by Jaime Marks
Reyana walked over to Kato and Demytria. “The two of you suffer daily while I waste time. I can’t let it continue. Sit, please, if you’re ready.”
Kato looked to Demytria and she nodded. The three of them sat on the floor and Reyana began the process of Redemption, as Cymeryn had jokingly termed it. Not just for the Fae, but for herself.
Chapter 21
Reyana stood beside her brother, Mythos, King of the Fae, as Grifyn and Trina approached the throne. Trina had an elegant corseted gown of gold and maroon, as was traditional for the merging of their lines, hers being maroon and Grifyn’s being gold as was indicative of his blooded line of Lucerna. Hers had been red and gold due to the ruby which was representative of the Cymarcion line since both she and Marcus were of the Lucerna Lines. Grifyn stood in the golden vestments of the Second in Line of the Guardians to which maroon sashes would be added during the ritual and it would adorn hereafter. Trina remained off to the side as there were matters to attend to before her Bonding.
Marcus approached the throne, in front of which Mythos stood and bowed before the King but he looked up at Reyana with longing in his eyes. She knew he wished that it was they who were Bonding this evening.
“Your majesty, King Mythos a Mythion, As Praetor I, Marcus a Cymarcion, son of Lucerna present Grifyn a Grifyion, son of Lucerna for the reappointment of Second in Line to the Praetor of the Guardians of Light.”
Mythos rose a brow at him and gave her a glance. He had obviously noted the absence of Marcus’ declaration of Reyana as his mate. She knew there would be questions later, but her brother continued as if nothing were out of place.
“So noted. By whom is this appointment seconded, Praetor Marcus?” Mythos spoke in his regal intonation.
Kato stepped forward to stand besides Marcus and bowed. “I, Kato a Kacyion, of the Forest Fae, former Praetor to the Guardians of Light and bonded mate of the Lady Demytria a Grifyion, second this appointment, your highness.”
Mythos stepped forward down the stairs and drew his sword. “Step forward, Grifyn a Grifyion, son of Lucerna.” He waited as Grifyn walked forward and knelt before him. “Are you prepared to accept this appointment and all responsibilities and duties that are required as such? To align yourself to the Praetor Marcus a Cymarcion, to serve by his side, molding and commanding the ranks of the Guardians, as you guard these Kingdoms and realms in Light against the Darkness?”
“Yes, Lord Mythos, I, Grifyn a Grifyion, son of Lucerna do so accept the appointment of Second in Line to Praetor Marcus a Cymarcion and shall endeavor to serve faithfully with honor and Light.”
Reyana watched as Mythos placed the flat surface of his blade on Grifyn’s head and golden Light seeped into him. He spoke some words in the Sacred Language and sheathed his sword. There had been an equal show of appointment for Marcus privately days before. It was tradition and a blessing to aid and protect them.
“Arise, Grifyn a Grifyion, son of Lucerna, as Second in Line to Praetor Marcus a Cymarcion, son of Lucerna,” Mythos paused staring down Marcus and glancing to her, his irritation obvious. “Commander of the Guardians of Light. May honor, glory and Light guide you and protect you in your endeavors.”
Grifyn rose and stood at attention as the compliment of Guardians in attendance knelt as one. Marcus and Kato were the only Guardians who remained on their feet as they spoke in harmony. “With honor and valor we shall endeavor to serve.”
Marcus stepped forth and handed him a silver blade fashioned in the colors of the jewels of his and Marcus’ lines. Mythos studied it from where he stood but watched on in silence. The blades of their lines were typically gold, but Reyana understood it. Whether Marcus had done so consciously or not, it represented the Gray that now flowed through both his and Grifyn’s veins. The blade itself was a symbol of their bond and a pledge to heed one another in the battles that lie ahead. “I gift this to you, my friend as a symbol of our unified pledge to bring honor and glory to the Guardians of Light.” Marcus offered.
Grifyn smiled and accepted the blade, bowing in recognition and cheers and applause filled the room.
Kylion who had been politely patient as he stood beside Star began to fidget. Reyana reached out and sensed the child. He was in turmoil, confused, angry and hurt. His thoughts were so jumbled that she couldn’t get a handle on what had the boy so upset but he was on the verge of tears.
She met Marcus’ eyes as he approached. She didn’t need to say anything, he read her clearly always. As he took his place beside her he shifted Kylion in front of him resting his hands on the young’s shoulders and Star took the small boy’s hand.
The applause died down.
“My lord, if it pleases, I would present Byryn, blooded son of Trevyn, awakened progeny of mine own Light, Head Personal Guard to the Princess Staryana a Reyana, Liaison of the Unawakened Shade, and Guardian in Training under the tutelage of the Praetor Marcus a Cymarcion.”
Reyana had to refrain from shaking her head at the ridiculousness of formalities of the Fae. Sooner or later she was going to change the tradition of all these ridiculous titles required in presentation.
“You may arise and present the boy.”
Grifyn rose as Byryn approached. Kylion shifted nervously, the irritation in him growing and Marcus rubbed his shoulders trying to calm him. She could feel Gray essence flowing into Kylion, but it didn’t ease him in the slightest.
Byryn knelt before the King in silence.
“I have placed Byryn a Trevyn under my care and tutelage. I have awakened him of mine own Light, and should it please your majesties, King Mythos a Mythion, and Princess Reyana a Mythion, of the Lines of Lucerna, I would claim him as my own, blood of my blood, son of my lines.”
Reyana stepped forward. “Rise young Byryn, born of the Shade, now awakened son of Lunya. Do you understand the request that has been made on your behalf?”
Byryn rose, “Yes, your majesty.”
“To be claimed by another as of their own line in this way, you must renounce your blood and an offering must be made. Are you prepared to make the offering of thine own blood?” Reyana heard her voice ring out in the hall and almost didn’t recognize it. She sounded almost as regal as Mythos.
“No!” Kylion shouted and stomped his foot. “No, Byryn, no!” His arms crossed his chest the pout obvious on his now flushed face.
A hushed whisper ran through the hall. Reyana felt the fear and horror that ran through the unawakened Shade that were present. She saw Trycen move to come forward, but Gavyn placed a hand on his arm and spoke in the young Shade’s ear. They thought the boy would be beaten, punished for his outburst. It was the way of the Shade but it was not the way of the Fae.
Byryn stood tensely looking to his brother as tears rolled down the young’s eyes, unsure what he should do.
Mythos went to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Go to him son, ease your brother.”
Byryn clasped palms with Mythos and went directly to Kylion. He knelt in front of him holding him by the arms, “Little one, what’s going on? Why in the world are you so upset tonight? Please talk to me, you’ve been angry all night but I can’t fix it if you won’t even tell me why you’re upset.”
“Because, you pomised Byryn, you pomised you would always be there and you lied! You’re gonna be his son and leave me behind, Byryn. And he doesn’t want me. No one wants me!” The words rolled out in sobs as the boy’s chest shook and he all but collapsed into Byryn’s chest, clinging to him with all his might. They all waited, letting Byryn handle it but really it was breaking all their hearts to see the little boy suffering in so much pain.
Byryn sat on the steps cradling the young, comforting him as he spoke. “Oh Kylion, you silly spider monkey. I wish you had told me you were upset about this. Do you really think anyone could forget you? That I could forget you?”
“They did Byryn. Mama, and Aunt Jillian, they forgot bout me. They gave me away to, to Trevyn and I had no one. No one but you and now I won’t even h
ave you.”
Byryn squeezed him tightly. “You will always have me, little one. Kylion, look at me. Grifyn asked me if he could claim you, if I’d be alright with it but I asked him not to.”
“Why Byryn?” The boy looked shocked and scared. “Don’t you wanna be my brother?”
“No Kylion, I want to be your Dad. I want to Claim you as my own when you’re ready but I wanted to be of a bloodline that would honor and protect you first. I wanted to be sure I could give you a life where you could just be young and free, Kylion.”
The small boy looked up to him, tears in his eyes but the sobbing slowed.
Grifyn sat beside them on the steps to the throne. He spoke softly to the boy. “Kylion, you will never be alone again.” He reassured him. “You will always have Byryn, and Trina and I will always be here for you.”
Star leaned down and tussled his hair. “Don’t forget about me, little one.”
Marcus cleared his throat, “I believe someone was already calling me Grandpa earlier this eve.” That made the boy chuckle and Marcus winked at him. “You have all of us son, always.”
Byryn smiled as he looked at all of them before turning back to the boy. “So what do you say, Kylion? Would you be alright with me as your Dad? If not, I get it. I’m cool just being your brother too if that’s what makes you happy.”
The boy lunged forward wrapping his arms tightly around Byryn’s neck. “You really mean it, Byryn? You want to be my Dad for reals?”
He chuckled, “For reals, little one.”
Mythos stood over them, having approached in the chaos. “Byryn, your Claiming is as such because there is no familial link and you are of age by our laws to make your own choice. If this is your wish, and Kylion’s, we could make it final today. The boy only need drink from the Chalice of Union with the proper decrees after you have.”
Byryn pulled the boy back to look in his eyes. “Is that what you want, Kylion? To be mine always?”
Kylion smiled wiping his tears as he nodded.
“Then it is settled. Princess Staryana, will you take little Kylion to change his robes. We can hold here until you return.”
“Of course, Uncle Mythos.” She bowed in formality before scooping the boy out of Byryn’s lap and tickling him, “Come on munchkin, looks like it’s your Claiming day too.”
Marcus leaned over to Reyana. “Did you know about this?”
She shook my head. “I don’t see an issue though, why?
“I’m just wondering if I should skin him now for the Grandpa comment, or wait until after he has been Claimed.”
Reyana couldn’t help but giggle and Mythos smiled warmly at her. “It is good to see you smile, Reyana. One of us should address the shock and fear I am feeling. Would you do the honors?”
She nodded hesitantly. She knew she still bore some resemblance to the Shade. Her skin was lighter than it should be and her hair had remained darkened. Though it also held the silver highlights of the Gray, the golden highlights that once illuminated it hadn’t returned, but at least the black streaks were now all but gone.
She walked to the center of the room and cleared her throat. “I can feel your fear, and concern. Some of you expect that we will treat you as you always have been, or worse, as you still wonder if we consider you a threat; if you are still our enemies. Others among you are concerned that the merging of the essences are a mistake. You don’t understand what has happened and because you don’t understand it, you’re afraid.
“I can’t reassure you with words, only with our actions. I can’t make you understand without experience and knowledge. I can only stand here before you and ask that you give us time. That you give me time to prove to you that we are indeed one. You have come to think of the Shade and Fae as two very different species but this has never been the case. You are all Fae. All the same with opposite attributes through the Taint of the Darkness that created the race of the Shade. I will show you now, that the Shade and Fae are two races born of the same species.
“Trycen, will you approach please?” She motioned the Shade forward raising her hand. “No Gavyn, please stand down. I have no fear of Trycen. They must see and know this.”
The young Shade approached hesitantly. She could tell Marcus was staring him down by the shift of his eyes and lump in his throat. “Y-yes, my lady?”
“Be at ease, Trycen. I have within me the power to grant you Redemption. To balance the Dark and the Light within you. I’m told this is something you’ve requested. Is this still your wish?”
He knelt before her. “Yes, my lady, very much so.”
“Then will you allow me to Redeem you here, now before these witnesses so that they may know I speak the truth.”
He looked up to her, tears in his eyes, “My life would be yours, my lady. I would lay it before you.”
“No, Trycen,” she said sternly, “you will not. Your life is your own. You won’t be my slave, or servant in any way. You will simply be free to live your life in the manner you choose.”
He nodded. “What must I do?”
“You have only to want this and to open your mind and your heart to let me in, Trycen. I will guide you through the rest.” She motioned to a nearby Healer. “I will need a cot. I don’t want to risk him losing his balance. While we wait will you please do me the favor of telling those present who you are?”
He turned nervously. “I-,” He turned and sought out Byryn who nodded to him in reassurance. “I am the Shade, Trycen, blooded son of Trevyn and the human woman Lisa McCay, brother of Byryn a Trevyn. I’m only sixteen but I was awakened a week ago today against my will by Trevyn…” He hesitated. “I didn’t choose this life. I was born into it. I never accepted it, but I followed my orders and did as I was told to avoid the…consequences. I’ve never been given a choice in anything from the time my Father found me ‘til King Mythos offered me my life, when he could’ve easily killed me for attacking him.” He nodded as the Healer and a couple Guardians finished setting up the cot. “This? This is my choice.” Without hesitation he lay down on the cot. “I’m ready, my lady.”
She laid a hand on his shoulder in reassurance. “Then let us begin, Trycen.”
Chapter 22
Marcus watched as she commanded the attention of every Fae and unawakened in the room. If only she knew exactly how magnificent she was, how everyone looked to her with respect, despite their misgivings.
“She is amazing, Marcus. No one in this room will be able to dispute or disprove what she has said and they will spread word of what they have witnessed with their own eyes. Why did we not think of this?” Mythos murmured as he watched her.
“Because it wasn’t our choice to make. She had to be ready and willing to do this.”
“And what of your Bonding? Is she not ready for that as well, or is the issue your own?” He asserted harshly though he kept his voice low enough to prevent unwanted ears.
Marcus glanced at the King before turning his attention back to his mate. He’d never once lied to him before, but for her sake he was going to need to learn how. “She needs time Mythos, surely you can respect your sister’s wishes?”
“You have already mated, Marcus. You share chambers. It is improper. Especially as you seem to think it appropriate to drop the declaration of such from your title. It is easy enough to explain away that you have already preformed the Bonding and are still bonded mates but to drop it all together is absurd.” Mythos quipped in aggravation.
“We haven’t mated, Mythos. We came close, but I asked her to wait. I wanted her to be certain. What is a bit more time when I’ve waited so long to have her back?” He knew he was stretching it. Even he would find it hard to believe but the key was no one could disprove it and while they may challenge him in private none would dare to risk a public confrontation on the matter. The King might not like it but he wouldn’t risk putting his sister’s honor at risk.
Mythos grunted but quieted his voice even further despite his obvious anger. “You do not se
riously expect me to believe that.”
“I won’t deny that it kills me to be so near, yet so far from her.” Marcus replied, at least that was the truth. She did need time and space and it was killing him. “But I won’t rush her. She needs time to sort through all that’s happened. I will always see to her honor and wellbeing.”
“Will you still not relent and tell me what happened in that room, Marcus? I fear there is more to this than you tell me and I wish to know the truth.” Marcus bit back the groan percolating in his throat.
Mythos had been all but relentless this past week. He insisted it was his right to know what his sister had endured. The issue was she hadn’t really endured anything. She had given in to pleasure and her heart. To admit that would only serve to disgrace her, considering Cymeryn was the most notorious Shade in existence. The only way it would not tarnish her is if she managed to Redeem him, but even then there was the issue that her heart belonged to them both. It was not something the Fae would just accept and their reaction right now was one of his biggest fears. He would not have her ostracized or persecuted because of their choices. He knew it could not stay secret forever, but he would protect her as long as he was able.
“I am sorry my lord, but as I said, Reyana is my only concern. If you see fit to make an issue of it and remove my rank, I’ll understand.” Marcus smirked knowing full well it was the King’s only recourse, and one he would never take.
Mythos turned to him. He was frustrated and concerned for them both. “You realize, I should be attending to your coronation by her side as King of this domain, Marcus. I know you are her mate. I am not foolish. I cannot make such a decree without the Bonding Rituals complete, however. You have tied my hands.”
“Formalities and titles mean nothing to me if they come at her expense, Mythos. I will wait until she is ready.” He could sense Mythos’ annoyance but he said nothing else as they watched her work through the process of Trycen’s Redemption. Marcus glanced to his left and met Kato’s eyes.
