I woke up with a start with the feeling of phantom hands fading from my throat. Vael stirred beside me and began rubbing my back. “Are you alright?” he mumbled sleepily.

“Yes,” I whispered.

“There’s a pitcher of water on the bedside table.”

“Thank you.”

I drank a glass of water and sighed. I was tired of these nightmares. Would they ever leave me?

I rubbed my eyes then arched my back when Vael kissed the middle of my back. “How are you feeling?”

I ran my fingers down his cheek. “I’m well. You?”

Vael sat up them kissed me. “I’m well.” He kissed the curve between my neck and shoulder. I kissed the top of his head. “Are you up for the day?”

“I guess. I missed breakfast with you all yesterday. I want to be there today.”

“Hm… alright.” Vael yawned. “I’ll have someone bring you your clothes. Do you want to take a bath?”

“No. May I borrow your comb?”

“Of course.” He stood and went to his vanity and picked up a bone comb. He handed it to me and I began to comb through my hair. He began to dress himself as I worked through the knots in my curls. When I was finished he handed me my Grace. After I put it on he opened his door, spoke to someone outside, and then closed it. “They’ll bring you a change of clothes.”

“Thank you,” I said shyly. The events of last night rose to the surface of my mind like little bubbles of thoughts and emotions. I felt my face heat and hid it in my hands.

“Are you alright?” Vael asked cautiously. “Are you sore?”

I shook my head. “I’m still getting used to the fact that I’m not a virgin anymore.” I felt the bed shift beneath me. Soon I felt Vael’s arms encircling me.

“It must feel like a big change for you.”

I nodded.

“Will we… will we have sex again?”

My husband chuckled and moved my hands from my face. “As long as we are both alive and willing, we will have sex again.” I gave him a shy smile. “You’re beautiful,” he said in a low voice then leaned forward and kissed me.

There was a knock on his door and he answered it reluctantly. He was handed a change of clothes which he then gave to me. I realized immediately that it was my wedding dress. “Why did they bring my wedding dress? We had the wedding last night.”

“The Prince has requested your companionship for this morning. I thought it would be fitting for you to wear something nice. When you’re done putting on the dress I’ll have your maids do your hair and make-up.”

“What could the Prince want with me? Do you think it’s because I was rude to him?”

“It could be, or maybe he’s trying to show that he has good will from the Gentle God. By being publicly seen with you, his enemies will be more cautious in trying to unseat him. I’ve heard a few variations of what you did in Middle hold, and I’m certain that he and his enemies have heard others.”

I remembered the men that had been turned to stone and shuddered. Were they still alive in their petrified bodies or had they died? Being alive and trapped in a body that could not move seemed a fate more severe than death.

“I’m sure that I’ll become the new boogeyman to frighten children with.” I snorted. I could only imagine what they would tell of me.

I dressed quickly before the maids were brought into the room. They braided my hair so that it wreathed my head before being coiled and pinned in the back. A net of black pearls was draped over my bun. A pin in the shape of a lotus was placed above my left ear while golden hoops were placed in my ears. Then applied make-up carefully then allowed me to view their work.

“Thank you,” I said to them. They bowed to me. The maids then went to Vael and began braiding his hair and weaving his father’s pearls into it.

“You’re dismissed,” Vael said to them when they were finished.

“Thank you, my lord.”

He held out his arm to me as the maids left and I went to his side. I placed a kiss on his cheek and he returned it with a kiss on my forehead. “I love you,” I said.

“I love you too.”

We left the room arm in arm and two guards fell in behind us. One of which was Alvern. I wondered if he had enough sleep even though we had retired from the party early the previous night.

Vael brought us to the Illustrious’s war room where we were stopped by the palace guards. One knocked on the door and the steward answered it. Upon seeing us he waved us into the room. We left our guards outside the room, but the Prince had his own guards within the room along with two advisors, the Illustrious and his advisors, a steward and a maid.

We immediately bowed to our ruler. He rose from his seat at the head of the table, circled the table and then took my right hand in his and kissed it. “You look even more radiant this morning than you did last evening,” the Prince said.

“Thank you, my Prince,” I said in stilted tones.

“Please, the both of you sit down. Have some of this sausage that I brought with me from Summer Hold.”

We took seats at the right hand side of the Prince where two sets of dining ware had been laid out. I was poured a glass of wine. I was not used to drinking so early in the day, but I took a sip to honor their hospitality. Sausage, fruits, and cheeses were placed on my plate. I nibbled at them, my appetite gone.

“Eat up; you’re going to need your strength for tonight’s festivities. Costumed parties are always fun,” the Prince said sipping his own wine before setting it down. “Now to commence my business; Lady Sol I would like for you to accompany me today. I would like to learn more of my newest Eminence before you take your place at my court.”

“I’m honored that you would pay such attention to me,” I said hollowly. I had not forgotten his threatening tone from the previous night. What would he say if I refused again to move to the capital? He could not kill be because that would incur the wrath of the Gentle God, but there were other ways to punish me.

“As you should be. How old are you?”

“20, I shall be 21 in two weeks.”

“Splendid. Remind me to send her a gift,” the Prince said to his nearest advisor. I heard that your mother was courageous warrior before her death. Have you by any chance learned any of her skills?”

I swallowed down a sigh. “No, when she died my father removed me from warrior training. I’m his only child.”

“I see; so how do you expect to slay a demon without any combat experience?”

I gave the Prince my best smile. “Maybe I’ll just turn him to stone.”

“So it’s true that you turned some men into stone? I’d have given a harsher punishment. I’m told that Lord Green, your kidnapper, was transferred to the Illustrious’s custody yesterday. Would you like to pass judgement on him?

My breath and heart quickened suddenly. I gripped the table as the edges of my vision grayed. It was easier for me to think of the petrified men because I knew that they could no longer hurt me, but Lord Green was different. If he was released from imprisonment he could come after me again or even try to kill me.

“I’m told that his oldest son is ruling West Hold in his stead and has petitioned to have his father pardoned and released. What do you think Lord Cadfael?”

Vael cleared his throat. “Sir, I don’t think it’s a good idea to let my wife’s kidnapper go free. He arranged to have her raped and beaten. You may not see the wounds upon her now, but they were a frightful sight until the Gentle God healed her.”

The Prince’s eyebrows peaked in curiosity and he turned his attention back to me. “How badly were you wounded?”

I bowed my head. “They broke the bone of my face and left bruising upon my entire body. If it wasn’t for the Gentle God I would still be disfigured now,” I said.

“I see. Are you able to heal others?” I shook my head. “Have you tried?”

“No, but the Gentle God seems to have healed Lady Ai. She and her husband have been having difficulties conceiving. She’s now pregnant.”

“Lady Sol, are you familiar with the legend of demigods?” I shook my head again. The Prince shifted in his seat and leaned toward me. “Well, the legend goes that the gods fell in love with mortals. First the Beloved God and then the others; children were born of these unions. These children became kings and queens and founded nations. It’s said that everyone born of royal blood are descended from the gods themselves

“Some of these children were said to possess powers similar to their godly parents. My own ancestor of the Arruns line was said to be able to call forth thunder and lightning, but we of the royal family cannot because our blood is diluted by mortality.

“Since you are the living vessel of the Gentle God it’s possible that you have been gifted with some of their power to use of your own free will. If this was true, and you weren’t married, I would have had you wed one of my brothers or cousins.” The Prince laughed while I frowned. I wondered if when I moved to the capital that he would have an “accident” arranged for Vael or maybe he was hoping that I would bear an heir to the Gentle God’s power. I still did not want children. Maybe it was because I was young or because of Aur, but I did not feel the need to bring a new life into this world.

The Prince was watching me carefully as I thought and I hoped that I had formed an impenetrable mask.

“Sol, will you be willing to attempt a display of power?” the Prince asked.

“My Prince, I can attempt, but I have no faith that I can display it.”

“Then maybe you need to find faith,” he said chopping the last word off with a click of his teeth. Vael placed his hand over mine to give me assurance. I silently thanked him. “Enough talk of this for now, please continue eating,” the Prince said as he picked up his wine glass again.

After breakfast we accompanied the Prince to the courtroom where he listened to the complaints and grievances of the nobles of Meridia. As a ruler of a large princedom he was not always able to address the personal affairs of his nobles, but made an effort to do so when he toured his kingdom. I sat on the dais with the Prince and Illustrious while Vael watched from a seat in the spectator section. Some twenty nobles had come for an audience for issues that ranged from border disputes to engagements.

I fought my body’s urge to sleep through the boredom of the procedures. Just when my eyes fluttered closed again I heard the Prince call my name. I sat up straight and looked at him. “Lady Sol, as Eminence I feel that you should preside over this case,” the Prince said. I looked down to the boxes and saw a youth who could not have been older than thirteen and a much older man in the box opposite of him. Both were nobles, but instead of the traditionally long hair theirs was cropped close to their heads not allowing for any adornment other than the caps that they wore on their heads.

They both bowed to us. “Lord Eryx and his nephew Lord Sotiris have petitioned the Illustrious for a hearing. Lord Sotiris is seeking to be granted emancipation so that he may govern his house in West Hold. Currently Lord Eryx is acting on behalf of the deceased father of the petitioner,” the Illustrious’s advisor said.

“Lord Sotiris, please tell me why you are seeking emancipation?” I said. The boy raised himself from his bow and turned to look at me with dark and saddened eyes.

“Eminence, I need emancipation so that I may govern the village of Cala in West Hold. Since we are furthest from the Forbidden Line we have been able to do much farming on the islands in our own territory without Landwalker interference. The problem is that my uncle is abusing the laborers and forcing them to work longer hours without rest periods. Two of our laborers died from exhaustion!”

I struggled to keep my emotions from my face as I looked at Lord Eryx. “Lord Eryx, is any of what Lord Sotiris said true?”

“Eminence, I increased the laborers’ hours because North Hold has sent requests for an early shipment. On top of that they requested twice as much as last month’s. As for the laborers who died, they were elderly. One died of a heart attack and the other from heat exhaustion. I am not ruthless and I do allow for my overseers to give routine breaks, but I will not take responsibility for a person who refused to take a break!”

Why was North Hold increasing food shipments? Vael had said nothing to me about it. I wanted to ask Lord Eryx what he knew about North Hold, but soon realized that it would distract from the trial.

“Lord Sotiris, how old are you?” I asked.

“Thirteen!”

“And how, at thirteen, do you expect to be a better leader? Is it simply because you believe yourself to be a good leader or because you believe your uncle to be a bad leader?”

The boy’s brow furrowed and his eyes darkened as he looked at me. His lips thinned and then he answered me. “I am a better leader than my uncle because our people love me more. I am more like my father than he will ever be, not to mention it is my birthright! They shouldn’t be working so hard for North Hold just because one of their farms was attacked. We need to be taking care of our own and back breaking labor will not do it.”

“Lord Sotiris, just because it is your birthright to rule over Cala does not mean that you by default are a good leader. Have you sat down with my husband to discuss the increased strains that this request has placed on your people or are you simply making a fuss?”

“No I haven’t spoken with Lord Cadfael! We’ve only been here three days, when would I have had the time? Let me rule now, I’ll be a good leader!” the boy whined while his uncle sighed and shook his head.

“Lord Eryx, have you spoken with my husband?” I asked.

“Eminence, the two of us have arranged to have a discussion this afternoon to renegotiate contracts. I hope that we will reach a favorable agreement. In the meantime I ask that you do not grant my nephew his emancipation. He is much too young and inexperienced. Had he been a genius like my brother I would not have any doubts, but alas he fails to see the bigger picture. Our holds have stood so long thanks to the diligence and protection of North Hold.” The uncle bowed to us again then bowed to Vael whom nodded his head in acknowledgement.

I looked back at Sotiris. I admired that he cared about his people, but like his uncle said, he was not seeing the bigger picture. If they failed to provide commerce to other holds then their own economy would begin to fail. By not providing North Hold with supplies our efforts to maintain the Forbidden Line would falter.

“Lord Sotiris, I cannot grant you your emancipation. At this point in time you have not displayed enough maturity to rule over Cala. So until you do, you will study under your uncle until he sees that you are fit to rule.”

“Eminence! Please don’t do this! He’s a selfish man who’s going to work our people to death! You don’t understand anything you stupid woman!” The boy shrieked. He left his box and rushed his uncle. I saw the silver flash of metal before it was buried in the older man’s shoulder. “If I kill you, you can’t rule,” the boy growled as he dislodged the dagger so that he could stab his uncle again. I stood and swiftly crossed the distance between us. I hurdled the rail of the box and backhanded the boy so hard that his teeth clicked as his head snapped back. He tumbled backward and I seized the knife and tossed it away before five guards responded and pulled the boy and uncle away from each other.

“He doesn’t have any more weapons,” one guard said after he patted down the boy.

“Thank you,” I said to him then glared at Lord Sotiris who shrank away. Half of his face was reddened and blood was dripping from his nose and bottom lip. I wanted to feel pity for the boy’s injuries, but all I could feel was coldness. “Lord Sotiris, your actions today have proved that I was right not to grant you emancipation. You will be jailed for attempting to kill your uncle. I will leave it up to him to decide if you shall be released, but you shall not rule Cala! Lord Eryx, has this child any siblings?”

“A… younger b-brother,” the uncle wheezed while he applied pressure to his shoulder.

“Good, have that boy be trained to take your place,” I said.

“You can’t! I’m the first born! My brother is only a baby!”

I stood toe to toe with Lord Sotiris and stared into his eyes until he looked away in shame. “You may not be regretting what you have done today, but I will tell you, you would regret taking your uncle’s life. Taking a life is not something to do lightly and it’s permanent. If I find out that you have tried to kill or have killed another member of your family I will come for you personally and there is nowhere that you can hide from me.” Lord Sotiris grayed and his knees buckled. “Take him away,” I said. The guards dragged him away in silence.

I heard the sound of clapping and turned around to see the Prince standing and applauding me. There was a large grin on his face, but the mirth did not reach his eyes. “Well done, Lady Sol. Now that we have a subject, try to see if you can heal the poor man.”

I looked at Lord Eryx still wheezing on the floor. Blood had soaked through the front of his robe at the shoulder and was spreading on his chest. I bit my lip. Could I heal him? Would the Gentle God heal him if I asked? A wave of coldness washed down my spine as I knelt before the man and placed my right hand over his left that was staunching the flow of blood.

Please, I thought. Please allow me to heal this man.

At first nothing happened, but then several people gasped. There was a flash of blinding white light and I shut my eyes tightly. When I opened them again Lord Eryx was no longer applying pressure to his shoulder. I pulled back the ripped fabric and found the skin healed beneath it. “Thank you,” the man said then kissed my cheek. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

I stood up and realized I had blood on my hands and spatters of it down the front of my dress. I groaned inwardly. The stains could not be helped.

The Prince brushed past me and examined Lord Eryx before turning to me. “Well done. I can only hope that when I’m in danger that you would respond so swiftly,” he said. He bowed to me and I felt my face heat. Having a ruler bow to someone of lower rank than themselves was nearly unheard of.

“I will do my best to defend you if your life is in danger, my Prince,” I said bowing back. He chuckled.

“Can someone please bring a basin and towel so that Lady Sol can wash her hands?”

I was escorted to the Illustrious’s personal chamber along with Vael.

“That was quite a display,” the Illustrious said as he sat down at his table. “I wish all healers were so efficient and effective. Too bad that you’ll be moving to the capital.” I nodded my head in agreement.

“I’m curious, have you received any news from North Hold about why they would need more supplies?” Vael asked the Illustrious.

“I haven’t seen anything over the past few days. This may be recent since that Cala pair only arrived three days ago. I would ask one of the couriers; it’s possible that they may have heard something new.”

“It disturbs me that North Hold would request more supplies without informing me. I wonder if what Lord Sotiris said about a farm being attacked was true,” Vael said. I squeezed his hand.

“If it’s true that a farm was attacked we would need to leave early,” I said.

“Sol,” Vael said.

“It’s my fate to face Lemuete. He wants our Graces for his own purposes. The more Waterfolk captured, the more Graces that he will possess.”

“Why is it so important for him to have a Grace?” the Illustrious asked.

“My aunt told me that they would give him power.”

“They were a divine gift that saved our people from the flood four hundred years ago.”

“Maybe the demon wants to flood the world again, but lacks the power to do so. He would need our Graces to make up the difference in power,” I said softly.

“That is a chilling thought,” the Illustrious said. “I’m glad that the Gentle God has chosen you to intervene.”

It was Vael’s turn to squeeze my hand. The Prince, who had been silent during our talk, suddenly stood up drawing our attention to him.

“Sol, I want you to return to North Hold immediately. If this demon is as dangerous as you think, then he needs to be dealt with swiftly. Your time cannot be wasted on parties,” the Prince said.

“It still will take a fortnight to reach North Hold,” Vael replied.

“If you take a ship it will be half as long.”

“Where would we find a ship?”

I stood up and the men looked at me expectantly. “I know of a ship,” I said. “Where is the nearest neutral territory?”