Page 9

Chapter nine

N arella appeared on Gen’s balcony an hour later. Lilian was still in the room, holding Gen’s hand. Her eyes widened as she looked upon Narella … a god. I sent Otar away so she wouldn’t have confirmation about our secret weapon against Alaric, but I was certain she already knew he was tied to Gen.

Narella walked over to the bed and touched Gen’s head softly with her fingertips. She pulled away quickly, startled.

“What? What is it?” I asked.

“Her mind is as fragile as parchment,” explained Narella. “I won’t be able to enter. She needs someone she already knows. Someone she is familiar with.”

“I’ll go,” volunteered Lily. “I can do this.”

“Sorry little human,” said Narella, “but if I send you in, you won’t be coming back. It needs to be you, Erendrial.”

“I frighten her,” I pointed out. “She won’t respond well if I just pop up in her head.”

“You’re in her memories already,” replied Narella. “Both the good and bad. I don’t have a lot of time, so are you in or out?”

I nodded without hesitation.

“Good,” Narella said. “Lay down on the bed next to her. Human, you may remain by her side.”

I moved to the bed and lay next to my wife. Narella knelt between us. She grabbed my wrist and dragged her nail along my forearm and did the same to Gen. She then cut two long gashes into each of her palms. Blue blood poured from her skin. I hadn’t even noticed the color in the forest when we made our deal with how fast everything had occurred. She placed her wounds over ours.

“What is that for?” I asked.

“It’s how I am going to connect your minds,” said Narella. “It will also act as a timer. You will have three minutes to get in, find her, and get her out. When the mark has healed, your time is up. If you are still in her head, you will be stuck there along with her. Now, lay back and close your eyes.”

I did as she instructed. I felt her cold finger press into the center of my forehead before a bolt of lightning sprang through my body. The smell of lavender and sandalwood flooded my senses. I could feel Narella intertwining my essence with Gen’s, as if weaving threads together.

Gen’s soul, once full of light and joy, felt cold and vacant. My heart stung at the reminder of her loneliness … of her pain. I allowed myself to surround her, wishing I could provide even an ounce of comfort to her.

As the melding of our minds and souls settled, I opened my eyes. I was surrounded by a ravenous fire that devoured a vast barren landscape. As I looked closer, I realized that barren landscape had once been her town. We were in The Frey.

I took off in a sprint through the dead streets. Buildings collapsed around me as the fire ate at the dried wood. Trees were charred to a crisp and the sky was filled with black smoke. I choked, trying to make out any landmarks I could. The church was at the center of the town. The only building completely untouched by the roaring flames.

I made my way into the basement where Gen used to live. I opened the door and found her cowering in the middle of the room. She was completely naked. Her body was bruised, wounded, and dirty. Her hair was matted with blood. She was missing fingers and toes. My heart stopped as the memories of that horrible night devoured me whole. She was in the condition I had found her when the demons had killed her. I took a deep breath, preparing myself. I took a step forward as the door slammed behind me.

She jumped, startled by the sound. She took one look at me and began crying and yelling in fear.

“No, no, please,” she cried. “No more. I have nothing left to give you. Please.”

I knelt before her cautiously. I took her face in my hands while she trembled in fear. Tears saturated her face. “Gen,” I said softly. “It’s me. It’s Eren. I am not a demon. I’m here to get you out. I’m here to save you.”

She shook her head violently. “No, no, you didn’t come. They … they said you did, but it wasn’t you. It was them. It was a trick. This is just a trick,” she said.

“No, it isn’t. Listen to me. You need to come with me. Your mind is shattering. I’ve found a way out, but you need to trust me and come with me.”

“It’s a trick. You’re not real! You didn’t come. They broke me. I died.”

“But then you came back. You’re alive. You’ve been given another chance. You need to trust me and come with me.” I held out my hand and offered a small smile. She looked at my hand and then back at my face. Pain filled her eyes as more tears escaped.

“You didn’t come for me,” she whispered, with so much defeat behind her tone it nearly shattered me. “I thought you’d come for me, but you didn’t. I prayed every second that you’d save me. I held on as long as I could. I fought, Eren. For our baby … I fought so hard, but I failed her. I thought of you and how it would be to be in your arms. I was going to tell you about her, as soon as I escaped, but I was too weak. I was weak and because of that, she’s gone. It’s my fault. I let her die!”

Tears began to fall from my face at her admission. “No, princess, it isn’t your fault. I looked for you everywhere. I never gave up. I was a wreck. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat. All I could do was search for you.”

“The … the things they did to me. I don’t want to remember. I can’t!” She reached her remaining fingers into her hair as she panicked and shook.

I grabbed her arms, forcing her to focus on me. “They are dead. You killed them. You are alive. They will never harm you again. I found you Genevieve, and I will always find you. No matter where you are, I will always come for you.”

She lunged into me. I wrapped my arms around her, mourning with her for only a moment. I picked her up from the floor as the church began to crumble around us. I carried her out of the basement and into the barren landscape. I held onto her tightly, wishing I never had to let go. I felt a small pulling sensation in the back of my skull: Narella, signaling we were running out of time.

I opened my eyes, taking in a large breath before I sprung forward in shock. My body was zinging all over, like I was the one on fire. Narella was gone. Gen lay silently on the bed with her eyes still closed. Lily looked at me for an answer, but I had none. I leaned over to Gen, taking her face in my hands.

“Time to wake up, beautiful,” I whispered. “You’re safe. Time to come home.”

Her eyes flung open as she gasped for air. I pulled away, unsure of what her reaction to me would be. Lily flew into her arms, crying and laughed with relief.

“You’re a stupid idiot,” Lily cried, kissing Gen on her cheeks. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

“What … what happened?” she asked.

“Tryverse’s gift,” explained Lily. “He meddled with your memory too much. It put you into a coma. You almost died, Gen. You could have died.”

“How did you fix me?” Gen asked.

Lily looked at me. Gen followed her eyes while I stood from the bed, wanting to give her space.

“How?” Gen asked.

“Narella,” I confessed. “There’s a lot I haven’t told you yet, but the short version is that she is a god. She saved you.”

“So, Narella brought me back?” she asked.

“Not exactly,” Lily added, looking back to me. “Eren was the one that went into your head and found you. He brought you home.”

Gen dropped her eyes.

Lily stood, looking between the two of us. “I’ll give you guys some time. I’ll be down the hall if you need anything.” Lily kissed Gen on the head and then left the room.

“I’m sorry I went to Narella without your consent. I didn’t know what else to do,” I said. I left the part about the bargain out, not wanting to overwhelm her with something we’d have to settle.

“How did you find her? This … god?” she asked.

“She found me, the first time. She was the one that told me where to find your body when the demons took you. She was also the one who brought the demons to us to interrogate. Apparently, you saved her life a while back and she owed you a life debt.”

Gen’s eyes snapped up from the comforter. “That was Narella?”

I laughed, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. “Looks like that big heart of yours earned you a pretty powerful ally.”

“Do you trust her?”

“No. As far as we know, she works for Alaric, but she’s been useful so far. I don’t know what to make of her, but we can figure that out later. How are you feeling?”

“Weak, tired, and my head is pounding,” she said, running her hand along the back of her neck.

“I’ll let you get some sleep. No more playing with your mind. I don’t think Narella will offer up much more help unless we find something she wants.”

She smirked, nodding in agreement. I went to get out of the bed when I felt her tug me back. She wrapped her arms around my neck and held me tightly. I buried my nose into her neck, taking in as much of her as she’d allow.

“Thank you … for coming for me,” she whispered.

“Always, princess,” I said softly.

She pulled back. Sadness fell over her face. “I appreciate what you did tonight, but it doesn’t change anything between us. I want you to be happy, Eren, but it isn’t going to be with me.”

“You’re my wife. Why can’t it be with you? We can have a different marriage than everyone else at court. We can have a real marriage, Gen.”

She shook her head. “I can’t open myself up to you like that. I just can’t … after everything, I—I’m sorry.”

I turned away from her, wanting to keep my emotions hidden. At that moment I realized there was nothing I could do that would change her mind. I had given everything to this female, and she still refused me. She wouldn’t even give me another chance.

“Eren,” she said.

I stood without looking at her. “As you wish, princess,” I whispered, leaving her on the bed alone.

I made my way down to the gentlemen’s club. I drank and watched while beautiful women surrounded me. I drowned myself in ambrosia and forgot about my wife.

I gave her what she wanted. I didn’t speak to her unless it was necessary. At dinner, I stopped asking her to dance. I stopped trying to make her laugh. I stopped looking for her smile. She still covered my imprint that I had yet to lay eyes on and probably would never get the chance to see. The court continued to disrespect me with snarky comments about my status. Gen sat in silence and said nothing.

During the days, I filled my time with hunts and plotting against the high houses who still posed a threat to my life. As if I didn’t have enough problems, Queen Nora began to act out in strange and unnatural behaviors. She would talk to herself or forget where she was. She would randomly burst into laughter. She even stripped naked and danced amongst the court one evening after dinner. The king ignored her, but I knew something wasn’t right. I had seen enough crazy creatures in my life to recognize the symptoms.

At night I spent my time at the club. My family, minus Zerrial, joined me. I drank and watched life go on. I prepared Firel to take the position of ambassador. We worked on his speech and public speaking skills. He had the brain for the job, now all he needed to master was his confidence.

I had put myself on autopilot. I slept when my duties had concluded to escape my own reality. I refused to feel or care for anyone or anything, including my own wellbeing. I was a fool to think I could have it all. The power, the respect, the crown. A female who loved me the way I loved her. I gambled and I lost. Now, I had to pay the price.

“How is everything progressing with your choice for the next ambassador, Prince Lyklor?” asked the king as Gen and I sat with him for lunch in his private quarters.

“Firel is making progress,” I replied. “He has the knowledge and the cunning for the job, but we are working on his demeanor. I am confident he will rise to the position.”

“Excellent,” said the king. “Now with spring upon us, the other races will begin their hunting and farming. I am sure there will be plenty of disputes for young Firel to practice and learn from.”

“Hopefully not too many with the rift situation still out of control, but yes, it will be good practice,” I added.

He smiled, looking from me to Gen. “You two have been married for four months now. How are things?” asked the king.

I took a sip of wine and then plastered on my fake smile. “Excellent, your grace,” I lied. “We couldn’t be happier.”

Gen smiled at me and then turned her attention back to her plate.

The king raised his eyebrow. “You two are horrible liars. Even you, Erendrial. I expected better from the ambassador of lies and manipulations,” he said.

I grimaced at the sound of that disgusting nickname.

“We’re fine, Father, really,” added Gen.

The king put his fork down and sat back in his chair while he peered across the table at both of us. “I understand that marriage can be difficult. We all have our rough patches, but you both have a duty that needs to be fulfilled, regardless of your current feelings towards each other. You must bear an heir if your reign and this kingdom is to continue to grow and thrive.” He paused, turning to me. “I understand you did not visit my daughter’s chambers last month during her fertile period, Erendrial?”

I swallowed, uncomfortable by the topic. “No, Your Grace,” I admitted.

“Tomorrow night is when Vena says she will be ready. I expect you to fulfill your duty,” said the king coldly. “Daughter, I am sorry to force this, but it needs to happen. It is a burden that comes with your position.” He stood up and moved to her, kissing her gently on the head. “I have a meeting, but I will see both of you at dinner. Enjoy your lunch.” He exited.

I continued to stare at my plate. That was his polite way of applying pressure to the situation. I felt my jaw tighten at the thought of having to force her to lay under me while I …. I could never. I would never. I stood from my chair and gathered my jacket.

“Eren,” she said from behind me.

I stopped, not daring to turn to look at her. “Don’t worry. I won’t touch you,” I said before exiting his chambers. I went to the club and got drunk for the rest of the day. As dinner approached, Evinee had to all but carry me to the throne room. I was so intoxicated I could barely stand up straight. I made it to my chair where I continued my bender.

Queen Nora was also a royal mess. She was spilling her wine and food everywhere as she laughed uncontrollably at nothing. Doria was looking into her situation, but hadn’t found a thing. She was shapeshifting into random members of the court throughout the day while playing tricks on their families and friends. Some saw straight through her, while others she ended up fooling. She had slept through most of the court in the past few weeks, posing as their spouses or lovers.

The king called for her guard to escort her back to her rooms. She turned and winked at me. I smiled, raising my glass to her. That would be me in a couple hundred years: in a loveless, fruitless marriage that would eventually send me over the edge headfirst into madness. Well, at least I’d be going out with a smile on my face, completely oblivious to how ridiculous I appeared.

Suddenly, a blue cloud of magic appeared in the middle of the dance floor. The guards surrounded the being as the court prepared to attack and kill the intruder. Out from the fog appeared Narella. She looked around at the guards, assessing each one before arching a single eyebrow, smiling widely. I sat up and rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn’t already going mad.

“Do you see her?” whispered Gen.

I nodded. “I need more wine,” I mumbled, beckoning the servant over.

The king stood and walked towards her with authority. “Who are you and what is your purpose for trespassing in my court?” he demanded.

Narella bowed dramatically before she drew her eyes up to him. “King Drezmore, it is nice to finally meet you. My name is Narella. I’ve come on behalf of Lord Alaric Valor,” she said.

The court attacked without another thought. As powers and weapons flew through the air, time lapsed. Everyone moved in slow motion. Lightning froze in midair while weapons stopped in place. Narella lifted her hands gracefully across her body in an X and then forcefully slammed her hands down. A surge of power erupted from her, sending the court members, their powers, and their weapons back against the walls.

“Now, that wasn’t a very nice way to welcome a guest,” Narella said, still smiling.

“State your purpose and go,” demanded the king.

“As I was saying,” she continued, dusting off her shoulder, “I’ve come on behalf of Lord Alaric. He wishes to offer you a deal. He proposes that your court willingly gives up their powers and the dark magic that resides in this little fortress of yours, and in return … he will let you all live. If not, he will release more creatures into your lands and watch while you each succumb to a slow and miserable death.”

Our king stood proudly without hesitation. “You can tell your lord that we are prepared to fight.”

“Really?” she replied, seeming astonished by his quick response. “You sure? Because he has a whole realm full of creatures just dying to come out and play. I don’t think that is a wise decision, King Drezmore.”

“That is my decision, and it is final,” answered the king.

“Mmm, too bad,” she said, ticking her tongue in disapproval as she turned her attention to Gen. “Princess, it is nice to see you alive. I understand you have quite the new gift.”

“My daughter is none of your concern,” roared the king.

“You’re right,” Narella said softly. “Please forgive my rudeness. Oh, and um, your west border is looking a little weak. I’d investigate that.” The goddess took slow, dramatic steps away backwards, assessing our court before disappearing into a blue fog. The court relaxed while everyone made their way to the front of the room.

I looked at Gen and laughed. “I was not drunk enough for that,” I slurred, finishing another glass of wine.

We doubled our guards around the kingdom and runed every entrance three times over. We resecured our west border, just in case they planned to attack there. We didn’t know what was coming but we were ready for a fight regardless. We sent word to the light court about the new information we had gathered so they could prepare for battle if what Narella said was indeed the truth.

After dinner that next night, I headed to Gen’s room with a bottle in hand. I was already pretty gone, but I figured I could finish the bottle while I waited for the appropriate amount of time to pass. I nodded to the guards and forced a smiled before I walked into her room unannounced. I closed the door and took a seat on the couch in front of the fireplace.

Ten minutes and I could go. Ten minutes and I’d be on my way to a hazy night where I’d remember and feel nothing. Just like every night for the past few weeks.

“Eren, can you please come here?” I heard her say from her bedchamber.

I swallowed my mouthful of whiskey and sat up, stumbling towards her room. I placed the bottle on the table and opened the pocket doors.

She sat at the foot of the bed in a red silk nightgown and robe. Her hair was loosely draped over one shoulder as her green eyes looked up at me. There was a piece of paper on the mattress next to her. I walked into the room, unsure of what I was stepping into.

“We need an heir,” she started to say. “I still don’t trust you, but I think I’ve found a way around that issue. At least where an heir is concerned.” She held out the piece of paper to me. I took it, trying to focus my eyes long enough to read what she had written. “It’s a blood contract. It states that I will lay with you until we conceive an heir. Once that happens, our positions will be secure, but when the baby is born the majority power will not shift to you. I will retain the larger portion of control. This way, I won’t have to worry about you taking my crown.”

I held the contract in my hand, realizing she was giving me a way to be with her. She would allow it if I promised not to take away her crown, something I never wanted to do in the first place. All I ever wanted was to be with her, and now I would have that chance.

She stood up and took the contract from me hesitantly. She sliced her hand and signed it, then handed me the knife and quill. I did the same. She held her hand out towards me, waiting to seal the bond.

I stood for a second, trying to wrap my mind around what I was about to commit to. Was there a loophole I was missing? The contract said the child would be ours. She would lay with me to conceive the child. This would be our second chance at a life together. A family. Gen let her hand fall as she smiled.

“See,” she said, “I knew you wouldn’t give up the power the crown offered. Not even for me. I knew if I called your bluff, you—”

I rushed forward, grabbing her hand forcefully as our blood mixed and sealed us both to the contract. The look on her face was of pure shock and disbelief.

I pulled away, taking her face in my hands as I looked down at my beautiful wife. She looked uncomfortable. Her eyes refused to meet mine. She wasn’t expecting me to sign the contract. She wasn’t expecting me to choose her. She pulled away and went to the edge of the bed and lay down slowly.

I followed her, taking off my shirt while my eyes danced across her figure. I was finally going to be with her. After everything, I would finally be able to make love to her. To show her how much I loved her. I slid off my shoes and then crawled slowly on top of her.

I kissed her head tenderly, trying to ease her worry. I went to kiss her lips, but she turned away from me, offering her cheek. I took it, not picky about which parts of her I got to love. I pulled her dress up gently as my fingers slid against the smooth skin of her legs. She closed her eyes at the contact.

My hands moved to her arms and face, trying to ease her into the act. I kissed down her cheek to her neck as I breathed her in deeply. Azeer, how I missed the taste of this female. I let my body press in against her, feeling her warmth through the gown. My hands trailed down her body, remembering every curve I had once taken for granted.

I kissed her chest gently, making sure not to go too far until she was ready. My hands moved back to her leg, drawing the dress up so I could feel her hidden flesh. I continued to kiss her face, hoping for a reaction, for some sign that she wanted me too, but it never came. I pressed my head against hers, trying to hold back the shame and embarrassment that now devoured me whole.

“Gen,” I whispered, “please touch me. Please, give me something,” I pulled away to look at her. She had her face tilted to the side with brow furrowed eyes shut, as if she couldn’t bear the sight of me, let alone my touch. I swallowed, pushing myself off her. The contract didn’t mean I got another chance with her. It meant nothing. It gave me nothing I wanted.

I got off the bed and reached for my shirt. I slid my boots on while she sat up, watching my every move.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

I didn’t answer.

“The contract states that I will give you an heir, but in order to do that you need to lay with me.”

I tightened my eyes together. She didn’t want me; she just wanted an heir to secure her throne and make her father happy.

She stood from the bed and forcefully turned me to face her. She was getting angry, but I had nothing to say. I was completely numb.

“What is the problem? Fine, I’ll touch you, just get back into the bed,” she said, shoving me towards the mattress, but I refused to move. “What? You can’t perform? Is that it? Or is it me? I’ve had no complaints from anyone else lately, so it must be you.”

My heart fell into pieces at her admission she had been with others. I was done. The humiliation I had endured for her, the pain, the constant hoping—I was done. I had endured enough and couldn’t take anymore. How was I ever going to be with a female who couldn’t stand my touch? Who cringed at the very sight of me?

Tears fell down her face. I didn’t know if they were from anger or frustration, but I didn’t care. She had destroyed the part of me that she once wanted so badly. There was nothing left. She had taken everything. I had given her everything … yet … it still wasn’t enough. I wasn’t enough. I turned away from her while she yelled my name. I walked out of the room, promising myself I would never return.

The next month I continued my new routine of numbing and forgetting. I trained with Zerrial when I was sober enough and continued to teach Firel all I knew. I stayed at dinner long enough that no one would ask questions, but I left before the insults and crude comments could begin. I hid beneath the castle in the city as I lost myself in ambrosia.