Beyond The Realms

Chapter 10: The Meeting of Princes

The Meeting of Princes lasted two whole weeks, within which time Valentin stopped bringing me to the throne room for senseless and repetitive questions. He never missed an opportunity in the halls if he saw me, and I refrained from asking him about finding a portal on the advice of the exiled prince who had quickly become my constant companion. We fell into a new routine. After waking, we would meet in the library and eat a light, early morning meal. Talon would then take me to the stables where I would brush horses and sometimes ride in the small training ring. The stable hands seemed to like the prince, so no one would snitch on my whereabouts. We would join others in the main hall for the midday meal, and I'd often catch Valentin glancing, or sometimes glaring, in my direction. During those two weeks, Talon had to spend an hour or two in the throne room to "discuss Fae things," so I spent that time with Poe. She continued to teach me Castle etiquette and dress. After supper, the "exile," as everyone called Talon, would throw snow at my garden window until I came outside. He then would escort me to the domed building where we would sit under the tree, listen to the fountain, and breathe in the smell of forest fauna. Through our many conversations and time together, Talon became my most trusted friend. I would spend much of my day with him, learning about his life and the many things he learned on his journeys. I would ask about plants, animals, other Fae, the different kingdoms. I asked about the history of places and Talon's mysterious past. He would ask about my life as well, but I think he refrained from asking too much because of what I had already gone through with the Winter King.

"Valentin can be ruthless," Talon said one evening, under the birch.

I sighed, "I just want to see my children. I know they are almost adults, but I just want to go home. I have been kept here like a caged bird while he looks for a portal to send me back from where I came."

Talon went still. His gaze went from his foot to my face.

"He is looking for a portal?"

"Well, that's what he said. He said he knew of a portal to get me home. He sent riders out to make sure it worked."

"He's lying, "Talon shook his head. "There are no portals anywhere near here, and he would need some serious help in opening one."

My heart sank, feeling so heavy it was hard to breathe. I had been lied to all this time. I walked back to my chambers that night, silent and troubled.

Once again, I woke screaming from a dream. There was fire, and empty rooms. I was always running. Poe was rinsing a cloth as I opened my eyes, and a man's voice was firmly, but quietly giving directions.

"Talon?" I mumbled. "How did you get here?"

"Shhh, easy.... You are alright."

Talon raised a warm cloth to my face and started washing the blood away from my nose.

"I came through the garden."

It sounded reasonable but I felt like I had been hit by a truck so I decided to ask him more later.

"I had another nosebleed? What did I hit my face on?"

"You didn't, My Lady," Poe quietly told me. "How are you feeling?"

I felt hot. I was sweating. I am sure I said something similar to the two of them, as Talon felt my head then went to the door and sent Glendrig to get something. In a matter of minutes, Glendrig was back with a cup of the hottest, blackest tea I had ever seen.

"It will make you feel better," Talon said. He told the truth, I did feel better after I drank it. I couldn't tell him, however, as it also put me into a deep, dreamless sleep. Talon's concerned face was the last thing I saw before darkness met me.

The following morning, there was a bit of commotion as the many princes headed home to their own kingdoms. I went out into my garden for some fresh air, and also, to see if Talon was awake. I saw him leaning on his balcony like he was waiting for me.

"Are you leaving now?" I asked, feeling a twinge of sadness. "Can I say goodbye before you go?"

Talon tossed a snowball in my direction, "I'm not leaving today. I decided to stay longer."

"Really?"

As I watched, the prince climbed over the edge of the balcony and scaled the wall down to my garden. With a hop and twist, he landed skillfully before me. A little fever flared in my cheeks and I smiled impressed.

"What, no flip?" I laughed. In reply, Talon raised an eyebrow and went inside.

"I have some things to discuss with Valentin, and it would be better done alone."

I nodded in understanding.

Talon called from inside, "Are you ready to eat?"

I dashed inside, and Poe shut the doors behind me. Both Talon and I started walking towards the library with steady steps.