Disclaimer: Some ideas in this story may be similar to ideas originated in the fiction Finding Our Way by CuddleFae. If you haven't read it. I highly recommend it!
Ysabeau POV
My heart pounded painfully in my chest as I watched Lauren propel herself into action. I stood in confusion, rooted to the spot, as she pulled a knife from my belt and picked up the gown she had worn to bed the night before. She cut a long strip of material from it before letting it fall to the ground once again. After she replaced my knife to its rightful home, she grabbed my wrist and began wrapping the cloth around my mark in an attempt to cover it from view.
She tied the ends before pulling my sleeve down as she explained, "That should keep it hidden for the time being, though this is hardly a solution. Keep it covered as best you can. I will do some research in our archives regarding succubus mating rituals and see if we can somehow break the mating bond and remove the mark. If that is not possible, then I can visit my old tutor to see if she has a solution to the problem. Celia is an old mage trained with the knowledge of powerful potions and spells, though I would prefer not to take that route as you can imagine. It would raise too many questions."
I could feel the succubus inside me trying to claw to the surface at the idea of breaking the bond. Mating with my love was something inherent to me, and while I knew it could not be so, the idea of severing that link pained me greatly.
Out of reflex to Lauren placing her hands on my hips, I lifted my arms and pulled her to me. We stood there a moment, holding each other tightly as we both took comfort from each other. The embrace ended too soon for my liking but I knew time was short.
I placed a chaste kiss to her lips as I bid her a good day and left her chambers. I had so much more I wanted to say, so much I wanted to discuss but time again would not allow it. It had not been but a few moments when I returned to my post that I saw my replacement stumbling up the stairs.
I shook my head as she approached, "Are you drunk or just hungover?" I spat in disgust.
She took up a place beside me as she huffed in frustration, "Hungover. What does it matter to you?"
I could not hide my disbelief, "How can you even ask me that? How are you to protect the princess if you cannot even walk straight? I can smell the alcohol on you and it is not pleasant."
"Mind your business Ysabeau." She growled without making eye contact as she situated herself to take her post.
I stood my ground as I maneuvered myself to stand in front of her, "I have watched you like this for months but have held my tongue. Not anymore Tamsin. I used to look up to you. You took me in when the king's men brought me here from the orphanage when I was only six years old. You taught me everything I know. Tamsin, you are a noble and fierce warrior. What has gotten you in such a state that you turn away from who you are?"
Through her anger I could see the sadness that seemed to engulf her, "You are relieved from duty Ysabeau."
I did not relent, "Let me help you."
She sighed as her shoulders slumped and her anger ebbed away, "No attachments. It's what was drilled into me and what I then drilled into you. Do you understand?"
I took a deep breath as I mumbled, "Better than you know." She raised her eyebrows in surprise and I chastised myself for my implication.
Before she could question what I had revealed, I made the obvious statement, "You found someone."
Despite the weariness that was so prevalent in her demeanor, she replied, "Yes. She is a fairy over in the next town. It's only a day's ride from here. She makes and repairs armor. The best I had ever seen."
"What is her name?" I asked softly, watching has her gaze turned distant.
"Ciara." She replied with an almost wistful look on her face.
Tamsin's thoughts remained far from here as I asked, "What are you going to do?"
In an instant she snapped back from her reverie and replied, "Time for you to go Ysabeau."
I finally relented but before I left I asked, "Were you over at the Dal before you came here?"
She nodded but said nothing.
"Was Trick there?" I inquired with a tone laced in hope and desperation.
She glared at me in irritation before she replied, "Yes. Now go."
I stared at her a moment before I finally turned and took my leave. I hated seeing my mentor and once friend so lost that she was almost unrecognizable. Torn between her duty to the army and pursuing happiness with a potential mate. I understood her plight more than she knew and it compelled me to want to help her anyway I could. Unfortunately, I knew there was no easy answer. King William never wanted his army to be torn between obligations to family and obligations to our royal duty. Since the beginning of his rule he forbad any Druid or Fae from any such attachments.
Centuries ago, Tamsin clipped her wings, severing her ties to Odin and her service to Valhalla. She instead chose to wander the earth seeking the same experiences she saw in the many slain warriors she escorted to Valhalla from the battlefield.
Being cut off from her sisters and the guidance of Odin, Tamsin willingly chose to serve in the royal army, hoping to find the comradery she no longer had from her previous life.
The first time I walked onto the training field, I was six years old. I remember it like it was yesterday, when my eyes fell upon the Valkyrie and her sparring partner. Her abilities with a weapon were wondrous and the grace in which she fought was alluring.
I watched in awe as she laid out her partner with ease. I remember running into the training circle before I could be stopped and picked up the wooden sparring sword with both hands, holding it up, ready to take on the amazing warrior. The sword was almost as tall as I was at the time and too heavy for me to hold with one hand. This did not stop me from trying, and the fierce fighter before me honored my unspoken challenge. In a matter of seconds, the sword was flung from little hands and I was knocked backwards, landing on my back.
The next thing I remember was the Valkyrie standing above me, extending her hand to help me up, telling me I was the best solider she had ever seen. For the next ten years, Tamsin and I were inseparable as she taught me everything she knew. When I turned sixteen, I was officially inducted into King William's army.
For nine years, when there weren't any skirmishes against other territories, Tamsin and I were sent all through the other four kingdoms gaining information, learning their fighting styles, military setup and spying on royal advisors.
Tamsin and I were not the only ones sent out on these scouting parties, but being one of the only Succubi in the ranks allowed us many successes. My powers of persuasion and Tamsin's ability to cause doubt in her target were extremely beneficial. Our many successes during these quests is what finally earned us both a spot in the royal guard.
When I looked back over the last five years, I could see how my friendship with Tamsin began to gradually wane. While we kept up a rigorous training schedule together, the free time we shared decreased as the months and years passed by. It decreased so much that I didn't realize how conflicted my friend was and the impact it was having on her life. This was something I planned to rectify.
As I reached the Dal, I pulled open the heavy wooden door as I entered the tavern and made my way to the barkeep. I did my best to ignore the snide comments and dirty looks from the other patrons. It was well known that most Fae disliked anyone from the royal army. We were well fed, paid nicely, and housed better than other Fae that worked under Druid leadership. Fae that owned their own businesses, such as Trick and Mackenzie, were taxed heavily by the crown making it hard to earn a profit.
"Bo!" I heard Mackenzie shout as I leaned against the counter, looking down at my wrist to ensure my mark was not visible.
As she drifted over to me, I shot her an irritated look as I asked, "Why do you insist on calling me Bo? That is not my name."
She laughed lightly and sighed, "Oh Bo. Of course it is. Is-ah-bo….Bo. See? Much better and not so formal. What can I get for you?"
I smiled at her antics as I leaned closer to her, lowering my voice, "Actually I came by to speak with Trick. Is he around?"
She shot me a mock glare as she gasped, "You mean you didn't come to see me? I'm so hurt! See if I ever give you free ale again."
Makenzie was one of my favorite people in the world but I was not in the mood for her antics this morning, "Is he here or not?" I demanded.
She rolled her eyes as she pointed towards the staircase leading to Trick's office, "You are grouchy this morning. You're a succubus, you're supposed get sex whenever you want but apparently you are doing something wrong if you are this grumpy."
"Thank you Kenzi." I said with a smile, using her nickname in an effort to show I was not upset with her.
I pushed off the bar top and took the stairs down to Trick's private area down beneath the tavern. I stopped at the last step and knocked to grab his attention as his back was facing the door.
He turned around quickly, appearing as if I had startled him. Once he realized who was at his door, he greeted me with a warm smile.
"Ysabeau, what do I owe the pleasure? Please do come in and sit." He gestured to the couch at the far corner of the room.
I nodded as I walked further into the office, taking the seat Trick had offered while he followed behind me and sat in the chair across from me.
My hands began to sweat while my heart thundered in my chest. I felt on edge as fear silently tried to crush me under its weight. I knew if anyone in the Fae community had answers, it would be Trick.
He and I were not very close but I had this feeling deep down that he was someone I could trust, and trust was what I needed right now.
"I have a problem that I was hoping you could help me with." I began, hating the way my voice broke.
Sensing the seriousness of my plea, Trick leaned in and replied, "I will help if I am able. Tell me what is troubling you."
I let out the breath I was holding and gave him a small smile, "I remember you mentioning off handedly one evening that you were once married to a succubus."
He nodded but remained silent to allow me to continue. "Were you and your wife actually mated?"
"We were. What is this about?" He asked, confusion lacing his voice.
I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees as I worked up the courage to ask my questions, "I do not see your mating mark. Did you find a way to remove it?"
He chuckled at my question as he shook his head, "No no. Nothing like that. I forget how young you are. When a mate dies, the mark is removed until another mate is found. Why do you ask?"
I turned my eyes to the ground as I continued, "Is there a way to remove the mark your mate is still alive?"
He looked at me suspiciously, "No. Not without breaking the bond and that would require very powerful magics that only a Druid would have access to. Breaking a mating bond is not a pleasant experience and should not be taken lightly. Please tell me what this is about?"
I pulled up my sleeve and unwrapped the fabric that Lauren has secured earlier this morning before holding out my wrist for Trick to see.
He grabbed my hand so he could inspect it more closely before his eyes went wide and he looked up at me, "You mated with the Princess. Ysabeau what were you thinking? It is forbidden for you to mate while in the king's army. It is against the law to become entangled with a Druid and I do not have to tell that such an act with a royal is outside the bounds of anything that is appropriate."
I looked at him skeptically, "How did you know it was Lauren?"
He looked at me with disapproval for using her first name but answered my question anyway, "See this here," he pointed to the various letters or symbols, "that is the old Fae language that died long ago. It is her name with yours. Younger Fae may not be able to read this but older Fae undoubtedly can. Younger Fae would see this and know you are mated but would not know to whom."
I pulled my wrist back and rewrapped it as best I could before I addressed Trick once again, "We love each other Trick. She does not care that I am Fae and I do not care that she is Druid or of royal blood. I did not mean to mate with her. It just happened this morning after I learned she may be married off to King Edmond's daughter of the Porgara territory. The succubus inside me could think of nothing but claiming what was mine and I exchanged chi with her. That has never happened before but it felt natural to me."
Trick sighed as he leaned back in his chair. He looked at me with sadness in his eyes, "What you described is how a succubus claims a mate. I am surprised you did not know of this as part of your training when you came into your powers."
I scoffed as I pulled on the cuff of my sleeve, "They taught me control, and how to harness my powers, but they didn't teach anything like this."
I stood from the couch and headed back to the stairs. Trick followed suit and I turned to him when I reached the steps, "Are you going to report me?"
I knew he had every right to turn me in as it was his duty to uphold the law. I knew as well as he did that he could be executed for hiding such a secret if it was ever found out that he had prior knowledge of my offenses.
He grabbed my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze of reassurance, "No. I will not report you. I'm sorry I could not be of any help and I wish you the best of luck."
I gripped his hand tightly as I gave him my thanks and asked, "Why would you do that for me Trick? Why would you risk yourself? If I get caught and anyone ever found out you knew…" I trailed off.
"You remind me of someone I used to know and I can see in your heart Ysabeau. You are a good person." He replied with a reminiscent smile.
I let his hand go and allowed my curiosity to get the better of me, "Who do I remind you of?"
"My daughter."
Lauren POV
I slammed closed the book I had been currently researching and pushed it off to the side. I had been digging through the royal archives for hours with no success. There was hardly any information regarding Succubi, much less how they mate or how to sever such a bond that Ysabeau and I now shared. It was beginning to appear that I would have to arrange a visit with Celia this afternoon. I dreaded the thought of bringing this to her attention. I didn't plan to give her any specifics but I needed to see what general information I could gleam from her in hopes of finding a way to fix this situation.
Before I could open yet another book, Kirsten, my lady in waiting, entered the archives to inform me that my father wished to have lunch with me this afternoon. I sighed as I got up to stretch my legs while I gathered all the research I had laid out on the table. I took a few minutes to put everything back in the proper place before I left the archives to make my way to the dining hall.
As I started down the hallway, I was aware of Tamsin falling in behind me. I did not know her personally, but I knew she was once Ysabeau's teacher and she had looked up to her. There had been many times when I was in my chambers and I would watch them spar. I had windows that opened facing the training grounds, and I would take any chance I could to watch my love practice her skills on the field.
Tamsin took up a post outside the dining hall as I entered and took my seat. My father was already present but had held off lunch until I arrived.
"Good day father." I greeted him cordially.
"Lauren. Thank you for joining me." My father replied in return.
"Of course father." I stated simply.
We fell silent as lunch was brought to the table and we filled our plates.
Once we started eating, my father broached a subject that I had been dreading since he first brought it to my attention.
"I have received confirmation from King Edmond. His family is prepared to meet us early next week. They will be leaving for Yandi in three days' time. I will send escorts to meet them at the border to ride with them the rest of the way to the estate."
It took all my strength not to drop my silverware as a wave of dread crashed over me. "What are your hopes for this visit?"
My father leaned back in his chair and waited as the table was cleared in front of him. He rested his elbows where his plate had once been before answering, "I have hopes that we can come to an agreement in regards to trade between our two kingdoms. Their resources line up with what we are lacking here in Yandi. A fair trade agreement would be very beneficial. I also hope we can align our territories under the same laws and try to unify our two lands, merge our armies, and agree on how our families can rule together. Therefore, I have begun discussions for marriage between you and Princess Nadia as you well know. The marriage would solidify everything we are working for."
I pushed my plate away as my appetite disappeared, "I understand your goals father but I do not see how a forced marriage will make the difference in how you come to an agreement."
My father clenched his jaw in an effort to hold his anger before replying, "It will link our families together."
The desperation in my voice was apparent, "I have only met the princess a few times. I did not like her and I certainly do not love her. Why would you force that one me? Why would you go back on the promise you made mother as she laid on her death bed?"
My father slammed his fist on the table causing me to jump in surprise, "You are my daughter and will do as you are told. When our guests arrive you will treat them with respect as you begin your courtship with the princess."
I threw my napkin on the table as I stood to leave. Without a word or a glance back, I exited the dining hall, allowing the door to shut behind me. It was apparent my father would not be swayed and I no longer knew what to say to him.
I sighed as I turned to Tamsin, "Please have my carriage ready. I would like drop in on one of my old tutors. She lives on the edge of town."
I watched as Tamsin motioned for the passing patrol to accompany me while she went to make arrangements. As I waited, I aimlessly roamed the halls of the estate. I mindlessly studied the portraits that hung on the walls to pass the time.
Without any comprehension to how much time had passed, Tamsin returned to escort me to the front of the estate. She dismissed the patrol and fell in behind me as we walked outside and entered the carriage.
The ride out to Celia's home passed by in a blur. I could not stop my father's words from echoing through my mind…courtship with the princess. I was drowning. My head ached and my stomach turned. How could I pretend to care for another? If I marry, the little time I had with my love would be over. How could I only love her from afar after she had been a part me for these past years? My father was trying to tie me into his various royal dealings. He expected so much from me and I wanted none of it. My nature was in healing, my thirst for knowledge insatiable. I had been learning the way of the Yandi Medicus Guild since it was deemed my powers were focused on healing. How could I deny my gift? I still had so much to learn. I was centuries away from becoming an Elder Healing Druid. How could I turn my back on something that brought me so much joy?
The halting of the carriage pulled me from my thoughts. I watched as Tamsin exited first before turning to help me step down.
As she shut the door to the carriage, I turned to her, "You and the others remain outside. I need to speak with my friend in private."
She went to argue but I halted her protested with the raise of my hand. She nodded reluctantly before I moved up the path and knocked on the door.
The old wooden door swung open and I smiled at the sight of my old tutor. "Hello Celia."
Her face lit up as she motioned for me to come inside, "Your Highness, I was not expecting you but I am glad you are here."
I turned to her as she shut the front door and amended, "Celia! You know better. My name is Lauren. Please address me as such. Besides, you had no problems chastising me when I messed up a healing potion or spell when you were tutoring me. I'm here as a friend."
She laughed as she sat down and motioned for me to do the same. Before I could speak again, she asked, "What brings you hear child?"
I looked down in shame as I realized this was my first visit to her home since she stopped teaching and it was because I needed something from her.
"Do not fret young one, I do not mind helping you. Let go of your worry. I am not upset that you have only now come to visit in order to seek my help." She said as if she had read my thoughts.
I gave a slight smile that did not ease my nerves nor reach my eyes, "I came seeking help for a Fae. They mated without the intention and are now marked. They are a member of the royal army and you know what that means. Is there a potion or spell that could counter the Fae mating mark?"
Celia looked at me for a long moment before she spoke, "What type of Fae?"
I felt the blush creep up my neck as my cheeks burned, "A succubus."
Celia watched me closely, "It is extremely rare for a succubus to mate. It is not in their nature. There must be much love between you for the succubus inside to claim you as her own."
My eyes widened in surprise as I gasped, "How did you know?"
She laughed and waved her hand at me dismissively, "You are obvious in your quest for answers young one. How old is this succubus?"
"She is thirty years of age. The same as me. Why do you ask?" I replied.
Celia shook her head, "Aye, such a short time upon this earth for the both of you when you both have centuries of life ahead of you."
I nodded absentmindedly at her comment as I asked again, "Why do you ask?"
"Curiosity my dear." She replied simply.
"I spent all morning and some of the afternoon in the archives looking for answers but there was nothing of use to me there. Celia, you are my last hope. Can you help me….help us?"
"The mark contains her name and yours. Any Fae or Druid that is educated in the dead Fae language would be able to read it. I trust she has taken precautions to cover the mark?" Celia queried.
I sighed at this new knowledge, "I was not aware of that information but yes, we have covered it as best we can but it is far from ideal."
"Aye, such things are bound to be discovered child. Are you aware that Succubi mate for life?" Celia asked as she stood from her seat to rummage through a shelf full of potions.
"I did not know that. I am still learning about the many types of Fae and how they are unique." I replied as I watched her return to her seat with a potion in hand.
She handed me the jar and a piece of paper before she said, "Have your mate drink the potion and once it's consumed, you need to recite the spell on the paper I have given you. It will break the bond between you. I must warn you though, breaking the mating bond will be painful for your succubus. She will feel it physically and emotionally. The succubus inside her will feel the loss of the bond she created with you."
I could hear my voice break as I asked, "Will she stop loving me?"
Celia was solemn in her answer, "No but you will need to be patient in the days to come."
I let out the breath I was holding, "I love her. I would do anything for her."
My old tutor smiled at me, "Of that I have no doubt child."
I looked at her quizzically as I asked my next question, "How can I cast such a powerful spell? I am a healer, with knowledge of healing potions and spells. I am only within the second level in my studies and still have much to learn in the Medicus Guild. I can't do this on my own."
Celia scowled at me, "It is true you are just at the beginnings of your Druid training but you forget the one fundamental thing that applies to all Druids."
I shook my head as I had no idea what Celia was referring to.
"Young one, how can you forget? All Druids in these lands receive their gifts from the Crystal Caves beyond the border of the land. The power courses through the earth, you just need to tap into it. Do not underestimate your ability to harness the power needed to cast the spell."
I nodded in understanding as I decided how I wanted to approach my next request. Before I could do so, Celia stood and walked over to me, lifting me into a hug from my seated position.
"I will not say a word my dear. Your secret is safe with me. Do not worry." She whispered in my ear before she let me go and walked me to the door.
When I arrived back at the estate, I immediately retired to my chambers. The rest of the afternoon and evening sped by me in a mess of emotions. Celia seemed sure I could cast the spell successfully. It made me wonder at the power that flowed through the lands and how my told tutor was so sure I could access it. I was eight levels from becoming an Elder Healing Druid. That feat would take me centuries to reach. All Druids learned of the Crystal Caves as a part of our lessons when we are young. It seems there is so much more to it than what I was aware of. The idea of this was both thrilling and frightening at the same time.
I also worried at Celia's words of caution. How would my Ysabeau react when the bond was broken?
Before I could ponder on these thoughts any further, there was a knock at my chamber door. I sat the potion and spell on the table before I looked to see who was at my door.
My smile was involuntary as I saw my love on the other side of threshold. I glanced behind her and when I saw that no one lingered, I pulled her inside and slammed the door.
She wrapped me up in her arms and kissed me softly before pulling back, "Hello my love."
I ran my fingers lightly down her cheek, "Hello. You are early. Won't anyone notice?"
Ysabeau shook her head, "We have completed the changing of the guard. It should be fine for now."
I glanced down at her wrist and saw that it was still covered, "Did you have any problems with that?" I asked, motioning to her wrist.
"No, though I had no luck when trying to find out more information." She replied as her hands ran idly up and down my back.
I hesitated a moment, remembering Celia's words before I said, "I found a way to break the mating bond. Once it is broken your mark will disappear."
I saw the surprise in her eyes as they flashed blue before she asked, "Did you find this during your research or did you have to visit your old tutor?"
I sighed as I walked over to the table where I set the materials, "I had to visit my tutor. She was informative to say the least and provided the help we needed. Though I tried to keep things neutral, she knew I was seeking help for a succubus Fae that mated with me. She swore to keep our secret and I trust her."
Ysabeau nodded as she followed me the table and eyed the potion suspiciously, "If you trust her Lauren then I do too. What do we need to do?"
I picked up the potion and handed it to her, "You need to drink that. Once you are done, I will recite this spell. It will break the mating bond. Celia warned that it will be painful for you. That you will feel the break physically and emotionally."
Ysabeau kissed me softly before she looked me deeply in the eyes, "I like that you are my mate. I like how it feels. The succubus inside is content and happy. With that said, I know we cannot be mated. Maybe one day but I know now is not the time. We need to do this."
I cupped her cheek before kissing her deeply, "Are you ready?" I breathed against her lips.
She pulled back to allow more space between us before she answered, "Yes."
I watched as she removed the lid from the glass jar and tipped it back, drinking its contents.
Once it was gone, she set the empty jar on the table as I recited, "Ignis, terra, ventus, unda medicus. Cum autem praeter unum."
We stared at each for a moment before Ysabeau grasped at her chest and cried out, crumbling to her knees.
