Honey Glayzed

Honey Glayzed 9

Trust: Interlude

Julie stared at the dress that had been delivered to her room along with jewels and accessories. She would be wearing a fortune to dinner tonight. What would they dress her in for the actual ceremony? Looking at the dress it sunk in to her that she would be having dinner with the high king and queen of a magnificent, magical kingdom. Would they be great white lions, or humans? Would they eat cooked food, or would a large deer be brought out to the table? “Miss,”Julie looked up as her door was opened. “I am Niri,”The young girl bowed low to her. “I am a page, Nari and Nori are my big brother and sister. I am a page and I was sent here to assist you.” Niri moved her sable hair from her pale brow. Deep gray eyes met Julie's. “Here is a tray of fruit to sustain you. Please relax while I run a bath.”

“A bath, I can do that,” Julie followed Niri into the bathing chamber. “Oh...whoa,” She paused at the crystal and silver chamber with plush pillows and mirrors. Candles added a soft prismatic glow to the room. Flowers sat in heavy crystal vases adding a lush feel to the room their satin ribbons trailing to the floor.

“You are a lady of Arcadia, escorted by his highness Rain,” Niri sighed thinking of the beautiful young man. “You must be so happy.”

“Yes,” Julie felt the heart flutters that happened every time she thought of Rain. “Very happy.”

“A dream come true,” Niri sniffed several bottles. “Do you like this one?” Niri held over a bottle. Julie frowned shaking her head. “Well, grass is a bit much for humans,”Niri sniffed again finding the scent pleasant and clean. “What about this one?” Nari held over one of flowers instead.”

“Yes that's nice, please,” Julie held out her hand. “Let me help.”

“I must assist you,” Niri held the bottle. “Please, this is my first page assignment,” Julie saw the determined glint in her eyes. Niri was trying very hard for her first job. Julie smiled at the young girl. “I will eat some of the fruit then.” She turned heading back into her room. Julie nibbled the sweet fruit while going through a little box that that had been delivered to her room. Inside was a pin with a shield four part design on it. Looking closely, she saw that one part had the lions paw and scroll that had been on the letter her family received from the king. Another part had a large misty opal. On the top, next to the lion seal, was a dragon. Next that was a sparkling emerald green wing. “ That will be Rain's shield. It is small now, but a bigger one will be granted when he is knighted.” Niri explained, “Please, your bath is ready.” Niri stood aside so that Julie could precede her inside. Niri picked up the fruit tray and sat it on the rim of the bubble bath. “If you need me before you are to dress please call for me.”

Julie stood for long moments in the bathing room. She surveyed the area. On the edge of the sunken pool full of bubbles and flower petals, sat her dish of fruit and a glass of iced water. Was this the life of a princess? Julie wondered rubbing to raised flesh on her arms. She was almost afraid to take her clothes off. Julie undressed, her first step into the water and she sank into fragrant bliss. The water soothed over her skin like liquid silk. Her hair, piled high on her head was soon limp in the steam.

“Would you like me to wash your hair for you?” Julie squealed when Niri poked her head around the hanging curtains seeming to be made of gauze. Niri had waited, it seemed, a full fifteen minutes for the young woman to get into the tub. Before Julie could refuse her, Niri pulled the pins from her hair. It fell around her and Niri poured a separate pail of fragrant water over her head. As Niri worked, Julie wondered if Carol was being as pampered as she was. Of course, Julie answered her own question relaxing into the gentle massage of Niri's fingers. “The oil that Rain had Clarisande make, was for you, yes?” Niri asked.

“Yes,” Julie answered no longer ashamed of the scars on her arms. So much love from Rain had seemed to wash away the years of pain that she had endured.

“I knew he must love you dearly then,” Niri explained. “To have asked the mighty Kirin to bathe for you. That water was the base of the mixture of herbs that Clarisande mixed in.”

“Bathwater,” Julie gasped.

“Yes, it was lord Sohki who healed the skin of the dragon prince Georgie.” Niri tried to calm the girl. “Sohki is a wondrous beast of Asia.” Julie sat back in her bathwater. She reached out for a plump, ripe berry. So much was going on. With a sigh she settled back into her water.

Break

Count D set his brush back on the vanity. “You look beautiful,” Leon whispered placing a kiss near the diamond stud in his ear.

“The king said that we are in court dress tonight, so I thought I would wear these,” Count D held up his bracelets. “I hope it is not too much,” Count D stood in front of Leon who wore a long dress coat. “Chris is upset that he is serving as page tonight while the others are sitting at the table.” Count D adjusted his wedding set. “Niri is serving tonight as well.”

“How is Papa D?” Leon asked walking to the door.

“Better now that Grandfather has returned,” Count D walked over to the door. Aoi pushed in through the connecting door in the large room. “Papa no shoujo,” D picked up the little girl.

“I'll get Jr.” Leon sauntered into the nursery where his son lay in his little bed cooing at the fairies that floated above him. “Come on guys, let's go have dinner. Leon left the room with a trail of fairies behind him.

Break

Bill spritzed his hair a few more times and stood in front of the mirror. “-You look fine,-” Tom leaned against the gold edge of the vanity in the dressing room. “-Where's your necklace?-” Tom asked. Bill looked down a gasp loud in the bathroom. “-Come on,-” Tom grabbed Bill's arm. He marched with his brother to the door and snatched it open just as a page was preparing to knock. “Hi,” Bill said when his brother halted. “Can you tell me where...Vlad and his son are?”

“They are assembled in the grand dining hall. I was coming to get you,” The page bowed. “We are having a formal dinner in your honor.”

“Our honor?” Bill frowned. “What about the one's who are to be squired?”

“They will have a separate celebration.” The page explained. “Please come, the king will not allow us to serve until the table is full.”

“That's good,” Tom frowned thinking of the thieving red-head. “Cause I hope she is there.” Tom stomped along behind the page pulling his little brother. “Guest of honor... I wonder what else she stole.”

Bill looked at his arms. “-My bracelet is gone too,-” He told Tom. “-She must have come in while we were napping.-” Tom fumed the entire long walk down the pristine palace. If they were honored guests, they should damn well be treated like it. Not like they were staying in some cheap ass hotel.

Break

The carriage was still rolling down the lane when Jhaymes pulled George into his arms. Lifting him from his feet he carried him into their home. “We have to get ready for dinner tonight.” George offered a half-hearted protest. Jhaymes lips silenced anymore that George could have said. His agile tongue tracing the sensitive inside of George's mouth. “Jhaymes.” The name was breathy sigh.

George moaned softly losing himself in the heady sensation of Jhaymes. “That's right,” Jhaymes kicked their bedroom door shut after walking past several startled pages who had come from the palace to make their home ready for their arrival. “From now until we are both sated, the only thing I want to hear you say is my name and more, maybe harder, yeah, you can say that.” Jhaymes nuzzled George's neck. “It's been too long since I heard you cry my name.” Jhaymes placed George on their bed. “I'm going to make love to you until your body heat is tattooed on my skin.”

“Umm,” George huffed as his pants were yanked off. “Jhaymes,” George sank into the bed at the feel of he larger body settling over him. Jhaymes felt the hands that began to undress him.

“Slowly,” Jhaymes cautioned. “I want to savor you.”

“Take me now, savor later.” George nearly whimpered raising his hips. He rubbed himself against Jhaymes. The full contact eliciting groans of deep pleasure from both.

“No,” Jhaymes chuckled holding George's hands above his head. Dee had told him that in order to get the upper hand in their lovemaking, he had to stop letting George take control. “I am going to kiss, and lick every delicious inch of you. All that pale beautiful skin is mine and I want to taste it.” George looked down to see Jhaymes slowly undoing the buttons of his cossack. As each piece of flesh was revealed, Jhaymes placed a kiss. Then licked, he nibbled eliciting sighs from George. “You taste so good.” Jhaymes voice whispered against the peak of George's chest. The cry he released was a song over Jhaymes' skin.

“Jhaymes,” George clutched at Jhaymes' strong arms when Jhaymes lifted him up to remove the garment that hung from his soft, pale skin. “Make love to me.”

“I am,” Jhaymes licked a long trail from George's chest to his neck then merged their lips. He sucked the morsels then placed his tongue between them. George surrendered to the probing raising his hips pressing against the warmth of Jhaymes body. Jhaymes hands found all the places he had missed his long separation from George. The soft indent behind the knee, the smooth turn of the ankle the slope of his waist and curve of his beautiful bottom. “Turn over.”

George rolled to his stomach lifting his hips at Jhaymes command. He wanted Jhaymes so badly, but knew Jhaymes would take his time. He had that look in his eye. And George had no desire to refuse him. Jhaymes moved George's hair aside baring the back of his sensitive neck. He placed a kiss there, licking. He absorbed the shiver from George's overheated skin climbing on top of him. George wiggled his hips. He hoped to entice his lover, but Jhaymes was determined to draw this out, this first coming together after so long. Jhaymes moved down pressing George' legs open. He saw the soft bud between the white, peach shaped globes. He leaned down placing a kiss on each side his tongue trailing the same design as the tattoo that graced George's neck. Only he did not leave a mark but the words seemed to be inscribed on George's heart and he knew them as surely as he knew his own name.

“Ooh,” George melted into the pillow under his head when both of Jhaymes' hands palmed him and squeezed. Kneading his bottom Jhaymes parted the cheeks his tongue going inside. “Ah...” George pushed back against the invading wetness. He could feel the fire of Jhaymes making spreading from his outside burning away his resolve, his ability to think. All he could do was feel and revel in the heat of Jhaymes making. Jhaymes fingers found a delicate purchase inside the tight opening. George's body sang the tune of Jhaymes passion. It seemed like hours passed while Jhaymes amused himself with the ripeness of George's behind. When finally Jhaymes lay George on his back he was panting and painfully erect. “Jhaymes...”

“Yes my love,” Jhaymes whispered. He kissed each moist thigh before licking the entire area between. George's fingers clenched the broad shoulders before his legs were rested against them. Just as he found purchase Jhaymes began to suckle. “Yes my love,” Jhaymes said again of the cries George could not contain. “Sing for me.” The dulcet tone of rapture was indeed music to Jhaymes' ears. He went back in savoring the taste of George while his fingers worked the tight muscles until they accepted him with ease. First one finger vanished, then another moistened my desire and Jhaymes mouth. George undulated upon the bed wanting deeper, thicker penetration. Jhaymes took his time opening him, the scent, the taste, it was all his. George was his and he would feast.

Lost on the sensations stealing all rational thought from his mind, George closed his eyes. “Jhaymes,” it was all that he could say. All that was left to say. It was the only word that his heart and mind could hold on to while his body was treated to such delicious torment.

Jhaymes swallowed the warm release that entered his mouth. It slid down his throat an addiction he did not try to fight. “Ready for more?” Jhaymes asked taking the lubrication and wetting himself fully.

“Please,” Jhaymes smiled as he pressed just the head inside. Going slow, so as to feel each inch of his girth stretching inside of George, Jhaymes entered his love. The combined sigh filled the room with the music of coital joy.

“Now,” Jhaymes began to thrust slowly. “Mine, all mine. Always mine.”

“Always yours,” George repeated raising his body in time to Jhaymes movements. “I love you.”

“I love you,” Jhaymes echoed the words his lips sealed to George swallowing any more he could have said, but deep down, George knew that there was nothing more left to say anyway.

Break

Carol turned first right, then left. Her blond hair floated down around her shoulders. A red flower was pinned in her hair with rubies and diamonds. “You are beautiful,” Bikky slid his hands over her sides. “Too bad we can't linger here for a moment,” Bikky pressed a kiss to her neck. “If we are not there in about ten minutes, Dee will come looking for us.” Carol laughed at the regret heavy in Bikky's voice. Just as she turned her head to kiss his lips, a knock sounded at her door. Bikky sighed leaning into her. The knock sounded louder this time.

“Only Dee?” Carol asked when she stepped away from him to open the door and only Dee was standing there.

“Ryo is still being tied into his outfit by those damn supercilious salamanders.” Dee frowned looking down the hall he had just left. “They want him to look great since he so rarely wears his royal garb. Well excuse him for not being draped in silk and satin down to his toes and over his hands while we are out chasing criminals.”

“Not like they would want to be at our house everyday to dress him anyway,” Bikky took Carols hand to place it on his arm.

“Don't give them the idea,” Carol patted him. “Because they just might.” They were still laughing when Rain hurried past them on his way to Julie's room. “You're late,” Carol shook her finger at him.

“I know,” Rain complained. “I had to make the stupid guys leave, they were trying to help me dress. I refused to budge until they left the room. I guess they thought they could wait me out.” Rain would have said more but was nearly rolled over by Tom. He halted crashing into Rain when Bill slammed into his back. Not letting go of Bill, Tom pushed Rain back. “Sorry,” Rain muttered. “Don't worry, they won't serve the table until we all get there, so you aren't late.”

“Not worried about being late,” Tom's brows drew down. “That woman, that Serina, the one who hides in the shadows, she steals from Bill. I want it back.”

“What?” Dee looked at Bill.

“She took my necklace and my bracelet.” Bill showed his bare wrist where the heavy silver chain links used to rest. “I did not feel it.”

“Alright,” Dee looked down the hall then at Bikky and Carol. “You two, dining hall, Rain go get Julie, Chris is getting Ryan, you two, come with me,” Dee walked off. Tom, still holding Bill's arm followed after Dee. They found Vlad sitting in the frozen garden. The ancient creature was leaning back against a tree with his heavy coat wrapped around him a bottle of thick red liquid vanishing into his mouth. “Vlad, where is Mihnea?” Dee said after a greeting.

Vlad took a long swallow then looked up at Dee and his two young companions. “What has he done now? You do not smell molested.” He sniffed in Bill's direction. “He knows not to cross me again.”Bill gasped at the narrowed eyes that went deep red.

“He did nothing,” Tom assured him worried that the vampire would be harmed by his father. “His lady friend stole from my baby brother.”

“Baby?” Vlad looked at them both sniffing. “Not more than ten minutes between you.”

“You can smell that?” Bill stared in awe. Vlad began to tap his foot in a steady rhythm going faster and faster. “What frightens you? I have already had a snack.”

“Huh?” Tom looked at Vlad.

“That is the sound of your heart. Both of you, same frequency. Matched souls. In the womb, not a complete split. You two are as one. The Princesses Almathea and Althea are the same.” Vlad got to his feet after slurping the last of his snack. “I will see your things returned to you,” Vlad looked up at the moon. He stood for a long time tracking a cloud, intrigued. Bill, Dee and Tom all looked up as well wondering what the creature saw that was so fascinating. Seeing nothing, they turned their gazes back to him only to find him vanished into the deepening night.

“I hate when they do that,” Dee rubbed the tingling flesh on his arm. “Heaven,” Dee said. “I know you're here. Come out.” Dee looked around. Heaven sighed. She had been watching them for a while now. She had stayed away from them all day. She could handle just about anything, but Tom's flirting unnerved her. Shawn had suggested that maybe she liked it. That bubble headed human had no clue. Did he? Heaven stepped around the tree. Tom's face lit with a smile. Heaven looked away from him. Bill frowned. She was almost one hundred years old, yet she blushed like a school girl when his brother smiled at her?

“Good evening,” Heaven inclined her head to Dee. She repeated the gesture to Bill but turned a brighter red when she faced Tom.

“Hey gorgeous,” Tom winked. “I hope you're joining us for dinner tonight.” Tom raised his brows his tongue lightly shifting the ring in his lip. “You can sit next to me.”

“I thought that seat was reserved for your brother,” Heaven smiled up at him.

“I have two sides,” Tom stood taller. “See,” Still holding Bill, he reached out his other arm. Heaven was not sure what he wanted and pressed her hand against the flowing white skirt that gleamed against the backdrop of snow and hanging icicles. Dee reached out and took her hand. He winked at Tom them placed the hand on the young man's arm. Heaven gasped then walked with him inside leaving the cold outside, but still trembling.

Break

“Leave it alone,” Ryan patted his sister's hand down when she straitened the jeweled ribbon in her hair. “It's fine, you look beautiful.”

“Yeah,” Rain sighed his eyes soft. “Absolute, total beauty, right here.” He trailed a finger over the back of the hand that rested on his arm.

Chris rolled his eyes wishing he could have brought Catherine. When he was squired, he would make sure to ask Zarro to send her an invitation. They approached the door of the dining hall just as Count D and Leon did with their children. Aoi let go of Leon's hand to rush to Chris' side. Chris scooped the little girl into his arms. “This is the only little lady I need to escort.” He pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“And a cute one she is,” Ryan tickled the little girl. Aoi giggled looking at the handsome young man. The two guards snapped to attention saluting to Count D, then Rain and Bikky. They pushed the door open and Julie saw, for the first time the grand hall of the Arcadian palace. “Oh...” Ryan began to speak as they entered the crowded hall that erupted with applause. Two banners were unfurled with the shield's design sewn into them. Julie gasped when she saw the one that was for Rain. It was placed next to Bikky's in a long line of similar flags. Above their flags were higher ones with larger, more elaborate shields.

“The knights,” Leon said looking at the shield with the lion's paw and flowers along with crossed swords with a gun in the background. “That one's mine. The flowers are for D.”

“That big one there with the dragon dancing in the flames, that's Ryo's.” D pointed to the shield. Next to Ryo's was Dee's with the swords and gun along with the cat's paw and the Dragon in flames. “Jhaymes now has a dragon on his shield.”

“Why?”Julie asked staring at the emerald bird of flames crossed with a lion's paw and and rampant dragon.

“Because he married the dragon's prince,” Count D said with a smile. He looked around and saw Jhaymes and Georg hurrying in from the large open balcony doors. George was in Jhaymes arms while large wings of green flames died down. Jhaymes set George on his feet his face red from the mad dash from their home. They knew the carriage would never make it in time.

They hurried to their seat. Marilyn looked over George from his seat next to Azrial. “Your hair is still wet.” Marilyn laughed when George blushed. “Have you no shame?”

“None,” George laughed taking his seat. “They should have softer chairs in here.”

“Why? Can't sit on your bottom? Too sore?” Marilyn teased.

“Yes,” George grinned he chuckled when Laton strolled in beside Zarro. Mihnea walked with them speaking fast. “Guess he is trying to get their help for whatever brought him here.” George saw Bill and Tom marching along with Vlad and Dee. George gasped to see Heaven on Tom's arm. Walking next to Tom, she seemed almost human. “Does he know about her?” George asked Bikky.

Tom passed the chairs that two pages held out for he and Bill. Chris was holding D's chair out for him when Tom pulled Bill up to Mihnea. “Give it back!” He held out a hand. “You make that woman give it back to him.” Laton raised his brows as the young human stood his ground against a fourteenth century vampire. “Give it back!” He poked Mihnea in the chest. “You make her do it. Leave my brother alone.”

Tom attempted to poke Mihnea again but the shadows moved and Serina stepped out. She held out her hand offering the silver necklace and bracelet. Tom gasped for the first time realizing that she had taken his wallet. “Always your first thought is of your brother.” Serina smiled at him. “You were so sweet laying there.” Tom snatched the necklace from her hand. While Bill slipped his bracelet on, Tom replaced his necklace after shoving his wallet into his pocket. “I can't help it. I really try not to, but then I see something that is shiny and it is in my hand.”

“I don't care,” Tom turned around heading back to the table. “Stay away from my brother.” The words tossed over his shoulder, Tom took Heaven's hand.

“Brave boy getting close to that creature,” Vlad looked after them. “Spend the night with her and she's likely to have him for breakfast.”

“No...” Laton looked at them. “Humans have more value than a mere meal.” Vlad's eyes went over to see Buffy and her friends being seated at the table. Dawn stared so long at Bill and Tom that she missed her seat. Buffy caught her sister and shook her head as the girl sat her eyes glued to the international stars. Vlad and Laton both laughed before looking away.

“You only say that because you abhor the taste,” Vlad countered with a smirk.

“Humans are chewy, then crunchy and splintery their bones can leave slivers in your tongue, not to mention the hair can choke you,” Laton grimaced. Zarro threw back his head and laughed. He continued to laugh losing his human shape. Julie turned in shock to see a large white lion laughing. Victoria walked into the room with Celeste. She looked at her husband before shaking her head no longer embarrassed by her husband. With a grace that legends were made of, she walked to the table and took her seat. Celeste sighed gazing at her best friend. He had not changed, she hoped he never would.

Break

Bill rubbed his fingers against his bracelet while Tom looked around for Heaven. She had completely vanished from the grand hall. Walking back to their room with Chris they paused to see Count D and Leon leaning against a large window overlooking a hidden courtyard in the palace. Bill wandered over to see what they were looking at. Bill gasped to see the large Kami, or rather, the pregnant one, out in the snow with JJ. JJ stood wrapped in a heavy cloak while Lord D wore only his dress cheongsam. Lord D scooped up two handfuls of snow and threw them high into the air. He swirled around in the snow laughing with glee. Lord D sat down trailing his fingers around himself. He lay back spreading his arms in a wide arc his hair spread out like a silk fan in the snow. “What is he?” Bill whispered.

“Besides beautiful?” Count D said his smile serene as Soofu D joined his son sitting in the snow. Soofu scooped up a handful and dropped it over Lord D's head. Lord D's laughter rang through the night sweet like candy coated icicles. “My father is a winter born.” Count D rubbed his chilled hands then leaned into Leon for warmth. Leon wrapped an arm around Count D holding his lover closer. Leon welcomed the warmth of Count D's smaller form as they both enjoyed seeing the Kami heavy with child frolic with joy.

“And you?” Tom asked wondering why Heaven had left his side halfway through the dinner. She had complained of being hungry even though a plate had been served to her. Lady Aurora, who had introduced herself as Lord D's mother, had stared after Heaven with look of pity. “What season were you born in?”

Count D smiled and for a moment, Tom thought he could smell sweet flowers. “Spring,” Count D answered. “Come on,” He patted Leon's arm. “I am sleepy.”

“No you're not,” Leon tapped his rump.

“No,” Count D looked over his shoulder at Leon. “I'm not.” Tom laughed while Bill stared a little longer at the Kami's. He could tell, he was going to like this place. Lord D laughed again as his father rolled him in a heavy blanket and walked inside. He two were talking quietly as they joined JJ. JJ placed his hands on Lord D's tummy kissing his lips. Soofu stood back sighing watching as his son went inside. Chris made as if to lead Bill and Tom back to their room when a blur of silver passed them. Gasping, Chris took off at a run.

“What is going on?” Bill called after him.

“Come on,” Chris called back as the blur rounded a corner and kept going. “That was Lady Alera, we have to tell her Jhaymes is alive.”

“She knows,” Tom smiled looking after the blur of silver flames. “I heard that they are twins. Believe me, she knows.” When they caught up to Alera it was to see her sitting a young man of about twelve on a chair then throwing her arms around Jhaymes. Tears fell from her eyes as she smothered her brother with kisses and hugs.

“Jhaymie,”Alera wept. “It was like my own heart was bleeding out of my chest and I wanted to die. Then I smelled George and all was well. What happened?”

“I went into the Ukraine to get Sofu Z,” Jhaymes explained. Tom sat down to listen. This was a tale he had been waiting to hear. “She was being held by Florian in a old castle.” Jhaymes warmed into the tale. He pulled George into his lap. “The demons out front were nothing. I ripped through them like a hot spoon through ice cream.” Alera wiped more tears from her eyes. Looking at her baby brother now a picture of health after near death was such a relief she sat on the floor ignoring the chair. She stared up at him with rapt attention. “Inside the castle there were tougher creatures, class A at least, with a few primes thrown in.” Alera widened her eyes thinking of her brother going up against such odds. “I made it through with a few wounds, all minor. I found Z locked in a room in the beginning stages of labor.”

“So she was in labor already?” Alera asked thinking of the danger the heightened scent of a leshyi in labor would induce.

“Yeah,” Jhaymes nodded hugging George from behind. George turned his head and Jhaymes pressed a quick kiss on his lips. “ Florian was waiting for me.” Alera gasped. “I covered Sofu Z with my cloak and battled him. He was skilled, but not any better than I,” Jhaymes nodded recalling Florian's shocked gasp as his sword had sliced into his body. “I broke away the chains on Sofu Z.”

“Chains?” Bill asked his face pale with the horrific visions he had of the battle that Jhaymes had described. “He chained a pregnant fairy?”

“Yes he did,” Jhaymes nodded he looked up when Bikky and Rain joined them. “It was a black soul chain.”

“But that sounds like the net that was used on Lord D. It made him sick,” Rain sat next to Alera while Bikky leaned against a wall at his back with a can of soda. Rain pulled his canteen of tea from one of his overlarge pockets and took a sip.

“Yes,” Jhaymes nodded. “It was made from the very same substance, and had the very same effect.” Alera heard the young boy gasp in fear as he recognized the word black soul. He did not speak any English, but those words he knew. He made his way to Alera and placed his hand in hers. “Sofu Z suffered mightily until I took it off of her. Once from the bed I released my wings and flew her to the woods. I knew we would be pursued and that getting her to Jerusalem would be difficult without aid, so I headed into Romania.”

“The Carpathians?” Bikky asked moving from his spot near the wall to sit next to his brother. Rain moved over closer to Bill shocking Jhaymes with his lack of fear of the other young man.

“Exactly,” Bill gasped in wonder as Jhaymes went on. George was near tears thinking of Jhaymes in such danger while away from him. Now that he was healed, George wondered if Jhaymes would still be on leave for the next few months. He really needed to have him home and all to himself. George's hands tightened where they rested against Jhaymes arm. Seeming on instinct, Jhaymes held him tighter. “I was just outside of Moldova... Just as I reached the lower mountains I felt ripped though the side from the back. When I turned to engage it was like a dark fire searing my skin. There was Florian, in a new body, but still I would recognize his odor anywhere. He smiled when he pulled the sword from my body. It was then that I saw the black smoke coming from it and I knew what it was. I was done for.”

Tears fell down Alera and George's face as they thought of his life ending so soon. “How did you survive?” Tom asked as enraptured as his brother.

“Will power,” Jhaymes shook his head. “I needed to get to my sweetheart. I destroyed the body that Florian was in with my flames and flew as fast as I could to the castle hidden in the mountains. Vlad summoned Soofu A as Z went into full labor. There was nothing that they could do for me. I knew Alera would go on. She is strong, but I had to see George. I was not dieing before I saw him again. Soofu A made it so that I could get back to you and the rest you know.”Jhaymes wiped George's face.

“I am glad that you got him,” Bill nodded. “A man who strikes the back is no man.”

“No, Florian is not a man at all,” Rain got to his feet. “And his master is no better. Sadistic perverts, with a desire to humiliate all life.”

“You sound like Nestoir,” Bikky pinched Rain's nose.

“You said you got him in the bedroom,” Bill mused thinking over the recap Jhaymes had done of the battle. “Then how did he get you in the mountains?”

“Demons such as Dae and Florian have no physical form in this realm,” Alera explained getting to her feet. She stood despite the small person clinging to her. “So they attach themselves to a human, like a leech feeds off human blood, they feed off the soul turning it black and using the body as their own. When the body dies that is where they get the black souls for the poison that is used to bind creatures of light.”

“Like the Kami?” Bill thought of the beautiful person he had seen playing in the snow.

“Yes, you catch on quick,” Alera smiled at Bill. The young man blushed as the pretty woman with white hair went on. “He uses his human minions, warlocks and witches, or just plain servants to their will, allow them to use their body for the power it gives them not caring that they loose their own will and mental capacity. Killing the body will not kill the soul inside and if they have a body on stand-bye, they can jump before the old dies. With no body on hand it takes them longer to find a new as they have a much longer way to travel to get one.”

“Longer way?” Tom asked his mind reeling with the second set of information on this Arcadian world he and his brother had been brought to.

“Yes,” Bikky explained going over in his mind the studies he had undergone with Laton. “If the body dies before the soul leaves it is sent to be judged. Naturally found wanting it goes to hell. They have to come back from there in order to ask another human to share their body.”

“Sounds fascinating, but horrible, you know,” Bill rubbed his clammy hands on his pants.

“Just remember always,” Alera placed her hand on his arm. “Human free will is greater than any possession. As long as you do not agree, he can only harm you.”

“Only?” Tom pulled his brother behind him.

“Rather to die than lose your soul,” Alera spat the words out in their native German to be sure they understood her. “That is the battle we fight. So that more humans are not lost to his seductions of power and lies. He corrupts and destroys; hating the humans for his dependence on their bodies, yet wanting their autonomy of form and function. Creatures of light are like a bane to him and Arcadia his mortal enemy.”

“That is why we were in danger of our lives,” Tom recalled the way Laton had gone after them.

“Honestly young man,” Jhaymes looked at them both. “You could have been fed seeds of the honyaru plant and been none-the-wiser. Zarro went after you for a reason.”

“Meaning he wanted us in his world,” Bill recalled the choice of forgetting this wonderful place or die. “But why?”

“For many years the Albaz, descendants of Soofu E,” Jhaymes explained. “Have had little to no contact with Arcadia for many centuries. Zarro needs you as a connection to Germany. He is hoping to contact your entire band and through you set up a spot of light in that country. The more spots he has on the earth, the less Dae can influence.”

“But we are not always in Germany,” Tom shook his head. “We tour the world.”

“But home is where the heart is,” Jhaymes smiled. “No matter where I roam, or what I do, I am always going to be Arcadian of Fire Star.”

“Fire Star?” Bill asked not recalling the name.

“Our planet,” Alera held up a small picture of green, lush fields and homes made of glorious marble. “Dae destroyed it years ago. You would have to read the first tales of the Star Children found in The White Lion,” Alera sniffled. “Because I can not bear to go into it.” Jhaymes' own heart grew sad. He reached out a hand to his sister. Tom wanted to say more. He opened his mouth to do so and a large yawn escaped. “What are we doing? You boys must be exhausted, it has been a long day. Just let me get little one here to bed. I will see you tomorrow I am sure.”

“Speaking of little one,” Jhaymes stood and sat George on his feet. “Where is Soofu W? He is just a child.”

“He is all that is left,” Alera passed a gentle hand over his head. In Arcadian she continued, “And he has been brave throughout his entire journey. I am so proud.” Watered gray eyes shone up at her looking more silver than humanly possible. His hair was an alarming shade of platinum next to his near white skin. Jhaymes nodded at the news. Bidding his audience a good night, Jhaymes wandered off with his sister hoping that things would get better now. Cory had left soon after they departed from America and should be returning with Soofu V. He hoped that his mission went better than his own.

Break

Bill leaned back on the pillows of his large bed. He rolled onto his stomach. I have to sleep. He told himself. I need to go to sleep. Who knows what they plan on doing tomorrow. I really should get some rest. I'll bet Tom is already asleep. Maybe I can just walk around for a bit. No better not, hate to see what lurks around in the night in this place. They have dragons and vampires. I have to get some sleep. The festivities begin tomorrow, what ever that means. I can't believe we met Dracula and his son. And that blond chick. Wonder who she is, large in the chest though. Mihnea referred to her as sister, but history does not credit Vlad with a daughter only a son, maybe more than one. Not sure. Gosh I should just go to sleep. Bill flipped back over onto his back.

He should be exhausted. First the dinner from hell, no that was not fair, Ryo's dinner had been wonderful, it was the before and after that was horrible. Then most of today. Was Tom already asleep? “Why can't I sleep?” Bill groaned into his pillow pulled over his head. Seras, she had an English accent, while Vlad and his son's was decidedly Romanian.

“Child,”Bill tried to scream, but the sound was lodged in his throat by a wedge of heavy fear. “Shhh,” Torcha placed a cool finger to his lips. “I will not harm you.” Bill whimpered nodding. “I thought the human form was nice to you.” Torcha could not understand his continued fear.

“Bill,” Tom opened the door going to the bed without turning the light on. “Did you have another nightmare?” Tom hurried to the bed tripping. He looked at what had caught his feet and saw another foot. A smaller one in black, glass heels, diamonds and onyx winking in the moonlight that filtered in from the large open window. “You're not eating him!” Tom pulled Bill from the bed pressing his brother to the wall Tom stood in front of the dragon queen glaring at her.

“So, this is the spirit of the young man that has fascinated Lady Heaven?” Torcha sat back with her arms folded. “Will I never live that one down? Eat one stupid reporter and all of a sudden you're a people eater. Like the giblet's song, instead of purple and one eyed, I guess I am a two eyed, two horned, flying, green people eater.” Tom and Bill stared wide eyed at the rambling Dragon Queen. Torcha took a deep breath to calm herself. “I'm not hungry,” Torcha smiled at Tom.

“Then why are you here to bother him this late at night?” Tom edged away from the she dragon.

“I was out for a midnight flight,” Torcha stretched and leaned back on the bed. “I sometimes do so. I felt a disturbance and thought to offer aid. We entered the young pretty's room with the same idea it seems.”

“Same idea?” Tom offered a weary look while Bill peered over his shoulder at the beautiful queen sitting on his bed.

“To chase away the nightmares.” Torcha stood and patted the bed. She held the blanket aside. “Young man, I should warn you. Dragons are attracted to shiny things. We horde treasure. We protect it. In much the same way it attracts the vampiric element.” Torcha trailed a finger over Bill's chin. “You shine from the inside, almost like my Ame-Chan, Rain, but he has an elemental power that makes him rival a diamond in the sun. You... You could be great. And your heart,” Torcha turned to Tom her dark eyes seeming to gleam in the darkness. “Your heart is full of valor and passions that would set the fields ablaze. You are great finds. I always knew Zarro was a genius. But when he proves it, it leaves my skin tingling,” Torcha smiled. “Come now, lay down.” Torcha patted the bed. “I do not have all night. My husband will begin to search for me, then no one will get any sleep.”

Bill lay back in the bed, Tom sat beside careful to keep his eye on the woman who sat on the bed. Torcha's smile was soft as she patted Bill's head. She opened her mouth and Tom heard a lilting song in no language he had ever known. It was beautiful and soft swirling around his mind like a soft feather. Bill sighed his eyes closed. Tom blinked and when he opened his eyes it was morning. He lay in bed beside Bill the covers pulled up over them both. Torcha was no where to be found. Standing over the bed was a familiar head of bright red hair. “I didn't take anything,” Serina smiled at him. “In fact Mihnea asked me to give you something.”

Tom raised a brow at her then looked over to the bedside table to check all of Bill's jewelry that lay there. Seeing nothing missing he sat up. “Good morning.”

“I bring you a peace offering,” Serina held out a set of matched daggers. The hilts were scrolled dragons made of heavy pewter with topaz jewels. “They have sheathes that you can wear at your belt.” Serina explained. “His highness, Vlad, has offered you protection. I daren't go against him. If I could not enthrall the son, I am sure the father would be more so powerful.”

“Enthrall?” Tom frowned. He had heard the word before. Serina said nothing but stepped to the side and vanished into the shadow cast by the sun shining on the bed. Tom looked over to see the pure peace on his brother's face and almost hated to wake him. But the knocking at the door took the choice from him. He wondered what this new day would bring. Today was the start of the festivities and trials that would see Rain and Bikky and several other members of the Arcadian court to be Squired. He did not understand the significance of the announcement that Kenneth, High Prince Daphnus' son, would be Squired to Zarro. But the audience had gone silent at the table staring at the young man who seemed to be a carbon copy of his equally pretty father. He had thought Bikky being given to Laton was harsh, and Nestoir gave him chills. But Rain seemed pleased so Tom figured it could not be too bad. “Oh well,” He said aloud shaking Bill awake. “We will just have to wait and see.”

To Be Continued

Author's Notes; I never meant for this chapter to be so long. I had hoped to go right into the Squiring ceremony, but there was so much that needed to be explained. It is not easy introducing new characters into the series. I do hope they are welcome here. Once again, I do not own Tokio Hotel, or Bill and Tom Kaulitz, though once again I lament my lack of a personal Bishounen. I guess the French One will have to do. Oh yeah, The White Lion is available at Amazon and Barnes and Nobles dot Com

TTFN

Chi and The French One.