Kindred: Book 1 A Realms of the Otherworld Book (31 page)

Ashlinn looks to me for guidance and I speak up, “Garrick, I have no reason to believe you. How can we know for sure that you speak truth? My mate, she is strong but she is tender hearted.” I in turn look to my uncle, The Dagda.

“Son, Garrick here speaks the truth. I sense no lies. It would explain how and why a number of children have gone missing around the realm for the last fifteen years or so. It also gives us a time frame for how long The Morrígan has been planning her hostile takeover.” He says.

“Garrick, out of curiosity, are there any humans among you?” Ashlinn asks.

“Yes my lady, why do you ask?” Garrick responds.

“Because there are hundreds of children that go missing every year in the Mortal Realm, never to be heard or seen from again.” She replies. At that the room goes quiet with understanding. There would be an unlimited supply of children in the Mortal Realm as their population has far surpassed ours. With Garrick’s revelation the mood is very somber within our group.

“I would understand my lady if you find it difficult to trust that I have truly changed sides in this war. Just know that I will do whatever it takes to gain your trust. I would protect you with my life because the Realm needs the light that you bring to us all.” Garrick says stoically.

“I believe you Garrick but I also know that the warriors here in this room will need a little more time to formulate their opinion of you. It will not be me that you need to convince.” Ashlinn says with a smile.

“Yes my lady.” He agrees.

Jasmine takes our break in conversation to steer us all in another direction. “Weeeelll, as fun as this meeting has been the day is getting late and we have two very beautiful young ladies that need to start preparing for their binding ceremonies.” Jasmine says as my stomach starts to rumble. Ashlinn turns to me and a broad grin lights up her face. By the goddess, she is beautiful when she smiles.

“Thank the gods it’s not just me that’s hungry. If we’re going to make it to the late celebratory dinner we’re going to have to eat before the ceremony. Do you think there will be anything set out in the dining room? I’m so hungry I could eat my shoe leather right now.” Turning to Rhespen she asks, “Father, will this urge to eat all the time dissipate or will we just have to learn how to deal with our hunger pains.”

“Well daughter if you would listen to me and eat as I have instructed you to, you would be able to make it from meal to meal without feeling as though your stomach is caving in on you.” He says with a crooked smile as he looks over to Danu who is blatantly staring at the shifter. There is definitely unfinished business between the two of them.

Chapter 29

(Ashlinn)

A foreboding of what is to come has taken root deep inside of me and I can’t seem to shake it. Alaric keeps trying to reassure me that all will be well but I can’t help but worry over all that we discovered today. I hate that I cannot shove all my worries aside especially since everyone is so happy about the upcoming ceremonies and planned celebration. In an effort not to ruin everyone’s enthusiasm over the upcoming festivities I promise Alaric that I will push aside my misgivings of what may come to pass. I determine that it’s a waste of my time. Alaric has just left to get ready with his men in a separate part of the keep. I love our bond. It allows me to know exactly where he is and brings me comfort. I say thru our open link,
“I love you Elf Man, just in case I haven’t told you today.”

His reply is quick,
“Mo grá, I love you too. I can’t wait to see you again.”

I laugh,
“It’s been all of five minutes. Wait I need to go and let everyone in. See you in a bit.”
I’m already feeling better as I move to open the door and push my fears aside.

It feels like a scene right out of the movies as Lexie, Jasmine, Claire, Danu, Airmed, and a matronly woman from the kitchen staff all sweep into our suite. Claire has multiple bags and the kitchen staff has a whole cart full of finger foods. I practically jump up and down in my excitement when I see an assortment of sliced cheeses, meats, nuts and berries, and breads and crackers. Along with several open bottles of wine, finger sandwiches and mini cupcakes. I have not eaten since lunch and find it hard to curb my enthusiasm as I grab the poor woman and hug her. “Thank you so much! You’re amazing. You have no idea how hungry I am right now. What’s your name?”

“My lady, you may call me Maith. I run the kitchens here in the Keep.” She says with a smile.

I hug her again and say, “Thank you! Every bite has been utter heaven.” Maith chuckles but blushes at the praise. “Please stay. I would love nothing more than to get to know you. Millie back home makes the most amazing roast beef and…”

Before I can continue Maith cuts me off as she says, “Yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, yeast rolls, and what have I forgotten?” She asks with a smile.

Lexie and I chime in, “Honey glazed petite carrots and garlic roasted asparagus.” And we both laugh.

“My dears, what do you think will be served tonight? Millie was very specific as to what your favorite meal has always been. I have much to do but, I so appreciate your invitation. Any other time I would take you up on it. Please feel free to visit me in the kitchen any time girls. That is an open invitation.” Maith says with a smile as she leaves the suite.

Before I can reach for one morsel of food Claire is on me, “Before you stuff yourself and I’m afraid you are getting ready to do so please try on the dress you’re wearing tonight so I can see what needs to be done.” She is so serious that Lexie and I both comply. We both quickly run into the bedroom and change into the gowns that Claire has made for us. I frown as I look at how the beautiful gown hangs on me even though I know it fit two days ago. I look at Lexie and she looks amazing.

“Lexie you look stunning, that dress is perfect. It compliments your complexion and makes your eyes sparkle.” I say with a huge smile.

Lexie’s huge grin falters as she turns from the mirror to take me in. “Ash, how much weight have you lost? Any other time that would have fit you perfectly. Your father is right. You need to eat more frequently.” Lexie says as we walk out of the changing room together.

Lexie speaks up as she enters the room, “If Ash says she’s hungry then we feed her. Understood! I have never seen her this thin. She has beautiful curves that are disappearing before my eyes. She needs to eat. Claire, work on her hair as she eats. Jasmine, can you please inform the kitchen staff that she will need more than just finger foods brought up. I don’t care what they send up but she will need more food to tide her over until the meal this evening.” I look up at Lexie with a smile as she has taken on a mothering role.

“Lex? Thanks for taking care of me.” I say to her. Then I turn to Danu, “Mother? Can you see if Father has anything to add? I think that I may have lost ten or more pounds in the last two days. I’m not sure if that’s normal. This dress fit two days ago and did not hang off of me like it is now.” I’m saddened at the fact that I will not look as appealing in my binding gown as I thought I would have. My face must have betrayed me as Claire steps forward, “I can fix this but it will take a bit of time, Ashlinn I need you to step out of the gown. Ladies, I will need to get someone else to help with hair as I make the necessary alterations to the stitched seams.” Suddenly the suite is a flurry of activity. Jasmine is back with Maith and another of the kitchen staff and they are loaded down with trays heaping with meats, breads, fruits and vegetables and then I spy the huge slices of chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing and a large carafe of chilled milk. I cry out in delight and practically dance on the spot.

Maith laughs and says, “What better way to feed that superfast metabolism of yours, my dear, than to add cake and milk to your daily diet. I will make sure from here on out that you have a slice at every meal until we can get your appetite under control. Same goes for Alaric.”

“Thank you Maith!” I squeal and pull her into a hug and as I pull back I take another look at her. She looks familiar to me, “Are you and Millie…?”

“We’re cousins but more like sisters, much like you and Alexia.” Maith supplies with a motherly smile

“Would it be possible to take some of our meals in the kitchen? Back home that was my favorite room in the house it was just so homey. I haven’t even been to the kitchen so I have no idea if that would even be possible.” I say.

“All of that can wait till the morrow, now eat young lady. You have a binding ceremony to attend. Visit me tomorrow in the kitchen.” Maith calls back over her shoulder as she and her companion make for the door.

“Jasmine I wish I could hug you right now for being Johnny on the spot. I had no idea you could fly that fast.”

“You and Lex have only just begun to bear witness to the magnificence that is moí.” Jasmine boasts as she lands on the table to strut over to a piece of fruit and then rethinks her next action as she turns back to me she says, “Ash, I will always have your back. Just thought you should know that. You too, Lex, now I didn’t fly at super speed to the kitchens risking almost certain death to have food brought up here for you to sit around talking. Feed that beast of yours before she decides to come out and have me for a snack.” She says with a cocky grin.

I look over to see Danu and Airmed working with Claire to take in and alter my dress. They are working furiously to complete it in time. I smile at Lexie and Jasmine as I grab a bit to eat. “Well my super, sensational, sprite friend do you have any suggestions on who can help Lex with her hair for tonight?”

“Give me just a few minutes.” She says with a determined look on her face.

“Lex you really do look amazing. I’m so happy for you and I know that no matter what, you’re going to have an amazing life.” I say as my earlier foreboding kicks in and I push my plate aside.

“What’s bothering you Ash? Other than the obvious, you’re not acting like yourself. This should be a very happy occasion but you’ve been so melancholy since this afternoon.” Lexie asks.

“What’s not bothering me is more like it, but for tonight? I just have a really bad feeling. I can’t put my finger on it. It’s just there and it’s gnawing at me. For Alaric and me this is just a formality but for you? I want this night to be perfect. I’ll do whatever I can for that to happen. Lex, the spiritual binding is unlike anything you will ever experience. It is so deeply intimate. In a way, I’m glad we experienced that behind closed doors. I just want you to be prepared for the depth of the connection. Once that binding is complete you will not only feel your own emotions you will feel Declan’s as well. It’s breath taking and amazing and overwhelming. Once it’s said and done you’ll never look back because you’ll never want to be without your kindred, in mind, body, and soul.” I finish pushing my love for my mate thru our connection as I feel him begin to worry at my unease.

“Wow. That seems pretty intense. Do you think I’m ready? That we’re ready? Lexie asks seriously.

“Yes. Yes, I do. Lexie you’re an old soul. Just like me. If you look deep within yourself you will know that you are ready.” I say with a smile as Jasmine flies through the window with help for our hair. “My amazing little friend, look at you.” I say as a team of sprites follow behind her to help in our time of need. Before I know it the team of six sprites have taken Lexie’s fiery red unruly hair and intricately braided and pulled it over one shoulder. In the midst of all that hair they placed a tiara made of interwoven vines and flowers. She looks like a nature princess with wisps of hair falling around her face. Her dress is an off the shoulder number that has a tight fitting bodice that is creped and the skirt flairs just below her hips accentuating her curves to brush just above her toes. She is so beautiful. I wish Mom and her parents could be here to see her.

“Daughter, come I think we’re ready. Unabashedly, I shed my robe and step into the shimmering bronze gown that I have been dying to wear. It’s strapless and the bodice is snug fitting and has a dusting of what looks like gem stones across the top of the bodice to fade away as they travel down to the skirt that begins just below mid hip. The skirt has a look of being bunched and tacked up to create a beautiful creped appearance. As all the buttons up the back are secured I turn to look at myself. That’s more like it. I no longer look like I’m wearing a potato sack.

As the sprites go to work on my hair I hear my mother say, “Wait! Daughter you are a princess. I had a circlet made for you. I hope you don’t mind but I would like for you to wear it tonight.” She pulls the circlet from thin air. Yes I forget that she’s a goddess. The circlet is beautifully crafted of white gold with a large round amber stone in a setting of Celtic trinity knots in an intricate pattern. As she places it on my forehead it fits securely as if made for me. The stone rests in the middle of my forehead and Danu smiles as she says, “It’s perfect. Just like I knew it would be. Ladies if you would?”

I have an abundance of hair but the sprites manage to work their majic and before long they have woven my hair away from my face into an intricate design leaving the majority of my hair flowing down my back. I turn to look in the mirror and I’m astonished at the image that greets me. I’m looking at myself but not. I look regal and very much like a princess. I have never been so thin but my curves have definitely not suffered for it. My breasts are pushed high in the gown that I wear and my waist is accentuated in the bodice of my dress. Tears shimmer in my eyes as I take in my image.