by Jaime Marks
“I know,” she admitted, “but you should be there, Kyle. Mythos was right when he said it was important to show the Kingdoms that the Lucerna Lines are unified. If they continue to see a gap they’ll see it as a justification for the discrimination and hatred. There are too many Fae out there like my Father.”
He sighed. “Just because I have to tolerate it doesn’t mean you do, Astryn. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable. I doubt your Father is just going to sit there and let you ignore him.”
“Right,” she smirked, “and you would feel comfortable with me on my own with just a Guardian.”
He shot her a shrewd look but smirked. She was right. If she chose not to go to the meeting he’d skip it. With his sires and the Lucerna Lines being there he wouldn’t trust anyone else to keep her safe. “You, mea, are too smart for your own good.”
“Hmmm. What does that mean anyway? Mea?”
An amused grin graced his face as he laughed to himself. “Something you probably won’t like. I’ll tell you later if you behave.”
She pulled from his hold and crossed her arms as she leaned back against the wall. “You will tell me now, my Prince, or you will find I don’t know the meaning of the word behave either.”
He grinned widely crossing his own arms. “I’m pretty sure I could teach it to you but your cultured Fae sensibilities would be highly offended if I spanked you.”
She gasped turning various shades of red as she searched for something to say. Leaning in Kyle caged her against the wall and dropped his voice to a whisper. “Mea means mine, Astryn, because that is what you are. Mine. When I take you as you awaken, I promise you, there won’t be any more doubt. As far as your games and threats, sweetheart, I already told you…I love a challenge.”
Her breath was heavy and ragged. He couldn’t resist leaning down and taking her lips a moment. When he pulled back she glanced around the hall rapidly, her cheeks flushed. She wasn’t used to this. He knew he was pushing her, but he could sense her so easily. She might be nervous but she didn’t want him to handle her with kid gloves. She enjoyed that he wasn’t afraid to put her in her place or call her on her shit.
He gently ran his hand down her cheeks. “What’s the matter, Astryn? Cat got your tongue?”
She cleared her throat. “Nope. I’m just wondering what you’re going to tell your Father when you show up late to the first meeting he requested you to attend.” She smirked looking triumphant a moment.
“That I was busy teaching my mate a lesson,” he laughed as he pulled back and grabbed her hand pulling her along.
“You wouldn’t!” She exclaimed indignantly.
He glanced over his shoulder smugly. “Have you met my Dad? He’d probably find the whole thing amusing. I know I certainly would, so I wouldn’t suggest you test the theory.”
She rushed ahead of him pulling out of his grasp and he smacked her ass in response. Not too hard, just enough to catch her attention really.
“Eeep!” She stopped and glared at him rubbing her cute little behind. “What did you do that for?”
“Behave, Astryn,” he teased. He’d never actually spank her but he saw no reason not to tease her and a love tap here and there wasn’t gonna hurt anything. He pulled her close. “We both know you’re not really mad at me.”
She smiled that mischievous smile he enjoyed. “Yeah but it’s fun to tease you.”
“Hmmm,” he leaned close to her ear. “Just keep in mind if you continue that the way I’ll tease you as pay back will leave you blushing for days, sweetheart.” He drew back grinning at the faint pink tinge coloring her skin. It was almost too easy. “Now, let’s go before you really do make us late.”
They entered the library a few minutes later and took a seat at one of the tables. He glanced around to see everyone was there aside from Byryn and Star. He checked his watch. They had five minutes.
“How are you feeling, Kyle?” Marcus asked popping up beside him. “Your Father said you had an eventful morn.”
He smiled. “I’m good thanks, sire. Why are we meeting here and not in the sitting rooms?” Really he wouldn’t know the difference but he’d caught Byryn’s confusion when they’d told him about the meeting.
“Honestly because your Mother wanted a change of scenery. She’s a bit stir crazy but it’ll be better after things resume normalcy today.” Marcus shrugged and he curbed his reaction.
He couldn’t help but think of his Mom when they called Reyana his Mother. He looked over at her where she sat. Really she kind of reminded him of his Mom. There was something about the way she moved and talked sometimes. She even looked a lot like her, he realized as he took her in.
Pulling his gaze from her he refocused on his uncle. “Also we were discussing potentially moving the meetings to one of the conference rooms because seating is getting a bit tight when we are all together. We will see how things go once Mythos and Steph return to the Palace of Light.”
He felt a firm hand on his shoulder. “Good noon, son. I am glad you joined us, but your place is up front aside of where Byryn and Staryana will sit.”
Glancing up at Cymeryn with a sigh he asked, “Is that necessary Dad? And what about Astryn?”
“What about her? She is your mate, her place is by your side…and yes, it is,” he smirked walking away.
Kyle stood pulling her to her feet. He smiled when she shot him an annoyed look. “Welcome to being forced into royalty, mea. This is the deal whether either of us like it or not.”
She sighed. “Fine, but you’re going to make it up to me later.” That playful grin of hers as she jabbed her finger lightly into his chest made him smile as she walked away.
Marcus laughed. “It appears she’s going to keep you on your toes.”
Kyle grinned widely, glancing back to respond as he followed her. “You have no idea.”
As they took their seat Byryn and Star misted in behind them. His sister almost fell but Byryn caught her. Astryn jumped a mile but he steadied her. Trying not to laugh as he kissed her head and turned to them.
“You’re getting better, brightness,” Byryn offered as Kyle stepped up to them. He nodded in his direction. “Now say hi to your brother before he loses it. He’s been waiting to see for himself that you were ok.”
She turned and they embraced holding onto each other for dear life. He knew she felt guilty for asking Byryn not to come for him. He could sense it through her connection with Byryn, but she needed to cut that shit out.
“Hey,” he pulled back wiping a tear from her face as he searched her eyes. “I’m alright, soryia. I’m fine and you have nothing to be upset about. I told Byryn to leave me there. I’m just glad you’re alright.” He pulled her close trying to shake the images of the state she’d been in the last time he’d seen her.
“I know…I just…”
“Shhh, it’s alright, Star. We’re alright, all of us, and Byryn and I are gonna keep it that way,” he promised meeting his sires eyes as he released her.
Byryn nodded as he pulled the chair out for her aside of Astryn, “Come on, baby, let’s get through this meeting so we can relax a little. We still have to meet with the Council later.”
Kyle watched as she sat. He almost missed her wince and the uncomfortable way she shifted. Almost missed the way Byryn comforted her with a gentle squeeze of the shoulder and kiss of the head when he noticed it. If he didn’t know better…
He shook his head. Byryn loved his sister. He would never mistreat her. There was obviously another explanation. Byryn nodded to him as he sat and he and his sister greeted Astryn. The way he smiled and the ease he felt in his sire relaxed him. His Night essence was balanced and there was no sense of true Darkness in him. He really needed to stop assuming the worst of Byryn.
Star breathed deeply letting herself relax. She was so relieved to see that Kyle was alright and honestly she felt like a bitch for trying to talk Byryn out of going back for him. If they had lost him she didn’t know what she would’ve done. H
ow horrible of a person was she to ask him to leave her own brother in that hell knowing what he was going through…
“That’s enough, Staryana, or we’ll be right back in our room with you over my knee,” Byryn commanded in her mind halting the downward spiral she’d almost slipped into. He reached under the table and firmly squeezed her thigh, grounding her. “It’s alright. It’s over. We’re safe now. Don’t let it pull you under. Kyle loves you and he understands what you were feeling better than anyone. We’re both right here with you, baby. I’ll take care of you and your brother and I will keep you and Astryn safe. Stay here with me. No more looking back right now. Just be here, in this moment, with me, with your brother and Astryn.”
Shifting in her seat the aches and pains centered her as his commands stilled her mind. Byryn was asking her to trust him, to let him handle this for her right now. Slowly she released it to him. “That’s it, baby. Just let go and let me take care of everything. Relax and just be here with me.”
For a few seconds she just sat there, breathing as he comforted her. Really, aside from that minor slip, she felt better than she had since the night of their Bonding, before everything went to hell. Byryn’s grip tightened on her thigh drawing her attention back to the here and now. She leaned over and kissed him before turning her attention to Astryn. Here and now. That’s what she could handle and that’s what she would do.
With a smile she pulled Astryn into a hug. “It’s good to see you.”
She was really happy that Kyle was her mate and not that pompous ass Talerys. Not only that but she knew Byryn and Kyle would be spending more and more time together and Steph was returning to the realm of Light soon. It got boring when she was on her own but she liked Astryn. Hopefully they could be close.
The girl looked startled but accepted the affection as she stumbled to grasp onto formality. “Thanks, it’s good to see you too, Princess.”
She laughed, “Astryn, you’re courting my brother. I’m pretty sure it’s safe to call me Star.”
“Um, alright. Sorry, it’s just going to take some getting used to I suppose.”
Kyle smiled as he watched them. “I see you two know each other.”
Astryn nodded. “I’ve taken materials to the Princ-…Star for my Father a couple times.”
“Good. Both of you can use the company. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable here, but I don’t want you just hanging out with the unawakened either,” her brother explained. “If there’s someone in particular the two of you want to spend time with you need to ask myself or Byryn…” Her brother paused frowning as he looked to her mate. “I’m sorry, Byryn. I didn’t mean to overstep. I’m not even sure why I did that.”
“Probably because I was thinking it,” he smirked. “Don’t worry about it. You were fine and I agree. Staryana already pretty much knows this, but there are always security risks. Narysia and Perylia are fine, but as far as anyone else you need to ask one of us before you spend time with them.”
“Narysia and Perylia?”
“I’ll introduce you later,” she offered as she looked up catching the warning in Cymeryn’s eyes. He was being patient but she knew his patience had limits. “We should probably let them get started.”
Astryn smiled with a short nod turning her attention to the front of the room. It was weird. She’d felt a connection to her from the moment they’d met.
“It’s because she’s Kyle’s,” Byryn offered through her mind. “It’s an echo of your shared blood, which is why I didn’t feel it until after his awakening. Now pay attention before you get us in trouble, baby, unless you want me to punish you again,” he teased.
She smiled secretly as she shifted, feeling the marks he’d left on her behind. It was weird but she really didn’t mind it. It was like they were there to remind her that she was his. In a weird way it was a comfort. She felt his essence wrap around her, his pleasure at her thoughts, and the possessiveness he felt towards her. It might be crazy, but it only made her love him more.
Forcing herself to focus she turned her attention back to Cymeryn. She didn’t want to disappoint Byryn and while she thought she’d probably like his punishments, she was a little sore at the moment.
“Good girl,” Byryn praised and she blushed slightly, but his words left her feeling content in a way she couldn’t really understand.
Pleasing him fulfilled this need inside of her. It reassured her that they were still solid, still connecting even after everything they went through. It was new and it was different but it felt good. Right now, she didn’t care about anything else but him, him and her brother.
Cymeryn stood in front of the room leaning at the podium. He hated this location. It felt more like he should be teaching a class rather than addressing his family. If they were going to set up a conference room for meetings it needed to be a comfortable lounge, not a stiff office environment. He would have to look into what accommodations could be made that would better suit their needs.
Staryana and Astryn seemed to be getting along well and seeing the girls act like, well girls, had been a relief of sorts. He had given them leeway so that they could acquaint themselves better but his patience was wearing thin. Really he simply wanted to be done with this meeting. There were other matters to attend to unfortunately and he had gotten very little sleep.
He sighed as he studied Devyn. They had spoken earlier this morn about the Securine Academy. He still was not really certain they could work together, but it needed to occur. Devyn was best suited for the position and the gaps between the two of them needed to be mended.
“Devyn, have you made a decision on what we discussed earlier?” He asked.
He watched curiously as the Fae looked at Felycia. Really he had no idea what the male would decide, but he held hope that his connection with her would sway him. Devyn turned to face him and nodded with a sigh. They had been enemies for so long but they had made some progress towards mending the wounds that still bled between them. Although it did not mean this would be easy for either of them, they would work through it.
“I will accept your offer, Cymeryn.”
“Then I ask that you come forth, Devyn a Devyion, son of Lucerna.”
He watched as his former rival stood before him and bowed.
“Rise, Devyn a Devyion. Do you accept the formal appointment to the Head of the Academy of the Securine?”
“Aye, Lord Cymeryn, I do.”
“Your majesties, King Mythos a Mythion, King of the Fae and Stephynia a Ceryn, Queen of the Fae as per Divine decree; King Marcus a Cymarcion, King of Balance and my bonded mate Reyana a Mythion, Queen of Balance; I, Cymeryn a Cymarcion, King of the Night Throne of Balance and Praefect of the Securine of Night, do so appoint Commander Devyn a Devyion to preside as Head of the Securine Academy.”
Marcus stood. “I, Marcus a Cymarcion, King of the Light Throne of Balance and Praetor of the Guardians second this appointment.”
“Do any find fault with this appointment?” Cymeryn requested knowing there would be none. They all knew Devyn needed to remain close. When no one responded he continued. “Your decisions my lord, ladies?”
Mythos smiled. “I, Mythos a Mythion, King of the Fae, approve this appointment.”
He nodded to Steph. She looked up and nodded. “I, Stephynia a Ceryn…” She hesitated glancing sideways to Mythos but continued, “Queen of the Fae per Divine decree, approve this appointment.” Cymeryn smiled as Mythos pulled her close and kissed her.
It was the first time she had used the title. Technically she would not be the official Queen until the eve of their Bonding when they held her coronation, but they agreed it would be best for her to begin to learn her role. As she was not only prophesized but decreed as the future Queen they had simply tacked it on and given her the title.
“I, Reyana a Mythion, Queen of Balance approve this appointment,” his mate offered with a smile as she watched Steph and her brother.
“Kneel Devyn a Devyion.” Cymeryn drew his
sword as Devyn knelt and smirked down at him. He was tempted to provoke the Fae, but formalities and all. He laid the flat of his blade on Devyn’s head allowing his essence to flow through him. “Arise Devyn a Devyion, son of Lucerna, Head of the Securine Academy. May honor, glory, and Light protect and guide your endeavors.” He sheathed his sword.
Devyn rose and bowed but before he could return to his seat he placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. Reaching behind the podium he retrieved the case holding the ceremonial sword proclaiming his new position and handed it to the male. Apparently he had not expected him to abide by tradition as he raised a brow at him, slowly opening the case. The sword was fashioned in the exact style of the one Uricyn a Eryious, Head of the Guardians Academy, carried. The same that first Cerulyion and then Ceryion had wielded when they held the position. This sword represented the foundation of the Securine, however. It had been forged in steel and fashioned silver whereas theirs had been fashioned in gold.
“Thank you, Praefect. I will endeavor to serve my post with honor.” They inclined their heads to one another and he took his seat.
“Now, who do we appoint as Commander of the Fronts?” Cymeryn requested.
“Walyn a Kuryion has served admirably as my second. He would make a fine Commander and he is already in place,” Devyn offered.
“I am considering him. I want to see how he handles himself in your stead prior to making a final determination.” Marcus replied. “Does anyfae have an objection or wish to nominate another candidate?”
Grifyn scratched his jaw. “Walyn is young but he has proven himself. If Devyn thinks he can handle it and you are going to give him a probationary period I see no issue. In truth I can’t think of anyfae better suited outside of our lines and we have already agreed that was not an option.”
Kato cleared his throat. “I have been following Cavayn a Cavarion since he awakened. He is the boy who organized the unawakened and assisted with their escape from Trevyn’s stronghold. He excels more than I have seen since you two cleared the Academy. The male graduated in under two weeks and that was after completing a mentorship under his Master of Flames. He is Fire Fae.”
