When Elsabet made her way downstairs, she found him sitting across from her. Sipping from a cup of coffee and looking out a windowslit. Watching birds flying from the trees below.
He glanced at her as she entered. “Good morning. I had Elengard draw you breakfast. I thought you might be hungry.”
“Thank you.” She murmured. Pulling out a seat as she gazed appreciatively at the platter of scrambled eggs with some manner of leafy green blended in. Some fresh vegetables and fruits on the edge of the plate.
Her gaze landed on a bit of sliced strawberry disdainfully. She glanced up and saw him sipping his coffee and looking out the window. The very embodiment of innocence.
She grunted derisively and flicked the strawberries from her platter onto the table. Scooting the rest of her food away from them.
As though the juice might contaminate it.
She ate some egg and nibbled a bit of vegetable before lifting the glass to drink. Stopping j
“What about that master of yours?” She straightened, and Quandary slipped off the bed after her. What about him? “He’s rather strange is he not?” Yet, devilishly attractive, admit it. He watched the swing of her hips as she walked in-front of him. Making his throat rumble as he sent a glance Heavenward. Willing himself patience. Her bare feet were soundless down the corridor. “Well, let me tell you! I’m quite done with that man of yours telling me what to do. Thinking he lords over everything here!” She gave a wide gesture. I do rule here. His dark head whipped to look at her. I built it. “He doesn’t lord over me!” She proclaimed. Glancing at Quandary, who was in step with her. “In-fact were he here now I’d surely tell him so! That insufferable cad be damned!” Quandary jerked to a stop and promptly sat in the corridor. Highly tempted to duck into a chamber and emerge as aman, to
“And you?” Elsabet didn’t deny it. Calisto shrugged. “About the same. My conceptions of time are slightly skewed now that I’m trapped outside of it.” Elsabet’s confusion was written across her face. “Would you tell him something for me when you see him?” “Who?” Elsabet cocked her head. Calisto gave her a look that clearly indicated she thought it quite clear. “I prefer not to talk to him.” “If you didn’t enjoy him so much, you wouldn’t try so hard to dodge him. He simply wouldn’t matter...” Calisto countered. “He’s insufferable.” “Definitely. But magnetic just the same. With a raw animal appeal that’s nearly irresistible.” “You say that with admiration. Why? How can you stand him? He’s crass, always making innuendos.” Calisto’s purple-blue eyes widened. “Is he? Usually, its women speaking such to him. I’ve never heard Bast do so. Are you saying he flirts with you?” There was nearly envy in her tone. “He taunts me.” “Mercilessly.” Bast emerged from the shadows at the other
“Yes.” Bast acknowledged that he believed it was Caliso relaying the messages to Elsabet. “She says he is where the tree pods are yellowing.” They were talking about Raese, the missing Forever Knight. And his mate. The woman which, as far as they could tell was either dead or bound outside the realms of time. Something she could do to others... “The Isle.” Deragan filled in. Knowing that the many wooded forests littering the inner sanctum of the island tended to have yellow pods this time of year. “Or the Paladines.” “So, who goes to the Paladines?” Deragan asked. Knowing they needed to have people searching both directions if they wanted to have a chance of finding Raese. “Rhyers is. I thought perhaps you might join me?” Deragan looked him over thoughtfully. “You have not checked the Isle for her in some time. She may be there.” “She’s not. She’ll be closer to here.” “It’s not good for you to sit here. Wasting years until her next reincarnation.” “It is what I do.” Deragan
Outskirts of LandingTown, Igonox Sebastian and Deragan now watched the cottage on the outskirts of Landingtown. Where they’d trailed the boy’s scent to. Bast glanced up gratefully when Lucien arrived. “We need a plan.” Lucien knelt next to them to peer over a pile of logs. Looking to his right and assessing the trees and the number of huts. He checked his left. His eyes worked down the road ahead of them. Moving methodically over the threats and possible directions. Inspecting each hut in detail and tuning into the sounds emerging from each. “How many?” Lucien asked. “I’ve no idea.” Bast eyed him askance. “How would I know that?” He glanced at The Alpha crouched next to him. “Would you know that?” “He’s talking to me.” Both Deragan and Bast jumped at the sound of Rhyers’ voice from directly behind them. “I hate when you do that.” Even The Alpha was annoyed with his silent movements tonight. “We can’t hear you at all.” Bast twisted to glower at him. “He was at the castle.” Lu
“They’re coming!” Lucien shouted from behind the cottage. Mardichi stood up clutching his stomach as he moved shoulder to shoulder with Deragan again. Groaning in dread as he looked at the well-built wall. Bast caught the boy’s arm. “No!” The woman jumped up from the corner. “I wasn’t done with him!” She tried to lunge at them weakly, but Bast palmed her face with his hurt arm and shoved her back with as much force as he could muster in that side of his body. He dragged the running boy behind him. Reminding himself to slow enough he could keep up. He shifted the boy to hang onto his hurt arm so he could clutch the wound closed with his other hand. Trying to stem the bleeding. “Ye’re wounded!” The boy cried. “Hang onto me.” Bast barked as the two men before them splintered the back wall. Making an opening Bast and the boy jumped through. Running behind them. Rhyers and Lucien fell back to flank the boy, keeping him in the middle. They reached the NetherRunnel and hid in the trees
DERAGAN Everything quieted when Deragan entered WaterRose. Even the elves that worked there silenced. Elengard came from the kitchens, sensing the Alpha’s presence. “Hello, Captain.” “Hello, Elengard.” He said a bit softly. “Do you need anything, Sir before I ready your chamber?” “No, Elengard. I just need to know where the valkyrie is.” “Elsabet? I believe she was in Sebastian’s chamber last I saw.” “Truly?” Deragan lifted a raven black brow. “She stays there when he’s sick. I don’t think she’s slept since he was injured.” “Does he know that?” Elengard shook her head. “I don’t think so. She’d never tell him.” Elengard hesitated than looked away. “What is it?” He prompted. “I wanted to ask...” “Ask.” “Did he call you here?” “Of course, he did.” Elengard gave a long-suffering sigh. Knowing that he’d only have summoned the Alpha to keep Elsabet in WaterRose. “I’d agree.” Deragan said. The hint of humor brightening his eyes. “I feel like a disapproving mother.” She co
By the afternoon of the second day, Sebastian was feeling much improved. He awoke. Rolling his shoulder with a hand atop to keep it steady. He could still feel the indents where teeth had sunk in and nearly tore him in half. But he was healed. And the venom he’d expected would have him in a shroud of pain for a fortnight, seemed absent. But his magic was weak. And already he could feel that his tether on Elsabet had broken. He moved his hand around his wrist and felt nothing. It’s gone. How long has it been gone? His first thought was climbing to his feet to find her. Is she still here? He sent energy surging through the halls like fingers looking to touch her energy. He fumbled from his bed and out into the hall. Leaning heavily against the wall as he made his way to the top of the stairs. Calling over the railing. “Elsabet?” “What?” She emerged from the Library to peer up at him. Breathing agonizingly, he slumped over the rail in relief. “You’re still here.” “I was talki
She refused to even glance his way. He could see the concentrated effort it took. You’re trying like hell not to. A half smile pulled at his lips. She kept her eyes defiantly away from him. Intently looking everywhere around the barn but at him. “I’ve been repairing the bailey walls to keep the flood room from deepening, this morn.” He admitted. Relenting. Taking pity on her fierce pride. “Is that why you’re so dirty?” He tilted his head at her. “If it bothers you, come clean me off.” He quirked a brow as he unfolded from against the wall. The mere idea already had his abdomen tightening. Brows lowering, she focused on ignoring his presence. And failing. I’m hard to ignore. *** Trying to hide his annoyance at her disregard, he asked. “Do you like my steed?” It took her a moment to realize he was not saying something perverse. Blinking hard she gladly averted her attention back to the beast. See? When my intentions aren’t bad it is you thinking wickedly. “He’s regal. Lik
Later that night, as Elsabet slept, Sebastian found himself sitting in the library. In his luxurious red chair next to the fire. The one he so often shared with Elsabet.He tilted forward in the seat, then leaned back. Rocking his body since the chair, on its stationary legs, could not.He slowly lulled the tiny being in his arms. Bright gold curls framed her small round face. And little hands flailed sleepily. Looking for something to hold onto.When Elsabet had curled into a ball and murmured that she needed to rest, he’d taken the baby and retreated downstairs. Sensing that Elsabet was grieving the loss of her own freedom. Resenting her own surrender.And the reasons she had to do it.
Elsabet giggled, then grunted in pain. Holding her abdomen as pain knifed deep into her center.Bast tightened in fear, but before he could question her the pain seemingly subsided. She relaxed and her hands slid away.“He is right though.” Sebastian said quietly, seeing she was alright. His words caused Elsabet to glance back at him. “She is as fair a beauty, as her mother.”Confusion crossed Elsabet’s face. She looked lost, not understanding something.“What is it?”“I’ve never heard people discussing me as though it’s fact that I’m fair to look upon.”“Fair!” Sebastian said incredulously. “You’re far more than fair. As I’ve told you on many an occasion!”Does she jest?Both men looked shocked.“I thought you said that, merely for the sake of being charming.”“Does she not know?” Alazareth blurted, staring at her astounded. Eventually he gave Sebastian a horrified look. “Clearly not.” Seba
Sebastian looked at his twin, Alazareth, to answer his question. “Her name is Sebet. After her beautiful mother.”Sebastian’s gaze returned to Elsabet and he noted her shocked expression. Her stormy blue eyes were huge, awash with emotion.“What?” He queried.“You’d name her after me?”Of course.“I name her after my greatest treasure.” His eyes returned to his new daughter, and he missed the flicker of pain flashing over her face at being referred to as something she would’ve considered property.Alazareth noticed her agony and his gaze slid to his brother who was absorbed in murmuring to the curly haired little girl. Blissfully happy to see her. Alazareth couldn’t bear the thought of stealing his brother’s moment of joy, to point it out to him.Elsabet’s gaze fell to her hands, and her expression was anguish.Sebastian would’ve noticed instantly, any other moment. But this one, all he could see was his new daughter.
Sebastian gave Elsabet’s hand a quick squeeze. Leaning over her and pressing a quick kiss to her forehead.We can’t lose our daughter. He tried to push Agatha’s warning aside. But he was afraid. Very afraid.Elsabet screamed in pain.The ground under their feet quaked as she moaned in pain. Stones cracked and corners of moldings fractured and fell away. Bits of stone fell like rain from the outside of the building, past the window slits.“I’m here.” He whispered against her forehead. Leaning over her. As he did, he exuded enough magic to steady WaterRose against her unconscious swells of it.There was suddenly the vivid smell of blood and unknown fluids, an odor that terrified Sebastian in its foreignness.Agatha began shouting excitedly while Mags soothingly coached Elsabet on what to do.Then Agatha made a sudden rapid movement and swept her other hand under the coverlet draped over Elsabet’s knees.There wa
Once he felt the energy of the stronghold steady, he felt it was safe for him to go upstairs. He needed to stay collected. If the both of them were in chaos, the stronghold could peel itself apart.Bast hurried up the steps and turned into the flat hall. Pulling himself around the banister to rush his pace. He hurried to her chamber, only to come to an abrupt halt at the chamber just before hers.The door was open and inside was Sebastian’s twin brother.Alazareth was sitting in a chair inside the room. His back to the wall so he could hear everything within the next room. Worry was on his face, and he was massaging the back of his jaw. A motion that always indicated severe tension. Alazareth was always composed.This is bad. “What is it?” Bast’s steps slowed.“Something is wrong.” Alazareth’s jaw ticked.Oh, no… Sebastian tensed. His fists working at his sides as he waited. “What?”
Dread Hideout, Dread CountrySighing, Acharius headed back toward his caves. His huge form should’ve lumbered, but he moved far lighter than he should’ve for his size. His blonde hair hung to his shoulders, a few warrior braids near his face. A fur was slung over his back with a bow and a quiver over that.He lifted the bow over his head just as he reached his chamber but paused when Alazareth’s voice summoned him back out. “Acharius!”The viking’s head whipped in the direction of the opening. Noting it was odd for Alazar to come here.Acharius ducked slightly as he emerged from the lower mouth of the cave. His massive size blocked the darkness beyond him. “Alzareth?”His eyes moved to the identical figure next to him. “Bast?” His voice dropped in concern. “What is it?”“What is it?” Acharius asked.“We need the women.” Alazar responded.“Mags and Aggie?” Acharius looke
“Elsabet?” Sebastian called, having just arrived back at WaterRose, he was frantic to check on her.To see if she’s alright. If our babe is.“Yes?” She called from upstairs.He followed the sound of her voice up to her chamber. Finding her still abed. “Are you well today? Is there anything you need?”“I’m exhausted.” She sighed wistfully.Drawing near, he saw that her ripe belly seemed to have grown overnight, straining her petite frame.“I feel weak. But better. The pain is less.” She swept hair from her forehead so she could better look at him. Blue eyes lovely.“Come.” She waved him over.He walked to her.She caught his larger hand in hers. Rubbing the back of it with a soft thumb pad.He turned his hand to link his long fingers through her small ones and let her pull him down next to her.She scooted over and he was swallowed by the warmth of where she’d lain. Feeling that rare heat he only pe
Elsabet eventually fell asleep.Sebatian was wide awake behind Elsabet. Careful not to bump her wounded back. He suspected that, like him, if she were able to change shape she could go far in the way of healing.But she can’t. Her body wouldn’t let shift while there was an infant in her womb.He stroked her hair.She made small sounds of distress that told him she was either having a nightmare or suffering the throes of her fever.“It’s okay, sweetheart.”“Why weren’t you there?” She whimpered again.She doesn’t believe I was. That made him feel like he’d let her down, even though he had been there. He laid with her for a long while.When he did finally move to go and began sliding his arm from beneath her head, she abruptly caught his forearm and wrist. “Stay.”He did. Because he could deny her so very little.It was hours before he did slip away. He made it to the door that time
“Sebastian. Sebastian…” Elsabet moaned. Throwing her head side to side.“I’m here.” He told her. Crouched next to the bed, holding her hand. His expression was rife with worry as he saw her suffering.She was so strong, seeing her this weak was painful. She was fighting against something she couldn’t see.For both her and my daughter. Sebastian’s throat felt raw, and his face was swollen from the emotions he had while sitting at her side.“Where are you?” She murmured, tossing her head. She was covered in sweat. The fever had taken hold and now wreaked its cruel havoc.“I can’t find you!”“I’m here, sweetheart.” He said brokenly.“Why won’t you come?” She whispered urgently.He realized she was dreaming, perhaps reliving that moment in the grove. Wherever she was, his voice wasn’t reaching he