Twisted Bonds

by Brandy L Rivers

  Not that the guardians would be there. No, the guards would. God, those men were creepy. They all moved as one, spoke as one, and vibrated with strange power.

  Toryn watched her from the bar, but made no move to stop her. Kellan moved in front of her. “What’s the matter?”

  “What is Saressa planning?”

  Kellan snorted. “Don’t know. I’ve completely blocked her out, and maybe I shouldn’t have, but I suck at lying.”

  “Hey, don’t worry about it,” Isa said. “I don’t know why, but I can see everything she’s doing if I concentrate. She’s playing the dragons, I know it, I can feel it, but I can’t get in her head. But she’s been watching the Castle of Flames since early this morning.”

  “For the best.”

  Toryn joined them. “Wait, you’ve been watching her? She’s above the castle?”

  Isa nodded. “Yeah. She isn’t doing anything but watching. Is that where my father plans to rule from? There’s not another castle somewhere?”

  He shook his head. “Not that I’m aware of. But the desert has been empty since the war. There are only a few small towns on the outskirts.”

  “Saressa has been there most of the week.”

  “We need to tell Reance,” Toryn stated.

  “Figured we could do that after we get to the castle.”

  “What are we waiting on?”

  Isa shook her head and opened a portal to the dining hall, not to the throne room. She headed for her parents’ tower, knowing she could have gone straight there, but she didn’t want to bring anyone but Toryn and maybe Kellan to talk to her father about what was going on.

  She half assumed that as twins, he might be privy to what was going on if she had access. Maybe that had been a bad assumption.

  Pulling her fingers through her hair, she walked up to her parents’ door and knocked.

  Reance answered before her knuckles hit the door a third time with a frown. “What’s wrong?”

  “You haven’t seen, have you?” Isa asked.

  “Seen what?”

  Her brow pinched. “What your sister is doing.”

  “What’s that?” Reance asked, rubbing at his arm.

  “Can we come in?” Isa asked.

  He stepped back, motioning inside. “You’re starting to worry me, Isa.”

  “How do you not know what I’ve been seeing?”

  A sigh deflated his shoulders as he sank onto a bench. “You’ve been blocking. So has she.”

  “I haven’t even tried to block. I want her to find me,” Isa insisted.

  Reance nodded, looking down at the floor. “What have you seen?”

  “She was somewhere the day after the wedding. Gebiet has been feeding her the Deathknell Ichor. Every two days like clockwork.”

  Reance’s head snapped up. “Why?”

  “She’s pregnant with Damha’s children. Didn’t you know that?” Isa asked. Maybe she hadn’t mentioned that either, but surely Marielle could have. “She’s trying to stave off her addiction to Damha’s venom, and I think she’s hoping to kill the babies. She keeps asking about some midwife who might be able to take care of them.”

  “This isn’t good. Not good at all. Arachnian with fire and water magic, who can’t be stopped by the ichor. They’re going to be damned hard to kill.”

  “I’ll kill them. She can’t be completely immune to everything.”

  “Not everything.” Reance combed his fingers through his hair. “Earth and air magic will hurt her. And I believe Toryn’s fire. Maybe even yours. But I can’t guarantee anything.”

  “She’s watching the castle from the volcano. The caves are just above it.”

  “That’s Fuerah’s old home. Until Saressa took the castle.” Reance stood and looked at the door Aeryana entered through. “If the announcement goes as we believe, will you help me secure the Fire Realm from Saressa once more?”

  Aeryana smiled. “Of course, my love. In fact, I’ve already spoken to the other two and they are going to do the same for their realms. She’ll be forced out.”

  “And what about Gebiet and Kasai?”

  “Same to them. I suppose we’ll see if she takes them to Earth, or if they take her to a land farther out that falls into the neutral territories.”

  “Would the Sun or Moonlight Citadels take her?” Isa asked.

  Toryn tipped his head side to side. “That depends on who’s running the place and how much they allow their feelings to interfere. Supposedly, they can’t, but most of the people in both are there to get away from Saressa. They might make an exception in her case.”

  “Let’s hope. Though, I think I may know the area Saressa would wind up if she goes back to the home she was staying in. We were there not long ago.”

  “Where?”

  “There was a long stretch I felt her, near Normandy. She was looking out over the Ocean. I’m almost positive.” Isa shuddered. “I think she’ll go back there, which means we’ll be able to find her more easily.”

  She didn’t bother to mention she wished she could forget all about Saressa. But until she was dead, she didn’t think that was likely. The woman was obsessed with destroying Reance.

  “We’ll have to worry about Kasai and Gebiet. Gebiet has a grudge against Preston. Something about magical blades.”

  Toryn winced. “Remus called him. Preston took on the dragon, and he’d put the sword through his shoulder, and later his neck. I’m sure there is permanent damage, but that also means your blades can damage dragons. So, that’s a plus.”

  Isa nodded and looked at Aeryana. “What needs to be done to make the lands push Saressa out?”

  “A treaty that has already been drafted and looked at by all parties. We just need the final ruling on who the leaders will be, but the Elder Guardians seem pleased we are working together already.”

  “Let’s hope there are no surprises then.” Isa hoped there were no major coups staged.

  Chapter 30

  Toryn pulled Isa into their tower. “What do you think is going to happen today?”

  “Fuck if I know. The Elder Guard creeps me out, and having everyone here seems to be important somehow, but the only way I can figure is in a bad way.”

  “Not necessarily. I mean, they do see the future more thoroughly than even Reance. Perhaps they believe there is something they need from all of us together?” Toryn pulled her into his arms. “Relax. Even if they tried something you don’t want, you can leave. They can’t actually hold you here against your will.”

  Her rigid posture eased. “You’re right.”

  “Though I find it odd Reance doesn’t seem to be pushing for answers. He seems to be riding things out.”

  “He can’t see Saressa. Maybe he’s starting to trust where we all land?” Isa managed a smile. “Though we should probably get out there.”

  He eyed her clothing. She was still in leather pants and a tank, as if she expected some kind of trouble. “Not going for anything more formal?”

  She grabbed her shirt and shifted it into a long coat with lace trim. “I’m not going to wear a dress to this. I just—I don’t know, something seems off and I want to be prepared.”

  His deep chuckle warmed her. “Gorgeous, but not what I was thinking.”

  Her brow cocked. “Too bad. I want to be ready, in case this doesn’t go as expected.”

  “We’ll stand near the back.” He nodded to the doors. “Come on, we should get out there.” He took her arm and led her to the throne room, where he pulled her into the middle of the crowd.

  She rolled her eyes at the hushed whispers. Her thoughts popped into his head. Should have glamoured.

  Not here, not with the Elder Guard, Toryn argued. Unfortunately, that would be taken as a threat.

  She leaned into his side as the Elder Guard entered through six portals.

  * * * *

  Nerves raced through Reance. He’d never wanted to be king again. And no
w, he was being thrust back into the position that further drove a wedge between him and Saressa.

  He’d left the castle in ruin, hoping no one would step foot into it again. And maybe Aeryana was right. They could each rule their own kingdoms from the Castle of the Sky or Castle of Flames at a whim. Thankfully. Otherwise, he would refuse, perhaps even drag Aeryana to Earth with him and let the Elder Guardians implement their thought on letting a new generation into the monarchies.

  Only problem there, none of the proposed new kings and queens wanted to stay in Faery for any length of time. None considered it their home. New ideas were formulated, and a treaty created in case their way was chosen. But unless the Elder Guardians lost their minds, they wouldn’t insist on rulers who weren’t ready for life in Faery.

  It seemed that their future was back on track to how he originally foresaw. Maybe Aeryana was right, maybe Saressa was getting into his head and twisting everything to her preferred outcome.

  All six men thumped their staves and spoke in unison in that eerily empty voice. “Please welcome the queen of the Air Realm, Aeryana, the king of the Fire Kingdom, Reance, the new king of the Earth Realm, Xander, and the new queen of the Water Kingdom, Marielle. Their rule begins immediately, and any help you deem necessary to rebuild any fallen castles, or claim another, will be honored. Congratulations.”

  After the announcement, all of the Elder Guard walked through the portal.

  He’d expected more than that, but it was the first time that he could recall the Elder Guardians stepping in to announce who they would see as the leader. The only other time they had interfered was with Eldred and that was to remove him. The people had chosen his brother, Aeryana’s father to take the kingdom, and he had passed it to her much later.

  Isadora smiled, leaning against Toryn. He wanted to talk to Isa, see what she was thinking, but that would have to wait.

  Aeryana’s voice rang out. “To the dining hall. It’s time to celebrate. Perhaps tomorrow we can sort out the matter of where the realms’ new royalty will reside.”

  Even if he chose to stay at the Castle of the Sky most of the time, he would be required to deal with Fire Realm matters at the castle, but nothing prevented him from spending his free time with his wife and mate.

  In record time, everyone cleared out of the throne room and made their way to the dining room. Reance caught up with Isa and pulled her aside. Toryn was right there with her.

  “You okay?” Reance asked.

  “Painless.”

  “What did you think might happen?”

  She shrugged. “Not a clue. I may have worried they would try to keep us here.”

  He smiled. “It was proposed a younger generation take the lead. However, the Earth Realm didn’t have anyone who fit the bill. And none of the candidates have any idea what to do on the throne. For now, until any of you show some sort of interest, it’s best this way.”

  “Can I make a suggestion?” Isa asked.

  “Of course.”

  “There’s some secret room in the Castle of Flames. You could open a portal, we could cast the wards, with Lonny’s help, then we can use some magic to rebuild.”

  “I know of no magic to fully rebuild a castle.”

  “No, you wouldn’t, but Xander may. I have an idea of how to put the castle back together, but I need his help and yours so we can make sure fire is tied into it. And if we can, my mother and Marielle to include all of the elements. In return, we could work similar magic in the other castles.”

  “You really are amazing, Isadora. Thank you.”

  “Well, don’t thank me yet. We have to find out if we can pull it off,” Isa answered.

  Reance grinned. “I have every confidence that if anyone can, it’s you.”

  Isa nodded, squeezing Toryn’s hand. “We better get in there.”

  Amused and intrigued, Reance joined Aeryana at the table.

  * * * *

  Isa pulled Toryn to a pair of seats nearest the head table where her parents sat with Xander, Marielle, and Miles.

  He leaned in, whispering, “Why not up there?”

  Jackie dropped into the seat beside her. Isa hugged Jackie. “Hey, you, having fun in Faery?”

  That answered Toryn’s question.

  Jackie looked at Eddie and back with a shrug. “It’s been interesting, but I’m ready to go home.”

  “I could open a portal for you. I think we’re staying at least a while, see what we can do to ensure a certain evil bitch doesn’t mess with any of the realms. Then going back to our honeymoon.”

  Jackie nudged her shoulder. “Is the rumor true? Are you pregnant?”

  She nodded slowly. “Toryn knocked me up.” Isa tossed him a wink.

  “You ready for a baby?” Jackie asked, her eyes bouncing around.

  “Is anyone ever really ready? I’m not upset, though. We’ll make it work.”

  Jackie giggled. “If anyone can, it’s you two. That poor kid may get an eyeful, though. You two snuck off at your own party how many times?”

  Isa blushed slightly. “Can’t keep my hands to myself.”

  “Neither can I,” Toryn added.

  Jackie glanced back at Eddie. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  Eddie ducked his head. “Yeah, I think we need to be a little more discreet. How many times did your parents catch us in the act?”

  Jackie shrugged. “Strangely, they don’t mind.”

  Isa couldn’t contain a laugh. “She is a siren.”

  Toryn took another look around. No one insisted Scotty or Jayde come. In a way, it was a relief. Kellan wasn’t there. And he didn’t see Hayden or Amethyst either.

  Having the nymph on hand to heal Isa seemed like a good thing. He really didn’t want to think about it at all. As soon as the meal was over and most of the attendees had been dismissed, the room grew quiet.

  Reance cleared his throat and took a stand. “My daughter, Isadora, has a suggestion I think we could benefit from.”

  Toryn gripped her hand and looked into her emerald eyes. “You’ve got this, Princess.”

  Smirking, she stood. “Saressa remains a problem, but I believe I have a solution to keep her out of each of your realms, but it will take some cooperation from each of you in order to ensure she can’t sabotage the castles or your lands. And as I understand, the Fire Realm is in the most disrepair. Then Earth, Water, and finally here. And with Saressa parking her ass above the Castle of Flames, I think starting there is in our best interest.”

  “And if you decide it’s too much work to do the rest of the kingdoms?” Xander demanded, the floor rumbling.

  Isa stood and walked past the table, to where she could look directly at Xander. “Do you agree that Saressa is a large issue?”

  “Of course.”

  “And would you like her to destroy the Castle of Flames when she realizes we’re about to lock her out of it?”

  “No, but how can we trust you?” Xander countered.

  “Do you trust Aeryana and Reance?”

  He nodded.

  “Then why do you have to trust me?”

  His jaw fell open. “Shouldn’t I? This is your harebrained idea.”

  Isa’s eyes narrowed at him. “Fine, don’t come. I’ll find someone else who can do what needs to be done to rebuild the castle.”

  “Pshh, I can’t rebuild a castle with magic.”

  “Sure you can, if you have my help, but that’s fine, I won’t be helping with yours either.” She turned to Marielle. “If you can get us to the castle under the water, I’m happy to help you if you can help with some of the warding.”

  A smile spread on Marielle’s face. “Of course.”

  She turned back to Xander. “If you want my help, you’ll go to the Castle of Flames first. Then we’ll be at yours. From what I understand, we won’t need you for the other two, but if you’re concerned I won’t help all four, you’ll stick around to see that I do.” />
  Aeryana choked on a laugh. “You’d be wise to listen to her. She’s a lot like me. If she says she’ll do something, she will. And the castle in Reance’s lands needs the most attention, more quickly. She even has a plan to get us in there before Saressa, Gebiet, or Kasai are the wiser. By the time they figure it out, they will be rejected from the mountain.”

  “She can do that?” Xander asked, moving around the table, walking toward Isa, eyeing her. “And how do you think you will?”

  “We will. Or whoever comes with. Up to you, Xander.”

  “Do you vouch for her?” Xander asked Toryn.

  “Don’t be a fool. Of course I do. And trust me, she is a very loyal friend. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for one.”

  He flexed his hands and turned to Isa. “And who suggested my castle second?”

  “I did.”

  “Why?”

  She sighed. “Because after my father’s, yours needs the most attention. If yours were the most damaged, I would start there. It’s not.”

  He looked at Reance, then Aeryana and lifted a shoulder.

  Xander’s gaze swung back to Isa. “Very well. We start with the Castle of Flames. And if you don’t follow through, you’ll learn a valuable lesson.”

  “That a challenge? When I’m the one coming up with a solution and offering to help you when so far I haven’t seen a single damned thing to prove you’re worthy of my help.”

  “Feisty. I knew I liked you.” He held his hands up. “I have a feeling you’d take me down a few notches, so I’ll back down. But only because no one else here seems to question whether or not we should trust you, and Marielle watched you slaughter Damha.”

  Toryn took a breath of relief. He leaned toward Jackie. “You two coming? Or staying behind?”

  “Think we can actually help?”

  Toryn shrugged. “Not sure, but as a princess, it might be good to see how your mother works with the leaders from the other realms.”

  Jackie turned to Eddie. “He’s got a point. But aren’t you tired of being here yet?”