“Yes, Alex, I have been asking for a response for centuries. I’m certain everyone,” Paolo glanced at Valeria, “would like to hear it!”
Sudden realization struck Valeria. “Kristiana was an immortal?” Camille nodded and patted her shoulder.
Brushing his trembling fingers through his hair, Alex tried to gain control of his emotions and his voice. “There were no rules regarding dissolutions when Kristiana left. She has been gone for 2,500 years. The marriage is now dissolved by her absence.”
“Alex deserted Kristiana! My sister has been missing all these years and his efforts have been only to chase another woman. These are unforgivable and adulterous actions! Further, this woman, Cassandra, has been incorporated into their family as my sister never was.” Paolo’s face filled with venom as he pulled a document from his coat and placed it on the table in front of Jeremiah. “We humbly demand that the Law of Nevia be enforced!”
Camille let out a cry, “No!” Valeria saw the horror on the faces of her family—including Alex’s—as the gasps of the immortals echoed throughout the cavern.
Alex’s face was lit with incredulity and horror. “The Law of Nevia?” He shook his head several times, momentarily speechless, and then glared at Paolo. “Do you really hate us that much? Because you know, you aren’t just punishing me!” He clenched his jaw and shook his head in disgust. “You know that the Law of Nevia has no place in this discussion!”
“Alexander! You will address the council! Disrespect will not be tolerated!” Jeremiah demanded.
“What is that…that law?” Valeria asked, swallowing.
Camille didn’t respond, but took Valeria’s hand and held it tightly as if watching a train wreck, mumbling to herself in a near whimper, “Oh, Alex…oh, Alex. No! No, no…don’t.”
“Don’t what?” Valeria cried, but was unable to get Camille’s attention.
Grabbing Valeria’s arm, Camille whispered, “Alex wants us to leave now!”
Valeria stared at her friend and felt tears forming in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall. Shaking her head slowly, resolutely, she said, “I’m not leaving without Alex.” She began moving toward him, but Tavish was quickly upon her, wrapping his long arms around her. She struggled, but with her long gown she couldn’t break free.
“I am sorry, lass. I cannot permit that,” he whispered. She turned toward him and his eyes looked almost as sorrowful as hers. “I could not bear to see the results to either of ya.”
“Council, that petition requires two signatories and I only see one representative here! May I know the name of the other accuser?”
“You know the name!” Paolo interrupted. “And council, under the rules, my sister is not required to be present!”
Alex narrowed his eyes and began to clench and unclench his fists as he turned toward Paolo. Valeria thought Alex looked as if he was poised to hit Paolo. “You know where she is!” Alex said.
“If I knew where she was, I would not be here alone! My sister went into hiding because of you and your abhorrent behavior!”
“Kristiana isn’t even recognized here! So I don’t even know why we are discussing this.”
Jeremiah interrupted, “Kristiana is a known immortal and we shall not argue her status. Paolo is recognized as an immortal. He has made charges and if Kristiana had wished to be recognized, I see no reason that would be denied. We shall proceed with the consideration that Kristiana is a recognized immortal in good standing.”
Alex glared at Jeremiah for a moment and then resigned, he asked, “If Paolo hasn’t seen Kristiana in 2500 years, then how is it that she signed this petition?”
Paolo glanced away. “It was delivered to me.”
“May I see it?” Alex asked and Paolo nodded. Alex approached Jeremiah. “This is an ancient scroll…at least a thousand years old.” His raised a suspicious eyebrow at Paolo. “You’ve had it all these years?” He turned back to the council. “Council, Kristiana is not an oracle! This document must be a fraud!” he said, adding a silent prayer.
Jeremiah thought for a moment before responding. “Alexander, the fact is, that we have what appears to be a valid petition presented in the correct manner. We have no reason to question the validity. How do you respond to the charges?”
Alex’s eyes were now desperate; he glanced back at Valeria before he continued. “Council, Paolo is right that I should have looked for Kristiana. I…I should have handled things...better.” He gulped. “But we were all new then. We didn’t know the rules of immortals. Cassandra was—is—my symbolon, and I believed her…I believed her to be gone when Kristiana came into my life. I did leave Kristiana to try to save the life of Cassandra as she had returned and I...I didn’t know that was possible,” he said, breathlessly. “I beg the council’s understanding, but as discussed earlier, there was no council at the time of the marriage, nor its dissolution. And Cassandra should not be punished! Please council!”
“When you returned, did you attempt to reunite with your wife?” Jeremiah asked. “And I warn you, Alexander, you will testify on the stone of truth, if I believe you are lying to us!”
“No…no, council. When I realized that my symbolon had reincarnated, I went back to Kristiana in an attempt to dissolve the marriage amicably. When I saw that she had left, I established substantial investments for her, through Paolo, so that neither would want for anything for the rest of their existences.”
“Except for her husband!” Paolo shot back.
“Council, there is no reason for the Law of Nevia! It is simply not appropriate here! Please!”
“Alexander! One more outburst and I will call for Erebos! Do you understand me?” Jeremiah commanded. Alex sucked in a breath.
“Do not do it, laddy, the lass is watchin’,” Tavish said softly. Valeria saw Alex glance back desperately at Tavish, and she felt Tavish shrug as if to tell him that she wouldn’t leave. She saw Alex take a deep breath, calming himself.
Lars went to stand next to Alex, ready to restrain him if necessary.
“I agree, definitely not worth it!” Ava said, as if in a discussion with Lars and Alex. Camille nodded.
Alex shrugged off Lars, in a way that said he was back in control of himself.
The council looked to Paolo who countered, “Alex states that he left my sister for his symbolon…and that Cassandra is his symbolon.” Paolo smirked at Alex. “If that is true, then show the council that she bears your mark!” He glanced toward Valeria with a lascivious grin. “And remember, I have had the opportunity to search…every…inch of her body.” Paolo winked toward her in an action that she was certain was more for Alex’s benefit.
Looking down, Alex shook his head, attempting to control his emotions. “Council, I do not have evidence that Cassandra is my symbolon, other than my visions of her…other than our love for each other. I agree that I should have searched for Kristiana, but I felt that she would make herself known if she wished to be found. Today, my entire family has agreed to place all of our resources into locating her. But you know that this could be a very long-term process. I beg the committee to investigate the charges prior to enacting the Law of Nevia! We will delay the immortal marriage indefinitely until this is resolved. But there is no evidence that this is necessary! This is a private issue…it only involves Paolo and I. Please!” He turned to face Paolo. “Paolo! I beg of you—remove the petition! Not for me…for her!”
Involuntarily, a cry escaped Valeria’s mouth. She didn’t know what was going on, but she sensed that there was far more at stake than a wedding.
Alex continued, “Council, I also request that Cassandra be considered a mortal for purposes of our laws, until this can be settled with Kristiana—which I am certain it can be. Cassandra has never taken any action that justifies the Law of Nevia. She has not…we have not…consummated our relationship. Certainly, that proves her innocence! We would both testify to that, if need be.” Alex glared to Paolo. “Also, please consider that Kristiana knew of Cassandra and
knew that my first commitment was to Cassandra—always.”
Jeremiah waved an arm. “You cannot undo what has been done, Alexander. You should have thought of the ramifications earlier. Now, it is too late. Cassandra is here as an immortal. That cannot, and shall not, be undone.” Alex dropped his head a fraction, hanging on to hope. “As far as the Law of Nevia, that petition has been entered and signed by two immortals in good standing with this council. There is reason to consider this a valid complaint!”
“Council, I humbly beg you to consider delaying the decision on this matter until the next council meeting, when I am certain we can alleviate all of your concerns.” Alex’s voice was almost a cry that carried throughout the cavern.
Paolo stepped in front of the council, and his volume increased. “During that time, Cassandra will be further integrated into his family! No! Council, that is not adequate!”
Pursing his lips and narrowing his eyes, Jeremiah said, “Alexander, you attest that there has been no intimacy between you and Cassandra? I believe I will require details on what sort of physical contact there has been!”
“Council, please, may we discuss this delicate matter in private chambers?” Alex pleaded.
Paolo shrugged and smirked. “That is not necessary. I understand they have been living together for several months. My guess is that they share the same bed. But I am satisfied that Alex has not made love to Cassandra.” He glanced back at Valeria. “However, the fact is that Cassandra has taken the place of my sister, not only with Alex, but with his family.” Paolo narrowed his eyes. “And Alex has admitted to me that he has been unable to confirm that Cassandra bears his mark.”
Jeremiah turned back to Alex. “Does Cassandra bear your mark?”
Alex glanced helplessly back to Valeria, with deep sorrow in his eyes. She could see he didn’t want to answer. “I have not seen it, yet.”
“It is unfortunate that Immanuel is not here to testify. Alexander, would her physician testify that she bears your mark?”
“I cannot answer for Mani.”
“I could order Immanuel here, if necessary. Would he testify that she bears your mark?” Jeremiah demanded impatiently.
“No.”
“Paolo, it is not often that I agree with you. It is a pity you were not forthright in your objection. You could have saved this council, and the parties concerned, considerable trouble.” Jeremiah looked to Alex and Valeria.
Paolo shrugged.
The council rose and surrounded Jeremiah, as they began their deliberation. Alex looked frozen in a desperate plea. Moments later, Jeremiah waved his arms, ending the discussion as the council took their seats. Jeremiah rose.
“The council has decided that there is enough cause to enact the Law of Nevia until the next council meeting. At that time, we will evaluate all of the information and make a permanent decision. That is all.”
Alex almost fell to his knees, as if he had been slugged. The group began to disband as whispers ran across the room.
Within moments, the council rose and joined the other immortals, and then the room filled with laughter and music and gaiety, as if they had just decided something with as much importance as repainting a cross-walk.
Camille looked at Tavish, her voice flat. “We have to get Val out of here now!” Valeria saw both Paolo and Alex heading toward her.
“I’m not leaving without Alex!”
“Lass, we must!” Tavish whispered as he started to carry her towards the gondolas.
She turned her face to look at him with so much pain. “Please, Tav, I need to see him. Please.” Tavish turned, as if a silent communication had come in from the family.
“All right, Lass.” Tavish released her and, suddenly, both Ava and Camille closed in on Valeria, as Tavish moved rapidly toward Alex. Valeria realized that Alex was actually heading toward Paolo…who was headed for her.
As Paolo approached, Camille, Ava, and even Daphne formed a human shield, keeping him from her. “Bella, you must know that I did this for your benefit! Please, allow me to explain.”
Just then, Alex grabbed Paolo and spun him. “Wasn’t it good enough that you killed her the last time?”
Valeria broke around the women and, with Paolo momentary distracted, she ran into Alex’s arms. Tavish and Lars formed a wall and blocked Paolo. Alex pulled Valeria in tightly and kissed her head.
She let out a cry, “Please tell me what’s going on!”
She could feel his grip on her tighten. He was shaking. “It’ll be all right,” he whispered into her hair. “We’ll get this straightened out.”
Paolo looked at Alex in disgust. “You realize I could invoke the Law of Nevia for your actions now!”
Alex continued to hold Valeria. He drew a rough breath. “You wouldn’t do that…not to her. You’re too selfish for that!” He gulped. “You’ve done the damage. Can’t you let that be enough?”
There was a stand-off between Alex and Paolo. She wasn’t going to let go of Alex. He forced himself to relax and gently kissed her forehead. Then he whispered, “Please, Paolo. You don’t have to do this.” Paolo’s expression didn’t change. Alex tried again, “Paolo, she doesn’t understand this. Please, I need time to,” his voice cracked, “to take care of this. For her, Paolo…if you ever loved her, give me…give us…time.”
Paolo spat, “You didn’t offer that luxury to my sister.”
Ava pulled on Paolo’s shoulder. “Paolo.” He glanced at her and then back to Alex. Ava’s voice became a soft plea. “Paolo, you can give them that,” she said, attempting to calm the situation. She moved in front of him and pulled his face to look at hers. “It won’t do you any good to do otherwise. You will only instill hate. That isn’t what you want. I think you want us to locate Kristiana. We can do that. But, come on…”
“One hour!” Paolo growled.
Ava brushed his face. “Come on, Paolo...one night.” He put his hand to his forehead and brushed it with his fingers and shrugged, noncommittally. Ava nodded toward Alex and with his arm wrapped tightly around Valeria, he lead her to the gondola with the family surrounding them, protecting them.
CHAPTER 6
The ride back to the island home was somber and in total silence, except for the sound of the boat and the water. Valeria noticed the family appeared to be in serious, silent conversation.
Everyone looked war-torn. And she couldn’t get Alex to look her in the eyes. He simply held her as if she would be ripped from his arms any minute. Finally, the boat pulled up to the dock and the family walked past her silently headed into the house.
Helping her out of the boat, Alex held her for a moment and then took her hand as they slowly followed the path to the house. She saw that the yard was now set up with chairs and tables for the wedding and reception. Twinkling lights had been run in the brush along the side of the property. She would have been so pleased to see the progress of the preparations, so excited knowing what the next day held for her. It was breathtaking, with the brilliant stars and the full moon casting its light on the dance floor; but now she felt only a profound sadness in the beauty of it. It was like a magnificent dream and now it felt as if it was only that…a dream.
Finally, Alex spoke in a strange, strangled voice. “So, beautiful…I was thinking that it’s…it’s a waste of this location for anything but a honeymoon.” He pulled her around and kissed her and she could feel his grief through the kiss.
“Alex…” She couldn’t seem to find her voice. “Will you tell me what happened? I know we need to leave tomorrow. But as long as I’m with you, I don’t care where we go.” She looked at him and saw the pain in his expression. “We aren’t,” she choked back a cry, “getting married tomorrow…are we?” He closed his eyes and held her to him. She knew the answer.
“Let’s just go back to Morgana.” She brushed his face. “I know that we can’t have an immortal marriage…for now. But, that man, Paolo…he can’t keep us from getting married!” she said with a hint of incredulity. �
��Don’t worry…everything will be okay.” But somewhere inside her, she knew that wasn’t true and seeing the look in his eyes only increased her growing apprehension. “I guess…we need to find Kristiana before we...” She swallowed as her fears began to get the best of her.
He bit his lip and stared up at the star-filled sky and attempted to contain his emotion. “I…I am so…so sorry.” He choked as he closed his eyes, battling the pain in his soul. “But, I never, never imagined...”
She clung to him as he looked out to sea trying to compose himself. He took a deep breath and then taking her hand, he kissed it and led her onto the patio. “You look…so beautiful tonight!” He stared at her with longing. She saw an ice bucket with champagne and two glasses sitting on the table next to them. “I’ve been saving this bottle…” He shook his head slightly, not finishing the thought. She suspected it was to have been for their wedding night. “I asked Caleb to put it on ice.” He gulped back his emotion and then pulled her into his arms. “We’ll drink it tonight…and then…” He kissed her temple and whispered near her ear, “And then I want to make love to you until morning.” He brushed his fingers through her hair.
She fought back the tears of apprehension that were building in her throat. “Alex, just please…tell me what happened tonight.”
He broke their embrace and she could see the deep battle going on inside him. He pulled the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket and stared at the label with an expression that spoke of happier times. The longer the silence, the more frightened she became. She noticed he was still shaking badly. He popped the cork of the champagne and poured it into the two glasses. Then he passed her a glass and gulped down half of his, as if it might release some of his pain.
She took a deep breath and blew it out, in an attempt to calm her fears. “I didn’t realize that Kristiana was immortal…I…would have liked to have known that,” she said softly.
Alex looked out to sea again, momentarily emotionless. “Yes, I should have told you.”
The Symbolon Page 9
