“Not at all. I never worry about other lads taking up my leftovers and I’ve no time for anyone who’d lay with a foreigner. I just keep waiting for you to return to your senses.”
Anger rose in Celine. It was not anyone’s business who she spent time with and it certainly wasn’t to her liking the way Jamison said foreigner, like it was beneath her. “Perhaps if certain locals weren’t so lacking they’d keep a woman’s interest for more than a night. And my pet, as you called him, is more man than you’ll ever be.”
Robert James, one of the other young men sitting at the table laughed loudly and then spoke, “I do believe she just put you in your place.”
Jamison scoffed at Robert. “No decent woman would lay with a foreigner; she’s spoiled goods now. If you want that around you, so be it. But I’ll drink in places with a higher class of company.” Jamison slammed his mug of ale down and stormed away from the table. Two of the other young men at the table rose and gave Celine withering stares as they followed Jamison away.
Robert shook his head and lifted his mug, “To a higher class of company. May he find someone with as black a heart as his own to drink with.”
Celine smiled and raised her own mug in reply. “Thank you, Robert. I had no idea Jamison had such ill feelings towards a boy he’s never met.”
“It is rather disturbing, isn’t,” said Robert. “I’d say we could blame it only on his father, who has had some bad experiences with foreign traders in the past, yet sadly, Jamison is not the only one who speaks badly of your friend.”
“But why?” asked Celine. “He is the nicest person, and it’s not like he’s a true foreigner. He was born and raised in Winport.”
“Perhaps we just need to meet your new friend. Everyone talks about him, but most of us have never met him. He spends all his time with your aunts or, if rumor is true, with Blair.”
Arria placed her hand on top of Celine’s. “I have a wonderful idea. Why don’t you bring Lyric to the Festiva? We can meet him and decide for ourselves if your new man is the devil some claim him to be.”
Celine mulled over the idea. Festiva, the monthly celebration held to honor the gods with dance and wine, was always a very social event. Even donkey sacks like Jamison would be expected to be on best behavior, it would likely be the best time for people to meet Lyric. And if Jamison did try act the bully, Celine was no longer worried about Lyric handling himself. He might not be ready for a well-trained warrior, but simple village thugs, even big and strong ones like Jamison, would pose no real danger. Besides, Celine herself could use a little dancing and laughing. “I’ll think about it.”
“Good,” said Robert. “But be warned, You’ve embarrassed Jamison with your comment. Even if you hadn’t insinuated his wanker was too small, he will likely continue his bad mouthing your friend.”
“Jamison had better be careful,” warned Arria. “He was being a jerk. Besides, there are plenty of the girls in the village that he’s tried to get to sleep with him. It’s somewhat common knowledge that Jamison comes up short as a man in more than one way.”
Robert laughed, “You women really do talk about everything. I shall remember not to get on your bad side.”
“Then you best ask Arria to dance at least twice at the Festiva,” said Celine. She could feel the glare Arria was giving her, but she ignored it.
Robert continued his laughing. “I’m not a great dancer, but I’ll not shy away from the task. I can’t risk having you ladies besmirching my reputation. I shall make sure I present myself for at least two dances for the lovely Arria. Now if you ladies would excuse me, the sun is well past fallen and I shall have to rise with it in the morrow. I must retire now.”
“Who says we haven’t already besmirched your name?” asked Celine with an innocent smile.
Robert bowed grandly, “I stall take my chances that your words are at least favorable. Good evening.” Robert and his friend then left the pub, leaving Celine and Arria by themselves.
“I can’t believe you,” said Arria. “What was that about?”
“As if you don’t fancy him,” replied Celine.
Arria started to protest and then changed her mind, “It’s true, he is rather cute,” she admitted.
“And now he's headed home wondering what sort of gossip has passed between us regarding him after promising you two dances at the Festiva. I’ve done you a great service.”
“Okay, I admit it. You are a sly fox, Celine. I am in your debt.”
Celine shook her head, “No, I am in yours. Thank you for helping to defend Lyric. He really is a good guy and not deserving of Jamison’s comments. His attitude is very vexing, and if he is not alone in that opinion it makes me sad.”
“Jamison was and will always be a loud mouth jerk. It was my pleasure to help put him in his place. Bring your Lyric to the Festiva and let’s give people the chance to see for themselves he isn’t some scary foreign beast.”
“Yes, I shall try. Now it truly is late, I must return to my aunt’s.”
“Be careful on the road, the moon might guide your way, but there are still dangers lurking in the dark,” said Arria.
Celine smiled, “I’m niece to two of the most powerful magic users in the kingdom. There are more who fear being in the dark with me than not. For those who don’t fear me, I have a trick or two up my sleeve.”
“And a stiletto along your thigh, I know. But none the less do take care.”
“Always,” said Celine before leaving her friend. She didn’t take light the dangers of walking through the forest alone at night, but she was not jesting when she said that many who lurked in the dark feared her family. No one wanted to cross a witch, especially one with two very powerful aunts who were not above a little dark magic when necessary.
…
When Celine arrived home, she didn’t return directly to the house and her waiting bed. Instead she slipped into the barn and climbed the ladder to Lyric’s loft. Jamison’s words and those of Robert suggesting Jamison wasn’t alone in his troubling opinions had shaken her up and she didn’t want to go to bed thinking about such things. So she snuck up the ladder to Lyric’s loft. She could hear his gentle breathing as he slept. She crawled into the makeshift bed of straw and blankets and cuddled up to Lyric.
Lyric woke with a startle. Someone was in his blankets.
“It’s okay, Lyric. It’s just me,” said Celine.
“Celine, what are you doing here? It’s late,” said Lyric.
“I need to talk to you. And I’m feeling sad, I need you to hold me for a while.”
“You do know I’m naked?”
Celine smiled into the dark. “And it’s dark. Not that it would matter. I’ve seen everything you have, on several occasions. Don’t worry, I’m not here to take advantage of you. I just want to cuddle a bit. I have all my clothes on, you just need to be my big spoon.”
Lyric accommodated her request, shifting his body around so that she could curl up in front of him. He put his arm over her and she took hold of it and pulled it towards her chest as she wriggled her bum closer to him.
Lyric’s embrace comforted Celine. She could hear his heart pounding as he nervously held her. “That perfect. Stay like this while we talk.”
“What is it that you need to talk about?” asked Lyric. His voice soft, barely more than a whisper.
Despite the fact they were far from the house and any chance of being overheard, Celine knew Lyric feared being found with her in his loft. She ignored his fears and continued talking in a normal voice. “When you lived in Winport, did everyone hate you because you’re different?” asked Celine.
Lyric thought about it. “In the orphanage they did. They made fun of me, beat me, and were very cruel. Same with the children of the city. I don’t know if all the adults hated me too, but to most I was a dirty street rat not worth a thought. Maybe not everyone hated me. Why?”
“It’s terrible that people hate you for being different. We have plenty of traders come to o
ur Island and they don’t hate them.”
“But I was a bastard son of a whore. Traders bring coin, they respect that, and I even look different then the traders, with my eyes. Besides, most don’t trust the traders either. Not until they’ve been around for a while.”
“It’s wrong, and it’s happening here too. People speak bad of you without knowing you. I had to insult a boy for being a jerk towards you tonight. He was someone I once thought very charming.”
“You defended my honor? My hero,” teased Lyric as he squeezed Celine against him.
“Don’t jest, Lyric. It’s serious. It bothers me,” replied Celine.
Lyric shrugged, “Sorry, I just don’t care what people think. I’ve been hated all my life. Now I’m here with you, Azina, Valeria, Blair, Sir Robert and Sibylle. I’ve never had anyone, now I have several. I’m not worried about anyone else.”
“Sibylle! Of course, I should have thought of her. She’ll be at the Festiva as well. That’s perfect,” said Celine. Her voice raising in excitement. If she was going to have to share Lyric with the beautiful highborn girl, then it was time that Sibylle earned the right.
“Festiva?” asked Lyric.
“A monthly festival to honor the gods. Everyone in the village, and for miles around, come together for a day. The markets are especially packed during the day, and then during the afternoon there is much socializing, drinking of ale and dancing.”
“Which gods does the Festiva honor?”
“All of them. Most people on Droll aren’t particular about which god they pray to. For most it’s a good excuse for some fun, but it keeps those who take their religion more serious happy as well. It is often a good day.”
“I remember now. Valeria asked me if I would like to go to the last one. I declined. Too many strangers.”
“Yes, and I don’t blame you. But I’d like you to come to the next one.”
“I don’t know how to dance,” said Lyric.
Celine drove her elbow back into Lyric’s stomach. “Liar! I’ve seen you being taught dance steps as part of your weapons training.”
Lyric chuckled, “Damn, that was my best excuse.”
“Lyric, not everyone in Middale is close minded and going to hate you. Give them a chance to know you and they will accept you. Not all, but many. I have friends who would meet you.”
“What of the men that insult me?” asked Lyric.
“Do what you have always done. Ignore them. You like having friends, this would be a good way to have even more.”
Lyric thought about it. Often the words people used against him hurt more than the beatings he had taken, and he didn’t look forward to hearing more insults but if Celine wanted him to attend the Festiva he would, especially since she snuck into his bed to discuss it. “So what did you say to the fellow who insulted me tonight?”
Celine giggled, “Well, I said in front of his friends that the reason I didn’t talk to him anymore was that he came up lacking in certain areas.”
Lyric didn’t understand what Celine was suggesting. “What areas?”
Celine reached behind her and softly rubbed her hand against his hardened member, “Those areas,” she said before removing her hand.
Lyric felt his blood surge and his pulse race at her touch. He then thought about the implications of her words. Someone Celine had some intimacies with, an old boyfriend, had insulted him and she had in public criticized the size of his manhood. “That wasn’t very nice of you. He must’ve been a real jerk. I suppose he hates me now.”
“He deserved it. And he hated you already, just for being you. I just gave him a better reason, and one to hate me as well. Now he’ll think twice before running his loud mouth.”
“Who was it?” asked Lyric.
“Jamison, the Ferrier.”
“Oh,” said Lyric. “He’s a rather big fellow. I hear he’s pretty good with a war axe. He’s likely to be in the tournament.”
“He’s a jerk. Besides, he’s slow and clumsy, that is why he uses the axe. He makes up for technique with power.”
“Since when are you an expert on such matters?” asked Lyric. Another elbow to the stomach came in reply to his question.
“Since someone decided he had to enter the stupid tournament. I’ve learned all about all the local competitors. I’ll have my man make a good showing of himself, even if I am cheering for him to lose.”
“Am I your man now?” asked Lyric.
“Maybe,” admitted Celine.
“What of those others. You’ve had many fellows.”
“I’m a terrible flirt,” admitted Celine. “I’ve kissed many of the young men of the village, and I’ve fooled around with a couple of them. But I’m no whore. Nor have I given anyone my heart. Unlike your poor Sibylle, I have no laws holding me to a man of someone else’s choosing. I’ve tested some of the men out, but found them all lacking. You are special in ways that they are not. While I do appreciate the gods have gifted you with a blessed manhood, it’s your heart that has captured my attention. For someone who’s been beaten and hated his whole life to be as kind and loving as you are is special.”
“What about the dragon mark? I’ll change, have powers, even my skin could change to dragon scale.”
“I know the prophecies better than you. I know what could happen. I don’t care. Your heart won’t change.”
“What if I win the tournament? I’d have to marry Sibylle.”
“That is indeed a problem. Unfortunately, I’m afraid my heart already fears you will win and I will lose you. But that is for the gods to decide. You’ve given your word and I won’t ask you to take it back. I expect you’ll do your best and we’ll deal with the consequences when they come. The return of dragons will bring much uncertainty to the future. There is no point worrying about the future. I have you for a couple months at the very least.”
“I do not expect to win this tournament, and I have no idea what the return of dragons will mean for me, but I know that I’m happy beyond measure to have met you, Celine Vastel. You are the most beautiful devil ever.”
Celine smiled and turned so that she was facing Lyric, “Oh, I’m a devil, am I?”
“Yes, I used to think you were a goddess, but a goddess would have modesty and innocence. You are so beautiful, it hurts and yet your tongue and laugh draw more blood than the sharpest sword. Then that very laugh can heal all my wounds. Only a devil would have such powers.”
“Wise men had said that of all beautiful women.”
“Then you all are devils,” declared Lyric.
Celine leaned in and kissed Lyric. “Perhaps, but you love me just the same. And I think you give too much credit to the goddesses for purity and innocence. Ask Valeria some time about the goddess of love. She’s a bit of a tramp by your standards.”
Lyric tasted Celine’s lips. Like honeyed strawberries they were sweet and lovely and left him wanting more. He returned her kiss with one of his own. “Devil, goddess, it matters not what you are, as long as you are mine.”
Celine let Lyric’s lingering kiss fill her mind. It seemed only yesterday that she first met a young scared boy who could barely look at her while talking, now his words were as sweet as his lips. His body hard and strong was warm and comforting, offering temptations of pleasure if self-restraint was not shown. “I must return to bed now. I’ve stayed out too long. We’ll discuss the Festiva tomorrow. Good night Lyric.”
“Good night, my sweet goddess,” replied Lyric.
Celine smiled as she climbed down the ladder. Someday soon, she would choose to spend the full night with Lyric, now that they had both declared their interest. She had always seen the way Lyric had looked at her, but had never realized how her own heart had grown towards her strange new friend.
When she silently entered the house, Celine was surprised to find her aunt Azina awake and waiting for her.
“Did you make him a man this night?” asked Azina.
Celine blushed at the blunt question, but she
raised her head in a defiant tone. She was not going to be shamed into acting like a proper lady, she would make her own decisions about what was proper. “No, a late night in the village followed by a short visit and sweet words. I do believe that what you speak of might happen soon though.”
“Be careful, Celine, the boy is destined to great and terrible things. Losing your heart to him would be very dangerous.”
Celine nodded, “He is a boy no longer, under yours and Blair’s supervision a man has been formed. One that may indeed take my heart. I do worry about the future. But not just for Lyric. Dragons will bring him powers, but they will bring chaos and turmoil to us all. What is the point of excluding Lyric from my heart now for the days ahead are uncertain and filled with danger. I’d rather enjoy his company now, embrace his love and let the future come.”
“And what of Sibylle Lamar?” asked Azina.
“Lyric will keep his word. He is not the type to go back on a promise no matter where his heart leads him. I view the tournament as I do the return of dragons. Problems that are out of my hands and to be dealt with when they arrive.”
“You are a wise young lady,” said Azina. “You are also a smart mouthed, troublesome wild-cat bent on creating chaos, but you come by that naturally. Your mother was like you at your age. Follow your heart with my blessings, but know that heartbreak is the most likely outcome of your choosing Lyric for a lover.”
“I know,” said Celine softly, “but I fear my brain is no longer in charge of such decisions.” Celine was afraid she’d already started to fall for her soft spoken shy but gentle and big hearted friend.
“May the future be kind to all our hearts,” said Azina before turning and returning to bed.
Celine made her way to her own bed. Her thoughts filled of Azina’s warning. It was nothing Celine had not already thought, but even hearing it from Aunt Azina didn’t deter her from embracing the desire to feel Lyric’s lips on her own once again.
46
SIBYLLE YELLED AS SHE THRUST DOWN with a double handed swing.
Lyric's Curse (Dragonblood Sagas Book 1) Page 18
