by Ben Alderson
“Do not fret,” I said, placing a hand on his shoulder to calm his anxiety. “We’re your New Council for a reason, we can help plan what comes next. We still have the bones of a plan, it could still work.”
“Baiting the Druid here?”
“It is a risk we are going to have to take,” Kell said. “My people may not want you close to the city, but they still are willing to help. There is one condition before we can move forward with any decisions.”
“Pray tell, what could this be?” Hadrian snapped.
“There is a chance that you both could lose control again, and that makes the city and its people uneasy. We need insurance of a kind, something to make them more at ease to know that you both can be subdued if anything happens again,” Kell explained. “It only took one Dragori to send my people below the ground moons ago, and this time around we have all four here. After what happened yesterday I am certain you can understand why I—the King worries.”
“We will do what is needed to ensure he can help us in our joint effort to bring the Druid down for once.” I stepped forward, nodding with vigor. “Tell us what it is he asks of, and we will do our best to comply.”
“He asks for each Dragori present on his land to have a guard of sorts. The guard will be armed with a weapon forged from gold, strong enough to bring you down if you ever lose control again. When I spoke of what happened when the guards bled you both and how it ceased the attack it was the only option to stop it from happening again.”
There was a paused silence as our group of four looked to Kell then to each other. It was Hadrian who spoke first.
“If that is what it takes, we will do it.”
Kell released a breath which sagged her shoulders and flattened the creases in her forehead.
“I am glad you said that, and so will my people when I tell them you have accepted the clause.”
“These guards, will they be provided by your King?” I asked.
Kell paused, lips pulled into a smirk and nodded. “Only if that is what you desire. If not, you are to choose someone you trust with your life. Literally. Someone who will not hesitate to bury gold into your flesh if you ever lose control again.”
There was only one person I could think of besides Hadrian to do this for me, and she was on a ship coming to Morgatis. Nyah.
“Do you know someone who you trust enough to do this?” Kell pushed on.
Hadrian nodded, raising a finger to Fadine. “This is down to you, sister.”
I’d never heard him refer to Fadine as his sister before. Fadine’s face lost its color for a moment, and I was sure she was going to refuse, but she lowered her gaze.
“If that is what I must do, then so be it,” Fadine said, her voice cracked as she agreed.
“What of you, Zacriah?” Kell asked. “Do you need me to retrieve a guard from Vcaros?”
“I am sure they would jump at the chance to take years of disdain out on me, but there is no need. I know someone who will do it without question.”
“What of Emaline and Marthil? You will each need someone.”
“Give us until this evening to decide who they will have as their guards,” Hadrian said. “And Zacriah you must contact Nyah for an update on her arrival. My guess is they will need a guard for us each as soon as night falls.”
He looked to Kell and she nodded. “The decisions must be made tonight.”
“Being close to gold is both a safety net and a curse. It must be well hidden until it is needed, otherwise we cannot guarantee we will be in control if we are close to the source again,” Hadrian added, rubbing his hands together to mask their shaking.
“We have a solution for that already. As long as you stay far from the city you can be certain you will not be put in the way of gold again. Not until it is needed that is,” Kell said. “I must return to Vcaros and its people and tell them of your acceptance.”
“And what is the chance that I can have a conversation with your King?” Hadrian asked.
“Slim,” Kell replied bluntly. “I am afraid it will be me used as his mouth piece and yours.”
“Then I trust you will tell him of our plan,” Hadrian said. “Word for word.”
“Believe me.” Kell looked down briefly. “Not a single detail will be left out.”
I tapped Hadrian’s shoulder. “We must inform Emaline first and tell her before we begin solidifying our moves. It is her we are putting at risk to bait Gordex here, she should know before everyone else.”
“Kell, if you just pass on our acceptance and give us until this evening to sort out both Emaline and Marthil a trusted guard. But leave it until sunrise to inform the King of our plans to force Gordex here.”
Kell tipped her head, and a subtle smile dusted across her lips. “So be it. I will return shortly.”
“We will watch out for you.” Hadrian extended a hand for her to shake. “Thank you.”
“Do not thank me yet,” Kell said, taking his hand and shaking it twice. “My people are kind, but their minds can be altered as simple as the change in wind.”
“Then I better keep the wind calm for a while,” I said, pressing my arm against Hadrian’s side for comfort.
“Do just that,” Kell said before disappearing back off towards the camp.
WITH THE ARRIVAL of dusk came a sand storm that washed over the camp and turned everything a shade of burnt orange.
Morthi warriors were sent to warn us of the turn in weather and ensured that our soldiers were secure within the tents. The grand structures were a combination of wood and thick material that let no light out or in. It was promised they would withstand the storm to come, but only time would tell.
Hadrian was the last to be secured in our own, covered in a layer of sand as the harsh, warm winds finally greeted us. He had been out, making sure his own kin were safe.
“This will only prolong the conversation that must be had with Emaline,” Hadrian said, shaking his hair until specs of amber sand floated to the rugged ground.
I raised a hand and helped pull his shirt from his damp chest, then carefully discarded it in the corner so the sand would not infiltrate the camp bed that waited for us. The sand storm brought warm winds with it, causing us both to sweat profusely. “It is wasted energy to worry about it now. Until this storm passes there will be no way of speaking with Emaline so don’t let it worry you.”
“You know she will not be pleased that we have already come up with a plan that potentially puts her at risk.” Hadrian’s thick, sand-speckled brows creased with worry.
“The entire point of our plan is to make sure she is not in harm’s way,” I replied. “It is the only hope we have of tipping the scales of victory on our side. Try focusing on the possibility that it will work rather than worrying about the chance it will not.”
“Kiss me then,” he commanded. “Take my mind away from me.”
“If it helps.” I smiled as I pressed my mouth onto his. His tongue found his way out and caressed my own, running into perfect circles as they intertwined.
“I want this all to be over with,” he whispered, pulling away for a breath. “I want to return home with you by my side. I want to spend time with you knowing that danger is not around every possible turn.”
“A time will come when that will happen,” I said, honest hope laced amongst my words. “I believe it.”
He looked up at me with his large golden eyes, unblinking and exhaled. “If you believe it, then I suppose I should as well.”
We kissed again, chest pressed against each other. I could feel the beat of his heart and how perfectly it blended with my own. Even our breathing synchronized as we devoured each other.
“Your father looks like you,” I said, pulling away. “I sat with him a lot. Telling him of our stories so far. Sometimes I didn’t say anything, but just stayed by his side. It was one of the only comforts I had when I was with Gordex. In a way it felt like I was with you.”
“I want nothing more than to see him.”
I brushed my fingers down Hadrian’s cheek. He leaned into my touch and closed his eyes. “And we will. He is going to be so proud of you, Hadrian, so unbelievably proud.”
“That is all I have ever wanted, to make him proud,” Hadrian admitted. “After my mother passed, I was certain I’d never see him smile again. It is sad. But what has hurt me most is not recognizing when my real father was replaced with Gordex. I cannot remember the time.”
I kissed his cheek just as a single tear escaped from the corner of his eye. The tear made my lips moist. Not once had Gordex mentioned about his time as King Dalior, nor did it pass me to ask him about it.
“Do you want the answers to what it is you seek?” I whispered.
“In ways, I do. But then what difference would it make? My mind tells me I should find out, whereas my heart disagrees. I see no good coming out of uncovering the truth in it.”
What lingered in the past was no more than a memory. Finding out the truth of when Gordex took over as King Dalior would change nothing, only add more anger into Hadrian’s heart.
“You look tired.” I brushed my finger across the dark circles beneath his closed eyes. “We should get some rest until this storm passes. Even I still feel disconnected after what happened.”
“I feel the same.” Hadrian yawned, lying back on the bed and pulling me with him.
The sand storm rustled at the material of our tent, battering its sandy presence all around us. But from inside the tent it did not feel as threatening as it would be from the outside. Although the storm caused a slight orange glow as the sands and moonlight melded together it was still dark within the tent. The candles had long blown out, leaving us with only the remnants of natural light beyond to give us vision.
“Any word on Nyah?” Hadrian asked, his eyes closed and voice no more than a murmur. “Surely, she should have arrived by now.”
I had already tried when we got back to the tent earlier as Hadrian went out to check on his soldiers before the storm arrived.
“I did try and reach her, but she didn’t respond. I am sure she will attempt it as soon as she can. Navigating a ship does not give much free time,” I replied, following suit and closing my eyes as we laid about the sheets of our camp bed.
Hadrian mumbled his reply, but it was no more than a mash of incoherent sounds. I cuddled up beside him and listened to his own heart. It beat as silent as an assassin, hardly a sound.
Having time lost within my own thoughts was both a blessing and a curse. Hadrian’s question regarding Nyah became its own storm in my mind in the quiet of the tent. I tried reaching out for her, but again, there was no reply.
I awoke to Hadrian’s touch. His fingers ran down my arm, tickling me awake. My natural reaction was to roll over and allow his strong arms to pull me onto of his lazy frame. He held me close, every inch pressed onto me in its own way of welcoming me back into the land of reality. Without the need for words we danced with each other. As he laid down I explored his skin with my mouth, moving from his neck to chest to stomach and further below.
He didn’t know what to do with his hands. Sometimes he would lace his fingers with my hair, tugging and moving me like the gentle waves of an ocean. Then they would let go of me, rest behind his head as he allowed me to have my way with him.
Hadrian truly was a beast. In more ways than I’d ever expected. I gave myself moments to worship him with my body, allowing ourselves to have these lost moments together. I wish it could have carried on, but it soon came to a blissful end. I felt it spur before it happened, a warm throbbing in my hands and then release.
We lay beside each other, shoulders touching and clammy hands entwined. No longer did the storm rage on around us. I could see the circular orb of light cut through the burgundy material of the tent.
“I could happily go back to sleep after that,” Hadrian whispered, chest rising and falling with his panting breaths.
“No time for that,” I replied. “Not with an entire evening of conversation we need to catch up on.”
Hadrian almost choked on his deep laugh. “Oh, how simply those words can rid me of tiredness. I suppose you are right, we do have much to accomplish together. But before that…” He rolled over, nose pressed to mine. “We can waste a few moments together before the day goes on.”
A blush crept across my face. “As much as I want to just lay here all day we should really go and check on the rest of camp. See just how much damage a Morthi sand storm can do.”
Hadrian moaned and sat up, rubbing the heels of his palms into his eyes. “I promise, when this is all over I am going to stay locked within my room for an entire week.”
“And how am I supposed to deal with that?” I said. “Not seeing you for an entire week?”
“Oh, you will be locked in there with me.” Hadrian laughed, reaching a hand for me.
“Then that sounds like a fabulous idea.”
We both changed. I got into a set of silver and purples provided from Hadrian’s personal chest. They, like the other clothes I’d been given, were loose. Nothing a tight belt couldn’t fix.
Hadrian downed a mug of fresh water from one of the many barrels Vcaros had given to us on arrival. With the back of his hand he wiped his mouth of the dusting of droplets and held the flap to the tent open.
“We must first speak with Emaline,” Hadrian said as I walked to join him. “Last night was our deadline to give her a guard so we need to sort that out first. Then I think it would be smart to kill two birds with one stone and tell her of our plan.”
“Agreed.” We leave the tent, moving through the alleyways of material towards Emaline and Illera’s dwellings. “But am I the only one nervous to tackle this conversation?”
Hadrian looked at me through the side of his eye. “A fool would lack nerves.”
I squeezed his smooth hand, nodding at the many we passed who stood out in the sun clearing away the storms mess. From where I could see only one tent had fallen, its contents strewn across the sands beyond it. Hadrian briefly stopped to help a couple pick up the main post that held the tent up. I watched him, licking my lips as he displayed his strength. By the time we got to Emaline and Illera, I wanted nothing more than to get Hadrian back into our own privacy where we could play with his strength over and over.
“I will do it,” Illera announced, finally pulling her knuckles from between her teeth. She was the only one who didn’t sit during the entire conversation. Emaline was perched on the edge of a cabinet, Illera stood in between her legs. Hadrian was sat beside me on a plush, cushioned lounge and Kell beside us in a matching single chair with extravagantly carved clawed legs.
Kell was already with the girls when we had arrived. The moment we walked in their conversation had ended abruptly. Even after we inquired into it, they waved us off.
“Only if you are certain. You must be able to do it without a moment’s hesitation if it is ever needed,” Kell explained. “Causing someone you love possible pain is a difficult task to ask someone to do.”
Love. Neither Illera nor Emaline flinched at the word. They only shared a look and smiled.
“You don’t have to do it,” Emaline said, her arms hugging onto Illera harder. “It is a lot to ask, and I don’t mind having some guard who already despises me put in charge of bleeding me if needed.”
“That is exactly why I will do it.” Illera would have slammed her foot on the ground if given more room. “No one is allowed to hurt you. My job is to help protect you as you do me. If that means I have to hurt you to save you, then I will do it. As long as no one else comes close to having the chance. And anyway, this only works on the Dragori who have given into the Heart Magick, right? That doesn’t concern you, so I don’t see how I’ll be needed to act on this anyways.”
“My lady has spoken.” Emaline looked to Kell, a smile on her face. “If Illera wants to be the one in charge of stabbing me if I go all crazy like you two did, then so be it.”
“And what of Marthil?�
�� Kell asked. “Do you have someone to put in charge of her? I know of many in the city who would happily oblige.”
“What of Simian?” Hadrian said. “He is the first person who comes to mind.”
“No!” I shouted, surprised at Hadrian’s suggestion. “I will not have her life be put in the hands of him. Simian would kill Marthil the second he got close to her with gold. I don’t trust him, and neither should you. Not after how he has acted.”
“Petal, I do not trust Simian either. But it was the first thought that came to mind. That leaves Vianne. I trust that she would not act out, so when they both arrive shortly I will tell her of her new task.”
“When are they arriving?” Emaline asked. “And why here?”
“We have something else we must discuss this morning.” Hadrian’s gaze was pinned to Emaline, who began shuffling with discomfort.
“Hadrian,” Emaline droned, “what are you hiding from me?”
“Kell, can you go and find Simian and Vianne please and request them to arrive earlier for our New Council meeting? There is no need to wait any longer then we need to.”
Kell left without the need to be asked again.
The wait was agonizing. Emaline and Illera whispered to each other but did not speak to either Hadrian or me. They kept shooting tempered looks our way.
To fill the time, I tried to connect with Nyah but was met with silence on her end. I didn’t want to admit it aloud, but I was beginning to worry about her prolonged absence.
Kell soon returned with Vianne at her side and Simian a few steps behind, his face streaked with exhaustion and annoyance.
“You do not ask for much, do you?” Simian said, nailed finger pointed at Hadrian. From the state of him, he looked like he had only just woken up. His strawberry colored hair was stuck up in the back and at the corner of his lip was crusted spit.
On the defense, Hadrian stood instantly. “Trust me, shifter, if I did not need you to join our meetings, I would gladly not ask for your presence.”
Simian scoffed, mumbled under his breath and took a seat on the two spares that Kell pulled into the middle of the room. Emaline introduced herself to Vianne who wasted no time in doing the same.
