Prince of Everglade(3)

[Markus Everglade]

“He’s the one you love.”
“I told you-” Gabriel picked her up and she gasped, shutting her eyes tight. When she opened them again she was at the alter. Gabriel had disappeared and there was someone standing next to her. She clenched her fists, turning her head.
“I do.” Raythor said, smiling the way he only ever did for Anella. Rose backed up shrieking. Somebody laughed and she snapped back to reality.
“I fucking hate you, Daphne.” Rose snapped. The blonde shrugged uncaringly.
“I was just having my fun. In Kenetari is going to use me as one of her little freaks I might as well get something out of it.” Daphne went to the window, leaning on the sill. “Beautiful evening for a nightmare. And Markus is really going to like this one. Dasher or Anella, Rose?”
“I don’t even want to know. I do what I have to do and that’s all.” The princess shook herself. “Why the hell can you manipulate dreams anyway? I didn’t know Ovidians were good for anything.” Daphne’s shoulders tensed a little at that.
“I’m an Elementi like the useless idiot Everglade calls king. Go figure we have something in common.”
“Elementi?” Rose snorted. “Wait to stick ‘I’ on the end of element.”
“I didn’t name it. And who cares? It’s what I am.”
“Which element?”
“Shade.” Daphne yawned. “Well I’m going to go steal some dress and walk around the party. Might be fun, at least Gladians are good looking. They have to have something going for them, I suppose, with their royal family-”
“Don’t say anything else about Markus.” Rose said threateningly. Daphne rolled her eyes.
“Or what? Do you think just because you’ve been Kenetari’s plaything longer makes you more important to her? She’s going to kill you when she’s done with you just like everyone else. I’m the only one who’s safe, I’ve got the blood.”
“I’m the one who’s going to give her Raythor.” Rose said flatly. Daphne turned her head, expression blank.
“You are? She trusts you enough for that?”
“I know him better than anyone else under her power.”
“No more comments about Markus from me.” Daphne said, holding up her hands. “What does she have on you anyway? You love all of these people.”
“As long as I do what she asks she won’t hurt them.” Rose said, slamming the door behind her. She had quite the nauseating task ahead of her.

*****

Ross had stopped counting the number of maids he’d kissed since he got here. He was really starting to love Imperia. Maybe he could marry the prettiest maid so he could stay here, live off his allowance from back home and cheat on his new wife repeatedly. Richard was getting on in years and Ross didn’t find the prospect of becoming the new Richard at all distasteful. Audrion’s brother was, after all, pretty well known in all six countries. Now that was real immortality.
His mother would really hate that.

[Markus Everglade]

“Hey, it’s you again handsome.” Princess Bianca smiled at him, waving. She stopped, looking at the starry eyed boy trailing after her. “I just sprained my ankle, George. Maybe you can dance with me next time?”
“All right.” George said, glaring at Ross jealously. He went back down the hallway. Ross laughed.
“That was weak, princess. I don’t think he believed that at all.” Ross said, gearing up to be flirtatious. If he could get this one he would really feel proud of himself. She was, after all, his female equal. If Ross could defeat himself, he could beat anyone.
“I don’t care much about how much he feels. He’s my back up boyfriend. Tonight, Lord Rainbird, you are my first choice.” Bianca smiled again dazzlingly. “So consider yourself lucky.”
“I could say the same thing to you, my lady. I’m an incredible… dancer.” Ross said. Bianca laughed, holding out her black gloved hand. He took it, pulling her up against him. She managed to keep herself close but impossible to kiss.
“I hope you’re going to give me a challenge. I’m quite bored.”
“I’ve got quite a lot of free time so I think I can manage.” Ross countered easily. Bianca stepped out of his embrace just as easily.
“I want to try something with you that I’ve never done before, but you have to promise me something.” She raised a dark eyebrow. Ross didn’t know what she wanted but he was sure he was going to like it. Bianca was very clearly related to Markus, to put it lightly.
“I love making promises.” Ross said truthfully. Keeping them was another matter, but she didn’t need to know that.
“I want to try being faithful to one man for awhile. I’ve chosen you.” She held up one slender finger, watching his face carefully. “You understand everything that I am, my male counterpart. I think you are the only one who ever could.”
“You mean… you want the both of us to be faithful to each other?” That was going to be hard to wrap his mind around. He had never actually done that before. When he had proposed to Anella in Caltha, he had failed to mention his other girlfriend in the adjacent village. He was failing to mention her now; he’d forgotten to break it off. “I’ve never done that before.”
“Neither have I,” Bianca admitted with a shrug. “My father is the most notorious womanizer in all six countries. I decided very young to treat men the same way he treats women: use them up and throw them away. Of course, I never have to pay them off because there are never any illegitimate children involved.” She sneered. “I will not have a legion of bastard children like my father.” Ross looked surprised.
“We are alike. I never sleep with them either that’s kind of… I don’t know, above and beyond cruel.”
“Why are you like you are?” Bianca asked curiously. Ross crossed his arms, leaning against the wall. He knew why but he had only ever told one other person that. Ross still couldn’t believe that person had been Rose. He didn’t want to think about that one too hard.
“Well… I’m one of three brothers. All three of us fought in the Carinian war five years ago.”
“Are they died and you lived?” Bianca asked, copying his position on the opposite wall. Ross shook his head.

[Markus Everglade]

“Close. We got split up… my eldest brother with me and Everard on his own. William was my village’s hero- did everything right, had the most beautiful fiancée, everybody loved him. So did I. He protected me over and over again and the one time I was supposed to protect him… I fucked up. He died because of me.” Ross stared into nothing. As much as he tried to pretend that he was happy all the time, that nothing in his life was wrong and the next girl around the corner was all that mattered this part of his life hurt to remember. He used it as a defense against ever having to be older than the fifteen year old whose entire life had faded away. “Everyone who loved him blamed me for his death. I tried staying in my village but everywhere I looked they were staring back, hating me for what I’d done. So I went to comfort the one I had hurt most, Bridget, William’s fiancée… and I slept with her.”
“Shit.” Bianca said, laughing. “That was pretty whorish of you, nice work. Guess you didn’t get her pregnant?”
“No. We got lucky.” Ross said. “And Bridget is basically the reason I am the way I am. I probably could have skipped the rest.”
“Probably.” She smiled. “But it’s interesting to know, after all.” She ran her hand along his cheek. “I’ll see you tonight, boyfriend. Try and be faithful to me until then.”



Chapter Eight
The Black Ball

“That’s it… one two three… just count in your head if you have to.” Anella instructed, watching his feet. She was leading, which was a little awkward because she was so used to the female part, but she was glad to do it for him. He really wanted to get a little better before his obligatory dance with Laura at the ball. “You really aren’t bad at this, Raythor. Laura isn’t going to expect you to dance as well as Markus either. She has met you before.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Raythor asked jokingly, laughing. He moved his hand from her shoulder to her hip. “Tell you what, I’ll lead and pretend you are.” She smiled at that.
“Well, Raythor, the last time you danced with anyone it was with me,” Anella switched her hands too, “when you told me you disliked it and implied you were doing it purely because I had no other partner.” She followed his very slow steps easily. He had never actually led before and she thought it was kind of sweet that he was trying so hard to make a good impression on the nobles. Raythor looked up briefly, flashing his half grin.
“I did it because I liked you. I think I can tell you that now that we’re engaged.”
“I could tell by the pained expression,” She teased. Raythor just kept dancing and Anella thought about what he’d said at Markus’s first wedding… “You were flirting with me.”
“Badly, but I was trying. Must have worked though.”
“Yes,” Anella tucked his dark hair behind his ear, finally focusing more on his face than his feet. “And I did tell you that was the night I fell in love with you…”

[Markus Everglade]

Raythor pulled her just a fraction closer to him so that their faces were almost touching. Anella let out a shaky breath. “Raythor…” He kissed her, holding it for awhile.
“Sorry.” He said, looking apologetic. “It’s just… you fell in love with me… there are so many other guys and you… picked me…”
“She picked the hero.” Rose leaned against the wall. They both jumped away from each other. “From all the times I’ve unfortunately walked in on the two of you locking lips I can safely say he is getting better. Good job, Raythor. Congratulations.” She rolled her eyes. “Pretty boy needs you downstairs in an hour. And that is all I have to say.”
“Thanks Rose. Always a pleasure.” Raythor said sarcastically. Anella looked at him and squeezed his hand. His eyes widened and he shook his head but at this point Anella was pretty determined to say something. She was tired of Rose being so incredibly bipolar about her feelings for Raythor. The princess hit him and argued with him and yelled at him, but she also hugged him and told him she needed him and said things like she had about his scars… Anella was marrying Raythor. She didn’t want Rose around acting the same way she always did for the rest of their lives.
“C-Can I ask you something, Rose?” Anella asked, screwing up the courage in her mind. Rose paled slightly, as if she knew what Anella was about to ask.
“Does he have to be here?” The redhead asked, swallowing. Raythor put his hand on Anella’s shoulder.
“You’re just asking if she can come to the wedding right?” He said hopefully. Anella met his eyes, swallowing. Raythor nodded. “Ok. Then I’m going to be in the hallway brooding in a cliché manner about my evil sister.” Anella managed a smile. After he left, she looked back at Rose. The princess had her arms crossed, eyes focused on the ground. She sighed heavily.
“I take it this is about the scar thing?”
“Yes.” Anella said. “Are you… a-are you in l-love with R-Raythor?”
“In love with him? No. But I’ll do anything to protect him, you have to understand that. I’m doing what I have to.” Rose said faintly. Anella started with confusion. Doing what she had to do? What was she talking about?
“I’d d-do anything to protect him too.” Anella said unsurely.
“Which is something you’d do for someone you’re in love with, I know.” The princess’s jaw set. “But I’m not.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She looked away. Anella nodded, not sure what to believe. All she had was Rose’s word.

*****

Markus stood before the assembled black clad nobles, successfully keeping all his nervousness locked behind his formal smile. Laura was not doing quite as well but he was fairly sure he was the only one who could tell.
“I’m sure for most of you; this will be just like any other ball. I’m not going to keep you from it with an overly long and drawn out speech.” Markus said, the corners of his mouth turning up just a little more. “My father was a great king… the kind you all deserve. I’m going to try to be everything that he was but I know that’s impossible. For

[Markus Everglade]

those of you who do know me, you know my father and I were never all that similar,” A few people laughed and he felt a little more nervous. “Doubtlessly all of you can see that I am young… but so was my father when he first took the throne. He never let that stop him. I’m not going to let my youth prevent me from protecting my subjects either- I’ll do everything I can to make sure that Everglade continues to enjoy peace until the day I die. All I need for you is to trust me.” Markus turned his head to his wife, nodding. Laura took a deep breath.
“I am very pleased to be your queen,” She said, plastering on a smile, “And I’d like to announce that I’m pregnant with Everglade’s heir. I’ll do everything I can to be worthy to bear him.” She started lowering her eyes and then raised them again, swallowing. Laura remembered what Audrion had told her before he died. Never look down. Markus took her hand and led her down to the dance floor, happy to finally be able to see her face.
“That was lovely, Markus, really.” Laura said smiling. She tried not to look down at her feet and he titled her chin up.
“You are a good dancer, Laura. Don’t worry.”
“But everyone is watching us.”
“They won’t forever. It’s not that interesting, trust me. I’ve watched my parents do this hundreds of times.”
“We aren’t your parents.” She said shakily.
“But we’re going to be.” Markus teased and she laughed. Laura watched as he spoke to all the nobles formally congratulating him with pride. She knew he was good at this, even if he didn’t. Eventually, a woman who strongly resembled Anella walked up to them purposefully.
“With all due respect, are you the one who has been forced to associate with my youngest son?” She asked, with such a hurried curtsy that Laura didn’t even see it.
“Your son has been no trouble, Lady Rainbird.” Markus said while maintaining his prince smile. He almost laughed when comprehension dawned on Laura on just who this woman was.
“My son has been no trouble?” Lady Rainbird didn’t seem like she believed him. “Ross? Rocelin Rainbird has been no trouble?”
“He may have broken a few of my maid’s hearts, I’m sure.”
“So polite. Not like my Ross, let me tell you.”
“Hey Mark… mother…” Ross smiled nervously. “Well. It’s so nice to see you. It’s been a long time. I should go.”
“Don’t you move.” Runa growled.
“I really think-”
“Rocelin Red Rainbird, I am not afraid to hit you if you move.”
“Your middle name is Red?” Markus said, trying not to laugh. Laura covered her mouth to hide her smile.
“You need to talk to your brother. It’s been five years, this is ridiculous.” Runa said, grabbing her son’s shoulder and starting to drag him away. Ross dug in his heels.
“Everard hates me and you know it. I don’t even see a point in ever going home.”
“Stop being over dramatic.” She overpowered him and pulled him along like she was leading a horse.

[Markus Everglade]

“Maybe I’m lucky I never knew my mother.” Laura said, giggling. Markus tried to control himself but he laughed too.
“As sad as it is that you didn’t, if she was anything like that…” Markus shook his head, managing to regain his composure.
“Of course, if I had known my mother…” Laura said, looking up at him. Markus felt his heart drop at the implications of that, thought how selfish that really was…
“Was it worth it?” He asked softly. Laura watched his face and, finally, smiled.
“Yes. I love you.” She promised. Markus was about to protest, but he decided against it. He might as well look around him, for once in his life, and enjoy the fact that he was standing in a huge room that belonged to him. Heck, he now owned an entire castle. Laura smiled up at him and he focused entirely on dancing. It was nice to have one thing he was actually good at.

*****

“Is something wrong?” Raythor asked with concern. Anella shook her head, eyes still on his face. She hadn’t said a word since they started dancing, content to just look at him and be glad he was here. It had been a long two years without her best friend and now he was going to be with her for the rest of her life. That fact had just hit her and she didn’t know what to say to him.
“No. I’m just happy.” Anella said. The corners of his mouth turned up and she impulsively kissed him. Raythor started with surprise.
“What was that for?”
“I love you.” She shrugged her uncovered shoulders, dancing just a fraction closer to him. Anella had been given an off the shoulder, plain black dress to wear and because of that it showed off more of her skin than she ever had before in public. Normally, that would have made her nervous and embarrassed the whole night but now she just didn’t care. Raythor had said she looked beautiful and that’s all that mattered.
Raythor kissed her back, but quickly, trying to make sure no one could see. “Usually you don’t admit that in front of other people.”
“I know. I just feel really good right now.”
“Well then I don’t have a problem with that.” Raythor said. He looked away from her for one second and she could feel his shoulder tense beneath her fingers. When he met her eyes again his mask expression was back. “It’s nice to dance with you again. I didn’t realize how close our faces were the last time we did this.”
“What did you see?” Anella asked, trying to twist her neck enough to find what was bothering him.
“Nothing.” He tried to relax. “Just… just be happy, Anella. Nothing is wrong.” Nothing is wrong, but everything about your demeanor changed in a second, Anella thought. What could it have been? She couldn’t see anything or anyone that would make him react like that. Usually only his sister….
“Is… she… here?”
“Just look at me, all right-”
“Raythor,” She cut him off. “I-”
“I’m trying to protect you.” Raythor said flatly. Anella tightened her grip on his hand, staring him straight in the eyes.

[Markus Everglade]

“Last time you went off and tried to fight her alone you almost died and we almost…” Anella trailed off and his eyes flickered. “Is your sister here, Raythor?”
“Yes.”

****

“Oh, there they are Laura.” Markus said, glancing over her shoulder. Laura curiously turned her head and smiled when she saw Anella and Raythor coming towards them. “They aren’t that late.”
“I’m sure they have a good reason.” Laura said. “We all can’t be as obnoxiously early as you are, my prince.”
“I’m just pleasantly early. I checked. Hello Raythor, Anella.”
“Hey, Ivy says I have to dance with Laura because I’m the Blade now.” Raythor said cheerfully.
“Knife.” Anella said mildly. She was standing close to her fiancée, but carefully not touching him.
“I forgot about that.” Markus said. He held out his hand and, after a second, Anella took it.
“It goes both ways?” Raythor asked, not sure how he felt about that.
“Yes. Traditionally.”
“Ivy did say that.” Anella commented.
“Oh. Right. Must have blocked that out.” The dark haired boy said. “It will be nice for Anella to have a partner who can actually dance.”
“You really aren’t that bad.”
“Come on, this will be fun.” Laura said, giggling. Raythor rolled his eyes overdramatically, but they were both smiling when they walked off. The corners of her mouth turned up without Anella really thinking about.
“What?” Markus said, gently placing one hand on his shoulder and the other just above her hip.
“It’s just… he holds me differently.” She said.
“Because he loves you.”
“I know he does…”
“So when are you going to get married?” Markus asked, easily leading. She followed, trying to keep focused on his face. Markus knew she liked dancing, but this was probably a little intimidating. Many of the nobles were watching them.
“Soon I think. I just wrote my parents so I’m waiting to hear back from them…”
“What exactly did you put in that letter?” He asked, keeping his mouth in a straight line rather forcefully. Anella couldn’t manage to.
“I told them the truth. The whole truth. I think… I mean, they should understand… we all understand…”
“They’ll understand once they meet him. Raythor is a good person.” His voice became a little strained. Anella looked up at him.
“Markus… what happened in Caltha?”
“I don’t want to ever see anyone fall apart like that again. And the fact that really you should be the one to go to war if there ever is one…”
“I should what?”

[Markus Everglade]

“Didn’t I tell you? In times of war, the Knife has to split up. The one with more… heirs comes with me. And you have a brother. Kenetari doesn’t exactly count.”
“You mean to r-replace me i-if…?”
“Yes.”
“Does Raythor know…?”
“I don’t think so.” Markus said. He hesitated. “At lot of this position is difficult, almost as difficult as mine. If you don’t want…”
“No, I want this. Really.” Anella said. “You are the monarch I want to serve, the one I believe in.”
“We’ll just all believe in each other, then.” Markus said, far more willing to accept that way of thinking about it. Now the four of them were in this together. He felt a little safer.

****

“You are a good dancer, Laura.” Raythor said pleasantly. Laura smiled.
“Thank you. You are too.”
“Peasant charity. All ready a true queen.”
“Raythor, it’s not peasant…” She broke off, laughing. “Raythor, I am a peasant!”
“Not anymore.” He grinned and she rolled her eyes.
“You are so much more fun now that you’re with Anella.”
“Thank you, my lady. I am after all the Karian Killer, lord of all that is fun.” He lifted an eyebrow and she giggled. She was about to respond when Raythor frowned. “Has your necklace always had those indentations in it?”
“Um… yes it has, Raythor. Those are supposed to look like eyes.”
“Can I see it?”
“Ok…” Laura said, looking at him funny. She slipped her cat charm necklace over her head and put it in Raythor’s waiting palm. His ran his thumb over the black surface. He wasn’t sure what type of material it was, which bothered him. Usually if it was any sort of mineral he had at least some idea. It was so black it had to be onyx or obsidian but the surface was also very dull… He took the emerald Kenetari had thrown at him from his pocket and held it up to the eye socket of the cat’s head charm.
“It looks like it will fit.” Raythor said with disbelief.
“Where did you get that?” Laura asked, now watching him carefully. The corner of his mouth twitched but he didn’t answer the question.
“May I see if this was made to go in here?”
“Sure.” She shrugged. Raythor carefully tried the jewel in first one socket and then the other. It fit perfectly in the second one. As soon as it was secure, he felt bile rise in his throat and the iron taste of blood in his mouth. He swallowed hard and the feeling went away. He managed a smile.
“It does fit. Looks like there should be another one.”
“Yes it does,” Laura said, looking at him like he was more than a little insane. Raythor couldn’t blame her; he had often suspected as much himself. The reaction probably didn’t have anything to do with the gemstone anyway, probably something he ate. If he had remembered to eat today… doubtful.

[Markus Everglade]

“So Markus seems to be ready for all of this,” He said, changing the subject. Laura gave him one more confused look and gladly picked up the new topic.

*****

Lila’s eyes followed Markus as he danced with Anella. He was smiling, his genuine smile rather than his formal one. She’d just begin to be able to see the difference. Markus seemed a lot happier than he had been in Caltha. Lately he’d-
“…need you.” Roland said. She hadn’t even realized he had been talking at that point. In fact, she’d forgotten she was dancing with him.
“W-what?” Lila looked up at him worriedly. She wasn’t going to admit it out loud, but he scared her.
“Markus’s peasant bride has been going over well with his subjects. You are the perfect Calthan peasant and I believe you are the one I need to get the same support that he has.”
“N-need me t-to what?”
“To marry me, obviously. That should help me back to the throne.” He was perfectly seriously. The former prince blinked and she just stared at him. Lila pulled back her hand a little from his shoulder.
“E-excuse me?”
“I order you to. You’re perfect.” Roland said blankly. Lila slipped her hand out of his completely and back up several steps, fingers wrapping around her new necklace. Her eyes glowed green. Roland swallowed.
“I don’t have to listen to you. Your family had been judged by an entire country and that judgment stands.”
“I forgive the Calthans for their foolishness.” Roland assured. Lila’s expression slid to pure disbelief.
“Are you kidding me?” Kylara yanked Roland back by the shoulder and pushed him against the banquet table, so that the back of his legs were digging into the wood. “That’s why you agreed to dance with her, isn’t it? Just another sick little plot to try and get back your precious power.”
“It’s politics.” Roland said, wincing as he tried to shrug his heavily restrained shoulders. “And this is a wonderful opportunity for Miss Fairfax.”
“Because of you, my best friend is dead. I’m not going to let another girl die for you.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Lirin.” Kylara almost snarled. Roland inhaled sharply. Lila had such a tight hold of her necklace that her knuckles were very nearly white. If there was any connection between Roland and Kylara other than their current forced one, she was unaware of it.
“How… how do you know Lirin?” He asked, trying to keep his cool.
“We were in the same assassin’s guild. She was supposed to kill you and she didn’t. So she died. That was your fault.”
“I was in love with her!” Roland burst. “I told her not to leave me, not to go back to the guild and she did anyway. That was her choice.”

[Markus Everglade]

“She was coming back for me. Because she knew I was going to be killed too. Only you could have stopped her from making a mistake like that.” Kylara said darkly. “Some hero you are.”
“I’ve never claimed to be a hero.”
“She should have killed you.” Kylara slammed him back against the table again. They both stood there breathing hard, with Lila watching. The Calthan girl was shaking head to toe. Roland dusted his clothes off as if nothing had happened. Kylara was almost radiating hatred. “You should be honored that a royal as good as Markus took you in. You should be honored to serve him.” She held her head up and walked off, leaving the both of them in her wake.
“Lila, you have to understand that I loved this woman but her choices were her own. Nothing like that would happen to you.” Roland said. His fists clenched and he stared straight ahead. “You aren’t an assassin, after all.”
“But I am a revolutionary.” Lila said, the tips of her fingers running up and down the thin heart around her neck. “And my friends would kill me. They wouldn’t have a choice, not if I threw myself into bed with someone like you.”
“You don’t believe someone as powerful as me could protect you?” Roland said smirking.
“You have no power. You aren’t a prince anymore.” She said, meeting his eyes. Roland flinched. “And the Nightspeakers are the reason Caltha started fighting back.”

****

“Fuck my sister,” Raythor said, fidgeting. Anella laughed weakly.
“Not literally, I hope.” She managed to joke. The shy girl kept dabbing at his chest, which was once again covered in dried blood. His skin was spread with lacerations left behind by his closest living relative, something she was used to. Anella started applying pressure for the flared up bleeding, wondering what Ivy was going to say when she saw what this dress looked like when she got it back. “I don’t know how we got away with this, Raythor.”
“Well, that’s one of the reasons I always wear black: it takes a long time for the blood to show through. Besides, I don’t think she hit anything major.” Raythor’s brow furrowed. “Let me do this, honey, you don’t have to.”
“I’m not letting you treat your own wounds.” Anella shook her head. She started wrapping the bandages around him and he sighed. She ignored it and kept working. Anella was getting pretty good at this. Kenetari had dropped by to make Markus’s life miserable, but she and Raythor had managed to bring her close enough to death to make her back off. Anella, because of the moonlight, hadn’t gotten hurt at all. Raythor was a mess. Yet, they had both agreed to hide it until after the black ball was over as best they could. If Kenetari had been trying to disturb it, they had every reason not to let her.
“You did this the first time too.” Raythor pointed out, fingers gripping the tunic next to him on the bed. Anella glanced up at him briefly before finishing up.
“I don’t mind.” She insisted. Raythor sighed again, leaning back on the bed and covering his face.
“Am I too good at lying?” He asked, after just laying there in silence for awhile. Anella raised an eyebrow.

[Markus Everglade]

“What do you mean?”
“I acted like nothing was wrong for hours and convinced two of my best friends of it.” Raythor sat up, pulling on his tunic. “What kind of person does that?”
“Someone who can have no expression.” She said. Raythor stared straight ahead.
“I used to be proud of it but I…” He covered his face again. Anella put her arms around him and he flinched. She pulled back, blushing.
“Do you not want me touching you?” She swallowed.
“Sorry. Reflex, promise.” Raythor said, meeting her eyes guiltily. Anella carefully put a hand on his shoulder, not sure whether to be relieved or not at the lack of reaction. Now that his ‘lie’ was over he was withdrawing pretty quickly. She wasn’t quite sure what to do; he hadn’t done that since they had gotten together. There hadn’t been much she had been able to before. They both just sat there, with her hand on his shoulder, doing nothing more than breathe.
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Anella said, trying to hug him again. This time he didn’t move and she sighed against his shoulder. “I’m sorry you have to go through this, Raythor, but don’t worry…” She gently kissed his neck. “I’m not going anywhere.” He didn’t say anything, sitting perfectly still for what felt like a long time. Anella started when he folded his arms over hers, tilting his head slightly to lean against her.
“I’m not going to like when you have to leave for the night.” He said, laughing slightly. Anella stayed silent for a second, thinking.
“You aren’t going to sleep tonight at all, are you?”
“Probably not.”
“Then I can just stay in here and talk to you.” She suggested, lifting her head from his shoulder. Raythor stared at her.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I mean…”
“I trust you.”
“It’s not that,” He said quickly. Anella smiled. “It’s just… I don’t know, what if Rose finds out or something?”
“Do you actually care what she thinks?” She said. He shook his head, smiling too. It was weak, but it was a smile. That was something. “Then let me stay. If anyone asks, we can just tell them the truth. They understand.”
“All right. I mean…” Raythor moved a little closer to her unconsciously. “It would just… it would be nice if you were here. You don’t have to stay up all night either…”
“I’m going to try to, Raythor.” She hugged him tighter, trying to radiate some comfort into him. His eyes looked so sad but she could tell that he was fighting not to be.
“I shouldn’t feel like this with you.” He said, sounding guilty again. Anella shook her head.
“It’s all right; it’s not your fault.”
“Before, I didn’t care if she lived or died. Now I want her dead. I want to live my life with you without her.” Raythor said darkly. Anella’s eyes widened. His body had tensed again and his blue eyes narrowed to slits. She had been hoping for some sort of expression but for the first time in her life she actually thought he looked threatening. “We were so close this time. Next time her blood stains the snow.”

[Markus Everglade]

“Raythor…” Anella reached up to kiss his neck. She wasn’t about to tell him not to feel that way. Kenetari was the only person she had ever hated and she couldn’t blame him for feeling the same way. “We’ll stop her together, I promise…”
“Raythor?” Somebody knocked on the door. Anella lifted her head but didn’t move. Raythor just tensed more.
“Did you need something, Rose?” He said, his voice completely blank.
“Could I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure. Why not?” Raythor shrugged. He glanced at Anella, who stoutly refused to move. The princess opened the door. Her cheeks were flushed, meaning she had probably been drinking heavily, and there were dark circles under her eyes.
“Oh. Hello.” Rose said, catching sight of Anella. She wobbled slightly. “How are you today, ’Nella? ’Kay Raythor… I just wanted to let you know something.”
“Oh.” Raythor said. Anella felt her heartbeat quicken. What else could Rose possibly tell him tonight? “And what is that, princess?”
“I’m very grateful that you danced with me, ok? Ok. I have to go fall down now.” She hiccupped and closed the door behind her with a probably unintentional slam.
“Wow. She’s so crazy.” Raythor said, with a stronger laugh. He turned his head. She kept her eyes down laughing. “Are you all right, ‘Nella?” He teased lightly. Anella nodded and kissed him.
“You’re feeling a little better.”
“Because of you.” Raythor said, tentatively kissing her back. “I love you.” Anella just smiled fully and leaned against his shoulder again.

*****

Ross woke up with a yelp. He found himself on the ground surrounded by tangled up blankets. The blonde tried to work himself into a more dignified position, kind of wondering what exactly had happened to his shirt and at what point his memory had gone blank. Clearly he had had a bit more than the recommended dose of alcohol but the last thing he could remembered was his mother yelling at him about reconciling with his brother. That had been hours ago. Usually his retention was a little better than that. Perhaps his mother had slipped him something.
He chuckled at that idea, struggling out of the mess of sheets and onto to his feet. Even Runa Rainbird was not that crazy, despite her valiant efforts. Ross caught sight of a shape moving in the hallway. Figuring that it could possibly be his partner in what ever had just happened or at least someone who knew the whereabouts of his tunic, he followed him. He squinted. Short. Probably a girl. That was always a good sign as to where some answers had to lie.
“Hey, hon, can you come over here for a second?” Ross called. Somebody grumbled with irritation from the room beside the one he had just come out of but the girl didn’t answer. Ross sighed and started jogging after her. His waiflike female kept him on the move until she approached the door that would lead them outside. He sped up and grabbed her around the waist. It was way too cold outside to be putting up with this stuff without being fully clothed.
“Stop it Raythor! I lied, ok! She made me lie!” His phantom girl shrieked. Ross realized it was Rose. Now he really hoped he hadn’t done anything and forgotten it. He

[Markus Everglade]

really wanted to remember when he finally got to sleep with Rose. And he was positive he was going to eventually.
“Is there any reason you always think I’m Raythor? Is it because we’re the only two boys that have kissed Anella?” Ross asked lightly. “Because I think the resemblance ends there.” Rose twisted around in his arms and blinked at him with half open pale green eyes.
“Why did you wake me up, you jack ass?” Rose demanded. Ross laughed.
“Woke you up? Princess, I just chased you halfway around Imperia. You looked pretty awake to me.” He assured. Rose swore.
“Sleep walking again…” She grouched to no one in particular. “This guilt thing really… why are you half dressed?”
“I wish I knew. I thought you might be able to tell me but you don’t look particularly deflowered today, so…” Ross shrugged. Rose glared at him. He grinned. “That’s kind of a funny expression considering your name, isn’t it?”
“Come with me, shut up, and help me lock my door from the outside somehow.” She shoved him off her. Ross shrugged and turned around. When he looked back to be sure she was following Rose had stopped and was staring at him with her mouth hanging open. Ross put a hand on his back, looking for the horrible insect that was causing that expression before it dawned on him.
“Oh… whoops. I kind of forget about those.”
“Does every boy have to have giant scars in order to be considered male? What is wrong with your gender?” Rose demanded, seeming a bit angrier than he would have expected. She didn’t even know where they were from yet. That was going to piss her off.
“Lot’s of stuff.” Ross admitted freely.
“Where did you get those? Being an idiot?”
“Yes. These are from Bridget’s fingernails. I hope that clears that up.”
“I might have just thrown up.” Rose said, clenching her fists. “Anyway, let’s get moving. I don’t have all night.” She passed him quickly, retracing their steps almost as quickly as she had before. Ross took off at a run to catch up.
“What are you so guilty about that you’re wandering around at night?” Ross asked curiously. He crossed his arms and rubbed them. It was completely freezing in Everglade. He wanted Carina back.
“I don’t think that’s any of your business.” She said shortly.
“Well, maybe not but maybe I can help. After all, I might not be the prince of all guilt like your friend Karian, but I do have my fair share of regrets. I do a lot of stupid stuff.” He said. Demeaning himself seemed to be more attractive to her.
“Oh I’ll bet.”
“Could this worry really be as bad as sleeping with my dead brother’s fiancée? I think not, that was pretty dastardly on my part.”
“I’ve done a lot of things that hurt a lot of people I care about. And sometimes I can’t even remember why.” Rose said, through gritted teeth. “I’m pretty sure that’s worse.”
“You, princess? You couldn’t hurt a fly emotionally. Physically, you can break their jaws, but emotionally everyone knows you don’t mean it.”

[Markus Everglade]

“I’ve done both. Trust me.” She said. “This is my room. When I go in, bar my door with a chair. I don’t want to do anymore walking tonight.”
“Are your legs tired, because-?”
“Don’t make me break every bone in your body slowly and painfully, Ross.”
“Not an attractive offer.” Ross said. Rose just walked into her guest room, crossing her arms and waiting at the threshold for him to fetch a chair. The lord grabbed one of the wooden chairs Markus and his predecessors inexplicably left sitting in the hallway and pushed it over to her.
“Good boy. Now close it.” Rose commanded.
“I’m on it.” Ross said, flashing another grin. Rose ignored it. Ross decided to give up the ghost, at least for the night, and started closing the door. Rose stopped him by leaning out slightly.
“Ross… I hope she doesn’t make me hurt you too.” She said, expression softening a fraction. Ross, impulsively, kissed her gently. She didn’t kiss him back but she didn’t fight it. When he pulled away, she looked conflicted. “Goodnight.” Rose said, looking upset. She closed the door all the way. Ross tried to decide whether that reaction was good or bad as he slid the chair securely under the door knob. When he turned around his tunic was thrown in his face.
“Hey Rainbird lord.” Princess Bianca smiled at him winningly. “You are a really good kisser. We should do that again, all right?” She walked away whistling. Ross decided that, after everything else that night, that really figured.

Chapter Nine
Sun Proof Vampire

Markus yawned, opening his bedroom door. He was exhausted. It had been a long day and tomorrow was going to be even longer. Laura’s small shape was all ready curled up beneath the covers and he smiled. She looked so sweet when she was asleep. Markus was about to get undressed when he noticed another living shape in the corner of the room.
“Dasher, is that you?” He asked sleepily, yawning. “Did you need something?”
“Oh, it’s me.” Dasher stepped forward, her light eyes narrowed and something brownish red caked around her mouth. Markus’s eyes filled with concern.
“What happened, are you hurt?”
“No, but you’re going to be, you selfish bastard. You let them all die, in Caltha and I get the blame,” She snarled back at him. Before he could react she cast a spell that knocked him to the floor and started ripping at his throat.
“Markus!” Somebody screamed. He jerked into a sitting position, breathing hard. Laura took her hand of his chest and moved it to his shoulder, eyes filled with concern. Markus’s hand went to his throat. Nothing. No bite marks. Relief washed over him. “Are you all right, sweetheart?”
“Yeah, just another nightmare.” He said, trying to regulate his breathing back to a normal pace. “Swift, they’ve never been this real before.”
“Swift?” She giggled, kissing his cheek.
“I don’t know, I can’t say Swift anymore. I try to.” Markus carefully lowered his hand.

[Markus Everglade]

“Do you mean God?”
“Yes, Swift.”
“All right Markus.” Laura giggled again, hugging him around the waist. “What was your nightmare about? You were making very distressing sounds, like you were dying or something.”
“Dasher shredded my throat.” Markus shivered. “She was furious about what happened in Caltha.”
“Could you be more specific?”
“About my decision leading to everyone’s death?”
“Markus, we all decided and agreed on that. None of us knew Kenetari was going to be there.” Laura said, hugging him tighter as though that might help. Markus had to admit to himself that it did. He was calming down a lot faster from this nightmare, despite how painful and unfortunately graphic it had been. Sure, it had hit him where it hurt but not quite as much. “It’s guilt, Markus. Nothing more. Go back to sleep.”
“All right.” Markus said, kissing her gently before he lay back down. “Good night, Laura.”
“Good night.” She smiled, closing her eyes. Markus left his own open for a minute longer. What was his mind trying to do to him?

****

Raythor woke up to the sound of someone screaming. He got up, drawing his sword, and looked around the entire room before he realized that it was Anella. Raythor moved to protect her, still searching for what was making her scream. Eventually, frustrated, he shifted to try and find a wound on her body. Her eyes cleared and she stared at him.
“R-Raythor?” Tears formed at the corners of her eyes and she threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his chest. “You’re a-alive, s-sweetheart… y-you’re alive…”
“Of course I’m alive, Anella. I’ve been right here all night.” He could feel the salted water start to soak into the dark fabric of his tunic. Before he could ask anything else she kissed him desperately, sitting up enough to slide her knees between his. Raythor, caught off guard, just responded. Her fingers wound through his hair and she took her mouth from his, pressing her nose into his shoulder.
“Raythor…” She said shakily, her own shoulders rising and falling. “Oh honey…” He patted her back in a way he hoped was reassuring. Raythor had only seen his best friend cry once before and that had ended with the two of them becoming a couple. Since that had all ready happened he wasn’t sure how to make her feel better now but he was going to try.
“I’m sorry you keep having nightmares,” He held her tighter. “What happened?”
“Nightmare?” Her voice was blank, like she didn’t understand.
“Well it wasn’t real. I’m not dead. Never have been, not like you.” Raythor said lightly. Anella’s body relaxed.
“Just a dream… all a dream…” She sat back, the last of her tears trickling down her face. He wiped them away with his fingers clumsily and she laughed, taking hold of his hand to kiss his fingertips. “I love you, Raythor.”