“Are you sure you are not doing this just for me?”
“I am doing it for you, not because you asked me to, because I want to.”
There were questions in his eyes as he continued watching me.
“I am not going to change my mind,” I said. He turned and opened the wall again.
As I stepped through the entrance I was swallowed up by darkness. My eyes began to adjust and large shadowy figures loomed in front of me. Jaxson appeared and took my hand. “This way.”
Something soft and feathery brushed against my hand. It travelled up my arm and brushed across my face.
On the other side there was a smaller version of the pond, and I realized the feathery thing we passed through was a tree. Hanging from it was a swing for two.
“You have had this hidden in here for a thousand years?”
“It has only been eight hundred since we left it, Love,” he said, his voice was achingly tender, and for the first his adoring look was not directed at me.
I waded out into the pond letting the water calm my racing mind. Something brushed my foot and I squealed. “There are fish in here?” I asked looking up at him.
“It would not be home without the fish nibbling your toes.”
Chapter 9
“Dinner time, Love.” Jaxson’s lips tickled my ear as he spoke.
“I am not hungry. Can we just stay here?”
“Of course, but who will make your announcement, then?”
Breathing in the rich scent of earth, I lifted up onto my hands. “It should be me.”
~o~
The dining room fell silent as we entered. Jaxson leaned closer and squeezed my hand, a broad smiled stretched across his face. He seemed completely unaffected by the open stares and murmurs that followed us.
I watched Jaxson as he ate. I never noticed before how strong his jaw was, or how much it softened his features when he smiled. He looked up and caught me staring.
“Is there a problem with the food?” he asked.
I looked at my half eaten meal then back at him. “It is just right. I am just savoring everything.”
He smiled. “It does seem better today.”
Jaxson motioned for Griff. Griff pushed off the wall he was leaning against. His posture appeared casual, but it was clear from his proximity and the fact that he was hovering rather than sitting or eating, that he expected trouble.
Griff leaned close as Jaxson whispered instructions. Griff’s eyes remained on me. He gave a quick nod, then rose and crossed the room to the entrance with unnerving speed.
The wall that always remained open, began to close. The room fell silent for a moment then a low murmuring quickly turned into panic. It spread through the room like a wave.
“You will all remain here for a brief announcement after the meal.” Griff’s voice, unnaturally amplified, reached every corner of the large room. A chill ran through me.
Duester rose, her silvery blonde hair whipped wildly around her as she rushed the length of the walkway. Griff was on her before I could blink.
“Let me go!” she shrieked. He walked her slowly to our table but maintained his grip. “Jaxson, you will call off your dog!” she spat.
Temper was not something I was typically known for before I was Chosen but Duester rubbed me in all the wrong places.
In a move that shocked even me, I leapt over the table and was face to face with her. There was a clattering of chairs and gasps of surprise all through the room. Duester pressed back against Griff.
“You,” I leaned closer so our noses nearly touched, “will not speak to him that way ever again.”
Her eyes were wide with fear.
“And if you ever show my friend anything other than respect, I will relieve you of your tongue,” I said, quiet enough for only her and I to hear, looking her dead in the eyes.
Jaxson took my hand, joining me around the front of the table. “It seems that since we already have everyone’s attention, now is a perfect time for our announcement.” He kissed my hand. “Your queen has exciting news about the Living Waters.”
The whispers traveling around the room were suddenly silent. Every eye was on me with anticipation. Everyone’s but Duester. She was staring off to the side, looking proud in her attempt at dignity.
No one else was close enough to see her tremble. I was not sure whether it was fear or anger that shook her.
Jaxson squeezed my hand again, calling my attention back to the room of waiting faces.
“The restrictions on the Living Waters are rescinded.”
I am not sure if it was disbelief or confusion, but many stood dumbfounded or stared at each other with bewildered looks.
“You may swim with the one you love, freely.”
The room was suddenly buzzing with conversation. I felt as light and excited as it did. Anaya was not as happy, though. She began hurdling memories at me so fast it was hard to focus. I took a step back and leaned against the table.
Jaxson stepped directly in front of me, blocking me from the room. His eyes were full of worry. “I think you have had enough excitement for one day.”
I nodded. “I think you may be right.” We started toward the still closed entrance. Jaxson turned back.
“You will see her to her room?” he asked, nodding toward Deuester.
“It would be my pleasure,” Griff responded with a wide smile.
When we were in the hallway a safe distance from the others, Jaxson stopped. “Are you alright?”
I took a deep breath, trying to clear the wooziness the dual vision was causing. “All the excitement seems to have riled her up,” I said, tapping my head. He brushed his hands across my cheeks and kissed my forehead.
“We shall stop by the garden. I believe you have some of Reka’s favorite flowers there, maybe they will calm her.”
“What flower is Reka’s favorite?” I asked, suddenly alert.
“The white one with the large petals. I cannot recall the name,” he said, waving the comment away.
“Easter Lilies?”
“Yes, I believe those are the one she likes.” His tone had a forced casualness to it. The flowers could not have been meant for me? Could they?
“No, today is your day not mine… or Reka’s.”
“I will come with you.”
“You do not really want to look at flowers with me,” I said, remembering Griff’s warning to Jaxson to stay away from the garden.
We stopped at the familiar curve in the wall. He pressed a hand to the wall and it began opening. I pressed my body against his.
“I am sure there are things you would rather do than look at silly flowers,” I urged, trailing my fingers along the contours of his chest.
“I know this is your private place. I am a patient man. I will wait for you here. Your guardian.” He winked.
I opened my mouth to protest but he pressed his finger to my lips. “I want all of you for those other things. If she has your attention, she has the most important part.”
I started to go but was overwhelmed. I turned back and kissed him. Confused, I pulled away and headed into the opened garden. I glanced back and caught a glimpse of him through the closing wall. I felt a tinge of excitement when he smiled.
As soon as the wall closed completely, I staggered and leaned on the planter box. The pressure Anaya was inflicting nearly brought me to my knees.
After several deep breathes the nausea began to recede.
“I know you are angry, but I am making the best of the situation you have put me in.” I paused, letting her show anything she wanted. There was nothing but the lessening pressure.
“Besides he is not so bad. He is actually kind. Please do not make this harder than it already is for me.”
She prickled, then I felt a sudden release and hoped it was her accepting my request. I waited, smelling flowers and trying to keep my thoughts clear of Jaxson. After several passes around the garden in silence, I opened the wall.
“Bett
er?” His face was hopeful.
“Much, I am all yours now.”
I reached out and took his hands. He tucked me close against his side wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
Inside our room he led me into the bathroom. A full bath waited. I could feel the warmth radiating from the water. After my episode with Anaya, the heat was tantalizing, promising relief for my aching muscles.
“You have been busy.”
I turned to face him. His usually appraising eyes were soft, delicately sweeping over me. The smile he wore was lighter too. Like everything up until now was a performance and now I was getting a peek of him behind the curtain, relaxed, but not yet unrestrained.
I lifted my arms and watched as, dutifully, he stepped forward, like a servant responding to a request, and lifted my dress over my head.
The pink material pooled on the floor between us. His eyes remained on mine, not even hinting at dropping below for a glance. They seemed cautious now, waiting, as though for permission.
I turned and slipped a leg over the edge of the bath. His hands were in mine immediately, steadying me. I held them as I lowered into the water. I lifted my head to look up at him, standing there behind me.
His reserve caused mine to vanish. “Are you coming in wearing that?”
Chapter 10
My whole body shuddered as the images released me. The horrific sound I was hearing, I realized, was my own howl of pain. I swatted and fought the hands that tried to restrain me.
“Shhhh,” a voice whispered in my ear and I was pulled tight into an embrace. I slumped against Jaxson’s shoulder, my mind finally began to separate reality from the dream.
“You are safe.” Jaxson continued to hush me in soft, whispered breathes. “I am here, Love. I will never let anyone hurt you.”
His words were no comfort, but laying there in his arms, pressed tight against his skin, I did feel safe. As long as I did not look at his face.
He traced a hand up my spine, a gentle caress but the chill it brought, ran through me and I tensed. In response, his grip tightened, just like in the dream. The images I was trying to force out, came flooding back.
In the dream Jaxson’s face was looking down at me, but it was Anaya not me.
“Jaxson.” She gripped his arm. I could feel how frail and sick she was. “I am going to die.” Her voice was desperate.
“I will find a way to save you. Hold on.” His tone, as always, was soft and comforting when he spoke to her. It sent another ripple of fear through me.
The scene cut away to another time. Jaxson was again looking down on Anaya, but his green eyes were wild. He looked desperate. Anaya coughed and her breath came in shallow wheezing gasps. I felt almost like I was suffocating with her.
Unable to control myself, I gripped Jaxson tighter. He in turn pressed his face to my cheek and peppered it with soft kisses.
“I am here,” he assured. “You are safe.”
In the memory, he was not as gentle.
Jaxson seized one of the young girls that was applying a cloth to Anaya’s head.
“Hold her,” he barked.
As soon as Griff took the girl, Jaxson flipped Anaya. I could feel the separation as the Anaya within choked and fought the taste of death on her tongue.
“I will not let you die,” he called to her.
Suddenly there was fire spreading up my back, threatening to consume the whole of me. I knew it was Anaya’s pain, but my back bowed under the memory alone. There was a moment of silence before I was aware of the new body she inhabited.
Every muscle in my body went slack, and consciousness slipped from my grasp. I welcomed the darkness.
~o~
Jaxson’s face was inches from mine when I opened my eyes. He stroked my hair and watched me carefully. Griff was close to the bed also.
“Hey there.” Jaxson’s voice was soft and loving. “You gave us quite a scare.” He leaned in and kissed my forehead. I just nodded.
“Do you want to tell us what happened?”
I shook my head and watched them, both watching me. There was some kind of silent interaction going on between them. As I looked from Jaxson to Griff, he caught my eye. I could not look away. His pupils grew until they swallowed up all the color. My breathing steadied and my muscles all relaxed without my consent.
Jaxson stood and followed Griff into the hallway. “I will be right back,” he said as the wall closed, freeing me of his presence.
It is amazing what a difference one day can make. Just the day before, his words would have brought me comfort. Instead they only reminded me of the man he was in the dream. I understood why Anaya felt the need to leave their home, and why she blamed Jaxson for it.
Both Jaxson and Griff returned through the wall. Jaxson came over and kneeled next to the bed.
“I have to go. After yesterday’s absence, staying would be unwise.” He pressed a soft kiss to my lips. It was delicate, as if he expected me to crumble under his touch.
“Griff will be staying with you today to make sure you are safe, and in case you need anything.”
I watched him but did not speak. I did not want to have to explain the dream, and as long as he was not pressing, I would accept Griff’s presence.
“I will come back to check on you. We can go to lunch together.”
“I would like that.”
His responding smile lit up his whole face, wiping away the fear I had not noticed until then.
You might think that I would be grateful to Anaya for reminding me that it was the enemy I slept with, but in that moment, I hated her the most.
After what I had experienced in the dream, I could not fault her for hating him. It was clear he loved her, and would do anything to keep her with him. But he never pretended to be something he was not. The same could not be said for Anaya, or myself.
If I was to be trapped here in this situation for twenty plus years, the illusion of happiness and love would have made it endurable. She destroyed that illusion. I was unsure how I would even survive a day at this point, let alone a lifetime.
Her hate for him was so strong, she was willing to destroy anyone to hurt him. Which in my mind, made her the worst of all.
Jaxson kissed my forehead, then joined Griff across the room. They spoke in whispers. Griff shook his head a few times, his eyes locked on mine. I got the distinct impression he was searching them for something, like he had when they first let me out of the restraints.
Jaxson pressed a hand to the wall, and though I should be used to such things, I was amazed as a chair grew up out of the floor.
“I will send breakfast down so you can rest. If you need anything, Griff will get it for you.”
“All this fuss is not necessary. I am sure Griff has more important things to do.”
Jaxson’s expression turned very serious. “There is nothing more important than making sure you are safe and cared for.”
“You are too good to me.”
He smiled, but it was the false kind that told me he was too worried to be happy. He turned to go, and I knew I could say something to make the smile genuine. Instead, I watched him disappear through the closing hole.
“You know, there is nothing he would not do for you.” Griff’s voice startled me. I turned my attention to him. “If you had asked him to stay, he would have.”
“I know. I do not want to add to his burdens.”
“You are the only thing that makes those burdens bearable.”
And somehow I became the one who was the monster again.
“Most of his burdens are because of me.” And by me, I meant Anaya. I rolled over and covered my head.
I awoke to gentle rocking and the familiar scent I associated with Jaxson. For a minute I forgot it was no longer supposed to be a pleasant odor. When I opened my eyes, my hands were already twined in his hair.
“We have company, Love.” He grinned but his face was flushed.
I blushed and pulled away. “Sorry.”
Griff rose and opened the wall. “I will be outside.” He winked and disappeared through the hole.
Jaxson pulled a pale blue slip dress from the bureau and returned. I raised my hands and he slipped it over my head. He pressed a soft kiss to my shoulder.
“Are you feeling up to this?” he asked. I nodded and leaned against him. “Are you sure?”
I took his hand in answer, and led him out of the room.
As we walked through the dining hall all eyes were on us, as usual, but only a few openly stared.
“Anaya!” Duester called out in an overly friendly tone that sounded more poisonous than pleasant. She approached with caution. Both Griff and Jaxson took defensive positions around me.
“There is no need for this concern, my friend.” She waved her hand dismissively. “I only want to pay Anaya a compliment.”
Neither Griff nor Jaxson relaxed. I shrugged. “You cannot fault my boys for their devotion.” I stepped forward into a false embrace, touching each cheek to hers.
“No, I certainly cannot. In fact, this new host Jaxson chose is clearly bringing out a lust for life I have not seen from you in hundreds of years. I can see why he would be protective of it.”
“Yes, she is strong. We do enjoy her.” I stroked my hands against my sides and slid them down to my hips.
There was a glint of menace in her eyes. “Maybe I will take her sister when she is of age.” She smiled a wicked smile.
I smiled back, but I am sure she could see the flames burning in my eyes. “Yes, I believe she would suit you.”
“Oh?” Her eyebrows arched.
“Yes, the girl is also missing important parts.” My smile widened as hers disappeared. “Have you never noticed the limp? I believe the girl is lame.”
She turned and stormed away. I gritted my teeth and tried to steady my breathing. My heart thundered in my ears. My thoughts drifted to the knife I was only recently aware was stealthily tucked into Jaxson’s pant leg. To keep from crying, I imagined plunging it deep into Duester’s back, finishing what Lennie started.
Jaxson put his hand on my shoulder, and I looked up to see the concern in his eyes. It softened me. I did not want to feel soft. After the previous night, I could not afford to. So I took his hand and looked away.
Children of the Gods - A Chosen Novel Page 6