Chapter 30
(Ashlinn)
As we all trace back to the Keep with the assistance of Dagda, Danu, Airmed, and Clíodhna we arrive in the courtyard which has been transformed into a beautifully lit outdoor reception area under the amazing moon lite sky. There’s music playing and the atmosphere is festive. It looks as if the celebration has already gotten underway. The tables have all been set as kitchen staff bustles about at Maith’s direction. When she sees us she waves us over to let us know that the dinner will be served in the next few minutes. For once I have no appetite as I feel like the other shoe is about to drop. Alaric pulls me into his arms and whispers, “What is it Ash? What has you on edge? I felt the change in you as soon as the druids completed their rite. This should be a happy occasion, mo grá.” He says as he gently kisses my forehead. I lean into him and take comfort in him.
I sigh heavily as I say, “Something bad is about to happen. I just don’t know what it is or why I think that. Before the ceremony I was able to push my apprehension aside but since the rite it’s like I’ve been opened up to receive… I don’t know. Impressions? What’s the word I’m look for? Premonitions, maybe? I just have this undeniable feeling of impending doom. I had this feeling before but now it’s so strong it’s almost crippling.”
“Okay, let’s go let everyone know.” He says pulling me behind him.
“Wait. You believe me?” I ask pulling him back around to face me.
“Of course I believe you. Your agitation is off the charts, I can feel how worried you are, come on.” Alaric says pulling me behind him as he calls for everyone to move into the library for a brief meeting where he lets everyone know that we should be on guard for something to possibly happen. He calls for the men to suit up with their weapons of choice so that we’re all prepared should something come to pass. Danu and Airmed present Lexie and me with dress daggers. Mine has amber stones encrusted in the hilt with an intricate Celtic knot design and Lexie’s is similar with emerald stones. They were meant to be binding gifts for later. They’re accompanied by several matching throwing knives and beautifully jeweled belts to holster the weapons. I love them and the thought behind these gifts.
No one questions me as everyone suits up as if preparing for battle only to sit down to a celebratory dinner. I find that I’m feeling better as I take my place at the table to enjoy the dinner to come. I notice that the Keep gate remains steadfastly closed against any intruders. I’m able to breathe as dinner is about to begin.
The Dagda stands to deliver a toast and there are cheers all around. Then my father stands to toast us and just as I’m about to worry about Lexie not having any family to toast her binding Alaric stands and toasts their union. I smile up at him as cheers go up all around the gathering. Then platters of food appear on the tables that have been placed to form a U shape so that we are all gathered around. Platters of carved roast beef, rolls, Yorkshire pudding, honey glazed carrot, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and vats of brown gravy appear for everyone to dig in. Bottles of wine are being uncorked and poured at every table. I look around to see that everyone is filling their plates, talking loudly to be heard, and laughing at each other’s jokes and antics. These are my people, my family now and I love them all. Jasmine and some of her sprite friends are all engaged in some sort of banter that has them all buzzing about wildly. She winks and waves at me and I smile and wave back as I fill my plate and settle down to enjoy this evening.
The meal is perfect. A perfect replica of Millie’s and I pull Maith over to offer my thanks as one of the lookouts announces the arrival of a courier from the Southern Territories. My heart stops and Alaric jumps up from his seat at my distress. The time of my foreboding is happening and in an instant I realize that I’m experiencing a clairvoyant moment. I see that the courier is none other than Prince Tarron as scenes flash before my mind’s eye. I’m helpless but to watch bits and pieces of what’s about to take place like a silent movie as the frames continue to move without any sound. My legs are suddenly weak as Alaric catches me. I look up at his concerned features as I say, “This is what I have been dreading… It’s Tarron.” He pulls me into a fierce embrace as the gates are opened to reveal three men on horseback. The prince is of course the first to enter the court yard as the musicians and those in attendance go utterly silent. I watch as he approaches on a solid black Shire horse. The horse is massive and combined their presence is disturbing.
The horsemen thunder into the courtyard and rein their mounts in before the gathering. I hear a deep throated chuckle as Tarron approaches. “Well, well… What do we have here?” His gaze wanders around the courtyard and finally lands on Danu as he cocks his head to the side. “Danu, I do believe you are attempting to renege on the deal we struck. How do you think I felt when I got word that my chosen was indeed in the Realm and destined to be with another? I had to see for myself. How ungracious of you not to invite me to the festivities. Although, I certainly understand why.” He grinds out.
I’m frozen in Alaric’s embrace. I’m terrified by my reaction to this dark prince. Tarron is handsome and regal and I feel an unnatural pull to him. I can see and feel the dark tendrils of majic that will bind us together reaching out to wrap around me pulling me towards him, away from my kindred, my mate.
As Tarron seems to sense the same he swings his head in my direction and smiles an utterly devastatingly wick smile directed straight at me and says in a low gravelly voice, “You… you will be mine. You are my chosen. You will be helpless to resist the blood contract once I evoke the terms and I will… evoke the terms, make no mistake. You were promised to me before you were even born and I will have what is mine!” Then he turns his glare toward Danu, “You will not thwart me! She has one month.” His voice booms around the courtyard.
My body betrays me as my mind screams, “Nooooo!” I feel a dark pull to his very essence as I take him in. His hair is an unruly dark blond that’s been ruffled and wind tossed by the ride into the Keep. His eyes are a dark forest green, his complexion is tan, and his jaw is chiseled and defined with a shadow of a beard. His look reminds me of a California surfer. I find him so very attractive but don’t understand why until realization sets in. The blood contract. There is dark majic at work here. If the contract cannot be broken we are all in for a world of hurt.
As I’m working through my mixed emotions and thoughts I realize that Alaric has been tuned into my inner turmoil and has taken all he can stand. He’s shaking with the need to shift, his panther pushing to the forefront. In one brief shuddering moment he shifts into his panther form for the first time, shredding his clothing. His form is massive, he is a sight to behold, and rivals my father’s as he places himself between Tarron and me growling in agitation. He is magnificent. He paces towards Tarron with yet another menacing growl. Tarron narrows his eyes as realization dawns, his gaze moves between Alaric and me. All the while I begin to take up an internal chant, “We are stronger together than apart.” Repeating this over and over as my mantra I make my way toward Alaric to calm his beast. As I approach him he turns to me and I stroke his head, loving the feel of his silky, inky dark fur. “Alaric, stand with me. We do this together. We face him together. I understand your need to protect but I need you in your elven form. Can you please shift back?” His intelligent blue eyes look up at me and realization dawns as he nuzzles into my form and then in the next moment he shifts back into his beautiful naked self. Rhespen is at his side with a robe that has appeared out of nowhere. Only for me to realize it looks like the robe that Nemus wore earlier for the rites that were performed. Taking my left hand he gently raises it to his lips and places a tender kiss on the inside of my palm all the while looking me in the eyes as he says, “Together.”
The Dagda and Danu stand making their way to us. Then Āemarick and Airmed come to stand on either side of us. Rhespen is directly behind me his hand on my shoulder, lending me his support. I can sense that the rest of our friends and family come to stand behind us a
s Alaric says, “Tarron, you dare to interrupt this celebration? You dare to threaten to take my kindred from me? My mate. You’re presence here is unwelcome!”
Tarron’s rage is barely contained, he’s seething. A shadow passes over the moon eclipsing the light as I look up to see storm clouds boiling and rolling in as Tarron addresses Alaric. “You! You are a thief, Alaric! To think that we were once friends, you have taken what was promised to me! Tell me? Do you enjoy having what is mine in your bed?!” He explodes, “Enjoy it while it lasts.” He says with a snarl.
Alaric is outraged but before he can reply I step forward and let Tarron have it, “How dare you!! First you ride in here like you own the place interrupting my binding ceremony celebration just to throw a tantrum over not getting your way?! I assure you that I am not yours. You refer to me as nothing more than stakes to be won only to top it off by insulting my character. You are rude and your behavior is despicable! I am not a piece of property! You will apologize to me and my sister Alexia right now. This was to be her night as much as it was to be mine.” I pause to see that Tarron is just staring at me head cocked to one side assessing me. “I’m waiting. I’ll have that apology now!” I say with force as I’m fuming mad.
Alaric growls beside me and tightens his grip on my left hand and I feel our binding markings begin to tingle as he says, “Now. Tarron. You have disrespected my mate and those in attendance here this evening. This discussion can be had at a more appropriate time.” Rumbling thunder can be heard in the distance as the night continues to darken.
Tarron’s gaze never once leaves my face as he addresses Alaric, “Alaric, this matter is not closed. Princess, please except my humble apology, I allowed my anger over this unexpected turn of events to get the better of me. Lady Alexia, my sincerest apologies as well.” Tarron’s expression softens somewhat before turning his attention to Danu. “Danu this changes nothing.”
“Tarron it changes everything.” My mother offers up.
“No Danu. I stand steadfast in my claim. My claim was staked prior to the kindred binding. The blood contract will stand firm. You should have dissuaded your daughter from completing the binding. This will cause her great pain.” He says with just a tinge of regret.
“I beg of you Tarron, I will grant you anything within my power. Just leave Ashlinn out of this. You know as well as I do that once the kindred bond was recognized between the two of them that nothing would keep them apart. This is bigger than all of us. This affects all the Realms.” Danu argues back holding her ground.
“Danu, it is with great regret that I say you have nothing else that I want. Your daughter is the rarest of jewels and I will take her when the time is right.” Tarron says as he prepares his mount to leave.
I’m desperate at this point so I blurt out, “Make a deal with me.”
“No, Ashlinn. No deals.” Alaric growls.
“What do we have to lose? There is a black majic at work here. A blood contract, I can feel and see the connection between Tarron and I and it is consumed in darkness. We have to find a loop hole and if he will play then let’s play.” I can see that he is considering my suggestion.
“What deal, princess?” Tarron asks with interest.
“I will give you two months to woo me. Persuade me. Convince me that you are the one that I should be with. If you can do that in the time given then I’ll willingly come to you. If you cannot then all bets are off. I get to choose who I want to be with and the contract is null and void. Surely you want a willing partner in your bed.” I say hoping to appeal to his masculinity. “If you take this deal then you will abide by its terms and it will begin in one week’s time. If at the end of the two months allotted I choose to be with my kindred then you will release me from the blood contract that is now in play between you and my mother.”
Tarron speaks up, “An interesting proposal but why would I agree to that? In less than a month you will belong to me.”
“Prince Tarron, don’t you want someone that chooses you? Not because of some dark majic contract?” I ask pleading to his insecurities.
Something that looks a lot like regret passes over his features as he says, “I am truly sorry princess, but you and I both know that you will never chose me willingly. I see your binding marks, they are bold and strong. If I am to have you it will be at the hands of the contract between Danu and me. If it’s any consolation, I never meant for you to be hurt in the process. You are meant to be my queen and I will have you by any means necessary.” He says with determination and as his meaning sinks in a loud crack of thunder is heard as the storm continues to approach. The night has gone from beautiful and serene to dark and ominous as the wind begins to pick up.
“You will never have her. I will not allow you to corrupt her like you have been corrupted Tarron. Even now I know you can see the light in her. She is meant to save the Realms. You were once a reasonable and compassionate man Tarron. I ask that you reconsider.” Alaric tries to appeal to Tarron’s softer side.
“No, Alaric. I will not reconsider. Enjoy the time that you have with your kindred because she will soon be mine and there’s not a damn thing you can do to change what will be. The High Princess will be my queen.” The dark prince says.
“You keep saying that Tarron but you aren’t even next in line to the throne. Your father doesn’t recognize your claim. What exactly are you planning? If it is what I think it is, you will put Ashlinn in grave danger and I cannot allow that.” Alaric says pulling me to his side wrapping his arm around my back and waist.
The night sky has become a sooty mass of rolling storm clouds, lightening arcing across the sky illuminating the menacing tempest. Tarron replies darkly, “You can’t stop me now. No one can. She’s the key to my success. My father can keep his pathetic throne. I have set my sites elsewhere. Princess until we meet again.” With a nod of his head he urges his mount forward and his men follow as they race out of the Keep into the dark and threatening night, the sound of their mount’s hooves racing across the bridge echoing in the night competing with the thunder overhead to be heard.
“Close the gates!” The Dagda voice booms through the courtyard. “We are officially at war with the dark prince. No one enters without first consulting Alaric, Declan, or me from this night forward. Everyone inside, the night has taken a turn for the worse.”
I turn to see Lexie’s shell shocked face and I’m immediately remorseful for the turn of events, “Lexie I’m so sorry this was to be a happy occasion. Your night has been ruined because of me.”
“How can you except blame for that monster’s actions. This is not your fault Ash, but I’m worried for you, very worried. There is a great deal of anger, rage, and darkness in Tarron. I fear for what will happen to you if we cannot break his hold on you. Nemus, the elders, and I have our work cut out for us.” Lexie says as we make our way back toward the entrance of the Keep.
I’m about to offer that we help move the tables and their contents inside only to see that Maith has that well under control. She waves us in the direction of the yet another room that I’m unfamiliar with. This must have been a backup plan in case of bad weather but I’m no longer in the mood to continue the celebration. It has been tainted with the appearance and threats from Tarron. All I want to do is go up to our chambers and hide away from what appears to be my fate. Remembering my vision from earlier, the last image I saw was one of me submitting to the pull of the blood contract and I anguish over what is to come. Alaric pulls me into a hug and just holds me as the two of us give into our unease over Tarron’s proclamation. Time is now our enemy.
Chapter 31
(Tarron)
As my men and I bolt across the bridge heading back the way we had come the night has turned dark, reflecting my mood. The sky is now lit only by lightning as it dances across the night sky revealing murky, dark, rolling clouds and I revel in the approaching storm. The ride away from Glenndale Lock Keep is a somber one as I reflect back on the moment I first lay eyes on my chose
n. Words cannot describe how alluring she is to me. Her presence is one of light and strength. She’s tiny and yet she fills the space with her presence and her light fills the recesses of my dark soul. Her eyes are mesmerizing and she’s vulnerable, yet fierce. My perfect match, except for the fact that she is not only Alaric’s kindred but they are now shifter mates. Once the best of friends I know now that from this point forward we will forever be enemies. The only thing that will change that is if I choose to not evoke the terms of the contract and that is not an option. The moment my eyes met hers I was lost. Lost to her beauty, she is the light to my darkness. I crave her. She will be my redeemer, my queen.
Alaric has always been the golden boy, the favored amongst us while I was the reject that my father, King Bres chose not to claim. He made promises to my mother, a princess in her own right, only to turn around and marry that bitch, goddess Bridgid, once he found out that their affair had resulted in a pregnancy. He tossed both my mother and me aside to play house with his new family driving my mother to madness and disgrace while placing Bridgid on the throne as his queen. To add insult to injury he then acknowledged to the entire Realm that I was his bastard son and no longer first in line to the throne, placing first my younger half-brother and then my half-sister ahead of me in the hierarchy creating a rift so great between us that I refused to have anything to do with him from that moment forward. I quickly rejected his pitiful attempt to bridge the gap between us when he offered to make me his Captain of Arms, a prestigious position to most. That only resulted in alienating me further as I retreated to my own Keep. Alaric never understood what that did to me. He has always had the love of his parents as well as having found favor with The Dagda, taking him under his wing. And as time passed I became more and more envious of everything that my friend had, allowing a darkness to take root in my soul. There is a part of me that will regret my actions as I did at one time value my friendship with Alaric but we are now clearly facing off over a woman. One we both want, one that I will do anything in my power to possess. Just thinking about her now with Alaric has my blood boiling. I was to be her one and only, she was promised to me! Once again the universe is attempting to deny me what is rightfully mine. Kindred and mating bonds be damned!
Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book Page 24
