Reign to Rule

by Zoey Ellis

  Malloron glanced down at her. “You may wish to see it that way, but the fact is, the tenebris helps me to achieve the goals that I want to achieve, just like it has helped my father and grandfather achieve what they wanted to achieve. You may choose to see us as helping the children, but that is not the intention of using the tenebris.”

  Amara nodded, fully aware that he was trying to tell her that he was no savior. She could understand that, but the fact still remained that the children did not die or become insane because Malloron's family saw to it that they didn't. “Did any of your family encourage the childrens’ use of the Talent to bolster your numbers for the tenebris?”

  Malloron shook his head. “Not that I know of.” He looked at her solemnly. “And there really is no need to do that. The people of this Land do it regularly and frequently. The only reason it is not well-known is because the Visant family have been taking them, and none of their families would dare own up to their illegal practices.”

  Amara nodded. “So what happens to the children once they get older? Do they age? When I saw them in the dungeon it seemed as though their bodily functions had stopped, just like an Omega in her Haze. Is it a similar thing?”

  “It is similar,” Malloron agreed. “The childrens’ bodies grow out of the ability to access magic when they don’t use it. But it takes years for that the happen. Once the ability is worn out, the children are released.”

  “Where do they go?” Amara asked bewildered.

  “There are special places that they are taken. Quiet societies who need workers for simple jobs. As far as I know, none of them have ever been a problem in any of these places.”

  Amara didn't like the idea. Anything could happen to the children once they had left Eiros, but at least they were alive.

  “But from what I understand, the most ideal place for them to be is where an Omega is.”

  Amara snapped a look at him. “How do you know?”

  “It was in Grandfather’s research,” Malloron explained. “There is a reason why Omegas are suitable for tenebris, and it is because it comes from children. Omegas tend to have significant mothering inclinations. The truer the Omega, the better their connection with the tenebris.”

  “What is a true Omega?”

  “It is an Omega that has an Alpha father and Omega mother.”

  Amara pursed her lips, indifferent to the idea. She had no idea who her father and mother had been, and it didn't seem to matter anyway. As she continued to contemplate, she noticed that Malloron was peering down at her.

  “I appreciate you are trying to be honest,” he said. “But there are some things that simply cannot change. The fact is, I cannot survive without the tenebris now. So you either have to fully accept that, or continue with actions that will destroy us both. Because if I cannot survive, neither can you.”

  Amara stared up at him, the new understanding dawning. It wasn’t just that the tenebris was inside her, but she was bonded to him now. If anything happened to the children in the red dungeon that affected her mate…

  “Are you satisfied with my response?”

  She smiled. “They have certainly made me think. Thank you for telling me.”

  He rumbled in response, his eyes not leaving hers, and her smile widened as she felt his lengthening cock on her thigh. Reaching down, she began to take pleasure in his pleasure once again.

  ***

  “We need to hurry, Your Majesty.” Emric was practically hopping from foot to foot.

  “I don't see what the rush is,” Amara complained. “You only came in here a few moments ago.”

  “I didn't realize how long it would take you to get ready,” Emric huffed.

  “I didn't realize I was going anywhere at all,” Amara exclaimed. As she wrangled with the elaborate, puffy dress that she was supposed to wear, she asked, “Where are we going anyway?”

  “It is a ceremony that celebrates Malloron joining the Nyek tribe.”

  Amara froze. “The what tribe?”

  “Your Majesty,” Emric hissed, flapping his hands. “Please, keep going. I do not know how they will behave if we are late. We have already disrespected many of their traditions since they’ve been here.”

  “Who are you talking about?” Amara asked bewildered, but she continued her battle with the dress.

  “Our guests. We have had guests in the castle for a while now.”

  “Oh,” Amara said in understanding. “The strange Alphas? The ones I met in the corridor?”

  “Yes,” Emric confirmed. “They are from the Southern Lands, and they are returning to their home very soon.”

  “Is Malloron going with them?” Amara asked frowning. “Why is he joining the tribe?”

  “Every time you talk, you slow down,” Emric pointed out, somewhat sharply, his irritation clear. “I will wait for you outside.”

  Amara held in a giggle. “Or you could help me,” she called as he opened the door.

  “If I want to keep my hands, I would do well not to touch you,” Emric remarked, before exiting the room.

  Finally, Amara was fully dressed. One of the royal dress maids pinned her hair up and added appropriate jewelry, before fixing a thin, golden crown on her head. Amara had been completely blown away by the crown. It was utterly beautiful; delicate, uniquely designed, and sparkling with gemstones. She had never seen anything like it before. As she walked down the corridor, she was worried it would slide off her head even though it was secure.

  “There is no point in rushing to get ready if you are also going to walk slowly,” Emric said, his irritation worse.

  “I'm just trying to get used to the shoes and this crown,” Amara said.

  Emric peered up at her head. “The crown won’t fall off. It has been custom made to fit you.”

  Amara’s eyebrows rose. “It has?”

  “Of course,” Emric said, rolling his eyes. “You do not possibly think Malloron would have you wearing someone else's crown do you?”

  No. Of course he wouldn’t. Amara simply grinned at him.

  Emric sighed and shook his head, the corner of his mouth quirking up. “I have to say, you do look stunning. King Malloron will not be able to keep himself from you, I guarantee it.”

  The idea made Amara giddy, but she tried to hold it in. He had left her this morning with a series of kisses and promised that he would be back soon. He never mentioned anything about the ceremony, so she could only assume that he hadn’t known about it either. She was intrigued about seeing the new Alphas again, but she was more excited about seeing Malloron.

  The ceremony took place in a small hall Amara had never been to before. Many of the strange Alphas filled the space, but in the center stood the large Alpha she had seen in the corridor. He seemed more rugged than she remembered, still covered in patterned black lines and wearing strange clothing. For some reason, he looked fiercely angry and Amara suddenly wondered if this was indeed a celebration. His blond hair and large size made him stand out against all the other dark-haired Alphas that surrounded him.

  Malloron stood in the center of the room, opposite him, and Amara’s mouth went dry at the sight of him. He stood dressed in a rich indigo robe and silk tunic with patterned boots, and held a thick golden staff encrusted with gems and intricate patterns throughout. At its head was a large gemstone, larger than Amara's fist, surrounded by four pointed stems of gold that held a shard of what looked like magic at their tips, which seemed to be holding the gemstone in place.

  Malloron's hair had been combed through, and Amara suddenly realized it had grown since she had first seen him; his hair lengthened past his chin down the back of his neck. He also wore a golden crown. She could barely believe that he was her Alpha. He looked so regal and royal and so handsome, especially the fact that he was surrounded by much more rugged Alphas; the sight of him sent shivers to Amara's core.

  Malloron turned to look at her, the whole room did, but she could only see him. His eyes widened as he took in her dress and her crow
n, and that pleasurable feeling pulsed in her chest. Amara made her way to him, Emric escorting her through the warriors, and when she arrived, he took her hand and pulled her close to him. “You are fucking beautiful,” he said, matter-of-factly.

  “So are you,” she responded. “I've never seen you wearing a crown before.”

  “It is usually only for certain occasions,” he said wryly. “But I have to say yours does suit you. A lot.” The look in his eyes change. “I think it might be the only thing you will be permitted to wear in our nest.”

  Amara tried so hard not to grin like a fool, but he’d said their nest!

  “Today we welcome a new brother to our tribe,” called out the blond Alpha suddenly. “He has proven himself to be worthy of the Nyek name, fighting with us, supporting us, entering into honest negotiations, and endeavoring to be a good ally.” The Alpha turned to the rest of the room. “King Malloron may not be a Southern Lander, but I have witnessed much since I've been here, and I have been impressed with his actions.” He turned back to look at Amara. “Particularly with regards to his Omega.”

  The entire room began to murmur and the blond Alpha held his hand up. “Yes, King Malloron has an Omega, but there is no need for alarm. I will have an announcement regarding that as we travel home.”

  Amara glanced at Malloron wondering if he knew what the Alpha was talking about, but Malloron remained calm, his eyes on the blond.

  “Any brother of the Nyek tribe will know that we honor our Omegas, and Malloron has shown that repeatedly during our time here, even when it seemed that he was disrespecting us. Almost all of his interactions with me have been around the concern for his Omega, and I hold the highest respect for him for that.”

  Amara glanced at Malloron again, this time in shock. What the hell had he done?

  “I am particularly pleased that his Omega is good-looking,” the blond alpha said, and some of the other Alphas in the room chuckled. “And I'm certainly relieved that her scent is more pleasing today than what I experienced from her in the past.”

  Malloron growled and yanked Amara against him, and slightly behind him, snarling at the blond Alpha.

  The entire hall erupted in laughter, although Malloron clearly could not see what was so funny. Amara grinned and wrapped her arms around him, pressing herself against him tightly, and trying to soothe him.

  “No one here is going to take your Omega.” The blond Alpha grinned. “We celebrate her with you. We are brothers, and we will be here for you as you will be for us.” He continued to say something else, raising his voice around the hall, but it was a language that Amara didn't understand. The other Alphas apparently understood because they all yelled in unison, punching their fists up into the air.

  Amara jumped in shock, but Malloron wound his arm around her and kept her close to him.

  When the blond Alpha returned his attention back to Malloron, he grinned at them both. “Expose your arm,” he ordered.

  Malloron hesitated for a moment and then released Amara to roll up the sleeve of his tunic.

  One of the Alphas next to the blond stepped forward with a needle, and a potion bowl. “Congratulations on your first mark of honor,” the Alpha said. “This one is for your bravery in battle, and for your leadership and guidance to help us secure this Land.”

  The Alpha holding the ball dipped the needle in the potion ball and the tip of the needle glowed. He carefully marked Malloron's arm. And as he did so, the blond Alpha chanted in his language.

  “Malloron,” Amara said, suddenly unsure. “What is happening?”

  “This is just me joining the tribe, Amara,” Malloron said to her, dragging his eyes from the needle to look at her. “There's nothing to worry about; it will be over soon.”

  “Why do you have to join the tribe?”

  “It was part of an agreement so I could get you back.”

  Amara didn't know what to say. He was joining a foreign tribe because he had made an agreement with these people to get her back? It seemed almost ludicrous, and yet she knew that he would do it. It just… it didn't seem like Malloron. Leadership, bravery, and guidance could definitely be him, but not all this talk of brotherhood and honor and loyalty. Where was that coming from? Surely Malloron hadn’t changed that much. Was he really going to uphold his word to these people?

  As she watched the ink pressing into his skin, a vibration within her strengthened and increased, but she couldn’t tell which one. She held herself close to Malloron, hoping he would be comforted by her touch.

  Finally, the inking had finished, and the blond Alpha asked Malloron to recite words in his language. Once that was done, Malloron was declared a member of the tribe.

  “We now have an ally and a brother in the Western Lands,” roared the blond Alpha. “And not only does he reside here, but he also rules!” The entire hall erupted. “The Nyek tribe has expanded!”

  Amara turned to Malloron, but he was already looking at her, and as the Alphas around them roared and celebrated and clashed weapons, he drew her close to him, a warm smile on his face, and he was the only thing that mattered.

  ***

  Amara returned to her room looking forward to that night. Malloron had certainly been enthusiastic about her dress and had ordered her to keep the crown on until he took it off himself… among other things he intended to do. She was already wet with the anticipation of what was to come.

  As she prepared to change into her night tunic, she suddenly felt a familiar magical signal. A burst of magic appeared in her mind’s eye and then faded quickly.

  Amara held her breath, a sudden indecision gripping her about what to do. It had to be the Mothers at the Omega Compound—they were the only ones who would be able to get in contact with her. She had sent them a message about the children as soon as she realized the risk to Malloron. Now was the time to explain. She took a breath, and when the magic burst in her mind’s eye again, she took hold of it and sunk her consciousness into it.

  “Amara?” A blurry image appeared in her mind’s eye, before clearing.

  Amara gasped. “Zanya? Is that you? Are you all right?”

  “I am well,” Zanya smiled and Amara almost squealed at the sight of her. “I've missed you so much.”

  “And I you,” Amara insisted. “I wasn't sure that I would see you again. You look well.”

  Zanya chuckled. “The fresh air in Osorren has done me well, I cannot deny it.”

  “How come you’re contacting me? Did the Mothers send you to get me?”

  Zanya's expression sobered. “Are you well? I've heard some rumors… Are you being kept well by the king?”

  “It has been a tricky start,” Amara admitted. “But we are getting there.”

  Zanya frowned. “You are happy to be with him? You are absolutely certain?”

  Amara nodded. “He is my true mate. I didn’t believe it for a long time, but I understand the importance now. I understand him differently now.”

  Zanya stared at her for a long moment. “I'm shocked,” she admitted. “You never spoke of him favorably when we were in the castle. He was our number one enemy,” she added wryly. “It seems strange that now you are saying he is your true mate.” She hesitated. “Are you sure?”

  Amara nodded. “I was in denial about it for a long time,” she said. “But, it's an obvious truth that I cannot ignore.”

  “What about all the things he’s done? Are you going to settle with that?” Zanya asked, somewhat bewildered. “A lot of people have suffered because of him. How are you going to live with yourself if that continues?”

  “I don’t know,” Amara admitted. “There is a lot still for me to figure out. I know I cannot live with him in the life that he has made for himself, but I hope that I can find a way to make a new life, a life that helps others.”

  Zanya shook her head slowly. “I feel that you are still in denial,” she said, evenly. “There is much that Malloron has done to the people of this Land. Much he is doing now even. I don't see h
ow you can change that to such a drastic degree.”

  “There is a lot to understand.”

  “Perhaps,” Zanya said. “But understanding does not change those people's experiences.”

  Amara hesitated. “When you say there is much he is doing now what do you mean?”

  “He has captured the rulers across the Lands. There are no rulers running any of the countries, there hasn't been for a couple of weeks. Everything is chaos. People are fighting, there have been riots, societies have been torn apart due to fear about what the king is going to do. He hasn't yet made any kind of statement about his intentions, and people still think that he has some kind of weapon against him. Some magical weapon that he can use to destroy all of the lands.”

  Amara scoffed. “That is just silly.”

  “It's not that silly when you are living in one of those lands,” Zanya insisted. “When you have no idea if your family will survive to the next day.” She sighed. “I know I'm not telling you anything you don't know, but if the king makes the wrong move with the rest of the Lands, everything will be worse than before. I know you think you can make a difference, but if you are stuck in the castle and cannot see what is happening, how can you possibly help anybody?”

  Amara frowned. “I'm not here as a spy,” she pointed out. “I'm here as his mate.”

  “Then you will be of no use to anyone at all,” Zanya said sharply. “Because as his mate, you may not be told anything that he is doing.”

  “And what about as queen?”

  At that, Zanya's brows raised. “Queen of the Western Lands?” She nodded thoughtfully. “That would indeed be something if you were able to make decisions. But I would have to believe it when I see it.” She grinned. “If anybody can do it you can.”

  Amara smiled. “Thank you.” Something suddenly occurred to her. “How come you can contact me here? You haven't been able to contact me before, have you?”