Free Fate of Elements by M. Stratton, Skeleton Key

kids.”
    “And you never had any fear of me.”
    Her musical laugh filled the air. “I never have feared much.”
    “And that is what makes you a good Queen. That, and you aren’t reckless.”
    “Have you spoken to Dayna?”
    “No, and since she tried to kill us the other day, I don’t see a friendly conversation anytime soon.”
    “I’m surprised she hasn’t come to see me.”
    “She’s waiting for the right time. She always has a plan.”
    “What about Erion?”
    “He came down and spoke with Raina. I’m not sure where he stands.”
    She bit her lip and nodded to where Raina frolicked in the water with some dolphins. “He needs to stand with us. The amount of magic she has is unbelievable. I wanted to fall to my knees when you two first arrived. It was hard for me to tell where her magic ended and yours began.”
    “Wait until she actually uses it. It’s a sight to see.”
    “Do you think Dayna will survive this?”
    I shook my head. “I don’t know. There have been times lately I’ve wondered if she was past saving. There is still a part of me that wants what our parents wanted, all of us living together. I remember the four of us growing up together, playing together. I’m saddened that it won’t be what they envisioned because I can’t see Dayna backing down. If she’d only spend some time with Raina, she’d realize she only wants everyone to simply get along.”
    “I don’t think she wants to see it. She was always too strong-willed.”
    We stood there in silence for a moment, each with our own memories, before she turned to me and took my hands.
    “I know you and Ronin have been talking and planning. While I would prefer to stay in the depths of my ocean, I know I cannot. Let me know what you need, and I will get it to you. We can’t continue to live like this. Separate, only thinking of ourselves, not caring if another element was brutalized. It has to stop.”
    “Thank you, Naida. We’ll do whatever we can to keep your people safe.”
    She touched the side of my face. “I know, Hallet, King of the Fire Elements. You are a good man. Now go to your fate.”

Dayna
    “ H ello , sister,” I said as I sat down on the cool sand next to Naida. She knew I hated being this close to the vast ocean and not on solid ground. I hoped by coming here to her, she’d be more receptive to me.
    She turned to me, her dark blue eyes narrowed. “What do you want?”
    “Really, what makes you think I want anything?”
    “Because Raina is here and has Hallet on her side. Erion hasn’t been seen in days, and I know you are starting to panic because you figured you’d at least have him on your side. So, without him, you’ve decided to do me the honor of asking me to join forces with you.”
    I decided to ignore most of what she said and distract her. “What do you mean Erion hasn’t been seen in days?”
    “Ciel came to see me. He’s been trying to hold everything together, but Erion didn’t inform him of his departure. He’s never left without telling Ciel the length of his journey or without leaving him a list of tasks to be completed in his absence. His people are getting nervous with only the second in command around. Everyone knows what is coming, and they are scared; they need their leader.”
    “I’m surprised Ciel came down, he’s always preferred the clouds to the ground. When was the last time he was here?”
    “After our parents’ death when we were crowned and our seconds given their extra power. Well, all but you. You’ve never needed anyone but yourself.”
    “I can depend on myself.”
    Naida shook her head. “You could have depended on all of us, but you chose not to.”
    “You and I seem to remember things differently.” I kept my anger in check. This wasn’t going how I had planned. “What do you think of Raina?”
    “What makes you think I’ve met her?”
    “Because I know you, sister.”
    “She told me in her world she was nothing special, she had no magic. It