The Dark Fey Chronicles Throne of Glass

Chapter 9

Gentle fingers pressed into the skin at my waist... a heavy arm draped over my middle. Warm lips pressed to my neck and jaw moving and pressing along my skin. The smell of blood and pine filled my nose and I sighed in content. He was safe.
"Erik."
I sat up, looking around the room. I was alone. I was sure I had just felt him. Positive, even. I pulled my legs closer to my chest, closing my eyes. Erik?
I knew of course it was impossible to link with him this far away. We could have the strongest, most perfect bond and connection in the world and it still Not be able to reach each other mentally. Liv? No one had reached out in three days. I was a guest here, and the Drydaline people were weary of strangers and people of non-drydlalien blood. Erik had told me that the Drydales did well to keep the peace within their own alliances. Nakoma, although new to her Power, was making alliances anywhere she could because she didn't want to be opposed by anyone anytime soon. Or so Erik had told me. I felt like there was more to it. Drydalien laws were still a mystery to me. Erik didn't seem to know much about them either and since he was so preoccupied with his own politics.
I sometimes got the feeling he did not care for Nakoma much. He was always very short and curt with and about her.
I wished I could ask him.
My heart aced in my chest as I thought of him. Tears filled my eyes and a sob hitched in my chest. I wasn't even sure what was wrong with me.  I was so upset that Erik had left me but seemed more then that. I couldn't explain it.
How could he? Would he think I was over reacting? Was I overreacting? The  hot tears that had been brimming in my eyes spilled down my cheeks. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. I was supposed to be at home. I should have told Erik that the families could come to us instead. It was silly we had left Rose Court in the first place. Heaving a frustrated sigh I stood up, turning the file on the oil lamp beside my bed. Warm light filled my room and I grabbed up the silk robe at the. End of my bed and slipped it on.
Upon opening my bedroom door I was greeted by my four guards. "My Lady, is something the matter?"
I shook my head. "I wish to go to the library." The guards all nodded, not asking what I could possibly want in the library at two-thirty in the morning?
They escorted me to the entrance of the library and waited there.
Thankful for the privacy, I closed the double doors behind me and leaned against them. It was cold in here. None of the fire places were lit and no one was around to light light the empty basins. I didn't feel like asking one of the guards to do it. I needed to be alone. I turned and walked over the the desk where a small round oil lamp stood and removed the glass lid. Placing my thumb and forefinger over the charred wick, I focused the feeling of the comforting heat I always felt when using my fire magic. With a whispering catching sound, the wick caught fire and I replaced the glass lid.
It was getting easier to use my magic. I didn't need to focus so much any more. It was becoming more of a habit each time I used it. I walked around the library, looking at the books, the room opened up into huge, round room with bookcases, climbing several stories high. Walking forward, I placed my hands on the railing of the staircase, looking around the huge library. As I leaned forward, the world around me slipped into a deep, stifling darkness. I felt the force of it shock up my arm, locking my fingers around the railing. I knew where I was.
Den glemte verden.
The forgotten world.
The last time I had been there, Aros had nearly touched me... I shuddered and looked around, seeing nothing but the blackness. My left hand gripped the railing, somehow feeling like this was keeping me anchored to the real world. My right hand trembled in the coldness around me, the heat of the lamp warming my face, reminding me also, that I was not really here. Pressure washed through me and I closed my eyes, trying to focus. The Whisperes wrapped around my mind and I looked around, my heart suddenly beating hard my chest. The whisperes were coming and going... male and female... young... old...cries for help and screams of anger...
My fingers dug into the wooden frame, my breath coming out in a white puff.
I closed my eyes, seeing Erik's face before me. I tried focus on that. On him. But I wants sure if I could keep the image of him in my head. The bitter cold in the room was biting into my skin. Erik's face flashed before me. Warmness washed against my skin and I opened my eyes to find myself back in the library. The whispers around me flared and dulled a few times. I couldn't make out what they were saying.
I stood there for a moment, to stunned to move. I glanced around the vast room, suddenly feeling like I was not alone. How long would it take Erik to reach me this time? How long would we be apart? I felt sick thinking about it, an odd metallic taste in my mouth.
Erik. I need help. I need you! Where are you?
But I was completely alone with my thoughts. I needed help.
I'm not sure what came over me. It was almost like someone or something had taken over me. My arm raised on its own accord and I watched a small white light flash from my palm, biting and searing my unbroken skin.
Erik?
No one answered me. My thoughts were as quite as the dead silence around me. I shook my head, shaking the depressing thoughts and feelings aside and looked down at the thick book in my hand as powerful vibrations ripped up my arm.
I blinked, my mind going blank with shock for a moment as I tried to understand what had just happened.
"Lexi?"
I felt my heart slam against my chest when his voice reached my ears. I turned to see his jet black hair wet from the rain outside, his bright, almost glowing blue eyes were fixed on my face. My brother smiled at me.
"Jon!" His name left my lips in a desperate cry as I launched myself across the room and into his arms. Jon smiled and grunted in pain but locked his arms around me. "I can't believe it!"
Jon leaned away, grabbing his side.
"Where is Erik?"
I felt my heart sink. "He's not with you?" I demanded. The door behind me slammed closed and we both turned. When I saw Liv standing by the door, dressed in the same green dress I had last seen her in two days ago, now torn and dirty, her silver hair was matted in dirt and dried blood, the wind left my lungs. Jon's arms left me and he was across the room and had his arms around her before I could take my next breath.
"Liv!" My voice was raw.
I watched in shock as my brother's arms snaked around Liv and pressed her to him. There was nothing gentle about it. His movements were rough and desperate. His face was twisted with relief and pain. The face only someone would make who knew the pain of losing a loved one. However surprised I was at my brothers actions, it was nothing to the complete and utter shock I felt when Jon's hands came up to her face and pulled her forward to firmly press his lips to hers. Liv, to distracted by his sudden advance to stop him, hugged him back briefly, her face tender when she looked up at him.
"I thought I'd lost you," Jon's voice was not as quite as he thought. Liv, looking at me over his his shoulder, now an upset, guilty look on her face as she pressed herself to Jon, returning his hug.
Thunder suddenly boomed overhead and then, a few seconds later, heavy rain began to pour down, slamming against the high, round glass windows above. I crossed my arms, the thin nightgown did little to warm me.
"You know me better then that," she said in a teasing tone as she leaned away from him. "I can get out of anything!"
I smiled. It was helpful that Liv had been working on trying to strengthen her telepathic abilities. I smiled at her as she walked toward me, her small frame beaten and bruised.
"My Queen." She bowed before me.
I reached and grabbed her shoulders. "Don't you dare!" I assured her and pulled her in. "Gods, Liv, you scared the hell out of me! I'm glad you are OK!" I knew she would be OK. Once I saw Jon, I knew Liv was alive too. Because if Liv had even the slightest chance of being in danger, there was no way Jon would leave her. Not now. Not anymore.
As I stared at my brother, I understood this was it for him. He had chosen Liv as his Mate and she had chosen him. I chewed my lip. This could be dangerous. Even chosen Mates sometimes die. Chosen Mates can not be Marked to each other. To Mark a chosen Mate means Death. Sometimes, Dark Fey sometimes still insisted upon Marking their chosen Mate, someone who has already lost their intended Mate. Someone who does not want to spend his or her immortal days alone.
I chewed my cheek. This was dangerous for many reason. Even worse, if they both by some miracle survived the Marking of each other, Jon would automatically become Prince of the Modori, officially making him heir because of his blood ties to Liv. Even then, if Jon really wanted to, he could kill off the Modori blood line, ending with my child. And I couldn't let that happen... Liv raised an eyebrow.
"Did you hear me?" she asked me.
I blinked. "I'm sorry?"
Liv sighed. "Where is my brother?"
I shook my head. "We met up at the rendezvous point but we were ambushed. Erik pushed me through the portal that brought me here. I haven't herd from Erik in two day."
Liv sighed and crossed her arms. "This is bad," she fussed. "The meeting is tomorrow night! Erik has to be there!"
I felt my heart sink. "What if he's not?"
Liv and Jon glanced at each other. "What?" I demanded. "Are you kidding me?" Liv sighed and waved her hand at me as if to try and down play the situation I was now realized I was in.
"You can do this!" she assured me. "You are a Queen in your own right! And Princess Masako hosts one of the last remaining Drex Priestess know in existence."
I felt my jaw drop. "But I thought Aros killed them all!" I said. "He had people, followers-"
Jon nodded. "People who are otherwise dead," he said and turned away. "What is the game plan now?"
I frowned at his sudden stuff and formal demeanor. "Well I can't go with out-"
Liv cut me off. "You don't have a choice," she said, leaving no room for debate. "You have to. You are the Queen." Jon sighed. "She's right."
I looked between them, hoping they were joking. I waited for them or at least one of them to crack up laughing but they both just looked at me.
"No," I said and turned away. "Erik pushed me through the damned Portal!" I growled and watched as the oil lamp beside me flared up as anger rushed through me. "This isn't how it was supposed to be!"
Liv sighed. "Nothing was supposed to go the way it has," she's agreed and glanced down at her finger where a huge diamond rested on her left ring finger. I felt my heart sink.
"I need a shower," she said. "I will find you after." She glanced at Jon and I looked between them. "You both should go. Gods know when we may have a moment to ourselves again."
Jon and Liv glanced at each other and I smiled. "Go," I assured them. "If Erik were here, I would be at his side right now anyway!"
Liv shook her head. "I'm not leaving you alone!"
I sighed. Erik had told me the same thing. Both Liv and Erik had sworn not to leave me. They were both sworn to protect me. As was my brother. I looked up at them.
"Very well," I sighed. "It's good you are both here anyway. Since you are both sworn into my service, no one can deny you entry when we meet with the Families. I will have to tell the truth and say that Erik is delayed. Have we herd from him, by any chance?"
Liv shook her head and pulled out her phone. "He missed the checkpoint I set up for him. I contacted some other Dark Fey to help him along the way if they see him-"
I suddenly felt sick. "I-... don't think I can do this." My hands went to my stomach as it churned and heaved. "I'm gonna-"
"Over there!" Liv pointed to the trashcan beside the table. I darted for it it, falling to my knees as I heaved up what little I had eaten to begin with.
"Are you OK?" Jon asked me.
For some reason his question irritated me more then it should have. "Do I look OK?" I demanded. Jon frowned and stepped away. I shuddered at the taste of bile in my mouth and cleared my throat. "Here."
I looked up to see Liv handing me a bottle of warmer, the zipper open from the messenger bag at her hip. I sighed and grabbed the bottle from her. After a few sips, I gathered myself uo off the floor. "What is being done to find Erik?"
No on spoke. I raised an eyebrow.
"What is being done by the Shifters, the Dark Fey who are loyal to our-"
Liv sighed. "With all due respect, you have no other Shifters to speak of. With everything happening so quickly and the fight between Aros and Hunters we have forgotten about out Public duties. They never went away. They just became more angry and annoyed."
I sighed. "Angry and annoyed?" I asked her. "Dare I ask?"
Jon crossed his arms. "I will admit you are getting the short end of the stick, however, if you keep a cool and collected head, we can get you through this!"
I reached up and touched my Mark. It was hot to the touch. "What if Erik is-"
Liv shook his head. "No," she assured me. "I would know. He is just running late. Like you said, be honest. Tell them that your King was attacked! Tell them that they could be next if we don't stop the Hunter threat now, we never will."
I nodded, still feeling sick. My head swam and there was a high pitched w in my ears. Liv raised an eyebrow.
"I saw you guard detail out there," Liv noted as she glanced over she shoulder at the guards who glanced into the room every now and then.
I sighed. "They are mostly quite for the most part," I assured her. "Nakoma didn't want to take any chances after the attack at Rose Court."
Liv shook her head. "I still can't believe they caught us off guard like that!"
I scoffed. "I can!" I assured her.
Jon sighed. "Me too," he agreed. "Caro and Crysta were the best the Valkyri had seen in years-"
The double doors suddenly opened and a guard stepped in again.
"Lord Revna of the Mortem to see you, Queen Alexandra."
I sighed and looked at Liv. "Stay."
I watched an odd look over come her face and she reached forward, her hands caressing my face. I stilled and looked up at her. "I can't believe it!"
Her words left her lips in a surprised gasp, a wonderful look on her face.
"What?" I demanded but before Liv couldn't answer, a tall, dark figure entered the room. I watched the tall think man, dressed in long dress robes and a cloak, his long thin black hair hanging down his thinly, square face. He was oddly beautiful but hauntingly disturbing at the same time. It had been a long time since I had seen Lord Revna. But this wasn't him. I knew that for sure.
"You are not Lord Revna," I commented and the man bowed before me. I glanced at Liv who was regarding the man with guarded eyes.
"No, not the Lord you were expecting, My Lady, I know. My father has passed and I have taken his seat as head of my family and I seek to marry my son to your daughter, should you seek to have an alliance with the Mortem. Where is your Lord and Husband?"
I swollwed, suddenly nervous. "He has been delayed due to-"
Revna nodded. "The attack at Rose Court." I watched the tall think man, dressed in long dress robes and a cloak, his long thin black curtain of hair was hanging down his thinly, square face. He was hauntingly beautiful.
"So I herd."
Liv stepped forward, effectively putting herself between me and Revna.
"What can we do for you?" she asked him. "We have urgent mattered to attend to, Lord Revna!"
Revna smiled, his bright yellow glowing eyes lingered on me. "I come to offer you a gift."
"A gift?" I echoed in mock surprise, trying to sound polite. What is he up to? I glanced at live from the corner of my eye. "You flatter me, Ser."
Revna bowed before me. "As a fellow ruler, I forgives we could use any many as we can get!"
Liv narrowed her eyes at him. Revna is in the blackmarket slave trade! He run it, rules it, is it's keeper. In addition to seeing over Beserkers, the Mortem also poses some of the greatest magical arsenals known to the Dark Fey world.
I kept my smile in place, hoping, praying Erik would walk through the doors next. "It is late," I said as if to remind Revna. "I'm sure whatever it is, it can wait until morning-"
Revna looked over my shoulder for the first time at Jon.
"I knew your father, boy," he said and walked forward a few paces. "He was-"
"Dead," I said bitterly and turned away.
Revna cleared his throat but Liv spoke again before he could say anything.
"Her Majesty is quite tired and has had quite an eventful few days."
Revna frowned. "And you can't hold your own without someone to guid you." His eyes narrowed at Jon and Liv.
"People know all about the Drex Twins, the ones who are held in the highest regard in Thorn Court of the Shifter Modori rulers."
We stared at each other and then I sighed. "It seems you have me at a disadvantage, Lord Revna." He smirked at my admitted defeat. "There is nothing I could possibly want from you, child. Your Mate is who I am after."
Jon and Liv growled beside me.
"I am in Thorn Court, home of the Drydales and the immortals. I have been promised safe conduct."
I growled. "I made no such promise!" Jon growled at him.
Revna laughed. "Still hot headed, just like Aros."
Jon was moving before I understood what was happening. I watched as Jon vanished from beside me and his fist connecting with the side of the older man's face. I watched Revna go down with a grunt. "I am anything but Aros!" Jon seethed at him. "Do well to remember that!"
Jon didn't wait for him to answer. I watched him shove Revna once more and the stall from the room, passing Liv to press a small kiss to the top of her head. Liv didn't take her eyes off of Revna as he picked himself up off the floor and dusted himself off.
"What does it matter?" Revna wanted to know as he turned to face me again. "I understand the situation you are in-"
I cut him off quickly.
"With all due respect, Lord Revna, I sincerely doubt that."
Revna pursed his lips. "Any word on his Grace, the King?"
I shook my head. "When we do, you will be the first to know." I bowed my head at him. "And I assure you, business between the Modori and the Motem would be in your best interest. The King welcomes you."
Revna laughed at me. "The king is not here!" reminded me.
Liv growled and I sighed, folding my arms before me.
Revna smiled. "How generous," he commented after a bored glance at us and I offered him a knowing, sly smile. "In the spirit of our new found friendship!" I said.
Revna raised an eyebrow. "You do deals without the consult of your King?" he asked me.
The door behind him opened once more and Nakoma, dressed in a long, flowing ivory gown, stepped through the door, her face grim. Her auburn hair seemed to glow in the soft, moon lit room. Her ivory skin was pale, dark blue veins were visible, spiderwebbing across her marble like skin. 
"Nakoma?" Her face was scaring me.
Everyone turned t look at her. "I am afraid I bring sad news, Queen of the Shifters."
I felt my heart sink. "What?"
Liv let a small gasp leave her lips and I looked between them. "What!?"
She looked around the room. The Drydalien Queen's next words pierced through me, stabbing and cutting at me like a white hot blade. "I'm afraid the King, Erik Modori is dead."