Healing Eden

by Rhenna Morgan

  He waved the female ellan forward and stepped close to Brenna, keeping his voice low. “You understand what’s being asked and give your memories freely?”

  Lexi and Galena inched closer to Brenna.

  “I do,” Brenna said.

  Eryx smiled in what he hoped resembled reassurance. “Give her your hand. You won’t feel anything.”

  The female ellan held out her hand palm up.

  Brenna looked to Lexi then Galena. Straightening, she laid her hand in the ellan’s.

  Long, quiet seconds stretched on and on.

  The female ellan lowered her head, but kept her hand grasped around Brenna’s. Two tears splattered to the stone floor at the ellan’s feet.

  Ludan lurched forward to intercede, but Eryx held him back. Barely.

  The ellan clasped Brenna’s hand with both of hers and lifted her head. Tears streaked her face. “I am…” She coughed and shook her head. “I am so very sorry.”

  She released her grip and faced the council. “The accusations are confirmed.” She opened her mouth to speak again, closed it and swallowed before continuing. “This woman deserves our refuge and our justice.” She didn’t flee the room as the male had, but her steps were shaky as she found her place among the crowd.

  Eryx motioned Graylin toward the exit with a nod. Not one of the ellan lifted their heads as the group exited, the room more hushed than he’d ever heard it.

  The antechamber door thudded shut.

  “You’ve heard my recommendation and those of your peers. Those who object, speak now.”

  Only blessed silence answered.

  He opened his mouth, eager to adjourn.

  “My malran.” The female ellan stood, her cheeks red and eyes bright with fury. “On behalf of the sufferings endured by the humans and your supporting council, I’d like to know what justice you plan for Maxis Steysis.”

  A slow burn spread through Eryx’s torso, the chill he’d felt before long gone. “The only justice befitting of his crimes.” He fisted his hands and let the image of Maxis’ throat beneath them fill his mind. “Death.”

  * * * *

  Reese sat a weathered wooden crate on the edge of his mother’s bed and double-checked for anything he might have left behind. He’d already committed to letting go of the past. Histus, a part of him had already left it behind, somewhere between Galena coming apart in his arms in the greenhouse, and the moment she’d stood up to Ramsay the next morning. The trick was figuring out what to carry forward. Intangibles were easier. Only the best of memories and those that shaped you. Tangibles? Yeah, that one was tougher.

  He opened the doors to his mother’s armoire and rifled through her jewelry. Most of them were inexpensive baubles, pieces she’d bought from vendors in Cush to support local artists. Certainly nothing she’d want her new oanan to have.

  He stepped back and started to close the door.

  A padded jade box was tucked to one side, so deep in shadows he’d almost missed it.

  He pulled the box forward and opened it, the tight hinges squeaking. A cuff sat nestled in black velvet made of matte platinum, a metal forbidden for those not of the royal family.

  Praise the Great One she’d been happy the day she found it. They seldom went to Cush, but when they did, they always hit the art vendors. That day they’d browsed the aisles until Reese’s feet throbbed. The image etched on the cuff had too closely resembled his family mark for his mother to pass it up, and she’d bartered with the craftsman until he’d relented, making her swear on her son’s life she’d never tell where she’d bought the piece.

  Reese fingered the deep carvings, the onyx background giving the piece a mix of masculine strength and feminine charm.

  Galena could wear it.

  The thought whacked him hard, curiosity at the coincidence running right behind it. Not once had his mother worn the cuff, insisting it had called to her for reasons she couldn’t explain. Had his mother had her own spiritu? Guiding her in ways as small as this?

  He snapped the box shut and sat it in the crate. He’d drive his mind in circles if he went off down that road. He’d missed out on his chance with Maxis. Now his focus needed to be on Galena and giving her the life she deserved.

  Shifting to the bookcase, he checked the sun’s position with his mind. Ben and Beth couldn’t be too far out with the paperwork to purchase their new home. Trading his homestead for the cottage was a steal. He’d have given four homesteads to see Galena’s face light up again, and he’d never seen a home more suited to her skills and personality.

  His mother’s paperback books from Evad lined the bookcase, everything from classics to romance. Probably not much worth taking there unless Galena had a thing for fiction. He paused at the row of leather-bound journals and traced a sapphire blue spine. All her pain was there. Every second-guess for the actions she’d taken. Every hope and prayer she’d said for Maxis.

  He turned for the closet and stopped, looking back. Pulling the stack of journals free, he arranged them in the crate. Paperbacks were one thing, but his mother’s heart and soul were in those words. If he chose to let them go, he’d find a special way to do it. Something more personal than handing them off to unknown strangers.

  The closet made for fast work, his mind too detached with thoughts of providing for his royal mate than considering each and every outfit. They’d have a cleaner, safer start letting go of the homestead, but his immediate income would drop to nil. He had more than enough tucked away for a while, but what did a warrior without an army do for a living?

  Maybe something in the human realm would work. A shitload of Myrens made their living doing business in Evad, most capitalizing on their special gifts in ways humans would never perceive. Not that his gifts allowed for much in the way of commerce. Masking yourself to nearly undetectable levels didn’t exactly draw in sales.

  Came in damned handy when you had to sneak into a place though. Maybe something in security or protection would work.

  The wood floors above ground creaked.

  Reese stepped from the walk-in closet and spread his senses around the house. Only one presence pinged back at him. Odd, he’d expected Ben to bring Beth along since she’d insisted on hearing about the mating and how Galena liked the cottage.

  He pushed the bookcase door wide and chastised himself. The absent-mindedness wouldn’t do if he wanted in any kind of security firm.

  He smiled, ready to greet his neighbors, and stopped cold.

  Serena.

  Her pale blue gown gave her skin a morbid glow and her eyelashes were wet and red-rimmed. Even her gown looked off, too matronly with its long sleeves.

  “Don’t hurt me.” She wrung her hands, and her arms shook so badly he felt a need to reach out and steady her, a foolish notion for a woman like Serena. People like her could always fake an Oscar-worthy performance if they thought they’d get something out of it.

  “I don’t make a habit of hurting women.” He shot a pointed look at the open door. “Then again, I don’t recall inviting you in so you may need to give me a decent reason.”

  “I didn’t know where else to go.”

  Reese strode toward the door and shut it. A quick check of the surroundings ensured him Ben wasn’t yet nearby. “What makes you think this was the right place to start?”

  “Because I need help.” She hiccupped and swiped her nose. “I’m in trouble with Maxis and didn’t know what else to do.”

  Reese lifted an eyebrow. “You’re just now figuring out he’s trouble?”

  “You don’t understand. If you knew…” She turned away and pressed a hand over her chest. The action was a little over the top, which only nudged Reese another step toward disbelief. “His plans are awful. If I’d known what he wanted for the rebellion I’d have never gotten involved.”

  “Then get un-involved. Tell Eryx about Maxis’ plans and ask for mercy.”

  She bit her lip, gaze locked on the floo
r. “It’s not that simple.”

  “Funny, I thought the same thing.” He tilted his head. Clio had mentioned a new intersection. What if this was it? Could he discount her story out of hand? “You should talk to Eryx.”

  She shook her head and let out a whimper. “No, I really messed up.”

  She lifted her sleeve.

  Shock pushed Reese back a step. Of everything he’d expected, Serena hooking up with Maxis wasn’t one of them.

  “He thinks I’m headed to Cush to learn more from my family on what’s happening at council. I learned where you live from his memories. If I stay too much longer, he’ll find me.” She let out another whimper and a fresh round of tears kicked in.

  “Then tell me where he is and I’ll pass the information to Eryx on your behalf. We’ll raid and take him before he can do anything.”

  “No.” Her eyes went dinner plate wide. Was it fear or panic? “He’ll know it was me and kill me before you can contain him.” She inched forward. “You know what he can do.”

  Ah, so she knew. He’d have never suspected Maxis capable of sharing anything with anyone, let alone such valuable knowledge as his ability to kill via link.

  “What are the plans?” he said. Anything she handed over would probably be complete crap, but it was worth a shot.

  “If I tell you, will you ask Eryx to pardon me? He pardoned you. Surely he’d pardon me?”

  So, she knew that too. For a woman who’d been tucked away with the rebellion, she was an informed little lady. “Eryx is nothing but fair, even for those who don’t always deserve it.”

  She flinched and pressed her lips into a tight line. “Maxis is planning something in Evad. He said he needs to gather slaves and thought to start with teenagers.”

  “When?”

  She hesitated, her high drama blending with a subtle tremor. “In two days.”

  Chapter 25

  Galena landed next to the high marble fountain at the center of the prestigious Cush neighborhood and glared at Serena’s home. She’d willingly left Reese this morning to support Ian and Brenna, but being kept from him for a mandated social call rankled.

  Lexi touched down beside her, Jagger a tight presence at her side. “Whoa.” She craned her head to take in the architecture. “I always liked those pointy things on rooftops, but I think Serena’s family took it a bit far. What do you call that look?”

  “Baroque.” Galena trudged forward, determined to get this task over with. She’d never realized how heavy her social persona sat on her shoulders until Reese helped lift the burden. “The period’s known for its drama and its tension in all things artistic.” She smirked at Lexi. “Fitting for our girl Serena, don’t you think?”

  Lexi quickened her steps until they were side-to-side. “I was expecting all black with flames.”

  Galena shook her head.

  “What?” Lexi tried for innocent, but it fell far short. “She’s a demon bitch from hell.”

  A snort sounded behind them.

  Galena glanced back in time to see Jagger duck his head.

  “I’m sorry Eryx wrangled you into this.” Lexi said, lowering her voice. “I told him I could handle it on my own.”

  A heavy sigh slipped out before Galena could check it. Between Lexi’s earthy influence and Reese battering her long-practiced facades, she’d be swearing and pole dancing before the month was out. “It’s the right thing to do. Serena’s probably with Maxis and we could use some clues from her family. And trust me, you’ll need a little back up for this one. More than you know.” She opened the wrought iron gate and held it open for Lexi.

  “Pretty uptight, huh?”

  Nearing the front door, Galena angled closer to her shalla. “You ever read any historical books? Maybe a romance or two growing up?”

  Lexi wrinkled her nose. “Chaperones and corsets and all that?”

  “No, I mean the etiquette.” Galena pounded the knocker on the Blackwood entry and stepped back. “They’ve got a time and place for everything. When to be seen and when to call one someone.”

  Lexi gaped.

  “Like that, but up a few levels.” Galena motioned toward Lexi’s attire. The silk platinum gown she’d worn straight from council practically screamed her station, even without the crown. “The malress coming for a visit will bump that up to sheer ridiculousness.”

  The door glided opened and a butler in fitted black wool pants and matching black overcoat stepped forward. Talk about scary, the skin below his eyes and along his jowls sagged and what hair he had left was dull brown with peppered gray. “May I help you?”

  Galena lifted an eyebrow, a regal glare straight out of Eryx’s playbook. “Your malress and your malran’s sister visit your household and you greet us with cold words?” She tsked and forced her lips to a considering purse. “I doubt the Doroz patriarch would be pleased.”

  Realization zapped the lower half of the man’s face to an animated grimace. He stepped back, chin dropped formally as he held the door open wide. “My apologies, Your Highnesses. Please come in and I’ll alert the master of your presence.”

  No sooner had they crossed the threshold than the butler strode off, his quick steps ringing on the black and white tiles.

  “I’m gonna call him Renfield.” Lexi managed to keep her expression in check even though her voice rang ornery in Galena’s head. “Admit it. He’s one creepy-lookin’ dude.”

  “Dude?”

  “What? It’s a good word. You should try it.” She paused in the middle of the soaring foyer, the overdone crystal chandelier poised perfectly above her, and frowned. “Seriously. Try it.”

  Galena smiled and pushed every ounce of beach bum she could manage into the effort. “Dude.” She shook her head and let out a little chuckle. “You and Reese are going to turn me into a rebel.”

  Lexi’s smile stretched from ear to ear. “Excellent.”

  A booming voice sounded from above and quick footsteps pounded down the winding steps. “Your Highnesses.” A tall, slender man with shoulder-length salt-and-pepper hair tied in a queue hustled into view. Judging by the bright red across his cheeks and the lack of his formal overcoat, they’d caught Serena’s daddy completely unaware.

  “My name is Reginald Doroz.” He dropped to one knee and the door beside Lexi opened. “Please, let me show you to the drawing room where we can talk.”

  Lexi shifted for the door.

  Reginald rose and reached for Lexi’s arm.

  Jagger shot forward and cut him off.

  “Apologies.” Reginald yanked his hand away and lowered his head. “I meant only to escort you in, my malress.”

  “No offense taken.” At the far end of the room, Lexi settled into a high-backed plum wingback, her demeanor the epitome of sweet and innocent. “We didn’t intend to upset your household. Galena’s just told me so much about Serena that I couldn’t wait anymore to meet her.”

  “You’re flirting with him?” For the last two weeks, Lexi had slung four letter words with the best of their warriors. To see her batting her eyelashes at the old coot and slinging a coy drawl seemed incongruent. “Maybe you don’t need my help.”

  “Oklahoma accent. Works ’em over every time if you do it right.” She snuck a wink in as Serena’s daddy sat ramrod straight in the chair beside her. “Is Serena here?”

  “Yes, well.” Reginald coughed and fiddled with his shirt collar. “I’m afraid Serena’s not in residence at the moment. She’s a bit of a traveler and prefers to spend much of her time at her friends’ homes.”

  His lips twitched, like his mind wanted to form a smile but the nerves kept shorting out in the process. “The flighty creature’s as reliable as an earthquake. Still, her taking off the same week as Inez has proven a particular challenge. Her mother is beside herself. So many social obligations and not nearly enough support.”

  “Inez?” Galena knew most of the society families, but she couldn’t come up with one Ine
z on the list.

  “Serena’s nanny,” Reginald said. “Or housekeeper now. My wife relies on her heavily when Serena’s not home to help. Appearances must be kept.” He bowed his head in Lexi’s direction. “I’m sure Your Highness understands.”

  “Mr. Doroz, I’m beginning to think you run a rather lax estate.” Galena never would have thrown such a pompous statement at a decent being, but this guy was an ass. If he was heartless enough to call his daughter flighty in front of strangers she couldn’t really blame Serena for spending time away from home. “Your staff doesn’t recognize their sovereigns on sight, and deign to report for duty only when it suits them?”

  “Oh, you misunderstand.” Reginald surged to his feet and lifted his hands in a placating gesture. “Inez is a devoted staff member, always here on time, and seldom a sick day. Not that one stays ill long in her presence. She’s a tolerable healer, a gift that’s blessed our family since we first hired her. Her disappearance is most unusual.”

  “How long has she been gone?” This from Lexi, gripping her hands in her lap and angling her torso forward with what looked like genuine concern. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

  “You’re kind to offer, my malress, but I’m sure Inez is fine.” He scowled toward the door. “I’m sure we’ll have refreshments for you soon. If you’ll give me a moment, I’ll check on them and let my baineann know you’re here. She’ll be devastated if she learns she missed you.”

  He hurried toward the door.

  Galena edged closer to Lexi’s side. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

  “That our boys did some serious damage to Maxis in their mental showdown and needed someone to do a little pick-me-up?” Lexi shot a grin at Galena, one that made Galena glad they were on the same team. “Hell, yeah.”

  Lexi stood and absently smoothed the silk along her hips as she glided toward the door. “Let’s ditch this place and get you home for some lovin’. Who knows, maybe I’ll get lucky too.”

  Reginald intercepted as they hit the foyer. “Are you leaving?”

  “I’m afraid so,” Galena said. “As you can imagine, Lexi has a busy schedule.”