Through The Storm

t w e n t y o n e

I exhaled shakily, releasing a breath I didn't even know I was holding in.

Faolan heaved a rugged breath of annoyance that brushed against my face and pulled away; I resisted the urge to rub my cheek clean. "Hello, little brother," he said in a cold voice dripping with distaste as he beheld his twin.

Fionn grinned at me with the same mirth as our previous encounter. Never had I imagined I would be so grateful to see it. I felt sick, so sick. "Prince Fionn," I spewed mechanically, "it is good to see you." I got up from the chair, almost knocking it over in my haste - away from Faolan and his repulsive, assumptious, haughty expression. I was numb. So were my legs. The bastard had tried to... to... I couldn't even admit it to myself in my head.

Fionn strode over to the desk with casual grace, his black hair shining in the sunlight. "And it's good to know you finally recognised me. Not recognising an Elven Royal- fancy that!"

I couldn't bring myself to be irked by his attitude. To say I welcomed his presence after his pushy, inappropriate brother's would have been an understatement.

Faolan said, "Come, Ashryn. Let us find another nook - free of intruding pests."

To hell with the damn etiquettes. Bracken was full of poverty, disparity and dissatisfied toilers, but it was an unspoken rule: to treat a woman like an overgrown doll, to approach her without her say-so, was outrageously wretched. And absolutely unthinkable.

"I think not, Prince," I spat, my numbness fading, leaving in its stead boiling fury.

His eyes glinted with rage. "I beg your pardon?" he growled.

"I think I should like to catch some fresh air instead," I said flatly, meeting his eyes.

He snapped, "I think you need to leave, Fionn. Right away."

Fionn chuckled and slammed shut the book I had opened. "Fay thinks that because he clambered out into this world before I did, he is elder enough to boss me about."

Faolan was seething. "You forget your place, Fionn. Your ego is far greater than your fat head, and that is possibly the only remarkable thing you have accomplished in your life."

"Fat head," I mused, throwing all caution to the wind. "But aren't you twins?"

Fionn burst into laughter, just like he had the other day. "Care to join me for a stroll, my lady?" he asked me, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"It's hardly the weather for a stroll," Faolan said in a low, fierce snarl. "It's chilly and cloudy."

I didn't care about the consequences of offending Prince Faolan. I would not let myself into close quarters with him again if I could help it. "Actually, Prince Fionn, I would love to."

Fionn bowed his head gracefully. Linking his arm in mine, he marched me out the library right under his brother's nose. I only dared speak once we had left the library and the fuming prince far behind. "Quite the brotherly affection I saw there."

He laughed, looking down at me with a raised brow. "You're telling me you don't find joy in annoying your little brother?"

My smile faded. "About that; how did you know I had a -"

"It's my job to know things, my lady. Just because I don't prattle about it like my dear brother doesn't mean I'm not well-informed."

We settled into a comfortable silence as we walked through the castle onto the massive grounds. Clouds had indeed gathered overhead, gobbling up the golden rays of sunshine that often beat down, and a gentle cool breeze whistled in my ear. I picked up the scent of rain.