Savage
AZodiacAcademyprequelshortstoryaboutHailandMerissaVega
CHAPTERONE
FromthelairofLionel…
This first tale speaks of the woeful conceptionof the blight knownformallyas Gabriel Nox– sonof the whore queen MerissaVegawhoconcealedhisparentage,andinsodoing,allowedhisescapefrommyclutchesasaboy.AmistakeI have vowed nottomake again (Please note that the escape of Gabriel Nox alongside Lance Orion and Gwendalina Vega from the custody of Lionel Acrux and his queen Lavinia Umbra while they maintained residence at the Palace of Souls is to be struck from historical records upon the victory King Lionel expects to claim in the ongoing war)
Secondly, the following transcript tells of the unlikely and often cursed meeting which took place between Hail Vega (informallyknownastheSavageKing)andhiseventualwifeMerissaAdhara.ItisasadrealitythatinhindsightIcannowsee thatInevershouldhaveallowedthethenkingtotraveltoVoldrakia Atthetime,ofcourse,Ihadusedhisabsencetotightenmy foothold within Solaria, coiling more puppets under my control with the use of Dark Coercion like the cunningly brilliant creatureIamknowntobe,butevenIcouldneverhaveforeseentheoutcomeofhisvoyageabroad
NoSeerthenlivingwasabletopredictthechangeswhichwouldoccurwhenhebroughthisforeignbridehome,merging hisbloodlinelikehehadnoqualmswhatsoeveraboutproducingHeirsofquestionablevalueandOrder.
So, it is withregret that I lookbackuponthis time inmyrise to power, yet as youwill no doubt see, their unionwas nothingsoveryspecial,merelyachancemeetingandaspellofbadluckforme.Asthehistorybooksshalltell,Iovercamethe problemsservedbytheirunionandridmyselfofbothofthembeforelonganyway,sothisslightblipinmyplanswasnothing morethananinconvenienceintheend.
IonlywishIhaddisposedofthembeforetheymanagedtobreed
CHAPTERTWO
The clock ticks ever on. Light shifting into dark. Each beginning leading to an end. And try as we might, none can escape the last breath eternally All must face that final call The question is; what mark will you have left in your wake, princess of the burning empire?
Theclashofdistantbladesrangoutclosetome,smokecatchinginmythroatasasharpinhaleforcedmefromsleepand myfingerscurledtightlyaroundtheshaftofthespearatmyside.
Eightdays.Ihadbeenouthereinthisjungleforeightdaysnowwithnothingbutmywitsandtrainingtokeepmealive as I took part in the Marriage Trial, our empire’s great and most esteemed tradition. If I could survive two weeks in this swelteringjunglehellwithnothingbutmyowncunningandskillstosustainme,thenIwouldberewardedwiththeAwakening ofmymagic Until then,Iwaslittlemorethanamortal clutchingarudimentaryweaponinthedark Amortal withthegiftof The Sight and a lifetime of preparingfor this trial, but there were creatures livingbetweenthese trees bornof nightmares beyondtheimaginingsofanysaneFae
TheleatherarmourIworewasstiflingintheheatofthejungleandabeadofsweatslickeddownthehollowbetweenmy breasts,thoughthatdiscomfortwasn’tagoodenoughreasonformetomove.Thethickbrownmaterialcoveredmefromneck toupperthighs,buckledandfastenedinsuchawaytoallowfreemovementwhileprovidingmewithprotectionagainstattacks Imaynotseecoming.Itwouldn’tstopaspearorswordatcloserange,butathrowndaggerorarrowheadwouldbeawhole lotlesslethalwiththeprotectionitoffered,andIwasn’tfoolenoughtoriskremovingitevenforsomerelieffromtheheat
Iwasonmyfeetinlessthanaheartbeat,myfootsweepingacrossthegroundtocoverthesignsofmyrestingplaceasbestI couldwithsolittletimebeforeIwouldbediscovered,avisionflashingthroughmymindofasavagegirl headedmyway,a lethaldaggerinhandintendedformyheart.
Lethiahadbeenhuntingmesincethetrials began.Therewerenorules tostatethattheFaetakingpartinthis tournament hadtofightone another,onlythatwe hadtosurvive this place,butinthe centuries thathadpassedsince the trials hadbeen instated,ithadbecometheexpectation.
Onlythehighest-rankingmembersofmyfather’scourttookpart Onlythoseofuswithenoughpowerinourbloodtorattle the stars whenitwas Awoken. These trials tested our grit, our mettle, our suitabilityto rule withanironfist. And theyalso openedupthepossibilitytostealranksbeyondthoseoftheFaetakingpart
Lethiawasmycousin,thoughnolovewaslostbetweenus.Wehadbeenraisedknowingthesetrialswereheadedourway andthatthisdaywouldcome.Ifshemanagedtokillmeouthereinthewilds,shewouldclaimaplaceclosertothethronefor herselfandherfamily Imayhavebeenherprincess,butIwashercompetitiontooandwipingmefromtheboardbeforeIhad
evencomeintomymagicwouldbetheperfectwayforhertoadvanceherpositiononcesheleftthisplace.Assumingshealso managedtosurvivethosewhowerehuntingher.
Islippedfromthepath,dampfoliagebrushingagainstmybarearmsasIcircledthehugetreewhichIhadsleptbeneathfor thosefew,fleetinghours.
Ihadspentthelastcoupleofdaysevadingher,butmyvisionsonlygrewbloodier,thedeathsheintendedformegrowing moreviolenteverytimeIslippedfromhergrasp.Herragewaspotent,athingIcouldpracticallytasteontheairassheclosed inonme,andthoughIhadthoughttoleaveherbreathingforthesakeofmyaunt,Icouldseenowthatthatpathwasnolonger availabletome.
Ipushedastraylockofblackhairawayfrommyeyeswithdirt-stained,sun-kissedfingers,thedarkstrandshavingfallen loose ofthe braid Ihad bound themin This place was a far cryfromthe beautyofthe castle Ihad grownup inand Iwas hardlyrecognisableastheperfectlypresentedprincessknownbyallinourkingdom.ButIhadbeentrainingforthisdaysinceI wasoldenoughtoholdapracticesword Wewereawarriorpeopleatheart,andIhadalwaysbeenjustasathomeswinginga swordor firinganarrow as Iwas whendancingatballs or debatingpolitics.Fae were always fightingsomeone regardless andIenjoyedthesimplicityofabladejustaskeenlyasthecutofaperfectlyphrasedremark
MypulseslowedasIreleasedaslowbreath,mygiftwhisperingtomeasIclosedmyeyesandgaveintothecallofit.
Bare feet stepping silently on damp soil. A heavy blade clutched in her right hand. A sharp dagger intended for the killing blow in her left Another step And another She was closing in on me She wasIwhirledfrommyhidingplace,mybraidflickingoutbehindme,mytoespressingintothemudandmyspearaimedtrue justasLethiabrokefromthedensefoliageexactlywhereI’d seen hercoming
Mycousin’s razor-sharp eyes flashed witha mixture of furyand triumphat finallyfindingher quarry, and I gave her a wickedgrinasshemanagedtosliptotheright,avoidingthesharpenedpointofmyspearbylittlemorethanabreath.
Hershortswordswungformyhead,butItwistedaside,theshaftofmyspearsmackingintoherleftwristhardenoughto knockthedaggershe’dbeentryingtohidefromhergrasp.
Lethiacursedlikeanalleycatdousedincoldwater Iwasbehindherbeforeshecouldgetherguardupagain,mybarefootcollidingwiththecentreofherspine,makingher stumbleforwardevenasshecounteredthemove,spinningmywayoncemore
ButIwasalreadythere,hadalreadyseen whatshewoulddo,andwithasoundwhichIwascertainwouldforeverstainmy memories,thetipofmyspearcarvedstraightintothecentreofherthroat,impalingandendingherwiththatone,savagestrike.
Oureyesmet,herdeathhanginginthoseendlesssecondsasshegaspedforabreathshecouldnolongertake,herambitions andplotsallcometonaughtinthefaceofthissinglemistake.
“Iwantedpeace,”Ibreathed,remindingheroftheofferIhadmadeherweeksagoinmyfather’scastle ThepromiseIhad madetohertoelevateherpositionatmysideifonlyshewouldabandonthisdesiretoendmeinthetrials.Ihadalready seen therefusalinherbeforeIevenspokethewords,butIhadspokenthemallthesame Ihadgivenherthechoicetochangethis fateforherself,andshehadchosentoignoreit.Thatchoicehadcausedtheendofher.Shehadbeenrunningshortontimeall alongandhadneverevenknownit.
Her lips mouthed a word evenas she choked onher ownblood, and Ifeltthe echo ofitreverberatingthroughmycore Coward.
IjerkedmyspearbackandwatchedcoldlyasLethiaslumpedtothefloor,herhandsmovingtoherthroatassheconvulsed there,her gaze movingbeyondme as she huntedfor some gapinthe canopyabove,anysmall hintofthe stars whowatched endlesslyon Didtheyenjoyitwhenfatecameforsomeonelikethis?DidtheytakepleasureinknowingIhadtakenstepsto avoidthis,onlytoendupinthedesigntheyhadselectedallalong?
Isupposeditwasn’tmyplacetoquestionthat.
IstoopedtoliftthedaggerLethiahadmeanttokillmewithbeforehurlingitskywardwithlethalaim Thebladecutthrough theleavesaboveus,carvingasmallgapwhichallowedthatviewoftheskyLethiahadbeenhuntingforbeforedisappearing intothejungleoutofsight
“Itis notcowardicetohopefor abrighter fate,”Isaidinalow toneas shechokedandspluttered,her eyes fixedonthe starsabovewhileshesearchedforpeaceintheirembrace “Sometimeswemustlookintothedarkestofnightstodiscoverthe greatestoftreasures.Idon’tbalkfromthatpath,Lethia.Ijustchoosetochaseafategreaterthanmyown.”
I left her there to die with those words hanging in the silence surrounding her, not looking back as I strode away, my bloodstainedspearstilltightinmygripanddestinycallingmynameoneveryerrantbreeze ThreedayspassedwithmySightguidingmefromdanger moreoftenthannotor helpingmetosurvivetheperilsofthishell wheneveranuntoldbeastcrossedmypathandforcedmetofightformysurvival.
Thebrutalityofthisritualwaswovenintothefabricofmypeople,theempireIhadgrownupin Ihadneverquestionedthe
brutalstarttothelivesofthoseblessedtobeamongthemostpowerfulFaeinoursocietyuntilcomingheremyself.Ithadall sounded somewhatromantic whenmyfather and the Fae ofhis courtdescribed the Marriage Trials. Awayto weed outthe weakest of our generation and ensure that only the strongest were allowed to continue into magical education, politically arrangedmarriage,andeventuallyclaimruleoverthisland.Itwasrightthatweshouldhavetofacethistestoffate.Thestars wouldensurethatonlythosemostworthyemergedfromthejungleafterall
Yetlivingthroughitwassomethingelseentirely.SeeingFaeIhadgrownupwithbutchered,hearingscreamsofpainand deaththroughthetreesatallhours,livinginaconstantstateoffearandexhaustionfordaysonend Wasittrulyfateguidingus throughthisplace?WithoutmygiftofTheSight,Iwasn’tcertainIcouldhavesurvivedit.WasItoassumethatmyclairvoyant abilities had been gifted to me so I could claimthe destiny of survival, or was it simply a twist of luck that had me still breathingwhileotherslaydeadallaround?
Ihadneverquestionedthepathofthestarsbeforethisplace.Neveroncedoubtedthattheyknewbetterthanallofuswhich waythelineoffateshouldbedrawn,butnowIwasbeginningtoquestionit NowIwasstartingtowonder
Abranch cracking. Dark eyes peering through the trees. Determination, resilience, fear.
“Thestarssentmetofindyou”Hisroughvoicewasaccompaniedbythepressofsomethingcoldandsharptomythroat, thevisionwhichhadfoundmeinsleepcomingtoolatetorousemeintimetoavoidthis.
My eyes snapped open, a cold flash of dread pouring through my limbs before my mind could catch up to what was happening,whostoodoverme
Hisfacehadcometomeindreamsandvisionsalikeforthelastfewmonths,hisnamewhispereduponthewindeverytime Iturnedmygazetothesouthofthepalacewalls Wehadn’tevermetbeforethismoment,butasIlookedupintothehardlines ofhisfeatures,Iknew him.
“Irecogniseyou,Marcel,”Ibreathed,surpriselacingmytoneevenasIrealisedthatthismeetinghadbeeninevitablefor some time now. Ihad seen himcoming. And mylife would change fromthis momenton, irrevocably. Thatwas a terrifying thought,andyetnopartofmewishedtoturnfromthefateIfeltcomingforus.
AbreezestirredtheembersofthesmallfireIhadlitforwarmthbeforeIfellasleep,liftingthemtowardstheleafycanopy above,andIcouldhaveswornIsawayoungboyintheflamesasmygazemovedtothem.Aboywiththesamecutjawofthe manwhostoodovermeandasmilewhichlitmeupunlikeanythingIhadeverknown
Hewouldgrow tobebraveandpowerful,hisgiftsgreater thanmineandthatofthemanwhoheldmeatthepointofhis spearinthepresentmoment.Theboy’sdestinywasfargreaterthanIdaredtoevenwishfortoo,butterribleinwaystoo.This childofpassionandfire,ofagonyandloss.
MychestheavedasIglimpsedflashesofthelifehewouldlead.Theheartachethatwouldcomeclosetodestroyinghim, thedespairwhichIcouldn’tunderstand,andwhichseemedsounavoidableatthesametime Andthelove Hewouldlovewith a passionrivalled bynone and feltbyall, he would fall hard and fast, painfullyand inescapablyinto a love so greatthatit wouldrockthefoundationsoftheworldweknewandbeyond
HislifewasthemostimportantthingIhadeverheardcalledtomeonthevoiceofthestars.
Gabriel
Mydarkheartedson,destinedforso,somuch
“I’mgoingtodietomorrow,”Marcelsaid,hisvoicelowandcalmwithanacceptanceandmaturitybeyondhisyears.“I’m goingtotrademylifeforyoursandthelifeofourson”
Gabriel.
Iswallowedthickly, seeing itnowsoclearly,thevisionswhichhadbeenslippingtomeinsleepandwakefulnessalikefor weeks all comingtogether.Marcel’s fatewas set.Deathwouldcomefor himtomorrow nomatter thechoices wemadehere andnow.TheonlythingwhichcouldchangewasthelifeofthatboywhoIhad seen soclearlyinthefire.
Gabriel
Iwasbarelymorethanagirlmyself,eighteen,aprincess,destinedtomarryamanIwouldn’thavetheluxuryofselecting formyself Ihadnobusinesstakingontheroleofmotherhood Ihadnoideaofhowtodosuchathing,especiallyasIhadn’t evenbeenraisedbymyownmother,mychildhoodsplitbetweenthecareofnanniesinstead.Butdespiteallofthat,nopartof mewishedtodenythisfate
Thatchild, thatboy…Iloved himalready. Iloved himso powerfullythatitfeltlike myheartwas breakingintwo as I lookedupatthemanwhowouldfatherhim,onlytodiebeforeeverhavingthechancetoknowhimintheflesh.
Icould see somuchofthelifeour sonwouldlead,thevisionspressinginonmesothicklythattheymadetearsofpride swiminmyeyesbeforeIforcedmyselftoblinkthemaway,pushmygiftsbackandfocusonthepresent.
Ididn’thavewordsforthistwistoffate NowordsIcouldgivewhichwouldbeanyclearerbeyondmyownactions,but therewasaquestioninMarcel’seyes.Thiswasanoffer,notademand.Hehad seen thispossibilitytoo, seen thesonwecould createtonightbetweenusbeforedeathcameforhimwiththedawn,andhewasaskingifIwantedtoclaimit.
This was mychoice and one whichseemed all too easyinthatmomentdespite the huge weightofit. Iwas a princess, destinedtomarryfor politics andpower,boundtoservemyempirewithunwaveringloyalty.Butthis,achildbornoffate’s
whims, was something that would be entirely my own. And as terrifying as that was, as huge as this decision before me seemed,Ifoundmyselfknowingtheanswerinmysoul.Iwantedthis,wantedhim,andsomyanswertotheburningquestionin Marcel’seyeswasaresoundingyes whichIknewwouldmakethestarsthemselvesquakewhenitcametopass
I sat up and pushed the spear away frommythroat, myeyes on Marcel as he let me move it aside before dropping it entirely,theheavythudofithittingthegroundechoingthroughmyfleshasIreachedforhim Hewasahugeman,impossibly tallandbuiltwithmuscle,hisdeftlyhewnfeaturescaptivatingmeasheatrosethroughmyfleshatthemerethoughtofhisbody takingpossessionofmine Ididn’tknowhim Thiswasinsanity Butashiskneeshitthegroundatmysideandhereachedout tocupmyjawinhiscallousedpalm,IknewthatIwouldnotbackoutofthisfate.
“Oursonwillchangetheworld,he’llbethegreatestSeerofhisgeneration,”Marcelbreathed,nofearinhisdeepbrown eyesasheleanedintome,nodoubtoverhisfateevenasheknewthathislifewouldbeforfeitinpaymentforit Thathewould bedeadbeforethesunsetagaintomorrow.
He kissed me and Iparted for him, a shiver ofpleasure racingthroughmyentire beingas his tongue teased betweenthe curveofmylipsandhetastedmeinthisslow,decadentgreetingasour soulsmetatlast,liketheyhadbeenlongingfor this momentallalong
Morevisionspressedinonmeofthelifewewouldcreatethisnight,trialsandpainstalkingoursonateveryturn.
“His life will be hard,” I murmured as I wound myarmaround Marcel’s neckand drew himdownover mybody, the weightofhimpressingovermesobeautifullyreal Griefclosedinonmethen GriefforthismanIknewandyetdidn’tknow Grieffortheboywhowouldbebornofthisactandwhowouldnevergetthechancetoknowhisfather.
AtearslippedfrommyeyeandtrackeddownmycheekasMarceldrewbackjustenoughtogazeatme
“Foratime,”heagreed.“Buthewillknowallthebestkindsofloveintheend.Evenifheneverknowsours.”
Hiswordswerelacedwithaknowledgewhichseemedtogobeyondmine,likehehad seen moreofthefatedestinedfor ourchildthanIhadandknewthatintheendhewouldbeokay,evenifmanyotherthingswerenot.
ItookstrengthfromthatassuranceevenasmoretearsescapedmeandIleaneduptoclaimhismouthoncemore,wantingto feelthatheatagaininsteadofthepainofthingsthathadnotyetcometopass
Marcel’s hand moved up the curve ofmythighand Isighed into his mouthas he beganto unbuckle the leather armour I wore,hisfingersmovinginpreciseactionswhichhadmycoreheatingandasighofpleasureleavingme
Hismouthslippedfrommine,draggingalineoffirealongmyjawandmakingmegaspatthememoryofthis.Ihad seen it before,inthe deadofnight,Ihadplayedoutthis veryactwhile roaminghands soughttorelease the needthose visions had builtinme.Butithadneverbeenenough.NeverquitesatedthedesireIhadfeltforthismanbeforeIevenmethim.
Marcel’s hands continued to move over the straps and buckles securing my armour in place until it was falling loose betweenus,agaspescapingmeashetuggeditfrommybodyandlaidmebarebeneathhim
Myspinearchedasheranahandalongmyjawthendownmythroat,betweenthevalleyofmybreastsandovermynavel, myskinpricklingandheatingallatonceasamoanrolledovermytongue
Ihadneverbeenwithamanlikethisbefore.Neverknownthistouchbeyondmyownimagination,andyetMarcelseemed tounderstandexactlywhatIneededbeforeIcouldeventhinkofit.IhadtowonderifhisSightwasshowinghimmyreactions orifthiswasallhim Eitherway,Iwasaslavetohisactions,awillingvictimtohisdesire
A smirk lifted the corner of his mouth as he slowed the progress of that hand, circling it just below my navel as he unbuckledhisownarmourwithhisfreehand
Iwatchedwithmythroatthickasheremovedit,revealingcutmuscleandthehardplanesofabodybuiltfor war.AndI wasthecityhewasgoingtolaysiegeto
“You’reoneoftheRobarianTribesmen,”Isaid,notaquestion,thecarefullycutscarsacrosshischestconfirmingitevenif mySighthadn’talreadyshownmehisreply.
“Icame fromthe veryheartofthe desertto seekyouout, Merissa,” he confirmed, his hand shiftinglower withthe low growlofmynamefallingoffofhistongue.“Itravelledalongwaytoclaimthisfate.”
Myanswerwasacryofpleasureashisfingersfoundmyslickcoreandrolledovermyclit,hisbrowneyeslockedwith mine.
“Areyoucertainyouwantthis?”heasked,hisvoiceroughwithdesireandasmiletuggingatthecornerofhislipslikehe hadalreadyseen myanswerbutwantedtomakemespeakitanyway.
“Iwantyou,”Ipantedinconfirmation,amoanbuildingwithinmeasheteasedmefurther,watchingmewrithebeneathhim whilehetookhistimeasifhewasn’trunningoutofit
“Youwantme to what?” he purred and oh, Iwanted to punchhimalmostas muchas Iwanted himto make good onthe promiseswhichwereblazinginhiseyes
IgrowledathimbeforegraspinghiswristwithmyownfingersandpushinghishanddownpreciselywhereIwantedit.
Marcelgavemeasmilewhichignitedeverydropofbloodinmybodyashegaveinandpressedtwothickfingersintome, makingmegaspasmyhipsrosetochasethemovementofhishandashemoveditinaheadyrhythm,playingmelikeadrum whilehewatchedwithhungryeyes.
“Please,”Igasped,thoughIwasn’tevensurewhatIwasbegginghimfor,eithertoendthistormentorneverletitend.Ijust wantedmore.
“Prettymannersforsuchaprettyprincess,”hepurred,takinghisfingersfrommeandpushingthembetweenhisownlips,a masculinesoundofarousaldrowningoutthecracklingofthefirebeforehedrewthemfreeagain.
Hiseyesroamedovermynakednessandmybreathingbecameraggedasheleaneddowntokissme,myowntasteonhis tongueasitrolledovermine,thepressofhissolidcockruttingagainstmethroughthethickfabricofhispants.
Igroundmyhipsintohim,moaningatthefrictionasIsankintothatkiss,hishandteasingmynippleandmakingmearch againstthesoftbedofgrassatmyback.
Marcelsuckedmybottomlipbetweenhisteethandbitdownhardenoughtomakemegaspbeforereleasingmeandmoving thatsinfulmouthlower,suckingmynippleandflickingthetightbudwithhistongue
Iranmyhandsuphisback,findingtheridgesofmorecarefullycutscarstheretoo,wantingtoexploreeachandeveryone ofthemeventhoughIknew we didn’thave the time for that Dawnwas comingfor us onswiftand certainwings, his fate alreadysetinstone.
Tears pricked my eyes at the thought, but before they could fall, he sucked my nipple harder, making me gasp before releasingitandmovinglower,runningkissesdownthedeepbronzeofmyskinwhilemyheartthunderedatwhathewasdoing andwherehewasheaded.
Aflashofunknownpleasure spilled throughmyskull before Icould make anyobjections, The Sightmakingpromises I achedtoseefulfilledandinsteadIknottedmyhandsinhisebonyhairashecontinuedhisdescent.
Marcel’s tongue found mycore and the sound whichescaped me was more beastthanwoman, mynails digginginto his scalpashelaugheddarklyagainsttheheatofme,onlylickingmorefirmly,hishandpushingmythighswider.
MyheelsdugintothedirtasIbuckedagainstthepressureofhistongue,hisnamegaspingfrommypartedlipsashistongue movedinthissinful,unknownwaywhichhadmeburningfromtheinsideoutwithaheatIhadneverknownbefore.
“Marcel,”Ibeggedasmybodybegantotighten,pleasurebuildingineverypieceofmesofiercelythatIfearedtherelease ofit,thefallwhichhadtocomefromsuchaprecipice
Histonguecontinuedtomove,handsgraspingmyassashefeasted,refusingmeeventheslightestrespiteashedevoured me,andImoanedandpantedhisname
Myreleasecamesosuddenlythatitstolemybreath,acascadeofpleasurespillingthrougheveryinchofmybeinginan unstoppablewavewhichhadmecryingoutsoloudlythatbirdswerestartledfromtheirroostshighaboveus.
Marcel reared back, my hooded eyes taking in the flex and strain of his muscles as he unbuckled his pants, my throat bobbingasheunsheathedthethicklengthofhiscockandstoodtodropthelastofhisclothesfromhisflesh.
Hewasstunning,hisbodyseemingcarvedfromstoneinthefirelightthatflickeredacrosshisflesh,agodcometoruina mortalandIwasnothingbutaneagersacrificetohisdestruction.
Hedroppedtohiskneesoncemore,movingovermybodyandcapturingmymouthwithhisasIfeltthesolidpressofhis cockatmyopening.
“Please,”Ibeggedagain,achingtofeelthefullnessofhimtakingmewithadesperationthatmademyentirebodytremble withit
Itippedmyheadback,kissinghimdeeplyandreleasingalowmoanwhichwasechoedbyhismasculinegrowlashesank intome,inchbyinch,stretchingandclaimingme Nomanhadhadmebeforehim,hewasmyfirst,andIwashislast ForonenightIwashiscreature.Onenightinhisarmsbeforefatecameforhim.Onenighttotakehimandgivemyselfupto himandcreatealifewhichwasmoreimportantthananyIhadever seen before
Sodespitemyfear for thedawnandmyknowledgeofthefatethatawaitedhim,Igavemyselfuptohimentirely.Losing myselfinthe arms ofthe manwho had foundme inthis jungle hell, walkingthe pathofdestiny, allowinghimto wringboth pleasureandsorrowfrommyfleshinequalmeasures
AndbringaboutafatewhichIknewwouldchangethepathofthestarsthemselves.
CHAPTERTHREE
OneYearLater
Thethronewasascoldasmyhearttoday
Aheaviness was weighingme downsince yesterday’s battle, the scentofburningFae still seemingto clingto me despitethescaldingshowerI’dtakenuponmyreturntothepalace Bloodhadwasheddownmynakedbodyandswirledaroundmyfeetbeforedisappearingintothebellyofthedrainasifit hadneverbeen.
Thescreamsranginmyearsevennow,andIfelt...nothing.
Ashadowwrappedaroundmymind,andIwasfairlycertainthatmyheartwasturningtostonebitbybit.Ithadn’talways beenlikethis,thoughIcouldn’tquitepinpointthemomentwhenthingshadshiftedwithinme WhenIhadbecomethismonster thatstruckachordoffearintheheartofeveryFaewhoheardmyname.HailVega;theSavageKing.Thatwaswhattheycalled menow Ihadclaimedthethroneafter mymother’s death,andIhadsworntoprotectandservemykingdom Thosepledges hadfesteredandwithered,eachbattleIfoughtjustifiedbythosevows,buttheydidnotringtruewithmeanymore.Mybattles may have been won because I wished to safeguard Solaria, but sometimes it felt like I killed because I needed to kill, blackoutswhereIfellintoaravenousneedfordeaththatdefiedeverythingIthoughtIknewofmyself
I’dhadsuchplansonce,planswhichsurfacedinmefromtimetotimeandremindedmeofthemanIhadoncebeen.How quicklythathadchanged Thepowerhadcorruptedme,Isupposed,thoughsometimesIwokeinastateofdreadandterror,a feelingofpowerlessnesssurroundingmeandadesperationtoknowwhyIwasthewayIwas.Asifthereweretwohalvesof me,torndownthemiddle,butitseemeddaybydaythesavagepartgrewbigger,consumingtheotherwithsharpteeth Thethronecurvedupatmyback,myfingerscurlingtightlyoverthegiantHydraheadswhichweavedtogether,hewnfrom blackeststone.This monster was me,the throne a representationofmyHydra Order form.Ithadbeena giftfroma faraway princewholivedinalanddividedbyfactionsofElementals;earth,air,water,fire,allatwarwithoneanother Theoldthrone hadbeenmovedtothevaultwherethetreasuresoftheroyalslaydeepwithinthepalace,accessibleonlybyVegablood.
Thatold,fragmentedpieceofmysoulawokeasIthoughtoftheburningbodiesandthecitywhichhadbeenreducedtoash beneaththemightofmyfireyesterday.Myfingerstightenedonthestone,bitingintoitasmymusclesbunchedandmyconfusion turnedtoabitter,vitriolichatetowardsmyself
What have you done?
“Sire?”
My head snapped up at the deep tenor of my friend’s familiar voice Azriel Orion had a frown set into his brow, his
handsome features skewed byconcernas he approached me. He bowed his head respectfully, causinghis darkhair to fall forwardintohiseyesandhesweptahandthroughittopushitback,lookinglikethatschoolboyagainforamoment,theoneI’d studiedwithatZodiacAcademy
Hisgiftsinacademiaandhisknowledgeofdarkmagicwereinvaluabletome,andbeyondthat,hewasoneofTheGuild members,aprotectoroftheroyalsandtheImperialStar ThoughonlyIwasprivytothatinformation,asecretthatransodeep it would shake the foundations of the kingdom, for the star would be sought by every ruler in the world, and every Fae powerful enoughtotryandseizeitfrommeiftheyknew ofitsexistence TheImperial Star wasmymostprizedpossession, passeddownfromgenerationtogenerationthroughtheVegaline,anditremainedhiddenwithinthesceptre.Ithadthepowerto doalmostanythingIaskedofit,itsmagicunimaginable,bothdestructiveandcapableofdoinggreatthings.
“Azriel,”Isaid,myvoiceanempty,darkthing
Hecametostandbeforeme,thatcreasebetweenhiseyesonlydeepening.“You’renotyourself.”
“AndwhoamI?”Ibitout,angersharpeningmywordstoblades,myvoiceringingaroundtheexpansivehallofthethrone room.IcouldstandinthiscavernousspaceinmyfullyshiftedOrderformifIwishedit,abeastwhoruledwithcrueltyandno mercy Iwasfearedtoeverycornerofthisearth,butAzrieldidnotflinchatmyboomingtone Instead,hesteppedcloser,his nearlyblackeyesliketwogalaxiesstaringintothedepthsofmysoulandseeingthetruthofme.Thoughwhatthattruthwas,I didn’ttrulyknowanymore.
“YouareHailVega Myfriend Agoodman”
“Good?”Iscoffedattheword.Ithadnoplaceinthispalaceanymore.Therewasnogoodinmenow.WhatIhaddonehad paintedmysoulwithtar,andthestarswoulddestroymeforitonceIpassedbeyondtheVeil “Youareeitherplayingthepart ofaloyal,simperingservant,oryouareblind,Azriel.Whichisit?Becauseyoudonotseemthesimperingtypetome.”
Azriel’sjawtightened,andahintofangercrossedhisfeaturesthatI’dhadpeoplepunishedforinthepast,draggedintothe amphitheatretobemadeanexampleofwhileahazeofbloodyfurytookovermyflesh.NotAzrielthough.NeverAzriel. “I’vebeengazingintotheshadowsforguidance,”hesaidquietly.“Theywhisperofthings,awfulthings…” “Areyouadarkprophetnowthen?”Igrowled,leaningdeeperintotheicycageofmythrone “Theshadowsarefilledwith trickstersoulswhowishtolureyouintotheirembrace.Isthatnotwhatyoutoldmeonce?”
“True,butthereisknowledgeinthemtoo,”hesaid “AndIsensesomethingterribleiscoming,sire”
Ireleaseda short,dismissive breath.“Ithas arrived.Iamthe terrible thing.Iamthe plague whichravages the land.My soul isdippedinbloodandthereisnoknowingwhatIwill donext.Butwithoutmyefforts,our enemieswouldhaveseized Solarialongago.”Thosefinalwordsweretheonlythingthatkeptmesane.ThatIwasdoingtherightthing.ThatifIdidn’tact mercilesslyagainstmyadversaries,thenSolariawouldfalltothehandsofaworsepowerthanme.
Azriel’sthroatroseandfell “IsthiswhatyouwantedforSolaria?Foryourpeopletoliveinfear?”
“Whenallthreatsagainstusarecrushed,therewillbenoneedforfear,”Isaidfirmly.
“Andwhatifitis you theyfear?”hewhispered,havingthegalltoaccusemeofthat,thoughitwashardlyanaccusationI coulddeny.MypeoplemayhavecheeredwhenIbroughtanotherthreattoheel,someofthemevenreveredmelikeagod,but allofthemfearedme.
“Thenlet thembe afraid,” I hissed, but a tuginthe backof mymind reminded me that wasn’t what I’d wanted for my kingdom.
“ThosearenotthewordsofthemanIgrewupwith”Azrielfrowned,lookingatmelikehewastryingtofindsomethingin myeyes,buttheywereashardasslateandwouldnotlethimin.“Whynottrytochange?Whynotvisitthepeopleandquell thisfearinthem?Letthemknowtheyaresafeandthatyouwillkeepthemso Bringthembountiesandalleviatetaxes,remind them who you are beyond bloodshed. You could start by shutting down the palace amphitheatre and be done with public executionsthatturnkillingintosport.”
I let myself thinkonhis words, but evenas mymind turned to suchthings, deathand fire seemed to sparkinmysoul Sometimesthedarknesscameuponmesorapidly,itwasimpossibletostop.ItwaswhyIkeptmyselfcontainedwithinthese palace walls as oftenas possible, onlyventuringoutto huntmyenemies Deep down, Iwas terrified ofwhatImightdo to innocentpeopleifIlostmyselftothemonster inme.Andas for theamphitheatre,well,itwas wherethemostdangerous of rebelsandinsurgentswerebroughttofacethepriceoftreason Itwasbarbaric,yes,perhapsenoughsotounsettlethepeople ofSolaria,butitwasnecessarytoo,atooltoensuremoreenemiesdidn’tsticktheirheadsabovetheparapet.Itwasessential, wasn’tit?
“Make them pay, let the people watch your enemies die, remind them what will happen if they ever turn against you ” Thewhispersinmyheadremindedmewhytheamphitheatrewasimportantandsquashedawaymydoubts.
“Icannot,”Imuttered
“Youareincontrolofyourownfate,”Azrielpushed.
MyteethgroundinmymouthasIfoundaninchofclarity,holdingontoitwithallIhad,butitfellfrommygraspinstead, replacedbyaviolentangerthathadmerisingfrommythroneandliftingthesceptrethatheldtheImperialStar.Ipointeditat Azrielandheraisedhischin,eyeswidewithhisimpendingdeath.Hestaredatme,themanhehadonceknown,yettheonly
thingreflectedinthatman’seyesnowwasamurderousstranger.
“Thereisnocontrol,onlychaos,”Ihissed.“Iamtossedtoandfroinatempestuoussea,theskyisdark,thewaterdarker. Thereisnowayout”
“Letmehelpyoufindaway,”herasped.“Helpmetounderstand.”
Asneer pulledatmymouth,myminddriftingdeeper intothatpitofblackwhere Icouldfeel little emotionatall except hate.
“Donotinsultme Iamyourking Idonotneedhelp,”Ispat,tossingthesceptreontothegroundandraisingahandinstead, fire magic cracklingferociouslyinmypalmand provingmypower was almightyevenwithout the gifts ofthe star. Icould incineratehimandwipehimfromexistenceintheblinkofaneye,anditdidn’tevenlooklikehewasgoingtofighthisfate. Thoughofcourse,henodoubtknewthatonesinglefingerliftedagainsthiskingwouldseehimdeadregardless
“This isn’tyou,”hebreathedas myhandbegantotremble,liketwoforces werecollidinginsideme.Onebeggingmeto lowermyhand,theothertousethefullferocityofmymagictoseeAzrieldead Ilovedhim,butIhadtogetridofanyonewho opposedme.Itwastheonlywaytokeeporder.Thatwastheroleofastrongruler,wasitnot?
“MyKing,”LionelAcrux’srumblingvoiceechoedthroughthechamberashearrivedandmyeyeslifted,myteethbaredas Imethisgaze.
HewasdressedindarkgreenrobeswiththeCouncillor’screstsembroideredingoldontothelapel,hisblondehairswept backstylishlyandasingleeyebrowarchedinintrigueashelookedfrommetoAzriel “HasAzrielOrionoffendedyou?”Lionelaskedinshockashemovedcloser,hisgazeroamingoverusboth.
“HaveI?”Azrielpressedofme,andIlookedtohimagainasfirespiralledinmypalm
No…thiswasn’tright.Azrielwasmyfriend,damnloyalandanhonestman.
I dropped myarm, shakingmyhead before droppingbackonto the throne and carvinga hand over myface as the fire extinguishedwithinit.
“Youshouldgo,Azriel,”Lionelmurmured.“Thekingclearlyneedsrestafteryesterday’svictory.”
“Isthatwhatyoucallit?”Iwhispered “Bloodanddeath Isthatvictory,Lionel?”
“Ofcourse,sire.Theywereyourenemies.Settoopposethethrone.Rebelsandinsurgents.Youdidwelltoridyourselfof thembeforetheyattackedthepalace,”Lionelsaidconfidently,anditdidsomethingtoeasetheguiltinmychest Hewasright Hehadtoberight,orelseIcouldnotliveanotherdaywithmyself.
Azrielmadenocomment,andIliftedmyhead,findingIneededhisagreementonthistobesure,tolightentheloadofmy heart.Hiseyesweredowncast,hisposturetightandhishandscurledintofists.
“Azriel?”Idemandedandhelookeduponcemore.“Doyouagree?”
“Itisnotmyplacetosay,”hesaid
“ThenIammakingityour place,” Isaidfirmly,a threatinmyvoice.“Doyouor doyounotagree thatthe Fae Iburned wererebels?”
Azriel’sjawticked,andheglancedatLionelwhogavehimapromptinglookofencouragement.Azrielclearedhisthroat, turningtomeagainashehoveredonthevergeofspeaking,drivingmetonearinsanity.
“Speak!”Ibarked,themonsterinmerising “Idonotknow,”hesaid,hisvoiceringingoutloudly.“Isawnoevidenceofthat,soIdonotknow.”
“Youarenotprivytosuchevidence,”Lionelsaidlightly,wavingahandathim “Iwaswellinformedbeforethedecision wasmadetoeradicatethethreat.Youmustnotdoubtyourself,YourHighness.YouhavedonemarvellousthingsforSolaria;it is becoming as great as it was in the times of old I for one, admire your decisiveness and your firmhand It is what the kingdomneedstoprosper.”
“Thepeopleareafraid,”Azrielsaidcarefully.“Perhapsitistimeforpeace.”
“Peace?”Lioneltsked “AndwhatoftheKingdomofVoldrakiawhoaregearingupforwar?Theywillinvadeussoonif wedonotmeetthemheadon.YouarenotaCouncillorAzriel,itisnotyourplacetospeakasone.Ifyouhadityourway,we wouldallbeundertheruleofsomeforeigndictatorwithinaweek KingVegaisactingdutifullyforSolaria,usinghisfearsome powertoprotectournationandsquashanythreatagainstus.Heisfirmingupourborders,squashinganyrebellioncausedby factions placed here byexternal forces whichcould cause harmto his subjects, and makingcertainthat our great kingdom advances.Asheshould.”
Azrielopenedhismouth,butIspokebeforehecould.“Leaveus.IwishtospeakwithmyCouncilloralone.”
Azriellookedasifhewantedtoprotest,butthenhebowedhishead,turningandstridingoutofthethroneroom Lionelsmiled,movingcloserandclaspinghishandsathisback.“IcanhandleAzriel.Ifyouwouldlike,Icouldhavehim reporttomedirectlyandhewillnolongerneedtobotheryou”
Ifrowned,theideaimpossiblewithAzriel’ssecretpositionwithinTheGuild,thoughitwasmorethanthatwhichbrought onaprotestinme.IlovedAzrielasabrother.Hewasimportanttome,evenwhenIlostsightofthatfromtimetotime. “No,thatwon’tbenecessary,”Isaid,andLionel bowedhisheadinsubmissiontomyauthority.“Tell mewhatnewsyou haveofthemovementsinVoldrakia.”
Lionel’s face became grave.“Their armyis recruitinginthe masses. War is imminentifwe do notactsoon, sire. Those vile Voldrakians want nothing but hell for us, if they ever got their grip on our land, they would seize our resources and persecuteourpeople Solariaisfrightenedofthem,myking,horrifiedattheideaofthempushingintoourborders ButIhave finenews,asIhaveacquiredthelocationoftheirarmy’straininggrounds.”
“And?”Imuttered
Hesweptcloser,movingtocirclethethronebeforecomingtostandatmyside,hishandrestingonmyarmasheleaned downtospeakinmyear Butbeforeawordpassedhislips,Irosefrommyseat,anideacomingtomeastheveilofblackness inmymindpeeledbackalittle.
“Atreaty,”Idecided.“Iwill travel toVoldrakiathisveryweekandseewhatcanbedonefor atreaty.IfIcanpreventa war,thenwecanallbenefitfrompeace Yes ”Ilatchedontotheidea,seeingthegoodinit “ButIamtomarrynextweek,”Lionelsaidabruptly,andIturnedbacktohim.“Willyounotattend?”
“Ah,yes,forgiveme HowaboutIofferyouthepalacefortheceremony?Youmayuseituntilmyreturn”
Lionel’seyeswidenedandhenoddedquickly,excitementsparklinginhisgaze.“Thatismostgenerousofyou,sire.Iwill ofcoursegreatlymissyourpresenceatthewedding,butIwill makesurethepressareheretoimmortaliseeverymomentof it.”
“Perfect,” Isaid, mymind turningbackto myplans, myheartthumpingwiththe hope thatgilded them. This could make things right again
“YoushouldspendsometimeinVoldrakia,”Lionelsuggested.“Ifyouaregoingallthatwaytostrikeatreaty,thenitwould bebesttoformrelationshipswiththeVoldrakianemperorandhisfamily Takeallthetimeyouneed Iwillholdthefortwhile youaregone.”
“Thankyou,Lionel.”Ismiledatruesmile,ararethingtoadornmyfacethesedays.Butatlast,Ihadsomethingtoholdonto thatcouldchangethetrajectoryofmyfate.Iwouldtravellight,takeonlyasmallhostandwhenIreturnedtoSolaria,Iwould damnwell bringgood news withme. Iwould preventa war, protectmykingdom, and perhaps become the kingIhad once longedtobe
CHAPTERFOUR
Pride can often be the cruellest emotion of them all. To change the path of a prideful soul is the most difficult of challenges But take heart in the light, for all who walk the darkest path will be rewarded with the brightest salvation in the end.
Iwokewithagasp,sweatdampenedsheetstwistedaroundmyanklesandmyheartracingtoanerraticrhythmasthevisions plaguingmydreamsburnedintomewithaferocitythatleftmepantingintheirwake
IhatedwhenTheSightcametomeinsleepthatway,leavingmywakingmomentsfoggywithconfusion.Whathadbeena possibilityofthefutureandwhathadsimplybeentheworkofmyimagination?
Irolledover,fingers reachingfor the cribwhichlaybeside mybed,the tinybabyboyIhadbirthedjustfour moons ago cooingsoftlyinhissleep
Gabriel.Suchabignameforsuchalittleboy.Anameforahero,awarrior,anameIalreadyknewhewouldgrowintoand ownwithsuchprideandferocitythatallwouldknow it.Hewouldstalkthroughthehallsofthecastlehere,castingfearinto theheartsofhisenemieswithasingleknowinglook,whileothersswoonedatthemerethoughtofcatchinghisatten-
Myfingertipsbrushedagainsthistinyhandandavisionslammedintome,takingmebysurpriseinmyhalfsleepingstate andIsuckedinabreathatwhatIsaw
Adivergingpath.Afutureawayfromthethick,goldenwallsIknewsowell. A life in a place that saw snow and rain as often as it felt the kiss of sunlight Agirl with bright green eyes and long blonde hair smiling widely up at this boy of mine as a man, his fingers pushing dark hair away from his even darker eyes as he tried to hide what he felt for her. But she knew. Just as I knew while I watched them from a window which overlooked the spot they thought was secret for this rendezvous, the laughter of twin girls drawing my attention back into the room behind me
ThevisionfadedawayandIblinkedasItriedtoprocessit,tryingtounderstandwhatpossiblereasonmysonandImight havefortravellingnorth
Gabriel’stinyfingerscurledtightlyaroundoneofmyownashesleptsoundlyon,knowingnothingofthetwofutureshis motherhadnowseenforhim.Orweretheyone?Wasitpossiblethatbothmightcometopass?
Iturnedmymindtowardstheimageswhichhadtornmefromsleep.
Men and women screaming, burning, a shadow descending upon our kingdom. Aman with dark eyes and a darker soul, his hand locked around my wrist as my death flashed violence through his gaze
I’d seen thoseeyesbefore.Dreamedofthemalongsidethebrushofamouthagainstmine,thecrackleofelectricityinmy veins Desireandfearmixedinmybloodatthethoughtofthenamelessvillainwhohadbeentiptoeingthroughmyvisionsso
oftenthispastyear Ididn’tknowifIshouldfeelsuchanachetofindhim,butIcouldn’thelpit Notwithmyweddingsoclose,notwiththelifeIhadhadchosenformerushinginonallsides.
AshivertraceddownmyspineasIthoughtonthescentofsmokethatstilllingeredfromthevision War Itwasn’tsetyet, butitwasturningitseyesonmykingdom,Icouldfeelthehandoffatemovingandthoughitwasinnowayacertainty,Iwas strugglingtoseehowIcoulddrawitawayfrombloodshed
Aheavyknockcameagainstthedoor,andIstiffened,wonderingifithadbeenmorethanjustthevisionswhichhadstirred mefromsleep
Iwithdrewmyhandfromthecrib,standingonbarefeetandgrabbingaredsilkgownfromthechairbesidethebedasthe knockcameagain.
A tall man with shoulder length dark hair and a rough, unkempt beard smirked to himself as he shifted his belt and raised a fist to knock again.
IblinkedawaytheimageofArturoasitcametome,hesitatingforamomentonmywaytothedoor Iglancedbackintothe roomandmovedtopullthecurtainhangingaroundmyfour-posterbedacrosstoconcealthecribonthefarsideofit.
IflickedmyfingerstothrowasilencingbubblearoundGabrieltooincasehewoke,wettingmylipsasIpreparedtoface themanIwasbetrothedtoafteralmostsixmonthsofavoidinghispresence.
Whenithadbecometoodifficultfor metohidemypregnancy,Ihadheadedtothesouthernmountainsunder theguiseof needingtoconcentrateonmymagical studies awayfromthecourt Thathadbeentrueinparttoo Ihadworkedtirelesslyto honeandlearnallIcouldaboutmymagicwithfourtutorsmyparentshadfoundforme,theacademytheyransoexclusivethat itonlytooktenstudentsatanyonetime,givingusanintensiveeducationoverthecourseofasingleyear Theywerethebestin theland,andIwasaquickstudy,workingtirelesslytoperfecttheuseofmymagicalabilitiesdespitemypregnancy.Ofcourse everyonewhohadbeenattheacademy,studentandtutoralikehadsooncometorealiseIwaspregnantbuttheywereloyalto myfather’scrownandhadbeenwellrewardedforkeepingthesecret.Besides,noneofthemwoulddarebreathewordofthe truthnow;hewouldknowithadbeenoneofthemandlikelyseeallofthemdeadforthebetrayal.
Everyone whohadsurvivedthe Marriage Trials hadbeendoingsome versionofthe same Usingthe time followingour emergence fromthat bloodstained jungle to traininthe art ofmagic for a year, before we would all be required to follow throughonour betrothalsandtakeupour placeswithinthecourtofVoldrakiaasfullytrainedwarriors Ihadsixmonthsleft beforeIwouldbeexpectedtofulfilmypromisetomarryArturoandIfelteverypassingsecondlikethetighteningofanoose aroundmythroat.
Ilovedmyempire,lovedmykingdom,butIdidnotlovethemanwhowasdestinedtobecomemyhusband.
I hadn’t seenhiminmonths and yet mydistaste for himhad onlygrowninthat time. He was brutishand brash, a dull weapon with nothing more than strength and arrogance to his name He was also the reason my baby boy would grow up withoutafather.TheonewhohadstruckthekillingblowagainstMarcelthatmorningbeneaththetrees.
Ifmyparents hadtheir way,Gabriel wouldsoonbe takenfromme,raisedas their wardwithnoacknowledgmentofhis heritageasadaughteroftheprincessofVoldrakia.Itwasasecretthatwasn’tlikelytostayasecret,andyetnoonewouldever darequestionitoutloud.Awardoftheemperorwasboundtobeabastardbornroyalafterall.
Inso manyways our courtwas outdated like that Power andreputationmeaningfar toomuchto the people who should havebeenabletosettherulesforthemselves.
Iwasstillworkingonmyplanstoevadethatfate,mySighthelpingmetoformafuturewhereIgottokeepmysonatmy side despite himbeingborninsecret. ButIwas yetto see a clear pathto a future whichwould keep me outofthis man’s marriagebed
IraisedmychinasIstalkedtothedoor,waitinguntilI saw himraisehisfisttoknockevenmoreforcefullybeforeIyanked itopen,makinghimstumbleforwardastep,hisraisedfisthanginguselesslyintheairnearhistemple.
“Noneedtosaluteme,Arturo,wearen’tinthethroneroomrightnow,”Isaid,leaningmyshouldertothedoorframeand keepingholdofthedoorsohewasundernoillusionsaboutmeallowinghimentrancetomychambers.
“Youdidn’ttellmeyouwerebackinthecity,”hegrunted,thescentofstalealesingingundermynosefromhisbreath It wasnodifficultguesstotellwherehehadspenthisnight.ThoughhewasfromoneofthemostpowerfulfamiliesinVoldrakia, Arturoneverquitemanagedtopulloffthepompandposturingtherestofthecourtflourishedat Hisshirthungmessilyonhis broadframe,thedarkhair tuckedbehindhisearslookinglankrather thanlustrouslikemybrother Jorge’swhosestyleheso oftentriedtoimitate.
“Ididn’trealiseIwasrequiredtoinformyouofmywhereabouts AndIwasmorethancontentwithmynightofrest So you’llexcusemeifIgetbacktoit.”
Itookastepawayandtriedtoclosethedoorbetweenus,buthisheavybootthumpedintoplaceovermythreshold,making thewoodbouncebackintomygrip.
“Ididn’tcomecallingjusttohaveyouthrow thedoor closedinmyface,Merissa,”Arturosnarled,pushingforwardand stoopingsothathisfacedrewclosetomine.
Magiccoiledinmyskin,thepoweroftheearthwrithingwithinmeasaslightshiftofmyfingersstartedthecast.
“And what was it you wanted?” I asked icily, trying to ignore the sweep his narrowed eyes took of my body in my nightgown.Iwasn’tafraidofhim.Iwasawarriorwiththepoweroftheearthitselfbrimminginmyveins,nottomentionhis princess
“Aword,” he clipped. “With my betrothed. And it might serve you to remember that the crown your family covets so greedilyisonlyyoursbecauseofthepowerofthehighfamiliessupportingyou Youmightalsowanttorememberthatpleasing meisthesurestwaytokeepthatsupportinplace.”
“Iamwellawareofthepowermyfamilyholdsaswellasyours Butthatisnoexplanationforyouturninguphereinthe middleofthenight.”
“Iheardarumour,”hesaidinalowtone,shiftingcloser.“Arumouraboutaguestyourparentshavearrivingatthecastle today ArumourIwantmybelovedfiancéetoconfirmforme”
Dark eyes and a darker soul. Hungry, angry, hurting.
Iblinkedthevisionaway,needingtokeepmywitssharp
Iheldmyground,raisingmychinasImaintainedmypositionbeforehim.Hehadcomeherenowthinkingtointimidateme. Thebigmanforcinghispresenceonawomanhalfhissizewhileshewasaloneandvulnerable Howpowerfulhemusthave feltstandingovermeinthedark,thelightofthehallbeyondsilhouettinghisbroadframelikeathreatasheblockedmyonly escapefromthisplace.Butifthatwaswhathethoughttruepowerfeltlike,heneededtoaskhimselftherealquestion.IfIheld thethinghedesiredthenwasn’tItheonewiththepower?
“Speak plainly, Arturo, before I toss you fromthis roomlike the lecherous drunk I’mbeginning to suspect you are,” I replied,myvoicehard
IfhethoughthismarriagetomewouldbeaneasyonewhereIwasforcedtocowerandsubmit,thenhewasevenmoreofa fool thanIhadgivenhimcreditfor.Andifhethoughthecouldusethethreatofhissizeor physical harmagainstmethenhe mustn’thavebeentakingmygiftsasseriouslyasheshouldhave.
Arturo’slipcurledback,moreofthatalescentcurlingintheairwhichdividedus,andIdidn’tmakeanyattempttohidemy distaste InthatmomentIknewIwouldn’tmarryhim Nomatterthecustomsandarrangementsthathadbeenmadefortheunity ofthisempire,Iwouldnotsubmitmybodytoonesuchashim,nomatterthecost.
“IsthereapartyarrivingfromSolariatoday?”Arturohissed,hishandmovingtosnatchmyarm,butI saw itcomingand shiftedasidesothathedidn’tsomuchasbrushafingeragainstme.
“Solaria?” I asked and a flash of a vision stole through me. A many headed monster, a ferocious roar, an exquisite banquet with foreigners, though I didn’t get a clear enough look at them to recognise any faces “Ihaven’tbeentoldofany suchvisit.”
True
“Don’ttryandhideyourvisionsfromme,”Arturosaid,hisvoicetakingonacunningnotewhichtoldmethatwaswhyhe hadcomehere,hopingtoforceananswerfromthestarsaboutthisviame Iscoffed.“Myvisionsaremanyandalwayschanging,”Irepliedevenly,shuttingoutmoreofthemasadistantroarechoed throughmymind.Ifhecaredsomuchaboutthis,thenIcertainlywasn’tgoingtogiveituptohimeasily.
“Itwouldmakesenseforyoutowishforyourbetrothedtohavethiskindofknowledge Whatbenefitsmewillonlyever benefityouintheend.Oncewearemarriedandthemightofourfamiliesisunitedunderoneroof,youwillhavetoshareallof yourvisionswithmeregardless”
Have to? Oh,thisassholewaskiddinghimselfifhethoughthewasgoingtobeenforcinganykindsofdemandsuponme whetherwewerewedornot
Iletmyeyeswiden,mouthfallingslackasIfakedavisionwithasuddengaspthathadhiseyeslighting. “Whatdoyousee?” Arturodemanded.
“Aman,”Ibreathed,vinescrawlingacrossthefloorbehindhimbeneaththepowerofmymagic,creepingcloserwhilehis greedformyknowledgelefthimutterlyexposedtomywhims.“Amanwithlankhairandamindlessskull…”
“Whatishedoing?”Arturoaskedgreedily,reachingouttograbmeagain,butI saw itandsidesteppedoncemore Iwould notletthemanwhokilledmyson’sfatherlaysomuchasafingeronme.
“Flying,”Ibreathed “Withoutwings ” “Flying?Why?Where?”
“Wouldyoulikemetoshowyou?”Iaskedsoftly,temptingly,asifIwasofferingupthechanceforhimsee whatitwasthat Isaw
“Yes,”hepanted,reachingformyhandasifIreallymightgiveitup.
ThecornerofmylipstwitchedwithawickedamusementasImethisgaze “Asyouwish”
Icurledmyfingersandthevinesshotout,snaringhimbeneathhisarmpitsandwhippinghimfromhisfeetbeforehurling himoutinto the corridor where he flew a good tenfeetbefore slammingdownonhis ass and skiddingawaylike a sackof potatoesthathadfallenfromarunawaydonkey.
“Iliveonlytoserveyou,dearhusband,”Icalledafterhimashebellowedinrage,thesoundturningintoafuriousmooas
helostcontrolofhisOrderformandshiftedintohisMinotaurform.
Arturogottohisfeetandloweredhishorns,chargingfuriously,butthenoisehewasmakinghadalreadyalertedtheguards andIcouldhearthemrunningcloser
Ithrewthedoorclosedwithawildlaugh,myvinesbindingitshutwithfiercestrengthjustbeforehecollidedwithitand theentirethingrattledonitshinges
Guards running down the corridor, a call for help, someone else shouting that they’d seen Arturo drinking the night away in The Whale and Whelk and then claiming that he must have lost control in a drunken stupor Four men dragging him away while he mooed furiously.
Ilaughedlouderasthevisionfaded,listeningintentlyasthatexactsceneplayedoutinrealtimebeyondthedoor.
Iwaiteduntilhismoosgrewmoredistantthenbanishedthevinessecuringmydoorandtuggeditopen,gaspinginsurprise asItookinthefewguardswhowerestillthere.
“Whatinthenameofthestarsisgoingon?”Iasked,thepictureofinnocenceandsurprise
“Lookslikeabitofdrunkenfoolery,Princess,sorryforthedisturbance,”aguardreplied,bowinglow.
“Iassumetheculpritwillbeheldaccountable?”Ireplied,tryingtolooksternwhilefightinghardagainstmyamusementto banishitfrommyface.
“Wewillspeaktohisfatherandexplainthesituation,”theguardagreed.“Nodoubtthepunishmentwillbeswift.”
Inodded myacceptance ofthatbefore biddingthemgoodnightand closingthe door again Arturo’s father would indeed punishhimsoundlyformakingsuchafoolofhimselfinpublic,andIhadtoassumemybetrothedwouldbemorethanalittle hesitanttocomeknockingonmydoorwithoutbeingcalledforagain Iranacrosstheroomuntil IslippedinsidethesilencingbubbleI’dleftinplacearoundmylittlesleepingGabriel before lettingmysmileshow.
AsIsankbackdownontomybed,thevisionsfrommynightmarespressedinagain; burning, screaming, war. A man with the darkest eyes I’d ever seen, violent and empty and alone.
Ibitdownonmylip,wonderingwhatitall meant,hopingIcouldfigureitoutintimetomakeachangethatwouldsave thosescreamingpeople.
Ididn’tsleepagain,simplylyinginbedfortherestofthenightwithmypreciousboyinmyarms,nursingandfussingover himuntilthesunroseandspilledthroughthegauzywhitecurtainsthatcoveredthehugewindowtotheleftofmyroom. Icouldfeeltheheatrisingalready,theintensityofthesunpressinginandmakingmekickthecoversfrommylegs. Bythe time myhandmaid arrived to attend us, Gabriel had longsince wokenand was babblingand smilingat me as I workedmyhardesttoentertainhim.
“Yourparentshaveaskedforyourattendanceatbreakfast,”Elenasaidsoftly
Ifoughttheprickleofdisappointmentthatrandownmyspineatthesummons,understandingwhatitmeant.Iwastobeseen aroundthepalacetoday SoGabrielwouldbecaredforinmyabsencewithoutmeonceagain
Myinstinctsbalkedattheorder,butIhadnooptiontoargueit.Myparentsweren’tcruel bynature,buttheywerestrict. Theyrantheircourtefficientlyandwithoutreproach.IfIfailedtodoasrequestedthentheywouldenforceapunishment,likely takeGabrielawayfrommeforlongerthanadayoreventhreatentohavehimremovedfromthepalaceentirelyifhispresence meantIwasn’tfollowingupwithmyduties.
I’dalreadyhadtofightfortherighttohavehiminmyroomatall They’dwishedtohavehimtakenstraightintothecareof awetnursewhenI’dfirstreturned,butIhadbeggedonmykneesfortherighttocareforhimmyselfandtheyhadgivenin.So longasIkeptupwithmyduties
Ifoughtawaythe tears whichwished to roll downmycheeks atthe thoughtofbeingtornfromhimfor hours, hopinghe wouldn’tmissmetoomuchwhileIwasforcedtomaintainthisruse.
ElenatookhimgentlyandIyielded,thoughtheacheinmyheartonlygrewasIreleasedhimtohercare
Ifocusedonhim,trainingmygiftsontohisfuturesothatIcould see allavenuesthedaymighttakeforhim.
“Don’tgoforawalkinthewesterngardens,”Isaidinasofttone “There’sawasps’nestthereandhe’llgetstungifyou venturethatwaytoday.”
“I’ll make sure to avoid it,” Elena promised, givingmyarma reassuringsqueeze as I dipped myhead to kiss Gabriel goodbye.
Aside fromthe possible wasp sting, Isaw no danger inhis future and no unhappiness apartfromhimcryingfor me, but therewasnothingIcoulddotoaidthat
Iwithdrew,despitemyinstinctsachingformetostayandIheadedintothebathingchamberattachedtomyroomwhereI foundabathalreadyrunforme,wildflowersandgoat’smilklacingthesteamingwater
Idisrobedandbathedquickly,dressinginthegoldengownwhichhadbeenlaidoutforme.Itwasthin,severalsheerlayers makingup the skirt of it whichleft a silhouette of mybodyonshow throughthe fabric while maintainingmymodestyand allowingmetokeepcool whilewearingit.Oratleastascool asitwaspossibletobeintheheatofaVoldrakiansummer’s day.
Another ofmyhandmaids appeared to brushmyebonyhair and Iallowed it, thoughIhad always preferred to care for myself.Ithadtakenyearstopersuadethemalltoallowmetobatheanddressinprivacy.Thehairwasacompromise.
Sheleftitunbound,placingathingoldenchainaroundthebackofmyheadadornedwithtinygoldenliliesovertheloose curlswhichfelldownmyspine.ThebackofthedresswasopentoallowroomformywingstoextendifIneededmyHarpy, andIlikedthefreedomofthat,thewarmairalongmyspineseemingtourgeontheshiftinme,butI’dkeepmywingscontained fornow.
Shepaintedmyfacenext,darkeningmyeyeswithkohlandreddeningmylipsbeforeallowingmetorise
Isteppedintothelightslipperswhichmatchedthedressthenstrappedadaggertomythigh.Thethinmaterialdidn’tfully coverit,butitwasn’tintendedtobehidden.Iwasawarrior,myworthproveninthathellishjunglewhereIhadfoughtformy lifeandemergedvictorious
Bythe time I returned to mymainchamber, Elena had gone withGabriel. I forced mymind fromworryingabout him, knowingthatshelovedanddotedonhimalmostaswarmlyasIdid Hewasingoodhands,evenifIwishedthosehandswere mine.
I strode out into the castle corridors and headed throughthe familiar stone buildingtowards the dininghall myparents favouredfor breakfast.Itwasn’tasgrandastheoneusedfor banquetsbutstill seatedtwentywhenthelong,mahoganytable wasatcapacity.
GuardsopenedthedoorsformeasIapproached,bowingtheirheadsindeferencetomyposition Iwasaprincessafterall Thoughnot one anywhere close to takingthe throne withfour older siblings, three ofwhomwere married and had already bornelegitimateheirsoftheirownintotheworld Butmypositionwashigherthanmostintheempire
“Daughter,”myfathergreetedashenotedmyarrival,andIdippedmyheadinrespecttowardshimandmymotherwhere theysatatopposingendsofthelongtable.
“I amhonoured to receive the invitationto dine withyouboth,” I said, allowinga servant to usher me into a centrally locatedchair.
Therewasnooneelsehere,butthatmeantlittle Ourparentsoftenrequestedoneorallofustoattendthematmealtimes–oneofthefewpointsinthedayswhichweresetanddidn’talwaysincludethepoliticsofthecourt,unliketherestoftheirtime. Oneorallofmysiblingsmightyetbesummoned,onlytimewouldtell,andtheycertainlywouldn’twastesmalltalkontelling meiftheywerecoming.
“We have some…unexpected guests atthe castle today,” myfather said, a hand smoothinghis well-oiled beard fromhis chin to the golden jewel which clasped it near the base. Atell I had long since realised meant that he was worried. The movementmademesitupstraighter.
“Theylikelymeanusnoharm,”mymotheradded,drawingmyeyestoherasshegavemeasoftsmile Shewasbeautiful, herdeepbrownhairpepperedwithstrandsofgreyandhermouthlinedfromcountlesssmiles,butnoneofthemwereeveras genuine as theyappeared IsupposedIlovedmyparents,buthonestly,theylovedtheir kingdomfar more thantheir children andmyownnanniesandtutorshadbeenmorelikeparentstomeasIgrew.Ididn’tresentit.IwasaprincessofVoldrakiaand knewwellthatIcouldlivealotworse,butIhadalwaysheldouthopeforsomething…more,too.
“Wewishforyoutofindoutmoreaboutthem,”myfatheradded,anditdidn’tescapemynoticethatIhadn’tactuallybeen givenanythingtoeatwhiletheirplateslayfullystackedbeforethem.
InoddedinunderstandingasIrose “Wherearetheystaying?” “Intheeastwing.Thestarstruckquarters.”Theroomsreservedforonlythemostimportantofguests.
Dark eyes, cruel laughter, the brush of teeth against my neck, fire, screaming, war Isuckedinabreathasthescrapsofvisionpressedinonmeandmymothercockedherhead. “Whatdidthestarsshowyou?”sheasked.
It was her line that had givenme these gifts, thoughshe herself onlyhad the barest trace of The Sight, more like good instinctsthanactualprophesying.ButhergrandmotherhadbeenoneofthegreatestSeersinthehistoryofourempire,credited fortheriseofourfamily’sfortunes ShehadalwaysbeenabletotellwhenI saw something,nomatterhowbrieflythevisions appeared.
“Nothingclear,”Iadmitted,knowingmyfatherhadnopatienceforriddlesfromthestars “Butthereisdanger” “All the more reason for you to see what more you can find,” my father said with a jerk of his chin to indicate my dismissal.“Returntousthiseveningwithwhatyougleanfromyourinvestigations.”
Inoddedmyhead,givingthatslightbow ofrespectbeforeturningandleavingtheroom Iknew whytheywishedtosend me. Withmygifts Ioften saw far more thanthe eyes or ears could interpret and beingclose to people sometimes gave me insightintotheirintentions
Istrode away, turningfor the eastwingbefore a nudge came frommyrumblingstomachand possiblythe stars too. IfI showedupasIwasthenIwoulddraw moreattention,havetoannouncemyselfandwhoIwasrightawaybeforegettingthe chance to read muchatall fromthe people who Iwas supposed to be investigating. ButifIcame bearingfood, theywould likelyassumeIwasaservant,atleastforaminuteortwo,keepingtheirguardsdownandtheirintentionseasiertoread.The
futurecouldchangeonthespinofacoinsoeasilyandsomethingassimpleasavisitfromoneoftheroyalsmightshifttheir plans,soifIwantedthechancetofigureoutwhattheircurrentintentionswere,thenIneededtogivemyselfthetimeitwould taketogetareadonthem
NoonepaidmemuchattentionasIheadedfromthecastle,optingfortheuseofmyownlegsoveracarriageasthemarket wassoclosetotheouterwalls
The heatofthe ever-risingsunbroke over me as Iwalked,myskinhummingwiththe pleasantsensationofthe kiss ofit eventhoughIknewIwouldlikelybecursingitsintensitycomemidday
The marketwas alreadybusy, merchants callingoutto temptpeople to their wares beneaththe shade ofsweepingwhite canopieserectedabovetheirwoodencartsandstalls.
Somesandhadgatheredonthecobblesasitoftendid,theairwielderswhocleanedthestreetsclearlyduetocomesoon I picked out fruits and pastries, paying little attention to the task beyond making certain that everything was fresh and temptingwhile Itried to turnThe Sighttowards who Imightfind inthose rooms Butall Ireceived for myefforts was the feelingofphantomlipsonmyskin,araisingofmypulseandathrobbingachewhichIwishedtosatebeyondall measureof sanity
Ihadtoshiftmymindfromthosethoughtstokeepmyheadclear,butasIturnedbacktowardsthecastlewiththefoodI’d purchased, a voice echoed throughmyhead, one Ididn’tknow butwhichsentgoosebumps racingover myfleshdespite the heatofthesun
“You think you can tame a creature such as me?”
Thetauntwaswickedandsinful,achallengeandapromisewhichmademymouthdryoutandanticipationshudderthrough me.Andthatvoice.Itwaslikearoughscratchofpleasurealongmyskin,andawarningtorunallatonce.
VisionsstartedtoflashandflickerthroughmymindasImadeitbackintothecastle,barelyeveningpayingenoughattention tomysurroundingstolaythefoodI’dpurchasedoutonaplatterinthekitchensbeforeheadingtowardstheeastwing.
Those eyes raking over me. Men screaming for mercy. Arough hand around my throat. The scent of burning on the air. A mouth moving down my body, breaking me apart Amany headed monster, the likes of which I’d never known, sowing terror into the world all around us. Words whispered in my ear, promises of worship and torture and a world beyond my knowledge Blood spilling in the streets I’d grown up in And the stars whispering secrets as if every step I took was echoed by the chiming bells of fate.
IwassolosttothemaelstromofTheSightthatIhadn’tevengivenproperthoughttomydestinationuntilIrealisedmyfeet haddeliveredmetoitalready.
Istoodbeforetheornatedoubledoorswhichledintothestarstrucksuiteandblinkedatthemasavoicereachedmefrom beyondthethickmahogany
“Areyousureaboutthis,myliege?Itcouldcauseamightybatchofpicklesauceifthestarsaren’tinagreement.”Visions slammedintome Fire, screaming, pleading, burning War Death Carnage
“QuestionmeagainandI’llhaveyourheadalongwiththeemperor’s,”adarkvoicegrowledinresponse.
Mylipspartedinshockattheplainnessofthatrevelation,ofthethreatthathadjustbeenmadesobaldlyagainstmyfather’s life
Itookastepback,mydeathflashingthroughmymind,despitenovisionsrisingtoagreewithsuchafate,butthedoorwas flungopenbeforeIcouldescape
MyheartleaptthenfreefellinmychestasItookinthehugemanwhostoodthere.Hiseyeswereapitofdarkness,danger rollingoffofhimsothicklythatIswear itstainedtheair aroundus almostas powerfullyas thecrackleofelectricitywhich madethespacebetweenussing.
Hetoweredoverme,hisbodypowerfullybuiltandfeaturesbreath-takingevensetinthatcoldandunyieldingscowl.His strongjawwaslinedwithstubbleandhisdeepgreeneyesfelltotakemeinwithacrueltyunlikeanythingIhadeverperceived before.
Ishouldhavebeenrunning ButIwasn’t Iwasstandingcaptivatedbythesightofthoseeyes,thatmouth,thehandsIhad feltathousandtimesinmysleepandyetnevertrulyexperiencedthetouchofbefore.Thiscouldn’tbereal.ButthememoriesI heldofthemomentsI’d seen betweenuspromisedsomuchmorethanthedarknessinhiseyes
“DoyouknowwhatwedowithspiesinSolaria?”themangrowled,magiccracklingbetweenhisfingersashetookastep towardsmelikeheintendedtoflaytheskinfrommybones.
“It’s you,” I breathed, fear escaping me as wonder and awe took its place I had been waiting for him without even acceptingitasthetruth.I’d seen himcoming.ThoughIhadn’texpectedthis…beastofaman.
Isteppedcloser,closingthedistancebetweenusuntilIwasonlyinchesfromhim,farcloserthanproprietywouldallow, especiallywithastranger.Closeenoughtofeelthepowerofallthatdarknessinhimlikeitwasbrushingagainstmyskin.
“Lady,stepawayfromhismajesty!”anothermanintheroombarkedbutIdidn’tlookathim,justpressedtheplateoffruit intohisarmssothatIcouldbefreeofeverythingbutthiscreaturebeforeme.
Theweightofthestarsthickenedinmythroatuntil Ifoundmytonguebendingaroundwordsthatseemedtospill directly
fromthem.
“Onthedarkestdayandlongestnight,I’llguideyouhomewithlovesobright,”Iwhispered.
Ishouldhavebeenafraid Iknewthat ButIwasn’t Forsomestrange,impossiblereason,Iwasn’t IreachedoutahandandpressedittohischestlikeIjustneededtofeelthethumpoftheheartwhichlaywithin. Hestilled,themagicinhishandsblazing,buthemadenomovetoforcemeback,likehecouldfeelthepowerbetweenus too,thetasteofdestinyontheair.Islidmyhandupover thefinesilkshirthewore,trailingmyfingersover hisneckuntil I heldhisjawinmyhand,thebiteofhisstubbleathrillwhichsetmypulseracing
“I’ve seen thelifewe’redestinedtoshare,”Itoldhiminalow voicewhilehestaredatmelikeIwassomecaptivating creaturewhohadhiminmythrall.“Wouldyouliketo see ittoo?”
Theman’sgazeintensifiedifthatwasevenpossibleandhepartedhislips,seemingtorememberhimself,lookinglikehe mightrefuse,butaflashofTheSighttoldmethatheneededto see this.Aknowingsmiledrewmylipsup.
“Thetruthwill changetheworld,”IpromisedasIpushedthethingsIhad seen ofusintohismind,moreofour possible futureunravellingitselftoo,asifithadbeenwaitingforthismomenttobecomecleartomeaswell.
I knew who he was now, not some foreign diplomat or courtier seeking favour, but the man who ruled over the lands beyondourempire.HailVega;TheSavageKing.
Fate called myname and it beckoned me north. To a land I didn’t know, and a kingfeared byall. And I found myself wantingtogiveintoitscall
CHAPTERFIVE
ThemagicsnaredmymindbeforeIcouldstopit,andthebriefflashofconcernIfeltover anattackvanishedbeforemy eyesasIfellintoafutureIhadneverdreamedIwascapableofclaiming
Isaw myselfenrapturedwiththiswoman,desiringhermoredeeplythanIhadeverdesiredanything.Shelookedatme thewaynoonehadeverlookedatme,withalovethatseemedtodefyeverythingIwasandevercouldbe.Inthisfuture,we fellquicklyintoanobsessionwithoneanother,deeperandfasterthanshouldhavebeenpossible I saw myselftakingherback toSolaria,declaringherasmyqueenandtherewasasmileonmyfacethatmademelooklikeanentirelydifferentman.She became the centre ofmyworld, the one good thingever offered to me, and Icoveted her like she could turnto dustatany moment.
ThevisionsofthisbeautifullifesurroundedmeuntilIcraveditwitheveryfuriousbeatofmyheart
She releasedme fromthe power andIwas leftstaringather,jaw slackandeyes unblinking.She was beautyembodied, fromherebonyhairwhichwasinloosecurlsdownherbacktoherhourglasscurvesandradiantbronzeskin.Butthoseeyes, thoseeyesaloneIwouldhavegonetowarfor Theyweredeepestbrown,glitteringwithallthegoldenlightofthestar-littered sky.
“Your name,”Idemanded,thebiteofmywords fillingtheair andremindingmeIwas notthemanshehadperceivedin thosevisions.
Ifthiswasaploytoseduceme,thenshewastooignoranttohavedoneherresearchwelltopaintmecorrectlywithinthem. Thoughthe realness ofthemwas hardtodeny,the strengthofthe truthwovenintothemsocertaintome,how couldIreally refuteit?
“Merissa,”shesaid,hereyesstilltrailingovermyfeaturesassheloweredherhandfrommyface,andIinstantlymissed thecontactofher.
We were attracted to one another withthe force of magnets, and I could not pull awayfromher, instead standingthere rootedtothefloorfeelinglikemyentirelifehadjustbeenturnedonitshead.
“Merissa…”Itriedouthernameandherpupilsdilatedinawaythatsetmypulsehammering.Fuck,shewasstunning,her featuresdelicate,yetsharptoo.ShelookedexactlylikeIimaginedastarwouldlookifitshiftedintoFaeform.
“Sire,doforgivethegobblesofmygables-”Hamishstartedup,inchingcloser.“ButIcannotholdmyloyallollygaggera second longer The ladyhas come bearinga bounty, itwould be customaryofthe gentleFae inquestion– thatis, your most magnanimous,majesticself–toofferheramomentofyourinvaluabletimeandperhapsasyrupysuptowetherwhimsy,hm?” “Asyrupywhat?”Isnappedathim,myeyesstillonher
“Asup,myliege,”hebowedhishead.“Asyrupyoneatthat.”
“Whatareyoublatheringabout?”Idemanded,angersplashinginmychestlikeacidasIroundedonhim.
ApangofguilthitmeasheshrankbacklikeIwasabouttostrikehim,andIrememberedatimewhenheandIhadbeen closefriends.Nowadays,Icouldn’tseemtogetpastthewayhefrustratedme,andevenasIworkedtowrapmytonguearound anapology,itsizzledoutanddiedrightthereonmylips
“Perhaps I could give you a tour of the city?” Merissa cut in, reaching out and taking hold of my arm with an overfamiliaritythatshouldhavehadmeteachingheralessoninrespectrighthereandnow
Instead,mybloodburnedwiththe touchofherandImovedintothearcofherbody,takingholdofherchintoexaminehermoreclosely.Herbreathsfluttereda littlefasterpastherlips,butshedidn’tflinchinfearlikeanyotherFaewouldhave “You’reaSeer?”Iguessedandshenodded.
“I’ve seen youcomingfor a longtime, thoughI didn’t know it was youuntil now,” she said, her throat bobbing, and I trackedmythumbdowntoittofeelitswellandfall
“Mm,”Igrunted,desireblazingthroughme,mygazefallingtohersoftlips.“AndyouknowwhoIam?”
“Idonow,”shesaid
“AndyetyouremainherewhilemostFaewouldrun,”Icommented,myfacesoclosetohersthatshewasallIcouldsee.I wastryingtocrackherresolve,intimidateherandseethatfearinhereyeswhichIsaweverywhereelse Butitdidnotappear “MostFaedonotsee whatIsee,”shesaidwithsuchconfidence,itmademeachewithcuriosity.
Ihad seen asnapshotofafutureweshared,andIknewIcouldnotwalkawayfromthatfatenowthatitwaspresentedto me IthadmeawareofarealityinwhichIwasprofoundlyhappy,andasunlikelyasthatseemed,thebeastinmewantedto seizeit.
“Theemperorhasofferedmeuseofoneoftheroyalcarriages”IsnappedmyfingersatHamish “Prepareitforimmediate departure.”
“Ohjoyousday!Indeed,sire!”HeracedoffaheadofusdownthecorridorandIreleasedMerissa,sweepingpastherso thatshemightfollowinmywake.
Instead,shemovedwithspeed,takingmyarmasshejoinedmyside,chinheldhighlikeshehadeveryrighttotouchmeso. Idid notscold her or pushher away, mychestwas expandingand there was a fierce sense ofpride inme over havingthis beautifulcreatureatmyside.Itfeltimpossiblyright,andyetdefiedallnatureoflogic.
We wound through the castle with its golden walls hung with towering paintings that depicted a land of fortune and prosperityaswellasportraitsofwarriorsdeepinthebellyofasun-bakedjungle,weaponsinhandandlittleelse.Ihadheard oftheMarriageTrialsVoldrakiawasfamedfor,thebarbaricgameplayedtoweedouttheweakamongthenoblesandcreate powerful pairingstoensurethestrongestoflineages.Itwasadmirableinways,provingthemselvesworthyandwettingtheir handsinbloodbeforetheirmagichadevenbeenAwakened.
Merissaseemedfamiliar withthe halls,soIsupposedshe musthave beena ladyofthe courthere She was dressedtoo finely to be a servant, though probably not important enough to have partaken in the trials, or else she would not be here offeringherselftome
Mypulse was poundingwiththe anticipationofgettingher alone,andthoughthis was the definitionofmadness,Icould feelmyselfalreadydecidingthatshewasmine.
Outsideinthecourtyard,whiteflowershungfromvinesacrossthewoodenpergolathatstoodaboveusbetweenpillarsof gleamingstone.HamishhurriedofftofetchacarriageandMerissareleasedherholdonme,movingtoadmirethecircularwell toourrightwhileIadmiredherinturn
“Doesourfatenotfazeyou?”sheaskedme.
“Iamfazedbylittleinthislife,”Isaiddarkly,andsheglancedbackatmewithafrown “Ihavewaitedsolongtomeetyou,andnowIknowwhoyouare…”shewhisperedalmosttoherself.
“Areyouafraid?”Iclosedthegapbetweenus,theopenbackofherdressdrawingmyhandtoherskin.
Iranmyknucklesupherspineandsheshivered,abreathcatchinginherthroatasIpassedbetweenhershoulderblades,a signthatherOrderpossessedwings.
“Should Ibe?” she breathed as Imoved evencloser behind her, brushinga lockofhair awayfromher neckas Ileaned downtospeakjusttoher.
“IhaveslaughteredcountlessFaewithacold,viciousbrutalityinwar Ihavewatchedentirecitiesburnbeneaththepower ofmyHydra’sfireandseenthelightfadefromtheeyesofmyenemieslikecandlessnuffedinthewind.TheysayIamsoulless, thatmyheartismadeofjetblackstone.Soyoutellme,Merissa,shouldyoubeafraid?”
Her eyed widened as she looked back at me, my fingers tiptoeing across the base of her spine, perhaps the softest of touchesIhadofferedanyoneinwhatseemedlikealifetime.Thesehandshadbeensoakedinblood,theyhaddrivenbladesinto thechestsofwarriorsandcutthemcleanintwo Thispoor,beautifulgirlmusthavebeencursedbythestarstohavebeensent tome.Buttherewasn’tenoughgoodinmetolethergo.Nowshehadarrivedatmythreshold,IwasgoingtodoeverythingI couldtodrawherintomylair.
Shedidn’tanswermyquestion,turninghergazefrommeandlookingintothewell.
“Iwishtoknowyou,”Icommandedofher.
“Youwill,”shesaidwitharingofpowerinherwords.“Weareinevitable.”
Before I could get my mind around that, Hamish returned with a carriage and I placed my hand more firmly against Merissa’sback,guidinghertowardsit
Thecarriagewashewnofmoonwood,thesurfaceofitsilver,gleamingwiththelightofthesacredcelestial beingofthe moon,whichheldsuchinfluenceuponoursouls TheVoldrakianroyalspreferredtotravelinmorehumble,archaicwaysthan themodernworldofSolaria,andtheproudwhitePegasusshackledinplacetopullthecarriagewasinapositionofstatusfar beyond what it might have seemed for such subservient work It was an honour to serve the royals, and there was fierce competitionforallpositionsworkingwithintheCastleofCassiopeiafortheemperor.
WhileinSolariaweimportedandexploitedmortaltechnology,hereinVoldrakia,theypreferredtokeeptothetraditional wayofthingsandthoughIenjoyedthemoderncomfortsofmyhomeland,Icouldn’tsayIhatedthewayofithere
ThePegasuswhinniedpolitelyingreeting,herhornglintingwithahintofmagicbeforeshebowedherheadtous.Aporter ranforwardtoopenthedoor for us,butHamishslammedintohimbeforehemadeit,hishugechestknockingthemantothe groundbeforehe’devenrealisedwhathadhappened.
Hamish whipped open the door, bowing so low his nose nearly touched the cobblestones, his fine, blood red jacket strainingagainstthesizeofhim.Hewasamuscularman,buthisfondnessforbakedgoodshadseenhimsoftenalittlethislast year.HemayhaveappearedtobethefriendliestFaeonearth,butanyonewhounderestimatedhimwasafool.Ihadseenhis wrathinplay,hisloyaltytotheVegabloodlineunfaltering,andwiththatcameacertaindefensivefuryinhimwhichIrather enjoyedwitnessing.
“Thankyou,”Merissasaid,pausingasIencouragedhertoenterbeforeme
Myhandwasheldoutinofferingtosteadyherassheclimbedupintothecarriage,myotherheldagainstmybackandmy gazerivetedonthebeautyofherface.Shewas…unreal.Ascaptivatinginhermovementsasshewasherfeatures.Ihadknown beautybefore,I’dhaditthrownatme,offeredbyboundlessFae,butneverhadIlookedatsomeoneandfelttheirbeautyright downtothedarkestcornersofmysoul.
Therewassomethingdifferentabouther,andthoughIwashalfawarethevisionsshehadfedmecouldbesometrick,Ihad spentsomanydaysindarknessrecentlythatIwaswillingtoplacemyheadonthechoppingblocktodiscoverwhethershewas acon-artistornot IwastheSavageKingafterall,thelastoftheHydraOrderandamanwhostruckterrorintotheheartsof childrenandadultsalike.IcouldhandleoneFaeifIhadto.
“Whatis your name?” Merissa asked kindlyofHamishand his eyes whipped up to her, his jaw fallingslack, his brow breakingoutinasweat.
“H-H-H-H-HamishGrus,mylady.Ohgoodgravynuts,forgivemybumblingandstumbling.Itisjust- oh!Icannotsay.I must not, or mytongue will wrap itself ina bindyknot and thenwhere shall we be? Inthe ravines of Rabbaganoot, that’s where!”
Merissasmiledwidelyathimlikeshewascharmedbyhisoddnessinsteadofbeingunsettledbyit Itusuallywentoneway ortheotherwithhim.
“Dotellme,”Merissaencouraged.“Oryou’llleavemeforevercurious,andasaSeer,thatisquitethecurse,Hamish.” He stared at her then boomed a laugh, before shooting a look at me and trying to choke it out of existence, literally wrappingahandaroundhisthroattostopit.
“Come now, Hamish Do not leave the ladyinsuspense,” I said, mytone sharp as always and he straightened like I’d shovedarodofironintohisspine.
“Ofcourse,sire Absotive-alutely Wherearemymanners?Lostinthesandlikeacrabinacranny,itseems How dareI jibber and jabber this wayinfront of youand your elegant companion. Youmust have me whipped uponour returnto the castle. Infact, I shall do it myself witha flogger, your Highness. I shall flip and flap and whip mywindycoat until I have repented-”
“Hamish, ” Igrowledandhe turnedbeetrootred,fallingintoa streamofapologies thatmade little sense tome.Iwasn’t sureI’deverseenhimthisflustered,andthatwassayingsomethingforamanwhohadsobbedlikeanew-bornbabewhenI’d awardedhimamedalofhonourforhisservicetome.I’dhadtohavetwomencarryhimawaybecausehecouldnotfindaway tostopbawling
“Ijustmeanttosay,”hecomposedhimself,snatchingahandkerchieffromhis breastpocketanddabbingathis brow,his eyesdartingbetweenmeandMerissabeforesettlingonher.Shewasbeingsurprisinglypatientwithhim,andhersmilenever dropped,givingmetimetomemorisetheshapeofit HermouthwasaplaygroundofsinthatIhadtastedinthevisionsshe’d shared,andHamishwastakingupfartoomuchofthetimeIcouldhavebeenmakingthosevisionsintoareality.
“Isimplymeantto say, mylady, thatIhave notseenHis Highness stare ata womanthis long He has blinked butseven timesinthepastminutealone–Ihavecountedeveryone,andIamyettocountaneighth.”
MyteethsnappedtogetherasMerissaturnedtomeasiftoconfirmHamish’sdamnwordsandIblinkedfirmlytoprovea point,mygazeswivellingontomyservantinsteadofherandmakinghimdoubleoverinanapologeticbow.Ihadcommanded himto speakhis thoughts, so Icould onlyblame myselffor this, butthe sensationofheatclimbingmyneckleftme feeling
exposed,andIdidnotlikethatonebit.
“Is that true, Hail?” Merissa asked, speaking my name as if I was no king, just a man she could address and demand anythingof Itoccurredtomethattherewasn’tmuchIcouldthinktodenyher “Haveyoubeenstaringatme?”
Myhandwasstilloutstretched,waitingforhertotakeitsothatImighthelpherintothecarriage,whilstalsoanticipating theenjoymentoffeelinghowsmoothandwarmherskinwasagainstmineoncemore
“Iwould notuse thatword. Studying, maybe. Assessingthe threat,” Isaid, usingthe tone ofa powerful manwho knew never to show weakness to anenemy And as Iwas yetto decide ifshe was that, Iwould be sure to assertmypositionof dominancebeforeshegotanyideasoffindingmyvulnerabilities.
“Threat?”shelaughed,andfuck,Ifeltthatlaugheverywhere.Cockincluded.
“What’syourOrder?”Idemandedsuddenly,needingtofigureoutexactlywhatskillsshemightpossessinanattack Inanswer, she let two beautiful silver wings appear at her back, flexingbehind her and gleaminginthe sunbefore she foldedthemneatlyonceagain
“AHarpy,”ImutteredthroughalumpinmythroatasHamishfellintoaspewofcomplimentsIcouldn’thear. Shewasstunning,everyfeatherlikeliquidsatin,soperfectIachedtorunmyfingersacrossthem Butthenshelookedatme inawaythatsaidshehadcaughtmestaringagainandtheinsinuationhadmyfuryrising.
“Areyougoingtocontinuetoleavemestandingherelikeafoolwithmyhanddrainingofblood?”Iaskedroughly,sensing hermockingmewiththatexpression
IcouldnotrememberatimeanotherFaehadnotshrunkfrommewhenIusedthattone,butthiswomandidnotseemtobe likeotherFae Sheliftedherchin,hersmilefalteringandpowersparkinginhereyes,adominanceofherownondisplay Itgot my blood pumping, the challenge in her dark eyes making me believe I had not yet won her over, star-given visions or otherwise.Butshewasmine,shehaddeclareditassuch.SoIwouldlaythisclaim,becauseshewasthefirstthingIhadseen ina verylongtime thatmade me feel like myselfagain. Like a manwithdesires thatrandeeper thanbloodshed and war. I wantedatasteofthat,andIhadafeelingonetastewouldnotbeenough.
“Yes,IthinkIwill,”shedecided,sweepingpastme,herrightwingslappingmeinthefaceassheclimbedintothecarriage withoutgoinganywherenearmyofferedhand.
Feelingthesoftnessofthosefeathersdidlittletoassuagetheangerthatexplodedwithinmychestattheinsultshehadjust givenmerighthereinthecastlegroundsforanyonetosee.
“Sire, please, take a breath. Like we practised, one big jiffy jolly breath in, and one huffing Mary of a breath out, remember?”Hamishbegged,butIwasalreadyclimbingintothecarriageandsnappingthedoorshutbehindus,leavinghimto climbonthebackorbeleftinthedust.
Merissahadsettledherselfinbythewindow,thewhiteslatsacrossitgivingheraviewout,buttheywereenchantednotto letanyone see in. Her wings were gone now, butthe insultofthe slap she had givenme withthemstill burned againstmy cheek
Thedarknessinmeunfolded,wakinguplikeacreatureofdestruction,anditdemandedretribution.Ilungedather,myknee pressingbetweenherthighsintothefoldsofherdressandmyotherhandgrippingherjawasIpinnedherbackagainstherseat. Hereyesflashedwithireandherhandscameuptocastmagic,butshehadjuststeppedintooneoftheenchantedcarriagesof theVoldrakianemperor.Noonecouldcastmagicinherebuthim,notevenme.
Shecursedassherememberedshewasdisarmedanditcamedowntomyphysicalstrengthagainsthers Amatchshecould notwin.
“IamtheSavageKing,”Ihissed,aviperofmalicecoilingwithinmymindandstealingawayeveryemotioninme Iwasa void,butafewcruel,wickedthingslivedoninme.Hate,rage,bloodlust.Perhapsthiswomantrulydidn’tknowwhoshewas dealingwithhere,butIwouldmakeitapparent.“Thatnameisnotsimplypropaganda,itiswhoIam.Ifyoudonotknowofme yet,thenletmewarnyounow,foritwillbeyourlastchancetoleave Iwillletyourunfromme,Merissa Iwillopenthisdoor andcastyoubacktothelifeyoucamefromifyouwishit.Butknowthis.IfyouchoosetostayafterIhavetoldyouthetruthof me,Iwill neverletyougo Youwill walkwillinglyintoyourcaptivity,becausethatiswhatthiswill be ThemomentIlaid eyesonyou,anobsessionawoke,anditwillnotdie.Iknowthatmuchofmyself.Iampossessive,andselfish,andIwhenIlay eyesonsomethingIwant,itisneverdeniedme”
“Sowhoareyou,Hail,becausemyvisionsshow meamanwholoveswithall hisheart,”shesaid.“Isthatnotwhoyou are?”
Ireleasedanemptylaugh,leaningcloseenoughtobreatheherbreath,stealingitfromher “Iamhellonearth Iamaplague inFaeform,myveinsaregildedwithhellfire,andtherearetimesIamnotevenincontrolofmyowninhumanity.”
“Youarenotwhoyousayyouare”Shefrowned,hereyesglazinglikeshecould see someothertruthandwasdecidingit wasso.Thatinitselfignitedapyreofwrathinme.WhowasshetosaywhoIwas?PerhapsTheSightwaslyingtoher,butI wouldnotlie.Iwouldbarethetruthandshewouldfalluponitlikeablade.
“Iamthe mostdangerous creature youhave ever met. Iamunpredictable, evento myself. Sometimes violence calls my namesoloud,Iswearthestarshavestitchedthatwordintomysoul.Soifyoustay,Icannotpromiseyouwillsurviveme,”I
whispered,soclosetoher,mylipsgrazedhersandsheshiveredlikeshewantedmore.Likethisdangerinmedidn’tscareher, butonlydrewhercloser.
Myhandsnakeddowntoherthroat,squeezinglightlytotestmytheory,andherpupilsdilated,herthighspartingalittleand tellingmeallIneededtoknowaboutthekindsofthingssheenjoyed.Mycockwashardeninginmypantsandtheairbetween us was startingtofeel impossible tobreathe,like the onlysource ofoxygenlaywithinher andIneededtodraw itfromher mouthintomyverylungstosurvive.
“Sowhatwillitbe?”Iasked,myvoicedrapedinsin
Before I was king, I couldn’t have claimed to be a perfect man, but something about seizing the crown had sent me spirallingdownapathofdamnation.Iwasguiltyofheinouscrimes,thingsIstillshudderedatwhenthememoriescameforme inthedeadofnight,andbetweentheruinandregret,Ihadbeentwistedintothisman Thismonster Now Ihadfinallyfound somethingthatwaspureandsohelpme,Iwasgoingtoclaimit.
Merissa’seyesslidpastmetothecarriagedoor,andIhadthemostterribledreadthatshewasgoingtochoosetoleave It wouldtakeeverythinginmypowertowithdrawfromhernowandlethergo,andIknewIwouldthinkofheruntiltheendof time Butthischoicewashers,onceitwasdone,itwouldbefinal Imadeasilentvowonthat
“Choose,” Icommanded, and her eyes snapped backto me, full ofthatfire thatspoke ofthe strengthinher. She was a powerfulFae,thatwasclear,butitwasmorethanthat.Sheheldthegiftofforesight,andshecould see whatpathslayaheadof us Butifallshe saw wasamanwholovedher,thestarsweresurelyplayinggameswithher,convincinghertoofferherselfto abeastwhohadlongforgottenthemeaningoflove.
“Iwillstay,”shedecided,hervoiceringingaroundthecarriage Iloweredmyhandtotakehersinmine.
“Swearit,”Idemanded,andthoughmagiccouldn’tbecasthere,thevowwouldmeanenoughfornowuntilshecouldmake thedealofficial.Ourpalmsclasped,herchestrisingandfalling,determinationflaringinhereyes.
Somanyhadleftme.Mymotherandfatherwerewiththestarsnow,andsincemyascensiontothethrone,myfriendshad grownwaryofme,distant IhadpushedthemawaytooforfearofwhatIwascapableof
Inthedeadofnight,IcravedtobewantedinthewayanyFaecravedsuchthings,andnowthisbeguilingwomanhadcome showingmevisionsofalifewithher,andalovethatcouldtranscendtime Ifitwerereal,thenitwasatemptationIwasno more able of resistingthana Vampire could resist blood. Iwas starved of true connection, it had beenyears since I’d felt anythinglikethis,andnothingtrulycompared.Nowshewashere,aswildandimpossibleasitseemed,Iknewshewasmeant forme.IknewitinthewayIknewthesunwouldrisetomorrow.Likeshehadsaid,itwasinevitable. We wereinevitable.
“IswearIamyours.Iwillnotleaveyou,Hail,”shepromised,andthosewordssetmyheartintoariot.Ihadnoideawhat Ihaddonetodeservethis,orifImightwakeanymomentfromthedreamofit,butIcouldfeelitsrealnesspoundingthroughthe centreofmybeing.Shewasfamiliartomelikemyownsoulwasfamiliartome.Asconfoundinglyinsaneasitwas,Icouldnot seeanyotherfutureformyselfbuthernowthatwehadmet
Ireleasedherhand,mymouthcomingdownonhersandshearcheduptomeetmelikeshewasasdesperateforthiskissas Iwas.Ihadtastedherinthevisions,butnothingcomparedtotherealthing.
“Mine,”Ispokeintohersoftlipsandsheansweredwithhertonguetracingmyown,takingcontrolofakissIshouldhave commanded.IbangedmyfistagainstthewallbesidemeinanorderforthePegasustogetgoingandthecarriagetookoffaway fromthecastle
“I’mgoingtohaveyoupiecebypiece,”IsaidasIfelldowntomykneesforawomanIhadjustfuckingmet.
Ishovedherlegsapartandshedraggedherdresshigherforme,revealingthedeepbronzecolourofherlegsandthewhite silkpantiesbetweenherthighs.Igrippedherknees,spreadingherlegsevenwiderformeandwatchingherfaceasIhuntedfor a blush, a prize for me to claim. Butshe stared rightbackatme instead, no shame or fluster there, justa heated lustwhich burnedrightthroughmychest
The knowinginher eyes leftme raw, evenmyownroyal Seer had never made me feel like theywere the keeper ofmy destiny Mylife was alreadyintertwined withhers, and she had experienced us throughvisions before Ihad evenbegunto knowher.Buttherewasendlesstimeformetoknowitall,andIwasgoingtoletherguidemeintothismadness,evenifitled medownadoomedpath,becausewhethershewasatricksterornot,Iwastoofarunderherspelltoturnbacknow
Mycockwas throbbing,bloodleavingmybrainfar behindas Ifell intothe animal withinme,andletmybasestdesires takeover.
Ireleasedher knees,takingholdofher panties andtearingthemcleanoffofher,butshedidn’tgasplikeIexpected,her legshookingovermyshouldersinsteadandherheelsdiggingintomybackinademand.
“Iwillfindsomethingthatmakesyoublush,”Isaiddeterminedly
“Icansee everythingyouwanttodotome.Trybeinglesspredictable,Hail,”shetaunted,andIgrowled,nippingherinner thighwhichonlymadehermoanforme.
HerlegswrappedtighteraroundmeandItastedherpussyinonelongstrokeofmytongue,herhipsrisingtogivemefull accesstoher.Themomentmytonguedraggedoverherclitandshereleasedamoanthatcolouredtheairfuckingbeautifully,
