Eleri left her room for breakfast. It was a little early, but she wanted to be sure she was ready for the morning walk with the prince. She knew she would have to be alert and able to fight any instincts that he aroused in her. She had been so sure he wouldn't affect her, but she had been wrong. The moment she saw him, something in her woke up. In some ways, it was the same as when she first saw Caerwyn, and in other ways, it was very different.
The first time she saw Caerwyn it felt as if fire ran through her. She became more aware of all her senses. The wolf inside of her spoke louder than it ever had before, wanting to claim him someway. With Prince Conri, her wolf still spoke loudly, but the fire was different. Instead of feeling as if the fire would consume her, it felt as though it moved along with her breath and heartbeat. It made her feel warm but not burning up. She also felt more of a pull towards the prince. With Caerwyn, she had almost been afraid of her feelings, wondering if he touched her if she could survive it. With Conri, she was even more afraid of his touch in that she was scared at some point, it would become essential.
She felt drawn towards both men in some way, and it confused her. Neither felt like a choice, though something was freeing in loving Caerwyn. Perhaps it was just her preconceived notion that the prophecy was rubbish, but she was afraid of being trapped in loving Prince Conri. She hated that feeling.
Eleri loved most things in her life. Her father was more dear to her than anyone in the kingdom. Her mother had, if possible, meant even more to her. Her mother was her guide for the first ten years of her life. She spent hours with her, teaching her about magic. She showed Eleri how to sense the magic in everything, the trees, the wind, the animals, and people. Perhaps time had done its work and made her mother seem more wonderful, but Eleri had never met anyone as beautiful or amazing as her mother.
After her mother was killed, Eleri depended on her father and those he employed for most of her lessons. There was no more skipping through the forest with her mother. Eleri learned proper decorum. She learned manners and how to host guests in her father's home. She put on fancy dresses and spent too much time in front of mirrors as servants did her hair. She knew it was all necessary. She would have a large role to play in the land and Prince Conri's court. Many would argue she would be almost as important as him, but she could not let herself think that way. She was not destined to be a queen. She would not let anyone or anything dictate her life.
Still, as much as she loved her life, she felt trapped in many aspects of it. She was forced to act and dress a certain way. There were many times she had to bite her tongue instead of speaking her mind. Only with Caerwyn or her aunt could she be truly free with who she was. Her father encouraged her to speak her mind and use her magic, but she held back with him, not wanting to disappoint him.
As she made her way to the stairs, she was joined by Lady Aella. The young woman smiled at Eleri and moved to walk by her side.
"I see you are an early riser, my lady," said Lady Aella.
"It depends on the day actually. Usually, I prefer the night as I have sorceress and shifter blood in me. I tend to thrive when the sun goes down."
"There are times I like the night as well. It is easier to hide things that you might not want others to see." Lady Aella laughed as Eleri looked at her. "I don't mean to shock you, my lady, but I don't like to hold back from those I wish to be friends with. I would like us to be friends if you are willing."
"Of course, I am willing. I have not had much chance to meet other young ladies with the land like it is, so I am very happy to get to know you better."
"I feel the same way. Sometimes I feel trapped in this house as good as my aunt and uncle are. I long to go on journeys and dance at balls. We rarely have company here." Lady Aella hopped down a stair to the second landing, continuing on.
"With the way things are, my father rarely hosts real parties either. We do have a small gathering of close friends during the Winter Moon festival."
Lady Aella hooked her arm with Eleri's. "And do you dance? Do young men come so you can flirt with them?"
"We do dance a little. There are usually a few young men there, but I am not sure how much talent I have for flirting."
"As beautiful as you are, I am sure you don't need to do much. I wager most young men fall at your feet the moment they lay eyes on you." Lady Alella laughed again as they came to the entry hall.
"I imagine you know the feeling. I am sure any young men you come across immediately fall under your spell, you are so lovely."
Lady Aella shrugged. "I may have had a few interesting rendezvous with a couple of young men. I haven't had much opportunity as I said."
"Hopefully things will be better in the land soon. Once Prince Conri takes his throne and becomes king, things will be made right. Then you can go to parties and find a husband if you would like one."
Aella sighed. "I suppose I will have to marry someday, but I will not be with any random young man. I wish to find someone special."
"Don't we all," said Eleri as Lady Aella steered her towards the dining room.
"But your way is already set, isn't it?" She stopped them both in front of the dining room doorway and looked down. "I have read the prophecy. I know what is expected."
Eleri studied the young woman for a moment, seeing a small hint of sadness on her face. She supposed it would make sense for Lady Aella to form some sort of attachment to the prince. They were both young and attractive and had no other distractions. She wondered how deep the attachment ran and if it was reciprocated.
"Lady Aella, I have had to live with that prophecy all my life. I am not a woman who lets anyone or anything dictate her future. I want what anyone wants and that is to choose the course of my life for myself. What they will be, I do not know at the moment, but I will not just allow some prophecy to chain me to a man I barely know."
Lady Aella looked up with a small smile. She again took Eleri's arm. "Yes, I think we will be great friends, Lady Eleri. I think our minds might be similar."
She sat at the table with Lady Aella and Lord Havens, who was already in the room when they walked in. He was very kind, asking Eleri if she had all she needed. They talked a little about her father and the plan to take the prince to the Northern Temple. By they were all almost done with the meal, Prince Conri walked in, looking effortlessly handsome in a simple cream-colored shirt and tan pants. He sauntered over to the table, grabbing a sweet roll from a platter and sitting down across from Eleri, looking bored.
"It seems I was late rising today compared to all of you. I'm very surprised to see you, Aella, at the table so early."
Eleri looked at Aella as the woman looked down and blushed. "I found that I woke up with the sun, very refreshed." She looked at Eleri. "I was anxious to get to know our guest."
"I imagine you were," said Prince Conri before he took a bite of his sweet roll.
"Perhaps you would like some tea, your highness," said Eleri a little harshly as she picked up the teapot. "You promised me a walk this morning, and I would like to go soon." She filled his cup and picked up the sugar. She put two heaping spoonfuls in it. "I don't know why, but I take it you like your tea very sweet."
He picked up the cup and took a drink before putting it down. He gave her a mischievous grin. "I like most sweet things in life."
She looked at Lady Aella and rolled her eyes causing the woman to giggle into the teacup she was holding. Lord Havens seemed to be ignoring them as he finished his own cup and wished them a pleasant morning.
The prince finished his sweet roll and drained his cup before standing up. "You will have to excuse us for a little while this morning Aella. I believe it would do better if I walked with Lady Eleri alone. We have some court business to discuss."
Lady Aella rose from the table. "It is no matter. I have a music lesson to attend to. I will speak with you both at lunch." She walked from the table as Eleri picked her tea cup up and took a sip.
"She could have walked with us. Anything we discuss, I do not mind her hearing." Eleri put her tea cup down and wiped her face before standing up. "It might be better if she were there."
Prince Conri walked over to Eleri and offered her his arm. "No. I wish to speak with you alone this morning. You shall be my First Advisor, and I suspect we will spend many hours in personal counsel." She took his arm and he pulled her close. "Who knows, Lady Eleri, you might become more to me than even that."
She looked at him as he gave her another mischievous grin. She half hated him for having such an effect on her. The other half reveled in having him so close. His grin made him even more handsome, and Eleri had a hard time not returning it. She schooled her features into indifference. "Shall we walk, my prince? Where shall we go?"
He pulled he gently towards the doorway. "To the east meadow. It will be chilly outside, but I believe the sun is out and shinning. The colors of the trees are nice right now, and it is the furthest I am supposed to walk from the manor."
They walked into the entry hall where the prince called for their cloaks. When they came, the prince took Eleri's and put it over her shoulders slowly. He even clasped it for her, his hands lingering just a bit as the back of his fingertips grazed her throat. She shuddered slightly and took a step back as he gave her a small smile.
He threw on his own cloak and again offered her his arm. She paused for a moment and looked up at him. He wished to discompose her in some way, but he had no idea who he was dealing with. She took his arm with a charming smile, running her hand down it. "Lead on, my prince."
His grin faded for a moment and his breath looked to catch, but he recovered quickly. A servant opened the door, and they walked out into the bright, cool, autumn morning. Eleri focused on breathing evenly and keeping her heartbeat down as they walked. She knew he could tell how he was affecting her, and she would do all she could to show him how indifferent she could be with him.
It was difficult because her wolf did not want to cooperate. It spoke to her wanting the man whose arm she held. She tried to quiet her inner wolf, but the wolf wasn't having it. It even growled the word mine which made Eleri almost miss a step, causing her to stumble a bit. Prince Conri steadied her, his arm going around her waist.
"Careful, my lady. The ground is a little uneven here. I would hate for you to misstep and hurt your ankle. Though I suppose it wouldn't keep you down long if you heal as quickly as me."
Eleri moved a way a little so he let her go, and they continued on. "I do not heal as quickly as you. My mother was not a shifter, but she left the gift of magic in me. I have ways to heal myself with spells and potions if need be."
"You can really do magic?" asked the prince.
"Yes, of course."
"What kinds of things can you do?"
They came to a large oak tree that's leaves were bright red and gold. Eleri looked at the prince. "Have you never seen anyone do magic?"
"No, my lady. You must remember I have been raised by ordinaries. Most people who come here have no ability whether magic or shifter. Even the tutors brought in did not possess magic. They were only shifters."
Eleri stepped back further from him and closed her eyes, muttering some ancient words her mother had taught her. She raised her hands as her eyes opened, and hundreds of fallen leaves lifted into the air. They swirled around them both as Eleri's hair lifted up. She moved her hands and manipulated the leaves as Prince Conri looked all around. She eventually put her hands down and the leaves settled as the wind died down.
"Impressive," said Prince Conri as he pushed his hair back out of his eyes.
"Not really." Eleri adjusted her cloak. "But it gives you some idea of my magical powers. I can manipulate the elements, curse people in some ways, and even send objects or others to different places. The last is not easy for me though, and it takes a lot out of me."
Prince Conri looked her up and down. "I hope to see more of your magic in the future."
"I am sure you will. Now, do you wish to spend some time in idle chit-chat, or would you like to get down to what we both wish to speak of?"
"How do you know what I wish to speak of, my lady?"
Eleri rolled her eyes. "Don't play coy with me, my prince. We both know about the prophecy and you know how affected I am by you just as I can feel how affected you are by me."
"You are affected by me?" The prince moved closer to her. "Could you elaborate?"
She looked up at him willing herself to keep her ground. She would not be intimidated by him, and she wouldn't be some game for him. "I will leave it up to your imagination unless you want to describe how I affect you."
"You do affect me, my lady, but other young women have as well. You are very beautiful. You might be the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I could show you how you affect me if you would like. Other young women have liked it when I have given them the attention."
She shook her head a little with a small laugh. "I am sure there is someone here on this estate who could tell me plenty about your attentions. I have no doubt she would be happy to let me know."
He faltered at this statement and moved back slightly. "However I have spent time with Aella was done with her free will. She can be quite forward."
"I do not doubt it. She seems a bold woman, and I like her for it. I only hope you know what you are doing. Your court and people will not expect you to marry an ordinary."
"I know what the people expect of me. You do as well. I do care for Aella. I do not wish to break her heart. I have been open and honest with her from the beginning. As much fun of a distraction she is, she could never fully satisfy me. That which lives within me calls out for someone else." He moved towards her again, and Eleri kept her ground.
"I hope you are honest with her, and I hope you find the one who is your true mate someday."
He grinned at her again as he reached forward. He was very close to her as he pulled a leaf out of her hair. "You know I thought to ignore the prophecy. I had no wish to marry some heir of Cadwin because some old woman spoke it a hundred years ago. I want to save our land, but I wish to make my own choices. Now, I wonder, what if what I really want to choose also lines up with the prophecy?"
She looked up at him. The look in his eyes almost caused her to turn away. "You are not the only one who has a say in this, my prince. I know the prophecy very well, and I have long been against it. I will choose my own fate. I have even met another who can quench the longing inside me better than any other man could."
He leaned down. "Even me? My dear, how would you know unless you try?" His hand brushed her cheek, and he looked to be about to pull away.
Eleri didn't like him feeling as though he had won some battle over her so she did something rather foolish. She leaned up and kissed him. She had planned to kiss him quickly and push him away, but the moment her lips met his, something moved through her. She felt connected to him in a way she had never experienced. He didn't move for one moment, probably shocked by her actions, but then he took her into his arms and deepened their kiss.
She was very willing, letting her lips part to grant him access. He tasted of the sweet tea he had drunk earlier and something else she couldn't figure out. Whatever it was, tasted wonderful to her, and she explored his mouth trying to take in more and more. Her hands went around his neck as his moved up her sides. She was sure something in her told her to stop, but it was overruled by her wolf that had come to the surface. She pressed herself against the prince, and he moaned as he pulled back slightly and placed kisses along her throat. She threw her head back to give him access.
She was lost in some strange need for the man who held her. She barely knew him, but she was ready to let him have her as he wished. She felt his tongue against her neck, and she cried out in pleasure. Only one other man had made her feel anything close to this. The thought of Caerwyn caused her to gain the will to push the prince away. He stumbled a little backward as she adjusted her cloak and put her hand to her neck.
"I am sorry, your highness. I didn't mean to take things so far. I am not sure what came over me. I only wish to beat you at your own game."
He chuckled softly. "I am not sure if we both won or lost, Eleri." She looked up at the use of her name. "I think we can drop all formalities after that. I would say we should go our separate ways and keep away from one another, but I don't think it is possible for several reasons."
She shook her head. "I cannot keep away from you. I am your First Advisor, and I have a responsibility to you and the land."
He took her hand and pulled her close to him. "Is that the only reason, Eleri?"
She looked at him. It was not the only reason. Now that she knew what it was to have a taste of him, she worried that she could not be satisfied until she gave and took everything. She at least did not want to be away from him. "No, but it is what we shall focus on right now. There is much that must happen before you can take the throne. Prophecies won't matter if you die in the effort to save the kingdom. Whatever it is between us, we will need to put it aside until we save the land and your crown."
He kissed her hand softly. "I suppose you are right." He gave her a charming smile. "Since you are my First Advisor, I will respect your council and do as you ask for the time being and as well as I can."
"Good, now let us continue on our walk."
He offered her his arm, and they walked on into the field. "Still think that one man can satisfy your longing better than any other?"
She only looked at the prince because she wasn't sure she could give him a definite answer.