C. Bryant - Broken

“Is something wrong? You were so angry with me I forgot to ask why you screamed.” Octavion said, coming up behind her. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. When he brushed her hair aside to kiss her neck a shiver ran through her and he chuckled.

“No, just a stupid dream,” she said. “Unless you mean the fact that you are trying to test your limits tonight.” Kira turned in his arms, put her hands on his chest and pushed him away. “Now go get. .” She pointed up to indicate Altaria. “. . something to eat before you decide to satisfy your hunger by eating me. ”

“You do not trust me?”

She wasn’t sure if he was teasing or serious, but then he flashed his dimples, picked her up, spun her around and sat her on the bed. She let out a squeal.

“There are other ways to satisfy my hunger, my love. Eating you is only one of them.”

He came at her, bearing his teeth and snarling. Kira scooted away and put her hands up to ward him off, but he kept advancing. He grabbed her up into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. There was so much urgency and passion behind his kiss that he scared her at first, but then he softened his touch, placing tender kisses down her neck and collarbone. She thought her body would explode. It felt like a million little butterflies flitted around inside her trying to get out.

He growled again, but this time it came from deep inside his chest, sending vibrations through her entire body. He pulled away, hovering over her for a brief moment, avoiding her eyes. Kira watched as his breathing increased and he tried to regain some control. She didn’t know if it was the beast within him he tried to overpower or the same rush of primal hunger she fought to suppress inside her own body. Either way, he lost the battle.

“I must go, Kira. I am sorry.” Without letting her see his eyes, he gave her one last heat-filled kiss and simply faded away, leaving her in the wake of his passion.

Kira and Octavion stepped outside the castle doors as a deafening clang rang out above their heads. She’d heard the same bell the morning Octavion sent a carriage for her and Ussay. At the time, she’d thought it came from her dreams. Again it rang and then a third time, all before they were able to climb up into the carriage and cross the long wooden bridge spanning the river.

“What is that for?” Kira yelled over the echo still ricocheting off the castle walls.

“They are warning the people that a Royal is about to enter the village. It is a courtesy on our part.”

“Why? Are they that afraid of you?”

He instructed the driver to take them to the marketplace, then reached over and took her hand, weaving his fingers with hers. “It is not the fear they have of me now, but the fear I may return. This will give them time to blacken their windows and make sure their doors are secure. Some will stay indoors, but most will continue with what they were doing.”

“They think you will come back and kill them?”

He smiled at her naivete. “Do you remember what I told you about a Royal’s gift to travel?”

Kira shrugged. “Maybe.”

“We must see the place in our minds in order to go there. If we get but a glimpse of the inside of their home, we would be able to penetrate the walls. If it were a new moon and one of us had lost control, it would not be safe for them. We take every precaution to protect our people-even from us.”

“I see.” There were so many things she needed to learn about this world. She couldn’t imagine living her entire life being afraid of the same people she looked up to. The villagers seemed to have so much love and respect for their king, yet at the same time, they feared him. She didn’t know what to think about that.

It only took a few moments to ride through the streets of the village and arrive at the marketplace. There were many more people walking about than the day she’d spent with Ussay. They all seemed happy and cheerful. Children scrambled around between the adults, laughing and chasing each other. Others played games in the street while some huddled in masses, giggling and laughing. It reminded her of the malls back home on the day after Thanksgiving, only she didn’t notice any shoppers fighting over their selections. So much for her world being more civilized.

Octavion helped her from the carriage and told the driver he’d send word when his services were again required. They made their way to a little shop near the busiest part of the market. Kira tried to stop several times to look at the other tables of goods, but Octavion kept pulling her away, insisting they go to the jeweler first. The rest of the shopping would have to wait.

Above the jeweler’s door hung a rustic old sign that read, “Rhombus” and next to it, a crude diamond carved into the wood.

“Rhombus?” she asked Octavion.

“It is the shape there. It means diamond. Some of the villagers know an older language and cannot read well. It is best to keep things simple for them.” He led her to the door and then took a few steps back. “You will need to enter alone, Kira. Explain that it is for me and he will know which ones to show you.”

Kira pushed out her lower lip in a juvenile, over exaggerated frown. “You can’t even come in his shop?” If she thought it would have done any good she would have stomped her foot.

“No, my love. This is also his home. Besides, I have some shopping to do of my own. I will not be far.” Then he motioned with his hand for Kira to go in.

She straightened her back-hoping it would bring her more courage-then turned and rapped three times on the door. She heard footsteps approach from the other side. At first they were light and she could barely hear them, but as they grew closer they became heavy and almost creepy, like she’d imagined a giant would make. She turned to question Octavion, but he’d vanished into the crowd.

Traitor , she thought.

When the latch twitched, Kira stepped away from the door. Her eyes were fixed on the space at the top of the doorway where a man’s face would be to match the daunting footsteps, but when it opened and she saw the man standing there, her mouth about hit the ground.

He was not much taller than Arela-a stub of a man who was almost as big around as he was tall. His mousy brown hair jutted out in all directions and his beard went almost to the middle of his belly. But despite his unusual appearance, the first thing that drew Kira’s attention to him was his smile. Even with the fullness of his beard she saw his heartwarming grin peeking through. His cheeks were red and shiny and he had a glint in his eye. She laughed inside, for her first impression was a miniature-rather rustic-Santa Clause.

“Lady Kira,” he said in a chirpy, high pitch voice. “I should have guessed you would find my establishment eventually. I am Kueelok.”

He took her hand and led her into the room. She’d expected it to be dark and dreary, but there were candles everywhere illuminating the gemstones meticulously displayed around the room. It was like being in a candy store; every nook and cranny filled with gems and crystals. Some were piled in glass jars, but others were cut perfectly and mounted in unique settings of silver or gold, resting against pieces of black fabric. He had crystals of every shape and color hanging from the rafters on delicate strings of silver or leather cording, each one reflecting the glow of the candles. They cast tiny flashes of color that fluttered around the room-as if fairies danced about.

He led her to the center of the room, then turned to face her. “I trust you have something in mind.” He looked at her with anticipation.

“I need a. . I mean. .” Well crap! “Um,” Oh, she was making such a great first impression. She took a deep breath and continued. “I want to talk to Octavion.” She finally blurted out. Then she pointed to her forehead. “In here.”