Shade's voice now reaches me, “Release him, he will not escape now.”
I pull out my blades and Darken falls to his knees in agony. Shade's anger is something I've only felt hints of before and each time it's been such a quiet thing. So quiet that it's frightening. Now his anger isn't quiet, it's surging like a life of its own. His voice remains utterly calm, too calm. “Tell me why I had the Royal Assassin spare your pathetic life?” I see the power flowing from Shade and I know this isn't simply Shade. I drop to my knee in reverence, lowering my gaze.
“He's not worth...” Darken tries to speak but power ripples from Shade silencing him to agonizing pain that even I feel tear into my flesh.
“Silence! You fool!” Shade nearly hisses. Nearly being the only word I know to describe what I'm hearing. “Do you think she loves you?” He purrs then pauses, “Do you think you are worthy of her?” Again he pauses. “Of course not.” Shade fluidly moves but I keep my head lowered in his presence.
“Are you so blind Darken that you do not even see who kneels before me in reverence. Tis not you... The Royal Assassin doesn't even know who I am, yet he knows enough to kneel in my presence...” Shade shuffles along the floor and his hand briefly touches my shoulder and I feel his healing magic course through my veins.
His voice changes, softens slightly as he continues to speak “He's the one she loves, the reason she has come and the reason I follow her.” He lifts his hand from me and I'm suddenly saddened at the loss of his touch. I know who he is now. Oh goddess... He really is the Royal Conjurer! If the Chalice is our life then he's our magic!
Shade circles around Darken then says, “You think you know corruption? You know nothing of corruption. You think you know her heart? You know nothing of her heart. You think she loves you?”
Darken interrupts his speech through gritted teeth “She does love me!”
It almost sounds like a laugh coming from Shade. “Of course she loves you, but she chose him, not you. It is his seed she allows to grow in her womb, not yours. His seed she wants life to grow from, not yours. So you would dare try to corrupt her? Take from her that which she desires?”
I hear Darken's agonized cry then he drops to his knees in pain. His voice is now harsh, “No.”
“No of course not.”
“The Royal House is corrupt and I was...”
“I know what you were doing! The Royal House has already fallen, fool! It just hasn't figured it out yet.” he sighs and I feel him turn back to me for only a moment before addressing Darken again. “Darken, you will lead your traitors away from here. Do not return to Myst until she sends for you.” He rises and instantly he shifts into shadows and is gone.
Shade now gently touches my veil and slowly slides it from my head addressing me, “Royal Assassin, you have yet to know or understand how very important and beautiful you are to Us.” I notice his own veil is in his hand. I've never looked upon Shade before and I will not lift my eyes unless directed to. I know the fear in both Shadowen and Shade of his eyes. Now I know why, to look into the face of magic is too seductive and insidious. I nearly shudder at the thought.
“We love you, you are perfection to Us. In you my sister sees life and I see hope. You know who my sister is and yet you keep this knowledge silent. You are a wise man to do this.” He pauses then says, “Time is slipping from us and she will awaken soon and I will return to my slumber of knowledge. So I must hurry. You are the reason we are here. Our mother told us you would be special when my sister allowed life to flow into your mother. The moment your life formed and I bestowed my magic of shadows we both felt you respond to Us. No child has ever done this in the womb.
My sister watched you grow in your mother's womb, waiting for you to come forth and when you did, it was my sister who fell in love with you. She wanted you to be joined to her Heir, but corruption has been long since growing in Myst. It has eaten at Us, ebbed away Our very existence. She lost hope and faith in Myst as did I. So when Phantom stole Essence from you it was the final moment for her and I. Do you know why she loves and protects Darken?”
I shake my head no, almost afraid to know. “He is the last life she has given forth to within Myst. He truly is the last child born in all of Myst.”
“Impossible...” I mutter thinking of the implications. Thinking of the rumors and now realizing the truth of his words. There has been no child born of a Mystic save Shadowen and Shade.
“Ah, you see now, don't you. All of Myst is dying without her. Phantom used her and me for his selfish corrupted needs. But you... you shine like a beacon of hope for us both. How could she give life and I give magic to those who will corrupt and destroy all that we serve? We had no answers…”
He caresses my cheek slightly, “You are our answer... she fell so deeply in love with you and she wants to give life to your child and the only way for her to do this and to know you, were to be made flesh. Our mother allows Us this experience of flesh so we might better understand, but it comes with a price. To know you We must experience pain along with joy. We have had both as you well know, but it is far from over.
Royal Assassin you are the Royal Consort as you well know and I tell you this so your heart will understand even though when I go to slumber you too will no longer recall this. But your heart will guide you even though this knowledge is lost. It is your seed that she will give life to and this life will replenish Myst. But for this to occur the corruption must end. It is only then life will return.”
His hand touches my chin and he lifts my head. My breath stills in my chest when I gaze into his turbulent eyes. It's like facing a wild storm of silver lightening and shadows all swirling moving from one eye to the other. A storm of magic and shadows.
“You are strong in magic, my gift to you, so you will always be able to fight corruption and keep Her safe. But know this in your heart that even I am not above corruption and neither is your Consort while we are flesh. So watch over us and keep us safe and always be ready.”
He helps me to stand and then he kisses me on my forehead. “When the hour of your death comes... you will recall this moment with me and you will see all your life. You will see and know what part you played and how your seed will bring life and unity to Myst.” He replaces my veil along with his and a strange calm falls over me.
I look up and Shade turns to me saying. “Where is Darken?”
“I don't know.” I search with my magic and feel nothing. I immediately shift upstairs to check on Shadowen. I sigh with relief that she's alright.
Shade slips next to me and says, “There is no one outside.”
“Odd.” I say to him.
“Something is wrong. Something is very wrong.” He slips into a shadow and is gone. Shadowen shoots straight up from the bed crying out. I rush to her, pulling her to me. Her hands grip me tightly burying her head in my chest.
My hand strokes along her back soothing her with my magic. “What's wrong little one?” I whisper to her.
“Something very bad is about to happen.”
“Nothing bad is going to happen. I'm right here.” I try to sound reassuring. She lifts her head staring up at me. Her hand slides her veil away from her face. She is so incredibly beautiful. “I'm here.” Her fingers lightly touch my cheek.
“I felt so lost without you.”
“As I did you.”
“The Royal House has fallen.” She says out of the blue.
“You know this because?”
“Shade is at the Royal Court now. He says to come as soon as we can.”
“I'm not sure it's wise for you to travel right now.”
“Don't be silly, I'm fine.”
“You just said something bad was about to happen.”
“Did I? Why in the world would I say that?”
“I don't know, but something tells me, we should stay. Let Shade come tell us the news. Besides I'd rather hold you and our child for awhile.”
“No one else is home? That's odd... where are the servan
ts?”
Hmm I hadn't even thought of them. “That is odd.” I feel no trace of them in the house. Their presence hasn't been here for days actually. I will worry about that tomorrow. Right now I'm going to enjoy my Consort and our daughter. We lay back in the bed and before I know it my mouth is pressed to Shadowen's in a warm kiss. Our magic is fusing in a breathless union of need. Touching, caressing, kissing, tasting until our magic has only one way for release and that is to drown in each other.
Twenty
The next morning we discover that Kinrith and Azreal had gone to her parent’s home. Her mother had become ill, so that at least explains that. Kinrith is already on his way to the surface to obtain Shadowen's belongings and Shade is at the Royal Court. Azreal has returned to her mother's to care for her, leaving Shadowen and I very much alone.
Shadowen hasn't let me out of her sight all morning, which is fine by me, because I simply cannot be parted from her. She's been excitedly telling me of our child and everything she's experienced on the surface. We can't seem to leave our bed chambers though. Lazily we return to our bed several times just enjoying each others closeness. It's so wonderful to be home with her.
Finally she speaks the name I do not want to hear. “Reis, please do not blame Darken for all this.”
My brow furrows, “Do not speak that name to me now, after all this.” I move gently placing my arms around her. Just the sound of his name makes my blood cool and I feel this need to protect her. My hands slip up to her face. I stroke her cheek gently. “Shadowen, you have no idea what he's done.”
“You have no idea either.” she says gently.
My anger is rising. “Why do you protect him so? Do you want him? Is that it?”
“No, of course not. You know I want only you.”
“Then explain to me why you defend him and protect him?” My anger suddenly explodes. “Tell me!” I see the terrified look in her eyes and I groan. I close my eyes moving off her rolling onto my back. I simply do not understand. Now that I think about it, I don't want to understand.
Shadowen moves her body over mine slightly. Her head rests on my chest. “Reis, can you just trust me on this?”
“No.” I reply quite promptly.
She lifts her head, which prompts me to open my eyes. “Darken is important to me and I cannot explain it. There is more going on here with the Royal House. You told me yourself, that there was an Ikian and the one with the death magic.”
“Shadowen, what part of, 'He tried to take you and our child away.' did you not understand?” She doesn't answer so I press on, “What about the part about me being locked away for four long months without you? Let's say he didn't plan this... for arguments sake. Dammit Shadowen, he was there, he knew where I was and he didn't do anything about it.” I shake my head. “Now you ask me to not blame him?” I sit up, moving her gently from me. I scoot to the edge of the bed and I feel her hands and her magic soothing me. “Shadowen...”
“Do not turn from me.” She says quietly.
“I do blame him, and I'm going to blame him until I see evidence stating otherwise.” Now I turn to her, “You break my heart when you protect him so.”
She puts her arms around me pressing my head into her shoulder. She's so warm and filled with life. I feel her love simply wash over me. My arms wrap gently around her and then her voice, so soft, so warm, so filled with love touches me, “My Royal Consort...” the Royal Chalice whispers to me and my heart pounds in my chest, “I have chosen you, my love.” I slowly lift my head and look into her eyes. Her eyes are sparkling with life and love. A smile touches her lips, “I love you, your seed grows inside me, and together we have created life.”
I'm not sure how I find my voice but I do, “Why have you chosen me?”
She smiles and my heart flutters. Her hand rises to my face then she gently touches my hair, allowing her fingers to slide and caress through the strands. “I chose you because, I love you with all that I am.” She leans up and her lips touch mine so tenderly, but it's perhaps the most powerful kiss she has ever given me.
She leans back slightly her eyes roaming over my face. The sweetest smile on her beautiful lips. Her fingertips touch my cheek then my lips and I see wonder in her eyes. She's positively spellbound looking at me. Then it dawns on me, “Why do you not remember who you are?” I boldly ask. Her smile increases.
“It is not yet time for me to know.” She whispers.
“When will it be?” I ask as her hands now run down my chest, igniting my body.
“Much still needs to happen. The Royal House had fallen but the corrupter still lives. Once he is dead, then I can return.”
“The corrupter? Do you mean Phantom? Or is there another?” I ask, but she ignores me.
“Kiss me again.” She says so sweetly. Her lips part slightly and I lean down pressing my mouth to her. She deepens the kiss and I can do nothing but follow where she is taking me. Her hands are like flames licking at my chest and it's difficult to breathe because this feels so incredibly good.
Her thighs part, her leg moving over mine and now she's pressing, encouraging me to lie back on the bed. Her voice is unlike I've ever heard before. “I need you, My Royal Consort.” She straddles me and I can do nothing but look at her radiant beauty. Just as I slip inside her, magic surrounds us in brilliant shadows of different shades. Her face is utter ecstasy and I can't stop looking at her, she's so beautiful.
She throws her head back and her arms open wide and I'm speechless to see the shadows from the walls rush to her. I feel them touching her, moving through her at lightning speed. Now this huge shadow comes forth as all the others seem to fade back into the walls. This one wraps around her and I instantly feel jealousy course through me. I know its Spector, he doesn't stay long, but the way he touches her... I know it wasn’t sexual but there was something about it and it wasn’t exactly the way the others had touched.
She leans down to me and suddenly her arms wrap around me and I'm caught up in the most glorious rapture I've ever known. I feel life, not just alive, but life itself so pure and untainted flowing through me. My body shudders and I explode right along with my magic. I have no control whatsoever. I feel like I can fly I'm so energized with power and magic. Now she leans down and whispers, “Do not kill Darken, he still has much he must do for Mother. His life is Her's. He is my last gift to Her.” She then collapses in my arms and I roll her over, keeping her in my arms.
I may not like having to leave Darken alone, but right now, he simply doesn't matter. My hand gently touches her abdomen and I feel our daughter drawing on my increased power. I smile contented with Shadowen safe in my arms and my daughter safe in her womb.
Twenty-One
A month has passed since the Royal House has fallen. Azreal has gone to stay with her mother and Kinrith felt duty bound to her to go as well. Shade has been very busy with the Royal Conjurer at the Royal Court so it's basically been Shadowen and me. I'm actually very pleased about it too. I love it just being the two of us.
I'm very much relaxed today holding Shadowen in my arms. We've lazily been in bed simply caressing each other’s magic. Our daughter is very strong and she is happily milking mine and Shadowen's magic. This pleases Shadowen to feel our child respond each time I touch her.
Shadowen leaves the bed and walks over to the mirror and says softly to me, “Do I look fat?” Her hands gently rub her growing belly. I burst out with laughter and she frowns at me. I cannot help it though. She frowns at me grabbing her robe.
I move from my comfortable position on the bed sweeping her back in my arms. “Shadowen you are not fat, you are with child, this is so beautiful.” She still frowns at me but I kiss her sweet little frown and by the time I lift my head she is smiling at me.
Out of the blue she says, “The Royal Seer is coming.”
“What?” I ask, feeling nothing and then sure enough I feel him step out of a shadow onto my doorstep. Now I'm the one frowning. I dress quickly as does Shadowen. We
greet him together at the door. He looks the same as always, but I feel my nervousness because he's never visited me before other than when he came to see the Royal Chalice. “Be welcome, Royal Seer.” I say formally.
“I am so welcomed.” He says, removing his cloak. Shadowen takes his cloak and I cannot help but notice how very perfect he looks. He always looks perfect. His clothing is the finest tailored and spotless and not a wrinkle or smudge ever. Even his veil falls perfectly with the creases uniformly folded. His gloves too are immaculate and I notice for the first time there is a small symbol on the edge of his gloves. My heart skips a beat. It's the symbol of my mother's that she would weave on the garments she made. I kept several cloaks of the previous Royal Assassin's that she had made for him simply because it bore those symbols.
He hands a small package to me saying, “This is a gift, for your child.” he then turns to Shadowen saying. “May I have a few words with you?” I feel his mixed emotions and I'm about to decline for some reason but it's Shadowen who hushes me mentally taking his arm into hers, leading him into our formal parlor.
I follow saying a bit more strained than I would like. “Why are you here?”
He sits in the chair offered by Shadowen saying, “I like that you get straight to the point. It can be quite obnoxious dealing with repeating everything. So, I'm here for several reasons. One which I am hopeful your lovely Consort can help me with.”
Shadowen, I do not want him here and I sure do not want you helping him. I mentally say to her.
Oh hush. He's come to see me, not you.
Precisely.
I will see him and if you get huffy I'll see him alone.
I know when she is being stubborn and this is one of those times. I can't stop the low grumble escaping my throat though. Shadowen ignores me speaking to him. “What may I help you with?”
The Royal Assassin: Shadows of Myst Page 17
