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December 1st 4296
“I can’t do this, Isen, I really can’t do this.”
Isen looked up at her little sister and beamed. “Lynn, you look amazing. James won’t know what hit him when you walk down that aisle.”
It was true. Lynn stood on a small pedestal surrounded by mirrors. Her dress was a sparkling ivory gown made of elven silk. Her white gold locks were stylishly arranged in pretty curls on her hair, with a few hanging loose on her shoulders. The dress was a piece of art to Isen. The skirt was rich and flowing with a long train that would trail behind her as she walked to James at the wedding. The waist was tight like the square necked bodice that was intricately beaded with thin strands of pale gold. The sleeves were tight as well until they reached the elbows and from there they flowed down to Lynn’s knees in the true elven fashion. White gloves peeked out from the sleeves. Lynn’s face was aglow combination of bridal glow and sheer terror.
Isen smiled broadly, knowing that if their mother would come in she’d start bawling again. Annie had already ruined all the handkerchiefs in the immediate area while Lynn had been getting ready. Rose had taken the queen out to their father, hoping that he might be able to calm her down some. Then she was to return so they could keep Lynn from bolting.
From the looks of it, it would be a difficult task.
“I can’t marry him Isen,” Lynn said for the sixth or seventh time.
Isen thought of Lynn’s fiancé. James was a wonderful man that had been with Lynn through all the horrors of the past couple months. Her sister had been kidnapped in September and held prisoner by their cruelest enemy, and he had gotten her out only to find that a battle had resulted because of her disappearance. Lynn had told Isen little of the actual battle, but she was smart enough to know that Lynn had been wounded, attacked by a traitor, and then left heartbroken when she had believed that James had betrayed her. Lynn had fled north to the elves, to seek shelter until her heart was calmed.
But when Lynn had returned, Isen had found out the truth about her little sister. Lynn’s father was Leon, the king of the elven country of Calenia, and because of their laws, Lynn was the crown princess of the kingdom. But Lynn had accepted the crown during her stay, but had given up her immortality, so that she could return to fight her war… and to marry James, who had raced desperately after her when she’d left him.
The whole story made Isen’s romantic heart sigh. The two were so good together. Yes, they tended to fight, but who didn’t? At least it wasn’t about anything serious. Isen knew, because of Lynn, that James had done a lot of adjusting when it came to loving not just an elven princess, but one whose destiny was to fight a war started because of her own kidnapping. But he was a good man who made her happy, and that was enough to satisfy her.
“And why can’t you?” she asked, walking over to a mirror.
“It’s marriage,” Lynn replied, as if that said everything.
“And you’re two people helplessly in love. Why shouldn’t you get married?”
“There’s the war.”
“Yes, there is a war. But for one night, put aside all of that and enjoy yourself. Get married to the man of your dreams, go dance the night away and then go to his room and dance some more,” Isen said, getting a bit exasperated.
“I can’t,” Lynn said, and there was panic in her voice.
Rose came into the room at that point. Her older sister was still as tall and dignified as ever, if a bit more silent around strangers. For the wedding she wore pale lavender that brightened the blue of her eyes, done in the human fashion, with tight sleeves and bodice, but with a flowing skirt that would billow while she danced. Her black curls hung loosely down her back, as the wild curls suited her perfectly.
“Mama’s with Dad now. I think he’s calmed her down a bit,” she announced as she walked in. “You look beautiful, Lynn,” she said, taking a look.
“She’s trying to convince me that she can’t marry James,” Isen told her.
“What nonsense!” Rose stated. “You love him for God’s sake. Why the hell wouldn’t you marry him?”
“It’s too soon,” Lynn protested. “What if he’s changed his mind? I’ve only known him for a couple months.”
“A couple months, that’s right,” Rose agreed. “And Mama and Dad knew each other for two weeks before he proposed. Look where they are now.”
“I have the war to consider.”
“Being with him will help you marginally in that area,” Rose stated simply, walking over to a vanity that had been moved in earlier. She carefully picked up the worn gray pendant that James had given Lynn shortly after they’d met. “You challenge each other, make you think hard about what you’re about to do. You’re a military commander with boundless skill and he controls the Rebellion’s most powerful men, the rangers. With him at your side you’ll be that much more determined to win.”
Isen knew that Lynn was running out of arguments, could see it in the way her shoulders slumped the slightest bit. “Lynn, do you love him?” she asked quietly.
“More than anything.”
“And does he love you?”
“Yes.”
“Then in half and hour you’ll walk down to the courtroom and get yourself married to him,” Isen stated.
Lynn smiled slightly and Isen immediately knew that her sister had merely needed reassurance on what she was about to do. Lynn’s pride forbid her to actually voice the insecurities and so instead she had voiced them in an argumentative way. “Do you pull this kind of thing with James?”
“No, he sees right through them,” she replied proudly. “Hard to keep anything from him.”
Isen smiled and watched Rose close her hand around the pendant. After a few seconds it glowed slightly and when she opened her hand again, the pendant was sparkling brilliantly. Her sister stepped up to the pedestal and easily slipped it over her head. Rose was still an inch taller than Lynn who was standing a few more inches off the ground.
“You will be happy,” Rose decreed, and she watched as Lynn nodded, almost in tears now as well. “You will be happy with him, will make a life with him, and will live long and well. And you will have many children, children whose lives will be just as magnificent as yours.”
Even Isen could feel the tears begin to gather. Rose’s prophecies had never been wrong. Although the interpretation of the visions were sometimes altered by emotion, they had always come true.
“This isn’t going to be like your vision last summer is it?” Lynn asked, a watery smile on her face.
Rose blushed, she was still embarrassed over that. “No, this isn’t like that.”
Isen looked from one to the other, slightly lost at the new turn in the conversation. If Rose had had a vision of Lynn during summer, she had never been told of it.
They spent the next half hour laughing and joking and simply enjoying each other’s company. Isen was so happy for her sister, who was positively radiant. She had a feeling that such simple pleasures would soon become rare when the battles of war broke out, as they were bound to. The eerie quiet along the wall was unsettling, even for someone who rarely bothered with such matters.
When their father knocked on the door, Lynn grew very quiet, but not in a grave way. It seemed to Isen that her joy became nearly too much for her, and she had to use everything she had to keep it contained. Rose handed her the beautiful bouquet of delicate pink and peach roses with a scattering of apple blossoms. It was, according to rose, to symbolize promise, happiness, and desire.
Both Numer and Leon were waiting outside the room when Isen and Rose exited the room. They both entered, wanting a private moment before they walked her down the aisle shortly. The two princesses walked down the hallway and came face to face with James’s groomsmen, drawing a quick breath from Isen.
Oh, how she hated being so short, she thought as she craned her neck back to look at them. Her previously smiling face was now set in a scowl as she took in Roarke and his solemn expression. She hated that he looked so incredibly handsome in his dark black attire, that he could so easily make her wish he hadn’t broken her heart. He’d combed his hair, she noted. All that rich caramel hair that hung just past his shoulders had been brushed out and made him look polished and sophisticated. His amber eyes showed her nothing though, as he looked back at her.
Rose cleared her throat and Isen came out of her reverie. Isen watched her older sister take the arm of the man standing next to Roarke. He was tall, though nowhere near as tall as Roarke, and very muscular. He had short black hair and deep green eyes set in a stoic face suited to warriors. It was fitting, as Lyon MacBride was one of the most powerful generals in the New World, as well as the Rebellion. He nodded at her and led Rose away to the door where they would proceed in before Lynn.
Roarke let out a long breath and turned, offering his arm. Very reluctantly, she took it and made her way to the door to stand behind the other couple. For her sister, Isen would try her hardest not to look like an angry witch. Nothing was going to spoil Lynn’s wedding.
Especially not the son of a bitch standing next to her.
She would always remember how radiant her little sister had looked as she came down the aisle, accompanied by both of her fathers, who had beamed with sheer pleasure. James had been struck dumb when he first saw her, and then he’d gazed at her as if she was the only woman on earth. It melted her heart to see the look reciprocated by Lynn as she placed her hand in his.
The applause had been deafening when the priest declared them man and wife. The two had shared a very passionate kiss and never heard it, they were so wrapped up in each other. It was definitely one of Isen’s best memories, even when she had to walk back out with Roarke. Why her sister had been compelled to match her up with him was beyond her.
Now that the marvelous dinner in the grand hall was complete, they had all returned to the courtroom where all the chairs and the altar had been removed in place of an orchestra and dancing room. And worst of all was the fact that she was required to share the first dance with Roarke. But she kept a serene smile on her face as she waited till they had to join James and Lynn out on the floor.
After a minute or so into the music, both the elven and human kings entered the dance floor, a sign that the bridesmaids and groomsmen were to join as well. Isen reluctantly allowed Roarke to escort her out. But for the sake of appearances she tried not to glare up at him as they twirled over the dance floor. Instead, she gazed out over the crowd, trying hard to ignore the press of his body against hers. Damn, but he’d always been a good dancer.
“You know, it wouldn’t kill you to look at me,” Roarke said lightly.
“Why would I even want to look at you?” Isen replied crossly.
“I don’t know, maybe because we’re dancing?” he said.
“But I don’t want to dance with you.”
“Well we kind of don’t have a choice,” Roarke said, sighing. “Besides, it’s their wedding. Can’t we put aside the awkwardness for one night?”
“No,” she answered shortly. “You’re a cruel man whom I cannot stand. And there’s little hope for you that I’ll forget it, even for one night.”
“It’s your loss,” he replied, showing a bit of the young man he once was. It had been a long time since he’d come somewhat close to flirting with a woman, even if it was one who wanted to kill him.
“It was your choice if you’ll remember.” It was said with just the slightest bit of sorrow. “So it’s your fault things are the way they are.”
He nodded his head. “Do you really want to get into that right here? In the middle of the dance floor of my brother and your sister’s wedding?”
“No,” she snapped. “Why are we even talking about it?”
“You brought it up.”
“You could try dropping it.”
“You could try being a bit nicer. I’ve been trying to be polite at least.”
“And I haven’t?” she asked, indignant.
“No, you’ve been snapping at me since the moment I made a small and quite harmless joke.”
“I have not,” Isen said.
“Have too.”
“Have not.”
“How so, love?” James asked his wife. His wife. That simple phrase made him beam down at the woman in question.
Lynn turned her head to look over at Isen and Roarke, who were slowly making their way towards the outskirts of the dance floor. It was unintentional, she knew. “I remember when I was young, before I met you that summer, that whenever they fought, they always made up when they danced. That or they fought even harder.”
James cast a look over at where his brother was dancing. “I wonder if they realize they’re still in love with each other.”
Lynn smiled up at him. “I’m surprised you noticed.”
“What, he’s my brother. He’s an open book.”
“Does he know about Numer’s decision?” she asked quietly, not wanting to be overheard by any of the nobles in attendance.
“Yeah, Leon knows too,” James said, referring to Lynn’s biological father.
Lynn turned and looked over at where the elven king swept around the dance floor with Tylia, a beautiful elf he was sweet on. “He’ll be happy about the arrangement. I’m sorry that I can’t be the daughter that he wants,” she said, suddenly melancholy.
“Hey,” James said softly, tipping her chin up, an old habit that she loved. “Your father understands.”
“I gave up my immortality. That’s hard to forgive, even if he is my father.”
“They,” he began, meaning the elves of Calenia, “are ecstatic because you are alive. They accepted you as you are, which is an amazing, beautiful, spirited, bull headed woman,” he continued, each adjective punctuated with a short kiss. “You’re not giving you or them enough credit.”
She smiled up at him. “That’s so deep coming from such a smooth courtier. Aren’t you supposed to be convincing me to come to your bed?”
He grinned his rogue’s grin down at her. “I thought I already did that. Besides, Mrs. Orion, I don’t think you need any convincing,” he said, leaning down to kiss her. “But even so, we have to stick out the rest of the celebration.” His grin widened at her wistful sigh.
“Well then, how about we…” she leaned up and whispered a suggestion into his ear. His smile broadened considerably.
“I think we’ll have to save that for the honeymoon.”
“They look so blissful,” Rose said in greeting, her eyes out on the happy couple. “As if everything in the world had simply drifted away in this one moment, as if there was nothing but themselves left.”
Isen felt the sharp tug of envy. She’d once felt that way, a long time ago. Then she shook her head and the thought immediately left. She’d not think about that. “He makes her happy.”
“He does. I’m glad they’ve managed to overcome their differences.”
“I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to get rid of his views on her as a soldier,” Isen said.
“That wasn’t the true problem,” Rose said wisely. That was another thing that Isen envied, Rose’s uncanny ability to see into others. “He was afraid of loving her, and so he came up with paltry excuses to keep her at bay. But they could not stand up to both Lynn’s temper and love.”
“There’s little that can stand up to Lynn when she’s in a temper,” she agreed.
“There will be hard times soon. But they will come through it all,” Rose said, her voice lowering and saddening. Her gift of future sight was both a burden and a gift at times. “The calm of the storm is about to break.”
Isen looked up into her sister’s blue eyes and noticed that her mind was not in the room with her, but far away in whatever place she went. But the words she’d uttered had sent chills up and down her arms. Even she knew that the fight wasn’t over, but had merely just begun.
“Girls! Whatever are you doing over here by yourselves? You should be out dancing and having a good time!” Isen watched Rose’s eyes flicker and then clear as their mother rushed over. “Why aren’t you dancing?” the small queen demanded.
“We were just taking a small break, Mama,” Isen said cheerfully. “Besides, the night is young and Lynn outshines all of us.” It was said with a smile and none of her envy of her sister came through.
Annie’s eyes teared up again as she looked out at her third daughter. “She does shine, doesn’t she? I knew that that boy would be good for her.” The fact that she had very concerned about him was forgotten. “And now look, they’re so happy out there.”
Just then, Numer came over. He was the image of a grand royal in his formal black attire, sword at his side and elegant crown atop his rich chestnut hair. His deep blue eyes were loving as he looked at his family. “I was wondering where you’d all run off to. Now don’t you all make a pretty picture? Three of the most beautiful women here.”
“And aren’t you handsome as well?” Isen said, beaming up at her father. “The most handsome man here.”
“Yes. Now I know we’re all going to be up a bit later than usual tonight for the celebration, but sometime tomorrow afternoon I need to speak to you and Rose.”
“What about?” Isen asked curiously.
“Just about some arrangements I’ve made. Some travel arrangements,” he said, neatly avoiding the question.
Rose nodded, as if she already knew what was coming, but Isen nodding, although very confused and curious, wondering just what was about to happen.
Lynn had requested that all the nobles, many of whom she didn’t know or barely knew, dance first, so that she could spend as much time as she wanted with her family and friends. So about and hour passed by and Lynn patiently waited for Roarke’s turn. There were a few things she wanted to say in case she didn’t return in time.
He dropped in a few gold coins and stepped up. He was a good dancer, she remembered, thankful. She was pitiful and didn’t need all of James’s reminders. “You’ll need to do more than argue to get through to her,” she said right away.
“I know,” Roakre agreed, though he let out a long breath.
Lynn hugged him. “Lord but I wish you weren’t so easy going. You should be more stubborn.”
“Like you?”
“Stubbornness didn’t get me where I am now,” she admitted, casting a quick glance over at her husband. “My stubbornness and pride got my heart broken. But that was because I have too much of it. You don’t seem to have any.”
“I’m no pushover.”
“I know that. I’m just trying to give you some friendly advice here. If you want to be friends with her again, you might try talking to her, rather than arguing with her.”
“I try. But every time I make the attempt she bites my head off.”
“Then borrow some of my stubbornness and keep at it,” Lynn said, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “That’s all I can give you.”
“You make him happy,” Roarke said, since their dance was over. “Please tell me he does the same for you.”
“I’ve never been happier in my life,” Lynn promised. “Now go, I need to dance with everyone else.
She danced then with Rose, who tried to offer her some of her sage advice, both of her fathers and Annie. Finally there was Isen, who had been put in charge of collecting the money. She waited until Isen had congratulated her once more to say anything. “Isen, you need to be a little softer on him.”
There was no confusion on who “him” was. “Why? The man broke my heart. Do you want me to forgive him just like that?”
“No,” Lynn said gently. “All I’m saying is that you might try being a bit more civil. He’s trying to make amends, but you’re blocking him every time he tries. Would you rather he just gave up?”
“Yes.”
Knowing it was a lie, even if Isen herself didn’t, Lynn merely replied, “We’ll see.”
The band played the final chord and a grand cheer went up as James went over to collect his new wife. He swept her up into his arms and kissed her deeply, causing the guests to cheer loudly. Annie and Numer both stepped forth to offer their good wishes. Annie handed Lynn her bouquet, and softly reminded her that she had not thrown it for the rest of the young woman present.
The tow made their way towards the door and Lynn tossed the beautiful bouquet into the air. Isen watched it soar through the air, a blur of peach and pink. She turned away, not really caring who caught it, and was that surprised when it landed in her hands. Her gaze swerved over to Lynn, who winked before she and James were out of sight.
Isen looked down at the lovely assembly of roses and apple blossoms and frowned. Her life had certainly changed, she thought, still looking at the door where her sister had left. She continued to frown as she turned to find Roarke looking at her from across the room. He nodded and she returned the gesture, acknowledging that she had lied to Lynn.
She didn’t want him to give up on her.
Author reviews include those left on the last chapter of The Lady in Black
The Flaming River: Thanks so much for the review and yes, you will eventually find out what went down with Roarke and Isen. I already messaged you with more info.
Aralinn: Thank you for the review, I’m glad you enjoyed the Lady in Black and read the sequel.
Ruby: About Rose’s vision. I went back and looked at the section where I put that in. It showed Lynn fighting near the trees, but she wasn’t near them when she was speaking to the man, who turns out to be Maverick. The fighting was the battle at the end of the story. I’ll to work on the descriptions. Sometimes I just get too caught up in the drama and forget. I’m glad you liked the tale and enjoy the sequel.
Kayla Christine: If you don’t update soon I will hunt you down and murder you!
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