Chapter 1

 

Aireese turned around and looked at Mystral. “We need to do it soon.”

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Mystral nodded and then sat on the ground. “The queen won’t like it. You know she hates when we do things together.”

Aireese went to the edge of the cliff and looked down over FaTerra. She could see so much from here. “I know. I got the lecture when we went to Ava’s rescue at that lake.”

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“Same.”

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Aireese glanced over to see Firo standing a good distance back, watching around them. “This anchor is the most important thing, I feel, to ending this mayhem that’s creating one ripple after the other.” She crossed her arms over her chest and walked back over to her cousin and sat on the ground across from her. Any time they needed to have a private conversation that her mother or her loyal helpers couldn’t listen in on, they came here. She looked at Aslac standing opposite Firo, looking all around them. Their guards held the barrier in place so no ears, magic or otherwise, could hear what they said.

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“You know she isn’t going to relax until you at least appear to be looking for a consort.” Mystral smiled at her.

Aireese groaned. “I haven’t seen one that appeals to me.” She rolled her eyes. “What about you? Do you have any prospects?”

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“Oh no you don’t.” Mystral shook her head, sending her dark hair flying. “I know you think if I find a pleasant consort and pop out a few heirs, Aunt Rora will name me next in line, but I don’t see that happening, ever.”

Aireese turned and looked at Firo.

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He gave her a bored look. “I am well taken now, so don’t even suggest we play at that again, trying to dupe the queen.”

Aireese sighed and waved her hand at him. “Mind the barrier.”

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“The barrier is fine.” Firo looked over at Aslac. “He is holding it mostly on his own because he knows we’ll be banished or have our wings clipped if our queen had any idea what you were discussing.”

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Aslac sent Firo a hard look. “I’m not mated to the queen's only grandchild, so yeah, I’m a little concerned.” He scoffed and then checked in the other direction.

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“No one is going to get wings clipped or banished,” Aireese sighed. I just need Mystral there, just in case. If we encounter something I can’t handle alone—” She got up and paced back over to the edge. The Veiltide woman can handle the water. I know Princess Kinsley can manipulate objects; I just need someone there who can deal with unforeseen things that might happen.”

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“Like that Astara showing up and trying to end the both of us,” Mystral said in a flat tone.

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Aireese laughed. “Yes, something like that.”

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“What about what your mother said when we were at the circle of stones? What if Soren feels ill because of the anchor? We don’t know what to expect.” He took two steps away from where he was to stand for the barrier. She gave him a warning look, and he stepped back. “I would feel better if I could go in there with you.”

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Mystral laughed. “Sure, we’ll go see the elder and get a potion that makes you pocket-size. I’m sure your lover would have fun with that.”

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Firo shot her a hard look. “Leave Ava out of this.”

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“Do you think she’ll stay out of it?” Aireese loved her niece. Her unrefined way was so refreshing. “If I’m going there, you will be present. Do you think she’ll stay home and tinker with her machines when there’s much on the line?”

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Firo closed his eyes and shook his head. “No. She will want to be there. Her sisters will want to be there.” He opened them and looked at her. Too many gathered in one place gives me a heavy weight in my guts.”

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She nodded. “I know. We’ll have to explain that to them when we meet up tonight.”

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Mystral stood up and brushed off her skirt. “I don’t know about any of you, but I’m going to go hug all the villagers and borrow a bit of magic here and there.”

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Aireese spun around and looked at her. “Careful, too much taken, and mother’s little birds will run and sing to her.”

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Mystral rolled her eyes. “I know how to work around them.” She scoffed. “They may as well have bells around their necks, all of them. They try to blend in, but you can tell they are her spies.”

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“Loyal subjects,” Aslac said with a grin. “They like to be thought of as loyal subjects.”

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“Right.” Firo nodded. “Loyal when there’s something in it for them.” He looked at her. “Are we finished? Keeping the barrier up too long is like sending your mother an invitation.”

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Aireese nodded. “Yes, I know. You can drop it.” She smiled at Mystral. “I’ll see you in Interealm.”

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Mystral nodded and glanced at Aslac. “This could be fun.” She lifted her hand and vanished.

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Aslac sighed loudly and then followed her.

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Firo came over and looked down at her. He wouldn’t speak it out loud for fear of being heard, but she could see the concern on his face.

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“It will be fine, Firo.”

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He snorted and then gave his head a shake. “I’m going to go have a meal with Ava, do you have need of me?”

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She shook her head and then smiled. “Tell my niece hello.”

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“I will.” He vanished himself to his love.

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Aireese sighed and went back to the edge. She could see the border of Cenyerly valley from here. There were times she envied the elders. They were allowed to live in peace there, nothing affecting them.

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Belford was finally apprehended, and she knew she should be happy with this, but there was that little something nagging at her that wouldn’t let her feel it. She looked at the valley again. Somewhere down there was another elder helping those against the realms functioning as they were meant to be.

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If they did find the anchor this evening, would that change the direction of everything? She wasn’t sure, but she did know that if it was dismantled, all those drawing from it would be weakened, and right now, she’d take that advantage.

The image of the throne and a sense of urgency filled her. Aireese sighed. “Coming, Mother.”

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