37. Chapter 37
V ahin berated me all the way back to the fortress. We learned that the other riders had returned after dealing with the spectrae, and during our time underground, Vahin had stayed close to the entrance and flew above it to keep an eye out for danger. He hadn’t worried at first, but when he’d been unable to warn Orm of a small landslide near the chasm, he’d landed and begun searching for us.
After that, Vahin had soon realised that the tainted aether and thick layer of earth blocked his thoughtspeech. Once he was done roaring to the heavens that I was an irresponsible woman with a death wish, he decided that if I worried him like that again, he would never take me anywhere or, even better, lock me in his lair until I grew wiser.
Orm was as silent as the grave during the entire exchange, only squeezing my hand in sympathy and smiling when I bent to press a kiss to my scaly Anchor’s neck.
‘I’m sorry. You know I love you and would never worry you on purpose. The situation just got a little out of hand,’ I said with complete honesty because, although Vahin’s berating was slightly amusing, the genuine fear hidden in the dragon’s heart was not.
‘Our connection will increase your lifespan. It’s difficult to extinguish a dragon’s flame, but none of that matters if you continually throw yourself at monsters, begging them to eat you.’
‘I know, but I had to try, especially when I saw the Barrier crystal. It was right there . To not try would have been criminal. Vahin, I was so close. If I’d had the right—’ I stopped, realising that nothing would have changed the outcome, and leaned in to kiss his neck again. ‘I’m sorry.’
When we approached the landing field, I could see Alaric pacing back and forth. His relief was evident on his face when he saw the landing dragon, and as soon as Vahin had folded in his wings, Ari rushed towards us.
Before he had a chance to speak, I placed my hand on his chest. ‘Please, don’t. Vahin already told me his thoughts on my actions. Can we meet in my room later? In about an hour? We need to talk, but first I have to get this worm shit off me.’ I shuddered with disgust.
The dark fae turned towards Orm with a deep frown on his face. Unexpectedly, my tired warrior embraced him, pressing their foreheads together. ‘What the hell happened?’ I heard Ari ask, but I was moving away too quickly to catch the rest of the conversation.
‘Sweet mother of gods, what happened to you?’ Katja’s voice focused everyone’s attention on me. The passersby had already been sneaking looks, but my friend’s shout gave them an excuse to openly stare.
‘You should see the other guy,’ I said, hoping she wasn’t stopping me for long because my knees were threatening to give way, leaving me to sleep in the middle of the path.
‘What other guy? Were you wrestling in the mud? You look half dead.’
‘Katja … it was just a rough day on patrol. I’ll be fine as soon as I wash this crap off.’ I sighed, but she already had me by the elbow, dragging me off to the castle baths. I didn’t have the energy to fight her. With Agnes’ help, she had me naked and neck-deep in bath water before I had time to even open my mouth.
‘Katja, you are a miracle worker,’ I moaned, half asleep as the pain in my tense muscles dissolved. I could finally think clearly, even if my thoughts were a little sluggish, thanks to her dainty fingers massaging my scalp. ‘You don’t have to do this. The bath was more than enough. Whatever you mixed into the water is far better than any magic,’ I murmured with my eyes closed. When her fingers stopped, I smiled in gratitude.
‘Would you deny me the pleasure of making you feel good, Domina?’ a decidedly non- feminine voice asked.
‘What the—how did you get in here?’ I turned around to mock glare at Alaric, ruining the effect with the biggest grin.
‘Katja was needed in the infirmary, and Agnes … I kindly asked her to leave,’ he said, resuming the sublime massage.
I lost track of time, drifting off into the sensual pleasure of Alaric’s fingers as they melted away every thought and care in my mind. I moaned quietly when his hand slid down my spine, pressing into a painful spot that suddenly eased under his touch. ‘Do something that wonderful again, and I will Anchor you on the spot. What did you press on? My body suddenly feels all tingly.’
‘Do you like it?’ he asked quietly, and I sighed.
‘I love it.’
‘Good, my Domina, then I have a purpose and the means to make you happy even without an Anchor bond.’
‘You know you don’t have to call me Domina. I’m not a dark fae. I don’t see you as inferior. If anything, you are much better than me. Stronger, faster, a better mage,’ I pointed out, and he tilted my chin.
‘Is that what you think it means? I don’t call you Domina because I feel inferior. I like certain things, but it’s not about pain and submission. Calling you Domina gives meaning to our relationship. You are the woman I crave to belong to, the woman … who loves me.’ The slight hesitation in his voice made me turn to look at him.
‘Yes, Ari, I love you. I love you so much that, if not for your objections, the Lich King could kiss my taut arse because I would take you as you are and Anchor you while I’m naked, tired, and in the bath. Call me what you wish, and I will do what I can to be worthy of the title, but even without it, I will always care for you.’
Alaric’s eyes burned with crimson fire before he abruptly turned away. ‘I will call Agnes. Please prepare for the evening. We were only expecting the royal mage’s envoy, but he brought the chancellor and an entire entourage of sycophants with him. Orm ordered a late-night banquet, which you are expected to attend. News of your presence here has spread throughout the court, and all of them are determined to see the legendary conduit mage.’
I sighed deeply, pursing my lips. The last thing I needed today was to be shown off like a mare at the farmers’ market. ‘Fine, I will try to be on my best behaviour.’ He bent to kiss my forehead, whispering, ‘That’s what I’m afraid of.’
He left, and Agnes appeared to help me dress, carrying my battle mage uniform, Anchor pin, boots, and medals. I looked at the reminder of my past with wide-open eyes, and my maid shifted uncomfortably under my stare. ‘I can bring a different outfit if you want, but I thought this one suited the occasion.’
‘No, you’re right, it’s perfect. I just wasn’t expecting you to know I had it.’
‘Master Alaric mentioned it would be the best choice for the evening.’
‘All right. Well, if he said so,’ I answered with laughter, muttering a ‘bossy bastard’ before letting her wrap my damp hair in a towel. Half an hour later, I was dressed and my hair was in an elaborate peasant’s crown held together by an intricate golden rope Agnes had seemingly produced from thin air.
I walked to the dining hall, pausing at the entrance to take in the room’s pageantry. Alaric had done an incredible job. The place was large but cosy, in the hunting lodge style. Tapestries with battle and hunting scenes covered granite walls, protecting the diners from any draughts, while arched crystal windows filtered the night glow of the sky. Massive wooden beams held brass candelabras, the melted wax giving them an otherworldly look.
In the middle of the room, tables were set out in a large rectangle. On each table, a variety of food—meats, cheese, and vegetables—had been placed before the gathered guests. In the seat of honour was Orm, with his back to the fireplace. Next to him were his military and administrative seconds-in-command, Tomma and Alaric, while the visiting party was seated directly opposite him. I counted at least fifteen people gathered for the late meal, and every single one of them was now staring at me.
‘Lady Annika, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I couldn’t believe it when Ihrain told me you were alive and thriving here in the fortress.’
The man who spoke rose from his chair. He looked vaguely familiar as I dredged through my memory, trying to recall where I’d seen him before. He was a plain-looking but expensively dressed nobleman with a sparse beard and receding hairline. I also didn’t fail to notice how his eyes shone with dangerous intelligence.
That was the moment I remembered—Felarian Haerne. He’d been the senior advisor to the chancellor when I was finishing my studies, and as the old man had died three years ago, he must have taken his place.
‘Thank you, Sir Haerne,’ I acknowledged his presence with a curt nod before walking to the only free space at the table. I could see the aristocrat didn’t like my brief reply, but before he could say anything, Alaric rose from his chair and approached me. ‘Please, allow me, Domina.’
He took my hand, leading me to his seat next to Orm. As I settled in the chair, Tomma moved down to the empty space. It all felt too staged for a casual changeup, and I guessed Alaric did it on purpose to show everyone I was an equal, second only to Ormond.
When I sat down, Ihrain asked with a sarcastic smile, ‘Domina? I didn’t know you liked to indulge in perversion. Wasn’t it enough that you Anchored him?’
I was surprised by how proudly Alaric used the title. Dark fae males reserved it for the lady of their household, but he had never voiced it out loud before. Still, I’d done an excellent job of masking my shock. Ihrain’s remark not only silenced all conversation but irked me immensely. Before I could say something, Orm placed a hand on my thigh.
‘I’d have thought after your last visit that you would have learned by now not to offend my family. Court etiquette may bind me, but not my dragon. One of the unfortunate consequences of living in such a lawless backwater,’ he warned with a cold smile before pointing to the tables. ‘Please, eat and be merry. There will be plenty of time later to hear what brings you to this desolate place, though it’s clear you didn’t bring the reinforcements I asked for.’
‘Thank you, Lord Ormond. Our mission here is simple. First, I’d like to take this opportunity to inform you that our negotiations with the ruler of Ozar are nearly complete, so your need for constant reinforcements shall end. You can deal with the remaining Vel demons still in the mountains with the forces currently at your disposal,’ Ihrain said. Orm’s eyes flashed yellow as he fought to hold in his temper.
‘What exactly do you mean, envoy?’
‘Only that there will be no additional reinforcements for any of the fortresses. With the few Vel demons left, you can use your riders and the soldiers already here to dispatch them. Our king denies your request, especially since the high nobles of Dagome seem to think that sending their soldiers here is to the kingdom’s detriment.’ Ihrain gloated like a fool as he looked at Orm.
‘You mentioned two missions?’ Orm asked, deceptively calm.
‘Yes, since you don’t need additional support, His Majesty asks for the safe return of his conduit mage. I’m sure the Lady Annika will be delighted to see Truso again, especially after her sudden departure. If she refuses to return, I’m entitled to deliver His Majesty’s request using her geas.’
Orm and Alarick jerked from their chairs, and several men from Ihrain’s entourage reached for their weapons. I, however, remained seated and smirked at my former colleague. ‘Sit down, please, and sheath your weapons. I’m hungry and want to eat in peace.’ After a moment of tense silence, the men of the fortress obeyed.
‘Y-you …’ Ihrain stuttered when I reached for the fruit before Alaric took it from my hand and started peeling it with his dagger.
‘Look around, Ihrain. You can’t take me from here by force. Not only because the men would end you, but because I would sooner demolish the palace than serve under the geas.’
‘No one is using force here,’ the chancellor said, placing his hand on Ihrain’s shoulders. He must have used significant pressure because the mage actually winced. ‘My colleague has misinterpreted the king’s words. It was a simple invitation. You are welcome to reject it, though I think it would be unwise not to make a brief visit.’
‘I thought my reputation for unwise decisions was well known.’ I shrugged off the topic and made sure I had the chancellor’s attention. ‘Tell me, does the king not know of the army hiding in a cave under the Lost Ridge, or are the countless demons there all part of His Majesty’s plans?’ I asked, and he had the decency to look away.
‘Erm, well, let’s not dwell on His Majesty’s plans right now. As the lord commander said, it is time to eat and enjoy the company of the bravest warrior in the kingdom.’ I felt Orm’s grip tighten as if he were telling me not to continue with the conversation, and I sighed, putting on the friendliest smile I could manage.
‘Of course. Have you tried the local wines? Our makers freeze the grapes before they press them, which gives them a delightful and very deceptive complexity. The wine can easily trick you into drinking more than you can handle.’ I paused, pointing towards the bottle on the table. ‘I recommend you try it in small quantities. It is not only refreshing, but it also can help with certain … digestive problems.’
‘I see, my lady,’ he said, raising the glass to his lips and barely wetting them. ‘Indeed, certain indulgences have to be given due care and attention.’
Alaric smirked and bent to my ear. ‘You’re playing a dangerous game, Ani. I doubt our friend Ihrain understood the meaning of your words. However, you should not be so careless in telling the chancellor we can be persuaded, but not forced,’ he whispered.
‘I know, but Haerne is well aware. He dropped the geas subject quickly and put Ihrain in his place, so I want to see where he stands. If my guess is right, he may not be as loyal to the king as the rest of them.’ I placed a kiss behind his ear, giving the gathered men the impression that we couldn’t keep our hands off each other; not uncommon for conduit mages and their Anchors. ‘I will need to talk to him … in private. Help me make it happen?’
‘In private, yes, but not alone,’ Orm interrupted our conversation. ‘I don’t trust them. You are both staying in my quarters tonight. I burnt your geas, but if the royal mage made a copy before he gave it to me … I don’t want you alone until this circus leaves my fortress.’
He paused briefly before adding, ‘I’m not trying to cage you again, but if they attempt to use the geas with us around, we can overpower you to keep you safe. Between Alaric’s magic and my strength, it should work. Then maybe your bond with Vahin can overcome the compulsion, just like he did with your fear of heights?’
Ari’s eyes widened at Orm’s words, and I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought of having them both with me tonight, even if all I was planning to do was sleep. Today had stripped me of energy, and all I wanted to do was fall into bed and close my eyes to the world.
After our brief exchange, we focused on the meal as the tense atmosphere at the table grew strained with each passing silent minute. I ate my fill, and with the flames warming my back, I struggled to keep myself awake. When I failed to stifle the latest in a series of yawns, I stood up from the table.
‘My apologies. Fighting the spectrae and my attempt to repair the keystone has left me feeling drained. I intend on heading to bed. If you’ll excuse me?’ I said, and before I knew it, Ihrain rushed towards me, grasping my wrist so hard I hissed.
‘You touched the keystone? What did you do to it?’
I knew I was tired, and that it left me sluggish, but in my defence, I hadn’t expected to be attacked. Orm, though, already had the envoy’s wrist in his grip and twisted it so hard that I heard the bones creak, tearing Ihrain’s hand from my arm without a struggle.
‘If it wasn’t already clear enough, anyone who touches my lady with malicious intent will lose their hands, eyes, and tongue before I grant them the mercy of death.’ Orm’s words were iced fury, his tone quiet and controlled, but what truly chilled my blood was Alaric’s follow-up, his gentle voice filled with deadly intent.
‘And when Lord Ormond has finished with them, I will revive their corpses for the sheer pleasure of watching him do it again. He may damage their bodies, but I will take my revenge on their very soul.’
Ihrain backed away, as if he faced the Lich King himself, cradling his injured arm to his chest. As if on command, Vahin roared, his dark silhouette flying so close to the castle that the crystal windows shook to the beat of his wings.
‘On that note, I shall leave you to chat amongst yourselves. We can talk about our findings and my magic tomorrow, hopefully in a more civilised way,’ I said, turning to leave. Alaric took my arm before I could take a single step.
‘May I accompany you, Domina? Our friend from the capital can find a healer in town if he needs assistance. We wouldn’t want the taint of my foul magic touching his precious skin.’ With a smirk, I let him lead me away.
We walked through the long corridors, lit by more torches than usual. Their existence was obviously the dark fae’s doing, so I let Ari’s concern for my safety ease my tense muscles, entwining our fingers and smiling. ‘You called me your Domina in front of everyone,’ I said, and he smiled, pulling me closer.
‘Because you are my Domina. To my kin, I’m the untrustworthy son of a traitor. To humans and the light fae, I am darkness incarnate. Most people worry my touch will taint them. Only you—and perhaps Orm—think I’m a man worthy of affection, worthy of fighting for. How could I not call you by the title you deserve?’ Ari finished when we stopped in front of Orm’s chamber.
‘Come. Commander’s orders,’ I insisted when he hesitated, and my gentle teasing made him sigh.
‘So be it.’
I undressed quickly, throwing my clothes on the chair and sliding under the covers. Alaric soon joined me, keeping his trousers on, and I promptly snuggled up to his naked chest. I was half asleep when Orm joined us, sliding into the bed on my other side. I instinctively turned towards him and felt his chest rumble with laughter as I combed my fingers through his body hair. Alaric then tried to leave the bed, so I whimpered in protest, and Orm reached over, placing a hand on Ari’s shoulder.
‘No, Ani needs us both. I want you to stay.’ There was only a slight hesitation in his voice. ‘Please, it would mean a lot to me.’
‘Are you sure?’ Ari asked, but I already felt him settling back down beside me, his body pressed to mine. ‘Yes. We all need the rest. The meeting tomorrow will be brutal, and I want us all to have clear heads to deal with their demands. We need a way to get rid of them without bloodshed. However, if it comes down to it, I’d rather that than let Ani travel to the capital alone,’ Orm whispered over my head.
‘What’s your plan?’
‘I don’t know yet, and I don’t trust the chancellor, despite his compliance. Do you think Ihrain’s been bribed by the Lich King, or is he just a pawn of someone stronger in court?’
Ari’s hand, which had been stroking my back, paused for a moment. ‘I don’t know. Do you want me to arrange an accident so I can talk to his corpse? For how he treated Ani, I have no objection to helping fate find the right ending to his life.’
‘No, that would look too suspicious.’
I let the quiet murmur of their voices send me to sleep and an almost forgotten feeling of warmth and contentment spread through my chest before I drifted into my dreams.
I could feel Vahin in my thoughts as he circled the castle, guarding our sleep while my men cocooned me in their love. I’d failed to fix the keystone, and war would surely come to our kingdom, but in that moment, I just felt happy, safely enveloped in their arms.