Chapter 2
Rhyel was annoyed.
His overzealous General had taken it upon herself to arrange another marriage for him with a Lightbourne.
He had nothing against the Lightbournes.
They were a strong and decent House, but he didn't need an alliance with them.
He'd always taken care of the people of the north and they had no need to get wrapped up in the power struggles of the east, west and southern Houses. Their problems were their own.
But now, Zena had shone a light on the north with this betrothal and he didn't like it.
"We've lived in the shadows for too long.
This marriage will be good for the people and it will remind the realm that the north is a powerful nation," Zena said, standing beside him on the balcony overlooking the vast blackwood forest. "The east grows stronger each day and this alliance with the Lightbournes will help keep our borders strong. "
A snarl curled over Rhyel's lips as he glared at his General. "The Issians wouldn't dare encroach up these lands."
Zena raised a black eyebrow and brushed a thick black braid from her face.
"Did we not just thwart a raid on the eastern borders?
" She huffed, crossing her arms. "Zon Issian would love nothing more than to take over our lands and covet the vast powers of the hellish beings that live beyond those walls.
" She pointed to the obsidian stone that encased the edge of the forest. "We can't keep protecting two fronts on our own. "
"I know." Rhyel sighed, hanging his head. He hated it when Zena was right. "Is this Lightbourne girl going to be like the others you tried to marry me off to?"
"Her name is Sana and she's not a girl. She's a woman and I'll be honest," Zena said, shrugging. "I don't know what she'll be like. Kai didn't have much to say about her. He just said she wouldn't give you any trouble."
Rhyel frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"I don't know." Zena shook her head. "All I know is House Lightbourne was happy to accept the bride price and uphold the alliance regardless of what happens to Sana."
Rhyel leaned away from Zena. "They don't care what happens to her? I've never liked the idea of buying women to marry for alliances, but it's odd for Sirius to sell off one of his precious daughters like that. Is there something wrong with her?"
"Kai didn't mention anything out of the ordinary, and frankly, I don't care," Zena said, patting his shoulder.
"She'll be your wife to do with as you please, but since her family doesn't care what happens to her, that means she most likely won't have a home to go back to.
So, try not to scare her away. It wouldn't look good to the people if she ends up on the streets. "
Rhyel scrunched up his face. "I wouldn't do that. You know my previous betrothals ended because they wanted my wealth, but they couldn't handle the harshness of the north. It'll be Sana's choice to leave."
A smile lit up Zena's brown face. "Good. She should be here tomorrow. So don't spend all day scouting the forest and come back smelling like a wet wolf."
Rhyel chuckled. "I'll try not to."
"Right. I'm going to join my wife on the night watch tonight."
"Alright. Tell Cori I say hello and that she's welcome to join us here any time she wishes. She doesn't have to live out there."
"She knows, but she loves the keep," Zena said, shaking her head. "She likes the excitement."
"Fair enough." Rhyel chuckled. "As long as she's not planning to keep you out there."
"One day I'll want to be kept out there, old friend. You know my status is temporary," Zena said, squeezing his arm. "The Lady of Darcanos has always been the General of this House."
"Is that why you picked a Lightbourne this time?"
Zena nodded. "It is," she said, pushing away from the balcony. "And this time, I plan to train your betrothed properly."
"That'll be good." Rhyel nodded to the door. "Go on. I'm sure Cori is eager to see you."
"Good night, my Lord," Zena said, giving him a small bow before she slipped out of his study.
Rhyel sighed, looking back over the swell of the forest and the city in the valley below. An arranged marriage wasn't the way of the Darcanos. His bloodline mated for life, but he wasn't blessed with a true mate. The last of that magic died with his parents.
Turning away from the balcony, Rhyel trudged into his inner chambers, tugging off his leathers and thick, fur-lined cloak. He rubbed a hand over his heart, the only patch of his skin that wasn't filled with markings depicting his many abilities.
He could wield any element, shift into any creature he could think of, but the one thing he was lacking, the one piece of himself to make him feel whole was his true mate. Shrugging a thin robe over his shoulders. Rhyel shuffled to his bed and climbed under the blankets.
Gazing up at the wooden beams on the ceiling, he watched the glow from the fireplace mixed with the rays of the moon.
When the wraiths beyond the wall took his mother, his father succumbed to the madness of their broken bond and cursed the bloodline with his dying breath, so Rhyel would never know the heartbreak of losing his true mate.
But his father's curse just left him empty inside. He'd never know love and he never felt the need to get close to anyone beyond his closest soldiers, like Zena and Cori.
Closing his eyes, Rhyel sought the quiet peace of sleep. This marriage to Sana Lightbourne would do nothing more than aid in the safety of his people.
They were all he lived for, anyway.