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The Talons of a Dark Heart Ch. 08

Chapter 8

Five months later...

The pitter patter of rain hitting the metal roof of the castle gave way to the plops of puddles on the bedroom terrace. A breeze of fresh cool air made the curtains in the room float like phantoms. Lovers lay on either side of the bed, back to back, extreme opposites; not touching each other, allowing a chasm of bitterness separate them.

Novak dared not glance over his shoulder to check on Talyis. Her nightmares had ended five months ago, but it did not alleviate her unhappiness. Now instead of the night terrors thrashing through her sleep, she had become so sickly, always throwing up and with a cold. The stress and sickness had taken such a toil on her body that her body she stopped menses. She refused to let a healer touch her and charged daily him for her sufferings in silent glares. He ruffled his pillow taking out his aggravation and wishing the event five months ago had ended differently.

Novak had made love to Talyis and she made love to him. He was in love with her, there was no denying it any longer. It was deeper than his boyhood infatuation and willingness to do anything for her. If it weren't for his people, he would tear his royal robes from his body and escape with Talyis, giving her the life he'd dreamed of. But he couldn't force himself to send her away and instead tossed and turned, wrestling away his sleep each night trying to find a solution to keep her near.

He had held her so tightly and kissed her thoroughly that night five months ago. It was not a distant memory; he relived it every night with the hopes of waking up with Talyis reigning with him. She would be a great leader: she was exceptionally intelligent and had shown so much kindness to his people. Some of the villagers had avoided her all together and their faces showed their objections, but they trusted Novak and put up with the enemy sharing their king's bed. He was always watchful but relieved that most of his people took a liking to Talyis.

It was Umma's familiarity with Talyis when she accompanied him and Calena to the village that haunted him. During his visits, the rift between Talyis and himself did not seem as deep; they worked together to care for Umma. Talyis was strong and understanding when Umma had bouts of senility. Calena elected to stay outside after meeting Umma, she was too disturbed by the reminder of aging the older woman exemplified. Talyis was tender and nurturing with Umma. Only when Umma's slipped into the past did Talyis show her greatest strengths, comforting the grieving woman as the old woman dealt with the consequences of her father, King Aronich's actions.

Umma was steadfast in not allowing Novak to baby her and matched it with her determination to care for him instead. He was always a babe to her, and her tenacity sometimes tested his patience. Novak felt so inadequate in helping his Umma. It was only when he watched Talyis sitting at Umma's feet on the dusty floor, Umma patting the young woman's hands while telling her, "I may be old and my mind slips, but I am the mother here and always will be. Novak needs to stop his meddling and nursing me. I am my own woman," that Novak would burst into laughter. The ladies looked at him severely, their intimate moment disturbed by him.

It had become so apparent to him why he'd taken such a liking to Talyis when he was young. She was Umma. But the prospect that he'd be able to see Talyis grey and old, in love with him as his Umma, stopped his laughter to as reality broke in- they were star-crossed. He would not grow old with Talyis. Nor would they spend their nights reflecting over a happy life and family near the hearth as elders. He would soon have to send her away. All because of the morning after, five nights ago, all hopes and dreams of love and family had vaporized.

The morning after the night of passion- five months ago.

Talyis was still sleeping peacefully in his
arms through the night their pride broke and
their secret love burst through the iron
doors of their disdain for each other. He
watched her face, she even appeared to have
a small smile while she dreamt. He hoped it
was of better times and she was happy. He
was so proud that she had made it through
the night without a night terror, the first
since he took her.

When a shadow crossed through the rays of
morning light, he looked up and saw Calena
standing over them, her brows furrowed and
arms crossed. He carefully pulled his arm
out from underneath Talyis and crawled out
of bed in all his naked glory before his
fiancée. Pulling on his robe on he followed
Calena into the parlor where she attacked
him before the sleep had fully left his
body.

She had heard them that night, her patience
was being tested with her honor. She only
held herself back from storming into Novak's
chambers and throwing the slave girl to the
stone floor. She sat on the edge of her bed,
listening to the heavy breathing in the near
room of lovers moving nothing less than pure
love and honest words. She gritted her teeth
and took out her sword, whipping the long
silver blade with a sharp double edge that
glistened sharply against the moonlight
spilling into her room. She sat and polished
the sword, hissing hearing heart-felt
confessions in whispers, she glided her
polishing rag down the blade- waiting.

"Novak, do you love that girl? I heard you
tell her last night that you loved her,"
Calena spat.

"Calena, I will not have you spy on me! And
my slave is my business. You will never
punish her the way you did last night again-
" Novak said.

"I will not honor a treaty with our lands
and certainly not marry you." She
snapped, "I will no longer turn my back to
your culture's intentions of slavery any
longer. And if you do not take treaty with
Navapa, my allies will unite and we will
wipe out your lands out, on the
justification of you taking a slave whore
and have dishonored our marriage proposal."

Novak's body clenched. He had finally told
his secret: what he had not the nerve to do
in all his life (he revealed his love to
Talyis), and now his people were again
taking precedence over his heart. Calena's
fury suddendly softened as she stroked his
face that stiffen with every manipulative
stroke .

"Novak, I love you." She cooed but it
dripped insincerity. "I want to be your
queen."

Novak snapped her hand from his face. Calena
was not who he wanted to be his queen. He
could not fall in love with a woman who
manipulated him. Talyis as a child
manipulated him, but Talyis the woman was
kind and nothing like Calena.

Calena's eyes flickered with anger seeing he
wasn't submitting to her minstrels, "Fix
this immediately!"

Novak nodded strongly in reluctant
appeasement and dismissed his irate
fiancée . He sat on the settee waiting for
Talyis to rise from her slumber. When she
had, her countenance was so radiant it
burned him that he should to have to break
it; she looked at him with such innocent
hope.

"Talyis," he spoke plainly, his voice strict
and as strong as he could make it. "You know
that last night did not mean anything. You
are my slave and I chose to give you
pleasure last night.

Talyis's countenance did indeed burn out and
pain came over her. He watched as her eyes
shifted quickly from pain to protection; he
knew he had brought the tigress out.

"It meant nothing to me as well, prince."
Talyis spat, "Are you such a coward to think
that I would see it any differently? You
gave me nothing. I only chose to allow you
to feel like you were giving me pleasure."

Novak scrunched his face in disbelief,
Was this possible? Could she control his
passion?


Talyis laughed harshly. "So it is true? You
fell for me and now I have the power,
prince. You said you loved me. I am a mere
slave and you are engaged to a princess.
Whom you obviously hate, yet all the while I
despise you. Yes, you are right, last night
meant nothing."

Novak heart stopped in incredulously, it
ached. He loved Talyis but the girl from his
childhood still sat before him. "You are a
selfish and spoiled brat. You only care for
yourself. You think the world eternally
revolves around you."

"This coming from a man who marks women to
force them into slavery. I could never love
you." She lied with everything inside her.
She wanted to instead run and cry because
she had opened herself to him, saw him as
her green-eyed boy, and allowed herself to
hope.

"That's right you are only a mere
slave. I meant to say those words to give
you some comfort. I was wrong. You didn't
deserve them and so I will no longer put
your feelings into consideration. You will
serve the entire castle now. Then maybe you
will learn to be less of a complete bitch,"
Novak finally snapped.

No longer having the strength to continue
the charade, he slammed the door on his way
out, his heart was tearing to pieces from
the inside out- she was right. He tried to
remember his reasoning for taking her virtue
and he hated himself more than he ever had
that moment. Slumping against the wall to
feel to cool of the stones against his back
to soothe him, he pushed the last desperate
slivers hope and love for Talyis and buried
it deep inside the crevices of his scarred
soul.


And Now The Cold Light of Day... Five months later

So, now lovers in the sense that they loved but allowed their pride to hide the truth, they only spoke to each other in passing and lay on separate sides of the bed, smoldering in bitterness .

The birds chirping outside his window welcoming the day brought him no happiness for the anticipation of dawn. Today would be his last day as a single man; tomorrow he would marry Calena, finally protecting his people from outside territories, and would be crowned King of his people officially. Talyis did not stir from her slumber; her stillness mocked the turmoil brewing within him.

He smoothed his face with his hand to refocus his thoughts; he did not and could not allow himself to think romantic thoughts about Talyis, especially not on the eve of his wedding festival. He forced himself to remember her words to him the day after they had made love and his anger easily returned.

Gareth was right, he reminded himself; Talyis could have ruined the stability of his people and their protection. He had to force himself to find Calena attractive. He justified Calena's hatred of Talyis as mere territoriality and she was right to, but she did not know who Talyis really was.

Calena was going to be his wife and she had to believe that he would be a good husband and king for her. He needed to send Talyis away. It was the only way he could manage this arrangement with Calena. It would end tomorrow and he would never see his beloved Talyis again. Reluctantly pulling himself out of bed he went straight to work to put his plans in motion by calling his advisors. He finalized the last decrees of the Navapa treaty after months of preparation and negotiations between the lands and sadly arranged travel for Talyis thus giving her freedom and protection. He would release her and send her off after the wedding, but he knew his soul already brewing would not allow him to send her off without final words of truth and honesty; apologies for the pain he caused and not fighting for their chance for love.

***

Bile built up in Talyis' stomach again and her vision of the green-eyed man dissipated into darkness behind her eyelids. She quickly dashed out of the bed to the chamber pot Novak had placed near to her side of the bed, vomiting violently. She cursed herself as she wiped her sweating face and mouth. She sat on the bed and wished she could fall asleep to continue her dream. The green-eyed man had visited her sleep more often in the past months and she loved those dreams; it made her day much more tolerable. She loved the dreams but hated to admit that the green-eyed man had changed into Novak.

She chewed on her lip in a slight chuckle looking at the empty imprint on his side of the bed, He thinks he can give me passion. I can take passion from him even in my dreams. I will win Novak.

As she did when she had time to herself in the morning, she investigated the pile of books. She spotted a new book that she hadn't seen before. It was one of her favorites as a child. She opened it and quickly slapped the book closed; she couldn't believe what she was holding. Quickly, she snuck it into one of Novak's saddle bag and slung it over her shoulder. .

***

"Aie, Princess, what brings you out so early in the morn." Delia yawned loudly. She was still in her fluffy robe and was wearing Gareth's big boots as she dusted snow off the step with a straw broom.

"His Majesty's wedding party is tonight and I have a basket full of tasks, as usual." Talyis griped.

"Well, come in out of the cold," Delia replied, "I'll fix you some porridge. You got any more juicy dreams to tell me of your green-eyed man?"

Talyis entered the empty pub behind Delia, and her escort took his usual spot near the entrance of the tavern, sitting as if he welcomed the opportunity to do nothing for the few hours of her visits.

"I'm not hungry Delia. Your cuisine doesn't agree with me and basically my own doesn't either. I have never learned to really cook well and although Novak allows me the kitchen, I have been making myself so sick lately," Talyis apologized. "I think I have a parasite too." She pointed to her small swollen stomach.

"Oh dear, you're still sick and stressed?!" Delia sympathized and then picked up her belly fat and jiggled it, "Look I got a parasite too, you think."

"Maybe?" Talyis laughed with her friend rolling her eyes and sat down happily, "Some bread would be nice."

"Alright." Delia smiled and searched the bar for a loaf of bread to serve Talyis. "Novak is going to make our marriage official today. Gareth is to be restored to the line of power so he is very pleased."

"Really?" Talyis remarked, feigning interest.

"So, Pigeon, maybe Novak will allow you to marry someone, too. Maybe catch you a nice Aricin fellow, maybe you'd start to understand our kind better and not want to kill us off so soon." She said jokingly wagging her eyebrows.

"Delia, you know that I was a babe when my father-" Talyis stopped taking her joke to heart; she couldn't bring herself to say the words. She adored Delia and indeed felt guilty for the ideas that her father instilled in her against the Aricin. They were not as she had been taught, and aside from Novak, were kind, considerate, masterful artists, and intelligent. Even Novak showed many of these qualities, though Talyis tried not to admit. "Maybe you are right."

Delia jumped up and down giddily clapping her hands, "I'll play matchmaker."

"Delia, is Gareth here?"

Delia's excitement was squashed, "Yes, why?"

"I have to ask him something important. I need his help."

"I'll get him, his porridge will get cold anyways." Delia dashed up the stairs.

Talyis sat in the empty room with her guard and she pulled the bag closer to her. Her fingers drifted up and down the spine of the book hidden inside, waiting for Gareth to come down. She smiled to herself as she heard Delia's voice booming as she pulled Gareth from bed too early, her buoyant energy peeling away his slumber as he trudged down the stairs.

"Good morning, Talyis," he croaked. Then he was seated across from her, Delia placing a bowl of porridge in front of him before he could blink.

"Eat, and help our princess with your cousin's tasks," Delia ordered him.

"Dear, thank you for breakfast." He kissed her cheek tenderly and Talyis blushed, wishing she had what they had.

"Gareth, how did the Aricin rebuild their kingdom?" Talyis asked, Gareth stopped eating and raised his eyebrow at her.

"Why do you want to know?" Gareth demanded more than inquired.

"I was curious about the artistry in the castle and wonder how so much has been so well preserved. And then I wondered about the Prince," she lied.

"You mean Novak?" he big blond arched an eyebrow. Why would she suddenly care to know anything about the tyrant in her bed read across his brow.

"Yes" she replied less confidently, her story was unfurling. "Yes, please tell me how Novak became Prince."

"Why do you want to know?"

"I am curious because I know that my father had your last king and queen killed."

"Actually, you father killed them himself, in front of Novak," he said with complete distaste. Talyis began to regret asking.

"I- I didn't know. What happened to Novak after that?"

Gareth sighed. His expression was the same one of hurt Delia had when she told her the story of losing her parents. Gareth put down his spoon and massaged his thighs. "Novak was made a slave in your castle. He was young and very impressionable. Our King and Queen were very kind and they raised a very empathetic and sincere boy. When he was under the care of your kingdom, he was abused and made to forget himself. He saw his parents die by your father's sword in front of him."

Talyis sat still, her mind searching the past for keys to the locks that would open doors to these secrets that were kept from her by her parents. "What happened to Novak? How did he become Prince?"

"Talyis, why do you wish to know all this now?" he sighed loudly with impatience.

"Because I must know, I need to know why I am here." Her pretenses of strength fading.

"It won't change what has happened, Talyis."

"I know that, Gareth." She swallowed her emotions and looked at her lap.

Gareth's patience warmed, he tenderly to her hands from her lap into his hands and spoke sincerely, "I am very sorry about what had happened to you in the forest."

"Please, Gareth, tell me the rest."

"Novak somehow escaped from your castle when he was young. He was trained in surveillance and took the opportunity to escape one night during duty. He wandered the forest and lands for days. Many of us who survived had to scatter because we were afraid that your father would find us and as you've said yourself, 'completely hunt us'.

Talyis eyes dropped to her lap remembering her racist cruel words she spewed at the Novak's men that day, "Gareth, I am sorry. I was scared. I was-"

"Talyis, I know," he patted her hand sitting on the table. "I am sorry for bringing it up. We all still hurt so much, we've lost so much and you have as well." Delia sat beside him and massaged his neck, urging him to relax. He took a deep breath and then continued his story. "Novak had almost starved to death when my father found him on our farm. He recognized him right away. Our future king, as a boy had always a scraggly looking about him, he knew it was our lost prince.

"We brought Novak back to health and we reminded him who he was. I grew up beside hum, we tested our manhood in the wild together. My father found him quite queer after captivity because he didn't know how to fight, only clung to books and intelligence. The boy ran from your kingdom with only a few days food and books, right before the rainy season. Regardless, we learnt how to battle together and he changed, a bit for the worse as you see him today. But he was always occupied with his books."

"Novak never liked any girls though, only this girl he kept harping about from his years in captivity," Delia interjected and Gareth gave her a quick playful pat on her arse to shush her up.
"Honey, she wanted me to tell the story," Gareth said a little more vehemently than he wanted to come out.

"Well! Excuse poor Delia from the story please. I'll go sit by me lonesome away from my best friend you are so intent on stealing from me every itty bitty of time I get to see her..."

"Delia," Talyis pleaded, trying to calm the melodrama. "Please let him finish."

Delia smiled, kissed Gareth on the cheek quickly, and curled her fingers through his hair, content with listening.

Gareth smiled and his eyes twinkled with genuine amusement. His wife never gave him a dull moment. "We sent messages which our people passed onto the others; we regrouped as a people, found this new land and territory. As for the artwork, many of us were given pieces from the castle by the guards when the siege was nearing, and those of us who survived have returned them to our new castle."

"But it aint the official King until he weds and brings us a queen. But since Gareth stepped down and Novak aint in the grave. Gareth isn't our king and I our queen, that unless Novak dies, then since we are married...." Delia added quickly.

"Darling, what does that have to do with what I am trying to tell Talyis," Gareth smiled at Delia.

"Nothing, I'd just thought I throw that in to stop any more confusion, me girlfriend might be having on our monarchy system and why he is taking Calena and not Ta-" Delia blurted almost saying 'not Talyis' but Gareth pounced on her and kissed her lips quiet.

Delia giggled wrapping her arms around Gareth and the two tumbled to the floor, still laughing and kissing each other.

"Is there anything else you want to reveal to Talyis might she be confused," Gareth mocked teasingly with a wicked smile.

"Emm, well, if you kiss me like that. How about why Novak plucked her from her castle..."she giggled but Talyis was swaying in a swirl she did not hear.

She sat still in deep thought until the bile in her stomach again pushed through her body. "Delia!" she cried and motioned. Delia quickly snapped into action, pushing Gareth off of her to deliver a wash bucket to her side. Talyis threw up again; her head spinning.

"Pige, maybe your parasite ain't a parasite," Delia commented. She rubbed Talyis's back as she hunched over, heaving.

Talyis clutched the rim of the wooden bucket. Her voice husky, she said, "It's just the smell of Aricin food."

"You've got to get used to our food! And anyway, maybe it ain't the food either... perhaps you're pregnant?"

Pregnant?! She clenched her eyes shut and the pit of her stomach dropped, causing her to feel even more woozy. I haven't thought....Oh Heavens! That would be a nightmare unto its own. I cannot be pregnant.

"Don't fret, we will do a test," Delia quickly got up to go to the bar. She shifted around for a pan. She placed something in her dress and brought them back to the table. "When are we going to have a babe, Gareth?" She pulled an egg from her dress and cracked its contents into the pan. "There we go. Now go and use it as a chamber pot. We will put it in the sun. If the yolk separates from the egg, you are with babe. But if it's intact, it's not quite exact."

Talyis slummed out of the bench and took the cast iron skillet to the hallway to use as a chamber pot, the guard took notice that she was leaving his eyesight and tried to follow.

"No, you don't! You give a gal her privacy no matter who she is!" Delia shouted at the guard and forced her body in front of him, protecting the entry way to the hall. The guard surrendered and returned to his chair.

"When will I know?" Talyis asked and Delia laughed, oblivious to the dread the princess was experiencing as always Delia was on the bright side of life.

"The sun ain't near the sky yet. It's all but a white dawn. It'll take a few days in the sun."

Talyis scoffed, "It's rained and snowed for a month now, the sun isn't coming out."

"Ah well, it's the raining season, but the itty bit of sun we get for a few days should tell us."

"Oh, I feel like I am going to be sick," Talyis clutched her stomach from the sour feeling moving through her and bent over.

"Tell us another story, luv, to keep our Talyis's mind off the anticipation," Delia hurriedly requested.

Gareth finished the rest of his porridge. "Talyis, if you are with babe you need to eat and take care of yourself. Novak will not be happy if you are sick."

"He won't care what happens to me or this child. He said he would send it to the mines!" Talyis cried and clutched her stomach tighter.

"Talyis, he does care. If only you knew."

"Knew what, Gareth? How to save myself?"

"No, Talyis, if you only knew how we came about taking you from your castle."

"You kidnapped me and didn't even offer a ransom. What do you want from me?"

"Nothing, Talyis, and you are wrong on all accounts."

"Then tell me, Gareth!" she demanded.

"It is not my story or place to tell."

Talyis clenched her fist angrily. Why wasn't he telling her what she deserved to know? He had been there, why wouldn't he tell her?

"Gareth, you are no help to me," she spat. The room crackled with tension, not even Delia spoke.

Talyis took a deep breath and composed herself. "I am sorry. Gareth, you have been a great friend to me. You have tried to help me and reason with Novak, I know. I know your hands are tied because of your responsibilities." Talyis sat still, a calming stillness replaced the anxiety that had covered the room the last few moments. "I love my people and my land. I miss them all so much. I am sorry for what my father did to your people, to Novak. I understand your duty is to your people and you had to make difficult decisions concerning me, even defying Novak. I would do anything to protect my people." She dropped her eyes to her lap and wrung her fingers nervously, "I never got a chance to thank you for being so gentle with me that night. I knew you loved Delia and I knew you did not want to do what you were ordered to. When I was told that you stepped down because of that night, I felt so humbled. I am your enemy but you didn't allow retribution to taint your soul."

Gareth took Talyis's hands into his own and squeezed gently, "You have changed quite a bit, Talyis, from when we first met and from what Novak told me of you and your royal family. I am relieved that you are not broken. Stay wild, Talyis, stay wild."

***

Rain ricocheted against the stone floor of the courtyard leading to the gardens out of tempo with the musicians playing Aricin folk songs on drums, flutes, and hollow stringed instruments. Like glass beads falling quickly to the floor when the water dripped quickly through roof drains, laughter grew louder and thunder competed for attention from the happy couple surrounded by constant stream of visitors.

Coming from the Delia and Gareth's tavern, Talyis snuck through a new tide of people entering the castle, wanting to avoid Calena and Novak. She was trapped between the towering white floral arrangements and the villagers pushing in to get an eager look at their soon-to-be queen. The castle hall was very small in comparison to the one in her old home. It was the only a large room in the castle with the throne at the end of the room. To the right and left, eight arched openings had narrow stairs leading to: two bedchambers, the library, the kitchen, two watchtowers, and the dining hall. Only one arch opening nearest to the throne led to the courtyard and gardens.

Aricin ate at tables set up in the hall. The glittering white and silver fabrics only made the room appear smaller, while jostled waves of people enjoyed the joyful Aricin dancing to folk music. Despite being in a room so filled with people, Talyis felt so alone and wished that Gareth and Delia had attended.

The lightning outside flowed through the hall, highlighting the white, silver and crystals that hung everywhere. The candles flickered as gusts of wind came through the courtyard into the hall, but no one was bothered by the large storm brewing outside. Instead, the room swelled with such excitement, it easily surpassed even Delia's daily exuberance.

Drinks and mugs were passed from person to person over the heads of the smoothed and frizzled haired people. People carried large turkey legs, pulling the sinews apart with large obnoxious bites.

Talyis tried to get Novak's chambers to hide from the pain of the wedding party but her path was redirected her closer to the throne by the pushing and shoving guests. She fought back tears when her eyes laid on Novak and Calena sitting side by side on the throne. He was smiling down on his people, his arm was raised high for a toast. Calena was dressed in a beautiful white gown with crystals dripping ornately from the white and gold bodice that perfectly matched the decorated hall. Her blonde hair contrasted beautifully with the red roses pinned within her curls falling to her hips. She was mesmerizing. Talyis couldn't help but touch her simple navy, brown skirts that felt like rough burlap and smooth her hair nervously.

Novak stood up and the crowd responded with thunderous applause. He looked imperial in his tailored ivory clothing and ornate robe. His legs were strong and towering finely, an ornate tunic with silver stitched designs showed off his muscular chest- he oozed sensuality.

"Enjoy, my friends, enjoy. Tomorrow, I will wed my beautiful princess and be crowned King. Tomorrow, dear friends, our struggle ends and a new era begins." The crowd roared even louder and the musicians banged on their drums. Talyis watched as women waved handkerchiefs, while others swooned.

"Calena, my bride and the Navapa alliance will protect us and we will thrive within this world that has been so against us. We will grow as a people, fall in love, marry, have children and grow old. Our children will grow up never in fear but will be able to study and learn. Our elders, such as Ulie, my Umma, who have seen such terrors will at last have their nightmares calm and will rest in knowing their kingdom stands at last. The sacrifice of those who's lives were extinguished, like Ulie's children; your parents, siblings and children; my parents will not be in vain.

I will rule as your King with the justice, wisdom and humility my father had. I will protect you and we will never fear extinction again." Another roar and Novak smiled on his people, his body strong as he gave the oratory. "Eat, and be merry- tonight is the wedding party of our people."

The musicians struck up another jovial tune and people began to dance and celebrate again. The circling of dresses and men clapping made the room spin; Talyis freed herself from the crowd and leaned against the cool wall. She clutched her stomach, and her troubles began to press upon her again.

Damn him. I hate him. She cried to herself and closed her eyes willing her stomach to be empty, imagining it to be only tissue, blood and muscle. Damn me for losing my mind, for hoping for love, for making him into my green-eyed boy. She pushed herself off of the wall and tried to navigate through the people to the peace and quite of the chambers.

She swore as she saw Calena float through the crowd. She looked so happy as she accepted the praises of her beauty from the villagers while she walked towards the front entrance to the castle. The doors swung open as she approached and clanged closed. The idea of getting fresh air seemed like a good idea and she was already nearer to the courtyard than to the stairs of the chambers.

The rain fell hard and only a few kissing couples stood huddled under the roof that covered only a small portion of the courtyard. She didn't care if they thought she was crazy, she walked to the end of the courtyard terrace into the heavy rain, immediately soaking herself. She closed her eyes and allowed the rain to drip down her face to disguise the tears falling from her face. She chastised herself for falling for Novak; he infuriated her. She should have tried to cut his throat, not welcome him to caress hers with the stubble from his chin in the dark.

"Talyis," the voice that ran through her senses day and night called her from behind.

"Leave me alone," she warned. She could hear the villagers hugging each other under the roof stiffen.

"Leave us." He instructed harshly. The sound of his heels clicking against the stones and slashing the puddles brought her stomach to a twisting. "Talyis."

A warm robe was brought around her rain-chilled body and delicate fingers turned her chin to him.

She looked down at the royal robe surrounding her body, the wedding robe that was crafted for this night. She chewed her lip, feeling the pain deep in her soul of wanting to have this one close to her, to adore and respect her, to marry her, and to want to spend his entire life with her. She let her fingers roll up and down the white fur trim of the satin robe.

"Talyis, I am so very sorry-" Novak began. He had rehearsed it over and over since the night he held the handkerchief with her innocence to his face in tears. He couldn't believe that he had allowed his anger to blind him to the point where he had mutilated the very soul he couldn't live a day without thinking of.

"Sorry for what?!" Talyis spat, interrupting him. Her tears now rolling freely down her face. "You took me from my home and had your men take me. And instead of killing me, which was within my rights, you enslaved me."

"Talyis I shouldn't have... I can't tell you how much I regret-"

"I am a princess, just as much as Calena."

"Talyis-"

"You claim to be a great leader, but you twist diplomacy with the heir to a crumbling kingdom."

"I know Talyis, I know that your father's rule was slipping. I am sorry, but you must understand-"

"Again, you are sorry!" she laughed angrily though tears. "You took my innocence and perverted me... to make me-." She couldn't say it. She couldn't tell him she loved him. "Make me-. You used my memories of a friend and perverted them to make me-."

"Talyis," Novak shook his head, unable to comprehend her. "I don't know what you are talking about, what friend?"

"You said you loved me and you are so twisted. Just kill me!"

Novak's heart sank, "I am sorry, Talyis."

"Stop saying that!" she screeched loudly and pounded her fist into his chest, he only stood and took the blows. "You cannot apologize to me. You've have done nothing but torture me with false pleasantries since there was nothing left you've already taken everything from me."

Novak tried to take her hands but changed his mind, his eyes looked down. The rain turned to sleet, melting as it touched his heated body. "Talyis, I am truly sorry, and nothing can make up for-"

Another apology, Talyis girded herself, her nose flared loudly in anger. "What kind of new era do you think you will bring? You are a disgrace to your parents' rule and you lie to your people. You cannot and will not protect them. It would have been better that my father would have killed the bastard child of King Belcor than-"

Novak's hatred for Talyis since the moment he plucked her from her castle, against his judgment and advisement of deciding to protect her by bringing her home, was renewed. He charged at Talyis, the images of his father, King Belcor on his knees before the man that shared Talyis's features flashed red hot anger in his eyes. He backed her into the stone fence leading to the gardens she had cultivated. He held her strongly by the robe. Her glare challenged him. She was willing him, threatening him to hurt her, prove that she was right. But he wouldn't, couldn't, his mind raced with anger he could not catch up. The sleet had stopped and transformed into white flakes, falling about them and powdering the ground. Everything was tranquil and peaceful; the storm had stopped but the sharp animalistic exhaled bursts of icy vapors between the two enemies continued.

Metal and chain links jangled against rustled clothing and matched the heavy clopping of boots on the pavement running towards them. Nothing broke the concentration of their stand-off. Two men huffed loudly, their voices fragmented by their exhaustion, "My lord, my lord!" Novak turned, tossing his hands from his robes. "We are under siege!"

"Protect the Queen!" he yelled, but the men shook their heads. "Where is Calena? You must protect her."

"My lord, she is the leader of the siege. They are attacking the outer villages."

"It's happening again," the other stronghold watchman shuddered.

Novak's face flushed and his green eyes watered with great distress, he had brought the infiltrator into the heart of his people. He glanced at Talyis who stood just as stunned as he, but she could not stand smugly anymore. He grabbed his head, wanting to pound it to stop the bells clamoring inside, and ran towards the stables to ready for battle.

********************************

So sorry its been awhile to update. Very busy life going on here. I hope you like the description a play on a play. Lol. As Always thank you to my beta readers, Cris for editing and those of you who have stuck through letting these characters tell their story to the end. But this is not the end. Voting and comments are always much appreciated.

~Talyis
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