“Rissa.” Her father’s voice drew her attention from her worries for a moment. “You’ve always made me proud. I never told you. When you were chosen as an Aliara, I was happy for you, but I also wanted to grab you and keep you at home. You were so young. I just wanted to keep you where you were safe.”
“You didn’t. You taught me and smiled as I went to court to take up the duty for the first time.” She walked over and hugged him.
“It wasn’t easy. You are our youngest child, our only girl. We wanted to make sure you weren’t hurt. Watching you become an Aliara… The Realms haven’t been at war with each other for generations, but that didn’t mean you’d always be safe.” His arms tightened around her.
Tears stung her eyes as her father stepped back. She could see the love and admiration blazing from his eyes.
“And now you’re leaving the Realm to marry. It doesn’t seem like you’re old enough.” Her mother came over and took Karissa’s hands in hers.
“Well, I would have at least been searching soon. You know I made some people very nervous when I was in court.” Karissa forced her lips up into a smile.
Her father chuckled. “It was funny to watch them go to the other side of the room whenever you came into a room as if you were going to go wild on them at any moment.”
“Bring your Princes here for a visit when you can. You’re just going to be married. That doesn’t mean you have to stay in the Fire Realm all the time.” Her mother’s arms closed around her in fierce hug.
“I will. I’ll drag them here if I have to.” Karissa returned the hug. “I’ve got to go before another round of pain hits. I love you.”
“We love you too, Rissa. Now go get permission and find your Princes.” Her father walked over and dropped a kiss on Karissa’s forehead before curling his arm around her mother’s shoulders.
Find my princes, Karissa thought. That was only the beginning. She’d have to learn the ins and outs of the Volirian Court.
You’ll do it easily. Don’t worry about that part. You have enough experience in court life to not make any bad mistakes. Ijina offered.
She didn’t know anything about being a Princess. There wasn’t one in the Frejan Court. She knew more about what would happen because of her marriage than what would be expected of her. Her family’s position in the Frejan Court would be strengthened by her marriage into the Volirian royalty. Not that her father really needed it. He was already respected within the Court, but the power would come with a cost. That connection would be called on in any future talks that were required between Freja and Volir.
From what she knew, Volirian culture was so much more formal in most cases than Frejan culture. Her life would be very different there.
The Fire Realm’s history was different than the Ice Realm’s. Relative peace and a bit of isolation had shaped Frejan culture in the last few generations. That hadn’t been the case for Volir. Battles for power within the Realm and assassination attempts had shaped Volirian court life.
Females in the Frejan Realm had a freedom that most women in other Realms didn’t enjoy. And her mates came from the Volirian Realm. The Fire Realm had been notorious for generations for its strict structure and male-oriented society.
Stop worrying about it. You won’t be alone there. Your mates will help. Well, when you get over your anger at them, Ijina soothed.
By the time she arrived before the King, she was past most of the embarrassment. Anger still seethed within her and all of it was directed toward the two men who were her mates.
Karissa knelt before King Amir. She was dressed in full Aliara regalia, as was custom. She grimaced. This would be easier to do if she didn’t have to reveal her ignorance in front of everybody. The King’s Audience Chamber was far from empty. The large blue-carpeted room held some of those waiting to speak to the King as well as a few of his advisors. The white and silver walls glittered in the bright light.
“My King, I come to ask permission to go to the Volirian Realm—to Baezid,” she explained after the initial greetings had been completed. As she looked up, she caught a look of surprise on the King’s face.
“Why would you want to go to the Realm of Fire?” King Amir asked. “You’ve told me that you had chosen to begin your Ra’Asien in the Aevian Realm.”
“I had every intention of doing so, Your Highness, but I’ve discovered that I must go to the Volirian Realm immediately.” She raised her eyes and met the intense brown eyes of her King.
“Why?” The King tilted his head as he considered her petition.
“I’ve discovered that I’m bonded, Sire. My search for a mate is over before it began,” Karissa stated baldly, her gaze never wavering from the King sitting on his throne atop the raised dais.
“Bonded?” King Amir raised his brows. “You’re certain? Who did your spirit bond with?”
“Yes, my King, I’m absolutely certain. Ijina bonded with the spirits of the Princes of Volir.” She tensed as a wave of pain tore at her abdomen. Tightening her muscles, she fought to keep from curling into a ball, to keep her hands at her side.
The King suddenly shot to his feet. “You’re in pain. What is wrong?”
“I must go to the Volirian Realm,” she explained through gritted teeth. “Ijina, my Spirit, bonded with theirs. She is pregnant. She only just told me of it.”
“Situations such as these aren’t that strange, Aliara Moshen.” The King strode over and helped her to her feet. “Go with the Healer and rest until you feel better and then you have my permission to go to the Volirian Realm.”
Karissa readily went with the Healer. Perhaps he could give her some advice on how to lessen the effects of this until she was reunited with Tyral and Callan. The last thing she noticed as she left the room was the King motioning to one of his messengers.
It will ease completely when we get there and their spirits meld a bit of their energy with mine. Ijina stirred restlessly. We need to go soon.
As soon as I can walk without this shooting pain. Karissa could feel her symbiote’s urgency, but even moving was agony. She just needed a little time.
Chapter Six
Tyral looked across the room to where his fathers stood conducting the business of the Realm. His impatience for a reply grew with every passing moment. They’d sent the message to the King of Frejan only yesterday, but the delay was almost intolerable. Only one answer would be acceptable. He found himself watching every messenger who entered the room, especially if they were wearing Frejan blue or green.
Karissa had been vocal about her feelings on marriage. They’d decided letting her come to the truth on her own would ease the transition into her new life. The separation wasn’t easy, however. They’d bonded with her. Having her out of their sight caused an incessant gnawing worry and they ached to have her with them. They’d wanted to give her time to recognize it on her own, but were unable to wait any longer for that revelation.
Go to the Pentacle Room, Ahvin demanded. Open a tunnel to the Frejan Realm and go get Karissa. Make her see the truth.
King Tovin cleared his throat to get their attention. Tyral looked up at his father. He hoped this was news about Karissa. The temptation to go to Freja and drag her back to Volir was growing with every passing moment.
Only their preparation for her eventual arrival had given them any satisfaction. He’d begun moving some of his clothing from his room into the rooms they would share when she arrived. He didn’t know if Callan had started to move things from his room yet.
“We’ve received a message from the Frejan Realm,” King Marit stated.
Tyral and Callan’s attention instantly focused on their father. They stood waiting for him to continue.
“Your Karissa will be here soon. She’s coming of her own choice. The Frejan King had just received your missive when she requested an audience,” King Tovin informed them. “She wanted permission to come here. She was given that permission.”
“Did the King say why she wanted permission t
o come to Volir?” Callan asked. “If she thinks to start her Ra’Asien here, she’ll soon find out that there is nothing to start. She belongs with us. No other will touch her.”
Tyral nodded in agreement. Regardless of her reason for coming here, she wouldn’t suffer any illusions for long. There would certainly be no flirting with other nobles of the Fire Court. As soon as she got here, she’d discover that she was a betrothed woman.
“No, there was no mention of her reason.” King Marit shrugged. “When she arrives, we’ll greet her as is custom. You may join us after the initial introductions and formalities have been observed. We’ll send word after we have spoken to her.”
Karissa felt the transition as she traveled through the spatial tunnel to the Volirian world of Baezid. The movement was much too fast to see anything, but the tugging sensation was unmistakable. Unlike the Pentacle Room on some worlds, this room was easily identifiable. The Volirian Seal hung on gray stone walls. Fire crystal adorned the walls, the gems winking in the light cast by the lamps hung from shining golden sconces. The most glaring difference was the men standing to the side of the light golden wood of the door. Armed guards protected the entrance to the Royal Palace.
“I am Aliara Karissa Moshen. I believe word was sent about my arrival.” She took a deep breath. Her stomach tightened and a dizzy, queasy feeling made her regret eating before she’d left Freja. Her fingers clenched around the strap on one of her bags. She resisted the urge to place her hand over the steady ache. She hoped she’d be able to get through the explanations and formalities before another attack occurred.
Just tell the Kings at the first opportunity, Ijina urged. They’ll get you to Tyral and Callan.
Karissa knew that was the truth, but she didn’t want to start her life here by dropping that kind of news on the Kings. She’d like to make as good of an impression as possible on them.
Stubborn woman, Ijina huffed.
The taller of the two red-haired guards smiled at her. “Someone will be here momentarily to take your bags and escort you to the Kings’ private Audience Room, Aliara of Frejan.”
“Thank you.” She forced a smile and focused on keeping her breathing slow and even while she tried to relax.
Moments later, two young women opened the door to the Pentacle Room. One of the women had red hair and was very petite, especially next to the tall woman beside her. The green-eyed woman beside her wore her long black hair in an intricate braid down her back. The black-haired woman picked up Karissa’s bags.
“I am Tarina Maren,” the red-haired woman said. “This is Angeline Faril. She’ll see that your bags are taken to your room. I’ll escort you to the Kings’ Audience Chambers. You’re expected.”
“Thank you.” She smiled in spite of the ache curling through her. “I’m Karissa Moshen, Aliara to the Frejan Court.”
“Shall we go?” Tarina urged Karissa to leave the Pentacle Room in front of her, but in the hall, paced beside her. “King Marit and King Tovin are waiting to meet you.”
The wide, smooth gray-walled hallway was brightly illuminated by lamps. Gems embedded in the walls and ceiling reflected and magnified the golden glow. She walked beside the woman through a maze of such corridors until finally she stopped before an elegantly carved dark Morit wood door. Tarina knocked lightly and a gruff voice called permission to enter the Audience chambers.
Karissa tried to keep from staring too much. So many doors. She’d never been called to visit this palace. The solid, thick doors over every entryway just seemed so strange, so obstructive. The Frejan Royal Palace was largely an open airy place. This palace just seemed so forbidding.
This isn’t the Ice Realm, Ijina reminded her.
I know, but the doors make everything seem so restrictive, so cold. I can’t help wondering if they lock everyone into their room at night. Karissa bit at her lip. Maybe that last part was a little over the top, but this place did make her feel confined.
You’ll adjust. They have their reasons for wanting the doors. Ijina didn’t seem the least bit worried.
Taking a deep breath, Karissa followed the woman into the large room. The Kings sat in two large chairs at the other end of the room. The room had been tastefully and elegantly decorated. Colorful woven rugs almost covered the gray stone floor. Tapestries were spaced along the walls. Most were very obviously about Volirian history, battles and myths. A tapestry depicting the Creation of the Veil hung on the wall behind the Kings’ chairs.
Is this the Formal Audience Chamber? Karissa wondered as she brought her eyes to the Kings. She couldn’t find even the slightest hint of informality or personalization here. But if it was the Formal Chamber, where were the members of their Court, the Lords and Ladies?
Tarina walked forward and Karissa trailed after her. “My Kings, this is Karissa Moshen of Tengan House, Aliara to the Frejan Court. Aliara Moshen, this is King Marit and King Tovin Forain of Menshar House of Volir.” She gestured first to the man on the right and then to the man on the left.
“Thank you, Tarina.” King Marit nodded to the woman. “You are dismissed.”
In the moment before they turned their attention to her, Karissa looked at them. She could see the resemblance to their sons. It was in the way their eyes tilted, the line of the jaw and even the smile. She also saw the strength in them. These men had been born to lead. Had she met them somewhere other than their Audience chambers, she would have been able to tell that they wielded power. It was in their attitude and their body language.
As soon as their attention turned to her, she dipped into a curtsy and bowed her head respectfully. “Thank you for allowing me to come here, King Marit, King Tovin.”
Tell them! Ijina demanded.
Ijina, it’s hard enough to keep my lips in a smile with this aching pain. Karissa tried to focus her thoughts on listening to the Kings and responding with something more than a nod.
“You are welcome in Volir, but we’re somewhat confused about the reason for your desire to visit our Realm. The missive from King Amir said nothing about why you’re here.” King Tovin raised an eyebrow. “You may rise, Aliara Moshen.”
“We recognize your name as that of the woman who went searching for our sons and helped them to escape. Are you going to begin your Ra’Asien here?” King Marit asked.
“I think you play with—” Karissa began, but a sharp pain took her by surprise causing her to gasp and clutch at her abdomen. There was no way to disguise that movement.
Both Kings jumped fluidly to their feet. They rushed forward and each clasped a hand on her shoulder, keeping her from falling on her face.
“Are you feeling unwell?” King Marit looked down at her.
She looked up at him and grimaced. She knew she’d gone appallingly pale, probably looked even sicker than she felt. And then there was the fact that at the moment she couldn’t stand up straight.
“I’ll be all right. You know that I’m mate to your sons. You probably knew of it before I did.” Her voice was a little hoarse, her throat tight as pain stabbed through her.
“What’s wrong with you? How can you know that your illness isn’t serious?” King Tovin looked concernedly at the silver-haired woman.
“My Spirit became pregnant, King Tovin.” She didn’t explain any further. He would know what needed to be done to ensure her health.
Finally! You should have told them right after they acknowledged you, Ijina practically cheered.
Do I need this attitude? Karissa grimaced. The pain was bad enough. She didn’t need an Elemental ranting at her.
“That’s how you learned of the bonding.” King Marit smiled at the revelation.
“Yes, your sons have some explaining to do. I want to know why they didn’t tell me of it before I left them. I’m almost certain that they knew of it the entire time we were on that planet. They could have given me a hint,” Karissa frowned at the memory, but remembered her manners very quickly. “Your Highness.”
King Marit smiled, showing w
hite teeth. “You’re free to use your magic here. Just don’t do them any lasting damage. They are our heirs.”
She chuckled, but silently admitted that she had contemplated doing more than a little damage when she’d first learned of the mating. The conniving tricksters certainly deserved it. “Where are they?”
“Probably standing right outside of the door.” King Tovin smiled and then began to stride toward the door. “They’ve been waiting to see you since the moment you left them.”
King Tovin opened the door. Karissa looked beyond him and saw Tyral and Callan leaning against the opposite wall. Callan’s hair had the look of one too many finger-combings and Tyral’s expression was grim.
“You may come in now.” King Tovin nodded to his sons. “You have some soothing to do, my sons. Best that you set to work immediately.”
Karissa stood where King Tovin and King Marit had left her. The two older men left almost as soon as Tyral and Callan had entered the room. It was obvious that they believed that this situation called for privacy.
She allowed her eyes to wander over the two men. The golden shirt flowing over Tyral’s broad chest hung below waist level and was belted over the black pants hugging his muscular thighs. Callan’s red shirt molded to his chest and the black pants he wore appeared to have been painted onto his legs.
The sight of those two gorgeous bodies ignited the hunger that had simmered within her during their separation. She wanted to go to them, to run her hands over the hard male chests, feel their heat against her and prove to herself that this was real. Wrenching her eyes up to their faces, she fought that urge. She wanted an explanation.
She waited, watched as Tyral and Callan paced across the room. She frowned at the large smiles spreading across their faces. They were apparently pleased that she was here, but she was very angry with them. These men would tell her what she wanted to know. Their behavior on that last day made no sense. She wanted answers, now.
“Stop right there.” Karissa frowned, pointing at them when they came within a body length of her. She wasn’t going to let the two of them distract her with their kisses or seductive touches. They had let her leave them when they’d known she was their mate. She needed to know why.
FirePrincesBride Page 7