Demon Within (15 page)

Garlan and Leon stood beneath the shelter of the terrace and watched the rain, their expressions mixed. Unimpressed by the downpour, Garlan’s face expressed his disdain perfectly. The inclement weather was unexpected, only a few moments previously, the sky had been clear; not a hint of a cloud let alone a rainstorm. Noticing Nissa had joined them to watch the downpour, he puffed out a breath.

‘I hope this doesn’t last, it’s going to spoil the wedding.’

Leaning forward briefly Leon scanned the heavens; the rain was no issue for him, his concerns were for Eloise. It didn’t look like it would ease any time soon. Glancing briefly towards the doorway, he could sense Nissa’s anxiety as she joined them. Having heard the morning’s argument with Kiera and Eloise, he’d asked Sabe if he should ride after them. But Kai’s friend assured him that it was no concern, which made him feel easier.

Leon had been impressed with the town since they’d arrived and Kai had been the perfect host. He had no reason to fear any harm would come to Eloise while out with Kai. Since meeting him, he’d changed his views about the former slave.

‘Where the hell did it come from?’ Garlan asked, to nobody in particular.

Leon, with a raised brow in Nissa’s direction replied. ‘I’m sure I have no idea my Lord.’

Nissa, smiling sheepishly and returned inside; she wanted to speak with Sabe anyway.

Leon smiled; he wasn’t going to embarrass her further. Acknowledging her smile, he watched her leave. Seeing Garlan’s agitation at the continuing rain, he thought he’d enquire if he knew where Roulan had gone. Leon had watched him ride out in the early hours, and asked by Sabe of his whereabouts, he answered truthfully when he said he had no idea. Roulan’s behavior caused increasing concern and he was sure Garlan was oblivious.

‘I hope Roulan’s found somewhere to shelter.’

Snapping his head towards Leon, Garlan’s surprise answered his question.

‘What? Where is he?’ Garlan’s hands started to fist at his sides. He didn’t like not knowing what his son was doing. Since his argument with Roulan last evening, he’d not exchanged any words with him.

‘I’m afraid I have no idea my Lord. I thought you knew?’ Leon kept a blank expression.

‘I don’t! But once he returns, I’ll ask what he’s been doing. I promise you that.’

Leon was in a situation now, and wondered if this was the time to convey his worries about Roulan’s behavior to the King.

‘Can I speak with you freely my Lord?’ Leon hesitated. ‘I have a few concerns about Roulan which I’d like to share with you.’

Garlan turned slowly, his eyes narrowed at his friend and aid. ‘Should I be worried Leon?’

Raising a brow and sighing, truthfully not able to answer, Leon pursed his lips. Rubbing the flat of his hand over his cheek, he quickly glanced over his shoulder, to check they were alone.

‘Roulan has been meeting with mercenaries on a number of occasions in Brightstone.’

Noting Garlan’s surprised expression, he wondered if he was making the right decision to disclose his findings. While Garlan has no respect for his son; blood is thicker than water. But he’d started, so may as well finish.

Taking a breath, he continued. ‘I wasn’t sure who he was meeting to begin with, but later I discovered they were from the South. My sources tell me they’re from Xanderstone, a town known for harboring… less savory characters, for want of a better word.’

Leon wasn’t sure if this was a good time to tell him about Eloise, and how Roulan had manipulated her. He waited to gauge Garlan’s reaction from the news he’d given him. Sensing he was stressing already, the vein on his temple pulsed rapidly and his cheeks reddened.

‘You think he’s raising an army, to overthrow me then Leon?’

‘I’m afraid; it looks that way my Lord. But there’s something else I think you should know.’ Crossing his hands behind his back, he took a step closer. ‘He’s controlling Eloise, and I don’t know the reasons, but I suspect it’s something to do with her… gift.’ His brow arched.

Garlan knew Eloise inherited her mother’s abilities as well as her beauty, but he didn’t know they were of any significance. ‘But surely making a bit of rain isn’t any use to him?’

Leon turned his body towards the soaked courtyard and raised both brows. Looking back to Garlan, he could see he finally realized that it was all Eloise’s doing.

‘You mean-?

‘Yes, my Lord. I’m quite sure Eloise has done this.’

‘I had no idea!’ Garlan raised his hands to his head and brushed them through his greying hair. ‘Why didn’t Eloise tell me she could do something like this?’

‘Because, Roulan forbid her to speak of it; telling her you’d disapprove.’

Garlan cocked his head to the side.

‘He’s been against this alliance from the start my Lord. He wanted to keep Eloise by his side.’ He watched Garlan’s horrified face as he processed the information.

‘What else can she do?’ Garlan fixed Leon with a piercing stare.

‘I’m sure anything she wants. If you recall her mother’s ability-’

‘I don’t need reminding.’ Garlan screwed his eyes shut and raised his hand quickly to stop him further.

Leon stepped back, gave an apologetic nod and turned to face the courtyard to watch the rain. It was flowing like a river in places, racing down the street and further. Usually people would run in to shelter from the rain, but the people of Blackhill had been waiting for it and were almost dancing when it arrived. Glancing at Garlan, he knew what he’d told him would cause him stress, but he didn’t regret it. Whatever Roulan was up to, it could make their time here uncomfortable. Sabe had already noticed his absence, and he had no doubts he’d be advising Kai. Giving the King a few moments to process what he’d said, Leon looked down at his boots before turning to him.

‘I think it might be worth having a word with him on his return.’

Garlan nodded. Glancing at Leon before he turned to walk away, his troubled brows furrowed. ‘Thank you for your council Leon. I appreciate you must have struggled telling me this.’

Leon closed his eyes slowly and nodded once.

‘I did my Lord. I hoped my investigations had turned out to be nothing, but the results do infer there’s a reason for concern. It's my duty to tell you my findings, no matter how difficult.’

‘I agree, thank you.’ Garlan’s worried face turned away from Leon; he left for the solace of his room without adding anything further.

After leaving Leon and Garlan to watch the rain, Nissa’s attempts to find Sabe failed. Leaving word with the staff that she’d been asking after him, she sat on the edge of Eloise’s bed and hoped her mistress was safe. Kai’s expression when he’d barged in earlier was beyond angry, he looked like a wild animal; seeing him dragging Eloise away on his horse, she knew Eloise would be terrified.

Sabe already told Leon there was no cause for concern; but she worried. The rain drumming against the roof was surely Eloise’s doing, and she wondered if her state of distress had something to do with it. Nissa had seen her make rain before, but this was torrential, and wherever they were, they were out in it.

Startled by a knock on the door and rushing to open it, she was greeted by Sabe’s handsome, face, she beamed a bashful smile.

Her voice was almost a whisper. ‘Come in, please.’

‘I heard you were looking for me, and judging from your expression, you’re still worried about your mistress?’

Moving towards the bed, turning and sitting firmly she huffed out a long sigh. The soft leather of his trousers creaked as he strode towards her. He always wore black, apart from his shirt. That was usually white; open at the neck, and revealed a dusting of dark, silky hair. She raked her eyes towards his face. His eyes, framed by thick, black brows could be deemed sinister; but not to her. Thick lashes framed seductive eyes that made her stomach flutter.

Looking sideways at him as he sat next to her, her furrowed brows and sad expression confirmed his question.

‘I know Kai’s got a reputation Nissa.’ He took her hand and held it gently. ‘But I know him. He won’t hurt Eloise, I promise.’

‘After seeing how he dragged her away, I’m not sure what to think. I’m worried.’

‘Don’t be.’ He said firmly. ‘Kai doesn’t hurt women.’ He knew his friend would take care of Eloise, after he’d calmed down.

Staring at Nissa he squeezed her hand. She looked at him and widening her eyes as they locked with his, inhaled sharply. The dark orbs so intense it made her breathing increase; feeling hot and flustered, Nissa had forgotten about her concerns for Eloise and started worrying about what to do next.

She’d be lying if she denied her attraction to Sabe. He was not only utterly gorgeous, but he made her laugh every time she’d been in his company. Even now, in her worried state, she felt it starting to fade away; knowing within a short time, he’d find something to make her laugh or giggle. They’d only met the previous day, but already she felt a bond with him; even though she knew nothing about him. Nissa was curious how he’d met Kai, and why he thought so highly of him.

‘Tell me how you met Kai.’

‘He saved me and Kiera from death.’

Nissa gasped. ‘Really?’

‘We were stealing from the gold reserves.’ Grimacing and screwing up his face, ‘Bad, I know.’ He grinned. Releasing her hand, he shrugged his shoulders. ‘But we thought we could get away with it, planned it for days. I was really surprised we got caught.’

Glancing at Nissa to gauge her reaction, and pleased to see her smiling, he knew she didn’t think that badly of him. Admitting he was a thief wasn’t something he just told anyone, but he didn’t think there was any harm in telling her. She didn’t appear to be someone that would judge another.

‘So, there we were, stuck in a pit, waiting to be executed,’ Widening his eyes and turning to Nissa, he shook his head in disbelief, ‘Completely unjustified!’

Nissa barely suppressed a giggle.

‘We heard fighting; the slavers shouted they were being attacked. It was Kai and a few of his slave friends; although we didn’t know that at the time. We started shouting, and I held Kiera up on my shoulders to push her fingers out of the bars on the cover to get their attention.’ Cocking his head to the side and sliding both hands between his thighs, he leaned over. ‘It was Kai, who heard us, and feeling in a generous mood, released us.’

Nissa laughed at Sabe’s expressions and actions as he told his tale. Feeling sure there was more to it, but glad he’d told her what he had, she smiled.

‘Thank you for sharing that.’

‘I didn’t bore you, did I?’ He gave a wry grin.

‘Oh! No! It sounded exciting.’

‘You think execution sounds exciting?’ Smirking.

‘Not that part!’

Chuckling. ‘Glad to hear it!’

Nissa went quiet and thought how horrible it must have been for him and his sister. While she didn’t like Kiera much she wouldn’t wish her harm, and if Sabe wasn’t here, it would be very dull.

‘I’m glad he saved you.’ Nissa lowered her head and blushed at her confession.

Sabe leaned close, and nudging her arm with his elbow, whispered in her ear. ‘Me too.’

He was sure Nissa had feelings for him, like he had for her, her blushing made that part obvious. But he didn’t want to push or make her uncomfortable, and tried to keep his hands to himself. It wasn’t easy. She was a delight, and not because she laughed at his jokes; but she had something about her that made him smile. Leon had commented to him that morning while they were unloading the carriages; that she brought a ray of sunshine to the castle, when she’d first arrived. Sabe understood what he meant. Bright blue eyes and blond curly hair captivated him instantly. Dainty with perfect curves, her perfectly rounded bottom brought images to his mind that made him sigh. He was trying to be a gentleman; amazingly, he was, so far. But seeing her look at him the way she did, he wasn’t sure for how long. Trying to remove sinful thoughts from his mind, he let the pouring rain distract him as he looked towards the window.

Nissa wondered if she should tell Sabe about Eloise and her abilities; she felt sure this was her work. Gnawing the inside of her cheek and thinking for a moment, she decided it wasn’t a good idea. While the rain distracted Sabe, she took the opportunity to stare while he wasn’t looking.

Sabe was indisputably handsome. Noticing his good looks from their first meeting, he was never far from her thoughts. Nissa had never known a man intimately, but Sabe caused sensations in her body, she’d never experienced; there was an unexplainable pull between them.

Lazily moving her gaze between his eyes and his mouth, a ripple in her lower belly made her gasp softly. Seeing her staring, he grinned. Afraid she was acting improperly she jumped up off the bed and walked over to the window.

Following, he approached slowly. Standing behind her, he leaned close and drew in a deep breath. She smelled sweet and the moment her scent flooded his senses, he felt the strain in his leathers. Hesitating before speaking and clearing his throat, his hands gently rested against her arms.

Nissa shuddered and closed her eyes at his touch. Feeling his warm breath against her neck as he leaned closer, her skin prickled. Goose bumps spread rapidly, making her tremble.

‘Nissa, if you want me to leave, I will.’ His soft, husky voice made her sigh.

‘I don’t want you to leave.’ Her head lowered.

His warm lips brushed against the soft flesh of her neck. She gasped and let her head fall back and rest against his shoulder. Slowly turning her head to face him, without warning, he brushed his mouth against hers in an unhurried kiss.

Sabe’s hand snaked around her waist, and without releasing her lips, he effortlessly turned her to face him. His other hand slid around her neck, under her hair to pull her tightly against him, making his mouth press harder against hers.

Nissa rested her hands against his chest and let her fingertips stroke the hard muscle beneath the soft fabric of his shirt. His tongue flicked into her mouth, tasting her. Opening for him and eager for more, Nissa groaned against his mouth and endured another wave of pleasure as his tongue plunged deeper and sought out her tongue. Feeling a cascade of heat rush through her body, she melted against him.

He released her mouth and she gasped. Her eyes widened and gazed into his; wild, and showing a frenzy of excitement, she imagined they were a mirror of her own.

Sabe pulled her close and let out a soft moan against her mouth as his stiffening ache brushed against her stomach. Pulling his hand forward from around her neck, dragging a few strands of her blond hair, he let them slide through his fingers. He’d rested his forehead against hers, and glanced sideways at his fingers as they drew forward and released the soft hair, letting it fall across her shoulder.

‘I’ve wanted to kiss you from the moment I saw you.’

His eyes sought hers as he spoke; his rasping voice fell against her mouth. Like the thief he was, he tried to steal another kiss.

Moving her head to the side, his soft lips landed on her cheek. Turning her face back towards him, she stared into seductive eyes.

‘Me too. But…’ Nissa froze, closing her eyes.

‘What?’

Sabe brought his fingertips to her chin and raised it gently. He sensed her anxiety, but couldn’t understand why.

‘I need to speak with Eloise.’

Reluctantly pulling away from Sabe’s tender hold, she missed the heat from his body instantly.

‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to lead-’

‘You didn’t. You’re right to speak to your mistress first.’

Taking her hands in his and squeezing them gently, he leaned forward to kiss her. He didn’t want to cause her distress or make her uncomfortable and smiled before turning to leave.

Sabe was still in the room and Nissa missed him already. Her duties to Eloise had to come first and sneaking behind her back wasn’t something Nissa felt comfortable with. There was no reason to believe Eloise wouldn’t allow her to see Sabe, but she felt obligated to request permission.

Gazing back out of the window and looking up to the gloomy sky, she wished Eloise was here.