Demon Within (30 page)

Kai’s brows knit together. Holding her close he waited for Eloise to relax before releasing her. She turned to her father.

‘I don’t want you here.’

‘Eloise, please!’ Garlan stepped towards her, but she raised her hands.

‘Leave me alone!’

‘I think it would be better if you went to your room Garlan.’ Kai waited for him to leave then nodded towards Kiera. ‘Can you watch him, please?’

‘Yes, I’ll keep an eye on him.’

Jace leaned towards her, ‘I’ll go with you, if that’s alright?’

‘Of course it is.’ She smiled at him before turning to leave.

Leon didn’t want to tag along with Kiera and Jace, but concerned Garlan might try something stupid, he excused himself. His room being next to Garlan’s, would at least keep him close.

Sabe hovered in the doorway holding the pendant in the air. ‘Is it safe to come back in?’

Kai called him in. ‘Yes.’

Walking towards Ellanor, he handed the pendant over. ‘Well, that was fun, wasn’t it?’ he chuckled. ‘Right then, I think you four need to talk, so I’ll go check on Roulan, if anyone needs me, I’ll be on the upper floor.’ He turned to Nissa, ‘Would you like to join me?’

She nodded quickly and hurried to follow Sabe, they closed the door after leaving.

Cupping Eloise’s face in his hands, Kai looked down into her teary eyes. ‘Are you alright?’

‘Yes, I’m fine now.’ Smiling, she touched her hands over his.

He kissed her tenderly before continuing. ‘Have you ever done that before? I mean, when you were angry or upset?’

She shook her head. ‘No, never. It was different this time too. I was stronger.’

‘We’ll speak to Teila when she gets here before the wedding ceremony, maybe she has some ideas.’

‘I think that would be helpful.’

Eloise turned to Ellanor and Caster. ‘I’m so sorry.’

Holding out her hand, Ellanor smiled softly. ‘It’s alright my dear.’

Kai moved towards the table pulled out chairs for everyone to sit.

‘Well, that didn’t go too badly, did it?’ Caster chuckled and blew out a long breath. He reached over the table for the jug of water.

Kai grinned. ‘I think we need something stronger.’

‘Well, I don’t usually drink in the morning, but if you insist!’

Kai yelled out into the hall to one of the house women to fetch some wine. Taking his seat he addressed Ellanor.

‘Tell me what happened… to your baby, after he was born.’

Ellanor drew in a sharp breath.

‘I only spent a few hours with him. I was very tired after the labor and I needed to rest, but my baby wouldn’t settle, so I stayed up with him. In those hours all he did was cry, it was only after I moved and knocked my hair down over my face that he stopped. His tiny fingers grabbed at the loose strands, completely transfixed. It was then, he settled, and fell asleep holding my hair. I found myself falling asleep too, to the sounds of happy, rhythmic breaths coming from his mouth.’ The memories were still clear.

‘When I woke again, he was gone. I asked to see my baby, but the mid-wife left the room and didn’t speak to me. It was shortly after when my father came into the room, he said there was a complication, and the baby had died.’

Kai’s eyes widened. He’d always had a fixation with long hair, and it seems even as a baby.

The door opened and wine was put on the table with goblets for everyone. Kai poured everyone wine and touched his hand to Ellanor’s arm. ‘Please, continue.’

Wiping away tears from her cheeks, Ellanor looked to Kai. ‘I remember the birth marks on his belly, just below his navel, they were very distinctive.’

Kai pushed his hands through his hair and leaned back before puffing out a long breath. ‘I have those birthmarks. As your son has probably already told you, I have a problem with… let’s just say ‘inner demons’, for want of a better word.’

Caster nodded. ‘Jace told us, and your lady from the temple did mention if you were Adram’s son, you would have a problem, didn’t she? And well, you only have to look at Jace. I mean, the similarities are too close for comfort.’

Kai leaned his elbows on the table and buried his face in his hands. Eloise’s gentle touch of her hand on his thigh brought some comfort. He’d had so many years of bitterness locked inside against his mother, or the woman who he thought to be his mother, he couldn’t believe this was happening.

Kai raised his head. ‘It’s hard for me to suddenly forget everything that happened, the woman who I thought was my mother… has never left my thoughts. I questioned every day when I was a slave why she’d sold me.’

Turning slowing to look at Ellanor, Kai’s eyes filled. ‘Now I know… she wasn’t my mother.’

Ellanor jumped up from her seat and quickly moving around to Kai, she waited for him to face her then threw her arms around his neck. It was an emotional scene, even for Caster as he watched his wife holding a man he’d believed to be a barbarian and a warlord. Kai and Ellanor held each other and Eloise took Caster’s hand and rose from the table to leave the room.

‘We’ll be outside for a while.’

Closing the door behind her and Caster as they left the room, she smiled at Caster as she wiped away her falling tears. ‘I’m pleased they’ve found each other.’

‘Me too, It’s been quite an eventful trip. You’re just like your mother you know, gentle and beautiful. I know you and Kai are going to get along just fine. He’s a good man, despite what he’s been through, he’s got more honor than… well, anyone I know.’

‘You’re very kind, thank you.’

After a few moments the door to the dining room opened and Kai ushered Ellanor out of the room before following her.

‘Would you like to stay for the wedding ceremony? You can stay over, we have plenty of room.’

‘That would be wonderful! Thank you!’ Caster shook Kai’s hand and pulled it towards him as he leaned close.

‘I think our son and that young lady will be pleased about that too!’ Caster laughed and Kai nodded in agreement, grinning.

‘I’ll have someone get your things from the horses and show you to your rooms.’

Turning to Eloise Kai raised his brows. ‘And I think you’d better go and get ready, don’t you?’

Smiling and nodding, Eloise touched Kai’s hand. ‘Yes, I’ll go now. Are you alright?’

‘I’m fine, go.’ Kai nodded. Eloise could see he wasn’t.

‘Ellanor, Caster, make yourselves at home and if you need anything, just ask. I’m going to get ready.’ Eloise didn’t want to leave Kai, he looked sad and she wanted to speak with him.

‘We will. Thank you. Now off you go!’ Ellanor smiled and shooed her off then linked her arm through Casters.

‘Let’s get settled then we can join these good people for their ceremony.’ She gave Kai a warm smile.

‘Thank you.’

Bowing, Kai smiled. ‘You’re welcome, I’ll see you later, I need to attend to something.’

Kai looked towards the courtyard and noticed Maika and Darion pulling up. Hurrying outside he greeted Darion. ‘I’ve thought you’d like to know I’ve got a few warriors to go back with you to Braxton. But that’s tomorrow, today I’m celebrating my wedding, so Maika will take care of you until the morning.’

Darion dismounted and held his hand towards Kai’s; he shook it briskly and thanked him. ‘That’s good news, thank you!’

‘Maika, show Darion around and make him feel at home.’ Kai slapped Maika’s shoulder before leaving.

‘I’ve got to get ready, if you see Sabe, tell him to come to my room.’

Kai ran into the hall and headed towards his room. For the first time in his life, he felt he was part of something good. He and Eloise were to be married later, and now he’d found his mother, his real mother, who loved him. Entering his room and closing the door, he leaned against it and closed his eyes. A wave of emotion ripped through him, breaking down he fell to his knees. Even warriors have to admit defeat sometimes.

The wedding ceremony was to be performed in the courtyard in front of everyone from Blackhill and a few other surrounding towns, who chose to witness the event. A podium was already in place and the household women were busy decorating it with flowers and garlands.

It was a pleasant day, sunshine with a gentle breeze. Eloise had made sure it was perfect, using her abilities to blow away any clouds or hint of gusting winds. Inside, the dining room table was decorated with gold candle holders, fresh flowers and gold cutlery, with glass goblets brought out of storage, finishing off the decor. The overall look was exquisite.

Place settings for Eloise and Kai were at the center of the table, so everyone could focus their attention on the happy couple when toasting. It promised to be a veritable feast; wild boar, venison, turkey, chicken, not to mention various pastries and pies. Dori from Brightstone had helped, and showed the cooks from Blackhill some of her own special recipes that had been handed down the generations to her.

Teila arrived as expected, she’d dressed in beautiful lilac robes as usual, but this time her head covering was edged in golden thread, to match the cuffs and hem of her robe. Taking her duty seriously, she examined the podium where she was to perform the wedding ceremony and relatively happy it was suitable, took respite inside to speak with Kiera and Sabe.

‘I’m satisfied with everything, we can proceed.’ Managing a smile, barely, Teila nodded to the siblings and glanced around the hall when Ellanor joined them. Her eyes instantly fell to the necklace hanging around Ellanor’s neck.

‘I still find it difficult to understand why you were given that pendant.’

Ellanor didn’t like Teila’s indignation towards her. Seemingly jealous or bitter, she wasn’t sure, but Ellanor treasured it, even though she knows it wasn’t from Adram, she still wouldn’t take it off. Sharing a look with Sabe before turning back to Teila, she smiled.

‘I’m sure there’s a reason, maybe one day we’ll find out.’

Ellanor wasn’t about to let Teila get under her skin, it had been a testy few days and they were here for a wedding, so she intended to enjoy herself.

‘If you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and see if Eloise and Nissa need any help getting ready.’

Slowly, Teila’s eyes followed Ellanor. She frowned and huffed out a breath. Sabe nudged Kiera and whispered.

‘Should we tell her about Eloise earlier?’

‘Can’t see it doing any harm.’ Kiera agreed.

‘Might I ask something Teila?’

Grey eyes narrowed on Sabe. ‘Go on.’

Teila had a knack for making people feel uncomfortable, her raised chin and condescending manner unnerved almost everyone, including Sabe.

‘Is there any reason why that pendant of Ellanor’s would… glow?’

Teila’s eyes widened. ‘You’ve seen this?’

Both Kiera and Sabe nodded.

‘What happened? Tell me!’

Raising a brow at her uncharacteristic outburst, Sabe told her what happened earlier.

‘The gift bestowed to Eloise was from Anael, the same angel who gave the pendant to Ellanor. If the effect you told me happened when it was close to Eloise, then it’s certain she’s meant to use it for something important. A gift from an angel is not given on a mere whim, it’s for the greater good, to aid and protect or nurture. I must consult with my order after the ceremony, there are scrolls locked away in our vaults that we need to study.’

Bowing to her superior knowledge of such matters, Sabe lowered his head. ‘You’ll return here to let us know?’

‘Yes, I don’t know when, it depends on how much we can find out. Leave it with me.’

‘Of course.’ Smiling, Sabe thought her information might be useful, anything would be better than nothing. While he was skeptical of the whole thing to begin with, he was starting to think there was more to it.

Distracted by the gathering crowd in the courtyard and smiling, Sabe smoothed his hands down his tunic and tugged on the hem.

‘It’s almost time for the ceremony, I think I’ll go and see if Kai needs any further assistance. If you’ll excuse me please ladies.’

Bowing politely once more, he turned to leave for Kai’s room.

‘I’ll take my place outside.’ Teila brought a pouch from beneath her robes and started to unfasten it. Pulling out a long, golden cord, she placed it around her neck and let if all down her front. Smoothing it and pulling to keep it straight, she smiled to Kiera then moved towards the door.

Already dressed in her newest black leather pants, a figure hugging cream tunic and displaying her finest sword, Kiera looked striking as usual. Thigh length black boots finished the outfit; sporting a kitten heel and gold beads fastened to the tops. Smoothing her hands down her thighs, the soft leather clung to her like a second skin.

‘They fit perfectly, you look amazing.’

Spinning around at the familiar soft voice, Kiera greeted Jace with a wide smile.

‘Thank you.’

She blushed, making Jace sigh quietly to himself as he stared at her. He’d never had feelings for anyone like Kiera. Over the short period of time he’d known her, she’d well and truly captured his heart.

Edging towards Jace, Kiera took in his clothing; a soft white shirt tucked into tanned leather trousers. ‘You look quite fetching yourself.’

Melted by his wide smile, his perfect white teeth breaching his lips, Kiera sighed heavily.

‘Are you two going to kiss or just stand and stare at each other?’ Caster’s chuckle made them laugh as he walked into the hall. Blushing, Kiera lowered her eyes to look at her boots before Jace took a step closer and pulled her chin up with the tip of his fingers.

‘I think that’s a good idea father. What do you think Kiera?’

Staring up into vibrant, green eyes, she wanted to say ‘yes please’ but only managed a nod. Leaning forward, Jace’s soft lips caressed hers with the slightest touch. It was like nothing she’d ever experienced when his warm breath mingled with hers in a slow, delicate kiss.

‘Oh my!’ Caster raised his brows and tried not to stare but it was hard not to. He’d never seen his son besotted with anyone in his life. The conversation he’d had only a few days before, made him smile. Sidestepping towards the dining room, Caster chuckled. ‘I think I’ll go and sample the wine…leave you two alone.’

Breaking the kiss, Kiera’s heart raced uncontrollably. She’d always thought Kai would be the one to make her heart pulse, but from the moment she’d met Jace she felt a change develop within her. Blushing and nibbling her lip she brushed her hair away with slender fingers. Luckily, Sabe and Kai had missed the momentous occasion as they walked into the hall, both looking pensive.

Kiera’s eyes fell to Kai, he looked so handsome. Gold beads threaded through parts of his hair, braids and leather mingled together. Clean shaven and wearing a white, sleeveless shirt, open at the neck, he almost looked angelic as his hair fell around his shoulders. He’d swapped his usual gold arm bands and instead wore smaller, ones. They were not solid bands like his others, and they wrapped around his bicep like a growing vine. Kiera suddenly remembered she’d taken delivery of his wedding gift for Eloise from the goldsmith earlier and had to give them to him.

Giving him a wide smile, her eyes still excited from the kiss with Jace, she moved towards him and gave him a hug.

‘You look great.’

‘Thank you.’ Kai squeezed Kiera, ‘So do you.’ Releasing her from his hold, he turned to Jace and smiled.

‘I’m glad you’re here, I’ve got something I want to ask.’

Kiera frowned and hoped it wasn’t anything bad.

‘If you’re not in a rush to ride back to the Highlands,’ Kai glanced at Kiera and grinned, ‘I wondered if you wanted some work, nothing too exciting. I need someone to ride with Kiera and Saul to Braxton.’

Grinning and nodding, Jace’s excitement was hard to conceal. ‘I’d be happy to help.’ Slowly moving his gaze to Kiera and seeing her wide grin, he nodded to Kai. ‘Thank you, I’m sure I’ll find it exciting.’

Pleased he could aid Kiera’s romance; Kai looked towards the courtyard and saw Teila ready and waiting. ‘Tomorrow, then, but today, we’re celebrating. We should get going; I don’t want to be on the end of Teila’s sharp tongue.’ With a grin, Kai started to make his way to the door.

A vision in white stopped him in his tracks as Eloise approached from the opposite hall way. The long flowing dress, white and decorated with gold thread, clung to every curvaceous part of her body. Kai was speechless, he wasn’t the only one, and everyone stared in awe at how graceful she looked.

Closely followed by Nissa, equally beautiful and dressed in a lemon colored dress that floated as she walked, Sabe took a deep breath and blinked a few times before blowing out.

Kai moved slowly towards Eloise. Her soft brown eyes surrounded by thick lashes met with his, and with a perfect wide smile, Kai sighed. He couldn’t stop staring, first her eyes, then lips then following down to her chestnut hair. She’d left it down, just how he liked it, braided in some parts and with co-coordinating beads like his, they matched perfectly.

Across the room Kiera ran off into the hallway, Sabe frowned, wondering if he should go after her. But he decided to leave her, maybe she needed a few moments alone, although he thought she’d been happy, now that she’d found Jace. After a few moments he could hear heels pound against the stone, she suddenly reappeared clutching the gold bands Kai had made for Eloise. Out of breath and grinning to Sabe, she showed them to him.

‘I forgot, they were in my room!’

Beaming a wide grin, Sabe pointed towards Kai. Sneaking up behind him, the bands hidden behind her back, she slipped them into Kai’s hands. Quickly taking them and glancing over his shoulder, he nodded to Kiera before turning back to look at his beautiful bride.

‘I have a wedding gift for you.’ Holding out his hands, the delicate gold bands, one in each hand, gleamed brightly.

‘Oh, they’re lovely!’

The sleeves on Eloise’s dress were wide open at various intervals, revealing her bare skin. Kai slipped the first band around her arm and smiled when it fitted snuggly, showing between the silky fabric. Doing the same with the other band, he stood back to admire them, and sighed when he took in the view.

‘You’re so beautiful and I’m very lucky. But I’m afraid to hope this is forever.’

Eloise soft lips broke into a wide smile as she spoke.

‘I’m the lucky one.’ Reaching for Kai’s hands and taking them both in her own, Eloise stared up at her warrior and leaned towards him, whispering softly so only he could hear.

‘I’ll never leave you, I promise.’

Nuzzling his nose against Eloise’s, Kai sighed against her. ‘I love you.’

His lips grazed over hers in a delicate kiss, making her eyes flutter shut. She’d never been so happy. Opening her eyes and staring into his, she wished they could be alone so that she could touch and kiss him like they did last night.

‘And I love you.’ Her words fell into his mouth before he sealed their lips.

Sabe leaned towards Kiera and whispered. ‘I never thought I’d ever see this day.’

‘Me neither.’ Happy for them, Kiera sighed. She knew they were right for each other, and wished them peace and long life.

Everyone suddenly turned to look outside, when Teila clapped her hands together loudly three times.

‘I think she’s ready.’ Sabe chuckled.

Looking outside through the doorway, he watched Garlan, Leon and Roulan take up their places by the podium. They’d used the outer stairs and Maika and Saul joined them, standing a little way to the side, out of view.

‘Come on then, we can’t stand here all day.’ Sabe took control and stepping forward ushered everyone outside. Caster appeared from the dining room and Ellanor pushed forward from behind Nissa to join him and Jace.

‘Nissa…’ Sabe held out his crooked arm and smiled at her, waiting for her to take his arm. Smiling bashfully as he winked, she looped her arms and let him lead them outside. ‘You’re so beautiful.’ He added.

‘Thank you. So are you.’ She grinned back.

Everyone moved out into the courtyard except for Eloise and Kai. They stood facing the doorway and held hands. Kai turned his head to face her.

‘Are you ready?’

Nodding as she looked up at him, Eloise smiled. ‘Yes.’

Kai stepped forward and took Eloise with him. Leaving the hall and standing under the terrace, everyone turned and applauded as they moved towards the podium.

The people of Blackhill had gathered to watch the wedding between their leader, Kai of Darkmide and Princess Eloise of Brightstone, or as it had been spoken for the last few days… the Princess and the slave.

Escorting Eloise up the wooden steps, Kai raised his hand to the crowd.

‘Thank you! Welcome everyone.’

The crowd hushed as Teila clapped her hands again before raising them into the air for everyone to be quiet.

Pulling Eloise close, Kai squeezed her hand as they watched Teila.

‘Today we gather to witness the joining of Kai of Darkmide and Eloise of Brightstone. They’ve given their consent to become husband and wife for all their lives and you here, shall be their witness to this act.’