by Kailin Gow
I leaned into him and he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “I’d like it if you could stay with me a while.”
I heard his loving chuckle. “I’d like nothing more, but duty calls. My parents have been looking forward to meeting you. I want to go see them, confirm that you will indeed attend the night’s festivities. Mother would never let me hear the end of it if I didn’t warn her of your presence.” He patted my shoulder and backed away.
Despite my disappointment, I smiled and waved him away. “You’re right. I do need to rest. And a good washcloth wouldn’t hurt either.”
He reached the door, put his hand to the knob and turned to me. “You know,” he said. “I meant what I said out there. It wasn’t just for my brother’s sake.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I love you.”
I stared at him, taking in his words. “I’d heard him out there, but I’d brushed it off as some flippant remark… the way people sometimes throw the word love around. We love apple pie. We love that bright red sports car. We love a beautiful sunny day.
“No,” he said, invading my thoughts. “I love you the way a man loves a woman. The way a man thinks of a woman, eager to see her again, eager to hold her, to kiss her.” He came back into the room. “I think tearing myself away from you is going to prove more difficult than I’d expected.”
I wanted to kiss him, to hold him, more than anything, but I put my hand to his chest and held him at bay. I didn’t know if it was the surroundings, the charm of the palace, the magic of the Nethers… or the fact that I was to meet his parents, but something held me back; something that made me want to take things one step at a time.
He brushed his fingers along my cheek. “Very well. I’ll be back in a while.”
This time he left, closing the door behind me and leaving me alone.
I breathed in the air that felt fresher and more fulfilling than the air of Arcadia ever did. What was it about this place that was so enchanting? Arcadia was supposed to be the epitome of perfection, of happy lives, yet here… The happiness seemed effortless.
With a lively tune dancing in my ears and playing on my lips, I sauntered to the closet that housed the clothes I was to choose from. Indeed there was nothing fancy; no lace, no satin, no velvet, no designer names, but everything looked comfortable enough.
I pulled out a dark violet dress. Fitted at the waist and offering an interesting yet appropriately modest décolletage, it had a touch of class with a hint of youthful exuberance.
“I think you’ll do just perfectly,” I said as I laid it out on the bed.
After a well needed bath and a few hundred strokes through my tangled tresses, I stood before the mirror and slipped the dress on. Longer than I’d thought, the skirt fluttered romantically around my ankles.
As simple as the dress was, I felt like a princess.
“Your chariot has arrived,” Torrid said from behind the door. “Are you decent?”
“More than decent,” I said with a pleased chuckle.
He nudged the door ajar and peaked in. “Wow,” he said as he pushed the door open and took me in. “You look stunning. Ravishing.”
I twirled around. “Thank you, Torrid. I feel ravishing, if I do say so myself.”
“My mother will be enchanted and my father will be so charmed.”
“And you don’t look too shabby yourself.” The truth was he looked beyond gorgeous. His hair was slightly pulled off his face. Clean shaven and smelling lightly of musk and vanilla, he smelled delicious, while he wore a warrior’s suit that fit him all too well.
In the distance I could hear the rumbling of voices, the tinkling of glassware and the faint chords of music.
“Have the festivities begun?”
Torrid offered me the crook of his arm which I accepted with a giggle. “Indeed, and everyone is awaiting your entrance.”
“Please, don’t put on any added pressure. Meeting your parents is big enough. I don’t want to be the center of attention.”
Grinning, he led me out into the hall. “You’ll get over it.”
We entered the main ballroom and were greeted by dozens of party goers. Quick to compliment and offer kind words, everyone seemed strangely happy to see me.
“Is this all because I’m on your arm or because I’m General Adon’s daughter?” I asked. As pleasing as all this adulation was, it was nonetheless daunting.
“A little of both, I’d say. But more like it’s because of you.” He patted my hand. “Ready to meet my parents.”
His mother, a small woman with luxuriously long black hair and porcelain complexion, smiled tentatively at me. “Kama, I’ve heard plenty of lovely things about you. I have to admit I suspected my son of hallucinating… such beauty… but, then again, he did always have a good head on his shoulders. He knows what he likes.”
Torrid’s father, an older, wiser and slightly shorter version of his son, came forward. “It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who’s so enchanted my son,” he said in a deep booming voice. “Please, join us at our table.”
I sat between Torrid and his mother. Though we chatted throughout dinner, the conversation never turned to anything more important than fashion, the weather and the recipes of various dinner items.
On several occasions I eluded to the troubles of Arcadia, but the subject was quickly diverted to something more mundane.
“I know you’re torn apart by everything that is happening in your homeland, Kama,” Torrid said as he gripped my hand. “Our festivities are a celebration of joy and love. It gives us warriors, my brothers and I, our men and women who are fighting the sense of hope and encouragement we need to be reminded of what we are fighting for…this love, this life, this happiness. As dreadful as the war is, it’s strictly kept out of these events.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. I think that’s a fabulous idea. I could use a night of happiness and joy. A night that doesn’t have the cloud of horror hanging over it.”
The dinner was a feast of roast duck, fresh garden vegetables and hot bread just out of the oven. Some also feasted on mincemeat pie, steaming and aromatic stew, and a wide variety of dried fruits.
“I hadn’t realized just how famished I was. I can’t remember the last time I had a decent meal, never mind this gift for my taste buds.”
“I’ll be sure to let everyone know just how much you appreciated your meal. They all put a lot of work into these feasts and take great pride in the knowledge that all present enjoyed the results.”
“So, tell me, what’s your part in this great supper?”
Torrid smiled and I was sure he’d say something flippant about his role in the Western Nethers.
“Well, I wanted to keep it as a surprise, but I’m the one responsible for the cherry torts that will be brought out later.”
“Cherry torts?” I said skeptically. “You?”
He chuckled. “Yes, me. Do you doubt my culinary skills?”
“Absolutely.”
He let out a loud and heartfelt chuckle that had his parents staring at us.
“I’m pleased to see this young woman’s capacity to have you laughing so heartily, my son. With everything that is happening, here and elsewhere, it’s important to have someone in your life who makes you feel so lighthearted.”
Torrid gripped my hand and nodded at his mother. ‘I realize that now, mother. I’ve been too serious lately, too caught up in the negotiation, battles and strategies. Kama is the breath of fresh air I so desperately needed.” He brought my fingers to his lips. “You're quickly becoming a very important part of my life, and I can say I’m very pleased with that.”
I hid my shock. His revelation was more than I could have hoped for. I’d been thinking of him so much, too much, but to hear he’d been thinking of me in the same way… I could feel a giggle shake me deep inside. I was giddy, happy and wanted to just lose myself in his arms.
His eyes held mine, heated with an emotion I’d never seen before;
never on Liam or any other man. Just when I thought I’d melt right there in front of his parents and the whole Nethers gathering, a stream of entertainers entered the large ballroom.
Three jugglers, dressed in skin light multicolored leotards, threw glimmering swords of crystal into the air, catching them with impressive precision. Clapping like a child I watched them, my breath stopping every time they teasingly allowed a crystal sword to almost fall to the floor.
“They’re funny in addition to being so talented,” I said, my eyes riveted to their every move.
When they moved on, a small band of acrobats took up the floor, tumbling, twirling, and jumping. Perfectly synchronized, the mesmerized us with their flexibility and daring bravery.
My heart almost stopped when they threw a young girl high into the air. For the longest moment she was suspended as the band below formed a new configuration and prepared to catch her. She fell into their awaiting arms with ease and delight.
A belly dancer followed them, rolling her tummy, swaying her hips and singing with her arms and hands. Her movements were liquid, grace flowing right down to her fingertips.
“I’ll bet this is the entertainment you find most amusing.”
“She does have a lot of talent,” Torrid said. “But I bet you could give her a run for her money, with just a bit of training.”
“Is that an offer?”
He laughed. “I wish I could. Unfortunately my dancing skills are quite what my culinary skills are.”
The dancer approached us, turned her back and let her long and luscious hair flow over the top of the table. Her shoulders shimmied while her hands danced high into the air. Just as quickly as she’d shaken her body to us, she sashayed away, leaving a trail of golden dust in her wake.
Before we all had time to catch our breath, the next act arrived. A threesome of attractive young women arrived each holding a leash, each leash attached to a long, lean and breathtakingly beautiful wildcat. With only a feather whip to control the huge beasts, the young women had the cats jumping, rolling over and yawning, a great way to expose their impressive teeth, on command.
When one of the young women brought the big cat to our table, it stood, put his front paws before me and leaned over to lick the tip of my nose. I was delighted, reaching over with my hand to pat the great beast. You were magnificent. I said with my mind to the beast.
The great cat nodded as though he understood, and he let out another large lick of my face before pulling back.
The entertainment softened into soft trickling music. The sweet melody played on the simple strings of a guitar, calmed the excited crowd and allowed us to get our fill of sweet desserts.
I patiently awaited the arrival of the cherry tort, and when it came, I greedily took two servings.
“Can’t resist my cooking?”
I poked my fork into the warm tort. “Let’s wait and see.” I took a bite and cocked an impressed brow. “Hmmm, that is good. Did you really do this or did you get help from your mother.”
He gasped in mock shock. “How dare you insinuate such a thing? I made them, from scratch, and, dare I say, I had you in mind the whole time.”
“You knew I had a sweet tooth?”
He leaned in close, almost tasting the cherry tort straight off my lips. I swallowed the ball of heated sensation that suddenly filled my throat. At any other moment I could have easily blamed it on the warm tort, but I knew Torrid was completely to blame.
“I know a lot more about you than you can imagine.”
The festivities faded to the background, and the gentle music seemed to play just for us.
“Then I want to learn more about you. You have an unfair advantage. What were you like as a boy? What do you dream of? What kind of pets did you have as a child? When all this battling is over, what do you want to do with your life?”
He grinned. “All in due time, dear Kama.” Taking a firm hold of my hand, he guided me up and led me to the dance floor where many party goers had gathered. His hold was firm, yet gentle as he swirled me around the floor. Locked in his arms and enjoying the music that wafted through the enchanted air, I never wanted the evening to end.
For the first time in months, I felt carefree and happy. No worries about Life's Plan. No need to wonder what my destiny held. All I needed to do, wanted to do was enjoy the moment.
“You seem rather happy. Can I dare hope to be the cause?”
“I guess you could. This evening has been absolutely magical, in every sense.”
The song came to an end and Torrid led me away from the crowds. “How about a breath of fresh air?”
Nodding I followed him outside. The stars, sparkling in pinks, yellows and lavender, filled the sky. The moon, a faintly glowing orb of muted violets hung low on the horizon.
“This is really the most perfect way to end such a beautiful evening, Torrid. I’ve never seen a sky like this. You know, in Arcadia, the nights were something I rarely saw in my youth. We were all heavily shielded from the dangers of the night, though I never really could imagine what they could be; after all, Arcadia was supposed to be perfect. What dangers could possibly lie in the dark?”
“Funny how something so seemingly perfect can turn out to be so unbelievably flawed.”
My hand was warm in his strong hand and my heart did somersaults with too many emotions. A hint of guilt suddenly struck me. Being happy felt so wrong when so many people were going through such turmoil.
“It’s selfish of me to be here, Torrid. That world is flawed, yes, and I should be there, taking part in the fight, helping the people I grew up with. I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t be this happy. I shouldn’t be blissfully strolling under a beautiful night sky.”
He stopped and took both my hands in his. “You're wrong. I understand how you can believe you should remain in Arcadia, but you're wrong. This day, this night, it shouldn’t bring you guilt or shame. This is just a quick respite in an otherwise very difficult journey. Were we to only think of the fight, of the ugliness of war, we’d go mad. You need this time of joy… if only for one night. We all do.”
He led me on and we strolled past the gardens, through an apple orchard and past a meadow that glowed under the heavy moon. We reached a low stone wall and Torrid stopped suddenly and pulled me into his arms.
We were far from the palace, far from the noise and far from curious eyes. Being alone with him reminded me just how I’d longed to be with him again. Unable to resist, unable to wait any longer, I wrapped my hand around his neck and pulled him to me, eager to taste him, to show him how I felt.
Our lips collided and the electricity that coursed between us confirmed just how right we were for one another. Fierce and commanding one moment, Torrid was quick to gain control and slow the pace. His lips softened and, when he brought his tongue to meet mine, a simpering groan escaped from my throat.
“It’s been too long, Kama,” Torrid said hoarsely, his hands playing over my skin, running down my arms and back up to my shoulders. “I’ve thought of this moment, so many times. I questioned your feelings. I know of Liam and of the hopes you had for a Life's Plan with him. But I know you belong with me.” He continued kissing me passionately until we were back in my room.
“Magic?” I asked as I looked around and found myself laid out on my bed.
“I thought we’d take the shortcut,” Torrid said while kissing me and undressing me. “When I thought I lost you, I knew I didn’t want to wait. I love you, Kama.” He reached under my dress, tearing off my silk undergarments before moving down to kiss me on the core. I nearly jumped out of my skin when his tongue licked me, bringing me to ecstasy.
After my body subsided from the delicious tremors created from the Torrid’s skillful lovemaking; he held me tight in his arms, kissing me. “I don’t care if you still love Liam or a countless other men; I will still want you. I will always love you, Kama, my sweet beautiful desired one.”
Chapter 9
The evening was magical,
and on so many levels. The intimidating prospect of meeting Torrid’s parents, the excitement of the varied entertainment, and of course, the delectable dinner that had surely left five extra pounds on me.
At the end of it all, however, it was my time with Torrid that that was the most magical of all. After he brought me to ecstasy in my bed, he magically transported back to the garden we had been strolling in, as though we had been there the entire time. He brought out emotions in me that I didn’t know I had. He made me see things differently than I’d ever had, even making me see things I’d never noticed before. My senses were heightened with every added moment with him.
“What are you smiling at?” Torrid asked as he guided me beyond the wall that surrounded the palace.
Tiny fireflies fluttered about, illuminating the night down on earth much as the stars lit the black sky. A stream of red fireflies followed one another, while a group of yellow ones huddled together in a mish mash of flight.
“The blue ones are my favorite,” Torrid said. “There’s something unearthly about their glow. It’s softer, more muted than the reds, yellows and greens.”
“But I don’t see any blue ones.”
“I guess that’s part of what I like as well. They’re rare. Funny how we always seem to cherish what is so few.”
I looked at him, amused by his insight. “All my life I’ve had a certain degree of security. My mother was always there for me. I had plenty of friends. I guess I was lucky; I was well-liked.”
“That’s not luck, dear Kama. It’s who you are. You attract affection with your kindness and good heart.”
“Thanks. That’s sweet of you to say. Anyway, though all of that was important, I have to admit, somewhere I took it all for granted. No matter what, my mother was there at night when I went to bed. No matter what, I’d arrived at school and my friends would be there to greet me, to cheer for me.”
“But something was missing?”
I laughed softly. “You're always so perceptive. Yes. As much as I loved my mother and everyone in Arcadia, it was the thoughts, the dreams of my father that I cherished. I know a great deal of what I thought was pure fantasy. I didn’t know anything about him, so I created him.”
