Their Bonds of Love

Pacing by the fireplace in the palace study, Conri was beyond angry. After speaking with the servant who told Eleri she would go to Argenta House, Conri was ready to take out vengeance quickly. He knew he had a temper, and he worked to keep it in check, but he felt his fury was justified this time. He stopped for a moment and looked behind the sofa to see Caerwyn almost mimicking his movements as he paced with his fists clenched at his side.

“You both need to settle,” said Eleri as she sat on the sofa, drinking a cup of tea. “You will get no answers if you rage at the woman as soon as she walks in the room.”

“So you expect me to ask her politely? You think I will sit down calmly and have a nice chat with the horrible woman about how she tried to ruin everything between us,” said Conri.

Eleri gave a small shrug. “She was not successful.”

“She caused you at least a few weeks of misery,” said Caerwyn.

“I still don’t know why you didn’t speak to me about this earlier, Eleri. I would have set everything straight immediately.”

She put her cup down and looked ashamed. “I know I was silly, but I wasn’t myself. I was still trying to figure everything out after losing my wolf. I felt very lost at the time.”

Conri softened and sat down next to her. He took her hand and kissed it. “I’m sorry, my love. I know this has been horrible for you. I should have spoken to you about it more. I wanted to give you time and space. I didn’t know what to say or do to help you, and I almost lost you because of it.”

“You did not,” said Eleri. “There was nothing you could say, and I don’t believe my dark mood would have lasted forever. I could never let you go. You must know it.”

He smiled at her as Caerwyn moved to stand closer to the fireplace. “So, how will you handle this? They will be here any minute.”

“I will lay out the facts. I will tell her and her father what the servant told us, and we will see how she responds,” said Conri.

“And what will you do if she denies it?” asked Caerwyn.

“I can handle that,” said Eleri. “We will not leave this room until we have answers.”

“What will you do?” asked Conri as Eleri picked her teacup back up.

Eleri only smiled as she sipped her tea in response. There was a knock at the door, and Caerwyn walked to answer it. He returned to the sitting area with Lord Cecil, Lady Kerry, and Lady Riona walking behind him.

Conri stood as they entered. “Lady Kerry looked curious, her father looked worried, and Lady Riona appeared much too pleased with herself.”

“Thank you all for coming. Lady Kerry, can I introduce Lady Eleri to you?” asked Conri.

Lady Kerry grinned at Eleri and gave a short curtsey. “I am so happy to finally meet you, my lady. I’m glad you are recovered enough to join us.”

“Thank you, Lady Kerry. It is good to meet you as well. I look forward to serving on the king’s advisory council with you. Will you all please sit?”

They took their places as Conri moved back to the fireplace close to Caerwyn. “Lord Cecil,” started Conri. “I do not wish to leave you in suspense as to why we called you here today. I have received some shocking information that I must act on immediately. I do not wish to cause your family pain, but this affects the person I hold most dear in the world. I cannot stand for it.”

“What is it you have to say, my king?” asked Lord Cecil with concern.

“As you know, Lady Eleri has been recovering for some time. She sustained a terrible injury and lost something precious to her in her defense of me.”

Lord Cecil nodded as he looked at Eleri. “I am so sorry to hear of all that happened to you, my lady. Your bravery in saving our king is being talked of all over Elathia. You have my and my family’s gratitude.”

“If only that were the case,” said Conri with annoyance. “You see, I was disturbed to find Eleri at Argenta House yesterday, believing that I wish for her to be sent there permanently. It was implied that I would not keep the promises I had made to her. Of course, you know that is ridiculous.”

“A falsehood indeed, your majesty,” said Lord Cecil. “You have been steadfast in your commitment to Lady Eleri, and why wouldn’t you be?”

Conri looked at Lady Riona, who still appeared calm. “It turns out one of the upper servants has been speaking untruths to Eleri for some time. Untruth’s given to her by someone else. The servant was paid handsomely to deliver these lies to Eleri, and in Eleri’s weakened condition and grief, she took them to heart.”

“Who would do such a thing?” asked Lady Kerry. “Who would wish to sew discord between you and your intended?”

“Lady Riona, I believe you might have something to confess. If you do so now, perhaps your punishment might be less severe,” said Conri.

Lady Riona looked shocked. “You think I had something to do with this? Why would I want to do anything to come between you and Lady Eleri?”

“I was hoping you could tell me,” said Conri. “The servant was adamant you had been paying her since right after the battle. She said you told her things to say to Eleri and find any way to separate the two of us. The servant was willing, not only because of money but because she had the awful notion that Eleri could never be queen due to her missing wolf.”

“Riona?” asked her father harshly. “Did you really do it?”

“Of course not, father,” she said sweetly as her older sister rolled her eyes. “I would never think to do something so awful.”

“Good gods, Riona. I knew you were spoiled, but to go to such lengths for attention?” Lady Kerry shook her head and turned to her father. “I told you to check her more. She has fooled you for years. Mother knows it, but every time she tries to punish her, she runs to you.”

Lord Cecil leaned forward and stared at his youngest daughter. “Riona, if you did this, you must confess now.”

“Father, will you believe some servant over me?” She pouted slightly. “I thought you knew me better.”

Lady Kerry sighed loudly and rolled her eyes as Eleri stood up. “My lord, I would like to try something to see if we can get to the bottom of this. I promise you what will happen will not hurt your daughter in any way.”

“What will you do to her?” asked Lord Cecil.

“There is a charm that can be used to see if Lady Riona is telling us the truth,” said Eleri.

“You will perform it on her?” asked Lord Cecil.

“No, as I am not completely recovered, and I do not wish to spend the rest of the day resting. Besides, this is a tricky charm, and I have not practiced it much. I do know one who can do it. She arrived back in the city last night.” Eleri looked at Caerwyn. “Would you open the door, Caerwyn? I believe you will find my aunt waiting close to it.”

Caerwyn nodded and did as she asked. He came back with Efa following him. She curtsied to Conri with a small wink.

“I don’t think this is necessary,” said Lady Riona. “I am telling you; I had nothing to do with this.”

“Then you won’t mind Efa checking to make sure that is true,” said Eleri. “She is very honorable and will not probe your mind for any further secrets. You will not be harmed.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, father, just let it be done,” said Lady Kerry.

“I insist that it is done, my lord,” said Conri. “You understand how serious this is, don’t you?”

Lord Cecil nodded. “If you are sure she won’t be harmed.”

“She will be very safe,” said Efa as she moved towards Lady Riona. “Now, my lady, just sit still.”

“I don’t think this is necessary,” said Riona as she tried to rise from her seat. Efa placed her hand on Riona’s head, and Riona’s eyes went wide as she slumped in her seat.

Everyone watched as Efa closed her eyes and was quiet. After a few minutes, she took her hand off Riona and looked down at the young woman with her eyes narrowed. “How dare you. Do you know what you could have done, you stupid girl?”

“What is it?” asked Conri.

“This woman not only paid a servant to pass lies to Eleri, but she had the woman poison Eleri’s tea with something. It was the same thing given to Eleril in Cadwin Manor. Lady Riona put it in her wine and tea several times, and it is what reactivated the bond with Lord Fellen.”

“It was you?” asked Conri furiously.

“Riona?” asked Lord Cecil looking disturbed.

Riona leaned forward and put her head in her hands. “I didn’t know what it would do. I was told it wouldn’t hurt Lady Eelri, just make her not want the king. A new student to Lord Mivens gave it to me before you came to collect me, father. I didn’t know.”

“Why would you do it, Riona? Why didn’t you tell me someone had given you some substance? Why would you go along with this?”

“I don’t know. I just always felt so overlooked over Rena. She is so perfect and got everything she wanted. For years, I heard about the hidden away prince, and I thought perhaps one day I could meet him and…”

“Oh, for the goddess’s sake,” said Lady Kerry. “You are still such a spoiled child.”

“I became so close to Lena, the student at Lord Mivens. She told me she had met the king a few times and that he was very handsome. She said he was being trapped into marrying Lady Eelri just for the prophecy. She said she was a part of a group that wished to set him free and save the land.

Lady Eleri wasn’t even a full shifter. How could she be our queen? Lena told me that substance would just make Lady Eleri show her true indifference to our king. Then I thought, perhaps, I could win him over.”

“You do know who that woman really was, don’t you?” asked Efa harshly. “She is Ciara Sullivans who disguised herself, and it took her less than a week to get you to believe in her. She is evil and is the reason Eleri has lost so much. She is to be stripped of all her magic and kept in captivity for the rest of her miserable life.” Efa looked at Eleri while taking a deep breath.

“And after it all didn’t work, you decided to try to drive a wedge between Lady Eleri and the king?” asked Lady Kerry. “You are a petty, stupid thing.”

Lady Rion burst into sobs as Conri stood up. “I never want to see you again at any point. I will put you in the deepest, darkest cell in this palace and leave you there to rot.” He meant every word. He could see no other option.

“Wait,” said Eleri. “I am not sure throwing this woman’s whole life away because of a few mistakes is just.”

“It is very just,” said Conri angrily. “She committed a grievous crime against you and me. She should be punished for it.”

“She should,” agree Eleri. “With a life of service to Elathia. Send her to a far away temple to work with the priestess and priests there. Let her help them take care of the poor and dying. Maybe if she spends every day helping others and worshipping the goddess and gods, she will truly repent.”

“Is this what you wish?” asked Conri. “She could have easily killed you, Eleri.”

“She didn’t know that was what she was doing. She is a selfish woman, but I am not sure she is entirely evil. Send her away to the Eastern Temple at the tip of the land. Let her serve there for the next ten years, and then we will see if she has changed.”

Conri looked down at Riona. “You owe any life you shall have to your future queen. She is the only one who could convince me to show you any kind of mercy. I will have your departure arranged in less than a quarter of a moon cycle.” He turned to Lord Cecil. “Can I trust you to make sure she does not escape your home, or do I need to throw her in the cells until she travels?”

“You can trust him and me,” said Lady Kerry as she stood up. “We serve you, your majesty, and we both know what grievous crimes my sister has committed.”

Lord Cecil slowly stood up and nodded. “She will not leave her room until she travels.” He turned to Eleri. “Thank you for your mercy, my lady. I don’t think I could apologize enough for all she has done to you, but I am sorry.”

“I hope her life is salvageable in the end. After ten years, she will have a lot of living left to do. I will make sure I check on her often, my lord. I will even write to her and expect messages back.”

Lord Cecil grabbed his daughter and hauled her to standing. “Come on, Riona. I am sure the king wishes you gone this second.”

“I will escort you out of the palace and well into the city,” said Caerwyn.

They were all quiet except for the sounds of crying coming from Riona. After the Cecils and Caerwyn left, Efa sat down next to Eleri as Conri started pacing again.

“You showed her too much mercy, Eleri,” said Conri. “She almost ruined your life.”

“But she didn’t. The goddess has shown me much mercy, so in turn, I will show mercy when I can.”

He stopped pacing and stared at Eleri. He couldn’t help but give her a small smile as he became a little overwhelmed with his love for her. He walked forward to take her hand. She stood up, and he embraced her as she leaned into him.

“There is something else you should know, Eleri. I should tell you while you are so supported,” said Efa.

Conri loosened his hold on Eleri as she stared at her aunt. “What is it?”

“During the questioning and trial of Ciara Sullivan, many secrets came out, including one about your mother,” said Efa. She paused and breathed in deeply. “Eleri, it was Ciara’s mother who killed yours. She was hoping to kill you to undo the prophecy but found only Elen that day.

“She hoped to kill Elen and then use her blood to break the wards and get to the manor to murder you and make Ewan tell her where the prince was kept, but Elen would not go down easily, even mortally wounded. She fought back, and Ciara’s mother was too weak to go on. She died barely a day later.”

“My mother died protecting me?” asked Eleri with wide eyes.

“You and Conri,” said Efa. “I am so sorry, Eleri. I don’t want to hurt you, but I thought you would want to know.”

Eleri was quiet as she turned towards the fire.

“My love?” asked Conri quietly.

“There has been too many loses in the pursuit of nothing more than power,” said Eleri. “I don’t understand why. I am very ready to be united with you, Conri, but I would give up any power I have just change the fate of my mother and others who died or were hurt.”

“My parents were killed because others wanted their power,” said Conri. “And now I am putting you in the same position, Eleri. If you wish to leave me, I would understand it.”

She turned and looked at him. “I would never leave you. The goddess and gods have put us here, and we have to see it through. All we can do is use the power we have for good. We have to continue to root out the evil in Elathia. We may risk our lives to do it, but that is what comes with our positions.”

“I cannot bear to think of losing you, Eleri,” said Conri as he pulled her close.

“No matter what happens, you will never lose me,” she said with a small smile. “Even those who leave us aren’t completely gone, but I don’t plan on going anywhere for a long time. We know what we are facing, and we will do all we can to keep safe. I have a list of names from Bren’s writing that we can start with. We are strong, my king, and together I believe we can make it through almost anything.”