of Danu allowed Faery souls in Tir na Nog to be reborn in the world so they could attempt to find one another. Should these soul mates meet, its what’s dubbed a ‘Faery kiss’”
“Don’t you already do that being faeries? Kiss?” Iliana said with bitter sarcasm.
Derek smirked. “A Faery kiss is no ordinary kiss. It stated that when they meet and both remember the love they had in the celestial realm, any mortal wounds are healed and its magic” he ended fondly.
“So...you think Saira–”
“Is blessed”
The ferry man ran up onto the shore and kept anymore from being said. Iliana looked over and saw that Saira had fallen into Liraen’s lap both laughing as he helped her up again. Saira made her way back over to her lady-in-waiting wiping water from her eyes disguised as ones of laughter.
“I’m surprised to see Liraen here. But I suppose now that his duties have ended he’s allotted some fun” Saira said hopping off the ferry tossing a few coins to Barinthus.
Derek flew off ahead to the Riverfork just ahead and no doubt to make sure Saira was well greeted. Iliana held back any looks of amazement she wanted to show but her lack of expression only bid more Faeries to attempt some sort of antic to get a rise out of her. She noticed that the moment she came to the brink of pulling her dagger out, Derek always seemed to intervene. Saira seemed to be enjoying herself and Iliana could sense and easement of her grief as she said drinking with Liraen, Derek and a few other but it was all short lived as Saira eventually over drank herself and Liraen hoisted her over his shoulder carrying her back to the palace.
“Faeries live such healthy lifestyles. And you two are less than helpful” Iliana scolded in fear of showing care for the Faery queen.
“This is how people here deal with things” Derek said as they walked to the library. “Right, Liraen?”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s an intelligent decision on our part. Saira has never had a firm handle on her tolerance so perhaps she may need another outlet” Liraen suggested.
“Like what?” Iliana asked settling into a chair. “What about a pendant like he’s got?”
“No, Saira’s situation differs”
“Hmm...leave it to me” Iliana smirked suddenly.
“What are you thinking” Derek asked
“Don’t worry about it”
Derek looked over at Liraen who just smiled knowingly before taking his leave.
“I guess I’ll go too since I don’t think you’ve quite warmed up to me yet”
“Good assumption”
Derek sighed and got up but instead of leaving he went to check on Saira one last time. Iliana knew but she justified not going after him by saying it would save her the trouble. As he walked into the room though, he found she was not alone.
“Shouldn’t you be at your post?” Derek asked, his face lighting up in the darkness as he lit up a smoke.
Tryck ignored him as he caressed Saira’s drunk reddened cheek.
“Who is it?” he finally asked
“What?” Derek asked confused
“Don’t ‘what’ me. You know all her secrets. I just want to know who it is that managed to get her heart before me”
“That is the only secret I don’t know” Derek sighed
“You lie!” Tryck snapped leaving Saira’s side grabbing the front of Derek’s shirt and shoving him against the door frame. “Tell me!”
The pendant on Derek’s neck glowed momentarily as he pushed Tryck off and out the door kicking him to the floor. He shut the door quietly and squatted beside Tryck who was desperately trying to catch his breath while Derek waited patiently blowing smoke out the side of his mouth.
“Why don’t you and I have a heart to heart?” Derek stated more than asked while Tryck was immobilized. “Now we met under interesting circumstances that even left you with that little ever reminding scar. I’d even go so far as to say you’re one of my best mates but Saira will forever surpass you”
“What’s this, ungh, got to do with anything?”
“You love her. You have since she crashed into you all those years ago and I do not envy you for I’ve always known Saira’s heart had already been given to another. She never should have tried to convince herself otherwise.”
“She does love me”
“But not in love” Derek clarified. “Hell, she loves me too. The two of you have tried many a time but it wasn’t to last”
“And I knew that. I tried to distance myself but what good did it do? Everyone knows about us so where do I get posted? It’s pathetic”
“And sneaking up to see her isn’t helping. Besides plenty of faery lasses crush on you”
“Yeah right”
“Tell me, are you the soldier who’s supposed to be standing guard at the front door?” the icy voice of Iliana said walking up.
“Yeah” Tryck answered remembering her from the Mountain Pass
“So how do you expect to prevent weasels like High Councilor Sevilith from waltzing in here if you don’t stand at your post?”
“Hey I don’t take orders from you–.”
His silence came quickly as Iliana pulled him upright with surprising strength. He winced as his stomach still ached from where Derek had kicked him.
“Fact one, I am Iliana Verus, captain of the Mountain Rogues and I don’t put up with any insubordination. Fact two, I am the Lady-in-waiting and from what I understand that grants me said authority you tossed aside. And fact three, I don’t care how you feel. Saira has made her choice. Deal with it”
She released him but kept her hand close by the dagger at her hip.
Tryck coughed and headed down the arched hall.
“Tell Sevilith to leave on your way out” she called after him. “And you” she snapped at Derek. “Stop fighting her battles. That’s why she cant handle anything. She’s sheltered to high hell. Everyone hands things straight to her”
“Now we don’t”
“Then leave her be. Let her grieve to you but don’t let her bottle it up.”
“Fine words coming from someone like you!”
“The difference between you, her and anyone else is that I have to be apathetic to help those who cant be. I understand feelings and facades more than you ever will so don’t lecture me–.”
Derek didn’t know why he did it but the brief moment where he kissed Iliana was bliss...until she clocked him square in the cheek. He fell back as Iliana stormed off and he grinned happily as he lie on his back feeling the slow swell of his face. Saira’s door creaked open and her tired face appeared in the gap.
“You didn’t?”
“I did” he smirked
“Well no point in flying back this late. C’mon”
Derek rolled over and pushed himself up as he followed her back inside collapsing on her bed as she went to a cabinet full of different potions. She soaked a cloth with threw it at Derek as she downed another concoction to help with her headache.
“You really like her?”
“I’m starting to” he said feeling instant relief .”How do you think she’ll fare tomorrow?”
“If she can keep her tempter in check then just fine...”
“What?” Derek asked as she trailed off.
“Before she wasn’t yelling at you was she?”
“Nah. Tryck snuck up here though I doubt he’ll be coming back”
“You think so? How many times have you kicked him out?” Saira pointed out.
“Plenty but Tryck knows I wont kill him. Iliana however is a volcano...ready to burst at any second”
“To learn how Faery politics work. Just be glad I’m not making you dress up like I have to.”
“Why are you so amused?”
“Because many of the Councilors expected to have traded seats by the time I came to rule”
“After the meeting, you’re coming with me”
“Not yet. I have something to show you today” Saira smirked and Iliana had to admit her expression and manner was quite convincing that nothing bothered her but she knew. The fact Saira tried so hard to hide struck a chord of sadness within Iliana and that fact bothered her.
She followed Saira out and when the Guard tried to follow on Sevilith’s orders, one menacing look from Iliana had them stay put. In no time at all they came upon the same arena where Saira had broached the Lady-in-waiting subject to Iliana, only now nary a seat was empty. Faery lords and ladies chatted as they floated overhead and Iliana felt their dislike of her presence.
A deafening whistle sounded and everyone flew to their proper seats but no one sat; they were waiting. Saira walked in and with each being she passed they bowed respectfully. Sevilith greeted them before flying up to this seat and Iliana noticed there was no way for her to step up to her own. Though as on cue when she tapped Saira’s shoulder, roots lifted from the ground in steps up to her seat.
Saira finally sat so that everyone could get comfortable.
“Why isn’t anyone saying or doing anything?” Iliana whispered to Saira.
“Tradition. Until I speak the first word to the Council, no one can speak or sit.” she smirked. “Now then, what calls our attention?”
As High Councilor Sevilith rose into the air from his seat nearest to the queen and flew toward the podium Iliana took in the small difference that had changed since her last visit to the room. Instead of four seats where she sat there were only two.
She was surprised to discover a strange similarity in the way the Faeries dealt with their politics and the way the Elven courts do. The singular difference being the incredible influence of the Queen’s position. Faeries hung on Saira’s every word and should she have a comment or dispute, she did it all with a commanding air that surprised a majority of the attendees having only seen the carefree side of the Faery princess.
As issues in each province were relayed through Sevilith Saira listened intently taking in every angle of the situation, hearing out every opinion and to Iliana’s amusement, always managed to make the decision that best irritated the High Councilor. Unlike Queens before her, Iliana learned, Saira preferred to be present during judicial hearings of Faeries accused of wrongdoings no matter how trivial. Most of the issues were emotional outbursts in reaction to unresolved war time issues. Hearing the sorrows of others seemed to lessen Saira’s hurt if only a little but Iliana knew that the connection between Saira and her dead parents would not be forgotten so easily.
As the meeting came to an end the trees opened and the Faeries flew out to savor what remained of the day. Sevilith approached Saira and Iliana bowing first and foremost.
“I must confess, my lady, I feared today would be a disaster” he said avoiding a look in Iliana’s direction by any means
“I’ll take that as a compliment” Saira said almost painfully resisting the urge to roll her eyes as she started off.
“Prin– I mean, your majesty. Might I request the honor of your company this evening?”
“For?”
“Dinner?”
Saira thought for a moment. “Eight-o-clock” she stated leaving before he could protest.
“I suppose I’m required to go to that?” Iliana asked as Saira headed into the market via ferry as her lady-in-waiting was wingless. Barinthus nodded at them both and Iliana’s face scrunched as he seemed to be the ferryman no matter where she stepped on.
“Afraid so but I don’t think he expects you too which will make the entire night worth it”
“You live to defy them, don’t you?”
“Keeps them wary especially after the Doamna incident and I prefer it that way.” Saira admitted rather bluntly.
Iliana sneered at the name and jumped off the ferry when it came to a stop but she tensed seeing a familiar face and out came the dagger. Saira immediately jumped down in between Iliana and Cairya, an Elven Rogue Saira had met on the way to Adrendatlan before all the mess had happened.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the Rogue wannabe” Iliana hissed into a drop of fear despite the attempted intimidation in Cairya’s vicious glare.
“So, how’d you scheme your way into the city you terrorize?” Cairya snapped back.
“Stop it” Saira stepped in silencing them both. “It’s obvious there’s some bad blood here but I’m not willing to deal with it right now”
Saira stormed off and Iliana groaned angrily sheathing her dagger quelling the urge to slit Cairya’s throat and followed Saira. An awkward silence floated into the air and Saira stopped and pulled out a chair at an outdoor pub pushing Iliana down. She spun another chair around straddling it as she leaned on its back.
“Spill”
“Excuse me?”
“My life’s pretty much an open book due to your little gift but you’re a mystery otherwise. That’s fine for most things but if its going to be violent then I need to know about it”
“What?”
“How do you know Cairya?” Saira said getting to the point.
Iliana sighed. “I traveled to Elherid to see an old friend and on my way through Nymphess Forest I came upon an Elf with her pet Roc”
“Say what?”
“R-o-c” Iliana clarified. “Giant bird-like creature. Looks like a eagle but huge”
“I know what a Roc is” Saira rolled her eyes.
“Anyway, she woke and attacked me disregarding the Roguan code”
“Roguan code?”
“Never attack a fellow Rogue, to start, unless they give you just cause. Well I wiped the floor with her until her Roc joined in and attacked me too” Iliana paused rolling up her sleeve to reveal three thick scars made by razor sharp talons. “Then it pissed her off more when I nearly cut its wing off injured as I was”
“Well that would explain”
“Oh it gets worse” she actually smirked lighting two smokes handing one to Saira. “Apparently I had a bit of a fling with her brother as well and that sent her over the edge into the never redeeming myself category not that I care to”
Saira smirked as well. “It’s the flings that get us”
“Is that experience I hear?”
“Aye, it is” Saira sighed. “Do me a favor though, avoid attempting to kill fellow Elves. It only makes it that much more difficult to encourage others to do the same”
“Alright but if no eyes are watching I’ll kick her to the ground where she belongs”
“You’d have to leave the forest then. The trees know and see all” Saira replied giving a look to the nearest tree as though ungrateful by said fact.
“Damn, I’d love to have left her with a scar or two”
“Why’d she attack you?”
“She was a new Rogue, not to mention fresh from royal paranoia”
Saira smiled and gave a short laugh and Iliana couldn’t help but smirk back.
“You know I have a fabulous tattoo artist if you want to cover that up”
“No, I’m proud of all my scars”
“So am I. That’s why I decorate them. Oh wait, is it because you know who my artist is?” Saira winked
“Why would that make a difference?”
“Well considering his jaw is turning a lovely shade of purple today...” Saira said taking a drag.
“Don’t even think about it” Iliana snapped as Derek tried to sneak up on her.
Saira laughed and Derek flew over and kissed Saira’s head as he lowered in a sitting position his jaw as purple as Saira had said.
“You know Saira, I think she’s too good” he complained
“No, you’re just not good enough” Iliana quipped easily
“Derek, go to work. I don’t want Gofannon getting mad at you again for checking up on me. As you can see I’m in good hands”
He sighed and flew off his wings looking like flames as he went and Iliana couldn’t resist a second glance.
“He likes you”
“It’s obvious” Iliana shrugged
Saira decided not to pry the subject further as she didn’t like the idea of anyone being with Derek and took Iliana about the Market introducing her to people it’d be better to call friend. Eventually though Saira led Iliana toward the palace taking a sharp detour that led into the mountain. Iliana quickly learned there was something off about the caves they maneuvered through for the air felt steamy rather than the normal soothing cool.
“Saira, where are we going?”
“Shh. A kinder awakening” she replied vaguely as they came to a dead end.
“Do you even know where you’re going?”
Saira smiled and snapped her fingers engulfing her hand in blue flames and then pressed it against the rock in front of her. In a sudden flash the flames followed into a spiral design and the cave wall began to shake as the rock slid to reveal a dark opening. Saira squeezed through and Iliana gasped once she followed for before her was a magnificent sight. A massive cavern housing dragons of all shapes and sizes slept soundly steam or smoke billowing from their noses. In the darkness details of the dragons could not be seen but a singular dragon in the center began to flex and yawn waking from his slumber.
As he rose Iliana craned her neck to take in the majestic creature who leaned back on his hind legs and freed his wings stretching for a moment as he fell forward blinking several times focusing his vision on Saira who lowered into a deep bow Iliana quickly mimicked.
“Ah. Ha ha ha! Young faery princess” the dragon spoke in a slow rumbling voice
before spitting fire to the side although it spiraled around the cavern lighting torches the gave light to true mass of dragons and the diversity in which they came. The one before them had scales that shone like gold, with thick talons that looked fierce but not so much as the piercing gaze that had Iliana frozen to the spot. Horns grew from above his eyes and arched over his skull and a line of spikes trailed down his long neck all the way to the end of his tail that bulged and Iliana feared what deadly force or secret weapon lie within.
“Too long, Mestor, my friend. Much has happened” Saira spoke to him with none of the fear Iliana displayed despite her attempt not to.
“Hmm, indeed for here stands a new lady-in-waiting”
“How–?” Iliana said choking up as his reptilian eyes focused on her.
“Mestor can read minds or hearts depending” Saira answered
“Oooohhhhh, child of magic” Mestor sighed suddenly scooping Saira up and blew a ring of smoke around her without meaning to and she smiled half heartedly brushing it away. The dragon’s clawed hand reddened where Saira sat and his face tightened
“I can feel your pain”
A roaring yawn distracted Saira but Mestor guided her back gently with his talon.
“I’m sorry. Anymore I follow anything that will take my attention away from my grief”
“You do not have hard dragon scales so do not pretend to.” he said in a tone that struck fear in Iliana but Saira seemed unfazed. “Do you ask it of me?”
“No” Saira snapped suddenly. “Just remain as you have; there for me”
“The dragons have and always will follow you loyally. But know this, my queen, if it turns too far inward, if thy soul cannot find a peaceful balance, the dragons will step in to prevent another needless war”
“I will not allow another war like that no matter what ails me”
Saira flew off the dragon’s palm and joined Iliana on the ground. “I’ll meet you outside”
“What?”
But Saira flew out and the opening sealed shut leaving Iliana alone with the dragons. She maintained her ground and stood apathetic waiting for whatever was to happen.
“We know who you are” Mestor said motioning with his clawed hand to other dragons behind him that had awoken. “Sairalinde has chosen you and so we place blind faith in you”
“Not quite so blind” Iliana commented keeping a sharp eyes on the dragons shifting about the cave.
“Your guilt rises straight to the peak of your mind. But it is challenged by doubt that it exists”
“You speak of the Acanorum?”
“You know I do. It is that guilt that worries us for that book holds the magic of the world”
“How is that possible?”
“Mysteries to even us earth-born creatures, so you see our hesitance to accept you as lady-in-waiting”
“Why does it matter to you?”
“Dragons swore an oath to the magic-born Faeries upon our birth to defend the queen no matter the cost and since the Lady-in-waiting may play queen we must be able to trust her as well”
“What do you want from me?”
Mestor fell forward onto his front claws shaking the ground but Iliana planted herself as he lowered his face, that massive face that seemed to grow ten-fold in her silent fear, inches from her.
“Are you here for Sairalinde or your own deviancies?” he demanded, his hot breath nearly knocking her back.
“I’ve made my promise to Saira” Iliana said firmly
“Will you swear a blood oath to that? Will you swear to defend her as we have?”
“No”
A few growls echoed throughout the cavern but Iliana stood strong though not as strong as she would have preferred.
“Why?” Mestor asked
“There are things already in motion and if I swear wholly then I may jeopardize everything”
Mestor rose up a growled sigh drawn out as he eyed Iliana. “Take my hand” he said holding out the menacing claw, palm up. She hesitated momentarily but finally placed her comparatively delicate hand on the surprisingly smooth scaly hand. Warmth rose into her and Mestor closed his eyes delving into magic Iliana could not understand
“No, leave it alone” Iliana said pulling away painfully. “But one thing”
“Yeah?”
“Never spring something like that on me again”
“Like what?” Saira smirked
“Like taking me to ta dragon filled cavern” she said half laughing, half panting. “I thought they were extinct for the most part.”
“They are. At one point dragons lived in abundance and lived among the Faeries as we guarded the Mountains when Faylion spanned farther west.”
“What happened?”
“In the first Great War they fought with us but many perished and so to protect the few that survived Queen Gwydion ordered them to retreat into the east mountains of Vornia where we would become their protectors instead but they swore to come if we ever needed them”
“So why didn’t you mother use them in this war?”
“My mother knew the reasons behind the war was pride and hate and she didn’t want them to be a part of that” Saira answered as Iliana caught her breath and helped her up. “The dragons are one of the best kept secrets of the Faeries and I’m trusting you with it”
“You should stop putting so much trust into everyone. It can only end in hurt”
Saira smirked and led the way out of the caves.
“I see your guard has given up following you about for now”
“Many of them may be loyal to Sevilith but they fear the magic that is rumored to live in my bloodline”
“I suppose I don’t help their confidence”
“Another perk” Saira laughed as they walked into the palace. “We have what...an hour before we have to visit hell?”
“Oh right”
Iliana jumped as Jaik landed in front of them from the catwalk above. His nostrils flared and he pushed up sniffing Iliana before lowering into un undeniable bow. Saira’s brow rose and she squatted in front of Jaik who cracked one eye open to look at her.
“I don’t know what happened in that cave but its definitely left an impression” Saira said blowing in Jaik’s face making him shake and rise from his bow.
“It’s probably a good thing you never had any siblings” Iliana said actually joking.
“Eh, Jaik’s put up with worse than me. He’s an old, old dragon”
He puffed a smoke ring at Saira who patted his head lovingly and headed upstairs.
“I’ll meet you here once we get all cleaned up”
“No” Iliana sighed speeding up ahead of Saira so she’d enter the royal bedroom first. She looked around the darkness and found nothing really out of place. Saira pushed the door open with a swift motion and a pained groan followed shortly after.
“Did I get him?” Saira teased stopped the door as it slowly swung back.
Iliana rolled her eyes as she grabbed Tryck’s collar and threw him forward. Saira winced but one look from Iliana kept her from intervening.
“Your lack in armor tells me you’re free of guard duty and no doubt will use that as justification but I don’t and wont accept that so you have a full ten seconds to fly the hell out of here.”
“Iliana–.” Saira began
“No. People need to start respecting this establishment. Even Derek still comes through the door or just flutters outside and waits for an invitation.”
Tryck muttered something Iliana didn’t understand and flew out leaving Saira feeling guilty.
“How long were you with him?” Iliana asked.
“Three years one time, and then on and off forever it seems” Saira sighed sauntering to her wardrobe to find a dress.
“And the other?”
“What?”
“The one you seem to longing for”
Saira just smiled and said nothing as she went to change and Iliana left her to it knowing changing wouldn’t be all she did. Saira settled onto a stool and released the tears that she’d held in all day. Only alone could she cry so it never gave her the release she truly yearned but for now it was enough. Finally she headed downstairs where Iliana stood in wait, a knowing look on her face but she was kind enough keep her opinion to herself. However the fact she knew put Saira at a strange unease despite the fact that was why Saira wanted her around.
“Why does it not surprise me that weasel of a Faery lives here?” Iliana commented as she stared up at Sevilith’s home
The very tree was darker than any surrounding and the leaves shadowed all things below. The windows were blocked with shutters and even to Iliana, she felt the tree could not breathe.
“People used to make fun of Sevilith saying he must be of the Unseelie Court”
“Huh?”
“The original Faery Courts; the Seelie formed the so called ‘good’ faeries and the Unseelie, the ‘not so good’.”
“Ah, well what happened to that?” Iliana asked
“War and finally an odd merger. I’ll explain later. C’mon” Saira said pressing a knot on the tree
After a few moments the tree pushed out some steps just like Derek had showed her and the two strode up to Sevilith’s not to humble abode.
“Does he know any color other than black?” Iliana mocked before Sevilith appeared in the doorway.
“Ah, my lady...Iliana” he nodded with a short bow. “Please, come in”
He ushered them into a lavish dining hall that reminded Iliana of the Men kingdoms, the way everything was presented. Antiques and expansive paintings out to show his position, much like a giant trophy case, quite the un-Faery characteristic.
“I’m thrilled you accepted my invitation though I hadn’t intended for more than two for company. I need to inform my cook of –.”
“Don’t bother” Iliana interrupted. “I wont eat”
“Hmm. Very well” he said putting on a false smile making no attempt to convince her otherwise.
“Tell me, how fare’s your Councilor duties. Honestly I took for granted all Liraen did for my mother”
“Little has changed” he replied. “What about you?”
“Some days are easier than others”
Iliana watched in amazement at Saira’s ability to put up Lord Sevilith. She smiled and laughed at his pathetic jokes and managed to speak civilly while Iliana resisted the urge to kick him upside the head for his constant underlying tones of criticism, or at the present moment, a lusting for the beauty of a queen.
“Oh my, look at the time” Saira said laughing over dramatically
Iliana discovered all to quickly her act and went along with it eager to leave the depressing house.
“I better help her majesty to the palace. “Iliana said helping the falsely drunk Saira stagger out. The moment they were out of sight Saira started laughing and even Iliana let a short chuckle slip.
“I’m so glad you caught on”
“Well considering you kicked back about six ales, countless glasses of wine and at least ten shots of something before you passed out at the Riverfork, I doubted a few glasses here would even give you a buzz”
“Maybe Sevilith but not me...”
“Saira?”
“I suddenly get the feeling–”
“Of being watched” Iliana finished unsheathing her sword.
“My, you two are awfully paranoid” Liraen said walking up.
“What are you doing here?” Saira asked
“Visiting a friend across the way and heard the laughter of our mischievous queen and surprisingly her cold hearted lady”
Iliana smirked unamused
“So happy I merit your attention” Saira curtsied
“Always my lady” he winked kissing her hand. “I’m glad to see you’re not hiding away”
“As if my friends would let me”
“I doubt they meant your time to be spent with Lord Sevilith”
“But, and I do believe it was you, who said I must engage with my fellow royals.”
“That I did” he chuckled. “Any other engagements this evening?”
“No, the night is young yet too”
“Well I’ll leave you to it but please come by the school tomorrow. I’m giving one of your favorite lectures”
Saira grinned.
“You’re to come to Ili, uh, Iliana” Liraen said pretending to cough but Saira let it slide.
Liraen bowed respectfully and headed off into the forest leaving Saira and Iliana free in the night.