Aligning Stars (Fate's Intent Book 1) Read online

  Chapter 19

  Jaylyn

  I was alone in my own world but I could hear footsteps coming up behind me. I mentally sighed, already knowing who it was but I wasn’t sure where this would go. I didn’t want to fight right now, something I seemed to do a lot with men of late. “Not talking to you, remember?”

  “Jaylyn, please. Just listen, okay?”

  His voice was how I remembered when he was caring but I tried to push passed it. “Whatever you have to say, I don’t want to hear it either.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t know about before. I—you sounded genuinely truthful when pretending to kill me.”

  “It’s fine. You don’t have to apologize. It’s better this way.”

  He wasn’t going away like I had hoped. Instead, he kneeled down beside me and his voice was even more caring. “How can you say that? I know that’s not what you want.”

  He was right but so was Adele. They were the enemy and I shouldn’t feel this way. A part of me just wanted it to end like she did. “Even if it wasn’t, there’s no way things would change. Not even you could stop this now.”

  “I still may.”

  I stopped what I was doing and fought not to look over but I did and saw the forgiveness and trust in his eyes. “Why would you want to? Why do you even care? You shouldn’t.”

  He was silent, maybe thinking about how I was right but he never took his eyes from mine. His were so beautiful. They were a mysterious green but I saw light in them and his voice came out veritably sincere. “But I do. There’s something about you. My duty is telling me to forget it but my gut is telling me that you mean something to me and I can’t see you be killed.”

  I slightly smiled and looked back down at my hands and started cleaning them again. I was feeling so nervous with him beside me and hearing him say that. He really did want me and it seemed even war wasn’t going to stop him. “That’s probably the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard but I don’t foresee it happening. Adele and Zayden would never let it.”

  “Unless we get them to realize it. I know you’ve seen what I’ve seen between them. It’s only a matter of time before they accept it and end this behavior.”

  He was right but I sighed for a few factors, mostly because I knew Adele. “But we don’t have time. We should be reaching Randal by tomorrow night then it’s over for us. That’s not enough time for Adele to get over any of this. Believe me.”

  “Then we stall.”

  “How?”

  “By taking another night. In that time, I know I can get at least Zayden turned around. I promise, this will not be your end.”

  “You’re risking a lot here, you know that right?”

  “I do but somehow it all feels worth it.”

  I smiled and gave my hands one last shake, trying to ease off this sudden flushed feeling he was giving me and I stood up with him. “Well, I won’t hold you to your word but I appreciate the effort.”

  He leaned his head down towards me and his lips touched mine with the softest gesture of a kiss. It only reminded me and wanted me to have him as before and I bounced up on my tiptoes to press mine harder into his. He followed me back down like he wanted it too and it was the most beautiful kiss. I would have wanted it to go on longer but I knew I had to stop. I knew what I couldn’t get and put my hand to his face to pull away with an apology. “I’m sorry—again.”

  He smiled and I tried my hardest not to kiss him again. “Don’t be. Your hands are so cold.” He took both mine in his and blew a few breaths in them to warm them up.

  “I know. The water is cold.” I was looking up in his eyes while he still had my hands by his mouth and watched him kiss them. It put a chill of desire down my spine and I slowly started to pull them away with a nervous voice. “Ah, I better go.”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  “It’ll have to do. What I want isn’t allowed.”

  He laughed and grazed the hair aside my head with a light hand. “Not yet but I’m saving that for you.”

  My heart just melted. How could anyone be this amazing? Troy was that and so much more and I let him walk me back. I meant to enjoy every second. He was such a gentleman and I relished the time with him. I had one hand in his and my other lifted to his forearm. My eyes traced down and widened, ruining the moment completely with a halting gasp. “Oh, no! You’re hurt!”

  We stopped near the fire and Troy looked down to the scratch, barely enough to be called one in the nook of his arm from his bindings that I didn’t notice before. “It’s okay. I’m not dying.”

  “You should have told me!”

  “Yeah, Troy.” Darius joked, making his presence known. “You should have told her so she can heal you. I thought that’s what you were doing.”

  His eyes narrowed towards him. “I’d never use her for that.”

  “I’m fixing it because I want to. He didn’t ask me.” I took his strong arm in both my hands and my eyes began to glow, lighting the area around us. “There.” It was a small cut, no real effort on my part to heal it unlike when I stabbed him and it was over quickly.

  “Thank you.”

  “That’s entirely unnecessary but you’re welcome.”

  Darius humorously cleared his throat for attention that they were still sitting there.

  Troy’s eyes rolled and he put his arm around my shoulders and turned towards the shelter. “Sorry about him.”

  “It’s all right. Do you plan on staying out here all night?”

  “Most likely but you know I wish I didn’t have to.”

  I smiled and kissed him one more time.

  “Now, I really wish I didn’t have to.”

  “Then let me take it back.” I leaned into him and kissed him again, this time entwining my tongue with his for a brief sense of pleasure.

  “Not helping. I have to stay out here.”

  I got a sad, playful look on my face and put my hand comfortably on his chest. “All right. Goodnight.”

  It surely would be but I had a hard time turning away. I didn’t want to stop looking at him but I knew I had to and I got right to sleep so I’d see him again sooner.

  Chapter 20

  Troy

  I watched her walk inside and the sight of it saddened me. I badly wanted to follow, to be next to her as she slept and keep her close in my arms. How could I have ever thought to hate her? She was too beautiful. Even after staging my death and actually stabbing me with my own sword, I couldn’t stay strong enough to hate her. I felt weak in a sense like I’d do anything for her and I would.

  I was still going to try and save her. I just had to get Zayden to see it. He’s not really as harsh as he’s been pretending to be. He’s thinking about what’s right for the world as I suppose a Prince should but what about what’s right for us? Jaylyn was it. I would never find anyone better and Darius had already begun to show his liking towards Ruby. I knew I could easily get him on board. It was Zayden that needed more work but I would do it; for Jaylyn.

  “Your night has gotten better.” Darius smiled.

  I sat down next to him and looked up at our sleeping quarters that we wouldn’t be staying in tonight. Picturing Jaylyn’s smile made me smile and I spoke my thoughts aloud. “Not as good as it could go.”

  “Hey! What’d I say? You’re not doing that.”

  “Oh, come on, Zayden. Why are you still acting like you don’t want it either? You had your chance and you let it get away.”

  “She wasn’t sincere. Things would have gone a lot worse if I did anything.”

  Darius laughed. “They didn’t go well anyway because of what you said but from where I was standing, their kind was looking pretty damn good. I really wish you let me at that.”

  “Get over it.” Zayden sighed. Then it happened. He started to confess something to us even if it was only something small. “But I’ll admit it was a bad choice of words though from where I was standing, their kind was looking really damn good and it would have pained me to watch yo
u get it first.”

  I looked over at Darius and let out a laugh, trying to keep it from echoing and drawing attention to our conversation. “See, I knew it! You do feel something for her, don’t you?”

  “Possibly from just being out here as long as we have. So, I’m not going to do a thing about it. We’re sticking to the plan. Now get your armor back on then get to sleep. I’m on first watch just so I can keep an eye on the two of you.”

  I knew why Zayden couldn’t sleep and it had nothing to do with him being worried about us. He was thinking about Adele a lot. I could see it. It was obvious but Zayden was still in denial. I couldn’t explain why. Sure, maybe Adele was a little too proud of a woman. She’s just used to having things her way. If that ever changed, she may start to behave like the other two. They had to have something like that in common if they’ve been together for so long. They didn’t seem like they only tolerated each other for missions like this. They spoke of her as their friend. If that was so, she may eventually come around if I could get Zayden to first.

  It’s all I thought about while I redressed just to stay a little warmer. It was harsh outside around the fire while the weather got colder the darker it got. I made it seem more bearable when I was trying to sleep by thinking of Jaylyn and what it would be like to hold her next to me. I almost didn’t want to close my eyes, fearing that something may happen to her while I was asleep but I couldn’t fully make that choice for myself and it happened.

  Chapter 21

  Adele

  “How do you think they’re doing out there?” Ruby was up still awhile later just to bother me while Jaylyn had already fallen asleep, snuggled up among the blankets.

  “I really don’t care and neither should you.”

  Ruby sighed and crawled over to the opening and peeked out. I heard her moan and just waited for her to ask.

  “It’s freezing out there. They shouldn’t have to suffer in the cold while we get to be warm in here.”

  “Good. Maybe the weather will kill them.”

  “Adele! Have a heart. I know that’s not what you’re really thinking.”

  “Oh, come on, Ruby. It couldn’t be that bad.” I crawled over next to her and looked out. The wind was blowing and the fire was small. They all seemed asleep but they looked cold from laying on the ground with only their armor as clothes on their backs to keep warm. I sighed just because I knew by seeing it I started to feel something for them like a shred of pity and looked back to Ruby. “How about I just build something around them?”

  “Adele, please just let them come in here with us?” She sat up on her knees and held her hands together in front of her, trying to get me to agree. “Please? It’s not like there’s not enough room.”

  “Yeah, but I know why you want them to.”

  “Please? This will be our last night with them and I want to remember it as a good one.”

  I sighed again and put my hand over my forehead. The constant talk of it was getting to me. “I’m going to regret doing this but if you’re going to bug me all night then I guess I have no choice but to agree.”

  “Really?!”

  “I know you. You’ll never let me get to sleep. Just go before I change my mind.”

  She smiled and left the shelter. At least she was happy. I forced myself to get up and braved up to go over to Zayden and nudged his shoulder. “Zayden.”

  He opened his eyes immediately like he wasn’t sleeping at all and it startled me a little. “What do you want?”

  I suddenly lost my words and the ones that came out probably sounded completely stupid to him. “Oh, well, um, it’s cold out here. Maybe you should come inside with me, with us so you don’t catch a death.”

  He raised one eyebrow and looked me over. “You’re having a problem staying away from me, aren’t you, Love?”

  Nervousness suddenly gone. I stood up with a sigh and fought passed his completely adorable sarcastic tone. “Stop doing that. I just thought maybe you’d rather be somewhere warm.”

  “You mean next to you?”

  “I’m really not in the mood to care. I’m tired. Ruby has been bothering me and I just want to get to sleep. Stay out here if you want or be next to me. Your choice.”

  I went back inside so I wouldn’t say anything that I’d regret. Nothing has changed. He was still who he was and I couldn’t let myself fall for him. Not looking at him was the best way and I just kept reminding myself of all the things he’s done. I could never be with him, the man who left my father for dead.

  My eyes lifted and Troy was first to enter.

  “Hey.” He said like he didn’t know what else to say to me.

  I didn’t say much either, just what he probably wanted to know. “She’s over there but don’t wake her. She’ll be a cranky baby.”

  He cracked a smile and walked by me to get to Jaylyn. I carefully watched him lower himself down next to her, keeping his eyes on her. He obviously had feelings for her even after she brought him pain but I knew what she did or what she didn’t do. Sometimes I underestimate her but I know she knows more about where the vital organs are in one’s body and how not to hit them. If only I seen it then, I could have changed things.

  Ruby came in with the last two and I kept my silence when they passed me.

  “She asleep?” Darius was trying to peek at Jaylyn’s face while he sat on the other side of her.

  “Yeah. It’s a great idea.”

  “It is now.” He pulled Ruby close to him so they could lay together and I had to look away yet again and keep on pretending like I wasn’t here.

  “Just get to sleep.” Zayden said. “No need to talk about it.”

  I actually agreed and a long silence followed. Everyone must have gotten comfortable to sleep but I stayed sitting up with my eyes at the entrance.

  “Do you want to lay down? You said you were tired.”

  Zayden’s voice startled me again but I couldn’t look over. “I’m fine. You just get some sleep. You won’t have to worry. I won’t escape.”

  “Why do you want this so badly? It almost seems like you’re looking forward to dying.”

  His voice was in a low whisper but was different somehow like he was actually interested in me and I actually replied without giving it much thought to who I was replying to. “Some days I do. I’ve pretty much been a prisoner my whole life. I want to remember what it’s like to be free.”

  He didn’t say anything but I felt him close to me for a moment, almost like he wanted to rub my back for comfort but it must not have been something he’d do because he didn’t touch me. I heard him move away and I carefully looked over my shoulder. He was laying with his eyes closed like when I went to wake him. It must have been the armor. There was only one way to lay it in and that was on his back. The other two laid the same way. I turned my eyes back out the entrance and kept myself awake.

  The moon rose high and the stars shone brightly that night but I couldn’t enjoy them. I just wanted to be out of here. It would have been so easy too but I wouldn’t ever think to leave Ruby and Jaylyn behind. They needed to be with me and right now, they wanted to be here so here is where we’d stay. This mission was officially failed and our death would be the price.

  Chapter 22

  Ryon

  Adele sat in the dark but not alone. She was feet from Seni’s Prince but her eyes traced the stars and she spoke to them.

  “I know you’re watching me. Please. I don’t want this. I want to come home—Ryon, take me home.” Her head lowered, eyes closing but her voice was heavily heard. “I’ll understand if you don’t but know that I will die here. I’ll make sure of it. Their King will know exactly who I am and this will all finally be over. If you don’t want that, please, come.”

  My eyes opened and I jumped out of bed, ready to make a fight to get her back but I noticed instantly; this wasn’t our room. I was somewhere else. I went to the door swinging it open to see iron bars blocking my path and Trever sitting in a chair in front of t
hem. “You’re awake.”

  “What are you doing? Let me out?”

  “Why? So you can go to her? I don’t think so.”

  My heart was heavy. “You knew she would call to me? Why are you letting her suffer like this?”

  “She’s not. Adele will give in.”

  “No!”

  “In time she will. It’s supposed to happen and you know it.”

  “Not like this! Not Zayden of all people! Why didn’t you ever tell me it was going to be him?!”

  “Because you wouldn’t have agreed.”

  “You’re damn right I wouldn’t have! Let me out!” I grabbed the bars, hoping to move them but it was no use, they wouldn’t budge. I couldn’t understand why I was so weak.

  “I freshly dosed you while you were out.” Trever held up an empty syringe and I was more angry than I’ve ever been.

  “Let me out, Trever! She needs me!”

  “Not anymore she doesn’t but it’s okay. You still have a purpose.”

  “I’m not doing anything for you!”

  “Yes you will because it will be saving her.”

  I couldn’t have been more confused. “What are you talking about? You weren’t going to let me, remember?”

  “This is different. I need you to go into Seni and convince the King into our plan.”

  “Izin would never listen to me.”

  “Exactly. I don’t want him to listen to you. I want him to do the opposite of what you’re going to try to get him to do.”

  I collapsed to the floor, my arm hanging through the bars. “I can’t do it. I can’t go there and see her with him.”

  “Kole, talk him into it.”

  I looked up and Kole was in front of the door, looking down at me with his intimidating gray eyes while Trever was walking away but he smiled in a way to keep light of this situation. “Hey, brother. Nice night?”

  He turned the chair around and sat down but I wasn’t in the mood. “Did you always know?”