42. Plot Thickens #2
A powerful spell knocked out the demon guards I had posted outside his home. Malakai's other siblings were safe at school, but the goblins fled with him after the wisps created a diversion, leaving the two injured children behind. Thankfully, the human authorities stayed oblivious to all this.
I boil with rage at the gall of those goblins—how dare they harm children? Commanding the wisps to watch over the wounded I mentally review the list of healers I know.
I’m considering approaching Zenith when the prickly sensation of being watched stops me cold.
Disaster and damnation!
Distracted by the sudden appearance of the will-o'-the-wisps I was careless.
Turning, I find my husbands, Ispahan, Zenith and Zahara standing nearby. Zahara seems anxious but Zenith and Ispahan appear curious. But my husbands have a range of expressions to offer, starting with bewilderment, to anger mixed with shock.
"So that's how you knew." Ifrinn states looking at the will-o'-the-wisps. I forgot to ask them to conceal themselves.
"Why are you engaging with the goblins, Aleiraah?" Archie asks incredulously, his hackles rising.
Feeling defensive I lift my chin. "It's none of your business. Have you taken a look at the separation decree yet? I ensured that it was delivered yesterday."
"And Azael burnt it, my Flame." Rinn responds with satisfaction coating his voice.
"And will keep doing so, until you withdraw the request." Silas states confidently.
"Why the fuck can't I get rid of you all!" I yell in frustration, my fists curling in anger.
"Because we're persistent and you mean the world to us. Now don't try to distract, tell us about the goblin threat, Starling." Baz demands in an unshakable tone.
"Read my lips carefully. None. Of. Your. Business." I bite out each word.
"It's better to make them aware of the goblin machinations and your plan, Aleiraah." Zenith intervenes patiently.
Feeling betrayed I blurt out incensed, "Whose side are you on?"
"Yours. Always. But your safety comes first. And there's safety in numbers. They have wronged you, but they'll fight to death to keep you alive." Zenith refuses to budge.
"Oh! So now you're an expert on them?" I snarl at him.
"No. But I've observed at length. I've seen them constantly make a fool of themselves while trying to feed you carnal energy so you aren't starved. That shows an unparalleled dedication.
"Also, they didn't have to help out with our kingdom's activities but they volunteered. And I hate to say this but you should've seen the state they were in when you escaped into the woods after the accident with Ifrinn."
His eyes soften with what he says next, "Don't hide behind your anger. And don't think of pushing me away by using this as an excuse." Zenith states in a no-nonsense tone and even my husbands look upon him with grudging respect.
Ispahan has hearts in his eyes and Zahara is again covertly fanning herself. I’m furious on the other hand, being put on the spot.
"Reconsider, Aleiraah." He adds a touch softer.
"There are other things you need to think about too.
" He subtly reminds me of our discussion about the 'babies' while visiting the healer.
About the constant source of energy my body needs as I grow tiny people.
He had proposed I use my husbands as the source of direct carnal essence to stay nourished.
That I define boundaries and expectations clearly with them, or take other lovers so that I don't put my health at risk.
I look away, blinking back tears of frustration, breathing through my nose to calm down the wave of helplessness assailing me.
I'm not giving in. I'm not.
If I bring them into the fold, I'm...compromising.
For my health, for safety. I'm not beyond reason.
I know safety is paramount after this unprovoked goblin attack.
And I need my strength to fight. There's the grow-the-babies aspect too.
I can't take any other lovers, since the thought itself makes my skin crawl.
I feel trapped.
Closing my eyes and I take a deep breath and try to think of a way out.
I'll take back control of the situation.
I'll use them for temporary nourishment.
It'll have to be indirect, no matter how unpalatable.
I'll use their strength to shield me against any goblin attacks.
There's a reason why the Goblin King wanted me separated from my mates and I won't let that fucking murderer win.
Decision made, I focus on the seven silent sentinels.
"I'll tell you about what I’ve learned so far. And my plans going forward. But, you won’t be in charge of anything.
I get to decide about my life. None of you.
You'll only observe and lend your strength wherever needed.
But you won't question my decisions." I state with absolute ferocity.
"Not when it comes to your safety, Azizam." Azael counters unflinchingly.
"Then there's no point to this discussion." I turn around to head inside but Alistair interrupts me.
"Hold on, Delight! Please. We'll compromise. We'll defer to you. But you'd have to loop us in and let us accompany you everywhere. We want to protect you at all costs and can't do that if you keep us in the dark." He reasons earnestly.
"Please, Aleiraah. I'm begging you to reconsider.
" Zien implores, his voice frantic. He looks haggard.
Skin stretched tautly across his angular face, cheekbones sharper than usual.
His eyes are a muddy red, which makes me frown in confusion.
I've seen them turn a vivid red, a darker shade of red, but never this murky.
"Fine," I agree, sighing. I wave the will-o'-the-wisps away. They accept my thanks and promise to watch Malakai's house. I'll have to send an urgent missive to Rozalin to move Malakai's siblings to a safer location until whatever this is blows over.
"They let you know about our whereabouts, didn't they?" Baz motions with his hands, pointing at the will-o'-the-wisps winking out.
"They have always been my friends. Invisible when I need them to be, but always on my side." I confirm defiantly, now that the secret's out.
"It's strange that they follow you so ardently." Silas muses, a little awed, and Azael tilts his head studying me with an intensity that makes me feel nervous. Like he is trying to puzzle something out.
"What?" I snap at Azael, unable to bear his silent scrutiny any longer.
"You are a wonder, Azizam." He whispers softly with a sinful curve to his bow-shaped lips. "And don't worry,"—he drawls—"I'll heal that filthy swine's injured siblings. They are innocent after all."
His assurance helps ease my mind and I mentally scowl at this capitulation.
"I'll be back in sometime. Until then, Azizam." Azael saunters away.
Something occurs to me right then, "Wait! How does he know where to find Malakai's house?" I ask the remaining six who fail to meet my eyes directly.
"Funny you should ask." Archie laughs awkwardly. By the time he finishes explaining I'm ready to spit nails.
"Why do I even bother? Why?" I growl pulling at my hair.
"Relax, Aleiraah. Deep breaths." Ispahan breathes with me as if coaching me how to give birth.
Ughh!
"Why don't we all go inside? Have some refreshments?" Zahara suggests a little too brightly, making me wince. Sheesh! I scared the poor Butterfly again!
At this point, I'm not sure how she tolerates all my drama around her household and mates. I'd have been far less understanding in her position.
Ispahan steers me into the castle and the rest follow us for a conversation that's probably going to cause more drama.