"Do you feel better now?" Kiarra giggled against his chest.
"My love, I feel wonderful. You are amazing." He held her tighter, emotion overwhelming him. "You are all I ever wanted, Kiarra May Walton. I love you."
She jerked in surprise, her head pulling back to meet his eyes. Her gaze’s stormy depths had calmed, resembling the grayish blue of threatening clouds instead of a vortex of power. She opened her mouth to respond, but he placed a callused finger over her full lips. "You don't need to say anything. I have known since the second I met you. Your bravery and your intensity inspired me. You have me, all of me, soul bond or not."
She gently nipped his finger with her little teeth, grinning at him. "Don't tell me to shush, you big brute. I love you, too. I love your compassion, your loyalty, your strength, and the way you fight for everyone." She smiled at him, and it was like the sun suddenly emerging from behind the clouds. Hot tears built behind his eyes. It was humbling how this little woman could drive a man to his knees.
His massive arms tightened and he held her in the trap of his body, never wanting to let go. No matter what happened, he would protect her. Anyone who dared hurt her would wish he was never born. Resolution and conviction settled deep within him and soothed his nerves. She was his Queen, his mate, his soul, his everything.
Chapter 24
Kiarra
Mason's lovemaking personified him - powerful, intense, and compassionate. Though he was almost twice my size, he never hurt me, not even when he rammed into me with all his strength. I loved seeing him lose control, my careful Soldier who typically exercised iron restraint. The knowledge that my body unraveled him thrilled me. My heart soared with the admission of his love. I was falling for all of them and hoped they returned the sentiment. At times, I still feared the bond encouraged their feelings, regardless of their protestations otherwise.
Speaking of my matches, I could feel them. They had experienced the escalation of my passion, although the seal of my door cloaked our loud cries. I wanted to satisfy them all again, all at once. I hated leaving anyone out, but the individual time with each man was crucial to our bond and connection.
I stretched, my sensitized skin rubbing against Mason's firm flesh. Despite his power, size, and the intensity of our passion, I wasn't sore. I wondered idly if those of us destined for more than one mate were gifted with more resilient bodies. The thought filled me with pleasure and renewed desire. If I didn't suffer any adverse effects, I could have sex with them as often as I wanted. I would accomplish nothing else.
Mason leaned over and pecked me on the cheek, his emotions more content and stable than before I led him into the bedroom. His pale eyes glowed with satisfaction, peace, and love for me. I kissed him slowly and rose with a tired groan. I needed sleep, but I wanted to check in with the others before I passed into oblivion.
Instead of pulling my dress back on, I washed up and slipped into my dressing gown before rejoining my other matches. Their evident comradery overwhelmed me with joy. Ian critiqued Clay's skill at throwing knives, using the picture I had already attacked for target practice. Reed's nose was buried in the book he'd borrowed from the library, and Seb mulled over a map he must have retrieved from his room. Their eyes found my face immediately when I stepped from the bedroom.
Ian crossed the room in one long step and kissed me firmly on the lips, his mouth set in his signature crooked grin. His dark eyes promised passion. "How do you feel, Lass?"
I rolled my shoulders and smiled. "Excellent, actually."
He nodded in approval, and I leaned over Seb whose face was tilted towards mine. He caught my lips in a punishing kiss. The bruising intensity of his mouth hinted of the pent-up hunger within him. I almost stumbled with the force of his attention, but someone else wrapped his arms around me.
When Seb finally released me, I relaxed into Reed. He twirled me gracefully and bestowed his own kiss, lingering and tender compared to his brother's plundering. I peered into his bright eyes. Affection and excitement glowed within the blue depths. He had learned something, but I needed to address one more man before I asked.
I bent over Clay, and his lips played mine as expertly as Mason's, increasing my desire again. His jade eyes dropped to the breasts nearly falling out of my dressing gown, a smile brightening his expression. The approval in his gaze set me on fire.
The tingling renewed along my nerves, but I plopped on the couch with a resigned sigh. Sadly, I forced my mind to other thoughts. "Reed, what did you learn?"
"Baldony was once a close sister country to Costina. The magic originated in Costina. The power manifests in the woman after a bond is forged. I can't interpret the nature of the magic, but it does say strong bondmates can effectively fight dark sorcery."
I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized we might have a chance against a corrupt sorcerer. If I didn't understand how to utilize my abilities, however, the situation was still dire. Mason reentered the room to hear the last part, fully dressed. His shoulders didn't hold the rigid tension they had earlier, but he had shifted back into protector mode. The reinforced bond between us allowed a deeper connection to my body and strength.
The Soldier fixed Reed with his pale gaze. "Will Kiarra need to fight this asshole traveling with the Prince?"
Reed shrugged. He sat across the room now, Seb and Clay flanking me. Clay gently fingered the silky edge of my robe and Seb combed a hand through my hair. I would never tire of their touches. I don't know how I lived with only my family's affections for my entire life.
"She might have to fight him, but she's not ready yet. She needs to grow the bonds individually, or she won't be able to access her power." Reed's tone displayed his displeasure.
The tension increased, each man processing the implication of Reed’s words. "So, she's vulnerable until the bonding is solidified?" Ian asked, twirling a dagger in his nimble fingers. He was deadly fast with the blade, despite my worry that he would cut himself. "I don't like the sound of that, not with Everett and his ally arriving soon."
"Neither do I," Mason growled.
I shrugged. "We can't do much about it unless you believe we would be safer elsewhere" I had suggested relocation as an afterthought, but the men seriously considered my words. We had nowhere else to go. The family units weren't capable of housing six adults at a time, and the public would wonder if we chose to live among them.
Clay grinned, his hand smoothing over my thigh. "Maybe we need to work on the bond faster and harder."
I laughed at the teasing tone of his words. He was attempting to alleviate the pressure of the combined tension upon me, but his green eyes weren't entirely joking. His emerald gaze and the heat rising within his body indicated he would be inside me in a second if I merely nodded in agreement. The idea aroused such hunger; I opened my mouth to agree. A sudden knock on the door stalled my words and replaced my lust with fear.
I frowned. "The Advisor is here. He's severely agitated." I wished I could sense people before they arrived at our door, although that might change. The images in my mind flared faster and more precise each time. Ian crossed the room in two long strides, opening the door.
Advisor Carson stepped into the room, his eyes darting back and forth. He shut the door firmly behind him and closed his eyes briefly. Sweat dripped down his balding head. Mason came to attention, the rest of the men in the room waiting. Their combined anxiety elevated my own.
"The King and Queen have been murdered."
I stood swiftly, my heart in my throat. The memory of the sweet woman and the man who had shown kindness to me fluttered through my mind. Seb rose beside me, and the emotion in the room rocketed to a new level. "What? Is Everett here already?"
Carson shook his head. "No. He had an agent on the inside, or perhaps his ally performed dark sorcery. The manner of death and its execution is still uncertain. They've only been dead a few minutes, so the outcry hasn't yet begun. You need to escape."
I froze. "Why would we leave?"
&
nbsp; "You're not ready to fight him, and you will face the same outcome if you stay."
My mind rebelled. I refused to run when my enemy was arriving to place my kingdom in danger. The shift to considering this my kingdom had happened subconsciously while I was reading my grandmother's journal. She had been me, more than a hundred years ago. I had a duty to restore what her children had undone.
"We don't understand what we face, Kiarra," Mason said softly. His eyes burned with fervor and worry. Our enhanced connection amplified his emotions. His determination to keep us alive matched his frustration about the unknown enemy. His love for me and his compassion for my other matches, which he considered his brothers, fueled his compulsion to protect. I might risk my own health, but I couldn't risk my matches. We needed each other.
"Where will we go?" I made the decision in a second. Carson breathed a sigh of relief.
"Ian will lead you into the tunnels. From there, head to the Commoner's district. Jeff will meet you. At that point, we can decide whether you should flee the city. You need a safe place to grow the bond and understand your own abilities. You will head to the country, and I will have an Accleshian envoy assist you and give you valuable information about your magic."
My heart stuttered in my chest. I had never left Treleaven before; I wasn’t confident I could. Mason sensed my distress and captured my gaze. "We will be together, Kiarra. It doesn't matter where we are. When you have mastered your power and our bond is fully formed, we will remove the corruption from the throne of Megreria and install its rightful ruler."
I swallowed around the lump in my throat. Clay's worried gaze caught my eye and I cried out in distress. "Clay, how difficult is this going to be for you?" He shrugged, but he couldn't hide the frustration behind his brilliant green eyes.
"We are all together, Lass, we will ensure Clay makes the journey with minimal discomfort."
Ian's voice rang with conviction. I studied my matches. Their moods flirted with fear, confusion, and worry. I nodded firmly. "All right, we'll leave."
Seb forced a grin, his eyes still tight. "As much as I love you in that robe, Kee, clothes might be more appropriate for the tunnels."
I regarded my dressing gown. Seb was right; I needed to dress. I ran into my room. Pulling on a pair of breeches and a gray shirt, I stuffed extra garments into my bag. My grandmother's journal and the pouch of herbs from Mum were shoved among the clothes. Hastily braiding my hair, I looked around the room. We hadn't allowed the maid in to clean. The bedclothes were still rumpled, and the three mattresses remained on the floor. The five doors with their House crests taunted me. My chest tightened. I had bonded with my matches here and forged our first memories. We'd return. We belonged here. These quarters were designed for us.
Chapter 25
Ian
Ian experienced a tinge of insecurity when Carson informed them of the royal family's death. He considered their murder partly his fault. If he hadn't been closeted in a room with Kiarra for days, he would have picked up on the city's gossip. Any news of an attack would have filtered to him before it happened. When Kiarra disappeared to her room, he stood in a momentary daze. He would stay by her side no matter what they faced, no matter his duties otherwise. He couldn't leave her even if he wanted to. Not only did she hold his soul, but she was now his true liege. His duty was to protect her. Hopefully, he would succeed where he had failed with her predecessor.
"We couldn't prevent this," Carson said next to him. His Advisor, his mentor, his friend - Carson could read his conflicted expression. "Dark magic was involved, Ian."
Ian looked at Carson. The old man's slate gray eyes shone with sadness and regret. His Advisor had let down his wall around them, and Ian appreciated seeing the human beneath. "What will you do? And the other Advisors? The Prince will not let you live."
"Aye," Carson rubbed his face wearily. His hands trembled, betraying his emotion. "The other Advisors are fleeing the castle now. The Prince's attack enabled him to kill the King and Queen without us knowing, but it also gives us, and you, time to escape. The High Commander is riding out to give Everett the news."
Ian sighed and felt Mason's sudden interest. As Kiarra grew more intimate with the men, the more aware of them he became. The newfound awareness might be due to his connection to them through the bond or his enhanced abilities. At the moment, the reason didn't matter. Their cooperation and unity would ease their escape.
"The High Commander won't suspect the Prince?" Ian asked for Mason's benefit, though they all guessed the answer.
"Even if he does, he won't arrest him. The Prince will provide him with the war he craves."
Ian's heart sank. He had assumed this. If every influential person in the city argued against the Prince's reign, it would be too easy. Gregory of Merchant House and the High Commander would be on Everett's side; the alliance furthered their ambitions.
"And you?" Ian persisted. Carson didn't include himself in the ranks of the Advisors who were fleeing. Carson pressed an envelope and a metal medallion into Ian's hand. Ian examined the object. It was an opal set in silver, not unlike the jewel on the front of Kiarra's journal.
"This is the sigil of my House, the royal family of Acclesh. One of my homeland contacts will meet you, but if something happens where you require help from our country, show them this. When you no longer need it, please give it to my daughter, along with this letter. Tell Ahnika I love her and I have faith she will make a wonderful Queen." Carson's voice choked with emotion.
Ian's spine stiffened. "You're staying?"
"Aye, and I might not live through it, but I owe it to the network and our House to gather as much information as I can. You know where to retrieve the data I learn; you know who to ask." Ian nodded, but tears stung the back of his eyes. He had never wept for his father, his uncle, or his brother when his sibling had abandoned him as a younger boy. But Carson meant more to him than they ever had. He clutched the medallion and folded the envelope into his pocket. The edges of the metal bit into his palm. He understood the truth in Carson's words, but he didn't agree.
"Our House honors you," Ian managed to say. Trying to change the older man's mind would be impossible and waste precious time. Carson clasped him in a quick hug.
"Protect our Queen," he added in a lower voice. "She is more important than you can imagine. Darkness is coming, and she needs to be strong."
Ian nodded firmly, though he didn’t know what his mentor referred to; Rowan had said something similar. With one last nod, Carson left. A glance into the hall revealed the usual guards as absent. Whether they abandoned their post when they heard news of the King's death or something else had happened to them didn't matter. He took a deep breath, returning his attention to their escape.
Reed packed several books into a satchel but handed them to Seb to carry, outfitting himself with a dagger, sword, and a bow and quiver. Clay strapped several knives to his person as well. Seb had one slung through his belt, but his usefulness would not come in a fight.
The bond had strengthened between Mason and Kiarra. Tenderness and understanding drifted between them as their movements flowed in synchronicity. Mason ensured Kiarra was kitted, her body bristling with knives and a shorter, lighter sword that wouldn't hack but it would stab. She appeared stronger after her time with Mason, her skin glowed, and her eyes shone like jewels as she scanned her matches. She looked like a Queen.
Squaring his shoulders, he approached Clay. "Can you ride?"
"Yes, as long as I have assistance with mounting and dismounting."
"What will be difficult for you?"
Clay furrowed his brow. "Advisor Carson mentioned tunnels. If we encounter long flights of stairs, I will have difficulty navigating them. Also, I won't be able to keep pace if we run. If I lag behind, just leave me."
A hand descended on Ian's shoulder, and a tingle shivered through his bones. Kiarra glared at the Merchant, her twilight eyes spitting sparks. "No, Clay, that is not an option. If you fall behind,
I will carry you myself." She leaned over and pressed her lips hard to his. It was a fast and brutal kiss, and when Kiarra pulled away, Clay's eyes glittered.
"As you wish, Indrasa," Clay said with a minute bow. She had given a command as Queen and he would obey. Ian felt the power and strength rising tangibly within her.
"Besides, if something happens to you," Kiarra continued with a cheeky smirk, "it will affect me and the fate of everyone in this room and this kingdom. Therefore, if you need help, you will ask, and we will provide." The men in the room nodded as one and Ian felt another click in his chest, like a link in a chain settling into place. These weren't similar to the shackles which had kept him tethered to the wall of his room as a child, though. These chains didn't bind and bite, they secured and protected.
Kiarra stiffened abruptly, her eyes darkening. "We need to go, now."
Ian sprang into action. He bristled with weapons, but not so many they made noise when he moved. His stealth and secrecy were his most valuable tools. He helped Clay to his feet and glanced at Seb. The Planner seemed a little out of place, everyone else so armored and armed; his spare form was almost slight by comparison. Ian knew the location of the tunnels, but he wasn't the only one with a map in his head.
"Planner," he growled, and Seb snapped to attention. "Lead us to the Northern Commoner district."
Seb's shoulders straightened with pride and purpose. His eyes closed briefly, and he nodded. "I've found the best route." He led them toward Ian's room, and Ian grinned. Aye, Seb's abilities would be useful.
A passageway to the tunnels existed under Ian's bed. The Spymaster told him the subterranean network dated back to Queen Mellisande's time. Nothing but darkness lurked within the dark passageway, and Reed snatched a lantern off the wall. Mason jumped down first, and Ian and Reed helped lower Clay and Kiarra into the opening. Ian was the last to leap into the gaping abyss. He pulled the bed back over the hole and closed the door as silently as he could.
Echoes of Her Soul Page 21
