by Todd, E. L.
Asylinth House
16
Aleco turned around and saw Roxian before his desk. Accacia, Zyle, and the other ambassadors had left the room but she had remained behind. “Is there something I can do for you, Roxian?” He walked around his desk and stood before her. He didn’t know what she wanted.
She stared at him with the same emerald eyes that Accacia possessed and he couldn’t help but think of her. Roxian’s remaining features were completely different than hers, however. Aleco looked at the strands of golden hair that stretched to her waist. It had a slight curl to it and it was lustrous in volume, curving around her face perfectly. Illanya was beautiful as well but the woman before him was exceptional. “I just wanted to speak to you in private.” She stepped closer to him and Aleco tried to step away but he couldn’t. The desk was blocking his escape. Aleco flinched at her proximity. She was so close to him, Aleco could smell the scent of her hair and the aroma of her skin. She smiled at him and Aleco felt his heart quicken. “I don’t know how society functions here on the Continent, but in Suaden, we express our intent bluntly, with little room for misinterpretation.”
“I’ve noticed.”
She rested her hand on his chest and he wanted to brush it away, thinking of Accacia, but then he reminded himself that he was no longer committed to her. She was probably making love to her husband at this very moment. The thought brought a cloud of melancholy over him and he swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’m very attracted to you,” she said. “And I know you feel the same way.”
Aleco met her gaze. The woman was taller, only a few inches shorter than Aleco, and he couldn’t deny the obvious beauty of her features. He wished he could reject her accusation but he couldn’t because it would be a lie.
She smiled at him. “Are you married, Aleco?”
“No.”
“Are you committed to someone?”
Aleco sighed. He wanted to say yes but he knew he couldn’t. Accacia was married to another man—she would never be his again. “No.”
“That’s very convenient,” she said as she glided her fingertips up his chest and to his neck. He didn’t pull away. He wanted to, but at the same time, he didn’t. Aleco was lonely, never allowing himself to be with anyone else besides Accacia. He was a man and had needs, but he had denied himself the luxury. He didn’t think he could do it any longer.
Aleco grabbed her hands and pulled them down. “You deserve my honesty, Roxian.” He looked into her eyes and saw the inferno of longing in them. He could read her as easily as Accacia. “I’m in love with someone else. I cannot return your affection with love or respect—I’m sorry.”
“I didn’t ask you to.” She returned her hands to his chest but he didn’t pull them away. “I’m in love with another man, one that will never be mine, and I know I will never love you. I told you exactly how I felt—that I was attracted to you. I said nothing about love or respect.”
“So you’re as broken as I am?”
Roxian smiled. “I’m probably worse—shattered into a million pieces. I’m lonely and I long for a man’s touch—someone with experience. I can tell you have plenty of it.”
Aleco met her gaze without flinching. He was surprised how well she could read him. It must be a gift of the racial qualities of the Asquithians. “I’m very flattered, Roxian. You are one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. You could have whoever you wanted. Why have you chosen me?”
“I already told you why—I’m attracted to you. I want you so I will have you.”
Aleco felt his body course in arousal. He had never let himself feel this way for someone else, not since he had fallen for Accacia. Even in her absence he hadn’t looked at another. This beautiful woman wanted him and he felt the same, but he couldn’t assuage his guilt. “I’m an old lover of your queen—does that bother you?”
She looked at him for a moment. “No. Is she the woman you’re in love with?”
“Yes.”
“And she is married to someone else.”
Aleco nodded.
“I’m in love with Zyle, but he doesn’t want me—he only wants Accacia.”
“It seems that we share the same misfortune.”
Roxian nodded. “Yes, we do. All the more reason something should happen between us.”
Aleco thought for a moment. “This would be a purely physical relationship?”
“Yes.” Roxian ran her fingers through his hair and he felt his heart race at her touch. He finally let himself think about her in a sexual way and his body became aroused. He wanted Accacia, but he couldn’t have her—it was time to move on.
“Would it be confidential?”
“If you want it to be,” she said.
“I don’t want my children to see you,” he said. “That’s my one condition.”
Roxian smiled in victory. “I accept your terms.”
Aleco stared at her for moment, forcing himself to forget about Accacia. He wanted her, loved her, but he couldn’t have her. He didn’t want this relationship with Roxian but he was lonely in despair. She shared the same pain he did. She couldn’t be with the man she loved. And Aleco had desires that needed to be met. He never wanted to make love to another woman besides Accacia and the idea made him sad. He always thought he would be her husband, not someone else. Aleco needed a release, something to occupy his mind from the unbearable loss that constricted his heart. He had his family but that wasn’t always enough. Roxian was beautiful and sexy and seemed to be exactly what he needed. He didn’t want to hurt Accacia, but he stopped the thought in his mind. She obviously hadn’t cared for his feelings. She had moved on from him months after she left and married another. She didn’t love him—the whore never did.
Aleco grabbed Roxian’s face and kissed her, feeling her lips respond to his movements. He didn’t kiss her the way he kissed Accacia. It was the aggressive way that he took the prostitutes from his past. He tore the dress from her body and laid her on the table and stared at her naked body. He shed his own clothes then inserted himself within her, letting himself fall in the throes of carnal pleasure as he took her aggressively in the study. He didn’t think about Accacia at all and let her fade from his heart.
Accacia stared across the sea in silence. She stood on the deck with Zyle alongside her. He didn’t say anything and waited for her to speak. He already knew what was bothering her. Zyle wrapped his arm around her and held her close. Sometimes that was all she needed, not someone to talk to, but just to be with her.
She looked at him. “I’m going to the Lorunien Tree. I haven’t visited it since I arrived and I need to pay my respects to the Nature God.”
Zyle suspected she wanted to visit the holy site for another reason. She wanted to be alone. “Would you like me to accompany you?”
Accacia kissed him. “No,” she said. “I wish to be alone right now. I hope that doesn’t offend you.”
He shook his head. “No. Take all the time you need. I have work I need to do anyway. The warriors and soldiers need to be selected for the undertaking.”
“Zyle, I’m coming.” Accacia stared at him with a serious look. She dared him to challenge her.
He didn’t know what to say. Aleco made it clear he didn’t want her to be present and he understood why. He couldn’t risk her safety. Zyle was happy that they had one mutual interest. Now they might be able to get along. He was relieved he had someone to rely on, other than himself, to protect Accacia with their life. “We shall see.”
“I love you.” She kissed him gently and pulled away, turning away from him on the deck of the ship.
“I know you do.”
Accacia walked through the forest until she began to feel the hum of the tree. It coursed through her like running water and she felt the vibration in her soul. The tree was calling to her, encouraging her to return home. She advanced forward, almost jogging, as she headed to the location of the massive tree and its uplifted roots. Her heart squeezed in pain when she remembered the l
ast time she had stood at the base of the stump. Father Giloth had been with her. That was another reason why she had come, to mourn the loss of her father with the Nature God. She wanted Zyle to comfort her but the real person she wanted was Aleco. He had been like a son to Father Giloth. Accacia passed through the trees until she saw the clearing before the bark of the tree. She stopped at the sight.
Aleco was training Vance in the sword. They were sparring across the field and Aleco was letting the small boy land his blows without responding with his own deadly attacks. She saw Lydia and Penelope sitting on the grass a few feet away. Sadie was sitting in Lydia’s lap, clapping in applause for her brother, who was overpowering Aleco and driving him back. Accacia felt her heart tug at the sight. Aleco continued to surprise her more and more.
Vance fell forward when he lost his footing and Aleco caught him before he hit the ground. The boy was exhausted. Sweat dripped from his scalp from the heat of the day and his breathing was deep and shallow.
Aleco patted him on the shoulder. “Good job today.”
Vance tossed his wooden sword to the ground. “I hope I’m as good as you someday, Father.”
Aleco flinched at his words. The label hadn’t offended him or angered him, but he felt the guilt rise up his throat.
Lydia spoke from her seat on the grass. “He isn’t your father, Vance. Refer to him by his name.”
Vance shrugged at Aleco. “Sorry,” he mumbled.
“It’s okay.” He smiled. “I can be your godfather. That’s pretty close.”
“Would you want to?” He looked down at his feet, embarrassed by his own question.
Aleco grabbed him by the shoulder. “I would be honored, Vance.”
Vance jumped. “Yes!”
Aleco laughed at his enthusiasm. Vance walked toward Lydia and drank from his waterskin. Aleco remained rooted to the spot. He felt the tree coursing through him, speaking to him in a language only he could understand. He turned around and looked across the clearing. Accacia was standing alone by the tree. They locked eyes for a moment then Aleco looked away. He wanted to get away from her.
Accacia approached him from across the clearing. Aleco turned his back on her, an obvious attempt to ignore her. He was spending the remainder of his day with his family. He didn’t want to be upset with her presence. Aleco saw Penny give Rhonian to Lydia before she got to her feet. She walked toward Aleco and reached him at the same moment when Accacia did.
Penelope fixed her glare on Accacia. “What do you want?” Aleco stared at her in shock. He had never seen her so angry before.
Accacia was stung by the venom in her voice. She hadn’t expected the hostility either. “I want to speak with Aleco alone.” She touched him on the arm but he pulled away.
“You have no right speaking to him,” Penelope said. She placed her hands on her hips and glared at Accacia. “The conference meetings are a suitable time to address any issues you may have. You were convened in a meeting for hours today—you had plenty of time to talk to him then. You’ll just have to wait until tomorrow.”
Accacia stepped back from Penelope. She didn’t know what she had done to offend the woman so severely. Penelope was respectful and graceful. At least she was at her wedding a few years ago. Accacia remembered how elegant she looked her in her wedding finery and had mentioned it to Drake, who ignored her comment. She couldn’t believe the same woman was so aggressive. Accacia turned to Aleco, disregarding Penelope’s words. “I need to speak with you.”
“No,” he said. “I told you I never want to see you unless I have to—I made that clear.”
“Go back to your husband, tramp,” Penelope snapped
Accacia face flooded with blood at the insult. She had never been so disrespected by someone she hardly knew. Aleco turned toward Penelope and gripped her shoulders. “I know you’re trying to protect me and I appreciate it, but please refrain from talking to her that way. She is the Queen of the Asquithians.”
“I don’t care who she is, Aleco. She has no idea how much pain she has caused you. I won’t let her continue to hurt you.” She glared at Accacia again. “I can’t stand to see you so miserable.”
“Please excuse us, Penny.”
Penelope stared at him for a moment before she walked away. She turned back to Accacia before she left. “Leave him in peace, Accacia.”
Aleco walked toward the base of the tree and Accacia followed him. When they were out of range, Aleco looked at her. “What?”
Accacia felt the tears fall from her eyes. She loved him—she wished he knew that. She blinked back the salty water. “I wanted to discuss what happened in the meeting this afternoon.”
Aleco stared at her. “And what would that be?”
“You can’t dictate my actions in front of my subjects that way. You cannot order me or command me to do as you wish in such a way.”
“I wanted to make it clear that you weren’t coming.”
“That’s my decision to make.”
“No, it’s not,” he said. “I didn’t work this hard to keep you safe so you could risk your life needlessly.”
“Once again, that is my choice and not yours.”
Aleco shook his head. “I don’t care, Accacia. You aren’t coming—that’s final.”
Accacia crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. Aleco could be so stubborn and it drove her insane with frustration. She reminded herself that Aleco was only trying to protect her because he still loved her. He still cared for her even though she had a husband to look after her. “I appreciate your concern, Aleco, but I can take care of myself.”
Aleco laughed loudly. He shook his head as the chuckles erupted from his throat. “Please tell me that was a joke. Are you going to tell me that my brother is a good guy deep down inside as well?”
“I’m serious, Aleco.” He could see her emerald eyes leap in flames at his mockery. She was offended by his laughter.
“You’re the most defenseless woman I’ve ever met, Accacia. You couldn’t even survive the cold of winter. If I weren’t there you would have died. I’m sorry, but no, I cannot take you seriously.” Aleco would never let Accacia go into battle. Yes, he had trained her in the sword, but the instruction was nothing like a true fight. He had gone easy on her most of the time, allowing her to land blows when he could have easily parried out of the way. “I trained you in the sword so I know you understand how to wield it, but that means nothing, Accacia. You are not fit for this fight. You are not coming.”
Accacia tried to control the anger in her body but she couldn’t contain it. She reached out and shoved Aleco backwards. He stumbled back, surprised at the sudden attack. Aleco had never seen her lose her temper before. “Let’s make this clear. I make my own decisions. No one dictates my will or decides my fate. Only I do. I have trained with my people and I’m certain that I could even best you, Aleco, the murderous assassin of the guild. The society of my people does not practice the institution of gender roles. I’m fit for battle—better trained than most of the men I command.” Aleco didn’t react to her words or push her back. He let her speak with a look surprise on his face. “I will fight—you will not stop me, Aleco.”
Aleco stared at her face. Her thin lips were pressed together in a tight line and the sweat was dripping down her neck. “I will do everything in my power to keep you here, Accacia. I will even withdraw my aid to your cause if I must.”
Accacia glared at him. “You’re disgusting, Aleco. You say that you organized this uprising for me and now you’re willing to compromise it to hold me against my will? You of all people should understand how important this is to me.”
“What makes me so special? Why should I understand?” Aleco stepped closer to her, eyeing her with the intensity of his blue eyes. “I’m just a man you used to bogg because you had nothing else better to do. I was never a man you loved—why am I different from anyone else?”
“You know that isn’t true so stop saying that.” Accacia forced the tears b
ack. She was tired of crying, more than exhausted by it. “I love you, Aleco. I always have.”
“I speak only the truth, Accacia. And I know you don’t love me. Everything that happened between us meant nothing. ” He turned away from her, heading back toward Lydia and Penelope across the clearing. “This is over.”
Accacia watched him walk away. She was tired of being defenseless and useless. She was a strong warrior, and not just for a woman, but for any soldier. No longer will she abide by the rules of the men who tower over her. She would make her own decisions, never concerned with the repercussions. She marched over to him and grabbed him by the arm, pulling him back to her. Aleco tried to pull away, but she wouldn’t let him.
Aleco stared at her. “What do you want from me?”
She could see the anger in his eyes. It mirrored her own. “We settle this now.” Accacia withdrew the green blade from the belt around her waist and it glowed in the light of the sun, matching the dark color of the grass and the leaves of the tree. It rang with immense power, fueled by the bearer of the sword. The color of the blade matched the blaze in her eyes. Aleco watched her wield the sword. “I challenge you, Aleco.”
Aleco turned toward her and stared at her. She released her hold on him and stepped back, her blade held at the ready. He smiled at her. “Do not humiliate yourself, Accacia.”
“Fight me, Aleco. I will prove my valor in battle.” She stepped away from him and straightened her back and set her legs apart, preparing to strike him. “I will offer you something you can’t refuse.” Aleco’s face shined with interest. “If you win this battle, I will not participate in any part of the war. I will yield to your decisions, which will even overrule Zyle’s.” Aleco stepped toward her but didn’t reach for his blade. His eyes lit up in triumph. He wanted nothing more than to command Accacia with no further argument. “However, if I win, I will fight in this war. You will not voice your concerns or attempt to thwart me in any way. You will accept my decisions completely.”
