Reign of Ash Page 5

  Chapter Five

  Helena wiped the sweat from her brow, appreciating the cool breeze that licked at her hot skin. Kragen had joined her training this morning and Ronan pulled no punches as he set them against one another. Serena had kept her promise and was working with Nial a short distance away. Ronan spent the better part of the morning throwing the two confused glances when he thought no one was looking. Helena didn’t blame him; she was just as busy trying to decipher the shy smiles on their faces.

  Helena’s attention moved back to Nial, wondering how he was still standing when her own muscles were limp with fatigue. She was hoping no one noticed that the tree she was leaning against was all that was keeping her upright; the last thing she wanted was for the men to cluck at her like oversized mother hens. Luckily the others were too busy trying to pretend they weren’t staring at each other to give her any notice. It was nice, not being the center of attention for once. Helena was more than happy to use her rediscovered invisibility to watch the rest of them.

  Nial was red-faced and panting as he struggled through the stretches meant to build the strength in his legs. Perhaps it is only his desire to impress his trainer that had him pushing himself so hard, she mused. He caught her gaze and lifted a questioning brow. So much for being invisible, she thought with a chagrined shrug. He shook his head at her, his lips quirking with his own smile as he refocused on the woman barking orders at him. He blew Serena a kiss and said something that had her blushing but was far too soft for Helena to hear from her spot beneath the tree. An unexpected ring of steel met her ears and had her shifting her own focus back to the others.

  Twisting slightly, she watched Ronan and Kragen attack each other, or at least it appeared to be an attack, although she was still fairly certain they were only practicing. Kragen and Ronan were both dual wielding axes, the weapons spinning and flying through the air as they reinforced the moves with their magic. Both were exceptional warriors, but Ronan was hacking away at Kragen like a man possessed. The latter was clearly on the defensive as he ducked away from the deadly metal. Helena tried to bite back an amused smile as she realized Ronan’s performance was for the benefit of the lithe blonde across the clearing. Her friend had obviously grown tired of being ignored by his lover.

  The men had removed their shirts and sweat was already dripping down their bare chests. The purely female part of her appreciated the swell and flex of their impressive muscles, but the tired trainee was only interested in how much longer it would be before they were done showing off and she would be dismissed. She plucked at the shirt sticking to her skin, wishing it wouldn’t have been inappropriate for her to remove it as well. Helena snorted as she imagined the reaction that move would get her, especially if her Mate had been there to witness it. She could almost hear his voice purring down the bond, “If you’re in such a hurry to get naked for me, Mate, I don’t mind an audience.” Helena fanned at her face, hot now for a different reason.

  Serena and Nial joined her, jolting her out of her wistful daydream. Before she could say anything Serena let out a low whistle, “The only thing that gets me hotter than watching a man work his weapon, is watching a sweaty, half-naked one.” The frank sexual appraisal in her voice had Nial’s shoulders stiffening and his usual easygoing smile vanishing. Sensing his discomfort at her words, Serena’s eyes scanned his face before clouding over. Frowning, she looked away and remained silent.

  “There is something impressive about watching someone who is a master of their craft,” Helena added neutrally.

  Nial relaxed at her words, but refused to meet her gaze, focusing instead on the warriors in front of him. Helena let out a little huff, annoyed that male egos were such fragile things, even as she felt a flicker of sympathy for his obvious desire to prove to Serena that he was as much of a man as the others.

  “Kiri!” Joquil’s voice rang out as he entered their practice area.

  “Over here, Joquil!” she called, pushing off of the tree and automatically bracing herself for bad news. He had never sought her out during one of her practice sessions before. She could only imagine that his doing so now was an indication of something urgent.

  “Micha has arrived, my lady,” Joquil’s face and voice remained impassive, but Helena heard a low grunt as the two men behind her ceased their sparring.

  “It would appear that practice is over for today,” Serena commented lightly.

  Helena nodded distractedly, her anxiety at what the meeting would reveal causing shivers to race down her neck and arms. In response, the wind whipped through the trees causing leaves to rain down upon them.

  Joquil’s expression did not change as he brushed a few leaves from his head and shoulders. Helena couldn’t help but appreciate that he was as unflappable as ever, his steadfastness doing much to ease her nerves.

  “Where would you like to meet him, Kiri?” Joquil asked patiently.

  Helena thought for a moment, before declaring, “Have him meet me by the fountain in an hour. I will wash up and change.”

  There were grumbling protests behind her, but Helena ignored them. “Will you have Effie set up a small picnic for us? Micha was my friend before all of this occurred. I would like to maintain that pretense, if it even is a pretense, to prevent us from giving away our hand sooner than strictly necessary.”

  Joquil nodded, approval warm in his amber eyes as he said, “It shall be as you say.” With that, he turned and walked unhurriedly back the way he came.

  Helena sighed as Micha’s laughing green eyes swam into her mind. For as much as she wanted answers, there was a part of her that was greatly dreading this encounter. She didn’t want her memories of him tainted by finding out he was involved in his sister’s scheme.

  Serena rubbed her back soothingly before smacking her soundly on her butt, “Move it, Kiri.”

  Helena stuck out her tongue, chuckling as she made her way back into the manor. Kragen fell into step beside her, his silent strength bolstering her courage. No matter what the meeting revealed, she would not be facing it alone. On impulse, she wrapped her arms around his sweaty torso and squeezed. Shock at the unexpected embrace had him standing still until he recovered and lifted her into his own bone-crushing hug. He pressed a sloppy kiss to her forehead, his laughter vibrating in his chest when she squealed and started wiping the slobber off on his equally sweaty shoulder.

  “Unhand me you brute!” she crowed, her laughter ringing down the halls.

  Curious faces peered around corners and stuck out of doorways to see what had the usually reserved Kiri making such a racket. At the end of the hallway, Margo and Effie stood, watching the scene unfolding before them. Margo had her hand pressed against her lips, eyes shining brightly with her mirth. Effie’s eyes were wide and her mouth had fallen open in shock as she watched the tattooed warrior start to tickle her. Evidently, they were not expecting to see such a playful side from their new ruler and her Sword. Especially not after she had done little more than mope about their home the last few weeks. It was clear they did not know how to react to the sight.

  “Traitors!” she cried at them, realizing her error when the color drained from their faces. These were the people that had been declared traitors and suffered for centuries because of it. Thinking quickly to try and recover the jovial atmosphere she shouted, breathless with her laughter, “If you won’t punish Sir Sweats-a-Lot, I guess I will!”

  The crowd had grown in size, although Kragen had not stopped or slowed as he walked down the corridors leading to her rooms. She could feel their collective intake of breath as they waited to see what she would do.

  She called her magic forth, feeling it ripple in its excitement to be set free. Around her she could feel her curls waving in the air, lifted in a wind only they could feel. Her skin was pulsing with the flood of her magic rushing to the surface, and she could see she was starting to emit a soft glow as it grew in power.

  Deciding to pay him back in kind, she planted her hands on the sides of his ribs,
the only place her hands could really reach given the way his arms were banded about her. Calling Fire, Air and Water, she shot her magic into the surface of his skin. He froze, eyes snapping wide in surprise as her magic took over. He let her go with a yelp, squirming while his hands tried to slap away the playful balls of electricity that were moving across his body.

  All around them gasps of delight rang out. She was using tiny sparks of lightning to tickle him. There were no painful shocks, only the warm buzz of energy causing his muscles to spasm as he tried to twist away from their relentless assault.

  “You are a cruel mistress,” he tried to pout while laughing.

  Taking pity on him, she pulled her magic back. At least, she tried to. Some of the magic did flow back into her, while other sparks shot out landing in the crowd. Suddenly the gasps of delight were turning into shocked chuckles. Some were wiping tears of laughter from their eyes as others wriggled and twisted under the dance of her magic. It had no mercy as it sought its own form of revenge, moving from victim to helpless victim, tickling and tormenting, until one by one the sparkling balls of light reunited with her.

  Whispers broke out as they stared at her in her un-dampened form, her magic, simmering just below the surface, still making her glow. Her eyes were shining iridescent pools as she spoke in a voice that echoed in harmony with itself, “Serves you right for standing there laughing at me.” They could tell by her smile that she was not offended. Any that had not already fallen in love with her because of her devotion to Von and his people, or how she had healed Nial, did so then and there.

  Helena was still snickering when she made her way back to the fountain, and to Micha. Effie could barely suppress her reaction to the display of Helena’s magic and had been caught staring at her in awe three times before Helena finally dismissed the girl so that she could finish dressing in peace. She could hear the whispers and giggles as she passed people in the halls, a small smile tugging at her lips in response.

  It had been a good morning. Unexpected, but much needed. There was a lightness within her that left her feeling almost buoyant after so many nights of being weighted down with a growing sense of helplessness. It felt good to laugh, to let go of her fear just long enough to relax with her friends. She knew it would be fleeting. The feeling would likely dissipate completely by the time she finished with Micha, but it was even more precious and necessary because of that. No matter what happened, she could not afford to let go of her ability to laugh. Laughter was a symptom of hope. Without the presence of one, there was generally a lack of the other. Losing it would mean that Gillian had won, and she could not bear to give her that kind of power. Not with so much at stake.

  With renewed purpose, Helena entered the small garden. Micha was standing with his back to the entrance, his hands clasped behind his back. She watched his fingers fidget, the only indication of his nerves.

  “Mother’s blessings to you, Micha,” she said softly.

  He spun, a smile blooming across his face in greeting. He threw open his arms already stepping toward her.

  If he’s an actor, he’s a very good one, a warning voice murmured in her mind. Helena’s smile felt forced as she walked into his embrace. He pulled her close and she caught a whiff of the spicy cinnamon scent she had grown to associate with him. The familiarity had her muscles relaxing enough to return his hug.

  Micha stepped back, his hands warm against the sides of her arms. “I must say, I was shocked when I received your summons, but it will be nice to see my sister again. Where is she by the way?” he asked, his smile still firmly in place as his eyes looked past her in search of his twin.

  Helena felt her eyes narrow in suspicion but kept her voice even as she said, “She’s out at the moment, so I’m afraid she won’t be joining us for lunch today. You aren’t too disappointed that you’re stuck with just me for company, are you?”

  Micha’s laugh was warm, “Not even remotely, Kiri. Although, I find it hard to believe any in your Circle, especially your Mate, would willingly let you go anywhere by yourself.”

  Helena’s answering laugh was genuine, his observation was not far off the mark, and she knew that Darrin, Kragen, Ronan and Serena were all tucked just out of sight. The only reason Timmins and Joquil had not joined in was because they were busy pouring over the tomes that had arrived early that morning from the Palace archives. They were searching for anything that would corroborate Effie’s retelling of the prophecy.

  She pretended to pout, laughter still evident in her voice as she said, “I’m not completely helpless, thank you very much.”

  Micha let go of her arms completely and stepped back, “I did not mean to imply that you were. I still fondly remember the way you handled the crowd during your welcoming ceremony.”

  Helena’s smile grew as she remembered her instinctive reaction to defend Von only moments after meeting him. “Yes,” she said wryly, “I suppose that was fairly memorable.”

  Micha laughed at her, “Just a bit.”

  Helena motioned for Micha to take a seat at the table Effie had set up for them, “Would you like to eat?”

  Micha rubbed his flat stomach as he gave her a wide grin, “You have no idea how much I’m looking forward to a real meal. As exciting as travel is, there’s little you can do to make camp food edible.”

  Helena’s smile turned sympathetic, “You aren’t wrong, my friend.”

  They each took a spot at the small wrought-iron table. There were two plates, a pitcher of deep red juice and two crystal goblets waiting for them. Her stomach twisted in protest, nerves making it hard to appreciate the food on her plate.

  “Kiri—” Micha started.

  “Helena, please,” she corrected automatically, cutting off whatever he was about to ask.

  He smiled up at her, before turning his attention back to his plate. “Helena, as much as I love a good holiday, and as flattered as I am that you summoned me, not to mention that you are seeing fit to personally entertain me, I can’t pretend to understand why it is you felt the need to bring me here.”

  Helena waited for him to take a bite before responding, “To be frank, Micha, it concerns your sister.”

  He dropped his fork, his face draining of color as he worked to swallow his mouthful. “Gillian? What’s wrong with her?” he finally asked in a voice full of concern.

  Helena’s lips pursed as she tried to work through her phrasing. Truth be told, she was completely winging it. “It’s not so much that something is wrong with her…” she trailed off. Although being a traitorous, backstabbing bitch is certainly an unbecoming quality in a friend, she silently seethed.

  “Helena,” her name was a plea for information.

  Helena filled her glass with the juice, taking a quick sip before she tried again. “Gillian has betrayed us,” she said simply.

  “Betrayed you?” he gaped, his voice a hoarse croak. The tips of his cheeks and ears turned a bright shade of pink, “Now see here –”

  “No, you see here!” she snapped, her hand clenched around the goblet causing it to crack as her nails lengthened into sharp black claws. Bright red drops seeped through the fissures in the crystal looking like drops of blood as they splattered on the table.

  Micha blanched at the sight.

  “Your sister,” she hissed, “has abducted my Mate.”

  Micha’s lips opened and closed as he tried, and failed, to respond. He looked like a gaping fish, and Helena found herself holding back inappropriate laughter at the thought.

  “And you brought me here as a hostage? To try and get her to trade him for me?”

  Helena blinked in surprise. Truly the thought hadn’t even crossed her mind, but hearing him suggest it now she definitely saw the appeal.

  “No,” she said after a few heartbeats.

  Micha wiped at the sweat on his brow, the food sitting forgotten before them.

  “Then – then you mean to kill me?” he asked, his voice now a high-pitched whine.

  Helena
’s brows came together as she stared at him in shock, “Kill you?” she sputtered, equal parts offended and shocked. “Who in the Mother’s name do you think I am, Micha? Did you do something requiring your execution?” Her words had taken on a feral quality, her voice dangerously soft.

  His eyes flicked down to the sharp claws that were raking across the top of the table before he stammered, “N-n-no, Kiri.”

  “Then what reason could I possibly have to kill you?” she genuinely wondered as she tilted her head inquisitively to the side. “Perhaps you had better stop giving me ideas, Micha, and let me explain.”

  He nodded mutely, his cheeks and ears the only color remaining on his terrified face.

  “I want to know where she’s taken him. You are the closest person to her. Tell me, Micha, why would your sister be so foolish as to declare war on me in this way? What could possibly motivate such idiotic behavior? She has to know I will find her, and when I do…” she trailed off, letting his imagination fill in the blanks.

  She didn’t think it possible, but he became even paler. She could see his pulse flicker beneath the thin skin of his neck, his eyes fluttering as though he was fighting to remain conscious.

  He swallowed and licked his lips, “I don’t know, Kiri, I swear! I cannot believe she would come up with such a scheme on her own.”

  “What would cause her to do so?”

  He shook his head, “I – I’m not sure.”

  Helena slumped back in her chair, the claws retracting back beneath her skin. His terror was too genuine to be an act. He had no idea of his sister’s schemes or her whereabouts. “Can you not hazard any guess where she might be hiding?” she finally asked, her voice returning to its normal tone.

  Sensing the change in her, Micha relaxed a bit in his seat. She could see the sweat stains under his arms and felt herself frowning in sympathy. She hadn’t intended to get quite so carried away, although it had felt damned good giving into her anger now that it had a target. If only momentarily and not the right one.