His eyes filled with amusement when he explained, “If you find yourself needing some assistance to sway Lorcan to accept you, I will lend my help. I can also make certain you do not stick your foot in that pretty mouth of yours again.”
She eyed him suspiciously to which he issued a short laugh before releasing her chin, “If he rejects you completely, I will be first in line. I find the notion of taming a little hellcat like you rather pleasurable.”
Kaitriana had not even the time to launch a solid kick to his shin before Cade was striding off, still chuckling.
CHAPTER 28
Kaitriana had completed two tasks before returning to the Coven. First, the Caste symbols adorning her black gown had been replaced with a scrolling design in blue that incorporated Lorcan’s crest. Second, the sword of each Caste, a symbolic representation of the power for each, had been gathered along with hers and bound together with a thick golden cord.
Shaking inside, she stood on the steps outside of Breslein. She was amazed that he had not already had her blocked from entrance by the same protection spell that even now kept all the other Witch out. The Castes were lingering outside of the gates, waiting to watch the drama that would unfold between the two Faction leaders.
She knew she must make haste; the sun was but an hour from breaking the horizon. This ceremony should be completed outside, before all the Witch and any Vampire that would care to bear witness. With a final deep breath to sooth her frayed nerves, she laid the bundle of weapons on the outer stairs and shadowed inside.
The conversations of the occupants were already hushed, but as more took note of her appearance they began to cease entirely. She located Lorcan reclined casually against the mantel of the large hearth centered in the great hall. He held a tankard and was speaking with his Elite and a few other Vampire that she did not recognize in the surrounding circle. Based on the larger than usual crowd in the hall and the females that were intermingled within the group of the Elite, she assumed that the Vampire had also held some celebration over the fall of Shadowmere.
Despite being a good distance away, she had no problem hearing the next words from Lorcan, “Tomorrow at dusk you will prepare the men and we will remove the Witch from Laverock. I expect no opposition and I hope to avoid any conflict but we will use force if necessary.”
Kaitriana paused to steady herself. Lorcan had not been feigning the level of upset he had displayed over the occupation of Laverock. With her next step, the breath rushed from her as though she had taken a mighty blow to the chest. Lorcan had shifted slightly after giving the order to his men and it was then she noted the comely female vampire clinging to his arm. The wench was looking up at him with adoration and he had the nerve to give her a charming smile after his statement.
Angrily brisk steps closed the remaining distance for Kaitriana. The eerie quiet in the hall had finally caught the men’s attention and the group looked up as she stopped a short distance from them. Dropping her gaze scathingly to the female at her vampire’s side, it then grated over the rest of them before her blackened eyes touched on Lorcan. Her tone was frigid as she tossed a set of intricate keys to skitter to a halt at his feet, “There is no need, Vampire. The Witch have vacated Laverock and I set protections to it that will allow only your entrance in the future.”
Tilting her head to indicate the keys at his feet, she gazed at him accusingly, “Those will grant you access, I would not lose them. I will return when you are less occupied and advise you of the decision of the Witch leadership regarding matters in the Realm.” She had snarled the last. Spinning, she elevated her chin to a haughty level and strode towards the doors.
She did not see him disentangle himself from the clutches of the other, nor his frown of concern when he called to her, “Kaitriana, come here.”
Kaitriana knew he had been in a frightful terror over her behavior but she had not expected him to cast her off in the space of a couple of hours. She was nauseated and blinking back tears but determined to make a dignified exit. She heard his heavy footfalls making time behind her and she increased her pace accordingly. When he ordered her to stop, she merely gave him a one-fingered wave of goodbye over her shoulder and shadowed to the outer steps before he could intercept her.
Bending to retrieve the heavy stack of weapons on her flight down the steps, she was distraught further at the thought of facing the Witch in failure. Her inability to reconcile with Lorcan and deliver their vow would make her a mockery in her own breed. In the face of being cast aside though, the thought of bowing down to him and cheerfully offering him their fealty caused a burning in her throat. She would rather be shamed before her kin than humble herself to Lorcan now. It would be humiliating.
When she straightened, she was startled at Caedmon’s firm grip on her shoulders and then shocked when he eased his hold to lift a thumb to tenderly wipe at her tears. She could barely find her voice enough to question as she scanned the empty yard behind him, “Caedmon, how did you gain entrance?” She jumped then as Lorcan’s booming voice shouted her name from the landing above.
Smiling as though a furious vampire was not looming behind them, Caedmon touched her cheek, “Lorcan calls me Cade because I am his friend and I suggest you do the same. I have had free access to his home since I returned to the Realm.”
His gaze grew serious and his tone told her that Cade would tolerate no argument, “You will walk up these steps and you will offer the pledge, pet. You will keep your head high and you will be noble in your representation of the Witch. There are times when leaders must take measures that pain them for the sake of their people.” Cade paused to nudge her chin up with the brush of a forefinger, his eyes leveled on hers, “This is one of those times; your feelings do not matter. This is about serving the Light and that is greater than any of us individually. Go now.”
She gazed up at him as Lorcan growled her name once more. Kaitriana really wanted to dislike the arrogant Spell Caster but she was finding it difficult. She nodded and gave him a tremulous smile, “Cade, will you break the spell over those gates? The Witch need to enter to bear witness.”
He shoved the bundled weapons more firmly in her hands and nodded, “I would be happy to oblige, pet.”
No sooner were the words out than he was shoving her up the steps to face the stormy visage of Lorcan. She almost smiled when she heard the gates break open with a screech of metal. Lorcan’s gaze flitted to Cade. The witch just shrugged and inclined his head towards Kaitriana to indicate the origin of the request.
Lorcan returned his attention to her. To her surprise, his eyes were absent of black entirely, indicative that he was not in a rage. With a sour frown at him, she thought that the Vampire hussy he had cozied up to must have been a good distraction for his mood to be so light. Lorcan cocked a brow, his voice even and detached, “If you are coming to make amends Witch, scowling like a bratty two year old is not the way to begin.”
Kaitriana paused on the steps, willing herself to gain control over her hurt and not shriek at him. Purposefully she schooled her features into a serene mask though there was no hiding the bleakness in her eyes. Lifting her chin a notch, she completed her journey upward noting that more of the Vampire had joined the Witch in the yard and the area surrounding the steps. Though Lorcan towered a full head above her, she still stopped a step down from the landing.
Kneeling down, she bowed her head. She managed to keep all hint of emotion absent from her voice as it rang strong and clear, “Warrior of Light, I represent the Ancient Light Witch. I bring you our vow of allegiance along with our pledge of fealty; we offer our submission to you as ruler of the Realm.” Her arms extended with the swords symbolizing the entire leadership of the Witch.
Unmoving, Lorcan merely frowned down at her with hands on hips for the space of moments. The little witch was always surprising him…and frustrating him. She would not lift her head and he needed to see her face to judge her sincerity. His female’s inability to hide her feelings was an asset
to him most times. Finally, he reached down with a single hand and removed the heavy burden from her arms, wondering all the while how the dainty witch at his feet had managed to convince the entirety of her faction to yield to a vampire’s reign.
If he accepted, the Light would seemingly be a unified front once more. If he declined, she would be humiliated and the rift in the Light could potentially grow to an insurmountable degree. He had never desired to rule the Light faction, only to pursue its purpose. He would have preferred time to consider the ramifications, but she had put him in a spot…yet again. He gazed solemnly at her. She needed this, as much as the cause of the Light did. Decision made, he answered gruffly, “I accept your pledge on behalf of the Witch.”
He studied her kneeling form, preoccupied by the obvious lack of Witch Caste symbols on her. His distraction afforded her the opportunity to rise and make a hasty retreat down the steps. He was still puzzling over her attire so he nearly did not hear when she called back over her shoulder, “Then we shall withdrawal and await your bidding, Lorcan. Good eve.”
The reason finally registered. The absence of the Witch markings was due to the placement of his own symbol within the swirling blue designs over the black satin. His smile of pleasure was unseen by her. The little witch had been coming to him not only as leader of the Witch, but as his. She had intended to return to him. Lorcan now realized the reasons for her obvious discomfort. Even so, he was shamelessly taking a bit of satisfaction in it. His female deserved a bit of a lesson. His tone was purposely authoritative when he coolly called out, “Chosen, I bid you to me…now.”
Kaitriana halted, motionless for long minutes with her back to him. He could see the internal struggle played out in the rigidity of her stance. Finally, she turned with all the regality of a queen and took the steps gracefully. She dropped to her knees before him once again. Not daring to look up, she did not want him to see the wetness in her eyes. She also feared his wrath had been roused at her abrupt dismissal of him after the pledge, “Yes, Milord?”
Though there was enjoyment in seeing her so submissively postured, Lorcan had never wanted her to cower before him or any other. Her youthfulness caused her to be impetuous, but her spirit was magnificent and he did not want it damaged. He would relent in his high-handedness…soon. Lorcan lowered the bundled weapons to the stone next to her. Squatting down, he cupped her chin and drew it up until she had no choice but to gaze into his eyes. Upon viewing the sheen of moisture in hers, he relaxed his hold somewhat. His expression remained unreadable as he questioned, “And you, Chosen one, do you pledge your fealty and submission?”
His hand on her chin prevented her nod, so she was forced to reply. Her tone wavered but had a slight edge of vexation in it, “Of course, Milord. I am part of the Witch leadership, my pledge comes to you along with theirs.”
She witnessed his eyes crinkle with a hint of amusement when he heard her answer. Lorcan whispered gravely, “You will not circumvent me in this, lass.” Raising his voice to a level that could be heard by those surrounding them, he questioned again, “Kaitriana, do you offer me your allegiance…your loyalty…your obedience…in everything?”
Shifting uncomfortably on her knees, she clasped her hands around his wrist where he held her. With pleading eyes she whispered, “Please do not make this more difficult. Accept this, accept them. I had a difficult time bringing them to a consensus; do not jeopardize everything because you wish to humiliate me. I swear to you that I will not countermand anything you do within the Realm; we give ourselves over to your rule. Please…”
He tilted her chin up a notch to study her face and then whispered back, “I have no doubt that the pledge you offered on behalf of the Witch is solid, Kaitriana.” He growled a bit, his eyes probing hers, “I want yours personally, little witch.”
Swallowing hard, she kept her eyes locked on his and raised her voice once more, “As the Chosen of the Witch, I give you my personal pledge to all of this as well, Milord.”
Lorcan only shook his head, released her, and then rose.
Kaitriana rose as well. She could see there was disappointment lingering in his expression but she did not understand the reason. Turning again to make her way back down, her legs were shaking and her heart was pounding. She needed to escape and vent her grief over his easy dismissal of her from his life.
Lorcan waited until she reached the ground. He caught Cade’s smile and gave one in return before he called out once more, “Kaitriana, come.”
Exasperated now, she grit her teeth. Lorcan was pushing her to the edge of her control. She was certain he was intentionally mocking her, making a spectacle of her shame. All present must know he had cast her aside. This would not endear him to the Witch but she held her tongue and pivoted sharply. Reaching the top of the steps once again, she intended to kneel but his hand on her arm stopped her.
The flare of her eyes answered the laughter lurking in his. He was quite serious however when he gazed down at her and proclaimed, “I will have your vows now, Witch.”
Kaitriana clenched her jaw and hissed quietly, “Are you daft or deaf Lorcan? Quit mocking me! I have given you the pledge three times already this eve.”
He caught her chin once more and held her still while he waved a hand towards someone in the crowd. Leaning down, he rubbed his lips hard over hers then praised, “There is my little spitfire.” His satisfied smile followed that statement, “I knew you were hiding in there somewhere.”
She only looked up at him with eyes mired in confusion. Lorcan leaned in once more until his lips nearly brushed hers when he spoke, “Your vows, Kaitriana. If you believe I am letting you leave this Coven, you are mistaken. You will be joined to me before the sun rises or I will have you trussed up and locked in my dungeon. Your choice, but you will not be leaving these grounds again without my permission. You need not think either that you are dumping the responsibility for all these blasted Witch at my feet and then dancing merrily away.”
Understanding came slowly, but rather than smile when she realized the line of his demand, she gave him a petulant stare, “What of your little vampire girlfriend?”
A bark of laughter escaped and he tapped her on the nose, “Jealous little minx. I was too troubled to pay her notice. Even if I had, that female would not have warmed my bed because you still bear my mark, Witch. But if you prefer I take her vows…”
He trailed off when she pinched his arm. Brushing his lips over hers, he warned, “Do not think all is settled with us, Kaitriana. You have much to answer for and I will decide what to do about that later.” At her repentant look, he almost smiled, “Myrrdyn is here, as are your Caste leaders and my Coven. Are you giving me your vows or do I need to have Cade conjure me some enchanted ropes?”
Kaitriana was suddenly nervous. Her emotions had touched each end of the spectrum and every stop in between during the course of this night. She needed to find her equilibrium. The abrupt turn of events had left her with no time to think through the ramifications of giving her vows, particularly with how stormy their relationship had been the past week. Shuffling her feet and biting at her lips, she gave him a worried look and attempted to evade, “I really am not dressed as I should be for the ceremony.”
Raking her eyes over his dark pants and his casual black tunic, her eyes lit up when she caught sight of the medallion around his neck. It sparked her memory. She could not help herself but to lean up and stroke at the circular metal piece as she murmured, “Nor are you…and there should be time to celebrate our union after. With the sun preparing to rise, we have not the time.”
Lorcan caught her stroking hand and gazed down at her with plain understanding in his eyes, “You are nervous. You need not be…you have known me your entire life.”
Her gaze was transfixed on the symbols etched in the disk at his throat and she nodded absently. A smile pulled at her lips when she repeated a long forgotten exchange, “Vamp…ire…you chomp chomp chomp witches.”
His laughter follo
wed immediately before he caught her chin and gave her a hard kiss. When he finally released her, he teased, “You are the same brat you were back then Kaitriana.”
Circling his arm around her waist, he pulled her to face Myrrdyn; her grandpapa had climbed the steps unbeknownst to her. The Ancient proceeded to counsel Lorcan sternly, “She is my granddaughter, Vampire. You really do not deserve her. None could truly be worthy of the superior beings that are in my lineage.”
Lorcan shot him a disgusted look, “None are really so insufferable as you either, Sorcerer of Light. Her arrogance comes honest, does it not?” When Myrrdyn looked as though he might object to the characterization, Lorcan interrupted with a laugh, “She is a trial, day and night. You are fortunate I am willing to take her off of your hands.”
Kaitriana was rather proud of her restraint in not delivering her elbow to the vampire’s abdomen. Instead she pressed her case with her grandfather, “Grandpapa, I was attempting to persuade Lorcan that vows should be exchanged later…when I am appropriately attired for such a ceremony and when we have time to properly celebrate the union.” She caught his eye with a meaningful look and nodded dramatically.
Myrrdyn gave her a careful study up and down while stroking his beard. At length he announced, “Granddaughter, I think you look glorious. Giving your vows to your mate in the haze of the breaking dawn will be splendid.” Obviously her grandfather was unwilling to risk allowing her any additional time to create more turmoil in the Realm.
Lorcan guffawed at her thwarted attempt to gain her grandfather’s cooperation. Kat gave a grumpy snort, “I would rather give him the sharp point of my slipper in his...” Her words were cut by Lorcan’s hand settling over her mouth while Myrrdyn stepped forward and grasped her wrist. She was resisting as the elder witch insistently pulled it forward to place her hand in the outstretched palm of Lorcan’s other.
Once her vampire had her hand firmly captured in his own, he released his hold over her mouth and pointed out, still in good humor, “You are not wearing any slippers, Dirty Toes.” Before she could think of a suitable retort, Lorcan leaned down to brush his lips over her hair, offering, “We can hold your vows until tomorrow, little one.”
Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series Page 23