Chapter 26 –
His emerald eyes were piercing completely absorbed in the figure making its way to the foot of the dais. There was a slight smile to his lips and a light of excitement twinkling in his eyes though his body made no movement and his face gave no real expression. To the casual observer he might have even appeared bored but she knew him too well to miss the subtle cues of his features. He wanted this moment to happen, very badly in fact, but for what purpose? As the rest of the audience in the Great Hall marveled at the sight of the dark elf approaching the throne of Asgard she could not seem to take her gaze from Loki. She had been surprised by his suggestion that she and Rowan come with him to this meeting. She wasn't sure what to make of the woman who had accosted them earlier. The remark the sorceress had made about the extent to which she knew Loki did not go unnoticed by Natasha. It was clear Amora had wanted to make certain that she learned that she had known him in the biblical sense. Of course, she was fully aware that Loki had lovers before her but she wasn't sure how she felt about meeting one in the flesh. She knew that he had no interest in Amora or any other woman. She would have to be blind not to know by now how desperately he loved and needed her. His actions at the woman's words had only driven that point home all the more. She supposed it should have frightened her seeing the lengths that he would go to keep her with him. She had seen that look in his eyes before when he had felt threatened and she had no doubt that he had meant what he said. The truth was that it thrilled her and it gave her a smug sense of satisfaction seeing the woman scuttle away to the other side of the hall. Yet even the knowledge that she had nothing to be jealous of could not seem to stop the possessive emotions churning inside of her as she sat holding their daughter gently in her arms.
"All-Father," a gravelly voice slithered into her ears and she turned quickly finally taking note of Malekith standing in front of the dais, bowing his head ever so slightly before he continued to speak," You have bestowed upon me the greatest honor in inviting me here."
Natasha had seen many things in her years as a spy but she wasn't quite prepared for the image of this dark elf. He was tall probably only an inch or two shorter than her husband. He had long pointed ears and wavy white hair cascading down past his shoulders. However, it was the color of his face that was the most striking thing about his appearance. He seemed to be split in half. One side was a dark charcoal grey, his eye an olive green and the other side was a deep blue with a pale eye that matched exactly the color of the skin surrounding it. His face was narrow, with a sharp nose and a wide mouth upturned in a devious grin. It was obvious to her that while he was saying words of humbleness and gratitude, there wasn't an ounce of those attributes in his entire being.
"I sense nothing," she heard Loki whisper to Thor who was standing at his side. She might have wondered how the thunder god could seem to trust Loki so easily after everything that he had done if she had not become so hopelessly devoted to him herself. She knew all too well how difficult it was not to forgive the mischievous prince.
"Perhaps, it has been too long since you have been inside these walls," Odin replied regally as he sat upon his throne. "Twice now you have helped us in our hour of great need. You have been swift in giving us your aid for a price, of course."
"My kingdom is not as glorious and rich as the one you command," Malekith answered flourishing his hands to point out the golden splendor that filled the room around him," I have only ever asked for that which my subjects required. Pardon me, if I have offended my great lord in any way." He bowed again more deeply but he did it in such a way that it seemed more to give an air of prestige to himself than to acknowledge any authority to Odin.
"I have thought long and hard over what you have asked of me," Odin continued turning his ornate spear slowly in one hand as he gazed at the dark elf before him. "I understand your need but I can't in good conscious release such a powerful tool from our fortress."
Malekith's face took on a grimace before sliding back into a mask of dutiful servitude as his sticky voice began once more," I understand your mistrust, All-Father. But there are those among your own who have the power to cast such spells as the one I need. Perhaps, you can allow an Asgardian to do us this kindness."
"I have thought of that," Odin advised wearily," but once it leaves the security of our vault the risk would be too great for it to be taken by some other entity. I cannot allow another gem loose in these realms. Not with the Eternal lying in wait to pounce at any moment."
"So because of Thanos you will sit back and let Svartalheim suffer?" Malekith hissed dropping all formality of pleasantries.
"Watch your tone when you speak to the All-Father," Thor bellowed as he took a step forward.
"I mean no disrespect, of course," Malekith answered in his slippery voice as he seemed to have regained control of his emotions," I only worry for my brethren."
"This is getting interesting," Loki smirked next to her as she turned toward him. He gave a quick wink of his eye before turning back to the conversation in front of him as his face returned to stone.
"If I might beg your further indulgence, All-Father," the dark elf inquired," There is something else in your vault that could be of some assistance to us in our troubles. The Casket of Winters."
A flurry of gasps filled the room from the spectators at the mere mention of the Frost Giants source of power. They had once attempted to rule the entire realms with it in their grasp before Odin had forced them into submission. From infancy the Asgardians had been taught to fear the Jotunn, a practice that Odin should have put a stop to after having brought a child of one to be raised as his own. Instead he had kept the truth hidden and let the stories of Frost Giant monsters continue to thrive in his land. Natasha wondered how different things might have been for Loki had he not grown up instilled with such a hatred and fear for his own kind. She pressed one hand against her chest feeling the shape of the emerald heart beneath her leather top. No one knew that the casket in the vault was nothing more than an illusion cast by her husband. Loki had stolen it long ago. She wondered what Odin would do when he realized that it was missing.
"The casket would be of no use to you," Odin advised, "It can only be wielded by a Frost Giant."
"Yes," Malekith smiled as the words fell from his lips," That is true. But do you not have a Jotunn in your service?" His eyes fell to Loki and it seemed to Natasha that the olive green pupil glowed brighter for a moment as an almost sneer came over the elf's features.
"I do no one's bidding," Loki snapped icily," Least of all Odin's." He seemed to grow in stature as he stood there next to her. The gold of his helmet glaring in the bright lights that descended from the cathedral windows surrounding the hall as he stood there defiantly. More gasps filled the room as a rush of voices began to rise from the attendee's while they conversed with one another. The idea that anyone would say such words so brazenly in front of their King was unheard of.
Odin stood as he banged the edge of Gungnir on the ground to quiet the people as he stepped closer to the edge of the dais. "Guards," he announced his voice like thunder," Clear the great hall, I wish to be alone with our guest and my sons."
Loki turned to her helping her up from the chair as she held their child placing his arm against the small of her back he began to walk with her down the aisle before Odin's voice came resounding through the gallery.
"Loki," Odin instructed," I said 'my sons' did I not?"
Loki stood frozen for a moment before he nodded to his wife to continue on. "Yes, I suppose you did," she heard his voice from behind her as she slowly made her way to the doors of the passage behind the rest of the crowd. "But what I said still stands," he bristled pausing slightly before adding in a sarcastic tone, "Father."
The doors shut behind her and she stood there for a moment and stared at the large wooden barrier between her and her husband. She didn't like not knowing what was going on inside.
"Fascinating, huh?" Hawkeye jested behind her," Felt like I was in Buckingham palace or something."
"Why haven't you returned home yet?" she asked frostily as she turned around to face him.
"You're worried about him? I get that," Clint continued ignoring her question," I don't think Odin is really keen on helping that elf guy anyway."
Natasha sighed as she began to walk back toward their rooms not surprised in the least when Hawkeye proceeded along next to her. "When are you returning to Earth?" she asked again.
"As soon as Thor can get me a ride," he laughed, "those elves seem to have a lot more on their mind than hooking me up with a return flight."
"You should never have come," she said simply," I'm sure Loki would be willing to send you home."
"I bet he'd jump at the chance to send me some place," Clint smiled," I doubt it would be home though."
"You're probably right," she grinned up at him in spite of herself. She couldn't deny that it was nice to have someone else that she trusted on this strange planet. "Try to stay out of trouble while you're waiting," she advised him as she reached her doorway," If you'll excuse me, I need to take care of my daughter."
"Of course," Clint answered as his gaze fell to Rowan," She looks happy. What about her mother?"
"I'm very happy," She revealed as she opened the door preparing to step inside.
"How did it happen?" he asked as he moved closer," After everything he did, how did he get you to trust him? Let alone fall in love with him?"
"I'm not having this conversation with you, Barton." She responded without emotion.
"Why not?" He insisted," Don't you know? I remember right after I got freed from the hold he had on my mind, you told me that you felt compromised. Are you sure he didn't do anything to you?"
"This is ridiculous," she exasperated as she walked into the sitting room placing her daughter in the small crib that rested next to one of the large chairs near a golden jeweled table. "How many times must I tell you that he did not work any spell on me?"
"Until you convince me that it's true," Barton demanded," You've changed. And it's not just becoming a mother that has changed you. You didn't even think you could have children after all of the stuff those Russians put into your veins. Birth control was just the prudent agent in you preparing for every possibility even the outlandish ones. "
"Oh, I see. So now you want to accuse him of using magic to get me pregnant, is that it?" Natasha responded. "He was as surprised as I was about the baby. He had no idea and even if he did use magic to help me conceive what would it matter. She is a miracle to me. I love her in a way that I never knew was possible. There is no use in me talking to you if you are going to keep on like this. Just go."
"Then tell me what made you trust him? So much so that you would keep him hidden from Shield for all those months? What did he ever do to earn that kind of loyalty from you?" he challenged as he entered the room.
"He loved me, Barton. It's as simple as that," she said gently as much as his constant insistence that she was under some sort of mind control annoyed her she did not want to hurt him with her words. She knew how he felt about her and how difficult it was for him to see her with Loki of all people. "He and Rowan are my family. If you can't accept that then just keep your distance from me, please. "
"So you're happy? And it wouldn't matter to you if he planted some seed in your head back on the helicarrier to make you want him?" he asked solemnly," If he made it so resisting him was near impossible? Is that what you're telling me?"
"What do you mean?" her voice growing angry," a seed in my head?"
"Why do those words bother you so much?" Clint disputed as he watched her reactions closely," Are you remembering something?"
"Get out, Barton," she retorted lividly," This conversation is over. I don't ever want to discuss Loki with you again." She pointed toward the doorway waiting for him to exit. He looked at her for a moment before he nodded reluctantly and left. She grabbed the handle and slammed it closed. She wasn't even sure why she was so angry. Something about the words he spoke had made her think of the connection that she shared with Loki that part of him that was always in the back of her mind. She had never told a soul about the strange bond that she shared with him. There was a time when she thought that he had placed it there to drive her crazy but she knew that wasn't the case. He felt her presence the same way that she felt him and he was just as clueless as she was about how it had come to be. She took a deep breath as she tried to calm herself. It was just the fact that she did not know what was going on in the great hall that had her on edge. Loki was still there she knew. She hoped that he didn't get himself into any trouble. A knock came at the door and her first instinct was that it was Clint once more as she opened the door in a fury.
"I thought I told you," she started before her words halted at the sight of Amora standing before her. "What could you possibly want?"
"I wanted to apologize, of course," the Enchantress said sweetly, too sweetly to be taken seriously," My behavior earlier was inexcusable. It's just Loki can be so hostile at times and without cause, it truly brings out the worst in me."
"I could care less," Natasha said simply as she moved to shut the door once more.
"Please," Amora entreated taking an uninvited step inside," I really do wish to be helpful. I can be a very useful ally."
"The only person that you wish to help is yourself," Natasha stated, "Get out, before I throw you out."
"There is no need for that, truly," she laughed as she took a seat on a small loveseat at the far wall," I have information that could be quite useful to you and your little girl."
"Do you honestly think that I would believe anything that you had to say?" Natasha asked quizzically. She could hardly believe the nerve of this woman to come here so soon after what had transpired in the hall. What game was she playing and who was she working with? The agent in her knew that it was best to let her speak so that she could sift through exactly what her goal was therefore she refrained from forcing her to leave.
"Loki is quite obsessed with you, isn't he?" she asked bluntly only she didn't wait for a response. "He has always been one to fixate on things. He always coveted everything that belonged to Thor, his strength, the esteem of his fellow Asgardians, the flock of women surrounding him and most especially his place in line for the throne. I'm certainly not one to cast stones on doing whatever you must to get that which you desire most."
"Is there a point to any of this?" she asked coldly," or do you just enjoy the sound of your voice?"
"He hasn't had much luck in satisfying his desire to surpass Thor in his father's eyes. "The Enchantress continued as if Natasha had never spoken," That is what it all boils down to you know. Anyway, he did succeed in getting you. You were one of those responsible for helping Thor thwart his plans and bring him home for such a horrifying punishment as I recall. I wonder if your total disdain for him had anything to do with his need to have you. Well, whatever the reason, his manipulations worked quite well on you. Normally, I wouldn't care but seeing you with that precious child, I just felt compelled to come here."
"You want to attempt to hurt Loki for some reason, so get on with it already," she insisted," I would like to be alone with my daughter."
"I'm a sorceress. I can sense magic," Amora answered swiftly," A spell has been cast upon you. He has bonded you to him and from what I've heard about you I'm quite certain it was against your will. He is lucky, they don't always take. Believe me I've tried."
Natasha said nothing as she walked towards her daughters crib and peered inside. Rowan was still awake and gumming at the soft lamb rattle that she held in her hand. It was her favorite.
The Enchantress rose from her seat and took a tentative step closer to the Black Widow. "I could attempt to break it for you," she offered.
"Get out of my home," Natasha articulated her voice not betraying a hint of emotion as she stood there unmoving," Loki will be back shortly. I doubt you want him to find you here."
"Yes, of course," Amora replied with false meekness as she moved toward the door," If you change your mind you need but ask."
How did she know about the bond? It was apparent to her now that Amora must have mentioned it to Clint that would explain the words he used earlier the sudden prying into her feelings for Loki. He was testing the waters seeing if there was any truth to what the Enchantress had told him. This woman could not be trusted, obviously, yet how did she know? Did she really sense it with magic? And if she did than shouldn't her husband have been able to as well, but he never mentioned sorcery as a possible cause for their connection. Then again why would he if he had casted the spell himself? No, this was exactly what Amora came here for to make her distrust him. She had to remain calm and think rationally. She had no reason not to believe him after all they had been through together.
The door opened as Loki strutted through the entrance way closing it gently behind him. He gazed at her for a moment, his green eyes narrowing slightly as he observed her standing next to their daughters crib.
"What is wrong?" he asked deliberately as he crossed the distance between them. He reached for a lock of her hair as he twirled it lovingly between his fingers. "Natasha, are you alright, my darling?" he implored as his eyes searched hers. She put her arms around him suddenly as she placed her head against his chest squeezing him tightly. He wrapped himself around her gently, running his hand through the red curls flowing down her back as he whispered against her hair, "What has you so frightened, my little spider? You're trembling. Is it the talk of the casket? Fear not, they are none the wiser and they never will be." His voice was soothing as she closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. She loved him so much, so completely and she knew he loved her. He would never have done what they claimed. He wouldn't have. "I'm sorry I took so long," he continued as he kissed the top of her head," They are all long winded buffoons."
She pulled away from him somewhat so that she could see his face. "What was Odin's final decision on the matter?" she asked calmly as she regained control of her emotions. Years of training had taught her well. He traced her cheek with one slender finger as he smiled down at her. She closed her eyes for a moment enjoying the tenderness of his touch.
"The old fool doesn't know what to do," he jested as he moved to kiss her lips softly before continuing to explain," He has placed himself in a very precarious position. He can't possibly refuse to give aid to Svartalheim after using their resources twice to aid his own people. To do so could put him in the midst of a new war. But dare he maneuver anything from his precious vaults with Thanos looming over him."
"Then what will he do?" she inquired as she finally released her hold on him and moved to sit in the chair adjacent to Rowan's crib.
"He asked Malekith to spend the night to give him more time to decide on the best course of action to help his people." He responded as he studied her features intently. "But now on to more important things, my little spider," he beamed," Namely, we need to decide where we will make our new home."
"You really intend on leaving tonight?" she asked skeptically. She knew that it had been his plan for them to leave as soon as he had been completely healed and at his full strength but she had begun to think that Clint was right about him wanting the throne. She had been watching him closely in hopes of stopping him from doing something that he was sure to regret. But aside from him admitting to spying on the meeting with the dark elves she had noticed nothing odd in his actions.
"Why wouldn't I?" he probed as he leaned over the crib," Your mother doesn't look happy, little one, and we can't have that now can we? Yes, that's precisely what I was thinking. You are a very smart little girl." He walked toward her and reached for her hand tugging gently for her to stand before sitting quickly while pulling her back down on top of his lap.
"What in the world are you doing?" she gasped as he stared up at her. A huge grin spread across his face, his tongue peeking out between his teeth playfully as he laughed.
"Rowan told me I should tickle you without mercy," he jested as he maneuvered his fingers towards her teasingly.
"Don't you dare," she squealed as she grabbed his hand firmly in her own. "I'll retaliate I swear it," she giggled as his other hand connected with its intended target.
"There is my smile," he declared as he moved his hand to the back of her neck pulling her toward him as he kissed her. His kiss was long, deep and compelling. Natasha felt as if her bones were melting away beneath her as she swayed against him. All coherent thoughts drifting from her mind as she felt him squeeze her body more tightly against his chest. His hand roaming up and down her back while the other rested against her buttocks. Loki kissed her again and again, his tongue plundering her mouth. He kissed her face all over, soft quick kisses, across her neck, nibbling her earlobe, always returning to her mouth. "You're so lovely," he breathed against her as she moaned at his intentions. She had never known anything like the feel of him, never known the world to spin in such delirious motion, never known such hunger as the desire that burned through her body for him alone. It was unquenchable it seemed. She needed him desperately.
The knock on the door echoed through the small chamber as they both sighed in mutual frustration. "I hate that door," he quipped between ragged breaths as he attempted to regain his composure. She stood up and moved towards one of the other chairs as she watched Loki saunter toward the entrance way.
Thor entered the room hurriedly a smile on his lips," Good, I was afraid that you might have left us the moment you reached your compartments."
"We will be gone soon enough," Loki advised as he eyed his brother reflectively," What is it you want?"
"I have never wanted you gone. I have made that very clear to you brother. But even more so now," Thor acknowledged as he nodded toward her," Good evening, Lady Natasha."
"What are you blabbering about?" Loki scorned as he moved back towards the ornate table near where he had been sitting. He placed his hand along the side as he began to trace the jewels adorning it with his fingers. Natasha watched him intently. It was as if he had no interest in what Thor had come to tell him but she knew that quite the opposite was true. There was an excitement in him just bubbling under the surface, she knew him too well to be fooled by his present demeanor.
"We cannot risk opening the vault to the likes of Malekith," Thor continued," But if Father refuses him completely it will surely mean war. The Chitauri scepter can only be wielded by you but it is more than powerful enough for what they need."
"Why would I ever agree to something like that?" Loki mocked as he turned once again to face him," Let Odin find his own way through the mess he has dug for himself."
"I know you feel like an outcast here but I also know that you love Asgard as deeply as I do," Thor entreated," Do this and show them your power and that you intend to use it for the good of our people not for their destruction. Show them that the youngest Prince of Asgard has truly come home."
"You presume that I care what these peasants think of me," Loki intoned quietly as he placed his hand on the edge of Rowan's crib. "I will think on it, I can promise nothing more than that."
Natasha watched silently while Thor exited the room. She didn't have to ask Loki what his answer would be, she already knew what it was. And if Barton was right about this, was the rest of what he believed also true?
"You never wanted to rule Earth did you?" she said abruptly as she watched Loki still fingering the edge of the crib. "You wanted to fail and be brought back to Asgard so you could switch the gems?"
"That was such a long time ago," he told her as he eyed her cautiously," what does it matter? You have been out of sorts this evening. Did something happen while I was trapped in that boring meeting?"
"I'm fine, just curious," she answered frankly," You're very meticulous with your plans. If you do this than Odin will be in your debt, so you have accomplished a very big goal of yours tonight, haven't you? One step closer to the throne?"
Loki stared deeply into her eyes, his body unmoving. He seemed to be in deep concentration almost like a statue before he finally murmured," you are replete with distrust and a great deal of fear to match it so much so I can feel very little of anything else in you. What is it that has caused this?"
"Are you going to answer my question or not?" she said coldly," Do you mean to unseat Odin?"
"Ladies first," he snapped before modifying his tone," I don't mind answering your questions but I want to know what has brought on this….you are not yourself. Have you been speaking with Barton? Has he said something to upset you?"
"He has every right to hate you after what you did to him," she declared as she rose from the chair, "But still he helped to save your life and he did it for me."
"So this is about Barton?" he flared as his anger frothed to the surface. She knew how much he despised the thought of Hawkeye. She wanted him to be off balance so she could be sure that his answers would come out quickly and truthfully not the well thought out responses of the silver tongued prince. "So one word from your little birdman and you immediately begin to distrust me? What is it he has accused me of now?"
"If not for Clint I would have been dead a long time ago, before you ever even met me," Natasha continued, "He saved your life, our daughter's life and yet still you are filled with such hatred towards him. He is my dearest friend."
"Enough!" he bellowed," I have heard enough!"
"Then answer my question," she commanded as she moved closer to him. His green eyes blazing as he matched her stare with his own.
"Do I covet the throne of Asgard? Yes," Loki conceded," Was that his big revelation? Any simpleton in this city could tell you as much. I will do what I must to get what belongs to me."
"Like with me?" she whispered, her body beginning to tremble despite her attempts at a calm exterior. Now that she was at the moment that she had been working toward, she was scared to death of his answer but she needed to know for certain.
"What do you mean?" he asked a look of puzzlement falling over his face as he raised one eyebrow inquisitively.
"Clint warned me from the beginning that…" she began but he cut her off immediately as he grabbed a vase from the small table hurling it across the room.
"I don't want to hear his name again," he shouted, "You are my wife! Tell me what you believe not what some envious twit wishes to fill your head with."
"And if I were to go to Barton now what would you do?" she provoked him purposefully as she tried to cling to her role as an agent. Simply an agent using all her tools to gather information, "Cast a stronger spell?"
"What? What are you saying?" the color draining from his face as he stared at her blankly before the rage returned in an instant," I will kill him with my bare hands before I ever let him take you from me. I don't need magic for that." He reached out grabbing her by the arm forcefully bringing her closer to him. "You think to leave me?" He seethed before his voice suddenly became weak and pleading. "You aren't making sense" he persisted.
"Maybe the spell is finally weakening?" she baited once more," When Clint came here to our room."
"Who else have you talked to today?" he asked suddenly as his grip tightened on her arm. His emerald eyes boring into hers before he took her face into his hands," I sense no magic but there is something wrong with you? You are not yourself and you are purposefully antagonizing me." He released her suddenly as he walked away from her to the other side of the room overturning a small table in his frustration. The sound of Rowan crying filled the air as she turned toward the crib but Loki was faster as he rushed forward picking her up gently and cradling the baby in his arms.
"I'm so sorry, little one," he whispered, "I didn't mean to frighten you." She quieted instantly as he held her closely kissing the top of her head sweetly as he gazed down at her. Natasha could see the glistening in his eyes while he looked upon their daughter. He was attempting to hold back the tears that were clearly on the brink of falling any second. She instantly regretted her doubts and fears that her feelings for him might have been manufactured somehow. Of course, she loved him. How could she not?
"I'm sorry," she lamented, "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have said those things, I didn't mean them." She walked toward the two of them as she reached up and placed her hand gently against his cheek, "I love you, Loki. Can you forgive me?"
"This wasn't about Odin," he stated matter-of-factly," What is it that the Black Widow wishes to know so badly?"
"Amora," she admitted as she took her hand away from him hesitantly. "She told me that you bonded me to make me choose you. She said that she could feel the magic from the spell on me."
"Did you even see Barton today?" his voice cold as he laid their daughter who had fallen asleep in his arms back into her crib.
"Yes," she told him as her eyes followed his every movement. "He walked me back to our rooms."
"Perhaps they are working together?" he mused as he sat down in the chair across from the crib, his legs spread out in front of him as his emerald eyes stared off into space.
"No, Clint would never." She started to say before his sudden glare made her stop her words instantly.
"Of course, he wouldn't," he spat angrily, "He simply shot you while you were 7 months pregnant with our child but please do give him all of your trust. I, on the other hand, only brought down the wrath of an Eternal god upon my head to ensure your safety. Why would you ever believe in me over some little trollop with a few feeble skills in magic or your precious little birdman?"
"I have never told anyone about our bond and when she seemed to know about it," Natasha implored, "Can't you understand how I would be confused?"
"I remember the moment that you told me that you wanted me," his voice so soft it was barely above a whisper as he gazed down at his left hand, turning the wedding band in circles with his thumb as he spoke," I could hardly believe it was really happening. I had fallen so in love with you and I wanted you so badly. Is there a part of you that wishes you hadn't given yourself to me that night? I suppose there must be for you to have believed that I forced you to do it. Do you regret marrying me, Natasha?"
"No," she pleaded as she kneeled in front of him taking his hand into her own. "I don't regret any part of our time together. You've made me so happy. I love you so much, Loki. I'm sorry."
"I'm not angry with you," he professed as he entwined his fingers against hers," I'm angry at myself. When you mentioned going to him, the thought of losing you even for a moment. I felt like I was going to die. I think I would have if it had been true. I've given you such power over me, my little spider."
"You have the same power over me," she admitted.
"Do I?" he inquired but he didn't wait for her answer as he continued," You must stay away from Amora." His eyes filled with concern. "I've never told anyone about the bond between us," he pondered as he took a red curl between his fingers," I don't know how she could possibly know about it? That she sensed it magically was a complete lie. I would feel it myself and I don't. She will regret not heeding my earlier warning."
She began to rise at his words and settled herself in his lap as she placed her hands against his face lifting his chin as she touched her lips to his. "I will never leave you," she breathed against him. She began to kiss him tentatively and the fire began to roar between them as he delved deeply into her mouth, stroking the inner recesses with his tongue evoking memories for them both that forced all of the uncertainties and worries that had filled them into nothingness. His lips caressed and consumed hers until she thought she could bear no more. The kiss evoked memories. Memories of love, desperate passion and need, memories of tenderness, of sacrifice, of whispers, of precious moments that had filled their life together and promises of a future overflowing with more of the same. Never again would she doubt him. She swore to herself, never again..