I blinked, taking it all in. A high ceiling rose maybe twenty feet, with twelve brilliantly lit crystal chandeliers, six each side, both lines running parallel to each other. Beautiful, not to mention light beamed from them over striking scenes of hand-painted artwork displaying battles, much like in the Sistine Chapel here on Earth.
“Wow. When you said you lived in a palace, you truly meant it.”
“It’s now yours and your mother’s home too. Do not forget that.”
My mother cleared her throat. “Let’s just go.”
Dad tipped his head to me. “You have the images, and I will move ahead of you and see you in the receiving room.”
“You will, right after I speak to Belle. I don’t have a telepathic link with my mate and he needs me to check in. You two go on ahead.” He blinked away, taking my mother with him, and I pulled open my link with Belle.
“I’m leaving. I have the image.”
“Of the dome room?”
“Yes, of everything I need.”
“I’ll tell Davio. Take care. I’ll speak to you soon.”
I took a deep breath. “Later.”
I closed the link.
No more waiting. It was time.
Chapter 11
I flashed through the dome room, sucked in only one breath for the taste of mold in the air coated my tongue in that mere moment. Then I was there, arms lifting as I balanced on the slippery and shiny blue and white floor tiles of the receiving room.
It was as I’d seen, only now included in the room were my parents, along with four men, three clothed in heavy combat gear surrounding the one who could be no other than Donaldo Wincrest, my grandfather and the ruler of Dralion.
His violet eyes cut directly to me, moved over every inch of my face.
I froze, even though I hadn’t been moving.
With his bearing stiff and proud, he appeared a clear leader, a man with thick brown hair and a full, dark beard, one giving him the appearance of an age greater than the youthful one of the others of this world. Then he adjusted his shoulders and stepped forward in leather boots. He wore an impeccable red shirt with silver buttons, his long legs encased in black leather pants.
Dad stepped up to him, and Donaldo raised his arms, seized Dad to him in a firm, forearm embrace, his thumbs adorned with two large gold insignia rings.
They released each other and Dad lifted a hand, indicating my mother. “Father, meet my wife, Kate Wincrest.”
Donaldo’s gaze darkened to a striking hue as he inclined his head at Mum. “If my son says you are wed, then you are welcome here. I can see your daughter is Alexo’s.” Another spearing glance at me.
Dad beckoned me forward. “Come here and meet your grandfather.”
I cleared my throat and pushed one foot in front of the other, shoved my shaky hands behind my back and tried to keep my composure. Not easy.
Donaldo crooked his head, raising his hands to me. “Don’t be wary of me, child.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “I wish to meet my granddaughter. It’s a shame Goldwyn and Hope aren’t here. This is a moment none of the Wincrests should miss.”
My heart pounded as Donaldo embraced me and kissed both my cheeks.
“You are in your rightful place, and my gratitude now goes to your mother for keeping you safe since your birth. I will accept her for she gives you to us.”
“You mean that? No harm will ever come to my mother?”
He nodded. “It shall not. The mated bond has prevailed and given me a skilled granddaughter. It has not been an easy afternoon with your father missing, but his arrival with you now sets me at ease. We shall spend as much time together as we can in the coming days.”
He released me, turning his gaze on my father. “I hope you understand. Guy Moyer will be called to see to your wife’s confinement here. As an Earthling, she can’t be permitted to leave through the dome room. Faith may, since I have no intention of revoking her use as one of our direct blood.”
Alexo glanced at Kate. “You’ll be spellbound to Dralion by Guy, a warrior enchanter. Guy is the nineteen-year-old grandson of Gilles Moyer, the warrior who first enchanted the dome energy field over Dralion forty years ago. What his family line spells, remains in place. Do you agree?”
With her hands straight at her sides, she nodded. “As you wish. I’m not leaving.”
He set his hand at her waist. “Then it shall be done.”
“Good,” Donaldo boomed. “It pleases me well that your intent is to ensure your wife stays bound to Dralion and to you. Your marriage will be one of fruitful means, and by that, I expect from this woman more grandchildren.”
My mother turned a startling shade of white, and I cringed. What had I gotten my mother—no, she was strong. I shouldn’t question her decision to come. She would hold her own footing with my father and grandfather.
Donaldo looked over his shoulder. “Michael, collect Guy. He’ll be in the warriors’ barracks.”
I shuffled from foot to foot, but within half a minute, the warrior returned with another. This man was young with unruly, coal-black hair and pale blue eyes. When he stared at me, silver came to life and swirled about the edges.
“Your Majesty, you called.” His hand tightened over his side-buckled sword.
Donaldo faced him. “I want you to enchant Alexo’s wife. She is not permitted to travel through the dome room and outside of Dralion. He has brought her here from Earth. Ensure your spell holds firm and can’t be undone.”
“I need her full name for the spell. And that one”—Guy’s gaze returned to me—“looks like Hope. Who is she?”
I opened my mouth, but halted as Alexo took one menacing step toward him.
“Mind how you speak, Guy. This is my daughter, Faith, and she is permitted full rights to travel where she pleases, within our land and beyond.” He motioned toward my mother. “My wife’s name is Kate, and they both take my last name.”
Donaldo crossed his arms, eyeing Guy. “What’s bothering you? Your frustration is clear to see. If you need to talk, do so.”
Guy inclined his head. “I apologize. Our warrior spy was captured days ago in Peacio, and my own father two years past. I thought we were close to finding their steel containment cells and now we’ve lost a vital chance to do so. Send me to Peacio. No one will work harder than I at finding our imprisoned warriors.”
A deep inhale. “I can’t send you. Your father is contained somewhere beyond our reach and there isn’t a chance I’ll lose you in the same manner. You’re only a year into your skills, and I’m already working on a replacement for the warrior who was unearthed. Your father and the others warriors captured over the years will be found, but this all takes time.” Donaldo scraped a hand across his dark brown beard. “Now, spell my son’s wife so we may all get some rest this night.”
Guy spoke a precise verse over my mother. A half minute later he was done, bowing to Donaldo. “She can’t leave, sire.” He flashed away without another word.
“Excellent.” Donaldo nodded at Alexo. “I will see you all in the morning. I have much to see to after this disruptive day. Rest and recover. Goodnight.” Then he vanished without waiting for a response, the warriors who’d stood around him leaving the second he did.
I shook my head. My mother was now powerless to leave Dralion, unquestionably giving up her freedom.
Alexo’s brow creased, and he lifted a finger to his mouth in a shushing motion at me. “I know what you’re thinking, but there are staff about. We’ll talk more in the morning. For now, you’ll find your chambers down that passageway.” He pointed since there were several exits. “The fifth door on the right.”
“Tomorrow.” I hugged him.
“I’ll send Jilly to you. She’s the head of this wing.”
I hugged Mum too. “Will you be all right?”
“I’ll find you in the morning, and we’ll talk as Alexo said.” She cupped my cheek, kissed my forehead. “Sleep well.”
“I’ll try.” Mum
had made up her mind. She was here and not leaving. Neither could I for now.
I turned and headed toward my room.
The passageway was wide, yet dimly lit with wall sconces holding candle-like bulbs. I didn’t slow since all the doors were closed, but at the fifth, I halted. The curved, ornate brass knob chilled my palm as I pushed the door open.
I did a double take. Wow. This room was three times the size of what I had back home, with a ginormous bed I’d likely get lost in.
Across the polished wooden flooring, I walked and gripped one of the four carved hardwood posts rising high above the bed. A canopy of sheer lace netting swished down each post and I pushed one corner of the lace aside and ran my fingers over the violet silk bedcovers. So pretty, with detailed stitching in mauve and golden thread.
I scratched my ear. This would take some getting used to.
Double glass doors sat to one side of the room, partially hidden by the softest snow-white curtaining. I bounced across to the door, pushed back the curtaining and gasped.
This was Dralion.
The moon, full and high, and at first glance far larger and more orange than Earth’s moon, hung within a black blanket spread across the sky. Millions of diamond-like stars glittered and twinkled.
Below my window, the moon’s glow shimmered over a high rocky cliff face, the cliff dropping swiftly down to meet the ocean. The Great Orbiting Ocean, from Davio’s lesson on the beach.
I pinched myself, swung both balcony doors wide and stepped outside. Ornate inky-gray pillared railing and gray tiles completed the space, along with two chairs in the corner tucked under a round latticework table.
Hands on the railing, I brought the image of the cliff top fully into my mind and ’ported. On the craggy precipice, I stood, the ocean so eerily beautiful below, almost beyond magnificent in its violent splendor, the waves rolling in hard and spraying high with a silvery mist.
Whipping around, I grinned at the sight of the palace spread out before me. The wind whisked my hair about my face as I took in my new home. Four majestic floors in height, all built in gray-black stone, and from each of the many corners, a slender tower rose to double the height of the palace, at least a dozen towers in all. This residence was a fortress, although a stunning one with light shining from behind stained glass windows along the lower floor.
I shivered as the wind picked up, bringing with it a chill to the air. Along the far property line, iron gates enclosed the property, and beyond those an array of darkened outbuildings rose. The forest swayed in the distance, this land so vast and stunning.
I wrapped my arms around my waist as the ocean spray drifted over me.
Since I couldn’t travel any farther this night and had no desire to, not when I needed to remain close to Mum, I flashed back to my balcony.
Discovering more about this land would have to wait until another day.
Certainly, this new world was part of my heritage. My father had been born here, and the depth of that knowledge had never rung so greatly through me until this very moment.
I stepped inside, gently closed the double doors and tucked the snow white curtaining back in place.
“Excuse me, milady.”
I swung around.
A woman stood in the doorway with a tray in hand. She popped a quick curtsey, her full-length blue skirts touching the ground as she did. “May I come in?”
“Of course.”
“Milady, I’ve brought you a supper tray with tea and biscuits. My name is Jilly, and I’m the head of the eastern wing staff.” She set the silver tray on the hardwood bedside table, and adjusted the white apron tied at her waist.
“It’s nice to meet you, Jilly.”
“As it is to meet you.” She smiled. “May I be of any assistance?”
I nibbled on my lower lip. “You’re so young.” Oops. I clapped a hand over my mouth. “I’m sorry. This aging thing still catches me off guard.”
Her eyes brightened. “Prince Alexo said you were raised on Earth, but I am a full generation older than you. I have two grown daughters and two teenage sons, and nothing catches me off guard. Speak to me as you wish. I’m here to aid you however you might need it.”
“Then I could use some help. I have no clothes for tomorrow. I seem to be turning up all over the place without them.”
“I’ll see to that immediately. Simply tell me what you prefer to wear.” Curls of mousy-brown bounced around her pixie face as she searched an apron pocket. She pulled out a notepad and pencil. “I’ll jot down what you’d like.”
I raised a brow. “Okay, um, low-cut jeans and I wear t-shirts of any color. I like skirts and blouses and summer dresses.”
She scribbled down my requirements.
“Also training pants and sports shirts. I run daily and like to get my exercise in.”
“Shoes, milady?”
“Yes, size seven, please. Is it truly appropriate to send someone to Earth for such purchases?”
“Yes. You’ll wear what you desire. I’ll have one of our warriors, a young woman by the name of Alexxis, go shopping at one of your malls on Earth. Alexxis loves to shop, and for local clothing, we have a tailor. I’ll send him to you whenever it is necessary for specialty items.”
“Thank you.”
“If you will, allow me to show you your amenities.” She spun around, headed toward one of the two side doors and I followed her. “This is your bathroom, and everything you should need will be stocked within the vanity, but if you have any particular requirements, let me know.”
A deep white porcelain bath sat against one wall and a shower next to it. A mirror hung the entire length of one wall and thick white towels sat on top the vanity’s counter. I opened the cupboards and drawers and found it fully stocked. “This is wonderful.”
“Lovely. Follow me, if you will.”
“Coming.” I dashed out after her.
She opened a second door beside my bathroom, flicked on a light and illuminated a dressing room that was way too big for what I’d ever need. “This is where your clothing shall be hung once Alexxis returns with it. I’ll instruct her not to disturb your sleep should you be resting when she returns.”
“That’s all right. I sleep deep. I doubt she’ll be able to wake me even if she tried.”
“As you wish. Do you have any questions?” She headed toward the tray she’d brought in and poured a cup of tea, passed it to me with a smile and waited.
“Ah, is there a training room in the palace where I can run in the morning? I’m not keen on heading out into any unfamiliar territory just yet.”
“Yes. There’s a training facility on the ground floor.”
I tapped my head. “Could you show me the image?” At her confused look, I added, “I have forethought.”
Her mouth opened. “You mean like Prince Alexo. Oh, that’s wonderful. The prince said you were his daughter, but I wasn’t aware you held the rare skill of forethought.” Jilly clapped her hands. “This is exactly what our people need. The image is in my mind. Take it.”
Her exuberance had me smiling, and I connected and gathered the image. Talk about another wow moment. What a training room. Gear galore, including cross-trainers, treadmills and weights, all so very similar to what one would find at any local gym back home. A lap pool too, three lanes wide and indecently long sat beyond the glass banking of windows separating the two divisions of the training area.
“I see the Wincrest family like my home world’s conveniences.”
“They do, and why not since travel is open to them. The warriors’ facilities outside the main gates is also as well-equipped.”
I sipped and set the pretty teacup down, snagged two biscuits—chocolate coated toffee pops of all things. “Does Alexxis shop the supermarkets on Earth too?”
“Yes.” Laughing, Jilly retrieved the empty tray. “There are certain foods like chocolate which your family adores.”
I stopped mid-bite. My family. She’d said my family. I now
had a family, and far more than just my mother and me.
I tingled all over. There were others, the aunt named Goldwyn whom Dad had spoken of, and another person named Hope, whoever Hope was. I couldn’t wait to meet both of them too.
“If that is all, I’ll see you in the morning.” Jilly backed away toward the door. “Goodnight.”
“Yes, goodnight to you too.”
The door clicked shut behind her, and I smiled as I returned to the balcony doors looking out over Dralion. Some of my uncertainties melted away. Mum and I would make this work.
“Faith.”
I groaned and I mean I truly groaned. It was just as well Belle was the only Peacian I’d created a telepathic link with.
“It’s late, Belle.” And it wasn’t that I didn’t wish to speak to her, it was that I didn’t wish to have anyone intrude on this special moment.
“How are you?”
“I’m good. How’s Davio?”
“He requires an update.”
“Is he with you?”
“Yes. We’re in the castle’s recreational room, and he’s pacing a hole in the floor. This rec room is where we relax, but not right now. No one will retire for the night. He’s so agitated. Silas is ready to knock him out, just so we can all get some rest.” A very loud sigh came through. “So, if you don’t mind, an update. Davio needs to know of Donaldo.”
A shiver chased down my spine. “I can’t speak of him. It doesn’t feel right.”
“Just a second. Davio is tapping on my shoulder and I need to be the intermediary between you both.”
I waited, counting as twenty-two seconds passed.
“Okay, let me remind you that these aren’t my words, but his.”
And then it came.
“You will speak of Donaldo. I need to know what occurred on your arrival, what has happened every minute since, and I want it word for word.”
Now, it would take a genius not to know that those words hadn’t come from my mate, but still I snarled. “You can tell my mate that my mother has sacrificed her freedom for mine. She is now bound to Dralion.”
Protector: A Young Adult / New Adult Fantasy Novel Page 20
