Choices (Mists of the Fae Book 6)

by Jaime Marks

She watched Mythos return to the altar and pour the blood into two smaller bowls as he chanted stopping only once they were glowing. He then handed one bowl to Steph and took the other himself as they both walked back to Marcus and Cymeryn.

  “To complete the binding you must accept the essence into your body and hearts first binding yourselves to one another and to her as one, and then you must allow her to drink allowing her to bind to you both.” Mythos smirked a moment looking at Steph staring up at Cymeryn and looking to him for guidance. She was decently shorter than him. She would have to reach up and the blood was not supposed to be spilled. “Perhaps if you all made yourselves…shorter?” He chuckled in amusement despite Steph’s glare.

  Cymeryn shrugged and smiled at her before squatting down to accommodate Steph more comfortably, pulling her down slightly. She looked between them as Steph slowly poured the essence into Cymeryn’s mouth as he drank and Mythos mirrored the action with Marcus until both bowls were empty and a glow spread over them both.

  Mythos and Steph sat the bowls on the altar and he retrieved the chalice and returned to their grouping. He lifted the bindings that had joined Marcus and Cymeryn placing one in each of their hands and watched as they placed them into their robes before they took the chalice as one, each supporting it in one hand as they slowly brought it to her mouth.

  “Drink of us Rey,” Cymeryn murmured quietly.

  “Complete the bond, Reya,” Marcus whispered.

  She drank the blood slowly taking their essence into her feeling everything they felt, everything they thought. There were no separations, no hesitation. As she swallowed the last drop and they drew the chalice back a warmth spread through her and she could feel it in both of them, everything echoing through the three of them at once. They’d felt this connection between them for a while but it was so much stronger, intense. It felt like perfection.

  They handed the chalice to Steph and Mythos took the fabric that had been their bindings and placed it in each of their robes against their chests. “Your bonds are complete. They can never be broken. Your souls are forever joined and can never be separated even by time and distance.”

  They stood patiently as the Priestesses of Light adorned her gown and Shala worked her magic completing the process as she had done with Star.

  “Your thrones your majesties,” Mythos offered motioning behind him.

  Reyana noticed that her throne had been placed back between the thrones of her Kings at some point. They each held her hand, not yet willing to release her, as they guided her to the thrones. They only let her go long enough to turn her to face their subjects, reclaiming her hands once again as they were seated. She watched as the Fae knelt before them once more. She still had no idea what the fall out of all this would be, but the truth was she didn’t really care. This was right. It was how it was meant to be and she wouldn’t change it for anything.

  Cymeryn kissed her hand. “I love you, Rey.”

  “I love you too.” She smiled before looking to Marcus. “Both of you.”

  “I know, and I love you. You need not worry, Reya. I am not jealous of Cymeryn. I know both of your hearts clearly.”

  Her brows rose. “Wow you picked up on that? I wasn’t even thinking about that consciously anymore.”

  He smirked. “I know, but it was still something you were feeling, an echo of a concern I suppose.”

  She looked between them realizing the intensity of their bonds and connections.

  “No Rey, I doubt any of us will be able to hide anything from each other from this point forward. Though you can try,” Cymeryn mused teasingly. They both knew he enjoyed drawing her secrets from her.

  They watched as the altar was cleared away and refreshments were wheeled in. “I wonder how long it’ll take Star to figure out what Byryn’s hiding or if she already knows because of their bond,” she pondered.

  “Hmmm, I don’t know she seems to be looking around suspiciously now. I’m sure…” They watched as she jumped into his arms just about knocking him over. “Well, I would say she knows now.”

  They all laughed but she couldn’t shake the feeling that things were too perfect. Every time things were this good, something happened. Every time.

  Cymeryn turned to her. “You cannot keep thinking like that, Rey. Let us worry about what happens next for now. Just enjoy this eve.” He traced his finger gently down the inside of her wrist. “Do not make us steal you away to distract you before you grant me the privilege of our first dance as bonded mates.”

  Marcus reassured her, “We agreed Cymeryn would have the first dance as I have already had the pleasure of dancing with you as bonded mates when we joined in your first incarnation as Fae, but don’t worry, I’ll steal my time with you as well.” He kissed her hand.

  Suddenly the aura of her pregnancy surged forth and she could feel both the young strongly, though she couldn’t discern which child belonged to which mate yet. She felt Marcus and Cymeryn’s essence flow through her and them.

  “They’re so strong Reya.” Marcus smiled with pride still watching the room.

  Cymeryn shook his head in amusement. “Of course they are strong. They are Cymarcion, Mythion, and part Divine. What did you think they would be, brother?”

  He laughed but remained silent. They sat just enjoying the feel of the essence flowing through the three of them, the connections that joined them as one, and the feeling of their young growing in her womb. There was nothing more perfect than this moment. The only thing she could imagine topping it would be what it would be like when they were together this eve.

  “Mmmm.” Cymeryn pulled her over gently by the hand and kissed her softly on the lips. “If you start thinking like that, Rey, I promise you, we will never see the first dance.” He loosened his hold allowing Marcus to pull her over kissing her as well.

  “It will be a divine act, my love. That I can assure you,” he murmured against her lips.

  “One that we will ensure has you screaming,” Cymeryn’s voice echoed in her mind.

  “And begging,” Marcus chimed in.

  “All eve long,” they assured her as one.

  Reyana could feel her desire heating her. She squeezed her legs tightly as she closed her eyes trying to compose herself and she heard her mates laughing softly at her predicament. She simply smiled and shook her head.

  “Just wait, three can play this game and I promise you, I will be very patient,” she whispered knowing they would hear her one way or another.

  Chapter 27

  Kyle stood off to the side watching the Bondings. He couldn’t deny how happy his sister was. Star and Byryn literally lit up the room with their joy. As much as he’d been afraid of what this would mean for her, seeing them together like this put all his fears to rest. It was odd but it was like he could somehow sense their connection and it was right in so many ways.

  He turned his attention to the Kings and Queen. Cymeryn, his Father, looked so at peace it was almost unnatural to him, but then he was not the Shade he had been and Kyle was still learning about the Fae he now was. He still wasn’t quite sure where he fit into all this. Everyone aside from Mythos and Steph had made him feel welcome, but he could hardly blame the girl or her mate. If she had decided to attack him he would have stood and taken it regardless of the result after what had been done to her. What he had done to her he reminded himself. He supposed after things settled he would return to his quarters. It was only fair that he give her space so that she could enjoy herself.

  Cymeryn looked up meeting his eyes and beaconed him casually. Kyle glanced around habitually taking in his surroundings before crossing to his sire’s side. “Yes si-, Father,” he quickly corrected himself.

  “Relax Kyle. I just wanted to see how you were. I know this eve was not easy for you and I wanted you to spend some time with us and your bonded Mother.” Cymeryn drew the Queen closer kissing her softly.

  Marcus motioned to the step in front of them. “Take a seat Kyle. We expect you to stay f
or the festivities, son. There is no reason to run off so quickly.”

  Kyle rose a brow wondering if the Fae had read his mind but merely bowed. “As you wish, sire Marcus.”

  Marcus chuckled shaking his. “There’s no need for such formality. I’m your uncle now, beyond being your sire.”

  Kyle nodded awkwardly. “You’re right. I’m sorry Uncle Marcus, this is all just very…new.”

  “We understand.” Reyana smiled. “It’ll take a bit for us to get used to each other. Please for tonight, won’t you join us and try to enjoy yourself?”

  “Thanks, your maj-, um Mo-…” He fumbled a moment before sighing. “I’m sorry my lady but I have no idea how I’m supposed to address you now.”

  She reached for his hand releasing Cymeryn’s but he hesitated looking to the King for permission. When he nodded his approval he allowed her to take it pulling him closer and a warmth flooded through him that calmed him instantly. It was weird but she felt so familiar…

  “Kyle, I know this is all confusing and sudden for you. You don’t need to be so tense and on guard with us. We’re your family. You may call me whatever you’re more comfortable with. If you want to call me Mom you may, but if you’re uncomfortable I won’t take offense. Reyana will suffice just as well. I am honored to have you as my bonded son, but I don’t expect to ever replace your Mother in your heart, nor would I want to.”

  “Thanks, Reyana,” he breathed out in relief. “I still miss my Mom and while you have done nothing but make me feel welcome, I feel like it’s a dishonor to her memory,” he explained not meaning to talk so freely. There was just something about the Queen that put him at ease. She almost reminded him of his Mother. It was just something about her that made him feel as if she was close. He shook off the thoughts feeling her loss slightly heavier. “Maybe one day.”

  “I understand completely.”

  He felt a hand clasp his shoulder and turned to find Byryn and his sister behind him. “Why so tense, Kyle? Lighten up. This is a celebration not a funeral.”

  He looked the Fae over in amusement. He’d never seen him so laid back and…happy. “Definitely.” He turned and clasped the Fae’s forearm. “Congratulations, Byryn. I can see how much my sister loves you…and you her,” he conceded.

  Byryn smiled broadly. “Thanks. I do love her.” He pulled her in and kissed her deeply a moment. “I always have.”

  “How are you feeling?” Star asked. “It’s been a long few days for you.”

  He offered her a smile. “I’m fine, Star. You need to stop asking me that every time you see me.”

  She shrugged with an apologetic grin. “I’m just happy you’re alright. It feels like it was kind of my fault you got shot and well…”

  He shook his head and took her hands as Byryn allowed him to pull her close. “No, I put myself in harm’s way both times knowing the risk and I’d do it again if it meant you’d be safe. You’ve got nothing to feel sorry for. You were reacting to an intense situation and I’m fine. I’ll tell ya what. If you’re that worried about it you can save a dance for your big brother later and we’ll call it even.”

  She looked to Byryn who kissed her and nodded before she turned back to him. “Alright, but it won’t be too much later.” She giggled as Byryn spun her around. Kyle chuckled as he watched them. If he didn’t know better he’d think they were drunk.

  Suddenly he felt a warm tickling sensation spread through him. He’d felt it on and off since the banquet but he’d been so distracted dealing with other things that he hadn’t had the chance to explore it. It felt stronger now, a pull or a draw that he couldn’t explain. It felt so familiar, like coming home, but he knew he had never felt the essence before. Someone had sensed him, but who? No one stood out immediately when he surveyed the room but there were so many Fae there. He felt it again and closed his eyes centering on the signature of it and tracked it back to its source only opening them once he was sure he’d located it.

  A vision of a female stood holding his gaze. She was a beautiful red head with short hair and green eyes that shimmered so brightly it felt like she was warming him from within but she quickly turned away once she realized he was watching her, a shy smile gracing her lips. Who was she? Why did he feel like he should know her?

  An arrogant looking Fae aside of her noticed her behavior and scanned the room before saying something to her that he couldn’t make out. She stiffened slightly and he could sense her discomfort with the male. He almost went to her when the Fae rested his hand on her shoulder and she shrugged it off with a look of frustration. He wasn’t sure what to do but he realized he really had no clue what her situation was. It was probably best for him to stay out of it. For all he knew that was her betrothed and they were arguing.

  “Something catch your eye, son?” Cymeryn asked curiously as he followed his gaze.

  “Not really. She sensed me.” He shrugged trying to downplay what he was feeling both to his Dad and himself. “She’s beautiful but I’m not really interested in either courting or sex and don’t worry I know Fae don’t do the casual thing. Besides, she appears to be busy.”

  “No, but we do have friendships,” Cymeryn offered studying her, his eyes narrowing slightly at her discomfort. “But perhaps if you are not willing to consider such things yet begin with a simple hello? Maybe a dance? There is nothing wrong with enjoying yourself.”

  Byryn smirked an odd look crossing his face as he and Star exchanged looks. “I can introduce you if you like. The male with her is her Father’s assistant. He’s taken it upon himself to be her keeper and her Father wants her to accept him as a potential mate but…” He shook his head as he watched them. “She wants nothing to do with him. I actually plan on talking to Mythos about it tomorrow because I think there’s something off about him.”

  He stared at her a moment as their eyes met again and some of the tension seemed to bleed from them both. He forced his gaze away, looking back to Byryn and Cymeryn. It was almost painful to pull himself from her. The idea of her being with that male irked him. He needed to watch himself and keep his temper in check. It wouldn’t exactly be proper behavior for a Prince to start a scene at his Father’s and sister’s Bonding celebration.

  “No, I appreciate it but it’s better for her if I keep my distance. Mythos and one of the Fae she’s standing with appeared to be close at the banquet earlier. Things are too intense with him and Steph right now and I don’t blame him. It’s better for everyone if I keep a low profile until things settle down. I know all of you want me to stay, but it might be best to keep the peace if I return to my quarters.”

  “Maybe, but honestly, Kyle, you’ve been using that as an excuse to hide away. I know it will take time for you to adjust, but you’ve been given a chance to start this life fresh. You need to let it go and move on,” Byryn offered. “Once Mythos and Steph see you have and that you’re not a threat they’ll move on too, but you can’t shut yourself away in the meantime.”

  “Hmmm,” Cymeryn studied them both a moment. “Let us instead leave it to fate. Stay for an hour. Spend time with your family. You do not have to dance, or even attempt to be sociable outside of the Lucerna Lines, but if somefae asks you to dance, I want you to accept. If after an hour you still wish to return to your quarters I will allow it, provided you actually attempt to have a good time until then.”

  Byryn nodded seeming satisfied with that suggestion. “Give this a chance. See what happens.”

  Kyle met his gaze and sighed in resignation. He had been planning to dance with Star and sneak off at the first opportunity but it was clear they both knew that. It was actually a pretty decent compromise since it could’ve ended up taking him longer to slip away but he knew they wouldn’t make it easy on him. “Alright Father. I’ll hang out for an hour and see what happens.”

  Cymeryn nodded with a smile and stood clasping his shoulder. “You need to leave the past behind you, Kyle. Allow yourself a chance to enjoy this life.” He turned to Reyana. “Come
, Rey, Gastrion is about to announce the first dance and you, my Queen, are mine.”

  He watched as his Father led his bonded Mother to the floor and saw Byryn follow suit with his sister. He sat on the stairs close to Marcus who merely smiled at him in encouragement before turning to watch his mate and his twin.

  In so many ways this all felt surreal, like he didn’t really belong here. The things he was seeing, this place, even the rollercoaster of emotions that he was experiencing. This wasn’t him. These happy couples he saw dancing, people smiling, it didn’t exist to him anymore. This potential for his life had died long ago and been replaced by a nightmare. Having it returned left him reeling; trying to figure out if he was even really awake.

  “Hi,” the soft, sweet voice broke through his thoughts and he looked up to find the angel who had sensed him smiling down at him.

  “Hey,” he tried to offer her a smile but he had no idea what to say to her. Byryn had alluded to being concerned about her welfare with that male, and he had meant to keep an eye on her, but he didn’t expect her to approach him. Was she in trouble?

  “Um, did you need help with something?” He requested scanning the crowd and taking note of the male in question. He was watching her from across the room and there was a rage in his eyes that didn’t quite fit in a Fae. Byryn was right, there was something off with him. One thing was clear, he was pissed that she was talking to him.

  She laughed a moment drawing his attention. “Well, I guess you could say that. I’m Astryn a Alyric. Prince Kyle, is it?”

  She offered him her hand and he took it as he rose to his feet, gently kissing the back of it as per custom. “Yes, that’s correct. How can I assist you Lady Astryn?”

  She stared at him a moment, hesitant for the first time since she approached him. He studied her sensing a vulnerability that she hid under the brimming confidence and boldness she put forth. It was an interesting dynamic to find in an unawakened Fae. Really it intrigued him. There was nothing that amused him more than a puzzle and she was definitely peaking his curiosity.