Chapter Two
Kaeden paced back and forth in front of his men anger radiating off of him. All of them knew not to speak when he was like this or else one of them might SMACK
"Dammit Kaeden! What was that for! I didn't say anything!" Dorian growled rubbing his now red cheek, mumbling to himself.
"It's not what you said, Dorian, but what look you were giving me. Listen, all of you, what happened here today was unforgivable and a major mistake on our part. We killed innocent guards whose only crime was sneaky up on us. They have been guarding this land for hundreds of years." Kaeden's electric blue eyes sent icy chills up and down each of his men's spines. "We must go to the palace and ask for forgiveness. Those lives should not have been lost. Our people's honor calls for us to travel to the palace to beg forgiveness and to find protection for the duration of our stay. Do you all understand that?" Kaeden's black shaggy hair fell into his face, but its length could not disguise the anger and disgust in his gaze.
"Yes, sir." all the men answered in unison.
"Good. Let's move from this spot after we burry the dead. Tomorrow in the morning we will make our way to the palace. King Arion has been an ally of my father's for many years. I intend to keep it that way." Kaeden gathered up a shovel and headed off toward the spot they had deemed the burial ground for the fallen fellow shifters and began to dig into the fresh dirt.
The others sighed, shrugged, and followed their prince.
Rhian paced back and forth in her room like a caged animal. News on Melina had just arrived saying that her close friend would be fine, she just needed lots of rest. That alleviated Rhian's mood a little. Only a little. She was still fuming from her confrontation with her father.
"Why does he have to be so-so damn stubborn! Can't he understand this won't get unnoticed! The families will want answers, revenge, retaliation, GRRRRRRRRR why can't he just understand that this needs to be handled MY way! This just isn't fair! ARRRRGH!" Rhian threw yet another piece of pottery at the door. The guards outside her chamber shivered as the power of her anger washed over them. Rhian could hear voices drawing nearer at her door. As her nostrils flared she knew who stood opposite her door. Standing rigid in the middle of her room the door opened.
"Get. Out. Now!" Rhian growled, fists clenched at her sides as her incisors grew and claws dug into her palms.
The clucking of the male's tongue could be heard a few feet in front of her.
"Now, now, Rhian, my dear. That's no way to talk to the man whose madly in love with you now is it? And what a greeting I receive. Here I come to see how you fare and you order me out. Why I am appalled at your behavior. It's almost childish" a slow menacing smile grew on his vile face revealing glimmering fangs and his amber eyes flashing and slitting into cat-like eyes.
"Devon, get out now! I will not ask you again." She spun around and walked out to the balcony. Taking deep calming breaths, Rhian tried to think of peaceful things like the breeze blowing around her. But the sense of unease and danger made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Why won't he leave me alone! Rhian started to growl, but stopped before it escaped her throat as a scene flashed through her mind.
Memory
'It's so dark. What's that noise? Someone's in the corridor. (mental groan) Please don't be daddy, he'll be so angry with me.' Cold stone scrapping lightly against flesh (shivers) 'So cold. Oh no, whose that!' Darkly cloaked figures standing around something.
End Memory
"..from me?" a deep chilling voice brought Rhian out of her slight trance.
"Wh-what?" She shook her head, clutching one side gently at the slight throbbing pain.
"Were you even listening to me? I asked why you do always walk away from me when I'm talking to you." Devon growled as his too close presence made Rhian feel on edge.
"Don't. Look this has been a very trifling and long day. So if you could please leave that would be much appreciated." Rhian's fisted hands relaxed as she turned to lean forward against the stone railing, drawing in a long breath.
A slow crude smile spread across Devon's matured features as he stepped and stood directly behind Rhian. A shiver of discomfort rushed down her spine making Rhian stand rigidly. Her whole body tensing up, ready for anything. Devon's smile only grew more as he placed his calloused hands upon Rhian's collarbone and began to massage her stiff shoulders.
"Come on, Rhian. Relax. I'm just trying to help you relax. It's just a simple shoulder massage." Devon whispered darkling into her ear.
Rhian shivered and tried to shake him off, but he wouldn't let go. He just gripped her shoulders tighter to where she could feel his claws slightly digging into her flesh. Pulling her flush against him in an iron-like grip Devon growled in impatience.
His voice menacing and cold he spoke, "I have watched you grow and mature. I have been here when you've needed me..for anything. And this is the thanks I get!" Whipping her around Devon's lips crashed down upon Rhian's forcefully. His mouth, lips, and tongue devoured hers making it hard for her to resist.
Rhian could feel her anger rising and with it she felt her body temperature growing hotter by the second to where Devon literally threw her away from him.
"You wench! If your father finds out you are trying to conjure up your shifter powers he'll be furious. And when that time comes you'll be my mate make no mistake about that!" Devon stormed off the balcony and out of Rhian's chambers leaving his chilling words to keep her company.
Tears began to form in her large chocolate brown eyes as Rhian's now weak body slid limply down the side of the railing wall.
The sun had finally set leaving the whole world covered in darkness with only the light of the moon and stars above shining down overhead. Finally Rhian thought I can see. Today has just been too long and tiring of a day.. Sighing heavily she stood up and gazed out longingly at the scenery before her, her tears drying immediately.
Her pupils dilated and took in as much of the night they could giving her the sight she was only granted at night because of her shifter blood. Leaning against the railing and cupping her face with one hand Rhian's cat-like eyes roamed around the open courtyard. She could see little ones playing hide-n-seek while parents stood nearby and chatted with neighbors, lovers together stealing secret embraces in the darkness.
It's just not fair. Why must I be all a lone? No one wants me..for me. Growling in frustration and anger at herself Rhian began to pace. Fists clenching and unclenching at her side she smelt a familiar yet different scent before she heard the commotion at the gates. Rhian froze. The hairs on the back of her neck rose as Devon's voice and fierce growl reverberated nearby. Rhian didn't wait a second longer before she took a few steps back to give her room to sprint off the balcony floor, hover in mid air for what seemed like ages, and then finally landing in a perfect crouching position and rushing toward the scents and sounds.
