Connections (Mists of the Fae Book 5)

by Jaime Marks

  She sighed and sat on the bed still wrapped in her towel. “Depends what exactly you’re asking me, Mythos. If you’re talking about being Queen?” She looked up meeting his gaze. “Yeah, I’m good. I know how fast this has all been but I do love you and I can’t imagine my life without you. I wasn’t really living before. I basically just went through the motions. It’s how I ended up with an asshole like John in the first place. I just wanted to feel something, anything…I was numb, and I had no idea what I was feeling. I think I always knew I should get away from him but I’m guessing, looking back, that he was the first person who called forth my essence. He inadvertently gave me back a piece of myself, a taste of it anyway. I clung to that with all I had because I couldn’t stand the idea of being numb again.

  “Even after John I was incredibly lonely and disconnected. Star could invoke something in me but it always felt safe, good. I hated to admit it but Byryn used to irk me so badly because when he was around I could feel, but it was similar to how I felt near John so I tended to avoid him. Even coming here, the rush of emotions,” she shook her head. “I felt them but I didn’t really own them. It was like walking through a series of sensations, experiencing them but not really understanding them.”

  “I am sorry you had to go through life like that. If I had ever known…” He shook his head.

  “There wasn’t anything you could’ve done before, Mythos, but that’s what I’m trying to tell you. It wasn’t until I met you that I started to really own my emotions. I didn’t really feel alive until the moment I met your eyes. I ignored you the first time because I didn’t understand what it meant and I couldn’t fathom what I was really feeling. I think I thought it was a fluke but it was like you made my head, my heart, and my soul all align and somehow it felt like home. Nothing ever felt like home before and when you’re gone, that feeling leaves with you,” she finished quietly rubbing over her heart center. She still couldn’t shake this feeling that they were about to be separated and she couldn’t bear the thought of it.

  Mythos walked to the bed taking her hand and pulled her to her feet, the towel slipping from her body. He kissed her with a hungry, possessive need and it echoed through her. When he pulled back he met her gaze he promised, “Then I will have to ensure caria, that I never leave your side again.”

  She searched his eyes wanting that more than anything, but she knew at least for the time being it was impossible. She sighed, “As much as I would like that, my King, you have an obligation to your throne.”

  He shook his head. “I will rule from here until your awakening. We will figure out a way with the assistance of Alysse, but I will not leave you again, Stephynia, knowing this. I could barely leave your side without it.”

  She kissed him softly as he leaned down to her. “I don’t know if that’s our choice to make.”

  His eyes narrowed. “You are still having that feeling then?”

  She nodded. “I can’t seem to shake it.”

  He breathed deeply a moment staring into the distance before sitting beside her on the bed. Pulling her into his lap he searched her face with a sudden urgency. “Listen to me, Stephynia. It is very important that you hear and believe me. Whatever happens I will always find you. I will come for you. If we are separated, regardless of what occurs, I will find you and bring you back so you must hold on and you must fight. The Shade will try to Taint and turn you, they will do…horrible things to you if you fall into their hands, but I promise you, I will come to you and bring you back with the full power of the Light.” He held her face gazing deeply into her eyes. “But make no mistake, my love, I do not mean to lose you. I will do everything in my power to protect you. I will fight to keep you, but if we are indeed separated I need you to know that I will come for you, always, and that you must hang on for me.”

  Steph forced a weak smile. “I know, Mythos. Besides, I’m not technically Queen yet, right? So according to Lucerna you would have to find me.”

  He nodded kissing her forehead as he held her closely. She was trying to reassure both of them, but she just couldn’t ignore the fear she felt. She didn’t understand what this feeling meant. As much as she wanted to believe it was just paranoia she was starting to learn that these feelings were there to protect her. Every time she’d had one something bad had happened to her. They all kept telling her she needed to pay attention to them and she knew they were right. Somehow, though, knowing something bad was about to happen didn’t really help you feel prepared for it.

  Devyn leaned against the fence watching the four of them. The supposed Sacred Borne. He had to admit as he watched Marcus and Cymeryn teach the Princess and her new Prince how to manage their abilities that they were all quite impressive. Cymeryn was testing Byryn’s strength while Marcus was teaching Staryana the Luxyn battle art of utilizing an aura of essence in to inhibit your foe. She was doing well, but was not entirely following Marcus’ instruction.

  He sighed hopping the fence and walked over to them.

  “Dysteno,” Marcus ordered as he turned regarding him with annoyance. “What is it, Devyn?”

  He studied him noting his tension and distrust as he bowed per custom. “You are doing well in her instruction, my lord, but I thought I might be able to assist.”

  Marcus ground his teeth stepping close to him and lowering his voice. “I want to trust you Devyn, but I will not tolerate any further issue with you. She is my bonded-daughter and I will put you in your place should you forget yourself.”

  He nodded taking a deep breath. “I understand your hesitancy, my friend. I will not purport to tell you I trust in all this, but I am trying to see what it is Mythos, Grifyn and yourself have seen. It is just…difficult, especially when you have ignored so many conventions of our society in the ways that you have.”

  Marcus studied him carefully. “You and I will have words when this session has passed, Devyn. I haven’t forgotten how you regarded my mate this morn. I understand that this is all quite unconventional and that it is difficult to understand. If you mean to be here, to remain in our lives outside of convention and formalities however, you will refrain from your disrespect and abuse. Do I make myself clear?”

  Devyn looked him over considering his words. He could not help the pride and admiration he felt for how the Fae had turned out despite his concerns. Clasping him on the shoulder he nodded, “Cymarcion would be quite proud of you, Marcus. There is a strength and loyalty in you that is undeniable. I am not certain how he would feel about all of your decisions, but I truly believe speaking with you in this moment that yours were motivated solely by love and devotion. I apologize to you for my indiscretions. You must understand that it is difficult to accept all this. I am not sure all of you have such pure intentions. I will respect propriety and learn to bite back on my angst, but there are still many things with all this I feel we must address.”

  The tension bled from him somewhat. “I appreciate your words and your candor, Devyn. I, however, am not the one that you need apologize to. I fully expect you to offer such concessions to the Queen.”

  “Indeed, I suppose that is warranted. I did not mean for my words to be quite so abrasive. I was just merely unprepared. My sole intention was to ensure that she was indeed the Princess Reyana reborn to us for myself. I never expected to discover the young or their lineage, my friend. Despite my misgivings I would suppose congratulations are due to you. How far is she?”

  Now a Light lit Marcus’ visage and a peace fell over him that soothed many of Devyn’s concerns for the male. Darkness could not survive with such love so strongly rooted in his heart.

  “Thank you, she is only working through her second month and it has not be easy on her.”

  “I should think not considering she carries twins.” He cast a wary eye towards Cymeryn but bit his tongue. It bothered him immensely to know that he had fathered one of Reyana’s young. He was still very much concerned with the former Supryn’s intentions and motivations despite the concessions he had made.
It was difficult to imagine he was not working some strategy, having planned for every contingency as he had all these years. “Your Mother would tire out quickly and thirsted as none had ever seen. Then, however, we did not know she carried you both until much later. It is good that Reyana is aware of the strain on her body so early on. It will allow the Healers to attend to her properly. I am very dismayed that I added to her stress and I will speak with her as well as be more mindful of it, Marcus. Even if I do not approve, I would never intentionally add to her issue.”

  Cymeryn approached a moment but did not address him. “Marcus, I want to see how Byryn does with his essence but I do not wish for him to hold back. We will be in the Forest of Mist if you need us.”

  Marcus chuckled, “Has he wiped that perplexed denial off his face yet? I find it comical that the boy has suddenly developed modesty.”

  Cymeryn grinned. “Indeed. He is starting to believe and see. It is still utterly amusing considering the arrogance he embodied in youth. And Staryana?”

  “She is progressing well. Devyn is going to assist me in training her in battle arts.”

  Cymeryn met his eyes for a moment and nodded acknowledgment before turning back to Marcus. “Then I will leave you to it. I will return in about a half hour. Byryn and the Lady Steph have that meeting with the Scholars.”

  He nodded. “I forgot about that. Star said she’s not attending. If they need her assistance they’ll send for her. As she says it’s not really her ‘thing’,” The male smirked. “I will likely just continue her training.”

  He nodded. “Then I will be in my study after. I have to finalize my decision on the appointments of the Heads of Securine.”

  “Not going to reveal your thinking to me yet, brother?”

  “You already know the first. Once I have made up my mind on how I feel about my choices for the second I will ask your thoughts. I am still reviewing the five files.” He shrugged.

  He nodded and Cymeryn misted from sight. “Come Devyn.” He followed him back over to the fence where Staryana was sparring with a training dummy. “Star, you met Devyn this morn. He is one of the most proficient Fae currently alive in the battle arts and was second only to Cerulyion himself. If you’ll allow it, he would like to assist in your training.”

  The girl crossed her arms and stared him down with disdain. “And why would you want to help me all the sudden?”

  Devyn’s brow rose as he studied her. “You have a natural affinity for this technique. I can see it in you, but you have not yet found how to connect with it. I merely mean to aid you.”

  She nodded glancing to the ground a moment before looking to Marcus. “If you want me to do this, Dad, I will; but after the way he spoke to Mom and all of you this morning I could care less what he can offer me.”

  Marcus drew a breath glancing at him momentarily. “Starshine, I know how you…”

  Devyn rested his hand on his back a moment causing him to pause. “Princess, you have every right and obligation to not only distrust but lash out at me. You are completely correct in your assessment and reaction to my behavior this morn. Unfortunately there is naught I may do but acknowledge my faults and try to rectify my behavior.” He bowed respectfully. “If you do not wish to allow my assistance I will respect your decision. I do feel that I would be able to help you master this technique, however.”

  She breathed deeply glancing between them and then all but seemed to zone out a moment.

  “Are you alright, Princess?” He requested but she did not answer.

  “She’s communicating with Byryn. Until they master it they will phase out during the connection,” Marcus explained.

  Devyn watched her mildly surprised. “Intriguing. It is not merely a summons or brief message then as with all Fae?”

  “No. They can speak freely. Share all thoughts and feeling. As can Reyana with myself and Cymeryn.”

  “Fine,” she spoke suddenly, “but if you so much as step out of line with my family again I’ll put you in your place myself and I won’t hold back. I might lack the training to face you head to head but I guarantee I can still knock you on your ass.”

  He smirked. “I would expect nothing less, my lady. You are very much like your Mother in her youth.”

  That brought a slight smile to her lips as she glanced to Marcus. “So I’ve been told.”

  He watched her return to the center of the ring and take her stance as she pulled the essence to her. “Now, Marcus is correct that this technique is about controlling the flow of the essence and pushing it out around you…” He walked around her with his hands clasped behind his back studying her. It had been long years since he had formally trained any. Most of his days now were comprised of battle planning, strategy and war. “Some however, cannot connect to this technique in this way. For you, I believe you need to build the essence within. Allow it to flow through you. It is an extension of you not just an environment that you are creating. Breathe life into it.”

  The essence slowly built around her, flowing and coalescing. She was trying to contain it, control it. She needed to release, to let it be free.

  “Do not try to restrain it, it is not something to be controlled. Release it. Let it flow through you but without containing it.”

  “But I don’t want to lose control. It’s difficult to make it do what I want it to.”

  He shook his head. “Do not make it do what you wish. Allow it to exist with you, accept it as an extension of you and then simply do.”

  She hesitated but met his eyes and nodded.

  “Focus,” he commanded.

  Essence swirled around her building and growing. It wrapped around her body extending further to create the aura.

  “Good, Princess. Very good.”

  “Indeed,” Marcus nodded his hand on his chin glancing at him. “I didn’t think to present it as such, Devyn.”

  He nodded in understanding. Few did unless they related to the technique in such a way themselves or had trained those who did. It was Cerulyion who had taught him this training technique when some of his pupils could not grasp it in the traditional fashion. “Everyfae connects to their essence differently. She is new to its ebb and flow. To master the battle arts you must understand how to relate to it. It depends how the mind works. To some they will recognize the essence as a tool, some a weapon, to some it has its own life stream. Ultimately however it is often simply something we must accept as a part of ourselves, joined to us, though on its own alive. In the most powerful of us this is often the case.”

  “I can’t hold it much longer.”

  “Then do not. Release it. If it fades then it merely means you need to exercise it and build your ability to focus. How long are you able to meditate without loss of focus?”

  Marcus smirked when she shifted uncomfortably. She glanced up looking somewhat embarrassed. “Um…maybe twenty minutes.”

  “You should attempt to set aside an hour daily to exercise your mind until you have managed to increase your ability.” Devyn bowed. “You will master it quite easily, Princess, but your deficit is not in technique. It is in focus.”

  She nodded as the essence around her faded. “I’ll work on it. Thanks, Devyn.”

  “You are quite welcome, Princess Staryana.” He bowed once more before leaving.

  He was unsure precisely why he felt the need to assist the girl, but in some way it was his obligation. She held a strong Light to her but Devyn could also sense a Darkness. It was all very confusing.

  The essences in the history of the species had never been able to mix before. They had never known of a Goddess Lunya, or the Gray essence. He needed to understand. He did not wish to risk his family but he had been separated and isolated from them for far too long, it was hard to be so critical of them, especially when he needed them more than he cared to admit.

  He could not deny that Cymeryn had been correct in some respects. There was anger and bitterness in his heart. There was also loneliness and pain. It had been thus
for nearly a hundred years. It never alleviated; aside from this morn when he held a fragile girl with fire and spirit who was trying to hide how broken she really was.

  Chapter 30

  “Alyric, my friend, how was your trip?” Mythos greeted the Fae while Steph stood by his side patiently.

  It wasn’t something she was accustomed to doing but she believed him when he said that it would only be this way until she had her bearings. Apparently once she was crowned Queen she wouldn’t need introductions.

  “It was well, my lord. I was even…” Alyric stopped midsentence his eyes landing on her necklace. He dropped to his knee with a hushed whisper, “My word.”

  “You may rise, Alyric a…” Crap what was his name. “Alyrion.”

  Mythos nodded to her with a warm smile. “Alyric, allow me to introduce the Lady Stephynia a Ceryn of the Cerulyion Lines of Lucerna, my betrothed.”

  Alyric rose and looked to him in surprise, but a smile quickly spread across his face. “Is that so, my old friend? Well I must say that it is about time.” He turned to her taking her hand and she allowed him to kiss it. “You must be a very special female to have cracked that hardened shell of a heart he hides. It pleases me greatly to make your acquaintance. And Cerulyion you say?”

  “Indeed, the daughter of Ceryn a Cerulyion and Madelyna a Grifyion, raised by her human family in order to protect her,” he affirmed.

  “Very special indeed. A miraculous occurrence in fact.”

  “Thank you, Alyric. It’s nice to meet you.” She nodded as she replied trying not to blush. She wasn’t used to so many people making such a fuss over her.

  Mythos took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Now what were you saying, my friend?”

  He was studying her with an odd expression of shock and adoration, but shook himself from his thoughts turning back to Mythos with a nod. “Oh yes, right. I must say you did catch me quite off guard with this, Mythos. I would never have believed it. It is very good to see you so at ease however…” He paused seeming to recollect himself. “Lauryn and Astryn are both with me. They are in the quarters that we were assigned.”