Traveler, page 27
A flash of red in the distance caught his eye, making him take a second look. He blinked in surprise before arching a brow. Well, that had been simpler than he had expected it to be. For there walking next to a beautiful blonde dressed in red was the man he had been seeking. Leave it to the man to find a woman to occupy his time while his captain was missing. Shaking his head, he began guiding Brileia in that direction.
The change in direction drew the despondent girl out of her thoughts, her cerulean eyes sweeping curiously in the direction they were heading. A soft gasp escaped her when she caught sight of Luc, a relieved smile briefly curving her lips. Pulling away from Alex, she hurried over towards Luc. “Rogue!”
Luc walked down the roadway, pointedly not looking at Mel. He didn’t want to talk to her, much less discuss what had happened with her father. Gods, her father! They were close to her home, and Luc was about to part ways for a moment, to gather his thoughts, when a familiar voice caught his attention. His gaze swung around and he gathered her up into a hug, holding her close to him in relief. “Bird! Light, you’re alive. Thank the Gods,” he gasped, squeezing her as if she were fit to burst.
Alex watched in amusement as a relieved laugh escaped Brileia, the slender girl throwing her arms around the pirate and hugging him tightly. It was pure luck that they had even seen the man in the first place. The sooner the girl was safely with Dragon’s first mate, the sooner he could return to Aislin’s side. He came to a halt a few steps away from the two, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I’m glad we found you, Rogue. I’m afraid that the little bird here will need to stay in your protection until Dragon is able to find the two of you. Do you think that you can manage that?”
Watching the whole encounter in silence, Meliora stayed several steps back, not wanting to intrude. It had been plainly obvious to her that Luc had wanted nothing to do with her, and now just seeing him with this girl made it even more obvious to her. She bit back a sigh before quietly leaving without listening to any more, disappearing inside her house. She couldn’t bear to watch this any longer.
“I think we can manage that just fine,” Luc commented with a smile. He knew that between the two of them, he and Meliora could keep her safe. Luc glanced over to see Mel, and frowned when he found she was gone. Shit. He let Bri go gently. “Come on,” he said softly. “Let’s go inside and get you rested. We need to find Dragon before we go to our final destination.” He nodded in thanks to Ghost. “Thank you...for returning her.” He paused at the doorway. “How is Traveler? Still as cute as ever?” He winked and grinned, then turned to walk away.
“You still have no chance with her, Rogue.” Alex quipped with an amused laugh. Shaking his head, he turned and began walking away. He needed to get back soon before Aislin began to panic at his absence.
Brileia glanced back towards Alex, giving him a thankful smile before allowing Luc to lead her inside the unfamiliar house. She was tired...surprisingly, even after the brief bout of unconsciousness in Ghost’s hideout. She shook her head, a small smile briefly curving her lips at Luc’s silly teasing. Cerulean eyes swept over the hall curiously, taking note of the feminine touches in the abode. She looked up at Luc. “So where is this? Your girlfriend’s home?”
Luc laughed a little, glancing down at her. “Something like that...well, I don’t know what she is to me, honestly. But I know she’s something special to me--just like Dragon is to you.” He closed the door softly. “I need to go talk to her, though....I think I may have made her angry.”
Bri peered up at him, searching his face. “What makes you think that, Rogue? What did you do?”
“Hugged you,” he said sheepishly. “And...met her father. She kept that a secret from me...and i may...may, have overreacted.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, staring at him. “You overreacted because you met her father? Why? Was he mean and nasty to you?”
“No...he’s the Pirate Lord...” he looked sheepish.
“The Pirate Lord? The man who is rumored to rival Silvertongue in power? That Pirate Lord?” Dark curls spilled over her shoulder as she tilted her head a bit, frowning slightly. “And you overreacted because he’s the Pirate Lord or because she didn’t tell you?”
“Because she didn’t tell me,” he admitted. “I just..I wish I had some notice that I woman I spent the night with was the daughter of the man i was supposed to be meeting. Things would have gone...much differently.”
Bri was quiet for a moment before commenting in a soft voice. “Well, perhaps she wasn’t supposed to tell people. Or perhaps she was afraid you would react badly. I doubt many people would treat her like a person if they knew.”
His eyes widened. “Shit...Bri, you’re right...I could kiss you.” He smiled at her and ran up the stairs. He needed to fix things...before Mel thought too badly of him. He paused outside her door, his hand raised to knock on the doorjam. “Mel...? Please let me in...”
Meliora glanced towards the door, sighing softly at the sound of his voice. She grabbed her robe and slipped it on, tightening the belt to keep it closed. The dress she had previously worn was laying across a chair, her slippers on the floor beneath it. She took a deep breath before gathering her courage and clearing her face before opening the door. “What is it, Luc?”
He walked up to her, grabbing her and kissing her softly. “Mel....I’m sorry.” He held her close, not wanting to let her go.
A gasp escaped her as his hands suddenly grabbed her, her eyes growing wide. Any protest she would have made was swiftly silenced by his lips against hers. She trembled lightly in his arms, biting her bottom lip. “Luc...you should be with your friend. I understand why you were mad at me...”
He shook his head, pressing her closer. “Bri is fine downstairs. All she wants to do is find her husband, Mel. But I...I need to fix things with you, with us, before we do anything. I’m sorry I overreacted about your father...I was just shellshocked, is all.”
“It’s fine. I’m used to it, Luc.” She whispered softly, letting him hold her close. For a moment, she just let herself enjoy being so close to him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. Reluctantly pulling away from him, she walked over to the window and rested her head against the glass, her voice very soft. “What is there with us? We spent one night together. I’m sure you will find someone whose body you enjoy more.”
Luc snorted. “I doubt that, very much....” He walked over to her, turning her around to face him. “I told you, you are like a drug to me...and I don’t think I will ever have my fill.” He tilted her chin up to face him. “And that one night? Was the best night of my life.”
“Hasn’t anyone ever told you that drugs were bad for you?” Meliora replied quietly, meeting his gaze seriously. She wasn’t quite certain what game he was playing with her at the moment.
“Only if they go out of control,” he murmured. “Light, Mel...I don’t want to doom whatever it is we have before it’s even started...I want to be with you...regardless of who your father is.”
There was a hint of fear and indecision in her violet eyes as she stared up at him, wrapping her arms around herself. “I don’t know what to say...”
He cocked his head to the side. “You don’t believe me...? You don’t believe me...” He turned running a hand through his hair. “Light...”
“Give me one good reason why I should let you back in. I let you...get further with me than anyone...and the first sign of possible trouble...you ignore me.” She shook her head, mentally cursing herself for the hurt she could hear in her own voice. “I don’t know if I could open myself up to such things again.”
Luc sighed and looked back at her. “It wasn’t trouble, Meliora. It was just...surprise, that’s all. I like honesty, in what I do. And with who I’m with. That’s all it is...I promise.” He sat down on her bed, head down. “I have never felt this...heart-wrenching feeling before. Knowing you’re mad at me, possibly leaving...Gods help me.”
“I’m not mad at you,” She replied immediately, taking a deep breath. “I didn’t mention my father because I knew what would happen if I did. Either you would have been kissing my ass in order to get his approval quicker...or you would have avoided me like the plague. I had hoped that knowing me before knowing about him...it would be different. But it never is. so no...I’m not angry or mad...just hurt.”
“Gods, Mel...it is different. Knowing you, first, before knowing him...God, I have so much more fear of your father than I had before, wondering what he will think about me when he realizes the nature of our relationship, and more respect for you because you are strong enough to have a father like him and not stand in his shadow. I’m so very glad I knew you before I did him...but only you can believe that. I can say it til I’m blue in the face, but it’s up to you to believe it.”
“If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll keep his nose out of my business,” She muttered softly, slender fingers hastily wiping away a tear that had fallen down her cheek. Her lips trembled a bit before she took a deep breath, trying to regain what little composure she had left.
Luc stepped up to her, stroking her cheek. “Come on...I want you to meet a friend, properly this time. Her husband is my closest friend in the entire world...and I think you’ll be fond of her.”
***
Darius stepped out of the inn in the small village of Amberdeen, running a hand through his hair. “This seems to be the safest place for us to be,” he murmured. “Depending on where they have taken your wife, my dear prince...this is the safest place for you to be. Amberdeen is a hub of secrets...a lot of information is passed back and forth between the people here. It’s also a rebel sympathizer center...so you have no worry of Silvertongue reaching his grimy clutches here.” Darius turned toward his sister. “Ari and I will need to leave you here....we have our own demons to run from, and I had promised you safe passage to the nearest town. I have held up my end of the bargain.”
Rahim’s eyes picked up every detail of the town and its inhabitants. It was small, to be sure, but a lot of information was passed through here. He looked thoughtfully at the pair of them, and then nodded. “Yes...I agree with you. I don’t want you to be in any more danger than what I have already put you through. I will find my way from here.” He smiled at Ari. “Thank you, for convincing him to help me.”
The blonde-haired girl gave him a small smile as she lingered by Darius’ side. Her voice was soft, just loud enough for the two men to hear her clearly. “It was the right thing to do. There’s no need to thank me. Good luck on your journey...I hope you find her.” A hand gently rested Darius’ forearm as if Arielle was afraid he would disappear before her very eyes.
Rahim left, on his way deeper into the heart of the town. He would let them do their own thing, and he would find Brileia. At whatever cost. He was determined for that. He set his shoulders squarely, and walked into the nearest tavern. He had rumors to chase.
Darius glanced at his sister. “And you and I, Ari...we need to go to the rebel camp. We need to join our forces with theirs...we need to fight father, and to right the wrongs he’s done.”
Ari looked up at her brother, nodding slowly. “Of course, Darius. Wherever you go, so do I. As for father...you’re right...we need to take care of the messes he’s created.” A soft sigh escaped her. “I just don’t understand why he did all those things...”
“The messes I’ve created,” a voice behind her growled. “And what about the mess you have created? The both of you, come with me. Now.”
Darius’s eyes widened and he grabbed Ari, pulling her close to him. “Father.”
Standing behind Ari, a small satisfied smile on his face, was Silvertongue. Ari and Darius’s father. He walked into the inn behind them, knowing that they would follow him.
Darius held Arielle’s arm close to him as they walked into the building. “Stay close to me,” he whispered. “I don’t trust him.”
There was confusion and fear in Arielle’s green eyes as she silently followed their father into the inn. She nibbled on her bottom lip nervously, trying to figure just what mess their father was accusing them of making. What had they done? Did he know how they helped the prince escape from the dungeons? He couldn’t...could he?
Darius looked at his sister, placing a finger to his lips as he walked with Arielle into a private dining room with their father. No one recognized him. He must be using some kind of magic to make his identity a secret.
She gave Darius a slight nod, clinging tightly to his arm. Her gaze swept over to their father, an apprehensive look on her face. Nibbling on her bottom lip still, the petite girl gingerly took a seat on one of the chairs. It was very rare that her father had ever been angry at her; though she had seen his ire directed at servants before.
Darius sat next to Arielle, watching as his father’s lips thinned as he looked at the two of them. “Explain yourself,” he murmured, his eyes cold and green.
Darius raised his eyebrow. “Explain what?” He asked, legitimately confused.
“Why Ari’s usefulness as a token in a political marriage is now destroyed, because of your lustful desires!” He snapped, a muscle in his jaw twitching. He took a deep breath, letting it out in a fast whoosh. “I...demand an explanation.”
Arielle drew back slightly, uncomfortable at the way their father was looking at them. She blinked in surprised confusion, looking at her brother questioningly before looking back to their father. “Father...what are you talking about?” She was clearly lost, not understanding what in the world the man was talking about. Wasn’t he here about them aiding the prince’s escape? And when had she become a token in a political game?
Darius frowned too. “Yes, father...I don’t have any idea what you are talking about...Ari and I...we aren’t involved. Gods, you couldn’t think that, could you?” he demanded.
Their father’s gaze was stormy. “The man who I sent to find you...he saw you, booking rooms together. He saw you, going into a room together. You are intimate with her, Darius! Why in the Gods’ names would you jeopardize everything like that?”
Darius frowned again, shaking his head. “No, Father...you are wrong. We shared a room, yes. But only a room. And only to keep up appearances to provide a more believable story. That’s all.”
Their father frowned. “Ari? Is this true?” At least his daughter would tell him the truth.
Wide guileless green eyes met his as Arielle nodded slowly. “Yes, Father...Darius and I share the room to keep people from asking too many questions. You told him to keep me safe...and that’s what he does.”
Their father pursed his lips. “I see. Keep in mind, please, when you are away from me...who you are, and whose child you are...” He stood. “I’ll leave you now. But behave. I will be keeping tabs.”
Darius nodded, watching his father. He didn’t trust him...not at all. “Good-bye father,” he murmured.
“Good-bye, father...” Arielle echoed her brother softly, her gaze following the older man. It was only by the grace of the gods that she was not shaking visibly in front of him. It would have been difficult to explain why she was afraid of him now.
Darius moved with her, taking her hand and bringing her up the stairs. “We need to talk..privately,” he murmured. “We need to move, now. We have been here too long...and we need to get to the rebels, where father can’t track us.”
Willingly she allowed him to lead her up to the room they had rented the night before. She nodded in agreement, murmuring softly. “You’re right. I don’t know how he found us so easily...how was anyone watching us without us knowing? Or rather without you noticing since you’re much more observant than I am?”
Darius shook his head. “I don’t know...but I don’t like it. We leave at midnight tonight; travelling by dark will allow us to move much faster, and potentially shake anyone who is tailing us. We will get to the rebel camp within a week, I think. Then, father will never find us.”
“Whatever you think is best, Darius.” Arielle replied, glancing around the room briefly before looking back to him with a faint smile. “If we are going to leave at midnight, then I had best take a nap so I don’t hold us back.”
While Ari slept, Darius packed his things, and hers. They needed to be ready to leave. He stared out the window, only slightly paranoid, until the clock struck midnight. He shook her awake gently. “Ari,” he whispered. “It’s midnight.”
Yawning, Ari stretched gracefully before finally climbing out of the bed. Dark blue skirts fell back into place as she pulled her riding boots back on. Sleepily she ran a hand through her hair, gathering the blonde locks to one side. Then she gave him a faint smile, settling her dark cloak over her shoulders. “...okay...let’s go...I’m ready...”
Darius nodded and led her downstairs, towards the stables. “It’s time to go.” He helped her up on her horse, then mounted his. “Time for our own adventure...and the rebels are at the end of it.”
***
Aislin had spent the time that Alex had been gone reading, and had done as he had asked in trying to enroll in online classes to get her high school degree done. It was a frustrating task, and it was driving her absolutely crazy. It had been a week, to the day, that he had been gone,a nd she was beginning to go stir crazy. At least, while he was gone, she didn’t have to worry about what she was wearing and how she looked.
The book, though, was offering no help. Every time she looked within its pages, there was nothing further--it was all blank. It was as if it didn’t want her to read anything more. She needed to be there...she needed to help. It was a sobering realization. For her to get anything done, she needed to be in Alex’s world.
