by Kim Stokely
“But I did.”
I flopped against my pillow. “Why?”
“Your father and I have been very worried. And I couldn’t help but give Braedon a little dig.”
I didn’t say anything, but shot her my “what are you talking about” look.
“I thought he should know that you’re able to have a child. Your children will inherit your throne.”
I groaned. Not with pain but because I knew Braedon would secretly be gloating over the prospect. My stomach turned at the thought of having sex with that man.
Kennis rubbed my back again. “Is it that bad?”
“It’s different . . . everything’s different.”
She curled up behind me. “I know. But it will be alright. You’ll see. Ayden will soon be normal to you and you’ll have trouble remembering what the other world was like.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”
She didn’t speak for a moment. “Sit up. Let me take out all these pins so you can sleep tonight.” She sat behind me and pulled out the braids and twists Rhoswen had put in my hair. “I thought I’d never get used to the noise.”
“Huh?”
“All the cars and the people. Remember, my life changed when Geran and I brought you to the other world.”
My hair tumbled free. “Did you ever regret it?”
She stood to retrieve a brush from the table in the corner. It wasn’t until she started brushing my hair that she spoke again. “I suppose at first I did. It was overwhelming. With Geran almost dead and you a baby.”
“How did you do it?”
“Geran had set up a safe house when his son had been born. You’ll have heard of him? Your brother who died?”
I nodded.
“His servants had been here several years by the time we arrived. They helped to get us situated. Taught me to read and write. How to drive.”
“Did I know them?”
“Not so you’d remember. They left before we moved away. You were only two.”
“Left? Why?”
Kennis put the brush down. “For the same reason Geran stayed in stasis for as long as he did. If they knew how to contact us, they’d be able to lead Braedon and his men to us.”
“Where were we, then? Before Connecticut?”
“Ireland. We’d come through one of the ancient stone circles. Agnes and Martin, the servants, met us there. Took us in. They had a little cottage, out in the countryside.” She smiled at the memory. “It was lovely. The happiest year of my life.”
“So why didn’t we stay there?”
She shook her head. “It wasn’t safe. Braedon had taken power and corrupted the Portals. We feared one would find Geran’s passage. Agnes and Martin nursed Geran back to health. Taught me how to read and write and drive. Got us passports. Then they moved away so Geran and I could decide where we would disappear. America seemed safest.”
I yawned. “Why is that?”
Kennis pulled back the covers on my bed. “We spoke the language, but there was no history of Mystics anywhere on the continent. No passages that could Braedon could find, other than to use Geran as a portal.”
I snuggled down into the covers. “So Geran was better by then?”
“Better, but still not strong enough to return to Ayden. When we got to Connecticut, he put himself into stasis and I used money Agnes and Martin gave us to put Geran in Assisted Living. Over time, it seemed like a good idea for me to get a job there, so I could support us and still keep an eye on his safety.”
Rhoswen entered and gave me a cup of tea. “Here you are. This will help soothe your stomach.” She gave me a big grin before leaving the room.
I turned my head to face Kennis. “I think she’s picturing me with babies already.”
My mother smiled. “I think you’re right.”
The maid returned with a nightgown and helped me dress for sleep. I finished the tea and Kennis tucked me in bed.
Rhoswen curtsied. “Will you be needing anything else?
“No, thank you.”
“Then I’ll leave you for now. Ring if you need anything during the night.” She curtsied again and left.
Kennis ran a hand through my hair. “Do you want me to stay?”
“No. I’ll be fine.”
“Then I’d better return to the men. They’ll want to know for certain.”
I groaned and pulled the covers over my head.
My dreams were a mishmash of everything that had happened over the past forty-eight hours. I started out in Ginessa’s Glade, floating on the lake, looking at the blue sky. But clouds rolled in fast, like I was watching a stop-action movie and I found myself on the ground with Mahon on top of me.
Before I could scream, Kyran appeared. He wrenched the Black Guard off and hurled him into a tree. Then he lifted me to my feet and drew me in to his chest. He kissed me. A long, passionate kiss.
And then I was in Josh’s arms. “Come away, Ally. Let’s go home. I want to go home.” His voice haunted me as the dream faded. “Don’t keep me here, Ally. I want to go home.”
I sat up. The torch lights were out, but embers glowed from the fireplace near the foot of the bed. A crack of light slid in from under the door. I shuffled over and opened it, squinting at the sudden brightness.
“Alystrine?” my father’s voice asked. “Are you well?”
I blinked several times until I could see him sitting with Devnet by the desk. “Bad dream.”
He crossed the room. “What was it?”
“I don’t remember much. The Fey . . . the Black Guards.”
He opened his arms to me. I stepped inside his embrace. “I should never have let you go with them. I should have insisted you come with us. Or that you wait for the Elder Army.”
“I couldn’t let innocent people die for me.”
He held me tighter. “When will you realize? Yours is the only life that matters now in Ayden. You hold the keys to this land’s future.” He kissed the top of my head. “I could not have lived if you had not survived.”
I let his words flow through me. This was my father. Not some violent teenager, but this older, strict, but caring man. I breathed in deeply, trying to absorb this moment to help me make some kind of connection with him. I felt his chest rise when he chuckled. “What are you thinking?”
His voice sounded hoarse when he spoke again. “I was so pleased to learn you will be able to carry on your mother’s line.”
Okay, now this was weird. Talking about my fertility with my father was not a comfortable topic. I squirmed from his arms.
“What are you guys working on?” I made my way over to where Devnet sat. My uncle smiled up at me. I’d missed him.
“We’re trying to figure out a way to stall the coronation.”
“What?” My heart skipped a beat. “Why?”
My father came up behind me and rested his hand on my shoulder. “As soon as you’re crowned, we’ll have to think about your betrothal. You’re already past the age when most nobles marry. The sooner we get the matter settled, the easier it will be to see where our alliances lie.”
“What do you mean?”
Devnet pushed the parchment he’d been writing on closer to me. “There are two options. If we choose an Elder, the odds are nearly perfect that any children will inherit some or all of your talents.” He pointed to several names. “These are Elders we think would be suitable candidates. Their abilities are strong.” He tapped his quill next to one name. “Especially Noam. His gift of prophecy alone would be a great asset.”
“Wouldn’t he help me, even without being king?”
Devnet nodded. “But it would be a blessing if your children, now that we know you can have them, might have the ability as well.”
Geran pointed to another list of names. “These are the Commoners we think would be worthy of the title. Men of good moral character and powerful leaders among their clans. Any one of these could assure us an army to defend you when we go to war with the Mysti
cs.”
I stepped back. “Why do we have to go to war?”
“They won’t be happy unless you marry one of their kind,” Geran said. “And I will never let that happen.”
“Isn’t there anyone among the Mystics you’d consider? I mean, just so they could see we were trying to negotiate?”
My father’s eyes darkened. “There is not one of them I trust. They are all liars and idolaters.” He must have seen something in my face because he gave me a weak smile. “Don’t fret, Alystrine. Your uncle and I, along with all the Joint Assembly of Ayden, will choose a good man for your husband.”
I was too tired to argue. I glanced around the room and noticed someone missing from this discussion. I tried to remember if I’d seen him during the day. “Where’s Quinn?”
Geran didn’t look up from the parchment. “What?”
“Why isn’t Quinn here, you know, working on this problem?” The one man who knew all of this was futile should be here to try and work things out.
My father barely glanced over his shoulder. “Braedon ordered him out this morning.”
I tried to keep my voice from shouting, but it still came out in a shriek. “What?”
Geran straightened up. “You didn’t think Braedon would allow the only Portal he knows to be on our side to remain here, did you? It would give us too much power.”
“You’re still here.”
“I’m your father, he can’t very well ask me to leave.”
“But . . . but . . .” I paced away, my thoughts floundering in my head. Quinn had been the only person who knew it all. He knew about my contract with Braedon, my experiences in the Fey. I’d counted on his help to get Josh out of here, in spite of Braedon’s threats.
“But what?” My father asked. “He’s not on any of the councils, he’s crossed Braedon and personally, I don’t trust him either. I wasn’t sorry to see him leave.”
My bare feet slapped against the stone floor as I walked back to him. “You had no right to send him away without telling me. I trusted him. I need him here.”
Devnet stood and put a hand on Geran’s shoulder. “Keep calm, Brother.” My uncle looked to me. “You have your family here now. Your true family. You don’t need to rely on anyone else.”
I chewed my lower lip. “I think I’ll try and get back to sleep.”
Geran reached out his hand. I took it and he pulled me to his side. “Devnet and I are only trying to do what’s best for you.” He kissed the top of my head. “Goodnight, Alystrine.”
“I know.” The words sounded strained to my ears but I hoped he didn’t pick up on it. I gave Devnet a quick hug. “Goodnight.”
I went back to my bedroom but didn’t sleep. Instead, I stared up at the ceiling and wondered how I could get Quinn back here before they all found out the truth.
Quinn?
Even while in the Fey I’d been able to make some contact with him, though it’d been muted. I tried again.
Quinn?
My voice echoed back to me inside my head, but Quinn never answered.
The light seeping in from under my door dimmed and I guessed my father and my uncle were finally heading off to bed. I closed my eyes when the door opened.
“Do you think she’ll dream again?” my father asked.
“I pray not.” Devnet answered. “She shouldn’t have to endure such a thing again, even in her dreams.”
“It should never have happened.” Geran’s voice broke. “I should have protected her.”
“She survived, Brother. A little bruised, but I’m sure stronger for her courage. You must not blame yourself.”
The door clicked shut and the light from the other room went out as they took a torch to guide them through the hallways.
I couldn’t figure Geran out. One minute he seemed so cold and judgmental, but then, like just now, he’d let his guard down and sound so vulnerable. I’m sure I frustrated him as well.
I stared into the blackness and tried to think of a plan to get Josh home. If I could find my way through the maze of hallways in the palace, maybe I could find the only open passage back to the other world.
I sat up. Could I find it? I’d been sick and Quinn had led the way, but I might be able to do it. I tried to find the currents to take me to the stone circle, but I guess I’d been too sick to remember it well enough. Instead, I took a passage to the room I’d stayed during my first time in Uz. At least that way I avoided the guards outside my hallway. From there I thought hard about which way Quinn had turned when we made our escape. I followed my instincts. I came to a dead end once, but then turned right instead of left and found the door I remembered.
I reached out for the handle and gave it a push. The door gave way with an excruciating creak. I waited for the sound of footsteps to come rushing toward me, but nothing stirred. Sighing, I stepped inside.
An Elderstone lit the room with its soft lilac glow. My footsteps whispered across to the platform on the other side the room. The stone circle was gone. I frantically searched to see if I’d been wrong about its location. Maybe it was on the opposite wall. I ran around the room, searching the distant corners, but wound up back on the platform.
Someone chuckled from the doorway.
I tried to swallow. My palms grew sweaty.
“What are you doing, my dear?” He didn’t shout, but his deep voice carried through the darkness. “Trying to hide the Chrysaline?”
I shook my head.
“I’ve spoken with Ceallach.” Braedon stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “I know you have it.”
“I don’t.” Blood pounded in my ears, a whooshing throb with every heartbeat.
He walked lazily around the perimeter of the circular room, like a cat toying with some helpless creature. “Where is it?”
“I lost it on the way here.”
He leaned against a table. “But you had the satchel Sigal carried it in.”
I shrugged. “Do you think I strolled out of that temple? I was running for my life. I had no idea who else you’d sent after me. It could have fallen out anywhere in the city.”
His dark eyes seemed black in the light of the Elderstone. They searched my face before he spoke. “If not that, then what brings you to the tower?” His gaze lowered as he took in where I stood. His lips curled slowly into a knowing smile. “Did you really think I’d leave the only passage to the palace open?” He chuckled. “After I discovered you were a Portal?”
“I’m not.”
Again, he laughed softly. “What other reason could explain your escape from the Fey? Your appearance outside the palace walls? I can’t risk you taking your little friend back to the Other World, can I? Not with so much at stake here.”
“I hate you,” I spat the words like venom.
He made his way up the stairs so that we stood only a foot apart. “Now don’t say that, wife–”
“Stop calling me that!”
He didn’t touch me, but my skin crawled just the same. His voice was low and sensual. He leaned in toward me. “But you are my wife, Alystrine. Legally, you are mine. I can kill any man for touching you. I can even have you killed for laying with another man.”
“I never have.”
“No? And what of the boy in the garden maze?”
My jaws clenched. “We just talked. That’s all.”
“Is that the truth?”
I couldn’t speak the lie, but I nodded.
“Don’t worry. I won’t hold you responsible for your indiscretions. Yet.” Now his hand snaked out and his fingers rested along my neck. “It rather excites me to know that my wife has such a passionate nature. Kennis was so cold. Lying with her was like kissing one of the standing stones.” He pulled me closer. “But you,” he whispered in my ear. “You are a girl who enjoys being kissed.”
I pushed him away before his lips reached mine. I ran toward the door and pulled it open.
“Just remember, Alystrine,” Braedon said as he caught his balance.
“There is no passage out of the palace that you can take. The boy is here until I am satisfied our wedding will take place.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
All I Do is Disappoint
I spent the following morning with Simon, Devnet and Geran learning more about the Elder Council that would arrive later in the day. Although my father let the others do most of the teaching, it was obvious they held him in esteem. I missed my uncle’s softer side, as being in Geran’s presence seemed to make Devnet more formal. After a break for lunch, they instructed me in some of the Commoners’ history. Most of their ancestors had travelled through during King Gedeon’s reign or that of his son, Brennus.
“Once the Elders discovered they had been deceived by the Mystics,” Simon explained, “They sought to close off the passages between the worlds.”
“Rabble,” I whispered as my finger traced the family trees spread out on the table. Intricate lines like a spider’s web displayed the names and relationships between the most important Commoners of the last thousand years.
“Excuse me?” Simon asked.
“Rabble was the name of the Fallen who deceived Gedeon.”
My father rested his hands on the opposite side of the table. “How would you know that?”
“I saw it.” I glanced between Geran and the others. “While I was in Ginessa’s Glade. God . . . Ruahk . . .” After ignoring the idea of God all my life, my tongue had difficulty speaking the words naturally. “I had a vision. Of what Ayden had been and what happened to change it.”
My father leaned toward me, his eyes bright with anticipation. “What else did you see?”
I backed away from the table. I’m pretty sure he wanted me to have seen the Elders taking power again. Ruling Ayden as they had before the Mystics.
“Alystrine?” Geran’s gaze followed me. “What else did Ruahk show you?”
Devnet and Simon stared at me as well. I knew I had to tell them something, but did I dare tell them the truth? Something stirred inside me, like a fluttering in my chest. I don’t know why, but it gave me the courage I needed to speak. “Ayden doesn’t belong to the Elders anymore.”
My father’s blue eyes turned to ice. “What?”
