A Battle of Pride and Desire

Chapter Twelve

The following morning was a long one of Taran reminding her of the Lord and Lady's names ten times. She wasn't going to forget them, he needed to relax. He had been on edge all morning, worried about what they wanted to talk about. Brigette wondered why the queen didn't deal with things like this since Taran was only the Prince. Yes, he had duties but this all seemed a bit much. It was probably because his father wasn't around that he had to take on more responsibilities. He had taken the liberty of interrupting their history lesson this morning to explain how important seers were in Magmella's history. Brigette had paid attention only because of what Juno had said, she doubted it would matter to her once she got home. Nevertheless she indulged Taran's monologues, she liked his voice. Slowly, the minutes inched forward and it was time for them to meet with the seers; Aoibhe and Rory. They had been together a grand total of 140 years meaning they were about 200. Taran had explained to Brigette that the seers were people they could trust. The seers had always supported Taran's family and their decisions.

"And what better compliment is there when they can predict the future?" he had said.

Brigette couldn't really argue with that and it did put her at ease to know their relationship with each other was a good one. It didn't stop her stomach from flipping as they entered the board room though, she was wary of what kind of reaction they would have to her. When Taran and her entered they bowed low.

"Your Lordship," Aoibhe rose first. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with us."

Rory nodded in support of his wife, resting a hand on her back. Taran waved them off and told them to sit down, "No, thank you. It's been a while how are things?"

Rory's eyes lit up, "Things have been really good. Our village has been going from strength to strength, everyone is employed and contributes to society."

Taran smiled in a way that reminded Brigette of the royalty he was, "I'm glad to hear it. I can't say we haven't been keeping tabs on that though."

Feigned laughter, Gods Brigette would never be able to tolerate diplomacy. Taran alerted her to attention when he put a hand on her shoulder, "This is Brigette, my partner."

Brigette had been briefed on this already, they were not to know she was human and she had to pretend they were together. Brigette had fake-retched when Taran told her but it was crucial they didn't question her too much. Apparently it was normal to have multiple lovers in Magmella, so the seers wouldn't think much of it.

"We know who she is," Aoibhe looked in Brigette's direction. "We've seen you, we knew you would be coming."

Brigette was thrown off by this, "All good things I hope."

Gods, someone kill her now.

"Some of it," Rory said.

Taran's shoulders tensed, "She doesn't break my heart, does she?"

Nice save. Brigette placed her hand atop his on the table. "We can't tell you that, my boy. We just knew she would be here today." Rory laughed lightly.

Brigette felt her shoulders relax slightly. They didn't know what she had done, perhaps their powers didn't extend into Erinea.

"Enough of the matters of my heart," Taran said, stroking Brigette's hand mindlessly.

Brigette tried to control her stomach, 'Behave' her inner monologue told it. It didn't.

"Yes," Aoibhe said. "Apart from your partner we have also seen some... concerning things that we felt you should be made aware of."

"Such as?" Taran probed.

"The fae," Rory said. "We saw them and yes, they were still in exile, but they had weapons. And they were using them."