This world belongs to Kendare Blake, but the characters are original.
Charles and Ash now both visited Calista, though Calista could see right through Charles, who was clearing sucking up to her. So, she often went on long horseback rides with Ash, for Charles, though he would never admit it, had never learned how to ride a horse.
The two of them got to know each other on those long rides, and slowly, ever so slowly, fell into friendship, and then, maybe, love.
Of course, Althea would always be her true love, but there was enough room in Calista's heart for both of them.
...
The three queens died two months before Beltane. Two months before the Ascension Year was over, and Calista was the sole queen of Fennbirn. She let High Priestess Ehaj ink the crown into her forehead.
...
Beltane - the Ascension Year ends
There was a grand party at Beltane, each of the families hunting their own feasts, for fear of the Arron's poison.
"Cal, you look gorgeous," Althea said, kissing her cheek. Calista looked down at the simple yet elegant black gown, then caught Althea in a hug. Althea smiled into her shoulder. The families were waiting just outside the room. Waiting for her to announce her choice of suitor.
The matriarchs were on the stage, Isa beaming proudly at Calista. Ember still wore a crimson scarf in memory of Cadence. It was a low blow at Calista, and she ignored it. Tae was still standing, though she hadn't aged well in the past year, but she was respectful.
The war gift and oracle gift matriarchs hadn't showed up, Oliana, the war matriarch, too harsh and cruel for the gathering, unlike Calista, who was ruthless and cunning with her gift. Hala, the oracle matriarch, was sickly, and couldn't come, so it was the elementalist, naturalist, and poisoner matriarchs that greeted her.
Ehaj wore the robes of a priestess, eyes solemnly downcast.
"As queen of Fennbirn, I choose Ash Fyry as my king-consort," Calista announced, voice loud and clear.
Ash slowly walked up to the platform she was standing on and took her hand. Calista continued. "And, I would like to take a moment to remember my sisters. This was an unusual year. Poisoners poisoned. Four queens. But, in the end, I hope you all understand the choice the Goddess made." The crowd went silent at her words. No queen had recognized her sisters before. They were stunned. But then, a smile spread across Calista's face. "Let the celebrations begin!"
With Althea at her left, and Ash at her right, Calista headed into the crowd, only to be stopped by Charles.
"Is there something you require?" Althea asked politely. "Your boat will depart soon, I suggest you start boarding soon."
"I will do no such thing," Charles hissed.
"Why not?" Calista snapped. "I've chosen my king-consort, and now you're to leave."
"That's the problem," Charles replied, eyes raking over her. "I'm not done yet. I can't go back and tell my parents I failed. My brothers will tease me for the rest of my life unless you change your decision."
Calista blinked. "That's not Fennbirn's problem, or my problem. Now, get off my island," she responded coolly.
Charles snarled, then started at her. Before anyone could react, Calista's war gift threw him back, and into the arms of one of his brothers, who immediately restrained him and murmured, "we're going home, and you're never going to hear the end of this." Then, he staggered off, Charles still fighting.
"Well, I'm glad that's done," Calista said breezily.
"Cal," Ash started.
"Yes?" Calista asked, delicately eating a poisoned cupcake.
"Could my sibling come and live here, on Fennbirn, as a giftless person?" Ash asked cautiously.
"I'm not saying no or yes yet, just tell me why," Calista responded.
"Well, at home, it's not great and-"
"Family issues," Calista supplied.
"Yah," Ash answered.
"Of course, then," Calista murmured. "Just don't tell anyone."
Ash's eyes softened and he intertwined their fingers. "Thanks," Ash said. Calista just smiled.
...
Althea watched as Cal and Ash went into a tent together and sighed. She and Cal could no longer be together. Cal was a queen, and had duties to fulfill. She wasn't the king-consort or the queen. She could never be just Cal's again.
...
Helen arrived soon after Beltane. She had cut her hair so it was a short mess of dark red curls, and was wearing his clothes again. Even so, he would recognize that face anywhere.
"Helen!" He cried as she appeared in Indrid Down for the first time.
"Haylen," she corrected. Then, in a conspiratorial whisper, she added, "no one here knows I'm a woman. Let's keep it that way."
"Of course." Ash turned to find Calista and Althea on the steps behind him. "This is my wife, Calista, and our friend, Althea Arron. Cal, Althea, this is Haylen, my brother."
Althea dipped into a curtsy, but Calista came up and gave him a gentle hug.
"Hello Haylen. Welcome to Fennbirn."