by Wright, A L
Runes were carved all over the room, on every surface. And at the current time they were glowing brightly as if lit from behind by tiny suns. They were only lit like they were if the Slumber Chamber was occupied and active.
When the chamber was not being used, it would be sitting in the middle of the room. Once sealed however, it would slide below the ground and the floor would close over the top of it. The only way to know where the chamber was originally were the five bright red stones set in an odd arc pattern in the one of the stone slabs in the floor.
Victor now stood looking down at those five stones, dormant and dull. His Prince had told him that the only way to release the Chamber before it had finished turning the human inside was by The Patriarch’s touching those stones simultaneously. It meant certain death for the human, as once the process is halted before completion it would immediately drain the person’s life force.
Of course Victor would not try to have such a thing done. He may not be happy with the way things had turned out between his Princess and Friesa, but he would never be cruel enough to take away someone she cared for.
And it was obvious to him that Nikka did care for the girl. He truly wished it were him, but he had waited too long to reveal his feelings for her. Though had he really planned to? They all lived happily in the Keep and there had been nothing to threaten that besides the goblins themselves.
But he always had Nikka close by. It was foolish of him to think that would never change. It was foolish of him to think that Nikka would never seek out companionship and love. Friesa gave her affections freely, whereas as Victor held them in reserve. Always regretting that he had not been able to save her mother, he had kept that a secret and had kept his emotions distant.
Only within the last several months did he realize that he had come to care for Nikka in the same way he had cared for Josaleene, and much more strongly. And when he heard the girls had ran to the Palace together his carefully built walls that contained his emotions cracked and tumbled down. Leaving his heart bare to the truth.
He loved Nikka more than he ever knew was possible. And now he stood above the Chamber containing her and Friesa, for who knew how long. He may not see her again for years. By the time she came out the war could be over.
They could all be dead.
Despairing that he may never again see his Princess, Victor slumped against the cold and damp stone wall and slid down to the floor. There he stayed all the rest of the night, the gargoyles silently snickering at his stupidity.
Chapter 21
Hudreia was most impressed with the stock of horses that Mortul had access to. The humans that bred and cared for them were meticulous and painstaking in their efforts. And it most definitely paid off in the animals that they produced.
Nearly the whole village they were in consisted of horse breeding families and the farms for the hay and grains required to feed them both. There was only a small marketplace just big enough for small trade goods and the one or two merchants that brought in the textiles and metals that the humans needed from outside the village.
Otherwise the families traded directly with one another for food and services. It was a self-sufficient town and she could see that Mortul was quite pleased with it. The man he had in place as the mayor of the village was loyal to a fault to his Patriarch. And of course he would be, he owed everything to the leader of the Nobles. Without him, his family would still be eking out a meager existence on the edges of Nobles Rest, attempting to keep their prized horse stock fed and profitable.
His fortune had come from a contract nearly twenty years previous, where his daughter was offered up to be a potential Chosen. Cece was picked, but subsequently had betrayed her father’s trust out of hunger for power. She had been punished, and now lay beneath the ground in the graveyard behind the Palace.
But Mortul was a man of his word, and he continued to honor the original contract.
Master Kroftman had made them all guests in his large home and had even vacated himself and his family in order to leave them all in peace during their stay.
Yosan’s grumblings about Mortul’s show of power had tapered off recently, as well. He was beginning to understand the intricate layers of the foundation Mortul had built in order to strengthen the lands and people around him, while also strengthening their security at the same time by turning more humans into Nobles.
He had fortified the lands against any hostilities. Any fights or squabbles between villages were quickly put to rest with guards, rangers or the army that he kept afield so no one could easily know their numbers.
A knock sounded at the door disturbing the comfortable silence that had enveloped the inhabitants of the spacious family room. Yosan rose from his seat near the large hearth and answered the door.
He closed the door only a moment after answering.
“It was a messenger. He was dispatched from the Palace to bring this to you, Mortul. He said that Vera sent him.” He handed the letter off to his old friend before moving on to sit back at the hearth.
Hudreia watched as Mortul cracked the seal and read the message silently.
“Who is Vera?” She inquired.
“Vera is considered widely the court gossip and flirt. What she truly is, however, is an incredible information gatherer. Frankly, she is my personal spy. Not one thickheaded Noble in that Palace would ever know otherwise.” Mortul said as he scanned the contents of the note a second time.
Hudreia raised an eyebrow towards him. “Thickheaded, huh? These are the types you fill your home with?”
“They all have a purpose. Muscle, mainly. They were selected for their ability to defend my home. The smarter ones were sent off to the army outposts or to the rangers.” Mortul stood up and walked towards the door. “It seems my son’s old guard and friend has shown up at the palace. Vera was not sure of his intent, so sent me the message. I will go find Nikka and see what she thinks about it. Care to join me?”
She was out of her chair and grabbing her cloak before he even finished the question. She loved the crazy history of his family and just had to know how this new person fit in.
The night air was warm and threatened rain. Not that rain bothered her. She and Yosan had traveled wet more often than not, especially the first hundred or so years. Goblins did not always live in mild climates.
They found Nikka in the Kroftman stables, sitting in a stall next to a heavily pregnant mare. The horse was a beautiful buckskin, strong and quick-footed. She had not liked the warlocks at all and their care of her had taken more than a bit of magic to calm her. Nikka had marveled at the use of magic for this purpose, and after picking up on how to do it she insisted that she do it herself during their time there. It would be good for the bond, so Hudreia agreed.
They had been very lucky indeed to find an already pregnant mare, and one so well bred.
“I just gave her tonight’s injection of blood, so she’s a bit agitated. Let me come out of the stall.” Nikka rubbed the mare’s belly, then back, neck and nose before leaving her.
“It seems a friend of your father’s showed up at the palace after we left. I was unsure of his intent so I wanted to ask you; how do you know Victor?” Mortul asked after she closed the stall door.
Nikka’s face flushed red and her eyes opened wide for a quick moment. “Ah, well, he is my father’s closest friend but has always been protective of me. I am sure he followed to make sure I was alright.”
Hudreia smiled to herself. Nikka was enamored of this Victor fellow, but did not want to admit it for some reason.
“I know he was quite fond of your mother,” Mortul said.
“He… he was?”
“He was her personal guard, and took his charge of her very seriously. I am sure he worries about you in the same way.”
“Oh, well, that is true. I should probably go back and talk with him. Will it be okay to leave her now?” Nikka looked back to the stall.
“Of course, dear. I will be staying here to tend
to the mounts over the next month or so. I will take wonderful care of her.” Hudreia assured the girl.
“Well then, let us gather up Yosan and our belongings. It is early enough in the evening that we can travel most of the way, and camp a mere couple of hours away from Nobles Rest.” Mortul stated, then turned and walked out of the stables, leaving them to follow behind.
When Hudreia came back into the house, Yosan was no longer at the hearth. She made her way down the hallway to the room they were sharing. Yosan was sitting in the window box when she entered.
“What was that all about?” He asked her.
“Mmm, family drama it seems.”
Yosan grunted in response.
“Listen, I know we spoke of you returning with Mortul to the palace to head up the court, but I think there may be another opportunity to consider.” She made her way over to the chair next to Yosan and placed her hand on his knee.
“What would this opportunity be?” He asked as he placed his hand on hers.
“This friend of Mortul’s son, maybe he could be convinced to take you back with him to Dartein. Then you could see what he possesses in the way of power and maybe even see what kind of outpost he is in control of. It could be a way to set up a forward defense.” She had a million thoughts and possibilities running through her mind. Yosan squeezing her hand brought her attention back to him.
“You may be right. It could be a great chance to see what Mortul’s legacy is capable of. It would be best to bring him back into the fold, so to speak, so that we all stand solidly against the enemy.”
“I am glad that I did not need to convince you to see my reasoning on this point.” Hudreia winked at him.
“Oh you may not need to convince me, but you could at least see me off with a proper farewell.” Yosan pulled her into his lap, making her shriek in surprise before his lips pressed down against hers.
Chapter 22
The ride back to the palace was quick and uneventful, except for the butterflies fluttering in Nikka’s belly. She had not been away from Victor like this before, not on her own, and the thought of him being angry with her made her especially nervous. Although, she was a bit relieved that she would not need to face her father. Yet.
Yosan and her grandfather had spoken of battle plans most of the way. Nikka listened in to try and keep her mind off of her coming meeting with Victor, but in the end had retained very little of what they were talking about. There were a couple of mentions of creating more Nobles in a shorter amount of time but her grandfather had some reason against it. She couldn’t remember what it was now.
Mainly because once she dismounted her horse in the palace yard all coherent thoughts fled her mind. She was so worried now about how much she had disappointed Victor that she barely had the willpower to face him. It was interesting though, how much she realized she admired him and hated to disappoint him. She had been well distracted by her friendship with Friesa that she hadn’t taken much time to ponder her feelings for the man lately.
She only had a brief moment to reflect on those same feelings before her grandfather ushered them all out of the yard and through the main doors. They were most of the way down the hall before she realized that having all of them ambush Victor at the same time may not be the best of ideas.
“Wait, please wait,” she said, coming to a stop herself.
Yosan and her grandfather stopped walking and looked at her curiously.
“I think I should speak with him first. I know that you want to talk with him about my father, but he may be more willing to listen once he and I discuss why I left the Keep first.”
“I suppose that is fair enough to him. Go on ahead. Vera said he is staying in the room east of yours. Yosan and I will be in the Library. Bring him to us when you are ready.” The Patriarch and his comrade turned around and walked away, leaving her gathering enough courage to push her forward one more time.
Bolstered just enough to move once more, Nikka walked quickly down the hall and was to the room next to hers sooner than she realized. She stood for a moment outside the closed door, preparing herself. Just as she raised her fist to knock the door swung open wide.
The look of shock on Victor’s face was confusing to Nikka. Both of them just stood there, he staring at her like he had just seen her for the first time. And she staring at the face of the man she realized she hated to be separated from.
Nikka’s already outstretched hand reached forward seeking Victor’s cheek, her fist uncurling into seeking fingertips. As her fingers made contact with his face, Victor closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He then reached up and curled his fingers around her hand snugly, and stepped back pulling her into the room with him.
He opened his eyes just as a tear slipped down Nikka’s cheek. Victor dropped her hand and placed both of his to each side of her face, kissed her on the forehead, then pulled her into a tight embrace. It had never felt so good to wrap her arms around someone as it did right then.
“I thought I had lost you, Princess.”
“You could never lose me, Victor. I have always been right here.” The warmth of his chest gave her comfort and courage to speak freely.
“I came to the palace seeking you, and heard that you and Friesa were slumbering. Yes, you would have been safe. But I still would have lost you.” His cheek rested on the top of her head now.
“Victor, Tynen slumbers with Friesa. She has always fancied him and he returns that. He has always been so aloof about it though, it is no wonder you could not tell. Why were you so sure it was me in there?” She drew back a few inches to look up at him.
“It does not matter now. You are safe and I am a foolish man.”
“We are both the fools. You did not want to break my trust or my father’s by approaching me with your feelings before. And I am the fool that let it be that way,” she said. Being this close to him was intoxicating and made her breath come short.
“But Princess…”
“Shhh, I am not your Princess. I am just a woman standing here waiting for you to kiss me.”
Before she could draw another breath, Victor’s lips came down against hers. He kissed her gently, leaving soft whispers across her lips. Then he kissed her more firmly, while bringing her body solidly against his. Nikka had no idea how long they stood there, clinging to one another, kissing each other like their lives depended on it.
Without breaking their embrace, Victor swept her up and carried her across the chamber, deftly avoiding tables and stools. Gently he laid her down upon his bed holding himself above her, never breaking their kiss.
Nikka slid her fingers up into his short hair, then down his neck and muscular shoulders and arms. The man was built like a brick. It was no wonder he was a guard, a protector. He had always protected her. And she hoped he always would.
She reached back up and began unbuttoning his shirt and had managed to get three buttons undone before he finally broke their kiss to ask her a question.
“What are you doing? This is dangerous ground, my Princess. I am afraid I will reach a point that I cannot stop myself.”
“I am already at that point Victor. I have never been more ready for this in my life. You are the only thing, person, I want now or ever.” She continued to unbutton his shirt, then finishing with the last one, slid her hands inside and under it to stroke the bare skin across his stomach and chest. His chest had a light layer of dark curls that felt velvet smooth against her hands. Her touch elicited a rumbling groan from Victor, his head drooped low while he was lost in the sensation.
Victor looked up at her suddenly. “Nikka, I barely have any self-control left. I need to touch you.” He growled.
“You finally called me by my actual name. Victor, please, show me how it feels to be touched.”
Standing up, he pulled her up and over to the edge of the bed to sit in front of him. He shed her of her short riding cloak, then her deerskin jacket. He ever so slowly undid the buttons of her shirt, watching her face as he did so.
Several agonizing moments later he pulled her shirt away and began to unlace the short riding corset that was underneath. With only a few laces to loosen, he pulled the contraption free and dropped it to the floor. He stood staring, eyes roving over her for several minutes and she began to feel self-conscious.
“Victor? Is there something wrong?”
“You are perfection. I just want to remember this moment for eternity.” Finally he leaned forward to kiss her, grabbing her around the waist with both arms.
Victor slid her back to the top of the bed, laying them both out skin to bare skin. Nikka gasped at the shocking feel of it, how it made her head swim. Never could she have known how wonderfully amazing this would feel. She could only wish that he would not stop, would never stop.
And he did not disappoint her.
It was only some time several hours later, that she realized she was supposed to bring Victor to her grandfather. Curled up against him, tight in his strong embrace, she decided that her grandfather would just have to forgive her.
Chapter 23
After an only slightly-awkward entry into the Patriarch’s chambers, they got down to business discussing their next step. Victor was relieved that he was left mostly out of the discussion, as it avoided pinning him down with the fact that he had only a few hours ago ravaged the Noble leader’s granddaughter.
Of course, she had been just as eager for him as he had been for her. It was wonderful to finally feel the freedom of honesty with Nikka. He hadn’t realized how wearisome it had been, holding everything back from her yet maintaining as constant of a presence in her life as he had done. Of course, a healthy dose of respect for her father had helped him to keep that distance as well.
But there was no distance between them now. It was like after all of his walls had come crashing down, he had only needed to wait for the dust to clear to see that there she was, waiting for him. He couldn’t help but see her in his mind, the way she sat in front of him last night. Proud and strong, and beautifully bare.