A Fairy-Tail Marriage

Chapter 6

Although Althea and Cala could have flown in half the time to the castle, and Braxton and Blake could have shifted and ran, in three quarters of the time, Braxton had chosen to hire horses from the werewolves and ride through this part of the kingdom to, as he said, show off his new bride. Althea hadn’t complained, nor had she really even spoken to him except to say good morning as they prepare to travel. Her eyes were puffy from tears and lack of sleep, which again pulled at his conscience.

“Althea,” Mariah said, her hands on her daughter’s shoulder, “I’ll miss you so very much. If it’s all right with your husband, I’ll visit once a week or so.”

Braxton stepped over, releasing the straps of the saddle to a servant to finish. He put his arm around his new mother-in-law and smiled. “If you don’t come, I’ll be angry!” he teased. Mariah smiled tearfully up at him, and he said, “You and yours are welcome at our home any time you wish to come.”

Althea watched the exchange, her facial expression full of sadness. She narrowed her eyes only briefly before forcing herself to put on a bland expression. “Mother, I’ll miss you,” she replied stiffly. Braxton moved away so they could speak privately as Tristan moved forward.

“Goodbye, my daughter. I will come with your mother when I’m able,” Tristan told her, leaning forward to kiss her on the forehead. She allowed the gesture but did not return the affection.

Mariah sighed and leaned close to her daughter’s ear. “I know you’re angry and hurt, my love, but the gods are in favor of this union, I’m sure of it.”

“The gods? I thought the only ones in favor of the union were you and Father.” Some of her fiery spirit had returned. “Braxton wanted to marry about as much as I did. And now we’re stuck with each other. While you’re missing me, think about that and the unhappiness you’ve condemned me to.”

Crueler words could not be spoken to a mother. Mariah’s heart jerked in her chest as she watched her daughter mount the horse like a woman skilled in riding. Tristan, whose heart also ached, wanted to call his daughter back to make her apologize. But he had forced her into adulthood with this marriage, and his daughter was now a queen. She would forgive them for this; it would just take time. He felt his wife’s shoulder’s shake with her tears, so he squeezed her tightly and lifted his hand to wave at the daughter whose back was straight and who didn’t look back.

Braxton had witnessed the farewell conversation, had heard the spiteful comment aimed at Mariah. Althea was hurting and had lashed out. He hadn’t helped her with his behavior last night in his room. He felt responsible. No, he hadn’t wanted to marry, either, but he was determined to make the best of it. She expected a lifetime of misery. He would have to find a way to show her that they had a chance at happiness. They may never love each other, but they could find happiness with each other, he was sure of it.

After all, their personalities were similar, and through questions he’d asked of Mariah, Tristan, and Cala, it was obvious they had hobbies in common. She was obviously strong and stubborn, two qualities necessary for a queen. Yes, he thought, we’ll find common ground and we’ll find happiness. He hoped, if not love, at least, eventually, they’d be able to find happiness.

Althea and Cala spoke in hushed tones as they rode side by side several yards behind Braxton and Blake. Cala told her, “What you said to your parents was rather harsh, don’t you think?”

Althea’s lips thinned. “Cala, I don’t want to talk about that.”

“Okay, sure,” Cala said. “Just keep something in mind as you sulk. This may not have been your choice, but it is now your life. How you deal with what comes is your choice.”

Cala spurred her horse and cantered to Braxton and Blake. Althea watched her, anger and guilt mixing in her heart. As Cala began a very animated conversation with the two men, and Althea felt jealousy join the amalgam of emotions. Pride wouldn’t let her join them, no matter how much she wanted to. Lost in her own thoughts, she let the horse take the lead as she tried to see a way to be happy in this situation.

*****

The werewolf castle was everything it had been rumored to be. Darkly beautiful, the size was intimidating to the fairies, and Althea felt a daunting fear building inside her. The castle was nothing like the fairy castle she was used to. Her determination to find happiness in this situation began to falter.

Braxton dismounted and walked over to assist Althea down from her horse. She smiled in thanks and allowed him to help her while Blake helped Cala. When her feet hit the ground, her legs felt shaky, and she clasped Braxton’s hand with more strength than he had expected.

“Are you okay?” he asked her, his arm going around her waist as he held her hand in his.

“Just a little unsteady on my feet,” she told him. “I’ve never ridden a horse so far. We usually fly.”

Braxton cursed inwardly at himself. He glanced at Cala, who seemed as unsteady as Althea. “I’m sorry, Althea. I honestly didn’t even think about the fact that the two of you aren’t used to riding.”

Althea smiled at him. “It’s my fault. I could have asked for a break and didn’t.”

“Me either,” Cala murmured as she walked up to them slowly, rubbing her backside. “And I’m regretting it.”

“Let’s get the two of you to your rooms. As the king, I order you both to take hot baths and have good suppers,” Braxton teased.

Cala giggled; Althea offered him a weak smile. “A bath sounds heavenly.”

Braxton smiled at his bride and escorted her inside, with Blake and Cala following. “I think you’ll like your rooms, Althea. You have a suite with a living area and a bedroom. Yours and mine are linked by an adjoining door between the bedrooms.”

Althea’s stomach clenched at the idea of him being able to walk into her room at any time. But she retained her weak smile, “Sounds wonderful. Where is Cala’s room?”

“Like Blake’s, she is close. Just down the hall and across from yours.”

“Thank you. It will be so comforting to have my best friend so close,” Althea told him.

As they walked through the halls of the castle, Althea saw the tapestry depicting the war between the werewolves and fairies. Her face showed her horror at the violence against the fairies and the blood represented by threads in various shades of red.

Braxton cleared his throat, but Althea asked, “Is that the story your people share?”

“Something like this, yes, though I think the weaver took some creative license. This was commissioned by my grandfather, whose father had participated in the war.”

Althea nodded. She looked at Braxton. “Both sides have certainly embellished the truth.”

Braxton chuckled. “I’m sure.”

Blake and Cala were standing behind them. Blake said, “My hope, and the hope of everyone, is that your marriage will prevent any further bloodshed between our people.”

Braxton and Althea glanced at each other, both with doubt in their eyes. Cala laughed and broke the tension. “Well, I for one am going to cause bloodshed if I don’t get off my shaking legs soon.”