Kane, she tried to shout, but no sound emerged.
Where was he? Where was she? What had happened to her?
Memories of a life she hadnt lived bombarded her. She swung a sword, beheading a demon. She stood over the dying body of a human soul, laughing. She watched a winged female with desire building in her veins. Death...death...all around her. Pain, suffering, regret. More than even a legion could bear.
Something soft brushed against her cheek, trailed along her jaw. Im here, Tink. Im not going anywhere.
His voice. Soothing, beseeching. Pulling her out of the darkness, out of the horror, and into a light...a growing light...brighter and brighter. A moan left her as she struggled to rise.
Thats the way, beautiful girl. Come on, sweetheart. You can do it.
Her eyelids pried apart, and in the next instant she was peering into Kanes handsome face. Im safe now. Hell keep me safe.
Their gazes got tangled up, neither of them able to look away, and relief softened his expression. Yet, despite the relief, lines of tension bracketed his eyes and mouth. His skin was pallid, and his clothing wrinkled. His hair was spiked, as if hed stuck his finger into a light socket.
Youre back.
Whered I go? Her voice was a mere croak. She tried to reach up to massage the soreness out of her throat, but her arm proved too heavy to lift. Where am I?
His lashes fused, hiding whatever emotion her words had elicited. I brought you to my bedroom.
Her gaze, the only thing she could currently move, swept around to find...yes, Kanes bedroom. She recognized it immediatelywhile hers was small, plain and filled with eight cots and seven other females, his was total luxury. A gold-and-crystal chandelier hung overhead. The walls were splashed with gold-framed paintings by famous Fae artists who had died throughout the centuries.
Josephina sprawled across the huge, ultra-soft four-poster bed, wearing a T-shirt far too big for her, as well as her gloves, with a velvet blanket covering the lower half of her body.
Do you remember the bar? Kane asked. The fight? The three warriors you touched?
Remember...yes. Shed touched one, then the other, and the other, and a surge of strength had overcome her, such beautiful strength. But then...oh, then, the darkness had enclosed her, dragging her down, down, down, into a cavern of despair and helplessness.
You drew the evil out of them and into yourself. I carried you to the palace, Kane continued. He removed his hand from her face, becoming her anchor, the only thing holding her here. Youve been in bed for four days.
Four days!
The realization sickened her. Her father would be angry with herhad probably even tried to force her out of bed at some point. She had duties, and she would be punished for failing them. But the real reason she panicked? Kanes wedding was now that much closer.
Dont worry, he said. I dealt with your father.
His gorgeous hazels were still glued to her, seeming to drink her in and memorize every feature. She could barely blink, caught up in the intensity of him, captivated by the majesty of him...confused by the number of injuries on him.
What happened to you? she asked. My father? Brother?
He rubbed the angry cuts on his forehead. Disaster.
Shed always hated Syndas demon, and shed always hated the Lords demons. They wreaked havoc on their keepers and ruined...everything. But what shed felt then could not compare to what she felt now. She wanted Disaster dead. Well, thank you for taking care of me. Besides her mother, he was the first to ever do so.
He smiled softly...tenderly. I thought youd curse at me.
For a lot of things, yes. But that? Never. Why?
I havent forgotten your desire to die, Tink, he said, his voice a low, menacing scrape.
Not that way, she whispered. Never that way. The evil shed housed would have dragged her straight into hell, condemning her to a worse fate than the one she now lived.
Kane toyed with the ends of her hair, and the contact, slight though it was, awakened the very pangs shed battled at the dressmakers shop. Hungerfor him. Needfor his touch. Desirefor so much more.
Have you ever spoken to the Moirai? he asked.
Even the name tainted the atmosphere around her. No.
Have you heard of them?
Of course. They claim to weave the fates.
Claim? He released her to lift a cup of water from the nightstand. You think its a lie?
Absolutely. Until that moment, Josephina hadnt realized how thirsty she was. Everything else was forgotten.
He placed a straw at her lips, and she sucked and sucked and sucked, the cool liquid soothing her throat.
Kane watched her mouth...her throat.
When the cup was empty, she leaned back, licked her lips.
He watched that, too.
More? he asked, heat darkening his eyes.
Yes, please. But she wasnt sure what she wantedmore water, or more Kane.
He lifted a pitcher and poured more heavenly water into the cup. The moment the straw returned to her lips, the bottom of the cup broke. Cold liquid splashed over her, and she gasped.
Im so sorry, Kane mumbled, hopping up to gather something to help. He started to dry her off, cursed, then handed her the rags.
When she finished, he hesitantly offered her another cup.
Dont worry about it, she said. I probably needed a bath.
His lips twitched with the barest thread of amusement. I made sure you stayed clean.
Cheeks heating, she drained the water. At last, strength began to return to her, running through her veins, sparking her organs to life.
Why do you think the Moirai are liars? Kane asked.
Well, to start, people have free will. Fate doesnt decide what direction they ultimately go.
His fingers returned to her hair, as if drawn by an invisible string. William said something similar.
William is quite wise.
He rolled his eyes. Continue.
Fate says everything is meant to be. But I cant believe my mother was meant to endure such hardships. I cant believe I was meant to be a slave.
Explain.
One-word demands had never been so...sexy. Shivering, she said, My father decided he wanted my mother, so, he took her. It was her decision to stay here. I was born and told I had a purpose, and it was my choice to believe it or reject it.
He peered at her, silent...thinking? What about marriages? Do you believe theres someone destined for everyone?
Oh, yes, but not everyone follows that destiny. She hoped he heard what she wasnt sayinghe needed to be careful about Synda and White. Hence, free will can get in the way.
So, youre saying choices and destiny shape the course of our lives?
I think so, yes. Its just easier to blame fate for all of the mistakes.
He ghosted his thumb along the curve of her jaw, drawing goose bumps to the surface. Youve been hurt by other peoples choices.
Caught up in the intimacy of the moment, she leaned into the touch. So have you.
Yes. A pause, as if he struggled with his next words. The Moirai say Im destined to start an apocalypse.
On top of wedding the girl, White? Did he believe them?
The spell was broken. Those hobags arent all-powerful, Kane.
Hobags? He grinned.
How could she make him understand? They simply thrive on chaos, planting their ideas into our heads. We think about it, we obsess about it, ultimately acting in a manner befitting what was said, thereby causing what was said to happen.
Like a self-fulfilling prophecy. He arched a brow. You know all of this, and yet youve never spoken to them?
Touch me again. Gather me in your arms. Tell me you dont desire White. Well, I never said they hadnt spoken to me.
He stiffened. So youve actually met with them?
Yes. And the meeting had enraged her.
Years ago, the three hags told her she was destined to cause her mothers death. All shed managed was a few gasps before theyd shooed her away, but from that moment on, Josephina had begun to fear hurting her beloved mother in any way, and had overanalyzed her every word and action.
Josephina had stopped eating, stopped sleeping. Shed stopped visiting her mother, too afraid of what damage she might cause. After a while, the fear had become infectious. Her mother had begun to worry over Josephinas health, and had mourned over Josephinas perceived defection. Glorika had lost weight, energy and vitalityand soon, the kings favor. She was cast out of his bedroom and back to the servant quarters.
There, she was treated more shamefully than ever. She was shunned by the women and secretly harassed by many of the men. The queen had taken great pleasure in humiliating her at every turn.
In the end, Glorika had killed herself. All because Josephina had stayed away from her. So, yes. Josephina had helped destroy her. Had she never worried, nothing bad would have happened to either of them. Her mother would still be alive.
The best decision youll ever make is to forget what the Moirai told you, she said.
He shook his head, dark locks of hair falling over his brow. I carry the demon of Disaster. How could I not cause an apocalypse?
She heard the dread in his voice, the torment. Think about it. Youre doing everything in your power to stop yourself from causing an apocalypse, arent you? And yet everything youve done has only exacerbated the problem.
So I should do nothing?
No. You should live. Truly live. Stop looking over your shoulder, expecting disaster. Stop planning your next step based on the demons actions.
He pushed out an angry breath. Im not sure whether youre wise, as I first assumed, or the dumbest woman on the planet.
Dumb? Dumb! Well, youre definitely not the sweetest man.
I never claimed to be.
Because no one would have believed you! Surely that wasnt her shrieking at him?
He massaged the back of his neck, not seeming to notice her outburst. The Moirai told me something else. They said Im destined to marry the keeper of Irresponsibility...or White, the girl you met in the club.
What he didnt say, but she heard: he was to stay away from a Fae blood slave. Dont let the hags decide your bride, Kane. You decide. Wed for love, or dont wed at all.
Kane leaned down, putting them nose-to-nose. He whispered, I used to be, you know.
He was so close, his clean, soapy scent thick in her nose. Heat radiated from him, enveloping her, and the tremors within her increased. Used to be what?
Sweet.
She reached up, shifted the strands of his hair through her gloved fingers. How badly she wanted skin-to-skin. You still have your moments. But what changed?
Me. Everything. His gaze dropped to her lips, and lingered, his pupils expanding. I shouldnt want to kiss you again, but I do. I want it. Not because of the Moirai but because of you. What are you doing to me?
Her heart skipped a treacherous beat. Im not doing anything.
Oh, youre doing something. Slowly he lowered his head...coming closer...closer still. I already stole your first kiss, and I shouldnt steal the second.
What if I give it away? Are you afraid?
Yes, he admitted. Ive never wanted a woman the way I want you.
Not even Synda? she managed to respond, breathless.
I understand why youre so insecure about her. Your family has always picked her over you. But that isnt the case with me. I have wanted you since moment one. I have never actually wanted Synda. Shes a means to an end, nothing more.
A means to an endnot a bride. He wouldnt wed the girl. And hed wanted Josephina since moment one.
Her.
Overcome, Josephina threw her arms around him, and pressed her lips against his. He moaned, his tongue thrusting into her mouth, demanding the very response she yearned to give. He was a master, sublimely skilled, every stroke propelling her need higher, and maybe she gave as good as she got, because his control seemed to be fraying at the edges, little growls rising from him, his tongue thrusting harder, faster.
Then he straightened, a funny look on his face as he traced a fingertip over lips now swollen and tingling from his possession. You make me burn, Tinker Bell.
Kane, she said, then gulped.
Yes.
Thats not me. Youre actually on fire.
Frowning, he glanced down at his shoulder. The ends of his hair were tipped with flames that had jumped from the lamp on the nightstand.
Josephina patted the strands, dousing the fire.
Stupid Disaster.
Im not afraid of him.
He toyed with the collar of her shirt, making her skin tingle. Still want me?
More than anything, she admitted softly.
Tentative, he licked the seam of her lips. When nothing terrible happened, he gave her a wicked grin.
Gonna make you so happy you said that.
He tugged at the cover, pulling it down, down, down her body, baring her legs, his heated eyes never straying from hers...even as he reached for the hem of the shirt. He crawled onto the bed, graceful as a panther, and straddled her waist.
Breathing was impossible, her insides so keyed and ready for whatever he planned, she could only pant as he continued lifting her shirt, baring her breasts to his view.
He paused to look his fill, his pupils so large his irises were devoid of color.
You are so beautiful.
She trembled as he reached out and cupped her, kneaded her.
So perfect.
She was shaking too badly to reply.
His fingers slid down her belly, stopped at the top of her panties. He traced the band, and she quivered.
He stilled, frowned. His ears twitched. Someones coming.
No! It was just getting good!
Kane jackknifed to his feet, and Josephina sat up, smoothing her clothes in place, trying not to huff her disappointment. No longer was her warrior vibrating with arousal. He was eerily still, a living blade, ready to slash.
Four guards burst into the room, Leopold at the helm.
The prince scowled when he spotted them. Josephina Aisling. The princess has been charged with baring her body to outsiders. Now that youre awake, you are to be taken to the throne room to hear your punishment.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
AS THE GUARDS approached the bed, Kane growled from deep within his chest. A feral sound. A primitive warninguncontrolled danger awaited. The males werent getting near the girl. If they insisted, they would die. Hed taken care of her all four days. Hed left her side only once, to visit the king. He had bathed her. Had poured water down her throat. He and he alone had done everything that needed doing to ensure she survived.
She belonged to him, and he took care of what was his. Even though hed decided to leave her to save her from Disaster.
That was still the plan. Had to be the plan. But shed woken up, looked at him with those haunting crystal eyes, her cheeks hollowed, the fever-flush finally gone from her skin, that mass of dark hair tangled around her delicate shoulders, and all of his possessive instincts had risen with undeniable fury.
Mine, hed thought, even as Disaster had screamed in denial.
Kane withdrew a bloodstained dagger.
The guards stopped to eye the prince, silently asking for direction.
The prince watched him, daring him to act. With only a word, the man could have Kane on his knees, pain consuming him, leaving him helpless. Exactly what the male had to want. Kane could be carted to the dungeon, leaving Tink to face the punishment alone.
The only recourse was to take this matter to the king. Together.
The last time hed visited the king, hed requested permission to doctor Tink. Tiberius had reluctantly agreed, but in exchange, Kane had had to promise his friends would attend the wedding.
Ill escort her, Kane said as calmly as he was able. He would fix this situation, and then he would leave. The time had come. Tell me, though. How did you know she had awakened?
Voices were heard.
Im not going anywhere, Tink said, fear glazing eyes that had been filled with passion only a few minutes ago. Im staying here.
Josephina, the prince began, his features softening with a desire he had no right to feel. Im sorry, I am, but I have to do this.
Kane offered Tink his hand. Trust me, sweetheart. I wont let anything happen to you.
Her shudder rocked the entire bed. She closed her eyes, breathed in...held it, held it...then exhaled. When she faced him, he could tell she was battling tears. Yet still she bravely placed her hand in his, the thickness of her glove hiding the temperature of her skin.
I need to change into my uniform, she said.
Hed had it cleaned. It was folded and waiting on the nightstand for her. He pulled the garment over her head, fitting it over the T-shirt hed dressed her in, never letting anyone see anything they shouldnt.
He tugged her to her feet, and she hmphed as she tumbled into his side. He snaked his arm around her waist, holding her up.
Follow me. Back ramrod-straight, Leopold turned on his heel and marched from the room. The guards were quick to pursue.
Kane practically had to carry the weakened Tink. He wondered where William had gone. Was he still in town? Kane could have used his help right now.
Synda had come to see Kane to ask his opinion about patterns and fabrics and other things he couldnt remember, and hed asked her how William had gotten her home, what the warrior had said, but shed claimed to have forgotten.
As he stalked down the hallway, he noticed the maids were pressed against the walls. They smiled and waved when they spotted him, some even coyly twirling the ends of their hair.
Drop the girl, and pick one of these, Disaster commanded.
Die, Kane shot back.
His boot untied, and he tripped.
He straightened, stopping in his tracks when he spotted a portrait ofno way, just no waybut it was of him and it was hanging next to one of Synda.
What are you Tinks gaze followed the line of his and she nearly choked on a sudden giggle. Oh, wow. You look so...
Dont say it, he gritted.
Dont say that you look happy?
If the situation hadnt been so dire, Kane would have taken a moment to gouge out the eyes of everyone whod walked through this hallway. Apparently, William had stuck around the palace after dropping off the princess. There was no other way the Fae royal family could have gotten one of the monstrosities Anya had commissioned.
He bit the side of his cheek. He wanted the people of this realm to respect his strength; they would be less likely to act against him. But anyone peering at the canvas with him bent over a zebra-print lounge chair, wearing only a blue feather boa while holding a rose between his teeth, would assume he was...
Steam had to be curling from his nose.
No wonder Leopold hadnt minded the kings directive to leave Tink in Kanes care. No wonder the prince hadnt sought secret vengeance for being chopped in the throat and threatened. This was punishment enough.
Im gonna tear William a new one.
By the time the group reached the throne room, the air was thick with flowery scents and as cloying as usual. His nose wrinkled in disgust; he hadnt gotten used to the smell, and he doubted he ever would.
The king perched upon his golden throne, and just as before, Synda occupied the throne at his left. The queen was nowhere to be seen.
Lord Kane, the princess said with a nod of greeting. Servant Josephina. So good to see youre up and about.
Tink stiffened, remained quiet.
Synda never ceased to amaze Kane. Her grip on reality was nonexistent, as was her ability to pick up on emotional cues or comprehend why a person would be angry with her.
Lord Kane, the king acknowledged. Before the proceedings begin, we must say how thrilled we were to meet your PMS.
Uh... My what?
Your personal male secretary. He escorted the princess home the day of your shopping trip. We gave him a room in the same hall as yours.
Well, that answered that. Very...generous of you.
We want you happy here, Lord Kane.
Then make a decree that Josephina isnt to be hurt.
The king pressed his lips into a stubborn line. As you know, you were granted custody of Servant Josephina for the duration of her illness. Since she has recovered, we must now see to her duties.
Tink trembled, and he tightened his hold. He cataloged the rest of the room and everyone in it, planning for every eventuality. Escape. A mob. Battle.
He found Red, Black and Green standing on the sidelines, in front of the growing crowd of Fae upper class. Ice chips crystallized in his veins, giving new meaning to cold-blooded. Were they here for revenge against Tink? Or Kane?
Do you know who those men are? he asked, motioning to the warriors.
Of course, the king replied. They are your servants. They arrived this morning.
They did, did they? My servants have a little problem with thieving. Make sure your guards accompany them wherever they go.
The king snapped, and guards rushed to take up new posts behind the warriors.
None of the three seemed to notice or care. They kept their gazes on Tink, their expressions bright with fascination. Kane suddenly realized whyand it had nothing to do with revenge. They wanted her to pull the darkness out of them once more and forever. They wanted to feel whole, untainted. Normal. She was the only way to accomplish such a feat.
Rage liquefied the ice. Rage directed at the warriorsand himself. Hed brought this on Tink. Him. No one else. Now, she had to face yet another disaster.
It is time for Servant Josephinas sentence to be revealed, the king announced. Bang, bang, bang, he slammed his scepter on the ground.
Kane focused. One battle at a time, he thought.
Because Princess Synda was caught undressing in public, Servant Josephina will be forced to undress here, to be branded on the chest with a mark of shame.
Tink cried out with alarm.
Kane roared a curse.
But Leopold began, only to go silent when Tiberius shot him a narrowed look.
Four guards reached for her. Kane threw her behind him, using his body as a shield, and withdrew two daggers. The men paused, unsure how to proceed and survive.
Williams boys stiffened, as if preparing to stomp to Kanes side and help him help Tink; but they remained in place, and he knew why. The three needed Tink alive and unharmed to get what they wanted from her and figured Kane wouldnt allow anything bad to happen to her. They expected him to fight for her, even though the outcome of that fight was unimportant to them. Amid the chaos, they could sweep Tink away. He wouldnt even be surprised if theyd been the ones to tattle to the king about what Synda had done in the tavern, just to set up this little scenario.
Ill take the punishment, Kane called. A fight would be avoided, and he could force Tink to stay by his side.
The warriors would never try and take her so openly.
Hes going to remove his shirt, a female twittered.
I know! Its going to be glorious!
Tinks hands flattened on his back. No, Kane. You cant. Her voice trembled with fear and upset. Ignoring her, the king pondered the suggestion for a moment. You arent blood of Princess Syndas blood, he said to Kane. Therefore, the exchange would not be acceptable.
Give Josephina to me, then. All of her. Now and forever. That kind of bond is as strong as blood, if not stronger.
Blue eyes lasered at him, direct and piercing. You are to have my daughter and none other. She is the only female worthy of you.
One day, Ill cut out his tongue. If the princess is my female, she is my responsibility. Therefore I am to decide her punishments, correct? I am to see them through.
The king stiffened. He knew hed been caught in the web of his own rules. Very well, he finally said. You may have the blood slave as well, and use her as she is meant.
Knowing Tink was being placed in his care filled him with the greatest satisfaction hed ever known. Enough to overshadow the only problem: he couldnt save Tink from further abuse without wedding Synda.
Thank you, he said.
A nod of agreement. I know better than most the power of an attraction for the wrong femaleand thats what you feel for Servant Josephina, isnt it? If I take the girl away from you, you will want her even more. If I harm her, you will blame me. But if I give her to you, the yearning will quickly die.
Kane held back a humorless laugh at the kings ignorance. A yearning this strong couldnt die.
He wants a servant? A servant? Scowling, eyes glowing bright red, Synda removed one of her shoes and chucked the thing at Kanes head. He ducked just before contact. You dont deserve me!
Now, now, darling, the king soothed. Did you not hear me? The yearning will die.
He could stay long enough to wed the princess, Kane thought, then place Tink in the care of his friends. They would protect her as fiercely as he would, knowing what she meant to him. The Fae would leave her alone. The Phoenix would leave her alone just as soon as Kane took care of herwhich he still planned to doand all of Tinks problems would be solved now rather than later.
After the wedding, Tink would want nothing to do with him, of course, and he wouldnt be able to blame her. But she would be safe, he reminded himself.
She would also be in confined quarters with Torin. And Paris.
Dark fury scraped at his chest.
And what about Synda? What was he supposed to do with her? He loved his friends too much to make them responsible for such a mercurial brat. But he definitely had no desire to keep her with him, wherever he went.
Please, dont do this, Tink whispered to him. Her fingers clutched at his shirt in an effort to pull him down to her height. I dont want you harmed on my behalf.
Her concern touched him deeply, placed him that much further under her spell. I told you I wouldnt allow you to be hurt, and I meant it.
Kane, she said, sounding desperate now. If you do this, Ill be angry with you.
But youll still kiss me better. He wasnt married yet.
Kane stepped forward, and tugged his shirt over his head. Feminine twitters rose throughout the room, and he rolled his eyes. He reached back and pulled Tink as close to him as possible. A portable fire pit was wheeled in from the side door and left in the center of the room. In strode a male holding a branding iron. He stuck the rod into the burning coals, allowing the metal to heat. Guards approached Kanes sides, intending to lock him in place. He shook them off and extended his arms.
I wont budge, he proclaimed.
A nod from the king had the males backing down. Tiberius, Synda and Leopold leaned forward, each watching him, perhaps curious to know if he would keep his word.
Kane, Tink said, quivering palms pressing on his shoulder blades. Fear radiated from her. Please dont.
Silent, he reached behind and wrapped his arms around her, twining his fingers together, caging her against his hard back. She rested her forehead against him, and he thought he felt the wet warmth of a tear trickle down his spine.
The suspicion rocked him. Undid him. Because it meant she cared for him. A care that went deeper than desire.
Dont know if I can ever let her go.