Shattered (Mists of the Fae Book 9)

by Jaime Marks

  Cymeryn rose with a curse. “She is mine sister, Devyn.”

  “I know, and I understand how you feel, but she has been your sister for barely a day, Cymeryn. She is struggling to accept it,” he reasoned.

  Pacing in agitation he tried to steady himself. “She has known Wytheryn for little more than a week.”

  “I realize this, but she is his mate. It is clear to see they are bonding and she obviously feels safe with him and the Princes. Aside from that they are now her sires.”

  He grunted in disgust. He knew Byryn and how his mind worked. It had not escaped him that Kyle and Astryn had sealed their bonds with both his sister and her mate present. There was no doubt they would see nothing wrong with Wytheryn and Narysia doing the same, but it disturbed him greatly. Even if they did not touch her it set dangerous precedents and while Astryn and Staryana were both more than capable of speaking their minds, Wytheryn and Narysia were not. It had been near impossible to allow this to proceed in the first place, but now they were keeping his sister from him.

  “Cymeryn, do you trust them to care for her?” Devyn prompted. “Or are they right? Is there some reason your faith in them has faltered?”

  “I trust them, Devyn, but I need to know she is safe and well for myself,” he granted, reminding himself that they would never betray their bonds. “We have only just found her.”

  “Precisely, which is why you need to allow her the space and time to get to know you both,” he argued. “Narysia will come around, but she has just been through a traumatic experience and she has had no Fae to support her aside from the Princes and Princess before this day. Cymeryn, I had noticed the girl myself. There was just something familiar about her that I could not place, but my presence only seemed to intimidate her and we did not know her lineage. Rather than risk drawing attention to her, I observed her from a distance when I was able, trying to determine what exactly I was sensing.

  “Your sister has been shy, demure, and guarded with everyfae she encounters. I am more than certain that she would prefer if no Fae noticed her at all, but she trusts Byryn and Kyle. I have seen them coax her from her shell, getting her to open and brighten around them. Narysia’s smile can Light up a room when she is at ease, but it is rare that it makes an appearance when her mate and the boys are not at her side. You must allow Byryn and Kyle to help bridge the gap between you, but this distance she is witnessing, and the arguments…it only serves to further distance her from you.”

  Cymeryn breathed deeply as he considered the situation. He could not hope to protect his sister, let alone get to know her, if she would not even let him get close. The way Narysia had pulled away from them this noon to stand beside Wytheryn and her now sires tore at him, but he could not fault her. In truth Byryn and Kyle were her friends, her guides in this world, and they had aided and protected her as best they were able. He and Marcus were the Kings that sat on their pedestals, unreachable to any below their station. In a way, the reality of who she truly was had to be as overwhelming for her as it was to them.

  “You are right, Devyn. I know this. It is just difficult for me to manage right now. I am still adjusting to all this myself and it seems to never pause to allow me even to breathe. I will not deny I wonder how many other secret members of my lineage exist,” he scoffed.

  Devyn walked around the desk and clasped his shoulder. “I would venture to say none, but we do not know what your Father endured those long years. There is no way to say what might yet come, but we cannot dwell on it. Do not alienate the family you have in the here and now, over ghosts that may not exist.”

  Cymeryn watched as he turned and left. There was much he needed to consider, but before he could even begin to sort it out he needed to find some way to get himself under control. It was more than beginning to become an issue. In the past when he felt like this he had an outlet. Now he had none and was uncertain how to release this tension that had built. He lifted his hand, noting the ever subtle shake that had begun. He knew what his body needed, what was wrong with him, but he would die before he ever accepted it again.

  Chapter 32

  Steph sat in the window seat staring over the Palace grounds. It wasn’t anywhere as colorful or beautiful here as the Palace of Light. There were gardens of purples, reds, blues, yellows and gold that darted the Capitol and the high reaching structures of the Academies and Halls colored the skylines. She missed it.

  The Palace Lunya had its own simplistic beauty with its curving, silver lined pathways and majestic arches, but she had begun to think of the Realm of Light as home. So many of her family’s memories were from there. In some respects, being in the Realm of Light always felt like a dream come true, especially when she was with Mythos.

  She sighed. It felt like something was missing, but she couldn’t reason it out. Oddly she felt Lighter and freer than she had in days. Whatever was making her sick had passed…but why was she even sick in the first place? Mythos had said she hadn’t been feeling well, but the Fae didn’t get sick like humans…not really.

  Mythos’ strong arms wrapped around her. “What are you thinking about, caria?” He asked drawing her thoughts from their confusion.

  His essence wrapped around her soothing her worry as she smiled up at him. It felt good to be in his arms. “I’m not sure, honestly. Missing home I guess. Something feels off, but…it doesn’t feel wrong. I actually feel really good.”

  He smirked, burying his face in her hair that was now in blond, curling waves below her shoulder. It grew out with the awakening. Since it seemed like Mythos enjoyed playing with it she’d kept it a little longer than normal when she’d had it styled.

  “I would think after last eve and this morn you would feel more than good, caria.”

  A shiver ran through her as her body recalled the unending passion and pleasure he’d tortured her with before granting her release. “If you start that we’ll never join the others for breakfast,” she warned with a smile.

  “Mmmm, I am more than content to have you for morn meal,” he breathed.

  Giggling slightly, she turned into his kiss but pulled back to meet his gaze. “Why are we waiting? I love you, and I know you love me. Why did we decide to wait?”

  She couldn’t figure out why they weren’t already bound. She knew he wanted to give her time to adjust to this life, but she was pretty sure they’d agreed to perform the rituals after she awakened. Why hadn’t they?

  “Because my Queen needed more time and I am more than willing to grant it while I enjoy her, if it is what she wishes,” he granted as he nipped over her neck. “That is the only reason. I cannot wait to be bound to you from now until eternity, Stephynia, and I yearn to have you as my Queen, not just in name, but title.”

  She moaned as his hand firmly cupped her breast. He pinned her arms behind her back, holding her in place. It forced her instincts kicked in, but he read her so well. He knew she didn’t want him to stop. She wanted him to overpower her, take control, and make her his. She fought against his hold, but he only smiled as he easily subdued her. Her breath caught in her chest as he absorbed the essence that surged to her skin, cancelling any hope of attack. She loved that he could match her so easily.

  “You are mine, Stephynia. I will not deny my patience is waning. I am ready to have all of you. I have tasted all of you and I want your commitment, not only to the crown, but to me.”

  Mythos held her pinned so that there was no hope of movement. There was nothing to do but hear, listen, feel. Her King was in complete control of her body. He suckled her breast through the gown, teasing her as he watched her. It was as if his eyes saw every thought, every desire. He captured her mouth, their lips sliding over each other’s in slow caresses before he slowly coaxed her open.

  Steph opened, hungry to taste him but she froze in shock as his blood ran over her lips. He held her there, filling her mouth with his essence. She couldn’t breathe. She had no choice but to swallow. A warmth rolled through her that she couldn’t describe.
They’d never shared essence before. The intensity of it was amazing.

  Pulling back, Mythos held her gaze as his wrist appeared in front of her. “Drink Stephynia,” he commanded.

  She hesitated. Some memory was trying to claw it’s was to the surface but she couldn’t see, couldn’t even feel it. She just knew it was there. His essence surged into her, blanking her mind as he pressed his wrist to her mouth as his blood colored her lips.

  “Open or I will force you, caria,” he warned.

  Suddenly a second set of hands held her and in her confused state she began to panic. She fought but they pinned her easily. Someone pinched her nose and she gasped for air as Mythos’ wrist was lodged against her mouth, more of his blood spilling past her lips.

  Mythos groaned, hating that something that felt so good to him was causing such fear and confusion in her. He had not thought he could do this but last eve had been amazing between them and this morn even more so. They needed to stabilize her so they could complete the bond and save her from whatever fate that Shade intended. He would not risk her to it.

  “How much more?” He requested, relaxing as she began to ease, the fight going out of her.

  He was not fool enough to assume she was submitting to this yet, but she may well be. She had fought everything he did to exert control over her at first, but he had sensed her desire clearly. She had never once asked him to stop, despite him reassuring her that he would if she wished it. Eventually she would submit, accept his hold on her, and give in to the pleasure he granted. He could make her soar or hold her on edge. It was an empowering sensation and he had enjoyed it far more than he anticipated.

  “More,” was all Cymeryn replied.

  Mythos watched carefully as he slowly removed his hold of her head, waiting for any sign that she was fighting them. When she did not react Cymeryn rested back against the wall, loosening his hold on her arms slightly. Neither one of them wished to hurt her.

  Her eyes drifted close as she began to drink him in greedily and she gave herself over completely. He was instantly aroused at the thought. This was new and different between them. He had not thought it would have this effect on him.

  He looked up to see Cymeryn’s knowing smirk. Rolling his eyes, he focused back on his mate as she drank. He was only doing this to protect her.

  “Just a bit more,” Cymeryn offered quietly. “It is alluring, is it not?”

  “What is?” He requested.

  “That power you now hold. How she allows you to have complete control in these moments. The devotion and loyalty you feel from her, and the satisfaction it brings.”

  “This is only temporary, Cymeryn,” he said quietly trying to reassure himself. “I will never allow her to become subservient to me.”

  Cymeryn chuckled, “And I suppose you view your sister as subservient to us then?”

  His head shot up in shock but he forced himself to regain focus, needing to keep control of the situation with his caria.

  “Relax Mythos, we would never harm her. It is something she needs that I willingly grant. There is nothing wrong with what you are experiencing. I can see it clearly. She may be drunk on your power, but you are drunk on her submission.” He shrugged. “Enjoy it. There is nothing wrong with it...That should be enough for now. Even if he manages to reach her he should not be able to gain control.” When he did not remove his wrist just yet Cymeryn only smirked. “I will leave you to see to her. I need to meet with Devyn and Byryn regardless.”

  His words drew him momentarily from his trance. “Indeed?”

  He nodded. “We need to fix this between us so we can move forward.”

  Mythos shook his head as he misted from the room, unsurprised that he had not remained to discuss it further, and somewhat relieved. He needed to tend to his Queen.

  Slowly he pulled his wrist away and drew back from her. When she looked up at him there was a hunger in her eyes. “My King,” she murmured.

  He sat on the bed watching her closely. “Come to me, Stephynia.”

  She stood slowly and walked over, kneeling before him to rest her head on his thigh. Her eyes never left his and he could read her trust and desire so clearly. Part of him hated this, hated that he felt in some ways he had betrayed her. Right now, however, the part of him that wanted to explore this further was winning.

  It was quite possible once he released the blocks and allowed her to know what they had done he would lose her, but right now, in this moment she loved him. She wanted him, needed him, and he would enjoy this as long as it was her desire.

  “Disrobe, Stephynia. Allow me to enjoy your beauty,” he commanded, watching as she stood sliding out of the gown and her slip while he removed off his robes.

  He slid a hand between her thighs feeling slick moisture. “So ready,” he breathed, sliding a finger teasingly over her sensitive nub as he took his hand back, smiling as she trembled. Moving to lie back on the bed he stroke his sex, taunting her as she watched him. “I see your hunger, Stephynia. Take me, sat yourself in my pleasure.”

  She climbed up and straddled him, slowly lowering herself on his throbbing sex making them both moan. Grasping her hips firmly he thrust up as he pulled her down, making her cry out. He controlled their pace as the pressure in him built. Her core tightened, clenching him and he rolled her onto her back pinning her arms over her head as he took her.

  “Mine, Stephynia.”

  “Always,” she breathed.

  He found that sensitive spot inside her that he knew took her higher and focused his strokes, stimulating it. Her orgasm slammed into her making her writhe and moan in his hold. The tight grip on his sex milked his own release and he roared, echoing through the room.

  He captured her mouth in a possessive kiss, taking, claiming. It did not matter what that Shade thought or did. She was his mate and he would never release her. There would be no denying him. They would be bonded.

  When he released her, kissing her softly on the head as he loosened his hold, she looked up at him with nothing short of admiration. “Tonight,” she breathed.

  “What is it my Queen? What is it you wish?” He requested knowing he would give her anything.

  “I want to return to the Realm of Light and begin the Sequester. I’m ready, Mythos. I love you. Please, I don’t want to wait anymore.”

  The sincerity in her words ran through her and flowed over him. He knew this was what she believed. It was what he’d hoped the result of all this would be, but it almost felt empty. They had blocked her memories and forced her to drink his essence. Did she even know what she truly wanted in this moment?

  He forced down his guilt and his pain. This was what she had wanted before that Shade had toyed with her mind. Both he and Cymeryn had seen that she knew she loved him, knew she belonged here, but she was so torn and confused from Ravyshyn’s manipulations and grooming that she no longer believed she deserved it. They needed to do this, to help her.

  He forced his smile and allowed himself to feel the joy it would bring him to finally make her his, to have her safe from that bastard’s reach. “Then we will prepare to leave immediately.” He kissed her deeply. “This eve, my love, I will make you mine.”

  Chapter 33

  Kyle looked up as Byryn, Devyn, and his Dad appeared. They had been meeting for well over an hour, and despite the fact that tensions had seemed high at one point, for all points and appearances they had apparently worked things out for now. It wasn’t over though. His Father was hiding something.

  Byryn came over and scooped Staryana up into his lap as he ruffled Kylion’s hair. “Behaving little one?”

  He nodded with a smile. “Uncle Kyle’s cool.”

  Kyle laughed wrapping his arm around the kid. “Yeah, he’s been pretty good. I promised him we’d go camping at some point soon. I figure we can use that fort of yours.”

  Byryn smiled widely. “Yeah? That’s actually a really good idea. We should all go. If you want we can bring Cal & Phil.”

  He
turned to them. “What do think guys? You up for a night in the woods with us.”

  Cal lit up instantly. “Camping? Really? Like we used to talk about?”

  “Yup, we’ll even do s’mores,” he promised.

  “Hells yeah,” he cheered.

  “Language, Cal,” Byryn reminded him sternly.

  He ducked his head. “Sorry, Uncle Byryn. I got excited and forgot.”

  Kyle tapped his chin up. “We’ll work on it. He’s just trying to help you.”

  “I know. I’ll do better.”

  “You already do and it’s only been a couple days. We’re proud of you,” Byryn smiled his reassurance, “but it’s a habit, and if we let you slide on it you’ll be right back where you were.”

  “Thanks,” he beamed.

  “What about you, Phil?” Kyle prompted. He’d been good with them all in private but he was generally quiet around the others. Really his brother was still keeping to himself and isolating. He even avoided seeing his Mom most days. They needed to find some way to help him adjust to all this.

  “Sure.” He shrugged. “I don’t see why not.”

  “Hey, do we get to come, too?” Revyn asked with a grin.

  Byryn leaned forward smirking. “I was getting there. Do you guys want to come?”

  Revyn and Perydyn both nodded eagerly as Trycen laughed, “Yeah sure, why not?”

  Furynious nodded but Wyce smiled slyly pulling Perylia closer. “I think I’d prefer a night off with my mate.”

  She blushed bright red and Byryn chuckled, “That can be arranged.”

  Star laid her head on his chest and Byryn stroked her hair. She was tired. They’d kept the girls up later than they should’ve but they would get the rest they needed tonight. After all the chaos yesterday they’d needed some time to pamper and care for them, not to mention punish them, he thought with a slight smirk.