Beneath The Shadows of Evil... Torn

by Jolynn Raymond

  “Thank you, Mistress. May I release you without incident?”

  Andor could feel her huffing in rage, could feel her nails as they curled like talons into the skin of his thighs, but he also felt her relax in his grip.

  “Yes, but you shall pay for this as well. I shall listen to the child, and then I will decide what is to be done.”

  Andor knew he couldn’t allow this to happen, but he released her anyway. He did however remain very close as he nodded to Elias. “Tell me. What do you know?”

  The boy looked at Marishka cautiously. He knew what he was about to say would make her furious. “Mikhal the Merciless took the girl Hannah from the safety of the tower room and she told of the plan to deliver the child to Mistress Marishka and kill the Gypsy.”

  “NO!” Marishka’s shriek of outrage once more disturbed the bats that hung above them and the sound of their papery wings flapping and rustling filled the cave. “My pet. My pet told of my secrets. How dare she. Did he kill her?”

  This last was asked as Marishka licked her lips in anticipation, hoping to hear of Hannah’s gruesome death.

  “No, Mistress. It is said she still lives. She is in the dungeon. Lord Arcos was said to be lenient. He left the girl alive and went back to the Gypsy’s chambers where he spent the day.”

  “She spilled my secrets without pain? I don’t believe it.”

  “I... Twas only what I heard, My Lady.”

  “You are to call me Mistress! I am your mummy. I made you, boy.”

  “Yes, Mistress, forgive me, Mistress.” He said the words but all Elias felt was hate for the woman before him. He held no allegiance towards her because she was his Sire.

  “And my brother, he is now cozy with the Gypsy whore? She has accepted him?”

  “I know not what goes on inside the chamber for her servant does not talk, but they dine together and walk together and he has stopped the slaughter in the village and replaced the serf’s pain with food for their bellies. He also has the other Gypsy, Natalya, caring for the ones with child. She went today to deliver a babe. Lucian could not go because of the sun, but I am certain he will leave to protect her as soon as he can.”

  “So the Master and his first in command are cozy with the human cattle. Tis the curse and the bitch he married. They have made him weak. He will ruin everything, Andor. We must stop him.”

  “I know, Mistress. I promise that we will. Your Andor will find a way, and soon you shall be back in your castle with a full belly and a multitude of servants to torment and torture.”

  Marishka turned to him, a pout upon her face, her eyes looking for all the world like a little girl’s who’s been denied something she wants ever so much. “You promise mummy? You promise mummy that you’ll make things right?”

  “Yes, darling. I promise. We shall stop the mighty Mikhal the Merciless.” Satisfied, Marishka once more turned her sights on Elias who shrank back. Andor saw her intent at once and intervened. The boy was his toy, not Marishka’s any longer. Besides they needed him.

  “Run along, Elias and keep your ears and eyes open.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Andor bristled inside at the lack of respect the child had shown by not calling him Master, but knew he was simply being wise. It would have set Marishka’s dander back up. She didn’t need to know the depth of his hold over the boy.

  After the child left, Andor turned to Marishka once more. “Now, sweet. You are to stay here and make yourself as comfortable as you can. I will try to obtain something to make this place cozier and bring us back someone tasty to eat. Please don’t go out, Mistress. It isn’t safe. I shall return as quickly as I can.”

  Marishka came to him and walked in a slow circle around him, trailing her hand across his chest, back, and groin as she did so, pausing to squeeze his hardening cock. “Yes, you go out and find someone to fill mummy’s belly and then we shall play. You’ve been naughty, Andor. Very, very naughty, and mummy needs to make you bleed.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  As Andor was searching the cottage of a serf who lay drained and lifeless upon the ground, Lucian was waking from some much needed rest. He’d been unable to sleep earlier. Worried about the state of things in the castle, troubled over who else might be in league with Marishka and Andor and plotting against his Master and the Mistress. Add to that, Natalya’s defiance and forbidden journey to the village, and it was a wonder he’d been able to get any rest at all.

  He’d needed it though, badly, and now as he swung his legs over the side of the bed and ran a hand through his hair, combing out the wild locks and scratching his naked belly and chest as he yawned, his eyes happened upon the clock and he jerked in shock, becoming fully awake at once.

  How could it be that late? Full darkness would have fallen over two hours ago, and Natalya was at the village unprotected. Damn the servant wench who he had ordered to wake him. He’d have her for supper as soon as he wrenched her flimsy excuses from her lips. So help him, if the girl proved to be another of Marishka’s spies he’d tear her apart before feasting on her blood.

  He rose and summoned a servant in a foul mood, furious with himself, and filled with worry over Natalya. True it was possible that she had attended to the woman and returned already, but he doubted it. Babes usually took their time coming into the world. His only conciliation was that at least she had her human guards, but the thought didn’t bolster his spirits. What were they in the face of ones as strong as Andor and Marishka?

  Had Lucian only known that Natalya had sent all but one guard home as the sun was setting, certain that her steadfast protector would arrive before long to take over the duty of defending her against those who sought to harm her, all thoughts of a meal and retribution against the girl who had allowed him to oversleep would have fled from his mind. As it was though, he felt he had a bit of time, at least enough to fill his belly, which was growling with need.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Mikhal had risen in a cheerful mood, only to find his wife was brooding once more. She had spent the day watching him sleep, then had gone to the nursery even though the room wouldn’t be used until long after little Mikhalen’s birth. Alliana was determined that her babe would stay by her side until he was older, but still she wanted to straighten things there, even though they didn’t need straightening. After she had fussed about for as long as she possibly could, she’d returned to her chambers to find him still asleep.

  Completely out of things to do, she had gone to her wardrobe and begun to pull the gowns from within, intending to sort through them, a task for Thalia of course, but she simply couldn’t be still, and needlepoint was the last task she wished to engage in. When she had finished with her dresses, she had been forced to sit down because her feet simply demanded it, but as before, she had been restless. So many thoughts filled her head, so many questions, and so many decisions. All of the thoughts from before still haunted her, and to top it off, she felt edgy, fidgety, and achy.

  Mikhal sensed her foul mood at once upon looking at her, and tried to cajole her out of it to no avail. He finally gave up, reasoning that at least her anger wasn’t directed at him. If it had been, she would have demanded that he leave her chambers at once. Instead she was allowing him to lounge upon the bed and watch her with a smile upon his face, a rare treat indeed.

  He imagined she was still troubled over the servant girl but it wasn’t to be helped. What had been done was done. Now all that needed to be decided was when he could be rid of Hannah altogether, for there was nothing that could persuade him to allow the servant to live. She was a danger he simply had to eliminate.

  “Please stop your pacing, Alliana.”

  I cannot help it, Mikhal. I feel the need to move.”

  He glanced down at her tiny feet. “Well at least you acceded to my wishes and placed shoes upon your feet this time.”

  “And it twas no easy task to get them on! I am quite unable to see them and bending is nigh impossible.” There was a bite to her voice, but then she softe
ned. It wasn’t his fault. Well it was actually, but she didn’t mind, not really. She rubbed her belly gently and shook her head. “I just wish he would come. I am weary of being with child.”

  “Tis too soon I think, wife.”

  “Not too soon for me.”

  “I wish I could make things better for you, love. Would you care for a game of chess perhaps? What about some tasty morsel to satisfy you both?”

  “No, I... I simply. I don’t know, Mikhal. I feel... odd.”

  He looked at her, concerned about her health. Her face was wan, her eyes weary. “Come, if you won’t sit and play chess, and you do not wish to eat, then let me rub your back.”

  “I cannot sit still, Mikhal. I simply cannot.”

  “Very well, let us walk for a while in your favorite courtyard. How does that sound?” Alliana nodded, suddenly feeling the need for fresh air.

  “Good. I need to leave later to seek out my sister once more, but for now, I’m all yours.”

  Alliana grimaced at the thought of Marishka but went towards Mikhal willingly. A walk would be nice. The weather had warmed as of late and Mikhal had ordered the servants to plant the spring flowers in the beds that lined the walkways. An order that had brought a look of surprise, but none dared question him.

  “Lead on, kind Sir. The moon awaits and the night is ours. As long as my feet are able to hold me that is.”

  Mikhal laughed at her lighthearted banter and took her arm, tucking it securely in his as they slowly made their way out the door, her in a near waddle, him taking very small strides to match her pace. “You know that I shall carry you if you tire.”

  “I am big as an ox.”

  “A beautiful ox. My ox.”

  Alliana gasped and slapped at his arm playfully, and Mikhal laughed, delighted that he had been able to lighten her mood. How very erratic she was these days. If he’d still been under the Empathy curse her rapidly changing emotions would have bombarded him relentlessly, making his head spin.

  They strolled slowly towards their favorite place, arm in arm, neither letting the things that loomed unpleasant in their lives intrude on their special moment. Mikhal was simply a husband escorting his very pregnant, very lovely wife about their home. There were no demons, no demented sister, no human girl locked below. For now it was only the two of them.

  As they arrived at the courtyard, Mikhal held the door open gallantly, and they both paused after passing through it, taking in the beauty of their surroundings. The fountain ran once more, the ice which had enchanted Alliana upon her first visit long gone, replaced by the sparkling droplets and the musical sound of the flowing water. The flowers were blooming, not to any great extent, spring had only just arrived, but they were there nonetheless and their subtle fragrance filled the air.

  “Tis so lovely here.”

  “Yes it is, love. And, tis the place where I began to win your heart.”

  “So you think it is won now do you?” Alliana smiled and lowered her eyes, causing her lashes to sweep down over her cheeks, and then glanced back up shyly.

  “I think that I am doing well in my quest, and that you are starting to see me for who and what I have become.”

  Alliana nodded slightly and drew in a breath. It was true. He had changed. She could no longer deny it. It showed in everything he did; how he treated her, how he protected her, how he loved her, how he tempered his actions because of her feelings. He could have torn Hannah apart with savage glee, but he hadn’t because he was no longer the monster who had brought her here to this place.

  “A man.” The words were whispered. An almost silent admittance, but he heard them loud and clear, and his heart heard them as well.

  “Yes, pigeon. A man. For you, I have become a man with a feeling heart once more.” A pang of guilt filled him as he thought of how he had yet to tell her of the spell. What would she do if she found out? Did she have to find out? Natalya had removed it and yet here he was. He still cared for her, still loved her deeply, he had even still shown restraint upon the girl. All of these things proved the transformation in him hadn’t come solely from magick, so why did Alliana need to be told?

  Mikhal pushed the unwelcome thoughts out of his head and turned his attentions back towards Alliana. As he did so, her eyes opened wide in shock and she pressed her hand down towards her womanhood as a stain spread across her skirt.

  “Alliana!”

  “I... I’m wet.” She held her hand up in the moonlight and to both of their relief it did not glisten with blood. Then the first cramp hit her hard, down low, almost doubling her over. “Oh, the babe. Tis too soon.”

  “Twill be fine. I swear, kitten, all will be fine.” He lifted her into his strong arms and raced down the hall as quickly as he could, carrying his precious bundle and whispering fervent pleas to a God who would never listen to one the likes of himself that his wife and child would be okay.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Mikhal moved down the hall as fast as he safely could, feeling both frightened and incredibly excited by the impending birth of his son. It was early, far too early, but they had said time and time again, the babe was conceived by magick and held magick in his veins. No one had known for certain what to expect. Enid and Marishka were no longer there to tell them what might be normal in the case of his son, and Mikhal wasn’t even certain that even they would have known. Vampires simply did not produce children.

  He spied a minion who had stopped to gawk at him and snapped at the fool to go get Mistress Natalya and have her come to the Mistress’s chambers. Before the man could speak however and tell him that he didn’t believe Lady Natalya was at the castle, Lucian came out of his own quarters and nearly collided with Mikhal, jostling Alliana in the process.

  She cried out in surprise, not hurt but startled, and Mikhal made a fierce growl in the direction of his first in command. His protective hackles were up. His mate was about to give birth, and pity the man who dared to harm her whether it is by choice or by chance.

  He then saw that the minion was still rooted to the spot, staring at him as he cradled Alliana, and snarled at him as well. “I told you to fetch Mistress Natalya you fool. My wife is going to deliver my son.”

  Lucian spoke up before the minion had the chance, if anyone was going to have his head taken off, it would be him, not the hapless fool standing by with his mouth flapping open.

  “She isn’t here, My Lord. Rowen, the woman in the village, also went into labor this afternoon. Natalya went to her long ago.”

  “Alone?”

  “No, Sire. In the accompaniment of servants.”

  “And how is it that it is now long dark and you are still here?”

  “I... I overslept, My Lord. The servant girl...” It was a lame excuse and Lucian knew it. Not one worthy of a reply.

  A fierce growl rose up inside of Mikhal once more. Not only was Natalya not here to tend to Alliana, she was out there in the dark, vulnerable. Lucian heard the sound and saw the look in his Master’s eyes and knew that if Mikhal didn’t have his arms full of his very pregnant wife, Lucian himself would be but a pile of dust upon the floor.

  Mikhal looked down when he felt Alliana place her hand upon his chest. “Please, Mikhal, now it not the time for anger.”

  Mikhal sucked in his breath to calm himself and closed his eyes fighting the demon that roared inside. Every bit of animalistic instinct inside him was raging because he felt as if his wife was in danger but he had to control himself. Now was certainly not the time to let his beast emerge.

  “Forgive me, sweet. You need to be abed. Lucian...”

  Mikhal looked up, but his first in command was already headed towards the stairs that would lead him to the great room and out of the castle. “I shall fetch her at once, My Lord. She shall be returned to the Mistress’s side long before the birth of the babe.”

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  As Lucian was sleeping at the castle and Alliana and Mikhal were bantering in her chambers well before Alliana’s labor b
egan, twilight was drawing near at hand as Natalya worked in the village tending Rowen. She knew that the men who had accompanied her were becoming nervous about the coming darkness. She could hear them through the thin walls of the cottage. They were frightened, and with good reason. No sane human went out at night without protection from one of the castle residents. Unfortunately, Rowen’s babe was not going to cooperate and arrive before night fell.

  The child was breech and simply refused to come, and it looked as if it could be hours before it would be in a position where Natalya could try and turn it. Making a decision, not wanting the lives of the men to be upon her shoulders, certain that Lucian would arrive soon after dark, she opened the cottage door and bade them all farewell.

  Many balked, knowing they should stay and protect the Lady, but Natalya could see the fear in their eyes. She reassured them that Lucian would be there shortly and dismissed them firmly once again, telling them that she would take the blame for any anger Lord Arcos felt needed to come their way.

  Finally they agreed, all except one man, who was resolute in his decision to stay. He wouldn’t go, no matter what she said, and when Rowen’s cries increased, she simply shook her head and went back inside, shutting the door behind her. A birthing room was no place for a man. Even the idiot Samuel had known that. The brute was down at the local tavern and had left instructions to be called for only if the babe turned out to be a boy.

  Natalya didn’t care about his ignorance, nor did she care about his unfeeling ways towards his wife at the moment. While it was true she pitied Rowen and her lot in life, Samuel’s absence from outside the cottage would give her a chance to get the medallion from Bethany just like they had talked about on their way to the village.