In a show of great vitality, Elinas flexed his new muscles, picked up Pressine, then swept her in his powerful arms. About to realize her dearest dream, Pressine almost fainted with joy. Elinas laughed as he twirled with her to the sounds of an invisible harp, as if intoxicated by the dance.
Remembering the riches she had brought, Pressine raised an entreating hand. “Stop, my lord, I feel dizzy. Besides, I want to make this place worthy of our love.”
Elinas stopped spinning and kissed her forehead. “How can I refuse you anything?”
“Let us see what this magic place can do.” Concentrating on the vibrating power of the cave, Pressine focused on the treasure chests and the statue still in the ox carts at the bottom of the mountain. Intoning a spell, she visualized the bounty and it appeared inside the crystal cave. Pressine laughed.
Elated and awed by such a deed, Elinas stared at the gold and silver as the lids opened by themselves.
From inside the chests, bolts of crimson silk and fine cotton and wool unfolded, then floated in the air, hanging themselves to form curtains and draperies. Within moments, the cave resembled a crystal palace ornamented with rugs and tapestries, and the translucent walls pulsed with soft amber light.
Walking to an open coffer containing personal treasures, Pressine pulled out a splendid scabbard.
“Recognize this?” She traced the bejewelled handle, then she drew the blade. The sword hummed with raw energy, emitting a blue light of its own.
“Caliburn!” Elinas exclaimed in joyful recognition when Pressine handed him the sword of power. Taking the weapon with great respect, he sheathed it and hooked the scabbard on his belt.
Pressine took Elinas by the arm. “Come to the alcove,”
Near the royal couch now covered with furs and crimson pillows, on a low pedestal stood a tall bundled object, slightly larger than Pressine.
“Another surprise?” Elinas asked with obvious delight.
Pulling the blanket that fell away from the statue, Pressine watched his reaction. “Do you like it?”
The look of wonder on his face, as his gaze switched from the model to the alabaster rendition, said it all. “It’s you.”
Standing but relaxed, the representation of Pressine, nude like an ancient goddess, held an open book made of gold.
Elinas circled the work of art, eagerly caressing the smooth stone curves. “A perfect homage to your great beauty...” He caressed the book. “And your knowledge. How could I not like it?”
Pressine wondered whether her ploy to circumvent the curse without angering the Goddess would work. Could the power of the cave help her realize her ambitious plan? What she had in mind could easily backlash. “My statue will remain here and keep watch on this cave.”
A shadow crossed his face, then Elinas smiled again. “Such enduring attachment as ours can never be destroyed... even by death. I shall die a happy man, knowing how much you love me.”
“That, I do.” But on the book of destiny the statue held, etched on the gold pages, the story of Elinas and Pressine did not end here. In fact, it did not end at all. “Do not be sad, my love. This is not the end for us.”
Elinas frowned. “Really? How is that possible?”
Pressine glanced up at the ceiling. “Look around you. Is any of this usually possible?” Pressine hid her apprehension behind a chuckle. “Even mortals do not die forever. They return, eventually.” She could not give him too much hope. Elinas had to die first, and there was no guarantee Pressine’s ruse would bring him back to life. Let him believe this was his last meal, since it might very well be.
“Are you hungry? This strong body of yours will need some nourishment for what I have in mind.”
A long stone table adorning the far end of the cave came to light with the flaming candelabra illuminating a white tablecloth on which appeared a feast of royal proportions. Only two chairs, side by side presided at the center of the table. The aroma of roasted venison and freshly baked bread wafted on the air.
Elinas sniffed with undisguised relish. “Woman, you must have read my mind. All these years on water and tasteless gruel, I have not smelled meat or tasted wine in... How long exactly?”
Pressine felt a stab in her gut as she realized Elinas had lost track of time. “Seven years since you were brought here, beloved.”
“Somehow, it feels longer.”
“I know.” Pressine dammed her tears. This should be a happy moment.
Elinas shook his head. “But this is no time for sadness.” Offering his arm to Pressine, he guided her to the lavish feast waiting for them.
They helped themselves to the many platters and trays of roasted deer, fruit, steamed lamb, mushrooms, peas, wild boar, blood sausage, and cheese. They ate and laughed. While drinking wine, they recounted happy memories of their life together and shared the anguish of their long separation.
The vital king who had once shared her bed now talked animatedly, refilled her cup, held her gaze, kissed her fingers, brushed her thigh through the thin fabric. Pressine remembered his unbridled passion, the crushing strength of his powerful frame. How she had missed him... This could not be the end. It must not be.
Elinas pushed back a tray of venison, settled against the back of his armchair, then sighed with contentment. He turned to look at Pressine, suddenly serious. “I thank you for the gift of youth, the food and the laughter you bestowed upon me. What a wondrous thing to be restored to health, even at the threshold of death.”
“Elinas, you need not die... at least not for long. I have a plan.” Pressine shuddered at the thought it might fail. “This cave holds enough power to allow me to bring you back from the dead.”
“More magic?” Elinas shook his head. “As much as I want to be with you forever, if my destiny is to die and never return, I will gladly accept it, as long as you hold my hand when this life ends.”
“That, I promise you.” A hot tear ran down her cheek.
Clearing his throat, Elinas rose and eased Pressine’s chair away from the table. Holding Caliburn aside, he knelt at her feet. “Your loving presence here today makes all my trials worthwhile.”
“Is there anything else I can do to ease your spirit?” she asked in a lighter tone.
He winked in a way Pressine remembered well. “To make my happiness complete, only one more thing is required.” He took her hand and studied it a moment, then gazed straight into her eyes. “I think you know what it is. Or have you forgotten the passion we once shared?”
A flush of anticipation ran through Pressine, and her hand trembled in his. “I have not forgotten, my lord. I was waiting for you to replenish your strength.”
“I feel strong as a bull, thanks to you. Might I claim now the prize I only dreamt of all these years?” His hand caressed her bare arm and came to rest on her shoulder.
Pressine froze, feeling like a virgin again after so long. Would she measure up to the ideal lover Elinas had dreamt of during his captivity? She wanted the moment to be absolutely perfect and fulfilling for both of them. If her plan failed, no other chance would ever come. Death sounded so final.
On impulse, Pressine raised one shoulder to brush her cheek against the back of his hand. The strong fingers felt warm and reassuring. “I had dreams of my own, my love,” she murmured.
Grinning, Elinas rose and lifted Pressine to her feet. While he gazed deep into her upturned face, his hand lingered at her nape, gliding along her loose hair, sending shivers along her spine. In his towering proximity, she could feel his hunger, the same raw desire she now felt for him.
When he pulled her closer, a wave of warmth engulfed Pressine who rose on tiptoes and clung to his muscular chest. His sweet breath caressed her cheek. Just when she thought she could not stand the anticipation anymore, Elinas finally claimed her parted lips. Under his full-bodied kiss, Pressine melted into his embrace and responded with all the pent up passion of years of celibacy.
When he severed the physical contact, Pressine wanted more. Eli
nas whisked her away to the alcove and eased her onto the furs of the couch. “Let me drink in the sight of you,” he whispered, gently pulling away her veils to reveal the smooth skin of her thigh. “I want to get intoxicated with more than wine.”
While his light fingertips sent delicious tendrils scurrying through her entire body, his words echoed in Pressine’s mind, like magic sounds weaving a spell. For the first time, she understood how a mortal must feel when falling under the enchantment of a Lady of the Isle. But she had never used magic to seduce Elinas, which made his devotion much more gratifying.
“So many nights I dreamt of this moment,” Pressine whispered. “How I wish it would never end.”
“Shush, my love, I do not want to think, just worship you more fervently than I ever did before, and than I ever will.”
“How I missed you.” Closing her eyes, Pressine melted into his embrace, molding her body to his, feeling his familiar weight upon her. “Hold me tight, Elinas, and never let me go.”
Guided by their unquenchable need for each other, they rode the tides of desire time and time again, merging savagely at first, then tenderly with infinite care and attention. Spending inexhaustible reserves, they found renewed strength in the knowledge that each time might be the very last. Finally, having depleted the last of their vigor, although they had vowed not to, they fell into exhausted sleep in each other’s arms.
* * *
When she awoke, Pressine realized with dismay that she had slept despite her promise to remain awake. Elinas lay beside her, he still looked young, but she knew he had passed away. She kissed his cold forehead but withheld her tears.
At the foot of the bed, the alabaster statue glowed and turned one page of the golden book.
Jumping out of bed, Pressine buzzed with excitement tinted with fear. Heart pounding, she faced the enchanted statue. “Tell me what comes next.”
The alabaster lips moved as the statue spoke in Pressine’s very voice. “For now, Elinas sleeps in death, but he will reawaken as a Fae Prince, never to age, and never to die unless by foul intent.”
Pressine tingled from head to toe at the thought of Elinas alive again, and the strong vibrations of the cave enhanced all her sensations and emotions. “Tell me more.”
“In the meantime, Pressine will make the cave look as a tomb, to keep here the treasures of her father. New life is stirring in her womb, the last gift from Elinas of Dumfries.”
Holding her flat belly with both hands, Pressine exulted. “A child?”
A flash of bright light seared the cave like quick silver, and a thunderous voice blared, echoing in the vast cavern. “Who dares challenge my power?”
Pressine flinched. No. She would not let the Goddess interfere. Not this time. “No one challenges your power, O Great One. This mortal died, and his curse has run its course. Let him rest in peace.”
“In peace?” Amusement tainted the voice of the Goddess. “What magic are you weaving that does not serve me?”
“Only the magic of love, O Great One. The magic of compassion, the magic of second chances. Making up for the harm my daughters unleashed. This magic hurts no one, mortal or otherwise.”
“Indeed.” The silence vibrated with the presence of the Great One. Then the thunderous voice chuckled, shaking the high vaults. “You surprise me, Pressine. After the rash behavior of your rebellious childhood, it seems you are learning the value of love and compassion... but not obedience to my rule.”
“It pains me to see mortals suffer,” Pressine pleaded, hating the whine in her voice. “Please, Great One, have pity. Let me grant this good man what he wishes the most.”
“His wish? Or yours?” The Goddess sighed, like a breeze vibrating the crystal. “All right. You have redeemed yourself by showing compassion. Since your curse is lifted, I hereby allow you to be with your beloved in the way you devised.”
The Great one turned to Elinas and blinked. Pressine’s heart quickened when she saw her magnificent husband blink back and sit up straight. He looked around in confusion then smiled at Pressine.
“Thank you, O Great One.” Relief flooded Pressine, but she dared hope for more. “What about my daughters?”
“They will have to suffer their curse,” the voice boomed, implacable. “Until they learn their lesson and I decide otherwise.”
Sadness pervaded Pressine at the thought that she could not save her daughters from their fate. But at least she would not face an eternity of solitude. And the new baby growing in her womb would have a father at his side.
“I trust your wisdom, O Great One.” Pressined bowed, awed by the rare kindness the Goddess had just demonstrated toward her and Elinas.
A swift wind swirled toward the vaulted ceiling and left the cave through some invisible cracks. Only the soft buzzing of the pillars and the babble of the spring now filled the cave.
Elinas stood up, grinning. “Well, woman, why am I still alive?”
Pressine chuckled. “Not only alive, my beloved, but immortal like me.”
Elinas emitted a long whistle. “And what are we going to do with all this time?”
“I have an idea or two.” Pressine winked. “Follow me.”
“Oh,” He frowned. “You are the one deciding for both of us now, are you?”
“I can’t stand this place.” With a quick spell and a wave of her hand, Pressine willed herself and Elinas out of the cave. They emerged within the circle of stones half way down the mountain.
With another wave and another spell, Pressine sealed the cave and placed two ferocious beasts to defend the entrance of the tunnel. The Cerberus would protect the treasure until it was needed.
Elinas watched her closely and raised his brow. “You’ll have to teach me how to do that.”
“It will be my pleasure, my lord.” How exciting that Elinas now had the gifts as well. “But we can only use our powers in the service of the Goddess.”
“Just call me Elinas, will you? I am not king anymore.” He bent over her and his lips hovered close.
Reveling in his warm embrace, Pressine stretched on her toes to meet his kiss. He tasted of apples and wild berries.
“Let’s get away from this infernal place,” he whispered in her ear.
Taking a deep breath, Pressine hung onto his arm and started down the hills, enjoying the promise of so many happy days and nights to come.
“What are we going to do? Where shall we live?”
“Anywhere we choose, my love. The Goddess will provide.” Pressine couldn’t repress a grin. “Oh, I forgot to tell you...”
“What?” Seriousness stilled his handsome face.
Pressine laid both hands on her stomach and felt the life force there. Warmth suffused her entire being. “We are expecting a child... a boy.”
“Really? Is it safe?”
“With the blessing of the Goddess, nothing wrong can happen this time.”
His deep laugh echoed off the mountains as he swept her into his arms and turned like a top, making her dizzy. Pressine laughed with him. No curse would tarnish their new destiny. Their future looked bright and happy indeed.
The End
SEDUCING SIGEFROI
Curse of the Lost Isle Book 3
Chapter One
Lucilinburhuc, Northern Europe - Spring of 963
Icy water from melted snow chilled Melusine’s naked body in a delicious embrace as she stretched into the Alzette River and let the current untangle her flowing hair. She glanced up at the jutting cliff crowned by the old Roman fort. No one had walked the ramparts in centuries, but she could not afford any witnesses. Extending her mind eye, she searched for signs of human presence.
Satisfied that no mortal lurked, Melusine flicked her serpent tail and dove into the green depths, then surfaced in a pool of pale sunshine. From a floating branch she plucked a twig. Then she heaved herself onto a rocky shelf and sat to comb and dry her hair.
Despite the timid midday sun, Melusine sighed. Hard as she tried, she couldn�
��t accept her implacable fate. A hundred and forty years since her mother had cursed her, and still no sign of redemption. Soon, the Goddess had promised, her knight would appear and she would get her chance to serve and redeem herself. But soon could mean centuries in the eyes of the Great One.
A lark in the budding willow halted its tentative trill. In full alert, Melusine slid back into the river to seek cover under the stone arches of the old bridge. She held her breath, heart pounding. The road rumbled with the gallop of horses.
Melusine’s wet skin quivered and her heart stumbled in her chest. Dear Goddess! If mortals saw her in serpent form, the priests and bishops would hunt her, and if they caught her they would torture her then sentence her to burn at the stake like a demonic creature.
The hoof beats slowed as the riders approached the bridge. Echoes of male voices reached Melusine’s keen ears. She detected three sets of hooves, and enough jingle of chain mail and armor to frighten a hamlet. Closing her eyes, she focused her mind upon her inward gift of sight. Aye, two knights in full armor, and a young squire. The destriers halted.
“We’d better water the horses,” a deep voice boomed from the bank near the end of the bridge.
Scabbards flapped on leather trappings, and metal clinked as the men dismounted. Boots rang on hard stone.
Flat against the first pile of the arched bridge, waist high in the river, Melusine held her breath. She dared not move or make a sound. On the changing patterns of the water surface, she spied the reflection of the approaching men. A huge black destrier snorted at Melusine’s scent, but she calmed the warhorse with a soothing thought.
“What did I tell you?” The tall knight with the commanding voice removed his helmet and pushed back the mail hauberk to shake a full head of flaming red hair. A smile lit the strong planes of his clean shaven face as he stared at the little fort, atop the rocky cliff across the river. “This is the most magnificent promontory I’ve ever beheld!”
At the knight’s side, a blond squire in brown wool led a broad-shouldered bay. The boy shaded his eyes to glance up.
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