Soon Sinow would hold their regular Council meeting, and he knew the Council awaited a decision on Violissa as their people were getting restless for the union. A snakelike smile formed on his face as his eyes grew a shade deeper. That was it. He’d use the meeting to stir up doubt and throw in some suggestions of his own to make the others think. Those suggestions would be overheard by the trusted servants that sometimes were present in those meetings, servants who could easily be manipulated through a little use of his power. Then, he’d use the wind to his advantage. It was time to take the game into full action. If this didn’t work, then that was it; he would have to come out against Sinow in a show of force. This would at least give him time to work out more of the book and perhaps by then he’d know what his final play would be. Until then, he’d have to trust in the wind to do his dirty deeds for him. He slammed his fist on the book, causing papers and other books to fly off the desk. The plan was forming in his head, and tomorrow he would bring it to life. Yes, he would use this new spell as the first step in Sinow’s undoing. If Violissa was truly the nature queen they said she was, then it figured the wind might be something of a friend to her. Or in this case, an unseen enemy.
Thirty-Six
Sinow sat before his Council. They met regularly to discuss issues in the realm, one of the few times his entire Council were present. It had been over a moon cycle since he’d last seen Violissa, and his head was pounding again. The calming spell she had woven prior to that meeting had long since been gone, and he struggled daily to maintain clarity. He’d thought for a moment during his conversation with Tynan that he’d found balance, but it had been short lived. The internal struggle wore on and wore him down endlessly.
Sinow noticed his brother slumped in the corner. A servant brought him a drink as Sinow began to speak. “Gentleman, welcome home to those who’ve been scattered through the realm of late. Are there any urgent issues to bring forward today?”
A few of them exchanged looks, and Mackay cleared his throat then addressed Sinow. “My liege, we have a concern that needs to be addressed,” he said hesitantly. All of them knew his Dark powers were in control most of the time, but there were times such as now when they were not. They all tried to avoid tipping the scales in these instances
“Go ahead,” Sinow said, leaning forward in his chair. An orb of light flickered somewhere behind him, lending an even more frightening edge to his appearance.
Mackay cleared his throat again and continued, “As you know, it’s been years since your ascension, and there is talk among the people, questions frankly about when you will…” he stopped as Sinow shifted back in his seat and crossed his arms. He already knew where this was going and didn’t like it. Mackay continued, “They want to know when you’ll take a queen.” Tynan broke the sudden tension, spitting his drink all over the table in response.
“Pull yourself together, Tynan, or leave,” Sinow said bluntly. He continued to look at Mackay. “So, tell me, Mackay, since when do I care what my people think? I fail to see how this constitutes a matter of urgency.” He looked at the other Council. “Are people really concerned with this, or are you using them as a scapegoat for your own agenda? My father didn’t take a wife until well into his reign. I see no reason not to do the same.”
“What of the Light Queen, Sinow? Do you not think it’s time to act on that union?” Keary asked, standing up to address him as he did so. Sinow gave him an irritated look, Keary knew his answer, and he’d discussed his reasons with him earlier in private. He wouldn’t take this moment to bring it back up.
“You know very well the situation with the queen, Keary. It will happen on its own accord.”
“Why will it not happen now, Sinow?” his brother asked slyly. Sinow began to respond with a threat to remove him if he didn’t keep his thoughts to himself when another Council picked up on Tynan’s question. “He brings up a good point, Sinow, why can it not happen now?”
Sinow gritted his teeth. This conversation was not anything he’d intended to discuss today. “Because it is too soon.” He didn’t feel he needed to explain, but he went on anyway, “We cannot even be close to each other yet. Our powers won’t allow it, we both instinctively react against each other if too close. We can barely stand next to each other without the flame and arcane flying. A union right now would be disastrous to both the realms.” He ran his hand through his hair as they all began talking at once. He slammed a fist against the table. “Enough! Let us end this conversation…”
“It begs a question, Sinow,” Faolan began again. “Why bother with the Light Queen at all then. Obviously, a union is not necessary as their Council had previously insisted it was.” The voices began to murmur again. “You are now the most powerful king the realm has ever had. Why not forget this prophecy garbage and look to one of our own?”
Many of the voices asserted their agreement. Sinow watched Keary shake his head in disagreement with them as he met his gaze. Stay Calm, he said to Sinow in enaigne. It was difficult to maintain the control. He felt the heat rise in him at the thought of what they’d suggested.
Tynan broke the control with his interjection of, “That’s a great idea. I think you should marry one of ours. Our women may not be as stunning as Violissa,” once again the sound of her name coming from his mouth grated on Sinow, “but I’d bet your crown they’re much more exciting in bed.”
With that, Sinow erupted. He stood, bringing the solid oak table crashing down as he did. The fire blazed within him, and blackness swirled around him. He felt his eyes blacken. He didn’t know why he felt so defensive about all this, but he did.
“There will be no more talk of unions! I will not have anyone but Violissa, and that will be on my terms and not yours! Now leave me, all of you.” Flames licked from his fingers and scorched the broken piece of the table that remained in his hand. The room was silent. They all stood and bowed before shifting. All but Keary and Tynan left. Sinow faced his brother, letting a bolt of power loose from his left hand; it smashed against his brother’s weak shield. “Leave now, Tynan. I do not want you in my presence.”
Tynan simply smirked then vanished, a creepy gleam in his eyes.
Keary looked at him. “You let him get away with too much, Sinow, and you always have. I will tell you again, he is a weakness you need to address and soon.”
“I will,” Sinow replied, looking at the chunk of the table in his hand. Keary ran a hand above the smashed remains of the table and watched as it became whole again.
“It’s been some time since the ascension, Sinow. Maybe it’s time to approach Violissa about the union again. It’s clear you will give yourself no other option.”
Sinow sat back down and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t want another option, Keary. She’s the only one, no other could compare, but the last time we met there were words exchanged. The kind of words that are difficult to undo.”
“Many things can be undone, Sinow, especially words. I’ve known you since we were kids and I can tell you’re smitten. Actually, I’d venture a guess that’s an understatement.”
“Mmmm, you’re probably right.” Sinow leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. “I don’t know, Keary, the instinctual hatred buried in our powers erupts when we even attempt to get close. It’s getting better but still not like it was before the ascension.”
“Why is that I wonder? Maybe that was the reason the Light Council wanted you to marry before the ascension. Apparently, they knew more than they let on. Once again.”
“Apparently,” Sinow said, rubbing his hands over his face and leaning back again. “It changed after our ascensions so that would make sense. Violissa mentioned something about that when we last met.” He clawed his hands through his hair as he realized how he’d reacted to her telling him that same fact. “And I overreacted like a fool when she did.”
Keary laughed. “It wouldn’t be the first time, and I’m sure i
t won’t be the last. Look, Sinow, I know you tried pushing through the reaction before, but you need to keep trying. What’s the worse that would happen? So, you blast each other with power, you’re both immortal so you can’t hurt each other. If I were you, Sinow, I’d try it again. Don’t pay the Council any heed. They’re just trying to do the right thing for you and the realm. Unfortunately, what they brought up wasn’t the right thing.”
He stood and patted Sinow on the shoulder, “As long as we’ve known each other, Sinow, I’ve never seen you want anything as badly as you want Violissa. You’ve always been obstinate about maintaining your celibacy, as if you were one of the Council. And while we always had our struggles with it, you’ve made it look embarrassingly easy. I guess what I’m saying is, the Fates have joined the two of you together since before you were born. Don’t let any more excuses keep either of you apart.”
He stood and rubbed his hands together. “Well, I’m off. I have the honors of smoothing some egos that were slightly bruised again by my hot-tempered king. Should be a fun day.” He bowed slightly with a smile. “Good day, my liege.”
Sinow sat quietly after Keary had gone, thinking back on their conversation. Maybe he was right, excuses ruled his relationship with Violissa. Her excuses pushed them apart initially and now his excuses were keeping them apart. He had enough control now; it was time to take that control and use it. Violissa would be his and nothing else would get in his way. He had some time before their next meeting, and he’d use it to his advantage. By the time he saw her next, he’d walk right up to her, take her in his arms, and kiss her like he’d wanted since he first laid eyes on her. Then he’d bed her again as he had in the Dream Realm, but this time it would be no dream. He smiled at the thought. It was all falling into place; maybe he’d even call an earlier meeting. It was time to put an end to the longing.
If Sinow hadn’t been so wrapped in his own thoughts of Violissa, he may have noticed a slight flicker in the air in the corner to his right. He didn’t, however, and it was only after he’d vanished that the flicker mutated into the form of his brother. Tynan had created a concealing spell to cloak his presence from his brother. He’d only tried it once before, but he didn’t have time for more trials. He’d taken the risk that it would work, and it had. From what he’d heard today, the risk was worth it. Things were falling into place. It was time to make his move.
As Tynan shifted from the room, the prophecy strayed further from its original path.
Thirty-Seven
Violissa rose from the water of the small pond. The sun glittered off the surface of her skin, creating a haloed look about her. She’d taken the morning to think on the last few years of her reign. Her mind had wandered to Sinow quickly. She’d thought about how comfortable she’d grown to be with him, how the need for him grew with each meeting they had together. Then she’d thought about their last meeting. It had all gone so wrong. She knew it wasn’t really him speaking and that the words they’d thrown around had merely been idle threats. At least she hoped they had been. It was so hard to guess what he would do if completely under the influence of his Dark powers, and so much time had passed since that day. She sighed, not wanting to think of the possibilities of what might have happened since that time.
“Don’t be stupid, Violissa, you know he hasn’t done anything,” she told herself, shrugging off the negativity.
She thought back to the positive feelings she’d had before her mind had wandered. Disregarding that last meeting, things had been going well. They were getting so much closer that it seemed like a union was bound to happen. She needed to start looking to the future, to give up her former stubborn, independent self, and let the Fates finally have their way. She had established herself as queen, become comfortable with her duties, and embraced her new powers. She had also come to realize that she was in love with Sinow. No matter which way she looked at it, love was the only word to describe it. She felt giddy thinking about him. Her heart raced in anticipation of each meeting. A part of her even wished she’d accepted it all before the ascension but not even she had the power to turn back time. She laughed as the thought of how worried she’d been after her dream with the Fate. Maybe it had all been a dream. Clearly, it hadn’t been correct. Years had gone by, and no disasters had occurred. If anything, she and Sinow had only grown closer. She felt confident that one of them would test the safety boundary they’d set up between each other again. The last time they had tried they failed, but that had been some time ago. If Sinow didn’t give in to the sexual tension that filled the air when they met, then she soon would. The next meeting was getting closer; this time she’d surprise him and make the first move. He wouldn’t expect it from her reaction last time. She felt confident that at least she had enough control now. As she drew her dress around her, a breeze picked up, sending a chill down her spine. The breeze ran through her hair and wrapped itself around her, whispering to her as it did.
“Violissa,” it spoke in an eerie tone made up of what sounded like a chorus of voices. She had talked with the trees and plants, even the land itself but never had she heard the wind talk. It was an exhilarating experience.
“Violissa,” it said again, drifting away as the breeze rebuilt its strength then drew close to her as it spoke. “We have heard talk of a union.”
Violissa perked up at the word. “Sinow?” she asked, feeling even better about her decision to move forward with their relationship.
“Yes,” it replied, causing a flutter in her chest, “for Sinow, but your name was not in the air.”
Her smile faltered. “What are you saying?” she asked cautiously, not wanting to know the answer.
“It is being spoken that a union will be to one of Tenebron.”
“No…” Violissa said quietly as memories of their last meeting flashed back to her. “I don’t understand. Who else would there be?” she asked quietly, trying to gain control of her emotions. She felt as if someone had ripped her heart from her chest and was stomping on it repeatedly.
“There is merely talk that it will happen. We have not heard a name. Violissa…”
“From whence did you hear this? It cannot be true.” She was grasping at the thought that it may have been rumor but knew the wind would not have bothered her on just rumor. Why she felt she could trust the wind for its word was a question that never crossed her mind.
“From servants at his castle, people in the villages. The word has spread quickly. We hear all and have not heard otherwise.”
She inhaled deeply, shaking in the process. “Thank you, my friends. Thank you.”
The breeze softly caressed her face as a mother might hold a child’s. It dried the tear that ran from her eye. “Do not cry, my queen, all will be righted in the end.” The last words were but a whisper as the gentle breeze faded, leaving her alone to her own thoughts and fears.
Violissa dropped to her knees as she replayed the wind’s words then thought about the way she and Sinow had ended their last conversation. They had both said they’d take another. He had told her he would no longer wait. Another tear slipped down her cheek, and she brought her hand up to wipe it away. He had said it, and she’d chosen to disregard it simply as an empty threat. She’d overlooked the possibility, put it aside and let her thoughts of a union get the better of her emotions. Another tear slipped by at the thought, then another until they began wetting the ground below her. She didn’t understand the reaction she was having, but the tears continued to fall. There was a pain welling in her chest, causing her to double over. As she did, she lay down in the grass and held her legs tight to her. It was times like this she longed for a mother to hold and comfort her. The emotions that pounded at her were unknown to her. She never stopped to doubt the words the wind had spoken to her. Never wondered how this could be, simply assumed it must be truth based on that last conversation. Somehow her mind forced it to make sense, rationalized it. Sinow was frustrated at th
eir lack of intimacy, at the distance they had to maintain. There was no doubt that he could not wait for her as he had said he would. He was a man, a king no less. He had needs and desires that she had not met, at this point could never meet. Violissa lay there a long while, the grass and flowers below her weaving a blanket to cover her and the trees above bending over to shelter her. All provided what comfort they could.
Night fell.
When she felt she could cry no more, Violissa pulled herself up. She gave thanks to the trees and land in a low whisper then shifted to the castle. She appeared in the Council’s study, knowing at least Daneele would be there. Hoping he could explain the pain she felt and her inability to breathe. She looked a fright, her hair had dried while she’d lain there, it had matted in clumps around her neck, and knots had formed around her face. Her eyes were swollen from the tears that had left streaks from the dirt on which she’d rested. She’d barely pulled her dress up to cover herself, buttons lay open down her back. Even in such a disarray, she was still beautiful but in a heartbreaking way. Daneele saw her first and leapt from his chair to catch her as she collapsed in his arms. The others gathered around, concern on their faces.
Ascension (Unbound Prophecy Book 1) Page 27
