Chapter Eleven
“Georgie, wake up.”
Georgiana felt Lord Bloodaxe’s hand on her shoulder shaking her urgently. “I’m up. For pity’s sake, I’m up.” She tried to roll to her feet but he wouldn’t stop shaking her. Then she realized it wasn’t him but the ground rumbling beneath their feet. “What’s happening?”
He dragged her into his arms and wrapped her firmly in his embrace, all the while muttering a string of blasphemies that would make the basest knave blush. “It’s the cursed Stone of Draloch.”
“What is it doing?” She threw her arms around his neck. If that force meant to tear her out of Lord Bloodaxe’s arms, she refused to give up without a struggle.
“Expressing its displeasure.”
“At us?” She looked up at him in disbelief, but could make out nothing of his features. The cave was too dark and the ground was still dangerously shaking beneath their feet. “We’ve done nothing wrong.”
“It isn’t about right or wrong. It’s about the destiny that awaits us,” he said loudly against her ear, for the roar of the moving earth was drowning out their voices.
She tried to shout above the din. “Only we can chart the course of our destinies. That slab of marble can’t do it for us.”
He drew her up against him as though wishing to take her inside of him and mold them into one. She wished it, too. “It’s bluestone, not marble. You cannot understand the force it wields. More powerful than that of the five Dragon Lords together.”
She suddenly screamed. “Arik, the ground’s opening up.”
“I know, my beauty. Hold tight to me. We’re in for an unpleasant ride.”
She closed her eyes and pressed her body to his muscular frame with as much of her strength as she could muster. He hadn’t growled at her for calling him Arik.
She supposed it didn’t matter now.
Were they going to die?
Although her eyes were still firmly shut, she could tell that they were hurtling through a vast expanse. The air was cooler than that of the Underworld, and there were brilliant flashes of light behind her closed eyes. She was curious about those lights, but didn’t dare open her eyes while she was tossed and dragged through a sweep of air that felt like nothing she’d ever experienced before.
She was afraid to let go of Lord Bloodaxe for fear of drifting apart from him forever.
After several minutes of hurtling through this void of brilliant lights and strong winds, they suddenly stopped and began to drift languidly, as though sailing downstream on the boat they’d taken the other night. But this was no gentle current of water. She peeked open one eye and was amazed by the sight she beheld. Thousands of stars twinkled like diamonds. Swirls of pink, orange, green, and violet vapor that drifted before them in all shapes and sizes. “What are those?” she asked, pointing to several dark orbs overhead.
Lord Bloodaxe followed her gaze. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“What are they?”
“Planets. Mars. Venus. We’re drifting in celestial space.”
She shook her head. “It cannot be.”
“Georgie, there are worlds that exist beyond your mortal world and my Underworld. We see only the space before our noses, but there are countless others. Pathways, I would call them. The Stone of Draloch gathers its strength from all of these forces. Even my formidable powers are puny compared to that of our guiding stone.”
Her heart, already pounding through her ears, began to beat even more violently. “And now I’ve angered it.”
“Perhaps. We’ll know for certain in a moment. We’re almost there.”
“Where is it sending us?”
“The Fae king’s palace. The Stone of Draloch sits in his great hall.” He gave a mirthless laugh. “All my planning to get you safely out of the Underworld seems to have been unnecessary. You were never meant to cut your soft hands climbing the Razor Cliffs. Brihann was never meant to stop you. All along, the Stone of Draloch intended to snatch you away.”
“And you as well.”
He kissed her on the forehead. “I don’t think I was meant to join you for the ride. It cannot be pleased that I have done so. Don’t be surprised if we are soon parted.”
His words ought to have worried her, but she felt elated instead. “Are you suggesting that we’ve changed the course of destiny?”
He frowned at her. “What?”
“If you weren’t meant to accompany me, but now you have, then what does that signify? Something important, I think. Do you wish to know what I think?” She hurried on without awaiting his response. “We’re meant to be together and no force is powerful enough to conquer our love, not even that of your guiding stone.”
He groaned. “I don’t know whether to kiss you again or throttle you.”
“Do I have a say in the matter? Because you know which I would choose. The kiss, of– ack!” They landed with a rattling thump in the center of a great hall. Fortunately, it was dimly lit, for after all the days of darkness she would have been blinded by ordinary light.
Despite the dim light, she could make out the magnificence of the hall.
Lord Bloodaxe eased her out of his arms, but kept hold of her hand. He circled his other hand loosely about her waist to quietly assure her of his presence. Georgiana was relieved to have him standing beside her. He’d obviously taken this journey before and was familiar with the giant monolith that towered over them and glowed eerily as they slowly approached it.
Logic would suggest that they not approach it at all, but Lord Bloodaxe still had his hand about her waist and was gently propelling her forward, even closer to the gleaming stone. “Can you stand on your own, Georgie? I know this sort of travel can be difficult for those not used to it. Are your legs still wobbling?”
She nodded. Even if her legs did not feel like crumbling piles of sand, she would have said they did just to keep him by her side. Having him close gave her the courage to speak out, even though she felt quite small and insignificant within this elegant, marble-floored chamber. Indeed, it was vast and splendid, but devoid of any furnishings that might have added any warmth.
The Stone of Draloch began to hum softly.
“Oh, dear. Is it supposed to do that?” She burrowed against Lord Bloodaxe even though she was already standing practically atop him and gripping his hand so tightly, her knuckles were turning white.
“It can do whatever it wishes.”
She frowned. “Does the hum have significance? Is it talking to us?”
He nodded. “Aye, my beauty. It is talking to me.”
She gasped and looked up to study his handsome features. His jaw was clenched, his day-old beard accentuating his masculine appeal. His eyes were a darkening crystal blue and his aquiline nose was flared. The muscles of his iron-hard arms were taut and flexing.
He reminded her of a dragon about to engage in battle.
“What is it saying to you?”
He gazed at her. “The Stone of Draloch is saying that I need to let you go.”
“No!” Her legs still felt as though they were going to crumble. Now her hands were shaking and chills were shooting up and down her spine. “No,” she said more quietly. “We’re meant to be together. Why bring me to you if only to force us apart?”
“Brihann brought you to me.”
She frowned at him. “His weak mind was manipulated by the Stone of Draloch. You thought so yourself. I won’t allow it to manipulate me.”
The hum grew louder and sharper so that it hurt her ears.
She released his hand to cover her ears and immediately realized her mistake. In the instant of time that passed before she could rectify her error and grab his hand once more, he was gone. The deed had been done so fast, her mind could not accept that it had really happened.
She looked around the empty hall, frantically searching for him. He was big and muscled and would be easy to spot even if this hall were filled with people. But she was alone. “What have you done to Lord Bloodaxe?”
Angry and worried, she rushed forward and began to pound on the cold bluestone with her fists. She’d never felt so puny or insignificant, not even when faced with a dragon blowing fire at her. “Don’t hurt him! Bring him back to me. Please.”
She wanted to say that she’d do anything to save him, but this was the very manipulation that she’d scoffed at moments ago. She’d promised herself that she would never succumb, and yet she was willing to fall to her knees and give up her life for this Dragon Lord. She was not afraid to do it. “What devil’s bargain will you have me make to save him? Give me your terms.”
She tipped her chin up and kept her hands curled into fists as though ready for a fight. It was laughable to think she held any power whatsoever over this cold stone and its obvious force that she had badly underestimated. “I love him.”
Why hadn’t she been brave enough to tell Lord Bloodaxe what was in her heart? And yet, she hadn’t hesitated to reveal it now. She was talking to a rock.
She felt the ground shudder beneath her feet.
Her heart shot into her throat. Was she about to be carried off to somewhere else? Or dropped into an endless void where she’d be left to drift alone until she died?
You dare to call me a rock.
What? The stone was talking to her. Rather, it was conveying its angry thoughts to her. She spoke in response. “Yes, I do. A rock has no feelings and you’ve shown none in taking Arik away from me.”
He is no longer Arik. That boy was lost years ago and no longer exists.
Georgiana felt a rip to her heart at the stone’s cruel words. “He still lives within Lord Bloodaxe’s noble heart. How else could he protect me? Why else would he save me from the perils of the Underworld?”
He is only Lord Bloodaxe now.
“It does not matter what you call him. He is the one I love. What have you done to him?” She might have asked, “What have you done to him lately?” For there was no doubt in her mind that Arik’s brutal journey and his years of suffering were the fault of this evil stone that bore his family name.
I am not evil.
“How dare you deny it after all you’ve put him through. He is a Draloch, one of your own. What cause did you have to make him endure so much pain?”
To make him strong.
“If you’re as powerful as everyone believes, then why not simply cast your magic and make him strong? Fast, painless. Done with a snap of your fingers, or whatever you have. You understand what I mean.”
I do not have the power to alter souls. Nor do I have the power to save worlds. Only you have the power to save your mortal world.
“Me? Are you saying that we have the power to save ourselves from Brihann’s attack?”
“No,” a female voice said from behind her. “The power lies within you alone, Lady Georgiana.”
Georgiana whirled on her heels to face the person who had spoken to her. She was surprised to find a young woman who might have been mistaken for an ordinary Englishwoman, although she was prettier than most. She had rich chestnut hair and sparkling green eyes. The green of this woman’s eyes was an emerald green, much darker and more vibrant than her own moss green. “Who are you?”
The moment the words sprang from her lips she realized who she was. The Fae queen, Melody. Groaning, Georgiana bowed to her. It was a meager way of showing respect to this simple vicar’s daughter of legend. Melody’s journey must have been similar to her own, but there was an important difference. Melody had saved the Fae. Georgiana had yet to save anyone. “Forgive me, Your Majesty.”
“There is nothing to forgive, Lady Georgiana.” She spoke kindly as she took Georgiana’s hand and gave it a friendly squeeze. “Tell me all that has happened to you. We were quite worried when we heard you’d been taken into the Underworld. I’m glad to see that you are unharmed.” She frowned lightly. “I hope it is so.”
Georgiana nodded. “It is. Lord Bloodaxe kept me safe.”
“Ah, so this is about you and Lord Bloodaxe.” Her frown eased. “Does he look as bedraggled as you?”
“No.” She shook her head and laughed. “He looks magnificent. He always does.” But her moment of mirth lasted no more than a few seconds and her smile quickly faded. “He brought me here, but the Stone of Draloch sent him away. I don’t know what’s happened to him or where he’s been sent. Or if he wished to go.”
“I don’t think he has come to harm.”
“But how can you be certain?” There was a kindness about Melody, in the gentle tilt of her mouth and the understanding that seemed to glow in her eyes. Georgiana could not help but warm to her. She began to pour out her heart to this woman she’d known less than five minutes, unable to stop herself from relating all that had happened after being abducted from her Penrith home. “He was determined to lead me safely back to my mortal world,” she said, finally reaching the end of her tale. “He didn’t want me in the Underworld with him. Not that I blame him. I was useless there. More of a burden than a help.”
Melody put her arm around Georgiana’s shoulders and gave her an encouraging smile. “Ah, I see how it is. I had a similar problem with my husband. It took him far too long to admit that he cared for me. Good thing he came around to it in time to save me from Brihann’s fire. I was meant to roast like a stuffed pig in order to fulfill the Fae prophecy.”
“But you changed the course of destiny.”
“The Fae destiny.” She nodded. “Perhaps. Who knows whether I did? The destined outcome may have always been for the Fae to win. But I think the lesson to be learned is the importance of finding the strength within yourself to fight for what you believe in and protect those you love.”
Georgiana sighed. “I’m willing to fight, but Lord Bloodaxe doesn’t want me anywhere near him when war breaks out between mankind and demon. In truth, he hopes to prevent it from ever happening. But that means he must fight Brihann.” She paused and began to wring her hands.
Melody glanced at her hands. “What are you thinking, Lady Georgiana?”
“Please, call me Georgiana or simply Georgie.”
“Very well, and you must call me Melody when we are conversing in private. Of course, I must be Queen Melody when we are among others. But I was born a vicar’s daughter and must admit that I’m still not used to being a queen.”
Georgiana silently expressed her gratitude in meeting Melody, for she could be a strong ally. “A moment ago, you asked what I was thinking. In truth, I don’t know what to think. Now that Brihann believes he can never win against the Fae, he has become obsessed with conquering the world of man.” She turned to frown at the Stone of Draloch. “And this stone is encouraging his madness. Two black dragons shall reign supreme. Two black dragons shall unite the worlds of demon and man.”
Melody was quick to defend the Stone of Draloch. “The prophecy has been inscribed in the stone for thousands of years. It did not merely appear overnight. But the Fae and Brihann – for he was once a Fae prince – thought only of the words that concerned them. Only after he was defeated did Brihann turn to thoughts of conquest elsewhere.”
“I see.” But Georgiana was still confused by all that was happening. She didn’t understand why the Stone of Draloch existed and whether it served to protect the Draloch family. It did not seem to be so, for Saron and Arik had suffered greatly. Yet, Saron was now the Duke of Draloch and Arik was Dragon Lord Bloodaxe who ruled in his own realm in the Underworld.
Perhaps strength was forged out of adversity, but what these two sons of Draloch had endured was more than anyone should be forced to bear. She did not know Saron, although she was determined to meet him.
However, she’d learned a little about Arik and his transformation into Bloodaxe and had no doubt that he’d always had a noble and brave heart. That nobility did not need to be beaten into him. It was a part of who he was and ingrained in him since birth.
“Come, Georgiana. I think you need a hot bath, good food, and some rest after your travails. Let me show you to your guest chamber. I think a change of clothes is in order as well. We’re about the same size. You ought to fit into one of my gowns, I’m certain.”
She was grateful for the welcome, but did not wish to waste a moment of precious time on sleep. She needed to know that Arik was safe. Afterward, she would visit his brother and kick sense into him.
Melody held her back a moment, expression troubled. “He is no longer Arik. You only hurt him by thinking of him as he once was, of someone he can never be again. He is Lord Bloodaxe now and this is always how you must think of him.”
She had received the same admonition from the Stone of Draloch as well as from Lord Bloodaxe himself. All those times she’d called him Arik and his response to her each time had been the same. Don’t call me that. I am no longer Arik. She had been unwittingly cruel in stirring up memories of a past that had forever changed him. “I owe him an apology. He’ll have it from me as soon as I see him again.”
But would he allow it? How could he bear to be in her company?
She had not only been useless to him, but hurtful. “I must see his brother and Anabelle. Will they accept my visit? Can it be arranged as soon as possible?”
“Yes. My husband and I will arrange it.” They walked at a brisk pace through the palace, Georgiana paying only slight attention to the elegant rooms and the dragon designs that were on display in each chamber they passed.
“Dragons seem to be everywhere in your decorations.”
Melody nodded. “Cadeyrn explained it to me when we first met. Fae are demons, just like those who exist in the Underworld. As Fae king, he is of an upper class of demons who have the ability to shift into dragons. I use the term ‘upper class’ loosely, for Brihann, Python, and Necros also have the knowledge to shift into dragons, and we know they are foul creatures.”
“You did not mention Bloodaxe or Mordain.”
“On purpose. I think of them as knights of the Underworld. They keep order where none might otherwise exist. They protect the souls who are only meant to pass through their realms and then move on to their final destinations.”
Georgiana nodded. “That is a good description of Lord Bloodaxe. A chivalrous knight. My knight.”
“You have stars in your eyes, Georgiana. He may have been gentle with you, but he is a demon. You mustn’t think of him as a man, although that is an important part of what he is. But remember, he also carries a darkness in his heart.”
Melody led her down a long hallway as she continued to speak. “At one time, we thought my husband, Cadeyrn, might have been the other black dragon referred to in this prophecy. But it cannot be. When he shifts into a dragon now, which is rarely, his color is sapphire blue.”
“Now? Was it something else before?”
Melody nodded. “His dragon color was black before he met me. At first, we did not understand why the Stone of Draloch settled on this new dragon color for him. But now we do. Being a dragon is not what defines my husband. He is first and foremost king of the Fae. In truth, he avoids shifting into his dragon form as much as possible now. It is a dark power that steals a little of your soul with each transformation. Only love can replenish what is lost. Even so, that love would have to be powerful indeed to heal the damage done. Not even Ygraine, most powerful of our Fae, was able to save Brihann, the husband she loved.”
“Lord Bloodaxe mentioned her to me.”
“We all loved her. She was mother to all Fae and their best healer. She is the reason I am here today. She saved me. She saved Cadeyrn. She saved all Fae, although I am given the credit for it. Perhaps it was our combined powers that saved the day.”
“What chance is there for me? I have no powers. Even my mortal talents are dismal. I can’t embroider a straight stitch. My singing is abysmal. So are my skills on the pianoforte.”
“I’m sure I was worse.” Melody’s trill of laughter filled the hall, but she soon turned serious. “Doubt is a poison that must not be allowed to work its way into your blood. I know because I was filled with doubt and nearly did not overcome it. If not for my love for Cadeyrn, I might not have succeeded. If you love Lord Bloodaxe, then believe in that love and remain true to it. Let it give you the strength to do whatever you must.”
Melody’s words once more lent comfort to her and helped her to firm her resolve. “Loving him is the easy part. I knew we had a connection from the moment I awoke in his chamber and our gazes locked. So did he, I think.”
Melody rolled her eyes as she opened the door to the guest chamber. “But he refuses to admit it. Isn’t that the nature of men? They go forth and conquer. They don’t surrender. But to admit to having feelings for you—even worse, to admit to loving you—is the same to them as surrendering. It is a momentous thing for them to overcome.”
Georgiana was ushered into a chamber that was exquisite even by her elevated standards. “This is a guest room?”
Melody regarded her with a glint of mirth in her eyes. “You’re in a palace. My husband is king of all Fae. It certainly is better than sleeping in a cave.”
“Indeed.” She’d be happy anywhere if Lord Bloodaxe were beside her, but these offered comforts were much appreciated and too splendid to pass up. “Your guests must never want to leave.”
“Most don’t,” she said, her merriment infectious. “But I think you’re already eager to be on your way. Nevertheless, take a few hours to restore your strength. You have a lot of work to do to save mankind.”
Georgiana nodded. “I’ll do all I can, but the task is daunting. I have no special abilities. Are there any you can teach me?”
“I’ll try.” She motioned for Georgiana to follow her as she stepped into the room and sat casually on the large, rose silk canopied bed that dominated the chamber. Georgiana sank onto the wooden chair beside the bed. She was too dirty and would stain the counterpane if her soiled gown touched the delicate fabric. “However, I doubt I can teach you enough in a few hours to make a difference. It is more important for you to keep your thoughts on Lord Bloodaxe. Only by saving him will you save all of us. Brihann must be destroyed, and your Lord Bloodaxe is the only black dragon who can do it.”
“But Saron is a black dragon as well.”
“He does not know the Underworld as his brother does. He does not respect it as his brother does. No, Lord Bloodaxe is the key.”
Georgiana nodded. “And what am I? His key chain? Isn’t that how husbands sometimes refer to their wives? The old ball and chain? Perhaps I’m that annoying loose key that dangles beside him on the chain and no one can remember its purpose.”
Melody shook her head and laughed. “If you must know, and forgive my crudeness, I’m certain you are the lock he must stick his key inside of to open the door to his destiny.”
Georgiana blushed furiously. “He hasn’t stuck his key or any other part of himself inside of me. Since we are speaking bluntly, I’m ashamed to say that it wasn’t a lack of willingness from me. I would not have denied him entrance.”
Melody’s response was cut short by the sound of a man clearing his throat.
“Goodness,” Melody cried, obviously as startled as she was. “My love, we didn’t see you standing there. How long…” Her voice trailed off, for he must have heard too much.
Heat shot into Georgiana’s cheeks as she studied the handsome king standing at the threshold with his arms folded across his broad chest. He was tall and had dark hair and vivid blue eyes, much like Lord Bloodaxe. But his features were elegant, while Lord Bloodaxe’s were ruggedly masculine.
By his crown and the doting glance he cast Melody, she would have quickly guessed that she was in the presence of the Fae king. That she’d addressed him as ‘my love’ completely gave his identity away. “Welcome to our palace, Lady Georgiana. I’ve obviously arrived at a bad time. I merely wished to greet you.”
She jumped to her feet. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty.”
Melody returned his doting glance. “Stay, my love. Our conversation is important. There’s little time to lose in getting down to the business at hand.”
“Quite so.” His dark eyebrows shot up to denote the understatement. “Brihann has been setting the Underworld ablaze looking for you, Lady Georgiana. How ironic that you’re the one who survived dragon fire. Glad to see you’re still alive. Unfortunately, Lord Bloodaxe isn’t doing as well as you are just now.”
Georgiana forgot about sleeping or eating or bathing in the steaming, scented bath that had been offered to her. “What’s happened to him?”
“Brihann and his minions have attacked his lands. We don’t know where Mordain has disappeared–”
She gasped and curled her hands into fists. “Is this more mischief from the Stone of Draloch? Mordain was willing to support Lord Bloodaxe. Who else would stop him from doing so? And what of you, Your Majesty? Can you not help him?”
“No, but it isn’t from lack of wanting to.” His expression turned serious. “The portals are all sealed. I can unseal as many as we need from our side, but someone must unseal the other side. Brihann won’t do it now, for he knows our forces will come to the aid of Bloodaxe. If anything, he will have his demons guarding every point of access. He’s probably destroyed most of the portals already. He will stop at nothing to prevent Bloodaxe from opening one of them and letting us come through to help him.”
Georgiana shook her head. “There must be another way. The Stone of Draloch brought us here. Obviously, it has the power to move us at will. Can it not unseal the Underworld portals for us?”
His expression now turned grim. “To do so would interfere with our destinies.”
“Interfere?” Georgiana gasped in outrage. “It has done nothing but interfere. Why stop now? We are nothing more than chess pieces on a celestial board. It moves us from square to square at will.”
Melody placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her agitation. “At times it may seem so, but its purpose is not to choose a side and make it win. I’m not certain how to describe its existence. It is powerful, that is without question. I would describe the Stone of Draloch as a symbol of faith.”
“A religious symbol?” She hadn’t considered it to be one.
“No,” Cadeyrn said. “It does not ask you to seek faith in a higher being, but in yourself. For this reason, anyone can seek its guidance. The journey it will show you is your own. What you make of that journey is up to you.”
Melody moved to stand by her husband’s side. “The point is, the Stone of Draloch responds to the power within ourselves. It is guided by our strength. Our love. Our fortitude. Those who look to it for easy rewards will be sorely disappointed.”
Georgiana did not know whether their words were true, but Melody had believed them to be so and she’d led the Fae to victory. It would be foolish on her part to ignore the wisdom she’d just received. “I must speak to Lord Bloodaxe’s brother as soon as possible. May I impose on you to take me to him?”
“We will do so gladly, but give yourself a chance to rest. You’ll be of no help to Lord Bloodaxe if you fall ill.” Cadeyrn glanced at her hands that were now clasped together in front of her. “Even your hands are shaking with fatigue.”
“But Bloodaxe–”
“Has fought with Brihann before,” Melody said.
“Open warfare such as this?”
Cadeyrn frowned. “These are mere skirmishes yet. Brihann will not risk declaring war, for he or Bloodaxe could be killed. He still hopes to lure him into conquering mankind. To that end, he needs to draw out the darkness within Bloodaxe. Fighting is an easy way to do it. They both enjoy battle. Indeed, they thrive on it.”
Thrive on it.
Bloodaxe had used those same words.
Now that she was apart from him, would the darker side of him take over? Would he forget her?
Her thoughts were brought to the present as servants arrived wheeling a tub. Others carried pails filled with steaming water and gleaming silver platters laden with food.
Melody motioned them in and then turned to Georgiana. “I’ll have a fresh gown and slippers brought to you shortly. Gwyneth will remain behind to attend to you. I’ll return in a few hours to fetch you and we’ll formulate our plans then.”
She nodded, hoping it would not be too late by then.
Mother in heaven. She was no savior. How could she be when she couldn’t even manage to untie the knotted laces of her own gown? She gave it a try, though. And failed. “Gwyneth, will you please help me?”