Cara's Twelve (18 page)

He cradled her in his arms, holding her tight against his chest, as he stroked her cheek. She clung to him, to his warmth, and the steady beat of his heart.

“It was just a bad dream,” he said, brushing her hair back from her tear streaked face. “It's over now.”

Slowly the warmth of Annul's love faded to memory along with the devastating images she had seen. It was real. She was sure of it. It couldn't have been a dream.

Gathering her strength, she sat up and looked around. The torches still blazed and cast shadows on the walls. The morning sun creeped through the mouth of the cave, and she could hear the stirring and hum of the people outside.

“It was just a dream,” she said in shock.

“I couldn't wake you.” He raked his hands through his hair, making it stand on end. “We were sleeping, and then you were screaming, and then crying.”

“It was a dream,” she repeated, but still the images were burned in her memory.

He put his hands on both sides of her face and made her look at him.

“Do you want to talk about it? Tell me what you dreamed of?” His voice was gentle and concerned.

Cara hesitated and swallowed hard. Finally she shook her head. If it was only a dream, then it would do no good to talk about it. But if the images had been something more, she would need to think and sort through what she had seen.

Efy picked up her hand, held it gently against his lips, and kissed the tips of her fingers.

“Do you often wake up like that? Because you might want to give a man some notice next time.”

Cara saw the teasing in his eyes, and she shook her head and smiled.

He reached for the food that sat untouched beside them and handed her a chunk of cheese and bread.

She took it from him, and without thinking about what she was doing, she ran a hand over the rippled muscles on his stomach.

“You know,” Efy said, his lips quirking in a suggestive grin. “We still have a few hours before they come for us.”

Taking a small bite of cheese, she tilted her head and looked at him. There was no denying that their relationship had changed. She had willingly and eagerly shared her body with him the night before, and she knew that she would do so again, but she found it strange how a single act could alter her perception of him. There would always be a bond between them now.

Finishing her small meal, she took a sip of the wine he had offered her and handed the cup back.

She stared into his dark searching eyes. His eyes were so different from Finn's, not only in color, but by what she saw behind them. She knew Finn cared deeply for her; perhaps he even loved her. But he was constantly worrying over her, and trying to take control of situations that were none of his business. She saw none of that in Efy. In fact, he was the complete opposite of Finn, and his carefree ability to live and enjoy the moment was exactly what she needed from time to time.

The hopeful expression on his face made her smile.

“I'm sure we can think of something to do to occupy our time before then,” she said, dropping the blankets from her shoulders and exposing her bare breasts.

In a heartbeat, she was on her back and his hard body was pressed against hers. She ran her fingers down the lean muscles of his back and rested her hands on his hips, guiding him into her.

They spent their remaining hours alone in the thralls of youthful passion, resting only briefly. He was eager to satisfy her, and Cara found immense pleasure in his arms. There was no fear or shame as they explored each other's bodies, and when the servants finally came to deliver them back to the main house, Cara was fully spent, and the shadowy dream of the night before was merely a fading memory.

Two weeks after Samwain a messenger arrived from the city of Annul with news that Birkita had escaped her confines within the palace. The council had been unable to force an abdication from her, and even though both the king and council had renounced her claim to the throne, under the laws of Annul she was still queen until Cara finished her tour and was inaugurated.

Cara sat between Helfrich and Cuch and looked up as Efy and Batch entered taking their seat at the end of the large table. Lord Eoghaan called Cara and her consorts to the great hall when the messenger had arrived, and some of the men were still arriving. From the corner of her eye she saw Edmund, Theo, and Arwel saunter in and take their place at the table, and Cara frowned at the air of superiority they exuded.

“It doesn't sit well,” Finn grumbled, sitting upright in his chair, eyes fierce in outrage. “Someone must have helped her escape.”

“Do you think the king had anything to do with it?” Cuch asked.

Cara shook her head. After what the Queen had done to Maeve, she didn't think that Balsam would consider helping his wife. But for Birkita to escape unnoticed, and disappear as she had, she would have had to have assistance from someone in a position of power. If it wasn't Balsam, than it had to be someone with access to the workings of the palace, someone with deep pockets, and a reason for wanting Birkita free.

“There's more news,” Lord Eoghaan said grimly. “It seems that there has been an uprising in Lydd.”

“What kind of uprising?” Cara asked, glancing at Cuch whose expression mirrored her own concern.

“The messenger wasn't specific, but from what I could discern it seems some of the lower factions have revolted against the nobility. We've been requested to send our infantry to help suppress the uprising and protect the borders of the Holy City.” Lord Eoghaan paused and looked sympathetically at Cush. “Hellstrom, Colechester and Bere Alstern have been asked to do the same.”

If the other provinces had been called in to protect the City of Annul, it didn't bode well for Lord Tomias and his family. The uprising must have been more serious then Lord Eoghaan conveyed.

Cush pushed his chair back and stood. “The people of Lydd love my father. They have no reason to revolt.”

“I'm only telling you what the message said,” Lord Eoghaan intoned. “I was a surprised as you to hear the news. Your father's generosity among his people is well documented.”

“Was there any news of my father?” Cush asked anxiously.  

The question hung in the air between them, and Cara saw the hesitancy in the old man's eyes.

“He needs to hear the truth,” Cara said softly, taking hold of Cush's hand.

The older man shrugged. “There was only a brief report, but it seems that your father's estate was attacked. There was no word of any casualties. I'm sorry that I can't tell you more.”

Cush looked deathly white and his voice fell to a whisper. “I have to go to them.”

“No,” Finn asserted, his voice low and taut. “Your duty is with Cara. The best thing you can do for your family now is keep your future queen safe.”

It was an unnecessary reprimand, and Cara gave Finn a harsh look.

Cuch sat back down and lowered his head.

“What else did the messenger say?” Finn asked.

Lord Eoghaan sighed. “It would seem that the council wants Cara back at the palace without delay. With the uprisings spreading like wildfire among the provinces, and the fact that they are unsure where Birkita is, or who is helping her, they don't think it's safe for her to continue the tour.”

Cara swallowed past the lump in her throat. Could they really demand that she abandon the tour?

Finn leaned forward and questioned the Viceroy, “What is your thought on the matter?”  

“The southern route is safe, and there have been no signs of uprising in Colechester or Crantock, but the threat of raiders in the north is a concern. I'd be lying if I didn't say there was a risk continuing your journey.”

“Then we will leave immediately,” Finn informed, slamming his palm on the wooden table as if the matter was closed. “If you don't mind, we will ride with your infantry to the city.”

Lord Eoghaan nodded, but Cara saw the hesitancy in his expression as he glanced at her.

Something didn't feel right, and she had an uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach that somehow Birkita was involved in the council calling her back.

The men began to talk and bicker amongst themselves.

“Helfrich,” she said quietly, placing her hand on his arm, so as not to draw the attention of the other men.  “What happens if I don't complete the tour?”

His brows drew downwards at her question, and she saw the moment he registered what she was implying.

“According to the laws of Annul, you would still hold the title of heir apparent, but until you complete the tour and the provinces pledge their loyalty, there can be no inauguration and no crown.”

“So the king and council would continue to rule.”

Helfrich nodded.

Cara drew a deep shuddering breath as she realized what she had to do, and knowing the retaliation she would have to deal with from the men. She glanced at Finn briefly and shook her head. “Then it's settled. We have to continue on schedule.”

Helfrich raised his eyebrows. “The council won't be happy if you defy their orders.”

“And what of the orders of Annul?” she said under her breath.

Where had that come from?
The words were a shock to her own ears, and yet in her heart she knew they were true.

Helfrich nodded and smiled at her, and she knew she had his support no matter what her decision.

She stood and raised her hand to speak, but the men continued to gossip and argue amongst themselves.

“Silence,” she scolded, her voice echoing throughout the great hall. Startled, the room went quiet and all eyes turned to her. She took a deep breath before continuing. “There is no reason to believe that the uprisings will pass the borders of Lydd. While I admit it is a concern that we don't know where Birkita is hidden, without the backing of the council she poses no threat to us. We will continue the tour and leave as anticipated in four days to Colechester.”

The men exchanged glances.

Finn stood and began to protest, but the look she gave him stopped his words, and he sat back down.

He was afraid for her, she saw it in his eyes, but what kind of queen would she be if she made her decisions based on fear? She had to finish the tour. It was the only way to break the cycle of destruction that Birkita had started.

Lord Eoghaan cleared his throat, breaking the silence. “If you will accept, I would add another twenty guardsmen to travel with you.”

Cara nodded in acknowledgment.

There was a scuffling and scraping of chairs as the men stood to take their leave. Cara hung back and approached the Viceroy.

“Lord Eoghaan,” she said, glancing quickly at Cush who remained seated at the large table, head cast downwards. “I know it's a lot to ask, but would it be possible to send one of your men to see how Lord Tomias fares. I know I would feel much better knowing that his family is out of harm's way.”

“Of course, child. I will send a runner immediately. I will have him meet you in Colechester with word.”

“Thank you very much,” she said graciously.

“I knew your grandmother you know. She was beautiful woman. Hair the color of the morning sun, and eyes as green as the hills of Sumner.  I was too young to be considered for consortship at the time, but I still held hope that they would choose me. I could have been your grandfather,” he chuckled and gave her a whimsical smile, deep lines crinkling at the corners of his eyes. “But now my grandson one of the notable Twelve. Funny how the wheel turns. We cannot know where the blessed Annul will lead us, only pray that she will give us the courage to face the fate she has ordained.”

Cara frowned at his words, as her dream came back to her in shocking clarity; the great wheel of destruction and restoration, the many faces of the goddess, and the powerful, all-consuming love that propelled the never ending rotation of life, death, and rebirth.

“Are you all right, dear?” lord Eoghaan asked, placing a weathered hand on her shoulder.

“Yes, just a spell of dizziness,” she lied, taking a steadying breath, and clasping her hands together to hide their trembling.

“Forgive my interruption,” Finn said behind her. “But can I speak with Cara in private?”

Lord Eoghaan nodded and turned to address one of his manservants.

Finn pulled Cara away from the group.

“What is it?” she moaned, knowing all too well what he wanted. She wasn't in the mood to argue, but from the expression on his face it was exactly what he was about to do.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked tersely. “If there is an uprising along our route, the few guardsmen that we have will be futile.”

There was a ragged edge to Finn's voice that she had never heard before, but she couldn't let his anxiety stop her from doing what she knew was right.

“There is just as much danger within the palace walls. Why do you think the council wants me back?” Cara said, her voice rising. “They want to put a chain on me. They don't want me to finish the tour, because then they won't hold the throne. It's a power struggle and I intend to win.”

“It's supposition. Nothing more.”

Closing her eyes, she rubbed her temples. Her head ached fiercely. When she looked at him again, her gaze was icy, and her words curt. “For once will you support my decision? Every time you question my judgement you make me look weak in front of the other men. It's my choice whether we continue the tour, not yours, but I will give you the same alternative that I gave Edmund. If you don't like the way I lead, you can leave at any time.”  

Finn's eyes hardened, but he made no retort, and her heart ached as he turned to leave.

* * *

They made good speed westward along the Stour River and into the province of Colechester. Avoiding the larger towns and the luxury and comfort of inns, they made camp along the river, keeping scouts on watch at all hours.

It was a somber journey, and all along the road, Cara sat in her carriage and thought about Lord Tomias and his family. She ran her fingers over the red and white twine of the bracelet Cush's little brother Loc had made for her, and she prayed to Annul that his family were safe.  

The caravan stopped, and Cara opened the door to her carriage.

Finn approached atop his steed, and when he spoke his voice was restrained, and his expression grave. “If we continue at this pace, Wesley believes we will reach the capital of Colechester by tomorrow evening.”

He had distanced himself both physically and emotionally, and the lack of emotion behind his blue eyes hurt her more than his anger.

“Then we should continue on,” she replied just as briskly, and turned back to her carriage.

“Cara,” Finn said, stopping her.

He looked down at his hands that rested on the pommel of his saddle, and when he looked up again his eyes were filled with regret.

Despite the animosity between them, her heartbeat quickened at the sound of her name on his lips. She didn't know what to do with her emotions. It had been weeks since he had shared her bed. Efy had come to her a handful of times since Samwain, and while she found pleasure in his touch, her body and heart yearned for Finn.

She knew it was pride that stopped her from requesting his presence. Even now she saw in his face that it would only take a simple request, and he would come to her.

“The men would like to know if they are to make camp or continue on.” Helfrich said, approaching them on horseback. Unlike Finn, he always seemed ill at ease on the beast.

She smiled up at him and then glanced back at Finn.

“Let's stop for tonight,” she said, not taking her eyes off of Finn.

Helfrich nodded, looked at Finn knowingly, and turned to ride to the front of the caravan to inform the men to make camp.

“Will you come to me tonight?” she asked quietly.

He nodded, and she saw the corners of his lips twitch upwards.

When he entered her carriage later that evening, he spoke no words of reproach, but came to her willingly. His eyes never left hers, and when he entered her, and she had to blink back tears at the love she saw in his eyes.

“Blessed Annul have mercy on me,” he whispered as she pressed her mouth against the hollow of his neck, running her tongue along his salty skin.

Cara laughed softly.

Moonlight filtered through the carriage window, and she could see her own desire mirrored in his blue eyes.

She ran her hands over his hard chest, and grasped his tightly coiled shoulders, feelings his muscles work beneath the skin as he drove into her with a need that matched her own.

His kiss was hungry, desperate, and in that moment she didn't fight him. She let him consume her wholly. Her entire body bowed and then spasmed, as wave after wave of pleasure consumed her.

He stiffened above her and spent himself inside her womb, and she took as much joy in his release as she had her own. She had missed him. His touch. The weight of his body on hers. His deep heavy breath against the nape of her neck. Whether it was the first stirrings of love or merely lust, she didn't know. But she knew that her heart ached in her chest when they were apart.

She lay content beneath him.

“I've missed you,” she whispered.

He pulled back and steadied himself on one arm. Cara moaned in disappointment as he slipped from her body.

He put his hand to her cheek as he had done so many times before. Tracing the outline of her mouth with the pad of his thumb, he met her gaze. His eyes searched hers, and the corner of his mouth drew down in a frown, but before he had the chance to speak, the sound of yelling outside the carriage broke through their silence.

“Stay here,” he ordered, standing and dressing quickly. His sword was unsheathed before he opened the carriage door.

Moments later she heard the clash of steel against steel, and shouting echoed on every side. An ear piercing cry of pain sent a trickle of cold sweat down her back. They were being attacked.