InSpire (10 page)

“They were obviously meant to be with each other. They found each other even across a century of time.” Athena was still not fighting this battle. Her brother was going to war for her even though they had just met five minutes ago.

“He’s right, Your Majesty. I was able to follow her even when her memory of Spire faded.” Darian, still in cuffs, pleaded his case.

“Besides, your grandchild needs a father.” Athena stepped toward her know stunned father and took his hand. She placed it on her belly knowing his magic would show him the same thing it showed her. There was a life growing there.

“You mean you are pregnant?” His eyebrow quirked up as his hand confirmed what she knew was the truth.

“Yes. I am carrying the future of our kingdom in my belly. Don’t you want him to have a family?”

“You are carrying a boy?”

“I’m not sure yet, but I long to have his son. It would make me complete again.”

He took his hand away from her belly and started to pace. His decision wasn’t going to be an easy one, but they were both definite. This was their home and they would be together for their child, no matter the cost. Athena was clear how she would live and it wasn’t without Darian. He was her entire world.

“Release him.” They took the cuffs off and Darian quickly embraced her. Athena couldn’t hold back the sigh of relief. It could have gone any direction, but the return of their child to her womb was the saving grace.

“Thank you, father.”

“I expect we will be making this official before your pregnancy is noticeable?”

“As soon as possible.” Athena squeezed Darian’s hand.

“Good. I will have Melinda come to see you in the morning. She is great at planning. Until then you may retire to your old room.”

“I’m not sure I can handle that.” Athena’s face washed out completely. Darian pulled her into his chest. He knew the memories would be too painful for her. It was where she lost him and took her life. She didn’t need to be reminded where she had been and what she had done.

“Then you can take the guest quarters until we can arrange a more permanent location for you and your family.”

“Thank you.”

Malaicom spun on his heels and heads back into the castle. The soldiers all scattered and went back to their previous locations. It was business as usual. Johan grabbed Athena’s free hand.

“I will take you.”

“Thank you.”

“I would do anything for you.”

“You don’t even know me, Johan.”

“Father always speaks of you. When you jumped you changed his life forever.”

“How so?”

“He became more solemn and never left the castle.”

“Oh.”

Johan led them to the guest quarters as Malaicom headed to the throne room. His work was never really done. He was constantly sending out patrols and receiving reports. Athena knew her future would be much the same, but with Darian by her side the kingdom would be ruled by two gracious, strong Prins. She had no fear of the future they had together. It was going to be hard, but they would do it together. As they had always done.

“These rooms haven’t been used for a while.” Johan stepped up to a gilded gold and white double door. He swung it open and let Darian go in first.

“They will do just fine.”

“I will see you tomorrow. Father has ordered that you be left alone for the rest of this evening. The servants will bring you dinner in an hour.” Johan kissed Athena’s hand and then left.

“Thank you, brother.”

In front of them lay a short hallway. There were three doors, two on the left and one on the right. The one on the right was a small library. There were books, a desk, and two reading chairs. The one on the left led to a formal receiving room. There was a red sati in the middle. The floor was a dark wood with one fur under the sati. It looked very official with the family seal on the wall. The next door opened to a very well appointed bedroom. There was a gold plated vanity, two dressers and a king size bed. The linens were all plush and made of rich silks. The floor was covered in a soft beige carpet. Inside the room were two more doors. One was open to reveal a bath, the other was a closet. Athena walked over to the bed and collapsed on it.

“I can’t believe he listened to you.” Darian sat down on the bed beside her.

“Me either.”

“And to have your new found brother jump to your side like that? I would never have guessed it.” Athena rolled over to face him. She was stunned as well. This day hadn’t gone the way either one of them thought.

“Whatever the reason, we are here now. And we will be a family soon.”

“I hoped this would happen. It was a certainty. I’m just glad it did. Our son will be blessed.” Darian put his hand on her belly. Then he bent over and placed a gentle kissed there.

“I told you, it was meant to be.”

“So are we.” He kissed his way up her torso. When their lips finally touched a small spark passed between them. She opened her eyes and looked at him. The purple color looking back at her let her know his love for her was true. Darian was mesmerized by the sheer deepness of her eyes. They were always spectacular, but now they were super charged. He pulled her up into a sitting position and pulled her shirt over her head. Then he unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them off. She sat there in her bra and panties smiling at him. He pulled his clothing off quickly. He didn’t even leave his boxers on. She was excited by his action. She yanked her bra and panties off. She laid there waiting for him. He stalked around the bed like a tiger.

He let out a growl and climbed on the bed through her legs. He kissed his way up her leg until he reached the apex of her thighs. He stopped and inhaled her scent. The sound that came out of him was more animal than anything else. It set her core on fire. She was more than ready for him. He put her legs over his shoulders and pushed into her heated core. He licked and manipulated her until she was arching off of the bed. She was more than ready to climax. He put his thumb on for pressure and she screamed out his name. Before her body stopped quivering he climbed up her torso and slammed into her hard. She cried out. It wasn’t pain, it was serene pleasure. Her body clamped down on him so hard it only took three pumps for him to release. Sated, he rested his body down on hers.

“I love you, Athena.”

“I love you too, Darian.”

“Your Majesty.” A voice cried from the other side of the door. 

Darian let out a chuckle. Neither of them remembered dinner was supposed to be coming to the room. They were so lost in each other the time faster than they expected. Athena walked to the cabinet and grabbed two robes. She slid hers on and threw the other to Darian. He got up and tied it deftly while she sat down at the vanity. She brushed her hair a few times and then turned. Darian was sitting at the edge of the bed looking sexy. He smirked at Athena. His eyes were still dancing with purple. That was going to be a dead giveaway.

“Come in.”

“Your Majesty, I’m sorry to interrupt, but there is an emergency. Please dress quickly and follow me.” The tiny woman was panicking. She was pacing back and forth and looked scared. Her hair wasn’t up in the usual bonnet. It was pulled out and stringy.

Athena ran to the closet and found a dress. It looked a little large, but it would have to do. When she emerged Darian was standing there in the outfit he had been wearing. Darian had mastered speed long ago. It would take Athena longer to get it. She took his hand and they followed the servant to the throne room. The room was in an uproar. The advisors were shouting at each other and Johan was sitting on the steps to the throne, crying.

“What is going on in here?” Athena commanded the attention of everyone in the room. It made Darian happy to see her step into the role she was destined to be.

“Oh sister.” Johan threw himself into Athena’s arms. She wrapped them around him and covered him in her wings. He calmed down quickly.

“Would someone please explain what has reduced my brother to a crying blob?”

“Your Majesty.” One of the oldest advisors stepped up and bowed to Athena. “My name is Ubrene. I have been an advisor to your father for many years. I knew your mother well. I must say your resemblance to her is uncanny.”

“Uh, thank you. Now tell me what is going on?” Athena was still holding on to Johan. He was stuck to her like glue.

“Your father was taken.”

“Taken? How?”

“He was taking a report from the last mission when several witches barged in. They pinned us to the walls then took off with your father. We couldn’t stop them.” Ubrene was pacing in front of Athena. He was clearly shaken up by the experience.

“How did they get in?” Johan slid down and sat back on the steps. Athena walked over and took her place on the throne. It suit her to a tea. Darian stepped up and stood beside her.

“We don’t know.”

“I think I might.” Darian looked at Ubrene. It was clear he had an idea. Athena dropped her head when she realized where this was headed.

“Yes?”

“When we came here through the human world. Athena and I felt a strong witch presence on the train. But when we disembarked the feeling faded. I didn’t think they had followed us.”

“Is that even possible? I thought the tunnel could only be accessed by royal blood?” She was clearly trying to think it through. She didn’t want to be responsible for her father’s disappearance.

“That is true, Your Majesty. However, if they were able to touch you, as I am sure Darian did, they would have been permitted in.”

“How could they have touched me without my knowing?”

“Simple, they can transform. If they become an insect their signature is entirely hidden from us. They could have shifted when you arrived and went right along with you.” Ubrene was confidant this was what happened. Athena wouldn’t have known this, nor would Darian. It was a closely guarded secret.

“What do we do?”

“We wait to see if they make demands. They have to have had a reason to take him. There must be something they want.”

“What if they want nothing?”

“Then they will kill him.”

“Then what?”

“As you are the heir apparent, you will become ruler of Spire.”

“What about Johan?”

“He is far too young to take on such a role. He has barely ten years. You have centuries under your belt. It might not have all been here, but it’s still far more experience than your baby brother.” Johan had a look of fear followed swiftly by relief. It was obvious he didn’t feel ready to take on the role. Athena wasn’t sure she was ready either. She had been gone from Spire longer than she had lived there. Darian put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. He was willing to help her in any way.

“What of his mother?”

“She died delivering him. There would be no choice but you.”

“Until we hear from them, what do you suggest?”

“I suggest we put you on the throne as temporary leader. Spire will not run without one such as you guiding it. It will fall to disarray. Maybe…”

“Maybe what?”

“Maybe they are unaware of your true identity. Maybe they believe there is only one heir and he is not old enough for the position. Perhaps this was their intent. If Spire falls into disarray they will have free reign over the demons. They will gain the upper hand.” Ubrene was confidant. This course of action made perfect sense. The only witches that knew of Athena weren’t going to cross Darian for any reason. He threatened to kill the entire coven. Sheila knew he was serious.

“Why would they be unaware of my true identity? Don’t they know only royals can open that gate?”

“It is not a common known fact. I am certain now that they must have picked up your scent as a Prin and followed you hoping you would be coming back through one of the many portals.”

“That’s quite a risk to take.” Darian was getting more involved in the conversation. No doubt he was feeling the same amount of guilt Athena was. They had brought this upon Malaicom. If he died they would both be to blame.

“You’ve been up there too long, young man. The witches have gotten bolder through the years. They will stop at nothing to get to the demons we gather. They have become power hungry.” Ubrene chuckled at how little Darian knew. Athena could feel the anger coming off of him. She grabbed his hand to calm him down. Ubrene walked over to a large table with a map on it. He was studying it closely.

“Then father is as good as dead.”

“I fear you are entirely correct.”

“Then you must swear her in.” Darian walked over to the table and confronted Ubrene.

“We must do nothing you say. Until she is united to you, you have no say. It would do you good to remember that.”

“Swear me in then marry us.” Athena stood up and looked at him with defiance. She was every bit the Queen. Ubrene knew it.

“But.” His voice quivered with fear.

“I will take no buts from you. Do as your Queen commands. Swear me in then marry us.”

“Yes, Your majesty.”

Athena sat back down on the throne. Ubrene walked over to the wall and grabbed the scepter. Then he went to a hutch and pulled out a crown. He placed the scepter in her hand and the crown on her head. Then he stepped back. The other advisors were scurrying around gathering things. Athena wasn’t exactly sure what they were doing. Ubrene looked into her eyes and saw the steadfastness there.