Twenty-one
We approached a bridge that led across a ravine to the main gate. Magic, my life has gone from boring and lonely to pure magic. The gates weren't even wood or metal, they were stone and they were as tall as the ramparts. When the gates opened they slid into the walls like the hidden doors inside Tindril. The courtyard was massive. Around the edges of the first courtyard walls were small buildings. People were busy working. I saw one person making swords and another fitting arrows into shafts. There was even a giant fountain where I saw women dying fabrics. We rode through without many looks.
We rode through another set of ramparts and a smaller gate. The second courtyard was empty even though it was nearly as large as the first. We rode right up to the stairs where the entire castle staff was awaiting us. I dismounted my horse and then crouched on the ground trying to stretch out my legs. Garrik came over and lifted me from my position, “Now is that how you think a Princess dismounts?”
I shot him a naughty look, “I guess I will have to mount you later to practice.” I heard a few elves around us snicker. Part of me feels like I should be embarrassed but to be honest I wasn't.
I said goodbye to my faithful horse and headed up the steps. Garrik had my arm entwined with his while Echo, and Sir Tom followed close behind. The inside was every bit as elegant as Tindril. The stone of the walls are the same marbled stone on the outside. There are lantern lights stretched across the ceiling hanging from balls of holly and evergreens. “Christmas,” I said as I looked at the wreaths that also decked the halls.
“Solstice tonight is Solstice Eve.” Garrik corrected me.
“My Mom always said that Christmas Eve was the one night a year that the animals could talk. I would always go out the the barn and talk to them praying just once they would talk back. They never did.” I sighed at my memory as Garrik pulled me into him a little tighter.
“There will be a ball tonight to celebrate. We are the head of Castle Bluff right now, so unfortunately we have to attend. I am going to have Tomilson show you to our rooms and I will be up shortly.” Garrik gave me a quick kiss on my forehead. I didn't know where Echo had gone off too.
As Tomilson led me down an extensive maze of hallways we finally started up some stairs. “I am never going to be able to find my way around this place.”
“You will it only takes time, it is made to be confusing for safety. It is harder to penetrate and easier to escape if it is penetrated.”
“I have something I want penetrated.”
What has gotten into me? Tomilson's eyes darkened to the deep purple they always do when he is turned on. We were still on the curved stairs when he pushed me up against the wall and claimed my mouth with his. Oh God I needed this. Tomilson picked me up as I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me that way up the rest of the stairs and down a hall kissing me all the way to my room. I didn't even get a chance to look around the main room before we entered another room and then another. The bathing room. It was all the same warm marbled stone. There was a pool bath in the center very like the one in Tindril, however it lacked the waterfall.
There along the side of the room was a giant stained glass window done in a mandala pattern. My Tom Tom carried me over to it finally setting me down. I started to get out of my clothes as fast as I could and he followed suit. Before I knew it I was back into his arms being carried around the side of the window. A shower turned on raining warm water down upon us.
Tomilson pushed me back into the wall. My foot found a groove in the stone to hold soaps. I pushed my weight into it to hold myself up as Tomilson claimed me with his lips. He continued along my neck, down my breasts, and lower. He pulled my spare leg up over his shoulder as he lowered his head to taste me in my most sensitive area. I had one hand holding on to the wall and my other was holding on to his dark wet hair. Right when I thought I was going to explode he stopped, rose up and rammed himself into me. It was fast, it was rough, it was perfect. Moments later we both had our release. He stepped back handing me some soap. With a kiss he promised he would be back with a robe for me.
I stood in the shower letting the warm water run over my body. The sex was great, but the shower was even better. My bones had been cold for the last hour or so that we rode, and now they were finally warm. Thankfully winter kept the dust, dirt, and grime to a minimum. As the water poured over my body I thought about all my men, and how blessed I am. I wasn't looking forward to the ball tonight, but I did look forward to dressing up. I never had the opportunity as a human.
I reached up and turned the silver lever shutting off the water. True to form there was a robe and towels set outside the shower. The wall across from the door we came in was all windows. Clear windows that anyone could see in. Why would anyone do that in a bathroom? Then I realized it's because we were so high up no one would be able to see in. I looked out into the red sunset that was setting across a deep teal blue lake. The color of water that was always displayed on postcards for the Bahamas. Castle Bluff, because it was a castle that sat upon a bluff overlooking a lake. A lake Finley lives across from. I dry off, wrap myself in the warm robe and exit the bathroom not knowing where I was going.
The first room I stepped into was a small sitting room with a fireplace. It reminded me of the Queen's solar in Tindril minus the windows to the garden. There were two doors off of it. I chose the door to the right. I entered to find a room that had two smaller beds in it, another fireplace. Okay, I went through more than one room with Tom, so I walked and opened the other door in that bedroom. I found all three of my men sitting at a table in a giant open room with vaulted ceilings. The floor had a gold rug in the center with a large circle table on it. I guessed that the other door must lead to the bedroom I will be sharing with Garrik tonight.
“You look refreshed,” Garrik always the one to pepper me with never ending compliments.
“What are you boys discussing?” I asked while taking a seat at the table.
“The plans for tonight and the plans for tomorrow,” Tomilson replied dryly. He kept his attention on a map that sat on the table. I could tell it was a map of the surrounding area.
“Is everything okay?” Something felt off again. I was becoming tired of that feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“There was an attack on a scouting post in the southeastern corner of the valley. We are not sure how they entered the area, what we do know is it is a small party. Two were captured and are being brought to the castle. I am not sure its safe for you to go to Finley's cavern tomorrow.” Tomilson looked up as Garrik insinuated I shouldn't go tomorrow.
“I have to go! I need answers I need someone to tell me what and who I am for certainty. I need this!” I found myself shouting at all three of them. If they won't take me I will take myself. I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair.
“Like HELL you will!” Garrik scolded me. I refused to look at him instead looking past to Echo who was trying to blend into the wall. He rolled his eyes when he saw me and stepped forward.
“I agree with Garrik. He is just across the lake. There is no reason for you to go. The attack in the valley means they know you are here. Someone within the walls is not to be trusted or they figured you out on our way here. I am sending my best scouts for him tomorrow. If he refuses to come then I don't trust him. It's a boat ride across the water. That is all, and right now your life is more at risk than his.”
Tomilson nodded looking at me from across the table. “He couldn't come to Tindril because he didn't have the protection you did to get him there. I spoke with Rose on the way and she believes if we send someone for him he will cross the lake.”
“Or he has lived so long because he is a coward. Maybe that is the reason he was too late to save Vera the first time.” We all stopped and stared at Echo, “Come on you know you had to have thought it at some point.”
“I admit I did.” Garrik said as he took a seat.
“I honestly haven't thought about it. I mean all I remember is that he saved me. When I remember being captured no one was around me. All of my people had been separated from me, and they had blocked my magic.” I took a deep breath. I hated to admit it but they all had a point. I wanted to rush off and meet the guy who gave me this second chance at life, but at the same time I am not a senseless woman. They had valid concerns and my memories are not complete. I finally nodded and said what I hated to say, “You are right. I promise I will wait here all safe like.”
“There is one more thing we need to consider.” Echo stepped forward some more until he was standing right next to Sir Tomilson. “Finley might not be the only one who is still alive from that time. I know my Father has adviser’s who are every bit as old. If any one of them were a part of the first attack on your life Vera you know they can do it again. We don't even know what your magics were then, but if they could block them once they could do it again.”
That was a sobering thought and I didn't like it at all, “Are we sure it is safe here?”
“You are as safe here as you would be anywhere else if not safer. We have been sending scouts and knights south since October. Also, you can always will yourself back to Tindril if the need arises. I just ask you make sure you take one of us with you.”
That was a solid plan.
“If I go missing how would you know if I went to Tindril or if I was kidnapped?”
“That is a good question. I guess you don't go back to Tindril unless you take one of us with you. If one of us is missing we will assume Tindril. If not then we will go looking for you, but to be safe we won't leave you alone ever. There are three of us. Echo won't be a trainer here, and Tomilson is dedicated to you. I will be running the castle and making battle plans, so I will be the busiest. We will make this work. I am going to have Tomilson show you the escape routes from Castle Bluff. I believe if you are in the inner courtyard and castle you are safest. For now inside these castle walls will continue as usual.” Garrik paused for a breath. I wasn't sure if he would ever stop talking. “Tonight is the annual Winter Solstice Ball. It would have been held whether we were here or not. It is a time for all the elves within the valley to come together for dinner dance and celebration. I will not cancel it when war is at our door because who knows when we will get to have cause to celebrate again.”
“You are right. I agree. I will go as your wife, Princess of Median. Fair warning though, I do not know how to dance. Only rich humans do balls, and as you know I didn't have a pot to piss in.”
Echo roared in laughter as Tomilson cringed at my choice of words. “That is not the way for a Princess to talk, Vera.” I snickered. I love when I make Tom Tom cringe.
“You should get ready. I had a dress made this fall when I thought we would winter here as a family.” Garrik lead me to our door and informed me he will be in shortly to dress as well. I waved bye to my other two Elf-men. It was a bigger bedroom than the one in Tindril. The windows were covered in long teal curtains. The bedding was teal and black. The bed was a dark walnut which matched the two wardrobes and a vanity set up for me. Next to a fireplace made out of the same stone as the walls and floors was a floor to ceiling mirror. The center of the room had a giant elf lantern for light. I really needed to ask someone how they worked when all of this King Talon and lost queen business blows over.
My wardrobe was open and had a white dress with gold trim hung on the door. I pulled it off and looked to see if I needed a slip. I didn't see one in there. I also didn't see a zipper on the back, so I took the dress off the hanger and slipped it over my head. It was white velvet material with a silk lining on the inside. The sleeves were long and tapered. The dress bared my shoulders completely. Thin gold lined the neck, the end of the sleeves and the bottom of the dress. The white would have washed out my old pale skin, however it looked bright and beautiful with my new color. There was a green belt that hung on the hanger as well. I fitted it on my waist. It is made to knot where the extra flowed down the length of the dress. I only knew how to wear it because I had seen one on Queen Lyra in the past.
Walking over to the vanity I saw the spice oil for my hair, which I worked through the drying locks. There was a black box I opened and saw the same diadem that I had worn weeks ago after bonding with Garrik. It wasn't long ago, yet it felt like years. I twisted the front strands as Taryn had that night and pulled the back from my face making my ears visible. I then set the diadem on my head. I was beautiful. Less than a year ago I thought I looked average at best, but now I looked and felt powerful. I have changed so much. In the beginning I was uncomfortable with my eye change, then my color change. Now I felt as this is how I was always meant to look.
I turned my attention to the drawer on the vanity, opening it I saw old fashioned human makeup. I noted the the eye liner brush and mascara that was sitting there. My eyes were going to be mesmerizing! I applied generous amounts adding the popular cat eye effect so many women use. I lengthened my lashes with the mascara. I found some bronzer which I applied to my cheek bones. I had three choices for lip stick. I went with a neutral color slightly tinted pink. I felt amazing. I looked amazing. I was smacking my lips when the door opened and Garrik walked in. He took one look at me and was a loss for words. He ran over and pulled me into his arms for a kiss.
“Garrik, don't mess up my makeup.”
“I would have never said you needed makeup because you don't. What it did was take your already perfect features and emphasized them. There is not a man or woman who won't want you tonight. You are beautiful my little Vera the Elven Queen.”
“We don't know for sure if I am to be a Queen yet.” I said wiggling out of his arms.
“I have no doubt of it, Vera.” He moved in to grab me once again. “Mayhap I should go wait in the main room. You can't seem to remember you have to get dressed as well. I tousled his hair which had grown since that first night in the gym.
“I won't leave my lady waiting long.” He replied.
“I sure hope not because I am starving.”
I went back to the main room with the big round table. Sarah, one of the loyal scouts dedicated to me stood by the door. “Hi, Sarah, right?” She smiled back at me with pride that I remembered her name.
“Yes, my Princess. I am set to guard the inside of the door if the room is empty. Killian is guarding the outside at this moment.”
“Will you be coming to the ball tonight?” I wondered if the door will be guarded full time or only if I were inside.
“No, my Princess, Killian and I volunteered for tonight's watch. I can not dance well as I move too fast.” Ah that is right. Her gift is speed.
“I will tell you a secret. I can't dance either.” She is my age or older, but she seems so much the child to me. I like this Sarah and may even request her to be my personal guard. I no longer have Taryn in Castle Bluff, and Rose will be on Councilwoman duties while here. Much like in Tindril.
“I appreciate you and what you are doing for us, Sarah. I just want you and the other scouts to know that. I am a bit introverted so I may not talk much but I am very thankful for your presence.” She gave me a deep bow, “It is my honor, Princess.”
At that moment Tomilson entered the room. I have been increasingly drawn to this man and tonight is no different. He wore a tunic of deep purple and black pants with tall black riding boots. His sword was in place at his waist, his eyes violet, and his dark hair was slicked back. The colors complimented his pale skin. I didn't have much time to admire him because an even bigger man stepped out behind him.
Echo. He was wearing a neutral tan tunic over black pants and black boots. His tunic was open more at the top hinting at the dark bulging muscles that lay underneath. His hair was also slicked back. It made his face seem broader and stronger than normal. His gold eyes flashing when he saw me checking him out from across the room. Tomilson gave a slight frown and Echo smiled a white toothy grin pleased that he annoyed Tom once again. I could tell how they both were staring at me that they felt the same as I did about them. We were a very attractive group.
“Sarah, we are good now if you would join Killian outside again," Tomilson excused her. Sarah gave a deep bow stepping back outside just as Garrik entered. He matched me right down to the green belt that circled around his sword. He was wearing soft light tan pants and matching colored boots. His tunic was white lined in gold along the cuffs and the collar. His sandy blond hair was slicked back as well to accommodate the now longer length. His teal eyes sparkled. His skin had more color than Tomilson's appearing sun kissed. It complemented the white tunic quite well. He walked forward grabbed my arm.
“Shall we Princess?”
“Yes, we shall.” I thought we would be exiting the front doors, but instead we exited through a secret passageway.
“This is how royalty sneaks into the ballroom. Everyone will have already ate the main course of dinner.” I groaned.
“But I am soooo hungry, Prince Garrik!” Echo laughed behind me again. Tomilson rolled his eyes and muttered something about whining. Not sure what crawled into his pants and bit him.
“Don't worry little Vera, they will be serving the best snacks and being in the thrones we will get first pick.” That made me feel much better.
The sound of music drifted through the hall, we must be getting close. We turned a corner, “Are you ready?” Garrik asked. I nodded, I was ready as long as I had the promise of sustenance. He opened the door which took us into a sitting room from behind a tapestry. I ran in and immediately helped myself to some of the finger sandwiches that were on the table.
“Can't leave her unattended for a minute.” Echo's baritone rumbled. He was amused.
“Let me eat two or three to settle my stomach then we can enter okay?” We had scouts guarding both entrances to the sitting room. I was safe here eating some food. I poured me a small glass of elf wine to wash down the sandwiches.
“Okay, I am good. Now I won't be such a pig at the ball.” Garrik chuckled as I took his arm again. I took a deep breath as we stepped through the door.
We came out upon a balcony. Oh no I was going to have to walk down stairs. Kill me now. I will fall flat on my face. Thank the Gods I am in slippers and not heels. Garrik led me up to the edge that allowed us to look out over the crowd. Elf lanterns were draped across the ceiling with green, gold, and white ribbon. People were dancing a graceful dance on the floor. The music stopped abruptly as a tall elf stepped forward to announce our presence.
“Prince Garrik and Princess Vera of Median!” The entire room erupted in cheers. Garrik led me down the stairs one at a time. “Thank you. You know me so well. ” I know I think it a lot, but when it comes to men I have won the lottery.
Our two thrones were not sitting at dance level. Instead they were positioned at the bottom of the first flight of stairs in the middle. We were not accessible to any of the people dancing. We stood and waved in front of our thrones and then took our seats. There were scouts standing at each corner around us. Two at the bottom of the stairs and two at the stairs behind our throne. Once seated the music resumed and everyone began dancing again. Tomilson and Echo appeared at my side.
“They will go and mingle with the people, we are to stay here until we take the floor in a dance. After that some may be granted access to speak with us. We can turn any away or accept all.” Garrik sent me.
“I told you I CAN NOT DANCE.” I sent back.
“It will be like fighting. Trust me it is in the soul of who you are,” I rolled my eyes. I guess we will see. Two more songs played before there was a pause in music. Garrik stood offering me his hand. The butterflies were going to explode out of my stomach at any minute. I held my head high even though my hand trembled.
“You can do this close your eyes and let the music lead you. Like when you run or fight.”
Taking a deep breath we walked down the last of the stairs. Everyone moved out circling around us. My chin was up staring at Garrik's teal eyes, he had one hand on my waist and the other held my hand when the music began. I closed my eyes and felt my body moving along without any fight. I matched each step Garrik made. Finally, half way through the song I opened my eyes. Garrik was grinning down at me with pride. I was moving like a swan. It felt glorious. I let my eyes look past Garrik into the crowd as we moved around and around dancing alone.
There as the music played, blue eyes. I almost stumbled. I could feel my face frown, Garrik danced me around again and I saw him long white hair and blue eyes. Finley. I shook my head and brought my eyes back to Garrik. The song was winding down. When we stopped he pulled me in for a kiss and the crowd went wild. We waved and then made our what back up to the steps.
“You did great, but what happened at the end?” Garrik asked squeezing my hand once we took our seats.
“I thought I saw Finley,” I looked out past the dancers along the sides of the ball room searching for the man I saw.