by Nicole Fox
“You might find me smelly and strong.”
“No, you’re a sweet summer onion, mellow to complement a dish.”
“Is that how you see me as your complement?”
Keir shrugged, “Honestly, I don’t know that much about you except you’re like a mouse hoping to fly under the radar. You have a wicked tongue, classic beauty, and a sharp mind. You make me laugh.”
“My tongue is not wicked!”
“You have a sharp retort for all of my comments. “
“It’s always necessary to be able to talk your way out of any situation.”
“Darling, you can’t talk your way out of this, not that you want to. You desire to put me in my place.”
“Where is your place?”
“Your bed.”
Tatum sighed, “Why do you do that when things become difficult? You turn into a creep rather quickly.”
“It’s a defense mechanism.”
“I knew that… I’m not the only maiden that shared this meal with you before.”
“Actually, you are the first maiden to share the meal. They always forfeited the contest or lost in the cave.” Keir’s eyebrows met, “Something about the cave is scary.”
“It brings you worse fear to life, or back to life.’
“What was your fear?”
“Spiders and the Dark One.”
“Ah, the Dark One, trapped in a glass cave never to escape,” Kier said. Hopefully.
“He was plague upon the lands.”
“At least, you weren’t his successor. Azael, my uncle, allowed the darkness to cloud his mind. Complete Power ruins you. He terrorized people like your mother.”
Tatum nodded as her heart thumped at the memory.
“He was married to an equally vile goddess, Eris. She loved misfortune, human bloodshed, and chaos. She hurt so many people. She encouraged his evil ways until he fell for a nymph. He hunted her down until…
“What?” Tatum asked urgently. “We weren’t taught this in school.”
“He murdered Lily, a nymph, in a fit of jealous rage. According to legend, Lily was reborn. So, he searched high and low for her, seducing mortal women in search of her.
“My mother was one of his unwilling concubines.”
“I’m sorry. He was awful. Yet, my mother was gentle, kind and sweet.”
“I thought she died in childbirth.”
“No… she did rip open her womb to deliver us. She claimed we fought the entire time. Neither one of us would get out of her body. We both wanted to be first born. So, she compromised. Born at the same moment.”
“You’re joking.”
“Nope.”
“Our children will be born the old-fashioned way.”
“Oh, you’re going to bear my children?”
Tatum narrowed her eyes. “I like children, and I’ll need someone to speak with, if I lose this contest.”
“Question: Most maidens are 20 when they join Silke’s temple. Why are you 24?”
Looking up, a wide smile formed on her face. “I wanted to serve Silke and see the world. I did both. I’ve hiked on every mountain by myself. I came home and fulfilled my service to Silke. I had time on my own.”
“Unlike your mother?”
“My mother was a sweet, exceptionally beautiful woman who caught his eye and took her life. I lived with my grandparents. They urged me to see the world, and I did. Do you judge me by that?”
“No, you have a true sense of self. It's appealing and fresh. I've been spoiled by women. I don't have to do a lot of work. I can say something flirty, and they melt like ice in summer.”
Keir looked away from Tatum’s gaze. He fiddled with his silverware as she stared at him intently. He could see wheels spinning in her head as she thought over something.
“Keir?”
“Question.”
“Where’s your mother?’
“Azael murdered his sister, who was also my mother, one night in a fit of rage. Mother questioned his actions. She was blonde like Serena and Silke and the beast. He lost his mind for a moment. He used my Father’s dagger, and he stabbed my mother.”
“What?”
“It’s a well-kept secret. Only known by the gods.”
“You told me.”
“You can keep a secret.”
“Better than a frozen statue in winter. You trust me?”
Keir paused for a moment as he sat blinking.
Do I trust her? What in the blazes of Blane’s lair, am I doing? She’s under my skin, deeply under my skin.
“Yes, I trust you not to hurt anyone to further your life on Oceanus. You have a good strong heart. You’re loyal to my sister. I trust you; don’t betray it,” he snapped.
“Thank you, what happened after that night?” Tatum asked carefully.
“Father never told us what occurred that night between Mother and Uncle. What caused my mother to confront her brother, her exact words…? I don’t know. Azael grabbed my father’s dagger, and he shoved it into my mother’s heart. I don’t know why my father kept his dagger in the house. That dagger is the only thing able to kill a god. Finally, my great father acted, but it was too tale. That’s the real reasons we have the Trials…. an opposite to keep us balanced.”
“I don’t know if I can tip your scale.”
“You have to try.”
Keir waited for his invitation to be received.
Ignoring the heat in his eyes, Tatum took a spoonful of vanilla pudding. It felt rich and creamy in her mouth. Keir sipped his wine as he watched her savor her sweet treat. He wanted her under him with her eyes slightly closed as her hands roamed over his back, her legs wrapped around his waist as he moved deeply in her tight sheath. His body felt hot and taut; he imagined sucking her turgid nipples into his mouth as he branded her as his woman.
“I spoke to my father today. He told me an interesting tidbit about Ruby. When did you meet?”
Tatum looked at him in surprise. “Really, a few months ago when I joined Lady Silke’s service. She’s hiding from her parents and husband. She’s the youngest daughter of Chan. She moves in the shadows. She makes me laugh.”
“I will not reveal her whereabouts to Cormac, even though he’s my best friend. She needs time to think about her situation. Everyone should have time to think about their situation.” Keir waited for her reaction. He saw surprise, admiration, and pride flick over her pretty features.
“So, you have potential.”
“I’m the best.”
“You’re cocky, arrogant- “
“Stop while you’re ahead.”
“But you will make an excellent god.”
“I am a god.”
“You missed my adjective-excellent. One day.” Tatum replied with a smirk.
“Thank you.”
Her head turned when the bells tolled the eighth hour of the night. Tatum pushed her chair away from Keir’s table. “It’s time for me to leave. Thank you once again for dinner, milord.” Tatum curtseyed. Keir reached down and sat her on her feet. “Don’t bow to me in here, Tatum.” His hand felt warm under her elbow. She ignored his thumb stroking her forearm. She ignored heat forming in her stomach. She willed her arm not to slip around his waist.
His large warm hand covered hers as she reached for the door handle. His breath felt hot as his arm encircled her waist and pulled Tatum against his hard body. She bit her lip as her eyes fluttered closed.
“Are you going to leave without a kiss goodnight? I’ve been good, haven’t I?”
Tatum nodded. “We’re good, Keir.” He smiled at the use of his name. Carefully, he spun her around in his arms.
“I forget how delicate you are,” Keir whispered.
“I’m not short… I’m 5’7.”
“I tower over you by six inches.” His pushed Tatum against the door as he cupped her face in his hands. His lips brushed hers so softly. Her lips opened; his tongue slipped in. Timidly, Tatum touched her tongue to Keir’s. His eyes widened in sur
prised. Her breasts heaved as she rested her hands on his chest. He placed tender kisses along her jaw line; his touch traced a pulse on her neck as it beat quickly. His fingers slowly undid the ties on her dress. Ragged breath left her chest as he slipped a large hand into her bodice. Her breasts felt heavy and warm in his hands. His fingers caressed her nipples, forcing a small moan from Tatum’s lips. “Don’t be afraid,” Keir whispered against her neck. “I won’t hurt you. Trust me.” Tatum shut her eyes as a new sensation flooded her senses causing her flesh to pucker under his touch. Keir kissed her neck tenderly before dropping to his knees, his hands gliding down her hot arms.
The cold air chilled her exposed breast. Tatum gasped when Keir drew a hard nipple into his hot mouth. Her hands pulled his hair as she arched into his mouth. Soft moans filled his chamber. She placed a leg around his back as she struggled to understand the sensation racking her body.
She jumped when a loud knock rapped his door. Her hands pushed Keir way. Her fingers deftly fixed her clothing. She wiped away sweat on her brow. Desire-filled eyes looked at Keir uncertainly.
“Lord Keir.”
“Go way,” Keir ordered.
“Milord, we have word from Murale.”
Tatum smiled at Keir. “You must go,” she whispered shakily. You must go before I lose my mind and submit to you.
“This isn’t finished.”
“It is tonight.”
Keir realized that he won the battle. The war could wait for another time. His long fingers quickly tied her laces. She looked at him curiously.
“I wanted you like no other woman, Tatum. I don’t want to start rumors about you that we cheated during these blasted tests. I want you to lose fairly or win everything.”
“Truly.” Tatum comprehended that she would never understand him.
“Yes,” His large hand cupped her chin. “Go wipe the dampness from your face. “
“I don’t understand you.”
“Good, I like your frustration with me.” He ran a long finger down the side of her face. “It matches mine with you.” Keir brushed his lips over her trembling palms, leaving a kiss on her wrists, his tongue flicked across her racing pulse.
“Go before you anger your father,” Tatum urged softly.
Chapter Six
“You will not murder my child,” a feminine voice shrieked. “She is not to be sacrificed to guarantee bountiful crops during harvest season as punishment for running away from Cormac. She’s a confused young girl, not a doe to be slaughtered. “
Keir’s eyes rolled to the ceiling as dread filled him as he threw open the doors of his great hall. Every god and goddess native to Oceanus overtook his hall.
Chan attempted to release his wife’s cinnamon brown fingers from the Earth God Barren’s tunic as she pushed in a corner of the hall. Cold fury filled her eyes as she shook his tunic, forcing her brown head to bang on a wall.
“Don’t push me, Vegetable Boy.”
He noticed Cormac rubbing his knuckles as Crouth, God of War, pressed a cloth to his bloody mouth. Blane, Silke’s husband, clasped her hand tightly as they cautiously watched the turn of events. Her fingers traced large circles on his leather encased thigh. Blane sat with a pleased look upon his face. Keir made a mental note to chat with his sister to inquire about her health or if she had too much wine. She never displayed affection for Blane in public. She claimed he ruined her life, and his ghastly deathly ways tarnished the purity of her temple. Yet, she sat ready to pounce on her husband.
She must be drunk. Or she’s playing nice in front of everyone.
“Ah, Keir, it’s so very lovely of you to join us,” Murale reprimanded tersely.
Keir refused to rise to his father’s bait in front of the court. He merely smirked, and he stomped over to his chair to survey his guests.
“Why are you here during the Trials? I thought you would have been sitting in Father’s temple placing wages on Tatum’s failure. Or are you here to inform Tatum about my dubious nature? I’ve beat you to it. She’s seen the real me.”
“Keir, life doesn’t revolve around you,” Amara, Goddess of Love, stated.
Keir arched a dark brow at the beautiful blonde goddess. “This world was made for me. Don’t forget it; you cringe in your bed at night in fear that I’ll disappear. Then, you long for me to join, and keep you warm like I’ve done so many times before, Amara. “
Amara blushed prettily as her time with Keir flared in her mind. “You’re shameless,” she muttered quietly.
“Is that a bad thing?”
“I did not come here for idle chatter,” Cormac roared in frustration.” My wife is missing. She ran from our home. It is imperative that I find her. You dabble in past illicit liaisons.”
Keir felt a flash of remorse as he viewed Cormac’s pain. Keir didn’t realize the depths of his despair over Ruby’s departure. Kier imagined the poor girl was overwhelmed, seeking a break from her life. Chan and Luna pampered their youngest child, even though she was rather sweet and funny.
Keir paused for Silke to rise and comfort Cormac, reminding him to be calm and patient. His emotions would cause disarray in the sea. Yet, his sister didn’t move to utter a word.
Silke drop Blane’s hand, and do your duty as Goddess of Light. Cormac could cause floods… his emotions are wishy-washy and unfocused. No, just sit there. I’ll be the nice one.
“Cormac, I’m listening,” Keir began. He couldn’t reveal what his father had told him. His father would have to reveal the background regarding Ruby’s birth. Keir rose from his chair, and strolling purposely to Cormac, he offered his arm in a show of solidarity.
“Your bride will not be hurt. It’s not her time, and you will have my force behind you against anything or anyone who tries to prevent her safe return to you. Perhaps, Father, you would like to discuss a few matters with us.”
Murale’s eyes hardened under Keir’s challenge. “I’m much too old to become involved in matters of the heart.”
“Yes, Father, you do wait until the last minute to act.”
The sky grumbled loudly with thunder as Murale eyed his son with anger simmering in his eyes. “Regret is always a motivator. Perhaps, when you learn to love you will understand the value of patience.”
Keir decided to ignore his father’s comment. He didn’t understand why they were in his home on this of all nights. Obviously, Father and Chan had not shared their little pact with the other gods. Cormac was baffled about Ruby’s departure. Keir deduced that Ruby accidentally discovered the origins of her birth.
“So, we didn’t convene to lament Chan, Luna, and Cormac’s family drama. Why are we here?”
Bale gulped a goblet of wine, his green eyes dazzling with mischief. “Silke insisted that we meet tonight. I figured that she didn’t want to entertain the Death Lord,” he giggled as he consumed a bit more wine.
“Remember, I know the day of your death, Bale. Don’t encourage the need to bring the date forward,” Blane warned in low voice.
“Okay, well, I have things to do. See yourselves out,” Keir tossed over his shoulder as he walked out of the room to return to his chamber.
Cormac and Blane exchanged a knowing look as Bale stumbled over wearing a wide smile.
“Damn, fellas, I’m the only one without a girl. Should we tell him that he’s falling like a boulder into the ocean?”
Cormac shook his wild blonde mane. “No, he’s a big boy. He’ll figure it out.”
~~~
Cool night air surrounded Maya as she stood on a balcony overlooking fields of freshly plowed lands. Her nose twitched in disgust as she realized her dreams were slowly slipping from her clasp. Maya was the most beautiful girl in her village. Everyone always said that she would join her body with the Dark Lord and become his consort. She believed their claims until she thought it would happen. Now, she was being forced from her temple as Keir delighted in his new girl. Her nails scraped a fine wood railing as her emotions bubbled to the surface.
&
nbsp; Quietly, Silke watched her former apprentice with careful eyes. Maya was such an ambitious little twit. Her desire for power and glory would be her undoing.
“Now, now, we mustn’t ruin our nails. Our fingertips are a symbol of refinement. You were always too delicate and lovely.”
Maya's head turned slightly.
“Silke.”
Silke decided to ignore the lack of respect by Maya omitting her full title.
“Maya, how are you?”
“My life is full of despair. I’ve lost your brother. My future is unclear and bleak.’
Silke shook her head. “Be patient, darling. He hasn’t married the girl yet. He must marry her. She doesn’t have to make it past the wedding night or the first month. Accidents do happen,” Silke whispered.
Maya smiled brightly. “Yes, accidents are possible.”
“I just need a few favors to ensure that my beloved brother is joined with the correct woman.”
“Anything, Milady.”
Silke smiled as she grabbed Maya’s hand. “We must wait for the most effective time to strike, and place you with my brother, your future lover, my dear one.”
Chapter Seven
Keir stared at Tatum painting green leaves and red berries coated with morning dew. Her small hands moved quickly to capture the beauty of the fruit and droplets of water as a warm sun rose in Oceanus’ sky. Impatiently, she flicked a heavy strand of dark hair from her face. A beam of sunlight caressed her smiling face. Tatum hummed quietly; her spirit felt in tune with nature. Keir noticed a dark eyebrow arching as Tatum placed her paint brush on her easel.
“Nothing to say, milord,” Tatum inquired gently.
Keir eyes widened slightly in embarrassment. He thought Tatum was unaware of his presence. “How long did you know that I was here?”
“I knew the moment you broke your first twig.”
Keir shook his head, “I’m a god; it’s my life to sneak up on people. You probably thought I was a fairy or something.”
A dazzling smile appeared from behind Tatum’s dark hair, “My best friend would trudge through the forest. Ianthe used to hide and chase around us. You, milord, are like a panther. You watch, you wait, and make your move. However, you didn’t expect a late frost. Your feet cracked frigid twigs loudly. You might want to work on that.”