Phantom of the Heart (28 page)

Orla swallowed convulsively, pushing back the emotion that constricted her throat. “I am happy to be home, my Queen.”

“Good. I have sent word to the kitchen to prepare a feast for tonight. We will eat and drink and toast our good fortune.”

Clearing her throat, Orla looked at Sterling. “I have a humble request, Your Majesty, and I will be forever indebted to you if you could grant me this boon.”

Mesmeria cocked her head to the side, as she studied Orla. “Whatever you want is yours, Orla.”

“I would like to join with my wife this eve.” Three pairs of eyes blinked at her and Orla blushed as she lowered her eyes. “I want to be her mate in the true sense of the word, if my Queen permits.”

It took a while for the queen to get her voice. When she did, she waved a guard over. “Tell the priestess to prepare for the ceremony.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Orla said as she bowed low before the Mesmeria. “If I may, I would like to prepare my parents for the occasion.” She held her hand out and Sterling reached for it. “Please, tell me you want this too, beloved.”

Sterling's smile was teary. “I do, my love.”

***

Lima was confused when her eyes fluttered open and she found herself looking at the floor of the pantry. She tried to sit up and that's when she became aware of arms cradling her. She lifted her head, meeting pale-blue eyes

“Orla?”

“No, Lima, it is me.”

Lima tried to place the voice and at the same time, studied the face above. She quickly sat up, throwing herself against the wall. “Gentro? It cannot be.” She held up her hand when Gentro moved closer. “No, please. Stay where you are!”

Gentro took a shuddering breath. “I missed you, Lima. Every second of every day, I missed you.”

“But you left me,” Lima whispered. “You left me when I needed you the most. Is that your meaning of love?”

“I would do it again, my love, if it meant keeping you safe.” Gentro moved closer. “Please, do not push me away now. I have been waiting for this moment for so long. Please, allow me to explain.”

Lima shook her head slowly. “You are telling me that deserting me and your child was so you could protect us. From what if I may ask?”

Gentro's eyes were piercing as they searched hers, and Lima was astounded by how much they looked like Orla's.

“If you will allow me, I will tell you everything. Could we go somewhere to talk?”

“No,” Lima said quickly. If this was a dream, she was scared of leaving the pantry and finding it was all her imagination. “If you have anything to say, then you can say it to me here.” She saw a flash of fear in Gentro's eyes, before he blinked and it was gone.

“I would beg you to listen with an open mind to what I am about to tell you even, as implausible as it may sound. Do you promise?”

Lima swallowed hard before she nodded. “I promise to listen, but that is all I am promising you right now.”

Gentro looked relieved. “That is all I want for now.”

***

Mesmeria clutched Cybralle's hand as she looked at the group of three standing before her. No matter what her wife and daughter had told her about their guests, it could never have prepared her for what she was looking at now. They were almost ethereal in their beauty, especially the tall queen. The first thing that grabbed her about the woman was her eyes. There was no doubt that the woman was Orla's grandmother, albeit a very young-looking one. She quickly looked away from the woman to rest her eyes on the giant of a man who looked at her with an impish smile. Orla's great-grandfather. The man winked at her and Mesmeria blinked at him in surprise before she threw a quick glance at Cybralle. Her wife gave her an indulgent smile.

Mesmeria cleared her throat softly. “It is a great honor to welcome you all to my kingdom,” she said in a strong voice. “With our families joined by the marriage between our daughters, my kingdom and my home are yours too.”

A darkly handsome man of average build bowed low before her. “We are just as honored to meet the great Queen of Karas, Your Majesty. We have heard nothing from your people, but praise of your wisdom and fairness. Thank you for receiving us.”

The man's poise reminded her so much of Cybralle's that Mesmeria could not help but smile brightly at him, accepting his words of praise gracefully.

“I thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty,” she said softly and returned his bow. “My daughter-in-law, no doubt, informed you that they plan to have their fertility ceremony tonight. Could I interest you in a light repast while we wait for the couple to be readied for the ceremony?”

“It would be greatly appreciated, Your Highness.”

Cybralle looked to Mesmeria and the queen smiled. “You may lead the way.”

As they proceeded to the banquet room, Orla's grandmother fell into step next to Mesmeria. Up close, the woman was even more beautiful. A soft smile played on the woman's lips, as she looked at Mesmeria's hand where it was caught in Cybralle's larger one.

“I have known your daughter to possess beauty, courage and wisdom, but having met both her mothers, I can see that my granddaughter is infinitely fortunate to have caught the eye of such a remarkable woman.”

Mesmeria smiled broadly. To hear a stranger heap such lavish words on her daughter, made her mother's heart almost burst with pride. She looked up at Cybralle, her eyes warm with love.

“I believe I was fortunate to have chosen one such as my consort to sire such a rare being.” She looked back at Audunn. “I believe my daughter has been blessed with great sense to have found and captured the heart of a noble soul like Orla. She truly is the other half of my daughter's heart, her true soul mate.”

Audunn nodded. “I am looking forward to meeting their offspring, for I can predict a great future for Karas.”

“As do I, Your Majesty. I am craving to hold my grandchild against my breast. It has been too long since the palace has heard the pitter-patter of small feet.”

Audunn had a warm look on her face when she spoke again. “From your lips to the gods’ ears, Queen Mesmeria.”

Chapter 28

Orla was nervous where she stood in the bath while the priestess' aides rubbed fragrant oils into her skin. She kept looking straight at nothing in particular, trying to keep her mind off the fact that strange hands were touching her all over her body. She felt a small hand creep dangerously close to her sex and she gave a soft growl without lowering her gaze. The hand quickly moved away. Her enhanced hearing picked up the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway to the High Priestess' bathing chamber. A knock sounded and one of the aides left to let the person in.

Orla was quiet as she stood naked. She did not turn to see who her guest was. She waited for the person to speak first. When after many heartbeats the person still had not said anything, Orla cleared her throat.

“Do you hate me now?”

“Never!” came the passionate reply.

Orla slowly turned, her eyes shimmering with tears. “I missed you, Mother.”

“And I you, my love,” Lima croaked, as she stepped closer. Her face was wet with tears as she looked up. “Your…your father told me everything. How do you feel?”

“Unbelievably powerful,” Orla said quietly. “…and scared.”

Lima threw her arms around Orla's waist and held on. “Remember the promise I made you as child?”

Orla planted a soft kiss on her mother's crown. “You said that for as long as you lived, I never had to fear anything.”

Lima placed a soft kiss on Orla's wet cheek. “You never doubted it before and I hope you still believe it.”

“I do, Mother.”

“Good. Now let us get you ready.” Lima held up a small pouch. “I want you to be as strong as a stallion so you can make me a strong grandchild.”

Orla felt her cheeks heating. She heard a few snickers and saw the aides whispering. Lima threw the girls a sharp look, quieting them. She walked over to a table that held a carafe of water. She filled a goblet and stirred a powder into water.

Looking down at the glass her mother held out to her, Orla's first thought was of Sterling. “This will not cause any harm to Sterling?”

A sly smile formed on her mother's lips. “On the contrary, my heart. She will be immensely appreciative, of that I can assure you.”

Still a little apprehensive, Orla took the goblet and looked into the clear liquid. She made herself a silent promise that she would fight the effects of whatever this was if it proved to be detrimental to her wife. She tipped the goblet and drained its contents.

Lima took the empty goblet and looked at the aides. “Are you done, or will you be gawking at her the whole night?”

Glancing at the girls, Orla flushed again when she found one of them giving her a darkly sensual look. Orla quickly looked away. It was obvious, now, to whom the wandering hand of earlier belonged. At her mother's sharp tone, the girls jumped into action.

***

Mesmeria stood back, taking in the sight of her beautiful daughter. Sterling was dressed in a white, loose-fitting robe and small, white flower petals adorned her coppery locks. Mesmeria smiled with pride.

“Orla will go blind at the sight of you.”

Sterling chuckled softly, even as her cheeks reddened. “That is not really the reaction I hope to evoke.”

“You are right,” Mesmeria said, her voice heavy with amusement. “I told my mother the same just before she led me to the hut.”

There was a soft knock on the door. “Come,” Mesmeria called. She was shocked when the regal Ulv Queen entered.

“I hope I am not interrupting anything. I was hoping to have a quick word with the princess, if I may.”

“You are most welcome, Your Majesty,” Mesmeria said, as she walked to the door. “I will find Cybralle in the meantime.”

“No, please stay,” Audunn said quickly. “I will be but a few moments.” The tall queen turned to Sterling. “Ulvs are no different from humans, except when it comes to mating.” Mesmeria's eyes strayed to her daughter, as a trickle of fear ran down her spine. Sterling's face was impassive as she looked at the Ulv Queen. “When we procreate we are extremely patient in forming our offspring,” Audunn continued, ice-blue eyes reflective. “The intensity of the act can be overwhelming. You should not fear it but absorb it as much as you can. Trust Orla to see you through.” Audunn leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Sterling's forehead. “My heart rejoices that you will be the mother of my grandchildren, Sterling.”

With a small smile at Mesmeria, Audunn left the room. Mesmeria studied Sterling closely.

“Do you still want to go through with this?”

The silver eyes were bright as they looked at her. “I want to do this, Mother. I want to do this more than ever before. I am not afraid, because I know Orla will protect me at all cost.”

Looking at her daughter, Mesmeria's love for her daughter overwhelmed her. “I love you,” she whispered past a throat swollen with emotion. They embraced and held each other tight. “Orla will take care of you.”

When they broke their embrace, Sterling kissed her mother. “It is time.”

***

Sterling looked around the small hut, her hand unconsciously moving to her flat stomach, as she took in the setting. The hut was bare, except for a big bed covered with warm pelts and a table set with food. Burning candles circled the bed, making it stand out in the starkness of the hut. Sterling's face warmed, as she imagined what would happen on that bed soon. Audunn's short visit had, at first, added to her nervousness. As she had listened to the queen's softly spoken words of assurance, she had focused on the woman's ice-blue eyes. They reminded her of Orla's and, the longer she stared into them, the more she recalled Orla's loving gaze as her wife had led her to their chamber so she could be prepared for the ceremony. Orla had left her at the door and kissed her gently, her eyes swimming in tears.

“If I love you anymore than I do at this moment, I am sure I will go mad. Know this, wife, that I would willingly lose my wits for you. You are so brave and strong. It is from you that I draw all of my strength. In you, I have found all the qualities I want my child to have and I am eager to meet him or her. I will love you forever and I will forever be grateful to you for having chosen me.”

Sterling was moved by the passion she had heard in her wife's voice, but it was the adoration blazing in those beautiful eyes that melted her insides. As Audunn spoke, all fear and nervousness had disappeared, leaving her yearning for Orla.

The door to the hut opened behind her and Sterling turned to see the High Priestess enter. A thin woman with graying, dark hair, Capsolys radiated calm. Sterling met her dark gaze and the woman smiled gently. In her hands, she held a wrapped package.

“I have done this for many years, Princess. My life's path has led me to the service of the Goddess of Fertility.” She stepped closer and carefully placed the package on the bed. “This is the first time that I feel something much more powerful at work. The gods favor your consort, and whatever transpires tonight is their will.” Capsolys placed her hand over Sterling's where it rested on her stomach. “May the fruit from your womb always be blessed.”

“Thank you, Priestess.”

Capsolys bowed her head before stepping over to the bed where she gently unwrapped the package. Sterling looked at the object with fascination. “This tool should be worn by your consort. It is the Spear of the Gods and was forged by the Goddess of Fertility herself. It is said that Atrusa, after searching for centuries to find a suitable mate, found none amongst gods and mortal men. Instead, her favor fell upon a young, mortal bard. She pursued the girl and was accepted. After living and loving each other for many centuries, Atrusa longed for a child to commemorate their great love. Since two women could not procreate, the goddess approached her father. As she was his favorite amongst his daughters, Hendron granted her leave to create the Spear of the Gods. She sired nine children with her mate and in immense gratitude to her father, she sent four of her daughters to live as demigods amongst the humans. The Spear only works if the love it encounters equals that of Atrusa and her mate.”

“What happened to the demigods?”

Capsolys smiled, an unfathomable look in her eyes. “They are still around, spending their time between the mortal realm and Olympus.”

Sterling blinked. Could Capsolys be a demigod? She quickly discarded the thought. The woman had admitted earlier that she was in the service of the Goddess of Fertility. She looked at the woman, really looked at her. Capsolys appeared older than when Sterling had seen her last. Gods, or demigods for that matter, did not age. Sterling wanted to laugh at her own silly thoughts.

“The Spear, milady,” Capsolys said, jerking Sterling out of her thoughts. “…should be fastened around your consort's hips. The straps are for keeping it in place while she is moving.”

Sterling flushed as she looked at the tool. There was no doubt what movements Capsolys referred to. The priestess looked up from the tool, her dark eyes serious.

“You should attach it to her hips to ensure it is properly fastened.”

“I understand,” Sterling said quickly, feeling herself flushing even more.

A flash of amusement crossed the priestess' eyes, before she nodded and walked to the door. At the door, she turned back. “You will know immediately if the Spear worked,” she said quietly and left.

Sterling took a deep breath and looked down at the tool. She had seen many of her men naked before. When you fought for your life alongside each other, protecting each other, modesty was not something that existed in a battle camp. The tool resembled a male member. Sterling had never been with a man before, but from the way men and women alike spoke about the sexual act, she had an idea of what to expect. The door opened again and wondering what the priestess was doing back so soon, she turned.

It was not Capsolys. Orla stood there, the doorknob still in her hand. Sterling's breath caught at the sight of her wife. Orla was dressed in a white-cotton tunic and flowing, white trousers of the same material. The white of her ensemble set off Orla's dark skin and vivid, blue eyes, making Orla look dangerously handsome. Their eyes held for a long spell, before Orla entered and locked the door behind her. With that lithe stride so unique to Orla, the dark woman came to stand before her, towering over her.

“You are so beautiful.” Sterling noticed a small tremor in Orla's voice and hand as she cupped Sterling's cheek. “You blind me with your radiance, wife.”

Sterling leaned into the caress, as her eyes fell shut. “I wanted you to notice only one woman tonight. Me.”

A strangled sound came from Orla and Sterling opened her eyes. Orla looked amused.

“None has ever held my attention but you,” Orla whispered, as her lips descended.

Sterling closed her eyes, waiting for that first touch. She would never get enough of Orla's kisses. They always held such tender innocence. It had always been like that since the first night Orla kissed her on the small bench outside Lima’s small hut. When the touch came, Sterling's lips fell open in invitation. Orla's tongue swept in and filled Sterling's mouth with her unique taste. Moaning softly, Sterling pressed closer. Orla's hands fell on Sterling's hips and Sterling felt herself lifted off her feet. Not breaking the kiss, Sterling threw her arms around Orla's neck, her fingers pushing into the cool, raven tresses that curled into Orla's neck. Their lips parted with a soft smack and they smiled into each other's eyes. Sure that Orla would hold her, Sterling loosened her grip around Orla's neck. Cradling Orla's face between her hands, she planted small kisses all over Orla's face, every time pulling back to look into the gleaming, azure orbs.

Orla placed her knee on the bed and gently deposited Sterling on her back. She stood up and began to undress. Sterling lay back, enjoying the view, as more of Orla's skin was exposed to her hungry gaze. When Orla was naked, she gave Sterling a lascivious look. Sterling's insides shifted.

“Now it is your turn,” Orla said huskily.

Orla held out her hand, helping Sterling to sit up. With slow gentle movements, Orla unlaced the ties that held the shift together at the front. As soon as the material parted, baring Sterling's breasts, Orla leaned closer and licked a pink-tipped nipple. Sterling gasped at the sensation. She gazed deep into Orla's hungry eyes. Using one foot, Sterling tried to kick her sandal off the other.

“Help me,” she said urgently. “I want to be naked.”

Orla did not wait for a second invitation. She quickly rid Sterling of her sandals and eagerly pulled Sterling's shift down her waist and off. Naked at last, Sterling held her arms out to Orla.

***

Orla sighed as she moved over Sterling and gently lowered her large body over her wife's slender one. She loved how her skin felt against Sterling's. She pushed her nose into Sterling's neck and inhaled deeply of her wife's scent. Her lips itched to taste the fragrant skin and she brushed her lips along the curve of Sterling's neck. She did not know what her mother had given her, but whatever it was intensified her already wolf-enhanced senses. She could smell Sterling's arousal strongly, as well as hear the erratic beating of her heart. Orla lifted her head and let her eyes roam over her wife's beautiful face.