Secrets Past (Mists of the Fae Book 2)

by Jaime Marks

  “And so we shall, Praetor.” Mythos stared him down his tone harsh and firm. His patience was apparently waning.

  “As far as your question, Mythos, I’m all of the above. I have no idea how you should present me.” Reyana shrugged in contemplation.

  Marcus brushed the hair out of her face as he studied her, merging their essence to be sure for himself that she was well. “Are you ready to hear people calling you these things, Reya. It was only a few hours ago that you were frustrated with the lot of them.”

  “They have to call me something,” She shrugged with a playful smile. “But only you may call me Reya.”

  He kissed her head and carefully removed her crown, handing it to Mythos. “Then come my Princess. Let’s make you a Queen.”

  He and Mythos led her to the top of the small staircase, stopping in front of the throne before spinning her to meet her subjects. Mythos stood behind her and spoke the words of the Sacred Language. He placed the crown upon her head and Marcus watched as his Light flowed over her being. His gold mixed with her silver so strongly that the combination of their essences created a beautiful display of Light that illuminated not just her skin but the room as it reflected off the walls as it shimmered and danced.

  Marcus faced the room. “We present, the Lady Reyn of prophesy, the Princess Reyana a Mythion reborn, mortal incarnate of the Goddess Lunya, the Prophesized Reborn heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Light, rightful Regent of the Throne to the Palace Lunya and Realm of the Gray…Queen Reyana a Mythion.”

  The room fell to their knees silently before her. Marcus stomped his foot once and the Guardians rose as one, lining before her at attention. As one they covered their hearts with their right hands and bowed at the waist as a show of their love and devotion, their commitment to serve.

  Marcus watched as Reyana turned and ascended to the throne, taking her rightful place as Queen. She had never been more lovely, more enchanting. He didn’t know where the future would take them. He had so many questions that he needed answers to, but the one thing he knew without question was that she owned him heart and soul, completely, from now unto eternity.

  Epilogue

  Reyana sat at the head of the table as they ate and laughed. It was the first real meal they had shared together for some in over a hundred years, and for others ever. So many happy memories of times they had dined together in her past. It was a tradition she intended to reinstate. Their world may be chaotic and uncertain at times but they needed some normal and stability. They needed these moments together.

  Star sat to her right with little Kylion curled in her lap asleep. Byryn sat beside her whispering in her ear, his arm draped over her shoulders, behind her on the chair. Next to him, Grifyn and Trina laughed secretly as they kissed and teased one another. He held her in his lap feeding her and adoring her with his attention. They had much to be happy about and even more to celebrate tonight.

  She turned to Marcus to find him staring at her. “What is it love?”

  “I am just admiring your beauty, my Queen.” He leaned forward kissing her chastely. “And wondering how long is prudent before I steal you away for the eve. I need some time alone with you, Reya.”

  Mythos cleared his throat from the opposite end of the table with a stern look on his face. “Before you steal away my blooded sister, whom you claim is not your mate and hence would have no justifiable reason to steal away; by all means enlighten us on what that infuriating faerie was going on about. I have questions Marcus and I expect answers.”

  Kato and Grifyn smirked trying to hold back their laughter. They all knew Marcus had backed himself into a corner by denying they were currently mated. There was no way Mythos would let it pass. Marcus was right in thinking that he wouldn’t challenge them on it in public, but here alone amongst the Lucerna Lines he would definitely make a point of it.

  “Forgive me Marcus, my Queen, but there is not a single Fae amongst us that honestly believes that you are not mated.” Kato smiled shrewdly taking a sip from his wine as his eyes almost seemed to bore into Marcus’. “Would you like some wine, my Queen? This vintage is supremely aged and has an excellent flavor. You are missing out.”

  Marcus shot him an annoyed glance as he leaned over and whispered in her ear. “You don’t need wine to make you drunk my love, leave it and I will have your head spinning for an entirely different and more enjoyable reason. You have exhausted your body enough for the eve and I want you fully aware when I take you.”

  She smiled, the desire in her rising her as he sent his essence through her. “Thank you Kato, but you know I rarely drink. I’m actually a bit tired anyway. The only purpose it would serve would be to put me to sleep.”

  Marcus sighed as he scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Mythos, I have no idea what the faerie meant or why she would only answer me and Reyana. She also answered to Star. Perhaps it is that we share her essence.” He was lying. Reyana sensed it in him but she would not reveal him. She’d promised to trust him, that she would let him do what he felt he needed to protect her and take care of her. She was tempted to ask him what her brother was talking about but she needed to follow her heart in this as her Father suggested and right now she knew he needed to handle this in his own way and he would tell her what she needed to know when the time came.

  “She did not address Byryn, and he shares Staryana’s essence. I doubt she would respond to Grifyn. You have a lot of secrets as of late my friend, it is starting to get annoying.” Mythos mused as he swirled the wine in his glass. “You need to trust us, Marcus. We are not merely your friends, we are your family. We cannot help you or be adequately prepared for threats that may come if you will not trust us to know the truths you hide.”

  “He is right.” Kato stated levelly. “We understand your hesitancy, but especially now that we are Gray and beyond reproach of the Shade you need to let us in, Marcus. There are things you will need our help with. You cannot carry the weight of it all on your own, my friend.”

  Marcus seemed to hesitate as he held Kato’s gaze. She knew he was merely weighing his words carefully. He shrugged. “There is nothing to tell and I have far less secrets than you may think. Have you considered that perhaps I need to sort out my own mind before I speak it? Yes, there are things in my thoughts and when I know how I feel about them so will you.”

  “This is an eve of celebration. I have my mate and my son.” Grifyn wrapped his arms around them both as he interjected effectively ending the conversation. “My son has a son. My sister is Redeemed and safely among us. Our Praetor has returned and we have our Queen, smiling and in good health. Let us leave more stressing matters for another time.”

  Kato laughed, “Grifyn, my friend, I do believe you are drunk.”

  The room rumbled with laughter, the tension from moments ago quickly alleviating. It was a relief. Reyana wasn’t sure she really wanted to know what secrets Marcus was keeping, but she knew many of the ones he kept from her brother had to do with her and the secrets of her heart.

  “Only on love my friends, only on love,” Grifyn captured Trina’s mouth kissing her deeply.

  “I will second that,” Kato smiled pulling Demytria to him and kissing her.

  Byryn cleared his throat. “While we’re on the subject of love…” He leaned down and took Kylion from Star and stood carefully handing him to Trina. There was a nervous but happy tension to him and Star literally beamed as she watched him. They were so in love it emanated from them both.

  Reyana felt Marcus tighten against her as Byryn rose and pulled Star to her feet. He held her hands as he held her gaze almost seeming to reassure her with his eyes before he turned to face Reyana and Marcus.

  “There is something that Staryana and I would like to discuss with you.”

  “Go on Byryn,” Reyana nodded knowing what was coming. She was surprised he had waited this long to ask. He’d all but made his intentions known and he needed to declare her courting sooner rather than later. They spent nearly all their
time together so as it is.

  “Your majesty, Queen Reyana a Mythion, I, Byryn a Grifyn, of Grifyion Lines of Lucerna, Liaison to the Unawakened Shade, Head of the Personal Guard of the Princess, and Guardian in training under the Praetor Marcus a Cymarcion,” the boy shifted nervously but held his composure as he paused, “ask your permission, for the rights to the Princess Staryana a Reyana’s awakening, and upon her awakening, to take her as my bonded mate.”

  Marcus groaned. “So you really do seek to make me a Grandfather before I am even a Father.”

  Grifyn laughed tossing back more wine, “Come now Marcus, it’s not all bad. I became a Father and a Grandfather on the same day.”

  “I am impressed,” Kato quipped in amusement as he sipped his wine. “No one has grabbed for their blade yet. Boy, you may just have a chance. I would not be so lenient.” He shrugged in amusement as he taunted him.

  Demytria laughed. “It’s definitely an improvement from when you asked for my hand, Kato. I thought Father was going to run you through.”

  “Well, I have already threatened to kill the boy and scared him out of his skin.” Marcus shrugged, “What more can I do? The boy won’t be deterred by the threat of his spilled blood.”

  “Not any easier than you were deterred, my friend.” Mythos sat his hand on his chin. “It is your call, sister. Do you feel this male is worthy of your daughter, of joining our line? I am not sure our Father would have approved.”

  “I don’t know love, perhaps we should not be hasty,” Marcus mused following Mythos’ lead as he poured himself some wine and took a large sip. She could sense his nerves were somewhat rattled. “She is the age of courting, perhaps we should see if there are other interested suitors before you make your decision. It may be best to follow tradition in this matter.”

  “Indeed, Marcus is correct.” Mythos shrugged seeming to consider it. “Several of the Guardians have asked if she would be courting. It is tradition, after all, that a Princess entertain at least five courters before the royal family make a decision.”

  Kato chimed in, “I did hear Guardian Jarion was quite taken with the Princess, as well as Guardian Vynchant.”

  Marcus nodded. “Both are fine young males and excel in their ranks. They would make fine choices. We would need two more, however. That is, my love, provided you intend on granting Byryn the opportunity to court her.”

  Mythos snapped his fingers. “That Scholar that accompanied Alyric earlier this week, who went over her studies. Scholar Edwyn a Erycson, he is a fine young Fae and he requested to know when you would be taking audiences to consider the Princess’ courters.”

  Marcus nodded. “I remember, he was very interested in getting to know our young Princess better. He even requested the position as Star’s private tutor.”

  Star gaped at them her head bouncing back and forth between them in shock. Her mouth was wide open, eyes popped open even wider, and she looked just a bit peeked. Byryn on the other hand didn’t just look paled he looked almost angry.

  “Staryana doesn’t require a private tutor in any subject.” He gritted out trying to keep his composure. “And I realize this is your decision but I can assure you that I love Staryana with all that I am and I won’t tolerate another suitor unless it’s what she specifically wants and expresses that to me directly.” He clutched her hand and had positioned himself in front of her protectively. “No one will make her do anything she doesn’t want to do. It’s her life and her choice, despite what tradition dictates.”

  Reyana almost laughed but she knew Byryn couldn’t handle much more of this. He was very protective of her and the fact that he had the courage to stand up to these two was impressive. “Alright boys, I do believe you’ve had your fun. Ease up on poor Byryn.”

  Kato laughed. “You should have left them sweat a bit more, Reyana. Your Father gave Marcus a far more difficult time.”

  “Indeed.” Marcus chuckled. “I thought he was really going to drive his blade into my gut and pin me up on a stake.”

  Mythos laughed, “I believe he considered it. As much as he liked you, Reyana was still his little girl. I did not believe he would let her go without a fight.”

  Grifyn laughed, “Our Father had every male of age in the Lucerna Lines and some of the Guardians present, blade in hand, waiting for Kato once he finally accepted the inevitable. I believe Guardian Gravylion even put him up against the wall.”

  “He did on Grifyion’s order and it was terrifying.” Kato laughed. “I was not sure if I was going to make it out of there alive, all things considered.”

  Byryn turned to Grifyn, the realization and aggravation evident on his face. “You could have warned me.”

  “And let you miss all the fun of tradition?” Grifyn laughed, “You’re just lucky I didn’t join in. I’m far more brutal than these two. Ask Kato, you got off easy.”

  “Too easy.” Kato laughed.

  “Don’t worry, Byryn. Grifyn still gets to explain to my Father how he denied him of his right to terrify him.” Trina giggled as he pulled her close. “I am sure there will be a penance to pay.”

  “And I shall endure any amount of torture your Father dishes out as my right of passage, just for the right to hold you as my own always.” Grifyn murmured kissing her once more.

  “As would any of us for our mates.” Kato smiled pulling Demytria in his lap.

  Staryana looked around rubbing her head. “So wait. I don’t really have to be courted by all those guys?”

  Everyone except she and Byryn laughed. Marcus smiled at her warmly. “No Princess, do you honestly think I could handle four males courting you? You’re lucky I haven’t skinned Byryn alive yet and I actually like the boy.”

  They all laughed even Byryn as he started to relax, but Star just looked exasperated. “So there’s no courting tradition?”

  “No, Staryana, we did away with that before your Mother was even awakened when she was born as Fae. My Father hated the tradition and would not put us through it.” Mythos chuckled. “We would not force such things upon you, but we did want to see Byryn sweat a bit. I figured this was perhaps better than putting him up against the wall on his Claiming day.”

  “So you knew?” Byryn interjected.

  Marcus shrugged. “We’ve been expecting it.

  Mythos nodded. “We were actually surprised you had not requested an audience to make the declaration sooner considering some of the attention my niece has garnered.”

  “Indeed,” Marcus mused. “I thought for sure that you would have come to us after you put Guardian Jarion in his place.”

  Star rose a brow in curiosity as Byryn flushed and crossed her arms regarding him sternly. “What’s he talking about?”

  “Umm, I may have told Jarion that if he made another comment that I deemed inappropriate about you that he would find out the limits of my temper and why most Shade once feared crossing me…” He paused but when she only stared at him expectantly he sighed and continued. “And that he’d better stay away from you. I may also have informed Tryxia and Ryo that I didn’t want him in the same hall as you.” He replied sheepishly.

  Marcus laughed. “Now Jarion didn’t tell me all that. I only heard that you put him in his place and the Guardian was concerned for his safety.”

  “He should be.” Byryn grunted under his breath.

  Star slapped his arm. “You can’t threaten every Fae who looks at me the wrong way.”

  Byryn crossed his arms turning to her and rose a brow. “I will do what I see fit to see not only to your safety but your honor. I won’t have you being disrespected and comments that entail anything about how nice your body is are far from the realm of appropriate.”

  “It appears perhaps I need to have a word with Jarion myself.” Marcus grumbled and Reyana chuckled to herself.

  “What say you sister?” Mythos prompted. “It is after all your decision.”

  She nodded studying them both. “Starshine, is this what you want? Are you certain because some t
hings can’t be undone?”

  “I’m sure Mom.” She turned to her. “I know it’s sudden and we’ve only been together for a short time, but I love Byryn with all my heart. I can’t explain it but I know he’s my mate and there will never be another.”

  Reyana could feel the truth of her daughter’s heart. Byryn completed her in a way no other could. She knew there was no question or doubt in her. Unlike Reyana, who had always felt like she was waiting for something to make it complete. It had felt so right with Marcus and so right with Cymeryn, each completing her in a way but she had always made them wait in the past as if she knew something was missing. It was as if she had been waiting for something to perfect what they had in some way. It was something that had only been achieved once, in one moment when the three of them were one, and something that could never be again.

  Marcus squeezed her hand drawing her from her thoughts. “Consider this carefully, Star, you won’t just be becoming a mate, but also a parent. It’s a large responsibility.” She warned feeling that it needed to be said. Her daughter was only sixteen. She wasn’t thrilled at the idea of her being a parent so young, even if the awakening was likely years off. It was something that was difficult to undertake, raising children so young. She should know. Both her and Sean had been only fourteen when they married because she’d gotten pregnant. It hadn’t been easy, but then things here were different. Star had far more support than she had ever had.

  “I know. I wouldn’t have let him ask if I wasn’t sure.” Star reassured her. “I adore Kylion and I help care for him most of the time now. It’s becoming part of my routine already.”

  Byryn kissed her head. “She’s wonderful with him. I’ve never seen him listen so well to anyone. He won’t allow anyone but Star and I near him most of the time.”