Connected to the King

A Solemn Vow

The evening shifted into morning and the sun's rays peeked through the open shutters within my chamber, causing me to stir. My head was spinning like a top as I attempted to sit up. Instead, I laid my head back on the pillow and turned to face the opposite wall. To my surprise, Marcus was asleep in an oversized plush chair with a blanket thrown over him.

I gasped, clasping my hand over my mouth as I pulled the cover over myself. Oh no, please don’t tell me we…wait. The last thing I remember was my chest pain. I quickly pulled the covers off myself and the ache was gone.

Marcus winced and groaned. “What’s the matter now?” Marcus asked, his eyes remained closed as he spoke.

“What happened?” I shouted. “Where did that pain come from?” I turned to look at him. His hand was draped over his face. “Are you okay?” I asked.

Marcus opened one eye at me, “It’s none of your concern.”

My stomach decided it needed food right then and there as it let out a loud growl. “Ugh not again.” I sighed, inching my way over to the edge of the bed.

Marcus scoffed, pushing himself up as he stretched. “I already have breakfast on its way here.”

I rustled my hair, trying to get a grip on last night’s events. My eyes widened at the thought. “You licked my blood from your finger… Why?”

Marcus stretched once more before letting his hands fall to his sides. “Well, I was trying to see something, and I got more than what I asked for.”

I turned to him. My eyes trailed from his waistline to his chest. Oh my… I thought. “Wait, what did Dominic tell you?” I asked, worried.

Marcus stood with his hands on his hips, deep in thought. “Something about your blood borne connection. Since you have Minerva’s abilities, you’ll be tied to me.” He pointed to my arms and back with a raised brow, “What is with the weird lines across your back.

I facepalmed. “I’m a witch, they come with the territory, ah a sort of way to help me cast my magic.”

Marcus nodded, pursing his lips.

I sat with my leg crossed over the other, fidgeting with the comforter. A knock on the door pulled my attention from our conversation. “Come in.” I blurted.

Mariam and another maid brought in a few dishes and set them on the bedside table for Marcus and me.

“Milady, you must be starving. Eat up, and I’ll be back to get you ready for the day.” Mariam smiled sweetly at me as I turned to her. She bowed her head to Marcus as she left the chamber.

Marcus handed me a fork and grabbed his plate before sitting back in the chair. “Eat up. We have a few things going on today. But first, I have my doctor coming by to check on you.”

I grabbed my plate and placed it on my lap. My mouth drooled at the sight of food. “Okay.” I replied before I dug in.

A small moan escaped my lips as I took my first bite. “Oh, this is even better than yesterday’s meal!” I squealed.

Marcus chuckled as he continued shoveling food into his mouth. "I tell you; I have the best kitchen staff in the world." He boasted.

It didn’t take long before our plates were empty, and our bellies were full. A soft knock wrapped the door once more causing a topless Marcus to jump to his feet.

“You may enter,” he answered.

The door to my chamber was slowly pulled open, revealing an older gentleman with a small leather bag in hand. His hooded eyes made it difficult for me to read his emotions.

“Doctor Weiss.” Marcus gave him a stern nod, pointing to me before he returned to his seat, “She needs to be checked over. She fainted last night, clutching her chest. I need to know why.”

Marcus’ concern for my well-being pulled at my heartstrings. I moved my plate to the nightstand and pulled the comforter up to conceal my torso.

“No need to be afraid, Aurora, he won’t do anything to you.” Marcus laid his hand on mine. A sense of safety washed over me as I gave him a nod.

“Milady, can you tell me what happened last night?” Doctor. Weiss shuffled closer to the side of the bed, lowering himself onto the edge.

My gaze shifted from Marcus to Doctor. Weiss, my hand fidgeting with the comforter. “I, uh, well, I had a sharp pain in my chest and then I fainted.”

Doctor Weiss grabbed a small cloth and urged me to give him my hand. “I need to remind myself that you’re a witch. You might have different blood bonding properties that I need to heed warning to. I’ve treated a witch or two in the past, but something is certainly different about you.” He shook his finger at me.

Blinking at him in curiosity I wondered what he meant. “What do you think is different about me?”

He replied with a smile. “Well for starters, you have very colorful eyes. I haven’t seen that in a witch lately. Except those who had fallen into the hands of Nedget.”

I casted Marcus a glance before returning my attention back to the doctor. “Where did you hear that name?”

He quickly shook his head and changed the subject. “Oh, just the ole fairy tale, nothing for you to worry about.”

I looked down at my hand as he pulled a needle from his bag. “Apologies, milady. This might sting a little bit.” he warned as he pricked the center of my palm.

I winced. Reflectively Marcus’ reaction is what caught me off guard. He sucked in a breath between his teeth, looking at his hand as blood pooled in the center of his palm. In the same place my wound was now bleeding.

My eyes widened. “What just happened?” my voice broke.

“Mmm, just as I suspected.” Doctor Weiss concluded as he turned to Marcus. “You got a taste of her blood, yea?” he questioned.

I touched my partially swollen lip. The first time I had ever been hit by a man. My mother was usually the one who disciplined me, I was still in shock.

“It was just a lick.” he grumbled.

Doctor Weiss sighed heavily and shook his head

disapprovingly. “It looks like you two are going to be tied together, which puts you in grave danger Marcus. I’m not sure how long your magic works, Milady. But in the meantime, you two need to be extremely careful since your wounds reflect on his and I’m assuming this will work vice versa. Keep her out of danger at all costs.” He wrapped up his equipment and rose from the bed. “Marcus, a word of advice, don’t underestimate her, and don’t raise your hand to her anymore.”

Marcus scoffed. “I don’t know what you mean, Weiss.”

Doctor Weiss narrowed his eyes at Marcus and pointed to my face, “Then why is her lip split? I don’t think this one is clumsy.” He replied before leaving the two of us.

My temples began throbbing as I attempted to process the information. “What, what does all of this mean?” I stumbled over my own words, placing my head into my hands, I let out a deafening shriek.

I felt Marcus’ arms around me as I continued wailing. I couldn’t bring myself down from the panic coursing through my veins. “What does this mean for me? Will I ever be able to leave if it came to it?” I sobbed.

Marcus rubbed my back soothingly, placing kisses atop my head as I curled into his lap and continued my cries. “What do you mean, if you had to leave?”

I looked up at him with a trembling lip, “If I had to leave, your ability to see through my eyes and hear everything I hear, any harm that would come to me would reflect on you. If I died… you would die, and everything works the opposite too.”

“Is that such a bad thing that you’re stuck here with me?” Marcus whispered. Giving me a light squeeze, he pulled away, brushing my hair from my face and lifted my chin to look at him. “I, Marcus Kincaid, vow to protect you as our lives depend on it. If you will have me." His eyes held a spark of sincerity.

I couldn’t bring myself to make a promise I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep. I sniffled into his chest and pulled back, wiping my tears as I gave him the biggest smile I could muster.

We spent a few minutes just holding each other before he cleared his throat. “So, this means you’re going to have someone watch over you at all times since I won’t always be available to stand by your side. I’m going to have to do something about Dominic and quick.” Marcus mentioned as he broke the silence.

“I’m okay with the sound of that. But would that mean we need to share a bedchamber or…” I trailed off as I rolled out of his lap.

“If you aren’t comfortable with the idea, I can have your chamber moved to one closer to mine for the time being if you don’t want a guard posted outside of your door.” he shifted to the edge of the bed, throwing his legs over the side.

I now had a full view of his back. Another wave of sadness washed over me as I reached to touch the raised scars on his skin.

“We need to get to the war room and discuss strategy for this upcoming battle." Marcus quickly turned to face me. He reached over and cupped my cheek, running his thumb over the wound on my lip.

I winced, but kept myself from jerking away, I didn’t want to risk getting hit again. “Marcus I-”

A loud banging on the door cut me off, causing Marcus to growl. “What is it?” he yelled. I flinched.

“Your men are awaiting your arrival.” Maxwell’s voice sounded from the door.

“We are on our way.” Marcus yelled back. Turning to me, he scanned me from head to toe and shook his head. “You need to change quickly. I will send someone to retrieve you in a little while to join the meeting.”

With that, he grabbed his tunic and rushed out of the chamber, closing the door gently so as to not scare me.

I sighed, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. I stared off into the distance for a moment as Mariam appeared in my peripherals. I didn’t hear her knock, but I quickly assumed Marcus had sent her to help me get changed. I smiled warmly at her.

“Mariam, I missed you.” I stood, grasping her hands, giving her a saddened smile. “You’re the only one here that hasn’t tried to make me out as an outsider, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”

“Milady, I missed you too. Now, let’s get you ready for the gathering, shall we? Unfortunately, I will not be able to escort you down to the war room, but someone is on their way. Don’t fret.

Mariam pulled a lovely crimson red gown with a matching robe and slippers out the wardrobe. I quickly shuffled out of my nightgown and into the one she had handpicked for me.

The gown resembled the one I wore upon my arrival to the castle. The hand-sewn silk hugged my slender frame. The sleeves stopped short of my wrists with light tassels on the end as the top cinched like a corset. I spun around to inspect the gown, finally casting a gaze at her.

“I feel like a princess.” I squealed. "Okay, except my…" I fiddled with the top as I repositioned my breasts. "There, much better."

Mariam tapped her chin as she looked me up and down, “Aha, I know what you’re missing.” She spun me around and combed through my hair. Her hands worked magic on the long white tresses.

Once she finished, I investigated the full-length mirror and gasped at my reflection. I truly looked like a princess.

“Mariam, you shouldn’t have!” I examined the fishtail braid in awe. Tears threatened to escape my eyes as I stared at the woman in the mirror. I did not recognize myself.

“Now you’re ready, Aurora. I’ll take my leave.” She bowed her head and skipped out of the chamber, humming a tune I recognized.

I turned and stood peering out of the stone window with the shutters open as a cool breeze filled the old stone structured chamber. I clutched my silk robe as if my heart were going to burst. Who is Marcus sending to retrieve me? It’s been some time now. I thought to myself.

The sound of a loud knock on my bedchamber door pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to face the door as my robe swept the floor. “Come in,” my voice was just above a whisper.

A guard who I guessed was supposed to be my escort, stood on the other side of the tall wooden door pulled the latch open, the old hinges creaked as he opened it enough, poking his head through. To my surprise it was Dominic. What the hell does he want? I thought as I watched his brows furrow as if he were annoyed with me.

“The King requests your presence, Aurora,” Dominic spoke with a low tone.

I narrow my eyes at him with clenched fists, “You? You can’t expect me to believe he sent you. You aren’t supposed to be here.”

“Well, you’re stuck with me. Take it or leave it. Marcus would be extremely upset if his new pet was caught trying to escape.” He smirked.

I rolled my eyes at him, sneering, “I’m ready. Let’s go.” I slipped past him on my way through the door as his eyes bore holes into my skin.

As we exited the chamber a younger man jogged up to us, seemingly out of breath. A sense of calmness radiated from him as he caught his breath. He slicked his brunette hair back as he straightened his posture. “Dominic, I’ll take it from here. If she’s seen with you, surely I’ll be the one who gets punished.” His green-hazel eyes stared down at me for a moment before shifting back up at Dominic.

This man was easily taller than Dominic, but he seemed to be more well-mannered. A gentle giant if you will.

My gaze volleyed between this man to Dominic. “Sir, I need to go to the war room. I’m already behind and I’d rather not anger Marcus.”

He gave me a curt nod, “Then let’s get moving.” The man stated before pivoting on his heel he marched back down the corridor.

I picked up the sides of my gown and shuffled after him. “Please slow down. My legs can only move so fast.” I struggled to keep up with his fast pace.

He stopped and glanced over his shoulder at me. “I apologize, you are very short.”

I let out a huff and chuckled, “No, no don’t apologize. I just wasn’t expecting you to take off that quickly.”

He ran his hand through his hair in a nervous fashion. I tilted my head slightly and raised a brow at him, “Is something the matter? You seem a little nervous.”

He swallowed rather hard and let out an uneasy breath, “Milady, I don’t mean to be rude, but I am nervous. It’s because you’re a witch.”

I pressed my lips into a fine line and gave him a nod. “That’s reasonable, but I truly mean you know harm.”

The tension in the air slowly melted, the man beside me lowered his guard for a moment. “Well, I appreciate you telling me this, I just never thought I’d ever run into a witch and live to tell the tale.”

I giggled at his statement. “Most people do, it depends on which covenant you would run into. Unfortunately, mine isn’t all that friendly, which is why I had to leave.”

“So, you’re the one Mariam had mentioned before?”

I nodded. “I guess I am, but may I ask you something?”

He placed his hands on his hips and chuckled. “Of course, Milady.”

“Your name? What is it? I don’t want to call you sir because you look to be about the same age as me, but I don’t want to call you mister because well… that’s rude.”

“Ah, my name is Gavin, and you? Milady makes you sound a bit older too.”

We both chuckled at the statement. “I’m Aurora.”

“I guess that’s it then. Well, we better get going before Marcus kills the both of us for being entirely too late.”

I followed behind him with my head lowered. Hastened clumpy stomping echoed from behind me. I had completely forgotten about Dominic. He rushed up behind me and leaned into my ear.

“Rodents don’t last long around here.” He whispered.

A shiver ran down my spine at his words. I moved behind Gavin as he turned to face Dominic. “You have orders to leave her alone. Why do you want to die so badly?”

Dominic flashed me an evil smirk and scoffed. “It’s your word against mine, Gavin. Now run along. You’re on babysitting duty.”

Gavin didn’t give him the response he was looking for and rolled his tongue along his inner cheek, placing his hand on my mid back he ushered me to keep moving.

I turned my eyes forward to see an extremely angry Marcus approach. His brow furrowed and his eyes seethed with anger. “What the hell took you so long to bring her to me?” He shouted, grabbing Gavin by the collar of his tunic.

“I would have been there sooner if this one would have stopped being such a pest.” Gavin jutted his thumb at Dominic who had not a single care in the world.

I placed my hand on Marcus’ and shook my head, “No. It was my fault I… I took too long to get ready.”

Marcus froze and turned to me, “You had Mariam help you get ready and yet you still took this long, Aurora?” He yelled.

I placed my hand on his cheek, peering into his eyes as if he could read my mind. Not here, not now. Please, you can punish me once this is all over. I thought as I searched for what little humanity he had left.

He let out a heavy sigh and nodded, releasing Gavin. Pointing to Dominic he narrowed his eyes, “Maxwell, throw him into the dungeons, for my sanity and yours. If he doesn’t want to follow orders he can rot. Show him what happens when you fail to do as your told.”

Maxwell and another man rushed over to Dominic and reprimanded him. Dominic let out a very low grumble before bursting into a laugh fit for a maniac.

“Let’s go.” Marcus grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the two. We resumed our original plan in the war chamber with a general and second in command who took their places beside Marcus as they looked over the maps.

“Blue eyes, long beard. Who the hell else is out there?” Marcus gave a half-hearted laugh. His men joined in before a scrawny man in the back raised his hand.

“My King, I think I may know!” the little man shouted as he shoved his way through the crowd of men before him.

“Oh? Ulysses, who would it be?” Marcus raised his brow.

My gaze volleyed between Marcus and Ulysses. My fingers fidgeted with one another as I listened to everyone.

“It’s-K-King Porter-from… the east.” he huffed between breaths.

“What an ugly name. I’d hate to be him.” Maxwell laughed as he made his way into the war chamber. Wiping the blood from his hands on an old cloth.

I chuckled at Maxwell’s remark before the air became thick as a wave of nausea filled my head. I looked around and found a chair beside a red flag on the wall and shuffled on over. Plopping down into the plush cushion, I laid my head back. An image flashed in my mind of a wooden sign at the entrance of a valley called Portage Pass.

My breath became labored, my hands clutched my hair by the roots, tears streaming down my cheeks. Why was I seeing this information now? Why can’t I get this right? Are they coming through the pass? Is that what the message was?

“M-Marcus!” I managed to stammer out. I sigh heavily, “Is there something I’m not seeing?” My eyes darted from side to side as my breathing quickened trying to decipher the message.

Feeling multiple pairs of eyes on me, I turn my attention to those around me. The guards gasp simultaneously. I raised my hand to my cheek to wipe away the tears streaming down.

Shifting my gaze to my fingers I sighed heavily. My tears were not tears but blood. “Oh, no,” I whispered, glancing at Marcus.

I leapt from my seat and ran to the table the map was sprawled across. Scanning through the names listed on the darned thing, I couldn’t understand what I was looking at. With one arm, I wiped everything to the floor, frantically searching for the mountain range to the east that held the impending army. Once spotted, I placed my finger on the name "Portage Pass" and looked at Marcus. “Three weeks. This man, the one I mentioned, green eyes, will be here in three weeks.”

“Another vision, Aurora?” He raised a brow at me as he approached. Bringing his hand to my cheek he wiped the blood from my skin. He brought his fingers to his lips, licking the iron infused fluid off his skin. Marcus' gaze unwavering.

I nod, turning my eyes to the floor. I grabbed my robe’s sleeve and wiped the remaining blood and unsuccessfully smeared it across my cheek.

“Why are your tears, blood?” Marcus grumbled as he spoke aloud.

“This vision is somehow different. The same man you’re going after, you know, the one I told you about with the blue eyes… he’s going to set an ambush.”

Marcus shushed me, patting my head. “Go, rest. It’s been a long afternoon for you already. I’ll have Mariam take you to your new chamber.”

I dropped my shoulders and pouted my lip. “I’m fine, really. I want to help.” I whined, the last thing I needed was a free pass. But if I wanted to stay on Marcus’ good side I needed to be here.

Maxwell cut in. His jolly voice pulled the attention of the men gathered in the chamber. “How do we know that you’re not setting us up?”

“Yeah? How do we know that you’re not sending us into a trap? How can we trust you?” Another guard spoke up.

I placed my hand on Marcus’. “He’s right though, your men know nothing of me. I’m a witch, after all. They all think I’m going to banish them to some sort of realm or kill them with magic. I can’t do anything special like that.” I stepped away from the table.

Marcus cleared his throat, silencing the room, “Well, if she ends up sending us somewhere to die then she too will perish.”

My eyes widened at his words, “Y-you think I’d risk my life to get rid of you? That’s complete and utter suicide, Marcus. Please just—"

“Milady, witches aren’t necessarily friendly around here. We haven’t trusted the word of a witch in decades. What makes you think that we can trust you? You practically came out of nowhere.” The same guard from before stated.

I slumped my shoulders in defeat. He was right, I did show up out of nowhere. I am a stranger to these people. But I needed to survive to find what little family I had left and uncover the possible return of a warlock my father locked away decades ago. The one Doctor Weiss was so careless to mention.

“Aurora is connected to me by blood, according to Doctor Weiss. I trust him so I’ll trust that what he says is true. If anything happens to me, then she will perish as well.” Marcus commented.

Oh dear, Marcus just put a target on our backs.