Prince, Prelude-Legend

by Claudy Conn

  She eyed him and smiled. “No…I won’t scream.”

  “You know the queen has an interest in Talbot,” the prince said quietly. “I can’t imagine she will allow the two of you to come to harm.”

  “But the queen is loyal to her edict regarding her leaving the fates alone…” Maxine said quietly as much to herself as to the prince.

  Breslyn frowned as he said, “Yes.”

  “Take the DuLaine out of this world, Princey … save not just us…but all humanity…do it…and to hell with the fates.”

  “I cannot…”

  Maxine looked into his alien eyes. “You are a good prince, but in this matter, you and your queen are misguided.”

  And then Maxie ran from her room.

  ~ Twenty-four ~

  ROSES AND LILIES from the Reigate gardens filled their small ballroom.

  From the open double doors of the ballroom a long aisle had been constructed and decorated with ribbons and flowers. A red carpet runner had been laid and flower petals thrown all about. There were no rows of seats, and there were no guests.

  The minister stood at the room’s long end where a set of glass doors opened onto a balcony. Bible in hand, he fidgeted as he waited. This was extremely irregular. The Reigate family was very popular in their community. They had many friends, and he knew of some relatives who should be here to witness this joyous occasion. He shook his head over the problem.

  The minister then glanced at the groom standing beside him, stone still. He was the very broth of a man. A fine, strapping young man, handsome and proud. It would be the union of two prominent families. A good day. A good day, indeed. Why it must be kept a secret was beyond his understanding. However, he respected the squire’s wishes and had not even told his wife about the upcoming nuptials. He grimaced over this, for she was bound to make him live in hell for a fortnight over the omission. He sighed over this, for it certainly was inevitable.

  He then glanced at Mrs. Reigate, who was seated at the piano and looking teary-eyed. She was a lovely woman, a decent woman, and he could see any tears she shed would be of great happiness. It must have been very difficult for her to keep this occasion a secret from all.

  And the servants? How had they not chatted about it? He supposed only a select few actually knew the exact day and time of the wedding. How else could the Reigates have kept such a great secret?

  The squire popped in his head at the wide-open ballroom doors and looked at his wife. It was time.

  Mrs. Reigate almost burst into tears at that moment, but she controlled herself, smiled, and began playing the soft, enchanting melody Maxie had chosen for their ceremony. The squire took a moment to throw a quiet kiss to his beautiful wife, and she smiled at him while she played. He sighed and was gone from view.

  A moment later when he reappeared at the ballroom’s opening, he proudly had his daughter on his arm.

  Julian of Talbot looked at his bride. Her long, dark hair had been gathered to the top of her head and cascaded in waterfall curls. Small white silk flowers protruded from those curls in careful disarray. Soft black, wispy curls adorned her forehead and ears. A small cluster of pearls hung from each ear and around her long, beautiful neck.

  She did not wear a veil. Maxie had refused to hide her face from her betrothed. She wanted her future husband to see her smiling at him as she approached.

  Her gown of cream and white silk had a heart-shaped bodice that alluringly displayed her full cleavage. Long, clinging sleeves adorned her pretty arms. The gown fell in tight, caressing lines around her enchanting figure, and she literally took Julian Talbot’s breath and held it mid-air.

  He wanted to bow to her. Right there and then, he wanted to go on his knees, hang the minister and everyone else! He wanted to do it his way—declare his undying devotion and overwhelming love. Here was his bride.

  He had known from the moment he had first seen her they would come to this. He had known from the moment he first touched her she belonged to him.

  Maxie was staring at her groom. Breathe, she told herself. Breathe. It was really happening, here and now. I will be his bride, and nothing, absolutely nothing can change that. It will be forever.

  Maxie’s hungry gaze swept his body. He was so tall and so powerfully built. He looked almost as though he had been poured into his black tailed, waist-cut jacket. His black hair glistened, and his blue eyes were alight with his love. How could any man be so perfect?

  She had known from the moment that she had first seen him he was meant for her. She had known as her trembling body had felt the earth quake under her feet that they were meant for this moment. She had known from the moment that he had first touched her she belonged to him.

  She prayed that they would be spared from the DuLaine.

  * * *

  The queen of the Fae had abruptly left her court and shifted to a private place. She wanted to watch a wedding. One particular, very special wedding. The queen sighed to watch the lovely bride as she approached her groom. Their souls glowed even brighter than usual. It was a wonderful thing. This was what she wanted. This was the promise she had made to her beloved Conall. How his loss still had the ability to make her ache…

  Ah, these humans. These two were especially appealing. And it was true—humans for all their frailties and puny pursuits were remarkable creatures. They had an immense capacity for ‘love’. It was most enchanting to watch them from time to time. By Danu, living forever had certain drawbacks, boredom being top on the list. Yet, if one kept one’s distance, watching humans could be…invigorating.

  She was pleased with Julian of Talbot. He had done very well. He had warded the Reigate Estate against the DuLaine.

  Indeed, he was displaying himself as very capable of carrying on the duties of a Druid priest. Perhaps in the future, she would teach him some ‘Light’ Magic. After all, he was a most special Druid priest and entitled to much. Besides, she would need him in the future, for there would be trouble in Fae…

  She smiled to watch Maxine Reigate. She was very different from Madelyn. She was so very ready to take the reins and lead. Madelyn had been a far gentler creature. This one had developed the abilities she had given her at birth in such a short span of time. It was too bad her parents had chosen not to train her.

  Jehu and Madelyn would now be reunited.

  Madelyn would not have stood a chance against the DuLaine, but Maxie was strong, and she was learning how to wield her power.

  Aaibhe sighed over the DuLaine. Her Druid Realm had promised to enact the law against the DuLaine as soon as it was possible. It was taking too long, and it worried her. Bres was in fact quite right. Julian was the last of his line. If anything happened to his bride…he would not remarry, and his line would be no more. This would break the oath and send the Talbot orb into frenzy. It would leave the Realm and take on a life of its own and become a dangerous Hallow. This could not be allowed to happen.

  Perhaps she would visit with the Realm and ‘help’ them along in their efforts to ensnare the DuLaine. Clearly…they needed help.

  Once again the woman in her, a female trait not obliterated even after seventy thousand years, came through and made her gaze almost longingly at the wedding taking place before her rich and beautiful alien eyes. Yes, she would visit with her Druid Realm, but first…first she would watch the wedding to its conclusion…

  * * *

  Maxie was in her room. Julian had left her with explicit ‘orders’ to be ready to leave Reigate two hours hence. He said he had a short errand to take care of and that he would be back before she was done saying her good-byes to her parents.

  That was all well and good, but something tugged at her brain and said that all was not well, all was not good. She shouldn’t feel this way. She was the Lady Talbot, Julian’s bride, his woman, and they were about to depart for Scotland. Everything had gone perfectly. No DuLaine in sight. Lamia hadn’t even made an attempt to visit. No DuLaine trying to work her mind. They were actually safe—we
ren’t they? The DuLaine didn’t know. They would make their escape…

  That was it. Escape. She knew this ate at Julian. He wanted to take her to safety, but it nettled him that they had to run from DuLaine.

  She walked down the hall to his room and went inside. She couldn’t say why. It was almost a trance-like thing. One moment she was in her room; the next she was in his. Her green eyes scanned the room and saw it at once. It was there, lying on the Oriental throw rug near his washstand. Its length glittered and tore at her heart. She went to it and picked it up. The sarsen pendant. Its gold chain was broken at the clasp. It must have fallen off him without him being aware.

  Maxie was gripped it with sudden, explicit fear. Where had Julian gone?

  * * *

  Julian jumped nimbly down from his horse and handed the reins to a ragged stable hand. “Just walk him, lad…I won’t be long.” Generously he took a few coins and gave them to the young man.

  Jake pocketed the coin and nodded grimly. “Pardon my boldness, my lord…but ye’d be wise not to go in there at all.”

  Julian of Talbot eyed him. “Indeed, but some things can no longer be put off.”

  “Aye,” the lad said before walking the handsome gelding off.

  A moment later Shamon was opening the door. Shamon’s eyes were wide pools of terror. This was not good. All his days and nights had been spent worrying about how he could warn Talbot and the Reigates to go…go far…before the most awful thing would take place.

  Then what must happen, but himself…here walking right into the devil’s den as though there were nothing for him to fear? Shamon worshipped Lamia, but he knew full well what she was, what she would do, what she had already done.

  This was bad. Very, very bad. Should he deny Talbot entree? Should he attempt to send him on his way? Would that only delay the inevitable?

  He quietly showed Talbot to the library and said he would advise his lady that he was waiting to see her. Shamon knew that he had no choice. He would have to tell her. At any rate, she might already know.

  She did. She shot out of bed with the sure knowledge that Julian was in her home, pacing in her library.

  She pulled on a delicate black silk robe but made no attempt to tie it to cover her voluptuous curves. Her charms were very amply displayed by the sheerness of its matching negligee. She dabbed perfume on her neck and tweaked her long blond curls into place before she glided down the stairs. She paused only a moment to slip on the Sacred Thorn, and then with a great flourish opened the library doors.

  Shamon stood just behind her, and without looking at him she firmly said, “Shamon…leave us.”

  There she stood in the entrance with the firelight and the candlelight illuminating her shapely body. She knew she was beautiful. She knew she was desirable. She wanted him to have a look, a good look before she went to him, before she made him her own. He was not leaving. From this moment on, he would be hers!

  Julian of Talbot hardly noticed her as a woman. He saw past that to the beast. He saw past the outward beauty and saw blood and horror. He wanted out as soon as he had arrived, but he had a job to do.

  He was there for one reason and one reason only. He was there to threaten the DuLaine off. Once and for always he wanted her out of their lives. He was finished with taking a passive role, waiting for her to make a move. He would not be a coward in this. He had to do something to protect his Maxie. Running…was not the answer. Running was not his answer!

  She went towards him, aware of the curt coldness in his eyes, and her chin went up, “Ah, Julian…I have missed you.” She needed to get closer. She was a strong woman, stronger than he realized. She could overpower him to do what she needed to do, but first she would try coaxing him.

  “It has to stop, Lamia. It has to stop now.”

  “No, my love.” She shook her head. “It has to start…and it will—we will start now.” She was there right in front of him, reaching out for his face.

  He shook himself free of her chanting. He could hear her chanting in his mind. He reached for the sarsen at his neck, but it was gone—where was it? It disturbed him for a moment. He had to keep his mind clear of her. He had to shut her chanting off…

  He shouted at her, “Lamia…don’t you know? I despise you. Nothing you can do would change that. Do you think to entrance me…bewitch me…into wanting you? It won’t happen. I will never want you. Find someone who will.”

  “Never is a long time,” she answered, and then with her mind she said, Don’t move, Julian. I have had enough back talk and defiance. Do you know who I am? Do you know what I have lived through? You can’t possible compete with all that I have become.

  Julian of Talbot felt the room start to spin. She had said not to move, and he was finding it difficult to disobey her. Still, he found the strength and took another step backward, and then another step…All at once he knew this had been a mistake.

  He had wanted to confront her, threaten her…but all he had done was ruin everything.

  JULIAN! She shouted from her mind, Stop trying to resist! You cannot. I will have you in the end…

  He repeated, “There is more to a man than having him obey. You will never have my soul…never have my heart. If you were successful with your spells and the powers you say you have…you would end with only the shell of a man…nothing more!”

  The possibility of the truth to his words enraged her. “I will have you, all of you!”

  She was using the ancient chant, willing him to stay, willing him to want her. She was using all her might, and his resistance made her anger grow and dispel all wisdom.

  Julian gritted his teeth. He fought her, but she drew closer; he found himself frozen in place. She was winning.

  She smiled to herself and raised her forefinger. The point of the Sacred Thorn glinted in the candlelight. She was fast, so very fast as she sliced at his throat. His blood oozed out quickly, and he put his hand up to the wound. His blue eyes held surprise as he backed away from her.

  She was on him in a second, for she had already cut open the palm of her hand. She whispered as she put it to his open wound, “Ah then, my love…our blood is mingled. And now…now you are mine!”

  He stared at her, and with all his will he said, “Never.” And then Julian of Talbot closed his eyes.

  * * *

  “NO!” Maxie collapsed to the floor. She witnessed it all with her Druid mind. She had attempted to call to him, but he had not heard her. She had attempted to call a halt to DuLaine when she raised that hellish Thorn towards Julian’s throat. This was not supposed to happen!

  She turned and shouted towards the heavens for someone to hear her. “Where are you now? Druid Guardian…you pledged to help us…how did you let this happen? Where are you now?” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and a pain clutched at her heart, threatening to break it. “Breslyn of Dagda…almighty Fae…where are any of you while she defiles my Julian, the queen’s Julian—where are you?”

  “I am here.” Breslyn stood before her. He was in tune to her call, and he had immediately heard her. He knew, and he was distressed and angry with himself. His body shimmered with ice crystals. All he could think of was revenge against DuLaine. “There is no time to talk. I will bring you your Julian in spite of the law…” So saying, he was gone.

  Maxie sobbed because her mind had showed her Julian was dying. His soul fought Lamia’s blood. His will went to war with it, refused it, balked at it in his system, and he fell into a dark illusion of sleep. She saw this. She saw Lamia fretting over his body, crying out his name, telling him that this was not supposed to happen.

  And then she saw Breslyn shift into Lamia’s library so fast that had she been able to see past his cloaking, still she would not have seen him. He had Julian in his arms and was gone before Lamia knew what was happening.

  The prince was back, gently placing Julian of Talbot on Maxine’s bed. He stood aside as she dove for him, called to him, and sobbed his name.

  “He cannot h
ear you,” the prince said sadly.

  “Why did you let it happen?” Maxine screamed at him.

  “I was not there—I did not know he had gone to DuLaine…nor did I suspect he would do so.”

  “Fix him,” Maxine demanded.

  “I cannot. His body, his indomitable spirit, fights the blood of the Beast. It would be dangerous to his immortal soul for me to try and repair the damage her blood has done to his system. He will need time…”

  “Can your queen fix him?” She saw hope in his eyes. “She can…can’t she?”

  “Perhaps, but even so…it will take time and great effort. Humans have souls…very lovely and very delicate. We have to be careful not to damage the soul when we repair the body, and this…this fight he wages against her blood…this is something I have never seen before.”

  “Then find a way, Breslyn. I know you can,” Maxie demanded.

  “I have risked much just bringing him here, but I will go to my queen,” the prince said and vanished.

  “Oh Julian…my beloved husband…please hear me …see me…come back to me…”

  * * *

  Lamia was beside herself. She tore at her hair. She broke expensive vases. She paced until she was ready to collapse.

  What had gone wrong? Why had he reacted like that to her blood? Her blood had never hurt any of the few men she had wanted to linger with her for a few extra years. It had not hurt Shamon. Why then had Julian fallen as though dead? What had happened to his body? And where was he?

  It was Maxine—somehow she had done this. This confirmed her suspicions. She must have found out that Julian had come to her, and somehow the miserable, hateful chit had spelled him back. He must be at Reigate. That was the only explanation. What power did this chit possess? Even she, with all her power, could not have spelled him from one place to another. Was this the work of the Realm?