Jasper splashed water on his face and ran it through his hair, trying to bring it into some semblance of order. When he washed his body, he closed his mind to the joy they had given each other last night and quickly dressed. Looking toward his dresser, he reached out and picked up one of the silver bands he had charmed. Jasper checked the inscriptions before he slid it over his wrist and pushed it all the way up over his elbow. When it was tight against his forearm, he pulled his shirt sleeve down to cover it. He pulled on his boots and made his way down to the kitchen for food. When he had his fill, he went to the library where his mother waited patiently for him.
“I realize your dilemma, and my heart aches for you. But you must give this all of your attention,” she said. “You cannot afford to fail. Make sure you make it clear to Helan what you are asking. Remember, they cannot deny you.”
“Aye, Mother, I know.” Tightening his resolve, he straightened his back and stood proud. “I will not fail my people. This I promise you.”
“Just do not fail yourself, Jasper,” she replied. “Now go, it is time. I will wait for your return.”
His anger fueled him. They all had much to lose by this request and he was not prepared to back down from their wrath. He would maintain control of his senses and stand his ground.
It was not long before he found himself in front of the thrones that Helan and Elena sat upon. Elena welcomed him warmly, but her husband was obviously not in a good mood.
“I bid you welcome, Jasper.” Elena kissed both of his cheeks before resuming her seat. “I do hope that you have given much thought to my offer.”
Jasper gritted his teeth and took a deep breath. “I would ask that you refute the law that says gods cannot marry my kind,” Jasper spoke. “If we can die for you and your mistakes, we should have the chance to love and marry into your world.”
“No,” Helan roared pushing himself out of his chair. “Never.”
Jasper watched the god bellow and carry on, distancing himself in his mind to a faraway place, away from the fray. He knew he had overstepped the boundaries and regretted it the moment the words left his lips. I should have known how they would react but I could not resist. He watched from his half-closed eyes while Elena tried to calm her husband while giving Jasper furtive glances. Was she trying to figure out the obvious female he had his sights on? The question was in her eyes but he looked away.
Leona and Mari slipped out from behind the curtain and, holding hands, they snuck along the side of the wall to stand away from the commotion. Jasper watched them, saddened beyond belief, and wondered if it would be the last time that he saw her. Her father was bound to banish him from teaching her, assuming that he thought that it was Leona that he was interested in.
He listened to Elena trying to contain her husband. Seeing no point in standing ignored, he walked away and stood by the doorway, overlooking the tranquil gardens.
He felt her approach. Turning, he looked into her concerned eyes.
“Jasper, forgive him,” Elena said. “He is set in his ways and does not want to see change in our world.”
“But it is not change, Elena. Surely you can see that. For centuries, your people have come down and cohabitated with humans, only they did it in secret. All I ask is that they be open about the relationship and afford those that they love their protection. Is that too much to ask for after all that we have done for your people? We have died for you, surely a little honesty is overdue to my people.”
“He is right, Mother. You know he is,” Mari said coming toward them. “If Father won’t grant this, then I shall. It is my right to grant whatever I so desire.”
“You cannot rule yet, my girl,” Helan yelled, storming over to stand in front of his daughter. “I am still king and while I rule, I will deny the request.”
“You cannot deny them, my love,” Elena said, her hand on her husband’s arm in an attempt to restrain him. “I gave my word and we will abide by it.”
“You’ll not marry one of my daughters, Jasper, if that is what you are after. That I can promise you.” His face was now a mottled angry red. He shot glances toward Mari and back to Jasper. Helan was on the wrong track, but Jasper was not going to correct him while his new sister-in-law stood up for him. I will take all the help I can get.
“I am not asking for that honor, Helan,” Jasper said. For I already have my wife. “I have asked for honesty and protection from your kind when they partner with my people. That is all that I ask of you.”
“It shall be, Jasper,” Elena promised him. “Perhaps it would be best if you left now. I will be in touch shortly.”
Jasper bowed his head in acknowledgement and left the room, his eyes locking onto those of his new wife. Her lips quivered and he could see the tears in her eyes starting to well. He gritted his teeth, drew a deep breath, and strode away from her.
***
Elena found him later that day on the hill above the ocean. He rose when she approached, but he was not able to hide the anguish that he felt.
“Jasper, I am sorry. I had thought to mend relations between us with my offer. All I have done is anger my husband and put you in a difficult position.”
“Does that mean that your husband will honor my request?”
“Yes, he will. But I would like to ask you something, Jasper. Between the two of us, are you looking at anyone in my world for your mate? I ask this only for my own insight,” she said, rushing on, seeing the reaction that she got with her question. “It seems such a strange request for a human to ask for.”
“Strange? I think not,” he replied. “What is strange about wanting the best for your people? It is fine for you and your kind. You sit up in your world, untroubled by the likes of Edrith O’Reilly fighting and pillaging your homes and livestock. For years we have put up with this treatment whilst those that live amongst us sit back and act like they’re human. They have the powers to help those that they live with. Instead, they hide who they are, even when it is obvious. How can they stand by and watch those they live with get slaughtered? All for some misguided sense of secrecy. No more, Elena. Now you will stand accounted for and provide for those that harbor you and yours.”
She stood quietly and let him rant and vent his anger. “I am sorry if my question causes you discomfort, Jasper. That was not my intention,” she replied. “It is obvious that your people mean a lot to you and that I can understand. Perhaps it would be best if you postpone your next visit to us until Helan has calmed down and come to accept the truce between us.”
She stepped forward, noticing the stricken look in his eyes.
“She is a lucky woman, Jasper,” she said softly. “I bid you farewell for now.”
She quickly kissed his cheek and left him alone on the cliffs over the ocean. He stood frozen. She knew. By the gods, what was he going to do now? If Helan found out, he was lost. He ran his hands over his hair, gripping the sides of his head, the realization sinking in. He dropped to his knees, crouching over with his head on the grass. His heart felt as if it had dropped to his feet and ceased beating. What had he done? The grief poured out of him in an unearthly howl of pain. The storm that brewed around him only added to the misery and he felt too bereft to push it away. Instead he lay crouched on the grass, the rain falling around him.
***
The weeks passed with no word from Leona or Elena. Each day, Jasper rose and performed his duties, but without the usual joy he had previously had with his life. Each night he slept alone in his bed, unwilling to believe that she may never return. His mother and Richard tried to get his spirits up, but even they gave up when he growled his displeasure at them.
All he wanted was for his wife to return to his side or to be left alone. It was simple in his eyes.
The time came when Edrith O’Reilly tried once again to force his tenants from their land. Jasper had Richard order the men to prepare for battle and with a heavy heart, he bid his mother goodbye.
They rode for most of the morning before he
r castle came into view. Jasper called a halt to his men and dismounted. They drank and ate their early meal while plotting their moves against her. This time, Jasper had promised himself that he would not back down. He would fight to the finish. And if he lost his life in the process, so be it. They mounted up and headed off to battle.
It was evening before the sounds of battle quieted. The smell of burning timber filled the damp air. Tiny flickers of dying flames that had engulfed the castle still glowed in the darkness. The chill of the night descended around the battle-weary bodies of Jasper and his men.
Jasper was startled out of his dreaming when Richard clapped him on the shoulder. He was standing over the body of a young soldier. “What were you thinking, Jasper? You were miles away.”
“I regret giving the woman so many chances. We should have attacked her before now. She had the time to escape and took it.” He shook his head, sighing. “I have let my people down by not taking her life when I could have.”
“No, you haven’t, man. You gave her the opportunity to make it right and she chose to turn her back on the idea. Killing and plundering people is in her blood. I’m afraid she will never change, Jasper. But don’t blame yourself for being kinder than she could ever be. Why don’t you tell me what really is making you so despondent? I’m thinking there is more to this mood of yours.”
“I was thinking that my life is worthless without her, Richard. I feel that my body has no more life than his,” he said, pointing his sword to the body at their feet.
“Well, do something about it, man,” Richard said, shaking his head at Jasper.
Jasper looked up. He had been instructed by Elena to wait for Helan to calm down. What more could he do? “Are you saying what I think you are?”
“I have never known you to be the type to sit and wait for something that you wanted, Jasper, so why start now?” Richard grinned from ear to ear, his face smudged with soot and grime from the battle. “I’ll gladly join you if you need backup, my friend. I would like to see the wee girl again too.”
“You would garner the wrath of the gods for me?” Jasper asked.
“What do you think? When have we not had each other’s backs?”
Jasper pondered the idea for the shortest length of time before he slapped Richard on the arm. “Let us clean up here and see these poor people home and then we can make plans. I refuse to go and claim my wife looking like I have slept in the trenches for these last few months.”
It was morning before they had sorted out their soldiers and arranged somewhere to stay for the displaced tenants. By the time they made it home and unsaddled their horses it was almost mid-afternoon. It took another hour for Jasper to tell his mother of their battle and his plans to reclaim his bride before he could go to his room to clean up.
He took care with his bathing, tying his hair back and choosing his clothes. When he was dressed, he went to his workroom and gathered his tools to cast a spell before going to the stables to meet with Richard.
“Are you sure you want to do this? We might not get out alive, you know.”
“Do you think I would let you try this on your own? No, my friend, we are in this together.”
“You had best wear this then,” Jasper said handing him one of the charmed armbands. “Put it under your sleeve and pray that it will be strong enough.”
Richard slapped his sword with his hand and angled it into its sheath over his shoulder. He took the beaten silver band and fitted it high on his arm. “Let’s go and do this.”
They walked with a determined swing to their steps as they headed for the cliffs and the portal. Once it opened, they walked with confidence to the main hall where they found the gods lounging around, eating.
“What is the meaning of this?” Helan roared when they approached his table.
Jasper stopped in front of the angry god with Richard standing nonchalantly behind his right side. “I have come for my wife,” he said with a calmness that he did not feel. The conversation in the room came to a complete halt. All eyes turned to Jasper and Richard, who were ready for battle. Their hands hovered over their swords.
“Stop!” Elena rose from her seat of comfortable cushions and put a hand out to stop her husband. “Everyone remain calm and stay where you are.” She walked toward Jasper and Richard, all eyes upon her.
“What is the meaning of this, Jasper?” Her eyes were weary. They all knew that she could have killed him on the spot with her powers if she so chose to, but that was not her way. For that, Jasper silently thanked her.
“It is quite simple, Elena. I have come to take my wife home. Remember the truce between us? It works both ways now. I think that you have had time to adjust to that and I have come to claim what is mine.”
“You will not take my daughter, Jasper,” Helan yelled, coming toward them. “No wiccan will rule this world, regardless of the deal my wife made with you. I will destroy you all before I let that happen.”
“Mari has chosen another consort, Helan, one of whom you would approve,” said his wife, brushing her hand over his arm. “Jasper, I believe, is talking of Leona. Is this not so, Jasper?”
Jasper inclined his head, slightly scanning the room for his wife.
“She is not here,” Mari said, coming toward them. “She has gone to our summer home for her health. She has not been well.”
The blood left his face and his heart contracted, leaving him breathless. He had expected some impediment to his quest, but not this.
“Not well. What ails her, Mari? I can help her if you would take me to her.” Jasper clasped her arms. “Please. Take me to her.”
Once again, Elena held her husband back from attacking Jasper. She gave a slight nod of her head to her eldest daughter and watched when Mari guided Jasper and Richard from the room.
“You almost let me down, human,” Mari said walking with them to the portals. “I had thought you would have been here demanding your wife sooner. She has almost given up hope and is pining for you.”
“I promised your mother that I would wait until she thought your father was used to the idea before I came here again. I even convinced Leona that it was the best way. What have I done?”
“Follow me,” said Mari.
They entered the portal and in a flash of blinding light, transported to another place where the sun was shining over a smaller, less austere-looking palace. They made their way through the corridors until they came to a large room, overlooking the gardens. On a bed placed by the balcony, lay a small still form.
Mari motioned the attendants to leave the room and Jasper rushed to the side of the bed.
“Oh, mo ghra, please forgive me for leaving you,” he cried, cradling her frail body in his arms. He held her close, letting the tears ran down his face. Behind him, Richard and Mari waited silently.
“How long has she been like this?”
“A few weeks now,” Mari replied. “She insisted on living here when she came back from your wedding night. Nothing we could say would dissuade her. Then she stopped eating and nothing I could do would help her. She refused to see our father at all, silently blaming him for your distance. I’m sure our mother knows what is happening, but she was powerless to intervene. It had to come from you, Jasper. You are the only one that can stop her leaving us.”
“What do you mean?” he asked, but he feared he already knew what had happened. The look on Mari’s face all but confirmed it.
“When you did not come for her, she cast a spell on her life,” Mari’s eyes brimmed with tears. “She could not bear the thought that she and your child would never see you again.”
“My child,” Jasper gasped. “She is with child?”
“Yes,” Mari sobbed. She leaned into Richard for support and he too was distraught enough to cling to her.
Jasper ran his finger gently over the face of his wife. She appeared to sleep gently, but he knew what the truth was. Her body breathed and inside her, their child grew. Would he be able to reverse the spell
, he wondered. He had to try. In reality, there was nothing to lose that he would not already consider lost if he did not try. He lifted his eyes to Richard.
“I need supplies from my workroom, Richard. Will you get them for me and return here immediately?”
“Of course I will.”
“I will take him,” Mari said. “Get a list together quickly, Jasper. We will return before nightfall.”
Jasper instructed them on the things he needed and when they left the room, he lay down with his sleeping wife. He pulled her to his chest. He stroked his hand gently over her belly, feeling the swell of the child that grew inside of her. His heart was breaking at the reality of what his decision had done to her. He had given Helan too long to adjust to the idea of gods living openly with humans. Leona must have felt truly helpless to have done such a thing. He only hoped that his magic was strong enough to reverse her spell.
Time ceased to exist while he lay there.
Richard and Mari returned with a sack holding Jasper’s supplies and tools from his workroom. Behind them came Elena and Helan. The gods stopped at the door, looking unsure if they should proceed into the room. Jasper glanced at them, but his attention was on the contents of the bag. He had rearranged his wife back onto the pillows, where she lay still and pale.
Jasper took the bag to the low table in front of one of the windows and set out its contents. Bottles labeled rosemary, uncrossing oil, and rainwater were among those laid on the table. A small cauldron was set up in the fireplace and while it heated, Jasper mixed his potion, intent on ensuring his quantities were perfect. He crossed to the fireplace and poured the mixture into the cauldron, then stood quietly, stirring all the while until the mixture boiled gently. He removed the pot from the fire and returned to the table. Letting the mixture sit to cool, he approached the gods.
“It is my fault that Leona is in the state she is in,” he began, his voice ragged with grief. “I should never have listened to you, Elena. I should have kept my wife by my side and not given into your whim to let your husband grow used to the idea before I showed my face again. I am responsible and I will take all the measures I can to bring her back. Then I will take her home and no one is going to stop me.”
Irish Seduction Page 9