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Ronan decided to take on the role of guide or teacher once more as he explained, "There are fae and elves, dragons and all manner of magical beasts that you've probably never even heard of. The fae lands are sandwiched between humans and elves. The veil that you pass through is often referred to as the Veil of Death, because it was erected on such blood soaked ground, and for a while, if a fae dared to cross over to the other side, then they would be faced with death because of how the humans hunted us. Now, at least, if we cross over, we use glamour and other magics to conceal ourselves, to physically change how we look, though it's uncomfortable to do so. On the other side of their kingdom, there's the Veil of Life. Sometimes fae and elves will do almost an exchange program of some kind, where the fae soldiers will go and train with elves and the elves will send soldiers to come and train with us. It fosters connection between the two kingdoms, even though we're separated by a veil."
"Was the veil between the fae and elves erected because of the war as well?" I asked.
Ronan nodded slowly. "When the mages erected the veil, they did one giant veil that surrounded the entire kingdom. Yes, we call it the Veil of Life and the Veil of Death, but in reality, it'sall the same thing. It's just where it is in the world that dictates what it's called."
As we walked on moving ever closer to the soldiers that were coming to surround us, my thoughts took a turn for the morbid. While Ronan and Wyn chatted about history and the Hundred Year War and The Veils, all I could think about was what was going to happen once we arrived at the capital and what the council would think of me. Was Wyn going to be treated okay? After all, she was human, even if she did have magic. Was I going to be treated okay? Would we be shunned? Left out on the streets? Forced to fend for myself in a strange country?
We had been willing to do that at the beginning, but it had become painfully obvious that we had overestimated our abilities. Everything in the fae lands was different. Plants, animals, even the soil underneath my feet felt strange as I walked along it.
Would I be able to have an actual life here? Would I be able to fall in love? Would Wyn?
Neither of us had ever really considered that as a possibility before. My mark and her magic had made it illegal for us to even exist so the idea of being in love and trying to form a relationship with somebody was a dream beyond our grasp. Now it was hovering there, just out of reach. All I needed was the confirmation that it was possible, and I knew in my heart I would reach out and grasp it.
My gaze strayed to Thorn. Would I grasp it with him? Or was I just a dalliance for him? He had said that moon marked and sun kissed weren't allowed to be together, but that seemed oddly archaic to me. I was sure if we wanted to we could make it work.
Part of me wanted to say I was fine either way, that if I was just a dalliance then I would be able to put him behind me with ease, but I wasn't sure that that would be the truth. I craved his gaze upon me. I craved his touch, the feel of his lips on my skin,the taste of his tongue in my mouth...Everything about him was addictive, but he was treating me so coldly that I couldn't help but wonder if it was all one sided. It didn't matter that he had claimed otherwise when we were at the lake.
The steady vibration that I had grown used to under my feet slowed before coming to a stop. As I looked ahead I saw that the soldiers were lined up, some still on horseback, watching us approach.
"Hail and well met," one of them called out.
"Hail and well met, cousin," Thorn said, his voice sounding friendlier than it had since I had met him. Really, the only time I'd heard it sound like this was when he had talked to Ronan. Tension that I hadn't even realized was there left his shoulders.
The man that had spoken dismounted his horse and came over, offering a hand out to Thorn. The two shook and embraced, slapping each other on the back.
"How many years has it been, Thorn?"
"Too many, Bertrand." Thorn pulled back and turned to face us. "Let me introduce you to our two companions. This is Senara, and this is Wyn. As you can see, Senara is moon marked, and when is human blessed by the magics. She came through the veil all by herself." This man that I'd come to know is gruff and stubborn and quiet, was suddenly chipper and chatty and laughing. It made me feel like I had suddenly stepped into a mirror of the world I was used to.
Bertrand strode over and stood in front of me, his gaze traveling from the top of my brow, down across my cheek and neck to my shoulder, stopping before it went anywhere indecent, but I could tell that he was tracing the mark. He dropped to a knee in front of me, before looking up and offering me a hand. "My lady, I am honored to make your acquaintance. May the lunar mother bless us all with your gifts."
"Uh, okay," I mumbled awkwardly, shaking his hand. Instead of letting me just shake it and moving on, he pulled me forward, tugging me closer so he could lay a kiss on my knuckles.
When he stood once more, he removed his helmet. The leather slipping free and letting his hair blow about in the wind. A crescent moon was marked on his forehead, just between his brows. It looked permanent, but it wasn't a scar. I had no idea how they did that. It must have been some kind of fae magic.
Before I could say anything to him, Bertrand moved around me and I couldn't help but turn and watch as he dropped to his knees once more in front of Trevor. "My prince. We are thrilled to be able to escort you home."
Prince? That guy? He was an ass...wait. That actually made sense. My experience with royalty was limited to say the least, but I didn't exactly have the best impression of any of them.
"It is a genuine pleasure to be greeted by such a friendly and brave countenance, Captain Bertrand."
Trevor held his hand out and Bertrand grasped it, kissing the ring that I swear had just suddenly appeared.
"Stand, please. There is no need to be so formal with me. I'm only the fourth prince, after all." Trevor smiled and it looked practically blissful. Captain Bertrand seemed to return the sentiment as he pushed to his feet.
I wasn't quite sure what to make of the fact that we'd been traveling with a prince this whole time, especially one that seemed more than willing to abandon us or force us to do what Thorn wanted. Maybe that was just what he was used to? Also why had he been in the human lands? Was he spying on us for his parents who I assumed were the king and queen?
There were so many questions swirling around in my head and I had no way of answering them without making things awkward. I'd have to ask Thorn later if he would deign to talkto me, and if he wouldn't then I'd be willing to bet that Ronan would, or at the very least he'd talk to Wyn.
A quick glance at my friend confirmed what I'd suspected already, she was in awe of everything happening in front of her, but most of all her gaze was fixed on the elves, who were standing toward the back of the group. I couldn't help but wonder what they made of all of this?
Chapter
Twelve
Senara
"Please allow my men to welcome you and the lady," Captain Bertrand said.
