Forsaken Heart

by Elise Whyles

  “My king.”

  “Priestess. You know why you have come.”

  “Indeed, though I must admit it is uncommon to call for me to perform a common wedding. It is a chore better suited to one of my priestesses in training. Still, your male was quite insistent upon my attendance. Curious, I decided to honor his query in the spirit it was sent.”

  “I sent for you…” Hema paused, fury crossing his face with the entrance of Dorstan, a warrior renowned for killing dragons and his stubborn will. “What is the meaning of your return? Have you changed—”

  “I have not. I must voice my disagreement once more, milord. To allow this…this mortal to come to our realm and be so welcomed…”

  “Bede is Gawain’s mate, his other half. His bride by the Fates. Do you challenge Selene’s wisdom?” Hema ground out, his eyes flashing red.

  “She is a female and as such less than rational.”

  “Your concerns are noted. Unless you desire to take part in the ceremonies, I bid you return to your quarters.”

  “It will be your grave, milord,” Dorstan warned before vanishing into a cloud of sulfuric smoke.

  “I assume he is displeased with the choice of brides?”

  “She is mortal. Newly claimed and not yet grown into her immortality.” Hema waved aside further questions. “You will honor us by wedding them.”

  Veronique inhaled slowly. Discontent and anger rolled through the crowd. Vampires from all clans had come together, be it in peace or not she was uncertain. The air was thick with the stench of death, smudges of soot clung to the cracks and breaks in the stone, and more than one vampire still bore evidence of a fresh battle.

  “You honor me, on this eve of our holiest nights.”

  “They come.” A voice rose from the corridors leading to the throne room.

  The tall doors were swung open and several youngsters approached from each corridor. Veronique eyed the chalices, the ribbons, and glanced at the king. Whomever they were, their place within the palace was envious. Perhaps a son of one of the queens was to be married. More than one of Hema’s wives had brought a child to the union. She swayed slightly at the woman who strode into the room, her body bare except for the paint and a delicate length of rope that hung around her hips. Her groin was neatly trimmed, the hair all but gone, tiny dots of blood dried on the pale skin. Her hair had been piled atop her head, golden threads woven through it.

  Where had Hema found her? The line long since broken, there were no instances of one within the hallowed halls for centuries. Nervously, she traced the pale lines of the girl’s tattoos, noting the narrowed eyes of the serpent. Veronique swallowed, she understood much now. This would be no ordinary wedding—the king sought to appease the gods this night by accepting one of Selene’s chosen back into her rightful place.

  Masking her shock, Veronique glanced at the other side of the room and sighed. The warrior striding toward her resembled a familiar man she’d long since mourned. At one time she’d have welcomed him into her bed, a rare honor bestowed on few, yet he’d never shown any inclination. Unlike those he surrounded himself with, he had kept to the old vows with unquestionable resolve. His dark hair was slicked back, eyes feverish with lust, he was focused solely on the woman the queen assisted until she knelt before her.

  Veronique closed her eyes, focusing inward on the image of their goddess. The rustle of flesh beneath fabric filled her ears, yet she did not open her eyes. All must be focused on Selene’s benevolence. Exhaling, she welcomed the rush of power, the insight into the pair. Beneath their calm exteriors, a warrior’s heart beat in tandem. Love, unlike any she’d ever felt flowed between them. Joined not only by the claiming but a force far greater, a thread unbreakable by even death, it stretched between them like a steel rope.

  She swept the room with a final glance. The power of the red moon flowed through her, calling out to Selene, to the Fates in their wisdom as she began the incantations needed to breach the very heavens and rise around their goddess.

  “Praise Selene, goddess of old, mother to us all, on this night. Tonight we welcome not only one of our kind into our midst, but we honor the wishes of our great and bountiful mother.” Veronique lifted her palms to the ceiling. “Selene, we beg thee to honor this couple, to grant them forever in peace. We ask you guide them to an eternal happiness so deserving.”

  With a smile she looked at the young couple before her, their eyes locked in silent communication. “The ties that bind you are stronger than any other. Fate has given your other half back. Honor this with kindness, truth, joy.” Veronique ushered a serving boy forward. He dropped to a knee, the tray held above his bowed head. She lifted the intricately jeweled chalice from the tray. “Rise, Gawain and Bede. Rise and swear fealty to none but yourselves.”

  “Should I forsake you, may the sun greet me with a prolonged death.” Gawain took the chalice and sipped from it before handing it to Bede. “In my blood I give of myself, of my life, and my heart. From my loins may I grace you with a daughter as beautiful as you, to warm your heart and light your soul with joy. In this, my beloved, I offer my solemn vow, bind me now as your love has freed me.”

  “Should I dishonor our vows, I will greet the morning with a willing heart and a fitting death,” Bede promised. “In my life I will give of my blood, of my womb, to you a life for eternity or until Paradise has called us to her feet. May I bless you with a son to carry your name, your line, and give to you a pride and honor your heart yearns for. Bind me now, milord, my love, as your love, your life, has freed me.”

  “So it shall be. In honor, in life do I bind thee.” Veronique wove a length of gold rope around their hands before piercing their flesh with a dagger and holding the wounds together. “Only death shall keep thee apart until the end of time.”

  Glancing around, Veronique returned her attention to the couple, her smile warming. Their focus had not moved from the other, love and peace filled their eyes. Smiles of yearning and warmth lit their faces. “Selene will bless thee this night. Ask for what you truly desire and it shall be yours.”

  Bede glanced at her before refocusing on Gawain, her bottom lip between her teeth. “I can ask for anything?”

  “Anything so long as your heart is pure.” Veronique wondered what she would ask for. Many asked for a healthy child or a day to walk in the sun. Would a mortal seek something beyond the grasp of all?

  Bede leaned forward, her eyes sparkling as she pressed in closer. “I would prefer Vanex and her sugars never come together in my presence again.”

  Veronique frowned before following Bede’s gaze down. Flushing, she chuckled, the tension bleeding from her shoulders at the words. Her heart was as pure as her soul, and in such innocence, such naivety, Gawain had been blessed beyond any other. “I think that is something Selene cannot give. Ask for anything beyond—”

  “I have all I need.” Bede shrugged, her eyes flashing with laughter and happiness. “My sister will return to me in time, my love is standing beside me for all eternity—what more could I seek?”

  “A healthy heir? A day to walk among the living? The life of another? Ask it and you shall be granted any prize this eve.”

  Bede shook her head. “Gawain has given me all the blessings, all the prizes I could pray for, mistress. How can I tempt the gods by asking for more than the bounty I have been given? Love, life, a mate worthy of Selene herself, and freedom from the misery and deceit beneath my father’s rule. I thank thee, but I have no prize I seek beyond the man who stands before me.”

  “And you, milord?”

  Gawain offered a crooked smirk. “I have no desire for more. I am a soldier—we have no elaborate desires.”

  Hiding her pleasure proved taxing as she appraised the young couple. Veronique nodded and held the chalice up. “Drink of it again, united. I bless you both in the name of Selene, mother of all.”

  “Indeed, be blessed, my captain.” Hema’s voice rose above the cheers. “Honor me with your service as I hono
r you and your bride with a gift befitting such unquestionable faith.”

  Veronique glanced at Bruja who eyed her husband with uncertainty as he strode from the throne to stand before Gawain and Bede. “Highness—”

  “This night…” Hema paused, his gaze sweeping the room, sorrow in his gaze. “I have long dreaded, long wallowed in the misery of the memories. Tonight, my dear Bede, wife to Gawain, I offer to you a place within my court. I also offer to you this.”

  Veronique gasped as an elaborate choker was brought forth, the blue and gold flickering and dancing in the moonlight. She stepped back, her fingers curling into fists at the sight of Muadhnait’s gems. The fallen queen had worn them to her coronation, beautiful, exotic they’d been a gift from Hema—for him to give them to the wife of a warrior was an honor few would dare to dream of.

  “Milord.” Bruja approached, her gaze on the stones. “You honor us all with such a gift. I would offer something as well, Bede.”

  “What do you have to offer?” Veronique shifted, fear for the young couple settling like acid in her heart. Were they out to turn it into a competition? How would a mortal unused to the ways of vampire court react? “You honor Selene with your generosity, your benevolence.”

  “A simple gift.” Bruja smiled warmly, her hand curling over Hema’s wrist. “My gift is not something one can see or touch. Instead, I would honor you by offering you a place within my ladies. Please, Bede, accept the place of your ancestors and join the ladies in waiting.”

  Veronique wondered if Bruja would be so generous if Bede refused her gift. Although it was an honor, it was not really a gift. To serve the queen was more work than any one woman could ever hope to avoid.

  “Thank you, highness, but…” Bede glanced uneasily at Gawain. “I only wish to be with Gawain. I do not want more than I have, can you forgive me?”

  Bruja laughed, her hand closing over Bede’s. “Child, I would think nothing of your desire. Go, enjoy your husband. Think about my gift, there is no rush.”

  “You are most kind.”

  “Let us proceed with the putting to bed.” Veronique waved at the hovering crowd. “Then the rest of us can get to the feasting and party.”

  Chapter 18

  Bede leaned against Gawain, her voice a whisper. “Why are there so many following us?”

  “’Tis customary for the putting to bed. Many human cultures have something similar as a symbol of the purity of the wedding bed. Our people use it for another reason.”

  “Oh.” Bede frowned, confused. “What reason?”

  “We do it to gauge how loud the party can get.” Ashalia giggled as she swept open the bedroom door.

  Bede stepped into the room, her eyes widening in horror. Surrounding the room, dressed in full military regalia, what seemed an entire legion of vampires held their swords aloft. In the middle of the room on a raised dais, a huge bed rested, the covers turned down. Scarlet sheets spilled onto the floor, and gauze curtains surrounded the bed. At the head, two massive guards stood, hands locked before their groins, legs spread.

  Terror race through Bede when Ashalia pulled her closer to the bed. Why would there be so many in the room? Surely they wouldn’t all— Her racing thoughts were interrupted by the sensation of cool fingers removing her rope belt and the jewels decorating her throat and ears. Ashalia nudged her into sitting on the bed before lifting her feet one at a time and tucking her into bed. Bede reached for the blankets only to grasp at thin air as Ashalia lifted them.

  Turning to Gawain, she swallowed as the young upstart who’d pulled her from the battle assisted him into bed. Selordan repeated the same motions Ashalia had with care and precision. With Gawain laid out on the bed, Ashalia and the young warrior began the process of rolling the bedding down to the foot of the bed.

  “Wait, we might…” Bede flushed, humiliated at so many seeing her naked body. Crossing one arm over her chest, she shielded her breasts and cupped her groin to hide what lay between her legs. “Please, just leave them.”

  “Milady.” Ashalia smiled. “’Tis your wedding night. I hardly think you’ll be in need of bedclothes. The fire has been stoked. If you have need of refreshments, there’s a fine wine right here. We bid you good eve.” She bowed, clapped her hands, and wiggled her fingers at the male guards who began marching out the door.

  Bede squirmed closer to Gawain, determined not to panic in the face of such an unusual happenstance. She gasped when Ashalia closed the chamber door and locked it…with her and Selordan on the inside. “Uh, wait I thought…”

  “As per our duties…” Selordan bowed, his eyes carefully averted. “We cannot leave until the marriage has been…”

  “If you say ‘consummated’, I will rise from this bed and—”

  “’Tis hard to see bloodstains on red.” Ashalia flushed.

  “But we’ve already had relations,” Bede sputtered, her face on fire.

  “Our duties are clear, to shirk them—”

  “For the love of all that is unholy,” Gawain roared. “Get out before I use you for a scabbard.”

  Bede nodded feverishly. “Forgive me for my bluntness, but you can leave. We’ve no need for you to be here.”

  “But Bruja—”

  “Go.” Gawain’s low growl filled the room.

  With a quick nod, Selordan and Ashalia teleported out of the room. Alone, the butterflies began dancing in Bede’s belly, waltzing with her arousal until she couldn’t say where one started and another stopped. Nervous, she plucked at the sheet beneath her. “Milord…”

  “Gods above, I thought I’d lost you.” Gawain pressed a hot kiss to her throat, his tongue darting over her skin. “Thought this would never come to be, believed I was beyond your forgiveness.”

  “Milord, my love, you have not failed me.” Bede swallowed against the burning in her eyes. “I only hope to win your love one day.”

  “You hold my heart in your hands, my love.” Gawain pinned her to the bed, his thigh between hers, his hand holding both of her wrists above her head. “I swear, my love, if there is one thing I desire more than any other it is your love. Forever, I would hold your heart safe.”

  Tears streaming down her face, Bede wiggled her hips against his. “I do love you. Long ago I stopped worrying about Una, instead I worried of you. I prayed for your safety, wanted to have you in my life, arms, and bed. I gladly embrace this world, this life, to be with you.”

  Bede moaned at the soft brush of his lips. She licked her lips, catching his, the sweetness of the wine lingering on her tongue. Giggling softly, she struggled within his grasp until he let go. Encircling his neck with her arms, she clung to him.

  “I will make everything work for us, my love. I promise, I shall return your sister to you and make your family whole.” Gawain pressed a kiss to her shoulder, his mind wandering for a heartbeat. He still owed the gatekeeper the sand. When he returned to Amuliana’s realm he’d need to remember to pick up the sands he owed. Perhaps it would suffice as enough of an excuse to keep his beloved from worrying when he went to hunt again.

  “Milord, I know well you desire to do so, but it will come to be in time.” Bede arched her hips. “So, my lover, shall we put aside our discussion? ’Tis been so long since I’ve felt you within me.” She trailed her palm down his chest, her nails scoring the flesh until she could grasp his hard cock. Slowly, she pumped him, her grip tightening with each downward stroke.

  “Ah, my first task is to please.” Gawain groaned, his hips lurching forward. “It shall be done.”

  * * * *

  Selene stepped past the guard, her gaze searching the shadows. A smile lifted one corner of her mouth. “The wedding was splendid. Glorious in all its naked glory. The bride was ravishing, the groom looking eager for the ravishment. Hema bestowed a most impressive gift on young Bede, and the queen offered her a much coveted place within her ranks.” She helped herself to a glass of wine. “I did not see you in attendance. Well, honestly, I dare say I saw no other gods ther
e, which saddens me.”

  “I had other, more pressing issues.” Khrund set aside the clay figure he was working on.

  “I had a thought, what would I get them for their wedding. After much debate, I’ve put a blessing on them. Thankfully, Amuliana didn’t appear. She’d have ruined the entire ceremony.”

  “I’m certain she would have, save for her attendance within the dragon’s realm. It was my understanding she was busy within the sheets of some dragon lord’s bed. Knowing the heart of young Bede, I attended Una rather than the wedding.”

  Selene nodded, all too aware of Khrund’s activities. “You were eager to visit a pair of young lovers before the ceremony. They certainly are not shy in the pleasure they take from each other’s body.”

  “I wanted to ease her fears. She’s so brave, her heart is pure, youthful. I could do no less.”

  “It will be rewarded,” Selene promised. “You have eased her mind and now I will ask you to guard young Una, for her fate lies with one many have already forsaken. Liam is a man who fears his chains—he has no awareness of just how closely his life is tied to the woman that Una will come to be.”

  “His mind is consumed with his quest, but he will know. The day he sees her, his quest will become a vague memory he clings to as his heart opens to the love he is deserving of.”

  “What do you think will be done about them? Do you think there will be something we can take before the council?”

  “You know as well as I she has plans. We’ll have to work out what they are.”

  “Yes.”

  “How sweet. If it isn’t the walking dead and the bird brain.”

  Selene rolled her eyes and turned. “Amuliana, what an unpleasant surprise.” Repulsion dripped like acid from her words. She stepped closer to the light, her gaze never straying from the figure strolling toward her.

  “I’m sure.” Tugging her silver gown tighter around her, Amuliana sashayed into the room. Her eyes swept the shadows, a cunning in them that drew a shudder of revulsion from Selene. “So she survived long enough to wed. How quaint. An immortal passing as a mortal passing as an immortal. Enough to give even the most stalwart of us a headache, wouldn’t you agree?”