Cherry Wine

@ oldbook;

Cornelius happily joined her in the carriage, grinning as her hand found his thigh, his arms snaking around her waist to practically pull her into his lap. While he briefly thought about Serafina and Tobias, but the beautiful woman in his arms quickly brought his thoughts back to the moment, and he grinned at her in the darkness of the carriage. After all, if Serafina had so easily left him to go off with the King, why shouldn't he recoup his losses and spend the evening with Monika?

"Your presence is help enough, my Lady. What can I do for you?" He grinned flirtatiously, drawing her in to press another kiss to her lips as they arrived at her country home, too caught up with her to notice when the carriage came to a stop.

---

Hollis frowned as she listened to her husband speak, looking out the window of his study, where she could see the fires burning in the distance. She turned back to him after a moment, eyes searching his for a long moment before she eventually spoke. "I don't have anything to do with this. I haven't spoken to my family or left the palace in years. I didn't do this." Her voice trembled a little as she spoke, and she looked like she might cry, but it wasn't sadness that was making her emotional, it was anger.

After everything he had put her through, she couldn't believe that he was now about to accuse her of conspiring with the rebels, of being a traitor.

@ katahdin
Monika was far past excited, her legs wrapped around Cornelius, and the movements of the carriage pressing her into him. She pressed a kiss to his lips, returning the passion in his movements. “I want you to escort me to my bedroom. Just to make sure everything is safe inside,” she said, hovering over his lips. When they came to a halt, she gracefully stood and opened the door. She held his hand as they walked to the front door. She didn’t wait long for the door to close behind them to turn to him and search for his kiss once more. If they were lucky, it was going to be a long night.

---

Tobias, already frustrated, rubbed his eyes. Hollis was already tearful. He wanted to groin. Of all the criticisms in the kingdom, the one spoken the loudest was that Hollis was weak. She could not measure up to the strength that her position required and she could not match Tobias in the strength that he resonated. Everyone in the kingdom saw how desperate she was and how easily tears sprung to her eyes. Tobias did his best to control his voice lest she started to crumble completely.

“I am not stupid. I don’t think one person caused the downfall of the borders. I’m asking if you know anything. After all, it doesn’t make sense for them to be so powerful. You were raised by these people, do you have nothing of substance to offer here?” He asked, sounding angrier than he meant to.

The pressure of this war was getting to him and he couldn’t hold both his marriage and this kingdom together. One of them was going to have to crumble and his marriage would be easy to move on from. Divorce was frowned upon, but not illegal. Perhaps it was time to move on since the rebels were coming towards them either way. “Don’t you want to protect your people?”

@ oldbook;

"I can do that." Cornelius grinned against her lips, gladly following her into her home. He happily returned her advances, and once they were in her room he happily kept her company.He kept her busy for quite a while, and when he finally woke in her bed the next morning, he had only gotten a few hours of sleep.

---

"My people?" Hollis couldn't hide the bitterness in her voice, and in that moment she didn't look calm and collected or sat and pitiful like she usually did: she looked furious.

"They're not my people, Tobias, they're yours. They've done nothing to be kind or considerate to me since I've married you and come to live here. They're rude and hurtful when I've done nothing to deserve it. They're your people, and you're no better than them." She spat in anger, her eyes hardening, and for the first time, she gave a hint at how powerful and strong she truly was. Her magic practically radiated off of her, practically glowing as she stood there in his study, not looking like the weak little girl that everyone took her for.

@ katahdin
Monika awoke, her hand resting on Cornelius’ chest, and she smiled. It wasn’t the first time she woke with a man in her bed and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. She felt content and safer when a man was with her, though she’d never admit it to anyone. She liked the warmth he brought to the bed and sweet sounds of his breaths. She sat up, pressing a kiss onto his skin, and letting out a soft little moan noticing he was awake. “Good morning,” she purred, tracking her fingers up his chest and towards his chin. “Last night was perfect.”

---

Tobias’ blood boiled as she yelled at him. She was bolder than he thought she was to raise her tone at him. More so, she was bold to forget that she was, in fact, the Queen. Foolishly, they had entered into a marriage that was empty for both of them and she couldn’t even pretend to care for his people. He was right to suspect her and as she glowered in front of him, he rolled his eyes.

Standing, he leaned forward on his desk, and his voice quivered with anger. “If you feel that way then it is no wonder that your people are coming here and I bet they will not show mercy. Neither shall we,” he spat.

Indignantly, he continued, "How dare you stand in front of me and say these are not your people. You choose them and you choose this. I never forced you! No wonder no one believes our marriage, you do not accept it yourself. You are the Queen or have you forgotten what it means to be married to me?”

Tobias believed he had far better control over his magic than Hollis seemed for while she glowed with her anger, he would not let it burst out from him. He was not weak or out of control. He knew exactly how to handle his magic and harness the energy under his skin. “Control yourself, Hollis, you wouldn’t want people to think you are putting me in danger, would you?” He asked, sitting back down.

@ oldbook;

Cornelius grinned up at her as he felt her fingers on his chest, snaking an arm around her to pull the little vixen next to him close. "Good morning, my Lady. I'm glad to have been able to serve you last night." He murmured, tucking his head against her neck as he began to press a trail of delicate kisses along her collarbone, one of his hands moving to grip her bottom with a little grin.

---

"I gave up everything for them! For you! I've dedicated the past five years of my life to doing everything I could to make you and them happy, and I've received nothing but insults and teasing behind my back from them, and nothing but utter contempt from you." Hollis was trying to keep her voice steady, to control herself, but for five very long years she had pushed her feelings aside for his sake, only to be treated like dirt in return.

She couldn't help but roll her eyes when he mentioned marriage, scoffing as she looked at him, tears starting to leak down her cheeks. "I know exactly what it means to be married to you. You berate and criticize everything I do, you barely speak to me when you're not required, and you openly flirt with other women. I love you, Tobias. I gave you my heart, and you've done nothing but abuse and break it. I'll never understand why you picked me in the first place, I wasn't the prettiest, or the best match politically, and the only reason I can come up with is that you wanted to make my life a living hell."

As she spoke her anger slowly gave way to sadness, slowly sinking into the chair in front of his desk, looking defeated. "Do what you want, Tobias... You always do anyway, and it's not like you've ever let how I feel get in your way." She murmured softly, staring down at her hands, where little cuts had appeared, having channeled her magic into hurting herself and not him.

@ katahdin
Monika could probably spend another day in bed if she really wanted to and she wasn’t sure that Cornelius would mind. She pondered for a moment if he was using her like she was using him. He seemed like a honest man who wanted an honest woman; Monika was far from that. She scanned his face for a moment, remembering his infatuation with Serafina. Monika’s felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up as he kissed her neck. She rolled over to straddle him. She liked to be in a position of power; it was no wonder she never married. She smirked, flipping her long golden locks over her shoulder.

“So, are you still thinking of Duchess Wright then?” She asked.

---

Tobias leaned back in his chair, letting Hollis throw her little fit. He wanted to shake her and scream. She was not the only one who got criticized and yet, she acts like it. People criticize him every day. There is a whole rebellion due to his policies on blood magic. He wish he could tell her what she really was: a absorbed and selfish little girl.

She did ask a good question. Why had Tobias picked her, aside fro the urgings of his counsel? He had other far more tempting options. Yet, the woman that Hollis was five years ago was very different than the woman standing in front of him now. Five years ago, she would not have waited months to yell at him and would have been his ally in making this decision. It was how he currently imagined Serafina to be.

Tobias bit the inside of his lip so hard that it bled. Hollis clearly assumed the worst of him and it was no wonder they were now enemies in their own home. “You never tell me how you feel. You haven’t since the first year we failed to conceive. I picked you because I thought you were smarter than this,” he said, frustration evident in every word. “I picked you because you knew when to hold your tongue and when to provide advice and words of affirmation. A talent you have seemed to lost over the years.”

---

Fina heard shouting from just around the corner that sounded a lot like Tobias’ voice. She pressed a hand against the wooden door and whispered a spell. She was versed in far more magic than just fire and luckily, she could easily overcome the defenses of the palace doors. For a moment, she wondered if she was the only one who could easily use magic to their advantage here. Either way, the spell worked and listened intently with her eyes closed. The men whispered of Tobias being late, of the rebellion, of the destruction of the Southern border’s fort, and of the party last night.

She shook her head, focusing her spell on the distant voices, and hearing Hollis and Tobias screaming at each other. She wished she could say she was surprised, but she wasn’t. She closed her eyes, letting the sound lead the way. Finally, she found herself outside another wooden door. She touched the door, her fingers warmed knowing she found the source of the yelling, and she leaned against the wall. She whispered a quick invisibility spell that should last the hour. Eavesdropping was rude and, yet, necessary at a time like this. She could use what they said to her advantage, as long as no one saw her.

@ oldbook;

Cornelius grinned up at her, hands resting on her hips as she moved to straddle him, taking in her beauty. She was a beautiful woman, and any man would be lucky to have her as a wife, especially with her many talents in bed, but he knew she wasn't the type to marry, and it would be foolish to pursue her. He leaned up to continue to kiss her neck, grinding his hips up against hers as he grinned a little at her question.

"Perhaps.. But right now, I'm mostly thinking about the beautiful woman in front of me, and how good it felt to pleasure her last night." He smirked, pulling her in for a deep kiss. He intended to pursue Serafina during the season as a possible bride, but he figured he could also periodically spend time with Monika.

---

"You blamed me.." Hollis whispered, shaking her head a little. "You blamed me when I lost the baby. You screamed, and yelled, and didn't speak to me for days, a-and when I tried to reach out and comfort you pushed me away and said that my only job was to give you an heir, and because I had failed that I was worthless... How am I supposed to help you when all you do is push me away, and remind me how much of a failure I am?"

She looked out the window at the billowing smoke in the distance, lip trembling a little as she tried to control her tears with little luck. "I'd give anything to change what happened. I'd give up my magic, I'd give up my life if it meant giving you an heir... if it meant that you'd look at me the way you look at her." She didn't want to sound bitter, but she couldn't help it. What made things worse was that she could sense the magic being used to eavesdrop on them, and although she didn't know who it was, she could probably guess.

@ katahdin
Monika appreciated his honesty and candor to admit that there was another woman on his mind. In truth, Monika also often thought of other women and she often thought of Serafina (another reason she’d never marry). His lips on her neck made her breath shaky and her lips quiver. She was thoroughly distracted from thoughts of others. She moved her hips in rhythm with his and took a deep breath. She kissed him back passionately and grabbed his hands from her waist to pin them above his head.

“Allow me to thank you for your service then, Sir,” she said, grinding her body against his and moaning. If there was anything Monika loved in the morning, it was sex followed by a hearty breakfast. During Season, it meant it sound be followed by more alcohol and parties and nice things.

---

Tobias sat uncomfortably still. While he remembered being angry, he knew that he would never use such harsh words against Hollis. Surely her own insecurities twisted the memory of it all. He was sure that he yelled and that he was disappointed, but he was grieving too. Why was it only women that get to be upset when they lose a child? He sighed, running his hand over his face, for he had far more important matters to fix that Hollis’ low self-esteem. He wasn’t sure how much he contributed to that and still, he had to keep everyone safe.

He was curious at who she meant when she mentioned another woman. Tobias had a few other casual encounters with women. However, he had been interested in Serafina since she arrived in court 3 years ago. Hollis must have been watching the whole time. He wondered if she noticed how similar they were. They both carried the burden of their families wealth and power with the talent and wit to hold it. They both were strong and could battle with the best if they ever had to. Yet, Hollis let Serafina (and others) through all these years make her small.

“I never asked you to make yourself small so there’d be enough room for me and for other women. You did that to yourself. Don’t place all the blame on me and act like you didn’t give up too. Perhaps we are too far gone now,” Tobias said, dropping his eyes to the floor. “You will be evacuating with the other women in a few days. You should go pack and I have a meeting to get to," he said, dismissing her and turning towards the window once more.

@ oldbook;

Cornelius was used to being in control, being a military man made it necessary, but he was pleasantly surprised as Monika pinned his hands above his head, groaning against her lips as she grinded her body against his. His hips bucked needily up against hers as he groaned, it having been a long time since he was this intimate with a woman, considering he had been at the front for so long.

"Whoever ends up with you will be the luckiest man alive." He groaned against her lips.

---

Hollis frowned as she listened to him speak, shaking her head a little as she looked at him. "I made a vow... I promised to stand by your side, and care for your people, a-and I might not be any good at it, but that's what I've done, and I won't just be sent away."

She stood a few moments after he dismissed her, hurrying out of the room, although she paused outside of his door to stare directly where Serafina was standing, and although she wanted to be angry and scream and yell at the other woman, all she could do in that moment was look as heartbroken as she felt, soon rushing back to her room. Instead of packing like Tobias had told her, she dressed and ordered a horse be prepared for her, intending to go speak with her uncle, and settle this business before his forces reached the capital. She'd meant it when she had said she would do anything for her husband and his people, even if it meant putting her life at risk.

Before she left, however, she went to Tobias' room, and carefully placed the embroidered jacket that she had been working on as his present for their upcoming anniversary on his bed, along with a little note letting him know where she was going, apologizing for losing her temper earlier with him, and letting him know that she loved him, even if he didn't love her. After that she was gone, riding out of the palace gates and off toward the smoke that signaled her uncle's approach.

@ katahdin
Monika would never regret the high that it gave her to be with someone else, so intimate and so simple at the same time. She relished the time she spent between the sheets. She laughed at his words because sex made men say the silliest things. She continued her movements until they were both moaning and breathless. Once they were both done, quivering and sensitive, she stopped and laid down on his chest. She let her fingers make soft circles.

“It’s time to get up and go back to the real world,” she said, standing and grabbing her robe. She tied around her waist and turned back to him, offering him a gentle smile. “I believe breakfast would be served soon if you want to stay,” she offered, gingerly. Most men didn’t stay and she was used to that small bit of rejection by now.

---

Fina stood tentatively listening, frowning as they spoke, and feeling pity fill her stomach. She couldn’t imagine a world where Tobias was so cruel. He had always been so kind and respectful to her. If she were to find a way to be with him, would he become this person Hollis speaks of? She heard their conversation end and the sadness between them both was almost palpable.

She stepped back from the door, pressing herself against the wall. She knew she was invisible and yet, her heart hammered. It seemed Hollis already knew that Tobias had shown more interest in her that playful flirting and whispered sweet nothings. She wasn’t sure how, but then again, her and Tobias were not very discrete last night. The Queen left the room with her face as smooth as stone. Somehow, they caught each other’s eyes. Unlike her stolen glances with Tobias, Hollis’ eyes told a much different story.

She whispered the spell off of her and knocked on the door. “King Avington,” she called, knocking gently on the door before pushing it open. Tobias faced the window with his head tilted downwards. He barely had the energy to deal with his meeting, let alone to quell Fina’s worried mind. He turned around slowly to look at her. She was Hollis’ foil in every way. Where Hollis trembled with feelings of failure, Fina harnessed it. Fina was put together and powerful. “Are you okay, sir?” She asked.

Her voice was soft and sweet like honey. He let out an awkward laugh and shook his head. “No, I don’t think I’m doing okay at all right now,” he admitted. “How can I help you?” He asked, though he sounded exasperated.

Boldly, she crossed the room and sat across from him. With the door still open, she didn’t want to be too forward. She grabbed his hands across from the table. “I want to help you,” she stated, simply, “I want a seat at your table. I know the Southern lands better than any of the men you’ve convened. You need representation from my duchy and I am already here. You could call for my father, but he would be too late.”

Tobias looked at her features and her face was set into a determined frown. There were many things that Tobias wanted from Serafina that he had not allowed himself to have. Yet, looking at her now, with the sun making her skin glow, he could not deny her. Besides, what kind of King would be if he only let men at his table? He nodded, “You’re right,” he said, standing but not letting go of her hand.

He walked around the table and they were standing chest to chest. “Come with me then. Tell these men about your land. I am sure you know more about it than your father would anyway.” Serafina felt stunned, her chest heaving, and she nodded. “That’s what you want, isn’t it?” Tobias asked, squeezing her hands.

“Among other things,” she commented. He lifted her face to his and smiled. “We have work to do, my Lord.” With that, they left to the meeting. She was sure they could have stayed in his office, but what good would that do? She followed behind him and let go of his hand just as the doors opened. Tobias explained that Serafina would be representing the Southern districts in her father’s absence and only a few men grumbled (to her surprise).

They talked strategy and they talked movements. They had more forces than they needed at the Northern border which they would bring to the capital. Serafina explained the rivers that ran through the Southern lands. She posited that they bring soldiers of all kinds, but especially those talented with water magic. “Let’s cleanse this world of Blood and Death magic for good,” she said, finally. With a plan set, the men and Fina poured a glass of wine to their strategy and to their promised victory.

@ oldbook;

Cornelius chuckled as he stood to dress, pulling on his pants first before working on the buttons of his shirt. He was about to say that he would be happy to stay for breakfast when he cast a glance out the window, seeing the fires on the horizon. His eyes widened a bit, before hurrying to fully dress, as he was now needed back in the real world.

"Any other time, Lady Monika, and I would have loved to stay for breakfast. But you and your household need to evacuate, now. Pack only what you need, I'll send word once I know more from the palace" He said, pressing a quick kiss to her forehead as he hurried from the room, ordering a horse be brought to him before riding the short distance back to the palace.

He arrived in the Counsel room just in time to hear Fina's last bold statement. Let's cleanse this world of Blood and Death magic for good. While he at the very least expected one of the men in the room to protest on account of Queen Hollis possessing Death magic, no one did, and they all simply gorged themselves on wine as they discussed their assumed victory.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for being late, but I can't help but ask, what is Queen Hollis' opinion of this plan? Shouldn't she be here as well, after all, she knows the most about these people." He said, frowning a little at Serafina before his eyes settled on Tobias.

---

It took a few hours, but Hollis finally reached where her uncle had set up camp just outside of the city, where he and his army were making preparations for their attack on the palace. She was greeted with open arms and respectfully brought to her uncle, Lord Dromin, who grinned when he saw his niece enter his tent.

"Ah, my lovely niece has arrived. I knew that you would make the right decision and join us." He grinned. He was quite talented with magic, and even had the unique gift of being able to read people's thoughts, and so it was pointless for Hollis or anyone else to lie about their intentions. It made him a hard man to negotiate with.

"Uncle. I've come on behalf of the King and our people to negotiate peace." She said as she took the seat that was offered her, looking across the table at him. "Enough people have died in this war, on both sides. It's time to end it before things get out of hand."

"My child, I wish things were that simple. Peace is all that I want, but your husband has refused my efforts to attain it time and time again. However, I would be happy to give you my terms." Lord Dromin stated, before listing off the terms that he proposed for peace. Hollis was an excellent diplomat, and countered his offer, and their negotiations went on for what felt like forever, before they came to an agreement.

"I will send a messenger to the King, letting him know that we have come to an agreement on peace terms, and that we will be waiting for his reply. If possible, I would like to meet him face to face to settle this, you understand." Lord Dromin explained to his niece, leading her to a tent that had been set up for her to stay in. While she was his niece, and he didn't want any harm to come to her, he still may be able to use her as leverage against Tobias, or to use her as an example of a traitor for his own people. Either way, she was more useful to him here than she was elsewhere.

@ katahdin
Tobias felt proud of their decision and smiled at Serafina with a keen look in his eye, one that Serafina would hold onto for the rest of the night. She sipped her wine, leaning against the table with a triumphant smirk that mirrored Tobias’ own. If they were alone in this room, there would be a lot more than just smirks and glances. She flicked her hair behind her back to expose her collarbone and was just about to whisper something when the door opened once more.

Fina watched Tobias clench his jaw as Cornelius walked in and he set his wine glass down with a resounding thump. The room was silenced. Fina held onto her glass, casting her eyes down, and trying to count the tiles. Of course Cornelius would be here and he would be at odds with Tobias. Her feelings of victory vanished quickly.

She caught his frown and she wasn’t sure what he was so upset about. She stood by her stance. Blood and Death magic took life forces from others to fuel themselves. Blood Magic was the worst them all as it required sacrifices of everything from animals to young children. The rebels practiced that exact kind of magic and she couldn’t imagine that family ties would trump such dangerous magic.

“Ah, Cornelius. I am happy you found time for us,” Tobias said with haughty glance to his comrades. “We were just wrapping things up as a matter of fact. The Queen and I conferred earlier and she didn’t have much more information than I had myself. She’s prepping the castle for evacuation to the North. Do you have something of use to add?” Tobias asked, crossing his legs and leaning against the table.

The rest of the men and Serafina continued to stand in icy silence. She was surprised because Cornelius had a lesser ranking than some of these men and yet, he commanded respect. That or he was quite mad for challenging the King in front of everyone. Cornelius’ favor for his cousin was obvious in all he did. She avoided his eyes at all costs.

@ oldbook;

Cornelius returned the King's icy stare, stepping forward toward the table. "I'm sure you did confer with her. However, I can't help but notice a flaw in your plan. Cleansing the world of those who practice Death and Blood magic involves getting rid of your wife, doesn't it? And by the looks of it, you are already well on your way to moving on and finding another, more suitable wife." He cast a harsh look at Serafina, obviously implying that they were conspiring to get rid of Hollis so that they could marry. Any intention he had of pursuing Serafina went out the window, not wanting any involvement with a woman who would be so self absorbed to break up a marriage, even if it was an unhappy one.

He was clearly ready to say something else, but was interrupted when a courier rushed in, looking quite nervous and frazzled considering the news he had to give. "Your Majesty, I-I have a letter from Lord Dromin. You'll want to read it, it's about the Queen."

Before the courier could give the message to Tobias, Cornelius snatched the letter from him, his eyes widening as he scanned over the brief message, glaring up at Tobias once he was finished. "You're a damn fool. How can you care so little about your wife that you don't even know where she is?" He spat, throwing the letter down on the table for him to read before storming out.

The message from Lord Dromin was quite simple: I have Queen Hollis in my custody. I want peace for my people, and from what your wife has told me, she wants the same for yours. If you would like to hear the terms that we have come up with to end this war, let us agree to meet at the bridge over the Islingter River at the edge of the city.

@ katahdin
Tobias chuckled and resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Cornelius was lucky to be privy to this meeting and lucky that Tobias didn’t have him thrown into the dungeon for such inflammatory language. Tobias’ jaw tensed just as Serafina felt herself shrinking from the pressure in the room. Cornelius was bold and forward. She would respect him for this except he seemed to be blinded by loyalty.

Tobias was about to respond when a servant entered. He took the letter wishing to scan it. Suddenly, the letter was no longer in his hands. Again, he was surprised and infuriated. Cornelius retnred to this castle per his cousin's request and nothing more. Tobias did not need his families support nor did he care how well Cornelius did in his career. He felt his face heating up and he did his best to swallow his pride. Serafina and Tobias both were surprised when Cornelius once again insulted the King.

Tobias grabbed the letter from the table, but before he read it he followed Cornelius outside. “Sir Cornelius, I wouldn’t return to the battle lines if I were you. I think the pressures of battle of been too much for you. Considered yourself retired. A true solider follows orders. Thank you for your service,” he called. “Don’t plan to return to another meeting of the Counsel.”

Serafina remained in the room while Tobias followed Cornelius. She glanced at the other men who seemed to be satisfied. “Queen Hollis was never one of us. Her magic and those of her people is devastating,” the leader of the Kings Guard, Captain Torrent stated simply. Serafina was not sure about what magic the Queen practiced, but her experiences with Death magic have been tragic. She clutched her necklace and steadied herself, pushing memories of the past out of her mind. They were in danger and this was the only way. If Hollis and Tobias' marriage was a casualty of this war, so be it. No one else should be sacrificed just for more power. At least, she was not alone in those feelings.

Tobias returned to the room just as the Captain finished his statement and he nodded. “Yes, I believe we are correct in our strategy. Please ignore the Queen’s cousin, he was clearly emotional. Besides, they request a meeting without giving a time or reason to meet them. We hold the cards, not them.” Tobias scoffed, tossing the letter into the fire, with a frown. He cracked his knuckles and turned back to them. "Write back, suggest a meeting on our side at dawn. We can surround them on both sides if we meet at the Phoenix Rocks. With or without the Queen, we will end this war. Our terms are not flexible."

@ oldbook;

Cornelius only became more infuriated with Tobias, and despite wanting nothing more than to hit him, he refrained, knowing that he would be of no help to Hollis in a jail cell. Instead, he stormed off back to his apartments in the castle to plan a way to help the Queen, although when he went to leave he found that there were not guards stationed outside of his door, preventing him from leaving. He slammed the door and sat down with a sigh, running his hands over his face in frustration. Hollis was going to die because her husband only cared about himself, and he could do nothing to prevent it.

---

Lord Dromin agreed to their meeting terms, and the next morning at dawn a small delegation from his army waited on one side of the bridge, waiting for the arrival of Tobias and his men. Among them was Queen Hollis, who had offered to deliver her Uncle's terms, and she sat on her horse, anxiously fidgeting with the reigns as she kept her eyes focused on the other bank of the river, waiting for any sign of Tobias.

During her night in the Rebel's camp, she had overheard a conversation between her uncle and his advisors, and their plan to ambush the palace after the peace talks, no matter what was decided. She had also heard their plan that once they had captured Tobias, both the King and Queen would be executed in order for their Magic to be used against the palace and waiting army. With two sacrifices as strong as they were, it was unlikely that Tobias' army would be able to win. Hollis knew that she would have to convince Tobias to take her back to the palace, and that she would have to convince him to execute her before her uncle could use her, although she wasn't sure that Tobias would need much convincing after everything that had happened between them. With the danger of her death and magic being used against him, Tobias should be able to rally his army and defeat the rebels easily, and at least then she would finally be of some use to her husband.

@ katahdin
The meeting dispersed soon after that with each man going to prep their soldiers. Tobias felt confident, continuing to sip his wine and stare out the window. In the distance, he saw the smoke of villages burning. He kept tensing and relaxing his draw with thoughts of war and fear dancing through his head. He wanted to help his people and he wanted to help Hollis, even if perhaps it didn’t seem that way. He did care for Hollis, as a friend, but not as a forever partner. Yet, he needed everyone to be safe. His vision flashed to red for a moment with Cornelius’ words. Many royals do not have a real marriage, why would that be surprising?

Serafina cleared her throat, “Penny for your thoughts?” She said, breaking the silence. He turned to her and tried to let the stress drain from his face; he did not succeed.

“I am just worried, of course. For tomorrow, for our people, for my marriage, for the future,” he answered.

“Of course,” she said, “I’ll leave you to your thought then, sir,” Fina said. Tobias nodded, dismissing her much to her surprise. She turned, leaving her glass on the table and following the others out the door. She was surprised by the sting of rejection she felt. She walked through the hallways and towards the carriages.

---

The next morning, the sun seemed to know that there was war on the horizon for the sunrise was streaked with bright oranges and deep reds. Serafina stared at the window of her estate, holding a cup of tea, and feeling worry settle into her stomach. She had not been invited to the actual battle. She felt frustrated and belittled by that and yet, she should have known better. They rarely let women do the fighting, even if they are stronger.

Tobias’ armor felt heavier than usual and he rolled his muscle around, trying to loosen his muscles. Tobias was no fool though. He would never bring all his forces with him when even half his army outmeasured the rebels. Soldiers remained stationed throughout the city and the citizens were in hiding, inside the castle and within their own bunkers. It was quiet.

He heard only the sound of the horses hooves as they walked. He gave them all words of anger and affirmation as they moved. Yet, now the seriousness of it all settled over them. As they walked over the hill, he saw the rebel forces in the distance and Hollis’ uncle in front with his men. He stopped them before the bridge and his men set with fingers ready to load arrows and cast spells.

“Uncle Dromin,” Tobias said, loudly, “If only we met on different circumstances. When do you plan to return my wife to me?"

@ oldbook;

"Good morning, Tobias." Lord Dromin called, smirking a little as he waved across the bridge to his nephew-in-law. "She has kindly offered to deliver my terms, but I haven't seen my dear niece in a long time, and would like to catch up some more with her." He said, leaning over to whisper something to Hollis, who nodded a bit before urging her horse forward, slowly crossing the bridge until she reached Tobias at the other side.

She felt like it took an eternity to cross as opposed to the minute or so it actually took. She was doing her best to look brave, especially considering she was now right in the middle of two armies, and if a battle were to break out right then, she would surely be killed. She looked at her husband, briefly admiring how he looked in his armor before her eyes met his, and it was obvious she was terrified. "These are Lord Dromin's terms," She began, taking a shaky breath to help steel her nerves before continuing. "He will end the fighting, and return his army to his lands, if you agree to pull your army back as well, and cease occupying the lands of his people. Once both armies have been pulled back, he would like to talk about further peace and diplomatic agreements between the two kingdoms." She had rehearsed the terms in her head a million times, and she had managed to deliver them as confidently as she could, but it was obvious that there was more that she wasn't saying.

She let out a shaky sigh, glancing back across the bridge at her uncle before looking back at her husband nervously. While her uncle was gifted with reading minds, she had been reasonably successful at keeping him out of hers, and had even managed to find time to practice projecting her thoughts into other people's minds. She had been practicing with a few of her maids, with limited success, but now more than ever she had to make it work.

"Tobias, please don't say anything or give away the fact that I'm telling you this, and just listen," She started, looking at him with desperate eyes, hoping that he would do as she requested.

"Dromin is going to attack the city and palace no matter what is decided here. Once your delegation goes to leave, he will send his men to capture you. After he has us both in his custody, he will kill me to gain my magic, before doing the same to you. You have to kill me before he can, it's the only way to save your people and keep him from getting more powerful. He's insane, Tobias. He'll stop at nothing to destroy you and your people, even if it means killing his own family. You can't let him take my magic." She anxiously fidgeted with her reins, looking at her husband worriedly, hoping that he understood the severity of what she was telling him and believed her.

The tension of the meeting was palpable as sweat trickled down their backs and golden streaks of sunrise grew brighter. Nature itself waited on bated breath to see what would happen next. Tobias glanced only briefly at Hollis to show that he was hearing her. Fina watched Tobias with the full intent of following whatever choice he made.

He knew the day would come when his ability to rule and his powers would be tested and yet, he still felt shaken to his core. Lord Dromin’s forces were half the size of what was reported. Though, Tobias was sure that some waited just over the hill. After all, the King’s Guard waited out of sight just behind Tobias. Dromin was strategic with a far deadlier kind of magic on his side. For the first time, he wondered if he could win this battle. The only thing on his side was the season. At least Springtime was blossoming and so, he hoped, was he.

“Dromin you are as foolish as I remember. An arrogant bastard,” Tobias spat.

“Insipere,” he hollered, a signal to others. He raised his sword with a flash of gold light and charged forward. The sound of dirt moving and the clanging of metal disrupted the peace at last. Tobias cut the tension with his sword, barreling towards Hollis and Dromin. His sights were set on his Uncle knowing that if there was any day he would win; it would be today.

Fina dismounted quickly from her horse and raced forward on foot. Fina could not let another person die in this war – not like this. She would not let Death magic take Hollis as it had taken her husband. “Ignitus Anulus,” she whispered, and a ring of fire encircled Queen Hollis. As the others charge towards battle, they forgot one of the most important players. Within moments, Fina herself stepped into the ring. The horses and men pivoted around them, screaming around the fiery obstacle.

“Want to get out of here?” She asked, Hollis with a smile. “We will not fight as foolishly as men do.”

One of Dromin’s men ran forward, striking at the flames to no avail. With eyes burning, she turned to the men closest to them and with a deep breath of fire pushed them backward. Despite their protection, a splatter of hot blood landed across Fina’s face. The distraction caused her flames to falter and hurriedly, she said,

“Let’s go.” She offered Hollis her hand.  "There is a ridge just up there. Away from the battle but close enough for our magic. Trust me," she said, her words rushed and desperate.

Tobias’ cut through the men nearest to the women and then, his horse leaped over Fina’s flames. He landed with a clatter on the other side of the fire and raced forward. People were roaring all around him with flashes of light and shadows pulling his eyes from Dromin. Dromin was slinking further and further backward, allowing his men to head straight into battle while he watched. Tobias felt fury building inside his stomach. The pain from slashes at his legs and the cries of his horse were easily ignored with Tobias’ eyes on Dromin.

Dromin was wathcing Tobias too. Before Tobias could reach him, Dromin hollered a spell Tobias had never heard before. The pain in his chest pushed the last bit of air from his lungs. Darkness fell around him as if Winter winds blew away his strength; he felt ice run through his veins. The mud and blood did nothing to warm him.

His last thought before hitting the ground screamed through his head: You are the foolish, arrogant one, Tobias.

@ oldbook;

As the sounds of war echoed around her, all she could hear was her heart beating in her ears as she watched metal clash and magic and blood fly through the air, sure that she would be knocked off her horse soon enough, and join the countless that had already fallen. She was pulled back into reality when Fina was suddenly at her side, asking her to come with her. The sound of the battle around them was deafening, and it took her a moment to process what the other woman was saying. She was about to respond when her attention was drawn away by a flash of gold that raced past the women and toward Dromin.

"Tobias.." she breathed, her eyes widening as she watched her husband barrel toward her uncle. She paled even further as she heard the spell, letting out a scream of terror before Tobias had even hit the ground. Without even thinking she pulled quickly on her horse's reigns and dug her heals into the mare's side, racing through the flames that parted without the Queen needing to utter a word, her magic radiating off her as she hurried to her husband's side before Dromin could get to him.

She dismounted quickly and knelt at her husband's side, pushing him onto his back to get his face out of the mud, gently brushing his hair away from his face. He was alive, but barely, her uncle's magic working quickly to change that. Her maids knew a bit of healing magic and had taught her, and she could only hope it would be enough to save the man she loved. "Reficiens." She whispered as she leaned down to press a gentle kiss to his lips, relieved when she pulled back and noticed a bit of color had returned to her husband's cheeks, and his breathing seemed less labored.

Now that that was taken care of, she turned her attention toward Dromin and his forces. Tobias's soldiers had done an excellent job of protecting their fallen king, but were starting to fall fast, and Hollis knew she had to do something if she wanted to end this fight before more lives were lost.

"Sanguina." She murmured, her angry stare focused on her uncle, who paled a bit at the spell his niece had uttered. Her magic was powerful, and despite the springtime weakening her, her magic was still enough to end the fighting. Dromin's troops all over the battlefield began to cry out and cough, blood pouring from their mouths or wounds that opened up along their necks and wrists, which provided enough distraction for Tobias' men to cut them down quickly, if they did not die immediately of blood loss. Her spell was not strong enough however to take her uncle, and he and what was left of his guard retreated as cheers erupted from the victorious army.

Now that the heat of battle was gone, she began to notice the injuries she'd sustained. A cut on her cheek and her legs from a sword being swung at her, a sprained ankle from when she'd dismounted too quickly, and the deep gash in her side from a spell her Uncle had flung at her as he left, leaving her bleeding like the rest of his army. She pressed a hand to the wound to ease the flow and try to stop the pain, but her energy and magic were spent, and all she wanted to do was sleep. Laying her head against her husband's chest she allowed her eyes to close, blacking out to the comforting sound of his steady heartbeat.

He's alive. Thank the gods he's alive.

Tobias’ fall echoed across the land. Fina did nothing as Hollis jumped through her ring of fire. She was paralyzed in her circle until she felt a rush of cold air; her flames withered away. People were rushing towards her, and she heard a roar that brought her back to her senses.

Her magic was wordless for she had only blinding fury and fear. It was kindling to her fire. Men fell as flames engulfed their clothes and smoke-filled their lungs. She was a spot of light amongst the glittering armors as she moved across the battlefield. She was graceful and powerful.

She ran behind the Queen until she felt a hand close upon her wrists. “That’s enough,” a man screamed in her ear as he pulled her against his body. His hands burned her wrists. She screamed and thrashed against him. She was trapped until she something hot trickled down her neck. She must be dying as the smell of iron flooded her senses.

Suddenly, the pressure was gone. He coughed and splattered blood across her back. Her breath was shaking as she turned to where Hollis and Tobias were. She lifted her hands, angry red marks from the solider staring back her, and muttered a few incantations. “Pordego Domum,” whispered, whisking the General, Hollis, and Tobias away.

They landed on the steps of the palace with a thud. Her body ached and she wobbled when she landed. “Quickly,” she screamed. Servants flooded from the doors and surrounded them. The rush of chatter and gasps filled the air as they took the King and Queen away.

Cornelius stared back at her. “You’re here,” she said. Relief washed over her and she was able to breathe once more.

---

Tobias felt only pain coursing through his veins. Was this Hell? The echoes of his failures ran through his mind. He walked through the battlefield hearing Dromin’s laughter. He walked past the remains of his people. The pale faces stared back at him to echo his horror. He found Hollis laid in the middle. Her body was paler than the rest and her face contorted with pain. He was too late.

The pain of their deaths overwhelmed him, and his heart raced. An animal-like scream erupted from his lips as he grieved for them. This was Hell. The voices of the dead yelled for him in desperation. He could not save them. He could do nothing but feel everyone’s pain. The pressure of it all built inside his chest until he erupted once more.

He opened his eyes to a blurry room. People moved all around him, muttering spells and whispering. “Stop, stop,” he groaned. He would not let them push him into darkness. He had to find the survivors, but he could not move. His body would not listen. “Help me,” he whispered, feebly. Tears fell from his eyes from the pain.