Crais

by Jaymin Eve

  As we approached, Lucas stood, his expression somber. For the first time he was not dressed in his standard slacks and button-down shirt. I would describe his normal attire as before-the-downfall-rich-playboy, but now he wore a loose-fitting white robe, threaded through with gold. He looked older, or maybe it was that he finally wore a mantle of responsibility.

  “It’s nice of you to visit, Abby.” He moved forward to take my hand, ignoring the others. “I just wish it was under better circumstances.”

  I pulled my hand free, but kept my smile warm. “Are you talking about the assassination attempt, or is there something more?”

  “Unfortunately, there is more.” The skin around his icy blue eyes tightened. “It’s ... father.” His voice broke.

  Quarn’s head spun around. He’d been chatting to one of the nearby guards. He strode back to stand in our circle.

  “What happened to the Emperor? Don’t tell me ...” He trailed off, seeming unable to finish his sentence.

  Lucas shook his head, his hair falling into his eyes before he pushed it back. “The stress was too much for him. It allowed the disease to take hold and he was not strong enough to fight any longer.” His voice broke, pain echoing.

  “Oh, my god, Lucas, I’m so sorry.” I couldn’t help myself, stepping forward so I could wrap my arms around him.

  He pulled me closer, burying his head into my shoulder. I patted his back a few times; the longer we stood there the more awkward I felt. I couldn’t tell if he was crying, but when he finally pulled back his face was dry. Brace stood an arm’s length from me. I caught his eye and while he didn’t look happy he hadn’t ripped us apart yet so he was dealing. It wasn’t until I stepped further back that I saw how black his eyes were. Okay, maybe he wasn’t exactly dealing well.

  “So what happens now?” I asked.

  “Emperor Christian will be granted his full week of farewell ceremonies,” Quarn answered when Lucas seemed unable. “And then Lucas will be inaugurated as the next ruler of First World.”

  “The council is already here. They’re meeting now to discuss the details. Will you come along?” Lucas asked, his voice low. “I would appreciate your support.”

  How were we supposed to say no to that?

  We walked out of the magnificent chamber, following the somber soon-to-be Emperor of this world.

  “There are eight major lands on First World. We are a much smaller planet than Earth,” Quarn explained to me as we walked. “There’s a mayoral head that presides over a small council in each province.”

  Brace had explained this to us before, but not in any great detail. It was important to pay attention to the information before we stepped into the room. Politics were tricky at the best of times.

  “They’re all here now, but their council members won’t be in the room, just the heads,” Lucas added.

  “Okay, pay attention,” Quarn started. “The northern areas are Lans province governed by Mayor Rhys Johansson, and Sydes province governed by Mayor Jet Siston. To the east are Crosster province governed by Mayor Lettie Sancho and Freshnile province governed by Mayor Annette Sare. To the west are Ander lands governed by Mayor Chenille Sarotaga, and West Havenbrook governed by Mayor Jarns Lansdown. And lastly the cold lands, Artica, governed by Mayor Den Carbo.”

  Even with my Walker memory I was going to struggle keeping them all straight.

  “And then there is my province, Jana,” Lucas said. “I reside in and rule over this and technically all of First World. Decisions must be run through all councils and then I have final veto.”

  “But the most powerful aspect of First World’s ruling body is how it allows its people the chance to weigh in on all. They respect their freedoms and give them the chance to dictate their laws.” Brace sounded impressed. “This is unparalleled in all of the worlds here.”

  “Sounds messy to me,” I said as we paused before a wooden door.

  Earthlings could never have reached a universal decision on laws; their wants and needs were too diverse.

  “Mayor Johansson was the one you told me about long ago, right?” I spoke in a side whisper to Brace.

  He nodded. “Yes, I don’t know why but I sense he’s not to be trusted. He gives me the same off-vibe as Que.” He raised his brows. “Which should tell you all you need to know about Johansson.”

  Great! Que was arrogant, egomaniacal, tyrannical and a sociopath. This was going to be fun.

  “I’m about to create a bit of an uproar so prepare yourself,” Lucas said as he put both hands on the heavy door and pushed it open.

  The door swung inward, soundless on its hinges.

  The room fell silent, a variety of faces turning to inspect our interruption. There were more than seven people present. Each of the mayors had an assistant, although it wasn’t hard to tell which were the leaders. They were dressed in similar robes to Lucas and had brass-colored name plates in front of them. I guess I didn’t need a superior memory after all.

  “Nice of you to join us, Lucas,” a robust man drawled.

  He was squat for a First Worlder, and a little overweight. Both characteristics were unusual. His short hair was a dirty blond, his eyes a watery blue. I wasn’t surprised to glance down and find Johannson on his name plate. He was thoroughly unappealing in both looks and personality.

  I examined the rest of the members. There were three female and four male mayors. Besides Johansson, they all looked typical of this planet. Tall, thin and in their thirties, their hair color and facial features varied but the rest was the same.

  “Why have you brought strangers into these private meetings?” A red-haired woman, with a name tag that read Sancho, stood to face us. She was pretty in a bland, ‘forget her face the moment you saw it’ kind of way. Her hair was a golden red, a million shades away from the blood-red of mine. “We have events to plan and laws to discuss.” She tossed her hair back, her expression haughty. “Private things, Lucas.”

  He pinned her to the spot with his eyes. Her features seemed to freeze as she caught sight of her future Emperor’s expression. Even I was impressed. Lucas looked strong, capable and angry as hell.

  “Don’t for one second forget who you are talking to. I am no longer the errand boy for my father or his placeholder in these discussions. I will be the Emperor, the final law is mine and you better respect that or get the hell out.”

  Shocked silence echoed through the room. I could already tell that with the Emperor’s death they’d thought Lucas would be easy to manipulate. Clearly, that wasn’t the case. He seemed more than ready to step up to his new position.

  Well, that was unexpected. Brace chuckled. Like I told you long ago, Lucas was not the person I’d have chosen to lead a book club meeting, let alone First world.

  Don’t underestimate him, Brace. There’s a strength in Lucas. He hides it well, but I’ve seen it.

  He shook his head. The strength is not in Lucas; it’s you. You’ve changed him. It could be said that a good woman can make a better man. He wants to be a better man for you.

  I examined the blond leader before me. Brace was right: he had changed and he might finally be ready for his new role.

  What about you? I teased Brace.

  He reached out a hand to engulf mine. Red, you’ve been the biggest pain-in-the-ass I’ve ever known. But without you my life wasn’t worth shit. You’re the reason I get up every day, the reason I fight and the reason I give a damn and don’t let all the worlds destroy themselves.

  I laughed out loud. Everyone in the room looked at me like I was crazy, before turning away and continuing to argue with each other.

  You say the sweetest things, I said as Lucas pulled out chairs, gesturing for us to sit around the large circular table.

  It was easy to sum up the next two hours of my life – yawn. Yep, that just about covered everything. I knew after they’d spent twenty minutes arguing over the color of the Emperor’s robes for the farewell ceremony and the position of his royal pendant that no j
uicy information was coming out of this meeting. I might have dozed off for a while near the end, although I don’t think anyone noticed.

  If you discount the snoring. Brace had a huge grin on his face.

  I did not snore. I was pretty sure I hadn’t.

  It felt like days later we were finally free. Everyone exited the room. Apparently they’d be back the same time the next day.

  “So what did you think, Abby?” Lucas fell into step next to me.

  “Really interesting,” I said, purely out of politeness. “It’s a shame I can’t make it for tomorrow’s session.”

  “You were snoring,” he said drily.

  Brace’s laughter echoed through the stone hall.

  I glared at them both as I pushed my hair back.

  “I guess politics are not my forte. Luckily, they don’t have to be.”

  “If you say so,” Lucas said with the strangest look on his face.

  “Well, I for one gathered quite a bit of intel from the meeting.” Quarn took long strides, his sword bouncing in the intricately carved scabbard across his back. “You’re going to have your work cut out for you, Lucas. Keeping them under control will not be easy. They’ve grown used to a lack of supervision and more power since Emperor Christian’s illness.”

  Lucas nodded. “Don’t you worry about that. They’ll fall into line or I’ll destroy them and their careers.”

  I snorted. “You might want to tone down the crazy dictator vibe you’ve got going on. Not the best way to win the hearts of the people. Especially when I get the feeling they loved your father a lot.”

  “Emperor Christian was greatly beloved,” Quarn said. “Once the news is released there will be devastation across First World.”

  “The beauty is that my role is undeniable. I was born to be Emperor; it’s my destiny.” Lucas arched his brows, cocky as always. “That’s something you’re yet to understand, Abby. You weren’t raised on First World, but we take our obligations and traditions very seriously.”

  I shook my head at him. “I know what you’re doing, and you might as well stop right now. I know my destiny and I don’t care what the universe has cooked up for me. I’ll make my own choices.”

  And I chose Brace. Always.

  “More importantly, you should stop speaking if you value your current health and well-being. I could change that for you very quickly,” Brace drawled, seemingly calm, but his eyes suggested otherwise.

  Lucas snorted. “You might be an all powerful Walker, but don’t underestimate me. I always get what I want.”

  We reached the double doors to the main room. The guards opened them for us.

  “Not this time.” Brace ended the conversation.

  Not ever.

  We made our excuses to leave. To be honest, I already regretted going there. My guilt over Lucas disappeared quickly when I was in his presence. He was just that annoying.

  “I wish you were coming with us.” I hugged Quarn. “This castle gives me the creeps.”

  I was lying: I loved it here, everything felt ... comfortable. I needed to get away immediately.

  “What? No hug for me?” Lucas stood close, too close for my comfort. I couldn’t understand his shift in personality. Why was he suddenly acting so forward?

  “I could punch you in the nose,” I offered. “Show you how I really feel.”

  He laughed. “You protest too much.”

  He reached for me, running his hand across my cheek and down my shoulder. Before I could let loose my anger, an arm swung out, separating us, followed by a fist smashing Lucas in the face and sending him backwards across the room. Brace had reached the end of his patience.

  Guards rushed in from every different direction. Brace stood there casually, showing zero concern.

  “Stop,” Lucas ordered from where he was sprawled on the floor.

  The men paused about three feet from us with their weapons drawn.

  “All of you leave. This is a private matter.”

  They hesitated but eventually turned away. Lucas, who had pulled himself to stand on shaky legs, limped across the room.

  “I might have deserved that,” he acknowledged to Brace, reaching up and attempting to stem the blood flowing from his nose.

  “Touch her again, even look at her sideways without her expressed consent,” Brace replied, “and I will kill you.”

  I was pretty sure he was kidding.

  “Let’s go, Red.” He held out his hand.

  I threw one last glance at Lucas before tracing us straight to the field. I’d done my good deed by visiting him. I didn’t need to own this guilt any longer.

  I brought us to the edge of the lime green grass area, expecting to see my family scattered around. Instead a far more chaotic sight greeted us.

  “Out of the fire and into the flames. Welcome to the world of Walkers,” Brace said as we stood there taking in the crazy.

  There were at least a thousand Walkers in the huge mountain clearing. I could see that in the short time we’d been gone seven widely spread territories had been erected. Large banners stood over the entrance to each zone. They had the clan names written in English and another language, and behind that were the unique marks of the clan. I could see Doreen’s zone nearest to us, the red lace design flashing at me.

  “Why are everyone’s marks on display?” I said, noticing five different mark-wearing Walkers. It looked as representatives from all the clans were already there.

  “It’s part of the gathering rules, so we always know who we’re dealing with,” Brace said, pointing out the large moonstale stones that were set up on poles and had been erected around the perimeter.

  Kind of the way I remembered lights around abandoned football stadiums. Of course the bulbs and glass were smashed on those, but I got the general idea. I paused my observations when I noticed Josian’s fiery hair glowing in the centre of the field. He was turning in a slow circle, pointing out various things to the men who were standing either side of him.

  “Aribella.” I jumped as his voice boomed from miles away.

  Clearly he had spotted us. At the sound of my name, every single Walker in the vicinity stopped what they were doing and flat out stared.

  “Wow, looks like they’ve heard of me.” I met a few pairs of curious eyes before turning to face Brace.

  As always, the rest of the world disappeared when he locked me in his gaze.

  “I can make them stop staring if you’d like.” Brace grinned down at me. He seemed relaxed, which was unexpected. “But I’m guessing you and the other half-Walkers will have to get used to it. You’re the novelty to keep us intrigued this century.”

  “I better be the novelty to keep you intrigued for all centuries,” I added as we started our journey across the lime-green grass.

  It was easy to ignore everyone by simply focusing on Brace’s hand wrapped warmly around mine, and the gleaming smile of my father as he waited for us to arrive.

  “You’re not a novelty, Red.”

  I had expected a return joke, not the seriously spoken statement. And I certainly didn’t expect him to grind to a halt, pull me into his arms and kiss me senseless. Literally. Time, space and every Walker around us disappeared. I gasped for breath as he stepped back.

  “What the hell was that for?” My chest heaved as the blood rushed around my body.

  “It’s been too long since I kissed you. It’s a crime to waste seconds not worshipping those luscious lips.”

  I raised my brows and as my pulse slowed my brain functions kicked back in. “You were staking your claim and marking your territory.” My hands involuntarily flapped in front of me as I spoke. “You might as well have peed on me.”

  “There you go with the peeing again.” He grinned. “And I have no need to mark my territory; everyone here can see the melding bond.”

  We started moving again.

  But it never hurts to remind them to keep their hands to themselves.

  I slugged him, before grabb
ing his hand again. Noticing all the tall beautiful female Walkers, he might just have a point.

  “Why are all the women surrounded by large groups of men?” I asked, noting the pattern.

  “You probably observe there aren’t as many female Walkers as male. We outnumber you almost ten to one.” His voice softened. “So we protect every single one we have.” He paused for a moment, before continuing. “I had a sister.”

  My heart stopped at the word ‘had’. I knew he’d lost someone before, but I hadn’t realized it was his sister. I tightened my grip on his hand.

  “She was taken from us a hundred and fifty-two years ago.”

  “How?” I said, swallowing back tears.

  Walkers were practically impossible to kill.

  “I don’t know,” he said simply. “One moment she was home, in her room, and there was a crash ... her screams echoed throughout ... heart-wrenching pleas.” His face was calm, but the pain I could see in his eyes had me aching to comfort him. “By the time we got to her room, she was gone. We searched for years. As far as I know, Mother is still searching.”

  “When did you stop actively looking for her?” I sniffed.

  “The day I found you.” He brushed my hair from my face, his finger tips leaving tingles as they dragged along my cheek. “You are the most important thing in my world. If you don’t exist, then neither do I. Caty is at all times on my mind. I’ll always search for her, but my attention is now and forever yours.”

  Sigh.

  Damn, my mate had a way with words.

  Chapter 16

  We’d been working day and night trying to get everything organized for the gathering. It was a week out from the start date and we girls were stealing a morning of relaxation. We were decked out in bikinis and enjoying the sunshine. The lake glimmered before us, shining in blue and green tones.

  Fury and Talina were deep in conversation. The two of them actually got along really well. Surprisingly, since their personalities were fire and ice or more like fire and water. I rolled over onto my stomach, enjoying the warmth sinking into my bones. Apparently the cold season was just around the corner, but there was no evidence of it that day.