Earth Borne (27 page)

“You have?” Her raised brows and parted lips were empty of accusation; instead, pity softened her features.

“Aye. You are the one I should have been with, this whole time. In truth, I am glad the gods bound our fates together, no matter how that happened.” He puffed wistfully. “I only wish I hadn’t been so blind, that I had recognized my mate when she stood right in front of me.”

“The night before you left, that was me.” She squeezed his hand. “I shouldn’t have been in the stairwell. Kalliste asked for something from the kitchens, I was in a rush, so I forgot to cloak myself. I decided to take the stairwell between your chambers since it was never used. I should have stopped you, should have run away. I was unprepared for what you intended, but I wanted you so badly. I wanted so desperately for you to see
me
.”

She licked her bottom lip, and he leaned in to steal a taste as well. Releasing her mouth, he nuzzled her cheek. “I am sorry I did not perceive your true identity. I would have changed so many things, Melita. These past five years have been torment. Each time you haunted my dreams, I fought the bonding harder, teetering on the edge of madness. ’Tis a relief you’re real.”

She smiled at him. “That one night has kept me warm for hundreds of others.” Her teeth nibbled her ruby lip and he growled lowly. They’d never finish this conversation if she didn’t stop tempting him.

“Kalliste is dead.” Her tone fell flat.

“Aye, Alkippe told me. I’m sorry.”

A tear slipped from her eye and she lowered her lashes. “She died in childbirth to a child she hadn’t wished for, captive to a life thrust upon her. But she never would have renounced Lucian to her brother.” Those thick lashes lifted, revealing defiant sparkling depths. “In her last weeks, Kalliste grew to love her son. She named him Lucian—the light in her life—and she
never
would have forsaken him.”

He brushed away the tear. “I believe you.”

She stiffened. “Agrius and Hector are aware of my identity. Agrius spoke with me at Great Meteoron.”

“He did?” Thereus scratched at his jaw. That explained their suspicious behavior when he’d displayed his bonding mark.

“He said the two of you would speak with King Cheiron.” She pressed her lips so firmly together they turned white.

“Easy, Melita. I’m sure, if my father wishes to speak with us, he will.” He gripped her in a tight, reassuring embrace. Pulling back, he murmured, “’Tis not something you need concern yourself with, aye? I will take care of you.”

She offered him a strained smile. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. His father had encouraged Thereus’s courting of Kalliste—Melita—and he didn’t doubt his father had known all along her true identity. Philaeus had been adequately subdued, so he didn’t sense an urgency to smooth the revelation over with the Lapiths. What concerned him was the situation within his household.

“Nymph, I’m tormented by far too many questions. Alkippe said there was…” His heart twisted like a laundress wringing it out for the drying line. “A child?”

Her lashes dropped. “Yes. A little girl.”

He wrapped his arm around her waist, drawing her to his chest. “Forgive me, Melita. I should have been here.” Grief overwhelmed him. A daughter didn’t seem abstract, not when he considered Lucian. How precious, how treasured a girl would have been to his family. Such a rare gift, yet the gods had taken her away.

“So many nights I’ve spent weeping over my sins. The gods have punished me for what I’ve done.”

“Both of us, my love.” He wrapped his arms around her, as though he might shield her from their wrath.

“I buried her,” Melita whispered, “beneath the honeysuckle.”

His gaze followed where she pointed. The sunlight shone on the delicate petals, warming them and spinning them to gold. As he clasped Melita in his arms, Thereus had never admired anyone more. “Let’s begin anew. The circumstances under which the Fates have brought us together might seem like a dream, but my love for you is real. Trust in it, trust in us.” He rose and knelt in front of her. Aye, it was high time he made this incredible female his wife.

Lucian sprinted to them. “Pappas, what are you doing?” Green eyes like his peeked at him, full of curiosity.

“Well, son, I’m asking your mama if she will do me the great honor of marrying me.” He winked at Lucian before focusing his attention on Melita, who smiled at them both mischievously.

“What do you think, Lucian?” She arched a brow at him. “Ought we to keep him?”

Lucian giggled at his parents. “Well. Only if he promises to let me play with his sword, and…” He spurted out a list of requirements.

Melita laughed, sweet and clear, a sound he’d never hear enough. He grinned at her as their son rattled on, and seized her hand, drawing her mouth toward his.

“
Ugh
, you’re not going to kiss her again, are you, Pappas?” Lucian wrinkled his nose.

He peered into his beauty’s shining eyes. “Only if she says yes, son.”

***

Thereus’s smile teased hers back. His devotion was enough to stop her heart. This man, whom she’d loved forever, was at last asking her to be his. Truly his. Tears mixed from joy and the sadness of many years fell from her eyes. One small word, and everything she’d ever hoped for would be hers.

Melita leaned forward and caressed his face in her hands. “Yes.”

Thereus lost not a second in claiming her lips and sweeping her into his arms. His precious nymph’s body burned, her lungs filled with air, her heart beat, only for him. This was
life
. Lucian laughed beside them, so Thereus scooped him up as well. He held the both of them in his arms, grasping her so tightly she could barely breathe, but she’d not tell him to release her. She prayed he’d never let her go.

She gripped them both back, causing Lucian to squeal louder and demand to be put down.

After both of them kissed Lucian’s cheeks, Thereus released him and Lucian galloped off. Again, she was alone in his arms. “You ought to enjoy this moment.”

“
Hmm?
Why?”

She laughed as he nibbled her neck. “Because once Alkippe learns of our engagement, this is going to become a mad house.”

“
Ugh.
” He chuckled. “But I’ll do it right this time.” He set her on the ground. “To show the world my bride, to truly bond us as a family.”

She smiled at him, but sadness sank into her heart. Her father and brother despised her. Her mother had discarded her. “I have no family to offer you, Thereus.”

“
Shh
, my love. They may have forsaken you, but I never will.” He clasped her chin as she glanced aside. “No, look at me. I will never forsake you, Melita. So long as I live and breathe, you will have a home. I am your home. As you are mine.”

His words flooded her with warmth, with love. On her tiptoes, she pressed her lips against his, sealing the promise. “As I am yours.” They stood, foreheads pressed together, her arms wrapped about his neck, his strong arms about her waist, lifting her, for endless moments. It was perfect.

Until Alkippe burst into the room, squealing with delight.

“Ah, Melita! Thereus!” She broke them apart, embracing them. “I told you this would come to pass, in the end.” She winked at Melita. “Milord, when is the wedding to be?”

Thereus chuckled as he tossed his hands in surrender. “I’ll leave such plans to you, fair ladies. So long as it’s soon,” he added, his heated gaze raking over Melita. She shivered under his scrutiny, her body quaking in anticipation.
I’ll never have enough of him.

“Splendid.” Alkippe interrupted their stares. “Once you are wed, the bonding will at last be complete.”

Melita frowned at Thereus, whose mouth gaped open as wide as hers.

“What do you mean?” His features bunched into a scowl.

“’Tis the last step, of course.” Alkippe snorted.

“I’m not bonded to her?”

Alkippe shook her head. “What you have is temporary. For the bond to last, ye must wed her.” She regarded Melita. “’Tis why I was certain you’d tell him the truth, as soon as you gathered the courage. You wouldn’t lose him again. Once you’re bonded, Melita’s life force will be connected to yours. She’ll live as long as you, barring any tragedies.”

Melita nodded.
Like Thereus’s mother and Oreius’s wife.

“Of course, as she’s half-nymph, she’s stronger than a human. She’ll probably live longer too.” Alkippe shrugged. “It matters not, for you two will be joined, and we’ll at last have an occasion to celebrate at Westgard.” She smiled at both of them. “Come, Melita. We’ve a wedding to plan.”

Melita peeked at Thereus, unwilling to be parted from him.

“Pish posh, the two of you,” Alkippe scolded them. “‘Twill be enough time for making babes after I’ve seen you properly wed.”

Melita flushed with embarrassment and Thereus chuckled, but his fingers clasped hers, as though reluctant to release her.

“Very well, Alkippe,” he grunted. “I know better than to interfere in such matters. However, I do demand you return her to me later. Wed or not, she’s mine.”

Melita beamed under his declaration. At last, he’d claimed her as his.

***

While the women searched for material for dresses and such, Thereus had less frivolous things to consider. He must make a choice. Or perhaps, he already had. In marrying Melita, he was making a statement. The action stated he was at Westgard, to stay.

He would renounce pyracy. Whatever war Hades and Persephone planned, Thereus wouldn’t be a part of it.

He strode to his study. Resting at his desk, he withdrew a quill, ink, and a fresh piece of parchment. This was a letter he’d never pictured himself writing. How to begin? He mumbled as he wrote.

Dear Arsenius,

What I’m about to disclose might come as a great shock. Gods know it has to me.

He cursed and balled up the paper, tossing it into the fire. He’d never fathomed handing in his resignation. Especially not when he’d yet to repay Arsenius. Had the son of Ares not appeared on that shore, had he not fought back those bandits… Well, Thereus would either have been murdered or enslaved, as Arsenius had been. A centaur valued nothing above his freedom.

Yet he would renounce his.

His mind stumbled over the right words, so he penned a different note, this one to his quartermaster. He’d command the
Adrasteia
to sail to Halcyon, to Arsenius, without him. Once he sealed the letter and sent it off with a hawk, he stepped away from the window.

At his desk, he dipped the quill in ink, and let the words flood the page. He confessed everything. Those secrets he’d never discussed, not even with Arsenius. If he was going to abandon his best friend, Arsenius deserved the truth. Hopefully, he would understand, especially after mating his bonded female, Kyme.

Sure, Thereus would miss the adventure, the excitement. Yet wasn’t he embarking on a new journey? One which would have its share of clear skies and rough waters.

Of course, he was free to keep both of his lives, but he knew Melita. Halcyon, the violence, and the war to come, they were not for her. He wouldn’t bring her to live in Halcyon, nor would he abandon her for months at a time. Not when Lucian needed him as well. As would any future children.

No, his two lives were incompatible and he must sacrifice one. He grinned, envisioning Melita’s belly full and round with their child. Aye, he’d made the right choice.

He signed the letter and poured the wax to seal it. Attaching it to the hawk’s leg, he murmured, “Forgive me, my friend.”

Yet in his heart, he knew this was where he was meant to be.

Home.

Chapter 25

The Great Hall was a flutter of skirts, and the feasting table was unrecognizable under its burden of silks, ribbons, and flowers. Eione and Delia had traveled through the Portal to join them in planning the wedding. Indeed, it seemed as though every female in the kingdom sought a hand in the preparations.

Other than the curious glances cast in her direction by servants and villager well-wishers, few acknowledged her new identity with anything other than a, “Milady Melita” and a bow or curtsey. Doubtless, Alkippe had given her staff strict instructions. One Lapith female might be the same as the next in their minds. Or, her heart secretly wished, Melita had already proven herself their capable, and deserving, Mistress.

She reclined, regarding them with a smile upon her lips, as the females argued about which ribbon best accentuated Melita’s hair, which flower fit the season, and so on.

Above them rose Alkippe’s stern voice, commanding the final decisions. She might be threatening them into submission, but she loved every second.

Melita cared not for wedding plans. Tomorrow, she’d be Thereus’s wife. Forever. A joy so unfathomable once. Her love for him renewed, deepened. He truly loved her, for who she was. The smile remained fastened on her lips.

“I know that look,” Eione teased as she came to sit beside Melita and handed her a teacup. “I’ve often worn it upon my own face.”

Melita laughed. “Guilty.”

Eione gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Ka—Melita,” she blushed as she corrected. “I wish you had told me. Had told all of us. We love you. We never would have let harm come to you, especially not over this.”