by Missy Jane
He sighed again. “Oh yes. What a breathtaking match that would be. Especially in the nude.”
With a shake of her head she patted his shoulder and knocked lightly on the door. Nothing else was said as it opened and she stepped inside alone.
Darkness greeted her but she sensed others in the room. She knew from a previous visit that she was in an antechamber where many waited out long hours to have a chance at the king’s attention. There would be three doorways leading from this room. One she just entered through, another directly across led to a hallway into the king’s bedchamber. The third led to the war room. She closed her eyes and expanded her senses to each of these doors. The brush of something else whispered to her and she turned to face the blank wall.
A fourth door called to her. This one was hidden from sight but something beyond it touched her senses. She didn’t bother to open her eyes or reach out her hands. Somehow her feet knew the way. The door was hidden behind a tapestry. Dust tickled her nose as she moved it aside to find an opening in the brick. She hesitated and stretched out one foot slowly. She reached a point where her toes dipped over open air as it found the edge of the top step.
With great care and slow exploration, Zephara made her way down the stone staircase. Others moved silently behind her. If her senses hadn’t been on full alert she might have thought she was alone. It wasn’t the full Nineteen, but she knew more than one followed her down the stairs. She counted exactly one-hundred steps before her toes found no more edges. She crept forward with a hand on the stone wall until coming face first to a wooden door.
The handle turned smoothly and she was faced with a room brightly lit behind her closed lids. She kept them shut a moment to adjust, then opened her eyes to a cavernous room filled with candles. The beeswax scented the space, along with dust and aging paper. Nineteen robed figures stood before her and no one remained behind. She didn’t even question how the wizards had slipped past. That mystery would be answered if she joined them by day’s end.
“Zephara Vin Zistrel ap Caladon. Daughter of Zeus and Venetia. Are you ready for the testing of the Twenty?”
She couldn’t name which wizard voiced the question but clearly felt the full attention of all of them. “I am ready.”
“Then step forward and be tested.”
She entered the room and the door closed behind her with a sound of finality.
Chapter Three
Wynn was losing his mind and his patience. It was just a matter of time before he struck someone. The most bothersome part was the obvious amusement shared between his brother and Zephyr. They both knew he was impatient to see Zephara again and being kept from her bordered on being a physical ache. Now they were trying to distract him with an after-dinner game of cards. He didn’t even care that he was losing.
Steinn laughed as he raked in his winnings. “Truly, brother, if you wish to give me all your coin simply say so.”
Zephyr chuckled alongside him from behind his own pile of coin. Both were markedly higher than Wynn’s.
“If I give you all I have left, will you both leave me in peace?”
Though they gave him sympathetic looks neither man answered. Steinn shrugged while Zephyr lowered his gaze. Good thing too, as those mercury eyes only strengthened his craving for Zephara. He sensed her brother knew exactly where she was, but had been frustratingly vague. All Wynn knew for certain was she remained somewhere in the human realm of Halstrid. Zephyr alluded to her still being within the castle but refused to give a straight answer on that.
Wynn sensed no animosity from the male. A good thing since he worried Zephara’s brother might not approve of their time together. In contrast, Zephyr had seemed intent on entertaining Wynn all day, not once leaving his side. Now Steinn had joined the Pastelle in this ridiculous charade of a card game. Wynn was sorely tempted to flip the table to vent his frustration. If his gut hadn’t told him she was near, he would have already flown off in search of her.
“Are you certain you’ve never considered a male bed partner?” Zephyr asked.
That immediately snapped Wynn’s attention out of the fog and to the resigned expression on Steinn’s face.
“I’m sorry to say, no, I haven’t. You’re as attractive as your sister, Zeph, but I am truly a woman’s man.”
The compliment caused the Pastelle to sit straighter as he brushed his long hair over one shoulder. Wynn grudgingly admitted his brother was right. “Are you twins?”
Zeph smiled. “Yes, we are. The only pair given our father, in fact. It was quite a scandal I’ve been told. Twins have long been thought to be prophetic. Though what we’re a prophecy of I’ve never been told. People tend to assume the worst in such cases. No other pair has been born in Pastel in ten generations.”
“So the two of you are very close?”
“Very.”
Wynn grew uncomfortable at the hard stare that accompanied that statement.
But then Zeph grinned and shook his head. “Worry not, Master. I see what my sister sees in you. If you have another brother that may be more amenable to my advances I’d like to know his name.”
Steinn grinned and shared a look with Wynn.
“I’m sorry to say it is unlikely. I’m fairly certain all of our brothers share our views on this,” Steinn said.
“Such a shame,” Zeph replied. He opened his mouth as if to say something, a slight smile still gracing his upturned lips. The expression froze before he shot to his feet, but he didn’t move from the table. “Master Wynnston, the king’s chambers. Zee needs you.”
Wynn needed no further prompting. He was on his feet and out the door almost before the thought had formed. He ran through the castle to the king’s chambers and flung the door open.
Zephara stood on the other side with eyes half-closed. She didn’t seem surprised to see him so suddenly. “Wynn.”
He lunged forward, and caught her into his arms as she collapsed. He carried her to his bed chamber and tucked her in, staying by her side. She would sleep in his bed tonight and he wouldn’t be easily persuaded to let her go come sunrise.
* * * * *
Zephara stirred, but leaving the land of dreams behind proved difficult. Her body felt rested but her mind was still churning. Had she made it to her bed? She took a deep breath and concentrated on her surroundings. What she lay upon seemed like a bed, but could be one of the king’s settees. She turned her head and felt warmth against her nose. Another lungful of air brought the scent of man, stone, and magic. Wynnston. She opened her eyes to find herself face to chest with her eternal-mate.
He still slept. Weak sunlight filtered through a crack between his curtains to illuminate the magnificent man beside her. His arm pinned her down at the waist like lead, but she didn’t mind. Though she may have only dreamed the anxiety rolling off him as she collapsed into his arms, she sensed that wasn’t so. He had come to her when she needed him and brought her to his bed. It was a very telling gesture.
Some Pastelle were psychic, but Zephara and Zephyr shared a special link based more on emotion than anything else. She’d sent the call to her brother when her fatigue became too great. He must have sent Wynn to her in his place.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Zeph might hear her in his thoughts, if he was awake. It didn’t matter. He would know she appreciated his help. She couldn’t hide her feelings for the gargoyle from her twin.
She studied the man before her and marveled at his strength. Many human males tried to be strong, and some achieved great strength. In Pastel, the males were inherently strong without building up their bodies to the size Wynn had achieved. Most were like her brother, tall with a lean muscular build. It gave their enemies a false sense of confidence. They had been underestimated many times throughout their history.
In stark contrast, the Gargoyles were large, broad-shouldered men. They towered over their char
ges and their creators. Both Wynn and Steinn had hair past their shoulders. She wondered if their brothers did as well. Wynn’s hair was thick and straight, but felt like silk when she ran her fingers through it. He moaned and his lids opened to reveal his stunning hazel eyes. A smile slowly spread across his lips. “Good morn, beautiful lady.”
“Good morn.”
She ran her fingers through his hair again and his smile remained. “You like my hair?”
“Very much. I’d never seen this color of hair before leaving Pastel. Or felt this texture.”
“Oh? Interesting. I can say the same of your hair.”
She made a face to show how much she didn’t care for it. “It’s the color of spun sugar. A confection often eaten at fairs and the like. I don’t prefer it.”
“The confection or your hair? I think your hair is glorious.”
His compliment warmed her. “Thank you. I meant the confection but must confess I would change the color of my hair if I could.”
“I hope that never happens. I like it quite a bit.”
He mimicked her movements and threaded his fingers through her hair. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation for a few precious minutes. A knock on the door made her eyes shoot back open. Wynn frowned and turned to holler at the door. “Who is it?”
“Corbin, with news.”
Wynn didn’t seem too surprised but nervousness ran through Zephara. She sat up as Wynn stood and pulled on his trousers. She wrapped the blanket around her naked body, marveling that Wynn hadn’t woken her in the disrobing. He stalked to the door in obvious annoyance and yanked it open.
“Yes?” he asked.
Corbin stepped past him without being invited and she nearly laughed at the irritation on Wynn’s face.
“Zephara, the Nineteen wish to invite you to breakfast with the king,” Corbin said. “You may bring your guest if you’d like. I have a feeling any discussion we have will only be shared with him later anyway, and our king’s trust in him is absolute. But be warned, it should go no further. Even your brother must be held at a distance in these matters.”
She was surprised at the concession given for Wynn when Zeph couldn’t be told, but merely bowed her head in understanding. “I’ll dress quickly.”
Corbin waved a hand. “You have some time.” He looked at Wynn who still stood at the open door. “But perhaps not that much time. Yes. Dress and meet us in the king’s private dining hall.”
He strolled out without another word. Wynn shut the door and clicked the lock into place. He set his hands on his hips as he faced her. “What is this about?”
It wasn’t in her to lie, especially to her eternal-mate. “I may be joining the Twenty.”
His look of shock was telling and it bothered her. He moved back to the bed. “Truly? I didn’t realize a female could join the wizards.”
“Any being strong enough to pass the tests and hold their secrets through even the most rigorous torture can join when needed. I proved my strength yesterday. The fact that I’m even awake now is another testament to my ability to be one of them.” She glanced around the room as unpleasant insecurities rose. “Does it bother you that I’ll be a wizard?”
The bed dipped as he sat next to her. He rested a hand on her knee and she focused her gaze on it rather than whatever expression crossed his face.
“Not at all. Well…no more than you being in any other dangerous position might. Are wizards allowed to…have relationships?”
Her head shot up to find a worried frown on his face. She covered his hand with hers. “Of course. A couple of them were married long ago, but most have outlived their wives.”
“Oh. I didn’t know that.”
The median age of the wizards in the Twenty was one-hundred seventy-five years. Many had chosen human wives before finally reaching an age that having one no longer mattered to them. She looked Wynn over and couldn’t imagine ever not wanting him, despite her age.
“Do you never speak to them of such things?”
He shrugged before lifting his hand, hers still on top of it. He kissed her hand and gently placed it back on the bed. Then he stood. “After we were created we were more concerned with protecting the realm than anything else. The past few years have been mostly peaceful, but we keep to our castle when not on patrol and the wizards keep to theirs. It’s rare for us to encounter them unless we’re needed for battle.”
He donned a clean shirt and began pulling on his socks and boots. She took the hint and slipped off the bed, but a glance around didn’t reveal her clothes. “Where are the clothes I wore yesterday?”
“I gave them to a servant for cleaning. Wrap the blanket back around you and I’ll carry you to your room.”
That surprised a laugh out of her. “You needn’t carry me.”
He pulled on his weapons and a short jacket to cover them. Then he pulled the blanket from the bed and wrapped it around her. “Perhaps not, but I prefer to.”
She merely smiled as he lifted her into his arms and strode to the next room.
* * * * *
The attention of nineteen wizards had never bothered Wynn before, but having it all focused on Zephara was testing his patience. King Kadmos seemed surprised to see him accompany her into his private dining hall, but none of the wizards looked twice at him.
He bowed to his king before pulling an empty chair back for Zephara. She nodded at the king before taking the seat and Wynn sat beside her.
“Good morn, Zephara,” King Kadmos said.
“Good morn, your highness.” She turned to look at the wizards lining both sides of the long table. “Gentlemen.”
They all bowed their heads in unison. Bastien, the leader of the Twenty, stood. His long white beard reached the waist of his brown trousers and matched the bushy brows over his eyes, which now regarded Zephara with weighty consideration. “Zephara, you’ve been called here this morning to discuss the particulars of joining us and completing the Twenty. First, do you have any questions about yesterday’s trial?”
She looked down at the table top as if to think it over. The table was clear of anything save a center piece. No servants bustled about yet either, telling Wynn they were being kept out for the moment.
“Not at this time,” Zephara finally said. “I would like to know if I’ve completed all testing. Or is there more to come?”
“Life is full of tests,” Bastien replied. “The life of the Twenty may prove to be more testing, and more taxing than you’re used to. Since the creation of the Masters we are rarely called on to protect the realm, but it does happen. For now, you will spend one week with each of us. We each have our own strengths and weaknesses. You will learn from both. Once the mentoring period is over, there will be the final test before you are officially named our twentieth.”
“I understand. And I thank you.” She looked at each wizard. “All of you.”
They each nodded to her as Bastien sat.
Waldorf stood in his place. “There is one more consideration, my lady. So far we’ve told and shown you very little that can be used against us and the kingdom. In the next few weeks that will change. To ensure your loyalty you will be screened at the first castle. However, if you fail your final test your memory will be wiped clean of your time in Halstrid.” He looked pointedly at Wynn. “Everything will be erased from your time here.”
Anger and fear welled in Wynn as the wizard sat and the king looked around the room. When no other wizard stood to speak, the king clapped once and a door opened behind him. Servants filed in with steaming trays of food and began to set out the breakfast. Wynn’s appetite had disappeared. How could they run the risk of her forgetting him and all they had shared?
“So, Wynnston,” King Kadmos said, interrupting Wynn’s inner turmoil. “How much longer will we have the pleasure of your company?”
One thing Wynn liked
about the King was his directness. He didn’t have to worry at hidden meanings. If the King wanted to know something he would come right out and ask, rather than hide his true concern within another question.
“I’m not certain, my king. I’ve not heard from my brothers that I’m needed elsewhere. I’d prefer to remain here for the time being.”
He looked at Zephara and the King gave a knowing nod. “I see. Zephara will be accompanying Corbin up to his home in Hintersland for her first week. Will you travel with them?”
Surprise shot through him at the offer. He turned his attention to the King’s right hand where Corbin sat watching. “May I?”
Corbin nodded. “There is no reason you may not. Though, you may wish to return home for a night to recharge your power. I’m not heading home until tomorrow afternoon. Perhaps you can show Zephara your home this evening and return with the sun?”
“Yes,” Wynn quickly answered as relief filled him. Then he turned to Zephara. “If that’s amenable to you?”
“Yes, of course.”
He wondered at the concessions they were making to include him, but then she smiled and the hint of suspicion flew from his head. Whatever the reason, he had no cause to complain. Whatever kept him at Zephara’s side was fine by him. If she truly was meant to forget him, he wanted to store up as many memories for himself as possible.
They ate breakfast and spoke to the wizards of mundane matters. Wynn brought up marriage as it applied to a wizard and the room fell silent.
“Why do you ask?” Corbin replied.
Wynn tried to appear uncaring as he grabbed another biscuit from a nearly empty platter before him. “It isn’t something you’ve shared with me and my brothers before, as far as I know. I’m just curious.”
A few of them nodded, a couple gave each other knowing looks. Wynn ignored them and ate the biscuit, not daring to check Zephara’s expression.
“I was married three times before deciding I’d had enough of trying to keep up with a woman,” Stefan replied. There were murmurs of agreement. “A wizard’s life was not easy before you were created, Wynnston. At one time, having any close relation was a liability. A loved one can be used against us. If we truly love that person, we may use our powers in a way we wouldn’t if they weren’t in danger.”