“You do not want him to know?” He asks then turning his head slightly towards me.
She lowers her voice as if I cannot hear her. “I am still angry with him.” I want to laugh but I don’t.
“Angry about what?” He quietly inquires back.
“He said he would not leave me, that he would protect me.” She says quickly as if this explains it all. It explains it to me but not at all to him.
“I do not understand.” He rocks a bit in his chair and he reminds me of someone I should know.
She tilts her head slightly then says, “I do not want him to forget yet.”
“Forget what?” He asks.
“That he gave me his vow he would not leave. That he must never leave me, that...” she doesn’t finish her sentence but stops short looking down. I feel her fear rising as she looks to the outer door. Phantom is pacing and this is distracting her.
The Royal Magistrate sits back and studies us for a moment then says, “Would you like for your consort to leave, so you can tell me?'
“No!” panic fills her and her voice. “No, please!” She looks at me and I can't help but brush my hands along her shoulders, calming her.
“I'm not leaving, I promise.”
He takes a breath then says leaning forward, “Please tell me how you feel about your consort even with him here.”
She looks away and I know this is hard on her. She doesn’t want to admit giving in and yet she doesn’t want to lose me. “I don’t want him to leave me.”
“Yes, you said that already.” He mumbles slightly annoyed that she is not giving him the information he wants.
I interrupt, “Magistrate, she has been through a lot recently.”
Phantom suddenly breaks through with his magic and I jump up instantly countering his magic and shielding her behind me. The Magistrate looks at both of us. He turns to the door and says, “Royal Assassin, speak to me now!”
I realize he cannot feel Phantom because his attack is quite precisely aimed at Shadowen. He’s trying to get her to relent to say she wants to come home to him. He thinks our bond is not truly formed because I’ve not bedded her but he is mistaken. Our bond is even stronger because I haven’t stolen from this child her trust and respect.
I feel her tears and I can’t help myself but turn around to her. I pull her into my arms and she buries her head into my chest. I send her comfort with my magic and whisper, “I won’t leave you Shadowen, I have promised. No one will take you from me, you are my consort.”
Her small, delicate gloved hands slide up to my face. She shakes her head and says softly, “There are now three assassins waiting for us and the conjurer is already outside the door. He’s cast several spells. Father hates that I love you.” She whispers.
I hug her close to me for a moment I’m filled with such joy and elation at her admission. I lift my veil and hers so she can look into my face and my eyes, “Do you love me? Is that what you fear for me to know?” I ask while my gloved fingers trace her chin.
“Yes.” She confesses.
“Shadowen, fear not, I know it already. Also my little one you need not fear them, you are safe with me. I will even give you your second lesson when I kill them.” I kiss the tip of her nose.
The Magistrate studies us a moment and when I reach up to lower her veil, he asks, “May I look upon your consort?”
A voice inside me says, Let him gaze upon her.
Shadowen turns to him and I hear his intake of breath. “You are very beautiful. Thank you for allowing me to gaze upon you unveiled.” I feel something else and his magic reaches out gently touching her and I don’t know why but I allow it. I feel Shadowen instantly respond to magic. I feel the draw upon her to take in what he is giving her. He pulls back slightly lowering his head and says to me while I pull Shadowen’s veil back in place. “Do you know why the Heirs of the Royal Chalice were never allowed to be consorts or marry?”
“I do not.” I say quickly while brushing my hands along Shadowen’s cloak, chanting a protection spell just in case.
“Because it had happened before, and they could not produce a child together. It wasn’t until their consortship was dissolved and they were with others in the Royal House that each were able to produce a child.
Phantom and Essence did not produce a child together for many years.” His voice goes silent then he adds, “When Essence does produce a child she has twins... amazing don’t you think?”
I look up from Shadowen feeling odd. He continues, “Twins are a rare thing here in Myst. I am a twin, did you know that?” I shake my head. “Twins run in my family I have been told. My wife and I never had children together though and my brother has long since died… He was an Heir of the Royal Chalice but his bloodline died with him and it was passed to another Royal family, Phantom’s.”
“It did not pass to you?” I quietly ask.
“No. I was already too far into politics to have taken the burden. I'm told though since my blood is as his I would have been a more suitable choice.”
I pull my veil down over my eyes then turn to look at him. I fear what he may say next. I fear what this knowledge may do to Shadowen if she figures it out. He speaks quietly to me, “You do love this child, don’t you?”
“I do.” I say my heart starting to pound in my chest.
“I feel your protectiveness around her. But I am very concerned about her disappearance.”
Shadowen speaks up, “I allowed a shadow to take me to protect me because two assassins arrived before Reis returned.”
“Take you?” He asks gently.
“I can commune with shadows.” She says.
“You… can commune… this is very rare.” He stands up slowly moving towards the door between Phantom and us and I notice his hand cautiously touching the door.
“Not too rare it seems, because Spector told me that you do. He also says you will make sure I'm with Reis. He says you are obligated to make sure I am well taken care of and Reis is the only one who can care for me.”
“He told you that?” He asks her.
“Yes.” She replies.
“What else did he tell you?” He questions with earnest.
“That I am the true Heir of the Royal Chalice and that is why my father is upset I am not with him.”
“How does this Spector know you are such?” he further asks.
She sighs, “Because he touched my blood.” Voicing this upsets her and I hold her closer to me.
He is quiet a moment and says to her, “You are quite correct that I commune with shadows and I have only known those of my family to do the same. It is one of the rarest of abilities and we do not speak of it.” He pauses then says, “The shadows tell me that the Royal Assassin is correct in keeping you safe from Essence and Phantom. They also tell me Phantom is orchestrating a conjurer and three assassins right outside my door.”
I feel Shadowen’s body shiver slightly but now his voice is very calm and I feel him reaching out to her magically with his next words, “They tell me he wants your consort dead and he wants you dear, bleeding in his bed.” I try to block his magic but it’s too late. He feels her pain not shock at his words, “They also tell me… you have bled for him in his bed often before your consort came for you.”
“Stop it!” I say quickly and I draw upon her magic pushing him back against the door. “Magistrate, your words are distressing to her. You will speak no more to her.”
“Her? Or is it distressing to you?” He says quite pointedly to me. I had hoped know one would know what had actually been done to her. She turns away from him and buries her head into my chest again. I feel not just her pain but shame overwhelming her.
“Both.” She whispers to him while clinging to me.
“As they should be.” He relaxes slightly taking a breath. “Royal Assassin, I declare that you are quite fit to care for her. I also decree that she remains in your care and that her parents are not to seek visitation with her. Her brother may visit but only
at your discretion as her consort.”
He gestures with his hand to the room with the glass and he points towards the shadowy corner. “He cannot trace you from there. Take her and leave… and Royal Assassin, please do take good care of her… I feel as if she were… my daughter.”
“Magistrate, I assure you I will protect her with my very life.”
“And will you love her as well?” He asks and I can feel strong fatherly emotion emanating from him. I reach out with my magic and reassure him of my love and protection over her and when his magic reaches back to me I do feel the love of a father to a child, not the attention of the Magistrate. I sweep her into me and I part the shadow and somehow I feel that more than one secret has just been revealed to me yet I'm not sure what the other is.
Ten
The next three years pass swiftly. Phantom and Essence have left us virtually alone. Shadowen has not had a single visit with Shade and I know this distresses her greatly, but she tells me that he refuses to see her for her protection. I hear Shadowen stirring in her room and I smile. Today is her seventeenth birthday and she is busy dressing. I have a small gift for her but it’s too early to surprise her with it.
I feel her shift not to mention feel her magic caressing me when she enters our bedchambers. Recently she has been staying in her old room and I am so grateful. Each day she becomes lovelier and I can’t seem to get bedding her off my mind. She’s been old enough for a year now, and at first I was so very excited but soon this left when I leaned in trying to give her a simple kiss, a kiss a consort would give and she froze. She was not ready.
I have had to ask her to spend more time in her room but she still manages to find her way to me far too many nights. I end up holding her close… miserable while she sleeps quite peacefully. A bit of a nuisance but I am managing.
I keep my eyes closed but feel the bed moving with her weight. I pretend I’m still sleeping. I feel her move the bed more, trying to get me to wake up but not trying to come right out and tell me to wake up. I force myself not to smile. I take a deeper breath but I do not stir. Now I hear her waiting and I know she is watching me. Finally she says. “Reis… wake up, it’s my birthday.”
I roll over and with my sleepy voice saying, “It can’t possibly be your birthday, you just had one a few months ago.” That will get her going.
“A few months ago? Reis wake up! It’s my birthday.” She's now poking at my shoulder.
“Oh just let me sleep another hour.”
“Another hour? Reis!” I can’t help but laugh at her outrage and I quickly snatch her up and she squeals slightly. Now I let my magic shine and blue nightstars slowly rain down upon us.
“Oh Reis their lovely!” she says grabbing several of them.
“I’m pleased you like them, seeing how it is your birthday.” She slips her arms around me and to my surprise she presses her lips to mine. I’m not expecting that, but I am going to welcome it. Her mouth is soft and tender and very much desired against mine. She lifts her head and her shadows are swaying so beautifully with her happiness.
She giggles slightly as more nightstars rain down on her. “They are lovely!” she says looking away at them.
“Not near as lovely as you Shadowen.” I say reaching up touching her cheek. She looks down then back at me with a shimmer of a smile touching her lips. Instantly I feel aching seep inside my body for her. She may not be ready but I am. I push her hair from her face and lean up this time and kiss her lips. She doesn’t pull away but I can feel this is as far as I’m going to get. She turns back to the falling nightstars as they float downward from the ceiling with my magic.
“Oh Reis they are so beautiful and here I thought you truly forgot. You tease me so.” She sits back curling her bare legs under her gown. I lift my hand and call for her present to come and it floats it’s away over to us to rest in her lap.
“What is this?” She asks looking at the black cloth that has a deep purple trim sewn in.
“It’s a robe.”
“A robe? But it has purple in it.”
“Yes, the color of the Royal House.”
“But assassins do not wear colors.” She spreads it out and sees there is silver trim as well.
“This is for home, a robe to wear.” I gesture lightly. She turns it over and I not only see the joy on her face I feel it suddenly thick in the air.
“Reis this is the Royal Chalice.” She says her finger lightly running along the edge of the design.
“Yes, do you like it?”
“Oh Reis… it’s beautiful. It’s so beautiful I don’t know what to say except thank you so much.”
“You are welcome, little one.” I say and I lay back just content gazing at her happiness. Her dark hair falls forward again and I gently push it back. I feel a rush of wild magic and she takes a deep breath. I feel another rush like I’ve not felt since her twelfth birthday. Now another rush comes and another. A frown creases along her brow. “Shadowen?” I ask.
Suddenly she is pulled straight up in the air as if invisible hands have grabbed her and pulled her up. I can see shadows bleed from the walls as she screams and suddenly sparks are flying off her, magical sparks. Her voice is nothing like I’ve heard before its like pain mixed with the richness of magic, “Reis…”
I quickly reach for her but I’m thrown back down on the bed. Magic is repelling me. Damn it! I begin studying this wild magic. It’s more intense than I’ve seen before or felt. Oh goddess… it’s her magic. Shadows are screaming from the walls and suddenly Shadowen is thrust to the floor and I move rapidly pulling the magic from her as quickly as I can. It’s nothing at all I’ve dealt with before. I look up and I see Mysteria laughing in delight dancing around Shadowen who is now doubled over on her hands and knees clutching her abdomen.
I am using every ounce of magic I have to pull this from her and suddenly Mysteria holds her hand out to me and I am thrust backward against the wall pinned. I cannot move. My magic is frozen along with me. Mysteria laughs again and starts dancing around Shadowen ignoring the pain and agony she is enduring. Mysteria is speaking but I can’t hear her voice over the shadows screaming. Shadowen is nodding her head as if she hears and is answering her.
Then Mysteria vanishes before my eyes. I can move now and so I rush to Shadowen pulling her up to me. Her hand reaches up touching my cheek. Her voice is soft and light and filled with musical whispers, “Happy birthday to me?”
I smile even though I am seriously frightened at what I have just seen. “Happy birthday little one.” She closes her eyes and a soft smile splays on her mouth.
“Thank you, but why are you so upset?” She looks around then says, “Why are we on the floor?”
“You do not remember?” I ask shocked.
“Remember?” She breathes in slowly closing her eyes only to slip right to sleep. I lift her up and carry her to the bed. Her body is limp but her magic is sweeping over her like flames. Her shadows are moving over her and biting at me each time I try to comfort her. I’ve not experienced anything like this before.
I sit on the side of the bed and watch her for a nearly an hour before I head down to my study. I know she is resting peaceful and I need some time alone to think about what the vision meant. I feel Shadowen almost immediately awake and she shifts right into the study.
I stand up immediately and find she is pressing her body next to mine and her lips seek mine instantly. I’m stunned at her boldness. I’m also quite bewildered.
“What’s wrong?” She asks.
“You’ve never kissed me like this before.” I say.
“You do not want me to kiss you?” She sounds sad.
“No. I mean yes, no I mean.” I'm so frustrated! “This isn’t coming out correct.” I say as her hands slide around my waist. I reach out with my magic and I feel her burning. “Shadowen, this won’t help.” I say trying to move her back from me but she presses in closer her mouth on my neck. My desire immediately explodes in hunger for her.
“Reis… I need you.” She whispers along my neck. Her mouth is now kissing and sucking along my skin.
I want her desperately. I’ve longed for this, for her... but I also know this isn’t what she wants. I feel her pain. I push her gently back from me. “I can feel you aren’t ready for this.”
“I’m ready.” She says reaching for me again. “I’m a woman now and you’ve been waiting so long.”
I turn to her and she looks so beautiful but I can feel her fear because it’s right under the surface. Her body moves so fluidly towards me that I just can’t move. Her mouth is so perfect and when she reaches me she leans up and it’s like I’m caught in this spell. I lean in pressing my lips to hers. I’ve wanted her for so long but although I see her willing and I know she is old enough. I also know she doesn’t really want this. She is only doing this because of the burning inside of her and for me.
I gently touch her shoulders my mouth still pressing to hers and I can feel her trembling under my touch not with desire but in fear. I release her quickly. “Stop this.” I say and take a step back.
She looks positively stunned and I might add hurt. “What?” She says to me, “I thought you wanted me?”
“I do want you, but not like this.” I say moving away from her.
“Reis… I need you.” she follows me.
“I want you willing.” I say quickly trying to remove the mounting desire from my body.
“I am willing. I don’t understand.” She says moving swiftly in front of me stopping me dead in my tracks.
“You are burning and you think this will help and it will help but you are really doing this for me, not for you. I don’t want you doing this for me.”
“But I thought…”
“You thought I would enjoy your body while you secretly hated it?” I’m feeling my anger rise again, recalling when she was a child. “I explained to you before that I didn’t want you offering yourself again…”
The Royal Assassin: Shadows of Myst Page 8
