Haven: Chronicles of Warshard (21 page)

“Do all women in Seaburn dress like this?” she asked herself as much as she asked the others. They all shrugged. No one really
knew.

CHAPTER 22

H
aven arrived at the grand dining hall feeling rather overdressed. Lareina had continued to dress her in matching jewels and shoes, before tentatively fixing her hair. Part of it stayed pinned to her head in fancy swirls and rings with jewels throughout, while the rest flowed in waves over her shoulders. Haven resisted pulling at the tight pins as she entered the massive hall. She had a hard time not gawking at the magnificent sight before her. It was similar to her ballroom, two stories high, with windows in the top half. It was different because it was circular, with sandstone walls, marble floors, and a gold
ceiling.

“Presenting Haven Fyre, Queen of Rythern, from the realm of the six kingdoms of
Warshard.”

Haven’s gaze fell on the man near the door who announced her as everyone in the room rose. Heat flooded her cheeks. She tentatively stepped inside, her guards following and quickly lining the walls. Haven gazed at the long dining table, her eyes quickly falling on the council member Vas, flanked by King Corrin, Prince Emeril and to her surprise, King Evander. The young queen found her seat by the Calisan king, and beckoned everyone to sit as well. Corrin and Emeril stared at her from across the
table.

“You are a marvel, Lady Queen.” Evander smiled at
her.

While silence had filled the room at her appearance, the muttering of idle chatter
resumed.

“Thank you, Lord King,” she
smiled.

“Not only did you survive Kadia and the journey under the sea, but you look as if you never endured any of it at all,” he
chuckled.

Haven’s grin faltered as she tried to push back the memories of the things the King mentioned. “They call it the gift of long
life.”

Several chuckled around her and she realized that the four foreign Royals had the attention of many surrounding them. Haven tried to act naturally and not fidget too much in her seat. She wasn’t comfortable under their speculative gazes. She suddenly felt like an animal on
display.

“A gift indeed,” Evander
agreed.

“That dress suits you.” Haven’s gaze fell on Corrin, who smiled
sheepishly.

“Thank you,” Haven said, unable to hold back her grin or hold the king’s gaze. “Lareina picked it
out.”

“She has good
taste.”

“She knows me well,” Haven
agreed.

As food was brought to their plates and wine poured in their glasses, they all silently watched the trained movements of the servants. When they had all been served, Haven returned her gaze to Evander, partly to avoid the stares of Corrin and
Emeril.

“Tell me, what news is there?” Haven asked, trying to distract everyone from looking at her. “What have we
missed?”

“Quite a lot, my dear,” Evander laughed. She was glad to see him in good spirits again. Their last meeting had been anything but good. “Our people have settled in well. They stay throughout the city and its bordering towns. Some even remain here in the castle,” he smiled. “The council has done much for our
kingdoms.”

Haven was glad to hear it. But she had more pressing concerns. “How did you arrive in Seaburn? What of
Toma?”

“Toma is fine. He is in the outskirts of the city leading the organization of your people. As for the rest, that’s a story in itself, Lady Queen,” he began. “After the first attack went awry, the second was delayed. Kadia took care of Alton’s men so fast that we could barely recover quickly enough to attack at all. When we did it was long past when we had discussed. During the attack, your friends came and told us what had happened. We left Cidra alone and continued through the tunnel ourselves. We lost a few good men in the expedition, but we emerged in Seaburn not long after the rest of your
people.”

“And what of King Alton?” Haven
asked.

Evander’s smile faltered and his gaze fell to the table. Haven had feared as much. “All of his men were destroyed. Including the king
himself.”

“Blue skies, embrace
him.”

The other monarchs muttered the
same.

“What else has
happened?”

Silence met her question. Haven gazed at the kings. She repeated herself, worry growing inside her
chest.

Evander exchanged a look with Corrin, who
sighed.

“They will not grant our request,” Corrin
said.

Haven gasped.
“What?”

“The council denies our request for soldiers,” Evander clarified. “They will not assist in our
war.”

“But we need their help! We have nowhere else to turn,” Haven found her voice rising. She tried to combat the panic building inside her. Evander gave her a look signifying he knew she was about to react badly. She pulled herself together and took a deep breath. “What are we to do if we can’t use their
soldiers?”

“I don’t know, Lady Queen,” Evander admitted. “But at least we’re all safe for the time
being.”

“Yes, for the time being,” Haven snapped. “How long will that last? A day, a week, a month? Maybe a year if we’re lucky? How long do you think it will be before Kadia comes for
Seaburn?”

She hadn’t realized it until now, but the room had fallen silent with her rising voice. All eyes rested on the young queen. Heat rose to her cheeks. Even the council members up on their dais at the end of the long table looked at her. Haven suddenly stood, her mind made
up.

She moved back from her chair and approached the council. “You deny our request?” she
asked.

Vas stood and bowed slightly. “We regret to inform you that yes, we deny the request of the six
kingdoms.”

Haven’s glare fell on each of the men. “If you will not lend your soldiers, will you take gold, jewels, silks? Will you let us barter for
them?”

Vas exchanged a look with the council, and he frowned. “We do not need your coin, Lady Queen, or the coin of anyone. The republic of Seaburn is wealthy enough as is. We simply do not wish to send our soldiers on a suicide
mission.”

“Suicide mission?” Haven snapped. “What’s suicide is staying here and doing
nothing!”

“This isn’t our war, Lady Queen,” another council member
spoke.

“But it will
be.”

Though they seemed quick to dismiss her at first, their eyes met hers with curiosity now. They were finally truly listening to
her.

“What are you saying?” Vas
asked.

“I’m saying that I’ve heard it from the evil queen herself. Kadia will come for Seaburn next. This isn’t just our war anymore. Kadia’s ambitions extend far beyond our realm. She wants everything – the entirety of the world, if she can.” Haven spoke fiercely, her fists clenched. The rings she wore bit into her hands, but she hardly noticed. “When I was taken prisoner by that evil witch, she held me in confidence. She told me of her plans, and in her insanity, informed me that Seaburn would be her next target. As soon as her ships are repaired, she
will
come. She wants your climate, your gold and your armies. She wants your republic, and if we don’t stop her she
will
take
it.”

Hushed voices filled the room. Vas held up his hand and silenced the voices. He bowed to the young queen. “We will take your words under advisement. If what you say is true, Seaburn may very well be in danger,” he paused, “we will hold a meeting shortly and return with our
decision.”

Haven let out a sigh of
relief.

“Please enjoy your
meals.”

The people paused their murmuring, waiting as Vas took his seat and Haven returned to hers. She sat down carefully and crossed her hands in her lap. She couldn’t believe she’d just done that. Never had she spoken in such a manner, in front of so many people
nonetheless.

“Thank
you.”

Haven met Evander’s eyes. “For
what?”

“For possibly saving our kingdoms,” he
said.

Haven smiled. “I did what I had
to.”

Once the meal had finished and the people dispersed, Haven headed toward the great hall doors. Her guards fell in step, just in time for someone to approach from behind. She felt his presence before she heard her
name.

“Lady Queen.” Haven turned to find Corrin pursuing
her.

The young queen smiled and greeted him. “King Corrin,” she said. In a lovely suit of brown, beige and gold, Corrin fell into step beside her. “That outfit suits
you.”

“I prefer my Wakefin wear.” But he smiled and together they continued down the hall. “You’re much braver than people give you credit
for.”

Haven laughed. “Because I stood before Seaburn’s
council?”

“Yes.”

“I’m sure you would have done the same,” she
insisted.

“Not in the manner you did,” he
grinned.

“And what manner was
that?”

“So brash and brazen with your words. If your tongue had been any sharper, you would have cut
them.”

Haven was about to hit him and quickly reconsidered. She still smiled though, and rolled her eyes. “I spoke the truth in the only way I assumed they would
listen.”

“I like the way you speak,” Corrin laughed. “Your people have a very honest
queen.”

“Haven.” They both turned to find Emeril trailing behind them. Haven
stopped.

“Emeril,” she said, her good mood ripped away and thrown to the
wind.

“I know you don’t want to speak with me, but,” he paused, looking at Corrin. “May I have a
moment?”

Haven sighed and shifted. “I suppose,” she said, “I will see you later Corrin.” The young king nodded and took his leave. Haven’s guards remained close. “Blythe you don’t need to do that.” The woman quickly removed her hand from her sword. She made no apologies, but still remained vigilant as Emeril stepped up beside her and they continued their walk, veering into a lush courtyard. “What is it, Emeril?” she
asked.

The prince didn’t speak at first, simply walked with her. He was so familiar to walk with that Haven had a hard time staying angry with him. His presence had been missed. Though he’d assaulted her in his grief, she knew the prince had not meant to hurt
her.

“I know I’ve apologized already. But it still doesn’t feel like enough,” he began. “I should never have done that to you,” he risked a glance at her guards, but Haven waved them back a bit. “I shouldn’t have touched you that way, I should have stopped when you asked it. I honestly do not know what came over me. I was so caught up in my grief, and I wanted you there so badly. I shouldn’t have let my feelings cloud my judgment. I’m sorry for everything, Haven. I miss you. We were once such good friends, and I’m so angry with myself for destroying that friendship.” He paused. Haven had to fight to replace the moments he spoke of with the moments she cherished. She tried to remember the past, when they were children playing in the castle. They had been friends for years, and maybe once almost lovers. She didn’t see him that way anymore, but she did miss the friend she once
knew.

“I forgive you, Emeril,” she said after a long pause. If her time with Kadia had taught her anything, it was that evil people did evil things, and Emeril wasn’t a bad person. He hadn’t meant to hurt
her.

Emeril stopped and looked at her with big eyes. “You do?” he gasped. “You mean
it?”

Haven nodded. She watched Emeril struggle with wanting to push forward and hug her. She was glad he restrained himself. “I forgive you and accept your apology,” she said. “Maybe we’ll be friends again
someday.”

“Thank you, Haven,” he breathed. “Thank you so much. You don’t know what this means to
me.”

Haven smiled. “I must warn you though, it may take some time to stabilize our friendship. If you’re willing to be patient with me, I think we can be as we once
were.”

Emeril nodded vigorously. “Of course. Take all the time you need. Thank you,
Haven.”

“It’s my pleasure, Emeril,” she said. “Now I wish to return to bed. We’ve come a long
way.”

“Of course,” the prince agreed. “Good night,
Haven.”

“Good night, friend.” Haven couldn’t help but return Emeril’s smile. It was nice to see her old friend happy again. She hoped things would work out, just as they had once
before.

CHAPTER 23

“T
he morning light here is like none other,” Haven sighed. She’d taken to the courtyards the next morning, walking with her guards and Corrin. She basked in the sun, the flowers, the blue skies, and the general beauty of Seaburn. Never in her wildest dreams had Haven pictured such a place. Rythern was cold and stark in
comparison.

“It is wonderful,” Corrin agreed. “The view of the sea is incredible from this
height.”

Haven let her gaze wander to the blue water washing along the horizon. Where the palace stood at the top of a hill, it let the city fall away beneath it, which, in turn, gave way to seas for miles. “It is,” she agreed. They walked beneath an overhang and into a long hall with giant windows facing the ocean. It was a well-planned design, she had to
admit.

“It’s like we’re still outside,” she
said.

Corrin stopped and together they leaned against the stone railing, taking in the view from the comfort of indoors. The heat was wonderful, but if they stayed in it too long, she feared she might faint. Still, she craved the wonderful views and spectacular
landscape.

“I could stay here forever,” Haven sighed, leaning on her
hands.

“You would like Wakefin.” Corrin
smiled.

“Is it like
this?”

“Not as beautiful, but quite warm in comparison to Rythern,” he laughed. “We have beautiful views from the harbors, while still getting to see the mountains in the north. It’s a nice
mix.”

Haven nodded. If she stayed in Seaburn, she would miss her mountains. It had been a long time since she’d seen Wakefin; maybe she would get to visit once they returned home. “I’d like to see it someday,” she
said.

Corrin glanced at her, hope lighting his eyes. Haven knew he assumed far too much, but for the moment she let him. She loved seeing that surprised and delighted look on his face. “You should visit when this is all over,” he said. “I could take you on a tour of the castle, the cities, the kingdom, and the ports. You’d love
it.”

Haven laughed. “I’m sure I
would.”

Suddenly Corrin was leaning forward, placing his hand on hers, fingers brushing her wrist. Only a moment passed before they both pulled apart; Corrin realizing his mistake and Haven cringing from the touch. “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. Goosebumps rose over her flesh, and she stared at her hand in horror. She tried not to remember the feeling of men holding her wrists down, or the way she’d had to grip the makeshift weapon and stab two men to death. “Haven,” he murmured. “I’m sorry, please say
something.”

Haven slowly nodded, taking a deep breath. She held her hand to her chest and stepped away. “It’s alright,” she said. “It’s not your fault. Please don’t blame
yourself.”

Corrin nodded, but she could see the hurt in his eyes, clouding the earlier delight he had
felt.

A loud cough interrupted them. Haven turned to see Vas staring at the two of
them.

“Vas,” they both
said.

“Good morning,” Corrin bowed, and so did the council
member.

“Well met Lord King, Lady Queen,” he greeted
respectfully.

“Well met,” they
repeated.

“I have someone I’d like you to meet,” Vas
said.

Though Haven hadn’t noticed before, behind him stood a young girl of maybe twelve, hair as golden as the sun, and eyes deep like the oceans. Haven blanched, her lips parting in a silent gasp. She knew the face at
once.

“Well met,” Corrin said to the girl, behind who stood another
man.

Haven and the girl stared at each other. She’d seen this doe eyed, beautiful little girl before, though she had been younger in the painting. Haven could not believe her eyes. The girl was so luminescent, it was as if she wasn’t even real. Something ethereal surrounded her that Haven could not explain. She was the girl on Kadia’s painted woman. She was the girl to be their third
sister.

“Hello,” the girl said sheepishly. Her eyes didn’t leave
Haven’s.

Corrin and Vas looked between the
two.

“This is Nina,” Vas continued carefully. “Nina has had a large impact on the new council and how Seaburn has been recently formed. She’s a very smart young girl.” Vas smiled. “And this is her father Lieutenant Drakkone. He’s one of the only Seaburn-born warriors in our
army.”

“Greetings,” Drakkone said, the timber of his voice deep, his accent thick. He had the look of the people of Seaburn, while Nina looked as if she were from Wakefin. It was hard to believe they were
related.

“Good day,” Corrin
said.

“I know you,” Haven said suddenly. All eyes fell on
her.

“Well that’s quite impossible,” Vas began, but was cut
off.

“How?” Drakkone
asked.

“I believe she does, father.” Nina stepped forward, interest flashing through her big beautiful eyes that entranced
Haven.

“How could you know her, Haven?” Corrin asked, as confused as the
others.

“You were much younger in your picture,” Haven
said.

Nina nodded, understanding blooming in her eyes. “You’ve been through a lot, Lady Haven, haven’t you?” she asked. Haven nodded. “Vas has told me some things. I want to help you, if you’ll let me. I can see into your past, your present, your feelings and especially traumatic events. If you let me, I can help you with
that.”

Haven began to nod again. “How can you do
that?”

“How can you heal from any injury?” Nina smiled. “I will have to touch you, but only long enough to see it all.” Haven shook her head. “It will not be for long, Haven. It will help
you.”

The young queen looked at Nina skeptically. If she allowed this girl to touch her and it did help, it would be worth it. But if it didn’t, she might have another anxiety episode. Haven finally nodded. It would be worth it if this stopped it
all.

“All right,” Haven
said.

Nina smiled and they stepped into the middle of the hall together. Corrin and Drakkone hovered behind their respective women, watching to see what was about to unfold. Vas watched with a growing interest as Nina held out her hands. It took Haven a moment, but slowly she placed her hands in
Nina’s.

Suddenly Haven wasn’t in the halls of Seaburn anymore. She was in many places. First, Haven was in her castle in Rythern. She smiled and fought in her sword fighting lessons. Then she was singing in the ballroom, her voice rising into the rafters. Then things took a dark turn. A man on a pike, a rose in his mouth. Nikolai’s head on the meeting table, eyes gouged. Then she was up against a tree, Emeril pinning her down and kissing her while she wept. Then she was fighting for her life in front of Cidra. A sword pierced her back. Haven heard a scream, but she didn’t know from where. Tears slipped down her face as she awoke in Kadia’s castle. She was chained to a slab of wood. A dagger pierced her leg. Two screams. A poker burned across her stomach. More cries of pain. A knife over her arm. Then the water; it gushed down her throat, making her choke again and again. Tears flowed freely. Then it was over. Or so she
thought.

Haven walked the courtyards of Cidra with Kadia, who constantly touched and poked at her. Haven heard a moan. She appeared in that room again. Men held her down and stripped her naked. Kadia hovered over her and painted her naked body. When it was over, she screamed and threatened Haven with rape. The image fast-forwarded. She sat in the corner, staring absently at something. All of a sudden a man was there. He pulled her onto the bed and began to kiss and grope at her body, rip off her clothes, and defile her innocence. Then Haven was stabbing him, and then another. She was soaked in blood. Another scream ripped loose when Haven threw herself from a window. Darkness greeted her. Then she woke, gasping for air, spitting out the water that drowned her. Haven heard coughing, but she wasn’t sure if it was her anymore. Finally Haven stood in warm sand and gazed at a beautiful city. She sighed in
relief.

Haven and Nina both collapsed to the ground. Tears fell from both their faces and they held each other. Haven shivered violently, while Nina struggled to get a hold of herself. Haven stared wide-eyed at the ground, trying to sift through her thoughts and put herself back in the present. The images were still there, but they were slowly
fading.

Corrin and Drakkone rushed forward as the girls fell, but hesitated to interrupt either of them. Haven saw their boots nearby. They both shifted
uncomfortably.

“I’m so sorry, Haven,” Nina breathed against Haven’s hair, her voice a simple whisper. “I’m so sorry.” Haven just nodded and let the girl hold her. She was small, but her arms wrapped around her torso. “I’m sorry you had to go through any of that. I feel your pain like it is my own,” she sniffed. “I’ll carry it with me, you don’t have to be alone.” Haven just nodded again, slowly pulling from the haze in her mind. “You can accept and get passed this. Don’t let Kadia win. You’re not with her anymore. You’re in Seaburn. Heavens, I’m so sorry.” Nina stroked her hair and Haven closed her eyes, willing the tears and the shaking to
stop.

When she felt she had returned to her own body, Haven calmed down, surprised to find that Nina’s touch didn’t bother her. In fact, the comfort was welcome. Haven leaned into it, hugging her back. If Nina had seen and felt all of that as she did, she understood where the screams, gasps, and cries had come from. Nina didn’t know pain like Haven did. Haven got used to it as she healed from it. Nina, on the other hand, was so young and had probably never been hurt that gravely in her
life.

“You shouldn’t have done that if you knew you’d feel it,” Haven breathed, “It’s too much pain for someone so
young.”

“It’s okay,” Nina smiled, holding her tightly. “You needed
it.”

Haven nodded and opened her eyes. Nina let her go as she scooted back. Haven was happy to find that no one had stopped in passing to watch this. She was embarrassed enough with Corrin, Vas and Drakkone
hovering.

“We should go outside and get some fresh air,” Nina
said.

Haven agreed and they slowly stood. When Corrin reached to help her up, she didn’t recoil or cringe away. Though she wasn’t completely comfortable, she was glad his touch no longer terrified her so deeply. Corrin seemed just as surprised and couldn’t stop himself from grinning ear to
ear.

“You’re okay?” Drakkone asked, the concern of a father all over his face. He brushed his daughter’s hair back and held her
tightly.

“I’m fine, daddy,” she
whispered.

“Good,” he said, patting her hair as she let
go.

“I should be going,” Vas said awkwardly from the edge of their group. The rest of them nodded and said goodbye before adjourning back to the
courtyards.

The sun was a welcome relief on her face. Haven sighed aloud and moved through the gardens with Corrin by her side. They eventually sat beside a small fountain with benches surrounding it. It was private enough that they need not worry about anyone listening
in.

“You like the gardens?” Nina
asked.

“Very much.” Haven smiled. She’d wiped the tears from her face, and was happy to find her nose
clearing.

“I love being outside within them. They’re very calming,” Nina
said.

“They are,” Haven
agreed.

“What is your realm like?” Nina
asked.

“Different,” Haven began. “Not quite as beautiful as
yours.”

“Tell me about
it.”

Haven and Corrin were happy to discuss their home, finding stories and descriptions coming easily. It had been some time now since they’d been in their respective kingdoms, but the memories were fresh and vivid. Corrin became more animated as he spoke of Wakefin, while Haven laughed along at how ridiculous some of his descriptions were. Soon, they all found themselves enjoying each other’s company while basking in the afternoon
sun.

“You remind me much of my mother,” Nina said once they had finished. Drakkone didn’t speak much, but she couldn’t help but notice his eyes sadden. Haven recognized that look. He truly loved her. Haven couldn’t imagine such a
loss.

“What was she like?” Haven
asked.

“Strong, beautiful, and very protective,” Nina sighed. “She was like you in that way. She always protected me, even at great costs to
herself.”

“She died protecting
you?”

Nina nodded
sadly.

“Blue skies embrace her,” Haven said. Nina thanked her, and reached forward to hold her hand. Haven tentatively complied. “She sounds like an amazing
woman.”

“And much like you,” Corrin
agreed.

Haven smiled and shot him a look. He replied with a grin of his
own.

“If only she had the same ability as you, Lady Queen,” Drakkone
sighed.

“Mother was happy, daddy.” Nina let go of Haven’s hand so she could take her father’s. “She got what she wanted in the end. She’s looking down at us, I’m
sure.”

Drakkone nodded, but didn’t say anything
further.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Corrin said. “Was it some time
ago?”

“Yes, quite a while now,” Nina sighed, squeezing her father’s hand. “Her name was Breen. She went through a lot like you have, Haven. But it made her stronger. Everything that happened made my mother stronger. She was the fiercest warrior in
Seaburn.”