by Ciara Lake
Breanna danced around the room.
He smiled, watching her. “I like this side of you. I’m glad you’re happy.”
“I’ve never been so happy.” She ran up to him, throwing her arms around him. She rose up on her tiptoes and kissed him. “You make me happy beyond words.”
“I’ve never been happier either. But if I don’t stop kissing you, I’ll never leave. My mother will steal me blind while she waits. Or Loki will…I don’t know, but it would be bad for my mother. Loki has very little tolerance for her.”
“Really?”
“Yes, you have no idea.” He rolled his eyes. “If you have trouble dressing, you can use magic to fasten your gown.” On the chair where they were sitting, now sat a large, fluffy, white towel with a cloth to wash her face. On the table near the chair, a steaming mug filled with a delicious sweet smelling liquid along with crusty bread and fruits waited for her. “Try the hot chocolate. It’s one of my favorite drinks.”
“It smells delicious.” Breanna licked her lips. A clear pitcher of water with a glass arrived on the table next to the bed. Axel filled a glass and took a sip.
“Here’s soap.” He opened his hand, and a bar of purple soap materialized.
Breanna took it from him, sniffing it. “Mmm, it smells lovely. I love lavender. You think of everything.”
“I try.” He grinned. “But if you need anything else, just think about it, wish for it, and it should appear. Don’t overdo yourself. We’re drained by using too much power, and you’re young, so it’ll take far less to drain you. There are limitations to what we can do. You’ll learn.” He headed for the door. “I’d best check on my mother.” His hand rested on the door latch. He looked back toward her. “When you join me, I’ll introduce you to her. If I don’t throw her out before you get there. I’m very tempted to. She’s caused me a big problem with Icesykcus. Thank the gods Chrisalannis was able to occupy him. Loki says Chrisalannis really soothed Icesykcus. He’s not as angry and wanting to take you from me. We’ll be talking to Chrisalannis later with your mother. But when I get rid of my mother, I have something planned for us to enjoy.”
“More sex? Is sex my surprise?” She giggled.
“Yes, of course there’ll be more sex, my love.” He winked. “But that’s not the surprise. I want to take you somewhere you’ll like. Dress warm and bring your coat. There’s a fur hat in the armoire too.”
“Okay.” She let her robe fall off her shoulders to the floor. She loved the way his eyes widened as he took in the sight of her. I’m becoming a vixen. She turned away from him and touched the bath water to test its temperature. “The water is nice and warm.”
“You make it hard to leave you.”
She turned to look over her shoulder. She smiled.
“You’re so lovely. I want you.” His eyes traveled over her. His expression was very tender. “I’d like to take a bath with you. But another time, I better leave now.” He opened the door, disappearing. The door closed behind him, making a clicking sound.
Breanna put her hand in the water, making circles. “So soothing.” She sighed.
Carefully, she stepped into the tub, slowly sitting in the water. The water was very warm. She allowed herself to adjust to the temperature. When fully seated the water came over her breasts, surrounding her with its fragrant warmth. Breanna relaxed back in the tub, resting her head against the curve of the porcelain.
The heat eased her sore muscles. “Making love takes a lot of energy.” She smiled. Closing her eyes, she rejoiced in her new life. “I’ve been rescued by a handsome prince from a prison with an ugly warden.” She laughed, swirling her hands on the surface of the water, the bubbles moved around. “It’s as if I’ve walked into a fairy tale.”
After spending some time enjoying the water, she soaped her hair then rinsed it. She soaped the rest of her body, standing to finish her legs. She held the wet soap bar up to her face and inhaled. It smelled so nice. After she was fully rinsed, she got out of the tub and dried off.
Wrapping the big towel around her, she walked over to the armoire. The armoire’s double doors opened, exposing at least twelve new gowns of various colors made in gorgeous materials. The gowns’ fashions varied. Some were uniquely Axel’s style. Breanna stroked the sleeve of each dress, enjoying the textures. Focusing on a navy blue one, she pulled it out a bit more. Scrollwork adorned the neckline. The rich color was stunning.
“This would look lovely against the white of the snow.” Pulling the dress out, she inspected it. Made out of velvety-like material, it was soft. When she rubbed the fabric, the shades of navy changed. “Oh, I love this one. I love them all.” She twirled around holding the dress, then carried it over to the bed. Laying it down on the bed, she admired it. “Please, dress me.” She raised her hands above her head. Within seconds, she was snuggly in the dress. Hiking the dress up, she noticed beautifully crafted black leather boots which reached her knees. She ran her hands over the soft leather.
A delicate bracelet surprised her on her left wrist. It was amazing with small blue stones mixed with white diamonds. “It’s beautiful. It sparkles like my ring. Show me a mirror,” she excitedly requested.
On the wall next to where she stood, the biggest mirror she’d ever seen appeared. It hung from the ceiling to the floor and was at least three feet wide. It reflected her entire image.
“I look like a queen.” She spun around. The navy blue gown was exquisite. It fit her perfectly, emphasizing her dark hair and alabaster skin. A tastefully low neckline showed a glimpse of her cleavage. The waist was narrow, flaring out slightly at her hips into a gentle bell shape. The dress just touched the floor. At the hem, a scroll design encircled the bottom.
Suddenly she noticed a necklace around her neck. “Oh my.” She touched it gently as she examined it in the mirror. The gems sparkled like the sun. It was fabulous, matching the bracelet. The necklace had three large clear stones. The middle stone was a diamond with two deep blue stones on either side. “This is extraordinary. I wonder what these blue stones are.” The stones were set in white gold. At her ears, slender matching blue stones dangled. Her hair was dry, perfectly arranged. It hung long to her waist, pulled back from her face with a clip. Reaching around, Breanna found the clip. “It’s covered with stones too. I wish I could see it.” At her request, her hair released, framing her face again. In her hand was a large silver clip with a row of blue and white stones. “I love this.”
She turned around, allowing her dress to spin with her. “I feel like a princess or a queen. Thank you, Axel, you’re so sweet.” When she finished twirling her hair was pulled back once again with the clip in place. “I can’t wait to see your surprise. Everything is a surprise. Take me to my wonderful prince.” She giggled.
Chapter 7
Stumbling a bit, Breanna struggled to regain her balance. Strong arms wrapped around her, helping her gain her footing.
“There you are, my beautiful bride.” Axel’s handsome face was near hers. “You look lovely beyond words.” He kissed her cheek. His lips were warm on her cool face. The dining hall was chilly compared to their bedroom.
“Thanks to the wonderful wardrobe you gave me with these jewels.” She touched her necklace. “They’re gorgeous. Thank you, Axel.” Throwing her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer to kiss him.
“You’re welcome, my sweet wife.”
“Excuse me,” a woman’s voice interrupted.
Standing back from Breanna, Axel turned, motioning to a tall blonde woman who stood next to the dining table’s head chair. The candlelight along with the muted sunlight made her hair seem as a halo around her head.
“This is Arta.” Axel waved his hand at her as if irritated.
She resembled a goddess. Blonde hair long to her hips, the color matching Axel’s. Her silk gown was a deep butterscotch color, and a silver link belt hung at her waist. The dress encased her body, showing her lean figure.
“I’m not only Arta, I’m also
his mother.” Her eyes were entirely black like Axel’s eyes when he became emotional. Her frown marred her lovely features. “Look at her jewels.” His mother’s slender hand pointed at Breanna. “You won’t give me anything, but you give this girl jewels like those?” She moved closer to Breanna.
Axel stepped in front of her. “Mother, you can create such jewelry if you choose.”
“You know I can’t create real gems.” Her hands were on her hips in a defiant stance. “And even if I could, I couldn’t make them look as yours do. You spend all your time making these marvelous creations. You’ve never allowed me to have anything. You’re ungrateful.” She pouted.
“Mother, is this any way to greet my new bride?” Axel stepped closer to her. “All you do is think of yourself. The only reason you’re here is because you lied to Icesykcus, causing him to come after me. He came here to my home, sought to fight with me. Then he lusted for my bride. Icesykcus attacks me because of you, your lies.” Axel took another step toward her. “You never care for me unless I can do something for you. I know full well that we trolls can be self-centered, but you’re the queen of selfishness. Even toward your children. You don’t even do right by your own mate.” Axel’s voice rose. “If Father knew you were teasing another powerful male...” He shook his head, his hair moving all about his head and shoulders. He looked as if he could burst with fury. “My father would be hurt. You care only for yourself. Not even your mate?” He paused, waiting for her to answer. She remained quiet. “I asked you a question.”
“What do you want me to say?” Arta whined as tears swelled up in her eyes. Her shoulders slumped.
Axel stared at her with a look of utter disgust. “Tears, Mother? Really. You dare to visit me after Icesykcus attacks me. I’ve been nice to you even though you’ve brought me many problems.” He towered over the women, his legs apart, his hands on his hips. “But dare not offend my wife.” He glared at her. “If you want jewels from me, you’ll have to earn them.”
“Earn them?” she asked, looking offended. “Being your mother should be enough.”
“Mother or not, you don’t deserve my generosity unless you’ve earned it.” Axel’s eyes were pitch black, and his tone was livid. His complexion darkened to a deep ruddy tan.
Arta stepped back, shying away from his irate words, but her resentment allowed words to spill forth. “So, your wife deserves jewels? She must spread her legs well.” Arta looked at Breanna starting with her feet up to meet her eyes. “You think you’re special?” she spat out.
“Perhaps I should tell Father about your behavior. He won’t think you’re special.”
“You wouldn’t dare.” Arta glared at Axel.
“I would. It would be a shame to know his mate is teasing, offering another favors. It is unheard of among mated trolls.” Axel’s eyes returned to a more human appearance. “Shame on you, Mother. I don’t know whether to hate you or feel sorry for you.”
Tears started to roll down the woman’s face.
“Stop the tears. They are fake.” He threw up his hands. “You’ve never cried a real tear in your life.”
“You’re cruel,” she whined. She buried her face in her hands.
“Perhaps I am.” He paced the floor. “You’ve taught me well.” He stopped to look at her. She did not respond, continuing to hold her face in her hands. “You need to be told.” His eyes were blue again. He looked at Breanna with an apologetic expression on his face. Shaking his head, he resumed pacing the floor. “You jeopardized me, my home, by sending Icesykcus here. I’ve beaten around the bush with you since I became a man. You go too far with hurting my wife, my mate, with your unkind words and selfishness. Breanna’s my heart.” He put his right hand over his heart. “She has all I am. The jewels are hers even before I give them to her. Do you understand, Mother?” He cocked his head to the side. “It’s how it is between mates, or should be. Father would be generous with you too, if you only were kind to him. You don’t deserve a mate.”
Arta briefly looked at him then quickly back down at her feet. “I’m sorry, Axel. Don’t tell Erik. Please, I beg you, son. I’d be…lost if my mate discarded me. Don’t cause him to be more angry with me. He’s always upset with me. You’re both just alike.” Tears continued to roll down her lovely face.
“No, you’re always the same.” He glared at her. “You’re self-absorbed. Your behavior creates the same reaction in others.”
Breanna touched his arm. Tension rippled through him. With her touch, he seemed to relax. Moving around his large frame, Breanna stood in front of him.
“Arta, I’m Breanna. It’s nice to meet you.” Breanna smiled and gave a slight curtsy. “Axel won’t tell your mate, this time.” She walked closer to his mother. “But you must think of others. With your history, it’s probably hard to change your ways, but your happiness depends on you doing so.”
Breanna could not read how her words were affecting the irate woman. Her expression did not change. She merely stared at her.
Breanna unfastened the bracelet on her arm. “Axel, did you say these jewels are mine?”
“Yes.” He nodded.
The delicate bracelet fell into her other hand. “Here, this is lovely. Please wear this as your own. I’m happy to be part of your family.” Breanna held the bracelet out to Arta, but she didn’t reach for it. She looked past Breanna, stepping back.
“I don’t need what you discard.” She waved her hand in Breanna’s direction. “I’m a powerful troll.” She held her head higher. “If you were really happy to be part of my family, you’d give me the glorious necklace you greedily keep.” Her eyes flashed. “So keep your offer of false generosity along with your bracelet. Axel’s not happy with you giving it to me anyway. You should see his expression.” She nodded toward him.
Breanna looked over her shoulder at Axel. His eyes were still black, but he smiled at her. When she looked back around at Arta, she tapped her foot, her small hands on her waist.
“You best not make your troll angry,” Arta taunted. “Our males can be monsters, even to their mates, when they’re upset. You have no idea.” She threw her head back, laughing wickedly. When she stopped, Breanna walked closer to her.
“Is that why you’re so worried about your mate knowing you’ve been naughty?” Breanna flashed hot with temper. “Will he be mean to you if he knows you’ve flirted with another? Would he beat you if he were to find out you not only played the part of a whore, but sent a man after your son to collect on your debt?”
“Listen here.” Arta took a step toward her, shaking her finger. Her tone was scolding. “Little girl, you have no idea who you’re with.” She pointed to Axel. “Or what you’ve become. Watch yourself.” In a flash of blinding light, she disappeared.
Breanna turned to look up at Axel. “Would your father beat her?”
“No, but he would shame her, by banishing her from his side. It would be very painful for the both of them. Mates are not to betray one another. It goes against the grain, the very nature of mating. The hurt of this type of disloyalty would cut very deep.”
“Arta is very unusual in her behavior?”
“Very.”
* * * *
“Knock, knock.” Loki walked into the room. He was dressed all in bright silver with red shoes and a matching kerchief. It was nearly blinding to look at him. “Bravo, girl. You set the troll bitch straight. I commend you.” He clapped his hands. “I for one think you were very generous to the unappreciative woman.” He looked in the direction Arta had flashed away. “Her little show of power will have drained her for a while. She’s not nearly as strong or as gifted as our troll.” He grinned and patted Axel on his back. “Axel’s exceptionally strong, he’s amazing really.” He walked to where Breanna stood. “Am I interrupting your newlywed time?” His eyes got wide. He looked back and forth between them.
“I’m going to take Breanna on a ride.”
“Goody! What are you riding?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
; “It looks like Breanna forgot her coat.” In Axel’s hand her black fur coat appeared. He helped her into it. Lifting her hair out of the way, he kissed her neck. “Follow me, I’ll show you what Breanna and I are riding.” Axel took her hand and led her out of the dining hall. Loki followed behind.
“Axel’s so full of surprises these days,” Loki said. A gorgeous matching fur hat settled on Breanna’s head. “She needs to keep her lovely head warm too. It can get breezy out there. Axel doesn’t get cold easily. He must have forgotten you needed a hat.”
“Thank you.” Breanna smiled. “You’re very thoughtful.”
“Not a problem.” He waved his hand. “You look adorable.”
They walked to the great hallway. The double doors opened, and snowflakes floated in, melting on the marble floor. At the end of the drawbridge, a red sleigh with two dark gray destriers waited. The large horses impatiently stomped their feet, making the bells on their bridles and reins jingle.
“A sleigh.” Breanna jumped up on her toes. “We’re going to take a sleigh ride?” Breanna squeezed Axel’s hand. “I’ve never been on a sleigh.”
“Yes, I want to show you a very special place. I thought a sleigh ride would be romantic. Was I right?”
“Yes.” She hugged him.
“I think you’re safe to go on a quiet ride for now. Icesykcus is busy. The drama is having a break.” Loki chuckled. “You can’t guess who he’s busy with.” Loki stood back as Axel helped Breanna into the sleigh. She sat down on the cushioned seats. Axel covered her legs with a white fur blanket.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered.
“I’ll put my hands under the blanket to keep them warm.” She lifted the blanket.
“You should be warm enough.” Axel touched her hands making mittens cover them.
“Chrisalannis?” Breanna looked around Axel, just now realizing what Loki had said. To her amazement, he stood on the back of one of the huge draft horses.
“No, Fiona, my dear.” Loki shook his head. “She’s something, your mother.” He winked. “It must run in the family. Icesykcus is truly fond of her.”