Mother of Shadows (The Chosen Book 1)

by Meg Anne

  Matching his steps to hers he asked, “Are you still planning to venture outside of the Capital?”

  Helena nodded as she said, “I think it is time to soothe the hurts of the past, don't you?”

  Darrin shrugged uncomfortably and spoke slowly, choosing his words with care, “I think that it seems rather soon for you to leave the safety of Elysia, especially since you are still testing the limits of your magic.”

  “Isn't that what you are for?” she teased.

  Wary green eyes met hers, “You know that I would lay down my life to protect yours, Helena. I just know that once we leave these borders, we are welcoming all sorts of new threats that we might be ill-prepared to face. At least without proper planning.”

  “We're taking a trip to visit my Mate's family and lands, not going on some warring expedition, but your caution is noted Shield. We will make sure that when we leave for the journey we are prepared for all possibilities.” Helena could appreciate his concerns, even as she felt they were unnecessary. While she may be Kiri, she was very much still learning what that meant while he was the one who had been training with the Rasmiri for half his life. More than that, as the Shield it was in his nature to search for potential dangers lurking in every shadow.

  The pair continued their way into the Palace. As with many of the common spaces between wings, the floors were polished to a high shine, the wood a glossy mahogany, while the walls were a soft buttery gold. Paintings of all shapes and sizes lined the walls. Helena was unsure who the artists were, but each one told the story of her people. She wished she had more time to stop and study them, but they continued moving swiftly up the spiraling staircase.

  As they climbed, Helena noted the lights twinkling above them, not ensconced in any way, but rather floating and moving around freely beneath the massive beams visible in the high ceiling. It was so picturesque here, each window chosen to best reveal Elysia's beauty. She caught glimpses of towering mountains in the distance and shivered with anticipation. Soon she would be traveling through them.

  Her life to this point had been sheltered, and she had not traveled much farther than the small town closest to her and Miriam's cottage. A part of her had always hungered for adventure, and now she was in a position to seek it at will. Who knew what waited for her out beyond the snow-capped peaks in the distance? A different kind of chill worked its way down her spine at the thought, and she spared a glance at Darrin. Perhaps she should better heed his warnings.

  A small flutter of concern tugged at her through the bond. Helena worked to shake off the lingering sense of disquiet as they reached the threshold of the meeting room. The rest of the Circle were already waiting for them inside; each man standing behind their usual seats around the table. This was Von's first time officially sitting in with them, and she couldn't help the smile that bloomed across her face when she saw him leaning against the mantle.

  As usual, his legs were wrapped in his tight leathers; his shirt black and loose, the sleeves rolled up to showcase strong forearms lightly dusted with hair. She admired him, and the way the leather showcased his assets, discretely for a moment before taking the final step into the room.

  His eyes caught her as soon as she appeared in the doorway, a brow raised in silent question.

  “All is well.” She assured him with a soft smile.

  He nodded, returning her smile, and moved to sit beside her as she lowered herself into the seat Kragen pulled out for her. She beamed up at him in thanks before looking expectantly at Timmins.

  His voice was warm as he greeted her, “You are glowing this afternoon, Kiri.”

  She felt rather than saw the smug smile spread across Von's face at Timmins' declaration.

  “I'll have you know this glow is the result of me playing with my magic in the gardens,” she informed him haughtily.

  “Is that what you're telling yourself?” he purred seductively in reply.

  Helena stole a glance at him from the corner of her eye, noting that he was staring at Timmins, a small smile playing about his lips.

  “That's kind of you to say, I hope you enjoyed the evening's festivities as well.”

  A slight blush stained Timmins cheeks, as both Kragen and Joquil hid their smiles behind gloved hands. Darrin's sudden coughing sounded suspiciously like laughter, yet no one made any comment.

  “Yes, well...” Timmins looked around the table without making eye contact with any of them.

  “It was certainly unforgettable,” Joquil inserted smoothly.

  “Yes,” Timmins nodded in relief, “unforgettable.”

  Helena bit back her own smile, “How wonderful to hear.”

  Poor, proper, Timmins would never hear the end of this, but at least she had turned the topic away from herself.

  He fumbled with some papers in front of him before beginning again. “Now, as I see it, with all of the ceremonies and the trial behind us, it is time to shift our attention to the matters of the realm. There have been many --”

  Helena cut in, “While I agree that the time for history and politics can no longer be avoided, I prefer to take a more direct path. We will be journeying to Daejara. It is time for us to look to the future and rebuild our alliance with the people we have so grossly neglected.”

  She felt Von stiffen beside her as the other men traded glances around the table.

  “Don't you think it would be more prudent, Kiri, to send someone else on your behalf to start such negotiation?” Timmins murmured carefully.

  “Obviously not or that's what I would have suggested,” she said mildly.

  Von's approval stroked along the length of their bond, yet he remained silent.

  “Five hundred years is a long time to go without any sort of communication and simply appear on their doorstep,” Darrin attempted.

  “Who said anything about simply appearing?” she asked sparing him a glance, “We will notify Daejara's emissaries of our intentions and await our formal invitation from its court. I cannot imagine it will be long in coming, seeing as how their eldest son is now my Mate.”

  Von let out a humorless bark of laughter, “You flatter me by thinking that my parents are that concerned with my well-being, Kiri. They have all but disowned me due to my years 'running around bloodying my blade for the highest paying arsehole.'” Beneath the mocking words, Helena could feel the pain that admission still caused him; a wound that had never fully healed.

  “Then perhaps it is time for them to become reacquainted with their son and his new Mate,” snapped the voice of many, eyes flashing like diamonds with her ire.

  Von studied her carefully from his sprawling position in the chair. His lips raised in wry amusement, “Perhaps so, Kiri.”

  She turned her attention back to the other four men, “This is not open for negotiation. The people of Daejara have been left to suffer and fend for themselves for the last five hundred years. There has been no news, no trade, no celebration of the Mother or her gifts in all that time. These people, who have done nothing but have the misfortune to be born on the wrong side of an invisible line, are paying for the mistakes of rulers long since dead. That is unacceptable, and it ends now.”

  “I do not care how we make it happen,” she continued, “but know that this will happen. So, let us make the plans that we need to make in order to best prepare ourselves for what we will find when we cross the border. While I am stubborn enough to insist on this meeting, I am not so ignorant as to believe we will be welcomed with open arms by all that we come across.”

  Kragen was openly smiling at her from his spot at the table. Gone was the girl who had apologized for each question she raised or felt she must ask permission before speaking. In her place sat a woman who was willing to make a stand for what she believed in. Here was a woman he was proud to serve.

  Over the years the Mother's power had started to diminish within the ruling families. As the years passed it became more and more diluted in the women who ruled. Few had even passed the trial of the D
amaskiri to become crowned true Kiris. Of those, the vast majority had focused on their own comforts rather than on the task of caring for their people. The selfishness and corruption had begun to spread through the courts and their people; a faceless enemy that could not be slain.

  Joquil's golden eyes sparkled curiously and he cleared his throat before speaking. “As you wish, Kiri. Perhaps it would be advantageous for Von's men to train the Rasmiri that will come with us? They are familiar with the lands, and opponents, we might find there.”

  Von nodded in his seat, “They are already preparing to do so.”

  Kragen murmured his approval.

  “We will need to plan for more than just ourselves and our guards. I would like to bring some goods we can offer both as gifts and for trade. Perhaps we can see if any merchants or tradesmen would like to accompany us?”

  Darrin spoke first, “It is a good idea, but we will need to make sure they are aware of the risks. Let's limit the number we bring with us on this first visit, at least until we can be better assured of our reception.”

  “Agreed,” Helena said with a smile. With that matter of business concluded, at least in her mind, she looked back to her Advisor.

  “I will write the formal request and send it this afternoon, Kiri. Once we hear back we can begin preparations to leave as soon as possible.”

  “Very well, is that all for now Timmins?” she asked hopefully.

  He smiled back indulgently, “We have many nights of travel ahead of us, I suppose my stories can wait for the campfire.”

  Helena beamed at him.

  Chuckling, the men rose to their feet and made their way for the door.

  Von reached for her hand as she stood, pulling her towards him.

  “I've missed you this morning, Mate.”

  “So soon?” she inquired blandly, trying to hide the way her heart sped up at his declaration.

  She felt his amusement at her teasing, but he was solemn as he replied, “Running drills with a bunch of men pales greatly in comparison to waking up next to you.”

  “Waking up without you did make last night feel a bit like a dream,” she admitted shyly.

  “I'm sorry I had to leave you,” he murmured as he pressed a soft kiss to her waiting lips.

  She stepped back with a groan, knowing they didn't have time to finish anything that they started right now.

  He chuckled at the distance between them and wove his fingers through hers instead.

  “Thank you, for what you are doing for my brother, and for me,” he said softly.

  Helena tilted her head inquisitively, “I told you he would have a healer, even if it meant I had to go myself.”

  “Yes, I know, but oftentimes people make promises they have no intentions of keeping.”

  Helena raised an affronted brow, “Do I strike you as one of those people?”

  Von shook his head, “No, you mistake me, I simply meant that I have not had someone I could rely on, outside of my men, in a very long time.”

  Helena shrugged, trying to find something in the room to focus on instead of the uncomfortable weight settling in her chest at the confession. It was easy to forget that his past was not filled with gentle memories.

  He brushed a lingering kiss against her knuckles, “I'm sorry, Mira, I did not intend to distress you, merely thank you for your kindness.”

  She shrugged again, struggling to find her words.

  His hand squeezed hers offering silent comfort.

  After a moment, she looked back up at him, “Well don't thank me just yet, we don't even know if I'll be able to help your brother, and we have no idea what other events this will set in motion.”

  “The bravery is not in knowing the outcome, but in being unafraid to try anyway.”

  To be called brave by this man, this warrior, who had fought so hard and for so long to try and save his people... the emotions overwhelmed her. Instead of trying to reply, she raised trembling fingers to caress his cheek.

  Twisting his head, he pressed a tender kiss into the palm of her hand. Eyes closing at the contact, she savored the feel of his lips against her skin. As her hand lowered, her fingers curled into a loose fist.

  “I think I'll save that for later.”

  His lips quirked in amusement, “And why's that?”

  “Just to remember what it feels like to have you eating out of the palm of my hand.”

  Von let out a sharp yelp of laughter: the deep rumbling doing much to ease the ache she had felt at his earlier words. Laughter was the least she could offer to the man who had already brought her such joy. His past may not have many sweet memories, but she would ensure that their future together would be full of them.

  Chapter Twelve

  As promised Timmins sent the letter to Daejara’s court that afternoon. The reply was slow in coming and the Circle was getting restless. In an effort to keep their minds off of the response, Von had suggested that it was time for Helena to get to know his men, especially since they would be traveling together soon.

  That was why, two days later, Helena found herself walking out to their training yard, Kragen and Darrin trailing a little ways behind her.

  Von had left their room early again this morning to train with his band of mercenaries. Watching the way the men trained together, it was clear that this was more than a group of men that were together for convenience or coin. These were men that had been tested before; that knew how to fight as a single unit. There was brotherhood here, among those others labeled as a bunch of selfish bastards.

  Her eyes scanned the yard, quickly dismissing the faces until she pinpointed Von in the center of a ring. Awareness rippled through her at the sight of his shirtless body quietly prowling around his opponent. Sweat was beading and running down his chest and back, creating a path her fingers itched to follow. His dark hair was tied back in a knot, but strands had fallen from it and were sticking to his forehead and neck.

  The circling men had no weapons, save the fists that were raised in front of them. Helena eyed his opponent warily. She had seen the man before, oftentimes chatting animatedly with Von, but she did not know his name.

  His skin was sun-kissed and his hair a fiery red. It was cut close along the sides but ran in a long braid from his forehead to mid-back. She could not get a good look at his face from her vantage point behind the other men that were loosely surrounding them as they cried out encouragements or curses - depending on who landed a blow.

  The red-headed warrior was as massive as Kragen, a mountain of a man with muscles rippling beneath sweat-soaked skin and a tattoo identical to Von’s twisting around his chest and arm.

  Swallowing nervously, Helena continued making her way towards her mate. She could feel him through the pulsing of their bond but did not reach out with those mental tendrils to offer her own support, afraid to distract him with her presence. She chose instead to stand towards the back of the group of men and watch while she willed her nerves to calm.

  The men continued to stalk around each other, every now and then throwing a punch, but they were merely a distraction. The real battle was waging in their eyes, neither man looking away from the other as they scanned for any opening or sign of weakness.

  Helena noted the moment that it happened, Von’s expression did not change, but his eyes seemed to clear and then sharpen as he flew with inhuman speed at the man in front of him. He landed a series of swift blows and kicks to his sides and neck before swooping low with his leg to knock the giant man to the ground.

  The man landed with a resounding thud and laid on his back in the dirt gasping for air.

  “You little shit,” he growled once he had caught his breath.

  Von simply stared down at him with his cocky smirk, legs splayed and hands on his hips.

  The men that had gathered to watch them jeered and scattered, but not before many passed coin and insults to each other.

  “What are you waiting for? Help me up, fucker,” the man growled again.
<
br />   Laughing, Von reached down offering him a hand. Grasping him by the forearm, Von lifted him easily back to a standing position.

  Helena’s own lips twitched with amusement as she watched the man grumble and wipe at the dust now coating his back and legs.

  Von saw her then, his eyes softening and his smile growing. A gentle breeze rustled the curls hanging down her back and his phantom fingers caressed down her cheek by way of greeting.

  Turning his head to see what had caught Von’s attention, Helena felt the full force of his gaze before she turned her eyes to meet Von’s rival. There was a wicked gleam in his eyes as he sauntered his way over to where she was standing.

  The weight of the icy blue gaze kept Helena pinned in place. She felt Kragen and Darrin shift behind her.

  Starting at his temple and slashing down to his cheekbone there was a jagged and puckering scar. The scar itself was a pale pink, but the skin around it still an angry red. His sharp nose was crooked from being broken multiple times and his jaw covered by a thick beard, a few shades darker than his hair.

  He would have been frightening if it wasn’t for the wide grin spread across his face.

  “Was there not a healer available to help him with his injuries either?”

  She could hear laughter in his amused reply, “The healers have all offered to help reset and minimize the injuries, but Ronan won’t allow it. He feels they are a testament to his foes’ inability to kill him.”

  “Not his own prowess?”

  Von smirked, “Oh, I’m sure that’s the largest part of it.”

  “Kiri,” Ronan said with a warm smile as he reached for her hand, “I’ve heard that you have lifted the ban on Daejara.”

  Helena’s hand was lost in his much larger one, the pads of his fingers rough with callouses. She felt her own smile grow, “You’ve heard correctly.”

  “I guess that means we’ll let Timmins’ keep his post,” Darrin muttered softly enough for only her and Kragen to hear. Kragen’s answering laughter was a quiet rumble.