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A King's Touch Ch. 00

By: dragontatto



Thanks to all of those who have been patient with me and the delay for returning to Venus and these wonderful characters. I hope you enjoy and wish me the best during the Nanowrimo contest, which is what I'm writing this story for.

*

Sandova, Venus, 2108

"Come out child." Clara's gaze was steady on the spot where she was certain she had a little spectator. Her suspicion was confirmed when a tousled blonde head popped up from behind the settee.

"Sara! I can't believe you ruined this for me!" The teen-aged girl across from Sara began to pout.

"Now, Kira, your sister meant no harm." Clara's tone was even but she knew the steel under it would subdue the most troublesome of children, not that she'd any of her own to subdue. For a brief moment longing struck her and she grieved for what might have been. 

"You don't understand, she's constantly underfoot and spying on me. Now, she's gone and ruined this! I'll never get my destiny foretold with her here!"

"I was curious, Sissy. How else am I suppose to learn, no one around here ever tells me anything!" 

"Mom, Sara's ruining my destiny prediction..." Kira jumped up and ran from the room, still calling for her mother. Clara watched as Sara darted out to take after her sister.

"Stop, Sara." She held a hand out to the girl.

Sara stopped and turned towards her. Looking the girl over, she noticed the promise of budding beauty in the girl. 

"Come here, Sara, and let me tell you of the future." 

"But you're here to tell Sissy's future not mine." The bewildered look on her face was enough to make Clara want to wrap the girl up in her arms. 

"Who says I can't do both, Sara. I'm a seer. I see many things, for many people." She smiled in encouragement as the girl crept closer to her.

"Are you sure you can do both?" Sara stopped within inches of Clara. 

"Yes, my dear. Give me your hand and I'll be able to tell you of many things." 

Clara nearly laughed as the child's look of suspicion. 

"You can tell me who I marry?"

"Perhaps, why don't we see?" Clara held her hand out once more. Clara had a moment to savor the soft skin of Sara's hand before her gift flooded her with images. She braced herself against the barrage of images which originated from the girl's future. When it was over, Clara sagged back against the chair. 

Such a sweet child but there's so much pain and suffering in her future until she finds her home in the King's arms. She'll be molded by the fires of Venus and be all the stronger for it.

"Auntie Clara? Are you alright?" 

Clara was jerked out of her thoughts at the child's voice.

"Yes, child. I'm fine. Shall I tell you of your future now?"

"Please, please?" The little girl was jumping up and down with excitement. Clara sighed and began the foretelling.

* * * *

"Prince Philip, Prince Philip!" The little tornado of a girl ran towards him. Philip caught the little girl after dropping the books he'd just retrieved from the palace library. At fourteen years of age himself, little Sara Glasten was still a child to him, even though she was ten. 

"Hello, little Sara. How is my little hellion today?" 

She pressed a quick kiss to each of his cheeks and then his nose, instead of answering him. "Ah come on, Sara. Enough!" His chest shook with laughter as he tried to avoid her little mouth. They had practically been raised together. Her father, Gaerwn, was frequently called to the palace to assist his father, King Angi. Sara had tagged along after him and Brent, his twin, as a toddler and while Brent had started pushing Sara away, Philip still found her quite delightful. 

"Philip, did you hear?" 

"Hear what, Sara?" He set her on her feet next to him. As usual, she clung to him like a garta vine.

"I am part of destiny! And so are you!" Her blond curls bouncing as she jumped up and down next to him, still clinging to him. 

"What are you talking about?" He headed back to the table where he had been working on his studies and dragged Sara with him. 

"Momma had Auntie Clara come over to the house to tell Kira's destiny." 

He sat down and as usual she climbed on to his lap. He mentally resigned himself to the fact that he was going to be an unwilling audience until she was finished with her news. 

"How did you have your destiny foretold if she was there for Kira?" He raked a hand through his blond hair.

"Auntie Clara told Sissy her destiny too. She told mine cause I was hiding and watching Sissy's." 

"You were spying on your older sister again?" He could believe it as the little imp was always nosing around where she wasn't welcome. 

"Well, how am I suppose to know what is going on if I don't. Did you know when Robert Claxton came over, Sissy let him stick his tongue in her mouth. Gross!" 

Philip shook his head as Sara changed the subject - as she was known to do. 

"Sara!" He laid his head back against the chair. "I don't want to hear about Robert Claxton."

"Oops, sorry. You probably like sticking your tongues in girl's mouths. I guess I'll just have to get used to it." She reached up and toyed with a piece of his hair. Like all the men in his family he wore it long and bound at the nape of his neck.

"What in the name of King Mica, are you talking about now? I swear, girl, that keeping up with you is like following a tarta!" A tarta was a small but flighty bird and was his country's national bird. A tarta wouldn't be caught unless it wanted to be, and then the poor fool who caught it was stuck with it because tartas bonded for life. 

"Cool, that means you'll never be able to catch me unless I want you to!" Another bubble of giggles escaped her.

"Saraaaaaaa!" His patience was growing thin.

"I know, I know! Anyways this lady saw me and told me my destiny after Sissy ran off to tell Mom I was spying again." She reached behind his neck and untied the leather tie holding his hair bound at the nape of his neck.

"Sara, quit that," he hissed as he tried to stop her. "Ever since you saw Queen Diana's loosen King Charles's hair during their bonding ceremony, you think it is okay to do it to me. Now - knock it off." 

"It's okay. We're going to be bonded, so I'm allowed to do it. Besides you have the softest hair, Philip. I just love touching it."

He looked down at the little vixen on his lap in astonishment. 

"Excuse me?" 

"Yeah, Auntie Clara, told me I was destined to be your chosen and we would bond."

"What!" He dumped her off his lap as he stood up. 

"Not now, silly Philip. When we're older. After both of us have been tested and tried by tribulations," she said, mimicking an older woman's voice, from where she landed on the solar's floor.

"Sara, have you lost your mind? Been out in the sun too long or has the moon started to effect you?" He started to pace back and forth.

"No, Philip. It's our destiny 'cause Auntie Clara said so and you know she's never wrong." Sara stood up and dusted off her skirts.

"Son of a tarta!" He was flabergasted when she gave him another quick peck before flying out of his solar. Me bonded to that little hellion? What did I do to deserve such a fate? Surely she just misunderstood Auntie Clara.

A King's Touch Ch. 01



Sandova, 2118

"Prince Philip." 

Philip turned around and couldn't believe his eyes. In front of him was his Sara, but not the same Sara. She still looked like the little vixen who had tagged after him, but the stillness which clung to her was not the same high energy radiance he'd become accustomed to seeing in Sara. 

"Sara. You're back! It's good to see you. You've grown at least four inches since the last time I've seen you." He rose from the chaise in the library where he had been reading. 

"Yes. I've missed you, so I asked Mama if I could possibly stop and see you while Daddy was talking with King Angi." 

He noticed she had her hands folded in front of her. 

"How was Rathington's?" 

"Educational. I was lucky Mom and Dad sent me to such a prestigious school." 

He studied her carefully. This vision of proper witch was nice, but where has my little tarta gone to? Maybe I need to bait her a bit and I'll find her.

"Do you have a hug for your chosen?" 

She continued to stand across the room from him. 

"It would be unseemly, Prince Philip." 

"What have you done with my Sara?" He rose, crossed the room and stopped mere inches from her.

"She grew up. The teachers, professors and the staff at Rathington made sure of that." Her voice was so soft, he barely heard her words.

"Are you all right, Sara?" Concern whipped through him and he took her hand and drew her over to the chaise. He was unprepared for the thrill and power of awakening his inner magick. The moment he touched her, it awoke and spoke to him. 

Chosen. Our Chosen to claim. 

Philip stilled as he realized the truth of what Sara had told him so many years before was confirmed. I should've believed her. 

"I'm fine. I merely longed to see you. I've missed you dreadfully, but I am sure we'll occasionally see each other when Daddy comes to visit your father." 

"Come Sara, your father has finished his business with the king." Kara Glasten urged. Philip didn't see Sara stiffen but he felt a change in her none-the-less. Something is very amiss here and I intend to find out. I want my Sara back.

"Yes, Mom. I'm truly sorry, Prince Philip, but it's time for me to leave." Sara curtsied and left with her mother. 

Philip scratched his head before walking over to one of the numerous bookcases. Running a finger along the tomes, he finally found the one he was looking for. Pulling the thick volume off the shelf, he settled back on the chaise and opened it. 

An hour later he closed it with a smile. I've found the perfect way to bind her to me. She's too skittish for my liking. Something happened while she was away and until I figure it out, she's not leaving my side.

* * * *

"You did very well today, daughter. Your father was concerned Rathington wouldn't be able to tame the wild streak in you. It'll be a relief to him to know his fear was unjustified." 

Sara stared out the window, showing her mother the polishing which the headmistress had beaten into her. Mother has no idea how I longed to jump into Philip's arms as I used to. Nor does she have any idea Father allowed the headmistress free reign in my discipline. I almost wish Auntie Clara had never foretold my bonding to the next king of Sandova. Then Father wouldn't have become obsessed with how the future Queen should conduct herself and I would've never been sent off to that awful Rathingtons. Perhaps this is what she meant when she foretold of being tried by tribulations.

"Sara, are you ignoring me?"

"I'm sorry, Mom. My mind wandered. But I'm sure Father will be pleased."

"I say, Rathingtons was the best move for you, Sara, dear." Her mom continued to work on the needlepoint on her lap. 

"If you say so, Mom. May I retire to my room? It has been a long day and the travel from first Rathingtons to the palace and then back here has fatigued me."

"Of course. I'll send a tray up for you." 

Sara nodded and took her leave. 

* * * *

Philip knocked on the study door where his father had retreated to after dinner. 

"Come in." 

Pressing the door open, he stepped into the study. He spotted his father right way. He was sitting at the great desk, whittling as was his practice. Philip couldn't help but smile at the site. I wonder what the populace of Sandova would think of this? 

"What's troubling you, son?" Angi looked up from the slender piece of carnac he was whittling.

"I need your help, Dad. I need to perform a binding spell."

Angi paused and fixed his laser blue eyes on his son. 

"This is a grave request, Philip. Binding spells aren't to be taken lightly. Why do you seek such a spell?" 

"It's Sara."

"You want to perform a binding spell on the girl you swore was going to dog your footsteps to the grave? What has changed?" 

Philip plopped down in the chair across from his dad.

"I'm not sure, Dad. Gaerwn sent her off to Rathingtons where she's finally finished her studies, but she's not the same girl that left here."

"Other than her being your friend, why does this concern you?"

"She's my chosen." 

Angi set his whittling down. 

"Is that so? What finally convinced you?" 

"My magick. I touched her today and it spoke to me for the first time."

"I see and now you want me to help you perform a binding spell on your chosen. This could seriously backfire, Philip. Sara is a very feisty witch. Why not wait for the mezclar? It will bind her just as tightly to you as any binding spell." 

"How soon can I start the mezclar?" 

"It's not that easy, son. Sara has to trigger it. You'll have to wait until new moon approaches and then her body will jump start it."

Philip covered his eyes with an arm and groaned. "Do you realize how far away the next full moon is?"

"Yes, considering I helped create it." 

"Damn, Dad. I don't want to wait that long."

"It is only eight weeks away. Why don't we invite the Glastons to stay at the palace. I know I would love to see Sara once more. Perhaps I can find out what has changed."

Philip removed his arm and locked eyes with his father.

"Perhaps."

* * * *

Sara stood at the study door and listened as her father and older brother plotted against the King. Even with all the discipline Headmistress Raven doled out, she still couldn't break me of my little spying habit. I've learned to hide better so as to not get caught.

"Once Philip has bound himself to her, we'll use that bond to bring down the whole family."

"Are you sure we can control her, Dad? She's always been more than a handful." Sean's voice seemed to come closer to the door. Sara jerked back in response.

"Yeah, I had that bitch of a headmistress place a compulsion spell on her. According to her Sara is ready and all you'll have to do is say the correct phrase and she'll do everything we tell her to."

Sara nearly jumped out of her skin when her sister placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Still spying, little sister?" Kira's blue eyes blazed with hatred. 

"Let go of me, Kira." Her words while soft, where still loud enough the two men inside of the study realized they were no longer alone. 

"What in the name of Mica is going on out here!" Gaerwn yanked the door open. Sara cringed as beneath her father's disapproving gaze. "Just as I suspected. Still can't resist sticking your nose where it doesn't belong." 

She cried out as he grabbed her by her arm and dragged her into the study with him, slamming the door behind them. 

"Sit!" He pushed her towards a chair before forcing her down into it.

"Father?" 

"How much did you hear, Sara?" His voice was nearly as cold as his eyes.

"Nothing." Like I'm going to admit I heard him plotting to over throw King Angi. I don't have a death wish. Aside from that who would believe me?

Sara fought the urge to squirm under her father's intense stare. After a moment, he seemed to come to a decision.

"I do believe she maybe telling the truth but I think it's time we go to the next step in the plan, Sean. We've been invited to stay at the palace until she completes the mating ritual with Philip. It'll be too hard to bring her under with him hanging around. " 

"Indeed. Look at me little sister." 

Sara tried to resist the lure of his voice. As a hypnotic wizard, Sean will be impossible to resist.

"Go ahead and fight it, Sara. It'll only make it sweeter when I make you submit." The glee in his eyes made her realize, her brother was enjoying this much more than he should. As spots danced before her eyes, she gave into the extreme mental pressure.

* * * *

Philip stood next to his brother as they awaited Sara and her family's arrival at the King's palace. 

"I can't believe you've decided after all this time to claim Sara." Brent studied his nails before glancing over at him.

"I'm not going to discuss this with you again, Brent." Philip winced in remembrance of their fight. He'd not gotten into a physical altercation with his brother in years, but something about him claiming Sara had pissed Brent off. 

"I still think it's foolish. Aside from that, I'm the eldest so I should be joined first. I wonder if the bond between you and her, could be transferred to me. After all we are twins." 

Philip pinned his brother with an eagle stare.

"I wouldn't advise it. What happened yesterday will be nothing compared to what will happen if you try to claim what is mine!" 

"Boys, calm down. Your brother would never try to take something which belongs to you, Philip." King Angi joined them.

"Where is she?" Philip looked at the entrance to the great hall once more, expecting Sara to magically appear.

"They'll be here shortly. The guardsman in the tower called out a few minutes ago. Gaerwn and his family just passed through the south gate." 

As if his father's words were magick, Philip spotted Gaerwn and his wife coming through the main hall door. They were followed by Sean and Kira. Where the hell is my chosen?  Taking two steps forward, he finally spotted her where she was lagging behind.

"Sara." He would've gone to her side, if Brent hadn't grabbed his arm. 

"Let her come to you. Remember your place, you're a prince for the Love of Mica!" 

* * * *

Sara followed meekly as her father had commanded, but inside she was purely pissed off. The compulsion spell wouldn't allow her to do anything other than what he or Sean decreed. 

How did this happen to me? All I've ever wanted is what Auntie Clara had foretold me. Instead I'm surrounded by power-hungry relatives who want to use me as a stepping-stone to more power! 

When her father called a halt to their procession she bumped into Kira and fell to the ground.

"Watch where you're going!" Kira stood above her, not even offering her a hand to get up.

"I'm sorry sister. It won't happen again."

"Sara, are you all right?" Turning she focused her attention on Philip. He was crouched down next to her, with his hand outstretched.

Taking it she pulled herself up, mesmerized by the promises she saw in his eyes. Once again, she was dazzled in by his raw masculine appeal. While his blond hair was the color of honey, his olive skin was set off by his deep chocolate eyes. 

"Thank you, your highness." 

He arched a brow at her address of him. He started to speak but was cut off by his brother. 

"Ah if it isn't the lovely Sara, back to claim my brother. Are you sure you want him? I'm definitely the better catch!" Brent started laughing. 

"Thank you for your offer but I'm to become Philip's chosen, as it was foreseen." 

* * * *

Philip joined his father in his study later in the evening after everyone had settled for the evening. 

"So what do you think, Dad? Does something seem off with Sara?" Philip poured himself a shot of the imported Earthling scotch called Johnny Walker. 

"I agree with you, Philip. Something is definitely off with her. Added to the way her father and brother hovered over her, leads me to believe not everything is as it seems. Tomorrow bring her to me and I'll do a seeing on her."

Philip nodded before he tossed back the scotch. 

"One more thing, son. Even though you can't initiate the mezclar, why not use the dream merge to your advantage?"

"That I may just do, Dad. I'll bring her around tomorrow afternoon."

* * * *

Philip waited until after midnight before initiating the dream merge. She has to be asleep for this to work. He sent himself out into the dream plane. It didn't take him long to find her. She was slumbering in his solar on his favorite chaise lounge. Kneeling down next to her, he brushed her light blond hair away from her face. 

"Sara?" 

She opened her eyes slowly and focused on him.

"Baby, please tell me you're still in there somewhere." 

"Philip? I fell asleep." Her expression was confused.

"You're still sleeping, Sara. This is nothing but a dream." 

"Then make love to me, Philip. If this is just a dream, make it a happy one before I awake and once more am a tool of destruction."

"Baby, why do you think that?"

"Just kiss me, Philip. I need to feel your lips against mine. I've dreamed of it for so long." 

Philip groaned in defeat and covered her mouth with his. 

* * * *

"Prince Philip!" A guard shook him. Philip jerked back into his body with a growl of protest. 

"What is it?" He drew himself upright. In his own quarters he hadn't expected to be disrupted. Without thought, he rearranged his throbbing cock while trying to focus on the guard's words. His tarta packed quite the punch. He wanted her desperately. 

"It's your father. You must come quickly!" The guard was anxious. 

"I'll be there right away. I need a minute before we go though." He sent himself outside of his body once more to Sara's side.

"I am sorry, baby but I have to go, a guard is waiting and it has to do with my father." 

"Your duty to your father comes first, Tibi. But please be careful." 

"It'll be all right. If I don't see you again tonight, I will expect see you tomorrow morning first thing. We need to have a talk without your brother and father hovering over us."

"Of course, we've got so much to discuss." She smiled at him . 

"I will find her, you realize that?" he warned.

"Find who?" 

"My Sara ...the one you've buried away. She's still there - under all that composure you have been showing me and I intend to find her." 

"Prince Philip! You must come now!" Zeric, his father's advisor stressed as he rushed up to him. "It's imperative." 

Philip cursed as he was yanked out of the dream merge once more.

"Yes, I coming."



A King's Touch Ch. 02



Philip entered his father's chambers to find it crowded with people and Brent arguing with Sara's father and brother. As the voices escalated Philip realized Brent and Sean were nearly attacking each other.

"Would you mind telling me what's going on? Why all these people are in my father's chambers." 

"Your father has committed a terrible crime, Prince Philip. He's raped a young noble girl. Lilth de Sperate was found dead outside his chambers." Gaerwn's cold green eyes were filled with satisfaction.

Anger flowed through Philip hot and strong. 

"You're assuming because she was outside of his chambers, he was the one who raped her? What you're suggesting, Gaerwn, is nothing short of treason. You dare accuse your King of such a heinous crime! Where are your witnesses?"

"I was escorting Sara back to her chambers and witnessed her crawl out of his chambers." Sean joined them. "She perished a few minutes later."

"You stood by and let her die? Why wasn't a healer called for?" 

Red filled Sean's face. 

"I tried to heal her myself." 

Philip stared at him. What the hell was a hypnotic wizard doing trying to heal a raped girl instead of calling a healer? I need to see Dad's counsel on this. I can't believe he would've done anything like this.

"Where's the girl -- I don't see a body?" 

"The family has already claimed her body." Gaerwn gestured to the man in standing next to the window talking with Zeric. It was obvious Zeric was attempting to calm down the extremely upset man. 

"Then where is the King?" 

"He was escorted by the guards to his study, Brother." Brent threw an arm around Philip's shoulders.

"You let them treat him like a common criminal?" 

"Nonsense. The guards are there for his protection until we get to the bottom of this." 

"Take care of this Brent. I'm going to join our father." He turned and left the room, not seeing the flare of satisfaction in his brother's eyes, as if he'd played exactly into Brent's hands.

* * * *

Sara sat up as she heard the door to Philip's solar open and shut. I must've fallen asleep waiting for him. I'm hoping that since he's made first contact through the dream merge, he has broken this blasted hypnotic spell under which Sean has placed me. 

"Sara, what are you doing here? You should be upstairs sleeping."

"I was waiting for you, Your Highness." Sara rose off the chaise lounge and curtsied. Straightening, she devoured him with her eyes. She wanted nothing more than to comfort him. Under his tan, he seemed pale and the worry in his eyes tugged on her heartstrings.  I can't even go to him. Damn spell anyway.  She was finding out as she went, that while the spell kept her the proper witch, it also strongly limited her intimacy with Philip. It seemed her father didn't want her to be close to her chosen. It's more like he's afraid I will overcome this spell and spill the beans. 

"I really wish you would quit doing that." Philip took her hand and led her back over to the chaise. Sitting down, he pulled her onto his lap. She squirmed then told him primly.

"This is not proper, Your Highness." Mentally Sara groaned. This fake coldness was going to go over like a lead balloon. He's already noticed the difference in me. If Sean had been smarter, they wouldn't have tampered with my personality. 

When a low growl escaped his throat, she knew she was correct.

"Look at me, Sara." 

She locked eyes with him, and seeing the confusion in his, she knew her behavior had put the doubts there.

"We've been friends for how long?"

"Many years, Your Highness." 

"And how long many times have I asked to be addressed formally?" 

"Never, Your Highness." 

"Then for the Love of Mica, why are you doing so now!" His body fairly shook under her with his frustration.

Because this damn spell is making me! She fought the compulsion but in the end, she ended up saying, "I'm sorry I've displeased you, Prince... Ph..i...lip." It'd taken everything I had to just get his name out. 

Philip lifted her chin and stared into her eyes, seeking the truth she assumed.

"There is something going on here, aside from the fact my father has been accused by yours of raping and murdering a girl. I intend to find out what has changed and do away with it. There will be no barriers between us, Sara." 

Sara slumped in his arms. Could it be that easy? Could he break this blasted spell?

* * * *

Brent knocked on the door three times, paused and then knocked twice. The door slid open with a silent swing. Looking around he checked to make sure he wouldn't be seen before entering the room. 

"Ah there you are." Brent grabbed the feminine figure from behind. Kira squealed in surprise when he fastened his mouth on the side of her neck.

"Brent!" She pushed at him, trying to free herself from him.

"I've come to claim my reward, Kira." He yanked his shirt off and reached for the buckle on his breeches when he noticed she was just standing there. "What are you waiting for? I was promised a fuck and I'm here to collect."

She chewed on her lower lip before lifting her head to meet his gaze. 

"Daddy said I was to do what ever you wanted, but I didn't realize this is what he promised you. I'm a proper witch." 

"Good then be a proper witch and do as I say. I'm taking a huge risk here and I expect to be compensated. Aside from that if you please me, you might just be the mistress of the next king." He grabbed her by the arms and tossed her to the bed.

"But..." Her muffled cry was quickly smothered by his mouth.

* * * *

Philip knocked on the study door before opening it. Inside he found his father slumped behind his desk. He was stroking a piece of carnac while staring off into space.

"Dad?"

"Yeah?" Angi continued to stroke thecarnac without looking up.

"We need to talk." 

"We've already spoken of what happened in my chambers...I don't remember anything. Everything is a total blank! Damn it! I can't believe I would've done something so vile as to hurt a young girl, Philip."

"I believe you, Dad. This is about Sara." 

Angi looked up, focusing on his son. 

"Forgive me son. I've been so focused on these accusations against me, I totally forgot about Sara. Is there anything I can do? Until this mess with Lilith is straightened out, I'm a prisoner in my own home."

"I want to bring her here so you can see if she's been placed under a hypnotic spell or something of that nature. I can't believe my chosen has changed so drastically in the years she's been gone."

King Angi set down the carnac before responding. "Other than her outward reservation, what else is different?" 

"She won't address me by name. She tried tonight. She barely managed to get it out. She pushes me away when before she clung like a tarta vine. Something has changed and I don't think it's her."

The King nodded before addressing his son.

"Bring her in the morning. I'll see her then." 

A sharp rap on the study door, drew Philip to his feet. Walking to the door, he opened it. Gaerwn pushed his way into the room. 

"King Angi, on behalf of the High Council, I am here to inform you, you'll be standing trial on the rape and death of Lilth de Sperate. There will be guards stationed at every exit and entrance to the palace. You are under house arrest until the conclusion of your trial. Do you have any questions?" 

"How dare you?" Philip's voice was soft, but the look on his face was anything but as it filled with rage and distrust. 

"I'm here on the High Counsel's behalf, Prince Philip. I'm merely their representative." 

"Get out!" King Angi stood up and rounded the large desk.

"King Angi..." Wariness filled Gaerwn's eyes.

"As long as I'm still King, you'll give me the respect I deserve. Now get out of my study and out of my palace."

"And my family, your highness? Are they still welcome or shall I take them with me?" Gaerwn held his ground with a contemptuous snear.

"Take your family and leave." 

"Fine, I'll tell Kara and girls to gather up their things and we'll be gone in the next hour." Gaerwn turned to leave.

"Sara stays, Gaerwn. She's no longer of your family. She's now part of mine." Philip watched in satisfaction as the older man's spine stiffened.

"Sara is mine until the bonding takes place." Gaerwn turned back around with malice.

"It's already begun, Gaerwn. I won't let you take my chosen from me." Philip curled his hands into fists.

"We'll see what Sara has to say about that, Prince Philip." 

* * * *

Sara forced her eyes to stay open.  I think I've figured out how to get around this blessed enchantment. Using her weakened power, she sent herself outside her body. If Dad ever realizes I can shadow walk, he'd use it for sure. 

Drifting along the corridor outside of her room, she made her way to Philip's suite. Focusing her energy, she managed to press hard enough against the door to open it. Bad thing about shadow walking, in this form I have no body and so moving objects is a difficult task. Too bad I can't just float right through them.  

Floating over to the bed, she settled next to Philip. He was lying with his hands under his head and staring up at the canopy. With the sheets pooled around his waist, and him bare from the waist up, her natural desires for her chosen flared to life. 

Bracing herself for the discomfort she knew was coming, she settled over his body and attempted to merge with her chosen. 

* * * *

Philip drew a sharp breath as he felt the touch of a shadow walker. Instinctively he threw his natural defenses against the invading walker. His father had outlawed the practice many years ago.  How the hell did you slip past the palace safeguards. You're not welcome here!

Tibi, please? 

Philip stilled at the plea.  Sara?

Yes, please accept me. I'm not strong enough to hold this form, so my time with you is limited.

Without weighing the consequences, he opened himself to her. A warmth unlike any he'd ever felt before settled over him - a comfort and sense of well being immediately followed.  Now, I understand why some wizards and witches become addicted to shadow walkers, Sara. 

"I'm glad it brings you pleasure, Tibi. I know my behavior as of late has been mystifying. I'm sorry about that. I wish it were different."

Philip relaxed in her shadow walker embrace, relishing the closeness he'd been missing. 

"Why is it happening?" 

"My brother has placed an hypnotic spell on me making me follow their commands. I feel so helpless. My father wants the crown and he'll stoop to anything to get it, including using me as fodder for his ambition."

Relief flooded through him at her words. 

"You haven't changed then. How do we break this spell?"

"I fear it won't stop until my father has the crown." He could feel the despair which washed over her.

"Do not despair, tarta. For I will find away to break this spell your family has cast upon you. And then, only then will they realize the folly of their deeds, for I shall show them no mercy."

* * * *

The next morning as Sara was dressing carefully, an abrupt knock on her chamber door startled her. 

"Come in." 

Relief coursed through her as Philip walked into her room and closed the door behind him.

"Good morning, tarta."

"Your Highness." She dropped into an immediate curtsy. 

A frown crossed his face as he took her arm and pulled her up. "I'll let this slide for now but once this enchantment is lifted, I'll paddle your ass if I ever hear those words again or see you curtsy to me, Sara. Shall we go and see if Dad can help?" Guiding her through the door, he led her to his father's study.

Sara felt apprehensive as Philip shut the door behind them then locked it, she assumed, to insure their privacy.  How am I to help King Angi lift this spell, if I've been pre-conditioned to never speak of it?

"Please sit down, Sara." King Angi came out from behind his desk carrying the small tarta he'd carved out of carnac. Stopping in front of Sara, he handed the carving to her. "I made this for you. A gift for my future daughter."

Sara felt her cheeks flush. 

"Thank you, Your Highness." She took the carnac tarta from him. Stroking its' satiny surface, she was surprised by Angi placing his calloused fingers against her temples.

"Relax, tarta." Philip crouched down next to her, caught her free hand and held it tightly.

She swallowed as the warmth of his hands both soothed and stimulated her power. Even with the King's powerful presence in front of her, she could still feel the distinctive power flowing from her chosen. Closing her eyes, she relaxed and let her magick rise to assist the King's magick.

* * * *

Philip let out a sharp gasp as his father staggered back releasing Sara. He surged to his feet and barely caught his father before he fell. 

"Dad!" 

"You forgot to mention, Philip, that she's a shadow walker."

"Forgive me but I was unaware until late last night that she possessed this ability. Will you be able to lift the enchantment?" He helped his father back to his chair and settled him in it.

"No. Her shadow walker magick has bound itself to the enchantment. Without stripping her of her powers, there isn't any way to break the spell, other than finding the wizard who put it on her and making him remove it."

Sara cried out as she heard the words. Philip turned just in time to see her flee the room.

"Son of a bitch! Sara, stop." He took off at a dead run after her.

* * * *

Brent rolled off of Kira's sweaty form. His breathing was ragged as he tried to catch his breath after his third ride of the day on the luscious little brunette. Damn she's a fine fuck.  

He caught her as she tried to roll off the bed.

"Where do you think you're going?" 

Fear entered her eyes. "To clean up, Your Highness." 

He grabbed her by her long hair. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. You may have your bath after you clean me up." With brute force, he shoved her shocked face into his crotch. "Start licking. Don't miss a single inch of my cock."

A soft moan escaped Kira but she did as told. He sighed in deep satisfaction as her agile tongue began cleaning him. 

"Damn, if I'd know she would do that, I would've made her do it a long time ago." 

Brent opened his eyes and locked eyes with Sean, Kira's brother as he entered Kira's bedroom.. 

"She's a good fuck just as you said." 

Sean sat down in the chair next to the bed. Crossing his legs, he continued to watch his sister clean Brent's reawakening cock.

"Have you tried her ass yet?" 

Brent hardened in a rush. 

"She takes it up the ass?" His breathing was ragged again. 

"Like the little whore she is." 

Kira moaned - whether in protest or anticipation it was difficult for Brent to tell. The idea of shoving his cock in her ass was beyond his experience, but he knew before she left his chambers, he was going to sample her ass.

"Leave!" 

Kira lifted her head, obviously believing he was speaking to her. As she tried to slip off the bed once more, he grabbed her then tossed her on her stomach. 

"Not you. I'm not done with you yet." He smacked her ass. 

Sean laughed. "Fine. I'm going. But make it quick. Father says the council is getting ready to convene and pass judgment on Angi." 

If lust hadn't clouded Brent's mind, he would've noticed the lack of title in Sean's words and used them a sign to watch for betrayal. Instead he was so focused he didn't even notice the soft click of the door behind him as he forced his cock through the moaning girl's asshole. His moan of pleasure covered her cry of pain.

* * * *

A short while later, a refreshed Brent joined his brother and father in front of the high council. Out of the corner of his eye, he did notice Sara sitting in the corner. Ah, so the little mouse has decided to be here to watch the downfall of my father and brother. This is too good to be true.

"King Angi, please rise." Gaerwn motioned for the King to rise.

"I'd rather sit, Gaerwn. As long as I wear the crown, I shall do as I please." 

Gaerwn's mouth flattened in displeasure.

"Fine. We'll get to the heart of this matter. You've been accused of raping and murdering Lilith de Sperate."

"Which I did not do." 

"I say you did." Gaerwn countered.

"Then bring this witness forward and I'll set him straight."

Tension was thick enough to choke the entire room. 

"She. My daughter Sara was on her way back to her rooms when she saw you toss Lilith out of your rooms and then send a bolt of magick through the young Miss deSperate."

A loud protest filled the room as Philip came to his feet. 

"You lie! Sara couldn't have possibly seen my father do this!" 

"Really? You're claiming that your future chosen is the liar then?" 

"She's not a liar." Anger filled his face.

"Tell me, Prince Philip, how it is that you know she didn't see this things occur?"

"I was with her!"

"You were with my daughter? Alone?"

"Well no..."

"Then you can't disprove that she didn't see it." 



A King's Touch Ch. 03



Sara couldn't believe her ears.  My own father is using me as a tool to overthrow King Angi. I can't even come to his defense!

"Sara, please come here." Her father's command filled her with dread. Locking eyes with Philip, she hoped he could see the hopelessness in her eyes. Against her will, she rose from her seat and walked forward. 

"Yes Father?" Her voice was soft spoken.

"Did you accompany your brother last night and see Miss Lilith DeSperte crawl out of the king's chamber?" 

Sara bit her lower lip to keep from answering him.  I won't betray my king! Looking around the room wildly, she tried to focus on anything other than saying the words her father wanted. 

The pain at the base of her skull increased terribly as she fought the enchantment. 

"Breath, tarta." 

"Tibi?" In the midst of the horrible pain, his voice was welcome relief.

"I can feel your pain. You're fighting the compulsion to betray my father." 

"I won't do it!" She tightly gripped thecarnac tarta in the pocket of her skirt, feeling it's smooth curves against the palm of her hand.

"Answer me, daughter! Did you witness said event!" 

She jerked as if struck. She gazed helplessly at the other five members of the High Council. Feeling the trickle of blood from her nose, she pulled her hankie out and pressed it to her nose. "Answer them, Little Sara. I know the truth. You would never willingly betray me." King Angi's reassuring words did little alleviate her guilt, but she gave in and answered in a steady voice.

"Yes, Father. I was with Sean." She relaxed as the pain eased a bit.

"And did you see Lilith?" 

She did cry out as the pain returned viciously. She turned her gaze to Sean, seeing his malicious enjoyment of her pain.

"Yes." 

Sean smiled with evil satisfaction.

* * * *

Philip paced the hallway as the council convened behind closed doors to make their decision. When Sara exited the room, escorted by her brother, he stepped forward intercepting them.

"Sara, tarta. I need to speak with you." 

"I don't think it would be a wise idea, Prince Philip. After my sister's testimony to your father's guilt, how can I be certain you won't threaten or harm her?" 

Without a thought Philip balled up his fist and punched Sean hard in his face. Sean stumbled back, dragging Sara with him.

"This is exactly why I won't leave her with you. You don't deserve to be a Prince! Come on Sara!" 

"No, she stays with me! I'm her chosen and family or not, the law will not allow you to interfere between chosens."

Sean growled before pushing Sara at him. 

"Fine. Take her, but by the time all is done, you'll wish you never claimed her as yours." He stormed off -- holding his broken nose.

Looking down at his trembling chosen, he pulled her into his embrace. She pushed away from him before dropping into that dreaded curtsy. 

"Your Highness, please this isn't proper." 

He scowled before jerking her into a hidden alcove. 

"Merge with me!" 

She paled at his command. She shook her head in denial.

"Enough of this! I don't have the time or luxury of waiting until you slumber to initiate a dream merge. You can shadow walk. Now merge with me!" He yanked her against him. He waited and nothing happened. "Well?"

A slight narrowing of her eyes was all the warning he received before the heat of the Shadow Embrace hit him. 

"By the name of Mica, Philip! Do you realize how dangerous this is for me? If one of the palace protectors catch me, I'll be stripped of all of my powers for sure! I don't ever Shadow Embrace without protecting myself and hiding in this alcove with you is a sure way to be detected. So be quick and tell me what you want!"

"There's my chosen, giving me hell. I needed to feel the touch of my tarta. Until we bond or this hypnotic compulsion is lifted, I can't hear you without your Shadow Embrace. Do you realize how frustrating it is?"

"So you yanked me into this alcove because you couldn't wait until tonight?" 

Philip chuckled when he felt her frustration. 

"So what if I did?"

"You're coming ridiculously close to get your butt kicked by your "tarta". You're impossible!"

"Relax, tarta. I've got a reason for risking it.. Dad has secretly contacted King Mica. He's been informed of Dad's situation and the phoney charges and is planning a trip here to help. With Mica's help we may be able to break the enchantment and get at the truth."

"Thank your father for me. This enchantment is wearing on me. I would give almost anything to have it lifted." 

"Now, before you pull back into your body, I want permission to heal you." 

Philip could feel the shock which flooded her.

"I wasn't aware you could feel my pain."

"We're chosens, Sara. In every sense of the word. What happens to you affects me too. You're mine, just as I'm yours. While we still have yet to consummate the physical union of it, our magick and spirits have already connected."

Instead of answering him as he expected, he felt a great loss of warmth as Sara released their Shadow Embrace. 

"Damn, I hate when you leave like that, Sara."

"I beg your pardon, Your Highness." Once more his tarta was gone and in her place was the proper witch. Anger flooded him as he covered her mouth with his, effectively capturing her sounds of protest. Taking advantage of her parted lips, he thrust his tongue inside aggressively, releasing some of his frustration in the honeyed depths of her mouth.

* * * *

"King Angi please step forth." Gaerwn stood once more behind the high podium. The king rose and presented himself, his royal blood showing in his stance. 

 He's not the least bit intimidated by my father nor the High Council. I can see the same inherent poise in Philip. Sara watched as Philip joined his father giving his support, followed closely by his identical twin. The three men together were enough to cause many a maid to swoon with pleasure. Looking at his father, Sara knew she was seeing a preview of what her chosen would look like in the years ahead.

"Angi de'Arunaught, the High Council finds you guilty of the rape and death of Lilith DeSperte. Do you understand the council's decision?" Gaerwn's gaze was smug. 

"Yes." 

His father answered with his head held high. He was not the least bit humbled by the fact that the council had just stripped him of his crown and banished him from his own kingdom.

"We've decided your family and you shall be banished. Philip and Brent de Arunaught along with you are to never set foot on Sandova's land again. You will be escorted out of Sandova by armed guards. If you at any way resist or try to escape them, they have their orders to execute you where you stand. Is this clear?" 

"Yes, Councilman. I understand." Angi's gaze never wavered.

"What! I was promised the crown. You bastard!" Brent surged forward in anger.

Gaerwn arched his eyebrow at the young man.

"Were you?"

"Yes. I betrayed my father for you." Brent struggled against the guards restraining hold.

Gaerwn came around the podium and stopped inches from the angry young man. Leaning in close enough so only Brent could hear him he spoke.

"You forfeited that with your unnatural rape of my daughter. Did you honestly think you could get away with abusing her?"

Brent swung around and locked eyes with the vindictive Kira. She smirked meanly before flouncing out of the room.

"Guards, escort them from the palace." Gaerwn turned back to the council.

"A moment of your time, Councilman." 

"Yes, Philip?"

"What of my engagement to Sara? Is it still valid?"

"That depends."

"On what?" 

"If you want to be engaged to a priestess of Eluran; or you will break your engagement at this moment and she'll walk out of this courtroom a free woman right now." 

Sara cringed at her father's words. Sara wanted to howl in protest. She knew her chosen. He's going to let me go to keep me from a fate worse than death. His pride won't allow him to be bonded with a woman who would be a priestess;a whore to anyone willing to pay her price. But how can I live without him?

"Without my crown, I don't want her." 

His lie ripped through her heart.

"All right then." 

Sara wanted to cry as he was led away with his brother and father. She longed to race after him. 

As soon as they exited the room, she went to follow when she was stopped by her father.

"Sara, a moment of your time." 

"Yes Father?"

"Go pack." 

"Pack?"

"Yes, I'm sending you away until the fanfare of this dies down. I expect you to be ready within the hour." 

She nodded.

* * * *

Sara jerked as the vehicle came to a stop. Looking out the window, she realized she wasn't at her family estate. Then the door was yanked open and rough hands yanked her out of the car.

"Come now, Girlie. Your future awaits you." A big boned woman chuckled and continued to drag her towards a plain looking building.

"Where are you taking me? I'm the daughter of Lord Gaerwn!"

"Your father has sent you here for training, Miss Glasten." An elegant woman stood in the open doorway.

"Training?" What kind of training is she talking about?

"Yes, you're to be trained to become a Priestess of Eluran." Sara's world tilted as the woman's words sunk in. Philip let me go to save me from this and in the end it didn't make one bit of difference. How will I survive this?

* * * *

Philip shielded his eyes as they crossed the border from Sandova and entered the dessert of Areseric. They'd traveled by conveyance to the border, but for reasons unknown the conveyances just would not function in the dessert which was a huge part of Areseric. 

"Look how barren this land is, Philip." As his father's voice trembled, Philip knew even as proud as his father was, the fear of the unknown was striking the older man. 

"We'll seek King Mica's counsel, Father. I won't let this travesty stand." 

"The bastards will pay for this!" Brett stalked in front of Philip and Angi. In anger he kicked at the loose ash and sand which Areseric's desert was composed of. Angi coughed as the ashy sand flew up in the air. 

"Brent, enough. I don't know what you thought was going to happen when they exiled us."

"I wasn't supposed to be exiled! I was promised the throne!" Philip reached down and grabbed the pack with half of the supplies.

"What are you doing?" Suspicion had Philip narrowing his eyes.

"Leaving. I'm not going to die in this damn dessert." Brent slung the pack over his shoulder. 

Philip went to go after him when he felt his father's hand on his shoulder. Turning, he locked eyes with Angi. 

"Let him go. He'll calm down and come back."

Philip nodded but wisely kept his counsel to himself.  I can't bear to break his heart. But Brent isn't going to come back. He'll look out for number one, himself, and screw the two of us.

* * * *

Sara huddled in fear in the corner of her cell as a uniformed guard came in. She wasn't sure how long she'd been held captive in the small, dark and damp chamber, but she knew she longed for sunlight on her face almost as much as she longed for the touch of her chosen.

"Get up, Priestess Zarita! Don't make me come and get you." The guard toyed with the smart quirt which hung from his belt. She knew from experience he could wield it deftly enough to hurt her a lot without leaving bruises. Heaven forbid, that he damage the merchandise.

"Now, Zarita!

How I despise the name Zarita.

Crawling on her knees, she kept her eyes on the guard. As was required, she crawled to the door before waiting for him to release the spell that kept her bound. Walking was forbidden until she'd earned the right. The headmistress gleefully informed her when she'd first arrived that her father had given the control of the hypnotic spell to her and there was nothing she could do to stop them. Escape was futile and she shouldn't even bother attempting an escape from the temple. It still did not temper the fury she felt each time she was led from the chamber to the training rooms. 

Seeing the lust in the guard's eyes, she wanted to run away. Soon my virginity will be shredded as my innocence. 

She followed him expecting to see the training room. She was surprised when the guard led her into an auction room. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw a naked priestess being led to the auction block and placed upon the high pedestal. As the bidding begun, her fate became crystal clear to her. This is what my life has been reduced to. I thought my years at Rathingtons were to be my trial and tribulation; but I now realize what small discomforts I went through there are nothing compared to what I will be subject to here.

"Take a good look, Zarita, for this is your fate." The calm voice of the headmistress washed over Sara like an icy deluge. 

* * * *

"Here me fair people of Sandova. As your new king, I shall strive to make amends for the past king's mistakes. But heed me well, I will be relentless to those who cross me and try to steer others from the chosen path." Gaerwn lifted his arms as the crowd roared - whether in approval or denial wasn't clear. 

"As my heir, Prince Sean will be groomed to follow in my footsteps. He too will one day make a fine king. Both my son and I thank you much for your unflinching support in the death of my wife and daughters. Even as we face the lost of my beloved wife, and our daughters Kira and Sara, I vow here to make the Glasten family strong once more. My son has been blessed with a chosen and by the end of the month, they will bond as tradition demands. I would like to present his future chosen, Rachelle. "  

A petite woman with raven hair joined Gaerwn. Nodding gracefully to the cheering crowd, she stood next to newest King of Sandova, King Gaerwn. The deArunaught reign was officially over.

* * * *

After the commotion had settled down, King Gaerwn, Prince Sean and his chosen retired to the royal chambers. Once the door was locked, Rachelle turned to King Gaerwn. 

"Remove it! I tire of this form!" Rachelle's voice returned to the demanding but dulcet tones of her former self.

With a wave of his hand, Gaerwn released the transformation spell surrounding the woman. Everything reverted to the form of the real woman.

"Thank you, Father. I do believe our plan is working magnificently. Those simple-minded peons don't suspect a thing. You murdered Mother and sent that bitch off to become a priestess. Now it is as should be. Just you, Sean and I." Kira smiled seductively as she used what little power she had to disrobe herself.

King Gaerwn turned and gazed upon his daughter's naked beauty. His cock hardened in a rush as both he and Sean began to disrobe. Licking his lips in anticipation, he watched as his son embraced her from behind and cupped her breasts with the palms of his hands, his fingers teasing her already hardened nipples. At last I have everything I've ever wanted.

* * * *

Once more Sara found herself bound to a table in the training room with her arms and legs widespread. Between her thighs, one of the many healers which the headmistress employed was verifying that she remained a virgin. 

I have a feeling I'm going to be the next on the auction block. Despair filled her. She'd often fantasized about her bonding night with Philip, never suspecting she would end up on an auction block being sold to the highest bidder.

"Relax, Zarita. I'm nearly finished." The healer between her legs was the kindest she'd met so far. Older than most of the healers, he projected the kindly air of a doting grandfather which was meant to put her at ease.

Focusing her energies, she sent herself outside of her body and onto the familiar plane of the shadow walker. She had become accustomed to walking the ethereal plane since she'd been brought to this place. It was the one place which she could find refuge from the atrocities she was subjected to and the horrors that awaited her. She'd been pushing herself to see how far she could go before her power tired.  My goal is to reach Philip's side and I've come so close. In fact she'd gotten close enough to kneel next to him, but was so exhausted she hadn't the energy left to merge with him. Instead she knelt next to him and cried silent tears of pain. To come so close and then fail had been almost more than she could bear.  I'll keep trying. I must. I only grow stronger each time I use my power.

Standing in the shadowy plane, she saw the headmistress enter the examination room. Drifting forward, she attempted to hear what the woman was discussing with the healer. In this state unless she merged with another being, it was like being on the outside of a room and looking in. Everything was muffled - from her sense of touch to her hearing.  Which is why all shadow walkers are drawn to merge with another, it's the only way we can feel anything during this state.

She winced as she realized the headmistress had turned her attention to her body. Sighing with frustration, she instantly merged back with her body.  I can not let them know my secret. 

"Well Princess, soon it will be your turn on the auction block. I wonder how high I can drive the price of your virginity. I'm sure the exiled princess of the new King of Sandova will draw a high price indeed."

"Princess? Me? I'm sure you're mistaken. I never wed Prince Philip and became this princess you speak of."

"Oh I do not speak of your exiled Prince Philip. Haven't you heard?" The headmistress's smile was mocking. "Oh, that's right, you've been cooped up in your chambers for the last month. Your father has claimed the throne and that Zarita just drove up the price I can ask for your virginity."

* * * *

Brent grunted in relief when he stumbled into Eluran. Making his way through the seedier part of it, he searched for a small inn which would keep his secrets. The last thing he needed was to draw attention to himself - when he was banished from Sandova to begin with. Spotting an inn which suited his needs, he entered. First some hot food and bath, then a willing woman is in order. Damn it's been too long.

"Prince Philip!" The woman waiting tables dropped into a curtsy.

Stopping in his tracks, he let the woman believe he was his brother. It wouldn't be the first time he'd been mistaken for him, and like the true scoundrel he was, he took advantage of it often.

"Have you come to rescue your chosen?" 

"My chosen?" 

"Yes, Princess Sara. I assumed the only reason you would dare to cross the border back into Sandova is because you've heard of her upcoming auction. The High Priestess of Eluran is preparing to sell off her virginity in two days hence." 

Brent absorbed the serving girl's words. The bastard not only betrayed me, he betrayed his own daughter. What a ruthless son of bitch. I think I'll make my presence known, or rather my brother's, at this little auction. Perhaps I can place the winning bid and have what should've been mine so long ago.

* * * *

Philip knelt next to his father's pallet. The older deArunaught's health had been failing quickly since their exile. The ash storm which had struck the night before had taken its' toll on the former king of Sandova. Angi had simply lost the will to live.

"Philip." 

He pulled his father's hand in between his.

"I'm here Father." He was quick to reassure him.

"Promise me you'll take care of her."

"Her?"

"Yes. I give to you the bindings of her power to protect and release."

Philip was unprepared for the surge of magik power which came from his father and slammed into him. Gritting his teeth he first fought and then accepted the extra power. When it was integrated within him, he slumped over the edge of his father's pallet and sobbed. Without being told, he knew his father had left this plane of existence and had given his younger son the last dying embers of his power. A power that would still be intact if his damn brother hadn't betrayed them in his relentless quest for the crown. Philip never would have challenged his brother for Sandova's crown. All he'd ever wanted was to bond with Sara and become a healer.




A King's Touch Ch. 03



"Damn you Brent!" He cursed his brother as he covered his father's body with a blanket. It was left to Philip to bury and perform the last rites for his father.  Why was I gifted with a brother who thinks of nothing but himself? When I catch up with him, and I will -there will be pure hell to pay!



A King's Touch Ch. 04



Sara stood on the auction block and tried not to cringe under the stares of the eager wizards who were arguing amongst themselves. The auction had yet to begin and already she could tell the tempers were starting to flare. Staring around the room, she was surprised when a tall wizard caught her attention. 

Philip! I can't believe he risked death to find me. Joy filled her but was quickly replaced by concern for her chosen. If there weren't so many present she'd go to him. She was jerked out of her thoughts when the auctioneer dragged her forward and made her turn slowly to show off her assets. 

"Shall we begin, Lord Wizards?" A cheer rose from the wizards. " This is the exiled daughter of our new king. He has given his permission to the house of Eluran to auction off her virginity. Who wants to start the bidding?"

As it the sum grew, she waited and wondered why Philip stayed in the background.  Surely he's come to save me?

When she finally had given up hope, Philip's voice rang out above the other wizards and not to call a halt to the bidding as she had expected. Her heart feel to her feet as he doubled the current bid, effectively ending the bidding war which had been going on between to rival wizards.

"Five thousand ruzacs." A stunned silence fell in the auction hall. 

"Sold to Prince Philip." The auctioneer led Sara forward and presented her to Philip. As soon as he touched her, Sara knew it wasn't Philip before her, but wisely held her tongue until he guided her out of the room.  This can't be my Philip for the enchantment spell would have me curtsying and pulling away from him.

He stopped in front of a closed door. After opening it he pushed her through. If not for her quick reflexes, she knew she'd have sprawled on the floor.

"Not so high and mighty now are you, Sara? Wait you're now Zarita aren't you?" Brent stood in front of her and reached for the fastenings on his pants.

"Brent." The flare in his eyes confirmed her suspicions. Moving away from him, she bumped into the large bed behind her. Looking over her shoulder to see what she bumped into, she was caught unaware as Brent pushed her onto the bed, coming down on top of her. 

"A very smart little priestess, aren't you? I wouldn't let your customers know. Most won't appreciate their whore being smarter than they are." 

The acid in his words made Sara cringe and made her all too aware of the reality of her fate. When his hands ripped into the fine material of her clothes, she pushed at them. 

"Stop it, Sara! I've paid for your ass and I intend to have it. You can lie back and think of Philip if you want for all I care, as long as I get my cock wet." He forced her hands above her head.

Looking up into his face, she did the only thing she could think of and slipped into the shadow plane. Floating away from her body, she watched as he continued to rip the clothes off her body. I've got to find Philip. 

When she floated down the hall, she found another form on the shadow plane with her. 

"Auntie Clara?" She stopped in front of the other witch expecting her to disappear.

"I'm sorry child. I know you think I've lied about your destiny. But I haven't. Now I'm here to guide you on the next phase of your destiny. I warn you though, if you go through with this phase, you will find more pain."

"More?" Sara wrapped her arms around herself.

"Yes, but answer me truthfully, Sara, do you want to be Philip's chosen?" 

"Yes, more than anything." 

"Then come with me and I'll explain what you must do." 

* * * *

Sara followed Clara through the halls of the temple until they came upon a small corridor. She followed the wise lady into it and came to a stop. Two chairs were placed in front of a hearth. 

"Sit Sara. Let's have this little talk."

Sara sat down and waited for Auntie Clara to continue.

"Right at this moment, Sara, you're at a crossroads. By the time Brent is done with you, you'll be pregnant with his child."

"Pregnant?" Shock tore through her.

"Yes but who do you want to be its father - Brent or Philip?" 

"Well if Brent is the one raping me, won't he be the father?" Confusion was quite evident in her voice.

"Not necessarily. Brent will physically be your son's father but with your shadow walking abilities it is possible for you to pick the spiritual father of your son. I'm correct in my thinking you want Philip as the babe's father?"

"More than anything. What do I need to do?" Sara sat forward on her chair - anxious to know how to ensure her son had at least part of her chosen.

"Merge with him and this is the part which you may have a problem with due to your innocence. You have to seduce him into making love to you and he has to climax, Sara. IF you come back to your body carrying his seed in your body, his seed will combine with Brent's and take control of the spirituality of your son. The physical body has already been formed but without your spirit present, the babe's can NOT form. But once you return he'll form and wouldn't you >her have Philip's spirit guiding him?"

* * * *

Sara stood next to Philip's slumbering form. After Auntie Clara had explained what she had to do, she now wasn't certain she could go through with itIt feels wrong to steal a piece of his spirit even it if is to save my son. She stilled when he opened his eyes and stared directly at her. She knew he couldn't possibly see her but it felt as if he could.

"Sara?" His sleep roughened voice flowed over her. Chills of desire raced across her sensitive skin. 

How was this possible? I'm not supposed to feel anything unless I'm merged with him.

"I can feel you. I know you're there, why won't you merge with me, tarta?" Propping himself up on his elbow, he ran his hand over the place where she was standing. 

Heat flowed over them as his hand slid across her and the need between her thighs increased. Dropping to her knees next to him, she made her choice. Lord forgive me because I know Philip never will. She lined her body up with his.

"Will you accept me, Tibi?" Even though she knew she would do what she needed to, she would never take the choice of merging away from Philip.

"Always." He spread his arms wide and invited her in. She merged their spirits and sighed in pleasure. 

"It's like coming home." 

"Your home is always in my arms, tarta. No matter how much time and space separates us." Philip wrapped his arms around her. 

She could feel the beat of his heart and took comfort in it. As she savored the closeness of him, she fumbled with how to seduce him. 

"I can feel you thinking, Sara. What's on your mind?"

"I'm just wondering. Are you educable?" She could feel him still and waited for him to answer.

"For you tarta, yes. No other woman could seduce me but you. Are you concerned another will seduce me?"

"No, Tibi. I want to seduce you. If I can't have you forever, can I have at least one memory of giving myself to you and feeling loved?" She felt his suspicion at her request.

"Sara, what's going on? We'll be together soon. I've already made my way into the capital of Areseric. King Mica is supposedly staying with Charles and Deanna. I'll seek his aid and you'll soon be at my side and in my arms."

"You've been betrayed Philip. I was sent away the very same day as you."

"Where were you sent?" She could feel the fury build inside of him.

"I will not tarnish this time together with you with lies and anger, Philip. I've little time here. Will you make love to me?" 

"I can't tarta. Once I make love to you, the mezclar will consume us and we'll never be able to function apart. Until we are together, I won't risk your well-being. The mezclar is notoriously hard on the woman, more so than the man. I just can't risk it."

"For the mezclar to be completed don't I have to assume the dominant position astride you?" She felt the tug of desire in the pit of her stomach at the thought.

"Yes."

"Then if we love but remain on our sides it won't trigger it - correct?"

"What's your point here, Sara?" His breath hitched as she ran her hands down his chest to his flat stomach.

"Please Philip. I want you inside of me. I feel so empty and lonely. Won't you fill me?" 

"You aren't making this easy for me, tarta." The rough desperation in his voice would've made her smile under any other circumstance. She knew she was pushing him to his limits. A bit more and she was sure he'd surrender. 

"It's the easiest thing in the world, my chosen. Let me give you a bit of comfort and relief." Using her shadow walker abilities, she set about seducing her stubborn mate. By the time her power had made it's way down his torso to the throbbing cock between his thighs, she knew he was lost to a world of sensation and she wasn't above taking shameless advantage of his distraction.

"Tarta!" 

His soft exclamation of pleasure filled her with relief. Maybe this would be easier than she thought. She could feel the pleasure and his need as deeply merged with him as she was. As his need grew, she fed it and savored the backlash of pleasure. Every caress she gave him came back to her two-fold.

"Tibi, you feel so good. Do you realize in this state I can feel everything you do? I've never felt anything like this before."

"By the love of Mica, you better not have." 

His possessive response sent a thrill through her.

"I've always been yours, Tibi, and I always will be no matter what fate decides."

She could feel the suspicion rise in his mind once more.

"What's going on, Sara. I can feel your unhappiness."

"Why would I be unhappy at this moment, Philip. I'm safe in your arms and want to taste a bit of forbidden fruit." She wrapped her power around him once more, this time more desperate than before to distract him. When she enveloped his aching cock, she could feel the bolt of pleasure and anticipation race through his loins. 

"Stop, tarta. You're going to make me lose control." 

Instead of answering, Sara pushed a bit farther and knew the time was upon her. She opened herself to him as Auntie Clara had advised her, and took his very being inside of her. As he arched his back and a firestorm of pleasure ripped through them. 

"Sara!" 

"Philip." Awe filled her as their spirits connected. 

* * * *

Philip wasn't sure what his mischievous little tarta had done but he could feel her as if she was physically with him. It was different than the other times she'd given him the Shadow Embrace. It's as if she's let me inside of her soul. When she covered his mouth with hers, he thrust his tongue deep inside, ravaging her mouth as he longed to ravish her. He tore his mouth free as she slid over him like warm rain and settled her naked flesh against his.

"Where did our clothes go?" 

"We're as we're mean to be, Philip. Naked and open to our greatest desires."

"And what is it you desire, tarta?" Need thickened his voice as he wrapped his hands around her trim waist.

"You! More than anything else, I need you to claim what's yours." 

The raw desperation in her did what her pleading hadn't accomplished. His control snapped and he rolled her under him. 

"Tibi?" Her eyes widened with surprise.

"Shh, it has to be this way. I can't claim you in the traditional way. But doubt me not, Sara, once we do this - our next meeting will result in our bonding. Do you understand? There will be no more waiting for the moon to reach it's zenith, we will become one."

"Please Philip. I burn!" She lifted her hips into his, her need apparent. 

"Fuck it." Parting her legs he slid between them with a heartfelt groan. He slid inside with ease he hadn't expected. The velvet fire of her inner heat stripped what little control he had left. 

"Tibi, I...I.." 

Her escalating need pierced him and sent drove him higher. He could hear the slap of their bodies as they fought to ride the sharp crest of their passion. 

"Yes, Sara, come with me!" Pleasure spilled over him without warning as she peaked and dragged them both over the edge.

.* * * *

Sara stood trembling next to Philip in the aftermath. At the very end, the explosion of pleasure had forced her to loose her focus and she'd slipped out of the Shadow Embrace. Pressing her hand against her stomach, she cherished the warm of his seed in her womb. She winced as he opened his eyes and stared directly at her even though she knew he couldn't physically see her.

"Remember my promise, tarta. Mezclar or not, you'll be bonded to me. Mine for all time." 

Even after he slipped back into a contented slumber, she stood frozen at his side. All of her energy was gone now that her mission was completed. She wished she could stay at his side forever but knew she could only hold the shadow walk for so long before she was forced back into her body. She nearly cried out as he started to fade before her. Once more her body was reclaiming her spirit. Just before he faded completely, Auntie Clara appeared in front of her. She chanted a spell over Philip's sleeping form. 

"What are you doing?" 

"Insuring your next meeting with Philip will go as planned." 

Then Clara turned to Sara. 

"To the sun which rises in the west and sets in the east, you Sara will have no control the next time you cross paths with your chosen. The need to claim and be claimed will consume you above all others. This compulsion will be stronger than any other and will be with you until you complete the bonding, physically, magickly and spiritually."

Sara groaned as the spell washed over her and both Philip and Clara faded away completely...

...She cried out as Brent rolled off her and gloated.

"You were a virgin but you have a lot to learn about fucking. A limp washrag has more animation than you." Swinging his legs off the bed, he grabbed his discarded pants. Her eyes were dry as she watched him dress. Her entire body was aching and she knew without a doubt her first time had done more than rid her of her virginity; it had scarred her body. 

After he left, she slowly stood and walked on wavering knees to the full-length mirror on the other side of the room. Numb, she took in the damage to her body. He'd left teeth marks on her breasts and neck. She could feel the scratches which ran down her ass, but all of that paled in comparison to the mark he left on her lower abdomen. The small black orchid, the symbol of denoting her new position as a Priestess of Eluran graced her belly just above her pubic bone. A sob tore from her throat at the branding mark. Her subjection was complete now. She would never escape her lot in life or fulfill the destiny which Auntie Clara had foretold. 

"It's done." 

Sara turned at the headmistress's smug voice. 

"Tsk-tsk, your prince charming left you quite the mess, Zarita. Clean up it's time for your next customer." 

Sara gave the headmistress a mocking smile. 

"I don't think so, Headmistress."

Anger flared in the woman's eyes. 

"You dare..." 

"By your rules alone, Headmistress, I'm no longer available for use." Sara's voice turned smug. "I carry my son."

"You lie!"

"Call your healers if you don't believe me." 

The headmistress eyes narrowed. 

"You don't think I will?" 

"I'm counting on it." 

* * * *

Brent straightened his collar as he left the temple. Damn, it was good to take her, even if she did lie there like a limp rag. For once I got something first which should have been my brother's. Maybe I'll have to come back and visit her once the little slut has been broken in.

"We have business to discuss Prince Philip." A strong hand wrapped around his upper arm and he was yanked to a halt.

"I'm sorry you have the wrong brother! I'm Brent." He tried to yank his arm away from the dark skinned man. 

"Mr deArunaught, please do not make this unpleasant. My employer can be very persuasive when he wants. He has a proposition for you. One you may find, benefits both of you. What harm can come from hearing him out?" 

As Brett weighed his options, he caught a glimpse of the imperial guard. He cringed when a shout went up. 

"There he is. Traitor!" 

"Can you get me outta here?" Brent looked around for any possible escape route but realized standing in the entrance to the dead end alley which ran behind the temple there was no means of escape.

"Yes." 

"Then lets go hear what your boss has to offer." 

"Brace yourself." The man placed his hand around Philip's arm and the last thing Philip remembered seeing was the faces of the approaching guards. They'd murder in their eyes.

* * * *

Philip awoke the following morning feeling refreshed and energized despite the task he knew was ahead of him. It's pointless to wait for Brent. He's probably long gone, like dust in the wind. The gruesome task of laying our father to rest belongs to me alone. 

Rolling his pall seruim around his father's body. Offering a prayer to the heavens above, he lit a small branch of the seruim and blessed his father's body. As he waved the burning branch he recited the traditional passage of rites over him.

"As your son and of your blood, I bid thee a safe journey to the blessed afterlife, where you shall join your father and all the father's before you. Once a great king and loving father, I did thee farewell and be at peace." 

Philip drew himself inward as he placed the burning branch to the seruim encircling his father's body. He watched as it caught fire before completing the ritual.

"Now that your soul and spirit has moved onward, to join your beloved wife and family, I now take the husk of your body and bless it to be returned to Mother Venus, to once more nourish our beloved home." 

Tears filled Philip's eyes, as he watched his father's body being slowly consumed by the fire. With his brother and father gone, he was alone except for his beloved chosen, Sara. 

"We will be together, tarta, for I shall not rest until you're once more at my side." 

* * * *

Brent's eyes adjusted slowly to the darkened room he found himself in. He stiffened when the man who'd brought him here entered, followed a darkened figure across the room. A switch clicked and the room was filled with light. Squinting against the brightness after the darkness, he tried to focus on the men.

"So Mr DeArunaught, you've come to hear my offer?" The man continued to stay in the shadows.

"Yes, your kind associate was generous enough to bring me here."

"He was fleeing the Imperial Guard." 

"I prefer to call it a tactical retreat." Brent's hackles rose at the man's obvious contempt.

"Well, before I offer you the deal of a lifetime, Mr DeArunaught, you'll have to prove yourself worthy of it. Defeat your attackers and then I explain more." The man snapped his fingers and immediately Brent found himself surrounded by four scruffy looking men.

His anger boiled forth when he saw the silver knifes clenched in the fists of two of his attackers. 

"Don't believe in fighting fair, do you? As the earthling's say, you'd be fucked. You brought a knife to a gun fight." Drawing deep within himself, he brought forth a surge of power so strong the men around him backed away. Giving them all a smug smile, he released the power and let it flow through him and then out of his widespread arms. Using it as a vicious whip, he wrapped his powers around the two nearest men. One had the silver knife while the other was trying to trace magick symbols in the air in front of him.

"It's a bit late for that."

With deceptive ease he killed both men. A surge of elation ripped through him as he took a life for the first time. Dad didn't know what he was talking about. Taking a person's life is more potent the any aphrodisiac I've ever tried.

The two remaining men after seeing their cohorts drop to the floor dead -made a feeble attempt to escape.




A King's Touch Ch. 04



"Not so fast, boys. You've dared attack the heir to the throne? For that you shall pay." 

Within moments the screaming and blood-letting was done. Brent stood in the middle of the room, barely breathing hard. He turned to the shadowy figure. 

"So have I passed your little test?"

"Quite impressive, Brent. What do you want more than anything in the world?"

"My throne back!"

"Then you shall yours returned once you help me get my throne." 

"Your throne?" 

"Yes. You shall help me overthrow that bitch sister of mine and her husband."

"Who are you?" 

The man smiled and stepped out of the shadows. Brent nearly swallowed his tongue as he saw the man's face. Aric deSarta was the illegimate son of King Aster, and half brother to Queen Deanna and cousin to her king, Charles.

"Do we have a deal, Philip? My kingdom for yours?"

"Hell yes! I'll help you take your place as Sandova's king, if it means you'll help me get revenge on that bastard Gaerwn."

"Good. We shall set out tomorrow for Sandova. I have a plan."

* * * * 

Nine Months Later

Philip paced the halls of Deanna and Charles palace. King Mica was supposed to be finally arriving this afternoon. He'd waited patiently for the last nine months for the King to complete his annual tour of Venus which had been followed by one of the King's goodwill trips to it's sister planet, Earth. Now it seemed as if Mica had finally came back to Sandova for the Renewal Festival.

"Relax, Philip." Stephan Dean, the advisor to King Charles tried to sooth the young royal. 

"I've been patient for the past nine months, Dean! While your king and queen are free to travel where they please, I've been banished to this country and cannot leave due to the decree by that bastard Gaerwn. I need my chosen whom I have no idea how to find. I can feel her discomfort pulling at me and I can't find the compulsion any longer. Whether or not I have the pardon from King Mica, I'm leaving in the morning."

"What a touching speech brother." 

Philip froze then red-hot anger surged through him. He turned to find Brent stepping out of the shadows.

"Brent." 

"Such a cold welcome for your long lost brother. I see you still have your priorities messed up. Putting a slut before your family. You didn't even try to come and find me. What would've happened if I had died in that damned dessert?"

"It's obvious you didn't and don't ever refer to Sara as a slut. She's still my chosen and deserves the respect that comes with it." 

"Really? You don't know your chosen as well as you think you do. She's a whore, brother, a priestess of Eluran."

"No!" Philip shook his head in denial.

Smirking Brent reached inside of his pocket and pulled out a small vid chip. He offered it to Philip. Philip stared at it with distaste and did not reach to even touch it.

"Take it. I wouldn't view it until you're in private. View it and then tell me what respect she deserves." 

"I don't believe you!" Philip strode over to the closest communications council and shoved the chip into it. Immediately the screen filled with soft moans and harsh groans of two bodies fucking. The woman was hidden under the hard working body of the man, only her legs and arms wrapped around him were visable. That was until a close up shot focused on the woman's face. 

No, it can't be my Sara!

Then the woman's words caused his heart to break. 

"Fuck me harder, Brent. You're so much better than that loser brother of yours." 

* * * * 

Sara panted as another wave of pain wracked her swollen belly. She'd been trying to bring her son into the world for the past several hours and was now exhausted. The only thing she longed for was an end to the constant pain. She wanted Philip in the worse way. She'd resisted the temptation as she grew larger to shadow walk. She hadn't wanted to leave her body vulnerable and at the mercy of the sadistic headmistress.

"Good, girl. One more push Sara, and your baby will come." 

She focused on the healer between her legs. He was the only one that still called her by her given name. He was the original healer who'd taken care of her from the start. His kindness was like a warm breeze on an otherwise cold land. 

The pain raced across her once more and she screamed as she felt a large pop and a sudden ease to the pain.

"Yes Sara. Don't push. Let me clean his mouth and nose off and then we shall bring the rest of your babe into the world. 

Sara panted as she fought the urge to continue to push. 

"Now, give one more gentle push." 

She did as he said and then fell back to the bed in relief as he pronounced her baby born.

"You have a beautiful little boy, Sara." 

With a quick spell, he cleaned and clothed the infant before placing in him in Sara's arms for the first time.

"He's beautiful."

"I told you so, Sara. Have you decided on a name for him?"

"Not yet." 

She watched as the healer worked efficently and cleaned up the room. I need to share the birth of our son with Philip. While there is no hope for me, our babe belongs with his father.

"Could you do me a favor, Healer?"

"Of course, Sara." He straightened after he incinerated the soiled cloths and sheets.

"I need you to watch over the baby."

"You're going to shadow walk aren't you?"

She nodded. He was the only person other than Philip who knew of her ability to step outside her body.

"Go. I'll protect your babe." 

"Thank you." 

* * * *

It took Sara several days of trying before she located Philip. Each time she tried, the Healer was kind enough to stay with her son, who she had yet to name.

Relief swept through her when she found him in his rented room.

"Tibi, will you let me in?" 

At first there was no response.

"Tibi?"

Philip lifted his head.

"No. I don't want you here."

Please!" 

He turned his back on her. Something inside her snapped and she did something she swore she'd never do. She took possession of him without his permission.

* * * *

Philip arched his back in response as he felt the Shadow Embrace hit him from behind.

"Damn it, I said no!"

"What has changed, Tibi?" 

He could feel her confusion.

"Are you a Priestess of Eluran?" 

"How did you find out?" Sadness wrapped around him.

"Does it matter?" 

"I guess not. My fate has been decided for me. But our son..."

"We have no son! Now get the hell out and don't ever come back. I can't believe I ever thought you were meant to be my chosen."

"Please, our son..."

"I have no son. Now get the hell out of my body. The next time you try this, I'll report your ass. It felt good to strike back at her for her duplicity. He felt her sad acceptance.

"Good-bye Philip." 

* * * *

Brent met up with Aric in his private chambers. Plopping down next to the fire, he studied his boss Aric. 

"Did he buy it?" 

"Yeah, I meant to tell you that you did a wonderful job on the spell to cloak the little whore and make her look like Sara. I thought Philip was going to have a melt down.

"No problem, Brent. It's just a small piece in a big plan."

* * * *

Sara stumbled back to her body. Her entire being ached and it wasn't from the energy she had spent finding Philip, but his rejection of not only her, but also his son. She knew after Auntie Clara had visited, that the small babe was Philip's beyond a doubt. Clara had taken one look at the boy and declared him to be every inch Philip's -- physically and spiritually.. 

Walking over to his crib, she saw him sleeping on his belly with his butt up in the air as most babies do. Covering him up with the soft blanket, she nearly whimpered at the fresh pain of Philip's rejection of their son. Then she came to a decision.

"I shall name you, Gabriel and like the angel you shall bring forth the truth."



A King's Touch Ch. 05



High Palace of Areseric, 2128 

Philip stood at the edge of the crowd and watched as King Rand completed the Joining Ceremony between his half sister, Katrina and King Charles. He could already feel the backwash of the couple's Joining. He had been warned by Healer Arianna he would need to find a willing woman to slake the 'mezclar linked' desires which was sure to bleed through his mental bridge with Katrina. 

She hadn't lied. He was going to be in for a long week, the duration of the average mezclar. He'd contracted a priestess from the local Eluran sect who would be able to help him through the fall out.

I hate the idea of paying a woman to sleep with me when I'm not even sure I'm going to arise to the occasion. Ever since Sara betrayed me, I have the desire but she did something to me. Each time I try, my own flesh betrays me and I stay limp as a newborn. Maybe this time would be different. Priestess Zarita is highly recommended by those I've spoken to. Perhaps she'll be able to break this damn spell Sara placed on me.

"I now am happy to present to the people of Areseric, your King Charles and his new chosen, Queen Katrina," Rand said in a loud voice, jerking Philip out of his thoughts.

The crowd all fell to their knees in respect as Charlie led Kat back down the aisle. They paused next to Councilman Dean. Philip couldn't tell what Charlie had said to him; but he stood and tugged Arianna to the aisle and then they hurried up to the altar. Philip shook his head and laughed as the Joining Ceremony for the King's advisor and his mother started.

"What's so funny?" Kat asked Phillip as she and Charlie stopped next to him.

"Nothing really. You had to make sure he made an honest woman out of her?"

"Yep. My mother has been running from him for a long time. I wanted to make sure she didn't slip through his fingers again." Charlie's voice shook slightly.

Philip noticed the fine trembling on the King's body and could feel it through his link to Kat. Both of the royals were skating along the edge. It was obvious the King's longing to see his mother bonded was fighting with the stronger desire for his chosen.

Fortunately for them, Arianna and Dean's joining was as quick as Kat's and Charlie's; and very soon the older couple were hurrying down the aisle towards them. It seemed Dean was even less patient than Charlie, or he simply wasn't resisting the mezclar. 

"Charlie what are you doing here - why are you waiting?" Arianna asked as they joined them.

"I just wanted to make sure that you did it. Congratulations Mom." Charlie said deeply as he briefly hugged his mother, before she moved onto Kat.

"Welcome to the family, Katrina." Arianna whispered as she hugged her. "Now, take this stubborn son of mine and put him out of his misery," she joked as Stephan pulled on their joined hands. It was obvious that he was more than ready to put Arianna out of her "misery".

"I'm coming, I'm coming." she laughed.

"Not yet you're not. But soon!" Stephan promised as he dragged Arianna off toward his palace quarters.

Kat giggled and just shook her head until Charlie leaned down and scooped her up in a fireman's carry and started back to the second floor of the palace where his suite was located. She shrieked in a very 'unlady-like' and equally 'un-Queen like' manner as her right arm was pulled back slightly while his left arm was holding her legs against his chest.

"Put me down, you fool! I can walk." She wiggled and tried to slide back down him. The people around them cheered with great understanding and more than a few lustful grins as they rapidly left. 

Philip shook his head. If I didn't know better, I would say it's something in the water. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was almost time for him to leave for his prearranged engagement. He turned to leave but was stopped by Auntie Clara.

Philip shook his head as he watched his new brother throw his half-sister over his shoulder. He couldn't help but laugh as he heard her protesting Charlie's behavior. His laughter died when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned to see Clara staring at him.

"Yes?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at the elderly woman.

"Beware of the woman you choose to satisfy your need. She shall change your future," Clara said mysteriously but in a knowing tone before turning and disappearing back into the crowd.

"What the hell was that supposed to mean?"

He tensed as a flare of desire pulsed through his link. Damn it. I've got to get out of here.

* * * *

Philip gritted his teeth as he arrived at the designated room in the chapel building. He hoped Priestess Zarita was ready. He didn't know if she was familiar with his situation but he sure hoped she was. He was ready to bury himself deep inside her already. Nothing in his past had prepared him for the overwhelming need and desires he was currently feeling. The stubborn flesh between his legs was hard for the moment. For how long though? I will go insane if it wilts like a flower in the hot sun.

He sat down on the low bed and waited for Zarita to arrive. He whisked his clothes away with nary a thought. Maybe I should take the edge off before she arrives, just in case that bitch's spell kicks in again. I'll have a small measure of release to sustain me if my body won't let me slake itself with the priestess.

He reached between his legs and firmly grabbed his cock, smoothing his hand up and down, he sighed as pleasure raced along his sensitive flesh. As he captured a bead of wetness from his tip, he smoothed it down his shaft, then grunted as another sharp surge of pleasure raced through him. If this is how I feel with just my own hands, what would the Priestess's hands feel like and will she be able to please me? * * * *

Zarita watched from the corner. She had just finished her prayers and had finished readying herself for the week to come. She knew the man sitting on her bed was the new queen's half-brother. He was said to have a deep link to his sister; hence the need for a professional pleasurer. She stifled a gasp as she saw the wizard spell his clothes away; sitting on the bed, his face was in the shadows cast off by the bed curtains, but she could tell he was gorgeous. His cock stood proud and tall between his legs and was already hard with need.

She glided forward intent on joining him, when he reached between his legs and started to masturbate. Even with her many years of servitude as a pleasurer, she had never been as struck as she was now. She was trained to take over for the client, to pleasure the client because, after all, that was what he was paying her fees for. As she approached, his fist began to fly faster. She could tell that he was already on the verge of coming.

She quickly knelt at his feet.

"Let me help." She replaced his hand with hers. Phillip started as she moved closer, as if he expected something to happen and when nothing did, relaxed at her first expert touch.

She dipped her head and used her tongue to pleasure him.  For once this doesn't fill me with disgust or boredom. I normally do as I must to provide for Gabriel but for once I feel alive. I haven't felt this way since Philip. Could time have finally lessened the bonds of my chosen?

She was jerked out of her thoughts when the wizard she was pleasuring jerked her up to face him.

"I need...I need to be inside of you!" 

The desperation in his voice caused something to rise deep inside of Zarita. She felt the banked embers of Sara burst into flame. No, it can't be! Sara is not the pleasurer. She's the pure part - she's Gabriel's mother, never to be touched by this.

"It's too late, Zarita is gone and only Sara will remain." The soft words echoed through Sara's memories and stripped away all remaining vestiges of 'Zarita' leaving her defenseless against the coming event. 

The mezclar burst through her and Sara went wild. I have to have him.

"Yes!" She pushed him back and climbed on top of him. Thrusting herself down on him she screamed as her orgasm hit her.

Sara panted as she attempted to regain her breath. She couldn't believe with one single stroke, the wizard had brought her to a screaming climax. The blood drained from her face as she looked down at the man's face for the first time.

"Oh NO!," she gasped as she recognized the face of her former betrothed. She quickly tried to roll them over. If he spilled his seed in this 'astride' position, they would bond.

"Oh yeah!" Philip wrapped his hands around her waist and started hammering up into her womb again.

"Philip, please." She fought to keep her senses as pleasure started to swamp her again. She had to stop him but the spell which Auntie Clara had placed them under so long ago overrode her common sense and she gave in to the intense need.

"So good!" Philip pressed his head back against the bed and groaned. He sent his power out to stroke her clit with a harsh order. "Come again for me."

Even as she fought to hold the endearment inside, she screamed it as she came again. "Tibi!"

* * * *

Philip's eyes flew open. He hadn't heard the endearment since his last meeting with Sara. He locked his eyes on 'Zarita' for the first time. Recognition flooded through him along with anger. Sara! He quickly reached up, intending on rolling over with her. His good intentions fell to the wayside as Kat's bonding with Charlie flared through their shared link. Their passions exploded in his mind and he responded.

"Sara!" He exploded, thrusting wildly into his former betrothed, her name a harsh cry of protest.

On top of him, Sara screamed as she once more climaxed. Philip hissed as he felt the 'bonds of the chosen' ensnare him. Pleasure screamed through his system once again; and he desperately clutched her hips, as he began to spasm helplessly against her.

He gasped as he tried to come to terms with the fact he'd just bonded himself to his former betrothed.  Damn it! Another aftershock flowed through the link. Fuck it, I'll fuck her as many times as I can get it up! The damage is done. I'll deal with her betrayal when our week is over. Perhaps it will be the perfect revenge. She created this monster, so she should deal with the consequences.

* * * *

Philip rolled away from Sara's sweaty body. His blood still sang with the most incredible release of his life.This past week has been incredible -I don't know why or how but it does keep getting better each time? I should hate her. Throwing his arm over his eyes, he fought to catch his breath while he listened to her ragged breathing even out.  This is our last morning together. I can already feel Kat and Charlie preparing for the rending of the binds. It's time for this to be over.

Leaving the bed, he walked nude to the bathroom, knowing Sara was watching him. He could invite her to share one last shower but he decided against it.  I'm going to have to make a clean break.

After his shower, he dressed and came back to the main chamber of her rooms. He could hear her talking on the communications console.

"I will be home soon, Gabriel. Listen to Nana. I love you too." 

Sara looked up as he opened his money purse. He could feel her eyes on him as he counted out the agreed amount. He tossed it on the rumpled bed. 

"Tibi?"

"Doesn't exist anymore, Priestess Zarita. The man you called Tibi is long gone. Here is the money I owe you. I can safely say you were worth every ruzac. The Priestesses of Eluran taught you well." 

"Philip..." 

He could hear the disbelief in her voice. He flinched when she wrapped her hand around his arm. Looking down at the dainty hand, he almost gave into the need to comfort her. Almost. The anger he'd kept buried deep for the week they'd been secluded burst free. He turned to face her, his anger flaring in his eyes. He watched in satisfaction as she backed away from him.

"What Zarita? Did you honestly think this changed a damn thing! You're a whore who betrayed me with my brother. There can be nothing of between us. I'll soon return to Sandova as her King. There is no place for you there, unless you wish to be my mistress?" 

She flinched as if he'd struck her. Thinking perhaps he'd gotten his point across to her, he was unprepared for her response.

"You bastard! Go ahead and leave. We'll see how well you survive without me." Her eyes were filled bright with unshed tears.

"For the love of Mica, I've survived without you for the last ten years. What makes you think it will be any different now?" He slammed the door as he left, not hearing her reply.

* * * *

Standing in the middle of her room, Sara shook with anger and hurt. Storming into the bathroom, she ripped her robe off. Yanking the shower curtain back, she wrenched the water on before throwing herself under its' spray. She stood under the running water and let the tears run down her face to mix with the water. Pain tore at her. She thought she'd experienced enough pain but it seemed like life wasn't done teaching her this particular lesson. Already she could feel his absence. 

 Whether he likes it or not, we're chosens and he's bonded us. He won't last any longer than I. Even as she thought it, she regretted it.  I don't want him hurt and more than that -I don't want to be hurt. Damn it! Why did this have to happen?

"Sara, we need to talk." 

Sara nearly screamed at the voice. She yanked the shower curtain back and saw Auntie Clara. 

"What are you doing here?"

"Just as I said, we need to talk. Finish your shower." The elderly lady walked out of the bathroom.

Within minutes, she was drying off and dressing. Opening the door, she joined Clara in the main chamber. With a quick flick of her fingers, she straightened the rumpled bed, sending Philip's money flying. With several quick flicks, she neatly stacked it on the table next to the bed. She learned the harsh reality of pride early in her career. Pride did not feed and clothe her son. I'll save it for Gabriel. Perhaps buy that new magick book he's been pestering me about for the last month.

"Come sit, Sara." Clara patted the spot next to her where she sat perched on the fainting couch in front of the fireplace. 

Sara obeyed.

* * * *

One year later 

Philip walked into the main hall expecting to see the commotion of preparations for upcoming Renewal celebration. He was surprised when King Rand and his father Mica, stopped him.

"We need to have a word with you, Philip." 

He nodded and followed them into King Charles' quarters. Charlie looked up from his work, and smiled a greeting. In the year since they'd made their peace with each other, they had become loyal even trusted friends.

"Charlie, I'm surprised to see you here. I figured you'd be helping Kat with the preparations."

Charlie shook his head.

"What he's reluctant to tell you, Philip, is every time he leaves this study, my daughter Little Kat finds him."

"Done in by a toddler, Brother?" Philip couldn't help but laugh at the vision of the King's small daughter chasing the intimidating King of Areseric around the palace.

"She's no mere toddler!" Charlie's face flushed as he shuffled the papers in front of him. There was a knock on the door, followed by his sister's voice.

"Come on Charlie, you can't hide in there forever. I need your help!" 

"Duty calls." He shook his head and grumbled under his breath. Philip thought he heard something about dire consequence if Kat had little Kat with her. 

"Have fun." Philip couldn't help but needle him. 

"Not as much fun as you're gonna!" Charlie gave him an evil grin before slipping out the door. Philip could hear Charlie's protest before the door shut.

"I don't want to hold her, Kat. This is not good practice for me!" 

Laughter burst throughout the room as all three men started laughing at Charlie's predicament.

"Now, what was he saying about me having fun?" Philip wiped the tears out of his eyes as he calmed down.

"We need to talk to you about Sandova." Rand walked across the room as he spoke and poured himself a drink from the bar then another for Phillip.

"What about it? In the past year we've come no closer to finding out the truth of what happened to Lilith. The two main villains behind it are now dead. Aric and Brent both are gone and as Kat would say, dead men tell no tales." Philip took the drink Rand offered.

"Actually there has been some progress and I believe we're getting closer to finding out what truly happened to cause your father's exile. But while we're investigating this we have a task for you," Rand said as he poured his father, Mica, a drink also.

At that moment another knock came on the study door. Mica went over and answered it.

"Master Iason, perfect timing as usual." He ushered the man inside.

"Master Iason will explain all the details, but King Rand and I wish for you to accompany, Master Iason to Earth to help clean up ITS," Mica explained once Master Iason had seated himself. 

"Of course, I'll be more than happy to help. How soon do I have to be ready to leave?" Philip set his half empty glass on the table next to him.

There was a silence before Master Iason answered.

"Don't you mean we, Philip?"

"We?" A frown of confusion crossed his face. "Who else is coming?"

"You don't think you're going to be able to travel to Earth and leave your chosen here to suffer, do you?" 

Philip nearly choked on his drink at Master Iason's question.

"Excuse me?" He wheezed.

King Rand walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "You must think we're blind? We knew from the time you came back to the palace you'd found her."

"It's complicated, King Rand. It's best left between Sara and I. I can't take her with me."

"So you're going to leave her here to suffer from your separation?"

"She won't suffer." Anger raced through Philip.

"What makes you think she won't? It's a fact chosens cannot function once they've bonded."

"Well, tell who ever said it, they are wrong." Philip stood and started to pace the room. "I won't take her with me." Mica and Rand exchanged glances at his stubborn refusal. Rand let his power flow and the room froze as if time itself had stopped except for himself and Philip.

He came to stand over Philip. Philip stared at the high King of Venus with trepidation. He'd heard rumors of the power the King possessed but never had witnessed it.

"You dare refuse an order from me?" Rand's voice was smooth as silk.

"It's law, your Majesty. No one is allowed to interfere with chosens." 

"Unless there is abuse between them, Philip." Rand's tone suggested that such a thing might be occurring.

"I would never abuse Sara. I haven't laid a single hand on her."

"That may be the case Philip, but withholding your touch can be just as harmful as the other." Auntie Clara stepped out of the shadows.

"Where the hell did you come from!" Philip stopped his pacing as the small elderly woman came towards them.

"Rand and I figured you would be stubborn about this. So I offered to help you see reason and some explanations. Come closer, young Philip. I have somethings to show you." She held out her hand to him.

He stared at it for a moment.

"Do as she says, Philip. It will be less painful for you if you do it of your own accord. I really don't want to have to force your will. This has gone on long enough. I've watched from the sidelines as you've neglected your chosen and how she's struggled without you. I will not subject her to more."

"I've done nothing to harm her." 

"Take her hand." Rand stepped forward as if he were going to physically force him. 

"Fine, I'll do it but I don't see what good this is going to do." Philip grabbed Clara's hand - not expecting anything to happen. His body trembled as he was hit with strong sensations which turned into visions when Rand took his other hand. Standing between two of the most powerful wizards and witches on Venus, he physically shook under their combined power. 




A King's Touch Ch. 05



"Don't fight it, Philip." Clara's voice reached him as if from a great distance. 

He gave in with a soft moan and let the visions wash over him...

....He watched as young man about the age of ten carried a tray of food down a darkened hall. He could hear the whispers of women in the background.

"I don't know why the lad keeps trying. She won't take any food. She just sits in that room day after day rocking herself or sleeping." He saw a woman with dark hair talking to another one.

"He's her son. He won't let his mother die without a fight."

"They say he's the son of royalty. He has such remarkable powers..."

Philip moved to follow the boy, when he was suddenly in another room. This one was shrouded and he could see a woman lying on the bed not moving.

"Is she dead?" He turned to see the same woman who'd commented on the boy's love of his mother.

"Might as well be. The King said she's lost on the Shadow plane and won't return until she finds her chosen."

"That's a cruel fate. Had her chosen died?"

"No, I've heard through the rumor mill, after he rejected her he left for Earth."

"How cruel! What's become of her son?" 

"I don't know. After his mother was lost, he took off for parts unknown, saying something about finding his mom's chosen.....

Philip jerked as Clara and Rand let go of his hands. His chest rose and fell as he tried to assimilate what he'd seen.

"This is your chosen's fate, Philip, if you leave her behind. Despite what you think she may have done, does she deserve this?" Clara backed up and searched his face as she waited for him to answer.

"No, she doesn't." Then something struck him. He turned to Rand. "You know she shadow walks and you allow this?"

"Of course, I do, Philip. She is one of the few witches who is licensed to do so. She came to me and applied for permission right after you left her last year. How do you think she's stayed sane while you've gone about your merry way?"

"She's been shadow walking with what purpose?" Horror ripped through him at the idea Sara had been taking over his body.

"Relax, Philip, she hasn't been possessing you." Auntie Clara touched his shoulder to reassure him. "She simply uses her ability to come to you. Since you haven't completed the bonding, she can draw enough from being in your presence. The spell I gave her allows this, but once you've left our world to travel to Earth, she won't be able to survive because she won't be able to find you."

"Then I don't have much choice, do I?" He hung his head as Clara stepped back into the shadows and Rand released the time spell. 

* * * *

Clara stood in the shadows and watched the men conclude their talk. She watched Master Iason with hungry eyes. It had been almost a year since she had last seen him. He had warned her to stay away from him in no uncertain terms. She knew he would be furious but when he left for Earth she was going with him this time. She was tired of living without her chosen and before it was all said and done, they would be together.

As the room cleared, she noticed he lingered behind. He stared directly at her hiding place before walking within inches of her.

"You know, Clara, if you want to hide your presence from me, you should learn to skip the perfume. I know your scent anywhere. Remember what I promised, if I set eyes on you again, all bets are off and you'll be mine." 

She shivered at the dark promise in his eyes. He stared at her for a few moments before turning with a flip of his cloak and was gone.

When he was gone, she released a ragged breath.

"That's what I'm hoping for, you stubborn old man." 

* * * *

"I wanted to thank all of you for coming together and making this the best Renewal Festival I've ever seen." Charlie told his people as they all gathered in the new banquet hall for the final feast.

"Yes and overlooking the several 'little accidents' that our new King and Queen's triplets created." Kat said with a laugh, referring to Rand and Gracie's children.

"Hey they're toddlers." Rand protested as he stopped the flying bottle that whistled past him. "Now, Katrina, stop that. No taking your brother's bottle away from him." Rand scolded the little girl sitting on his lap. She just smiled up at him with a grin before pulling his amulet back into her mouth to chew on. She had her father's exclusive attention and that was all that mattered.

Laughter rang out over the small children's antics. The royal triplets were definitely a handful for the Royal King and Queen of all Venus. In fact when they had arrived, they had brought with them a small army to keep up with them.

"And as you know," Kat continued, "my brother, Philip, and his chosen have decided to accompany my grandfather back to Earth, while Charlie and King Rand try to clear up the scandal that deprived my brother of his throne."

"I, vow, before my Queen and King, I will go back to Earth and make sure that what happened at ITS will never happen again to any child possessing ability. In fact I plan on buying the facility and overhauling it, making it into a sanctuary for children of gifted or power abilities." Master Iason said from Kat's left hand side.

"Oh Gramps." Kat said with a watery smile as she stood up and hugged him as much as her pregnant body would allow.

"I want to make sure that my great grand baby is proud of his great- grandfather." Jason said resting a hand on her gently rounded stomach.

"I'll be back after he's born to tell him stories of the mischief his mother got into." Jason said affectionately. "With Philip and his chosen at my side, I should be able to clean up ITS in no time at all."

A cheer rang through the hall. In the standing at the edges of the crowd, Philip watched as the festivities continued. I suppose there is no help for it now. I'll have to go and fetch her.

* * * *

Sara answered the brisk knock at her door. She'd just finished helping Gabriel with his homework. He's come home!

"Tibi?" The towel she'd been drying her hands on fell to the floor.

"I've told you before, Zarita, he no longer exists." 

She flinched. Whatever he's come for, it's not to come home to me. What a fool I am!

"Fine. Why have you decided to grace my humble abode, Your Highness." She dropped into a mocking curtsy.

"Damn it, Sara!" He hauled her up to face him.

"Let go of my mom!" A young boy pulled on his arm. Philip glanced down at the boy.

"Go to your room Gabriel. I will deal with this."

"But he's hurting you, Mom." The boy backed up, but it was obvious he was going under protest.

"I said go!" Sara never turned her attention from Philip. 

"Your son, I take it." Philip released her.

"No. Our son." She turned and walked away from him. Glancing down the hall, she made sure Gabriel had obeyed her. 

"You can't lay that deed at my door, we were never intimate until last year."

"I won't argue with you, Philip. I know who my son's father is. Now what do you want?"

"You're coming with me." 

"Coming where?" She placed her hands on her hips.

"To Earth. Pack your bags. As your chosen, you have to obey me. We leave in the morning."

She laughed at him. Now he decides to claim me.

"What's so funny." 

"You. You think you can come in here and order me about? You've never claimed me as your chosen, so this leaves you no claim on me now."

"But it doesn't change the fact we're chosens. How long are you going to be content to use the magick Rand gave you to take the edge of your hunger, tarta? I'm giving you a chance at the real thing." His eyes started to smolder with remembered desire. "While we're gone you can have just as much as you can handle. I won't deny you." 

Anger flared through her hot and heavy. Without thinking, she hauled off and smacked him across the face. He narrowed his eyes and rubbed the red hand print on his cheek.

"You dare strike me?"

"When you spew shit like that, I do!"

"Either you come with me or you die, Sara. It's as simple as that. Once I leave Venus you won't be able to reach me with Rand's magick. Not even the King of Venus's magick is strong enough to reach that far." 

The reality of his words hit her hard. With him gone, it will only take a few weeks and I'll become a stark raving lunatic.

"Fine, I'll come with you. You can pick Gabriel and I up in the morning."

He stiffened.

"I'm not taking someone else's brat with me." 

"Then I won't go. I will not leave him defenseless."

"Surely there is someone in your family which will take him?"

"My family!" She laughed bitterly. "You mistake me for having a family which cares. Who should I leave him with, Philip? My power hungry father or my sadistic brother?"

"What about your mother or sister?" 

"Both of them are long dead. So you see, Philip, he's all I've got and whether you believe me or not, I won't abandon our son!"

"I'm not going to argue this with you."

"Good. You know where the door is, don't let it hit you on the ass." She turned to go down the hall when he acted. Darkness crowded her vision.

"You bastard..."

"I know," Philip whispered as he caught her. 



A King's Touch Ch. 06



Philip eased Sara into the couch before he was attacked by a whirlwind of flying fists. 

"Son of a bitch!" Turning he expected to see an unknown assailant instead he saw a young boy with golden hair. He was shocked by the fury -- even rage the boy directed at him. His heart nearly broke as he saw the replica of his twin-brother as a child. There was no doubt in his mind whose child the boy was. He was the spitting image of him or his brother at the same age.  Damn you, Brent! Why did you leave Sara all alone and pregnant with your child? It's one thing to take my chosen but it's another to leave her unprotected with an infant. No mother should have to whore herself to support her child!

"Let go of my mom!" 

"Calm down, Boy. I'm not hurting your mother. Beside she's my chosen. I would never hurt her." 

"Like Hell! Her chosen abandoned her before I was born. A bigger loser was never born than the wizard who would walk away from his chosen when she was pregnant with his child."

Anger poured through Philip. Who the name of Mica did this brat think he was talking to?

"Does your mother let you talk like that? I don't know what she's told you, but I never fathered a child with her and I damn well wouldn't have abandoned her if I had."

"My mom didn't tell me anything. I overheard the Headmistress at our last Temple-home talk about it. I'm not stupid. My dad didn't want my mom or me!"

"Your father is dead. I'm sorry about the way he treated your mother and you. As your uncle, I can't make up for his desertion but I can only offer my assistance now. Your mother said you have no family and I'm making a journey to Earth. If I leave her here..."

"She won't be able to shadow walk and find you," the boy finished for him. He crossed his arms over his bony chest and stared at Philip.

"You know about shadow walking?" Philip tried to keep the surprise and shock off his face at the boy's knowledge of such a forbidden art of magick.

"Of course. Mom told me about it so I wouldn't be concerned if I found her and she wasn't responsive to my calls."

"I see. I want you to know, Gabriel, is it?"

The boy nodded grudgingly.

"I won't let anything happen to your mother. But I can't let her stay here and suffer because Fate and all her infinite wisdom chose her to be my chosen. She will suffer if she cannot reach me."

"And you won't? From what my mother has told me she risks herself 'shadow walking' because she doesn't want you to suffer. She pleaded with King Rand to give her the spell to allow her to touch you without the Shadow Embrace. It was the only help she would accept from him."

"Are you saying Rand offered to help her and..." 

"...and I refused". Sara awakened slowly but didn't try to sit up. "I maybe be nothing more than a whore, Philip but I still have my pride. You made your feelings about me very clear -and the last thing I was going to do is saddle you with my unwanted presence." Sara sat up and touched the back of her head.

"You'd rather be a priestess than accept help?" Disbelief showed on his face.

"The damage was already done, Philip. I wasn't going to pretend to be anything other than what I was. From the moment I stepped into the Temple of Eluran and then was auctioned off to your brother, I became a priestess. I have no other lot in life and accepting the King's help would not change the fact that I am a Priestess of Eluran. So I told Clara and Rand if they wanted to help me, then give me the tools to make the best of my situation." She pushed him away and got to her feet. Silently she turned and walked Gabriel back to his room, leaving Philip sitting on the couch. 

She rather suffer than let anyone help her? Where has my tarta gone? She never would have let herself be placed in the submissive role. She would fight for what she thought was right. Damn it, I have to stop thinking of her as my tarta. She no longer is the same woman.

He was jerked out of his thoughts as pain exploded in his eye. 

"Ouch! Damn it! What in the name of Mica did you do that for!" He could feel his eye already swelling. I can't believe the little witch hit me!

"You ever try anything as high handed as that again, Prince Philip, I will do more than blacken your eye. In truth you deserve more than a black eye for rendering me unconscious but you should be thankful I am an understanding witch. I make the choices in my life. No one - not my Headmistress, King Rand or even you will make my decisions, do you understand me?" She placed her hands on her generous hips.

"I'm your chosen!" He surged to his feet and towered over her.

Instead of trembling at his wrath, Sara burst into laughter.

"Now - after all this time, you've decided to claim me? Oh this is truly grand, Your Highness. You can claim to be my chosen until the moon winks out but until you've earned the right, I will continue as I have for the past ten years." She turned and walked to the door and held it open, her intent obvious. 

He growled in frustration.  I'd forgotten how stubborn she is! As he approached her, he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked even pissed off at him. Stopping next to her, he hauled her into his arms. He smiled at her startled squeak.

"Let me go!" She squirmed in his arms.

"No." He dipped his head and took what he saw as his right. Whether she believes it or not, she's mine! Her moan of denial was captured and swallowed by his firm mouth. Instantly the passion between them sparked as if they had never been apart. All I want to do is throw her down and bury my cock inside of her! His hand slid up to cup her breast and teased the harden tip of it. Her answering groan sent shock waves of lust through him. His entire focus was to reclaim what was his and then something almost forgotten shook him.

Mine! He stilled as his power once more stirred. He hadn't felt it in nearly a year, not since the last time he'd fucked her. At the time he ruthlessly buried it. I don't want to fight it any longer. She's mine and she needs to accept it. Prove it my ass - I'll show her in a way she won't forget!

"Mom, are you going to tuck me in?" The boy's innocent words broke through the fire of his need.

"I'm coming, Gabriel." Sara's hoarse words showed how deeply their embrace had affected her. "I have to go." She focused her needy but wary eyes on him.

"I'll be waiting." He knew his need showed in his eyes but he wouldn't apologize for it.

"No, you're leaving. It's been a long day and I don't feel like satisfying your physical needs tonight." She pushed him away.

"You can't say you don't want me as much as I want you, Sara. It's inevitable. You're going to be mine once more. Then there will be no going back this time for either of us. I can forgive your past transgressions, but I won't share while you're mine and this time it's for keeps."

He nearly winced when he saw, her eyes narrow. Uh-oh, now, I stepped in it.

"You're willing to forgive me?" Her tone was ice-cold. "You're a real piece of work, Your Highness. You can take your ass to Earth with my blessing. I'll find another way to survive without your arrogant ass." 

Pain lashed through him at her denial of their bond. Without thinking he struck back, only wanting her to feel the same pain.

"Better to have too much arrogance than be a whore." 

He winced when her palm hit his cheek. 

"A whore I may be, Prince Philip but at least I'm an honest one. Can you say the same? Now get the hell out of my home." 

"I'm going, but I'll be back in the morning."

* * * *

That night when Sara finally slept she was plagued by dreams of the last time her father had visited her...

....she stroked a finger across her son's downy cheek. Even the pain in her back from her last beating at the headmistress's hands did little to dull her happiness while in the presence of her son. Her last refusal to service a customer before her allotted recovery time after the birth of her son was over had earned the wrath of the violent headmistress. The other priestesses had warned her about refusing any customer, but she'd thought she'd had the law on her side. There are reasons why they enacted those laws, Gabriel. They're going to protect you and mommy. 

Her thoughts were interrupted when the door flew open and the headmistress entered her room, followed by a hooded robed man. She held her son closer to her as the man approached. Somehow she just knew his presence wasn't a good thing.

* * * *

Philip paced his rooms at the palace. Lust and anger still warred deep inside of him. He was so pissed he wanted to strangle the little witch for denying him. His body had other ideas. He was just desperate enough for release to use the dream merge. While he could only find a mediocre release on the dream plane it was better than nothing. Glancing at the clock, he figured he'd waited long enough to initiate a merge on the dream plane.

Pulling deep inside of his body, he sent himself seeking his chosen. He'd show his tarta what denying him led to! He found himself merging easily with her. He was taken back at what he found. It wasn't this night - but long long ago at the deepest level of memory. 

She was sitting in a glider holding his nephew. It was quite obvious from her state of dress she'd just finished feeding the babe. So this must be from her inner-most memories. He wasn't prepared for the surge of desire and protectiveness he felt.  She seems so alone and vulnerable. Why wasn't Brent or I there to protect her?

He found himself in the shadows as the door opened and a smug looking woman entered the room. She'd a look of utter contempt on her face as she faced Sara.

"You've a visitor, Zarita. He's come a long way to see you."

"You're breaking the laws, Headmistress. I'm not required to service any customers for at least 8 weeks after the birth of child. Aside from the law, physically my body is not ready to perform again. It's only been days since I gave birth."

"The law doesn't apply to you, Sara." The robed figure behind the Headmistress stepped forward, his hands rose to push the cowl back from his face. From the shadows Philip couldn't see the man's face, but from Sara's facial expression he knew she recognized the man. She opened her mouth to speak and nothing came out. He could feel her over-whelming frustration at her inability to communicate.

"This is how it will always be. You'll continue your service to the Eluran Temple until you're no longer able to service the amount of men or women. To insure that you continue to be complacent I've done two things. The first is Headmistress Allora will be included in your compulsion spell. You'll do as exactly as she says with nary a word of protest. And second, the first time you try to fight off this compulsion or attempt to shadow walk, your son will suffer. The degree you resist will be visited two-fold upon your bastard. Nod if you understand, Sara."

Philip nearly wept as he felt the waves of despair flow off of his chosen. As the man turned to leave, he got his first look at his face. White-hot anger replaced the pain until he wanted to kill the man. Gaerwn, King of Sandova, thanked the headmistress for the care of his former daughter and left, not caring he'd just subjected his own blood to a life of abuse and humiliation. 

As the door closed behind the headmistress and Gaerwn, he spun wanted to pummel the door with his frustration.

"It'll do no good, Philip." Sara's soft voice startled him. He faced her - bewildered at her acceptance of her fate.

"How do you accept such a fate without protest, Sara? I'd be fighting it tooth and nail." He walked over and knelt next to where she sat holding her son.

"Love, Philip. I'd walk through the fires of hell to keep him safe. He's the only piece I've left of my former life. Whether you believe it or not, he's got both your brother's and your blood running through his veins. I don't understand all the details...ask Aunt Clara."

*****

Philip was jerked out of his dream merge with Sara by a rough shake to his shoulder. Opening his eyes in frustration, he was prepared to chew out the person for disturbing him.

King Rand crossed his arms over his chest and arched a brow.

"Yes?" Philip cared not that his impatience with the interruption showed.

"Did you find the answers you were seeking?"

"Not any which I liked. She's in a living hell. She jeopardizing her son's life each time she shadow-walks to stay sane. Where am I supposed to go from here? We're not fully bonded - the mezclar has begun but has never finished. We're stuck and I can't see any way to complete the bonding now."

Rand studied him, and Philip felt as if he were a bug under a microscope.

"Your pride, Philip, will be your down fall. Even now after seeing just a touch of what she's gone through in your absence, you still can't find it in you to forgive her for what she was compelled to do -- what she couldn't control."

"Tell me something, King Rand? If your precious Queen had done the same would you be so forgiving?" 

Philip watched as first fury and then shrewd calculation crossed his face.

"Turning this away from you will not let you escape this for long, Philip. This is about you and your lack of trust in your chosen. She's been given the most horrible of choices and made her decisions with what she was dealt. Take that into consideration the next time you lash out at her because your manly pride got stung." 

Philip watched as the King turned and left. How the hell did he know what occurred?

* * * *

Rand let out a weary sigh as he closed the door to his chambers. He looked up as he felt his wife's eyes on him. Her gaze was hotly smoldering with desire, immediately their link and his body responded to her.

With barely a thought, his clothes disappeared and he joined his wife in bed.

"You called, my dear?" He settled his hard body over her soft one, finding her already wet and waiting for him.

"Yes, I need you." Gracie licked her lips and wrapped her legs around her husband's waist. "And quit worrying about Philip. He'll wise up or Sara will knock some sense into his thick skull." She dragged his head down and sealed her mouth over his as he slid deep inside joining their bodies once more.

* * * *

Philip slipped inside Sara's home the next morning with stealth. Even after their dream merge last night, he still expected her to fight him about going with him.  I won't leave her here to go slowly insane or suffer anymore. Gaerwn can rot in hell. I'm taking her away from this. He won't ever threaten to hurt her or her son again. I'll deal with his traitorous ass when I return. It's lucky my brother is gone. I would kill him for his treatment of Sara - if he were still alive. His death of raz-ice and aphrodisiac convulsions was too good for him.

"I figured you would show up this morning. Both Gabriel and I are ready to go, Philip."

He saw Sara standing in the doorway to the kitchen with her son at her side. Even though he wasn't fully grown, Gabriel came up to his mother's shoulder.

"I don't want to go with him, Mom." Gabriel crossed his arms and stuck his lip out.

"You'll do as I say young man." The sharp edge to her tone made even Philip wince. Damn if I don't see vestiges of my Sara.

"Shall we?" He held his arm out to Sara, who ignored it and bent to retrieve her bag. As they left he could've sworn he heard the boy mumble something about not liking it. He had to stifle his smile. The boy had spirit.

* * * *

Master Iason stood in the terminal once again wearing the traditional robes which denoted his station on Venus. As sick as it may be - I'm looking forward to donning my bib overalls again.

At his side, both King Rand and King Charlie were there to see him off. They'd managed to sneak out without their female counterparts. He didn't want the fuss of a tearful goodbye with his granddaughter. When the announcement to board came, his head turned to say goodbye to them when he spotted a rush of women headed towards them. 

"Ah, hell." He rubbed the back of his neck.

"What's wrong?" Rand turned and spotted his wife.

"Ahh, not the clean get away you were hoping for, Master Iason?"

"Blast it all! She brought my granddaughter with her." Iason shook his head and knew he wasn't going to escape as easily as he'd hoped.

"And that's not all she brought," Charlie said softly that only Rand heard him.

Rand winced when he saw Clara just waiting in the back of the group. She held there at the back of the crowd while Kat, Gracie and little Kat surrounded the leaving Iason. 

Stepping to her side, he hugged the petite woman. Lifting his head, he stared down at her.

"Are you sure this is what you want, Clara?"

"I've given the last thirty years to our country and my gift. I long for what I've never had and if I let him leave, I'm afraid I'll have missed my last chance." 

"As long as you're sure, Clara. As High King I thank you for your service and release you to find your own happiness."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Clara's eyes were misty with unshed tears.

"None is required. If that old rascal gives you to much trouble, I'm only a call away. Now lets get you on board before he realizes you're here."

Clara nodded, then silently and totally unnoticed, she walked on board. 

* * * *

Sara followed Philip through the space sport. She'd never been off the planet and was half expecting her father or one of his agents to show up and stop them.

"Relax, Mom. He's not going to stop us this time. Your chosen didn't go through all this trouble to let something happen to us."

Wrapping her arm around him, she gave him a hug of reassurance.

"He'll come around, Gabriel. Give him time. You're a wonderful boy and he won't be able to do anything other than love you.

"Halt!" A uniformed guard grabbed Sara by the arm.

"What's the problem?" Sara's gaze landed on insignia of the royal house of Sandova. Dread filled her.  Damn it. So close.

"Mom?" Gabriel's voice trembled, betraying his emotions. 

Damn it! I can't have him expose his powers in such a public place.

"Relax, Gabriel. Everything will be fine. Just focus. You have your tarta?" 

She smiled as he reached into his pocket and pulled out the worn carnac carving which Philip's father had given her so many years ago. It's sharp edges had been rubbed smooth by the constant rubbing her son gave the little bird.

"Good boy. Now go to Philip. He'll protect you." 

"No! The order says the boy stays too." The uniformed guard's partner stepped forward to grab Gabriel.

"Go now!" Sara urged her son, as she side stepped the one guard and cut off the guard who was after her son.

The ruckus and shouts of the guards caught Philip's attention and he turned in time to see the Sandova guard grab his nephew by the back of his shirt. He surged to his rescue only to see the boy turn on the guard and the guard fall to his feet clutching his head. Sliding to a stop, he almost placed his hands on the boy's shoulders but thought better of it.

"My mom needs you. Granddad sent them after us. We can't leave."

"You're coming with me. This is not Sandova. We're on Areseric land. Your grandfather has no authority here."

"Tell that to the guards who have taken Mom."

Philip saw red! Turning he saw Iason, King Rand, and the rest of the royal family. "Listen to me - Gabriel, I want you to go to Master Iason. He'll keep you safe. Now go." 

* * * *

Like an avenging angel, Philip swooped down on the pair of guards who were trying to restraint his chosen. Grabbing the closest one by the back of his shirt, he jerked the man away from Sara.

"You dare touch my chosen!" 




A King's Touch Ch. 06



The guard turned ash white as he realized who'd stopped him.

"Prince Philip!" He immediately went down on his knees. 

The other guard was distracted briefly by his partner's action. Sara took advantage of his distraction and drove her fist under his chin. The guard grunted as his head snapped back. She brought her knee up to just the right spot and doubled him over.

"Enough, tarta. He's not going to hurt you or Gabriel." Philip wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her away from the groaning man. "Remind me to not piss you off." 

"Let me go!" She struggled against his hold.

"Calm down. They aren't going to take you anywhere. You're leaving with me."

All the struggle left her. She lifted her eyes to meet his, hope shining in their depths.

"Promise?"

"Yes." He pulled her deeper in his arms and rubbed her back. With a shaky exhale she relaxed and buried her face against his hard chest.

* * * *

"Now that we've reached our cruising altitude, you are free to move about the cabin." 

Iason reached down and unbuckled his restraining harness. Standing up, he watched as Philip and Sara both loosened their harnesses. When Philip bent to help Gabriel with his, Iason couldn't help but smile. The boy was the spitting image of his father. He knew from what he'd been told by Rand about the boy's origin, Philip didn't believe the boy was his. If Philip could only see them together, he'd see it.

"Amazing isn't it? He can deny it until he's blue in the face but anyone with eyes can tell Gabriel's his." Clara's voice washed over Iason and he stiffened. 

"You were warned, Clara. Did you not take my words to heart?"

"You just love giving ultimatums, Iason. It must the warrior in you."

Iason raked a hand through his snowy hair as his power stirred.

"It has nothing to do with being a warrior. I gave you what you wanted. You wanted to serve Venus and you've done a remarkable job; but if you are still there when I turn around, I'm going to make good on my vow."

He steeled himself for disappointment. She's always been elusive and has gotten a sick pleasure out of dangling me on a string. She doesn't have the courage to face me and follow through with our bonding. I still remember the day she begged me to let her go...

****

..."Iason please. I need to serve. King Mica has offered me a position on the High Council. I'll be the representative of my sect. I can't refuse."

"Why can't you be both?" He filled the zephti's food trough. She'd sought him out that morning while he performed his morning chores. I won't miss feeding the zephtis when I go to the temple to start my training.

"Please try to understand, Iason. I can't be both. How would we function without each other? For me to accept this position I have to remain unbonded."

"Bullshit, Clara. I know of several foreseers who are bonded. What is the true reasoning behind your fear?" He leaned up against the stall door.

"I can't ask you to give up your dream for mine," she said after several silent minutes.

"Why would I have to give up mine?"'

"I've seen our future, Iason. Your granddaughter will be a great queen. She'll be forged in the fires of Earth's Hell and come out all the stronger."

"Then she'll take after her grandmother." 

Clara shook her head sadly. "No, she'll take after you, Iason. She'll be a great healer."

"I still don't see what this has to do with you wanting to call off our bonding."

"She will be your granddaughter, Iason, not mine. Our time won't come until we've passed into our golden years."

"If you think I'm going to wait thirty years for you, woman, you're sadly mistaken. We're going to be bonded at the next mezclar." He pushed off the wall and approached her, his intentions obvious on his face.

Clara backed up warily. 

"I'm sorry, Iason but I can't." Turning - she fled...

..."I'm not running anymore, Iason. I told you our time would come and that time is now." Clara came around him to stand in front of him. Shock roared through him as he noticed the traditional sash denoting her place on the high council was gone.

"So be it." He reached out and yanked her against him. "You're mine!"

"Yes," she whispered before his lips slammed down on hers.

* * * *'

The knock on his solar door interrupted King Gaerwn's pleasure. Between his thighs, his son's chosen was sucking his cock. With a quick invisibility spell, he cloaked her presence before bidding the intruder to enter.

"Sire, I've received a missive from Areseric. It seems the priestess has left." His secret militia general Saran shifted uncomfortably. 

"Left? What do you mean left? What were the idiots you assigned to watch her doing? Helping her escape?" 

Between his thighs, Kira paused and started to lift her head. Reaching down he forced her head back down in his crotch, never once giving away to his general the fact that he was having his cock sucked by his own daughter.

"According to my men, Philip de Arenaught was with her and her child."

"Son of bitch. Did he attack them? If he did, I can have a writ sent out for his arrest. Attacking a representative of Sandova comes with high penalty." Gaerwn fought to stifle the moan building in his chest. He'd been close to climaxing before the interruption and now the thought of being able to execute the bastard was enough to push him to the very edge.

"Yes, the report my men gave me is that both the Priestess and Philip attacked them."

"Good. Tell my cleric to come in here. I'll have him draw up the writs."

"Writs, Sire?" Saran confusion was apparent.

"Yes, one for Philip and the other for his whore." Gaerwn gritted his teeth as Kira's tongue danced over his sensitive cock head.

"Of course." Saran turned to leave, totally missing the grimace on his King's face. As soon as the door shut, Gaerwn grabbed Kira's head, buried himself as deep as he could in her mouth and exploded. The bastard has finally given me the excuse to kill him, was his last thought before he emptied his seed into her mouth and throat.



A King's Touch Ch. 07



"Yes. I saw your path and knew I had to let you go. It simply wasn't our time."

"This is our time?"

She nodded and reached for him. He caught her hands in his, stopping her from touching him.

"Iason?"

The confusion in her eyes made him pause. 

"None of that, Clara. I won't last if you start touching me. My control is at its end. I need you and I have to know - will I have a barrier to contend with. The last thing I want to do is hurt you." His chest was heaving as he fought to control his desire.

"I..." she trailed off as heat flooded her face.

"I won't think less of you, sweetheart. I'm no virgin and have no right to expect you to remain chase for thirty years. You're a very desirable woman."

"I'm sorry but I married, Iason, to a nice young man after you left for Earth. He wasn't my chosen. I was his but when he died, I remained behind. My magick never sang to him like it does for you. We had a very quiet wedding night. While his body committed to mine, I felt...nothing. It's one of my deepest regrets, aside from hurting you." 

When she was met with silence and felt him step away from her, her heart sank. I knew this possibility, but damn I, It didn't expect it to hurt this much.

"Look at me, Clara." 

At the harshness of his voice, she winced but obeyed.

"Don't ever apologize for what you felt compelled to do. I was recently widowed and was dealing with my pregnant daughter. I chose to be exiled and knew I had no future to offer you. If I'd thought I had, I would've dragged you with me despite your protests." 

"You would've?" 

"You bet your sexy ass I would've. You're mine. Now get in bed! Our joining has waited long enough, don't you think?"

She nodded eagerly and crawled into the bed after shedding her clothes. She giggled as he crawled into bed with her. 

"What's so funny?" He pulled her to him and sealed his mouth over hers 

She whimpered in her throat as the rightness of their coming joining spilled through her every system. I want him so badly.

"I don't think I can last, Clara, I need to be inside of you. I'm sorry this first time is going to be fast." Before she could protest or say anything, he rolled onto his back and arranged her on top of his body. He thumbed her nipples before shifting enough to slide deep inside of her. She arched her back and moaned in relief.

"Iason!" 

"Damn, you're tight. Am I hurting you? Damn, I knew I moved too fast. I'm sorry my love." He clenched his hands at her hips and fought the obvious need to move.

"No, you didn't hurt me." Panting, she started to move on him slowly and then faster and faster as her need to peak became stronger. She knew mating in this position would bind them together for the rest of their lives and she welcomed the bonds. 

"Clara, I'm going to...are you ready?" 

She could tell by his broken response he was already nearing the breaking point. They'd wait for so long, this first time was going to be quick. 

"With me!" Her shout echoed through the room as she dragged him over the edge with her. They both went rigid as the convulsions struck them and the bonds of the chosen snapped in place during their climax. 

Clara collapsed on her chosen's chest as the strength left her body. Even though it had been brutally quick, she felt more replete than she'd ever felt during any of her lovemaking with her previous husband. This is as it should be, she thought as sleep beckoned. Tired from the travel, she couldn't resist.

* * * *

King Gaerwn sat at his desk and waited for the interplanetary call to complete. It was costly but he didn't care. He needed to see if he could extradite Sara and her bastard from Earth. He wasn't sure what legal ramifications he could pull on Earth as the King of Sandova. It's worth a shot. If it fails I have a man in place at that damned school. He will be able to enforce what I need if I can't get them via legal means.



A King's Touch Ch. 08



Chapter Eight

Venus

King Rand greeted Stephan Dean, the advisor to King Charlie. Dean was very good at getting information without arousing suspicions. In fact Charlie had trusted the man to dig into Katrina's past when they first had become betrothed. If it hadn't been for Charlie's mother Ariana, Kat would've never known that Dean had dug into her past. But that's when you don't ask your advisor to dig up dirt on your chosen when he's your mother's chosen. Not too bright a move on Charlie's part, but then again, they weren't formally bonded yet and even then the total truth didn't come out until later!

"So have you found anything yet, Advisor Dean?" 

Stephan sat down across from the king after setting a box on the floor between them.

"I have here the council files of King Angi's trial. The evidence there is very damning but is mostly circumstantial. There is nothing other than eyewitness testimony from Prince Brent, and Gaerwn's kids. Both Sean and Sara testified they saw the victim crawl out of the king's chambers." 

"Interesting. According to Auntie Clara, Sara was placed under a powerful compulsion spell which will once again take over when Philip claims her." 

Confusion crossed Stephan's face.

"Excuse me, what does one have to do with the other?"

"When Sara conceived her son, Clara placed a stronger compulsion spell on both Sara and Philip. Her spell overrode the one we believe her father and brother placed on her. But once Sara and Philip finish their bonding and the mezclar, Sara's first compulsion spell will go back as it was before - unless we get lucky and find either a counter spell or make whoever put it on her remove it."

"Damn, this sucks. We need to find out who placed the spell on her and what exactly happened the night that Lilith deSepreate died." Stephan rubbed the back of his neck. "Something is certainly amiss here, Your Majesty."

"Most definitely." Rand narrowed his eyes as he reached for the box. "I intend to find out what it is too." 

* * * *

King Gaerwn exploded as he slammed his fist against the communications console. His son, who was just entering the King's private solar, winced at the sight.

"Damn those Earthlings. They refuse to give Sara up. Claim she has legal right to be there. Something about that bastard Rand giving her diplomatic immunity."

"Fuck."

"And it only gets worse, she's being accompanied by Philip and that meddling little bitch Clara. If she gets a hold of Sara, she might be able to release the compulsion spell. Then all the details and everything will come spilling out."

"Damn, so what are we going to do about this." 

"The only thing you're going to do is marry your sister and show a united front to our people. I've got a man on Earth who will make sure Sara and her bastard either return to their rightful place or they will cease to exist. Now, go and find Kira. Tell her we're moving the ceremony up. Aside from that, it won't be much longer and we won't be able to conceal the fact that she's pregnant." 

"It's done." Sean turned to leave and then paused. "Dad, do you ever wonder whose babe it is?"

"No, whether or not it's yours or mine, it will still have Glaston blood running through its' veins."

"True. Shall I inform her of the reason for the urgency of our upcoming nuptials?"

"No, I'll tell her. She's supposed to be here soon for our afternoon...meeting." 

"Of course, shall I be seeing you at supper, Father?" 

King Gaerwn nodded absently, his mind already on other things.

* * * *

Earth

Sara slipped away from Philip's embrace just as the morning sun rose in the eastern sky. Standing in front of the bay windows in the lower level of the farmhouse, she found it odd but still reassuring. According to what her son had told her the morning they left, Earth rotated from east to west unlike Venus's west to east. 

"So instead of the sun rising in the west and setting in the east, Mom, the sun will rise in the east and set in the west. Won't that be just awesome?"

Sara couldn't help but smile in remembrance of how excited he'd been about going to Earth. Until he got here and found the same problems he had on Venus - he still has here. I really need to get him tested and get him the training so he can function better but how do I keep my father from finding out?

"A penny for your thoughts?" Philip's voice washed over her. She closed her eyes and tried to find the willpower to face him calmly. Finally she turned and faced him.

"They're not even worth that. So you start your mission today?" She changed the subject smoothly, hoping he wouldn't notice how nervous she was today.

"Yes, we're leaving after breakfast. ITS is about a half hour drive from here."

"I see." She turned back around to the bay windows.

"Ignoring what happened last night, Sara, won't change anything. You didn't endanger yourself by being on the Shadow Plane for so long, did you?" 

"I'm very at home on the Shadow Plane, Your Highness."

"Is the compulsion spelling returning?" His voice was concerned 

"I don't know. Since the night Clara found me on the Shadow Plane, it hasn't been as strong as it once was."

"Until your bonding is complete - my counter spell will hold the compulsion spell at bay; unless she receives a direct order from the person who placed it on her. My counter spell only lessens the behavior modification part of it." Clara came into the kitchen wrapped up in a long flannel robe. From the navy blue color of it, Sara assumed it belonged to Master Iason.

"Well that's news to me." Sara followed Clara into the kitchen. "Perhaps, I should put off bonding with him." 

"Like hell you will!" Philip joined them in the kitchen. "You're out of your mind if you think I'm going to wait until we find out who is behind this. You're my chosen, Sara. I'm willing to be patient but you can not expect me to wait for months before I claim you. I'll go crazy!"

"Lets look at this rationally, Philip." Clara stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't see anything rational about putting off the bonding. How long do you think either of us is going to be able to function with the ceremony only half complete?" Philip focused his gaze directly on Sara. 

She could tell by his face, he wasn't pulling any punches and knew her time was limited unless she found a way to put some distance between them.

"Philip, I..." 

"I don't want to hear your excuses, Sara. We'll talk about this when I get back." He pulled Sara into his arms, dipped his head in and kissed her senseless before releasing her and striding out of the room.

* * * *

Philip exited the car and waited for Iason to join him. He was still unsettled by his little discussion this morning with Sara and Clara. He stared at the drab building in front of them. Turning the collar up on his coat, he followed Iason up the steps.

"Have you ever been inside here before?" He stood huddled next Iason as they waited for someone to answer the locked door.

"Yes, when Katrina graduated. I didn't go much further than the gymnasium. I got word from the school that the headmistress resigned when she knew we were coming. I can only imagine the chaos we're going to find here." 

The door opened slowly by a man in a gray uniform. 

"Can I help you?" The man's stilted tone made it apparent he wasn't in the helping mood.

"Yes. I'm Jason Littlebird and this is my friend, Philip de Arenaught. We've come to inspect the school. I do believe King Charles of Areseric bought the school several months ago. He's sent us to inspect and make any changes which are needed."

"We've been expecting you. I'm sorry to say the previous headmistress hasn't been replaced. The head guard has taken her place until you can find a replacement. He will see you in the main office." 

Iason nodded and followed the man inside. Next to him Philip took in all the minor details for future reference. As they approached the office, Philip noticed the young girl who was sitting outside the office on a bench. She was slumped over. Her skin was quite a bit darker than everyone else he'd met so far. Her long dark hair was divided into two braids which covered her ears and flowed down over her shoulders to rest on her ample chest. Even without his considerable powers he'd be able to feel the angst coming off the girl. He was tempted to stop and speak to her but his attention was dragged away by the office door opening and the harsh male voice bidding them to enter. A woman stood next to the large desk in the office.

"I'll be right with Kóh, in a moment Mrs. Carland." The secretary nodded and gave the girl a sharp glance.

"Of course, Mr. Martinez." 

"Come in, gentlemen. I'm Jebadiah Martinez. I'm sorry to keep you waiting. Please have a seat." 

Philip and Iason both entered the small office. Iason's sensitive nose flared. Immediately Philip went on defense. Iason is know for his delicate senses. If he smells something wrong, I should be alert.

"Well, what can I do for you gentlemen?" Zebadiah waited until Iason had seated himself. Philip went to stand by the window. Gazing out the window, he gave the air of disinterest but was quite aware of what was going on around him.

"I've been sent here to evaluate your school, Mr. Martinez. In addition to this duty I've also been charged with the duty of deciding who shall be the new Headmaster or Headmistress of the school. Before we start, are you interested in having the position?" Iason's voice was cool.

"Actually I'd rather return to running the guards, Mr. Rainbird. The previous headmistress put me in a rather awkward position. I've never wanted to be responsible for all of the decisions running this school requires. The disciplinary issues are enough to make a man old before his time."

"And why would you say that?" 

Philip turned to watch the man squirm in his seat as Iason's gaze pinned him down.

* * * *

"Sara, come here. It's time us women have a talk without our dominant 'chosens' butting their noses in." Clara started slowly rocking in the chair next to the fireplace. Iason had been nice enough to start a small fire in it before he'd left. To the warm blooded Venusians, winter in Iowa was a lot colder than Venus even on her coldest day. 

"I really don't want to talk about it, Auntie Clara." Sara sat down in the overstuffed chair. Arranging her traditional priestess's robes around her, she tucked her feet under them. "

"What is it you don't want to speak of, my dear?" 

"Everything. Ever since that blasted man returned, my world has been turned upside down. Why did he have to come back? If I wasn't happy I was at least content with my life. I had Gabriel and that was enough. Now I don't know which end is up." 

"Do you remember when I read your destiny, Sara?" 

"It seems like a lifetime ago but yes I do remember. I'm sorry to say, Clara, I do believe you slipped a bit with me. At least I've gotten part of it. I've got Philip's child at least in spirit. He reminds me so much of him." 

"He's very much his father's son. He'll always have Brent's physical traits but his spirit is Philip's through and through." Clara folded her hands over her stomach and watched the other woman fidget.

"It doesn't matter, Clara. Brent and Philip were identical. Few could tell them apart."

"How long are you going to run from him?" 

"It's more complicated than that. I've been on my own for too long. He's come back expecting me to be the same witch he was engaged to. I'm no longer her. Too much time and too many things have happened to me for me to remain the same witch."

"Just as Philip is no longer the same wizard. If you two would've bonded back then, your relationship would have fallen apart under the slightest of pressure. You and Philip would've still been chosens but you would have grown apart. These terrible things you both endured really did make both of you stronger."

"So all the adversity we've both endured has made us stronger?" Bitter laughter escaped Sara. "Thank you so much Auntie Clara, for the needed lesson in humility. In all honesty I could've done without it." Sara jerked to her feet and left the room slamming the door with a thud.

Clara continued to rock in the chair. 

"Well, Clara, you did one helluva job with her. Now she's wary of you too. Perhaps Iason can get through to her." 

* * * * 

Philip gritted his teeth as they continued to follow Mr. Martinez around the school. So far all the students had been well behaved but subdued. As the tour ended, Philip had to stop himself from tearing into the man. All the schools on Venus were full of laughter and kids running in the halls. This place of misery is no place to teach a child how to be a responsible and productive witch or wizard.

"Will that be all, gentlemen? I have several students requiring discipline back at my office." 

"Actually, Mr. Martinez. I do believe I shall deal with the discipline. You're relieved of your duties as Headmaster. You're free to return to your post as Head of Guards. That will be all." Iason's voice was frosty cold.

The man looked as if he were ready to protest. That was until Iason's blue eyes dared him to protest. The retribution in them was more than enough to make the man tremble. 

"Understood. I'll resume my duties in the guard shack. If you've any more questions for me, I'll be there." Jebadiah turned and quickly exited the building.

"Thank Mica, he's gone. I was ready to ring his neck." Philip joined Iason. Staring around the halls he rubbed his neck. "We're going to have a hell of battle on our hands to turn this school around."

"I agree and I know just the witch to turn it around." 

"Clara or Sara?" He felt uneasy about the idea of his chosen being exposed to the atmosphere of the school. She's all ready moody enough as it is. Being around these children are not going to make my wooing of her any easier.

"Both. I'm going to offer Clara the position of Headmistress and I think Sara would be a welcome assistant. She's very protective of children and it will make her realize her worth outside of being a priestess."

"Looking at it that way I can do nothing other than support your decision, Iason. Perhaps in the end, it'll help me."

"Son, you're going to have to start thinking of what is good for her before what's good for you or your relationship is doomed. When you're in love with a woman, you're suppose to put her needs first and in turn she'll do the same." 

"You're making the mistake of believing I'm in love with Sara. I hate to disappoint, Iason but I don't think I have it in me to love anyone."

"So you don't believe in love?" Concern showed in his eyes.

Philip shook his head. Before Iason could make any further comment, a student ran up to Iason.

"Come quick! There's a fight in the library. Headmaster Martinez, said he wasn't going to take care of it until ordered to and told me to come get you." The girl tugged on Iason's flannel shirt. 

"Of course. Lead the way, dear, and I'll fix it." 

Iason kept his voice gentle but Philip knew Jebadiah Martinez had just signed his own walking papers.

The man was treading on dangerous ground by refusing to act Both he and Iason followed the little girl into the library. Iason ducked as a burning book was aimed at his head and then whistled by it. 

"What the hell?" Philip extinguished the book with just a look and let it fall to the ground as he surveyed the damage. Around him many of the books were on fire and the two combatants in the center of the chaos were oblivious to the destruction they were causing. 

"I'll take the boy if you grab the girl." 

Iason nodded his agreement, knowing in Philip's unbound state, his contact with other women was difficult to handle. 

Waiting to see his opening, Philip dodged another flaming book, extinguished it and grabbed the youth around the waist. Pushing him to the floor, he grabbed at the youth's wildly swinging fists and yanked them behind his back. 

"Calm down, damnit!" 

"The little bitch had it coming!" The boy tried to buck the older man off. 

"I don't care if she kicked you in the balls, son. Using your powers is no way to handle this. The female deserves to be cherished and put above all others!" 

"What planet are you from, asshole? The only thing in here that's cherished and protected are the damn snitches. And sometimes even they get caught alone and get fucked up." The boy grunted under the increasing pressure of Philip's hold.

Philip looked up from the boy to see Iason struggling to restrain the girl. In horror he recognized her as the same girl who'd been outside of Martinez's office earlier in the day.

When Iason finally subdued the girl, he locked eyes with Philip.

"What the hell have we let ourselves into?" Philip's softly voiced question made it across to Iason.

"This is going to be a bit harder than we originally thought." Iason gave a small smile - one that chilled Philip to the bone. It was a look which didn't bode well for the misbehaving students.

* * * *

Gabriel wandered away from the barn, lulled by the call of the land. He knew his own gift of empathy related to everything from human and animal to the land and plants spoke to him. For once in my life I feel comfortable. This land calls to me and sooths me like none I've ever seen. Wandering farther away from the barn, he entered the barren fields. Under his feet he could feel the land sleeping, but knew in a few months it would come alive once more and nourish the animals and humans alike.

"I could actually grow to like this place. No bothersome emotions bombarding me and tearing at me."

"How would you like to stay here, Gabriel." 

At his mother's soft voice, he spun around.

"Mom!" Taking in her clothing, he scowled. "You're not dressed to be out here. You will be hurt by the cold. What would your chosen say!" He looked around frantically for Philip. Since his dad had come back into their lives, he was never far behind his mother. But this time Phillip was not around.

"Let me worry about him. Aside from that, he may be my chosen but I still have a mind of my own. Remember when you've your own chosen, son, that she's a woman and shouldn't be treated as a belonging. Instead treat her as if she's the most precious thing in your life."

"I will Mom." He turned around and wrapped his arms around her waist. Mom always smells so good, like powder and fresh air.

Standing with her son under the early afternoon sun, the pair were never aware of the binoculars trained their way. 

* * * *

Jebadiah Martinez sat back on his haunches. After the call from King Gaerwn, he was still trying to figure out why the King was so insistent the woman and child were to be sent back to Venus. They look harmless enough. I don't understand why King Gaerwn has such a hard'on for this woman and child, but who am I to question orders. Aside from that, King Gaerwn promised to turn a blind eye to the girl I raped in Sandova. Not that the little slut didn't have it coming to her. Instead he sent me here to a virtual paradise of young women to exploit. 

He reached down and adjusted his hardening cock. After giving the woman and child a once-over look, he planned on returning to work and looking up the feisty little Kóh. She escaped my punishment earlier but she won't be so lucky this time. But first things first, I need to plant my bug and check that the security measures have been put in place.

* * * *

Gabriel lifted his head from his mother's chest. Something was wrong. He could feel hostility and physical desire. Being raised in a Temple, he'd come very adept as sensing the vibes men and women gave off during sex. They were unmistakable. 




A King's Touch Ch. 08



"Mom, I don't think it's safe out here. Can we go inside?" He could hear the ground beneath him sending out signals telling him of the approaching danger. They needed to get inside. Grabbing his mother's hand, he dragged her towards the house. 

"What's the hurry, Gabe?" Sara's voice was breathless as she ran behind her son. At eleven he was nearly as tall as his mother and just as strong. 

"Inside, Mom." He ran up the porch steps and opened the screen door. Dragging his mother inside, he startled Clara who was just coming from the kitchen.

"What's wrong?" She wiped her hands on the apron she'd placed over her healer robes. 

"I'm not sure, Clara. Gabriel just started dragging me into the house." Sara's response was breathless.

"Gabriel?" Clara placed her hands on the boy's shoulders. "What is it? I can see you're upset. What did you feel?" 

Gabriel shook his head. I can't tell them that I felt the earth speak to me. I don't dare explain that I can feel what the animals and the people are feeling too. I'm such a freak!

* * * *

Sara met Clara's eyes above the boy's head. Silently she shook her head. It was best not to press Gabriel. He'd tell her in his own good time. He normally did. 

"Why don't you go wash up for dinner, Gabriel. Your mother and I will finish it up shortly and we can eat." 

The boy nodded and scurried out of the kitchen, heading to the bathroom.

As soon as he was gone, Clara took Sara by the arm and pulled her into the kitchen.

"Sit!" Clara pushed her to one of the straight back chairs. 

Sara sat down and waited to see what was on the older woman's mind. She had a sneaking suspicion it had to do with her son. As much as I don't want to talk about my relationship or lack of one with Philip, I dread talking about Gabriel's gift even more.

"You know, Sara, you're not going to be able to avoid this forever. That boy needs to be trained. His senses are more sensitive than any I've seen. Without training he's a danger to himself and others."

"I..." Sara started to protest but was cut off by Clara.

"I know you're concerned about your father realizing how much power Gabriel has. So we're going to train him."

"We?" 

"Iason, Philip, you and me. All of us."

"But I can't teach him anything!" She shook her head in denial.

"Why not?" 

"Because I'm nothing more than a Priestess. There's nothing he can learn from that."

"Don't let me ever hear you say that again, tarta!" Philip stood in the open door of the kitchen. 

"Philip, come in we're just discussing training your son." 

Philip cocked his head and locked eyes with Sara. "Are you still fighting the idea?"

"I have no objection to having Gabriel trained if we can make sure King Gaerwn doesn't find out about it. I won't give him my son!" 

Philip nodded his agreement.

* * * *

Jebediah smiled savagely as he let himself into the school. Pocketing the keys, he nodded to the guard on duty. 

"Hey Ralph. I'm just here to work on some paperwork. I'll be in my office." 

"Very good, Mr. Martinez." The other guard went back to the book he'd been reading. 

Walking down the hall, Jebadiah made a right turn and headed for the girl's quarters. Letting himself into them, he wandered down the hall until he came to the detention quarters. The sassy little Kóh would be just what the doctor ordered. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a syringe holding the potent Venusian drug, raz-ice. The smuggler who'd sold it to him told him the inventor of it had combined a potent aphrodisiac with the potent drug, ensuring not only the addictiveness of the drug but also driving the recipient out of their mind with desire. 

* * * *

Kóh looked up from the bed where she was lying as the lock on the detention room scraped open. She knew she'd overreacted in the library. But damn it, I'm tired of the boys trying to take advantage of me! 

"In detention again, Kóh? I could've sworn you Indians were smarter than that but you obviously aren't." 

Kóh paled as Jebadiah locked the door behind him. When he pulled a syringe from behind his back, she backed into the corner.

"Get that thing away from me!" 

"Aw, now don't be that way, sweetheart. You're just going to love this stuff." 

"No." Fear crawled through her as he herded her into the corner of the cell. 

"It'll only hurt a second." 

"No!" She looked around wildly for a way to escape. Before she could find one, he snatched her up and threw her on the bed. Rolling her over, he pinned her effortlessly, the dampening effects of the cell made her powers mute and she was unable to help herself. Struggling she felt the prick of the needle before a wild surge of pleasure and then the full brunt of desire hit her system. What the hell is this? How can I resist it? 

"Go ahead and try to fight it, Kóh. It will be interesting to see how long you last before you're begging me to fill your tight little pussy." He rolled off of her. Rolling onto her back, she cowered in the corner of the bed and watched as he reached for his belt. 

Shame filled her as her womb tightened in response. This can't be happening to me! Somebody help me!

* * * *

Gabriel jerked awake as a female cry echoed through him. Rolling out of bed, he sank to his knees next to it and wrapped his arms around himself. His mother found him a few minutes later, rocking back and forth as he tried to shut out the cries of the woman who was being forced -- beaten and raped. 

"Gabriel, sweetheart, why are you out of bed?" His mother's voice came from far away. He gazed up at her as the pain of that female increased then for once in his short life, he lost consciousness. He welcomed the darkness beckoning him and escaped the savage cries with the only option he'd left to him.

"Gabriel?" She shook him and when she got no response, she panicked. "Philip!"



A King's Touch Ch. 09



Sorry about the delay in posting this chapter. All feedback is welcome!

*

Philip! 

Philip looked up from the files they'd brought home from ITS. Both he and Iason were sitting in Iason's living room, in front of the wood stove. While it didn't have the same ambiance as the palace's fireplaces, it made the room warm and cozy. 

"Something wrong, Philip?" Iason set down his own file.

"Did you hear that?" 

"Hear what?" Iason reached for another file.

"I could've swore I heard Sara calling me." 

"Why don't you go up and check on her? She's been holed up in her room since this afternoon." 

"I think I will." He closed the file and set it aside. "I'll be back." He stood and left the room, smiling absently at Auntie Clara. 

* * * *

"Gabriel, baby, open your eyes. Look at Momma." Sara felt his pulse, her fear increasing as she monitored it's weakened beat. "Damn it. I promised I wouldn't go back on the shadow plane until Clara could find a way to make it safe for me. Come on baby, open those beautiful eyes so I don't have to break my promise." She lifted him until his head was cradled on her lap. As he remained unresponsive, she realized she didn't have any other choice. I'm gonna have to go and bring him back. Sorry Clara. She focused her energy and slipped easily onto the Shadow plane. Turning she studied herself and her son, searching for anything which could help her. She examined her son closely. The last time this had happened on Venus, she'd found him huddling at the edge of his body. This time she didn't see him but instead saw a silvery thread leading away from his body. Placing her hand on the thread, she was nearly brought to her knees as intense pain and fear swamped her. She released it with a cry.

"Gabriel, baby, you've got to help me." 

"It hurts, Momma. Hurts so bad." His voice came from a distance. 

"Keep talking to me, baby. I'll find you and take the pain away." 

"Help me, help her, make him stop!" 

His cries of distress sent a surge of determination through her and she returned her hand to the thread, using just her fingertips for contact. The pain flared through her again, but with ease of long practice she pushed it away and followed the fragile thread. She kept her eyes focused on the thread as she followed it away from the farmhouse. 

* * * *

Philip knocked on the bedroom door. When there was no answer, he pushed the door open. Standing in the middle of the room, he didn't see her.

"Tarta?" 

A soft moan from the floor on the far side of the bed alerted him to their presence. 

"Sara!" He fell to his knees beside her and Gabriel. He yelled for Iason. Running his hands over Gabriel, he was puzzled when he found no injuries. 

"What is it? What's wrong?" Iason hurried into the room followed by his chosen. 

"I came in here and found them like this. What in the name of Mica is going on here?" 

Iason crouched down next to them. He carefully examined them. 

"The boy's trembling concerns me, Philip. As far as Sara is concerned..."

"...she's on the shadow plane." Clara's voice was tight. "After I warned her of the dangers. Damn that girl." She planted her hands on her hips.

Philip's head flew up. "What dangers? She never said anything about there being any danger."

"Unlike Venus where everything is shadowed, here on Earth the shadow plane is filled with vibrant colors and intense feeling. It's completely foreign and a shadow walker can get intoxicated on it very easily." 

"She risked going there when she could've called for any of us to help her. I just don't understand why she won't ask for help!" 

"She's been on her own for a long time, Philip. She is used to doing everything on her own with no one to rely on." Clara didn't voice her accusation but he could feel it's condemnation nonetheless. 

"Enough Clara. He already feels bad enough. We need to focus on helping them." Iason laid his hands on his chosen's shoulders. "First we're going to see if Philip can coax her back."

"And if that doesn't work?" Philip wasn't at all certain his link with his chosen was strong enough to reach Sara on the shadow plane.

"Then if it doesn't I'll have to go out on the shadow plane myself and find her." Clara crossed her arms across her chest. "She better pray you can bring her back because I'll be truly angry if I have to go after her." 

"So how do I go about bringing her back?"

* * * *

Sara trembled with fatigue as she continued to follow the fragile thread under her hand. The need to observe her surroundings was growing stronger. The thread was nearly burning her hand with the agony coursing through it  I have to find Gabriel. He needs me!The thread thickened in her hand and she knew she was closer to finding her son. A tall dark building came into view. After moving through the open gate, past the guard who was reading a book, she followed another guard into the building. She glimpsed a small plaque on the door before it swung close in her face. Brig: Solitary Confinement, Authorized personnel only. Just as the shadow plane on Earth was bright and colorful compared to the one on Venus, and objects which normally were immovable for her, here on this planet she pushed through with ease. Stumbling as her body fell through the closed door, she found a man pulling his pants up. Horror ripped through her as she saw the bloodied and beaten girl who lay huddled on the bed. 

"What in the name of Mica is going on here! Are you all right?" Rushing to the girl's side she never saw the face of the man who'd attacked the girl. The door opened and closed behind Sara, but her attention was on the girl who continued to sob while her body was racked by tremors from the drug she'd ingested. 

"You came." Gabriel's voice drew her around the bed. She found him kneeling on floor cupping the girl's hand within his. His pain filled her as she saw the terror mixed with horrible suffering and tears flowing from his eyes. 

"Of course I came. I'll always come, Gabriel." She knelt down next to him. Touching his chin, she lifted his head to meet his eyes. "I love you and would never leave you. Are you ready to go back?" 

He nodded. When she took his hand and turned to leave, he cried out. 

"What's wrong, Son?" 

"I can't leave her. We're connected. She's scared and hurting, Mom. We've got to find her. She needs our help." 

"We'll find her." 

"She was raped at least twice and that evil man gave her something."

Fury built inside of her at her son's words.  No girl deserves to be abused! Even as she struggled with the strong emotion, she felt herself fading. Damn it! Not now! She'd pushed herself to the edge of her abilities to find her son but now her body was demanding she return to it immediately. The only other time she'd been outside her body this long was the night of her son's conception.

"I'll be back, baby."

"Hurry, Mom." His voice was a whisper as she started to fade away. "Mom will make everything okay, I promise." His assurance to the girl made her eyes tear even as she disappeared from the shadow plane.

* * * * 

"Come back to me tarta. I need you." 

Philip's words sent both warmth and physical desire spiking through her system. Now he needs me. Typical man. Opening her eyes, she tried to focus on him., He was holding her. Placing her hand against her pounding head, she tried to sit up. 

"No. Don't move, Sara." His arms tightened around her. 

"We have to help them."

"Help who?" Clara's voice drew Sara's attention. The look on the older woman's face told it's own story.

Damn, I really stepped in it this time. She may look calm but I know she going to chew me out. She's just bidding her time. Rolling out of Philip's arms she staggered to her feet, heading towards the connecting bathroom as her stomach heaved, a usual unpleasant aftereffect of being on the Shadow plane too long.

"Damn it, Sara. Come back here." Philip jumped to his feet and followed her across the room. Entering the bathroom, he quickly closed the door when he saw her kneeling in front of the toilet. Running the water, he wet a cloth and then knelt next to her.

When her stomach finally quit heaving, she sagged against the toilet and accepted the cool cloth he handed her. After wiping her mouth, she accepted the glass of water he'd drawn for her after giving her the cool cloth. Taking small sips, she waited for her stomach to settle and mentally prepared herself for another journey out on to the Shadow plane once more. 

"I have to go back. I have to save them."

"Don't even think about it, Sara Anne. You're not going back without me." Philip picked her up off the cold floor and held her against his chest. Her tears started to flow again.

"Our son..." 

"I understand, tarta, but you're in no shape to go back. Where is he, Sara? I'll bring him back for you." 

"I don't know! "Crying and trembling, she buried her face against him and let him rock her as if she were the child. 

* * * *

When Philip finally carried his exhausted chosen out of the bathroom, he saw Iason and Clara were sitting beside the bed - each holding one of Gabriel's hands. Iason stood and pushed the blanket back which made room for Sara and Philip to crowd into the queen size bed with their son. Sara whimpered when Philip laid her down. She clung to him. 

He gazed across the bed at Clara, a question clearly in his eyes.

She shook her head. "You're gonna have to stay with her and your son. I know it goes against everything in you but she needs you physically at her side."

"This is your chance to prove you can be there for her, that she doesn't have to rely on herself alone." Iason placed his hand on the younger wizard's shoulder. Sara whimpered as she felt the older man's presense.

"Shh, tarta, settle down. I'm not going anywhere." He slid into the bed before tugging her to him. "Snuggle here with Gabriel and me. I'll watch over both of you." He pressed a kiss against the top of her head. She pressed herself tightly to his side. Within a blink of an eye, he found himself with his chosen curled against one side and his son the other. A wave of belonging settled over him, despite the circumstances. With barely any thought and with power he took for granted, Philip undressed and redressed his family in comfortable night wear.

"Did she tell you what she found?" Clara soothed the blanket up and over the family.

"Not much. She found him but she can't tell me where he is." 

"Damn. That's gonna make things more difficult." Iason rubbed the back of his neck in frustration.

"Sara?" Clara leaned over and brushed her hand across Sara's forehead. Sara opened her eyes and tried to focus on the older woman. "Sara, I'm going to merge with you so we can find Gabriel." 

"Oh." Sara's eyes closed and she fell back into the deep sleep which always accompanied her burnout after using too much psychic energy. 

Wrapping his arm around her, Philip could feel when Clara enveloped Sara in a Shadow Embrace. His every instinct cried out against the invasion. She's mine. No other should ever share that special embrace with her. Logically he knew his fears were irrational but he couldn't help it.

"Relax, Philip, or Sara will pick up on your discomfort and fight her. We both know Clara would never hurt her. She is only searching for the information Sara can't give us. It'll be over shortly." 

Iason's promise seemed to calm Philip's nerves but he still wouldn't be happy until Clara was back in her body with the information they needed to rescue Gabriel. A few moments later, Clara stumbled. Iason guided his trembling mate to the chair. 

"She might get sick," Philip warned him. 

Iason nodded.

"I won't get sick. Sara got sick because this Shadow plane effects the person more strongly if they're not bonded." 

"We're bonded!" 

"Not totally as of now. Until your bonding is complete, she'll continue to become ill on the Shadow plane Earth's or Venus's. It was another reason why I told her not to go there. It's imperative you finish your bonding as soon as possible. Especially if we plan on staying on Earth for any length of time." 

Philip unwisely chose to ignore Clara's words, and instead brought the focus of the discussion back to what he thought was important. 

"What did you find?"

Clara seem to gaze unseeingly at the wall before answering.

"He's in a tall dark building with a young girl. Perhaps a bit older than he. The girl's been brutally traumatized. He's linked to her and it's going to endanger him too unless we find her and remove her from the danger." 

"How do we find her?" Philip's demand was met with silence as Clara seemed to dig further into her memories.

After a moment, Clara's face paled. Walking over to the bed, she picked up Gabriel's limp hand. Rubbing her thumb along the heart line of his palm, she seemed to draw further into herself.

"What's wrong?" Iason laid his hands on her shoulders.

"Damn." Her whispered word brought dread to Philip.

"Tell me!" His fear for the boy he'd just found was more than evident in his voice.

"We need to find her. Did you feel anything through your link with Katrina when we removed the raz-ice bond from Patience, Philip?" 

"A bit, just vague impressions. What in the name of Mica, does that whole mess

have to do with Gabriel?" 

"I'm going to need your help. Your son has already begun claiming his chosen. This girl is his. We're going to have to replace the raz-ice bonds with the bonds of a chosen." 

"He's only a child! It's not possible. He's not mature enough to have a sexual bond. Aside from that the power never speaks before the male reaches his maturity." His utter disbelief was obvious.

"Impossible or not, his spirit," She locked eyes with him. "Part which he got from you - has recognized and claimed it's mate. The bond has already formed and now we've got to help both of them or risk losing them both."

"If he'd had shields in place to protect him, this never would've happened." 

Iason and Clara nodded their agreement. "Before we can help him build those shields we have to help stabilize this bond and then build the shields around it." 

Clara's whole demeanor spoke of the total effort it would take all four of them.

"Damn." Philip leaned his head back against the pillow. We're so screwed. This whole situation is absolutely out-of-control.

* * * *

Kira moaned and writhed under the hard working body of her brother. Tied across her bed, her ass was raised in the air and her pregnant body supported by the pillows while behind her, Sean was mercilessly fucking her. 

"You hot little bitch. You just loved being fucked." A sharp slap on her upraised ass had her skating along the edge of orgasm. I know this is wrong but it feels so damn good. Thank god for Sean and abilities! If I'd never let him hypnotize me to begin with I would've never know true pleasure. 

She screamed as he shoved a finger in her ass and her orgasm crashed over her without warning. 

"Fuck yeah!" Sean arched behind her and went rigid as his own orgasm raced through him. As he collapsed over her, his hand went instinctively to her rounded belly where the babe rested. Kira moaned softly. 

"Do you ever wonder, Sister who's baby this is?" His husky voice was replete.

"It's yours." 

"Ours, Sister. We'll soon have our own child to love and the old man will be out of the picture. It'll soon be over and you'll be mine alone." 

"Yours alone." Her voice echoed his as contentment washed over her. It's just as it should be. Sean and I ruling Sandova. Nothing could be more perfect. 



A King's Touch Ch. 10



Sorry about the delay in posting a new chapter on this story. Now that the edits have slowed down, I should have more time to devote to both this story and Nisey's Awakening. As always all feedback is welcome.

*

Gabriel held the girl's spirit to him. He could tell by touch alone she was older than he and weary both in body and soul from years of abuse.Perhaps that's what drew her to me. We're two kindred spirits and I won't let her go. She'll arise above this crime against her for I'll allow no other outcome. Even at his young age Gabriel had inherited not only his father's arrogance but his mother's canny resourcefulness. She's my chosen, and I will not go without her and end up at the impasse my parents are. Only death can take me from her. 

"Let me go." Kóh's dark eyes pleaded with him.

"No. We'll find a way to rid you of this drug so you're going to come home with me where we can protect you."

She rolled over, giving him her back. "Don't make promises you can't keep boy. I've been here for too long to believe in them."

"Well I don't make promises I can't keep. Once my parents come, we'll take you home and you'll recover. I command no less of you."

"You command?" She seemed to bristle with outrage. Rolling back over, she pinned him with her dark eyes. "What gives you the right to command me?"

"We're chosens. Chosen by time and fate to be mates."

"Chosens? What the hell is that?"

"Each person has a perfect mate they'll bond with physically, mentally and spiritually. And you happen to be mine. 

A look of disbelief crossed her face. "You're kidding, right? You're a little boy. What the hell do you know about sex or mating?"

"More than you'd think I know, Kóh. I grew up in a House of Eluran." 

Confusion crossed the girl's face. "A house of what?"

Reaching out, he took her hand with his. "Eluran. They're temples where unmated wizards come to engage in sexual congress."

"Wizards? You've got to be kidding me. You've been reading too many Harry Potter books." 

"Harry Potter? I'm not familiar with this. Mom was barely able to scrape up enough money for my textbooks. Recreational reading was a luxury we couldn't afford while we were in Sandova."

"Sandova? Where is that? Mars? Whatever you've been smoking I want some." Trying to pull back from him, she frowned when he refused to release her hand. 

"I haven't been smoking anything, my chosen, and I'm from the planet Venus - not Mars."

"I'm not your chosen!" Her protest was physically violent before the rest of what he'd said sunk in. "Venus? Like the same place King Rand came from? I heard he took one of the girls who used to be here back with him. They say she married a king." Longing filled her expression.

"I've never met Queen Katrina but my father is related to her. She's his sister." 

"Get out! If she's your aunt - why haven't you met her?" 

"I didn't say she was my aunt, simply that she's my father's sister and the reason I've never met her is because my mother and father are still battling it out over the mezclar. Until he claims her and me, I'm nothing more than a bastard child of the former prince of Sandova." 

"Just like me." Her hand tightened around his for the first time. "So why are they arguing?" 

* * * *

Rand tightened his grip on the arms of his chair. In front of him was King Gaerwn and his son, Sean, the current ruling family of Sandova. When his requests for a complete report on the accusations and trial against the former King Angi and his two sons from the High Council in Venus' capital city hadn't gotten him anywhere, he'd decided a trip to their capital was a must. The shock was apparent when he'd arrived without his wife and only his father Mica, the former High King, as company. 

The deceit was so thick in the room, Rand was surprised it didn't foul the air with its stench. While Gaerwn was calm in the face of the inquest or official review that Rand had called into the trial of the former king. Sean paced nervously back and forth, his long strides carrying him swiftly from one side of the room to the other. On the other side of the room, Mica was keeping a close eye on the proceedings and the participants. 

"Welcome King Randall. What an unexpected surprise. I understand you and your father are looking into the claim of a dethroned Prince. I'm sorry he has troubled you with this matter. Philip never did let go of his anger about his father. It's quite unfortunate he absconded with a member of the royal family. He now has a warrant out for his arrest." 

Leaning forward in his chair, he studied the man. "Really? I take it your son's chosen has disappeared then?" 

"No, we just left her in the solar." 

"Who exactly has Philip absconded with then, since the only members left of your family is you and your son?" 

Gaerwn gave him a practiced but weary smile. "I wish I could say that's true, but contrary to popular belief, my oldest daughter still is alive." 

Rand arched a brow at him. "Do tell." 

"After Philip abandoned her when his father was found guilty, she had a breakdown in her personality. I had to send her away. At the time I didn't realize she was carrying a child." 

Playing along, Rand decided to see how far the other man would go. "I'd think even if your daughter needed to be institutionalized, you'd want her child with you." 

"And bring a bastard into the ruling family of Sandova? My family has never acknowledged a bastard child and I don't intend to start now." 

"What if the child happened to be Philip's? Wouldn't that give him a good reason to take it?"

"The child is insignificant but my daughter..." 

Rand couldn't believe Gaerwn was dismissing Gabriel with such ease.

"...despite the fact she's not stable, she's still my daughter. When he left Venus with her after attacking her personal guard, he committed treason against the royal family of Sandova. My advisors seem to think he's planning on using her as leverage to get his crown back."

"Could it be he took her because she's his chosen and his leaving Venus could kill her?" 

His father cleared his throat. Glancing over at him, he saw the look that Mica shot towards Sean. Narrowing his eyes in understanding, he glanced at the son who was still pacing like a caged lion. The son was the weak link. He turned his attention back to Gaerwn.

"That's nonsense. They never mated. All the signs were there but when he left the mezclar remained unconsumed. His whereabouts have no effect on her." 

His anger flared at the man's outright dismissal of his own daughter. Ruthlessly, he shoved his anger down. It wasn't going to help his agenda in restoring Philip's family the throne. He'd deal with the man's abuse of his daughter at later date. What happened to Sara should never have happened and he'd be damned if he'd let it go unpunished. Grasping the reins of his self-control, he turned the conversation back to his reason for visiting.

"Now, about this claim by Philip. As High King, I've a responsibility to investigate any and all claims of dispute when it comes to the ruling families of Venus. Since he petitioned me, I am duty bound to see this through regardless of what he may or may not have done. I'd like to see the scrolls of King Angi's impeachment and consequent banishment." 

"I understand your position, King Randall. Can I offer you a repast while my advisors go and fetch the scrolls in question?" 

Rand cocked his head before answering. "That'd be nice, King Gaerwn. I'd appreciate it if you'd personally oversee it while I get to know your son and heir better. After all, a man in my position should be familiar with the heir to the Sandova throne, don't you think?" 

King Gaerwn stood and nodded slowly. Rand knew his position as High King meant the man couldn't outright refuse him without giving him a reason why he didn't want Rand speaking privately with his heir. The king rose from his chair and strode from the room, his body language showing he wasn't pleased at all. 

Rand waited until he was gone before standing and approaching Sean. His dad joined them.

"There's no need to be nervous, Sean. I'm not going to attack you. I just wanted speak to you privately. From my understanding, you were a witness along with your sister during King Angi's inquest?"

Sean stopped pacing and nodded. "I was escorting Sara back to her room when we passed the King's chambers and a young girl crawled out into the hall. She was beaten, bloodied and had been assaulted sexually. After sending my sister to her room, I tried to help her but it was too late. She died in the hallway in my arms."

"Your sister left right away?" Mica placed a hand on Sean's shoulder. 

"Yes, she said the sight of the made her nauseous and she fled back to her room. By the time a servant passed by, the girl had died. She begged me to let her go." 

"That must've been difficult." Rand spoke over his shoulder as he approached the wet bar. "Would you like a drink?"

Sean shook his head. Walking over to the closed door, he flipped the lock before he sank down into a chair. He cradled his head in his hands. 

"Sean?" Approaching Sean, Rand studied the man.

"I can't do this anymore. This has got to stop." He looked up at Rand. "You've got to stop him. He is totally out of control -- maybe even insane."

"Stop who? Who's insane?" 

"My father. He killed the girl and framed the last king for it. Then he poisoned our mother, exiled one sister to the House of Eluran, while he has been using the other as a sexual slave. She's now pregnant and I fear for the babe's life once it's born. He's let his desire to rule overrule everything else, including his family." 

"So you're saying your other sister..." Shock was apparent in Mica's voice.

"Kira." 

Rand nodded. "Kira is pregnant with your father's child?" 

"His or mine. I don't know which of us fathered her babe." 

Ice dripped from Rand's voice. "Yours?" 

"He used his power to alter Kira genetically. He took my magical and physical profile to recreate Kira in the image of the woman who'd be my perfect mate. My chosen. In her altered state, she calls to me on every level physically, emotionally and spiritually. I tried to resist her but once the mezclar began it was hopeless." He lifted his head and met Rand's eyes. "I hate him for it but I love my chosen and our unborn babe. Do with me what you must - but protect her, she's completely innocent in all of this horror." 

* * * *

Clara followed her instincts and realized after an hour of searching with no results, she was going to have to go back on the shadowplane and find Gabriel. She waited until Iason came to a stoplight. They'd been headed towards Cedar Rapids but she didn't know if they were even heading in the right direction.

"This is pointless, Iason. I'm going to have to go out on the shadowplane. We need more information. What little I got from the shadow embrace wasn't enough to help us locate him. This time I'm going to have to talk to him."

"Be careful, Clara. If anything happens to you, I won't be happy." The steel in his voice sent shivers through her. She knew he was worried about losing her.

"Always, love." Pressing a quick kiss against his lips, she settled back in her seat before heading out on the shadowplane. Since she'd be instrumental in helping him into his existence, Clara could find Gabriel with little problem. The problem was that once she found him, she must recognize where he was located so she and Iason could bring the girl back to the farm. Gabriel isn't going to leave her without a struggle and I don't want to traumatize him by separating them before we can cement his bond with the girl. 

Ignoring the bright colors she scanned the area, looking for the cool color of Gabriel's power. Like most clairvoyants, Clara could see auras and the boy's was very specific and very strong. It was dark red, almost bordering on amber. Plus it reflected him, his desire to succeed but with the earth tones, and in its power it was easy to see why he was going to be a guardian of Venus, - her lands and all of her people. His strength was amazing for one so young. Even those outside of his birthright. That's why it's so important we don't lose him and his chosen. They're going to be Venus's saving grace.

When she finally spotted what she was looking for, she made her way towards him. Keeping her focus on him, she wandered down a narrow hall and into a small room. Relief flared through her when she is saw him sitting on the floor, holding the hand of a dark skinned teenager. The girl looked like she was about four or five years older than Gabriel and they were quietly talking. It looks as if Gabriel is already working his magic on his chosen. 

"Gabriel." 

He turned towards her and she noticed the girl behind him pulled away and curled up defensively. This is going to be rougher than I expected. Her fears are so strong that they will have to be dealt with immediately.

"Oh hi, Auntie Clara. I was kinda expecting Mom but I'm happy to see you. Mom did too much again, didn't she?" 

Clara smiled at the boy. "Don't worry, Gabriel, she's resting with your father. Which is why I'm here, we can't leave you out here." 

He squared his shoulders and crossed his arms over his slender chest. "I won't go without her." 

"I'm not asking you too, sweetheart. But I need to know where she is, so we can bring her back to the farm, to you." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "We need both you and your willow." 

* * * *

A sense of rightness flared through Gabriel as her words washed over him. 

"Yes, my willow. She'll always be my willow." He nodded and turned back towards Kóh and placed his hand on her shoulder. "Mine." 

"What did you say?" Kóh rolled over and her whisper sounded as loud as a scream in the small room.

"Mine." He let his need to be with her show in his eyes along with the possessiveness he felt towards the girl who would one day be his mate in every way possible.

Sitting up, she pushed his hand off her shoulder. "No before that. What did you call me?" 

"My willow." He sat down on the bed next to her. Reaching out he touched her ebony hair. "Why?" 

"You've finally come. I was expecting some one older. But I have been seeing you in my deepest dreams. I have come to believe in you and what we can be if we are together." Taking his hand in hers, she pressed it against her cheek. 

"I'll never abandon you, Kóh, my willow." 

* * * *

Clara snapped back into her body with a deep sigh. She became aware of the warmth surrounding her. Opening her eyes, she realized her chosen was cradling her in his arms, much as she'd instructed Philip to do with Sara before they'd left. It was a wonderful feeling full of the deepest trust and love to come back to.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" 

She smiled. He was so in tune with her, he realized when she'd returned to her body. Not even my first husband had been tuned in so well. 

"Yes, I'm fine. I've found him. He's at ITS. He's with a girl there." 

"How does he know?" 

"He told me she's in the same place Katrina was imprisoned and her name is Kóh." 

Lifting her face until he could see it, he smiled in anticipation. "The fun is just beginning if it's the Kóh I met earlier today. She's an elemental who can control both fire and rain." 

"Lets go and get them, Iason. I need them to be home where they're safe and we can protect them. They're both very important to the future of Venus."

He nodded his understanding while she slid off his lap and back across the bench seat of the truck.

* * * * 

Sara struggled as she became aware of someone holding her until she heard the rumble of Philip's voice, raspy from sleep. 

"Shh, tarta. Everything is fine. Rest." 

She opened her eyes to find herself in bed with her chosen. She started to stiffen until vague memories of the night before came back, of her finding Gabriel collapsed on the floor. 

"Gabriel!" Struggling to sit up, she fought his hold on her. 

"...Is fine. Auntie Clara and Iason went after them." 

"Them?" Relaxing against his side, she tried to make sense of the chaos in her mind. 

"Yes. Clara merged with you. You found Gabriel. Now they're going to bring both Gabriel and the girl back here." 

"The girl?"

"Yes, it seems Gabriel has found his chosen." 

"What? He's too young!" She moved to sit up again but when the room spun wildly, she grabbed her head.

"Stop it!" Pressing her back down next to him then rolling over her so he was holding her in place, Philip ignored the effect being pressed against her on him. "You're such a spitfire, Sara. I think I misnamed you when I decided on tarta, I should've called you grata instead."

"I'm not a grata nor will I ever be. I don't even resemble that beast." Anger sparked in her at his accusation. The grata was known for its fiery personality and unpredictable moods, making it one of the most feared animals on Venus. In her mind's eye, she was nothing like that beast. Elusive as the tarta perhaps but never feared as the grata.

"In the end, it doesn't matter as long as you're mine, Sara."

"No." She shook her head vehemently. "It can never happen."

"I wish I could go back and change the past, tarta but I can't. Once you wanted nothing more than to be mine." 

"Never again, Philip, never again." 

"We'll see about that." He leaned in and pressed his mouth against hers, sealing his vow. 

With her breath caught in her throat, she tried to fight the pleasure of his lips and body against hers. She was vaguely aware of the fact that her son's warm body was next to them. We can't do this here - Gabriel is right here- right now. 

Shh, relax, tarta, I won't do anything to embarrass you. A kiss and being able to hold you close will be enough for now.

Philip? Horror washed over her. He was inside her head.

It's normal as breathing, my chosen. It was only a matter of time before the telepathic link between us kicked in.

Oh wonderful...

"Mom? Philip?" Gabriel's voice had both of them scrambling to face their son.

"Gabriel! Sweetheart, you're back!" Sara wanted more than anything to pull her son to her but with Philip sprawled across her it wasn't possible. "Get off me Philip!" 

Rolling to his side, he placed one hand on her chest. "Stay put, I'll bring him to you." 

Turning towards his son, Philip went to pick him up. 

"No offense, Philip, but I'm too big for you to..." His protest died in his throat as Philip used his power to gently lift him and place him next to his mother. 

"You were saying?" Philip arched an eyebrow at Gabriel. 

"Nothing. Well, that's something I'd like to learn about..." 

A knock on the door interrupted whatever else he was going to say. 

Philip rolled onto his side. "Come in." 

The door opened and Iason entered the room. He smiled when he saw the happy family. 

"You made it back in one piece, Gabriel?" 

"Yes, Maser Iason. Did you bring her?" He scrambled to the edge of the bed.

"Of course. She's downstairs with Clara. Why don't you go down and see her. She's nervous and being with you will help her begin to adjust." 

"Okay." He crawled off the bed and stumbled before catching his balance. 

"You okay?" Iason took his arm. Gabriel grinned up at him.

"Yep. But take me to my willow. I want to see if she's as pretty in person as she is in spirit." 

"Okay, scamp?" His concern was evident.

"Yep. Lets go." He tugged impatiently at Iason's hold.



A King's Touch Ch. 11



Dragging Iason behind him, Gabriel rushed into the kitchen. He slid to a stop in front of Clara who'd been the process of taking a tray filled with sweet tea and both peanut butter and sugar cookies to the table. 

"Whoa, where's the fire, Gabriel?" Clara's motherly voice had him smiling up at her. It was the voice that had comforted him many times when his mother had been off seeing to her customers in the House of Eluran. 

"Where is she?" He jockeyed around her trying to see his chosen. 

"Calm down, Gabriel. She's here. She's upstairs right now." Placing her hand on his shoulder, she squeezed it reassuringly after setting the tray on the table. "I hate to say this young man, but you look like you've gone through a war zone. Shadow walking is notoriously hard work. You're a rumpled mess. Go change your clothes and wash your hands and face then you can join Kóh and the adults for tea and cookies." 

"But..." His lower lip began to tremble as his age overcame his maturity.

"No buts, Gabriel." Leaning further down, she whispered so only he could hear. "Don't you want to make a good impression on your chosen?"

He nodded and smiled his thanks back at Clara before darting back up the stairs and towards the bedroom where his parents were. Clara lifted her gaze to Iason's knowing one. Walking into the kitchen, he gathered his chosen in his arms. "What was that all about, sweetheart? I doubt the girl would care one way or the other about Gabriel's appearance. He was all she talked about on the way here. She wanted to know everything about him." 

"I know. I've taken her to our room and started a shower for her. She's a mess. She has been abused and molested but Gabriel doesn't need to see that. And I think she'll feel better about herself, if Gabriel doesn't see her as a victim." 

Iason cupped her cheek. "You are so wise, my chosen. I wish I would've thought of that but I'm a simple farmer."

Clara's laughter filled the kitchen. "Simple farmer? Perhaps now but I know you, my love – my Vindexicis warrior - and there is nothing simple about you." Standing on tiptoe, she pressed her mouth to his. It was hard to tell who moaned first, but within moments, Iason had her pressed up against the table and was raising her skirt. Behind him the kitchen door swung shut then locked, safely sealing both of them in. They grinned at each other as their clothes began to slowly disappear.

"God, I love you, woman." Iason yanked her inner shirt open freeing her breasts. Bending his head, he lapped both nipples in welcome before taking turns suckling them into his mouth. "I can't stop thinking about us together. Yes I do love you and I'm going to show you just how much."

"Iason!" Clara buried her fingers in his hair as passion filled her and drove every other thought from her mind.

* * * *

Stopping at the top of the stairs, Gabriel paused. Waves of anguish stopped him just outside his bedroom and tugged at him until he was standing in front of Clara and Iason's room. Kóh? Glancing down at his rumpled Transformer pajamas, he shrugged.

"I doubt she's going to care what I'm wearing no matter what Auntie Clara says." Moving quickly down the hall, he slipped inside of the dark room. The adjoining bath's door was cracked open and he couldn't hear the cries but mentally he could feel the turmoil coming from inside the room. Opening the door, he stuck his head inside. The steam from the shower and the running water barely masked the faint sounds of Kóh's crying. Placing his hand on the steamy glass, he finally spoke when the tug of her anguish became too much for his sensitive senses to bear.

"My willow, please stop. You'll make yourself sick." His voice was hoarse.

"Go...go...away..." 

"Never. I'll always be with you." 

"No...you...you...can't..." Her broken protest had him reacting without thinking. Not caring what happened to his pajamas, he opened the door and climbed into the shower after snagging one of the thick towels off the rack. Peering through the steam and running water, which instantly soaked him, he saw her huddled in the corner, curled up on the low seat placed there. Approaching her as he would a skittish zephti, he finally was close enough to wrap the huge bath towel around her.

Kneeling at her feet, he rubbed her through the towel using the deft touch of someone who only wished to sooth. "You're fine, my willow. What was done to you wasn't your fault, any more than what happened to my mother was hers. "

Dark eyes peered through the steam and water. "Your mother...was... raped?" Her words came out broken as she tried to control her tears.

"Her father the King - sent her to the House of Eluran to be trained as a priestess. Its' priestesses are used as religious prostitutes by the wizard class. I was conceived on her first night there. If it weren't for her ability to shadow walk, my father would have been her first customer. He had no regards to her feelings. His only concern was slaking his physical desires on her virginal body. Using her abilities to reach Philip, she managed to transfer a piece of his soul to give to me. Her customer fathered my physical body but was Philip, my very soul came from." 

There was silence before she finally uncurled. "Your mother told you all of this? She must be a very special person to explain her history to her son." 

"Some of the facts Auntie Clara explained, but my mother has taught me by example as well as words, how she wanted me to treat the woman who would become my wife, my chosen. 'Treat your chosen as if she is pure gold, Gabriel. Hang on tight to her and never let her go. A life where you feel only half alive is no life at all.'"  His mimicking of his mother's soft feminine voice had a giggle escaping Kóh. 

Her laughter died. "I thought Iason said your parents were here? Have they reconciled?" 

He shook his head. "Not yet. Mom is being really stubborn and is still refusing to complete their bond. She's had a rough time of it, especially with all those years as a Priestess."

"Can you tell me what happened between them?" Her soft words had him smiling. 

"Of course." Instinctively he knew his chosen was looking for a way to avoid any possible similarities to her life. She's looking for hope and wants to find a way to forget what has happened to her.

Taking her hand, he began the story he'd heard many times from Auntie Clara while his mother had been out providing for them. Gabriel told Koh the story of a betrayed prince, the wicked king and his very special chosen.

* * * *

Leaning over Sara, Philip toyed with her hair. For once she was not fighting him, but simply lying beneath him waiting to see what he would do. Even though his body had plenty of ideas what to do with his chosen, he pushed his rampant desire back. Now is not the time to take advantage. She's weak from her 'shadow walking' and very relieved to have our son safely returned.

"Are you going to hover over me for the rest of the night? A bit of sleep and I'll be fine, Philip." Her voice, which he was sure she meant to sound hostile or distant, came out husky and sensual instead.

Dropping the piece of hair he'd been toying with, he gazed into her eyes. "I'm sure you will be." He faked a huge yawn. "I think I'll join you." Draping an arm over her stomach, he pulled her closer until her head rested next his on his pillow. "Better." Closing his eyes, he waited for her to voice her normal protests. When her breathing evened out and she truly slept, he opened his eyes. Thank god. She looks exhausted. Nestled next to him, he couldn't help but savor the closeness she'd been denying him. It reminded him of the time they'd spent a year ago during his sister's mezclar. Before I ripped her world apart once more with my rejection of our chosen's bond. I've been such an utter fool. 

* * * *

By the time Gabriel had finished his tale of his parents' long history and their separation, Kóh had allowed him close enough that she was resting her wet head on one narrow shoulder and had one of her hands draped over his arm. Kneeling in front of the shower's seat was not the most comfortable position, but he'd managed to wrap one arm around her back. 

A sudden clearing of a masculine throat didn't surprise him. 

"We've got company, my willow." He spoke the words softly, so she wasn't startled. She'd calmed but he was scared she'd retreat. When she began to stiffen, he opened himself up and sent waves of positive energy towards her. "It's only Auntie Clara and Master Iason." 

"The old man and woman who brought me here?" 

"Yes. " Then he pitched his voice down low so only she could hear him. "But I wouldn't call them old, not if you don't want your butt kicked. Master Iason is a Vindexicis master and Auntie Clara just stepped down as the head of her Wizard sect on Venus. Both are more than capable of protecting us and educating us in the error of our ways if we get out of line. Not to mention they're chosens just like us." 

A giggle escaped her. 

"Come on out of there, you young whippersnapper. Young men of character don't join young ladies of virtue in their showers." Iason's voice was firm. Gabriel caught Kóh's eyes and rolled his. Iason's words sounded every inch the farmer as well as the warrior master that he was.

Auntie Clara broke out into full-blown laughter. 

"Iason, quit threatening the boy. Out, children, before both of you turn into prunes." Clara opened the door and twisted off water. "Come, now before the tea gets warm and your father finds the cookies, Gabriel." 

Without breaking eye contact with Kóh, he nodded his agreement. "A few minutes Auntie Clara, and we'll both be down." 

"Good. Let's go, Iason. Let the children dry off. Gabriel will make sure his Willow makes it downstairs before his rascal of a father eats all the peanut butter cookies." 

"Your dad is a cookie hound?" 

A wide smile crossed Gabriel's face. "Yes – at least when it comes to peanut butter cookies. We don't have any such delicacies on Venus. When Clara found the recipe in Master Iason's late wife's cookbook, she made a batch and Philip has been eating them as fast as they appear fresh-baked from the oven."

He helped her stand and guided her out of the shower. 

"Thanks for sharing with me. What happened to me seems minor compared to the years your mother went through."

"Mom is strong. Stronger than any other woman I've known. I worry though that she might have pushed too hard to find me. Shadow walking is physically hard on anyone."

"Does she like cookies too?" 

"Yeah, she and Philip fight over them." 

Tucking her wet hair behind her ears, she watched him dry his hair with the towel. His clothes were instantly dried as he muttered a soft spell.

"Cool trick. I'd like to meet your parents, Gabriel. I'd rather find out if they're going to give me hell sooner rather than later. Do you think if we brought them some cookies from downstairs it would soften them up for me?" 

"They don't need to be softened up. Mom is going to love you and Philip will do the whole kingly bit and want to protect you. His bark is worse than his bite...at least when it comes to us kids." Grabbing her hand, he dragged her out of the bathroom and then downstairs to the kitchen. 

* * * *

Sara burrowed closer to the warmth of the body next to her. Damn - either Gabriel's gotten bigger or I just made the biggest mistake of my life and I'm wrapped around Philip. Wiggling to try to free herself, she brushed against a solid erection. Now that's definitely not Gabriel.

"Keep wiggling, tarta, and all my good intentions are going to go out the window." The husky echo of his sleep roughened voice filled her head.

"I...we...can't..." 

"Why, Sara? You're my chosen, just as I am yours. It's the natural way of things. I'm supposed to fulfill your every desire and need." His breath teased the edge of her ear and his arms tightened around her. "I remember how it felt to be buried deep inside of your tight little body. The way you milked me until I could do nothing but give up my seed up to you. God, I've missed you. It's been too many lonely nights since our time together when Charles and Kat's mezclar occurred." 

A soft moan escaped Sara as her body reacted to his thoughts. Her nipples tightened and her womb clenched. She could feel her aching pussy preparing for him. "Just stop it, Philip. This can't happen. I'm here because of our bond nothing more. Once we return to Sandova everything will return to normal."

His lips caressed the underside of her jaw. "Understand this, Sara. The first time you use the shadow embrace on me, I'm going to fuck you until you can't walk. I'm that desperate. We'll see how easy it is for you to walk away then."

"Philip..." 

A rather insistent knock interrupted them. "Mom, we brought you fresh peanut butter cookies!" Gabriel's voice broke through.

"That boy of ours has rotten timing, tarta. This conversation is far from over."

"I..." 

"Did you bring any of those for your old man, Gabriel? Or are they all for your mom? Not that she needs them as sweet as she is." He nuzzled the top of Sara's blond hair before sitting up. He smiled at Kóh, who was standing behind Gabriel. "Hello, Kóh. I'm happy to see you again. Allow me to introduce you to Sara, Gabriel's mother and soon to be my wife."

"When hell freezes over."  She sat up and rolled away from him.

"It already has." 

Standing next to the bed, she froze. 

"When?" She looked over her shoulder at him. Relaxing against the pillows, she swallowed at the picture he made leaning back against the pillows, his chest bare with his hands behind his head. 

He gave her a slow smile. "A year ago when you brought me back to life. I'm not letting you go this time. You're mine, Sara."