Mysterious Warriors: Alone (5 page)

~ Chapter 10 ~

              The book wasn’t her first pick, but Tara needed to read more about architecture. Tara curled in her chair in the library when someone placed a hand on her arm. She jerked back, bringing her book up like a sword, and paused as she recognized Baron Stefan Graem. She let loose a short breath and bit back a grin as he chuckled. “Sorry, did I startle you? You didn’t answer when I called your name.”

              “I didn’t?”

              He shook his head.

              “Oh.” She straightened and faced him. “Hello Stefan.”

              “Hello Tara. How’s your book?”

              “Great.” She blushed and stood, using her finger to mark the page as she closed it. “What brings you here?”

              “I was looking for you.”

              “Oh.”

              “I know we don’t really know each other well, but I was hoping you’d give me the honor of courtship. I’d like to spend more time with you and see if we fall in love.” He took her left hand and kissed the back. “You are beautiful, smart, and kind, and I want to know everything about you. Will you give me that chance?”

              Tara stared. She wasn’t sure what she wanted. This man was not only interested in her, but he was kind. He liked that she was different than her mother and the other women at court. “I would love to accept.” Tara curtsied. “I’m honored.”

              “Thank you.” He bowed and gently took her hand, tucking it under his arm. “Would you like to go for a walk through the gardens? I understand that you enjoy walks almost as much as you enjoy reading.”

              “I would love that.” Tara let him take her down the hallway and out the backdoor of the palace into the royal gardens. She wondered if this meant Monika was supposed to be with them now that they were officially courting, or was it not official until her father announced it so? But her father wouldn’t be able to announce their courtship if court wasn’t being held. He was still taking care of her mother.

              “Do you see the mountain bluebird?” Stefan gestured to grey birds as they perched on a tree branch.

              “I love their wings.” Tara whispered as she stared at the grey wings streaked with black, white and light blue feathers.

              “What’s your favorite bird?”

              She’d never thought about her favorite bird before. “I’m not sure.”

              “You remind me of the little Hummingbird.” Stefan’s fingers brushed her arm as light as a feather. “They’re green and purple with fast wings that never give up.”

              She blushed.

              “What is your favorite flower?” Stefan asked.

              “I’ll show you.” Tara took him through the gardens to where the green cushion flowers grew. She had never shown a man her favorite flower before. It was strange.

              “They’re very beautiful.” Stefan grinned. “And they’re unique, just like you.”

              “Tara?” Alex walked toward them.

              “Alex.” Tara remembered the feel of his fingers against her cheeks, and she tried to keep herself from blushing. “Hi.”

              “You again?” Alex eyed the noble.

              “I’m Baron Stefan Graem, the man who is honored to be courting her Royal Highness Princess Tara.”

              “Courting?” Alex’s eyebrows rose as he looked to the princess.

              “He just asked me.” Tara explained, not knowing why she felt so flustered. Alex was her friend. It wouldn’t feel this awkward introducing Stefan to her sister or Pearl. “I…Stefan, this is Sir Alexander Markin, a Royal Guard and my personal protector.”

              “I remember you.” Stefan stated. “You are the man who didn’t protect her from Black Hood. Good thing I did.”

              “That won’t happen again.”

              “We’ll see.”

              What was happening? Tara wondered if they were going to break out into a fight, some kind of way of proving who would protect her better.

              “Where are you from Baron?”

              “Northside, Zorba’s Reach.”

              “Come from a family of fishermen?” Alex questioned.

              “I…” Stefan paused. “Do you have some kind of problem with me Sir Alex?”

              “Of course not.” Alex shrugged. “I just want to make sure the princess is safe with the company she chooses.”

              “Of course she will be safe with me.” Stefan’s eyes narrowed. “Definitely safer with me than you.”

              Stefan and Alex stared at each other, and Tara looked between them, too shocked to do anything but look at the men size each other up.

~ Chapter 11 ~

              “Princess Tara has accepted a suitor: Baron Stefan Graem.”

              The words were like music to her ears, and Queen Margaret knew she’d been right to introduce them. She was overjoyed, and she leapt from bed. She didn’t need to be sick anymore. She needed to party and rejoice. Her daughter finally accepted a suitor. She was courting the baron!

              “Let me meet with him.” Queen Margaret looked at her maids. “Patrice, Lacey, Terena, make me presentable.”

              Patience stepped forward and brushed the queen’s long dark hair. Queen Margaret closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the brush through her locks. She opened her deep blue eyes and stared at herself in the mirror. She was forty, and she couldn’t believe how old she was getting. She still looked young and beautiful, but that beauty would fade within the next twenty or so years. She screamed, and Lyssa and Terena rushed to her side.

              “What is it my queen?” Lyssa asked.

              “What is this?” Queen Margaret gripped a long strand of grey hair. “Get it out; get it out!”

              Patience pulled the grey strand of hair free, and the queen felt exhausted. She didn’t ever want to go through something so terrible. She shouldn’t have any grey hairs. She’d given any kind of worry over to others. Terena had raised her daughters, and Queen Margaret only focused on parties, planning, and joyful gaiety. Her only worry was peasant diseases.

              “Don’t fret.” Patience assured her. “I’ll pull any more I see.”

              “There are more?” Queen Margaret gasped and spun to face her maid.

              “I don’t think so.” Patience answered.

              “Look what I found your majesty.” Lyssa pulled a beautiful cobalt gown out to show the queen.

              Queen Margaret ran a hand across the fine fabric. “That is very beautiful.”

              “And it makes your eye stand out more than usual.” Terena added with a cheerful grin.

              “I do want to look beautiful when I meet with my future son-in-law.” Queen Margaret nodded as she sat back.

              Patience finished pinning Queen Margaret’s hair up, and Lyssa helped her in the new gown. Queen Margaret eyed herself in her mirror, and she smiled. “Let’s go visit this baron.”

              Terena led Queen Margaret down to the first floor of the palace and into the library. The queen had never understood her daughter’s desire to read so much. Tara had practically lived in the library when she was a little girl. She cared more about books than dresses and hairstyles. Tara enjoyed stuffing her beautiful long locks into a decorated hairnet, and she wanted to stay in the dusty library and read dirty books all day. It was insufferable.

              Queen Margaret stopped short when she saw the handsome baron speaking with her daughter. He truly was handsome with his dark brown hair and brown eyes full of knowledge. He had a sharp, strong face, and his expression when he looked at her daughter was full of love and longing. He looked at Tara almost the same way King Warren looked at her. The queen would just have to make sure Stefan’s love for Tara would continue to grow. Tara would only choose a man she loved, and who couldn’t love a man who looked at her like that? Of course the queen didn’t love her husband, but she was different than her daughter.

              “Her majesty, Queen Margaret.” Terena announced.

              “Mom.” Tara closed the book in her hand. “I didn’t expect to see you up. I thought you were ill.”

              “I heard you accepted the baron’s invitation to court you.” Queen Margaret explained and looked at the man.

              He was tall with dark hair and eyes. He looked strong, and he looked like he could handle a woman like Tara.

              “Mom.” Tara gestured between them. “You remember Baron Stefan Graem.”

              “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness.” Stefan bowed and kissed the queen’s hand.

              He was chivalrous too. Queen Margaret smiled. “The pleasure is mine. It’s a rare day indeed when my daughter is willing to court someone.”

              “Mother.” Tara was red, and the queen was surprised. She didn’t know Tara could be embarrassed.

              Tara knocked on Terena’s door. She let out a slow breath, and she needed to think, somewhere to escape the men in her life.

              “Tara.” Terena opened the door and let the princess in. “What brings you here?”

              “Did you hear the news about Stefan and me?”

              “I’m the one who told your mother.” Terena shook her head as she closed the door. “She’s suddenly feeling a lot better, and she thinks she might actually be able to venture out of bed now because of the good news.”

              Tara groaned. “Of course Mother would feel better now.”

              “Are you second-guessing your choice to court the baron?”

              “No.” Tara had to be completely honest. “It’s just that I didn’t realize how it would make Alex feel, and I’m not sure what to do now.”

              “Alex Markin, your guard?”

              Tara nodded. What in Erde was she talking about? She knew Alex was fond of her, and they were friends, but what feelings did Terena believe he had for her?

              “You don’t know he loves you?” Terena was always blunt. “Are you that blind?”

              “I don’t want to be.” Tara paused. She had never been good at deciphering feelings. She’d always thought she was, but then she’d thought Blake was playing hard-to-get, not don’t-like-me-because-I’m-female. “Do you really think Alex loves me?”

              “He’s loved you for quite a while my dear.” Terena sat in a wooden chair. “But it doesn’t matter what Alex feels about you, how do you feel about Sir Markin?”

              “Alex is a friend.” Tara closed her eyes and sat beside her mother figure. “I haven’t given it much thought as to him being anything else. I wanted to love Thomas, his best friend, but I never realized Alex loved me.” She stood. “Why is this so complicated?”

              “Love always is.”

~ Chapter 12 ~

              Cabaya strode with Galdut through the streets of Lower City. Kitnan and Sacrifice moved on the roofs. Sarasa flew above them. Cabaya wondered if she and Sacrifice would ever get along as she did with the other three.

              Cabaya stopped as Black Hood strode out of one of the alleyways. Beside her stood a woman with long blonde hair tied in two braids. The blonde held a sword, and Black Hood smiled. “Well hello my Mysterious Warriors.”

              “Your Mysterious Warriors?” Cabaya set an arrow to her bow, and she looked at Black Hood, wondering if the woman would use her powers against her again.

              Black Hood looked from Cabaya and up to Sarasa. “We meet again.” She frowned. “Where is she?”

              “Maybe she’s around; maybe she’s in Upper City.” Sarasa answered as she landed beside Cabaya. “I wouldn’t be able to tell you.” Her hands moved so fast Cabaya didn’t see the stream of water until it smacked Black Hood in the face.

              The blonde woman stepped forward, but Black Hood’s hand shot out to stop her. “Not yet Hera. Right now I need answers.” Black Hood’s red eye flashed under the shadow of her hood, and she frowned. “I want her. She took everything from me.”

              What was Black Hood talking about? How did they know each other?

              “Your brother’s alive.” Galdut stated as he held his sword. “She didn’t kill Brutis, and he would have killed all of us. She lost her leg thanks to him.”

              “And she will lose her life thanks to me.” Black Hood snarled.

              Sarasa moved, and a wave of water surrounded herself, long twists and tendrils surrounded her shoulders as she faced Black Hood. “I should have drowned you years ago.”

              Black Hood laughed. “You don’t have it in you.”

              Cabaya blinked as she looked between Sarasa, Galdut, and Black Hood. What in Erde were they all talking about? How did they know one another? For the first time since she’d known them, Cabaya wondered exactly who her partners were.

              “Are we just going to stand and talk, or are you going to attack us?” Cabaya wondered as she held her bow taut. “I’m itching to shoot someone.”

              “You have no idea what you’ve stepped in the middle of, Girl.” Black Hood’s eyes narrowed. She turned her glare to Sarasa. “You know who I want, and I will have her.”

              “You know she isn’t stupid enough to fall into any of your traps.”

              “We shall see.” Black Hood moved her hands and clenched her fists. She disappeared in black and red fire.

              Cabaya gasped. Unlike Strike’s magic, there was no mist left behind.

              The blonde woman moved faster than Cabaya anticipated, bringing her sword around to strike at the group. Cabaya jumped back, slamming her back into a building as Galdut’s blade stuck the woman’s with a shattering ring.

              The blonde, Hera, laughed as she kicked him.

              Galdut fell, and Sarasa snapped tendrils of water at the woman. Hera cut through the moisture, and she tossed blades at the Fairy.

              Cabaya grabbed her fallen bow and had it strung in time to loose an arrow as Hera turned to attack her once again. The arrows hit the blonde, and she fell to the ground.

              “Are you alright?” Cabaya rushed to help Galdut to his feet.

              He nodded. “Sarasa?”

              “I’m okay.”

              “Does Black Hood want Kitnan?” Cabaya looked at Sarasa.

              Sarasa nodded and flapped her wings. “She’ll have to tell you someday. It seems Black Hood is here for revenge.”

              “And she’s willing to bring her fight against the royal family of Zorba’s Reach.” Galdut shook his head. “She’s dangerous, and we can never underestimate her.”

              Cabaya nodded. The Boss was dangerous in Whitehaven, but Black Hood was even more powerful.

              Queen Margaret fluffed the veil as it drizzled back in front of her face. She looked around the ballroom and smiled. She was pleased Tara finally accepted the baron’s request to court, and their courtship was the theme of the ball. She walked through the crowd, holding her lace fan in front of her.

              Snapping the fan closed, the queen frowned at a lady. “Where is your veil?”

              The woman blinked several times, and the queen flipped her fan open once again. “This is a themed occasion to celebrate my daughter’s courtship.” Queen Margaret fumed. “You mock my daughter with your uncovered face.”

              “Forgive me, Your Majesty.” The woman curtsied.

              “Get a veil.” Queen Margaret pointed to a table in the front of the ballroom. “There is no reason to be unveiled during this party.”

              “Yes.” The woman rushed away, and Queen Margaret huffed at the lady’s last season dress.

              “We didn’t need a grand ball.” Tara stepped to her mother.

              Queen Margaret gasped and touched her daughter’s long, lace sleeves. “You look divine my precious.”

              Tara’s long hair was netted, and a lace, white veil covered her lovely face. Her dress was a mix of dark brown chiffon and mint lace embroidered with birds. She was a vision, and the queen was pleased with her handiwork.

              “We didn’t want a ball to celebrate our courtship.” Tara exclaimed as Stefan joined them.

              “But you must enjoy the party.” Queen Margaret pouted as she looked at the handsome man beside her daughter.

              Stefan was tall, and his dark brown pants and jacket matched Tara’s dress, as well as his mint shirt. They were a picturesque couple, and the queen knew their children would be just as beautiful.

              “Go now.” Queen Margaret shooed them with her fan. “You two should be dancing.”

              “Come, my Little Hummingbird.” Stefan kissed Tara’s hand as he led her from her mother.

              Tara sighed, and the queen could have cuffed her daughter with her fan. What was wrong with her child? This man was a baron, and he was charming. He would make a good husband. He understood the ways of nobility, and he would make a good king in the future.

              But Tara had always been too strong for her own good. She wanted to care for her people, be involved in the inner workings of the kingdom, and even support the criminal Mysterious Warriors.

              “You pulled off another masterpiece my queen.” Alice stepped beside the queen. “I enjoyed planning this party more than I have others.”

              “Why do you say that?” Queen Margaret eyed her Lady-in-Waiting.

              “Because of the joyous occasion to hold it.” Alice’s veil was bright yellow, making her seem like she was smiling. “I remember when Tara was just a baby. I can’t believe she finally accepted the courtship. She’s always been so headstrong.”

              “She has.” Queen Margaret agreed. She’d known Alice the longest of any of her ladies. “Tell me Alice, what do you think of my daughter’s decision to love her husband? Do you think it’s a good idea?”

              “I dare not say.” Alice’s voice quivered.

              “I know you never approved of my marriage to Warren.” Queen Margaret stated. “You hide your feelings well, but I’ve come to realize when you’re hiding something from me.”

              “Whatever do you mean?” Alice’s voice was grave.

              “I’ve seen the way you look at my husband.” Queen Margaret snapped her fan closed in her open hand.

              “I…I can explain.”

              “There’s no need. I think you misunderstand me.”

              “How can I misunderstand you?”

              “I don’t care that you love my husband.” Queen Margaret explained. “I know he will always be faithful to me. I’m almost glad there’s someone in his life who will love him as he loves me.” Her glaze was obscured by her veil.

              Alice didn’t answer, and Queen Margaret gently touched her fan to the Lady-In-Waiting’s shoulder. “You will always be my lady, and I don’t want you to stop being my lady because of your feelings for my husband.”

              “I won’t.” Alice assured her. “I promise you my lady; your husband has no inkling of my feelings for him. He truly does only have eyes for you. He wouldn’t see me if I ran into him. He loves you so much.”

              “I know.” Queen Margaret sighed. She didn’t need assurances. “I can’t plan these parties without you.”

              “This is about your parties?”

              “Yes. What else would this conversation be about?”

              Alice didn’t answer, and the queen pursed her lips. The woman was beginning to exasperate her.

              “I will always be your lady and help you plan these parties.” Alice finally answered. “You have nothing to worry about. I’m not going to leave this position.”