by L C Taylor
“I know. It’s just…” She inhaled, “What if it could have prevented Dimitra’s kidnapping?”
“You know as well as I do, that’s grasping at straws.”
“Plus,” Rory interrupted, “That man had something that suppressed her magic. I know you saw him put those cuffs on her hands. That means he had this whole thing planned. Hey, Commander Holsten do we know who let them through the gate?”
“It was a grounds keeper. He said they threatened to kill his family.”
“Well, shit.” Emersyn shook her head, “How am I supposed to protect my people?”
“Listen to your Commander. He knows what he is doing, Emersyn.” The Onyx Queen nodded towards Drake as she walked passed Emersyn.
“Ok.”
Emersyn glanced at Drake, who stood watching the exchange. She was angry at him for withholding the information, but deep down she knew it wouldn’t have changed anything.
Once everyone had cleared the room, Emersyn turned to Drake. She could tell he was at war with himself.
“Drake,” Emersyn placed her hand on his chest, “I am not mad at you. A bit confused, but mad? No.”
“I’m sorry, Emersyn. I thought I was protecting you by waiting to tell you about the letter.”
“I know. I get it. What does it say?”
“We did not open it. Captain Hill and I felt you should do that after the party.”
“Well, let’s go.” Emersyn placed her hand on the door. Drake covered her hand with his.
“Emersyn,” Drake spoke softly, “Please tell me you still trust me.”
“Drake,” Emersyn turned stunned at his question. “I trust you with my life. You did what you thought was best, I will not fault you for that. Rory was right,” she wrapped her arms around his body, “Whoever did this had it planned out. Me reading the letter sooner wouldn’t have changed that fact.”
Drake tilted her head up, “I promise to protect you with my life, Emersyn.”
“How about you promise to stay alive and just catch them? I can’t lose someone else, Drake. You included.”
Drake pressed his lips to hers. He poured what he was feeling into the kiss. Emersyn parted her lips, moaning into his mouth.
“We should go, before I take the queen against this door.”
Emersyn nodded, “I could command you to do so.”
“A command is for the unwilling,” Drake pulled the door open, guiding her into the hall. “And I am far from unwilling. After you, my queen,” he waved his hand toward the Captains office.
Emersyn drew in a breath, “Lets go see what awaits me,” she laced her fingers with his, “together.”
Chapter 14
Captain Hill was waiting for them when they arrived at his office.
“EMERSYN!” Cassie bolted from her seat near the window and nearly knocked Emersyn down. “I thought you’d been hurt or taken. Alex wouldn’t tell me anything.”
“I’m fine, Cassie. I’m glad you’re ok, too. But Drake told me Alex had gotten you to safety, Captain Hill,” Emersyn turned to the man, “Thank you for protecting her – she’s the only family I have.”
“I would die for her,” Alex grabbed her hand and tugged her to his side, wrapping an arm around her body.
Emersyn glanced between them, noticing Cassie’s blush.
“Good. Now, what is this I hear about you hiding mail from me?”
“Wha…” Alex stammered.
“Kidding. Drake told me about the letter. I would like to read it now.”
Alex nodded, releasing Cassie, he turned and opened his safe. Sliding the envelope out, he passed it over to Emersyn. She stepped up to his desk and dumped the contents out. Several pictures, along with a smaller envelope fell out.
Emersyn picked up the photos. There were images of her and each of the other queens. Dropping them to the wooden surface, she picked up the envelope and slid her finger beneath the seal.
Taking the folded note out, she walked toward the window in Captain Hill’s office. Taking a deep breath, she unfolded the paper.
Six tangled kingdoms living in the dark.
When the truth is revealed lives will be torn apart.
A secret more shocking will soon come to light,
And the balance of power will again be right.
All the kingdom’s stones will crash and break,
Leaving the kingdom’s crowns for mine to take.
“This makes no sense.” Emersyn handed the letter to Drake.
“Truth revealed? What the hell are they talking about? And what the hell does this have to do with taking Dimitra?”
“Maybe they weren’t trying to take her,” Cassie spoke, “What if she just got in the way?”
“Shit…” Alex’s eyes met Drakes. They were thinking the same thing. “You’re right. She wasn’t the target.”
“Who was?” Emersyn asked, afraid of his answer.
“Think about it, Emersyn,” Drake shook his head, “The letter was for you. They were coming for you… But why?”
“Hell, if I know.” Emersyn ran her hands through her hair, tugging on the ends, “This is bullshit. First my parents, now this.”
“It has to be connected.” Alex slapped his hand on his desk, “We need to start looking into the King and Queen. I believe their murder was the beginning of something big.”
“This is all too much,” Emersyn walked toward the window and pressed her hand against the glass, “Why me? Is there any word on where they took Dimitra?”
“None. We need to look at the connections between the kingdoms. And what do you think it meant by ‘mine to take’?” Alex asked, glancing at Drake.
“I’m not sure. We need to speak with the other kingdoms. Can you get them together for a conference call? Maybe there is something one of them knows.”
“The only connection I am aware of is the one between the Diamond, Ruby, Onyx, and Amethyst kingdoms.”
“What connection?” Emersyn turned and pinned Alex with a glare.
“They are cousins. Their parents are related.”
“How did I not know this?” Emersyn closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. “My parents never said anything.”
“I don’t know.” Cassie shook her head, “Seems odd they’d forget to mention that tidbit. I never knew either if that makes you feel better.” She smiled at Emersyn.
“It doesn’t, but thanks. Someone explain to me how they are cousins. I’m trying to wrap my head around this.”
“Well,” Alex shook his head, “Opehlia Nite’s brothers, Edward, Oscar, and Charles all married a queen. That makes their children cousins. And as you know, the men take the queen’s name when they marry. Emersyn, it wouldn’t have been obvious to someone they were related. And honestly, it’s not talked about often.”
“Do you think one of them is bitter that he is not in power?”
“No. When a boy is born into the royal family, they are raised with the understanding they will not be king. In all our kingdom’s history it has never been an issue. And seeing as they married a queen anyway – I’d venture to say there is no bitterness. But…” Alex paused, “We should probably speak with them anyway.”
“I seriously doubt King Oscar is plotting in his condition.” Cassie remarked.
“What condition?” Emersyn looked at her friend.
Drake and Alex shared a glance, “Wow, your parents really did keep you sheltered,” Cassie sighed, “King Oscar has cancer. He is stage four lung cancer to be exact.”
“Oh my God, poor Rory.” Emersyn’s eyes welled with tears. “I need to call her… she needs to know I am here for her.”
Drake pulled Emersyn against him, “She knows, Emersyn. And they have been preparing for his passing for a while now.”
“This is all my fault.” Emersyn buried her head in his chest, the tears spilling against his grey t-shirt. Drake nodded toward Cassie and Alex.
“Can you give us a few minutes alone?”
“Cassie,
let’s give them a few minutes. You can help me call the other kingdoms and schedule the meeting.”
“Emersyn,” Cassie pressed her hand on her back, “I am here for you. We will get through this together.”
Emersyn only nodded, unable to speak as the emotions poured out. Drake held her tightly against him as Alex and Cassie left the room.
“Emersyn,” Drake leaned back, “None of this is your fault. Do you hear me? I know you feel guilt, but this situation is not of your doing.”
“How can you say that, Drake?” She backed out of his arms, “My parents were obviously hiding something. Something big enough to get them killed and Dimitra taken. God,” She leaned against Alex’s desk, “It should have been me, not her. They should have taken me.”
Drake grabbed her arm, spinning her body to him, “Don’t say that, Emersyn. I am sorry Dimitra was taken – and we will find her. BUT don’t you dare tell me it should have been you.”
“But,”
Drake silenced her with his lips. The kiss needy and hard. Emersyn melted into him, pulling him closer as she parted her lips, giving his tongue access to plunder her mouth. Breaking free, he rested his forehead on hers.
“I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you, Emersyn.”
“Your need to protect me comes from a sense of duty.”
“No… you’re wrong. My need to protect you comes from love, Emersyn. I know it’s crazy – seeing how it’s only been a week. But I love you.”
Emersyn gasped. The truth was there in his eyes as he held her gaze. “It’s not crazy. I…” she stammered, “I love you too, Drake. I think you’re my compliment.”
“Your what now?” Drake furrowed his brow.
“Sarifena said as an elemental, I’d likely find the perfect complement to my magic. Kind of like a soulmate. She said I’d know the instant I met them…And, Drake,” Emersyn smiled, “I knew when we met there was something different. Until she explained it to me, I didn’t know what. Now I know. You’re my complement.”
“Good,” Drake wedged himself between her legs, “It explains why I need to be near you all the time. And now…” He licked his lips, “I understand the desire to be buried inside you non-stop.”
Chapter 15
“Drake…” Emersyn shifted against the evidence of his desire, “This is Alex’s office.”
“I’m the commander and I am commandeering his desk.”
Drake hoisted her up, placing her butt on the desktop. He used his arm to sweep the items covering the surface to the floor.
“Drake!”
He took her lips against his, pressing his tongue between the seam. Their bodies melded together as he fucked her mouth with his. Slowly he eased the t-shirt over her head, leaving her in only a white lace bra.
“Fuck you’re gorgeous.” He pulled the thin material down, freeing her pert nipple. Bowing his head, he sucked the tiny pink bud in his mouth.
Emersyn moaned, the sound echoing off the walls of Captain Hill’s office. Drake eased his hand to the front of her leggings, slipping beneath the waistband. He found her moist center and pressed a finger between her folds.
“FUCK…” Emersyn bucked against his hand.
Drake pumped his digit in and out, her juices coating his hand. He captured her mouth again, plundering it with his tongue as he finger fucked Emersyn.
Drake could feel her tensing as her orgasm drew near. “That’s it, Emersyn. I want you to come all over my hand.”
“Oh god… I,” her legs tightened around his arm as the pleasure ripped from her body, “Drake!” she screamed out his name as her body shook from the violent orgasm.
Drake pulled his hand free, hooking his thumbs on the cotton fabric, he slid her pants down as Emersyn lifted her butt. Tossing them to the floor, Drake dove back between her legs and buried his face in her center.
He licked and sucked at her clit as he pressed his finger back into her womb. Pumping his hand, he sucked her tiny nub into his mouth, causing her to erupt again. Spilling her cream onto his tongue. Lapping up her wetness, he kissed the inside of her thigh. Emersyn laid back on the Captains desk, propped on her elbows. Her hooded eyes watched as he unfastened his pants, pushing them down with his boxers, and freed his cock.
Fisting it in his palm, “Do you want this, Emersyn?”
“Yes…” she whispered.
“Say it, Emersyn. I need to hear you tell me what you want.”
“I want you to put your cock inside me, Drake. I want you to pound me so hard, the desk moves. I want to feel you so deep inside me, I don’t know where you start and I begin.” She spread her legs, beckoning him inside.
Drake lined himself up with her opening and pushed in, “FUCK…”
He gripped her hips and began to move, “I’m not going to last long, Emersyn. Your pussy feels too damn good.”
“I’m close, Drake. Fuck me hard.”
Drakes movements became fast and hard. The desk skidding across the floor made a screeching noise as he pounded Emersyn. Her hands gripped his forearms, her breaths coming out in moans and pants.
“That’s it, baby, squeeze my cock.” Drake could feel her walls tightening around his length.
Emersyn arched her back, screaming out as Drake’s balls tightened. His cock swelled, growing harder right before his come burst out, filling her womb with his seed.
Drake collapsed on top of Emersyn, “Looks like we redecorated.”
Emersyn glanced around the room, “Shit… Help me up,” she tried to roll out from under him. Drake helped her stand, his come running down her legs. Emersyn burst into a fit of giggles, “I can’t believe we just did that on the Captains desk.”
“You’re the queen. Pretty sure it’s your desk.” Drake gave her a cheeky grin. Pulling some Kleenex from the box strewn on the floor, he helped clean off Emersyn’s legs. He then grabbed her leggings and handed them to her. As he was pulling his pants back on, his phone rang.
Pulling the phone from his pocket, he propped it under his chin as he fastened his button. “This is Commander Mercer.” He glanced to Emersyn, “I see. And was anyone hurt? Ok. That’s good. Yes, I’ll gather the Captain and we will call you back in the conference room.”
“What happened?” Emersyn looked at him wide eyed.
“There was an attempted attack on Onika and Rory as they were returning home.”
“Oh god… are they ok?”
“Yes. Onika covered them in darkness and Rory disabled the attackers.”
“Disabled the attackers?” Emersyn was confused, “What do you mean?”
“They’re dead, Emersyn. Rory burned them all.”
“Jesus…” She stared at him in disbelief. “We need to figure this out. Now.”
Drake took her hand and walked her to the door, “Let’s go. We need to get everyone on the phone and discuss this situation.”
Emersyn took one last look at the Captain’s office, “Um… shouldn’t we clean his desk up?”
“I’ll have someone from the cleaning staff handle it. Come on, let’s go.”
Hand in hand they walked out of the office. Drake couldn’t stop glancing at Emersyn. He would move heaven and earth to ensure her safety – no matter what.
Chapter 16
The conference room was crowded. Constable Baxter sat at the head of the table, beside him sat Captain Hill and several of the guardsmen. They were seated around the massive oak square, waiting for their arrival.
Captain Hill shot a knowing grin towards Drake before turning toward the constable.
“Constable, we will have the other constables and commanders online momentarily. I think Emersyn should brief them on the letter before we get started.”
Emersyn nodded, “Well… to be honest it does not make sense.”
She began to recite the words from the letter.
“Six tangled kingdoms living in the dark. When the truth is revealed lives will be torn apart. A secret more shocking will soon come to light
, and the balance of power will again be right. All the kingdom’s stones will crash and break, leaving the kingdom’s crowns as mine to take.”
Constable Baxter paled, “Commander, please tell me you have some idea what this is telling us.”
“No, sir. I wish I did – but it does not make sense to me or Emersyn.”
“Well obviously it’s a threat. We need to increase patrols around the kingdom and castle.”
“I agree.” Drake sat somberly, waiting for the other Constables and Commanders to join their video conference. He was beyond perplexed at the situation.
“Alright,” Baxter cut the silence, “Everyone is on. Thank you for joining us this evening.”
Emersyn glanced at the massive screen that had descended from the ceiling. It was positioned at the head of the table, so everyone seated around could see the individuals on screen. The Ruby Queen, her constable and commander were in the upper corner of the screen. Beside her was the Onyx Queen and her guard commanders. Emersyn scanned the screen, noting everyone was there – everyone but Dimitra. In her place were the Diamond kingdom Constable and Commander. A pain ricocheted through her chest, causing her to gasp.
“Are you ok?” Drake placed his hand on her thigh.
“Yes – the reality of Dimitra being gone caught me off guard. I’m fine. Shall we get started?”
For the next hour, the Kingdoms discussed how to handle the kidnapping of Dimitra, the Diamond Queen, and what to make of the letter Emersyn had received. The consensus was that the Diamond Guards, along with the Ruby Kingdom, Amethyst Kingdom, and Onyx Kingdom, would focus their energy on sorting out the Diamond Queens whereabouts.
That left The Sapphire Queen to help Emersyn. Together they would go through her parents things, trying to find anything that would help them unravel the riddle given to Emersyn.
Sarifena agreed to travel back to Emersyn’s kingdom, leaving her Constable in charge while she was gone. She would stay at the Emerald castle until they found something. Not only would she help Emersyn with the unraveling of the bizarre threat, she would help her with her magic. Emersyn was becoming more and more powerful and needed to learn how to expel her magic safely.