Beneath The Shadows of Evil... Torn

by Jolynn Raymond

  Natalya made a sound of outrage at his statement but left the hood of her cloak where it was, and didn't pull her headscarf back into view. His words did sound true, and she was doing this for the good of Alliana. From what she had heard, Enid was a horrid witch who would be best put to death, and Natalya wanted to be the one tending her friend as soon as possible.

  She crossed her arms over her breasts and tapped her foot impatiently, signaling she wished to be off, but refusing to speak to the handsome but irritating man before her. Lucian went to the door and opened it, gesturing with a wide exaggerated bow that she should precede him through it, smirk firmly affixed upon his face, feeling as if he had won the first battle between them.

  When he had been told of his new assignment he had loathed the idea, but now he thought it just might not be so very bad. The woman before him was stubborn, that was very true. Stubborn and insolent, but she was also beautiful and full of fire and those were qualities one couldn't dismiss so easily. She certainly did bear watching.

  He would do as his Master requested, of that there was no question, but what remained to be seen was what would come of it The new human in the castle had sparked his interest in a way that no woman had done for a very long time. Unbelievably, she viewed herself as his equal, and though he felt he had won this particular sparring of words, she certainly had held her own throughout the battle, never bowing before him or admitting defeat. The hood was in place as directed, but the scrap of fabric on her head still remained. Check and check mate.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Mikhal watched with satisfaction as Alliana popped the last morsel of food from her platter into her mouth, thrilled that she was eating again. Even without Enid's expert opinion, he could tell she was bursting with health. She simply glowed with motherhood. Her cheeks were rosy, her hair was even more lustrous than usual, her eyes bright, and she just had a glow about her. Her face held radiance as never before. Though she may be troubled in her heart, her body was finally responding well to carrying their child, and it pleased him to no end.

  Alliana looked up, feeling his eyes upon her and blushed at his frank appraisal. She felt embarrassed that she had eaten every scrap of food on her plate. It certainly wasn't very ladylike. Then again, why should she care? She didn't give a fig about impressing her husband. Let him think she was sloth and unmannered, perhaps then he would stop enjoying her company and she would be rid of him. She met his gaze with a cool one of her own, daring him to make a comment about her appetite.

  Mikhal sensed her embarrassment then surge of pride, and wanted to sooth her ruffled feathers. He was thrilled she was hungry once again, not put off by her gusto for eating. "You must be feeling well once more, sweet. It does my heart good to see you eat your dinner. You and our child need the sustenance to keep you both strong."

  "Your heart is cold and dead."

  "Alliana, must we go down that road again? I was hoping for a pleasant evening." He tilted his head ever so slightly and gave her a look that held tenderness and passion. It spoke of a sincere desire for a truce between them.

  "No, we most certainly do not. You asked me to dine with you and I have. The meal is over now and I wish to retire. I would like you to leave me in peace so I may rest. Unlike you I live my life during the day."

  Mikhal's first thought was that that aspect of her life was certainly going to change. He was not about to go back to the way things were where he only saw her for an hour or two a day, but he stayed silent on the subject, now was not the time. It would be enough to keep her in his company for just a little longer tonight.

  "Tis a shame you are so weary, sweet. I thought perhaps you would enjoy a walk. How long has it been since you were able to move about? I would think you were weary of staying in your bed."

  Alliana's eyes brightened at his suggestion. A walk? Oh, she hadn't moved beyond her chambers or the tower room in all the time he'd been gone. A stroll about the castle would be lovely. The problem was it would involve his company. "What will it be, love? Do you wish to sulk in your solitude or withstand my company in favor of a stroll in the courtyard? The night is clear and the stars are out. Tis cold but not so bitter that your cloak won't keep you warm." Oh he was a devil! He knew she couldn't resist such an offer as that. "Very well, My Lord. I shall walk with you. That is all though."

  "I wouldn't think of compromising you, my sweet, unless you asked me to." The glint in his eyes told her that he thought she might just do that one day soon. She huffed at him in exasperation, and made a move to rise from her chair. Mikhal was quicker though, and was at her side in an instant. Taking her arm and pulling her up, his hand lingering at her elbow, one hand coming up to stroke her hair ever so briefly.

  "I am quite capable, Mikhal."

  He could hear her heart pounding; see the fluttering of her pulse as it beat in her neck, beckoning to him. His eyes shone briefly with his burning desire yet he pressed a chaste kiss to the top of her head instead before releasing her. Now wasn’t the time to satisfy his needs. Mikhal knew it would be best not to incite her anger. That wasn't his intention at all. His beast wanted her afraid and in a rage, but his man was pleased with the way things were proceeding. True Alliana wasn’t falling into his arms or professing her undying love, but she also wasn’t flaying him alive with her tongue while shooting daggers of hate into his heart.

  "I know you are Alliana, but I wish to see you safe. Please don't blame a man for wanting to care for his wife and child. I simply wanted to help you rise, to make sure you are steady.”

  “What you wanted was to fondle me.”

  A small growl rumbled deep in Mikhal’s chest at her continued obstinate ways and Alliana felt it reverberate through her soul. Her dominant male had spoken to her, his mate, in no uncertain terms, and though she wasn’t pleased, part of her yearned to do as he wished. Their bond triggered the response deep inside her like it or not.

  “If I had wanted to fondle you wife, my hands would be doing just that. I told you I shall respect your wishes regarding when I bed you next, and I am a man of my word. Now stop this arguing and put on your cloak. Tis cold outside, but I wish for you to see the stars and have some fresh air.”

  Alliana had her own idea on whether or not Mikhal the Merciless was a man of his word, evil creatures simply couldn’t be trusted and it was ludicrous to even suggest it, but she did long to go out, so she held her tongue and brushed past him. She went to the wardrobe and selected her heaviest cloak, then began to pull it onto her shoulders. Strong hands gripped her fingers, taking the cape from her hands and began to work the clasps at her neck and breasts. He had come up behind her so silently that she hadn’t heard him, and Alliana trembled at his nearness. The act was far from intimate, but disturbing all the same. The best place for Mikhal the Merciless as far as she was concerned, was across the room.

  “I can do it.” Alliana tried in vain to push his hands away but he persisted, and then laid his fingers briefly on her shoulders before leaning in to kiss her there and sliding one hand down to her rounded stomach. She could feel the weight of him pressed against her, smell the scent of scotch and soap, and the way his hand laid on their child set her nerves on edge.

  “You’re beautiful. Thank you for giving me our child.” The words were whispered, hoarse with emotion and Alliana was left speechless by his actions and tender declaration. Again that unwanted bond tugged at her heart before she grit her teeth and slammed shut the gate in the wall she had built around it. He was a demon, he was an evil thing, he couldn’t care, couldn’t love. Sensing the change in her emotions immediately, Mikhal backed up; giving her the emotional room she longed for, and gently put her hood up over her head.

  “Come, the stars await my Lady. I ordered them to be shining especially bright just for you.” He held out his arm in a gallant fashion and Alliana glared at him briefly, making it all too clear that she wanted nothing to do with him and that the only reason she was going along with his scheme was because she longed for
a walk. She then went to him without a word or another glance, determined to remain mute the rest of the evening. His face was undeniably handsome, his words sweet, his actions oh so gentle, but none of it mattered to Alliana. She’d seen it all before, and knew he could turn on her with unbridled fury in the blink of an eye.

  Chapter Four

  Mikhal slowed his strides to match those of his petite mate as they walked the halls of the great castle. He reached over to place his hand on hers where it held his arm and felt her stiffen, but stroked the delicate skin anyway. He couldn’t resist touching her in these simple yet innocent ways, not when she was so very near him. He vowed to hold to his promise not to bed her, but he simply would not stop indulging in these tiny acts of intimacy. She was his wife after all.

  At his gentle stroking, Alliana looked up at him, the jerking of her head causing her hood to fall back. His soft blue gaze met her fiery one and she tried to pull her hand from his arm but he wouldn’t allow it.

  “Release me.”

  “Alliana, I am doing nothing but escorting you on a stroll through our home. If you simply calm down you may find a bit of enjoyment in it.”

  “I shall never find enjoyment with the likes of you.”

  His immediate urge was to snap that perhaps she’d prefer Lucian to walk with her, but he held his tongue, choosing to spar with her a bit instead. They could have a few heated words, but it would be on his terms and their fighting would remain tame. This would give her a bit of satisfaction and yet keep things under control so his demon wasn’t tempted to subdue her.

  “You will in time, sweet, I promise you that. We are wed and here you shall stay, and I intend to fill your life with a multitude of delightful activities.” His words were innocent enough, but the gleam in his eyes spoke of delights that could be had in the bedchamber.

  “Oh, you are a vile beast.”

  “So you have told me, Alliana, yet I fail to see how any of my behavior as of late has earned me that title.” He paused then, staring into her stormy green eyes, his own a sparkling clear blue that she knew she could drown in if she gave in to his beguiling words.

  “A few simple manners and sweet talk do not a gentleman make. I know what you are inside. I’ve seen what you are.”

  “That is true sweet, but as of yet, you haven’t seen my heart, and it is that which I am trying so very hard now to show you.” He pulled her close, closer than she would have liked but held her loosely and she didn’t pull away. He could hear her heart racing and knew it was from both fear and anger, but the bond that joined them also detected a hint of fire racing through her blood. He ran one thumb down her cheek and over her jaw line, tracing the delicate bone structure there, gazing at the lips he longed to kiss, breathing simply because the sight of her made him feel so very alive. The vision of her tightened his chest, made his undead heart feel as if it were pounding, and made his blood race through his veins.

  Alliana watched as his lips descended downward, and pressed her palms against his chest, suddenly wanting his kiss but not wanting it all the same. She shook her head and he moved a hand up to entwine in her hair, then tilted it ever so slightly to the side, exposing the smooth pale column of her neck and the mark that proclaimed to all the world that she was his.

  Alliana sensed his intentions at once, and she panicked. If he kissed her there upon his bite mark she knew she would want him. Her body would betray her and unwanted heat would flood her loins. She pushed harder against his chest and whimpered a soft ‘no’ even as his lips kissed her just above his mark of claim.

  “No.... please.” Her heart was pounding in fear, but it wasn’t fear of him now, it was fear of her reaction. Fear of how she would betray all she had vowed against if he continued this physical onslaught.

  Mikhal sensed her desperation, heard her pounding heart, and part of him, his ever-present demon, rejoiced, but then, he froze as he heard something more. A second heartbeat joined hers, a tiny one that beat faster that his mother’s but was reacting to her fear all the same. Mikhal drew in a sharp breath and released her head then gathered her up in his arms.

  “Oh Alliana, tis alright love. I won’t force you. Please don’t be frightened. It’s all right sweet. He set her from him, though all he longed to do was kiss her and place tiny kisses on her belly. He touched her there briefly, seeking to sense the child within, seeking a connection, but found none. This didn’t bother him though. It was enough to know that his child lived. He had heard proof in the tiny beats of the babe’s heart.

  “Come, wife. Let us resume our walk.” He held out his arm and she shied away for a moment, looking at him warily, then took it and stared straight ahead, vowing once again to remain silent for the rest of the evening.

  They walked in silence just as Alliana wished for the most part, except when Mikhal would stop her before an oil painting or one of the magnificent tapestries hanging about Castle Arcos. These beautiful hangings with the intricate work, the detail astonished Alliana, the rich colors woven throughout to bring the countryside, its people and the animals to life. Each was a work of art, unique in and of itself, the only common thread being the Arcos family crest gracing all four corners. Alliana wondered at the work required, the talent needed, and the untold hours spent creating such beautiful, detailed pieces, and knew she herself could never hope to aspire to such grandeur. It simply wasn’t in her, but that didn’t stop her admiring them.

  “I certainly hope you realize I will never be a Lady who sits and creates weavings such as these.” Her words weren’t said as an apology, merely as a comment, and in a tone that dared him to criticize her.

  “No love, I’ve seen your attempts at needlework. Tis not why I married you.” Alliana head whipped around to look at him, fire once again blazing from her eyes. He simply winked at her, pleased with the flush of her cheeks and the flame he was able to ignite in her gaze. She may deny caring for him, and her words may hold true, but she wasn’t dead to him either. If he could spark a flame of indignation, make her irate, get her ire up, then it was a start. She may not feel love, but she was feeling something, and bit-by-bit he would batter down the wall she’d built around her heart.

  “Come, your cheeks are flushed sweet. It must be the heat of your heavy cloak. I myself do not feel temperature but you must be overly warm.” Again he winked at her and this time added a smile that could melt butter. Alliana wanted to stamp her foot in irritation but held her tongue. She refused to allow him to goad her.

  “Lead the way.”

  They walked only a short distance before reaching a large intricate door. Pausing, Mikhal turned her to him and once again raised her hood, tying the strings quickly to secure it in place, then backed away and took her hand, placing it in the crook of his arm before opening the door.

  They stepped out into an intimate inner courtyard where she had never been before, and Alliana couldn’t help but gasp at the beauty of it. Even now in the winter with all of the flowers dead and gone, the place looked magical. The water had frozen in the fountain, creating a mystical scene of glistening ice, making the stone figures at the center shimmer and sparkle. The benches were dusted with a fine powdery layer of snow, and everywhere she looked seemed like a winter’s wonderland. The scrolls of the stone balustrades that boarded the edges of the walkways were covered with an icy glaze as well and they reflected both the moon and the stars, and everywhere she looked, Alliana saw something that sparkled and shimmered.

  “It’s lovely.” Her lips were parted just a bit as she gazed about her in awe, and tiny plume of breath created a frosty halo that rose to the sky around the white fur hood.

  “Come, I wish to show you something.” He led her to one of the benches near the silent fountain, and took off his cloak, laying it down over the snow, then took her hand and helped her to sit, before quickly sitting beside her, his muscular thigh touching her own. Before she could move away, one of his arms encircled her waist.

  “I promised you the stars tonight,
sweet, and here they are. Aren’t they beautiful?”

  “Very, thank you for bringing me here, Mikhal.”

  “I do want you to be happy, Alliana, and I shall bring you here every night if it is what you wish. We may never have the sunlight together, love, but we do have the moon and stars, and look.” He pointed to the sky, “See that cluster of stars?”

  Alliana’s eyes followed his outstretched finger and she searched the pitch-black sky, and then nodded eagerly when she saw a particularly bright cluster of stars.

  “Very good, now look north, the ones that form a W are called Cassiopeia.” Mikhal went on to show her more constellations, telling her of their names and meanings, and Alliana took it all in, gazing in wonder at the beautiful night sky. When a chill made her shiver Mikhal looked down in concern, realizing he had gotten too involved in what he was doing, and that he’d allowed too much time to slip away.

  “It is time we went in. You must be frozen by now.” He took her hands in his, wishing for body heat so that he could warm them.

  “No, I’m fine, truly I am. I’m enjoying my lesson, and the stars are just as beautiful as you said they would be.”

  Mikhal was thrilled that she hadn’t jumped at a chance to return to her quarters. “They do not rival your loveliness, sweet. Are you sure you are warm enough?” He wanted to get her inside, knew he should, but there was something he had to give her first.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I don’t wish to go in.”

  He smiled at her, loving the gentleness in her tone, the sparkle of happiness in her eyes. It was all because of him right now. He was making her happy. Not Natalya, not Lucian, but him. Gone was the woman shooting daggers from her eyes, she had been replaced by the sweet woman he knew resided within. This little outing had been a success.