Mysterious Warriors: Alone (14 page)

~ Chapter 32 ~

              Tara lay back on her soft mattress. She watched the sun shine in her room from the large windows as Rachel, Pearl, and Monika played with Elena on the rugs covering the floor.

              “He really said ‘I love you?’” Rachel shook her head.

              “Just don’t say ‘I told you so.’”

              “You have quite an interesting love life.” Monika stated. “I’ve only loved one man, and he’s the only man I’ve had a relationship with.”

              Tara shifted to face her friends.

              “What about you Pearl?” Monika asked.

              “Ian’s the first and only man I’ve loved as well.” She answered as she rested her hands on her still flat belly. “Being a maid in Zorba’s Reach didn’t make men line up to court me.”

              “Being a princess in Zorba’s Reach hasn’t made men line up for me or Rachel either.” Tara pointed out.

              “Right.” Rachel rolled her eyes. “You are courting Stefan, and Alex has declared his love for you. You’re having such a terrible love life.”

              “It’s taken many years to get here.” Tara frowned. “The first two men I wanted to love never cared for me in the way I wanted them to.”

              “Because one was a woman.” Rachel stated.

              “I didn’t know.”

              “But I don’t think that counts as being rejected.” Rachel explained.

              Elena cooed as she rolled from Rachel to Pearl, giggling as the baby reached her aunt.

              “Thomas completely rejected me.” Tara paused. “Well, I guess I never really told him how I felt, and he fell in love with Pirata without ever knowing I loved him. I always wonder if he would have loved me if he’d known I’m Cabaya.”

              Rachel’s eyes widened, and she glanced from Tara to Monika.

              “You don’t know your sister’s Cabaya?” Monika frowned.

              “I do.” Rachel shook her head. “How do you know?”

              “You told—” Pearl trailed off, and she cleared her throat. “Tara told me when I was her maid.”

              “I’m also one of the Mysterious Warriors.” Monika explained and brought her hands in front of her, drawing a line of water in the air.

              “You’re a fairy?” Rachel gasped. “You control water. I’ve only heard stories of women who can control water like that.”

              Monika brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “You know Vance?”

              Rachel’s deep blue eyes widened. “What?”

              “He told you about me.” Monika explained. “Vance doesn’t know where I am, and you must never reveal who I am to him. He must continue to think I’m dead.”

              “You’re the love Vance lost?” Rachel shook her head. “He always told me incredible stories about you and the
Mprozo Bon
crew. He loves you so much, even still.”

              “I know.” Monika whispered.

              “Then why don’t you tell him?” Pearl asked.

              Monika told them about the curse, and Tara watched as her friends bonded with her maid.

              “I’m so sorry.” Rachel embraced Monika.

              Elena squawked, and she sat up. Rachel chuckled as she moved her baby to her lap.

              “You must know Vance well.” Monika looked at Rachel.

              Rachel glanced at Tara. “You really trust her?”

              Tara nodded.

              “Vance saved me when I was little.” Rachel explained. “After he did, he trained me to fight and protect myself. He encouraged me to use the skills he taught me to protect the people of Junipero, especially Lower City.”

              Monika’s mouth dropped. “You’re Lunette?”

              “Tara and Pearl already know.” Rachel added.

              “You stopped protecting people when you found out you were pregnant, didn’t you?” Monika touched the baby’s dark head. Elena grabbed Monika’s hand and held her finger.

              “Yes.” Rachel smiled. “I didn’t want to risk the safety of my baby.”

              “You are a true hero.” Monika stated. “Everyone in Lower City would love to thank you.”

              Rachel shrugged. “Vance and Pearl always helped me so much. Vance was a great trainer, and Pearl helped me keep my identity secret. I don’t know what my parents would do if they ever found out I was Lunette.”

              “Mother would probably expire from shock and repulsion.” Tara paused. “Imagine if she found out about the both of us.”

              “She would probably execute Vance and me.” Pearl paused. “Not even Ian would be able to save me from the queen’s wrath.”

              “Then we need to make sure she never finds out her daughters are brave heroes.” Monika shook her head. “It’s kind of sad.”

              “My mother-in-law knows I’m Lunette.” Rachel stated. “She’s proud that her son married me. I was so shocked when she told me she knew the truth.”

              “Addison is a wonderful woman.” Monika stretched. “She was never afraid of following her heart and going against convention.”

              “You know my mother-in-law?”

              “I knew her for a while back in the day.” Monika shrugged. “I met a lot of people during my adventures.”

~ Chapter 33 ~

              The rain made her grip slick as Cabaya raised the bow and arrow. She aimed and shot, killing the woman beside the two bounty hunter men.

              The blond with knotted hair turned his dark gaze toward Cabaya, and Cabaya’s heart sped. She gasped and knelt. What if her mother found out her secret? She truly would execute Vance and Pearl. Maybe Tara could save their lives, but her mother would never forgive her. Queen Margaret would destroy anything associated with the Mysterious Warriors, and she would keep Tara locked up.

              In. Out. Deep breaths. In. Out.

              Cabaya stood as she gripped her bow. She watched as Kitnan stepped away from the woman she’d been fighting. Kitnan’s blade shot back into her pegleg, and she crossed her arms and stood against the rotted doorway. She watched with apathy as Koketa was punched in the face. Koketa looked up. “Have I ever told you how much nobles absolutely disgust me? They’re just pompous idiots who think since they were born into privilege they should get something precious for it. They have no honor or bravery.”

              “Women.” Galdut slammed a man into a doorway, breaking the rotten wood with the man’s body. “Do you know how annoying it is to work with so many women? And yet I’ve done it my whole life, first on the
Mprozo Bon
and now here in Junipero. It’s infuriating. Why do I continue to put myself in this situation?”

              “Cabaya!” Sacrifice climbed to join her. “Do you love me? I need to know if you do. This pain of the unknown is killing me.”

              “I can’t let my mother know about you.” Cabaya grabbed his arms and pulled him up. In. Out. Deep breaths. In. Out. “She will kill you if she knows I care about you. I can’t put your life in danger.” Cabaya closed her eyes, holding onto one of Sacrifice’s hands. In. Out. Deep breaths. In. Out.
Cabaya must give Tara the emotion so Cabaya can continue to fight. You are a person under that mask, and you must be willing to give your emotions away. While you are Cabaya, you no longer have emotions. Take away Black Hood’s weapon, and she won’t be able to wound you anymore.
In. Out. Deep breaths. In. Out.
Cabaya gave Tara a gift. Tara opened it, and she pulled something bright and formless from the box. It shone emerald and bright.
In. Out. Deep breaths. In. Out.

              Cabaya opened her eyes in time to see the man with knotted blond hair throw his knife. Cabaya didn’t have time to warn Sacrifice, and she cried out as the bounty hunters ran into the darkness. Sacrifice fell; the dark hilt of the blade protruded from his back.

              “Sacrifice!” Cabaya jumped from the roof. She landed beside him, and Kitnan rushed to them.

              “Sacrifice.” Kitnan looked at Sarasa. “Thou knoweth what thoust to doeth.”

              Sarasa nodded as she gently took hold of Sacrifice’s arms.

              “What are you doing?” Cabaya demanded.

              “I’m going to get him healed.” Sarasa answered as her bright blue wings outstretched. “We’ll be back.” She shot into the sky, carrying Sacrifice in her strong arms.

              Cabaya fell to her knees, and she couldn’t hold the torrent of water back anymore. She wailed, and she didn’t care that Kitnan, Galdut, and Koketa watched in silence as Cabaya came to terms about her feelings. She loved Sacrifice. She pulled the jade pendant free from under her shirt and held the arrowhead. Tears washed her face as she prayed for Sacrifice.

~ Chapter 34 ~

              Tara took a deep breath as she knocked on Stefan’s door.

              He opened it, and he smiled at her. Her heart clenched, and she wasn’t sure she could do what she needed to.

              “Hello my Little Hummingbird.”

              “Hello Stefan.” She took another deep breath. “I was hoping you could accompany me in the gardens for a walk.”

              “It is a beautiful day.” He agreed. “It seems ridiculous to waste the day away inside when the sun is shining so brightly.”

              She nodded.

              They walked outside, and Tara played with her hands. She was nervous as they walked through the gardens.

              “You should probably just tell me what’s on your mind.” Stefan stated.

              “We’ve been courting for almost five months.” Tara began. “I’m glad we tried courting, but I’m afraid that this isn’t working for me anymore.”

              “What?”

              “I don’t love you.” Tara explained.

              “We’ve only known each other five months.” He looked at her. “I know you like me. You just need more time to love me.”

              “I don’t know if that’s what I need.”

              “Is it someone else?” Stefan paused. “It’s Alex, isn’t it?”

              “No.” She couldn’t tell him the truth. “I’m sorry Stefan.”

              “Don’t give up on us.” He took her hands and kissed her fingers. “I love you Tara, and I know you care for me. You’ll love me soon, and you’ll know this is a mistake.” He gently ran a finger along the chain of her necklace. “Please don’t end our relationship. Don’t do that to us.”

              She looked into his brown eyes, her heart felt like a hummingbird, and she nodded. “Alright.”

              He brushed her cheek with his lips, and small shivers rushed down her spine. “Thank you, Little Hummingbird.”

              Queen Margaret Colville sat beside her husband in court. She was already tired of listening to the whining people wanting protection from Black Hood and Felix, food for their families, and so many other ills dealt to them. She sighed and glanced to her left. Tara sat on the other side of her father.

              She was poised and straight as she watched the people, speaking to children and women, men who needed to bathe, and families alike. Tara’s dark hair was netted in silver and gems, and she wore a fitted deep purple gown which made her green eyes stand out. Queen Margaret noticed how much her daughter was changing, and she was forming a stronger, more sympathetic heart for their people.

              It was sick.

              Tara had to consume more of her time with the baron. Stefan wouldn’t wait to get assurances from her forever, and Tara was enjoying her time at court. She stayed the entire session now, and her responsibilities seemed to fill her. It was unacceptable.

              “Oohhh!” Queen Margaret gasped as she slouched in her throne, bringing a hand to her face.

              “My darling.” King Warren cut off the woman speaking and rushed to the queen’s side.

              Queen Margaret groaned and batted her eyes several times. Alice and Robin rushed to her side, and Queen Margaret hoped she was pale.

              “I can continue court if you wish to take my mother up to her room.” Tara came to her father’s side.

              “Nonsense.” Queen Margaret moaned. “I need you by my side.”

              “Why me?” Tara’s voice lowered. “You have Alice and Roanna to help you.”

              Roanna? Was that Robin’s name? Queen Margaret rolled her eyes, closed them, and locked her knees. She dropped to the ground, and King Warren shouted something. Queen Margaret convulsed, quite satisfied by her acting talents. She moaned and grasped at hands near her face. The queen opened her eyes as King Warren hoisted her in his arms. “We will suspend court for the time being.”

              “Father.” Tara argued.

              “Your mother needs us.” King Warren glared at her. “Find your sister and tell her what’s happened.” He looked at Alice. “Get my wife’s maids.”

              “Yes Your Majesty.” Alice curtsied and rushed away.

              Robin, Roanna, followed the king as he carried the queen up the stairs. Queen Margaret didn’t love her husband, but she adored how he loved her. He was infatuated, always believing she loved him as much as he did her. He was so predictable.

              King Warren set her on her silk sheets and touched her head with his warm hand. “You are cold my darling.”

              “I probably have the measles.” She caught his hand as she brought the back of his fingers against her cool cheek.

              “You need to rest my love.” He kissed her forehead. “Roanna, she needs something to drink.”

              “Yes Your Majesty.” She curtsied and left the room as Alice returned with Terena and Lyssa.

              Queen Margaret looked at her ladies as Alice touched her cool head. “Do you need a blanket my queen?”

              “That would be nice.” Queen Margaret stated.

              Alice moved to get a mink blanket. Terena sat beside the queen and pressed a cool rag to her forehead. “What do you need us to do?”

              “Take care of my wife.” King Warren stated. “Make sure she’s well.”

              “Yes Your Majesty.” Alice glanced at the king as she laid the blanket across Queen Margaret.