by Tj Shaw
They strolled in silence, following a cobbled path toward the Criton barns. Carina inhaled the lilac and amaryllis infused spring air as a mild breeze ruffled her hair and whispered through the leaves. At first, the peace soothed her mind. But gradually the silence grew too silent. Instead of calming her, the quiet grated on her nerves.
By now Marissa should’ve been fully engrossed in the wondrous details of court life as queen and the unfortunate disappointment Carina must feel because of her status as mistress. With every murmured rustle of a leaf, every soft twitter from a tanager, every muted crunch of their feet on the pebbled path, the stillness taunted her. Unable to resist the challenge, Carina’s curiosity overrode better judgment. Although she couldn’t believe her ears, she opened the topic of conversation.
“So, how did you meet King Remy?”
“Oh, he started courting after King Duncan left,” Marissa said with a shrug.
That was it? Nothing more? “So, what is it like being queen? Are Villar’s holdings substantial?”
“Being queen is everything I’ve always imagined it to be,” Marissa gushed while smoothing out the front of her velvet, green dress. “And Villar’s holdings are more elaborate than King Duncan’s.” She waved her hand in the air to emphasize Marek’s meager estate.
By her condescending manner, Carina could see the beginnings of the old Marissa peeking through her veil of silence. For the next few minutes, Marissa bragged about the holdings under Villar’s control and the improvements he’d made in anticipation of additional Critons settling on his lands. But as Carina listened, she got the impression that Marissa was intentionally keeping the discussion light or inconsequential.
They had reached a small grove of poppy trees. A wood bench rested underneath the canopy, looking over a vast meadow. Although she would’ve continued walking to the barns, with a flourish Marissa plopped down on the bench, muttering something about the heat. She looked up at Carina and patted the empty space next to her. “Sit.”
Carina hesitated, and ignored the unease brewing in her stomach. A small herd of gambels grazing in the meadow caught her attention as she dropped onto the bench. She very much wished she could be flying toward that herd on Critonback instead of sitting beside Marissa.
“You seem to have many Critons?”
Carina’s mind snapped into focus. “Marek has been very fortunate.” She shrugged, not willing to divulge the secret she kept hidden on the palm of her hand.
“Villar thought I was the Caller when he married me. But of course, I can’t summon those dreadful beasts.”
Carina stifled an involuntary gasp. “Why did he think that?”
Marissa stared at her with cold, calculating eyes as if studying her like a bug under a magnifying glass. “Because up until you left, our lands were known for their abundance of unbonded Critons.” She raised an eyebrow? “Didn’t you realize that?”
Carina shook her head as a rising panic clawed at the back of her mind. Self-preservation urged her to be careful. The air that had smelled so sweet moments before turned sour. She had to know the real reason for Father’s arrival.
“Marissa, we’ve never been close.” She overlooked Marissa’s snort of confirmation. “So, why are you here?”
“Villar is disappointed I’m not the Caller.”
“But he can’t blame you for that.”
“No, but he can blame Father who said I was. Villar gave Father a large amount of land in exchange for my hand. Now, he feels cheated and has threatened to go to war.”
Carina’s marked hand flew to her chest. “But you’re his wife. Isn’t the love you feel for each other enough?”
“He doesn’t love me.”
The icy bitterness in Marissa’s voice chilled Carina’s blood.
“So no, I’m not enough.” Marissa fixed her stark, blue eyes on Carina. When Carina held her gaze, Marissa’s bravado evaporated. Marissa’s lower lip trembled and she brushed away a tear before glancing away.
Carina paused. She’d never seen Marissa cry before, at least not with authentic tears. But this time Marissa seemed to be in real pain. “Is there something you wish to discuss?” she asked.
Marissa bit her lip. With a fresh set of tears rimming her eyes, she placed a hand on Carina’s arm. “Do you love your life here with Marek?”
Carina drew back, stunned. She never expected Marissa to ask such a question, let alone care about the answer. But Marissa was looking at her with such wide-eyed anticipation, she felt compelled to reply. “I do.”
Marissa’s face crumpled. “Oh.”
Carina stared at Marissa’s hand. The ostentatious rings on her fingers glittered in the sunlight. Her tailored dress and immaculate appearance embodied royalty. She was a perfect example of wealth and status, living a life Carina thought Marissa always dreamed about.
“You don’t like being queen?”
Marissa lips turned down. She sighed and looked at the ground. “Oh, I love being queen,” she mumbled. “It’s just what I expected, except…” She folded her hands together and placed them on her lap.
Carina leaned forward, encouraging her to answer. “What?”
“He can be so…rough.”
Carina shook her head, not understanding.
Marissa twisted an emerald ring on her finger. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “On our wedding night, he didn’t even bother taking off my gown.” She sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with a green handkerchief that appeared from a fold in her dress. “And I loved that gown, full of lace and beads. Afterwards, the dress was ruined.” She glanced at Carina and blushed.
“I’m sorry, Marissa.” Carina placed a reassuring hand on Marissa’s shoulder. If Marek hadn’t been gentle, her first time at the pools could’ve been full of regret.
“‘Tis nothing, really.” Marissa smiled, composing herself. “But he’s an animal when it comes to that and I find myself exhausted most of the time because he’s eager to have children.” A teasing smile pursed her lips. “Marek has taken you to his bed, yes?”
Dread filled Carina’s gut. She had no intention of discussing private matters, and busied herself by brushing away some unseen speck of dirt from her blouse, trying to formulate an answer. “Well, um—”
“Oh, Carina, you’re so modest,” Marissa exclaimed. “Of course he has, you’re his mistress after all. That’s good, because you’re experienced now.” She settled into the bench, fluffing her dress like a hen ruffling her feathers, content with the knowledge she’d just gained.
The tiny hairs on the back of Carina’s neck bristled. Somehow, she had divulged a vital bit of information without knowing it. She tilted her head and studied Marissa. Marissa glowed with her newly acquired wisdom.
“Marissa, we both know that you have no interest in me, unless it benefits you in some way. So, just tell me. Why are you here?”
Marissa glanced up through her eyelashes. Although mostly hidden beneath her brows, the glint in her eyes stilled Carina’s heart. Anxiety crawled up her spine. She no longer wished to hear Marissa’s response. But for once, Marissa answered.
“Father is a smart man. When the Critons started leaving, he realized you were the reason his lands were populated with so many of those filthy creatures. Father told this to Villar and together they’ve come to take you back.” Marissa’s lips twitched up at the edges. “You’re to become Villar’s mistress,” she clucked.
“No!” Carina jumped to her feet. “Marek won’t agree.”
“Are you sure?” Marissa extended a hand out in front of her and studied her painted fingernails. The long, red nails reminded Carina of a griffon’s claws, bloodied after ripping into dead carrion.
“I’m sure.”
Marissa spoke with a confidence that fostered the growing knot in Carina’s stomach. “If Marek refuses, then Father and Villar will declare war against him. Together they’re a formidable team. And since Marek stands little chance of winning, I suspect he’d most likely die in battle. Could y
ou live with yourself? If Marek dies?”
The air rushed from Carina’s lungs. She stood frozen, unable to move. She must’ve had a horrified expression on her face because Marissa’s tone softened when she glanced up to look at her.
“Oh Carina, it won’t be so bad. But this is your fault, you know. We wouldn’t be in this predicament if Marek had chosen me. Now, we must make the best out of what fate has handed us.
Marissa shrugged. “I suppose I love Villar, but since he can be so…” she paused, searching for the right word, “…demanding, it’ll be nice to have you as a distraction so I can take care of the more important matters of the castle.” She stood and brushed a hand down her dress. “As you attend to my husband, I will attend to affairs more befitting a queen.”
Tears loomed in Carina’s eyes, but she refused to cry in front of Marissa. She squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. Marissa underestimated her. She was no longer the submissive, little mixed blood girl cowering in a corner seeking acceptance. “How did you become so cruel?”
Marissa’s face clouded. “You better respect your new queen, or I’ll make your life very unpleasant.”
Carina held her ground, refusing to apologize as years of torment at Marissa’s hands surfaced. She’d always deferred to Marissa, hoping that if she was nice, she’d someday earn Marissa’s love. But now as she looked into Marissa’s powered face, Carina could only see a selfish, coldhearted person.
Relief washed through her, cleansing her of a dark insecurity she’d carried with her all her life. Marissa would never accept her and there was nothing she could do to change that simple fact. Her heart swelled when she realized that she didn’t care anymore. Because she’d found Marek, someone to love, and who loved her in return. No matter how large the estate Marissa presided over as queen, or the expensive dresses she owned, or the quality of her possessions, Carina would always have so much more. Carina smiled, at peace with herself.
Marissa’s eyes narrowed, squinting in uncertainty. “Why are you smiling?”
“I forgive you, Marissa. I forgive you for the way you treated me while growing up.”
Marissa shook her head in confusion. “What are you muttering about?”
A whisper brushed across Carina’s mind, distracting her. She scanned the surrounding area, but the presence disappeared as soon as it touched her. She would’ve dismissed it, except she recognized the feeling, as if Marek had reached across the distance between them and called to her. Panic gripped her heart. She spun and raced toward the castle.
Marissa’s shrill voice pierced the air. “It’s too late, Carina! There’s nothing you can do!”
43 – TRUTH BE TOLD
Regin sauntered over to a bank of windows overlooking the grounds. “You have many unbonded Critons.”
Marek stepped beside Regin, but kept King Remy within sight. Villar refilled his goblet and settled into his chair. Although Villar remained quiet, he appeared very interested in the conversation.
“My lands are accommodating for Critons.”
“But they’re more accommodating since Carina’s arrival, yes?”
Marek lifted his shoulders in a casual shrug. “I haven’t noticed.”
Regin’s lips twisted upward. “Well, it doesn’t matter. I’ve come to take her home.”
“We have an agreement.”
Regin turned away from the windows to face Marek. “Of course. And you’ll be compensated for any inconvenience. Now, have a servant pack Carina’s belongings.”
Marek’s hand twitched, longing for his sword so he could run a blade through Regin’s gut to end the man’s useless blathering. “And if I refuse?”
Villar spoke in a matter-of-fact tone as if reciting a pledge. “We’ll declare war. We’ll burn your lands, kill your men, and drive you from your home. Then, we’ll take Carina.”
Marek assessed the man who had just threatened him. Villar swirled the ale in his goblet with a relaxed twist of his wrist. His body posture remained subdued as his long legs draped across the small table in front of him, his dark eyes revealing nothing. While Regin would appoint a champion to fight for him, Villar seemed capable of handling his own battles. Marek decided not to underestimate him.
“Then, we have a problem.”
Like a sunburst, Carina stormed the room, her eyes wide with a quiet panic. Marek jumped between her and the other men, shielding her with his body.
Regin’s face clouded. “Although, I find your decision regretful, Carina will do as she is told. Now daughter go pack your belongings. We leave within the hour.”
Marek heard Carina’s small gasp. She tried to step around him, but he kept her tucked behind his back.
“Father, please don’t do this. I want to stay here with Marek.”
Regin shook his head. His eyes narrowed to slits. “I decide what’s best for you, and you will come home.”
Except for Carina’s breath puffing out in little, ragged pants, silence filled the room. With her body pressed close, she acted like a buffering wind keeping the brewing tempest inside him at bay. He’d learned to expect the unexpected from Carina, so when her hand touched the small of his back, he readied himself for the consequences of her actions. She peeked around his shoulder because he still wouldn’t let her move away.
Her voice quaked. “So, I can become Villar’s mistress?”
Rage slammed into the cage bars, an inferno blazing to life. His entire body tensed like a coiled urutu about to attack. He clamped his teeth in restraint and clenched his fists, trying not to launch himself at Regin. Adrenaline strengthened his muscles and fortified his body, preparing him to do what was necessary to ensure no one touched her. Regin teetered on the edge of this life.
Regin raised his double chin. “If that’s what I decide.”
Villar unfurled from the chair in a slow, fluid movement just as Marissa entered the room. He beckoned Marissa to him before speaking. “Carina, your father and I have discussed your status as my mistress. My queen also assures me that you’d make a fine addition to the Remy household.”
You are her protector. She’s yours. The words ripped through Marek’s mind, loud and demanding. A firestorm coursed through his veins. Only Carina’s soothing influence kept him from ripping Villar’s throat open. But even with her reassuring hand, his pulse quickened at the thought of Villar’s blood pooling on the floor.
Somehow, Marek kept his voice steady, concealing what boiled inside him. “Carina is going nowhere. But you will depart immediately and won’t stop until you are off my land. My riders will ensure you do as I’ve commanded.” He nodded to a servant who scurried from the room.
Villar stepped forward, but hesitated when Marek bladed his body and wrapped an arm around Carina, pinning her at his side. Villar placed his goblet on a table and rested a hand on the hilt of his sword. “King McKay has the legal right to recall a daughter he’s given as a mistress. No king will stand beside you when we return to burn your lands.”
“She’s not to remain my mistress.”
“Marek, please—”
Marek silenced Carina by interlacing his fingers within hers and uniting the Critons on their marked palms. Warmth shot up his arm and radiated throughout his body. Carina’s intake of air and wide-eyed expression confirmed she experienced the same rush of energy.
He kissed the back of her hand, and smiled when her lips parted in a silent gasp. A healthy blush flamed her cheeks.
He cleared his throat. A nervous apprehension burned in his belly for having to discuss such a private matter in front of an audience.
****
Marek smiled and the world around Carina stilled. She never thought she would fall in love. But the Gods had blessed her with a beautiful gift. They’d given her Marek—a man who could soothe her mind with a whisper and steel her heart with a touch. He couldn’t meet her gaze as he rubbed her hands with his thumbs in a slow, lazy rhythm. His sudden uncertainty made him more endearing.
Damon and Caden
burst into the room and stood on either side of the door—two pillars of raw strength harboring steel. They remained alert, waiting for Marek’s command. Both men glanced at Carina, their eyes unwavering. Their presence reassured her just as Marek’s next words knocked the air from her lungs.
“This is not how I wanted to ask you.” He rolled his eyes toward the others in the room. “And you need to know I made my decision before yesterday.”
She nodded, realizing he was referring to what happened on the mountain with Naya.
“From the moment I first saw you on Mira’s back, diving down the cliff face and racing toward the forest floor, no one has ever bewitched me as you have. I’m drawn to you like no other.” He paused and seemed at a loss for words.
Carina heard a loud hiss from Regin when Marek mentioned her Criton riding, but Father’s presence was a distant buzz at the back of her mind. Marek commandeered her attention.
The sun filtering into the room caressed Marek’s face, accentuating the flecks in his penetrating eyes, eyes that could spy upon her soul. She lost herself within his gaze. The room narrowed until only one man existed.
He caressed her cheek. “But, as I look back, I think the Gods sent me to find you, so together we could save each other.” He pulled her close until their bodies touched and stroked her face before entwining his hand in her hair.
Her body flared at his touch, her core temperature jumping upward in large increments. Unable to resist, she brushed her thumb across his bottom lip. His mouth fascinated her. She smiled, remembering the pleasure those talented lips could elicit from her.
“Carina.” He whispered her name like a hallowed word.
A longing rose within her, an ache only Marek could fulfill. She held onto rational thought by a sliver of thread. If he didn’t get to the point soon, her overheated blood would scorch through the wispy string, the only thing keeping her from dragging him upstairs. A sly grin spread across his lips. Could he read her mind?