by Jaime Marks
“The Lady Stephynia is your ward. I honor and cherish her. None other could ever own my heart and I would have her by my side from now unto eternity. I have asked for the Lady’s hand and she as accepted. In accordance, I, Lord Mythos a Mythion of the Mythion Line of Lucerna, King of the Fae, do so formally request the Lady Stephynia a Ceryn’s bonded rights upon her awakening of which I have already been granted.”
Grifyn bowed slowly. “I do so accept your request, Lord Mythos a Mythion. Let it be known from this day forth that the Lady Stephynia a Ceryn of the Cerulyion Lines is betrothed of the King of the Fae, Lord Mythos a Mythion, son of Lucerna.”
Alysse rose. “The request of this union is so recognized by the Divine. As per the Light of Lucerna I proclaim the Lady Stephynia a Ceryn, daughter of the honorable Cerulyion Lines the future Queen of the Fae to be crowned upon the Bonding Rituals once she has awakened.”
Stephynia watched in awe as every Fae in the room knelt before her in reverence. She looked at him hesitating a moment and he nodded his reassurance. Her voice came out strong and regal despite the fact that he could sense her apprehension. “You may rise.”
He watched the poise and grace she possessed by nature and the reverence and honor all in the room paid her. Despite his intentions to wait until the banquet this eve perhaps with Alysse present this had been for the best. None could question any of their interactions as she had proffered the will of Lucerna. As they sat he kissed her hand he leaned into her slightly to grant her his comfort.
“Are you alright, my love?” He spoke so only she could hear.
She nodded, “I just need to get used to being the center of attention.”
“It will come in time. You handle it better than you believe in truth.”
Once the Council Chambers were cleared of all but the Lucerna Lines he pulled her into his arms kissing her deeply and she returned it meeting his passion. Convention did not allow for such things publically until they were formally mated but here in the comfort of family he would allow it. In truth he could not help it.
Devyn cleared his throat after a few moments drawing everyfae’s attention. “While we are all here, I feel I must address my behavior this morn. I will not tell you that I am comfortable with all of this. I do still have many questions, but…I was indeed out of line. Having the right to express my concerns does not give me any right to disrespect or attack any of you in the way that I have done. I offer you all my sincerest apologies, especially to you, Lady Reyana. It is not my place to pass judgment upon you nor did I have the right to treat you in such a manner.”
“Your apology is appreciated and accepted, Devyn. We didn’t mean to blindside you with this, but you never gave us the chance to tell you or explain it,” Reyana offered levelly but Mythos could tell his words had eased her somewhat.
“I am aware, your majesty. I will say that seeing the results of Felycia’s awakening has given me some hope and tempered my distrust somewhat. I am still leery of all this, however. I want to trust you…well most of you,” he eyed Cymeryn cautiously but the King of Night offered no reaction. “It is just difficult.”
Marcus nodded. “We accept your apology, Devyn, and we can understand your distrust. You haven’t witnessed and experienced the miracles that we have these last few months. We can only hope in time you come see that we are only acting on behalf of the Fae and that we have their best interests at heart.”
Devyn nodded glancing around the Council Chambers. “I will admit that was hard to ignore as I sat here this day. Did you receive my formal request of reprieve, Praetor? I had not yet received the response before I left the fronts and I must inform Walyn a Kuryion of my intended date of return.”
Mythos exchanged glances with Marcus and Grifyn. It was too soon to discuss a change in position with the Fae. They needed to bring him home, at the very least get him to step away from this war in some manner, but he had refused at every turn.
“I did. I realize you only requested a month, however word has been forwarded to Walyn that the full available reprieve has been granted. I know it was not your intention, Devyn, but we feel you are needed here in order to assist with restructuring. You have been granted the entire six months.”
Devyn ground his teeth a moment but merely bowed, “As you wish, your majesties.”
Cymeryn sighed heavily, “Devyn, I am going to be frank with you as I know you would be with me. I am fully aware that you distrust me and that you have never been too fond of me even prior to my turning. In truth, however, that is unimportant when weighed against the fate of the species. The primary threats at the fronts are temporarily neutralized and the Guardians there have been more than adequately trained and poised under your command to rebalance our holdings. If the situation were to change we can always address it and make changes where need be. There are greater threats to the Fae that must be addressed however.”
Devyn crossed his arms holding the male in a discerning gaze. “I am listening, Cymeryn, though you are correct. I neither trust nor do I particularly like you.”
Cymeryn nodded cynically but continued. “The Realm of Light is vulnerable to attack due to the Tainted. This realm is more secure but it is now vulnerable as well as Alayne has already managed to breach it. Moreover, without Redemption the Fae are at risk of extinction because the Darkness is spreading. None of which will I deny as being the results of my time as Supryn. There is naught I can do about the past short of attempting to right these wrongs, however.
“We need to protect our subjects. The Order of the Securine is being instituted in an attempt to protect the realms, but it is proving difficult. We need to begin training Securine as soon as possible and as such we are erecting a facility here similar to the Guardians Academy. There are only three Fae I know who can adequately train these Fae at the rate that will be required in order to get the Kingdoms the help they need quickly. Myself, Marcus…and you.”
Mythos studied them both closely. He imagined it was torturous to Cymeryn to enlist the help of his previous nemesis. The two had battled more fiercely than any others and often to a standstill. They had always been well matched, though with his power as King of Night Cymeryn was by far the stronger now.
“What precisely are you asking of me, Cymeryn?” Devyn raised a brow in amusement. “Are you asking me for my assistance? Because if I am to understand correctly, despite my expressed displeasure and concern, you have been named Praefect of the Securine.”
Cymeryn’s jaw clenched tightly as he turned to Marcus a moment but when he turned back to Devyn he was the picture of calm. “I am asking you to consider it unless conditions at the fronts become more dire, Devyn. Of course if we begin to lose ground once more there is none better suited to take up those reins, however, until it becomes necessary your strength is more needed here.”
“Devyn,” Mythos interjected questioning how much longer Cymeryn’s patience would hold. “It is more than just the Securine. We need you here so you can see the truth of what these changes present. We need your backing in order to ease the concerns of the Kingdoms. Many who are afraid have stated they would wait until you have assessed the situation. You are amongst the oldest and most respected of us. The Fae may follow our lead in all things but when it comes to changes as extreme as this they are looking to you. You need to be here so you have time to see and sense what is happening and make a determination for yourself.”
The tension in him eased somewhat as he took in his words. “I can understand the need for such and in truth if I were to continue to have these…Fae serving under my command I must better understand the reality of this for myself.” He glanced around hesitating when he met Byryn’s eyes. He shook his head. “I will agree to stay until I have sorted all of this, but I will refrain from accepting any change of position or agreeing to a full reprieve until I do.”
“I understand your feeling, Devyn, but the regardless of what you decide the length of your reprieve is nonnegotiable. You have not taken a reprieve
from the fronts in over a hundred years. It is not healthy and I will not risk the Commander at the Fronts being comprised,” Marcus responded cautiously. “We have always allowed you to pull rank on this in the past, but it has gone on too long. I will agree to you accepting another position after you have taken some time, a month perhaps, but you will not be permitted to return to the fronts for a period of six lunar cycles.”
Devyn’s eyes narrowed. “I need to be there, Marcus. You must understand, it was decreed that I must be part of the battle to save the species.”
Mythos sighed having heard this argument too many times. “Devyn, my friend, not all battles are fought solely on the battlefield. If this war is to be won, we will need to fight it on all fronts.”
He stood silently a few moments before nodding. “As you wish, my lords. I will be in my suite if you need me.”
Mythos watched him go. He knew it would be difficult for Devyn to reacclimate to life away from the battles of war, but it was time. Stephynia took his hand reassuring him. They had discussed this decision prior to Devyn’s arrival and she knew how difficult it was for him. In many ways Devyn was like a Father to all of them. It was difficult to pull rank on him and sometimes quite uncomfortable. He kissed her chastely. Having her beside him gave him so much more confidence and strength than he had ever thought.
“I love you my, caria,” he murmured in her ear.
“I love you too.”
Her presence not only made all of this easier on him but it gave him hope that he could succeed. Whatever came next, wherever this took them, he knew he would be able to face it as long as they did so together. So much of their world had changed recently and he knew there was more to come but he had no doubts that they were moving in the right direction. For the first time in a century the Lucerna Lines were together once more. With his family and his mate beside him he knew they would finally find a way to put an end to this war and free their world from the Darkness that had plagued them for so long.
All of this may have been set in motion before he met her, but he knew it was Stephynia’s presence in his life that granted him hope and peace. She was everything to him and he could not imagine a world without her by his side. He knew she was scared that something was coming to take her from him but he would never allow that to occur. He fully intended to keep her close and ensure none ever had the opportunity. She was his mate, his Queen, and he would protect her with his last breathe.
Epilogue
John lifted his head as the door to his cell opened. He was still bound to this table and they had been taking entirely too long. He glanced around at the three unawakened that stood before him.
“Took you long enough,” he spat.
“Chill John. There’s extra security with the banquet tonight. It makes it harder to get around,” Luke offered as he worked on his binds. “As it is I had to bribe someone to distract the guards so we could even talk to you. Besides we’ve been tracking the Princess and the other girls.”
“Kyle’s still being held in a private room,” Tyson offered, “but they have two Guardians on him at all times.”
John nodded. “Doesn’t matter, we need to retrieve him. I’m not answering to Syneous for leaving him behind. Were you able to gather anymore support?”
Wytheryn shrugged. “There are another two unawakened but I do not see how we can pull this off. In truth, we should be leaving you here until we are ready to move.”
He thought about their options. “You’re right. Loosen the binds so I can break free if needed but leave me. If you can obtain any of the three girls at any point do so and then come for me. I’ll get Kyle if it comes down to it.”
“If need be we can get him. I’m not sure you trekking through the Palace is a good idea. We’re only able to because we’ve gained their trust. They don’t really look at us as anything other than kids,” Tyson shrugged. “I believe Felycia’s awakening. My main concern is Steph, though. How the hell are you going to control her, John? I saw what happened on the plateau.”
“Leave her to me. If nothing else I’ll knock her out until we get out of here. Once I get her away from Mythos I’ll be able to handle her easily.” He considered it a moment, “For that matter knock them both her and Felycia out if you need to.”
“I don’t understand why we even need Felycia,” Luke complained. “I mean sure she’s eye candy and she might be fun to play with but that girl’s a serious pain in the ass.”
“I struck a deal with the Brood for Steph. Felycia is their sister and they want her back.” John smirked, “They always claim their own. Don’t they, Wytheryn?”
He nodded curtly. He knew it was a sore subject that he’d been returned to the Brood after so many years. “She is our blood. The Elders claim they have tasted her before. They want to see if she’s as much fun once she’s reborn. Though they won’t be happy that she has awakened here and not at their hands. I know they had plans for her awakening but it will still be enjoyable for them to break her.”
“How does Byryn not know who you are? I mean really, he should know, shouldn’t he?” Tyson asked. “That Fae could always sense essence clearly and hell you look so much like the bastard even I did a double take when we met. I still can’t believe he looked right over you.”
He shrugged. “They only found me recently and Alayne made sure I was masked before he sent me here. Byryn does not even know I exist to recognize me. Though I cannot say I’m impressed with Trevyn’s favored son.”
“Don’t underestimate him, Wyth,” John cautioned. “He’s stronger than you think and now that he’s awakened the Princess…I don’t know the limits of his abilities but he won’t be easy to take down. That’s why it’s important to get the girls, get Kyle, and get out. Let Alayne, Syneous, and you’re the Brood Elders deal with Byryn.” He thought about the Princess. She was their primary target but she was at least as strong as Byryn. “Star’s gonna be an issue. Grab the kid, Kylion, use him as leverage. I know he has a guard but Tomas said he still likes to sneak off. Watch for it and let’s hope it’s well timed. Now get out of here before someone catches you.”
He watched them leave wondering how the hell he’d gotten into this mess. It wouldn’t have been so bad if Kyle hadn’t sold them out. If it wasn’t for Steph he never would’ve volunteered for this shit. This wasn’t even the hardest part. They weren’t sure if Alayne would let her go or not. He had a feeling if any of them told him what they’d learned he wouldn’t.
He had no idea what the big deal was with the Cerulyions but apparently they’d been presumed wiped out even though John knew that wasn’t true. It didn’t matter, if Alayne wanted the world to think they were gone that meant he’d never release Steph. John had to be sure no one got loose lips and he needed to find some way to mask her with his essence. There was no way he was turning her over to Alayne. If it had been Cymeryn he wouldn’t have cared because he could have made an agreement to have her returned to him once the Supryn had what he needed, but Alayne would break her completely and John couldn’t have that. She was his and he’d make damned sure he protected her this time.
Steph paced near the bed. She was supposed to be resting but the truth was she just couldn’t shake this feeling. Marcus and Cymeryn had reassured her that they were keeping a close eye on things but something was definitely wrong. She couldn’t figure it out. Laughter echoed in from the sitting room. She knew she needed to go out and join the others but she needed to figure this out.
The door opened and Mythos stood in the doorway hesitating a moment before stepping through and shutting them in. “Are you alright, Stephynia?”
She sighed. “I’m sorry Mythos. I just can’t shake this feeling today and it’s getting worse.”
He nodded. “Come here, caria. Let me hold you.”
She closed the space between them and he wrapped her in his strong arms. They made her feel safe and loved. She was more at home in his arms than she had ever been anywhere. Even the idea that they coul
d be separated was killing her.
“Stephynia…There is nothing that can be done until we know what the threat is. I know that on Earth it is typical to focus and deliberate even when things are beyond your control, but it is not healthy to worry yourself so. Every day in this war there is a risk that we might lose those we love whether it is at the fronts or during a raid, a targeted strike or even an accident. The key is to cherish every moment that we have together and to hold onto it. If there were some way to find out I would assist you in doing so, but since there is not, let us attempt to find the peace in the day.”
She sighed with nod, “You’re right. I know you’re right…I just feel so helpless.”
“As do I, but I trust in the fact that you have been given abilities that will keep you well protected and that even if we are separated once more I am meant to find you.” Mythos brushed the hair out of her face, “I may not know what the future holds, caria, but I know that it will see you crowned as Queen by my side. That means that at least until that occurs I know it is not our time to fall.”
Breathing deeply she tried to release the strain she felt. “How do you always know the right things to say?”
He leaned down kissing her deeply. “Because you hold a piece of my heart within your own. You and I are bonded. We are one, Stephynia.” He ran a finger lightly down her neck and over her collarbone. “Have I told you yet how beautiful you look in that gown, hmmm?”
She blushed and tilted her head back as his mouth followed the trail of his finger. “Mmmm, if you start that we’re never going to get back out there to join the others.”
“You are more important at the moment,” he whispered along her skin.
“Yes, but…” She gasped softly. “Mythos, if you keep teasing me like this I promise you, I’m going to be the one who crosses that line and tries to seduce you. I’m trying to behave, I really am, but you’re making that very difficult.”
