Protectors and Kings (Mists of the Fae Book 4)

by Jaime Marks

  “That’s the point Steph, they aren’t there to make you feel watched or uncomfortable. They actually generally keep more of an eye on the area around you out here than on you personally,” Byryn shrugged. “If you were in the Realm of Light they would be a lot closer and more attentive to you though. Aside from Marcus and Cymeryn no one can mist here. In the Realm of Light everyone can.”

  “I see.” She looked at the sky as they began to walk. “I guess it’s all still weird to me. It’s like stepping into a parallel universe or something.”

  “In a respect that’s a good analogy. Except we’re the same in your world as we are here, we just hide it better.”

  “I don’t know about that because you were a total douche, Byryn.” She glared at him again.

  “I know, Steph and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t regret the things I’ve done. But I was born Shade. It was my nature. If it wasn’t for Staryana and my Dad…I don’t even like to think of the monster I would’ve become.” He scanned the area to see where they were precisely. “Come on, I’ll show you the short cut back to the Palace and how to work it. Just don’t use it in front of the unawakened. The last thing I need is them to find their way down here.”

  “Yeah, we should get back. I should talk to your Dad I guess.” She fell in beside him as he started walking.

  “He’s not that bad, trust me. He just cares about you and senses how overwhelmed you are. I think you kind of snapped him out of it a bit when you called him on treating you like a kid. Just…give him a chance ok? He really is a good guy.” She nodded and he had to smile.

  She reminded him of Felycia in a way. It made his heart ache for her. He wished he had as good of a relationship with her as he was developing with Steph. Then again, up until today he and Steph rarely got along and didn’t really have any relationship at all. Maybe if he put an effort into reaching Felycia they could…Yeah and how was that going to work? Felycia had been victimized just like Steph but he had played a part in it. How could she ever forgive him? He didn’t know how he was going to make things right with his sister, but someday he would find a way and he knew where it had to start. He had to find out what had happened to her Mother.

  Chapter 20

  Reyana put down her book and looked around the room. She generally felt peaceful within its white walls and silver curtains. Today she just felt caged. She threw off the blankets and swung her feet over the side, standing just as Marcus misted in front of her. She wanted to scream. She loved his visits, but if he and Cymeryn didn’t let her out of this room she might beat them senseless.

  “Where are you going, Reyana?” He asked her, his arms crossed in front of his chest.

  “To the bathroom actually.” She shoved him out of the way and went into the marbled room closing herself in.

  Every time she so much as thought about leaving the bedchamber, let alone the suite, they were right there. It was actually quite annoying how easily they read her. When she finished she came back into the room to find him lounging on the bed waiting for her.

  “I know how tedious this is my love, but I’d be lying if I said that I weren’t enjoying having the excuse to be by your side so often today.”

  The enticing smile he gave her almost got her back in that godforsaken bed, almost. She was so tired of this room though. As much as she wanted him, for once there was something she wanted more. Out. She crossed her arms knowing full well he heard her every thought.

  He sighed rising to his feet. “I see we’ve hit an impasse.” Misting behind her he scooped her into his arms.

  “I’m not going back to bed, Marcus. I’ve been there all day and I’m going stir crazy.” She gave him a stern look.

  “I know, I’m going to take you to the garden in the interior courtyard for a while.” He smiled warmly as he walked from the room. “I know your nature Reya, you’ve always been free spirited. We realized we wouldn’t be able to keep you locked in there forever, but we don’t want you running the castle and we don’t have time to whisk you away on your every whim. Luckily, I have some free time until Gastrion finds something else that needs my attention.”

  She laughed at how he grumbled. “Gastrion is good at his job, which is why I chose him.”

  “Indeed, but I swear that every time I finish that list of his he has another one twice as long. I’m just glad Cymeryn’s here to pull some of the weight while you rest.” He kissed her forehead.

  “Just imagine Mythos. He’s been doing this on his own these last five years or so. You’ve at least had me and there’s Grifyn and Kato to fall back on. He hasn’t had any support in a while. I worry about him.”

  “I know. I was thinking that myself as I ran around approving requests, addressing issues with the war and delegating what I couldn’t handle. I had to convince Gastrion that Cymeryn wouldn’t take his head for bringing him duties.” He laughed, “Actually, I kind of told him that Cymeryn wouldn’t take his head from bringing him issues but I might if he didn’t.”

  She shook her head. “I think once we sort out who will handle what things will improve on that front. Cymeryn has only really been here a day. They may have accepted him as King but they have no idea where he fits into all this yet.”

  He nodded, “Neither does he really. My twin puts on a good show, but I can sense his uncertainty. He needs time. The raids, training and the meeting to discuss the Securine were easy enough for him to manage. He was Supryn and had served as Commander of the Fronts after all and he is mostly comfortable around the Lucerna Lines. It’s all the other duties and formalities he seems to be baffled at. I was with him when Gastrion took him to his study. I thought he was going to fall over.”

  “It’s in the lower right corridor isn’t it? That room we couldn’t open that’s almost exactly opposite of where your study is?” She inquired curiously.

  “Yes, love. Our insignias have appeared on both study doors now and they both stood open when the Guardians passed through early this morn. They closed them and notified Gastrion. Both are also now done over in our colors, although I must say I rather preferred the drapes being the same shade as your lovely curls.”

  She met his eyes and she nearly broke for the way they seductively ran over her body. Biting her lip she hardened her resolve. There was no way she was going back to bed, at least not yet. He smirked as images from earlier of them wrapped in her sheets lost in one another danced through her mind.

  “Cymeryn is right. You are insatiable,” he whispered seductively in her ear. “Perhaps the grove would be a better choice?”

  They heard a soft tinkling and looked to see Shala emerging from her ball of Light before them. “I am afraid there is no time to play. Difficulties we must face today. The Lady Lunya has a message awaiting passage, from Lazurys’ annoying imp Valysage.”

  “What does that mean, Shala?” Marcus demanded.

  “It means she herself must hear the request. The Kings may be present at her bequest, but they cannot act in her place. It is a duty she must it face.” The faerie seemed tense.

  “Take me to my throne, Marcus and summon Cymeryn. I will not hear him until both are present at my side, Shala.” Reyana commanded, glad that the strain she suddenly felt wasn’t obvious in her voice.

  She nodded.

  “I don’t like this, Reyana. You are supposed to be resting. The last thing you need is to think about Lazurys.” Marcus was tense and on guard, as if bracing for an attack.

  “I realize that, but there’s no avoiding it. I could risk breaking one of the Covenants if I deny him an audience unjustly. I’m here and well enough. There’s no real reason I can’t make it to my throne,” she explained. “And if I break this Covenant it means he has the right to choose any representative of my realm he wishes to be at his beacon call to hear his requests and act as a go between. There are only three Fae he can choose right now; you, Cymeryn and Star.”

  Marcus cursed under his breath. “What do you think he wants?”

 
Cymeryn misted in their path with Star beside him. He steadied her a moment. “He wants to get into your head, into both of our heads. If it is within his power he will seek an audience.” Cymeryn spoke levelly. “Grifyn and Byryn on their way. The guards will take Staryana and Steph to their quarters and remain close until we tell them otherwise. Most of them were in the woods and I dismissed Ryo initially.”

  Marcus nodded. “Can we deny him an audience?”

  “Not if he has reason to request one. It’ll depend on what he wants. Lucerna has yet to bring any requests so he can’t rely on challenging them as he usually does when he seeks my attention.” She tried to reason out what he could possible use that would challenge that the Balance had shifted to Light but she couldn’t think of any. The Balance was still shifted far too Dark for him to even attempt to challenge it. Even with the Shade’s recent losses it was only now beginning to level the scales and they had a long way to go.

  Byryn came up with Steph and their guards embracing Staryana a moment. “I don’t care whose quarters you go to but I want you all secure, Brightness. Iyrus will meet you with Kylion in our corridor. If anything odd happens you reach out for Cymeryn and me, alright?”

  “I will. Be careful.” Star kissed him before turning to go, pulling Steph quickly with her.

  “Staryana, remember what I showed you.” Cymeryn called and she looked over her shoulder and nodded. “I do not like this. It is an ideal time for Alayne to exert his influence on her. Can we stall a few minutes? Will it affect anything?”

  “No, as long as I’ve agreed to hear him, they can’t claim impropriety. They have to allow us the time provided it’s reasonable.” Reyana studied him. “What are you thinking, Cymeryn?”

  “I am going to get Mythos, Kato and Demytria and pull a full complement of Guardians into the Realm of Light unless you disagree, Marcus. Demytria and Trina can stay with the girls and if I have to go to assist Staryana, Mythos will be here. I can take them back just as easily.”

  He nodded in agreement. “Go, but take Grifyn. I do not know how much information has reached Devyn as of yet. He might not comply for you.”

  Cymeryn misted without hesitation.

  “Do you think a full complement will be enough if they launch an all-out strike on the Realm of Light? What if that is their goal, to refill their ranks?” There were too many possibilities, Reyana realized.

  “There are already two complements there in preparation for the attacks, the third should cover it, Reyana. We’ll verify that they are covered once the threats here have passed. If Tomas could find his way in and out then there is no telling what they have in store even here. I’ve already ordered extra coverage to the walls as well as the halls surrounding the throne room.” He leaned down and kissed her chastely. “We can launch counter measures for strikes in the Realm of Light, my love, but we can’t risk you, Star or Steph. We might not be able to undo the damage.”

  “Alright, but when we get to the throne room I walk myself,” she demanded.

  He studied her moment with an exasperated sigh. “As you wish, my Queen.”

  Byryn walked silently beside them, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He had been a honed soldier before he had come to them, but Marcus and Grifyn had molded the boy into a formidable force that few could stand against. She had seen him take down Alayne artfully and then turn on the Kyndra. It was clear Cymeryn and Marcus had strength the boy didn’t possess, but he had held his own in the battle and slain a couple at his hand. She reached out her essence to reassure him and felt it returned but he didn’t take his eyes off the area around them.

  “Do not distract the boy, Reyana,” Marcus admonished her. “He needs to remain focused.”

  “It’s no worry, Marcus.” Byryn spoke just above a whisper. “It’s not a distraction.”

  She stuck out her tongue and he shook his head. “Remind me when this is over to tell Cymeryn you’ve earned your lashes.”

  Byryn cleared his throat, “It may not be distracting my lord, but too much information is still too much information.”

  He chuckled, “Indeed, I apologize, Byryn.”

  They reached the throne room doors and he set her on her feet as Byryn opened the way for them. Grifyn and Kato stood at the ready watching the other entrances. Cymeryn appeared with Mythos and gave her a disapproving look before taking his place. She sat beside him and Marcus took his place as Mythos stood behind them.

  Shala appeared and Reyana glanced around the room to ensure they were ready before she nodded to her. The faerie waved her arm opening a small gateway through which a black inky orb appeared. As it grew to size she bowed.

  “Your majesty may I present the Dark faerie Valysage, seeking to present the Dark Lord’s message.”

  The imp stood as tall a Shala in tattered black robes. His inky black hair stood off his head in spikes that shot in various directions and his wings looked almost as if they were made from the smoky wisps that swirled around him, but they were tattered and frayed like his clothing. She wondered if he could even fly.

  He voice hissed as he spoke. “The Dark Lord Lazurys, has bade me to request your audience.”

  Reyana allowed her essence to surge around her as she spoke. Her voice echoed with a hint of her now hidden power. “For what purpose imp? There are no decrees yet rendered for your patron to contest. I see no purpose to grant him audience.”

  “He had said I should remind of the summit, as set forth within the Covenant. Once per century Dark and Light do meet. Balance presides and to both does indeed entreat.”

  The imp smiled wickedly obviously knowing her hands were tied. She had no choice but to convene the summit. Schooling her reaction, she forced her expression to remain blank. She felt Marcus and Cymeryn’s essences merging with her own to give her the strength she needed.

  “It has been nearly two hundred years, since you have addressed their needs and fears.” It implored.

  Searching her mind for the knowledge she needed, Reyana tried to find some loophole but found only one and it wasn’t a reprieve. “Such requests of magnitude are to be made only upon the new moon. Your lord knows well the Covenant. I shall not offer my response until then. Now be gone from my realm.” Her voice echoed and shook the windows.

  Shala cast him out in an orb of Light. Once the Darkness receded she sunk down slightly in her chair her hands in her hair.

  “You have done well your majesty. If you need just summon me.” Shala chimed with a bow.

  “Shala send word to Lucerna of the Dark Lord’s request. Tell her I would hear her concerns and wishes prior to rendering my ruling on the summit but unless I can find something in the Covenants the summit must take place.” Reyana demanded more forcefully than she intended.

  Cymeryn and Marcus came to her side and Mythos rested his hand on her shoulder.

  “Is there no way to delay it?” Cymeryn asked.

  She shook her head. “I must respond the eve of the next new moon after the request is made. If he had actually made it on the new moon I could have put it off until next month’s moon but by making it early, Lazurys tied my hands.” She look between them. “The summit must be held on the next Equinox. As far as I know there’s no way to avoid it but I’ll have to verify the requirements in the Covenants.”

  “Reyana how the hell do you think you’re going to preside over a summit between Lazurys and Lucerna in four months?” Marcus nearly spat. “You’ll be five months pregnant! With twins!”

  “Brother, this is not her fault nor her choice,” Cymeryn reminded him. “We will have to find a way to assist her and protect her.”

  He nodded, “I’m sorry Reya, I’m just concerned. I can sense the strain in you even now.”

  She smiled ruefully. “I think I’m ready to go back to bed now.”

  They both sighed in concern.

  “I’ll take her back to bed, check on Star,” Marcus offered.

  “I have already dismissed Byryn to do so. Do you need to get back no
w, Mythos?” Cymeryn asked turning to the King.

  “No I have a couple hours, Cymeryn. See to her,” He offered.

  “Kato I will return you and Demytria to the Realm of Light once you are ready.” Cymeryn offered. “I did not mean to disrupt your leave.”

  He bowed. “It was necessary, my lord. We will make our own way back when we are ready. You have duties here. There is no need to be concerned.”

  “I will wait for you, Cymeryn. I do not need to return until five, however so take your time,” Mythos added.

  Reyana looked between the two of them as they each took her hand and pulled her gently to her feet. Blinking she found they were in their bedchambers and she glared at them. “I thought neither of you wanted me misting?”

  “We don’t.” Marcus responded lifting her in his arms and placing her on the bed.

  Cymeryn brought her over some water and pulled the covers over her body. “It expends a lot of energy to mist in this realm. There is no reason to place that strain on your body.”

  “When we transport you it places the strain on us, not you.” Marcus finished as he sat beside her.

  She tried to think about what to say and what information she could share with them. “I think you’ll be able to join me at the summit, but I would have to check the…”

  “Shhh,” Cymeryn rested his finger against her lips. “You are exhausted Rey, we both sense it. There will be time to discuss all that later. It is obvious you need to rest.”

  Marcus stroked her hair as he lay beside her. “Just sleep Reya. We will stay with you until you are able, but you need to not stress for now.”

  “I’m not tired though.” She surprised herself with a yawn. “Well, maybe a little.”

  They lay down cradling her between them. It made her feel relaxed and secure. They leaned down as one and kissed her stomach before moving closer to be up against her.

  “Sleep, Rey. We need the closeness to you right now as much as you need the rest.” Cymeryn nuzzled into her neck.

  Reyana sighed contently as her thoughts drifted to their Bonding. She was already bound to them in many ways but to complete the rituals and strengthen their bonds in such a way? She couldn’t imagine what that would do. It already felt as though they were as close as they could be. She felt their essences flow over her, caressing her being as they kissed and comforted her. There was nothing but them, nothing she wouldn’t do for them. She drifted off slowly picturing what it would be like in her mind.