 
ICE PALACE

by Gemma Wolf

Copyright 2014 Gemma Wolf

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this work may be sold, redistributed, reproduced, or copied without the written permission of the author. Exceptions are brief quotations in reviews.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

This work contains sexually explicit language and situations. It is intended for adults only and is not suitable for those under 18 years of age.

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CONTENTS

Prologue

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Chapter XI

Chapter XII

Chapter XIII

Chapter XIV

Chapter XV

Chapter XVI

Chapter XVII

Chapter XVIII

Chapter XIX

Chapter XX

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXII

Chapter XXIII

Chapter XXIV

Chapter XXV

Epilogue

Afterword

*

*

. . . And a voice said in mastery, while I strove, -

"Guess now who holds thee?" - "Death," I said. But, there,

The silvery answer rang, - "Not Death, but Love."

\- Elizabeth Barrett Browning

"Sonnets from the Portuguese"

*
**PROLOGUE**

Our families had signed the marriage contract upon my birth. Yet we lived so far apart from each other, separated by a continent and a vast and turbulent ocean, that it was easy for me to forget. And when I was openly reminded of it, which was rarely as my parents wanted to keep it a secret for my security, I treated it as a fairy tale, one that would never really come true, even though I was told that he was a prince, and I would one day live in a palace.

When I was ten and still expressing doubt, my mother said, "Angelique, you've met other princes and princesses, and even the Queen of Meridia. Why is it so hard for you to believe?"

"Because I have never seen Prince Lucent and I have never been to Lamore. It is so far away and so different from Meridia, with its mountains and snow. And the clothing and the customs and everything. I know that you grew up in Lamore, Mother, but I am a Meridian."

"There are differences, but even more similarities. Don't worry about little things. King Vidrian is perfectly lovely, and Prince Lucent likely is too. The Queen was a Meridian. And of course, the King went to school with your father here and is familiar with Meridian customs."

"The King wanted to marry you, didn't he?" I knew this was so, for Father sometimes teased her about it. It was strange to think that my mother had once been the ward of King Vidrian's father and might have been the Queen herself.

She laughed. "He wanted to kiss me, darling, which is not at all the same thing. Perhaps he might have been willing to marry me to do so, but when I met your father, that was that."

I frowned. "How did you know that Father did not want to marry you to kiss you?"

My mother laughed again. She was always laughing. She was as known for it as her beauty. "Of course, your father wanted to kiss me. As much as I wanted to kiss him. However, he was interested in more than kissing. As was I. That is how I knew he was the one for me."

"Perhaps the Prince is not the one for me. Must I really marry him?"

My mother's face sobered. "The King requested this based on friendship, but of course you may decline, darling. The contract merely gives the Prince the opportunity to offer."

"I did not understand that. I think I will decline."

"You have years before you must decide. You may change your mind."

*

**Chapter I**

There were several attempts to assassinate my father, the Meridian Minister of War. The first set of culprits were killed, while the second set denied any intent to harm him, but somehow escaped into thin air. My father was always armed and had hired guards to protect the three of us, but he insisted that my lessons encompass training with a variety of weapons.

That was another secret.

Otherwise, I had a fairly normal childhood. When I was in town, I played with many friends, all girls, but when I was in the country, in the summer, my choices were limited. There were few children close to my age, and the only one near enough to see on a frequent basis was the boy next door, Sebastian. Sebastian's father - a Lord like my own - was a rake who dallied in town, while his delicate mother rarely stirred from her bed, leaving Sebastian to his own devices when he was not at school. They never came to neighborhood assemblies.

I did sometimes meet him out walking or riding, but he was three years older and a boy, so we merely exchanged brief pleasantries. That changed one afternoon when I was fourteen, freshly arrived from a house party. We spied each other in the woods along the border of our properties and he sauntered up to me, smirking. He was blond with tawny eyes.

"Why do you always have two footmen or grooms trailing after you?" he asked.

I lifted my chin. "I'm extremely demanding. I make them fetch things and I hide."

Playing hide and seek was part of my training. Sebastian had once seen me climbing a tree, my dress rucked up, much to my embarrassment. It must have seemed quite childish.

"We have no footmen. Not anymore. I suppose I'm the footman now."

"Oh. Well, I don't really do that. Not really. It wouldn't be nice and I'd get into trouble." I noticed Sebastian looked taller and thinner than I'd last seen him. His hair was mussed and his clothes were grubby, as if he'd been working in the dirt. "How long will you be here?"

He looked down. "I'm done with school. I don't know what I'll do now."

"Hmm . . . I know. Would you like to come to tea?"

His expression brightened. "Would I! But I'm disgustingly filthy."

"That doesn't matter. We'll have it outside."

I met Sebastian almost every day throughout the summer and he came to tea as often as I could persuade him, cajoling and teasing. When I realized that he was reluctant to accept what he saw as charity, I asked for help with my lessons and anything else that he might do, and refreshments were a side note. As autumn approached, I prepared to leave.

"We're going back to town soon, Sebastian. What will you do?"

"The same as I have been doing, I suppose. I'm not going anywhere."

"I wish you could come with us. If my parents ask, do you think your mother would agree?"

"I'm stuck, Angelique. I don't know how long the servants will stay, so I can't leave."

I talked to my mother, then my mother talked to his mother, but nothing was resolved before we left. I wrote to Sebastian several times while I was away. I never received a reply and I wondered if he'd gone away too after all. However, when we returned the next summer, he was walking in the woods at our usual time, after my lessons and before tea.

"Hello, Sebastian. Did you miss me?"

"Yes. I missed you, Angelique."

"Good, I missed you too. How is your mother?"

"She's a bit better, I think. She's gone to live with my aunt. She seems to be happier."

He came back for tea that day, and every day after that. I didn't need to persuade him or invent a pretense. His reluctance had vanished.

Sebastian told me that he had a skeleton staff, an elderly couple, but I knew that his gardens were long overgrown with weeds and brambles, while his house had missing shingles and broken windows. His appearance had also taken a turn for the worse. He had grown bigger, but his clothes had not. And he sometimes wore outdated and ill-fitting things that his father or some other man must have left behind. Yet I thought he had a certain panache.

In his father's and mother's absence, Sebastian served as the steward. Also the butler, the groom, the gardener, and, yes, the footman. Even when we were together, his time off, we'd sometimes forage for plants and berries, or he'd catch fish in the stream that ran through the woods. I guessed that he had done similarly many days while I'd been gone.

One afternoon, he made a fire to cook two fish for us on sticks. He said he wanted to see how different woods affected the flavor. Today's applewood had an enticing, sweet aroma.

"Who cut your hair, Sebastian?" I asked, looking down at him.

He ran his hand over it and laughed. "I did. Why?"

"It's all straggly. You've lovely hair and it looks terrible."

"Terrible? I hadn't given it much thought, but you're quite right and it's getting too long again too. Do you want to be my Delilah, Angelique?"

"No, I've never cut hair. Perhaps my father's valet - "

He shook his head. "You. Or I will do it myself."

"Well, I cannot do worse. All right. Come over tomorrow."

When I told my mother, she did not object, as most Meridian mothers probably would - she merely looked amused. A voluptuous brunette, with a hint of Lamorean in her accent, she was often mistaken for my older sister and widely labeled a bluestocking. Some people clearly meant that as an insult, but I thought she was the best mother in the world.

She said, "Try not to nick him, darling."

I was indignant. "Of course not, Mother!"

Sebastian duly came the next afternoon. "Do you really intend to go through with this?"

"Yes." Scissors and comb in hand, I led him to a bench in the garden. "You sit there."

He obediently sat. "Those shears look lethal."

"They are." I gently combed out his hair, which was smooth and thick, the strands varying in color from medium blond to dark brown. It was as uneven as a lion's mane.

"That feels good." He shifted on the bench.

"You'd better stop moving. I'm going to start cutting."

I worked slowly, combing and cutting, assessing the result of each snip. Sebastian kept his eyes closed for the most part, tensing every time I touched him. By the time I finally finished, I noticed that his face looked pained, as if he were ill. I brushed some stray hairs off his shirt.

"There. I'm done." I stepped back. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"No." Barely meeting my eyes, he said, "Thank you. I must go."

"Don't you want to see?"

"Not now. It's fine."

I felt a bit disappointed with his abrupt departure, but Xavier and Indigo, the two footmen watching us, assured me that I'd done a wonderful job, and Sebastian came to the house the next day with a bouquet of roses. He'd occasionally picked wildflowers for me on our walks, without much thought, but now he was blushing and acting awkward. I had to avert my eyes.

"They're beautiful, Sebastian," I said, holding the roses gingerly and taking in their scent. "I do like roses. Except for the thorns. But you removed those, didn't you?"

"Yes. I know you have roses here too, but I thought you'd like them."

"I do. As much as wildflowers."

That night, my mother came to my room, where I'd been reading.

"Angelique," she said, sitting by me, "there are things you don't know about me that I think you should know now. I want you to listen and try to stay calm."

"All right, Mother."

"My father always told people that my mother died in childbirth. The truth was that she abandoned us after I was born. He was extremely wealthy, but we lived very simply in the Lamorean countryside. He taught me himself and we kept to ourselves. He was strict."

She paused, so I said, "Yes, I know. You've told me so before." Her life reminded me of Cinderella's, which might have been why I tended to think of Lamore as a fairy tale country.

"This is difficult . . . One day I felt a mild sort of ache. I ignored it and it became worse and worse until I thought I would die. When the doctor came, he - I killed him, Angelique."

I sputtered, "You killed him?"

She looked contrite. "I didn't mean to do it, darling. I was young and I didn't understand. When I regained my senses, he was gone, nothing but ashes."

I gaped at my mother, speechless. If she were not a liar or a lunatic, and I did not think she was either, then she was a monster. My mother! "Why did you do this? How?"

"My father said that my mother was a - Do you know what a succubus is?"

One of my friends read naughty books and sometimes related snippets of them to me. According to her, a succubus was a demon who pleasured men and absorbed a little of their life essence. My mother must have taken all of the man's life essence. "Yes, I know."

My mother looked somewhat surprised, but continued. "If my father had not told me the truth, I might have repeated my mistake, trying to ignore my feelings. I had to learn control. And I needed to know the extent of my capabilities." She said she could make men do what she wanted, she could make them forget, she could enter their dreams . . .

"I rarely use my powers now, Angelique. I try to be human as much as possible."

I was dazed. "I can't do anything like you can, Mother. I don't think I'm a succubus."

"You may not be. But I think you are old enough to know about me now and I want you to be aware of what may happen to you. You need to be careful with Sebastian."

"Sebastian? I won't hurt Sebastian. Oh! What about Father?"

"Your father knows what I am and what I need, and he is fine."

My mind was spinning, but I tried to focus. As far as I could tell, both my parents were in excellent health and spirits. They were always solicitous of each other, often smiling and side by side, and rarely apart for more than a night. They usually retired early.

I suddenly realized that it was quite late. I didn't want to think anymore.

"Mother, I'm tired."

"Yes, darling."

My father took me aside in the morning. He tended to stand or pace when he was talking, and I sat in front of his desk, ankles crossed. I did not really understand why my father was the Minister of War. He was too young and handsome and kind. It seemed more fitting that the Minister of War be wrinkled and ugly and angry and hateful, with hideous scars.

"You had a talk with your mother last night. Were you frightened?"

"I never thought she could have done such bad things."

He nodded. "She is capable of doing bad things. We all are. Sometimes we intend to do them, and sometimes we make mistakes. When she makes mistakes, because she is not like most people, the consequences can be disastrous. But she is not bad, Angelique, no matter who her mother might have been. She chooses to lead a very different life. She will not do anything to harm me, or you. You see that, don't you?"

I was still horrified, but I did not think my mother was really bad. "Yes, I see."

"If you should be like her, I hope you follow her example."

"I will try. Father, does Prince Lucent know?"

"Yes, King Vidrian and Prince Lucent know. Not the details, just what she is. I trust the King, and I hope the Prince takes after him. It is the main reason I agreed to the alliance."

"I suppose it is better that he know. I could not marry him if he did not."

"No. But do not tell anyone unless you absolutely must. I gather that your grandmother abused her powers, manipulating and harming others to get what she wanted and what your grandfather wanted. There are those who would want to have use of such powers."

"I don't have any powers. I hope I never do."

I avoided Sebastian for several days. When we did meet, I was quite cool. He seemed a bit bewildered, then he went quite cool himself. We began to spend more and more time apart until I thought that we might not even be friends anymore. I wondered if he agreed.

I tried to keep busy in the afternoons, to leave myself no time to think of him. I called on tenants with my mother, visited other girls, shopped in the village, rode all over the countryside. At home, I trained with the guards, tried new hairstyles with my maid.

I started staying up late, reading until I fell asleep.

* * *

" _Come down!" Sebastian shouted._

" _No!" I shouted back._

I was sitting in a leafy tree and Sebastian was on the ground far below, arms akimbo.

" _Fine!" he shouted again. Suddenly he was standing next to me, holding the branch above._

" _This is much better," he said._

" _No, it isn't. You're too heavy."_

As I shifted to move to another limb, the whole tree toppled over. I flew off and landed in a field of wildflowers. I was unhurt and Sebastian was lying next to me.

" _This is very odd," I said, sitting up._

" _It's a dream," Sebastian said. "Dreams are often odd."_

" _I don't think I ever dreamt about you before." I put my hand on his arm. "You feel real."_

He put his hand over my hand. "Haven't you ever noticed that dreams seem real?"

" _Well, yes, but it's just that it's you. I can touch you without worrying about it."_

He frowned. "Why would you worry about it?"

" _Because I don't want to hurt you, of course."_

" _You won't hurt me. You're much smaller and you're a girl."_

I smiled. "That's true. What shall we do then? What would you like to do?"

" _Touch you," he said. He lifted my hand and brushed the back lightly with his lips._

" _I suppose that's all right. What now?"_

He turned my hand over and kissed it again, on my palm. "You have beautiful hands."

" _Sebastian . . ."_

He leaned up on one elbow and reached for my other hand, repeating the kisses.

I closed my eyes for a moment. It felt so strange.

Sebastian sat up all the way and looked at me in a way I'd never seen before, very intent.

" _What are you thinking?" I asked._

He lifted his hand, ran his fingers through my hair. Then he curled his hand behind my neck and bent forward, kissing my hair, my ear, my cheek. "I'm not hurting you, am I?"

I jumped to my feet. "I must wake up now. Wake up! Wake up!"

*

**Chapter II**

I opened my eyes.

Was that my dream? Or had I somehow entered Sebastian's? I could not fall asleep again.

I struggled through my lessons, fidgety and distracted. When they were over, I went to the stables. As I did not care where I rode, Zed, one of the grooms, suggested the cliffs, which ran along one end of the property and continued for miles in each direction. The sky was full of fluffy white clouds, wafting in front of a shimmering sun. The ocean looked opaque and endless, waves ruffling onto the beach. The ride began to revive me, and I breathed deeply.

Someone stood at the shoreline throwing stones into the water. Not skipping them, just hurling them upwards and outwards. Sebastian. I directed my horse Lily down a rocky path, which I was allowed to use only in fair weather, and then her hooves sank into the sand.

I slid off and left her with Zed, walking the rest of the way. "Is everything all right?"

He cast a stone. "My father's dead."

His voice was calm and he didn't look at me. I wasn't sure what to say.

"I'm sorry. I hadn't heard."

He shrugged and flung another stone. "What are you doing down here? I didn't think you liked the ocean."

"I don't, normally. I saw you from the cliffs."

He brushed off his hands and turned around, looking at me with suspicion or doubt. "You came because you saw me?"

"I really am sorry."

"About my father?"

"Yes. And for the way I've been behaving. I hope we're still friends."

He nodded. "Of course."

Sebastian's father had been found in an alley, killed by a cutthroat. Sebastian inherited the title of Lord Sylvan, the estate, and assorted debts. His mother saw no reason to return for the funeral, but my parents and I attended, and my father had a long talk with Sebastian the next day. He offered Sebastian a position in the Ministry and as one of our unofficial guards.

Sebastian came out to the terrace, where we'd had tea and I waited for him.

"I'm not remotely qualified for either of those things," he said. "Did you put him up to it?"

"No," I said. "It was my father's idea. Or my mother's. I'm sure you'll be trained."

"So your father said. He seemed to foresee all my objections. I don't know how I can refuse."

I knew that Sebastian was unlikely to receive a better offer. But if he accepted, he would learn some, perhaps all, of our secrets. And he would probably stay with us in town. The idea made me uncomfortable, but I smiled, hiding my ambivalence. "Then accept."

"I will."

An hour later, Sebastian strode into the music room, where I was practicing on the pianoforte. "Are you really going to marry a prince, Angelique? Are you going to be a queen?"

"He hasn't offered yet," I said, turning. "I'm too young." I knew fifteen wasn't too young to marry in some countries, but I had to be at least eighteen. "He's not. He's twenty-two."

"You didn't say anything! Why didn't you tell me?" Sebastian sounded upset, even angry.

"I wasn't allowed. I'm sorry. Anyway, I'm not certain I'll marry him." It seemed wrong and disrespectful to say that I had no intention of marrying Prince Lucent. I would wait for him to ask, if he ever did, and then I would decide. I could not imagine that I would say yes.

Sebastian seemed mollified, asking more calmly, "Why wouldn't you marry him?"

"I don't know him, Sebastian. We've never met. He sends me little notes and gifts. He doesn't say much, but he seems nice and thoughtful, like he would be a good husband."

"I see. What does he look like?"

"He's tall, fair."

"Like me?"

"No, he's taller, paler. His hair is lighter and longer. And he's not as broad and muscular. He looks patrician. If you really want to see what he looks like, I'll show you photographs."

"Perhaps later. I have my first training session now. Are you coming?"

"Yes, I'll join you whenever I can."

Sebastian's athletic inclinations made the training into a game or sport for him, and I enjoyed challenging him to "duels" and friendly competitions. I was the better shot and archer, but he could cut me to ribbons as a fencer and swordsman. And he was faster and stronger.

"Why do you never challenge, but always accept?" I asked.

"Because," he said, "I am only half a gentleman. The rest of me is pure cad."

The other guards, former soldiers, expressed envy of Sebastian's ability to simply be himself, although their wages also reflected their dual roles. He said they were much harder on him when I wasn't with them, but he didn't mind. He wanted to improve as quickly as possible.

For my sixteenth birthday, my parents hired musicians and we invited a horde of friends and neighbors. I was most excited to see Sebastian, who'd never come to any of my previous parties. He'd acquired a new wardrobe, one which suited a young, virtually penniless peer in the Ministry, and I thought he looked more serious and mature. And very, very handsome.

After dinner, the musicians performed, then we had dancing and games. I mostly danced, as I liked to do when I had the chance, and of course I had an endless supply of partners. Most of them were married and much older, but there were some around my age and one just out of university. That last, Sir Robert Kerr, was quite dashing and a notorious flirt.

He came up to me and said, "I suppose you'd like to take a turn in the gardens with me."

I stifled a laugh. "No, thank you."

"I assure you that you would enjoy it."

"You're being very silly."

He held out his hand. "Shall we dance?"

As we whirled about the room, I glimpsed Sebastian. He was talking to someone, nodding, but keeping an unobtrusive eye on me. He would always be working now when we were together, and I wondered if he knew how to dance. If not, he would have to learn.

Sir Robert was moving his hands, almost imperceptibly. The fingers of his left hand drew light circles on my right hand, while his right hand caressed my waist and back. I shivered.

"What are you doing?" I hissed.

"Proving my point," he replied.

"Aren't there any other girls you can bother?"

"You are the prettiest. And I like a challenge."

I was tempted to show him how challenging I could be, but he wasn't dangerous, just annoying. "My father likes challenges too, you know," I said mischievously.

His fingers stopped moving. "I was teasing."

"Of course." I almost snorted.

That night, I dreamt of Sebastian again.

* * *

We were dancing at the party. But I was looking at Sebastian and saw no one else.

" _Oh," I said. "So you can dance."_

He smiled. "I haven't done it much, but I'm a quick study."

We kept dancing. His eyes became intent and my face began to warm. Then we were outside, in the garden, still dancing. The night was cool and clear, the moon full.

" _Is this my dream, Sebastian? Or yours?"_

" _I don't know. Let's see." He pulled me in and kissed the tip of my nose._

I laughed. "I would never dream of you doing that! I can't believe you would either!"

" _No? How about this?" He leaned toward my ear and nibbled it._

" _That tickles!" I pushed him away, still laughing. "Is this really you? Is this what you want?"_

" _I want to touch you, Angelique. I don't care where. Wherever you'll let me."_

" _Really." I sat down by a fountain. "Well, you like my hands. I think that's safe."_

Sebastian sat beside me and took my hand, then he turned it up and traced his finger along the lines of my palm and up and down each finger. Then he lifted my hand to his face and released it. I brushed my thumb over his cheek and he closed his eyes. Then I drew the back of my hand over his jawline. The bristles felt a little rough, but not unpleasant. I dropped my hand to his shoulder, leaned forward, and kissed the tip of his nose, smiling.

He opened his eyes and smiled too. "More."

I slipped my hand down his arm, gliding over his muscles, until I reached his hand. I picked it up and kissed it like he had, first on the back, then the palm, and traced lines with my fingernail. I did the same to his other hand. Holding on to it, I sat back.

" _Is that enough?" I asked._

He shook his head. "No," he said, sounding hoarse. "It's not."

I pressed his hand and let it go. I moved my hands to either side of his head and began to run my fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes and let out a sigh. I kissed his hair, then bit the lobe of his ear lightly. "That's all for now. Good night, Sebastian."

*

**Chapter III**

When I met Sebastian the next day, I searched his face to see if he remembered.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, smiling.

"You look happy. Did you enjoy yourself last night?"

"Yes, very much. Everyone was agreeable, although some seemed surprised to see me."

He showed no sign of remembering the dream, but I was certain that it had been his. He constantly touched me in the little ways politesse allowed, and favored training exercises which might lead to physical contact. His eyes, his tone . . . I tried to act unaware.

And at night, I tried not to dream of him. It was unfair that he did not know that I could enter his dreams, and I decided to tell him if it happened again. I dreaded what he would say.

When we returned to town at the end of the summer, Sebastian came with us. His rooms were at the end of the hall, a few doors from mine and much too close for my comfort. How could we live in the same house? Not just for a few days or weeks, but until next summer?

I decided to treat Sebastian as a guest. He probably felt like one anyway. Over time, we would become accustomed to the situation and everything would be fine.

And that was what happened, more or less. Sebastian spent his days, and some evenings, with my father at the War Ministry or on Ministry-related business, so I normally saw him only briefly in the mornings, and then again at night, when he often read work documents.

In society, there were those who sneered at Sebastian's inferior wardrobe and poverty. But his title, looks, and charm attracted others, many of them female, and he renewed acquaintance with former schoolmates, who invited him on outings. At times, I felt the loss of his undivided attention, but I wanted him to have choices. I did not want him to feel stuck.

"Lord Sylvan is very nice, isn't he," my maid said, brushing my hair. It was his birthday, his nineteenth, and I was preparing for an evening out. Lucy was very good at styling.

"I think he is," I said, smiling. "I'm glad you agree."

"Some of the girls think he's sweet on them, but I say he's just being nice."

"Probably so."

It would be Sebastian's first opera, a comedy, and I wondered if he would like it. The two of us settled into my family's box, along with my parents and some of his friends. The lights went down and his hand wrapped around mine, holding it in the folds of my skirt where no one would see. He held it throughout, sometimes squeezing when he liked something. I squeezed back, smiling, trying not to look at him too much. After supper, his friends went home and Sebastian thanked my parents, saying he'd never had a better birthday.

* * *

We were sitting on the moon, looking at shooting stars. We leaned against each other, our hands entwined. The ground underneath felt like sand. It was soft and warm and iridescent.

" _Sebastian, I think this is your dream. I didn't mean to enter it, but I'm here."_

He looked puzzled. "You are often in my dreams. Do you dream about me too?"

" _Yes, sometimes. I can control your dreams and I don't want to do that. I should go."_

He frowned. "Won't you be controlling them if you leave? If I want you to stay?"

" _I don't know what to do. We'll talk tomorrow. You may not remember this."_

" _Wait a moment." He was silent, head bent, then he looked up. "You are in my dream, but I am in your dream too, aren't I? So we are sharing a dream."_

" _It's not that simple."_

I told him about my possibly being a succubus. I said little about my mother and nothing about her killing someone. It was not my secret to tell, and she would not do it again.

Sebastian seemed calm, if confused. "You were not always a succubus?"

" _No. At least I never had the ability to enter anyone's dreams before."_

" _Do you enter other people's dreams?"_

" _Only yours. I don't intend to do it. Really."_

" _Perhaps you were thinking of me."_

" _Perhaps."_

" _You said I may not remember this dream. Can you compel me to remember?"_

" _I suppose that would prove I'm what I think I am. I'll try. But you mustn't tell anyone."_

He nodded. "Let's see if we can make this more memorable."

He leaned forward and kissed the corner of my mouth, brushed over my lips to the other corner and kissed that. He returned to center and lightly licked my lower lip and upper lip in a slow circle, before licking along the seam. The tip of his tongue moved around the inside of my lips, then he pulled back a little and looked at me, expectantly.

" _I did not think kissing would be like this," I said. "You kiss very well."_

He smiled. "Your turn."

" _All right. Just one kiss. I really don't want to hurt you, Sebastian."_

I put my hands on his shoulders and kissed his cheek, then let my lips drift down his face until they touched his lips. I ran my tongue along the outline of his mouth, and around the inside of his lips, then I lightly bit his upper lip before kissing it and then his lower lip. Sebastian tightened his grip, so I pressed my lips against both of his for a real kiss.

" _Happy birthday, Sebastian."_

*

**Chapter IV**

Sebastian left early the next morning with my father. He had plans to meet a friend in the evening and hadn't returned by the time I retired to my room. I couldn't sleep.

I was reading when I heard a tap on my window. I ignored it, but the sound was repeated a minute later. I peeked out through a gap in the drapes. Sebastian was in the shadows below, in the garden. He must have thrown pebbles. Even as I stood there, he threw another.

I put on a dressing gown and slippers, and went out, eluding the guards on duty.

"You might have broken the window, Sebastian. And it's very late."

His clothes looked rumpled and he smelled strongly of drink and tobacco. I had never seen him drink to excess before. "I had a dream last night, Angelique. You were in it."

"Was I?"

"Yes. We were kissing. Like this." He pulled me close and kissed me, much harder than he had in the dream, and his hands started groping and kneading.

I twisted free. "Sebastian! You were not kissing me like that!"

"Is it true? What you said about being a su - "

"We can't talk about this out here. And not while you're inebriated."

"In my dreams then? In our dreams?"

I took his arm and urged him forward. "Yes. Let's go inside now."

Sebastian and I began to meet in our dreams and explore the dream universe, night after night doing impossible things like flying to the stars and swimming to Atlantis. When we were awake, it was sometimes hard not to acknowledge what we did when we were asleep, and we would make cryptic or inane remarks. Awake or asleep, Sebastian always wanted to touch me, constantly pushing the boundaries. I was still afraid and tried to go slowly.

"Angelique," he said, "some of my dreams are very different from the ones we've shared. I may frighten and overwhelm you, perhaps even hurt you, without any such intent."

"I don't know why I see some of your dreams and not others. I think that I may be choosing them or controlling them without realizing. I don't believe you will ever harm me, Sebastian."

"No, I doubt I will. I seem to know when you are really in my dreams, and I feel and act as I do when I am awake. Still, you are not always in my dreams, and I often have no control."

When summer came, we returned to the country. Sebastian's estate had seen some improvements during his absence. He said the broken windows and missing shingles had been replaced, and the gardens had been cleared of much of the overgrowth.

* * *

We were in the field of wildflowers. Sebastian was lying with his head in my lap, his eyes closed. I was stroking his hair, looking down at him. He seemed comfortable and content.

" _Why have you never invited me to your house?" I asked._

" _It's not fit for visitors," he said. "When it is, I'll invite you."_

" _All right."_

" _It will be a while. Years. And then I will ask you to marry me."_

" _Will you?"_

" _Yes." He brought my hand to his lips and kissed the fingertips. "I love you, Angelique."_

I lifted his hand to my lips and kissed it. "I love you too, Sebastian." I hesitated, then added, "But I can't promise to marry you. I can't accept anyone unless I refuse Prince Lucent."

*

**Chapter V**

Toward the end of the year, Sebastian abruptly changed. He stayed in the Ministry, but resigned as a guard. He moved into his own quarters, far from us, near the heath. I rarely saw him, and when I did, he looked tired and tense, and our conversation was constrained.

We did still meet in our dreams, but also much less frequently. And now his dreams were almost wordless and sometimes rough, even violent. In one, I found myself in an alley while he fought off ruffians with knives. In another, I was in a gambling hell, wearing a torn and tawdry dress. And in a third, we fled through the woods from some unknown danger.

Sebastian ordered me to leave such dreams. He said they were just nightmares and did not mean anything. However, I noticed certain repetitions that probably reflected his waking life: he drank to excess, he gambled, he smelled of cloying perfume. He felt threatened.

I could have forced him to explain. I could have forced him to do many things. But I would not force him to do anything. I had to let him make his own choices.

As for myself, my horizons were expanding. My parents had given me the freedom to educate myself however I pleased while we were in town. Instead of studying at home, I attended lectures and salons, visited libraries and museums, and walked or rode through much of the city, even where ladies were warned not to venture. After some thought, I joined committees which sought to feed and house street urchins, and improve animal welfare.

In the evenings, I was rarely home. My parents seemed determined to accept every invitation and maneuver me into meeting every eligible man. I was amused and exasperated. I enjoyed talking and dancing with almost everyone, but discouraging liberties was tedious.

Quite predictably, one scandal sheet wrote that I was just like my mother: "a bright and beautiful bluestocking who will make an equally brilliant match. Mark my words."

In truth, I did not aspire to a brilliant match. Nor was I likely to make one. As my detractors said, I talked and teased too much, and I took things too much to heart, and I was too forward and headstrong. So the "brilliant" men who flirted with me would never ask to marry me.

Besides, the only man I might have accepted was considered a rung or two down, not up.

Shortly before my eighteenth birthday, my father came home early from the Ministry and called me into his study, his face furrowed and grave as he paced. I knew that separatists in a northern province had been increasing the number and severity of their attacks, and there was a possibility of civil war. Even worse, at least one other country might join in their efforts.

"You wanted to see me, Father?"

"Come in, Angelique."

I sat in my usual chair and he stood in front of his desk, facing me.

"King Vidrian has sent a ship for you, to set sail as soon as you are ready," he said. "The situation here is such that I cannot leave, and of course your mother will not travel without me. The journey to Lamore is always treacherous, much longer by land than by sea, and if war should break out, either way will be worse. You must leave immediately, before it is too late."

I stiffened. "I am to go alone? Now? To meet a stranger I may marry?" My voice sounded sharp, perhaps a bit panicky. I had not expected this news. Not just yet. Not so suddenly.

"You will have your maid, guards, and a suitable escort. In a week's time, if not sooner."

A week. At the most. Then I'd be gone for many months, possibly forever. Away from my family and friends, everything that was familiar and loved. And there might be another war.

"Father, if there is to be a war, if it cannot be prevented, perhaps I can be of use here."

"You are needed in Lamore. The King must be circumspect, as his missives may fall into the wrong hands, but when I read between the lines, I'd say that he is ailing and preparing for his succession. His condition must be serious or he would not be pushing like this, not brooking any delay. You will stay for at least a month or two." My father plucked an envelope and a small wooden box off his desk. "A gift from the Prince. He seems to be a good man, Angel."

The box was light and I suspected the contents were fragile. "Yes, Father. I think so too."

My father's eyebrows drew together. "I wish you could have met earlier. I thought he would come here for his education, as his father did, but - At any rate, you will meet him now, and if you decide you do not suit after all, so be it. Your mother and I care only for your happiness."

When I was alone in my room, I broke the silver seal. It bore the imprint of Lucent's signet ring, a stylized sun.

* * *

Dearest Angelique,

Inside the box is a miniature of my home. The people call it the Ice Palace.

May you and your family be safe and well.

Yours,

Lucent

* * *

The miniature was exquisite, a glittering fairy tale crystal palace. But it struck me as cold as its name, as impersonal as the accompanying note. Of course, I'd learned very young that our correspondence had to be impersonal, as well as infrequent.

I wondered what Prince Lucent would think of Sebastian. If he'd think I'd been wanton, unfaithful. I had heard no rumors of any liaisons or indiscretions on his part, very little of him at all, but he was seven years older, a man, a future king. And it was not a true engagement.

Lucy came in. "Oh, that's lovely. Is that another one of Prince Lucent's gifts?" Lucy didn't know about the contract, just that our families were friends, although my mother insisted that all of our servants agree to confidentiality, ensured with her powers.

"Yes. Lucy, the King has invited me to visit Lamore. Would you like to come?"

Her eyes widened. "Me? Go all the way to Lamore? And stay in a palace?"

"If you don't, that's fine. It's a dangerous journey and I'll be away for months."

She waved her hand dismissively. "It doesn't frighten me. I'm a good swimmer. And I have no family, you know, so no one will miss me however long we stay. It'll be an adventure."

I had little time to dither. Within three days, I'd completed my trousseau, overseen the packing of my trunks, and said my farewells. Much as I dreaded crossing the ocean, I was curious to see what lay on the other side. And we'd stop at various ports on the continent, not making me a complete liar when I told my friends I was going on a brief excursion.

I spent my last evening at home with my parents. My father told anecdotes about King Vidrian, mostly involving school and university escapades. Later, my mother came to my room and gave me papers authorizing me to settle her affairs in Lamore as I saw fit. She'd received her father's vast personal fortune long ago, but hired others to oversee the rest.

"I have no wish to retain my father's properties and businesses," she said. "You may sell, use, or give them away. Perhaps you can do some good with them or the proceeds."

I felt a spark of excitement, my mind racing with possibilities. "Really, Mother? Thank you."

After that, we once again discussed how I would handle my needs and abilities should I be or become a full-fledged succubus. I told her that if I had to, if I had no other choice, I would do as a man wished, in his dreams, but only if he gave me permission to make him forget.

"I understand how you feel, darling," my mother said. "You don't want to compel anyone, but you may find it necessary. Dreams are safe. You have privacy and control and freedom. However, you cannot always live in your dreams. Choose someone you can trust."

As I would not touch King Vidrian's men, that would mean my guards, none married or repulsive. I trusted all of them, but had never considered them in that light. "Yes, Mother."

* * *

We were in a gondola drifting down a river. I trailed my fingers in the water.

" _I'm leaving," I said._

" _Where are you going?" Sebastian asked._

" _Lamore. Some other places along the way. A ship's waiting for me."_

" _But you'll come back."_

" _One day."_

*

**Chapter VI**

I walked briskly out of my room and down the stairs, reticule in hand, ready to leave.

"Good morning, Angelique."

"Good morning, Sebastian." I noted that his hair had been recently cut and his clothes were of good quality, but he looked haggard. He'd lost weight. "Are you here to see me off?"

"No, I'll be your escort."

"You!" I felt an inexplicable urge to slap him, but refrained. "You should have told me."

"It was arranged only this morning. I'm a replacement for a diplomatic envoy."

"Really?" I suspected that my parents had intended this, but I remained quiet.

The _Celeste_ was a sleek yacht, built for speed and maneuverability. Sebastian and I had royal staterooms, with a locked door between our sitting/dressing rooms. Surveying the dark wood and lush silks, and portholes open to let in fresh air and light, I thought I would be quite comfortable if the sea remained calm. My guards and Lucy were situated nearby.

My parents saw me settled, then they disembarked. As the ship drew away, I waved to them and they waved back, smiling. When we were far apart, I saw my mother bending her head as if she were crying and my father putting his arm around her. I started crying too.

Sebastian was behind me, his warmth at my back. He proffered a handkerchief. I took it blindly, thanking him, and blotted my tears. We stood there for a while in silence.

The yacht boasted a large crew, including a doctor and a chaplain, but we were the only passengers besides Lucy and my three guards: ascetic Xavier, Casanova Indigo, and giant Zed. King Vidrian had sent a dozen of his own guards too, which was standard protocol, and a wise one given the threat of war and the King's possibly precarious health. Still, I was relieved that they had not trailed me about town in their trim black and gold uniforms.

Lucy soon became seasick, retching constantly and clinging to Zed and bewailing the long voyage. With red eyes and a chalky face, she was not looking her best, nor acting it, but the doctor, as well as the captain, assured her she would soon adjust. She finally fell into a fitful sleep, so I left her with a glass of water and some biscuits, and returned above.

The weather could not have been better. The wind blew in our favor, the sun shining through scudding clouds, as we skirted the coastline until it disappeared. I ate lightly, not wanting to succumb to nausea like Lucy, and spent the rest of the day watching the sailors, talking with Sebastian and the others, and walking anywhere I would not be in the way.

When I asked the King's Guards about His Majesty, they were quick to reply that he was in extraordinarily good health, strong and virile. They extolled him as a magnanimous ruler, a magnificent warrior, and a loving and attentive husband to Queen Celeste. I was a bit startled at the last, as they said it as if they thought the widower King might want to marry me.

They were more reticent about Prince Lucent, their contemporary and comrade in arms, saying they knew him to be as excellent a soldier and a man as his father, but they had not seen him recently, having been assigned elsewhere during his sojourn in the Ice Palace. As they were clearly uncomfortable, I pressed no further. I would find out for myself.

As night fell, and the temperature sank, I checked on Lucy, then retired to my sitting/dressing room. Sebastian came in with me, shut the door behind us and leaned back against it.

I said, "Perhaps my parents should have arranged for a duenna."

He grimaced. "I'm tired of watching other men watching you."

"Well, Lucy's not in the best condition to be admired. And I'm certain that some of the men were watching you, not me." I laughed at his expression. "You are quite beautiful, you know."

I sat down on the settee and Sebastian walked over, standing behind a chair opposite.

"You left so suddenly last night," he said.

"I'm sorry, Sebastian. It was too painful to talk."

"You might have kissed me good-bye."

"I'm on my way to meet Prince Lucent. I won't kiss you anymore."

"Even in our dreams?"

"A dream kiss isn't a real kiss for most people. It is for me. With you. You feel it too."

Sebastian nodded. "I hope he turns out to be the right man for you, Angelique. As I'm not."

I felt a pang. Yet he was right. He no longer acted as if he wanted to marry me, and I no longer thought of marrying him. We might like each other and enjoy kissing, but that was all. If Sebastian found someone he really loved, someone who loved him, I would be happy.

The next day passed quietly, much the same as the first, but that night we sailed into a storm. Huge waves tossed us up and down and rolled us from side to side, while rain and wind lashed at us. I slept very poorly. In the morning, I went to see how Lucy was faring. She was not in her bed. She sometimes walked about, but she not below or above. She was gone.

"She must have been washed overboard," the captain said. "It is no use looking for her."

I was dumbstruck. I did not understand why she'd gone out in such weather, much less without assistance. At least one guard was always within sight of my door, and would have asked another to help her. Even the best swimmers could not survive in such turbulence.

A formal service being impossible, the chaplain led us all in a prayer for her safety and soul. The storm continued without abating. My head throbbed and I had to close my eyes, finally sleeping in fits and starts. When I rose, I was still exhausted. I could not eat, could not think.

Sebastian had never seen me ill and was worried, but I told him I was merely seasick. I did not want him to stay, I did not want to summon the doctor. I merely wanted a serene sea.

* * *

We were lying in the field of wildflowers. My head was resting on Sebastian's chest and I could hear his heartbeat. His arm was around me.

" _This is nice," I murmured._

" _Yes," he said. "Just rest."_

* * *

Over the next fortnight, the rain gradually lightened, but the winds continued to gust, billowing the sails, hastening us toward Lamore. The captain seemed delighted with our progress.

Although I did not suffer nausea and retching, I had no appetite and had to force myself to eat. I was able to walk around for brief periods, talking and smiling at everyone, but I was often in my sitting room, eyes closed. Sebastian would cradle me as he read a book, sometimes aloud. And when we both slept, we would dream of the field and rest there.

The sky finally cleared one morning, the air cool and fresh, the swells moderate. The ship had suffered minor damage, so we set course to the closest port for repairs and supplies.

I still felt tired and weak, but not so ill. I stayed above for most of the day, then retired early. In our dreams, Sebastian and I again lay in the field, holding each other. It was very comfortable. But when I opened my eyes, he was not next to me and I missed hm.

By dinner, my condition had worsened. I felt feverish and achy. I could not force myself to eat. I put on a smiling front for everyone, then retired to my cabin, slipped out of my dress, and went to bed in my shift. I covered my eyes with my arm, blocking out all light. I became delirious, hallucinating about shadowy men touching me, me touching them, energy flowing.

Sebastian came in some time later. "I'm going to summon the doctor."

"What? No, Sebastian. I'm fine."

"You're ill or you need something you don't want from me. Possibly both."

I'd known I was being silly and stubborn, and now I was utterly embarrassed. I would not be ailing if I had enough energy. I clearly felt the lack and I needed to replenish so I could heal. I could not lose control and repeat my mother's mistake. That would be inexcusable.

The solution was simple, but I did not want to seduce or compel anyone, even in his dreams. I was mostly human. At least three-quarters human. And Meridian ladies were not supposed to act like succubae. Even my one real kiss would be considered scandalous.

"All right, Sebastian. I'd like to hear the doctor's opinion."

Sebastian left when the doctor came. Dr. Blackwell was fairly young, about thirty, and had a pleasant face, spectacles, and curly brown hair. He seemed intelligent and good-humored.

"I am sorry to hear that you are feeling unwell, Lady Angelique. May I ask what is troubling you?" When I told him, he said, "I will need to examine you. Is that acceptable?"

"Of course. I am usually very healthy. I am not accustomed to feeling like this."

"My methods may be different from the Meridian ways, but nothing should pain you."

I nodded. "All right. May I have your word that this will be kept confidential?"

He smiled. "Yes, of course. You do not need it, but you may have it."

He set his bag down next to the bed. He touched his fingers to the inside of my wrist. Then he touched my neck. And finally he lowered the sheet, placed a stethoscope over my heart, then replaced it with his ear. I looked down at his head. His hair looked soft and shiny.

I wanted to touch his curls, wrap my hand behind his neck, pull him to me and . . . No, I had to keep control. I forced myself to stay still until he sat up. "That was different," I said.

He nodded. "Your blood is heated, but your heart is strong."

His fingers spread over my face, moving confidently in small circles, and proceeded over the rest of my head and my neck. His touch became firmer as he continued moving smoothly over my shoulders and back and legs, then my arms down to my fingertips.

"Do you feel any improvement?" Dr. Blackwell asked.

"I think so," I said. "I do not ache as much now."

The doctor gave me one medicine to alleviate the fever and aches, and one to help me sleep. He said, "There is another treatment that may help you. It is very popular in Lamore, but Meridians may think it strange and even inappropriate. It is not painful."

"Oh. I think I have heard of it. I don't know. Perhaps later if I am still unwell. Thank you."

The doctor departed, saying he would call again in the morning or if I worsened in the night. I knew I had to make a decision before he returned.

Did I want to submit to the Lamorean treatment? Of course, it would involve him touching me intimately, but if he administered it in a clinical way, that would lessen my embarrassment.

Otherwise, if I excluded Sebastian, I had my guards. I knew them well and did not think I would need compulsion to seduce any of them. However, Xavier, the eldest and most serious, would want more than physical relations, while Zed's size and exuberance could be overwhelming. My best choice was carefree Indigo. Perhaps I should try to dream of him.

* * *

We were riding on the beach, the sun just starting to set. Indigo, an attractive man with dark brown hair and dark blue eyes, did not seem surprised that I was with him. Had he been dreaming of me? Or had I suddenly appeared?

" _Indigo, this is a dream. You can do anything you want in this dream, but you will not remember it. Is there anything you would like to do? Anything you would like me to do?"_

He looked startled, bemused. "Anything at all?"

" _Yes. Whatever would please you. I will do as you wish."_

Suddenly, Sebastian was with us, riding on my other side. "Angelique! What are you doing?"

" _Sebastian?" I was aghast. Had I somehow brought him here?_

We were in my cabin. Sebastian and I. We had left Indigo on the beach. Sebastian looked agitated and angry, pacing in front of me. I wondered if he'd gotten the habit from my father.

" _Why were you with Indigo? What were you saying to him?"_

" _I - " I had not imagined this happening. "I had to make a decision, Sebastian. You were right. I need something that you cannot give me."_

" _Cannot?" His voice rose and he looked affronted._

" _I'm sorry. I did not mean to bring you into the dream. I don't have complete control."_

" _You were thinking of me. You must have been thinking of me. I don't have the power to enter anyone's dreams."_

I closed my eyes. "I don't know. I didn't realize. I am so sorry." I was mortified, but I forced myself to look at him. "I will submit to the doctor's treatment in the morning."

Sebastian stood still. "What kind of treatment?"

I turned away. "It is a Lamorean treatment. It involves touching."

" _Ah, of course." Sebastian's hands came to rest on my shoulders and he kissed my hair. "You do not need a doctor for that, Angelique. Will you let me do it?"_

" _I do not want you to do something you would not like."_

" _I would like it. Very much. And you will enjoy it too."_

" _He said it was not painful."_

" _No. It's not. Lie down."_

I lay on the settee and he sat beside me. "You will be more comfortable out of your dress."

I hesitated a moment, then said, "All right. I will pretend that you are my doctor."

The dress disappeared and I was in my shift. I looked at Sebastian. He seemed very calm, almost as if he were really my doctor. I hoped I would not lose control and hurt him.

Sebastian said, "Close your eyes and relax."

I closed my eyes, but could not relax. I had to keep control.

Sebastian took my hand and kissed it. "I will be touching you in places I have never touched before. Don't be alarmed. I won't hurt you."

" _No, Sebastian. I know you won't. I trust you."_

His hands glided up my arms, then met at my neck. The little hairs on my arms stood up as if I were chilled. He caressed my neck, and my collarbone, then his hands moved down, onto my breasts. He gently squeezed them and his thumbs circled and rubbed my nipples. It felt odd, but not unpleasant. Then he began squeezing harder and his fingers pinched.

My eyes popped open. "Oh!"

" _Am I hurting you?"_

" _No, you're not hurting me. It just feels odd."_

" _Yes, much of what I do will feel odd."_

He continued squeezing and pinching for a while, then his hands moved even lower to my stomach. His hands moved in smooth circles, then settled on my hips.

" _Angelique, open your legs a little bit."_

I slid my legs apart and his right hand moved to my center. His fingers slipped between my legs, over my undergarments, and began moving up and down, brushing something that made me quiver. He did it again and again, rubbing and lightly pinching, then his left hand moved back up to my breasts and squeezed and rubbed and pinched there. I was trembling more and more, my body wanting to arch, but I forced myself to stay still.

" _Oh, Sebastian. What are you doing?"_

" _It's all right, Angelique. This is natural."_

I felt a warm wetness on my breast and realized it was his mouth. His tongue was on my nipple, licking, then he began kissing, suckling, nibbling, while his hands continued rubbing and pinching. The sensations were indescribably pleasurable, but too much, almost painful. I squirmed, but he followed. My back arched and arched, my body shuddering.

" _Oh Gods! Sebastian! I can't!"_

" _You are, Angelique."_

" _Oh Gods! Stop!"_

*

**Chapter VII**

I opened my eyes. Sebastian was lying next to me, facing me. I was in my shift under the bedcovers while he was in his shirtsleeves and on top. He opened his eyes and smiled.

"Happy birthday, Angelique."

"Thank you, Sebastian."

He smoothed back my hair. "It's early. Go back to sleep."

My mouth quirked. "I don't know if I can. What are you doing here?"

"It seems to help when we're lying together in the field."

"Yes, it does." I touched his cheek. "You are very good to me."

He inhaled sharply and closed his eyes. "No, I'm not. But there is no need to go to Indigo or anyone else until we reach Lamore. You should have come to me, Angelique."

"I know." I felt an ache in the pit of my stomach. "Sebastian?"

"Yes?"

"Would you?"

"Now?"

"Yes."

Sebastian rolled over and kissed me, then he repeated what he'd done in the dream, his hands and mouth rougher and more demanding. It felt even more pleasurable and overwhelming, the bed shook, and I had to bite my lip to keep from crying out.

Afterward, he pulled me into his arms, and I lay there, dazed. "That was even better, Sebastian. Thank you." I had a thought. "Did you feel any pain?"

He laughed. "No, Angelique. I enjoyed it. You did not hurt me. Go back to sleep."

When I opened my eyes the next time, Sebastian was gone. I told the doctor I did not need the Lamorean treatment at the moment, but perhaps he could do what he'd done before.

We reached a tropical island called Caramia toward noon. Caramia was a popular port, known for its hospitality, and the captain said we would be there a day or two for the repairs.

I arranged to send a letter to my parents on a ship going to Meridia, then set out to explore. I wanted to stretch my legs, feeling the need to walk for miles and miles into the hills I could see in the distance, but I agreed with Sebastian that we should start near at hand.

Caramia was quaint and charming, with oddly shaped buildings that looked like they were made of sand and seashells. The people wore bright scraps of fabric and grinned at us, wishing us good day or welcoming us to their shops. Some even spoke Meridian. I bought baskets and carvings and other things to send home or take to Lamore. It felt good to be back on land with other people. It felt normal. Except for the King's guards following us.

They had reserved a private dining room at the inn for Sebastian and me. It was airy and cheerful, with a profusion of pink and purple flowers in sandy vases. It was a perfect meal. We dined on smoked fish, coconut bread, roasted vegetables, and fresh fruit, simple and delicious. My punch was excellent while Sebastian said his drink was strong and rich.

"I like Caramia," I said, "and I am glad that you are with me to see it."

He nodded. "It is interesting to see places that are not in our imaginations."

I would have liked to stay at the inn for the night, but the guards had told me the ship was safer. Sebastian went to talk to the captain while I looked out at the ocean with Xavier.

Xavier was in his thirties, pale, with sharp features and dark eyes, hair, and beard. He was articulate and observant, although he spoke little. In his off-hours, he was often training or alone. I knew he'd once thought to marry, but the girl had refused him. I decided to keep my eyes open for one more receptive. He might think it presumptuous, but he needn't know.

An hour later, I was in my sitting room, sewing on a button, while Sebastian read next to me. When I finished and put down my sewing, he absently tucked me against him and resumed reading. I watched him for a few minutes, then he started smiling and turned.

"It's difficult to read when you're staring at me."

"Sorry. I'll stop."

"No, I'll stop." He put down the book. "I have something for you."

"Oh, Sebastian, I didn't expect anything."

My parents had given me their gifts before I left, jewelry now in my case. Lucent's gift might have been the miniature Ice Palace. I'd left that behind, along with most of my things.

Sebastian said, "I had no time to find anything before we left. I hope you will understand."

He held out something in his hand, something bright. It was a Caramian handkerchief, tied into a bundle. I undid the knots and the fabric opened to reveal small, smooth stones: light and dark gray, mauve, sand, black. They were from the beach near our homes in the country.

Tears came to my eyes. "Yes, I think I understand."

One day, when I was very young, I was on the beach picking up shells and stones. My mother said it was possible they had migrated from Lamore. And Prince Lucent might be looking at the ocean as I was looking at it. We were not so distant or different.

I'd kept the stones with Prince Lucent's gifts - glass and crystal ornaments - in a display case. Sebastian had asked about them and I'd explained. He must have had his own stones.

I stemmed the tears before they fell. "Thank you, Sebastian. They will remind me of home and Caramia. And you. I will never forget you."

"Are you tired?"

"A little."

"Shall I stay?"

I hesitated. "Sebastian, if we are not to marry, that does not seem wise. I do have an obligation to Prince Lucent and I must be careful."

"Of course. If I promise to only hold you and do nothing else unless you ask?"

I hesitated another moment, then said, "All right."

* * *

We were lying in the field and I was drawing designs on Sebastian's chest with my finger.

" _Sebastian, when I touch you like this, does it give you pleasure?"_

" _Yes. Perhaps not as much as it gives you."_

" _Oh. I would like to try something. I think you will like it and it will not do any harm."_

Sebastian acquiesced, so I touched him the way the doctor had touched me, over his face, head, neck, shoulders, and back. His body felt warm and muscular and marvelous. Since we'd left Meridia, he'd lost the haggard look and regained his previous form.

" _I'm sure my hands are not as strong as the doctor's," I said apologetically._

" _They're perfect," Sebastian said, eyes closed. "Please continue."_

I moved down to his legs, then he turned over and I finished with his arms and hands. "There," I kissed his hands, "I'm done."

He murmured, "You may do that again whenever you like, Angelique."

I laughed. "If we give each other medical treatments, it is not too bad, is it?"

*

**Chapter VIII**

We spent the next day tramping around the island and then dined again at the inn. Although we had utensils, Sebastian suggested we adopt the local custom by eating with our hands. He fed me smoked fish and roasted vegetables while I fed him coconut bread and fruit. When he sucked the juice off my fingers and licked my hands, I couldn't help but laugh.

I said, "If we're still here tomorrow, you will be the one serving the fruit."

Sebastian said, "I would look forward to that, but I believe we will be setting sail."

In the morning, I woke to find the ship underway and dressed quickly. I wanted a last look at Caramia. However, Xavier detained me with bad news. During the night, one of the King's men had been found dead in the street. His skull had been crushed, his pockets emptied.

I was stunned. "Was no one with him? Did no one see anything?"

"He was drinking in a tavern with Indigo and some others, then the two of them left." Xavier looked embarrassed. "Indigo says they parted ways at another establishment."

"I see."

We both knew about Indigo's wenching. He fell in love easily, and out of it even more easily. And of course he didn't need to be in love at all if a lady wanted only a night or two. My parents turned a blind eye, as long as he left the household alone and didn't cause trouble.

"This kind of thing sometimes happens, Angelique. Especially when a man has been drinking and is vulnerable. Even in Meridia. And there are all sorts in a port like this."

"Yes, I suppose that is true."

In our few exchanges, the man who died had been courteous and kind. I would have to send a letter of condolence to his family, perhaps even pay a call. It startled me to remember that if I married Prince Lucent, I might become their queen.

Xavier and I went above. But Caramia had lost its appeal for the moment, so I looked away.

Several weeks passed uneventfully. We sailed through rough weather, and we stopped at another port, but neither resulted in a death. Sebastian and I continued to dream.

But one night I began to dream of other men. I dreamt of two of the King's guards lying together, moving against each other and moaning. I dreamt of one of the sailors kneeling in front of the captain. I dreamt of Dr. Blackwell giving me the Lamorean treatment.

I immediately woke from the last, sitting upright in bed. Had I been thinking of Dr. Blackwell? Of those other men? I had no desire to see or participate in any of these dreams. I could no longer ask or allow the doctor to touch me in my undergarments. I could not encourage him.

"What is it?" Sebastian murmured sleepily.

"It's nothing. Sorry. Go back to sleep."

He leaned up. "Tell me."

"It was a bad dream. I'll be fine."

"I can make you forget." He kissed me and began to give me the Lamorean treatment, but it reminded me of the dream and I pushed him away.

"Not right now. I - Can I touch you, Sebastian? I'd rather do that."

Sebastian seemed surprised, but said, "Of course. Do as you wish."

"You must tell me if I'm hurting you or doing something wrong. I've never done this before."

"Yes, I know. Just go slowly and you'll be fine."

We were in our night clothes, I in my nightrail and Sebastian in pajamas. "Would you be more comfortable out of your shirt? Otherwise, it will get wet."

Sebastian pulled off his shirt, then lay down. "Better?"

I leaned over and kissed him. "Better." It had become natural to kiss him when we were alone, the doors locked, and I knew that I would miss his kisses when we reached Lamore.

He kissed me back, holding me closely, and we kept kissing until I almost lost myself. But I wanted to do the treatment for him, so I began kissing down to his neck and then to his chest. My tongue circled a nipple, then I wrapped my mouth around it and began to suckle and nibble. I reached my hand to the other side and stroked from his shoulder to his other nipple, grazing it with a fingernail and rubbing it with my thumb. When I'd covered both sides, I kissed down to his navel, while my hands stroked his front. I licked around the inside of his navel and kissed it, then l stopped and lifted my head. Sebastian's pants were standing up.

"What do you call it, Sebastian?" I'd heard many names, but some seemed ridiculous.

"It's a penis, a cock, a prick. A thing. Call it whatever you want."

"Penis. Cock. Prick. Thing." I reached out and gently touched it. It seemed to tremble and grow. "Cock sounds the most right. But there must be a better name."

I slowly squeezed, testing, then slid my hand down. The cock kept rising and hardening. I moved my hand back up, squeezing as I went, and when I reached the top, I rubbed a finger over it. It was damp. I rubbed a bit more and Sebastian arched and made a little sound. The cock felt bulgy and uneven around the top, and I explored around there, learning the shape.

I was amused. "It's like a tree. It stands up, and grows big and hard."

Sebastian said, "A cock is sometimes called a stick, rod, or post. Tree is better."

I moved the cock in circles as I squeezed my hands back down, then I moved it in all directions as I squeezed back up. I brushed the tip and twisted my hands back down.

I smiled, saying, "I have a new toy."

Sebastian groaned. "Angelique . . ."

I kept squeezing and twisting, up and down, brushing the tip each time. I realized I was ignoring the balls underneath, so one hand gently stroked and rubbed them while the other kept squeezing and rubbing and twisting the cock. Sebastian kept gasping and arching, then his hips moved up and down, faster and faster, until he arched and stopped, over and over, as his pants grew wetter and wetter. As he slowed and the cock softened, I let it go.

He pulled me down, kissing me. "How do you like your new toy?"

"It is extremely diverting. I imagine there are many ways to play with it."

"You will absolutely torture me, won't you?"

I bit back a smile. "Possibly. Probably."

"I wish . . ."

"What?" I poked him. "What do you wish?"

"I wish we could be like this always."

I was silent, considering, then said, "Do you mean in bed? Touching each other?"

"I mean happy and comfortable. Teasing. And touching."

"Well, I am always willing to tease you."

I continued to dream of other men. Or rather, I continued to intrude on the dreams of other men. I would leave as soon as I realized, of course, but I still felt guilty and uncomfortable after glimpsing their fantasies. Especially those, such as Indigo's and Dr. Blackwell's, which involved me. I doubted that my real self would ever do some of the things they imagined.

I did not tell Sebastian of these dreams.

In general, the men treated me with great deference, perhaps thinking that I was meant for the King or Prince. I could not fault them for their discreet appreciation of my form, especially as I was the only female on board, nor could I fault them for their harmless little touches. A hand helping me rise, an arm reaching out to steady me, a shoulder, back, or leg brushing against me. Sometimes, even through my gloves and clothing, I felt the flow of energy, tiny spurts of life essence sliding into me, effortlessly. I felt my skin warming, flushing.

If Sebastian noticed, he said nothing.

*

**Chapter IX**

When we stopped at Meridia's colonial outpost Bleu, for fresh water and other provisions, Sebastian and I were excited to see its rainforest and waterfalls. After sending off our letters, we set out. Sebastian and I, Indigo and Zed, eight of the King's Guards, and Dr. Blackwell.

We passed by the fortress and through the market, where we bought food for a picnic lunch, then entered the rain forest. It was hot and humid, with greenery creating a canopy overhead and brushing against us as we walked along a narrow path. Sebastian plucked a scarlet poppy-like flower for me, which I tucked in my sash.

One of the Guards warned us that there were poisonous plants, as well as snakes. However, most of the snakes were harmless, and the most venomous ones were shy, avoiding people.

"If we keep to the path and don't bother anything, nothing is likely to bother us," he said.

The waterfalls were not large, but the sunlit water fell prettily, from a good height, with flowers cascading down the sides of the rocks and around the pool at the base. As we ate our lunch, Indigo became involved in a discussion of fighting techniques with the King's men. Afterward, he asked for permission to engage in a demonstration, to which I readily agreed.

"But I'd prefer that you do it with Zed," I added. "If he's willing."

Zed nodded. "It doesn't matter what technique you use, Indigo. I am bigger and stronger."

Indigo said, "Size and strength matter less than speed, agility, and stamina. And brains."

Indigo was a tall man, but Zed towered over him by about half a foot and outweighed him by at least fifty pounds. They took their places in a small clearing. Indigo started with jabs at Zed's cheek and jaw. Zed barely lifted his arms to defend and barely seemed to feel the blows. When Indigo unleashed an uppercut, Zed swept out his leg. Indigo leapt back.

As the two clashed, I sensed movement at my feet, looked down, and saw the coils of a green and yellow snake disappearing under my dress.

"Sebastian," I said softly.

He looked inquiringly at me as Dr. Blackwell, on my other side, said, "Don't move." The doctor had an ebony walking stick, which he angled beneath my skirt, then awkwardly swung at the snake. The stick hit my leg, then he managed to fling the snake sideways and behind.

"Are you all right?" Sebastian asked.

"I think so," I said. "It didn't bite me."

The Guard who had warned us about the snakes said that he'd been told that the green and yellow ones were harmless, but a lookalike snake with brown too was venomous. I was certain there was no brown, and Sebastian and Dr. Blackwell said they had not noticed any.

The path led us in a loop back to the starting point, and we had the choice of returning to the marketplace or proceeding to a nearby beach. I felt overheated and my head throbbed, so I opted for the latter, hoping for shade and a breeze. Sebastian said he'd join me later.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

He said, "I thought we could have another picnic for dinner. You go on. I'll find you."

By the time we reached the beach, I felt a bit dizzy and struggled to remain upright. My leg felt strange where the doctor's stick had hit it, so Indigo and Zed shielded me as I leaned against a palm tree and lifted my skirts. The skin was purplish black. There seemed to be two small puncture wounds. I touched my leg gently. It was sore, yet curiously numb.

I talked to Indigo and Zed, then sat with my back against the tree, skirts in place.

Dr. Blackwell bustled up to me, his face expressing concern. "Are you feeling unwell, Lady Angelique?" He set his stick behind him and knelt down, reaching for my wrist.

I pulled away. "You expect me to feel unwell, don't you? What did you do, Dr. Blackwell?"

"I?" He sat back on his heels, looking puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"I don't have the time or patience for your lies and evasions." I resorted to compulsion, which required a certain concentration of will on my object. I felt it tax my waning reserves. "Tell me what you did with your walking stick. And what can be done now to remedy it. Succinctly."

The doctor chuckled. "It is a custom-made stick, unique, made to my specifications. It is large enough to hold a snake. I released it, then injected you with venom. The snake itself was harmless, but the venom I used is said to be powerful enough to kill a hundred men."

"And the cure?"

"There may be one, but I don't know it or have it. The snake is rare, and it rarely bites. The venom has been in your body too long now to try to remove it through suction or surgery."

"So you intended to kill me?"

"Yes. The venom was meant to paralyze you, then kill you. I was told there might be a delay in the onset of symptoms, but death should occur within hours, and never more than a day."

I had more questions, but the numbness was spreading and my heartbeat was becoming erratic. He had meant to kill me. Now he would be responsible for keeping me alive.

"You were quite clever," I said, "but I won't die today."

* * *

I no longer felt as if I were in control of myself, but acted instinctively. I compelled him to sleep, then let myself fall into a light stupor. As I had no desire to touch him, or for him to touch me, the best way to obtain his life essence was for him to pleasure himself, and for me to simply collect his energy. His dream self sat next to me just like his real self.

"Close your eyes and bring yourself to release," I told him. "Tell me when you are close."

The first time he spilled into my hands, I dabbed it on the puncture wounds. It seemed to draw out the yellowish venom and lessen the discoloration and numbness. He spilled again and again and again, and I kept absorbing his essence, both as waves of energy and through my skin. I forced myself to stop him after the fifth time, as he looked drained. I knew I was not fully healed, but I could continue healing later or tomorrow. Or with Sebastian.

Oh Gods. I would have to tell Sebastian. I could not keep this secret.

" _You will wake now and sit quietly until you are spoken to," I said to the doctor._

* * *

"Indigo! Zed!" I called.

I'd asked Indigo and Zed to shield us, but there really hadn't been anything to see. I knew the dream had seemed to last much longer to me than it had in reality.

Indigo hauled the doctor to his feet, arm twisted up behind him. "Why did you do it?"

Dr. Blackwell smiled. "I wanted to. Why else?"

"I don't know why," I said. "But he clearly failed. Please take him to the King's men. And Zed, please pick up his walking stick, carefully, and take that to them too."

"Good thing that he has such bad aim," Zed said, eyeing the gilt snake winding the stick.

"No," I said, "he did hit me on the leg. But perhaps the mechanism didn't work properly. Or he didn't use the venom he thought he did. I couldn't say. Just be careful."

Zed shook his head. "If you ask me, using a stick like this is a bit too fancy."

"Not if he wanted it to look like an accident," Indigo said, prodding the doctor. "Walk, you."

Sebastian heard the news from a Guard when he arrived on the beach. He seemed relieved to see me wading in the water, but when he joined me and I told him the truth, he became upset and angry. He said he did not blame me, he blamed Dr. Blackwell, but I had my doubts.

"You should have killed him," he said harshly. "Had him pleasure himself to death."

"I couldn't, Sebastian. I feel guilty as it is. Probably more than he does."

"He deserves far worse. But you must not go to him again."

"I won't. I know you don't like what I did. I don't like it either. In fact, I don't like that side of me much at all, but I can't ignore it. It won't let me."

"That side of you saved you, Angelique," he said quietly. "You would have died otherwise."

"Yes, I know," I said. "But now I feel tainted. I wish I could go for a good swim."

The water was clear and warm, the sand soft. It was wonderful. But of course I could not swim in my clothes, or without any clothes either. Even wading was inappropriate, but I did not care. I'd asked the King's men to face away. Only Indigo and Zed watched us, and they'd both seen me with my skirts up to my knees before, although not in the last year or two.

"Why not?" Sebastian asked. "If you are concerned what they will say or think, make them forget. You are making them forget anything remotely scandalous, aren't you?"

I nodded. "Mother did as she always does with our staff. I will reinforce if necessary."

"Am I the only one she has not compelled to forget?" Sebastian asked, head tilted.

"I think so," I said. "In any case, I'll forgo swimming for now."

We had a somewhat subdued picnic dinner on the beach and returned to the ship as the sun was setting. Then I locked the door between our sitting rooms and had a long bath, telling Sebastian, when he knocked, that I wanted to be alone. I dreamt of anonymous men.

When I awoke, we had left Bleu behind. It was likely to be our last stop before we reached Lamore. Xavier told me that the doctor had refused to answer any questions, but wished to speak with me alone. Neither Xavier nor anyone else thought it advisable, but I was curious.

Dr. Blackwell had been locked in a small cabin. The King's men kept a watchful eye on him, although he'd been confined to bed, his wrists and ankles shackled. He remained in the previous day's wrinkled clothing, and he looked ill, his face unshaven, bruised, and perspiring.

"Lady Angelique, thank you for coming." He rattled his manacles. "Forgive me for not rising."

I remained by the door. "Are you all right, Dr. Blackwell? Have you been mistreated?"

"I have no complaints."

I took a step forward. "My guard says you wish to talk to me. Only to me. Why?"

"You don't know who I am, do you? Your mother didn't tell you?"

My heart raced. "My mother? No. How do you know my mother?"

"I don't, not really. My father did. He was a country doctor. Her father summoned him one night, saying she was extremely ill, and promising ample recompense due to the time and distance. My father went, of course, but never returned. His horse did, the next morning."

He watched me closely, but I tried to look puzzled and he continued without pause.

"When my mother inquired, she was told that my father had left before dawn. After a diligent search discovered no trace of my father, the Baron sent us a good sum of money, saying that he felt some responsibility since my father had come at his behest. My mother said it was blood money. She said she knew the Baron had killed my father, and she was happy when he died soon after. She followed your mother's progress to court and then to Meridia."

So his mother had blamed my grandfather. Of course, I did too to some extent, since he had not told the truth about my grandmother, and kept my mother oppressed and isolated.

"While your mother was on board, I took the liberty of introducing myself. I mentioned my father, and for one brief moment, a moment I very nearly missed, her faced showed not only acute shock, but abject terror. She quickly smoothed her expression, saying how sorry she was about my father and asking about my mother, but I knew then that my mother was right."

"You think that my grandfather killed your father? What reason could he have had?"

The doctor shrugged. "I was still in the nursery at the time and can only speculate. However, some of his patients have told me that my father's treatments were quite unorthodox."

"Like yours? I doubt I was in need of whatever you had in your stick."

He smiled. "I have always been fascinated by the properties of snake venom, which can be helpful as well as harmful, and I have conducted a few experiments. I also have a collection of unusual walking sticks, such as sword sticks. I designed my rod of Aesculapius some time ago, as a diversion. I brought it with me when I learned the purpose of the voyage."

"You brought it because of me. My mother."

"Yes. Your grandfather took away my father. I thought to take away his daughter. But then I realized that it would be easier and better to take you. You are not fit to be queen."

I could not deny that, but I was finished with him. "I think I've heard enough now."

He put up a hand. "No, not yet. I have one more confession to make. Your maid, Lucy."

I felt a flash of terror. "What of Lucy?"

"I had never tested the stick on a live subject. A human subject. It was another experiment, if you will. And, of course, when we sailed into the storm, it was the perfect opportunity."

"You killed her."

"It was fast and easy. But I had much more control in that situation than I did with you."

I closed my eyes. I did not want to imagine what death had been like for Lucy, but I did.

"I am not cruel by nature," the doctor said. "Indeed, I would have liked nothing better than to give her pleasure before she died, but she refused. As you did. Ah well. Meridians."

"I hope the King has you executed," I said, glaring at him. "And if he doesn't . . ."

He twisted his signet ring and it opened. "This is another of my creations. It contained a small, but lethal, dose of poison. I swallowed it before you came, and sealed my fate."

I gaped at him, now wondering if I should try to save his life. I didn't want to, not after he confessed to murdering Lucy so heartlessly, but my family was at fault for his father's death.

I opened the door. "Xavier, he says he has swallowed poison and nothing can be done."

Xavier peered past me, and said calmly, "That may be best for all involved."

I looked back at the doctor. "If we administer an antidote . . ."

He had sunk back against the bed, eyes closed. "I would find another way. Let me go."

"Do you wish to see the chaplain?"

He shook his head. "No. If you could just talk to me, perhaps tell me a story, until I sleep."

I sometimes told lesser known fairy tales to younger children I encountered on visits or house parties. I told some of these to Dr. Blackwell, who occasionally smiled or commented, before he became quiet and still. He was still breathing, but he did not respond to his name.

I finished the story and said, "'And that was only the beginning.' Sleep well, Doctor."

I did not particularly want to stay with Dr. Blackwell, but I did not feel right about leaving him to die alone. Whatever he was, whatever he had done, my family bore some of the blame. I stayed as penance and hoped that perhaps my presence brought him some comfort.

Sebastian came by in the afternoon and sat with me for several hours, both of us reading or staring at nothing. Then he kissed my cheek and left, saying he'd return later.

* * *

The little boy was kicking a ball across the lawn, running up to it, then kicking it again. The ball didn't go very far, it being big and the boy only two or so, but the boy was determined.

A woman's voice called for him, but he ignored it and kept kicking and running.

Suddenly, a man picked him up, tossing him in the air and catching him. The boy laughed.

" _It is time to go," the man said. He put the boy on his shoulders and began to walk away._

The boy looked back at me, smiling. "I am not the only one who wants to kill you, you know."

Then he faced forward again, and he and the man disappeared.

*

**Chapter X**

When I opened my eyes, I was in my own bed, with Sebastian wrapped around me. As I tried to extricate myself, he stirred and pulled me closer.

"There is no need to go to him," Sebastian said. "He died peacefully, without ever waking."

"Yes, I believe he did." I told Sebastian about the dream. But I still didn't tell him about my mother killing Dr. Blackwell's father, and I probably never would.

Sebastian grimaced. "Who else wants to kill you, Angelique?"

"I don't know. He said I wasn't fit to be queen. I'm sure there are others who feel the same."

"And your father thought that you would be safer in Lamore." He practically snorted.

"I do have many more guards following me about now, but you're right, I don't feel as safe as I did in Meridia. I wish we knew whether war has broken out, if all is well at home."

"We are traveling so quickly that we will not hear any news until we are in Lamore."

We dressed soberly for the burial at sea. The ship had been stopped, the flag at half mast, and the crew, all members of the Royal Navy, of course, stood precisely, as did the King's men and my own guards. The chaplain said a few prayers, then the doctor's body, shrouded in a sail and weighted, garlanded with flowers, was slid feet first off the side into the water. The chaplain uttered a benediction for his soul, concluding the short ceremony.

I did cry. Just a few tears, which I quickly wiped away before anyone noticed.

My parents had been raised in religious households, but neither was religious. I myself liked to attend various services with friends, and was sometimes moved by the words and sentiments, as I was today. Or perhaps I mourned the bad end of a man whom my family had wronged. In any case, I thought the ceremony beautiful and perfect in its simplicity.

"I am sorry for his family and friends," I said to Sebastian afterward, as we stood on deck, the ship underway again. "But I think I would like to die the way he did, at a time and in a way of my own choosing. And I would like my funeral to be like his. Not long and fussy."

"This is rather a morbid topic of conversation," Sebastian said.

"Well, it is on my mind. And you know there may be others who want to kill me."

"Angelique, you will likely outlive us all. You have more power than almost anyone."

"I suppose that's true. But I don't think I'm invincible. I imagine there are many ways - "

"I don't want to talk about your dying. Or about anyone's dying. But yes, I agree, I would prefer something simple. You are the nearest thing to family that I have, so I will rely on you."

Sebastian had unlocked the door between our sitting rooms after he'd carried me to bed, leaving me only to return through the door. I relocked it that night while I took another bath. If he knocked, I didn't hear it. I dreamt again of anonymous men. How many I couldn't say.

"You are drawing away from me," Sebastian said in the morning. "Why?"

We were in my sitting room, the door unlocked for the day. Outside, it was dark and stormy.

"We will be in Lamore soon," I said. "I must."

He shook his head. "It is because of him. The doctor."

"If you know, then why do you ask? I am right too, though. I must wean myself off you."

"Not yet, Angelique."

I stood up. "I don't want to kiss you, Sebastian. I don't want you to touch me."

"Because of him."

"Perhaps."

"You said you felt tainted. Do you still?"

"Yes. I think I always will."

"Oh, Angelique." He looked downcast. "I am so sorry. I should have been there."

"It is not your fault, Sebastian. You cannot always be with me. And I would not have done to you what I did to the doctor. I would rather have died."

I had not really thought what it would have been like with Sebastian. Now, the image of my making him pleasure himself five times, with his eyes closed, struck me as ridiculous. Not to mention my spreading his seed all over my leg. We probably could have laughed about it.

"Why are you smiling?" he asked.

"It's too silly. I can't tell you."

"Come on. Tell me." Light dawned in his eyes. "Oh, of course."

I laughed. "Well, yes, of course."

"Really? If you think it's that amusing . . ."

"No, Sebastian, I can't. I really can't. I don't know why it seems so funny now, when it seemed so awful and revolting at the time. Although I suppose it's obvious."

"I would have been willing. Or did you mean I'm not awful and revolting?"

"Both." I sat down again and he put his arm about me. "I'm so glad we were neighbors, Sebastian. We might never have crossed paths and become friends otherwise."

"I think I was the lucky one. You, your parents, have been more like my family than my own."

"Yes, I know. And it is horrible of me to forget that sometimes and treat you the way I do."

Sebastian stayed with me that night, but I did not want to do anything that reminded me of Dr. Blackwell, so we merely held each other, kissing for hours. And when I finally fell asleep, I again dreamt of anonymous men. I wondered if I would ever meet any of them.

One day, about a week later, the captain said we should reach Lamore the next afternoon.

Sebastian and I watched the sunset, as we often had before, then changed into our nightclothes and dressing gowns and met in my sitting room for a light supper.

"Shall we dance?" he asked, holding out his hand.

I smiled. "Of course."

We had no music, but we didn't need any. All the interior doors were open, so Sebastian moved us from my sitting room to his, then to his dark bedchamber and back. Due to the tight quarters, he held me closely and I felt him growing hard. His eyes burned me.

"Angelique," he murmured.

I raised my hand from his shoulder to his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. We kissed for a good while and he kept getting harder. He moved one leg in between mine, almost lifting me onto him, and I gasped. He held me on his leg, moving me on him, and his cock against me, as he began kissing down my neck, his hands squeezing my bottom. I held on to him, kissing him where I could, letting him do as he wanted. He shuddered to a release.

"Sorry, that wasn't what I meant to do," he said. "I'll make it better."

"It's fine, Sebastian."

"No. Let me."

He picked me up and carried me through his dressing room and set me down by his bed. He stood behind me and kissed my neck as he untied my dressing gown. He dropped it somewhere, then came back to me, his hands on my shoulders. He maneuvered me onto the bed and came on top of me, his weight pressing down on me. He'd removed his dressing gown as well, and I could feel him growing hard again. His pants were wet from his release.

"What are you going to do, Sebastian?"

"I am just going to kiss you, Angelique."

And so he did. He kissed every inch of my face and neck and ears, then hands, all familiar territory. Then he suddenly slid down my body until he was at my feet. He kissed the tops of my toes, then moved up to my ankles, calves, knees. He was pushing up my nightrail and bending my legs with his hands as he kissed. As he kept moving up my thighs, using his tongue and teeth as well, I strove to keep still, knowing what he meant to do.

"Oh, Sebastian. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"It is just a kind of kissing, Angelique. You will enjoy it."

"But will you?"

"Yes." He had reached the junction of my legs, where the skin was extremely delicate. He licked all around my outer lips, then my inner lips, circling that most sensitive spot. I squirmed, but he held me in place, opening my inner lips with his fingers and pressing his tongue inward, swirling his tongue out and pressing back in, over and over.

I gasped, "Oh Gods."

His mouth began to suckle my sensitive spot as he inserted a finger where his tongue had been. Tongue and finger both began to move, one with shallow flicks, the other with deep strokes. Soon he added another finger and I bucked.

"Easy," Sebastian said.

He slowed the rate of his flicks and strokes, then gradually sped up again, until I was frantic, contracting around his fingers, which intensified the feelings of invasion and pleasure. Sebastian continued, seeming determined to bring me to yet another release.

"Sebastian, please. I want to kiss you, to feel you on top of me."

Sebastian complied, kissing me gently, then harder. He began to glide on top of me, up and down, rubbing himself against me as he had when we'd been standing. But this time, he was between both my legs and his cock stroked and pressed fully against me each time.

"I wish you were not wearing pajamas," I said. "They're wet and must be uncomfortable."

Sebastian groaned. "That would not be a good idea, Angelique."

"I know. I just wish I could feel you against me."

I unbuttoned his shirt and he pulled it off, throwing it off the bed. I loved the feel of his bare chest and arms. He seemed to feel the same, caressing my arms and squeezing my breasts.

"Are you close?" Sebastian asked.

"It doesn't matter," I said. "Go ahead."

Sebastian's cock mounted a brutal frontal assault on my sensitive spot, while his hands and mouth began a pincer offensive on my breasts. My body surrendered, his came in triumph.

"You win," I said. "I could have made you lose, you know, but I have an unfair advantage."

Sebastian chuckled. "Perhaps another time."

* * *

The moon was waning. I was sprawled on the ground and Sebastian was on top of me, looking furious. His hands were around my neck, choking, and I couldn't breathe.

" _Sebastian!" I gasped._

" _Angelique!" He jerked back, his face shocked. "My God! I could have killed you!_ "

* * *

I woke up, my body heaving, gulping for air. My throat was sore.

I'd never experienced residual pain before, although I'd often felt residual pleasure. Of course, I'd only ever experienced Sebastian's nightmares and he'd never let me linger.

He turned over and reached for me. "Are you all right?"

"Yes. I didn't expect that."

"I'm sorry, Angelique. I don't know why that happened." He slid off the bed, then paused. "Would you rather I leave or stay? I thought I'd better go. You may sleep better."

I sat up. "I don't think I'll sleep for a while. I'd rather you stay. Besides, this is your bed."

He came back and crushed me against him. "I'm so sorry, Angelique, so sorry. You should have left immediately. Or changed it. I've told you so before."

"I left as soon as I gathered my wits. Why were you so angry?"

"I wasn't angry with you. It was just a confused dream, perhaps a symbolic dream."

"I don't understand, Sebastian. If you do, please tell me."

He shook his head. "I'm not sure I understand either."

I wasn't sure I believed him, but I let it go. This was our last night together.

*

**Chapter XI**

From a distance, Lamore looked like a land of snow-topped mountains, woods and fields, and white buildings. As soon as we reached port, Sebastian and I were ushered into a plush carriage, our trunks to follow. The courtier who met us seemed pleasant, but anxious.

"And how are King Vidrian and Prince Lucent?" Sebastian asked.

"As well as can be expected," the courtier, Lord Bay, replied. "The Prince is indisposed from a cold. You may not meet him today. But His Majesty is in residence. You will meet him."

After passing through the city that nestled around the harbor, the road grew increasingly steep, winding its way up the mountains. Bathed in sunlight, the Ice Palace dazzled like a pristine prism, creating infinite spots of color that nearly blinded me with their brilliance.

"Is the palace really made of ice?" Sebastian asked Lord Bay.

"It is made of diama, a stone found only in Lamore and rare even here. In fact, virtually all of it was used to construct the palace many years ago, and we know of no new source." He spoke more of the local history and geography, then moved on to the attractions of Lamore.

Upon arrival at the palace, the major domo told us that His Majesty would like to see me when I was ready. The interior was spacious and cool, as stone edifices tend to be, and the modern décor somehow suited all the diama. We were shown to our rooms, then I washed up and went to the door, where a Guard waited. He led me to the doors of a spectacular library. It occupied at least three levels, with black chairs and marble tables in the center, layers of silvery silk softening the glare of the sunlight pouring through the diama dome.

"Your Majesty, Lady Angelique Arden," the Guard announced to a man reading at a table.

King Vidrian was a massive blond man with steely blue eyes that lit up when he looked up and saw me. He was dressed in an impeccable dark blue suit and white shirt with the sheen of silk, no cravat. He strode over, kissed me on each cheek, and enveloped me in his arms.

"Angelique. You are as beautiful as your mother."

After all I'd heard of him, nothing he did should have surprised me. But he did. It felt as if he were touching every inch of my body, which was not common practice in Lamore, except with the very closest of friends. His body was indeed that of a warrior, his muscles like rocks.

"Your Majesty. It is such a pleasure to finally meet you. My parents send their compliments."

"We need not be so formal," he said, scolding. "Your parents and I are old friends. You must call me Vidrian as they do. Or worse." He laughed. "You may speak freely."

I smiled. "All right, Vidrian. I am glad to see you so well."

"Thank you. And I trust that you and your parents are well?"

"Yes, thank you. I look forward to meeting Prince Lucent."

"You will meet him now. Come."

He put his arm around my shoulder and walked with me down several corridors and through the royal apartments to the throne room. The thrones had been moved to the near wall.

Opposite us, where they should have been . . .

"Angelique, this is my son. This is Lucent."

Prince Lucent was laid out on a diama dais, wearing what looked like a silvery dressing gown and slippers. He looked like a sculpture of marble and ice, yet still real, human. Dead.

Vidrian said, "He is alive. I believe he is alive. Perhaps I am the only one who believes it."

I could detect no movement, no breath. "What happened?"

"Some years ago, Lucent turned cold and began experiencing pain and stiffness when he touched anything hot or even warm. Our physicians disagreed as to the cause, and none of their medicines or treatments helped. Except for the cold, for ice. As you might have noticed, diama" - he tapped the dais - "does not melt like ice, but it is just as cold. This palace was a bit of a folly, built by one of my ancestors who loved diama. The cold relieved Lucent's pain, but at times his stiffness turned into immobility, and one day, quite recently, he froze."

"I have never heard of such a malady," I said. "I am so sorry."

"If your mother were here, I think she could wake him. Can you do that, Angelique?" His voice and eyes were suddenly desperate and pleading. "Can you wake Lucent?"

"I don't know. I can try something, if you will allow me a moment. I need to focus."

"Yes, of course." He gestured toward a bellpull. "Ring if you should need anything."

As he walked out, I realized that my words might have been misconstrued. I did not mean for him to leave me alone with his son. What did he imagine I would do? How embarrassing.

I turned back to the Prince and studied him. He had fine features and a smooth complexion, no lines of suffering. His straight pale blond hair hung past his shoulders and looked like it would be silky if it were not frozen. His body was long and lean, perfectly proportioned.

I had called Sebastian beautiful, but his beauty was earthly. Lucent's was ethereal. I could not imagine him being silly, naughty, passionate. I did not think I'd ever been meant for him.

"Lucent - " I hesitated. "I hope you don't mind that I call you Lucent. I think of you that way because of our correspondence. Sorry. At any rate, as your father said, I am Angelique."

I closed my eyes, picturing Lucent, his letters and gifts, his photographs.

* * *

Lucent? It is Angelique. Can you hear me?

* * *

Nothing happened. After several more attempts, I decided to wait until later to try again.

When I told Vidrian, he was understandably disappointed, but he agreed to my plan. I took the opportunity to mention Dr. Blackwell, repeating what he'd said about my not being fit to be queen and others wanting to kill me. Vidrian said it was nonsense, and he'd see to my safety.

Due to Lucent's condition, only his father and a small coterie of confidants had been in residence, so dinner was an intimate affair. I was seated by Vidrian, and his attention was directed mostly toward me, the only woman. It was easy to see why my parents adored him. He was magnetic. If I'd really been brought here for him, I would be in danger.

Sebastian, on my other side, checked that I was well, but spent most of his time talking to others. I would have liked his opinion of Lucent, but since Vidrian had not told him the nature of the "cold", I would ask for permission. Perhaps tomorrow, if my attempt tonight failed.

"Is the food to your taste?" Vidrian asked.

"Yes, very much," I said. Meridian dishes tended to be rich and heavy, with sauces and such, or perhaps worse, boiled and bland. Lamoreans, on the other hand, preferred subtle seasoning that enhanced the natural flavors. "We usually eat Lamorean style at home for family meals, although my mother requires that our chef be proficient in both."

After dinner, we removed to a reception room for the remainder of the evening. Vidrian apologized for the lack of entertainment, saying the men were likely to play cards or engage in political talk. I said that I wouldn't mind either, although I might be in over my head.

"But if I'd be in the way," I added, "I'd be happy to read or do something else on my own."

"Shall we go for a stroll?" he asked.

"Of course, that would be lovely."

We walked out on the battlements, his arm again around my shoulders. The mountain air was crisp and clean, the stars luminous against the black velvet sky. I looked for the ocean.

"That way is Meridia," he said, pointing into the darkness. "I think of it often, but I have not had the opportunity to visit since my coronation. I wanted Lucent to go to school there as I did."

"Yes, my father had hoped for that too."

He shook his head. "War ruined our plans. We are a small country, but we have valuable resources and a strategic location that some of our neighbors covet. And by the time the war ended, Lucent had begun suffering from his mysterious ailment and could not travel."

In truth, Lamore was about the same size as Meridia, but Meridia had many colonies in its empire. Of course, I'd studied both their histories. For many centuries, Meridia's wars had tended to be acquisitive and far-flung, while Lamore's had been defensive, in and all about it. My sympathies tended to lie with those fighting against injustice or in defense, not for greed. But I knew the issues were usually murky, each side claiming its cause was just.

"Vidrian, where are my guards? I haven't seen them since I arrived."

"They are in the barracks outside the palace. If you travel, they will accompany you, but while you are here in the palace, you are under my protection. Under Lucent's."

"I understand why you don't want the world to know of Lucent's condition, but I would like to be able to discuss it with Lord Sylvan, with your permission."

Vidrian halted our progress and looked at me sharply. "What is Lord Sylvan to you?"

"He is my friend. My closest friend. I trust him more than anyone."

"Do you think to marry him?"

"No. I will not marry him."

"Angelique, you may tell him what you like. I would request one favor of you."

"Yes?"

"Your mother once mentioned that you thought of Lamore as a fairy tale country. Is that true?"

"It is."

"In some of those stories, there is a catalyst that wakes the sleeping or the dead, that transforms an animal or monster into a man. You know what I mean."

"A kiss."

"Yes. Would you kiss Lucent? That is all I ask."

I considered. Lucent might prefer a kiss to outright compulsion, which I had thought of trying if I couldn't reach him in a dream. Still, my tone was reluctant as I said, "If you wish."

"Good girl." Vidrian enveloped me in his arms, his warmth, and kissed the top of my head.

"I am not committing myself to marrying him," I said hastily. "I want that to be understood."

"Very well. Let us worry about that later."

Once again, Vidrian led me to the throne room. This time he stopped at the threshold, dropping his arm from around me and saying he would wait outside the doors.

"Don't expect a miracle," I warned, seeing the hope in his eyes.

"Count to ten, won't you?"

I nodded. "All right."

As the doors closed, I walked toward Lucent and knelt next to him. He looked as he had the first time. Beautiful and dead. Before I kissed him, I decided to put myself to sleep and try to reach him that way, but again there was no response, no dream. I opened my eyes.

"Lucent, it's Angelique. Your father asked that I kiss you. Please forgive me for forcing this on you and know that I do not intend this as a commitment to marriage. It is merely a kiss."

I was not sure where to place my hands, as he was frozen and the diama was just as cold. In the end, I decided to just press my lips against his and not touch anything else.

I kissed him very, very lightly. In the next instant, I felt the ice cracking and melting, then his lips pressed back. I opened my eyes and his eyes fluttered open too. They were steely blue like his father's, but a shade warmer. They looked surprised to see me. He made a sound, which I thought might be a question. His lips parted and I swept my tongue inside. It was very cold, as if he'd had ice in his mouth, but then his tongue began to play with mine.

"Mmm," he said.

The ice on his hair had evaporated, so I placed one hand there and the other on his still icy arm, as I'd become uncomfortable leaning over without any support. There was a loud crack and a thin sheet of ice fell in pieces off his torso and onto the dais. His cold left hand wrapped around my right wrist while his equally cold right hand reached up to touch my face.

I was so excited about Lucent coming back to life that I didn't realize how cold I was becoming. But then I had trouble moving my lips and tongue, and my hand slipped off Lucent's head and I couldn't lift it again. Lucent's eyes widened and he pulled away.

"Damn," he said, sitting up, "this is not how I wanted us to meet, Angelique. Father!"

Vidrian bounded through the doors. "Lucent!" His face was full of joy, his arms open.

"Never mind me," Lucent said. "Look what's happened to her! Didn't you warn her?"

Vidrian embraced me from behind, chafing my hands and arms. His warmth now felt painful, like a furnace. "I told her to count to ten. She must have gone over."

"Because you didn't warn her."

"No one else has had this effect on you. She's strong. She'll recover."

Lucent shook his head. "You can't throw her at me without telling her the truth."

My mouth had loosened enough to speak. "What is the truth, Lucent?"

Lucent looked relieved. "Angelique. Please accept my apologies. And also my gratitude. Being half-unfrozen is infinitely better than being wholly frozen. For however long it lasts."

I nodded. "Of course. I am not sure what happened. If you could enlighten me?"

"Yes. When someone touches me, the way you did, it usually causes me a great deal of pain and momentary immobility. And my skin numbs, then freezes, the one who touches me. Temporarily. At least, that was what happened before I completely froze. When you kissed me, I had the opposite reaction, but I still froze you. It did seem to take longer."

"So if I froze, the likelihood was that the effect would be only temporary."

"Yes," Vidrian said. "No one has ever stayed frozen, except for Lucent."

Of course, I had ways to heal myself if the freezing had not worn off quickly, but that was beside the point. I agreed with Lucent: Vidrian should have told me the truth.

"I wanted to release you from the contract," Lucent said, "but my father insisted we at least meet. He thought you might be able to help, and he seems to have been right after all."

"Yes." I clenched and spread my hands, shrugged my shoulders. I was fully functional again, but I felt weak. The effort had drained much of my energy and I struggled to stay upright.

"Father, she needs to rest. We'll meet tomorrow, Angelique?"

"I will look forward to seeing you then. Good night."

Vidrian asked a Guard to see me to my chambers, kissed me on the cheeks, then returned to his son. He clearly loved Lucent and I couldn't blame him for his decisions concerning me.

My chambers were in a tower, my bedchamber on top of my drawing room, both with dark wood furniture, billowing silk drapes, and lovely flowers and landscapes. Without Lucy, I would have been content to see to myself, but a maid, Astrid, small and shy, had unpacked my things and attended me. Now she saw to my bath. My eyes more shut than open, I let her undress me, wash me, and drop a nightrail over me. Finally, I sank into bed.

* * *

I was frozen. All was dark. A finger touched my mouth, following its contours, then I felt lips, a tongue. It wet my mouth, then pushed inside, moved all around, and backed out.

I tried to speak. I could not form words. I could not make any sound at all.

The lips pressed against mine, kissing and sucking, and the tongue pushed in again, swirling and twisting and writhing before plunging as far as it could go, attacking my throat.

Then the tongue retreated and the lips withdrew.

" _Wuh," I gasped. I tried again, concentrating. "Who are you?"_

" _Angel. One moment." The mouth kissed my eyelids and around my eyes._

It was Lucent, of course, wearing his silvery brocade dressing gown and slippers. I saw that I wore the same, in a darker shade of silver. I was lying in his place on the diama dais, and he was leaning over me, one hand stroking my hair, the other on my arm. He was smiling.

" _You've reversed reality," I said._

He looked startled. "Have I?"

" _It's all right. This is your dream. You can do as you like."_

I considered leaving, but I wanted to know what sort of man he was, what he dreamed of, especially with regard to me. And I wanted him to know more about me and what I could do. After all, we would have to decide whether we wanted to marry or not.

Lucent kissed me again and I kissed him back, playing with his tongue as he'd done with mine earlier. A sheet of ice fell off my chest, crashing on the dais. He moved his hand off my arm and slid it under my dressing gown, caressing my bare breast. His thumb flicked back and forth across my nipple, which was still hard from the cold.

" _Mmm," I said into his mouth._

He pushed back the dressing gown and lowered his head, suckling my other breast.

I arched. "Lucent . . ."

The ice melted on my legs and I shifted restlessly. His hand dropped over my mound. His finger, no two fingers, delved into my center, slowly pressing inside me, while his thumb stroked my sensitive spot. I jerked in his grip, but he pushed me down with his palm. His fingers moved rhythmically in and out of me, increasingly faster. I was melting, warming.

" _Come for me, Angel," he murmured._

I felt myself contracting around him, then his mouth and fingers were gone and he was climbing between my legs. His dressing gown was open and I could see his cock was hard. It was large too, perhaps a bit longer than but not quite as wide as Sebastian's. He lay on top of me, kissing me, and I could feel his cock between my legs, tapping at my entrance.

" _This may hurt a little," he said, "but I will do my best to give you pleasure."_

" _Lucent, I don't know . . ."_

Perhaps it was time to leave. I'd seen dreams in which men were inside me, but I'd never stayed in them for longer than an instant, and I'd never been present for the first penetration. It seemed too intimate an act to do with someone I did not love, someone I barely knew.

" _You are my wife, Angel. You'll see, you'll come to enjoy it."_

I realized that I was wearing a ring like Lucent's, with the image of a sun in diama, but this one was raised, so the two rings would lock together. As I stared at it, his cock pushed in a little, filling me, but not causing any pain, then he pushed it in a bit further and I felt fuller still. My legs bent and I reached for his shoulders.

He groaned, then he pulled back and thrust in harder, causing pain as he tore through my maidenhead. But it was only a small amount of pain and I did not cry out.

" _Are you all right?" he asked._

" _Yes. Go ahead."_

He moved slowly at first, pulling out a little, then pushing back in, then he began pulling out more, and pushing in quickly. He kept his eyes on my face, watching my reactions.

" _Slow or fast, Angel?"_

" _Whichever you prefer."_

Lucent said nothing, but instead of moving forward and back so much, he began moving his hips in circles, rubbing against my sensitive spot and finding another one inside me.

" _Oh," I said._

He smiled. "You like that?"

" _Yes, very much." I began to move my hips as well, trying to coordinate with Lucent. I felt myself contracting around his cock, and he closed his eyes, then moved forcefully, as if he were trying to lodge himself deep inside me. I wrapped my legs about him._

" _Angelique," he gasped._

He pushed into me and released, again and again. We stayed like that for a moment, then I lowered my legs, keeping them bent, and he stayed still inside me, kissing me. Then he rolled us over, his hands on my bottom keeping us joined, and I rested against his chest.

It felt so strange to have him inside me, from beginning to end, and even now. How long could we stay this way? And was it my imagination or was he growing hard again?

He smoothed my hair, saying, "I love you, Angel."

I couldn't say I loved him. I kissed him and left the dream.

*

**Chapter XII**

After the dream and a restful slumber, I woke refreshed. Lucent, on the other hand, was still suffering from a "cold", according to the maid who brought me a breakfast tray. I supposed that since he was still half-frozen, if not wholly frozen, they didn't want to change his condition too hastily, although they might hope, even expect, that I would continue to help.

Later in the morning, Sebastian and I went for a walk in the alpine gardens. The flowers and color palette varied quite a bit from those of Meridia, mostly paler hues such as lavender, mauve, pink, peach, and white. Vases of them decorated the palace, including my rooms.

Sebastian said, "As Prince Lucent is still ill, I suppose you haven't seen him yet."

"No," I said, "I have. He really wasn't fit for company, though."

I hadn't made up my mind how much to tell Sebastian. I did trust him, despite the choking nightmare, but telling him how I'd woken Lucent might provoke the jealousy he sometimes seemed to feel, and rouse his protective instinct. Of course, Lucent's dream was private. The only dream I'd ever revealed was Dr. Blackwell's death, a very different kind of dream.

"What's he like?" Sebastian asked. "Is he like his letters?"

"He's not as reticent," I said. "I think he's sincere, he means well. I don't know what he's like as a prince, or what he would be like as a king, but I think he'd be a good husband."

He nodded. "I want you to be happy, Angelique."

"I know, Sebastian. And I feel the same about you. It's too bad that the other guests are all men. I would like for you to meet someone, perhaps stay in Lamore if I do."

"I doubt I'll stay in Lamore. I'll probably travel for a bit."

"Will you? Where will you go?"

"It doesn't matter. I've never been most places. When you make your decision, whichever way you make your decision, I'll resign my position in the Ministry and leave."

"You won't come with me if I return to Meridia?"

"No. We'll find a proper duenna to take you. Although I understand that Lamore doesn't really care about such things, for the most part."

Somehow it sounded as if we were already saying good-bye. But, of course, many men wanted to travel when they were Sebastian's age. After a few months, perhaps a year, or whenever his money ran out, he would return to his estate. He would not abandon it.

We walked to the barracks to see Xavier, Indigo, and Zed. They said they were fine, being shown about by the King's Guards. They knew that they would not be needed as long as I stayed in the palace, and I told them that we might want to explore the nearby countryside.

"Let us know if there's anything you think we'd like," I said. "Or anywhere you want to see."

Sebastian said, "I should have studied Lamorean on the way. At least the King and his court speak Meridian and French, but I doubt everyone does. And I'm completely illiterate here."

"Fortunately, you have me as your interpreter. Some of the King's men too."

Xavier said, "We have been learning the language as well."

They had also acquired Lamorean clothing, which they would wear for the duration of our stay, and would otherwise seek to become familiar with their new surroundings.

When we returned, I was told Vidrian wished to see me, so I left Sebastian and went with a Guard to the library. Vidrian dismissed the courtiers with him, then, before they were out the doors, he picked me up and swung me around and around. He was grinning like a madman.

"Vidrian!" I protested. "I'm not a child. Please put me down."

He put me down, then kissed me on both cheeks and wrapped his arms around me. This man was likely to overcome any obstacle by sheer determination, energy, and good humor.

"You did it, Angelique!" he exulted. "You woke Lucent!"

"Yes, I know."

He led me over to the chairs and we sat down. He leaned forward, arms on his knees.

"No, I don't think you do. We stayed up quite late last night, not certain how long he'd stay unfrozen, but he finally said he must sleep, so I left him. He woke some hours later because the diama was too cold, and he found that he was completely mobile. He feels no pain!"

"That is great news," I said, smiling. "Now I understand why you're so happy."

"Angelique, I know what you said before you kissed Lucent, but what I don't know, and would like to know, is how you regard the contract that your parents agreed to when you were born."

"Well, when I was very young, I did not understand that I had a choice in the matter, so I expected to marry Lucent, whether I wanted to or not. And to be honest, I did not want to leave Meridia and marry someone I had never met. Later, when I did understand, I felt the same way, but I thought it only fair to give Lucent a chance. Lamore as well."

"That seems to be an honest answer."

"It is. Of course, I had no idea how Lucent felt. Our letters said nothing about the contract."

"I would not presume to speak for Lucent, now that he is capable of speaking for himself. But if there is anything I can do to help you with your decision, please let me know."

"I will, thank you. Oh, this has nothing to do with the contract, but Lord Sylvan and I were thinking of exploring the area. Would it be all right if we did so tomorrow?"

"We are quite informal here at the moment. If you give an hour's notice to any of the servants, that should be sufficient to arrange for your excursion. No, pardon me, I forget myself. This is Lucent's home, and now that he is awake, he may have other plans."

I nodded. "I will speak with Lucent. When do you think I might see him?"

"At dinner, if not before. He wants to see you too, but he missed much while he was frozen and needs to attend to some matters. I'm afraid you and Lord Sylvan will be lunching alone."

"I understand. Vidrian, has there been any news of Meridia?"

"I had heard there was some unrest, internal strife. I do not think that is anything new."

"No, but it has become much worse recently. It is no secret that there is talk of war."

"If I hear anything, I will tell you, but any news we receive will be old news."

"Thank you. May I be excused?"

He shook his head. "Angelique, what did I say about formality?"

I stood up. "Very well, I am going."

He stood up too, smiling, and walked me to the door.

"I see why my parents love you, Vidrian," I said. "It's very hard not to like you."

"I hope you feel the same about Lucent."

"I do, actually."

As Vidrian had told me, Sebastian and I lunched by ourselves. I did not mind, understanding that this was an unusual situation and knowing that Sebastian and I would soon part ways.

"Vidrian says that Lucent is feeling better," I said.

Sebastian took a sip of wine. "He is over his cold?"

"Apparently. You'll meet him at dinner. I know you've always been curious."

"I like the King. I will probably like the Prince too, especially as you say that you do."

After lunch, we explored the palace, learning our way around, especially to any exits. This was one of the things my father had drilled into me at a young age, and I'd been remiss in not doing it earlier. Without Xavier, Indigo, and Zed, I was more responsible than usual for my own safety, despite what Vidrian said. His Guards did escort us everywhere, politely answering our questions, and were stationed by various rooms, including Vidrian's, Lucent's, and ours, but their loyalty was to Vidrian and Lucent, not to us, strangers from Meridia.

When we finished, I spent an hour practicing on the pianoforte in my drawing room. I had mentioned that I played, in some of my letters to Lucent, and Astrid confirmed that the instrument had been installed when the chambers had been prepared for my arrival.

In fact, Lucent seemed to have taken my letters as a guide to equipping the rooms, as they contained my favorite books and games, as well as art supplies and other things that occupied me at home. He, or his father, had also somehow obtained my measurements and tastes, as one wardrobe was filled with clothing and accessories that both fit and flattered me. There were even trousers, which Meridian ladies did not wear, although I did for training.

I could not help but be happy that Lucent had thought so much to please me. I was aware that he and his father might have had another motive, to persuade me to help him, if not marry him, but the way they'd gone about the whole thing struck me as just about perfect.

For dinner, I decided to wear a Lamorean dress whose sleek lines seemed more modern and daring than what was fashionable in Meridia. It was a shimmering lilac with straps that crossed behind my neck, leaving my shoulders bare, and a bodice that followed the contours of my breasts, dipping in the middle. It came with a matching wrap, as well as satin slippers. Astrid applied a little color and set a jeweled comb in my hair, then I accented with diamonds.

Sebastian came to fetch me and duly complimented me on my appearance. I thought that he too had made more of an effort, having slicked back his hair, although I preferred it natural.

When we reached the reception room, Lucent took my hands and kissed me on each cheek. I introduced Sebastian to him, and he extended his hand to shake, following Meridian custom. Since most Lamoreans didn't, I thought it kind of him. He wore a white shirt under a black brocaded robe, a decadent sort of evening wear, but practical if he became stiff or immobile.

Lucent said, "Welcome to my home, Lord Sylvan. I apologize for not greeting you earlier."

Sebastian said, "Your Royal Highness. Thank you for your hospitality."

"Would you mind calling me Lucent? I know that Meridians tend to be formal, but I'd prefer it."

"Of course. Please call me Sebastian, if you like."

As we made desultory conversation, I could see that they were taking stock of each other, prepared to be friendly, but not quite sure. Both seemed somewhat reserved.

Vidrian was absent, so Lucent took me in to dinner and seated me at his side. Sebastian was on my left again, but we barely spoke as Lucent focused on me. The man opposite me, seated to Lucent's right, talked to his other neighbor, but watched us with amusement.

"Please ignore my cousin," Lucent said. "Ash has no tact."

"I thought I detected a family resemblance."

Lucent nodded. "Touche."

I laughed. "I would have no tact myself if I meant what you imply."

"Our fathers are twins. Naturally, there is a strong resemblance, though he is dark and I am fair. We were raised together and sometimes pretended we were brothers ourselves."

"I see. I will have to talk with him about you."

"Can you not talk with me about me?"

"Yes, but he may tell me things that you wouldn't. He looks like he might."

"And to whom should I talk? Lord Sylvan?"

"If you like. But I trust that he will not tell you anything he shouldn't."

"That is not fair, Angel."

I smiled. "Perhaps not."

After dinner, we returned to the reception room. Like his father, Lucent suggested a stroll, and I found myself on the battlements again. I supposed they did provide the best view, although tonight the clouds obscured everything and the wind was kicking up a fuss. It was likely to rain. Lucent had offered me his arm and we walked the same way I'd walked before.

"Are you going to show me where Meridia is?" I asked.

"I could, if you like. Of course, you won't see anything."

"I was teasing. Your father brought me up here last night and that's what he did."

"Did he?" Lucent sounded pensive. "Did he try anything with you?"

"No, his efforts were on your behalf."

"He was wild about your mother, you know. And you are very like her. Very beautiful."

I was embarrassed. "Thank you, but I believe that your father was devoted to your mother."

"He was. It was a marriage of convenience, of common interests, but they grew to love each other. He wouldn't have married her, though, if your mother would have had him."

"Oh, I didn't know."

Lucent shrugged. "I saw the way he looked at you yesterday. If he hadn't signed the contract, if I weren't his son, I think that he would want you for himself. He might still."

"Well, I came here because of the contract, for you. I suppose I should tell you what I told him." I repeated what I'd said to Vidrian earlier, then asked what Lucent thought.

"I was like you for many years," he said. "I didn't want to marry someone I had never met, and you were so much younger that I couldn't think of you in a romantic way. But your letters indicated you were intelligent and kind, so I considered you a distant friend."

"Yes, that is how I felt. I did not really know you, but you seemed like you could be a friend. Of course," I teased, "you were so much older that I was bound to think you intelligent."

He shook his head. "And now you are disappointed to discover how wrong you were."

"No, that is another thing I told your father. That it was hard not to like you."

"The age difference doesn't seem so monumental now, does it? At least, it doesn't to me."

"I agree. It doesn't matter now."

Lucent pulled me close and kissed me, his hands sliding around the slippery silk. My hands went around his neck as I kissed back. He suddenly stepped away, releasing me.

He said, "I had almost forgotten. I don't want to freeze you again."

I said, "You won't now, will you? You're not cold like you were."

"I don't really know. No one understands it. Ash thinks it's a curse."

"A curse?"

"You will have to talk to him about it. It sounds like nonsense to me."

A drop of rain fell on my face, then another, and they quickly increased in number as we hurried back inside. Lucent insisted on seeing me to my chambers, so that I could change out of my wet dress. I asked Astrid to see to it and hurried down to the drawing room, where he waited. I wore another Lamorean dress, this one of a very soft cream knitted wool. It had long loose sleeves, but was otherwise similar to the first, following my contours.

I said, "Lucent, I have neglected to thank you for all the clothes, and the pianoforte, and everything. I do appreciate them very much, and think you extremely thoughtful."

Lucent said, "I could do no less, considering your long journey and stay here. If there is anything you need or want, please let me know."

I asked about exploring tomorrow, and he said that he would arrange for someone to accompany Sebastian and me, as he himself would be occupied all day. Then he bade me good night, with a quick kiss, and left. I was a bit surprised, thinking he'd stay longer and we'd talk more, but of course he had just woken and couldn't abandon everything for me.

As it was still rather early, I read one of the books I had not read before. It was an adventure story, which Lucent might have picked because he'd enjoyed it himself. I finally went to bed.

I dreamt again of Lucent, but this time I left immediately. I would have to tell him I could enter his dreams. But I would not tell him about the lovemaking which had felt real. Not yet. And probably not unless we did decide to marry, for I did not want either of us to feel obligated.

Sebastian showed up after breakfast, saying that he'd heard from Lucent the previous night that we would be getting an early start. "I have no idea where we're going, though."

"Neither do I," I said. "And I don't really care. Lucent said we'd have a guide."

"Oh, yes, I believe his cousin is doing the honors. Prince Ashir, I think."

"Just the man I want to speak to. I wonder if Lucent did that deliberately."

"He talked to me quite a lot last night, you know. After he saw you off."

"Lucent did? Did he interrogate you?"

"Not overtly. I think he was trying to make friends, although he was clearly curious about us."

"Well, I'll probably have to tell him. I'm sure he already suspects, like everyone else."

"So things are going well?"

"Yes, so far."

Ash - as Prince Ashir told us to call him - led us on horseback to the snow, knowing that we'd rarely, if ever, experienced it in Meridia, and never in any quantity. Although it was now summer in Lamore, the mountains still saw snow, and the air was chilly. A cart had followed us with sleds, and Guards demonstrated their use, climbing up a slope, then sliding down. Sebastian and I followed, singly as well as together, and I urged Xavier, Indigo, and Zed to try too. Soon we were all smiling and laughing, wet from the snow and bruised from our falls. Well, Xavier slid only once, probably to appease me, but the others seemed to enjoy it.

Ash just watched, smiling enigmatically as he had done the night before. He seemed too conscious of his dignity to ride on a sled himself. Perhaps he thought it too childish.

I picked up some snow in my gloved hands and formed it into a ball, throwing it at Sebastian's chest. He immediately retaliated, but I ducked. I lobbed more snow at Indigo and Zed, before hurling away at my true targets, Xavier and Ash. Indigo and Zed were more than happy to play, of course, but Xavier stood still for a moment, expressionless, before he began fiendishly bombarding me, while Ash dove into the snow, rolling and avoiding the hit.

We formed two sides, Indigo, Zed, and me versus Sebastian, Xavier, and Ash, while the King's men looked on from a safe distance. Xavier and Ash constructed a barricade of snow behind which they hid in between strikes. Indigo and Zed did likewise. Sebastian made random sorties for his side, while I acted as sniper for mine, hitting him ruthlessly whenever he emerged. After we finally declared peace, we all shook hands, even Ash.

If only all wars could end so quickly, amicably, and painlessly.

We decided to stop at the palace to change, then leave for the harbor in the afternoon. Ash rode beside me on the way back. "I noticed that most of your shots were aimed at me."

"Really?" I bit back a smile. What he said wasn't quite true. I threw mostly at Sebastian, because he was the most exposed, but when I had the chance, I inevitably targeted Ash.

"Have I done something to offend you?"

"Not at all. I just thought you would enjoy it."

He laughed. "I did. Lucent would have enjoyed it too. But my uncle most of all."

"Yes, I can see that." For some reason, I imagined that if they'd been present, Lucent would have fought on my side, but Vidrian would have annihilated us, taking the play war seriously. Perhaps that was what made him a great warrior. "Would you tell me about the curse?"

Ash looked about, but Sebastian was at a discreet distance with my guards, giving us privacy.

"What do you know of the history of the palace?" he asked.

"I believe it was built many years ago by one of your ancestors. He loved diama."

"Yes, Faro considered himself a scientist and was especially interested in geology. He never married and was not known to have had any lovers, but after he died, his journal revealed that he apparently had a mistress with whom he was obsessed. He kept meticulous notes of their encounters, which you may imagine are quite obscene. Also quite unbelievable."

This was not what I'd expected. And Ash seemed to be enjoying my discomfort.

"He said she was a dream lover. Not only was she ideal in her face and form, but she was able to fulfill any fantasy. He said that no one saw her because she did not wish to be seen. That was why she preferred to come to him in his dreams. Still, he believed her real."

"What has this to do with a curse?" I asked.

"Faro claimed she had many powers, including the ability to force men to do her bidding and the ability to turn men to dust. If true, she might have been able to cause Lucent's illness."

"But why would she do such a thing? How could she after so many years?"

"It is rumored that Faro was murdered by his own brother, who then assumed the crown. Lucent and I are direct descendants of the supposed murderer, who was later killed by his own son, possibly by mistake. No king since then has died a peaceful death."

I was well aware of this. The regicidal son had died in battle, then there had been a drowning, a suicide, another war death, a ship lost at sea, a poisoning, and several accidents. Vidrian's father had fallen from a horse. "And you believe that this is because of a curse?"

He shrugged. "Perhaps. Do not ask me how. I believe you would know better than I."

"I do not deal in curses," I said icily.

"But you do deal in miracles, don't you? You were the one who woke Lucent. Strange how he felt such agony and froze every time he even touched a girl's hand, yet not with you."

"Do you mean to say he froze only when he touched a girl? Could he touch you?"

"Yes. If he touched my hand, I would feel the coldness, but I would not freeze. And he would feel pain, but he would not freeze either. Likewise with his father, a physician, a male servant. That is why there are so few women in the palace, and none tend directly to Lucent."

"It is very odd. I don't understand it."

"No one does."

When I arrived in my chambers, Astrid told me that the King had summoned me, as he had every day so far. I hurriedly changed and repaired my appearance, suddenly anxious.

A Guard brought me to Lucent's antechamber. Vidrian, looking bereft, again wrapped himself around me. He was silent, just clinging to me, and I was loath to speak until he did.

"It has happened again," he said. "I was afraid it might, but hopeful it wouldn't."

"Did he touch someone?" I asked, remembering what Ash said.

"I don't think so. He froze while he was sleeping."

"Oh. Then you knew before I left?"

Vidrian stepped away, looking at me. "We had hoped that he might recover spontaneously, as he had before. He doesn't want you to see him like this, you know. No man would."

I decided to try compulsion. I reasoned that it would not really be compulsion since Lucent wanted to wake up too, but was unable due to a possible curse by another succubus.

* * *

Lucent, you're awake. Open your eyes and say something. Your father and I are here.

* * *

There was no sound of movement, no voice. I tried again. It felt futile.

"Vidrian, you saw what happened when I kissed him before. Do you truly think he'd protest?"

He sighed. "Not for his own sake, but for yours. He would not want to cause you pain."

I waved away his concern, telling him I'd count to ten, then stop. If we did not have continuous contact, perhaps I could avoid freezing. But if I did freeze, I'd recover quickly.

Lucent was once again lying on the dais, presumably having been moved from his normal bed after he'd frozen. I imitated what he'd done in his dream, but kissed his eyelids before his lips. His eyes flickered open and watched me as I pushed my tongue into his mouth and swept it around and back. I hardly noticed the cold, but I withdrew, smiling at him.

"Hello, Lucent."

"Angel."

"Where would you like me to kiss you?"

"I don't think it matters where. I think it matters that it's you."

I kissed him again and he responded, pressing his lips and tongue against mine. The ice melted and evaporated from his face and his hair, then there was a loud crack. I pulled away again, and the pieces fell from his chest onto the dais. His fingers brushed my hand.

"Are you cold?" he asked.

"A little. I'll be all right."

I kissed him again and he slowly sat up, holding me lightly, then released me.

"You're counting to ten, then stopping, aren't you?" he said.

"Yes. I think it's working. I don't think I'll freeze."

"Good." He kneaded his neck. "Diama does not make the most comfortable bed."

"Let me." I moved behind him, to give him the treatment Dr. Blackwell had done to me, then I'd done to Sebastian. Of course, I would do only his neck, shoulders, and back.

Lucent sat with his head slightly bent, occasionally making small sounds of discomfort or contentment. I was not surprised by his reaction, but by how much pleasure I received from touching him. He was not as broad as Sebastian, much less his own father, but he too had a hard, well-formed body. I vividly remembered how he had felt on top of me and inside me.

"That is more than ten seconds, Angel," Lucent murmured. "You had better stop."

I sat to his side, looking at his profile. "The first gift you ever sent me was an angel. Your letter said you chose it because of my name. But you are more like an angel than I am."

"I am like an angel?" Lucent sounded incredulous.

"Yes. I'm not saying that it's your nature. Just that you look like you could be an angel."

"I think that may be a compliment. At least, I will take it as such. But you are right that it is not my nature. It is, however, the way I think of you."

I decided to abandon the awkward topic. "Shall I continue with your back?"

"Please." As I touched him again, he said, "You've done this before."

"Yes." After a pause, I added, "To Lord Sylvan. On the voyage here."

"My father told me that you don't think to marry him."

"No. We did talk of it once, but he knew of my obligation to you and we no longer think of it."

"You wouldn't marry him if there were no obligation?"

"No." I had counted to ten, so I removed my hands. "There is something else you should know about me. I take after my mother. I am like Faro's mysterious mistress."

Lucent was silent. As I was behind him, I couldn't see his expression.

"I'm mostly human, Lucent. Mostly Meridian. I have very rarely compelled anyone to do anything, and I have never reduced anyone to dust. Those are not things I want to do."

"Did you, with Lord Sylvan?"

"I didn't enthrall him," I said, confused. Then I thought I understood his cryptic question. "No, we did not. I suppose you haven't been celibate. I didn't expect you to be."

Lucent turned his head. "I haven't had a choice recently."

I looked at him warily, noting a wolfish glint in his eyes. "Of course."

"I don't want you for a mistress, Angel," he said, standing and holding out his hand, his face amused. "But I won't argue if you want to touch me."

I blushed, realizing I had done most of the kissing and touching. "Your father is waiting."

Lucent insisted that I keep to my plans, so I went with Sebastian and Ash in a carriage to the city. It had been built on the remains of a medieval city which wartime foes had burned to the ground a century ago, and was now pretty and precise, still growing into itself. In general, the people seemed polite and friendlier than Meridians, though not as warm as Caramians.

Ash himself seemed friendlier too, perhaps having heard that I'd again woken Lucent, although his tone was often sardonic. I thought that might just have been his way.

We returned to the palace with little time to dress for dinner. I changed into a white silk shift and wrap with hand-painted flowers accented with beads. Vidrian was present, so I sat between him and Sebastian, but afterward Lucent took me to the gallery to meet his family.

Faro, the scientist king who'd built the Ice Palace, was slight and austere, his brother fatter and fiercer, while the murderous son looked absolutely vile. Over the generations, the men seemed to have grown much larger and handsomer, culminating with Vidrian, his twin Graydon, their three brothers who died young, as well as Ash and Lucent. Ash, Lucent's senior by a year, had two married sisters. Lucent was now an only child, but his mother had lost several children prior to or shortly after birth, and died in childbirth five years ago.

In her portrait, Queen Celeste looked quite the opposite of my mother. Fair, tall, angular, and very composed. Not that my mother wasn't composed, but the Queen did not look likely to smile and laugh, or play and tease. Her clothes seemed to hide, rather than reveal, her form.

But perhaps I was wrong. After all, she'd been married to Vidrian, and he would overpower even the starchiest woman, such as the convent-raised daughter of a Meridian duke.

"Your hair is like hers," I said, referring to the silvery blondness. "And it is almost as long." It was longer than his shoulders, about half as long as mine. I still found that rather odd, although he'd had it that way for years, and it was not uncommon for Lamorean men.

"Yes, I have my father's eyes and my mother's hair. You don't like my hair long?"

"The gentlemen in Meridia don't wear their hair so long, but it suits you as it wouldn't most men. In truth, I do think you would look equally well with it short. Do you like my hair long?"

"Yes. I would much rather you keep it that length."

He escorted me back to my chambers, saying he had a surprise for me. My birthday gift.

My drawing room now contained a display case that housed duplicates of Lucent's glass and crystal gifts, from the first, an angel, to the last, the Ice Palace. My favorite might have been the Lamorean Hound. He'd asked if I wanted a real one, known to be fast and friendly, but I told him I thought the journey would be too much for the dog, so he sent the crystal version.

I picked it out of the case. It was cold. As were the others. They were made of diama.

"Are these the originals?" I asked. "Or replicas?"

"They're the originals. Faro, who was an amateur geologist, carved them himself. By some antiquated law, diama isn't allowed to leave Lamore, so I had replicas made for you, intending to give you these if you came. My father will make an exception if you wish to take them."

"Thank you, it is a wonderful surprise." There were about fifty pieces, as he'd sent gifts for my birthday, as well as Christmas and some other occasions. "I know diama is very rare."

"Yes, but there is so much of it here that we can always find a little to use."

We sat down on a divan, and he took my hand and kissed it. "I'm sorry to take you away from your home so suddenly. You must not have expected to come here so soon."

"No, I didn't, but I knew I would likely come within the year. There was no point in waiting."

"You wanted to fulfill your obligation and forget about the contract, didn't you?"

I met his eyes. They were warm, serious. "Perhaps. Yes. I didn't think I would want to stay."

"But there is a chance. You haven't ruled it out."

"No. My father said I would be here for at least a month or two. I don't think there is any urgency to make a decision, but we should have some idea by then whether this may work."

"Yes. We'll come to know each other quite well."

Lucent asked that I play for him, so I did, conscious of him standing by me, turning the pages. When I finished, he swept the hair off my neck and kissed me there. A shiver ran down my spine. He kept kissing my neck, sucking, licking, and nibbling, his hands holding me in place. I began to shiver even more, almost shaking. My eyes closed and I lost myself in sensation.

He turned me around, away from the pianoforte, and pulled me up against him. My arms went around his neck and once again I was lost, kissing him, feeling my body mold to his. He made love to me with his mouth, his tongue gently pushing in, then exploring, twisting around my tongue. It felt very tender, yet passionate. At some point, we sat down again on the divan, and then he lay on top of me, still just kissing, although I could feel him hardening.

"I had better go," he said, sitting up, his eyes glazed.

"Yes, perhaps you should," I said.

"Sleep well, Angel."

"Good night, Lucent."

*

**Chapter XIII**

There was something over my eyes and I could not see. And my wrists and ankles were tethered in the same soft fabric, spreading me open. Someone was suckling my sensitive spot and I arched involuntarily, moaning. Was it Sebastian? I should just leave.

" _Come for me, Angel."_

" _Lucent?"_

His mouth covered mine as he inserted his fingers and stroked my spot. I arched again, contracting around him. He kept moving his fingers, then gradually stopped. A moment later, something very cold and wet touched my entrance. It circled, then pushed in slowly.

" _Lucent!"_

I knew I could stop it, or leave, but I wanted to understand what Lucent was doing. Why.

The thing kept pushing in, then began moving forward and back as his cock had done. But I knew it was not a cock. It felt too smooth and hard. Like ice. Or diama. I writhed from the cold, shivering, my skin pebbling. Warm fingers tweaked and twisted my hard nipples.

" _Oh Gods. It's so cold. Please, Lucent."_

The thing moved faster, all the way in and out, and I found myself moving with it, even contracting around it, but of course it did not release. Finally, it pulled out and did not return.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Then I felt Lucent's cock push in. I was so cold that the cock felt incredibly hot. I writhed again. He moved forcefully, all the way in and all the way out, over and over, warming my passage, melting me. Cold fingers squeezed my breasts.

" _Now, Angel. Come with me."_

Once again, I arched, contracting around his cock, and he held himself deep inside me and released. He rested on me for a few moments, then kissed me and untied the blindfold.

I blinked up at him. This time neither of us was wearing a dressing gown, and I could see all of him, and of course, he'd seen all of me. He really was beautiful. And not very angelic.

" _Good?" he asked._

" _Good," I said._

He untied my wrists and ankles, chafing and kissing them, then wiped his spilling seed from me with the silk tethers. Finally, he lay down and held me against him.

" _I didn't expect the restraints or the diama," I said._

" _You didn't feel pleasure?"_

" _I did. But I didn't realize you enjoyed such things."_

" _There are many ways we can enjoy each other. If you don't enjoy one, we'll try another. Some of my predilections will seem strange, but you may also find them pleasurable."_

" _Well, if you enjoy restraints and diama, perhaps I will use them on you."_

Lucent laughed. "I think you may enjoy that more."

Now that I had entered and stayed in another of Lucent's dreams, I felt even guiltier about keeping that a secret from him. Yet telling him about these particular dreams would likely ruin our nascent relationship, creating expectations of intimacy and an obligation to marry.

But I could not keep entering his dreams like this. I would tell him tomorrow.

*

**Chapter XIV**

When I woke and looked at my reflection, I saw that Lucent had left bruises on my neck where he had kissed me. I did not know whether he had done so intentionally, but I decided to cover them with a scarf, a piece of silk that had cocooned one of his gifts.

It was barely dawn and I felt the need for exertion. In fact, I desperately wanted to swim. I had several choices, including a crystalline lake I could see from my windows, but the closest and easiest was the pool within the palace grounds. I hoped no one else would be there.

Two of the King's men escorted me to the secondary structure, saying they would prevent anyone else from entering. The large pool, or _natatio_ , was outside, with wide steps leading into the water. It was surrounded by colonnades and mythological statuary. I swam for an hour, energized by the cool water and air, then entered the bathhouse. The _caldarium_ had a small bath for washing, with fountains to each side and artificial waterfalls on the walls, and a large hot bath for relaxing. The whole was tiled with mosaics of fantastic sea creatures.

I relaxed for only a short time before entering the _frigidarium_ for a cold plunge. As the Guards told me that no one else had come while I was there, I looked forward to swimming again.

After breakfast, Sebastian arrived, bearing letters.

He said, "They're from your mother. Both are addressed to me on the outside, but one is addressed to you on the inside. I'm sure that she meant for you to read both."

I quickly scanned my letter, looking for news of war and other calamities. I found it. At the time she wrote the letter, three days after our departure, Meridia had just begun a civil war. No other countries had joined the rebels yet. My father was naturally extremely busy, but he sent his love and good will to Sebastian and me, as well as to our host and his family. And of course, they both hoped that Lucy, Xavier, Indigo, and Zed were also well and happy. She would write again when there was more news, and hoped to hear from me soon.

"She hadn't received my first letter yet," I said. "She must know about Lucy by now."

"Yes," Sebastian said. "I doubt mine says anything yours doesn't, but have at it."

* * *

Darling Sebastian,

We are so grateful to you for indulging our request, especially at such short notice. We hope that you are enjoying the opportunity to travel, and we will see to your lodgings and home while you are away. If there is anything we can do, you have only to ask. We consider you not only a dear friend, but a member of our family, and we wish you well always.

* * *

The rest was similar to mine, with news of the war, social events, and various people.

"I don't think I'm being properly grateful to you," I said. "I feel like I've been neglecting you."

Sebastian shook his head. "No, we've been spending quite a lot of time together. It's just that we became so accustomed to spending all our time together that it doesn't seem like it."

"I suppose. And, of course, our relationship has changed."

"Yes. How is Lucent?"

"Fine." I was about to tell Sebastian about Lucent's "cold" when I realized that I'd received Vidrian's permission, but not Lucent's. I'd have to ask for that as well now.

After writing our responses, we walked to the lake, which was wooded on the far side and took us several hours to circle. Then Sebastian rowed us and our picnic hamper to a tiny island in the middle. As we sat and ate, I grew drowsy and would have napped if the King's men hadn't been watching. I couldn't imagine Queen Celeste doing such a thing.

So I napped in my own bed and was wide awake for dinner, especially with Vidrian at my side, acting quite the rogue. Perhaps he had drunk too much wine, but he was much more flirtatious than usual, touching my arm constantly and even nudging me with his foot.

Lucent seemed to notice from his side of the table, and his eyes narrowed. Ash raised an elegant eyebrow, while Sebastian frowned. The other men seemed to deliberately ignore us, talking among themselves, which I didn't mind. I really didn't want an audience.

As Vidrian did not seem himself, I treated the situation lightly. I did discourage his foot by "inadvertently" stepping on it, and his hand by "inadvertently" scratching it.

"I'm so sorry," I said. "I didn't realize your foot was there." Then the same with his hand. I was prepared to repeat or escalate if necessary, but he seemed to understand.

I couldn't say at what point I realized that Vidrian wasn't really Vidrian, but Graydon. His face and form were very similar, but there was a certain laxness. And he himself seemed coarser.

I returned the expressions I'd seen before: eyes narrowed at Lucent, eyebrow raised at Ash. Sebastian didn't deserve a frown, as he most likely didn't know, but those two must. Indeed, Lucent shook his head, as if shaking off blame, while Ash had the grace to look embarrassed.

As I didn't know the purpose of the imposture, I said nothing.

After dinner, Lucent asked if I wanted to walk in the gardens. I accepted, taking his arm.

"I apologize for my uncle," he said, once we were outside. "I didn't know he had arrived, and I didn't have a chance to speak with him before he led you away. I will have a word with him."

"What was his purpose in deceiving me?" I asked.

"I'm not sure. Sometimes they switch for sport. Other times, there's a more serious reason."

"Do you mean he appears in your father's place? Or as a decoy?"

"Both. He's saved my father's neck many times, on and off the battlefield. My father has saved his life as well. They're thick as thieves."

"My parents never mentioned your uncle. He didn't come to Meridia with your father, did he?"

"No, my grandfather kept them separated much of their lives, not wanting to lose both unnecessarily, and seeing the advantage of twins. Most Lamoreans didn't know about my uncle until my grandfather died. Some still may not. His existence had been a secret."

"Really? I think I feel rather sorry for him now."

"Yes, so do I. As does my father. He didn't agree with what my grandfather did, and he's tried to make up for the slights and neglect, but I don't know if it can all ever be put right."

"You said that you grew up with Ash. So he was separated from his father?"

Lucent nodded. "Ash was treated like my father's son. His sisters stayed with their parents."

I didn't think I would have liked Lucent's grandfather, although he had taken in my mother as his ward, then shipped her off to Meridia, where she'd met my father. She herself rarely mentioned the old King, and my education indicated he'd been a bloodthirsty tyrant.

Lucent led me into a garden I hadn't seen before, a rose garden that reminded me of the one at home. It also reminded me of the roses Sebastian had given me. That seemed long ago.

"This was my mother's favorite garden," Lucent said. "She missed the Meridian roses."

"Yes, this reminds me of home," I said. "But the other gardens are lovely too."

"Would you rather go elsewhere?"

"Please. I don't want to cry."

Lucent put his hand over mine and we left the roses behind. We passed through various floral gardens, a water garden, a rock garden, and a medicine garden, finally stopping in a kitchen garden, where we picked a few strawberries. They were small and tart.

"There are other berries and things," Lucent said.

"Not for me, thank you," I said.

"Are you still sad?"

"Perhaps a little. But Lucent, there is something I must tell you. I can't forget."

"That sounds rather alarming. Shall we sit?"

I sat down under a grape arbor, but Lucent remained standing, looking down at me.

"Have you come to a decision then?" he asked.

"No," I said. "It's not about that. Well, not really."

He relaxed slightly, but his expression was puzzled. "That's not very helpful, Angel."

"Sorry. You know about most of my abilities, but there's one we haven't discussed."

"Dreams," he said promptly. Perhaps he'd been thinking of this too.

"Yes. When your father asked me to wake you, I tried to reach you in your dreams, but I couldn't, perhaps because you weren't asleep. I hadn't compelled you to sleep."

"I didn't know you had tried to do that. I wasn't aware of it."

I nodded. "That is one way I can enter a dream. If I try. But I also sometimes enter the dreams of people, men, when I'm not trying, especially if they're dreaming of me."

Lucent started. "What happens when you enter a dream?"

"I can leave it or change it or stay in it as it is. It feels real to me. And I remember it. The men whose dreams I see won't remember unless I compel them."

"Do the dreams seem real to them too?"

"Yes. I believe they feel as they would if they were awake."

Lucent looked thoughtful. "Can you show me?"

"Now? I would have to compel you twice. Once to sleep and once to remember."

He agreed, so we went to my drawing room and sat on the divan.

"Have you thought about our dream?" I asked. "What you would like us to do?"

"Could you show me your home?" Lucent asked.

I nodded. "Rest against the pillows so that you're comfortable while you're sleeping."

When he was ready, I put him to sleep, then sat back myself, closing my eyes.

* * *

We were sitting on a bench in the rose garden, a carefully planned riot of color and scent. The sky was clear, but a light breeze ruffled our hair. Butterflies fluttered around us.

" _This is our home in the country," I said. "We come here every summer."_

Lucent looked around. "This does feel real. Very real."

" _If a bee stings, it will hurt," I teased._

I showed him about the gardens, pointing out the woods where Sebastian and I met, then we entered the house, where I gave him a brief tour before we went out to the terrace for tea.

" _I could show you my parents, but they wouldn't be real as we are," I said._

Lucent shook his head. "No, I think it's better not."

We rode along the cliffs and down to the beach, where I told Lucent what my mother had said about him and Lamore, and he said he did sometimes look at the ocean and think of me and of Meridia. From there, it was a natural jump to our house in town, so that I could show him the stones, as well as his gifts, in the display case.

As we walked through the house, I told him how I'd been passing my time.

" _You're interested in the welfare of children and animals?" he asked._

" _Yes, there are many worthy causes, but I can't invest myself in all of them."_

He nodded. "You're likely to accomplish more if you focus on a few."

We ended in the garden and sat down again. Lucent looked pensive.

" _Would you like to see more of Meridia or is that enough for now?" I asked._

" _This isn't quite what I imagined," he said._

" _No? Well, you can do what you like in your dreams. I have been controlling this one."_

" _May I - " Lucent bent his head to kiss me. It was a short, sweet kiss. "Thank you, Angel. I feel like I understand you a bit better now."_

I smiled. "I enjoyed it, Lucent. But I'm going to wake myself now. It's probably late."

* * *

I opened my eyes and sat up. Lucent stirred a moment later and sat up as well.

"It is late," he said, glancing at the clock.

"You remember everything, don't you?"

He nodded. "We don't have to be together to do this, do we?"

"No. Good night, Lucent."

"Sleep well, Angel."

* * *

I could not see. But I was not blindfolded, it was just dark. I felt small smooth stones being placed on my bare back. Hot, but not painful. I closed my eyes, letting the heat seep into my body, relaxing my muscles and melting my bones. The stones were gently kneaded into me.

I thought it was Lucent, but it might have been Sebastian. Or someone else. I did not ask.

*

**Chapter XV**

When I woke, it was raining lightly. The drops fell on me as I swam, increasing in number and intensity until I hardly dared to open my eyes. I did not care. I did not need to see to swim. However, when the sky grew darker and a lightning bolt flashed, I quickly climbed out of the water and entered the baths. I had no desire to test my powers against the elements.

After breakfast, Sebastian joined me. We would likely stay inside as lightning kept flashing, followed by cracks and rumbles of thunder. I was glad to have swum while I had the chance.

"Would you mind posing for me, Sebastian?" I asked.

He looked startled. "For a picture?"

"Yes, that is what that usually means. You know I'm not very good, but I enjoy trying."

"You're quite good."

"Thank you. But I doubt my pictures will ever be taken for the work of a real artist."

I sketched him as he sat in a chair reading. His hair was a little wavy, a rich blond with strands of different hues. His face had a hint of color from the sun. His features were strong, his tawny eyes dark in the imperfect light. I thought he had a slight look of discontent.

"Sebastian, is there anything you want to do while we're here? I mean, not just around the palace, but anywhere in Lamore? We'll be here for at least a month or two."

"We're here because of Lucent. We can't just leave him, Angelique."

"No, but perhaps we can all go somewhere. If you are really going to travel when this is settled, I'd like for us to have some good memories. And I'd like to see more of the country."

He was silent, apparently thinking, and I too tried to think of places that he might enjoy. Lamore had a long coastline and beaches, but the interior was ringed by mountains, which formed a natural boundary and first line of defense. There were ancient and appealing towns and cities, various ruins, museums, hot springs . . .

I mentioned these to Sebastian, and he said we would do whatever I liked. I returned to sketching, deciding that perhaps we'd do all of them. He was bound to enjoy something.

The day passed slowly. I sketched, read, lunched, practiced on the pianoforte, and played cards and billiards. All with Sebastian. I idly wondered why Lucent and Vidrian didn't try to prevent me from spending so much time alone with him. But perhaps they saw no reason for concern, and they would have been right. We did nothing inappropriate or remarkable.

Ash came in and watched us as we played in the billiards room. We'd both played since we were children and our games were quite competitive, full of fancy shots. When I won a game with my stick behind my back, Ash smiled the way he'd done when we'd gone sledding. As if we were children, and our antics amused him.

After another game, Sebastian left, as Ash seemed to want. He rolled a ball into a pocket.

"Angelique, my father isn't a gentleman," he said. "He won't apologize for his behavior last night, so I am here to do it on his behalf. In all honesty, there is really nothing I can say to excuse him, save that he hasn't been himself since my mother died last year. I do apologize."

"It's really not necessary, Ash. But can you tell me the reason for the imposture?"

"My uncle wanted to know if you could tell the difference. It was a test of your intelligence, I think, as well as something that you ought to know. And my father enjoys playing king."

"Does he?"

"He doesn't think he is fit for the office and has no desire for it, but he enjoys the attention. You see, he has often felt like he has lived in my uncle's shade, as if he were a shadow or a ghost. Even his accomplishments as a soldier have often been taken as my uncle's."

"I think I would like to talk more to your father. As himself, not your uncle."

"I'm afraid that's not possible. Not at the moment." Ash explained that Vidrian and Graydon had set out early this morning for Vidrian's official residence in the distant capital, Aurora.

At dinner, Lucent looked tired, but talked pleasantly to everyone. Afterward, he asked me to play for him on any of the pianofortes in the palace.

"May I play a piece or two on each?" I asked. "I would like to try them all."

"Of course."

As the palace had been built for a king, there were King's apartments and Queen's apartments, each of which had a pianoforte. The King's was black and imposing, with a deep, powerful sound, while the Queen's was painted and pretty, with a lighter, more delicate sound.

Lucent stood beside me at each, turning the pages and complimenting me, although I knew that I was not particularly accomplished. As with my art, however, I enjoyed it.

I played only a few notes in the theater and the nursery, as the flat, off-key noises hurt my ears. "The first two are clearly best," I said. "The last two might improve with care."

We were still in the nursery, and Lucent looked about at the shrouded furniture. "There haven't been children here for a long time. Not ones who were raised here. Only visitors."

"You never lived here when you were growing up?"

"No, we visited a few times, but my father preferred his other homes, so he let his brothers use it. Then when it became mine, I was too young or too busy elsewhere to stay. Until now."

"You came for the diama."

'Yes, and the snow, the ice, the cold. Those were the only things which relieved the pain."

"You had to isolate yourself here. But perhaps now, you can leave."

"Soon, if I don't relapse."

"Sebastian and I were talking of traveling about Lamore. With you, if you are able. I haven't told him about the freezing, but I would like to be able to talk to him about it."

Lucent considered. "You trust him. He has kept your secrets."

"Yes. He won't tell yours."

"I'll trust your judgment."

We went to my drawing room for the fifth and final pianoforte. It was not flat or off-key, of course, so I played through a sonata and an etude. When I finished, Lucent again descended on my neck, holding me in place as he ravaged it with kissing and sucking and nibbling.

"Oh Gods," I said softy.

Lucent pulled me up to him and we kissed, playing with each other's lips and tongues. His grip tightened and I again molded myself against him, feeling his growing hardness.

"Angel," he murmured.

Lucent sat next to me on the divan, kissing me, but keeping a discreet distance between us. I wanted to pull him closer, to feel him against me, but I didn't want to torment him. Still, as we kept kissing, the distance gradually decreased until he was moving on top of me.

He sat up, pushing his hair back. "I didn't think this would happen. We've just met."

I sat up too, straightening my dress. "Yes, it feels like we've known each other much longer."

"We have. I've known you, or about you, all your life. And you've known me most of mine."

"But it hasn't been even a week since I arrived."

Lucent took my hand and kissed it. "Angel, could we meet in our dreams tonight?"

"If you wish."

"No, if you wish." He looked thoughtful. "Don't compel me to remember."

"You don't want to remember?"

"Not this time."

* * *

I was lying on someone, kissing him. I knew it was Lucent before I opened my eyes.

" _I didn't mean to dream of you," I said._

We were on the diama dais, wearing the clothes we'd worn the first time I kissed him, he in a silvery robe, I in a black Meridian evening dress. I pushed myself up and he followed.

" _Why, Angel?" he asked, touching my arm. "Why didn't you mean to dream of me?"_

" _You didn't want to remember."_

" _I thought that you might not want me to remember. That is all."_

" _Ash told me about Faro's journal. Do you expect us to do what they did?"_

" _My intent was that you not worry about me. I seem to have done the opposite."_

I had an inspiration. "I am going up to the battlements. Meet me there if you like."

I stood on the battlements, looking out at the ocean. Lucent joined me a moment later.

" _There's a good wind today," I said. "Not too strong. I think I would like to fly."_

Lucent looked startled. "Fly?"

I sprouted wings on my back. They were black, like my hair and dress, so they might have made me look more demonic than angelic. Or perhaps merely ridiculous. I didn't care, I liked the feeling of them. "You don't need wings, if you don't want them, but I'll use them today."

I lifted into the air, hovering just above and outside the battlements.

" _Come, Lucent, catch me if you can," I said, smiling at his stare, then soared away._

I went up to the clouds, seeking cover, then peeked through to see if he had followed. I did not see him below, and was not sure he'd even tried. As I raised my head, I spied him, wingless, on another cloud and he spied me. I leapt from cloud to cloud, away from him, laughing. He was about to seize me when I suddenly dove down, straight into the lake.

My wings vanished and I swam underneath the surface, walking out the other end. Lucent emerged behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist, gasping for breath.

" _I've caught you," he said._

" _Yes. Did you enjoy it?"_

" _You are a little devil. I thought my heart might stop."_

I laughed. "Well, when your heart has recovered, perhaps we can go elsewhere."

*

**Chapter XVI**

For the next week, my routine seemed written in stone. Day: Sebastian. Night: Lucent.

Days: Sebastian and I went on excursions, sometimes accompanied by Ash or Lord Bay. We walked for miles in various directions, rode to more distant places, and picnicked everywhere.

Nights: Lucent and I stayed in the palace and kissed, then met in our sleep in our favorite places, real and imaginary. My dreams tended to be adventurous, while his were more romantic. I thought myself fortunate to have him in my life, even if we did not marry.

Then the courtiers began to invite us to their homes and on outings, as did other royal intimates. Lucent said I should accept, even if that meant I would not see him in the evening.

"I don't want to keep you from everything," he said. "I want you to go."

"But perhaps you can come too," I said.

"Not yet."

So Sebastian and I spent many evenings in the company of the Lamorean elite, who seemed much less rigid than the Meridian elite, with the young ladies mostly unchaperoned. When they went off with their beaus, or were caught kissing, it was seen as quite natural. Of course, there were Lamoreans who were more moralistic, but they were in the minority.

As we sat next to each other at theaters and musicales, talked at suppers, danced around ballrooms, and strolled about dark gardens, I felt as though Sebastian were my lover, not Lucent, although we never engaged in improprieties. He was always at my side.

One night, as we returned from a gala, Sebastian said, "It's time I told you the truth."

"About what?" I asked.

We were in a carriage by ourselves, so we had privacy.

"You remember the dream I had the last night on the ship? I know why I had it. I didn't want you to know, but maybe you should. It's a long story."

I sat back, angled toward him, and said, "Go on."

He said, "While I was out with friends, I met a girl, a woman, who asked if I was any relation to the late Lord Sylvan. When I said that I was his son, she said that I was his spitting image and they'd been good friends. She asked if we could talk in private. When I'd arranged for us to do so, she told me that the last time she'd seen my father, he meant to confront someone he suspected of cheating at cards. All she knew of the man was that he lived near the heath."

"And she didn't tell the police?"

"No. She spoke only to warn me." He paused. "I'd never been too curious about my father's death, believing it to be a random act of violence, but I couldn't let this go. The police were pessimistic, and I couldn't afford to hire detectives. That's when I left you, Angelique."

"Why, Sebastian? I would have helped you. My parents would have helped you."

He shook his head. "I began to frequent places my father might have gone. One night, in a gambling hell, I met a man called Edwards, who'd gone to school with him. Edwards lived near the heath too, and we left together. He invited me to his home for drinks.

"I didn't trust him or his drinks, so I left mine untouched. He noted this, then rang for his man and drew a gun. He said he knew why I was there. They forced me outside and I realized they meant to kill me on the heath, so I broke the man's grip. I tried to use him as a shield as we struggled, then the gun fired and the man collapsed. I tackled Edwards, I disarmed him, and then I - I strangled him, Angelique. I wanted to kill him. It wasn't an accident."

"Oh, Sebastian."

I would have said more, but Sebastian continued, his voice unemotional.

"Both men were dead. There was no outcry. Instinctively, and no doubt cowardly, I fled. Over the heath and back to my rooms. Every day I have expected to be found out."

"He tried to murder you, Sebastian. It seems likely that he did kill your father, or his actions would make no sense. I wouldn't judge you harshly." I touched Sebastian's arm.

"But you wouldn't be my judge. According to Meridian law, I'm a murderer. The moment that he posed no danger, I no longer had a valid reason for taking his life."

"Who is to say that he might not have renewed his attack? Or called others to continue?"

"I wasn't afraid of either of those things, Angelique. I was furious and vengeful. Whatever my reason, the law being what it is, if I am caught, I will most likely be hanged."

"No. Never. Exceptions must be made in such cases. If not, clemency."

"I told your father what happened when he first asked me to accompany you to Lamore. He insisted on knowing why I refused, and I finally told him. I did not, and do not, want you to be associated with a murderer, Angelique. He promised to see what he could do."

"There!" I exclaimed, with relief. "I knew he would help. And he did, didn't he?"

"In a way, yes. The morning we left, he came to my lodgings. He had arranged for an envoy to go with you, but the man had fallen ill, so you would go alone if I did not escort you. He said that if he failed in his efforts, I would at least be out of the reach of Meridian justice."

"So that is why you planned to travel. But you have not had final word?"

Sebastian shook his head. "No. I am not hopeful."

"Why are you telling me now, Sebastian?"

"When I killed Edwards, I killed my chance with you. That is my interpretation of the dream. But I was never very worthy of you, with no money, a tarnished title, and a rundown estate."

"You know that those things are not important to me."

"But they are to me. And you should be aware that I was with other women while we were apart. Don't imagine that I was faithful to you. Don't have any illusions about me. We can't go back to being what we once were, Angelique, even if your father succeeds."

I felt another pang of regret. No, we could not go back to what we'd once been.

*

**Chapter XVII**

According to my parents' letters, the Meridian civil war continued. I hoped each time that the news was old, and that the war was, in fact, over. They told me to stay in Lamore.

Lucent slowly emerged from his isolation. He took to swimming in the mornings, crossing paths with me after I'd finished. He also went about the palace grounds in broad daylight, and held small audiences and dinners, minimizing, but not avoiding, contact. He did not relapse.

After a month had passed, we set out from the palace one morning. Sebastian had been invited, but discreetly excused himself, so Lucent and I were alone with our many guards. He, like his men, wore a uniform while I wore a walking outfit, as he'd suggested.

"Have you decided where we're going?" I asked.

"A temple." As we exited the palace grounds, he pointed to a stone marker. "We're on the path now. For pilgrimages. The path originally ran from temple to temple, but the one here is long gone. The Ice Palace was built on the ruins."

It was sunny but cool, especially in the shade of the trees that often lined the sometimes indiscernible path. I was much shorter than Lucent, but I was accustomed to walking with tall men, and I had no trouble matching his leisurely pace.

We talked little, but it was a harmonious silence that felt fitting for a pilgrimage. We went around mountains and through woods, sometimes meeting or passing others. They always greeted us politely, looking surprised but happy to see Lucent, and curious about me.

"Have you been to the temple before?" I asked.

"Yes, but it's been years. Of course, the path isn't used only for pilgrimages. I doubt many of the people we see are using it for that purpose."

I had noticed paths intersecting with ours, some with signs, most without. I occasionally saw buildings in the distance, but even they were usually obscured by trees. I was conscious of our footsteps, the sun, the chirping of birds and rustling of leaves. It was very peaceful.

We stopped at a clearing for lunch. We could look down the mountain and far out to the ocean. It was a slightly different, more panoramic, vista than that from the palace.

"How much longer until we reach the temple?" I asked Lucent.

"It's not very far. Are you tired?"

"No, I'm fine. But it may be dark by the time we return."

"We won't stay long. And night falls quite late now."

I had thought of that, but said nothing more. The men were all soldiers, and I was a soldier's daughter. I did not mind walking in the dark, especially if the moon was out.

Within an hour, we passed between weathered stone columns and performed ablutions at a pool fed by a spring. The temple itself was in a cavern. In the center of one wall, a part of the wall, was an orange diama image of the sun. A perpetual fire lay before it, making it glow and flicker. Lucent genuflected, and I knelt too. As did the Guards, one by one, at the back.

By tradition, Apollo sired the first Lamorean king. I did not think I subscribed to that tradition, but I said a prayer anyway for Lucent and Vidrian, and for everyone in Meridia. I wished for peace. The flames seemed to grow higher and hotter and the sun brightened and burned.

At last, we stood, and Lucent spoke briefly with the attending priest. We walked silently out of the temple and through the gates. I was deep in thought. Perhaps Lucent was too.

As we neared the clearing, I heard the sharp crack of a gun shot, and the Guard in front of Lucent collapsed. Lucent and I immediately dropped too, and our guards closed around us, forming a tight defensive ring. Another shot rang out and another Guard fell.

We retreated quickly as a unit. Lucent on my right, Xavier on my left, Indigo in front, and Zed behind, with the Royal Guards around us. The men were all armed, of course. As was I, but my gun was small, not accurate at any distance. My dagger was also unlikely to help.

I noticed that Lucent's hand was bloody. "Where were you shot?" I asked anxiously.

"My arm," he said, his eyes scanning around us. "Don't worry, I've been hurt much worse."

"Somehow that is not very comforting."

I feared that we would retreat into another attack, and that was what happened. A barrage of shots rang out and more Guards fell. I thought the first man might be dead, but I had no chance to inspect the others. At this rate, we'd all be shot and dead quite soon. Several Guards separated from us, skirting the trees and running toward our attackers.

We could not stay still either. Continuing on the path seemed likely to result in more shots. Going up or down the side of the mountain might too, but was probably the better choice.

"Angel, go with your guards. They're not wearing uniforms, and you will be safer without me."

"No, Lucent. I'm not worried for my safety, but for yours."

"Then do as I say. You will distract us if you stay."

This was no time to argue. I reluctantly gave in as more shots rang out.

Lucent had the Guards move and fire to cover our departure. The four of us darted into the trees uphill, Indigo first, Xavier with me, and Zed behind. We were all dark-haired, wearing dark clothes, so we might escape notice. I removed my hat and threw it under a bush

We scurried up the mountain, staying low and dashing between trees and rocks. A bullet flew just past Xavier. We all dropped. Zed acted as decoy, and when the next shot rang out, Indigo was closing on the shooter. Zed moved again, then Indigo made a bird call that told us he'd killed the sniper. But there might be others.

We were still several hours away from the palace. And now that we were off the path, we were likely to take longer, even if we ran. I was frustrated and worried. How many men were now dead or injured? And what of Lucent, the most likely target of all this?

We could have found our way back without the path, but it was easier and perhaps faster to follow it from high above. Indigo dispatched another shooter, creeping up behind him.

"Their weapons seem to be Meridian," Xavier murmured, looking down at the scene.

Eventually, we had to descend, as the path continued on another mountain. I took the pins out of my hair, so that I did not look like a proper Meridian lady, but a Lamorean girl out with her beau. Xavier stepped onto the path first. While he was still within sight, Indigo and I slipped onto the path from a different place, then Zed did the same behind us.

Indigo and I talked in low voices and smiled and flirted, as if we were in love. No one seeing us would have imagined that he'd just killed two men and we were afraid of being shot. Xavier ahead of us had a purposeful air, while Zed looked like he was contemplating nature.

As no one shot at us, or approached us, we stayed on the path, even though we could have gone above or below it. We continued to pretend, but we gradually increased our pace.

"Indigo," I said, "I'm worried about the others. Perhaps they can come this way safely now."

"Do you want to turn back?" he asked.

"No, I don't think that's a good idea. I just hope they're behind us."

"It's a long walk back. By the time we get there, it'll likely be over."

I agreed. But how would it end?

I had my answer when a Guard ran up to us. "We are coming from behind," he said, "clearing the woods as we go. There have been no shots for a while. The Prince is alive."

I thanked the Gods. "And the others?"

"We have many injured and fear some may die. I must go if you are well."

"We are all well, thank you. I am sorry for the injured men."

The man ran off again, seeming tireless. I wondered how far he'd run to meet us. I should have asked. I was inclined to wait, but I knew that would not please Lucent.

As we came to the last bit of woods, the sun was setting in glorious oranges, pinks, and reds. I heard a shot, then felt pain and burning in my chest. I stumbled and Indigo caught me.

*

**Chapter XVIII**

I was lying in the field of wildflowers and Sebastian was holding me, stroking my hair.

" _Sebastian?"_

" _Yes. Angelique, you've been hurt. Very badly hurt."_

" _I remember. Is Lucent all right?"_

" _Yes. He's with you. You haven't woken and he's worried. I took a sleeping draught."_

" _I don't think I should wake yet. It helps to be here."_

" _No, don't try to wake. I will help you more if you let me."_

I understood his meaning, and I understood my need for his help, but I hesitated. I'd once thought that Sebastian and I might laugh about his "healing" me. I did not think that now.

" _You can close your eyes and pretend it's him if that makes it easier," he said._

" _No, Sebastian, I won't do that. Perhaps we can just kiss? If you don't mind."_

He shook his head. "I'm sorry that I was not with you. I thought it was better not."

I nodded, thinking that he had been right, then he kissed me. It felt like ages since we had last kissed, and at first I felt awkward, but it was Sebastian and I soon relaxed.

After a while, I pulled away. "Sebastian, I want you to know something. If I should die."

" _You won't die," he said. "Don't be dramatic."_

" _Well, even if I don't die. I'm sure you know anyway, but I want to say it. I do love you, very much, and I want you to be happy. I want you to find someone who will make you happy."_

" _I love you too, Angelique."_

I had not intended my declaration to make him more passionate, but it did so, quite understandably, and I lost myself in our kisses, feeling that he really did love me.

*

**Chapter XIX**

Someone was holding my hand, kissing it. I opened my eyes.

"Lucent," I said hoarsely.

He looked up. "I was afraid you wouldn't wake."

"How is your arm?"

"It will recover." He kissed my hand again, then said, "Angel, the physicians say the bullet is lodged in your heart and cannot be removed. You have lost a lot of blood. Too much."

I did feel extremely weak and cold, and I was in considerable pain. "I can heal."

"Sebastian said he would try to help you. Did he?"

"A little. I let him kiss me, Lucent. I kissed him."

"Is that all, Angel?"

"Yes. I'm sorry. We hadn't since we came here, but - "

He nodded. "It's all right. I only wish you had done more for your own sake. He told me I should, I would have to - I didn't feel right about it."

"Don't, then. Don't, if you don't want to." I closed my eyes, feeling a wave of pain.

"Angel?" His hand caressed my face.

"Yes, I'm here. I will be fine, Lucent." I felt myself falling into unconsciousness.

He kissed me. I barely felt it, did not respond. He kissed my eyelids. I had no strength to open my eyes. He moved to my neck, licking and sucking and nibbling, but I did not shiver as I usually did. I felt detached, as if I were watching him do these things from above.

"Angel, please," he murmured.

My clothes had been cut open and removed, and now lay in a heap. A sheet covered me, my bare arms resting above. As I lay there unmoving, Lucent kissed my hands and rubbed my arms, then slowly lowered the sheet. Bandages covered my chest. Otherwise, I was naked.

"Forgive me." His hands cradled my head and he kissed me, then he kissed and caressed the length of my body, avoiding the bandages and my center. I remained unresponsive.

"You are alive," he said, staring at my face. "I know you are alive. Do you not feel this?"

I said nothing, and he kissed me again, moving down my middle until he reached the junction of my legs. He gently pulled them apart and began suckling me. I felt a tingle of energy. He stroked me with his fingers, slowly pressing one inside me, moving it in circles.

"Lucent," I heard myself say.

"You feel this," he said, sounding relieved.

He continued laving me with his tongue, and pressed two fingers inside me. I shivered. He added another finger and I began to writhe.

"Come, Angel," he said. "Come back to me."

I contracted around his fingers, but they kept moving, and his mouth continued its ministrations until the sensation was almost painful. I opened my eyes.

Lucent noticed, pulled up the sheet, and kissed me. "Do you feel any better?" he asked.

"A bit," I said. "Thank you. But I don't want you to do anything you don't want to do, Lucent. I don't want you to feel obligated to me in any way."

"I am obligated to you, Angel, in many ways, but I wanted to do what I did."

I fought to stay awake. It was no good. I felt myself being dragged under again.

* * *

I flitted from dream to dream, and in and out of consciousness, out of control.

One moment I was lying in a sunny field with Sebastian, kissing, the next I was in darkness with shadowy men touching me, holding me, sharing me. And suddenly I was half-awake, distantly aware of Lucent bringing me to release, telling me to come, to come back to him.

Sometimes I seemed to be in the ether with both Sebastian and Lucent, feeling their mouths and hands and bodies, and knowing they were speaking to me, but not hearing them.

I was a creature of sensation and pleasure, mindless.

*

**Chapter XX**

When I finally woke, really woke, it was dark, the sky just beginning to gray. I was alone except for Astrid, who slept in a chair by the bed, mouth open, looking young and innocent.

I wore a dark silver brocaded dressing gown, like the one in Lucent's dream. Underneath it, the bandages had been removed, and there was no blood or sign of injury. I felt no weakness, cold, or pain. In fact, I felt completely well.

Realizing the time, I thought of swimming, but I didn't want to wake Astrid or disturb the palace. I lay in bed, wondering how Lucent had explained my miraculous recovery.

As the sun rose, suffusing the drapes in light, Astrid woke and her eyes went wide.

"Good morning, Astrid. Thank you for sitting with me."

She jumped to her feet. "I must inform the Prince that you are awake."

I quickly washed and dressed myself, thinking Lucent might come before long. In fact, Astrid soon returned with a message asking if he could see me. I asked her to arrange for breakfast for us both, then went down to the drawing room, where he waited, standing and smiling.

"Good morning, Lucent."

"Angel."

Lucent greeted me the way Vidrian liked to do, kissing me on each cheek, then pressing our bodies together. We stayed that way for a long time.

When we sat down, I asked about the attack. Lucent said that no Guards had died as of yet, but eight had been injured, some quite seriously. His own arm had healed as if by magic.

"I have implied that our visit to the temple helped us," he said. "I did pray for you, you know."

"I prayed for you too," I said. "But I am not religious. I don't know if that is important to you."

"I don't have faith like my parents, but I believe there may be a God or Gods."

"Yes, I am like that. I feel there may be, but I am not sure. Do you know who attacked us?"

"They were mercenaries, former soldiers from Sabor," he said, referring to one of Lamore's neighbors and enemies. "They wouldn't say who hired them. They claimed not to know. It's possible they're actually working for Sabor, and aren't real mercenaries."

"Why would they attack you and not your father?"

"My father is reckless. He's taken incredible risks throughout his life, and come through them nearly unscathed, but no one expects that to last, including him. In all honesty, I think he wants to die before he becomes weak and old, a toothless Lamorean Lion."

"But he's not like that yet. Not for a long time, I think."

"He's feeling his age, and expects to die soon."

"Really?" I was taken aback. Vidrian was so vital and his form still phenomenal.

"Apollo is the god of light, healing, and prophecy. My father believes he foresaw his own death in the temple. I think it may be one of the reasons he doesn't like coming here. In any case, everyone knows Lamorean kings don't have long lifespans." He sounded nonchalant.

"If you and your father die with no issue, your uncle will be king?"

"Yes, but he doesn't want to be king. Neither does Ash. They don't want the responsibilities."

It sounded disastrous. A king who did not want to be king, followed by yet another. Even if they abdicated, Lamore would be thrown into turmoil. "And who is next in line?"

"Another of my cousins. He is in Sabor, as Lamore's ambassador."

The cousin's presence in Sabor was probably a coincidence, but not an auspicious one.

"How do you feel about being a princess, Angel? Or a queen?"

"I wouldn't marry for rank, Lucent. Nor for wealth or power. Perhaps that is because I am fortunate to have a title and fortune of my own, and more power than I should." I considered. "I like my privacy. I don't particularly want to be watched and fussed over all the time."

Lucent nodded. "You would have some control over that, but there is a lack of privacy."

"In truth, I'm not sure I'd be a good wife to anyone. You know what I am. And you know how I healed. Not just with you, but with Sebastian, and perhaps others, strangers."

"Strangers?" he repeated. I explained, and he said, "I don't think you're immoral and I doubt you will ever use your powers in a way that upsets me. I have no tendency toward jealousy."

"But what of children?"

"I have little experience with them, but I would try to be a good father if I am blessed with any. As you are interested in the welfare of orphans and animals, I thought that you might wish to provide a home for some of them, as well as advance their causes in other ways."

"In my experience, many men would welcome the animals more than the children."

Lucent chuckled. "Animals tend to be easier to manage and less expensive."

After breakfast, Lucent excused himself, saying that he'd see me at dinner. I'd thought he might want to stay with me, but of course he had other things to do. Then Sebastian arrived, saying Lucent had sent word to come. We embraced in the reserved Meridian way.

"I'm fully recovered, thanks to you and Lucent," I said. "Shall we go for a walk?"

"Perhaps we should stay inside today," he said. "Less likely to be shot."

I insisted on going to the barracks to visit the injured Guards and my own guards, but then we retreated to the confines of the palace. We behaved as usual, with no allusions to our kisses.

Vidrian summoned me in the afternoon. When I arrived in the library, his keen eyes inspected me from top to bottom before he greeted me in his usual exuberant and affectionate way.

"You have had some excitement while I've been away," he said, as we sat down.

"Yes. Lucent and I have recovered, but I am sorry about the Guards."

Vidrian shook his head. "We are trying to untangle the plot. Sabor has imperial aspirations, especially with respect to Lamore, but we are not certain it is responsible. But rest assured, we will find out. I hope that this will not scare you away from us, Angelique."

"No, Vidrian. I am not concerned for myself, but for you and Lucent."

"This is not my time to die. And Lucent is young and strong."

When I went to my rooms to change, Astrid told me that I would be dining with Lucent in his private quarters. My insides fluttered, knowing what was to come. I would have to decide.

I wore a silver dress with crystal beads, which draped over one shoulder in a modernized classical style. Like most of my Lamorean dresses, it showed the contours of my breasts. It also bared my arms and most of my upper back. With it, I wore a diama comb and slippers.

A Guard showed me to an antechamber and closed the door behind me. The drapes had been drawn and the room was lit only by tapers. As my eyes grew accustomed to the dimness and I turned to examine my surroundings, Lucent entered from another door.

"You look lovely," he said, once again greeting me in the Lamorean way, although he did not hold me as long this time. He seated me at a table, which had a number of covered dishes.

"Why is it so dark?" I asked softly, loudness seeming wrong in the stillness.

"You like your adventures and mysteries. Let's make this one."

I lifted an eyebrow, amused. "All right."

Lucent was in his decadent evening clothes. He pulled a piece of black satin from the pocket of his robe and stretched it taut between his hands. "Do you trust me, Angel?"

"Yes, Lucent."

He blindfolded me, of course, then kissed me. He began to feed me delicate morsels, interspersed with more kisses, so that I did not know whether to expect food or his mouth. At intervals, he carefully raised a glass of water or wine to my lips, licking away the stray drops.

"These are all Meridian dishes," I said. "Is the wine Meridian too?"

"Yes," he said, "it was a gift from your parents."

Dessert was a cake with berries and cream that I always had on my birthday.

"I told you about the cake and about the other things, didn't I, Lucent? Thank you."

He kissed me once more and led me to what felt like a divan. He placed something in my palm, closing my fingers around it, then kissed my hand before releasing it.

It was a ring, of course. And the stone was cold. "This is not much of a mystery, Lucent."

Lucent untied the blindfold, saying, "Your answer is the mystery, Angel."

The ring was the one I'd seen in his dream, with diama in the form of a sun. Lucent was sitting next to me, and he picked up my hand again.

He said quietly, "I am in love with you and want to marry you, Angel. I know it hasn't been very long, but it is long enough for me. I think we can be very happy together. Do you?"

"Yes, I do." Without thinking, I added, "All right, Lucent. If you are sure."

I surprised myself. Lucent looked surprised too.

"I am sure," he said. "I have been sure for a long time. But I did not think you were ready."

Lucent slid the ring onto my finger. "As you may know, Lamoreans are considered married when they declare their intent before a priest or official who then registers the marriage. I am such an official, as is my father. We can consider ourselves married now or wait, if you wish."

I gaped at him. I knew Lamoreans often did not wait to marry, unlike Meridians, but I had not realized Lucent was capable of officiating his own marriage. Perhaps I should have.

"Do you want a large ceremony, Angel?" he asked. "Lamoreans typically have much smaller, private, ones than Meridians, limited to just the two marrying, or close family and friends. Our wedding celebrations, which can be held up to a year later, will be much bigger, more public."

"I don't need a large ceremony, Lucent, but I think your father should be at our wedding. Also Ash, since he is like your brother. And anyone else you wish to attend. Sebastian for me."

"The three you named are in the palace now. I don't know how long my father will stay."

"Is this really a matter of such urgency?"

"Yes. I want you very much, Angel, and I think you want, or need, me too, as you did to heal. I have tried to restrain myself, and my dreams, but I know that I have taken liberties. I won't ravish you while I'm awake, but I'm afraid I might while I sleep. We cannot continue like this."

I hesitated. "Lucent, you had some dreams of me before I compelled you to remember."

His eyes widened. "Did I - ?" He dropped his head. "I did, and you did not tell me."

"They were only dreams to you. You could not know that they felt real to me."

"When we were in the temple, I had a vision of loving you after we married. I thought it was a prophecy, but you said something strange, that I had reversed reality, that it was a dream."

"It was. I will show you the other, if you like."

He groaned. "No, not now. After we are married. Please, Angel, let's do it soon."

I agreed, and Lucent sent a message to his father. Then we talked about a wedding ball and where we would go for our wedding trip. I didn't really care. I just wanted him to be safe.

Vidrian sent word that he would perform the ceremony tonight, as he might leave in the morning. I was again surprised, not thinking it would be quite so soon or at night. I returned to my rooms. I had no dress more suited for a wedding in the Ice Palace, so an excited Astrid merely replaced the diama comb with a tiara. Then Sebastian came, smiling slightly.

"So you are going to marry him after all," he said.

"Yes," I said. "I didn't think I would, but I am."

"I hope you will be happy with him, Angelique."

"Thank you, Sebastian. I think he will do his best to see to that. As I will for him."

Sebastian escorted me to the chapel. Like the temple, it too had a diama image of the sun on one wall, although this one was a pinkish red. It was the only source of light. From a previous visit, I knew that sunlight would stream through the diama during the day, but now fire lit the space in between it and the exterior clear diama, so it looked like a midnight sun.

We knelt in an arc before it as if we were sitting at dinner. Vidrian in the center, Lucent to his right, I to his left, with Ash next to Lucent, and Sebastian next to me, then the courtiers. All the men were in their black evening clothes, and I, as usual, stood out in my dress.

It was a very simple ceremony. Vidrian asked if Lucent and I truly wished to marry, and we said, "We do." Then he asked if we vowed to love and honor and trust each other, and we said, "We will." Then we were all silent, to give men, women, and gods the opportunity to object. I used the time to again pray for Lucent and Vidrian, and to wish for peace, not just in Meridia, but everywhere. The fire and the diama sun continued to glow steadily and brightly.

Lucent slipped a ring on my finger, kissing my hand, then Sebastian passed me a ring, so that I could do the same for Lucent. The rings were made of a metal that changed color with the light and were engraved with fine writing and symbols which I had no time to decipher.

Vidrian finally spoke again, his arms spread wide across our shoulders. "Angelique, Lucent, my heart is full of love for both of you. You have made me very happy, and I hope that you are just as happy in your lives together. May the Gods bless your union."

We stood, and Vidrian took my hands and kissed me on both cheeks. The other men followed suit, wishing me love and happiness. Then they embraced Lucent, wishing him the same. Well, except for Sebastian, who seemed uncertain. Lucent shook his hand instead.

We proceeded to a reception room, where we were given glasses with amber liquor, which had a faint aroma of honey. Vidrian made a toast to Lucent and me, and then to the others in thanks for their attendance. The rest of us then drank to Vidrian's health.

A supper had been prepared, but I had no appetite. I sat there, smiling and dazed. Lucent seemed to understand, murmuring in a low voice that we would retire soon. And then I was suddenly aware that we had said our good nights and thank yous, and were walking away.

Lucent saw me to the Queen's apartments, where Astrid helped me undress and bathe. She was about to slip a diaphanous negligee over my head when I remembered Lucent's dream. I dismissed her, pulling on the dark silver dressing gown. Then I sat down on my new bed.

Lucent came in, his hair also damp. He was wearing his silver dressing gown and his eyes lit up when he saw me in mine. "So you are going to make my dream a reality?"

"Well, a bed is more comfortable than diama, but yes, you may do as you did in your dream."

"I shall try to do better." He came to the bed and sat by me, looking at me as if I weren't quite real. "This feels like a dream, Angel. Are we awake?"

"Do you really want me to pinch you, Lucent?"

"No. Will you show me the other dream now?"

My eyes slid away from his, thinking of it. "I'll try. Of course, I must compel you."

He nodded. "I understand."

*

Lucent, the memory of the dream is in your mind. Remember it now.

*

Lucent's eyes widened, then closed, as if he were thinking. Then they finally opened again, smiling but intent. "I saw it, Angel. Time passes much differently in our dreams."

"Yes." I yawned. "I'm sorry, Lucent. It's late and I'm a little tired."

He kissed me. "Go to sleep. I will meet you there."

I stifled another yawn. "All right."

*

**Chapter XXI**

We were lying in my new bed, in our dressing gowns. Lucent was holding me with one arm while his free hand was wrapped around my bare breast, his thumb rubbing my nipple.

" _Hello, Lucent."_

" _Angel. Is this all right?"_

" _Yes, of course. You are my husband now. And you've touched me like this before."_

" _I saw the dreams, but I didn't experience the sensations. This feels new to me."_

We kissed for a while, our hands exploring. He untied my dressing gown, and I untied his, so that our bare skin touched, as it had in his dream. At some point I realized that Lucent was holding the ties in his hand, and I was unsure whether he meant to blindfold or tether me.

" _What do you mean to do with those, Lucent?" I asked._

He smiled and held them out to me. "They are yours."

" _Mine?"_

" _Yes, it is your turn." He indicated the bedposts. "I'd prefer to see you, but you can do as you like. I'm sure there are more ties."_

I was uncertain how to proceed, but I did as he said, tethering his wrists to the bedposts and making sure they were not tied too tightly. Then I kissed and caressed him from top to bottom, then bottom to top, avoiding his nipples and cock. His cock was already hard.

Lucent groaned. "You are killing me, Angel."

I smiled. "That is not quite my intention."

I kissed his mouth, making love to it as he liked, and his arms seemed to strain to touch me. Then I kissed and nipped and sucked his neck to the point where I knew it would leave marks, as he often marked me. I could hear him begin to breathe heavily.

" _Are you awake, Lucent?" I asked, pinching and twisting his nipples. "Do you feel this?"_

He jerked beneath me. "I feel it," he growled.

I had been straddling his body, keeping myself high enough so that his cock did not touch me, but now I lowered myself on top of it, pushing it down so that it grazed my center, my abdomen, and in between my breasts. It finally sprang up, bobbing in front of my face.

" _Hello," I said, wrapping my right hand around it and pumping it up and down, as if I were shaking hands Meridian style. It was warm, growing even harder in my hand._

" _Angel, what are you doing?" Lucent asked._

" _Playing with my new toy, of course."_

I decided to give it a Lamorean welcome as well. I kissed it on each side of its head, then wrapped my hands around the length. It quivered and Lucent's whole body tightened. I knew I could bring him to release with my hands, but I wanted to use my mouth too. So I did. I explored the sensitive tip, including the little slit, and laved the whole thing and his balls. Then I let the top slide into my mouth and suckled it, while my hands below squeezed and moved rhythmically. Lucent's eyes were closed, his face taut, his arms straining. He arched, pushing further into my mouth. I intensified my efforts, and he continued arching.

" _Come for me, Lucent," I said mischievously._

Lucent released, his seed spurting like a geyser onto himself. I licked it up, then kissed him and lay down at his side, my arm draped across his front. I felt surprisingly possessive.

" _You are not going to untie me?" he asked._

" _No, not yet. I think you brought me to release at least three times before you untied me."_

He groaned. But his cock soon grew again, standing tall and straight like Lucent himself.

" _I think I want you inside me now," I said, stroking it gently._

Lucent nodded. "Please, Angel."

I remembered how I'd lain on top of him in his first dream, so I knew we could join that way. I kissed him, then lowered my center toward his cock. I circled it, then pushed myself onto it, letting the tip enter me. I watched Lucent, and Lucent watched me, his eyes glancing down to where we joined. I lowered myself a little more and the feeling of fullness grew.

" _I like the feeling of you inside me," I said. "It is a very good feeling."_

" _Yes," Lucent said. "Very good."_

I pushed up a little, then down. I did that countless times before finally enveloping all of his cock, enjoying the feeling of it deep inside me. It was very satisfying, pleasurable, intimate. I kissed his chest, then lay against it, listening to his heartbeat. But I soon sat up again and began to move, circling my hips and rubbing my sensitive spots against him. Lucent watched me, his steely eyes molten, as I arched and contracted around him, releasing.

I untied his wrists and kissed them. "I want to feel you on top of me, Lucent."

" _As you wish, Angel."_

Lucent thrust in and out of me shallowly a number of times, before pushing all the way in and pulling all the way out. Then he did it again. Many shallow thrusts in and out, followed by two continuous deep strokes. And again, this time with three deep strokes. As he continued, I became very conscious of his entering me each time with his shallow thrusts, and the length and girth of his cock on the long strokes. I released again. Lucent continued, and I was writhing as he finally made only one shallow thrust, followed by infinite deep strokes.

" _Come with me," Lucent said._

I arched and contracted around his cock, and Lucent released at the end of his stroke.

" _I love you," he said, kissing me._

He wiped his seed off me, then lay down, holding me. "Did you enjoy it, Angel?"

" _Yes, Lucent, very much. Thank you."_

" _You don't love me, do you?" he said calmly. "You have never said so."_

I was uncomfortable. "I do like you, Lucent. And I believe that I am enamored of you. I am sure that I will come to love you, as I promised. It has only been a short time."

" _That is true. Perhaps in another month?"_

I laughed. "Perhaps."

*

**Chapter XXII**

It was near dawn when I woke. I slipped away from Lucent and went to the wardrobe.

"Where are you going?" He was lying on his side, following my movements.

"For a swim," I said. "You know that's what I like to do in the morning."

Lucent looked like he might protest, then said, "We'll swim together."

I was a bit surprised, but of course this was his palace and we were now married.

"As you wish," I said.

Astrid usually accompanied me, attending me in the baths, but Lucent said that he would attend me himself, which made my insides flutter.

The Guards quickly scouted the structure before they left us alone. We removed our dressing gowns and slippers by the steps to the pool, then stood under the outdoor artificial waterfalls to cleanse ourselves, the icy water causing my skin to pebble. I wore a beribboned bathing costume, although I preferred to wear nothing if I had privacy. It got in my way.

"That is a very pretty costume," Lucent said, "but it looks cumbersome."

"Yes, it is Meridian," I said, trying not to stare at his nudity. His classical features and form were quite on par with some of the mythological statues around us. His hair was tied back.

Lucent led me into the pool, and we swam in parallel lines, forward and back across the length. My costume slowed me down, but I thought that he would have been faster anyway. He finished earlier than I did, and stood on his side, watching me. When I lifted my head to breathe, I sometimes glanced at him and at his cock. We had not made love awake yet.

When I finally stopped, we went into the baths. I stood under another waterfall, this one warm, as Lucent pulled off my costume. Then we were kissing, and our bodies were twining together, sliding against each other, and his cock was growing hard. His hand moved to my center, his fingers pushing into me, his thumb rubbing my spot. As I began to contract, he lifted me onto his cock and lowered me. We were wet and I could not slow myself. My maidenhead tore, and then his cock was all the way inside. I gasped, gripping him tightly, my arms around his neck, my legs around his middle. Lucent's arms tightened about me too.

"Oh Gods," I said.

"Are you all right?" Lucent asked. "Am I hurting you?"

"It does hurt a little, but I'm all right. Can you wait a moment?"

"Of course. I'm sorry, Angel, it didn't seem to hurt you before. It'll get better."

When the discomfort faded, he moved me gently up and down on his cock. He kissed me and tried to bring me to release, but the position was awkward and uncomfortable, and he needed his hands to hold me. I began to squeeze my passage around his cock, which gave us both some pleasure. He eventually let himself release, and I smiled at him, kissed him.

"You didn't release," he said.

"It doesn't matter," I said. "I like having you inside me, Lucent. I like being joined with you. Besides, I was releasing when you entered me. You have always been considerate."

He kissed me. "You come first."

He lifted me off his softening cock and proceeded to bathe me, bringing me to release. I bathed him as well, to the same effect. Clean and content, we sank into the large bath.

As we relaxed in the hot water, not talking very much, I became drowsy and closed my eyes. When I opened them, Lucent was stepping in front of me, holding a gun. And Ash was walking toward us from the cold baths, his hand also wielding a gun. I sensed movement from another direction, then several shots rang out in quick succession.

A bullet landed in the mermaid mosaic behind Lucent and me. Ash was on one knee, gun still in hand, then he rose and moved forward. Lucent stayed in front of me, shielding me.

My heart was thudding in my chest. "Ash?"

"One moment," he said. He went to a door on the opposite wall and knelt. "He's dead."

My view was obscured, but I glimpsed Vidrian's hair and upper torso, and blood. But -

"It is my father. Excuse me." He strode away to meet the alarmed Guards.

Lucent and I stepped out of the bath, donning our dressing gowns and slippers.

"Your uncle was trying to kill you?" I said to Lucent, saddened, but not especially surprised.

"Apparently so," Lucent said calmly. "I would guess that it was not for his own sake, but for Ash's. He always thought Ash would make a good king, and that's probably true."

Ash had explained the death as an accident, saying that he had slipped on the wet floor, and Lucent and I tacitly supported him. I was not sure whether it was the right thing to do, but I decided to honor Ash's decision to protect his father's memory. It might be better this way for Lucent and Vidrian too. After we hastily dressed in white, white being the national color of mourning, we joined Ash in the council room to discuss the situation with Vidrian.

"I suspected him in the ambush," Ash said, pacing, "but I didn't know he was in the palace until I caught a glimpse of him in the hidden passage. He apparently came out in the dressing rooms, ahead of where I'd guessed. When I saw him, I had no time, no choice."

"We both shot at him," Lucent said. "We will never know which of us killed him."

"I don't think he would have done it if my mother were still alive," Ash said. "But her death made him think his own was not far off, and he knew that you, Uncle, thought the same. And with Lucent ill, he began to hope and expect that one day I would ascend to the throne."

Vidrian looked devastated. "I knew that, but I did not think he would ever harm you, Lucent. A few minutes has made all the difference in our lives, and then he would look at the two of you, brought up as brothers, with Ash the elder . . . It seemed terribly unfair."

Ash nodded. "He ignored my disinclination. He must have had a plan in mind if Lucent did recover or marry, and when that seemed likely to happen, he put it into action."

Vidrian glanced at me. "Graydon has been on the _Celeste_. I imagine he met the doctor then and perhaps elsewhere. But that is true of many."

When Lucent and I were alone again, he said, "We will have to postpone a wedding ball, but it's likely there will be some dinners and things in a month or so. I hope you don't mind."

"No, not at all. I suppose your uncle knew that you couldn't marry until we'd made a decision. He must have hoped we wouldn't decide for years."

Lucent nodded. "Yes, he was always introducing me to girls I would not marry. Even when I became ill. I suspect now that he might have paid or encouraged them to touch me."

"I don't want to hear about these girls, Lucent."

"They are nothing to me or to you, Angel. Except . . ."

"Except what?"

"My illness did force me to become more creative, as I could not touch directly. Perhaps that will help you to understand why I do some things."

The restraints and the diama cock? I had forgotten about the diama. I would have to find a good piece to use on Lucent and see how he reacted. No, it would be safer in a dream.

I looked at him thoughtfully. "Not right now, but soon, Lucent, I am going to paint you in oils."

"My portrait?"

"That too."

Graydon lay in state in the Ice Palace for the rest of the day. In the morning, he would be taken to Aurora, accompanied by Vidrian and his men, Ash, and honor guards. Lucent and I planned to follow in a few days, arriving in time for the funeral. The other courtiers would travel with us, but Sebastian came to my rooms to say he would not. I requested tea for us.

"There's no point in my staying now, Angelique," he said. "It's time I left."

"You haven't heard anything definitive yet," I said. "Why not wait until then?"

"I don't want to intrude."

"You won't. Lucent's shown me the places we might stay, and they all have plenty of guest chambers. You won't be the only one. There'll be Ash and the other courtiers. And - "

"Lucent wouldn't want me. If I were in his place, I wouldn't."

"But you are not him."

Lucent and I retired after dinner, and made love. As I rested on him afterward, still joined, drawing abstractedly on his chest, I said, "Sebastian is talking of leaving. He says he doesn't want to intrude, that you don't want him to stay."

"You do want him to stay?"

"Yes. I'll miss him when he leaves, and I don't know when I'll see him again. Perhaps never."

Lucent stroked my back and kissed my forehead. "I told you before, Angel. I don't have jealous tendencies, and I don't mind if Sebastian stays. I don't even mind if you kiss him."

"You don't?"

"No. He's your friend, your confidant, and he loves you, perhaps even more than I do. I don't mind sharing you with him as long as I know that I won't lose you. In all honesty, the idea intrigues me. But I doubt he'll do it as Meridians don't seem to believe in sharing."

"Have you shared before?" I asked, curious.

"Yes, Ash and I have shared. Does that upset you?"

"No, I don't think so. But you're right about Sebastian. He wouldn't be happy being second to you, with sharing. And I really don't want to share you with other girls, Lucent."

He smiled. "You are the only girl I want, Angel. And all this talk has made me want you even more." He carefully rolled us over and began to move inside me, his cock indeed hard again.

*

**Chapter XXIII**

The cortege left in the morning, slowly winding its way down the mountain. Lucent and I saw it off, watching as people came out to pay their final respects. It was a large procession, with all the pomp befitting a prince of Lamore, and Graydon might have been pleased with the attention. Of course, some of that was probably due to Vidrian, despite his own wishes. His demeanor had been subdued, as had Ash's, and we'd quietly wished them a safe journey.

Lucent had to attend to some matters before we ourselves left the next day. "We probably won't return for a while," he said. "See if there's anything you want to take with us."

"The pianoforte?" I said, teasing.

"Except for the pianoforte. There is one, or will be one, wherever we stay."

"I don't think there's anything, Lucent, but I'll look."

As Sebastian was determined to leave, we'd arranged passage for him and planned to see him off on our way to Aurora. He suggested spending our last day at the lake. As we walked, I talked with Xavier, Indigo, and Zed. Now that I'd married, they could stay on as my guards or return to Meridia, but the war made the journey back more difficult and perilous.

"What do you want to do?" I asked them. "I will support you in your choice."

Indigo said, "I will stay with you, Angelique. I like it here. I like the people."

Zed snorted. "You mean you like the girls. As for me, I will return to Meridia. If the war is still going, I will fight."

Xavier finally spoke. "I will do as Lord Sylvan does. I will resign my position and travel. But perhaps you will allow me to come back some day?"

"Of course," I said. "You too, Zed. You will all always be welcome wherever I am. Sebastian, Xavier, could you travel together? At least to start?"

Their looks and personalities were quite different, but they'd never had any conflicts, so I wasn't surprised when they agreed to begin their journey together. I was also relieved.

"I won't expect you to write, Sebastian," I said, "but I hope you will, Xavier, and Zed. And tonight, I invite you all to dinner. I think that would be a good way to end our stay here."

As Sebastian rowed us to the island in the middle of the lake for our picnic, he said, "You know why I never wrote back to you, don't you?"

"No. Why not?"

"Because you were away having grand adventures and meeting all sorts of interesting people while I was stuck at home with nothing to say, except how horrible everything was and how much I missed you and wished you would come back. How afraid I was that you wouldn't."

My eyes welled with tears. "Oh, Sebastian."

"Don't cry, Angelique. I will write this time, I promise. We'll both have adventures."

"Well, I'll still miss you and wish that you'd come back. And be afraid that you won't."

"I will. As you said to me, one day."

I splashed water at him. He splashed back at me, until we were quite drenched and almost overturned the boat. I looked at the water and back at Sebastian, biting my lip.

"Don't you dare!" he threatened.

I grinned. I was tempted, but the Guards were watching. And Queen Celeste would never do such a thing, would she? I rocked the boat experimentally. Sebastian grabbed my arms.

"I'm just teasing you," I said, laughing. "I would never - "

The boat rocked wildly and I fell into the water. Sebastian rescued the hamper. We turned the boat over and he climbed in, then helped me. My clothes were heavy, dripping.

"You wanted some memories," he said. "Is this a good one?"

"Yes, Sebastian," I said drily, "thank you very much." I had to make the Guards forget our antics. They would undoubtedly be considered totally inappropriate, especially right after Graydon's death. I cringed, imagining how similar behavior would be reported in Meridia.

After lunch, we rowed to shore to begin the walk back. A small white dog, a puppy, ran out of the woods, its face smiling, whole body wriggling, tail wagging. It looked extremely friendly, but dirty and starved. I hunched down and it came right up to me, licking my hand, its tail whipping my legs. I petted it carefully, looking for injuries and parasites. I saw none.

"Is this a Lamorean Hound?" I asked the Guards.

"It looks like one, in a way," someone said. "Probably something else in it too."

"It's very thin. Perhaps it's lost or been abandoned."

"People do abandon their dogs up here," another Guard said, "thinking someone else will give them a home or the dogs can hunt rabbits or other game. That's what Lamorean Hounds are, you know. Rabbit hunters. Although they can catch other things too. They're fast."

"But they usually die of starvation and cold, especially if they're old," a third Guard added.

"Well, this one won't," I said. "We still have some food left from the picnic. We'll feed it and take it back with us. At least, if it doesn't run off."

I tore the bread and cheese into small pieces, and the dog gulped them down. I kept some in my hand to lure it back to the palace, although it seemed inclined to stay near me anyway.

"It's a good-looking dog, isn't it?" I said to Sebastian.

He smiled. "It has the most enormous ears I've ever seen, and they seem to turn in every direction, forwards, backwards, sideways, as if it's listening to everything we say."

"I suppose it uses its ears to hunt. Not that it will need to do that now. But look at its face. Very intelligent brown eyes, nicely shaped muzzle. And the body, long and lean. It's too thin, but that will change with proper food and care. And it's so friendly and affectionate."

"You won't miss me at all now that you have a dog."

I squeezed his arm. "Don't be silly. The dog won't talk to me the way you do. But perhaps I will call it Sebastian, so I can pretend that it's you."

"You wouldn't!"

"I would. If it were a boy. As it's a girl, I'll have to give it a bit more thought."

As we neared the palace, a Guard picked her up so she could be taken to the kennels and bathed, but she began struggling and yowling. "Ararararararaahhh. Ararararararahhh." The pitiful sound rose and fell continuously. I took her myself and she quieted, licking my face.

I bathed her, then consigned her to Astrid's care, so I could wash up and change into another white dress. Lucent came in while I was retrieving a slipper she'd stolen, and Astrid left.

"Who is this?" he asked, looking down at the dog. She was on her back, legs in the air.

"I haven't named her yet," I said. "We found her out by the lake. She looked in need of a home, so she is the first addition to our family."

Lucent knelt to pet her. "She seems quiet and well-behaved."

"She's not really, but she has a sweet nature, which makes up for her faults. For now."

"There are kennels, but they don't contain any dogs. I suppose you don't want her there."

"No, she'd cry. It's only one night, and Astrid and I will see that she goes out. But since the kennels are empty, perhaps we can take in some of the other dogs abandoned around here?"

"Yes, of course. This is your home, Angel. You can tell the staff to do as you wish."

"Thank you. Did you want me for something, Lucent?"

"No, I just wanted to see you," he said, straightening. "It's much too early to go down."

I nodded. "Let's try something."

I had Lucent sit in front of my dressing table, then I brushed his hair. He tilted his head back, eyes closed, like a cat basking in the sun. I massaged his temples, then scalp, moving down to his neck, shoulders, and back. He sighed, breathing deeply. I moved in front of him, between his legs, and kissed him as my hands kneaded his arms and chest. I knelt, leaning forward to kiss the bulge in his pants. My hands stroked it until it hardened, then set it free. It sprang up, and I licked it, caressing it with my mouth.

"Angel, not like this, please, I want to be inside you."

I gave his cock one last kiss, then stood, lifting my skirts. I straddled Lucent's legs and held onto his shoulders, lowering myself. His cock was wet from my mouth and slid in smoothly. When it was deep inside me, I just sat there, on his thighs, my forehead resting against his. I looked into his eyes, seeing the way he looked back at me, with longing and uncertainty. And I thought, despite what he said, that he might be a little jealous, a little scared, that I loved Sebastian more than I'd ever love him. I didn't know if that was true yet, but . . .

"I love how you feel inside me, Lucent. In fact, I'm pretty sure I love you."

"Pretty sure? That is better than not at all."

"Yes, and it's been two days, not a month."

"You know I love you, Angel. And I love being with you. I can be patient." He held me in place, making love to my neck with his mouth, squeezing my breasts with his hands.

I began to feel restless, needing to move. Just little circles at first, then up and down as well.

"That's good," Lucent murmured. "Ride me. Ride me as hard as you want."

"I try not to be hard on horses, Lucent, but I will be hard on you, since you say so."

I raised myself up on my toes and slid all the way down his cock, then bounced up and down again, over and over. Yes, it was sort of like riding a horse, except for the cock. I began to clench it momentarily at the bottom of each stroke, and Lucent groaned. I sped up and began to arch and contract, and Lucent arched as well, releasing. I gradually slowed down and stopped, kissing him before dismounting. I quickly wiped us down and washed up.

"I must get ready and go," I said. "Did you receive my message about dinner?"

"Yes," he said. "You're having it with Sebastian and your guards."

"I'm sorry, Lucent. I know it's contrary to protocol, but they're friends as well as guards, and everyone except Indigo is leaving. I thought it would be better if we ate separately from the others, but of course you're welcome to join us."

Lucent seemed to consider my sincerity, then nodded. "If I wouldn't put a damper on you."

"No, don't be silly. And you'll probably learn things about me that I wouldn't tell you."

His eyes sparkled. "In that case, I wouldn't miss it."

Xavier, Indigo, and Zed behaved stiffly when they saw that Lucent was joining us, but I said they could speak freely, and they eventually relaxed, especially when they realized they had a rapt audience in Lucent. So Zed told him about my tumbles and mishaps. And Indigo mentioned our charades, playing brother and sister, or beau and belle. And Xavier described how I'd traveled through the worst neighborhoods of Meridia, dressed as a boy. And Sebastian talked about seeing me high up a tree in a dress, and our duels and competitions.

The men also talked boisterously amongst themselves, giving Lucent the opportunity to remark, _sotto voce_ , "I didn't realize I married such a hoyden. Although perhaps I should have, given your father and your dreams. I'd enjoy dueling with you, Angel, or playing charades."

I smiled. "Looks can be deceiving, can't they? I look forward to our duels and charades too. And perhaps traveling around Lamore as a boy."

The meal was Meridian, much the same as the one Lucent had fed me. When dessert was served, I took my glass of liqueur and lifted it. "Sebastian, Xavier, Indigo, Zed, thank you all so much for coming with me to Lamore. It was a long and difficult journey, and I very much appreciate your company, assistance, and protection. I hope that you had some pleasant experiences on the way and in Lamore itself. To your health and happiness."

Lucent and I drank, then they all drank to our health and happiness.

As they prepared to leave, I handed out parcels, saying, "Please accept this with my gratitude." Xavier's, Indigo's, and Zed's contained gold and diamonds, including a hazard bonus on top of their wages, as well as gems or jewelry from each of our stops. Sebastian's contained gold, diamonds, gems and jewelry, and some papers.

Later that night, our packing almost done, Lucent and I went up to the battlements. He pointed out Meridia and the constellations in between kisses.

"You are like a star yourself, Lucent," I said. "Your eyes, your hair, your light and beauty."

"Then you are like the night," he said. "I can drown in your eyes, in your kisses, in you."

"I don't think I want you to drown in me. That's not very romantic."

"I think I can persuade you otherwise, Angel."

*

**Chapter XXIV**

In the morning, instead of swimming, Lucent and I walked in the gardens, picking fruit and flowers for the recuperating Guards. Our new dog raced around like a madwoman, chasing birds, digging holes, prancing around our legs, and jumping on benches and walls.

"Dahlia? Tulip? Daffodil?" I mused. "None of those sound right for her."

"No, she's not floral or delicate," Lucent said.

"Vixen? Yes, I think I like that. What do you think, Lucent?"

"That seems to capture her look," he said, "although she's more likely to chase the hounds."

When we left the Ice Palace, Sebastian and I rode alone in a carriage, Lucent having elected to ride on horseback with some of the other men.

"Your parting gift was very generous, Angelique," Sebastian said. "Too generous."

"No, it's not," I said. "You have been more than generous to me and I can't imagine what the trip would have been like without you. Unbearable, no doubt. You have always been my friend, Sebastian, even to your own detriment. I never wanted that, you know."

"Yes, I know. You never wanted to hurt me, and I never wanted to hurt you, but sometimes it is inevitable. Sometimes we hurt because we must or we don't want to hurt worse."

"I understand why my parents always encouraged us. They saw that we cared for each other, and they wanted me to know what other boys, other men, were like, before I met Lucent. They wanted me to know my choices. If you hadn't come with me to Lamore, I think I would have always wondered what might have happened between us. Perhaps I might not have married Lucent at all. You made my decision easy."

"He's better for you. He can give you everything you deserve. And he looks at you like he loves you." Sebastian spoke in a low, even tone, looking away from me, out the window.

"He says he does. And he was willing to give me himself, all of himself, so yes, he may. I think we will be happy together. But I could have been happy with you too, Sebastian. You don't think you're good enough, but you are, you always have been. I'll always love you."

"Angelique." Sebastian embraced me, burying his face in my neck. And I wrapped my arms around him too, holding him. I did love him so very much, and I would miss him terribly.

"You will try to dream of me sometimes, won't you?" I asked. "Or you won't mind if I dream of you? We can talk about what we've been doing or just lie in the field together?"

"Lucent won't mind?"

"No, he won't mind. He said - "

Sebastian pulled back. "Said what?"

"He said he wouldn't mind if we kissed. He wouldn't mind sharing me with you."

Sebastian let go of me entirely. "What? What kind of man is he?"

"He says he's not jealous and he's done it before, shared. I told him you wouldn't enjoy it."

"Would you?" Sebastian asked, looking at me pensively.

"I don't know. I've done something like it in my dreams. Not intentionally, I think."

I turned the conversation to safer topics until we reached the harbor. Sebastian and Xavier would board a merchant ship sailing tomorrow for the east, while Zed would travel on a Royal Navy ship heading south later today. They had brought few belongings, although those had doubled during our journey and stay in Lamore, and we were soon saying our good-byes. Xavier and Zed kissed my hand, and I kissed their cheeks, then Sebastian and I lightly and fleetingly embraced. The men, including Lucent, shook hands all around.

"You will look after Angelique, Indigo," Xavier said.

"She is more likely to look after him," Zed muttered.

It was time to go. We had a long ride to Aurora, although we'd stop overnight along the way.

"I wish you all a safe and pleasant journey," I said. "You are always welcome to return."

"Yes," Lucent said. "We are deeply grateful to you and hope to see you again."

Lucent saw me into the carriage and followed. As we started off, I waved goodbye, smiling. But as I lost sight of them and turned forward, my smile wavered. I could feel the tears building in my eyes. Lucent picked up my hand and kissed it. The tears fell. He wiped them away and held me, rubbing my back. He said nothing, but he soothed me.

When we stopped for lunch on a hilltop, I played with Vixen. She would bow down, her head on her paws, her bottom in the air, and I would pretend to chase her. She'd dash off, then race back for another round. She never seemed to tire, her tail always wagging.

Lucent came up behind me, his arms going about my waist, and kissed me. "I can see how you will be with children. You like to play, don't you?"

"I suppose I do. Don't you?"

"With you, yes. All right, Angel. I will give you one minute to hide yourself. Then I will - "

I did not wait to hear the rest. I began to run down the hill toward the woods, Vixen at my heels. I could not lose her, I did not want to lose her, yet she made the game more difficult.

I decided to play as a child and not as I'd been trained. I had no desire or need to become dirty or wet, or cover myself in leaves. I could not even climb a tree as Vixen would give me away with her crying and circling. So I simply hid behind a large rock, waiting for Lucent.

And he came. I thought that he must have known these woods, must have known the places I was likely to hide, for he did not hesitate. He came almost directly to me and I did not run. He kissed me hard, his hands lifting my skirts and testing my readiness, then he turned me around, telling me to brace myself against the rock. I did, and he plunged into me from behind, roughly, over and over, as we panted like animals. He released quickly, holding me.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm fine," I said.

"We must go. The others will worry and look for us if we are out of sight for long."

We returned to our carriage, Astrid again taking charge of Vixen. Once we were underway, Lucent covered the windows and knelt at my feet.

"It's really not necessary, Lucent," I said.

"It is," he said. Then he brought me to release with his mouth and hands before entering me again, not quite as roughly as the last time, but more so than our previous couplings.

"I'm sorry," he said, when he'd released. "I haven't been very gentle or considerate today."

"There's no need to apologize," I said. "I like the way you usually are, but I enjoyed the way you were today too. I suppose it depends on the way we feel and the circumstances."

That night we stayed in the home of Lord Bay's family. They were celebrating an anniversary and had musicians. We talked and looked on as others danced, our mourning preventing us from joining. Lucent suggested we go for a stroll, leading me to a room overlooking the first one. We could hear the music through the windowed doors, which opened onto a balcony.

Lucent extended his hand and I took it. We danced in the dark. We'd danced in some of our dreams, but never before in the flesh. And never as husband and wife. He was a good dancer, graceful, although he did not seem to enjoy it as much as Sebastian and I did.

"Does Sebastian dance well?" Lucent asked, seeming to read my thoughts.

"Yes, very well. As do you."

"Are we alike, do you think?"

I considered. "I suppose you are in many ways. You are both handsome, intelligent, kind . . ."

Later, when we lay in bed, his body moving slowly and gently over mine, in mine, he said, "You are so beautiful, Angel, and I love you so much. Sometimes I feel that I am desecrating you by touching you like this, but I can't help it. I think about you all the time, about making love to you. I want to be so deep inside you that I can't get out. I am a man obsessed."

I kissed him. "It's fine, Lucent. I am yours. I want you to make love to me."

When Lucent released, he held himself inside me as he usually did, and said, "You know why I stay inside you so long? It is not only because I like being there. I want us to have a child."

"Yes, I know. That's all right."

"When are your courses due?"

"I haven't had any since I've come to Lamore. I'm quite irregular."

"I suppose it's much too early to tell, but when I had that vision in the temple, I saw myself giving you a child the first time we loved. That wasn't part of the dream, was it?"

"It might have been, but I didn't see it."

"Perhaps that part was a prophecy."

"Perhaps."

Lucent slid off and out of me, licking his spilling seed from me and bringing me to release yet again. Then he lay down sideways, kissing my navel, resting his head on my belly.

I cupped his face. "Lucent, you felt such urgency to marry me. And now you seem to feel a similar urgency to have a child. Why?"

I heard his breath catch, then he said, "You know about my father. How he thought he would die because of a prophecy. But now he believes he saw my uncle's death. I had such a vision too, Angelique. Of my death. And I have no twin."

I felt a frisson of fear. "Can you tell me about your vision?"

"I was much the same as I am now. Five, perhaps ten, years older at most, I should think. I appeared to have been shot, perhaps stabbed. My chest was covered with blood."

"That sounds like what happened to me. You had this vision in the temple?"

He hesitated. "No. The chapel."

I gasped. "At our wedding? And you said nothing?" I did not think myself superstitious, but it was surely not a good omen to have a vision of his death at his own wedding.

"It made no difference to my feelings and desires. If it is destined, it will be. I want to spend whatever time I have with you, and I will try to live each day as if it might be my last."

I considered. Would I have chosen differently if I'd seen my own death? No. His? Yes. But not mine. "I understand. I may die tomorrow or in many years, but I want you to always know that I am happy with my choice, happy with you, and I hope you will never regret yours."

Lucent picked up my hand and touched the rings he'd given me. "I never told you the significance of these. The diama symbolizes strength and endurance, as well as beauty, clarity, and endless possibilities. Our rings fit together" - he demonstrated, briefly locking his over mine - "just as we do, making two into one. The symbols on the other ring are blessings. The inscription on the inside says, 'Eternal love, eternal light."

"That is very true," I said. "With you, because of you, I will always have love and light."

Lucent moved up to kiss me, his eyes incandescent. "We do fit well together, don't we?"

I smiled. "We do. I don't require proof, but you may demonstrate whenever you wish."

*

**Chapter XXV**

Sebastian and I were having tea on the terrace of my family's country home.

" _We're being quite proper, aren't we, Angelique?" he said, lifting his cup._

" _Oh, we can always lie in the field later, Sebastian," I said. "I miss our teas. And other things. I feel very far away from home right now. And very much alone."_

" _You have Lucent."_

" _Yes, and he's wonderful. So is Vidrian. I'm sure I'll make friends. But they won't understand some things the way Meridians would. And there are things that only you would understand. Of course, I do still have Indigo, but it's not the same."_

" _And I still have Xavier, at least for a little while. No, it won't be the same. It can't be."_

" _I should explain about the papers in your parcel."_

" _Yes, I meant to ask about those."_

He knew that my mother had tasked me with her affairs. I'd done nothing yet, but I planned to visit all her properties and businesses soon, then decide what to do with them. At the same time, I would become more familiar with Lamore, Lamoreans, and their needs.

I said, "The ship you are on belongs to one of the businesses. Would you be willing to give me a report of its operations, especially with respect to its trade practices?"

" _Are you hiring me to be a spy?"_

" _In a way, yes. Xavier too, if he's willing. Of course, you may use the letters of authorization and credit as necessary."_

Sebastian considered. "That would make traveling easier. And perhaps more interesting."

I nodded. "Will you do it?"

" _You're not doing this just to give me something to do, are you?"_

" _No, I really do want to know. I don't think my grandfather was a very nice person, and his business practices may leave a lot to be desired. Or his successors', I should say."_

" _All right, Angelique. I'll do it."_

"Thank you, Sebastian."

He stood, holding out his hand. "I take it our business is concluded?"

"For now." I reached out to him . . .

And once again we were in our field of wildflowers, lying next to each other, his arm around me. I looked up at his face. Yes, he was beautiful, but his nose was a bit too big, his eyes always sleepy. He was not perfect like Lucent, but I still loved him. And I knew he loved me.

I laid my head down on his chest, draped my arm across him, and closed my eyes, content. We would always be friends. We would always be together one way or another.

*

**EPILOGUE**

To my grand-daughter, Angelique, HRH Princess of Lamore,

You must think it strange to find a letter from me, a woman you've never met and perhaps presumed dead. I make no apologies for my past, but I will explain some of my actions.

As your mother has probably told you, I abandoned her at birth, not having a maternal nature. It is not true, however, that I completely forgot her. I looked in on her from time to time, and took steps to ensure that she could make an advantageous match with Prince Vidrian, as he was at the time. She chose your father instead, as you know.

When I learned that your parents had arranged for an alliance between you and Prince Lucent, I kept an eye on both of you. You, of course, became close to the rather wild-looking boy who lived near you, while Prince Lucent did as most boys would if they could. In other words, he rutted with all the pretty girls and some of the pretty boys. As he grew older, he became more skillful and eclectic as a lover, and in other ways became a man more suitable for you. In fact, as a point of honor, he strove to remain unattached and curb his appetites.

Unfortunately, you seemed to be set against him and Lamore. I saw how you were drawn to the wild boy because of his need, so I inflicted the Prince with a mysterious "cold" only you could cure. Anyone else, of course, caused him pain and increasing immobility - which, I may note, saved both of you from the sickly women his uncle pushed at him.

To be clear, I simply meant for you to give him a chance, as your mother wished. Whether you married or not made no difference to me, but I do congratulate you on choosing such an exquisite man for your husband. I trust he will give you a lifetime of pleasure.

You may both rest easy now - I don't intend to interfere in your lives again.

How do your favorite fairy tales end? "And that was only the beginning . . ."? Yes, this is only the beginning . . .

*~*~*
**AFTERWORD**

_Ice Palace_ is intended to be complete as a stand-alone book, but I can also envision it as part of a trilogy. The second part would go back in time to tell the story of Angelique's parents and Vidrian while the third part . . . will remain a secret for now. We'll see . . .

Thank you for reading! Please rate or review if you liked it and want to read more.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I've written for school publications, my university's literary magazine and review, and the local newspaper. I enjoy dancing, cooking, and traveling, among many other things.

This book is dedicated to my family, friends, teachers/professors, and editors and readers, although they may not know it. Thank you for your help and encouragement!

PLAYLISTS

Just for fun . . .

Angelique:

_Scheherazade_ , Op. 35 (Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)

_Trois Romances pour le pianoforte_ , Op. 11 (Clara Schumann)

"Girlfriend" (Avril Lavigne)

"Piece of My Heart" (Big Brother & the Holding Company)

"Love Shack" (The B-52s)

"I Say a Little Prayer" (Aretha Franklin)

"Alive" (Avalon)

"What I Like About You" (Lillix)

"Inside Out" (Imelda May)

"Peace, Love, and Understanding" (Elvis Costello & The Attractions)

Lucent:

_Les pecheurs des perles_ (Georges Bizet)

_Romeo and Juliet_ , Op. 64 (Sergei Prokofiev)

"Run with the Wolves" (The Prodigy)

"Put Your Lights On" (Santana featuring Everlast)

"Can't Take My Eyes Off You" (Muse)

"Hungry Eyes" (Eric Carmen)

"Let's Stay Together" (Al Green)

" _La Contestacion_ " (Los Lonely Boys)

"You Shook Me All Night Long" (AC/DC)

"Don't Stop Me Now" (Queen)

Sebastian:

_Le quattro stagioni_ (Antonio Vivaldi)

_L'italiana in Algeri_ (Gioachino Rossini)

"Peach" (Prince)

"Strange Magic" (Electric Light Orchestra)

"Steady As She Goes" (The Raconteurs)

"Somewhere I Belong" (Linkin Park)

"Island in the Sun" (Weezer)

"Let Her Go" (Passenger)

"Beyond the Sea" (Bobby Darin)

"Wherever You Will Go" (The Calling)
