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Beauty's Choice Ch. 01

By: Daniellekitten



Author's Note

Well, goodness it's been a long time. But I have been writing and I have actually completed quite a few novels. This one is finished. So I hope you enjoy. I will be adding a chapter a week, probably. Thanks!

*****

Pain. Throbbing, dizzying, devastating pain. It pounded through her temples like hordes of demons were riding their flaming beasts through her head. She just wanted it to stop. Gods please! Her mouth was so dry and her lips were chapped, cracking and bleeding. Her heart was thudding as hard as her head. It hurt so badly she couldn't think of anything else.

It was all she could do not to lay back down in the blood-tinged, brackish water that surrounded her and let sleep take her. But she wasn't someone who would give up like that. She wouldn't just lay here and die. She couldn't. She would be missed. She had to have someone who would wonder what happened to her. A woman, her face was sweetly curved, her eyes a bright springtime blue that sparkled when she laughed. She could feel the love that was in those beautiful blue eyes as they looked at her.

Closing her eyes she saw another set of eyes, different, more serious. Those eyes were possessive, as if he owned her, body and soul. She could see the stubborn jut of his jaw and the thick lashes that she'd teased him about before... Before... She gritted her teeth at the pain stabbing through her head every time she tried to see his face, to clear up the mystery of who he was. It was right there, hanging just beyond her reach. Always just beyond her fingertips.

Her stomach lurched and she fought to keep it from leaping into her throat, scalding her with bitter acid. Once more, she reached out in the pitch black space around her. Her hand grasped buttery, smooth leather and a satiny material that was just as saturated with the accursed water as she was, as the clothes she wore upon her person were. 

The wood was smooth, no footholds to help her to get to the dim light she could see above her. It was so achingly close, teasing her with its freedom.

She'd screamed herself hoarse, fought to climb the wood until she'd split two of her fingernails to the quick. Sitting back down on a small ledge she had found that was just above the water and just large enough for her to balance upon. She clutched her throbbing, bleeding hand against her breast. She felt so hopeless, so devastated. Even the slight heat of her blood couldn't penetrate the chill that was bone deep and stealing away her life.

Her legs were still submerged in the frigid water and so cold she couldn't really feel them anymore. Did anyone even know she was down here? Did anyone even care? She leaned back on the wood that was behind her and reached up to gently assess the wound on the side of her head. Her hands came back wet, not surprising since she was soaked in the frigid water, but this fluid was thicker and looked black when she brought it closer to her face.

Then there was that scent. That awful, metallic, sweet scent. The cloying scent of blood.

It was the blood from a gash in the side of her head. It was where all that sickening dizziness and pain was the worse. She rinsed her hand in the clear, cold water surrounding her and then pressed it against the gash and the bump that was quickly rising below her skin. She was so tired, so, so very tired, though the shivering wasn't hurting her anymore. Her eyes closed and she felt a sense of helplessness. She knew the cold water and wet clothes would sap her strength, finally killing her when she could no longer force herself awake. But she could rest her eyes for a minute. Just a minute to gather strength before trying to escape once more.

She wanted to whisper a silent good-bye to her family, her loved ones, but she couldn't think of anything but the pain. A whimper came from her throat and she brought her knees up, wrapping her arms around them and laid her face against her knees. She started to drift as the shivering began to fade from her memory. Darkness beckoned.

* * * *

Bryce shook his head. "Dec is there even a serious bone anywhere in your body? I swear, the ladies all think you hung the moon and would give it to them, along with mama's jewels if they could keep your head turned long enough."

The four brothers were a handsome lot, all with dark hair and light eyes, the oldest possessed of a charm that befitted his station in life. He was dominant and took his responsibility seriously, sometimes too seriously.

"Tis true. I think he needs to write down their names upon a scroll to remember who he is to be with. Who was it last eve, baby brother?" The second oldest was almost a carbon copy of the first though slightly leaner and more wiry of muscle. He sat upon his mount, a leg cocked over the saddle horn as they mocked and joked, perched with an unconscious beauty all of his own. 

Declan shrugged even as a pink flush stained his cheeks. "You both exaggerate my prowess with the fairer sex." Declan, the youngest, often found that being with his brothers was a trial. A more somber and serious fellow, he found respite in his books and classes with his tutors than being at any of the balls, fetes and soirees.

And, though he'd never tell his brothers, more of the ladies that they thought were interested in him, wished to speak of the Alpha and what he might like as a mate.

"Nice try," Blaise chuckled. "But we do know you better than that. They take even one tiny glance upon your boyish good looks and want to mother you." He glanced up at Bryce. "Do you think they even suckle him?"

Bryce laughed, a deep rich sound that was masculine and commanding. "Perhaps our next time at court we should ask."

"Uh...No. Could you hear what the Alphas would say if that got back to them?" Declan's eyes changed from their gorgeous amber to almost black and his voice became thicker, deeper. "Please, don't do that to me."

All three of his brothers laughed. "Dec, don't you know by now when these two are trying to harass you? The more you fuss at them, the worse they're going to get." Micah, Declan's twin, gave his two older brothers a sour look. "They're just jealous that you talked Lady Selene into giving you a dance and she took your calling card when they had no such luck."

Declan sank back into his saddle and took a deep breath. He grinned the cocky, arrogant grin that his brothers thought that all the ladies loved.

"Yes, how did you manage that, brother?" Blaise cocked his dark head to the side. "I've seen half the men at court including myself be brought down by that lovely angel. I think she even turned her nose up at Bryce..." He tapped his chin as if in deep thought. "Isn't that true, Bryce? Did she cut the next Alpha off at the balls?"

But Bryce was no longer listening. He rode his gray stallion over deep muddy coach tracks that had swerved toward a wide runoff ditch. "Over here!" he called to his brothers. "Hullo the coach."

When there was no answer, he swung down from his saddle and strode to the side of the ditch, not caring about what the mud and muck were doing to his impeccably shined riding boots. "Hello? Is anyone in there?" He tossed his reins to Micah and tried once more. "Do you need help?"

* * * *

Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of a man's voice. "Help, help me, please." Her voice was weak and she licked her pale lips, hoping to gain enough moisture to clear her throat. Then she tried again. "Hello...I'm in here."

There was s rustling and then her prison jostled enough that she put out her hands to steady herself. The water around her splashed as the coach moved under a heavy weight. The top of her prison, that teasing glimpse of night sky and the freedom and light it promised, was pulled up and a face looked down at her. "Help me, please," she begged.

"Micah, Declan, I knew I heard something. Don't worry, M'lady. We'll get you out." He lowered himself down into her dark, dank prison, his legs straddling her in the cold water of the ditch "We'll get you out. Blaise, give me your cloak." He smiled gently at her. "Those are my little brothers, M'lady. My name is Bryce. We are from the First Kingdom, the Kingdom of Moonstone. We are at your service." He took the thick material that was passed down to him. "Can you stand up, Beautiful?"

She took his hand, marveling at its strength and warmth. "Thank you, my lord." Her teeth began to chatter.

"This gown is soaked. It's just going to make it harder for you to get warm. I know you don't know us, but we can be gentlemen when it is called upon. Well, maybe not so much Blaise. He's a bit of a bounder and a curmudgeon."

"I heard that, Bryce."

Her savior chuckled, a sound that sent a shiver down her spine not due to her dunking. "You were meant to, Blaise. If I wrap you in this cloak, do you think we could get you out of that gown, it's just going to make you colder and could cause the fever."

She started to nod her head but stopped as it made her feel so incredibly nauseas. She reached out for him and her eyes rolled back. He caught her with ease, taking her luscious weight upon one arm. "Um...Blaise, she's passed out. Pass me your hunting knife."

"What do you plan to do with that?" Even as he asked, Blaise handed it down to his brother.

"She must get out of this gown. It must weigh one or two stones. She'll be warmer without it." As he spoke he carefully slipped the knife into the low cut neckline of her bodice. It was wickedly sharp and easily split the silky material, exposing even silkier looking skin.

Bryce tried not to look at her in the incredibly, naughty shift she wore next to her skin. It, too, was soaked through and clung almost daintily to the flesh of her beautiful breasts. A bright blue ribbon had been added to the translucent material, gathered just under her bodice. Her nipples, those pink, delicate, little morsels, beaded up and pressed like two luscious berries against the material. 

With a deep breath, he carefully cut through that precious blue ribbon and dragged the ripped material from her body. His heart was racing and he tried to be the gentleman his parents had raised him to be but the temptation was more than he could stand. 

She was incredible. Shoving the sharp blade through his belt, a soft curse passed between his lips and he ran his free hand over her, cupping one soft mound. He lifted it, feeling the weight, the beautiful texture of her skin and the little nub in its center that was so very, very hard. He longed to bring that sweet peak to his mouth, to suckle and tip and watch her writhe in pleasure beneath him. 

A soft moan left her lips and made it even more torturous to release that gorgeous breast. His fingers teased the tender tip, twisting it gently. She moaned and he gritted his teeth. He allowed only that one brief caress though his cock was rising thick and throbbing hard, the shaft snugged tight against the sturdy wool of his breeches. He pressed it against the softness of her belly and was tempted to grind his hips against her lush curves. He lifted his head, staring down into her face and a sudden feeling slashed at him.

She might look like a cold, wet ragamuffin but she was his ragamuffin. It was there in her scent and in her face, the face that had haunted his dreams. She was his.

He took Blaise's long cloak and draped it over her, tucking it firmly around her. He lifted her easily into his arms, marveling at how small she felt and how she seemed to fit perfectly against him. Who was he trying to fool, she was perfect. He looked down at her pale face and felt guilt ride him hard. She was blue with cold, pale and injured and all he could do was gape at her sweet breasts like some crazed maniac instead of the man she needed him to be. "This is going to hurt, little one. But it's the only way out."

He easily hitched her over his shoulder and then started the climb from the coach. He swatted his brother's hands away, refusing any assistance from them. He knew they only meant to help but they couldn't touch her. "Mine, back off," he growled.

He stepped out of the coach and then made the jump from the side of the coach to the side of the ditch it had gone into. He carried her to his horse, a huge gray brute that allowed no one but him on his back and then only when he wanted to.

"Sterling," he growled as the horse rolled his eyes and stamped his feet. "You behave. This lady needs our help."

The horse sniffed at her wet hair, lipped at it and then tossed his head, standing completely still as Bryce climbed upon his back with the lady still cradled in his arms. "Check out the coach, see if you can find any identifying marks. We should notify her kin that she is safe and sound."

"It's pretty dark down there," Declan exclaimed, staring down into the coach. "How do you expect us to see anything down there?"

Bryce sighed. "You see better in the dark than humans so just do what I ask. I will take her back to the castle and have the healer come look at her head. She took a nasty tumble and has a huge knot. I'm off," he called back over his shoulder.

Blaise grumbled. "You sure the fuck are."

"I heard that. Run ahead and tell them we bring home my lady and that she is injured." Bryce glanced down and stroked one finger over the soft flesh of her cheek. "You are that," he whispered. "You're my lady. You are mine and I won't let anything hurt you again."

He didn't even look up when heavy paw prints sounded, running past Sterling. The horse wasn't too happy at the proximity to the huge beast and lifted its hooves. With a sharp command and the press of his knees in his side, Sterling settled, only tossing his head and snorting his displeasure.

"Do it and I will have you brought in for the servants' meals."

Sterling turned his head and gave his master a hostile look that promised retribution. He snorted and then with one more toss of his silky mane, headed out. He was eager now for his warm, dry stable and the measure of oats he knew awaited him there.

*****

I'm always interested in what you think of my work, so whether you loved it, hated it, or didn't care either way, leave a comment. Thanks for reading me! Chapter two will be out next week!

Beauty's Choice Ch. 02



She was warm, snuggled in the depths of the softest feather tick she'd ever felt. She sighed and stretched only to curl deeper in the silky sheets.

"Careful, milady. The healer had to suture some of your open cuts. I don't think he'd be happy if you were to pull any of them loose." The older woman stepped to the side of the bed and rested a cool palm against her forehead. "No sign of a fever. I think you should heal up just fine."

She stared at the older woman. "I'm sorry, do I know you, ma'am?" Her voice was still weak and a bit scratchy. She eagerly reached for the glass of water the woman held. But her arms shook and the elder helped her raise it to her lips, letting her swallow just a few sips.

"Not too much now, it could easily come up as stay down, milady. Her Majesty will be bringing up some broth that we've kept warm for you. I am Margaret. I was her Majesty's nanny. Now I am her maid..."

"Who just loves to tell me what to do. I swear, if I let her, she'd tuck me in every night. If she becomes insufferable, just let me know." The queen made her way from the door, a small metal pot clutched careful between two cloths.

"Your Highness, I would never presume to tell you what to do. I just give strong suggestions. Which you always find your way around." Margaret wrinkled her nose in a smile, dipping into a respectfully deep curtsey.

"Your Highness." The young girl tried to jump from the bed but stopped when the room began to spin around her. "Oh..." Her hand rose to press against her forehead.

"How about we forget the highnesses and curtseyings and you call me Ramilla? Or Milly if you prefer?" The elegantly gowned woman sat the pot on the hearth close to the fire and then put out her hand to help the girl back to the bed. "You must stay in bed."

"It is a beautiful name, ma'am." She rested her spinning head thankfully against the pile of pillows that Margaret plumped behind her back.

"You are as bad as my Margaret. I've been telling her since I was little more than a girl, newly married to my Thorn that she is more friend than servant. I hope you will become my friend also..." She smiled and took the spoon out of the bowl she quickly ladled up and offered her a little of the broth. "You know, I don't know your name."

She swallowed the broth and her forehead furrowed. One hand came up and toughed the lump on her head, feeling the ends of the sutures that held the gash closed. "I...I don't know." She lifted up her wan face, staring at Ramilla with panic in her eyes. "I don't know who I am. How can that be? How does anyone forget their own identity?" A tear slid down her cheek quickly followed by another.

"Oh no, sweetheart. Don't cry. Please. If you cry than I shall out of sympathy and I look simply dreadful with a red nose and swollen eyes." Ramilla handed the bowl to Margaret, gathering the injured girl in her arms and stroking her hair, careful of her injury. "It will come to you. I know it will. I am sure of it. Margaret, please go and fetch the healer, Dane. We'll let him come and tell you."

"But..."

"No, buts. I won't hear of any arguments. There are perks to being the Queen you know." She smiled and pushed a strand of tawny golden hair behind the young girl's ear. "You have the most beautiful hair. It seems to glow from within. It seems so alive."

There was a knock on the door and Ramilla stood to answer it. "Bryce...I thought you were Dane."

"I saw your maid in the hall and thought maybe I could have a moment." Bryce's hands were clasped in front of him and his shoulders were held rigidly. "Just a moment, mother, please."

Ramilla let him in but put her hand on his chest when he started to make his way to the bed. "Wait here, son. I will see if she feels well enough to entertain company." She saw him swallow and then nod. "I expect that she will be happy to give you a moment, especially for the man who saved her life."

She watched him twitch and pull at the hem of his tunic and then smoothed it down. Nervous? Could her confident Alpha son actually be nervous? She smiled at the thought. Perhaps their wounded dove could be just the thing for her son's restless spirit.

"What does he want?" the girl whispered.

"Well, I expect it's to see you." She nodded and tapped a finger against her lips. "He did save you from the overturned coach you were trapped in. You wouldn't have lasted much longer in that frigid water, so I would say he is concerned for your welfare."

The girl tilted her head, meeting the Queen's eyes. "I do owe him my life. Where I'm from... where I'm from, saving a life means... it means..." Her face turned pale, her beautiful golden-green eyes grew troubled. "I don't know where I'm from, I don't even know my name."

Ramilla sank back down on the side of the bed and pulled the girl into her arms. "Don't fret sweetling, we shall find your people and all will be well." She stroked the girl's hair. "Just think, you could rename yourself, something that you find beautiful. I guess I should let Bryce in, if you are well?"

She sat up and nodded. "He saved me. I need to thank him for that and all he did to get me out and here." She leaned back against the pillows and pushed her hair back out of her face.

Ramilla went to the door and then excused herself from the room as she admonished her good-looking son, "Just for a moment, Bryce."

Bryce approached the bed slowly. He smiled at her. "You look better."

"I feel better, because of you. You saved my life. Somehow thank you doesn't seem enough to express my gratitude." She reached out and took his hand, marveling at the size and gracefulness of them. "Thank you, your Majesty." She smiled up at him.

He sank down to the side of the bed. "It was completely my pleasure, milady. Please just call me Bryce." He smiled down at her, his teeth flashing white against his tawny skin. "How in the world did you end up there? Where were you servants and the horses?"

"I...I don't know. I can't remember my name. I can't remember anything." She touched the side of her head, her fingers tracing gently over her injury. "I don't know who I am. I could be a servant or a thief. I could be a murderer." Her brow wrinkled and she went to pull her hand back to her lap only to find him holding on to it.

"Milady, no servant could ever have hands this beautiful." He turned her tiny hand over and rubbed his thumb in gentle circles upon the soft satiny skin of her palm. Then he raised it and pressed a whisper soft kiss upon her fair skin.

She blushed and looked down.

"No, please don't look away." His fingers touch her small, pointed chin, lifting it so he could see her eyes. He placed her palm upon his chest, holding it against his heart. "I-I was going to wait but...I can't. Do you feel my heart pound?" He waited for her nod. "It beats for you, milady."

"I...You can't. I mean...I could be naught but a commoner. I could have done...Oh gods..." She sighed heavily and tried to evade his gaze.

"If you are a commoner, taking me as your husband would make you royalty." His fingers touched her chin again, lifting her face. His lips touched hers gently and then with more force, twisting them to part her mouth. His tongue swept in and he moaned at the taste and heat he found there.

His hands wove through her hair, holding her steady for his kiss. His lips were hot, demanding, sliding with such fire over hers.

"Gods, my beauty. If I had any doubts before, that kiss settled it. You belong with me. You belong to me. You can feel it, too. Tell me." His voice shook with the slightest of trembles, his cheeks flushed from the sensations roiling inside of him..

Hearing that, and with the taste of his kiss upon her lips, how could she deny him. "You must be crazed to desire a woman that you know nothing of but I cannot refute your words, your majesty." A tear tracked down her cheek.

He saw that tiny bit of moisture and captured it with his lips. "Please, your tears will slay me. They cut me to the quick, my beauty."

"I am sorry, majesty. I..."

"Bryce. I am not your majesty, I am your Bryce." He carefully hooked a loose strand of her golden hair behind her ear. He kissed her soft cheek and then her jaw, moaning at her taste upon his tongue. "Please, say it."

"B-Bryce."

The silky sound of her voice speaking his name with that tiny stutter sent flames of desire licking into his soul. "Beauty, you are mine. I care little of your name as long as you promise your heart to me." His kiss blazed against her lips and she was lost in the sensations, the heat of his mouth and the flick of his tongue against hers.

Her eyes fluttered open when he suddenly pulled away. "We belong together, Beauty." Glancing over his shoulder, he spoke to someone. "Mother."

"I had cook warm your broth, sweetheart. Do you think you might take more?"

She pulled her hand from his chest where she had tangled her fingers in the soft material of his tunic as he'd kissed her. "Yes, ma'am. I shall try."

Bryce rose to allow his mother to take his place. He smiled. "Beauty, I have duties that I must see to. I would come back later if that would be acceptable with you?" He lifted her hand and placed a kiss upon her palm, curling her fingers around the spot. He grinned when she smiled and nodded her assent. "Until then, my Beauty."

She watched him leave with a confident stride than turned her attention back to the queen.

"I see my son has christened you. Beauty, it is fitting indeed."

She flushed and ducked her head. "Thank you, ma'am."

"If I know my son, he has expressed his wish for you to extend your stay indefinitely. I knew when he brought you to us that he had lost his heart to you."

"No. I mean, yes, he has asked me. But he shouldn't. I...He doesn't know who I am or what I might have done. I don't even know." She pressed one hand gently against the knot on the side of her head. "I could have hurt or even killed someone. I don't even know how I ended up in that coach. When I woke I was laying in the icy water and I couldn't climb out. I split my nails..." She held up the two bandaged fingers and a soft sob shook her shoulders.

"Do you think that matters to him?" The queen reached out and took the golden girl's wrapped fingers and held them gently. "If I know my son, he has people out searching for your people. He won't stop until he finds them."

"But, ma'am, it should bother him. He needs a lady with an impeccable reputation and blood line. He needs a lady to be at his side. I could be a guttersnipe, a commoner, or even a bastard." She cringed even as she said the last word. She closed her eyes, leaning her head back against the pillow, her hand pressing against her forehead.

"The healer said you might experience head aches and left a powder. Now where did I put that..."

"Here, milady. I brewed it into a tea as the healer instructed. Sip it, milady. It should help the pounding ease." Margaret handed the warm cup to the girl, guiding it easily to her mouth. "You must drink at least half."

Beauty managed to drink the noisome brew, shuddering at the foul taste. But it warmed her and the pounding eased but moments later. Her eyes grew heavy and sleep beckoned. She yawned and curled into the pillows, not noticing as the queen tucked the blankets up, under her chin and then motioned for Margaret to precede her out the door.

* * * *

"Mother!"

Ramilla slowed her step as she heard her second son call for her. She turned and smiled for though he and Bryce looked so incredibly much alike, Blaise was completely different in disposition and temperament. It fascinated her to no end to watch the two of them together. It was definitely a case of opposites attracting. "What is it, my darling?"

Blaise fidgeted with the hem of his tunic, tugging on a loose string. "Our guest? The one that Bryce rescued, she is well?"

Blaise ran his hand through his wavy dark hair, the amber in his eyes turning a brighter gold as he awaited his mother's reply.

"She woke and we got her to take some broth and the healer's powder when the pain grew in her head." Ramilla cocked her head to the side, noticing her son's fidgeting. "Is there something that you might wish to confess, son?"

"Confess? What could I possibly have to confess, mother?" He scoffed and tugged on his tunic, smoothing down a few imaginary wrinkles.

"Perhaps you care a bit much for the poor girl?" She watched as he fidgeted more and then tugged his long fingers through his hair, rumpling it even more.

"It is not time for my match to be made. You know that Bryce as first-born and heir to the Alpha throne has his first choice of all unwed maidens in the Seven Kingdoms. I must wait to make my choice as his Beta." He looked up at his mother and then couldn't hide the despair and fear in his eyes. He paced down the hall and then back. "He has chosen her, hasn't he?"

"Oh, my son. I am so so..." Ramilla began only to be interrupted.

"No, Mother. It is the way things are done. She will be happy with him and she will be safe as Alpha Bitch. I am happy..." He couldn't finish the sentence. He gave his mother a quick kiss upon the cheek then turned and ran out of the castle proper through a door that led to the gardens. A mournful howl echoed eerily through the air and Ramilla knew it was his wolf.

Her heart broke. She knew Blaise felt as if Bryce was the special one. That because Bryce was heir that he was given everything he wanted and that his wishes would always supersede his own. But it wasn't strictly the truth. 

As a mother, she felt for all of her sons. She had cried over their hurts and disillusions. She laughed and was proud of their accomplishments and prayed for their happiness and their safety. She would never admit this to anyone but Blaise held a special place inside her heart. She had known he would feel that his place was second to the Alpha.

She wished she could make Blaise see the truth. Without him, without the role he played in the hierarchy of Moonstone Kingdom, life would self-destruct around Bryce's ears. As Beta, the Alpha would depend upon him the most, would confide in him more and would value his opinions over all. If only Blaise could realize his place was not just second born and what it meant, he might become more confident.

The worst thing that could happen now would be for the two brothers to squabble over one girl who wasn't lycan. Ramilla let out a sigh. It was time to talk to her husband.

King Thorn would be sitting in the throne room with his Beta, Heath, hearing complaints. He would probably be happy if she disturbed him right now. A sly smile crossed her lips. She lifted her skirts and hurried toward the throne room.



Beauty's Choice Ch. 03



Author's Note:

Okay, so this isn't a week. I'm working on editing this as I submit it so 4 a.m. seems to be a good time to submit it. I hope you enjoy and I'm not proving that I should stop writing. This story is completely finished. Except for what little editing I want to do before I submit it. It's almost 30,000 words long.

I will repeat. It is completely finished except for a bit of editing. I know I had a problem with finishing some of my work. But now that my doctors are getting my head back to normal, the work is going better. I don't know if I'm going to remove all those partial stories or not...

Anyway...Thanks!

*****

Chapter Three

"Dame Mydriana, it is your contention that Squire Trianam purposefully drove his swine over your garden with the express purpose of causing you harm? It could not possibly be an accident as he insists?"

"No, King Thorn. This was no accident. My gardens are in no way between his sty and the river. If you saw the damage done and where it was done at, you'd see that truth."

"I know every square inch of my Kingdom, Lady. You would do yourself a service and remember to whom you speak. Squire, you will pay for the damage caused and clean up the mess made by your swine before the second stage. I want no more of this constant squabbling brought to my attention. Is that understood? Find a way to stop this madness twixt you." King Thorn's voice was scarcely above his normal range of speech but all knew it was only when he spoke thus did his people know he was good and angered. 

He brought his fist down upon the arm of his throne. He caught Heath's eye and with a shake of his head, rose, turning and strode down the aisle toward where his one true love, his mate, Ramilla waited. "Please, steal me away. I beg of you, I don't think I can handle another moment of those two. Say you have need of me and steal me out of here."

Ramilla chuckled, her fingers sliding down her mate's cheek. "Begging is beneath you, my love." She reached out and caught his hand, tugging him behind her. She had to bite her lips as she saw the look that passed between Heath and Thorn. "I think we should do something nice for Heath since you've deserted him twice this moon. As to those two-perhaps you should force marriage upon them. They might be able to work this out between the sheets." Ramilla began to giggle as she saw the shocked expression upon her mate's face. "Are you saying you didn't know?"

"Know what, woman?"

"They were lovers before her mate was killed. She thinks he did the deed so that he could claim her. There hasn't been a civil word spoken between the two since." Ramilla giggled again, the sound a charming tinkle of silvery bells.

"How do you do it?" The king chuckled, just being close to his wife was a balm to his senses and made him as happy as she did when they were first mated.

"I keep my ears open. It doesn't hurt that Margaret is one of the biggest gossips in the kingdom. You know, we could find me a new maid and then you could hire her on as your newest advisor. She could give you information that would make your fur curl, mate."

Thorn reached out and took her hand, pulling her into his arms and bent her back, his lips parting hers. Their tongues fought and twined. Ramilla moaned, her arms wrapping around his neck.

When Thorn lifted his head, she was flushed and her breathing was erratic. "Perhaps I should let Bryce and Heath handle this afternoon's offenses. He's going to have to learn how to deal with these disputes." His voice was husky as he glanced down at her and then cocked his head. "What is it, Milla? What has you upset?"

"Our sons, my mate."

"Ahh, it wouldn't happen to involve Bryce and Blaise and the girl they fished out of the river would it?"

"Perhaps you have no need of my Margaret after all. It breaks my heart watching how Blaise hides inside himself and doesn't realize what being Beta means. He's so ready to just give Bryce whatever he wants because Bryce is Alpha. I don't think Blaise realizes that he has Alpha in him as well."

"I think he knows, love. Truthfully, I believe that if our two oldest would communicate more, life could get pretty interesting when it becomes time for me to step down."

"But that won't be for years and years. You are still very much in your prime, love. What should we do about them now?" She trailed her long fingers over his cheek and tunneled them through his still dark hair.

"What have you learned about the girl?"

"Nothing. It is strange. She says she has no knowledge of who she is or from which kingdom she belongs. Have you heard of this strange malady?"

Thorn pursed his lips in thought. "Yes. It is often due to a blow on the head or a sudden shock. If memory serves me, her memories should return with time." He shrugged.

"She seems a sweet girl." Ramilla sighed and let her hands slide down Thorn's chest. She glanced around the throne room and smiled at Heath before giving him a nod. "Come with me, Thorn. I have need of you."

Thorn's lips parted in a lusty grin. "Oh, my love, and of what need is this?"

Ramilla sighed. "I could tell you but I am more of a show than a tell girl. But the choice is yours."

"Can I have both?" He slid one finger over her cheek and down her neck, pausing at the hollow of her throat. "I love you more with every passing moment, my love. I don't know how I got so lucky that you choose me."

"I don't think there was a choice. You rode in on that black devil of a stallion and swept me away. I saw you and I forgot how to breathe. My heart tried to beat out of my chest for you."

"Stay right here." He spun and quickly strode to the thrones. 

Heath rose and then waved him away. He grinned at Ramilla and gave her an impudent wink.

It sobered Ramilla for a moment, once more thinking of Blaise. How could they show her second son, second only by a few short moments, how important to the kingdom that he was? There had to be a way. But the answer escaped her and furrowed her brow.

A finger touched her forehead. "We shall figure it out, love. Between the two of us there is nothing that we can't do. You know that, right?"

She rose on tiptoe and pressed her lips against his before taking his arm and leading him out of the room. "We shall, but not now. Now I have other needs of your time, my king."

"I will always be available for you. Always and for whatever you need of me. You saved me that first day I saw you in the gardens. I will never forget how beautiful you looked in that pink gown. Your hair was like fire around your shoulders and your breasts pressed against the edges of that gown's silky neckline. I thought I would die if I couldn't have you."

Ramilla grinned and leaned against his arm so that he could feel her breasts, still young looking and perky even after suckling four lusty wolf pups. "Which is why you have me. I couldn't let you die of your need, my love."

Thorn growled, his heightened senses picking up on the scent of arousal coming from his mate. He swung her up in his arms, her laughter trailing behind them as he hurried down the corridor and then up the stairs to their bedchamber. A slamming door cut off the sound of her moans.

* * * *

Blaise ran leaping over ditches and fallen trees, climbing ever higher on the mountain that sheltered the first kingdom, the Mountain Moonstone that gave the kingdom its name and it's people, their livelihood. He finally slowed to a stop as he arrived at his favorite outcropping over the kingdom. The outcropping overlooked the gates of town and was virtually impossible to reach unless you were wolf-kind. 

Leaping to his favorite perch, he stretched out and watched as his younger brothers practice with the sword, chasing each other around as if they were still pups. He snorted at their antics, trying to let their foolishness help, healing the empty hole that was in his soul.

She had looked so incredibly gorgeous, even wet and rumpled. He growled when he thought of his brother's hand upon her soft breast. Bryce had it all. He would sit in their father's throne; he would have the control, the authority and the woman that Blaise wanted.

With another mournful howl, he rose and jumped the first boulders that led to the shortcut back to the palace. He changed back to his human form and walked through the hallways of his parent's home, pulling on the clothes he'd left in a pile by the gate. Bryce, Micah and he had left the palace to own their own pieces of the mountain. They'd had their own homes built but all three brothers knew that their mother liked to have all four of her children around the dinner table and since the cook in the palace was sublime, it wasn't that hard returning home when they could.

He wandered the palace, his mind more on his thoughts of the sweet, frustratingly gorgeous girl than on anything else. When he stopped in front of a door he glanced around to find that he stood in front of the girl's room. The girl, he sighed heavily. Why couldn't he get her out of his head? She was even haunting his subconscious. He'd gotten only one quick look at her, but what a look.

Even as she stood in his brother's arms, he couldn't help but wish he was with her, that she looked into his eyes the way she had Bryce. The thought of his brother's hand against her slender body and naked breast almost drove him to knees. Why the hell did he have to give up what he wanted, who he could love and be mated to for his brother who was five minutes older than he was? Aargghh!

His heart was pounding in his ears but he had to talk to her, to be in her presence, to just see her. He knocked lightly on the door and then he waited. When he received no answer, worry caused a line to form between his eyes and his broad shoulders to tense. He opened the door slowly, quietly, and then the breath caught in his throat. She was so incredibly beautiful. Just looking at her made his chest feel tight and another part of his anatomy grew until he had to covertly adjust the tightening fit of his breeches. 

She turned her head slowly and a sleepy smile crossed her face. "Hello," she mumbled.

"Hello, milady." His voice was husky, almost a low growl in his chest. "I hope I'm not prying but when no one answered my knock I feared that something might have happened to you."

"You look so much like Bryce," she said, tilting her head to stare up at him. "But you aren't he." She held her hand out and tried to sit higher up in the bed. "Are you...Blaise?"

"I am, milady fair." He sank down onto the very edge of the bed, ready to jump up if she showed any sign of not wanting him here. "But how do you know my name? I fear you have me at a disadvantage."

"You gave me your cloak. It warmed me. I was just so very cold, I couldn't stop shaking, You saved my life and the cloak, still warm from your body, was simply amazing."

Blaise felt a tiny spurt of hope at her words. Maybe not all was lost yet. "I did? I thought my brother was your champion. He heard you and got you out of that coach. You were blue from cold and I am glad I could help in any way. It would have been awfully ungentlemanly of me to let you shiver and catch the fever." He smiled gently down at her. "I should know the name of the angel that I rescued, don't you think?"

She reached out for the cup of water that sat beside her on the night side table but her hand shook and it slipped from her fingers. Before a drop fell, a hand shot out from beside her and caught the cup. "Perhaps you should let me help?"

"How did you do that?" Her eyes were wide and round even as she took a sip of the cold, clear water.

"I..." His voice drifted off as he sat forward and helped her sip the water. "I know the cook has broth warming for you. Could you take a bit?"

"Will you stay and talk to me?"

Blaise felt his lips twitch. "Milady fair, I am at your service." He rose and went to the bell pull in the corner. When one of the maids brought the fragile china bowl, he rose and took it from her hands. "Thank you, Rose."

The pretty maid, a dark haired beauty, dipped into a quick curtsy, a shy smile crossing her lips. "Is there anything more I can do, my Prince?"

"No. That's all."

Blaise started to spoon the fragrant broth carefully into Beauty's mouth. "What?" he asked when she glanced at the door the maid had disappeared to and then at him.

She took the broth and then slowly shook her head. "Nothing, my Prince." Her cheeks turned pink and she ducked her head as a light, wry giggle fell from her lips.

He smiled, glancing back at the door than to her. "My name is Blaise, lady fair. Now you know my name, but I don't know yours."

Looking into her eyes, that enticing blend of green and gold had his heart racing. He glanced down at the bowl almost shyly before rising to meet her gaze. 

"I don't know my name." She touched the side of her head with careful fingers. "I've been told my memory should return." There was a note of despair in her voice.

"Worry not, lady fair. You have a permanent home here in the first kingdom." He reached out and tucked a few tendrils of golden curls behind her delicate ear. "We shall enjoy having you here to brighten the dull halls of the castle."

Her cheeks flushed at his words and the look in his eyes. "Everyone is so kind here. I've never known anyone to take in a stray girl they rescued from a damaged coach."

"See, you are remembering already. It won't take long before you remember everything." He smiled at her, struck dumb as she smiled back. She reached out and touched his hand. 

"Thank you, Blaise. Thank you for...everything. I will never be able to repay your kindness."

Blaise smiled even though it didn't reach his eyes. "You are very welcome, lady fair."

He glanced down at the bowl in his hand, seeing that it was empty. "I...I shouldn't be here with you." He stood quickly, but not quickly enough. She reached out and grabbed his hand, tugging him back to her side.

"I hope we can be...friends."

The despair in his chest almost swamped him. "Friends," he growled. He was breathing hard, his hand wrapping around hers. He stared down at her and then suddenly, his composure snapped and he bent swiftly, his mouth fastening over her full lips. 

* * * *

She froze beneath him before closing her eyes and pursing her lips. The kiss seemed almost innocent until his lips twisted and parted hers. His tongue swept across the seam of hers, urgently seeking entrance. She opened her mouth and heat pulsed through her. She tentatively slipped her tongue against his, feeling the thrill of the naughty caress and the hot taste of his mouth.

Her hands rose, sliding over his arms and shoulders, her fingers tangling in his thick, silky hair. His hands roamed over her back, pulling her even closer, reveling in the satiny heat of her body and the lush curves of her form. He kissed her breathless and then left her lips, trailing open-mouthed kisses down her neck.

The neckline of her borrowed shift was little barrier to his exploring hands. He tugged down on the opening, hearing a seam give at his eagerness. He had to touch her breasts, had to put his hands on her as his brother had.

Her breasts were perfection, lush and round, a slender weight in his hands. She was blessed with small, berry-pink nipples that beaded up at his touch. "You are so incredible," he growled and captured one peak in his mouth, suckling lightly then flicking the taut bud with the tip of his tongue. His fingers played with the other, twisting and tugging gently. "Your skin even tastes..." he seemed to lose his train of thought concentrating instead on wringing as many moans and tiny whimpers from between her lips.

"I want to take you, lady fair. I want to feel you beneath me..." he paused and a naughty look came into his eyes. "...or on top of me, in this bed. He tugged the gown down further, trapping her arms to her body as he spread heated, prickles of warmth to her skin.

She groaned and her eyes fluttered close. He grinned at the wanton look upon her face, the look of a woman lost to her pleasure. He wanted more. He wanted to feel her body spasm in ecstasy, feel her contract on his cock while she called his name, her tone so full of frenzied heat it would make him loose his seed. He wanted it all, all of her, all of her pleasure, of her touches and looks.

His mouth moved over her flesh, sliding over her nipples and then down over the slim ladder of her ribs. He teased her navel with tiny licks, staring into her eyes. "Be mine," he begged, growling huskily in his passion. "Gods, woman, I'll plead. Please, for all that is holy, be mine. Say it." His hand tugged at her gown, drawing the hem-line up and over her sleek thighs and displaying the perfect triangle of tight, blonde curls. He parted her thighs, unable to wait any longer for a single taste of her essence.

She smelled of pure arousal, a scent that was both spicy and sweet. His tongue swept out, dipping between her nether lips with a strangled moan. Her thighs were over his shoulders as he held them apart, burying his lower face in her heat.

He lapped at her cunt, tickling her clit and pressing a single finger into that tight, sweet channel even as her hands tunneled through his hair, her hips rising in her need. His name was torn from her lips and her body arched, thrusting her convulsing flesh against his face.

"Oh," she cried. "Oh, what are you doing to me, Blaise?"

A satisfied smile on his face, he licked his lips, savoring the sweet taste of her heat. He looked up at her, resting his chin against her soft mound. "Giving you pleasure, fair lady." He chuckled as her hips rose, pressing even tighter against him, begging for more.

He couldn't help but comply. She was amazing in her passion, her eyes glazed and needy, her lips parted with her panting breaths. He slowly added a second finger, carefully stretching her tight opening. He could feel the taut membrane that protected her sleek tunnel and wanted so badly to slide on top of her and take her, rupturing that tiny bit of flesh and making her his.

His lips captured the taut bundle of nerves at the top of her crevice, suckling and flicking. Her moans drove him on, her whimpers had him grinding his hips into the soft bed that wasn't near as soft as the cradle of her thighs.

Her hands clutched at his head, tangling in his shaggy, shoulder length hair. He felt her convulse, heard her cry out his name as her pleasure sent a flood of wet heat to coat his lips. He gentled his touch, petting her clit slowly with the flat of his tongue.

"Oh, fair lady, I want to feel that every day for the rest of our lives. I want to hear you cry out my name and see that sweet flush bloom in your cheeks." He raised his head and moved up her body, kissing her gently. Her amazed look made him grin and he kissed her again, letting her taste herself on his tongue. When he lifted his head, he looked determined. "Be mine."

She couldn't look into his eyes. "I-I can't. Please, please understand."

His eyebrows furrowed over suddenly shuttered eyes. He rose slowly, avoiding her hands as they tried to draw him back to her. "You can't? It's Bryce, isn't it? You want the Alpha."

The heat of his breath rushed over her throat, sent a shiver of renewed want. But the look of his eyes sent despair to her soul. "I...do want Bryce." She reached out and tangled her fingers in the sleeve of his tunic. "Wait...Blaise, please, I want you, too." The helplessness he could see in her face had him pulling free from her hands.

"Bryce has first choice. He will want you...and...and treat you well. You will be happy with him." He took a step back and bowed to her. "I am...sorry, lady. I...I forgot my place." He picked up the bowl that he'd dumped on the ground. His eyes became cold, turning a dark chocolate brown. "Of course you should have the best. It was wrong of me..." He rose, bowed his head and then hurried to the door before she could say anything else.




Beauty's Choice Ch. 03



"Blaise...no. Please, let me explain."

"Not necessary. I am sorry. I shan't bother you again." Bowing his head, he quickly ducked out the door, leaving her to stare at the closed portal, her hand out as if to stop him.

Her eyes closed and she untangled a hand from her gown. With a sense of wonder, her slender fingers pressed gently against her kiss-swollen lips. Her breath was harsh in her chest. "Blaise," she gasped. What he had done to her with his mouth was incredible. But that he hadn't known or given her a chance to explain herself brought a cry of despair to her lips.

How could she decide? They were both incredible men, honest and brave. A pure testament to everything that was good in the Seven Kingdoms. What could she do? What should she do? She stared out the long arrow slit window beside the hearth and saw the beauty of the spring sky. With a groan, she pushed away the thoughts confusing her mind and just lay back, staring at the one slice of pretty blue sky.

One way or the other, everything will always end the way it was supposed to. It was her mother's favorite saying...her mother. It was almost as if she could just reach out and almost put a face to the name.

But then, as ever since she awoke, it was dashed away and she was left, once more, alone.



Beauty's Choice Ch. 04-05



Chapter Four

 Supper that evening was fraught with tension. Blaise stared at the fire, refusing to even glance at Bryce. Every attempt to bring him into the conversation was left cold, his answers short when directly spoken to and were angry and stilted. 

 Ramilla paused at the double doors that opened into the throne room, the only room in the keep that was big enough to seat any and all of the servants who resided in the castle proper. She came into the room, a flush upon her cheeks and a smile on her lips as she greeted her sons.

 Thorn followed her in, his eyes straying down to her gently swaying hips. He stopped behind her chair and pulled it back, taking her hand to guide her into it. He pressed a sweet kiss upon her knuckles. "My love. You look as beautiful today as you did the first time my eyes beheld you. I am as awe-struck now as I was that first day."

 Ramilla smiled at her husband, preening under his admiring gaze. "And you are as gallant a knight now as you were then. We are blessed, my heart. I am as thankful now as I was the day my father agreed upon your troth."

 He sat, keeping her hand in his and laying them upon his thigh. He ignored his sons as Micah shook his head and rolled his eyes at their flowery words.

 King Thorn raised his hand to signal for dinner to be served when hurried footsteps drew his attention to the door.

 Beauty stood at the open doorway, her eyes wide. "I...I..." She took a deep breath. "I am sorry I am late, your majesties. I...got lost."

 Blaise closed his eyes and then allowed himself a single look her way. That look spoke volumes and as their eyes met he quickly turned away. Only when Bryce rose to join the young beauty was he able to look back down at his plate. He was a few seconds later than his brothers and father to rise from his seat.

 Bryce rushed to the door, catching his Beauty's hand and bringing it to his lips. "You are more beautiful every time I see you. You're... stunning." He drew her hand to the crook of his arm, curling his fingers over hers. "Allow me?"

 She nodded, her thick blonde curls bouncing around her shoulders. "Thank you, Alpha Prince Bryce."

 "Just Bryce, Beauty." He leaned closer as he allowed the servant to pull out her chair. "I hope one day to hear you call me your love."

 A deep pink flush covered the satiny skin of her cheeks and she couldn't lift her gaze. She sank down into the tall backed chair and then glanced around the table. Her eyes lit upon Blaise and a sweet smile graced her lips, a smile that he didn't return. Instead, he turned his gaze away and studied the hot plate of food the servant sat before him. 

 "I am so glad you feel well enough to join us, sweetheart." Ramilla's voice was warm and she reached over to rest her fingers against the young girl's arm. "That gown looks wonderful on you."

 "Thank you, ma'am. It was so generous of you to allow me to borrow it."

 "Ramilla, dear. And it wasn't for you to borrow. You will need apparel until we can find your people. I have always wanted a daughter." She smiled, her eyes lighting up with a thin circle of gold surrounding the iris. "Perhaps I might...borrow you until your memory returns?"

 "I would like that, Ramilla. Thank you."

 "That's enough thanking." She sat back as the servant slipped a gold plate in front of her. She smiled at the maid. "Tell cook she has done her usual magic. It all looks wonderful."

 The meal passed quickly. The brothers joked and jested as only a close knit family could. The only one who didn't get involved was Blaise. He either stared at his plate or he watched Beauty. But no word passed his lips.

 The food was wonderful but the heat of Blaise's gaze made her lose her appetite. She lifted the golden challis of shimmering wine to her lips. It was fruity, smooth and cold, helping combat the dry mouth that seemed to plague her since entering the room.

 "Is something wrong with the food, my dear? You aren't eating." King Thorn's voice was deep and rumbly, startling Beauty.

 "Oh, no, sire. The food is very good. I guess I am still recovering."

 "Perhaps it is a case of too much too soon? Bryce, you should escort our young guest back to her chamber." There was a clatter and a shattering of china as a plate fell to the floor.

 "Excuse me, I have...things to do." His bow was short and he turned and strode from the room before his parents could speak.

 "Hmm." Thorn glance at his mate and queen. "What is that all about?"

 Ramilla clutched his hand under the table. "Something is bothering him. Bryce, do you have any idea?"

 Beauty's eyes closed and she plucked the napkin from her lap. "I think...I should lie down, majesties. I guess I am not quite as recovered from my dunking as I had thought." The servant behind her chair helped her rise. Before Bryce could stand, she touched his shoulder. "Stay, finish your meal. I can find my own way." She bent and pressed a quick kiss upon his cheek. "Thank you."

 She hurried from the room after a quick curtsey, turning into the hall and following the stone corridors to a huge double staircase. The corridors at the top seemed to stretch on forever either way. The palace was huge with an endless amount of rooms and confusing passageways. She stood, unsure of which direction to go to find the rooms she'd been given.

 "Are you lost?"

 She jumped and turned quickly, her hand coming up to her breast. "Oh, Blaise, you frightened me."

 "I apologize, milady. I..." He sighed and closed his eyes. "You looked as if you needed help and I thought to offer mine. If I was mistaken, I am sorry. I will leave you..."

 "Oh, please. There are just so many rooms and directions I could take. I..." Her cheeks flushed and her eyes dropped. "I am lost."

 "I thought my brother was to show you the way." His eyes were guarded. 

 She didn't know how to act after this afternoon, after the pleasure he had so easily and skillfully given her. She wanted to ask him to kiss her again, to be with her again. But it would be so very wrong. 

 He reached out and took her hand, twining his fingers intimately with hers as if he couldn't stand to not touch her. "I know he wants you and you seemed to like him well enough."

 "Gods, Blaise. This is impossible. How can I pursue any kind of relationship with either of you. I don't know who I am or if I am married or betrothed. I don't know my people. I might be a killer or...or...a woman of..." her voice grew softer and a pink blush stained her cheeks. "Ill repute."

 Blaise chuckled despite the agony in his heart. "I don't think you have to worry about that, fair lady. You blush too much to be a whore. I don't think you a married woman either. Your kisses are too innocent by far. The kiss we shared, the way your lips were on mine, I would swear you an innocent maiden." His free hand gently caressed her cheek before combing through her thick curls.

 There was a sound from the corridor at the foot of the stairs and Blaise stared down below before turning and pulling her into the first door they came to. He spun, pressing her body against the closed door, his hard chest pressing intimately against her soft breasts.

 "You are so beautiful. I don't know how I'll be able to stay away from you. I know you will belong to Bryce. He is Alpha. I am... nothing. I'm his Beta." His heart was racing and he groaned before crushing her lips with his own.

 He panted, his hot breath rushing from his lungs. "I can't help myself. I don't ...want to help myself." He nipped at her soft lower lip, his tongue laving and then thrusting into her mouth. His groan was harsh and heartfelt. "Fair lady, please, tell me to stop. Tell me you don't want me, that you want Bryce. His eyes closed. "Tell me to go to hell, please."

 "I...I..." Her hand caressed his hair roughened cheek. "I do want Bryce." 

 He jerked away from her, but she reached up and tunneled her fingers through his hair, holding him to her with that soft touch. "I want you, too. I shouldn't want either of you but I can't help myself. You are so different but just the same as well." Her chuckle was self-deprecating. "I'm crazy."

 "If you are, you're the most beautiful crazy person I've ever met." His lips pressed against hers again, a soft brushing touch before he pulled back. "There is no way to fix this, lady. My brother is the Alpha. He gets first choice with everything and he's never had to share." He closed his eyes and his features turned stone-like with resolve. "I'll leave the castle. I'll visit the Seventh Kingdom. There are six daughters there to select from. Any will make a fine Beta's mate. Maybe I will forget about you, about this..." He touched his chest, his hand fisting in the satin of his tunic. "...this feeling I have for you." His harsh voice seemed to fail him and his breath caught in his throat.

 He turned to leave the bedchamber. "Go down this hall to the first connecting and go right. Your apartment is the second door to the right. Good-bye, lady." He squeezed his eyes shut. "Be happy with my brother. He loves you." The sentiment was spoken quickly as he opened the door to the hall.

 She reached out, wanting to stop him, to draw him back to her. His beautiful eyes looked so sad. It broke her heart. "Blaise..." She rushed to the door. "Wait!"

 There was no one in the hall and she stood there, a single tear slipped down her cheek. "Don't go," she whispered.

 "Beauty? Are you well?"

 She spun and faced Bryce, her hand rising to her cheek to hide the trail of the tear. "I...I am fine. I...This place is so large, how do you find your way?"

 He reached out and took her hand, threading it through his arm and holding it to his strong forearm. "It's a fantastic place to play Seek-and-Find. My brothers and I know every corridor, even the hidden ones. We would sneak out of the nursery and hide from our Nanny." He smiled down at her. "Would you care to join me in a stroll through the Queen's gardens? It's really something at this hour of the day. It's almost magical."

 She nodded and returned his smile. It just wasn't fair. How could two men look so similar yet be so different. Blaise was broody, quietly intellectual with kisses that could curl her toes in her slippers.

 Bryce was caring and strong, tending to her with a gentleness and a teasing humor that was so sweetly addictive. But his touch spoke of a banked fire, waiting to be fanned before turning into an inferno.

 They descended the stairway and out a door that she hadn't noticed earlier. Her feet froze as the scenery stole her breath. Purple, pink, red and white flowers waved gently in the soft breeze. Above them, tiny insects seemed almost to dance as they moved from one flower to the next. A stone path wove its way through the beautiful beds and she could glimpse the top of a gazebo somewhere in the middle of all that splendor.

 "It's beautiful," she whispered.

 The corners of his mouth turned up just the tiniest bit. She cocked her head to the side as she glanced up at him. "Are you laughing at me?"

 His free hand touched his chest and his brows rose. "Me? I would never, ever poke fun at a lady. It was just... you're whispering," he whispered back.

 She had to laugh at herself. "I guess it just looked so magical that if I spoke too loudly it would disappear." She brushed at a lock of hair that she'd noticed had a tendency to fall in his eyes.

 That slight touch seemed to ignite something in him, his eyes almost glowing in the dim light of the full moon that barely touched the night sky. He caught her hand before she could pull it away from him. "Do you know what you do to me, Beauty?"

 "I...I...No," she finally managed to stutter.

 He pressed her small hand against his chest so she could feel the rushing beat of his heart. "I want you, Beauty. I want you in my arms, in my bed. I want to show you how I feel. I want to kiss you, hold you. I want to stroke my hands over every part of you."

 Her lips parted and her breath rushed out. "I...Gods, Bryce. I don't know what to say to that."

 "Say yes. Say you'll be my queen."

 Her eyes closed. She didn't know if she could look at him and tell him what was in her heart. Above all else, she desperately didn't want to hurt either Bryce or Blaise, but how could she want both of them? The answer stabbed at her heart. She couldn't. She would have to leave. The thought tore at her heart. She couldn't have either of them.

 Before she could speak, Bryce pulled her into his arms, molding her soft body against his hard one. His lips came down, ever gentle against her own. His tongue swept over the seam of her lips, seeking entrance.

 She moaned, her mouth opening for him. The first stroke of his tongue against hers sent a heat throbbing to the flesh between her thighs. She pressed her body tighter to his, her arms going around his neck.

 "Oh, Gods, Beauty. Be mine, please." His voice sounded desperate and husky. 

 "Bryce...I do want that, but..." Her head dropped, her forehead against his chest, hiding her face from him. "I'm not worthy."

 His finger traced her jaw before lifting her face. His lips touched hers. "You are worthy, my Beauty. You are beautiful inside and out. You are what I want more than anything else. Be mine, please."

 A sob ripped through her and she tried to pull away, but he wouldn't let her go. "No, you...you need someone...good and kind."

 He stared down at her. Something he saw in her face seemed to confuse him. He leaned down and hugged her close, his nose buried in her neck.

 When he lifted his head he let her go. "It's my brother. It's Blaise. That's why you think you're not right for me."

 The tears were falling down her face faster than she could wipe them away. Her eyes lifted. "I want him...but I want you too. You should let me go. I can't come between you. Please, Bryce. Send me away before I hurt you both."

 Bryce rubbed at his chest, his head down. "No. You aren't leaving, Beauty. We'll figure out something. I...can't lose you and I won't lose my brother." He pulled her into his arms again and bent his head, his lips covering hers, kissing her and pulling her even closer. He gentled his touch, his hands tunneling into her beautiful, satiny blonde curls. His tongue demanded entrance and he groaned as he devoured the dark seduction of her mouth.

 Her hands were on his back, stroking up to the nape of his neck. "Bryce," she moaned. "Gods, Bryce. What are you doing to me?"

 His lips traced the line of her jaw, nipping at her and then licking around the whorl of her ear. "Loving you, my Beauty." He lifted his head and took a deep breath. "Come on," he growled and pulled her behind him. 

 She followed him through twists and turns in the garden until they were in the gazebo that she'd glimpsed from the door. "What..."

 He spun around and took her into his arms again. "We were about to be interrupted and I'm not willing to share you tonight." His hands stroked up her sides before lifting her arms and placing them around his neck. "You're addictive, Beauty. You're lips are so soft." He trailed his fingers down her arms and around her waist, tugging her closer and kissing her with all the desperation in his soul.

 He tore his mouth from hers and buried it in her neck, nipping at her flesh with tender care. "I want to mark you here," he growled, his mouth teasing and suckling at the curve of her shoulder. "I will take you, thrust into you until you crest on my cock and then I will bite you and drink some of your sweet blood. Then you'll be mine and I'll be yours." His eyes closed and his face lifted. "You'll be so hot, wetting on my cock over and over." His voice turned deeper, rumbling against her flesh.

 He lifted her, laying her gently on one of the wide, padded window seat. His eyes seemed to consume her in the heat of his gaze. He knelt next to her. "Let me take you, mate you, make you mine, Beauty. When your memory returns, we'll deal with that when it happens. I want my cock in you. Gods! If I don't take you, my cock will explode." He groaned and kissed her, his tongue demanding entrance into her mouth. He took her hand, guiding it to the hard bulge in his breeches. With a cry that sounded desperate, he thrust against her hand. "Please let me love you."

 Despair and pain shadowed her eyes. "I love being here with you, but it's... I just can't." A sob broke from her lips and she tried furiously to get free of him. "Why can't you see that?"

 His hands framed her heart-shaped face, one thumb brushing gently over her lips. "Because you belong with me, my Beauty. You have to feel that in here." He dropped one huge hand to rest softly over her heart, caressing the satiny skin of her chest with one thumb.

 "I...I do..." Her eyes closed and she forced herself to finish the lie. "...don't. I don't belong here." A single tear slid down her cheek. "I can't stay here, Bryce. I hope you won't think badly of me. When I find my people, I... have to go home." She tried to blink the tears from her eyes so that she could look up at him but they kept falling.

 Bryce stared down at her, disbelief in his eyes. "You don't mean that. You can't mean that." His lips thinned and he shook his head, rising to his feet and backing slowly away from her. "You don't kiss a man like you kissed me and not feel anything for him, Beauty. You're lying to me now. Are you afraid? Is someone trying to hurt you? Is that why you ran?"

 She swallowed the lump that was thick in her throat from the tears that she was desperately trying to hold back. She sat up, holding her hands out toward him. "Why do you think that? I could have had a fight with my family or...or my husband and ran away like a spoiled child. Maybe I didn't run away at all and it was just a carriage accident?" Her words suddenly seemed to have wings, flying over every lie to prove to him that she wasn't what he thought, that she was awful and horrid and could never make a good queen, no matter what she herself longed for.

 "No. I won't believe that. I...don't believe it. You are too good a person to worry family unless it's for a good reason. No, Beauty. Just...no." He stared down into her eyes and she could feel her will trying to break. She wanted desperately to throw herself into his arms and beg him to kiss her again, but she wouldn't do that to him or to Blaise.

 "Think what you wish, your Majesty." She rose and dipped a sloppy curtsy, almost clumsy in her need to be away from him before she gave into him and admitted to her lies. "Thank you for the stroll. Goodnight, Alpha Bryce."

 She spun and walked as quickly as she could in the gathering gloom, the moon just beginning it's trek across the sky, bright enough to see by. She rushed through the pathways, finally finding her way back into the palace. Following Blaise's directions, she found the rooms she'd been given to use. She sank down onto a soft settee and stared at the floor by her feet.

 In her mind, she could see Blaise and Bryce, their soft, golden eyes, so incredibly alike and yet the emotions that she could see in them were so different, as different as they were themselves. Bryce's eyes shouted of his confidence, his convictions in himself as well as the role he would play in this kingdom. But under it was a heat that made her heart thunder in her chest. There was such fire, such incredible passion that it stole her breath and she wanted to beg for his love, for his touch.

 Blaise had some of that same confidence but it was mixed in with a goodly dose of rage. He seemed to fight his role, as if what he was meant to do wasn't good enough. He so badly seemed to want to lash out but when he held her in his arms, he was gentle and sweet, his desire tempered with care. He carried himself with a lot of the same pride and arrogance that Bryce did, though there was still a dose of doubt that she'd give so much to see him rid of.




Beauty's Choice Ch. 04-05



Just thinking about them made her cry out with a sharp stab of pain. She couldn't stay here, couldn't see them again. She didn't think she could find the strength to rebuke them again. She had to leave this place and find her home. She rushed to the wardrobe, tearing at the door to quickly scan through its contents. 

 There! She knew she'd seen the fur cloak when Margaret had brought in the gowns that Ramilla had loaned her. She tore it out and threw it on the bed, then went through a small writing desk that sat under one of the massive windows in the room to find paper and pen.

 She dipped the thin quill in the small pot of ink and penned her note, thanking them for everything they had done and apologizing for leaving without saying goodbye.

 Your family has been so very accommodating and wonderful. I hope to be able to repay you some day for everything. 

 She had signed it simply—Beauty.

 Leaving the note on the pillows, she flung the thick cloak over her shoulders. She checked the hallway outside her chamber door and then snuck out, quickly rushing down the stairs and hurried to the tall wooden doors that led to the bailey outside the castle. She pulled the cloak's warm hood over her hair and walked quickly though the gate into the town proper.

 She hurried down the tidy, well- kept roads that ran through the gorgeous, small village. Flowers bloomed in boxes and hung from pots. The colors were fabulous, brilliant but tempered with a six petal white flower that she didn't know the name of. It perfumed the air with a sweet scent that she knew she'd never forget.

 Each small house sat upon a square of land. Gardens were green and lush, filled with ripening produce. Children played in the yards, their excited voices peppered the air. Looking through some of the open windows she could spy families sitting together around a table eating. An older woman sat before her small fire, knitting something in brightly colored yarn. A man shouted, startling her and she stopped, staring at him. When he reached down and picked up a small child in his strong arms and threw him over his shoulder while the child giggled delightedly, she clasped her hands against her chest.

 The village gate was open and she walked through, breathing a sigh of relief when she wasn't stopped. Most castle guards were concerned about who was entering the small village, but not who was leaving.

 The moon was bright along the roadway and she made good time. It wasn't until a dog's barking startled her that she realized that by following the road, she would be making it so much easier if anyone came looking for her. Some inner sense of caution had her leaving the road and going into the dark woods that ran both sides of the road.

 

Chapter Five

 "Your Grace?"

 Ramilla started, looking up as Margaret called for her. "Yes, Margaret? What is it?"

 "Lady Beauty isn't in her chamber. I went to help her prepare for bed and found this." She thrust out the note and then stood fidgeting while Ramilla read the missive.

 "Where did you find this?"

 "It was on her pillows, ma'am. Her wardrobe door was open and the gowns mussed, one half of a skirt pulled out. I didn't find the fur cloak, the one you instructed me to give her."

 "Where are my sons?"

 "Alpha Bryce is in the throne room with your youngest sons and I am not sure of Beta Blaise's whereabouts."

 "Find him." Ramilla hurried to the throne room, reading through the short note one more time. 

 Three of her sons were in the throne room, Declan and Micah playing a game of Sticks and Wheels, a gambling game, while Bryce sat close to the fire, staring morosely at the flames. They all looked up when Ramilla hurried in. 

 "Bryce, when was the last time you saw Beauty?" She held out the note, barely allowing him time to read it before demanding as answer.

 "We went for a stroll in your garden after supper." His face fell as he remembered Beauty's dismissal of his suit. "She told me... She... Never mind that," he said, shaking his head. "Where did you find this?"

 Thorn walked into the room, having been alerted by Margaret about their missing guest. He walked to his wife and ran a strong hand down her back to curl his fingers at her still slender waist. "My love," he murmured against her ear, letting his presence soothe her.

 She sighed and relaxed into him. "Margaret found it on her pillows when she went to turn down her bedding. She said that the wardrobe door was open and her cloak missing. Did she say anything to you about leaving?"

 Blaise stormed into the throne room, going to his brother's side. When Bryce turned to look at him, Blaise curled up his fist and slammed it into Bryce's eye. "What did you do to her?" He stood over his brother, his lack of control had his beast apparent in the shimmering gold of his eyes. "You are an insufferable ass."

 Micah grabbed Blaise and pulled him away from Bryce, struggling to hold him until Declan rushed to help him. "Calm down, Blaise!"

 "What did you do!?" Blaise shouted.

 Bryce rose and stared at his brother in amazement. "What makes you think I did anything?" He walked to his brother and pressed gently against his eye that was slowly swelling. "Maybe you did something..."

 "Because..." Blaise paused and cleared his throat. "Because I told her she should be with you, that I was no good for her. She should be with the Alpha, not the lowly Beta." His cheek flexed as his teeth ground. "What did you do?" he asked again, though in a more controlled voice.

 "Is that how you feel? That you're only second best?" Bryce set his hand on Blaise's shoulder.

 Blaise jerked hard, yanking away from his brothers. "It's how it is." His eyes narrowed as he glared at Bryce. "It's how it always has been."

 "It's not true, brother. It's not how I feel. You are every bit as good as I am and in some ways, you're much better. Why didn't you ever tell me how you feel?" Bryce's eyes spoke of the truth. He had to make his brother understand or else he could lose him altogether.

 Blaise's body was held so taut, he almost seemed to vibrate. "And you'd do what, Alpha Bryce?" His tone was darkly sarcastic as he glared at his brother. "Give up the throne for me? Put out a royal edict? What would you have done? It's the way things are."

 "Oh, Blaise." Ramilla slowly walked toward her son, gently laying her hand on his arm. "Have you ever watch Heath, seen everything he does around here?"

 "He works every bit as hard, and sometimes harder than I do. He is the one who holds this kingdom together, son. I would never be able to do half what I do now without him." Thorn's voice was low but it commanded his sons' attention. "Who do you think Bryce will depend upon when he rules? He'll need you, son."

 "But he is still given first everything. That doesn't matter." He shook his head and stared at Bryce, his eyes glowing. "What did you do to her that made her run?"

 "I asked her to be mine." His eyes began to shimmer, his wolf very close to taking over. "I begged her to stay and be mine, to be my queen."

 "That can't be it," Blaise growled. "She told me she wouldn't have me, that she wanted you, too. I told her to go and be with you."

 "What do you mean, she wanted me too?" Bryce voice was rough, every syllable short and crisp.

 "It doesn't matter! We need to find her. She could be..." He couldn't put his thoughts into words, couldn't verbalize them and give them power of any kind to come true. He turned from his family and rushed through the castle, ripping at his close with talon like claws as he ran. By the time he got to the heavy doors of the castle, his brothers were behind him. As they leapt over the doorway they came down as huge, menacing black wolves.

 They caught her scent quickly and streamed through the village, ignoring the people as they bowed their heads respectfully.

 "We are going to talk about this." Bryce's snarl was in Blaise's head, using the wolf speak they shared as lycan kind.

 "Back off, Bryce. We don't have anything to discuss. Just know this. If anything happens to her, if she has a scratch upon her person, I will end you."

 "You won't have to." Even in wolf speak the despair was evident in his voice. "I'd end myself."

 "How about you two stop with the melodramatics and we find her?" Micah's voice cut through their mental battle like a slap to the back of the head. They both turned their heads and glared at him and then put their noses down to keep her scent.

 She is everything. Blaise glanced over at his twin. I'd give anything for her.

 And you think I wouldn't? I love her.

 So you would take her away as well as everything else. You might as well, you...

 Bryce glared at his brother. What have you given up? He sounded more curious than angry.

 What haven't I given up? You are ten minutes older than I am but you are given the world and I get crumbs. I could have been as good if not a better Alpha than you. Because of those ten minutes, I am a Beta, a second place leader. I'll have to watch you take the woman that I love and be content with a vision of her with you. Blaise growled the last words before turning and tackling his twin to the hard ground.

 Bryce grabbed his front leg with his powerful jaws and they rolled, neither one able to strike a telling blow. Insubstantial scratches that healed almost as fast as they were made did nothing to calm the fury inside them both.

 She should be mine! I am Alpha. My mate will rule at my side!

 Blaise's fangs tore into Bryce's shoulder, tasting his blood. It shook him, knowing that he had hurt the wolf that he'd shared so many things. His lady fair deserved to be with the real Alpha, not him. He let Bryce take him to the ground, his throat bare and his head tipped back, showing deference. 

 Bryce held him there, staring down at the panting, black wolf who looked so much as he did. He quickly released his hold and just stared at his brother. You had me, Blaise. You could have ended me easily, why didn't you?

 Because she deserves the best and you are the Alpha. You will protect her and care for her. He coughed to dislodge the huge ball that seemed to be suffocating him. He was giving her up. He couldn't believe it, but he was. He rose and let his head droop. Life seemed like one endless deserted road in front of him.

 Bryce stared at him. But you love her. If you had taken the advantage, you could have killed me and taken Alpha from me.

 Blaise glared at him. He shook his big black head. You are my brother, my twin. Killing you would be like killing myself. He took a step back and bowed. You are my Alpha.

 The Alpha stood and sighed. Brother, I may have a solution that will solve all our problems.

 * * * *

Beauty ran from tree to tree, the darkness of the forest making her feel infinitely more alone and fragile. She stumbled and fell to her hands and knees, a face appearing in her mind's eye. She shuddered in fear, ducking her head as if to hide herself. A name tickled her lips and she spat it out like a foul taste.

 "A-Abram, Chancellor Abram Black."

 And just like that, the veil that had hidden her past was lifted and she remembered everything.



Beauty's Choice Ch. 06



Chapter Six

Her name was Elianna Spencer and she was a witch of the Third Kingdom. Her father, Lord Malachi Spencer, had given her to Chancellor Abram Black in marriage. A marriage that would give her father the power and status he craved. He certainly wouldn't care about something as paltry as his daughter's wishes. And her biggest was to not be linked in marriage to Chancellor Black. He was as evil and dark as his name and Elianna had panicked. When they had stopped at an Inn for a short break for the horses, she'd stolen the coach that had come to take her to his manse deep in the Black Woods of the Third Kingdom.

It had been so very cold on the driver's seat and she wasn't exactly sure where she was going to go. She'd thought to hide in the woods, hoping that maybe the black witch would save her. It was stupid, the witch was probably one of those legends, the kind that changed with every retelling.

But she didn't care. She had just known that giving her troth to Abram Black was something she was not ready or willing to do. 

She'd taken a few moments in the coach to warm up under the furs. But she hadn't known how to properly set the brake or hobble the horses. Something had startled them and they'd spooked. Without someone at the reins, they'd spun the coach and thundered across the First Kingdom. They had dumped the coach into that deep ditch and trapped her in the icy, cold water.

All of that had led her to fleeing from two of the most incredible and irresistible men she'd ever met. 

But even knowing who she was and why she'd been running just made it even more important that Bryce and Blaise not catch up with her. A sob caught in her chest and her heart ached. She cringed, thinking of the evilness of the man her father had promised her to.

She knew him, at least by reputation. He'd find out where she'd hidden and he would exact vengeance from the people of the first kingdom, from Bryce and Blaise. Just the thought tore at her, the thought of being any part in hurting the two men that owned her heart was more than she could stand.

With a cry, she pushed the ball of her hand against her forehead, trying desperately to think of a way to save them. Only one thing might work and even that was a very weak might.

She'd go to him, to Abram Black, she'd beg him to take her if it kept him from hurting her two men. "Oh God," she moaned. She'd claimed them in her thoughts, and in her heart. With an even deeper sorrow, she knew that was the only place she could possibly ever claim them.

She looked around the forest. She had been walking even while deep in thought and now she wasn't quite sure which way she was supposed to go. She turned a slow circle, searching for a landmark she could use to give her even a hint of where she was.

A low, menacing snarl from the bushes startled her and she searched for the source, finally spotting two yellow eyes in the underbrush. She couldn't see what they belonged to, her fear almost stripping her of her wits. Slowly backing away, she held her hands out, muttering an incantation under her breath. 

When nothing happened she tried again, before remembering that her father had bound her powers to Abram Black. She would have been given them back after their wedding night, after he'd taken her innocence.

"He can have them," she muttered with a sullen curse. "I'd rather be dead." The tree above her had branches low enough for her to reach and she quickly swung into its protective boughs. She hurriedly and clumsily clambered further, glancing down as something snarled near the base of the tree. A huge black panther jumped up, swatting at her feet before she could pull them any further. 

"Please," she begged the huge beast, "don't hurt me."

The panther was immense, and ran a rough, pink tongue over its gleaming white fangs. Even as she pulled herself into the tree, closer to its base, he prepared to leap into the branches after her. Before he could perform that leap, he turned his head and stared back the way he'd come. A loud, feral scream left its mouth and he jumped back into the underbrush without giving her a second look.

A shiver of an even deeper terror had her pushing herself back behind the thick screen of leaves. Whatever was down there was scarier than something that could easily kill her. Whatever was down there now had frightened off the panther. With a quiet gasp, she pressed her fist to her mouth to try and hold back the moans that were fear inspired.

Below her, two huge black wolves slid through the underbrush. They were beautiful, majestic, even as they were terrifying. She scooted back a bit farther and heard the telltale sound of leaves rustle. 

When the wolves looked up, Elianna jerked backwards and lost her balance. A quick shriek left her lips and she tipped off the branch. Her last coherent thought as she fell through tree limbs was a fast, prayer of thanksgiving that at least it would be the fall that killed her.

Then four strong and warm arms closed around her, catching her with a gentleness that didn't even jar her. Two hard, masculine chests cradled her and four amber eyes gazed down at her. "Bryce? Blaise? How?" she stuttered.

"Did you really think we would let you go, lady fair?"

"We can't let you go, Beauty. You belong to us." They let her feet slip to the ground but their arms stayed around her, pressing her up against them.

"You do deserve a spanking for worrying us like that. That will be one of the first things we do after we claim you."

"You can't," she cried.

"We can't claim you, or spank you?"

"You...You have to let me go. You need to forget about me. Please." Her voice cracked as she begged them, seeing the stubborn light in their eyes. They were so alike and so deep in her heart that she felt like it would rip from her chest just thinking she could never be with them the way they wanted.

Bryce glanced at Blaise. They seemed to speak mentally before making up their minds about something. "We will discuss all that when we are back in the castle, my love."

"No!" she cried. "Don't you understand? Just being around me could get you killed. I can't have your deaths on my shoulders. It would kill me. Please, let me go." Her beautiful golden/green eyes begged them to understand, to let her go so that she could hide until this would be over.

"And leaving you would kill us. We love you, lady fair. Without you, life seems pretty meaningless. Do you know what happens to wolves who lose their mates? Do you understand that life would be nothing, would seem as nothing without you?" Blaise traced the back of his fingers over her cheek.

Before she could answer, a growl and a deep bark had both men lifting their heads. "We will table this discussion until we get back into the First Kingdom." Blaise took a step back and as she watched, his body contorted and a gleaming of sparkling waves enveloped him. He grew to a massive size, fur pushing through his dark skin. His nose and mouth turned into a black muzzle. He met her eyes, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as if he was just some big, lap dog.

Bryce lifted her, placing her astride Blaise's back. "Hold tight, Beauty. We'll be back to the castle in no time."

"Please, Bryce..." But before she could say anything more, Bryce took two steps and took the third as his wolf. They leaped into a quick run, two smaller black wolves following behind.

Elianna gripped the fur ruff around Blaise's neck, amazed at how incredibly soft his fur was. She leaned down, hugging him, stroking his silky pelt. His stride was swift and smooth, barely jarring her. It was more like he was rocking her, loving her. It lulled her senses and she closed her eyes, relaxing into him.

"Is she sleeping?" Blaise sent the thought to Bryce.

"She looks like an angel in your fur. What do you think has her so afraid?"

"I don't know but I don't like it. She shouldn't fear anything with us. Whatever it is, I say we hunt it down and kill it."

Bryce nodded his regal head. They were of one mind on this. Nothing would scare their mate, nothing would frighten her so badly that she would leave them again. Nothing, he thought with a growl.

They ran back to the castle and Bryce quickly dressed before lifting her from Blaise's broad back. He waited for his brother to dress and then they went to the throne room, knowing their parents would need to know what frightened her almost as much as they did. Micah and Declan had announced their return and their parents waited impatiently on them there.

Beauty looked up at him, her eyes shining with her emotions and confused by sleep. It made him catch his breath, love glistening in her beautiful green/gold orbs. "Hello, my love."

Than something struck her and she struggled against him. "Why did you bring me back here? Let me down. I have to go. He'll kill you."

He let her slip down until she stood steady, pressed against him. "Who will kill us, Beauty? Who is scaring you like this?"

"Elianna," she corrected. "Elianna Spencer is my name."

"Wait," Ramilla said, holding one hand up. "Why is your name so familiar?" She thought for a quick moment, than her eyes widened. "You are affianced to Chancellor Black of the Third Kingdom."

"Yes. Now you know why I cannot stay here. I will not cause your family heartache and harm after all the good you have done for me. If I could but borrow a horse..."

"No!" both Bryce and Blaise roared. "You aren't leaving us."

"Please, Ramilla. Please tell them I cannot stay. I would rather go back to Abram then cause their deaths and if I stay, that is what will happen. Abram is an evil man. He has so much power." Her eyes begged the Queen to help her make her sons understand.

"I can't, dear. Actually, can't is the wrong word. I won't. Chancellor Black has no power here in the First Kingdom. He dare not raise arms against us. He would have the whole table of Chancellors against him."

"What? No...he has too much power with the Chancellors." 

"So you see, lady fair, you are stuck with us. You are our mate." Blaise touched her chin. "We won't be without you."

Elianna startled. "You...You both want me? You want to, what, share me? Is that even possible?"

Bryce chuckled. "Oh yes. Very definitely. We look forward to showing you how, don't we brother?"

Blaise stroked his hand down her back, his gentle caress sending a shiver down her spine. "We do."

"When did this happen?" Ramilla asked. "Not that I'm against it, mind you, but when you left...well," she touched her eye mimicking the bruise on Bryce's eye where just the hint of yellow- green was still evident.

"What happened?" Elianna growled. "Who did that?" She reached up, tracing the bruise with a gentle touch. "Are you alright?"

"You want to tell her?" Bryce asked, looking at Blaise.

"I'd rather pour honey on myself and walk naked into the Fourth Kingdom."

Bryce laughed. "It was a consequence of my brother and I being idiots. We worked it out and everything is fine now."

Elianna wrapped her hands around his forearms and then stood on tiptoe to reach up and place a gentle, careful kiss against the bruise. "No more fighting over me."

Blaise had the presence of mind to look ashamed. "Does that mean you will stay with us?" he asked eagerly, not sounding very contrite.

Elianna sighed heavily. "You don't know what he'll do. He has my magic, with it..." she couldn't finish her sentence.

"He has your magic? How is that possible?"

She looked at King Thorn. "My magic was bound to him when his troth was accepted by my father. Unless I marry him, my magic will wither and fade until there is nothing left of it. I-I will do the same." Her heart thumped heavily in her chest. It was not an easy death or a pleasant one, but she would rather that than the thought of becoming Abram's wife.

Bryce's eyes flashed. "How do we get your magic back?"

"You don't." Elianna let him pull her against his chest. "Abram has to relinquish it willingly." Blaise pressed up against her back, his warmth a welcome respite from the coldness that was residing in her soul at the thought of walking away from these two men. "I'd rather die than be with him, especially now."

"We aren't letting that happen, my love. We will figure out a way to get it back and you won't ever have to be near him again." Blaise kissed the nape of her neck, his wolf growling inside him and pacing, frantically wanting to take over and kill the thing that threatened their mate. "Father, there has to be someone..."

Thorn nodded, his thumb rubbing against his chin. "Chancellor Partis. I will send him a missive now. Micah, go wake Heath. We will need his thoughts on this as well."

"Elianna?" Ramilla gently touched her shoulder, her soft sympathy shimmering in her beautiful, caring eyes. "Let me take you up to your room. You must be exhausted."

A surge of hope spread through her breast, warming her the way her two wolves were warming her body with their embrace. Maybe there was hope after all. Maybe Abram will finally know the meaning of the word no, that he couldn't buy and sell people with a flick of his fingers. She could only hope. But it was something she'd been afraid of, that hope.

Now she almost hated the hope that flickered so brightly inside of her. It would make it so difficult when she was denied her freedom and she would have to leave the First Kingdom and go to the prison that would be her life. Which would be easier? Could she live with Abram's cold, impersonal touch, his petty paybacks for even the most trivial of slights, true or not? Could she withstand his cruelty, his tantrums? What of the feel of him rutting between her thighs, taking forcefully what she so badly wanted to give to her wolves? Could she live with the thought of his selfish and petty hands, his thin, wet lips? But if not...Would she be able to withstand the pain that awaited her, the thought was almost too much to bear.

She let Ramilla pull her away, stopping only to rise to her toes and kiss both men, gentle bushes to their lips. She heard Blaise's gasp before turning to Bryce. He helped her up with tender hands to her biceps. The kiss was one of innocence, a quick favor that barely heated their lips and lasted but a moment but cemented in Elianna's mind to where she belonged.

These two men held more than her heart, they held her hope, her sincerity, her need. They took her from the blackest and coldest of futures and brought her soul into the light. With them, she might have a future, children, love. She could have everything she'd ever wanted if she took a chance and gave her hopes and dreams to them.

"Don't worry, lady fair. Bryce never fails at anything. He is the champion's champion at anything he sets his mind upon. He will save us all." His hand stroked over the back of her head, tangling in her rich golden curls as if he couldn't bear to let her out of sight.

Bryce was not to be outdone. "My brother is the smartest man I know, beauty. He will come up with the idea that will save the day. Don't you fret and worry. Rest and this will be over with soon."

She nodded, stepping into their embrace one last time. "I'm not afraid." The lie slipped past her lips and she tried to make it believable, but staring up into their eyes, she was sure she hadn't been believed. With a quick nod she hurried to Ramilla's side and followed her up the wide staircase to her rooms.

* * * *

"She can't die," Blaise uttered in a voice that was deep and fearful. A fear that ate at his soul. "She just can't."

Bryce nodded and clasped his shoulder. "We won't let her. If we can't save her than we tether our lives to hers. We won't let her die alone."

Blaise closed his eyes and nodded his head. For a wolf to mate as deeply as Bryce was talking about, when their mate died, they would pass as well, saving their wolves from living with the absolute agony of being separated from the one that completed their souls. It would be a mercy to them, for they would be with Elianna in the next life.

"I don't want to hear that kind of talk," Thorn growled. "You are my sons and I will not let you go, so start thinking. We need to find a way to save Elianna."

Micah came striding into the room, Heath, the pack Beta on his heels.

"Micah briefed you?" At Heath's nod, Thorn continued. "Then you know we don't have a lot of time to figure this thing out."

"Chancellor Black is not an easy man to cross. He is vindictive and cruel." Heath scratched his head. "We need to go to the table. They will be the ones to sort this out."

"And if they say our mate belongs to Black?" Bryce growled the question, his wolf wanting to take over, to kill the man who was threatening his mate. 

"The table is made up of shifters as well as humans, they will understand what finding a mate actually means. I can't see any of them tearing a fated mate from her fated partner. Hopefully that will trump Black's prior claim. If not...well we'll burn that bridge when we come to it."

Bryce stared at his father's beta. "Don't you mean cross?"

Heath stared at the Alpha Prince. "No because burn is what will probably happen. Black is very powerful, he has a lot of pull and his magic is legendary and almost unstoppable."

Thorn grabbed Blaise when the man growled and started to twitch. "Settle down," he snapped. "Heath is trying to come up with answers. Challenging him will do neither of you any good and could waste valuable time. Remember yourself, Blaise. You are the son of Alphas. You need to project the image of being unstoppable yourself. Half the..."

"...battle is in the mindset." Blaise finished the sentence, having been taught that at a very early age and reminded of it often. It was difficult to remember, though, when he badly wanted to kill something, or someone. His heart was racing and his hands were in fists. He took several deep breaths before he could push back the change.

Bryce came up and stood beside him, his hand clasping his shoulder. "We will save her, brother. But we have to find out about these bound powers. Perhaps if we sent a messenger to her father, perhaps he would unbind her magic?"

Micah shook his head. "Power and greed are two of the major components of a warlock. If Black has her powers, he will not want to give them up. Her father has no way to get them back, not if he bound them magical to her intended."

"How do you know all of this?" Thorn stared at his son, a puzzled look in his eyes.

Micah glanced at his father. "I...um...I was...um"

Blaise shook his head even as a soft chuckle passed his lips. "I think we know what the 'um' is." He met his father's eyes. "Micah has a reputation of...being a favorite of the ladies."

"Not as much as Declan is."

The men laughed. Then they sat down at the long table and began to kick around ideas, searching for answers that would save Elianna.