King of the Unblessed Read online

  “You look beautiful,” he said, instantly appearing as if he wanted to take the words back.

  “And you look like a king,” she answered, finding great pleasure in his compliment. Merrick held out his arm for her to take. She did and he led her to the door. “My king—”

  “Merrick,” he said, stopping. “You will call me Merrick. You have my permission to use it freely, or whatever it is you humans seek, but enough with this formality. I will not have you curtseying every time I walk into a room.”

  “Can I have more bodice?” she asked, not realizing she’d curtseyed so much. He looked down at her cleavage and her face heated at his attention. Desire sparked at the look and she had to remind herself that he was the enemy.

  “As you wish.” Merrick lifted his hand over her chest. He smiled slightly as he ran his fingers over her skin. When she looked down, the bodice was higher, covering more of her chest. “Happy?”

  Juliana shivered at the way he said the word. She nodded, unable to continue looking at him. “Aye, thank you, my ki—thank you, Merrick.”

  Merrick nodded, took up her arm, and silently led her down to the hall.

  * * *

  “They celebrate tonight,” Tania said.

  Hugh opened his eyes and looked up from his place on the silk bed. He was still bound, but the chains were lengthened so he could move freely about his silk prison. His ankles were crossed and his fingers were threaded behind his head. He’d been resting quietly for some time, bored out of his mind, waiting for Queen Tania to come back so he could torment her. Aggravating her had been the only bright spot in his days since his imprisonment began.

  Hugh was not a man used to just lounging about. He liked being active—sword fighting, horseback riding, energetic sexual pleasures. Thinking of the latter idea, he glanced over Tania slowly, keeping his face impassive. The faery queen hovered above him, fluttering in the air. Her petite figure paralleled his as she looked down, and her sparkling white gown fell onto his legs, brushing over his thighs. He tried, but he couldn’t see her legs under the ample folds of luxurious material.

  “Your sister and King Merrick,” Tania explained at his blank look. “They celebrate tonight. Together.”

  “You lie.” Hugh pulled against his chains, rising up on the bed. His movement was so swift that he managed to catch Tania off-guard. He grabbed her foot, holding it tight. She fluttered back, her wings flapping wildly as she tried to free herself. “Release me now or I’ll break your foot.”

  Tania struggled, whimpering softly. Hugh reached up and pulled her leg, holding her down as she tried to fly away. Her wings were strong, but his arms were stronger. When he had her before him, he wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. Her soft body molded to his.

  “Release me,” he ordered, his tone dropping in a way that made women shiver.

  “Nay, not yet. They must have more time.” Tania was breathless as she wiggled against him. She was so fragile beneath his hands, so delicate. He’d spent the last several days thinking irresistibly wicked thoughts to annoy her every time she was near and it didn’t take long for the passion within him to come surging to the surface. She wiggled again, trying to get free. Her wings fluttered lightly against the backs of his hands, as soft as silk and as light as air. “I cannot let you go. The story is not ended.”

  “What story?” Hugh demanded, his voice gruff as he tried to concentrate. She smelled sweet, like flowers in the spring. He hardened his resolve against her, refusing to be stirred by the treacherous woman. “What is going on? Why do you keep me here? Why do you send Juliana to him? Tell me.”

  Tania leaned forward and kissed him, pressing her closed mouth to his. Hugh startled in surprise. His grip loosened and he automatically parted his lips for more. He thrust his tongue into her mouth. She gasped and poofed into a ball of light, shrinking into a small speck of her former self.

  Hugh growled in anger, swatting into the air at her. It was no use. She was beyond his reach. Tania flew wildly from the room as if stumbling around in the air, leaving him alone.

  * * *

  The Black Palace was filled with all manner of extraordinary creatures. Juliana gripped Merrick’s arm as he led her into the hall. She tried to look regal, but it was hard. Goblins and a few trolls mingled with small faeries. The faeries wore black and crimson dresses and did not have the general appearance of being from Tania’s court, though they were pale in complexion. They were more sinister in coloring—dark eyes and black hair, darker clothing.

  A torrent of fire flowed over the ribbed vaults of the ceilings like a burning river. It wound around the giant Corinthian columns, edged over the sides of the walls, until the whole great hall ceiling looked to be on fire. Strangely, there was no more heat than if only the five giant fireplaces along the walls burned. The fire stopped, burning out, only to be replaced anew with a great rush of flames. Tracing the fire to its source, Juliana’s steps faltered as she saw a large dragon perched in the rafters. His brown, scaled body barely moved as he let out another breath. She gasped, her mouth opening in awe. She was unable to help it as she stared in wide-eyed fascination and worry.

  Merrick chuckled, gently pulling her as he continued to walk. Tables had been set, filled with food and drink. The hall seemed bigger, as if stretched to accommodate everyone. The tapestries and banners along the wall were blue with red and black designs. Juliana didn’t recognize the symbols, but the blue matched her dress.

  The fierce faces of the crowd looked on Merrick with admiration and fear. They stayed back, stepping aside to let him pass, bowing as he did. Eyes turned to her, curious. She imagined seeing hostility there as well. Juliana hugged closer to Merrick’s arm. The king glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. She swallowed, not even trying to smile for him in her nervousness.

  A hag, her white hair frizzed about her head, stared at Juliana with her one good eye. She snarled, showing a set of rotted teeth. Merrick turned to the old woman. Juliana couldn’t see his expression or what he did, but the hag instantly lifted her hands over her face and crouched to the floor, turning away.

  The hall was loud with laughter and talk. Not all the creatures were hideous. There were several human-like beings intermingled with the fierce. Three pretty ladies sang on a platform. Two stood on legs and one, a dark-skinned mermaid, sat on the stone with her purple and silver fins dipping down into a basin of water. Theirs were the most beautiful voices Juliana had ever heard. The song tinkled like bells, not needing instruments. Juliana didn’t understand their language, but the melody was spellbinding and light and made her feel like dancing.

  An older man caught her eye. Something about him looked familiar. Then she realized it was his dark green robe. It was the same cut as William’s when he came home from the monastery. She remembered what her brother had said about William apprenticing to become a wizard. As she watched, the wizard lifted his hands. A ball of light formed between his palms. Juliana gasped. Lightning struck out of the sphere, streaking over the heads of those in the crowd.

  “It’s just a simple trick,” Merrick whispered. His breath hit her ear, causing her to shiver. There was an odd mixture of concern and amusement in his voice. “A glamour. It will not hurt you.”

  Juliana nodded. Every time Merrick spoke to her, she got a chill. Not unpleasant in nature, but a wave of desire that made her want to forget logic and fall into his arms. Now was not the time for such thoughts. She turned away from him, saying nothing as she again looked at the crowd.

  Great, broad warriors sat next to trolls, wrestling their arms in a vast show of strength. By the slight point to their ears, she guessed they were elfin like Merrick, though they wore fur pelts over their clothing and dressed in the tunics of knights. Beautiful elfin ladies, in revealing gowns much like the ones Merrick gave Juliana to wear, cheered on the men. The women were lovely, their olive and cream complexions flawless and their eyes wide and alluring. Juliana looked at Merrick to see if he watched the beaut
iful creatures. He did not. Instead, he stared toward his throne where a table had been set with a great feast.

  As they neared the table, several of the knights stood. Their leader was as tall as Merrick and a little broader of shoulders. The man stepped forward. He had long, wavy brown hair and dark purple eyes. A pelt was cinched over his shoulder with a gold brooch. Though he carried himself well, he did not move like a gentleman. He seemed caged within the palace walls. Juliana imagined she could see the energy snapping off of him. As he neared, she saw a long thin scar wrapping his naked forearm like a snake.

  “Lord Kalen,” Merrick acknowledged, lifting his hand straight up in greeting.

  “My king,” Lord Kalen answered, making the same gesture to lay his palm flat to Merrick’s. When they touched, Juliana noticed a thin thread of light wrapped their hands. “It has been too long.”

  “Aye,” Merrick answered. “Too long. This is Juliana, Lady of the Black Palace.”

  Kalen looked first at Merrick, his brow arching, and then at her. He smiled. “My lady.”

  When Kalen reached out his hand, she hesitated, looking at Merrick for guidance. He nodded. She touched the warrior briefly, fingers extended up, palm pressed flat to palm. She watched for the light. It didn’t appear, but his hand was warm against hers, tingling her flesh. He pulled away. Sighing, she tried to relax.

  “I will trade for her, my king,” Lord Kalen offered. Juliana tensed once more. He winked at her, grinning widely. There was a mischievous impudence to his expressions. “Two of any ladies of my court for this one.”

  “I am not for trade, you disgusting pig,” Juliana ground out before she could stop herself. She gasped, covering her mouth. Where had that come from?

  Lord Kalen tipped back his head and laughed. “Make that four ladies. With such spirit, I will not have need of other entertainment.”

  “With such spirit, I will make you the entertainment,” Juliana threatened, taking a step forward. Laughter rose up around them. Aggression ran through her blood, possessing her. She began to shake, not feeling like herself.

  “Five ladies,” Lord Kalen said. He tilted his head, studying her. “Well worth it for the right to tame such fire.”

  Juliana shook, glaring at him. She felt words surging forward. She tried to bite them back.

  * * *

  Merrick watched Juliana out of the corner of his eye. She was lovely this night and he was not surprised Kalen had offered for her. But to hear her voice, so harsh and unlike her own, he frowned. Glancing around the hall, he scanned the guests. A familiar presence washed over him, so faint it was as if it was purposefully being kept hidden.

  “I will have your head for speaking about me thus,” Juliana warned. She turned, motioning her hand to a nearby knight. The sword flew from the man’s scabbard toward her hand.

  Before she could grab it, Merrick reached out and caught the blade by the hilt. It snapped against his palm. He directed the blade at the old hag. “End it, woman.”

  The hag shook her head frantically. “Not I, my king. Not I.”

  “End it,” Kalen said, grinning. Merrick turned to Kalen. The man laughed. Juliana blinked, eyeing him in her confusion. “Forgive us, little one, we could not resist the desire to see what our king had found. Your possession is truly to be envied.”

  Merrick arched a brow at Kalen. What was the man up to now?

  “She has much fire in her, my king, and I’m glad to see your instincts are sharp,” Kalen continued, loud enough that the whole hall could hear. “I fear she would have run me through had she gotten the blade.”

  Laughter sounded over the hall. Merrick grinned, tossing the sword back to its owner. Juliana glanced nervously at him. Weakly, she said, “Forgiven.”

  Kalen laughed louder than before. “She even speaks like a true queen. I shall have to steal this one from you.”

  Merrick stiffened at the words, keeping an eye on Juliana for her reaction.

  “For a dance, of course.” Kalen held out his hand to Juliana. Merrick knew the man was teasing him. Out of all of his nobles, he considered Kalen a friend. In fact, he was the only noble ever invited on a regular basis to dine at the palace—though those times were scarce. He watched Kalen take her across the floor, not caring if she danced with the man. Despite Kalen’s words, Merrick knew the man would not steal Juliana away from him. In fact, seeing the look in his friend’s eyes, he would wager Kalen would die to keep her at the Black Palace.

  Kalen was known as a madman and for good reason. He often made what seemed like rash decisions, sometimes calling off his troops on the eve of a great battle they’d be sure to win. He would judge a person with one touch, turning a seemingly great ally away and accepting an undoubted enemy into his home. Other warriors outside his Berserks thought him reckless. But Merrick knew there was much method to Kalen’s madness. Kalen was an empath and a clairvoyant, something he didn’t tell many people.

  When he touched Kalen’s hand, Merrick had imparted all Kalen needed to know about the situation with King Ean. Kalen was more than willing to fight. He was also more than willing to read Juliana. Though getting Kalen to say what he’d discovered would be a true challenge.

  Merrick threaded his hands behind his back. Standing still, he watched Juliana as Kalen swept her into his arms. More couples joined them, spinning around, crossing before him as they danced. Juliana and Kalen did not spin as they stayed in the middle of the hall. Their dance was of the human way, keeping their bodies apart. Juliana’s eyes met his from across the floor. She was stunningly beautiful and he felt as if he could look at her for hours.

  There were many attractive women in his hall—elves, nymphs, mermaids and faeries alike. All such races were known for beauty and grace. But Juliana, a mere mortal, caught and held his attention. Perhaps it was her mortality that made her so fragile to him, so delicate. Yet, out of all the women in this hall, she was the only one who thought to deny him whatever he wanted. If he were to demand obedience, sexual pleasures, even love, from any of the women, they’d give it without question. Juliana was the one woman he’d have all three demands from and she was the only one who’d dared defy him.

  * * *

  Juliana still wasn’t sure what had made her threaten Lord Kalen, but he seemed unconcerned by the whole affair. The man smiled at her, appearing friendly. However, she had no doubt that if she were to provoke him, he’d come at her with deadly purpose. Growing up at Bellemare, she knew well the look of a seasoned warrior. Kalen was a fighter, through and through.

  Looking around, she felt as if she floated on a surreal cloud. As Kalen led her onto the floor, tables seemed to shift out of their way, as if the stone floor expanded without disturbing any of the guests. She glanced back at Merrick, knowing he cleared the floor for them. It saddened her to see he didn’t appear jealous at all that another man danced with her. Instruments sounded, drawing her attention back to Kalen as the music accompanied the singers.

  “I am not familiar with your people’s dances,” Juliana whispered.

  “Luckily, I know yours.” Kalen swept her into the first step, bowing gracefully over her hand. The crowd grew quieter as elfin couples joined them on the floor. Hints of orange lit them from above as the dragon’s breath fanned across the ceiling. When she glanced up, she saw fairy couples floating above her head, twirling erratically. The other dancers held each other closer, moving their feet in odd steps and spinning around in fast circles. As per human custom, she kept her distance from Kalen, touching only with her hands and not her full body.

  Kalen was a good dancer, especially for being such an obvious warrior, but Juliana found herself looking over his shoulder for brief glances of Merrick within the spinning crowd. Picking up on Kalen’s steps, she closed her eyes. She imagined that it was Merrick holding her hand, twirling her, bowing to her, touching her.

  Suddenly, the music stopped, breaking her spell. Kalen bowed once more, as she opened her eyes. Then, pulling her hand to his arm, he
led her back toward Merrick and said quietly, “It’s a good thing I like my king, or else I might take offense to you dancing with him and not me.”

  Juliana gasped. Heat flamed her face. How did he know she’d imagined Merrick? “How…?”

  Kalen’s dark purple eyes sparkled with mischief and he merely winked. “I relinquish her to you, King Merrick.”

  Merrick touched her and she felt a spark. She looked at her arm. The dance had quickened her pulse and imagining him had only made her want him more. Her lips tingled and she wished she had the nerve to kiss him. The creatures surrounding them faded away as she stared at his lips.

  Merrick did kiss her, but it was a bruising, hard kiss. His fingers pulled her jaw, keeping her face upturned. The action laid claim to her, but for some reason she didn’t care. His mouth didn’t move and his eyes didn’t close. Laughter invaded her thoughts. When he pulled back, he said, “Come. Dine with me.”

  * * *

  Merrick watched as Juliana danced with yet another of Lord Kalen’s Berserks. Her flushed cheeks added a rose to her features and her shoulders weren’t as tense as before. Each warrior kept their distance from her, respectfully not touching too often or too much. He’d called her the Lady of the Black Palace, claiming her as his own. To insult her would be to insult him.

  “Tell me,” Merrick said softly to Kalen. They were alone at the head table, so Merrick spoke freely to his friend. “Why have Juliana possessed to scream at you?”

  Kalen chuckled. “To save her from being tested this night. My head swims with the thoughts of our elfin ladies.”

  Merrick glanced around in surprise. He felt their discontent but didn’t dwell on it. He was king. They would do what he willed them to do or pay the price.

  “They aren’t happy to have a human set above them,” Kalen said.