9. Chapter 9
W armth surrounded me, comforting and familiar, laced with the rich scent of clove and musk underpinned by sharp, exotic spices. Silken fabric rustled as I stretched, and I couldn’t help my sigh of pleasure when I realised the source of my serenity: both my men, wrapped protectively around me.
I turned to cuddle into Orm’s muscular torso, enjoying the tickle of his coarse hair against my skin. A firm hand tightened on my thigh as I shifted, and I glanced down, savouring the sight of our intertwined legs and the possessive grey hand gripping my thigh.
The memory of their coordinated efforts to drive me wild ignited a blush that warmed me from the inside out. I still couldn’t believe it. After all my worries, Orm not only accepted sharing me with Alaric, but if the relaxed intimacy between them was any indication, he’d also accepted Ari’s company.
Makosh, Goddess of Life, bless my family , I prayed silently, overwhelmed with gratitude. I can’t live without them.
The bed’s high canopy, made of deep blue gauze, diffused the morning sun into a soft glow, turning dust motes into tiny dancing faeries. The room’s décor—a mix of pastel walls, colourful drapes, and dainty furniture—was so incongruous against the rugged warrior and brooding fae beside me that a laugh bubbled up unbidden. Only their serene expressions held it at bay.
Careful not to disturb them, I slowly untangled myself, hissing as my bare feet met the cold stone floor. For a moment, I considered crawling back into their warm embrace, but a different urge took hold.
‘ Vahin? ’ I called out for my dragon, testing our mind’s connection before reaching for the aether. Strands of magic flew to me unrestrained, wrapping themselves around my body, the power caressing me like a long-lost lover.
‘Thank the gods.’ I breathed a sigh of relief when aethereal fire blossomed on my palm, unfurling as I shaped it into a peony. Whether it was because of the passage of time or our vigorous lovemaking, the lanara poison had finally been purged from my body, and I felt a need to use my magic.
If I knew my way around, I could have gone to the training grounds to light up my sword with fire and dance, practising the battle mage kata until exhaustion took over. But my circumstances dictated patience. I had no sword, no clothes, and besides, my men deserved their rest after everything we’d been through.
I snorted at the absurdity of it all. From hedge witch to kingmaker in three easy steps . What a ridiculous story my life had become. The mental image of me dictating my scandalous exploits to a frazzled scribe almost drew a chuckle.
The sound of a deep sigh behind me caught my attention. I turned to see Alaric nuzzling into Orm’s chest, the fae’s body instinctively seeking warmth. Orm’s strong arms encircled him without waking, their peaceful intimacy tugging at my heartstrings.
This is perfect , I thought. Everything I had wished for had somehow come together; just when I thought I couldn’t be happier, Vahin’s voice filled my mind.
‘ Little Flame, you’re awake at last. I thought they’d worn you out yesterday—or at least that was the worry I sensed in Orm’s mind. ’ Relief and joy radiated from him, and I couldn’t help but smile. I could finally hear my dragon, and there was nothing that could compare with feeling his consciousness merging with mine.
‘ I was tired, ’ I admitted, ‘ but far from worn out. Where are you? ’ I asked, moving to the window where a bowl of fruit and a carafe of wine waited. My stomach growled as I picked up a piece of exotic fruit, its velvety sweetness bursting on my tongue.
‘ I’m enjoying the morning currents. Would you like me to return? ’
‘No, but talk to me, please. I missed you, ’ I said, leaning on the windowsill. The sight of him gliding effortlessly above the mansion stole my breath. ‘ Your voice ... I was alone in the darkness, powerless without my magic, but that didn’t scare me as much as not being able to hear you.’
‘ And I missed you, Little Flame. Your absence ... ’ His voice faltered, emotions bleeding through our bond as he executed a dramatic loop in the sky.
‘ Vahin! ’ I scolded, heart racing.
‘ You are mine to protect ,’ he declared, his tone firm but tinged with vulnerability. ‘ I will never let the world take you from me. If the bond between us must break, it will not be my doing. I’m yours until the time stops and even the oceans turn to dust. ’
His words struck a tender chord, though beneath them, I sensed a lingering darkness—a scar left by our separation.
‘ Whatever happens, even if I pass behind the Veil, you will always have a shard of my soul, ’ I answered, trying to soothe him, but Vahin’s thoughts became more depressive, and I felt my dragon trying to shield them from me as our happy interlude came to an end.
‘ Do you know anything about this trial? ’ I waited, the silence on the other side of the bond speaking louder than words. ‘ Vahin, tell me. Whatever it is, I want to be prepared. ’
‘ Only that it forces you to face your deepest fears alone. I can lend you strength, bolster your magic with dragon fire, but beyond that ... ’ He hesitated, pain echoing in his words. ‘ Letting you endure this is agony for me. My kind do not take loss lightly. ’
‘ You can give me strength? Are you telling me Orm is built like a brick outhouse because of you? ’ I asked teasingly, trying to hide my fear from the dragon . ‘ Should I be worried about becoming a big, burly, hairy bear? ’
‘ No, Orm’s bond is different. I’m not responsible in any way for his natural attributes, ’ he answered, mirth sneaking into his words before he paused. ‘ Annika, with you ... Your grief called to me all those years ago. The moment I first saw you, filthy, your heart torn asunder, and determined to die and join your loved ones, I wanted you to live. I wanted it so much that my soul reached out, giving you the strength to survive, hoping one day you would find me again. ’
His memory of me—broken, caked in dirt, and determined to die with my Anchors in that avalanche—flashed through my mind. I saw myself as he had: stubborn and wild, yet alight with potential. If not for him, I’d have perished then and there, never to meet Orm or Ari.
‘ Thank you, ’ I whispered, tears falling from my eyes .
‘ It was an honour, Little Flame. You burn so brightly, and I won’t let anyone steal your light. Just remember how strong and loved you are. Whatever you face, you are no longer alone. Promise me you’ll believe in yourself. ’
The determination of his thoughts made me sigh. ‘ Do you think it will be that bad? ’
‘ I don’t know, ’ Vahin admitted. ‘ But those who survive this trial are few, and whatever they face seals their lips. Dragons know little about it, as none of them were bonded to my kind. I don’t like not knowing, and it worries me not having an answer for you. ’
‘ Me too, ’ I replied softly, catching a glimpse of Orm stirring in bed. ‘ But as long as I can save Alaric, I can handle anything. ’ I tore my gaze from Orm and added, ‘ I need to dress and meet Reynard, but I’ll come to the landing field later. I have to tell him what I learned about the chancellor and the Barren Lands. My mind wasn’t working yesterday, and I had ... other things to do, but I have to tell the new king that the kingdom is riddled with enemies. ’
Vahin chuckled, the sound warm in my mind. ‘ Those “other things” are burned into my memory. Orm was projecting so strongly I had a front-row seat. No need to explain, Little Flame—it would only make me jealous. ’
I choked on a piece of fruit, coughing out a laugh. ‘Vahin!’
The noise woke Orm, who blinked before understanding flashed in his sleepy eyes.
‘You can talk to the dragon in bed, Nivale.’ He smiled, stretching in a long, deliciously shameless motion. ‘I wouldn’t mind cuddling for a while.’
I pointed at the now nearly empty bowl of fruit. ‘I can talk to him, yes, but I was famished, and the only thing I ate yesterday was a sweet roll and ... erm, Alaric.’
Orm burst into laughter, sliding off the bed. ‘We can’t have you going hungry. Shall I wake Ari to feed you again, or would you prefer a normal, boring breakfast?’
Alaric’s eyes cracked open, narrowing into a glare.
‘Boring breakfast, please, and we need to talk to your brother. Besides, Ari doesn’t look particularly edible, all scrunched up and frow—’ I yelped as a pillow suddenly flew towards my head.
Orm leapt forward, grabbing me and capturing my lips in a kiss. ‘No berating your man’s looks after he worked so hard to ensure your good night’s rest,’ he teased.
I huffed, punching his chest. ‘Stop it! If you’re trying to punish me, shouldn’t we head to the training grounds? I’m more than happy to beat you up and kiss it all better later,’ I replied with a wink.
Golden flames lit in his eyes, and I knew I’d said exactly the right thing to spark his interest. Still, despite the flare of his nostrils and the way he lowered his head to nip at my neck, he shook his head.
‘I wish we had time,’ he murmured against my skin. ‘You make me so bloody happy. I love your laugh, your teasing, even the little crease between your brows when you tell me off.’ He kissed my shoulder and pulled back reluctantly. ‘Come, let’s dress and face the world’s woes. We need to find out more about this trial. The way the dark fae reacted ... There isn’t much time to prepare, but how about we invite Valaram over and see what we can learn?’
‘If you think it’s a good idea,’ I answered.
Orm clearly hadn’t heard the last of Valaram’s statement in the throne room, where he suggested courtship. Still, he must have sensed my reluctance because he tilted my chin up.
‘Yes, I think it is, but I’ll promise you something. Tonight, we’ll lock ourselves away from the world and see just how edible Alaric truly is. They say the dark fae are at their most appetising in the moonlight,’ he teased, his hand sliding suggestively over my hip.
Ari watched us from the bed with a confused expression. ‘What in Veles’s pit are you two talking about?’
The morning passed quickly. After devouring a breakfast so rich and plentiful that both men watched me in astonishment, I dressed in some of Ari’s spare clothes before heading to the chambers prepared for me. Inside, Agnes was already excitedly bossing around two servants, her petite frame radiating authority as she orchestrated preparations.
‘And what are you doing here?’ I asked, amused at how my fresh-faced maid had taken charge of someone else’s servants.
Agnes whirled around, her face lighting up. ‘Lord Ormond sent a dragon to fetch me. He said you’d need a friendly face to help you recover. Your friends are too busy running the fortress to come—Miss Katja is leading the new council, and Miss Bryna has the blacksmiths crafting armour and weapons for the townsfolk, women included. I packed your sword, your verbena soap, and your clothes, but I thought you’d need something finer for city living. The servants here brought this dress ...’
I crossed the room, pulling her into a tight hug as she continued to babble. ‘Thank you, Agnes. You’re the best lady’s maid a battle mage could ask for.’
She patted me awkwardly on the shoulders. ‘No, my lady. You shouldn’t . . .’ Then she whispered in a secretive tone, ‘At least, not in front of them.’
‘Right, so what is this?’ I asked, releasing her and picking up the delicate green fabric skilfully draped over the hanger. The servants assigned to me blushed heavily under my scrutiny.
‘A dress, my lady? You’re Lord Ormond’s mage, and your maid said it had to be good enough for a highborn noble ... We can’t have you wearing anything but the best ... my lady,’ one said, and I sighed deeply.
‘Alright, but this ? Where do I hide my daggers? Does it even have a slit so I can reach my thigh holsters?’ I asked, inspecting the opalescent dress shining in the sunlight.
‘You heard my lady—bring her something more practical,’ Agnes snapped and attempted to snatch the dress out of my hand while the door behind her opened and my men walked in.
Alaric snorted, but Orm, ever the diplomat, came to the poor maid’s rescue. He leaned in, brushing his fingers lightly against my cheek as he whispered, ‘Humour me and wear it for today. On the way back, we’ll buy you something more suitable with slits and extra space for weapons.’
‘Off you go, I will help my lady. You don’t want to be here when the masters are in the room,’ Agnes urged the surprised maids out while Orm helped me out of Alaric’s clothes. ‘Trust me, you really don’t.’
I couldn’t refuse Orm’s request. Even if the dress was ridiculous and left me feeling half-naked, the way both men looked at me when Agnes finally finished lacing the bodice made it worth it.
‘You look divine, Domina. The entire court will envy us. What do you think, Agnes?’ Ari teased my maid, who stood with arms crossed, watching him like a hawk as he pinned a flower into the updo she’d created from my messy hair.
‘I think you’d better not ruin her hair, my lord,’ she snapped.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and sighed. ‘We need to talk about the trial.’
Alaric’s hands stilled on my shoulders. ‘I don’t know much, only that those asking for the Dark Mother’s mercy must fight their way to the portal leading to her original temple. Ani, few reach the portal, and those who do almost never return. No one knows what horrors await beyond it.’
‘So, I’ll need to kill virtuous warriors and face some eldritch horror in a temple. Bloody wonderful,’ I muttered, glaring at my reflection. ‘And what will you be doing?’
Ari’s smile was bitter. ‘I’ll go with you. Only the Dark Mother’s touch can purge icta poison. If you fail to reach the portal, I die with you. That’s all I know. Everything else is just an old legend.’
Orm pulled up a chair, his posture radiating the sharp focus he reserved for planning his military campaigns. ‘What legend?’
Alaric leaned back, his gaze distant. ‘About the origin of the trial. In the infancy of our race, a selfish male committed an unforgivable sin against his kin. It was so appalling that the gods sentenced him to an eternity of pain and nightmares, forcing him to drink poison. Once ingested, the poison weakened his body while his soul experienced the pain of those he killed—but stretched in time and amplified a thousandfold. His soul was torn apart in perpetuity, never letting him pass beyond the Veil.’
I frowned. ‘So he suffered. But what does that have to do with the blood bond?’
Alaric’s lips curled into a faint smile. ‘The man had a mate. A woman who fought her way through her people’s warriors to reach the Dark Mother’s Temple, where he was imprisoned. They say the ground was soaked with blood before she knelt and begged the goddess for mercy. Moved by her strength and determination, the Dark Mother defied the other gods, allowing the female to attempt his salvation.
‘When they emerged from the temple, they spoke nothing of what transpired, but the man was forever bonded to her, enthralled in her service. That’s how our customs came to be, why women will always be above men—to guarantee we never stray again.’
I couldn’t help a dry laugh. ‘Only the dark fae could think of such a trial—and such an elaborate excuse to ensure women rule.’ I turned to Ari, my voice softening. ‘But I can fight. I’ll fight the world for you. For all of us. And I’ll live, if only to spite that silver bitch. Let’s see how she reacts when I return, blessed by her goddess.’
I faced the mirror again, taking in my reflection. The woman staring back at me wasn’t just a battle mage. She was a dignified domina, wearing her courtly armour, ready to face kings, empresses, and gods for her men. And cause bloody mayhem to save them, if necessary.
‘I think I’m ready to see our new king now,’ I said, a determined smile curving my lips.