Part 25
Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly after lighting the candle. Her heart was beating so rapidly, she was sure that Max, who was across the chamber fiddling with the fire in the grate, would hear and wonder at it.
The wedding ceremony had been short but sweet, so different from the unholy sacrament Sir Kyle had tried to force her into much earlier that day. It had ended with a kiss from Max that had been full of promise and love. Even the stern priest had been beaming at them both when they had left the small convent chapel.
Could it only have been that morning that she wondered if she would ever see Max again? And now she was his wife, bound to him for life. And she was not only his wife. She was his queen.
For this was one of the many things they had talked of on the long ride through the Forest from the convent.
It had not dawned on Elizabeth until he had started to tell her the truth of his origins that she really knew nothing about him. She knew the most important things: that he was kind and loving, intelligent and devoted, but she did not know about his life.
What he shared was astounding. She had been sure that he had only been using romantic endearments when he had called her his queen.
She could not have been more wrong.
She knew already that he was from another world, that he had been sent to HER world to protect him for some grander purpose. The fact that he was a king on that other world had come as something of a shock. She remembered how he had insisted that he was not a nobleman when they had first met, had seemed uncomfortable with that idea. He was, it turned out, much more than that. She had gotten the idea from the way he spoke of it that he was not particularly pleased with his heritage.
"I don't feel like a king. I wish I were not. I do not remember who I was on Antar." He had told her, kissing her lightly on the temple. She had been seated in front of him, her back pressed against his front. It had been most pleasant and his touch against her hair had caused a shiver to descend her backbone. Thinking that she was cold, he had tightened his arms around her, bringing his cloak more closely against her so that his warmth had practically burned within her. "Earth is my home now, is the only home I recall." He had continued, sounding sad. "But I know my duty. I will return there someday, soon if what Lord Edmund says is accurate." He paused, running his hands down her sides lovingly. "But I do not dread it so much now. Not with you by my side."
Elizabeth had felt hot everywhere, his breath on her neck only increasing the feeling, warm as it was in the cool evening air. She had wondered if it was possible for a woman to burn alive with desire.
That was the only way to describe the way she felt about him. She BURNED for him.
And yet it was sweeter than that too. At times her heart swelled at the thought of him, bringing her so much joy that she barely avoided weeping at the feeling.
Max had brought her to a small cottage near the waterfall where they were to meet the others. He had gently lifted her off Evander, carrying her through the door and setting her on her feet only after kissing her thoroughly.
Her knees had been weak when he had moved away from her to light the fire.
Now he turned back, his dark eyes smoldering as he gazed at her. Elizabeth bit her lip, swallowed convulsively.
"We do not have much time my love." Max told her finally, after Elizabeth had briefly wondered if she would burst into flames from the expression on his face. His tone was regretful. "I wish that we could stay here forever but we must go make certain that the others are safe."
"I know it." Elizabeth managed to reply, although her voice sounded strangely breathless to her own ears.
Max walked slowly towards her. Elizabeth saw him take a deep breath before he reached out and pulled her into his embrace. She leaned her head against his shoulder, her head barely grazing his chin. She could hear his heart thundering beneath her ear.
And instantly all her nerves vanished. He was nervous too. He wanted her just as much as she wanted him.
They were meant for each other. It would be perfect. Had her dreams not told her so?
It still amazed her that she had found him, but it only convinced her even more that they were destined to love each other.
Tonight would be the beginning.
Elizabeth pulled back slightly, gazed up at him. He was breathing unevenly now, his eyes hooded.
"Liz."
Hearing her name on his lips, the love he felt for her resounding in that one single syllable was her undoing. She reached up, ran her fingers through his soft, dark hair.
"Max. My love. Make me truly yours."
He swallowed again but smiled slightly. He lowered his lips down to meet hers, brought his hands up to cup her face. It was not long before he was lifting her into his arms and laying her gently down on the bed.
And they were both lost.
**************************************
"Where the hell are they?" Michael stormed, pacing back and forth in front of the log on which Mary and Isabel huddled together for warmth. Alexander had resisted lighting a fire, had warned that the smoke and the light thrown by the flames would be a beacon for Sir Kyle's men.
Michael had returned moments before, the expression of grief and anger on his face a mask that had sent a chill down Mary's spine.
"Maxwell assured me that they would be back before sunrise." Alexander explained patiently for the third time. He was leaning back against a tree, his arms folded over his chain-mailed chest. Mary could tell that he was beginning to get worried too though. Max and Lizzy had disappeared into the Forest many hours before. Although Mary had an idea that Alexander knew where they had gone, he was not telling, but he was also becoming concerned at the lengthy span of their absence.
"I did and we are." Max's voice caused them all to whip their heads around. He and Elizabeth were suddenly there. They were holding hands and both looked a little peculiar as a matter of fact.
Guilt was written all over both of their visages.
"Where's Evander?" Michael snapped, asking, in Mary's opinion, the least important question. Something had happened between these two, that much was evident. Who the heck cared about Maxwell's stupid horse? But Mary had the feeling that Michael was trying to avoid having to find out where they had been because he knew he wasn't going to like it.
Mary's own curiosity was practically eating her alive.
"I left him at Lord Edmund's hunting cottage." Max replied. "I will fetch him when I need him. He is safer there."
"Max." Isabel was on her feet, her voice concerned. "What have you done?" There was no avoiding it now. Mary had the strange feeling that all four of them knew exactly what Max and Elizabeth had gone, but were scared to find out for sure.
It changed everything.
Max glanced down at Elizabeth lovingly. She smiled slightly at him, something secretive passing between them. "We are married." Max finally said shortly.
Isabel collapsed back onto the log. "Max." She sounded shocked and horrified.
Michael was not nearly as composed. "Well, you've screwed us over royally this time, haven't you?" Mary exchanged a wary look with Alexander, who did not look at all surprised by this announcement. She had known that he had been in on the secret. She was going to have to punish him soundly later for keeping her in the dark.
"Michael." Max said warningly.
"Maxwell, you know that we can't have any attachments on this world!" Michael continued his rant. "Are you planning to bring her with us when we go home?"
"Yes." Max replied evenly.
"Max! It is impossible." This was from Isabel, who still sounded completely shocked, but not nearly as angry as Michael did. Mary believed that she understood Bella enough to know that while she did not entirely approve of Max's actions, she would be brought around to support the newly wedded pair. She loved her brother. Anyone could see that she only wanted him to be happy.
Mary was also fairly sure that Isabel was not adverse to the idea of marriage to a human herself. The looks she sent in Alexander's direction when she though no one was looking seemed to support this idea.
Which made Mary realize that Michael's anger could only mean that he had never had any honourable intentions towards her. And his next comment made her realize why.
"What about your betrothed?" He spat out, fury in every line of his stiff stance. "What about Tess Maxwell?"
Mary saw Max flinch at that. Elizabeth did too, but brought her arm up to hold him, in support. "You know that I do not love Tess Michael. Not in that way. I only ever accepted what was to be because I did not realize that I was capable of loving anyone else." He brought his arm around Elizabeth. "I love Liz."
"You know that doesn't mean a thing." Michael snapped back. "You are meant for Tess, I am meant for Isabel. End of story."
Mary glanced at Alexander in shock. He looked as astonished as she did.
They always called each other brother and sister! How could they be meant for each other?
"I don't care." Max responded stubbornly. "Tess is my sister. Nothing more. Being King of Antar does not hinge on marrying her."
"How do you know this Max?" Isabel asked quietly. Mary could see her eyeing Alexander sadly, probably wondering how he was taking the news of her betrothal to Michael.
"I know it Bella." Max asserted firmly. "It does not matter. Lord Edmund only ever told us this because we were lonely here. He was trying to help us to see that we would always have each other." He looked at his sister pleadingly. "And we still do Belle. It doesn't matter if we bring others into our circle. We will always have each other."
"I know it Max."
"Funny that you should mention Lord Edmund so carelessly Maxwell." Michael said. "Do you even care why he and Tess are not with us?"
Max eyed him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Mary saw Liz gently take his hand, stroking it soothingly. It made her sad to see them that way. The love they exuded was beautiful but something about it was frightening.
In that instant, Mary DeLucie knew that none of this could last. They were on road into the unknown and the destination was still undetermined, but in her heart of hearts she was afraid.
It could not last.
"Tell me." Max finally ordered softly.
Michael sounded cold when he finally said, "Lord Edmund is dead Maxwell. While you were off marrying your human," Michael made it sound like a curse. "Our guardian was being murdered by her jilted lover. And our Tess has been kidnapped." He stared at Max in disdain for a moment and then stormed off into the woods. "I wish you great joy with your whore." He yelled over his shoulder. "I am going to save our sister." The freezing tone of his voice frightened Mary even more.
A rift had been created here that might not be capable of healing, not even with Max's miraculous touch.
Mary watched passively as Isabel rose from the log again and hurried after him, but not before she had shared a long meaningful glance with Max. She would support him, but in the meantime, she had to go after Michael.
And Mary knew that whatever it was that she had shared with Michael of Huntington was over before it had even truly begun.
Part 26
"Michael! Please stop!" Isabel called after her betrothed. She could hear him crashing through the green wood ahead, clearly too upset to even take care that he was making so much noise, it was only a matter of time before the Sheriff's men fell down on them. "Michael! Please!"
She stumbled upon him so abruptly, she gasped. He had stopped, was leaning up against a tree, his forehead cradled against his forearm. It was the exact same pose he always took when he was on the verge of completely losing it. It was the same stance he had held after having killed the Sheriff's men. It was impossible to believe that that life-altering event had only taken place three days before. Isabel felt as though she and her siblings had lived a lifetime since then.
"I'm not going to apologize Bella." Michael finally said, after she had stood behind him for several moments, wracking her mind for what to say to him. "I cannot believe that he has done this to us. Our entire purpose has been compromised because of his obsession with that... that human."
"Michael, her name is Elizabeth and she is now our queen. Even now she could be carrying Max's heir. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept it." Isabel replied quietly. "You don't have to apologize to Max, but I do think you should try and be nicer to her. None of this is her fault. She has only ever tried to help us. Don't forget that it was she who was responsible for your escape from Nottingham and it was also she who sent us Mary and Alexander. Please don't try and tell me that we could have survived this long without them."
Michael turned around suddenly at the mention of Mary and Alexander. His eyes blazed while he listened to Isabel. Finally he ground out, "They have been helpful , yes, but we would have survived without them. We have Lord Edmund..." Michael stopped abruptly. "We HAD him, I mean." Isabel felt her eyes widen as Michael's dark orbs filled with tears. She had never, not once, seen him cry in all the years she had known him.
"Michael!" Isabel moved forward, wrapped her arms around him, bringing his head down onto her shoulder. "It will be all right. I promise. We have to believe that as long as we stick together, we will survive."
Michael let himself be comforted for a moment, but then wrenched away again, swiping angrily at his eyes. "We are meant to do much more than survive Bella. You know it, I know it, Maxwell SHOULD know it. We are the Royal Four and we have a duty to return and liberate our people. It is the only reason for our existence."
Isabel smiled softly at him. "But Michael - if it the only reason for our existence, then why do we feel that we want more? Max and I have never denied that to ourselves." She brought her hand up, touched him on the shoulder. "You have always said that all you want is to return to Antar. I believe that's true, but I also believe that the past few days have opened your eyes to the joys that life on THIS planet can bring as well."
Isabel saw Michael's eyes flash again. She knew he was thinking about Mary. "Whatever I want is insignificant." He said finally. "I have a role and I intend to play it. I will marry you and we will return to Antar and free our people."
"Why do the two have to be intertwined?" Isabel demanded, frustrated by his stubbornness. "Just because we were married in our previous lifetime, it does not mean that we have to be in these lives. Why can't we still free Antar and marry others?" She paused, moderated her voice, which was beginning to rise hysterically. She had had this argument with him many times before - not necessarily about marriage, but about why returning to their planet eventually had to mean that they could not make lives for themselves on Earth in the meantime.
Michael had always ever been about waiting for his destiny to find him. Isabel wanted a hand in MAKING hers. "Can you really tell me that you have ever wanted to marry me Michael? Me, Isabel, not Vilandra, not who I once was, not who you were told I was and what I meant to you THEN, but who I am now."
Michael frowned down at her. "Of course I do. I love you Bella."
Isabel reached up and stroked his face. "I know you do Michael, but you don't love me in the way I want to be loved. And don't tell me that you don't know what I mean." Isabel held her hand up and covered his mouth. Michael snapped it shut, as it had been open in an attempt to protest. "You do know what I mean because you feel it for someone else. You don't feel for me what you feel for her." Michael scowled at her. "Please don't try to deny it Michael. I see the way you are around her. She brings you to life in a way I've never seen before. With Mary, instead of waiting for life, you are LIVING."
Michael stared past her, his eyes softening. "She is driving me crazy."
"She has brought you to life." Isabel replied, hugging him again. "And I think that after you apologize to Elizabeth, you should also apologize to Mary. Because what you said - it was designed to hurt Max, but I think you hurt our three human friends much more than you could ever hurt him. He knows you, knows that you don't mean half of what you say when you flare up like that. They don't."
Michael had whitened at her words. "I did not think Bella. I was just thinking about our Tess. She must be so frightened."
"I know Michael. And we are going to save her, but first you must reconcile with Max and the others. We all need each other."
"What are we going to do without him Bella?" Michael asked, sounding frightened. Isabel was glad that he was finally letting down his defenses. Michael's anger was always designed to hide his fear - he had ever been that way since he was a small boy. Lord Edmund's death had hit him harder than any of them because their guardian's presence had been the only thing that had ever made him feel safe on this planet. Lord Edmund's knowledge of their destiny had reassured him that he would not make a mistake, would not betray his people.
And now that Lord Edmund was gone, Michael's destiny was all on his own shoulders.
For Isabel it was a release from the years in which she had felt confined. For Michael, a prison of fear had risen in the stead of the confidence his guardian gave him.
"We will survive. Max is our king. He has grown into that role more in the last three days than in the entire time we were under Lord Edmund's control." Isabel told him. "And Michael, whether you like it or not, it is Elizabeth who is responsible for it. She is his inspiration. Max would never have been happy with Tess. Just seeing the way he looks at Liz - how could he have ever been happy with our sister when she did not make him look that way? Not even once Michael."
Michael sighed heavily. "I have tried to ignore it Bella, because of what it meant. But you are right."
"You have to let go of your fear Michael. I know that you are afraid of what you feel for Mary Delucie, but if Max can claim his happiness, then so can we. I have a feeling that Mary would be perfectly willing to follow you to the ends of the Universe, if only to make sure that you didn't lose your way." Isabel teased, taking his hand and leading him back towards the camp, where she knew the others awaited them.
Michael snorted as they started back. "If there is one thing she likes, its to order me around." Michael admitted wryly.
"She is a caring girl Michael. I think she is one who has never wanted a day in her life and instead of it spoiling her, it has made her more generous and outgoing. She is special. They are all special that way."
Michael and Isabel did not speak again until they were almost back at the camp. They were still holding hands, companionably rather than romantically, which was why Isabel's arm was almost pulled out of the socket when Michael stopped abruptly. "What about Tess?"
Isabel frowned at him, not understanding. "We will save her Michael. All of us. Together."
"I know Bella, that's not what I mean. What I mean is, what about Tess and MAX? She is going to be devastated by this." He grimaced. "Because whether you, or I, or Max has ever wanted to marry each other, I know Tess loves Max. I think it has become more than clear in the past few days that Tess loves him in the way HE loves Liz - and more than any of us ever realized."
Isabel's eyes widened. "She will be upset Michael, but will she not be comforted that Max is so happy? I cannot believe that she will not see that Liz will never replace her in Max's heart. She is one of the Four, one of us. We will always be bonded in a way that others can not break."
Michael shook his head. "Isabel, I admire you for thinking so highly of Tess, but I don't think that she is going to look at it in that way at all."
Isabel felt a shiver descend her spine. While she did not want to betray her sister by thinking that she could ever try and hurt Liz or Max, she had seen changes in Tess over the past few days that did not deny what Michael was saying.
All Isabel could do for the moment, however, was hope that they were wrong.
*******************************************
Mary watched Maxwell pace the length of the clearing, his face deeply reflective. Elizabeth was standing nearby, watching him as well, and as Mary observed, her friend moved over to join him, smiling up at him sympathetically.
Max's expression softened immediately. He reached out, pulled Lizzy into his embrace, seemed to calm down instantly. Mary bit her lip, felt tears well up in her eyes. She knew that she would never have that sort of relationship with Michael. While Max and Elizabeth's love had burned brightly and steadily from the moment they had met, she and Michael flared in fits and starts of passion.
It was a passion that was not healthy Mary saw now. Max and Liz were meant for each other because they became complete in each other's presence. She, Mary, just upset Michael, disrupted his calm, interrupted his goals, rather than bringing him peace as Elizabeth did for Maxwell.
"Are you well?" Alexander had been standing near the spot where Isabel had disappeared after Michael ages ago, but now he came to join her on the log she had been sharing with Isabel earlier that evening. He had clearly been concerned for Isabel's welfare, but also did not want to interrupt a conversation between two whose relationship Mary and her brother were only beginning to understand.
Mary swallowed, smiled at her brother. "I am just sad Alex. It is hard to see people you care about in pain. And I know that Michael's outburst was less about hurting Max and Lizzy than it was about concern for Tess and grief for their foster father."
Alexander reached out, put his arm around her shoulders, bringing her head down upon his own shoulder. "It is difficult dearest." He paused. "I do not think that he meant to hurt you with what he said Mary. I think your Michael would be most upset if he knew you were in pain."
Mary sighed. "It does not matter Alex. He is not mine anyway. He and Isabel are to marry." She frowned. "Why would they not tell us so? I do not understand why they hid it."
She felt Alexander shrug under her cheek. "I don't know Mary. Maybe it was such an accepted fact for them that it did not even cross their minds that we should know. I know that Isabel has never said anything to me that implied that she wanted to be with me. I have only myself to blame for seeing something more in our relationship than was really there."
Mary pulled back, stared up at her brother. "I do not think you were mistaken Alex. Isabel does have feelings for you. I have seen the way she looks at you. I think, perhaps, they are trapped in a betrothal that neither wants." Mary began to speak more earnestly. "Perhaps they just need US to make the first move, so that they know that they will not be alone if they break from each other. It takes courage to do what Max and Liz did, both denying marriages they did not want to claim their happiness. Neither of us knows the courage that it would take, both being in control of our own fates."
Alex smiled affectionately at her. "Does nothing ever dampen your optimism my sister?"
Mary grinned back. "It is sometimes hidden Alex, but I am not one to give up something I want easily." Mary realized that it was true. Not matter how hopeless it seemed to have any sort of relationship with Michael of Huntington, she was not willing to give up so easily - at least, not before she knew for sure that Michael and Isabel WANTED to marry. "You should know that by now."
"Oh I know it MARTIN of York." Alex replied wryly, kissing her lightly on the forehead. He looked at Max and Liz across the clearing. "I think we should go talk to Maxwell." He told Mary. "We must begin to formulate a plan for a rescue of the Lady Tess so that we do not waste any more time once Michael and Isabel have returned."
Mary shook her head. "Let's leave them in peace a while longer Alex." She paused, admitted quietly. "I have a feeling that soon there will be very little peace for those two. "
Alex looked at her, one brow raised, but did not dispute what she said. While Max and Elizabeth had boldly claimed the right to be together, there were going to be a lot of people who were very, VERY unhappy about this union. Michael's reaction was going to be minor in comparison to that of Sir Kyle DeValence, and perhaps Tess as well. Mary only hoped that Tess did not suffer because of Kyle's anger. While Mary did not like Tess at all, she knew that Max and Elizabeth's guilt about her was great enough without having to bear the guilt of actual, physical harm coming to her because of their marriage.
Mary's thoughts were interrupted as Michael and Isabel appeared suddenly from the Forest. She frowned slightly, glanced at Alex, when she saw that their hands were joined. She climbed slowly to her feet, took Alex's hand in hers when he followed her, for comfort and to lend him strength as well. She felt him squeeze her hand in response.
Mary looked at Max and Elizabeth, who were both staring at Michael tensely. Elizabeth whispered something to her husband, but Max shook his head sternly.
Michael let go of Isabel's hand, marched forward resolutely. Mary gasped when he fell to his knees in front of the newly wedded pair. Max was scowling down at him, but Elizabeth just looked shocked.
"Please accept my apology my queen. I should not have reacted in anger but should have welcomed you to our family with all the joy in my heart that you have brought to my king's. And let me tell you, you have brightened up his dour personality quite impressively." He added, winking up at her.
Liz just continued to stare down at him. Mary saw Max roll his eyes, glare across the clearing at Isabel. Isabel looked amused.
"Get up Michael." Max snapped. "Your apology is accepted. Stop being so ridiculous. We have work to do."
Michael looked up. Mary was surprised to see a teasing grin on his face. "Are you saying I don't need to apologize Max? Because I wasn't apologizing to you...or did you not notice? I'm still angry with YOU. Michael's gaze was momentarily challenging, but he quickly returned his attention to Elizabeth.
Liz relaxed visibly. "Michael, please. Stand up. I accept your apology." She let go of Max's hand, moved forward and knelt down in front of her husband's brother. "Please stand up. I appreciate where your anger came from and I share your concern for Tess. It is important that we put all of this behind us and move forward. Her welfare is our only concern at this point."
Mary watched Michael's expression gentle from mocking to one of actual respect. "I mean what I say Milady, even if my brother does not believe it."
Elizabeth smiled at him. "I believe you Michael."
Michael stood up, reaching down and pulling Elizabeth to her feet. "Good. Then since you're the only one he listens to, maybe HE'LL believe it too." While the words were confrontational, Michael's tone reflected the teasing nature of his comment.
Mary felt the first glimmering of hope she had experienced since Michael had returned from his failed mission to retrieve Tess and Lord Edmund. When Michael suddenly turned and stared at HER across the clearing, his dark eyes smoldering, it blossomed full-fledged.
It was no longer three and three. They were six now. And the expression on Michael's face told her that he now knew it too.
And together they could do anything.
Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly after lighting the candle. Her heart was beating so rapidly, she was sure that Max, who was across the chamber fiddling with the fire in the grate, would hear and wonder at it.
The wedding ceremony had been short but sweet, so different from the unholy sacrament Sir Kyle had tried to force her into much earlier that day. It had ended with a kiss from Max that had been full of promise and love. Even the stern priest had been beaming at them both when they had left the small convent chapel.
Could it only have been that morning that she wondered if she would ever see Max again? And now she was his wife, bound to him for life. And she was not only his wife. She was his queen.
For this was one of the many things they had talked of on the long ride through the Forest from the convent.
It had not dawned on Elizabeth until he had started to tell her the truth of his origins that she really knew nothing about him. She knew the most important things: that he was kind and loving, intelligent and devoted, but she did not know about his life.
What he shared was astounding. She had been sure that he had only been using romantic endearments when he had called her his queen.
She could not have been more wrong.
She knew already that he was from another world, that he had been sent to HER world to protect him for some grander purpose. The fact that he was a king on that other world had come as something of a shock. She remembered how he had insisted that he was not a nobleman when they had first met, had seemed uncomfortable with that idea. He was, it turned out, much more than that. She had gotten the idea from the way he spoke of it that he was not particularly pleased with his heritage.
"I don't feel like a king. I wish I were not. I do not remember who I was on Antar." He had told her, kissing her lightly on the temple. She had been seated in front of him, her back pressed against his front. It had been most pleasant and his touch against her hair had caused a shiver to descend her backbone. Thinking that she was cold, he had tightened his arms around her, bringing his cloak more closely against her so that his warmth had practically burned within her. "Earth is my home now, is the only home I recall." He had continued, sounding sad. "But I know my duty. I will return there someday, soon if what Lord Edmund says is accurate." He paused, running his hands down her sides lovingly. "But I do not dread it so much now. Not with you by my side."
Elizabeth had felt hot everywhere, his breath on her neck only increasing the feeling, warm as it was in the cool evening air. She had wondered if it was possible for a woman to burn alive with desire.
That was the only way to describe the way she felt about him. She BURNED for him.
And yet it was sweeter than that too. At times her heart swelled at the thought of him, bringing her so much joy that she barely avoided weeping at the feeling.
Max had brought her to a small cottage near the waterfall where they were to meet the others. He had gently lifted her off Evander, carrying her through the door and setting her on her feet only after kissing her thoroughly.
Her knees had been weak when he had moved away from her to light the fire.
Now he turned back, his dark eyes smoldering as he gazed at her. Elizabeth bit her lip, swallowed convulsively.
"We do not have much time my love." Max told her finally, after Elizabeth had briefly wondered if she would burst into flames from the expression on his face. His tone was regretful. "I wish that we could stay here forever but we must go make certain that the others are safe."
"I know it." Elizabeth managed to reply, although her voice sounded strangely breathless to her own ears.
Max walked slowly towards her. Elizabeth saw him take a deep breath before he reached out and pulled her into his embrace. She leaned her head against his shoulder, her head barely grazing his chin. She could hear his heart thundering beneath her ear.
And instantly all her nerves vanished. He was nervous too. He wanted her just as much as she wanted him.
They were meant for each other. It would be perfect. Had her dreams not told her so?
It still amazed her that she had found him, but it only convinced her even more that they were destined to love each other.
Tonight would be the beginning.
Elizabeth pulled back slightly, gazed up at him. He was breathing unevenly now, his eyes hooded.
"Liz."
Hearing her name on his lips, the love he felt for her resounding in that one single syllable was her undoing. She reached up, ran her fingers through his soft, dark hair.
"Max. My love. Make me truly yours."
He swallowed again but smiled slightly. He lowered his lips down to meet hers, brought his hands up to cup her face. It was not long before he was lifting her into his arms and laying her gently down on the bed.
And they were both lost.
**************************************
"Where the hell are they?" Michael stormed, pacing back and forth in front of the log on which Mary and Isabel huddled together for warmth. Alexander had resisted lighting a fire, had warned that the smoke and the light thrown by the flames would be a beacon for Sir Kyle's men.
Michael had returned moments before, the expression of grief and anger on his face a mask that had sent a chill down Mary's spine.
"Maxwell assured me that they would be back before sunrise." Alexander explained patiently for the third time. He was leaning back against a tree, his arms folded over his chain-mailed chest. Mary could tell that he was beginning to get worried too though. Max and Lizzy had disappeared into the Forest many hours before. Although Mary had an idea that Alexander knew where they had gone, he was not telling, but he was also becoming concerned at the lengthy span of their absence.
"I did and we are." Max's voice caused them all to whip their heads around. He and Elizabeth were suddenly there. They were holding hands and both looked a little peculiar as a matter of fact.
Guilt was written all over both of their visages.
"Where's Evander?" Michael snapped, asking, in Mary's opinion, the least important question. Something had happened between these two, that much was evident. Who the heck cared about Maxwell's stupid horse? But Mary had the feeling that Michael was trying to avoid having to find out where they had been because he knew he wasn't going to like it.
Mary's own curiosity was practically eating her alive.
"I left him at Lord Edmund's hunting cottage." Max replied. "I will fetch him when I need him. He is safer there."
"Max." Isabel was on her feet, her voice concerned. "What have you done?" There was no avoiding it now. Mary had the strange feeling that all four of them knew exactly what Max and Elizabeth had gone, but were scared to find out for sure.
It changed everything.
Max glanced down at Elizabeth lovingly. She smiled slightly at him, something secretive passing between them. "We are married." Max finally said shortly.
Isabel collapsed back onto the log. "Max." She sounded shocked and horrified.
Michael was not nearly as composed. "Well, you've screwed us over royally this time, haven't you?" Mary exchanged a wary look with Alexander, who did not look at all surprised by this announcement. She had known that he had been in on the secret. She was going to have to punish him soundly later for keeping her in the dark.
"Michael." Max said warningly.
"Maxwell, you know that we can't have any attachments on this world!" Michael continued his rant. "Are you planning to bring her with us when we go home?"
"Yes." Max replied evenly.
"Max! It is impossible." This was from Isabel, who still sounded completely shocked, but not nearly as angry as Michael did. Mary believed that she understood Bella enough to know that while she did not entirely approve of Max's actions, she would be brought around to support the newly wedded pair. She loved her brother. Anyone could see that she only wanted him to be happy.
Mary was also fairly sure that Isabel was not adverse to the idea of marriage to a human herself. The looks she sent in Alexander's direction when she though no one was looking seemed to support this idea.
Which made Mary realize that Michael's anger could only mean that he had never had any honourable intentions towards her. And his next comment made her realize why.
"What about your betrothed?" He spat out, fury in every line of his stiff stance. "What about Tess Maxwell?"
Mary saw Max flinch at that. Elizabeth did too, but brought her arm up to hold him, in support. "You know that I do not love Tess Michael. Not in that way. I only ever accepted what was to be because I did not realize that I was capable of loving anyone else." He brought his arm around Elizabeth. "I love Liz."
"You know that doesn't mean a thing." Michael snapped back. "You are meant for Tess, I am meant for Isabel. End of story."
Mary glanced at Alexander in shock. He looked as astonished as she did.
They always called each other brother and sister! How could they be meant for each other?
"I don't care." Max responded stubbornly. "Tess is my sister. Nothing more. Being King of Antar does not hinge on marrying her."
"How do you know this Max?" Isabel asked quietly. Mary could see her eyeing Alexander sadly, probably wondering how he was taking the news of her betrothal to Michael.
"I know it Bella." Max asserted firmly. "It does not matter. Lord Edmund only ever told us this because we were lonely here. He was trying to help us to see that we would always have each other." He looked at his sister pleadingly. "And we still do Belle. It doesn't matter if we bring others into our circle. We will always have each other."
"I know it Max."
"Funny that you should mention Lord Edmund so carelessly Maxwell." Michael said. "Do you even care why he and Tess are not with us?"
Max eyed him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Mary saw Liz gently take his hand, stroking it soothingly. It made her sad to see them that way. The love they exuded was beautiful but something about it was frightening.
In that instant, Mary DeLucie knew that none of this could last. They were on road into the unknown and the destination was still undetermined, but in her heart of hearts she was afraid.
It could not last.
"Tell me." Max finally ordered softly.
Michael sounded cold when he finally said, "Lord Edmund is dead Maxwell. While you were off marrying your human," Michael made it sound like a curse. "Our guardian was being murdered by her jilted lover. And our Tess has been kidnapped." He stared at Max in disdain for a moment and then stormed off into the woods. "I wish you great joy with your whore." He yelled over his shoulder. "I am going to save our sister." The freezing tone of his voice frightened Mary even more.
A rift had been created here that might not be capable of healing, not even with Max's miraculous touch.
Mary watched passively as Isabel rose from the log again and hurried after him, but not before she had shared a long meaningful glance with Max. She would support him, but in the meantime, she had to go after Michael.
And Mary knew that whatever it was that she had shared with Michael of Huntington was over before it had even truly begun.
Part 26
"Michael! Please stop!" Isabel called after her betrothed. She could hear him crashing through the green wood ahead, clearly too upset to even take care that he was making so much noise, it was only a matter of time before the Sheriff's men fell down on them. "Michael! Please!"
She stumbled upon him so abruptly, she gasped. He had stopped, was leaning up against a tree, his forehead cradled against his forearm. It was the exact same pose he always took when he was on the verge of completely losing it. It was the same stance he had held after having killed the Sheriff's men. It was impossible to believe that that life-altering event had only taken place three days before. Isabel felt as though she and her siblings had lived a lifetime since then.
"I'm not going to apologize Bella." Michael finally said, after she had stood behind him for several moments, wracking her mind for what to say to him. "I cannot believe that he has done this to us. Our entire purpose has been compromised because of his obsession with that... that human."
"Michael, her name is Elizabeth and she is now our queen. Even now she could be carrying Max's heir. Whether you like it or not, you have to accept it." Isabel replied quietly. "You don't have to apologize to Max, but I do think you should try and be nicer to her. None of this is her fault. She has only ever tried to help us. Don't forget that it was she who was responsible for your escape from Nottingham and it was also she who sent us Mary and Alexander. Please don't try and tell me that we could have survived this long without them."
Michael turned around suddenly at the mention of Mary and Alexander. His eyes blazed while he listened to Isabel. Finally he ground out, "They have been helpful , yes, but we would have survived without them. We have Lord Edmund..." Michael stopped abruptly. "We HAD him, I mean." Isabel felt her eyes widen as Michael's dark orbs filled with tears. She had never, not once, seen him cry in all the years she had known him.
"Michael!" Isabel moved forward, wrapped her arms around him, bringing his head down onto her shoulder. "It will be all right. I promise. We have to believe that as long as we stick together, we will survive."
Michael let himself be comforted for a moment, but then wrenched away again, swiping angrily at his eyes. "We are meant to do much more than survive Bella. You know it, I know it, Maxwell SHOULD know it. We are the Royal Four and we have a duty to return and liberate our people. It is the only reason for our existence."
Isabel smiled softly at him. "But Michael - if it the only reason for our existence, then why do we feel that we want more? Max and I have never denied that to ourselves." She brought her hand up, touched him on the shoulder. "You have always said that all you want is to return to Antar. I believe that's true, but I also believe that the past few days have opened your eyes to the joys that life on THIS planet can bring as well."
Isabel saw Michael's eyes flash again. She knew he was thinking about Mary. "Whatever I want is insignificant." He said finally. "I have a role and I intend to play it. I will marry you and we will return to Antar and free our people."
"Why do the two have to be intertwined?" Isabel demanded, frustrated by his stubbornness. "Just because we were married in our previous lifetime, it does not mean that we have to be in these lives. Why can't we still free Antar and marry others?" She paused, moderated her voice, which was beginning to rise hysterically. She had had this argument with him many times before - not necessarily about marriage, but about why returning to their planet eventually had to mean that they could not make lives for themselves on Earth in the meantime.
Michael had always ever been about waiting for his destiny to find him. Isabel wanted a hand in MAKING hers. "Can you really tell me that you have ever wanted to marry me Michael? Me, Isabel, not Vilandra, not who I once was, not who you were told I was and what I meant to you THEN, but who I am now."
Michael frowned down at her. "Of course I do. I love you Bella."
Isabel reached up and stroked his face. "I know you do Michael, but you don't love me in the way I want to be loved. And don't tell me that you don't know what I mean." Isabel held her hand up and covered his mouth. Michael snapped it shut, as it had been open in an attempt to protest. "You do know what I mean because you feel it for someone else. You don't feel for me what you feel for her." Michael scowled at her. "Please don't try to deny it Michael. I see the way you are around her. She brings you to life in a way I've never seen before. With Mary, instead of waiting for life, you are LIVING."
Michael stared past her, his eyes softening. "She is driving me crazy."
"She has brought you to life." Isabel replied, hugging him again. "And I think that after you apologize to Elizabeth, you should also apologize to Mary. Because what you said - it was designed to hurt Max, but I think you hurt our three human friends much more than you could ever hurt him. He knows you, knows that you don't mean half of what you say when you flare up like that. They don't."
Michael had whitened at her words. "I did not think Bella. I was just thinking about our Tess. She must be so frightened."
"I know Michael. And we are going to save her, but first you must reconcile with Max and the others. We all need each other."
"What are we going to do without him Bella?" Michael asked, sounding frightened. Isabel was glad that he was finally letting down his defenses. Michael's anger was always designed to hide his fear - he had ever been that way since he was a small boy. Lord Edmund's death had hit him harder than any of them because their guardian's presence had been the only thing that had ever made him feel safe on this planet. Lord Edmund's knowledge of their destiny had reassured him that he would not make a mistake, would not betray his people.
And now that Lord Edmund was gone, Michael's destiny was all on his own shoulders.
For Isabel it was a release from the years in which she had felt confined. For Michael, a prison of fear had risen in the stead of the confidence his guardian gave him.
"We will survive. Max is our king. He has grown into that role more in the last three days than in the entire time we were under Lord Edmund's control." Isabel told him. "And Michael, whether you like it or not, it is Elizabeth who is responsible for it. She is his inspiration. Max would never have been happy with Tess. Just seeing the way he looks at Liz - how could he have ever been happy with our sister when she did not make him look that way? Not even once Michael."
Michael sighed heavily. "I have tried to ignore it Bella, because of what it meant. But you are right."
"You have to let go of your fear Michael. I know that you are afraid of what you feel for Mary Delucie, but if Max can claim his happiness, then so can we. I have a feeling that Mary would be perfectly willing to follow you to the ends of the Universe, if only to make sure that you didn't lose your way." Isabel teased, taking his hand and leading him back towards the camp, where she knew the others awaited them.
Michael snorted as they started back. "If there is one thing she likes, its to order me around." Michael admitted wryly.
"She is a caring girl Michael. I think she is one who has never wanted a day in her life and instead of it spoiling her, it has made her more generous and outgoing. She is special. They are all special that way."
Michael and Isabel did not speak again until they were almost back at the camp. They were still holding hands, companionably rather than romantically, which was why Isabel's arm was almost pulled out of the socket when Michael stopped abruptly. "What about Tess?"
Isabel frowned at him, not understanding. "We will save her Michael. All of us. Together."
"I know Bella, that's not what I mean. What I mean is, what about Tess and MAX? She is going to be devastated by this." He grimaced. "Because whether you, or I, or Max has ever wanted to marry each other, I know Tess loves Max. I think it has become more than clear in the past few days that Tess loves him in the way HE loves Liz - and more than any of us ever realized."
Isabel's eyes widened. "She will be upset Michael, but will she not be comforted that Max is so happy? I cannot believe that she will not see that Liz will never replace her in Max's heart. She is one of the Four, one of us. We will always be bonded in a way that others can not break."
Michael shook his head. "Isabel, I admire you for thinking so highly of Tess, but I don't think that she is going to look at it in that way at all."
Isabel felt a shiver descend her spine. While she did not want to betray her sister by thinking that she could ever try and hurt Liz or Max, she had seen changes in Tess over the past few days that did not deny what Michael was saying.
All Isabel could do for the moment, however, was hope that they were wrong.
*******************************************
Mary watched Maxwell pace the length of the clearing, his face deeply reflective. Elizabeth was standing nearby, watching him as well, and as Mary observed, her friend moved over to join him, smiling up at him sympathetically.
Max's expression softened immediately. He reached out, pulled Lizzy into his embrace, seemed to calm down instantly. Mary bit her lip, felt tears well up in her eyes. She knew that she would never have that sort of relationship with Michael. While Max and Elizabeth's love had burned brightly and steadily from the moment they had met, she and Michael flared in fits and starts of passion.
It was a passion that was not healthy Mary saw now. Max and Liz were meant for each other because they became complete in each other's presence. She, Mary, just upset Michael, disrupted his calm, interrupted his goals, rather than bringing him peace as Elizabeth did for Maxwell.
"Are you well?" Alexander had been standing near the spot where Isabel had disappeared after Michael ages ago, but now he came to join her on the log she had been sharing with Isabel earlier that evening. He had clearly been concerned for Isabel's welfare, but also did not want to interrupt a conversation between two whose relationship Mary and her brother were only beginning to understand.
Mary swallowed, smiled at her brother. "I am just sad Alex. It is hard to see people you care about in pain. And I know that Michael's outburst was less about hurting Max and Lizzy than it was about concern for Tess and grief for their foster father."
Alexander reached out, put his arm around her shoulders, bringing her head down upon his own shoulder. "It is difficult dearest." He paused. "I do not think that he meant to hurt you with what he said Mary. I think your Michael would be most upset if he knew you were in pain."
Mary sighed. "It does not matter Alex. He is not mine anyway. He and Isabel are to marry." She frowned. "Why would they not tell us so? I do not understand why they hid it."
She felt Alexander shrug under her cheek. "I don't know Mary. Maybe it was such an accepted fact for them that it did not even cross their minds that we should know. I know that Isabel has never said anything to me that implied that she wanted to be with me. I have only myself to blame for seeing something more in our relationship than was really there."
Mary pulled back, stared up at her brother. "I do not think you were mistaken Alex. Isabel does have feelings for you. I have seen the way she looks at you. I think, perhaps, they are trapped in a betrothal that neither wants." Mary began to speak more earnestly. "Perhaps they just need US to make the first move, so that they know that they will not be alone if they break from each other. It takes courage to do what Max and Liz did, both denying marriages they did not want to claim their happiness. Neither of us knows the courage that it would take, both being in control of our own fates."
Alex smiled affectionately at her. "Does nothing ever dampen your optimism my sister?"
Mary grinned back. "It is sometimes hidden Alex, but I am not one to give up something I want easily." Mary realized that it was true. Not matter how hopeless it seemed to have any sort of relationship with Michael of Huntington, she was not willing to give up so easily - at least, not before she knew for sure that Michael and Isabel WANTED to marry. "You should know that by now."
"Oh I know it MARTIN of York." Alex replied wryly, kissing her lightly on the forehead. He looked at Max and Liz across the clearing. "I think we should go talk to Maxwell." He told Mary. "We must begin to formulate a plan for a rescue of the Lady Tess so that we do not waste any more time once Michael and Isabel have returned."
Mary shook her head. "Let's leave them in peace a while longer Alex." She paused, admitted quietly. "I have a feeling that soon there will be very little peace for those two. "
Alex looked at her, one brow raised, but did not dispute what she said. While Max and Elizabeth had boldly claimed the right to be together, there were going to be a lot of people who were very, VERY unhappy about this union. Michael's reaction was going to be minor in comparison to that of Sir Kyle DeValence, and perhaps Tess as well. Mary only hoped that Tess did not suffer because of Kyle's anger. While Mary did not like Tess at all, she knew that Max and Elizabeth's guilt about her was great enough without having to bear the guilt of actual, physical harm coming to her because of their marriage.
Mary's thoughts were interrupted as Michael and Isabel appeared suddenly from the Forest. She frowned slightly, glanced at Alex, when she saw that their hands were joined. She climbed slowly to her feet, took Alex's hand in hers when he followed her, for comfort and to lend him strength as well. She felt him squeeze her hand in response.
Mary looked at Max and Elizabeth, who were both staring at Michael tensely. Elizabeth whispered something to her husband, but Max shook his head sternly.
Michael let go of Isabel's hand, marched forward resolutely. Mary gasped when he fell to his knees in front of the newly wedded pair. Max was scowling down at him, but Elizabeth just looked shocked.
"Please accept my apology my queen. I should not have reacted in anger but should have welcomed you to our family with all the joy in my heart that you have brought to my king's. And let me tell you, you have brightened up his dour personality quite impressively." He added, winking up at her.
Liz just continued to stare down at him. Mary saw Max roll his eyes, glare across the clearing at Isabel. Isabel looked amused.
"Get up Michael." Max snapped. "Your apology is accepted. Stop being so ridiculous. We have work to do."
Michael looked up. Mary was surprised to see a teasing grin on his face. "Are you saying I don't need to apologize Max? Because I wasn't apologizing to you...or did you not notice? I'm still angry with YOU. Michael's gaze was momentarily challenging, but he quickly returned his attention to Elizabeth.
Liz relaxed visibly. "Michael, please. Stand up. I accept your apology." She let go of Max's hand, moved forward and knelt down in front of her husband's brother. "Please stand up. I appreciate where your anger came from and I share your concern for Tess. It is important that we put all of this behind us and move forward. Her welfare is our only concern at this point."
Mary watched Michael's expression gentle from mocking to one of actual respect. "I mean what I say Milady, even if my brother does not believe it."
Elizabeth smiled at him. "I believe you Michael."
Michael stood up, reaching down and pulling Elizabeth to her feet. "Good. Then since you're the only one he listens to, maybe HE'LL believe it too." While the words were confrontational, Michael's tone reflected the teasing nature of his comment.
Mary felt the first glimmering of hope she had experienced since Michael had returned from his failed mission to retrieve Tess and Lord Edmund. When Michael suddenly turned and stared at HER across the clearing, his dark eyes smoldering, it blossomed full-fledged.
It was no longer three and three. They were six now. And the expression on Michael's face told her that he now knew it too.
And together they could do anything.