The Dark Fey Chronicles Court of Roses

10

"One of your laws states you are innocent until proven guilty!" Declan reminded Erik. "I am guilty of plenty of things, I assure you, but lying to you about that night is one of them!"
Erik sighed and turned away. "Now is not the time to discuss such things. It can wait for the next meeting of the Council. Right now we have Hunters closing in and Ii think we should get out of here before they show up!"
A shudder washed through me and I looked around into the darkened woods. Erik had a point. We shouldn't linger here if we didn't need to.
Erik reached and wrapped his arm around my waist and guided me back up the driveway and to his car.
"Erik, he is my family!" I reminded him.
Erik sighed and nodded. "And it is only because of that fact  that he is not my prisoner! He lied to a King!"
I turned to face him. "I am asking you," I told him. "Please don't hurt him!"
Erik sighed and looked down at me as he held the car door open. His eyes roamed my face for money and he offered me a small smile. "No harm will come to him," he said. "You have my word." I smiled and felt myself relax a little. Perhaps Erik had been right. I would be tired soon. I turned and climbed into the car and Erik followed, pulling his phone from his jacket as he closed the door.
All at once everyone else was in their cars and moving down the driveway and into the rising sun. I settled into the seat beside Erik, knowing how intense this ride was going to be.
Erik didn't speak much. In one hand he held his phone, tapping away as he answered emails and messages. His other hand, resting gently on my thigh, traced circles and patterns on my skin. We didn't speak much, but there were many things I wanted to say. I had questions. I had spoken to Declan in hopes of cleaning up something. In truth, I was glad he was alive, but now, I dreaded what his connection to me could bring. Because he knew my secrets. He knew everything there was to know about me and Erik didn't. I felt like I was betraying him and I needed Declan to tell me what to do. Before this whole nightmare had started, Declan had been not only my cousin but my best friend. We were not blood related and my parents had always hoped we would end up Mates. I looked over at Erik and wondered if he had had anyone other than Summer in his life that had craved him the way she did.
"We will be home before night falls," he told me. "I was thinking about going for a run before dinner... did you want to join me?"
Erik tucked his phone into his coat now and looked over at me. His eyes were tired
and he looked like he was ready to pass out.
We had only been on the road for a few hours and we still had a few to go.
I nodded. "If I'm not too tired I'd love to join you!"
Erik smiled. "I can't wait for you to see it," he sighed and leaned closer to me. Erik raised his hand and touched the side of my face. "You will make the most beautiful Queen. Lexi, when we get home, I'd like to present you as my Mate," Erik said in a low voice. I felt the blood drain from my face and I wanted to kick myself for not being honest with him in the first place.
"Erik, I'm not sure if I am Queen material," I reminded him. "My father is a known enemy! How do you think the Elders or people are going to-"
Erik's hand wrapped around my hand and he pulled me forward, pressing me to his chest. "Lexi Darkbloom," my name left his lips in a sigh. "Do you have any idea how guilty I feel?"
I blinked. He felt guilty? For what? I leaned away from him confused but Erik refused to take his hands off of me. He tugged at the collar of my leather jacket and leaned forward.
"Liv told me of a vision, one where she saw you captured by Jegere. I refused to let her go because I was in fear of her life- I had just lost my father and I wasn't about to let her run off-"
I shook my head, reaching to touch his face. "Erik," his name left my lips in a whisper. "If you-... I have asked more than once to Claim you and each time you have refused me. If it is because you blame me-"
My fingers dug into his cheeks and he looked up at me. "I don't blame you for anything!" I assured him.
"But there are things about me no one knows. Things that-"
Erik leaned down, his lips pressing to my jaw. "You can tell me on your own time!" he assured me. Erik smiled and pulled away from me. "My mother is preparing a feast for us as we speak." I watched him pull out his phone and he smiled.
"She has had a room made up for you," he mused as he tapped away on his phone, a sly smile on his lips. "She will have a maid waiting to bathe and dress you for dinner," he said. I watched the smile tug at his lips as he slipped his phone back into his pocket. "What was that about?" I asked him. Erik smiled and traced a finger down the side of my neck.
"Just some last minute details," he told me.
My heart thumped in my chest as he leaned away, his hand tangled with mine.
"We are almost there," Erik told me.
I leaned forward, looking out the window. We were surrounded by thick trees and fens. Soon we were pulling into a gravel driveway that curled and winded around the Mountain. "How far are we from the East Mountains?" I asked him.
Erik sighed. "Unfortunately too far to go there now," he told me. "I know you want to go see your home-"
I shook my head. "I'm not stupid," I assured him. "I know Aros is watching that place!" Of course it had crossed my mind. Of course I wished to go back to my family home. I had hoped to do so the second Liv had freed me from the Pound. However, in the few days I had been free, so much had happened. Erik was right. He didn't know a thing about me.
Erik watched me, his eyes roaming my face. "He won't be for long," he told me after a long pause. "If that is what has you worried, I promise you, he won't get to you!"
I smiled and watched his face become curious again. His tone had gone flat, dead. "Tell me about your Cousin."
I smiled. "Declan is amazing," I sighed. "We grew up together. He was always my fiercest protector and we did everything together. When his father died just after his adoption into the Darkbloom family is when my aunt decided to move back in with us. Declan was about seven. I was five, I think?"
Erik frowned at me. "He is not your blood relative?" he asked me.
I shook my head. "Dec was adopted into the family shortly before my uncle passed away!" I told him.
Erik frowned. "Is he Mated?" he asked me.
I shrugged. "I mean I suppose he could be?" I said. "I haven't seen him in two years. He has changed a lot. I didn't really recognize him at first. After his father died... Declan became distant. Right before he went through his first Shift he came to me, asking me to stay with him. My own shift was around the corner and I was curious to see it," I told him and sighed.
Remembering how Declan had locked himself away from everyone after his father died still cut at me. Declan was the one I went to when I felt the changes for the first Shift beginning to take hold. He had ushered me out into the woods , far away from home that no one would hear or find us, but not far enough away that we couldn't make it back in case of trouble. The first time I shifted, I wasn't sure what I was going to be. I could have been anything. Anything at all. A hawk. A crow. A mountain lion. A rabbit. Anything. And yet for some reason I had shifted into a wolf.
Somehow he had gotten me through the pain. He had talked me through the pain and gotten through the first shift. It had been excruciatingly painful. My bones napped and twisted over and over again.
"Dec was there when I had my first shift," I told him as the car rolled to a stop.
"He is my cousin and my best friend."
Erik sighed. "He still knows more about you then I do," he pointed out in a sullen tone.
I nodded. "That's true," I agreed, not getting his meaning. Erik grumbled.
"That doesn't sit well with me," he growled. "I am your Mate. I should know all there is to know about you and I don't!"
We stared at each other for a moment and then I lowered my gaze when his eyes became too much for me to hold. The look he was giving me was making my stomach turn in unfamiliar ways. Then Erik breathed out a sigh and raised his hand to my chin, making me look at him.
"I'm sorry," he said. "I tend to be overly jealous sometimes. Forgive me?"
I forced a smile on my face and pulled away gently. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I'm the one who-"
Before I could finish, the door opened and Jax held his hand out to help me from the car. "Welcome Min Dronning, to your new home," Liv told me as skilled to the side of the car, waiting for me to exit the car.  Erik heaved himself from the car and then turned to offer me his hand.
"Dronning?" I asked him in a low voice.
Erik grinned. "Old Norse for Queen," he told me. "As we honor the Old Gods, we use the proper titles in Norse as well. Dronning means Queen. Ruler. Lover. Goddess-"
Erik's voice was low as he walked close beside me. "Do I have to be called that?" I asked him, my voice pleading for him to say no. That the staff could use my normal given name. He grinned at me. "Yes, they do," he told me. "The sooner that's out the better!" I watched his face become annoyed, almost like he had said too much.
I reached out and took his hand and let him pull me from the car. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it hadn't been anything like this. The front of the house was massive, towering three stories high, the house stretched away from me in both directions. It was an old brick house, Ivy creeped up the weather wiener walls and the gardens were in full bloom with russet golds and browns, just in time for the fall seasons. It was the biggest holding I had ever seen, hundreds of times bigger than my home had ever been.
The size of the house isn't what intimidated me, not even the armed guards with snipers strapped to their backs and hand guns on their hips. It was all of the people around me. Dozens of Maids, Butlers, men and women of all ages and races lined the walkway between me and the front door of the house. I gulped and stepped back, wishing I could dive back into the dark safety of the car. But Erik's hand gripped mine and held me steady.
"Breath," he whispered at me, his breath washing my cheek.
My eyes scanned the crowd. There was all sorts of life here. Fairies, their green tinted skin and glistening wings reflected oddly in the morning sun. I watched as they hovered in the sky, watching me as I slowly walked beside Erik. They were dressed in twigs and leaves, modestly covered but showing as much skin as possible.
Next were normal looking people. The first four most, including Declan, were each dressed in long red and gold robes.
Erik leaned in. "The Elders from left to right. Lucian, Caro and Fenris," he whispered.
I nodded quickly, knowing I should have asked about the more political aspects of Erik's job as king.
I looked at each of the Elders quickly.
Lucian to my left was a tall, skinny built man, his thinly braided hair was bleach blond, his eyes almost white. I raised an eyebrow, wondering. I couldn't place his race. "Drydalien," Erik told me.
I nodded, trying not to let my shock get the best of me. It was rare to see one. I had heard rumors of the Drydales, of their abnormal beauty and grace. I wondered which one was Summer's father.
Caro, a short, plump woman with auburn hair and a heart shaped face. She seemed ordinary until I saw her eyes. "Caro is the only remaining member of  the Valkyrie Order." I looked at the woman who was staring at me, her full face full of skepticism.
And lastly there was Fenris. He was the only one I knew out of the three.
The old man, with a long white beard, hand made cane in hand was staring at me as well. His almond shaped green eyes were wary as I came to a stop before him. The last time I had seen him was the night before my life had been turned upside down. Fenris was my fathers advisor before the new order had been put into place.
"Alexandra Darkbloom," he greeted me.
I watched the old man bow before me. "Fenris came to me the same day he left your house. He knows about Aros," Erik told me. I shook my head.
"Tell me again how you found out it was Aros?" I said in a low voice. The Elders looked at one another, Lucian looking more and more surprised and... disgusted?
"With all do respect, Miss, we can speak of these things at the Council meeting-"
Erik stepped up quickly. "There will be no Council meeting today, My Lords," he said and offered me his arm. "My Mate has had a long and difficult journey and she needs her rest before the Banquet tonight!"
The Elders all mumbled in agreement. Everyone but Lucian. He just simply smiled at me and turned away, following the other Elders as they politely dismissed themselves and walked back inside the building. I sank my head as whispers raised up around me now. "Come,"Erik told me in a low voice.
Just inside the doorway stood Katja and Liv. Katja was dressed in a floor length black and gold dress. "Lexi," she mused and held her hands out to me.
I forced a smile on my face and let her take my hands. I glanced over my shoulder but Erik was already surrounded by people, including the Elders and the Council. I frowned. I had questions for everyone. I wanted to be brought up to date on everything now that I knew Aros was still alive. Finding him would be my number one priority. However, right now, I have to act interested in the people around me. I had to be modest and mindful.
The Maids were waiting for me by the stairs. I looked back at Erik but he was on his way back over to me now but he wasn't alone. He had Caro with him, her face looking oddly pleased. With them was a girl, much younger than me. She was dressed in brown leather fighting gear. She had a large stick strapped to her back and her feet were booted in thick combat boots.
"Lexi, this is Caro and her daughter Krysta," Erik told me. "Krysta and Caro have offered to take you under her wing for training. You start the first thing tomorrow!"
I gulped and looked at Krysta . She was toned, tan and beautiful. And she looked like she would be me at anything. The only thing that bothered me? She was just a child! "Pleased to meet you, My Queen," Mira greeted me.
I smiled at her. "Pleasure is all mine," I told her. She smiled at me.
"Erik tells me I may have my work cut out for me," she said as she looked me up and down. "Looks like he was right-"
Caro slapped her daughter's arm. "Krysta, show some respect!" she snapped.
Krysta rubbed her arm and then looked back at me. "I'm sorry," Mira said quickly. "Sometimes my mouth gets away with me!"
I smiled. "That's quite alright," I assured her.
Erik tugged at my side gently and guided me inside the house and led me away from the masses. I sighed, feeling like I could breathe again.
"There is a bath waiting for you and a room for you to rest in," he told me as we walked down the stone hallway. "I want you to relax and rest. I will come find you before dinner!"
"Where will you be?" I asked him as he looked down the hall to a group of people staring and talking to each other. They were all looking at me, mumbling to one another.
"A King's work is never done," he reminded me. "I have some meetings and a few phone calls to make! A Maid will take you to your room and help you with your bath!"Erik waved at one of the Maids who hurried over to me.
"See to it that Lady Darkbloom is shown to her room and that she has all that she needs!" he said and raised my hand to his lips. "I will join you for dinner later."
I nodded and the maid walked to stand by my side. "My name is Sonja, Lady Darkbloom-"
I smiled at her and waved a hand. "Please, Lexi will do just fine!" I assured her.
I watched Sonja bow her head at me. "With all due respect, Lady Darkbloom, but King Erik instructed us to call you Lady as you are now the Lady of the House and or Queen Alexandra."
I groaned. "That won't be necessary!" I assured her. "Lady Darkbloom is fine!"
Sonja laughed at me. "Follow me," she said and guided me down a narrow stone hallway. This castle was huge. Much bigger than the one we had stayed in before. I followed Sonja up some stairs and I could see Liv and Katja talking in the room below us as we passed overhead.
Maids, butlers and other staff of the Manor were bustling about, some of them even looking stressed as Liv and Katja walked through the hall, pointing at and adjusting things such as flowers and furniture as they walked. Katja seemed very much in her element and she looked like she was actually enjoying herself. With a small smile I rounded the corner and followed Sonja on up another set of stairs and about halfway down the hall when she finally stopped. The room was more secluded then the other floors seemed to be.
"Here you are," Sonja told me. "A bath has already been drawn for you and I will return to help you dress yourself shortly. King Erik requests that you join him for dinner."
I nodded and Sonja opened the bedroom door for me. Almost immediately I was hit by Erik's scent. My mouth watered.
"Thank you," I said.
Sonja ushered me inside, advised me not to take too long because Liv had a fitting scheduled for me. Apparently I needed more clothes. I looked around the room now, Erik's smell was everywhere here. I walked over to the bed where the scent was the strongest and my heart sank. Was this his room? Had he instructed the Maid to bring me here instead of my own room.  I sighed and picked up the dress bag that was tossed across the bed and unzipped it.
Inside was a long sleeved black, gold and silver beaded floor length dress. I sighed and took the dress to the bathroom with me. I did as Erik asked me. I showered and dressed myself as best I could. I couldn't reach the zipper at the back of the dress. I tried and reached and tried again but it was no use. I would just have to wait for the maid.
I walked back out to the bedroom and found some makeup on the vanity table. I decided to go with a smoky eye look since my dress was black. I did gold highlights with my eyeshadow and then turned to look at the dress. It was extremely beautiful. It was form fitting and snug. Liv has outdone herself.
"Breathtaking," Erik whispered from behind me. I turned to see him in the doorway of the bedroom. He was dressed in a snug black suit, carved with vines and roses in a black, almost gleaming material. He smiled when he saw me.
Blood rushed to my face and chest. "I'm not quite ready, Erik," I told him.
He smiled and leaned against the door as he closed it. "I can see that," he said and looked down at his feet. "Do you need any help?"
I sighed and shook my head, reaching behind me to try and get a grip on the zipper. "I-I can't reach it!" I said after a moment. Erik smiled.
Erik smiled a small smile, keeping his gaze low as he waved for me to turn around. I turned, feeling my heart pound in my chest. Erik's finger trailed up the middle of my back, up my bony spine to the top of my shoulder. "So beautiful," he whispered and sighed. He was standing so close that I could feel his breath touch my back. Then, his hand ran slowly from one of my shoulders to the other, tracing the curves of one shoulder before tracing over to the other side. My chest felt like it was about to burst and my heart thumped unevenly.
"Lexi," Erik whispered my name now. "I can hear your heartbeat..." his fingers left my skin for a moment and the thumping pain in my chest seared at the loss.
Erik's hands came back up, brushing my hair aside as he leaned in again. I felt his hot breath on my skin and my breath caught. "Do you want me to stop?"
Before I could answer, Erik's arm came around and wrapped around my waist, pressing me back against his chest. Erik sighed in content as his face went to the side of my neck and he inhaled deeply.
"Lexi," my name left his lips in a longing filled whisper. "Let me Mark you!"
He was asking me. Again. And I didn't know if I had it in me to refuse him again. His touch is the only thing keeping me from falling apart right now. Erik kissed my shoulder gently. It wasn't even a kiss really. His lips just brushed the top of my shoulder, glancing against my chilled skin.
"Erik," his name left my lips in a small gasp.
Erik turned me to face him, his hands gripping my shoulders. I gasped in surprise at the sudden movement. In an instant I watched the lust filler look in his eyes vanish and his lips parted in surprise. In one swift movement, Erik stepped back and zipped up my dress quickly.
"I'm sorry," he said quickly. "I shouldn't have  done that!" We stared at each other for moment. I didn't quite understand what he meant. I swallowed hard and watched him walk back to the bed and grab up his jacket and slip it on.
"Are you ready?" he asked me.
I was not sure why but I felt a sob threaten to break past my lips. Erik's face because
confused. "I'm sorry!" he said quickly and walked back to my side.
"Lexi-"
I shook my head. "I'm trying, Erik!" I told him. "I'm trying to be the person you need me to be but... there are things-"
"That you can not speak of and I understand that you may never be ready-"
Erik stopped himself and sighed,  reaching up to touch my face. "If stolen touches and glances are all I get for a while... I have to learn to deal with that!"
I didn't answer. What was I supposed to say? That I wanted him but I was afraid to be with him? Erik smiled and held out his hand for me now. "Now, are you ready for this?" he asked me.
I sighed, knowing I wasn't. "Yes," I told him and laced my hand in his. I had questions forever one here right now.
Erik.
Declan.
The Elders.  So many questions. So many secrets. I needed answers for everything. And I was determined to get them.