|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:39:08 GMT -5
“She’s the world’s biggest target.” Markus said. “If he knows anything about either of them, he’ll know Raythor’s vowed to protect her.” “More than once.” Laura agreed. “I can’t believe we didn’t think about this before…” “Me neither. It’s so glaringly obvious.”
****
Ross saw Markus and Laura moving quickly and frequently using Anella’s name. For a second, he didn’t particularly care. Then he remembered that Anella and Karian hadn’t been speaking to each other this morning. And that Anella had just walked by, looking for her little lover-boy. If they started fighting, and the ‘wonder twins’ swooped in to make it right, they wouldn’t fight anymore. Ross certainly didn’t want that. He glanced around, looking around for something or someone that could cause a little chaos. Blade trotted by with a rabbit in his mouth. “Blade!” Ross called. The elementist padded over, but not with in a particularly excited way. He put down the rabbit. “What?” Blade asked. “Is there anyway you could use your powers to…” Ross said, searching for something terribly shocking to say. “Uh… help me find out what Anella looks like naked?” “What?” Blade repeated, at a considerably louder pitch. Markus and Laura’s heads turned and they stopped walking, both confused. “Yeah, you know. I bet she looks pretty good, especially at night.” Ross said. Blade’s symbol flashed and suddenly he couldn’t open his mouth anymore. Ross had never seen Blade look this enthusiastic about anything. Markus and Laura were already standing there by this time, still confused. “What’s going on?” The prince asked.
****
Anella found Raythor kicking the firewood they did have into some sort of vague pile. He was so absorbed with what ever it was he was thinking about that he didn’t hear her coming at all, and didn’t even stop what he was doing when she stopped walking. “Raythor,” Anella said. His blue eyes met hers and it took her breath away. “Anella…” He said reluctantly. They remained completely still, both of them scared to speak. “I just… didn’t think you would do something like that.” Anella said. “I couldn’t sleep again and all I could think about was that Kenetari was going to hurt you. So I left the rest of the group to wait for her and almost got myself killed. And I betrayed your trust at the same time.” “Did you really fall asleep by accident?” “Huh?” “You’ve been sleeping so much more regularly lately, from what I can tell. Usually you only drop off like that if you’re completely exhausted.” Anella explained. “And if my safety was what keeping you up, which keeps you up for hours, usually, then
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:39:25 GMT -5
you wouldn’t have fallen back to sleep that quickly. So either you were lying to me earlier, about the nightmares going away, or you were lying to me last night. And I can’t believe you’d lie to me.” “I… I didn’t want to.” Raythor said. “But I had to.” “Why?” “So that you wouldn’t get hurt. She uses us against each other. I thought if she found me completely vulnerable she would take me somewhere and I could find a way to kill her, while you were safe.” “That doesn’t even make sense. Kenetari acts randomly most of the time; you couldn’t count on her to do anything.” “I know that, I know… but I was hoping… I knew she wouldn’t kill me herself, but if she had me she’d be distracted long enough for the rest of you to get out of Caltha.” “Did you think we’d leave you?” “I was hoping Markus would make the call to-” “He wouldn’t do that.” Anella said, and Raythor nodded dully because he knew that too. “Raythor I can’t get hurt at night. We’re a step ahead of her, for once. We’re safe.” “I just thought…” “Raythor, don’t give me another insane plan. What is this really about?” “Nothing.” He said stoically. “You wouldn’t lie to me over nothing.” “Anella…” He said helplessly. She touched his shoulder and he jerked back involuntarily. “Why do you flinch every time I touch you?” She asked. Raythor didn’t answer. Anella shifted a little so that she was staring straight in his eyes. He finally answered her under his breath, and she blinked. “I didn’t catch that.” She said. “I broke my promise.” Raythor said. “You almost died by my sister’s hands. You almost died at night, when you’re supposed to be invincible. When I was there and everyone else was there. She wounded you so badly you didn’t open your eyes for four days.” He turned away. “You told me you could handle that. You asked me to marry you.” Anella said. “I broke my promise.” He repeated. She still didn’t seem to understand. “The killer, the latest one… He kills anyone who has someone who vowed to protect them- and broke that promise somehow. That’s what I did.” “We’ve never even seen him.” “I have, Anella.” Raythor said. “And not just the real one… every single time I see my reflection, I see someone who could hurt you.” “What do you mean you’ve seen him?” Anella said, trying to ignore the pain in his voice long enough to get him talking rationally again. “I have literally seen him several times, in the villages we passed through. At first, I saw him in some crowd. I had no idea. But I memorize faces and I started to notice that which ever house this guy passed by had someone dead in it the next day. And he’s matching our movements; I know he’s watching us. He’s been everywhere we have. And it’s only a matter of time before he kills one of us… before he kills you. And it’s my fault you’re in danger…”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:40:58 GMT -5
“There is no way you could have known that. You just made that promise because you love me.” “I’ve been ignoring it, pushing it away, letting myself be happy… and then Markus and Laura see him too, and he threatens her. No matter what I do, you’re in danger.” “So you were trying to get yourself killed again?” “Yes. If I die, the danger is over for you. I can’t wait around and count down the seconds until one of them kills you! I can’t let you die.” “Do you think its any easier waiting for Kenetari to kill you?” Anella burst out. “I’m not strong enough to deal with that forever, Raythor!” “What do you mean?” Raythor said. “This is my fault. All of it. You shouldn’t have to worry about my death.” “Why can’t you ever give yourself a break? I care about what happens to you, Raythor- I love you! Why can’t you at least try to stay alive?” “Because I don’t care about what-” He stopped short, realizing what he’d just said. “If you really cared about how I felt, you wouldn’t act like this.” “But I love-” “I’m sorry, Raythor. I can’t be with you.” Anella said before she knew what she was saying. “You what?” “I can’t.” “Don’t do this to me.” Raythor said, finally meeting her eyes again. He put his hand against the side of her face and she almost broke. “I’m sorry.” Anella said. His eyes flickered and he let his hand fall again. She turned away and didn’t look back.
****
By the time Markus and Laura had convinced Blade to release the spell on Ross’s mouth, Anella was already gone. Ross had scurried off somewhere almost immediately afterwards and Blade had demurely picked up his rabbit and left. “He’s going to find Anella.” Markus said and Laura nodded in agreement. “What should we do?” Laura said. “I mean, if they’re both with her…” “She’ll be fine. We’ll tell her tonight.” “I guess if Anella was supposed to collect the firewood, we’d better.”
****
About twenty feet later, Anella regretted every word she’d said. She knew she needed Raythor and he needed her and trying to deny that would just hurt them both. She was just too embarrassed to walk back there right now and throw herself in his arms. It almost seemed like a blessing when Ross came by. She could talk to him for a little while, and then go back to Raythor with at least some dignity. “Ross!” Anella called, and he came over smiling.
Chapter Thirty One
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:41:14 GMT -5
Can’t leave you
Raythor loathed the fact his face bore no expression, even though he felt like his heart had been crushed within his chest. For awhile, he just stood there, unable to move. He saw her face every time he blinked. Then he convinced himself that, this time, if he went after her he could actually tell her how much he cared about her. His feet started moving independently.
****
“You had a fight with Karian? Really?” Ross said, grinning. “I think we… I think we broke up.” Anella said quietly. “For good?” “I hope not…” “I’m so sorry.” Ross consoled, not sounding at all sorry. “But why did you come to me?” “Because you always listen to me,” Anella said miserably, “he won’t listen.” He put an arm around her shoulder. “It’s all right, little cousin. He wasn’t good for you anyway.” “He kept telling me that…” “Karian broke up with you?” “No…I broke up with him.” “Oh,” Ross said, unconsciously grinning again, “smart move.” “I… I love him. I guess that won’t matter…” “I hate what he does to you, Anella.” Ross said softly. “You’re always so worried about him that you don’t have time for yourself.” He heard something behind them, but Anella didn’t seem to. Ross pulled her into a hug and looked over her shoulder, catching Raythor’s eye. He’d come to apologize, obviously. Ross knew that once Raythor apologized Anella would go straight back to him and they probably wouldn’t break up again. Ross wouldn’t have another chance. Anella came out of her total numbness just in time to realize that Ross was kissing her. It felt so completely different from kissing Raythor that she was too surprised to pull away. There was nothing unsure in the way he held her; nothing gentle in the way his lips touched hers…. Ross finally let her go. “The problem is I love you.” Ross said simply. He held the image of Raythor’s shocked face in his mind, thinking that he’d won. The dark haired boy had just left, looking totally broken. Anella hadn’t seen him. “I…I don’t know what to say.” She stuttered. She’d never felt anywhere near this uncomfortable around anyone before. “How about yes?” Ross suggested. “To what?” “To marrying me.” “Marrying you?” “Of course,” He said, with smooth refine, “you need someone stable in your life.” “Ross…” Anella said, unhappy to be in this situation again. “I’m… I’m already engaged. I’m sorry, I can’t….”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:41:32 GMT -5
“You’ll change your mind when he won’t take you back.”
****
Raythor got as far away as he possibly could before running out of steam. Then he picked a random spot on the ground and sat down, cradling his head in his hands. “What are you doing out here?” Rose asked, looking up from searching for firewood. It was annoyingly difficult to find. “Please, Rose, I don’t need this right now.” Raythor said gloomily, but he lifted his head. “Is something wrong?” “No, I’m fine.” “No one has ever been fine when they said they were fine.” “So leave me alone.” “I’m not going to fight with you,” Rose persisted, sitting next to him. “I just want to help.” “Like hell you do.” “Stop being dumb and tell me what’s wrong.” “Anella left me.” Raythor said. Rose’s eyes filled with concern. “But you love each other. Just apologize.” “I was going to.” “But?” “But she was with Ross.” “So tell her later.” “I don’t think you understand.” Raythor said with a heavy sigh. “She was kissing him.” “You mean shy, meek little Anella left you then immediately locked lips with her cousin?” Rose said, voice raising more than it should have. She was trembling very slightly. “You’re bringing back the images.” “Sorry, but I don’t believe that. Anella would never-” “I have a perfect visual memory, remember? It’s burned on the back of my eyelids.” Raythor said dryly. His eyes, to the princess’s surprise, looked slightly red. “Are you…?” “Raythor?” Anella came timidly towards them. He wouldn’t look at her. Rose whispered something in his ear, he shook his head, she shoved him and he got to his feet. “Hey,” Raythor said lamely, focused on the ground, “I guess this is the whole ‘let’s just be friends’ conversation I’ve heard so much about.” “Why didn’t you come find me?” She asked without thinking. Ross’s words were getting to her. “I did come find you.” “Oh…you didn’t see…?” “More than I ever wanted to? Yeah, I did.” “So that’s why… he didn’t want me to see you…” Anella said, feeling a little cold. Neither of them noticed Rose flinch. “He just sort of grabbed me…”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:41:49 GMT -5
“Ross rape kissed you?” Raythor said incredulously. “But it really looked like… well, never mind. I’ll just go beat him up.” Anella put her fingers lightly against his cheek, more out of reflex than anything else. “You don’t have to.” “You’re not supposed to do that after you’ve broken up with someone.” “I’m sorry,” Anella said, burying her head in his chest, “but I don’t want to break up with you.” A thousand different things ran through Raythor’s head. He knew he should let her go, for her own safety. But she still wanted him. And didn’t he deserve to be just a little selfish every one and awhile? Raythor smiled, running a hand through her hair. “You mean it, Anella?” “Of course I do… I love you, I was silly…” “I’m really sorry… I shouldn’t have done that. I just act when I’m trying to protect you, I don’t think at all.” “No kidding.” Rose snorted. Anella let him go; remembering Rose was there for the first time. “You immediately go into idiot mode.” “You’re going to stay with me?” Raythor said, ignoring Rose. His big blue eyes were almost childlike with their hopeful pleading. Anella nodded, tinting just a little bit red. “I could never leave you, not really… I regretted what I said almost instantly, I just thought I’d… look stupid running right back to you…” “I’m not going to-” “I told you before.” She smiled weakly. “I just want you.”
****
“What the hell?” Rose said, slapping Ross across the face. “Where do you get off kissing Anella? You moron!” “Why did you hit me?” Ross demanded. “Because they’re my friends and you messed up both of them!” “And I’m not?” “You’re being a complete idiot!” “Who put you in charge of dealing out punishment? Why do you even care?” “What kind of question is that?” “It doesn’t make any sense unless you’re still in love with Raythor.” “Still? Still?” Rose yelled. “I’ve never been in love with him!” “How could you not be?” Ross shot back. “All you ever do it try to get his attention.” “Because I’m in love with you!” “What?” Ross said, all the air coming out of her lungs at once. Rose seemed just as shocked as he was, and it was written across her face. “What?” Ross repeated. Her hands moved up slowly and her fingertips pressed together, covering her face. “I…I… Gabriel…” “F*** Gabriel.” Ross said angrily. “Stop seeing his face every time you look at me.” He grabbed her and started kissing her. She slapped him again, but he didn’t let go
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:42:07 GMT -5
and she started crying. Rose put one arm around his neck and pulled him closer, knowing that this was just another trick and that it didn’t matter… “Whoa.” Raythor said, turning to Anella, who just shook her head. “I didn’t see that coming.” “Oh crap.” Ross said, releasing Rose so quickly that she stumbled back. “How long has this been going on?” Raythor asked, smirking slightly. “We’re on again off again.” Rose said, trying to match his mocking tone. Raythor laughed. “Want me to knock his teeth out?” “I’m standing right here.” Ross protested loudly. “I’m aware of that.” “I can handle this idiot myself.” Rose said, sending a glare Ross’s way. “You’re the idiot I have trouble with.” “I consider that a compliment.” Raythor said evenly. “I consider you the stupidest person I’ve ever met.” “Leave him alone, Rose.” Anella said automatically. Rose smiled bitterly. “The cavalry is back. Joy be to us all.” She stormed off, leaving Raythor and Anella staring at Ross. He shrugged. “What? I’m just a very affectionate person.” ****
“So we’re going to be at the border in about a week,” Markus said, sounding more like himself than he had in a long time. “It’s going to be hard to get anyone across, let alone the royals or the elementists.” “So you’re going to bribe the gate guards.” Kylara said, rolling her eyes. “Absolutely.” “Royals.” She sighed. “We’re going to try it in groups of two, spaced a day apart, so it’s going to take nine or ten days.” “Where are we meeting?” Dasher asked. “There’s a village a few miles outside of Caltha, it’s called…” Markus stopped, frowning. “Triton.” Laura filled in immediately. Markus nodded and they just stared at each other for a few minutes. Rose snapped her fingers, “Hey, love birds, let’s focus here.” The princess commanded. “Sorry…” Markus said, shaking himself. “Anyway, anyone in a risk group is going to have to go across at night-” “What in heavens is a ‘risk group’?” Caldria asked. “Royalty, elementists or… a Karian, I guess.” “Does that count me, because they think I am one?” Anella asked. Ross looked at her with slight resentment, but he certainly had no cause to sulk, not after the intensity with which he’d been kissing Rose. “I’m afraid it does.” “No… that’s all right.” She said. “I’m going to be one soon enough anyway.” Raythor, beside her, shifted uncomfortably, eyes focused on the distance. She could see him trying not to smile anyway.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:42:35 GMT -5
“I had to separate family and couples.” Markus said, for some reason thinking that would help. “Who am I with?” Kaslon asked eagerly. “Someone fun, I hope.” “Tallith.” “Oh…” Kaslon said, and then brightened. “No offense, Tallith. You like blondes, right?” “One of them.” Tallith said, looking at Anella a little sadly. She shifted uncomfortably too. “Who are the rest of us stuck with?” Dione asked. “All right…” Markus said, sorting out his thoughts. “Want me to tell them?” Dasher asked. “That would be nice.” “Kaslon and Tallith, as Markus said. Then there’s a trio, with Laura, Anella and Firelight. The rest are pairs…” “No one cares, speed it up.” Theo prompted. “David and Dione, Kylara and Roland, Rose and Ross-” “Rose and Ross?” Raythor said, startled. “But Markus, they’re-” Rose stepped on Raythor’s foot as hard as hard as she could and he winced. “They’re what?” Markus asked, confused. “Fighting all the time. They might kill each other.” Raythor amended, moving all his weight to the other foot. He scowled at Rose. “No we’re not. It’s fine.” Rose said, emphasizing each word and staring straight at Raythor. “Keep talking, Dasher.” “Theo and Alice,” Dasher went on uneasily. “Rea and Caldria, Ketra and Saria, Raythor and I, and Markus and Blade.” “Why do I have to be with that stuck up snob?” Kylara asked venomously. “To protect him.” Markus said quickly, before Roland could respond. “If anything goes wrong you’re the one most capable of protecting him.” “What about me?” Lila asked. “Oh.” Dasher said. “Uh… go with Tallith and Kaslon. Sorry.” “It’s fine…” “Why are you with Raythor?” Blade asked. “Because I can be very physically distracting, male or female. I don’t want anyone getting a good look at Raythor.” Dasher said easily. “Anyone else have any lingering hostility they’d like to make publicly known?” Theo said wryly. “Because seriously, it’s not going to be for that long.” “I’m sure Markus had a reason.” Firelight agreed. “Easy for you to say.” Roland said. Rose resisted the urge to step on his foot too. “I think that went rather well.” Markus said, smiling. Laura laughed and took his hand. Rose rolled her eyes. “Yeah, don’t wait up for me.” Raythor said dismissively, turning around and walking off. Rose smirked with satisfaction at his slight limp. Anella shyly waited a few seconds before following him.
Chapter Thirty Two One Week
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:43:18 GMT -5
“Why didn’t you ask to have us separated?” Ross said when he and Rose were alone. “I don’t know what you’d call our relationship, but what ever it is it’s not good.” “Because I wanted the chance to talk to you.” Rose said, rationalizing now. She really had no idea why she’d done it at all. “Every time we talk we fight, you hit me, or I kiss you. Do you want to go through any of that again?” “I wouldn’t mind hitting you,” Rose said. Then she became irrationally angry. “Does it feel different?” “Does what?” “Kissing Anella… instead of me…” “Yeah…” “Better?” She asked. Ross hesitated. If he said yes, this was over. That was the easy way out, the smart way. If he told the truth he had a whole new set of demands to deal with. “Just different.” He said, hedging. By the way she was glaring at him, she knew it too. “It’s not like you not to give me a straight answer.” “Well, maybe I don’t have one this time, princess.” “Raythor’s like my brother.” “How did that come up?” “And Markus… Markus and I were betrothed at birth and we broke the engagement. He’s more like my guide, I guess. He was there for me when Gabriel died, they both were.” “Rose…” “I do love them, but as friends, as family. They’re all my family and I care about them more than words can say but… that isn’t the way I feel about you.” Rose said, fighting with the words. “This is the way I felt about Gabriel and I never wanted to feel it again. But you’re… you’re doing something weird to me.” “I’m not a virgin.” Ross blurted randomly and her eyebrows rose. “I slept with my brother’s girlfriend.” “You did what?” “After he was dead, but still completely reprehensible on my part, I assure you. It was definitely grief sex.” “You slut!” “Slut?” “You man slut.” “Now you’re just inventing phrases again.” “So what if I am, you are a man slut.” “Brigit just thought I looked like William.” Ross said, slightly sadly. Rose’s expression didn’t soften. “You’re hiding behind him again. Obviously you were not a victim, it was…” “Mutual?” He suggested. “Yes…” Rose agreed, reddening. “What does Brigit look like?” “Uh…” Rose said. His hand moved to the back of his head. “You know… dark blonde…”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:43:39 GMT -5
“Wavy or straight hair?” “Just a little bit wavy.” “Did she bear a resemblance to… oh, I don’t know, Anella?” “It’s…uh…a distinct possibility.” He admitted reluctantly. She smacked him. “You idiot.” “You hit me.” Ross said, raising one finger. “Now I have to complete the vicious cycle.” “No way,” Rose said. “You are not getting anywhere near my face.” Ross reached for her wrist and she danced away from his fingertips. Then she let him catch her and took the opportunity to punch him in the gut. “You’d better be more careful next time.” Rose said smugly, as he recoiled in pain.
****
“So, do we think the murderer is Kenetari’s man or an outside force?” Markus asked, using his left thumb to play absently with his wedding band. “And if it’s an outside force, why is he targeting us?” “I personally think this is someone acting independently. If they were under Kenetari’s or Archer’s command, the deaths wouldn’t be focused in quite that way; they’d be focused on hurting us.” Dasher mused aloud. “And he would have mentioned that he was on their side. If anything, Archer is vain and he wants us to know which drops of blood he’s made us shed. This guy is just another product of Caltha’s warm, fuzzy environment.” “You agree with me on upping the watches, right?” “He made a direct threat on Laura’s life.” Blade said. “We can’t ignore that. You’re right about Anella too, especially because of her and Raythor’s recent… separation.” “That can’t last.” Dasher snorted. “He’s crazy about her.” “He’s driving me crazy.” Blade said. “First he’s like a pup in a graveyard, next he’s gloom and doom again.” “Pup in a graveyard?” Markus said. “Oh… it’s just an expression. Shadow elementist children traditionally love… graveyards. You know… symbol of death, which some countries associate us with…” “It means he was incredibly happy.” Dasher explained. “Yes… sorry…” “It’s rather interesting to hear stuff like that, actually.” Markus said, grinning slightly. “Yes, well, aside from that do you think there’s anyone else we should concentrate on protecting?” Dasher asked. “Not as far as I know. Obviously just wedding vows aren’t enough.” “We used to have to vow not to eat our in-laws.” Blade commented. “A few hundred years ago, but still rather amusing. I understand the necessity. My sister-in-law has dreadful parents.” “Shadows. You can’t help but love them.” Dasher said dryly. Blade grinned. “Anyway, let’s keep our own efforts centered on getting out of Caltha.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:43:55 GMT -5
“Right, then we can help Caltha when we’re safe.” Markus agreed. “Help Caltha?” Blade said, surprised. “Oh Markus!” Dasher said, moving forward and rubbing against him like a cat. “You’re really you again.” “Thank you.” Markus said, knowing that she felt the surge of emotion just as clearly as he did. He smiled and she smiled and Blade had no idea what was going on. “Markus!” Laura called. The prince hesitated but Dasher shook her head. “Go ahead. The two of us can discuss this until the end of time.” Dasher assured him.” “Dasher…” Markus said. “I understand completely.” “Why do you never say that to me?” Blade said wryly, after Markus had left. “Because Markus is,” Dasher said, strangely feeling like crying, “sweet.”
****
Kylara pinned Raythor’s back against a tree, holding him there by his shoulders. He looked up, meeting her eyes warily. “What now?” He asked, with a trace of boredom. “You and the silver princess aren’t together anymore?” She said, studying his face.” “Oh that’s already over.” “Why?” “Do you really give a damn?” “Of course I do.” Kylara brushed the back of her hand against his cheek. “Honey.” Raythor’s eyes flickered and he roughly grabbed her wrist. “Shut up.” “You’re slipping if that’s the best you’ve got.” “Do you suppose I care what you think of me?” “Why did you break up with her?” “She broke it off with me because I lied to her.” Raythor said evenly. “But that really doesn’t matter anymore, does it Kylara?” He released Kylara’s wrist, which still bore the marks his fingernails had left in her skin. Kylara moved her face forward so that her lips were almost touching his. “Raythor…” She breathed and something resembling fear rolled through him. “I know you don’t feel love for me, but it isn’t all hate either. You can have your pure little angel if you wish, but that isn’t your only option.” She pressed up against him a little more. “Don’t do this.” Raythor said. “Just one kiss and I’m yours forever.” Kylara said. For a moment, he actually considered it. With Kylara he would never be happy. He would be punishing himself until the day he died. He would never hurt Anella again. Anella… he snapped back to reality. There was no way he could do that to her, it would break her heart. She loved him. Raythor started at his own thoughts. Anella loved him. And he knew it, no matter how much the dark side of him said otherwise.
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:44:17 GMT -5
“I never want to touch you.” Raythor said. Kylara jerked back as thought she had been slapped. He glanced at her vaguely and walked away. There was no sense in watching someone burn themselves down.
****
“Markus cut my hair for me.” Laura said. Markus drew back somewhat, staring at her. “Where did that come from?” “If we’re going to cross the border, we have to be as unrecognizable as possible. I’m a princess now, I’m in danger too.” “Are you sure you want me to do it?” Markus asked, frowning. He took a lock of her hair between his fingers. “I’ll mess it up.” “It won’t be like last time.” Laura teased. “When you told me you had to cut my hair or your father wouldn’t let me play with you.” “I’m still sorry about that.” He said, laughing. “Let’s have Rose cut it, though.” “Well… all right. Maybe that’s for the best.”
****
Markus watched the brown hair fall away from Laura’s head much quicker than it probably should have. Rose didn’t seem to be paying all that much attention, and the quick moving sharp object that close to his wife was making Markus uneasy. “Rose, could you slow down a little bit?” The prince asked finally. “Huh?” Rose said, as though she’d just noticed he was there. “Oh, I’m almost done. Don’t go all over protective on me.” “I’m fine, Markus.” Laura assured him, amused. “It’s just a little scarier when you’re watching it.” Markus said, having the sudden urge to shut his eyes. “There…” Rose said, ignoring him. “Here, Laura, turn around.” “How does it look?” Laura asked. Rose had cut it so it fell just above her shoulders, and the red haired princess had managed to keep the ends relatively straight. “Short,” Markus said carefully, “like a little girl’s or… uh…” “I look like a boy?” Laura said with dismay. “Rose!” “The point is, you look different.” Rose said irritably. “And a little younger, you could be fifteen.” “Now I’m a pregnant fifteen year old boy!” “That makes no sense, sweetheart.” Markus soothed. “You look pretty.” “Really?” “You always look pretty.” “She’s pregnant?” Rose interrupted. “You got her pregnant again? Seriously?” “Yeah…” Markus said, sounding a little guilty. Laura just smiled. “I’m not very pregnant yet.” She told Rose cheerfully. “Only about a week.” “Then how do you know?” Rose asked. “I have this spell…” “The magical midwife spell?”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:47:09 GMT -5
“Actually yes, pretty much.” “Nice job, Markus. Really nice job.” “I didn’t do it on purpose…” Markus said sheepishly. “Maybe last time I did…” “This conversation is making me physically ill.” Rose cut him off. “Now, let’s discuss what we’ll do to Anella’s hair instead.” “We can just tie it back.” Markus suggested. “She was wearing it down at Raythor’s trial.” “She always has it down.” “I’ll get her,” Laura said, “Markus, give me my ribbon, we can use that.” “What do we do for everyone else?” Markus said as he handed the ribbon to Laura. “These scissors still work.” Rose said with a shrug. “What about you?” “I don’t think length is going to change the fact my hair is blue.” “And me?” “You wear it up, so put it down and shorten it a little.” “You cut it.” Rose shoved the scissors at him. He took them reluctantly. “Hold on.” Markus said. He went after Laura, spun her around and kissed her. “You’ll always look beautiful to me.” “Markus…” Laura said, unable to get out anything more coherent than that. She felt like she was sixteen again and he was kissing her for the first time. “What was I doing?” “Looking for Anella.” He replied absently. He took a lock of her hair between his fingers again. “Sorry I’m distracting you.” “Mmm…” She said, closing her eyes. Feeling his arms around her waist again, hearing his voice soften just for her… Markus let her go without kissing her again and she opened her eyes slowly. He just stood there, arms crossed, smiling at her. Markus, prince of Everglade… she wouldn’t lose him again.
****
“It’s mostly straight now…” Markus said, looking at the back of Rose’s head with some doubt. She turned around to talk to him. Her head felt lighter, certainly, but it was annoying to have the hair brushing the back of her neck now. She was so used to having it up and out of the way. “Do I look different?” Rose asked him. “Yeah… no crown, your hair is in your eyes, different clothing…” The prince assessed. “It’s still gray, though. How did you manage that?” “It wasn’t easy.” “Whose hair are you planning to butcher next?” “Oh, so you don’t think Laura looks beautiful.” “Of course I think Laura looks beautiful.” Markus protested. “Her hair is just a little shorter than I’m used to. I’ll grow to love it even more than I do now.” “You are so full of it.” Rose said, rolling her eyes. “I’m a prince. All of us are full of it.” “Especially Roland.” “True enough.”
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:47:25 GMT -5
“You’re agreeing with me?” “That was just my impression. Every time I’ve been here before, on diplomatic missions, or he’s been to Everglade, he’s always complimented every woman in the room.” “Don’t you do that?” “Not to that degree. He’s really… flamboyant about it, I guess.” Markus said. “I’m not supposed to talk like that about other royals, you know.” “Neither am I.” Rose said and they both laughed. “What is taking your wife anyway?” “She’s probably cheating on me with Raythor again. You know how she does that.” Markus said sarcastically. “How did you pick Raythor, out of all the men in the world? He is so vile.” “I don’t know. He’s pretty much my closest male friend, believe it or not.” “I believe it. Both of you idiots are better with women.” “Markus,” Dasher said, trotting up primly. “Princess,” Markus said, nodding his head and smiling. Rose said ‘full of it’ under her breath. “Blade and I have come to a decision.” “You’re getting married?” “No.” Dasher said, giving him an odd look. Rose smacked her forehead. “We think you should try to give the Karians… well, as they are now, Raythor and Anella… a job when we get home.” “Oh.” Markus said, looking slightly disappointed. “I agree. They need something to start out their life together, Raythor doesn’t have a job.” “But we think Laura should ask Audrion.” Dasher said. “So that she can get experience speaking to him on his level.” “Laura won’t do that, not even for me. She’s terrified of my father.” “Just be really sweet before you ask her.” Rose suggested. “Then she’ll be so much more likely to say yes.” “Do you think Laura’s going to go for that?” Markus said. Both girls glanced at him skeptically. “Laura loves that romantic crap.” Rose pointed out. “This is true…” “Kiss her one time and she’ll be so disoriented that she’ll have no idea you’ve got an ulterior motive.” “Aw, come on. I’m not that good a kisser anyway.” “Actually…” Rose said. She reddened slightly. Dasher smirked. Markus ran his hand through his hair and started fiddling with the handle of his sword. “The two of you are a lesson on how not to break an engagement.” Dasher said. “Now Markus, go find your wife.”
****
|
|
|
Post by Markus Everglade on Jun 19, 2009 15:47:41 GMT -5
“Of course I’m going to do everything to make it up to you, sweetheart.” Markus said, stroking the side of her face. “I love you so much…” “You never break a promise. That’s why this bracelet reminds me so much of you….” Laura told the prince, touching the red promise bracelet around her right wrist. “I’m so glad you gave it to me. You’re so sweet.” “It’s Kenetari’s.” Raythor commented. Laura turned to look at him instead. “What? It is. That’s what she dropped two years ago the first time we ever saw her.” “It’s that bracelet? How come you never told me?” “You never asked.” Markus said defensively. He could see Raythor smirking out of the corner of his eye. “You told me you bought it for me because it reminded you of me. You said it was a birthday present.” “I may have lied a little. But it was a birthday present. A really early one.” “I think we both know you gave it to me to distract me. You were hiding something behind your back and it wasn’t this ‘birthday gift.’” Laura said, crossing her arms. “It was that book I told you about, Mary’s diary?” “Oh… the one you told me about even though the world might have ended if you did.” Laura said, putting her arms around his neck. “I guess that makes up for this demon bracelet.” Dasher stared at Markus with a ‘You are such an idiot’ type of expression. “When am I on watch?” Raythor asked. “Not until tomorrow.” Firelight said cheerfully. She had become the enthusiastic guardian of the watch schedule and ‘when am I on watch’ was her favorite question. “Great… I guess I’ll go attend to my current task then.” “Wait.” Dasher said. “Markus is on firewood. With Laura.” “Oh. All right.” “Didn’t Markus just-” Ross started, but Rose elbowed him in the gut. “What’d you do that for?” “My elbow slipped.” Rose said. “How can your elbow slip? That’s completely ridiculous.” “I sprained it.” “That explains nothing.” “Don’t you know when you sprain something you lose control of it?” “How did you sprain it?” “Collecting firewood.” “What?” “It’s a dangerous business.” Rose said quite seriously. “You just sprained my gut.” Ross said. “Standing next to her is a dangerous business.” Markus said. Laura nodded. Her arms were still around his neck. She sighed, and let go, heading off to collect the firewood. “Nice job, Markus. You really made Laura weak in the knees there.” Rose said. “It was Raythor’s fault.” Markus said. “Isn’t everything?” Ross said.
|
|