Their Bonds of Fate (The Bonds of the Silver Throne Book 1) Read online

  “The great lord has many ways of keeping up with those he wishes in the land. Now, come with us, Bright One. You will not be harmed as you well know.”

  Caerwyn wanted to do just about anything other than to see Eleri’s father. He might have taken fighting off a force of Lord Fellen’s over speaking with Lord Cadwin, but he saw no way around it.

  “Do not resist,” said another man in the group. “You are riding on roads provided and maintained by Lord Cadwin. We are well in our rights to take you forcefully.”

  Caerwyn chuckled low. “You think you could do it? Why don’t you find out for yourself?”

  “That will not be necessary,” said the man in front as he threw a look at the one who had spoken. “The Bright One is a friend of Lord Cadwin’s. Their families have long been connected. He will enjoy seeing our lord and resting in the manor.”

  “I’m not sure how much I’ll enjoy it, but I will go with you. Even I cannot disobey Lord Cadwin,” said Caerwyn. He moved his horse ahead, weaving around the men in front of him.

  “We will escort you,” said the leader.

  Caerwyn looked over his shoulder. “There is no need. I know the way very well.” He cleared the men and urged his horse to go faster, giving the beast his head. They flew over the grounds and into the trees, going left to where Caerywn knew the large estate rested.

  He rode to the gate, which was opened for him once he was recognized. As he neared the manor, he could hear the group of guards coming behind him. He looked up at the impressive white stone home, and a thousand images of Eleri came to his mind, foremost the look on her face as she left his room the last night he had spent with her. It had taken everything within him to pull away from her that night. He wanted to mark her as his own, and it took an enormous amount of power that he thought might have come straight from the gods themselves for him to let her go before he claimed her.

  She said she believed he loved her. Though he had never said it out loud or even admitted it to himself, he knew she was correct. He wasn’t overly familiar with love in any form, but what he felt for her was so strong it must have been some form of love.

  He pulled up under a large portico, jumping off his horse and handing it to a waiting servant. He paid no mind to the guards arriving as he walked up to the front door that opened for him. He expected to find the housekeeper or some upper-level servant to receive him, but instead, Lord Cadwin himself stood in the entry hall.

  “Lord Cadwin,” said Caerwyn with a bow. “I have come as you requested.”

  “So, I see,” said Lord Cadwin looking over Caerwyn. He was a tall man who was towards the end of his fourth decade. He still looked strong and barely had any grays in his dark brown hair. His green eyes, though not as bright as Eleri’s, still unsettled Caerwyn. “Why don’t you come with me to my study. I am sure you could use a drink before we see to feeding you some supper.”

  “I will come to your study, but you do not need to go to such lengths as to feed me. I will hear what you have to say and go on.”

  “It is getting late, and I am sure you need a rest. You will eat and rest here for the night. I insist upon it.”

  Caerwyn tried not to sigh. He wanted to hear what the lord had to say and get out of the house. No good could come from Caerwyn staying in the manor any longer than necessary. Every smell and corner brought back a new memory for him. Ones he wanted to suppress. “Let me hear what you have to say, my lord, and we will discuss supper after.”

  Lord Cadwin nodded as Caerwyn took off his cloak. He handed it to a servant near him and followed the lord to his study. Once he was in the room, he waited to see where Lord Cadwin would have him sit.

  “Have a seat in front of the fireplace. You must be chilled riding out in this weather,” said Lord Cadwin as he poured some dark liquor into two cups.

  Caerwyn paused for a moment, looking down at the two cushioned chairs in front of the fireplace. A certain evening came to his mind. One where the lord had been away from the house for a few days, and Caerwyn and Eleri had spent a long evening by the fire. Shaking his head slightly, he slipped down into the comfortable chair as Lord Cadwin walked over, handing him a drink.

  “You do not need to appear so nervous, Bright One. I am not going to hurt you or even scold you.” He chuckled a little. “You always struck me as older than your years, but today you appear even younger than you are.”

  Caerwyn shifted in his seat. “Our last conversation was not friendly, my lord. I am certain your feelings for me have not changed.”

  Lord Cadwin sat down heavily and took a drink. “I was harsher than I needed to be. I do not think ill of you, Caerwyn. I never have. I was only concerned for my daughter. I become a little ferocious when it comes to protecting Eleri.”

  “I have not gone near her. Just like you asked.”

  “Except for about eight moon cycles ago, I hear. You were in my house while I was away.” He smiled as Caerwyn sighed. “My servants are very loyal to me but do not think I am going to needle you about any time you spend with my daughter. She is a grown woman, and she makes her own decisions.”

  “I have not seen her since. I let her know for sure where we both stood. What she wants is impossible.”

  “What do you want, Caerwyn?” Lord Cadwin sat back in his chair. “I don’t want to hear about your duty or what your father has told you to say. I want to hear what you really want.”

  He wanted Eleri. He had for a long time now. He wanted her completely. Every part of him demanded she become his, but it could not be. “It does not matter what I want. All that matters is what has to be. I cannot marry or have children. Even if Lady Eleri does not fulfill the full prophecy, I could never give her all she desires and needs.”

  “I never disapproved of you for Eleri, Caerwyn. I believe you are an honorable man who would do everything he could to see my daughter safe. I only wished you to stay away from her because I knew you would never have the courage to truly be with her. You would never go against tradition or your father, even for a woman you love.”

  “You call me a coward?” Caerwyn drained his cup. “I know my duty, sir, and I must see it through. I represent an unbroken line of Bright Ones for over one hundred generations. We have kept the line of king’s safe. If it weren’t for my uncle, you never would have saved the prince.”

  “Why would having a brave, intelligent woman at your side keep you from your duty? I rather think she would make you a better man.”

  “I could never devote the time and attention a woman like her deserves. How could I serve my king and keep him safe, knowing my heart would belong to another? If I truly bonded myself with Eleri, she would come before everything, even my king. I could never truly be the Bright One if I let anything distract me, especially love. Besides, your daughter has her own duty, and she will have to see it through to fulfill the prophecy. You must know this.”

  “I will not argue you with you, Caerwyn. All you have done is prove my point. If you truly feel as you do, you should leave Eleri alone, though you will not be able to avoid her. If all went well on her journey, she is already in residence with the prince. I take it you are heading there now.”

  “I am. I would have been there earlier, but it took me a few weeks to get the information on the prince’s whereabouts.”

  “You should have come to me.” Lord Cadwin laughed. “I should take it as a compliment that the Bright One is scared of me, I suppose.”

  “You act as though you are not known for your strength and skills, my lord. I have heard tales of your battles.”

  “It is all in the distant past. I am happy to pass on any shows of strength to you. This leads me to my request. It is why I have looked for you and called you here.”

  “What would you have me do, my lord?” Caerwyn knew there was some surprise in his voice.

  “No matter what you choose, I know you care for Eleri. You wish her to be safe and happy.”

  “I do. I wish for it more than anything in this land.”

  Lord Cadwin pulled a small scroll out of his pocket. “You should read that then.”

  Caerwyn took it and unrolled it. As he read it, he felt his face warm and his wolf growl from within him. “Lord Fellen wants to get his hands on Eleri?”

  “According to the spies I have in the city, it has become an obsession of his. He has heard the prophecy, and he believes having my daughter by his side will solidify his right as ruler. If I had received this scroll before she left, I would have kept her here. This manor is well enchanted with her and her mother’s old spells. It is hard to find for those who are not welcomed. At least she is in another place my dear wife warded before her demise.”

  Caerwyn barely heard what the lord was saying. Lord Fellen wanted Eleri, his Eleri. Caerwyn abruptly stood up and walked closer to the fireplace. His wolf spoke to him. Go now. Claim her. Keep her safe.

  “So you can see why I am concerned, Caerwyn, and I know it isn’t fair to ask you this, but I was hoping you could keep a close watch on Eleri.”

  Caerywn looked at Lord Cadwin. “What do you mean keep a close watch on her? Have you sent word to her of this news?”

  “I have not yet. You may tell her when you see her, but you know it will do no good. My daughter thinks little of her own safety over others. She will continue to worry about the prince and land more than herself. I know you have a duty to our prince, but I also know you care for Eleri. All I am asking is that you watch over her when you can. Make sure she is not alone. Try to keep her from doing something foolish.”

  Caerwyn gave a small, quiet laugh. “You think anyone can tell your daughter what to do? How successful have you been over the years.”

  “Not very. If Eleri listened to me, you and I would not be so awkward with each other, and you would not be dreading your trip to the Havens Estate. You would probably already be there.” Lord Cadwin finished his drink. “I am not asking you to do the impossible. I am only asking you to try to help keep her safe.

  “My head guard, Aron, is there with her, and you know he will do all he can to keep her from harm, but I fear it is not enough. I would feel better knowing you were watching her. I have a feeling if anyone tried to harm or take my daughter, you would make sure they were not successful.”

  Caerwyn sighed. It was true that his instincts would not let him ignore a threat to Eleri. His wolf was agitated at just the thought of someone touching her, but he had planned to keep his distance from the woman. She was the one temptation in life he had failed at conquering. “I will do as you ask, Lord Cadwin, as much as she will let me. She may wish me to leave her be, and I will respect her wishes.”

  “You could still keep an eye on her from afar. You will know before anyone if something is amiss. The prince will travel to the Northern Temple soon to receive the goddess’s blessings. I know you will go along, and I have a feeling so will my daughter. It is customary for the First Advisor to be there at the blessing, and as much as she hesitates at tradition, she will want to prove she is up to the task in her role.”

  Caerwyn nodded. “I want nothing to happen to your daughter. The land needs her, and our prince will need her.” A voice inside of him whispered that he needed her as well.

  “Good. Now come share supper with me. With Eleri gone, I am all alone. I am a man who prefers company. I promise the conversation will be much different. I am sure you have things to tell me about what is happening in the land, and I know there are some things you will want to hear from me.”

  Chapter 5

  Eleri left her room for breakfast. It was a little early, but she wanted to ensure she was ready for her morning walk with the prince. She knew she would have to be alert and ready to fight any instincts that he aroused in her. She had been so sure he wouldn’t affect her, but she had been wrong. The moment she saw him, something in her woke up. In some ways, it was the same as when she first saw Caerwyn, and in other ways, it was very different.

  The first time she saw Caerwyn, it felt as if fire ran through her. She became more aware of all her senses. The wolf inside of her spoke louder than it ever had before, wanting to claim him someway. With Prince Conri, her wolf still spoke loudly, but the fire was different. Instead of feeling as it would consume her, it felt as though it moved along with her breath and heartbeat. It made her feel warm but not dangerously hot.

  She felt more of a pull towards the prince. With Caerwyn, she had almost been afraid of her feelings, wondering if he touched her if she could survive it. With Conri, she was even more afraid of his touch in that she was scared at some point that it would become essential.

  She felt drawn towards both men in some way, and it confused her. Neither felt like a choice, though something was freeing in loving Caerwyn. Perhaps it was just her preconceived notion that the prophecy was rubbish, but she was afraid of being trapped in loving Prince Conri. She hated that feeling.

  Eleri loved most things in her life. Her father was more dear to her than anyone in the land. Her mother had, if possible, meant even more to her. Her mother was her guide for the first ten years of her life. She spent hours with her, teaching her about magic. She showed Eleri how to sense the magic in everything, the trees, the wind, the animals, and people. Perhaps time had done its work and made her mother seem more wonderful, but Eleri had never met anyone as beautiful or amazing as her mother.

  After her mother was killed, Eleri depended on her father and those he employed for most of her lessons. There was no more skipping through the forest. Eleri learned proper decorum. She learned manners and how to host guests in her father’s home. She put on fancy dresses and spent too much time in front of mirrors as servants did her hair.

  She knew it was all necessary. She would have a large role to play in the land and Prince Conri’s court. Many would argue she would be almost as important as him, but she could not let herself think that way. She was not destined to be a queen. She would not let anyone or anything dictate her life.

  Still, as much as she loved her life, she felt trapped in many aspects of it. She was forced to act and dress a certain way. There were many times she had to bite her tongue instead of speaking her mind. Only with Caerwyn or her aunt could she be truly free with who she was. Her father encouraged her to speak her mind and use her magic, but she held back, not wanting to disappoint him.

  As she made her way to the stairs, she was joined by Lady Aella. The young woman smiled at Eleri and moved to walk by her side.

  “I see you are an early riser, my lady,” said Lady Aella.

  “It depends on the day. Usually, I prefer the night as I have sorceress and shifter blood in me. I tend to thrive when the sun goes down.”

  “There are times I like the night as well. It is easier to hide things that you might not want others to see.” Lady Aella laughed as Eleri looked at her. “I don’t mean to shock you, my lady, but I don’t like to hold back from those I wish to be friends with. I would like us to be friends if you are willing.”

  “Of course, I am willing. I have not had much chance to meet other young ladies with the land like it is, so I am very happy to get to know you better.”

  “I feel the same way. Sometimes I feel trapped in this house as good as my aunt and uncle are. I long to go on journeys and dance at balls. We rarely have company here.” Lady Aella hopped down a stair to the second landing, continuing on.

  “With the way things are, my father rarely hosts real parties either. We do have a small gathering of close friends during the Winter Moon festival.”

  Lady Aella hooked her arm with Eleri’s. “And do you dance? Do young men come so you can flirt with them?”

  “We do dance a little. There are usually a few young men there, but I am not sure how much talent I have for flirting.”

  “As beautiful as you are, I am sure you don’t need to do much. I wager most young men fall at your feet the moment they lay eyes on you.” Lady Alella laughed again as they came to the entry hall.

  “I imagine you know the feeling. I am sure any young men you come across immediately fall under your spell; you are so lovely.”

  Lady Aella shrugged. “I may have had a few interesting rendezvous with a couple of young men. I haven’t had much opportunity as I said.”

  “Hopefully, things will be better in the land soon. Once Prince Conri takes his throne and becomes king, things will be made right. Then you can go to parties and find a husband if you would like one.”

  Aella sighed. “I suppose I will have to marry someday, but I will not be with any random young man. I wish to find someone special.”

  “Don’t we all,” said Eleri as Lady Aella steered her towards the dining room.

  “But your way is already set, isn’t it?” She stopped them both in front of the dining room doorway and looked down. “I have read the prophecy. I know what is expected.”

  Eleri studied the young woman for a moment, seeing a small hint of sadness on her face. She supposed it would make sense for Lady Aella to form some sort of attachment to the prince. They were both young and attractive and had no other distractions. She wondered how deep the attachment ran and if it was reciprocated.

  “Lady Aella, I have had to live with that prophecy all my life. I am not a woman who lets anyone or anything dictate her future. I want what anyone wants, and that is to choose the course of my life for myself. What that will be, I do not know at the moment, but I will not just allow some prophecy to chain me to a man I barely know.”

  Lady Aella looked up with a small smile. She again took Eleri’s arm. “Yes, I think we will be great friends, Lady Eleri. I think our minds might be similar.”

  She sat at the table with Lady Aella and Lord Havens, who was already in the room when they entered. He was very kind, asking Eleri if she had all she needed. They talked a little about her father and the plan to take the prince to the Northern Temple. By the time they were all almost done with the meal, Prince Conri walked in, looking effortlessly handsome in a simple cream-colored shirt and tan pants. He sauntered over to the table, grabbing a sweet roll from a platter and sitting down across from Eleri, looking bored.