Second Chance

chapter 13




Early the next morning before the sun had even risen, Carrick and Ava were awakened by a loud knocking at the door. Both scrambled from their beds, but Carrick took one look at her and barked, “Put some decent clothes on before you come out.”

Ava grabbed the dress she had worn the previous day—having cleaned it that night with an incantation—and slipped it over her head. She wasn’t about to bother with her boots. Walking into the kitchen, she saw Carrick and Laina sitting at the table. Carrick had apparently put on a kettle of water to boil for tea.

“Good morning, Ava,” Laina said cheerfully. “Sorry to awaken you this early.”

“That’s perfectly fine. I suspect you have important news or else you would have waited for a visit.”

“Yes, I was just starting to tell Carrick that we have good news indeed. As you know, we have been trying to get the Sorins to join our fight against Ralina for several years. They have balked because their kingdom sits so far out and they haven’t been affected by Ralina’s tyranny. But now, they want to hold a meeting to discuss an alliance. It’s the first interest they’ve shown in helping us in all these years.”

The kettle was whistling so Ava stood up to prepare the tea. “Why the sudden change of heart?” Ava wondered out loud.

“I have no clue,” Laina responded. “A Sorin messenger just arrived at my home a bit ago with the message. Prince Baynor wants us to visit him today in Croyden to discuss an alliance.”

“By us, you mean the Conclave?” Carrick asked.

“Well, no… I mean, yes, he wants to have to me as the Chief of the Conclave there, but he specifically asked to meet with Ava.”

Carrick snorted. “Now that makes sense. Slimy bastard.”

“What makes sense? Who is a slimy bastard?” Ava asked.

“Don’t you see what he’s doing, Ava? Now that he knows you are back, he wants to help put you back on the throne, no doubt with him by your side as your husband. He wins you and Kestevayne.”

“That’s ridiculous,” Ava scoffed. “I barely know Baynor.”

“Trust me. He is not going to help us out of the goodness of his heart. There has been nothing we could offer him in four years. Now you are back and he wants to help? Give me a break.”

“Well, we must meet with him,” Laina interrupted. “We can’t pass up a chance to have the Sorin’s Army added to ours. It could be enough to change the tide of the war.”

“We can’t meet with him today,” Ava said. “We are traveling to meet Hephastus.”

“That will have to wait another day,” Carrick said. “Laina is right. As much as I don’t like Sorin, we can’t pass up his request for a meeting. Hephastus will still be there tomorrow. Baynor wants us today. Let’s get ready to go.”

“He didn’t ask for you to be there, Carrick,” Laina pointed out.

“Doesn’t matter. Ava’s not going without me, so if he wants to see Ava, he’s going to have to see me too. Let’s meet at the Conclave Hall in an hour to make the trip.”

Ava opted to wear a traditional Vyronasian dress for the meeting with Baynor Sorin. When she emerged from the bathroom, she saw that Carrick had dressed in his military attire, but opted for battle gear rather than his dress uniform. She knew what he was doing. He wanted to make sure Baynor knew that war was the primary topic of the conversation, not diplomacy.

Carrick’s battle gear consisted of black pants made of a stiff, denim-like material. Over that he wore leather chaps, also in black, to add further protection. His top was a simple black tunic tucked into his pants but with criss-crossing leather straps in the front that held a metal breastplate to his sternum. Steel reinforced, black leather boots finished the outfit and made him battle ready. He made an imposing figure when dressed like this.

“Looks like you’re ready for a fight,” Ava mused.

Carrick looked over at Ava, standing near the bathroom door. He looked at her from head to toe. “You are not wearing that to meet with Baynor. Go put on your jeans and one of those flannel shirts.”

Ava looked down at what she was wearing. Since she was going to meet a royal prince, at his palace, she knew etiquette demanded she dress the part. As such, she had chosen the one other piece of clothing she had purchased in Clairmont.

It was a full length, cream sheath gathered at the waist and dropping to the floor in soft, fluid folds. The neckline was wide and plunged deeply, ending just below her breastbone and exposing the soft curve of the inside of her breasts. The portion below her waist had a long slit straight up the front, all the way to her crotch line. The dress came with a matching pair of silk shorts that covered her from her hip bone to about two inches below her groin.

Walking in the dress didn’t expose the shorts completely but gave brief peeks of her long legs as the soft material moved. Now, when she sat down, that was another matter. The skirt portion would slide open, right at the middle, exposing all of her legs and showcasing the four-inch crystal studded heels that she had purchased to go with the dress. She felt beautiful in it and was happy to be able to dress in royal fashion again.

“Don’t be an ass, Carrick. I’m not going to change. This is perfectly acceptable to wear, much more so than what you have on,” she said eyeing him up and down.

“That dress is too revealing. Do you want Baynor ogling you?”

“If it gets us his help, I’ll gladly sacrifice myself for a little ogling.” She smiled sweetly at him as if to emphasize her point.

“I’m sure he wants to do more than ogle,” Carrick gritted out.

“At least someone wants to,” Ava muttered. “I’m not changing my mind so we might as well go.”

***

As Carrick and Ava walked to the Conclave Hall, Carrick became lost in his thoughts about Baynor. He and Ava had a very short history together.

It was Ava’s eighteenth birthday party. The palace ballroom opened out into the lush gardens. Several white tents were set up, each decorated with sparkling lights and pale pink lanterns. Each tent held several tables, covered with cream roses.

An amazing assortment of food was being served buffet style. There was a variety of baked and grilled fowls including pheasant, chicken and peacock with platters of fire-roasted vegetables. One table held a long row of fish pies baked with figs, raisins, apples and plums. Cold and hot soups took up another table, surrounded by freshly baked flatbreads. Dessert was a simple lemon cake that stood five tiers tall with light cream frosting. Ava’s favorite.

The ballroom itself was lit with thousands of floating pink lanterns which cast warm light down on the dancers. A twenty-piece orchestra was playing a variety of music, most of it suitable for dancing.

Carrick was attending with Ralina as his date. She had insisted on it and he couldn’t figure a way to get out of it. The truth was, since their horse ride just a few days ago, Carrick had become obsessed with Ava and wanted her beyond all reasoning. He knew he should break things off with Ralina, sooner rather than later. It wouldn’t solve his problems, but at least he could concentrate full-time on figuring a way to win Ava.

His main problem was that he was not sure he was worthy enough for her so that her parents would approve. He was from the Warrior caste, which was highly respected even among royals. But when it boiled right down to it, he was not a royal.

Carrick and Ralina were dancing to a slow melody. She was pressed firmly against him and winding her fingers through his hair. He knew she was doing this as prelude to seduction, and there was a time he would have responded. But now, Ralina did nothing for him. In fact, his interest in her had been lukewarm at best the last few months.

They swayed back and forth to the music, and Ralina was chattering about something. He was trying to follow what she was saying, but was actually getting annoyed with the way she was playing with his hair. He was about to suggest they take a break from dancing when he saw Ava, just over Ralina’s left shoulder.

She was just coming into the ballroom from the gardens and she was breathtaking. She was wearing a strapless, silver gown. It hugged every curve of her body starting at her breasts and continuing down to her thighs. It then dropped in loose folds to swish around her ankles. The top was plunging, making sure that everyone who had not gotten the proclamation that Ava was now an adult would see that she was.

Her chestnut locks were artfully curled on top of her head, with tendrils framing her lovely face. She wore no makeup other than some lip gloss, but then again, she didn’t need it. Her complexion was creamy and Carrick had always loved how fresh she looked.

Then Carrick noticed that she was walking arm in arm with Baynor Sorin. Ava was laughing at something he said as they walked toward the dance floor.

“…blow this party and go have some fun of our own,” Ralina whispered in his ear, running her tongue lightly along the edge.

Carrick involuntarily jerked his head back. “What? I’m sorry, I didn’t hear what you said.”

Running her fingertip from his chin down his neck, Ralina whispered, “I said, how about we blow this party and go make some fun of our own?”

This was going to be awkward, Carrick thought. Ralina was a beautiful woman, no doubt. Her hair was golden yellow and she had stunning blue eyes although he thought they were a little icy at times. Her body was perfection. But looking at her now, he couldn’t find one ounce of attraction to her.

He and Ralina had been “dating” each other casually for a few years. At first, it started with Ralina asking Carrick to escort her to a party. That night, Ralina had come on to Carrick strong, and being young and horny, he couldn’t pass up what she was offering. They’d had sex that first night and since then, they had settled into what he thought was a companionable relationship. He often escorted her to various functions, and they had sex. And that was about all there was to it.

Except, lately, Ralina had been acting a little more possessive of his time. She had also mentioned marriage in a round-about way, but Carrick had not given it much credence. And now, with his thoughts filled with nothing but Ava, he knew that it was more than past time to break things off with Ralina.

Carrick grabbed Ralina’s hand and led her off the dance floor. He walked out of the ballroom, down a large hallway that led toward a small sitting room. Carrick looked inside and found it empty. He pulled Ralina inside and closed the door behind him. Ralina immediately launched herself into his arms.

“Aren’t you the excited one? Can’t even wait to make it to your apartments?”

Carrick quickly grabbed hold of Ralina’s arms and gently pushed her back. After he had her at arm’s length, he said, “Ralina, we need to talk.”

“Oh, this sounds serious. Let’s talk after we get naked.” Ralina reached her arms out to him again, but he stepped backward. Clearly, she wasn’t taking this seriously.

“Ralina, please listen to me. This is important.”

Sticking out her lower lip in a pout, Ralina plopped down on a couch. “Fine. What is so important you’d rather talk than have sex with me?”

By all that was magical, this was going to be difficult. Carrick had the urge to pace but instead fixed his eyes on Ralina’s. “I’m so very sorry, Ralina, but I want to end this relationship.”

“What?” Ralina sputtered, lurching from the couch.

“I’m truly sorry,” Carrick said lamely. “I don’t want to see you anymore.”

“It’s that little bitch of a princess, Ava, isn’t it?” Ralina spat.

Carrick was surprised that Ralina would even think that. What in the world would have given her that impression? Hell, he didn’t even realize he wanted a relationship with Ava until a few days ago.

“Ava and I are just friends, Ralina.” That was the truth, at least for now. “In fact, last I saw her she was looking pretty cozy with Prince Baynor on the dance floor.”

Ralina struck so fast, he never saw it coming. She slapped him hard across his face. “I don’t believe you. I’ve seen the way you watch her. And you haven’t been interested in me in a very long time.”

Carrick rubbed his burning cheek. “I don’t know what else to say other than I’m sorry. I never promised you anything more.”

“Sorry isn’t good enough, Carrick. You will regret this, mark my words.” Ralina turned on her heel and stomped from the room.

Carrick waited a few minutes and then went back to the ballroom. He glanced around and did not see Ralina. He hoped that she had left and would not stick around to make a scene. Taking a more thorough look around, he noticed Ava was still dancing with Baynor. They seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely which put Carrick in a rotten mood.

He grabbed some ale from a passing servant and found an empty table. He sat there watching Ava dance, trying to figure out a way that he could have her. If he couldn’t figure it out, he would just have to get drunk.

“Mind if I join you?”

Carrick looked up and Queen Selena was standing at the chair next to him. Jumping to his feet, Carrick pulled the chair out for her and said, “I would be honored, Your Highness.”

“Oh, come on, Carrick. You know when it’s just us, you call me Selena. We are not formal. This you know.”

Carrick smiled and didn’t feel the need to respond. They both sat watching the dancers in companionable silence. Carrick tried to watch other dancers, but he knew his eyes kept drifting back to Ava.

As the song ended, he saw Baynor whisper something to Ava to which she nodded. He then took her elbow and led her out of the ballroom and into the gardens. It was going to drive Carrick nuts wondering what they were doing. He was so lost in his thoughts, that he almost didn’t hear the Queen talking.

“When are you going to make a move for Ava?”

It was a good thing Carrick had not been sipping his ale or he probably would have spat it out all over the Queen, he was so shocked by that one, simple question.

“Excuse me?” Carrick was utterly flabbergasted.

“Carrick,” Selena chided. “Please don’t play me for a fool. I see how you look at my daughter. I see how my daughter looks at you. And, I hear how my daughter talks about you. I don’t think I can be around Ava for ten minutes without her mentioning you.”

Hearing this, Carrick sat a little straighter. “Really?”

“Really. So why is Prince Baynor out there paying attention to my daughter, and you are in here with a sour look on your face?”

“In all honesty, Selena, I am not sure that I am good enough for Ava. I didn’t know how you and King Jaron would feel about it.”

Selena gave a musical laugh. “My dear boy. You have been around us enough to know that Ava is our pride and joy. And we want her happy. If Ava wants you, and I assure you, she does, then we would love you just for making her happy.”

“But I’m only of Warrior caste, not Royal,” Carrick pointed out.

“You know that royals do not have to marry of royal bloodlines. Besides, your magic is strong and you are very important to this kingdom. One day, you will be the leader of all those who protect us. I can’t imagine my daughter being in better hands.”

Carrick glanced at the doorway to the gardens, but couldn’t see Ava and Baynor. Selena stood up and Carrick rose with her in a gesture of respect.

“You’re a good man, Carrick. Don’t you forget that.” Selena stretched up and kissed him on the cheek.

“What are you doing kissing my wife?” King Jaron said playfully as he came up behind Selena and wrapped his arms around her.

“Oh hush, Jaron. I was just wishing Carrick good luck on a new endeavor he has decided to undertake.”

“And what is that?” the King inquired.

“Come darling, let’s dance. I’ll fill you in on it.”

Carrick sat back down at the table and finished his ale. He watched the King and Queen dance and he could tell that Selena was telling Jaron about her conversation with Carrick. King Jaron looked over at him and gave him a reassuring smile.

Carrick’s heart felt lighter than it had in, well, forever. He had Ava’s parents’ approval. Now all he had to do was get up the guts to let Ava know his feelings. That is, if he could figure a way to get her away from Baynor.

Just then, Ava and Baynor walked back in and went straight to the dance floor. Carrick didn’t wait another minute. He got up and strode over to them. “Mind if I cut in, Prince Baynor?”

“Well, I have been taking up all of Ava’s attention, but I can assure you it has been time well spent.” Baynor graciously took Ava’s hand and kissed her knuckles lightly. “I hope to have another dance soon.”

Carrick wanted to punch him in the face. Instead, he took Ava and gathered her in for a dance.

“This is a nice surprise,” Ava said. “I didn’t even know you danced.”

Carrick sailed across the ballroom with Ava in his arms. “It’s part of our training in the Warrior caste.”

“Really?” Ava asked, her eyebrows shooting straight up.

Carrick rolled his eyes at her with a grin. “No, not really. We have better things to do with our time.”

Ava chuckled. “Good one.”

Suddenly, Carrick was overcome with nervousness. What if Ava didn’t want him? What if she really wanted Baynor? And how in the hell was he supposed to tell her his feelings? He felt foolish and lost all at the same time.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Ava asked.

“I was just thinking…”, Carrick began. Could he do this? Would this forever change their friendship? Trying to push past his own doubts, Carrick looked into Ava’s eyes. She stared at him with calm strength. And all his doubts fled.

“I was just thinking simply… that I love you.”

Ava’s eyes widened in surprise and she stumbled. Carrick easily caught her and they were once again dancing smoothly across the marbled floor. He was looking at her, waiting for a response. Yes. No. Go to hell. Anything but silence.

And then Ava said, “It's about damn time, Carrick Dunne. I’ve only been in love with you since I was eight years old.”

Carrick and Ava had arrived at the Conclave Hall. Laina was not there yet so they waited. Carrick thought again back to that day on her eighteenth birthday. He and Ava were practically giddy with their newly proclaimed love. Of course, Ava had to talk to Prince Baynor who, as it turned out, had genuinely liked Ava and wanted to court her for marriage. He seemed to take her rejection well though.

Ralina, on the other hand, was pissed and used every opportunity that she saw Ava or Carrick to let them know.

And now, Carrick felt like they were starting all over again. Except this time, they would be on Sorin’s turf, and there was no doubt in his mind that Sorin would want Ava as part of the deal. How had things become so complicated lately?