Beyond The Realms

Chapter 9: Not Always What It Seems

"Sit down." If it was a command, it was the kindest one I had heard in this place. He pushed a plate of fruit towards me. "Would you like something to eat? I have plenty here."

"Thank you," I said, truly grateful. "My name is Thea."

The blue eyes met mine, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Thea. I'm T..."

The rest of his sentence was hidden in the clatter of silverware my elbow created as I sat down.

"Pardon, did you say Talon?" I asked, wondering if I heard the name correctly.

The Fae half - smiled, "Close enough. Talon, of course. You may call me Talon."

And with that, we started to talk and enjoy our meal. I told him how I had arrived in this world, and how Valentin had started so kindly, before turning distant and threatening. Talon listened intently, frowning with concentration and concern. He let me have my say, and in turn, told me about the land of his home, how he had travelled for years in exile, and finally his journey here. Due to his noble blood, he was required to be in attendance. I found myself appreciative of his honesty, and was somewhat surprised I appreciated the way he met my gaze when I spoke. When the food was gone, Talon, true to his word, escorted me back to my room. The guards openly breathed sighs of relief and all was well. I could now prepare myself for the next questioning of the princes. I bid goodbye to my new friend. He turned to leave, then turned back.

"It was enjoyable to share a meal with someone. It's been a long time. If you need anything, my room is next door," Talon slyly winked. "Although, you probably already knew that.

I was summoned to the throne room in the evening following my meeting Talon. I caught his eye as I entered and smiled ever so briefly. Once again, I stood in front of the nobility of a different realm. This time I spoke more of my family's hobbies, my country's origins, what exactly I did at work, and what my favourite pastime was.

"Oh, I love horses. I love riding and wish I could do it every day!"

Before I left, I turned once more to Valentin and asked in the presence of the princes, "Have you found a portal? Am I going to be able to go home soon? Please, I need to go home."

The king's eyes burned into mine, his mouth tight and his teeth clenched.

"We will discuss options when the time is right," Valentin hissed into my face. "Do not be so ungrateful as to ask again."

Breeard suddenly appeared at my elbow and with a touch, he turned me to leave.

"Take her to her chambers, I do not want her wandering the castle while we discuss important matters.

"Ignore the snake," Breeard whispered as we walked through the doors.

The meeting went on for hours after I left. I paced in my room and on my balcony with Poe, and now Breeard, Sieren, and Glendrig. It was Talon, himself, who came after the meeting to let me know what happened. The other princes had decided Valentin was being too harsh on me. As things turned out, my silver knights were now allowed to be my guards. My chambers were being moved to the ground level, and I'd have a little garden attached to it. This way, I could go outside without guards. I was to be allowed to roam the castle freely. Talon stepped closer to me and with a tilt of his head said,

"Come with me, I want to show you something."

Talon took my hand and lead me from the room, when Breeard made to follow, it only took a look from Talon to halt him in his tracks. A silent message seemed to pass between them and the knight nodded his bearded head.

"We will move the lady's things down to her new chambers."

I was led down the now dimly lit stairs and through the main foyer. I could barely see the prince in front of me, but his hand was steady.

He waved away the guards who approached us, "She is with me."

Suddenly we were outside, and I felt so free. I squeezed Talon's hand in thanks.

"Oh, we aren't done yet," he turned his hooded head to look at me. "Come."

Then, I saw where we were headed. The clear domed building stood before us, lit within by torches that reflected off the many surfaces. Talon released my hand to open the doors, then stepped aside to let me in. Plants of all sizes and shapes, flowers of all colours and varieties, and even small trees grew within the dome. The smell of moist, dark earth mixed pleasantly with the aroma of growing flora. I walked almost in a daze as I touched and smelled the flowers. In the middle of the whole dome was a birch tree, its white bark shone in the torchlight. I looked around for my companion and saw him heading to the tree where he took a seat.

"You can come here to be a part of nature, it is the perfect place to learn about Faefolk." Talon spoke in a steady, relaxed voice. "I can bring you while I'm here."

I couldn't think of words good enough to explain what I felt. I was so grateful to this new friend, who obviously had some sympathy for my situation. Somehow, I choked out an appropriate thank you, and we started talking about the events of the day. I learned he was an orphan, and he had a bit of a dark past he wasn't ready to share yet. He told me about how his parents died when he was younger, and he had to leave his home to continue his education. Something was tickling the back of my mind; some memory was trying to reach the surface. When it was much later, Talon stood up and said,

"I should get you back. Valentin will worry."

I laughed at this little bit of sarcasm. I had expressed my uneasiness with Valentin, and Talon did not tell me I was wrong in feeling the way I did. He listened with a frown and fiddled with a leaf.

"Truthfully, I don't know why he even invited me to the Meeting of Princes. I have been in exile for years. He must be up to something."

With that, Talon stood and helped me up, "Let's go."

This prince of mystery brought me to my new chambers and said goodnight.

"When you are in your garden," Talon mentioned. "Look up."

I gave a light laugh and went inside my chambers. Poe smiled and gave me an interesting look, and I knew she wanted to know details of my outing. Breeard and Sieren stood outside the door, conversing in whispers. A fire burned brightly in the fireplace and my bed was made. Poe helped me change and gave me a tea. There was one more thing I wanted to do before I would end this pleasant evening.

"Let me see this garden," I thought as I walked to my garden doors. Poe opened them for me and I stepped outside. Plants resembling some form of rose bushes lined a small circle - shaped garden. Tall hedges stood behind the rose bushes. There was a low stone bench on the left - hand side of the garden, all covered in snow.

Speaking of snow, suddenly I felt a soft thud against my cloak. Looking at my shoulder I noticed a clump of snow. How? Then remembering Talon's words, I looked up. There on a balcony above me was Talon. I waved, and he winked before giving a slight wave back.