Twisted Bonds

by Brandy L Rivers

  Isa laughed. “Not sure about that. I’ve seen some of it through memories. You’ve mastered both your elements.”

  “Ah, but you’ve mastered all of them.”

  “Mastered is the wrong word. I make it up as I go.” Isa half-shrugged and changed the subject. “Now, what about your dress?”

  Aeryana pulled her gown from a closet. The same golden fabric was embellished with diamonds, the same stone as her ring. The Fae version of a diamond, but more brilliant colors through the clear stone. She slipped out of her dress, and Isa’s attention caught on the scar running across her lower abdomen.

  “What happened?”

  Aeryana sighed as she stepped into the wedding gown. “Henroyld learned I never stopped my relationship with Reance. He attempted to kill me, but failed.”

  “I’m glad I killed him.”

  “As am I. I never did thank you, but I was more worried about how injured you were. And the fact you attempted to fight the spell meant to save you.”

  “Didn’t want to leave Toryn. Like now, I’d rather be with him.”

  “I wish you felt closer to me. I’m not sure how to fix that.”

  “Time. It’s not that I don’t want to be here. I don’t feel like I belong here.” Isa twirled her finger. “Turn and I’ll zip you up.”

  Aeryana dipped her head and faced away from her.

  Isa closed the dress and placed her hand on her mother’s shoulder. “Honest, I’m looking forward to our joint ceremony. Still worried about what comes after.”

  Her mother turned back and took her hands. “If you choose to visit, you’re always welcome here.” She placed her hand over Isa’s heart and wind swirled through the room. “You can open a portal to anywhere in the castle now. My magic has accepted yours.”

  “Thank you. I wish this were easier for me.”

  “One day it will be. Even if you never make the castle your home, I believe you will find you fit in better than you imagine.”

  “I hope you’re right. I’ve seen myself happy and smiling somewhere in Faery with Toryn and our son.”

  “I’m looking forward to the day I meet my grandson. Though Reance has promised me you will have more than one child.”

  “Think you will ever have more?”

  She shook her head. “No. I’m afraid not. Henroyld ensured that.”

  “Then he knew all along I wasn’t his?”

  “He suspected. He didn’t know. But my attendant was very convincing as me.”

  Isa’s stomach churned. She didn’t want to think about that. One of her mother’s attendants craved Henroyld and took Aeryana’s place in his bedroom. The attendant had enjoyed Henroyld’s cruelty. Isa would never understand why her mother made the choices she did. There had to be another way.

  But it wasn’t her place to judge. And it was almost time for the ceremony. Forcing back the nerves, Isa put on a bright smile. “Are you ready to show the world Reance is yours forever?”

  Her eyes twinkled. “He’s always been mine and will always be mine. A ceremony can never change that.”

  “I suppose not.”

  “Oh, and I must beg you to at least come back in a week. The Elder Guardians will choose who shall rule the four kingdoms. There will be a huge celebration.”

  “Tell me I’m not being considered, and I will.” She hated agreeing, but her mother wanted her there, and she wanted to do something for her, even if she hated the idea of staying in Faery longer than necessary.

  “Thank you. And no. They won’t make you take a throne. You don’t consider yourself a part of our world, and they won’t ask you to rule until you feel at home here.”

  “That’s a relief, but I’d prefer to never lead. If it weren’t for Toryn, I’m not sure I would have made it as far as I have. My life was a mess before him.”

  “Ah, but it’s not a mess now. And sure, he may have helped you sort things out, but you’ve always been the one in charge.”

  “You’re the one who rules a realm. And from everything I’ve seen, you do it well.”

  She laughed softly. “According to you. However, there are those who would disagree. Which is why I’ve gladly agreed to let the Council give the Earth Kingdom to another. And why Reance has agreed to take the fire throne again. Though we’ve been ensured he can rule there from here and I can rule here from there.”

  “That’s a relief. But who will take the other two realms?”

  A smile twisted her lips. “That I can’t say for now.”

  “But you do know?”

  She smiled. “Thanks to your father. But it was the only way I would agree to ensuring you would be here for the crowning ceremony.”

  Which meant her mother understood to some degree. Though, why was it important for her to be there?

  * * * *

  Even Toryn had pushed him away. He stood there, staring out the window, toward the tower that held Aeryana’s room, where Isadora was.

  Reance sighed. “I feel like I’m losing touch with you and Isa, both.”

  “She’s worried, you know. About today, the wedding, what comes after.” Toryn shook his head, splaying his hand on the glass. “And now I’m worrying about her.”

  “She wants to know what’s coming, but I honestly don’t know anymore.” Reance sank onto a chair. “I wish I had the answers.”

  “You wouldn’t share them if you did.”

  He shrugged, not that Toryn could see facing away from him. “At this point, to gain your and Isa’s trust, I might.”

  Toryn turned to him. “That bad?”

  “I don’t know anything for certain. Only that normally I see the path and offshoots. Right now, I see a tangle of paths with no clear outcome.”

  Toryn huffed. “Welcome to our world. Are you worried about today?”

  “I’m worried about every moment, every day, until the path becomes clear again.” The truth hurt coming out, but holding it in was tearing him apart.

  The knock on the door pulled Reance’s head up. He stood and crossed the room. He found Xander standing there.

  Aeryana’s general wore a smile, though he lowered his tone. “May I speak with you? Alone?” He nodded at Toryn.

  “Of course,” Reance answered, stepping into the hall and shutting the door. Xander wove the spell to seal the sound from the room.

  “Dragons were seen in the valley, Reance. Earth and fire. No one knows for sure who, but my guess Gebiet and Kasai. They’re rumored to be mated, and she may be pregnant.”

  “That’s an interesting combination.”

  Xander chuckled. “No more than Alenathos and Fuerah.”

  In fact, he had to wonder if Fuerah was still avoiding her mate. The stubborn dragon wouldn’t listen to Alenathos, whose intentions were pure.

  One day, they’d find a way to understand each other. The more diverse Fae mated with each other, the more secure all their futures would be.

  “You’re the general. Do you think they can breach the wards?”

  “Not without help. Question is who would help? I can’t think of anyone. Everyone here has wanted Saressa off the throne for years. Most still believe she’s dead.”

  Reance blew out a breath. “She’s not. Everything would be a lot easier if she were.”

  “You had to know it was a possibility she’d live.”

  “Aye, but I had hoped.”

  “Still blame yourself for how she turned out?”

  “How can I not? If it weren’t for me, she would have been happy. I’m the one who led Tiewaz to him.”

  “From what I understand, he was a bad man who wanted to destroy the realms.”

  “Aye, but we could have exiled them.”

  “And they would have fought to come back, possibly causing more trouble. Look, your sister, whatever she was when you were young, she’s not now. And that isn’t directly because of you.”

  “Maybe, guess we’ll never know.”

&nb
sp; “Do you think she can be saved?”

  Reance shook his head. “Certainly not.” He nodded to the door. “I need to have a talk with Toryn.”

  Xander dipped his head and took a step away. “I’ll meet you downstairs shortly. That is if you still want me to stand in your place of honor.”

  A smile curved his lips. “You’ve been a good friend over the years. And the only other man I would ask is marrying my daughter the same time I’m marrying my queen.”

  Xander stood taller, meeting his gaze. “Then I’ll be there.”

  Reance stepped inside. He walked to Toryn and broke one of his rules. “I’ll tell you one thing I’m certain of. Your next son is important to Faery in more ways than I can count.”

  Toryn searched his face for a long moment before answering. “Tell me that’s a good thing.”

  “He will be an amazing man, much like his father.”

  “I hope you’re right about me.” Toryn pulled him into a hug.

  “Of that, I have no doubt.” Reance pulled on all the hope he could and reached for the original visions that painted a bright future for all of them, though those had become fleeting.

  Chapter 10

  Nervous energy trailed along every inch of Toryn. He couldn’t wait to see his bride come down the aisle. It was about the only thing similar between human and Fae ceremonies. It was a public promise, more than a joining of two people.

  Fae were funny about the ceremony. A Fae bond was stronger than any other, so most never sought marriage without a contract. Toryn refused to even mention a contract to Isa. He didn’t want one. His heart belonged to his princess. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

  And he knew she felt the same.

  Then she stepped around the corner and took her mother’s hand. All he could see was Isa, floating to him in a cloud of gold. The trains of their dresses lifted on the wind, billowing around them, giving them a glow unlike anything he’d ever seen but in dreams.

  Isa’s emerald gaze latched onto his. Love flowed between them. Silver flames erupted at his feet, trailing toward her. Lightning flowed from the sky, dancing around her. Water fell but was whipped up in the wind that swirled around her. Golden flames arced off her fingertips, up her arms and down her back, flickering off the dress that blew around her. The floor beneath her feet rolled toward him.

  Gasps echoed through the crowd.

  Toryn couldn’t tear his eyes from Isa as her long strides ate up the distance. Their magic met in the middle and collided, twisting between the two.

  Isa ran the rest of the way, and Toryn caught his mate as her arms wound around his neck. Her mouth descended on his, stealing his breath as she kissed him deeper. The elements swirled up and around them.

  He pressed his forehead to hers, a smile on his lips that matched her own as their hearts synced.

  The Elemental Guard spoke in unison, reciting the ritual. Their magic died down as rose petals floated through a gentle breeze that circled the entire balcony. A thousand white doves landed on the rail as voices sang out.

  Lights danced through Isa’s skin. He reached up to trail his fingers across her cheek. The same colors rippled under his flesh. Their elements seemed to merge, expand, become more.

  He couldn’t hear the six men speaking in unison over his pounding heart. “Mine, now and always,” Toryn whispered.

  “Yours, always and forever.”

  He took her hand and slipped the band down her finger.

  She pulled another ring from her cleavage and with a wink placed it on his. “Mine, for all the worlds to see,” she whispered.

  “Nothing can ever tear me from you,” he vowed.

  * * * *

  Isa was lost in Toryn’s azure eyes. His thoughts swirled around her head. She couldn’t fear anything when she was in his arms. Her knight.

  People started to crowd around her. She finally faced the chairs and found everyone in line to greet the new crowned princess.

  Man, she’d missed the entire ceremony, lost in Toryn. Not that she regretted that for a second, but something was different after the ceremony.

  The fire burned hotter in her soul. His fire.

  A giant of a man stepped in front of her. The man who’d stood beside her father. “A pleasure to finally see the babe grown.”

  Isa’s head cocked at the deep timbre of his voice. “Should I know you?”

  He chuckled, a low rumble. “You wouldn’t remember. You were days old when I brought you across the veil to Earth.”

  “Oh…” She didn’t know what to say.

  “I’m Xander, general of the Earth and Air realms. Toryn is a friend of mine. So are Aeryana and Reance. Your magic is impressive, Princess.”

  “Isadora, please.”

  Xander chuckled. “Unfortunately, today, no one will call you by your name. The ceremony ensured that.”

  “He’s right,” Toryn whispered in her ear.

  She had a feeling for as long as she was in Faery, she’d go by the title. Man, she wanted to go home.

  “I shouldn’t keep you. There are many more who want introductions.”

  The procession continued, and Isa couldn’t keep track of everyone.

  Chapter 11

  After the last well-wishers made their way to the reception, Toryn pulled Isa into an alcove. He needed to touch her, to hold her, to taste her lips.

  Isa stopped and pulled him against her. “All mine, for the rest of our lives.”

  Grinning, he brushed his mouth over hers. “Forever, and ever, and longer.” He nipped her lush bottom lip, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “I thought the procession would never end.”

  He chuckled. “I feared the same.”

  She waved her hand and a wall of rose bushes grew from the rock and blocked out the rest of the balcony.

  Toryn wove a silencing spell as he pulled her into his arms.

  “What is it, Isa?”

  “Crave a moment alone with my husband.”

  He pressed a kiss to her lips and trailed one hand down her ribs and over her flat stomach. He covered her belly with his hand and felt the tiny spark of magic they’d created the day before.

  He pressed his forehead to hers and wished he could share the happiness roaring through him. Their child. The one thing he knew would keep her fighting for him.

  “As much as I’d love to keep you to myself, we shouldn’t stay gone too long,” he admitted.

  She finally stopped worrying, and he couldn’t shake the feeling something really fucking bad was coming sooner than anyone suspected.

  Taking Isa away from the castle seemed the better bet. Yet, she hadn’t seen a true Fae party yet, and this was in their honor, as well as her parents’.

  “You’re always right.” She smiled softly as he stepped back and smoothed down her dress.

  “This is one case I don’t mind being right.” He gave her a wicked smile.

  She ran a hand over the fabric. “At least my dress wasn’t as encrusted as my mother’s. All those gemstones could form armor.”

  “Oh, they do. Yours will as well if need be.”

  Isa’s eyes widened as she looked down at the gown. Then she paled. “Oh, fuck me. No.”

  “What is it?”

  Biting her lip, she looked away. “Tell me we can skip the reception. I know why this dress gives me the willies.”

  “Why?”

  “I was wearing this in that first vision.”

  He frowned, his head tipping to the side. “But we were fine.”

  “Yeah, but it’s the start of something bigger, Toryn. I’m not ready for this.”

  His fingers delved into her hair. “We’ll be fine, Isa. I swear it.”

  Her head shook slowly shook back and forth you. “You don’t know that.”

  “I do. There’s so much more for us.”

  “What if we’ve veered off path? What if—”


  He crushed her mouth with his, stopping the arguments. “Stop. Nothing will happen here. No one is ballsy enough to make a stand against Aeryana and Reance in the Castle of the Sky.”

  “Fucking hope not,” she muttered.

  He wished he could take away her doubts, but he had to wonder why she’d be wearing this dress in the vision. He banished the thought as he pulled the silencing spell down. She sent the rose bushes back into the stone.

  Taking her arm, he led her to the banquet table where all kinds of Fae food were loaded.

  “Help me find something good,” she whispered.

  “I could bring you a plate,” he offered, nodding toward the royal table.

  She gulped. “No. I’d prefer to fix my own.”

  He chuckled. “Then follow me and I’ll tell you what to take.”

  “You aren’t going to suggest I sit anyway?”

  “No, because people would expect us both to sit and let someone else bring our food. And you aren’t ready for that.”

  Her brow pinched. “I hate this.”

  “What?”

  “Expectations.”

  “Everyone has expectations, Isa. You can choose to ignore them.”

  “Can I?” She let out a breath.

  “Yes, you can.” He led her around the table, helping her choose what to eat.

  * * * *

  Isa hadn’t seen Scotty since the ceremony had ended. Not since she’d caught a glimpse of someone she was certain didn’t belong at the wedding. Though she didn’t recognize the man exactly, there was something wrong about him, something she couldn’t put her finger on. He stuck to shadows, and she didn’t get a good view.

  At first, she didn’t think much of it because Jayde wasn’t there either. Then toward the end of the banquet, Jayde appeared. She searched the courtyard frantically.

  Toryn clutched her closer and whispered in her ear, “We should go inside.”

  Isa pulled away. “Something is wrong with Scotty.” She started toward Jayde.

  “Isa, we should go inside,” he said again.