“What was that ruckus about?” Marcus Teverius asked.
Me discomforting a beautiful woman. One who stared at my body like a next meal.
One I’d like her to test.
“My little ward.” Sebastian shucked his breeches again and slid back under the blanket, just as Teverius appeared in the doorway.
“Taunting her again?”
Always.
“Every opportunity that arises.” He nodded. Shifting under the coverlet to get comfortable.
It dawned on Tev that Bast was just now settling there. “Were you naked a moment ago?”
Whenever possible.
“I’m still naked.”
“Uck!” Tev tossed up his hands and moved from the doorway. “We’ve talked about this. You always prop your chamber door when you should be closing it.”
“It’s a mite stuffy.” Bast’s nose wrinkled in distaste.
“Anyone can walk by…”
“Don’t worry little brother. Someday you may be as big and strapping a lad, as I.”
“
WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country SEBASTIAN Snow had begun falling on Meadow Mountain. And with it came Sebastian. Dragging in a wiltry tree he’d cut down. Dusty white flakes fell softly with no wind to disturb them. Coating the land in a white haze. Frosting branches until they shimmered beneath a coating of chilled fur. The flowers ever in bloom in the valley around WaterRose remained the same under the icy coating suspending the petals. Sebastian smelled the bread Elengard was baking and saw candles were already brightening every window. He glimpsed the valkyrie at the end of the hall on the second level. Peering down to watch him drag it through the foyer. A silvery plait circling her crown and coming down over one violet-clad shoulder. He felt her penetrating gaze studying what he did. Every year she watches me. She’ll stand in the shadow of the stair dais and
WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country (Six years after stars fell) SEBASTIAN Six years of checking on the little Watcher girls had passed. Six years of watching the eldest, a redhead, grow to the tiniest brunette infant only born a few months ago. Six years we’ve been guarding them. But tonight, Sebastian woke to a nightmare. Marcus Teverius’ torn screams ripped through his mind. Agonized shouting for help. The kind of broken call, I’ve rarely heard before. Bast ripped free from the furs covering him, willing clothes to materialize around his body as he took the stairs. Joining Elsabet at the foyer door, he shouted to the bridge tower. The drawbridge lowered. Thank you, Dimitrius. Bast’s heart was thrumming in his ears. A kind of sick dead filling his spirit that made him feel cold. Elsabet was mesmerized by the flash of white in the darkness. The
WaterRose, Meadow Mountain (Elsabet captive for seven years) Sebastian had been watching Elsabet over the last few years. Using his small magic globes, he could see her wandering the halls, investigating the chambers. Inspecting all the levels of the stronghold. For a way out. He knew. She’d long ago found the arching doorways of a main atrium, emerging from below the dais where the stairs split into mirrored reflections of each other, curving up to pass all the floors. The second level was the personal chambers of the knights. The third level had more unique rooms such as a garden room, a full nursery with an adjoining chamber for a nanny or nursemaid, and several solars. And more rooms that broke onto the balconies squaring around the Northwest corner of the castle. It was clear much thought was put into beautiful design work and winding rooms. Many interconnected. Passageways could be found behind
Her eyes flicked to the meager distance between them, eyes widening as she realized he was right. She leaned toward him. Only a couple inches now separating them. She was drawn like a magnet. Her face upturned and lips nearly pressed to his. “You’re a devious, rogue.” Her face hardened. When I’m with you. “Aye.” He nodded with a lopsided grin as he caressed her chin. “That I am.” She pushed past him. But he caught her arm and swung her back around, pushing her against the wall and pinning her with his weight. One hand brushing along her jaw to cup the back of her neck. Ready to hold her in place if she fought. Unable to resist the temptation any longer, he stole her mouth. Tasting every sweet corner of it. Taking in her scent, swallowing her breaths. When she did muster enough sanity to try and object, he swallowed that to. When she tried to push away by lurching her hips forward, he met her there. Pressing his already
Deragan’s Country House, Mane Countryside Sebastian had gone to tell Deragan they’d lost the Watchers. Against every fiber of my being. His step had slowed every inch he got closer to the town house he knew his Alpha was residing in. Doing his best to go unnoticed. Sebastian knocked and entered the echoing house as his Alpha bid, on leaden feet. His booming voice ricocheting through dark, empty halls. It was a far smaller structure then WaterRose. But feels much colder. More hollow. Sebastian was having a hard time meeting Deragan’s gaze now. He’d seen the flash of rage and disappointment and could tangibly feel the sense of soul-deep frustration as he sat unmoved on a chair in his Parlor. Blinking slowly at Sebastian as his square jaw hardened. Sebastian explained Tev had been taking the map from Acharius’ hideout to WaterRose for safekeeping, but the Cimmer
He strolled to the edge of the fireplace and tucked himself into the shadows. Resting an elbow on the high mantle and watching her from his dark little corner, hoping observing her would somehow soothe his raw nerves. Seeing her usually does. And fighting with her appeases the pain. But that could wait until he’d calmed some. And let his dread of having to confess to the Alpha their recent failure, abate. It’s done now. There was nothing he could do to change it. But I’d never dreaded so much telling him, we failed. Sebastian understood why Teverius couldn’t face him or The Alpha. Knew Tev’s guilt and self-loathing. And knew it was those aggressive feelings which had driven him to isolate himself in Dread Country rather than confess to the Alpha what he’d lost. But he’d have never given it up willingly. Bast had defended to Deragan. Even now he could vividly recall the eviden
Eyes reddening in the dim light, she gave him a long study. But he caught the hint of fear there. She looked away and quickly aimed for an aisle a few down. Pursuing her step, he waited for the next subject she’d pursue. Undoubtedly something nosy. “Why are you in fancy clothing?” She snapped a book shut and slid it back up on its shelf. Ah, and there it is. “I’ve been trying to find a friend.” Raese Merlinus. He drew a long breath. Without luck. But it was doubtful she’d even care to hear that. “A woman?” She asked, her voice sounded strangely forced. Jealousy? He wondered hopefully, before reminded himself how unlikely that’d be. “Nay. Not today.” He watched her reaction carefully and was intrigued to see her eyes flick to him and her hand tremble slightly as she pulled another binding out. Why would she care if I were to see another woman?
Stomping a small foot at his infuriating statements, Elsabet charged up to her room. Smashing vases and raging in her chamber. She hates that she has so little control here. Sebastian noted. It was an understandable frustration. But one she’ll have to acclimate to. “She seems content.” Acharius sighed. His tone eeking of sarcasm as he entered the library. The large former viking, whom the Alpha had charged with guarding their most sacred items, looked quite pleased to be away from his caves for the day. Wouldn’t I? Sebastian couldn’t imagine spending all his days sheltered in a dank cave, killing all Cimmerii that are hunting for it. What a neverending detail. Sebastian certainly didn’t envy that charge. “She usually is…” Sebastian said dryly. His amusement making his turquoise eyes dance as he looked at his friend. “Do you truly garner pleasure from tormenting her?” Acharius strode over to t
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