The Nysian Prophecy

by M. K. Dawn

  “I just thought to myself, ‘how would Henry speak?’”

  “Well, you nailed it! Come on. Grab your glass. You’re looking a little sober.”

  We find a seat at the fire pit next to Charlotte, her husband Thomas, Nick, and Shae. Our glasses are filled as we settle in. It's dark out, all the candles have been put out, leaving just the light from the fire and the stars. Glancing towards the sound of the music, I spot Brady out of the corner of my eye. This is the first time I have seen him all night. He’s sitting with a few other guys, including Hawk, all with guitars in hands, strumming a song I don't recognize. The sight of him looking so relaxed puts a smile on my face. Like this, he looks more like a college guy at a party than the leader of an army. I sit there and stare at him like a groupie watching my favorite band. At least I wasn't alone. The haunting song they play has captured most people's attention. After a while, Ace comes and joins us, sitting very close to Ana. He whispers in her ear and she responds with a giggle. I wonder if this is her hot date from last night.

  I scan the crowd, which has dwindled since we first sat down. I look for Eric, he’s the only person I haven’t seen tonight, but he’s still MIA. I do spot the rest of the warriors spread out around the fire and know immediately this isn't a coincidence. They all look relaxed, each has a beautiful woman next to them, but strapped to each of their legs are their holstered daggers.

  “Hey, Nick, I thought the warriors were off duty tonight? What’s with the daggers?” He looks up at me, peeved that I just interrupted his kissy face session with Shae. Payback’s a bitch.

  “Casual wear.” He shrugs, turning his attention back to Shae and her lips. I'm about to tell them to get a room when I hear Brady’s name being chanted.

  Looking over, I see all the guys Brady has been playing with egging him on as he shakes his head smiling. I turn to Ana. “What’s going on?”

  “They’re trying to get him to sing.”

  I swear my uterus shutters. “He sings?” I gulp. It’s a well-known fact no girl can resist a guy that can sing. Without naming names - they know who they are - there are a lot of not-so-hot singers out there that have women throwing panties at them every night just because they sing.

  “Yeah, but he hates it. The boy has confidence coming out his ass, but ask him to sing in front of people, and he turns into a twelve-year-old boy who has just come face to face with his first crush.”

  I laugh, not being able to picture Brady ever nervous around girls, even at twelve. “Looks like they talked him into it.”

  Oh, Gods. I pray it's not something all lovey-dovey. Maybe he’ll sing about war or fighting or death. A silence takes over the fire. Everyone must realize this is a special treat. The guys next to him set down their guitars. A solo act. Even better. My heart beats wildly. Then he does something I don't expect. He looks me right in the eyes, stealing my breath away. Our eyes hold each other’s for such a brief moment before he closes his that I almost think it didn't happen. But then Ana’s hand gently squeezes my thigh and I know she saw it too. Eyes closed, Brady starts playing a melody I recognize at once. Gods no. This is the complete opposite of the type of song I wanted him to sing.

  He opens his mouth and the lyrics I dread come pouring out, “I know I’ll miss her later, wish I could bend my love to hate her…” His voice is captivating, hypnotic even. I’m drawn to every word. Emotions saturate his voice. “Oh, I sleep just to dream her, beg the night just to see her, that my only love should be her, just to lie in her arms….” Tears well in my eyes, though I'm not sure why. I’ve heard this song, ‘Sleep to Dream Her’, no less than a thousand times, but there’s something about the way he sings it that makes my heart ache. I take a long drink of my wine savoring the flavor and the relief it brings.

  Ana whispers in my ear. “He has always loved Dave Matthews Band. I have never heard him sing this song before. He sounds so sad. It breaks my heart, all the pain he has gone through.”

  Mine, too.

  “It seemed so unnerving, still somehow deserving, that she could hold my heart so tightly, and still not see me here, oh…” The words Brady sings reach deep into my soul. Is this why he looked at me before he sang? Was he singing about me, to me? My heart flutters at the thought. I take another drink.

  “Oh shit.” Ana tugs at my sleeve. “I think it's time for us to go.”

  I look at Ana. “What? Why?” Brady’s just finishing up his song. I want to talk to him. No, need to talk to him. I have to know what he was thinking as he sang that…

  The crowd erupts in applause, breaking my train of thought. Gods, had I missed the end? I look back at him as his fellow musicians pat him on the shoulders, him grinning like a little boy who had just scored the game-winning goal. Then I see what had caused Ana’s sudden need to leave. My blood boils as I witness a gorgeous blond throwing her arms around Brady’s neck then plopping her perfectly round ass on his lap. I down my wine, pick up the bottle next to me, fill my glass up and down another. I start pouring glass number three when the bottle is snatched out of my hand. I look up and find Ana and Ace staring at me, Ace with the bottle in his hand.

  “Do you mind? I was drinking that?”

  Ana’s voice comes out sugary sweet. “We noticed, sweetie, but downing Nysian wine will get you fucked up faster than you can say blond bimbo whore.”

  “Whatever, I feel just fine. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to go and have a few words with Barbie over there.” I go to stand but don't make it all the way up.

  “Well, that's obvious.” Ana bends down, throwing my arm over her shoulder.

  “Need some help?” Charlotte's voice? Maybe Shae’s?

  “Nope, Ace and I can handle it. Just let Brady know, I’m sure he will be looking for her.”

  “Ha!” I yell out for no apparent reason other than I’m drunk off my ass.

  “Come on. Time for bed, our little Nysian Princess.” I laugh, not because anything about this is remotely funny, but because these crazy people still believe that I’m their long-lost princess.

  As we round the corner, I glance back, just in time to see Barbie going in for a kiss and Brady looking like an all-too-willing participant.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Brady

  “Nikki, what the hell are you doing?” After what happened in the training room this morning and with Alaina after that, there’s no way I’m going to let her lips touch mine. Especially not in front of Alaina. It’s bad enough she’s here, on my lap after the song I just sang for Alaina. Not that anyone could know that.

  I didn't want to sing; I hate to sing in front of people. But then I thought of all the things I couldn't say but wanted to. If I sang my feelings in front of an audience, people would think it was a just a performance. And that's what I wanted everyone to think - everyone except for Alaina. I made it a point to look directly at her right before I started, willing her to know that it was dedicated to her. I knew it wouldn't change anything, still, I wanted her to know. Before I had a chance to see her reaction, Nikki came over and made herself at home, which really pissed me off.

  “What do you mean, baby? The song was so beautiful. I had to come over and show you how much it meant to me,” she purrs in my ear.

  “Nikki, it was just a song. It didn't mean anything.” I stand and force her off my lap so I can look for Alaina. I half-expected her to talk to me after it was over. Guess Nikki ruined that.

  Charlotte and Thomas, Nick and Shae, are still by the fire but where is Alaina? I scan the area but can’t find her. Something’s not right. “I got to go, Nikki.”

  “Nick.” He looks up. “Where’s Alaina?”

  “Ana and Ace took her back to her tent...” I don't wait for him to finish, just turn and head in that direction.

  ***

  Ace greets me at her door with a subtle jerk of the head.

  “Ana still in there?”

  “Nah, she left a while ago.”

  “Thanks, I got it from here.” I half-e
xpect Alaina to be asleep in her bed, exhausted from not only the feast but the days before. When she isn’t, I call to her through the bathroom curtain. “Alaina, it’s Brady. Everything okay?”

  No answer. Shit, she’s pissed. I bet she saw Nikki’s little display at the fire.

  “I’m sorry, Alaina. I know it looked bad, her sitting on my lap and all, but please believe me when I say that there is nothing going on between us anymore.”

  Still no answer. That’s odd because in the few short days I have known her, she hasn’t shut up.

  “Alaina, please just say something so that I know you’re okay.”

  Silence.

  “I’m giving you till the count of three to acknowledge me or I’m coming in. One… Two... Three.”

  The room is empty which confuses the hell out of me. Ace has been guarding the door and there’s no other way out.

  Bubbly bath water pours over the tub and splatters on the floor. I rush closer and find Alaina’s lifeless body floating in the water. I yank her head to the surface. “Breathe, damn it!”

  She gasps and swats at my hands. “What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to drown me? Put me down.”

  Thank the Gods. “I thought I was saving you.”

  “From what? Taking a bath?” She gives me a dirty look like I’ve lost my mind.

  “I walked in and found you floating in the bathtub.”

  “Hmm, yeah. I was practicing being a mermaid,” she says, without a hint of humor.

  “I’m sorry, what?”

  “A mer-mai-d.” She draws out the word adding more syllables than are actually there.

  “Did you hit your head?” Maybe she has a concussion.

  Her giggle turns into full blown uncontrollable hysterics. Tears run down her face.

  Then it hits me. “Alaina, are you drunk?”

  Her mouth drops. “How dare you! Can't a grown ass woman take a bath and pretend to be a mermaid without being drunk?”

  “Well, I guess anything is possible.” I bite my tongue to keep myself from laughing.

  “Fine! Gods! Stop your nagging. I’m drunk. I admit it. Happy now?”

  “And the mermaid thing?”

  “When I was a kid, I use to pretend that I was a mermaid and that's why the police could never find my family or my family couldn’t find me. I was found so close to water and I can hold my breath underwater for a very long time, I just thought… I know it's stupid. I mean if I could grow legs then surely, they could too. But then I would tell myself that maybe it was because I had an evil spell placed on me that made me human.” Tears glisten in her eyes.

  “Wishing for a family that you lost is never stupid.” I would know.

  “Even if you believe they are mermaids?”

  “Especially if you believe they are mermaids.”

  Her face brightens.

  “Ready to get out?”

  She stands, revealing her wet naked body in all its glory. I freeze, like a freaking idiot, staring at her way too long until my brain wakes up and tells me to find the poor girl a towel. Flushing, I turn around. “Sorry, let me find you a towel.”

  “Typical.” The sudden anger in her voice doesn't go unnoticed.

  “What?”

  “Of course, you don't want me anymore. And why would you when you can have someone like Barbie.”

  I don’t dare look at her. “You happen to know where I can find a towel around here?”

  “Don't change the subject. I saw Barbie tonight, her hanging all over you and sitting on your lap. I should have known. The way you moved away from me earlier today...” Her voice trails off. “It’s because there’s another girl, there’s always been another girl.”

  I turn in time to watch her sink back into the water. Behind the tub is a shelf stacked with the towels that I had been searching for. I grab one and take a knee beside her. Thank the Gods for the bubble, I don't think my body can handle another glimpse of her naked. I wait for her to re-emerge hoping the warm water sobers her up a bit or at least cools her off.

  Her head breaks the surface but she refuses to face me. “I thought you cared about me?” Her voice is barely audible.

  I brush back the wet strands of hair from her face and twist her head so she has to look at me. “I do. More than I can put into words.”

  She jerks her head away. “But... I’m not a big boobed, perfect butt, flat stomach, blond Barbie. I get it.”

  “Let the record show, I did not add the word ‘but’ in there.” Guess there’s nothing left to do but fess up. “Yes, Nikki was all over me at the feast today. She tried to kiss me, I walked off and came in search of you. Yes, she and I use to date but that was... before.”

  “Before what?” She whimpers.

  “Before I met you.”

  “Oh Gods, I’m so stupid.” She pops up and snatches the towel out of my hands, flashing me yet again.

  With the towel wrapped around herself, she steps out of the tub and heads for the door. Gods, drunk people are so spastic.

  I follow her into the main room just as she is pulling down her top. “Why do you think you’re stupid?”

  “Here I’m getting all mad at you when you should be mad at me. I'm the one betrothed. You should be able to date anyone you want without me being all bitchy about it.” She breaks into a sobbing mess. “I hate him. Please don’t make me marry him.”

  “Okay. Time for bed.”

  She doesn't argue, just climbs in under the covers and pats the empty space. “Can you lay with me a while?”

  Without a second thought, I remove my shoes and climb in beside her. She rests her wet head on my chest and I pull her close. “Do you think I will ever be able to move on and be happy with Henry while you’re in my life?”

  “We’ll figure it out.” Because we had too. She wasn't the only one who was struggling.

  Her eyes flutter as a yawn escapes her lips. “You feel it too, don't you?”

  I kiss the top of her head, unwilling to answer that question. But then she lifts her head and looks up at me, her brown eyes filled with doubt. And I break. “I feel it too.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Alaina

  I wake to an empty bed and a massive hangover. Memories of the night before flash through my mind. All was fine until I saw Barbie – Nikki, I think Brady called her - hanging all over him. The rest of the night is a blur of wine, mermaids, and tears. I'm not sure what all went down, but I have a feeling I made a complete ass out of myself in front of Brady.

  “Rise and shine, sleepy head. They’re just about ready to move, and unless you want your happy little butt transported with all the stuff, I suggest you get moving.” Ana’s cheerful disposition, this early, grates on my nerves.

  I pull the covers over my head and hope she takes the hint. No such luck.

  “I’ve never known anyone personally who has been transported like that, but I’ve heard it’s excruciating.” The comforter is drawn off me once again and I groan. “I wouldn't recommend it.”

  After a few minutes of listening to her ramble on and rummage through my things, I decide to chance opening my eyes. Bad idea. They throb and my head pounds. “I think I'm going to be sick.”

  “Well, if you would get your lazy butt out of bed, we might have time to stop by and see JD or Clint. Both are excellent healers and can take that hangover away in seconds.”

  “You should have started with that.”

  “I know, but what fun would that be?” Her smile makes me want to kill someone. “Here, wear this.” She throws me my black training pants and a black tank. “The shirt should cover you up so Prince Henry doesn't flip out today. You start training after the move.”

  I dress quickly, not caring that Ana is still in the room. Then I remember breakfast with Henry. “I guess I will be escorted to Henry’s for breakfast?”

  “Not today. He was informed early this morning that you would not be making it, that you needed your beauty sleep.”

  “How d
id that go over?”

  She shrugs. “Don't know. Brady said he took care of it and for you not to worry.”

  Good, because honestly, I don’t have the patience to deal with him this morning.

  “Does that mean I missed breakfast?” My stomach rumbles despite the hangover.

  “No worries. We got it covered. Shae said she would snag you some food and bring it to the transport area. Which we need to get to. You ready?”

  I look around. “Do I need to bring anything?”

  “Nope.”

  “Well, then I guess I’m ready.”

  “Cool.” We make it to the door when Ana stops abruptly, causing me to almost run into her. “I can't believe I almost forgot!”

  “What?”

  She pulls me into an unexpected hug. “Happy Birthday!”

  ***

  After a quick stop at the medical tent, we arrive at the transport area, which is nothing more than a spot outside of camp on a hill with blankets spread out for sitting. Shae, Charlotte, and her family already have a spot picked out, so Ana and I join them.

  “Where’s Nick?” I ask Shae after we sit.

  She holds up a finger. “First things first…”

  “Happy Birthday!” they all yell in unison. Everyone around us stares and my face begins to light up like Rudolph’s nose. More chime in with well wishes, until I’m sure everyone from camp has somehow acknowledged my birthday.

  When all the commotion dies down, I mutter out a quick ‘thank you’ to everyone. I wasn't looking forward to today. Back home, Gina and I had a huge beach party planned. Knowing this is going to be a tough day for her, and all of my friends, puts a damper on things. I just pray that Meel and Siple convinced them that I’m all right.

  “You know, most people are happy on their birthday.” Ana breaks through my internal pity party.

  “Especially their nineteenth birthday,” Charlotte adds. “Though I guess since you’re royal, you really don't have powers, but still, birthdays are happy times.” She smiles, tickling little Alaina, who sits on her lap, her eyes wide in awe.