by Lynn Carmer
The path to Arun was clear; he looked lost, almost unconscious with his eyes open. The glow increased, and he rose off the ground.
Dear gods, he’s levitating. Oblivious to everything and everyone, he dangled in the air. She approached, but he didn’t look down and didn’t acknowledge her. She felt terrified by what he was experiencing, but she also felt… furious, and hot, extremely hot and really frustrated. Plus tired. She missed his attention and she wanted him focused on her. “Arun, look at me.”
No answer. He rose higher.
“Arun, I can’t take this anymore! I… I hurt. I need you.” Her voice broke, speaking the truth. Wobbling on her feet, she wondered how long she would remain standing.
His body jerked as he looked down, his eyes glowing neon white. Blinking once, then twice, he focused in on her face. “I can see you.” His deep voice sounded eerie, booming with a soft echo at the end of each word. “Just your outline, but even that is so beautiful. Won’t be able to fight much longer. It’s too much, too strong.”
“Arun.” Her voice caught on a sob, she felt him pulling away from her.
“Don’t—Don’t cry. Please.” A wave of current jumped and lanced his body, making him undulate and shout out in pain. He looked like a marionette on strings. “Don’t understand… It’s… something… wrong. I want—”
She watched helplessly as he floated above her, fighting the agony yet using the energy to combat the poison within him. The heat made her sway, but she remained standing, hardly acknowledging the battles surrounding them.
“So much… have to say. Want to tell you—” He roared as sparks of lightning flew from his skin.
“Tell me later, when you feel better.” A peace fell over her, because as he faded, she matched him. Was she ready to just give up? Float away? “Do you trust me?”
“With everything I have, Caprice. Everything.”
“Good.” Reaching forward, she registered his shout of NO as if from a distance. She geared up the last of her strength, her courage, and grabbed his ankle. He descended, light as down feathers. His energy instantly coursed through her, a living current made up of smells, feelings, tastes. Arun’s essence.
Then came the pain.
Her skin lit up, radiating heat and … electricity. The live wire shot through her, down her arms, invading every inch of her, jolting her heart, stopping it, then restarting it again in another burst of power. Throbbing pain surrounded her, but she shared it with Arun, understanding his suffering.
Trapped in a current, she wondered if the world could see them, hear them. He reached down, pulling her up and wrapped his arms around her as they floated together, feet from the ground. “You shouldn’t have done it, Princess. I can’t control it. I might die, and now you will share my fate.”
“That’s why you have to fight for us. There’s so much you still don’t know about your father, the journal… The things I read were wondrous.”
Another wave crested and broke within them, swelling and swelling until they both cried out, undulating in space.
“You will not die, because this power you posses is a gift from your mother.”
“I have no—” Arun said.
“Shhh, my love. I don’t know how much longer I’ll be able to speak. She was Faradician, able to control the lightning in the sky. Your father used the Bicullis to find the most powerful women on our planet, and fathered children with them. And there are more…”
“More?”
“He only brought back you four. I don’t know—” Her teeth clenched as another jolt speared her heart, but she continued, “I don’t know why he chose you, why he never brought the girls.”
“Sisters? I have sisters? But… the power, it’s…” A surge of white light shot out from him and pierced her skull as it flew through her and into the sky above them.
A gasp went through the crowd, alerting Caprice to the audience. The whole kingdom, the Hamazakaran, everyone, had stopped mid-fight, stunned into inactivity, listening to her story. But Caprice only focused on Arun and breathing. One ragged inhale at a time. “This power is a natural part of you; you need only learn to accept it. The gift manifests with the fervor. This is supposed to happen. And it is the reason the power has never harmed me. The pain we’re feeling right now is because of the poison from the darts. I think the fervor is burning away the effects, but you have to accept this. You have so much to live for, so many people who need you. I need you.”
“Caprice, I can’t—”
“You can. Make peace with this. Find a way to accept your gift. I trust you.” Her head flopped forward, landing in the crook between his neck and shoulder. She took a deep breath, dragging in a lungful of his musky scent. He smelled so… right. She didn’t have the strength to lift her head. “Would you… Would you kiss me? I love the feel of your lips.”
“Gods yes.” The stubble on his cheek scraped against her cheek, making her forget the pain for a few seconds. His large hand cupped her neck. The tiny shock of his lips touched her deeply. She felt grateful her last minutes would be in his arms.
“Now, let me go.”
“No!” His voice boomed, and his arms tightened around her.
“There is no more I can do. It’s up to you. Let go. Now.” Her voice held no emotion except resolve.
“Let her go. I will catch her.” The First was below them, her expression as determined as ever.
“She will aid me. She is my aunt. I am one of these women. You’re not the only one who has learned of new family today. My father also travelled through the Bicullis. The results were the same, but his methods were far more sinister.”
“Don’t want to let you go. Never—Never want to let you go.” He roared to the heavens, but he listened. His arms loosened. As his hands pulled away, she dropped to the ground, her body convulsing as she separated from the power surrounding Arun.
Her aunt caught her, dropping to her knees from the weight.
“No, don’t touch me. Might not be safe.”
“Shh, I do not fear you.” RyAhn’s hands roamed her hair, her face. “Niece, what is this? What is happening?”
Resolved, her decision made, she turned to her aunt. “It’s simple, remember? I choose him. I choose this man and his people.”
Arun pulsed with energy; he fisted his palms, curling in on himself as he rose higher into the air. The current swirled around him, slowly gathering speed, spinning wildly. He tensed the muscles in his neck and his back. He rose so high in the sky, he rivalled the sun. A flaming super nova, floating before his people. His subjects immediately dropped to one knee. “Hear me. I fight for one purpose.” His voice echoed across the land, booming and falling along with the bolts released into the air. “For one woman. My fervor. My heart. You will honor her. You will protect her with your life. You will follow her: Queen Caprice Nue’mon of the Fiera!”
One thousand people, in unison, jumped to their feet and screamed, “Queen Caprice Nue’mon of the Fiera!”
With those words, his body went solid white, pure energy obscured by the electrical currents surrounding him. The power expanded, retracted and then exploded into the air. A boom so powerful it rivalled Mother Cay.
Then silence.
Arun gently floated to the ground. Caprice could see the whiskey-brown of his eyes and relaxed. He fought—and won. For a few blissful moments, the charcoal smoke from the volcano was chased away and the sky shone clear and blue.
Cameo, Brant, and Ives ran over to Caprice, and she braced for their anger. Would they kill her now, blame her for what had just happened to their brother?
“Don’t worry, sis. I explained the situation to these big ug—um, mighty fine men. My voice gave out the minute you and your boyfriend started to levitate. Very cool, by the way. They have been gracious enough to forgive me, seeing as how we’re all going to be family.” Brant looked stunned, and Ives looked anything but forgiving.
Ives growled and took a step toward Cameo. Fisk came out of nowhere,
stepping in front of the redhead. “Don’t touch her.”
Cameo peeked her head over his shoulder. “Yeah, listen to the big guy here. Not that I need protection. I can take care of myself.”
Fisk’s mouth kicked up at the side, reminding Caprice of Arun. Ives didn’t step back, but he didn’t advance either, which boded well for Cameo.
Kneeling over Caprice, The First said, “We must go. You have chosen, so we will not harm him, but I will not leave you here.”
“Good, then take me with you. Take us all with you.”
Her aunt met her eyes, scanning the area, taking in the brothers and the people milling behind them.
Her eyes met her aunt’s, realizing they were just like hers only a darker, earthier green. Were her mother’s eyes the same color? “I know it’s too much to ask, but I won’t leave him, and he won’t leave them. This is his kingdom. These are his people, and he won’t abandon them to face the volcano. Is… Is it too much to ask?”
The First hesitated. “We have been alone for so long. My only wish is to have you home with us, but we cannot be ruled by a man. Can he serve a woman? Would your man accept a woman as leader?”
Fisk snorted. “A women? Who? You?”
“I am First, yes. But soon, it could be Caprice or even Cameo. Will you serve them?” She shot a pointed look toward Fisk.
Caprice let her head slump to the sand, succumbing to the heat, hoping to resolve this before the warmth sucked her dry. Just before her head hit the ground, she felt strong arms around her. Arun. He had her.
“He will serve who I say he will serve.” Arun growled, pointing his head toward Fisk, “But my people… First Warrior, I don’t know if they would accept anyone but myself or my brothers as king.”
“I care not for your people. If you cross the Bicullis, we will retreat deep into the jungle. You will be left with the castle,” a small frown flitted across her face, “but you must swear to never visit the ancient courtyard. That is a sacred place you almost destroyed! My concern is my niece. If you remain, you will have to answer to a woman. Are you ready for that, Fiera?”
Arun’s eyes bore into The First’s, neither one ready to give. Finally, through gritted teeth, Arun said, “I go where Caprice goes.”
Screams rang out, the ground shifted and then buckled. Mother Cay had lost patience and decided to blow. Lava spewed in the air and now half the mountain range was gone. They were running out of time.
“We must get her to safety. Cameo, come.” The First whistled to the others, and she and the rest of the Hamazakaran shimmered into view and ran toward the Bicullis. “This conversation is not over. The Bicullis will remain available as long as it’s utilized. Have your people hold hands, and it will stay open until the last has walked through. I will go with my women to ensure we return to Hamazakara.”
“Then you offer safe passage? I ask for my people.”
Cutting him a long look, she replied, “For now.”
Chapter 26
‡
Barely controlled chaos. People were still coming through the Bicullis. A makeshift processing center had been set up to make sure everyone was accounted for. The Hamazakaran had disappeared, allowing the Fiera to sort through their people.
Arun stood with Caprice in his arms. She was unconscious, but her chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, telling him she lived. She needed the cold, and he needed her. It had been too close, too damn close. They’d almost lost each other.
Walking up on his brothers, he stood, allowing them to study Caprice and then him. Their approval was inconsequential; all he could think about was the princess in his arms.
“Go take care of your woman,” Ives said in apparent disgust, as if he wouldn’t have waited for their acknowledgement.
“Did she truly ignite the fervor within you?” Brant asked, a note of awe in his voice. “She saved you. You were about to—”
“I know.” His voice was raspy, hardly audible. Arun looked to Fisk, but the man seemed distracted, constantly looking anywhere but at him.
Brant punched Fisk in the arm, and he rubbed it absent-mindedly. “Thought we’d all escaped the fervor chain. Go on, we’ll handle things here.”
Confident in his brothers, he wondered at how he was neglecting his people for the first time since his father had disappeared. No, he wasn’t neglecting them; he was leaving them in capable hands. Arun had never ruled alone; his brothers had always been right beside him.
Cradling Caprice in his arms, he knew where to take her and what she needed. Following the river away from the crowds and the bustling people, the stream widened and he returned to the streaming waterfall. The water was the coldest part of the jungle, and she needed the cold.
He laid her down and removed her gown. His breath stopped at the beauty of his mate, the woman who ignited his fervor. His body shot to life, but it was a low hum. He no longer fought the power, instead accepted it as Caprice instructed.
Wading into the stream with Caprice in his arms, he expected his power to dampen; instead it arched out, skipping over the water. Arun had a second of regret for the animals that would be electrocuted from his energy, until he noticed a fish swim by, and a bird swoop down, trying to find a morning snack.
He hadn’t harmed the wildlife. Perhaps Caprice’s power served as a buffer, tempering the destruction of his gift.
The water tugged Caprice out of his arms, floating her toward the middle of the stream. He watched in awe as it ran over her body, seeking her out. Caprice created her own eddy and the lake was drawn in, running over her skin like a loving caress. The cool water massaged her, and he held back a moan as it circled her bright pink nipples. She sighed aloud and the current took her under, submerging her for a few seconds then bringing her above water.
The process continued for hours. Arun watched, fascinated, unable to join her, but incapable of leaving. After a lifetime of waiting, her head finally lifted above the water. Instead of spluttering awake, she smiled and floated toward him. She skimmed her hands above the stream, and it propelled her forward. His breath tightened at how important she’d become to him.
He stood waiting. Reaching forward, she wound her arms around his neck. It was the first time she’d voluntarily touched him, and his stomach dropped. If anything happened to her…
“So many of my favorite things in one place; a princess could die from happiness.” A slow smile spread across her face, and Arun’s heart melted. To see her smile so freely was a rare and beautiful sight.
“If you die, I go with you.” His words wiped the smile from her face.
Caprice hesitated. “You really mean that, don’t you?”
His eyes were shut tight as he pulled her forward, resting his cheek against hers. Not able to look directly at her as he said the words, he was too fearful of her response. “I would give you anything, follow you anywhere. You can not leave me. Ever.”
She pulled back and cupped his face. “There you go with the orders again. I’m—”
A rustle in the brush had Arun’s eyes narrowing, searching the surrounding area. “We’re not alone.”
In a swift move, he deposited her next to her dress. Arun heard Caprice catch her breath, and he understood why when he saw who strolled toward them, not a care in the world.
He remembered her well, the servant who’d tried to harm Caprice’s friend Addy. The woman looked ridiculous; she was dressed in a light blue gown with a massive, white fur jacket draped across her shoulders. The red scarf remained wrapped around her throat.
Arun was more interested in the four guards marching behind her. They didn’t look well; their bodies must be going into shock from the warm climate. Arun had seen the guards stationed outside the castle, functioning in subzero temperatures in nothing more than pants and their thin armor. They were bred for the cold. This heat must be devastating. Many of them looked dazed, all of them were shaking.
The mantel of princess fell back on Caprice’s shoulders quickly. “Why are you
here, Predominant?”
“To save you, of course. In fact, I’m the only one in your kingdom willing to do so.” She bowed in a low manner and Caprice bid her to rise.
Arun stood tense, but didn’t intervene, just yet.
“Princess, I come with urgent news. Your father needs you. He asked me to save you and bring you home.”
“I find it hard to believe my father would task you with anything he considered important.” Caprice looked bored.
The Predominant’s face hardened. “He is anxious for you to marry your prince. Have you forgotten the ceremony that was to take place?” This woman appeared too confident. Arun searched his surroundings, wondering at her ease.
Dismissing her, Caprice flicked out a hand. “Tell my father I will return when I’m ready.”
The woman frowned, then blanked her expression. “Perhaps you would like to explain to your fiancé when you plan to come home?”
From out of the bushes, crept the hesitant prince. Arun laughed aloud and the side of Caprice’s mouth lifted the slightest bit. Him! She was going to marry this desert-mouse? He couldn’t have looked more out of place in his oversized clothing and diamond encrusted shoes. Here in the jungle, the pale shade of his skin, compared to the lush greenery of the trees, made him look sallow, insubstantial, as if the smallest breeze would knock him over.
Caprice whispered to Arun. “It’s not as if I had a choice in the matter. The marriage was arranged.” Aloud she said, “Predominant, perhaps you would like to come a little closer so we can discuss this.” Caprice’s voice could cut ice and it was exciting the hell out of Arun, his cock jumping at her authority. “No? I don’t see you advancing. As for you, Prince Gair, I don’t want you anymore than you want me. I don’t believe I’m your type. Perhaps if I grew a set of balls, like the Predominant, you’d want me then.”
