“I hope she’ll forgive us.” Marielle laid her head on his shoulder. “I want a relationship with my daughter.”
“Give her time. It may not happen today.” Miles pulled her against his chest and enveloped her in his arms. “It’s so good to be able to hold you again.” For years, they were in the same cell, but Saressa enchanted the space to inflict injury anytime they touched.
At least they had the comfort of the other’s presence. Though it was torture to be so close yet so far.
“Better than anything, except making love to you,” she whispered, looking up into his blue eyes.
The knock at the door pulled a smile from his lips. “Maybe she’s ready to talk?” Miles released her to answer the door.
Marielle shoved him aside and came face to face with Jackie. Eddie stood behind her, ready to hold her if she needed. She had to smile. They made an interesting pair, from what she could see. But she saw the love between them flowing like a glittering essence.
“Jacqueline, I am so happy you decided to come.”
She glanced down at the ground, and Eddie placed a hand on her shoulder. “Part of me gets it. The rest hurts.”
“I’m sorry, sunshine,” Miles said. “If I hadn’t been positive you would be happy and well taken care of, I wouldn’t have left. But your mother was being held by an evil woman.”
“I know. I get it.” Her big blue eyes locked on his. “Still hurts.”
“I had to try to free your mother.”
She nodded. “Yeah. We’ll figure this out, and it won’t be so hard, hopefully. You did what you had to, and I have to accept that. Just like I need to accept my mother was taken from us when I was little. But I missed you since I was little. I grew up thinking you were both dead.”
“If there had been another choice where I could have you both, I would have taken it.”
Tears filled Jackie’s eyes. “I know,” she whispered.
Miles moved forward and took her into his arms. “God, I missed you, sunshine.”
“Missed you too.”
He stepped back, and Marielle wrapped Jackie in her arms. “Oh, my darling beautiful girl. I missed you so much.”
Jackie sniffled and pulled Miles into the hug too. “How bad was it? How long did Saressa have you?”
“How much do you know about her?” Marielle asked as they stepped away.
“More than I care to.”
As much as that wasn’t an answer, she nodded. “Well, our captivity wasn’t pleasant, but there wasn’t much she could do to either of us, thankfully.”
“Why?”
She lifted a shoulder with a smirk. “It’s a long story. I’d much prefer to get to know my daughter and her lover.”
“Fiancé,” Jackie corrected. “Edward Swiftclaw, but everyone calls him Eddie.”
“You’re getting married?” Miles asked.
“Yes, sir, we are,” Eddie answered, a smile on his lips.
Marielle liked the conviction behind the words.
“Nothing will change that,” Jackie promised.
“I would never dream of asking you to change your mind about the man you love.”
Eddie wrapped his arms around Jackie’s waist. His smile could light the room. “Good, because nothing will tear me away from your daughter.”
“Come, let’s get to know one another,” Marielle said.
Eventually, she’d have to go back to the Water Kingdom. The news Aeryana gave her came as a surprise, but she was willing to go along with the plan.
* * * *
Scotty woke in Jayde’s arms. He pulled her tighter. “Morning, my love.”
“Hmm, morning, Scotty. Nightmares?”
“Not a one.” He rolled over her, pinning her down. “How long do you want to stay?”
She shook her head. “I’m in no particular hurry to be anywhere. You?”
He shrugged. “I thought if Jackie hasn’t started talking to her parents, we might take her to explore some before going back. If she has, we can go back as soon as you want.”
“You’re sweet, you know that?”
He chuckled. “She’s unsure of her abilities. And they don’t have to do what she’s afraid they will. Her mother can better explain, but she feels they abandoned her. Hell, my parents abandoned me after Saressa took me.” He closed his eyes and rolled to his back, losing the mood. “I get it, but it didn’t save them.”
“There was nothing they could have done. Saressa kept them from going to you. Reance ensured they stayed away for their safety.
“And they still died. No sense in thinking about it.”
“I’m fine with us staying to help her.” She sat up, throwing her leg over his thigh.
His hands skated up her smooth skin as his eyes latched onto hers. “You have a way of taking away the pain.”
“I’m a Paineater.” She moved, taking him in as she leaned down to claim his mouth in a kiss.
He rolled, taking over. Her legs slid up his sides, wrapping around his hips as her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him there for a kiss.
She settled all the fear he’d done something truly horrible while Damha had controlled him, but there were no memories, and Toryn and Isa both swore he hadn’t done anything.
Jayde believed wholeheartedly he hadn’t.
He chose to believe them all.
Chapter 22
The view from Isa’s balcony was amazing. The castle sat high in the sky, floating well above the ground far below. The walls were made of crystal, the floors as well. Amazing architecture.
She didn’t feel at home.
No, this place was foreign, yet intriguing, but not someplace she could ever see herself living.
Toryn wrapped her in an embrace from behind. “Morning, Princess.”
She turned in his arms, finding him nude. “Here? On the balcony?”
He looked around. “Unless someone flies by, no one will see, and honestly, let them watch. You’re mine. I want to show the world.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I have no problem with that. I saw plenty others who watched you in disappointment last night. And I’m sure many of them regret you’re no longer available for their pleasure.”
Dipping his head, he took a kiss, sliding his hands up her nightgown. He found her ass bare. She’d only put something on to step outside.
“I’ll make love to you, then take you down for breakfast. After that, we should head to Paris to explore. Unless there is another place you want to go.”
“We’ll go to Paris. I’m not letting one stupid bitch upset my honeymoon. And if she does make an appearance, I’m slaughtering her for all the damage she’s done to everyone.”
His brow wrinkled. “Saressa?”
“Mother said she was likely in France.”
“We’ll deal with her if we run into her.” He tipped her head up and looked into her eyes. “I’ll kill her myself.”
Sighing, she pushed Toryn back. “I’m perfectly capable of killing the cunt. And you don’t have to protect me. We can protect each other. I did just fine when I came to get you.”
“And you shouldn’t have had to,” he whispered.
She sighed. “Someone had to, and I’m glad it was me. That sick fuck needed to die, and it felt good to destroy him.”
He caught her face and stared into her eyes. “Don’t get too used to killing. Blood lust isn’t something you want to ever deal with.”
“Have you?”
Toryn nodded. “I have legitimate reason to worry you’ll hate me sooner or later, though that fear is fading. And in war, sometimes blood lust is the only thing that will keep you alive.”
“Only one more person I want to kill, and only for what she did to you. And too many other people I care about.”
“Together then. We kill her together. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
“And I’m not letting you out of mine.”
Toryn
spun her toward the railing, pulling her ass back as he slid his cock through her heat. Then he drove into her, gripping her hips.
“Toryn,” she gasped, rocking back to take more of him.
He took the pace fast, and she almost begged him to slow down. Except, it would be breakfast soon and the sooner they could leave, the better off she’d be. She was tired of being in Faery. She wanted to be far away from anything to do with her life here or there. She wanted to enjoy her honeymoon.
She tried to hold back the cry of pleasure, but couldn’t. His pace sped up and he trailed one hand up, under her nightgown, between her breasts, and up to her shoulder to pull her up. He kissed her neck, sending shivers down her spine.
Isa flew apart, magic dancing over her skin. Something new sparked, something she hadn’t felt before, but pleasure washed it away.
“I’ve never needed anyone as much as I constantly need you,” he whispered against her ear.
She spun, wrapping her arms around his neck. “You know I can’t live without you. I couldn’t before you finally took me.”
He pressed his forehead to hers. “Come on, let’s get ready, and then we can finally get away.”
“Don’t like being in the castle either?”
Toryn shook his head. “Spent too much of my life in one. And as much as your father and I are friends, he was always more of a father figure. And a lot of the time I felt obligated to do what he asked of me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“And before you get any ideas, I’ll never feel that way if you ask me to do something.”
“Don’t ever want you to.”
“Only thing I want is to make you happy. However that is. So, let’s have breakfast, and then see Paris.”
* * * *
“Relax,” Aeryana murmured against Reance’s ear.
A tight smile pulled at his lips. “Seems you don’t trust me to do what’s right where my sister is concerned.”
Her tone gentled. “That’s not it. I fear doing what is right would break something inside you. The good that has never died no matter what horrible injustice was served to you.”
He caught her face. “My sister must die. It is a fact I’ve come to accept. There is nothing good left within her.”
“Aye, but you do not need to be the one to kill her.”
“My daughter shouldn’t have to be the one.”
“Your daughter is a strong woman who is capable of defending herself and those she loves. And you, part of you still loves what your sister was, long ago. She hasn’t been that woman in ages.”
“I would still kill her.”
“It would tear you apart. Her death will hurt you, no matter how just. Admit it, my love.”
He dipped his head in acknowledgment. “You’re right. Still, Isa is carrying our grandchild. What if something happens?”
“You’ve seen Kiernan, have you not?”
He nodded. “Things could still go very wrong.”
“It’s doubtful, Reance. You know better. And everything with your sister hits closer to home, so it makes it harder to drown out that voice.”
“Think Isadora will ever forgive me? She claims she does, but she’s still upset about Toryn, and rightfully so.”
“She will. But you should tell her the story. Make her understand how Saressa chose her path. But she won’t blame you for that either.” Aeryana placed her hands on his face and kissed him softly.
“Hope not.”
Jermaine popped his head in. “Isadora and Toryn are on the way to the dining room.”
“We’ll be there momentarily,” Aeryana answered.
Her attendant stepped into the hall.
“Are you sure I should be there?” Reance asked.
“Yes, I am. Perhaps wait a few days to visit her with the story. I’ll come too, if my presence will help. Otherwise, you should tell her soon.”
“Of course. You’ve always been my wisdom. I only wish I found you sooner.” He stepped toward the door. “I love you, Aeryana.”
“And I love you, Reance. I always have. And finally, you’re mine for all the realms to see.”
* * * *
The Castle of the Sky was a place Toryn resented more often than not. It offered the appearance of a safe haven, but that was far from the truth. Aeryana’s previous husband, Henroyld, sent him on many missions, hoping he’d die. He hadn’t. He’d come back, completing each, or making the appearance of doing exactly what was asked.
“What is it?” Isa whispered.
He glanced over and smiled. “Everything has changed. This place used to be a source of dread.”
“You lived here for a very long time, didn’t you?”
He nodded. “I did.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
He smiled and looked away. “It wouldn’t have mattered. My reason for that dread is dead, thanks to you.”
“Henroyld.” She snorted. “I still don’t understand how my mother could choose him over her mate. I’ll never understand that.”
“Your parents were connected in such a way, they were never truly alone.” He pulled her tight to his side. “Much like the way we are. I can hear you in my head now.”
Her eyes sparkled. “Needed to know where you were and what was happening. It pushed me to get to you, to fight for you.”
“I can’t regret what I did. I should, but I’m glad we’re having our boy.”
“Me too.” She pulled him into the great dining hall.
Reance met Toryn’s gaze from across the room. He was hiding something. Question was, would he share? If so, would it be in time to help?
Aeryana wore a brilliant smile as she swept toward them. She took Toryn’s hands. “You two make a lovely pair. I couldn’t be happier for you two.”
Toryn grinned. “Same for you and Reance. It’s good to finally see both of you happily joined in public.”
Reance nodded. “As it is good to see you two finally married.” He turned to Isadora. “Perhaps in two days we can find you in Paris, and I’ll share what I promised I would.”
Isadora smiled. “Please. That sounds perfect. It will give us both time to enjoy our honeymoon. Now, when exactly do we need to come back for this crowning ceremony?”
“I heard back from the Elder Guardians. A week from today.”
“We’ll be here.” Isa’s smile tightened.
“You will not be made to take a throne,” Aeryana assured.
No, Toryn didn’t think that would ever be the case. Too many people would fear Isadora if she took a throne. She wouldn’t want that fear. And changing a person’s mind wasn’t always easy. Let alone a whole world.
“I couldn’t be you. Couldn’t do what you do.”
Aeryana smiled. “I couldn’t be you, either. But I still love you.”
“Love you too.” She smiled at Reance. “Both of you.”
“Come, let’s eat.”
* * * *
All of Isa’s friends had gathered for breakfast. New and old. Lana, her partner at Shenanigans, sat down beside Isa. “Hey. You had me worried last night.”
“Didn’t see you at the ball,” Isa replied.
She glanced across the room at Lonny. “I needed to talk to my father about something.”
“Finally going to give Lonny a chance?”
She looked away. “I’m promised to someone else, and they won’t break the arrangement.”
“You what?” Isa asked, spinning in her seat.
One shoulder lifted as she pushed her scarlet hair behind her ear. “After my sister’s death, I was promised to her husband.” She shuddered.
“You what?” Isa shouted this time, her eyes wide.
“Can we not do this here?”
“Lana, how could you not tell me?”
“I don’t talk about my father’s life here. My mother took me from here because my sister refused to go. She knew what would happen.”<
br />
“There’s nothing that can be done?”
Lana shook her head. “I’ve tried. It’s why I stay with humans and don’t mess with the Fae.” She looked away with a sigh.
Isa turned to Aeryana. “Is there any way to break this contract?”
“Depends on the contract.”
Reance smiled. “I believe I know how, but it might take me a little time. If I had known that was all you were waiting for, I would have already dealt with that problem.”
Lana glanced down at the table. “Thank you, Reance, but I’m afraid there is nothing you can do at this point.”
“Give me a chance. You may be surprised. Especially since my little girl will need help with the bar for a long time.”
Lana dipped her head. “I will be in your debt if you can make that happen.”
He smiled. “When is this supposed wedding taking place?”
“Two months.”
“Won’t take me that long to find a solution that will satisfy both families,” Reance promised.
Toryn smiled, hoping Reance was right. Lana had kept the secret well. He had no clue that was even an issue until it was brought up moments before.
Did Lonny know about the contract? If so, they were having a talk sooner than later. Maybe he could pull him aside before going to Paris for their honeymoon.
Aeryana stood and drew everyone’s attention. “I want everyone here to know that my daughter and her husband choose to make their home on Earth, but they are always welcome here and in any of my territory.”
A cheer went up. Breakfast was served.
Chapter 23
The knock on the glass door brought Saressa’s head up. She lay face down on the bed, trying to ignore the pain every movement made.
Gebiet stood on the balcony with a basket.
Saressa crossed the room and opened the door. “You found everything?”
“I did. Would you like help preparing the ichor?”
She reached for the basket with a trembling hand.
He swept the basket behind him. “You’ll heal Kasai without binding her?” Gebiet asked.
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