Page 14 of Awakening

Lips locked and caressing, Trystan melted into the kiss that sent a tingle of warmth racing down his back and to his groin. Marc hooked his arm around Trystan and pulled him closer. Gentle nips and tugs of lips elicited hushed, strangled sounds from Trystan.

Marc pulled back, still holding Trystan and lingering close. He tilted his forehead to Trystan’s. “Definitely mine.”

Trystan’s insides clenched as heat pooled in his core. His skin flushed. Marc held him tight within his powerful arms and pinned him to the wall. With his taller, muscled body pressed against Trystan’s, Marc captured Trystan’s lips again in a brief but hungry kiss.

“Trystan!”

Emrys’ frantic voice sounded nearby. Marc released Trystan’s lips and stepped back a little, his stormy blue eyes dark and smoldering with passion. Trystan panted quietly, his heart begging him for more. Begging for Marc not to stop.

“Trystan?” Emrys called again.

“Something’s wrong. Come,” Marc said, clasping Trystan’s hand and leading him toward Emrys’ voice. Leaving the privacy of the hidden alcove and returning to the main garden, they found Emrys assisting several people off the ground and to their feet. Others in the garden appeared disoriented.

“Emrys?” Trystan said as they approached him.

Emrys gently cupped the shoulder of an older woman, soothing her. She muttered something to Emrys as he reached down and helped an older man to his feet, possibly her husband. The man nodded to Emrys.

Emrys spun around, having heard Trystan call his name moments ago. “Trystan, is everything all right? Are you all right?”

“Yes, Emrys, everything is fine. We’re both fine. What is wrong? What happened?”

“Did you feel it?”

Trystan shook his head, his brow furrowed. “Feel what?”

“Your Grace, tell me, did you feel it?” Emrys asked.

“Emrys, I’m not quite sure to what you are referring. What happened? Are these people all right?

“Yes. Just a little out of sorts.” Emrys reached into his coat satchel and pulled out a small, leather-bound book. Old and worn, it reminded Trystan of the journal he’d always carried. Trystan and Marc watched him as he quickly flipped through the pages and then stopped on one in particular.

Reading a passage from the page, he whispered to himself. “A secret shall the child be until he finds his destiny…it has to be…”

“Secret? Destiny?” Trystan asked. “Emrys, what are you talking about?”

Emrys snapped the journal closed quickly. “The prophecy… the events have been set in motion. We haven’t much time now.” Emrys glanced down at Trystan and Marc’s clasped hands, and pushed away the pain burning in his chest. Emrys faked a smile. “You’ve awakened your bond.”

Trystan cast a glance at the Prince. “Yes.”

“That would explain it.”

“What’s going on, Emrys?”

Emrys held a finger up, his head cocked a little to one side as if listening intently for something. Trystan caught the faint blue flicker from the corner of his eye but when he looked, he saw nothing there.

Emrys had to be careful. He’d sensed someone eavesdropping on their conversation. Fortunately, the simple spell required to twist the actual words spoken would be imperceptible to anyone observing.

“What’s going on is, you are no longer safe, Trystan. I must ask your forgiveness as I cannot explain it all just yet. There is something I must see to first.” Emrys shifted his concerned gaze to Marc. “Your Grace, Trystan needs protection from someone willing to give—”

“I will keep him safe,” Marc interjected. “But, pray tell, Emrys, from who or what does Trystan need protection?”

Emrys hesitated. “His past.”

Trystan knit his brow. He glanced at Marc who, by the look on his face, must have been equally confused. “I don’t understand.”

“In due time, Trystan. Until I return, the safest place would likely be your father’s cottage. Wait until nightfall to leave, and whatever you do, do not disclose your destination to anyone.” Emrys paused. “Except your mother, Marc. She is the only one you can trust. I must go. Look for me in two days’ time.”

Emrys turned and took several long strides before pausing to look back at Trystan and the Prince. Pinched brows and dropped jaws made their bewilderment obvious. “Both of you, stay safe, and more importantly, stay alive. Two days.”

Emrys spun on his heel and hastened away. Even if they refused to help, he needed to alert the Council of Artiryn.