Demon Within (7 page)

The sound of the caravan approaching made Kiera exchange a nervous look with Kai and Sabe, in the middle of the road. Looking past her brother and their leader, her eyes fixed on the three riders at the head of the procession.

Kiera had never met a King or a Prince, not that she cared. Uninterested by their titles, she had no plans to fall at their feet. In her eyes, actions made a great leader, not a title. It all came down to respect. Don’t ask someone to do something that you would be afraid to do yourself. And that’s why she followed Kai. He didn’t know fear or cowardice, and he’d risk his life to save any of his friends or warriors without hesitation. But from what she’d heard about King Garlan; he didn’t have a backbone. He was here because he needed Kai. She hated the whole idea of being in alliance with him and especially since his daughter was part of the treaty as a wife for Kai. This was the part she hated most. Kiera prayed the princess resembled the back end of a cow.

There were only eight guards accompanying the caravan but she still preferred to take precautions. Untying her bow and a quiver of arrows from the saddle, she pulled the quiver strap over her shoulder. Drawing just one arrow and fitting it ready to fire in the bow, she approached Kai and Sabe.

Kai stood with his hands fixed to his sides, holding the handles of his fighting knives. Narrowing his eyes, he scanned the riders as they moved closer. How he’d let this continue was a puzzle to himself. While Sabe had argued a few good points about the alliance, the getting married part caused the most concern. He’d never spent more than a night with any woman, let alone a lifetime. Watching the King and his caravan impatiently, he waited and hoped this wasn’t going to turn sour.

The riders and the following carriages halted a short distance in front of them. Only the rustling of trees could be heard, the unnerving silence lasted for what seemed like hours.

The King nudged his horse forward a few paces. He hadn’t looked at Kai or anyone else, instead kept his eyes lowered until he was ready to address them. Roulan and Leon, followed his lead; dismounting they maintained a short distance behind him as he approached Kai. There was obvious tension in the air. All men rested their hands on their swords or blades, and Kiera stood poised with her bow, ready to fire at the slightest hint of deceit.

Kai took a step forward and stared hard at King Garlan; he looked nervous. There’s no wonder he needed his help. The man was overweight, and from the look of him, would have trouble fighting for any length of time. Kai then studied his son, Roulan. Due to his slight frame it was clear that Kiera wouldn’t have any trouble knocking him to the ground with one blow of her sword arm. The only presence demanding Kai’s attention that would, in his opinion, make a good opponent was his adviser. He was older than the King, but obviously took care of himself; it would not be so easy to make this one fall. Figuring that was probably the reason Garlan kept him around, he admired his loyalty in standing by his side.

Garlan cleared his throat then addressed Kai.

‘Good morning.’ He nodded to Kai, Sabe and Kiera before continuing with a nervous smile.

Kai’s reply came in the form of a nod. Kiera didn’t answer either and Sabe was the only one who managed to reply.

‘Good Morning.’

‘Thank you for meeting with us. Myself, and my son, Roulan, look forward to confirm the agreement.’

He beckoned Roulan to move nearer, and he took a few nervous steps. He regarded Kai suspiciously, but Kai’s steely gaze made him look away. Roulan had never seen anyone as tall, nor as broad and muscular as Kai. He lived up to his reputation in looks certainly. Roulan had no doubt the rest of the stories he’d heard, were almost definitely true. His scowl was enough to make any man flea for his life, and right now, Roulan wished they’d brought more soldiers.

Carefully watching Roulan’s steps, Kai remained still as he saw him whisper into Garlan’s ear. Garlan’s eyes widened and Kai wondered if something was amiss. His fingers tightened around his fighting swords as he swayed from side to side. Shuffling his weight from one foot to the other, he was ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice.

‘Is there a problem?’ Kai took a step forward, his eyes narrowed at Roulan.

Sending Roulan to one of the carriages, Garlan quickly replied.

‘No problem at all. Forgive my absent mind; my son has just reminded me we have a small offering for you. He’ll be back presently.’ The silence was nerve-wracking and Garlan wished he’d sent Leon and Roulan, while he’d stayed at home. Patting his hands together nervously, he waited for Roulan.

Kai moved his head to the side and looked past the King, to see a woman approach wearing a cape with a hood. She hurried along with Roulan, clutching a basket with her head lowered. He couldn’t see her face, but her plump frame hindered her haste when Roulan pressed her to walk faster. Kai noticed the quality of the cape, the gold braiding around the edges, and how it must belong to the princess.

Cocking a brow to Sabe, Kai drew in a large breath. Sabe covered his closed eyes with his hand, and exhaled in despair.

‘You’ll be pleased to know Kiera sharpened her sword earlier.’ Kai whispered as he leaned closer to Sabe. ‘I should have told her to leave it blunt, just for you.’

Giggling, Kiera stepped closer to Kai. ‘Do you want them as a trophy, after I’ve sliced them off?’

The woman approached the King and bowed before handing the basket over. Taking it, he moved towards Kai, with his arms outstretched and handed over the gift.

‘Please accept this small offering.’

Sabe stepped forward and took the basket. Removing the cloth he examined the contents before showing it to Kai; two flasks of wine, three large pies and a choice of sweet cakes filled the container. Smiling, Sabe placed the basket on the ground by his feet before addressing the King.

‘Thank you for the gift, and for traveling. I’m sure it’s been a long and tiring journey for you all. I think, before we continue, you should present your daughter.’

Sabe took a breath and prayed to the gods, she had the face of an angel. He was very attached to his balls and wanted to keep them.

‘Yes, of course!’ Garlan turned Leon. ‘Would you please bring Eloise to greet everyone, Leon?’

‘Yes, my Lord.’ Leon nodded then moved towards the first carriage.

‘Where’s he going?’ Sabe whispered to Kai. He frowned and looked at the woman wearing the cape.

Kai scowled in confusion. Although on closer scrutiny, the cloak didn’t quite fit, and maybe she’d borrowed it. Kai watched Leon assist two women from the first carriage.

The first figure to exit the carriage had long, blond curly hair. But the other wore a cloak with the hood covering her head so he couldn’t see her features. As Leon escorted both women closer, Kai felt his stomach twist; his nerves had finally got the better of him.

Kai’s stared at the figures as they drew nearer, the woman with blond hair was slight and pretty. Her manner and clothing suggested she was a servant; she was very attractive and he noticed Sabe staring.

Dressed in pale blue, her features were dainty and she looked ethereal with her high cheekbones and creamy skin. The bodice of her dressed nipped her waist, drawing attention to her breasts, but Sabe was drawn to her crystal, blue eyes as she stood in front of them like a frightened rabbit.

Kai had never seen Sabe look at woman like this, ever. And to find him silent was another revelation. Kai watched as the hooded woman moved to her father’s side. It was deathly silent. Kai became impatient; eager to see his intended, he shuffled his feet with a huge sigh, never losing eye contact with the king.

Garlan brought the other hooded figure towards him, with a smile on his face.

‘Kai of Darkmide, this is my daughter, Eloise.’ Leaning close to the shaking figure by his side, he ordered Eloise to remove her hood.

All she could bear to look at was his boots. Keeping her head bowed, she raised her hands slowly and pushed back the cowl on her cloak.

Noticing the trembling hands, Kai couldn’t help but feel sorry. It must be nerve-wracking for her.

The first glimpse of her chestnut hair made Kai’s eyes widen. Both her father and brother had black hair, and so he assumed the rich, beautiful hair, that hung in waves to her waist, was a gift from her mother.

Garlan raised Eloise’s chin with his finger. ‘Look up woman; he doesn’t want to see the top of your head.’ Garlan chuckled nervously and waited for Kai’s approval.

Only after Garlan raised Eloise’s head was Kai able to see, and appreciate her stunning beauty. Large, gentle brown eyes glanced at him before turning away quickly. Kai wondered what stories she’d heard about him and hoped her opinion of him wasn’t marred.

Kai’s expressionless face worried Garlan, he feared he wasn’t impressed, although he found it hard to believe; Eloise looked exquisite in the rich, purple tunic he’d had made, especially for the occasion.

Wanting his daughter to look her best, Garlan imported luxurious fabrics form the Far East, insisting the tailoring shows Eloise’s qualities to the fullest. The full-length tunic clung to her breasts, and tapered to the waist, it accentuated her tiny form. Just below her hips to the hem, the sides were split open. Revealed beneath the lush purple tunic, where black trousers. Made from the same fabric, they fitted loosely and tucked into high boots. A comfortable heel was added, and gave her an extra inch, although she still barely reached Kai’s chest.

This wasn’t going how Kai imagined, he felt awkward, and knew Eloise must feel the same, or worse. Admitting, only to himself, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, he hid his reaction to the unveiling. Raking his eyes over her hair, he imagined it draped across his body. Imagining how cool it would feel against his skin, as it fluttered across his chest while she straddled him. Her creamy skin and soft pink lips drew his attention; he could see them in his mind, puckered around his cock while her dark eyes looked up to him.

He’d slipped into a daydream but quickly returned. Looking at the King and relieved she’d not inherited her father’s looks, he could only wonder how beautiful her mother had been.

Dragging his attention from Eloise, his eyes turned to Garlan. Kai took a few steps forward. Examining the aging man, he inclined his head to the side, and noticed the tiny red veins on his cheeks and nose. It reminded him of his master when he was a slave.

Staring into Garlan’s, now worried eyes; he kept his voice low. ‘You and I will talk.’

Kai quickly turned and strolled off, giving Sabe a grin he grabbed the gift basket, and headed for the log he’d been sitting on earlier.

Garlan exhaled a long breath, with beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He frowned and looked to Leon.

Anticipating his King’s question, ‘I think you’re to follow him, my Lord.’ He nodded towards Kai.

‘Oh, you don’t think anything’s amiss, do you?’

Leon coolly replied. ‘I don’t think so, my Lord. He wants to talk in private.’ He leaned close. ‘Maybe he doesn’t want to embarrass anyone?’ Gesturing towards Eloise, he’d felt her unease and was sure Kai had, and commended him for his manners. Despite his upbringing, he appeared to be considerate; unlike Garlan.

‘Oh, I didn’t think of that.’ Garlan slapped Leon’s arm and hurried to catch up with Kai after taking a few deep breaths to steady his nerves.

Roulan had no intention of missing out on the discussion and moved to follow his father. Sabe sidestepped quickly to block his path, followed by Kiera.

Folding his arms, Sabe cocked his head to the side. ‘Where do you think you’re going?’

Stunned, Roulan tried to move around them, but was swiftly obstructed.

‘Get out of my way!’

Making another attempt to pass, he stopped when he heard the squeeze of Kiera’s bow. ‘I should be with my father; I’m involved with this agreement.’

Kiera already decided she didn’t like him and was eager to tussle with him. But that would just cause trouble, so she did nothing but watch Sabe intimidate him.

‘I’m sure your father is more than capable of going over the details on his own.’ Sabe’s black eyes narrowed. Roulan knew when he was defeated.

‘Yes he is… I just want to be there for support, he gets nervous.’

This amused Kiera who scoffed, ‘But you don’t?’

‘I’m not afraid of you!’ He snapped.

Kiera raised an eyebrow. Pulling back on her bow and aiming to a tree some distance away, she released the arrow. Whistling through the air, everyone turned to watch it hit the target. Sabe grinned when Roulan’s face turned white; he swallowed hard and didn’t see any point in pressing the matter further. Wiping his chin with a gloved hand, he casually sidestepped away.

‘I’ll stand with Leon, ready to aid my father, should he need us.’

‘You do that!’ Kiera called after him. Her and her brother shared a silent moment of triumph.

Sabe and Kiera kept their eyes fixed on Roulan while he whispered to Leon. If he so much as moved towards Kai and Garlan, Kiera would pounce. Loading up another arrow in her bow, she pointed it to the ground and waited.

‘What do you think of Kai’s intended?’ Sabe whispered against Kiera’s ear.