The Viking Alpha

Festival-part 1

~Warning! Mature audience only. Sexual content ahead~

(Cassi POV)

Tonight was the festival. Weeks had gone by. Her time was swamped with activities. She studied every morning after breakfast. Archery at noon for an hour or so. Then planned for the festival at night until bed. Whenever there was free time she spent with James. If he was busy she hung out with Madga and or Natalie. She would even sometimes just tag along with Eva or Rexton with whatever they were doing. Despite how busy she was, Jonathan's offer still replayed in the back of her mind. She had made a decision. She was becoming paranoid. She wondered if James sensed something. Because when they were together they'd cuddle or go over what she learned. But he seemed distant somehow. She knew something was bothering him but every time she brought it up he changed the subject or would try and distract her. He would come to her archery lessons. Rexton, bless him, was an excellent teacher. A patient one at that. When Cassi had asked him to teach her he blushed but was all too eager. Vincent even would make an appearance from time to time. But every time James saw Rexton too close to her he'd move between them and take over the lesson. By now she actually had surprised herself. She could hit the mark from fifty yards away. It wasn't supernatural ability good but good for a human, she thought
But the most drama that had happened in all that time was one night when she went to go to sleep, a couple weeks back,when she realized her necklace was gone. She tore the room, the library, and nearly the whole castle apart. When James discovered her searching the courtyard, where her archery training took place, he asked what she was doing. She answered while crawling through the grass frantically. When the servants reported nothing found and James finally made her stop she cried all night. James tried everything to comfort her but it was useless. Losing that necklace was like losing her mama all over again. By a miracle James gave it back to her over breakfast. He mumbled something about it being found in the laundry. So happy at it being returned she smiled all day. She was now making last minute preparations in the garden, and In the courtyard. She was alarmed at one point when she saw people lining up at the edge of the forest on the east side. She had never been on that side before. But when she saw a man slice his palm and then lay it on the ground she grew pale. Rexton was close to her. As she swayed he steadied her.
'Why did he do that?'
Rexton just chuckled. 'You, humans, lay flowers for your dead. We give blood. A fraction of our power to go into the earth that now resides our dead. Back there is a graveyard of sorts. We burn our dead and scatter their ashes back there.'
'I see.'
He patted her arm. 'Don't worry. His highness will probably allow you just a prick.'
'What do you mean?'
'As our new queen you pay tribute too.'
'B-but I'm not magical.'
Rexton just shrugged. 'But you are one of us now, Cassi. Same rules apply.'
Shuddering at the thought she moved on to supervise the rest of the arrangements. Giant tents were built, fire jugglers practiced, games were set up. Everything looked like it was going to plan. It was now close to dusk. The events start when the moon is at its highest. So in about three hours. The plan was they'd all be entertained, play games, prizes would be won. Then the hunt would begin. She was under the impression that this event only lasted a day.
But as it turned out it was a three night event.
Tonight the winner would be selected for the hunt, the kill that was the biggest would be prepared for tomorrow night. The winner would sit with the queen and king. On the third night there would be a ball. To honor the past, celebrate the present, and to look forward to the future.
Guiding everyone to their places, she felt like she was on a roll. Everything so far was going without a hitch. When everything looked like it was in good hands she decided she needed a breather. Looking around quickly to make sure no one was looking she sneaked off. Going into the garden she sat by the fountain.
'You got this.' She said out loud to herself.
'I'd say so.' She heard a voice behind her say.
Turning she saw Johnathan leaning against one of the trees. He was wearing some sort of costume. It looked ancient.
'What the hell are you wearing?' She couldn't help the laugh that escaped her.
Johnathan smiled wryly. 'I wouldn't laugh, princess. You get a costume too. Us royals and the people wear them for the festival. It's what our ancestors wore in the beginning. The true viking.'
Her laugh died. 'I'm not wearing anything like that. Sorry, but you look ridiculous. Is that chain mail? You look like you belong in some kind of sleazy male stripper club.' Her laughter started back up at the end.
'Shut the hell up! Have you had time to think about what we discussed?' He demanded.
Again her laughter stopped. Her face became serious.
'Yes, I think I have.'
'And? What's your answer?'
She cleared her throat and stood tall.
'Yes. I'll leave. Under the conditions that both mine and James's mind are wiped, I go back to the human world, and under no circumstances will any of you come for me again. Do I have your word?' She asked as she held out her hand.
'It's a bargain, princess.'
A chill swept through her. When she shook his hand it felt like she just gave away part of her soul.
Dropping his hand quickly she asked,
'When do you think this will all happen?'
'I knew you'd make the right choice. So I already made preparations. It will happen on the third night of the festival. The moon will still be full and magic is easier to harness. So be ready.'
'Fine.'
'I'd go and get ready for tonight, if I were you. Remember, act normal.'
'You know something about normal? Oh please Sensei, tell me more.' She mocked.
With a glare Johnathan stalked off.
Rolling her eyes she walked back to the castle. When she went up to the room a beautiful jade colored gown was laying on the bed. Accessorized with a gold beaded belt and a black hooded cloak. Viking runes sewn into the belt and the hood of the cloak with red thread. It was breathtaking, she thought as she gently picked it up. Simple but absolutely breathtaking.
'It was my mothers.' James's voice spoke behind her.
His costume was like his brothers but James looked like every cosplay roleplaying fantasy there was. A grey tunic with the sleeves tucked in brown leather arm cuffs fit snug on both arms. His black wool pants were tight. Accenting his strong thighs, and his lean hips. They were tucked into what looked like black riding boots. A small cloak was around his shoulders held by a pin that held his crest.
'Wow.' She breathed.
A crooked smile adorned his face.
'Enough gawking. Let's get you ready.'
Without another word he lifted her shirt up over her and unbuttoned her jeans. A look of lust came in his eyes as she stood there in nothing but a white lace matching set of bra and underwear. But as quick as it came he shook his head and continued.
'James?'
'Yes?'
'Is there something wrong?'
He paused. 'Why would you ask that?'
'I don't know.' She trailed off while looking down. 'It's just these last few weeks you've seemed so...distant. Did I do something wrong?'
He stared at her. His eyes were unreadable. The way he was looking at her made her feel so vulnerable. Like he was stripping her of everything and she had nowhere to hide. She felt like she was about to cry when he smiled gently. Kissing her softly on the head he held her tightly.
'No, love. You've done nothing. It's me. There are things I'm just trying to understand and it's been difficult.'
He helped her slide the dress over her. Turning her around he buttoned it up in the back.
'Like what?' She asked as she held her hair aside for him.
'It's very difficult to explain. Like I've told you, I don't understand it myself.'
'Try me.' She challenged, while turning.
He smiled and tied her belt around her waist.
'I will. Later. Right now we have bigger things to do. Are you nervous?'
She shrugged. 'A little. But I think I'll learn as I go.'
He suddenly kissed her hard. This kiss felt different. These last few weeks he had been treating her as if she was glass. Now he was kissing her as if he was trying to hang on to her. When she had to break for air he held her so tightly.
'I need you so much, Cassandra. Please remember that. No matter what.'
She looked at him. 'James? What is going on?'
He kissed her one more time. Gently this time. He sighed before turning away.
'I'll send Eva to help you with the rest. I'll be waiting down stairs.'
She stood there after he left. Completely confused. Then panic came.
He knew.
Johnathan had to have told him.
Oh, God. What was she supposed to do now?
Her inner turmoil was interrupted by a quick knock then Eva came in.
'We have to hurry. Come. Let me do your hair.'
Eva firmly sat her at the vanity desk and began to brush her hair. Soon she was left with her long hair free with a few braids put artfully on the side and some underneath.
Eva was tying her cloak when a horn sounded outside.
'Its time!'
Eva quickly grabbed her and was pushing her out of the room and ushering her downstairs. James was there. Waiting for her. His eyes glowed when he saw her.
'Beautiful.' He whispered before kissing her. 'Are you ready?'
'As I'll ever be.' They strode outside into the crowd waiting for them. James led her to the stage where two thrones sat. He settled her in her chair before turning to the crowd.
'Good evening. Myself and your queen thank you all for joining us. We will begin the hunt very soon. In the meantime give thanks and celebrate our heritage. Remember why we are all here and who we come from. Now if you will, please go and enjoy yourselves.'
The crowd cheered and dispersed. Cassi and James sat there watching over everything and everyone. His hand curled around her fingers. When he wasn't looking at her she studied him. She couldn't make heads or tails. Did he know? Why was he acting so distant and almost sad one moment then desperate and passionate the next? She was making the right choice. She was sure of it.
'If that were true, then why are you having doubts?' Her inner voice spoke up.
She shook her head. It was for the best. If she could remember in the future she would still think so. That was the only thing that kept the fake smile on her face as the night approached the hunt hour.