Connections (Mists of the Fae Book 5)

by Jaime Marks

  “Yes, but you will push those limits running the halls in your nightdress…it’s not much of an improvement,” Marcus replied.

  “Hey, I haven’t done that since you both asked me not the last night Cymeryn left.”

  “See that you do not, Rey. I would never take out my anger on you any more than Marcus but that does not mean my control extends so well to others. Nor does it mean it would not slip if I ever encountered another seeing you as such…let alone if they were to attempt to touch you.”

  She smiled devilishly. She would never really cross that boundary and in truth she hadn’t been as impulsive since Cymeryn had come home. Having the two of them by her side mostly kept her at ease…well aside from when they were working together to keep her at bed rest. Then they were just aggravating. If she were honest though, there hadn’t really been much time for her to get impulsive. They pretty much kept her busy.

  Cymeryn emerged from the dressing area with a fresh gown and sheathing for her. “Here love, you can rest for a while yet but we must get down to the training grounds. Byryn should be waiting.”

  Marcus kissed her as he rose going to the bathroom to freshen up but Cymeryn paused and sat beside her a moment.

  “What is it, Cymeryn?”

  He reached over caressing her cheek. “Just admiring your beauty and thinking about tomorrow…Are you sure you want to do this, Reyana? Bonding to us both so publically? Mythos said he can disguise the Bonding Ritual as a commitment based upon our coronation and we can do something more intimate in private if we wanted.” She went to speak but he laid his finger against her lips. “I want nothing more than your happiness. I do not care if the ritual is public or not, just so long as it is performed. Doing this in this way may cause you undue stress and I saw how Devyn’s reaction affected you this morn.”

  She sighed remembering the disgust on Devyn’s face. “I won’t deny that it was difficult to see him look at me that way, but I’m prepared for the reactions, Cymeryn. I refuse to hide our young’s lines and I wouldn’t want them to feel they need to either.”

  He nodded looking down a moment but there was a small smile on his face. “Never doubt that this is what I want. To be with you openly in this way, for our young to be free to be who they are without reservation; it is more than I could hope. It has happened so quickly in the eyes of our subjects, however. Would it not be better to ease them into this transition?”

  She shook her head. “I understand what you’re saying, Cymeryn, but this is what I want. Trying to hide it would be impossible and just as stressful as handling their reactions. As long as I have you both by my side I can handle it.”

  “I have to agree with Reyana, brother. Hiding this will be all but impossible. There are the implications of our thrones. All the Guardians on shift here know we share bedchambers, otherwise they would have been notified of your quarters. Any who see the three of us together hold suspicions as well. The rumors enough would warrant reactions.”

  “I do realize this. It is flaunting it in the face of the public that I question,” Cymeryn sighed. “Believe me, I do not want to hide this or deny my feelings. I have done so for far too long. At the same time, I will not tolerate anyfae attacking your honor, Reyana.”

  “Nor will I,” Marcus added. “I fully intend to have words with Devyn before he has the opportunity to address you again.” A knock sounded at the door and they reached out to sense who it was. “Hold a moment, Byryn.”

  Cymeryn kissed her softly and rose moving out the way for Marcus to lean down and kiss her. “Rest,” they both offered.

  “We will come get you before the meeting,” Cymeryn stated.

  She nodded. “I’ll behave and rest.”

  Marcus chuckled, “I would doubt that but I think we tired you out just a bit this time.”

  She giggled watching them leave. He was right, she was tired, but she was also content. One more day. Then she would bond to them both. Her hands rested on her stomach. She couldn’t wait.

  Chapter 28

  Byryn stood by the mantle impatiently as he tried to rein in his irritation. It was frustrating enough that he couldn’t get a good read on Kyle, but to top it off for the last thirty minutes he’d been arguing with a rather annoying faerie that he and Staryana needed their training attire returned to their closet. He didn’t so much care about his, he could just change his robes after, but he would be damned if Staryana trained in those gowns. She couldn’t maneuver enough in the longer ones and the way she relied on kicks the shorter versions were not going to cut it.

  Cymeryn and Marcus came out to the sitting room looking him over. “Sorry Byryn, we got distracted. We didn’t mean to keep you waiting,” Marcus offered.

  “Don’t worry about it, I’ve actually been dealing with other things. Are there any laws against killing a faerie?” He blurted out in frustration.

  Marcus raised a brow in amusement but Cymeryn laughed, “What did that annoying pixie do?”

  “She removed all of our robes and replaced them with formal wear,” Byryn scoffed. “I don’t particularly care if this is what we’re expected to wear now. I can handle that, but Staryana has to have training attire and she won’t return it.”

  Now Marcus laughed, “You do realize her Mother always trained in her gowns and still does.”

  Byryn had to clench his fists and force himself to remain still instead of jumping in their faces. That stupid faerie had really set him off, then again the confusion he was feeling over Kyle hadn’t helped. He took a deep breath before he attempted to explain this for what felt like the hundredth time. “I understand that, but Reyana fights more with her staff and Staryana fights with her legs. The long gowns are uncomfortable to train in and the short…”

  Cymeryn chuckled raising his hand in an attempt to calm him. “Alright, I understand Byryn. I apologize, just we have dealt with faeries for years and I have never seen you so frustrated.”

  Marcus shook his head. “Shala?”

  Byryn glared at the orb of Light that appeared and grew into that dreadful pixie.

  “My lords, what is your request? It is not often I hear your behest.” Shala bowed, her coiled curls springing about her head at the motion.

  “Is there a reason you will not return Byryn and Star’s training robes?” Marcus asked patiently.

  The pixie rolled her eyes and Byryn had to resist the urge to grab her by her neck.

  “As Prince and Princess of the Night Throne of Balance they must comply with tradition. Their current robing is proper. I see no need for an addition,” she replied curtly.

  Byryn’s jaw dropped as he studied the faerie. “Wh-what did you call me?”

  Cymeryn chuckled, “I believe by the look on your face, Byryn, you heard her quite clearly.”

  Shala faced him crossing her arms. “Surely you have been made aware? Since you and the Princess have merged, you are a pair? And do not look at me with such distaste you dreadful boy. I am not required to be in your employ.”

  Marcus stared at the faerie with a shocked expression a moment before regaining composure. “I see you two have gotten off on the wrong foot. Byryn, I realize we have never discussed this, but in all honesty it’s common sense.”

  “Staryana is Reyana’s daughter. She is the Princess of Balance and thereby heir to the throne. In your Bonding that places you on the throne at her side,” Cymeryn offered in amusement.

  “What do you mean on the throne?” He asked skeptically. “All three of you are alive and well.”

  “Clearly he hasn’t been down to the throne room yet,” Marcus grinned.

  Cymeryn shook his head. “No matter. Shala, Byryn and Staryana will abide by custom but there is no reason not to allow them training attire. At the very least the Princess needs to have a jumper so that she is properly clothed based on her fighting style.”

  Shala threw her hands in the air. “All of this over a simple gown, never have I had such frustrations serving the crown. Fine a jumper shall now b
e supplied. Never has my patience been so tried.”

  Marcus rose a brow. “Is there anything else bothering you, Shala? I understand your frustration but I’ve never known you to be so standoffish or abrasive.”

  She tensed glancing at the door to their bedchambers. “Perhaps I am being a bit unfair. Valysage is harassing despite the rules of which he is aware.”

  Cymeryn became still and tense. “How so Shala? Has he made more requests?”

  She shook her head. “No my lord, he follows convention, but he consistently strives for my attention. Requesting if the decision has yet been rendered. He knows it is only upon the new moon that it will be tendered.”

  Cymeryn nodded. “Is this at Lazurys’ request?”

  “No my lord, just a tactic to annoy. It is something he does sometimes enjoy.” She shrugged crossing her arms once more. “He wants my attentions and I will not grant them. I would rather choke on a troll’s phlegm.”

  Cymeryn and Marcus exchanged a glance.

  “Isn’t there some way for you to close all avenues of request until the new moon?” Byryn suggested curtly. “Because seriously Shala, it would be better than dealing with your attitude.”

  She stuck her tongue out at him but then pondered his words tapping her finger at her lips. “Such things may be possible. The Divine Being would have to render it proximal,” she mused a moment. “It would prevent them from causing unpredicted stress. The request could be made by the Kings due to the Queen’s duress.”

  Marcus studied her a moment before turning to Cymeryn. “It would prevent the chaos that occurred with Lazurys’ last request. At least we would know when to expect him.”

  Cymeryn sighed, “Yes, but then likely we will deal with him every month just because we took action against him…although that might be the case anyway.”

  “I figured that was a given,” Marcus quipped. “Do you need to assist us or is this something we will be able to do on our own. There really won’t be time until this eve.”

  “You have only to meditate with the intention to be seen. If it is his will you will be called to the Divine Being.” She shrunk back into the orb and floated away.

  Byryn reached out to Staryana. “Baby, check the closet and see if there’s a jumper in there for you now.”

  “Yeah, the closet actually flashed brightly a few moments ago and when I checked they were there. I’m on my way to the training ring when you guys are ready. Thanks, baby. I know you were ready to lose it.”

  “Anything for you, brightness. Be there soon.”

  When he turned towards the twins they were staring at him with amused expressions. “What?”

  “I see you two can communicate easily in your minds,” Cymeryn smirked.

  He shrugged. “Kind of, it’s more like we live in each other’s minds, but it can be distracting. It’s not as if you two can’t do the same with Reyana?”

  Marcus nodded in affirmation. “Which is the point, Byryn. We believe you have the same abilities as we do. We just aren’t sure how strong they will be.”

  He rose a brow. “Why would you think that?”

  “Sometimes, boy, I seriously wonder how you can be so thick,” Cymeryn sighed shaking his head. “You are Sacred Borne. The Divine Being himself had a direct hand in your creation. Part of the essence used to form your being came directly from Reyana herself. On top of that you are mated to Staryana who is Reyana’s blood by birth. Where do you think we get our power from?”

  Byryn ran a hand through his hair. “I never really considered that.”

  Marcus chuckled, “Alysse all but spelled it out for you. Weren’t you paying attention?”

  “I was.” He turned away. “I just wasn’t really sure what to think or how to feel about any of it. It’s not so bad for the two of you. The hand Steph was dealt was difficult but still, even she wasn’t purposefully delivered to Darkness.”

  Cymeryn rested a hand on his shoulder. “You were born of Night but never completely lost in Darkness, Byryn. I saw it in you, understood it. It’s why I had Trevyn keep such a tight leash on you and what elevated you to such a high position in your youth. Your ability to not succumb completely to the Darkness but to use it and hone it is what allowed you to so easily gain the loyalty of your brethren and why the unawakened have always followed you so easily.”

  Byryn locked eyes with him a moment unsure what to say to that. After a few moments he pulled his hand back. “Come, let us see what you can do. I want you to mist down to the ring. It will be harder and require more focus but you should be able to do so.”

  He glanced between them in surprise but closed his eyes a moment and focused on the training ring. He felt himself shift into the mist but it was like wading against the currents in a rough sea. He formed to see the Kings of Balance standing there waiting for him and was shocked to find that he was definitely in the training ring.

  Staryana came over and kissed him a moment then grinned devilishly. “If you can mist…” She closed her eyes and it took her a moment but she disappeared. A few seconds went by and she appeared beside him but landed on her ass.

  They chuckled at her but he reached down and pulled her to her feet. “Don’t worry brightness, you’ll get it. That was actually pretty impressive considering I never even walked you through it in theory.”

  She glared at the three of them dusting herself off but then merely shrugged. “I figured it couldn’t hurt to try.”

  Marcus nodded. “Just don’t just jump in head first with the rest of your abilities. You might hurt yourself or somefae else, especially when it comes to mingling essences outside of the Sacred Gray and Gray. We need to train you to do so properly.”

  Cymeryn checked his watch. “Alright. Let us see what you both can do.”

  Chapter 29

  Steph stretched and lifted her hand out of the water noticing her fingers were starting to prune. Mythos shifted under her. They were lying in the bath and she couldn’t think of anything she’d ever experienced that had been more sensuous. They hadn’t had sex but damn her if she didn’t enjoy this more than any of her previous sexual encounters and she hadn’t even climaxed, despite how close he had driven her to that point. When he first suggested it she thought he’d lost his mind, but she was so very grateful he’d convinced her.

  She was wearing a thin slip of a strapless bra across her breasts and a small pair of panties, both gold. She’d noticed that everything she wore now was suddenly a gold, not that it mattered, the color actually suited her. Mythos only had a small pair of shorts like the ones he had been in when he carried her from her room that first night. He had washed and caressed every inch of her exposed skin, kissing and nipping as he explored her. She felt completely relaxed and thoroughly worshipped.

  It amazed her that he could invoke such pleasure in her and not even cross into second base. She was sure he knew every inch of her body that was left uncovered by heart now but he had never touched her breast and he hadn’t even skimmed across her panties. She loved him for it even more. He simply respected her enough that he wouldn’t risk dishonoring her in any way and that was something that was priceless to her.

  She felt his breath on her neck as he kissed from her shoulder to her ear. “You are very quiet, caria,” he murmured teasingly.

  “Mmhmm.” She turned her face and kissed him softly. “Just prolonging the moment.”

  He smiled warmly. “Well, as much as I wish we could remain here all day, there are things to which we must attend. Besides, your beautiful skin is beginning to wrinkle we have been in here so long.”

  She nodded and slowly climbed up to a standing position. She was about to climb out when she noticed him staring and she turned to look at him curiously.

  He shook himself a moment. “I apologize, Stephynia. I was just admiring your body and thinking of how envious I am of every single drop of water that gets to gently slide its way down your delicate skin.”

  She blushed as he rose beside her holding her ga
ze. He stepped closer, reaching behind her, and then draped a towel over her shoulders, kissing her deeply. His arms wrapped around her waist pulling her tightly to him. His forwardness and possession of her body was a side of him that she hadn’t really seen up until today. He was still tender and caring, ever respectful, but the way he took control of her, owning her in some way surprisingly turned her on.

  “If I had my way I would keep you here all day while I delighted in you,” he breathed as he nipped at her ear.

  She gasped as he moved to her neck and she suddenly wanted to tell him to ignore the rest of the world. If she could just catch her breath she knew she should remind him that they had meetings to attend. Not that anyone really expected her to attend, but she wanted to be there so she knew what to expect when the time came. Damn how did this man take her breath away so easily?

  He groaned pulling back and brushed the wet bangs from her face. “I suppose we should first see to our obligations, however. Come, my Queen, the Kingdoms await.”

  She smiled at him as he guided her from the tub and into their bedchambers. In some ways it bothered her to allow him to wait on her and pamper her in such ways, but in so many others it just warmed her heart. “Does Star know we’re having the ball tomorrow? I got the sense from how everyone skirted around it this morning that it was a secret.”

  “It is,” Mythos winked at her. “She has been trying to get Marcus and Byryn to plan a ball since she got here but there has always been more work than hands in this realm. Byryn wants to surprise her as a gift to her for their Bonding Rituals. It has been part of the discussion in this from the beginning, though she has never known. Trust me this was not an easy thing to accomplish. My niece is incredibly intuitive.”

  Steph laughed, “Yeah she is. I swear it’s like she knows what you’re going to do before you do it. I’m shocked that you’ve all been able to keep it from her, but then there’s been a lot going on I guess.”

  He nodded somewhat grimly. “Are you feeling better? Is everything…alright?”