REDEMPTION: Queen of Souls (TORMENTED ROYALS Book 1)

by L. N. MALONE

  Bassel looks as though he is hesitant however simply bows and says “As you wish My Queen. I will also notify Tei of the changes in plans. Please know My Queen, the situation with the humans may be important here however the situation in the realm will have a lasting effect in all the worlds. So, while we do have time, please remember we do not have unlimited time. You must eventually take your throne back.”

  “Bassel, I will not be bullied into taking my throne. However, I do acknowledge how important it is to fix the realm. We will do our best to remove the souls from Jayson and restore the land as fast as we can.” Akasha says with certainty and strength and I am unsure where it comes from, since I know she must be confused and worried.

  “Now if you do not have anything else to add then you are dismissed Bassel. Akasha has had a long night and needs to change and rest. If you need any assistance contact Mirella. She will also assist you with setting up a training cycle for Akasha.” I say standing up and extending my arm to help Akasha up. Bassel bows and makes his exit as Akasha takes my hands and stands. “So, you have every intention of claiming your chosen hmm?” I could not help but smirk at her. “Well, I can’t deny it, now can I? What would be the point anyhow? Fate or the Mother’s spirit has apparently thought you would good enough for me, although I am still on the fence,” she says with a smirk. I could not help but laugh at her quick-witted remarks. She is going to keep me on my toes that is for sure. I laugh to myself. “On the fence hmm. Well, I suppose we will have to change that and rather quickly. Come, let us get you changed, fed and in bed. I can see the exhaustion on your beautiful face.” I lead her to her room not letting go of her hand and she has not pulled away either. The tingles are now a comfortable warmth that spreads throughout my cold body and I long for more. Patience Armand. I scold myself. When we reach her room, I let her know that Nadia will be in shortly to help her change into sleep clothes and present dinner. As I lift her hand to place a small kiss, I feel her shiver and she looks up at me and smiles. I sense her hesitation and see a blush sweep across her face before she says, “My King after I change would you like to join me for dinner?”

  “Ash, my âme sœur, I would be honored.” I lean in and give her a quick kiss on the cheek, and I swear I felt my cold heartbeat. I stepped back and bowed. “I will see you in an hour.” Then I turned and left with my head spinning. Oh, this woman is going to end me!

  * * *

  Dinner with Akasha is going wonderfully and the conversation is easy, and the flirting is even easier. I am growing to genuinely enjoy the conversations we have. She is so determined to be independent and help her people it is awe inspiring. I was just about to tell her so when a knock came at her door. Nadia enters and promptly removes the dishes and remaining food. “Nadia, please do the same with the leftovers as we do back home,” she says. I raise my eyebrow and she answer my unanswered question. “I asked Nadia for any food that has not been eaten to go out to the homeless. Each day the remaining food gets frozen and that evening an associate of mine comes and collects it. He then disperses it amongst the homeless daily.” I am in complete shock. How did I not know this? “That is a wonderful Akasha. You are going to be an amazing Queen to your people.” I tell her with pride in my voice. “You mean our people.” She says with a smile and a wink and I swear my knees grew a little week at the sight and at her words. “Does this mean you have decided you are comfortable with the claiming?” I ask trying not to push. “Not necessarily, however I cannot deny the pull toward you. I also cannot deny the way my body reacts to you. I need more time to come to terms with the actual claiming though,” she said softly. I step closer to her and gently place swipe a loose stray of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. “Akasha, I am in no hurry. I have waited centuries to find my chosen and I am in awe of who the Mother chose for me. I will wait for you for centuries to come to terms if need be. I just want to stand beside you.” I drop to my knee and pull out the blood red diamond ring I have had ever sense the one who made me passed it down to me. “Centuries ago, a woman who I did not know was a vampire at the time fell in love with me. She was the one who eventually turned me a few years after we met. Although I did not reciprocate the romantic feelings, she had for me, we had a long-lasting friendship. The day she found her chosen she gave me this ring and told me to give it to mine. I have long since held on to the ring and never did I ever imagine that not only would I have found my chosen but that she would take my breath away in not only beauty but in all ways. Akasha, will you do me the honor of standing beside me as my Queen and I will stand beside you with pride as your King?” Then I held my breath. I knew it was soon, probably too soon, however I could not wait a minute longer to ask her formally. I waited for her response, then waited some more. Now I was getting nervous then I saw tears fill her eyes and then I became terrified for the first time in my life. Terrified I messed this all up and came on too strong. I mentally kicked myself. I was about to apologize for my overzealous performance when she took the breath right out of me when she looked into my eyes and whispered, “Yes, Armand.” I jumped up and was about to wrap my arms around her when she stood on her tip toes and shocked me to life with a kiss. Not just any kiss, it was a forceful passionate kiss that I have never in my long life have ever felt before. Her tongue requested entrance and I gratefully accepted. I could not think of anything other than the feel of her mouth on mine. Whimpering a bit, she pulled back and looked up at me and I could see the heat in her eyes, and it burned my insides with a fire I did not know still existed with in me. She was goddess, a seductress and a saint all mixed into one. I knew from that one kiss that I would be wrapped around her finger for eternity.

  I did not want this night to end however, I knew she was exhausted. So, when the kiss broke off, I gently leaned in and kissed her on her lips and said “I know how tired you must be. I will let you sleep now my âme sœur.”

  “Good night Armand.” she said in a husky voice that almost made me stop right there and ravish her right then. HOLD IT TOGETHER ARMAND. I scold myself.

  Fourteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Akasha POV

  I woke with a feeling a calmness I have not felt in years. Everything seemed to be coming together even if it was not the way I had anticipated it. I go over everything in my mind that happened last night. I know that I want to wait for the claiming however, I also know without a doubt that Armand and I are meant to be. I can tell by the tingles and the feelings I feel coming from him. His certainty leaves little doubt as well. I said yes to him with all of my heart because I know I am already falling in love with him. He has swept me off of my feet in ways I did not know were possible.

  I stretch out knowing that I have so much to do and exhale an exhausted breath. Mirella had already stopped by and gave me a break down of my training schedule. She had it written down like a high school schedule and I could not help but chuckle at it.

  1st Period: Weaponry with Jin

  2nd Period: Fire and explosives with Spade

  3rd Period: Muscle building with Luke

  4th Period: Fighting with Luke and Blane

  Lunch

  5th Period: Magic History with Rico

  6th Period: Magic with Mirella and Rico

  7th Period: Emotion and mind control with Spade

  8th Period: Soul magic with Jin

  Dinner

  Vision training with Iris afterwards.

  “I feel like I’m in high school” I told her. Which of course did not go over very well. “Well, you might as well be with how little you know.” I sigh and could not argue because she was right.

  * * *

  The next five months went by so fast. We headed back to the mansion the very next day after the night of the Gala. Bassel left back to reach out with Tei and the rest of the rebellion and inform them of the current situation here. Between training and squeezing in time to strengthen the relationship Armand I felt completely run down and exhausted. There were some good things tha
t did happen though, I was able to have Raine come and visit. She was only able to stay a few weeks, but we enjoyed the time we did have together. Her and Armand came together as well, and I can see a bright future between the two kingdoms.

  I have also befriended the circle. Building my relationship with each one and I now consider each of them friends. Jin and Blane now help me with feeding the homeless and Armand even reached out to father and opened up a couple of food bank locations. Each of them and I have our own kind of relationship and I was amazed to learn small secrets about each one of them. I learned all sorts of things about each of them from the hobbies they have to the secret crushes they have. My relationship with Mirella even seems to be getting better. She started coming to the library from time to time when I get to go. She helps read to the children and plays games with them. It seems to uplift her on the days she comes.

  I have just finished my vision training with Iris, and I decided to take a few minutes before bed to head to the library. My work at the library has been sporadic since training has started so I make time whenever I can. I make my way in and find a book that Rico had suggested about the history of magic and the Fae. I curled up in a chair and started reading. Somehow, I must have fell asleep because the next thing I know I am being woken up by a tingling along my skin. My eyes flutter open and could not help the smile or blush that crossed my face when I looked into the eyes of the man who woke me. “Armand.” I say in a sleepy and husky voice. “You fell asleep my âme sœur.” he said still softly tracing his fingers along my arm. “Let me help you to bed.” Before I had a chance to reply he swept down and lifted me up like I weighed nothing. He was carrying me like we were just married and walking over the threshold, and I could not help but scoff and say, “I can walk you know.” Without even looking at me he says, “Ahh, yes, my âme sœur, I am aware. However, with me carrying you I can ensure you cannot run from me.” The moment his words registered with in me I instantly felt warmth not only cross my face but throughout my whole body. He must have sensed the change because he looked down at me and gave me that smirk he does and just my luck my treacherous body took that moment to allow the warmth to intensify and make its way down to places unspoken of. I wiggle and try to make my way out of his arms now feeling exposed. “Shh, Akasha. Do not fret. Our feelings are the same. There is no reason to hide from me.” His words immediately calmed me. We made it to my room where he gently laid me down in bed. He brushed a soft kiss on my lips, then my nose and then lastly my forehead. “Good night my âme sœur” he said softly as he headed towards my door. I am not sure if it was because of exhaustion, or calmness his presence instills in me or the sweet gesture he just gave me, however whatever it was made me release in a whisper “I have fallen in love with Armand.” The moment I said it I snapped back into reality knowing I could not take it back and honestly; I did not want to. I meant every word. These months I have felt it and even though I have tried to deny it I have realized it takes to much energy to deny the truth. I glanced up at him and noticed he had gone still with his hand still on the doorknob. I saw a shift in him when he turned around and I held my breath waiting for his response. Within a matter of seconds, faster than should be possible, he was sitting beside me on my bed staring down at me. Looking into his deep green eyes I could see emotions run across his face. I have never seen him this vulnerable before. He leans down and just before his lips touch mine, he whispers. “my âme sœur, you are my future, and my heart is completely yours. I love you as well Akasha.” His lips crashed with mine and passion overwhelmed me. I could feel my soul mingling with his like waves crashing in together becoming one. As he deepened the kiss and I let go of control I could feel us merge as one. Where my soul began his soul was the end and vice versa. We are supposed to be one. My heart was so full of love that I could not let go of him. I needed to feel him closer. I needed him like I needed water live or air to breath. I pulled him closer and closer until he was laying on the bed right next to me. He pulled back a bit and I whimpered at the loss. “Please do not leave.” I all but begged. “I will never leave you Akasha” he said softly. His warm breath was like feathers against my skin. He tucked me into his side and stroked my face gently with his comforting touch until I was asleep.

  I awoke a few hours later my legs completely wrapped around Armand. Never in my life have I ever felt so at ease. Then the strangest thing happened. Oh, how I will spend the rest of eternity trying to be the person who deserves to lay next to her. My eyes shot open because I know he did not say that out loud. What in the world is going on? Just then Armand jumped up into sitting position. We looked at each other wide eyed. “Akasha can you hear me?” he said without speaking out loud I was so surprised I could not form words, so I simply nodded. “Can you hear me?” I think to myself. This time he answered out loud. “Yes, Akasha I heard you.” He was wearing a smile that completely lit up his face “Why are you smiling and not confused?” I ask even more confused my his non reaction. “Because my âme sœur, your soul accepted me as your chosen. It is the first step in the claiming. While the last part of the claiming is a physical decision, our souls are different when it comes to the claiming. Even though fate or the Mother may choose your mate each person has free will. Our souls must decide to merge first.” He pauses to kiss me softly then he continues by adding, “My beautiful Akasha, your soul accepted mine and now our souls are joined. Which is why we now hear each other’s thoughts. Do not fret though, I will talk with Iris about teaching you how to block your thoughts if needed.” he said with a wink. A part of me thought I could be concerned however, in all honesty, I was relieved. If my soul accepted his then that also means his soul accepted mine. Pleasure spread throughout my body creating a warm glow of pure happiness. “Armand, thank you for being patient with me.” I say. He just slightly shakes his head and tugs me closer to him. “I am the thankful one Akasha” was the last thing I heard before sleep took over me.

  Armand wakes me at dusk to let me know he has to take care of some things. He advises me that he had contacted my father King Darin and set up a meeting in one week at an undisclosed location. I was looking forward to seeing him, I have missed him, and the family more than I could say. I thought back to last night and although we did not complete the claiming my soul felt complete. I felt more power within me than I had before.

  That is the soul bond âme sœur. It has strengthened both of us and our power. You should contact Mirella to train after you speak with Iris. I heard in my head.

  Maybe I like you in my head. I teased.

  Maybe I like you everywhere. He teased back.

  I could not help but laugh at his saucy response.

  Oh, Akasha. I love you. He said bringing a smile and that familiar warm feeling rush over me. Then suddenly he blinks out of my head. I am a bit envious that he already knows how to close off the connection so soon, while I will have to train. He is much older than you Akasha. I chastised myself before heading to the restroom to get ready for the day.

  When I walk out of the bathroom I shriek loudly and not very lady like to say the least. Mirella and Luke were just standing there waiting for me. “Crap, you scared me!” Mirella responded with her snarky tone “Well, we knocked.” I nodded and went to the bed and went to put on my boots. “What can I do for you both?” I asked her. Mirella exhales a long sigh as if she were trying to prepare herself for what she is about to say. “King Armand informed us of your acceptance.” I nodded and finished with my boots and stood. Instantaneously they both went to the floor on one knee and head bowed. “I Mirella von Cane, pledge my life and honor to you Princess Akasha. I will protect and guide you with my life.” she says in a firm and confident voice that shocked me. Luke then follows her with the same pledge. Gathering my thoughts and emotions I responded the only way I knew how. “I accept. Please rise Mirella and Luke.” They both stand as I say, “I appreciate your pledge, and I deeply appreciate all the training and help you both have provided. I know that me being her
e after what my brother did must have been hard on you. I also know that finding out the Mother Spirit has chosen me to be his equal must be even harder. For what my brother did I cannot apologize enough.” I say feeling the sorrow coming off them both along with a feeling of love and respect which confused me. “Mirella and I have had long in debt conversations about this, and I can speak for her and I both when I say that you have nothing to apologize for. Although, we do appreciate your apology it is not needed. You are not your brother. Instead, you are our future Queen as well as the heir Mother Queen who gave life to our kind.” I could feel the tears beginning to well in my eyes, so I quickly looked away with a straightforward “Thank you.”

  “You are welcome. Now we must meet with everyone in the meeting room. Bassel is back and we have much to discuss for the upcoming meeting with your father,” Mirella says. With that I center myself and control my emotions wishing Armand would open the connection. I miss you. I tell him with my thoughts hoping he hears it. We make our way to the meeting room quickly. Once we arrive, we are greeted with the rest of the circle. I whisper to Mirella as we walked to our seats, “Armand is not here.” She nods and says, he should be here shortly. He probably wants you to handle this part for yourself. It is important as their soon to be leader.” Confused, but to busy thinking of Armand I did not ask what she means. However, quickly becomes clear when I am about to take my seat everyone other than Mirella and Luke bow before me. Then each one says the same pledge as Luke and Mirella did before we entered. It is extremely hard to reign in my emotions and hold back my tears. Using the same words as I used on Mirella and Luke I respond with “I accept. Please rise.” Now I understand what Mirella meant. I must show them I can handle things on my own as well as with Armand on my side. I nod to the room and take my seat along with everyone else.