Page 37 of Their Chosen

I couldn't deny the coincidence, but I also couldn't fight the anger that bubbled up at the thought of fate either. “No offense, Jude, but I'm not sure I believe in fate.” I turned to face him fully. “If I were to believe in fate, then I'd also have to believe that I was meant to endure all the pain I did growing up and that we’re all helpless against fate's whims. No, I don't buy that. Everyone who subjected me to such horrors as a child had a choice, and they chose to be evil. They don't get a pass,” I spat at him, my wounds laying open again for all to see.

Jude studied me, but I couldn't face the pity I saw in his eyes. A hand touched my shoulder, and I jumped, spinning away violently and bumping into a group of fae behind me. They turned to glare at me as I whispered, “I'm sorry.” I turned back to face Baer and Arryn, afraid to see the same pity on their faces, but when I met their eyes, that wasn’t what I saw. Instead, I saw understanding and anger on their faces.

“I didn't mean to startle you,” Baer apologized to me. He waited patiently for me to calm my racing pulse and thoughts. When he saw my shoulders droop, he spoke, “So, we know who three of your consorts are, do we know who the fourth is yet?”

Thankful for the subject change, I tried to convey that to him with a look. He just nodded and turned to study Jude and Arryn to see if they had any ideas. When no one spoke up, Jude replied, “I'm certain that whoever he is, he is somewhere in the castle and just hasn't had the chance to arrive yet.”

“How can you know that?” I asked, nervous about who the mysterious final consort could be. All the people I knew were currently here with me. Well, except for Asshole, but did I really know who he was?

“Well, dear, the magic told me, of course. Just like I knew you were not in this realm, I could tell he was close by the amount of time it took for it to reach him once it left you,” Jude replied warmly. He was so patient with me, not getting upset at all when I asked questions that I was sure seemed basic, that I was also pretty sure even the youngest fae knew or could figure out. I wasn't complaining about it.

“I guess that makes sense when you don't consider the illogical nature of magic itself,” I said, laughing at my own joke.

“Magic has its own laws that it must follow, similar to the concepts of gravity or force,” Master Jude explained, immediately making my attempt at humor a joke itself. My cheeks heated at the realization that I had put my foot in my mouth again. Jeeze, Rho, even a fool is thought wise if he keeps his mouth shut. Maybe I should follow my own advice. I barely resisted the urge to slap my own forehead.

Thankfully, Jude continued as if unaware of my embarrassment and seemed to enjoy explaining the tenets of magic. “So, if we can understand these rules and constants, we can then use our magic to explore new boundaries. A deeper understanding of anything will provide us with the tools we need to grow ourselves in life and is something we should all seek.”

We all listened to Jude as he continued, almost oblivious to his monologue as he sank into the philosophical questions of life. I made eye contact with Baer and then Arryn, smiling at them as we shared this moment of indulging an old man to his heart's content. “Ah, forgive me.” Jude laughed as he realized that he’d been monopolizing the conversation. “I tend to fall off into tangents more and more the older I get. Thank you for indulging me.”

I laughed with him. “Honestly, your passion in your subject is contagious, and I've learned more tonight than I have in the entire last week. It's nice to finally be getting some answers. So, I really don't mind at all.”

“Nonsense! Young fae such as you all should be enjoying the moment instead of pondering the musings of an old, half-crazy priest.” We all laughed at this, when a priest rushed up to Jude and whispered in his ear. Jude's face became serious, and he turned to us again. “Forgive me, but something has come up that demands my attention at this time. I must excuse myself for the evening, but Rhowyn dear, I expect to see you soon.” He winked at me and nodded to Arryn and Baer before hustling away, with the other priest rushing to keep up with him.

I watched him leave. “I really like him,” I said almost to myself as I faced Arryn and Baer.

“He's a good and honorable man. You'd do well to have him in your corner,” Arryn said, his eyes meeting mine briefly before going back to watch the crowd. It seemed that even in a social role, he couldn't fight the habits he'd developed over the years. I smiled softly at the thought.

“Rhowyn, Arryn, would you like a drink? I'm needing a refill myself and would be glad to get you one,” Baer asked us.

Arryn denied needing anything, but I found that all the excitement and conversation had left me parched. “I could use a water, if you don't mind. No alcohol for me, not while I'm circling the shark tank.”

Baer laughed. “I'll be right back with that water.”

Arryn and I stood together awkwardly; our conversation stilted for the first time tonight. I wasn’t sure what exactly to say to him now that I knew he was one of my consorts. With Baer, it was always easy, mostly because he was so adept socially and could always be counted on to fill these awkward moments smoothly. “Do you know who the other Chosen and their Consorts are? Exactly how many Chosen are there?” I asked him, both of us watching the crowd.

“I believe there are fifteen Chosen in total, including you. The usual number that is selected.” He glanced at me before continuing. “As for who they are, I only know the basic facts and statistics on them, everything I would need to complete my job as guard. If you need to know more, Lennox will be able to fill you in better than I can since he was raised around them.”

“The last thing I want to do is ask him for any more help, especially since he couldn't get away fast enough as soon as he realized he was one of my consorts. Obviously, we feel the same way about being forced together,” I complained to Arryn, crossing my arms across my chest.

“That was rather unlike him,” he commented, unable to defend him. “Although, I can't claim to know him very well either, if anyone actually does. He has to be one of the most guarded people I've ever known, but it's not surprising after growing up in the castle and at court.”

“It's still not a good enough excuse to treat me the way he has,” I huffed, not liking that Arryn was bringing logic to the table when I wanted to vent, to be heard, and validated.

“No, it's not, but he also hasn't had the best childhood, much less his examples for what an honorable man looks like. I, for one, believe that what we see is not the heart of the man and the words are being used to keep him safe. Doesn't make it right, but neither is passing judgment so soon,” he said, only holding my gaze and raising a single eyebrow, making sure I heard his point.

I rolled my eyes halfheartedly. As much as I didn't like being called out, I tried to be the kind of person who could admit fault. I could also admit that he’d raised some valid points, and my behavior had been rather childish. Maybe I shouldn't pass judgment and should follow the Golden Rule. I've had my fair share of being judged for things beyond my control, I admitted to myself. I was a little ashamed for being such a hypocrite.

“So, you just might have a point, and I should probably wait longer or get to know him better before I can form an honest opinion. Or I can punch him when he's an ass. One of those seems to be a little more enjoyable to me, but I haven't yet decided,” I told him, not wanting to admit that I was being such a shallow bitch to Lennox in front of another consort.

He laughed loudly at my statement. “I guess outright admitting you were wrong is not an option at this time for you? Although, if you want to stay out of the dungeons, Chosen or not, you probably shouldn't punch the prince.” He winked at me, and it was my turn to laugh.

Baer returned at this point and handed me a water. I took a long sip, thirstier than I had realized. When I finally came back up for air, I told him, “Thanks, Baer. I was parched.” He smiled at me in return.

I continued with a dramatic sigh of exasperation. “Thanks, Arryn, for the attitude check.” I straightened up and told him, “In all honesty, I joke, but I do truly appreciate you calling me out and keeping me from being the type of person I can't stand.”

“It's nothing. I only ask that you'll do the same for me as well.”

“Oh, trust me, I have no problem calling out any bullshit I hear.” I laughed out loud, both of them joining in. “Maybe this whole Consort thing isn't such a bad thing. I just hope the other two can somehow be as agreeable as y'all have been.”

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