Hey everyone! Yes, it has taken me forever to update. My computer crashed and I lost everything, so that was a HUGE setback. But anyway, thanks for the wonderful feedback on Chapter 1 and all your votes. I hope you guys enjoy Chapter 2 and show me the same love you did last time!
Chapter Two - Questions and Answers
Aden held Jack closer when he felt her shiver. Even though he'd reversed the spell, she would still experience some lasting discomfort. He was sorry for what happened, but an angry part of him felt she deserved it. She had no business listening in on his conversation; just look where it had gotten her. And him for that matter. The pain in his back was
still
throbbing from the effort of catching her in his lap. If he hadn't moved as fast as he had, she'd be a collapsed heap on the floor.
Jack made a sound, prompting him to examine her with more detail. She was breathing evenly and her skin seemed to be warming up, but there was a slight crease in her brow. He wondered what would happen if he pressed his lips to it. The thought was crazy, but it made him think of other things he wanted to do. Aden let images of Jack's body pressed beneath him flit through his mind. He could see her brown legs wrapped around him as he took her. Would she cling tightly to him and cry out? Or would she simply moan her pleasure? By the stars, he hungered to know.
The breath he took barely calmed him. This was insanity. He was supposed to be furious with her, not thinking about spreading her across his bed. Jack was little more than an annoyance. He hadn't sought her out; he didn't want her services... he didn't want her there. Then, to compound matters, she had already learned in a day what they'd tried so hard to keep hidden. Aden's expression hardened; the woman was a nuisance. That made him feel better. The renewed anger soothed his demeanor, making him feel more like himself. The way he was acting, like some untried schoolboy, would have to stop. He could not allow Jack to affect him.
Merced arrived shortly after he was summoned, his face revealing nothing upon seeing his Prince cradling their new arrival. Aden watched while he quietly carried out instructions to return Jack upstairs, while fighting sudden resentment at his own inability to complete the task.
"We have a problem," he said as soon as Merced returned. He explained what happened, including what he and his brother had discussed.
Merced thought a few moments before responding, "She can be trusted."
Aden sat up straighter and remained silent. He didn't like the idea of Jack knowing anything about them, but he would take Merced at his word; the Ca'lai had a gift for knowing these sort of things. He made a face as a bit of pent-up tension left his shoulders. Jack would never know it, but she'd just been saved the experience of having her memory altered. The process was painstakingly slow and intricate, and it affected each victim a different way. Sometimes it was painless, and others times it was excruciating; there was no way to tell beforehand which it would be.
"I will speak to her then."
The light glinted off of one of Merced's bracelets as he adjusted it and changed the subject, "So, the Shadow Mages are unable to control whatever new Magic they gain."
"The inexperienced ones at least. I imagine the more practiced fare a bit better." There was a pause, "I think we have enough information to assume whatever means they are using have nothing to do with long hours of study and guided application. As I suspected, it's Dark Magic."
"The reports have yet to confirm that, Your Highness," Merced frowned.
"In the time they take to figure it out, the Shadow Mages will regain whatever footing they had. We both learned the forbidden acts; you know I'm right. You also know the bigger the sacrifice, the bigger the jump. And the more they do it, the harder it is to stop."
"Then what they forfeit grows in value each time," the young man's eyes filled with distaste. "You don't think..."
Merced left the question hanging there but Aden knew what he was asking, "It is unspeakable even for them, but we mustn't exclude it from the realm of possibility." The idea clenched his stomach. Would they really go that far?
Both men were thoughtful, but suddenly Merced spoke as if a piece just clicked into place, "It's no wonder your wound couldn't be healed through traditional means then." He lightly kneaded a wrist.
"Yes," Aden's eyes took on a subtle darkened glow, "It wasn't until the recent findings from home and speaking with Adrian that I was certain. I will admit, however, to hoping for a different explanation."
"What happens now?"
"The ones who started the war are out still out there; they've lost this time but I doubt they've just given up. They are planning something and while they are doing it, they are expanding their powers. We didn't encounter any of this during the fighting because as cults go, only the ones in charge ever reap the benefits. And no matter what lofty reasons they make up, the end result is always control. Whoever directs the Shadow Mages does so with the intent of absolute power." Aden narrowed his eyes, "And what happens next is: we kill them."
Merced appeared calm as usual, his face back to revealing nothing, but his eyes had now darkened as well, "I was unable to fight the first time, but know my skills are now at your service."
Aden gave him a sidelong glance. To most people in the kingdom, the Ca'lai were a mystery. They practiced the same Magic - only it was different. Their people came from the south where population was sparse and trees were the majority. From what he knew, they enjoyed nature and preferred to be outside... and they weren't easily excited. He liked that. They were also fierce warriors. He liked that even more. He had yet to see Merced in combat, but assumed the appointment as his 'assistant' meant he knew how to handle himself.
"You had a responsibility to complete your training; no one blames you for that. What good is a man with tools if he doesn't know who to use them?"
"Of course, Your Highness." It was quiet again, then Merced said, "Dark Magic is most dangerous when the source is unknown. Like medicine with illness, some spells and actions conquer certain people better than others."
"Right," Aden replied. "It's too bad the one who attacked me is dead, a chance to interrogate him would have greatly increased our knowledge. But in the meantime, I will continue to speak to Adrian and you should continue reviewing the reports from home; soon we'll be done here and able to return."
"You're going to go on with your sessions?"
Aden sighed, "Yes. This is my father's wish, and I will carry it out. Once it proves to be pointless though, I'll urge him to let me come back." He ran a hand through his hair, "Until something obvious happens, he and the others will be reluctant to believe the kind of danger they're in. They are equipped to fight wars, not twisted philosophy."
