Yet I will take this risk to teach you a lesson. I cannot in good conscience watch you pursue power and not warn you to be careful.
...
Micah and Nell visited Delvala a week later; after Nell's complaints about the nurses' and patients' rudeness, Micah was glad to accompany his friend. He personally witnessed the way Dels and Delvalians regarded one another back in Mystacor, and it was not pleasant.
It made him equally uncomfortable that if Light Spinner was here, she probably would have treated Nell the same way.
Governor Remi, son of Charbonneau, stood at the south wall. He was a young man, newly elected, with mousy brown hair and a simple black veil over his nose and mouth. Turning around, he bowed to Micah. "My king-to-be," he said, his voice accented. "Welcome to our city."
"Thank you for having me," Micah said. "The Head of Medicine back in Illuras came with me."
Remi nodded at Nell. "Welcome, Head of Medicine. I trust you did your job well."
"As best I could," Nell said softly. "How are repairs coming along?"
"The church is decimated, unfortunately," Remi said. "Those damn Hordesmen...they are intent on violating our religion."
"With respect, more than just the Seraphite churches have been targeted," Micah said. "We've gotten reports the Vernish resting sites in Thaymor and Adatha were also sacked."
"I didn't mean to imply otherwise," Remi said. "The Horde favors Kryteya; it is most useful for their cause."
"Perhaps," Micah said. "What about casualties?"
"Two hundred dead. Seven hundred more injured."
"But this is good," Micah said. "Bel Delvala has five million people in it."
"Do not play with the lives of my people," Remi said, his green eyes sparking with a warning. "This attack on our city is unprecedented. The Horde couldn't have scouted out our territory unless they had a spy here."
"Maybe that's the case," Nell shrugged.
Micah shook his head. "Delvalians being in the Horde is unlikely. They'd have to give up their religion, not to mention their pursuit of free thought. Our sources say the Horde doesn't even permit the writing of poetry."
"What are you saying, then?"
What was he saying? "Maybe Shadow Weaver is more familiar with Delvala than we think," Micah said. "At the very least, she's scouted it before."
"Do we know anything about where she came from?" Nell asked.
Micah shook his head. "Not even the Horde seems to know," he said. "Zeka's been trying to get information, but all she has is hearsay and rumors."
"What do those rumors say?"
Micah bit his lip. "She was cast out of the kingdom she had come from."
A long, dead silence filled the room.
"It's a rumor," Micah repeated. "There's no way she could be Light Spinner – I cast a location spell. It said she was dead."
Nell and Remi visibly relaxed. "So...what do we do with this information?" Nell said. "Is there a way to know?"
Micah sighed. "If the rumors are true, I don't know where Shadow Weaver came from. There are a lot of sorcery schools in the different kingdoms. It couldn't be Bright Moon, though – we rarely exile people."
"Does she look like she could be from my culture?" Remi asked.
"Sometimes. She's taller than me," Micah said. "Though that's not saying much – everyone's taller than me."
"How tall?"
"Six feet, probably. She also has pointed ears, but her skin is gray. It's not like...yours."
"There are other races who are ethnic Delvalians," Remi said. "Uncommon, but true nonetheless."
Nell sighed. "What good would this knowledge do in the first place? Either way, she scouted out the city."
He did have a point. Micah frowned as he tried to process the information. It was true that Shadow Weaver's past wasn't immediately relevant. But it could be useful to learn about her weakness. If someone was learning dark magic, it would have been talked about wherever she'd come from.
Now, the only thing to do was weed out the possibilities.
...
A week later, Nell and Micah again walked up the steps to the queen's pavilion in Plumeria; the young king was desperate for the Vernish kingdom's alliance. If they could get Plumeria on their side, appealing to Mystacor would be simpler. Relatively speaking, anyway, Nell thought tiredly as they walked into the throne room.
Queen Ruta wore a regal Vernish sari this time, bright blue in color. She smiled at them playfully as they entered. "Micah, have you brought in one of my own to manipulate me?"
"I'm not Plumerian, Your Majesty," Nell said. "I might look the part, but I came from Mystacor."
"Mystacor," Ruta repeated. "Are they the only reason you wish for our services, King Micah?"
Micah shook his head. "It would make the discussions with Madame Arvina easier, but we still need your help. Dryl has joined us, and they need food for their armies so they can help. The same goes for Salineas, but not to the same extent."
Queen Ruta frowned. "Is that the only reason? So we can be pawns in this game of violence?"
"We can't let you join the Horde."
"Let me? Are you my father?"
Nell winced. Not a good look. Micah may have been wise beyond his twenty years, but he was no eloquent speaker. "Your Majesty," Nell broke in, "this isn't the sole reason. Neutrality is only an option for so long, since the Horde's got a sorceress who can probably break into Mystacor. Joining us is the best option, even if it's not the only one."
Ruta frowned. "Head of Medicine," she said gently, "what does the war mean to you? I know your mother – Sember, one of our counselors in Fernosia. Why did you forsake a life of peace to pursue such a dastardly goal?"
Nell had never given a speech like this before. "I believe in fighting for what's right," he said. "I am no soldier, nor could I be one. But I can't just stand by and watch as everyone gets themselves killed."
Ruta seemed pacified. After a moment of consideration, she nodded. "We have healers. If you desire our efforts...perhaps we can consider this alliance, Rei and I."
Micah smiled. "We can train you in eastern medicine – if you're going to join, we'd prefer that school of thought. You could work undercover too."
The queen smiled. "With Dryl protecting us, that will not be necessary. Very well, King Micah and Head of Medicine. I will confer with my husband. If we accept this alliance, you will receive a letter from us."
Micah nodded. "Thank you," he said softly. "We couldn't do this without your help."
Queen Ruta smiled. "Now, go. I believe you have a different kingdom to convince. Good luck speaking with Madame Arvina, King Micah – perhaps you will get through to her, being her family."
Micah looked uncomfortable. "Good day, my queen. Come on, Nell."
Nell followed him out of the room, but Ruta called his name again. "Nell? Is that your name? Come back."
I did something wrong. Should I not have spoken out of turn? Nell swallowed and reentered the throne room. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
The queen bore an introspective look on her face. "You are Vernish. Yet you dress like a Del. Why is this?"
"My father was a Del. He married my mother when she studied charms in Mystacor."
Ruta nodded. "Curious," she said softly. "I spoke with Sember a few days ago. She mentioned that she'd lost her entire family, but I didn't know how that was possible when you showed up."
"It's...a complicated story. I'd rather not discuss it," Nell said.
"I will not press you. But Nell...please, think about this. There are people who still care about you here. If you could think about coming back –"
"I'm too busy," he interrupted. He had been too busy for fourteen years, because he couldn't stand Sember's face of regret. Her pity meant nothing to him – Nell couldn't be around her when she...she...
He couldn't finish the thought, or else he would break down. "I apologize, Your Majesty," he said. "There's...a load of pain she hasn't mentioned. It'll be a long time before I'll think of returning to that."
Ruta's eyes glittered sadly. "You are not religious, are you? You are a Vern by name only."
"Guilty as charged."
"It is your choice to make," the queen said. "But remember this, Nell. If you are to find peace, you cannot run away. You must face what you have lost, and do what is right."
Nell nodded. "I will...try." His cheeks burned. "If you'll excuse me, I have to find Micah."
"Of course. I didn't mean to keep you waiting. Please, think about what I've said."
Nell nodded as he exited the room.
...
And so, I will begin my essay by discussing the history of this wicked form, the Spell of Obtainment. You must recognize this name, for you are familiar with the foolish woman who cast it long ago.
...
Angella held up the letter from the Verns in triumph. "Micah, Queen Ruta has accepted our request!" she said excitedly. "Now there's only Mystacor to persuade."
Micah's face looked pensive. They were going to Mystacor for their wedding in a few hours – a wedding that would stay secret so Shadow Weaver didn't ruin it. His feelings were clear to Angella. Madame Arvina had a persnickety nature, and believed Light Spinner was evil from the day she was born. It would be a feat to get the kingdom of sorcerers on their side, but Angella had to believe it would happen.
Eventually.
She rose, walking over to him. "Are you alright?" she asked.
Micah looked out the window. "I don't want to see her again," he said quietly. He sighed. "I thought we could leave her in the past. What an idiot I was."
"You're not an idiot – I'll be right beside you. Mystacor isn't a conditional alliance, anyway. We have the rest of Etheria on our side. We'll be able to defeat Shadow Weaver, even without their help."
"And then what?"
Angella frowned. "We rebuild Tropicilas, of course." She held him from behind, pressing her hands against his muscular stomach as she rested her head on his shoulder. "My love...aren't you at least happy for the wedding?"
"Yeah," Micah said. "Sorry, Angie. I've just been thinking about...a lot lately. How to be a king, how to fight while still being good. I shouldn't take it out on you."
"I want to hear about your struggles. I will be your wife today," she replied. "But Micah...don't grow up too quickly. This is a wonderful day, my love."
Micah turned around, a gentle smile touching his lips. "I know, Angie." He pulled her face down and kissed her gently; Angella stroked his cheek, rough with facial hair.
He truly was a good man.
...
Shadow Weaver lay in her bedroom, closing her eyes and letting Adora hold her hand. Her ribs were almost healed, but the doctor said to wait another week before putting pressure on them, and that included the chubby one-year-old.
She'd been forced to spend more time with Adora lately as she healed. Not that Shadow Weaver was complaining, but she was lethargic at this point, laying in bed unless absolutely necessary. On her mind tonight was one fact: Micah would be married tomorrow. They said the wedding would be at Bright Moon Palace. Shadow Weaver's body itched with anger, though she didn't understand why she cared.
But why did he get the best life? Why couldn't she be married, while she'd had the chance?
She knew the answer, of course. Gazing over at Adora's pale, blue-gray eyes, she sighed. Shadow Weaver wasn't worthy of Nell's love.
Fourteen years had passed since they parted ways, and he seemed to be happy as a career man for the Rebellion. Happier without her. Nell didn't deserve the fantasies she had about him, and Shadow Weaver knew they would never happen. Even if he could look past her actions – which would be nearly impossible for the peace-loving Vern – she was so wretchedly ugly that he would never want to make love to her once, let alone for the rest of his life.
The door opened, and Carmen padded into the room with Catra at her side. Shadow Weaver quashed jealousy toward her servant. Carmen had a child from her own body. She'd felt Catra kick around inside her, along with her lost twin Salam.
She shouldn't be jealous – Carmen's pregnancy had been out of malice. But the felinetta would never understand how badly Shadow Weaver wanted Nell's love. It was impossible to explain such feelings to someone who believed marriage was evil.
"Heya, my lady," Carmen said. "Need anything before bed?"
Shadow Weaver sighed, shaking her head and closing her eyes. She burrowed further into her sheets. Would Nell have wanted to adopt a child? He had always said he wanted to have children with her, but Shadow Weaver was certain the Spell would kill any offspring she conceived. What would he say about Adora?
Shadow Weaver crushed her eyes shut, and a few tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. She shouldn't be concerned with herself when Micah was about to marry. But what better way to express her selfishness than coveting a man she could never have?
"I'm going to sabotage the wedding," she said suddenly.
"Uh...you're gonna crash the wedding of the most powerful sorcerer and an angelic being?" Carmen said.
Shadow Weaver nodded. "At the very least, it'll delay him becoming king. Once he takes the throne, the Horde will have a new challenge on their hands. We need time to execute our plan."
"Makes sense. What should I bring?"
"I'm going alone," Shadow Weaver said. "Act in my stead until I return."
Carmen nodded silently, and Shadow Weaver closed her eyes again, sighing. She told herself that it was for tactical reasons. But Micah needed to face the truth.
Anyone could betray him. He had best get used to it.
...
The wedding, a simple ceremony, came and went; Madame Arvina agreed to marry Micah and Angella. Now, he stood at the top balcony of the Great Hall with the satyr. He requested an audience alone; Angella was in their suite, preparing the room for their wedding night.
Arvina looked over the city, her curly brown hair blowing in the wind. "My answer," she said, "is the same as it has always been, Micah. Mystacor cannot join. The kingdom is not strong enough."
"Arvina, we don't want the soldier base to be made of sorcerers. Especially ones with no combat training."
"I would hope not, considering violence is evil." The message was clear: You have committed violence. You are evil. "And I won't subject my people to becoming errand boys, either."
"They're already joining our cause. You see the influx of travelers into Meya."
"Yes," the satyr admitted. "That is their choice. But that doesn't mean I must approve."
Micah sighed. "Arvina...can I ask you something?"
"Anything."
"What would it take for you to fight the Horde?"
The satyr looked ahead. "Nothing – we cannot fight them. They have darkness on their side."
"But we're Seraphites. Darkness is always weaker than light."
"I am no angel – I am simply a woman who must preserve herself and her people. If preservation means neutrality or surrender, I will do that before I allow their lives to be lost."
"They'll be made soldiers anyway if Mystacor falls. And the Horde doesn't treat their subjects well."
"I know. But we have a protection spell. Shadow Weaver will not be recognized by the barrier – she is a creature of darkness."
Shadow Weaver would likely find a way into Mystacor despite the kingdom's barrier. "Is this because you can't trust me?" Micah said. "Just tell me."
"I trust you," Arvina said. "You are an intelligent boy, Micah. And I don't blame you for the Spell of Obtainment, as others do."
"Then you're wrong." Micah looked out over the island. "I knew what it could do. I did it anyway."
"Micah –"
"– So you may as well let me make it right," Micah said, his voice shaking. "Please, Arvina. I have to."
Arvina bit her lip. "We are on opposite poles, my child. Nothing you can say will change my stance on this. I respected Master Norwyn – his goals were wise. I won't let another Obtainment War happen, where our people are splintered."
Micah looked at the satyr. "Do as you will," he said. "But..." he sighed. "I wish you would do better. Goodnight."
Arvina's eyes were cloudy. "Goodnight."
...
Shadow Weaver rushed the next day through the Woods. The palace was just on the other side. She could almost see the priest's blood on her knives, the terrified look in Micah's eyes as he gazed upon the monster he made.
It was a small delay. But Shadow Weaver would take it.
She careened off a branch onto the palace wall, hanging by a window-sill. Glancing downward, her stomach turned; the moat must have been a hundred feet below.
Shadow Weaver hoisted herself upward, panting as she regained her bearings. It was too bright to shadow-walk, and crushing the lights would alert people to her presence. So she cloaked herself in invisibility and continued down the hall.
The palace was enormous, and she was in one of its turrets at the moment. She needed to get to the main building. That must be where the wedding was taking place...
Shadow Weaver sighed. Envision it in your mind. She had only been to the palace once, long ago, but she still remembered the visit, where Micah had first met the woman who would become his wife seven years later.
It was sweetly ironic, what Shadow Weaver was about to do. She faded into darkness, then exited to the throne room. The guards barely had time to react before she pushed out on both sides with kinesis magic, dropping them both into the moat far below.
Shadow Weaver slammed the door open with the same spell, but there was no wedding. Micah and Angella were gone – what in the moons? She was so sure the wedding would be here...
"They're gone," said a quiet voice with a Mystacorian accent. Shadow Weaver turned her gaze toward the throne, clenching her fists.
Nell sat on the throne with a triumphant look in his soft blue eyes. His hands curled tightly around the arm-rests; Shadow Weaver could almost feel his fear, the way he trembled at her figure in the doorway.
Shadow Weaver's frustration rose, along with a crushing numbness. Biting her tongue, she forced herself not to scream. She wouldn't kill Nell – he wasn't worth it. But she could still hurt him. Launching herself toward him with a kinesis spell, she pulled her daggers out, landing with her feet on each armrest of Angella's throne.
Nell flinched as she drew close, daggers gleaming wickedly. She could do it. Shadow Weaver could dig them into his shoulders, make him feel her pain when she was left behind...
She locked eyes with him; tears rolled slowly down his cheeks. Shadow Weaver's stomach clenched with sorrow. He had been a victim of those in power, too...
Oh, Nell...
The daggers slipped from her hands; nausea grabbed her stomach. As the guards burst into the room, she left without a word, shame crowding every other thought.
...
Three days later, Micah woke up beside Angella after their first night together as husband and wife. She lay beside him, wings spread over the comforter in one of Arxia's hotels.
Had last night been a dream? Micah edged closer to her, wrapping his arms around her and letting her head rest against his bare chest. His sweet Angella...she was now his wife.
And he was officially King Micah.
"Good morning, my love," she whispered, caressing his arm. "Did you sleep well?"
"As well as I could, thinking of you."
"How romantic."
His face burned. "I thought it sounded stupid."
"No reason it can't be both."
Micah smiled, kissing her, passion overwhelming him all over again. Her fingers interlocked and curled against his, and she stroked his jaw with another hand. "You're so...wonderful..." she whispered against his mouth. "When I met you, all those years ago in Illuras, I never thought..."
"I didn't, either," he said softly. "Angella...when you look at me, do you see a boy or a man?"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean...do you think I can handle being king? Honestly?"
Angella nodded. "Being a good leader takes a lifetime, sweetheart," she said. "I am still learning how, and..." she shuddered. "I've lived for so much longer than you have. And once you're gone, I'll..."
She crushed her eyes shut, as if unable to bear the thought. Micah's own heart twinged with pain. One day he would die, and Angella would still be here as before. Though they tried not to dwell on it, they only had a human lifetime together.
"I would rather spend my life with you," he said, "than anyone else. I want to spend it with the funny, kind queen of Bright Moon. I want to spend it with my wife...no matter what. We'll make it count. I promise."
Angella's pained look faded slowly, and she nodded. "And I want to spend it with you. No matter how short the time is for me."
Micah kissed her again, pressing her body against his. She was so soft, sweet, and warm. Everything he wanted, even if he hadn't always known it. And he would never let her go.
...
To his shock, Nell was still alive the next day as Micah and Angella hurried into his bedroom. Micah teleported straight to him. "We heard what happened! Are you alright?"
Nell shuddered, worming out of his friend's embrace. "Yeah. I...I think so. She didn't hurt me."
Micah and Angella locked gazes. "What do you mean?" the queen asked. "Why wouldn't she do that?"
"I don't know," Nell said. "I think...I think I scared her, somehow. She dropped her knives, and left."
"Maybe she was just trying to get to us," Micah said. "But why would she want to do that?"
"Because you're powerful," Angella said. "As king, she has an equal to challenge her."
"But why wouldn't she kill Nell? He's the Head of Medicine."
Nell lowered his eyes. "Maybe...because I didn't fight back."
They turned their eyes toward him, as if surprised. His heart wrenched with shame. "I'm Vernish," he said. "I'm not supposed to strike back."
I'm a coward. I can't strike back.
"Nell, you must defend yourself," Angella said gently. "She won't spare you a second time. She was ready to kill you!"
"I know," he said. "I'm sorry. I...I'll do better."
Micah shrugged. "You're alive. Thanks for watching the palace while we were gone. If we'd stayed..." he grimaced.
Nell nodded listlessly, standing. "Well, I'm alright now. Congratulations on your wedding." Respect welled in his chest as he bowed. "My new king."
Micah smiled at him, and Nell found himself returning it. He cared for the younger man so much. And he would help him lead, just as his sweet Alura would have done.
...
Did you know...
- Another naming coincidence happened in this chapter, though I admit I knew it would be similar from the get-go. One of my readers, LucilferTheungood, used to go by Remi, and they were happy to see that a character was named after them.
- I tried to show throughout this part of the story that Shadow Weaver isn't under the Spell's full power yet. She still has the ability to feel true compassion for others to a degree, and I think she would find it very difficult to hurt Nell, even if there was some resentment over the past still.
Tell me what you think...
- Do you think Queen Ruta is right about what Nell should do? Why or why not?
- How might Micah's dynamic with Shadow Weaver change now that he's officially the king?
- Is there anything that might be able to sway Madame Arvina into helping him?