by Jana LaPelle
“Morgwais, I concede to a nap and eating, but I will be there to interrogate Daria,” I say forcefully. “No buts about it.”
“My child, Morgwais knows what she be talkin’ about. Yer babes should be making more headway. Ye be too small to be carryin’ twins. This Morgwais knows to be truth. Ye needs rest and food. No arguing with Morgwais. Yes?” I watch her sigh as she smiles at me, “My child, ye carry a heavy burden. Ye carry the burden of The Realms on yer shoulders and now yer going to be a máthair on top o’ that. Ye must rest. Ye may rest easy when I say that no ill will come of yer recuperation. If ye must interrogate the traitor, I will be there to ensure no harm comes to ye. No arguments. Yes?”
I sigh heavily, as my stomach is still trying to settle itself and I breathe in and out through my nose. Alaric opens the window to let the cool, salty air of the ocean in. I inhale deeply, as I ask the all-knowing witch, “So, Morgwais, when, pray tell can we continue our quest?”
Her cackling laughter is different from what I heard issue forth from Daria’s mouth earlier in the day, it is full of mirth as she replies, “My dear, that all be dependent on ye and yer babes. Get used to motherhood my child. Morgwais will not clear ye until I deem ye babes fit to travel.”
Alaric’s by my side as he asks, “Lady Morgwais, what can I do?”
Her laughter is infectious, and I catch myself smiling before she says, “My dear boy, lend her and the babe's yer strength and energy, ye have the healing power. There be no greater power in all The Realms except for Love. I have no doubt that ye will make good use of yer time together. Yer mating bond is like no other that I have ever witnessed and I be around for a very long time. Ye be stronger together than ye be apart. I suggest ye be together. Do ye take my meaning?” The old witch winks as she shuffles out of our rooms as she calls over her shoulder. “Ashlinn? Ye be under strict orders to stay put ‘til I release ye. So make good use of yer time.” Her cackling laughter follows her out of the rooms.
“What the hell just happened?” I ask incredulously.
Alaric’s feral gaze confirms my thoughts, “Ashlinn, you will listen to the old crone. First, can you eat?”
As the cool air filters into the room, I inhale deeply and hear my stomach rumble. I try to still my hands from their shaking. “I’m good; I’m just starving.” Alaric leaves the bedroom only to reenter within moments of his leaving with two platters full of food. Quickly, I determine that my stomach can handle being fed as I exit the bed to quickly change into something more comfortable. Alaric pulls Nym in as I attempt to eat, he lets him know that the interrogation of Daria today will need to be postponed until I am able to attend. I get the distinct impression that everyone is okay with the delay. Today has been hard for us all. I certainly hope that Daria’s accommodations are befitting her last actions and not that of the spoiled princess she thinks she is. I’m going to have to have a word with Tarron.
As my nausea eases, I determine that I truly am ravenous. I find that I’m grazing every fifteen minutes or so until my hunger is sated. Alaric remains by my side during this time. It takes a little while before I begin to feel normal again, my hands and legs are no longer quivering. I’ve been consuming protein off and on for the last hour or so, the rarer, the better, as I lay back on my pillows somewhat sated. I run my hand over my belly and the slight bump that is there, I’m worried now after Morgwais made her determination that I should look further along. My hunger is still on overdrive, but I quickly realize that food is not what I crave as I push the food away. My belly is full, and maybe in an hour or so I will need to eat again, but now I need something more. I need to be near my mate.
My focus is beginning to change. I can no longer put the impending war with The Morrígan first, my health, as does that of these innocent little ones, has to be my priority now. I will do what I must to protect and nurture them. The Tree of Life insinuated that these children and any others to follow would be of the utmost importance to The Realms. The puzzle pieces are slow to fall into place, and for that, I’m truly frustrated. My perspective of the war to come is changing as I think upon my vision from before, the one that had me sitting at a table, once again with child as these two wreak havoc on the room around me, the table is layered with books, scrolls, and manuscripts. Something was plaguing me, and if I’m right, I find a way to save The Tree of Life but not thwart The Morrígan entirely. My fear is that Faerie will be at war for a long time to come. Without confirmation of my fears, I’m slow to share my revelation.
Alaric has not left my side. He has tended to my needs, but now I need him in a way that only he can satisfy. Anticipating my unasked request, he closes the door to the outer chambers. I run my hands over my belly. It is still small, but unlike before I feel a tightness there, and for the first time, I feel the two move, and there is a fluttering sensation in my belly. Alaric stops all movement as the two respond to his touch and one of them moves against his hand. So Alaric can feel the movement a little better, I place my hand over his and gently press down. The movement is more prominent this time. He looks up at me with eyes wide in wonder. I find that I’m smiling as silent tears track down my face. They’re going to okay, and that is all that matters. Alaric climbs into bed with me, and we lay together, and I allow my exhaustion from earlier overtake me, and I fall asleep in the arms of my kindred as an energy hums between the two of us, and we continue to evolve into what we must become in order to save The Realms.
I wake a couple of hours later to see that it's still early afternoon and exhaustion still plagues me. I believe the old crone to be right; the twins are taking what they need, and I’m still tired and hungry. I stretch only to find that in my sleep the two have had a bit of a growth spurt, the change is barely noticeable, but it is there none the less. Morgwais shuffles in, to exam me once again, as she pokes and prods my growing belly and she proclaims, “Me thinks two more days before we travel. No arguments with Morgwais.”
Little did she know that Alaric and I have not slept as much as she has decreed. Alaric greets me in our bed, and my need for him takes hold. I hear the old witch’s laughter as she leaves our room firmly shutting the door behind her. I can hear her as she begins shooing everyone out. “Out, out! All is well, leave them to their own devices.”
Alaric can sense my need that has not lessened since the day I met him. My need for him grows daily. I’m not sure what to make of it as I pull him to me. My clothing allows him easy access, and before I can protest, not that I would, I’m wrapped in his arms, and he is buried deeply within me. As we come together, I feel as if I’ve come home. I can never get enough of my mate as he moves within me. I would like nothing better than for Alaric to stay right where he is for an eternity. My body is in complete agreement as I tighten around him pulling him further within me. The need to be closer to him is overwhelming. We move together, and I feel our energy combining as our coupling quickens, I close my eyes and can see our auras combining as our essence feeds the other. My energy spikes and I greedily absorb the power that we are creating together. Our mating bond is growing as we continue to evolve into whatever it is that The Realms need from us. I’m just not exactly sure what that may be, and for an instant, I’m worried about that revelation before I shatter into a million pieces as my release takes me away from this plane of existence.
Curled in Alaric’s arms, I feel safe and an energy hums between us that is comforting. I’m content as I stretch, it’s midafternoon. I have time for a nap.
Chapter 22
(Ashlinn)
I wake in my kindred’s arms. I feel one hundred times better than before I fell asleep. It's late afternoon, and I have rested long enough. It’s time to go face Tarron’s traitor. I decide to let Alaric sleep as I slip quietly out of bed. We may have drained his energy stores dry, but I don’t think that is the case. He was already low from healing Garrik and Lorcan. Thank the gods and goddesses for that simple, beautiful, powerful gift of his.
Before departing to the shower, I stand before him gazing upon his handsome face, just basking in the fact that this beautifully handsome male is all mine. His eyes snap open, and I’m greeted with his stunning sapphire orbs as he takes me in. I’m standing naked before him, and I can sense before he moves. He’s standing in front of me before I can blink and I’m pulled up into his arms as he makes to carry me to the shower.
“Seriously? Am I not allowed to walk to the shower on my own? This is going to get old really fast.”
His smirk is on full display as are his signature dimples as he says, “My bad. I thought you might like to have your back scrubbed. I’ll head back to…”
“Not so fast there Elf-Man, you can’t just dangle a back scrubbing out there and then take it back. I’ll take you up on that rub down; in fact, that sounds heavenly. On a more serious note, for some reason, I cannot stand the thought of you being away from me. So, for now, you’re stuck with me.” We bath together; we dress together, and we leave our chambers together. Before I can issue a word of protest, I’m once again swept up in my kindred’s arms as he means to carry me to where the interrogation is to take place. Alaric and I enter Tarron’s spacious study with me cradled in Alaric’s arms. When he sees us, Tarron lifts a questioning brow but only smirks as I give him a challenging look that says, not one word. I’m settled into a deeply cushioned couch with a challenging growl from Alaric.
“For the gods’ sakes, I’m fine, Alaric. Please settle down.”
Morgwais shuffles in, and I could swear I hear her old bones snapping and cracking as she scurries in before she scolds me, “Child, ye were to tell me when ye were going to attempt dis. Yer not too old for me to give ye a sound spankin’ on yer bottom. I be told through the Horde gossip that ye be here. In this, Morgwais will keep an eye on ye and the babes. Can ye not follow orders?”
“Apparently, she cannot,” Alaric says in exasperation. “This could have waited till later, but she was adamant that we do this tonight. She should still be resting.”
“Alaric, that’s enough. We’re fine, and Daria has much to answer for. I’m more than fit to see to this interrogation. Stop getting your boxer briefs in a twist and let us move forward. Seriously, I’m more than capable… Oooh… well…, that’s different.” I run my hand over my abdomen. Once again I feel a tiny thud within me. I rub my belly and press inward where I felt the internal movement. I can feel distinct movement, which is different from before and I’m lost in the moment as I just enjoy the sensation of the twin’s activity. My worry from earlier is replaced by pure joy at knowing that the two are thriving.
Snapping my attention back to the present I look up to see that Daria is watching us all as everything plays out before she utters in disbelief, “What demon spawn do you carry? I knew you were bad news. Tarron is too good for you. You’re just a whore that got knocked up before coming here to take Tarron away from me!” She screeches.
Alaric’s growl reverberates around the room. I speak up before Alaric loses it, “Shut it, Daria, you know not of what you speak, the babes I carry are my kindred’s, that is all you need to know.” One of the twins fluttering movement distracts me from the conversation as I rub my belly again. I press again and feel another movement before sighing heavily, as I try to switch gears. I turn my attention to the old witch. “Morgwais, I will bow to you and your judgment. Do you deem that I am fit enough to remain?”
Morgwais assesses me and shuffles forward. She lays her hand on my belly only to receive a tiny nudge, “My dear child, ye are here. Here ye will stay, I be by yer side. Once this is through ye will retire, and ye and the babes will rest. On that, Morgwais will not be deterred.”
“Yes Morgwais, I will adhere to your advice on this matter. I’m sorry Tarron for the delay; we are ready to begin.” I say as Alaric takes up his stance behind me and I reach up to take his hand in mine. Even now I crave his touch.
Daria’s indignant snort rings out around the room, “I have nothing to answer to. I have done nothing wrong. I did what I thought was best. I sought council from my queen. She was more than ready to take me into her fold. She welcomed me. I only had to promise that once reunited with Tarron we would pledge our fealty to follow her and her decree. In return, she gave me the means to remove the princess from your side. I belong by your side. Not that whore.” Daria retorts, pointing at me.
Now Tarron growls as he stalks toward her, “You dare to answer for me? Daria, I would never agree to follow The Morrígan. Have you lost your mind? What were you promised for your betrayal of The Horde? What did you disclose? And you must stop referring to Ashlinn as a whore!”
Daria reels backward at Tarron’s harsh words, “I did it for you, Tarron. You were growing more and more distant. I was losing you.”
“What did you disclose and what were you promised?” Tarron’s words ring of compulsion.
Daria’s face morphs into one of blank compliance as she says in a monotone voice, “I disclosed the location of the manor to her in The Mortal Realm. She promised that I would be allowed to rule by your side if I were able to persuade you to her side in the war against the pregnant whore that you are so besotted with.”
Alaric’s growl belies his anger toward the vixen, and I speak up and say, “Tarron, if she continues to denounce me I will not be responsible for my or Alaric’s actions.” I smile as once again, I feel one of the little ones move as if in agreement with their father. “Continue. We need as much info as we can get from her treachery.” I sigh as I look up at the nymph standing all alone in the room. Her posture is now slumped as the realization is beginning to set in and I stand and walk toward her. Sighing again, I say, “Daria, it didn’t have to be like this. If only you had waited it out a few more days, you would have realized that Tarron and I were never meant to be anything more than friends and allies in the war to come. Were you not at the celebration? You allowed jealousy to rule your actions and you betrayed your king!” Daria’s head jerks up, and she gives me a look of surprise. “I’m not sure how long you have been gone from The Horde or what you know, but Tarron will be crowned by my hand as The Horde King, The Horde being all dark fae and Fomorians. He is establishing his rule right now as we speak. He will divide The Morrígan’s ranks and challenge her rule as The Dark Queen. Why look so surprised? Tarron is a strong, capable male and was born to be a leader amongst his kind; he is the first-born son of a king. My role in his life was merely to ensure that he realized his destiny.”
As realization begins to take hold, Daria looks from me to Tarron and then to Alaric. She cocks her head to one side and asks of Alaric, “So, she is your kindred? What role do you play in all of this?”
“I am her Guardian; I am her kindred. I am her lover and her partner. I am the father of the children she carries. Neither of us were ever meant to rule in The Otherworld. We together will lead the war to defeat the darkness that seeks to rule The Realms. We together will safeguard The Tree of Life from this point further. Our mission is clear. We are to ensure that the circle of life continues as it should for all The Realms, providing balance. If we fail in our mission, then all The Realms fall with us. Does that answer your question? We are the Guardians of Life and Death, and we have yet to fulfill our destiny.” I stare dumbfounded with raised eyebrows at my kindred as his proclamation rings true and another puzzle piece falls into place as I turn my attention back to the wench in front of me.
Daria stands in the center of the room looking downtrodden. In a moment of weakness, or call it hormonal insanity, I take pity on her. Tarron and Alaric still look as if they want to take her head as I say, “Daria, is there anything else that you need to inform us of? From this point forward any disclosure will be seen as an act of goodwill. I believe that you are beginning to see the bigger picture here. Do you understand the importance of how your actions have affected all of us here?”
Daria looks skeptical before she bows her head in contemplat
ion. As she is considering her next move, Alaric steps forward to join me taking my hand in his and lacing our fingers together. Our binding markings flare to life as we share our energy with the other. I look up at Alaric, and he shifts his focus to Daria and asks, “The Morrígan connected with you today on the knoll. She took possession of you and spoke through you. What kind of a bond did you forge with her to accomplish that task? Will she be able to see through your eyes? How do we know that she is not watching and listening to us now?”
Daria snaps her attention to Alaric and then back to Tarron as she looks confused but truly terrified. She stammers, “Whhh… What do you mean? I don’t understand what you’re talking about. She spoke through me?” She shakes her head before continuing, “You must be mistaken.”
