The Seeking Series Box Set

by D. R. Grady

  Her heart continued to protest the entire way downstairs.

  Chapter 6

  “What are we going to do with that Aasguard warrior?” Lajos peered out the window before he took to stalking across the floor from one end of Vidar’s office to the other. Nervous energy propelled him.

  “Kellen?”

  “Yes.”

  Vidar’s eyebrow crept up. “I thought we might allow him to heal, since he took out the army coming after us.”

  “I mean . . .” But Lajos faltered. His thoughts wouldn’t connect, and he had to resist the urge to slam his fist into the wall.

  “You mean what?”

  If Lajos didn’t know better, he’d say amusement gleamed in his brother’s eyes. “Are you laughing at me?”

  “Not at all.” Sincerity rang through Vidar’s smooth response. “But I’m not certain I understand what you feel we need to do with Kellen. He’s wounded, requires time to heal, and he’s an old friend to both of us.”

  “There are maidens in this land.” He gritted his teeth the moment this escaped.

  “Yes, as most other lands.” Vidar’s expression turned far too neutral. “I don’t believe this Aasguard warrior is interested in taking a wife at the moment.”

  “Don’t fool yourself. Ever since you gave in and took a bride, we’ve all been thinking about marriage.”

  “Why don’t you sit down and tell me what’s really bothering you.”

  Lajos flung himself into the chair opposite Vidar’s desk, then fought the urge to surge back to his feet. “I don’t trust any man near Stefana right now.” His answer was grudgingly given.

  “Of course you don’t.”

  Suspicion reared up in his head. “What does that mean?”

  “What does what mean?” Vidar looked confused.

  “Your agreement. You sound far too reasonable.”

  Additional waves of amusement shot into the air around Vidar, but his brother quickly stifled them. “I do agree with you that Stefana might be uncomfortable with unmarried men. She’s been through a difficult time.” Sincerity radiated from Vidar.

  Lajos continued to study him in suspicion. “I don’t like the idea of her being uncomfortable.”

  “No, neither do I. And certainly Raene won’t. However, I believe it will be possible to keep Stefana safe.”

  “How?”

  “First off, no Aasguard warrior is likely to do anything to make a maiden uncomfortable. And Kellen is recovering from battle. He won’t venture far for a few days.” Vidar met his gaze. “Remember also, that Kellen, like Ari, has lost his companion.”

  True. “He’s recovering from battle but also mourning.”

  “Correct. He probably isn’t interested in our fair maidens right now.”

  “Stefana is a prize.” His hand tightened into a fist.

  “Yes, she is. And she’s aware of her lure. Especially in light of her abduction.” Vidar wrote something on the file in front of him.

  “I don’t want to see her suffer any longer.”

  “No one does, Lajos.”

  Perhaps he had been a little too vehement. A cautionary note threaded through Vidar’s answer. Something else accompanied it, in his body language, that Lajos should be capable of identifying, but couldn’t. For whatever reason, the subtleties kept escaping him.

  “I had best check on Stefana.”

  A new light lit Vidar’s eyes, but he appeared solemn. “Yes. They are alone next door.” There seemed to be too much emphasis on the word next, but Lajos ignored his brother’s insinuations, whatever they might be.

  He opened the connecting door between Raene and Vidar’s offices and entered the library Stefana and Raene shared.

  The two women were in conference together. Their heads close together, they perused something on the large crystal screen on Raene’s desk. Sunlight shimmered in Raene’s auburn curls and formed a halo around Stefana’s dark head. The effect was such that he stopped in the doorway to stare at her.

  His heart skipped a beat. Then his breath suspended in his lungs. It took a moment before all systems worked properly—a smattering of them required a nudge from him.

  He formed the unassailable conclusion that never was there a woman so beautiful. Of course every man who met her would desire her.

  In addition to her physical beauty, she was also poised, well-spoken, soft, caring, and warm. Who wouldn’t long for those traits?

  The obnoxious throat clearing behind him made him send his brother a caustic look before he snapped the door shut between them. He paced to the alcove where his desk resided and took a seat. His back was slightly to the women, so he readjusted his chair so he could keep them in view.

  There had to be enemies just waiting to snatch Stefana again at every turn.

  At least if they were smart.

  Stefana wasn’t unaware of Lajos’ unblinking stare. How did he do it? Wasn’t blinking necessary for good eye health? Yes, he was Aasguard and therefore not exactly human, yet it seemed unnatural to not keep one’s eyes moist.

  With a sidelong glance at him, she shook off her thoughts to instead speak intelligently about a pressing matter regarding their poor.

  “This number is far too high.” She nibbled her lower lip as Raene tapped on another number on the crystal screen.

  “It is. However, it’s not as high as it used to be.”

  “At least the number is dwindling.”

  “Yes. Not as fast as we’d like.” Raene tapped a few other numbers, seeking further information and they both read the data provided.

  “These are those with disabilities?”

  Raene nodded. “They’re the ones who lack the capacity to work.” Raene’s frown creased her forehead.

  “We must do something for them.” Stefana bit her lip as she read through the file another time. There had to be something they could do for these unfortunate souls.

  “I’ve been thinking about this.” Raene appeared hesitant.

  “Yes?” Anything was better than what these people had.

  “Many of them need specialized care. I’ve been speaking to Ariadne about our disabled.” Raene dug through some files on her desk. “Here are my notes.”

  Flipping through the folder, she pointed out something on the page. Stefana leaned in to read it. “A home where they could live and have healers on hand to treat them.” She allowed the idea to wash over her. “What of the expense?”

  “I talked to your father. He said we have funds for this type of facility.”

  “It would be a facility?”

  “Yes, I believe so. Ariadne stated that some of these people, once they are treated for their mental ailments, often are able to function again.”

  “So they might be able to help pay for their own care after they are stabilized?”

  “That is the hope. Although there are some who are far too severe.”

  “Still, being able to care for themselves will surely help those who wish to pass for normal in society and through no fault of their own, are unable to do so.”

  She shared a look with Raene. “Many do not share your views, Stefana.”

  “I know. Perhaps because they do not understand this sort of ailment. Do you remember my Aunt Mary?”

  “Of course. She has remained in the back of my mind as I’ve pondered this issue.”

  “I spent time with her, and I know she did not wish for the brain ailment from which she suffered. Indeed, she loathed it, as it made her do things she did not wish to do.”

  “She heard voices did she not?”

  “Yes, and while we enjoyed some, others were evil. She did not care for any of them. If she could have made them go away, she would have.” Stefana was certain of this, because she had heard, while still a child, Mary pleading with Stefana’s parents to help her.

  There had been no help. Healers had tried many remedies to offer the woman some relief but there had not been anything they could do for her, and in the end, one of the voices won. I
t encouraged Mary to take her own life, and she had obeyed because in the depths of her illness she couldn’t distinguish between right and wrong.

  They still mourned the woman who had not wished for her lot but been given no choice.

  “She hated the voices.”

  “Yes. They distressed her, and it was not her choice.” Vehemence crept in.

  “I remember. There are others like her, Stefana. Ariadne stated that we are studying these people and we have more remedies now than in the past, when Mary lived.”

  “I have witnessed this problem. And have observed how various countries care or not, for their mentally ill.” Stefana jumped when Lajos abruptly entered their conversation.

  “Will our plan work?” Raene perused her papers, then focused on Lajos.

  “Yes, if you set this up with care and compassion, which I believe you will do.”

  Stefana’s hand crept to her throat. “There are places who do not provide care or compassion.” Not a question.

  “There are those who do not understand, and rather choose to fear these people. It does not aid anyone to shut them away as though it is their fault they are ill of the mind.” He ran a hand through his hair. “If one breaks an arm, a healer sets it and eventually it repairs. However, each mind is different and so complex, it is much more difficult to repair an illness of the mind.”

  “But not impossible.” Raene’s mouth thinned.

  “No. Although it does require very specialized healers.”

  “Ariadne stated that we have several healers who are adept with the body, but she feels they would be far more suited to aiding those with mind issues.”

  “I have seen some who helped even the most severely disturbed patients. It only took the proper treatment, and they were able to return to their family and behave with a degree of normalcy.” Lajos scanned Raene’s notes.

  Stefana arched her brow. “With proper continuing care, I assume?”

  “Indeed. Depending on what the patient is facing at the time, their treatment might need adjustment. But it is possible.”

  “Who are those healers though?” Stefana hadn’t known healers could specialize.

  Lajos answered her question. “Often it is someone who has a family member who suffers, and they have experienced your same compassion and helplessness, Stefana. They have the ability to heal, only they choose to aid those with brain afflictions rather than those of the body.”

  “We must complete this project.” Raene sorted through her files and added a few additional ones to the stack. “Will you take on this task, Stefana?”

  She had already reached for them. “Oh yes. My mother will also aid my endeavors as losing her sister was dreadful for her.”

  “Your mother will be a true asset on this project.” Raene tapped a few notes into her crystal. “This is your budget.” She wrote a sum on the top file.

  “It is plenty for what we wish to do.”

  “You will require a building.”

  “Yes, and we have one.” Stefana pointed to a map fastened to the wall beside Raene’s desk. “This warehouse is no longer used to house wares, as it wasn’t large enough.”

  “Of course.” Raene breathed, and then called up another screen on her crystal console. “With an expert contractor, we can have this turned into a wonderful facility for those in need of a soothing, tranquil environment.”

  “I believe so. Shall I speak with Ariadne? Perhaps we should bring in these healers who specialize in the brain.”

  “That would be my vote.” Lajos had taken the files from her and read through them. After borrowing a pen from Raene’s stash, he wrote several notes. “I shall assist you in this.”

  “You have seen what does work, and what does not, so we will value your opinion and suggestions.” Stefana leaned over his shoulder to peer at what he wrote.

  A quick list of the things they needed to do. Such as contacting the builder and the healers and obtaining the proper permits to alter the warehouse. She hadn’t thought of that.

  “Let’s begin this.”

  Chapter 7

  “Where is she?”

  Stefana’s head snapped up when she heard her brother’s voice in the hall. Rising, she padded to the door and flung it open. Lukas skirted around the warrior standing guard to scoop her into his arms.

  “I’m fine.” She returned her brother’s tight squeeze and then stepped back to smile up at him.

  Before Lukas could say anything, Lajos separated them, all but snarling. Stefana inserted herself between her bristling bodyguard and confused brother. She kept a hand on Lajos, and that appeased him.

  He stood like a monument between her and Lukas.

  “Lajos, this is my twin brother, Lukas. Lukas, this is Lajos the Swift, my bodyguard and Vidar’s brother.”

  Lajos ceased rumbling. His narrowed eyes flipped between her and Lukas and then his rigid spine relaxed. “You’re siblings?”

  “We’re twins. I’m older.” Lukas sent her a laughing look, the one he’d perfected years ago.

  “By five minutes.” Her disgruntlement remained despite the ensuing time. Her brother knew this, of course.

  But by then Raene leaped into Lukas’ arms and he swung her around in an arc. Vidar, who stood behind her, did not rumble. He shook Lukas’ hand with all the civility of a warrior who respected another. He did retrieve his wife with alacrity, however.

  “You’ve returned from your trip?” Vidar, as the king and commander of the army, inspected Lukas. Good leaders would ensure one of their command returned healthy and whole.

  “I have. I’ll be happy to meet with you later to explain what I saw.” Lukas darted a look at Raene and her.

  Vidar’s nod was barely perceptible.

  “It’s ironic that Lukas was visiting Ostard’s land when Stefana was taken.” Raene’s comment bordered on acerbic.

  “You were there?” Stefana didn’t manage to remove all accusation from her question. “You told me you were returning to border patrol.”

  “How did you know Lukas was visiting Ostard Land?” Vidar didn’t sound surprised by Raene’s knowledge.

  “I’m the queen. I know everything.”

  Stefana enjoyed watching an Aasguard warrior roll his eyes.

  “I wasn’t ‘visiting’ per se.” Lukas did not ruffle well, and as far back as she could remember, he never had. Even when she and Raene ganged up on him. He didn’t rise to her bait this time, either.

  Probably just as well that he broke the interplay between Raene and Vidar. In two seconds, they’d turn all mooney-eyed and mushy and no one wanted to see that.

  “Oh, so you were sent to spy out the land.” Stefana frowned. “Perhaps you and I should compare notes. Despite being tied to a horse and blindfolded, I still noticed plenty.” Her stomach lurched.

  Lajos stepped into her personal space, and his scent and warmth quelled her pangs. The terrible experience wouldn’t dissipate for a long while, but her bodyguard was far more protective of her than before.

  He had offered award-worthy service before she was taken. Now she could barely move without tripping over the man. Only to Raene had she admitted to being thankful for this.

  Now with Ari in residence, and having her, an Aasguard warrior sleeping in the same room as her, Stefana finally had started sleeping again.

  “I need to speak with my commander first.” Lukas’ inflection didn’t change, but she still heard the respect and admiration he held for Vidar.

  Although he eyed Lajos with a little misgiving.

  Vidar offered him an appointment, which Lukas took.

  “You have time for a cup of coffee?” She indicated the gleaming service on the other side of the library where she and Raene worked. Strolling to it, Stefana made certain Lajos hadn’t emptied the pot. He enjoyed the coffee they drank here in Montequirst.

  “Yes, I’ve been craving a cup.” Stefana poured for Lukas, and one for Lajos.

  When she peered at Raene and Vidar to inquire
if they wished for the beverage, they whispered to each other, in an intimate manner, so she poured herself a mug, and set the pot down again. They could decide when they finished with their discussion.

  She indicated the comfortable seating area across the room and relief washed over both men’s faces. Hiding a smile, she led the way to the settee. As she figured when she sat, Lajos seated himself beside her, close. Lukas chose a chair across from them.

  “Are you okay?” Her brother’s gaze remained steady on her.

  “I am. A few nightmares, but Lajos and Vidar’s sister is also Aasguard and she’s here now. She sleeps in my bedchamber.”

  Lukas took a sip of his coffee while he digested that. “You’ve been seen by a healer?”

  Stefana cocked an eyebrow. “You do know my mother, correct?”

  A wry twist of his lips later, Lukas swallowed the next sip of coffee he’d consumed. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I do know her.” The coffee appeared to have gone down properly because he didn’t choke. “Did Mother sleep with you that first night?”

  “Of course she did.” She flicked a hand at Lajos. “And he kept watch.”

  Her brother covered his ensuing guffaw by taking another sip of coffee. Then he leaned over and traded her full mug with his empty one. “I’ve missed our coffee.”

  “You’re welcome.” Her tone did not indicate that sentiment.

  She felt Lajos’ amusement. He sipped from his own mug.

  Fortunately, Raene knew Lukas so she refilled Stefana’s now empty mug before she and Vidar joined them.

  “I know you’re supposed to meet with Vidar, but why don’t you tell us what you saw right now? Stefana and Lajos can add what they noted.”

  When Lukas and Vidar looked to protest, Raene’s eyebrow rose. “I intended to send in spies myself, but when I discovered Vidar had already done so, I decided to await his spy’s return.”

  “You might as well give your report, because Raene and I both need to know whatever you deduce. We’re trying to run a country here.” Stefana added her voice to Raene’s arguments.