Deragan Sword Prophecy: Book 01 - Kainan Page 16

  “Of course my dear, is everything alright?” the Queen asked concerned, as she looked at the blood stains all down the front of her dress.

  “Oh yes. Thank you your Majesty this is not my blood. It is Kainan’s.”

  The Queen spun around to her son.

  “Yours?” she said, with panic rising in her voice.

  “Do not worry mother, I am fine, really, thanks to Arweyn. When she found me I was dying. She healed me,” Kainan assured her. Turning he smiled affectionately at Arweyn. “She saved my life.”

  The Queen sighed with overwhelming relief, turning back to her.

  “Then my dear we owe you greatly for saving our son. If there is anything you need you only have to ask. I am sure you must be exhausted after everything that has happened. Rest well and thank you again with all of my heart. It was the bravest and greatest thing that you could have done for Kainan and for us.”

  Arweyn looked at Kainan and saw a sparkle in his eyes that had not been there before, and the gentle tear that began to fall onto his cheek said it all. Stepping forward he took hold of her hand kissing it gently. Still holding her hand he looked deep into her lovely hazel eyes and smiled.

  “Thank you so much, for everything.” Her eyes met his and she smiled holding his gaze. “I will see you later?” he asked, his eyebrow rose in hopeful anticipation. She looked at him under her lashes, her thumb now gently rubbing his hand and nodded.

  “Yes later, at dinner.” He breathed deep, giving her a wink. Then slowly letting go of his hand she turned to the King and Queen and curtsied, before leaving the room. The Queen smiled as she watched Kainan, he did not take his eyes off her until she had closed the door behind her. She too had noticed the spark between the two of them.

  Quietly Arweyn closed the door behind her. Leaning back on the door she sighed. Looking at her hand where he had kissed her she raised it to her cheek. She could still smell him on her skin. She knew even in the short time she had known him that she had fallen in love with him. Breathing a happy sigh she began to wander slowly back towards her family room. Her thoughts lost in the last day, lost in Kainan. She thought about the massage she had given him earlier. Even just thinking about it aroused her. What was it about him that made her heart pound and her knees go weak?

  “Lady Arweyn!” Nearly jumping out of her skin, the booming voice snatched her out of her thoughts and she looked up startled. It was Lord Lothar.

  “Well. I have been hearing all about the day you have had my Lady. Who would have thought that Gareion had a twin? And that you of all people should find him alive.” Arweyn swallowed at his tone. He was not at all pleased, this she could clearly see and unease rippled the hairs on her forearms.

  “Yes my Lord.” She bowed her head slightly. “It all happened so fast. It really is amazing. The King and Queen are with him now, in the great room.” She gestured behind her, hoping that he would just carry on walking by; but he didn’t, he remained stood in front of her way. Taking hold of her hand without her offering it, he kissed it. His mouth lingering as he smelt her skin. She shuddered and then took a deep angry breath. Now he had ruined it, he had kissed her hand over Kainan’s. She wanted to scream at him and tell him to go away and leave her alone, but she dared not.

  “Hmm,” he murmured, licking his lips and looking at her lewdly. Slowly he began rubbing her hand with his thumb. He knew what he wanted from her, she was beautiful and tantalising and he didn’t want to wait anymore.

  Cringing at his touch, her feet shifted nervously under her dress, he was standing so close to her that she had to look up to him. Desperately she wanted to run.

  “This is indeed astounding news Lady Arweyn,” he said, glancing down at her, his eyes fierce as he continued. “However my father is not at all happy with you. You were a very naughty young lady going through the portal to Zyon.” He spoke to her in a condescending tone, scolding her like a naughty child. She frowned at him. What did it have to do with him what she did? Why could he not just leave her alone!

  “Despite this I am most intrigued to hear all about it. Perhaps you will sit with me at dinner and you can indulge me?” He raised an adamant eyebrow at her and she nodded reluctantly.

  “Yes my Lord, of course.” That was the last thing she wanted, but as usual she knew she had no choice but to do as he demanded.

  Letting go of her hand he continued staring at her and she fidgeted uncomfortably at his prolonged gaze. She could feel him trying to undress her as his eyes glided down the length of her body before returning to her face. He was repulsive.

  “Well I guess I had better go and introduce myself to the new Prince,” he said finally. Bowing his head to her and then turning abruptly he walked on towards the great room, his boots echoing along the corridor as he left. Arweyn sighed with relief as she watched him walk away. She didn’t like him at all, he was always trying to move in closer to her and touch her. He was nearly ten years older than her and his mere presence sent terrifying chills down her spine, and when he touched her. She shivered at the thought. Then her mind turned back to Kainan and she smiled to herself. He made her tremble in a very different way, in a way that excited her.

  She continued on along the corridor until she reached her family room where only a few hours ago they had arrived and been so violently attacked. The room had now been cleared and cleaned and there was no trace of the earlier events.

  “Arweyn.” The deep voice made her jump out of her thoughts. It was her uncle. “Yes uncle,” she replied startled.

  “Arweyn are you all right, really?” he questioned, stepping up to her.

  She nodded, “Yes I am fine, thank you,” she insisted. His constant fussing over her was really beginning to get on her nerves. After all she was eighteen now, no longer a child. If she had it her way, she would ask him to leave her quarters and go back to his own, in the Tower with Lothar. She was quite capable of looking after herself now and did not need a ‘guardian’. Perhaps as the Queen had offered her a favour, she might ask if she could be released from his guardianship now, and not have to wait until she was married. She would give it some serious thought.

  “You know you took a great risk with what you did. You should never have left Malgar on your own.”

  “But uncle…”

  “No but’s Arweyn,” he yelled, cutting her off sharply. “I know you probably think all is well, turning out as they have. Do you realise how lucky you have been? I could have lost you. You have not yet experience enough of life; what if this man had not been the King’s son. What if he had been some rogue? Anything could have happened to you. You could have been violated or even killed!”

  She crossed her arms under her chest defiantly. “I am eighteen. I can look after myself.”

  “I know you think you can but…” He placed an arm around her shoulders. “You know how much I cared about your parents. I took you in Arweyn. You are like a daughter to me, can you not understand that?” Suddenly his tone changed and he gave her a stern frown removing his arm from her shoulder. “Did you heal the boy?”

  Arweyn fidgeted. The question seemed harmless, yet Arweyn felt a cold sweat cling to her back.

  “Arweyn?”

  “Yes uncle I did, but I thought he was Gareion. I knew I was safe with him from the moment I saw him. You do not understand, it is like I have always known him. I would never take unnecessary risks. You should know that of me.”

  “How bad was he?” Her uncle asked, pacing up and down with his hands clasped behind his back. Arweyn felt uneasy. Why was he so concerned that she had healed him?

  “He was really bad. He had broken ribs and both his legs were broken as well. He was bleeding badly and unconscious when I found him. I am quite certain he would have died had I not followed him.” She thought it best not to tell him that he had actually died and that she had given him the kiss of life and that by some amazing miracle he had survived.

  “Did you really see them, these Gorzars?” Her uncle quizzed.
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  “Yes I did,” she replied awkwardly.

  He shook his head in disbelief. “Do you have any idea how dangerous they are? If you had been captured by them they may have killed you, and that’s if you were lucky. You really have no idea what you have got yourself into…” he stopped himself, and turning to her he stared hard pointing his finger warningly.

  “You must not get involved with this boy, he is trouble. Do you understand? He will not be here for long anyway.”

  “What do you mean?” she frowned at him, stepping forward.

  “I mean. Kainan will be sent to find the Ardor Crystal. With Gareion still missing, it will fall upon him as he is the King’s other son. He will have to lead the expedition to bring it back.”

  “Can Lothar not do it?”

  “NO! He is busy with the army and looking for Gareion.”

  “Then I will go with him. I promised that I would help him find the Crystal.”

  Her uncle stopped his pacing and turned to her. “NO!” his voiced raised in anger. “Did you not hear what I just said? You will have nothing more to do with him. I will not allow you to go back up to Zyon. It is far too dangerous.”

  “Uncle please I can look after myself!” Grabbing hold of his sleeve she begged desperately. “Please.”

  “No,” he replied firmly, brushing her arm off his. “That young lady is my final word on the matter. You are not to go with him, he will understand. If he cares anything for you he would not want to put you in any danger by taking you with him.” He looked at her pained face and ignored it. “I am not prepared to lose you on Zyon. It will be far too dangerous, you are NOT going. Besides, a girl will only slow them down.”

  “I would not!” she retorted angrily, her hands rising to her hips.

  “Mind your tongue girl. I am your legal guardian and you will do as I say. Now I have to go and meet with the other elders to discuss plans. Meet me in the banqueting hall at sunset. We will all eat together this evening.”

  “Yes uncle,” she replied, turning away and scowling angrily.

  Looking at her bedraggled appearance he added. “However, may I suggest you go and have a bath before dinner? You look a mess. I have taken the liberty of having your bath filled for you, and there is a plate of food in your bedchamber. You look like you haven’t eaten properly for days.”

  Arweyn looked at herself in the mirror above the fireplace, yes her uncle was right about that, she did need a bath and was indeed feeling hungry, but if he thought for one moment that she would have nothing more to do with Kainan then he was clearly mistaken.

  “Very well,” she muttered, as she watched her uncle leave the room. She waited till he closed the door behind him then walked into her bed-chamber, locking the door behind her. Her curtains had been drawn and the room had been lit by numerous candles, sending a fiery glow around her chamber. Walking over to her bedside table she picked up a piece of bread and took a bite, then undoing her dress and slipping it off she laid it across the bed covers. Running her fingers gently over the front of her dress where it was stained heavily with Kainan’s blood, she trembled. Just touching it made her feel on fire, made her feel alive. She looked down the front of herself; even her white under-dress was terribly stained with his blood.

  Walking over to the bath she ran her hands through the water, it felt hot and inviting. Reaching her hand up to the shelf above the bath she perused the number of brightly coloured bottles. Then making her choice she picked one up, and opening it she inhaled deeply. Smiling at the pleasant scent, she poured the oil into the hot steaming bath. Sighing happily she thought about Kainan; how she had connected with him in a way she had never done with anyone before, and how she was sure he had felt it too. Walking over to her bed she picked up her plate of food and placed it next to her bath. Slipping off the rest of her clothes she then climbed into the hot water. Closing her eyes, she sighed as she lowered herself into the bath; the warmth of the water enveloping around her tired body. She knew she had to be with Kainan, whatever the cost.

  Entering the Great Room Lord Lothar stared ahead and frowned deeply at the stranger in the room, at Kainan. He took in a deep annoyed breath. The Queen was hugging him so tight she looked like she would squeeze the life out of him and the King wore a smile that beamed from ear to ear. Shaking his head Lord Lothar huffed with disgust.

  The King glanced towards the door. “Ah Lothar come on in and meet your cousin. My son has been found alive, is this not a joyous day,” the King boomed, beckoning Lothar over to them.

  “Yes your Majesty, it is indeed a joyous day,” Lord Lothar smiled weakly, in a dull condescending tone. “So there you are my cousin safe and well after all these years,” he said, staring hard at Kainan and looking him up and down. His clothes were covered in blood and torn, his hair a scruffy mess. He looked more like a beggar than the son of a King. Lord Lothar considered him, and then held out his arms beckoning him forward.

  Kainan didn’t move he was unsure. In fact he did not feel inclined in any way whatsoever to embrace this man. In fact for some reason, just his presence in the room seemed to send an un-natural chill down his spine.

  “Now come along, do not be shy, come here my cousin.” Lord Lothar’s arms reached out summoning him forward; his dark eyes stony and cold stared hard at him as he waited for a response.

  Kainan stepped warily towards his cousin. He looked to be in his late twenties, definitely a good six or seven years older than Kainan. He noted that he was very tall and heavily built like his father, he had a rather square shaped face, was cleanly shaven, with short black hair. He wore a black coat, richly embroidered in gold thread with golden buttons, brown leather trousers and black boots. Most intriguing to Kainan was the large sword he carried to his side, with a gold guard and emblazoned with blue sparkling gems. It was indeed an impressive weapon.

  Lothar embraced Kainan, patting his back. Then standing back he held his hands firmly upon Kainan’s shoulders. Kainan suddenly felt the chill turn to ice and his back shivered even more as Lothar’s hands gripped him tightly, squeezing him. For some strange reason it had reminded him of when Hadzor had grabbed him and it made him feel incredibly uncomfortable.

  Lothar continued staring at him, straight in the eyes; he could sense Kainan’s nervousness. He grinned, that pleased him immensely.

  “My, my you are so like your brother are you not?” Releasing him with a very slight shove, Lord Lothar turned to the King. “I assume that he has been checked over by the Wizard in the proper ways to ensure that there is no doubt?” Turning back to Kainan he tipped his head slightly. “No offence cousin. You understand?”

  Kainan half nodded nervously. He did not know why this man should make him so nervous. After all he was his cousin, but there was something about him that was not right. Maybe it was because of what Arweyn had told him earlier. Or was it something else? He was not entirely sure what it was, but between him and his father Lord Detaine, Kainan was definitely sensing that he was not welcome in their eyes.

  “Yes Lothar, he has been checked by the Wizard and the physician. He is without any doubt our son, Gareion’s twin. He even bears the same birth mark as Gareion on his neck.” The King turned to his son.

  “Lothar is head of our army. This is why he is so protective, so wary.” He raised his eyebrow at Lothar. Lord Lothar bowed.

  “Of course my King; yours and the Queen’s safety is always my first concern, and of course Prince Gareion.” He stopped, staring once again at Kainan. Then shaking his head he addressed the King. “Still we find no trace of him your Majesty.”

  The King’s eyes grew mournful and he took a fleeting glance down to the ground. It broke his heart that Gareion was missing and for a brief moment in his joy at finding Kainan; thoughts of Gareion had been pushed to the back of his mind.

  “Do you not think it is strange that one twin disappears and another reappears?” Lothar muttered accusingly, directing his accusation straight at Kainan.

  “N
o I do not. What are you implying Lothar?” the King demanded crossly. Even he found it difficult to tolerate this man. He only did because he was Lord Detaine’s son. Lord Detaine was head of his personal security and a trusted man. So for his sake he put up with the weird ways of his son, but even then there was only so much he would take.

  “Nothing your majesty I’m just stating a fact that is all. So cousin tell me, where have you been hiding all this time?” Lothar questioned looking at him, waiting for an answer.

  “Okay Lothar. That is enough with the questions for now. Give the boy time to adjust; he has been through enough these past few days. I suppose your father told you that he was attacked by Gorzars. His entire family were murdered by them. I am sure that there will be plenty of time for you two to get to know each other later.”

  “Gorzars,” he nodded. “Yes, I understand you were attacked by them and yet you live?” he questioned, eyeing Kainan suspiciously.

  “Only because Arweyn found me, I would have died had it not been for her.” Kainan replied defensively, looking across at his father.

  “Then you were very lucky that she found you,” he muttered darkly.

  “Yes I am.” Kainan frowned. He got the distinct impression that his cousin was not glad to see him alive.

  “Well I shall leave you now cousin, to adjust,” he smirked sarcastically. “I am sure you will have lots to discuss with your parents.” He bowed his head to the Queen, who smiled curtly.

  “I am sure I shall see you at dinner this evening. Perhaps if there is time we can have a talk then.” He bowed his head to the King and then to Kainan. Kainan watched him with distaste as he turned about and left the room. There was definitely something about Lothar, something that seemed to emit an evil vibe and stirred a defensive reaction in him. He had never felt like that about another person before, yet here he was feeling bad vibes from two people in the space of one day; two people from the same family. His brow creased as he thought about it. His mother, catching the look of distaste in his eyes reached out to him.