Page 21 of The Time Of Kings (An Afterlife Story #1)

20

THE COMPANIONS THAT CAN RELATE

“ S ophia, what are you doing here? I had believed you were in Italy,” Draven said, making me tense in my seat. Because with this new information, could it be possible that this was ‘my Sophia’? Was she here now pretending to be his sister from the past? I couldn’t yet be sure.

“Word travels fast, brother,” she replied.

“And sisters even faster.”

Sophia grinned at this, one I had seen many times before when verbally sparring with her brother.

“In truth, I was already on my way here, when I happened to hear about this beautiful young lady who you have taken as your betrothed. Is this true?”

I couldn’t help but blush and bite my lip, trying to detect if this was a hidden message or not.

“It is, for her name is Catherine, my golden fleece,” Draven said, reaching across and running a few fingers through my cascade of curls. But then when Sophia looked surprised again, I was torn. As that was the thing with Sophia… she was a bloody good actress!

“Then I really do have to offer you my congratulations, for she is a rare creature indeed,” Sophia replied kindly, and I had to say, if she was from the past, then she was vastly different to the Sophia I had once met in Ancient Persia.

“Catherine, may I introduce, Lady Sophia Draven, my sister.”

I knew the response was to curtsy, so I tried to stand to do just that. However, Draven had other ideas… He quickly placed a hand over mine and squeezed, making me look to him. He shook his head slightly, but it was enough to get the message across. Which meant that his sister was left to curtsy at me, doing so alone. Its significance wasn’t lost on me, as clearly, he had done this to make his point.

To make his claim.

Again, my blush seemed to become a permanent feature as well as biting my bottom lip. My embarrassment to the whole situation almost became too much to bear. And it didn’t go unnoticed as Draven’s hand left mine and instead took a tight grasp on the arm of my chair. Then he tugged hard enough that whatever space there had been between us was quickly eliminated. This put him closer enough to lean down to my ear and whisper,

“Keep biting that lip and I will have to taste it for myself.”

I instantly let it go, quickly transported to the first time Draven had ever warned me about biting my lip in front of him before. It was a startling reminder that we were back to the beginning.

“I must impose upon you, Sophia, to stay… yes stay and become my betrothed’s companion, for strangely she knows no one here,” Draven said after giving me back my space but granting me a knowing look… That said he would soon discover all there was to know about me.

Well not if I could help it, because if this was the Sophia I knew and loved as a sister, then I also knew she was here to help bust me out of this situation.

“No one?” Sophia asked with a sceptical brow, making me question once more if she was still simply playing a part.

“Yes, my little beauty, here, came to be in my possession by strange means indeed, but that conversation is for another time, I dare say,” Draven replied, watching me as I let my shoulders slump, now wishing more than ever that I was free to just get up and leave.

However, Draven’s warning about chasing me was enough to keep me rooted to the spot. I didn’t exactly want to make more of a scene than this little family exchange was already making. The whole room seemed transfixed and they weren’t exactly trying to be inconspicuous about it.

But then something in the way that Sophia looked at me now gave me the tiny shred of hope I really needed in that moment. Something that was confirmed when she said,

“Very well, let us speak no more about it, for it is a joyous occasion and one celebrated without jolts of the past.”

I ended up swallowing a small gasp, one that Draven unfortunately didn’t miss. Because this was all I had needed to know that this was my Sophia, and the relief I felt could no doubt be shown on my face. As soon as her brother wasn’t looking, now turning his accusing gaze towards me, she shook her head ever so slightly at me, telling me to keep cool. Although how I could do that when Draven was raising a single brow at me in question, I didn’t know. Acting cool wasn’t exactly my forte at the best of times.

Thankfully, he looked back to Sophia, his frown firmly cemented on his face as he now cast suspicious eyes on his sister. He even opened his mouth as if about to question her. However, Sophia got there first.

“If you'll excuse me, the journey was arduous, and I would like to freshen up before the festivities are to fully begin,” she said with a curtsy, forcing Draven to bow his head in acknowledgment of this, no doubt his mind still questioning my reaction to his sister.

The whole interaction was so stressful that the second a server came close enough, I reached out and grabbed a glass, drinking down the red wine like it was the only water to be found in the desert. And I wouldn’t mind, but I still hated red wine.

As for Sophia, she left, making me wonder where Pip was. But most of all, where was my daughter? I was even about to scan the area in hopes of seeing her here and ensuring for myself that she was alright. But then I felt a firm hand rest upon my leg, and I swear I thought I would choke on my wine.

“Easy, sweetheart, for I have plans for you later,” he whispered once more in my ear, as clearly, he didn’t want our conversation to be overheard.

“Plans?” I practically squeaked out. Which was when he took the glass from my hand and held it out, as if knowing it would instantly be taken away by one of his minions.

“Plans… that don’t include sleeping,” he told me seductively, and I couldn’t help the shiver at the idea of what he may have ‘planned’ for later. Which was why I purposely yawned and told him,

“Well, I am very tired.”

He tossed his head back and laughed, his hand now slipping to the back of my neck where he gripped it in a firm hold.

“Then it is time for me to play the thief, for I very much intend to steal your sleep from you,” he replied, causing me to gasp and just like always, he knew exactly the right thing to say.

“What is this? No witty retort from the blade of your tongue?” he teased, and I couldn’t help but reply,

“You didn’t seem to mind my tongue earlier.”

His eyes widened, and those handsome, fine laughter lines appeared at the corners as he grinned.

“Ah, there she is, you had me worried for a moment.” He smirked, knowing what he was able to do to me. In fact, I had the next witty remark at the ready to go when the sudden sound of a glass breaking echoed throughout the room. A sound that ended up drawing my eyes away from Draven and towards another family member, making me suck in a quick breath.

Amelia.

Our sweet, quirky, brilliant, daughter was now looking panicked as her eyes focused solely on one person in the room…

Her own husband.

A Vampire who had clearly been occupied with another woman.

“Oh no.” I couldn’t stop myself from reacting, making Draven frown down at me.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his gaze now focusing on where my attention was rooted. Meaning I had to think fast.

“That poor girl dropped a glass and it looks like she is getting scolded for it.”

I wasn’t wrong as the same man I remember being named Jacobs was snapping angry words down at her. But as soon as Draven’s eyes focused on our daughter, I couldn’t help but look to another. The devilishly handsome face of Lucius now fully intent on her, leaving behind the woman he had been with as he swiftly started to make his way across the room.

Oh boy.

Here we go.

“Hmm, I am sure it isn’t as bad as it… wait, that’s it… you were a servant, weren’t you?” he asked, his gaze now off the daughter he didn’t know we had together and firmly back on me. Which meant he didn’t miss it when I flinched. Because I may have not been a servant per say, but I had been one of his waitresses to serve drinks. Gods, but where had the time gone?

“I… I…” I didn’t know what to say other than to swallow hard, telling him all he needed to know.

“It is of little matter now,” he suddenly stated, transporting me back to those times where Draven was intent on me not working for him. It was right after we had first slept together, and I had tried to get ready for my first shift. Something he hadn’t liked the thought of.

Well, he would like the thought of where I was really from even less. Which was why I found myself shaking my head before telling him,

“The life someone has lived shapes the life they lead and, therefore, is not something that is ever of little matter, My Lord.”

His eyes widened for a few seconds before they gentled as his hand cupped my face.

“My sincere apologies, for you are right, these are wise words indeed,” he said as he ran his thumb over my cheek, giving me one of those heated looks that had me quickly squirming in my seat. So instead, I tried to focus back on Amelia, only to find her now rushing from the room. Of course, I also wasn’t surprised to find a frustrating Vampire intent on following her.

Draven, obviously not happy I was trying to evade his attention, made a displeased sound before turning to see where my gaze was fixed. He frowned as he watched his second in command disappear after the servant girl, no doubt questioning why, and the second his sister stepped back in the room, he rose from his seat.

“Excuse me a moment, for I think I will go and ensure all is well with the girl.”

At this I started to panic, having no idea what would happen should Draven meet our daughter. Surely, he wouldn’t recognise her, as he didn’t yet even know of her existence. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t recognise something familiar in her. Which was why before I could stop myself, I grabbed his hand and stopped him. He looked down at my gloved hand wrapped around his wrist as if this was a completely foreign feeling when being restrained this way.

“Please, do you… do you have to go?” I asked, my tone full of vulnerability and nervous anxiety. To which he pulled his hand up enough so as he was grasping my own, before bowing his body so as he could kiss the back of it.

“You know not how it pleases me to witness your reluctance to see me leave. But do not fret, for I will not be gone long and, besides; you will have company,” he said with a devastating grin before standing fully and addressing his sister.

“Sophia, if I could impose on you to keep my betrothed company a moment.”

“But of course, it would be my pleasure, for I am sure we have much to discuss,” she said grinning, making Draven frown in question and prompting her say, “After all, we have a grand wedding to plan.”

This was obviously the right thing to say, as Draven beamed at her, totally missing my wince… or just outright ignoring it. He stepped into her and kissed her forehead in a tender gesture, before telling her,

“I will be gone but a moment…” Then he looked to me and added, “She is not to leave her seat. Understood, Sister?”

Sophia grinned up at him and nodded. But his eyes were still watching me and therefore not missing my scowl in return.

“And nor will she,” Sophia replied like the dutifully loyal sister I remembered her to be. Back when I had first entered their lives Sophia hadn’t simply played matchmaker, but she had also shown early on where her loyalties lay. However, over the years, this had switched as she had proved time and again that she would have followed me to the ends of the earth and beyond had it meant protecting me. Even if it also meant pissing off her brother. She’d had my back more times than I could count, and if this was my Sophia who was now taking her brother’s seat, then I knew it would be no different.

“Be good, little thief,” he told me affectionately, running the backs of his fingers down my cheek. Oh, and outright ignoring my huff of annoyance, and instead chuckling because of it. I then watched him leave, only shifting my gaze to Sophia when I heard her complain,

“Gods but I forgot how much I hated these bloody dresses.”

“Sophia?” I questioned ,making her smirk at me.

“That’s my name, babe, don’t wear it out,” she said winking at me, and I swear I felt like bloody hugging her!

“Oh, thank Christ for that!”

“Thirty years and you still can’t get out of the habit of thanking the prophet,” she grumbled, making me grin.

“Look, I will thank the sodding Easter bunny if it means you have a plan to get me out of here,” I told her, making her chuckle.

“Yes well, about that.”

I winced at this, feeling my whole-body tense.

“What now?”

“Oh, just the usual, you know, having an overbearing brother which seems to be a time traveling theme of ours,” she replied, making me groan.

“Overbearing…? Try insane, I’ve only known him a day and he is already declaring me as his wife to be!” I corrected.

“Yes, you do act fast, don’t you?”

My mouth dropped at this before I hissed,

“Hey, it isn’t me… the guy took one look at me, covered in mud I might add, and seemed to lose his ever-loving mind!”

“Ever loving is the right word there, Kazzy.”

Well, she wasn’t wrong.

“I feel like I need to point out that it took him a lot longer last time.”

At least my Persian king had found a little more restraint. But this was when Sophia thought I was in need of a history lesson.

“Yes, and that was because our loveable resident Imp was around to save the prophesied day. This time he found you without her Mojo in play.”

I released a sigh and rubbed my forehead in frustration.

“Yeah, no shit, he’s ready to make me his bloody wife and it hasn’t even been twenty-four hours, Sophia,” I complained, making her release her own heavy sigh.

“Yes, but consider how long he has waited for you, Kaz… come on, you know the gig, and this is my brother we are talking about I might add. Are you really so surprised?”

I closed my eyes at this, as it often pained me to be reminded of how lonely Draven had truly been while waiting for his Fated one to appear in his life.

“No, I’m not surprised, but none of that matters as now you’re here it means getting me out of this new time traveling conundrum… speaking of Pip, where is she?” I replied, to try and move past the guilt I felt mounting.

“Where do you think? Planning, as always… I mean, she is usually the one who astounds us all and gets us out of this shit.”

That was true, as really those who didn’t know Pip, didn’t give her enough credit for thinking outside the box. Hell, most of the time she lived outside of the damn thing!

“And Amelia, I saw her dressed as a servant. Lucius went after her, what if he too…”

Sophia covered my hand at this, something easily done with our chairs being so close.

“Don’t worry, Pip is there and using her talents to keep the fact that she is Lucius’s Chosen One from him, so long as he doesn’t taste her blood or sleep with her, then we should be all good in that department.”

I pulled a face at this and reminded her,

“Okay, still the mother here and she really doesn’t want that image painted on my parental brain.”

She smirked at this and told me,

“Look, it won’t be long before my domineering brother comes back and wants to claim his prize…” I shot her a look at this, and it was one she ignored. “…Which means we won’t get many opportunities to be alone. Don’t worry, we will make a plan, but in the meantime, it’s your job to try and get him to trust you.”

My jaw dropped and my brows furrowed in disbelief. I felt guilty enough as it was, now she wanted me to lead him into believing that I was here for good. Just how far did she want me to go?

“And how do I do that exactly?”

The look she gave me in return was like she was dealing with a toddler.

“How do you think, serve him tea and crumpets.”

My eyes widened and I fell for the bait. “Really?”

“No! Of course not. Jeez, do I have to spell it out for you? Sex, Keira, have sex with him.”

My mouth dropped at this. “What?!” I hissed and with good reason.

“Keep your voice down. Look, sleep with him, lure him into a false sense of security, tell him you have fallen madly in love with him, tell him you want his babies, whatever, just enough to make him drop his guard when we need him to.”

“Come again?” I asked in disbelief, hoping I didn’t just hear this plan of hers began with me sleeping with my younger husband. Because yes, of course physically I would have no problem with that. Not when he was the same gorgeous man, no matter which era, we lived in. But that wasn’t the problem and she knew it, hence why she said,

“Look, I know this is a morally grey area for you but he’s still my brother, which means he is still your Draven, despite it being 1799.”

“1799?! Jesus Christ!” I hissed when hearing this.

“And there you go again. Look, we obviously came back to this time for a reason,” she argued with a fake grin on her face to hide the fact that we were taking about this stuff.

“Yeah, well please don’t say it was for me to marry my husband again.”

“You know how this goes, everything happens for a reason and all that supernatural jazz,” she replied, making me grant her a sardonic stare.

“Pip is rubbing off on you,” I said.

“After the last three decades, you both are, but my point is that whatever happens will be for the Fates to decide.”

I felt my shoulders slump at that.

“Oh goodie, we all know how much they love me,” I said dryly, tossing my hands up in defeat and making her chuckle.

“Yes, well, as debatable as that is, the one thing they clearly do love is throwing you in my brother’s path… speaking of which, buckle up, buttercup. Here he comes.”

I looked back to the end of the hall and she was right. Here he came, and with me in his sights, he looked like a man on a mission.

As for my own mission, well thanks to Sophia’s little prep talk, it seemed as if I had only one job to do…

Bed myself a King.