by R. J. Lloyd
“Kane,” I squeezed his hand. “I love you.” I wanted to tell him it was okay, but it wasn’t in his mind. And I knew that nothing I said would change that. He wanted forgiveness. So, forgiveness is what I gave him.
“I love you, too.” His attention shifted to the woman. “I want to discuss this more, but will she be alright?”
“Yes.” Her fingers ran over my abdomen once again with more of the mixture. This time, distorting the original pattern into a new one. She placed a hand on my belly. "They are fine... healthy... growing fast. She will need help with the pregnancy constantly. The pain will continue." She wet the cloth with the warm tea and soaked my stomach completely with it. She then used another dry towel and cleaned it off before she pulled my top back down and pulled something else out of her bag that I could not see. "My apologies. I was not aware that you were this protective of her."
“Yes. With my life.” He looked relieved. "Would you be for hire? I would pay you handsomely. I need the best care for them. I cannot provide what you do." It looked like it hurt him to admit what he did to her.
The Emalne glanced to Thaid who was stationed by the door and nodded in return. She turned back to Kane. "I would be honored to be of service to you and your human partner." She went back to work. "We will need a lot of herbs, and I may need another person's help if this drains her too much. I gather you want this human's life saved as well? Or is she disposable? If so, then we would need less."
His eyes lit with anger. "I am sorry. Did I not make myself clear? I am protective of Auriena and my offspring. No lives will be lost between them, at all costs." He looked from her to me. "The human is not disposable. She will be your queen if she chooses it."
My eyes went wide. So much flooded my mind with those words, but nothing more came out of me that a gasp as my breath caught in my throat.
“Then I would need quite a supply and an assistant at times.” Leaves from a small branch grazed over my entire abdomen before she returned it and the crystal to her bag, closing it and standing.
Kane nodded as if making a final decision. "I would be happy to hire you and provide anything you will need. I would like to take her back to my kingdom as soon as she can travel again. There, her handmaiden is waiting, and she can assist you in whatever way she is needed." A quick exchange is shared between he and Thaid in expressions, and Kane adds, “You will be under our protection. No harm will come to you while under our employ.”
"If you accept, I will start to gather the supplies you will need." Thaid spoke from the doorway. "This, King Rathmore, is indeed an honor. I congratulate you on the continuation of your bloodline, despite such difficulties."
The Emalne woman thought for a moment, leaning down and taking my hand in hers as she exhales. "My name is Indrell. I will also need a few things from my home. They are all in a chest in my room. Please have someone fetch that. I will not leave her side.” She spoke to Kane but looking at me as if studying something.
“Right away.” Thaid didn’t wait for further instruction and opened the door, ordering one of the men to fetch the items requested.
Now, speaking to me, she smiled, “May I have your name… from you?”
“Auriena.” I answered her question of my name.
“I gather, since this is all fairly new news for you that you do not have names for them yet? If not, you will want to decide fast. You will not have the same amount of time as my race does or other humans.” Placing her hand on my forehead, she closed her eyes and nodded. Opening them again, she said, “This human is different. Her energies are strong. They are fueling the process and keeping them alive, but it will only do so much. Your blood is in her veins, keeping her strong as well. Something about the bond between you two is special. I can feel that. This is certainly not a typical pregnancy... you being vampire aside."
Kane tossed the man some gold and walked back to my side. He eyed Indrell for a long moment. "I am trusting you with her care. How long do you think she has? And what are you feeling that is different? Is it because of her magic?”
He hadn’t spoken to anyone of my gifts. On Naelyra, magic was a given. Anyone could wield the energies. Just, not like I could. So much about me being there and what I could do was dangerous to tell people about. I was surprised he told her anything.
Watching Kane’s expression, she pulled away from me. "She has a couple of months before giving birth I would think. But I know not of her race. Her energy signature is different. So, I cannot be certain. If her magic is something not of this world, that could change a lot."
Wulfgar appeared in the doorway, moving Thaid out of his way. “Kanedraven? Auriena?”
“Who is this man that greets you so casually, my liege?” Thaid pushed his way back in.
“I am fine. We are both fine.” I waved him in.
He looked around the room, taking in the scene. “Not all appears as if all is fine. There is a crowd. Part of the structure is damaged. There is blood. And you are on your back with someone attending to you. Have I missed some fun?”
Kane walked over and patted the man on the shoulder. “Indeed, you did. But I would not call an attempt on Auriena’s life fun.”
Wulfgar’s teeth, snout and claws started to elongate, but Thaid quickly stepped into view. “To be fair, he has been taken care of, and the human is alright. She was not injured. She merely suffers from pains from her conditions that Indrell is treating.”
“Tis true.” Kane released Wulfgar’s shoulder and returned to my side. “Indrell will be joining us on our return journey.”
“Great. We have another woman to watch over, and I did not get to kill anyone.” He turned toward the door. “I’ll be outside.
“Go rest. We will be gathering the men soon. We will not need to stay as long as we thought.” Kane handed me the water from before everything started.
“As I said, I will be outside. We can gather them when you are ready.” Wulfgar was adamant.
“Suit yourself.” Kane returned the water glass after I took a drink and focused on me as the raider left the room to take up post.
Chapter
Thirteen
Returning Home
"You love her." Indrell stood before Kane, stirring a fresh mug of the herbal mixture.
"That will be all healer. I thank you for your service. Should you need anything else, please let me know. For now, should she not sleep as she is? Or should I worry about how exhausted she is?” Kane paced the room by the door, clearly ignoring her statement.
I had been asleep, but between Indrell replenishing the herbal supply and him nervously pacing, I woke. Before I had fallen asleep, Kane commissioned Thaid to gather our horses, carriage and the rest of the supplies we needed with instructions to let him know once all was ready. I gathered some time had passed, more than he was comfortable with, by the sound of his voice. However, I was still wiped out and not ready to sit up yet. Instead, I stayed curled up and quiet.
The Emalne healer stopped for a moment before answering his question. "Let her sleep. I will stay by her side if you must leave to make any arrangements. I see no reason she should not travel if she is protected from the elements."
"As I instructed Thaid to retrieve, we have a heated carriage for her. You may ride in it as well. Once you inform me that you have everything that they will need, we can load up and depart. I will not risk any travel until then.” Kane walked off to his bag, pulling a flask out and drinking deeply.
“Yes. You do love her.” Indrell’s words were more to herself… a vocal confirmation based on her observations.
“My feelings are none of your concern, healer!” Kane roared.
I flinched, but his back was to me, so he didn’t see it.
Indrell paused, bowing her head. "My apologies. I meant no disrespect. I find it beautiful that you two found each other all things considered. That is all."
Sucking in a deep breath, Kane took another swing from his flask before turning and sitting in the chair n
ext to where I was laid out. He cringed slightly. “You did not offend me. I am just not accustomed to having a weakness.”
“That, she is - your weakness.” Indrell crossed the room, stirring the mixture. “But she is also your strength.” She knelt down next to me, Kane’s eyes watched her closely. She moved the mug under my nose, dipping her finger in and pressing it to my temples. "You need to come back to us, my dear. Your king needs you to keep him calm, or way may all be doomed." She let out a chuckle.
Kane growled, looking away from us. "I can hear you. And I’m not sure I approve that you are liberal with your teasing as Auriena." He set the flask down on the table and turned back, looking at me as if waiting for me to respond.
She laughed. “I bet she is the only one that gets away with such a thing with you. And I only because you need me to keep her alive. Am I right?” She had spoken, still looking at me until her last few words. With them, she smirked as she turned to stare at Kane.
“Something like that.” He rolled his eyes. With a huff, he leaned forward, propping himself up on his knees. "She needs to wake up."
“She is awake. Just does not have the energy to respond much. She needs her rest right now.” Indrell sat back on the floor beside my lounger. "I have faith that she will get through this. It is just going to take a substantial toll on her body… and mind. And with a spill like that, she likely jarred something enough that her body needs to repair."
"I didn't know she was right behind me. I thought she was further away. I thought she knew to get out of harm’s way, not stay and try to help or whatever she was doing so near. She is stubborn." He hung his head.
“You blame yourself?” Indrell recoiled slightly as the words escape her lips.
He glared at Indrell before he looked away from her. "Of course I do. I swore to protect her. Now, I am stuck here looking at the damage I have done to the woman I want to make my wife.”
“You do love her.” She smiles sweetly. “But you did not do this on purpose. And her condition is stable. Auriena is strong and a fighter.”
"I am thankful for that." He watched me, focusing on my half-closed eyes. "Can you tell if there is anything wrong with my child?"
Indrell placed a hand on my stomach and one on my forehead. She sat, quietly for a moment. “The energies are unclear, but I do not sense anything negative. So, I am inclined to say that all is well.” She sat back again. “But Auriena’s energies are clear. She loves you deeply and reacted when you said that you want to make her your wife. Do you plan to make this happen?”
He glared at Indrell again. "Okay, Healer, enough with the prying questions. She will be the first to know if I do."
“And she’s the only one that sees the side of you that makes her want you to, I can tell.” Indrell turned to the door as Thaid comes in. “Good timing.”
“All of your things are packed by the horses. I shall leave you to it. Do let me know if you need anything else.” Thaid paused only momentarily to look at me. “Is she alright?”
“Yes. She will be fine.” Indrell got up and headed to the door. “I will go down and check to be sure we are not missing anything.”
“That would be good.” Kane nodded to both Emalne as they exited.
I stirred slightly, my hands going to my belly. The pain was minimal, but the instinct of protection was still there. Kane noticed my movement. He stirred the wind around us as he moved swiftly to kneel down by my side, taking my hand in his.
“Your wife, huh?” I laughed softly.
He grumbled, “You make me feel things that make me desperate to keep you close.”
“Oh. So, you’d marry me only for the desperation of keeping me, huh?”
He looked stunned. “That is not…”
I reached up and put a finger to his lips. “I know.”
Scoffing, Kane shook his head. “I don’t know if I will get used to you teasing me.”
“You will.” I smiled wide, working to sit up.
He helped me, pulling the blanket that had been laid over me up around my shoulders. “Indrell and Thaid are preparing everything before we go.”
“I know.” I pulled the blanket in around me.
“You know everything, do you?” He sat down, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“I…”
I was cut off as Thaid knocked, entering before waiting for a response. “Your men are on their horses, and Indrell said to inform you that everything is there. My apologies that things have been less than pleasant and will continue to be upon your exit, but it seems that some of those that side with Gael on the matter of vampiric offspring are gathering not far. You may want to go now.”
Kane’s grip on my shoulder tightened. “How many?”
“I cannot be sure. My man simply said that they were made aware of the call for men.” Thaid clasped his hands behind his back.
“Are my men briefed?” Kane stood, his shoulders pulled back.
Thaid nodded. “Yes, my liege.”
“Well, if they want to challenge the king, I hope they are prepared.” He reached over and lifted me up into his arms.
As we exited out the front of the building, Wulfgar and Dorian stood on either side of the carriage. All of Dorian’s men were mounted on their horses facing the street. And Indrell was by the carriage door. Thaid, trailed behind us, coughing and sputtering as he strained to keep up.
Off in the distance, a clattering came rolling up the cobblestone pavement. A noise that grew, signaling that it was coming closer. They were coming closer. And by the shaking of the oil lamp post next to us, it was not just a few men.
“Maybe I should take her back inside.” Indrell came closer, holding her hand out to me.
“No.” Kane’s eyes fixated on the path before us.
“No?” Dorian leaned in closer. “You want her in possible harm’s way?”
He held my arms as I steadied myself. Once satisfied I could stand on my own, Kane’s fingers trailed down my arm, taking my hand in his. “She is no safer elsewhere than by my side.”
Worry pinched in Indrell, Dorian and Thaid’s brows. But it was Wulfgar that spoke. “If she is not in his sight, he will be distracted with worry. She stays.”
The opposing three all took breaths that reflected the continued concern. But none of them pushed the issue further. Dorian jerked the reigns in his hand and pushed his steed forward. “We do not know their intentions. So, be prepared to welcome them but also be prepared to defend your king.”
“And your queen,” Kane added.
Dorian shot him back a look of frustrated disapproval, but Kane’s eyes were ahead as a small army of thirty or so men rode toward us. The soldiers tightened their ranks while Wulfgar surprised me and faced back toward the building.
Seeing me tilt my head at him, he leaned over and loudly whispered, “Never let them distract you in one direction without knowing there’s not a threat in another.”
A corner of my mouth came up as I nodded in understanding. “Good call.”
He tilted his chin with pride and watched the area behind us.
Kane, with my hand still in his, stepped so he was fully visible around the carriage, leaving me slightly tucked against it with Indrell on my other side. He assessed the group, observing their movements and who ranked higher, letting them come to a full stop.
Thaid came rushing around us. “Aeden. What is the meaning of this?”
“I have come on orders of Gael. It is my understanding that this vampire has brought a human female into Gael’s establishment, seeking a healer because she is with his child. Is this correct?”
“Yes. It is, but that is none of your business.” Indrell replied before Thaid or anyone else could. She stepped around us and faced the Emalne that had assembled. “Aeden, may I introduce you to our king, Kanedraven Rathmore and his companion, Auriena Raulson.”
Aeden bowed his head, but most of the other men did not follow suit. Instead, their eyes locked on me. A mixture of anger, dis
gust and fear filtered across their faces.
The Emalne to Aeden’s right leaned over to him. Aeden nodded and sat back up. “Thaid? Is he King Kanedraven Rathmore?”
“Yes,” Thaid responded plainly.
Kane’s hand remained on mine, but his grip had slowly tensed, tightening on my fingers almost painfully to the point that I had to flex them. My movement registered with him. And while he didn’t look at me, he did adjust his grip, his thumb grazing over mine attentively as his eyes stayed focused forward.
Aeden’s gazed went from one of us to another until they came to rest back on Kane. “May I ask her a few questions?”
“You may not. I need to get her home to rest. Your healer, Indrell, is accompanying us to keep her well.” Kane pulled me closer into his side. “Please remove yourselves from the road so we may pass freely.”
“With all due respect,” Aeden motioned for his men to back away when a couple of them moved forward with Kane’s words. “You are not above the laws.”
“I know not of any such law where an innocent life is extinguished because she is with child. Gael is lucky that I have not brought the laws down on him for his actions before.” Kane gritted his teeth. “Because of him, Auriena was and is now even more in need of Indrell’s services.”
“Yes. And Gael will be dealt with.” Aeden, once again, flagged off his men. One in particular that seemed to be disagreeing with what he was saying. “Gael was in the wrong. He overreacted. Despite his personal reasons, they have nothing to do with the law. But also, the law states that you cannot force yourself on a woman or keep another being against their will. And I would just like to ascertain for myself that this is not the case.”
Kane’s jaw set as a deep, rolling growl emanated from deep within his chest. His muscles tensed as he pulled me behind him. “You dare accuse me of such disgustingly pathetic measures to keep a woman?”
“I dare prove to those that doubt you that you are not breaking the law,” Aeden corrected him.