A Regent's Sacrifice – Chapter 5

The moment Arianna laid eyes on her husband, all misgivings about her conversation with the Goddess flew from her thoughts.  She was so happy to be here with him that her mind locked out the bitter memories of her near-death experience for the moment. 

Sasha refused to leave her mistress alone until Arianna swatted her playfully.  "Sasha, stop or you'll drown me with all your saliva."

Hearing the liveliness in the tone of her voice, Marsyas allowed himself to breathe easier now.  She is going to be fine.  Thank you, my Lady.   He lifted her hand, turning it palm up, and kissed the inside. 

Arianna felt his lips brush her palm and the simple gesture of his love and devotion brought tears to her eyes.  "I missed you."

Marsyas leaned further onto the bed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, gently pulling her close to him as he kissed her temple.  "I missed you as well, my darling wife."

Arianna turned into him and when she looked into his mahogany eyes, she saw something that ignited a fire within her.  "It's not fair that you look at me with that rakish smile, Marsyas, not so soon after I gave birth," Arianna said with an impish grin.  However, the moment the words left her lips, she nervously looked around the room.  "Where is our son?" she asked anxiously.

Marsyas sat up and smiled brightly at her.  "Grandmother put him in his basinet.  He is sleeping."

"Please bring him to me.  He must be starving," she said fretfully.

Marsyas patted her hand.  "He is sleeping, but I will bring him here so you can see for yourself."  He got up and when he walked over to the basinet, he discovered that his son lay there looking up at him.  It suddenly occurred to him that the babe had not fed at all and he had not cried for a feeding since his birth.  He gently lifted him up and carried him over to Arianna, placing him in her waiting arms.  "He is very quiet," he said in an odd tone.

Arianna stared at her son, his lock of curly black hair resting on his forehead as if it had been placed there and when he gazed back at her she noticed his grayish blue eyes.  "He is a good baby.  He was waiting for me to feed him," Arianna commented aloud, not aware she had done so until Marsyas spoke up.

"Is there something you are not telling me, Arianna?"  Marsyas inquired in a confused tone.

Arianna glanced up at her husband, but her face was devoid of the feelings tumbling inside of her.  She would not discuss what happened with him now.  "We have a bond…the bond of a mother and son.  That is all."

Marsyas was not appeased by her reply, but he let it go, not wanting to ruin this moment.  "A most precious bond it is," he replied.

Arianna's face lit up as she gazed at her son who was reaching up with his finger to her face.  "He is beautiful.  Is he not?" 

"Yes, he is.  You blessed me with a fine son," Marsyas exclaimed as he leaned over and kissed his son's forehead, then added, "He wears the crescent moon mark of a Guardian as well."  Marsyas said proudly. 

Sasha slowly crawled up to the baby and sniffed him all over while Arianna watched.

"Karsten, I would like to name him Karsten Felipe, if you do not object," Arianna said.

Marsyas looked down at the little bundle and smiled.  "Karsten is a fine name.  I have no objections."

Arianna pulled down the strap of her nightgown and her son immediately felt for her nipple and latched on to it, feeding hungrily from her breast.

That small action made Sasha stand up and stare at the little human.  She gazed at her mistress and cocked her head.

Marsyas was so engrossed in the beautiful scene before him he did not realize a silent conversation was going on between his wife and her little friend until he looked up and saw Sasha make something akin to a pout, and then promptly lie down on her belly with a sigh. 

He felt bad for her, but he knew she would need to get used to it.  "This will be all new to Sasha.  She has probably never had to share you before," Marsyas observed.

Arianna reached down and scratched Sasha behind her left ear.  "No, she has not and it took some getting used to for her having you and I together, but the baby, well, she will have to learn.  I do believe she will be a good protector for Karsten."

Marsyas looked at his wife and chuckled.  "As small as she is, you expect her…"

A low growl from Sasha made Marsyas halt his words to look at her.  He pondered the matter for a few seconds.  "Hmmm, I may reserve judgment on your size for now."

The happy moment was suddenly broken by Arianna's next words.  "I wish to see Asad."

Marsyas stared at her incredulously.  "What?  Asad?  Your parents and my parents along with Grandmother and Carey are all waiting to…"

"I wish to speak to Asad before seeing anyone else, Marsyas," Arianna insisted.

Marsyas could hardly believe what she was asking, but she remained adamant and he relented.  "I will ask him to come in and then tell our family that you will see them afterwards."

"Yes, I would like that," Arianna said.

Marsyas crossed the room and opened the door and three people immediately turned to the door, their eyes conveying their anxiousness.

Azzam pushed himself away from the wall where he had been leaning waiting to find out how his Regent was faring.

Siathis, who stood across from Azzam with his arms folded behind him, stayed in place and waited for his lordship to speak.

However, Asad remained rigid where he stood at the end of the hall, his blue eyes cold and apprehensive as he stared at his Lordship.

Marsyas raised an eyebrow over the obvious arrogance the younger man exuded.  "Asad, the Regent wishes to speak with you," Marsyas said firmly.

Asad inclined his head and approached the doorway, but before he entered, Marsyas laid his hand firmly on Asad's arm.  No words were necessary, the warning Marsyas conveyed with his eyes was enough. 

Asad pursed his lips, but kept his temper under control as he bowed his head to Marsyas, letting him know that he understood the silent warning.

Asad walked through the door and Marsyas heard Arianna's voice.  "Please close the door, Asad."

Asad did as he was told and once the door was closed, Siathis and Azzam converged on Marsyas with questions. 

After Asad closed the door, he turned to face his Regent and got his first real look at the woman he had saved.  Karsten was still nursing at her breast, but she had covered that part of her body with the sheet so that she was not so exposed.  The picture she presented made Asad swallow hard, so unprepared was he for the feelings that spiraled through his entire being. 

Arianna did not wait for Asad to speak.  "I want to thank you for the wonderful gift you have given me.  If it were not for you, I would not be here with my son right now."

Asad was shocked by the sincerity and humility in her voice and stammered when he replied, "You are…welcome…my Lady."  He could feel her aura reaching out to him, the aura of who she once was and all his anger suddenly seemed to disintegrate. 

"And, even though so much time has passed, I wish to convey my sympathies on the passing of your mother."

Asad was speechless as he continued to gaze at her, unable to fathom why she was affecting him in this way.

"No child should ever have to see their parent die in such a manner," Arianna commented sadly.

Asad's eyes narrowed and the tone of his voice changed to one of anger and rage.  "How do you know about how she died?" 

Arianna picked up on his anger, but remained calm as her son continued to suckle at her breast.  "I saw it in a vision I was given by the Lady Isis.  Your mother was a lovely and wise woman.  You must have loved her very much."

Arianna's complete sincerity and the mention of his mother suddenly caused Asad to break down in tears as he fought for control to keep himself angry.

Karsten suddenly stopped feeding and yawned.  Arianna leaned over and kissed his cheek, then slipped the shoulder strap to her nightgown up under the sheet and sat up holding her son close.  She looked over at Asad and motioned to him.  "Come here, Asad."

Asad slowly walked over to the bed and knelt down, his hands shaking with the intensity of his feelings.  He would never understand how it was possible for him to speak to her so openly, but he did.  "I have hated the memory of who you once were for all these years.  It has eaten away what was once my heart," he said bitterly. 

Arianna reached out and placed her hand over his while he spoke and he felt the warmth and love flowing from her into him, making his tears spiral out of control.  "I do not…"

"It is all right, Asad.  You have been alone for too many years.  It is time for you to join your family once again, take your place by my side.  That is, if you wish it," Arianna added. 

Asad looked up at her with tears still wetting his cheeks, the reply coming so easily he could hardly believe it was he who spoke.  "Yes, I will stay by your side…for now."  He lowered his head, unable to give a more definite reply.

"That is all I ask.  If you feel you cannot stay at any point, I will release you from your promise."

He lifted his head to look directly into her eyes, his face suddenly devoid of emotion as he struggled to maintain his cold demeanor, but it was becoming increasingly more difficult.  "I have a question, my Lady."

"Yes?"

"Why did Rebecca marry Felipe if she loved my father?  Why did she tease him?"  He asked bitterly.

Arianna's eyes widened in shock.  "I do not know where you got this information from, Asad, but Rebecca was not in love with Miklios, not as she loved Felipe."

Asad looked at her confused.  "I do not understand.  The temple maidens…"

"Asad, Rebecca loved Miklios as a brother, not as a lover.  He wanted more and she could not give it to him."

"You are sure of this?"  He asked anxiously.

"That is what I remember.  I know how much I love Marsyas and that is a reflection of the love I bore Felipe.  I remember only bits and pieces of my other life, but I do remember how very much Rebecca loved Felipe.  He was her entire life," she said confidently.

Asad shook his head as new tears threatened to spill.  All these years he had hated a woman who had done nothing but love his father as a brother.  Why had his father left then?  How could he have left mother and me?  The hatred Asad previously felt for the man who had spawned him grew twofold.  The betrayal of his father only served to confuse and anger Asad even more and he found he did not know how to deal with all of these emotions; his feelings were in an upheaval.  

Arianna could tell that that internal war was raging inside of the young man who knelt beside her.  She gently squeezed the top of his hand to bring him back to the present.  "Asad, life is yours for the taking.  Let go of your anger and feel the peace and serenity that only the Lady has to offer."

Asad's lips trembled, but he could never accede to her wishes on that count.  "I shall put my anger to the side for now, my Lady, but I cannot make promises that I may not be able to keep."

Arianna smiled at him and he suddenly felt his heart constrict once again.  The effect she had on him was something he did not understand, but he accepted it for now as he bowed his head.

"I will take that which you offer for now, Asad."

"Thank you, my Lady," Asad replied as he stood up.

Arianna sat back against the pillows.  "Is Rashman outside?"

"Yes, my Lady."

"Please tell him to come in with Marsyas."

"Of course."

When Asad turned to go, Arianna added, "And, Asad, remain here."

Asad inclined his head, then went to the door and when he opened it, he found a large group of family members together with his uncle, cousin, and two Shifters standing around waiting.  He felt uneasy with so many people staring at him, but quickly spoke up.  "The Regent would like to see you, Uncle, and his Lordship."

Chrys, who was standing with Michael, Ezra, and Marci, looked at her mother, who only offered a sign of patience.

Rashman and Marsyas followed Asad inside.

"Please close the door, Asad," Arianna asked.

"You are looking well, my Regent, and you have a healthy son," Rashman commented as he looked upon her and the baby. 

"Thank you," Arianna replied as she took note of how worn out her Advisor appeared, then added, "Please sit down, Rashman.  You look extremely tired."

Asad found himself looking at the Regent in a new light.  She was kind and considerate…loving and gentle.  All these qualities only endeared her more to him.  However, he could not let go of the rage that still inhabited his soul…rage and anger for the man who had sired him…the man who had betrayed him and his mother. 

"Thank you, my Lady.  I suppose the journey was a bit difficult on these old bones," Rashman replied as he sat down.

"Asad has agreed to be my second personal Guardian for the time being and I want you to take care of the necessary notice to the Elders and Commanders for I wish to have his acceptance ceremony on the same day that I bring Karsten to the temple," Arianna stated firmly.

Marsyas looked at Asad, and then at Rashman before his eyes settled on his wife once again.  "When do you plan on bringing our son to the temple?"

"I wish to present him to the Lady and her consort in three days."

"Arianna, you have just come back to us from the brink of…"

"Marsyas, I am quite well.  Asad's blood has healed me completely.  I feel strong and I want this all taken care of as soon as possible."

Marsyas sighed as he ran a hand through his shoulder length ebony hair.  "I shall assist in any way I can," he said wearily. 

"Thank you, my husband."  She looked at Rashman and smiled.  "I am sure you can have Ahmed get all the necessary things together for the ceremony for the baby as well as the acceptance."

If Rashman noticed how the Regent had shifted some of his duties to his son, he made no mention of it.  Rashman bowed his head.  "Yes, I will have Ahmed handle it.  All shall be in readiness."

"Good.  I think it would be best to have the family come in now.  I know my parents must be anxious."

Rashman held his staff out before him and leaned heavily upon it when he rose, something that did not go unnoticed by Arianna and her heart broke for his discomfort.  "Rashman, tomorrow I will make something for your leg."

Rashman offered up a half smile, knowing full well it was not just the pain in his leg, but his entire being that needed healing, however, that would not happen, not now, not until the Lady called him.  The Regent had given birth and soon his time here would be at an end.  "I appreciate your offer, my Lady, but do not put yourself out on my account."

Yet again, Asad saw the kindness and sincerity of his Regent and it upset him that he had held so much hate inside of him for her, for she clearly did not deserve it.  "I will help you, Uncle.  Here, lean on me," Asad offered his uncle his arm.

Rashman gratefully accepted his nephew's aid.  "Thank you, Asad."

Arianna gestured for her husband to come closer.  "Can you please tell Aggie I need to speak to her?"

Marsyas patted her hand.  "I will tell her as soon as I send everyone in."

Marsyas walked out of the room followed by Rashman and Asad.  "She is ready to see you, come in," Marsyas announced as he motioned for them to enter.  He walked over to Azzam and pulled him to the side.  "Find Aggie and tell her the Regent wishes to speak with her and then come in and see her and our son," he said the last few words with pride.

"Yes, my Lord," Azzam replied.

Siathis came up the stairs with Carey and Marsyas held his hand out to her. 

"Is she really all right?"  Carey asked nervously.

"Yes, Carey, she is.  Come inside."

Arianna held her son nestled in her arms as her family entered.  Chrys was the first one to go to her and give her a huge bear hug.  "I am so happy to see you awake and doing so well, my darling."

"Thank you.  I feel so grateful to be here with everyone," Arianna said as she gestured for her mother to sit beside her.  "Meet your grandson, Karsten Felipe."

Chrys had tears in her eyes as reached out to gently caress her grandson's cheek.  "He is so perfect, Arianna."

Katrina, Marci, Michael, and Ezra all gathered around as Marsyas led Carey over to the bed with Siathis.

"Oh my gosh, you look so good, Ari," Carey exclaimed happily.

Arianna was beaming and her face lit up so beautifully that Marsyas was amazed as was the rest of her family.

"Thanks, Carey.  Come over here and meet your nephew."  Arianna looked up and gestured for everyone to come closer. 

Marci went to sit on the opposite side of Arianna and Sasha, who was lying beside Arianna guarding Karsten, growled, but Arianna quickly reached out to her and she settled down instantly.  Marci let go of the breath she had been holding and sat down.  "She is very protective," Marci exclaimed.

"Yes, she is," Arianna said proudly. 

Marci reached out and touched Karsten's hand and he moved in his sleep.  "He is a true blessing," Marci said with tears in her eyes.  She had been so nervous waiting to see how her daughter-in-law was that she could no longer hold in her emotions. 

"It is all right, Aunt Marci.  Everything is fine," Arianna assured her.

Marci nodded as Ezra came over to get a better look at his grandson, a huge smile gracing his lips. 

Azzam entered the room with Aggie and slowly approached the bed. 

Azzam's eyes were misty, but he held his emotions in check for he could see for himself that his Regent was indeed strong and healthy once again.  Thank you, my Lady, thank you for giving her back to us.

After everyone came forward to speak to Arianna and see the baby, they began to filter out of the room to give her some much needed rest. 

Arianna called Aggie over to her.  "Can you please show Asad to the room that was prepared for him?"

"Of course, my Lady.  I will see to it at once and I will have some food brought up.  You must be famished."

"Thank you, Aggie, I am hungry."  Arianna saw Carey walking toward the door and called to her.  "Carey, sit with me for few minutes."

Carey's eyes lit up and she quickly went to sit by her friend and sister. 

Arianna slipped her arm around Carey and the two embraced.  "I wanted to thank you for going to get Marsyas and then staying here," Arianna said, her eyes misty.

Carey looked at the baby, then back at Arianna.  Her voice began to break up toward the end.  "I am happy that I was here for you.  I was so worried about you."

Arianna sighed.  "I know I must have worried everyone, but I'm here now."

Carey squeezed Ari's hand.  "I'm going to let you get some rest and tomorrow we can talk.  I think you need to spend some time alone with Marsyas.  He really lost it when he thought you were…"  Carey couldn't even say the words.

"I know, Carey, but it's all right now.  We will talk tomorrow."

"Yes, tomorrow is fine."  Carey said as she got up to leave.  She took a final look at Ari and the baby and walked out of the room, her thoughts suddenly turning to Jamal.  I wish Jamal loved me as much as Marsyas loves Ari.

After everyone had left, Marsyas joined his wife on the bed, cuddling her in his arms, as Sasha moved closer to her mistress's arm.  "I could not be happier than I am at this moment.  I have you and our son and I feel as if nothing else matters," Marsyas confessed.

Arianna took a long breath, the conversation with the Lady finally making its way back into her thoughts, but she would not discuss this with him and ruin this moment for them.  "I am happy to have you for a husband."  She gazed at him for a moment, unshed tears swimming in her eyes before she again spoke.  "I am so happy to be here with you and our son," Arianna replied in a voice laden with emotion.

Marsyas caressed her cheek, his lips met hers and they shared a deep kiss, filled with a myriad of emotions.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Michael and Chrys stopped off at Sandra's house before going home to tell everyone the good news.  They found the family sitting around the table having tea as they had finished their supper earlier.  "We cannot stay long, but we wanted to tell you that Arianna is awake and you can all see her and the baby tomorrow," Chrys announced joyfully.

Reid let out a long breath and offered up a silent prayer of thanks to the Lady.  He had not wanted to go to Sandra's and leave his sister, but Morgan and Joseph had insisted; their reasoning that even if their sister awoke, it would be very late.

Everyone was visibly relieved and Jamal, who had been contemplating what to do about Carey all evening, finally came to a decision.

The entire time Jamal was at his sister's home, his mind was not on the meal or the conversation, but on the way he had acted with Carey.

Melina proved to be a pleasant distraction on the ride over to the house, her questions about his horse and how he had trained him, filling his mind with little else, but once seated at the table for dinner, Jamal's thoughts took a different turn.  He noticed the little things, things he often paid no attention to at all.  He watched his sister and Morgan share a kiss in the hall, how Morgan put his arm around Sandra when they sat together after dinner, how Rachel and Joseph playfully baited one another, then nuzzled afterwards.  After dinner he knew he would be going back to an empty room at the Command Center and that realization did not sit right with him. 

How could he have gotten so jealous of Siathis?  Siathis was a friend and he was a Shifter.  Carey saw Siathis the same way she saw Azzam, as a good friend. 

Melina had tried to intrude on Jamal's thoughts several times at the table, but she realized he was not paying attention to anyone, much less her.  I wonder what is wrong.  He was not like that on the ride over here.

The moment Michael and Chrys walked in with the blessed news of their daughter, Jamal knew what he had to do.  He got up and excused himself.  "I have an early day tomorrow, since Marsyas will be with Arianna.  I must take my leave now."

Melina's lips curled up into a pout, but she wasted no time in getting off her chair while Jamal was saying goodbye to his sister and walked over to him as he headed for the door.  She pulled on his sleeve as he reached for his robe.

Jamal turned around and looked at Melina, her eyes appeared almost misty.  "Melina, what is it?" he asked as he knelt down on one knee before her.

"Do you really have to leave now?"  She asked sadly.

He smiled at her.  "Yes, I am afraid so."

"Will you come by tomorrow?"

Jamal wrinkled his nose.  "I cannot promise I will stop here tomorrow, but I am sure I will see you at the Manor at some point tomorrow."

Melina's topaz eyes lip up and she leaned over and kissed his cheek, but when she realized what she had done, her cheeks flamed.  She quickly turned around, too embarrassed by her boldness, and called out as she hurried down the hall, "Goodnight, Jamal."

Jamal stood up and stared at her a she ran down the hall.  She is very sweet and I am sure she will break many a heart some day when she grows up.  He shrugged into his robe and after leaving the house, headed over to the Manor, but when he arrived he almost lost his nerve while standing at the door waiting for someone to answer.  It is so late, she is probably sleeping already.

Aggie opened the door and was a little shocked to find Jamal standing there, but before she could ask him anything he quickly spoke up.

"I am sorry to disturb you at this…"

"Oh, it is no trouble, Master Jamal.  Do you wish to see his Lordship?"

Jamal shook his head as he bit his lip.  "No, actually I came to see Carey.  I thought she might stay over tonight, but I guess she is sleeping."

Aggie winked at him.  "She did stay over, but she is not asleep.  She was only in the kitchen some fifteen minutes ago to get a cup of tea."

Jamal began to fidget, unsure of himself when he saw Siathis and Azzam talking in the hall.  The two men turned to look at him when Aggie ushered him in.  Siathis excused himself and walked over to Jamal.  "Have you come to speak with Carey?"

Jamal wondered if Siathis could read minds.  "Yes, actually, but…"

"That is an excellent idea.  She was extremely upset when you left earlier."

"Did she say why?"

"No, but she was distressed and I did not wish to press her."  Siathis gestured toward the stairs.  "Come, I will show you up to the room Aggie prepared for her."

Jamal followed Siathis and when they got to the room Carey was staying in for the night, Siathis inclined his head and walked off.

Jamal shook his head over his own stupidity.  How foolish to think they were anything but friends.  He took a deep breath and knocked.

Carey was sitting cross-legged on the bed reading a book when she heard the knock and called out, "Who's there?"

Jamal swallowed before replying, "It is Jamal.  May I come in?"

Carey's eyes popped open and in her haste to get off the bed she nearly fell.  She ran over to the door, but when she looked down at her satin pajamas she cringed.  Of all the times to be wearing such ridiculous pajamas.  I wish Aggie hadn't suggested going through Ari's old clothes for something to wear to bed.  She opened the door a crack.  "Hi.  What are you doing here so late?"

Jamal tried to push the door open, but Carey held it tightly.  "I wanted to speak to you about…before."

He noticed how uneasy she appeared and cursed himself.  She's probably angry with me.  This was not a good idea.  He answered himself before she could even reply.  "It is all right.  I guess we can talk…"

Carey suddenly pulled the door open and looked down at the ground utterly embarrassed by her sleepwear.  Carey was wearing a pair of pink satin pajamas that had Sasha's picture printed all over them.  Carey had them made up and given them to Arianna for a present one Christmas thinking how cute they were.  "You can come in, but only if you promise not to laugh."

Jamal's eyes nearly bugged out of his head when he saw her outfit and he fought hard to keep himself from laughing.  "Hmm, sure, no laughing," he said while biting his lip.

Carey looked up when she head the uneven sound of his voice and when she saw the wide smile on his lips, she put her hands on her hips and glared at him.  "I said no laughing."

"I am not laughing," he said defensively. 

"Why did you come here?"  She asked curiously.

"I wanted to apologize…for my abrupt behavior tonight."

Carey's face lit up, but she quickly took partial blame.  "Well, I was at fault too.  I expected you to know that I wanted you to stay and wait with me."

Jamal hung his head.  He did not want any secrets between them and he had to come clean about why he acted the way he did.  "The reason I was so abrupt was, well, I saw you with Siathis and I got jealous."

Carey's eyes widened in shock.  "Jealous?  Oh my gosh!  Siathis is like a brother, not that I don't have enough of those now," she said, laughing.

Jamal jerked his head up with a huge smile on his lips.  "Then you forgive my behavior?"  Jamal asked.

"Yes," Carey replied as she threw her arms around his neck.

Their lips met in a heated kiss and it took all of Jamal's resolve to pull away.  "I would like to stay, but I have to handle things tomorrow at the Command Center."

"I understand," Carey replied sadly.

"But, as soon as Marsyas is back in a few days, we will talk."

"Talk?  Are you breaking up with me?"

Jamal chuckled.  "No, silly, but I have plans, plans I want to discuss with you."

Carey's eyes widened.  "Geez, now you are going to leave me in the dark."

"I am sorry, but I want to spend time with you, not rush into, well, I am not going to tell you tonight."

They shared another kiss and then Jamal was gone.  Carey went to bed with a huge Cheshire Cat-like smile on her lips, but her dreams woke her up in the middle of the night and the man who appeared in them was not Jamal, but the same man who had come to her rescue in another dream. 

Carey dreamt she was being held, nestled in the arms of the strange man who was half man, half Shifter.  When she looked up into his eyes, it was as if she were looking up into the clear blue sky on a sunny day, but his eyes were extremely sad as he gazed back down at her.  His hair, dark as a raven's wings, fell forward into his face and as she reached up to touch him, her arm felt so weak that it involuntarily fell at her side.  The man had tears in his eyes now as he leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against her lips.  She could feel those lips, warm, inviting, and tasting of salt as his tears began to flow more freely.  Suddenly she felt herself slipping away, her body becoming cold and that was when she heard the wailing…a horrific sound…a woman's agonizing cries that woke her instantly. 

Carey's heart was pounding in her chest and when she finally caught her breath, she realized she was drenched in sweat.  She tried to recall every detail of the dream and she suddenly remembered that she had heard the man whisper a name as he leaned over to kiss her, but he had not spoken clearly.  Something like Liz…no, Liza…no, not exactly.  There had been such sorrow in his voice when he spoke the name and Carey was utterly confused by this newest dream.  Who was screaming?  She sounded heartbroken.  Why do I keep dreaming of the same man?  Who is he?  What does this all mean? 

There was no more sleeping for Carey and she dragged herself out of bed walking toward the commode.  I need a shower…a hot shower and maybe I might just fall back to sleep.

Carey did indeed take a hot shower, but even that was not enough to calm her down.    

In another part of the house, Marsyas had gotten up when Karsten began to move about in his basinet.  He picked him up and brought him over to Arianna for a feeding.  "He woke up so soon after his last feeding."

Arianna giggled.  "Marsyas, he only fed two hours ago.  Babies feed all the time."

Marsyas rotated his neck and shoulders and smiled.  "I suppose I will have to get used to this." 

"Yes, you will," she said playfully as she watched him start for the door, then added, "Where are you going?" 

"I am going to get something to drink.  Would you like anything?"

"Yes, some milk, please."

Marsyas smiled as he closed the door and Arianna looked at Sasha who had gotten up and was watching her mistress.

"Come here, Sasha," Arianna said to her little friend.

Sasha moved up to Arianna's chest and sat down like a sphinx.

"You and I need to have a little conversation, missy."

Sasha inclined her head and listened as her mistress spoke. 

"I want you to watch over my son, Sasha.  I do not want any harm to come to him.  That is a very big job I am entrusting you with.  Do you understand?"

Sasha's put her paw on Arianna's belly and barked once. 

"You are a good friend, Sasha.  I love you very much." 

Sasha walked over to her mistress and licked her cheek, then snuggled up under her arm while Karsten suckled hungrily at his mother's breast.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Vincent was on his way back from the Twelfth Vortex and his news was not good, not good at all.  He had arrived at the Vortex to Rament after Reid had left only to find that a huge tremor had ripped through the area disturbing everything in its path.

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A Regent’s Sacrifice – Chapter 6