by Ciara Lake
He looked to Breanna. “Would you like a tour?” He winked. “I have many things to show you. I’ve not shown my home to many.”
Breanna looked at her mother.
“Go, Breanna, I’m well here.” The fire in the fireplace crackled, it made the room toasty and comfortable. The chandelier dimmed, making the atmosphere relaxing, conducive to sleep. Breanna helped tuck her mother in under the fur covering, kissing her on the check as if she were the child. “This is the nicest bed I’ve ever been in.” Her mother closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. “It feels so wonderful. I can dream of fantastic things in this place of enchantment.” She waved her hand. “Go enjoy yourself with your handsome troll. I want to sleep for a while.”
“Okay, Mother. Let us know if you need anything.”
Axel took Breanna’s hand and they left the room, heading back to the grand staircase. When they reached the first floor, she followed him for what seemed like miles down white corridors. Near the rear of the castle, they encountered a row of at least twenty picture windows looking out onto the snowy landscape.
Breanna stopped to look out. “It’s so beautiful here.”
Axel touched her hair lightly, running his fingers through the bottom of it. Eventually his hand found its way to her lower back. The warmth of his body close to hers made her yearn to hug him, to throw her arms around him. His hand rested on her back as he guided her on down the hallway. His touch made her fingers ache to return his caress. I can’t touch him, she chided herself. What’s wrong with me?
“Your hair’s soft as silk.” His voice made shivers go down her spine. Every time he touched her hair, prickles raced to her scalp then directly to her womb. He had amazing fingers.
Finally, they entered a room that looked like a workplace. There were worktables as well as benches set all around with his tools. To her amazement sparkling gems along with fabulous creations were laid out on two tables covered in navy velvet. Breanna’s fingers itched to touch the precious stones and to try on the jewelry. The illumination in the room, which had no discernible origin, resulted in an unusual lighting that made the stones shine even more. The light was very complimentary, yet it allowed one to see things in enhanced clarity.
Breanna looked at Axel in the special light. He was truly the definition of handsome, as beautiful as a gem. His blond hair shone like gold. Slightly tanned skin gave him a healthy glow. Breanna could see his face could have harshness if he allowed it. His eyes could be cold, hard even. She’d seen them chill to freezing when he looked at Hugh before they became pools of black. She shivered as she thought of the monster Axel could become.
Axel rubbed her lower back with his open hand in a soothing motion. His touch was intimate, but she did not pull away. His eyes were warm, inviting, they made her want to melt like the snow under a lantern. Suddenly she had the incredible urge to throw herself into his muscular arms. I have to get a hold of myself. He smiled at her as if he knew her secret thoughts. His jaw was firm, his facial features were strong like his body. Oh, his body’s extraordinary. Breanna felt herself blush at her wayward thoughts.
* * * *
“I thought this would be a good place for us to talk.” Axel guided Breanna to a table with two chairs. He took her coat out of her arms, laid it on another chair, and then pulled back a chair for her to sit. Loaves of crusty bread and juicy fruit appeared on the table. “Are you hungry?”
Breanna nodded. She plucked some grapes from their vines. “Yes. Could I have some ham and cheese?”
“Of course, anything you wish.” With a wave of his hand, sliced ham and a variety of cheeses appeared on a golden platter. Also, two goblets along with a pitcher of wine arrived.
“Oh, this looks delicious.” Her blue eyes were widened with wonder. Gathering some ham and cheese, she put it on the bread.
“If you desire anything else, let me know. I wish to give you what you desire.”
“Why have you brought me here? I don’t understand.”
Her long, black hair shone in the light like a polished onyx. Her fair skin was a gorgeous contrast. He watched her eat the berries then bite into the bread. Her lips were pink, perfectly shaped. He thought of kissing her. Visions of her lips on him made him fidget in his chair. Desire rippled through him as he watched her eat.
“Aren’t you hungry?” she asked with a smile.
“Yes.” He nodded.
“Then eat.” She buttered another slice, handing it to him.
“I’m hungry for other things.”
Breanna’s eyes widened. “Like what?” Her eyes were bright, dancing with curiosity, yet there was a touch of concern.
Axel threw his head back, laughing. “Not to worry. I’ve not brought you here to make dinner out of you.” He grinned. “What I’m hungry for I plan on you enjoying too.”
Her expressive eyes stopped his heart. Not used to feeling strong emotions, he had a rush of energy pushing an urge to kiss her. Her beautiful lips curved into the loveliest smile.
“Your lips are so kissable.” He spoke so softly he wondered if she had heard him.
She wiped her mouth with a napkin. “For a minute, I thought maybe you were fattening me up to serve me to other trolls.” She plopped a berry in her mouth. Her eyes were animated, intelligent, and twinkling with life. He watched her look at all the shiny jewels, her surroundings, and him as she ate and talked to him. Everything interested her.
“No, I wouldn’t share you with anyone. Nor do I wish to satisfy my hunger in such a way.” He winked. “The ring has brought me the perfect woman.” He wanted this woman with every fiber of his being. He nodded toward her hand. “Do you like your ring?”
She looked down at it, caressing it with her other hand. The ring had a connection to him in a supernatural way, and he could actually feel her soft touch. He tensed his leg muscles as she nearly drove him mindless with her touches.
“Yes, it’s too beautiful for words. Can I keep it?” Her exquisite blue eyes met his.
“Yes, it’s yours. Can I keep you?” He reached for her hand. She allowed him to cover her hand with his.
“Keep me?” She cocked her head to the side.
“Yes, I want to keep you as my mate. Breanna, can I be forthright with you?”
“Please.” Her voice sounded shaky, and he knew she was anxious.
“I want to take you to bed. Lay with you, I can hardly wait to be inside you.” He stared directly into her eyes. She did not look away. Again, she surprised him.
“Do you wish to marry me? I’m not a whore.”
“I know you’re not a whore. My ring would not have chosen you if you were. Nothing about you makes me think you are a whore. You’re my heart’s desire. And yes, we’re to marry, all I need is for you to accept me.” He caressed her hand. “But immortals call it joining. It’s similar to marriage. I’ll share my body with you as well as my power. Our joinings are forever.”
“Why me?”
“I bespelled the ring to find my heart, the keeper of my soul, it found you. Will you come with me to my room to lay with me?” He leaned forward. His body was humming with need only she could fill. She leaned back away from him. “Ah, my love, don’t pull away from me.”
Fisting his hand under the table, he tried hard to control his desire. He did not want to pressure her overmuch. The lights in the room flickered due to his intense emotions. She looked around, as if perplexed by what was happening to the lights.
“Now?” she squeaked.
“Yes.” He nodded.
Breanna blushed deep red to the roots of her hair.
“Have you been with a man?” he softly whispered close to her ear.
“No.” She shook her head.
“I thought not. Are you afraid?”
“I don’t know you. How can I be sure I can trust you? After all, you’re a troll. Anyway, no man can be trusted, human, troll, or otherwise. The only man I could ever trust was my father, and then he died, leaving me and my mother alone.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. You’re wise to be cautious of men.” He picked her hand up and kissed it. “Let me show you something. We can return to the food later.”
Hesitantly, she stood.
“Don’t be fearful.” He pulled her closer to him.
“Where are you taking me?” Her brow creased with a frown.
“Relax, Breanna,” he spoke close to her ear. “I want to show you my garden. Nothing I’ll ever do will hurt you. If you’re uncomfortable, all you have to do is tell me.” Her disposition relaxed, and he pulled her closer.
“You have a garden? In the winter? Here with all of the snow?”
“Yes, it’s an ice garden. Queen Chrisalannis, the queen of the ice fey, helped me create it. While we’re in the garden, I’ll call for her and ask her to help your mother. She has many skills. Perhaps you can grow accustomed to me as we spend more time together. I’ll try to be patient, but my loins ache to lay with you.”
Again, she flushed red. “You don’t waste time saying what you want.”
“No, I don’t. I did ask if I could be forthright with you.”
“You did.” She nodded.
“It’s not my nature to dance around what I’m wanting. Also, I’m gifting you with my complete honesty.” He gently tucked her hair behind her ear. “You’re lovely, you take my breath away.” His hand caressed her hair, then her arm. She shivered under his touch. “I’m not always honest with everyone. Trolls can be deceptive—we’re masters of illusion—but I’ll always be honest with you. I’ll never intentionally cause you harm. I give my word upon my fortune as guarantee. Trolls never part with their treasures, at least not easily or without personal gain.” He winked. “As I mentioned, trolls can be selfish creatures. But for you I surrender all. I have much confidence we’re meant to be.” He picked up her coat and helped her put it on.
“You say all of this, it just confuses me.” She shook her head. “You’re so romantic.”
“My intent is not to confuse you, beautiful Breanna. I want you to desire me.” He kissed her lips. She pressed against him, encouraging him. “I’m telling you how I feel different about you, you’re special to me. I’ll treat you as if you’re part of me. What’s mine is yours. I share myself, my home, and all I am with you.”
She dazzled him with a smile. “You’re sweet.”
“I mean every word.” Grabbing her right hand, he kissed her palm. “I sought you out. I have been lonely. I’ve been here for centuries alone. In truth, I’ve built this castle to enjoy with you, I just didn’t know you yet. The ring did as intended. It found the one for me. I’m very pleased.” He bent down and kissed her cheek. “I want us to make love.” He pulled her close to him, her soft body pressed into his hardness. “I want us to be together soon. I’ll treasure you beyond all I have ever or will ever own.” He moved close to her ear to whisper. “Breanna, will you accept what I’m offering?”
She stared at him for what seemed like forever. “I need to think on this.” She held his hand, looking down at it.
“All right.” He clenched his teeth to maintain his control. I can—I will—be patient with my precious girl.
She touched his arm. “I like you.”
He relaxed under her touch. “I’m glad you do.”
She rubbed his bicep. “You make my heart race. Everything about you is exciting. I’m afraid, but I’m not. I should be screaming in fear of what I’ve witnessed. All of this has happened so fast too.”
“You’re a descendant of a Forsaken, one of King Hema’s people. Immortal’s power is in your veins, just dormant for now. It’s why you’re not running from me crazed as many humans would do. What you’ve seen is part of you, buried within your mortal shell.”
“So what my mother has been saying has truth? She’s not insane?”
“She’s been dreaming of truth, memories of another, her ancestor. When she’s reconciled these things she’ll be well again.” He rubbed her hand. She looked as if she seriously pondered what he’d said.
“I have issues with trusting.”
“I can see why. Hugh has hurt you.”
“Yes, but you rescued me. All you’ve said, all you’ve shown me, makes me fear this is too good to be true. I want what you offer. Just let me…get used to you.” She smiled up at him, rubbing his arm again. “Axel, I’m not rejecting your offer. Truly, I only wish to be more comfortable with you. And when I am, you’ll only benefit.”
“Very well.” He nodded. “I’ll be happy with your answer, for now. Let me show you my garden.” He took her hand to lead her out of his workroom. “The garden’s in the central courtyard. It’ll be getting dark soon. The days are short this time of year.”
When they walked out into the courtyard, the sun was ready to set. The orange rays of the sun cast a beautiful glow on the ice sculptures. There were at least forty carvings. The figurines were standing in groups as if talking, some were running as if playing a game, others were kneeling or stooping. Two figures were sitting on an ice bench.
Breanna walked around, closely examining the works of ice art. “These are wonderful.” She moved close to one of the sculptures. “Who’s this one of? She’s lovely.”
“It’s a sculpture of Freya, she’s the Norse goddess of love. There’s one of Loki in the center. Most of the other sculptures are of ice fey. Chrisalannis and her court enjoyed sculpting themselves. They’re very creative too. They’re the ones running and playing.”
“They spend a lot of time here.” She looked at him.
“From time to time.” He shrugged. A light covering of snow lay on the ground with large flakes still falling. The ice sculptures were crystal clear and glistening. “I’ll wipe away the snow.” He waved his hand, making the snow disappear from the ground and off the ice art.
“You like glittery things?”
“Yes, I guess I do.” He smiled.
* * * *
“Did someone say my name?” A dark-haired handsome man suddenly appeared in the middle of the garden. He had a crooked smile with sort of a goofy expression. “Come see my statue of ice, I’m fabulous.” He waved to them. “Axel crafted this one. He’s very talented.” He waved again for Breanna to come over to him. He posed. “See, it looks like me. Don’t you think?”
“Yes.” Her fingers laced through Axel’s, he guided her over to where the humorous man stood.
“This is Loki. I serve him, and he is—”
“A friend of your handsome troll,” Loki interrupted. “So this is what the ring found?” He winked. “She’s lovely and…she’s not fully human.” He put his finger on his chin and walked around them as if inspecting her. “Ah ha, you’re a Forsaken one.” Loki clapped his hands together. “I’m good.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Well, this is interesting. The Forsaken ones are coming out of the cracks these days. Poor Hema’s a mess with worry about the security of Saltar’s prison.”
“Who’s Saltar?”
“The reason you’re Forsaken, my dear. He’s an evil vampire general who led your people astray with his foolishness. Now he is imprisoned.” Loki danced around the courtyard. “Do you like my favorite troll?” He stopped right in front of Breanna, his hands on his hips.
Breanna nodded. “Yes, he’s been very nice.”
“Good, good. So…” He crossed his arms. “Have we begun the love?” He looked back and forth between them.
“Loki, please.” Axel shook his head.
Loki waved his hand at Axel. “Worry not, Axel, I want to enlighten her. The girl needs to know you’re wonderful for her. She needs to be at ease. Her heart is beating wildly. Do not pass out, my dear.” Loki winked. “Relax, lovely young woman, Axel likes you lots. You’re very special to him. You make his heart race too.” He looked up into the sky and called out, “Chrisalannis, please come here, meet our new friend. We have much to celebrate.” Loki impatiently tapped his foot. “Hurry, I have someone to show you. She’s exquisite.”
A swirl of snow turned
into a small, white tornado, and an extraordinarily beautiful female materialized before them. She was tall and slender. Her generous breasts were wrapped in finery, the deep cleavage exposed. She had long, silver white hair that hung down to her waist, and a golden diamond tiara adorned her head.
“Loki, you summoned me.” Her cobalt eyes flashed silver for a moment when she looked at him giggling. Her expression was full of wisdom. She smiled at Axel, and then her gaze rested on Breanna.
“Yes, Chrisalannis, I did.” Loki clapped. He stopped giggling. “I wanted you to meet your new neighbor. This is so exciting.” Loki pointed to Breanna. “She’s a Forsaken one. Isn’t it something? They’re popping out of the woodwork these days. But Axel found this one. She’s his mate. Isn’t she special?” Loki circled them, sizing Breanna up. “I’m so thrilled the finding ring worked wonderfully. Of course, I knew it would. I gave it a blessing of my own, making it a sure thing. And look what it found, a lovely girl who has immortal blood in her veins. She’s perfectly fitting for my favorite Viking troll.”
“Loki, don’t make Breanna feel uncomfortable,” Axel interrupted. “You’re talking about her as if she was not here.”
“Breanna. I mean you no disrespect, I’m just looking over Axel’s prize.” Loki stopped in front of her again. He looked down at her, examining her like a new purchase. “Nice name, I like it. You’re a jewel. Axel loves jewels.”
“Thank you.” Breanna smiled.
“Lovely, long, ebony hair. Very nice, a nice contrast to Axel…in this form. You’re tall for a woman, but your height works nicely. Beautiful face, nice—”
“Loki, please,” Axel stopped him. “You’re embarrassing her. She’s not a new horse, she’s my mate.”
“Sorry, my dear. I’m just excited about meeting you.” He grinned. “Axel, are you having trouble courting her? Do you need some help or advice from an expert?” He gestured to himself.
“I’m good, Loki.” Axel sighed.
“Things have been…less exciting these days. You’re the big news.” Loki touched her arm. Through her thick coat, she could feel the energy which pulsed through him. “Let me tell you, Axel’s a great man. He’s your typical troll at times, but when he likes you he’s a wonderful friend, and in this form, he’s not too bad to look at. He’s also very generous to those he cares for. He can be grumpy, but it’s because he’s lonely or—”
