The Retaliation

Just like that, summer had come and gone. The wind tore at her hair and howled through the valley chilling the Princess to her very core. No amount of her magic would stave off the frigid autumn air. She stood high upon the hill, looking down over the construction that continued below her. Caldwin had announced his claim on the throne the day after his mothers funeral. Every day since challengers have been announced joining the long list of subjects to vie for their own Prince’s crown.

They were working on reconstructing the colosseum, the last time it had been in use being over half a century ago. Its construction had been the cause for delay in the proceeding of the Hollows. Tradition stated that it must be held here, in the original valley, a neutral territory for any and all hellhounds who wished to attend or participate.

Her attention shifted away from the construction below looking to her left where a few paces away Caldwin conversed with several advisors, a seemingly near permanent frown etched into his features. The closer and closer they got to the Hollows the more agitated he had become. It bothered Amira to no end, but there was nothing she could do to console him, no comfort she could offer. This was something he had to face on his own.

A hand gently brushed against her lower back and her head turned, looking to her right where Rollo had come to stand beside her. His touch was comforting, if not slightly possessive. A delicate balance was maintained between the two friends for now, and Amria walked a dangerously thin tightrope with the both of them. She couldn’t bear to lose either of them, and while Rollo had always backed down to Caldwin staving off his own desire, Amira knew better than to think things could remain this way forever. It was a temporary solution, a bandaid for a gushing wound, but it was enough for now.

“They say it will be ready by the end of the week,” Amira spoke her thoughts aloud looking back at the colosseum below. Rollo hummed softly in agreement, the noise more like a low rumble from his chest. She leaned into him slightly, and his arm tightened gently around her in a comforting nature. ‘I’m scared’ her thoughts spoke for her, the words she would never dare speak aloud, projecting them to the only one who was capable of hearing them.

‘He has healed Amira,’ Rollo reassured her silently as the two looked out over the massive creation beneath them, wind pulling at the capes draped around them both. ‘He is the strongest hellhound I have ever met… you have nothing to fear.’ She knew he believed it, and she prayed to the Creator and all the gods above that he was right, but the hollows were not the only thing that the Princess had taken to worrying about of late.

“The witches have been quiet,” Amira continued aloud, speaking carefully around the words she didn’t want to say. There had been no news of Gweneth. Amira didn’t like the fact that things had suddenly gone so quiet. Bastein was of no use, he knew no real information of value and continued to rot in the pits beneath the castle. Gwen was smart to keep her plans to herself, otherwise her cousin would’ve said something by now. He broke easily.

“There have been no new reports either.” Rollo answered her silent question with more information that truly led to nothing if only a slight reassurance for the Princess. He hated seeing her this way. The anxiety and paranoia had started to eat away at her resolve. She slept and ate less, constantly trying to help, to outthink her sister, but it was no use. It was as if the rebellion had fallen straight off the face of the planet. They were in hiding, for what reason Rollo had yet to figure out.

“What of Ian?” Amira asked golden eyes turning upwards to his blue eyes. One of her first ideas had been to recruit the feral Druherean she had freed several months ago. She had met with Vishnu and Irna once more and they convinced her to at least try. That is if they could find the Druherean in the first place, there was a chance they could convince him to return to sanity.

“We’ve found tracks, and have started to close in on his location, but there have been no sightings yet.” Rollo informed her, looking over her shoulder to see Caldwin finishing up with his conversation his grip loosened and he took half a step away from the Princess. ‘You know I hate this,’ he ground out to her, projecting his thoughts while keeping his mouth shut. His hand falling to his side creating respectful space between the two of them

Amria nodded slightly at his findings, immediately missing his presence the moment he stepped away, but his words struck a chord within her. Anger boiled deep in her stomach, frustration growing at his choice in topic ‘And you know I won’t choose between you,’ she shot back. They had had this argument many times before and she was in no mood to have it again now. Simply nipping it in the bud was the best option for the time being. Everyone needed to play Nice.

The Crown Prince, and current unofficial ruler of Heliki, approached the bonded pair. Joining them as they looked out over the colosseum.

“We’ve set a date,” Caldwin informed them, catching the attention of both the Princess and the Guard. Amira let out a tense breath, forcing her shoulders to relax.

“When?” She asked, simply the cloudy day and serious topic shortening her sentences.

“A week from tomorrow, after the construction is complete,” Caldwin spoke with a calm certainty in his voice. “We’ll begin welcoming challengers in two days, the festivities will begin on the third,” he explained.

“Festivities?” Amira echoed confusion written across her features as she tilted her head slightly turning to face him, fully trying to read his stoic expression.

“Balls, parties, competitions of wit and talent,” his gaze shifted to meet hers as he explained, a mischievous glint flashing behind his onyx eyes, “each competitor is allowed one escort, and of them, anyone can compete and attend any event they wish.”

“Anyone?” Amira asked raising an eyebrow in curiosity as the Prince took a step forwards, hand snaking around her waist and drawing her in close to himself. His chest pressing lightly against hers he learned forwards his lips brushing against her ear as he softly answered,

“Anyone.”

Amira’s skin tingled with excitement and anticipation, his closeness igniting a spark within her, calling out to the unending desire that was him, her mate. She sighed gently her eyes drifting shut for a moment, the overwhelming feeling of home washing over her before she was brought back to reality as Rollo cleared his throat pointedly, his icy gaze focused elsewhere but his discomfort made clear. Caldwin reluctantly created space between the two of them, his annoyance pulling his lips into a thin line but Amira’s newfound excitement would not be dampened by either of the boys.

“So I can come?” She asked, needing to hear it plainly from him, still quite not believing it, “I can compete?” A soft chuckle shook Caldwins shoulders as he relaxed, relenting in his annoyance, unable to ignore her excitement.

“Only if you agree to be my escort,” he hummed, taking a step back, his attention remaining focused on Amira. He did not want to see what kind of expression his best friend would have in regards to his asking.

“Why do I feel like there’s a catch?” Amira spoke hesitantly, looking over her shoulder towards Rollo as Caldwin avoided his gaze. At last the guard spoke up, addressing Amira directly.

“Traditionally, the Heir’s escort is a position left unoccupied, to be competed for throughout the week. The winner is typically given the rights to wed the winner of the Hollows whether it be him-” Rollo looked to Caldwin now, his voice level as he explained, “-Or his opponent.” Amira blinked once in surprise and looked back to her mate, standing only a step away from her, golden eyes narrowing slightly as she processed the new information. She didn’t have to speak however as Caldwin spoke himself, filling in some pieces that Rollo left out.

“It is traditional, but not mandatory,” he ground out, unable to keep the annoyance from his tone as his dark gaze fixed on his friend in a warning manner, before softening as he looked back to the princess before him. “If you accept, you likely will be challenged for your position but you don’t have to, you could still-”

“I accept,” Amira answered, the words flying from her mouth faster than she anticipated them to, cutting off Caldwin mid sentence. Her answer seemed to have shocked both males into silence so she decided to explain herself. “What?” she demanded looking between the two of them. “It’s not like I’m going to let someone else win the rights to marry my mate,” she said, standing a bit straighter, the beast within her purring with delight at her decision. No, no one would touch her mate. There was no doubt that he would win and there wasn’t a chance in hell she would let someone else come between them again. No matter the implications.

Caldwin’s lips turned upwards into a pleased smile and he bowed his head respectfully to the princess before him. “Very well, as you wish,” he spoke calmly, but there was a twinge of pride in his tone. He couldn’t help but bask in the immense satisfaction that her words had brought him, even if they resulted from little more than jealousy it was the closest admission of emotion the Prince had ever gotten from her. “Lets go home,” he suggested extending a hand in a silent offer for her to take, “we have much to prepare for.”

Amira took his outstretched hand and allowed herself to be led away from the valley, she looked over her shoulder to ensure Rollo was following and was relieved to see him stomping along behind them. ‘This doesn’t change anything’ Amira reassured her rider but didn’t miss the way his features twisted down into a scowl before she looked ahead of them once more. His reply ringing hauntingly through her mind as they walked away.

‘It changes everything.’

~

The trio, flanked by their usual array of guards, walked through the capital city on their way back to the castle after the short train ride from the valley. Caldwin led the way as Amira and Rollo walked side by side. They passed through the streets with little fanfare, the heliki subjects scurrying out of the way of their Prince eyes cast downwards. Caldwin didn’t seem to notice, singularly focused on his task in returning to the castle, but Amira did. Her gaze followed the people, lingering after them. She had so many questions, and so much more to learn she didn’t know where to begin.

She stopped suddenly in the middle of the street, causing Rollo to pause beside her, raising an eyebrow in a questioning manner. Caldwin, catching sight of her halting tuned back to face the two of them.

“There’s music,” she said softly, her tone holding something of a quiet wonder, before she took off. She followed the sound, disappearing down a side street, her mate and rider hurrying after her in tow. Amira ignored the two of them calling after her, following her ears as they led her through the city, laughing lightly as she jogged ahead of the boys picking up speed as she went taking any path she came across with no concern for her safety. She simply followed the sound of the fiddle and a woman’s voice until she found herself outside a tavern.

Her golden eyes shone with wonder as the upbeat tune called to her and lifted her soul. It had been so long since she’d heard music like this, music she had grown up with in the small village on the outskirts of the Heliki territories. Rollo and Caldwin caught up to her in no time and she cast a look over her shoulder towards them before fixing her attention on the tavern before them once more, “can we go in?” She asked, but truly she didn’t need permission, it was more of a warning, an announcement of her plans before she executed them. She simply preferred to orient the statement in a form of a question, so at least the boys felt like they had some sort of control. Since the Queen had died, Amira had taken to no longer asking permission to do things. Caldwin rarely told her no, and as a Princess and possibly the next queen of Heliki there was no one else to stop her.

“Amira we really shouldn’t-” Rollo began reaching for her, but the Crown Prince cut him off stepping around Amira to open the door with one hand and extending his other to her in a silent invitation.

“Of course,” Caldwin spoke kindly offering her a small smile to mirror the one that now lit up the Druheran Princesses face as she took his hand and the two slipped into the tavern, leaving their guards outside, Rollo just barely slipping in the door after them.

The tavern was packed, men and women alike pressed against each other made moving difficult, but the Prince had no issue clearing a path to an available table for the three of them. The table became available of course, as soon as he removed its previous occupants with little more than a snarl. Amira found it easy to forget sometimes how powerful her mate was. He was quite… tame, when it came to the interactions between them. Even now as they sat down across from each other, Rollo sliding into the spot beside her shielding her instinctively from the crowd, her eyes wandered over him as he was distracted, ordering them drinks from the barmaid who had come by upon seeing them sit down. He wore simple clothing, best suited for the travel they had done that day, a white button down shirt with dark jean pants making the Prince look decidedly normal. Yet while he dressed normal, he was anything but, strikingly handsome, strong, and decently kind to her. What more could a girl want?

She was startled from her thoughts when she realized he was staring back at her. Her cheeks heated and she glanced away quickly, her mind turning to the music once again and she smiled softly at the familiar tune. She looked at the crowd around them, most moved simply where they stood, but closer to the stage at the far end of the room space had been cleared for dancing. The people occupying that space moved wildly and freely as the fiddle sang and the woman’s voice twisted upwards and downwards with a merry folk tune. Rollo and Caldwin were speaking, discussing some matter or other of which she paid no mind. She was caught up in watching the dancers and the singer, her attention only returned to the table when a barmaid approached with their drinks.

This one was different, younger than the first, with striking blonde hair and blue eyes. She set their drinks down, but her gaze lingered on Rollo her eyelids fluttering as she spoke demurely,

“Will that be all for now?” She asked in such a tone that had Amira leaning forward sharply, her hands hitting the table somewhat audibly as she made her presence known to the woman, the blonde quickly looking her way as Amira offered her a sickly sweet smile.

“Yes. That will be all,” she said, her voice dripping with false pleasantries, but the rage burning in her eyes was enough to drive the woman away disappearing back into the crowd with a low chuckle from Caldwin. Rollo looked at Amira now, a somewhat surprised expression on his face, as well as confusion in his eyes.

The Princess pretended not to see it, sinking back into the seat once again taking her glass of beer with her, raising it to her lips unceremoniously; she drank nearly half the thing before setting it down again. Much to her mates delight and her riders displeasure.

‘Amira’ Rollo scolded her silently, his tone a cool warning, ‘take it easy.’

The Princess of course, did nothing of the sort. Fixing Rollo with a steady glare she picked up her glass and finished the remainder of it, before grabbing his glass and drinking that too. She stuck her tongue out at him and Rollo sighed heavily, causing Caldwin to shake his head smiling to himself amused by the pair.

“I want to dance,” the Princess declared unceremoniously, as she set down the empty glass on the table. She glanced between her mate and her rider briefly. Rollo was frowning, clearly he was not enjoying a single bit of this experience and it was starting to get on her nerves. She wanted to have fun, to be normal, even just for a short period of time. Clearly all he could think about were the invisible threats stacking up against them.

Caldwin, on the other hand, was already sliding out of the booth and looking at her expectantly. His hand halfway extended in a casual offer to join him. Amira offered him a small smile and pushed Rollo’s shoulder to get the rider to let her out of the booth. She took Caldwins hand as she stood, that never ending electricity that existed between them tingling along her skin where they touched. She unclasped the cloak around her neck and tossed the heavy fabric to Rollo who caught it instinctively.

“Hold this,” she told him before running a hand over her shirt, a red top with loose sleeves that came back to simple cuffs around her wrists. They left Rollo behind as Cal led the way shouldering through the crowd towards the far end of the room closest to the fiddler and the singer. They reached the edge of the small clearing of a circle when Cal stopped and turned back to her just as the song was beginning to change, shifting from one to the next. Dancers peeled off the floor, the brief pause in the music granting them an escape and space for others to fill in.

“After you,” the Prince rumbled. Under different circumstances, Amira may have marveled at the tone of his voice, the thrill in it, but the music was beginning again and she did not have time for such thoughts. Stepping out into the open space the Princess didn’t have time to think as the music picked up in earnest. Thankfully, it was a song she knew, and she fell into the wild steps of the dancers alongside her. She couldn’t believe the speed at which they moved, subtly reminded she wasn’t in her small village of humans anymore but rather dancing with some of the most lethal supernatural creatures of their world. Caldwin remained along the edge, leaving her to dance on her own for now. The freedom she felt in that moment, the bliss as she kept pace with those around her, was complete bliss. Tossing her head back Amira laughed, her spirit lighter and happier than it had been in some time, her worries forgotten. The stress of the last few months washed away for the moment, scared off by the song and the beat of their feet on the floor. The orderly lines broke apart as the song crescendoed into a fiery solo, the audience cried out with whoops and cheers filling the space as the fiddle player poured everything he had into his instrument.

A hand snatched hers and artfully pulled her into a natural spin, her hair whipping around her face, another snaked along her waist to catch her before she spun away too far. She looked up to the onyx eyes of her mate and smiled brightly leaning upwards stretching up on her tiptoes she pressed a fleeting kiss to his cheek before she spun away once more throwing herself back into the dance. This time he came with her and the two of them moved around the floor with a speed and grace that had others backing away. The chorus picked up again but the others did not join in once more, they marveled at the pair in the center of the space. Where one moved away the other moved forwards, in and out weaving around each other like water flowing over stones on a stream. It was as if they had danced together their whole lives. Instinctively knowing where the other was going and what their next move would be. The song came to a thundering conclusion that ended with the Princess dipped deeply, her head hanging back freely, her hair brushing the floor in the Prince’s arms. His face just barely above the soft skin of her neck, both of them breathing heavily as applause and cheers shook the tavern around them.

Caldwin stood carefully, pulling Amira back to her feet. The two of them bowed politely to the musicians, then to the crowd that roared with approval. The Prince offered the Princess a small smile and leaned down slightly to speak by her ear over the ruckus of the tavern.

“Ready to go home now?” Cal asked, having regained his breath and his senses. This certainly was fun, but Rollo was right, they were pushing it being out so late especially in a place such as this.

“I suppose,” Amira answered reluctantly. Cal’s hand shifted to rest of the small of her back guiding her gently as they worked their way back towards Rollo, who had already stood in anticipation of their leaving.

“I didn’t know you could dance like that old man,” The guard said teasingly to his friend as he wrapped Amiras cloak around her shoulders. Caldiwn rolled his eyes and Amira lifted her hand to cover her mouth to hide the laugh that nearly slipped past her lips.

“Yeah, says you” he scoffed in return, shoving Rollo ahead of them playfully. “Let’s get moving.”

They left the tavern and headed back for the castle in a far more comfortable silence. Caldwin’s arm was wrapped around Amira’s shoulders as they walked. Their little adventure had clearly helped alleviate some of his stress as well, and for that the Princess was grateful. She leaned into his warmth slightly and he squeezed her shoulder gently in return. This closeness between them was new, slowly she had become more lenient in giving into the instincts that drove her to his side. Simply being near him was enough to soothe her racing mind and steady her emotions and she could tell he was affected similarly.

It may all be due to their bond, cosmically assigned and supernaturally created, but regardless the peace he created for her just by being in his presence was needed more than the rational thoughts that may otherwise prevail.

They parted ways in the castle foyer, Cal placed a gentle kiss to her forehead before he was off, following an advisor down the hall towards one of his many meeting rooms despite how late it was, someone always seemed to be needing his attention. Amira slept alone anyways, she didn’t trust herself to stay with him or Rollo so they kept their separate bedrooms for now.

The dragon and her rider walked together now back to her room, despite the fact that his days as her guard were formally over Rollo never took any chances. He often escorted her wherever she went and Amira did try to not make too big of a fuss over it. Besides, she liked having him close by, to ensure her own safety as much as his own. They were stronger together, and vulnerable when apart. They paused outside the door to their room and Amira turned to face him, her back to the door.

“See you tomorrow,” she said softly in goodbye but as she turned to enter the room he called after her.

“Mhm. Training, 7am,” Rollo told her, a small satisfied grin on his lips as he caught the incredulous look she gave him. “You agreed to be his escort,” he said with a mild shrug, “we can’t have you embarrassing yourself in front of the entirety of the court.”

Amira's resounding answer was to shut the door in his smug face.