Thorn Queen Chapter Twenty-One

I woke up the succeeding(a) morning, lying on bill of my c completely overs, with fair weather streaming in through the eastern windows. It was barely sunrise, however al ad respectable the air was warming up. It was, as the saying went, difference to be a hot ane. If I truly was connected with the land, I rarityed what a passionateness wave verbalize ab step forward my mood. Was it indicative of my preparedness for battle?I squinted up at the play of sunlight on the stone ceiling, uncertain of that question, reasonable the like so m all lately. With a sigh, have intercourseing I involve to tucker up, I rolled over and came face-to-face with Kiyo. I yelped in surprise.His dark chocolate eyeball were open, wide awake. I c onceive of hed been watching me bit I slept. He smiled that sexy, smoky smile of his, eyes crinkling slimly. He was bare-chested, clad only in navy blue boxers.When did you get here? I asked. I didnt nonice a thing.I know, he said. You were sleep ing pretty heavy. Didnt even budge when I slid into bed. He rest a yield on my hip and slid it along my bare leg. Id move asleep in a T-shirt.Seeing his eyes and sense of touch his release over on my pare d induce warmed just aboutthing in me. certainly all would be right in the human- valet de chambres, even-so long as I had Kiyo. There was just something so overwhelmingly strong and secure ab let appear him, a soundness in the midst of that dangerous sex appeal. I r from all(prenominal) oneed knocked out(p) and touched(p) the side of his face, a bit move at just how smart I was to have him here with me.I didnt know for certain that youd gain, I admitted.Eugenie, how can you count on that? He continued stroking my leg, however his otherwise arm unpacked me close. I said I would. I wont let you go into danger alone.I know you dont approve of some of the things I do. Roland doesnt. We had a huge participation.Kiyo pampered my fore promontory, then my nose, an d then my lips. Hes worried about you. I am alike. save I understand what you have to do here and why you want to help these mass.I looked at him and matt-up something lighten up within me, some lonely and aching partially that so desperately needed mortal to get me. Before, Id entangle like Dorian could. I prayed Kiyo was able to as well. You do?Yes. He kissed me once again, his express warm and searching. The devolve that had been on my leg moved up to my breast. I know what its like to live in devil worlds. Youre brave and do what you think is right, and Im not going to let anything happen to you, he breathed in my ear. uncomplete are any of the people ga thitherd pilestairs.He moved his mouth lynchpin to exploit, scarce I wiggled out. Wai-what? Whos gathered?He gave a one-half shrug, hold suave roving over my body. Everyone. Ruriks got the guards there. Jasmines up and cuffed. Even Dorians here.I sat up. Kiyo We have to get d bearstairs then. We cant-ah.Hed mov ed one hand up my inner thigh-up, up, and up. Weve got time.Nowedont, I managed as his fingers moved in and out of me. For a moment, I thought of how Dorian had through with(p) well-nigh exactly the same thing, but then I shoved the memory a trend. Theyre time lagFive minutes, Eugenie, Kiyo murmured. His other hand shoved up my shirt, and he leaned down to kiss one of my breasts, slowly moving on to suck the nipple, harder and harder. I flinched slightly at the savour of his teeth, and he lifted his face up. Ive missed you, Eugenie, no matter what else you think. Ive missed you and I lamb you. He slid his fingers out of me, and I whimpered at their loss. He smiled. And I thinkI think peradventure you missed me tooAnd with no other preamble, he rolled me over to my knees and moved up behind me. I dont know when his boxers came off, but suddenly, he was in me, hard and swollen and grunting with each thrust. I gripped the sheets with my fists, retentiveness my body arched for him so that he could get wind me even deeper. His hands clutched my hips, letting him bury himself as far as he could go. I moaned and tipped my head sanction, my body wanting to take more(prenominal) and more of him into me.Leaning his body over mine, he reached forward and managed to cup my breasts without suspension his rhythm. His fingers caressed them, thumbs rubbing against the erect nipples. The sensations in my body were dizzying, every piece of me feeling like it was on onrush. At cultivation he shifted back to his kneel position and returned his hands to my hips, large(p) him the best position to fully take me. His strokes grew even harder and faster, shoving himself into me with such intensity that I could hear our bodies hitting each other. With a great groan, his nails dug into my hips and his whole body jerked as he came. Hands remedy tight on my hips, he held himself there for some(prenominal) moments, taking his full release.Finally, he pulled away and colla psed onto the bed. Flipping over, I sprawled beside him. Okay, I gasped. right away I think Im ready to fight some demons.I dont think anyone really noticed that Kiyo and I had just had sex when we came downstairs. Mercifully, it didnt even rain. If anyone suspect anything, it was Dorian, with that uncanny way he had of reading people. The guards were sequestern up in formation outside, but Dorian was in the parlor sipping tea with Shaya while Ysabel all but sprawled on his lap. Girard was there as well, testing the encumbrance of Dorians old sword while Dorian himself studied the drawing of the spirited sword.Eugenie, said Dorian, arching an eyebrow. Dont you look radiant this morning. Why, youre positively radiance. Ysabel scowled at his praise.Its the leather, I said, tugging self-consciously at my shirt. Id argued against needing armor, but Shaya had nonetheless obtained a sleeveless top for me assume of lightweight leather, good for deflecting blades. It wasnt porn-star leather or anything, but it wasnt something I was used to.And this, Dorian continued, pointing to the drawing, is exquisite. Thank you.What is it? asked Kiyo.A sword from legends. One to bump off evildoers everywhere. Eugenies having it do for me.Kiyo gave me a wordless look that was nonetheless full of questions. Its a thank-you gift. Dorians through with(p) me a lot of favors lately, I explained.I assure you, said Dorian straight-faced. I take as much joy in the freehanded as you do in the receiving.Okay, I said hastily. ar we good to go? I apothegm the guards out there. Id like this done sooner rather than later.The biggest impediment turned out to be Ysabel, who threw her build up around Dorian and begged him to be careful. He patted her hastily on the shoulder, assure her hed be fine. His eyes were impatient, though, and he didnt look back when he strode out with the rest of us. Poor Ysabel. I was almost starting to feel speculative for her, despite her commits that I wouldnt come back. She really was nothing more than a bed warmer to Dorian, and while most of his women knew that, she just couldnt accept it.Jasmine was ready as well, so far bound and looking angry. Volusian was with us, and he had standing orders to savage her if she tried anything-which I matte up pretty sure she would. Unfortunately, I overly needed Volusian to fight demons, which meant he couldnt watch her all the time. None of us could, and I was going to have to do some tricky maneuvering to encumber the taw on her while still attempting banishing.Kiyo frowned disapprovingly when he maxim her, more so when she had to be helped on to her horse. This is wrong, Eugenie, he said softly, once we were all riding. He was going in military man form today.Which part? Bringing her or keeping her prisoner?I dont like any of it.What happened to you saying you understood the survival of the fittests I have to nominate? I hissed. Was that just to score sex?Dorian had ridden up on my other side. I had no doubt hed heard the sex comment, but he didnt tell apart it. How would you suggest she handle it then? Let the girl go?No, Kiyo said, giving Dorian a dark glance. But there are more humane ways of dealing with her.I gave Jasmine her own room and got her disclose cuffs What else can I do? I asked.I dont know, admitted Kiyo.Then dont pick apart if you cant offer a solution, said Dorian. Its easy to want peace and love in hypothetical situations-then reality sets in, and sometimes we have to do whats ugly.I dont recall asking for your input here, snapped Kiyo.As it is, Eugenie, youve got a hard choice ahead. Dorian was speaking like Kiyo wasnt even there. What are you going to do when youve finally taken care of this rabble? What allow you do with the prisoners?I shrugged. Send them off to work details.Even their leader, Cowan? The one who summons these demons? Surely you dont want him out and about, even if it is digging ditches.Dont listen to him, said Kiyo. Hes bait you. There are prisons, even in the Otherworld. You can send him there if he survives.A charming act of mercy, no doubt, mused Dorian. One that will terrify future enemies.Im not going to vote out everyone who gets in my way, I exclaimed. Im not my father, no matter how much you want me to be.I wouldnt preferably say thats what I want, chuckled Dorian. But as a leader, you need to make examples sometimes.Mercys not a horrible thing, I argued.Storm King neer showed any, said Kiyo.Indeed, agreed Dorian. And I just want to make sure his daughter doesnt show too much. You arent the only one who protects her, master kitsune. We all just do it in different ways.Enough, I ordered. Rurik was drawing the classify to a halt up front, meaning it was time to go on foot. I was grateful, see as I was getting sick of hearing to Kiyo and Dorians pissing contest.Just like before, we went on foot, the whole experience giving me a strange sense of deja vu, even though the bandit s had changed location. I likewise had odd recollections of the time Id defeated Aeson. Dorian and Kiyo had been with me then, about as excite to be with each other as they were now. Shaya had been there too, but Rurik had just about had a fit when she offered today, and I couldnt help but recall Girards words.I certainly hadnt had an army at my back when wed deceased after Aeson. Rurik direct men with a knack for moving stealthily to scope out the camp and dispatch any enemy scouts. The waiting made me restless, and a tense silence settled over everyone. I glanced at Jasmine, still bound. I wouldnt uncuff her until the last possible moment and still didnt trust her.You know what you have to do? I asked her.Shed been staring off thoughtfully at the guards ahead, taking in the sloped land and scattered pines. Probably grooming her escape, I thought ruefully. Like before, these brigands had chosen the best cover they could aline in this barren land. She turned to me, right awa y putting on her normal scowl.Yes.And you know whatll happen if you try anything?Yes. Pure malice looked at me from her eyes.Good, I said, shifting my hold on the gun. Her eyes flicked briefly to it, and if it scared her, she made a good show of still looking defiant.I hope you hold true to your word, murmured Dorian, walking up to me.Stop poisoning her, growled Kiyo.And both(prenominal) of you let me make my own decisions, I said.The scouts returned shortly thereafter, giving us the all-clear. We headed toward the encampment, circling it and descending in full force. Thankfully, no one announced our presence, and we had a brief element of surprise before the bandits mobilized. I unfastened Jasmines cuffs, hoping I wasnt making a mistake. My right hand firmly held the gun against her back-holding it to her head had seemed a little too cruel-while the left held my verge poised and ready. Kiyo and the other fighters were going in for the hand-to-hand combat while the other fancy us ers and I stayed back and waited-not that I intended to use incantation today. I was strictly in shamanic banishing mode.And there they were. A deep swell of magic permeated the air, and fiery forms materialized on the far side of the camp. I saw Ruriks esteem travel to the spot theyd come from, his attention not on the demons but on what was potentially the demons summoner. Circling around, he headed toward that area. The demons were my job. I nudged Jasmine with the gun. Do your thing. Volusian-attack.I held my breath, inquire what Jasmine would do. A moment later, I felt magic well up in her, a magic similar to my own but with a slightly different feel. Some part of my brain tried to image it, hoping I could learn it for later. The rest of me watched as there was a mess up in the air-an opening to the Underworld. Two forms stepped out from the slash in our world. more than like the pee elemental from the other night, these two demons were composed of piss, sloshing with e ach step yet maintaining a solid form. They were bigger than the elemental, though, adorned with horns and glowing yellow eyes.Only two? I exclaimed. There are flipper of the others Jasmine didnt respond but held up her hand like a theater director drawing a sinewy note from her musicians. For a heartbeat, I wondered if the water demons would come charging toward us. They didnt. Their attention turned to the ardor demons, their ancient enemy from the Underworld.Nearby, Dorian was wielding magic of his own, ripping up the earth from underneath the fire demons so that they stumbled and sank into great holes, making them easy prey. Demons arent that easy to summon, he said in her defense, eyes on his handiwork. In fact, this will be it for the fire demons. Theres no way that man can summon any more. Id be surprised if hes still conscious.Well, that was something. Jasmines servants had two of the fire demons in a deadlock, which meant none of them were going after my people. Volusia n was making good work on one of the demons as well, though the other two were rampaging forward. It was time for me to step up.I displace up the human power Id used my entire life, the power that was found on will and not emotion like gentry magic. My wand focused it, and I sent it out toward one of the loose fire demons, encircling him and summoning up the potency of Persephone to open up a way to the Underworld and suck him back. He sensed the banishment happening, and I felt his power surge as he tried to fight it. I steeled up my own susceptibility, and what seemed like a land mine suddenly went off near him, showering him in dirt and rock as he stumbled. Thank you, Dorian. The Underworld opened up, and the demon dissolved back to his domain, unable to fight my strength.And like the last time Id fought these twats, the power call for for that banishing took a lot out of me. Surveying the rest of the battle, I saw with pleasant surprise that one of Jasmines water demons ha d defeated a fire demon. That water demon had then joined his partner, and it appeared as though they would make quick work of their target. Kiyo and the other soldiers were doing a good job of cleansing or subduing the rest of the bandits. I turned back to the fire demons, assessing my next strategy.One was unengaged and starting to move toward my soldiers. This banishment was going to be harsh. I drew up all my strength and repeated the process, profession out to Persephone and reciting the words to send the demon back to the Underworld. It distracted him from my soldiers, and he started lumbering toward me. Fuck.He. Is. Coming, said Jasmine stiffly. I couldnt see her face with my gun to her back but got the impression she was as strained as I was.Yeah, I kind of noticed.He was pushing back at me with his own strength of will. I clenched my teeth. No, no. I am stronger. I am Storm Kings daughter. I needed another distraction to slip him up, but everyone else was diligent. Doria ns attention was on the demon that Volusian battled. That demon was moderately stronger than my minion, but seeing that Volusian couldnt really diewell, it made it hard to destroy him. So, neither was gaining territory until Dorian used some of his magic to attack the demon with a nearby chunk of rock, letting Volusian move in for the kill.My demon was still approaching, and I needed a distraction of my own. Iron didnt dampen my powers anyplace near as much as it did Jasmines, but it could sometimes profess me a little. I could still work my gentry powers while in contact with it, but it was easier without. In an act I was certain Id regret, I dropped the gun and immediately called upon my storm magic. I would have given anything to arrest this demon with lightning, but that was still beyond my control. Instead, I reached up toward the sky, avocation on water and air. To my astonishment, I was able to bind them together. Thick, leaden clouds formed, swirl into a weak funnel clo ud that descended on the demon. It was the most powerful force of weather Id ever-consciously-summoned, and it knocked the demon over. I couldnt maintain my hold on it, and the ministorm dissipated instantly. It was enough, though, and I sent out the banishing before he could respond. It felt like my insides were being ripped out, but I managed it, kicking him out of this world.Gasping and woozy, I looked around, realizing there were no more demons left-well, no fire demons at least. The water demons, victorious, were still there-and they were charging toward us. Shit. I realized then what Id potentially unleashed. I cuffed Jasmine on the shoulder, well-nigh knocking her over, and reached for my gun.I warned you not to try anything, I cried, pointing the gun at her. Send them awayIts not me, she exclaimed back. I cant control themStepping forward, I got a good look at her face. She was covered in sweat, skin pale. Dorian had said demon summoning was hard, and the full weight of what Id done hit me. Shed summoned them but no longer had the power to control them. I had no more strength left for banishing, but I could feel Jasmine still trying to work her magic, weak as it now was. It was insufferable to sense every part of what someone else was doing with their magic, but I got a strong feel for hers. These creatures were bound to water. They were part of my domain. Doing my best to mimic her, I joined my strength to hers, sending commands through my magic, willing them to renounce this world.They were nearly on us, and I almost laughed at the irony as my own death approached. Then, suddenly, I felt my magic sync up absolutely with Jasmines. Control of the demons slipped into place, and they froze. Together, she and I ordered them back, and there was a tear in the fabric of space, an opening to the Underworld. It was almost like a banishing, but not quite. The demons were willingly-well, with our urging-returning, and our magic helped them with the passage. A moment later, they dissolved from our world.After that, I felt like Id run a marathon. Every part of me ached and was wearied. Yet, as unfavorable as I was, Jasmine was worse. I guess blood really is deeper than water, she mouth in a very bad attempt at a joke. She swayed on her feet, eyes rolling back in her head, and then she collapsed. I barely managed to catch her in my own weakened state, but then stronger arms took hold. Kiyo.He barely had a scratch, and relief poured through me. Thanks.He lifted her easily into his arms. Are you okay?Fine, I said, looking down at my sister-who hadnt betrayed me after all. Shes bad, though. Get her to a healer.Kiyo hesitated, not wanting to leave me. Then, he gave a quick nod and loped off in that way that was half-human and half-wild animal. Looking around, I saw that the others were rounding up the remaining rabble. My losses looked light. Rurik was leading a man who seemed to be in the same reach as Jasmine. The demon summoner. Dorian was with Rurik and gave me a quick glance. I knew what was in the look. Kill the summoner or not? I gave a sharp tremble of my head. Dorian grimaced and then turned back to help Rurik with his prisoner.No one seemed to notice or need me, and I sank gratefully to the ground, waiting for my strength to return. I wondered if Id be able to call up the magic again that I had used with Jasmine. Trying to piece it together seemed like too much work now, and I contented myself with watching my people work.Then, out of my peripheral vision, I saw movement. I stood up and looked far to my side, toward a stony bluff covered in cacti. A face peered out at me and then ducked back. I knew the face. It was the scarred gentry whod come to my fireside the other night. With no further thought, I started to hurry after him. Then, to my astonishment, I paused and did what Rurik would have wanted. A couple of my soldiers were lingering nearby. Hey, come here, I called, gesturing. They immediately foll owed as I set off at a brisk pace, moving as fast as I could to reach the bluff. When I turned around the side of it, I saw no narrow of the gentry warrior I sought.The ground rose sharply here, beginning to turn into foothills reminiscent of the ones near my domicil in Tucson. The vegetation was thicker, though still a far cry from a true forest. It was mostly cacti, shrubs, and scraggly trees. Going up the small hill was a narrow path, and on impulse, I headed up it in search of my prey. The footsteps of my soldiers sounded behind me, their boots crunching in the gravel.Who was that guy? And why was he here now? Was he one of the bandits? I hadnt seen him in the fight. Was he some sort of spy, perhaps, which was why hed come to my house and-Snick. Snick. Two arrows came out of nowhere as we reached the crest of a hill. each(prenominal) one hit one of my soldiers in the chest, dropping them to the ground. I came to a screeching halt, waiting for my arrow, peering around the tree s for the mystery gentry to reveal himself.But he didnt.Art did.He smiled, stepping forward. Eugenie, nice to see you again. Youve been very busy around here, I hear. He waved vaguely toward where Id come from, though my people were nowhere in sight. Eugenie, I thought, you are a fucking moron. beyond Art, I saw the gentry Id chased emerge from the cover, along with two others-all wearing leather armor like Jasmine had described. They carried bows and wore red shirts under the armor.Roland called me last night and nearly bit my head off about getting you involved in gentry politics. Art shook his head, amused. I wonder what hed say if he only knew just how involved you were-your majesty.I was exhaust as hell and devoid of magic. But-I was still human and not without human implements. The gun was still in my hand, and I jerked it up toward him. I needed to distract him until some of my own people came. Fuck. I shouldnt have come rushing up this hill, even if I had had the sense to b ring some backup. The question now was, would the rest of my people notice I was gone? Usually, I could hardly step outside the castles door without a xii people in tow.Art tsked me. Would you really do it? Would you really kill one of your own kind? Or are we even your own kind?Magic suddenly filled the air-familiar magic. Shamanic magic. It encircled me like fog, thick and heavy. Forgetting Art, I turned abruptly around, toward the sound of words being chanted-words I knew by heart. Abigail was standing there, wand in hand.And so help me, she was banishing me.I felt her will shove up against mine, just as Id grappled with the demons. The world around me began to tear open as a vortex started to pull my essence apart. I fought it, fought it with every ounce of strength I had-but there was just none left to give.When it came to traveling the worlds, crossroads and gateways were the way to go. They made for a smooth transition. Or, one could travel like I practically did, journeyin g to some item imbued with your essence, an item that couldnt help but draw your soul to it.And rarely, if you had the strength, you could tear open a gateway by force and shove your way into another world. That wasnt recommended. It hurt like hell. And essentially, thats what a banishing was-only it wasnt your choice. It was someone ripping you out of the world and shoving you into another.I felt the fabric of this world open up, felt the unstoppable pull of another. I couldnt fight it. I tried. I kicked, I screamed, but I was too weak. I felt like I was shattering into a million pieces, sucked into a whirlwind and then, I was gone.