novelxo Chapter CHAPTER NINE
As Tyran and Drake made their way down to the conference room, they were surprised to meet Jax along the way. The emerald eyed, pale haired merman stopped and bowed low to his king.
“My king, I have rather disturbing news for you.” He turned to Drake for a moment then back to Tyran.
And here he thought the fucking day wouldn’t get any worse. Suddenly he developed a headache. He winced and nodded. “Tell me.”
Jax cleared his throat. “I have been scouting the city trying to figure out how Ron’s rogues would have known the precise place and time to attack Lady Lyrah. It came to my attention that the only way the fuckers would have known was if someone told them. In conclusion I think we have a spy for Ron in our ranks.”
Tyran’s eyes turned diamond hard as he looked at his commander. Impossible. No one dared risked their lives when it came to him. “Are you certain of this?”
“I took the initiative to set a trap and see if the spy would fall for it. I know Ron would not want his cousin to make it to the Fae throne and so I announced that Lady Alana will be taking the south road to the Realm of Light instead of the normal road across the Vycka Forest. We are heading out to the south road right now. I just wanted to inform you.”
Tyran nodded curtly. “Good. And get me this spy...alive.”
Jax smiled cruelly, his eyes shining with menace. Mer-people were always thought timid and very shy creatures but Jax proved that wrong. He was a vicious fighter and he had a cruel streak when it came to the enemies. He also had a wicked sense of humor. Tyran had never seen the male relax. He was a loner but when time came he worked well with others. Tyran found it more effective to give him orders that needed him to travel because Mer-people were known for their nomadic behavior. They never stayed in one place for long.
“My King.” Jax bowed low again and turned to leave.
“My King, we are ready for you.” A small female peeked out of the conference room.
“Thank you, Crystal.” Tyran entered the well light room and sat right on one end of the very long conference table. There was a camera and large screen on the side he sat. They were broadcasting to all the Five Realms.
When the village at the border of the Realm was attacked, Tyran attacked out of rage. No one ever crossed him and walked away unscathed but he regretted when he found out that he too slaughtered innocents in the retaliation. This time, it hit home and he wasn’t going to go after Ron blindly. He had Drake, his personal strategist and he wanted to strike where it really hurt. He wanted to return Ron the favor.
So far, the other Realms were already asking questions like why Ron had suddenly disappeared. The evil Fae hadn’t shown his face ever since the attack at the Realm of Light where he kidnapped his brother. Tyran was sure the males that attacked Lady Lyrah were from Ron’s group of rogues but he doubted very much that Ron was part of the attack himself. He would never risk himself especially when crossing him the second time.
Ron knew he was the most feared of the kings yet he still poked at the large cat to get a reaction. What he didn’t understand was why him?
“We are live in three...two...” Crystal held out a finger and pointed at him.
Tyran began his conference with over twenty members of the Great Hall and the royal families.
Noelle knocked once on Lady Lyrah’s door and entered. The sun was setting in the background casting all sorts of beautiful shadows and hues into the room. Lady Lyrah’s small body was engulfed in the large four post bed with the purest silk sheets covering her. She was awake and when her large dark eyes settled on her, a smile appeared on her pale face.
The young helper who was sitting with her quickly ducked her head down and murmured her pardon before she practically ran out the door. Noelle frowned at the action but didn’t inquire. Instead she turned to the outstretched hand in front of her. She quickly accepted it and settled beside Lady Lyrah.
“My queen, you’ve returned!” There would have been more enthusiasm if she were healthy, Noelle told herself but managed to smile. “I can’t believe it. And what good timing you have. You returned right when my brother needed someone to lean on.”
Noelle felt ashamed. If Tyran had given her choice, she wouldn’t have come. “You shouldn’t give me so much credit, Lady Lyrah.”
Lyrah squeezed her hand lightly and rolled her big eyes. “Of course Tyran told me he planned to drag you back here—” she chuckled tiredly. “and he would have if I didn’t talk to him. I’m just glad that you finally came home.”
Noelle throat squeezed hard. What home had she come back to? Her father was missing and her people were in danger and there was nothing she could do. She needed to find her way to the Realm of Light and see for herself that her people were taken care of but with what happened to Lady Lyrah she doubted Tyran would let her go. She wanted to think the Realm of Spells as her home but she was constantly fighting with Tyran over what rights she had under him. “I don’t think everyone has the same views as you especially after what I did to the Lord Mage on the night of our Union announcement.”
Lady Lyrah found that very funny and laughed happily making Noelle’s mouth twitch with a smile. Was there anything that could ever sadden this woman? “Oh, you should have seen my brother’s face. I had not seen that male so infuriated in my life. But you helped him, Queen Mage. You made him see that he was not invincible.”
“But he is invincible.” Noelle looked down at the lady.
Lyrah shook her head lightly and sighed softly. “He thinks he is but deep down in his soul, he is light. He thinks he will never know emotion but you give plenty even if they are the undesired ones like rage and fear. When he entered my room, I could tell that he was from seeing you. I saw the sparkle he had there for you.” She closed her eyes for a moment then opened her mouth. “You are two of a kind. One can’t survive without the other.” She turned to her and held her hand with both her cool ones. “I know you are still adjusting to being with each other but I have a good feeling about you two.”
Noelle smiled sadly. At least someone was optimistic about the joining. “I think he wants us to do the Union ceremony.”
Lyrah’s eyes brightened. “I can’t wait. I’ll help you prepare. I know the best place to get a wedding dress. Just wait until I get better, my queen.”
“Please call me Noelle.” Noelle choked back the lump of tears.
Lyrah’s eyes sparkled as she grinned. “Only if you call me Lyrah.”
Noelle couldn’t help but smile. “Alright then.”
“I heard you went to the gardens today. Did you see the greenhouse my brother built for you? I doubt you’d ever find roses as perfect as the ones in that greenhouse.” Lyrah asked excitedly.
Noelle’s heart thudded hard against her chest. “I didn’t have the chance. I think by now you would have heard about my stupid stunt with the injured Leo earlier.” Her cheeks reddened.
“I thought it was brave of you and I think I would have done the same thing if I were better. One of the reasons why my brother sent me to the Great Hall was because I always got into trouble. I always did what he asked me not to and I’m glad that his mate is the same way. It is the only way to keep him alert at all times.” Lyrah couldn’t help but smile at the thought of her brother. So much love beamed in her eyes that it made Noelle wonder if she would ever have that look on her or see Tyran look at her with such unconditional love.
“Anyway, my brother had always known your fondness for roses so when you were gone, he traveled across the land searching for the perfect roses in different shades and sizes and planted them in the greenhouse. You should go there tomorrow and see them, smell them. Every time that I came from the Great Hall I took care of them and made sure that they were always beautiful for when you returned.”
“I can’t believe that Tyran would do such a thing.” Noelle was excited. She wanted to see the roses right away.
“You’d be surprised at what my brother is capable of. He will never tell you but he will do in actions what he lacks in words but with the many battles he’s fought, he thinks he’s lost his soul. You need to remind him of what he’s forgotten.” Lyrah yawned softly and closed her eyes. “I tire very quickly. I’m sorry I’m bad company.”
Noelle couldn’t help but brush the loose strands of pale hair from her beautiful face. Even in the state she was, Noelle saw her radiating beauty and her pure soul. “I’ll leave you to rest now. Should I call your helper back to stay with you?”
Lyrah’s eyes snapped open. “Just stay here with me. Don’t ask the helper to return in here. My heart sinks with dread every time I feel her presence. I don’t know why...” she drifted to sleep.
Noelle frowned. There was something odd about the young helper and the way she skittered away. Noelle moved from the bed to the large settee by the window. She watched as various colors painted the sky. The reds, violets and oranges made a beautiful piece of art. She looked down at the fortress grounds and watched as the horses galloped happily towards the barns. She also watched as warriors practiced hand on hand combat and others practiced spells. She sighed softly and rested her head on the glass. Exhaustion went through her as she closed her eyes for a moment...
Several Hours Later...
Tyran was exhausted by the time the conference was done. The issue accelerated to a full blown argument with the loyal friends of the Fae. They still pointed fingers at Tyran even though his sister was fighting for her life. They didn’t understand why he retaliated without informing the High Lords and Ladies of the attack on one of his villages. As far as Tyran was concerned, there was nothing to inform them about. The deed was done and Ron had declared war on his people. He had challenged him openly and Tyran accepted the challenge. He swore to protect his people and that was what he did. The Realm of Fire was the only realm backing Tyran one hundred percent because they owed him for saving them from rogue dragons. The Realm of the Dark was indecisive and almost reluctant to go to war. The Realm of Light and Realm of Water stated clearly that they wanted no part in the war and that because Tyran started it, he had to finish it before it got out of hand.
Tyran had no problem finishing off Ron and his rogues but it wounded him deeply to know that he had fought wars for these same people that turned their back on him.
“My King, you should go and rest now.” Crystal, the royal PR, neatly slipped her papers into their folders and tucked them under her arm. She removed the red butterfly framed reading glasses and rubbed the bridge of her perfectly shaped nose and turned her brilliant blue eyes to Tyran. “I’ll ask one of the helpers to bring food up to your quarters.”
“I still need to go and heal Lyrah...” He held his head up and tried not to look too worn out in front of his PR.
Crystal sighed softly as she passed her hands through her mass of shiny brown hair. “You are exhausted. Your energy has depleted tremendously and I can feel your fatigue beating at me like a jackhammer.”
“I can handle a simple healing session for my sister, Crystal, you of all people should know that. You, on the other hand, should go and see your daughter in Uloah.” He unfolded his massive body from the chair and rose up dwarfing the petite shifter.
Crystal’s lips quirked into a warm smile. “You want to get me away because you know I’m the only one who can get under your skin, my king.”
Tyran quirked an eyebrow. “Oh, you have been out-witted by the Mage Queen when it comes to crawling under my skin.”
Crystal chuckled lightly. “And so I’ve heard. It’s a good thing she came back.” She sighed pensively and nodded. “I’ll take that offer, my king, and visit my daughter but I’ll be back in a day or so.”
“Take the week off and make sure everything is well in Uloah. Any signs of an attack and you inform me immediately.” Tyran commanded softly.
Crystal frowned lightly. “I hate it when you use that tone with me.”
“It’s a command, Crystal.” Tyran knew just how loyal and stubborn Crystal was. She was ready to lay her life down for him just like every warrior in his army. He didn’t need a warrior to do that for him, let alone a female; a mother. “I don’t want to see you here until next week.”
Crystal slumped her shoulders and glared at him. “If you put it that way, you don’t leave me much room to protest.” The look on Tyran’s face told her it was precisely what he wanted. “Fine! I’ll go pack and leave...but only after I get you something to eat.”
“Get food for two. My queen hasn’t eaten since morning.” Tyran turned to the door and gestured for her to go first.
Crystal grinned. “Thank you, my king.” She inclined her head lightly; excitement beaming in her eyes that she was going to see her daughter. Without another word, she exited the room and went to pack.
Tyran slumped back on the chair and breathed in hard. Every time he thought of going upstairs to Noelle, his heart twisted in his ribs. He wanted to punish her for challenging him at every chance she got yet he wanted to feel her soft, warm arms around him. He wanted to make it known to her that in that fortress he was Lord and that what he said went yet he wanted lay his head on her chest and hear her steady heart beating while her sensual scent wafted around him and enticed him with a spell not even he, the greatest Mage to have ever lived, could break.
He wanted to drown in her eyes and watch them as they changed color with every emotion she experienced. He wanted to run his hands through her coppery locks and feel the silky strands slip out of his hands. He wished he was that wounded Leo in the courtyard. He wanted to hear her sing to him and coo him like a baby but not after she submitted to him fully. She had to accept her fate as his queen. She was in his possession and he always got what he want. There was nothing more he wanted at that moment than for Noelle be his fully.
The longer he thought of what he needed from her, the more the pain pierced through his heart that she would never accept him and give him those things. Tyran could take any amount of pain and torture in the battle field any day any time and he had suffered wounds that many thought he would never survive but this was a pain that he couldn’t get rid of and it hurt like nothing he’d ever experienced before.
The pain of rejection.
“My King...” A musical voice came from behind.
Tyran rubbed the center of his chest as if it would rid him of the terrible pain as he turned towards the voice. He forgot how to breathe when he saw the enticing siren staring back at him. She too rubbed the center of her chest, her eyes wide with shock. “Princess...”
She took a step into the conference room and stopped then eyed him intensely. “It was not the Leo’s pain I felt in the courtyard today, it was yours. I can feel it again now. It’s burning a hole in my heart.”
Tyran’s stomach flipped when he saw the tears about to fall from Noelle’s eyes. As quick as lightning, Tyran rushed to her and caught the teardrop before it splotched to the ground. He looked at it, saw the rainbow of colors dancing inside it and to Noelle’s utter shock, he licked it from his finger. She tasted of summer rain. He cupped her cheeks and stroked her soft skin. Her eyes did that color change again. Gold flecks sparkled in them and made them even more alluring.
“I’ll not have my female weep for me. Stop with the tears, princess.” He drawled thickly.
Noelle sniffed. “I can’t help it. It’s too much.”
Tyran’s eyes travelled to her full trembling mouth. Her tongue darted out to moisten her lower lip and he groaned deeply as he ran his thumb against it. He wanted to taste her again. He needed her. “You are so beautiful, Noe. I want to possess you in every way possible.”
Her eyes widened a little and her back stiffened but she didn’t move away. Instead, she looked at him as if she was seeing him for the first time. His heart became lighter. At least a bit of trust was being established. Though he craved for her submission into his care and protection, this new step of trust was more than enough for him now.
“Tyran—”
“Don’t say anything...princess. We can argue about it tomorrow but now, I want you to be my queen, my mate.” He whispered to her mouth lightly, bathing her face with his hot breath.
Her eyes dropped to his mouth then back at his eyes again. She licked her lips again and it was the last straw to his control. With so much hunger, Tyran crushed Noelle’s body against his and kissed her. He loved the way she melted in his arms. She was entirely feminine. It was the way she talked, the way she walked, that sexy sway of her hips that drove him crazy. In her presence, he forgot the loneliness he had had in the last century. He forgot that she called him an emotionless savage in front of both the Fae and the Mage. He forgot that she drove him crazy with her wittiness and her stubbornness. He forgot that there was a war going on and many of his warriors were getting killed.
It was just her he saw, just her he smelled and just her he tasted. She tasted like warm honey and cream. He swallowed her whimper of surprise as he scooped her off the floor and folded her into his arms. He didn’t have the time to go back up using the stairs. He was too raw with desire. With just a thought, Tyran’s figure shimmered and disappeared into thin air.