InSpire (Spire Chronicles Book 1)

by April Wood

  “You mean you are pregnant?” His eyebrow quirked up as his hand confirmed what she knew was the truth.

  “Yes. I am carrying the future of our kingdom in my belly. Don’t you want him to have a family?”

  “You are carrying a boy?”

  “I’m not sure yet, but I long to have his son. It would make me complete again.”

  He took his hand away from her belly and started to pace. His decision wasn’t going to be an easy one, but they were both definite. This was their home and they would be together for their child, no matter the cost. Athena was clear how she would live and it wasn’t without Darian. He was her entire world.

  “Release him.” They took the cuffs off and Darian quickly embraced her. Athena couldn’t hold back the sigh of relief. It could have gone any direction, but the return of their child to her womb was the saving grace.

  “Thank you, father.”

  “I expect we will be making this official before your pregnancy is noticeable?”

  “As soon as possible.” Athena squeezed Darian’s hand.

  “Good. I will have Melinda come to see you in the morning. She is great at planning. Until then you may retire to your old room.”

  “I’m not sure I can handle that.” Athena’s face washed out completely. Darian pulled her into his chest. He knew the memories would be too painful for her. It was where she lost him and took her life. She didn’t need to be reminded where she had been and what she had done.

  “Then you can take the guest quarters until we can arrange a more permanent location for you and your family.”

  “Thank you.”

  Malaicom spun on his heels and heads back into the castle. The soldiers all scattered and went back to their previous locations. It was business as usual. Johan grabbed Athena’s free hand.

  “I will take you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I would do anything for you.”

  “You don’t even know me, Johan.”

  “Father always speaks of you. When you jumped you changed his life forever.”

  “How so?”

  “He became more solemn and never left the castle.”

  “Oh.”

  Johan led them to the guest quarters as Malaicom headed to the throne room. His work was never really done. He was constantly sending out patrols and receiving reports. Athena knew her future would be much the same, but with Darian by her side the kingdom would be ruled by two gracious, strong Prins. She had no fear of the future they had together. It was going to be hard, but they would do it together. As they had always done.

  “These rooms haven’t been used for a while.” Johan stepped up to a gilded gold and white double door. He swung it open and let Darian go in first.

  “They will do just fine.”

  “I will see you tomorrow. Father has ordered that you be left alone for the rest of this evening. The servants will bring you dinner in an hour.” Johan kissed Athena’s hand and then left.

  “Thank you, brother.”

  In front of them lay a short hallway. There were three doors, two on the left and one on the right. The one on the right was a small library. There were books, a desk, and two reading chairs. The one on the left led to a formal receiving room. There was a red sati in the middle. The floor was a dark wood with one fur under the sati. It looked very official with the family seal on the wall. The next door opened to a very well appointed bedroom. There was a gold plated vanity, two dressers and a king size bed. The linens were all plush and made of rich silks. The floor was covered in a soft beige carpet. Inside the room were two more doors. One was open to reveal a bath, the other was a closet. Athena walked over to the bed and collapsed on it.

  “I can’t believe he listened to you.” Darian sat down on the bed beside her.

  “Me either.”

  “And to have your new found brother jump to your side like that? I would never have guessed it.” Athena rolled over to face him. She was stunned as well. This day hadn’t gone the way either one of them thought.

  “Whatever the reason, we are here now. And we will be a family soon.”

  “I hoped this would happen. It was a certainty. I’m just glad it did. Our son will be blessed.” Darian put his hand on her belly. Then he bent over and placed a gentle kissed there.

  “I told you, it was meant to be.”

  “So are we.” He kissed his way up her torso. When their lips finally touched a small spark passed between them. She opened her eyes and looked at him. The purple color looking back at her let her know his love for her was true. Darian was mesmerized by the sheer deepness of her eyes. They were always spectacular, but now they were super charged. He pulled her up into a sitting position and pulled her shirt over her head. Then he unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them off. She sat there in her bra and panties smiling at him. He pulled his clothing off quickly. He didn’t even leave his boxers on. She was excited by his action. She yanked her bra and panties off. She laid there waiting for him. He stalked around the bed like a tiger.

  He let out a growl and climbed on the bed through her legs. He kissed his way up her leg until he reached the apex of her thighs. He stopped and inhaled her scent. The sound that came out of him was more animal than anything else. It set her core on fire. She was more than ready for him. He put her legs over his shoulders and pushed into her heated core. He licked and manipulated her until she was arching off of the bed. She was more than ready to climax. He put his thumb on for pressure and she screamed out his name. Before her body stopped quivering he climbed up her torso and slammed into her hard. She cried out. It wasn’t pain, it was serene pleasure. Her body clamped down on him so hard it only took three pumps for him to release. Sated, he rested his body down on hers.

  “I love you, Athena.”

  “I love you too, Darian.”

  “Your Majesty.” A voice cried from the other side of the door.

  Darian let out a chuckle. Neither of them remembered dinner was supposed to be coming to the room. They were so lost in each other the time faster than they expected. Athena walked to the cabinet and grabbed two robes. She slid hers on and threw the other to Darian. He got up and tied it deftly while she sat down at the vanity. She brushed her hair a few times and then turned. Darian was sitting at the edge of the bed looking sexy. He smirked at Athena. His eyes were still dancing with purple. That was going to be a dead giveaway.

  “Come in.”

  “Your Majesty, I’m sorry to interrupt, but there is an emergency. Please dress quickly and follow me.” The tiny woman was panicking. She was pacing back and forth and looked scared. Her hair wasn’t up in the usual bonnet. It was pulled out and stringy.

  Athena ran to the closet and found a dress. It looked a little large, but it would have to do. When she emerged Darian was standing there in the outfit he had been wearing. Darian had mastered speed long ago. It would take Athena longer to get it. She took his hand and they followed the servant to the throne room. The room was in an uproar. The advisors were shouting at each other and Johan was sitting on the steps to the throne, crying.

  “What is going on in here?” Athena commanded the attention of everyone in the room. It made Darian happy to see her step into the role she was destined to be.

  “Oh sister.” Johan threw himself into Athena’s arms. She wrapped them around him and covered him in her wings. He calmed down quickly.

  “Would someone please explain what has reduced my brother to a crying blob?”

  “Your Majesty.” One of the oldest advisors stepped up and bowed to Athena. “My name is Ubrene. I have been an advisor to your father for many years. I knew your mother well. I must say your resemblance to her is uncanny.”

  “Uh, thank you. Now tell me what is going on?” Athena was still holding on to Johan. He was stuck to her like glue.

  “Your father was taken.”

  “Taken? How?”

  “He was taking a report from the last mission when several witches barged in. They pin
ned us to the walls then took off with your father. We couldn’t stop them.” Ubrene was pacing in front of Athena. He was clearly shaken up by the experience.

  “How did they get in?” Johan slid down and sat back on the steps. Athena walked over and took her place on the throne. It suit her to a tea. Darian stepped up and stood beside her.

  “We don’t know.”

  “I think I might.” Darian looked at Ubrene. It was clear he had an idea. Athena dropped her head when she realized where this was headed.

  “Yes?”

  “When we came here through the human world. Athena and I felt a strong witch presence on the train. But when we disembarked the feeling faded. I didn’t think they had followed us.”

  “Is that even possible? I thought the tunnel could only be accessed by royal blood?” She was clearly trying to think it through. She didn’t want to be responsible for her father’s disappearance.

  “That is true, Your Majesty. However, if they were able to touch you, as I am sure Darian did, they would have been permitted in.”

  “How could they have touched me without my knowing?”

  “Simple, they can transform. If they become an insect their signature is entirely hidden from us. They could have shifted when you arrived and went right along with you.” Ubrene was confidant this was what happened. Athena wouldn’t have known this, nor would Darian. It was a closely guarded secret.

  “What do we do?”

  “We wait to see if they make demands. They have to have had a reason to take him. There must be something they want.”

  “What if they want nothing?”

  “Then they will kill him.”

  “Then what?”

  “As you are the heir apparent, you will become ruler of Spire.”

  “What about Johan?”

  “He is far too young to take on such a role. He has barely ten years. You have centuries under your belt. It might not have all been here, but it’s still far more experience than your baby brother.” Johan had a look of fear followed swiftly by relief. It was obvious he didn’t feel ready to take on the role. Athena wasn’t sure she was ready either. She had been gone from Spire longer than she had lived there. Darian put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. He was willing to help her in any way.

  “What of his mother?”

  “She died delivering him. There would be no choice but you.”

  “Until we hear from them, what do you suggest?”

  “I suggest we put you on the throne as temporary leader. Spire will not run without one such as you guiding it. It will fall to disarray. Maybe…”

  “Maybe what?”

  “Maybe they are unaware of your true identity. Maybe they believe there is only one heir and he is not old enough for the position. Perhaps this was their intent. If Spire falls into disarray they will have free reign over the demons. They will gain the upper hand.” Ubrene was confidant. This course of action made perfect sense. The only witches that knew of Athena weren’t going to cross Darian for any reason. He threatened to kill the entire coven. Sheila knew he was serious.

  “Why would they be unaware of my true identity? Don’t they know only royals can open that gate?”

  “It is not a common known fact. I am certain now that they must have picked up your scent as a Prin and followed you hoping you would be coming back through one of the many portals.”

  “That’s quite a risk to take.” Darian was getting more involved in the conversation. No doubt he was feeling the same amount of guilt Athena was. They had brought this upon Malaicom. If he died they would both be to blame.

  “You’ve been up there too long, young man. The witches have gotten bolder through the years. They will stop at nothing to get to the demons we gather. They have become power hungry.” Ubrene chuckled at how little Darian knew. Athena could feel the anger coming off of him. She grabbed his hand to calm him down. Ubrene walked over to a large table with a map on it. He was studying it closely.

  “Then father is as good as dead.”

  “I fear you are entirely correct.”

  “Then you must swear her in.” Darian walked over to the table and confronted Ubrene.

  “We must do nothing you say. Until she is united to you, you have no say. It would do you good to remember that.”

  “Swear me in then marry us.” Athena stood up and looked at him with defiance. She was every bit the Queen. Ubrene knew it.

  “But.” His voice quivered with fear.

  “I will take no buts from you. Do as your Queen commands. Swear me in then marry us.”

  “Yes, Your majesty.”

  Athena sat back down on the throne. Ubrene walked over to the wall and grabbed the scepter. Then he went to a hutch and pulled out a crown. He placed the scepter in her hand and the crown on her head. Then he stepped back. The other advisors were scurrying around gathering things. Athena wasn’t exactly sure what they were doing. Ubrene looked into her eyes and saw the steadfastness there.

  “Will Your Majesty swear to up hold the laws and traditions of our people? Will you swear to protect them and serve them until you no longer draw breath in Spire?”

  “I will.”

  “Then I hereby crown you Queen Athena of Spire.”

  “Now join hands.” A different advisor was addressing Athena and Darian. Darian stepped around the throne and took Athena’s hand. The advisor placed a smaller crown on Darian’s head. “Have you come to join purely to each other for as long as you both draw breath?”

  “We have.” It wasn’t the romantic wedding she was expecting, but neither of them felt denied in anyway. She wanted her man by her side. He wanted to protect his Queen for all time.

  “Will you both swear to love and honor one another and never forsake each other?” The little guy was trying hard to be steady in his role, but Darian towered over him.

  “We do.”

  “Then it is settled in the eyes of all who reside in Spire. This man and this woman are husband and wife. If you will it he is your King.”

  “I will it.”

  “Then you are crowned King and Queen of Spire.” Darian kissed her quickly as they both took their seats. The main throne was Athena’s. Though Darian was her King, he wouldn’t be looked at as her equal. It wasn’t exactly perfect, but it was as close as they would get. Darian smirked at the advisors. The last time he was in this room he was being banished. He was sure these men were not happy to put him on any throne. He wasn’t royal by birth. The child growing in his wife’s belly was. That was good enough for Darian. It would have to be good enough for the advisors, not that he cared. The advisors were not people he would ever be around.

  “Have soldiers been dispatched?”

  “No, Your Majesty.”

  “Then send fifty of your best men toward the cave. They will try to escape with him through there. If father doesn’t give in they will not make it out. I want no life spared.”

  Darian smiled at her response. She was forceful. He wasn’t sure her order was the right one, but she didn’t hesitate making it. “Are you sure you don’t want to question at least one.” Darian whispered in her ear as to not undermine her authority.

  “The King has a valid point. They may spare one so that she can be questioned by our interrogators.”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  The war room behind the throne was suddenly busy with generals and others seeking out their orders. Athena was content to sit there and soak in what just happened. It wasn’t but a few days ago that she believed she was a nobody, just an awkward sales clerk and stocker at the local grocery store. Now she sat on a throne in control of all of Spire. The world certainly was full of all kinds of surprises.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  All afternoon was spent trying to find a plan of attack. The soldiers had been dispatched, but nothing had come back. It was going to take time for them to make it there and apprehend the witches. They wouldn’t go straight through. Not with the amount of demons that were held in
Spire. The unlimited amount of power available to them would be like a drug.

  “Your Majesty should retire. We will call if there is any change.” Ubrene was polite enough. He was just looking out for their well-being, but Athena didn’t want to go to bed. She wanted to kill whomever took her father.

  “He’s right, my love.” Darian reached out his hand to her. She took it begrudgingly. They stepped up and passed the thrones. The generals and advisors would stay in the war room to keep planning.

  They walked hand in hand to the bedroom. Darian opened the door for her. He walked to the closet and grabbed their robes.

  “Would you like a bath?” He was handing her the robe as he spoke. She looked forlorn.

  “Maybe that would help.” She took the robe and undressed faster than Darian. Her powers were increasing since they were crowned. He knew it was coming. He could feel it coursing through his veins as well.

  “I will run the water for you.” He disappeared into the room. Athena stood in front of the bed and stared at it. She was lost. It broke her heart when Johan was taken to his room. He was so exhausted he passed out on the floor. Her heart ached for him. She walked into the bathroom to be overwhelmed by the scent of roses. He had put essential oils in the water for her. It touched her how much he cared.

  Darian looked at his wife. He couldn’t have been happier to have her forever. He sat on the edge of the tub. She walked up to him and he wrapped his arms around her waist. He held her tight for a while. Then he pulled the ties on her robe. It fell open just enough for him to see her belly. He put his hands on either side of the little bump. Then he kissed it. She ran her hands through his hair. The love passing between the two of them was tangible.

  “Let’s get you in the water.” He slid her robe down the rest of the way and lifted her up. He put her down gently and then slid in behind her. She relaxed back into him. They laid there in the water for twenty minutes just reveling in each other. It was nice for both of them. When their fingers were wrinkled, Darian stood up and then lifted her out of the tub. He carried her to the room and set her down in front of the bed. He moved quickly to the bathroom and grabbed two towels. He dried her body off and then pulled the covers down. She slipped in. Darian climbed in beside her and started kissing her neck. He massaged her breasts with his hands as his mouth traveled south. Athena was trying her best to be involved, but her eye color never shifted. Darian moved south until he came to the apex of her thighs. He suckled and kissed her there for a few minutes. She grabbed his hair and tried to participate. She just wasn’t getting there.