“I do understand. Living in a world where it’s okay for women to cheat makes men jealous, which is why I’ll show mercy. Don’t make the mistake thinking you’re the only loyal man here. When you try to take my wife’s life, I will not kill you, but it will be the end of us.”
“Stop accusing me of something I haven’t done. If I’m worried about your partner, I’ve said nothing to her about it other than I’d be watching her. And I have watched her carefully. I found her with a poisonous dagger. I bet she has not told you about that,” Noxis stressed.
“She stabbed me with the dagger, Noxis. The poison ensured I’d survive the lava. Noelya gave it to her, so I could transform into a Star, and not die. It wasn’t easy for her,” Cobaaron snapped, and then shook his head in dismay. “If she is a witch, why save my life twice with her blood, Noxis?”
“To make you king.”
“You make it sound like you know better than your brother, your chief of many, many years. It’s his talent that got you where you are! You’ve been freeloading off your brother’s success for as long as I can remember. Do you surmise being weaker in both brilliance and battle that you would see something he hasn’t? If we let you follow your various wrong conclusions over the last two hundred years, you would have died several times,” Octavos snapped coldly, and sneered at Noxis for pressing the matter. “After countless incidences of Cobaaron proving his judgment was sound, and mine, you fight us on this? We have all lived with a witch. We know witches enough to have figured it out. It’s not we who are delusional, but you, Noxis. She is a Star and keeps him alive. Surely you know she will not harm him. Now quit bringing up business matters during dinner. I’m hungry and actually want to eat.”
Even though Octavos thoroughly put Noxis in his place, Noxis was relentless. He glared at Octavos and insisted, “I’m trying to make amends. Not be insulted.”
“This is clearly tearing us apart. Let’s avoid the subject tonight. We’ll meet in the sparring room in the morning and see if we can resolve our differences with scrapping. It used to work. Maybe we’ll have the same luck again, brother.”
“Very well.” Noxis gritted his teeth, leaned back, folded his arms, and growled.
Cobaaron ignored his brother’s grinding teeth. “You will come with us, young Tyrus. I still want to spar with you.”
A soft musical hum grew over the sound of clinking plates and chatter as an invisible orchestra played. The music continued while everyone ate, and drank strong malt that tasted like pumpkin beer. Ky didn’t indulge, but she heard the compliments of those who refilled their glasses. The City of Lights malt was very strong.
When the fourth course was in front of Ky, she saw Onya. She along with Vergara and her two friends, Sula and Nolia, hurriedly tiptoed into the center of the great hall. They posed, with their hands over their bare hips. Their dresses were two shimmering, primrose, sheets that draped their shoulders, covering their breasts to their backsides and bunched together to drape over their inner thighs. Golden ropes crossed around their chest, waist, and hips to keep the fabric tightly in place.
Noxis spit out his malt when he saw Onya. He stared at her with a mix of slight interest and outrage that she dressed so provocatively. While she stood in the center of the room to perform, he stared at her. His narrowed eyes didn’t leave her, as if he had to keep an eye on her to keep her faithful.
“That woman is relentless,” Octavos growled.
“Who? My partner?” Noxis asked, still gritting his teeth.
“Vergara,” Octavos replied.
Though Vergara had positioned herself in the middle of the four women, it wasn’t her that sang, but Onya. Noxis’s wife stared at him, and when she saw he was intently watching, she didn’t take her eyes off him. At first, Onya’s voice was soft, but grew in confidence:
“I came to the city, built of dreams.
A castle made of pure Star light beams.
The coming dawn is upon us now.
Our new honest king gave us his vow.
Hands to the sky, then bow to the floor.
Worship the king, who takes us to war,
Against the two kings who keep the dark.
They hold the key like it is the ark.
But here we live in the castle’s light.
For me it’s over, no longer night.
So, let’s get up and dance, dance, dance, dance.
Get up and dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, dance.”
Onya held out her hand as she approached Noxis. His severe countenance softened slightly. It didn’t take any coercing for Noxis to join her, and there was a glimmer of true happiness in his eyes when she sang to him. Cobaaron must have noticed his unmistakable melting, because he glanced at Octavos.
“Let’s hope Luanda’s curse is weak. Maybe Wyt’s visions are simply that. It may not be prophetic or set in stone.” Octavos squeezed Cobaaron’s shoulder. Cobaaron’s gold light shimmered brighter, revealing his optimism.
“I hope so.” Cobaaron looked at Ky, his light dimmed, as he doubted. His brow tightened in sorrow. He was clearly not convinced. He smiled, and then held out his hand for her. “Let’s dance, love.”
Cobaaron led her to the floor where the three women danced and Onya continued to sing. He spun Ky into his side with an aggressive, playful tug. “This is called the Thuggar, named after the man who invented the dance. I hope you’re not shy with public affection because I’ll be kissing your body endlessly.”
Ky gasped when Cobaaron groped her while beginning the dance by snuggly wrapping her leg around his hip. She turned scarlet; they had just joined in a similar fashion in their room. He ground into her as he whispered for only her to hear, “Remind you of something, my Queen?” Cobaaron wickedly grinned, and her light sparkled with surprise that he’d purposefully bring it to her attention. Everyone cheered to see their king and queen’s display, and soon people began to crowd around them joining into the dance.
As he warned, the choreography became more shameful. She blushed, anytime he shifted to another sexual position more scandalous than before. Cobaaron was ardent, inventive, and his expertise as a wild lover translated to the dance floor. She could feel his impressive erection anytime he brushed her thigh up against him.
While other couples danced and no longer focusing on them but the excitement of the moment, Cobaaron continued to whisper hot, suggestive requests to inflame her. When he inserted his thigh between her legs, telling her he burned for her, Ky rode with abandon. In that moment she felt free as she touched him openly. He encouraged and even guided Ky to run her hands along his broad body; he kissed her, rewarding her boldness. The sight and scent of him aroused her. Even the heat of his body excited her as it reminded her of the many times he passionately entered her. Submissively, she followed his lead with seductive hunger, wishing they were alone and naked so they could complete the promise the dance inspired. Because he kept her near, she felt the heat of his breath and the rigid evidence of his desire. He possessively held her close, even after the dance ended, taking pleasure in her uninhibited fondling.
There was too much distance between them. Ky wished for more. But when her bulky dress became annoying, and working around the skirt ruined the sensual mood, they laughed and gave up. But the effects of the foreplay and hint of what would happen later that night lingered.
“We should ask Ambrosia to change this dress,” Cobaaron suggested sounding frustrated, and led her off the dance floor. “It’s ridiculous—I can’t dance with you while you’re in it. You’re always three feet away if I’m not clenching you tightly.”
“I was having fun, though,” Ky said, grinning.
“You’re my partner. Between partners, there should be more touching. After this song, I intend to dance the Erotica.” Cobaaron pulled her closer, and added, “And I want to feel you flush against me.”
“That sounds scandalous,” Ky confessed.
“It’s more than scandalous. But you’re all mine, my wife, so I won
’t blush over it.”
Tyrus and Ambrosia lingered at the head table, and to Ky’s surprise, Hyun and his family arrived and were congratulating them not only on their union but also her pregnancy. Ambrosia beamed at Tyrus as Hyun and he enthusiastically boasted of paternal duties, while he called Tyrus son.
“Hyun, when did you arrive?” Cobaaron asked.
“My King!” Hyun greeted warmly, with a tight embrace, and then bowed. He then gloated, “I give you my only daughter, and months later she’s united with a partner and with child. I should have given her to you long ago!” Hyun guffawed. His boisterous joy was contagious, and Ky grinned ear-to-ear. “I should have sent her when my son became a part of your labor force.” Hyun patted Tyrus’s shoulder with pride. Hyun lowered his voice, “Now, if there was something you could do for my son, Torus. He’s fifteen now.” Hyun smiled at a young man who shared Ambrosia’s violet eyes. The teen stared at Ky. Hyun didn’t notice and continued, “You know my partner, Ebony. I don’t believe you met her, my Queen.” Ebony shared a great likeness with her daughter. Except pink eyes, and being four inches shorter, she looked like a slightly older version of Ambrosia.
Cobaaron greeted Ebony warmly. After a few minutes chitchat, Cobaaron asked Ambrosia to change Ky’s bulky dress.
“I got it,” Torus said eagerly. His eyes flashed a pale blue, as he swept his eyes over her body, and her dress unraveled. Torus licked his lips, faintly groaning under his breath, as he feasted his eyes. As if he were undressing Ky, the material seductively uncoiled. The butterflies flew off, and the lights became gems. The fabric fell in a heap. Torus removed everything except the corset and few strands of torn tulle covering a short miniskirt. The new extended corset exaggerated her wide hips, and was sheer. The only thing covering the transparent fabric at her breasts was an elaborate pattern of pale pink gems. “Wow,” Torus breathed, gaping.
“Torus!” Ambrosia snapped, and smacked him on the back of his head. “She is queen, you dunce!”
“Forgive him!” Hyun quickly apologized, as Torus ogled Ky. He didn’t even feel Ambrosia’s slap.
“He’s forgiven. She’s with child and bonded with a king,” Cobaaron said, stressing he had no competition. Hyun poked his son in the ribs. “We’re going to dance. I’m glad you were able to make it.”
As they left, Cobaaron grumbled. “I know people say you’re the most beautiful woman in the world, but men should know better than to undress you with their eyes, and in this case literally—kid or not! For a moment there, I thought he was going to leave you naked. Complimenting you is one thing, but undressing you,” he cursed, “that is my job!”
“Cobaaron, I’m pregnant with your daughter and married to you.” Ky grinned, liking his mild irritation to have rivalry, and then added, “You sound jealous, when you should put that energy into me. My attention won’t be divided.”
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. Then he smirked. “I can’t help it. I’m a Star now, and they are a bit more possessive over their lovers, when I was already. But I’m not really. I don’t mind men knowing how gorgeous you are, but I don’t like them openly expressing it. If anyone should be envious, it should be other men because I have you.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Ky strolled down the glistening castle’s hallway. The Stars that moved to the castle added to the crystal making it warm with the scent of citrus, and when people walked, their feet left a bright imprint. The glitter in the walls had new shades, which now swirled as the flecks fell.
Ky stopped walking when Noxis entered the hallway alone. There was no one behind her. There was no one but them. For a moment, they stared at each other.
Ky thought about greeting him, but didn’t want to linger. She continued on, knowing she was about to pass him. Her lips tightened as she tried to seem pleased to see him, but the expression wasn’t reciprocated. Ky relaxed as she slipped passed, because she knew she avoided a confrontation. But Noxis suddenly slammed her against the wall. She saw the cold iron in his hand, the blade pointed at her abdomen. She twisted at the waist as Noxis rammed the blade into her.
“So, you have come to kill me,” Ky said coolly, and oddly felt no pain. “It won’t work. Cobaaron has my blood, and I have his.” It was a lie, but she did have peace, because Cobaaron would soon learn she was stabbed and he’d cut himself to save her.
“No, he shed his blood, and you will die,” Noxis declared, smiling triumphantly.
“Then you will kill him?” Ky peered at her stomach. Now she could feel the sharp pain in her abdomen intensely. Her blood ran down her stomach. To her horror, Noxis slid his sword out and stabbed her again. This time, he drove the blade straight into her womb. “No,” her cry was only a whisper, as he stabbed her repeatedly.
“That is so your baby doesn’t survive, you filthy witch,” Noxis growled.
There was too much blood, and she’d be dead in seconds. “Then you kill three tonight,” Ky choked on her words as hot, silver blood poured from her mouth. She felt nothing as adrenaline surged through her body lessening the pain. Her light dimmed, and there was no question she’d die long before Cobaaron found her.
“My brother will survive. I’ll have him bond to another, before he finds out you’re dead, and I won’t tell him of your passing until I’m certain he feels for the other woman. I sent for Iva, and she will meet me here. I will wound her. Knowing Cobaaron, he will try to save her, and make the bond without his knowledge. He will be here soon since I asked him to meet me here as well. All I have to do is dispose of your body. I asked Hyun for a cleaning potion that removes the damage from pictures where light has faded the colors. Your light will be completely annihilated from this world. And I will save my brother!”
He detached a pouch from his belt, and opened it. He placed what looked like a large nut on her stomach and rubbed it on her silver blood. Then for good measure, he stabbed her angrily again before slicing her open, shoving the nut in her stomach, and then clamped her jaw shut to muffle her scream. The nut burst. She could feel the juice burrowing. She convulsed and shot beams of pink light. The rays tore through her body painfully. Noxis muffled her scream, pressing against her mouth even harder. There was a murderous look in his eyes, and she was terrified that his fury was the last thing she would ever see. She was being brutally murdered. Her only hope was Cobaaron. He was meeting both of them in the same place, but he’d have to show now to save her.
She couldn’t move her head, because Noxis pinned her down, but she moved her eyes, looking down the hallway. They were alone—utterly alone.
“I’m going to enjoy watching the light leave your eyes.” Noxis’s lips curled as he took pleasure in his triumph over her, a supposedly powerful witch.
Without warning, Noxis was thrown off Ky. The ghostly woman in white, who gave Huntra to Ky, batted him away. “What did you do? You killed Lu Lu! You have no idea what you have done! I can’t repair this! It would have been better if you were never born than to endure the torture and suffering you will receive for this. Lu Lu was to be protected by the gods and have a great destiny. You have no idea what you have done to the future of this planet! You are cursed! I curse you!”
Noxis was pinned against the wall. He held his neck as he hovered two feet from the ground. He was gasping for air, as the spirit choked him. As she watched him struggle, Ky’s light burst into a white blaze, then instantly all went black. Ky died.
*****
Cobaaron shook Ky, and she was surprised she felt his touch. She wasn’t sure when he came to her side. She was confused; and why was everything so dark?
“Wake up!” Cobaaron bellowed urgently. “Wake up!” He shook her, and Ky felt a hard, startling slap across her cheek.
Ky bolted upright. She panted and opened her eyes, surprised to find she was in bed. Cobaaron was sitting on his feet, staring. “What happened? All the crystal in the room turned blood-red, and I couldn’t wake you.”
“That was a dream?” Ky asked, reliev
ed. “That was terrible! It felt so real!” She hung her head, but he lifted her chin with a gentle finger.
“What happened?” He guided her onto his lap and said she was mumbling in her sleep about Noxis.
“The dream is different. I dreamed last night I was holding the witch’s stillborn, and when I cuddled it, I knew it was mine. My dream is changing. It’s different and disturbing. I saw your brother kill me. I died with no hope of being saved. He thought of everything!”
Cobaaron stared at her. Eventually, he nodded with heavy concern. “I read your mind. You need to tell Ambrosia your entire dream. There has to be something she can do, if she knew what you saw.”
“If a girl named Iva ever moves to the city, I want her taken to another. I think she might be a Star. Also, Hyun can’t give Noxis any magical cleaning instruments.” Ky hugged him tightly. “That might fix it. Let’s not discuss it. It’s too disturbing. I don’t want to think about it anymore. That was scary, and I want to forget it. I don’t want to stress out Lu Lu or myself.”
“Love, this is one subject you can’t avoid. You need to tell Ambrosia.”
“Don’t push me right now,” Ky snapped, shaken to the point she was literally trembling. “I always try to do the right thing. I will if you let me forget it for now.”
“Okay, I won’t make you, but if you don’t tell her by the feast this evening, I will. I don’t want anything to happen to you. I could lose you if that dream plays out. This isn’t a decision you get to make on your own. If you don’t inform her by tonight, you give me no choice to act for you.”
She sank into his embrace, and took a deep breath. She’d let him tell her. “I’m totally okay with you doing that. Seriously, just hug me, and rub my back. Promise me everything will be okay, and I’ll believe you. That is all I want to hear.”
The Coming Dawn Trilogy Page 81