Chapter 42

From under her long hood, Meera peered at the Vorean market before her, crowded and busy just like any of its kind. Eryx held her hand tightly as he kept his head down and guided her through the icy path toward the back alleys. The bells of the temple could be heard over the voices and the scent of warm maple syrup clung to the air.

The market was a bustling hive of activity, even in the cold grip of winter. Stalls lined the main square, their wooden frames creaking under the weight of snow. Merchants hawked their wares, shouting over the din to attract customers. Baskets of root vegetables, barrels of salted fish, and bundles of dried herbs created a patchwork of colors against the frosty backdrop. Fur-clad townsfolk haggled over prices, their breath forming misty clouds in the frigid air.

Children darted between the legs of the adults, chasing each other and occasionally slipping on the icy cobblestones. The clinking of coins and the rustling of goods added to the cacophony. Near a large bonfire, a group of minstrels played cheerful tunes, their fingers red and raw from the cold but their spirits high. The fire's warmth attracted many, and the scent of roasting chestnuts wafted through the market, mingling with the sweet aroma of maple syrup.

Meera and Eryx walked along the walls, avoiding the crowd until they were yards away from the city gates. Eryx pulled her behind himself as he peeked around the corner. The back alleys were quieter, the sounds of the market fading to a dull roar. Snow crunched under their boots, and the shadows of the narrow streets seemed to wrap around them like a cloak. The stone walls of the buildings were slick with ice, and icicles hung from the eaves, glittering in the dim light.

"How often do the guards change?" Meera asked, her eyes moving over the men in their uniforms and armor. The guards stood rigid at their posts, their breath visible in the frigid air. Their chainmail glinted under the weak winter sun, and their helms cast shadows over their stern faces.

"Three times a day," Eryx replied. "Next change is at noon. But even with the changing of guards, we won't be able to make it out. The gates are closed during the transition and they only open after the new guards have taken their post."

"How do you plan on getting past them?" Meera asked. Her voice was low, cautious, as she glanced at the formidable gates and the vigilant guards patrolling atop the walls, their eyes scanning the crowd below.

"We go tonight," Eryx explained. "In the evening, the gates are crowded with people trying to leave the city for the day. Although everyone is searched, it's not as thorough. We have to find someone willing to smuggle us out in their caravan."

"Who?" Meera asked. "We can't go around asking everyone." She shivered slightly, the cold seeping through her cloak, and pulled it tighter around herself.

"No," Eryx shook his head. "But I do know someone who might be willing to help us."

"Who?"

Eryx raised his chin toward the wet market. Meera followed his gaze toward the butcher shops and fish vendors. The smell of fresh fish mingled with the sharp tang of blood from the butcher's stalls. She couldn't understand who he was referring to until her eyes landed on a very familiar face.

"Bou?" Meera arched her brow, recognizing the fisherman from Azmeera. Bou was haggling with a customer over a large, gleaming fish, his heavy coat dusted with snowflakes.

"He has been bringing fish and fruits for you from Azmeera," Eryx said. "I gave him papers with the palace seal to speed up his process through customs. We have the best shot with him."

Meera nodded. Her heart began to thump faster with the news of their escape. She waited until Eryx took her hand once more and led her toward Bou's shop. The skinny man was too busy icing his fish to notice the pair at first. His hands moved deftly, arranging the day's catch on a bed of fresh snow, the fish glistening in the winter light. The sharp smell of fresh fish mingled with the cold, crisp air.

As they neared, Bou looked up and paused, his face etched with weariness from a long day. "What would you like?" he asked, disinterested in making an actual sale. "I only have freshwater fish today. Caught in our lakes in Azmeera. Thirty bronze coins a pound."

"Bou," Meera called his name quietly, lifting her face just long enough for the man to catch a glimpse of her features. Her voice was soft but urgent, carrying a weight that cut through the market noise.

Bou looked up, his brows knitting together until he recognized the figure standing before him. His eyes widened in shock, and he instinctively looked around to ensure no one else had noticed.

"Don't say anything," Meera held up a finger to her lip. "Don't make a sound."

"Princess," Bou whispered, walking around the table of fish to stand before Meera. The snow crunched under his boots, and he wiped his hands nervously on his apron. "What a surprise? What are you doing here?"

"We need your help," Meera stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bou's eyes flickered with concern as he glanced at Eryx. He wiped his hands again, more out of nervousness than need. "How can I help, your grace?"

"Not here," Eryx said, looking around cautiously. The bustling market was full of potential eavesdroppers. "Meet us at the Rose Tavern in about an hour. Go to the back and ask to speak to Eric Shalby."

"Eric Shalby," Bou nodded. "Okay."

"Don't tell anyone," Meera took the man's hand, her grip firm and desperate. "Please, Bou. No stories about this to a soul. My life is in danger."

"I give you my word, Princess," Bou nodded with sincerity, his face earnest.

"Thank you," Eryx said. "Remember. The Rose Tavern."

"Yes, your grace," Bou bowed his head respectfully.

Eryx stepped back, scanning the area to ensure they hadn't attracted unwanted attention. His large, warm hand found Meera's, tugging her closer. "Come on," he said. "We can't be here for too long."

They slipped back into the shadows of the alley, the noise of the market fading behind them. The cold air bit at their cheeks, but the urgency of their mission kept them moving swiftly, their breaths forming clouds in the frigid air.

______________________

"Eric Shalby?" Meera arched her brow with curiosity as she removed her cloak and took a seat. She had followed Eryx to the secluded back of the Rose Tavern where they were out of sight from the other customers. The wooden walls were darkened with age, and the low ceiling beams added to the cozy, if somewhat claustrophobic, atmosphere.

"Just a name I used to use," Eryx smiled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No, thank you," Meera shook her head, though the warm, inviting smell of spiced ale was tempting.

"I want you to try something," the small smile on Eryx's lips widened. "It's not your sugar dumplings, but it's the best I can offer you."

"What is it?" Meera asked, leaning forward to feel the warmth of the oil lamp on the table. The winter sunlight barely made it in through the windows. The tavern was dimly lit by oil lamps and dripping candles, casting flickering shadows on the rough wooden walls. The scent of ale and whiskey hung heavy in the air, mingling with the faint, sour aroma of old wood and smoke. From somewhere upstairs, the mournful strains of a broken harp could be heard.

"One moment," Eryx said as he turned on his heels and exited the small booth. Meera sat back and wrapped her arms around herself, her eyes scanning the paintings on the wall of King Hemming and the other royals. The flickering candlelight gave the portraits an eerie, lifelike quality. She felt a shiver run down her back as she stared into the king's cold, dark eyes.

Her heart pinched as she wondered about the warmth, or the lack thereof, Eryx might have experienced growing up from his parents. The thought suddenly made her want to hold him in her arms and give him all the love she could. The tavern's dim light and the sense of impending danger made her acutely aware of how much Eryx meant to her.

Moments later, Eryx returned, carrying a small tray with two steaming mugs. He set them down on the table with a flourish.

"It's warm apple cider," he explained, sitting down across from her. "Perfect for a cold day like this."

Meera picked up one of the mugs, the warmth seeping into her chilled fingers. She took a tentative sip, the spicy, sweet flavor warming her from the inside out. She smiled at Eryx, feeling a bit of the tension melt away.

"This is wonderful," she said softly.

Eryx's smile widened, a hint of relief in his eyes. "There's more."

Meera set down her mug and watched as Eryx lifted the cover off the silver plate to reveal a small mound of fresh, fluffy snow. A thick, amber-like sauce dripped from the small mountain before her, and a hint of crushed nuts could be seen embedded within.

"What is it?" Meera asked curiosity and anticipation in her voice.

"This," Eryx beamed as he pushed the plate closer to Meera, "is the Snow Queen, Your Highness."

Meera watched the amber drip down like lava. Her mouth watered as the sweet scent danced before her, and Eryx handed her a spoon.

"Warm rose honey and toasted crushed nuts on a bed of fresh, untouched snow," Eryx explained. "My favorite."

Eager to please her sweet tooth, Meera dug in with her spoon. She scooped up some of the snow along with the honey and nuts and placed it in her mouth.

"Mmm," Meera's eyes widened, earning a laugh from Eryx. "The snow... it's..."

"It's shaved frozen cream," Eryx took a spoonful for himself.

Meera watched him as she quietly set her spoon down. Her belly clenched as her gaze tracked Eryx's tongue licking the honey off the spoon. The flickering light of the oil lamp played over his features, casting shadows that highlighted the sharp angles of his face and the softness of his smile.

For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. The danger, the urgency, the cold—all of it faded into the background as she focused on Eryx. She felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the cider or the honeyed snow.

The broken harp upstairs played a haunting melody, the notes drifting down to them like echoes from another world. The scent of ale and whiskey mingled with the sweet aroma of their dessert, creating a cocoon of warmth Meera did not want to leave.

"You don't like it?" Eryx asked, noticing the way she had set down her spoon.

"I do," Meera smiled, lifting the spoon once more. "Very much."

"Growing up, Sven and I would come down here to the market and eat nine or ten of these," Eryx said, his eyes sparkling with the memory.

"What else did you do?" Meera wondered, wanting to know more about his life. She leaned in closer, the warmth from the oil lamp casting a gentle glow on her face.

"I would sneak into the orphanage to go see him, and Tayleen would chase me away," Eryx chuckled.

"I can see him doing that," Meera laughed, the sound light and melodic in the dimly lit tavern.

Eryx continued to grin as he scraped off some more snow. When he looked up, he reached out and wiped the corner of Meera's mouth with his thumb.

"Can you imagine eating a Snow Queen while lying in the sand in Azmeera?" he asked, absentmindedly sucking the honey off his thumb. "That would be heaven."

"Fire and Ice," Meera spoke, trying to keep her voice even as her belly clenched once again.

"Speaking of fire..." Eryx's brows furrowed. "Have you had any more dreams?"

Meera shook her head, "No."

"Good," Eryx nodded. "I know Jasper and Arthur must have heard about us by now. I'm sure they will try to contact you."

"I'm not interested in hearing what they have to say."

Eryx slowly nodded once more. He silently took another bite of the dessert and let it sit on his tongue. The tension in his shoulders was visible as he began to pick at the nuts, his mind clearly elsewhere.

"What is it?" Meera asked, noticing the crease in his brows.

"I've been thinking about the little boy they were trying to take with them."

Meera cleared her throat, "What about him?"

"They've never done something like that before," Eryx said. "They don't just leave hound puppies out in the open. How did the boy get his hands on them?"

"Do you think it was a trap?"

"I hope not," Eryx sighed. "It would mean they're after our children."

"Eryx..." Meera began slowly, her heart suddenly beating a little faster. Her throat dried up as she leaned forward. "The last time I spoke to Arthur... he... he mentioned something to me."

Eryx arched his brow, "What did he mention?"

"He said they found the ai—" Meera's words were cut off by a loud crash from the tavern's main room. Her heart skipped a beat as she instinctively reached for Eryx's hand. Eryx's eyes sharpened, and he stood up quickly, pulling Meera with him.

"Stay close to me," Eryx whispered as they both stood.

Heavy footsteps overtook the music of the broken harp, and the sound of metal clanging together drowned out the chimes of glasses clinking. Meera moved closer to Eryx as her eyes scanned the back room for an exit. She calculated the distance from the table to the door and knew immediately they would not make it before anyone from the main room saw them. Beside her, Eryx lifted his nose and sniffed the air.

"What is it?" Meera asked.

"Andrick," Eryx's eyes darkened. "And Dawn."

Meera began to scan the room once more. Her eyes were drawn to the small glass window. She quickly wrapped her hand in her cloak and smashed the glass.

"Let's go," she said to Eryx, not wanting to wait around to face Dawn or Andrick.

As the sound of raised voices and clattering dishes echoed through the tavern, Eryx stepped away from the table and grabbed Meera's waist. He lifted her up and helped her climb through the window before lifting himself up and slipping out. As they stepped into the cold, dim alleyway behind the tavern, Meera felt a rush of fear and adrenaline. She glanced back at Eryx, who was scanning the surroundings with a wary eye.

Taking her hand, Eryx turned toward the main roads. "They'll be searching the alleyways," he explained. "We can blend in better with the crowd, and if they have Zeya or Sven with them, the marketplace can hide our scent."

Placing her hood back over her head, Meera fell into step behind Eryx. The bitter cold and the icy wind nibbled at her nose as they seamlessly merged with the flow of the market and turned towards the main roads. But before they could get far, the town bell began to ring.

"What is it?" Meera asked, looking around as everyone around them stilled. "What's going on?"

"Andrick," Eryx growled under his breath as the palace soldiers began to usher the crowd towards the center of the market.

The market, which had been bustling with activity, fell into an eerie silence as the soldiers methodically moved people along. The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted chestnuts was now overshadowed by the tension in the air. Meera's heart pounded as she watched the soldiers' disciplined movements, their armor clinking with each step

Meera and Eryx were forced to go with the grain of traffic as everyone gathered around the wooden platform in the center. They watched from under their hoods as Andrick and Dawn stepped up and let their gaze sweep over the crowd. The winter sun hung low, casting long shadows and an eerie glow on the scene.

"I'm sure many of you have heard by now about my brother's betrayal," Andrick began, his hand resting upon the hilt of his sword. His voice carried a cold authority that sent shivers down Meera's spine. "The Azmeerean Princess has corrupted my brother with her witchcraft."

Meera looked around as the crowd began to murmur. She felt her heart lodge into her throat as a few men nodded their heads in agreement. The winter air seemed to grow colder, the breath of the townsfolk visible as they whispered among themselves.

"My brother's betrayal to his family, to his homeland, and to his people has brought profound shame to our great nation," Andrick continued, his voice rising with emotion. "We will not let a woman from Azmeera soil our reputation. We are not weak, we are Voreans!"

The murmur grew louder, a wave of unease rippling through the crowd. Meera stepped closer to Eryx, seeking comfort in his presence. The market square, filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts and fresh pine, now seemed suffocating.

"Today, I stand before you with Lady Dawn to ask you for your help," Andrick began slowly, his tone shifting to one of calculated persuasion. "Help me bring the witch and the traitor prince to court. They have not left Voreios. I have great faith in my countrymen."

Eryx's hand tightened around Meera's, his grip a silent promise of protection. She glanced up at him, seeing the tension in his jaw and the determination in his eyes.

"But after my brother's betrayal, one can never be too cautious," Andrick said, his voice taking on a sinister edge. "I trust you will do the right thing. But if you don't..."

Suddenly, the crowd gasped as the soldiers dragged Tayleen onto the stage. Meera's eyes widened just as her heart fell from her chest. The familiar face of Tayleen, bruised and bound, was a horrifying sight.

"Let me remind you what happens to traitors," Andrick's wicked eyes shimmered like flames from hell. He drew his sword, its blade catching the dim light, and pointed it menacingly at Tayleen.

The crowd fell into a tense silence, the weight of Andrick's words and actions pressing down on them. Meera's mind raced, her body trembling with a mix of fear and anger. She felt Eryx's hand grip hers even tighter.

"Our dear friend over here has been helping the Azmeerean Witch," Andrick said, looking at Tayleen with hatred. "This morning, he tried to pawn these."

Meera's eyes widened as she stared at the pair of gold earrings she had given to the old man. Her eyes watered as one of the soldiers pushed Tayleen down to his knees and jerked his head back.

The earrings gleamed in the light, their delicate craftsmanship a stark contrast to the brutality unfolding on the platform. Meera's heart ached as she recalled the moment she had given those earrings to Tayleen as a token of her gratitude and friendship.

"He claimed he found them," Andrick continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "But we know the truth. These belong to the witch, and this traitor thought he could sell them without consequence."

Tayleen's face was contorted in pain, but his eyes remained defiant. The crowd watched in stunned silence, the weight of Andrick's accusations sinking in.

"We will make an example of him," Andrick declared, drawing his sword and holding it high. "Let this be a lesson to all who would aid our enemies."

Meera felt Eryx's grip tighten around her hand, his knuckles white with suppressed rage. She knew they had to act quickly, but any sudden movement could spell disaster for them all.

"Stay calm," Eryx whispered, his voice steady despite the turmoil in his eyes. "We'll find a way to save him."

As Andrick raised his sword, preparing to deliver the fatal blow, Meera's mind raced. She scanned the crowd, looking for any sign of an opportunity, any distraction they could use to intervene. The marketplace, once a bustling hub of commerce, now felt like a prison, the walls closing in around them.

Suddenly, a loud shout rang out from the back of the crowd. Heads turned as a commotion erupted, people pushing and shoving to see what was happening. Meera seized the moment, pulling Eryx with her as they slipped through the throng of people.

"Now," she urged, her voice urgent but quiet. They moved swiftly, keeping their heads down and their movements quick. The distraction had given them a small window, and they had to take advantage of it.

As they neared the edge of the platform, Eryx let go of Meera's hand and darted toward Tayleen. With a swift, practiced motion, he knocked the soldier holding Tayleen to the ground and grabbed the old man's arm.

"Run!" Eryx shouted, shoving Tayleen towards the alleyway. Meera was already moving, her heart pounding in her chest as she made a path through the crowd. She glanced back to see Eryx fighting off another soldier, his movements quick and precise.

Tayleen stumbled but regained his footing, following Meera as they raced towards the alleyway. Andrick's soldiers began to surround them, coming from all sides as Dawn jumped off the wooden stage and drew her sword.

"Get behind me," Meera said to Tayleen as they were stopped before they could reach the end of the alleyway. She quickly pulled the small dagger from her boots and held it out before her.

"You can't outrun us, Meera," Dawn laughed, her steps like a cat stalking a mouse. Her eyes glinted with cruel amusement as she closed in on them, her sword glinting menacingly in the dim light.

"Your problem is with me," Meera said, her voice steady despite the fear gnawing at her insides. "Let Tayleen go. He has nothing to do with any of this."

Dawn's laughter echoed through the narrow alley, her eyes never leaving Meera. "You really think you're in a position to negotiate?" she sneered.

The soldiers tightened their circle, their armor clinking ominously. Meera could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. She tightened her grip on the dagger, her mind racing for a way out.

Dawn took another step forward, her smile widening. "Surrender now, and maybe I'll let the old man live," she taunted.

Meera's eyes flickered to Tayleen, who stood trembling behind her. She couldn't let him die because of her. Summoning all her courage, she took a deep breath and met Dawn's gaze head-on.

"Never," she spat.

Dawn's smile vanished, replaced by a look of cold fury.

"So be it," she hissed, raising her sword.

Before Dawn could strike, Eryx's wolf form lunged forward. The alley erupted into chaos as the soldiers moved in, swords flashing and bodies colliding.

Meera ducked and dodged, her dagger slicing through the air as she fought to protect Tayleen. The sounds of battle filled her ears – the clang of metal, the grunts of exertion, the cries of pain,. She could see Eryx out of the corner of her eye, his silver fur dripping with blood.

As she fought, Meera suddenly felt a shift in the air. It was as if the atmosphere had thickened, charged with a raw, electric energy that made the hairs on her arms stand on end.

She paused for a heartbeat, her senses heightened. The world around her seemed to slow, the sounds of battle fading into the background as she became acutely aware of the power coursing through her. Her bones seemed to hum with it, a deep, resonant vibration that filled her with an unfamiliar but exhilarating strength.

Another soldier lunged at her, his blade aimed for her heart. Instinctively, Meera raised her dagger, but before she could strike, a powerful gust of wind surged through the alley. It roared like a living creature, swirling around her with a ferocious intensity. The force of it caught the soldier off guard, lifting him off his feet and hurling him backwards with a cry of surprise. He crashed into the wall with a bone-jarring thud, his sword clattering to the ground.

Meera stood frozen, her eyes wide with shock. She could feel the wind whipping around her, wild and untamed, carrying with it the faintest scent of earth and rain. The raw energy continued to pulse through her, filling her with a sense of awe and fear.

Stunned, Meera looked up, her gaze falling on the young boy standing at the end of the alleyway. Their eyes met, and in that moment, everything else disappeared.

The boy's eyes were a striking shade of blue, like the sky on a clear day. His hair, tousled by the wind, framed a face that was both innocent and mischievous. Meera felt an instant, unspoken connection with him, as if their very souls were intertwined.

She watched as the boy raised his hand, and the wind responded to his command, swirling around him in a protective dance. The air seemed to shimmer with a translucent, almost ethereal quality, and Meera knew without a doubt that he could control air just as she could control water. It was as if the elements themselves recognized their kinship and bowed to their will.

The boy's gaze never wavered from hers, and in those few seconds, a silent understanding passed between them. Meera felt her own powers struggling to rise in response, the raw energy within her wanting to mingle with the currents of air he commanded. It was a sensation both exhilarating and terrifying, a reminder of the incredible potential they both possessed.

The boy took a tentative step forward, his eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and determination. Meera, still gripping her dagger, felt a strange sense of calm wash over her. She forgot the battle she stood amidst and fully turned toward the boy. Her lips parted in question, but before she could ask, she was knocked to the ground.

The little boy gasped as Dawn tackled Meera, grabbing a fistful of her hair. Meera cried out in pain as the ice-cold blade of Dawn's dagger touched her throat. She tried to move her hips in a desperate attempt to throw Dawn off balance, but nothing worked.

"I'll be sure to dress you in the finest silk when we send your corpse back to your family," Dawn hissed.

"Is that how you want to be buried too?" Meera retorted, placing her palms on the ground, ready to push up. Her eyes landed on the little boy, praying he understood what she was signaling. "Got it."

With a quick prayer, Meera pushed up with all her might, lifting off the ground just enough to destabilize Dawn. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind surged through the alley, catching Dawn off guard and throwing her against the brick wall with a forceful thud.

Meera's heart pounded as she rolled away, quickly getting to her feet. Dawn lay dazed against the wall, struggling to regain her bearings. Meera looked up to see the boy, his eyes now glowing with intensity, his small frame vibrating with the power he had just unleashed.

"Thank you," Meera breathed, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and awe.

The boy nodded, his expression serious and focused. "We need to go, now!" he urged, his voice carrying a sense of urgency.

Eryx, having fought off another attacker, rushed to Meera's side, his eyes wide with astonishment at what he had just witnessed.

"Is he who I think he is....?" he asked, glancing between Meera and the boy.

"No time to explain," Meera replied, grabbing Tayleen's hand. "We need to move before they regroup."

With the boy leading the way, they dashed down the alley, the wind still swirling protectively around them. As they ran, Meera felt a renewed sense of hope. The raw energy she had felt earlier seemed to pulse even stronger now.

"Come on," the little boy waved them on, leading them through the town roads and alleyways.

"Wait!" Meera called out to him. "Slow down."

"We can't!" the boy insisted, his voice urgent and his eyes wide with fear.

"Who are you?" Meera asked, pausing to catch her breath as they ducked under an archway hidden behind the brick homes. "What is your name?"

The little boy hung back in the shadows, his eyes flickering from Meera to Eryx's large wolf and then to Tayleen.

"I know you," Eryx stepped forward and the little boy gasped.

"How did you do that?" the boy questioned his voice a mixture of awe and suspicion.

"It's okay, it's okay," Meera quickly dropped to her knees before the boy to comfort him.

"You're the boy from the forest," Eryx said, staring at the boy. "The one who stole the hound puppies."

"I didn't steal them!" the boy cried out in protest. "They followed me. I was only playing with them."

Meera felt her heart grip with fear. She looked over her shoulder to the large silver wolf behind her. "It was a trap..."

"What trap?" Tayleen asked, hand on the wall and hunched over, gasping for air.

"He's the air elemental," Meera announced. "Jasper and Arthur came for him."

"Who?" the little boy asked, his confusion evident.

Meera turned back toward him and placed a gentle hand under his chin. "What is your name?"

The boy hesitated for a few seconds, his eyes growing wary once again. He looked at all of their faces as he shifted his weight nervously.

"It's okay," Meera spoke softly. "You can trust me. We're the same."

"I know..." the little boy said, his voice trembling. "But I can't feel you... why is your magic so far away?"

Meera's heart clenched. She tried to put on a brave smile but failed. "It's a long story. But I will tell you my story if you tell me your name."

The boy thought for a moment longer before he took the smallest step forward. "Penn," he said. "My name is Penn."

"Penn," Meera repeated softly, her eyes full of warmth and reassurance. "Thank you for helping us."

Thank you so much for waiting <3 It means a lot, Life was crazy and I needed to step away for a while, but I'm back :)