Broken (30 page)

Kira seriously considered snooping around, but with her luck the king would appear and catch her in the act of rifling through something that would earn her a beheading. Even with her built in
Royal detector
she didn’t dare take the chance.

So, for lack of driving herself insane from boredom, she snuck out into the hallway and began to clean. She dumped all the old flowers into a dirty sheet and wadded it up by the door at the end of the hall.
Another chore for Octavion
, she told herself. Then she took one of the buckets of water left from Alvataria’s bath, a clean towel and wiped everything down. It didn’t take long before the place looked fresh and inviting. She made a mental note to have the drapes taken down and laundered in the near future, then returned to check on Al.

Her bed linens were all askew as though she’d been thrashing about. Kira could have kicked herself. She should have been watching Altaria closer. She put another log on the fire, grabbed the last of the extra blankets off the end of the bed and pulled the overstuffed armchair closer to the fire, turning it so she still had full view of the bed. Soon the events and emotions of the day caught up with her and sleep took over.

The first dream that entered her mind showed Arela dancing around her bedroom. She wore a pretty pink dress with more ruffles than the skirt on Kira’s bed. Arela’s hair lay in silken waves down her back and with every turn it floated through the air like the wing of a bird. The little girl laughed and giggled so hard it made Kira’s side hurt to think about it. When Arela stopped, she stood in the middle of the room trying to gain her balance, stumbling to one side and then another. Her silliness caused them both to laugh.

Kira turned away from her to grab a brush so she could help get out Arela’s twirling tangles. As she did, a feeling of pure evil entered the room, swarming around her and sucking the air out of her lungs. Kira stumbled back and fell against the window seat right as Shandira appeared behind Arela. Kira tried to scream, but with no air left in her deprived lungs, her voice gave no warning. Shandira laughed, then grabbed Arela around the waist and disappeared. The odd combination of her black mist swirling around the angelic puff of white left by an innocent little girl filled Kira’s heart with horror.

A scream rang out, waking Kira from her nightmare. She jumped from her chair and ran to the bed, thinking it was Altaria, who was already sitting on the edge of the bed, trying to stand.

“What are you doing?” Kira asked. “You’ll fall.”

“You screamed. I thought you were hurt.”

“That was
me?
I thought
you
screamed.” Kira closed her eyes and tried to push the image of Shandira out of her mind.

“No, I was awake. You woke me when you called out for Arela. Then you screamed.” Altaria slid back on the bed, leaning against the tapestry headboard.

Kira tried to explain, but before she could, Octavion’s spirit surrounded her. It was almost intoxicating, the way it made her body crave his embrace. It wasn’t just the tingling warmth it brought to her flesh, but the way it flowed through every pour. When he appeared she half expected him to take her in his arms and finish what he’d started with his seductive spirit, but instead he brushed her aside and went to his sister.

“I heard you scream. What happened?”

Altaria scowled at him.

Kira cleared her throat. “Excuse me!” Kira said with as much sarcasm as she could muster. She put her hands on her hips.

Octavion spun around and by the look on his face, he knew exactly what he’d done. He cringed. “It was you?”

“Yes, it was me, but that’s not the point. You shoved me aside, like I meant nothing to you.”

He growled. “Kira, I thought she was hurt. I didn’t think . . .”

“Well, maybe you should have asked first.”
Great! Now he has me all riled up.
“By the way, how exactly was I supposed to get out of here, call you on my
cell phone?
”

Altaria snorted.

A confused look crossed his face. “The same way you got me to haul all that water up here.”

“Altaria was asleep. I didn’t want to wake her. You have this place locked up so tight I couldn’t get out if my life depended on it. And that’s another thing. What if Altaria really was hurt and she couldn’t send her thoughts. Was I supposed to open a window and start screaming? You want all this to be a big secret, but how would that look? Your so called
girlfriend
locked up in the kings chambers. Don’t you think that would’ve caused a little gossip among the villagers?”

He sighed. “You are right. I should have considered that.”

He took a step toward her, but she responded by turning her back to him. Where was this temper coming from? She had to get it under control before she broke another finger.

“Kira,” he said. His smooth voice caused her heart rate to pick up a few beats. He gently placed his hand on her back and turned her around to face him. “I will have something fashioned for you tomorrow. Will that remedy the problem?”

Kira looked at him curiously. “What do you mean?”

“Remember the heart pendant you used to call me from your world? There is a silversmith in the village who keeps a selection of stones you may choose from. He is very talented and will be able to create something unique, just for you. If you wish, I can take you there in the morning.”

“You mean . . . you’ll take me
shopping?
” Her mood improved considerably with his offer.

He nodded and grinned. “Yes, my love. I will take you shopping. Anything you desire will be yours.”

Kira looked over at Altaria and winked. “Gee, too bad you’re grounded.”

“Next time, perhaps,” she said with a crooked grin.

He ran his fingers through Kira’s hair, taking a small strand to his face, and drew in a breath. When his eyes met hers again they were laced with tiny veins of gold.

Kira stepped back. “The smell of my
hair
bothers you?”

“Kira, everything about you affects me in some way.” He took her wrist, held it to his face and breathed in slowly. “Even the scent of your skin attacks my senses.” The gold in his eyes brightened and invaded more of the blue.

“Octavion,” Altaria scolded. “Is that necessary?”

“He’s teasing.” Kira stepped closer and put her arms around his neck. “Anything else you’d like to get a whiff of?”

He raised one eyebrow and flashed a sinister, yet playful grin. Instead of answering her, he spoke to Altaria while keeping his seductive eyes on Kira. “I suspect I will be hunting tonight. Would you care to join me in the reward, sister?”

“
Serious?
” Altaria’s whole face lit up.

“I will bring it to you later, but for now I have to tuck this little one into bed.”

He leaned closer, tracing Kira’s collar bone with his lips and taking in one last breath. “That is the one that burns the most,” he whispered.

“Then why do you do it?” Kira asked.

“How else will I build my resistance?”

“When you two love birds are finished, I could use some sleep.” It was good to hear Altaria’s haughty banter.

“Silence,” Octavion teased back. “Your body has slept for days. You should be well rested.” He grinned at Kira with a loving spark in his eyes. They were back to their deepest color of blue now. “Shall we go?”

Kira nodded.

As she closed her eyes to prepare for the painful trip through the walls of the castle, she felt the majestic spirit of his father entering the room. Altaria would be well taken care of in their absence and Kira was sure the king would be pleased with the progress she’d made. Kira’s biggest concern was with Altaria’s struggle to find Lydia. To be alone for the first time in her life must be terrifying.

They appeared in her sleeping chambers where she wasn’t at all surprised to find her bed turned down and a fire warming the room. A fresh bouquet of flowers in a large ceramic vase on the dressing table.

“Ussay?” Kira guessed. Although there were several servants constantly buzzing around the castle, it always seemed Ussay’s gift of caring for others benefited everyone.

“Of course. She has been busy with the newborn for most of the day, but insisted on preparing your room for the night. I believe she has laid out a gown in the other room, as well.”

“Well, at least she’s busy. I don’t have to worry about spending time with . . . um, you know who.” Kira didn’t dare say her name aloud in case someone eavesdropped, like Arela. She stepped to the door leading to the morning room and opened it to take a peek inside. Arela’s door was closed. She still had the nightmare bouncing around in her head and a heavy sense of worry that wouldn’t budge.

“Is something wrong? You were so angry with me I forgot to ask why you screamed.” Octavion said, coming up behind her. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. When he brushed her hair aside to kiss her neck a shiver ran through her and he chuckled.

“No, just a stupid dream,” she said. “Unless you mean the fact that you are trying to test your limits tonight.” Kira turned in his arms, put her hands on his chest and pushed him away. “Now go get . . .” She pointed up to indicate Altaria. “. . . something to eat before you decide to satisfy your hunger by eating
me.
”

“You do not trust me?”

She wasn’t sure if he was teasing or serious, but then he flashed his dimples, picked her up, spun her around and sat her on the bed. She let out a squeal.

“There are other ways to satisfy my hunger, my love. Eating you is only one of them.”

He came at her, bearing his teeth and snarling. Kira scooted away and put her hands up to ward him off, but he kept advancing. He grabbed her up into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. There was so much urgency and passion behind his kiss that he scared her at first, but then he softened his touch, placing tender kisses down her neck and collarbone. She thought her body would explode. It felt like a million little butterflies flitted around inside her trying to get out.

He growled again, but this time it came from deep inside his chest, sending vibrations through her entire body. He pulled away, hovering over her for a brief moment, avoiding her eyes. Kira watched as his breathing increased and he tried to regain some control. She didn’t know if it was the beast within him he tried to overpower or the same rush of primal hunger she fought to suppress inside her own body. Either way, he lost the battle.

“I must go, Kira. I am sorry.” Without letting her see his eyes, he gave her one last heat-filled kiss and simply faded away, leaving her in the wake of his passion.

Kira and Octavion stepped outside the castle doors as a deafening clang rang out above their heads. She’d heard the same bell the morning Octavion sent a carriage for her and Ussay. At the time, she’d thought it came from her dreams. Again it rang and then a third time, all before they were able to climb up into the carriage and cross the long wooden bridge spanning the river.

“What is that for?” Kira yelled over the echo still ricocheting off the castle walls.

“They are warning the people that a Royal is about to enter the village. It is a courtesy on our part.”

“Why? Are they
that
afraid of you?”

He instructed the driver to take them to the marketplace, then reached over and took her hand, weaving his fingers with hers. “It is not the fear they have of me now, but the fear I may return. This will give them time to blacken their windows and make sure their doors are secure. Some will stay indoors, but most will continue with what they were doing.”

“They think you will come back and kill them?”

He smiled at her naivete. “Do you remember what I told you about a Royal’s gift to travel?”

Kira shrugged. “Maybe.”

“We must see the place in our minds in order to go there. If we get but a glimpse of the inside of their home, we would be able to penetrate the walls. If it were a new moon and one of us had lost control, it would not be safe for them. We take every precaution to protect our people—even from us.”

“I see.” There were so many things she needed to learn about this world. She couldn’t imagine living her entire life being afraid of the same people she looked up to. The villagers seemed to have so much love and respect for their king, yet at the same time, they feared him. She didn’t know what to think about that.

It only took a few moments to ride through the streets of the village and arrive at the marketplace. There were many more people walking about than the day she’d spent with Ussay. They all seemed happy and cheerful. Children scrambled around between the adults, laughing and chasing each other. Others played games in the street while some huddled in masses, giggling and laughing. It reminded her of the malls back home on the day after Thanksgiving, only she didn’t notice any shoppers fighting over their selections. So much for her world being more civilized.

Octavion helped her from the carriage and told the driver he’d send word when his services were again required. They made their way to a little shop near the busiest part of the market. Kira tried to stop several times to look at the other tables of goods, but Octavion kept pulling her away, insisting they go to the jeweler first. The rest of the shopping would have to wait.