Fire Pearl

by Cyndi Friberg

  Her heart lurched at the implication. “You’re not coming with me?”

  “If I stay by your side, I will do everything in my power to sway your decision and that’s not fair to you.”

  “How long must I stay there?”

  He chuckled. “You’re not being exiled. Stay a few hours or a few days. It’s entirely up to you. Once you’ve decided which direction you want to take, simply reach out across our link and I will come to you.”

  She felt cruel and selfish, which was irrational. He was the one who’d done something wrong. And his willingness to accommodate her indecision made her feel even guiltier.

  “You need to know a few things about Krystabel before we go. She is in hiding, so she is using the name Cinarra.”

  “Why is she in hiding?”

  “It’s a long involved story and it’s not really mine to share. The danger is not so much to Cinarra as to the child she is caring for.”

  She fiddled with the fabric of her dress, feeling restless and antsy. “Why is the child in danger?”

  “The less you know the safer it will be for both him and Cinarra. His name is Betaul and—”

  “Is that his real name or his in hiding name?”

  “He’s your half-brother.”

  That got her attention. “How can they both be my half siblings?”

  “You and Cinarra were born to the same mother, while you and Betaul were born of the same father.”

  “I have one twisted family tree.” She absorbed the information for a moment then said. “You were going to tell me why Krystabel, or rather Cinarra, looks nothing like Charlotte.”

  His smile was tinged with secrets. “That is part of the long involved story. When Cinarra feels comfortable with you, I have no doubt she will tell you.”

  Chapter Five

  Drakkin paced Indric’s opulent office, hands clasped behind his back, boot heels ringing against the marble floor. “It’s been four days,” he snarled. Every hour away from Aria was torture. He longed to see her face and touch her skin. He hungered for her taste and ached to slide inside her snug heat. “Why doesn’t she reach out for me?”

  Indric laughed as he pushed back from his desk. “You barged into her life and snatched her away from the only place she ever felt safe. Then you seduced her and bonded with her all in the span of a few days. I’m shocked she’s still debating her options. Most of the women I know would have demanded the bond be broken and tossed you out on your ass.”

  Turning toward his longtime friend, Drakkin glared. “I’m glad you find this amusing.”

  “Ordinarily I’d recruit two or three of my female servants to cheer you up.” Indric came out from behind his desk and moved closer to Drakkin. “Somehow I don’t think mindless sex will help in this situation.”

  “Mindless sex is what got me into this situation,” he grumbled. “Well, not actually mindless, just overwhelming.”

  “I warned you that sex with a jumanna would be different.”

  There was no smugness in his tone so Drakkin unclenched his fist. “I’m not sure what happened had anything to do with her gift. I simply lost control.”

  “You never lose control. Not anymore.” Indric waved away the conclusion and motioned Drakkin from the office.

  There was an elegant tranquility to the palace. Though every room was luxurious, nothing felt garish or ostentatious. Drakkin walked at Indric’s side, not caring where his friend was leading him.

  Theirs was an easy relationship shaped by centuries of friendship. They had supported each other through dark days and rejoiced in mutual triumphs. Drakkin felt closer to Indric than he did to his brothers. And he knew Indric felt the same.

  “How long have you known she was your mate?” Indric led him down one corridor and then another until they stepped out onto a cool, shaded walkway overlooking a verdant garden. Rather than taming the oasis, the dense bushes and tall palm trees had been allowed to grow naturally.

  “She awakened my inner savage and that only happens with a potential mate.”

  The corners of Indric’s mouth quirked at the evasion. “And how soon did your beast awaken?”

  “I sensed a difference the moment I saw her, but there was no doubt after we touched.”

  Without having to be summoned, a servant appeared with iced drinks on a tray. Indric declined the offer, but Drakkin was glad for the distraction as well as the liquid. The San Adrin’s arid climate was far different from the cool mountains of Hautell.

  “If she asks that you destroy the bond, what will you do?”

  Indric watched him closely, so Drakkin paused for a long, leisurely drink before answering the question. “I’ll rip out my heart and give it to her. What choice do I have? I won’t remain linked with a woman who refuses to accept that she’s my mate.”

  “Therein lies the quandary.” Indric leaned against the stone railing separating the walkway from the garden. His features were tense yet thoughtful. “She is your mate. We have both lived too long to misread the signs. She’s simply not ready to accept the fact. So minimize the link until it’s undetectable to her untrained mind and tell her you—”

  “I will not deceive her. Our future together cannot be built on lies.”

  Crossing his arms over his chest, Indric revealed his annoyance with the flash of his gold-ringed eyes. “You would rather lose her?”

  “Losing her was never an option. If I must, I’ll sever the bond and begin again. I’ll court her slowly, give her plenty of time to accept the inevitable.”

  Indric laughed and his stance relaxed. “That’s more like it. For a moment there I thought you’d lost your fire.”

  “There’s no fear of that. I’ve been burning since I first set eyes on her.”

  “Then invite her to the ball tomorrow night. If you teleport her directly into the palace, she’ll be moving from one shielded facility into another. There are several high-profile guests, so I’ve already augmented security. I’m sure she would enjoy a change of scenery and it will give you an opportunity to woo her.”

  “Is Cinarra invited?”

  Tension hardened Indric’s features and he glanced out across the garden. “She was, but she declined the invitation. She refuses to leave Betaul with anyone else. You charged her with his safety and she takes the responsibility very seriously.”

  “She’s avoiding you and we both know it.”

  “It’s better this way.”

  The finality in Indric’s tone sent determination rolling through Drakkin. He liked nothing better than a good challenge. “Everyone knows Talya refuses to share your bed. It was not a love match to begin with, so you are not expected to abandon physical pleasure for the rest of your life.”

  “I care too much for Cinarra to make her my whore. She deserves better.”

  Drakkin couldn’t argue with that. Indric had a great capacity for love and it bothered Drakkin that the potential was being wasted. Political unions were common among the ruling class and Bilarrians mated for life. The combination created the need for mistresses. With someone of Indric’s station it was basically expected that he would find the majority of his pleasure outside the marriage bed.

  Still, Drakkin understood his friend’s attitude. Indric was not free to love Cinarra as she deserved to be loved. Regardless of the circumstances, he was a married man.

  Unable to solve his friend’s problems, Drakkin refocused on his own. “Well, hopefully tonight will set things back in motion.”

  “But progress carefully, my friend. The only thing standing between you and Aria is her fear.”

  * * * * *

  Aria took the invitation from Drakkin’s outstretched hand as she struggled to conceal her excitement. He was here. All she had to do was reach out and touch him and she could end this ridiculous separation. Her body demanded that she do exactly that, but her mind and heart weren’t ready to concede defeat.

  She’d grown progressively more restless with each passing day. Cinarra provided conv
ersation and activities meant to keep Aria’s mind occupied and her emotions focused elsewhere. But the nights were torment. She tossed in her empty bed, aching for Drakkin’s warmth and the happiness she’d only known in his arms.

  How could she hope to choose between a permanent commitment to a man she barely knew and losing the only man she’d ever loved? She didn’t want to live without him, but she was not sure she wanted to spend the rest of her life bound to him either.

  Breaking the wax seal on the back of the invitation, Aria unfolded the thick parchment and read the decoratively scrolling script.

  “What’s going on?” Cinarra breezed into the front room. She’d been in the nursery with Betaul, trying to convince the active ten-month-old to take a nap. She spotted Drakkin and froze. “Did she reach out to you?”

  “Will you toss me out on my ear if she did not?” Challenge tinged his smile.

  “It’s fine,” Aria assured her. “He came by with this.” She handed the invitation to Cinarra.

  After only glancing at the invitation, Cinarra said, “It’s a good idea. You need to get out of this house.”

  Aria laughed. “And you don’t? When’s the last time you saw anything but these four walls?”

  “I go outside.” Then softer, “I have to take care of Betaul.”

  “I understand why you’re reluctant to attend this affair,” Drakkin told her. “But I didn’t intend for your life to end when I asked you to care for the child.”

  “My life has not ended.” Cinarra glared at him. “I just don’t like fancy parties.”

  “Then you and Indric can sneak away and enjoy the gardens or his private chamber,” Aria teased with a playful smile.

  Cinarra gasped. “Half of this city already thinks I’m his mistress. I will not fuel the gossip?”

  “It’s only gossip if it’s not true.” Aria softened the statement with another smile.

  “It is not true and it never will be. I would never sleep with a married man.”

  Aria just stared at her, shocked by the revelation. “Indric is married?” But he’d been so flirtatious and charming.

  “Technically,” Drakkin muttered. “Talya wants nothing to do with him, but—”

  “Bilarrian’s mate for life?” Drakkin nodded and dread dropped into Aria’s belly. Charismatic Indric was trapped by the very concept she was struggling to accept. Forever was a very long time. “Did they ever love each other?”

  Drakkin shook his head. “Their marriage was arranged by their fathers for purely political reasons.”

  “Why did Indric agree to it?” It broke her heart to think of Indric without someone to love. She hadn’t known him long, but he’d made a strong impression.

  “Because he is a good and honorable son and future king of the San Adrin.”

  “It doesn’t matter,” Cinarra stressed. “I’m not here to find a lover, I’m here to protect and care for Betaul.”

  “No one doubts your devotion to your duties, but everyone needs a night off from time to time.” Drakkin faced off with Cinarra, obviously ready for an argument.

  Just as dedicated to resistance, Cinarra held her ground. “I understand your point, but this is neither the time nor the occasion.”

  “Perhaps I shouldn’t go either.” Aria really didn’t want to leave Cinarra alone while she went to a lavish party. It seemed cruel and selfish. “Besides, I have nothing to wear to a formal ball.”

  “You are going.” Cinarra turned, focusing her righteous indignation on Aria. “Even if Drakkin has to drag you there kicking and screaming.”

  Drakkin chuckled and looked at Aria as well. “I don’t think that will be necessary. Will it?”

  “Of course not.”

  “The ball begins at sunset, which leaves the day to deal with annoying details. I will make all the arrangements as long as I have your promise that you will not cancel at the last moment.”

  He waited with obvious expectation, so Aria said, “I promise.”

  “Good. Then I will see you tomorrow night.” Without further ado, he flashed out of sight.

  Aria stood there staring at the space where he’d been a moment before, unable to breathe through the tension. Cinarra came up beside her and wrapped her arm around Aria’s shoulders.

  “Why are you prolonging this? You’re obviously in love with him.”

  Dragging in a shuddering breath, Aria looked at her half-sister. “I’d almost convinced myself it wasn’t real, that it wasn’t possible to want someone this badly.”

  Cinarra chuckled and motioned toward her cozy living room. “I’ve tried not to pry and to keep your mind occupied elsewhere, but it sounds like it’s time to talk this through.” They moved to the sofa and sat before Cinarra continued. “What are your options?”

  “Force him to sever the bond and lose him or remain linked and hope for the best.” One sounded intolerable and the other foolish. She’d known Drakkin for less than a week when he formed the bond. How could he be so certain she was his mate?

  “If he severs the bond, where will you go? Who will protect you?”

  She’d thought about that a lot over the past four days. “I’m not as helpless as I was when Drakkin found me, but I still need training. We had just started to explore what my gift can allow me to do. Charlotte is my only real option. She needs to know about Noll dar Joon anyway.”

  “I sent her a message the day you arrived. She can’t take action until she has proof, but she’s looking into it.”

  Aria frowned. She’s been so wrapped up in her own problems she hadn’t thought about the possible danger to others. “Thank you. I should have thought of that myself.”

  “You’ve been understandably distracted.” Cinarra smiled and drew one leg up onto the sofa, angling her body toward Aria. Pale blonde hair framed her heart-shaped face and complemented her light blue eyes. She was sweet and approachable. They’d spent countless hours talking or just enjoying each other’s company. Having a confidante was a luxury Aria had never experienced before. “So what’s the worst that can happen if you make him sever the link?”

  “He’ll never speak to me again and I’ll have missed out on the love of a lifetime.” Her pulse leapt at the thought of a permanent separation and her chest began to ache.

  “And if you allow the bond to remain?”

  Despite Cinarra’s calm tone, the question dropped a shiver down Aria’s spine. “I’ll turn into Indric.”

  “That’s not fair.” Cinarra pulled her other leg up and wrapped her arms around her knee. “Indric didn’t choose Talya, his father did. And she is not his destined mate.”

  Aria didn’t argue. The situations were completely different. Drakkin was convinced they were destined mates and she wasn’t sure he was wrong. She’d never been attracted to anyone the way she was attracted to Drakkin. But would that infatuation last a lifetime?

  “It’s a gamble either way.” It was as close to a conclusion as she could come.

  Cinarra lapsed into silence, clearly struggling with something.

  “Just say it. We’re family. You won’t hurt my feelings.”

  “Was Drakkin your first lover?”

  Aria smiled and shook her head. “He didn’t set out to seduce me and he wasn’t my first.” She wasn’t sure why her sexual history was important, but Cinarra seemed to be making a point. “There was one other.” Her gaze drifted away from Cinarra as pain echoed through her soul.

  “Oh, I don’t like that look at all. Did he…”

  “He didn’t force me. He just treated me like a whore and made me think I deserved to be treated that way.”

  Scooting closer to Aria, Cinarra took her hands in a maternal hold. “Then Drakkin is the only man who’s ever touched you with tenderness and respect. Is it possible you’re confusing love with gratitude?”

  “I don’t know.” She pulled her hands free and stood, anxiety making it impossible to sit still. “When he snatched me away from Earth, I was angry and frightened. I was convi
nced he was insane—and I still wanted him.”

  “Your past is almost as twisted as mine. I can understand why you didn’t believe him.”

  “I haven’t told you about my gift.”

  Cinarra’s gaze narrowed and she swung her legs to the floor, sitting straight on the sofa again. “I didn’t realize you had Mystic abilities.”

  “Neither did I, but apparently I’m a jumanna. It means fire pearl and my coloring is what made Drakkin suspect I possessed the gift.” Aria stopped pacing and looked at Cinarra. “A jumanna’s power is generated and stored during sex. Her energy can also strengthen the abilities of her partner, so fire pearls are highly sought after on Bilarri.”

  “I’ve never heard of a fire pearl. Is it a Bilarrian gift?”

  “Yes, but it’s extremely rare.”

  “Then how did you end up with it. Your parents were both Ontarian.”

  Cinarra shook her head. “Vee’s mother was an Ontarian slave, but his father was Rodyte.”

  “That still doesn’t explain it. Rodytes can’t manipulate magic.”

  She hadn’t meant to get into all this, but the context was important. “I could be a genetic anomaly or my DNA could have been manipulated. Or I’m a symptom of something larger, something more insidious.”

  “Such as?”

  “Rodytes have been hiding the fact that they can manipulate magic.”

  Disbelief furrowed Cinarra’s brow. “What do they gain by that?”

  “Their goal has never changed. They want to punish Bilarri for the way they were treated and regain control of their ancestral home.”

  Cinarra still didn’t look convinced. “And Drakkin is basing all this on the fact that you possess a rare Bilarrian gift?” She shrugged away the possibility. “He’s probably the smartest person I’ve ever known, but that’s a serious stretch.”

  Aria didn’t take offense. Most of the stories she’d been told since leaving Earth sounded like the paranoid ramblings of a conspiracy freak. “I only brought all this up to show you that it’s all connected. Vee sent Drakkin to find me because he knew I would need a Bilarrian to awaken my gift.”