by Missy Lyons
The Elisaid women lived here much like nuns in an abbey. The name Elisaid implied they were God's chosen and promised to him. But for what purpose? The abbeys and their churches had a foundation based on peace. Yet the Elisaid by their very nature were not about peace.
Elisaid were ranked by their physical prowess and mental abilities, their muscles carefully hardened by every exercise. Alyssa made it to the top of her class very quickly in hand-to-hand combat. Strategy of war was a little harder, but Alyssa was a quick study and a natural fighter.
Of course, in spell weaving Alyssa was a complete failure. She sensed the magic around her but could not harness it. As a matter of fact, in every psychic development class she took she found herself facing a wall she could not break. She almost began to believe it was impossible, but in her heart she knew it was feasible. She had tasted that freedom. She felt the power rip through her veins. But without her gift awakened fully or mature she couldn't hope to be considered one of the elite fighters of the Elisaid.
Alyssa had no choice. It was imperative she be good. Better than good. She needed to be the best to carry out her plans. So she had set out to be the best. Not to embody a prophecy the Elisaid seemed to believe she was here for, but to carry out her darkest fantasy of revenge.
It was as if each time she reached out, her power was just out of reach, tickling her with its touch. Laughing at her. It was essential she got control.
A lady will give a gentleman a chance to act the part of a gentleman, by pulling her chair or opening the door, and will always say thank you.
Thwack!
A lady will not go into a public place without a chaperone to protect her virtue.
"Ouch!” Her opponent had knocked Alyssa's knuckles hard.
A lady's most prized possession is her virtue and she should guard it well.
A woman who marries in haste, will repent at her leisure.
Alyssa could feel the alien mind assaulting hers. The other presence was there in her head pushing against her will. The alien force was wrapping itself around her mind, forcing control. Alyssa reinforced the wall.
It was with the Elisaid, using body and mind as a weapon. If Elsbeth gained entry into her mind she would be ruthless. Cut her down after weakening her. There would be blood if Elsbeth could cut her, hence Alyssa's choice of sticks.
Elsbeth was good. Elsbeth had proven herself the best here by making it this far into the match undefeated. Each move was practiced, perfectly executed, polished but lacking the ingenuity of Alyssa's quick thinking. Alyssa had learned much from her stay here, but being raised outside of the sisterhood gave her the greatest advantage in quick battles. Alyssa thought differently. That different thinking also stopped her from claiming her gift.
Alyssa may not be able to unleash her power against others and focus it, but she was strong—no Elisaid yet was able to breach her formidable defenses. Alyssa blocked her thoughts, opening her physical senses, deadening her mind.
It's time to end this. Alyssa turned her back as if to retreat, then returned her stick to her opponent's undefended side. The biggest weakness of the Elisaid fighting style was that there were no variables. It was taught formally and free-form discouraged. So knowing how to react to the variables was not as well known either.
Thwack!
Losing was not an option. If she lost, her future would be lost. She must win to avenge her family. She needed the freedom this would gain her. The Elisaid never let one of their own go free. She wasn't truly Elisaid, but after a year of learning their secrets, they would not let her leave without just cause.
Defending again, the sticks were lightning fast, hitting with a rhythm and passion as if the fighting partners had practiced a dance. It was only another moment before Alyssa found her opening and took it.
Alyssa lunged into close range of her partner, neatly disarming her before using the stick as a spring, throwing her body weight against Elsbeth. Alyssa straddled her, using her thighs to neatly pin Elsbeth's arms. Alyssa's stick held tightly to Elsbeth's neck. The room was silent except for the sound of Elsbeth's stick rolling on the ground
Elsbeth's eyes flared. The fury of her red hair now matched her eyes, blazing; she no longer exposed the practiced cool exterior that she had at the beginning of the match.
"Do you yield?” Alyssa asked in an easy voice, letting a little smile tilt her lips up. Elsbeth never showed much more than disdain for Alyssa. Elsbeth was the blood borne daughter of Lady Isabella. However, that didn't guarantee she would ever be the next chosen queen. Every leader recorded in the history of the Elisaid had to fight for it. Elsbeth would never have had any competition if Alyssa had not been allowed into their society.
Even without control of her gift, Alyssa was a strong contender. Elsbeth hated her for it. The gift was there.
Unexplainable accidents seemed to circle Alyssa's life. She had been called a witch by the villagers, but she couldn't control it.
It came out when she was most angry or emotional. Another reason to keep her emotions controlled, not that she did not appreciate the series of unfortunate events that befell men trying to force her body into submission. Her gift was the only reason she still held her virginity. It protected her as she needed it. Accidentally maybe, but it lashed out far too powerfully. Most of the time it hurt others as well. Innocents. Which caused Alyssa to regret its unrestrained use.
Alyssa watched the emotions cross over Elsbeth's face, wondered for a moment if she would not acquiesce.
Elsbeth licked her thin lips, stubbornly silent before speaking, “I want a rematch. You cheated. I don't know how you did it but you cheated."
Alyssa released the stick, letting it hit the ground.
"I want a rematch and I want to use swords,” Elsbeth hissed.
Alyssa offered her hand in a peace offering.
Embarrassment and defeat of Elsbeth would only worsen her treatment here by the girl and her friends. Alyssa didn't need any more enemies and God knew she didn't want the power or the responsibility of leadership. Elsbeth wanted that for herself and when Elsbeth fought for power, Alyssa knew she would have to leave.
She tried to let her smile say she didn't give a damn about the title. She didn't want to be a leader of a people she barely knew, even if she could be leader, which she couldn't because she was not an Elisaid warrior.
Elsbeth walked away, leaving Alyssa's hand empty. This was just a friendly match—it held no importance, no meaning. Alyssa was frustrated when the vexed girl, left without a word.
"We have our champions. Elsbeth and Vara shall serve for one year and a day or until they are released from service to the king."
"What? I didn't agree to be a slave.” Alyssa spoke out of turn, quickly biting her lip, lest she receive another tongue lashing from Lady Isabella. But Isabella paid her no more mind and was now conferring with Xanther.
"Well that went well,” she muttered softly to herself as she watched Elsbeth huff off.
"Don't mind her, dear. She's just jealous. Everyone here wants to be you.” Marla gave her a bear hug, and held Alyssa close to her round body.
"I don't want to be me.” I just want to be accepted for being me, maybe even shown a little love or caring.
"Tut tut, dear. She was a prodigy until you came. The prophecy will be coming true and you are the one who will bring honor to us all. She can only be who she is, yet you are the chosen one. You know you can't fight who you are."
"I am not the chosen one."
"But you are."
"I can't dream weave. The simplest of spells don't work. I think I have proven I don't have an ounce of druid blood in me. I am just a girl."
Marla's hand closed on Alyssa's shoulder reassuringly.
"You have been chosen for greatness, Alyssa."
"I am just a girl.” Not a sacrifice.
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Chapter 6
Alyssa trailed behind the three men, keeping to herself. Elsbeth was chatting am
icably between the two other men. She was a model Elisaid, Alyssa thought cynically, charming every man she met. She was enchanting and cementing Alyssa's belief that she personally was not meant for this line of work.
A man's voice broke her from her reverie of thought. Alyssa looked up to see Xanther dropping back to match her slower pace. “You seem thoughtful this morning."
"Yes, your grace.” Alyssa steadied her voice, hoping to keep that cool exterior. It wasn't fair that his presence should cause her stomach to melt in a tangle of nerves.
Could one drop dead from embarrassment? If it was possible, Alyssa would find out now. What she did last night was horrible! Her next year depended on the good graces of this man. She couldn't continue to do such stupid things in his presence.
"Please, call me Xanther."
"Thank you.” The tension was unspoken but it was there between them. Alyssa was filled with regret that she may have destroyed the first chance at honesty, maybe even a friendship between them. “You know, we got started off on the wrong foot. I am sorry for what I did to you yesterday. If I could start over differently, I would. It was terrible for me to be such a tease and to do that. I should never have chained you. Can I call a truce?"
"Of course you can cry peace. It was you who declared war in the first place. Not me."
"That wasn't war. It was more like a battle. I didn't want to have to hurt you. You didn't understand the seriousness of the situation. My gift is completely out of control. I had to do that to protect you.” As much as me, she added silently. “I was too scared to come back and take you out of the chains. I was afraid you might become violent, you were so angry at me. I daresay, you certainly are calm today. Thank you. It makes it so much easier to tell you how sorry I am."
"Next time, I want you to play fair and tell me when I am in a battle."
"There shouldn't be a next time, especially if you keep your hands to yourself."
"When did I agree to keep my hands to myself?” His tone was light, playful even.
"By the way, how did you escape the chains? Did someone release you in the morning with breakfast? I actually thought you may break the bed for a moment there."
"Which reminds me! I have a gift for you.” He had a lightweight backpack that he opened while continuing to walk.
Yes, he had been angry. Very angry. In his dreams he had reciprocated by chaining her to his bed and doing all the naughty things he wanted to do, all the while listening to her screams. Her screams were not from fear, but delight.
In his dreams, she screamed out in her passion and never once asked to be released from the chains.
Alyssa hardly recognized the twisted metal he handed her. It was as if someone had thrown her chain into a hot forge and let it melt. It was unbelievable. That cool exterior belied his true emotions. He had been mad to do this to her weapon. It was an anger that he hid well behind his mask now.
"I-uh ... Thank you. I won't do it again. I am sorry.” Humility was a trait she would have to work on. She dropped the now useless form of metal in her own pack.
"Thank you."
They continued on in silence for a few minutes. Alyssa was curious about the man beside her. She wished she could ask him questions about his childhood. She wanted to know all that he was. He intrigued her. Yet she was hesitant to break their newfound truce.
It was he who spoke first. “Are you thinking you will miss it here?"
"Yes, if you must know. But there are other places I will miss more."
"So you miss your home."
"Yes."
"At the palace.” He finished baiting her.
"Your palace was never my home."
"You're still denying it, but the mark—” He stepped closer to her.
"—means nothing,” she interrupted, putting her hand flat on his chest then suddenly removing it. Touching him raised feelings she didn't understand and didn't like.
"It means you belonged to me even without the one year term you agreed to with the Elisaid. While you are in service I need you to be close to my side.” It should not have surprised her when his hands encircled her waist and pulled her closer to the heat of his body. He was all man, lean, muscular, hard, not what you would expect from nobility. It momentarily paralyzed her to feel the warmth of his embrace.
Alyssa marveled at the strength of his touch, the way it made her want to melt into him. She felt tingly all over, lightheaded, and she relaxed her body against him. Her mind was numbed by his touch.
"By your side.” All she could do was to repeat his ridiculous demand; her eyes were riveted on his lips, the next step to his embrace, which would lead to the next step. This had to stop. Alyssa shook her head, starting to pull away, willing the fog to clear her mind. “I don't know what you do to me, but you need to stop."
"You belong to me, Vara."
"I belong to no man.” She meant it to be firm but it came out more like a whisper. Her voice was raspy, her throat was suddenly dry. She licked her lips. No! Stupid girl. That was what you did when you wanted a man to kiss you. The warning sounded in her head even as she saw his lips parting slightly in that smug male smile of his, coming closer to claim hers in a kiss.
Alyssa closed her eyes in denial, but the kiss did not stop. It left her breathless, completely senseless, and open to the tendrils of desire that snaked through her body.
Xanther meant her to not doubt who she belonged to. He kissed her fiercely at first, but when her body melted into his, so soft and pliant, he slowly softened the kiss, reveling in her immediate response. Her hands had moved up to run through his hair, unconsciously pulling him deeper into the kiss. With her words, she could deny it all she wanted, but she desired him with the same fierceness that he wanted her.
She felt his hand caress her jaw, his thumb along the lower lip, willing it to open.
Open for me, Vara.
She heard his voice clearly, but his mouth never left hers. She did not have time to reflect as she felt his tongue invade her mouth, swirling, conquering, artfully playing with her senses, mimicking the art of sex. He advanced on her, driving her mad, only to retreat repeatedly, leaving her wanting more. She was pressing her body into his, wantonly rubbing, and grinding her hips against his. What had been a dull ache had built into a raw hunger. A building tightness and yearning in her most secret places. Making her want to press herself against him more fully.
This had to stop.
Alyssa shivered as she pulled back from his kiss, her breath coming in shallow breaths, giving new interest to the rise and fall of her breasts against his hard chest.
One of his large hands dropped to cradle a breast. Alyssa swatted the hand away and looked up to see his eyes open, darkened with desire and irritation? Oh yes, he was a man who would want to finish what he started.
"Sire, I thought you got enough of that last night.” Alyssa tried to keep her tone light but knew she was playing with fire, reminding him of their unfinished business from the previous night and what she did to him. How unfairly she took advantage of him and his trust.
"A man has needs.” Oh yes, he was still irritated after being made the fool of last night.
"I am sorry for leading you on. I should never have done that to you. To any man. Can we just start over?"
"You expect me to forgive you? Just like that?"
"What do you want from me?"
"Everything."
"I can't give you everything. I don't want to give you anything, but I have agreed to work for you for the next year and I will do my job."
"I felt you last night. You wanted me."
"You were mistaken."
"You felt it too, didn't you?"
"You have got to get over this. Or we won't work well together at all. I am not a slave. I don't belong to you. I work for you."
"Alyssa, I know you wanted me, and when you come to admit it, no other words on your lips will be as sweet."
Slave. She denied being a slave. Which meant she didn't understan
d the mark or her birthright. She didn't understand what she was. He would have to delve further into this. He needed to see that mark again. He wanted to taste her fire. He needed to know the truth.
Could it be that she had been mismarked? That his own senses would lead him astray? No, that would be impossible.
"At this rate we won't make camp ten meters outside the walls.” Alyssa shivered. She had made a grave mistake—tying the man up may have just made the beast angry.
"I do believe you are right.” He released her suddenly from the embrace, spinning her forward into a brisk walk. He had not released her hand however. Alyssa tugged fiercely. Not escaping his touch, she glared at him.
"We'll finish this tonight, Vara."
"The hell we will,” she muttered under her breath. His retribution would be tonight. Whatever it would be, she feared it.
"Tonight."
"When I agreed to give service for your highness, I didn't agree to anything beyond protection. I assume if you can't keep this on a professional level that I should work for your father and you should keep Elsbeth by your side."
"I wouldn't wish your bad luck to plague anyone but me. Especially my father."
"I thought you didn't believe in bad luck."
"I don't believe in bad luck, except the self-made kind. Especially when I look up to find myself chained to my bed by a beautiful virgin..."
Alyssa's cheeks flushed red. He thought she was beautiful? “That wasn't bad luck. I have never done that before."
"I would beat you before I allowed it to happen again. Now stop arguing with me."
"Elisaid are neither servants nor subjects."
"And you are not born into the Elisaid. Tonight, Vara,” he responded curtly, his voice warning her that this was not finished. He let her hand drop from the warmth of his.
"By the way, if I have to endure your presence for a year, then you should know my name is Alyssa, not Vara.” Alyssa stalked off. Odd how she wanted her freedom from his touch yet she felt so empty without it. She hurried her pace, only to hear him bellow a warning behind her.