by Jaime Marks
Freyion slammed his fist on the table. “This is preposterous. You do not have the authority to do this.”
Alysse took form in the Council Chambers aside of Mythos. He knelt as per custom, as did all others in the room.
“Thank you for honoring us with your presence esteemed High Priestess Alysse.” Mythos spoke in reverence.
“It is my duty and pleasure to act in the best interest of the race, my liege.” She turned to Reyana and bowed. “It is an honor, Lady Lunya.”
Mythos saw Marcus stifle a laugh and almost chuckled himself. Reyana still felt uncomfortable with the formalities the Order of Light, especially Alysse, paid her and tended to squirm in their presence. It could be quite amusing to witness. It was one of the few things that shook his sister enough to evoke a reaction from her in public. These days she was forcefully reserved in any appearance she made.
“It is...a pleasure, High Priestess Alysse. Please rise.” Reyana answered after a few moments, realizing the Priestess would not rise until she allowed it.
Alysse turned to address the Council. “The King of the Fae, King Mythos a Mythion has entered a petition of no confidence, requesting the right to restructure the Council. As per our ancient decrees this request must be made in advisement with and agreed upon by at least one other member of the Royal Lucernan Lines. This member must also hold the appointment to rule. As the only living member holding appropriate status, Queen Reyana a Mythion, esteemed Regent of the Realm of Gray and reincarnate of the Lady Lunya, what say you on this matter?”
“I second the Request for Restructure of the Council provided the Council be moved to the Realm of the Gray for the safety of both its members and the race. It has already proved vulnerable to the Taint as evidence by the tainting of Councilmen Freyion, Thyrion, Xyphion, and Navion.”
Mythos watched as the Councilmen gaped at Queen. He knew this was the point that would receive the most opposition.
“You cannot be serious, your majesty. The Council has served herein since its inception.” Councilman Dexious spoke. “I agree that the Council is in need of restructuring and I will gladly step aside if it is what your majesties deem best for the Kingdom of Light, but to move the Council?”
“When the Council was founded,” Mythos began, “There was no risk of Taint. The Shade could not infiltrate our realm and there was no risk to the Fae who live here. Now, the Taint is so wide spread we have learned the Shade may come and go as they please. We have had attacks at various points where there is not carefully gridded security in place. Luckily we have managed to prevail but not without some losses. The Queen herself was abducted by the Shade Supryn in these very chambers a month ago. This is not the world we once lived in.
“In order to have this meeting we were forced to call in a full complement of Guardians from the fronts because we could not risk the safety of the Fae by calling them in from our cities. I cannot in good faith continue without addressing these threats. The Realm of the Gray is not only secured from those that have not been shown how to find it, but you cannot mist, nor can you use the gifted abilities. That would mean in order to reach the Council, the Shade would have to breach our security. I realize that the changes we are enacting will take some getting used to, but they are necessary to secure the survival of our race.”
“Request for Restructure and the transference of the Council to the Realm of Lunya is granted and shall become part of the covenant of Light. You have a lunar cycle to agree upon the changes and appointments. On the next new moon we shall reconvene to finalize the Council by proper rite and ritual.” Alysse bowed to Reyana, “Lady Lunya, King Mythos a Mythion.”
They watched as the High Priestess and keeper of the covenants misted from the room.
“Well, your highness, you have gotten what you want.” Councilman Freyion nearly spat. “Let us hope your subjects accept what you have done.” He misted from the room.
The other three Councilmen rose and bowed. It was Merious who spoke. “It has been an honor to serve you, your majesties. We do hope you will call on us if you need any assistance.”
“Thank you for your service esteemed Council. We shall keep it in mind.” Mythos watched as they misted away.
“Well,” Marcus sighed, “that was almost painless.”
“Indeed.” Mythos nodded as he leaned back against the table. “Now, onto the matters at hand. Kato, Reyana and I have discussed the new structure of the Council at length. What we have decided is that the Council will hold appointments from each of the elementals and both the Gray and the Light. I also want you, Byryn to serve as you are Liaison to the Unawakened Shade and that role will be very important as we move forward. I am thinking as you have and will be assisting with the adjustment of any Redeemed Shade or otherwise that we may simply name you Liaison of Redemption. The term has come to encompass a broad enough definition that it will also cover your authority over the unawakened Fae easily enough.”
“As you wish your majesty.” Byryn nodded.
“We have also determined that the Praetor, Second in Line, and the Commander of the Fronts will need appointment as well. We need to be appraised of the situation in the territories and of the war. Devyn may have a proxy when necessary, but I want his input.”
“Agreed,” Marcus added, “I was also thinking we might discuss the Luxyn.”
“Oh? How so Praetor?” The request caught Mythos by surprise. There had been no talk of the Luxyn in nearly a decade, not since the Cerulyions fell.
“I believe it may be time to induct and train new ranks, your majesty. The Luxyn numbers are dwindling. The ancient order’s teachings used to be integral to the safety of the realms. I believe it may be time to revive them.” Marcus offered. “It is becoming obvious that the Guardians themselves need added support and the Palaces could benefit from added security of their rank. All are stretched too thin. We need to determine different orders and responsibilities for them. The fronts are imperative but we also need forces to protect both Kingdoms, and an elite force to support both.”
Mythos pondered the request. Grifyn, Marcus, Kato and Devyn had always far surpassed the skills of others in the field. As Luxyn they were elite warriors. Why had he not considered it before? “I agree Praetor. When the Council convenes next month we shall begin talks on how to go about reinstituting the order.”
“Who will oversee the Council, Mythos? Have you decided?” Reyana asked. Mythos studied her. She looked oddly distracted, but she often was when she left the Realm of Gray.
“Yes, Reyana. Kato has agreed to accept the appointment of Head Councilman.” He offered with a smile trying to reassure his sister.
“An excellent choice your majesties.” Marcus pounded his fist on the table as he offered his approval. Mythos knew this would ease some of the concern he felt for reclaiming the Praetor position when Kato had served so admirably in his stead and in all honesty the Fae was suited for the position.
Grifyn chuckled as he shook his head, “I never actually saw us doing this. I mean growing up I always knew we would fight in this war and lead the Guardians, but running the Kingdoms, leading a revolution of sorts, heading up the Council? Never.”
Mythos smiled, “I certainly did not. I believed my Father would live for an eternity before he ever gave up his crown. Perhaps that is why I was so unprepared to take the throne. I never really intended to.”
“You have done well with what you were given, my friend.” Kato offered.
“No Kato, I have not. Besides this last month I cannot really claim to have ruled this Kingdom. Now, though, I intend to make up for it.”
“And so you are Mythos. These are the changes this Kingdom so desperately needed.” Kato inclined his head in respect. “Inclusion of the Elemental Fae, modernizing the Council, securing the realms. These are things that have been needed even prior to King Mythion’s death but in all honesty there needed to be a catalyst in order to do so. Our Fae will accept this now, they may not have even a few months ago
. We are a stubborn race.”
Mythos nodded. “It is high time we reclaim the former prestige of the Kingdom of Light. My subjects need this more than they realize.”
Chapter 9
As Mythos spoke, it was the first time in a long time that Marcus actually believed that they could potentially succeed in all they intended. Anyone who listened to the King for more than an instance would know he had not only considered this carefully but had the best interests of his subjects at heart. With his confidence and the strikes the Shade had attempted over the last month the populace would embrace the new systems being put in place for their own safety. In time they may even begin to be at ease once more.
Marcus turned his attention to Reyana. Cymeryn was here. They both felt him. He could sense her indecision. She wanted to go to him, to put her mind at ease that he was safe, but she felt it was a betrayal; a betrayal to her vows, to him. All this guilt she carried, it had to end this eve. She needed to know what was happening to her, what was coming. He couldn’t tell her as long as she burdened herself with such guilt. She could tear herself apart again and end up in that dreadful coma, lost in the chaos of her mind.
He met Byryn’s eyes. The boy gave him a nod letting him know he felt Cymeryn as well. This wouldn’t wait for another opportunity. Every Fae was losing patience with his avoidance, delays, and excuses.
“Well, I would say that concludes our Council related business for now. I have to approach some of the Fae we discussed appointing this week and we will need to reconvene regarding it once I know of their acceptance. Would you all please now explain what happened with Kylion to delay you so? How is the boy?”
Marcus rose, “Mythos, if you wouldn’t mind. This is more a matter for Byryn and Grifyn to explain. I had intended on taking Reyana for some air if no one objects.”
She gave him a shrewd look but remained silent.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea, Marcus. What if the Shade attack?” Grifyn scoffed.
“I can call you all to me in the frame of a moment, Grifyn. There will be no risk. Besides, Byryn can sense if there is any Darkness to be concerned with. I need but two hours. I just want to take my Queen on a walk while we are here. There are some things I wish to remind her of.”
“Two, hours?” Byryn raised a brow.
“Two, and I’ll check in on the hour.” Marcus knew he was twisting the boy’s arm but he wasn’t sure how long this would take.
Byryn gritted his teeth nodding as he glared at Marcus. “I don’t sense anything of issue, I’ll keep a feel out for things.”
Mythos studied him, Marcus could tell he was thinking of the Bonding ritual that had yet to come to fruition. “Perhaps it is what the two of you need. By all means go enjoy yourselves, but I will be coming to spend some time with my sister and my niece within the next week, Marcus. I miss my family.”
“Of course your majesty, you are always welcome.” He bowed.
Reyana rose and embraced her brother. Kato was studying him, trying to deign what he was up to. “Kato, can you fill in Mythos on what we have been putting in place in the realm and also make the arrangements with him?”
“As you wish, Marcus.” He replied watching him closely.
It wasn’t much but once the King and Kato got to talking they tended to lose track of time which was what he needed. This had to be resolved before they returned to the Palace. He needed to know what path to take and what additional risks he wasn’t seeing. Confronting Cymeryn was the only way. He only hoped he was right about is brother.
“We will return soon.” He gave his friends a warm smile and took Reyana by the arm leading her from the Chambers into the Capitol.
She remained silent until they were clear of the building and its guards. “What are you up to, Marcus?”
He pulled her to him and brushed the hair from her eyes, kissing her softly. “We are going to go see what it is mine blooded twin wants. It’s time we deal with this, Reya. I won’t have you tearing yourself up as you do. Go to him, reassure yourself. I’ll follow you when I’m ready.”
“Marcus, are you sure about this? I don’t know that we can trust him and I don’t really want the two of you killing each other.” She pulled back and turned away from him. “You may not like what you see between us.”
“Reya please, my love, trust me? Go to him. I’ll give you the time you need, but I will follow. You won’t be in any danger. I won’t let him take you from me.” He pulled her back to him and kissed her deeply. “You need to reassure yourself and he and I need to talk. I will not harm him but there will be no more secrets after this eve, love. It cannot go on this way. No more guilt. We need to deal with it.”
“I wish I knew how you were so sure of that.” She shook her head looking off toward the meadow and beyond it the lake. “If you are sure…”
“I am Reya. I love you, now go.”
Marcus swallowed the lump in his throat as he watched her mist from sight, praying he didn’t just make the greatest mistake of his life. Even if Cymeryn were Gray, if he sought Redemption, Marcus wasn’t sure if they could co-exist. He had no idea how Cymeryn was going to take this. There was a part of him that feared losing her to him, even if it wasn’t in Darkness.
Cymeryn stood in their grove at the lake. He could feel her. She was so close but he was not sure if she would come. He had reached out to her several times but she had been occupied with Mythos and the others. He knew she wanted to try to get away, he just did not know if she would. She was torn. Far more than he had thought she would be. More than he had hoped really.
He had been fairly certain that after this last cycle she would have finished her Bonding to his twin and been far more connected to him. It was odd that the connection between Reyn and Marcus was still fairly equal to that which she held with him. Perhaps he could seduce her after all.
He turned toward the entrance at the sound of soft footsteps. She had come. It had to be her. From what he had always been able to tell they were the only two Fae who could find this place. She appeared from the narrow entrance and carefully hopped down the three stone steps that he had struggled in his youth to make for her. She used to trip over the roots that had once grown there littering the ground and he had been concerned she would hurt herself. She was so prone to slipping off on her own that he worried if she fell and was here alone it might be hours before he was able to get to her.
He had always done what was needed to take care of her. He kept telling himself that this was no different. In order to protect her he needed to turn her. It may be a deception but she would understand. He needed to remind himself of that now that he had her so close. He could not miss this opportunity due to sentimentalities.
She stood there amongst the trees staring at him. She was beautiful. Her hair still a deep red, now adorned with silver highlights, drifted to the left with the breeze revealing the delicate skin of her shoulder and neck. The silvery gown she wore sparkled in the dim lighting as it traced the contours of her body. Through its sheer fabric he could almost see her skin where it was revealed through slits in the sheathing underneath. She looked about ready to cry and he felt as if his heart would break if he could not hold her in his arms.
“Please Reyn, come to me. I swear I will not hurt you. I just need to see for myself that you are unharmed. Please.” Cymeryn had the distinct realization that he had just all but begged her to come to him and that he would never disgrace himself in such a way for any other. It was a form of submission and he did not submit…but for her. He would give her anything if it were in his power.
She studied him a moment, approaching him slowly, cautiously. He cursed under his breath but remained there waiting for her. He did not want to risk scaring her. When she finally stood before him he pulled her in his arms and held her to him. “Thank you, Reyn. I know it is difficult for you to trust me and with good reason.”
She looked up at him, searching his eyes. “Why are you here, Cymeryn? You’ve made it clear t
o me that you won’t consider Redemption. Why did you call me?”
“You know why.” He whispered as he caressed her back, still holding her in his arms. “You know, because it is the same reason you came to me.”
“Cymeryn, we, I…” She stammered softly as he drew her mouth nearer to his own.
“Shhh, Reyn. I need to feel you. I will not push you but I mean to be well assured of your wellbeing both physically and mentally before we leave here this eve.”
He took her mouth, penetrating her with his tongue. The need to be inside of her in some way too great to deny. His essence flowed through her as his hands ran over her body holding her firmly to him. He knew the instant that Marcus entered the grove and though his presence in this place surprised him, he could care less. He was not above giving his brother a show. In a respect, he supposed he was staking his claim. He wanted Marcus to know the connection they shared because he was not giving her up this time; not without a fight.
Cymeryn hesitated suddenly. There was something…different. Something that took him so off guard he nearly stopped, but it was she who pulled back. How the hell had this happened?
Marcus had found them fairly easily. He had only to follow her essence. It was not the least surprising to find the lake continued on the other side of the falls via an entryway. The grove resembled all of the other places that he had been able to follow her in recent weeks; all the places no Fae else would be able to find them. Knowing everything he knew now it was the only thing that had made any sense. How else had they been able to hide from a full complement of Guardians?
He himself had searched the lake looking for them when her Mother died. He hadn’t found anything and he had looked behind the falls. The entryway had been invisible to him and he likely wouldn’t have been able to enter the grove. Their connection had been nowhere near this strong back then, actually it had been rather miniscule and he hadn’t been her protector so he had not been granted access. Cymeryn had been the one looking after her, keeping her safe.
