Sunshine

The quiet of the room was broken only by the sound of the water splashing into the tub. Lianna did not know what to expect of the two girls who stood eyeing her deerskin dress with distaste. They lowered their eyes quickly as she met their gaze head-on, refusing to be cowed by anyone. She might be new and foreign but she would not let them feed on her insecurities. The dark-haired girl reminded Lianna of a field mouse. She watched the girl warily as she sank into a prim curtsy.

“Isolde, My Lady.” The mouse introduced herself. “Would you like our help undressing?” She murmured to the floor before raising her eyes once again to meet her own. Lianna could feel no aura surrounding either girl and wondered what manner of fae they were, and if they could feel her flames bubbling inside her like a beast trying to escape.

The other girl moved to the armoire against the wall and pulled out a beautiful green gown made of the odd shiny material they all seemed to wear. She shook it out and brought it to the edge of the bed where it shimmered against the deep purple bedding.

“No, thank you.” She answered smoothly. She had never needed help dressing before and wondered why anyone would do such a thing at all.

“I can dress myself I’m sure.” She replied nervously. The girls exchanged glances, keeping their heads down. In subservience or to hide their expressions, Lianna wasn’t sure.

The blonde girl, Laena, went back to the armoire and pulled a thin white garment from within, the laces trailing the floor as she put it beside the green gown.

“Should you need help My Lady, we will be just outside. You need only to call out. The soaps and herbs on the shelf are for your use.” She watched them as they both curtsied low to her again and left as quietly as they had come.

Lianna let out a breath she had not known she was holding when she was finally alone. Looking around the room again she wondered if she would ever be comfortable with so many people coming and going, offering to help her dress and watching her like she was some oddity that needed to be dissected.

“For goodness sake!” She said aloud, laughing at herself. It may take some time to get used to all the people, but the opulence of the chamber would help. The tub was almost full, and so she reached to turn the silver handle to stop the flow. A small miracle that made a life here so much more convenient than she was accustomed to. She dipped her fingers into the water and the warmth was a welcoming distraction. She could really get used to this.

Varise was a water Fae, she had felt her aura sizzle when it rubbed against her flames earlier. Maybe she could explain to her why the water seemed to pull at her whenever she touched it. Lianna untied the string that held her cloak around her and let it fall to the floor. Next the tie at her chest to loosen the furry dress that felt almost suffocating in the warm burrow. A sheen of sweat had begun to form across her brow and shoulders. She could feel it begin to slide down her back.

Lianna undressed quickly and walked to the shelf that contained several small jars of various oils and soaps. She picked up a small green bar a sniffed delicately. The aroma was crisp and sweet reminding Lianna of the moss that grew along the rocky streambed near her cottage. She set it back down and continued her perusal, one of the jars containing an orange cream, was unlike anything she had ever smelled before. The scent was spicy and warm, making her flames purr in response to the tangy mixture. Her eyes drifted shut as she breathed it in deeply, allowing her beast to bask in the aroma.

She bathed in silence, listening to the fire in the hearth sing to her of its hunger. When she was finished toweling dry, she walked to the bed where the dress and slip had been laid out for her to don. The shift was as soft as it looked, the laces in the front thin and silky. Bits of bone or wood made the top flare out, presumably to hold her breasts in place.

Lianna snorted. What sort of place was this, that the ladies wore such things? The Omega and the servants had both worn them she supposed, and she did not want to disappoint the lady who had shown her such kindness. Pulling the cloth over her head, she marveled at the way it glided against her skin. Her flames purred through her body at the sensation as if it too liked the decadence. The cloth molded to her like a glove, and when she pulled the laces tight, it did indeed push her breasts up and hold them in place.

She ran her hands down the fine material and smoothed out the skirt that hung only to her mid-thigh, her wet hair staining the hem where they mingled together. Reaching for the green gown, she stepped into it and pulled it up to cover the shift. The sleeves were short, only reaching to just above her elbows. She twisted and stretched trying to reach the strings in the back but could not. Heaving a sigh of resentment, she understood why the girls had offered their assistance. She walked to the door, her bare feet silent on the smooth marble floor, and pulled it open enough to stick her head through.

The maids were leaning against the opposite wall, chatting idly with each other. She almost envied the ease with which they seemed to communicate and wondered if she would ever be able to free herself from the trepidation that hounded her whenever she was in the presence of others. If there would ever be a time where she could stand before people and not feel as if she was being judged and found wanting.

Lianna gave them an apologetic smile and tried to sound friendly. “It would seem I do need some assistance with the laces.” The mouse smirked at her with a knowing look. She pushed off the wall and sauntered towards her, making Lianna back away before she could be pushed aside. The blonde pursed her lips and waited respectfully to enter the chamber once Lianna had moved out of the way.

Isolde, the rude one, stalked around behind her and yanked the strings tight at her waist. The hiss that escaped Lianna at the rough handling was not lost on either girl. She felt her flames roar in defiance at the girls’ touch and had to swallow them down before they could do any damage.

“Hopefully Laena can do something with all of this mess,” the mouse roughly flipped Lianna’s wildly tangled hair over her shoulder as she continued to tighten the laces at her back.

“She may need to find a stronger brush to work through those tangles.” She sneered. Laena glanced at her, a small smile trying and failing to apologize for her companion’s rudeness.

“I am sure I can make do,” Laena reassured her softly.

Another hard yank on the strings had Lianna’s flames jumping unbidden to burn and singe the hateful hands torturing her. The mouse jumped back with a yelp.

“You! You burned me!” she sucked her fingers into her mouth, her face was a mask of angry fear as she began backing away toward the door before she turned and fled.

Lianna began backing away too, a look of horror on her face.

“ I’m so sorry... I did not mean to..” she stammered to the stunned maid who still stood there gawking at her. The fae’s blue eyes narrowed at her for a moment and then she shrugged. Lianna was shocked when the girl actually smiled and stepped forward to pat her reassuringly on the arm.

“I will finish if you will let me. I am sorry about her lack of courtesy. She forgets her place sometimes, what with all the attention the young lords bestow upon her. She thinks that because she serves the Omega she is above us all.” The girl’s sharp eyes met Lianna’s in a conspirational wink.

“I am glad you sparked at her. She deserved it. May I?” Laena slowly circled behind her and Lianna shoved her flames back down imagining them to be encased in iron. She did not want to harm the girl. She nodded her head and pulled her mane of hair to the side as the girl gently finished tying the laces.

“Now if you will just sit down on that couch, I will see what I can make of your hair.” It took several minutes for Lianna to relax as she felt the gentle tug on her head. She had never had anyone brush her hair before and decided she liked it immensely. When her hair finally flowed about her, in glorious waves, scented with the orange cream she had fallen in love with, Lianna was almost purring her pleasure. She sat still as the girl finished braiding and weaving it into a sort of crown atop her head, leaving her neck and chest exposed unnervingly.

The girl left her once again to disappear behind the screen and brought back a small oval bit of wood with a long handle. She held it before Lianna’s face with a smile. Lianna could not contain the gasp of delight when she beheld her appearance in the small looking glass. Her upswept hair highlighted the angle of her cheekbones, making her eyes seem larger in her pale, freckled face.

“There is a communal bathing room in the Western wing that has a wall of looking glass. I could show you the way later if you like. You are beautiful My Lady.” Laena’s smile was open and honest and Lianna wanted a friend more than anything at that moment. So, she allowed her answering grin to light up her face. She reached a hand out to the girl and squeezed her fingers.

“I would like that.” She managed to whisper through the emotion clouding her mind. She stood and allowed the girl to lead the way to the dining hall.

Eris had just sat down at the long table in the dining hall when Isolde came scurrying in. The look on her face was one of outrage and fear. His brows furrowed in curiosity as she walked quickly towards his mother. Kneeling by her side, her whispered fury was barely audible. His fae ears twitched as he caught the words ‘unprovoked’ and “burning blisters’. His gut clenched.

He had left the girl in his mother’s expert care, knowing that she could handle whatever the fiery creature could dish out. Varese’s water could smother the girl’s fire for sure with no problems. He watched as his mother shook her head, and grasped the maid’s outstretched hands inspecting them with a practiced eye.

Eris felt his mother’s power surge gently over the maiden, erasing the puckered pink blisters from existence.

“Thank you, My Lady.” The maid gushed with exaggerated enthusiasm, bowing deeply before backing away and hastily making for the exit. Her eyes met his as she strode by, and Eris did not miss the inviting gleam she threw his way, nor the sway of her hips as she departed. Just as she reached the open archway, a blonde maid ushered Lianna into the large opening. Isolde gasped and jumped back in fear as Lianna approached. The blond grabbed her by the arm pulling her through the opening, leaving Lianna to stare after them, the look on her face genuinely concerned. His breath quickened as he surveyed her in the green gown. The finery suited her and was a far cry from the wild thing he had left barely an hour before.

He had not spoken to her in the last few days after their argument. He hadn’t known what to say. Not many women bothered to disagree with him or show him their anger. He was somewhat embarrassed by the encounter and wished he could go back in time and say something else. Something that would have had her laughing instead of yelling. And then he had seen her laughing with Lupin and that had angered him, though he had no clue why. So, he had kept his mouth shut and stayed away from her. But looking at her now, he could feel the tension pulsing around her as if she were a bundle of nerves and could fall apart at any moment. Pity welled within him, but he knew well enough to mask it this time.

Eris looked to his mother, who nodded her head slightly in the girl’s direction. Rolling his eyes in resignation, he scooted his chair back and went to collect the girl who looked for all the world like a lost puppy. He swaggered over to her and gave her a little bow, keeping up appearances. Mother, she was gorgeous! Her flaming hair had been piled atop her head and a few stray curls bounced free of the coronet refusing to be tamed. The bright green gown was nearly the same color as her eyes and fit her perfectly, showing off her pert breasts and tiny waist that rounded into wide hips before flowing to her feet. He did not try to hide the hunger in his gaze as he bowed low to her and offered her his arm.

Her eyes met his for the briefest moment and he felt her power pulse in reaction, he felt the insecurities and fear rolling off her in waves as she looked toward where his mother sat at the head of the table.

“What did you do to that girl?” He growled, watching with satisfaction as she backed up a step, pulling her hand from his. He tightened his grip, refusing to let her go. “She came running in here crying to my mother about a burn. Said it was an unprovoked attack.” Her eyes slid to his once again, the fear there now a tangible thing. Her power pulsed more intensely as she swallowed loudly enough for him to hear.

“It was an accident. She was trying to strangle me with these damn laces at my back. I tried to hold it back, but when she pinched me the third time, it just lashed out on its own. I swear it.” Her voice trembled and her hands began to sweat. He pulled the chair out for her, motioning her to sit putting her between his mother and himself. Eris regretted his harsh tone, knowing it probably made her feel more nervous than she already was. So, he let his hands linger on her shoulders when he scooted her chair forward. When he sat and caught her watching him with a confused gleam in her eye, he offered her a small apologetic smile. He was rewarded when she tried to return it but managed only to thin her lips in what resembled a grimace of pain. He choked on his laughter, clearing his throat to hide it, but he knew she knew, and her smile was as radiant as the sun, knocking the wind from his lungs with its force.

Varise smiled at them warmly as she watched their silent conversation from across the table.

“Pay no attention to my son’s grumbling, I am sure it was an accident, and it was easily healed. No real harm was done. I dare say that the girl probably deserved it. She is not known for her gentle touch or sweet temperament.” The Omega gave her son a pointed look. Eris looked away, a blush warming the harsh lines of his face. He tried his best to ignore his mother’s chastising tone.

He had been friendly with the serving girl, even flirtatious at times, but had not taken the girl to bed yet. Was not even sure he would. He reached for his glass and held it up to be refilled. The manservant stepped forward quickly to do his bidding.

“My Lady..?” A servant came up behind her with a large glass bottle. She did not seem to understand the question; she began wringing her hands in stress and so the servant looked to him for an answer. He nodded his head. Eris watched as the dark liquid filled the glass chute. Her pale hand reached for the glass and she brought it to her nose to sniff delicately. A shudder wracked her body and he chuckled. The sweet pungent odor smelled just like what it was, fermented grapes.

“The best wine in the kingdom.” He toasted, lifting his glass before downing the entirety of it. Her tiny sip was more subdued, and her lips puckered in response. His chuckle became an outright laugh as he watched her intently, her nose wrinkled and her eyes squinting at the tartness of the cool beverage.

“I have never had wine. There was none available in the village and when I had lunch with Penny on occasion she only served me apple cider.” Her soft voice was like a melody as it caressed his ears. Her green eyes studied the space where her plate would shortly appear.

“You will see that the wine flows rather freely around here, especially when all the males are in attendance.” Varise intoned, gesturing to the open archway, where his father and Lupin came striding in. His father carried his own bottle under his arm, giving evidence to his mother’s claim. Varese only lifted her brows at him and shook her head in exasperation.

Erin took the seat on the other side of Varise, and Lupin sat next to Eris’s place.

“The rest of the pack will be dining in the kitchen it would seem, so as not to frighten our guest.” Erin winked at her with a grin. The look of surprise on Lianna’s face was comical, but Eris knew that his father was probably just being polite and had ordered the others to dine in the barracks so they could have this introductory dinner without prying eyes and ears. He felt some of the tension drain out of Lianna as she digested his fathers’ words and knew she was still adjusting to being around so many people. He caught her eye and gave her another reassuring grin.

“Rumor has it that you burned Isolde’s fingers completely off, and my wife here has magically grown them back.” He laughed outright and Varise shared his mirth, their laughter interrupting his train of thought and reminding him that Lianna was rather a dangerous guest to have roaming the burrows.

Eris could not hide his grin as he watched the girl struggle for words. Lupin answered for her.

“That bitch would lie to the Mother herself if she thought it would earn her some sort of prize.”

Lianna choked on the wine she had just tried to sip.

“It really was an accident. I would never intentionally burn someone. This... This thing is just so new, I have not fully figured out what makes it do what it does.” Eris stared at her for a moment and then looked to his mother, her features were pinched in concern. Her blue eyes were soft with pity.

Eris cleared his throat, shaking his head imperceptibly at her. She ignored him.

“I can help you.” Varise offered. “My own water sometimes feels like it has a mind of its own.” Eris risked a glance at Lianna. To his surprise, she was nodding at his mother. The rage she had shown when he had tried to talk to her in the mountain pass was nowhere to be seen. He could feel her wrestling with the flames, and he was curious to know why it was so hard for her to control it.

“Your power is a part of you. An instinct. It will come to your aid and protect you if it feels like it needs to. You must be mindful of it, but do not fear it.”

“What if I do things that I do not mean to do? That day in my valley, when I tried to stop the feline from attacking him, I... Do not know what I did.” She glanced pleadingly at him as if he had an answer.

Eris looked to his father who held his gaze for a moment before he nodded. Eris wracked his brain but could not find the term for it; he was not sure what that kind of magic was called. He had never heard of anyone being able to control another’s body.

“Our new friend is Percipient.” Erin supplied for his son’s lack of words. A hush fell around the room, the quiet word echoing as if it had been shouted. Even his mother paused in astonishment. He watched his parents share a meaningful glance before he tore his gaze away to look toward their ‘new friend’.

Varise was the first to recover. Clearing her throat, she took a deep sip of her wine.

“Well, that word has not been spoken in polite society for some time. I must say I do not envy you.” Her voice was sharp and even somewhat fearful. Eris was at a loss, he had not seen his mother react this way about anything since he had thought to run away once, long ago.

The servants all stopped to stare; the gentle hum of back-round noise came to a brief halt as every eye had come to rest on the red-haired beauty sitting next to him. Lupin didn’t even try to contain his awe.

“Someone please explain,” Eris demanded. “I know you said she smelled of dragons, but what is this percipient..?” He watched Lianna closely. Her wide green eyes were glossy with fear and dread, she had no idea what that meant. If this was everyone’s reaction, he was inclined to agree with her. He instinctively grabbed her hand in comfort. She jumped and his ice was ready when her flame snapped at him. Squeezing her hand beneath the table as he told her with his eyes that he was not scared. He watched the confusion mingle with relief cross her disarmingly innocent features.

“It means that she can control people’s minds. The body is only a tool for the mind. I have only known of one creature that has manifested that trait, and they were all hunted to extinction some time ago. Only one man is rumored to wield such power and it has been a very, very long time since I have had dealings with him.” His father explained quietly. Suddenly the room was abuzz with conversation again. Everyone in the forest would know by morning who and what was sitting next to him. Eris had felt the blood drain from his face. They couldn’t be talking about the king. Just the mention of it had seemed to stop the whole burrow in its track. He felt her fire well up beside him, as he watched her panic, her eyes darting back and forth looking for an escape. Her power throbbed with every heartbeat as if she would explode right there. He had to take control.

His ice pushed back in response and he squeezed her hand again. Her eyes found him and he willed her to calm down, pushing his aura to flow over her until her breath steadied, and her heartbeat slowed. Her eyes met his and he held the gaze until she was breathing evenly again. Not all dragons had been as manipulative and controlling as Lucien. He had never met one, but he had heard the stories of others who were once portrayed as heroes. Eris had to admit that he was nervous and a little afraid of her sudden outbursts and unpredictability, but he truly believed that once she learned to control it she would be pretty amazing indeed.