In Malice (The Stolen Queen Book 1)

by A. M. Hodges

  I sit quietly for a few minutes, sifting through thoughts in my head and trying to find the best way to say what I want him to hear. Words that I need him to hear. I turn to face him and cup his face between my hands.

  “I will take all of your darkness and all of your light. I will let it fill my heart and consume my soul, and I will love you anyways,” I stare into his eyes.

  I see the tears threatening to fall.

  “Krasivaya, I never knew true light until I met you.”

  Chapter 32

  “I’m going,” I scowl defiantly at the males in front of me.

  It’s been weeks of constant training. I’ve all but mastered the language (my accent could still use some work), learned the deep intricacies of the court, came up with a plan of action to rule and filled the necessary positions, and perfected the etiquette required of a Queen. When I’m not required to be in some form of lesson, I’ve been spending my time in the village attempting to get to know the other Fae. The time off and adventures that I was promised took the back seat to more pressing matters and have long since been forgotten.

  Bramble’s contacts have been bringing in weekly updates. Rune’s condition worsens by the day. Reports have been pouring in regarding attacks on army encampments throughout Malatia. Every single request for aid has gone unanswered by the supposed “King”.

  It’s causing the people to grow desperate and restless, a dangerous combination.

  I can’t help but share their urgency. With every correspondence I feel my opportunity to save Rune slipping further away.

  “Until you can simultaneously use all three of your abilities without being drained you aren’t going anywhere,” Josiah glares at me pointedly with his arms crossed over his chest.

  I give him my best death glare and he doesn’t back down, not even a little bit.

  “There will be more required of you in battle than using any one of your abilities at a time Reyna,” Jeb tries to reason, “Your heightened senses, as well as your speed and strength, will be used in conjunction with exerting yourself physically in combat as well as being in constant control of your power. Until you have conditioned yourself to withstand the physical and mental strain, on top of the strain on your powers, you are of no use to anyone.”

  Miles and Lucah are making it a point not to intervene, studying the ground instead of looking at me. They act like innocent bystanders, but I know who’s side they’re on in this argument. It’s not mine.

  “Isn’t that what the Tiarkye bond is for?” I throw up my arms exasperatedly.

  “Depending solely on that bond to sustain you both will do nothing but get the two of you killed,” a growl enters Josiah’s voice, “You may have no regard for your own life, but what of your mate’s? Or how about everyone else around you if you fail or lose control?”

  My mouth snaps shut at his words. He’s not wrong. I’m a danger to everyone untrained, especially if I lose control. My empath ability alone could be catastrophic if left unchecked.

  Coincidentally, that’s the only ability I haven’t been able to work on. At this rate, I’ll never be ready without the ability to practice. My shoulders slump with frustration.

  Sensing my defeat, Jeb saunters over and takes my face in his hands, stroking his thumbs over my cheek bones.

  “We will find a way, Krasivaya, I promise,” the sureness in his eyes helps to ease a little of the tension in my stomach. He kisses my forehead and wraps his arms around me. Everyone else visibly relaxes with my surrender.

  “I’m going home,” I murmur into his chest, “I need to clear my head.”

  No other words are spoken as I turn and make my way towards the cottage.

  I take the long way, wandering through the fruit trees, lost in my thoughts. My constant pestering is wearing on my friends. In my mind, I understand that I am being unreasonable. All they want is to keep me safe in a world that is still unfamiliar to me. We don’t know how the rest of the warriors will react to my presence. Despite the rumors, it is possible that there are many who remain unquestionably loyal to my brother. My appearance and our mission could be perceived as a threat against the crown, especially with Angof’s Prince at my side. We are entering a dangerous game that could prove to be deadly if we aren’t careful.

  I know all of this, but still my heart is desperate in its urging to save Rune. It breaks at the thought that I will be too late. There may be nothing left of the compassionate and warm-hearted twin that waited for me all these years. I could feel it during our first encounter, the cruelty rolling off him in waves.

  I climb the stairs to our bedroom, intent on soaking away my frustrations. Using one of Jeb’s throngs, I tie my hair into a loose bun and search for some night clothes in the dresser. A knowing grin forms on my face as I investigate the drawer filled with various silk nightgowns. It seems that my mate chose to forego my usual baggy shirts and shorts when he was preparing for our new home. I grab a gown the color of Jeb’s eyes and saunter into the bathroom.

  From the rim of the tub, I retrieve some lavender oil and soaking salts and pour them into the steaming water. Further proof of his perfection, there is an end table beside the tub that my mate has stacked with a few of my favorite books. I light candles around the room before choosing a book and sliding into the luxurious bath. As the heavenly lavender aroma fills my senses, my body melts into the heat of the water.

  With my mind too crowded to give the book the attention it deserves, I return it to its place on the end table. I busy my hands with creating small animals out of the water. It’s a welcome distraction, watching the small animals flitter above the tub. My animals change into small, human-like figurines and I send them dancing through the steam.

  I spend hours in the tub, changing the figures, hoping to clear the clouds from my head and ease the weight on my heart. The water has long turned cold and I realize that the only thing keeping me comfortable is my affinity for the element. Releasing the stopper from the drain, I climb out and begin to dry off before slipping into my nightgown.

  I feel him approaching before I hear the front door open. The familiarity of his presence surrounds me with warmth and comfort. I am sitting in front of the bathroom vanity, brushing out my hair, when I catch his reflection in the mirror. His smile lights up when he sees me.

  “I was wondering when you were going to stop stealing my shirts to wear to bed,” his gaze darkens as I stand from the small stool and strut towards him. He hungrily takes in my appearance.

  “Well, it seems that you conveniently forgot to get me any of my own.”

  His smile turns wicked.

  “Oh, I didn’t forget, Krasivaya. I simply decided not to.”

  I step in front of him and slowly run my hands up his chest.

  “You devious, wicked male,” I croon in almost perfect Malatian, letting glamour lace my voice.

  I fight my smirk as his fingers begin to deftly unbutton his shirt and I rake my eyes over his bare chest. One of his eyebrows raises as he lets his shirt fall to the floor and immediately moves to unfasten his belt. He is aware of what I am doing, but his mental shields remain down. I can feel his curiosity to find out where I am taking this.

  “You know I could resist your glamour if I wanted to,” his voice is a low rumble as he unbuttons his pants and lets them drop to his feet.

  I trail a finger lightly between his hips and let my lips hover only a breath away from his.

  “I can promise you, it will be quite a bit more rewarding for you if you don’t,” I emphasize my point my brushing my lips lightly over his and sliding my hand down to cup his hardening manhood, knowing he can’t move because of the hold I have on him.

  His eyes burn with desire as he slowly backs out of the bathroom, propelled by my glamour through the bond. When he reaches the bed, I push him to scoot up until his back rests against the headboard. I can see his muscles straining, wanting to take control of the situation as I crawl up the bed after him. My eyes unabashedly study eve
ry inch of him as I climb up his body and straddle his waist.

  “I am rather frustrated with you, you know,” I tease as I plant soft kisses across his chest.

  He grunts and fists his hands at his sides, unable to move.

  “I do have a few ideas on how I can repay you for that though,” I roll my hips to emphasize my point. He stifles a groan as his pupils dilate, almost completely covering the green of his eyes.

  He licks his lips as his eyes burn into mine.

  “Do your worst, Krasivaya.”

  ∞∞∞

  I find Jeb in the kitchen the next morning, sitting at the table sipping a cup of tea. He beams at me as I walk into the room to join him.

  “I know it isn’t coffee, but it’s what we’ve got for now,” he pushes a cup over to me as I take my seat.

  “I’m still determined to find an equivalent to coffee here. I can’t live on tea much longer,” I pout.

  He chuckles and returns to gazing out the window. I’ve grown accustomed to these quiet mornings. On the days that my mate isn’t up before dawn, we spend them silently enjoying each

  other’s company at the kitchen table.

  “So, what’s going on between Josie and Lucah?” I hint cautiously over my cup of tea.

  “They have been infatuated with each other since Lucah came to train with the army,” he says nonchalantly, “Nothing will ever come of it though. Harmless flirting is all it is.”

  I suppress a smile and try my best to hide just how wrong I think he is. As one of two overprotective brothers, I doubt any male in the entire realm will be good enough for her in his eyes. Secretly, I can’t wait to see how it turns out. I saw the looks in their eyes our first night here. They hinted at anything but harmless flirting.

  I collect our cups and take them to the sink to wash. A few other dishes have piled up to I start cleaning those too. Jeb pads over and wraps his arms around my waist as I begin drying the dishes. A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth as he kisses my cheek.

  “We will do everything we can to save your brother, my love,” he rests his chin on my shoulder, “but first we must make sure than you are ready. Our priority is keeping you safe.”

  I sigh and lean my head back against him.

  “I know. I know this is the smart move, but I can’t help but to feel torn. He is slowly slipping away, and I feel like there is nothing I can do to stop it,” I turn in his arms to look into his eyes.

  “Every path seems to lead to one inevitable outcome.”

  He stares into my eyes, searching for the right words to say. Like always, he is searching for a way to make me feel better, a way to reassure me beyond doubt.

  “You are not, and will never be, alone in this Reyna. I promise you, whatever happens, we will do this together. No matter the outcome.”

  I force a smile as I rest my head against his chest, running my hands lightly over his back as if I am trying to memorize every muscle. A knock of the front door breaks our moment. Reluctantly, he releases me, and I follow him to answer it. We find Miles and Lucah waiting, the latter with an eager grin on his face.

  “What could the two of you possibly want this early in the morning,” Jeb grumbles from the doorway.

  “Someone has come a long way to see you, both of you,” Lucah chirps as he moves to the side to reveal a small woman with golden hair.

  “Dahlia,” Jeb growls.

  She smiles, her demeaner oozing confidence.

  “Jebediah. It’s been a long time.”

  Chapter 33

  "A few centuries, if I recall correctly," Jeb subtly shifts to block me from view.

  Only a select few know my identity in order to keep word of my presence from spreading before we are ready. When I'm in the village, I weave a light glamour to hide my heritage. My eyes, as always, are the biggest give-away. Without them, despite my height and if my wings are away, I look like an ordinary Pixie. I take his shielding me as a signal and quickly pull a glamour over my eyes.

  Lucky for us, neither of us had our wings out yet this morning. I lay my hand softly on the small of his back, indicating that I am okay to be seen, but he doesn't move.

  Her name is running on repeat in my head. It seems vaguely familiar to me as I rack my brain, sifting through all the information I've been given since Jeb and Lucah came into my life.

  "Don't be so sour Jebbie. I kept up with Lucah for the last fifty years or so," she feigns innocence. The muscle in Jeb's jaw ticks at the nickname.

  I raise up onto my tiptoes to try and get a peak over his shoulder.

  Dahlia's eyes draw me in like a beacon, a complete contradiction to the rest of her appearance. If she were wearing sunglasses, she would look entirely human. Her golden hair is cropped into a short pixie cut and she can't be more than five and a half feet tall. She would be kind of adorable, if I weren’t staring into the slits of glowing reptilian orbs that could haunt nightmares.

  Finally, her name resonates with me.

  "You're the empath," I declare from behind Jeb.

  Her grin widens, and she leans a little, cocking her head to the side like she can get a glimpse of me behind my mate.

  "And you're the missing Queen of Malatia."

  Jeb's entire body reacts, going on high alert as a deep warning growl reverberates from within his chest. I can see Miles and Lucah from my position behind him and they don't look at all worried. In fact, Miles isn't even shrouded in his usual glamour.

  Standing out in the open, is the Crown Prince of Angof, in all his glory. I take his trust as a sign of good faith and release my glamour, slowly stepping around my mate.

  Jeb moves to stop me, but I place my hand on his chest and lightly shake my head. I watch him struggle internally with the choice to trust me and his need to protect me. Seconds later, he lets me pass.

  Schooling my features into the dismissive mask of royalty, I strut towards her.

  "So, you know who we are. Now what is it that you want from us?"

  She takes a quick glance at Lucah, her smile never faltering.

  "I received a message that I could be of some assistance."

  Jeb's immediate rage burns white hot through the bond as he charges Lucah, faster than I could intervene.

  "You told her in a letter!" he grabs Lucah by the shirt and slams him into a tree, "How could you be so fucking stupid! Do you have any idea the danger that you have put Reyna in?"

  "Get off me! You thick headed brute! Of course, I didn't put it in a letter that would almost definitely be intercepted and read by one of Rune's many spies. I'm not a fucking idiot! Let. Me. Go," Lucah shoves him away and adjusts his clothes before continuing his explanation.

  "I sent her a message saying that Josie needed her help. Then, AFTER she got here, I explained the situation and she agreed to help."

  "Did you use your name in the letter?" Jeb asks skeptically. He no longer looks like he is going to throttle Lucah, but the tension is still radiating from his body.

  "Of course not. I told you, I'm not an idiot. Josie wrote the letter for me and signed it herself, so it was authentic. She's the one that thought of this plan in the first place so go throttle her if you feel the need."

  We all know that would never happen, no matter how angry Jeb is. It takes a minute, but once the tension eases from Jeb's shoulders everyone relaxes, seemingly okay with Josie's plan.

  Jeb seems to understand the plan in its entirety now that the details surrounding Dahlia's involvement are out in the open. Meanwhile, I'm still scrambling around in the dark, attempting to piece things together, feeling stupid. The feeling isn't one that I enjoy much, and I find myself growing increasingly agitated. I mentally fling that agitation as hard as I can down the bond, causing Jeb to flinch.

  "Your empathic abilities won't affect another empath," he surmises. I continue to stare blankly at Dahlia.

  "I'm here to be used as your personal target practice," she beams excitedly, "Well, that and to teach you how to control it so yo
u don't unleash chaos throughout the realm."

  My mouth flops open and closed like a fish out of water. She has to be joking. Either that or she's insane. No one in their right mind would want to be a practice dummy for my empath at full power. It’s a part of me and even I am afraid of it. Being the only other empath in existence, there is absolutely no way she could have proved that theory before I got to Malatia.

  In conclusion, she is totally winging it, and this could prove to be a horrible idea. Dahlia is either incredibly brave, for volunteering herself as my lab rat, or incredibly stupid.

  "Are you sure?" I attempt to be stern but my voice waivers, betraying my emotions.

  Understanding shines in her eyes and she purposefully holds my gaze as she pushes her conviction towards me in waves, "Of course I am."

  I search for the slightest bit of uncertainty but find none.

  "Alright then, I'll go get changed."

  ∞∞∞

  "The most important thing to learn is control. Once you are in control of your empath, you can consciously strategize and execute plans."

  For the last hour I have been meditating while Dahlia explains the basics of what I need to master my ability.

  Listening to the way she talks about my empath is refreshing. With Jeb and Lucah, it has always been referred to as an ability. They see it the same as water or glamour. In a way, they are correct. When I am merely searching through a person's feelings or attempting subtle changes it is like any other ability. When I cast doubt however, it is something else entirely.