The Queen's Garden Mage

I never found Eden that night though I suppose I hadn’t really expected to. He was probably comforting Sorel teaching him the ways of being a man or something of that nature. Despite his feelings, he’d never take advantage of him, which is why I felt he was perfect for the job.

Free for the night I found myself wandering into the Queen’s Garden, I took a seat by the fountain trailing my fingers lightly through the rippling pool, watching the spirits dance upon the water as their blossoms drifted across its surface. “Gardener…” I stood from where I sat smiling softly as the Princess approached.

Though my smile slowly faded when I caught sight of the turbulent storm brewing in her eyes. She advanced towards me and I stepped back, she looked near about as fearsome as the Queen had just sun slithers prior. When she slapped me, my head snapped to the side with the force of her blow and I hadn’t even seen her raise her hand. “Goddess.” I gasped raising my hand to my now stinging cheek.

“That was for allowing me to find out from one of my servants,” She shoved me backward until I fell into the fountain. I sprang from the water coughing, in my shock, I’d gotten water in my nose. I took a few deep breaths wiping water from my eyes. “That was in case of the small chance that you might be using me.” Adri pulled out a dagger, from where I couldn’t tell you, twirling it easily in her hand. “Now you have never lied to me, and I don’t think you’re foolish enough to start now. I want to know if this woman is your lover?”

“No.” I watched her blade remembering Reason telling me a story about how once the Princess had pinned a man to a wall with throwing knives, without nicking flesh, from a distance, while he struggled. I had no delusions that she’d miss now.

“Is the child yours?” She raised her hand before I could answer. “Never mind, I know she is. More importantly how did it happen…and when?”

And so dripping wet, still standing motionless in the fountain I told her Highness the same story I’d told Eden, adding the events of that day at the end. “She forgave me and then she kissed me and I was so shocked about the former I thought nothing of the latter and I should have told you…but honestly I did not think the news would have reached you by nightfall Highness and there were other things on my mind.” I said honestly breathing easier once the dagger disappeared back to where it had come from.

“That at least I understand,” Adri gave me a once over lips curling in amusement. “You did not actually think I would hurt you?”

I stepped from the fountain brushing my laden hair back from my face, she’d yet to give me my leather thong. I wasn’t about to ask for it. “It is said you once pinned a man to a wall with throwing knives…that weren’t even yours. I wasn’t willing to take chances.”

The Princess laughed softly, “That was a rumor…one I haven’t heard for quite some time actually.”

“And yet you haven’t disputed it. Ever…”

“How would you know?” She questioned stepping closer.

I gazed down at her sweeping my hand out across the Queen’s Garden without ever turning my gaze from hers. “I hear things.”

Adri chuckled tracing her hands over the front of my tunic, now molded to my body. “I’m still angry.”

“I’d gathered as much. There’s a reason I’m not touching you.” I murmured softly as she settled her hands on my hips.

“There’s another woman who bears your child, and you are not lovers but I’m sure she wishes you to be…I have so much to offer but it’s nothing that you want, she has everything. A simple life, the chance to be something other than the Queen’s Garden Mage… yes I know about that little quirk of titles.”

I raised my brow curious, “What do you know?”

“I know that you aren’t just a lowly plant mage, no you’re a garden mage through and through able to cultivate an entire field for a seven day and be able to harvest from it on the eve of the seventh day…” Adri gazed up at me lips curling slightly. “I distinctly remember one special garden mage bragging once or twice that the Queen had the best of the best.”

“Oh Yeah,” I murmured shaking my head sheepishly.

“Do I even remotely stand a chance?” The Princess asked suddenly bringing us back to the matter at hand.

Hesitantly I raised my hands to cup her face, gazing down into the star filled sky residing within the glimmering orbs of her eyes, Goddess I had never seen such beautiful eyes. Eyes that drew you in and held you captive for small bouts of eternity while you stood staring not caring at all. There were galaxies in her eyes, endless constellations of stars that you could map out if you just gazed on them long enough… and yet it seemed I never had enough time before I was drawn back. “Rhyme…” Back to reality. I blinked feeling a little dazed and wondered how long I’d stood gazing down at her.

“Lialey and I share a child…we will always be connected, but the only kisses I find myself thinking about are yours Highness.” I placed a kiss on her brow not wishing to be slapped, she had said she was still angry after all. “I will do whatever you ask of me Adri to make up for my horrendous mistake.”

“Anything?” She questioned mind already working no doubt.

“Within reason,” I countered not liking the mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Anything within reason…” I watched her think for a little longer before coming to a conclusion that I wasn’t altogether sure I was going to like. “Tomorrow is the first challenge of the political phase of the Queen’s Tournament and it’s so easy the only way anyone could fail is if they’re an idiot. You need to book an Inn under a different name, trying not to be recognized and get the room for a cheap as possible. There’s a set amount for everyone depending on the place. This is a test of subterfuge ensuring that if the need ever arises for me to hide my identity my Consort will know exactly what to do…”

“Who comes up with these tests?” I wondered out loud brow furrowed slightly.

“There’s a book actually, the last test though is always a surprise.” I opened my mouth but Adri was shaking her head. “No I will not tell you. I shouldn’t have told you about this one but I knew you’d pass with or without the information. I needed you to know for what I wish to say.” She cleared her throat and though I couldn’t see clearly, by the way she bowed her head gazing in the vicinity of our boots I’d say she was blushing.

“If you allow me to mark you…and deliberately go to…Lialey’s Inn. I will consider your mistake made up for.” She murmured softly while I struggled to hear.

“Mark as in?” I questioned, I wasn’t about to willingly let her stab me.

“A passion mark. Here.” She traced her fingers along the curve of my neck.

“You want it to be visible. So that she can see I belong to someone…” I felt my lips curling slightly. “Why Princess I know that you own me as Queen after all I will be your mage but I never considered you owning me like that.”

Adri flushed, “You don’t have to say yes Gardener.” She countered stiffly.

“But you’d like me to.” I countered softly far more serious. She gazed at the fountain unwilling to answer.

“I will say yes,” I took several steps backwards pulling her with me until we stood closer to the fountain. “If you sit on my lap while you do it and get all nice and wet…” She sputtered indignantly while I watched her confused before finally realizing how that came out. I found my face warming as well. “Not like that…I just meant because of my clothing being soaked and you’ll be sitting on me…it.” I stopped talking not wanting to make it worse.

“I understand.” I tipped my head in acknowledgement of her words before sitting on the edge of the fountain pulling her down onto my lap. She hesitated to press her full weight upon me.

“I’ll crush you.” Adri protested as I pulled her more firmly on top of me, heart beginning to race as her curves molded against mine. I settled my hands at the small of her back holding her steady so that she wouldn’t fall.

“You’re lighter than you think you are, now stop struggling and mark me…” I shivered as those words crossed my lips and it had nothing to do with the chill and everything to do with…other things.

“I feel like I’m not the only one who wants this.” Adri murmured softly cupping my jaw in her hand gently turning my head to the side exposing the expanse of my neck. I didn’t argue, the heat pooling in the pit of my stomach would have been proof of my lie. I felt her lips first, soft and warm. The press of them against my skin made me breathless, my eyes fluttered as I clutched at her back. She kissed me several times, my pulse leaping beneath her mouth, a startled jackrabbit on the run. The flick of her tongue along damp flesh caused my hips to buck gently beneath her. I felt heat rush to my face as she paused clutching at my shoulders waiting to make sure I had settled. “Stretching?” Adri questioned giving me an out.

I cleared my throat glad that she couldn’t tell I was blushing heavily in the darkness. “I felt a cramp, but it was no fault of yours.” I replied lying smoothly. She bowed her head in a nod before pressing several tender kisses along my neck, I braced myself as she paused before I felt the swirl of her tongue. I clenched my hands in her shirt eyes squeezed shut as I struggled to remain still. Goddess, it was so hard to breathe… her tongue left a burning trail of pleasure that sang through my blood and struck me directly in the groin.

“Highness...” I growled softly voice sounding gruffer than I meant, if she kept that up I would come undone without ever having felt her hands upon me, and that would surely be a sin of some kind. Who knew a mouth could be so skilled?

“My apologizes…I got distracted.” I choked on my sound of amusement as she sucked at my pulse, each pull a bolt of pleasure to my sex. I never thought for a moment when I agreed to this that it would be so hard to control myself. She sucked at my skin and swirled her tongue along aching flesh for what seemed like slithers of the sun’s span, nipping at tender flesh while I fought the urge to squirm beneath her. Just when I thought that she’d finished, Adri bit me, hard. I moaned softly in pleasure as well as pain, it hurt Goddess did it hurt but only for a moment before she once more soothed it with her tongue. She pulled back tracing her thumb lightly over the tender flesh of my neck. “I think that’ll do.” I allowed her to stand from my lap, letting my hands fall to rest on my knees. I fought to catch my breath while trying to appear as if I weren’t doing so.

My legs…I rubbed my thighs not sure if I could stand without falling. Adri leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to my cheek. “Thank you…for allowing me to mark you. I know it seems childish but still thank you.”

I pulled her back to kiss me properly, enjoying the feel of her lips moving gently against mine. “I don’t mind Adri if this is what it takes to soothe your mind, then I don’t mind at all.”

She smiled softly kissing me again before taking hold of my hands and tugging me to my feet. “Come Gardener let’s get you out of those wet clothes and into bed.”

I raised my brow allowing her to pull me along. “So soon Princess, I thought you said you were angry with me?”

Adri laughed shaking her head in exasperation, “Not like that Rhyme.”

I laughed along with her wrapping my arms around her waist soaking her straight through while she screamed and tried to escape. “Should not have pushed me in the fountain Adri.” I murmured before she broke away.

“Stay…” She warned while I crept closer. “Gardener don’t…” I chased her all around the Queen’s Garden the sound of our laughter causing the spirits to dance in merriment. It was such a beautiful sight. I wished, not for the first time that others could see them as I did…

As the Princess had said the challenge was an easy one, the Queen had of course explained everything in far more detail and truly as Adri had claimed I could not for the world of me think of a reason that anyone should fail this challenge. Not with other magicks available once you set foot in the city.

“Who’s idea was it to use transformative enchantments?” Emery questioned in a soft feminine voice, Eden had bought the charms and to be fair had thrown them in a pouch and had us pick at random. Emery was a woman of average height and striking features. More than once a man had taken a chance on him only to be shot down quite firmly. Libeth found it highly amusing. She was older, near about the Queen’s and Rosen’s age, her hair was dandelion fluff upon her head and she was tiny, not bent with age just short and adorable. She took her role as our elder very seriously and had chastised Emery more than once for his rudeness to others.

“Considering how well we’re known; I do not think we had much of a choice.” I rumbled voice a deep but gentle timbre. Like Emery I had lucked out and drawn the opposite gender and I could completely understand his discomfort. These enchantments were very thorough and it disturbed me no small bit to have something hanging awkwardly between my legs where once there was nothing at all. I wasn’t enjoying this in the least, and though I understood the need we could have each stuck to our own gender.

“Who’s idea was it to pick at random instead of stick to men being men and women being women?” He countered growling.

No one answered though we all looked at Eden who appeared as a boy perhaps just entering his sixteenth summer. For all intents and purposes. As we were normally so we were still a ragtag group of individuals that just so happen to fall together. Libeth of whom we called Gran, was our leader. A Healer of high regard from Kantari, my home, her tan skin and short though fluffy hair gave our story credibility. She’d come upon me first in Angileri helping to heal the sick with small medicines and salves I’d made with my own hand and had taken me under her wing. I went by Rhy and I’d protect her from anything and everything if I could. Gran had found Erie next dying of a wasting sickness and had saved her life. Deciding she had no family left and nothing better to do she’d thought why not and had joined up with us.

Little Den had come last, an awkward but kind boy he admired Rhy and found a calling in the art of healing and so when asked if he felt up to an apprenticeship away from his small town bordering a forest most didn’t even know about he’d jumped at the chance.

We were in Anear to learn of the Queen’s Tournament so that we could pass the news along to smaller towns and villages we might pass through on our journey of life and healing. Gran was no Lord or Lady but she wasn’t a peasant either, she had money, that she didn’t speak of often. More often than not she preferred to live off the land to Den’s and Erie’s dismay. Rhy had long since grown used to her ways, which is why when push came to shove Gran consulted him first.

We’d spent the better part of the morning concocting a story that was simple and yet believable that none of us would forget. The rest of the day we had to explore the city, to which we had never been. Ask questions about things we’d never heard of before, try our best to stay on track without growing distracted by all the splendor, find an Inn that wouldn’t cheat us and heal those that came to be healed. I hefted my bag of dried leaves, medicines and salves on my shoulder, wishing the day already over so that I could return my pouch and my blade to where they belonged.

Libeth…Gran wacked Erie with her walking stick, that she didn’t need for walking. I was sure she kept it just to hit people with. Emery…Erie glared back at her. “Watch it old woman or you might find yourself strung up by your…”

I glared her down, “Emery,” I rumbled breaking character, I stopped allowing Den to ooh and ah at some magic trick happening on the corner. Several people flowed between us, I waited until they were gone. “Relax, I know you’re uncomfortable…” I gazed down at my body shuddering slightly. “Trust me I am too, but it’s only a few more sun slithers. Once we’ve booked the rooms the challenge is over and we can take off these rings and dissipate these enchantments, but until then you’re Erie and I’m Rhy just deal with it. Okay?”

He grumbled a little more before sighing softly. “Yeah…Okay.” He nudged my shoulder slightly. “How does it feel to be a man?”

I shifted my trousers slightly, “Right uncomfortable.” I admitted not unkindly.

“I feel the exact same way. I hope this ends before I have to go to the bathroom.” I gave him a look of justified horror as Den and Gran came back to us laughing softly.

“You and I both Emery, you and I both.” Once they reached us Erie apologized for her dour mood and we moved on in search of a good afternoon meal unable to decide if we wanted to eat on the go at one of the many street vendors or sit in one of the restaurants where it was cool and shaded.

Den decided for us finding a good vendor that made unique pastries mixing meat and sweet fruit jelly to make an interestingly delicious salty and sweet concoction that was filling besides. Gran bought several more and had them sent back to the palace via a runner. Cook would be very pleased to try something new.

Gods above can we just pick an Inn?!” Erie exclaimed clenching her legs together as she fought the urge to control her bladder.

“But we’re having such fun.” Den replied racing towards the heart of the city.

Erie and I shared a look before chasing after him while Gran of course followed more leisurely behind us.

“I’m going to kill him for making us suffer on purpose.” Erie growled furiously as we searched through the crowd now filling the Center Market. Goddess fifth day through seventh day were always hell at the Center Market. People came from all over to sell their wares and I had never questioned it as it wasn’t my place but I was sure more than half of the things sold were illegal.

Just when I was ready to agree to murder Den came racing out of the mass of people face pale, eyes wide. “Rhy…” He murmured taking hold of my arm, staying in character despite his distress. I was glad we’d chosen to use the shortened versions of our names. I don’t think he’d have managed it otherwise. “You have to see this.”

Erie and I shared a look before following without hesitation or comment. The crowd parted several feet ahead of us to reveal a man standing at a table piled high with cages. I stared at the small Fae resting within. There were faeries, and was that a dragon…or a lizard? I blinked unsure if what I saw was a baby griffin or an animal that appeared to look very much like it. I hoped it was the latter, but I couldn’t be sure. “I am most positive this is illegal.” Erie hissed from beside me and I had to agree that it must have been on some level and yet here he sat unmolested selling mythical beings as if it were an everyday occurrence. Though certainly I had never seen him before.

“We should inform her…” I touched Erie gently on the shoulder halting her words. “We will.”

Den tugged on my hand, “How much coin did you bring?” He questioned gazing off to the side of the table.

I followed his line of sight and stared at the very human appearing creature seated in a too small cage. “Holy hell.” Erie murmured covering her mouth and I had to agree.

“Hopefully enough to buy a person.” I replied before stepping away from my companions and up to the table. “Kind sir?” He turned from a man interested in a lackluster faerie to take me in. I smiled as kindly as I could. “I was interested in the…slave you have in the larger cage.”

He snorted glancing in the general direction, “Oh her…you wouldn’t want her she’s quite nasty. Tends to bite the hand that feeds her if you know what I mean.” I fought the urge to grimace as he leered suggestively. I did not blame her in the least.

“I can handle nasty.” I stated not unkindly. We stared at each other for what seemed a small eternity before he snorted turning away first. “Well I suppose there’s no harm in letting you have a look. Just let me finish with this gentleman first.”

I tipped my head in acknowledgement before moving to get a closer look at the being I planned on buying with any luck. Her eyes were dark brown, ringed with honey making them glow eerily despite the afternoon sun. Her hair was reddish brown, streaked with blond, that shown even while matted and dirty. Her cheeks were sharp, a little like mine in that regard, her skin tan from the sun and covered in dirt making it hard to distinguish what color she actually was. Her ears…her ears gave me pause for they identified her as what she truly was. Sticking up past her hair narrowing to gentle points, her ears were tipped with fur now black with grime. She was a Marr, a cousin to the centaur, Marr appeared human, save for their distinctive eyes and ears. I’d heard stories about a tail but I couldn’t see one hiding in the shadows of her cage. Marr were usually found on the plains of Erangi or the deep forests of Angileri and sometimes upon the deserts of Raleli. They were mentioned widely in tales of lore but like all the other mythical creatures of old rarely ever seen. She was beautiful and frightening, the power of a horse twice the size of a man placed inside a small fragile seeming package. I’m surprised she hadn’t managed to kill her master with all the rage I saw brewing in her eyes.

“Would you like me to take her from the cage?” I glanced away from the cage to find the vendor now standing beside me.

“I would like that sir…” I waited for him to supply a name.

He did not disappoint. “Santi,” he offered his hand, “and I’m no Sir.” I shook it firmly as he snorted again. When my brother snorted, I found it a bit endearing because it seemed very much like something he picked from his horses. Santi, doing it just made me want to punch him in the face until he stopped moving…violent I know, but he undoubtedly deserved it.

“I would like that Santi. Thank you.” I stood back as he pulled a key from his belt mumbling some small enchantment before placing it in the lock and opening the cage.

“Now as I said she can be a bit nasty, the collar on her neck.” He tapped the band of supple leather cleaner than anything else on her actually. “It keeps her from harming herself and whoever happens to own her at that moment in time. A beautiful bit of magic and likely very expensive.” He grunted forlornly, which I didn’t know was possible until that moment. “Sadly she was wearing it long before she came to be in my care and I haven’t yet found a way to remove it, harder for the fact that I couldn’t possibly name the caster.” Gripping her arm, firmly but not harshly, he turned her for me.

“She’s a bit on the thin side, though she can’t harm herself she can refuse to eat and her teeth are too sharp for me to force her…well not sharp but certainly powerful. It hurts her to hurt me but by the Gods she’s managed to suffer through the pain of it more than once.” He brushed her hair back from her face, “I’d call her a beauty but not everyone would. She talks sometimes, and she knows several languages most of which I don’t.” He shared a glance with me. “I’m sure that’s the point of it. Great with horses, loves them to death, though I wouldn’t let her near your mount unless you want to find yourself without one the following morning.”

He sighed softly stepping back, “I’d call her a hard worker if she were willing to work, but she’s not. Warming your bed is also not smart, she managed to kill an owner that way and despite her beauty I never tried.” My estimation of him rose slightly. “Really I’ve just been waiting for someone to take her off my hands, she has a lot of rage in her and I don’t want to die.” He stroked his chin gazing on my blank expression before turning once more to the Marr.

“Really you’d be doing me a great service if you bought her, so I’ll sell her for half the price I got her two gold, two silver and a copper and if it’s not marked with the Queen I ain’t taking it.”

I whistled softly, “You want my hard earned crowns,” I shook my head as I took a small well-worn money pouch from the bag I was carrying. “If it weren’t such a bargain I’d be a little more upset.” I grumbled and that was the honest truth I thought he’d ask for much more, but either his fear or his compassion was greater than I’d first thought.

Santi laughed softly. “You look like someone who will take care, I’m a gruff man through and through. Raised rough, and I know it.” I offered him the money, he took it before shaking my hand giving me back one of my gold coins. I pocketed it without saying a word. If his trade weren’t so…wrong, I’d almost have called him a good man. I’d have to say in spite of it that he was still a decent one. I took in the scars on his hands sure that he had been quite literal when he’d first mentioned her biting the hand that fed her.

“Would you like me to cast a small sleeping charm to make things a bit easier on you?” He asked as we finished up our business.

“Yes…I’d like that very much.” He tipped his head softly before mumbling under his breath for a brief moment. When she fainted I caught her easily and lifted her into my arms.

“Before I leave you I find myself curious…what exactly is her name?” I questioned over my shoulder before I could get too far away.

“Ahh I completely forgot, her name is on her collar. I never could read it so I just called her Girl. Maybe you’ll have better luck.” I bowed my head in a small show of thanks before I disappeared into the crowd of people.

I found Erie and Den exactly where I’d left them, with Gran now keeping them company. Den grinned upon seeing me, while Gran gaped. “You did it!” He exclaimed cheerily.

“I’m so happy.” Erie, said lowly. “Really I am, but I can hardly hold it any longer can we please find an Inn so I can drop this disturbing enchantment and go to the bathroom?” We all shared a quick look before nodding in agreement.

“I’m sorry we made you walk around all day when I knew the Inn we’d choose from the start.” Erie stared at me in disbelief as we walked at a steady clip through the city taking several back alleys to avoid the crowded streets.

“Which Inn were we going to choose?” Erie asked shaking her head hands clenched over her abdomen.

Den smiled softly casting his gaze my way before proceeding to answer for me. “Why Lialey’s of course.”

“Son of a…” Erie cursed damn near the whole way there without any of us offering a form of protest. She was completely justified after all.

Den had spoken all of one sentence before Lialey had figured out the ragtag bunch of Healers standing before her were actually the Queen’s Gardeners though she didn’t say as much until we had booked our rooms and for that we were all thankful. After exchanging money for our keys Erie…Emery took off his ring and tossed it in the fire before racing up the stairs in search of a bathroom.

I took mine off next shuddering slightly as I settled back into myself doing the same with mine. “I never want to do that again.” I offered in a voice I was glad to hear again.

Libeth took hers off next chuckling softly. “I had fun and I’m surprised Emery doesn’t know that Lialey has a bath room for guests right behind the bar through the door right before you reach the kitchen.”

I gave her a look, “Fun for you, at least you remained the right gender. It just felt wrong for the both of us and you likely only know about that bathroom because you’re always trying to get a bit of extra food.” Eden nodded his agreement without ever saying a word.

“I see your lover didn’t agree with our shared kiss.” I turned back to Lialey to find her smiling good naturedly, eyes sparkling softly with mirth. “I should have thought to ask and for that I apologize. I hope you didn’t get into too much trouble.”

I traced my fingers lightly along the passion mark on my neck, the teeth more prominent than the last time I’d been bitten. “Not too much trouble, but I wouldn’t recommend doing it again.”

Lialey chuckled softly taking in the ring of teeth clearly visible despite the bruising. “I won’t and I really am sorry. Of course, you’re still welcome to see Rhea and I would love it if we could be friends.”

“I would love that.” She bowed her head before giving me a gentle hug that I returned without hesitation.

We stepped away and she moved onto another customer, “I’m trying to figure out how I’m just now noticing that vicious bite mark on your neck.” Libeth said cradling our newly acquired charge against her chest. The Marr was covered in a cloak and if anyone asked, the only one so far being Lialey, we said she was the niece of one of the maids we’d let tag along with us. It hadn’t gone further than that. “When we didn’t acquire our enchantments until we entered the city.”

“Lack of true observation skill…” I offered causing Eden to laugh as we made our way up the stairs in search of our rooms.

“Ah you’re so funny…I bet you won’t be laughing when whoever gave you that bite mark figures out you bought a woman from a shady vendor at Center Market.” Libeth countered as I identified our rooms at the end of the hall, we’d gotten two. They stood across from each other. I paused before opening our door with a sigh allowing Libeth to step past me into our shared room.

Eden stood at the door smiling softly as he shook his head. “She has you their Rhyme. Her Highness won’t be pleased but she’ll understand…probably.” He paused for a moment taking in the look of frustration growing on my face at this new found predicament. “At least she’s not a sex slave…” I slammed the door in his face before he could say something to make it worse.