“On the day of your coronation, you will pledge to be all things our people need. As Kyrion you will have to make hard decisions.” His voice turned gruff with regrets and there was a look of agony on his face as he continued. “There will be times when you will make decisions to protect your people only to find that you hurt those you love more in the end. All I can do is learn from my mistakes so that they are never repeated.” His hand found mine and gripped it tightly as if he was making that a vow to me. He kissed my lips and laid his forehead on mine. “Being Kyrion is not easy, but we will do this together.”
“Yes, tog—”
Suddenly, I was falling through darkness. Images flashed past—scenes of death and destruction. The city of Prometheus reduced to a pile of rubble. Bennett lying face down in a pool of blood. Grayson with a sword protruding from his chest as blood bubbled on his lips. Everyone I knew and loved, dead. I pleaded to make it stop but the scenes flashed by faster and faster.
“Hear me, Chosen,” demanded that same female voice that had been taunting me yesterday. “You do not belong here. The gods have set a different course for you. The longer you deny your destiny, the closer our fate draws to destruction.” Her voice was filled with heartache as she continued, “My son chose wisely, but your time to be together is not yet come. Find the twin Houses.” Her voice began to fade away. “Find the Guardians. Unite the Chosen.”
A pair of startling sapphire-blue eyes appeared in the darkness. Bright blue tears fell like rain that soon became a flood that pulled me under. No matter how hard I fought I couldn’t find the surface.
I tumbled from the bed gasping for air as the dream reliving our date last night beneath the stars turned into a nightmare. I shoved my hair out of my face and wrapped my arms around myself trying to ward off the cold. My breath misted the air as a bluish-white fog took on a familiar shape near the mirror. Frost formed on the glass, and I nearly bolted for the door when words were written in the ice: Leave. Save him. An icy hand brushed down my cheek, and then it was gone.
The room returned to normal temperature, but I was chilled to the bone. Moonlight spilled across the room perfectly highlighting the painting above the bed. “You’re still protecting Bennett aren’t you, Calidora? I will too. But I won’t leave him. We’ll do this together, just like we’ve promised each other.”
14
I hadn’t been able to sleep after my visitor last night and was waiting on Selene when she entered the throne room. We spent the very early morning hours going over more laws. There were laws that dictated what job a person would be assigned based on a ranking system. There were laws that forbid human or non-House of Chaos interaction unless it was sanctioned by the Kyrion, Archai, or Kafàli. Then my least favorite: laws of conduct befitting a Kyrion. During the Games was the only time a Kyrion’s days weren’t weighed down with upholding some archaic tradition like meditating on a bed of hot coals once a week to strengthen our connection to the God of Chaos. I was half tempted to tell them to send me back into the Games where I could enjoy some freedom and escape the crazy rules.
After my lessons, it was off to my room to get ready for the Bonding Ceremony. I showered, and Lydia curled my hair and pinned it up. The seamstresses had delivered my dress while I was in my lessons and Lydia helped me into the gorgeous gown. The dress had a black halter top and off-the-shoulder bell sleeves. The modified A-line skirt faded from black into a smoky purple and fell to my ankles. Lydia topped it off with a diamond belt and matching dangle earrings with the House of Chaos symbol. And last was a pair of surprisingly comfortable black flats with a matching diamond symbol on the toe. My complaints about wearing a small country’s net worth in bling fell on deaf ears.
“You look beautiful, my lady,” Lydia exclaimed with a broad smile as I stood in front of the mirror in my bedroom.
“Thank you, Lydia,” I replied nervously as I smoothed my hands down the skirt. I finally looked the part of Kyrion but was I ready to become one? I avoided the reflection of Calidora’s painting in the mirror and the memory of the words her ghost had spoken. I could do this. Bennett and I would make our bond official today. Then, in less than two weeks, my coronation to become Kyrion and rule by his side would take place. I pressed a hand to my stomach as it tied itself in knots at the thought.
A knock sounded at the door making me jump. “It’s time, my lady,” Grayson called.
I drew in a ragged breath and let it out slowly. “Coming.”
Grayson and three guides I didn’t recognize waited in the hallway. They all bowed, then took up position around me as we walked. The house was quiet as we descended the steps to the first floor. “Where is everyone?” I asked, gripping the edges of the wide sleeves in my sweaty hands.
“They are gathering in the town square, my lady,” Grayson replied giving me an encouraging grin. “We will meet Kyrion Bennett at the altar where you will declare your intention to bond. Then your people will offer gifts to bless your match, and there will be a celebration.”
I nodded, and we continued to the front entrance. I had memorized the words Selene had given me but having a better understanding of what was coming helped to settle my nerves a bit. We proceeded around the circular driveway and down the main cobblestone street. The morning air was surprisingly warm and filled with the smells of baked goods. As we traveled past the first houses, I finally got a glimpse of what life was like in Prometheus, and it was as if we had stepped back in time. The houses were more like small cottages of stone with a chimney and patio. Each had a small yard with stepping-stone walkways and most had flower beds around the house. There were no driveways, power lines for electricity, or vehicles in sight.
We passed a man with his hand wrapped in fire fixing a child’s broken wagon by melting the metal axle pieces back together. A woman sold made-to-order muffins from her roadside stand. The ingredients marched themselves through the air, mixed themselves, and then poured themselves into the pan in her hand, where they cooked to perfection in seconds. A group of children shot sparks off the ends of their fingers at each other in a mock battle. A little girl no more than three stood on a patio throwing a temper tantrum and burst into flames from head to toe. Her mother stood with hands on hips talking to the child until she calmed down and the fire went out.
Great, my power outbursts were on par with those of a toddler.
Murmurs started to reach me as we gained attention. “There’s Kyrion Bennett’s intended bond-mate,” an older woman said to her friend as we passed.
“I had hoped we wouldn’t see this day,” the friend replied solemnly. “At least, not for many more years.”
I stumbled, and Grayson caught my hand setting it atop his own. “Are you all right, my lady?” he whispered in an aside, while giving the women a stern look.
I wanted to shout that I was far from ok but a nervous breakdown was not a good first impression. Instead, I nodded stiffly and removed my hand from his, being sure to step carefully. What had the woman meant? Did they resent my bond with Bennett? Other chatter reached my ears as we entered the more crowded business area of the city, adding to my insecurities. “She isn’t what I would have expected from our Kyrion.” “I heard she insulted the servants.” “We can’t lose Kyrion Bennett!” “Maybe they’ll wait to complete the bond.”
There were a few positive comments grateful Bennett had found a mate, but most were concerned about losing their Kyrion. Did they think I was going to take him away from them? I had debated all morning on whether I should tell him about the ghostly visit from his mom but had decided it would only hurt him. Instead, I had settled on asking for his help with my quest. Considering the concerns about me taking him away from his people, I now wondered if that was a good idea.
By the time we entered the city square it seemed as if half the population was following us, and the other half was already waiting for us. The Talosi were lined up creating an open path for us as people strained to watch over their shoulders. We walked through one of
the Grecian arches that circled the square; beds filled with a variety of flowers in reds and whites dotted the area. At the center of the square was a large white statue of Kyrion Calidora which stood on top of a stone plinth with wide circular steps.
Bennett stood tall and regal in black formal wear at the bottom of the steps. He watched me intently, following my every move as if waiting for me to run. When I stepped up to his side, he held out his hand, and I laid mine on top. My escorts stepped back to join the front of the crowd, and Lydia came forward to remove both of our shoes. When she was done, Bennett turned toward me and said quietly, “I love you, Lia. Nothing and no one will ever change that.” The mask of the Kyrion fell away for a moment, and he smiled at me with a look of such love that tears welled in my eyes. “Here before our people I am making our bond official. Our claim on each other cannot be disputed and the world will know that you are mine.” He glanced at the people waiting for us to begin the ceremony. “Our people need hope, and for us to show them their Kyrion are united as one.
“We have done everything backwards in this relationship, asteràki,” Bennett’s voice floated through my head. “Our official ‘wedding day’ was in a tent on the training grounds during the Games instead of here in our rooms, but I would not change the path that led us here. From this moment forward we will be joined as the God of Chaos intended and rule our people together.”
The mask of the Kyrion slipped back into place as Bennett stated loudly, “Jillian Nova Davies, I claim you as my bond-mate.”
I licked my dry lips, as a war raged inside me tallying up all of my failures and inadequacies. I wasn’t like Selene who was born into this world and could navigate it effortlessly. I would probably never have her calm demeanor and ease with diplomacy. It was going to take me a lifetime to learn all the laws and customs. And clearly the people questioned if this bond was right. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. Damnit, why was I hesitating? It didn’t matter what anyone else thought or how ill-equipped I was for the role. Bennett was the man I loved. The rest would work itself out in time. “Bennett Theo Young, I claim you as my bond-mate.”
We stepped up onto the wide ledge of the first step of the statue base together. “We are born from ash,” we chorused loudly.
My hands shook as I waited for whatever was about to happen. The stone beneath us trembled, and suddenly my feet were sinking into ash. The fine silt slid between my toes like the softest sun-warmed sand. We moved up onto the next step and declared, “We are molded in heat.”
Hot coals appeared at our feet, and I nearly jumped off the steps. Bennett’s rough hand held me steady by his side, and I relaxed when my feet didn’t burn. We stepped up onto the top platform. The statue of Bennett’s mother loomed over us, blocking out the sun. I looked up at that beautiful face captured forever in white marble wondering what she would have thought of me. Her words from last night echoed through my mind: “My son chose wisely.”
But would she still feel the same if she could see through my bravado to the scared girl underneath? Would she think me unfit for her throne if she saw how little control I had of my powers or how much I had yet to learn about this world? Would she find me a poor match for her son if she knew all those things?
“Mother, I would like for you to meet Lia Davies, my bond-mate.” Bennett said quietly with a wistful smile up at the statue. “I think you would have liked each other. Lia is as defiant and stubborn as you were. She will finish the work that you started in changing our world.” Bennett glanced at me, those dark eyes filled with love. “You were right, Mother. I chose love over duty, and I do not regret it.”
A tear slid down my cheek as I whispered, “I love you too, Bennett.”
We raised our joined hands and cried out, “We are bonded in fire.”
Fire ringed us on all sides. I jumped in surprise, my heart galloping in my chest. My power flowed out, reacting with the flames, which shot high into the sky. Bennett looked at me with love and pride dancing in his eyes. For the first time, I craved to say the words I had been denying—to call him my husband. In that moment, I dared to believe we could have it all, and our love would weather anything the gods threw at us.
Bennett doused the flames and turned us to face the crowd. Everyone clapped and a few cheers rang out. I scanned over the faces in the crowd noting that there were many people looking more worried than excited. But it was the pallor upon Christos Athan’s face that filled me with foreboding. He was watching Bennett and me with a look of disappointment and regret.
15
We descended the altar and stepped back into our shoes. Selene had now taken control of the crowd with a mastery I was taking notes on. She directed the Talosi to organize the people into a line to greet us and offer their gifts. I noticed Guide Athan more than once by her side preventing problems before they occurred and helping her discreetly. He watched her with awe and—whenever she wasn’t looking—something that looked really close to love. Was the old guide secretly in love with the adviser? If so, I would hate to break the news to him that she was married to the job.
When everything was to Selene’s satisfaction, she returned to Bennett’s side, giving him a nod. Bennett turned to me and announced, “It is tradition for us to ask each other for a gift within our power of granting, and it cannot be denied. What would you ask of me, Lia?”
There were so many things that I could ask for, but there was something that had been weighing heavy on my mind. “I would like for you to remove the law on outcasts so that everyone is welcome here, and no one gets punished for helping them.”
Several shocked exclamations rang out from the crowd before they hushed into silence. The pulse in Bennett’s jaw ticked, and his lips thinned in displeasure. “Making such a proclamation without consulting with the other Kyrion will cause chaos. Please, Lia, is there not something else you would ask of me?”
“I don’t want to cause you trouble with the others, but don’t they have to listen to you?” I asked, trying to understand how it all worked.
“Yes, I am ruler over all Houses and this decree would be forced upon them,” he agreed hesitantly. “But all Kyrion should have a say; we work best that way. This kind of change should not be undertaken lightly. There are always repercussions to our actions as Kyrion, Lia.”
“I’m sorry I put this on you now, I didn’t know how it worked. But I can’t condone leaving people helpless when we can do something to change it.” I opened the door between us and let him feel my conviction. “I saw what was on those TV screens. The people who were killed at the tower were only trying to find safety.”
“As you will learn when you become Kyrion, making a decision is easy. It is living with the consequences that is hardest.” I got the impression that he knew this all too well. “It is not always only you who must weather the fallout. Let us hope that neither of us has cause to regret this.”
“My bond-mate has a compassionate heart,” Bennett said aloud, with a forced smile. “I, Bennett Theo Young, Kyrion of the House of Chaos, abolish the old law stating that those who will not pledge themselves to a House are considered outcast. All descendants of a House will be afforded protection if they seek it in good faith. Those that seek refuge are subject to all laws and traditions of the House. Furthermore, there will no longer be a penalty for those consorting with outcasts so long as their actions do not betray their House. I so declare this as Lia’s Law, and all shall obey.”
Bennett had added his own caveats to the law, but I didn’t blame him for wanting some degree of assurance that the people they invite in weren’t there to cause trouble.
“Thank you, Bennett.” I smiled and the crowd gave a weak cheer. “What about your gift?” I opened the door to our connection wider curious about what he could possibly want. “What would the Kyrion who can command anything ask for?”
I fidgeted with the sleeves of my dress anxiously waiting for his response. “I could ask that you leave the connection between us always open,”
he said pensively through our bond. “But that is something I want you to give freely.” Bennett brushed his hands against my cheek and down my neck to pick up the chain of my necklace. “I ask only that you wear my ring on your finger and never take it off.”
“Sneaky, wizard. You finally got your way,” I teased. I pulled the ring off the chain and dropped it into his hand. Then said the words my heart had claimed long before I could acknowledge it, “Your wish is granted, husband.”
Bennett stilled as he searched my face, his lips slightly parted in awe. “I have been waiting months to hear you claim me as your husband and acknowledge that you are my wife. This gift is even better than I could have asked for. Thank you, my wife.” He laughed as he placed the ring on my finger. “My bond-mate drives a hard bargain, but I think we both won this round.”
The crowd laughed and cheered more enthusiastically this time. After that a parade of people came before us with their congratulations and gifts. Servants worked diligently to sort through the presents and haul them back to Bennett’s house. Their arms were weighed down with silks, brooches, pottery, and more. Other servants set up tables as platter after platter of food was unloaded from a cart. I bumbled my way through the first several introductions, but soon got the hang of the bowing and hand gestures acknowledging their loyalty. My face hurt from smiling and my back was starting to cramp by the time we got through the very long line of well-wishers. Thankfully, we were escorted to a table next and served an array of delicious food. I had very little time for my nerves and doubts, but they lingered there in the background ready to pounce every time I caught a wary look from the crowd.
Music played and performers showed off their fire skills as dinner came to a close. I clapped along with everyone else and made sure to smile through it all. People started to drift off back to their houses or other pursuits about midday. Bennett was called away to address an issue and Selene was busy directing the clean-up. I sat alone at the table with Grayson and the three guides who had apparently been assigned to me, all of them standing at my back like stone pillars. I drew aimless patterns in the remains of my chocolate cake as the dwindling groups of people chatted and laughed. I felt like the mismatched piece in a puzzle that hadn’t yet found my true place. I had kept to myself in Port Lawson, and in Sotirìa I had discovered I was the first Chosen. Here I was an outsider: an unknown raised by the hated humans and ignorant of the Paldimori ways.
Paldimori Gods Rising Box Set Page 58