by Jana LaPelle
Tarron comes to stand on the other side of me and looks as if he wants to throttle the poor wench. I lay my other hand on his arm gaining his attention and gently shaking my head. Nodding he looks at Daria and asks, “Daria what do you remember of this morning just before the battle ensued? Do you remember stumbling?”
“I remember suddenly feeling light-headed as if I had blacked out for a moment. You must be mistaken. How do you know I wasn't the one talking?”
“Because your eyes shaded to solid black, your voice was different and not your own, and once she released her hold on you, you stumbled, and your eyes returned to normal,” I say turning my attention to Morgwais, gaining her attention. “What do you think, Morgwais? Should we have your witches and the Druids have a go at figuring out if a bond was forged without Daria’s knowledge? Alaric brings up a good point; Daria would be the perfect Trojan Horse. Once inside the ranks, The Morrígan could go about gathering intel and planting seeds of doubt amongst The Horde dividing the ranks.”
The old witch stands slowly, creaking as she moves in our direction, muttering under her breath, “Damned ole bones.” Then more loudly she says, “’Til it be determined what dark majic be at work here. Daria must be kept under lock and key. She be tainted by the phantom queen’s dark intent.” Clucking her tongue she continues, “Child what were ye thinking? Me fears that ye may be subjected to her dark influence. My King, she must be guarded as well, she be a danger to The Horde and to herself ‘til we be able to discern the meaning of dis.”
A gasp escapes Daria as the severity of the matter at hand sinks in, and I can see her visibly shaking as she lowers herself to her seat. She looks up at the four of us with huge, wide eyes and says, “I will tell you all I know. Every bit of it but please, I beg of you, please rid me of this curse. What she has done to me was not part of the bargain we struck. I want no part of her manipulations. I will do anything you ask Tarron. Anything, my King.” As she begs, she drops out of her seat to her knees before continuing, “I only ever wanted to be with you as more than your consort. Please, I beg your forgiveness. You have to help me, my King.”
“Enough, Daria! I’m very tempted to allow you to live with this curse as punishment for your actions. What did you think was going to happen? That we would live happily ever after, after doing away with Ashlinn? She may not be my chosen mate, but I have chosen to take her as my dear friend, confidante, and ally. Your plan to do harm to her is an affront to me, and your punishment will be severe. Now as Ashlinn said before, is there anything else that you know that you can share that is of importance?” Tarron’s agitation and anger are rolling off him in waves as he fixes Daria with a glare. She is still on her knees before him and tears have soaked the top of her gown. “By the gods, Daria, have some respect for yourself, get up off your knees and have a seat.”
I raise an eyebrow at his gruff tone before turning to help Morgwais shuffle back to the couch only to realize that weariness is beginning to set in as I see her to her seat. I sit down on the opposite end of the couch pulling my legs up underneath me as I settle in, stifling a yawn, before saying, “Guys, give Daria a bit of space, she is about to tell us everything she knows. In return, Morgwais’ coven and the Druids will see what can be done to rid her of her affliction. Now Daria, tell us what you know.”
Before she can speak, I hear the door behind us open, and my Guard and Sentries walk in. They have determined that what is to be said will be of importance. Lorcan and Garrik are still recuperating and missing from the group. Jasmine and Lexie are with the guys as they quietly make their way into the room to bear witness to what Daria has to say next.
Taking a deep breath, her mind made up she looks toward all of us in the room and says, “I believe that The Morrígan, evokes the power of three. She and her two sisters, Badba and Macha collectively call themselves The Morrígna. That’s what was said when I was presented to her court. When I sought The Morrígan’s audience, the three were seated together in the throne room. The Morrígan is most definitely in control of the trio; she sits in the center with her sisters on either side. She seems to take great pleasure in visually displaying her dominance over her sisters. The dark throne she was seated upon was large and imposing, and her crown appeared to be made of polished black onyx. I swear the pointed tips of that crown rose at least ten inches above her head. Her sisters were much less imposing as they flanked her on either side. All were dressed in black and silver, their alabaster skin on display and their long raven black hair fell loosely around their shoulders. There is a very close connection between Badba and The Morrígan; Badba seems to take delight in her sister’s machinations, and the two seem to be on much the same level as she continually would goad her sister into action, making plans of evil intent. Macha rarely looked up and said nothing during my encounter with the phantom queen. In fact, she appeared to be withdrawn as if she were merely there physically. The meeting, itself was very odd as a chair was brought in for me to sit before and beneath the three on their raised dais. There were crows that surrounded her as she conducted our meeting which I found unnerving. I remember at one point, early on, I considered terminating the meeting, but I changed my mind after a few moments. Now that I think about it, I changed my mind about staying only after drinking the wine that I had been served. My memory of our meeting is most clear in the beginning. After that, my memories become cloudy and vague. The more I try to focus on them, the more my head aches as I try to latch onto a clear memory of exactly what took place after partaking of the wine.”
Lexie comes around to get a better look at Daria before asking, “Was the wine bitter or sweet?”
“It was rather sweet. I remember thinking how delicious I thought it was. If I remember correctly, I quickly downed the first goblet and was served another. I believe I had at least three goblets while meeting with the three sisters, at the time I did not think that unusual, but now I do. If memory serves, our meeting was relatively short, maybe only fifteen minutes or so. Why would I down three goblets of wine in that amount of time? That is very unlike me. During my stay, that is all I was served to drink, and since then, nothing seems to taste as sweet as that wine. I have been craving it all day. I was given a wineskin for our journey and drank the last of it right before our encounter on the ridge. It is the only think I want. I crave the taste of it on my tongue. I have had nothing to eat or drink since partaking of the concoction. What does all of this mean? What has she done to me?”
Lexie shakes her head looking to Morgwais and Nemus, the three gather together and in hushed tones discuss what could possibly be going on with Daria. I have no clue as to the meaning of what has taken place with Daria and wait to hear what their pronouncement will be. Lexie steps forward again, to address Daria and the group. “We believe that The Morrígan has created a potion, or poison if you will, that binds you to do her bidding. We are not certain if we will be able to reverse it without knowing more about it. We believe that the longer you go without drinking of the wine the more desperate you will become to get back to the dark queen. I believe it will slowly drive you mad until you receive your next drink of the concoction. If I’m correct, the wine was red, and it hid her blood from your sight. It would only take a few drops placed into the wine to have the desired effect creating a link or bond with her to you.” Lexie turns to the rest of us and says, “Any further discussion should be had outside of Daria’s company. I suggest that she be taken to a secure room and guards be posted. We will need to keep her under observation. If I’m correct, by morning, she will be climbing the walls to get back to her mistress. The Morrígan will then manipulate Daria by withholding the addicting drink until she breaks her, bending Daria to her will. Somehow the drink will become the only thing to sustain her, and she will become desperate to survive. Tonight we will need to decide what we’re going to do with her when that happens.”
Shaking my head at her revelations, a small part of me pities Daria, and I s
peak up, “Is there nothing that can be done? Surely, there must be something, anything Lexie? Daria, do you want to remain under The Morrígan’s influence? What do you want?”
She is visibly shaken, and her complexion has taken on an ashen quality as she looks at me, clutching her throat, and for the first time, I think she sees me, not just as an object that is standing between her and Tarron as she asks, “Why do you care? I tried to have you killed earlier today. I have been downright nasty to you at every turn. I don’t understand why you care?”
“What you don’t know about me Daria, is that I can sense if there is light in a person’s soul. Yours is a little tarnished and dark around the edges, but you’re not all bad. I would rather not lose your soul to the wrong side of the war to come if it can be helped. Ultimately, Daria, the choice must be yours. This is not something that we can decide for you. What do you want?”
“I don’t want to become her pawn. I want nothing to do with her dark plans, and I certainly don’t want to be tied to her wicked intentions. I have no doubt that she would sacrifice me at a moment’s notice if it suited her desires. Is there anything that can be done? Please? I would rather be a prisoner in Tarron’s dungeon for the rest of my days than go back to her to merely become her puppet. Even now I know your words to be true as my craving for the drink has become more powerful. I have not eaten any food in days as the thought of food is revolting. Please, please help me.”
I look to Lexie and the others, “Is there anything that can be done?” Turning toward Tarron, I say, “I think that we can forego any further punishment, Tarron. What Daria is about to suffer is punishment enough for her actions. No one should have to endure what she is about to endure.”
“Ashlinn we need more time. I’m not sure what we can do.” Lexie’s statement is riddled with frustration as she looks to Nemus and Morgwais.
Morgwais ambles forward garnering everyone’s attention in the room as everyone quiets to hear her utter, “A sleeping curse be the only option now. It will buy the coven and the Druids time. Once the sleeping curse be placed, Daria will be taken back to The Otherworld where she will remain prone, under the curse. She be taken back to Raven’s Claw Keep where she be cared for in her repose until which time we be able to remove the curse of The Morrígan. Daria, while you be sleeping, it will be as if ye are frozen in time. Do ye understand what dis means?”
Daria is clutching her throat again as she nods her tear stained face, “Yes Morgwais. I understand. I am agreeable. Tarron, my King, please forgive my actions. I have no excuse for how I have behaved other than I was driven by my own jealousy. Never again will I allow that emotion to control my actions. Princess, thank you for seeing something in me you found redeemable. I am truly sorry for my actions in your regard. I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive my transgressions.” Not waiting for a response from me she turns to Morgwais. “I am ready.” She says as she stands to move toward Lexie and Morgwais.
“Daria, I hope to once again see you healthy and curse free,” I say to Daria, and she looks back at me with fear-filled eyes and nods as she is ushered out of the room alongside Morgwais and several of Tarron’s guard. Their destination is to the witch coven. I’m not sure when or if I will ever see Daria again, but I honestly feel that she has been humbled by these turn of events.
Chapter 23
(Ashlinn)
A lot has happened in the last forty-eight hours or so and I’m left to ponder on all that has been revealed to us by Daria. She has since been placed under yet another curse by the witch coven and the Druids in order to buy them time to figure out how to counteract the curse of The Morrígan. As aggravated as I have been with her actions, I still pity her fate, call me weak. I can’t help but wonder if the witches and Druids will be able to counteract the curse in the near future or if Daria will be left to sleep for some time. We now know that The Morrígan is not acting alone and that poses a problem. How can we possibly overthrow the triple goddess? One goddess alone is powerful but three? Instead of tossing and turning in my attempt at one last vestige of sleep, I slip quietly out of bed and make my way to the bathroom to prepare for the day ahead, trying not to wake Alaric just yet. By the goddess, I love that male. Once again, today we make ready to continue our quest to find The Lady of the Lake. Morgwais, in all her fussing, has finally cleared me for travel and the quest ahead.
As I quietly make ready for our journey, I find that I’m left wishing that my mother and father and The Dagda were here. They might have some insight as to how we can defeat the phantom queen as Morgwais calls her. I’m beginning to understand the meaning behind that name. She has been able to haunt my dreams at night, and now we know she is able to use and bend others to her will without their consent, all it requires is a bit of her blood and a cursed goblet of wine. The curse of The Morrígan is some pretty wicked stuff, and I’m worried for others that she may seek to use in the same manner. Would she use this drink to bind her army of warriors to her to do her bidding without question? I know little to nothing about The Morrígan and her sisters and if I could avoid ever coming face-to-face with the twisted trio, I would. I sense Alaric come up behind me as I stand in the large walk-in shower allowing the warm water to rain down on me.
His arms come around me and pull me back into him. Sighing, I lean back into my kindred, my head comes to rest on his firm chest as his large arms wrap around me. Through our bond, he says, “You know? You were projecting rather loudly. I know you’re worried. I promise that once we get back to Faerie, we’ll get my uncle involved. He and Danu and even Rhespen may have some thoughts on the matter. You need to stop worrying so much, it cannot be good for you or the twins. Here, let me get your hair. You know I love to wash your hair, and it relaxes you. You didn’t sleep well last night, are you sure you’re feeling up to this quest today? We can put it off another day if you need…”
Turning into his hold, I say aloud, “Alaric, we have three relics to find, and I’m already beginning to show. If my count is correct within the next couple of weeks, I will be about two months into this pregnancy and given that I’m carrying twins I can probably expect to deliver these two sometime in the next four months or so. These two are not going to patiently wait for things in The Realms to settle down before they’re born. Once that happens I’m not going to be able to go gallivanting around The Realms like I have nothing better to do, you know that I will be out of commission for a while. We have to do this, the sooner, the better,” I say as I lean back into the spray of the shower as my handsome Elf-Man runs his hands through my hair, the soap sluicing down my form. Our bodies are slick with the water and suds from the soap and shampoo. My hands roam of their own accord, appreciating his tone form. I run my hands over his hard pecs and down to his beautifully chiseled abs then around his waist pulling him close as my hands roam over his perfectly sculpted rear and I give a little squeeze. I wish we had more time but dawn is on the horizon. I pepper his chest, neck, and jaw with light kisses before saying. “We need to get going, it will be dawn soon.”
In one swift movement, he pulls me in into his embrace as he hoists me up cupping my ass, instinctively my legs wrap around his waist as he carries me out of the shower, grabbing a fluffy towel he deposits me back on the floor while he dries every inch of me. He even towel dries my hair before swinging me back up into his arms as he makes his way back into the bedroom before laying me on the bed. His eyes have a feral look about them, and my panther submits to her mate as he takes stock of me and my slight baby bump. His hands running over us lingering on my belly that continues to expand a sure sign that the twins are thriving. I want nothing more than to snuggle up in this bed to be loved by Alaric. His touch alone has the ability to calm, soothe, energize, and ignite feelings and desires within me that I crave to have satisfied. The constant hum of energy that we have begun to share is something that I have begun to realize is not going away, and I’m in constant need of his touch. Soon I�
��m lost to my kindred’s caresses as he reverently runs his hands from my belly, waist, and up to my breasts as he cups me in his hands. His amazing hands are calloused from years of training, and I love the feel of them on me, my breast tightens, drawing Alaric’s attention. His left thumb circles one taut tip while he draws the other into his mouth slowly circling it with his tongue. Desire floods me as I feel that beautiful coiling sensation taking up in the pit of my stomach. A moan escapes me when he playfully nips my breast and rolls the tip between his teeth. His loving exploration of me and my more than lustful body is abruptly interrupted.
We both swing our gaze to the door as we hear unwanted knocking. I sigh and say, “Well snap, by the goddess, now I’m all hot and bothered before the day even begins.”
Alaric chuckles, “I plan on taking care of that.”
From the other side of the door, I hear Jasmine and Lexie’s muffled laughter, “Ashlinn? We know you’re in there. Stop making out with your sexy Elf-Man and get yourself dressed and out here.” I hear the two snicker as a muffled conversation takes place. Rolling my eyes, I look up to see Alaric’s smirking face before nuzzling into my neck, he begins to suck and lick the spot just under my earlobe. There is something seriously arousing knowing that someone is on the other side of the door while we are attempting to be intimate. I shiver as I feel his canines graze my shifter mate mark. I tense waiting for his love bite, before hearing the two again as the pounding on the door continues, “Ash, we’re not going away. Get your horny, pregnant, naked ass away from Alaric, right now. That’s right. We know you’re both as naked as the day you were born. You know that’s what put those two buns in the oven in the first place, right? Seriously, girlfriend is that all you think about? Getting your rocks off?”
Alaric and I just look at one another as laughter bubbles up and escapes both of us as I call out, “Go away! You’re interrupting our morning nooky.” As the words leave my lips the two of us crack up and I hear the two of them laughing on the other side of the door.