Demon Within (36 page)

Turning to Ellanor, ‘It was never your fault; don’t ever blame yourself, mother.’ He kissed the top of her head. Turning to find Sabe and Kiera waiting at his sides, they all hugged for a moment before Sabe pulled away and frowned.

‘You’re not going to kiss me are you?’

‘You should be so lucky.’ Kai laughed.

Eloise looked towards the half demolished terrace. She couldn’t see her father or Roulan. Quickly running towards the area where they were last seen, she called out.

‘Father… Father! Roulan!’

Kai scanned the area quickly but couldn’t see either of them. It was Nissa who called out, her faint voice barely audible.

‘Help!’

‘There!’ Sabe pointed towards a mass of rubble.

He hurried over to fallen wooden beams from the terrace. Buried beneath stones and wood, Nissa was trapped. Sabe and Jace quickly started moving the debris, and then they saw Garlan huddled next to her; he was gibbering and ranting quietly, not making any sense.

‘Where’s Roulan?’ Eloise rushed to help and when Nissa was pulled free she hugged her close.

‘Are you alright? Are you injured?’

‘No, I’m fine, just a few scratches.’

Nissa smiled and squeezed Eloise, but quickly released her when Sabe waited by her side to take his turn.

‘Come here!’ He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her repeatedly then finally released her.

‘I’m glad you’re alright.’

‘Me too!’

Eloise was pleased her father and friend were alive but worried why they hadn’t found Roulan.

People started to clear away the debris and rubble; the injured were taken away to have their wounds tended while the bodies of the less fortunate were taken away.

Leon stepped towards Caster and while he didn’t want to pressure him, they needed to return to Brightstone within the next few days.

‘My lord, given Garlan’s infirm state, it would make sense for you to take your place as rightful King of Brightstone.’

Holding Ellanor close, Caster blew out a long breath. ‘I’m sorry Leon, but I’ve made my decision. I’m not going to Brightstone. Ellanor and I are returning to Stonegarth.’

Ellanor smiled and nestled against Caster’s chest.

‘Then, I take it Jace will be taking your position? He is your son, and therefore next in line.’

He looked over to Jace, who stood behind Kiera with his arms draped around her shoulders and smiling wide, Leon frowned. ‘My lord?’

‘Jace is staying here.’ Caster looked to Kai. ‘If that’s alright with you?’

Shrugging his shoulders, Kai didn’t have a problem with that, if it’s what he wanted. And seeing how he and Kiera seemed to be wrapped up in each other, he liked the thought of Kiera finally finding someone.

‘You’re forgetting, Leon, I have another son.’

Leon turned to Caster. ‘You’re acknowledging Kai, as your son… officially?’

‘Of course! He’s my wife’s son.’

Eloise stared up to Kai and hugged him. ‘So, we’re moving to Brightstone then?’

‘What?’ It took a moment to sink in. He’d never had any notions of rising to regal status and hearing Sabe’s chuckle, he scowled. ‘I think you’re mistaken, and as much as I appreciate your acceptance, I’m no King.’

‘I disagree; I think you’ll be more deserving of the role than anyone else.’

Caster’s endorsement was confirmed from others as they nodded and voiced their appraisal.

‘King Kai?’ Sabe chuckled. ‘Doesn’t quite sound right does it?’

‘I didn’t call him Kai when he was born.’ Ellanor commented, ‘His name is Adram, after his father.’

Kai’s brows raised and Sabe’s mouth snapped shut.

‘Hmm…. I’ll stick with Kai, if that’s alright.’ He glared at Sabe. ‘You’ll just have to get used to addressing me as… my Lord.’ He grinned.

With a playful punch across Kai’s shoulder, Sabe left to help clear the rubble with Nissa by his side. The rest followed, ready to aid the rebuilding of Darkmide and the lives of the people; leaving Kai and Eloise alone amongst the rubble.

With a sudden movement, Eloise was swept into Kai’s arms as he walked them towards the doorway. Stepping over broken roof tiles and cobbles, Kai carried Eloise down the hall towards their bedroom.

‘Where are we going?’

‘I said when I got up this morning that I was going to spend the day with my wife. I’m going to do just that.’

####

The snow was finally melting after a long, hard winter at Brightstone. The fields, once hardened with snow began to show signs of green as the lush grass peeked through melted areas. The barren town square was beginning to fill up with colorful market stalls, as the people began to emerge from the warmth of their homes and back into everyday life. While a cold breeze still lay stagnant in the air, the sun’s rays made for enjoyable rides out into the countryside surrounding Castle Brightstone.

When Kai first arrived, he hadn’t expected it to be so grand. Brightstone was a thriving city and initially he’d worried how the people would take to him. But surprised at the welcome he received, he felt content. Kai soon gained respect and admiration as being a fair and just King, with Eloise by his side and with Leon as his aid, he soon became comfortable.

Snuggled by the fire in their bedroom, Eloise smiled as Kai smoothed his hand over her swollen belly. She had a few more months to go before the birth of their first child and under constant supervision from Kai; she couldn’t do anything without him. He was excited to be a father and worried for her safety, followed her around constantly, making sure she had enough to eat and drink.

They sat together, with Kais free hand lazily playing with her hair, his fingers caressing the silky locks that had always fascinated him. The love they shared had never faded, and throughout their time together ruling Brightstone, they had grown as a couple, and as lovers.

‘Do you think it’s a boy or a girl?’

She smiled at his question, knowing he would have asked her sooner or later.

‘A boy.

‘Really?’

‘I’m sure of it.’

Kai thought for a moment, his large hand moved from her belly up over her full breasts as he leaned towards her, nuzzling her neck.

‘Doesn’t matter if it’s not.’ She felt him smile into her skin. ‘We’ll just keep practicing.’

Eloise giggled and smoothed his hair from around his face, dragging his lips to hers in a warm kiss that flooded through her body more than the flames of the fireplace beside them ever did. She’d never been so happy. Seeing Kai at peace, his inner demons conquered, she only felt a pure burst of love for him and their new life here.

‘I don’t think I’ll mind, as they say… practice makes perfect.’

‘You’re already perfect’ He kissed her again, his tongue lazily mixing with hers in a familiar dance. ‘What shall we call him?’

Eloise already knew the answer. ‘Lorne.’

Kai’s wide eyes softened as he pulled away and looked into her eyes, he grazed his thumb over her cheek and sighed. ‘I like that.’

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Thanks

Julie Nicholls

Julie Nicholls is English and lives in Bulgaria. She has been writing Fan fiction and erotic stories for over four years. This is her first full novel.

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