From Past and Future

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/43247535.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: F/M, Multi, Other
Fandom: Blood and Ash Series - Jennifer L. Armentrout
Relationship: Poppy Balfour/Casteel Da'Neer, Poppy Balfour & Casteel Da'Neer
Character: Poppy Balfour, Casteel Da'Neer, Kieran Contou, Viktor, Tawny Lyon
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Time Travel, Time Travel Fix-
It, Love, Sex, Fluff and Smut, Try to save everyone this time, May not
go as planned
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2022-11-24 Updated: 2022-12-27 Chapters: 8/? Words:
13162

From Past and Future

by Jules_67

Summary

**Warning for spoilers for From Blood and Ash series including A War of Two Queens**

The final battle is raging at the Bone Temple, tragedy after tragedy have invaded Poppy's
life, and one too far happens allowing Poppy to access powers she did not know she had and
travel back in time. A time when all were not lost, that first night at the Red Pearl. Can
Poppy save all those she loves and cares for, can she protect herself and ensure that this
time she does not lose?

This story follows Poppy through the first From Blood and Ash books as she tries to
navigate her way again through her previous timeline, trying to save as many as possible,
without giving away exactly who and what she has become in her time since the beginning
of this timeline.

Notes

Hi guys!

I love time travel fix-it type fanfics and I wanted to take a stab at doing one for this series.
This is my first fanfic so please be kind, hope you all enjoy it! I have quite a few chapters
done already, so hopefully will try to get them up weekly or so! Thanks all for taking the
time to read this and I hope you like it!

Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction. The characters, settings and places used in this
work are property of Jennifer L. Armentrout.
-J
 Chapter 1

**The battle at the temple is happening, Isbeth is attempting to finish off Malec and Poppy is
trying to get to her first**

I watch with horror as Delano goes down next, I am filled with an uncontrollable rage, and I can
start to see silver as the eather begins to creep out of me.

Isbeth’s eyes go wide as she looks at me approaching her.

I lash out with the eather, throwing her back into a pillar.

“Now you know that was not very nice” Isbeth says, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth.

“I don’t care” I seethe “You will pay for what has been done here today. To Delano, Naill, Hisa,
Ian, Viktor, all of them. You. Will. Pay”

I unleash the eather once more, savagely throwing stones from a broken statue at Isbeth. They stop
mere inches from her face.

“All this power and this is the best you can do?” Isbeth mocks, teeth clenched.

With a wave of lightning the stones are thrown back at me, I try blocking them but as the wave
follows I am thrown backward, my body cracking onto ground on impact, vision going white with
pain.

“Poppy!” Casteel Cries

On the ground I look at the surrounding temple, time seems too slow.

Wolven are falling to the ever-increasing number of dakkais that continue to emerge from the pit, I
look further, Atlantian’s are also falling, armour split and bleeding, the remaining draken rage in
the sky to the drakkais that continue to crawl and climb them as they attempt to burn them off.

Across the field I see Casteel, Kieran and Malik. They are surrounded by guards and drakkais alike,
swords lashing out but more appear as soon as one falls, one by one they begin to fall.

Malik is the first to fall, as I see that he takes a sword to neck that was coming down on Casteel’s. I
scream out, but am still unable to move, to get to them.

Kieran follows shortly after being overwhelmed completely by the drakkis, he just killing them, but
then their numbers just kept coming, I see the sword drop from his grasp, blood pooling on the
ground, too much I know, the drakkais finally move on and he is laying there still. In the pool.

I try once more to move, but something is wrong, I can’t seem to feel my toes, the impact must
have damaged my spine, I would heal eventually but not fast enough.

Finally it is just Casteel left standing, with the mass of enemies growing ever more, I scream, I
fight with everything in me to move to get up, get to him, even my eather does not want to respond
to me, all I can do is watch in pure horror as he lifts his sword one final time, guards and drakkis
alike swarming him from all directions, landing multiple blows, then he is gone.

I stare in disbelief, my heart cracking into a thousand pieces as I begins to try and process what I
have just seen. A silent scream builds in my throat, my eyes burning with unfallen tears. This
cannot be real, this cannot be happening.

I rip my gaze over to Isbeth standing over Malec once more, sword raised, ready to land the final
blow.

My fury is unmatched at seeing her, I reach for the eather and try getting up once more, my head is
splitting and when I try to breath the eather to life inside me but it just feels like fire in my lungs
and heart.

I want to keep fighting, I know I can, I never wanted to feel helpless and unable to protect those I
love and care about ever again. Viktor made sure of that. Even if those I loved most were gone, I
needed to keep fighting.

Thinking of Viktor made me remember what he had told Tawny. Of the prophecy.

Born of mortal flesh, a great primal power rises as the heir to the lands and seas, to the skies and all
the realms. A shadow in the ember, a light in the flame, to become a fire in the flesh….

Her name was power, but only when spoken by the one born as she, and of great primal power.

“He told me you already knew her name,” she had told me.

I thought of our times, of meetings, when I did not know who she was. What she had said to me, a
warning? A message? No, they were neither she had told me her name.

How could it be the consort was so powerful?

I thought about it a moment, longer, then I understood, so with everything that was left in me, I
screamed her name, not that of the King of the Gods, but the Queen.

The true Primal of Life.

After I say the name everything goes black.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I begin to stir, my breathing is painless, my headache gone, I can move my toes, everything is
silent.

I begin opening her eyes, the light is low, soft, like a warm sunrise on a summer’s day.

I remember the last sunrise Casteel and I were able to catch with one another, we had a sleepless
nice in the best sort of way, Casteel had finally drifted off but I wandered over to the window to
see the beginnings of pinks and oranges enter the sky. Suddenly a warm presence was behind me,
his strong arms coming over my hips to wrap over her stomach, his chin resting on the top of my
head, his scent encompassing me fully.

There were no arms around me though, no strong presence by my side, or a soft wolven fur close
by, the image of them both falling replayed strongly in her mind once more, her heart cracking
anew.

In front of me was a woman.

I took in the woman fully, she had long black wavy hair, green eyes and a soft smile on her lips.

“Hello Penellaphe,” the woman says.

I knew that voice, I had heard it many times in my dreams and in warnings to keep me safe. The
consort, or Seraphena the Primal of Life.
“You are awake,” I say, rising slowly from the ground. “Where am I?”

“You are, let’s say, in-between realms” Seraphena says her eyes bright.

“Well send me back to the temple, help me. I need to get back and end Isbeth” I state, walking
towards Seraphena, “Can you save them? Bring them back.” I continue desperately.

“I am sorry Poppy” Seraphena says, her smile fading “You were too late, Isbeth won”

“NO” I cry out, disbelief running through my body, I start reaching for the eather once more but it
does not answer, this realm must affect my powers I thought.

“That is why I have brought you here” Seraphena says, hope tinging her voice. “That time has
fallen, but from here I can send you to a time when it has not, when a difference can be made.
When Isbeth can be stopped”

“What are you talking about?” I question.

“I can send you back, back to a time before it was too late, a time when you can save everybody,
including my son” Seraphena finishes, a sad smile gracing her lips.

“Back to when?” I question once more “To when Casteel is safe, and when Kieran, Malik, Delano,
Naill, and Hisa can all be saved?”

“Them, and more” Seraphena nods.

“More? You mean Ian? Could I save Viktor too? And Rylan” I say, eyes widening at the thought.

“Yes” Seraphena says “This can only be done once, and once it is done, you have to live through
that timeline, this one will cease to exist”

“Will he remember me?” I ask, tears starting to fall “Will he remember us?”

“No, I am sorry, my powers can only extend to that of my family” Seraphena says, eyes closing.

I close my eyes too, tears falling. The thought of seeing Casteel again was one I wanted more than
anything in my life, but seeing him again without love and recognition in his eyes was going to
hurt.

Still closing my eyes, I exhale a long slow breath. I open my eyes. “Do it.” I say with resolve in my
voice.

“Very well my Granddaughter” Seraphena says, reaching her hands out to mine and placing a soft
kiss on my forehead.

The dawn sky starts brightening, the air filling with a buzzing noise, so much so that I need to
close my eyes once more.
 Chapter 2
Chapter Summary

Well, I had it done so thought I would post the second chapter I have written already,
it's a bit short but hope you guys like it! After this may not be a few more days or a
week till the next one!

Poppy finds herself in the past, at the Red Pearl, what is her next move!?

The buzzing stops, replaced by the chatter of multiple conversations, bottles clinking and wooden
chairs being pushed back from tables.

“They found Finley this eve, just outside the Blood Forest, dead”

I open my eyes, I am holding a hand of cards, men are seated around me at the table, I do my best
not to drop the cards and bring a hand to my mouth. It worked.

I remember this, this exact moment was the night I spent at the Red Pearl before everything I ever
knew was to be changed.

I knew when I had come here originally it was to seek information, this time I had a whole new
plan, oh gods this was the first night I was to meet Casteel.

How was I going to tell him about me, about us, about everything?

My mind was racing a mile a minute until a cough broke me out of it.

“Sorry m’lady but it is your turn” Phillips, I remembered his name to be, said looking at me
expectantly.

Oh gods, I thought. Everyone at the table was looking at me now, though uncommon for ladies to
be in a place like this, it was very unheard of for the maiden to be anywhere near a place like this.

Oh, double gods, somehow, I had forgotten the role I must play, not only in this situation, but going
back under the veil sounded worse than anything at this point.

“Sorry gentlemen, this drink has gone straight to my head, I fold, and excuse me while I go to
powder my nose” I say, rising from the table, dropping my cards and turning away.

I needed a plan, what was I going to say to Casteel, when was I going to get us out of Masedonia,
find Kieran, oh gods Kieran, we were no longer joined, he would not remember me either.

I walked into a quiet corner by a potted plant of sorts near the curtain at the back.

I was so overwhelmed that this had happened, that I was back here, when so many people that I
loved and had lost were still alive, I didn’t know what to do next, so many thoughts were running
through my head.

At that moment though a familiar voice spoke next to me, breaking me out of my thoughts.
“I don’t think you want to go in there”

“Sorry” I whirled to face the voice, there in front of me was none other than Miss Willa herself.

“There might be a bit more going in there than a fair Maiden is prepared to see” Willa says,
holding a tray filled with empty glasses.

I remembered this moment too, we had talked about how Willa knew me as the Maiden but did not
want any favour in return for keeping the secret, any moment now Viktor would walk into the bar
and head this direction and I would be sent towards my destiny. Casteel.

Was I ready to see him, like this, with no love or care in his eyes, maybe even disgust. Is know the
right time to tell him, we would have the room for a short time. A short sweet time from what I
remember the first time. But in order to keep him safe and others, including Viktor, now may not
be the time to see him as much as it hurt me to think.

As these thoughts raced through my head, Willa also cleared her throat, obviously noting the
silence from me and her outing me as the Maiden and looking at me strangely for not reacting.

“Ummm yea I am not really meant to be out, in fact I should be going” I say looking towards the
exit.

“Here I know a secret way” Will says, grabbing my arm and guiding me down the hall.

I tried to pull my arm free but was afraid of making a scene and catching the attention of Viktor, so
it looked like this would play out as it did before.
“In here” Will a said, opening the door. “Okay maybe less secret than, better to wait here until your
‘friend’ has left the front entrance, shouldn’t be too long dear,” Willa said with a wink, closing the
door behind her.

I began pacing. He was coming, I knew he would be in this very room within minutes. I had to let
this situation play out as before, I had to get his interest without giving too much away, I had to get
him on my side to convince him to bring Viktor along with us, convince him that Rylan should be
kept alive, but send him away. I needed them all safe, all protected.

The eather. My mouth dropped open, how could I have gone this long without considering how my
powers could aid in this time around. Everything would be easier. I reached inside for the eather
for the tug of power, but felt nothing.

Cold shock coursed through me. I didn’t realize how connected I felt to that side of me, and now
they were gone once more, but not forever. I would get them back, drinking Casteel’s blood sooner
would help with that.

Thoughts of Casteel once more entered my mind, his blood, him drinking my blood and a warm pit
entered my core, he would be in this room soon. Alive.

As if my thoughts summoned him, outside the door I heard a familiar chuckle, a shiver went
through my body as the latch clicked softly and the door cracked open.
 Chapter 3
Chapter Summary

Poppy and Casteel have their meeting once more upstairs at the Red Pearl, though this
time Poppy knows fully who she is meeting with.

Chapter Notes

Hope you enjoy this chapter! :)

“This” a deep familiar voice says, “is unexpected.”

I looked in his direction, though the room was pitch black my mind was able to conjure up the
image of him smirking, that single dimple I loved so dearly making its appearance onto his face.

His arm reached out, wrapping around my waist and bringing me in closer, my body responded
with a small shiver and gasp.

“But it’s a welcome surprise” he continued, moving his arm away.

He is here. He is alive.

I immediately missed the contact of him, and had to use every ounce of self-control not to run
leaping into those strong arms and wrapping my legs around his waist.

I turned to where he stepped away, trying to level my breathing and keep my raising arousal at bay.
This moment was a favourite of ours to roleplay in our chambers, of how it would have gone if I
had not run away initially.

This was not one of those times and I needed to keep my wits about me so that I did not give away
anything too soon.

“I did not expect you so soon sweetling, it’s only been a few days” Casteel drawled stepping closer
so I was able to see his face in the dim, light, see that right dimple in his check.

A few days? Poppy thought. Could he remember? No, he thought I was Britta.

I still stood there staring at the man I loved, my heartmate, unable to say anything in fear that if I
did I would tell everything. Whole and alive once more, tears threatened to fall.

He continued teasing me, trying to get some words or accounts. But I just continued staring
keeping my tears from falling and my emotions as in control as I could in this situation.

“I don’t know what kind of game you’re about tonight” his deep voice said huskily. “But I am
willing to find out.”
He stepped right up to me, grabbing the hem of his shirt and lifting it over his head, I could not
help but stare and admire his body, uninjured and clear of future wounds to come. Before I could
step back he had me in his arms, lifting me off the ground and holding me close to his body.

My body responded before my mind could catch up and my mouth was on his. My mouth parted
for his tongue to slide past and over mine, I wrapped my arms around his neck, my legs around his
waist and all thoughts of planning and playing it safe were out the window. He seemed to hesitate
for a moment but I grabbed a handful of his hair pulling lightly and his hands were in mine,
pulling, moving up and down my back, all over my arms. He lowered me down to the bed as our
kisses deepened. I reached down for his trousers, attempting to undue the laces when he finally
pulled free.

“Who are you??” He said between deep breaths, real bewilderment and curiosity in his voice.

I remembered in that moment the role I needed to play, the timing that was needed before we could
have our true reunion.
“What do you mean” I respond, changing I know how this conversation went originally.

“You are not who I thought you were,” Casteel said, putting his cool mask back on, though
reaching out with my senses I could feel the radiating surprise.

“You should get off” Though he made space between us he still had us in a rather compromising
position, one that I intended to repeat in the hopefully near future.

“Well I am quite comfortable” Casteel responds, the right dimple making its reappearance, and him
still not moving from on top of me.

Well, for your own safety I would recommend you get off me sooner than later” I replied, crossing
my arms.

“Is that so Princess” he said, still not budging, “I will move if you tell me who you are.”

Princess, that pet name that I hated so much in the beginning was such a beautiful sound to my
ears. It took everything in me not to break out in a smirk to match his.

“Get off” I repeat, putting more confidence behind my tone.

“So demanding” He chides. Still straddling me on the bed.

The building of my arousal was so strong that I knew I needed to actually get him off of me before
I made the move to let things go further, so I use a move Viktor taught me to escape an attacker,
hitting his forearm so it collapsed and pushing him away so I could roll to the other side.

“Princess and warrior” He says, moving smoothly out of the manoeuvre to standing. The right
dimple still present. “For that move you owe me a name”

“For that being the only move I pull you should consider yourself lucky” I reply, attempting to
keep the amusement from my voice.

“A name for a name then” He replies, half bowing “Hawke Flynn”

At mention of this name my face falters, hearing the name his mother calls him, calling himself by
this name causes a reaction I quickly try to mask.

I keep my mouth closed.

“Keep this up and Princess is going to have to stick” He said standing nonchalantly at the end of
the bed, trying not to make it seem he is blocking my exit from the room.

“If you do not tell me your name at least tell me why you did not stop me, and quite enjoyed the
time we spent together on that bed?” He asked wryly.

I opened my mouth to respond but realized my response was going to be that of a known
companion, friend, lover so I just closed it again.

“What ways can I get you to open that pretty mouth of yours once more” He says taking a step
closer.

This time I do step back, quelling my inner desire to step into him. “I should go” I say.

“After one kiss? I did not take you as one so cruel Princess” He said with mock hurt in his voice.

“And what do you take me as” I ask smirking, cursing at myself for the quick reply that is out of
character for my past self in this situation.

“I take you as someone who came up here with one intention in, mind. And to do that we will need
to get back into that bed.”
He said crossing his arms over his still bare chest. “Though that desk behind you will do just fine
as well.”

Oh gods, his mention of the desk brought my mind back to our ship travels on our way to Oak
Ambler, Willa’s diary and the fact that Willa was just downstairs brought red to my cheeks.
Casteel saw this and took his bold words for the reason why.
“Am I wrong, Princess?” He says taking another step in my direction.

I knew where this was going next. The thoughts of him asking me what I wanted him to do to me.
The thoughts of his mouth closing over my peaked nipple through the thin fabric of my gown. I
know even letting my mind wander to that was charging the air with the scent of my arousal and I
knew if I let him get that far again, I would lose my control once more and for good this time.

“You are wrong” I say, taking a step back, hitting the desk with the backs of my legs. “I came here
to talk” I say, knowing I just needed to keep him talking until Kieran came to the door.

“This is not the sort of place, nor the sort of room you come to for talking” Casteel says, taking
another step towards me, now I would only need to reach out to touch him once more.

My head starts spinning at the scent and closeness of him once more, but I simply cannot succumb
to his touch again, so I do the only thing that I can think of that will keep him at least distracted for
a while longer without giving myself up.
“Stay back” I saw unsheathing my dagger that was hidden against my thigh.

“Now Princess, you must simply stop becoming more and more interesting every second” He says.

Then suddenly he reached out and the dagger was in his hands, how I ever convinced myself that
his sped and movements were mortal at one time I will never know.

“Give that back I say” fake annoyance in my voice.

“Now why does one as pretty as yourself keep yourself armed with such pieces” he says turning the
dagger over in his hands.
“None of your business” I saw reaching out for the dagger.
Mid reach he grabs my wrist, pulling my body against his, in the same action he slams the knife
into the desk behind me, that arm smoothly reaching across my hips holding me tightly to him,
both of our breathing quickens.

We lock eyes, breath heavy in anticipation. But we just continue staring, me into the eyes of the
man I loved and lost so briefly before being sent back to this time and his staring into the eyes a
mix of confusion and longing fighting for the front feeling.

His stare intensifies and he starts leaning down, by now all clever thinking has left my mind, all I
could think of is the contact of our bodies and how I just wanted more of him touching me.

Then by some intervention of the gods Kieran is finally at the door calling out to Casteel.

“Hawke” Kieran yells “You in there.”

To now be so close to both males, the last image of the time before and them falling flashing
before my eyes once more. But now both are here, both are safe. For now.

Casteel finally unlocks his gaze from mine and sighs.

“It’s Kieran” he says. I hold in a laugh as Kieran knows that Casteel would know the wolven’s
voice and scent from anywhere.

“As if I didn’t know that already” Casteel sighs glancing at the door, still not releasing my wrist
and hips.

This time the giggle bubbled out, Casteel glances back at me that damn dimple showing up once
more. His arm at my hips tightening slightly.

“A little busy in here” Casteel replies.

“Well sorry about that but this is something that cannot wait” Kieran replies, in his dry tone that I
know he is not sorry at all about interrupting.

“Hawke” Kieran says again, banging on the door.

“I fear if you hit that door once more you will face more than a broken hand” Casteel seethed.

“Then I must risk the maiming” Kieran sighs. I can also just imagine the eyeroll that accompanied
that sigh through the door. I bite my lip to avoid giggling again.

A growl emits from Casteel, one that I know sent shivers of fear through me the first time I saw it,
but one that sent a completely different feeling through my body.

“The envoy has arrived” Kieran says hesitantly, knowing that Casteel is not alone in the room.

Casteel freezes, gaze looking above my head into the distance. “I must go” he says finally releasing
my hand and stepping away from me.

I turn and grab my dagger sheathing it once more on my thigh as Casteel dons his tunic.

“I will be right back Princess” Casteel says smoothly, locking eyes with me once more. “Promise to
be here when I do.”
I stare at him, wanting nothing more than to continue this reunion. To be held by him once more,
but I know I must return to the keep. Figure out my plan and when I can tell him everything.

So, I lied “I will.”

He nods, heading to the door and opens it. He turns looking back at me. “I look forward to it” his
dimple making its final appearance of the evening.
Once I heard him start down the stairs. I gathered my cloak and placed the hood once more over
my head and headed to the exit the weight of everything that has just happened finally starting to
settle in my chest, along with the thoughts of what I was going to be doing next.
 Chapter 4
Chapter Summary

Poppy starts running into more familiar faces as she wakes up back in her rooms at
Castle Teerman

Chapter Notes

Sorry this one is sort of short! But I should have another one up later this week :) hope
you enjoy!

As soon as I arrived back in my rooms from my secret entrance, I remove my cloak and mask and
began pacing once more. I needed a plan. A plan that would save everyone.

Where do I even begin with this. Who do I tell? Who do I tell first? How do I tell them? How do I
keep them all safe??

I threw myself onto the bed, bringing my hands over my face. How do I keep them all safe?

This thought kept racing through my head until sleep overtook me and I floated into a fitful sleep.
I awoke to soft knocking at the door.

“Maiden?” a male voice said through the door. “Are you awake in there?”

I awoke with a start, confusion hitting me as I took in my surroundings, my room bare, my bed
lonely. I immediately thought of Casteel.

“Maiden your companion is with me outside to help you dress” the voice said again.

Realization hit me. Rylan, that was Rylan outside. Alive and trying to be a good guard.

Before complete awake thoughts reached my mind, I ran to the door and threw it open.

“Rylan!” I cry out, throwing my arms around it.

His body stills beneath me. I release him a second later realizing the forwardness of my action. He
and I were close in this time, but not that close.

“Erm” I say stepping back. “Today is your birthday isn’t it?” I say lamely trying to divert the
subject.

Both he and Tawny by his side look at me with wide eyes, not just for my action, but also due to
the state of me. No veil, and my thin gown the only article of clothing on me.

My time amongst the draken and wolven really lowered my level of embarrassment of nakedness
or near nakedness in my case. But I could taste the tart embarrassment and shock that blanketed off
of both Rylan and Tawny.

I slowly back into the room. “Well if I missed it then happy belated!” I finish lamely. Stepping
behind the door. “Tawny I do believe I need your help dressing, then if you could send for our
breakfast, thank you Rylan” I continue leaving the door cracked enough for Tawny to step through.

Tawny follows in and closes the door behind her. The shock still coming off of her after what she
just saw.

“What is happening with you today?” She asks, eyebrows shooting up to her no longer pale white
hair, but her natural brown waves.

“What do you mean?” I play dumb, going behind my changing wall and stopping at the outfit that
was laid out on the chair. The maiden’s outfit.

“You are lucky your room is so far removed from the busier areas of the keep” Tawny says
following me. “Someone could have seen you”.

“Is that so bad” I say my back to her still, as I stare at the white gown and that damn veil.

The last white outfit I wore was one of power, one I decided and dressed in to be on the battlefield
protecting those I love.
For now, I would have to think of this damn outfit as the same. The one that is now needed to
protect those I love.

I sigh and reach for the hem of the gown I am currently wearing pulling it over my head. The chill
of the room hitting my naked body. I put on new undergarments and reach for the white gown and
pull it over my head. The fabric irritating every cell as it slides on.

“Hello, Poppy? Anyone home? Is that so bad? What has gotten into you?” Tawny says again,
concern now dripping into her tone, the tingly feeling of it crossing my tongue.

“Sorry I guess I was still asleep when I answered the door” I saw quietly as Tawny begins doing up
the laces and buttons up the back.

“Still asleep” Tawny harrumphs. “Well I hate to break it to you as well but you have slept past
breakfast, you told me you would meet me there this morning so when I came to Rylan I had
enough forethought to say that you told me you wanted to sleep in today so he does not think
anything was amiss, but now he is going to think something is up.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, Rylan would never go to the Duke or Duchess with this, if anything
he would tell Viktor who would have more questions than I knew how I was going to answer them
yet.

“Where did you go last night? What happened” Tawny pushes again, now guiding me over to the
vanity, veil in hand to begin brushing out my tangled hair.

“I don’t know what you are talking about” I say as nonchalantly as I could muster. My eyes kept
flicking to the veil.

“You better not get caught, then I would have to mingle with the rest of this court and you know
they are all just so boring” She says joking lightly, she can sense my unease and follows my gaze
to the veil.

“Poppy” Tawny says stopping her brushing and looking at my eyes in the reflection of the mirror.
“Tell me.”

I wanted to. I wanted to tell her everything. But I also did not have a clue as where to begin and
with Rylan just outside and the food coming soon there was no time to tell her the truth.

“I got into the Red Pearl” I say looking back at her in the mirror. “I started playing cards and well
maybe got talked into indulging into maybe one or two glasses of whiskey” I lie coolly. “The drink
was maybe stronger than I thought” I saw dropping my gaze to my hands on my lap.

“Poppy Balfour, you bad maiden you,” Tawny tries saying lightly, but I can sense a small hint of
unease in her voice. “And why did you not invite me with you.”

I know she says this with concern, not just for my safety and getting caught but also because in this
time Tawny does believe that the gods are awake and concerned at my ‘outings’ as if Nyktos
would care if I had an outing at a tavern. I do my best not to roll my eyes at that thought.

“Well it was a last-minute decision and don’t worry I will not be going back any time soon” I say as
Tawny finishes tying up my braid. A knock sounds at the door.

I sigh and step behind the changing screen. Tawny goes to answer and let in the servants to set up
the food and I must hide so no one can see my face, stupid Maiden rules to play again.

Once the food was ready and the door closed once more I emerged to find Tawny sitting and eating
a biscuit I sit with her and we continue small talk and over court gossip and other small matters and
my mind begins to wander on what my next move should be.
 Chapter 5
Chapter Summary

Poppy and Viktor go into the village once more to see Marlowe, will it end differently
this time? She also runs into a face she never wanted to see again and hoped she would
never have to.

After breakfast I feigned illness to avoid going out of my room with Tawny, I was not quite ready
yet to go under the veil once more and play the role of the small and meek maiden.

Instead I needed to start planning. A plan that would keep everyone safe.

Rylan, I knew was the first in this time of my life to be taken, during our outing in the garden by
Jericho, who was not making it onto my list of re-saving. I needed to prepare for that attempted
kidnapping, if I avoided the garden would they search for me elsewhere? Hurt someone else? I bite
my lip.

Maybe I should have told Casteel in that room, avoided the whole kidnapping disaster. But no, I
wasn’t ready yet. We needed the time as guard and maiden to gain trust, to get time alone to talk
without interruption. To get him to bring Viktor with us. And Tawny.

Okay step one is to save Rylan, but also clear his role as guard. There were few ways for me to do
this, and fewer that ended with Rylan being honourably dismissed. But I needed him gone, oh gods
how were I going to do this.
My mind must have wandered deeply into my planning as I didn’t even notice how dark it had
gotten when a knock sounded at the door.

It startled me but I went to answer it as I had a good clue of who this would be. Viktor.

I open the door and this time more acceptably though still not appropriately I fling my arms around
his neck, Viktor was like my second father and I missed his presence.

“Poppy, I did see you yesterday and I do need to breath” Viktor says lightly. Though physical
touch between us wasn’t totally abnormal it was usually kept to our training sessions or small hugs
at birthdays.

“Sorry Viktor, just feeling extra excited to see you today I guess” I step back and look at him fully,
his warm smile and full living self in front of me! I take a few slow breaths to keep the tears of
happiness at bay.

“Well it is on darker terms that I come this evening Viktor says, “We’ve been summoned”

Oh gods, the villager, the craven bite, so much of this time I had forgotten.

--------------------------

We leave the rise and make our way to Marlowe’s home, the exchange between us and his wife is
similar, she reveres me as I help her with her grief, and I try brushing it off once more as she leads
me into the back to see her husband.
‘At least no one is shouting Harbinger at me quite yet’ I think.

Marlowe once more is in the state I saw him in previously, laying still and looking like death, I can
feel his pain, his fear, his life leaving him.

I go to his side and start by sending my happy thoughts and feelings to lighten his spirits, his
breathing evens slightly, I know he does not have too much longer.

I feel angry and frustrated to see this man dying, a man that in the not too near future I could have
saved with my powers. I know there is no use but I needed to try.

I reach out and grasp his arm where the bite occurred. I reach into myself to the place where I was
able to reach that primal eather, the energy that I was able to use to heal. I focus all my thought,
everything in me and I can’t help but slightly curse Seraphena for sending me back powerless.

Then I feel it, the temperature of his skin warm beneath my hand, his breathing steady even more, I
slowly open my eyes and see that his arm no longer has a bite mark.

I gasp and take a step back, looking at my hands, a light silvery glow emitting from them.

Breathing heavy I cannot believe my eyes, I had my powers? But only ones I got after I had fed on
Casteel, I am not a primal as I once was but nor was I fully mortal as I was previously at this time.
Oh, this would work.

I look over at Marlowe, he slowly begins blinking, sitting up slightly and looking over at me.

Luckily my hands had stopped emitting the eather but I still hid them behind my back.

“Erm hello” I say.

“What happened, I feel fine, how am I okay?” He asks, awe emitting from him like a soft sweet
bite of a peach.

“I guess the bite was from something different,” I try saying, “uh maybe a stray dog?” I finish
lamely. “Please don’t tell anyone” I say dropping to his eye level and grasping his hand. “The fate
of the realm relies on your secrecy”
“I promise, oh thank you, oh gods” Marlowe says sitting fully now.

Our voices must have carried to the front room as Viktor steps to the back, sword out thinking I had
failed the task, then at seeing the sight in front of him stops fully, mouth open.

“Marlowe!” Agnes cries from behind Viktor, then steps past him and runs into her husband’s open
arms.

They embrace, tears falling, kisses exchanged and the taste of sweet chocolate in the air as love is
fully expressed between him.

“Poppy,” Viktor whispers beside me, eyes wide. “What happened, he was gone, I saw the bite.”

“I guess it wasn’t what we thought” I try and say masking my own shock at the reappearance of my
powers.

“Yes Agnes, I must have blacked out during the attack, must have been one of the hounds that had
bitten me in the retreat and the men made a mistake, I am fine, I will live,” he says, his wife fully
in his arms as he strokes her crying head against his shoulder. “I will live” Marlowe says looking at
me and nodding slightly.

“Well we must be off then” I say, hoping Viktor missed the nod.

“Thank you, thank you both, though your services were not needed in the end, thank you for
coming, and thank you for all your help.” Agnes says turning her head to warmly smile, but not
letting her husband go.

“Please keep the discretion,” Viktor says backing out of the room and leading me in front of him,
“and enjoy your lives”
I walk out of the house, Viktor behind me and it is a quiet walk back up to the rise.

Once back in my chamber Viktor turns and looks at me. “What happened in there? I saw that bite,
I’ve seen those bites before and that is not how they end. Ever.” He says, I can taste both the
concern and the fear in his voice.

“I told you, it wasn’t what we thought, as soon as I eased his fear he came to, I don’t know how
else that could have happened unless he was not bit,” I saw dumbly, I know he will not believe this
lie, but not knowing how to tell him without him thinking I have gone mad. I needed more time, I
needed Casteel.

“Poppy” Viktor says crossing his arms “What happened in that back room, I swear I saw a light
coming from there.”

“Viktor, I promise you I did nothing, I saw nothing, it was all just a big mistake!” I lie again. It hurt
me to lie to Viktor like this but the loyalty to the blood crown was still too strong in him. I knew he
was my Viktor and would protect me no matter what, but his idea of safety at the moment still
involved this kingdom and I needed Casteel by my side to convince him of their faults, of the
importance of siding with Atlantia.

So, I continued lying and playing dumb until Viktor reluctantly believed me and left me for the
night.

As I lay in bed, the beginnings of my plan began to form and I smiled as the faint glow surrounding
my hands as I lulled myself into a peaceful sleep.

-----------------------------------

The next few days went by without much consequence, I continued training my eather, though still
weak, it felt good to have that connection back, I still would need Casteel’s blood to begin my
culling and back to my primal powers, which I would need.

The time had finally come for me to don the veil, I hated every snap and click as it was secured in
place and obscured my vision. What an impractical and stupid article of clothing. What was the
matter with people seeing my face? Just dumb control for Isbeth to have over my life? Gods I hated
her, my mother.

I was trying to continue getting through the plan of Rylan in my head as we wandered the hall until
I heard a voice say “Maiden” that I had long put any thought of out of my head. Lord Mazeen.

Oh, what I would give for the chance to rip that male apart once more, and thinking about it I
might just get the chance.
The thought of that did put a bit of a smirk on my face as I turned toward him and replied, “Lord
Mazeen.”
He stepped out of the shadows his ugly smug face coming toward me with an unearned swagger in
his step.

“Well Maiden, what could you be doing out at this hour” He says coming right up to me, lightly
stroking a finger down my arm.

The inappropriate behaviour brought out the same anger that would run through me before, I felt
myself reaching for the eather but I knew it would not at this stage have any effect. As well as it
would do nothing but give me away at this point.

So, I keep my head down and do not respond, instead Rylan steps forward and says “We should be
on our way.”

“Do not be rude Maiden,” Mazeen says, stepping into my path, still too close for my comfort.
“Don’t make me tell the Duke you have been so rude, don’t want you to have another lesson so
soon after the last.”

I cannot help it as a chill runs through me. The thought of having to see the Duke once more, be
humiliated and shamed in front of him brought another wave of rage through me. I clenched my
hands, closing my eyes to fight the urge to cut off his head once more right here.

“I would like to speak to the Maiden” Mazeen says, not looking at Ryland, just looking down at
me.

“Fine” I say, walking away and stepping into the curtained space I knew he led me into before.

My boldness shocked him and Rylan, for a moment it seemed Mazeen would not follow but he
swept the curtain behind us.
“What” I say not stepping further into the alcove so he could block me in.

“Well, well, who is this bold lady in front of me? Certainly not the actions of Maiden who should
not be seen behind the curtain with someone” Mazeen says, playing with the sides of my dress.

“Then perhaps I should be going” I say making to move out of the alcove.

Mazeen moves quickly as vampry do, blocking me in. “Tsk tsk, so rude, now this is behaviour I
cannot let go unchecked”
“Move” I say sternly looking at him in the eyes through my veil.

“You cannot speak to me like that,” He says taking a step towards me trying to push me further
back.

I promised myself not to feel helpless again and I knew he was going to the Duke anyways but, I
know I could not hurt him so I feign stepping to one side, he falls for it and I quickly spin and
evade his grasp getting out of the alcove and hurrying back to Rylan’s side.

Mazeen is in front of me instantly “Now that was not very –”

He does not have a chance to finish his scolding as a piercing scream fills the hall.

I use this distraction to move before both Rylan and Mazeen can get in my way and I walk into the
room the scream came from. The same servant as before lies dead on the bed, clothes amiss and
two fang marks in her neck.

This time I knew it was Mazeen, we literally had just caught him fleeing the scene in the hallway,
though his lack of remorse for the act was typical of the ascended.

Next thing I knew more guards were gathering trying to clear the hall, in the mass of people Rylan
guided me back to my rooms. Fire for revenge on that male for everything he did not just to me but
other women lit once more.
 Chapter 6
Chapter Summary

Poppy and Rylan take their walk in the garden will it be different this time??

The day after the attack had the Rise filled with the same panic as before, though none of it filled
me, all my energy was focused on the events that were about to take place this evening. The
Descenters attack.

I had the plan figured out and was just waiting for Rylan to come get me and ask if I wanted to do
my typical stroll in the garden, but this time the outcome would be different.

A knock sounded.

“Pen? You alright in there” Rylan asks.

I sigh, I haven’t heard that nickname in a long time and did not think I would have ever heard it
again.

“Hi Rylan” I say opening the door.

“How are you? You want to go to the gardens” Rylan asks tentatively “You will be safe I
promise.”

“Yes, a walk sounds nice,” I say grabbing my cloak and donning my veil. For what was to come
tonight I did not fasten all the straps and clasps of the veil, so when the attack came I could take it
off quickly to fight.

We walked to the garden, by the roses as the sun was setting, anticipation set my nerves on edge as
I knew the moment would be coming soon.

“Aren’t they beautiful” Rylan remarks as he did before, “They remind me of –”

The same grunt I had hoped to never heard again fills the air, I look at the same arrow as before
protrude from his chest.

As he drops this time I do not waste any time calling his name. “Hold on,” I say through gritted
teeth as I place my hands over the wound, in one breath I pull the arrow and focus my healing
energy. But not all of it, I need him healing but not healed. A fully healed Rylan would not work in
my plans.

As his breathing begins to shorten I panic, was this gamble too high? Did my plan already fail?
Then his breathing steadies, his eyes remain closed and I take my hands back the wound not closed
completely but I knew I had healed the internal trauma, though the shock would keep him down for
the next while.

So, I stand and turn, ripping the one clasp that I had left on for my veil.

I unsheathe my dagger, along with a non-wolven dagger I had strapped to my other leg to be
doubly armed this time and wait.

Luckily from the distance the arrow was shot and the bush Rylan dropped behind no one saw the
glow of the eather nor did they notice the arrow that was no longer sticking into his chest.

Footsteps approached and then they were in front of me.

“Now this is not how I expected to come upon the feeble Maiden of the Blood Crown, unveiled
and everything, I consider myself honoured," he says this last bit dripping in sarcasm. "But don’t
be stupid, drop the blades and come with me and no one will be hurt” Jericho finishes.

“Likely story” I say, keeping my stance “Leave now and you can leave with both hands this time” I
say slyly.

“Looks like you want to do this the hard way,” Jericho says, ignoring my words and stepping
closer, starting to circle me.
I knew guards were coming but I knew I had to keep him distracted until they arrived.

“Now nothing would make me happier than seeing you bleed once more, but instead I don’t want
any more blood spent tonight,” I say starting walking opposite him in the circle. “I want you to
send a message to the Dark One” I say enjoying the shocked expression come across Jericho’s
face, but it quickly passed and he reset into determination once more, I knew he wanted to hurt me.

“Come with me now and you can tell him yourself,” Jericho says, wrist twitching wanting to attack
but my naming of the Dark One did reach a certain intrigue within him.

“He is not ready for me yet,” I say in a knowing way that I know was driving Jericho to the edge of
rage.

“No more talk, you are coming with me now.” He raises his sword and as I am about to dance
around it and stab his side once more, but before either of us can land a blow the guard whistle
sounds.

“You got lucky this time Maiden, count that luck for it will soon be up” Jericho says backing away
and disappearing into the bushes.

Hurriedly I sheath my blades and rush to Rylan’s side, grabbing my veil and snapping it loosely in
place once more. As I bring the hem of my dress over Rylan’s wound in a lame attempt to pretend
that has slowed the bleeding the royal guards appear on the scene.

“Maiden we heard shouting” The royal guard ask.

Seconds later Viktor is also at my side, “What happened, are you hurt?” his eyes wide as he sees
Rylan’s blood on my dress and he scans me for injury.

“No,” I say with real shock in my voice at the fact that Rylan though still laying with his eyes
closed, has a steady moving chest “No I am fine.” Though tears begin rolling down my face.

“What happened?” Viktor asks again, tearing his eyes from me finally and looking at Rylan.

“An, an arrow, came from nowhere and hit him, he turned so it just hit him lightly but he went
down then men appeared and I was so scared, luckily the guards scared them off, Rylan did not see
them coming” I say still looking at Rylan’s moving chest.

Now the hard part was coming as I was rushed inside as Rylan taken to the infirmary to heal
further.

----------------------------------

I now sat in a room with Viktor, Tawny and Duchess Teerman. All looking at me with concern in
their eyes, though I knew the Duchess’ was not for my wellbeing but I knew it was more about
concern for what the Queen would do if her prophesied daughter was to be hurt or taken under her
watch.

I watched them all, luckily behind the veil, my small smile was hidden as I thought about Rylan
again being safe, being alive.

“How could this happen?” the Duchess says looking at me “How could you let this happen?” She
says this time looking over at Viktor.

“Rylan was on duty this evening, he kept her safe, she is not hurt,” Viktor says bowing his head to
the Duchess.

“Not hurt no, but she could have been. She could have been stolen, taken right from under us.” The
Duchess says panic coming into her voice.

“This will not happen again your grace, once Rylan recovers, we will go over the rules once more,
no outings like this will happen again I promise your grace,” Viktor says this last part with an
apology in his eyes as he knew going to the gardens to see the roses was one of my favourite
activities.

“You are right this will not happen again, and no need for re-training, because once that man
recovers he will go on one last walk to the gallows” the Duchess says, anger dripping in her voice.

“No” I say, looking up to meet the Duchess’ eye.

She stops pacing and looks at me, her mouth half open “Excuse me Penellaphe?”

“No. Please do not send Rylan to his death, after he almost gave up his life defending me.” I say
standing now for effect, “it was not his fault. I begged him, I pleaded for him to take me to the
gardens just this once, with everything that had been happening in the castle I was so scared, even
being in my room, so I begged Rylan to take me outside, I needed fresh air, then before we knew it
we were attacked, but he did his duty, he protected me, kept me safe, I am unharmed because of his
brave actions. He took that arrow for me, please pardon him, honour him and if he cannot stay on
as my guard send him to a border town as a guard, please your grace.”

I knew becoming a border guard would be a setback for Rylan, but anything was a step up from
dying.

The Duchess looked at me for a minute, her lips pursed in thought.

“Fine,” she finally said, “If you wish for this Penellaphe then the guard will be sent to Oak Ambler
as soon as he is healed, he can get on with the castle guard there, his honourable discharge from
your guard to there will be noted”
I knew this would be easy to convince the Duchess of once I came out of the event unscathed,
throwing out the name of the Dark one was a risk when seeing Jericho, I didn’t know what the
repercussions on it could be but if that moment saved Rylan’s life then I would deal with them
later.

The exchange afterward continued as I remember before, the Duchess telling me of the message on
the arrow:

From Blood and Ash

We shall rise

Upon hearing that phrase this time, the shiver that went through my body came not from fear but
anticipation from what was now to come. She then continued to warn me that Jericho was in fact
an Atlantian, and warning me of how the Dark one was coming for me.

Oh, how right she was.

The thought of Casteel now being one step closer to being back in my life, even if it was as Hawke
for a while, I hide my glee once more and that evening I went to bed content with my now second
life saved.
 Chapter 7
Chapter Summary

After seeing the Tulis' get denied once more Poppy needs to clear her head and runs
into a familiar face.

Chapter Notes

Decided to release two chapters today! Hope you all enjoy :)

A few days passed again without consequence, I kept to my room reading books Tawny brought
me, I thought fondly of one book that I knew I wanted to grab once more before we left Masadonia.

Viktor had come to my room early to ask if I wanted to do some training, I was so excited for this
moment, to have just between us, I had dreamed of having another one of these sessions with him.

I spun just out of reach of Viktors jabs, sweat starting to drip down the side of my forehead and my
breathing heavy, it felt good to be using my fighting skills again.

“So, who do you think is going to replace Rylan?” I ask between breaths, swinging my leg out to
catch Viktors side but he grabs it and pushes me back but I catch myself.

“Hard to say, most likely another guard from the castle,” Viktor says, moving in a slow circle
trying to bait me into attacking again.

“That was kind of you to ask for the pardon,” Viktor says, suddenly relaxing from his stance and
standing in front of me. “I am right pissed off he let you talk him into a walk in the garden so soon
after that attack, but he is a good man and did not deserve to die”

I also relax my stance, “Of course, I would never want him harmed or killed, I want him to have a
good, safe life” I say.
“Okay let’s go, your kicks are slower than last time, try to catch me somewhere I do not catch you
first,” Viktor says dropping into his ready stance once more.

“Alright.” I say bouncing on the balls of my feet, fighting stance wide, “But do you think it could
be that new guard that came from the capital?” I lightly try to continue asking, “He seems quite
skilled at fighting”

“Hawke Flynn?” Viktor asks keeping in stance, but his eyebrows knitting together, “Yes maybe, I
do not know exactly”
“Just saying could be good to have an outsider looking after me, one who is less knowing of the
other guards and could be stricter,” I say trying to be nonchalant again.

“You want someone who watches you closer?” Viktor asks relaxing his stance once more,
suspicion in his tone. “Now that does not sound like you.”
“Well I just mean I know I can be tricky to keep in one place, but maybe with everything going on
around the castle I need someone who will keep me in place,” I say lamely, I know Viktor is not
buying it.

“And this has nothing to do with the fact that he is considered a very handsome man by many of
the ladies in the court?” Viktor says, his tone teasing.

My cheeks turn red, Viktor still had that fatherly effect of being able to embarrass me in even the
smallest of comments.
“What? No, I didn’t even notice what he looks like” I say looking away from Viktor’s face.

“Hmmph” Viktor says smirking. “Well given his closeness to Commander Jansen I could see him
as a likely replacement, though I have no say in the matter.”

I shrug, trying to play it off as I didn’t really care, but I knew the Duke and Duchess would hear
Viktor’s opinion on the final selection and I wanted Hawke’s attention to detail and safety at the
forefront of his thinking.

-------------------------------------

I had been dreading this evening as I stood on the raised dais in the grand hall. The murmuring
crowd swelling below me as light court gossip occurred.

I glanced around the room at the Duke and Duchess sitting proudly in front of the crowd, I
continued looking until I saw him and a pit formed in my stomach as his head shifted and he met
my gaze, even through my veil I knew that our eyes were locked, we continued with our eye
contact until I heard someone announce.

“Mr. and Mrs. Tulis have requested a word your graces”

I look down and see the couple waking up to the front of the room, their tiny babe in Mrs. Tulis’
arms.

These are more people I planned on saving, I could not do it here, as much as I wanted to shout the
gods had sent me a message that the Rite no longer called for the collecting of children, that would
only end up doing more harm than good. I could take the punishment, but Viktor could be
punished, I could be sent right away to the capital, too much risk, I hated myself for it.

So, I stayed on the dais, silent as I watched the same sad scene of the Tulis’ request getting denied,
but I knew if I bid my time right I could save them and Tobias later, this time they would be safe.

------------------------------------------

Later that evening back in my chamber, I lay restless in my bed, the thoughts of having to let that
situation run through as it did in the past broke me. How I just had to sit there as the ascended
continued to rule and control the poor people of Solis with cruel and terrible actions.

My mind could also not help but drift to the Temple in Carsodonia, the bones of all the children
that have been taken and fed on for centuries.

I knew I would not be able to sleep so I grabbed my cloak, slipped on my mask and snuck out my
hidden door.
I wound down the tunnels and hallways until I found my way outside, to the hidden lip of the rise
that I knew would not have a guard patrolling it for at least a few more hours.
I gazed out over the Rise, into the village, looking at the poor crumbling homes, how little these
people had here and how little they could do about changing it. Tears started to well in my eyes as
that helpless feeling started welling up inside me once more.

“Now what could make a pretty thing like you so sad on a night like this?” a warm familiar voice
says behind me.
I turn quickly unsheathing my dagger, even though I know who is behind me I cannot help but still
respond in defense.

Casteel is leaning lazily against the wall, I did not hear him come up behind me, stupid mortal
hearing.

This interaction did not happen last time. I was elated to see him but knew I had to be careful as not
to disrupt the next parts of my plan. But maybe this could actually work at getting my plan along.

I relax my stance a bit but keep the dagger out, would be out of character for me at this time to
completely ease to his presence.

“You know if you wanted to see me again, you just had to come back up to my room in the Red
Pearl,” he says, arms still crossed, the right dimple just starting to appear, though the smugness was
not going up to his eyes.

I know how much today killed him as well, how angry and upset he was at not being able to do
anything to help.

“Well perhaps did you think that I am all the way up here to avoid seeing you?” I say, now
sheathing my dagger and crossing my own arms.

“Then what are you doing all the way up here Princess?” Casteel asks. “Especially at this hour,” he
adds strolling next to me and staring out over the Rise.

“I came here to think.” I say also turning to look over the rise.

“Dirty thoughts of our time together I hope Princess,” he smirks down at me.

I forget the time I am in and roll my eyes and swat at him sighing. The familiar teasing response
takes him back a moment, his face freezes, genuine curiosity starts rolling off of him, I close my
powers off so not to connect with him too much.
“Do not call me that.” I snap, stepping away from him, and placing my hands on my hips, feigning
annoyance.

He easily slips back behind his cocky swagger of castle guard. “Well without your name, Princess,
I have nothing else to call you.”

“Well, like I said before I cannot tell you my name,” I say back, annoyance sill lacing my voice,
mostly from the fact that we had to play this game again, when all I wanted was to be held in his
arms.

“Well fine if you do not tell me what your name is, then tell me what you came here to think
about,” he says, sliding down and patting the spot next to him.

I sigh but decide to sit, I was upset and even though I could not tell him everything now having his
presence was still calming to me, “Do you ever feel helpless? Like there is nothing you can do to
help those around you, or even if you did do something it would just hurt others in the end?” I say
looking down at my hands, looking at where my ring should be.
“Yes, I have felt that far too often lately,” Casteel replies with surprising honesty in his tone, the
playfulness now gone in his expression as I glance over and see him looking out over the rise. I do
not need my powers to feel the anguish and sadness that fills his eyes, I know his thoughts are not
only of today but of Malik as well and of all the others he has lost in his lifetime.

It takes everything in me to not reach over and grab his hands, slide closer and lean into him so I
just close my eyes, squeezing them shut for a moment. Gathering myself.

“Today was one of those days,” I say, my eyes still shut “In the Grand Hall, watching those people
beg for their son’s life, I felt so helpless”

I can feel Casteel now looking at me, I open up my powers slightly and can feel his curiosity once
more.
“And what would you have wanted to do about it Princess?” he asks, suspicion now creeping into
him a bit “Is the rite not a holy ritual needed to placate your gods?”

I do not draw attention to the fact that he said your gods. But say while opening my eyes and
looking over at him, “Well maybe this is not what the gods want.” Our gazes lock once more and I
feel the pit in my stomach start to gather.

“Now be careful what you say there to a castle guard, you may be a Princess, but those words do
not speak kindly about your kingdom and rulers” he says, the slight half grin making his way to his
face.

“No, it is not” I say looking away out over the Rise, “But there must be another way to make our
gods pleased, one that does not solely rely on the emotional torture of the helpless”

“One would think the gods would be very keen on such an idea,” he says, I can still feel him
looking at me.

At this point, I know I should not say more as to completely out myself, so I get up dusting my
cloak off.

“I should be going; the guard change should be coming soon and I would rather avoid another
castle guard this evening” I adjust my hood once more to ensure it is obscuring my face and go to
walk away.

Suddenly I feel a soft grasp around my wrist, “You would just go like that? Questioning your gods
then going to leave me with no kiss goodnight Princess?” Casteel teases, he is now standing,
looking at me the full dimple out now on his right cheek.

“Now you know that is not a good idea,” I say pulling at my arm to try and get it out of his grasp.

His hold stays, “Well I never did say I was good at good ideas, fine if no kiss then I guess we will
just have to be caught”

I stand there for a moment, I know the other guard will be there soon, so I make a quick decision. I
use his leverage on my wrist to swing into him fast, reaching up on my tiptoes I kiss him on the
cheek. In the shock of my action, I am able to shake out of his hold and I spin out of him reach.

“Goodnight Hawke” I say stepping away into darkness.

“Until next time Princess” I can hear Casteel’s reply, this time I can hear that both dimples are now
showing at this point.
 Chapter 8
Chapter Summary

A certain guard is assigned to take over Rylan's spot.

After I got back to my room last night, I savoured the scent I got from being in his presence and
used that thought to finally lull me to sleep, though morning still came far sooner than I wished.
But I knew what would happen this morning.

I woke-up, though not rested, with thoughts that even though it was not planned, maybe having
those words with Casteel last night helped set up our relationship to go faster this time. Last time he
was unsure about my feelings towards the Blood Crown and the way it is ruled, hopefully now he
will be a bit more open and trusting me.

I dressed myself before Tawny and Viktor came to my door to come and get me for the visit that I
knew was coming.

When they did knock, I went and opened the door I was ready except for the fact that I still had not
put my veil on, though I had worn it already in this time again I was still willing to put off as long
as possible clasping that damn thing over my head and face once more.

“How is Rylan fairing?” I ask as Tawny starts doing up all the snaps and clasps of the veil.

“He has healed well and almost ready to travel to his new position,” Viktor replies, standing in the
doorway.

“I wish I was able to visit him, to go say goodbye,” I say, I knew it would be a time before I would
hopefully see him again.

“I think for his pride it would be best you did not.” Viktor replies, “Though he is grateful for the
Dukes’ pardon, the attack and dismissal are weighing quite heavily on him.”

“Well if you see him before he leaves, please pass on my goodwill and that I hold no negative
feelings towards him, he was a good guard, a great friend and I will miss him,” I say this last part
lifting the veil to look at Viktor.

“Of course,” He says, “now time to go, you have been summoned by the Duke and Duchess.”

Butterflies start fluttering in my stomach even though I knew this moment was coming, “Oh no
Priestess today?” I ask innocently.

“Yes, yes I know how upset you must be,” Viktor replies as Tawny chuckles, doing up the last
clasp of the veil.

“Alright we are good to go.” Tawny says stepping back and clasping her hands behind her back, at
mention of the Duke and Duchess, Tawny did always get a bit more reserved and proper.

As we made our way down the familiar hall to the room that I knew all too well I was dreading to
see the Duke once more. My last image of him pinned up to the wall, did bring me a sick little bit
of reprieve in memory.

I was happy we were not headed to strictly the Duke’s quarters. Though if I did end up there once
more, I was not going to be helpless and powerless again.

As we walked into room, I spotted the Duke and could not help but feel dread at seeing him alive
once more. Everything occurred as I remembered before, I shifted my gaze to Commander Jansen
who stood talking with the Duke behind his desk. I was grateful for the veil at this moment as it
hid the look of disgust that crossed my face. The Commander was someone else I would need to
deal with once we left Masadonia, his betrayal and alliance with Alistair was not forgotten, but I
finally snuck a glance over at him, my heartmate my love, my everything, Prince Casteel Da’Neer.

He was staring right at me, tracking my movement as I walked into the room, the Duke asked
Viktor to shut the door behind him and then asked me to sit down. I wasn’t even listening to the
Duke but followed my muscle memory of this moment, still not looking away from Casteel, I never
wanted to look away from him again. But I knew for a bit longer I had a role to play, certain things
still needed to occur for all to move forward, so I shifted my gaze down and tilted my head toward
the floor.

“I hope you have been well Penellaphe?” The Duchess asks, no emotion in her voice.

I nod, continuing to gaze down at my hands in my lap, thinking of all the different ways that I
could be involved in ending the Duke’s life this time.

“We are all glad to hear,” the Duke responds with no kindness or relief in his tone. “That is the
matter as to why we have gathered here today, to discuss the matter of replacing what’s his name?
Who passed? What was his name?”

“Rylan, your grace,” Viktor responds, “And he did not pass, but was injured out of duty so he is
moving to Oak Ambler for another position.”

“Ah yes Ryan.” the Duke muses, waving his hand absently, “and how was he allowed to live after
such a mistake as endangering our Maiden’s life?” He questions, looking at me for some sort of
reaction.

“Penellaphe asked for forgiveness of his error” The Duchess responds in an annoyed tone, I know
they have had this discussion behind closed doors, but I knew the Duke wanted to bring it up in
front of me again to make me feel uncomfortable.

“Did you ask that Penellaphe? Interesting that you felt you had the right to that decision.” The
Duke says pointedly, “but alas, who am I to care if another guard lives or dies, his journey to Oak
Ambler may see disaster yet.” The Duke continues with a teasing tone.

I still look down, knowing that if I let my true emotions show then the jig could be up, past me
would rise to these goading’s at times, and I wanted to respond but I knew if I started saying
something then I had no idea where it could go.

“Back to the point though, yes, we are here for the replacement of Ryan the coward,” The Duke
says, motioning with his hand for Casteel to step forward.

“This is Guard Flynn, he is a skilled castle guard who has recently moved from the capital with
rave reviews, he will take Ryan’s place.”

“Though Guard Flynn is new he is a greatly accomplished swordsman and will not allow for any
threat to fall upon the maiden,” Commander Jansen added in.
“Indeed” The Duke says, boredom in his voice.

“He also has experience to the threats from outside the rise and with your ascension coming soon
having someone to travel to the capital with that experience will be vital” The Duchess also adds.

I know everyone is looking at me now, so I do glance over at Casteel once more, his gaze is still
locked on me again, I am not sure if it was earlier or at this point that he figured out from my scent
and that I am the same woman from the inn as well as the rise. As I look onto his face, his gaze
locked on me, I do not hold the same fear or uncertainty I did before so I also lock my gaze with
his though I know he cannot see my eyes I know he can sense me staring.

No light or friendly response crosses his face, but I can taste his hidden curiosity from my stare.

I knew what was coming next.

“Well since you know there is the likelihood that he could need to be able to identify you unveiled,
he will need to see your face,” The Duchess says in a soft tone, thinking me to still be the scared
girl with scars, “Please leave the room Commander Jansen.”

Casteel’s gaze is still locked onto me as the Duke drawls out his lines of saying how he is about to
see what not many have seen in this lifetime, as if I were a world wonder or sideshow attraction,
but I guess that is what I was to the Duke.

This time I did not hesitate as I did before, I start undoing the clasps, the readiness of me to expose
my face and my scars took the Duke by surprise. I knew he was hoping this request would make
me embarrassed or uncomfortable.

As I undo the last clasp I continue looking in Casteel’s direction, Tawny helps me lift the veil from
my head, exposing my cheeks to the cool air of the room. This time I let Casteel see me from
straight on letting him see both the marred and unmarred sides of my face. I continued looking at
him as the silence of the room ticked on. Casteel’s gaze roamed my entire face, I knew this was the
first time he would be seeing me and I wanted to enjoy every second of him taking me in.

I felt no shame, nor embarrassment of being looked upon by him because he is my heartmate the
love of my life and I would always enjoy us gazing at each other.

Eventually the moment of silence and connection was ruined by talking. “Isn’t she unique,” the
Duke says as he had many times in the past, “half a masterpiece and the other half a nightmare”

Though the silence had been broken, our gazes had not, still looking at me Casteel says, “Both
halves are as beautiful as the whole,” he then places his hand on his sword and bowing slightly he
continues, “with my sword and with my life, I vow to keep you safe, Penellaphe.” His same smooth
decadent tone filling my ears, “from this moment until the last moment, I am yours.”

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