by JK Ensley
Life was nowhere near perfect, but things were definitely looking up.
Chapter 47
Vareilious
(vah-REEL-ee-us)
“Wakie, wakie, tiny Princess.”
She moaned. “Am I having a nightmare?”
“No, but I’m certainly having one seriously wicked dream.”
She slowly opened her weary eyes just to make sure, but she would know that deep, growling, sarcastic voice anywhere. The colossal giant was perched right over her, propped up on his enormous elbows.
“Ugh, Vareilious. What are you doing here? I was resting.”
“Yes, I gathered that. I was sent to see what was taking you so long to dress. I had hoped to catch you in the middle of the act and get but a quick glimpse. I never dreamed I would be blessed with the whole intoxicating vision just lying here, dreaming, perfectly still. I drank in every inch of you, luscious maiden. I took my precious sweet time doing it, too. No point in waking you before I was done.” He groaned. “You look sooo delicious.”
Her terrified eyes shot open when his crude words sank in. She had been bathing and was supposed to dress. Varick was waiting on her. She glanced down in horror at her bare flesh and the massive sentinel now pressed against her.
Jenevier’s screams bounced off the walls, echoing through the exquisite dome. Varick ran, panic stricken, into the room. Vareilious never moved.
“What’s wrong? What has happened?”
“Oh, she only just realized she isn’t quite ready yet,” Vareilious said, his smirking face drew closer to hers.
Jenevier looked, puzzled, from one beautiful talking statue to the other.
“Well, hurry up, then,” Varick snapped. “Time is of the essence.”
He was still mumbling as he left the room and started back down the hall.
“Hurry up!”
His impatient shouts echoed back to them as she looked to Vareilious with wide, questioning eyes.
“The big guy’s all business when it comes to training. Don’t be expecting any more smiles or polite conversation for quite some time now. He is vicious—beyond fierce. Who you were, no longer matters. Who you will become, that’s the prime objective. Don’t take it to heart, Kitten. It’s nothing personal. Listen.” He gently tapped her chin. “Varick’s training will ensure your peaceful future. You understand that, do you not?” He wasn’t at all certain his words were actually sinking in. “Think, Maiden. What would you do to ensure the happiness of one you love so true? Remember. Everything he’ll put you through… will be for love.” He lightly kissed the tip of her nose. “Oh, and above all things, never show weakness in that sacred room. He will eat you alive. Vacation’s over, little lady. Time to get to work.”
“Don’t. Call. Me. Kitten.”
He twisted one of her curls around his finger, smiling softly. “Apologies, Princess. I will not err so again.”
Anger swelled within her. Vareilious seemed to have that effect on her. That anger—combined with the fact she was naked, scared, and obviously clueless in this whole thing—almost made her lose it.
“Vareilious, are you saying what I have recently been through seems like a vacation to you?”
“No, Babe, it does not. But it will definitely seem like one to you in a few short hours.” He nuzzled his nose against her neck. “Now, where were we?”
“Get off me, you big oaf! You are truly perverted—beyond disgusting.”
She feebly pushed against his massive chest. It fazed him not.
“Perhaps so, but I’m the only friend you’ve got now, Babe. You’ll soon wish for such playful banter as this. Who knows? You may actually start to miss me.”
He winked at her, leapt from the bed, and handed her the appropriate attire.
“How can I possibly miss you, Vareilious? You’re always here.”
“Not anymore, pretty lady.”
He slapped her freshly clad bottom as he fell casually back across the bed.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean… I got my new summons today. I’ll be leaving Vanahirdem for a while.”
“Leaving? But, where will you go?”
“Oh, you do care. I knew you did.” He teasingly batted his lashes at her. “Anyway, that’s how life is here. We go where we’re needed. Being Vanir means more than just standing around looking awesome all the time.”
He flexed his massive biceps while he stared at his colossal reflection in the mirror. Jenevier rolled her eyes and continued dressing.
“Sometimes you gotta work, Babe.”
Bounding off the bed, Vareilious stood behind her as she finished fastening her tunic.
“Will you miss me?” he softly asked.
“No. Now get out of my way.”
“I bet you will. I know I’ll miss you, terribly so. You are the liveliest thing to happen to me in a millennium.”
“That’s very nice to hear, Vareilious. Now, I really must be going before I get into more trouble than I already am.”
The giant warrior took her in his arms and kissed her gently. She hadn’t asked for this kiss. She didn’t even want it, for that matter. But it was so soft and passionate, she didn’t fight against it. There was a slight tinge of desperation mingled with his touch. She sensed it and a pang of worry shot up her spine.
“Vareilious, what’s wrong? Why do I taste loneliness and desperation on your lips?”
“You sensed that?” He raised one eyebrow as he searched her face. “Hmm, you shouldn’t be able to do that yet.”
“Yes, well, I did. Now, tell me. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’ll just miss you is all.”
“No. There’s something more. Something you’re hiding. Or, something you do not wish me to know for some reason. Talk to me.”
“It’s just… well… perhaps I’ll be gone for a long time is all.”
“How long?”
“A very long time.”
“How long, Vareilious?”
“Years, maybe.”
“Years?”
“Perhaps. You never can tell. It doesn’t usually bother me. I mean, we do it all the time.”
She narrowed her searching gaze. “But… you are bothered this time.”
“…Yeah.”
The look in his glorious blue eyes was pure sorrow. It broke her heart. She didn’t want to let go of him. Something was wrong. She could sense it, painfully so. She didn’t want him to leave. Not like this.
“I’m scared, Vareilious,” she whispered.
He kissed her forehead and squeezed her tightly. “Me too.”
His soft words terrified her. This ferocious warrior feared nothing, absolutely nothing. She wrapped her arms around his strong neck and tried to force him to stay. He easily removed her and smiled.
“Steady yourself, my Angel. I fear nothing out there.”
“Then, what is it? I won’t pretend to understand what’s going on around here, that’s for certain. But, Vareilious, you have been completely honest with me. I don’t necessarily approve of your filthy type of honesty, but it’s easier to understand than all the cryptic words everyone else uses. So, tell me. What are you afraid of?”
“I’m afraid to leave you. Who will protect you while I’m gone?”
She laughed. “I am living within a divine city. What in the world could possibly hurt me here?”
“Your heart,” he whispered.
He gave her one last blessed kiss and disappeared within a breath. She was left all alone, bewildered, standing dumbstruck in the middle of her oversized room.
“I said, hurry up!”
She jumped. The angry voice shattered her thoughts and sent chills up her spine.
“Good luck with Mr. Personality, my sweet.”
She turned to see Vareilious perched upon the window ledge. She took one step toward him and he shot off into the blinding sun, and was gone.
Chapter 48
Jenevier
(ZHEN-ah-veer)
&nbs
p; “What kept you?” Varick barked.
“I-I was saying farewell to Vareilious.”
“Why waste precious time on goodbyes? He will return when his work is done.”
“Yes, that’s what everyone keeps saying,” she mumbled.
His glorious heavenly face was pressed against hers before she could blink. Those radiant amber eyes were burning like flames. She tried to step back.
“Do you love him?” he spat.
“Who?”
“The Vanir. The warrior—Vareilious.”
“No, I just—”
“You just what? Thought we all lived here in one big happy home? Did I not just tell you we are constantly fighting evil? That is why we are so gloriously and wonderfully made. It’s the very reason.”
“I understand that. I was only—”
“You were only wasting good training time,” he yelled. “In case you have forgotten, evil incarnate is stalking you right now.”
“Of course I haven’t forgotten!”
“Is that so? Hmm, so tell me then. How is it you spend this precious time of yours? Trying to learn to fight this evil? No! You waste your time playing footsie with a creature that can—and will, if need be—destroy you a thousand times over.”
Stinging tears flooded her eyes. She tried desperately to hold them back, biting her lip and looking down. Varick’s beautiful amber eyes burned with golden flames.
“No tears! Not here! There will be no self-pity or weakness within these walls!”
She shook them off, trying to suppress all the hurt and pain and rage now building inside her.
Who is this man? What has happened to my loving Guardian?
Jenevier felt sick—nauseous and confused. Swallowing hard, she slowly lifted her gaze to meet his.
“Are you finally ready?”
She couldn’t find her voice, couldn’t even squeak out a single sound. The look in his ethereal eyes sent terror down into her soul… and an unpleasant tingling straight up her spine.
“I said… Are… you… ready?”
“…Yes.” Her voice trembled.
“I can’t hear you!”
“Y-yes!”
Never before had she felt so tiny, so scared.
Varick smiled. “Very well, then. Let us begin.”
*****
Everyone in Vanahirdem had warned her of the brutality of the training, emphasizing over and over she was free to leave whenever she chose. Yet, no mere mortal words could have prepared her for what she was now enduring.
Day after day, week after week, she fought and Varick yelled at her. She begged for rest. He denied her. The first few months she tried to sleep while recuperating in the healing waters. Such a thing was nearly impossible. She reminded him she was human and not Vanir, she must sleep. He only told her to stop being so weak, to spend her energy on focusing, not complaining.
The training regimen was beyond brutal. It was barbaric. Varick didn’t go easy on her, even for a moment.
By the end of the first year, Jenevier had almost learned how to function on the four hours of rest he allowed her, but not well. She had suffered through multiple broken arms, ribs, a broken nose, seemingly constant broken fingers, and even a broken leg. All were erased within the Healing Pool of Vanahirdem. But that didn’t make the excruciating pain not happen. For all their amazing ability, those beloved waters didn’t make the experience any easier.
When three and a half long years of torture had passed, Varick walked in and sat upon her bed. She was laying with her back to him. She didn’t bother to roll over.
“Why is it you cry yourself to sleep every night?”
“Night?” She snorted. “There is no blessed night here. It has forsaken me. Along with everything else I ever cared for.”
“You know what I mean. Tell me true. Why do you always cry yourself to sleep?”
“Do you jest?”
“No. I am being completely honest.”
She sat up in bed, showing him her swollen, painful red eyes.
“You want to know why it is I do this every time you allow me to rest?”
“Yes,” he quietly answered.
“You mean to tell me… you have no idea?”
“I am here asking you because… because I am not certain what grieves you so.”
She collapsed onto the pillow and let out a sigh. He reached for one of her curls, but quickly withdrew.
“Nothing, Varick.” She turned away from him. “Nothing grieves me. Now go. Just… just leave me to rest in peace. Please.”
“No. I have withheld my question for years. I want an answer.”
Jenevier gave up. She was too exhausted to fight one moment more. So, she answered him as best she could.
“I cry for many things, Varick. I cry because I am in pain. I cry because I am completely exhausted. And, sometimes… I cry because I have come to hate you so much.”
She heard his sharp intake of breath at her stabbing comment, but she cared not. He didn’t care if he broke her bones, and she no longer cared if she hurt his feelings. She turned back to face him.
“But mostly, I cry because I am sad and lonely.”
“How is it you say you are lonely? Am I not with you every single moment of every single day?”
She gave him a sideways glance before closing her heavy lids.
“Do not call to mind more pain, Varick.”
He did touch her hair then, gently, tenderly.
“You no longer wish my company, fair lady?”
“Your company?” She snorted out a sardonic laugh. “You are not company, Varick. You are my tormentor. You are the man who curses me and kicks me and breaks my nose. Do you really think that’s the best way to ensure my happiness?”
“I am only doing what is necessary.” He straightened his back. “What I do with you here, now, ensures your happiness in the future. You must see this.”
“Yes, and at what cost?”
She glared at him, defiantly. He narrowed his gaze and drew closer, studying her, peering inside her.
“Do you wish to end your training?”
“No… Yes…” She sighed. “I no longer know. Please, leave now and let me rest.”
“Do you wish me replaced as your mentor?”
“…Sometimes.”
“Jenevier, just tell me what it is you need from me,” he pleaded. “My heart breaks at the mournful sound of your bitter tears. Your pitiful sobs have brought me to the brink of madness. Tell me, my love. Tell me how to fix it.”
“Apologies,” she said sardonically. “I never wished to cause you such discomfort, Varick. I am truly sorry that my painful, bitter tears rip at your pure, angelic heart.”
“That is not what I meant and you know it.”
“Please, leave me to my sleep. My sadistic drillmaster will return soon and scream at me for being lazy and not caring about my future.”
“I agree… I have been unnecessarily cruel. Yet, I have only ever had your safety in mind. Tell me. Would Merodach be gentler with you, my love? You must understand. If I let you leave here ill prepared, your destruction would be my ultimate death. I could not live through such a thing. I love you, Jenevier. I want to protect you, always.”
“By slowing killing me? By slowing killing who I was, who I wish I still could be? Varick, if I live through this, I may be able to defy the Prince, yes. But it matters not. Not anymore. I am cursed either way. Jenevier will soon be dead, either way.”
“My love, I swear to you, that was never my intention. This is meant only to help you.”
“Gratitude, Varick… for everything. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I truly appreciate all of your… help.”
He furrowed his brows. “Is that… sarcasm?”
“Did you know I have a birthday every June? I believe I have had three name days since I’ve been here, perhaps four. I can’t be sure since I don’t even know when June is anymore. But you have yet to acknowledge a single one of them. Perhaps you d
on’t even know the day you actually carried me into the world.”
“…Forgive me.”
“And I eat—what it is I am allowed to have—right here on this damn bed. There is a giant table in the other room. But, hell…” She snorted and shook her head. “It certainly must not be meant for civilized dining. I mean, we have yet to sit at it, even once. And why is that, Varick?”
He glanced away from the fire now burning in her lovely blue eyes.
“Tell me,” she snapped. “Are you afraid if I ate in there then you would have too as well? What is it you fear? That if you took your meals with me then you would have to actually speak to me? I mean, speak to me as if I were a human, not a filthy dog. Oh, no. Heaven forbid. Such a thing as that would be far too much to ask of one as pious and superior as you, my love.”
“Apologies, I have been cold and heartless.”
“Yes, you have.”
“I was only trying to—”
“You dare defend your callous actions to me? Who the hell do you think you’re talking to right now? No matter how badly I need to be trained, that will never give you the excuse to treat me less than human. You care only for your own personal success as my mentor. And why is that, Varick? Because you wish to secure my future happiness? No matter the mounting cost? You pompous ass!”
Her sharp, honest words pierced him deep within his soul—he literally felt the bitter fracture occur. The realization of what he had put her through, how he had so easily slipped into emotionless warrior-mode… it stole his breath, nearly stilled his beating heart.
By all that is holy… what have I done? Fresh tears filled his ethereal eyes. “You are right, my love. How could I have been so blind? You are the whole world to me, Jenevier—the most important piece of my heart. Please, tell me how I can make this right.”
“Just… let me sleep until I wake up on my own for once.”
“Yes, of course. You must rest. I was being inconsiderate.”
“Varick, just… close the door on your way out,” she said as she rolled back over.
“Tell me one thing more.”
“Ugh. What is it?” she moaned.
“You said you are lonely.”
She sniffed. “…Yes.”