by Todd, E. L.
Accacia kissed him. “I could never do that to you, Zyle.”
Zyle pressed his forehead against hers and sighed deeply. Her words were music to his ears. He pulled the dress from her body and laid her down on the mattress, wrapping her legs around his waist. He wanted to make love more than he ever had before. She was his and his alone. Accacia pressed her hands to his chest and steadied him. “We can’t do this, Zyle.” She looked at him with a saddened expression. “I’m sorry.”
He looked down at her. Her head was on the pillow and her strands of hair were completely loose from her band, and they covered the sheets, making him aroused at the sight. He didn’t think he could stop himself if she said no. “Why?”
Accacia looked uncomfortable. “Aleco is the Nature Priest here—and he knows about everything that happens in these woods—even that.” She looked away from Zyle, expecting him to be angry at her words. “I just don’t want to hurt him even more.”
Zyle sighed. “So we can’t make love the entire time we are here?”
“No.”
Zyle felt himself get angry. He was being denied his greatest desire because Accacia didn’t want to hurt Aleco. The man obviously didn’t care about disrespecting Zyle when he fondled his wife. “Accacia, I will never force you to do something against your will, but I don’t accept this. You will make love to me. I don’t just want it, but I need it, Accacia. I need to be with you.” Her eyes softened at his words. Zyle could see the conflict in her eyes. She didn’t know what to do. “He already knows we make love, so what does it matter if he knows when it happens?” His eyes narrowed at her. She knew he was frustrated. “You will not deny me this, Accacia.”
Accacia was torn. She knew the revelation of their lovemaking would torture Aleco, but she couldn’t expect her husband to withhold his desire for her. It was an unrealistic expectation. She would be furious if Zyle had said that to her, attempting to spare Roxian of the pain. Accacia grabbed his face and kissed him and Zyle melted at her touch. Zyle inserted himself within her and she gasped loudly, clutching his back as he thrust inside of her. She moaned at the feel of him within her.
Aleco walked down the dock in the darkness and he stopped when he felt the vibrations swirl around him. A couple was making love nearby and he knew Accacia was one of them. The Lorunien Tree had notified him. The Nature God had demanded Accacia’s presence at its roots but Aleco had ignored the request in light of recent events. He also feared the overwhelming need of the tree to see her. Aleco could feel her climax in his mind and he almost toppled over at the intensity of her feelings. He leaned over the rail and retched into the sea, feeling his heart spill out along with the bile. He could feel the heat of her desire for her husband and he vomited again. Finally the session was over but Aleco sat on the pier, trying to collect his bearings at the nightmare he just experienced. He knew it was extremely vivid because of his proximity to them on the boat. Now he pitied Father Giloth for feeling Aleco and Accacia make love like rabbits in spring. The recollection of their past made his eyes water but he blinked back the tears, forcing himself to forget about their memories together.
“Are you alright, sir?” An Asquithian walked toward him down the dock. She had long blonde hair and it reached down to her waist. She had a long, green dress identical to Accacia’s. Her eyes were also the same color. She held out her hand and helped Aleco to his feet. “Are you unwell?” She hoisted him to a stand with little effort and he was surprised by her strength. She didn’t appear muscular. He gazed at her for a moment. This was the first Asquithian he had seen up close besides Zyle and Accacia. She had prominent cheekbones and thin lips. The light in her eyes danced in flames like Accacia’s.
Aleco cleared his throat, not wanting the pain of his soul to escape in his voice. “I have a message for the king,” he said. “Will you give it to him?”
Roxian nodded. “Yes.” She smiled. “What is it?” She crossed her arms over her chest and waited for him to speak. She was a woman who held a lot of influence. Aleco could tell by her upright posture and mesmerizing voice. The woman was exceptionally beautiful. Her strands of golden hair tapered around her face and contrasted against her green eyes. He wondered if all the women were so comely. The Asquithian even rivaled Accacia’s features.
“Tell him Father Rhonian wants to have a word with him—alone. Tell no one else of this.”
Roxian nodded. “I shall return with His Majesty.”
Aleco nodded.
Zyle appeared on the deck of the ship a moment later and he walked down the ramp toward Aleco. Aleco was pleased that he had come alone. Accacia was the last person he wanted to see—especially now. Zyle wore informal attire, a green shirt and plain black pants. Aleco suspected he had dressed in a hurry. The thought made him want to gag again.
“Does Accacia know of this?” Aleco asked. He stared at Zyle with a look of hatred. Aleco had come in a light shirt, displaying the bulge of his muscles through the fabric of the shirt. He wanted to appear as threatening as possible. He already hated the man. Now he hated him even more.
Zyle shook his head. “No.” Zyle forced himself to leave his sword behind. He knew he wouldn’t stop himself from stabbing Aleco through the stomach if he gave him a reason to. He was furious that Aleco had touched his wife. He didn’t care if he had loved her before him. Accacia belonged to him now, not Aleco. “What do you want?” His voice came out harsher than he meant, but he couldn’t hide his displeasure.
Aleco knew Accacia had told him what happened between them. Zyle hadn’t been so hostile a few hours ago and now he was livid. Aleco could discern it in his shaking frame and widened eyes. He had wondered if Accacia was going to tell him. “She told you about us?”
Zyle stared at him with a look of anger. “If that is what you came to discuss, then this conversation is over.” Zyle squared his shoulders. “Don’t waste my time. My wife is waiting for me to make love to her again.” Zyle wanted his words to sting Aleco like a cut, a punishment he deserved for pressing his advance on his wife. If Aleco punched him he wouldn’t care. Zyle was certain his words would do a lot more damage than any physical attack Aleco made.
Aleco felt his body flush in adrenaline. He wanted to rip Zyle’s head from his shoulders and toss it into the ocean. He kept a passive face as he processed the insult just made at his expense. He breathed through the anger coursing in his veins and steadied his hands to his sides. “I have something to say to you, Your Majesty.” Aleco’s words were filled with anger and unspent fire. “You need to hear it. I love Accacia and I always will, but now she is no longer mine to claim. I can’t stop these feelings from happening and I can’t end the physical fantasies I have about her.”
Zyle wished he had brought his sword. Aleco was clearly here to challenge him to the death. The winner got to claim Accacia as his own. He immediately regretted coming to the Continent. They would accomplish nothing under these circumstances. “You wish to challenge me?”
Aleco shook his head. “Shut up and listen. As the Chief Nature Priest of this realm, I respect the sanctity of marriage and its exclusivity. You must also be aware of the fact that I cannot lie. It goes against my oath to the Lorunien Tree, so you know every word I say is truthful.”
“What’s your point?”
Aleco ignored him. “I apologize for touching Accacia. It never should have happened. I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it, however.” Zyle’s face reddened at his words. “But I have no interest in coming between a man and his wife. I will not touch Accacia or express my feelings for her—in fact, I would prefer not to see her or speak to her at all. I will not press my advantage on her—you have my word.”
Zyle felt his anger dim at Aleco’s words. “Thank you. That gives me peace of mind.”
“We have something far more important to worry about. I don’t have the time to be concerned about Accacia and her betrayal to me. She has moved on—I need to as well. She is no longer mine and I accept that. I want nothing to do
with her.”
Zyle nodded. He thought Aleco’s words were harsh but he didn’t express his opinion.
“However, there is a catch to this. If Accacia pursues me, physically or verbally, I will respond in whatever way I desire. I wish I could promise to respect her marriage to you, but I know if the opportunity ever arose and she desired me, I wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation. I’m sorry, but I have to be truthful.”
“We won’t have to worry about such an incident,” Zyle said. “She will never pursue your affection.”
Aleco stared at him. “You’re probably right.”
“I know I am.”
“There is a final thing I want to say to you.”
“Then speak,” Zyle said. “I have somewhere to be.”
“If you ever hurt Accacia, I’ll kill you.” Zyle did not react to his words. He met his gaze with a stoic expression. He thought it was ironic to be accused of such a ridiculous crime—Aleco was the one who hurt Accacia every chance he got. But he couldn’t deny the intensity of Aleco’s words. He really meant them.
“I never have nor will I ever. I would say the same thing to you, but I would have already killed you if I had.”
Aleco nodded. He turned around and walked away from Zyle, who stood on the pier and watched him disappear into the darkness. “Good night, Your Majesty.”
“Good night, Father Rhonian.” Zyle walked back to the ship and entered his quarters.
Accacia sat up in bed when she heard his approach. She smiled at him. “Where were you?”
Zyle took his clothes off and slid beneath the sheets. “I had to take care of something.” He climbed on top of her and inserted himself within her, with no preamble whatsoever. Zyle knew it was childish and immature, but he wanted to make Aleco pay for what he had done to him. He thrust inside of Accacia knowing how angry Aleco would be at their interaction. He didn’t care. He wanted Aleco to know Accacia belonged to him—he wanted the whole world to know.
House of Asylinth
13
Aleco sat in the office staring at the fire, his only company on this lonely night. He had his feet rested on the surface of the desk, and his hand held a half empty bottle of brandy. Aleco didn’t bother drinking from a glass anymore. The night had deepened hours ago but he didn’t retire to bed. Aleco knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep anyway.
The door to the study opened and he looked up from the fire, wondering who was awake at this time of night. Penelope walked into the room and smiled at him. “I’m sorry to disturb you, Father. I saw the light of the flames under the door.”
Aleco hid the bottle behind the desk and placed his feet on the floor. He smiled at her. “There is no need to apologize, Penelope. Please come in.” Penelope closed the door behind her and walked into the room. “You should take advantage of the opportunity and get some rest. Rhonian will be awake soon.”
“I know.” She sighed. “I just can’t sleep. The thoughts of the upcoming attack keep me awake.” She stared at him for a moment and saw the sorrow in his eyes. Penelope hadn’t reacted the way Aleco had anticipated when he revealed his countenance to her. Unlike Accacia, she remained calm. “Do the same thoughts plague your mind?”
Aleco shrugged his shoulders. “Yes, along with other things.”
Penelope nodded. Father Rhonian reminded her of her husband. He only discussed his troubles when he was questioned. If she never coaxed it out of Artremian, he would never tell her his greatest fears. “I’m here to listen if you need me to.”
Aleco nodded at her. He was very fond of Artremian’s wife. She was a strong woman and had suffered greatly at the hands of his brother, but she continued to press forward. He would protect her with his life until she was returned to her husband. “Thank you, Penelope. I appreciate your kindness.”
Penelope waited for him to speak further but he said nothing. She heard rumors of a fleet of ships entering the harbor of their forest, but their existence had never been confirmed by the Nature Priest. She had seen no one either. She decided to ask Aleco about it. “I heard there are a number of great sailboats in our harbor. Is it true?”
Aleco nodded. “Yes,” he said. “The Asquithians have sailed from their shores to aid in the battle. They are willing to die in this fight to release the souls of their kin.”
Penelope’s eyes widened. Aleco had told her about Accacia. That she left these shores to be safe with her people and that her departure had crippled him. He desired to eradicate the king and sever the Soul Binders so he could be reunited with her. Penelope didn’t understand why he seemed so depressed. “What of Accacia?”
Aleco looked away and Penelope knew he was upset. “Yes, she’s here.”
“Then why are you talking to me?” She had been moved by his undying devotion to her. Aleco reminded her of her own husband, Artremian, and his undying commitment to his family. If Accacia was standing on these shores she couldn’t fathom why Aleco wasn’t with her.
Aleco leaned forward and she saw the despair in his eyes. He was in pain. “She doesn’t love me anymore.” He ran his hands through his hair and looked into the fire, fighting back the tears that were bubbling to the surface. “She is married to someone else.”
Penelope felt her mouth drop. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around him, turning his face into her shoulder. He didn’t fight her embrace and gave in to the sobs that crippled his soul. Penelope felt the tears soak through her shirt and her heart squeezed for him. Aleco was a strong man and she hated to see him broken beyond repair. She rocked him back and forth and he let his soul spill from his eyes, releasing the pain of his unbearable loss. Penelope knew how important Accacia was to him. She would feel the same way if Artremian had left her for another. She whispered words of comfort into his ear, trying to steady his heavy breathing, but he continued to cry uncontrollably.
Aleco eventually found his bearings and pulled away, wiping the tears away from his drenched cheeks. He looked away from Penelope, ashamed of his vulnerability and obvious despair. He wanted to be strong for her because of the upcoming battle. Aleco couldn’t afford to appear weak. Penelope ran her hands through his hair and he closed his eyes, enjoying the feel of her motherly touch. Aleco leaned back in the chair and looked at her. “Thank you,” he whispered. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”
Penelope shook her head. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, Aleco.” She grabbed his hand within her own and caressed the skin. “I am sorry for your loss. I know how much you loved her.”
Aleco nodded. “It just makes everything harder—seeing her with her husband every day—knowing she moved on from me so quickly. It makes me question everything.”
“Perhaps there is something else she isn’t telling you about, Aleco.”
Aleco shook his head. “I gave her permission to move on, but I hadn’t expected her to forget about me so quickly. She was already married within the year we were apart. That’s too soon. I haven’t even looked at a woman once.”
Penelope nodded. “You should talk to her. Maybe there is something she is holding back.”
“No,” he said. “I don’t want to speak to her—ever. It’s too hard for me.”
“Don’t doubt her love for you, Aleco,” she said. “Don’t lose your faith.”
Aleco squeezed her hand. “It’s too late.”
Penelope stared at him for a moment. She could see the pain on his face and the burden in his shoulders. She knew he was a forlorn man to begin with but she had never seen him so upset. He looked like he had lost everything. Aleco was a man without hope—with nothing to live for. “Don’t give up, Aleco.”
He turned to her. “Accacia is married, Penelope. She and I will never be together—ever. I think it’s time I move on. It’s only going to cause me more pain if I don’t.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then what did you mean, Penny?” Penelope smiled at the nickname. Only Artremian referred to her as that. She enjoyed hearing him call her
that as well. Penelope considered Aleco family after what he had done for her and Artremian. She was loyal to him in every way—so was her husband. “You’ll be happy again someday, Aleco. Don’t lose hope.”
Aleco looked away. “I seriously doubt that.”
“I don’t.” She smiled. “You always have the love of your family.”
Aleco smiled in spite of himself. He had become very close to Penelope, Lydia, and the two little ones. He spent most of his time with them, training Vance in the sword and taking Sadie on hikes through the forest. He spilled his darkest secrets to Penelope, knowing he could trust her implicitly. It was the closest thing he had to a family—besides Accacia and Father Giloth. “I appreciate everything you have been for me, Penelope, all of you. But I expect the battle will claim my life and I hope it does.”
Penelope frowned. “I hope you don’t mean that, Aleco.”
“I’m afraid that I do.”
“Just because of Accacia?” she asked.
Aleco shook his head. “Yes. She was my only reason for living. Before I met her I was a walking shadow, hoarding my pain all to myself, but she changed all of that. She didn’t just heal my festering wounds, but she me gave a reason to live again—to be happy. Without her I’m back to what I was. I would be happier in death.”
Penelope grabbed his hand. “I think you should give it another try.”
“The only reason I want to be alive is to raise Sadie and Vance. Other than Lydia, I am their only guardian. It is my burden to raise them because I am responsible for the death of their father. When they reach adulthood, I will take my own life. They won’t need me anymore.”
“They will always need their father.”
“I’m not their father.”
“You’re as good as.”
