by Jaime Marks
Cymeryn smiled. “I assure you, Talerys, if Alyric wishes to question my judgment he may seek my audience, but this is an eve of celebration. Let the young have their fun.”
The Fae nodded and excused himself leaving Cymeryn to stand watching his son who held Astryn in her arms. He could see the essence flow freely between them but with how new he was and Astryn’s youth he doubted they even were aware of the extent of it. There was definitely more going on here than a mere dance.
He reached his essence over them and felt the warmth and comfort between them. Glancing to Alyric who stood with the King and his future Queen watching, he had no doubt Kyle was right. Mythos and Alyric had definitely taken exception to the pair’s interaction. It was a situation Cymeryn would indeed need to monitor. It was too early to tell but if he had to guess, just by watching them he would say they were already beginning to bond.
Devyn pulled her closer causing her to gasp but she didn’t pull away. It made her feel safe to be in his arms and she was having more fun than she could ever remember having in her life.
“If this is all it takes to keep that lovely smile on your face, I shall have to arrange a ball weekly for your pleasure,” Devyn teased spinning her out and back into him.
Felycia laughed. “I think everyone would kill you. From what I gathered it took an insane amount of planning and trouble just to pull this off.”
He shrugged, “I would endure their ire if it meant you were happy.”
She stared into his eyes trying to weigh out her feelings in that moment. “You’re amazing Devyn, you know that? You honestly have the patience of a saint.”
He laughed shaking his head. “I think, my dear girl, if you told that to anyfae else they might fall from their seat in laughter, but for you I would move mountains, Felycia. So yes, with you I am ever patient because I know what is in my heart and I know we have all of eternity to work this out.”
She swallowed hard. It was still insane for her to even try to consider that it was even possible.
“I am sorry. I did not mean to make you uncomfortable.”
She shook her head. “It’s not that. Ok, well maybe in a respect it is, but maybe not how you think. You have to realize that really and honestly I’ve never been this close to anyone. If anything I avoided it because any time I ever let anyone get close they hurt me. It’s hard to adjust to this.”
He measured her quietly. “You do know I will never harm you, Felycia, that I would lay my life down to protect you?”
“I know and I believe you, Devyn. Something…” She sighed resting her hand on her heart. “Something in my heart and soul knows that this is where I’m safe.”
“Here in the Palace?” He requested.
“No,” she hesitated but forced herself to step into him as the song changed to a slow tune from Earth. She slowly slid her arms up to his neck and his arms wrapped around her waist as he stood savoring the contact. “Here, Devyn, in your arms.”
He kissed her head and held her tighter. “Thank you, Felycia. Your trust means more to me than anything in the world.”
“I’ve never danced before,” she admitted with a smile. “I think I like dancing.”
Devyn beamed down at her. “I will admit that I never really found much use for it until this eve, but I believe I rather enjoy it myself.” He spun her playfully in his arms.
Tonight was perfect in so many ways. She knew it wouldn’t always be like this. Her brothers would try to come for her. Sooner or later her secrets would have to come to Light. The war would continue to wage. It was just the way it was, but for tonight she wanted to forget all that. She wanted to believe that all that mattered was right here in this moment, that maybe, just maybe, she deserved this happiness here in his arms and everything in the world was as it was supposed to be. In this faerie tale she could almost believe they could stay this way forever. Almost.
Kyle spun her in his arms and she breathed in the scent of him. Nothing had ever felt as perfect as she felt in his arms. Her Father had shoved countless suitors down her throat. He’d forced her to entertain them and keep their company but none of them had sparked an interest from her. Maveryous had managed to gain her friendship, but he knew that she didn’t feel any attraction to him and he respected that. No, she’d known none of them were her mate.
This male, Kyle, she felt things in his arms she’d never felt before. When other males touched her she cringed but being in his arms felt…right. It was as if she could literally sense his feelings, almost hear his thoughts. Something about him touched a part of her deep inside. She never wanted this to end.
“I don’t think your Father’s happy about how I’m holding you,” he murmured into her hair. “I should probably let you go.”
Astryn tensed in his arms but didn’t move away and he didn’t release her. “Please don’t. I don’t care what he thinks and I can’t bare Talerys any more this eve.”
He leaned back meeting her gaze, his eyes piercing hers knowingly. “Who is he to you? You were uncomfortable with him and he acts like he owns you. You can tell me, Astryn.”
She blew out a breathed but nodded. “My Father, he’s searching for a male to court me. Talerys is one of my suitors. He acts like he owns me because he thinks he does. I don’t know what sort of arrangement they’ve worked out but he seems to think my Father plans on having us bound despite the fact that we aren’t even courting…Honestly he might be right. Father is always forcing me to spend time with him and any rules he sets for me seem to hold.”
His eyes narrowed. “Do you want to see them? These suitors? Talerys?”
“No.” She shook her head trying to get him to understand. “I hate it. None of them are my mate and Talerys makes my skin crawl. I’m not generally fond of male company.”
He smirked slightly as his eyes ran over her. “You don’t seem to mind my company.” Her cheeks warmed and she ducked her head but he caught her chin. “Don’t hide your eyes from me, Astryn.” His finger traced the contour of her cheek. “You intrigue me.”
Her breath hitched slightly at the command in his voice. “You’re not like other males I’ve met,” she admitted. “None of them ever made me…feel like this and I…I’m enjoying this.”
Pulling her close again he rested his chin on her head. “Good. I don’t ever want you to do something just to please me. I don’t care if I’m a Prince. If I make you uncomfortable I expect you to tell me.”
Being this close to him she doubted there was anything he could do to make her feel uncomfortable. It was like he was a part of her. He had to be her mate. There was no other explanation for everything she’d felt since the first moment she saw him. She didn’t want to let him go but she had no idea how to tell him and even if she did it was completely improper for her to be the one to bring it up. Although she’d broken a number of rules of proper society just approaching him in the first place.
“Whatever you’re worried about, Astryn, let it rest for now. Just enjoy this with me. Let the rest of the world fade away awhile.” He sighed into her, “Whatever it is, whether it’s your Father or that dick that was harassing you, I’ll handle it later. For now just let me steal this time with you.”
She did. There was nothing but him for that moment. All she wanted was to stay here with him. His words held her and it comforted her to know that he felt something between them. She had no idea what would happen tomorrow when the rest of the world caught up to them, but she knew that if she had a choice, she never wanted him to let her go.
Talerys fumed as he watched her in the young Prince’s arms. She was his, promised to him by her Father but it was clear that she and the Prince were connecting on some level, perhaps even bonding. It did not matter. He would not release her so easily.
He looked to Alyric. “Should I ignore the King of Night’s request?”
“No, it would not do to cause a scene. She has already drawn more than enough attention to herself for one eve. I will deal with her in the morn and ensure this does not
continue. I spoke with Lord Mythos and he has no trust or faith in that boy. He was born Shade and I do not intend to allow them to foster a connection.”
Talerys rose a brow. “I thought you were in favor of Redemption.”
“Redemption of the Fae who were born with Light in their hearts, of course. I do believe that these young deserve a chance but that does not mean I wish to see one such as Prince Kyle Darken my daughter. She has made more than enough mistakes on her own. It is why I prefer her monitored as you know.”
“I do,” he mused though he doubted there was much truth to the rumors that her Father believed. She was far too innocent and shy in such regards. No, the girl was pure, her honor intact despite the rumors.
It did not matter. He had his own methods of reining in Astryn. She would be his and it was clear her Father agreed. For now he would have to endure this, however. Still there was no harm in ensuring that he held a claim to her.
“I will talk to her later and ensure she understands the magnitude of the issue she is dealing with, Alyric. If she pursues the Prince her slights are sure to come out. I will care for her and protect her as always,” he reassured him knowing he needed to retain her Father’s favor.
Alyric shifted uncomfortably but nodded. “Yes, well. It is best to avoid that though it is not my main concern. I want her away from that boy. We both know Astryn is cunning and resourceful when she wishes to be. It is the last thing any Fae needs to foster in her. The Prince grew up Shade, he is newly Redeemed and from what I understand he was as depraved, manipulative, and dangerous as the rest of them. He has not even adjusted to this world yet. I do not trust him with mine daughter.”
“I will ensure that he is not an issue,” Talerys agreed studying the male shrewdly. “Accept my Decree of Courting. Make it official, not only will it prevent such foolishness on her part but I will ever cherish and treasure her. A young girl such as Astryn needs guidance and discipline to prevent her from falling prey to the Darkness as she has in the past. I will keep her in line.”
He turned and met her Father in the eyes as he nodded. “We will make it official with Lord Mythos in the morn. I do not wish to disturb him this eve and it would draw too much attention and issue from Lord Cymeryn if we attempted it now. You must proceed slowly with her, Talerys. If you push too hard too fast she is certain to make a scene at the Bonding and it is not something that can be forced.”
“Do not worry, my friend. I will ensure to have the girl well in hand.”
He smiled wickedly knowing once the decree was accepted there was very little Astryn would be able to do about it. He would have first rights and be able to prevent further issues from the Prince in the future; or any other would be suitor. Maveryous would no longer be able to interfere. It would take time but he would be able to convince her to take him as her mate. She would have no other option.
Chapter 29
Michael moaned as images of his life passed through his mind. He was vaguely aware of his body but he couldn’t seem to connect with it. It was as if the only thing left of him was his mind. How long had he been drifting here. If his awakening had been a rebirth of sorts, leaving him with Crytos to sculpt him into a man, a Warrior; this was a reincarnation as his new Master reformed him to his preference.
His Master’s essence coursed through his being as sensation of his body came slowly back into his conscious mind. Jagged claws ran over his skin tearing the flesh. “I am not yet done with you, Michael, but that shall no longer be your name my slave. Hence forth I shall call you Pravyous for the depravity and evil I shall imbue in you will embody your existence.”
Thick essence forced its way through his wounds into his body as his Master caressed him. “Thank you, Master,” he groaned.
“Such a perfect slave. You surrender your will so easily to me, so completely,” Lord Lazurys murmured.
“There is nothing of me that is not yours, Master,” Michael moaned as his lord rewarded him, taking his sex into his mouth and pleasure coursed through him.
“So perfectly malleable. Such tolerance for the pain I gift you. You shall be my Servys of Darkness and I shall grant you unspeakable power, my pet, but know should you ever betray me, I will end you.”
“I am forever your slave, Master. There is nothing of me you do not own. My body, my mind, my very existence is yours,” he vowed.
Crytos had granted him his life. He’d decimated him with his desires and healed him for use over and over noting his threshold for pain and resiliency to recuperate. His Father had wanted him dead once Crytos had used him up. When he showed up with weapons, Michael knew he had reached his end. Instead Crytos had begun his training.
He’d taught him to fight. He taught him the limitations of his body and how to stretch them. He pushed his endurance raising his thresholds and then Crytos fed his desire and taught him how to please him. When he met the goals Crytos set for him he would reward him with ecstasy. When he failed he would tear him apart. He taught him obedience and discipline. He made him stronger.
Master Lazurys granted him transcendence. What he had endured and enjoyed at the Dark Lord’s whims far surpassed anything he could have ever imagined. He had literally pulled him apart and put him back together somehow…and then he repeated the process each time creating him stronger. Each wave of pain came with a matching wave of sheer ecstasy. He took him higher to levels of pleasure and pain that he never knew existed. He was surpassing the strength of the Shade.
“You shall be my greatest creation. A weapon to combat the Sacred Borne. A means of controlling the chaotic whims of my Shade to root out their weakness. Where the Priest may be my voice, you will be my force.” Laughter rolled around them. “I cannot wait until you are ready to meet your Grandsire and your dear brother. Perhaps I shall even allow you to watch as I bring Byryn to heel.”
A smile crested Michael’s face as the Dark Lord tore him apart again. Just the thought of Byryn at the mercy of his Master brought him pleasure. He didn’t want to see his brother dead, he wanted to see him reclaimed, broken and brought back to the Darkness where he belonged. He wanted him to feel what Michael had felt as he knelt before him so many times. He’d take great pleasure in seeing him brought around and making him even stronger than he had been before.
“Soon my Servys. It is almost time to bring your brother’s mate home and he shall surely follow.”
Star stood in Byryn’s embrace caught in a turbulent of emotion. This had been one of the best days of her life and she would treasure it for all of eternity…no matter where the future took her. She wished so many ways that their lives were different; that they could hold onto to these fleeting moments, but it seemed as though they were doomed to be short lived.
It was time. She knew it. She’d felt it begin to build in her shortly after their Bonding was complete. There was no way to stop it and nothing she could do to let them know. She’d tried so freaking hard, but nothing she’d done had worked.
At least she would always have this, the connection they shared. She had to make sure he understood. He had to know how she felt. It was the only way that this wouldn’t end her. She needed him to know that if she had a choice, it would always be him.
She drew back and met his eyes. “Byryn, I love you, baby.”
“I love you too, brightness, more than I can ever express.”
He was a part of her and he always would be. She felt his words, his emotions almost deeper than she felt her own. Concern crept across his face a moment and she knew that the careful wall that had been built in her mind was no longer holding up against their bond. He would know soon, just as she knew now…but it was already too late.
“Baby, you have made me the happiest I could ever be,” she murmured as he moved their bodies to the slow rhythm of music flooding the hall. To her there was no one else in the room. Everything else ceased to exist and she was afraid it meant that she was running out of time. “I’m a part of you, Byryn. We were connected by the Divine before I
ever breathed and we bonded deeper than I could ever imagine. No matter what happens, baby, I will always be yours. Only yours.”
Byryn studied her as they slowed slightly. “Staryana you’re scaring me. Whatever that is we’re feeling, you have to fight it, baby. You know you’re strong enough to fight the hold they have, especially with our bonds in place. We can overcome this like we do everything else.”
She smiled at the faith he always had in her, but he didn’t understand. None of them did. She knew and she hated it, but there was nothing she could do about it. “Promise me something?”
“Anything.”
She pulled away from his hold feeling the energy ripple through her. She couldn’t take him with her. If she didn’t know that he was safe, that he and Kylion were alright, she wouldn’t be able to fight, to survive and she had to. She had to make it back to him one day.
“Don’t sacrifice yourself for me. I love you, Byryn. I’ll find my way back to you. I promise.”
Lazurys’ essence pulsed through her and around her in a sudden surge of power. The last thing she saw before her world faded into Darkness was the fear and terror that coursed through her mate. All she could do was pray he didn’t follow her. If he did, they’d both be lost.
Kyle froze mid turn feeling the wave of Darkness surge into him as the Command echoed through his mind. No, they couldn’t. Cymeryn and Marcus had freed her. He spun to face Byryn and his sister trying to sense her but it was like there was suddenly a void where she stood.
He cast out his essence trying to hold onto her but it was too late. There was nothing he could do. She was completely enveloped in Lazurys essence.
“What is it Kyle? Is everything alright,” Astryn asked.
He still held her in his arms and he looked down into her eyes. She was beautiful and pure and he couldn’t risk her. Whatever was about to happen, his responsibility was to Star. He brushed the hair from her face with a sigh wishing he could hold onto the happiness she’d brought him tonight, but this wasn’t his life and it wasn’t meant to be.
