by Jaime Marks
Seeming to realize that she’d been quiet too long she cleared her throat and he watched as her she stood just a bit straighter, that confidence she seemed to want to put out there returning. “Well, it seems as though I find myself unescorted this eve, my lord, but unfortunately I’ve achieved some unwanted attention and I thought I would rather prefer…I mean, I couldn’t help but notice that you were sitting here alone. I hope you don’t think I’m too forward but I thought maybe since we’re both in need of a dance partner…” She trailed off hesitantly again and he couldn’t help but smile at her as she stumbled over her words. He preferred seeing her nervousness to the feigned confidence she was trying to show him. It was like stealing a glimpse at who she really was.
Despite his own reservations he decided to take pity on her and save her pride. She was obviously trying to ask him to dance but he supposed it probably wasn’t exactly proper in the eyes of the Fae considering her station. It was clear she was uncomfortable with the guy who’d been trying to get her attention, even if the Fae was really more suited for the role of her mate in higher society. Really Kyle was surprised with her culture and standing that she’d had the courage to approach him in the first place and he found it an enticement he couldn’t walk away from.
“Lady Astryn, it would honor me if you’d dance with me; but I should warn you, I’m not sure your Father would approve.” He could see Mythos and her Dad watching them with concern and disapproval in their eyes. They were speaking with the male she’d been standing with who seemed determined to intervene.
“My Father is used to me doing things he disapproves of, my lord, but I doubt he’ll worry too much seeing as how he believes I’ll be running off to be a Priestess of Light soon.”
Her devilish grin was a temptation and he glanced behind him to Cymeryn’s throne wondering if this was the right decision. Marcus caught his eye and nodded to him with a smile. He could feel the Fae in his mind pushing him on. He met her gaze again lost in her emerald green eyes and they were moving before he even realized he’d made the decision.
Gently, he guided her by the hand to the dance floor. Pulling her body close to him he placed a tentative hand on her hip. He couldn’t have pulled himself away from her if he wanted to. There was something that felt almost magnet about her, drawing him in, but it was more than that. It was like she eased all the pain in his soul. She stared up at him as they swayed and turned to the music, their feet gliding through the steps of a ballroom dance that he never thought he’d actually ever use. It was a lot more fun than he would’ve thought, but he suspected that had more to do with her.
“So, why a Priestess?” He asked trying to get her talking again. He needed to hear her voice.
“Excuse me?” She asked as he broke their silence.
“You said your Father thinks you have your heart set on being a Priestess of Light. Why?” He asked curiously.
“Honestly?”
“No I want you to lie to me,” he teased. “Of course honestly, Astryn.”
She smiled with a small laugh that brought a genuine smile to his lips. He found it curious how much he really wanted to know. “He wants me to be a Scholar and hates the idea of me being a Priestess. I don’t really know what I want to do yet. I haven’t really found the right fit, but I know I don’t want to be a Scholar.” She shrugged, “Whenever he pushes anything I don’t like I start talking about applying to the Order and he tends to drop it.”
He laughed, “Interesting.”
She raised a brow studying him. “How so?”
His eyes ran over her. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re not what I would’ve expected from a Fae of your culture.”
She seemed to deflate slightly. “Yeah, I guess I’m not exactly typical.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that, Astryn. It’s…intriguing,” he reassured her and he couldn’t hide his mischievous smile if he tried.
She blushed slightly but recovered quickly. It was curious given her boldness. Was she secretly shy about some things, or just with him? Or was she shy and had for some reason decided to be brazen with him? Such an interesting puzzle. Should he call her on it? No, why ruin the fun of getting to know her, seeing where she took this.
What the hell was he thinking? He couldn’t get to know her. Mythos was friends with her Father, he shouldn’t even be dancing with her. There was no way Mythos wouldn’t warn her Father about him. He should end this and leave her be before he complicated her life.
She looked down a moment before meeting his gaze. “Why do I get the feeling you’re gonna leave me hanging on this dance floor?”
His brow arched. She was reading him fairly well. There was something different about her, especially in her mannerisms. It almost seemed like she was from Earth more than the realms. He thought she was unawakened when he’d first sensed her but her essence was actually fairly strong. She could be newly Fae, really.
The song ended and he paused but didn’t release his hold. “Tell me, were you born Fae or awakened to it?”
“Born. I’ve never been to Earth and I’m not awakened. Why?” She asked studying him curiously.
He studied her in surprise. If she was unawakened Fae she had a strength to her that few outside the Lucerna Lines possessed, but more than that she felt like…his. He shook his head to clear that ridiculous idea and focused back in on their conversation. He might be enjoying her company but he couldn’t get this girl wrapped up in his world and it was crazy to think she belonged to him in some way. He’d only just met her.
“The way you talk, your boldness. It’s more what I’m used to from Earth, not something I’ve seen a lot of since arriving here outside of the unawakened Shade. It’s not what I know of the Fae,” he explained and saw her deflate as she looked down again. It irked him to realize that she thought he was chastising her. Who had made her feel like it was wrong to be herself?
He tilted her chin up so she could see that he meant what he said. “Don’t. It’s very attractive, Astryn. I’m just trying to figure you out.”
She smiled shyly a moment. “No Fae else can so I wouldn’t bother. I’m just me.”
He smirked keeping her close as he began guiding her into the steps of the next song. “Hmmm, I do love a challenge,” he teased and watched as she blushed slightly again. It was beautiful on her.
“It’s not really that complicated. I studied a lot of Earth culture and history, read a lot of novels. A lot of it influenced me. I just don’t think that I need to wait for a guy to notice me or have my Father or future mate tell me what I need to do with my life.” She looked distant a moment and glanced over to where the Fae now glowered at them and shifted uncomfortably. “Most Fae don’t understand it.”
“It doesn’t matter whether they understand it or not. I’m glad you do, because you don’t ever need someone else to tell you what you should do or who you should be,” he praised. “Being female doesn’t make you inferior. You don’t have to compromise yourself for anyone. Just be yourself, but you should keep in mind that humans aren’t right about everything. The bonds of the Fae are worth more than humanity could ever understand.” Kyle watched her as she took in his words. “Never allow another to dictate your fate or how you live your life, Astryn. You’re beautiful the way you are,” he admitted. He was enjoying exploring this feeling with her and seeing how she reacted to his words.
“Will you teach me about it? What Earth is like I mean?” She asked looking down, her shy vulnerability emerging again.
The song changed then, to a slow, familiar sound. Christina Perri if memory served. She wanted to learn about Earth? He pulled her body flush to his gently guiding her arms around his neck. She gasped startled but allowed him to slide his arms around her waist. As they began to sway to the soft melody it almost felt like a current shot through him, some spark he couldn’t define and he held her tighter.
“This song is from Earth,” he spoke softly in her ear. “This is how they dance to it.”
“It’s…beautiful,” she murmured staring up into his eyes.
She was still stiff and unsure. “Shh, just…feel it; the rhythm, the closeness. Relax,” he coaxed.
Slowly the tension bled from her and she moved with him rather than against him. Instinctually she lower her head against his chest and he gently rested his head against hers. He hadn’t danced with anyone like this in so long and it had never felt this close, this…connected. He didn’t want the song to end. He suddenly realized he didn’t want the night to end. He wanted to keep her there in his arms for as long as he could.
He didn’t know what this was between them, or even if he should allow this to continue but one thing he was clear, he’d do anything to protect her. If she didn’t want anything to do with the male that had been staring daggers at her from across the room since she approached him, he’d find a way to make sure she didn’t have to deal with him. No one should force her to do anything she didn’t want to and he wouldn’t stand for it.
Glancing up his eyes met Byryn’s and something passed between them, some promise that he would help him care for her and keep her safe. It was weird and surreal but he believed it. In that moment he trusted him and he was done fighting. They wanted him to let go, to give this life a chance and at least until the end of the night when he’d be forced to let her go that was exactly what he was going to do.
Byryn smiled as he watched Kyle pull Astryn closer. He could feel it through their bond though he doubted that he had any idea what was happening to him yet. They were bonding. It was why she felt so different to him now and why Staryana had picked up on it from the moment she’d met her. They felt her connection to Kyle through the bonds of their blood. He could feel Kyle’s resolve to keep her safe and he opened their connection just enough to reassure him that he wasn’t alone in this. They’d protect her together.
It was a relief when he felt Kyle ease and just accept it. He’d been fighting him and any connection he’d allowed since he woke up. Whether it was the strengthening of their bonds or he’d somehow managed to gain his trust it was clear something between them was shifting.
He turned his attention back to his baby and she smiled so brightly up to him. “Did you pick this song?”
Christina Perri’s Thousand Years played around them. He knew it was attached to some cheesy vampire movie or something but it was the words that had always caught him. They were few and vague, but exactly what he felt every time he watched her.
“I did.” He smiled waiting to see if she understood why.
“This is how you felt, all that time watching me from a distance.”
He nodded. “I’ve always loved you, Staryana. What I felt for you terrified and amazed me. I didn’t think I had the strength to risk it, but it was like time would stand still every time I saw you and I knew I couldn’t go on without you. I always knew you would be mine but I also knew I had to keep you safe. I waited my entire life to feel something even close to what you brought me and I would’ve waited an eternity to embrace it if it meant keeping you safe.”
“You’re amazing, Byryn.”
“Nowhere near as amazing as you, baby.” She was everything.
Nothing had ever felt as right as holding her in his arms, seeing her so happy and free. It was perfect. A voice in the back of his head whispered that it was almost too perfect as she looked away and he sensed a split second of fear course through her but it was gone so quickly that he was sure he’d imagined it.
It didn’t matter. Whatever happened from here on out he would protect her. He had her Dads and her brother to back him, not to mention his brothers and the whole of the Lucerna Lines. He’d do whatever it took to keep her safe and by his side and he’d give anything if it meant she’d always be as happy as she was tonight.
Chapter 28
Cymeryn held her tightly as they danced. He had never felt this complete. He could feel everything she felt, everything Marcus felt. If he thought before that they were bound stronger than possible now they were literally one. It was odd in a respect sharing his mind so completely with two others but it was more enjoyable than he knew how to describe with words.
“My beautiful Rey of Light,” he murmured. “So long I have waited for this eve to be. Are you happy, my love?”
White essence swirled through and around them as they held each other illuminating the area surrounding them. She was the most beautiful Fae he had ever seen. A goddess in mortal form and he had never doubted it for a moment even prior to knowing the truth.
“I’ve never been happier than I am tonight, Cymeryn. What I feel for you both, from you both…” She trailed off not having words to give what she felt justice.
He kissed her gently on the head as the music ended. “We know.”
Marcus appeared at their side and he gently spun her into his twin’s waiting arms causing her to giggle. “Cymeryn,” Marcus motioned across the dance floor. “I don’t think it’ll be too difficult to convince your son to stay,” he chuckled.
“That is the girl who he had been watching. Did he approach her?” He questioned scanning the room as he took note of Alyric and Mythos watching the young couple closely. Alyric’s assistant was leaning against the wall scowling at them but had the sense to refrain from attempting to intervene.
“No, she came to him. It was rather amusing to watch his surprise when she requested his company,” Marcus replied but Cymeryn watched his gaze fall to the disgruntled Fae who had previously held her company. “She said she’d attracted some unwanted attention.”
Cymeryn nodded watching the Scholar again. “She seemed to be arguing with Alyric’s assistant, Scholar…Talerys I think, but I may be confusing his name.” There had been so many Fae coming and going from the realm that it was hard to keep track. “Byryn seemed to be aware of the situation between them. He intends to address it with Mythos as he and Alyric are close. I will have to discuss it with him in the morn and find out what has occurred.”
“Yes, Talerys. He doesn’t appear too happy that Kyle’s gained the girl’s attention,” Marcus mused pulling Reyana closer for their dance.
“I will keep an eye. Enjoy yourselves. We deserve this time.” He kissed her on the head and misted to his throne as the music began again.
He watched his twin twirl their mate as the essence swirled around them. The peace and happiness that radiated from them was worth all the time that they had been forced to wait. Almost.
He turned his attention to their newly Claimed young. Byryn and Staryana illuminated the room nearly as equally as Marcus and Reyana. He twirled and spun her with an ease and joy that was soothing. They had both endured so much. They deserved this peace. They were simply beautiful together and their strength was amazing. He had no doubt they matched he, Marcus, and Reyana completely. They just needed to learn how to harness the power they’d been gifted.
Kyle and the young Fae he danced with spun close to them and he saw Byryn smirk as he assessed them, whispering in Staryana’s ear. It was clear to any who watched them they were taken with one another. Was it possible that his son had found his mate? He would have to watch the situation closely. The girl must have made quite an impression for him to have danced with her at all. He hadn’t exactly been thrilled with the idea of participating in the eve’s festivities.
He turned as he saw Devyn bow in the corner of his eye and smiled at the faint blush that graced Felycia’s face. His grand progeny had come so far in the short time since her awakening despite the setback of the attack. Seeing her embrace Byryn this noon had eased some of the fear he held in his heart for her and her courtship with Devyn only eased him further. He would have gladly Claimed the girl himself if he thought for even a moment she could trust him, but he had known that was not likely to be. In truth it was better that Grifyn had taken her as his daughter. It allowed the connections between her and Byryn to strengthen which was something they had both needed. Besides, Grifyn would care for and protect her but he was sti
ll and always would be her Grandsire. He would ever be there for her.
He watched his former nemesis guide Felycia to the floor and spin her before pulling her close seeing the smile that lit up her face. Devyn was good for her and she for him. He was sure they would not have so easily convinced the Patryarch of the Lucerna Lines the truth of Redemption had they not bound so quickly. In so many respects they were saving each other from the isolation and pain that had haunted them.
The song changed and Cymeryn saw Talerys move to approach Kyle and the girl as he pulled her closer to him dancing in a more Earthen style. He misted to intercept the Fae causing him to step back in shock.
“I know you do not mean to cause a scene on the eve of my Bonding, Scholar Talerys.” he cautioned studying the Fae. He was nearly old enough to be the girl’s Father not that it would matter once she awakened.
The Fae blinked at him a moment before bowing. “I apologize, Lord Cymeryn. I only mean to see to the Lady Astryn a Alyric. I am her escort this eve.”
“I see,” Cymeryn mused studying the Fae. “Is she your courted? I do not believe I am aware of such a declaration.”
He sighed heavily, obviously exasperated with the question. “No, I am one of her suitors, however and I mean to court the girl.”
He nodded in understanding. Many female young of proper families were courted by several Fae before their line either forced her to choose or chose for her. It was an archaic practice really. Females should be free to follow their hearts and choose for themselves. “The Lady Astryn dances with the Prince of Night, my son, at her own bequest. I see no reason to interfere with their eve. She did not seem to want your company earlier, Talerys. Leave them,” he commanded.
The Fae bristled somewhat glancing past him to where the young couple danced. “With all due respect, my lord, her Father requested I retrieve her.”
