Timeless

By Michelle Garren Flye

Jack and Kaelyn have battled an army and realigned space and time to be together. But their greatest challenge yet looms, and it's from Kaelyn's own people.

The joyous reunion with Todd and the Ayeli Meti should bring peace to all they love, but instead Kaelyn discovers a dark underbelly of prejudice. The Ayeli Meti have not forgotten the war with the Elves, and it takes very little to push them over the edge. Now Kaelyn must decide between love and duty.

Trapped on Ayeli, can she overcome the lingering anger against Elves? And can Jack defeat his father on the lost world of Gadusi, making it safe to reopen the portals? Most important, can Kaelyn and Jack find their way back to each other through the locked portals—or are they doomed to spend eternity alone?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Flye Publishing
• Release date: Jun 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463127070

Michelle Garren Flye

Michelle Garren Flye is an award-winning romance author. Sort of. She consistently scores in the top fourth of the Romance Writer’s Association’s RITA competition. She might win more contests if she entered them because reviewers have described her work as: “an engaging novel with charming and likable characters”, a story that “will make you believe in love and second chances”, and a “well-written and thought-provoking novel” (that’s her favorite).Anyway, Michelle placed third in the Hyperink Romance Writing Contest for her short story “Life After”, so now she can call herself an award-winning author. Her short stories have been published in print and online. Google her name. You’ll find her. Also, she has proudly served on the editorial staffs of Horror Library Butcher Shop Quartet and Tattered Souls.For what it’s worth, Michelle has a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She lives and writes in New Bern, North Carolina, where she often feels she is a miniscule blue dot in a red sea, but she doesn’t really care because she’s close to the blue sea and that’s the one that really matters.

Book preview

Timeless

By Michelle Garren Flye

Published by Michelle Garren Flye

Copyright April 2019 Michelle Garren Flye

All rights reserved.

This novel is a work of fiction. Characters and events in this novel come directly from my imagination. Actual places are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any actual events or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Author photo by Jenn Reno Photography

Cover by Farah Evers Designs

For a better world.

Chapter 1

The unicorn paced back and forth in front of the portal, waiting but impatient. It tossed its head and snorted. The woman with the lovely face and the golden hair approached, laid a hand on its neck, and it gentled. Only a little longer. Just a few minutes more, my love. She turned her beautiful blue gaze toward the portal. Any minute now…

Kaelyn woke with a start. Mother? Her voice echoed in the unfamiliar room. She sat up, looking around. Predawn light illuminated stone walls instead of the warm wood of her bedroom. Tapestries depicting men and women in fields of flowers softened the room’s hard angles, but it wasn’t what she would have chosen. Where was she?

And she remembered. She was in Ayeli. In Ayeli? Was that correct? Or was it on Ayeli? She mused about the proper way to refer to visiting another world in an alternate dimension for a second then shook herself out of it.

The previous night was dreamlike. Todd had called for wine. Jack had been beside himself with joy. And Kaelyn had asked how Todd had come to be there and she knew he’d answered…

How much wine did I drink, anyway? She swung her legs to the side of the bed, glad her head didn’t hurt. So not that much wine.

Where was Jack? But she knew the answer without being told. Reunited with the brother he’d raised from a child, who he’d thought dead, Jack had most likely remained with Todd all night. No doubt the brothers had found plenty to talk about through the night. Why on earth am I not with them? She couldn’t deny feeling a little disappointed in herself. She couldn’t even remember asking Todd the obvious questions, like how the hell are you not dead?

A light rap on her door made her jump a little. She got out of bed and found a robe that had been left for her. She belted it around her waist as she hurried to the door, glad someone had arrived to answer her questions.

Marta—the beautiful, scarred Meti who’d greeted them at the portal—stood just outside, her tiny, mysterious smile quirking her mouth. Good, you’re awake.

"I am. When did I fall asleep? How did I get here? In fact, where am I?" Kaelyn looked around her at the bedroom, which appeared far too grand to be part of the old Elf armory where they’d found Todd.

That is my fault. Marta lowered her eyes. I am afraid you are not used to the Meti wine I gave you. I did not realize until you lost consciousness that it was so much stronger than what you were used to.

I passed out? Kaelyn blinked. I’ve never passed out from drinking in my life. How much did I drink?

Only part of a glass. But Meti wine is very strong. Especially for those who are not used to it or who have been ill. You were obviously susceptible to its effects. Marta patted her cheek in a fond way that reminded Kaelyn of Arabella. Unlike with Arabella, however, Marta’s action irritated her. She bit back a sharp retort as Marta entered and flung open another door on a separate room, lit by the rising sun. You may bathe and refresh yourself here. You will find clothing in the closets.

Kaelyn gave her a startled look and proceeded into the room. It was a lovely, if rather grand for her tastes, well-appointed bathroom complete with a deep marble tub and dressing table. Indoor plumbing must not be an issue in Ayeli, then. She looked around, still wary. A bath does sound good.

We thought you might enjoy one. Please, take your time and someone will be waiting to bring you to the dining room afterward. She bowed her head a little and left, closing the door behind her.

Kaelyn started the bath, letting the warm water run over her fingertips. But she couldn’t totally relax, her mind still filled with questions, not all of them answered by the bits and pieces that drifted back to her from the night. She and Jack had been so happy to see Todd alive and well, they’d at first been content to just hold onto him. And when they questioned him about how he came to be in this state, he’d just laughed. You’ll know all soon enough.

Too mysterious, Kaelyn now realized. And how had Todd come to be in charge? What had happened to Selwyn? And all the other Elves? Jack had said Elves were the dominant race here in Ayeli. Yet all she remembered seeing were Meti, unless she wasn’t as good at distinguishing the races as she’d thought. The outward difference between Meti and Elf was subtle, but she’d thought after spending so much time in the company of Jack and some of the Elves who’d been trapped in Eladi that she could tell an Elf when she saw one.

I am married to one, after all.

Their total disappearance, if that was indeed the case, was disquieting at best. How did an entire race of people disappear? The same way the humans had disappeared from Ayeli? The same way some human races had disappeared from Eladi? She shivered at the thought. Genocide.

She shook off the horrible thought. No, Todd could never do that. And the Meti she’d encountered seemed so peaceful. Just happy to be free, as Marta had said. Not warlike, not cruel. And Todd of all people would know how much Elves had to offer all worlds. Elves like Jack and Tamsin. Jack’s talent for government had helped her make the transition to Meti Queen, and Tamsin’s knowledge of herbs and medicine was indispensable. And Kaelyn had several Elves in her personal detail. Fierce and loyal, she trusted them implicitly.

So where are their kinsmen?

She turned off the bath water with a decisive movement. Later. After her questions were answered, there would be time to pamper herself. Or, better, once she’d returned home to Eladi with Jack. And Todd, too, maybe. Eladi was his home, more than Ayeli. At any rate, the portal could remain open now. And they would find the one to Gadusi. To my mother.

Feeling hopeful, she entered the large closet and gaped. A dazzling assortment of clothing greeted her. Everything from casual to fancy gowns, slacks to skirts and blouses. And shoes of every shape and size and color. All, from the look of it, in her size. Instead of being delighted, she was confused. What the hell?

She spun around in amazement, her heart thudding peculiarly. How on earth had they assembled a collection of clothing for her to choose from in such a short amount of time? Or did they just store clothing in her particular size in this closet…always? Suddenly, irrationally, frightened, she seized a pair of soft slacks and a white tunic and dressed hurriedly, pulling on a pair of leather boots. She barely looked into the mirror before rushing to the door, throwing it open to find Marta waiting.

Oh good. You’re ready much sooner than I’d thought you would be. Marta smiled, her eyes flitting over Kaelyn’s ensemble to her uncombed hair. Her smile didn’t falter. Did you find the brush and comb?

Kaelyn straightened her spine, summoning every bit of queenly strength she possessed. Where is Jack?

Even as she asked the question, she couldn’t believe her own instincts. Jack? In danger in a kingdom evidently ruled by his own brother? It was surely ludicrous, but somehow she had an odd feeling she was in a gilded cage that would become more difficult to escape with every moment she passed in it.

Jack is safe. Marta didn’t flinch at the question. She also—Kaelyn couldn’t help but notice—didn’t look surprised that it had been asked.

That doesn’t answer my question. Kaelyn’s voice grew stern.

Marta walked past her into the bathroom and picked up the brush. She motioned for Kaelyn to sit. When Kaelyn didn’t move, she lowered the brush, her peculiar golden eyes meeting Kaelyn’s gaze. Your husband is waiting to have breakfast with you downstairs with Todd. He is quite safe and eager to see you. I understand that you have questions and doubts. It is logical to fear what has not been explained to you. However, I assure you, all will be well.

Kaelyn felt foolish, like a small child running from the dark. Why had she given in to her instinctive fear? It was a little ridiculous. No doubt she was being irrational. Still…she’d keep her guard up. Perhaps a little less obviously, though.

Marta nodded toward the stool again and Kaelyn sat. Hesitantly. She reached for the brush, but the other woman smiled. No. Let me. You have such beautiful hair. When Kaelyn still hesitated, Marta added. Please. I used to brush my sister’s hair. I have missed it.

Kaelyn sighed and resigned herself to having her hair brushed by this strange woman. She held herself stiff until the first few strokes, however, and then felt her body relax in spite of herself. If she’d been a cat, she might have purred, it felt so nice to be caressed. Surrendering but deciding at the same moment to take advantage of the moment, she turned her attention back to Marta. She could surely use the time to learn something more about this mysterious woman. What happened to your sister?

Hmm? The woman’s musical voice sounded distracted. She smoothed Kaelyn’s hair with her free hand, then gathered another lock to brush, her cool fingers brushing the back of Kaelyn’s neck.

Your sister. Kaelyn persisted. You said you used to brush her hair. Is she grown now?

My sister died in the resistance. Marta’s voice didn’t change. She might have been singing a favorite song.

Resistance? Kaelyn half turned her head and Marta smiled, gently nudging her to face forward again.

When your father left us here, we had no choice but to go into hiding. We made our lives on the mountainsides above where the Elves were willing to go, but we raided their towns regularly, taking what we needed to survive. Eventually, this built into a type of military strategy, intended to weaken the Elves little by little as we grew stronger. My sister died in one of those raids.

Oh. Kaelyn felt as if the words pierced her very heart. These were her father’s people. Or had been. Had they chosen to stay behind or had they been abandoned? Had her father known? She longed to ask Richard. Her brother knew everything about the Meti kingdom. Surely he could tell her how this had happened. How had so many been left behind? Why had she never been told? And why had there never been an attempt to rescue them and bring them to Eladi? They could have enjoyed decades of peace there instead of war under Selwyn.

Marta lowered her scarred arm to her side, and Kaelyn noticed her knuckles showed white where she held the brush handle so tightly. She turned to face the other woman. I am so sorry for all you and your people have been through.

The Meti woman lowered her eyes for a moment, very carefully reaching past Kaelyn to place the brush on the dressing table. Her fingers lingered on the handle for a moment. You were just a babe. You couldn’t have known. She drew her hand away from the brush and straightened. I thought about you sometimes. My mother was once in the Meti castle. She knew your mother well.

Kaelyn smiled. Then you and I might have been friends?

Marta’s golden gaze flickered up and her mouth quirked a little. Might have been. She gestured toward the mirror. I think you are now ready to see your husband.

Kaelyn glanced at her reflection and nodded. Thank you. That is a vast improvement. She stood, feeling a little ashamed of her previous outburst of suspicion. I…apologize for—

But Marta had already started for the door. If you’ll follow me to the dining room.

Blinking at the Meti’s abruptness, Kaelyn followed her into the hall. As they walked, Marta pointed out the arched ceiling, the stained glass windows in glittery colors and designs Kaelyn had never seen before. Elves evidently liked their castles to be well decorated. How does it come to be that we are in Selwyn’s castle?

We convinced Todd it was best. He is our ruler now, by popular request. Not to be distracted from her tour guide duties, Marta indicated the floor. The tiles are reportedly from Gadusi, brought here by the first Elves.

Kaelyn spared them a glance. She wanted to ask how Todd had earned his position as their leader by popular request—and where exactly the former inhabitant of the castle was—but she had a feeling it would be fruitless. No doubt Marta would deflect it with some fun facts about the tapestries and paintings that adorned the walls. She fell silent as they wound their way through the hall to an enormous set of doors. As they approached, two guards stepped out of their way, throwing the doors open as they did so. Kaelyn noted they were unarmed.

And then her senses were overwhelmed by the rush of sound, scents and sights of the great hall she found herself in. She stopped, looking around at the bustling scene before her.

Meti of all ages sat at tables, drinking coffee and chatting. Children chased each other between the tables. A small boy shouting gleefully ran headlong into Kaelyn and fell backward. Kaelyn exclaimed in dismay, bending to help the child to stand, but he skittered back away from her as though afraid. She paused, confused, only then realizing that most of the hall had fallen silent around her.

A woman—the child’s mother, she assumed—hurried between the tables and gathered the little boy into her arms. The look she gave Kaelyn was not friendly, though it was tinged with both fear and respect.

Kaelyn straightened, looking around and meeting hundreds of similar looks. Then her gaze was caught by Todd and—she felt a rush of relief and gratitude—Jack standing on a slight raised dais at the end of the hall. Todd beckoned her forward and a little murmur ran through the room. Marta nudged her. Let’s go. They’re not going to hurt you.

The intimation that she was afraid of her fellow Meti irritated Kaelyn, but it also concerned her. Wasn’t it her job as their queen to project confidence? She straightened her shoulders and walked forward, a gentle smile firmly in place on her lips. She couldn’t help but notice that parents put protective hands on their children and some even turned away. This was so unlike how she was used to being treated in Sanctuary and Nunnehi, she couldn’t help but flinch a little inwardly. Her eyes sought Jack’s, however, and finally his fingers closed over hers and he drew her into his arms.

Only then did she turn to Todd, her glare commanding. "Would you please tell me what the hell is going on now?"

****

Jack couldn’t help smiling. His wife was not one to be kept in the dark. He’d been worried when she passed out so early the night before, but once he’d seen her settled comfortably, his joy at seeing his brother alive had overcome any worry about the hows and whys. He’d let Todd convince him that it would be better to address what had happened in Ayeli and how when she was with them again.

But there was no doubt she wasn’t going to let them avoid whatever Todd hadn’t wanted to get into last night now. Her jaw set, she let him take her hand and lead her to her seat. Why are these people afraid of me, Todd?

As they sat, the rest of the hall slowly returned to something close to normal. Jack took Kaelyn’s other hand, kissing her cheek. Good morning, love.

She acknowledged his greeting almost absently as Marta took a seat next to Todd. I still want to know. There’s a whole…a whole muddle of emotions out there. And none of them good. Fear, resentment. Anger? She shrugged and her eyes fell on Marta. You don’t fear me.

Marta raised her eyebrows, her mouth quirking. Don’t I?

No. But there’s something else there. I haven’t quite put my finger on it. She shifted her attention to Jack. You saw it, didn’t you? The looks on their faces…like I’m some sort of monster.

You should see the way they look at me. Jack had encountered enough of the Meti already to know they had neither forgiven nor forgotten being left behind. He winced a little and his grip on his wife’s hand tightened. "You were just a child. I was an Elf prince. They remember me."

Then it is because they were left behind? Kaelyn shook her head. I still haven’t figured out how that happened. My father would never—

"Your father did. Marta leaned forward, almost in a challenging way, but Todd’s hand on her arm made her relax. My apologies." She reached for the butter and began spreading it on a biscuit.

Obviously startled by the woman’s interruption, Kaelyn stared at her. Then Todd reached across the table and covered her hand with his. We share the blame, Kaelyn. All of us. We were all there, even if you and I were children. We all left. These people…their lives have been…very different from what ours were. You must forgive them if they do not now know how to respond to your sudden presence among them. I think they are at war with themselves. You are beautiful and strong and everything they would want their queen to be—

But they no longer need a queen. Marta spoke up. "We no longer need a queen. After we were left behind, we moved on and became stronger ourselves. And maybe—in spite of the losses—we would not change what happened. We fought for our home and we won. So, no. We do not know what to do with a new queen."

Jack felt a stab of guilt. He had been the only one old enough to make his own decisions at the time the Meti followed King William across to Eladi. Jack had been old enough to make a call—and his call had been to flee. And somehow, hundreds of Meti had been left behind.

His wife’s voice cut through his guilt. I can understand that. But that’s not the only question I have, Todd.

Todd’s familiar grin was as easy as ever. Jack could tell his wife wasn’t as relaxed, however. He cleared his throat, aware of listening ears around them. Is now the best time for this?

Perhaps the only time. Kaelyn tilted her head. Though there’s certainly no reason to treat this like any more than catching up among family.

No reason at all. Todd held up his coffee cup in a toast. To family.

Kaelyn didn’t appear totally appeased, but she took a sip of the coffee, and closed her eyes in appreciation. For several seconds, Jack couldn’t take his eyes off her, a visceral attraction tugging at his insides. My God, she’s beautiful. Had he really been willing to let her leave him on their wedding night? It seemed so long ago, but they hadn’t even been married a year yet.

Since