Of Fangs And Fury

Chapter Eight part two

Delara

We slipped into our habits as if we hadn’t spent any time apart. Joking, teasing, laughing… conversing, debating, comfortable silence – any of it, all of it. In this place, our secret little place, away from it all, it’s safe to be ourselves.

As the day slips into the afternoon, Cade and I lay down, watching the dance of the leaves above. I’m living for this moment; I’m living in this moment. I turn on my side and curl around him. My head on his chest, arm across his waist, bent knee on his thigh… when his arm curls around my back I feel… home.

Wanting to belong is one of the strongest forces in the universe. Wanting to belong can be the cause of years of heartache. Wanting to belong can make persons do the impossible. Wanting to belong is a fundamental part of being alive.

I have wanted to belong all my life. I have wanted to belong to a famiglia. I have wanted to belong with my peers. I have wanted to belong with my colleagues. But I never have.

Because, at this moment, I realize where I’ve really wanted to belong is here. With a male made of the same stardust, with a male that protects me and nurtures me, with a male that adores me, with a male I want to complete me. This has what I’ve been searching for in all the years I’ve been lost.

His fingers brush up and down my skin, “Hey, Lara?” his deep voice, low, quiet.

“Yes?”

“Palace Of Emerald’s Midsommar Festival starts soon. I think we should go.”

Smiling, I ask, “Really?”

“If you still want to.”

I fidget with a button on his shirt, “I think that’s exactly what we need… to get away for a while.”

He squeezes me to him, “Then we’ll go,” and it’s settled just like that.

Waking with a start, my heart is pounding hard against my ribs. I hadn’t exactly woken from a nightmare, but a dream of pure stress. I’d been ordered by Her Majesty to mate and marry Tahir, being forced through etiquette classes, into corsets, and to do horse riding lessons. I had to look pretty and smile but stay silent. I became Queen and had to always stay one step behind Tahir. I no longer was allowed to work, to study, only allowed to host expensive galas, and raise offspring. I had to watch Cade marry a perfect, Pure-blood Princess, and leave to live in her kingdom.

Heart still racing, deep breaths still escaping me, my stomach keeps churning, and I can’t calm down. Every muscle in my body feels tense, every inch of my skin raw, and my jaw hurts from clenching my teeth so hard.

That’s not my future.

That’s not my future. It’s not possible. It cannot happen.

That’s not my future….

Breathe in… one, two, three, four. Breathe out… one, two, three, four. Rinse, repeat. “It was just a bad dream,” I whisper to myself. “It can’t happen.”

Groggy the next morning, it takes Melaena opening the door, knocking again, and asking “Madame?” for me to wake.

“Madame, Prince Caderyn is wondering if you’d like to join him for breakfast?”

Rubbing my eyes I nod, “Yes, yes… I just need a moment.”

“Before I leave Madame, Prince Caderyn wanted me to inform you that both Her Highness and Prince Tahir will be at breakfast, as well. In addition, Prince Caderyn believes this would be a good time to bring up your trip to The Midsommar Festival.”

Looking at her now, my brows come together. “Well, fuck.”

She frowns, “I’m sorry, Madame, is something wrong?”

I offer a breathy laugh in response and get out of bed. “No, no… I didn’t mean that. I just don’t know that Her Majesty or Prince Tahir will want to see me right now.”

She tilts her head, “Is there anything I can do?”

I pull a knee-length, mid-sleeved dress out of the wardrobe. “No, thank you, Melaena.”

She nods and closes the bedroom door.

Quick to change, quick to fold my hair into a braid, and I wash my face before heading to breakfast. Unsure if breakfast was still being taken in the greenhouse, I ask a random servitore, who says yes. When I arrive, Her Majesty and Cade are there, but no Tahir. Cade stands the moment he sees me and greets me with a hug. Then, pulls out the chair next to his. Only after I’m comfortable does he sit and take my hand.

Just as pleasantries are exchanged, Tahir arrives. My heart quickens and nervousness spreads. Cade notices and rubs his thumb across the back of my hand. He gives me a reassuring look and I try to smile back, (probably failing). He takes mercy on me and speaks first.

Cutting right to the chase, he explains to his mother, “Lara and I decided last night that participating in The Midsommar Festival is not an opportunity to be missed this year. We’ll be leaving about two days beforehand, so we arrive early morning of the Summer Solstice.”

I do not miss the fact that Her Majesty’s eyebrows raised at her son and there were a few seconds of hesitation as she swiped butter across her toast. “Really now?”

“Tahir has made no mention of the Festival and I thought it might be wise for one of our famiglia to attend. Queen Rosalind came to Festival Delle Luci this year, as well as Princess Kathrilla from Lazuli, and the twins Jaina and Jordan from Emerald. Which, Calhoun from Amethyst and Prince Nehill from Quartz sent apologies because they attended Spinel’s Blossom Festival instead, hosted by sisters Esme and Relda of course.”

Even more surprised, the Queen lowers the pitcher of apple cider instead of pouring it. “I had no idea you were so well versed in these matters.”

“It is partly my responsibility, is it not?”

Tahir snorts and stabs his sausage so hard the silver fork scrapes against the porcelain. But he says nothing.

Cade makes a point to ignore his brother. “We may only stay for the first day, perhaps into the second, then we’ll be on our way back.”

“Well, if you don’t go around starting fights,” Tahir comments with an attitude I don’t appreciate, “you’ll be just fine.”

I open my mouth to argue with him, but Cade squeezes my hand. When I look at him, he shakes his head. That doesn’t stop me from glaring, though, and I’m starting to feel less bad about hurting Tahir.

“When I have gone to events in the past, to other things within The Seven Families, there hasn’t been too many road bumps for me personally. Perhaps one of the issues in our own back yard, and why persons are so… opinionated, is because they care for their home and have the right to comment on their royal famiglia.”

Her Majesty actually smiles, “Well said, Caderyn. It also has been so long since you last represented the famiglia, I think this could be a good change of pace.” She catches my eye, “It seems Delara has been a good influence.”

She then looks between her two sons, “Have either of you decided on any other events of the year?”

More to Cade, I remind him, “I’ve always wanted to go Garnet’s Harvest Bonfire Faire and Amethyst’s Esibire Of The Northern Lights.”

But she responds before he can, “Those are excellent choices.” Then she gestures to Tahir, “Perhaps you can at least make one – Lazuli’s Seaside Faire or Quartz’s Yuletide Carnevale?”

Clearly having not been paying attention, he looks lost. “Pardon?”

“Why not both then? I’m sure the Lazuli and Quartz families will love to have you at their annual festivals.”

“Sure,” I can see the ‘whatever’ on his face, “of course.”

Pleased, she fully smiles, “Lovely! Caderyn, let’s not forget to send thank you letters to Rosalind, Kathrilla, and the twins. Plus, acceptance of their apologies to Calhoun and Nahill. I’ll personally speak with Esme and Relda’s mother about better scheduling for next year….

“Delara,” she speaks to me directly, “I remember the first time my dear Otihen took me to the Midsommar Festival, it was just after we announced our courtship,” she sighs happily. “It was spectacular, definitely one of the best gatherings in The Seven Kingdoms. I really do believe you’ll enjoy it.”

I squeeze Cade’s hand, “I can’t wait.”

Caderyn

“Mother? You wanted to see me?”

Sitting in her favorite armchair by the open window, there’s a comforting night breeze drifting through the room. Elbow on the armrest, she holds her head with one hand. It’s moments like these she shows her age, and I can tell how tired she is.

I walk in a little farther and sit on the edge of the bed across from her. “Mother?”

She slowly opens her eyes, “Oh, my dear Caderyn. Yes, hi….”

“What’s on your mind, Madre?”

She smiles softly. “It’s about Delara.”

For the first time, I have no fear in her bringing this subject to me. “Yes?”

“I… I want to apologize. Sometimes…,” but she shakes her head and looks out the window. “Sometimes I am so lost without your padre.”

I lean forward and touch her knee. “I know, Madre. And… well, I know I have not made things easy on you.”

She laughs, “No, quite not. But I have seen such a change in you since the moment Delara arrived. The kind of change I helped bring out in your father. You two are so similar…” her eyes are becoming glassy, “so… passionate,” she nods. “And to defend your big hearts, you are quick to attack.”

She waves her hand, “Delara, though…, I do hope you are going to start courtship before you leave? I know, I know… it’s so… old-fashioned now, isn’t it? But to bring a female with you to another kingdom’s event, staying in the same room….”

Good thing I was already planning on it, because I don’t think I could handle another argument right now. “I’d be planning on it, tomorrow morning before we leave.”

Relief spreads across her face, “Well, good! I cannot wait to welcome her to our famiglia.”

After hugging her, I leave her to sleep. Just as I’m at the door, Mother says, “And Caderyn?” I turn back. “I’m proud of you.”

Delara

Double-checking everything I’ve packed or was suggested I pack; I am feeling really good about this excursion. For the two days there and two days back, I’ve picked out my most comfortable pants and shirts, all linen and loose. For the actual Festival, I was provided an appropriate dress, an almost costume set of bodice and layered skirt and daisy crown. Oh, and in case there is a formal cena somewhere, I have one more traditionally Onyx outfit. Due to not only being accustomed to but actually liking the toiletries I’ve been used to for months now, Melaena gave me an enchanted, spill-proof bag to put them in.

The only downside to this whole thing is having to leave Catarina behind for about six days. Though she tolerates Melaena and Jasper, I don’t know she’ll accept pets from them or play. I’m afraid she’s going to get lonely and cry out for me. Laying on the bed with her while I still can, I pet her long hair from ears to tail.

Not before long, there’s a soft knock on my open door. Cade sees me and comes in, “Hey bellissima, all set?”

I sit up to wave Jasper and two other servitores in, “All packed.”

After they take my bags, I stand at the end of my bed. I notice a hesitant expression on Cade’s face, though. “Cade?”

He takes a step towards me, “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Instantly, I feel fear and wrap my arms under my chest. “Okay…?”

He smiles, “Nothing bad, I promise.”

But that doesn’t help. “What…?”

After a moment, he pushes a hand through his hair and laughs awkwardly, “This is the first time I’ve done this, so… bear with me.”

I try to relax but can’t.

He takes a deep breath, “I would like to ask for your hand… to court you. I would be honored to pursue you romantically and for us to be in an exclusive relationship.”

My stomach churns. Why did he have to do this? Why today? My shoulders drop, “Caderyn….”

He notes my use of his full name. I don’t have to say it. His expression is laced with sadness, but overall confused. He gestures wide, “Why? Because of the mutation?”

My brows furrow, “What? No, of course not.”

His arm retracts, “Because I’m a Pure-blood Vampire?” he tries.

I laugh, “What does that have to do with anything?”

He puts his fist on his hip, “Then why?”

I rub my face. Just f*****g say it, Lara. “Because… because you’re a Prince!” I throw my hands up. “You’re a Prince and I’m -”

“Everything,” he interrupts. Then he closes the space between us, “You’re everything to me, Lara.”

His left hand finds my hip, pulling me against his body. His right-hand cups the back of my head as I look up to him. When our lips meet for the first time, I lose myself completely.

It’d been so long since I’d been kissed… and never, ever by a male like him. Extremely handsome, dangerously powerful, exceedingly intelligent…. With his hands so firm, so strong, his essence surrounds me, keeping me here with him, keeping me safe. Still, he is gentle, as if I’m delicate – truly valuable to him and treasured by him. His lips are soft on mine. And soon enough, my hands come to his shirt and grip hard, pulling him to me even more.

Then we part and he leans his forehead to mine. I feel the heat from his staggered breath against my cheek. When his fingertips massage my neck softly, he murmurs my name.

I bring a hand to his face and look into his bright, golden eyes. There’s only a single thought between my mind and heart, clarity due to our action: I trust him. Now, forever, I trust him. I brush my thumb across his cheek, “Yes.”

At first, he’s confused, and I smile, then he realizes, his whole face lighting up. “Yes?”

I giggle and peck his lip, his excitement contagious. I look into his passionate eyes and know everything will be all right, “Yes, I accept!”