“Could have knocked.”
“Old habits. Sorry. I just saw Jaylyn going to get more food, not so surprising.”
“I bring out the hunger in her. What do you want?”
She stopped in the middle of the room and held up a syringe with a tiny bit of black ink within it, almost enough that I thought it was empty at first. “Have a free moment?”
“It takes a lot longer than that.”
“Not for me and it won’t be nearly as painful as I’m sure it originally was. I remember mine. I wanted to die.”
She held her hand out to the bed and I sat down, leaning back on the pillows. “Just a moment, huh?”
She came to my side and sat down so she was facing me. “That’s all. I swear. You’re going to feel this but everything after that won’t be a pain. It’ll just feel creepy.”
“Creepy?”
“Like something crawling under your skin so it’s been described.”
“You’ve done this before?”
“Had to. A couple years back, Ruby got slashed right where her mark is and I had to repair it after Jaylyn healed it. Kind of like this.”
“Okay. I trust you. Do it.”
She opened the left side of my shirt to expose my chest and held her hand on it while she brought the needle closer. “Here it comes.”
“Just do it. I’ve been in worse pain than this.”
She kept her eyes down on what she was doing and stuck the needle into my skin. I didn’t flinch at all and Adele injected the small amount of ink.
“See? Nothing.”
“Good. Now this is going to get weird. I’m going to have to touch you a lot.”
“Oh, no.” I said sarcastically. “This is where she discovers my hidden feelings for her and I can’t do anything about it because I just gave that pleasure away to my wife.”
She sighed her usual sigh and hit my arm. “Quit it. You know what I mean.”
“Didn’t you sense the tone?”
“Stop anyway. You’re starting to sound like Darius.”
“Okay. Continue. We can’t have that.”
“No we can’t. One of him is enough. Let’s just finish this. You have somewhere to get ready to be.”
“I still don’t see how Darius is fine with this. We won’t be back in time.” She began to use her gift and started expanding the ink under my skin to the respected Great Seni Fighter symbol with my first initial and it did feel a little weird, almost creepy.
“Well, that’s why the trip will be selective. It’s the plan.”
“Selective?”
“Yeah. One larger gathering in one of the colonies where the ones nearby can visit you if they must. It will save you from going to every single one.”
“And the King agreed to this?”
“You mean, your father? He did but said it would be really up to you if you thought you were ready to accept you went through enough to get your honor back.”
“I’m still not really sure I have.”
“Don’t say that. You have and we’re all proud of you. Even him.”
I didn’t know how much I believed that and Jaylyn came back in with a hot roll in her hand that was served with lunch. “Hey, thought you weren’t going to do that till later after you rested?”
“She said it wouldn’t take long.”
“And it hasn’t see?” Adele backed away to get a look at it. “Exactly as before.”
I got out of bed and stood in front of the mirror again, looking it over. “Wow. It scares me to ask how often you’ve checked me out to get it this perfect.”
Jaylyn laughed, trying to keep it back as Adele got off the edge of the bed with that sigh again. “It’s all in the dimensions of your body, Troy. Not how many times I’ve looked at you.”
“Although she’s done that a lot too.” Jaylyn came over and ran her hand down the front of my chest. “And why wouldn’t she? Yum!”
“Okay. I’m leaving.” Adele started to turn. “You should meet with Zayden and Darius at some point to schedule a leaving time.”
“All right. There’s just one thing I have to do first.”
Jaylyn nodded. “Izin just went back into the conference room.”
“I need to do this alone.”
“I know. I’ll be right here.”
I had my mind on one thing and that was getting my full life back by making it official. I walked right into the conference room and Izin was standing in front of the table with Zayden and Darius at his sides. I didn’t say anything about it when I saw them and just closed the door, walking straight to them with my head held high. I got eight feet in front of them and dropped to my knees, lowering my head.
“We’ve talked it over and strongly agree to your decision to accept your true place.” Izin began. “You have regained your full rights to be once again known as a Great Seni Fighter. There’s just one last thing that needs to be done.”
Darius stepped towards me and started to circle me. “Hmm. I don’t know. Maybe we should reassess. His skills are weaker. I can feel it.”
Zayden kneeled down to me, lowering my sword in front of me. “Make him take that back.”
I looked up with a light smile and grabbed my sword quickly. I knocked Darius’s feet right out from underneath him without even taking it out of its sheath. He landed on his back and tried to regain his breath through a laugh while getting up. “Okay. I deserved that but it was still a good joke.”
Zayden laughed as he stood up and pulled me to my feet. “Anyone who can knock him on his ass deserves it.”
I smiled back and Darius patted my back. “And you definitely do.”
“Thank you, boys.” Izin said. “I’d like to speak with him in private now. You can have him when I’m done to discuss what you shall do next.”
Zayden and Darius nodded respectfully and left the conference room.
I stood in silence in front of the King, holding my sword in my hands. “You’ve done it. Everything you set out to achieve has been accomplished and I stand proud of your decision.” He stepped into me and we embraced.
“Thank you—father.”
Izin pulled away with a smile and kept his hands on my shoulders. “You took it all well but let it be something that’s never forgotten.”
“I’ll never use my gift again if that’s what you wish.”
“No need for that. There are times to use it and times not to as I hope this has made those more clear.”
“Of course, father. I’ll know.”
“Very good. Meet with your brothers and inform me when you’ve made a decision.”
“Yes, father.”
I bowed my head and left the conference room where Zayden and Darius were standing out in the main hall.
“Great. So what do you think?” Zayden asked. “We were thinking about maybe restarting this in the morning. The day is almost over.”
“I don’t see why not. The sooner we leave the better.”
“And it’ll be quick so Darius gets back on time.”
“Okay.”
Darius sighed. “Still off about leaving her though. She hasn’t been feeling too well. The baby has been moving around a lot.”
“You backing out already?” Zayden asked.
“Oh, no. We’re doing it. It’s just a worry for her.”
“She’ll be fine.” I assured him. “That’s what Jaylyn’s here for.”
“So, it’s still the plan?” Zayden asked, looking between us. “Tomorrow?”
“Yes.” I answered. “We’ll be ready.”
“Okay. I’ll tell father. In the mean time we should probably be spending as much time with them as we can.”
“Orders to lock ourselves in?” Darius smiled. “I’m on it.” He turned first and headed towards the stairs.
I laughed. “He’s still in there waiting to know what we’ve decided.”
“I’ll tell him. You go up to Jaylyn. I’m sure she’s waiting to see you.”
“Thanks, Zayden
.”
“We’re proud of you. Let’s prepare to finish it this time.”
“We will. I know when to use it.”
Zayden nodded and we turned away from each other. I walked to the stairs and went up them, feeling the relief of having my life back. I felt whole again and was more than glad that things were starting to get back to the way they were. Now I just had to go through another good-bye with Jaylyn and was just anxious to be with her until then.
I walked back in the room and she was standing out on the balcony. I went to her and wrapped my arms around her from behind.
“There you are. Did it work out?”
“Well, I’m officially me again. You should come back inside. It’s a little chilly out.”
She walked in with me and I closed the doors. “So, when are you leaving?”
“We’re going in the morning.”
“In the morning?”
“I know it’s soon but we want to be back before Darius’s son is born.”
“I understand. I want you to be too but there’s two things I want you to do for me.”
“Okay. What?”
Jaylyn took a breath and started to get emotional. “Keep your eyes with you and don’t look for me—ever.”
“Jaylyn—”
“Please.” She brought her hand up to my mouth so I wouldn’t speak. “I don’t want anything else to happen. It’s the only way. Promise it.”
“So, I can’t check in on you when I’m just sitting around?”
“Promise it, Troy. It’s only going to be a couple of weeks and I want you to stay safe.”
I didn’t like to think of not seeing her at all but the look on her face was making it hard for me to say no. “Okay. I promise.”
“Do you?”
“Yes. You have my word.”
She stretched her neck out and kissed me. “Thank you.”
“What’s the other thing?”
“It’s happier.” She pulled me to the bed to sit. “While you’re sitting around thinking about me and not being able to watch, I’d like you to think about what we should name our son instead.”
I couldn’t believe I haven’t thought about that once myself until she mentioned it. We didn’t have a name yet, did we? Or at least not one we knew about anyway. “Okay. I think I can do that.”
“I thought since I’m doing all the work, I’d like you to be responsible for coming up with a name but I’ll have to approve. Nothing weird.”
I laughed. “Okay. I’ll do that for you.”
“Thank you. Now what?”
“Now, I wait with you until we have to leave.”
She still had her smiled and inched as close as she could to me. “Oh! What should we do?”
“I’ve already locked the door.”
Chapter 29
Adele
Morning came swiftly and the time for our long parting was upon us—again.
I sat on the bed and watched Zayden get ready like I’ve done before. It was sad for me but I kept in mind that he needed to go and promised myself not to cry—at least in his presence.
Zayden closed up his bag and took a breath as he set it down on the bed by me and started strapping on his weapons. “I’m glad you’re okay with this.”
“It was my idea.” I replied, struggling to smile. “I know how much it means to you. I’ll be okay this time.”
“This time?”
I hesitated to explain. “Um—well—it’s not a big deal. Last time I just stayed in here for two days and didn’t talk to anyone or—eat anything.”
It only took a second but he reacted much worse than I imagined. “What?! Not a big deal?! Love, you weren’t eating?! That’s it! I’m staying!”
“Zayden, no.” I got up and went to him so he wouldn’t change his mind about going over something stupid. “It’s okay. I’m not going to be like that this time.”
“I can’t leave and think that you’re hear harming yourself and our son!”
“Zayden, listen to me. I chose for you to go. I’ve accepted it and I’ll wait for you. Nothing will happen to me or Seth. I promise.”
Zayden’s tone became more mellowed and he touched my face. “You’re asking me not to worry.”
“So, don’t. I’ll be fine. You don’t need to have your mind on other things while you do this.”
“My mind will always be on you.”
“But don’t let it worry about me. Just think about the good things. You have to do this and you know it.”
He sighed because I was right and kissed my forehead. “Okay. You can stay in here the entire time but talk to people and eat. Please. That will make me feel better just knowing that.”
I smiled playfully just to lighten the mood. “I don’t want to add on extra pounds I don’t have to. I plan to be as active as I can until the time comes. You just focus on tending to your people.”
“Our people.”
“Yes. Go. Their waiting.”
“Walk with me this time?”
He held out his hand and I agreed by taking it and we walked down to the palace stables together with Rift right at Zayden’s ankles as usual. To my surprise, we were the first ones down here but the horses have already been prepared.
“Less work for me, I guess.”
“See? Someone else wants you to go.”
“It almost saddens me that you do.”
“I don’t want you to, Zayden. I know you need to and I don’t want to hold you back from your duty.”
“I wish you could come with me.”
“Maybe some year but I have my own duty right now.”
Zayden smiled to mine and put his hand on my stomach as he stepped in closer. “I’ll accept that.”
Our lips moved in to each other’s and met for just a second before we were interrupted. “You should have done that before you came out here.”
Troy entered the stables with the biggest smile.
“Okay.” I sighed. “Funny. You ready?”
“I suppose so.”
“Where’s Darius?” Zayden asked.
“He’s with Ruby right now, not really wanting to leave until she’s okay.”
“What happened?” I asked.
“The baby kicked and broke two of her ribs. Jaylyn is with her too, I just left from there.”
“Oh, no. You think he’ll want to stay now?”
“I think he knew this could happen. He just wants to make sure she’s okay before he leaves.”
“You better make this trip extra fast, Zayden. He’s going to need you to.”
“I know and I will. We’ll get him back before it happens. Just make sure you stay here for Ruby.”
“I will.”
Darius walked in and went straight to his horse.
“There you are.” Zayden said. “How is she?”
He sighed and looked over. “Fine now. She just needs to rest.”
“We’ll make sure she’s okay.” I said.
“I know. So, are we ready?”
“No! You’re not!” Jaylyn ran in and gave Troy a long kiss good-bye. “Okay. Now you are.”
“Keep assuring Ruby we’ll be back before the time comes.” Zayden said while they got up on their horses. “And we’ll try to send letters to let you know our progress so you know more of when we’ll actually be back.”
I nodded and tried to keep my eyes from watering as I walked next to him out of the stables.
“Remember what I said.”
Troy nodded and touched Jaylyn’s face. “Don’t worry. I promised.”
A tear fell from her eye as she led the horse out of the stables and Troy had to get down and kiss her again.
“Come on!” Zayden called. “We’re on a tight schedule.”
Troy got back on his horse and looked down at Jaylyn one last time before he turned and started to follow.
“It’ll be okay.” I assured her.
Jaylyn nodded and we watched our husbands ride off out of sight and our long pa
rting began—again.
“Come on. It’ll be fine. We need to watch Ruby.” I had to turn her so she would turn away and we took the long solemn walk slowly back to the palace where we were to wait for their return.
Chapter 30
Jaylyn
Four weeks have passed and winter had fully come to Randal. Snow blanketed the city, sparkling like diamonds in the sun. Hopes raised high for the soon return of the Great Seni Fighters but Adele and I could only talk of missing them when we were together.
“It’s soon, isn’t it?” I asked.
“He said six weeks at the most. I suppose it’s going to come close to that time.”
“Then we still have two more weeks to wait.”
“I know. I want to see them too.”
“Maybe we can.”
Adele paused like she was trying to understand my words and finally did. “You’ve gotten his gift haven’t you?!”
“How did you know that?”
“I’ve notice I had Zayden’s shortly after he left.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. So, you can actually see what they’re doing right now?”
“Yes but I’m not sure about showing you. I haven’t got to test anything like that.”
“Test it.” Adele got up and sat closer to me, acting extremely anxious. “Troy could do that early in the beginning.”
“Okay. Let me find them first.” I turned my look to my left, looking south. I focused completely on my vision and moved it out away from me. I started at a fast speed and drifted through the snowy plains. “Where did Zayden say they were headed next?”
“They’re half way up the west side of the river.”
“Okay. I’m almost there.”
“Look for large gatherings.”
I nodded and continued with my vision. I passed a few villages that didn’t have much commotion and came up onto a curious one with a little more foot traffic in the streets. I looked around a little more where people were headed and finally came up on them. I was happy at first until I got a better look. They were in a wide open space like an eatery but were completely surrounded by women. No other men were in sight.
“See anything yet?” Adele asked.
I kept my vision where it was and held out my hand. “Let me ask you a question.” Adele took my hand and I focused on showing her. “How many men do you see in this room?”
New Roots (Fate's Intent Book 8) Page 11
