The Beast and The Swallow

No matter how slowly the horse sauntered, the winding road still brought Noah and Lorelei to Ildemar's gates. Seeing their masters approaching, the gatekeepers sounded the alarm, and in minutes the whole castle was abuzz.

Noah jumped from the saddle first and swayed briefly before regaining his balance. This didn't escape Lorelei. She gave him a stern glare, which he accepted with a boyish grin, and offered her his hand.

"Don't fret, my fair physician." He winked. "If someone saw you, they might think that I'm one foot in the grave."

"But if you continue to strain yourself all the time, you will cripple your leg."

"Well, even in such a dire situation, there would be a silver lining." Noah grabbed Lorelei's hand while she blinked appalled and planted a kiss on it. "Should my leg be crippled, I'd never be able to run away from your nagging, my love."

"You daring man!" huffed Lorelei, pulled her fingers free, and brushed his bangs to the side. "Just so you know, the body you are so brazenly mistreating belongs to me. Who allowed you to damage what's mine?"

"I never knew you were so possessive, Lady Norden." Like a big black cat, Noah rubbed his head against her palm. His teeth flashed as he grinned. "I like it!"

"Be careful, Duke Norden. Your facade of a cold-hearted beast is cracking more and more."

"This beast has been tamed a long time ago, my lady. And only a blind person wouldn't know that you are the one holding my leash."

Lorelei couldn't contain herself and ruffled his hair. His content chuckle and the sparkle in his eyes made her heart dance. There was no man more sweet, dashing, and perfect than him in the whole world, with all his flaws, gruffness, and rough edges. Everything, from his boyish cheekiness to his domineering presence and noble disposition, from his moments of brooding contemplation to his sunny smiles and deep laughter, it all made Noah into her precious being of contradictions.

A polite cough reminded her they were not alone. For a moment, Lorelei was flustered but then an even more radiant smile brightened her face. She was married. She was finally happy and was not doing anything indecent. Why should she hide her feelings, especially when Noah didn't seem to mind?

From the height of the saddle, she looked around the courtyard. The familiar faces of servants and knights greeted her with ill-contained jubilation. There wasn't a single frown or demeaning glare. The lively whispers were accompanied by blessing gestures and bows whenever she crossed gazes with someone. Everyone's reaction left Lorelei teary yet immensely happy.

"Commander Aiden," she found her voice and addressed the burly knight who was standing next to them and chewing on his grin, "would you mind relieving the Duke and assisting me to dismount?"

"At your orders, Duchess!"

Aiden demonstratively clicked his heels and hurried to the horse. His large palms wrapped around Lorelei's waist and lifted her up like she was not heavier than a doll before planting her firmly on the ground next to Noah.

"Lucky chap," grumbled her husband and pulled her into his arms, sparking a new wave of giggles and whispers.

"Jealous, Your Highness?" She poked his chest.

"Of course!" Noah huffed and tightened his embrace while nodding at Aiden. "It's one less chance to have my hands on you."

"I've been in your hands for close to an hour!"

"Even a day would hardly be enough, my dear." Noah brushed a lock of hair behind her ear before continuing with a whisper. "Please, allow me to be a foolish, love-struck idiot for just a bit longer."

"How can I say no?" she whispered back and was about to kiss him again when the hubbub of the crowd muted. Noah's arms cramped convulsively around her.

Looking over her shoulder, Lorelei saw a group of children gathered at the main entrance. There was the flustered Kai in an impeccable page tunic, struggling to hold back his sister. Little Anuk, in her blue-green dress, looked like a hummingbird eager to take flight, her ecstatic babble reaching the arrivals even from a distance. The rear guard of the group consisted of Jessup, his curly head sticking above his young charges like that of a shepherd's dog amongst a flock of lambs. The freckles dotting his otherwise stoic face had merged into a singular sea of red, and it was a secret to no one that the youth was hardly able to contain his excitement. However, it was the leader of the small party that gathered everyone's attention. Dressed in the modest clothes of a servant boy with spiky, newly-grown hair, a thick leather apron, and a few black smudges on the face, it was hard for an outsider to recognize that the one standing at the very edge of the stairs was a girl. And yet, despite the simple attire, there was an unmistakable air of nobility surrounding the child like a second skin. A familiar crease appeared between Shana's eyebrows as her fine features twisted in disbelief.

For a moment, Lorelei thought her heart might explode. There was no doubt that the children had witnessed their intimate behaviour. What truly frightened her, however, was the fury Shana was soon to unleash. Without a doubt, seeing her father being so close to the woman she hated would not sit well with the girl, even less now that rumors about the events at the temple had surely reached Ildemar. The child's recently good behaviour could as well have been a mask or a temporary truce, but Lorelei remained an enemy of Norden by prophecy and nature. Although it was doubtful that Shana was to use her powers in front of so many people, a welcoming tantrum was not going to be something new or unexpected.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Lorelei patted the left side of Noah's chest and separated reluctantly from him, giving him a sign to go placate his daughter while she stood back. As he strode forth with a brisk, slightly limping gait, Shana's body froze completely. Her expression also changed. To Lorelei's surprise, she noticed fear and suppressed longing twisting the girl's features. With hands clasped before her chest and round, panic-filled eyes, Shana looked almost like an evildoer caught in the middle of committing a crime. Her reaction didn't escape Noah, who stopped mid-way.

"Starlet?" His expression clouded. "Why…?"

Without giving an answer, Shana slowly descended the stairs, her legs visibly shaking. Reaching a step away from her father, she halted, nervously playing with her fingers.

"Pa…" Shana choked and lowered her head. "Y-Your Highness, welcome back."

A long pause followed before she added quietly:

"May… may I give you a hug?"

"Why even ask!?" Noah opened his arms, but the child hesitated.

"I came in a hurry… so I didn't…" mumbled Shana and continued rubbing her fingers that, on a second glance, were covered in soot and dirt.

"When has something like that ever bothered me?" Noah's worry seeped away. "Come."

Like a burnt animal closing an open fire, Shana inched forward, but finally could not suppress her emotions any longer. Her arms wrapped around Noah's waist as she quietly sobbed.

"I… was so scared. Rish told us everything. Y-you… you were hurt. Almost… d-devoured. I'm sorry, papa. I'm sorry!"

"What for?!" Noah stroked her head.

"I should have recognized that shaman. I should have known… If… I had been with you at the temple…" She suddenly looked up at Noah with huge eyes and frantically shook her head. "I don't mean my punishment was unjust, papa. I know what I did was bad. I promise I'll do better. I've been working to repair my mistakes. I have! Really! It's just… If I hadn't messed things up here… If I had been with you, maybe I could have stopped that woman earlier. I'm sorry."

"Calm down, Starlet." Noah cupped her face and kissed her forehead. "Don't burden yourself with what-ifs. And honestly, I was more at ease knowing you were safe in Ildemar."

Shana swallowed hard and hugged her father even tighter. The two stood like that for a long time, not saying a word, not moving a muscle - a snowbell blooming protected in the shadow of a mighty oak. Even Lorelei's eyes moistened at the sight. True, she didn't like Shana. The child had caused more than enough damage to her and to those Lorelei held dear. And yet, behind the girl's misguided actions lay unquestionable affection and the desire to do good.

"Does… the end… justify the means then?" whispered Lorelei to herself as she looked up at the clear sky. She could almost hear Master Levi snort: 'Yes, as long as you can look yourself in the mirror without puking. Morals are for those who have nothing to lose.' She frowned at her own thoughts that had drifted into a dark part of her mind. A beehive she didn't want to poke today.

Someone tugged on her sleeve lightly. Returning to the present, Lorelei found herself eye to eye with Shana, who had quietly approached. Her stomach tightened as she prepared for the inevitable.

"Duchess…" The child let go and took half a step away from her. Then she bent her back in a deep bow. "Thank you for saving my father and grandmother, and everyone else. I won't forget to repay your kindness. I… am sorry for everything. Thank you."

Shana's politeness caught Lorelei unprepared. She couldn't think of a reply, but the deep blue eyes of the little Binshi looked at her with sincerity this time. There was not even a hint of animosity or jealousy, and more importantly - not a flicker of magic. Still on guard yet slightly relieved, Lorelei dipped her head and looked at Noah for further guidance. His mellow expression melted her heart and made her feel guilty. She knew how happy he would be if his two ladies got along, but she needed a bit longer. All of them needed time to heal.

"Let's go in and have a bite, shall we?" Noah stretched his hand and Lorelei took it. From the corner of her eye, she could see Shana blushing, but the girl stayed quiet.

The three of them managed to reach the entrance without a mishap or delay and were enthusiastically intercepted by Anuk. The little Binshi jumped at Lorelei and stuck to her skirt like a burdock burr, chirping and laughing while informing them of all events, big and small, that had transpired during their absence. The child's liveliness quickly recovered Lorelei's smile, making her slowly relax around Shana's nigh-inconspicuous presence.

Accompanied by Jess and the children, Noah and Lorelei made their way to a sunny parlor where Milly, red-eyed and beaming, awaited them with some light lunch. The table was bending under platters of chicken and baked cod, egg tarts and stewed vegetables, cheese and sausages, cream dumplings and mushroom porridge. The fragrance of the dishes made Lorelei salivate, and judging by Noah's glowing eyes, he shared her sentiments.

"Gods bless you, Milly!" He dropped into a cushioned chair with a delighted sigh. "Give Madam Gilbert and the kitchen staff our sincerest thanks."

"We are happy to serve, Your Highness," chirped the maid while assisting Lorelei in her seat.

"Milly, bring plates for yourself and the children." Lorelei patted her hand with appreciation and turned to their young escorts. "I hope you'll all join us in cleaning up this meal. It would be a challenge for only the two of us."

"I… should be returning to training soon," mumbled Kai, but was quickly shushed by his sister and dragged to the table under joyful laughter.

"Since the Lady insists…" Jess' expression showed the same wolfish hunger as Noah and Lorelei thought amused that master and squire were a perfect match.

The only one still hesitating near the door was Shana. She shifted her weight from one foot to another, still rubbing her hands and throwing the adults uncertain glances. A small pang shot through Lorelei's heart.

"Please, sit with us." She beckoned at Shana while exchanging glances with Noah. "But only if you like. This isn't an order."

Nodding hesitantly, Shana took the empty chair next to her father. Milly began filling their plates, chatting happily with Anuk and Kai. Noah leaned in and whispered something in Shana's ear, making her blush. Little by little, the tension around the table began to dissolve. Lorelei closed her eyes and breathed in the sweet aroma of the dishes, finally allowing herself to indulge in the homey feeling. She was finally back where she was happy. Where she truly belonged.

Her moment of bliss, however, didn't last long, interrupted by the loud bang of the door flying open. A loud clamoring group spilled into the solar. Two panicked servants tried to bar the way of a rotund, middle-aged man, barely managing to hold him down.

"Where is she!?" The frenzied roar of Count Orten bode ill to anyone who dared to interject. "Where is my daughter!?"