Blinding Beauty (55 page)

She couldn’t tell how long they
stood there, as he let her hold him, but it was, in a strange way,
the closest to healing she’d felt in a long time.

“
You don’t always have to be so
strong,” she whispered to him as she wiped the tears from his face,
ignoring those on her own. He opened his eyes and looked into hers.
As he did, she realized that the red glass was gone, and wondered
if her own eyes were clear again as well.

“
But if I’m not—”

“
I will be.” She smiled and
caressed his cheek. “I made that vow before the people, this
Fortress, and you. I’m not about to break it now.”

Ever stared hard at her for a long
moment before wrapping his arms around her and kissing the top of
her head.

“
This is going to take a while to
clean up,” he said in a hoarse voice. And Isa knew he wasn’t just
talking of Bronkendol’s doings.

“
It will be worth it in the
end.”

“
Yes. Yes it will.”

All too soon, it was time to face
the chaos that awaited them below. Ever shed the ludicrous, heavy
garb Bronkendol had forced him into, and Isa changed into a
practical gown that wasn’t tattered and grimy. It was difficult to
look in the mirror and see her hair so ragged, but at least its new
length would keep it out of the way as they worked.

Garin had directed the servants to
gather everyone to the throne room so Ever could address them, but
it took a little longer than usual, as most of the servants were
recovering from the enchanter’s influence as well. The enchanter’s
power had taken a toll on many, and some of even their most
reliable servants needed assistance.

When they were finally all
gathered, Isa stood tall and proud beside her husband. The timidity
she’d known was gone now. She was done comparing. This was her
place, and these were her people. This was her Fortress, and never
again would she doubt its love for her.

The kings, queens, dignitaries,
and other guests of high standing were all unhappy to have been
manipulated so easily, but they listened to Ever with respectful
humility. Isa watched as Ever explained the enchanter’s wiles. In
the middle of his speech, Isa caught the eye of Lady Jadzia, but
the woman refused to hold her gaze. Isa didn’t miss the little
daggers Jadzia still sent her throughout Ever’s speech, when Isa
pretended not to pay her heed. Would the woman ever give
up?

After the address was made, Isa
was standing beside Ever, when she spotted Jadzia primping herself
before beginning to walk towards them. Anger flamed inside her, and
her hands grew slightly warm as she felt her power rise within her.
Before Isa could say anything, Ever surprised her by grabbing her
around the waist and kissing her with such a passion that Isa felt
her cheeks flush.

“
Um... thank you?” Isa breathed
when Ever finally let her go. He gave her a mischievous grin and
wiggled his eyebrows.

“
Perhaps Lady Jadzia will think
twice next time she’s tempted to try and play for a married
man.”

Isa turned, and sure enough, Lady
Jadzia was staring at them, open-mouthed with a look of shock on
her face. Isa allowed herself a wide grin for the woman.

So Ever had noticed. The thought
made her nearly giddy.

***

Lady Jadzia
and her father finally left a week after the enchanter’s death,
along with a few of the other royals. Progress was slow, as most of
the servants and guests were still recovering, so Isa suggested
that they bring in some of her old friends from the village to
help, a suggestion which Ever readily agreed to.

Isa was glad to make the trip down
the mountain alone. She didn’t even mind the guard that trailed
loosely behind her. While she had spoken the truth about calling on
old acquaintances for help, there was a visit she needed to make.
As soon as all of her requests for assistance at the Fortress were
made, Isa made her way through the main marketplace to the familiar
little shop that sat on the northeast corner of the
square.

Megane squealed when Isa walked
through the front of the shop into their kitchen, and Deline was
overjoyed as well. But there was one face in particular that Isa
had come to see.

Ansel’s face broke into a wide
smile when she let herself into her parents’ room. It hurt to see
his eyes and cheeks still mottled and purple from Bronkendol’s
cruel orders.

“
How are you?” She sat at the edge
of the bed and looked anxiously at his legs, which were covered by
his blankets.

Ansel shrugged as though it were
nothing. “The healer says he’s not sure if I’ll walk again,
but—”

“
Father!” Isa cried. “Why didn’t
you tell me? I’m sure Ever can help you somehow!”

“
Considering the chaos of that
place after your enchanter died, it was good of the servants to
simply bring me back here.” When Isa continued to glare at him, he
gave her a placating smile. “But perhaps I will, in time. For the
time being, though, I would feel more comfortable if that husband
of yours stays right where he’s at.”

Isa sighed and sat back down. Her
father was right, as usual. Ever was busy, but he never failed to
check on her brother whenever he had the chance. Kartek and Apu had
gone home finally, so Ever was the main physician of the
Fortress.

“
It is up to the Maker now,”
Kartek had told them. “I am sorry I cannot do more, but now the
best medicine will be for you to wait.” And so they’d waited.
Ansel, Deline, and Megane from the city, and Ever and Isa from down
the hall at the Fortress.

“
Your Highness,” Isa’s guard
called from behind the door. Isa and her father looked at one
another in surprise. Isa’s guards always waited outside. “The king
has sent a messenger to request that you return to the Fortress.
It’s about your brother.”

Isa was off in a flash. As soon as
she was on her horse, they flew up the mountain road until the
incline made it impossible to run. Isa’s heart pounded with
impatience as they plodded along. Had Launce awakened? Had he taken
a turn for the worst?

She didn’t even pause to unbridle
her horse at the stables. For once, she would let the servants take
care of that. Once she had vaulted herself off the horse, she
sprinted through the Fortress, not stopping until she reached
Launce’s room. As she approached, Ever was just shutting the door
behind Princess Olivia and her escort. The princess curtsied, but
didn’t meet Isa’s eyes.

“
I cannot express how sorry I am
for playing the part I had in all of this,” she said. Isa could
hear the tears in her voice. “We tried to him hold off, but it was
just too much—”

Despite Isa’s need to see her
Launce, she could only assume he was improving if Ever had brought
the princess to see him. Isa didn’t let Olivia go any further,
wrapping the young woman in her arms and giving her a good
squeeze.

“
You did well to hold out for so
long,” she whispered. Then she laughed. “You have seen more of the
Fortress at work in just a few short weeks than most Destinians see
in their lives!” She pulled back to look the girl in the eyes. “The
Maker has given us a new day. We’ve mourned the past. Now let’s not
dwell on it any longer.”

Princess Olivia pulled back and
gave her a tremulous smile. “Will you come visit me sometime? I
should like to know you more without an enchanter trying to take
over our kingdoms.”

Isa laughed told the girl yes,
giving her one more quick hug. Then Ever placed his hand on the
small of her back and gently pushed her towards Launce’s door. In
spite of Ever’s reassuring smile, Isa felt her heart pound as she
entered her brother’s room.

Launce was propped up against a
mountain of pillows, which somehow made him look even scrawnier
than usual. His head was leaned back and his eyes were closed as he
lay there, but as she approached, he slowly lifted himself up to
see her.

“
Launce,” was all Isa could say.
The young man before her looked like her brother. And yet, he
didn’t. There were thin lines of exhaustion at the corners of his
eyes, and his skin was unusually red, as though it were thinner
than usual. He looked as though he might faint at any minute, and
yet, she could still see a bit of life in the half smile he managed
to give her.

“
So you did it,” he
croaked.

Isa rolled her eyes. “As much as
it pains me to admit it, you were right.”

“
I don’t think I’ve ever heard
that one before.” His dark eyes gleamed with mischief. “I will be
sure to bring that up now whenever you doubt me.”

“
I’m sure you will.” Isa stuck her
tongue out at him, then sighed. Even their childish games were
difficult when he was lying in bed looking half dead. “But truly,
how are you?”

Launce looked down at himself.
“Everard seems to think I will be at least a few months in
recovery. Apparently, Bronkendol’s poison has proved to be the most
difficult healing Queen Kartek has ever attempted. Still,” he
paused, “it seems I should be well enough to travel by
summer.”

“
Travel?”

Launce looked down, studying his
hands with sudden interest. “King Rafael has asked if I am willing
to consider being Cobren’s next king.”

“
And... you’re accepting?” Isa
frowned. “You hate court life.”

“
Of course I do. But I spoke with
Everard and I think...” He drew in a deep breath and blew it out
before finishing. “I can see a little better why your husband makes
the choices that he does. The Fortress has given him many lives to
be responsible for. And now, Cobren has lots of healing to do as
well. Olivia thinks I can help with that somehow.”

Isa smirked. “Ah, and the truth
comes out.”

Launce grimaced at her. “You know
what I mean. It’s just that I feel like the Maker, for whatever
reason, has put me in this place now. I don’t fit into the life I
had before, thanks to you.” He swatted Isa’s arm, then doubled over
in pain. “I keep forgetting about that,” he grunted.
“Anyway—Ouch!—I think it would be best to give this a try. They
think they need me, and I think I need a new start.”

“
I still don’t understand this
life entirely either,” Isa said. “And to be honest, I don’t know if
I ever will. However,” she scooted closer so she could take his
hand, “I do know that you and I make a terrific team. How about we
just enjoy being lost together for a while?”

Launce smiled back. “Sounds good
to me. Just don’t go running into any horse thieves or glass
enchanters or evil Fae until I’m walking at least.”

“
I will try.” Isa grinned at her
brother. “But I’m not making any promises.”

CHAPTER
FIFTY-FIVE

New Beginnings

“
Yasmina,
please hand me that spoon.” Isa smiled as the little girl handed
her the spoon with a shy look. “Then as soon as your mother is done
eating, I think we’re going to brush your hair.”

“
My hair doesn’t need brushing,”
the little girl said, holding her stringy blond hair up for Isa to
see.

“
Oh, that it does,” her mother
said. Then she smiled at Isa with tired eyes. “I can’t thank you
enough, Your Highness. I couldn’t stand watching her run around
like that for one more day.” The woman laid back into the pillows
and sighed slowly as she rubbed her temples. “How are the
others?”

“
You’re all getting along quite
nicely,” Isa reached out and squeezed the woman’s hand. “I suppose
that in a way, it was best that you were all down here to begin
with. You would have gotten the glass, too, if you were working in
the upper levels with the others.” The thought of the invalids
under the orders of the enchanter made Isa shiver. There had been
too much blood shed at the Fortress as it was. No, it was better
that the infirmary had been forgotten, even if it meant more work
for Isa and the few other women who were well enough to
help.

“
It has been two weeks.” The woman
shifted uncomfortably. “When will you be relieved? Surely the other
servants will be recovered soon enough to return to their
duties.”

“
Some are, but many of them were
injured in the fight, and others are grieving...” They were silent
for a moment, reflecting on their losses, before Isa cajoled the
woman into eating. “You need to keep up your strength.” Isa nodded
at the woman’s burgeoning belly. “Soon enough you will have two to
keep up with.”

Isa couldn’t help the slight jab
of envy as the woman smiled and rubbed her belly. And yet, Isa was
the closest to feeling content that she had felt in a long time.
The desire was still there, but at least she now saw a purpose in
the wait. She sighed as the woman ate. The Fortress had known what
it was doing all along, even though she hadn’t seen the purpose at
the time.

As soon as the woman finished her
meal, Isa chased down the little girl, and was just finishing with
her hair when Gigi came in.

“
There you are. I’m sorry for
interrupting, my dear, but the king has requested you meet him at
the stables.”

Isa patted the little girl’s head
once more before standing and gathering her things. “We were just
finishing anyway.” She gave the room another look before she was
satisfied that things were in order. Hopefully, the woman and her
daughter would be back in their quarters before long anyway. As she
walked up the steps from the bottom levels to the main floor, Isa
glanced at the other rooms along the way, making a list in her head
of the items she would need the next time she came down.