D.D. Ward is Writing

Outside Castle Octavian, Amy and Fiona waited in one of Fiona’s carriages. As I climbed down the steps, Fiona opened the door to the carriage for me. I climbed in and settled between Fiona and Amy. Amy nestled into my arm. Fiona stretched and put her arm around me. “Subtle,” I giggled. “I did say that I have no talent for subtlety.” Fiona grinned, “I felt it was time for boldness.” “It was bold.” I admitted. “But it did not hold a candle to you Ren,” she said. “You abdicated in front of the whole house.” “You did,” Amy said, looking up and staring at me, “How could you do that?” I stared back at Amy, “I promised you I would. And I realized something. They had nothing I wanted. Not since you left.” Amy gasped, “You gave up everything for me. You gave up Lynn.” “No, I kept the things that mattered. They’re right here in this carriage. Lynn was never mine. I was wrong to treat her like she was.” “But you, I mean, you. I know you promised. But I wasn’t alive the last time a noble abdicated...

  “I want to offer you your place in House Octavian, and your old title,” Lynn said. “Come back Ren. Now that things are stable, I’d be happy to spend time with you.” I shook my head, “I love you Lynn, but no. Amy works for House Myrddhin now. Both the women I love are there. I’m hoping to convince Fiona to let me work for House Myrddhin as an official seer. There’s good money in the professional use of gifts. You were the love of my life for sixteen years. And I’ll never stop loving you. But I am prioritizing my romantic loves over everything else, going forward. I will be here for you Lynn. I will always be ready if you need me. But some distance between us is healthy, for both of us. And this will let you put the blame for the death of our folks on my head. Make me the scapegoat. I won’t be here. It will make running House Octavian easier for you.” “I mean it will. But the cost to your reputation will be enormous.” “I’ve abdicated to bring my own father to justice. And then I ki...

Leon’s marines arrived and the duke set about restoring order. Lynn and Great Aunt Cecile stood with the duke. The rest of us stayed out of the way. I took a little while to gather myself. “That was brilliant Fiona,” I said. “That is what I do. I am a monster hunter.” “And how you do it is brilliant. I am incredibly turned on right now.” “Well, then I am doing something correct.” Fiona said. And she smiled. Amy grinned, “I’m terrified and elated. I’m going to scream at some point either way.” Vincent grinned, “You didn’t leave anything for me. If Baroness Wander hadn’t told me to aim for the legs, I wouldn’t have done anything at all.” “Well,” I said with a grin, and flexed my bicep. “When you’re monster hunters like us, it’s hard to stop when you get started.” “Indeed,” Fiona snorted, “You are so very dangerous.” “You talked to Baroness Wander as well?” Leon asked. Vincent nodded, “Then I assume she spoke to you also. May we ask what she said?” “She said: listen to Ren if you want to ...

  Father marched down the stairs of the council hall. He stopped six inches from me. He stood six foot two and was one of the few men able to look down upon me. I slid my hand into one of the pockets of my maxi dress. “You will recant these lies!” He yelled in my face, “and you will do so now!” I gripped the silver quill pen Amy had given me, waiting for the right moment. “What lies father? It seems the duke’s men are outside. The duke himself is here. He would not mobilize the marines on a whim. So, what will I recant?” “Shut up!” He slapped me hard enough to knock me off my feet. I slammed into the floor of the council hall. With my hand in my pocket, I couldn’t break my fall. And so, the impact knocked the wind from my lungs. The crowd gasped. I struggled to catch my breath. Then I pulled myself up. Once the air returned to my lungs, I stood and made a show of brushing myself off. And then I put my hands back into the pockets of my dress.  “What now father? Will you hit me ...

Fiona’s carriage took us to the gates of Castle Octavian. I knocked on the door. Manfred answered. “Lady Ren. My apologies Lady, but your father ordered us not to let you enter.” “I am here to deliver a message to my father.” I answered. He nodded, “Then I am at your service. What is your message?” “Father is waiting for me to make a choice. Tell him I have made my choice and am ready to give my answer before the whole House. I will wait here. I suspect he will have instructions for both of us once you deliver that message.” Manfred nodded again, “I suspect that you are correct. Please wait here.” He closed the door with a gentle hand, and I waited. He returned in less time than I expected. “Lady Ren, your father has instructed me to bring you to the council hall.” Duke Leon stepped forward, “You will be taking us all.” Manfred looked up in surprise, “Her father ordered me not to allow Lady Fiona or Amy Boulanger.” Duke Leon nodded, and I watched his face harden into granite before my ...