by Jaime Marks
Byryn guided her to their seats beside Cymeryn and Marcus reached out and squeezed her hand a moment as she passed. Once Byryn pulled out her chair she sat beside him, watching as the rest of the Lucerna Lines came in taking their places. As Kyle walked passed her to his seat he gently squeezed her shoulder and an odd current ran through her but it was warmth and love so she shrugged it off as she glanced around the room. Everyone seemed content enough.
Whispers floated through the room discussing Devyn’s apparent acceptance of the Gray as he and Felycia stepped into the room. Apparently they really were holding back, waiting for his acceptance and opinion. Byryn sighed heavily studying his sister and Star followed his gaze. Felycia had on a gold shimmer, corseted gown that framed her form beautifully. She fidgeted slightly under the public scrutiny but seemed to relax as she sat comfortably between Trina and Devyn. Her black hair with its blue, silver and violet curls bounced slightly as she nodded to something Trina had asked. She looked elegant and embodied her usual strength for all outward appearances. Only the Lucerna Lines would be able to pick up on the fragile vulnerability underneath.
Devyn seemed to shield her from most of the attention and it seemed to help her relax. Anyone could tell he was completely enchanted by her. She watched as the Commander poured her a glance of wine offering it to her as he whispered in her ear. She blushed slightly and hid a smile as she accepted it.
“She is happy, isn’t she?” Byryn mused.
“More so than I have ever seen the girl,” Cymeryn offered from his seat beside them.
He glanced to Star and nodded. “You’re right, brightness. If he makes the declaration, requests to court her, I’ll accept it.”
She squeezed his hand as she sipped her wine. “I know. You only want her to be happy.”
A suddenly swirling Darkness rose within her and she pulled her hand back pretending to brush the hair nonchalantly from her face with it so it wouldn’t attract Byryn or Cymeryn’s attention. She’d hidden these little episodes fairly well but they seemed to be growing in intensity.
She knew what was happening, she just didn’t know what could be done about it. Alayne was feeding her his power directly as he drew it from Lazurys. It was their last ditch effort to turn her into something she never wanted to be.
Hopefully the rituals today would help. The Claiming and the Bonding should in essence break all the binds that Alayne had to her. The real issue was if the essence they were feeding her was direct from Lazurys, it would leave her with a connection to the Dark Lord that she’d never be able to break.
She felt that familiar pull, the call of the Dark Lord. He was calling her to him and she was ignoring…again. She’d finally figured out what it was but there was nothing she could do about it. The small burning needles of pain would start soon and she would smile through them and pretend that everything was normal. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to tell them. She honestly needed to tell them but every time she tried the words never came. It was like she was being silenced somehow.
She looked up to see Kyle studying her with a look of concern. His eyes seemed to look past her exterior and she wondered for an instant if he knew but after frowning in confusion he merely glanced to Cymeryn then looked away. Maybe he hadn’t noticed after all. When she glanced around however it was Cymeryn who now stared at her and it sent a shiver of fear through her. If anyone would know it would be him and as much as this instinct in her feared it, a part of her prayed he’d catch on. He was probably the only hope she had of saving herself from a fate she’d never wanted but had been born to all the same.
Chapter 19
Cymeryn studied Staryana trying to wrap his head around what he was feeling. He knew he had felt the essence of the Dark Lord in her for a moment, he’d sworn he had seen it, but he could not wrap his head around what would have caused it. It was not Alayne’s essence or his own. Had Lord Lazurys taken a new protégé, or was he attempting to create one?
Kyle met his eyes for a brief moment with concern and while the King of Night could not openly read his thoughts as easily as he could Marcus or Reyana’s, when he pushed into Kyle’s mind he nearly choked. His thoughts were a random mess but he left himself unguarded. There were no walls and Cymeryn had to wonder with the way he met his eyes if he was purposely running through these thoughts, pleading for him to read his mind.
“This can’t be happening. They shouldn’t be able to complete this against her will. She needs to turn first. I have to tell Byryn. I have to tell Cymeryn. Why the hell won’t the words come? Dammit I don’t care what they do to me but I need to beat this for her. I can still feel his ick in me, his control. Is he controlling her the same way? Does she need help and can’t ask? The incantation wasn’t enough. They didn’t see, did they? Shit I need to reveal her. Will she hate me for it? It doesn’t matter. Cymeryn needs to see. Byryn will save her, he always saves her. How do I reveal her?”
Cymeryn’s eyes settled on Staryana a moment and felt the odd sense of fear that quickly mixed with hope. She looked away playing her role well but there was something off. Marcus tried to pull his attention. He had sensed and heard Cymeryn’s fears and confusion but he had little reassurance to offer his twin at the moment aside from the Claimings and Bonding.
Kyle met his eyes and he tapped into his mind once more. “I’ll have to follow her and keep an eye on her. If she gives in to the call, if she goes to him, I have to follow. She can’t go through this alone. Maybe I can protect her in some way. If I can go with her and slow the process, maybe I can call Cymeryn to me or at least help her hang on until help gets to her. Maybe I can prevent this before Alayne can put his plan into motion. There has to be a way to block Lazurys’ influence.” Pain began to roll through him. “Shit. This is going to hurt. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, I‘ll stop thinking please, Lord Lazurys…FUCK! Son of a bitch you can’t hurt me anymore than what you are or you’ll reveal yourselves. I hope the Kings and Queen of Balance make you fucking pay.”
The boy hid his pain well but Cymeryn was watching him, sensing him, and he could feel it. He was actually fairly proud of the boy for having the strength and intelligence to find a way around the mental restraints they held him in, and for challenging them at all. He nodded to Kyle, the boy he would Claim as his son. His eyes widened a moment but the sense of relief prevailed in him. He had been trying to convey a message and it had been received.
The reaction of pain from his betrayal and punishment for his challenge still rolled through him though no Fae could tell. Only Cymeryn could see the signs, Byryn noticed it mildly but after a quick glance and reassurance he dismissed it. He was paying more attention to his sister and the nervousness he felt for their Bonding that would occur this eve. That was perhaps for the best. He did not seem affected and they needed him to be free of influence to ensure the links faded to Alayne and Syneous.
Reyana called for a toast calling the festivities to order as Cymeryn considered their options. He waited until she finished speaking and glasses had been raised before he usurped the attention of the room, rising to his feet.
“Thank you, my Queen. Today, as you all may know, is a joyous day for the Lines of Lucerna in many ways. It is the first time in many cycles that we have all been here, together afore you. It is the Bonding Day of we, the Kings and Queen of Balance.” He waited as Marcus took her other hand and they kissed her knuckles in unison. “The Cerulyion Line has not only been returned to us but our King has found his Queen.” He raised his glass at Mythos who inclined his head and kissed Steph’s hand with a smile. “A link to the Verthyrion line has been revealed through our Prince and he and the Princess are also to be bound.” He waited while Byryn followed suit learning quickly to stay in step with the Kings. “There is much to be thankful for. I am honored to announce that also this day the Princess Staryana and her brother Kyle, now home with us through Redemption, will be taking steps to finish their integration into our family. My brother and I see no reason to delay their Clai
mings. They will occur directly this noon in the throne room for any who wish to be present. We welcome Staryana a Marcus and Kyle a Cymeryn to the Lucerna Lines.”
Applause and cheers rose through the room as he met Marcus’ eyes. When he glanced back at Staryana he saw the odd mixture of relief and fear. He smiled reassuringly to her. Alayne may be up to his old tricks, but Cymeryn had a few of his own yet.
Marcus smiled and accepted congratulations while he wondered if the urgency he sensed from Cymeryn was as dire as his twin thought. He had moved the Claimings to almost directly after the banquet. There would only be time enough to change and reassemble in the throne room.
His announcement had visibly displeased Mythos but luckily the King covered his angst quickly. He did not trust Kyle, nor did he wish to welcome him to their lines. Marcus had sat out of their debate earlier knowing it was futile and they would need to call on Devyn to mediate. He only hoped that their friend, a male who had all but grown up as a brother to them, would come around quickly. They had only just begun to repair the rifts in their friendship. He had no desire to cause further strain but Kyle was of them. He was his progeny and would soon be his nephew. He would not have the boy discriminated against.
“My lords, if I may make a request?” Grifyn drew his attention as he rose bowing in reverence. Glancing at Byryn with a coy look on his face he stepped beside Felycia.
“Of course Commander Grifyn a Grifyion. Speak and be heard,” Marcus replied wondering what his old friend was up to.
“If it would please your majesties, and time allowing of course, the Grifyion Line has joyous news as well.” He rested his hands on Felycia’s shoulders and squeezed. Amazingly the girl didn’t pull away. She had come so far in such a short time. It was a relief to them all. “I, Grifyn a Grifyion, son of Lucerna, Second in Line to the Praetor, request the right to Claim the Lady Felycia this day as we welcome Felycia a Grifyn to the Lucerna Lines as well.”
Marcus glanced at Byryn whose smile now reached from ear to ear. It was precisely what he had hoped for and yet thought his sister would never accept. “What say you Lord Byryn? The Lady Felycia is your sister by blood as well as your ward.”
He cleared his throat and rose. “Nothing would please me more. I, Prince Byryn a Grifyn, do so grant my Father, Grifyn a Grifyion of the Lucerna Lines, the right to Claim my blooded sister, Felycia, now renamed Felycia a Grifyn, uniting us in blood once more.”
With a nod and a smile he turned back to his old friend and his soon to be daughter. “The rights are granted Commander Grifyn. We will perform the ceremony directly this noon if that is your wish. Welcome to the family Felycia, we are pleased that you have joined us.”
“That is perfect your majesties. Thank you,” Grifyn nodded and kissed her head before retaking his seat beside Trina.
The girl flushed slightly but Devyn still shielded her predominantly from the bulk of the room. He was fiercely protective of the girl; every bit but as much as he and Cymeryn were of Reyana. In many ways it was good to see.
He turned to his mate as he sat feeling her stiffen besides him. “What is it, Reya?”
She shrugged trying to act dismissively but responded in their minds. “Things are just going so well. I know yesterday was a nightmare but every time things start to go well reality rears its ugly head and something really bad happens.”
“Oh Reya, you can’t think that way, love.”
“Just seems to be how things go. I suppose in a respect it’s the universe’s way of balance.”
“No Rey, it is the way of war. A war that has been going on for entirely too long,” Cymeryn interjected. “A war that Lazurys is feeling the pressure of potentially losing for the first time in centuries. It is why he fights so hard. Soon things will improve, my love. They will have to while he regroups.”
“Then we go on the offensive once we have ensured the safety of the Kingdoms,” Marcus added.
“Lazurys can’t be beaten or controlled. That power was lost when I was born mortal.”
“We will find a way, Reya. You mustn’t give up hope.”
Once this banquet was over they would go right into the Claimings but then the rest of their noon was free until the Bondings this eve. It was clear they were going to have to take some time to reassure their mate and brighten her spirit before they began the Sequester. They would be damned to have her this upset on her Bonding Day after they had both waited so long for her return and overcome so much in order to be by her side.
Astryn stared in disbelief trying to sort out what exactly she was feeling. Nothing had ever felt this profound but…it almost seemed like he didn’t even notice her. What did that mean? She wanted to go to him but now was neither the time nor the place considering she was flanked by both her Father and Talerys. Still…
“What has you so distracted, Astryn? You have hardly eaten anything,” her Father requested.
“I’m not that hungry,” she shrugged thinking maybe if she didn’t have to deal with certain present company she’d have more of an appetite.
Talerys kept resting his hand on her thigh and arm, flirting and trying to gain her attention. He was one of her suitors, another pompous ass that her Father had chosen. They had nothing in common. He was a Scholar old enough to be her Father, and seriously she knew that didn’t matter but he treated her like he was her Father aside from the advances. He seemed to think she needed to be controlled and guided. The last thing she wanted was another male trying to control her life and telling her what to do, especially one that did it out of some misguided idea that she needed discipline because she didn’t conform to the ideals of proper Fae society.
Looking across the room at the male she was sure she’d been feeling drawn to the past two days she wondered why he didn’t react to her. It had just been this odd sense. A pull towards certain areas of the Palace that she couldn’t explain. She wondered what he was like. He seemed nervous being here and she’d never seen him before. They said he was Redeemed, that meant he had probably grown up Shade. His hair was a light brown with silver highlights and when he looked up the light gray of his eyes seemed to almost have a blue sheen with silver flecks in them that glittered. He wasn’t looking at her though.
“After this I will take you back to your room and we can spend some time together,” Talerys stated. “I believe you could use some rest.”
“No, I’m not tired,” she replied distractedly. She needed to see more of that male and less of Talerys. “I want to see the Claimings.”
“Why ever for? They are all fairly standard,” he scoffed watching her shrewdly but she continued to ignore him. Really there was very little he could say. It was not only her family’s right to attend, but due to her Father’s station it was pretty much required.
Her Mother interjected, “I wish to witness them as well. It is an honor to be allowed attendance to the joining of the Lucerna Lines and there is rumored to be a Redemption which occurs. This is the history of our society in the making and I would like to witness it.”
She watched her Father nod in approval and kiss her Mother gently on the head. They were always so loving and affection, so in tune with each other. Sometimes she wondered why her Father didn’t connect with her even half that easily but she suspected it was the bond of true mates that they shared which kept them close. It only made her angrier about the way he continued to force suitors on her. She just couldn’t understand how somefae who had experienced a true mate bond could buy into the idea of an arranged marriage for his daughter.
“I have duties to attend to before I am free this eve. Talerys will escort you both.”
Biting back the groan Astryn focused on the male across the room wondering why she felt so drawn to him if he didn’t even notice her. She didn’t care if Talerys was with her or not, she needed to try to reason this out. They were only due to be in realm for another two days. Before they left here she needed to meet the male that had intrigued her in a way no other had ever managed.
The banquet hadn’t been too bad. It was crowded and that made him uncomfortable but really he was isolated in his own little world because of his connections to Star, Byryn, Marcus, and Cymeryn. That was fine, he had enough other shit to worry about without trying to deal with people who wanted to talk to him. He didn’t really do the friend thing. It was hard to trust people.
Kyle paused as he went to leave the hall. He felt something but he couldn’t really place it. A draw of sorts. It was probably Byryn. He had no idea why he felt so insanely close to him now. The connection to him was stronger than it was to either Cymeryn or Marcus, but that didn’t make sense. They were all his sires.
He was starting to wonder if it was a one way thing. He had clearly felt Byryn’s discomfort and confusion over whatever was going on with his sister and Devyn. He’d even felt his relief and happiness when her Claiming was announced. It was beyond weird, but his new mentor didn’t seem to notice what was happening with him. Then again he didn’t seem to notice what was happening with Star either so there might be some sort of block there he hadn’t accounted for.
Alayne might want Byryn dead, but if he was understanding this shit clearly, part of the conditions he needed to meet if he wanted to live through whatever they had planned was to bring Byryn directly to Lazurys. He was supposed to bypass his Grandfather and Syneous. He didn’t even know if that was possible. From everything he knew only the Supryn or the High Priest could grant passage to the Dark Domain.
He hoped he never had to find out what all this meant. He’d done everything he could. The spell to reveal the Darkness in Star had only lasted a few moments but theoretically it should have been enough. Cymeryn should be able to easily sense the Dark Lord’s taint. He might not have understood where it was coming from but he’d perceived it as a threat and appeared to investigate it. He assumed he had moved up the Claimings as a result of whatever he’d found.