by Dakota Trace
* * * *
Alexander sighed as he entered his house. He didn't know if he could do what the man had asked him to do. Gracie was a friend, first and foremost. She had helped him when his emerging sexuality became a concern for him. She’d supported him, when he had fallen in love with Thomas. Hell, she had even gone with him to his parent's house and helped him ‘come out’ about it. She’d done everything in her power to help him. And he’d taken advantage of it.
Now, this man wanted him to snatch Gracie out from under his own Prince's nose.
Just to avenge some foolish woman’s scorned pride. Unfortunately he didn’t know if he 137
and Thomas could survive the fallout if Thomas’s parents found out. As sure as the moon rose, Thomas's parents would disown him, and he had no choice. He couldn’t let Thomas lose the position he loved in his family’s firm.
Entering the kitchen, he picked up the phone and dialed the number on the card the man had given him. As he waited for him to answer, a tear rolled down his cheek followed by another.
* * * *
Gracie lay on her bed, mindlessly watching the vid screen across the room. She could not be distracted any of the various offerings. The continued burn of the mezclar had her on edge and Zara had been strangely silent. When she heard the clatter of the pebble against her French doors, she stood and walked over to them. She was shocked to see Alexander standing on the lawn below.
She had hoped it would be Rand even though she’d spoken to him earlier on the communication console. He hadn’t yet been able to track down Alexander. Surprise washed over her. Who’ve thought the person he was looking for would show up at the Palace?
"Alexander, what are you doing here? Rand is looking for you." She walked out on to the balcony.
"Really. I wish he’d found me first. I’m sorry, Gracie.” Restlessly, he shifted from foot to foot.
"Sorry for what?" She stopped against the railing.
"I had no choice. He was going to go to Thomas’s parents."
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“Thomas’s parents…” Her world went dark as a hand clamped over her mouth and the sickening smell of chemicals filled her nose.
* * * *
Alexander was still shaken when he let himself back into his home. Everything had gone according to the man's plan. But he now felt lower than a snake because of his part in the kidnapping. Thomas came from the living room. Taking one look at his lover, he knew immediately something wasn't right. Walking to his side, he placed a hand on Alexander's shoulder.
"Feel like talking about it?"
Alexander took a deep breath then released it. First he shook his head ‘no’. But when Thomas caught his eyes, his willpower failed.
"I did something I shouldn't have." Tears filled his eyes.
"What?" Thomas was immediately concerned. Leading him into their living room, they sat down on the couch. "Now tell me."
Alexander took a deep breath, and it all came spilling out of him - the man in the bar
- the threat - his visit to the Palace – and finally his part in the kidnapping.
At first, Thomas said nothing. Standing up, he walked over to the com unit then dialed a number.
"Dad, I'm gay. Alexander is my chosen. Deal with it." Listening for a few moments, he continued. "I'm sorry you feel that way, Dad. I'll be by in the morning to clean out my desk."
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When he shut off the com unit, he walked back over to Alexander and sat down next to him. "Next time talk to me first, Alexander. I love you. My job – my whole life is nothing without you. Understand?"
"Yes. Now I do! Now, I think we owe Gracie too. We need to send her chosen after her.”
* * * *
Rand was just coming from the shower when Jonathan stopped him. “We’ve got a situation on our hands. Your dad just called. Gracie’s gone missing.”
"Damn it, she ran again?" He yanked his clothing on before stomping into his shoes.
"No. Two young men showed up tonight with a strange story about a kidnapping."
"Oh hell, no! Someone did not kidnap my bride."
"We’ll find her and they will know why the de’Carthwrights are called the Triad of Fire.” Jonathan placed his hand on Rand’s shoulder.
“They made a mistake in taking her, Jonathan. One they shall not live to repeat.”
* * * *
Jonathan and Rand strode back into the palace with a flurry. Queen Aria met them in the front hall, she, herself had just returned from her visit, only to find the chaos of Gracie’s disappearance. After kissing both her son and nephew hello, she got straight to the point. "We have two visitors in the study. They’re speaking with your father at the moment.
It seems they think Gracie has been kidnapped. We’ve kept them as our guests until you could make it back. I knew you’d want to question both of them." Leading led them 140
to the study, but before opening the door, she stopped and looked at her son. "Have you tried to merge with Gracie?"
Rand nodded. "Nothing but blankness. Wherever she is – she’s knocked out cold.
I’ve got to find her." A tremor shook his frame.
Looking at her son with deep concern, she turned and caught Jonathan's gaze.
"How long has he been like this?"
"Since last night, he was up all night and barely slept this morning. He’s on edge, but seems to be handling it fairly well despite it.”
"Let me worry about my control, Mom. I’ve never failed you in the past. I won’t start now. Let’s go talk to them and bring back my chosen.”
* * * *
When Gracie awoke, her head was throbbing. She was laying down on some kind of bed. Moving slowly, she sat up and tried to shake the cobwebs of the drugs from her head. The action lead to more throbbing, so groaning softly, she sat holding her head between her trembling hands. "Ah, I see that sleeping beauty has awakened." A shrill woman's voice was breaking through her throbbing headache. Looking up slowly, Gracie saw a woman about her own age. She looked vaguely familiar but Gracie couldn't quite place her.
"What do you want with me?"
"Not a damn thing, you’re merely the means to an end." Her look of distain washed over Gracie.
“What means could I possibly be?”
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"I have a feeling your intended will do whatever he has to do to get you back, Grace O’Connor.”
Gracie laughed bitterly. “Then you’re mistaken. I am simply a suitable candidate on a list full of them. With me gone all he has to do is simply pick another off the list.”
Walking closer, she grasped Gracie's chin and made eye contact with her.
"Perhaps there is, but I’ve seen the way he watches you. Even if you don’t consummate your bond, I doubt there’ll ever be another for him. So when he remains childless because of you, the crown will go to the next available heir to the throne.”
"What does Rand’s younger brother have to do with anything?”
“With him on the High throne it shall be easy to give my brother his own throne. So what we're going to do is make it so Rand won't be able to marry you."
Gracie could barely believe what she was hearing. Searching the woman's face, she struggled to place her. But when she spun around and headed to the door, Gracie realized who she was.
"Princess Deanna?"
"Ah, I see the little toadstool has finally remembered who I am."
"You said something about making it so Rand won't marry me?" Gracie decided a bluff was in order.
"Yes?”
"Good luck. I've tried everything in my power to get out of my betrothal with Rand.
The only way out is to have him call it off and he won’t do it. You can try. Perhaps you'll have better luck than I have."
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"Really. I think I shall be able to convince him. Do you know about the Royal Law, little toadstool?"
"I turned that law inside out. There’re no loopholes."
"Ah, but there’s one. I
t states that for a royal to marry both the royal and his or her chosen has to be pure upon their wedding day."
"What? Surely no one continues with that antiquated law." Gracie’s heart raced.
“Everything will be fine, Gracie. Rand is on his way for you. Just stall her
sweetheart.”
"Oh yes. Your betrothed is still quite untouched, despite my numerous attempts to seduce him. So the only other option is for you, shall we say, to be soiled. Which my husband will be more than happy to do." She waved her hand, referring to the huge man standing behind her. Gracie gulped when she saw the pure size of him. From the top of his flowing auburn hair to his huge feet, he made Rand seem like a child. In a world of large men, he was a giant.
“He’ll kill me if he tries to take me for I won’t make it easy for him, Zara. Can you help me?”
“Somehow, I have a feeling he’s not going to touch you. It doesn’t feel like
he’s completely bonded with Deanna but I can feel the honor and fidelity he offers
her.”
His deep voice startled Gracie.
"Excuse me? I may not be a magic wielder, Deanna, but under no circumstances will I do what you ask. Her chosen has already claimed her and to touch her would be certain death for me despite the fact I’m ruler of Sandova.” Charles crossed his arms 143
over his massive chest. "And less you’ve forgotten, we’re bonded, and I can’t touch her.
All my touches belong to you.”
"So I’m telling you to give them to her.”
“It doesn’t work that way.”
“Damn it! You’re going to force me to give her to him. He wants Rand out of the picture! Which would you rather do? Spend a few minutes screwing her brain out or have him killing her?”
“Do you honestly think I’ll let him kill her, Deanna?”
“Why must you fight me every time? I'm the Princess and you’re supposed to do what I say!” She stomped her foot.
"No, I don’t. I may love you, Deanna but as your chosen, even I have my pride and honor. And sleeping with another would tarnish both.”
Listening to the couple fight in front of her, she wondered how her life had gotten so complicated. Standing behind them, she saw a familiar face. Trying to place the face, it finally came to her. Why that’s William, Jonathan’s new assistant. What’s he doing here?
* * * *
Rand recognized both men who occupied his mother's study. He and Gracie had both gone to school with Alexander and Thomas. "Alexander, I’ve been looking for you. It seems someone has been digging into Gracie’s background and they seemed to single you out, along with your cousin Harold.
Perhaps you can shed some light on why someone is digging into my chosen’s background.”
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“I wish I knew. I can explain what happened from my end but I don’t know what they’re after.”
“Then tell me what happened to Gracie."
As the story spilled out of Alex, Rand paced back and forth.
“Rand?”
“Gracie, where are you?”
“I’m not sure. But Deanna is here along with her husband. They’re fighting. Ah, hell she just erased his memory. For some reason I don’t think he’s in on this. If she’s doing this, he can’t be involved of his own free will.”
He was jerked back to the present when his father nudged him. Focusing his attention on the men in front of them, he listened to the rest of their explanation.
When Alex was finally finished, Rand sighed. He was very angry about Alex's part in Gracie's kidnapping but his rational side told him the man had only acted to protect Thomas.
“You’d do no less for Gracie.”
“I know, which is why I can’t stay angry with him for doing as his heart dictates.”
"I know, Alex, you felt like you had no choice in the matter. First, you had to protect Tom...and I commend you on that. But now, lets go and get my Gracie back." He told them his plan and how they could help right Alex’s wrong.
* * * *
Gracie sat huddled on the rumpled bed and watched with horror as Deanna finished the ‘memory erasing’ spell on her husband. Her heart went out to him. 145
“You’d think as many times as I’ve done this, I’d get a different answer from him.
Stubborn vindexicis warrior! No matter what I say or do, I can’t get him to betray his honor.”
Gracie looked at the woman in horror.
“She’s honestly trying to get him to forsake his honor! If there’s ever a woman who’s abused her power - this is the one. She should have her powers stripped.”
“Yes, she should, sweetheart. I’ve spoken with Ruzac, and they’re coming. But
I need you to prepare yourself. Do you remember what Rand warned you about in
the shower; about the blood lust transforming into potent desire?”
“Oh course.”
“Then be prepared. Once Rand rescues you, he’s going to become consumed
by the need to claim you.”
“Then I suggest we find a way outta here ourselves to avoid that.”
“Agreed.”
She was startled when William stepped further into the room, giving her a clearer view of him. His once immaculate clothes were now rumpled and stained. He had a wild look in his glazed eyes which didn’t bode well for her.
"So there's no hope for me to ever have you is there, Deanna? You’ve bonded with Charles and decided to throw your lot in with your crazy brother."
"He’s not crazy! Once he’s rightfully takes his place as the king, such words will be considered traitorous.”
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“True, but he’s not king yet. So I think I’m going to cut my losses here and take little Gracie as my insurance that I’ll make it home still breathing." He pulled a short nightstick. "Now, move out of my way. I'll take her and go."
"Listen to me, William, if you kidnap her, you'll hang."
"But you won't?"
When she shook her head, he just laughed bitterly.
"What a double standard your little kingdom has. The laws only apply to the commoners and not royalty?"
Walking over to the bed, he grabbed Gracie by her arm and yanked her off it. "Lets go." He twisted her arm up behind her back. "And none of your little magic tricks." He pulled up hard on it to make his point. "Or I'll break it.”
Gracie hissed as pain radiated up her arm. Breathing through her nose, she worked through the pain before letting her instinct take over.
“You’re such a foolish man to think a little pain is going to deter me.” Bending forward at the waist, she pulled the man off balance. A loud crash filled the room as he toppled over one of the chairs and hit his head on the sharp edge of a broken leg. After he fell in crumbled disarray, Gracie focused on the two remaining occupants in the room. “Your drugs may have slowed my reactions but they cannot stop me nor hold me here.”
Deanna’s shriek and the glazed look on Charles’s face was the last thing she saw as she completed the invisibility spell and vanished in front of their eyes.
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Chapter Eight
Outside the little cottage, Rand, King Mica, Jonathan, and Colin crept around the perimeter and surrounded it. Rand was certain Gracie was being held in one of its rooms. As another tremor shook him, he inhaled sharply.
“You’re time is running out, boy. The mezclar is nearly at its pinnacle.”
“I know, Ruzac. You don’t have to remind me. I need you to try to control your aggressiveness! I cannot claim her yet. Our bonding ceremony will be held in two days time. You’ve got to hold on until then. Can you do that for me?”
“I make no promises, boy. I long to be one with my chosen again; it’s been
many years since I’ve felt our intimate connection.”
“I know, and soon you’ll have the connection once again, but I can’t sacrifice Gracie for it. Either control yourself or I’ll have to take steps to ensure it doesn’t ha
ppen.”
"Can you control it, Rand?"
Jonathan’s question drew him back to the reality of his surroundings.
"I’ve warned Ruzac about his aggressiveness, but I’m not sure if it’ll be enough. If fighting breaks out during the rescue, make sure you surround her. Even though I know logically I’ve got to wait until the ceremony, I don’t know if I’ll be able to control my instinct to claim her."
"You’ve my oath we’ll protect your chosen, even if it’s from you.”
“It’s time, son. Let’s go rescue Gracie.”
Drawing intricate patterns into the air, Mica drew from the protective sulfuric acid outer shell of Venus. Sparks of fire trailed in the wake of his hands as he built the 148
groundwork for the Ring of Fire, the most powerful spell on their world. A soft familiar, feminine voice came from behind him and broke his concentration.
“While the thought of you using one of our most powerful spells to rescue me is flattering, Your Majesty, I don’t think it’s necessarily needed.”
The group of them spun around at her voice.
* * * *
Gracie winced as she cradled her arm against her body. Between the drugs and the power she’d used for the invisibility spell, she was barely able to stand on her own two feet. When her knees started to crumple, her father rushed to her aid. Lowering her to the ground, he knelt next to her. Rand dropped to his knees on her other side. “Oh Wildcat, what have you done?
Who dared lay hands on you?” Brushing her hair out of her face, he cupped her cheek.
“I…there was a man…” Focusing on Jonathan, she drew a ragged breath. “…he’s your…” She cried out in pain as her father probed at her shoulder.
"I know it hurts, sweetheart. Just bear with me. It only takes a moment." Colin took a firm grip on her wrist, nodding to Mica who was kneeling at her head with her head on his legs. Pressing down on her torso, he held her still. Colin took a deep breath and pulled hard on her arm. A scream ripped from her chest as the dislocated shoulder popped back into place. The pain rapidly subsided and she opened her eyes.
