Children of the Gods - A Chosen Novel

by Monica Millard

  “I am sure it is just the little bit of fight she has left in her. It too will fade.”

  “I hope not,” he whispered in my ear, then let me go so he could rise.

  I watched what he did so I could understand the room. He pressed a hand to the smooth bureau and it opened like a drawer. After he selected his clothing and dressed, he came back over to the bed.

  “Do not worry. I will not be gone long. We will have much more time to catch up this evening.”

  A chill ran through me as he bent over and kissed my belly before disappearing through the hole in the wall. As I lay there trying to think up an escape that did not condemn everyone I loved, what he said struck me as strange. If he considered me passionate, trembling and frightened as I was. What must she be like? Words came to mind that I had once overheard the blacksmith use when speaking of his wife to another man. “Cold fish.” Did that describe how she was to him?

  A barrage of memories flooded through my mind. All similar scenes to the one I experienced that night, only this time the Luna’s emotions accompanied the memories. If possible, she seemed more repulsed by him than I was.

  Hundreds of flashes of hundreds of nights with a new body each time, passed through my head. Then a memory that was whole and complete, played.

  A young girl, maybe sixteen, stared back at me from the window of a ship. Her reflection was sad.

  “Anaya, it is time.” A woman standing in the doorway spoke. She looked like an older, simpler version of Anaya.

  “I do not want to, Heliose.”

  “I am sorry, but we all must do our duty.”

  “Your duty does not bind you to him for eternity.”

  “It is a great honor to be Chosen.” Her voice held a hint of judgment, possibly even resentment.

  “You would be honored to be his concubine?”

  “Anaya.” She sighed. “You are royalty. You are his equal, not his concubine.”

  “No one is his equal,” Anaya said, disgust making her voice low and harsh.

  Heloise was silent. She turned and walked toward the door. Anaya followed her to a large room decorated for a grand celebration. At a long table a young man stood, looking longingly at her. Is that him? I asked internally, but the memory continued uninterrupted.

  “Leyal,” she said, lowering her head slightly to the young man. There was kindness in the gesture.

  A large man approached and reached for Anaya’s hand. He led her to the front of the room then, rang a small bell and the room fell silent.

  “Tonight, my son and Anaya, Keln of all you see before you, will become one, joined by a ritual that will make all others poison to them. A ritual as old as time, one that will bond them more intimately than any of us can ever dream. A ritual that will render them both eternal. It has been seventeen long years we have all waited, and now the day is finally here.”

  Then I saw him and I knew immediately. He had that same triumphant look. The hatred I felt was not my own. It was stronger, deeper than blood.

  “My love,” he said as he took Anaya’s hand and held it up like a trophy. She said nothing. His father said a few ritualistic words I could not make out; she paid no attention. The Sari took her in his arms and kissed her.

  She was a statue.

  “You will grow to love me,” he whispered in a gentle voice, then held her hand up again.

  The rest of the night blurred by. When the guest’s were done offering their well wishes and blessings, he led her to a dark room. She was strapped to a table similar to the one I had been strapped to. Only she was not allowed the dignity of clothes.

  The pain was unbearable. Even the memory of it was excruciating. I writhed under its influence until mercifully, it dulled. She was not allowed weeks to recover or gentle young girls to wash her before she was subjected to his desire.

  I lay in bed unable to move after such horrific history. I could no longer fault her for wanting an escape from him, even if it meant I was to be subject to him for the remainder of my life.

  It, after all, could be worse. He was not unkind. He was actually gentle. I would suffer this burden for her; a thousand years torture was more than sufficient punishment for the wrongs waged against me.

  Chapter 5

  The chimes that announced the wall would be opening, sounded. I tensed. I was still lying in bed as bare and exposed as when the Sari left me. There he was, staring in at me, a peculiar look of adoration and amusement on his face.

  “Did you miss me?” he asked in an easy tone as he stepped through the hole. He pressed his lips to my forehead, they lingered for a second longer. He pulled back, a smile on his face.

  “Time to get up, my Princess. Your courtiers await. We will have many other days to remain in bed. Today, we have responsibilities.”

  I made no effort to get up. I know he had seen me in the most intimate way possible, but climbing out of bed naked in front of anyone, let alone a man I hated, was not something I was going to get used to quickly.

  My stomach gave a low rumble. He turned from the bureau with the most elegant blue dress I had ever seen. The Haloran’s did not wear such fine clothing when they entered the City. Even the women usually wore the tight black hide pants the Sari now wore, and a form fitting leather top under a long tailed jacket.

  If they were not so hated, they would be beautiful.

  “I am still not feeling completely well. Can it wait?”

  He held his hand out to me. “You need to eat, Love.”

  My stomach growling had not escaped his notice. I accepted his hand and was bare for his eyes to take me all in. Mercifully, he held the dress up for me, covering most of his view. To show him and maybe myself that I could do it, I lifted my hands in the air. He obliged and slipped the dress over my head then turned me and fastened the clasps at the back.

  His hands were far gentler than I liked. If I was not looking at him, I could forget what a monster he was. The Luna was quick to remind me though, with her memories. I closed my eyes and tried to block both her and the Sari out.

  “Ready, Love?”

  I looked up into his worried eyes. This was going to be harder than I thought.

  I nodded and took his hand.

  We entered a grand hall where there were long wooden tables, the finest I had ever seen, set on either side. There was a plush burgundy carpet with an intricate pattern in rich brown and gold accents that ran down the middle of the room forming an elegant walkway.

  Every head turned to stare as we stood in the entry doors. A woman close to the front stood, and as if it were a grand gesture, walked toward us. I braced myself. There was light pressure on my hand as the Sari gave it a quick squeeze. I glanced up at him but he was facing forward, smiling at the approaching woman.

  “Anaya.” Her shrill voice sounded nervous. “Jaxson, here, has not been exaggerating. You are radiant.” She reached in for an embrace but then did not actually touch, only hovered close as if we were embracing, pressing her cheek to mine then repeated the action on other side.

  “Thank you. She is a comfortable young thing,” I responded, trying to mimic the way they talked the few times I overheard them in the City.

  “Duester, you are monopolizing. Others would like a chance to congratulate Anaya,” the Sari said with an air of authority.

  “My apologies,” she said, giving him a small bow of the head and backing away.

  There were at least sixty people in the room. I would never remember all of their names in a day. A couple approached together.

  “Daniella,” the Sari announced her name as the woman leaned forward for one of those false embraces, this time laying a peck on each of my cheeks. I copied the action.

  “You did a wonderful job choosing this one, Jaxson.” Daniella bowed her head and took a step back allowing her mate to step forward.

  “Finale,” he announced the mates name as Finale gave me a bow, not just of his head though, but a small show of his shoulders also. I thought to curtsy but before
I could, the Sari’s arm was around my waist pulling me tight to him.

  “Anaya has taken well to this body, but I think she may have overdone it last night,” he offered in explanation of my sway.

  My face felt hot and my cheeks angry with heat. I smiled, hoping I appeared to only be blushing. I did not try to pull away from his embrace, but I was overly aware of the intimacy of his touch.

  Finale gave a knowing smile. “Two weeks is a long time to be separated.”

  “Indeed,” I responded.

  “Jaxson.” He gave him one the small head only bows, took Daniella’s hand and walked away. He whispered something to her as they walked. She leaned her head back to look at me, her cheeks were flushed.

  One by one the entire room came to greet us. I listened as the Sari announced each name. Hopeful Anaya would help me if necessary.

  The food was better than anything I had ever tasted. I had not realized how hungry I was for real food. Up until then I had been sustained by a sort of soupy liquid. I had three helpings. I hated how much this seemed to please the Sari.

  “Are you finally satisfied?” he whispered in my ear after I pushed my plate back. A chill ran up my spine. I wanted to stay there and avoid returning to our room but I could not eat another bite.

  “I am.”

  He rose, took my hand, and led me on a walk instead of back to our room. We stopped in the empty hallway and I felt disoriented. I did not know the ship well, but was sure this was not the way to the room.

  When the wall opened, I could not help the gasp that escaped.

  “Griff has been taking care of your garden while you were unable. I knew you would want to see it first. I hope he has not messed things up too badly?”

  “No. It is perfect.” I let go of his hand and walked around trying to hide my wonder. There were exotic plants I had never seen before, and the most beautiful of the local ones.

  “The only thing missing are lilies.”

  “What was that, Love?” His voice came from close behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and rested his head on my shoulder.

  “Nothing, I was just thinking aloud.”

  Back in the room, the serenity of the garden was squashed by the large bed that occupied a majority of the room’s space. I could endure living here and pretending to be something I was not, if it were not for this part.

  “Anaya.” His hand unfastened the clasp of my dress. “I know this host is strong. That is why I chose her. You have been so weak lately and those sharks in there have seen it, they are circling. So even though I have been waiting a thousand years to feel what we had last night and doing so may end it, you need to rein in Reka’s impulses. That curtsy you almost gave Finale would have showed everyone how much control she has.”

  I dropped my head and nodded.

  “You like being part of her?”

  I froze. What was he asking? Did he know?

  His hands reached around, gently pulling my braid back. He unsecured it and spread my hair out across my back. His fingers carefully combed through it, running the length of my back then brushed it off the side of my neck, his lips finding the bare skin. He slipped the dress over my shoulders and it slid down my body to the floor, pooling around my feet.

  He turned me to face him and his eyes were questioning. My heart was racing. I was too afraid he would expect an answer to his question, so I led him silently to the bed. Really, I did not have it so bad. Girls my age that lived outside the City were often traded for land in pairings to men twenty or thirty years their senior.

  At least he was kind and gentle. It could be much worse. These were the things I told myself to keep from screaming.

  Chapter 6

  The chimes sounded, waking me as the wall opened. The Sari’s arm tightened around me, pulling me back against his body.

  “Your bath is here,” he whispered in my ear.

  The three girls looked at us without the slightest shame, even though they were watching us lying in bed together.

  “Go ahead. I will be there in a moment,” I said to the girls.

  He clutched me tighter and kissed my neck.

  “I was afraid the other night was a once in a lifetime deal.” The sigh that followed sent a chill down my spine. He rolled me over so we were face to face.

  “Promise me you will not go anywhere without me, or Griff. Not until you have fully recovered.”

  “You do not think I am strong enough?”

  “Anaya, you have made many enemies over the years with your… unorthodox policies. Many who would love to see you fall.”

  This was a surprise to me. I always assumed they were close. Now that I thought about it, you never saw more than two Haloran’s together at a time and that was only a Sari and a Luna.

  “Please promise me?”

  I hated how concerned he was for her. It confused me even though I knew it was not concern for me. Anaya flashed the image of him holding her hand up like a trophy.

  I reached up and touched his cheek.

  “I would like to resume our tour of things I have missed in my absence.”

  “I have things I have to attend to today. Will Griff suffice as a guide?”

  “Yes, he will do.” I tried to sound disappointed even though this was a turn I was overjoyed with.

  He kissed me on the mouth which was something he had only done while making love. It was unexpected and took my breath away.

  “Did I hurt you?”

  I shook my head quickly. He studied my face like he did not believe me, then pressed another softer, shallow kiss on my lips and rose to dress. When his back was to me, I got up and headed for the bath.

  Two of the girls helped me into the oversized bath while the other was mixing something on the table behind me. The warm water was so comforting. I sank down and let it cover my head. Hands scrambled to pull me out.

  “Are you alright, my lady?” one of the frightened girls asked. I had not noticed before, but they were all three identical and all nearly in tears.

  “I am so sorry. I was just enjoying the water. I was not drowning.”

  They did not look convinced.

  “It is okay. Please continue.” I waved my hand at them. The girl who was mixing stuff returned to the table and collected a creamy liquid. One girl held her hands on my forehead while the other poured the liquid over my hair. It smelled like flowers and fruit. They massaged my head, working the liquid into my hair and scalp.

  “I will be back for dinner. Please wait for me?” The Sari’s voice came from behind. I nearly fell back under the water. The girls scrambled to steady me and helped me turn.

  “Of course, I will wait for you.”

  I could not help the blush that spread across my cheeks. It was one thing for the girls to see me naked. And I knew he could see me while in bed, but it was another thing to be gazed at from a distance, all things out in the open for viewing.

  His eyes seemed to be smiling though his lips were not. He gave a final scan up and down, his gaze lingering a moment before he ducked back around the corner.

  ~o~

  Griff was waiting in the hall for me when I was dried and dressed. It was going to take some getting used to, wearing their normal attire. The form fitting boy pants and tight hide bodice left me feeling exposed, like I was nearly naked.

  Griff’s eyebrows arched when I stepped through the wall into the hall. I pretended not to notice.

  “Where to?” I asked, hoping whatever question or comment he had would drop.

  “I thought we would stop by the kitchen first. Get you some food and see the new staff.”

  “Wonderful. I am famished.”

  His eyebrows arched again but he said nothing.

  The chime must have alerted the kitchen staff that we were coming because they were all busy at work, standing extra tall, breath held in.

  “You can all relax. I am only here because I am hungry.”

  There was a nervous round of laughter but no one relaxed.
There was a young boy who, despite his nervousness, continued throwing glances my way. I walked over and stood in front of him. He watched his hands closely as he chopped what looked like mushrooms.

  A lock of blonde hair fell in his eyes. He reached up to brush it away, finally forced to look at me.

  “Is there something I can get you, my lady?” he asked.

  “What should I eat?”

  “What are you hungry for?”

  “I do not know. What do you think I should eat?”

  “Your Highness?”

  The Sari had alluded to our position and the ceremony I saw in Anaya’s memories should have prepared me, but when he called me Your Highness I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. It had not really clicked before, now the Sari’s concern for me made sense. I was not picked for just any Luna. I was the host for Haloran royalty.

  “Sorry, that was not a fair question. What would you eat if you could eat anything right now?”

  “One of Marcel’s egg delights,” he responded, without pause.

  “I will take one of those, then.”

  He turned to a short man with about six hairs on his head.

  “It would be my pleasure, my lady,” Marcel said, bowing with his head and shoulders.

  As Marcel set to making my breakfast and the others went back to their work, Griff relaxed. He was watching the whole situation, ready to intervene at any second. Now as I leaned against the wall nearer to him, his demeanor changed and he felt less like a guard and more like a trusted friend.

  There were occasional glances by the staff as I ate, and the boy who suggested the meal was smiling. Griff nudged my arm.

  “What?” I asked

  “You are making noises while you eat.”

  “It is really good.”

  He smiled but said nothing else. I narrowed my eyes. “Do not laugh at me.” I feigned seriousness.

  “I am not.” His smile widened. I went back to eating and ignored his grin.

  “What was that young man’s name who suggested this?” I whispered.

  “Harlan, my lady.”