novelxo Chapter CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
When Noelle heard the yells of surprise, she opened her eyes and discovered that she was at the infirmary at the Mage fortress. Several healers rushed forward and tried to take her away from Tyran but he held on to her tightly and instructed that they looked after Alston and that he was going to take care of her himself.
She looked up at him and her eyes widened when she remembered that he had the same exact look the day she went up against the Leo in the courtyard. This time though it was grimmer. She didn’t want to let him go because she didn’t want to wake up and discover he was just a dream.
“Tyran....” her throat was dry and scratchy and also painful.
His eyes snapped down at hers and she saw the way his pupils changed back and forth from silver to hot white. His jaws worked against each other and she could feel a growl working its way up from the pits of his stomach to his chest.
“My king, my queen!” A male voice full of concern and surprise came through and Noelle turned to find Storm standing up beside Drake who looked like shit!
“You found her.” Drake looked up at Tyran but was taken aback by the Lord Mage’s expression so he stepped aside and let Tyran carry Noelle to the private rooms at the end of the infirmary.
Once they were alone in the room, Tyran placed her softly on the bed and began to assess the injuries she had. He ran his fingers down her cheek and cringed visibly when he touched the purplish bruise around her neck where Ron threatened end her life. She had scratches here and there and finally the rope bruises on her wrists and legs.
Tyran lifted one of her legs up and Noelle cried out in pain. He fished it out of the gown and there was a blue-black bruise on her calf. She remembered when one of the dragons kicked her.
“I’ll perform a healing session for you.” Tyran said quietly but the hairs on Noelle’s skin raised up. The anger underneath his soft voice was unnerving.
Before he could start, there was a knock on the door and two Mage entered. They were some of the best High Mage he had.
“Lord Mage.” they bowed politely. “Allow us to assist you in the healing of the queen.”
Tyran didn’t even look at them. His eyes stared intently at Noelle, robbing her of breath. “I can heal my own female.”
One of the Mage stepped forward and gave Tyran the highest regarded respect. He went down one of his knees and placed his right hand across his chest to his left shoulder before inclining his head forward. “It’s not a request, my king.”
Tyran narrowed his eyes in irritation. He didn’t want anyone touching his female. He was going to heal her...the moment he got rid of that disgusting poison coursing through his body. “Get out.” He hissed.
The two Mage held their grounds. Tyran got up and Noelle gasped when she saw the fury churning in his eyes. She touched his hand trying to prevent him from hurting the Mage but she didn’t have to when suddenly his body tightened and his face expression changed to utter agony.
“Byron, get the healers.” The Mage still kneeling in front of them told the other and he turned to his king. “Forgive me, my king.” Without warning, a pale blue orb of burning energy appeared in his hands and he pushed it against Tyran’s chest.
Tyran roared until the glass panes rattled in their hinges.
“Stop it! You are hurting him!” Noelle yelled in horror as she tried to stumble out of the bed to help him but encountered an invisible barrier. It reminded her of the time Tyran bound her in his penthouse in the human world.
Tyran’s legs gave way and he fell to his knees as the Mage assaulted him with the energy orb. Noelle went hysterical kicking and fisting the barrier, tears running down her cheeks in helplessness. She didn’t want to lose Tyran. She loved him so much! Yes, she accepted her feelings for him and she knew she loved him more than anything else in her life.
Finally, Tyran seized to fight and collapsed on the floor as two white dressed females rushed in together with the Mage named Byron.
“I subdued him for a moment.” The first Mage rubbed his hand across his glistening forehead. “He has poison in his body. Something very evil. I detected it when I was analyzing the damage done to his body. We need to treat that first before healing any of the wounds.” Again he turned to Byron. “Go and get Constantine, Tron, Vincent and commander Zach. We need to hurry.”
“Yes, sir.” Byron walked out.
Noelle felt a rush of relief as the females used their spells to levitate Tyran’s body onto a bed. Noelle felt the barrier give way and scrambled out of her bed towards Tyran’s.
“My queen!” One female turned to her in surprise. “You should rest. You are not well enough.”
Noelle shook her head. “I’ll not rest until Tyran is better.” She crawled up beside him and threw her hand over his burning body. She was going to protect him while he was at his vulnerable point. No one needed to protect the Lord Mage because he was the most powerful Mage alive but Noelle wasn’t going to let anything happen to him.
“I love you, my Lord Mage.” She whispered to him and placed a kiss on his cheek as the healers shuffled around preparing the healing session for him.
The roaring was unbearable and Noelle practically had her fingers down her ears to keep the sound out. Tyran was in so much pain as his High Mage tried to get rid of the poison that had invaded his body. Noelle planned to stay there with him and make sure he was alright by they dragged her out. For her own safety, they told her.
Ha!
She would have burst in there again if it wasn’t for Jax and Storm appearing before her and stopping her from entering. Drake and Ruvin’s conditions were also not good and Zach was still pushing against his limits to try and save his king. Lyrah and Ethinia were recuperating in a different wing of the infirmary and Luna was practically stuck to Florian’s side.
The royals were very concerned for Tyran as well as everything that was going on. Jax and Storm had warriors positioned all around the fortress to keep a look out while the royal guards circulated within the fortress to keep an eye on their royals.
The fortress was busy and everyone was terrified that the Lord Mage was injured.
“Alright, alright, everyone back to your work.” An elderly lady passed through the hallway and prompted the helpers to carry on with their work then stopped in front of Noelle and eyed her carefully.
“My queen, I suggest you go and get some rest. Worrying over the Lord Mage the way that you are will not help him recover quickly.” Noelle remembered her from the last time she went into the kitchen to look for the incinerator.
“I can’t leave him--”
“The mate pull is very strong, my queen.” The white haired female assured her softly. “You will read his distress just the way he reads yours. He will not concentrate on getting better if he is worried about you. You have to calm down so that he gets better quickly.” then she turned to Jax and Storm. “You should take her up to her quarters so that she can rest.”
Noelle didn’t have the strength to argue with the older lady so she turned to make her way upstairs. She heard a soft gasp come out from the woman and when she turned, the lady’s eyes were beaming at her and had a very broad grin on her face.
“All is very well, my queen.” she said.
Noelle nodded at her and walked away.
Jax and Storm positioned themselves in front of her quarters. Noelle peeled the dirty wedding gown from her body and dumped it by the front door. That would have been her wedding dress, the day she decided to go in front of the priestess and unite with Tyran, making them one.
Her body was sore even though her injuries were minor and it didn’t take long for Zach to heal her. She fell asleep the moment Zach was done, one side effect of a Mage healing session and when she woke up she found herself back in her quarters. She was horrified that Tyran was all alone in the infirmary, getting healed while she was comfortable in their bed so she quickly raced out only to bump into Jax and Storm outside the infirmary doors. Storm looked stronger and well healed and Jax had that passive look that told her that even begging him to enter the infirmary would not work.
They refused to let her in but stayed with her outside while the healing session went on forever inside the infirmary.
Noelle filled the jacuzzi sized bathtub with hot water and stood in front of the full sized mirror. Her reflection was saddening. She had a fading bruise around her neck where he uncle had his cold evil fingers trying to choke the life out of her. Dark marks also appeared around her hands and ankles where she was bound. She was as pale as a ghost and much smaller than she used to be. Her hair smelled of death and blood and her back--
Noelle felt a vibration behind her and frowned. She turned to the sides and her eyes widened to the point of nearing popping out of their sockets. Long black, glassy wings laid limply against her back and down her bottom. They twitched and buzzed lightly.
She didn’t feel them emerge from her. She didn’t even know when they eventually unfolded from her body. They were still weak and shriveled so Noelle knew it wasn’t such a long time. Was this what made the older woman gasp and grin at her? Did she know what a Fae having wings meant?
Noelle’s breath came out in short gasps as she reached behind her and touched them. They were silky soft but as tough as dragon scales. With the wings, Noelle heard that the female Fae attained certain abilities. Noelle remembered her mother’s ice breath and also remembered another female would who move so fast it seemed she was able to teleport. What ability did Luna have? And what about her?
She didn’t feel any different like something more had been added. She sighed and turned to the warm water. It would have been really nice if Tyran would see her wings. Then again, maybe he already knew they were coming out. The night they made love under the shower, she remembered him stiffening behind her and kiss her back soundly.
He wondered what color they were going to be. Well, they were black, the royal Mage color. Tears fell down from her eyes as she entered the hot water, loving the feeling of it prickling all over her body. Lord Mage was going to be alright. He had suffered a lot of injuries throughout history. A little poison was not going to get him down. She sniffed quietly and curled into a ball.
“Please, Tyran. Please survive and be with me. I will not bear living without you.” she whispered into the walls surrounding her.
Please, Tyran. Please survive and be with me....Tyran heard the words ring in his head clearly. He heard the tears thick behind the voice and felt like howling to the heavens. Noelle was in so much pain and he had to survive this for her. He couldn’t wait to hold her in his arms and make sure she was alright. He couldn’t wait to make love to her and until they both couldn’t stand. He couldn’t wait to punish her for her disobedience to his commands. That made him snarl. She was always putting herself in danger and this was the last straw! Then again, how could he really punish her? After all that she went through, he doubted he could do anything else to her. All he wanted to do was get better and just go and comfort her, comfort himself knowing that she was safe from Ron and all the others who sought to hurt her.
More pure energy was buzzed into his body as his high Mage tried to get the venom out of his body. He heard their soft chanting as they harnessed power from nature and forced it down his body. His blood curdled and his skin sizzled. He heard the evil shriek in pain and felt it perish under the intense energy the Mage were using.
He feared of the danger they were all going to face now that the sorcerers were also involved. To him, it felt like this new threat to the enchanted world didn’t start over night. It had been planned for a while and now it was taking effect. Who else was involved in the greed for power? The Jinn and the Dark Realm dwellers? So far, that was the only Realm that was neutral to whatever was happening and it had Tyran agitated because until this point he didn’t know who he could trust. Dragons were supporting him yet the rogues were the ones responsible for killing his people. Sorcerers who were once good Mage were also involved in whatever plot that was unfurling in the lands. Ron, a royal Fae was the ring leader and he was ready to slaughter his family to gain power.
More of that singeing energy pulsed into his body and Tyran ground his teeth together, bearing the pain because it was the only way to get him better. It seemed to go on forever until his body was numb. Finally the Mage stopped and began to cool his body. Tyran fell slowly into unconsciousness as his body began to repair itself in the absence of the venom.
There was a short knock on the door as Noelle paced relentlessly across their quarters. She rushed over to the door and opened it. Storm stood towering over her with his amber eyes shining at her.
“My queen.” He bowed to her. “Lord Mage is free of the poison and he is recuperating well.”
Noelle didn’t know how tense she was until she almost crumbled to the floor with relief. Storm’s strong arms scooped her off the floor and he placed her back on her bed.
“Can’t I go and see him?” She asked softly.
“He is in a deep sleep, healing the rest of his body. You can see him tomorrow.” Storm assured her as he pulled the sheets up on her body and tucked her safely inside. “I wish you a good night, my queen.” he bowed again and stalked out of the room.
Noelle sank deeper into the bed. It felt so empty without Tyran next to her, holding her and chasing away the bad dreams. If she wasn’t so stubborn then all this wouldn’t have happened. She heard the rumors that Tyran had fore-sight of events and maybe he saw something terrible happen to her and that was the reason behind his possessiveness. Could she ever defy him again after the fact that he was fighting for his life because of her?
Hot tears ran down her cheeks and stained her pillow as she called on sleep.
Noelle sat up abruptly and scanned the darkness. It was early dawn and the room was still shrouded in shadows but something else woke her up... and it was unbearably hot! She searched for the switch of the bedside lamp and felt the heavy hot body next to hers. Her heart leaped to her throat as she managed to put on the lamp and saw Tyran’s body next to hers. He was in a deep sleep and his skin looked pale and clammy. She touched his dark hair and it was wet. He was pulsing with heat!
“Tyran?” She shook him lightly, panic engulfing her heart. What if he was dying? “Tyran!” she called and he stirred lightly.
He peeled his eyes open and looked up at her, then his eyes softened and a small smile touched his lips.
“Oh, Tyran!” She hugged him, her small hands going around his thick neck. Tears ran down her cheeks uncontrollably as she snuggled closer to him, inhaling his masculine scent of dark spices and raw power. She welcomed the heat engulfing her and threatening to light her up into flames.
A heavy arm went around her petite waist and pulled her closer. She felt hot lips touch her forehead and smiled between her tears. “I thought I lost you.” He whispered, his voice course and thick.
“Me too.” She looked up at him with teary eyes. “Oh, Tyran. Will you ever forgive me for my childish behavior? I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“I forgave you long before but your punishment still stands.” Tyran murmured lightly against her lips. “I hope this is the last time you ever defy me again, Mage Queen.”
Oh, Noelle learned her lesson alright. She was only going to defy inside the four walls of the fortress.
Tyran didn’t give Noelle a chance to reply and possessed her lips. A moan of longing and relief escaped her lips as Tyran assaulted her with his scalding and demanding kisses. His hand burrowed into her night gown and came in contact with her naked skin. He was burning up and Noelle feared that this wasn’t the best time for him to start looking for his marital rights. With the last thread of her control, Noelle tore away from him. She needed to think clearly for the two of them. Tyran wasn’t fully recovered. She could feel his weakness beating against her.
“You should behave and concentrate on getting better.” She touched his face lovingly. Even in this state, Tyran was still the most beautiful man she had ever laid her eyes on. And she loved him very much.
“If I could flash myself in here, I think I’m much better now.” He said and as his hand touched her back, her wings gave a little buzz of excitement. She watched as Tyran’s eyes widened with surprise and wariness. “You have...” he breathed.
Noelle felt a blush creep up her cheeks and sat up. “I discovered last evening. They are still not strong enough but I’ll work on them tomorrow.”
“What color?” He whispered still not able to believe it.
Noelle felt his fingers lightly touching the seemingly delicate pair of wings. She leaned forward and rubbed her nose against his then whispered. “Your color, my king.”
If it was possible, Tyran’s eyes widened even more and his mouth fell open. “How?”
Noelle shrugged biting her lower lip. “I don’t know but I’m glad they are a very handy accessory since they will go with all my royal gowns.”
Tyran’s arm shot up and clasped around Noelle’s neck then he drew her down and instead of kissing her, he teased her lower lip out between her teeth before he nipped at it himself. Noelle teased him back with her tongue and small kisses around his mouth until finally, Tyran pulled her into a bone-crushing full and heady kiss that had her head reeling out of control! She was never going to get enough of that male and he was all hers!
He then drew her close until her head was cozily nestled on his chest then switched off the lamp and placed a kiss on her hair. “You have no idea how happy you’ve made me, Noe.”
“To the point that you forget the punishment.” She peeped up at him.
“The punishment still stands.” His eyes sparkled even in the dim light.
Noelle swallowed hard. She totally deserved whatever punishment that was coming her way. She wasn’t going to fight him anymore. Instead, she planned on making him love her the way she did. “I’m sorry for what happened, Tyran.”
“I know, pixie. I’m quite attuned to your emotions and I hate the regret that you are feeling right now. The good thing is that we both escaped with our lives.”
Noelle felt her heart heave inside her ribs. “At the expense of so many good warriors.”
Tyran hugged her tighter. “This is a war, Noelle. A lot of warriors will lose their lives. Now, stop worrying about it and concentrate on getting better.”
Noelle rubbed the tears away from her face and closed her eyes as Tyran cuddled her, protecting her from her nightmares for the next few hours.
A loud knock on the door brought Tyran from the land of dreams back to reality. He snarled at the male who had the audacity to disturb him early that morning but hopped out of the bed and pulled on a pair of leather pants before he went to answer it.
Storm’s eyes widened when he saw him and he quickly bowed. “I’m sorry for disturbing you, my king. I should have known better but since you—”
“Decided to disappear while still in need of more healing...” Drake approached his king and bowed lightly then looked up at him with disapproval as if he was looking down at a child. Sometimes, Tyran felt he gave the male too much freedom.
Two purple bruises still marred his cheek and he walked with a limp with one hand bent stiffly on his left side. He also had a thin sheen of sweat glistening of his forehead. He looked like he needed the healing session more than him. “How is Ruvin doing?” he ignored the question.
“Zach and the others are healing him now.” Drake replied. “You should go back to the infirmary--”
“If I can stand on my own two feet then I can take care of the remaining wounds on my own. Your energies should be concentrated on getting the others better. How are the royals and their guards? Any more information about where Ron escaped to?” And it was back to business.
Drake sighed in defeat and nodded. “The royals are waiting for you in the large conference room. The meeting should be well underway. They are getting agitated and need to leave to their Realms as soon as possible. Crystal is back and all is well in Uloah. ”
Tyran nodded and smiled grimly. “I’ll be in the conference room in one hour.”
Both Drake and Storm bowed and made their way towards the conference room while Tyran returned back to his quarters.