If you haven't already read my chapter 20 rewrite I suggest you do :)
Chapter 21: Sandre
I watched Vaughan until he was no more than a speck in the sky, unease settling in as I prepared to train eager to keep my mind from wondering and assuming the worst. I shifted into my other form and pushed myself through the drills my loving mate had taught me all those months ago. The drills that once pushed me to my limits no longer even made me sweat and so inevitably my mind started questioning things I had tried to ignore. Why hadn't I had another vision since that fatal day of Lisora's death? What to do about Vaughan still being blood sworn to Maeve? And lastly what had become of her beloved Uncle Cairn? Not that I overly cared about that last one but it would be nice to show him my true form before repaying what he had done to my Aunt, Mother and Father.
Vaughan returned later than anticipated which had me pacing the makeshift camp I had constructed after my workout. When Vaughan finally shifted back, I gave him a swift punch in the arm to show how much I appreciated being left behind. My mate just grinned at me before tackling me to the floor with the first genuine laugh i've heard him make since it all happened. We rolled around on the ground laughing like a couple of teenagers until we both were clutching stitches. When I had composed myself I stood and turned towards Vaughan who was down on one knee. "Marry me Sandre?"
Even though we were mates, I still cried as I said "Yes". My hand shook as Vaughan placed the ring on my finger. I pulled Vaughan to his feet and kissed him fiercely showing him how much he meant as clothes started to come of our bodies.
I laid there long after Vaughan had fallen asleep tracing the scars on his back wondering about all Vaughan had revealed to me after our entanglement. Cairn was dead and relief was the overwhelming emotion I felt, there was no remorse for that bastard. In the end it was for the best that it wasn't me that killed him, I had every intention of forgetting is existence and facing him that one last time would have ensured that I remembered him. As for Maeve I could hardly believe that she was Vlag and yet it made sense. I only hoped we stopped her still loyal members from joining the war because Terrasen had to win, I would accept no other outcome.
The morning brought silence as we both processed yesterday's information, eating together occasionally discussing theories my favourite being that Fenrys somehow managed to break the blood oath and survive. Vaughan had a rather negative outlook as apparently you couldn't live after the oath was broken and I suppose he would know more than I would. We packed up our makeshift camp the whole time staring at the ring now sitting on my finger, it still felt surreal.
Essar meet us at the bridge ensuring safe passage into the city.
"Sandre isn't it" She hugged me before continuing "I'm Essar and I heard that you are a Lady of the Terrasen's court."
"I am" was all the reply I could think of as I stared at the beautiful female in front of me.
Essar then turned to Vaughan "You never told me Sandre had such a different form, I am quite jealous."She gave me a roughish wink and I immediately relaxed this women was just how I imagined her to be when Vaughan described her as one of his oldest friends last night.
Vaughan smiled as he said "Indeed quite rare"
I felt a blush creep over my face as his intense gaze meet mine and I was forced to look away before my legs gave way. Essar oblivious to what was going on behind her as she lead us into Donanelle my breath hitched as I beheld the stone city awe clear in my eyes as I faced Vaughan again. He smiled and pointed at a grey and white tower "Over there." His home.
Essar lead us though the winding streets before ending up in a massive hall where 20 or so fae were gathered as if waiting for us to arrive. One male stood forward "Ah good they have arrived should we begin then." The doors closed and locked and I swallowed down my panic this wasn't a trap was it?