Fates Entwined: Halven Rising

Reese looked in the mirror. She wore a black uniform different from the one she’d received in New Kingdom, but it was essentially the same. A tunic-style top that fit all manner of weapons in stealthy pockets and straps, sleek, stretchy black pants, and kick-ass black boots even her mother would approve of. The boots fit her calves perfectly, with good height that gave her spring when she jogged across the room to test them out. In short, they were super comfortable and she felt like she was walking on a cloud.

She’d braided her hair in a loop around her head from crown to nape to keep it off her face. She would fight alongside the rest of Elena and Derek’s makeshift army, even if drinking the Ancient Allon leaves hadn’t done much to improve her magical abilities.

Elena entered the room and scanned Reese. “You look like a warrior.”

Reese grinned. It was the best compliment she’d ever received. Particularly when she was feeling vulnerable after Keen.

Hmm, the first time she’d felt vulnerable after interacting with Keen she’d gone to the fraternity party alone—and ended up in a Fae realm. And now, after conceivably the last time she’d ever see him, she was heading into a Fae battle. There was a warning sign somewhere in all of this, but her path was set. She would help her friends. And by the time they arrived in New Kingdom, Keen and Illa would be married.

Just thinking about it made tears bloom behind her eyes. She quickly sucked in a breath. No way would she cry. Not when she was in badass warrior mode.

Elena wore a similar outfit, but her tunic had delicate gold embroidery along the edges of her sleeves—embroidery to indicate Elena’s true status as a royal who belonged on the New Kingdom throne. “You look beautiful. Like a queen.”

Elena’s face fell slightly. “Do you think this is right? To try to take it back? I don’t need it—not for my pride, or for anything else.”

“That’s not what this is about. Portia killed many Fae—with help from my half-brother—all for power. She. Is. Psycho. She shouldn’t be in charge. From what I heard when my New Kingdom seamstresses thought I wasn’t listening, Portia infected the royal family with the virus first. She wanted them out of the way. The only reason your mom survived was because she’d been separated from her family at the time.” Reese stepped forward and squeezed her friend’s hand. “You’re the last one, Elena. You’re also one of the most powerful magic wielders in the kingdom, and you have a good heart. If there’s anyone capable of protecting these people, it’s you. Unless you don’t want to…”

Elena’s hazel eyes shot up. “I want to protect them. I just wish it were my mom on the throne. Wish I’d had more time with her…”

“It wasn’t much,” Reese agreed, “but it was quality. I watched your mother with you. I’ve never seen—or felt—that kind of love and devotion. It was beautiful, and if I could play back what I’d witnessed through my ability so that you could experience it too, I would. For now, you’ll have to take my word for it and know that there was no other choice for her when it came to saving your life. She wouldn’t have changed a thing. Maybe you were always meant to be the one leading New Kingdom.”

A tear slid down Elena’s cheek and she quickly wiped it away. “If that’s true, I’d rather not have to go to battle to get it back. People will die, Reese.”

“People will die no matter what. Portia doesn’t negotiate. She won’t see reason. The longer she’s in power, the more people she harms and forces to do things against their will. Let’s get there before she does irreparable damage.”

A knock sounded at the door and a petite—by Fae standards—redheaded woman with short hair entered the room, smiling at Elena.

Elena quickly walked over and gave the woman a hug, turning with her arm around her. “Reese, this is my Aunt Deirdre.”

Reese stepped forward and shook Deirdre’s hand. “Elena told me you were a huge help the last time she was here, and to not make you angry because, despite appearances, you were a fierce warrior.”

Deirdre grinned. “I am good with a machete.”

A machete. Reese looked to Elena.

“Long story.” Elena waved her off.

Deirdre gestured toward the door. “Everyone is in the main hall. We should join them. Illa and her father left for New Kingdom hours ago, and Camille has begun taking over soldiers in shifts, hiding them until the time is right. The ceremony begins any moment.”

Reese’s chest rose on a shaky breath. Keen could be marrying Illa right now—and there was nothing Reese could do to stop it.

She bit her lip and turned as the others filed out of the room. She allowed a choking sound to escape her throat when she thought she was alone.

But warm arms wrapped around her, curly, dark hair tickling her cheek.

She glanced over her shoulder. “Sorry.”

Elena stepped back. “You don’t need to apologize for caring about him. I’d change everything if I could. My mother…you and Keen. As powerful as Fae believe me to be, I can’t fix this.”

Reese glanced at the ouroboros amulet she wore around her neck. A tear streaked down her cheek and she wiped it away. “No, but we can do what’s right. I never fit in my parents’ world. I never wanted to be the debutante, intent on climbing the social ladder. I hated the phoniness. But in this world…in some twisted way, I fit. With you and Derek.”

“Well, I hate to burst your bubble about Tirnan, but you’ll still get the social climbing. Except here it’s more of a battle for who’s most magical. I mean, crap, they mate for bloodlines.”

Reese nodded. “True, but I don’t believe they’re right. Look how powerful you are, and you’re not full Fae. They need to change their thinking.”

Elena laughed. “You’re preaching to the choir. Believe me, I’m working on them. But an ancient people don’t change views nimbly. Just look at this place.” They both glanced at the wooden furniture and tapestries from another century. “It’s stuck in sixteenth-century Scottish Highlander land. This is some Outlander shit right here.” She grinned, and Reese gave her a wobbly one too. “Seriously, though, they can’t keep things the same without the risk of losing it all to someone like Portia. They need our help.” She bumped Reese in the arm. “And we need you.”

Reese had never felt needed. Wanted by frisky fraternity guys? Sure. Used as a shopping buddy by her mother? That too. But truly valued? Never. “I’m here for you. For as long as you need me.”

A sad look crossed Elena’s face. “It’ll be okay—with Keen. I don’t know how, but things will work out.”

Reese tried to smile, but she was pretty sure it was a fat fail. “We should get going. More important things to worry about and all that. Give me a second, though? I’ll be right behind you.”

Elena gave her a look that said she wasn’t fooled, but quietly left the room.

Reese walked toward the window overlooking the berm, filled with soldiers organizing in groups. Some of the soldiers protected the gates. They’d remain behind and guard the castle while everyone was away. The others waited their turn to portal to New Kingdom.

In Tirnan she was Halven, needed by her friends, and by the stubborn-ass Fae, though they’d never admit it.

Even so, for this moment—while the first guy she’d truly loved committed himself to another—she gave in to a broken heart.