by Ivy Clyde
“Wh-what is all this?” the chamberlain’s voice gasped as he stumbled through the threshold.
Lord Caden and Lord Vishen walked in after him. While Caden’s gaze took in the corpses with a bewildered look on his face, Vishen looked ready to stab someone. A whole battalion of soldiers was gathered behind them.
One by one, they entered the vast chamber of the royal bathhouse. Spheres of white light floated on the ceiling, illuminating the whole space brightly. The dead bodies with gaping holes in their bloodied chests were clearly visible to everyone. Silver dust flowed all around us as the assassins’ bodies slowly decomposed.
“What is the meaning of this?” I bellowed at the guards around me. “Why was no one here to guard these premises?”
The soldiers glanced at each other and then hung their heads. Of course, it wasn’t their fault for not being there. It was the fault of whoever was in charge of their patrol schedules.
“Do you really want to kill me this badly, Elder Statesman?” I asked in a softer voice.
Vishen’s face blanched. “How can you say that, Your Highness? I have dedicated my life to serve this kingdom.” His lies were always at the tip of his tongue.
“Did you kill these assassins all by yourself?” asked Lord Caden, staring at me with wide eyes. The man was one of the very few nobles who opposed Vishen and his dictatorship. I was able to enter the palace through this man. He was still loyal to the dead king and hated everything Vishen had done.
“Of course, I killed them,” I said, lying as easily as Vishen. Glancing at him, I added, “Did you all really think I was so useless I couldn’t kill these men sent to murder me?”
“No one is trying to kill you, My Prince!” gasped Chamberlain Onyx. The man’s delicate face was a mask of deep sorrow but I was able to look through his façade too. He actively worked for Vishen and I suspected him of supplying poison to the late King Arian. For now, he worked as a spy for the traitor and supplied him with news of my movement.
“My consort needs help,” I said, meeting the chamberlain’s white face. “One of the assassins was able to hurt her. Check her and send for a healer.”
“You’re truly the heir to the throne of Amaris,” said Caden with shining eyes. “I am truly grateful to the Goddess Aine for sending you to us.”
I smiled at the nobleman. “Prepare for the moon ritual,” I said.
“The moon ritual?” said Vishen with an ugly expression on his face. “Are you sure you are powerful enough to try it again?”
I glanced at Vishen and gestured toward the corpses. “Isn’t this proof enough?” I said. “I am strong enough to do a ritual.”
“It’s just that you failed last time,” said Vishen.
“I assure you, Elder,” I said. “I will not fail this time. It will rain in Amaris and it shall be green and prosperous once more.”
“All hail Prince Eoghan!” cried Caden. The soldiers and the chamberlain murmured it after him but Vishen stayed silent. There was a storm raging behind those dark eyes but his face was a mask of calmness and serenity.
Onyx excused himself and hurried away. The soldiers started dragging the corpses to pile them in one corner. I watched and waited until the chamberlain arrived with a group of maids and servants. They checked on Eithna, declaring she was alive. I let them carry on with their tasks while covertly observing Vishen.
After a while, Vishen excused himself and walked out of the room. Onyx fussed over the unconscious woman, giving me ample opportunity to speak to Caden.
“Change the guards in the main palace,” I said in a low voice.
“Your Highness?”
“You know they were all recruited by the Elder Statesman,” I said. “This is the opportunity to get these men out of the palace and bring in new ones who would be loyal to us.”
Caden’s expression turned grim. “This is truly the best chance to do so. Even Vishen won’t have anything to say to argue this decision. He can’t refuse even if you were to sentence every soldier of the palace to die.”
I shook my head. “We avoid as much bloodshed as possible, Lord Caden. Don’t forget these men are our people too. Their loyalties were forced to change. They had no choice but to follow the whims of the traitor after the king perished.”
“You are indeed wise, Your Highness,” said Caden with a bow.
“Arrange for the moon ritual,” I said. “Don’t delay it.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I will have it arranged within this week.”
“Good.” I glanced all around the room. “I will leave you to get this all cleaned up.”
“Of course, Your Highness,” said Caden. “You’ve suffered quite a shock today. Have some rest. This servant will take care of everything for you.”
I smiled at the man. Not only was he loyal to me, but he’d also given me his daughter, Boudica. She was the woman I’d planted in the harem to look over the rest of the girls. There was no way I would let Moira be among a group of savage harpies without an ally.
Releasing a deep breath, I walked out of the bathhouse and headed back to my chambers. Now that I’d faced Vishen, I could relax for a while. The privacy of my quarters was the best place to think about the kiss with Moira. Tiny jolts of electricity zinged across my skin at the thought. My feet hurried down the palace corridors. There was no way I could let anyone spy the crimson heat my face was radiating at the moment.
Reaching my room, I closed the doors firmly and leaned against it. My heart still pounded in my chest. The thrill of the fight and the feel of Moira’s lips still on mine still kept me heavily dazed. Straightening up, I stripped off the robe and my wet clothes and lay down on the bed. The room was chilly but it didn’t matter. The cool air skimming along my naked body soothed the heat raging in it.
Closing my eyes, I went back to the moment when Moira was pressed against me and captured my lips. Only a moment ago she’d been raging at me. The next second, she was kissing me like her life depended on it.
My finger ghosted over my lips. They were swollen and tender to the touch.
Confusion warred with the lust and desire I’d felt for her.
I was aware of the mate bond between us but had decided to ignore it when I realized she’d already chosen her mates among the princes of Aelia. She left no room for any doubt. She was theirs. The two princes, Rowan and Leon, also accepted her as their mate. There was never going to be a place for me among them. While it hurt deeply, I’d decided to accept my fate.
The mark of the moon appeared on my body as soon as I was born. My parents brought me up telling me I was destined to be the mate of King Arian’s heir. That knowledge made me seal up my heart until the moment I met Moira.
For almost four hundred years, I kept to myself, allowing for only physical relationships to develop with others but never an emotional one. Eighteen years ago, my restraint on myself seemed like a laughable joke. King Arian died without leaving behind a single heir.
It would be another few years until King Arian’s handmaiden crossed my path and let out a secret that would change my life forever. She was aware of Arian’s relationship with Lady Selene of Aelia. They’d left the secret of their love and Selene’s pregnancy to her. She confirmed the royal heir had survived and was hidden away safely.
The death of my entire clan had weighed heavily on me for many years. There were gaps in my memories I could never fill to this day. Wine and narcotics flowed through my veins like blood during those dark days. However, the knowledge of my mate’s existence was like a ray of moonlight on the darkest night.
I vowed to avenge my family and make sure the kingdom was ready for the time when my mate arrived. That’s how my elaborate plans to weaken Vishen’s powers started.
I always assumed the heir would be a man. To my astonishment, King Arian’s child turned out to be a woman. The fact surprised me but didn’t lessen my need to protect her. The moment I heard of Vishen’s conspiracy to have her kidnapped and killed, I’d gone to Aelia to resc
ue her at once.
My happiness at being united with the only person left in my life was short-lived. Moira didn’t trust me and insisted I sent word to her other mates. When they came to her, they showed me how much they were in love with each other. I envied the three. They had the companionship I’d dreamed of but would never have.
A heavy breath left me as my mind went back to the moment of the almost forceful kiss between me and Moira. I’d been hesitant to kiss her back but she hadn’t stepped back. Instead, she grabbed onto me, kissing me and sucking on my tongue like a deeply thirsty person.
I could still feel the warmth of her body and the searing touch of her lips. My nose was still full of the heady scent of apple blossoms wafting from her. A deep throbbing started between my thighs. Pressing my legs together, I pulled a blanket over me.
Could I dare to hope Moira’s behavior was genuine? It could have happened on impulse because we’d just escaped a life-or-death situation. Yes, it’s probably that, a voice in my head told me. There is no way she would suddenly develop feelings for you. Why would anyone in their right mind choose a vagabond mage when she already had the hearts of three princes?
These thoughts were like thorns piercing into my heart. They brought tears to my eyes and choked up my throat. A part of me wanted to consume the leaves of hornflowers, a powerful narcotic that had the strength to eradicate and numb all pain. I yearned for the blissful black veil it would put over my senses and make me forget my sorrows. Too much of it was lethal to a fae but at the moment, I didn’t care for much.
It won’t be long until Moira had her throne and her kingdom returned to her. She would have three powerful princes as her mates to protect and cherish her. She won’t need me again.
Tears streamed down my cheeks. Hold a while longer, I told myself. Stay focused on the task at hand and then, you can leave…forever.
22
Moira
I stared fixedly at Lucia as she explained the assassination attempt on her life. Rowan and Leon were also looking at her, completely absorbed in what she was telling them. The bright afternoon sunshine made her silver strands glow like fire. Her pretty face was paler than usual but her lips were pink and swollen.
My tongue flicked out to lick my own lips as I fantasized about kissing hers. Frustration rose inside me. I already told Rowan and Leon about what happened. Why did they have to hear it from her too? I wanted both of them to go to bed at that moment so I could finish what I started with Lucia.
She’d come back to see me a few hours after the incident and found me with both Rowan and Leon. They’d both jumped on her to find more information about the assassins and who’d sent them.
“Vishen is getting more desperate,” said Lucia in a grim tone. “He would do everything he can to stop the coronation ceremony.”
“Are you really going to go through a coronation ceremony?” asked Leon.
Lucia shrugged. “I am hoping he would bring in a head-on attack on me before that. He would never tolerate another person wearing the crown he’s been so desperately coveting. I believe he will wait to see what happens during the moon ritual. When it becomes clear, I am the heir to the throne of Amaris, he will not hold back any longer.”
“What do you plan to do?” asked Rowan.
“I am going to play my part but Moira would have to use her powers to control the moon device,” said Lucia. She didn’t glance at me as she said it. In fact, she hadn’t looked at me once since the moment she came in.
“You have to teach me,” I said. “There is no way I’d be able to do anything without even knowing what it is I am supposed to do.”
“She just needs to channel her energy into the device,” said Lucia, still staring at Rowan. “It will immediately recognize her magic and comply with her commands. It is a very simple process for a person of pure royal blood.”
My mouth crumpled into a frown. Why was Lucia ignoring me so hard? Was it because of the kiss? Was she embarrassed? Shocked? The suspense was killing me. I had to know what she was thinking. My magic surged and ebbed in a way that made anxiety coil inside my gut. Lucia didn’t seem her normal self at all. It was making me worry about her.
“Enough!” The word burst out of me as I banged the table with both hands.
“What’s wrong?” asked Rowan, his steel-gray eyes widening with surprise.
“I need both you and Leon to go away now.”
“What?” Leon’s amber gaze flickered with curiosity. “Where do you want us to go?”
“To your bedroom. To sleep. I don’t know,” I finished lamely. “I have to talk to Lucia about something. You both have to go.”
“She is so rude,” said Leon with a frown.
Rowan’s gaze met mine. Understanding flickered in those calm silver eyes. He gave an imperceptible nod and rose from his seat. “Come, Bother.”
Leon’s frown deepened.
A sigh escaped Rowan. “I will explain things to you,” he said. “For now, let us leave them together.”
Leon finally seemed to understand what Rowan was hinting at. He stared between me and Lucia and grinned. Clearing his throat, he added, “Well, we’ll see you tomorrow, mate.” He patted Lucia’s shoulder and sauntered away to join Rowan at the door.
When the door closed and I was finally left to be with Lucia, I glanced at her. She was still looking away from me.
“They can teach you what you need to know,” she said in an emotionless voice.
“Look at me, Lucia.” When she didn’t obey, I forced a command into my tone. “Lucia.”
She raised her gaze to meet mine. A storm was raging behind those emerald-green eyes. The light that usually shone there was snuffed out. My magic pricked at my skin. Something was very wrong with her.
Rising up from my chair, I walked toward her. “Come with me, Lucia.”
She hesitated for a moment but obeyed with a dull look in her eyes. She stood up.
I grabbed her hand hard. Her lips parted to say something but she stayed quiet. Tightening my grasp, I dragged her toward the bed in the corner.
“Sit,” I said.
She perched on the edge of the bed and avoided looking at me.
“Tell me what’s wrong,” I said. “Did you really hate the way I kissed you?”
Her eyes flew up to gaze up at me.
“Was it disgusting?” I asked in a hard voice. “Was I disgusting?”
“Moira…”
“Tell me why you won’t even look at me,” I shouted.
Lucia flinched, leaning away from me.
I bent down to fill the gap between us. Gazing into her startled eyes, I whispered, “I am going to kiss you now.”
Her throat moved as she swallowed hard. A smile rose on my lips when she didn’t object. Leaning in, I pressed my lips to hers. Electricity jolted through me at the contact. A moan escaped her, leaving her mouth open for my exploration.
My tongue swept in through her parted lips, tasting the addictive sweetness of her mouth.
My body leaned into her. Unable to bear the weight, Lucia fell back onto the bed. I instantly climbed on top of her, keeping her trapped beneath me as I kissed her deeper. My mind swam with pleasure as I thoroughly kissed her mouth.
It was a while before I realized the position I was in. Even in my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined being so dominant with someone. With Lucia, it seemed to come to me naturally. I was addicted to her sweet taste. Her beauty dazzled me from the very first moment I saw her. It was really late but I’d fallen in love with her the first time I met her. My attraction to her was as instantaneous as it was with Rowan.
My mouth moved downward as I trailed kisses along the slender column of her neck. Lucia’s skin was smooth and soft, urging me to bite and lick it in intervals. Her moans drove me on until I reached the tops of her breasts spilling out from the front of her shirt.
Raising my head, I gazed at her. Lucia’s eyes were hazy with lust and desire. Her lips were swollen and red. She lo
oked utterly beautiful and ravishing at that moment. Fire coursed through me, hot and swift, to have her trapped underneath me.
“You’re mine now,” I said.
“Yours,” she whispered. Suddenly, the lust glazing her eyes disappeared. Her expression cleared and a sob escaped her.
Part of me wanted to continue exploring her body but the pain in her eyes drove away my lust. Why was she hurting so much? A moment ago, she was enjoying the way I was kissing her but now she was crying.
“What’s wrong, Lucia?” I asked, moving away from her. “How can I help you if you won’t tell me?”
She slowly sat up and brushed away the tears. The whites of her eyes were veined with red. She swallowed several times before she could speak. Her pain was making my heart ache.
“Do you mean it, Moira?” she asked me, gazing at me with a desperate look in her eyes.
“Mean what?”
“That I am yours. Are you just using my body or do you want something deeper, more meaningful with me?”
I stared at her. How could this beautiful, powerful, and intelligent woman think so little of herself? Did I really treat her so inconsiderately? Pain lanced through me at the desolate look on her pretty face. She’d done nothing but sacrifice herself over and over for me. And all I did was hurt her.
Tears sprang in my eyes too.
Reaching out, I gently swiped away her tears. “I would never use you,” I said in a wavering, choked voice. “You’re my mate. I would always love and protect you.”
Her eyes widened. “You know?”
I nodded. “The Engorging Bell revealed the mate mark on you. I’ve known since then.” I took a deep breath and released it. “You have to understand the kind of environment I grew up in. Back then, I had no idea I was a fae. Men were always attracted to me with bad intentions. I abhorred their gaze on my body. Even the thought of them touching me sickened me.”
“Moira, I never thought of that aspect of your life when you were living in the human realm,” said Lucia with an anxious look on her face. “I am so, so sorry.”
