Choices (Mists of the Fae Book 6)

by Jaime Marks

  She looked up at him. “How do you feel about Wytheryn? Grifyn said Trina confirmed his lineage.”

  He sighed, “I know. I don’t really know how to feel about it yet. I mean, I never even knew he existed, not that that’s unusual. I can’t even tell you how many kids Trevyn has out there. The issue is I don’t think he grew up Brood. There’s something about the way he refers to Alayne that bothers me, but that doesn’t make any sense. It’s not like that bastard would raise a Warrior out of the kindness of his heart. Not that it matters, according to Dad he pretty much hates me.”

  “Yeah, but so did Kyle and the two of you seem to be getting along. Maybe someone just pitted him against you.”

  “Maybe.”

  Really he didn’t know how to handle that situation yet. At some point he’d need to go down and try to talk to the kid, but apparently he thought they were trying to manipulate him. The guard said he’d ripped his cell apart after his Dad left him yelling about lies and games. He wasn’t exactly taking the fact that he was part Fae well.

  He shook off his thoughts as he saw Narysia rushing from the dining hall. Her pain and fear struck him before she even got close. Moving to intercept her, he gently caught her by the arms and she jumped a mile. “Hey, easy there sweetheart. What’s up? What has you so upset?”

  She shook her head. “I, I’m sorry Liaison. It’s just been a really rough morning.”

  Letting his essence flow through her he pulled her close, hugging her a moment. He didn’t know why, but he felt some link to her. She’d had a hard life and she struggled trying to adjust here because of it. She didn’t really fit in with the unawakened Fae because she was more quiet and withdrawn and the unawakened Shade tended to keep to their own most of the time unless they were closer to the awakening or had found their Fae families. He wished he could get her in with Kato or Trina to assess her lines but there were just so many kids younger than her that they needed to find homes for first. Unfortunately showing her more favor than he already did could put her in danger.

  “No reason to apologize.” He motioned to Staryana, “You’ve met my mate, Princess Staryana. Baby, you remember Narysia.”

  “Of course.”

  The girl startled into bow. “I’m sorry Princess. I should congratulation you both on your Bonding this eve.”

  Byryn smiled gently catching her chin, prompting her to lift her gaze. “You’re fine and thank you. Now, do you want to tell me what has you so upset?”

  “Not really,” she muttered hesitantly looking away but he was pretty sure she knew by now that he wouldn’t let it go so he waited.

  He’d been meeting with her regularly. Why she was so important he didn’t know, but he was learning to trust his instincts. Honestly she looked like someone, he just couldn’t place who, which was why he really wanted an excuse to get her in with Kato. It bothered him that he couldn’t justify granting her more protection.

  “It’s ridiculous, alright? I’m probably just being paranoid because I’m overly emotional.”

  He arched a brow as he studied her knowing she was trying to avoid talking about this, but he’d never seen her so upset. “Why are you overly emotional?”

  “It’s…it’s the day my Mom died,” she nearly whispered as a tear ran down her face. “It was two years ago.”

  “Narysia,” he breathed pulling her close, “I’m sorry sweetie. I know how much you miss her.”

  She stayed there in his embrace a minute and Staryana gently stroked her hair. “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling, Narysia, but we’re here for you.”

  He smiled sadly to his mate. She was amazing. Other females probably would be territorial but she just understood and accepted him, tuning into his feelings and walking that path right beside him.

  Kissing Narysia’s head he lifted her chin. For some reason he always felt like she was like a sister to him but unless she was Verthyrion there was no way that was possible. It didn’t matter, really until they sorted out her lineage he was all she had. “I know you feel like it’s silly, sweetheart, but we’ve been working on your essence control and your instincts are pretty good. Even if you are just paranoid, tell me and we’ll figure it out together.”

  She sighed but didn’t pull away. It was like she was absorbing every bit of comfort he could give her and he let his essence wash over her in soothing waves. He wished he could give her so much more. If pulling her further into his world wouldn’t place her more at risk he’d probably claim her as a ward, but really unless they found out she was legitimately related she was safer as just another face among the unawakened. After yesterday it was clear that they’d use anyone close to him and he wouldn’t put her through that without reason.

  “That guy, Styles or whatever he calls himself, he keeps popping up places with his friends that I don’t expect. It’s shaking me up and at meal when he sat across from me…I don’t know. I just got this weird feeling that he wanted to hurt me…so I ran, but now I just feel stupid.”

  Style a Styvelion was unawakened Shade and one of the problems Byryn was monitoring. He ran with a pack of four other unawakened, all about seventeen or eighteen, and they tended to find trouble. It wasn’t that far of a stretch for him to believe they were targeting Narysia. She was beautiful, shy, kept to herself most of the time, and there was a touch of subservience to her that would make her the prime target for an unawakened Shade looking for a slave to groom. Aside from that she’d barely started her physical training so she’d have a hard time defending herself against males like that, especially five of them who grew up fighting and battling just to survive.

  He had to figure out a way to protect her without drawing too much attention to her. If he placed a guard detail on her it would be noticed, but maybe he could just get someone to hang out with her, keep an eye on her? He’d figure it out but right now he needed to reassure her and remind her that she didn’t have to deal with shit like this alone.

  Pulling her back gently he met her eyes. “We’ve talked about this, remember sweetheart? If you feel like you’re in danger what are you supposed to do?”

  “Go to the nearest Guardian and ask to speak to you.”

  “Right. I would’ve come to you. I hate seeing all this gloom eclipse my sunshine,” he teased and noticed a slight lift to the corner of her lips. It was a nickname he’d taken to calling her on occasion because when he got her to relax and lighten up her smile could literally brighten a cloudy day. “I don’t care if you think you’re being paranoid or if your just feeling lonely, call for me. I’ll make the time to ensure you feel at home here. I know you don’t think so but you belong here, Narysia.”

  “Yeah, I know you said that but you get so busy and I don’t want to be a burden.”

  “You aren’t and if I can’t come I’ll send someone to keep you company until I can.”

  He looked up sensing his brother as well as a solution to his problem and motioned Trycen to come over. He looked the girl over with a curious look and Byryn wondered if he felt the connection to her too. That didn’t really make sense though, she was Fae.

  Meeting her gaze again he focused his attention on her. “Now, I know you’ve never met him but I want to prove something to. What vibe do you get from this guy?” His brother gave him an amused look but only waited. Luckily he wasn’t in uniform yet so really he just looked like any other Gray that lived in the Palace.

  “I don’t know him, but…” She hesitated looking him over. “He seems confused, concerned maybe.”

  “Do you feel like he’s a threat to you, or do you think you’d be safe with him?”

  “Safe, I think.” Narysia shook her head, “Why am I doing this?”

  He smirked seeing that she was starting to relax just like he wanted. “We’re doing this because I’m trying to prove to you that your instincts are good and I never want you to ignore them. This is Guardian Trycen a Trevyn, my brother, and right now he’s definitely confused, concerned, and maybe a bit amused because I ju
st ambushed him into this. You read him correctly and I know you weren’t focusing or even really trying. If someone feels to you like they want to hurt you, don’t ignore it or dismiss it just because you’re having a bad day. Next time, call me.”

  His brother met his gaze with narrowed eyes. He was fiercely loyal and while he might not understand the full scope of what was happening, he knew Byryn well enough to know that Narysia was important to him in some way, otherwise he wouldn’t have drawn Trycen’s attention to her or taken time out to train her randomly like that.

  “Something you want me to handle?”

  He nodded. “Have Gavyn set up a watch on Style and his boys. What are you up to?”

  “I was actually gonna check with you and see if you needed anything. I’m assigned to Star later,” he offered her a smile, “but until them I’m just supposed to report for general duty and check in with Lady Demytria.”

  Byryn brushed the hair from Narysia’s face. “I don’t want you alone today, sweetie. I know it’s a hard day to begin with and if I let you you’ll hide away and forget the world, but that’s not healthy. Besides, I’d feel better knowing you were safe, so I’m gonna have you hang with Trycen today.”

  “Should I go get geared up?”

  “Nah, you’re already dressed for the banquet take her as your guest and just chill, enjoy yourselves. She could use a little cheering up. I doubt if you’re around there will be a problem and this way I know she’s not alone.”

  Really having her hang out with his brothers granted her extra protection without marking her more of a target. While it would mark her under Byryn’s general protection it wouldn’t mark her as his. Things might be different here but it wasn’t unusual for his brothers to have favored and allies they kept close. It was pretty standard practice actually and every unawakened knew better than to mess with what belonged to them. Generally if they crossed that line they gained the attention of the Brood in its entirety. Granted there were only three of them here, four if they counted Wytheryn, but that number had the potential to grow and they were all either Guardians or held to favor of the Lucerna Lines. It wasn’t the kind of attention most of them wanted to risk.

  She glanced hesitantly at Trycen. “Really, Liaison, you don’t have…”

  He laid a finger against her lips. “I want to and since I’m kind of in charge of these things I suggest you just kind of roll with it because I’m not taking no for an answer.” He released her and hugged his brother leaning close to his ear. “Keep her close. If she needs formal attire put it on my tab and just get her to relax. She’s had a rough go of things and I worry about her.”

  Trycen nodded and offered her a smile. “Come on, Narysia. I could use an easy day of just chilling out. It’ll be fun. I’ll introduce you to my brother and his mate.”

  She let out an exasperated sigh shooting him a mildly annoyed look but let Trycen guide her down the hall. It would be good for her to have some company and his brother would be respectful but get her to loosen up and just enjoy herself.

  Staryana leaned into him and he turned kissing her. “Sorry about that.”

  “Don’t worry about it. I like Narysia and I know you care about her. Actually I was thinking it might be good for her if I started spending some time with her too.” She shrugged, “She doesn’t seem to have a lot of friends and you’re great, Byryn, but you’re still just a guy.”

  He chuckled and nipped her lip. “Just a guy, huh brightness?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I do, and yeah it would probably be good for both of you.” He frowned considering her situation again, “There’s just something familiar about her. I can’t place it and I’ve talked to Kato but I don’t want to draw too much attention to her until I know something concrete. Really there isn’t a justifiable reason to move her up the list. There’s just too many little ones that need their parents, or some form of family.”

  “I know and you’re right. You’ve been good about not painting a target on her back and I think until we figure out what you’re feeling from her it’s probably a good idea to keep it low key. We don’t have justification to place a guard on her all the time and it’ll just put her at risk if the unawakened notice she’s getting special treatment.”

  Byryn sighed trying to puzzle it all out but there really wasn’t an answer yet. The girl was gifted but her strength really wasn’t that special, it just meant she came from strong lines. It could be more seeing as how her essence had only just started to manifest and she’d never been around Fae before, but it was too early to tell. She looked familiar but he couldn’t really say she looked like anyone in particular. Until he could get her in with Kato or Trina there was no way to know. If he moved her up the list it would draw attention to her and if what he felt ended up being nothing it could put her at risk for no reason. It was better just to let it rest for now.

  “Come on, I want to get you back so you can get ready for the banquet while I go see if I can get Wytheryn to talk to me. I want to make sure John’s secure, too.”

  There were too many other issues for him to worry about. For now, Narysia was safe and he’d just keep an eye on things. He’d talk to his Dad about it once things settled down. Maybe they could arrange something to get her lineage tracked during one of their scheduled meetings without anyone knowing.

  Kyle stared at the two sets of robes that Cymeryn had brought him. He wasn’t really sure this was a good idea. Apparently, since he was his progeny and had agreed to let him Claim him, Cymeryn insisted he needed to attend the banquet and the ceremonies. He wouldn’t even care, he’d do whatever they expected; but after what happened on the plateau when he got here, and John kidnapping her, he didn’t really want to push Steph.

  It would be kind of hard not to attend the ceremonies. His Claiming was tonight. Everything felt like it was happening so fast, it was all changing. He fingered the white ceremonial robes he’d wear later when he said goodbye to his old life and finally broke the chains that bound him. As uncertain as he felt, on some level this all felt right more than anything had since his Mother had been killed. Soon he’d be free, finally.

  “Do you really believe that I would allow you to be free of your blood so easily?” Alayne’s voice hissed through his mind as a shiver of fear rolled through him. “Have you forgotten that I own you, boy?”

  “No, you’ll never own me,” he growled even as ice filled his veins and pain shot through him.

  Dropping to his knees he shook his head trying to shut him out but there wasn’t any way to stop it. He should have known he wasn’t free. He’d never be free. The blood bonds wouldn’t release him but it didn’t matter, he’d never go back. He’d die before he accepted that fate.

  “That can easily be arranged. Where is your mentor and the others? Set him free, bring me your sister, and I may see fit to forgive your disgrace.”

  “No, never,” he whispered needing to say the words out loud.

  He’d never give in. Staryana was a Light that warmed his soul and he needed to keep her safe. His Grandfather would have to kill him first. A Darkness coiled around him, choking him as he fought for air. It seeped deep into his soul trying to gain control.

  “Are you alright, Kyle?”

  The pressure eased in him slightly and he looked up to find Cymeryn staring down at him. He opened his mouth to explain what was going on but the words wouldn’t form and his Grandfather’s laughter rolled through his head. He obviously couldn’t control him but apparently he’d prevent him from getting help until he could. What the hell was he going to do?

  Letting out an exasperated sigh he nodded and slowly rose to his feet. “Sorry, I…I was meditating.”

  He rose a brow studying him as his essence rolled over him a minute. “I just wanted to see how you were doing before I went to speak with the King and Stephynia.”

  Trying to shake off the shit with Alayne he focused in on the other issue he needed to worry about. “Are you sure this is
a good idea? I don’t want to make her uncomfortable and I seriously don’t really expect her to forgive me.”

  Cymeryn sighed and sat on the bed. “I know this will be difficult in a respect for both of you but avoiding the situation will not make it easier. Aside from that this eve is your Claiming and all of your sires and your sister are Bonding. If there is to be an issue I would rather face it this noon than to be dealing with it when we are supposed to be celebrating. Allow us to manage this.”

  “Us?”

  “Your sires,” he replied watching him shrewdly. “Kyle, you do know that if something is bothering you, even if it is your Father or Alayne reaching you, you can tell me and I would never judge you. I am here for you, son, whatever you need.”

  Again he tried to speak but the words wouldn’t form. Finally he managed out a partial truth. “I…I think they’re trying to reach me, but…I don’t know what to do about it.”

  “They likely are but unfortunately for the moment there is little you can do. The Claiming should break the bonds and allow you freedom from them,” he reasoned.

  At the moment he doubted that. This went beyond the normal link between blood. A Darkness was seeping into him and he wasn’t entirely sure Alayne was the source. It was too strong, too pure. His thoughts were his own but it was strong enough to cut off his ability to communicate. If it continued he wasn’t really sure what would happen.

  Cymeryn stood and rested a hand on his shoulder. “Try to relax a while. Are you sparring with Byryn this morn?”

  “No, we’re starting tomorrow or the next day I think. He said he wanted to be sure I was fully healed.”

  “And how are you feeling?”

  “Still a bit sore.” He shrugged, “I’ll live.”