Their Bonds of Love

Closing the door behind her, Eleri walked down the hall towards her room with her two usual guards trailing her. She knew it would be smarter to stay out of sight all day, but she could not help a short trip to the courtyard. She waked around the small space, trudging through the snow close to the walls. She yearned to be able to peek over them, looking for she knew not what. Conri, Caerwyn, or anyone else would not be just strolling near the palace. She imagined they were still in Lord Cecil’s home preparing for the night.

She wished there was something she could do to prepare. Besides trying to stay safe and ready, there was not much to be done. She would change out of whatever ostentatious dress she had on into her heaviest nightgown and robe. Perhaps it would not be appropriate for escape, but she could throw one of her thick cloaks on. It would be much better than trying to run in one of her heavy gowns that felt as though it was trying to choke the life out of her.

She touched her crown as she walked down the hall. She would find a way to take it with her if she could. It was once her mothers and a piece of Cadwin history. Though it felt a little tight against her head, she felt connected to it and wanted to keep it. Turning the corner of the hall, she almost ran into the person coming her way. After taking a step back, she adjusted one of her long sleeves and looked up. Her stomach automatically dropped as her eyes narrowed.

“Lady Eleri,” said Lord Nevis with a bow.

Eleri looked Caerwyn’s father up and down as Deri moved a bit closer to her.

“I am glad to see you look well and as if you have settled in. I know you did not wish for your position, but I believe it might suit you.”

“Do you?” she asked. “You think I should thank you for betraying my father, the prince, and your son? Perhaps I should laugh off the terror Lady Farrow must have felt or think it a good joke you tore me from my father?”

He moved closer to her. “I did not do what I did to hurt anyone. I did it to save the Elathia.”

“You think giving Lord Fellen the crown will save the land?” she asked quietly. She put her hand to her stomach as it suddenly became hard to breathe.

“Are you alright, my lady?” asked Lord Nevis.

“I suddenly feel a little light-headed and sick to my stomach,” she said, straightening up. “It must be my present company.” Taking a deep breath, she put her hand down. “Why are you here, Lord Nevis?”

“I am in town for the Winter Moon Festival and your wedding. I was invited to a meeting with Lord Fellen and then supper.”

“You shouldn’t keep the lord waiting then,” said Eleri as she started to walk past him.

Lord Nevis reached out and took her arm. “I want you to know that everything I have done was for the good of Elathia and its true ruler. No matter what I think of you, I am sorry you were caught in the middle.”

“I seriously doubt it, my lord, seeing your previous treatment of me. I do not wish for your apologies as I don’t want to hear them. Go on and meet with your lord. I want to rest in my room, and I suppose I will see you at supper as I have no choice in the matter. I have to do what I am told in this place that you have sent me.” She threw his hand off her arm and continued down the hall to her room.

As she got towards her room, she noticed that the two double doors were slightly opened at the end of the hall. They were always shut, and the one time Eleri tried them, locked. She turned towards Deri. “What is beyond those doors?”

“The east side of the palace. The library is down there as well as a few parlors. I believe the palace healer’s work room is down there somewhere.”

“The library is down that way? The Silver Palace library that is said to hold almost as many books as the great library of Elathia?” asked Eleri.

“I’m not sure about its size, but if you have heard it, it must be correct.”

“Is there is any reason I cannot walk down and see it?” she asked.

Deri looked at the other guard, who rolled his eyes. “All were were told, my lady, was to make sure you stayed within the palace walls.”

Eleri nodded. “Then I shall take just a few moments and go to the library. I am tired of looking at the same few walls day in, day out.”

“Are you sure you would not rather rest, my lady?” asked the other guard, sounding as if he wanted to be done with her.

“I have had enough rest lately. It won’t take long, just a quick look. You will be free of your duty to me soon enough,” said Eleri.

“It is a great honor to protect you,’ said Deri as the other guard sighed in annoyance.

She moved forward, stopping at the half-opened door. She felt some hesitancy to go through but quickly changed her mind. Lord Fellen had not told her where she could not go, and she was tired of listening to him anyway. She had played the game as she knew was required, but it was coming to an end. She was ready to get all information she could before she left the palace.

She pushed opened the door and entered a hall much like the one she came from. She kept walking, looking for a likely door that would lead to the vast library. Before she could get very far, she came to a hall that intersected the one in which she walked. She looked to her left to see it was mostly dark. Glancing to her right, she saw a door opened halfway with a light coming from it. Inside, she heard a familiar voice.

“You will really go through with it?” asked Ciara.

“What other choice do I have, Ciara?” replied Lord Fellen.

Eleri looked at the two guards behind her. Deri looked at her uncertainly as the other appeared bored. She moved closer to the intersecting wall, leaning against it and listening.

“You could kill her and have Bren say the prophecy was wrong after all. Why do you need her as your queen?” whined Ciara.

“The people of the land are very attached to the prophecy and have bought into the idea that it must refer to Eleri. I cannot change that part of it, or it might push them away from me too far. There are still some older lords who do not wish the name of Cadwin to disappear altogether. When I marry her, and she has my children, the second can be a true Cadwin.”

“You plan to have children with her?” asked Ciara, sounding angry and hurt. “You will lie with her?”

“She will be my wife, Ciara. What did you expect me to do?”

“Lock her away and keep her charmed unless you needed her for a meal or event. I didn’t expect you actually to want to be in her company.”

“She is a beautiful, charming woman. I like her more than I thought I would.”

“You think to have us both then?” asked Ciara with a huff. “You expect me to continue to come to you, knowing you have been with her?”

“Are you asking me to choose between the two of you?” Lord Fellen laughed. “If that is the case, I don’t think you will like my answer.”

“You would choose her?”

“I would choose the crown, and she is the way I get that crown and keep it.” They were both quiet for a moment, and Eleri moved further down the hall, trying to see into the room. She stopped when she could barely make out Lord Fellen through the door crack.

“What do you want me to say, Ciara? Do you want me to pacify your jealousy by telling you I want you more than her? Do you wish me to say that loving her will only be a chore while you truly ignite my passion?” He laughed mockingly. “I can lie if you wish, or you can just be happy with the fact that I do enjoy my time with you, and I will enjoy Eleri.” She watched as he reached out and pulled Ciara to him. “Perhaps, I can persuade you to both join me in time.”

Ciara pushed away from him. “You disgust me.”

He pulled her back. “I do not. I think I do the exact opposite of disgust you.” He leaned down and kissed her neck. “I think I could get you to do just about anything. I believe I can find a way to have you and Eleri, and there is something about it that excites you.”

She turned and raised her hand as if she would strike him, but he caught it and kissed her. Eleri watched for a moment as Ciara finally put her arms around him before she slowly moved back down the hallway towards her guards.

She shuddered a bit as she pulled her cloak around her, thinking what she had seen. It should not have shocked her. She knew Ciara was devoted to Lord Fellen, and there had to be a reason why. Perhaps she thought she was in love with the man. She sounded jealous enough for it when he spoke of Eleri. Eleri felt some bile rise in her throat as she thought of him kissing her and more. He would never have her in that way, no matter what she had to do.

The idea of going to the library did not sound appealing to her anymore. All she wanted was to hide away until later that evening, when she would hopefully be out of the palace. She needed to do all she could to make sure she was somewhere they could find her. She had to be safe and ready to help them when it came to it. Walking back to her room, she settled in for a quiet afternoon, wondering if she could claim exhaustion or sickness to skip supper.

When the servants came to prepare her for supper, she knew it was no use claiming illness. It would only cause Lord Fellen to visit her or send someone else. She would not put it past him to send Bren. He might talk of protecting her from him, but she didn’t believe him. It wouldn’t surprise her if he were ordering Bren to unnerve her.

She dressed for supper in another one of her ridiculous gowns. It felt even heavier and tighter than the others. As she looked in the mirror, running her hands down her sides, the dress seemed almost too red. It hurt her eyes to look at it directly.

“Is something wrong, my lady,” asked one of the servants.

“It just feels a bit tight,” said Eleri as she moved one of her hands to her stomach. “Perhaps you have pulled it too much.”

“I can check it if you wish,” said the servant.

As the servant moved towards her, there was a knock at the door before it opened.

“You better come now before you are late,” said Ciara with annoyance as she entered.

Eleri waved the servant away. “This will have to do. I can make it through the meal, I believe.”

“Is something wrong?” asked Ciara as she watched Eleri while they walked down the hall.

“I think the servants sinched my dress a bit too tight, but it is no matter,” responded Eleri as she rubbed her neck. Her head felt too heavy, almost as if she could not support it.

“Let me look.” Ciara moved behind Eleri, stopping her before they came to the door that led to the dining hall. She undid Eleri’s ties. “I can see the problem.” She pulled them even tighter, and Eleri bent forward, feeling as though all breath had left her.

Ciara bent down next to her. “It is not easy being the queen, is it? You will have to endure much more pain than this, so you better get used to it.” She grabbed Eleri’s arm, digging her nails through the fabric. Eleri felt Ciara’s magic flow through her, and her own tried to meet it. Eleri put her hand to her chest. It felt like her heart was struggling to keep up its beats. It felt much too slow, causing her chest to tingle as her magic died within her.

The door opened, and Lord Fellen stepped out to take Eleri’s hand. “Are you well, my dear?” He squeezed her hand as Eleri swallowed, trying to take a deep breath.

“She is fine,” said Ciara. “I believe she tripped on her ridiculous dress. She is not very graceful, it seems.”

Lord Fellen brought Eleri up, so she stood straight. She held herself around her middle as he put his arm around her waist. “I am sure she is only a bit overcome with nerves for the big event coming up. I doubt you ate much lunch, Eleri. Come eat, and I know you will feel better.”

He escorted her into the dining room. The table was filled with old and young men with a few ladies. She recognized a few from her teas, including the Price sisters, who stared at her as she walked past. Lord Fellen brought her to a chair near the end next to Bren Farrow. He pulled out her chair, and she sat down as Bren smiled while taking a drink.

“Now that we are all here, we can feast,” said Lord Farrow after Ciara had taken her place. “May the goddess shine down over our time together as we continue to discuss Elathia as it was meant to be.”

Food was passed around, but Eleri didn’t think she could manage one bite. She felt suffocated and exhausted. She didn’t even know if she could speak.

“Come now, my lady, there is no need to be modest here,” said Bren as he put a spoonful of some green vegetables on her plate, followed by a chunk of meat.

The scent of food wafted up, and the smell made Eleri nauseous. The talk around the table was constant, and it caused her head to pound. There was much laughter, and the sound of utensils scraping against plates made Eleri feel as if her ears were bleeding. Bren poured her some wine, and she took a long swig without even thinking. It burned her throat as it went down.

She glanced up as one of the Price Sisters looked at her while saying something Eleri could not understand. Bren nudged her rather hard. “Aren’t you going to answer, my lady? I know you were taught proper manners.”

“I’m sorry,” said Eleri in a voice barely above a whisper. “I did not hear her question.”

“I asked if you were ready for the wedding,” said the sister.

“I hardly know,” responded Eleri, not feeling like there was a substantial response to be had.

“You know how it is, Delana, a nervous young bride and all.” Lord Fellen took a sip of wine and smiled at her. “I suppose you don’t, do you?”

This caused a new round of laughter to go around, and Eleri almost covered her ears with her hands. Instead, she looked at the food before her and cut off a small piece of meat. She chewed on it for a good minute or so, knowing she could barely swallow it but hoping it would give her an excuse not to talk.

She was asked many more questions about her time in the palace, her father, Prince Conri, and her upcoming wedding, but she had no idea how she responded. By the time dinner was over, she wasn’t sure how she was going to stand. Her wine glass was empty, but she couldn’t remember drinking much of it. She stood up when Ciara and a few of the other ladies did but quickly put her hand down to catch herself.

“Lord Farrow, would you escort Lady Eleri to her room?” said Lord Fellen. “I am afraid she isn’t feeling well. I will check on her in a moment.”

“It would be an honor, my lord,” said Bren as he stood up and took Eleri’s arm.

She saw nothing else could be done, though she didn’t want to walk with Bren. She felt like her legs were made of heavy stone as she walked out of the room on Bren’s arm. He said nothing to her until they were in the hallway of her room.

“You shouldn’t drink like you did tonight, Eleri. I’m afraid it has done you in, and you will feel it in the morning.”

“I don’t remember drinking anything,” she said, aware that her voice was slurred.

“Your cup was refilled three times,” said Bren. “You drank that wine as if you were dying of thirst. You also ate very little. I’m surprised you are able to walk at all.”

“I think I need to lie down.” Eleri put her hand to her head, finding her forehead sticky and wet.

“I will get you some water when we get to your room and sit with you for a bit until a servant or Lord Fellen comes. You shouldn’t be alone.”

She tried to tell him she did not want him in her room, but she could not remember how to say the words. The next thing she knew, she was led through her door to the small sofa in front of the fireplace. Bren closed the door before sitting beside her, pouring a cup of water.

“Drink this, Eleri. It will help.”

She grabbed the cup and guzzled down the water. He refilled it, and she again drank the full cup. For some reason, it didn’t seem to help. Her throat was still on fire, and her tongue felt thick and dry.

“I really just wish to lie down,” she squeaked out as she put her head in her hands. “Please call a servant to help me out of this dress.”

“You don’t need a servant. I can help you, Eleri,” said Bren as he took her hand and stood up. He hauled her to her feet as she swayed in front of him. “You do look rather lovely in this gown.” His hands went to her waist and worked their way up her side.

She pushed him away, but he would not let her go. The room was nothing but a blur around her. The space felt much too hot, and she was sure the fire was raging in front of her. She knew she needed to get rid of Bren quickly, but she could not remember why.

“Let me help you to your bed, Eleri,” said Bren. He pulled her towards the back of the room as Eleri’s stomach rolled. He pushed her down on the bed, sitting beside her.

She did not like the feel of his touch as his hand went to her thigh over her dress. She hated the smell of him as he leaned down to kiss her throat. He had no right to even speak to her, let alone act as if he could treat her this way. She tried to concentrate, but her mind was so cloudy.

You are strong, she told herself. You are Eleri Cadwin, the daughter of Lord Ewan Cadwin. She was the future of the house of the red wolves. Her mother was Elen Moss, the greatest sorceress in the land. She could not let herself be defiled by one such as Bren Farrow, a traitor to his king and killer of his own father.

Something deep within her sparked. She closed her eyes and let it run free, filling her with fire. As Bren continued to kiss her neck, his hands working their way up her sides, and she felt her power continued to build. She put her hand on his upper arm and pushed away the fear and sickness she felt. She concentrated on the immense power that was overtaking her, reminder herself who she was. It spoke to her in an ancient language that she could somehow understand, words that were repeated over and over.

The strength that comes from the light will always overcome the power from the dark.

She let her magic run through her and to Bren. He stopped kissing her neck and looked at her in fear for one moment before he was thrown against the giant headboard of her bed. His head hit the hard wood with a loud crack, and he fell upon the floor. Eleri stood up, feeling as if she was floating off the ground. She looked down at Bren as he stirred and slowly sat up, rubbing his head.

She raised her hand as he looked up at her in terror. “No,” he whimpered. “I’ll go. I will.”

“Too late,” she simply said. She raised her hand, but before she could deliver the final blow to Bren, a hand wrapped around her waist.

Something drained her power immediately as all her breath left her.

“You fool,” spat Lord Fellen. “Get out of here before I let her finish what she started.”

Bren scrambled to his feet, putting his head behind his head where some blood had formed. He moved around Eleri and Lord Fellen, never putting his back to her. As the door closed behind him, Lord Fellen turned Eleri in his arms.

“That was something, my lady,” he said. “I can feel the power still working inside of you, though I think I have done enough to keep it locked away for a time. One day when I firmly have you on my side, I will let you release it. Until then, I will enjoy it for myself.”

He held her tighter, and Eleri cried out as pain shot through her body. “What are you doing to me?”

He chuckled as he rubbed her side. “I was not the one who poisoned the king and queen, but I learned from those who did it. It was not hard as they craved attention so badly, I bought their talents with my favors and false promises. Those silly sisters have many skills passed down from the magic on one side of their family, but none of the power.” He pushed her down on the bed, so she sat, half laying down.

“These beautiful dresses are too easy to line with so many things that can keep your power contain and work to control you. I knew poor Ciara could never overcome your power. Your mother was beyond anything I had ever known. I, too, have some magic in my blood from somewhere in my line. I cannot wield it, but I can recognize it. Your mother was the most powerful magic user I have ever sensed until I met you.”

He moved to lean over her, his hands on either side of her waist. “It is not just the prophecy, Eleri. I want your power. I am going to find a way to control you and it, starting tonight. You have fought off Ciara’s magic and even many of my poisons. I wished to use it slowly to break down your defenses so you would finally ask me to make you mine, but I see now you are too strong.”

He leaned down further, placing his hand behind her back and forcing her to lie down. “Just like everything else I have wanted, I will have to take you as I like. You may not like it at first, but I believe one day you will succumb to me.”

He kissed her cheek close to her lips as she stared at him. She tried to build her power again, but he reached up with his free hand and pressed down her crown, so it dug into her head. She felt as if she could barely keep conscious.

“Even that crown you wear has been tainted, my dear,” he whispered before slowly kissing her lips. “Stop resisting and trying to fight back, and I will not have to cause you much pain. I really do not wish to hurt you.”

He moved his lips down her neck and placed soft kisses on it. He used his hand to tilt up her chin, and she started shaking. She knew what he was going to do, and somewhere in her half-conscious mind, she wanted to fight back. He could not mark her without her permission. She would not allow it.

She felt his tongue against her skin before he gave a low growl. “I never wanted to do this with anyone, not even Ciara. Now, I find that I cannot wait.” He leaned up and kissed her deeply as he held her face with his hand. She tried to push him away, but she felt paralyzed.

When he released her lips, he moved back down to her neck, his mouth hovering over it. “You are mine, Eleri. No one shall take you from me.” Without another warning, he bit down on her neck, causing her to tense up. His teeth sunk into her tender flesh, and in her mind, she was screaming, though she knew it only came out as a gasp.

Something tied around her even tighter than the horrible dress she wore. It felt like it would crush her lungs. She weakly grabbed Lord Fellen’s arms, moving slightly underneath him. He finally let go of her neck, breathing hard. His lips were a faint red, and she knew it was due to her blood. Her vision started going hazy, and she didn’t think she could stay awake much longer. He kissed her, and the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth.

She struggled to stay awake, trying to think of something to keep him from taking her further, but she could not push him away. She was tied to him, and to deny his desires felt strangely wrong.

“Eleri,” he moaned into her ear after he let go of her lips. His hands moved down her body, and she knew she could do nothing.

As the corners of her mind became darker and darker, she was aware of some loud noise in the room. Lord Fellen leaned up from her. “What?” he grunted.

Eleri heard a muffled voice in return speak of an intruder in the palace, maybe several. There was something about a few lords asking for him.

“I’m coming,” he finally said before he looked down at Eleri. “Stay here, my lovely. This will not take long.”

He pushed off of her, and she shivered as the loss of his warmth made her feel the chill of the room. She reached for him, not knowing why. He could not leave her. He was necessary, wasn’t he? No, that seemed wrong. He grabbed her hand and kissed it.

“I promise I will be back soon. We will move you into my room, so you do not have to be alone.”

She thought she nodded, but she wasn’t sure. He gave some orders to someone before she heard the door closed. She fumbled around for the bed covers as she shuffled in the bed until her head hit the pillow. She felt wrong in every way as her hand went to the mark on her neck. A deep ache went through her body that made her feel dirty and alone. She longed for Lord Fellen’s presence but also hated the idea of him touching her again.

As she pulled the blankets up to cover herself, she tried to think of anything but what just happened. The only thing she could slightly concentrate on was Conri. A memory of him holding her one morning in her aunt’s home popped into her mind. She felt so safe and right in his arms. She tried to hold on to the feeling as darkness enveloped her.