A Cambria Fairy Tale

Chapter 4

Rays of bright morning sunlight streamed through the window of her bedroom the next morning, gently caressing Raine's cheek, causing her to stir. She sat up abruptly and looked toward the open window. Golden rays of morning sunlight filled the room. She quickly ran to the window and peered out. The birds were chirping their happy song as rabbits and squirrels scurried about under the bright green foliage and wildflowers. It was a glorious day.

Raine quickly dressed and flew down the stairs to breakfast. In the private dining hall, her food was already sitting on the table at her place. Relieved, Raine was unable to wait another minute. She told herself that she shouldn't be so happy at the prospect of seeing the human boy again, but she couldn't help herself and quickly gulped down her food.

"In a hurry this morning, my daughter?" King Adair asked as he placed a kiss gently atop her golden hair.

"The day is beautiful, and I want to get an early start on the gathering," Raine lied, unable to come up with a better excuse as guilt pulled at her chest.

Across the table, Earthen concealed a knowing smile, but didn't lift her eyes from her plate. Misty looked back and forth between them.

"Oh. The servants can do that," Adair replied, nodding to a servant who was standing nearby. Immediately, the servant approached the table and poured more nectar into the king's glass.

Raine rolled her eyes. She had never gotten used to being waited on hand and foot. "'Tis fun, Father," Raine said, swallowing the last bit of apple. "I shan't be long." She quickly rose from the table before her father could object, gently kissed his cheek, and flew out the door as fast as her iridescent wings could carry her.

Raine flew quickly past the guards of the castle walls, high in the trees, deep into the forest. Due to a good cloaking spell, the castle had gone unnoticed by man for years. Raine soared down close to the long grasses, letting her fingers graze across the top, tickling her hand. She flew past a blue bird and then down to a buttercup, not paying attention to her surroundings. She loved the outdoors; it was her sanctuary.

"Well, hello there," a voice bellowed from high above.

Raine froze. She had been so caught up in her own thoughts and the beauty of the forest that she hadn't noticed anything-or anyone-else. To her horror, she looked up and the same human boy that she had seen in the forest the day before peered down at her.

"What is your name?" the boy asked with kind eyes.

Horrified, Raine was about to turn and fly away, but his voice stopped her.

"Please, do not leave," he said. "I thought I saw you yesterday, but I wasn't sure."

Raine hovered in midair, ready to bolt, if needed. After all, he was a trillion times bigger than she and could squash her like a bug with little effort.

"Please," he pleaded. "I won't hurt you. I promise."

"What good are the promises of human men?" Raine asked before she could stop herself.

The boy thought for a moment. "I guess you are right. From your point of view, humans are capable of nothing but destruction. But I assure you that I mean you no harm." Then, he held out his hand. "Come. I won't hurt you. Please."

It was clear that the human wanted her to sit in the palm of his hand, but she settled onto a nearby tree branch instead.

The boy lowered his hand, unoffended. "There. That's better," he said. When he smiled, her heart fluttered. "Now, what is your name, little one?"

Raine laughed. "Little one?" she asked, her fear suddenly forgotten. "I'll have you know that I am sixteen years, and I am not little."

He laughed. "Really? I am also sixteen years old, as well. That is amazing!"

Raine slowly nodded, a bit uncomfortable having a conversation with a creature who could harm her without a thought. But there was something about him that told her she was safe.

"I am sorry," he said. "I meant no offense. This is the first time that I have spoken with a fairy before."

"And you are the first human that I have ever seen."

Raine tried to get comfortable, but failed miserably. How could she relax sitting that close to him? But inside, she knew that it wasn't just because he was so much bigger and powerful than she; it was his blond hair, muscled chest, and blue eyes that held her.

"Really?" he asked. "I see humans all the time, but never fairies."

"The same with me."

"So you see humans all the time?"

Raine laughed, forgetting her discomfort. "No, silly. I see fairies all the time. Not humans."

The boy laughed. A wonderful sound. "The name is Bryce, Knight of Cambria. What is your name?"

"What is a knight?"

"Well, a knight is a warrior; a guard of the castle," Bryce replied. "Knights fight wars to protect the kingdom."

"And you are a knight?" Raine asked, intrigued.

Bryce took a deep breath. "Well, almost. I am in training now, but I will be a Knight of Cambria soon." He smiled in self-satisfaction. Raine could tell that he was very proud of his status.

"And what will you do when you are a knight?" Raine asked, fearing that he may be taken away from her already.

"I am sworn to protect the queen," Bryce said proudly.

Raine's heart sank. "So, you will be going away."

Bryce shook his head. "No. I am sworn to protect the rightful queen, Briana."

Raine sensed that there was more. "And you are in love with this queen?" She held her breath, fearing his answer.

Bryce laughed. "No. She is like a sister to me. 'Tis a long story. She is too young to rule now. Only fourteen. But in a few more years, she will be old enough."

"Why can she not rule now?" Raine asked, clearly enthralled. "In my kingdom, if you are the rightful heir to the throne, you rule at any age ... with advisors and possibly a regent, of course."

"'Tis a long story, but a man killed her father and took over the rule of Cambria," Bryce replied. "His name is Dracon. Perhaps you have heard of him?"

Raine shook her head as her eyebrows pulled together in concern. "Nay. I have not. I know nothing of the human world. My father insists that we keep hidden away from man."

"That is a real shame," Bryce said. "You are really quite beautiful."

Raine blushed at the unexpected compliment.

"But I can understand why you must stay hidden," Bryce said with a sigh. "Worry not. I will keep your secret and no harm will come to you or to your people because of me."

"Thank you," she said.

They chatted the afternoon away, laughing and enjoying their time together, until, finally, the rays of afternoon sunlight began to fade from the sky. Soon, Raine hovered over the branch that she had been perched on.

"Well, 'twas nice to meet you, but I really must go," Raine said, and started to fly away toward home.

"Wait!" Bryce yelled, rising to his feet. "You haven't told me your name!"

She stopped in midair, turned and hovered, her wings flapping quickly with little effort, holding her in place. "Raine," she said, smiling. "My name is Raine."

"Will I see you tomorrow?" Bryce asked, hopeful.

She gave him a mischievous smile. "We shall see." With that, she flew quickly away, back to the castle in the trees, away from the prying eyes of man.