by Jaime Marks
Mythos sensed them both. There was no deception. The only things they had not disclosed were things he already knew or had presumed. He suspected if he had allowed them to continue that they would have disclosed it all. He drew back from them.
They had treated his sister with love and devotion. Both of them had sacrificed themselves, willing to die simply for the right to know that she was well. The pain they felt when they were away from her was not only heartbreaking, it was palpable. There was no questioning the commitment they felt to her and she returned it willingly. They had shown him the pain she put herself through over having to choose between them. The way she felt that she had so deeply betrayed each of them.
He could not deny the decree made to them by the Divine Being. The fact that she was even carrying both of their young spoke volumes. Twins amongst the Fae were nonexistent. There had only been Alayne and Alysse prior to Cymeryn and Marcus, and there had been none since.
He raked his hand through his hair, unable to believe that he was going to say this. “I expect the Bonding Rituals completed by both of you and I want them completed as close to immediately as possible. We will proceed as if the decrees that she made previously to each of you and the will of the Divine act as notice of your betrothal so that we may save her the dishonor caused by the timing of this. It is a complicated enough situation as it is, but all know she is betrothed to you Marcus despite the fact that we have not announced it and with Cymeryn’s absence from the world of the Shade this past month it should help to conceal the main issues there. The Bonding rites will have to be adapted in some way, but we will make it work provided that is her wish.”
Cymeryn looked up to him in surprise. He was well aware of what Mythos had seen in his mind. He had sensed him thoroughly. There were no acts that he had committed as either Fae or Shade that were hidden from the King. In the end Cymeryn was telling the truth and while it did not absolve him of all the wrongs he had wrought, Mythos had also found acts of compassion, devotion, and sacrifice that proved that the Light had indeed been there buried in Cymeryn all this time. He had seen beyond the mask the Shade had portrayed to the Fae who remained hidden beneath. It was difficult to reconcile but only further proved the truth in Reyana’s claim that the Shade were merely Fae that had been tainted by Darkness. They were two races born of the same species, not separate but halves of a whole.
“It has been her wish all this time, Mythos. It is the only reason they haven’t been completed yet.” Marcus gave him a satisfied smile.
“Careful Marcus, before I decide to enact my rights considering exactly how much you swore to me over the last month that you had not yet mated my sister. Your brother has only gotten a pass on it with me because he has already been tortured for well over a month for the choices he made with her and it appeases me minutely.” Mythos chided pointing at him.
Byryn chuckled and they both turned to him giving him an accusing look. He raised his hands in surrender. “Hey, don’t you two start in on me. Unlike some people I’ve been very well behaved and restrained and will continue to be so until the day she awakens.”
Laughter rolled through the room as Staryana blushed.
“Yes well, in any case Marcus is covered by the fact that they were already bonded in her last incarnation. Let us not forget how unorthodox this all is. There are some who would not accept this. In crowning you both it allows for some leeway but we must be careful of how much we allow this to be flaunted before the general populace. There are those out there who are still seething from being removed from office that would rather love to use this to discredit her. They are going to use the dual coronation alone as a point of contention, but as the coronation was well witnessed there is naught they can do. We will rename this region the Realm of Balance as Shala presented you as Kings of such and there will be little any will be able to argue, especially as I did not preside over the coronations myself,” Mythos reminded them. “None present can argue it was the will of the Divine.”
“Indeed,” Cymeryn quipped as he stood lost in his own thoughts.
Marcus turned to him. “Stop it, Cymeryn. Have you not yet seen enough to realize that you belong here now? Even if you left, the absence would cause more issues than if you remained as you have been crowned King. This is the new reality, they will get used to it, brother.”
Cymeryn looked him over. “Relax, Marcus, I am not looking for a way out. I realize the ramifications of the choice we made when we accepted this gift. I just detest the idea of how much stress my presence alone will cause her.”
Kato spoke softly, “Cymeryn, did you not see what happened at the coronation? They have already accepted this. They see it as the will of the Divine and the changes in you are more than evident to see. There will be very little that arises that we will be unable to protect her from.”
Grifyn nodded. “She is the Queen. They have already seen her perform miracles. They simply consider you to be amongst those miracles.”
“At any rate, if we do not return to her soon she will endeavor to venture out of her bed and she already thinks she is coy enough to downplay what the Healer said to her,” Cymeryn smirked to Marcus.
He grinned, “Yes, she forgets how well we read her thoughts now. It’s quite amusing on occasion.”
Mythos looked between them, “And what is it the Healer has said?”
“She’s well, but carrying twins adds an extra strain on her. She wants her to rest to allow her body the time it needs to recuperate,” Marcus offered.
“She also has not been taking care of herself as she should. We will see to it. She will find it difficult to evade such things with both of us here,” Cymeryn smiled impishly.
Mythos shook his head. He somehow doubted that they would have as easy of a job at it as they thought, but then the connections between the three of them were quite profound. It was clear there was very little hidden amongst them. “Kato and Grifyn already filled me in on the rest and I could see the answers I sought in your minds. I have to return to the Kingdom of Light tomorrow to finish preparations for our meeting here on Thursday. I will come see her in the morn before I go.”
Marcus nodded and turned to Stephanie. “Considering your lines, Steph. I think it might be best to move your quarters to this corridor…”
“I have already done so, Marcus.” Mythos informed him as he interjected. “Stephanie is using the quarters adjacent to mine. I have no need for them,” He reasoned trying to sound nonchalant.
Marcus gave him a small smile. “I see. Well, that should be sufficient then. I’m sure she’ll be happier being closer to Star anyway, provided of course that’s acceptable to you, Stephanie?”
“It’s Steph, and yeah it works. I just need to figure out what to do with my time I suppose,” she answered with the usual edge she held as she glared at him for using her full name. It appeared she would allow none other to use it.
Mythos did not miss the smirk that crossed Marcus’ face as he replied. “Of course, Steph. I’m sure Star can help you figure out something.”
“Yeah, we’ll talk about it later some,” Staryana smiled. “I just need some rest and we should really spend some time with Kylion before…”
There was a soft rap at the door.
Staryana and Byryn looked to each other and laughed. “Did you have to teach him to be quite so sneaky?” She chastised him.
“It was useful once, Brightness.” He smiled kissing her chastely before she rose, “If you’ll excuse us, it appears my son is restless.” They bowed and exchanged pleasantries before exiting.
“If there is nothing else, your majesty?” Marcus inquired. “It’s been a rather long day.”
Cymeryn nodded slowly, “We could both use some time to rest.”
“Of course, go tend to my sister,” Mythos replied rising to clasp their hands. “I will expect an answer as to when you wish to proceed with the Bonding, however, before I leave. I may consult with Alysse on how the rituals should be altered. I have
wanted to stop by the Order to discuss some concerns Astryn a Alyric has regarding all the changes and how they will affect her ability to seek entry.”
“Has Alyric accepted the appointment then, Mythos?” Kato inquired.
“He has not done so formally but assures me he likely will. He is just having some issues with Astryn and I would rather assuage them than have them be a burden for him.” He turned back to the twins, “I will have a report delivered to your study on what you need to prepare for the meeting, Marcus. I suppose until you figure things out that is where I will send yours as well, Cymeryn.”
He rose a brow but the nodded in acceptance, “I suppose we will have to begin sorting through what needs to be set in place tomorrow.”
“Steph,” Demytria spoke softly. “Normally when you come into our world, your line claims you so that they may guide you through the transition. I’m not going to pressure you in anyway, and I know that there are none of the Cerulyion line to do so, but your Mother was of the Grifyion line. If there’s anything you need, or any questions you have, I want you to know that you can come to me, or Grifyn, any of us really. I know you have been making your own decisions for a long time but never be afraid to ask us for help. And if you ever want to strengthen the bonds between us, you have only to ask.”
Grifyn nodded offering her a smile, “We will gladly assist you in any way we can. It may be unfamiliar to you, Steph, but we are your family. That is true regardless of what you may decide. It would be an honor to Claim you as our own, but that is a decision you should make when you are ready.”
“I’ll think about it. Thanks,” she replied seeming genuinely taken aback.
Demytria nodded as she rose. They all exchanged pleasantries and embraces, each of them bidding Stephanie good eve with a formal bow or kiss of the hand to which Mythos merely rose a brow. They had sensed the connection between them. It was fairly obvious she had called his temper to heel as no Fae else had ever been able to do, so he should not be surprised by the respect they paid her. Still, she had no idea why they were reacting to her in such a way. He could sense her confusion regarding it but she took it in stride.
When they were gone Mythos let out a long breath as he looked her over carefully. He had not meant for her to see his anger so intense. Nor had he thought about the exact information that would have been shared in that meeting, of course he had not been prepared for it himself.
“How are you holding up, my dear? I hope that we have not scared you or made you uncomfortable with all this.” He spoke softly as she regarded him. “I perhaps should have thought more about it before I rushed you into dealing with the lot of us at once. We are all strong willed and can at times be a bit overwhelming.”
“It’s fine, you all obviously care about each other. I’m not overwhelmed by it. I would’ve only sat in my room staring at the walls so I don’t mind, but…” She hesitated a moment before she met his eyes. “It was clear you didn’t want me to leave, Mythos. I guess I just don’t understand why you wanted me here…even before what happened between me and Cymeryn,” she replied as she looked him over, the questions clear between them.
He drew in a breath wondering how to justify that exactly. “Well, first I should explain that in our society, certain bloodlines, or families if you will, are deemed royal. They were born directly of the Goddess Lucerna. We have been tasked with ruling the Kingdoms. There were once seven Lines of Lucerna, but we have been at war for centuries. Four were thought to have been obliterated. Both the Cerulyion line and the Grifyion line, your lines Stephanie, are of the Lucerna Lines. By all rights and decrees, through the virtue of your blood you have as much right to know and determine what happens in our society as any who were in this room. Reyana and I may rule…and apparently now Cymeryn and Marcus as well, but you all have a say in what happens in the Kingdoms; how they are run, what needs to be done. In truth the Lines of Lucerna are our form of governing body if you will.”
He met her gaze, she was staring at him with those beautiful eyes. She knew there was more to it and she was waiting expectantly for him to continue. Part of him needed her to know what he felt, but he was unsure if she was ready for such things. This connection between them was becoming strong and intense. He had never felt anything like it and it was clear that she was experiencing it to. Could it even be possible? Was he bonding to this young girl? The words slipped from his lips before he could stop them. “Aside from the rights of your blood, to be completely honest…” he hesitated. “…I did not want to be without you by my side at that moment.”
Her brow rose as she watched him cross the room and sit beside her once more. Though there was plenty of room on the lounge now, she did not move away. He cupped her cheek gently caressing her as he found he could not fight the urge to do so. “I need to thank you,” he whispered.
“Why? I didn’t really do anything,” Steph murmured as she stared into his eyes.
“You calmed me, convinced me to hear them. While I may still be somewhat uncomfortable with the situation, I do have a better understanding of it.” He searched her eyes as he caressed her cheek, well aware he was all but seeking permission but for what exactly even he was not sure. “I would not have heard them otherwise. I never would have accepted it in any form and it would have caused great rifts in my family...perhaps even the Kingdoms.”
She licked her lips hesitantly, seeming to struggle with the same urges he was and it all but broke him, “You would have calmed down eventually or someone else would’ve stepped in.”
He chuckled, “You really do not know, do you? The affect you have on me? No Fae can break through to me as you have twice now. Halting me as you do, getting me to stop and hear reason before my temper dies out, no Fae can do that.” His breathe caught. “No Fae can illicit this…reaction from me.”
She stared at his lips. “And what reaction is that exactly, Mythos? I need to know if you’re feeling what I am.”
His resistance snapped and he closed the distance between them kissing her softly, chastely but he could feel her need as his own echoed through him. His tongue slid out caressing her lip but a moment before she allowed him entry and they entwined. He pulled her to his lap reveling in the feel of her against him. Her hands ran up his chest, through his hair. He could not help but groan as his hands ran delicately over her back, down her sides. Every touch, every sensation drove him. She was a decadence he had never known, never even dreamed existed. He felt the length of his sex kick, could feel it press against her through their robes and he had to bite back every instinct within him because there was no part of him that did not want to make her his, to claim her as his mate from now until eternity. No Fae in all his years had ever had this effect on him. There had never been a female that ever even caught his eye. This was all but overwhelming to him.
He forced himself to pull back slightly from her closing his eyes to try to regain some semblance of composure. He felt her soft, gentle hands drift down and clasp his robing a moment as he let his head fall back against the back of the lounge. Her forehead rested lightly against his chest and his hand drifted up to her short blond curls, stroking them gently.
She sat back slowly and he lifted his head to meet her eyes. “I think, maybe, you’d better tell me what the rules are here,” she whispered, “between you and me.”
Chapter 10
Reyana lay in her bed feeling much better. She’d eaten a full plate of honey glazed gnure and had three whole glasses of the water of life. She had even indulged in some grevion pie. “Thank you, Sanytia. Between your healing, the food and water I feel much better.”
“It is a pleasure, my lady. I would prefer you remain at rest for two days after all the stress your body has endured these past twenty-four hours,” Sanytia dictated. “I will discuss your condition with the Kings of Balance. I am sure they will be more than willing to see to running the Kingdom and continuing your work in your stead.”
“That would be agreeable, Sanytia,” she smile
d warmly to the Healer. She felt them before they even entered the suite and sighed. There would be no sneaking out of bed now. “I believe the Kings would like a word with you, they shall be here in a…”
Before she even finished the door opened and they came to sit at either side of her on the bed.
Healer Sanytia bowed before them, “Your majesties.”
She felt Cymeryn grimace and had to giggle. She could relate to his discomfort. He gave her a rueful smile as he looked her over before addressing the Healer. “Arise Healer, tell us, how does our Queen fare?”
“She is well your highness, but is in much need of rest to allow her body to recuperate. She was in danger of becoming severely dehydrated but she has responded well to the fluids and healings,” Sanytia explained. “We have discussed the need for her to drink continually, at least ten glasses of the water of life daily in addition to other fluids. She should also be sure to eat small meals four or five times throughout the day to ensure that she receives proper nutrition. Carrying twins will be stressful, maintaining her health and resting regularly will be quite important.”
Marcus nodded with a smile, “So what you are saying, Sanytia is that we should be sure to see that our Queen is well pampered.”
She smiled warmly, “That is exactly what I am saying, my lord. Though once she has recuperated, she will need to remain decently active as well. It is all in balance, my lords.”
“Indeed,” Cymeryn replied warmly. “Will you see to her daily, Sanytia? In order to avoid complications. That way when she is in need of more rest than she has gotten you will be able to alert us.”
“It would be an honor, my lords.” She bowed. “I will be by tomorrow noon to assess your condition, your highness.” They watched as the Healer excused herself respectfully.
She sighed as they turned to her, giving them both an annoyed look. “You realize that there is absolutely no need for her to attend to me daily. Once a week would have been more than adequate. This is not my first pregnancy you know.”
