Lokai's Curse (8 page)

With a flick of his pinky it transformed into a brussel sprout dripping in butter. He gave her a wicked grin
, his eyes sparkling in mirth. They repeated the exchange for several minutes before Diedre became truly angry. She glared at her husband.

Through gritted teeth she asked, “What…pray tell…am I allowed to eat, husband?”

He grunted his approval. “You may eat meats, vegetables and fruit. You will drink either milk or water, nothing else.”

Her mouth fell open as she listened to him. “Are you mad? I will starve to death!”

Lokai rolled his eyes. “You exaggerate, Sprite. It is the same as you have been eating all these past moons. The babe is small…you must eat healthier food.”

“Exactly! I have eaten what was available and this is the result. Now give me my sweets so our babe will grow fat.”
He sure walked into that trap with his eyes wide open.

He straightened his spine as he bellowed. “You will do as I say, wife! What you say may be true but the problem is that you ate it so sparingly. The results would be different if you had partaken more.” His eyes softened at her stricken look. “If you do as I say, I will allow one sweet a day. Agreed?”

She smiled. “Agreed.” He could not watch her every moment…she would have her sweets. She turned her attention to the trencher before her as Lokai rotated toward Garrick.

He was obviously distraught. His eyes were blood-shot from lack of sleep, his face haggard from worry.
Lokai placed his hand on his shoulder.

“You should eat as well, Brother. You have yet to fully recover.”

Garrick eyed him with tortured eyes and asked in a hollow voice, “Why? Seonaid will nae join me and I am powerless to leave this place.” He swept his arm about the chamber. “Ye have managed ta take away my reason for living as you gave me endless life!”

That stung! Lokai grimaced. “You do not know your wife very well if you believe that she would forsake you over this.” He shook his head.

Garrick took a deep breath. Self-pity was not going to accomplish anything. Lokai did save his life. He did not deserve this treatment. He sighed. Somehow this would all work out…he must believe that.

“Please forgive me, Lokai. Tis a difficult adjustment for me. I do nae mean ta sound ungrateful.”

“Think nothing of it, Garrick. I do understand your pain. Now, eat something, for I have a request of you and I need your wits about you.”

He arched a black brow. What could he possibly do for Lokai? He was Fae, after all, and had magic at his command. He shook himself mentally, and then began to eat.

“Ye want me ta do what?” Garrick roared in disbelief. He paced to and fro throwing his hands about in frustration. “We can hardly stand each other!”

Lokai smiled to himself. “I can think of no one more suited to dealing with Diedre than you.
You are aware of her tendencies to get herself in trouble. She will not be able to get anything past your watchful eye. Please, Brother, do this for me as I watch over your family. When I retrieved her, she had my second in command shaking in his boots and ready to tell all. She cannot do that with you.”

“Aye, that is true.
” His chest puffed up for a moment, then he frowned, shaking his head. “Twill nae work. She will nae listen ta me.”

“She will listen…she has to obey her king. And I worry for the bairn. He is small in her womb. Use that for leverage if she does n
ot obey you.”

Garrick was stunned for a moment.
Did he say “King”?
He grinned at his brother-by-law. “King?”

Lokai’s back straightened regally.
“Yes…her father has stepped down from the throne. I am now the king and Diedre is queen…but do not let that deter you in holding her accountable.”

He gave a brusque nod. “Very well, King Lokai. I will do my best but
ye may find her locked in your dungeon upon your return.”

“As long as she is still breathing I will be satisfied. I thank you, Garrick. Now I may leave in good conscience and capture the traitors.” He left in a twinkling to seek out his wife.

Garrick shook his head as he ran his hand through his hair. He just knew that this was going to be a disaster. After all…it involved Diedre.

***

Lokai’s gaze softened as he watched his wife napping in their chambers. He knew he was fortunate to have her. There had been many Fae men vying for her attention but her father saw where her heart lay. That she truly loved him humbled his heart.

He frowned as his perusal of her landed on her rounded stomach. He made light of the size of the babe around Diedre but he was concerned. It was too small. He held his hand a hair’s breath aw
ay as he examined the fetus. Its heart was strong and steady and it seemed to be in good health. As it turned in her womb, Lokai gasped. The cord was wrapped about its…no…
his
throat. The bairn will die if he does not intervene, of that he was certain!

He brought his other hand up, closing his eyes, as he pictured the procedure he must perform. His hands phased out
of eyesight as he gently reached into her womb grasping the cord with two fingers. With a feathery touch, he held his son’s head as he slipped it over his tiny skull. Satisfied…he withdrew and examined him again. He smiled to himself as he felt the heartbeat grow stronger and the babe more restless.

Diedre stirred. She smiled
sleepily up at her husband, running her fingers through his golden locks. “Did I wake you, Sprite?”

She shook her head. “No, Lokai. Hunger pangs woke me. I find that I crave some of the pheasant we had at our last meal…topped with cherries.”

“Cherries?”

“Mm-hmm…perhaps with honey drizzled over it. That sounds heavenly.”

Lokai was stunned. It sounded horrible. But if that is what she desires…he would give it to her. At least it was healthy food. He produced the meal for his wife and watched in amazement as she eagerly gobbled it down, licking the honey from her fingers as she finished. He gulped, his stomach clenching, as his eyes fastened onto her pink tongue darting between her lips and fingers. He reprimanded himself for letting his thoughts wander in that direction. He did not have time for this.

He cleared his throat and mentally beat down his cock as he explained why he had come.

“I will be rejoining your father soon, Diedre. I want you to stay in the palace while I am away.” She opened her mouth to protest but he stilled her with a finger to her moist lips. “I would appreciate it if you would keep Garrick distracted while I am gone. He worries for his family.”

Diedre nodded thoughtfully. “I do not understand why he must hide, Lokai.
And if I do not comprehend the reasons…how much more so will he be bewildered?”

He sighed. She was right, of course, so he tried to explain once more. “If these traitors think everything is going well they will continue with their plans. They are bound to make a mistake as their over-confidence grows…then we will have them.”

“But you will be using Seonaid and the bairns as bait!”

Lokai cringed. His wife was too smart for her own good. He gave a curt nod.
With a stern look, he replied, “It may appear that way but they are well protected. There will be no danger to them. Whatever you do, do not say such a thing to Garrick. He would go berserk! Promise me, Diedre.”

“I do not like it. Tis not fair to Seonaid or Garrick!”

“All the same…you will obey your king’s orders!” He stiffened, crossing his arms.

“I had forgotten that you are now king. Of course I will obey you
.” Tears stung her eyes at the harsh words. She had thought they were speaking as equals, that her opinion mattered. Apparently, she was mistaken. “When do you leave?”

His stance softened a
s he pulled her into his arms holding her close. “As soon as I receive a proper kiss from my wife.” His head lowered as his lips met hers in a passionate kiss. Her knees buckled under the onslaught. Desire raced through her veins as he slowly pulled back. Her breath was shaky as he gave her some last minute instructions.

“I have asked Garrick to look after you while I am away so please do not give him a hard time. It will calm him if he is
diverted.”

“Very well, husband, if you wish it.”

He smiled at her…pleased that she was being agreeable for a change. With a quick peck on the lips, he murmured, “Be sure to keep our babe well-fed and rested, Sprite. I will return as soon as I can.” With that…he was gone.

Diedre stomped her tiny foot in frustration.
Oh bother! Now how will I let Seonaid know about Garrick without disobeying my king? I will have to give it some thought.
She was in deep contemplation as she went in search of the cook to find something to eat.

***

Seonaid awoke refreshed but disoriented after her sleep. Then she remembered Garrick’s cry. She hugged his pillow to her face inhaling his scent as fresh tears began to flow.
Garrick, my love, where are you? What has happened?

She received no answer. Her heart shattered within her aching breast. Aching? She needed to go feed her children
. She rose wearily from the bed, making her way to the nursery. Her ears perked up as she neared the chamber, hearing familiar voices within. She rushed into the room expectantly only to have her hopes crushed as she spotted Alred and Lokai deep in discussion.

“Lokai?” Her voice all but a whisper. “Have you…f-found my husband?”

He turned slowly to face her. This was the hardest thing he had ever done. He only hoped that she would forgive him someday. “Yes Countess…I found him.”

Seonaid’s fist flew to her mouth to stifle a sob as she saw her answer in Lokai’s eyes. Her body trembled as her heart ripped in two. She steeled her body as she asked for details.

“What happened to him? I wish to see him.”

Lokai shook his head looking to Alred for assistance, then back to her. “No Countess, that would not be wise. He was shot in the back with a bolt and suffered much mutilation when he fell. He would not wish for you to view his damaged body.”

“He was murdered? Why?”

“To retrieve the Spear of Destiny. It is missing.
”

Seonaid’s mind whirled. This could only mean that Athor yet lives! She looked to her father in a silent plea. This could not be happening. What should she do? How can she go on living without her heart? Her soul mate? Her chin began to quiver as she struggled with her new reality.

“Da…?” And the dam burst as Alred enfolded her trembling body in his arms.

“Shhh…my sweet. We will survive this. All will be well…I promise.
Right now you must think of the bairns. They need you.” He murmured in his melodious voice as he stroked her coppery hair. She nodded as she sobbed into his golden tunic.

Her throat constricted as she replied, “Aye Da. I ken it. I
t-it is so v-very hard though.”

He raised her chin with his finger looking deeply into her green eyes. “We will get through this, my sweet. I will help you. Do not forget that I know your pain. I lost your mother…remember?” He wiped a tear with his thumb as she nodded. “Come now, I hear hunger in the bairns’ cries.”

Lokai breathed a sigh of relief as Alred took control of Seonaid. It was his job to distract and protect her and the babes while Lokai sought Athor and Natasha. After seeing his family’s raw pain he would make them rue the day that they dared to attack them!

***

“Where have you been?” Natasha spit out between clenched teeth as she glared at Athor. “I have been waiting for almost two days! I thought you had been caught!”

Athor squeezed droplets of water from his hair as he seethed in anger. He hated the rain. His amber eyes narrowed as he turned them on her. He had no need to
give an accounting to her! No one told him what to do! He was the rightful king!

“Miss me, love?” His gravelly voice sarcastic. He stared her down then explained as he moved about the hut. “If you must know…I was visiting an old acquaintance while staying out of sight. Lokai almost saw me. I had to be sure it was safe before coming here.”

Hazel eyes sparked fire at him. “You imbecile! What if you were recognized? All of my plans would be for naught!”

“She will not be talking to anyone…I made certain of that. Do you think me a fool?” His voice grew dangerously low as he warmed his hands by the hearth. “Did you manage to get the spear from Hagar?”

Natasha eyed his back suspiciously. She knew what he was capable of doing to her. She answered cautiously. “Yes and…no. I retrieved it but I had to hide it in a safe place until Alred appears. One of the maids is supposed to leave me a sign when that happens.”

He ground his teeth in frustration.
So the bitch is not stupid.
He turned to her arching a brow. “And that would be—?”

“Do not be ridiculous!” she cut in as he spoke. “I am not dim-witted enough to tell
you
!”

He snarled as he leapt for her, catching her easily in the small space. She gasped as he squeezed her jaw with his fingers forcing her mouth open while he molded her to his body with his free hand. Fire burned in his eyes as he responded to her.

“Never interrupt me when I am speaking!” His malevolent gaze burned into her. He eased his grip slightly and began exploring her body. She flinched as he held her breast in a bruising squeeze then ripped her gown to her waist. His lips savagely attacked hers as he plundered her hot mouth. He pulled back.

“I tire of this talk. Remove your clothing wench! I will have you now.”

“No!” Natasha panicked as she realized she was no longer in control of the situation. Any other time she would have welcomed his attentions but she had no tub or herbs in the hut to discourage pregnancy. She could not…would not allow it!

“What did you say?” His voice was guttural with rage.

She knew she had erred immediately. A tingle of fear raced up her spine as her eyes darted toward the door…and escape. She ran to it but never made it. Athor’s fist slammed into her chin and she crumpled to the floor unconscious. He ripped off her clothes then threw her naked body on the pallet, binding her wrists and tying them to a metal ring embedded in the wall.

He smirked as he looked down on her with contempt.
She did not know that he had used this place for discreet assignations in his former life. He had many toys tucked away for his pleasure. If he had to he would strip her lovely skin from her body to get the location of the spear…one lash at a time. But first, he would enjoy her charms at his whim…not hers. And his bulging cock told him that now was one of those times. He stripped off his clothes slowly, savoring the thoughts in his head as he planned her torture.

He spread her bare thighs as she began to awaken and plunged his throbbing tarse in quickly
. She screamed at the dry entry as he bit her neck, drawing blood. He looked down on her with a feral gleam in his eye as the metallic taste of blood aroused him even more.

She watched in fear as he licked his lips while thrusting his shaft into her at an ever increasing pace. He released a loud animalistic roar as his seed shot into her fertile womb repeatedly. His body spasmed violently then collapsed on top of her. After a few moments, she felt him lapping at her throat
, removing the blood that leaked from her wound. Her eyes widened in shock as she felt his cock swelling within her sheath even larger than the first time. As he began rutting her body again she felt his mouth close over her wound, suckling the blood out.

A chill coursed through her body…then a seductive heat. She gasped as her body began to respond to the dominance. Her hips thrust back in response to his. He pulled his lips away and looked down on her in surprise. Finally, he has found someone who appreciates his sadistic tendencies.
He pounded into her silkiness until they both cried out in satisfaction.

Athor rolled off of her then bandaged the oozing wound. She sucked air between her teeth as he packed it with moss then wrapped a cloth around it. He leered at her
.

“I have marked you as mine, witch. Do not ever think to share your charms with another. Now tell me where the spear is hidden.”

She was doomed. She knew she was in her fertile time. It would take a miracle for her not to conceive without her herbs. She shook her head. Natasha was surprised to admit that she had never had better sex before. His dominance of her was amazing! But she needed to reason with him about the spear. She could not relinquish that power to him. Alred owed that much to her.

“I cannot tell you, Athor. It is too difficult to describe the way. I could only show you, if I had the inclination to do so. You must understand that only I can pass into Castle Brodie without eyebrows raising. I help care for the laird’s bairns.” She did not mention that even she would have a hard time entering the walls since
Alred knows her by sight. Her one hope was that no one had realized who she was yet.

He arched his dark brow
then eyed her shrewdly. “You would not get past Alred’s scrutiny. He knows you…quite well as I recall.”

“That may be true but I stood only a few feet away from him a short time ago and he did not give me a second glance. This time will be no different. Although I plan on not being seen until I wish it.” She could see him wavering.

“I will think on it. Go to sleep.”

“I cannot sleep like this!”

“Then I suppose you will not sleep.” With that he rolled over closing his eyes and was snoring soon after.