by Jaime Marks
“I know he has been reaching out to you, trying to convince you to come to him.” He shrugged allowing his shoulders to sag in resignation. “I don’t know what your Mother would say to you. I’ve never been a parent or taken anyone under my wing so I’m not any good at this parenting stuff…”
She gave a slight laugh and he looked at her a bit puzzled. “You’re better than you think.” She gave him a small smile and his tension eased slightly.
“Thanks.” He smiled at her as he studied her a moment considering all that happened earlier. “I’m nervous about leaving you here, Star. Not because I don’t have faith in you, I do. But I know how much Byryn has been a rock for you, and you only know Grifyn, Mythos, and myself. Ryo is generally pretty quiet. Will you be comfortable with him if I leave you in his care?”
She sighed. “Do I have to be left in someone’s ‘care’? I mean, by the standards of both worlds I’m almost an adult. I don’t really need a babysitter.”
He nodded in agreement. “You’re right, you are almost of age and the truth is you don’t. Perhaps in his care is the wrong wording, but it is as we call it so I will try to elaborate. You have free reign of this realm. There are no bindings placed on you and Ryo in truth has to listen to you by virtue of your status, unless it goes against an expressed order I have given him.”
“See I didn’t know that.” She smirked in contemplation.
“The perks of being a Princess,” He chuckled glad to have found some ease between them. “I can’t leave you alone though. Star. If someone finds their way into the realm you are not trained to deal with the threat and you’re unawakened, you won’t be able to fight them off. Ryo is a capable Guardian and I can trust him to protect you without making you feel too uncomfortable I hope.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I guess that makes sense. I’m still not allowed to leave here though, am I?”
“For your safety and because of the covenants, no.” Marcus sighed. “If you were to return to Earth your Father would know instantly by virtue of his blood. There would be no true way to protect you there. We were engaging with the Shadows and Umbra regularly in an attempt to protect your Mother. Now that she has awakened and they have seen her power Cymeryn would never rest until he possessed you. Once you are awakened you can learn to mask this, but now there is no way. Aside from that no human, unawakened or not, is allowed to enter the realms. We do not know the reasoning but apparently the key to it lies in Byryn. It is said that taking humanity to the realms intentionally and directly sways them to either Light or Dark, depending on the realm. Humanity has always been granted the gift of free will, all beings are to an extent though unlike humanity we are predisposed to Light and the Shade to Darkness. If a human is taken to the realms it takes that will from them shifting their balance and influences them. The punishment will be the opposite. If I were to say, take you to the Palace, despite my reasoning you would automatically be taken and given to the Shade.”
“That seems a bit harsh.” Star gaped.
“Yes,” He nodded, “But consider this. Fae act only in love, or at least that was the case when the covenants were written. So the only reason to disobey the rule would be to bring one they loved with them to the realm. Can you imagine sacrificing a loved one to slavery amongst the Shade? Humans that live in that world are minions or slaves, there is no other option. If they were unawakened Fae, their fate could surely be worse. The Shade hate the Fae, they torture them and they could not awaken them so it is a sentence to death. The punishment is harsh but that is why it is never broken. As for the Shade, they hate to give anything over to the Light and it is perhaps the only rule they abide by.”
“So I’m stuck here ‘til I awaken.” She sighed.
“Yes.” He met her eyes with apology and regret. It was a fact he could not change.
“Are you gonna at least give me something to do. I can’t sit here and do nothing.”
“Yes, I had thought of that. I’m going to get you the work from the basic courses all Fae take so that when you come of age you won’t face the normal period of acclimation that most unawakened go through. It will allow you to catch up and better understand who you are, who we are. If you like I can even find you a tutor to assist you. I figure it will be good for Byryn as well since the two of you will be spending time together anyway.”
She blushed shyly as she looked to the floor. The love he felt from her for the boy was the one saving grace in their relationship. He knew it would protect her and it was indeed returned, otherwise he’d be tempted to run him through. In his eyes she was still a little girl and in some ways seeing them so close disturbed him.
He shook off his thoughts and continued. “I also thought that maybe we could throw some training in there for you both. Byryn I’m sure has had some but I would prefer to ensure he is kept in shape if he is to be assigned as your Personal Guard. You should also be able to defend yourself.”
She smiled, “So someone’s gonna teach me how to kick some ass, huh?”
He chuckled, “I will teach you. And I warn you, I am told I’m a very difficult trainer, but I am also one of the best.”
“That he is,” He looked up to see Mythos had joined them. “Sorry to intrude, I thought I would suggest in addition to whoever you assign here in our absence that we leave behind a Gray.”
Marcus nodded, “It’s a sound idea.”
“Why?” Star asked.
“Well,” Mythos sighed studying her with concern. “Several times now you have been overcome by one essence or another. You should be too young for the awakening, but Byryn is also too young. Whatever is happening with the way the essences of your parents are affecting you I believe is what pushed Byryn’s awakening forth. You have bonded with him, which albeit is unusual for the unawakened, can happen as quickly as this. My concern is that if we are away, and neither Marcus nor Byryn, or even Grifyn is here, there must be someone with you that can assist you should the awakening be somehow triggered.”
“We would generally prefer it be either family or your chosen mate, but as that is not possible, would you be alright if I chose a female to stay with you.” Marcus gave her an apologetic smile. “To be honest I have a hard time with how quickly Byryn and you progress. The awakening can be very intimate. I would rather not need deal with two vying for your affections.”
She blushed and looked away while Mythos chuckled.
“Um, yeah sure, whatever you think is best, Marcus.” She replied refusing to look at him. He smiled at the faint pink that had crept up her neck though. Still so very innocent.
“Would you prefer to meet her first?”
She took a breath composing herself and turned back to him with a shrug, “If you think it would help.”
He nodded as he rose and went out the cottage door. “Tryxia? Ryo? Would you join us please?”
He scanned the others and preformed a head count as was his habit while he waited for them. All were busied readying weapons and tending to the basic necessities of the camp save two, which he had left positioned in the woods to ensure they were not followed. Once Tryxia and Ryo were inside he closed the door and returned to the couch next to Star.
“Tryxia, this is the unawakened Princess Staryana, blooded daughter of the Princess Reyana a Mythion and blooded niece of King Mythos a Mythion.” He watched the Fae both drop to their knees as was custom and had to bite back a laugh when he saw Star gaped at them. Divines she was just like her Mother in so many ways.
“Tryxia, there is some concern that the Princess may go into her awakening prematurely. Unfortunately with current circumstances the concern is one of us may not be able to reach her in time and she must be awakened Gray. Would you accept the responsibility of her awakening should the need arise and we are not present?”
“It would be an honor to attend to the Princess if she will accept me, esteemed Praetor.” Tryxia looked up giving Star a reassuring smile.
She looked to him unsure what she was to do.
&nb
sp; “Your majesty,” Marcus smiled warmly taking her hand. “Do you accepted Tryxia’s appointment?”
She nodded and he lipped the words so she knew to speak them. “Yes, I accept the appointment.” She said in hesitation and looked relieved when Marcus nodded.
“I here by decree it to be so.” Mythos spoke with his usual authority, his arms crossed over his chest. The pride in him was obvious as he watched Star in her first official act of royalty.
Marcus continued, “The Princess has been appointed her Personal Guard but he will be needed in the coming mission. I am stationing both of you here acting in that position. You are to give her space if she requests it, see to her needs if she has them, but let her have her own free reign. She is not a child. There are but two exceptions. For her safety she is to remain in the Sanctuary and if danger arises, on my authority, you will take whatever action is necessary to see to her protection.”
“Yes Praetor.” They both stood and bowed at the waist.
“Gather the other Guardians. Check the perimeters to be sure there are no unwelcomed guests, then have them regroup in the cavern for a briefing.”
They bowed and left.
Once they were gone Star let out a breath she had apparently been holding. “You guys are gonna have to script all this crap for me.”
He and Mythos chuckled. “You’ll get used to it once you’ve seen a few exchanges. Really you don’t need to say anything you aren’t prompted to say.” Marcus supplied. “The key is the formal reply, which is generally given in the question.” He winked.
“Yeah, ok. Just warn me next time.”
He chuckled again and then jumped as she lunged at him and wrapped her arms around him. Slowly he returned the embrace, holding her.
“I know how much you love her.” She said softly, “I understand how you got caught up. It’s just a little hard to take.”
“I know, Star.” He sighed in relief. “We honestly didn’t think, we just…reacted out of love.”
He felt her nod against his chest. “Please bring her home. I don’t want those awful things to be the last things I said to her.”
“I will, Star. I will.” He swore on everything that he possessed within him she would not lose her Mother.
She drew back and wiped her eyes. “I’m gonna go check on Byryn now.” She stood to leave but turned back to him. “I lied by the way. I do know you.”
He looked to her in surprise.
“I saw you. When I was six and that little boy used to pick on me on the playground every day. The day after he pushed me down that I scuffed up my knees and frayed my dress. I saw you scare the living shit out of him.”
He chuckled remembering the incident. The spoiled rich brat had wet himself. “How? I was behind you.”
She shrugged, “I saw your reflection in the window and I could hear you. I saw you all the other times too. Always in the reflections or the shadow you cast when you blocked the sun. I always knew even if I didn’t see you though. Hard not to guess after a bit, I mean come on, I’m not that scary.”
He chuckled unsure of what to say, or if he should say anything. “Why did you never tell your Mother?”
“She used to talk about you in her sleep. Sometimes I think she talked to you. I kind of assumed she knew and well, I didn’t want anyone to think I’d lost my mind.” She laughed. “But, yeah, I knew and you made me feel safe and protected. I drew pictures of you sometimes in school. I always told the teacher when they asked who it was that you were my protector. That you kept me safe. So thanks.” She winked and walked out of the room.
“You handled all that quite well, my friend.” Mythos said speaking quietly as he approached, “Better than I could have.” He joined him on the couch.
“How much did you hear?” He asked studying the King.
He smiled slyly, “All of it.”
Marcus nodded unsurprised. “You always were nosey, Mythos.” He chided.
He laughed with a shrug, “Reyana is my sister, and Staryana is my niece. It is my job to be nosey.”
Marcus laughed but then became serious. “We need her back, Mythos. Star needs her back.”
“And we will get her back. There is no other option.” Mythos nodded. “By the way, the facility you spoke of, it should be here. It is the only place that it would work because it will restrict misting, but we can work that all out later.”
“I agree. I think we will also need to erect better accommodations. This place it too cramped.”
“Indeed.” The King grimaced, “You could own more chairs.”
He laughed, “Well if I had anticipated royalty for meal I would have better prepared.”
Mythos chuckled. “I am glad to have you back, Marcus.” He said sincerely, “I have missed you these years. I know I was always hard on you and gave you a hard time about her but it was only because I loved her so. And you, you were the brother I never had.”
Marcus was touched by the admission. It wasn’t often Mythos ever offered such things. “Thank you, Mythos. I apologize if I do not return the title, but we both know why.”
Mythos nodded grimly. “I know it does not need to be said Marcus, but I want that Shade dead despite what we currently know. I do not believe that Cymeryn will ever choose to change any more than I believe he will ever stop hunting her. Not from what we have learned and seen these past few days.”
“If I have the opportunity my lord, it will be at mine own hand. He’ll never get the chance to harm him again.”
“Will you tell me?” Mythos turned to him, “What it is that has you so upset? It is not anger that is breaking you, my friend. It is almost as if you feel the sting of betrayal.”
Marcus only shook his head. He would not reveal her. No one could ever know. He would not allow anyone to pass judgment on her of any kind. It didn’t matter the reasons, he knew he would get her back. He knew when she was back in his arms that he would release any of the anger and pain he might feel towards her. He knew how seriously she took her vows, however. If what he felt was true? The real issue may not be what was done to her, but what she allowed herself to do. When this was over she may well destroy herself for the indiscretions she committed under his brother’s control. For that, he would kill Cymeryn if it was the last thing he did.
Byryn entered the room, followed by Grifyn, as Marcus cleared his thoughts. It was time. She needed him and he would free her, no matter the cost.
Chapter 5
Reyn lay in her lover’s arms. He was sated for the moment but she knew he would crave her again soon. He hadn’t pulled himself from her core yet, so it may be mere moments. She ran her hand over his chest. What time of day was it she wondered? She thought the sun had been up when they started, but she didn’t feel it now. It would rise soon, though.
She stretched and delighted in the ripples of pain that ran through her. He had put her body through its paces but she enjoyed every moment of it. She tried to remember why she had fought him, why she had fought this. She couldn’t. It was almost as if she couldn’t remember who she had been before he brought her here, made her his.
She felt echoes of another, it pulled at her heart but he was right there to pull her back. She felt that familiar pull again and something in her rushed to welcome it as she felt Cymeryn stir inside her. A smile crested her lips as she met his eyes. Finally, after all this time they were together, finally the pain of losing him was gone.
“What are you thinking of hmm?” He rolled on top of her, pinning her arms above her head. “I. Told. You. To. Ignore. It.” He thrust deeply into her on each word and she moaned.
“I’m sorry Cymeryn, he just keeps trying.” She gasped at the feel of him, the pleasure he brought her. “It’s like he thinks he’s entitled to me or something.”
“I know, my love, but that is why you must ignore it.” He kissed her roughly when she nodded, then pulled back, “He wants to confuse you, to manipulate you. If you let him Reyn, he will take you from me again. Is that what you
want?”
The Darkness swirled in her as her anger spiked. “I will never let that happen, Cymeryn. No one can make me do what I don’t want to do.”
He smirked as he slammed into her. “Always remember you said that, my love, I will hold you to it.” He paused looking down at her almost regretfully. “I will have to present you to the Dark Lord soon, Reyn. Lord Lazurys is the master of us all. He created the Shade. He will make you complete and you will no longer have to worry about the influence that seems to have a hold over you.” He played with her hair as he spoke, pumping into her slowly now, gently. She could feel his Dark essence as it wrapped around her, merging once more with her own. They had been this way all day, all night.
“He will take you, Reyn. He will solidify our bond and fill you with his essence making you strong and unreachable as I am. Once it is done nothing will be able to separate us again.” He bit her lip reopening the spot where he enjoyed drinking in her essence. “He will take you to unfathomable levels of pleasure and pain. I promise you, none other save he and myself will ever touch you, but you must submit to him, my love. Can you do that for me, will you let him in?”
“I want no one else but you, Cymeryn.” She moaned as he restrained her. She wanted to dig into him, to taste him as he tasted her but he was all about control at the moment. He kept her arms pinned and controlled the rhythm. She wrapped her legs around his waist and grinded against him, driving him to go a bit faster with a smile.
“I am of him, Reyn. He is part of you. You will submit to him and once you are whole I will make you my queen.” He grinned devilishly as he used to do before he turned the tables on her and then flipped her onto her stomach. He gripped her hair pushing her to the pillow but not roughly enough and she felt him teasing her. He slid his slippery sex, wet from the combination of their releases between her core and her ass and back again, entering neither. He wanted her to beg, he would tease her until she did and she would make him take her to her breaking point before she gave in.
