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pinkchaosstories · 1 year

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Blood and Thorns - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Mistakes and Threats (Read Chapter 1 (part one) here) - (See here for a complete list of chapters)

(this chapter will be updated in the near future with a better draft, but please enjoy it as-is for now)

The next day Frigga spent the majority of in the library and Razi had been reassigned to some hard labour outside. Her chores and workload had increased a lot in the last week, she suspected it was Sapphire’s doing since the engagement had been called off to keep Razi busy. She would be shocked if she still had a job in a week, but that was fine. They had a worst-case scenario plan Frigga was working to improve. Frigga had an approximate idea what the penalty was at this point, and she was certain it was going to affect her cognition in some way. That was terrifying, losing her ability to think or remember? It wasn’t something she was willing to risk. She would have to find a way to make that threat less probable.

But she couldn’t figure out anything. Every tome she opened dug her into a deeper and deeper despair pit. With every glyph, every sigil she came across, it was abundantly clear there was no escape. She might fulfill her promise and then run afterwards. But that was months down the road and Sapphire might force her into another arranged engagement by then or send Razi away. She could run with the mark still burned into her skin, but she knew the second she was missed her aunt would activate the contract’s penalty. No, if she was going to run, she would need to break the contract first, and she needed to do it soon. Every day she was in the house was torture, especially because her mind was made up and freedom was so close. She decided she would try and appeal to her aunt after all. It wasn’t likely to work, but Frigga needed to try it. Maybe her aunt would see reason, maybe her aunt wasn’t aware the impact this was having on her. If Frigga worded it properly, perhaps there was a way they could come to an understanding. She looked to the door that led to Sapphire’s office from her table and tried to put an argument together. Every time she’d brought the topic of not being Heir up before, it had been brushed aside without consideration. She needed to have a solid case for this to have any chance of working at all. The woman was proud, intelligent, and a natural leader, but she was also Frigga’s family. She could try appealing to that, try and point out how her own distaste for leadership would end up harming the coven in the long run. She could even try and convince her the contract was no longer necessary, that Frigga had warmed up to the idea, and to dissolve it, allowing her to run off afterwards. She could even try and mention she was interested in one of the other coven members to solidify the ruse. Would her aunt believe that? The only person she’d visited over the last three weeks had been Rosalind, and Frigga wasn’t sure she’d enjoy explaining that one to them if they got wind. But, at the same time, if it afforded her the ability to run, Rosalind would put two and two together. She inhaled deeply, standing from her seat and walked to the door. She wasn’t ready, but she didn’t have a choice, so she knocked and was immediately invited in. She put on her sweetest face, if she was going to do this, she would do it perfectly. “Auntie, sorry to interrupt.” Frigga stepped in as quietly as possible, looking in her aunt’s direction. The lady was at her desk, books and documents scattered around the large surface. Looked like there were some order forms from town, a diagram of a circle or two, all sorts of important things. “Nonsense, Frigga, how are you feeling today?” The lady’s tone and expression were so genuine, and Frigga’s heart swelled with hope. “Much better, Auntie, thank you. Actually, I nearly feel back to myself lately.” She sat in a chair across from her aunt, keeping her posture immaculate, her eyes on Sapphire’s face. “I…I had hoped to discuss something with you, if possible.” Sapphire’s brow raised a bit and she started to organize her documents. “Of course, dear.” Best try and appear a bit nervous. This was out of left field, after all, and would not be welcome news. “You might know I visited Rosalind Bloodswell yesterday?” Her aunt’s motions faltered slightly. “Yes, I hope it was a… productive visit?” That tone was exactly what Frigga had predicted. Syrupy sweet, overly polite, sanitized. “It was, I had to consult them on some work they had been involved in a while ago, and I was surprised how helpful they were.” Not a lie, so far so good. “And I was also surprised… oh this might be silly.” Sapphire’s expression turned apprehensive. “But we got along quite well.” The lady put her papers down, letting a beat of silence pass. It was clear she had been taken by surprise by the uneasy look she wore. “Frigga, I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.”

Frigga looked down at the floor. Gods, this was difficult, almost excruciating to say. “Well, um… I thought, seeing as my engagement fell through, I might… get to know other heirs of the coven.” “Let me stop you, my dear girl,” Sapphire stood to walk to Frigga’s side, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know you were not happy about your betrothal to Marcus, and I commend you in this endeavour, I do. It makes me glad you’re stepping into your responsibilities so eagerly.” “I-” Frigga tried to pile on that thought, but Sapphire interrupted her. “And of course, marriage within our coven is ideal, but I have to say… Rosalind is not someone I can, in good conscience, recommend.” “Why not? They’re from the second family, they’re a good match for me magically, they’re-“ “I’m still not convinced they’re unlike their mother, Frigga.” Sapphire motioned for Frigga to sit with her in the plush chairs by the fireplace. “This is odd, dear, what is this about?” Frigga took a deep breath and sat in the chair by the fireplace, avoiding her aunt’s gaze. Alright, time to ask. “I’ve been doing some soul-searching, Auntie, and I realized you’ve been entirely right. I was being selfish and ungrateful and… and I think my role as coven leader would suit me after all. Actually, I think I’m even looking forward to it! I don’t even think this,” she motioned to her contract seal, “is necessary anymore. And, if I’m going to be leader, then I’d better do it well, right? I can’t think of a better way to resolve the differences between our families.” Her aunt’s eyes narrowed. She was suspicious. Fair enough, Frigga had just spent the last several weeks in her room, distraught about her future. “Is that so? That’s quite the change of heart, Frigga.” “I’ve had a lot of time to think, Auntie.” Sapphire nodded quietly, unconvinced. She stood and rang the bell for tea, apparently anticipating a long conversation. “So what would you have me do, Frigga? Let you marry someone who may have had a hand in harming your brother? Let you marry someone who is uninterested in any form of socialization? Someone who wouldn’t be capable of continuing our family line?” Frigga’s stomach twisted. This was not a topic she liked talking about. “But they would be capable of strengthening the coven’s arcane resources, and think of all we could accomplish if our two families’ magic were to come together? And must I be solely responsible for the family line? It’s not even something I feel… I feel comfortable doing.” Sapphire sat back in her seat. “Perhaps. I am glad you’ve come around, dear. I was worried to see you so ill.” Frigga hesitated. She was redirecting the conversation and Frigga had the sickening inclination Sapphire wasn’t buying it. She began to get nervous. “Just like you said I would. You know best, of course.” Frigga winced internally. Flattery? Really? Her aunt was too smart for such crude manipulation methods. Sapphire frowned, nearly imperceptibly, but it was enough. “Frigga. What… what are you doing?” Frigga acted confused. “Auntie?” The older woman stood back up and walked to the window silently, her hands clasped in front of her tightly. The breath in Frigga’s chest froze, the air in the room began to hum. The tick of a clock rang out much too loud, waiting for Sapphire to speak. “Frigga, I don’t like being lied to.” “Auntie, I’m not lying to you, I really… I really do-“ “Frigga.” The older witch’s tone was sharp, icy, it wasn’t something Frigga had ever been on the receiving end of before, though she had seen it aimed at others. “What are you doing?” The younger woman sat silently, trying to grasp at some kind of cover or something to say to continue her story. She’d been figured out, but she had to keep trying. “I told you, I’m trying to fulfil my duty, Auntie.”

The light orbs flickered, the room grew more tense, and Sapphire remained at the window staring out at something in particular outside with narrowed eyes. Frigga remained frozen in her seat. “Frigga,” finally she turned from her spot and looked at her niece. “You have one more opportunity to tell me what’s going on.” Time to beg. Frigga looked away from her aunt into the fireplace and gripped her hands together. “I’m… I’m unhappy, Auntie. I can’t do this and it will not make me happy.” Her voice softened, barely louder than a whisper. Sapphire stayed where she was, and Frigga did not look at her. After a moment she replied, anger lacing her words. “And so you thought you’d deceive me into dissolving your contract? To what end, Frigga?” She received no reply. Frigga would not answer that question and her aunt was clearly not going to be fooled. Instead, a long pause followed, broken when Sapphire calmly walked back to her niece to stand in front of her. “Well?” Frigga stared at the floor. Who would cave first? Sapphire would wait all day and Frigga was deeply uncomfortable with her aunt staring at her. Frigga knew she had to say something, but what? She would try and bypass the question. “Our coven… Do you think the coven would thrive under a leader like me? Someone that doesn’t want to be here?” “You were raised for this, Frigga.” Her volume had increased. This wasn’t good. “Do you think you can just leave? Is that what you want?” “I didn’t ask for this, Auntie.” “You agreed to it.” “I didn’t have a choice.” “That’s correct.” Frigga’s eyes started to burn. “But I do have a choice.” “And what is your other option? To run off and leave your family, your coven, without you? You wouldn’t last a week out there.” “There is no way I can lead this coven.” “And you would put Leland in your position?” “It would be his decision, as it is mine.” Sapphire was silent, Frigga continued staring at the floor feeling the anger radiating from her aunt, and decided to try another angle. “Auntie, I… I know you want what’s best for me.” More silence, but the tension softened. “Of course, Frigga. But… I can’t throw out all our hard work over some cold feet. I have to consider your future and the future of our coven.” Frigga nodded. “I know you have a lot to juggle. And I know you have a lot to consider when it comes to the future of the coven… I know you’re not trying to cause me pain.” She looked up at Sapphire. The woman’s expression was guarded but not as harsh as it had been a minute ago. “I love you, Auntie, and I’ve only ever wanted to please you.” Sapphire sighed, her guard coming back down. “I love you too, dear. Of course I would never want to hurt you.” Frigga smiled. “Maybe… I know it’s unconventional, but might we postpone everything then? It’s better to delay than cancel, just to be sure it’s the right fit?” Sapphire looked back towards the window, considering. “It’s not unheard of, and I agree, I want you to take on the heirdom when you’re ready…” Frigga’s heart skipped a beat. Would this work? Had she done it? “And, perhaps in that time, Leland might show up to be an even better option? Or he’ll even decide he wants to be the Heir? Better to have a leader that actually would enjoy the position, right?” Sapphire did not reply right away, and the hesitation made Frigga nervous. She seemed to be considering Frigga’s words carefully. “Perhaps. It would, I suppose, be only fair to give him a chance after all.” She paused and looked back at her niece softly. “Do you… do you still wish to pursue Rosalind Bloodswell?” Frigga wasn’t sure how to reply. She hadn’t anticipated the topic coming up again. “Oh, um… I suppose not. I would still like our families to resolve our differences but… well, they seemed more interested in the seal on my arm than actually conversing, so perhaps we keep it professional for now?” “You spoke about the contract with them?”

The ice in her tone returned, and Frigga realized she had misspoke. With Sapphire’s deep knowledge of the arcane, it wasn’t hard to recognize why Frigga would have consulted with Rosalind on the matter if she were trying to escape. The floor of her stomach disappeared and the tension in the room returned. “Oh, um, n-no, they just happened to see it, I think?” Sapphire’s face contorted in anger. “They were interested in it, were they? In what way?” “Oh, i-its components and-“ “And a way to dispel it, perhaps?” Frigga’s skin blanched and she held her breath. The clock’s ticking sounded again, the air was thick with fury and the promise of retaliation. A memory flashed through Frigga’s mind, when her aunt had dealt with a suitor of a coven member who had been found out to be attempting to take advantage of the coven resources. He hadn’t been harmed, but nobody saw or heard from them again once he’d left the manor until a week later. Sapphire had merely said those types of problems hung themselves out to dry eventually. He had been found a week later dead in his basement, hanging by the neck. In Frigga’s silence, Sapphire regained her composure, her face returning to neutral. “Well, Frigga, if you think you’ve cracked how to dissolve our contract with them, you’re welcome to try, seeing as you’d rather sneak around behind my back than discuss these matters with me.” “No, Auntie, of course no-“ “And,” she leaned in a bit closer, the lights flickered again, her rage nearly visible around her, “if you’d like to run off with them, or anyone else, I might suggest they never show their face here again. After all, it’d be a shame if someone were to go missing.” “Auntie, please, don-“ The lights were dimming and the rage around Sapphire began manifesting as blue electrical static. “This family depends on me, Frigga, my decision is final. You need to respect it.” She roughly grabbed Frigga’s right arm, nails digging into the brand there uncomfortably. “This isn’t going anywhere, you are going to follow through with it, do you understand?” Frigga’s eyes were wide, tears had run down her cheeks in her terror. Her aunt’s grip on her arm was rough and her whole body shook. She didn’t know what to say, if she could say anything. Desperately she searched her mind for something but came up empty. It was all she could do to try and steady her breath which had become rapid and shallow. There was a knock at the door, Stephan’s voice asking to come in. Sapphire released her niece and straightened herself up. “Yes, come in.” Frigga was still silent, trying to calm herself, but when the door opened and the man came in with the tea Sapphire had ordered not ten minutes earlier, Frigga stood and bolted out the door to her room. What had she been thinking, mentioning anything about Rosalind’s assistance? Of course her aunt was going to figure it out. She’d just made everything worse! By her aunt’s words, it was clear Frigga had put Razi in serious danger, and the woman’s workload had already nearly doubled. She sunk onto the bed, curling up into herself. She was starting to hyperventilate, her heart beating like the rain. Never had she experienced her aunt’s wrath like this, or anyone’s. She always did her best to keep peace, to compromise, but in this there was no compromise. Not only would her aunt force her to follow through with the contract, but also, should she actually try and run, Razi could be killed. Hell, Razi could be killed now. They needed to leave as soon as possible, then, but how? There wasn’t time, there wasn’t a lead, she had nothing!

Slowly, she focussed on her breath, in through her nose, out through her mouth. She tried to feel something soft, to ground her consciousness, and slowly, very slowly, her racing pulse began to calm. Her breathing slowed, and she focussed on the silkiness of her comforter. Somewhere outside she heard birds chirping. Her body still trembled, she felt like she’d run twenty miles, but her thoughts became readable again. This was a bad situation, there was no way around it. She was out of ideas, but she couldn’t give up. The day after her failed attempt to beg Sapphire out, she locked herself in the library and her search continued. But before she could make a dent in her books, there was a knock on the library door. Gertrude entered, “Excuse me, Miss Thorneheart, you have a visitor.” Strange, she hadn’t received a notice someone would be by today. She didn’t want to deal with this, but she needed to draw as little attention to herself as possible and declining a visitor would definitely pull her aunt’s attention. “Fine, bring them here.” She’d have a single cup of tea and then make up some excuse to cut the visit short. Except her plan flew out the window because Rosalind had come to call.

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pinkchaosstories · 1 year

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sorry i saw you rbd my oc post and i just LOVE frigga and razi and would love to know more ab them

Thanks for the ask @tenpixelsusie 💖

Luckily for you, they have a whole-ass novel of their beautiful shit-show haha. (Insert shameless plug for my novel here)

Frigga Thorneheart and Razi Wood are a result of my need to write about a femme4butch relationship and I first came up with them back in 2020. Their story is pretty classic, I would say. Fall in love, one of them gets forced into an arranged marriage so they have to find a way to be together or die trying.

Frigga is My Girl. Her family is the First Family of the local coven, making her the heir to the noble position. She's a smart, smol magic baby, freshly home from school abroad. She's kind hearted and intelligent, but a TOTAL DOORMAT. No spine whatsoever. A people pleaser. And that leads to some pretty dark moments throughout the story, including agreeing to an arranged marriage to the coven's benefactor's son 😬

Razi is a commoner, an employee of Frigga's aunt. She's responsible for baking the bread and maintaining the grounds of the Thorneheart Manor but in her spare time she likes to flirt with girls in town. She's got a small gaggle of them that might pay her a smile (or a something else) for an evening if she asks nicely. Razi tends to be slow to commitment, but once you've got her loyalty, she'll do anything for you, even if it means trusting shifty vampires and their golden retrievers.

I don't know what else I should say, so I'll leave it here for now. :) Thanks for the ask, love!

#tenpixelsusie #frigga thorneheart #razi wood #blood and thorns

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pinkchaosstories · 1 year

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Blood and Thorns Chapter 3 (part 1)

Chapter 3 (Part One): Gardens and Secret Rendezvous

(Read Chapter 1 (part one) here) - (See here for a complete list of chapters)

It came together magnificently and just in time. It was the day before the party, and Razi was finishing up with some preparations she’d been assigned to for the celebration the next day. The house was busy again, the staff working on readying the home to the point of perfection. Sapphire Thorneheart always had high standards and her expectations for her heir-apparent’s official debut into adulthood were no exception.

In the kitchen Razi had been working on the menu for the event. It was important that dietary restrictions of the guests be taken into account as well as providing an enormous array of appetizers and refreshments; Sapphire had brought in assistance from the Cromwell’s home to make sure there were plenty of appropriate options for them and the guard captain’s family, both of whom kept a strict religious diet. The best wine the local tavern had available had been brought in that morning in shocking quantities and Razi was once again reminded how wealthy the family she worked for was. She was tempted to try and pillage a bottle for herself, but thought better of it. She wasn’t a wine drinker anyway. Neither was Frigga. In fact, Razi noticed most of the items the kitchen had been tasked to prepare would not be something Frigga would have ever picked. She didn’t have expensive taste, but it was apparent the party had little to do with what the birthday girl actually wanted. It had Lady Sapphire written all over it. It was a shame and it cemented Razi’s preexisting distaste for these rich people. Why was it too much to just ask your kids what they wanted? Why did a party meant to celebrate them have to be some kind of display of wealth and power? Because, obviously, the party wasn’t for Frigga. Not really. It was for the coven’s heir-apparent to establish her claim to leadership, to intimidate detractors, and to attract a suitable mate. It made Razi sick to think about, honestly. When some of the other staff members were gossiping about who Frigga might end up dancing with the following night, Razi may have overreacted. “You know, I bet Wade Morganson’ll give it a try,” Doris, Frigga’s personal attendant, whispered to Noel, another kitchen-hand. “He’s been single for so long, I think he probably’s been waiting for this.” Noel giggled. “I don’ think the man knows what he’s signin’ up for then, might be out 'f his depth.” “Or Marcus?” “You think? Frigga doesn’t seem to be ‘is type, if you know what I mean.” “Everyone knows what you mean, Noel. Boy’s more feminine than Miss Frigga most o’a time.” “Tha’s true, but think o’ what a wonderful match it’d be.” “Would be beautiful children, no doubt.” That had sent Razi’s blood pressure through the roof. “Doris, don’t you ‘ave something better t’ do?” The bite in Razi’s tone was accidental, surprising even herself. She didn’t apologize for it, though, couldn’t be bothered to feel sorry. Doris’ eyes narrowed. She was the resident gossip-mill president, but what else did a middle-age woman with an easy job have to do? “You’re not even a li’l curious, Wood?” Razi rolled her eyes. “It’s jus’ a party, Doris, it’s not like Miss Thorneheart’s getting married tomorrow.” Doris and Noel exchanged a knowing look. “Maybe not tomorrow,” Noel slowly went back to the batter she’d been mixing. “But I might ‘ave ‘eard Lady Thorneheart talking t’ the dressmaker in town, ordered some specialty fabric she did. Was the nicest available, Angela said, didn’t she?” That was notable. Angela knew nothing if not fabric. Razi frowned. Doris crossed the kitchen to stand next to where Razi had been chopping vegetables. “Speaking ‘f Angie, how’s she been Raz? Seen her lately?” The woman’s tone was infuriating. She already knew the answer. Thank the gods she had the presence of mind to lower her irritating voice. “Doris, I’m gon’ need you to mind your own fucking business for once,” Razi bristled. Doris was fishing for a fuller story, juicy details. Not that she needed help, it wasn’t hard to put the pieces together if one paid attention and Doris always paid attention. “Oh, you seein’ someone else, Wood? Angie was complaining she hasn’t seen you in weeks!” “Nope.” “Been putting extra hours into tha’ project of yours, eh?” “Jus’ doing my job.” “Looking fer a promotion?” “Maybe.” “I’m sure. There’s only so many ways us common folk can climb ladder, save for marrying int’ wealth.” Razi kept her eyes fastened to her own work, scowling, but she felt Doris’ eyes staring at her. Razi hated being the centre of this kind of attention, like she was some book to be read and speculated on. “Dor, I don’ know what you’re trying t’ say, but if you’re gonna say something, spit it out.” The woman shrugged and walked to the stove where the kettle she was waiting on had begun to whistle. “I’m not sayin’ anything, just lookin’ out for Miss Frigga, Wood. Besides you, I’m the one that spends the most time with her after all.” That wasn’t a secret, and in fact had subjected Razi to more of this type of questioning than she had been prepared for. Luckily it came only from peers, usually in jest. Razi hoped the speculation stayed there and didn’t make its way to more authoritative members of staff. Or even to Lady Sapphire herself. Doris started to leave with a fresh pot of tea on her tray before pausing again. “Oh that reminds me, the miss has asked for ‘er walk this afternoon.” She smirked, turned, and left the kitchen leaving Razi to stew. She knew Frigga would ask, she’d mentioned the other day that this morning was going to be particularly stressful with party preparations. It made today the perfect day for the surprise Razi had prepared. She looked at the clock, it was about 1:00 giving her enough time to finish her tasks for the day and to clean herself up somewhat. Gathering the supplies would not take much time today as she knew exactly where they would be going and what they’d need. Razi was nervous. Why was she so nervous? This was going to be great, there’s no way Frigga wouldn’t love it, why was she this nervous?

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Frigga was nervous. With everything going on with the party she hadn’t been outside as much this week and this was her last chance to see Razi before it. Honestly she hadn’t expected to have an afternoon off this close to the large event but she’d been so irritable that her aunt had noticed and allowed her to have the afternoon. It would lift her spirits, after all. All the party planning had been stressing Frigga out, and while she was genuinely looking forward to seeing everyone and dancing with her friends, the event was crucial to her family’s future. She needed to be at her very best and that was a lot of pressure. When Doris returned with her tea, Frigga was in her room making final approvals on her ensemble. Her aunt had ordered it for her almost two months ago and the last alterations had been made last week so it was just a matter of approving the jewelry and styling choices to accompany it. These had also been selected by her aunt and honestly Frigga didn’t feel like she had a choice in the matter. Not that she had a real objection to any of the options, they were all tasteful and elegant. But they weren’t her. It was only for a few hours, she’d deal with it in her usual way. Calmly, quietly, and carefully observant while keeping everyone at arm’s length. Metaphorically. She would be expected to dance with anyone that asked within reason. This whole party was a mere excuse for suiters to make themselves known, after all. Doris placed Frigga’s teacup on the side table next to her. “Miss, Razi Wood has been informed as you requested.” Frigga smiled, still looking over the jewelry laid out before her on the desk. “Thank you, Doris. Do you know if her time will be limited today? I know everyone is busy and I wouldn’t want to take her away for too long if she’s needed.” “No, miss. She’s available for the rest of her workday. You can ‘ave her as long as you’d like.” Frigga’s brow quirked. Interesting phrasing. She knew her attendant well by now. She also knew servants in general were the best possible source of information if you built up trust. They saw everything. That was actually something that had concerned Frigga early on, would Razi pass on their conversations to other staff members? How would that affect Frigga’s respectability? They’d had incredibly personal conversations early on and it wouldn’t do to have the staff know about her feelings for certain professors at school or her distaste for the majority of her aunt’s taste in home decor. She would especially not feel comfortable with the staff knowing how she dreaded the next few months, knowing she was terrified of being married to a man for the family’s sake, or that she knew since when she was a child to whom she was attracted to. But Razi was silent on all those things. Frigga came to learn that Razi had a distaste for gossip and politics in general and it was deeply comforting. But Doris was perceptive. And presumptuous. She’d already put some pieces together and was digging for more, albeit subtly. Frigga could play that game too, if she wanted. Maybe for Razi’s sake she should shut this down. After all, the heir-apparent to the Thorneheart household shouldn’t be tolerating such rumours, true or not. “Thank you Doris. I expect, then, that your own tasks for tomorrow are also nearly complete?” Doris paled somewhat. “O-of course Miss. There’s still a few items to take care of but nothing that won’t be easily accomplished.” Smiling, Frigga looked at her attendant in the mirror. “Very good, Doris. Would you mind checking in on Leland for a bit? I’d like some time to review these. Come back in about forty minutes, I’ll need help getting ready for my walk.” “Yes, Miss.” Doris nodded, curtseyed and left the room shutting the door behind her. She finally had a moment to herself, she hadn’t had one all day. Ever since she’d sat for breakfast there would be someone asking for her opinion on something or her aunt had her in a meeting or some kind of etiquette lesson. It was nonstop, and she was done with it all. Except she wasn’t because three minutes after Doris had gone her aunt’s manservant brought in more documents for review. It wore on her, her mood souring by the minute, until, finally, Doris was back five minutes to 2:00. They got her ready, putting Frigga in something a bit more practical for getting up close and personal with nature. They’d learned Frigga’s first week in the house to not put her in white for her walks, especially after Frigga had fallen into the pond. They pinned her hair up and out of the way and Doris left out her shoes for Frigga to bring downstairs. Once her drawing tools were gathered, Frigga grabbed her boots and rushed to the back veranda.

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pinkchaosstories · 10 months

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Blood and Thorns Chapter 17 (Part 1)

Chapter 17 (Part 1): Consequences and Rewards (Read Chapter 1 (part one) here) - (See here for a complete list of chapters)

The authorities were called as soon as Marcus’ gun was shot. Servants ran in to see what the commotion had been to find Sapphire bleeding, Rosalind unconscious, Frigga injured, and Marcus in the centre of it all, shotgun at his feet. The magical light from the floor had faded completely, the chalk circle along with it, so the man’s guilt was easily inferred.

When Razi returned with the household nurse, Sapphire was promptly seen to and did not have lasting damage. She’d collapsed, and she’d need surgery, but she was strong enough to wait in her private chamber for the doctor. Rosalind, however, was immediately taken to the Thorneheart infirmary. Their condition was declining and their breathing was shallow. Once Rosalind was seen to under Marcus’ supervision, Frigga and Razi were also seen by the family nurse, but outside of headaches, some burns, and some stitches, they both were in good shape considering. Soon after, the authorities arrived and they had no choice but to take Marcus away with them. He had been the one to bring the weapon, and he made no attempt to deny it. Razi tried to explain to the guard captain Marcus had saved them and Sapphire had attempted to murder Rosalind, but, with the promise that Rosalind would be properly looked after, Marcus went with them. The family’s physician was brought in immediately and stabilized Rosalind. He also saw to Sapphire and confirmed the family nurse’s diagnosis. She would need surgery to extract the projectile, but would be alright to stay in the bedchamber where the authorities confined her, a guard stationed outside her door. Once she was well enough, she would likely be taken into custody, but until then she would remain under lock and key. Frigga and Razi were questioned. The head of the guard interviewed both of them separately, though Frigga wasn’t much help. The events of the evening were cloudy. She remembered casting the circle with Rosalind and being discovered by her aunt. She remembered being attacked and after that details were foggy. They had succeeded, and Frigga scarcely believed it. She even had her magic intact! But Rosalind said there would still be some effect on her, she just couldn’t figure out what had changed. Razi was not shy with details in her own chat with the guard captain. She remembered quite a lot, which was surprising considering she’d been assailed and knocked out at the beginning of the encounter. But she wasted no time in throwing Sapphire to the dogs, providing graphic and intricate detail about every assault she could recall. Once they were both finished their talks with the captain of the guard, Frigga and Razi sat together in Rosalind’s room, watching as the Thorneheart staff attended to them. They were covered in welts and burns, their neck was bruised, their hands and arms were shredded. “They’ve a cracked rib and arm also,” said the nurse as she finished taking their pulse again. “Likely will need heavy pain medication upon waking which was not at all certain an hour ago.” Frigga stared at Rosalind’s sleeping face as her tears welled up. “I don’t know what I’d have done,” she choked, and Razi gently rubbed the witch’s back in comfort. Frigga sat next to Rosalind and her love stood behind her. The nurse, a young woman with black hair pulled back into a neat bun and an apron that was just a bit stained noted Rosalind’s pulse on her clipboard. “I doubt they’ll be able to talk much either.” “Not that that’ll be much differen’ than usual,” Razi said. “Goldie’s the talker. Prolly talks enough for two.” Frigga peered over at the nurse’s notes. “I wonder how Marcus found out.” “Lucky ‘e did,” Razi replied. “I would’a definitely been next on your ol’ lady’s list. I was just comin’ to when he shot her.” The nurse looked at Razi with a concerned expression. “You were knocked out, right? Did someone look at you?” “Oh, yeah, I got checked.” “The shotgun didn't wake you up?” Frigga asked, looking to her love.

Razi shook her head and then immediately winced, a palm covering her eyes. “Nah, I was about to try an’ get up, but I don’ know how much good I’d’ve been.” A knock at the door announced the physician. “Miss Thorneheart?” he said as Frigga turned to look at him. She tried to stand when he held out his hand, “No, please, sit. You both should be resting too.” He pointedly looked at Razi who did nothing in reply, ignoring his admonishment. “I just needed to let you know that your aunt is stable and will be fine.” “Shame,” Razi muttered, earning the doctor’s obvious disapproval. “Thank you,” Frigga answered with genuine relief. “You said earlier she would need surgery?” “Yes, I’ve booked her in for my first available slot. She’ll be fine until then, I think, but she’s not allowed to move too much. Now, your nurse gave you a look over, but I’d like to double-check.” Frigga submitted to his examination which was certainly more invasive than the nurse’s had been. Lights were shone in her eyes, her head rotated in all kinds of uncomfortable ways, and the cut on her arm was stitched up with practiced easiness. Razi hesitantly submitted to a second examination as well. “You both have mild concussions,” he dryly stated. “But rest and taking it easy should be sufficient. If you notice your symptoms worsening, headache, memory issues, fatigue, et cetera, you can call for me and I’ll come straight back. I’ll need to see you in about a week anyway for those stitches, Miss, and I’ll be back tomorrow when the young Master wakes, but don’t wait if you notice anything amiss with your head.” “Thank you, doctor,” Frigga said as she stifled a yawn. “And thank you for taking care of my aunt and Rosalind.” “Not at all, I’m glad to be at your service,” he replied as he gathered his tools back into his bag. “See you tomorrow, or I guess, later today.” He left the room, shown out by Gertrude. When the door closed, Frigga started sobbing, the weight of the night bearing down on her. Razi immediately wrapped her arms around Frigga who responded by returning the embrace. “Everyone’s fine,” Razi comforted. “You’re fine, I’m fine, Vampire’s fine, we’re gon’ be free soon, Frigg.” Frigga nodded, burying her face in Razi’s chest. “Yes,” she breathed, but still couldn’t let go of the nagging feeling something was wrong. She knew Rosalind was right, something was different but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. But it could wait. Frigga and Razi were too relieved and exhausted to bother cleaning themselves up too much, or even getting into bed properly. They fell asleep on top of Frigga’s bed still in their clothes, holding each other tightly.

Frigga was stirred the next morning by Doris’ knock at her door. She usually was awake before her breakfast made it to her room, but this morning she found her arms and legs sluggish. She moved to rise but was immediately tugged back down by Razi who was starting to wake as well, and the woman nestled in close. Frigga didn’t have the heart to separate from Razi, but she also needed to help Doris in with the tray. “Raz,” Frigga whispered, “I need to-“ “Nah,” Razi mumbled. “Y’don’ need to do nothin’.” “Eat?” Razi grunted. “I guess tha’s a thing we gotta do, you’re right.” Frigga sleepily giggled. “I have to let Doris in, then.” “S’long as you come back right away.” “I promise,” Frigga murmured, placing a kiss on Razi’s forehead who winced slightly before releasing her captive. Frigga slid from the bed and whined as her head throbbed. She shuffled to her door and opened it, letting Doris in. “Good morning, Doris,” she greeted sleepily. “Just by the bed is fine.” “Oh!” the attendant exclaimed causing Razi to groan and cover her head with a pillow in protest. “Sorry,” she whispered, “I wasn’t aware you had company, Miss Thorneheart.” Frigga doubted that. “Not a problem.” The servant placed the tray on the bedside table and curtsied, though Frigga didn’t miss the glint in her eye. “I’ll go fetch another, if you’d like.” “Yes, please,” Frigga replied as she crawled back onto her bed and gently pried her pillow from Razi’s grip. “And if you can keep the door open a little so I don’t have to get back up, I’d appreciate it. I’m not well, this morning.” “Yes, Miss Thorneheart.” Doris scurried out of the room as quickly as if her skirts hems were on fire. “Congrats,” Razi moaned beside her. “The entire town knows in an hour, two if we’re lucky.” Frigga chuckled as she plucked a bowl of apple slices off the tray to nibble at. Her hands felt heavy and slow, like they weren’t quite getting her commands right away. She was probably just tired. “It’s fine. It’s not important anymore. Here,” she offered Razi an apple slice. Razi took it and ate it in a single bite. “Lemme guess, apples an’ toast?” “And a side of yogurt.” Razi snorted. “Guess they weren’t told I was fired. Tha’s what they usually do when they gotta throw breakfast together in a rush.” She slowly sat up, her eyes screwed closed. Frigga reached a shaking hand to rest at the base of Razi’s head and focused her magic, directing healing energy into it. She didn’t have a lot of energy to spare, but Razi was clearly in a lot of pain this morning. The moan of relief that escaped the woman made the struggle worth it. “Better?” “Yeah, a bit. Still got it, but s’less now,” she mumbled as she stole another apple slice. Razi then leaned over and placed a smiling kiss to Frigga’s shoulder, her hand covering the witch’s playing with Rosalind’s corded crystal that still hung around her neck. “Good mornin’, beautiful.” Doris brought up a second tray a few minutes later as well as a pot of tea large enough for two people to have multiple cups. She set the tray down in front of Razi with a sanitized and entirely too innocent, “I suppose you won’t be working today, Wood?” Razi levelled a tired glare at her but Frigga rescued her. “Razi resigned yesterday, so no.” Her brows quirked but the attendant’s face remained carefully neutral. “Oh, I see. Shall I inform the rest of the staff for you, then?” “Like you need my permission,” Razi replied flatly. “You’ve already blabbed for sure.” Frigga chuckled and rubbed at the hand that was tingling somewhat painfully. “Yes, Doris, if you could inform…” Frigga blanked. She couldn’t for the life of her remember the head of staff’s name. She looked at Razi, her brows knit tightly. “Um, Raz?” Razi looked to the witch with a puzzled frown and watched as Frigga floundered. She seemed to be making a calculation before offering, “Gert?”

“Yes!” Frigga breathed, still unnerved by her sudden amnesia. She looked back at Doris, smiling to conceal her alarm. “Yes, let Gertrude know for us, I’d appreciate it. And I won’t need help dressing this morning.” Doris curtsied again. “Yes, Miss Thorneheart, I’ll come up for your trays in an hour, then.” She left, leaving Razi and Frigga blessedly alone. Frigga looked back at Razi who was looking at her grimly. “What was tha’?” “What?” “You forgot Gert’s name?” Frigga looked away from Razi to hide her embarrassment. “No, I didn’t forget. It just escaped me for a minute.” “Right,” Razi did not sound convinced but continued picking at the tray Doris had brought for her. “Didn’ the doctor say somethin’ ‘bout memory loss?” “He did. Maybe that’s all this is and it’ll go away.” Razi didn’t respond to that, opting instead to turn the conversation to a lighter topic for the remainder of breakfast for which Frigga was grateful. The two of them ate at their leisure, though a bit faster than maybe the would have; Frigga was anxious to check in on Rosalind. The witch finished eating and went to her wardrobe to pick something out. That was new, she usually just put on whatever was chosen for her that day, but now she stared at the wardrobe, unsure what to do. Frigga ran her hands over the options and winced as her headache began screaming again. How do people do this every day? The fabrics all blended together, she tried to remember which dress was which, but, strangely, that knowledge alluded her. Surely she wasn't this inept at dressing herself? Surely she wasn’t this helpless? But as she stood in front of all these options, a haze paralyzed her. She tried, really tried, but she couldn’t pick something. Razi made her way over. “You alright?” she asked, concern evident by the woman’s tone. Frigga shook her head. “Yes, I just… I don’t know, I guess. Maybe I’m still shellshocked from last night.” “Grab somethin’ comfortable, we’re probably not goin’ anywhere today.” Comfort, something Frigga could focus on. She picked a simple, loose-fit blue dress, something she could easily do up herself, even if her hands weren’t co-operating for some reason. She’d worn it a hundred times, it was familiar and comforting. It also had pockets which was nice. The two women brought Frigga’s clothes into her bathroom and started the process of cleaning Frigga up; she was desperate to wash the terror and violence off of her, to feel the water carry away the horror from the night before. The bath was short and pragmatic, but it was still nice to spend time getting clean with Razi. Once bathed, dressed, and wounds re-wrapped, Razi had Frigga sit at her dressing table and stood behind her, running her fingers through the hoard of red curls. “I asked Doris to teach me,” she said. Frigga noticed Razi’s hands moving with more confidence than she had the week previous. Her chest filled with warmth and she relished the feeling of the woman’s hand in her hair. “I’m impressed.” “Don’ be, I’m still not great. But at least I kinda got a better grip on it now.” “At least you know how to take a bath on your own,” Frigga muttered, bitter at how much help she’d needed. “Hey, don’t do tha’,” Razi said with a command that demanded Frigga’s attention. “And besides, I’ll be happy to help you with bath and your curls as much as y’need.” Frigga looked up at her in the mirror. Of course she was used to someone doing her hair but… This felt different, more intimate, Razi’s hands were stronger but less practiced. It warmed Frigga’s heart, reminded her of how her love had taken care of her these last few months. “Thank you, Razi.” Razi tied off the braid and pressed a kiss onto the top of Frigga’s head. “Of course, Princess.” The title was usually for teasing, but there was no teasing today, just fondness.

They went to Razi’s room so she too could briefly wash up and find a change of clothes. While she was changing Frigga noticed the rosewood block from the arcane supply shop on the table by Razi’s armchair. Whatever she was working was small but nowhere near finished. Once Razi was freshened up, the two made their way to see Rosalind, hand in hand. The nurse informed them as they entered the room that the young Head of Household was still unconscious and hadn’t woken up at all in the night. Their bandages had been refreshed and their left arm was wrapped more securely due to the break. Frigga’s heart broke seeing them in such a horrible state, and guilt threatened to overtake her. She took off the corded necklace they’d put on her the night before and slung it over Rosalind’s head to rest on their neck before she sat at their right side and gently took hold of their hand. “Wow.” Razi mumbled taking in the gravity of their condition from her spot standing behind Frigga. “That’s… just, wow.” Frigga nodded, and they sat in silence. The nurse came in once to check in, but there was no sign of change. Eventually there was a distant knock on the home’s front door and Razi went to investigate leaving Frigga alone. She rubbed Rosalind’s hand with her thumb gently and took in a deep breath. How had she gotten off so easily and they had not? It wasn’t fair. She tried to push the guilt down, Rosalind had volunteered and prepared themself for this possibility, she should respect their choice. But it didn’t matter, she had put them in danger, they were suffering because of her. Before she could ruminate further, the door opened. Razi had returned with a guest. Frigga jumped up and rushed to him, meeting him in a warm hug. “Thank you, Marcus, how did you know we needed help last night?” Marcus gave her a quick squeeze before stealing the spot she’d been sitting in and grabbing Rosalind’s hand. He was a mess, his mascara smudged into rings around his eyes and a few streams on his cheeks from tears he hadn’t managed to wipe away. His skin was paler than usual and his eyes darker. “I had a feeling,” he replied with a hoarse voice barely resembling his own, “when your aunt said you were sick. Ros was scared of something yesterday morning too, so when you weren’t at dinner, I figured you guys were doing something. How are they?” Frigga put a hand on Marcus’ shoulder comfortingly. “They’re alright, the doctor says my aunt nearly killed them but, because you showed up, they will recover.” Marcus pressed his forehead to Rosalind’s hand, and a shuddering sigh escaped. “I had to get back, I can’t fucking believe this.” “Thought you were arrested,” Razi questioned as she shoved her hands in pockets. “No, my dad knows the captain and Frigga vouched for me. I did what they wanted but…” He didn’t finish his statement, his voice cracking with the strain of holding back the tears he was obviously fighting. Frigga placed a hand on his shoulder gently. “They’re alright, Marcus. They’re going to be fine.”

Marcus lost his battle and broke into tears, sobbing into Rosalind’s bed and bandaged hand. Cuts and scrapes were mostly dressed but a few of the more superficial ones on finger tips poked out from dressings. Razi and Frigga found other seats and stayed with Marcus for a while. The three were mostly silent, though Marcus asked them for more details about what had happened. The women were pulled away to deal with the authorities again shortly after Marcus arrived, so they left him alone. The nurse or a servant would drop in periodically to check if Rosalind was awake or if Marcus needed something, but nothing changed. At some point he did ask for someone to send his father a note on his behalf, but eventually Marcus drifted off, leaning on the bed. He hadn’t slept all night and, while he was a night owl, he usually followed his late nights with late mornings. But he never let go of Rosalind’s hand.

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pinkchaosstories · 1 year

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Blood and Thorns - Chapter 1 (part 1)

Chapter 1 (Part One): Chores and Nightmares (See here for a complete list of chapters) **Updated May 16 **Updated August 26

Frigga Thorneheart is set to become the heir of the Honeyshore coven, but when she falls in love with a member of her home's staff, things get out of hand. Between the blood pacts and secret affairs, Frigga needs to learn how to stand up for what she wants or else lose everything she needs. Will she choose love or duty and what will that choice cost her?

Razi

If there was one thing Razi Wood was sure of it was that rich people were the worst, especially if those rich people were witches. She would know because Honeyshore, the breezy port town in which she lived and worked, was full of them. It sat on the Ozelean coast and, as a port town that hosted a nationally respected coven, was a hub of trade and immigration. A mere week previous had seen the last of the rainy season, so today saw Honeyshore bustling and as lively as it ever was with ships coming into port with exotic goods and merchants selling local wares in the town square markets. Razi, a strapping young woman of five and twenty, ducked through the crowds as she rushed towards her first destination of the day. If she’d paused to respectfully watch a pair of young women with their laundry baskets perched on their gods-granted shapely hips, she could hardly be blamed. It was rare she got to mingle in town during the daytime as she was usually busy back at the manor doing groundwork or repair work of some kind, but today? Today she had been asked to pick up a number of goods for her employer, Lady Sapphire Thorneheart, and Razi was going to make the most of it. First thing first: Angela. Or rather, the dressmaker’s.

She dodged a horse and carriage and stepped into the small shop, her well-loved work boots clomping against its tile, and a little bell jangled to announce her entry. “Good mornin’, Angela!” she greeted with a small smirk tugging at her full lips, the one she knew made all her girls swoon. “Fancy meeting you here!” The blonde woman behind the counter looked up from her work, some kind of embroidery, and greeted Razi with a grin. “Good morning to you too, tall, dark and handsome! Here for the Thornehearts?” Bolts of fabric and miscellaneous goods imported from distant cities surrounded her, but she in all her pink skirts and painted red lips was the only thing in the shop Razi had any personal interest in. She leaned her elbow on the counter and pressed her calloused index to the pretty woman’s chin, dropping her voice to a low hum. “You’re so smart, how’d you guess?” Angela rolled her eyes fondly and retreated. “Hang on,” she commanded before disappearing into the back. The quiet store was a miniature version of the port; brightly lit, rustic stone walls and floors, and a hint of magic lingering about it; A needle darned socks independently in the back corner, glowing orbs the size of dinner plates floated throughout the room to light it, and the scent of baked apple pie floated delicately in the air. It was as old as the other buildings of Honeyshore, but it never seemed to leak during the stormy season. Razi wandered near a window and spied a rag wiping down glass panes in the tiny flower shop across the street. “Gotta get me one of those,” she muttered to herself before calling out, “Oi, Angie, your neighbours got new magic stuff?” “What?” was the confused reply, muffled by the thick velvet curtain separating the store from the back room. “Your neighbour’s got a rag doing boring stuff for ‘em. It new?” “Oh, that!” Angela said as she strained with something heavy. “Madam Downspire’s sent all the stores on the block some of those to test out. What d’you need a magic rag for?” “Would rather do more interestin’ tasks, you know? I’d rather fix a leaky faucet or run errands than wipe a window. Might as well outsource to a magic item an’ save myself th’ elbow grease.” Angela returned with two packages and hoisted them onto the counter with a grunt. One of the packages was a soft bundle wrapped in brown butcher paper and tied up with twine, the other was a sturdy black paper box with a removable red lid. “Is ‘running errands’ your fancy way of sayin’ ‘flirting with girls’? Where are you going next, the bakery or the winery?” Razi flopped onto a chair across the room. “Gotta do my part, spread my good will an’ support th’ economy! Can’t disappoint Darcie and Liz, don’ be selfish.” The seamstress grinned, made her way to her guest, and seized the opportunity to plop herself down in the muscular woman’s lap. “You’re so full of it.” She playfully touched a finger to Razi’s nose and stuck out her tongue. “Will I see you Friday night? At the pub?” She ran her hands through Razi’s short black hair, scratching at her buzzed sides. Razi preened and let her hand play at Angela’s skirt hem while locking eyes with the woman in her lap. “Y’know I wouldn’t miss it, darlin’, not if it means missin’ out on you.” Angela shook her head. “Charmer,” she was about to place a quick kiss on Razi’s cheek, but the groundswoman inched away. “Nah, don’ want that,” she gestured to Angela’s lip paint, “all o’er my face. That stuff can’t be good for you.” “I think you’d look good with a bit,” Angela teased. Razi snorted. “You wan’ dress me up in your frocks too? Think it’d suit me?” She draped the woman’s pink skirt across her own knees, clothed in worn black canvas trousers tucked into steel-toed work boots, to demonstrate how entirely ridiculous the idea was. “I don’t think this one’s your colour, Raza, and I don’t think my dress would fit you either, your arms are so…” She ran one of her hands over Razi’s dark, sculpted biceps. “But I’ll make you a matching suit, if you’d like.” That sounded more up Razi’s alley. “Could do. I’ll need a suit for our weddin’, right?” “Asking me to marry you again, Raza? What is that, the third time this month?” Angela giggled and placed a quick kiss on Razi’s lips before the woman could protest and stood to drop the packages in her lap. “But about Friday,” she said as she wandered back to her embroidery work behind the wooden counter. “You better come.” Razi wiped at her mouth with the back of her hand and wiped it on her trousers. Why had she opted for sleeveless today? And where was her kerchief? Angela always pulled that trick, Razi should have seen it coming. “S’that why you want me hikin’ all th’ way down that hill? Could’a jus’ said so, you know I’ll come for you any time.” “You’re terrible,” Angela reproofed with a scoff but her eyes settled squarely on Razi’s broad hands. Razi stood up, gathered up her packages under one arm, and rested them on her hip. “I’ll be there, Bill owes me a drink.” “Didn’t you cheat him out of it, Raza?” “I would never.” “Bullshit! What would Lady Thorneheart say?” “I don’ think she cares ‘bout us wee plebs, darlin’. ’S long as there’s bread on th’ table and her carriage goes, I’ll be in ‘er good books.” The pair laughed and said their goodbyes, and Angela made Razi promise again to make an appearance on Friday. That kind of ego stroke was addictive, but Razi knew when to back off. After all, she still had Darcie and Elizabeth and Maria to visit. As she made her way through the streets, Razi wove in and out of the foot traffic, occasionally avoiding a carriage or wagon. There was more commotion than usual with the Thorneheart Heir Apparent returning home from school after three years. Or was it four? Sapphire Thorneheart had spared no expense to prepare her home for her Heir Apparent’s return which had meant new landscaping, new furnishings, a whole new wardrobe for her niece, even some of the books in the family library got re-bound several months ago. Some of those coven books were over a hundred years old and had curses on them. It was a lot of trouble for a journal, but it was a central piece of the coven’s history. Razi remembered the tirade Lady Thorneheart had assaulted the craftspeople with, and it still gave her the shivers. Luckily, Razi didn’t have to directly interact with her employer often, but when she did it was a humbling experience. She was intimidating as hell, even if she was never anything but gracious to her own staff. Usually, she gave her orders to Gertrude, the household manager, who would distribute the tasks and chores for the day. Razi was usually in the kitchens or on the grounds, those broad shoulders of hers weren’t merely for show after all, and her occasional trips into town to run errands were always a nice change of pace. Working for rich witches had its benefits, she had to admit. Razi rushed past store windows and fruit stands, dipping into the bakery to drop off next week’s order of grains and stopping by the winemaker’s to convey Lady Thorneheart’s request for the custom blend for the next full moon, before coming to her final and favourite stop, the pub. Normally she’d visit in the evenings, but today she was here on business. Passing through the well-worn door, the bell and squeaky floorboards announced her arrival. The man behind the hardwood bar waved at her as he wiped the surface with a rag. He was an older gentleman, greying and homely, and he’d run the Mead and Magic Pub for thirty years, almost as long as Sapphire Thorneheart had been the coven’s leader. “Hey Wood,” he barked with his affectionately gruff voice, “here for the Thorneheart’s?” A few men in the pub greeted Razi enthusiastically, and she nodded in their direction. “Hey boys. Hi Geoff. Yeah, I’m here for th’ thing, you got it?” Geoff pulled out a small box from under the counter. “Yeah, it’s for the lady, for the next coven meet I hear. Hey, isn’t her niece comin’ back today?” Razi nodded, sliding up to the bar, setting her burden on the counter. “Yeah, but not clear what the fuss is about, honestly. Just another silk-stockin’, I imagine. But hey, work’s work, right? “For sure,” the man nodded solemnly. “What’s the girls name? Ferdinand? Faloma?” “Frigga, I think.” “Ah yeah, tha’s right, I remember her. She was sweet as silk that girl.” “That’s not the saying, Geoff.” The man laughed and Razi snickered along with him. “Got me there.” Razi shrugged. “They’re all fine ’til you get to know ‘em, tha’s when you find out what kinda asshole they are. They’re all assholes at the end of the day, am I right?” She gestured to the other patrons, rewarded with a “hear, hear” and a “cheers” along with some wolf whistling and Razi chuckled before turning back to Geoff victoriously. “Assholes what pay you,” Geoff said with his tone of friendly disapproval, “and half of town.” Razi deadpanned at him. “The ol’ lady made me fix th’ carriage after tha’ last rain. Downright nasty, should be gettin’ a raise, mark my words. And I had to redo the hedges that got put in las’ month that I was so sure was right, but no, ‘parently not. Those lavender bushes were gorgeous so I’m bit bitter about it, gimme a break.” He nodded with sage understanding. “Fair, fair. Anyway, Wood, can we expect y’on Friday? George and the other guys were saying they wanted to do poker night again.” “After last time I’da thought they’d reconsider.” “You know George, never knows when t’ quit.” “William owes me, I think Jack does too. I’m not gon’ make it home in one piece, I think. I’ll have t’ sleep under the table I’ll be so sloshed.” Razi winced at the prospect of making the twenty minute uphill walk in such a sorry state. She’d do it if only to prove a point, but she wouldn’t enjoy it. “You comin’?” Razi sighed and made a big show of it. “Yeah, I guess. Angela’s already demanded I make an appearance.” The man’s expression turned soft and his voice did too. “Never could say no t’ that woman, eh? You ever gon’ marry her?” Razi shrugged and rolled her eyes at the old man’s presumption. “Nah, but she’s sweet on me, so I can’t jus’ break her heart, right?” “Hers an ev’ry other single lass of your persuasion in town, Wood.” He chuckled lightly and then playfully waved his rag in her direction. “Off with ye, shouldn’t be late for homecomin’.” Razi added the last package to her bundle, grinning at his remark. “Thanks a lot, see you Friday!” She walked to Thorneheart Manor from town, and her arms tired from hauling her goods. That was her own fault; she’d declined a ride in the house’s carriage earlier, opting to take her time and enjoy some peace and quiet on the walks to and from. This time of year after the rains was the best; the green fields burst with wildflowers, a crisp breeze swept in from the sea, and it was warm enough that Razi didn’t need to bother herself with layers. She even left her regular work jacket at home, this morning had been particularly warm and Razi was soaking it up. It wasn’t long before she returned to Thorneheart Manor, the estate where she worked and lived. The home was one of the largest in Honeyshore, save for the coven’s benefactors. Most of the coven’s nine families lived in town, but the Thornehearts lived just outside it in exactly the type of home that befit such a powerful family. The house itself was three stories high, made of the white stone that only the best-made buildings in town were made of, and was surrounded by fields, walks and ponds with a forest bordering the property. Inside, the walls were white as were the marble floors, and the many large windows ensured the home was always brightly lit. The lady of the house had bouquets of flowers brought in to adorn every surface, so now it smelled like spring inside as well as out. Frigga’s room had been redone too, updated with new linens and furniture. She hadn’t been there for nearly four years and would be an official adult at the end of next month. It needed to be fit for someone on who so many expectations would be placed. Apparently. What that had to do with the wallpaper getting updated, Razi wasn’t sure. “Something something, only the best for my Heir, something or other, Frigga will love it,” the old lady had said. Whatever. Razi had been on staff before Frigga had gone away to school, but she hadn’t interacted with the heiress at all. The girl was a bookworm, opting to stay in the library most afternoons, and Razi had always been in the kitchen at the time. She didn’t expect that to change; Razi had since graduated from the kitchens to the grounds for the most part and, as far as she could tell, being a scholar was a prerequisite for these witches so Frigga likely wouldn’t be outside much. Razi hadn’t made up her mind to dislike the girl (woman? How old was she?), but in her own experience the more magic met money, the larger the stick up the ass was. Thankfully, Razi didn’t have to mingle with the family much being the work horse so she could focus on her chores and her own business. It was good money and a stable life, so if she was serving bread to some spoiled witches it wouldn’t affect her sleep at night. Not that she wasn’t a little curious. Clearly Razi was not immune to the guile of a pretty girl, so there was that, but she wasn’t as enthusiastic as most of the other ladies on staff. Gertrude was ecstatic about Frigga’s return and would go on and on about how she was excited to see how the girl had grown into a woman and whatever. She was expected home that afternoon, maybe even within the hour, which meant the servants of the home were scrambling to get the place ready to welcome their newest resident back home. When Razi returned with her parcels, the house was bustling with last-minute preparations being completed and it sparked her curiosity. It might be interesting to have another person around, even if it wasn’t likely to affect her much. Maybe her presence would tame Doris’ rabid gossiping and give that ridiculous woman something to do, that would be worth the added work on its own. But probably not, the woman was a menace. She dropped off the packages to their respective recipients before making her way into the kitchen. Razi would be off work in a few hours, she always worked the early morning shift for bread reasons, and she would spend the rest of her day getting the family dinner together and dealing with kitchen inventory if there wasn’t any major tasks to be done. Just another ordinary day. Would the returning witch want tea? That was more Doris’ responsibility, but Razi put a kettle on to boil anyway. As she carried out her inventory survey, the distant sound of a carriage rattled and excited whispers shivered through the house. Gertrude and Doris bolted out of the kitchen at speeds previously unseen to greet the newest addition. It wasn’t mandatory for staff to greet Frigga, but curiosity got the better of Razi so off she went to sneak a peek at all the commotion. Maybe she was cute. The kitchen was tucked near to the main entrance and staircase, and Razi leaned on the kitchen’s doorframe to see what she wanted but stayed out of the chaos. Doris and Gertrude stood alongside a few other staff members at the foot of the staircase, chatting quietly amongst themselves. The door opened, and Frigga was home. She was a lot shorter than Razi had expected, hadn’t grown a single inch during her time away, and was full around the centre with narrow shoulders. Her fiery curls were tucked into a practical yet elegant braid behind her, her charming smile lit up her rosy freckled skin, and she giggled as Gertrude attacked her with hugs. She was pretty tired, travelling does that Razi supposed, but even so Frigga asked about Gertrude’s husband and daughter and after Stephan’s cat. It was nice to see a noble remember such details about staff members as it was rare aristocrats gave a shit about anything other than themselves. Razi could see what the fuss was about then. Frigga seemed sweet, and she was pretty cute, but the groundswoman had enough excitement so she silently returned to the kitchen. That pantry wasn’t going to count itself.

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pinkchaosstories · 9 months

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Blood and Thorns - Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Down the Path Together (Read Chapter 1 (part one) here) - (See here for a complete list of chapters)

Author's Note: This is the complete last chapter of Blood and Thorns! Thank you for reading along with me, it's been a wonderful experience uploading here on Tumblr. I have a sequel written in its entirety, but it's still in its editing phase so if you enjoyed Blood and Thorns, please follow me here and over on AO3 where the final version of B&T (as well as some of my related short stories) will live. I will continue to edit the Blood and Thorns chapters over there as well as here, but this is our last proper update. I'm proud of the work I've done over the past year on this book, and I hope you enjoyed. Please leave a comment, reblog, leave a like if you did and tell me what you enjoyed most! Who was your favourite character? What do you think about the themes and the plot twists? I love and appreciate each and every one of you 💖

“Y’sure you’re gon’ be alrigh without me?” Razi asked as she finished tying Frigga’s boots. “I can come, Frigg.” Frigga waited for Razi to stand and help her to her feet. “I’ll be fine. Besides, didn’t you say that Rosalind’s home creeped you out when we were there?” “I was jus’ bein’ dramatic,” Razi answered as she began to help Frigga down the steps of Thorneheart Manor to the waiting carriage. “I don’ see why your meeting had to be today and why it had t’ be there.”

“Rosalind’s still too weak to move unnecessarily, so we’re meeting there. I want to check in on them, but I have to ask them and Theodore about Leland.” They made it to the car and Razi helped Frigga up the step into it. “Besides,” Frigga continued, “I need you to look after Leland while the authorities take my aunt to the hospital.” Razi sighed. “Yeah, yeah, I can do tha’.” She closed the car door and tilted her head up. “Jus’ get back ‘ere soon as you can, yeah?” Frigga leaned out the window and met Razi’s lips with her own. “I will, I promise.” “I’ll make some of those buns you like to go wit’ dinner, if you wan’.” Razi murmured “With the honey and oats?” “Yeah.” “I’d like that, and I’ll thank you for them later.” Frigga kissed Razi on the cheek and winked. Razi just grinned before stepping away from the carriage, finally allowing it to leave. Frigga leaned back into her seat and turned her thoughts to the errand ahead. The ride into town was easy enough, and the salted air lifted her spirit. As she crossed into town onto the cobblestone, Frigga watched the shops go by and noted any that might be of particular help when she and Razi left next week. Frigga’s carriage came to a stop in front of the Bloodswell home, and she carefully eased her way down the steps. One of Rosalind’s staff members, a young man with a standardly handsome face, escorted her inside to the library; the newly-appointed Head of Household had adopted it as their preferred office and place of business and she walked in to find Rosalind and Theodore having a quiet discussion, a carefully polite expression on his face and a somewhat tense one on theirs. The two of them seemed to be doing their best to get along, but it was going to be an uphill road. Theodore was dressed in his usual white and purple suit, but Rosalind was comfortably dressed; a red camellia was tucked into their breast pocket and their broken arm peeking out from under an oversized indigo cardigan Frigga had a feeling belonged to Marcus. They were much brighter, having finally been medicated for their pain and rested properly in their own sanctuary, but were obviously going to be recovering for quite a while. Frigga was embraced warmly by Theodore. “Thanks for coming all this way! Hope your ride in wasn’t too bad?” She took her seat across from Rosalind, Theodore between the two. “It was fine. I saw they were doing some work on the town’s square road.” “Very overdue, if you ask me, been needing that since New Year’s! Think the Crestfall’s carriage hit a hole, broke the wheel.” They small talked until a servant brought in tea. Most of the conversing fell to Frigga and Theodore with Rosalind occasionally adding a word in. Once settled and refreshed, Theodore finally struck up their meeting’s topic to Frigga. “I’m told you and your, em, friend?” he hesitated, waiting on Frigga to clarify. “Fiancée,” Frigga supplied. Theodore’s brows raised a bit, but he politely continued after a pause with, “Ah, fiancée, yes, you two are leaving Honeyshore?” “Yes. As soon as I’ve tied up loose ends, Razi and I will be leaving.” “And I take it that means you’re going to be giving up your spot in the coven?” “Yes.” Theodore sighed with and a small frown tugging at his bushy moustache. “That’s unfortunate, I must say.” Frigga looked down at her lap. Theodore had always treated Frigga like a daughter and she genuinely hated to grieve him. “I’m sorry, Sir. This… this life isn’t for me.”

Theodore nodded, crossing his arms thoughtfully. “From what Marcus told me, it sounds like you’ve been miserable.” “I wish I was better suited. I feel terrible about leaving, but-“ “Nonsense, my girl,” he interrupted while waving off her anxiety. “Of course, if it makes you miserable there’s no sense forcing you to stay.” She looked up from her hands shyly. “Sir?” He took a sip of tea before looking back. “Marcus said your aunt was trying to force you into it, and that Master Bloodswell here-“ “Theodore,” Rosalind bristled from behind their own tea cup. A silent conversation occurred between the two of them until the patriarch coughed lightly, recovering from the interruption. “Yes, right, Rosalind here was the one responsible for getting you out of that sticky situation.” Frigga smiled, holding back a laugh at the awkward tension between her two friends. It felt like that had not been the first time Rosalind had corrected their future father-in-law, and it was only day two of the engagement. “Yes, I wouldn’t be able to… I wouldn’t be free without their help.” “Right.” His eyes darted to Rosalind and back to Frigga, a momentary, uncomfortable shift in his composure. “Well, I want you to rest assured I’ll make sure your aunt gets properly dealt with. I am disappointed that we won’t be seeing you lead our wonderful coven, of course, but what’s best for you is much more important. Such a shame Sapphire felt your well-being was secondary.” Frigga inhaled, bracing herself. “That’s what I needed… I wanted to consult you both about. With my aunt being in custody, possibly imprisoned, and with me leaving, I’m not sure what will happen to Leland. I can’t take him, the road isn’t a place for an eight-year-old boy, and he needs a stable place to grow up. I… I’m sorry to ask.” Theodore laughed in his jolly way. “Nonsense, my girl! Of course young Leland will be taken care of.” Rosalind had a thoughtful look on their face as they took notes. “I can oversee his education, Frigga, that’s not a problem.” They sipped at their tea continuing with caution lacing their tone, “I’d offer him a place here, though, I’m unsure that’s what’s best for him.” “The boy should stay with me!” Theodore offered, more enthusiastically than Frigga had expected, and she’d expected enthusiasm. “With Marcus being here so much, it’ll be nice to have a youngster around. Gods know I’ve got the room.” A not insignificant weight was relieved from Frigga’s heart at the man’s eagerness. “Thank you. Thank you both for your generosity. Maybe I should ask Leland what he would prefer? I think, Theodore, he may prefer to live outside the city, though,” She paused and looked to Rosalind. “If he is to take up the Thorneheart seat, if that’s where he ultimately ends up, it would be good for him to be around a magical family.” Rosalind shrugged, as if they hadn’t just offered to help raise an eight-year-old. “As I said, I’m sure I can figure that out. I agree that asking Leland what he’d prefer is ultimately the way to go. If he does end up with you, Theodore, I’ll make sure to visit with him often. I can also arrange for other coven members to do the same, if you’d like. I’m not as entertaining as some others.” They hid a wry look behind their cup. Frigga’s stomach churned slightly. “And that was the other thing I needed to speak with you both about. My aunt… she’ll likely be excommunicated, right?” Rosalind nodded and their tone became grave. “I can’t see how she wouldn’t be. Even if she wasn’t, she couldn’t lead the coven from prison.” The air in the room intensified, but Frigga plowed ahead. “Well… That would mean the coven will be in your hands, Rosalind.”

There was silence; Frigga gripped her hands, Theodore stiffened, and Rosalind placed their cup on the table quietly. “It would seem that way,” they replied slowly. A pained expression drifted across their face briefly before continuing, “But the coven will not like it. I can’t think of a single member who would stand with me and,” Rosalind looked at Theodore briefly before looking away from both their guests. “I’m unsure I’m right for the position.” Frigga’s heart ached with a fresh wave of guilt squeezing it to bursting. “I know this wasn’t something you wanted, and I feel awful for putting you in this position.” Rosalind shook their head softly. “You didn’t, Frigga. You made a choice about your own life. This is not your responsibility.” “But how am I different from my aunt if I’m forcing you into-?” “You haven’t.” Rosalind cut her off, their tone firm. They settled back into their armchair with a sigh. “I’m not thrilled about the situation, and there are ways I might,” they paused and their eyes narrowed very slightly. “It was never my ambition to become a leader, and I never thought I’d be called upon to do it.” Rosalind looked at a teary-eyed Frigga then to a grimly guarded Theodore. “But this is my home, the coven is my family, and if I am needed, if I can help then I will. I could get out of this responsibility if I truly wanted.” Rosalind looked back to Frigga, and their expression was both confidently resolute and softly compassionate. “Frigga you need to know I am not trapped as you were and I won’t have you feeling responsible for my choices. As long as I am needed, I’ll do this.” “I… don’t know what to say.” Rosalind’s softness faded and they grimaced instead, “But telling the coven won’t go over well.” They were right. With everything that had happened regarding Victoria, there would likely be several members of the coven who would be resistant if not outright hostile to the concept of a Bloodswell leading the group. “I’ll vouch for you, of course. Marcus will too, I’m sure.” “It is not going to be enough.” They were right, “But it might-“ Theodore cut her off. “I will too.” Both Rosalind and Frigga’s eyes blew wide as they looked to the man who’d surprised them, though Rosalind was the more surprised of the two. “Theodore?” The man crossed his arms again and grimaced. “Honestly, Rosalind, I wasn’t enthusiastic when you told me Marcus asked you to marry him, mostly for the same reasons our coven members will be suspicious of you. We worry you’re following in your mother’s footsteps, you see.” Rosalind looked away from Theodore to the table. “Yes.” Theodore exhaled through his nose, an air of resignation settling around him. “However, I think it’s obvious you’re rather more like your father. Not sure how those two ever got together, to be honest.” Frigga quietly giggled at his recollection. Jun and Victoria Bloodswell had been, by any measure, a strange couple. She had always been ambitious, cut-throat, and an active member of the coven’s social society. If there was ever a meeting, casual get-together, or party, she was the one you could rely on to be there dragging her long-suffering Heir along with her. In contrast, Jun couldn’t be bothered. He was a great academic and historian, a vital resource to the coven’s research and archives, but he was rarely seen. The only reason he’d show up to anything was if Rosalind was being spotlit somehow as in dance recitals or if his wife dragged him out by the ear. He was pleasant enough if you managed to catch him in conversation, but it was a complete mystery as to why he’d married Victoria because the man avoided conversing as a rule. Rosalind resembled their mother for the most part in appearance with their sharp features, black straight hair, heavy dark eyes, and slim stature, but were almost the exact reincarnation of their father in all other respects. They smiled wistfully. “I try.” Theodore nodded. “If things do get out of hand, I will vouch for you as well.”

Rosalind took a deep breath in and let it out, their tight shoulders easing visibly. “Thank you, Theodore.” The man broke the tension with a large grin. “Hopefully then we can all move on from this unpleasant business and get some real work done. We’ve got a wedding to plan after all!” Rosalind groaned and Frigga beamed. Maybe there was some hope Theodore might warm up to them after all? She had been so worried about how this meeting could have devolved, but it had gone well in the end. With the worst of the meeting was over, the details about the emergency coven meeting were nailed down and it would be held in five days at Thorneheart Manor, the day Frigga would leave home.

///

The coven’s meeting room was set up the same way it had been for Victoria’s trial, a large table in the centre of the room with enough space for the Head of Household and their Heir to be seated. Frigga would take up her aunt’s place at the head, Marcus and Theodore at her right side, the Rynaulds on her left, with Rosalind directly across the table in their family’s place. Though the coven members had been informed that something fundamentally disruptive to the coven had taken place and that they’d be having a formal discussion on the events, the details of the events had been left vague. As the families arrived at the manor, a strained politeness manifested. Everyone remained civil but it was clear the witches were worried about the future of the group. Though nobody outside herself and her close friends knew it, this would be Frigga’s last meeting and she’d be leaving immediately after so she did her best to briefly mingle with everyone. She was relieved she would finally be free of these niceties and was starting to see what Razi meant when she said rich people were assholes. They weren’t unpleasant people, not at all. Frigga was fond of most of the coven members. Indeed, everyone was perfectly polite and that was the problem. Frigga felt no connection to these people and the conversations only went so long before they began to revolve around themselves. Their concerns were insular, their perspective isolated from concerns of the world. Some of them barely seemed to recognize that a world outside of their social circles existed so it was no wonder Razi was harsh on them. As the families took their places, Frigga’s heart began to pound. She was nervous, for herself naturally, but also for Rosalind. She saw them try to socialize somewhat, though they’d ducked out of the interaction at their first opportunity. Frigga was proud of them for trying. Finally, everyone sat in their places and Frigga sat at her aunt’s seat at the table’s head. “Welcome, friends,” she took up her chalice in greeting, sipped at it, and replaced it on the table as the coven members followed suit. The room went silent and Sapphire’s absence stung. She’d led this coven for thirty years and this was the first coven meet in more than that time she was absent. Frigga cleared her throat and put on her most authoritative demeanour; it felt like trying to don armour built for a six-foot man. “As some of you know, there has been a grave happening within my family, the ramifications of which will profoundly affect this coven going forward. My aunt has been arrested for assault and the attempted murder of Rosalind Bloodswell. She did so because they assisted with breaking a curse she’d cast to control me.” The other witches’ reactions were varied. Some stole quick glances at Rosalind, many Head of Households whispering to their Heirs. “I was a witness to these actions but there are two others who have given statements on the matter who were present as well. Marcus Magnus-Monroe and a member of staff who was also assaulted by my aunt.” Frigga handed out copies of the statements given by Marcus, Razi, and herself to the rest of the families and the coven members read through the statements in short-lived silence. Mildred Crestfall stood to her feet, anger clear on her face. “These are grave accusations, and obviously not something we can abide if they are true. I notice Master Bloodswell’s witness is missing from the evidence.” All eyes turned to Rosalind who was strangely calm about it. “Why might that be?” They took a deep breath, and responded with a practiced, bored answer, “I have opted out, at this time, and I don’t believe my own testimony is necessary when these,” they gestured towards their own injuries, “speak well enough for me. I have nothing to add the testimonies have not already made clear.” Mildred’s eyes creased narrowed, unsatisfied. “I would have thought you might be eager to put your attacker away, Master Bloodswell?”

Rosalind did not take the bait and, judging by their small eye roll and fractional wince, Frigga figured they’d already tired of the accusation they’d heard a dozen times already. “As I said, I feel it unnecessary Lady Crestfall. I feel my injuries speak sufficiently on my behalf. You might imagine how traumatic the event was for me.” The woman nodded, defeated for now, and sat back down. Frigga moved the meet along and moved to excommunicate her aunt immediately, a motion that was unanimous with a few abstaining from the vote, Rosalind included. Paperwork was dealt with and kept track of by Ophelia Rynauld, and the second item on the agenda arose. Marceline Cromwell spoke as the last of the paperwork was finished, “That means we must have Miss Thorneheart officially made part of the coven as soon as possible, then?” A general murmur of agreement echoed but Frigga sat up as straight as possible, digging deep within herself to find her courage. “No.” The room fell silent and Frigga tensed, holding her breath. They looked to Frigga with apprehensive faces, and she looked to Marcus, who nodded encouragingly. She then glanced over to an attentive Rosalind before looking around. “I will not be taking up the Thorneheart family’s place at this table. I’m leaving town today.” The silence shattered all at once. “Miss Thorneheart, you won’t be taking up your role?” “How could you?” “This isn’t like you!” “Why?” “How can this be?" “Who does that leave?” “Obviously Leland isn’t eligible yet!” “That leaves…” Another silence fell on the room as the realization began to settle on the group. Eyes turned to the opposite end of the table. Frigga’s did too and saw Rosalind’s eyes flashing between herself and Marcus. She stood once more. “So until such a time as Leland can accept his place as Thorneheart Head of Household, Master Rosalind Bloodswell, our second family’s Head of Household, has agreed to take up intermittent leadership.” Chaos erupted with shocked protests coming from various families, confused questions from others, and some witches began begging Frigga to change her mind until Morgan Blackwood stood to his full height. “Miss Thorneheart, is there no way we can persuade you to reconsider?” Frigga shook her head and took her seat with finality, surrendering her claim to lead the meeting. “No, there isn’t Sir Blackwood, but I have complete confidence in Master Bloodswell.” Edna Downspire protested, her voice shrill, “But the Thorneheart’s have led this coven for one hundred and fifty years!” Aurora Morgansons argued, “We have contingencies in place for this sort of situation. Master Bloodswell is the next eligible party!” Mildred railed against the suggestion and the meeting began devolving into an argument, just as Frigga had feared. She tried to recenter herself and looked away from the chaos to where Marcus was sitting next to her. He was softly giggling and his father was shaking his head in exhaustion. She silently looked for support from either of them and Theodore stood to his feet. “Compatriots!” He rose his voice, capturing everyone’s attention. Once the volume lowered enough and he’d gained the floor, he continued. “I hear your concerns for the future of this esteemed group, and, if I might be afforded the privilege, might I suggest we hear Master Bloodswell out?”

Slowly, hesitantly, every member of the coven turned their attention back to Rosalind who hadn’t moved. As the coven yielded the floor to let them speak, they stood to their feet and looked to their fiancé and his father. “Thank you, Theodore.” Their face remained neutral, though Frigga saw them toying with a ring they wore absently. Their voice was calm, as always, but some of the artifice of disinterest had disappeared from it. “I see the reluctance many of you are experiencing, and I fully comprehend why. It has not been kept from me how my family’s past currently reflects on myself and it is not lost on me that my past actions might be misinterpreted as evidence of my disinterest in our coven.” Rosalind paused to look around the table, and Frigga followed their eyes to find a completely mixed reaction to their speech. There were many thoughtful, receptive faces, but just as many or more embittered or unresponsive expressions.“I care for everyone of you at this table, this coven is important to me, Honeyshore is my home. I don’t share the ambition for leadership some in my family had, but if I am called upon to serve this coven in such a capacity I will do so for as long as I am needed and no longer.” They took their seat and the room remained silent. This was unprecedented in many ways, the witches around the table looked to each other but nobody stood to respond to Rosalind’s appeal. Frigga held her breath. It was out of her hands. She wasn’t even technically a member of the coven so her opinion held little weight. She said a silent prayer that someone might back them up, Rosalind couldn’t act until they’d been officially acknowledged. Finally Ophelia Rynauld, the timekeeper and historian of the coven, slowly stood to her feet. She rarely contributed her own thoughts, but her opinion was highly respected when she did. She’d been silent through the entire exchange, and Frigga’s hands twisted with uncertainty. “Friends,” she said in her deep, warmed tenor, her dark hands gesturing vaguely to everyone, tinkling with the brightly coloured bangles she wore on her wrists “our coven’s traditions and statutes are clear in these matters. In our one hundred and fifty year history, our ordinances have not failed us. As there is nobody willing nor eligible for Head of Household in the First Family’s home, the role of leader will fall to the Head of Household of our second family, the Bloodswell family, until there is.” She looked to Rosalind, her expression respectful. “Master Rosalind Bloodswell has yet to act in anyway to shame our company, nor have they given us any reason to expect less competency than their predecessor which is, more than I can vouch for regarding others at this table.” She slyly smiled, her eye passing over specific coven members and coven patron’s sons. “I recognize their leadership until such time as there is an eligible member of the Thorneheart family to take up that office.” She took up her chalice and raised it in Rosalind’s direction before taking a sip and retaking her seat. The group digested her words for a few moments in poignant quiet as the air shifted. Slowly, eyes shifted from Ophelia to Frigga and then, finally, to Rosalind. One by one, chalices were taken up and raised in their direction in acknowledgement, mirroring Ophelia. The weight on Frigga’s shoulders finally dissolved. It was done, Rosalind had been acknowledged, and she was free of her obligation. Once the last chalice was lowered, Rosalind stood and took up their role with their usual, confident stature. “Thank you, Ophelia, and thank you everyone for your trust in me. Now, is there any other business to be resolved?” There wasn’t and Rosalind dismissed the group shortly afterwards. Frigga saw them take out their datebook and start writing in it before making their way to Ophelia Rynauld. For not wanting to lead the coven, Rosalind seemed very well-equipped to do it, like they’d already been doing it for years.

She caught a few words of their conversation with Ophelia before Theodore joined them and Marcus pulled her into a conversation with Marceline and Luna Cromwell, Wade Morgansons, and Moira Blackwood. Frigga could barely catch a word, distracted until she heard him turn the conversation in a specific direction. “Luna, who was your wedding planner? I don’t even know where to start and yours was so nice.” Luna blinked and looked between Marcus and Frigga. “Tsunade I think was her surname. I thought your wedding had been cancelled?” Marcus shrugged. “Yeah, that one was, but it’s not like I’m going to use any of those plans again. That kind of affair wouldn’t really suit Ros, you know?” The others all stared at him. Frigga grinned as little as she could, though she couldn’t contain it fully as she added, “No, and I don’t think they’d really like all that blue.” “Right?” Marcus chirped. “Wait, what?” Luna stammered, her brow deeply furrowed, “what are you saying?” Wade cast a glance in Rosalind’s direction. “Marcus, you’re going to have to elaborate.” “Oh, Rosalind and I are engaged,” he explained as though it were the most well-known fact in the world. “You didn’t know?” Frigga chuckled as Moira and Marceline gawked, Luna’s jaw dropped, and Wade burst out laughing, clapping his friend on the shoulder. “No! How long has that been going on? You didn’t say a word!” Marcus giggled as he received congratulations from everyone, and Frigga glanced over at Rosalind who was watching the distraction for a half-second with a fond smirk before they resumed their discussion with Ophelia and Theodore. Frigga couldn’t believe things turned out this way and her heart was bursting with relief and joy. As soon as she walked down those stairs she and Razi would be leaving, and she was confident that she’d left the coven in good hands. There was just one thing left for her to do. She excused herself, letting Marcus know where to go after everything was completed, and exited the room heading towards the private chambers. She grabbed the bag she’d packed night before with Razi’s help, slung it over her shoulders, and left to find Leland in his room. As Frigga had expected, Leland had chosen to live away from the city with the familiar family. Most of his belongings had already been moved to the Magnus-Monroe estate, but there were still a few items he’d had to pack up before leaving today. His packed bags sat next to the door and the boy was on the floor surrounded a few toys he’d kept handy. He was pouting and sulking, his face tightly wound to keep himself from crying and refused to look at his sister when she knocked on the door and walked over. “You ready?” He shook his head, his pout twisting into anger. “I don’t want to go. Why do I have to?” She sat beside him taking up a small, hand-whittled deer from the floor. “I’m leaving and Auntie isn’t here. You said you were excited to go to Marcus’ house, right?” Leland sadly nodded. “But why do you have to go? Don’t you like it here? Where are you going?” Frigga sighed. Even with her impaired memory she knew they’d already had this conversation a few times. “I’m going on an adventure, remember?” “For how long?” “I don’t know, Lee. A long time.” The boy sniffled and threw the small toy he’d been holding across the room. It fell harmlessly but the visual still had Frigga scrambling to reign in a swell of complicated emotions; she didn’t want to make her brother so angry, so scared. He was losing his sister, his aunt, and now the only home he’d ever known. It was such a big change for such a little boy. “Leland, I see you’re angry. I know this isn’t what you would like, but Theodore will take good care of you. Marcus and Rosalind will too, I promise.” He crossed his arms and looked angrily away from his sister, refusing to reply.

“I know it’s scary. It’s understandable to be afraid.” She placed a hand on his shoulder gently and the boy began sobbing. She threw her arms around her brother, holding him closely as he cried. It took a while, but eventually he calmed down. “I’m gonna miss you,” he finally admitted through his sniffles. “You just got back!” With a delicate flick of her wrist, Frigga conjured a tissue and gave it to him. “I’ll miss you too, but I promise to write and visit when we can. And this is just a new chapter in your own adventure.” He wiped his tears with the tissue, his shoulders still sunken. “Yeah.” Frigga put her hands on his shoulders. “You can be brave too, right?” He nodded, still sniffling, but finally cracked the smallest smile. “I can be brave.” The siblings picked up the last of Leland’s things off the floor and Marcus came by to pick up the last of his bags. “Need any help, bud?” Leland crashed into him and the two laughed. Marcus was even more excited than his father that Leland had chosen to stay with them and had shared his plans to help the boy feel welcome with Frigga before meet. The man grabbed Leland’s bag with a laugh. “I think I know what we’ll do when we get home! I invented this sport and Jenkins absolutely hates it.” As the two of them plotted the downfall of the servant’s sanity, Marcus escorted the young boy and Frigga to the staircase. It was time to go.

/// While Frigga was in session with the asshats, Razi went through her pack one last time in her quarters. A map, a few changes of clothes, basic toiletries, tent and sleeping necessities… It was going to be heavy once the food rations and water were added, but working on the grounds for the last decade made her strong enough to do the heavy lifting and carry Frigga to see Bluehaven’s doctors if she had to. They would likely have to stop often until she got used to travelling anyway as Frigga’s condition was delicate. Not to mention the aristocrat wasn’t exactly used to roughing it like Razi expected they would be. Despite Frigga’s symptoms being subtle most of the time, Frigga was going to need more help than they’d initially thought and she wouldn’t be able to carry much weight on their travels, at least to start. The woman was taking her disability in stride, but it was still upsetting to see the witch’s health decline so much. She would never be truly independent, but she was still happy, still hopeful, and she was still Frigga. She glanced at her left hand, the ring Frigga gave her glistening on her finger. Such a silly little thing, but it’d grown on her in the last week. Almost literally, she likely wouldn’t be able to get it off now. Smirking, she stuck her hand in her pocket to make sure the things were still in it before grabbing her bags. Razi took one last fond look around her room. It had been her home for a long time and now it wasn’t. She’d been at this job for ten years, her father had worked here for five years before that and it was the closest thing she had to a home. She’d grown up here, she’d become an adult here, and now she was leaving. Razi closed the door behind her one last time with a slow exhale. She found Gertrude and Doris in the kitchens, Doris gossiping away and Gertrude was telling her off about something or other. As it should be. They looked at her as she came in and fell silent. “Mornin’, ladies,” Razi greeted cheerfully. “Just ‘ere for a few things and I’ll be permanently out of your hair.” The two women looked at each other and then back to her. Gertrude wiped her hands on her apron, she’d been peeling potatoes, and gestured to a nicely packed parcel on the island counter. “We’ve actually made something up for the two of you. We know it’ll probably be a while ’til you get into Bluehaven. There’s some baked goods, some dried fruit and meats, and a few of the Miss’s favourite preserves.” Razi set her things down on the floor, went to Gertrude, and gave her a big hug. “Thanks, Gert. That means a lot. Was just gon’ grab some bits and ends so this’ll be real ‘elpful.” “I can’t let you go empty handed, Wood. And Frigga,” Gertrude stepped back to square Razi up and down, becoming serious. “Do right by her.” Razi grinned. “Givin’ me the shovel talk, are you? Tha’s real sweet, Gert. Don’t you know me?” “I do,” the woman taunted. “I mean it, none of your old habits. It won’t do anymore.” Razi rolled her eyes; Gertrude witnessed more than one should have over the years, what with Razi bringing girls home and such. She couldn’t blame the woman for this then, not really. “Oh, come on, I’m an hones’ woman now! You don’ think I know tha’?” Doris piled on while scooting around the counter coming nearer. “She means you gotta marry her, Wood, and you got to be a proper wife.” Razi levelled a deadpan look at the woman. “Dor, I told you, I’m not sayin’ I will or won’ marry her, not t’ you. Mind your business!” It made sense Doris was protective. She had taken care of Frigga every day for nearly three months so Razi put one hand over her heart and raised the other with great solemnity. “I promise, I’ll take good care of her.” The older women began to tear up, and Razi opened her arms welcoming both in for a group hug. Even if they were both nosy, they were nice ladies and she was going to miss them. But not a lot.

Gertrude wiped a tear away with her apron daintily. “You really think she’ll be alright out there? ‘Specially ‘cause of her injury. Is that why you’re headed to Bluehaven first?” Doris nodded solemnly but chuckled after a thought. “I bet she screams the first bug she sees.” Razi began putting the food parcel in her pack. “Doris, y’know she’s a flower child, right? Like, she’s ‘round bugs and dirt all th’ time. Pretty sure I saw her catch a spider wit’ her bare hands yesterday.” Doris laughed. “Oh yes, that’s right. Her stockings and petticoats are always covered in at least six inches of mud.” She filled two large canisters with fresh water to be kept on her bag’s strap and hung around to chat with the two women while waiting the coven meeting out. They asked her where else they were headed and what she was most excited to see, and Doris also went out of her way to dig for information on said marrying of Frigga. Razi gave her nothing because, once again, Doris needed to mind her own business. Not to mention she couldn’t keep her damn mouth shut and Razi wanted it to be a surprise. Steps began to rumble from above; the meeting adjourned and the Honeyshore Coven had finished their final meeting with Frigga. It was still several minutes before the families started making their way down the front staircase. Razi looked on from the kitchen door watching the guests leave. They were all assholes, every last one of them in her humble opinion. Seven families of witches exited the building, and Razi watched them, grinning like the kid that got away with the cookie. Theodore left shortly after too, Leland’s final bag over a shoulder, and she gave him a polite nod as he did. Finally, they were gone and good riddance too. It wasn’t much longer until she heard footsteps again at the top of the stairs. Frigga, Leland, Rosalind, and Marcus were finally descending, Rosalind leaned heavily on Marcus’ arm and Frigga gripped the railing. When she caught Razi’s eye, she rushed to her love, dropping her bags at the bottom of the staircase. They embraced with a kiss and a hug, both wearing the purest happiness on their lips. “Ready, Princess?” asked Razi. Frigga giggled. “Of course, my king.” Before they picked up their bags again, Leland ran to his sister and crashed into her with a hug that nearly knocked the unstable witch to the floor. Frigga clung to her brother tightly and cast a look over to Marcus who was watching the scene from a few feet away, Rosalind leaned on his side. Over the past week Frigga had expressed feeling enormous guilt about leaving her brother, even if it was the best thing for him. Theodore and the golden retriever would be like a father and brother; Leland would be safe and supported, not pressured to do things he didn’t want, which was more than his atrocious aunt would ever have done. Marcus walked over to the siblings and put a hand on Leland’s shoulder. “Come on, we’re all gonna go say goodbye outside, alright?” He led the boy away, Rosalind went with him, allowing Frigga a chance to say goodbye to Gertrude and Doris. The servants were a blubbering mess and Frigga was barely holding herself together. They had been with her every day, and Gertrude had been around even before she had gone to school. Now they were saying goodbye, perhaps forever. Razi made sure Frigga wasn’t overloaded as the two women picked up their bags. She was a little wobbly, but it would be fine, they’d take it slow. They weren't going far today, just into town and then maybe an hour outside of it. If Razi’s calculations were correct, they’d be in Bluehaven in about a week, and she’d made sure to over-prepare. They stepped outside into the sun. It was the perfect temperature for setting off on a long afternoon walk, just like they always did. Marcus was the first to give Frigga a big hug and she held him tightly. “Please take care of yourself, Frigga. Let us know if you need anything, anything at all? You’re always welcome in our home.”

Frigga sighed happily into his arms. “I will. I’ll be fine. We’ll write as soon as we arrive in Bluehaven I promise.” Marcus let go and offered a handshake to Razi that was about as awkward as an ex-fiancé shaking a current fiancée’s hand could reasonably be. Then, with a small nod, he backed away to allow Leland a moment. Leland gave his sister one last tearful hug and then surprised Razi with one as well. She’d carved many trinkets for him, and he understood how much Razi cared for his sister. He’d said that made her his family too at dinner last night which made the woman’s heart melt whenever she thought about it. After Leland let Razi go, Marcus extended a hand to him, motioning towards the waiting carriage. Leland took his hand and was led away. That left Rosalind. From Razi’s point of view, they almost seemed to be enjoying the hug Frigga had caught them in. It was the first time Razi saw them enjoying human contact ever, apart from Marcus. “Please take care of my brother, Ros.” Frigga was fully crying now, and she didn’t let Rosalind go. Rosalind nodded. “I’ll do my best. I’m only disappointed that you’ll be unable to attend the wedding.” Frigga pulled back a bit and smiled sadly. “Likely not, but you never know. October, right?” Rosalind nodded before looking between Frigga and Razi. “Marcus is right, you always have a place with us. If you need anything, either of you, please don’t hesitate to ask.” Frigga nodded and placed a kiss on Rosalind’s cheek. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.” She released them, and their cheeks were slightly flushed, but the vampire wore the smallest of indulgent smiles, and Razi figured that they sort of had to indulge Frigga; they had just excommunicated her aunt and taken her spot in the coven after all. Frigga finally released Rosalind and they looked hesitantly over to Razi who was smirking at the spectacle. She saw Rosalind unsure what to do next as her previous one-on-one with them had her threatening them and Razi hadn’t bothered to follow up or make nice afterwards. After some consideration, they offered their good hand to shake and locked eyes with her. “Truly, if either of you needs anything, you need only ask.” Razi eyed Rosalind’s outstretched hand briefly before they finally took it. “We appreciate it, Vampire.” Rosalind smirked. “That’s Master Vampire to you, madam,” they retorted dryly, and Razi snorted, shocked they knew what a joke was. They nodded and hopped into their carriage. It took off and both Marcus and Leland leaned out the window, waving like crazy. Frigga waved back until they were out of sight, and Razi and Frigga were left alone on the steps of Thorneheart Manor. The road stretched out in front of them and a soft breeze in the sea salted air made for perfect walking conditions. They would walk through town to pick up a few things, sell a few valuables, and then head north towards Bluehaven, but Razi had plans for them on their way out of town first. She took Frigga’s hand in her left hand, slipping her right into her pant pocket fumbling with what she’d stashed there: Her father’s pocket knife and a polished rosewood ring she’d been whittling for the last week. They’d stop at the market for supplies, but they’d also make one last stop at the town’s temple to make good on her promise before they left. Razi leaned down for a quick kiss met happily, and they set off down the path together.

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pinkchaosstories · 10 months

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Blood and Thorns - Chapter 17(Part 2)

Chapter 17 (Part Two): Consequences and Rewards (Read Chapter 1 (part one) here) - (See here for a complete list of chapters)

Author's Note: Thanks for reading B&T! I'll be posting an extra special extra tomorrow so if you're enjoying my original work, keep an eye out for it and leave a like or comment in the meantime. oxoxo

The first thing Rosalind felt as they began awakening was a general ache throughout their entire body and a severe one in their left arm, their chest, and the back of their head. The low hum of pain was grounding, it helped Rosalind anchor themself in their struggle to regain consciousness. The next thing they realized was they were in a bed somewhere. It felt like their eyelids had been glued shut, but they sensed, vaguely, it was bright wherever they were, so maybe it was best they keep their eyes shut as long as possible. They tried shifting a bit, they were on their back and that wasn’t Rosalind’s favourite place to be, but suddenly the pain in their chest sharpened and Rosalind thought better about moving, not before a soft whine escaped their incredibly raw throat. Oh gods, everything hurt. They were finally starting to remember what had happened, starting to get a grasp on where they might be, and finally they became aware they were not alone. Someone was holding their hand.

Rosalind finally opened their eyes and their vision was blurry to start, but they saw someone with long blond hair had dozed off, leaning on the side of the bed: Marcus. They then took a brief look around the room and it wasn’t familiar. It caused a flash of panic but if Marcus was there, Rosalind was sure they were safe. They squeezed his hand to rouse him. Rosalind was going to need help, they were incredibly thirsty and very much in pain, but they just wanted to get up and know what was going on. It was enough and Marcus woke with a slight start, “Baby, you’re up!” Rosalind began their attempt to shift again and was greeted by the same pain in their chest. Marcus reached behind them to help them sit up. They knew they probably shouldn’t, but Rosalind needed water and something strong for this unholy pain in their ribs. Rosalind started coughing and it was brutal, their ribcage felt like it had been pierced with knives. But they couldn’t help it, their lungs needed more air and their throat was drier than a mouthful of cinnamon. Thankfully Marcus retrieved a glass and helped them drink a bit, easing their discomfort somewhat. “Where am I?” They internally winced at the sound of their voice, or more accurately the absence of their voice, and the pain in their throat when they spoke. Marcus grabbed Rosalind’s hand again. “You’re at Thorneheart Manor still, Ros.” They cast a look around the room again, it wasn’t familiar to them at all but the style certainly felt right. Light streamed in through a nearby window. “What time is it?” “It’s 2:00, you’ve been unconscious since last night! I’m so relieved you’re awake.” Rosalind’s stomach flipped and their shoulders spasmed. “Was that in doubt?” “They weren’t sure you’d wake up for a bit there, that’s what Frigga told me.” Frigga. Thorneheart Manor. Right. They glanced over themself finding bandages everywhere. Well, fuck. “Is she alright?” “Yes, she’s fine. You did it, baby, she said you guys did it!” Rosalind leaned their head back on the headboard looking up at the ceiling. They began running through what had happened when they suddenly remembered how it ended. “Where’s Sapphire? Why am I alive?” “I shot her.” Rosalind’s eyes darted back to Marcus. He wasn’t kidding, the man was more serious than they’d ever seen him. Rosalind’s memory was hazy, being suffocated does that, but they thought they remembered a loud sound towards the end and being suddenly released, but the memory was shrouded. “You…shot Sapphire Thorneheart?” “I followed her here and found her trying to kill you. So I shot her. She survived, but…” Rosalind sighed, of course she had. Marcus squeezed Rosalind’s hand again and nuzzled his face into their thigh. “Ros, why didn’t you tell me?” he asked quietly. Rosalind slowly opened their eyes again and brought their free arm over to rest in Marcus’ tangled hair, gently playing with the strands. “You wouldn’t have let me do it.” “I would have tried to help.” “I couldn’t let you get hurt.” “But it’s fine if you do?” “I had to try, Marcus.”

The man peered up before he buried his face into Rosalind’s hip again. “I know, and I’m so proud of you.” He took a deep breath and Rosalind enjoyed a couple seconds, waiting for the part two of his statement. “But?” They felt the man grin against their hip before he sat back up wearing an exaggerated pout. “But I’m also mad at you.” Rosalind smiled and reached for Marcus’ face. He leaned in, letting them touch him, let them kiss his forehead, let them wipe some of the smudged mascara away. But they offered no apology; they weren’t sorry and knew they had already been forgiven. “I need to go home,” they demanded when Marcus pulled away. “They want to keep you here until you’re more stable.” Rosalind groaned. “I am stable enough.” “You were almost choked to death. Just stay put, please.” He stood and looked towards the door. “I’m going to go get the doctor, where is he?” “Marcus?” Marcus turned back to Rosalind. “I need to speak with Frigga,” they requested as seriously as they could muster, knowing the effect was a little pathetic. Marcus quickly planted a kiss on Rosalind’s cheek before leaving to fetch the doctor. Rosalind leaned back against the headboard again to take in their injuries. They tried moving various parts of their body to take stock and found everything working properly, albeit stiffly or with some pain. But that was good, at the very least they knew everything was still functioning. Judging by the aches and the wrappings, they probably broke a few things. They were surprised they could talk at all, honestly; raspy, but still with some kind of dignity. Marcus returned with the doctor soon enough, followed by Frigga and Razi shortly thereafter. The physician confirmed their suspicions: broken arm, broken ribs, severe bruising of the chest and throat, and numerous small lacerations down both arms and hands. Thankfully Rosalind was not concussed, though they would probably still have a headache for quite a while. He asked Rosalind to stay at the Thorneheart home for one night, but Rosalind had no intention of honouring the request. They needed a proper cup of tea, no offence to the Thornehearts’ staff. The house’s tea was fine, but it just wasn’t the same. When the physician left the room to check on Sapphire, Rosalind motioned for Frigga to sit beside them on the bed. “How are you feeling?” Frigga smiled, placing a hand gently on their shoulder. “Good. I’m so relieved you’re alright.” Rosalind became grave. “How is your magic?” She lit up her hand with a soft blue glow. “Seems fine to me.” Rosalind sighed and leaned in close to Frigga, grabbing her chin roughly with their unbroken right arm, and looked her over. Their magic reserves were far from replenished, but Rosalind pushed themself, too curious and impatient to wait any longer than they had to. Razi and Marcus looked at each other quizzically, and Frigga was also surprised, but she allowed them to continue. Rosalind then closed their eyes, placing two fingers on Frigga’s forehead, and their hand began glowing red. Their magic sunk into her and Rosalind began running their magic through her energetic pathways, looking for disturbances. She seemed to be mostly left unscarred throughout the majority of her system which was a relief, but as they searched deeper into the streams of magic that entwined in the brain, they found what they’d feared. Rosalind’s body began to ache, and they could sense Frigga’s discomfort as well, so they tried to wrap up their test as quickly as they could. They pulled away and opened their eyes, looking around the room to reground themself. The air in the room was tense, Rosalind saw Razi had been less than enthusiastic about their sudden assessment and Marcus just looked confused. They turned their eyes to Frigga, and leaned back on the headboard, bracing themself. “How’s your memory today?”

The question hung heavy in the air. Frigga stared at them briefly before looking away at the window nearby. She briefly considered, but the silence told Rosalind more than enough. “Fine, I think? The doctor said I might have some issues because of my concussion but nothing that can’t be justified by that.” Rosalind frowned. “But there’s some gaps? How about your mood?” Razi rushed over to stand beside the bed and put a hand on Frigga’s shoulder “What’s goin’ on, Bloodswell? What’d you find?” Frigga was still thinking. “I did forget my attendant’s name, and I had a difficult time getting dressed, but that was just because I don’t usually do that without help,” she mused. Rosalind grimaced. “The contract caused some brain damage on its way out. You’ll see it show up as trouble recalling, overreacting to little inconveniences, trouble handling small items or writing, imbalance, that sort of thing. It is possible that, as the concussion heals, you’ll see improvement but,” they paused, not relishing the worst bit of the news, “it will never fully heal.” Razi’s hand on her shoulder tightened and Marcus covered his mouth with his hands in shock. Frigga looked back at Rosalind, and they couldn’t quite read the woman’s emotion. She took a deep, shuddering breath. “I did notice that. You really think it’s permanent?” “Yes.” “Will…will it get worse?” Rosalind carefully considered before answering. “I’d like to think the price has been paid, but it’s not impossible that it could progress.” Frigga nodded. “I wonder what would have happened…if you hadn’t been there?” Rosalind shifted, looking to Marcus to come closer; the man’s touch was comforting. He sat on Rosalind’s other side and placed a hand on their knee. “From what I saw, it looks like it was going to sever some connections in your brain. You would have survived but been a mere shell of yourself.” Razi shuddered, and Rosalind could see the woman was deeply disturbed. “That would’ve been too high a price, hell the cost of this is already too high.” But Frigga gently placed her hand over Razi’s and looked up at her, smiling softly. “I’m alright, Razi.” Razi bent over and kissed her forehead. “Liar,” she muttered, her eyes narrow from repressing some kind of emotion. “Permanent brain damage isn’t a fucking joke.” Frigga turned to her and reached up to cup her cheek. Apparently the women had forgotten Rosalind and Marcus were even there. “I chose this,” the smaller woman reassured. “‘Cause of me.” “Do you regret it?” Razi looked as if she’d been doused with a bucket of icy water. “No, ‘course not, but… If I hadn’t… If I’d’a backed off like I should’ve, you’d be healthy.” Frigga smiled. “And miserable.” Razi bowed her head and her shoulders were heavy with grief. “Yeah, yeah you’re right.” She took up Frigga’s knuckles and kissed them. “I don’t regret you, never, and I’ll take care of you. I promise.” Frigga gathered her love in for a warm embrace and the two held each other for much longer than Rosalind thought necessary. The four of them spent the next half hour discussing plans for moving forward before the doctor came back and gave his reluctant permission for Rosalind to go home when they felt like attempting to stand, but he would be seeing them first thing the next day to check on them and to deliver pain tranquilizers. Rosalind said a silent prayer of gratitude for that and for their cannabis stash at home. Once the physician was done, Frigga and Razi walked him out leaving Marcus and Rosalind alone again.

Rosalind was in much better spirits knowing they would be home soon; they wanted to suffer in privacy. Before they could attempt standing, Marcus sat down and blocked their escape. “I…I need to tell you something.”

Rosalind was annoyed and antsy, they wanted to get going. But Marcus had become serious. Actually, he was nervous, his knee started bouncing and he was delicately playing with a flower he’d found nearby, a red camellia. Rosalind’s interest piqued. Marcus took a deep breath as he looked away from them. “When I found you guys fighting, and I saw Lady Thorneheart trying to kill you, I… I knew I wasn’t going to be able to live without you.” Rosalind blinked at the startling sentence, where was he going with this? They delicately placed their good hand on Marcus’ closest leg in comfort. “I’m not going anywhere, my love.” He chuckled softly, still looking away from them. “I love you, Rosalind.” They smiled as their heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t news, he’d already told them as much, but it didn’t matter. Hearing those words was never going to get tired. “And I you.” He finally looked back up at Rosalind. That hadn’t been it, they saw there was more. “What?” He looked away again as he twirled the flower in his fingers. “You know when we were talking last week, I told you about why I agreed to the engagement with Frigga?” “About the future? “Yeah, and I said that I’ve been trying to figure out what to do?” “Yes.” “And who to do it with?” Rosalind stared at him, unsure what he was leading to. Marcus turned back to them, took up Rosalind’s hand one more time in one hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed it. The man’s hands were trembling. Finally, he held out the camellia to them with his free hand and asked in the quietest voice they’d ever heard from him, “Will you marry me?” What? He’d just said that, he’d just asked that. Rosalind stared at him, their mind blank, too surprised to say a word. Marcus let go of their hand, his face suddenly filled with doubt. “I-I know it’s sudden, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-“ “Yes.” Marcus froze. His turn to be surprised. He met their eyes and looked just as surprised as Rosalind felt. “Yes?” Rosalind accepted the camellia, gently placed it in their lap before taking both his hands. They wanted to say more, wanted to lavish this man with all the adoration that flooded their heart, but their mind was still reeling and their words still failing them. It was all they could do to repeat the man’s words back to him with their raspy, quiet, “Yes, Marcus, I will marry you.” As gently as he could manage, Marcus leaned over and kissed Rosalind, and they softly leaned in to meet him. Everything still hurt but Rosalind didn’t care; their heart was overflowing with unbridled bliss, happiness they’d only ever partially been able to glimpse. This man was an idiot and Rosalind knew they needed him more than they’d needed anyone before. They’d figure everything out together. When Rosalind hesitantly pulled away, they leaned their forehead against Marcus’. They knew they were smiling like an idiot but was too happy to care. He reached up and gently cupped Rosalind’s cheek, and they took each other in, appreciating one other until an uncomfortable thought arose in Rosalind’s mind. Their discomfort must have reflected in their face because Marcus quirked a single brow and asked, “What?” “I need to speak with your father.” Marcus burst out laughing and Rosalind grimaced. He jumped off the bed, allowing Rosalind some space to get up. “I think he’s coming to pick me up soon.” Rosalind sighed, already feeling stressed by all this. They began the task of trying to get up from the bed, the stiffness in their legs protesting. “He’s going to love this.” Marcus ignored their sarcasm. “Yeah!” “He doesn’t like me.” “Nonsense, he’ll love you!” “But he doesn’t like me presently.” Marcus rolled his eyes, offering an arm to his fiancé to help them stand. “Whatever, he’s gonna have to start loving you, then! You’ll come over for dinner and it’ll all blow over.” Rosalind’s feet finally touched the marble floor. Gods it was cold and their legs screamed in protest. “If you say so, my love.”

Rosalind’s household was notified they would be returning home and to be ready. Theodore arrived to pick his son up shortly afterwards. He was greeted at the door by Frigga and Razi and was given a brief summary about why his son had been detained by the authorities. As they explained, Marcus joined them and meekly asked his father to come upstairs. They disappeared upstairs but Marcus quickly rejoined Frigga and Razi in the sitting room where they had been speaking with Theodore. “So, what now?” Marcus asked, trying to be polite but his eyes darted to look at the door every so often, his leg bouncing like it was hooked up to a motor. “I’m going to be leaving,” Frigga replied, sipping at some tea Gertrude had dropped off earlier, both hands holding her teacup. “Which means I’ll have to call an emergency coven meeting. I suppose I was going to have to anyway after last night. The coven is probably going to be in Rosalind’s hands for now. We’ll have to arrange a place for Leland too, I’m sure he wouldn’t want to travel with us.” Marcus’s knee kept bouncing, his attention purposefully trained on the two women on the couch across from him. “Do you have to go?” “I can’t do this to the coven and stay, and I don’t want to stay. I want to go out and explore.” “What about your injury?” “I’ll take care of ‘er.” Razi put an arm around Frigga who smiled back up at her, leaning into her side. They talked a little about the upcoming days, what preparations they’d need to make, and Marcus recommended places they might like to go. It was nice, he was glad to finally see his friend happy. He saw the change, her movements were much more relaxed than he’d ever seen before. She smiled a little softer, she laughed a bit louder, and she was much more confident in herself and her decisions. The three chatted a little bit longer until they were rejoined by a bewildered Theodore. The man did not take a seat. Instead, as he walked into the room, he shook his head gravely, a hand rubbing his temples. “Marcus are you out of your mind!?”

Marcus grinned sheepishly, setting down the teacup he was sipping from onto the coffee table. “Whatever could you mean, father?” He heard his nerves bleed into his tone. “Rosalind Bloodswell?!” Marcus stood up hesitantly, as if he were approaching a wild animal, but he kept his tone of voice cheerful. “What about them? They’re wonderful!” His father was upset, very upset, and his volume rose. “They’re a Bloodswell! The lot of them are untrustworthy! You’re going to marry a Bloodswell?” Razi and Frigga looked at each other, nodded, and silently left the room to give the men some privacy, but it was Marcus’ turn to get upset. He knew his father wouldn’t be overjoyed, Rosalind was right about that, but there was no need to be mean. “Untrustworthy? Rosalind worked with the authorities to help the Thornehearts, to uncover the truth for all of us!” “And inherited their head of household status early in the process.” “They risked their life for Frigga!” “She’s leaving, and now there’s a vacuum Rosalind is going to have to fill until Leland is of age!” “Father, they’re not like Victoria!” “How do you know they’re not using you?” “They don’t want this! They don’t want to be leader, they don’t want any of it!” His father paused, clearly not convinced, before continuing at a much lower, graver volume. “Marcus, you don’t know that family like I do.” Marcus fell quiet, reaching deep into his heart, trying to find something to tell his father that would make him understand. He thought about their evenings together, about how patient they’d been, how deeply he’d come to care for them, how long they’d cared for him. “Father, I love them. I love them so much, and when I am with them I feel safe, I feel cherished, I feel strong. They love me, dad, they’ve loved me for a long time. They’re not who they’ve had to pretend to be, they’re kind and smart and they do so much for me that they don’t have to. I want to marry Rosalind, and I want you to know the Rosalind I know.” Theodore listened carefully, sinking onto the couch across from Marcus. His father wasn’t fully persuaded but he was seriously considering Marcus’ words. “This is what I had wanted,” he grumbled. “For you to marry within the coven, but why did it have to be the one family I wanted you to stay away from?” He sighed in the way that told Marcus his father was caving. “I hope you know what you’re doing. I’ve always said I’d support you no matter what because I love you,” Theodore took a pause before finishing his thought, “but if I see any treachery from them, any plotting or scheming, I won’t be afraid to expose them.” “They’re a lot like mum.” That struck a chord and Theodore frowned. “What do you mean, “like mum”?” Marcus walked over to his father and grasped his shoulder gingerly. He smiled, adapting a softness only the son of his mother could. “She was quiet and reclusive too, wasn’t fond of parties or crowds. You told me it took months before she would even talk to you, she was so shy.” The two of them laughed at the memory. “She was loving and warm but only if she opened up to you, right? And it took a really long time, that’s what you always said. Rosalind is that way too.” Marcus’ mother had been a beautiful person, Theodore always said that he’d never known her equal. “You look just like her,” Theodore mused. “And it’s not really surprising that you’d love someone like her too.” Marcus chuckled. “I take after you.” “I just can’t imagine Rosalind Bloodswell being loving or caring.” The large man stood to his feet and clasped his son’s shoulder. “But I’ll trust your judgement for now, and I look forward to being proved wrong. I love you.” Marcus fell into the embrace of his father, relieved to have him on board, albeit provisionally. “Thank you. This means everything to us. I love you too.” It wouldn’t be easy, but somehow, he knew, they would be a family.

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