Fragile Reign (Mortal Enchantment Book 2)

by Stacey O'Neale

  Leaning back on his forearms, he replied, “Anything.”

  Time to just get it all out in the air. “Your Mom told me you had been preparing for a marriage with me. She made it sound like a training or something. What did she mean?”

  His cheeks blushed as if I had embarrassed him. “That’s kind of difficult to answer.”

  Had I gotten too personal? “You don’t have to answer. It’s fine.”

  Bash waved his hands in front of him. “No, I meant it’s difficult because the answer isn’t simple. Growing up, I had always known you were my betrothed. I doubt I even knew what the word meant as a child. But I was well aware that I was raised differently from most elementals. I spent a large amount of my childhood away from the other elemental children.”

  Ariel mentioned she had only seen Bash once during her childhood. He must have been so lonely. “Did you attend a school?”

  “I always had private tutors. Mostly they focused on my impending future. I was given a standard elemental education regarding our powers and responsibilities in the mortal word. I also learned about the mortals, the Avalon court system, and simple things like proper manners. Once I became a teenager they added leadership lessons. It was all a grooming process.”

  I thought I had it bad when I had to read all those books. My childhood was a cakewalk compared to his. “Did you ever want to sneak away, and I don’t know, just be a kid?”

  Bash smiled, shrugging. “Sure. All the time. I was jealous of the other kids for a long while. It wasn’t until I got much older that I appreciated the honor bestowed upon me.”

  The honor being his betrothal to me. I cringed. I wasn’t an expert on marriage, but it seems like it should be about love. What he was talking about sounded more like a contract. There was no emotion in anything he said. Really, how could there be? We barely knew each other. “It doesn’t sound like much of an honor to me. It seems like you missed out on a lot.”

  “I gained plenty. I’ve had the best kind of education. Spent every day of my life visiting every corner of the world. Not to mention learning from the secret books. Had I not been chosen to be your future husband, I would never have had access.”

  The books brought to Mom’s mortal home? The ones I thought were meant for only the royal members of the court? “You mean the books from the caverns?”

  Bash nodded. “Yes. I was taught from the same books you were.”

  With all his worldly experience, he was more suited to rule than I was. I had spent plenty of years training, but I never left the town I lived in. And since I was always with Mom, I never learned about proper court behavior or how to carry myself like a royal. Instead, my childhood was kept fairly normal. “I guess we have more in common than I thought.”

  “Yes, we certainly do.” He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

  The touch of his fingers sent a tingle down my neck. But immediately after, my insides filled with an overwhelming ache of guilt. As silly as it sounded, sharing a tender moment with Bash―as innocent as it was―made me feel like I was cheating on Rowan. I backed up, putting some much needed space between us. “I’m falling in love with Rowan.” I blurted.

  I jolted at the shock of my own words. Was I really in love with Rowan? Had we spent enough time together to actually call it love? Then I noticed the expression on Bash’s face. Total disappointment didn’t begin to describe it. Regardless of my feelings for Rowan, now wasn’t the time to try to figure it out. “I didn’t mean for it to come out so brash. I just don’t think it’s fair to make you hope for something that will never be. You are so fantastic and you deserve to be with someone who can give you their whole heart. But my heart is already taken.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “I had a feeling you might say that.”

  “You did?”

  “King Taron warned me.” He said, playing with a piece of grass. “He said if you fell in love with Rowan, he would forfeit the betrothal.”

  “My father said that?” I questioned, not sure if I believed what I had heard.

  “Yes, he did.”

  My chest warmed. Dad did care about my feelings. I worried that he might force me to marry Bash, sighting I had a greater duty to my court than I did to my own heart. He certainly wouldn’t be wrong if he had said that. If I were to be queen of my court, I would be expected to consider the welfare of my people over anything else. No matter how much it broke my heart. “And you’re okay with us being just friends? Even if it means you will never be king?”

  “I care about you, Kalin.” Bash took my hand into his. “Sure, I’m disappointed that it didn’t work out. I had hoped you would give us a chance. But if I’m not that guy, I’m okay with it as long as we can be friends.”

  Rowan’s warnings echoed loudly in my ears. He was right when he said Bash had everything to lose. Bash arrived at the castle intent on marrying me. The guy was basically bred to be a king. Why would he give up so easily? “I don’t see how you could possibly be okay with this. I’m taking away everything you have spent your whole life planning for. Why aren’t you angry? Why aren’t you fighting for it?”

  “You’re right. I guess I should be angry.” He crossed his arms. “But what can I do? Force a marriage?” He shook his head. “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life with someone in love with someone else. And if you’re saying there will never be anything between us, I have nothing to fight for.”

  It was as if a hundred pounds of tension had lifted off my shoulders. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt Bash. He was one of the most selfless, understanding elementals I had ever met. “You really have no idea how much this means to me.”

  “I think I do.”

  I had to do something for him. He certainly deserved it for the sacrifice he was making for me. “I don’t want you to feel like you’ve missed out. When I take the throne, you will play a key role as one of my advisors. I will need elementals around me that I can trust.”

  Bash pulled out his pouch, offering it to me. “Shall we drink to that?”

  “Absolutely.” I said, accepting his wine pouch. I drank every last drop. “I really need to get a bottle of this. It’s fantastic.”

  He smiled, seemingly appreciating the compliment. “I’ll have one sent to your room this evening.”

  I glanced at the canvas bag sitting next to Bash, remembering why I had come out here in the first place. “Now, let’s see if I can make sense of these akasha journals.”

  “Absolutely,” he said, handing the sack to me.

  I reached inside, pulling out one of the leather journals. The tips of my fingers hummed, getting stronger the longer I held the book in my hands. I prayed that was a good sign. Crossing my legs, I opened the book over my lap. To my utter disappointment, the strange hieroglyphics remained on the page. I flipped through several pages. The symbols didn’t move as they had last time. I let out a sigh. “Nothing.”

  “You have to keep trying.” Bash insisted. “Don’t give up so easily.”

  “You’re right.” I went back to the beginning of the journal. Instead of glancing at one page at a time, I focused on the first symbol only. It was a picture of a bird, head facing left. Its wings were relaxed at its sides, as if it were perched on a branch. I wasn’t sure if the type of bird mattered. The bird twitched. I rubbed my eyes, looking again. Nothing happened. Then, the wing moved. Suddenly, the entire picture contorted. Just as fast, the bird returned to its original picture. Once more, it attempted to shift. It seemed to be fighting against the change.

  I had an idea. I concentrated on my vibrating fingers, pushing my power into the tips. The exterior of the book glowed with a yellow hue. Something was happening. I was sure of it. The bird shifted into the letter A. It was working. I couldn’t believe it. All I needed to do was concentrate on each symbol, one at a time. Just as I was filling with optimism, my power flickered. A second later, it shut off completely. I tried to surge my energy once more, but nothing happened. Even the humming in my hands
was gone. Staring at my open palms, I said, “What the hell?”

  “What happened?” Bash asked, eyebrows drawn together.

  “My power…it’s gone.” I said, stuttering. “A symbol had changed into a letter. But when I tried to increase my power, it turned off completely. Now I can’t conjure my magic at all.”

  “Your power can’t be gone. Keep trying.”

  I closed my eyes attempting to use the meditation techniques Rowan had taught me. I tried to visualize myself but the image was fuzzy. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get into focus. I had a sinking sensation in my stomach. Something had gone terribly wrong. Even when I had exhausted my power I could still see my aura. I could sense my power. Now, when I closed my eyes, my vision was blurred. And beyond the blur, all I could see was blackness, like an empty space.

  “This can’t be.” I said, out loud. I wasn’t sure if I was talking to Bash or myself.

  “What?” he questioned, pressing his lips together.

  My heart pounded in my ears, hands shaking. “My powers are gone.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Rowan

  The last twenty-four hours flew by in a blur.

  Fire elementals from all over the territory arrived at the castle. They wished to see their new king, although I had not been officially crowned. A line formed, running down the main hallway. I sat on the lava rock steps—still not ready to sit on the throne. Most elementals had come because they had some sort of dispute to settle. I spent the last fifteen minutes listening to a three foot tall troll make her case against a goblin. She claimed he tried to poison her. Fire elementals would fight over just about anything. It could be something as silly as an argument over wine or as serious as murder. I tried my best to listen and make the right decisions, but many of the disputes weren’t easily resolved. The truth was that the fire court had been in turmoil for many years. Mother kept everyone in line by force, but Liana tended to look the other way. Most fire elementals had become accustomed to living in a constant state of chaos. Getting the court back in order would take some time and a lot of attention.

  Unfortunately, I was already out of time.

  Reports from the mortal world seemed to come in hourly. Massive fires continued to break out causing major damage and mortal death. In addition, fire elemental attacks against the air and woodland courts persisted. I set up a reward system to capture rogue elementals and bring them the justice they deserved. In just one day, I had over one hundred traitors in the cells beneath the castle. I had not decided what I would do with them. I wanted to make examples out of them, but I did not want to return the court to the same sense of panic that Mother had kept them in for so long. I had to find a better way to control the elementals without forcing them to live in fear.

  I had not been challenged by any more of Valac’s followers. Their silence was a relief, but I never let my guard down. It was only a matter of time before they would strike again. I was sure he would send more assassins. He may not be much of a fighter, but he was certainly smart. Valac was able to raise an army after his exile and turn courts against one another. I would not make the mistake of underestimating him in the future. But I did wonder about Selene. Kalin said she went against Valac, trying to convince him not to kill me. I had no idea what type of repercussion she had suffered for her actions.

  I certainly hoped Valac didn’t kill his own sister.

  “Your Highness?” The troll asked, rubbing the bottom of her oversized nose with a cloth. “Have you reached your verdict?” Black rounded eyes stared at me, awaiting my decision. Rows of canine teeth were exposed when she smiled.

  “Unless you have some proof the goblin tried to poison you, I cannot punish him.”

  Her pudgy fists clenched at her sides. “Proof has never been required in the past. Why do I need it now?”

  I stood, wanting the entire line of elementals to hear me. “From now on, any fire elemental who commits a crime will get a fair trial and punishment. If proof is not found, I will dismiss the charges.”

  The crowd let out a collective groan. Their reaction amazed me. They would resist a change that ultimately helps them, providing them with freedom and protection. “Does anyone have something they would like to add?” I asked.

  The crowd silenced.

  “Your turn,” I said, waving the next elemental forward.

  By the time I reached the end of the line, I was ready to pass out. That was the most continuous talking I had ever done. I reached a point where I was sick of hearing my own voice. I gazed around the cathedral-size hall. At least a few hundred elementals had packed the throne room. They stayed to watch the proceedings. Some snacked on berries and other fruits while I dealt the punishment. They even clapped when they were satisfied with my verdict. It really was entertainment for them. It reminded me of the mortal television channel they called Court TV.

  I was about to return to my chambers when I heard a roar that shook the walls. The floor rumbled like an earthquake. A thumping beat got louder as it seemed to be heading my way. When I could stand, I reached for my sword and held it in front of me. The door pushed open. Gabriel Hounds poured into the room, lining the walls. They each found a spot on the barrier, sitting back on their hind legs. Many of the other elementals panicked. No one could exit which caused a few of them to scream out in fear. Then the last hound entered, heading straight for me. He stopped in front of me and bowed.

  It was Marcus.

  “What are you doing? You don’t ever need to bow to me.” I said to him. Addressing the crowd, I said, “There is no need to be afraid. The hounds have returned by my invitation.”

  While I waited for Marcus to shift into his mortal form, I sent someone to get him some clothes. Within a few minutes, his curly brown hair and forest green eyes had returned. Something was different about him. He seemed bigger than I remembered. Perhaps this was something that happened when one of them became pack leader? I handed him a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. None of the other hounds had shifted. They remained in their same positions, watching over the crowd. Snarling when one of the elementals got too close.

  “Were you going for fashionably late?” I asked Marcus.

  With a gruff voice, he said, “My stay at the air court castle lasted longer than I expected. I really need to talk to you—”

  “Tell me all the dirty details later.” I insisted. “Right now, we have an announcement to make.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “We do?”

  “Yup.” I pointed to the spot next to me. “Get up here.”

  Marcus cautiously made his way up the steps. He stood at my side, arms crossed. “Are you getting ready to propose?”

  “Don’t you wish?”

  He shook his head.

  I addressed the remaining crowd. “Effective immediately, all Gabriel Hounds are released from their duties. They are now full-fledged members of our court with the same rights as any other. If they choose to remain in their current positions, they will be paid for their work. Guardians will now be considered knights unless they do not wish to continue their service.”

  The rest of the room gasped. A goblin came forward, pointing a sharp finger at one of the hounds. “They cannot be members of our court. They were made, not born. Created to guard and serve us. Who will protect us now?”

  Rage was rising in my chest. It took everything I had not to slice his throat. “How they came to be is irrelevant. From this day forward, they are members of our family and will be treated as such. Marcus, their new leader, will have a spot on the council as one of my advisors.”

  An ogre stood next to the goblin, tripling him in size. “They are animals.” The crowd cheered in agreement.

  I never thought I’d see the day when these two creatures would agree on anything. Figures it would be on this topic. Fire burst from my palms. Everyone but Marcus took a step back. It took a lot more than fire to scare a hound. “If you challenge my decision, be prepared to face me. This ruling is final. I
will not allow it to be contested in any way.”

  The horde silenced while the two creatures backed away together. I took that as my cue to leave. I’d had enough for one day. I nodded for Marcus to follow me. He said something to one of the hounds before we left. They stayed where they were as we exited out of a side door. The hallway was quiet for the first time today. The silence was a relief.

  “You didn’t have to do that.” Marcus said, putting his hand on my shoulder.

  “Yes I did.”

  “Thank you,” he said, lowering his head.

  As we headed toward my chambers, I took a closer look at Marcus. Not only had his muscle mass expanded, but his facial features had become defined, chiseled. My best friend could put the WWE wrestlers to shame. “Damn, bro. What kind of steroids have you been taking? You’re starting to make me look bad.” I playfully pushed him away. “What am I saying? I could never look bad.”

  He chuckled. “Your ego has no limitations.”

  I couldn’t stop staring at him. It was as if he had aged ten years. “What happened while you were gone?”

  Marcus glanced at his enormous forearms. “The change happened gradually. Each time I shifted, I got bigger. I noticed it after I left the woodland territory.”

  I opened my bedroom door, walking in after Marcus. He made a b-line for a platter of fruit and pastries someone had left. “What did Ariel think of the new you?” I asked, watching him stuff a whole muffin in his mouth.

  Once he had chewed and swallowed his snack, he said, “It took her a minute to get used to it. I have to be more careful with her. Sometimes I forget how much stronger I am.”

  “Do you think you could take me?” I joked.

  He laughed. “I could rip you in half.”

  I poured myself a glass of wine. “I don’t doubt that.”

  Marcus ate half the platter before he spoke again. “Rowan, there is something serious we need to talk about. Something that you’re not going to like.”