by Jaime Marks
Marcus remained silent but led the way from the throne room out the side entrance to their left and came to a grand staircase. The banisters were done in silver and a red carpet ran up their marble build. Corridors extended off both sides at regular intervals. Cymeryn counted five separate sets of corridors that they passed before reaching the staircase’s pinnacle.
They walked down a long hall. The décor was modest, red drapes on the windows to complement the red carpeting, short marble columns lined the halls and in between them were small statues carved from crystal. There was a unicorn, a morning dove, a lily. All things he had always associated with her.
They entered a large suite and Kato led him to a lounge.
“No Kato, I need him in here.” Marcus stated firmly.
Kato rose a brow, glancing between them but bowed his head and took him into a room with a large bed adorned in white sheets and silver blankets. The insignia of Lunya was inlaid in the wall above it. Reyana lay unconscious on the bed and Kato guided him to a small sitting area.
“On the bed, Kato, beside her.” Marcus demanded emerging from a door with a basin of water and some cloths.
“As you wish, my lord.”
Kato helped him to the bed. He listed to the side and the Fae caught him. He held him steady as he lifted his legs onto the bed, guiding him so that he lay on his side facing her. His eyes squeezed shut as he breathed through the pain and he felt his weapons and his boots being removed.
“Can I get you water, my lord?”
Marcus cleared his throat and he forced his eyes open to look at him. “He was talking to you, brother.”
Cymeryn’s brow rose, “No. Thank you, Kato.”
“Demytria is coming with the Healer. I will meet them at the door. Do you wish them to remain in the sitting room, my lords?”
Marcus gently wiped the blood and sweat from Reyana’s face. “Yes, Kato. I will be out once I see to Cymeryn and finish attending to her. Please alert Mythos to our presence, but make him aware that no Fae will be allowed entry to these chambers until I have Redeemed the Healer and she has seen to her.”
“Of course, my lord.”
Cymeryn heard the sound of the Fae’s footsteps fade as he walked away. He reached out and gently stroked her hair. “She is lost in her mind. In turmoil over what has been done to her.”
“I know, brother. I mean to heal you and allow you to attend to her mind while I Redeem the Healer. I believe the young are fine but her body has suffered great strain and she needs to be under care.” He pulled back the sheet he had lain over her and grimaced as he removed Cymeryn’s robes. Gently he wiped the black smudges and her blood from her skin revealing minor bruising and gashes underneath.
“She fought them. She held fast against them until they threatened the young. There were just too many of them.” Cymeryn squeezed his eyes shut trying to erase the image of what they had been doing to her when they entered that room.
A moment later, a single instant and they would have penetrated her core. It was what kept him from spinning out of control. The knowledge that all that laid a hand upon her skin had died upon their blades and they had not yet known the full pleasures of her flesh.
He felt Marcus’ hand on his arm and he reached out to him, taking his hands. A warm Light flowed between them, wrapping around them both as it seeped into their beings. He could feel the burns tingling as they healed on his skin. He was unsure how long they remained in its embrace. Slowly it began to ebb and they released each other.
Cymeryn moved slowly, his muscles still stiff. It would take a while for the remaining aches to pass, but the worst of the wounds were healed. “Go, Marcus. I will lead her out of her mind. She needs the Healer.”
Chapter 6
Mythos kissed her head as he pulled back to look at her. Her lips held a gentle flush, the remnants of his kiss. She gazed at him through hooded eyes. In that moment she did not look like the young girl he knew she was, but every bit the female Fae he sensed in her. He bit his lip to remind himself he could not kiss her again.
“Stephanie, I will not deny to you that there is something between us, that I am drawn to you in this way. I do not wish to confuse you or have you feel that I am taking advantage of this situation in some manner, however.” He inhaled deeply as her tongue slipped out and wet her lips.
She blushed slightly as she broke his stare. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so…forward. I don’t know why I did that.”
He hooked her chin and drew her back to him. “Do not apologize for that. I wanted you to do so as much as you craved it, but the not knowing, my dear, is precisely why we should refrain from doing so. This world is new to you. You are only just learning our ways, only now learning who you are. I can sense the uncertainty warring within you and I do not wish to add to it.”
She nodded, smiling slowly, “Thank you.”
“For what?” He watched her in confusion.
“Where I’m from, guys don’t tend to put your feelings or needs first. They just kind of try to take what they want from you,” she shrugged looking away and there was a hint of shame in her being.
Anger coursed through him and he had to hold it back. He did not want to scare the girl and he had no right to the possessive urges he felt towards her. She was innocent in this world. Exploring it for the first time and he had well over a century on her years. The very idea that another might have caused her harm made him livid however.
He pulled her to him on instinct and she went willingly. Mythos gently caressed her back and she sighed against him, his essence flowing over her as he kissed her head. “I will always honor you. I do not ever want you to feel that you have to do something for me, regardless of what the request. Promise me, Stephanie, that if I ever make you feel pressured or uncomfortable you will tell me?”
She nodded against him and he eased somewhat. A knock sounded at the door cutting through their peace. They both jumped and moved back from one another as if they were two young caught stealing sweets. He released her slowly allowing her to move away from him realizing the issues that could arise if they had been caught in such an embrace.
“Come.” He commanded already sensing who it was.
Kato entered and glanced between them a moment with a raised brow but merely bowed before him. “My lord, the Queen and her Protectors have returned, as well as Byryn, though both she and Byryn were unconscious upon their arrival. Byryn sustained minor wounds and Grifyn is attending to him in his chambers. He does not wish to disturb Star and Kylion until the Liaison regains consciousness as her mind is still somewhat fragile. Cymeryn was badly wounded in the battle, apparently deflecting a blow meant for Byryn, but the Praetor made mention of being able to heal him. They have taken the Queen to her chambers and sent for a Healer who would consent to be Redeemed. Marcus bade me to inform you of their arrival, but he also asked that you be informed that none shall be allowed to enter their chambers prior to the Healer attending to the Queen.”
“Rise Kato,” Mythos requested. “What of the state of her? Was she wounded?”
“It appeared the wounds were superficial, though it is hard to say. They kept her well shielded. Marcus had been attending to her when I went to open the way for the Healer. He was Redeeming her when I left him to bring news to you.”
“He was Redeeming her?” That revelation was a bit of a shock. Marcus had never even attempted Redemption before, though Reyana had hypothesized it may be possible. Where was his twin? He grimaced, “Is Cymeryn with her?”
Kato nodded silently.
He felt his anger surge forth. It had only been a month ago that Cymeryn had caused her to lie there in a similar state. He felt the gentle touch of her hand as it rested on his arm and he looked to her. She was a calming force, settling the storm that waged within him. Acting in rage with this would solve nothing and there were far too many unanswered questions.
“Then, perhaps…Would you notify me, Kato? The moment Marcus will allow her to be seen
. As much as I want to be by my sister’s side in this moment, it is better if I do not cause more stress and aggravation with my anger and demands. There will be a time for answers later,” he conceded.
Kato gave him an amused smile but merely inclined his head. “As you wish, your majesty. Shall I have a repast brought up for you and the lady Steph?”
“Are you hungry, Stephanie?” He had forgotten that it was likely well past meal for her.
Her eyes popped slightly and her hands went to her stomach as it growled at the mention of sustenance causing him to chuckle. “Yeah, I guess I should eat. I haven’t eaten anything since I left home this morning.” She looked off into the distance grimacing slightly, “I can’t ever go back there, can I?”
He nodded to Kato and the Fae left silently. “It would be unwise, Stephanie. They would likely attempt to acquire you. If there is something you need, I can send somefae to retrieve it for you.”
“Well, I’ll need some clothes,” she sighed, “but aside from that everything else is pretty much replaceable. Just some sketch pads and art supplies.”
“I think you will find that we dress quite differently here. I will gladly have your clothing retrieved or I can have a seamstress bring by some designs for you to choose from if you prefer.” He chastised himself at the thought of seeing her try on gowns and fashions. First judging by her attire, she would prefer something less formal. Secondly, the thought was far from appropriate.
She smiled momentarily at him to the point that he almost had to wonder if she somehow had divined what was on his mind. “I don’t want to cause an issue. You can have the seamstress bring something by.”
“I will see that you have something more comfortable to sleep in.” It was his turn to blush as he realized what he had said. “I mean, well just that...”
She laughed, “I understood what you meant.”
There was a soft knock and he rose going to the door to let the servant in who had brought up their meal. She remained quiet while she watched Haylia set the small spread on the short table that sat before the couch pouring wine, slicing breads and laying out place settings.
“Is it to your liking, your highness? I can bring by some treats later if you would like,” Haylia bowed.
“This is perfect, Haylia, as always. I think we will be fine.” He hesitated a moment, “but perhaps the lady Stephanie would like to sample some treats later. Will you check in on her to see she has what she needs this eve? She will be using the quarters that are adjacent to mine in the hall there.”
“Of course, my lord,” she smiled warmly and took her leave.
“You didn’t have to do that. I really don’t need a servant to take care of me.”
She studied him with a mixture of appreciation and annoyance. He understood her need for independence. It likely felt as if they were taking over her life in some respects, but she was new to this world and whether she understood it or not, she needed them. Aside from that he felt a deep need to be the one caring for her.
“Oh, of that I am quite sure my dear, but until you are familiar with the Palace will you allow me to see that your needs are met?” He smiled realizing he wished he meant so much more than her sustenance and clothing.
She seemed to be pondering it but finally relented. “Yeah, I guess I wouldn’t even have a clue how to find the kitchen in this place.” Stephanie sighed in frustration, “What am I going to do with myself? I don’t mind spending time with Staryana and helping out, but really that can’t be all that I do. I’ll go crazy just sitting around doing nothing.”
He went over and sat beside her handing her a plate and fork. “Well, what did you like to do when you were on Earth?”
She shrugged, “I go to school and work mainly. I wouldn’t say that I necessarily liked it, but it was a living. Otherwise I guess I draw and paint.”
He nodded thoughtfully as he watched her eat. Her face seemed to Light up a moment and he had to smile.
“What is this? It’s delicious,” she murmured as she took another large bite.
“It is a honey glazed gnure…similar to what you call pork in flavor, I believe, but it is a specially grown plant. We do not eat meat.” He smiled as he watched her enjoying the meal.
“That tastes a lot better than any pork I’ve ever had.” She eyed the wine cautiously. “Am I allowed to have that?”
He chuckled, “Yes. Most young in our world are allowed it for special occasions, but beyond ten cycles they may partake at meals as well. It is generally their parent’s discretion.” She sipped it slowly and smiled, obviously savoring in its flavor. “It is the wine of ambrosia. My favorite vintage.” He offered.
Mythos watched her with a small smile. She was lovely, absolutely lovely. He wondered what fashions she would choose, what studies she would master. He knew he was thoroughly infatuated with this girl, though perhaps it was not proper. He should wait until at least her awakening to pursue her, or even pay her such favor. He was not sure if it was right or wrong, but he was going to thoroughly enjoy watching her discover his world.
Cymeryn let his essence flow through their connection into her mind. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the chaos was not nearly as extensive as the last time she had slipped into this coma. He walked through the slow churning vortex following the pull he felt to her.
She sat curled into herself, sobs wracking through her. He cursed to himself. He would kill every one of the Kyndra again if he could. Allowing his essence to flow over her so he would not startle her as he sat, he ran his hand gently through her hair, nudging her toward him. She allowed him to guide her head to his lap.
“Shhh, love, they cannot hurt you anymore. We saw well to that,” he whispered.
She nodded but remained silent aside from her sobs.
“I know you do not believe so Rey, but you did well. You held them off as best as you could until we could reach you.”
“I was so scared, Cymeryn. It was so hard not to react to them. I would never have conceded to their will at all if not for…” Her hand drifted to her stomach.
“We know that, Rey. Neither of us blame you. We could not have foreseen all that Alayne had in place all this time. If either of us had known you were at risk even here…” He shook his head, “I should not have been so stubborn.”
He could not help but feel somewhat responsible, but in truth he was unsure it would have mattered. Even if he had relented and joined them here it did not change the fact that he had not foreseen the truth of Staryana’s lineage sooner, nor that they had missed her Grandfather’s intentions for her. Alayne had been clever indeed, they would have to assess every one of the unawakened to ensure there were no more issues.
“I feel so dirty,” she shuddered.
“Then come back to us and let us to wash their touch away,” he whispered leaning down to kiss her softly on the head.
“I’m sorry.”
“Whatever do you have to be sorry for, Rey? You have no need to apologize to me, Marcus or anyfae.”
“I should never have let them touch me like that…I couldn’t stop them…” She sobbed.
“Reyana, look at me.” He lifted her slowly guiding her face to his. “There were too many of them. No Fae would have been able to stop them. You stood your own more than any ever have in such circumstances, and that was only through your unique lineage and your connection to us. If anything, Marcus and I should apologize to you for not reaching you sooner, or even for not attending more vigilantly to your safety.”
He searched her eyes trying to reach her. There was more to this, something that had opened a doorway to the guilt she had felt before. For some reason she was feeling torn about her choices. He could sense it in her though she was attempting to hide it but it was something he could not allow. With the young she carried there would be no way to resolve the conflict within herself unless she could come to terms with this.
“Rey, tell me what has you feeling this way. What is it that makes you think y
ou are wrong for how you love us, hmmm? I know your mind, my love, please talk to me. I would much prefer you trust me than to take it from you.”
She squinted her eyes shut. “They, they said that I was a whore. They knew, Cymeryn. Alayne and Syneous knew I was pregnant, and whose young I carried.”
Cymeryn brushed the hair from her face trying to hold the rage he felt. “Reyana, they used your own guilt against you. The Shade could care less what the sentiments of your heart are or how you sate your desire, save to turn your own feeling against you. Syneous was likely angered that you were with young at all as he still feels he has some claim to you, but Alayne? He merely used whatever he thought would be most effective to break you. Do not let them taint the love that we share, Rey. We both love you and accept this. We are both bound to you and you to us. Never doubt our love for you, Reyana. Your love alone Redeemed me.”
She leaned forward slowly and kissed him softly, tentatively and he let her come to him as she wished. His essence flowed over her despite the restraint he showed. In truth he needed her badly, needed to revel in her flesh as he reminded her that she was his. He would not, however give into her here this time. He needed her out of her mind more. This eve, though, he and Marcus would have to show her, they would have to erase the pain that had been created in her these last few hours.
Her desired surged as her tongue sought entry to his mouth and her nails raked down his back. He chuckled, “As much as I want you Rey, I will not take you here. Not when I lie so close to you in your bed. Let me guide you out of here, hmm?”
Marcus’ essence flowed through them both and she eased further. “Come my love, mine blooded twin is worried for you. We should not keep him waiting.” She nodded slowly and he kissed her head. “Do you remember how this works?”
“I have to clear my mind? I don’t know if I can do that, Cymeryn.” She shook her head.
“Let me worry about that.” He took her face in his hands. “I will see you in a few moments, ok?”