“You said the Kings were just as possessive as their sons. What happened? What did the Kings do? What happened that they needed to protect you?” Karissa tilted her head. It felt good to be able to talk to someone who understood just how frustrating dealing with two men could be.
“There were fourteen full days between when I first met Tovin and Marit and when we married. On that first day, all three of us knew that we were bound and we didn’t fight it. Our spirits joined the moment they met. Marit and Tovin announced our upcoming marriage the very next day.” The Queen smiled at the memory.
“So when did you discover you were in danger?” Karissa sat forward, her eyes fixed on the Queen.
“The Old Royalists didn’t start off quite as violently with me. I received a threat first in the form of a dead animal. Marit and Tovin immediately placed guards on me. The next attempt, someone tried to stab me and the next a spell. Tovin and Marit moved me into their rooms to ensure my safety.”
“The Royalists don’t have quite as long to terrorize and find a way to get to me.” Karissa’s mouth twisted into a wry grin. “Tyral and Callan aren’t waiting even fourteen days, which by Frejan standards would still be indecently quick.”
“In Volir, things aren’t as rigid as they are in the Frejan Realm.” The Queen smiled. “My sons are very impatient where you’re concerned. They won’t waste any time.”
“I’ve noticed. Your staff has been rushed to get all of the details in place before the day of the wedding.” Karissa shook her head in amusement at Callan and Tyral’s impatience.
“They were very vocal about their desires before you arrived. They consider the time when you were together on that planet the courting time.” Queen Maya laughed as she saw the shock and incredulity wash over the younger woman’s face.
“And I just thought I was having a tempestuous liaison before I settled down to married life,” Karissa said as she shook her head. “I might have appreciated things more if I’d known that that was my courtship.”
“They would have still had to give you the full fourteen days but for one thing.” Queen Maya raised her brows, leaned forward and waited for a full moment for effect. “The fact that your spirit became pregnant gave them the ability to rush things. A little-used Volirian law shortens the time when the female spirit has become pregnant even before being formally betrothed.”
“Um…this might sound a little strange, but everything seems so different here and I’ve been curious.” Karissa bit at her lip nervously. Her hands twisted in her lap.
“You can ask me anything.” The Queen smiled.
“I don’t really know that much about the Volirian Court and what I do know is mostly rumor and conjecture that has floated around the Frejan Court. I know what powers a Queen would have in the Ice Court that was part of my education. What powers do you have?” Karissa shrugged.
“My powers… Do you mean formal authority?”
“Yes, and I’d rather not just assume and make a mistake.” Karissa looked at the older woman carefully.
“You’ll make mistakes. Even though I was born in the Volirian Realm, I made mistakes. Being a Volirian queen isn’t that different than being a Frejan queen. The only real difference is the powers a Queen has when the Kings aren’t there to rule. I can make most of the decisions, but if it has anything to do with battle or with another Realm, the decision goes to a council of warriors.” Maya poured wine into two goblets.
“That’s different from what I expected,” Karissa said. She sat quietly, thinking for a moment. Maybe she wouldn’t have such a hard time making a place here.
“Is there anything else you need to know?” Maya asked.
“Would you mind telling me what the endearments they call me mean? I’ve tried asking them, but if we’re alone, the time for talk is short.”
Queen Maya chuckled knowingly. “I know how demanding Sobrin males can be. Te tana means ‘my sweet one’. They’ve probably called you eli moru. That’s ‘little one’. Then there’s the ultra possessive te thali. Literally, it means ‘my woman’, but it can mean my mate as well.”
A soft knock on the door halted any reply Karissa might have made to that statement. She turned her head to the door.
“You may open the door,” Queen Maya called and turned and waited as the door swung open.
“A young woman from the Frejan Realm has arrived and requests to see Lady Karissa. Also, Lady Bari and Lady Andice have arrived and request permission to join you in your parlor, Queen Maya.” The young woman curtsied respectfully and remained at the door as she waited for the Queen’s reply.
“They may all join us. It will be good for Karissa to talk with someone without my infuriating sons hanging over her shoulder and sending them running.” The Queen sent Karissa an encouraging smile and nodded to the woman who left the room.
Karissa decided Queen Maya would be a good ally in the battle against Callan and Tyral’s overprotective behavior and general arrogance. As their mother, she knew both men far better than Karissa did and might have some tips on how to handle them when they were at their worst. She knew that what worked for their mother might not succeed in stopping them for her. Karissa would take whatever help she could get. Those men could very well become unmanageable if she let them get away with too much. They were already dangerously close to that.
It was a larger group than first anticipated that sat down with glasses of chilled wine in the Queen’s private parlor. Rana arrived first and took a seat just to Karissa’s left. The Ladies Bari and Andice had been joined by two other Volirian Ladies, Darine and Giselle. They sat in a circle for easy conversation.
“What brings you to the Volirian Court, Aliara Denar?” Queen Maya arched an eyebrow, but her smile was kind.
“The Frejan King sent me with a message, Your Highness. He noticed that my name was on the list of guests to be invited to the wedding. He said that if it suited the Volirian Kings, I could stay until the wedding. He knows that Karissa and I are good friends.” Rana brushed back a strand of honey blonde hair which had slipped free from her braid. Her blue eyes sparkled with good humor.
“I trust that my husbands had a room prepared for you.” Queen Maya took a sip of her wine. “No one could doubt the truth of your claim after seeing the two of you together.”
“Yes, Your Highness, they gave me a lovely room. I saw it just before I was shown to you.” Rana nodded and smiled, flashing straight white teeth. “I’m very happy and grateful to be allowed to spend some time with my friend.”
“You know each other well?” Lady Giselle Artain tilted her head and nibbled on one of the sweet pink cakes.
“Since we became Aliaras—six years,” Rana relayed with ease. She smiled as she glanced over at Karissa. “Not long comparatively, but we spent so much time together during those first years and on the missions which we worked together that we’re like sisters. Sometimes it’s scary how well we know each other.”
Karissa laughed. “We know each other’s secrets, fears, hopes and dreams. We know what would make the other happy or sad and can sometimes tell at a glance what mood the other is in—and occasionally we get into fights over the stupidest things.”
“That seems like a very solid friendship.” Queen Maya glanced at the two women and for a moment Karissa could swear she saw sadness sweep over the woman’s features, but before she could ask about it, it was gone.
“It is. We relied on each other for support during those first years. Now, even when we just want to talk or whine to someone, we know who to go to.” Karissa relaxed back into the chair. It was good to see Rana again.
“Speaking of whining, you look happy to have found your mates.” Rana’s eyes twinkled with a wicked light.
“You’re gloating… But yes, I’m happy. Well, now. When I first learned of it, I wanted to strangle them.” Karissa shook her head and narrowed her eyes at her friend.
“Hey, don’t glare at me. I’m the one who listened to you moan about being se
nt on your Ra’Asien.” Rana held up her hands.
“So you weren’t eager to take a mate, or even to begin your Ra’Asien?” Lady Darine Meral watched Karissa intently with keen green eyes.
“Just what are you trying to ask?” Queen Maya’s voice turned ice-cold and her gaze was hard as it settled onto the red-haired woman.
Karissa looked more closely at the Lady Darine. She hadn’t found anything so disturbing about the question, but the Queen clearly had. From the intensity and the angry red flush rising on the Queen’s cheeks, she knew that she’d definitely missed something in the exchange.
“I just wondered if, perhaps, finding her mates had changed her mind.” Lady Darine smiled, but the curve of her lips couldn’t hide the anticipation burning in her eyes.
“Your curiosity over the future Princess’ opinions is impertinent, Lady Darine.” Queen Maya stood, frowning down at the woman. “Karissa doesn’t need to answer such base questions.”
“It’s all right, Queen Maya. I will answer the question.” Karissa gave the Queen a reassuring smile. She had been the target of Court gossip before and knew that not answering would likely fuel the talk more than any answer she gave. “Many people probably wonder about my views, having heard of my reluctance. She is merely the only one to ask of it.”
“If you want to answer, do so, but don’t feel obligated.” Queen Maya shot the woman an angry, promising look.
“Most wouldn’t ask, but as the issue has been raised, I want the facts known.” Karissa shrugged. “My reluctance to begin my Ra’Asien stemmed not from a desire to avoid the bonding, but from the timing and the inequities. Because of the power I carry, I was encouraged to begin my Ra’Asien only a few years after I reached adulthood, while others were reveling in their freedom and the years ahead of them. If I had known that finding my mates would bring me as much happiness, such fulfillment as I’ve found, I would have begun hunting the first time that it was suggested.”
“It’s all over the palace that the Princes have hardly left your side since the attack last night.” Lady Bari gave Karissa an open, friendly smile as she turned the topic a bit. “You’re happy with them doing that?”
“Ah, that’s a different matter.” Karissa shook her head ruefully. “I can’t help being flattered and happy that they want to protect me, but their constant presence and their attempts to keep everyone away from me are frustrating and annoying.”
“You were attacked?” Rana turned to face Karissa, her face suddenly filled with concern.
Karissa nodded and grimaced. “The Volirian Court has Royalists just as the Frejan Court does. Their Royalist traitors hark back to an old line, while ours tries to bring a new line into power. At this point, I’m vulnerable and Callan and Tyral won’t leave me unprotected. They can’t put the protection spells upon me until after the marriage ceremony and I’m their wife and a member of the Volirian Realm.”
“I never thought Volir would be that similar to Freja,” Rana mused.
“But not their mating customs.” Karissa looked over at her friend and an amused smile curved her lips. “There should be at least one book on the different mating customs of the four Realms. It would save so much confusion and embarrassment for many women. Remind me to tell you about a few of those differences later.”
Rana shot Karissa a curious look but nodded.
Lady Bari turned her gaze to Rana. “Are you like our future Princess? Will you be sent out on your Ra’Asien early as well?”
“Yes, I’m going to begin my Ra’Asien a few days after Karissa’s wedding. I must first return to the Frejan Realm,” Rana explained.
“Do Aliaras always begin their search early?” Lady Giselle tilted her head, curious.
“It takes a certain level of power to be an Aliara. In most cases, that means an early search for the woman, but there are cases in which the Aliara can reach the normal age before being urged to begin her quest.” Rana cast Karissa a look that implied a shared joke. “We haven’t met any of the women who have accomplished that, but have been assured that they exist.”
“Where will you begin your search?” Queen Maya paused to raise her goblet to her lips. “Karissa infuriated my sons by informing them she intended to begin in the Aevian Realm. I don’t know if they would have been any happier if she’d chosen to begin her search in this Realm.”
Rana took a sip of the chilled wine. “I’ll start with the Teiran Realm. I have no idea where I’ll find my mate. In spite of my travels, I haven’t met many men from outside of my own Realm.”
“No one ever does know where they’ll find their mate.” Queen Maya gave Rana a commiserating smile. “Those who are sent out of their courts to find a mate do have a more difficult time adjusting than others. They travel to different Realms and find strange customs and a mate far from friends and family. They leave all that is familiar and known.”
“There are rewards.” Karissa grinned, the thought of very sensual incentives dancing through her mind. A flare of heat curled through her core and creamy moisture began to gather between her thighs.
A brief, hard knock preceded the door being wrenched open, before Queen Maya could deny or grant entry. Callan and Tyral took a step into the room.
Chapter Eleven
“And frustrations,” Karissa added with a groan. She cast a frown at the two men standing just inside the doorway.
“We’ve come to get Rissa, Mother,” Callan announced with a hand on his hip and a hard look on his face that dared rebuttal.
Karissa dared. This was the first decent conversation she’d had all day and she wasn’t ready to leave. “I’m not quite finished here. As you can see, I’m enjoying my talk with your mother and the other ladies here—and have you met my friend Rana Denar?”
That’s not going to work. From what I can sense from Ahvin and Tahvir, your men are determined to take you with them. Ijina offered.
Well they don’t have to always get their way. Karissa tapped her foot on the floor. She really needed this time.
“We met her when she delivered her message and was introduced to our fathers.” Tyral cast a glance at the petite woman sitting near her, but quickly turned his full attention back to her. “You’ll need time to get ready for tonight’s meal.”
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Prince Tyral, Prince Callan.” Rana stood and dipped into a curtsy.
Tyral and Callan nodded formally to Rana.
“I won’t need that much time.” Karissa gave him a bright smile. “I already have what I want to wear selected and set to the side.”
Callan advanced a step. “Karissa, you need to learn that we aren’t going to take any risks with your life. Stand up.”
“How about I promise to send word when I’m ready to go get dressed?” She raised her brows and took a sip of wine. She tried to appear calm and confident, certain that they would take advantage of any weakness that they saw. “I promise I won’t leave the room without you.”
“Yes, we were having a very enjoyable discussion with your Lady,” Lady Giselle cooed. “It would be such a shame to have to end it.”
Both Tyral and Callan trained their hard gleaming gold stares on Lady Giselle, who immediately turned her attention to the cup in her hands.
“You’re coming with us. Now.” Tyral’s low, gravelly voice didn’t encourage debate. He paced across the room to stand a few paces away from her. “Both Callan and I have duties to fulfill before the meal and we won’t have time to come back here to get you.”
“Are you sure that there isn’t a way for her to stay, Prince Tyral?” Lady Bari appealed. “Lady Karissa is a delight.”
Karissa shot the woman an appreciative smile but then saw her wilt and knew she’d been the recipient of two Princely glares. She turned and narrowed her eyes at them.
Her full attention was on Tyral and Callan and her argument with them. She didn’t see the Queen look at her and shake her head negatively. “I doubt that a short walk to our rooms would pose any
real danger to me. If you’re still worried about my safety, post a man to escort me.”
“That sounds like an excellent plan,” Lady Andice enthused. “That way, you can be sure of her safety and she can stay and talk with us.”
Other than a swift, hard look in her direction, Tyral and Callan ignored her proposition.
“Don’t even think of trying to go off on your own.” Tyral stalked over and tugged her out of her seat, keeping his grip on her hand when she tried to pull away from him. “These people are ruthless, without conscience. It doesn’t matter to them that you are a woman or that you have never heard of the old royal line of Volir. All that matters to them is stopping the Sobrin line. They would love to find you walking around the palace hallways alone.”
“That doesn’t explain why you won’t leave a guard to escort me to our room.” She planted her free hand on her hip and glared up at him. By the Great Sea, she wanted to hit him. He was so stubborn. She pushed at him, demanding an explanation even when she knew it wasn’t wise. She knew it wouldn’t get her the freedom she wanted. At this point, nothing would change their minds.
“I’m not going to argue with you about this.” Tyral bent forward as his hand tugged her toward him. When he straightened, she hung over his shoulder.
Furious and stunned for a moment, she pounded her fist against his taut buttock. “Tyral, put me down now. You can’t end an argument by simply tossing me over your shoulder and carting me off. I won’t let you get away with this.”
“We won’t leave you with a mere warrior because you’re our bride, the future Princess.” Callan seemed to find her position funny. He smothered a chuckle, choking a little before he could speak without further difficulty. “It would be all too easy for one impulse on your part to lead to him getting into trouble or hurt by the assassins. There are some men you wouldn’t be able to charm or sway, but they’re all busy.”
Tyral carried her to the door in spite of squirming and protests. He turned back just before he opened the door. “Mother, we’ll see you at the meal. Aliara Denar, when you are finished speaking with these Ladies, you may come to our rooms and talk with Karissa. She’ll welcome the company.”
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