Connected to the King

Uneasy Breath

I spent weeks in my chamber, eating and sleeping. Occasionally, I would peek out of the window in wonder of when my heart would recover from the stress and loss of my child.

The scar on my hand had finally healed and disappeared from the night of the attack. I've had nightmares of that night, making healing all the more difficult.

"Gavin? Are you there?" I called out to him from where I was seated in front of the fireplace. I waited for a response. But only silence came.

"Gavin? Is something wrong?" I slowly pulled myself up from the floor using the arm of the chair beside me. "Is anyone there?"

The lock to the door clicked and was pushed open. Maxwell's figure appeared in the doorway dismissing Gavin as he entered the room. He quickly approached and helped me to my feet. "Aurora, are you okay, seriously I need to know. We all need to know what my brother keeps doing to you.”

My eyes widened in shock, "You're his brother, I thought you were just a guard? Is that why he didn't kill you that night?"

Maxwell nodded. "Yeah. I’m not guard though, I’m in charge of all of them and he couldn't kill me if he tried. But I'm not concerned about his well-being. He can care for himself, you on the other hand… I'm worried about you. No one has seen you around for weeks." He brought his hand up to my cheek, removing a strand of hair from around my face.

I flinched and slowly made my way over to the bed. My gaze shifted to the floor as I sat down on the edge. "Maxwell. I don't feel safe here anymore, I don't know what to do. I can't stay locked up in this place. I need to be free. Or at least free from fear."

"Give it time Aurora, things will get better. Just don't use the term tyrant. He doesn't like it. Honestly, I think it was after the war a few years back when he murdered the king of this land. He has always been an ass, but he definitely seems more like the devil himself. He feasts on the blood of his enemies and those angered souls stick around him for God knows how long. No one knows how to get rid of them. He’s getting more and more… aggressive and closer to hell.”

"He told me once that he liked the taste of blood…the blood of his enemies, the tormented souls of his enemies could have lingered with him.” I tapped my chin. “Because we have a blood bond connection— " I thought out loud. "Do you think I can fix him? Now that the…" I paused for a moment, the pain of the death of my child caused my chest to tighten. I swallowed hard. "Some time has passed, and I think I could rid him of whatever it may be that is imbedded within him. Or help him heal from the trauma of his past. Do you think it could work?"

"Aurora, he's on a killing frenzy right now. I'd suggest giving it a bit more time." He sighed. "Look, you've helped us quite a bit during your stay here. I'd lay my life on the line just as those two out there have. We can come up with a plan to seduce him so you can try to heal him. I can't guarantee it'll work but we need grumpy Marcus back, not this malicious demon roaming through the castle."

I perked up at the idea of using our connection to draw him in, I know he would come running the moment I harmed myself since it would reflect on him. It was like my own personal messenger service. "I'll do everything I can.” I gave Maxwell a small smile.

Maxwell placed a hand on his hip and another through his hair. “Okay, but how do we get him here without you leaving this room?”

I perked my head up at the thought of using our bond to draw him here. “Maxwell, may I borrow your knife?" I extended my hand toward him.

Maxwell raised his brow at me as he pulled his weapon from its sheath. "Should I even ask?" He nervously handed me the knife.

Grabbing the handle, I brought it to my hand pressed the blade to my palm and sliced through my skin with ease. I sucked in a harsh breath through my teeth. "No, you'll see in a second, if it works." I winced.

Right on cue Marcus’ shouts and hollering echoed down the hall, "What the hell! Aurora!" His figure appeared in the doorway clutching his injured hand.

"Now that I have your attention." I raised my brow. "You. Come here and sit." I commanded as I pointed to the empty spot beside me.

"Since when do I listen to the order of a witch?" He growled at me.

"Since I hold your life in my hands. Literally." I brought the knife just above my heart and pressed the tip into the top layer of my skin.

I watched as blood seeped through his tunic above his heart. I honestly could say I was surprised at my own willingness to teach this asshole a lesson. I was tired of hiding and I wanted my loving King back.

"Will you sit, or will you die?" I asked. "Weigh your options. I'll wait." I held the knife in place for a moment before pushing it a little bit farther into my chest. The pain reflected on his face.

"You wouldn't dare." He grounded out as he clutched his bleeding heart.

"If I die. You die. The difference? I don't care if I die or not but think about it, you die, and your kingdom goes to Maxwell or anyone else who's willing to take your place." I explained.

Marcus narrowed his eyes at me and approached the bedside. His gaze never shifted as we stared at one another. I wore a blank expression as he sat down beside me. "What do you want?"

"I need to rid you of those souls or whatever it is in your blood are going to drive you to do something you are going to regret. Now are you going to cooperate or am I going to have to kill you?" I snapped. "Properly bathe yourself and I'll meet you in your chambers. I'd rather not make a bloody mess in this one."

Once Marcus had left my chambers I turned to Maxwell and sighed. "That was terrifying… but nonetheless it'll be fine. I need to change, could you escort me to his chambers once I'm finished?"

He nodded and left me to myself. After my morning bath my body seemed to have gone back to normal. The aches and pain no longer lingered. After resting a little longer, I hopped out of bed and tiptoed across the cold stone floor over to the wardrobe. Pulling the door open I scanned over the color selection and picked out a simple grey long-sleeved gown with a sweetheart neckline and matching slippers.

Once I slipped into the gown, I grabbed my black fox fur lined coat and pulled it over my shoulders. "Maxwell, I'm ready." I called out to him as I ran my hands through my hair.

The door swung open and to my surprise Marcus stood in the doorway, topless with drenched hair. I huffed and approached him timidly.

My heart sank to the bottom of my chest. I knew this would hurt him, but I didn't realize how badly it would. I backed away from him and turned to the fireplace, pulling off my coat in the process. I tossed it over to the chair and walked over to the dancing flames.

I knelt on the rug and patted the spot beside me with the knife still in hand. "Come. Let's get this over with."

Marcus dragged his feet with each step and released a heavy breath as he plopped down beside me, crossing his legs as he awaited further instructions. I turned my body to face him and grabbed his hands as I looked up at him. "Close your eyes and let your mind go blank." I spoke in a hushed tone.

Marcus shut his eyes and growled as he shifted in his seated position. I crawled into his lap and straddled him as my own tears flowed from my eyes. Pressing my thumb to my tears I reached up to his race and marked the top of his forehead, chin and trailed down to his navel. I then bit my thumb and with my own blood I drew an X over his heart and pressed my palm to it. "Othio, contresta, pull this evil spirit from this host as he no longer welcomes the beast." I chanted.

I wrapped my arm around his neck and pulled him to me, running my bloodied thumb across my lips. I pressed them against his in a tender kiss. Marcus’s body tensed as he began to panic. The voices he heard in his mind echoed into my own as they screamed. He tried to push me away but was unsuccessful as I drove my nails into his shoulder and tightened my hold on him.

Don't fight this. Just let it flow. I thought, knowing he could hear me.

His hand reached for my throat, I intercepted it with my own and interlaced our fingers holding him still as he shifted uncomfortably beneath me. A growl vibrated his chest as a bright light shined from between us and moved toward his mouth and transferred into my body.

I released my hold on Marcus and fell back onto the rug with a thud. My body convulsed as the internal healing processes began. My heart throbbed in my ears and the voices in my head grew louder. My eyes rolled to the back of my head as a language I didn't even understand came spewing out of my lips. My breath quickened as I fought this internal battle.

He was mine!

No, he is no longer yours to control!

You have no power over him!

But I have power over you, and you no longer hold this man hostage to your evil.

The voice hissed as my soul encapsulated this spirit and banished it back to the void. "Back to the netherworld for you. You f*****g angry little pest." I cursed as Marcus came into view.

I panted and rolled onto my side as I pushed myself from the rug, strands of my hair fell over my face as I gazed at Marcus lazily. My energy levels dropped. "Y-you can leave now." I instructed with a shaky tone. "I…"

Marcus wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me closer leaning into the crook of my neck. “I wanted to apologize for everything.

He pulled his head away from my neck and leaned in for a kiss. I placed my hands on his chest and push him back. “I don’t think I’m ready for that just yet.”

He hesitated for a moment before answering. "I just wanted to apologize and show you how sorry I was. I just want things to go back to what they used to be."

"Marcus, what is normal for you? I know I'll never understand your past but at least let me make a better future. For you, for us." I searched for the truth behind his words as I gazed into his eyes.

"What do you want me to do? Aurora understand that I have killed thousands of people, their blood is on my hands, their angered spirits were in me. You can't change what I've done, hell I can't change what I've done!” he shouted, causing me to flinch.

I pressed my finger to his lips to silence him. "Stop telling me and show me instead. We need to move forward from this. I need to heal from this. After I finish with you, I need time to think. Which means I need you away from me until I'm ready to trust you again."

Marcus let out a heavy sigh and nodded. "You've been avoiding me for a while. How much more time do you need away from me?" His eyes reflected the sadness as his emotions tied into my own.

I let out another shaky breath and my vision went dark. A premonition played in the back of my mind.

We must protect the king! A man shouted in the distance as I stood frozen in fear at the sight before me.

Men dressed in armor carrying a green and white flag that held a black cobra snake in the center rushed the gates of our castle.

Who is this man? Why is he storming- oh no. Please don't tell me.

I scanned the oncoming hoard and zoned in on none other than Sebastian riding in on horseback beside another man. Who are these people?

No! Sebastian don’t! I shouted, extending my arm out to face the hoard. "Traveil!" I sent a force of wind focused on the soldiers closest to the gates. The force pushed them back, some fell to the ground as it barreled through the horde, others were sent flying backward into the open field.

The army stopped and stared up at me as if they had seen a ghost. Sebastian's eyes went wide as he charged in from behind the group.

“Aurora! What the hell are you doing here?” Sebastian shouted.

“What the hell are you doing at my castle with that man?” I shouted back at him.

As I came to, my cheeks were soaked in a liquid. I reached up and wiped away what I thought were tears but yet again here I am staring at blood. "Not again." I groaned.

"What did you see?" Marcus's voice pulled me from my trance.

"Another war. My… brother, riding on horseback beside another king I think it might have been Luthor, hell I don't even know who rules which parts of the land. But I don't even think the man was a king. I don't understand."

"What was the timeline? Snow? Spring? Summer? You need to tell me. How much time do we have to prepare?" He asked worriedly.

"Wet land, so I'm assuming spring. Before the spring harvest."

"That gives me plenty of time to fix this." He pulled me into his lap, straddling him once more.

"What are you do-"

Marcus placed a tender kiss on my lips, his hands rubbed over my backside. I squeaked and tried to pull away. "Marcus!" My shouting was muffled by his lips.

He released a husky groan as he pulled my gown up exposing my bare backside. His calloused hands gripped my thighs as he rubbed his throbbing member against me. My head tilted to the ceiling as a low moan escaped my lips.

He brought his lips to my neck and kissed a trail from left to right. Reaching between my legs he released his c**k from the restriction of his brais and swiftly inserted himself into me. A possessive growl fanned my neck.

"Oh! Marcus, it's too soon!" I squeaked. Gripping his shoulders as he bounced me gently in his lap.

"I couldn't hold back from you anymore Aurora, I saw the way you looked at me the other day. Don't tell me you didn't want this too." He kissed the underside of my ear and nipped at my neck.

"I do, but this… ah!" I huffed and moaned as he picked up the pace. I decided I couldn't hold back any longer and wanted to ride the wave. I was ignoring my own feeling and needed a release.

I reached behind me and untied my gown. Pulling it over my head I continued to bounce in his lap, the head of his member rubbed against my core ever so gently as if he were teasing me. I clawed at his back, "I need more…" I purred into his ear.

"You sure? Once I start, I can't stop until…"

"Please…"

"You beg quite a bit,"

"I shouldn't have to ask more than once. And the fact that you're buried inside of me and having this argument makes me question whether you want this." I raised a brow at him.

Oh, I shouldn't have awakened the beast.

-later that morning-

Marcus and I had spent the rest of the evening together until dawn the following day. After the blood healing process, I could definitely feel as if he were the Marcus I once knew. Kind and gentle with me yet strict and bold with his men and those who opposed him.

I awoke in a blanket of warmth as I untucked my head from Marcus’s chest. His arms wrapped around me giving me a sense of security and safety.

I unwrapped my leg from around his waist, not realizing he was still inside of me. I pulled myself from him as quietly as I could as my panting breath fanned his chest.

How can this man keep this up in his sleep? I wonder what he dreamed about. Never mind, almost there! I thought to myself as I attempted to move.

Marcus's chest rumbled but his eyes remained closed. His hands gripped my hips as he thrusted himself back into me. "Don't."

I let out an unexpected squeaky moan and squirmed in his arms. "Marcus…how long do you plan on laying here like this?"

Marcus took in a deep breath and opened his eyes, "As long as I want to. Matter of fact." He rolled me onto my back and pulled my legs around him.

I arched my back as he leaned down, pressing his lips to my sweet spot on my neck. "We can't really stay in bed this long, my King."

"Oh, but we can. We can do this all week if we wanted to." His husky tone pushed my body over the edge.

"Just for today. I have work to do." I purred in delight as he began massaging my insides.

With that we spent the remainder of the morning entangled in one another. I've never felt so alive until today and it was absolutely amazing.

Hours later I was standing in front of the full-length mirror, my body glowed with life as I fishtail braided my hair to the side. I'm surprised this mirror wasn’t destroyed in either one of Marcus’s fits of rage.

"So, what is it that you had to do today?" Marcus asked as he pulled on brais.

"Well, you're going to the training grounds and I'm meeting with the merchant. I have some things that need to be fixed around here and an entire chamber that needs to be put back together." I replied, giving myself a once over before heading for the door.

"What? No kiss?" He whined.

"Ha, not today we've done plenty of that in the last few hours. I think you'll survive a few hours without me in your hair. Go, I'll be by the war room later to plan this next ambush after you train." I winked and took off down the hall in search of Mariam.

"Oh milady, you're glowing today." I heard Brooke's voice from the end of the hallway.

"Hello there! Thank you thank you; you look rather darling yourself. Do you have a date tonight?" I wiggled my eyebrows at her in a joking manner.

If this woman had to lie, she would fail miserably. Her cheeks blushed a shade of red one could only dream about. "I-I do." She gave me a toothy grin.

"How sweet! Well, go ahead and take off for the rest of the day. You've earned it." I gave her a quick hug as Mariam turned the corner behind Brooke.

"Thank you, milady. I will tell you all about it later. Eeek!" She squealed before bowing her head as she took her leave.

I gave her a nod, a smile played on my lips as I turned to Mariam, that smile quickly turned to one of panic. Just seeing Mariam juggled my memory about the letter I had sent to Sebastian weeks ago. "Mariam… we need to talk." I mouthed at her.

"I know. Trust me I do. But we need to get out of the open. Come." She grabbed my hand and led me to one of the secret passageways.

"Mariam, what the hell is going on with Bash?" I whispered.

"Did you get his letter?" She asked, gripping the sides of her skirt.

I could tell she was concerned, "What letter? I haven't gotten anything yet… I had a vision, Mariam. He and another king were storming the castle. Who does he work for?"

"I heard he's an advisor for another King, but I am not sure, it could possibly be a rumor. We lost contact right about four, maybe five years ago."

I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. "We will talk more about this later, but right now I need to meet with the merchant. We have lots of things to do before the winter feast."

"I agree, so tell me again why the hell we are doing renovations in the winter?"

"Because this castle looks like it's gone through hell and back. There are no shutters on the windows, it's constantly cold in these hallways. The rugs are outdated and when was the last time anyone cleaned those drapes? Oh goodness and don't get me started on the beds." I facepalmed as we walked out of the secret passageway. "And don't get me started on that chandelier… whose job is it to clean that thing? How old is that wax?" I raised a brow at her.

"That's a good question, Aurora" She chuckled. "We also need to find that letter."