by Jaime Marks
Chapter 21
Mythos walked between Grifyn and Kato in silence. He could feel the tension between he and Grifyn clearly. “Kato, I believe you were right. There are things here that are more important that I attend to. I am afraid that I need to cancel our plans this eve. On your return to the Realm of Light will you inform Chandreyia that she should move my meeting with Uricyn a Eryious to tomorrow? I will return later this eve.” Mythos requested.
“Of course, my lord.” Kato smiled slightly fully catching the King’s meaning.
“Whatever is more important than meeting with Uricyn, your majesty?” Grifyn requested, his irritation palpable. “You realize how much that Fae will put you through simply for delaying him. He thinks he should be paid the same homage as Alysse.”
“He just wishes to discuss potential curriculum changes to the Academy. He thought perhaps that adding tactics training without the gifted abilities would be prudent and wondered if we would authorize fieldtrips to the realm to do so,” Mythos shrugged as he studied the Fae. “It is hardly more important than our friendship, my friend.”
Grifyn eased as he stopped short. “Mythos, I hardly want you to put off your duties for our issues.”
“Indeed, but there is too much tension between us, Grifyn and I do not wish it to continue. I understand it, and I have my reasons for not simply addressing the issues that concern you earlier, but perhaps if we can talk we can reach some middle ground.” Mythos conceded.
“Perhaps,” the Fae hesitated. “The issue Mythos, is that I don’t know if there is a middle ground here. The bonds between you and Steph are forming so quickly that despite both of your denials, it’s plain to see…”
“Both our denials?” Mythos interjected in aggravation. He had no issue with dealing with his friend’s tensions and concerns. He had a right to protect her, but if he had addressed his concerns with Stephynia directly that would be improper and cause her undue stress. He would not tolerate it.
Grifyn cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably but did not meet the King’s eyes. “Yes, I spoke to her regarding her quarters. I had thought it would be best if she moved to the quarters beside Byryn.”
Mythos gritted his teeth in frustration. He could tell there was more. Grifyn and he had known each other since youth. A quarter’s change was well within his rights to request. It would not cause such uncertainty in the Fae. “There is more you addressed Grifyn, your discomfort gives you away.”
He became rigid a moment but then simply nodded. “If we are going to continue this discussion we go to my suite. I would suggest yours, but it is currently occupied,” he quipped accusingly as his eyes bored into Mythos.
They walked in silence to Grifyn’s sitting room. Every step only served to ignite Mythos’ ire. It was not that he could not understand the Fae’s concerns but if it was propriety he was concerned with, after all their years as friends, should he not have been afforded respect and trust? There was really only one issue he could contend and Mythos had addressed that. If Grifyn had not been satisfied with his explanation he could have come to him, or even taken the issue to Reyana, Marcus or Cymeryn the way things stood as of now. Going to Stephynia with such concerns without first attempting to thoroughly clear the air between them was not only disrespectful to him, it was an incredibly uncomfortable position to place her in.
The sitting room was smaller than his own or Reyana’s. There was no fireplace just simply a mantle on which the sword he had been gifted as Second in Line rested. Beside it lay a swatch of Trina’s hair that had been braided with fabric in the colors of their lines, a Cerulyion dagger and his Luxyn dagger. In the center of the room there was a small burgundy couch. Generally the two matching arm chairs were facing it on either side but the room had been slightly modified. Now both arm chairs were on the right hand side of the couch and a small burgundy lounge had been added on the left where one person could rest comfortably or sit beside another. Mythos suspected it was meant to accommodate Stephynia’s addition to their family.
Grifyn glanced to Kato as he inspected the lounge. “Kato, it’s not necessary for you to be here for this. It’s an issue between myself and Mythos.”
Kato inclined his head, “It may not be what you wish, my friend, but I disagree with the necessity of it. You are both quite on edge. Besides, I am your sister’s mate which means the girl is as much my concern as yours and my position in these lines affords me a voice in this.”
Mythos turned as Marcus took form by the mantle and looked between he and Grifyn. The Fae looked tired, as if he had just woken. “Might I assume this is about the Lady Steph?”
When Kato nodded Marcus simply shrugged and Cymeryn formed beside him looking groggy and disgruntled. “Forgive me brother, but you had said you wished to be kept informed when it comes to Steph.”
Cymeryn glanced around and grunted as he went to the couch seemingly annoyed. “By all means, continue.” He motioned as he sat. “You both have issues to air so do so, before it begins to affect more than just your friendship.” Crossing his arms impatiently he settled back against the couch and waited.
Mythos simply shook his head. There was no dissuading them. If they felt the issue was already escalating to the point they needed to be here then it indeed needed to be addressed. “Is this what it comes to, Grifyn? You have so little respect for me that you cannot simply address your concerns with me but need to take them to Stephynia directly? Even more so that our friends have taken such note that they feel the need to be here to intervene?”
Cymeryn rose a brow with a yawn. “First, Stephynia?”
Kato bowed slightly. “Indeed. The Lady Stephynia a Ceryn, born the very day the Cerulyion Line fell, gifted with the knowledge and power of the entirety of the her line by the Goddess Lucerna and masked by the Divine Being himself. Alysse says you are quite perceptive, Lord Cymeryn. It appears your suppositions were correct.”
“Indeed.” Marcus and Cymeryn murmured exchanging glances.
Cymeryn rubbed his brow studying them both in irritation. “Please tell me Grifyn, that you did not upset the girl by voicing issues to her that should have been taken up with Mythos directly or even Marcus and myself if necessary.”
“She needs to know what is right and proper, Cymeryn, especially if those she is involved with are acting without propriety,” Grifyn scoffed in frustration.
Mythos all but lunged at the Fae but Marcus misted in between them and deflected the blow that had been intended for Grifyn. “Easy my lord. I didn’t attack you for insulting my honor last eve. I would think you could embody the same restraint.”
Mythos met his eyes letting his words sink in and eased slightly. Biting back on his rage he went to the mantle turning away from them as he regained his composure. His muscles were tight and strained. He could not understand the anger that flowed through him. Indeed, Grifyn should not have involved Stephynia but he was entitled to his concerns. He rolled his neck to the side trying to alleviate some of the tension.
Marcus spoke calmly from behind him. “You’re bonding Mythos. Your protective instincts are in overdrive. Realize it for what it is and control it.”
Mythos drew a long breath and clamped down on his control gathering his thoughts. Such actions would not solve this issue, only add to it and this needed to be resolved. Turning back to them he nodded tightly to Marcus as he considered his words. “What exactly did you say to her, Grifyn? If you are accusing me of dishonoring her I have a right to know.”
“Is that what you are doing, Grifyn?” Cymeryn sighed in exasperation. “Are you accusing Mythos, King of the Fae, of dishonoring the Lady Stephynia a Ceryn? Think hard my friend.”
“I…” Grifyn groaned in exasperation. “No, I don’t believe you dishonored her Mythos, but you have certainly crossed the line.”
Mythos met his eyes, his temper barely contained. “What did you say to her?” He demanded.
“I requested she change quarters because it’s improper for her to s
pend so much time alone with any male outside her lines and I made it quite clear that sharing your bedchambers was completely improper,” he all but snarled as all heads turned to Mythos.
Marcus looked to him with concern. “Obviously there is contention between the two of you on this, Mythos. I suggest whatever occurred you address it.”
“I already did,” he snapped between gritted teeth running a hand roughly through his hair. “But for the second time today Grifyn, I will explain that her sobs woke me from a dead sleep and when I found her in the state she was in, when I saw her in that fitful sleep, I could not simply ignore it. So yes, I took her to my chambers. Yes, she slept in my bed, in my arms, but nothing, nothing else occurred. I would never dishonor her in such a way and whether you realize it or not it is you who has done her injustice by addressing this with her.”
Cymeryn sat with his elbows on his knees as he leaned against his fists. He studied them both before settling on Grifyn. “Did he address this with you, Grifyn? Did he explain it?” He demanded.
Grifyn’s eyes bore into Mythos, they did not leave him. “Indeed, but he refuses to make the declaration despite the appearances he knows he portrays. He even had the seamstress attend to her in his bedchambers. It isn’t simply his intentions that concern me but what his actions portray to those around him.”
“What did Steph say when you brought this to her, Grifyn?” Marcus requested. “What was her feeling on it?”
Grifyn seemed to deflate somewhat as he turned away. “She stated she simply had a rough night and Mythos was there for her.”
“What of your other requests, Grifyn? What was her response?” Cymeryn bade him to continue.
“She will not change quarters or censor her time with the King unless he deems it is necessary,” he replied flatly.
Mythos eased slightly. He could not bear the idea of there being more distance between him and Stephynia than the realms already imposed. Their time together was precious to him and he did not wish it restricted.
Cymeryn turned to him with a slightly raised brow and an amused lopsided grin. “I had an interesting conversation with the Lady Stephynia today. She had asked me to translate something for her…I will assume you can figure out what that might be, Mythos.”
Mythos faltered a moment and had to clear his throat before he spoke. He could feel the slight flush that had rushed to his skin. “I may have an idea.”
Cymeryn smirked, “Indeed.” He rose slowly and approached the King as he studied him. “She asked Mythos, because she needed to feel close to you in that moment, and I granted her the information she sought,” he shrugged nonchalantly. “You, in many ways, have become her bridge to this world, but you must consider how public your actions are. How public all of our actions are.”
He clasped him on the shoulder meeting his eyes. “We are no longer young who can sneak off to the meadow and follow the inclinations of our hearts without observance. There is no real way to hide what passes between the two of you. If Grifyn did not witness what occurred, than her guards would have, or even your own. Perhaps Haylia, or the seamstress would take note of your actions. Maybe none of them would take issue or speak poorly but it only takes one comment to be mistaken, Mythos. Her lines are mostly unknown, she is young, and there is no Declaration of Courting.”
He paced away seemingly lost in thought a moment. “No Fae here understands your feeling in this perhaps as well as I do. I hid the interactions between myself and Reyana for the precise reasons you hide what occurs between you and Steph. You have even more reason to do so than I did, but you must see there is no real way to hide this.”
Marcus cleared his throat. “Grifyn was out of line to address this with her directly instead of attempting to clear the air between you, but you are out of line as well, Mythos. He’s right to be concerned and if you hear him…he isn’t concerned you will dishonor or hurt her, my lord. He’s concerned of how your actions will be viewed. Without making the declaration you tie his hands if an accusation is brought against her.”
Kato stepped forward. He had remained silent as the conversation ensued but seemed to be measuring all involved. “My lord, I can simply end this discussion by voicing the decrees put forth this noon by Alysse, but it will not end the tension between the two of you.”
Cymeryn and Marcus studied the Fae but Kato looked expectantly to Mythos as Grifyn turned and looked quizzically between them. Mythos released a breath in exasperation as he let his head fall forward. “I need to speak to Stephynia before I can proceed.”
As if summoned, she entered the room studying them shrewdly with Byryn behind her. When she met Grifyn’s eyes she crossed her arms in aggravation before turning to meet his gaze. He felt her essence flow over him and had to smile. It was still wildly untamed but the strength and control of it that she possessed had increased. He returned her affection and saw the strength of her gaze.
“Who’s Stephynia?” Byryn asked in confusion.
“That’s my birth name, Stephynia Cerulyion.” She replied nonchalantly as she faced him. “What do you need to talk to me about Mythos, although I can already guess by the way you all look like you’ve been caught planning some bank robbery or something.”
Chapter 22
Kyle stood patiently waiting for his summons to be answered as John paced reasoning out his strategy. He wasn’t the only one lost in his own thoughts. This entire situation was fucked.
“John, if I asked you not to do this, if I told you I don’t want to turned Star over to either faction would it even matter?” He asked trying to give the guy the benefit of the doubt.
“Kyle, you and I both know that if Alayne wants Star there’s not a damned thing you’re gonna do about it. Maybe he’s just using her to get to her Mother.” John shrugged, “If you told them that you wanted her as a slave they’d probably gift her to you when their done with her.”
Even the thought of that made him want to vomit. “Yeah, you’re probably right. I just don’t want to share her,” he lied covering his own ass. “But the same goes for Steph. You don’t really think he’s gonna overlook who she really is do you?”
“I’ve gotta try.”
They exchanged glances as they felt Syneous’ presence and waited. He took form between them measuring them both. “One of you had better have some good news. I’m not in the mood for any shit.”
Breathing deeply he braced himself. “John was able to make a deal with Michael a Trevyn to let us head up their ambush. You were right. They’re planning on setting up Byryn but I doubt he’ll be stupid enough to show. We think there’s a better chance of them taking us back to the realm if we play along. Michael said they’ve narrowed it down to Bearringer’s, Sawyer’s Home and Holmestead. He asked us to see if Tomas could narrow it down further because they expect them to make a move within the next day or so.”
“Nice work, Johnathyn. We’ll be able to use this. I knew I’d be able to count on you at least.” Syneous praised turning to him. “What price did he want?”
“Felycia a Trevyn. She shouldn’t be too hard to obtain,” he shrugged. “I plan on collecting the human once their done with her. I could use a new toy.”
“Whatever. She means nothing to me. As long as my Father doesn’t decide to use her for something else she’s yours.” He rubbed his brow. “The main concern is Staryana is nearing her awakening and my Father means to make her his bride. She must be obtained. Tomas is certain they will strike at Bearringer’s first. Meet with Michael, get him to place you there. I will ensure you receive further orders by sunfall.”
They watched as he misted and John sighed, “Sorry man, there’s nothing we can do if Alayne wants her. If you want I’ll make sure you get time with her before we turn her over.”
“Yeah,” he groaned running a hand through his hair. “If that’s all I can get I want it.” At least he could maybe prepare her…or take the chance to try to run with her. Shit.
“Who knows? Maybe the Brood has someth
ing up their sleeves and they’ll reclaim power. We’ll be in a position to work with whoever comes out on top.”
“Yeah, but not like I can get out from under Syneous and Alayne.” He sighed still trying to find some way out of this mess. “Let’s just get this over with. I’m not exactly thrilled about having to live at a group home for any length of time.”
His mentor grimaced. “Yeah, I hear ya. Let’s just make sure we come out on top of this. This will pretty much write our tickets if we succeed. I’ll make sure you get credit this time, Kyle. If they trust you, if they realize how strong you really are, they’ll stop riding you so hard.” John gripped him by the hair pulling him close. “You need to start fighting back.”
He swallowed hard seeing the glint in his eyes. “If I fought back they’d nail me twice as hard.” And if they honestly thought he had any real power they’d probably kill him.
Forcing him back until he hit the wall John ground against him. “There will come a day when you’ll be out from under them, I promise, but I’m never letting you fucking go.”
Kyle held his gaze refusing to look away or respond. He wouldn’t give him the pleasure. The fucker might be his mentor and the closest thing he had to a friend but he despised this shit. This was his life, if it wasn’t one bastard trying to rule him and break him down it was another. He couldn’t fucking take any more of this shit.
John gripped his throat and kissed him roughly smirking as he pulled away. “Come on, as much as I’d love to break you right now we need to get going. Go get packed. We’ll find some way to amuse ourselves once we get to Bearringer’s.”