Waters of Fate

by Jessica Jarman

  He hadn’t seen her in two days—not since he’d left her in the cave. The hurt and confusion in her eyes at that moment had pierced his soul, but after seeing the expression on his King’s face, he’d had no choice. If that hadn’t been enough, Kaelen’s voice in his head certainly had been.

  “My daughter is safe. Leave us.” Goddess, even the memory of it stung something fierce. Though he’d expected it, the reality of Kaelen’s coldness had hurt almost as much as Neiva’s reaction to his leaving. Almost.

  “Good eve, Rhys.”

  Rhys opened his eyes and turned towards the voice. He lowered himself to his knees, touched his fingers to his lips and clasped his hand over his heart. “Good eve, my King.”

  “Rise.”

  Kaelen waited until Rhys was on his feet, then moved to stand next to him. The silence hung awkwardly between them as they both looked out over the expansive gardens. Uncertainty suffocated Rhys. This was the first time he’d been in his King’s presence since that day. All of his orders since then had come from their mental communication.

  After several minutes, Rhys couldn’t stand it any longer. “Forgive me, my King, but if you wish to punish me or send me away, by the Goddess, just do it!”

  Kaelen turned slightly towards him. “Is that what you want? To be sent away?”

  Shifting his gaze to meet Kaelen’s, Rhys responded. “If that’s what my King wishes.”

  “Stop answering as my subject, damn it!” Kaelen’s voice rose, causing Rhys to jolt back. “Answer as a man. Do you love her?”

  “My King…Kaelen,” he amended when Kaelen snarled, “you understand how it is with true mates. Yes, I love her, with everything I am.”

  “Then explain to me why you would deny her.”

  Rhys sighed, unsure he could explain it well enough. Goddess knew he’d had a hard time understanding as each day passed. “You know when I looked into the Waters, it showed I had no true mate, just as it had shown you when you looked. I had come to terms with that. Your saving Abagail’s family changed that. For both of us.” He ran a hand roughly over his face. “When Neiva came to me, I didn’t want to believe it. I convinced myself she had mistaken what she saw in the Waters, that I had imagined the Song when she kissed me. There was no way Fate would pair me with my King’s daughter. My best friend’s daughter.”

  Rhys waited for Kaelen’s nod, then continued.

  “I avoided her as often as I could, and was cold to her when I couldn’t. Then she got it in her head to go the human realm. Goddess, I can’t describe how that made me feel, when you told me she was looking for a mate there. Having to watch her while she was there was torture, but I came to realise that I couldn’t deny that we were meant any longer. Even still, I was certain we had to wait. I’m an elder, she’s a youth. It would need to wait until she was older. I just had to keep my distance until she was older.

  “That proved to be impossible. I couldn’t stay away from her. I tried, Kaelen. Goddess knows I tried. The day she was…was taken, I had decided to go to you and tell you, but was distracted by what I’d found in the woods. You know the rest.”

  “Hmm.” Kaelen stared straight ahead, apparently deep in thought. Rhys’ heart raced as the seconds ticked by.

  “I’ll accept whatever you decide. I only ask that you help ease her pain if I’m sent away. Even if you have to erase her memories of what she saw in the Waters…”

  Kaelen burst out laughing, shocking Rhys into silence. “Believe me, meddling with her memories is the last thing I’d do. If you’ll remember, I had the same idea with Abagail when I returned to this realm without her. Trust me when I tell you it doesn’t go over so well with the women to do that.”

  He turned towards Rhys and placed his hands on his shoulders. “Rhys, I would not deny my daughter her happiness. Sending you away or forbidding you to be with her would be doing that.”

  Rhys nodded dumbly. “Then another punishment. I understand.”

  Shaking his head, Kaelen laughed again. “No, you don’t. I’m sorry you didn’t come to me before about this, though I think I understand why you didn’t. I’ll admit it was a shock finding out the way I did. I can only ask that you forgive the way I responded. I was sick with worry over possibly losing my family. That is the only excuse I can offer.”

  “Forgive you? Are you jesting? Your reaction was justified,” Rhys protested.

  Kaelen let out a long sigh. “I’ll not argue with you on this. You’ve been my friend, my ally for centuries. You are the best man I know. Your loyalty, your friendship, is something I’ve always been able to count on—even in the darkest of times. I am honoured that Fate would pair my daughter with such a man.”

  Rhys opened his mouth, then unable to form words, snapped it shut again.

  “I just needed some time, my friend, to work it out in my head. As I’m sure you did as well.” Kaelen clapped him on his shoulders once before dropping his hands and stepping away. “Now, my daugh—your mate is in the Great Hall. I think it’s well past time for you to go to her.”

  Taking a deep breath, Rhys tried to process everything and calm his racing heart.

  Kaelen turned and walked away, but stopped after a few steps. “Oh, and if you hurt her,” he threw over his shoulder, “friend or not, I’ll kill you.” He grinned. “Though I’d be grieved enough to bring flowers to your wake.”

  Rhys laughed as the tension finally fell away. “Of course, my King.”

  He watched as his friend strode into the Great Hall, disappearing into the crowd. Sweet Lady Above, the weight he’d been carrying for years was gone. He could go to Neiva, could be with her and say the words. He didn’t need to fight it any longer. The idea was so foreign he couldn’t wrap his mind around it. Of course, he had to convince her to accept him. Knowing his Princess, she was bound to be angry with him for leaving her. Rhys grinned. He’d convince her, and enjoy every minute of it.

  With a thought, he flashed into the Great Hall and immediately scanned the crowd for her. Unable to see her, he opened his mind.

  “Princess?”

  “Rhys?” Her uncertain voice filled his head and pleasure slithered down his spine.

  “I need a word with you. Where are you?”

  He felt her hesitate and smiled.

  “I’m near the refreshment table,” she said simply.

  Instead of flashing to her, he made his way through the crowd. When he caught sight of her, he was glad he’d taken the few moments to prepare himself. She was exquisite. His imagination had paled in comparison to reality. Her back was to him. She wore a dark blue gown. The top dipped low in the back, exposing her creamy skin and allowing her wings to be fully extended. The skirt clung to her, the fabric sheer, and he could see the outline of her legs beneath it.

  As if sensing him, she turned, and stole his breath. The bodice of her gown hugged her, and the swells of her breasts peeked over the edge. Sweet Goddess, what she did to him. His cock pressed against his tight trousers, aching to be released.

  “Good eve, Princess.” He took her hand and kissed it lightly.

  “Good eve,” she whispered before turning to the person she’d been speaking to. “Excuse me, please.”

  Rhys shifted his gaze and clenched his jaw. Gareth. She’d been talking with the man who obviously wanted more than just conversation with her. Rhys took a step towards the man, but stopped when Gareth gave him a knowing nod and walked away. Stunned, Rhys just stared after him a moment. Could Gareth possible know that Rhys and Neiva were meant?

  “I-I hope you are well,” Neiva said.

  Rhys turned back to her and tightened his grip on her hand. “Dance with me?”

  She closed her eyes and shivered. Looking at him again, she nodded and allowed him to lead her to the middle of the large room. Rhys slid his arms around her waist and pulled her against him, his cock pressing against her soft belly. Neiva wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head on his shoulder.

  In silence, they swayed to
the music. Rhys ran a finger along the lower edge of her wing and was rewarded as a shudder raced through her. He pressed his lips to her temple and breathed in her sweet, soft scent.

  She lifted her head and met his gaze. “Rhys—”

  “I should have asked before,” he interrupted. “All you all right? You’ve fully recovered?”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “And you? You were hurt more than I, I believe.”

  “I’m fine.” He inhaled deeply before continuing. “Your father came to me today.”

  Her mouth formed a perfect ‘O’ and she pulled away. “Rhys, I’ve already talked to him. Once he was over his shock about…well, about everything, he wanted to force you to be with me. I told him I wouldn’t allow that. Of course, he then started the whole ‘I’m King, and no one allows me to do anything’.”

  “It wasn’t—” He tried to speak, but she kept going.

  “So regardless of what he said, I won’t force you to do anything. I want you to be happy, Rhys. I’ll stay away from you as much as I can. I know there’ll be times when that’s impossible, but we’ll work through those.” She rose up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his briefly. “Be happy.”

  With that, she flashed out of the room. Rhys stood dumbfounded. Where was the anger he’d been expecting? What in the name of the Goddess was she about? She’d avoid him? He set his jaw. Oh, he’d show her ‘Be happy’.

  Neiva sat heavily on her bed. All right, that’d gone better than she’d expected. She got through it without bursting into tears. Her vision blurred and her breath hitched. Barely. Oh Goddess, she hurt. It was as though everything inside her was being squeezed mercilessly.

  The last two days had been torture. She’d fought with her father and cried with her mother…and yearned for Rhys. When she dreamed, she felt the barrier he’d put up. Knowing that he didn’t want to be with her, even in that small way, had gutted her. Preparing for the ball that evening had been much more than putting on a pretty gown. She’d known he would be there. Her father had assured her that he hadn’t sent Rhys away. Knowing she would see him, Neiva had been determined to let him go gracefully.

  Well, she’d done that as well as she could. There was no need for grace in her own bedroom, she thought as the first sob wracked her body. She buried her face in her hands and let it out—the pain, the sadness, the anger.

  “Why?”

  Neiva jumped as Rhys’ voice echoed though the room. She quickly dashed the tears from her face and struggled to control her hitching breath. He stood in the doorway, legs braced apart, wings framing him from behind. His green eyes flashed as he stared at her.

  “Why?” he repeated.

  “Why what?” She didn’t understand what he was asking.

  “You’re hurting,” he bit out, “but you let me go. Why?”

  “I believe I explained that. I won’t force you to be with me,” she insisted. What was he doing here? She quashed down the sliver of hope that wormed its way into her heart. “I’ll stay away—”

  He shook his head and strode across the room. Without a word, he yanked her to him and crushed his mouth to hers. A small cry of protest rose in Neiva’s throat, but when Rhys thrust his tongue past her lips, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Only for a moment, she told herself. She would just enjoy the feel of him for a moment. Surely she deserved that.

  His tongue danced around hers, slick and hot. Neiva’s head swam as his intoxicating flavour burst inside her mouth. Dear Goddess, how would she live without this? Without his touch, his warmth?

  Cursing inwardly, she pulled away and trailed her fingertips down his cheeks. “Rhys, please.”

  “Let me love you this night, my Princess.” He kissed her lips briefly. “Sweet Lady, when you were taken…” his voice broke, “you can’t imagine how I felt.” He trailed his mouth to her neck, nipping and nuzzling her sensitive skin.

  Even as the reasons to stop him hammered at her mind, she didn’t stop him. She could hear the pain in his voice and she ached for him.

  “You found me, though, and I’m fine,” she soothed.

  He ran his tongue over her collarbone and slivers of heat pierced her core. Moisture flooded her pussy and her clit twitched. Rhys lifted his hand from where it rested on her hip and slid his fingers down the length of her wing. Neiva’s stomach clenched and she gripped his shoulders as her legs trembled beneath her.

  “When I saw you in that cave...” he murmured, his hot breath caressing her. “You were hurt, and bleeding, but you stood before those bastards so regally.” He straightened and met her gaze. “I was so proud. So proud of the strong woman the Goddess had gifted to me…to all of us.”

  At his whispered words, tears burned Neiva’s eyes. Several escaped, sliding down her cheeks. Rhys leaned forward and kissed them away.

  “Let me love you this night,” he repeated.

  Neiva closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. How could she deny him? Deny herself? Even now, her body hummed in anticipation. If she’d not have him forever, she would allow herself this night. Though she knew it’d be difficult to let him go, at least she’d have the memory of their times together, and Goddess willing, it would give her comfort in the loneliness ahead.

  Her mind made up, she reached up and pulled his head down. Her fingers tangled in his hair as their mouths met. She poured every ounce of her love and need into the fevered kiss. Rhys backed her up until she tumbled onto the bed.

  Her breathed caught in her throat as she looked up at her mate. He stared down at her, eyes intense and dark. The need in his expression increased her excitement, and she shifted her hips. He placed a knee on the mattress and ran a palm up one of her legs, pushing her skirt up as he went. Desire slithered down her spine as his hand moved to caress her inner thigh. Without hesitation, she spread her legs wider. Up and up, his fingers went until he was mere millimetres from her sex…and he straightened.

  A smile curved his lips when she groaned in protested and lifted her hips. Holding her gaze, he removed his boots and clothing until he stood before her nude. Sweet Lady Above, she’d never tire of seeing him. The golden skin stretched over rippling muscles, the light hair sprinkling his chest and trailing downwards. Neiva clenched her fingers, itching to touch him.

  She opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her when he dropped to his knees on the floor. He grasped her hips and pulled until her ass was on the edge of the bed. She gasped when he flashed her clothes off her body and the cool air swept over her. A jolt of pleasure rocketed through her as he glided a finger between her folds.

  “I love how your body responds to me. Does anyone else do this for you, Princess? Anyone else make your pussy weep so sweetly?” He teased her clit once, twice.

  Neiva shook her head. “No one,” she choked out.

  He lifted her legs and draped them over his shoulders. His breath feathered over her folds and Neiva clutched the linens beneath her. Every muscle tensed as she waited for his touch. When he flicked her clit with the tip of his tongue, she nearly came then and there. He tortured the tiny nub before sliding lower to thrust his tongue inside her channel.

  Goddess, she couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t do anything but squirm as he fucked her with his mouth. Fire raced through her veins as her womb clenched. Even through the pleasure, her pussy ached for more. She yearned to be filled, to have his cock buried inside her.

  He shifted and as he sucked her clit into his mouth, he rammed his fingers inside her. Her back arched as the orgasm overwhelmed her. She trembled from head to toe as she contracted around his hand. He continued to pull on the sensitive bundle of nerves with his mouth, driving her up again and again until she thought she couldn’t take anymore.

  Neiva lifted her head as Rhys straightened. Her stomach flipped as he licked her juices from his lips, humming low in his throat. He pulled her legs from his shoulders and stood. Neiva, gaze fixed on his hard cock, scooted back on the mattress, and he knelt between her legs.

  She let out a sigh of
pleasure as he covered her body with his. The feel of his hot skin gliding along hers was sinfully delicious. He ran his hand along her side, his fingers teasing the wing spread beneath her, and chills snaked through her.

  “Sweet Goddess,” she gasped before she could stop herself.

  Rhys grinned and teased the sensitive wing again. Neiva shook uncontrollably, another climax building quickly. She closed her eyes, overwhelmed.

  “No, look at me when you take me inside,” he murmured and positioned himself at her entrance.

  She forced her eyes open and met his clear green eyes as he eased inside. Her pussy stretched, accommodating his length. He braced an arm on either side of her head and began to move within her. Each stroke pushed her up, impossibly high, bringing her closer to another release. She rested her palms on his cheeks, memorising the moment, locking it away in her heart.

  Notes surrounded them, rained down on them as their bodies moved together. Neiva squeezed her eyes shut as the Song rang out, echoing through the room. Rhys’ body trembled above her. His breathing became ragged as his thrusts quickened. Neiva tilted her hips and wrapped her legs around his waist, taking him even deeper within her. Her toes brushed his wings and she delighted in the forceful tremor that ran through his body.

  Louder and louder the Song rang out. Suddenly Rhys stilled, his cock pulsing inside her. He rested his forehead against hers and slid his fingers through her hair.

  “I belong to you,” he ground out, his fingers tightening.

  Neiva cried out, hurt weaving with the intense pleasure she felt. Sweet Goddess, could she handle this—his rejection—again?

  Rhys’ entire body shook, his very soul cried out. The words hammered inside his skull. He took a deep breath, preparing himself. Sweet Lady, after denying himself, denying her, to finally be able to say the words… It overwhelmed.

  He lifted his head and immediately frowned. Neiva’s eyes were screwed shut, and pain was clear on her face.

  “Neiva,” he said softly.

  She opened her eyes, tears glistening. “Goddess, say it again…my name. Say it again.”