Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 02 - Meladrom

by Rosemary Lynch

  “These are for you my Lady; my Lord thought perhaps you may wish to choose a dress of your own liking?” Arweyn looked at him a little surprised.

  “Oh, thank you. Please can you put them in the chamber?” She pointed to the door. The young servant bowed once more and walked into the bedchamber, laying them across the bed.

  The others had begun filling the bath and each one in turn bowed their heads as they walked by her.

  “Thank you,” she offered to each one in turn. She bit at her lower lip as she tried to figure out how to approach them and ask them questions. Gradually they left the room, save one young girl who was busy taking towels out of a cupboard in the bedroom. Arweyn hovered behind her.

  “Hello,” she said finally. The young girl looked at her and smiled, giving a curtsey. “Would you mind undoing by dress,” she asked turning her back to the girl.

  “Oh course my Lady,” the young girl replied, quickly placing the towels down and coming to her aid.

  “How long have you been here?” Arweyn ventured to ask, as the young girl undid the corset ties. She felt the girl’s hands tremble.

  “Please help me?” Arweyn begged, glancing over her shoulder at her. The girl looked at her and then quickly shook her head.

  “I am sorry I cannot,” she whispered nervously. “There it is undone will that be all, my Lady?” Turning around to her Arweyn placed a hand on her shoulder.

  “Please there is no-one here, tell me where have you come from?” The girl looked at her.

  “Earth,” she whispered cautiously. Arweyn took a sharp breath.

  “He took you from Earth?” She shook her head.

  “No not him personally, I was out walking my dog and they appeared from nowhere, three men.” Stopping she looked at her wide-eyed. “I …I do not even know where I am,” she stuttered tearfully. “I went through some kind of portal.”

  “How long have you been here?” The young girl shook her head.

  “I’m not sure, three years I think.”

  “How old are you?” Arweyn asked.

  “About fourteen my Lady,” she replied.

  “Is there no way out?”

  She shook her head. “No. I’m sorry my Lady.” She brushed past her quickly, hurrying out of the room, and closing the door behind her.

  Arweyn stood for a moment staring at the closed door. He was still taking people through the portal, and that poor girl was just a child. She thought back to the wagons they had seen the day before. It was full of children; having not found their people on Malgar, he was taking children from Earth to be his slaves. She wondered how many there were. How many had he taken from their families, from their homes?

  Locking the door she walked into the bedchamber and over to the bed. Picking up one of the gowns she looked at it, it was incredibly beautiful, made from red silk and emblazoned with sparkling gemstones. Lifting it up she placed it against her body, it looked like it would fit. She put it back on the bed and picked up another. This one was blue, and then another in green he had sent her a dress in nearly every colour. Wandering to the bath, she dipped a finger in the water, it was steaming, and just how she liked it. Along a shelf were a number of bottles. She opened a few and inhaled them it smelt of him, of Gemini. Slipping off the dress he had given her she placed it on his bed with the others, and climbed into the bath, she sunk underneath soaking her hair. Resurfacing she wiped the water from her eyes. A tear ran down her cheek as she thought of her husband. She knew he would be frantic and trying everything, he could to get to her. She held out the palm of her right hand and watched as the dragon swirled entwined with the unicorn. Raising her palm to her mouth, she kissed it gently. Holding it against her cheek, she closed her eyes in thought. Where was he now? How long would she have to endure the advances of Gemini and more importantly how long would she be able to keep him from taking her?

  “I love you Kainan,” she whispered as she sank into the depths of the water.

  ***

  Gemini wandered down into the darkest depths of his Fortress his guards bowed on one knee. Not daring to look him in the eyes, their heads remained lowered until he passed them. He breathed in deep, his brow frowning, his fist clenching as he felt his anger surfacing. The guard threw open the door as Gemini approached. Treskin shook, throwing himself to the ground shaking, he begged.

  “My Lord I’m sorry but the bitch kicked me in the bollocks, what was I supposed to do?” Gemini lifted his hand to the guards, bending down they dragged Treskin to his feet. Gemini moved up close to him.

  “For a start she is a Queen, and not a bitch!” he growled at him. Treskin sobbed.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t mean…” Gemini’s hand came up grabbing him around his throat. The man gasped as his grip tightened.

  “I gave strict orders that she was not to be touched. If she had wanted to rip your balls off, you should have stood there and let her do it!” He removed his hand; drawing it back, he punched him in his face. Blood splattered all over the guards but they did not flinch, or turn their heads, but merely held the man firm. Gemini wiped his bloody hand across the sleeve of one of the guards. Pulling back his sleeves, he struck out again whacking the man across his mouth. Treskin screamed as his teeth broke. Gemini stood back; raising his hand towards him, he grasped the air and began twisting it. He snarled in a satisfied growl, listening to Treskin’s screams as he slowly crushed his manhood. He dropped limp in the guard’s arms. Gemini walked up to him; lifting the man’s chin, he shook his head distastefully at him before dropping it.

  “Give him to my dragons,” he ordered, before turning and leaving the room.

  ***

  As promised, he returned to her at sunset. She had to admit he did look striking in his dark blue trousers and white tunic and as his bright green eyes stared intensely at her, she quivered, he had an uncanny resemblance to her husband, apart from his green eyes; they were more like Gareion’s.

  “You look beautiful,” he said agreeably, giving a slight dip of his head towards her. She had chosen the red gown, emblazoned with sparkling gems across the bust. It cut in tight to her tiny waist and corseted to the front instead of the back. Trimmed in black lace it fell down loose from her waist to the floor. She gave a slight nod of her head back to him. Remembering her plan, she smiled.

  “Thank you it is a very beautiful dress.” He returned her smile and held out his hand. She took it and he walked her to the table. which had already been laid with their evening meal of meat and fish, fresh vegetables and wine. Pulling back her chair for her she sat down, taking a napkin from the table, and placing it across her lap. Reaching to the centre of the table and lifting a crystal decanter, he pulled out the stopper and poured them both some wine.

  “Do you mind if I sit here?” he asked, holding the chair to her left. “It seems such a distance to sit at the other end of this rather long table.” She shook her head, as if she had a choice anyway.

  He retrieved his plate and cutlery from the end of the table and sat down next to her. She swallowed nervously, not knowing what to say to him. His eyes looked at her longingly and she could feel them boring into her. Eventually he broke the silence and began chatting mostly about himself and his various conquests over the last five hundred years. She held on to her anger at the way he had inflicted so much horror on the two worlds, instead pretending to be impressed by his power.

  “Gemini,” she said, with a smile, her eyes turning to the portraits on the wall.

  “She is very beautiful,” she said, pointing to the woman with green eyes, probing for more information.

  “Yes she is Arthur’s twin, her name is Analise,” he said, a little abruptly. Arweyn raised an eyebrow, another twin.

  “That is a pretty name,” she said, and then she frowned, as a sudden feeling of deja vu hit her. She looked back at him. “You did not mention her before,” she said and for a brief moment, a look of anger crossed his face. Her hand gripped tight to the side of her chair with worry. He cl
eared his throat and wiped his mouth with a napkin.

  “No,” he replied, with a fake smile. “We had a disagreement a very long time ago. You see unlike Arthur, Analise inherited my gift of magic, in fact,” he said. “She became quite a Sorceress.” He put the napkin down. “I sent her on a mission for me,” he smiled at her. “She disobeyed me, instead of killing the person I had asked her to, she decided to use her powers for her own use. She wanted to be an immortal like me. Of course, I had my dragons and therefore allowed her to sample their magic, but she wanted more. She discovered a way that would mean she would become immortal without having to drink the dragon’s blood. She learnt how to take souls and use their life force to keep her young. She keeps them in these special little bottles,” he screwed his nose up in distaste, “until she needs a fresh one.” He shook his head. “Nasty do not you think?” She stared at him, and then knocked back her goblet of wine. A soul stealer, she could not contemplate how that was even possible. So she asked.

  “How do you steal someone’s soul?” He laughed giving a shake of his head.

  “Oh she is much more subtle than that. She does not steal them she gets people to give them to her willingly, therefore giving her a longer lifespan. According to Analise, if she stole a soul it will only give her extra life for five or ten years. One that comes voluntarily or is given in the instance of an unborn child, could last her eighty years.”

  “Why would someone give them her soul willingly?” she asked, frowning at him. He shrugged.

  “To save another or just because she is so beautiful, men are weak you know,” he said, raising an eyebrow at her. She fell silent as she thought. He looked at her it was time to change the subject. He passed her some dessert but she shook her head.

  “No really I am too full,” she said, with a smile. He dipped his spoon into his rich creamy cake and offered it to her.

  “Perhaps you would like to try just a small piece?” She did not really, but leaning forward she drew it off the spoon and into her mouth it did actually taste very nice. She licked her lips and nodded. His eyes wandered over her mouth and his heart did a little skip.

  “It is very nice,” she agreed, using her thumb to wipe a piece off the corner of her mouth. He leaned towards her, lifting his napkin to her mouth.

  “You missed a bit,” he said, wiping it slowly whilst gazing into her eyes. She breathed deeply. As his eyes held hers, her heart juddered and she quickly turned away from him, lifting her goblet to drink, but finding it empty. He licked his lips and reached for the decanter.

  “Here,” he said, refilling her goblet.

  “I think my Lord I may have had a little too much.”

  “Nonsense,” he said with a smile. “Go on drink up.” She dipped her head slightly at him and took another sip. She had managed to pour three goblets full into the poor weathered plant that stood behind her. By various means, she had managed to distract him long enough to pour it away before he looked back. Therefore, she was pretending to be drunk so she could keep her wits about her. She looked at him and he smiled at her. Her plan was to get close to him so she could get to the sword. Slipping her hand across to him, she fingered his arm.

  “I know you are an evil bastard,” she said with a hic-up and then a giggle he looked at her somewhat perplexed. “But….” She then raised her index finger, pointing it at him. “I like you,” her chest heaved and her eyes widened at him.

  “Really?” he questioned in a whisper, his thumb rubbing his bottom lip as his eyes searched hers. She nodded.

  “Yes really. I know I should hate you but for some strange reason I find myself liking you.” She shrugged convincingly. Reaching forward he took hold of her hand and pulling it to his face he inhaled her and then and kissed it.

  “Shall we sit by the fire?” he asked, she nodded. He rose from his chair and walked around to her, offering her his hand. She took it and standing up he walked over to the couch.

  “Oh the drinks,” he said, turning back around and walking to the table. Glancing over his shoulder to make sure she was not looking he waved his hand over her goblet.

  “Poricon relarning visage.” he mumbled quickly. Sparkles of magic swirled within her drink, moments later it was still. He smirked picking it up.

  “Here,” he called to her. She smiled as she stepped towards him.

  “Thank you.” This time there was nowhere for her to pour it away.

  “Why do not you finish it all,” he said, lifting his eyebrow at her and watching as she drank every drop. She knew he was trying to get her drunk, but she did as he asked. Her head suddenly felt a bit light, that goblet seemed much stronger than the last. Turning to him just as they were about to sit down she ran a finger down the side of his face.

  “You know I quite fancy being immortal. Would I stay like this, eighteen forever?” she whispered seductively. Gemini felt his heart racing as he looked at her beautiful face. He nodded and whispered.

  “Yes we would live forever, together.”

  “I would never age?”

  He shook his head and smiled at her. Immortality was tempting even to the purest of hearts he knew that. He remembered how desperate he became to taste it.

  “Never, you will stay this beautiful forever.” His eyes ran all over her face, watching her features intently trying to discern her true thoughts. “Perhaps Queen of Malgar you are a little drunk,” he said, grinning at her. She shook her head and said slowly.

  “No a little tipsy maybe, but I am not drunk.” She caught his eyes for a second and his gaze commanded her. She took a sharp little breath and trembled as she realised what was going through his mind, she knew this time would come. She had been waiting in dreaded fear from the moment the dragon had dropped her in the central courtyard. He had played into her hands and she hoped she had the power to control him. She had a plan and she just prayed that it would work. Leaning forward he inhaled her, his hand rose to her hair and he played with it. She had to remain strong, whatever happened.

  “What about Kainan?” he asked, gazing down at her. She swallowed, trying to keep her nerve.

  “I, I bonded with Kainan because I thought I loved him.” She hesitated and her voice fell into a whisper. “But I had not met you.” She closed her eyes and shook her head, stepping back from him. “I am confused.” He pulled her back to him and held both her shoulders squarely to him.

  “Do you really mean it?” She said nothing for a moment but just stared at him. She could almost feel him tremble under her gaze. She nodded. He leaned into her, kissing her passionately. His hands came up to her face, his thumbs pawing at her cheeks. Breaking from the kiss, he whispered into her ear.

  “Go into my chamber and remove your gown.” She hesitated, looking at him fearfully, but knowing there was no choice she slowly walked into his chamber. Her hands trembled as she undid the ties on her gown, slipping it off she stood naked with her back to him, praying to herself that she had done the right thing and she would be able to control him.

  Gemini followed behind her, his heart was racing at the sight of her nakedness, she was perfect in every way, never had he felt like this before. Pulling his shirt off, he then slipped off his trousers. As he moved in behind her, her body twitched and then trembled as she felt his bare skin against hers. He could feel her trembling as he clasped his hands around her shoulders. He kissed the back of her neck and then across her shoulders; she swallowed, her breath trembling. His hands grasping hold of her shoulders he turned her around so she was facing him.

  “You are so incredibly beautiful,” he whispered, his eyes following his hands, as he ran them across her shoulders and then down to her breasts, and he cupped them squeezing gently. Her brow wrinkled together with effort to stop the tears, in her mind she had travelled away to be with her husband. His focus returned to her, and at the distant look held within her. He pushed her back on to the bed, she did not resist, but she would not look at him. He sat astride of her, and his hands began toying with her l
ong dark hair. Leaning forward he began kissing the hollow of her throat, but he could feel her body tensing up beneath him.

  “You’re thinking of him aren’t you,” he said with sharpness. She finally looked at him.

  “Yes he is my husband,” she whispered back, her heart thumping furiously as she played him. Gemini sat back, staring at her. What was wrong with him? He could not do this, not with her thinking of him.

  “What will it take for you to not think of him?” She felt a tear run down her cheek.

  “If…. he was dead.” This was her chance, spirits only knew why he had stopped, but she thanked them that at least for now he had. She had been dreading this moment ever since he captured her; she could cope with his kisses and his fondling as she just blocked it and thought continually of her husband. Knowing that he was out there somewhere fighting to get to her, kept her strong, for him to take her would be unbearable. How would she have ever faced her husband again? She knew Kainan would understand, but she herself would never have felt the same again. She had to play him along, knowing that the only way Kainan could kill him was for him to get the Deragan Sword and the Gameron Sword in the same room and for that Kainan had to come face to face with Gemini. The fact that Gemini was not old and ugly but quite attractive and even strangely similar to her husband made it a little more bearable. If she could just twist him around and make him believe that she had fallen for him, she knew they would have more of a chance.