Mage

by Cyndi Friberg

  “That, my love, is Rodymia. Ontariese, the third inhabited world in this star system, isn’t visible with the naked eye.”

  “I’m on another planet.” She shook her head, barely able to comprehend her own words. “I’m actually on another planet.”

  “Would you like to see more of the garden, or go ride the carousel?”

  “I’d love to see more of the garden. Can we end with the carousel?”

  Fierce determination flashed in his dark eyes. “We will never end, if I have anything to say about it.”

  “Relax.” She reached over and threaded her fingers in between his. “I won’t shut you out again. I promise.”

  “This has been the longest week of my life.” He caught the back of her neck with his free hand and paused for an intense kiss. “I’ve never been so miserable.”

  “I’m sorry I sent you away.” She kissed him, her attempt much more hesitant than his. “I was afraid.” Then she whispered, “I’m still afraid.”

  His hand shifted to the side of her neck and he stroked her face with his thumb. “I will never give you a reason to fear me, or to regret this second chance.”

  She wasn’t sure this was a second chance. She’d never really given him a first chance, but they were together now and that was all that mattered.

  They meandered along one path after another. She quickly spotted a large display of the flowers he’d sent her. “Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks they’re beautiful.”

  “Calidrill are very popular in the Fire Islands, a sort of regional emblem.” He paused for a second and an odd tension crept into his tone. “The flower features prominently in the royal family’s seal.”

  “Is your royal family popular like they are in England? Even many in my country are fascinated by England’s royal family, but then we started out as an English colony.”

  “The treatment is very similar, though Bilarri’s regional kings are actual rulers. They are each the ultimate authority in their region.”

  “Have you ever met the Fire Island’s king?”

  A secretive smile parted his lips and he quickly looked away. “Many times.”

  He’d already told her his family was rich, no, very rich. This shouldn’t surprise her. Still, it made her faintly uncomfortable and she wasn’t sure why. “You said there were things I needed to know before we could be together. What did you mean?”

  “Let’s finish our tour. There’s plenty of time for all that.”

  His evasion disappointed her, but she didn’t argue. They continued along the path, but all the splendor began to blur. There were enormous flowers and tiny flowers, plants that responded to sharp noises, and even a cluster of orange blooms that sounded like violins when the wind stirred their delicate petals. He provided names and backgrounds when she asked and allowed her silence when she became reflective. It was obvious he was trying not to rush her, but she grew progressively more restless as the tour continued.

  She heard the carousel’s familiar song as they moved beneath an archway of gnarled branches. “Are these trees still alive?” The effect was almost spooky as the intertwining branches became so thick they blocked out the sunlight.

  “They’re petrified. They were here when the developers bought the land and they didn’t have the heart to remove them.”

  “I’m glad they didn’t. They’re strangely beautiful.”

  They emerged from the tree tunnel into an enchanted wonderland. The garden spread out in concentric rings around the carousel. The outer ring was a twelve-foot hedge and each of the inner rings featured flowers of a different color, creating a living, fresh-smelling circular rainbow.

  And then there was the carousel. The basic design of the miniature was identical to the real thing, but the creatures were static on the souvenir, rather than fully animated like the ones before her now. “Oh my God,” she whispered. “It’s so beautiful.”

  “Do you want to ride it or just admire the artistry?” He gently squeezed her hand when she didn’t answer.

  “I don’t think I can move.”

  “Then let’s sit and you can soak it in.”

  He led her to one of the stone benches surrounding the carousel. She left her hand in his and followed his advice, soaking everything in with all her senses. She felt as if she were lost in a vivid dream, everything was picture perfect and surreal.

  After a time of companionable silence, she asked the names of the creatures. Vox patiently indulged her curiosity, telling her not only their names but a brief summary of the myths from which they came. “My favorite is the Arorrak. The one that looks sort of like a shaggy lion.” He pointed it out as it came into view. “He was ridden into battle by my favorite hero in defense of the female he loves.”

  She looked at him and smiled. “You’re a romantic.”

  He laughed. “He is fatally wounded during the battle and dies in her arms. I’m not sure that qualifies as romantic.”

  “Of course it does. Some of the best-loved romances on Earth end tragically.”

  “Well, I’m hoping for a much different ending. Something more like my parents. This carousel was created in honor of their fiftieth joined year. The other three guild masters, in an unprecedented show of cooperation, combined their skills to bring the creatures to life.”

  “Your parents have been married for fifty years?” Just how old were they? For that matter, how old was he? She needed to take one issue at a time if she hoped to understand everything, so she left the questions unspoken.

  His smile was gentle, encouraging. “Bilarrians mate for life. That’s what I want for us, what I need. You understand that, don’t you?”

  “Lexie thinks we’re genetically compatible. Is she right?”

  “Most definitely.” Suddenly his expression tensed. He looked intensely annoyed and then sighed. “We have a visitor. I’d send him away, but he insists that it’s vitally important.”

  Without further warning a Bilarrian male materialized in front of them. “I apologize for the interruption, but this will save me a trip to Earth.”

  Vox dipped his head respectfully as he stood to make the introductions. “This is Lord Drakkin of Hautell, Director of the Symposium. And this is my intended mate, Emily Jenson of Earth.”

  Emily wasn’t sure if she should stand or offer her hand or what, so she just smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you.” The director was handsome, in a Renaissance Fair sort of way. His hair was long and a section was braided on one side of his face. The red rings in his dark eyes were even brighter than Vox’s and the “whites” of his eyes had a tinge of blue.

  He took her hand and raised it to his lips as he bent from the waist. “Milady,” he said with a grin that made her wonder what he found so amusing. “What bringest thou unto our humble world?”

  Vox broke out laughing. “You can’t blame her, sir. You would look right at home at a Renaissance Fair.”

  Emily felt her eyes widen. “Did I say that out loud?” Or could they both read minds?

  “Humans broadcast when their emotions are overwhelmed,” Drakkin explained, still looking amused. “I’m sorry I mocked you. That was unkind.”

  “She’s never been off her planet before.”

  “Few humans have.” In a flash his amusement vanished and his angular features fell into stern, authoritative lines. “This is not why I stopped by. Your father asked me to look into something for him. I presume the inquiry actually came from you.”

  “It did.”

  Emily watched the exchange, still reeling from Drakkin’s revelation. Just how often had she “broadcast” her thoughts to Vox? Could he also sense emotion?

  “May I speak freely?” Drakkin glanced meaningfully at her.

  “Of course. I have no secrets from Emily.”

  She found the concept more comforting than anything else in the world…make that the universe.

  “I only found one odd entry that might or might not pertain to your mysterious portal. It involves a rac
e of beings known as the Envoti.”

  “I’ve never heard of them before.”

  “Neither had I, which is saying a lot. The entry was made long before my time, which is also saying a lot. It was quite cryptic and not at all specific. It mentioned that the Envoti command the power of creation.”

  “So in human terms, they can terraform worlds?”

  Drakkin nodded. “I believe that is what the entry means.”

  “Did it say anything else?”

  “Just that they are deceivers and to be avoided at all costs. Warnings such as this are not entered into the Wisdom of the Ages unless they are justified. I highly suggest that the battle born destroy the portal as soon as possible. In fact, it might be wise to seal up the cave. It is not unheard of to weaponize flora. They might have stumbled onto a dormant armory.”

  “I’ll pass on the recommendation.”

  “I understand that you are courting, but you need to make the report in person and ensure that they follow through.”

  “Yes, sir.” Vox relented with a sigh. “I’ll take care of it.”

  “I know you will.” He glanced at Emily again, then smiled at Vox. “Does your father know about Emily?”

  “Not yet, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell him.”

  “As you wish.” He faced Emily and swept into a courtly bow. “Until we meet again.” Then disappeared.

  Emily shook her head, not at all sure what to make of their visitor. “Can all Bilarrians teleport?”

  “No, my love. You’ve just met the most powerful person on Bilarri. Lord Drakkin is one of only six Bilarrians who can command all four elements. His abilities are staggering.”

  She’d seen a small fraction of what Vox could do with command of only two. “Doesn’t it terrify you to know that one person can command that much power?”

  “Drakkin is honorable. He has proven it over and over during the long centuries of his life.”

  “Centuries? Good lord, how old is he?”

  Vox laughed. “I don’t know his exact age, but he is old.”

  They had to return to Earth and she didn’t want to go. “At least he still has a sense of humor. I’m sure that’s hard with a life that long.” She stood and sidestepped Vox as she wandered closer to the carousel. As if on cue, the music faded and the rotation slowly stopped. “Do we really have to go back?”

  “I can summon guards and leave you here while I speak with Raylon, but I’d worry about you the entire time I was gone.”

  She turned around and glared at him. “You don’t trust me to stay put until you get back? Why would you need to summon guards?”

  “Because you’re not leaving my sight until I have claimed you and can sense your wellbeing. I’m never going to be without you again.”

  The possessiveness in his tone should have terrified her. Instead she felt warm and protected, secure as she’d never felt before. “Then tell me your horrible secret, so you can claim me tonight.”

  He sucked in his breath, eyes wide with wonder. “Do you mean it? Do you accept my claim?”

  She started to say she did, then trepidation bathed her being. “If I say yes, are we married?”

  He held out his hand and smiled, affection warming his eyes. “More like engaged. Our union is sealed when I actually claim you.”

  “I can’t believe I’m even considering this.” She placed her hand on his and let him pull her into his arms.

  “I’ll ask again after we’ve spoken with Raylon.”

  It was the only warning she got before he teleported them back to Earth.

  Chapter Eight

  Vox watched emotions scroll across Raylon’s expression with nearly comic clarity. Anger, then fear, and finally steely resignation.

  “No one will argue about sealing the portal,” the governor finally said, “but the researchers are going to kill me if I destroy that cave. They’ve been like children set free in a candy store.”

  “Lord Drakkin was emphatic about the portal. The cave was more of a suggestion. However, he did mention weaponized plants. I’ve never heard of such a thing, but this is Drakkin.”

  “I’ve never met the director, but I’ve heard he’s impressive.”

  “He’s a smartass,” Emily muttered under her breath and Vox shot her a conspirator’s smile. She was right. Drakkin had a wicked sense of humor, but most only met the stern director.

  “Do I have your word that you’ll destroy the portal?” Vox persisted. “I promised Lord Drakkin I would ensure it was done.”

  Raylon pushed back from his desk and stood. “I’m headed there now. What was the name of the species again? I want to see if Chandar can get me any more information about them.”

  “The Envoti.”

  “Got it. Thank you and pass on my appreciation to Lord Drakkin. I know he bumped us to the front of the line.”

  They followed Raylon out into the corridor, then Vox drew Emily to a stop as Raylon strode off toward the elevators. “Where would you like to spend the night? We can go to your apartment, but I lived in one of the residential villages for several weeks. I know how tiny the apartments are. We can return to my cabin at Stargazer Ranch.” He paused and took a deep breath. “Or I can take you to my home.”

  She hesitated, emotions broadcasting in easily interpreted waves. She was curious about the life he led back home, but unsure if she was ready to give up everything she’d ever known. “I want to go to Stargazer Ranch. I need our first night together to be on Earth.”

  He smiled, disappointed, but not surprised. “Stargazer Ranch it is.” They’d made miraculous progress today. Even with the interruption. He had to be careful not to push, not to expect more than she was ready to give.

  She squeezed her eyes shut then pressed her face against his chest, clearly dreading another teleportation. The distance from the moon to Colorado was a stone’s throw compared to their last jump. So with a sudden surge of energy, he sent them to their destination.

  They materialized in his bedroom and he pulled back the covers with a wave of his hand.

  She gasped then smiled. “Showoff.”

  Unable to resist the temptation of her mouth a moment longer, he shifted her head into the crook of his arm and kissed her slowly, deeply. “I have waited for you my entire life.” He kissed her again, more intensely, tasting her thoroughly. “I am so glad Lexie asked for my help recruiting you.”

  Emily tugged his tunic up along his body. “I dreamed about this every night while you were gone.”

  He tore the tunic off, then paused. “We have to talk before we do this.”

  “We’ll talk after,” she argued, frantically unbuttoning her blouse. “I need you now.”

  Desire stabbed through him like fire, but he refused to give in to the demands of his body. “I promised—”

  She silenced him with her mouth. “After,” she insisted against his lips and Vox was lost.

  He’d waited too long and needed this too badly to hold back the tide. He toed off his boots, unable to stop kissing her. Together they rid him of his pants and her skirt obliged as soon as she loosed the side fastener. Her soft, warm breasts pressed against his chest and he groaned into her open mouth.

  They tumbled to the bed together in a flurry of greedy hands and tangled legs. He let her explore while he kissed her, content just to drown in her taste. But his hands began to wander, cupping her breasts as she rubbed against him. If they didn’t slow down, this would be over before either of them knew what happened.

  He swept her beneath him and pinned her arms to the bed above her head. Her protest was muffled by his mouth as he settled between her thighs. Controlling her was the only way he had any hope of regaining control himself. Joining with her was inevitable. His hunger for her would not be denied. But he would not claim her until she knew he would one day be king.

  Carefully grasping her wrists to secure her arms, he kissed his way down her neck. “Don’t tease me, Vox. I’ve ached to have you inside me for wee
ks.”

  He chuckled and caught one tender nipple between his teeth. “We haven’t known each other for weeks, only twelve days.”

  She stilled. “Good lord, that’s right. I’m such a floozy.”

  “You’re my floozy.” He sucked on the nipple until she moaned, then went right on sucking. She was as delicious, and as wonderfully responsive, as he’d known she would be. “It might have been a whirlwind courtship, but I will love you for the rest of my life. Likely longer if such things are allowed in the next dimension.” She trembled beneath his lips and he lifted his head so he could look at her face. “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

  “I love you too, and I don’t want to. Love like this always leads to pain.”

  He shot back up and kissed her, revealing his devotion with each stroke of his tongue. “I will never hurt you.” He kissed her again. “I will kill anyone who does anything to harm you.”

  She shook her head. “I don’t want anyone’s death on my conscience. Protect me to the best of your ability. That’s enough.”

  He understood her position, but his fierce Bilarrian heart demanded more. Still, he wasn’t about to argue about retribution while she was naked beneath him. “Now where was I?” he asked with a wicked smile and she laughed.

  He retraced his path and resumed his discovery of her lovely breasts. She arched into his caresses and sighed as the attention went on and on. She grew restless, undulating softly, drawing his attention lower.

  Happy to oblige her, he slid his hands to her upper arms as he slid farther down her body. He feathered kisses across her abdomen, then ringed her navel with his tongue. He quickly shifted her legs over his shoulders then covered both breasts with his palms.

  She whimpered as he paused to look at her and imprint the scent of her arousal in his mind. Then he covered her with his mouth and traced her slit with the tip of his tongue. She moaned, stilling as she waited for his next move.

  He licked her again, delving deeper, collecting her taste on his tongue. Mine. His being cried, wanting more, wanting all of her. He ventured deeper still, finding her clit and lingering over the sensitive spot. She began to move again, rolling her hips and groaning. He took his time, arousing her slowly, savoring each gasp and shiver.