Shadows of Desire Ch. 04

A gay story: Shadows of Desire Ch. 04 Freedom

Rowan awoke to the smell eggs, ham, and freshly baked rolls. He opened his eyes and at once the aroma enveloped him, making his stomach growl. He sat up, pushed the blanket back that had been covering him, and rubbed his eyes, yawning.

The sunlight had spilled through the tiny windows of the cottage casting a golden hue over the floor. Guth was standing at the stove, flipping several pieces of ham while the eggs cooked in a separate pan beside him. A pot of freshly brewed tea also sat on the stove, hot steam rising up from the spout.

“Come sit at the table.” Guth ordered. “The foods almost done.”

Rowan did as instructed, sitting at the table where Guth had already laid out a plate and fork. Rowan took a quick glance at the door, wondering if Bhalor was alright.

“He went hunting.” Guth explained, again surprising Rowan with his uncanny ability to know what the young Prince was thinking.

“Does he never dine with you?” Rowan asked.

Guth shook his head. “His culinary needs differ from our own.”

Rowan nodded, recalling Bhalor’s description on the slug stew. He grimaced at the thought. He couldn’t understand how anyone could eat something so revolting.

“If you need to hunt, there are plenty of rabbits in the area. Some deer as well. I’m not sure what your tastes are. I do have a few chickens out back.”

“Thank you but no, I’m not much of a hunter and well, I don’t really care for the taste of blood.”

Guth turned to look at him. He raised an eyebrow. “A vampire that doesn’t drink blood? How interesting.”

Rowan shrugged. “I have. I just don’t like it. Most days I refuse it but Folen has forced me to drink when I get too weak. It’s usually swine blood though. I’ve never drank human…or Fae.” He felt the need to add the last part just so Guth would know that he was safe around Rowan.

Guth Walked over to the table, holding the pan of eggs in his hand. He scooped some onto Rowan’s plate and then his own, repeating the motion with the ham. He then poured two cups of tea, handing one to Rowan and then taking his own cup over to the table where he sat down. Guth took a drink as he watched Rowan cutting his meat with all the grace and proper table etiquette that one would expect of a Prince raised in the palace.

Rowan stabbed a small piece of ham then brought it to his lips. He ate it slowly, closing his eyes and savoring the taste as though it were the most delicious thing he’d ever tasted.

Guth chuckled. “It’s just ham boy. I’m sure you’ve had it before.”

“I have.” Rowan explained. “But this is the first time I’ve eaten it while not confined to my father’s castle. The freedom of just sitting here, enjoying this meal with you in this beautiful little cottage, no servants, no guards, no fear of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing; it makes the ham taste ever so much better. I never knew the taste of freedom could be so..exquisite.”

“Yes.” Guth nodded in agreement. “Freedom is a wonderful thing and something that many of us take for granted.”

Rowan thought over Guth’s words as he finished his food. Yes, freedom was something that many took for granted. He himself was guilty of that. As terrible of a life he thought he had under his father’s rule, there were those that had it worse. The ones that were still enslaved by the vampires. The ones that Folen fought to protect. As he ran from his father he realized that he was also running from the ones he should be fighting to protect. He hung his head in shame, the food no longer tasted as sweet. He felt as though he no longer deserved to enjoy his freedom. Not when there were so many who were still suffering at his father’s hands.

***

Bhalor hitched the horse up to the cart once more after letting her graze a while in the nearby field. Rowan said his good-byes to Guth, thanking him for his hospitality and for his words of wisdom. He had given Rowan much to think about.

“Ready, yer Highness?” Bhalor asked, standing near the cart.

Rowan looked at him and sighed, nodding. “Yes, I’m ready.”

Just the other day he was so excited at the prospect of starting a new life for himself. He was ready to just settle down somewhere, even if he had to live alone, it would be better than having to marry Lord Killian. He had a bright future ahead of him. That is, if he could escape the shadows of his past. Now though, he wasn’t sure that he could. He’d been thinking only of himself and not of what he was leaving behind him.

What could he do anyway though, really? As he climbed into the cart his father’s voice echoed in his head. “You’re a worthless omega.” His father had told him. “You’ll never amount to anything. You are nothing.”

Worthless. He thought as he folded his hands in his lap. I am worthless. What could I possibly do to help anyone when I can’t even help myself?

Guth walked up to Bhalor and handed him a small bundle wrapped in burlap. “Ham, cheese, and some bread.” Guth smiled. “For the trip. He’s sure to get hungry and you have a long journey ahead of you.”

Bhalor nodded. “Thank ya, old friend. Fer all yer help.”

“It was my pleasure. He’s a good boy.” Guth nodded towards Rowan. “And he’ll grow into a good man. He just needs the chance to grow in the light. He’s spent enough time in the shadows.”

“Aye. He ain’t like the others.” Bhalor agreed. “Folen was right. This one’s special.”

Guth smiled, his blue eyes lit up as he nodded, stroking his beard. “That he is, my friend. That he is.”

A few more words of farewell were spoken and Rowan thanked the old man again for his help and generosity. Guth waved them off as he stood, watching, as Bhalor urged the mare forward and out of the woods. Ten minutes later and they were back on the main road, twisting and turning through fields and past farm land. Rowan pulled his hood up and kept his head down. They were nearing the edge of vampire territory, coming dangerously close to the lands owned by the moon tribes. Within the hour they would be crossing into Wolfhaven and after that, Rosegate. Both were enemies to the vampires. Rowan just prayed they’d make it through undetected.

***

Bhalor glanced over at Rowan for about the third time. The young Prince had been quiet ever since leaving Guth’s cottage and Bhalor was beginning to worry about him. His hands were folded neatly in his lap and his head was down, his eyes studying his hands as he wrung them, nervously.

“Oi, Lad.” Rowan glanced up, surprised at Bhalor’s gruff voice breaking through the silence. “What’s eatin’ ya, boi?” Bhalor asked, once he had Rowan’s attention.

“Pardon me?” Rowan blinked.

Bhalor rolled his eyes. “What’s wrong, boi? You been quiet since we left. Somethin’ on yer mind?”

“Oh, well,” Rowan stammered, “I suppose, I was just wondering if I was doing the right thing by leaving.”

“Ya having second thoughts ’bout marrying the Duke?”

Rowan scowled at the mere thought of marrying Lord Killian. “Good God no.” He spat. “Refusing that cad is the one thing I’m certain I’ve done right.”

“Then, what’s the issue?”

Rowan let out a heavy sigh. Bhalor could tell by the way the young mans shoulders sagged that he was weighed down by the stress of his thoughts. “It was just something Guth had said earlier, about people taking their freedom for granted. I only just realized that I’ve been so preoccupied with my own troubles that I never stopped to consider all of the people in my Kingdom who were really suffering. I’ve allowed my own selfish needs to cloud my mind and failed to see the good I could have done, or the people I could have helped. Instead, I ran away like a foolish child, caring only about myself. That is not how a Prince should behave and yet, here I am. I’ve turned my back on those in need and I feel terribly sick about it.”

Bhalor pursed his lips as he looked the young man over. “And, what could ya have done fer ’em?” He asked, his tone kind but stern.

“Honestly, I don’t know.” Rowan dropped his gaze again, refusing to make eye contact, fearful of what he might see in the older man’s eyes. “I know what I would like to do. If I were King, I’d release all the slaves at once. I’d allow them to return to their families in Rosegate. Those who have no family left, I’d give them land and coin. Allow them to make a life for themselves somewhere safe. I’d see that they were well compensated for all the pain my father has inflicted upon them.”

“Noble sentiments to be sure but, wahrds ‘ave very lettle meanin without actions.” Bhalor didn’t seem angry and his words weren’t harsh. He was just making a point but it didn’t make Rowan feel any less guilty for his inaction.

“I agree.” Rowan said softly. “So far, my actions have meant very little.”

Bhalor cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe, maybe not. I think, fer now, yer on the right path. The best thing fer ya now is to get away from yer oppressors.”

Rowan sighed, his eyes welling up with tears. “Because I’m weak and couldn’t possibly stand up to my father on my own. I don’t have the power that he does, and never will. ”

“Nay, child. Because yer young and untrained. I understand, tis a heavy burden that ya carry, but facing yer father now would only result in yer death. And aye, ya ain’t got the kind a power that yer father has, but rulin a Kingdom ain’t about wieldin power or enjoyin it’s privileges. It’s a great responsibility to be a King. Yer father let ‘is power go to ‘is head.”

“If it’s not about power then what is it about?” Rowan asked, confused. “I was always taught that the strongest prevails and the weak get destroyed. My father hates me for being weak, for always living in his shadows. That’s why he’d never allow me to rule.”

“Yer father mistakes weakness for somethin else entirely. That, my Prince, will be ‘is downfall.”

Rowan narrowed his eyes. “I don’t understand.”

Bhalor smiled down at him, his eyes sparkling with a lifetime of experience. “A true ruler has empathy for those he rules o’re. He has compassion and understandin. He puts their needs above ‘is own. Carin fer yer people means understandin their struggles, their dreams, and their fears. Yer father cares not for the people. He has no love or compassion for them but you, lad, you have ’em in spades. Yer father cuts ya down and makes ya feel inferior because he fears ya. He fears what ye could become.”

Rowan scoffed. “My father, fear me? What has he to fear? All I have to show for myself is a lifetime of bad decisions and mistakes.”

Bhalor chuckled. “Mistakes are inevitable, me Prince, even fer the greatest o’ leaders. It’s ‘ow we respond to them mistakes that truly defines us.”

Rowan sulked. “I responded by running away. How does that define me?”

Bhalor pulled on the reins, bring the horse to a slow halt then he turned to Rowan and slipped a finger under his chin, lifting his head up so that their eyes met. “Yer not runnin, ya ‘ear me?” He spoke to Rowan in a firm yet gentle voice. “Yer givin yerself the best chance ya have. Tis nothing ya kin do right now. You ‘aven’t the knowledge nor the support to challenge yer father.”

“But, what am I…” Bhalor put a hand up, shaking his head.

“Yer father’s hold on the Kingdom is strong. Ye alone kin do nothin. The only way to help yer people is to get yer father off the throne. To do that, ya need a plan. Ya need allies, and a careful strategy.”

“Then what should I do?” Rowan narrowed his eyes, feeling defeated and angry with himself for not having the power to protect his people. “Just ignore the problem and walk away? How can I do that when I know so many still suffer? Isn’t it my responsibility as their Prince to stand up for them, even if it is against my own father?”

Bhalor placed a large hand on Rowan’s shoulder and smiled, softly. His very presence giving Rowan solace and sending waves of warmth through his body. “Ya wait.” Bhalor told him. Ya wait, and ya bide yer time. Sometimes patience and timin are our greatest allies. Ya kin do nothing right now but, in time, maybe.” He shrugged.

“Gain support from them that share yer vision for a better future. Learn from yer mistakes. Learn from the mistakes of yer forefathers. When yer ready, then yer path will be made clear to ya. Until then, ya wait. Things have a way a workin themselves out. You’ll see. Just have faith in that and have faith in yerself. I have faith in ya, my boi. I know one day you’ll be a wiser, better man, and a better ruler than yer father.”

Rowan nodded, taking Bhalor’s words of wisdom to heart. He was right. Rowan couldn’t do anything right now. He was young and in all honesty, he didn’t know the first thing about how to rule. He did want a better future for his people though and slowly, his path was becoming very clear to him. He knew it would take time and it wasn’t going to be easy but he knew he had to do something. Gaining support from the neighboring realms wouldn’t be that difficult. He was sure that he wasn’t the only one who wanted to see King Desmond dethroned. But, he did need a plan. That was the hard part.

For now though, he had to get someplace safe. Someplace where he wouldn’t be recognized. Not right away. He had to have time to figure out what he was going to do and gather supporters, allies who could help him. Folen had a plan already in place to get him out out Basmorte. For now, he’d follow her plan and when he’d settled somewhere, he’d begin figuring out his next move. It was frightening. He’d never even considered anything like this before but he knew he had to do it, for the good of his own people. The road was already laid out before him, he just had to follow it, and his journey would soon take him to the threshold of a new and better future. Like Bhalor said, he just needed to have faith.

CROSSING THE BORDER

It seemed like hours they had been riding. Moving past farm land and driving through wild, overgrown, fields. Rowan was amazed at the beauty of the land and a bit saddened that this was the first time he was seeing any of. It was all just so wonderful, being able to admire the serene and majestic gift that the Gods had bestowed upon them. Even the fields of wheat, corn, and other vegetation was a sight to behold. The way the sun seemed to caress it, making the colors pop with vibrant hues. He suddenly wanted to jump out of the cart and run into the fields so he could touch the stalks and let the silken leaves slip between his fingers.

“Keep yer head down.” Bhalor said suddenly, bringing Rowan out of his thoughts. “Ya see that large rock over there?”

He pointed to a boulder about six feet high and twice as round. Rowan nodded. “Yes, I see it. What is it?”

“That’s the check point between Basmorte and Wolfhaven. They usually ‘ave patrols on the border.”

Rowan looked around. “I don’t see anyone.” He told Bhalor.

“Ya wouldn’t.” Bhalor told him. “They’re prolly hidden just in the tree line there.” He pointed in the direction of the woods and Rowan turned his head to look. He didn’t see anything, but a gentle gust a wind brought an unfamiliar scent with it that had Rowan covering his nose and frowning.

“Don’t do that.” Bhalor whispered. “Most Fae don’t ‘ave a strong sense a smell. They see ya cover yer nose and they’ll spot ya as a vamp.”

Rowan nodded, letting his hand drop back into his lap. He immediately put his head down, pretending to study his hands while his eyes still scanned the surrounding area. The closer they came to the boulder, the stronger the scent became. It was like a mixture of wet dog, human, and nature. A variety of natural smells crept up around him. It was a heady blend of pine wood, dry leaves, and musk. The mixture of scents led Rowan to believe that there were at least three wolves watching the cart approach, maybe more.

No sooner had he made this observation when two large and heavily muscled men stepped out from within the tree line and up to the rock that he and Bhalor were approaching. Rowan glanced up only briefly, trying to get a good look at the men though much of his vision was obscured by the hood he wore as well as the bright rays of sunlight that seemed to illuminate the area, possibly reflecting off the large stone. Though no one else stepped out to greet them, Rowan could feel the eyes of others still watching from within the trees.

Bhalor pulled on the reins, bringing the mare to a full stop. The mare whinnied and shuffled around nervously as the two men approached. Rowan wondered if the horse sensed the beasts behind the human facade.

The first man to approach, a younger man who looked to be in his mid twenties with shoulder length black hair and dark brooding eyes, stepped up and took hold of the horses reins. The second man, older, maybe in his thirties and with a shock of red hair and matching beard moved to stand beside the cart on Bhalor’s side. The man was wearing brown slacks and a leather vest that barely covered his broad and hairy chest.

“State your purpose here, Bog Giant.” The red haired man demanded, his voice dripping with authority. Bhalor looked down at the man who, by Rowan’s standards, was hulking yet still small in comparison to Bhalor.

“Taking the young Lad here ta Rosegate. We’re suppose ta meet up with a caravan there heading to the outskirts of Millbarrow.”

“A human?” The man looked over to Rowan who still had his head down.”He don’t smell like a human, what is he?”

Rowan tensed but Bhalor didn’t seem the least bit intimidated by the man. “Not human.” Bhalor told the man. “Fae.”

The red head gave Rowan a scrutinizing glare as he walked around the cart to get a better look at him. Standing next to Rowan, the man took a deep, long, sniff of him. “Fae?” He huffed, angrily. “He smells like a vamp.”

“E’s been enslaved by the vamps most of ‘is life. E’s one of the refugees we been tryin ta save.”

The man raised an eyebrow as he paced back and worth beside Rowan, thinking hard. Rowan could see the suspicion on the man’s face. He obviously didn’t like the scent of vampire that apparently clung to him. Finally the man stopped and glared angrily at Rowan. “Remove your hood.” The man growled. “Let me see your face.”

Rowan held his breath, desperately willing his heart to stop pounding from fear. The wolf must have heard his heart because he suddenly had a strange look on his face. That’s when Rowan suddenly realized what the wolf must be thinking…vampire’s didn’t have heart beats. Rowan was never so glad for his odd anatomy as he was in that moment. He looked to Bhalor for guidance. He wasn’t sure if this wolf would recognize him but, he didn’t want to take the chance.

Bhalor gave the wolf a stern look and without missing a beat said, “Can’t do it. ‘Es a Fae o’ the night court. Sunlight ‘urts ‘im.”

The wolf narrowed his eyes and a deep, low, growl rattled his chest. “Why the hell did you bother rescuing an unseelie?” He sneered. “They’re no better than the vamps.”

The red of Bhalor’s eyes suddenly began to burn brighter and he scowled at the wolf, causing the smaller man to take a few steps back. “Fae is Fae.” Bhalor growled. “Make’s no difference if they be seelie or unseelie. No one deserves ta be a slave ta them blood suckers.”

Rowan cringed, feeling the hate that Bhalor had for the vampire race oozing off of him. He realized with a heavy heart that this was probably the reaction he would get from most people outside of Basmorte. He was just glad that Bhalor was on his side and didn’t fault Rowan for the sins of his people.

The wolf ground his teeth as he clenched his jaw then, after a moment, he nodded. “Yeah, I suspect you’re right. Just keep him under control.” The wolf said with a snarl.

“No need ta worry ’bout that.” Bhalor told the man, sternly. “He ain’t no threat ta anyone.”

“So you say.” The wolf glared at Rowan with much disdain. “But, forgive me if I don’t take your word for it. I’ve never trusted dark elves and I’m not about to now.”

Bhalor shrugged. “An’ I don’t trust a wolf. Suppose we’re even.”

The wolf growled low, narrowing his eyes. “Go on, get out of here. Sooner you’re off our lands the better.”

Bhalor nodded. “Couldn’t agree more.” He took up the reins after the dark haired wolf had released them and then urged the mare forward. Once they were out of ear shot, Bhalor chuckled a bit. “Arrogant pup.” He said. “Who’s ‘e think ‘es talkin to?”

Rowan stayed silent, pulling his hood down further over his face, just in case there were any more wolves watching them from the tree line.

***

It was mid day when Bhalor pulled off the road and tied off the horse on the side, next to the road. He stroked the mares mane then handed her an apple that she snatched up at once. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I’ll make sure yer watered and groomed when we reach Rosegate, old gal.”

Rowan slid off the cart easily, having gotten a bit more used to riding on the hard, wooden, seat. He bent over, stretching his back then stretched his legs some before turning his attention to Bhalor who was now walking over to him, carrying the bit of burlap that Guth had given him. He thrust the food towards Rowan as he walked past him and into the woods.

“Come on.” Bhalor bellowed from within the trees. Rowan followed behind, having to run to catch up with the giants long strides. He wasn’t sure where Bhalor was leading him but he trusted him and so he never questioned where they were going. Luckily though, the hike was a short one. Maybe ten minutes had passed when Bhalor finally came to a stop, Rowan only a few feet behind him. When Rowan entered the clearing that opened before him, he froze. Never in his life had he ever witnessed something as enchanting as the scene that was laid out before him.

The thick, lush grass in the clearing was greener than anything he’s ever seen before. A stone path lead way through the trees that stretched out, hovering over the area and shielding it from the hot rays of the sun. Vines of dark green and yellow leaves hung throughout like curtains and all around wild flowers of soft, vibrant, colors sprouted up between the rocks along the path. The path itself was strewn with flower petals and tiny green leaves.

More flowers littered the grassy area on either side of the path, some white, others yellow, and in varying shades of violet and blue. Rowan was in awe of the beauty of the place as he looked around, taking it all in. He stumbled a few times, nearly falling into Bhalor who gave him an annoyed look and told him to watch where he was going. Rowan apologized but his attention was on the magical scene around him.

The path they followed led to a small lake, hidden within the charming little forest. The lake itself was like something out of a faerie tale. There were more colors present in this place than what existed in nature, Rowan thought. Tiny white lights flickered like fireflies, floating through the air, some circling Rowan’s head then flitting off and over the water. Rowan swore for a moment that he even heard giggling. For a brief moment the tiny lights flickered in Bhalor’s face but then he raised an enormous hand and waved them away. “Off with ya now!” He scolded the lights.

Rowan looked at him, confused.

“Pixies.” Bhalor grumbled.

“Pixies.” Rowan repeated the word in a whisper. A huge smile spread across his face and his eyes lit up as he watched the lights continue to flutter around. He’d heard of pixies but had never actually seen any. “They’re beautiful.” He remarked.

Bhalor huffed. “Damn annoyin if ya ask me.”

Bhalor walked to a large boulder and sat down with a loud, audible sigh. Rowan continued to look around, completely amazed with everything he was seeing.

“It’s like another world.” He whispered, awe struck. He moved to the edge of the lake and looked across it to a small water fall. The fall itself looked white and a sparkling spray of water erupted from the surface of the lake where the water fell. A soft mist covered most of the lake on the water fall side. A thin layer of mist crept out over the rocks that lined the edge of the lake giving the area even more of a mystical feel. Rowan slowly moved to the edge of the lake then lowered himself to his knees as he bent over and looked into the crystal clear water.

“Don’t get too close, Lad.” Bhalor warned. “There be at least two sirens live in these waters.”

Rowan looked up, eyes wide. The look of astonishment clear on his young face. He pulled back his hood and Bhalor saw the flicker of child like wonder in his eyes. “Sirens?” He gasped. “Are you serious?”

“As a heart attack.” Bhalor grumbled. “And they ain’t as wonderful as ya may tink, Lad. They like ta drag folk down to the depths and drown ’em.”

Rowan frowned. “How deep is this lake?”

Bhalor shrugged. “No one knows. No one who been in it ever come out alive. It’s called the Devil’s pool fer a reason.”

Rowan sat back on his heels, frowning. “It’s hard to believe that anything this beautiful could be so deadly.”

At that, Bhalor laughed out, his loud, booming voice echoing off the rocks. “Ave’ ye ever looked in a mirror, Lad?”

Rowan grinned. “You think I’m beautiful?” He asked with a snicker.

Bhalor rolled his red eyes. “Don’t get full a yerself, boi. It weren’t no compliment. Tis a wicked trick a yer kind. Hide the monster away behind the face of an angel. That’s how ya lure yer victim in right before ya rip out their throats.”

Rowan cast his eyes to the ground, sulking. “I’m no monster.” He said softly.

“Aye, Lad. But yer no angel either.”

“No.” Rowan said sadly. “I suppose I’m not.”

Bhalor felt a twinge of guilt when he saw the look of shame and sorrow cross the young Prince’s face. He shuffled uneasily on the rock he was sitting on. Rowan wiped at his eyes that were now wet with tears.

“Oh, fer the love of Danu, boi.” Bhalor sighed. “I meant no disrespect. I know ya ain’t a monster. Far from it. Just yer kind. Vampires I mean. Hell, I ain’t no angel me self. We all got our dark sides I suppose. No need to cry over it though. As far as vamps go I tink yer a pretty good one. At least ya ain’t tried to eat me. Don’t imagine I’d taste very good though. Prolly like pond scum or toad farts.”

Rowan suddenly burst out laughing and Bhalor smiled. “That’s it, Lad. Now, eat yer food. I’d like to reach the Elven city a’fore night fall.”

***

Rowan swallowed down the last bit of cheese Guth had packed for him and washed it down with a cup of water that Bhalor had scooped out of the lake. Apparently whatever deadly creatures lurked beneath the calm surface were not dumb enough to attack a bog giant. At one point Rowan swore he saw a pair of greenish eyes looking out from just above the waters surface. The moment he’d looked in the direction of what he assumed was a siren, the creature sunk below once more.

Rowan’s heart sunk with the creature. He would have loved to have seen it. His mother had described Siren’s to him in the past but it was more a warning to keep him from wandering too close to the lake near Ravenskeep. Rowan had never been a good swimmer though he would often chase frogs and other small animals to the lake and more than once attempted to follow them in. He was having fun and never thought of the danger he was putting himself him. Looking back now he felt bad for the way he’d acted. He was such a curious and impulsive child. His mother must have had a difficult time dealing with him.

“What do they look like?” Rowan asked, nodding towards the lake. “The Sirens, I mean.”

“I don’t rightly know.” Bhalor admitted. His eyes moving away from the bowl of some ungodly concoction of still living red worms, moss, and slugs, that he held in his large hands. “Some say ya see what ya wanna see. What ever strikes yer fancy. They could appear as a beautiful woman or, in yer case,” He smirked, “A handsome man. It’s the song ya gotta watch out fer tho. Their song will weave a glamour round ya making ya bend to the will of the siren. That’s how they catch ya and once they do, yer doomed.”

“I think I’d be safe.” Rowan said, a bit arrogantly.

Bhalor raised an eyebrow. “Do ya now?”

Rowan nodded. “How can they kill what’s already dead?”

“True.” Bhalor agreed. “I suppose they’d just keep ya trapped down below, an’ torture ya fer all eternity. Ya’d grow weak wit no blood to feed on ‘n eventually ya’d go blood mad and start clawing at yer own face and body till ya eventually rip yerself to shreds. But, I could be wrong. Ya might be just fine. Wanna test the theory? I’d be happy to throw ya in.”

Rowan gulped, looking down into the water in his cup. “Um, no. I think I’d rather not push my luck.”

Bhalor smirked. “Smart decision.” He chuckled, his attention returning to his meal. Rowan nearly gagged when Bhalor popped a slug into his mouth and started chewing. If Rowan had to live on such a diet, he’d probably starve. Suddenly the idea of drinking blood didn’t seem quite as disgusting as it once had.

Several minutes passed and Bhalor had finished the revolting stew or whatever it was called that he’d made. He stood up from his rock, walked to the lake and dipped his bowl into the water. He scooped up a good amount then brought the bowl to his lips to drink. Rowan noticed a rippling in the lake not far from where Bhalor stood but whatever creature was there did not surface. They were probably watching the giant, wondering what he was doing in their territory or when he was going to leave.

If Bhalor even saw them, he paid them no mind but Rowan secretly wished they’d surface enough so he could at least see their face. Alas, they did not and he was once again disappointed at his inability to see an actual siren. After waiting several minutes to see if the siren was going to peak out above the surface again, Rowan gave up and turned his attention to his large companion.

“Bhalor?” He asked as he sat his now empty cup aside. “Is there really a caravan in Rosegate waiting for us?”

“Indeed there is, boi.” Bhalor answered, not bothering to turn and look at Rowan. His gaze seemed focused on the waterfall, or perhaps something beyond it.

“And it’s going to take us to Millbarrow? To the human realm?”

Bhalor did turn and look at Rowan then and Rowan noticed something in the man’s eyes. It was a look he’d not seen in Bhalor before. It was a look something akin to remorse. “Nay, child. Ye will be takin that journey alone. My job is ta see ya safely delivered there and then I will be takin me leave.”

Panic gripped Rowan suddenly and he stood up, staring at Bhalor with pleading eyes. “No, wait. You can’t just leave me there! I’ve never been to Rosegate before, what if someone recognizes me? I won’t know where to go or what to do!”

“Relax.” Bhalor walked to the young Prince and placed his hands on Rowan’s shoulders. “I’m not gonna abandon ya, child. I promise. I’m ta deliver ya to an old elf and ‘is wife. Yer ta ride in the back o’ their wagon until ya reach Millbarrow. Once there, Folen’s arranged for ya to be taken to a small cottage on the outskirts o’ the city. There be mostly humans in the area but also some Fae. You’ll stay there under the care of a human family until Folen kin send fer ya. After that, I don’t know what she has planned but ya needn’t worry. Yer in good hands, trust me. Folen wouldn’t ‘ave set ya on this journey ‘ad she not planned it all out. Ya believe that don’tcha?”

Rowan let out a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He nodded. “I believe you, it’s just…” He shook his head as he trailed off, seemingly deep in thought.

“What is it, Lad?” Bhalor asked.

Rowan sighed. “It’s just, my entire life I’ve felt alone. The one person I knew I could rely on was my mother. After her death, I didn’t think I would ever recover. Not until I met Folen. She had been my rock for so long then I met you, and Guth, and you’ve both been so kind to me but it seems that once I really get close to someone and begin to trust them, they leave. I’ve gone from having no one to having so many, but losing each of you along the way. I knew this journey would be difficult but I never dreamed that I would find it so hard to say goodbye. I’m just sick of losing the people I care about.”

“I understand.” Bhalor told him. “It’s never easy to say goodbye. But it ain’t goodbye fer ever. Just fer now.”

Rowan nodded. “I just wish that I had something constant in my life. Something I could rely on.”

“Ya do.” Bhalor told him. “Ya kin rely on yourself. Sometimes yer the only one ya kin rely on. The only one ya kin trust. Remember that. Just because someone is kind to ya don’t mean ya kin trust ’em. Always trust yer instincts first. If yer instincts tell ya somethin ain’t right, trust ’em. Ain’t no body know ya better than ye know yerself. Might just save yer life one day.”

More words of wisdom that Rowan filed away in his mind. The last few days had taught Rowan that the world was vastly different from the world he thought he knew. He was a stranger to this world and greatly unprepared for the journey that awaited him. All he could do was heed the advice given to him by the people he now thought of as friends and hope that his new found experiences would aide him in the days to come. As he followed Bhalor away from the lake and back to the cart he found himself offering up a silent prayer to Danu, asking for her guidance. He’d never prayed to the fairy Goddess before but some how praying to the vampire God seemed…out of place.

What had Sheul ever really done for him before? Nothing. That’s what. Nothing but condemn Rowan to a lifetime of misery and regret with the archaic and sometimes barbaric ways of the vampires. Sheul, Rowan realized, was a cruel and petty God that only rewarded strength, ruthlessness, and power. He rewarded cruelty and demanded the blood of the weak. This was a spiteful God who abandoned his own people if they were less deserving in his eyes. This was a God who urged his people to destroy those who were different, like Rowan. The last living omega in the vampire world.

Why were omegas so hated by his people? Rowan couldn’t understand. There was a time when they were as common in the vampire Kingdom as they were in the other realms but the priests declared omegas an abomination, claiming that their God Sheul despised them. Omegas were thought to be cowardly and weak and so it was ordered that any omega child born be killed immediately after birth. Why Rowan had not been killed at birth was still a mystery to him.

Was it his mother’s doing? Had she begged for his life and accepted exile just to keep her child alive? Had King Desmond refused to kill him because he was of royal blood? Or, was there a chance, albeit some small chance, that King Desmond just couldn’t bring himself to harm his own child? Rowan highly doubted that that was the case but still the mystery remained. Why had King Desmond allowed him to live when their cruel and heartless God demanded his death?

That was perhaps something Rowan would never know for who truly knew what lay in the depths of the Kings blackened heart? Maybe it was something that King Desmond himself was unaware of for, if he had any love in his heart, he certainly never showed it.

Bhalor was nearing the tree line when he suddenly stopped. He put an arm out, indicating that Rowan should stop as well.

“Put yer hood up.” Bhalor whispered, sternly.

Rowan did as he was told, pulling his hood up over his head and partially concealing his face as he looked past Bhalor, wondering what was going on. Bhalor seemed to take a moment to compose himself then, with his head held high, he shoved his way out of the forest and over to the cart and mare. Rowan stayed close behind him, his heart beating loudly in his chest, his nerves on edge, especially when a familiar scent suddenly caught his attention. There were wolves near-by.

TEMPEST

Bhalor stepped out of the woods and was immediately met with a sight that put him on edge. Rowan was surprised to actually hear the giant growl. Standing on the road before them were six large and muscular men. All of them wolves by their scent. One large and burly man, probably the leader of the group, stepped forward as Bhalor approached him.

“What’s going on here, Connor?” Bhalor asked, addressing the man as though they knew each other.

“I was about to ask you the same, Bhalor.” The one called Connor answered, his eyes narrowed as he watched Bhalor cautiously.

The man, Connor, was the largest and seemed the strongest of the wolves who stood behind him. He was shorter than Bhalor but still stood well over six feet tall. His chest was large and he was heavily muscled. He seemed to be in his late twenties, maybe. Rowan wasn’t sure because he didn’t really know how wolves aged. The man could have been much older with the appearance of youth, as was the case with most vampires.

No matter what his age was, he had an aura of great power around him that made Rowan shiver in fear. Whoever this man was, he was not someone to be trifled with. He had Bhalor nervous which was not a good sign.

“You’re a long way from home, bog giant.” The man said, the emphasis he placed on Bhalor’s race was done in a way that made the name sound insulting. “What are you doing in our territory, and who’s the cloaked figure cowering behind you?”

“I’m on me way ta Rosegate.” Bhalor told him with a sneer. “We was just stopping off fer a bit o’ lunch and a rest by the lake.”

“Hm.” Connor stroked his dark brown, almost black, beard as he tilted his head to the side, trying to catch of glimpse of Rowan who was still hiding behind Bhalor. “And him?” Connor nodded in Rowan’s direction, his dark, brown, eyes fixed on the spot where Rowan stood. “What business does he have in Rosegate?”

Bhalor stiffened. “That be none o’ yer concern.” He growled.

“It most certainly is my concern.” Connor barked, growing angry at Bhalor’s refusal to answer his questions. “You enter my territory without permission, and drag along a cloaked child that smells like a vamp, and an omega at that, yet you claim he’s a dark elf, and you expect me to just ignore it? It seems to me like you’re hiding something and I intend to find out what that is.”

“Jus’ let it go, Connor.” Bhalor warned. “This ain’t somethin ya wanna be involved in. Trust me.”

“You involved me when you crossed into my lands.” Connor growled back. He took a step toward Bhalor, the wolves behind him moving in closer as well. Bhalor stood, with his legs spread slightly, his head held high, and his chest puffed out as he tried to make himself seem as big and imposing as possible.

“You don’t wanna be doing this, Connor. It ain’t gonna end well fer ya.”

Connor furrowed his brow, his teeth gnashed together as he clenched his hands into two, tight, fists. “Are you threatening me, bog giant?” He asked, voice rumbling.

“I’m giving ya a chance ta walk away.” Bhalor told him. “I suggest ya take it.”

Connor laughed at that. “Look around you, Bhalor. Do you think these wolves are the only warriors I’ve brought with me? Moonvalley is the largest pack in Wolfhaven. The largest and the strongest, and in case you were wondering, I have you surrounded. Look in the woods if you don’t believe me.”

Bhalor glanced around at the surrounding woods and frowned. Rowan knew what he was frowning at. He couldn’t see them but he could smell them. Their numbers were too great for Rowan to make out just how many wolves were watching, waiting to strike. He shrunk in on himself, pulling his cloak tightly around his body as he clung to the back of Bhalor’s shirt. They were completely out numbered.

“Do you see?” Connor asked with a smirk. “You can’t fight all of us. Not even with a dark elf behind you. His magic can’t defeat us all.”

“I’m not lookin fer a fight.” Bhalor sighed. “An’ I ‘ave no wish to ‘arm any of ya. All we want is safe passage through yer land to Rosegate. No questions asked.”

“I’m afraid the time for that has passed.” Connor stood firm. He wasn’t going to let them leave until he got the truth out of Bhalor and even then there was no guarantee that they’d be allowed to leave. Especially not Rowan once they found out who and what he truly was. “Hand the boy over and I might let you walk away with your life.”

Bhalor’s hand slowly moved to the hilt of his sword, his eyes began to glow red, so red that it almost looked like they were on fire. The wolves behind Connor tensed, crouching down and growling angrily, ready for a fight. Connor stood his ground but Rowan could see the fury burning in his eyes, almost as bright as Bhalor’s fiery gaze. “Get outta me way.” Bhalor’s voice thundered loudly throughout the small valley. The wolves in the forest began to growl, howling with rage. Rowan realized suddenly that the wolves hidden in the woods were already shifted into their beast forms.

Connor narrowed his eyes. “You’d risk your life to protect…that?” He sneered, pointing to Rowan.

“A thousand times over.” Bhalor hissed at the wolf. “Now, I’ll ask ya again. Move aside ‘an let us pass.”

What happened next had Rowan reeling. Connor suddenly leapt forward, his body exploding in a mass of shimmering, black fur. Clothing shredded as his muscles enlarged, ripping through the fabric, his body had doubled in size. He was no longer a man standing before them but a huge, black, wolf with glowing red eyes. The power radiating off him was immense and had Rowan shivering in fear and awe. Bhalor moved to block the wolf, putting himself between Connor and Rowan. Connor dug his claws into the ground and howled in rage.

One by one, the other wolves began to shift until Bhalor and Rowan were surrounded by a pack of angry, snarling, beasts. The pack inched their way closer, closing in on Bhalor and Rowan. Rowan looked around and his breathing hitched. More wolves began coming out of the woods, slowly stalking forward, heads down, ears flat against their heads, growling as they trained their eyes on the two intruders. They were a mixture of brown and gray, the gray ones being the smaller of the pack, but still larger than the average wolf.

“On me word, get ready ta run.” Bhalor whispered to Rowan.

Rowan’s eyes went wide and he shook his head emphatically. “No.” He groaned out in a guarded whisper. “I won’t leave you behind.”

“Ya will do as I say, boi!” Bhalor snapped. For the first time actually sounding angry Rowan.

Rowan sulked, lowing her head as his body shook with fear. He was tiered of always running away, of not standing up and fighting against his oppresses. He was sick of allowing others to fight his battles for him but, he also knew that against these wolves, he didn’t stand a chance. His older brother had been killed by wolves and he had been bigger and stronger than Rowan could ever hope to be. Finally, feeling defeated, Rowan nodded. “Alright.” He said, his voice tinged with sadness and regret. “I’ll do as you say.”

“Good.” Bhalor drew his sword then and addressed Connor’s wolf. “This is yer last warning.” Bhalor bellowed out loudly, “Call off yer dogs and let us be on our way.”

Connor let out a loud, quick, bark, essentially commanding his wolves to attack then, he lowered his head like a bull and rushed Bhalor. Bhalor sighed then swung his sword but another wolf, a brown one, leapt forward and caught Bhalor’s arm in its massive jaws. Bhalor howled in rage and pain dropping the sword as more wolves jumped on him, clawing and biting at the giant. They looked like pups compared to the size of the giant but their true strength was in their numbers. No sooner had Bhalor grabbed one and threw it off him then another had jumped on him and resumed the attack.

Connor headbutted the giant who, under the weight of the other wolves, stumbled backwards and fell to the ground with a mighty thud that shook the very earth. More wolves descended upon him and for a moment, to his horror, Rowan thought that Bhalor was done for but then the glowing red of his eyes suddenly erupted in a blast of red flame, hitting the wolves head on and flinging them some twenty feet in the air. The wolves landed on the valley floor, wincing and groaning in pain, but still alive. A few were able to shake off their injuries and quickly rejoin the fray, while those caught in the direct path of the blast remained on the ground, too weak to move.

Bhalor pushed himself to his knees and right before another four wolves jumped on him, he managed to turn to Rowan and growl, “Run, now!”

Rowan hesitated a moment, watching as another wolf jumped on Bhalor’s back. Bhalor went down with an earth shattering crash. Rowan gasped. He didn’t know what to do but before he even had a chance to react, Bhalor was suddenly on his feet and all the wolves were thrown off and went sprawling to the ground with painful yips and whimpers.

“Run, boi!” Bhalor yelled for the second time and this time, Rowan didn’t hesitate. He turned and ran for the tree line. Two grey wolves took off after him but Bhalor grabbed them both by their throats and slammed them into each other. The wolves let out a bark of pain and Bhalor tossed them aside. He watched Rowan disappear into the forest, a slight smile forming across his lips as he sent up a silent prayer that the young Prince escape the wolves, unscathed.

He turned back around just in time to see Connor’s large wolf slam into him, tackling him to the ground. Bhalor tried to fight him off but with a simple bark from Connor, more wolves descended, pinning Bhalor to the ground. Connor jerked his head towards the forest and the remaining wolves took off towards the wood, in the direction that Rowan had run. Protect ‘im, great mother Danu. Bhalor thought as he watched the wolves disappear, hidden by the low hanging trees. I Pray ye guide ‘im to safety.

***

Rowan ran. He ran faster than he had ever run in his life. He could hear the wolves behind him, they were nearly on his heels. He panicked. He’d never had any defense training and he certainly hadn’t been trained to fight but what he did have were his instincts and right now, his instincts were telling him to get higher. The wolves could obviously reach him in the trees if they were in human form but not while in wolf form which gave him a slight advantage.

Quickly, and without giving it much thought, he leapt up and landed on the first steady tree limb that he could find. He wasn’t that high off the ground and he realized that with the wolves being larger than average size they could still easily reach him, so he scrambled to move up higher, climbing limb after limb, until he was so far up that the wolves could no longer see him. They moved in small groups, sniffing the ground then looking up into the trees. His scent was still detectable but not enough that they could pin point exactly where he was.

Not wanting to take any chances that the wolves might figure out which tree he was in, Rowan jumped from his current tree to one close by, landing on the limb quietly. He crouched down, watching the wolves below grow more confused. His plan to throw them off his scent seemed to be working so he leapt into the next tree, and then the next. He moved from limb to limb, stealthy as a cat, finding it rather easy to be honest. He scaled the trees as though his body were made for climbing and he was able to jump far distances without any trouble at all.

Rowan realized that he could probably navigate the entire forest this way, sticking to the trees. The more he climbed and jumped the more natural it became. He started to wonder if this was how the hunting parties his father had sent out moved through the forests, stalking prey. Vampires were natural predators after all and would use all their natural abilities to hunt. They had little need for man made weapons. Their fangs and claws would work as well as any blade. These were all skills that he should have honed by now. Things his father should have taught him.

A wave of jealousy washed over him as he imagined his father teaching his older brother to fight and hunt. Little good it did him though in battle as he was easily taken down by the wolves, or so Rowan had been told. That was long before Rowan had been born. He’d never gotten the opportunity to meet his brother but he’d heard stories about him from various people throughout his life. His brother was strong, fierce, and very handsome, he was told. He was everything that King Desmond wanted in a son. Everything that Rowan was not. It was no wonder his father hated him so.

Rowan quickly dismissed the thoughts of his father and his fallen brother. He had to concentrate on the here and now. He had to be smart and keeps his wits about him. He jumped again into a large oak tree then perched on a large branch and looked around. He was almost out of trees to hide in. About five feet in front of him marked the end of the wood. His heart sunk as he looked at the tree line. Bright light cut through the soft shadows of the woods and beyond the trees he could make out a field of tall grass and wild flowers. It was a beautiful sight but also one that made his heart sink in frustration and fear. Once he reached the edge of the forest, what would he do?

Rowan knew he couldn’t stay in the tree forever. He might have a better chance of escaping under the cover of night if he were able to blend into the shadows but, with the wolves heightened sense of smell, he was almost certain that they would sniff him out. Would they eventually leave? Abandon their prey and return to their alpha, or would they hang around and wait him out? Another possibility was that they could shift to their human selves and climb the tree after him. This cat and mouse game of dodging them by jumping from tree to tree could only last for so long. Even vampires needed to rest at some point and without blood, Rowan would grow weaker and weaker.

He’d even considered snatching up a squirrel and feeding but then thought against it. He’d never drained living prey before and even if he could bring himself to do it, he was certain that the scent of fresh blood would not only alert the wolves to his position but, also confirm their suspicions about his true nature. It almost seemed hopeless and, for a brief moment he wondered if he should just give himself up. He might have a better chance of survival if he willingly allowed himself to be taken rather than hunted down and captured. That idea though was quickly forgotten when he thought about what Bhalor had sacrificed in order for Rowan to escape.

He still felt sick that he’d left Bhalor behind. He didn’t even know if his giant friend still lived. He hoped so. He prayed that the wolves weren’t so vindictive as to kill the man simply for aiding Rowan in his escape. Guth had spoken so highly of the wolves, painting them as a caring and proud people. They hated vampires and Rowan understood that but, they were not enemies of the Fae. Even Bhalor himself seemed reluctant to really harm the wolves. His intent seemed more to defend against their attacks and distract them more than anything else.

Perhaps once Rowan ran, the wolves ignored Bhalor to come after Rowan. That’s what he hoped anyway. They really had no reason to harm Bhalor. He wasn’t their target. He wasn’t a threat. “Bhalor, please be alright.” Rowan whispered softly, still perched on his branch. Rowan sighed a heavy sigh. Things certainly took an unexpected turn. He thought this journey would be a simple one. Travel to Rosegate and join the caravan.

He never expected to be attacked by wolves. He never thought he’d be separated from Bhalor and have to hide like a coward while Bhalor risked his life to protect him. That just showed how naive Rowan actually was. He cursed himself for his own weakness. He realized just then that he was nothing but a burden to those around him. Incapable of taking care of himself, he relied too heavily on those closest to him, and they were the ones who suffered because of his inadequacies.

Feeling helpless to do anything but wait and pray that the wolves would abandon their hunt and leave him in peace, Rowan placed a hand against the truck of the towering oak he was hiding in, and peaked down to the ground below. The wolves were still there, roaming around, and sniffing the air as they tried to locate their prey. They hadn’t shifted, which Rowan found odd. Maybe they hunted better in their wolf forms, he didn’t really know. All he knew was that he needed to do something to get them to move away from his tree so he could escape.

A gentle gust of a wind blew through the tree tops. The leaves shivered. The wind encircled Rowan, almost caressing him. He closed his eyes and smiled as he took in a deep breath. The scents of the forest swirled around him, tickling his senses. He loved the woods. He loved nature. Despite his current predicament, he felt free. The last time he felt this way was years ago, walking with his mother in her beautiful garden. He could lose himself within the rows of flowers and their sweet aromas. His mother had allowed him to climb the large tree in the center of the garden. From the top of the tree he could see all of Ravenskeep, and he reveled in its beauty.

As he sat a top the tree now, thinking of a happier time, a tear of longing escaped his eyes and trickled down his cheek. His mother would have loved these woods. He often thought that his mother looked so out of place wandering the halls of the manor house. She belonged in nature among the plants and trees that she so loved. When she was in her garden and connected to nature, even on some small level, she seemed truly happy. It was the happiest that Rowan had ever actually seen her. He sighed and sat down against the tree, his legs dangling on either side of the branch, trying to make himself a little more comfortable, and waited. He realized with a sinking heart, that he was in for a long night.

ENCOUNTERS

“I think I heard something this way.” Rowan’s head snapped up when he heard a man’s voice call out from the field ahead. He leaned forward to get a better view, wondering if it was another wolf. He sighed in frustration, wondering just how many more packs had been alerted to his presence.

As the man came into view though, he saw that it wasn’t a wolf but rather a man on horseback. Behind him, four more men came into view, all on horses, all of them dressed as nobles, and all of them armed with very large swords.

“Probably just a deer.” Another man said, drawing up close to the first rider.

“Maybe, but we should probably check it out. Just to be safe.” The first rider said. He inched his horse closer to the edge of the wood, cautiously searching the area for any sign of danger before leading his horse slowly in. The others followed closely behind, each of them keeping a close eye on their surroundings.

“I don’t…” The first rider was silenced when a wolf darted out between two large trees, frightening the horse which reared up and whinnied.

“Wolves!” The man behind him gasped, reaching for his sword.

“Hold!” The first rider warned, raising his hand.

“What are they doing this close to the city?” Another rider frantically asked, his eyes darting around the woods, looking for more hidden wolves.

“That’s what I’m about to find out.” The first rider told his companions. Rowan watched as the man climbed down from his horse and stood beside it, stroking it’s mane as he spoke calmly to the animal. The man was tall and slender but with sinewy arms covered by the sleeves of a black shirt. His slacks were also black and he wore a leather cuirass over his chest, as well as a long black cloak. His long, black, hair fell well past his shoulders, and the sides were pulled back and tied into a small pony tail. The tips of his pointed ears peaked out from beneath his mane of flowing hair and that was when Rowan realized that what he was looking at was an elf.

The elf stood beside his horse looking around him as the wolves who had been hunting Rowan slowly began to surround the elves. The black haired elf, who seemed to be the leader of the group, didn’t appear frightened of the wolves at all. In fact, he seemed a bit annoyed with their presence. He watched, silently, as one of the wolves stepped forward and then immediately shifted to his human form. Rowan had to put a hand over his mouth, suppressing a gasp as he realized that the wolf, now human, was completely naked. The elven riders didn’t seem shocked at this as they regarded the man with minimal interest, as though this were a daily occurrence for them.

“Hugo.” The black haired elf sneered at the naked wolf. “What are you doing in these woods?” He asked with contempt.

Hugo, the wolf, grunted then spit on the ground. “We’re tracking a fugitive.” He said, his voice deep and husky.

The black haired elf raised an eye brow. “And what was this fugitive’s crime?”

“None of your business, elf.” Hugo growled.

“Oh, but I think it is.” The elf told him, growing more impatient. “Or has it failed to register to your tiny wolf brain that you’ve crossed into our territory?”

Hugo smirked, folding his large, burly arms, across his bare chest. “The treaty gives us the right to hunt criminals on your land.” The wolf sneered. “So, it’s completely within our rights to be here.”

The elf narrowed his eyes then took a small step closer to the wolf who didn’t appear intimidated in the slightest at the elf’s show of authority. “The treaty also states that you must inform the royal guard of any escaped prisoners that cross into our territory and get permission to track them down. Being the head of the guard, I gave no such permission for you to be here. So, I will ask you again. What crime has this fugitive committed that warrants you trespassing on elven soil?”

Hugo took in a deep breath then snarled. “Alpha wants him for questioning.” He growled.

“I see.” The elf sighed, pursing his lips. “So, he’s only suspected of a crime.”

“He’s suspected of being a vampire.” Both Hugo and the elf turned to see Connor, now fully clothed, walking through the trees towards them.

“Alpha.” Hugo bared his neck to Connor as the alpha wolf stopped beside him. Connor looked down at Hugo’s naked form and frowned.

“Get back to the pack.” He commanded. Hugo bowed then turned and quickly shifted back into his wolf form and rejoined his pack mates. Connor then looked to the black haired elf and nodded a greeting. “Brandyn.” He acknowledged him, but the greeting sounded anything but friendly.

“Connor.” Brandyn returned the greeting with the same amount of animosity that the alpha had shown him.

“Now you know why we’re hunting the coward.” Connor sneered. “Will you give us permission to retrieve our fugitive? The sooner we have him in custody, the sooner we can get out of here.”

Brandyn smirked, glancing to the countless eyes peering out at him from within the trees. “This must be a very formidable vampire.” He laughed. “If it takes your best warriors to hunt him down. Tell me, how many of your wolves has he killed?”

Connor crossed his arms over his chest. “None.” He spat.

Brandyn raised an eyebrow. “None? Did he attack one of your villages?”

Connor growled under his breath, growing tired of the questions. “No.”

“Then, what exactly, did he do?”

Connor huffed. “He crossed into our lands, isn’t that enough? We are sworn to kill all vampires on sight and that is what I intend to do!”

“So, you’re not going to question him?” Brandyn asked.

“I’ll question him.” Connor told the elf. “After I torture him. And when I find out why he is here and what the blood suckers have planned, then I’ll kill him.”

“But, what proof do you have that he is a vampire? I mean, it seems odd that one rouge vampire was caught trespassing in Wolfhaven. Unless he’s a scout. What was he doing when you spotted him.”

Connor sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was ready to say to hell with all the questions and just order his wolves to attack but the elven Crown Prince would undoubtedly respond with equally deadly force and Connor couldn’t afford to start a war with the elves. The wolves strength and claws, while powerful, were simply no match for elven magic.

“He wasn’t doing anything.” Connor answered with a snarl.

Brandyn cocked an eyebrow, demanding clarification.

Connor sighed. “He was traveling with a bog giant. They said they were headed to Rosegate, to join a caravan headed to Millbarrow.”

Now this was interesting. Brandyn scratched the back of his neck as he considered this new information. A bog giant, escorting a vampire to Rosegate? Of all the scenario’s that he could have come up with, that one had never crossed his mind. He realized in that moment that the situation bared some looking into.

“And, where is the bog giant?” Brandyn asked, a little too politely. His calm and cool demeanor irked Connor greatly.

“We have him.” Connor grumbled.

“I see.” Brandyn turned to his companions and waved a young blond elf over to him. The young elf dismounted and walked to his commander. “Daire.” Brandyn addressed the young soldier. “Please accompany Alpha Connor back to where they are holding the bog giant. I want him brought to the palace for interrogation. As for the suspected vampire…” He turned his attention back to Connor. “My men and I will deal with him. Your request to hunt the fugitive down on our lands has been denied.”

“Now just you wait a minute!” Connor growled.

Brandyn put his hand up to silence the wolf. “This is too important an issue not to be brought to the attention of the Crown Prince. If the vampires are planning something, we need to be made aware of it.” It wasn’t just the fact that a vampire had somehow found its way into Rosegate that concerned Brandyn. He wanted to also know what role the bog giant had in the vampires plan and why he was helping their enemy.

Connor scoffed at Brandyn, shaking his head. “You want to interrogate the vampire? Fine, be my guest. You’ll have to catch him first though.”

“That won’t be a problem.” Brandyn smirked. “Now, if you would kindly lead your wolves out of our territory, I’d greatly appreciate it.”

“Right.” Connor growled. “And I’ll be sure to let your Prince know just how hospitable you’ve been, when he comes to me for help.”

“You do that.” Brandyn told him. “I’m sure he’ll agree that I’ve been more than accommodating.”

The Alpha wolf huffed then turned his back on Brandyn and ordered his wolves to return to Wolfhaven. When they were completely out of sight, Brandyn looked up into the tree to the cloaked figure perched on a branch above him and sighed. “Your friend is being brought to the Palace for questioning.” He said. “I suggest you make things easy on yourself by surrendering now. If I have to come up there and get you, I’m not going to be very pleased.”

Rowan looked down at the man, not sure what to do. If Bhalor was truly being taken to the elven palace, would he tell the Crown Prince about Rowan and their plan to escape to Millbarrow? He didn’t think so but he was still worried. What if they tortured him? He really didn’t want Bhalor to suffer anymore than he already had. If Rowan could save him, he would.

“If I surrender myself to you, will you let the bog giant go free?” Rowan asked.

Brandyn shook his head. “Probably not.” He answered, truthfully.

“Then you can go to hell.” Rowan growled.

Brandyn had to chuckle at that. The vampire had spunk. “Very well.” He said with a slight shrug. “Have it your way.” Brandyn turned back to his men and addressed them. “You had better call for Nasir.” He said with a smirk. “Tell him we’ve chased a fox up a tree.”

SURRENDER

The man, Brandyn, was still standing beneath the tree. Two of his companions, which Rowan assumed were more guards, sat on their horses, watching the trees for any sign of movement. Rowan was unsure if they could actually see him or just sense his presence. He knew that elves possessed magic so it was possible that they were using some form of it to sense him. It was also possible that, like him, they possessed a more keen perception of the world around them such as sharper eye sight, and more sensitive hearing.

Wolves, of course, had better hearing and a much better sense of smell but vampires were known for having the ability to see even the smallest of things at very great distances, especially at night as night was their natural time. He wondered, did elves possess such acute senses as well? Could the elf below see him in the tree when the wolves could not? If he could, it would make escaping now, nearly impossible. Rowan leaned back against the tree, a feeling of hopelessness washing over him as he had no idea what he was going to do now. He couldn’t allow himself to be captured. Once they discovered who and what he was, he’d be killed for sure.

Less than an hour had passed when Nasir finally arrived at the edge of the forest with four other riders. He dismounted and walked to where Brandyn stood. Rowan looked down and shivered as Nasir glanced up at him and frowned. There was something about the man that had Rowan on edge. He was handsome enough and looked to be in his late twenties but of course, could have been much older. Elves, like vampires, aged slower than humans so there was no real way for Rowan to know how old the man was. He had straight, black, hair that just barely dusted the tops of his shoulders and cold, piercing, ice, blue eyes.

This elf, the one Brandyn greeted as Nasir, wasn’t dressed the same as the rest of the guard. His clothing was expensively tailored to fit his lean frame perfectly and he had been fitted with a black leather belt that held a small dagger. His Breeches were of a dark brown and he wore a red doublet over a black tunic. The man definitely had the appearance of nobility and by the way he addressed Brandyn, Rowan suspected he was a man of great authority. It wasn’t his overall look or commanding presence that frightened Rowan though. There was something else about him that made the hair on the back of Rowan’s neck stand on end.

This man had a scowl on his face that rivaled the look of the most fearsome vampire Rowan could even imagine and, there was a depth to his eyes that was empty and cold. When the man looked up into the tree, Rowan felt nothing but pure hatred roll off the man in waves. Nasir threw back the side of the cloak he had pinned at his shoulders and raised a hand to one of the men who had arrived with him. He beckoned the man over and at once the man dismounted and joined Nasir in the wood. Rowan suddenly realized that this second man was holding a crossbow and now had it pointed directly at him.

“Come down now, demon.” Nasir growled at Rowan. “Or we’ll shoot you down.”

“Please leave me be.” Rowan spoke to the elf in his most innocent tone. “I mean you no harm. Truly, I was only passing through your lands. If you allow me safe passage, I’ll leave and never return.”

“Do you think me an imbecile?” Nasir scowled. “If I allow you to live, by nightfall you’ll be snatching babies from their cradles and feasting on their blood.”

Rowan nearly gagged at the thought. Is that what the elven people really think of vampires? He wondered. That we could do something so truly heinous? He couldn’t even imagine doing such a thing. Especially to an innocent child.

“I do not know what abomination you think I am,” Rowan said, “But what you are suggesting is appalling and, I’m a little offended that you would even think such a thing of me.”

Nasir threw up his hands then, turning to the man with the bow, said, “I’m not going to stand here and argue with a monster, just shoot it down. Try not to kill it so we may question the beast later.”

The elf with the bow nodded as he took aim. Rowan began to panic, unsure what to do. If he fled they would only chase him down and probably shoot him anyway but at least he’d have a chance. Staying where he was meant he’d be captured for sure, possibly even killed. He was about to jump into another, near-by tree, and head back towards the sirens lake when he heard another, unfamiliar voice shout out to the elf who was about to fire.

“Stop!” The Elf with the bow held his position, finger on the trigger, but he did not fire. Nasir, clearly annoyed, turned to look at the man who had just spoken.

“We have him in our sights.” Nasir grumbled. “Why did you stop us?”

Rowan watched as this new man dismounted and then stepped into the woods. He was an elf, like the others, but there was something different about this one. He radiated such power that Rowan nearly found it hard to breathe in his mere presence. He was handsome as well. Much more so than the others. He was so enchanting that Rowan thought he was, dare he say it…beautiful? Yes, he was beautiful. Probably the most beautiful man that Rowan had ever laid eyes on. Beautiful but with a raw masculinity that oozed forth from every pore. Rowan couldn’t tare his eyes away from this man. He took in every inch of him, from his auburn hair to his dark, brown eyes.

His eyes scanned over the mans slender frame, his muscular arms, and his firm, broad chest. He was charming and elegant, even down to the attire he wore which consisted of a light blue tunic over black slacks, and a brown and gold Doublet. A gilded sword hung from a white belt at his waist, his hand resting gently on the hilt as he approached Nasir. Brandyn and the others bowed as the man approached. Even the forest seemed to stand in reverence to this man. A strong gust of wind suddenly blew past the man, lifting his auburn locks off his shoulders and swirling around him before rising up to where Rowan sat, perched in the tree watching him.

Rowan gasped as the breeze encircled him and with it bringing an aroma that reminded him of his mother’s precious garden. It was like the sent of rose and jasmine mixed with a touch of peppermint. Rowan inhaled the scent, letting it wrap around him like a warm, safe, blanket. The smell of the elven man caressed Rowan’s senses, making him light headed. He nearly fell from the tree but managed to grasp the branch quick enough to steady himself. When he opened his eyes again, he saw that the beautiful man was staring right at him with a look on his face that resembled confusion and awe, and Rowan suddenly found himself wanting to leap into the man’s arms.

***

Thaden placed his hand on Arlen’s arm and ordered him to lower the crossbow. Nasir was giving him the evil eye but Thaden didn’t care. He wasn’t going to allow Nasir to shoot the vampire before they questioned him.

“Stand down.” Thaden told Arlen. He nodded, lowering his bow and taking a step backwards.

“Thaden…” Nasir sighed. “What are you doing? One shot, that’s all it would take. One shot and we have him.”

Thaden narrowed his eyes and glared at his friend. “You would shoot him down before you even find out what he is or what he’s doing here? Last I knew, trespassing on our land wasn’t a crime punishable by death.”

“Only for vampires.” Nasir sneered. “The treaty says we have the right to kill any vampire who crosses our borders.”

“And are you so sure that he is a vampire?”

Nasir pursed his lips, angrily. “Connor seems to think he is. That’s good enough for me.”

“Then you’re a fool.” Thaden snapped.

“I’m the fool?” Nasir was flabbergasted. He shook his head in disbelief. “I’m not the one that’s willing to put our kind in jeopardy because of a meaningless little squabble with Connor.”

“You wouldn’t think it so meaningless if it was your mate who ran off with a wolf.” Thaden scowled.

Nasir frowned. “If Nadine was truly your mate, Thaden, she wouldn’t have ran off with Connor. Neither of them could help that they are mates. It happened. Move on already. It’s been a year.”

“I have moved on.” Thaden told him. “Besides, it’s not that I don’t trust Connor’s assessment, it’s just…”

Nasir waited for Thaden to finish what he was saying but Thaden couldn’t find the words. Wolves were usually spot on when sniffing out vamps and they were very adept hunters. Thaden would have been the first to trust a wolfs nose over his own senses but something was different this time. The vampire in the tree, if he was even a vampire, didn’t seem all that dangerous. If anything, he appeared terrified. There was something else too though. Thaden didn’t know why but he suddenly had the overwhelming desire to protect this creature. He just knew, in his heart, that he could not allow any harm to come to the boy.

Thaden sighed. “I don’t really think he’s a threat.” Thaden said, finally. “The logical thing here is to find out who he is and why he risked his life to come on our lands. There has to be a good reason for it.”

“He’s a spy.” Nasir growled. “That’s the only thing that makes sense. The vampires are planning something. An invasion or something and they sent this youngster ahead to gather intel. If we just allow him to leave he’ll run right back to them and report everything he’s seen.”

“I never intended to let him leave.” Thaden said. “I want answers and since the bog giant isn’t cooperating, then our treed little fox seems to be the only one left to interrogate.” He looked up to the boy in the tree, catching a glimpse of green eyes peering out from behind the dark hood of his black cloak. Thaden held his breath when he saw those eyes. There was something…magical about those eyes. He half expected the vampire to make a run for it when he saw Thaden looking at him but the boy seemed as transfixed on Thaden as Thaden was on him.

“Will you come down and speak with me?” Thaden called up to the boy. “I promise that no one will harm you…for now. I just want to ask you some questions.” When the boy didn’t answer, Thaden added, “Coming down and speaking with me is the only way that you’re going to save your friend. As it is, he’s facing trial for treason. If found guilty, he’ll be executed. Do you want his death to be on your head?”

“You fiend.” Rowan growled at Thaden, suddenly over come with rage. “You and your elves are the real monsters here!” He hissed. “Bhalor is no traitor and he doesn’t deserve to be executed as one! He’s a good, kind, man!”

Thaden smirked, realizing he’d hit a nerve. Though the boys reaction puzzled him a bit. Since when did vampires care about the well being of Fae? And, why would a Fae be helping a vampire in the first place. What was their end game? These were all questions he planned to ask the boy, once he got him out of the tree that was.

“If he’s such a good and kind man then surly you don’t want him to be punished on your behalf, do you? Why not come down here and clear his name. I’m putting my trust in you that you won’t attack me or my men so put your trust in me. If you give yourself over willingly, I won’t hurt you.”

Rowan sighed, considering the elf’s words. What choice did he have really? Bhalor was innocent, no matter what these elves claimed, he had done nothing wrong and Rowan wasn’t about to let him be executed because of him. Bhalor had a wife, probably children. People who care about him and would miss him dearly if he never returned home. Rowan had no one that would mourn him. Especially since everyone already thought he was dead. His life, what there was left of it, wasn’t worth more than Bhalor’s. Rowan knew what he had to do.

“Will you give me your word?” Rowan called down to the elven man below. “Give me your word that Bhalor will be set free, unharmed, and I’ll come down.”

“We don’t make bargains with demons!” Nasir shouted suddenly, making Rowan flinch in fear.

“Shut up!” Thaden hissed at the man. “You’re not helping.”

Nasir huffed and threw up his arms in defeat. “You’re making a mistake.” He groaned. “Mark my words, Thaden. You’re making a huge mistake.”

“Then I’ll take full responsibility for my mistake.” Thaden told him. “But I see no other choice, short of shooting him.”

Nasir raised an eyebrow,

“And I choose not to shoot a boy.” Thaden sneered. He turned his face back towards the boy in the tree and let out a frustrated breath. “You have my word. Come down, surrender to me, and the bog giant goes free.”

“Alright.” Rowan nodded with a doleful expression. He was scared. Hell, he was terrified. But he was doing this for Bhalor. After all, the bog giant had tried to help him and would have if not for Connor and his wolves. He was so close to freedom only to have it ripped away so violently. At least, if the elf kept his word, one of them would be free. That had to count for something.

Sucking in a deep breath, Rowan let go of the tree branch and jumped. The branch he’d been perched on was around thirty feet in the air but Rowan landed on his feet with ease, his motions fluid, and as nimble as a cat. He’d landed in an almost kneeling position with his knees bent, hands out to brace himself against the forest floor, and his head down. When he looked up he saw the face of the handsome elf standing not two feet away from him.

Rowan realized, as he stood and faced the elf, that he was still holding his breath. Slowly, he exhaled. His body shook with fear but he did his best to compose himself. His face was still partially hidden by the hood he wore and he could see that the elven man was trying to get a better look at him but failing to see more than just the glow of his green eyes against the darkness of the hood. The man frowned, sighing, then crossed his arms over his chest.

“Remove your head covering.” He commanded in an authoritative voice. Rowan wasn’t sure why but he suddenly felt compelled to obey, whether he wanted to or not. Something just as simple as pulling back the hood and revealing himself felt like a huge betrayal. Folen and Bhalor had worked so hard to conceal Rowan’s true identity yet he was helpless to stop himself from reaching up and pulling the thin fabric back over his head and exposing his face to his captor.

The elf’s eyes met Rowans and for a moment they just stood there, staring at each other. It was as if the entire world had melted away around them and only they two existed now. Rowan pulled the cloak tight around his body, holding it in place as he tried to make himself smaller, as if he could simple fade away into the material. The elven man slowly leaned forward, his face so close to Rowan that Rowan could feel the heat of his breath on his skin. His eyes closed and he drew in a breath, inhaling Rowan’s scent.

Suddenly, the man’s eyes shot open and he drew back, a look of shock and anger on his noble face. “What the hell are you?” He growled low, making Rowan quiver in fear.

Tears sprang to Rowan’s eyes and he lowered his gaze. He shook his head. “I-I don’t know.” He said softly, unsure how to answer the man. “I-I’m a vampire.” He whimpered.

Thaden narrowed his eyes. “I may not be a wolf but my senses are keen enough to spot a vampire when one is in my presence and you, are no vampire. I will ask you again and, for your own sake, do not lie to me. What are you, and why have you come here?”

“Please.” Rowan cried. “I don’t know what else to tell you.” He raised his hand to wipe the tears that had fallen down his cheek then lifted his eyes once more to meet the elf’s eyes. He should have felt terrified standing before such an imposing man but looking into his eyes, all Rowan felt was peace, and safety. It made no sense. This man, this elf, was his enemy. Rowan should have lied. He should have made up something, anything, whatever would save him from being executed but something told him that this man would no sooner kill Rowan than he would slaughter an innocent child.

He stood there trying to come up with all the reasons to lie, every reason he had to fear this man but none would come to mind. The others stared at him with contempt and fear, some even hatred, but the one they called Thaden, his expression was different. He looked angry but Rowan didn’t sense that anger nessasarily directed at him. He seemed more angry that he couldn’t figure Rowan out. He looked at Rowan as though looking at an enigma, a puzzle that he desperately wanted to solve. He didn’t know what Rowan was and that frustrated him. Rowan had every reason to lie but he couldn’t.

He just couldn’t bring himself to lie to this man and, he had a sneaking suspicion that the man would see through his lies anyway. Besides that, Rowan had this odd feeling that being honest with his captor was the right thing to do. As scary as it was, he somehow knew that it would be alright. A voice in the back of his mind told him to trust the man and so, with no other options left to him, he decided to do as the voice advised. He could trust him. If there was only one person in this world whom he could trust, he realized suddenly, that it was Thaden.

“I am a vampire.” Rowan said softly, his eyes still focused on Thaden. “But, I’ve also always believed that I was something more, something…different. My father thinks I’m weak because I don’t like to hunt or kill. I’m unlike other vampires because of what I am. My very nature is to be nurturing and kind. Loving and compassionate. I don’t think that makes me weak. I am an anomaly though because, in all the world, I don’t think another of my kind exists. Not anymore.” Rowan sighed. He looked down at his hands as he twisted the edges of the cloak in his fists. “You’ve probably already figured out what I am.” He said, tearfully.

Thaden nodded though he could hardly believe it was true. “Omega.” He said, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’re the omega son of the Vampire King, Desmond. You’re Prince Rowan of Basmorte.”

Rowan nodded, still not daring the look up. He cringed, hearing gasps and whispers from the others. Nasir scowled, angrily taking a step forward, he gripped the hilt of his dagger, ready to attack but Thaden held his hand out to stop him.

“He’s the son of our enemy!” Nasir growled. “We must kill him! He can’t be allowed to live.”

Thaden turned then and glared at Nasir. “The world already thinks he’s dead. There has to be a reason for it. Let’s hear him out before making rash decisions.”

Nasir rolled his eyes. “Come now, Thaden. You can’t honestly tell me that this whole situation doesn’t smell like a trick to you? The vampire King probably faked the boys death in order to sneak him into Rosegate. He’s probably part of an assassination attempt! Don’t be so gullible.”

Rowan’s head snapped up suddenly, his eyes wide with fear as he shook his head. “My father thinks I’m dead, I assure you. Bhalor was helping me escape, but not from you, or the packs. He was helping me escape from my father. Ask him. He’ll confirm that what I’ve said is true. I left Basmorte to escape a marriage that my father arranged. We were traveling to meet up with a caravan that was going to take me to Millbarrow so I could start a new life. That’s all I wanted. I hate my father as much as you do. He’s wicked and cruel and if I’d stayed there any longer I wouldn’t have survived.”

Rowan looked to Thaden with pleading eyes as he sobbed. “You have to believe me, I beg you. Just, let me go on to Millbarrow as planned. You’ll never see me again, I promise. Or, if you must, kill me, I really don’t care as long as you don’t send me back to Basmorte. I’m finally free of my father and can’t go back to him now. He’ll kill me anyway after what I’ve done. All I ask is that you show me some mercy. I’ve spent the last ten years of my life in hell, sending me back now would destroy me. Please, don’t send me back. I couldn’t bare it. I’d rather die.”

Rowan, unable to hold back anymore, broke down completely. He sank to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably as the weight of his anguish had finally become too much for him to carry alone. Thaden looked down at him and a wave of compassion crashed over him. This vampire, this child Prince, was so broken yet, had showed immeasurable strength to have come so far. But, he was fighting against an impossible opponent. It made sense to Thaden that Rowan’s only recourse was to run away.

“I won’t send you back to your father.” Thaden said, kneeling down to be at eye level with the boy. “I do not know what I’m going to do with you, yet. But I promise that I won’t send you back to Basmorte.”He reached out, placing a finger beneath Rowan’s chin and drew the boys face up to meet his. The moment he touched the vampires skin though a strange energy shot through his fingers and up his arm.

He pulled back at once and stared at Rowan. It was obvious that the boy had felt it too but he didn’t seem afraid or even put off by the strange occurrence. What Thaden saw in the boys eyes was more like…longing. Thaden wasn’t entirely sure what was happening but he knew, deep in his soul, that he had to protect this boy. There was something special about Rowan. He didn’t know what it was but but he just knew that he had to keep him safe. He’d protect him with his very life if he had to. There was absolutely no question in his mind about that. Somehow he knew, Rowan was his to protect.

BREATHLESS

“We’ll take him back to the palace.” Thaden announced. He drew Rowan to his feet carefully then turned to address his men. “Bind his wrists.”

Arlen stepped forward with a bit of rope that Nasir quickly snatched from his hands. He took the rope over to Rowan and glared at him. “Hold out your arms.” He hissed.

Rowan did as he was told and Nasir began to wrap the rope around his wrist, pulling the rope taunt so that it tightened painfully, causing Rowan to wince. Nasir flashed Rowan a wicked grin. “We have a cell in the dungeon with your name on it, your highness. And, for your evening meal, well, I’m sure there are plenty of rats and mice for you to feast on.” He chuckled at the look of disgust on Rowan’s face.

Once he had Rowan’s wrists secured, he jerked on the rope, making Rowan stumble a bit as he was pulled forward, towards the horses. Nasir brought Rowan to his own horse and began to tie the end of the rope to the reins, intending to drag Rowan behind as he rode, when Thaden stepped up and relieved Nasir of the rope with a slight sneer.

“He’ll be riding with me.” Thaden said, his tone making it clear that the matter was not up for debate.

“As you wish.” Nasir grumbled, climbing onto his own horse. He shot Rowan an ugly frown as Thaden walked Rowan past Nasir and to his own horse. Rowan kept his eyes focused on Thaden as to not anger Nasir further.

Once they reached Thaden’s horse, a beautiful white stallion with gold reins and a saddle the same color blue as Thaden’s tunic, Thaden abruptly picked Rowan up and placed him effortlessly on the horse, before climbing up to sit behind Rowan. Rowan was a little surprised at first, not expecting the elf to hoist him into the air so easily but once Thaden was seated behind him, Rowan relaxed some and settled back into the saddle.

They were so close that Rowan could feel the heave and fall of Thaden’s chest against his back as the man breathed, and when he spoke, Rowan felt a rumbling, like a slight tickling, going down his spine. He’d be lying if he said he didn’t like the feel of the other man behind him, especially when Thaden leaned into him to grasp the reins. The feel of his strong arms around Rowan, holding him securely against him, was exciting if not a tiny bit scary. Rowan had no idea why Thaden affected him so. It was an odd sensation to be sure.

His head was telling him he should be afraid. He had no idea what was going to happen t0 him once they reached the palace but his body and his head were of a different mind. While his head wanted him to run away, his body wanted to melt against this man, mold itself to him, and cover itself in his scent. Thaden’s scent was so intoxicating. Rowan felt almost drunk in his presence. He leaned back against Thaden, resting his head against the man’s chest and allowed himself to be lulled into a sense of calm while listening to the beat of his heart. He hoped the elven palace was a far ways off because he really didn’t want this moment to end.

***

When Rowan leaned back and rested his head on Thaden’s chest, Thaden’s heart skipped a beat. There was something that seemed almost natural in the way that Rowan seemed to fit perfectly into Thaden’s arms. More than once he caught himself leaning forward so he could press his nose into Rowan’s hair and inhale his scent. No man should have the right to smell so good. Thaden thought as he allowed Rowan’s scent to assault his senses. His sense of smell wasn’t as strong as a wolfs or even as strong as a vampires but when it came to Rowan, that no longer seemed to matter. It was as if his scent sought Thaden out and then overwhelmed him. He couldn’t have fought it, even if he’d wanted to.

Rowan’s scent was a tantalizing combination of wild rose, lilac, and fresh rain. All things, Thaden realized, that he loved. For Thaden, there was nothing more peaceful than walking through the palace garden in the early morning hours after a fresh rain, when the petals were still wet, and the scent of the storm still clung to the air. Rowan smelled just like that. Like the floral after scent of a gentle storm. When Thaden leaned forward and breathed that scent in, it was like all of his worries and fears had just suddenly been washed away. Just like the rain washes away the chaos of the day and leaves the world fresh and new.

As they rode along, Thaden and Nasir at the head of the group, he noticed Nasir giving him odd little looks of disapproval. Of course Nasir wasn’t happy with Thaden’s decision to bring Rowan back to the palace instead of killing him on sight but he couldn’t help it. He made a promise to Rowan to keep him safe and he planned to keep that promise. No matter what Nasir thought. The others followed behind silently. If they had any opinions of the vampire Prince, they kept them to themselves. Probably for the best as Thaden was almost certain that he would go off on anyone who dared to insult the Prince. The more time he spent around him, the more protective he felt.

“When we reach the palace, I’ll have the guard take the prisoner to the dungeons.” Nasir said as his horse trotted alongside Thaden’s. “We can interrogate him after dinner.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Thaden said, sternly.

“Oh?” Nasir raised an eyebrow. “You wish to escort him to the dungeons yourself?”

Thaden sighed. “He won’t be going to the dungeons.” He said.

“Ah, I see.” Nasir frowned. “I suppose you’ll be putting him in the most luxurious guest suites available. He’ll be resting on a bed of silk sheets, with a goose down quilt, while bare breasted nymphs feed him blood from their slashed wrists. Is this how we are to accommodate all monsters we capture in the future?”

“I don’t like your tone.” Thaden sneered. “And last I checked, it wasn’t your job to question my decisions.”

“Forgive me, your highness, but I only question your sanity. What do you suppose the Crown Prince will think when he hears of this?”

“Unlike you…” Thaden growled. “My brother trusts my judgment.”

“Your judgement has never been in question before now.” Nasir pointed out.

Thaden pulled on the reins suddenly, bringing the horse to an abrupt stop. The riders behind them stopped as well and Thaden turned to Nasir, brandishing a nasty scowl. “Is there something you wish to say?” Thaden snapped.

Nasir furrowed his brow as he glared back at his friend. “Yes.” He snapped, rudely. “I think that creature has bewitched you somehow and you are not in your right mind. Your actions are bewildering at best, at worst your judgements been compromised, and you can’t be trusted.”

Thaden slid his hand to the hilt of his sword. “Is that a challenge?” He growled, making Rowan tense in his arms.

Nasir stared back at him, showing no sign of fear. “No.” Nasir narrowed his eyes. “Not yet anyway. But I will be speaking to your brother about this. That creature belongs in the dungeon, or dead.”

“You listen to me and you listen well, Nasir.” Thaden glared at the other man and his eyes darkened. Rowan felt an energy begin to pulse around him, making him and the horses nervous. “No harm will come to this boy. I won’t allow it. Cross me, and you will die. I don’t care how long we’ve been friends or how well you’ve served me in the past. On this, I will not be swayed. Rowan is a Prince and he will be treated as such, and whatever judgment comes down on him will be by me and no other. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal clear.” Nasir snarled,

“Good, now lets return to the palace.” Thaden shot Nasir a look of warning then, with a gentle squeeze of his thighs, Thaden cued the horse to move forward. Nasir and the others followed behind in silence as they made their way back to the palace.

Thaden was furious at Nasir but he did his best to control his emotions. Getting into a physical altercation with his best friend and personal steward wasn’t going to solve anything. As a Prince, Thaden had to remain objective and pick his battles. Nasir had angered him, and disrespected him in front of his guards but, his heart was in the right place. Even if his head was up his arse. Rowan was a vampire, and the son of their enemy. How could Thaden expect Nasir to understand Thaden’s refusal to harm the boy when he himself didn’t totally understand it?

The journey to the palace hadn’t taken as long as Rowan had thought. While he enjoyed being so close to Thaden, who he now knew was the brother of the Crown Prince, he was also glad to be down from the horse. Years of sitting around the palace had caused his backside to be much too soft for horse back riding. If he were back home in Basmorte, he would have soaked his sore bottom in a hot bath. As it was, the achy pains he felt would just have to be endured, no matter how difficult he found that to be. He was certain that his backside was covered in bruises.

After Thaden had helped Rowan off the horse, a servant came and led the horse away, and Thaden took hold of the rope still tied around Rowan’s wrists and led him into the castle through a small door near the back gate.

“I’d rather not be spotted leading a prisoner in through the main gate.” Thaden explained to him as they walked. “That would raise too many questions that I just don’t have answers for at the moment.”

Rowan nodded in understanding.

As he was led through the massive halls of the elven palace, Rowan was in awe of not only the spaciousness but also at how open and bright everything was. The floors were a sparkling white marble and the walls were covered in tapestries of vibrant colors. Vases of fresh flowers decorated polished tables and all around them were servants in light colored uniforms cleaning, or carrying trays of food and drink. Everyone seemed busy and hard at work yet not one person was without a smile. Some maids even hummed to themselves while dusting or sweeping, and an older man with a rounded belly laughed heartily at something another man had said.

Everywhere Rowan looked people seemed happy which was a stark contrast to the dark and gloomy palace he had grown up in. Many of the servants smiled and greeted Thaden as he walked by them and he returned the greeting with a guanine smile on his handsome face. Most of the servants they encountered ignored Rowan completely though there were a few looks of confusion and only one young female maid gasped when she saw Rowan as though his appearance in the palace frightened her. The girls sudden gasp earned her a disapproving look from Thaden and she quickly bowed then scurried away.

Rowan looked down in shame. He didn’t want anyone to fear him but he supposed being dragged through the palace halls with his wrists bound like a criminal didn’t help any. He could only imagine what the servants must have thought of him. Then again, they probably weren’t used to prisoners being brought into the main areas of the palace as most would have been taken straight to the dungeons so, it came as no surprise to Rowan that the poor maid had been frightened of him. Rowan could have been a thief or a murderer for all the girl knew.

Thaden didn’t speak much to Rowan as they walked. Only instructing him at times where to turn or to slow down or hurry up. Rowan quickly learned to keep an even pace with the Prince and not lag behind as he often did when seeing something that peaked his interests such as a painting or statue. Such things of beauty were not common in the vampire palace and any paintings he’d seen were ones depicting gruesome and frighting scenes. The paintings in the elven palace however, were scenes depicting happy couples dancing, men on horseback, or young girls picking flowers. Rowan couldn’t help but stop and stare. He didn’t know if he’d ever see such things again.

Finally they had come to a long, winding staircase. The steps were white marble like the floors but with a light blue runner going up the center. The rail were the same polished stone as the floors but the ends of the rails had a lions head carved right into the stone. It was magnificent to behold and so regal. Rowan wanted so desperately to reach out and touch the carved stone but he dare not try for fear of angering the Prince. Prince Thaden led Rowan up the stairs, being careful not to pull on the rope too much for fear of Rowan tripping.

They climbed the stairs until they reached the second floor landing then from there began up another flight of stairs that were slightly more narrow than the first but no less extravagant. The top of the second landing opened up into a long corridor. Windows lining one side of the corridor allowed some light in but not as much as the main floor. Still, it was brighter than the near black corridors of the vampire palace. Rowan marveled at the ornate doors they passed on that floor. Large, oak doors painted white with blue frames greeted them with a welcoming feel. Against the wall between each door were smaller, polished tables, and flower arrangements similar to the ones Rowan had seen downstairs.

“Are these bedrooms?” Rowan asked in amazement.

“These are the guest suites.” Thaden told him.

“Your palace is mesmerizing.” Rowan told him.

“Thank you.” Thaden said. For a brief moment, Rowan thought he saw the hint of a smile on the Prince’s face.

Thaden began to slow towards the end of the hall and then stopped in front of one of the doors. Rowan noticed that Nasir, who had been behind them when they first began going up the flight of stairs, was no longer with them. Rowan figured he must have gone on up to his own rooms but he wasn’t sure. He was just glad that the man was no longer following them because Rowan didn’t like the way he kept glaring at him. It made Rowan feel uneasy, and a little frightened.

Thaden pushed down the door handle and opened the door. “This is where you will be staying until I can figure out what to do with you.” Thaden told him.

Rowan nodded. “Thank you.” He said softly.

Thaden raised an eyebrow in question.

“For not locking me in the dungeon.” Rowan clarified.

“Oh. Well…you’re welcome.” Thaden said, looking away from Rowan as he felt a pang of guilt when he saw the gratitude in the boys innocent eyes. “You’re still a prisoner.” Thaden told him. “Make no mistake about that. I just can’t, in good conscious, condone locking you away in some dirty cell. Vampire or not, you’re still royalty.”

“You’re very kind.” Rowan said, blushing.

“You’ve not even me a reason to not be kind.” The words hung between them as a sort of warning and Rowan understood the meaning. Thaden could be kind, but if Rowan gave him reason, he could also be cruel. Rowan wasn’t worried though. He did not intend to do anything that would earn him Thaden’s wrath.

Thaden held his arm out, indicating that Rowan was to enter the room. He did so and Thaden followed closely behind him. They walked through the ante chamber and into the receiving room.

“This is your outer chamber.” Thaden explained. “And through there is the bed chamber.” He pointed towards a set of double doors to the left of the room. “Your meals will be brought to you as you are not permitted to leave these rooms. Should you feel the need to go…exploring, let me warn you. These rooms are spelled and you will not be able to breach the thresh hold of the main door.” He said this with a tone a bit colder than he’d intended, treating Rowan like he was some dangerous criminal was not his intention but he wanted to make it clear that Rowan was not free to just roam around the castle.

“I understand.” Rowan sad, a little sadly. “I won’t try to escape. I promise.”

Thaden nodded. “Good.” Thaden looked around the room as he tried to think of anything else he needed to tell the boy. “I think everything is in order then.” He said, turning to look at Rowan. “If you need anything you can ask one of the servants.”

“Thank you.” Rowan said softly.

“Well then, I suppose I’ll take my leave.” Thaden rubbed his hands nervously against the outside of his thighs. He gave Rowan a quick nod then turned to leave.

“May I ask a question?” Rowan spoke up suddenly causing Thaden to stop and turn back around to face him.

“If you wish.”

“What’s going to happen to me?” Rowan asked. The look in his eyes was sincere and full of worry. This was made evident by the way he wrung his hands in front of him. He looked so small just then, so fragile, and scared. It broke Thaden’s heart to see the boy that way. He suddenly wanted to run up to him, scoop him up into his arms and promise him that everything was going to be fine, but he couldn’t.

Honestly, Thaden didn’t know what was going to happen. He hadn’t planned that far ahead yet. All he knew was that he had to get Rowan someplace safe. Someplace he could watch over him. Someplace he could be close to him. The next step obviously was to speak to Lierin. After that, he didn’t know. This was all so new to him. Ordinarily he would have no problem killing a rouge vamp that was caught on their land. Rowan was different though. He wasn’t a rouge and Thaden didn’t really think he was a danger either but, he had to be careful. Until he spoke to Lierin and explained the situation to him, it was best to keep Rowan under lock and key.

“I’ll have to speak with my brother, the Crown Prince.” Thaden told him. “But, after that, I don’t really know. I suppose, if my brother believes your story, he’ll agree to transport you to Millbarrow as was your original plan.” Thaden cringed at the very thought of that though. He didn’t want Rowan to leave but he couldn’t force the boy to stay if he really wanted to go.

“Oh, Alright.” Rowan said, sounding almost disappointed.

The look of defeat on Rowan’s face nearly broke Thaden. Again he wanted nothing more than to go to the boy, crush him against his body, and comfort him. He had to get out of that room before he did something completely stupid. “Was there anything else?” Thaden asked.

“Well…” Rowan looked up with a slight smirk on his face and then held his bound hands out.

Thaden’s eyes went wide and he felt his face flush with embarrassment. “Oh, right. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m normally not this scatterbrained.” He walked to Rowan and began to untie his wrists. Rowan glanced up at him and smiled. “Thank you.” He said again, his emerald eyes sparkling with something like adoration as he looked up at Thaden.

As Thaden removed the rope binding Rowan’s wrists, his fingers brushed over the soft skin of his hand. His skin was silken and smooth, flawless, and his eyes, Goddess those eyes. Thaden thought. I could get lost in those eyes. The rope dropped to the floor but Thaden didn’t move to pick it up or even step away from Rowan. He couldn’t. He was frozen in place, staring into those emerald pools, his hands cupped Rowan’s hands and again that pulse of energy passed between them.

Before Thaden even realized what he was doing, he had leaned forward, inhaling Rowan’s alluring scent. Rowan tilted his head back and closed his eyes and that was when Thaden noticed his lips. His full, red, and inviting lips. He drew closer, their lips nearly touching. Thaden could feel his heart pounding and he felt a sense of excitement rush through him as his lips lightly brushed against Rowan’s full lips then, he stopped, suddenly realizing what he was about to do, and pulled back.

Rowan opened his eyes and looked at Thaden, the disappointment clear on his young face. Goddess what’s wrong with me? Thaden thought. I almost kissed him.

“I-I have to go.” Thaden stammered as he backed away. “I’ll return when I have some news.” He didn’t wait for a reply. Thaden turned and hurriedly made his way out of the room, through the ante chamber, and back into the hall. He closed the main door and locked it then, when he was sure the door was secure, he leaned back against it and took in a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.

“What the hell is going on?” He whispered into the empty hall. “This can’t be happening.”

He ran a hand through his thick hair and closed his eyes, sighing heavily. What he was feeling wasn’t right. The emotions he felt when he looked at Rowan, when he touched him, the energy between them..none of it was real. It couldn’t be. He knew what it meant, what he was feeling, but it had to be a mistake. It just had to be. The mother Goddess wouldn’t do something so cruel but, the facts were there, as clear as day. “How can this be?” He whispered as tears filled his eyes. “How can he, a vampire, be my mate?”