A Regent's Sacrifice – Chapter 6

Sleep for Asad that evening was an elusive dream as he paced back and forth in front of the fireplace in his room, the room he would come to know as his new home, his new refuge. 

He rotated his neck as he paced, his eyes turning from sapphire blue to the deep emerald they changed to when he reverted to his Shifter form.  He was beginning to feel the old urges, feelings of confinement, feelings of rage, but something stopped him from doing what he normally did which would have been to go out and hunt.  The thought that the Regent would find out about his night-time jaunts and killing sprees bothered him.  I saved her life and she is not the person I thought her to be.  I will not disrespect her home or the faith she has put in me, but now, what is there left for me? 

Asad's senses were instantly on alert when the scent of Lotus blossoms invaded his space.  He whirled around, but there was nothing, nothing but dead silence and then a faint blue mist began to filter out from the fireplace and a voice he came to know greeted him. 

"Asad, what is troubling you?"

Asad's body became tense, his voice filled with anger when he spoke.  "What trickery have you performed on me?"

"Trickery?"

His eyes were blazing as he replied.  "Yes, trickery.  I feel as if the Regent has bewitched me, as if you have somehow done something."

"No tricks, my young Shifter.  You are now in the presence of my chosen Regent.  It is her gentle aura that invades your thoughts and calms you."

"Her son has his mother.  I find a certain peace in that knowledge."  Asad's head, once up with anger was now down, with the weight of his sadness.  "Why can I not see my mother?"

His request was met by silence and he persisted.  "Has she moved on?  Taken another form in this realm?"

"No, she has not moved on."

"No, then why can I not see her?  Why does she not come to me?"

"Asad, she has chosen to guide others and she has always watched over you."

"I want so badly to see her," he said in a heart rending plea, his eyes filling with tears.

The Goddess contemplated his request for a moment.  "Go to the fire and look deeply within the flames."

Asad did as she asked and it was there he saw his mother's sweet face.  The tears that had welled up began to flow down his cheeks.  "I want to touch her, see her face-to-face."

"Perhaps she will come to you in your dreams."

"She has never visited me before," he said bitterly.

"Your anger and rage keep her away.  Let go of them and wait."

The mist evaporated and he was left alone once again.

Asad stripped down and slipped between the cool sheets, his heated body quickly warming them.  He sighed as he closed his eyes and a single word spilled from his lips as he drifted off to sleep.  "Momma."

Hours later the dream came and in it he watched as a spectator.  He had never dreamt like this before and it intrigued him as he moved closer to the people in his dream.  He immediately saw that it was himself when he was a young boy of five.

The boy was running along the edge of the sea and when he looked up, he saw his mother coming toward him with a basket.  He ran to meet her, but he stumbled and fell, scraping his knee on a large stone that was jutting out of the sand. 

Calantha hurried over to her son and lifted him in her arms.  "There, there, I have you.  Everything will be all right, my little lion."

Asad wiped his tears away and threw his arms around her neck.  "Momma, lions are not supposed to cry.  They are strong and brave and…"

Calantha held him with tenderness as she kissed his temple.  "Hush, now.  Even lions cry sometimes."

Asad watched his mother, tears forming in his eyes for he longed to be held once again in her arms.

The scene shifted and Asad found himself no longer the spectator, but standing before his mother and she gazed at him with a heart filled to the brim with love. 

"Is it really you, Momma?"  He asked in disbelief.

"Yes, my son."

"Why have you not come to me before?"

"You hold so much anger in your heart, my son.  I could not bear to see you so."

Asad hung his head, tears stinging his eyes.  "I could not save you.  It is my fault that you…"

Calantha approached her son and gently wrapped her arms around him.  "No, Asad, it was not your fault, but you handled it in the worst possible way."

Asad lifted his head and looked into her eyes, a reflection of his own.  "I missed you.  I was angry because…"

"Yes, but it was not the way.  The Lady gives us choices in life and you squandered yours in your hatred.  Now you are being given a last chance.  Please do not waste it, my son."

His lips were trembling when she leaned in and kissed his forehead, then she released him and slowly began to walk away.

"No, please do not go.  Please, Momma."

"I will always be with you, my son.  Look to the Regent for it is she who will bring peace to your heart once again."

"Momma," he pleaded, but he was suddenly awakened from his dreamy state by a commotion in the hall.

Vincent had ridden all night and when he got to the Manor, he pounded on the door until Aggie finally came and answered.  He hurried past her and took the stairs three at a time.

Aggie was shocked at Vincent's abrupt entrance and called out to him.  "Master Vincent, you cannot go and disturb his Lordship, now."

Vincent halted on the top landing.  "I must speak with him immediately."

"He is resting with the Regent.  You have no idea what happened here last night."

Vincent turned around as Aggie came up behind him.  "What happened?"

"The Regent gave birth and almost died.  The house was in chaos and they have only been sleeping for a few hours now."

Vincent scratched his head, but in the end, he walked down the hall toward his brother's bedroom, his heavy steps easily heard on the marble floor.  "I am sorry about what happened, but Arianna is all right and my brother must hear of what took place at the Twelfth Vortex."

Asad heard the loud voices in the hall and quickly pulled on his pants before crossing over to the door and opening it.  He found the door opposite his open and Azzam standing there in his black drawstring pants looking at the scene a few yards away.

Vincent was about to knock on his brother's bedroom door when the door was pulled open and Marsyas stepped out in his robe, his tone clearly conveying his agitation over being awakened.  "What is the meaning of this disturbance, Vincent?"

Vincent had the decency to look down at his feet.  "I have to speak to you.  I have just come from the Gates to the Twelfth Vortex and things have worsened, my brother.  Forgive me for the intrusion."

"Wait for me in my study," Marsyas ground out.

Marsyas watched Vincent hurry down the steps, then turned his attention to Azzam.  "Get dressed and stay outside her door.  I do not want her left alone."

Azzam bowed his head.  "Yes, my Lord."

Asad glared at Marsyas for a split second, then looked away, but not before Marsyas caught him, the young man's arrogance again making him wonder if having him here was a good idea.  "You will do so as well."

Marsyas re-entered his bedroom to find Arianna sitting up staring at him.  "What's wrong?"  she asked anxiously.

Marsyas removed his robe and began to put on his pants as he replied, "Vincent came to report something.  I must see him now."

"Report what?"  Arianna continued to prod.

Marsyas shook his head as he shrugged into his tunic.  "I am not quite sure, but there have been disturbances at the Gates of the Twelfth Vortex."  He walked over and kissed her forehead.  "Rest.  We will speak later."

Arianna sighed, but did not press him, knowing full well he was not going to discuss it with her now.  "Please tell Azzam to come in for a moment.  I would like to speak to him in private."

Marsyas raised an eyebrow at her request, but did not question her over it, he had a more pressing matter at the moment.  "Yes, of course."

Marsyas eyed Azzam as he walked down the hall and called him over.  "The Regent would like to speak to you in private."

"Yes, my Lord."  Azzam knocked, then entered the bedroom.

Arianna gestured for him to come close.  "Azzam, I want to talk to you," she said softly. 

"Yes, my Lady?"

Arianna looked directly into his eyes as she spoke.  "I am sorry that I worried you."

Azzam looked down at the floor for a second, then back at his Regent.  "You need not apologize to me, my Lady.  I am glad to see you are well."

"Thank you, Azzam.  I wanted to ask a favor of you."

Azzam cocked his head, intrigued.  "You have only to ask and I shall be happy to do whatever you wish, my Lady."

Arianna smiled as a sudden thought occurred to her.  Now, if only Marsyas would say those very words.  "It is about Asad.  He has had a very difficult life, Azzam, and coming here is a huge adjustment for him.  I would like you to extend your friendship to him.  I hope that is not too much to ask?"

Azzam could not have been more shocked by her request, but he bowed his head as he replied, "I will do my best to make him comfortable.  I will also endeavor to become a friend to him, but I do not know how that will work itself out, my Lady."

"All I ask is that you try, Azzam.  I know I can count on you to do that."

His cobalt blue eyes sparkled as he replied, "Yes, my Lady, you can." 

Arianna smiled brightly at him.  "Thank you, Azzam."

"Good night, my Lady."

"Good night, Azzam."

Azzam opened the door and stepped outside.  He had a job to do and he would not let his Regent down.

Asad had gotten dressed, but when he looked at the brown robe lying on the chair, he shook his head.  I am a Guardian as well as a Shifter.  I will wear my Guardian robes with pride.

He stepped outside to find Azzam standing before the Regent's door.  He took up his position a few feet away from him, not comfortable with the other Shifter.

Azzam eyed him cautiously, then offered his hand.  "My name is Azzam bin Ghabren."

Asad slowly took his hand and lowered his eyes.  "I am sure you know who I am."

"Yes, I do," he replied while crossing his arms over his chest.

"I have not heard of anyone known by Ghabren.  Where is the birthplace of your mother?"

"It is my great grandmother's name that I use from her realm," Azzam answered proudly.

Asad looked confused.  "You are not from here?"

"My Great Grandfather, Baraka, went to the other realm and took my Great Grandmother Ebè here."

Asad's eyes widened in recognition.  "So, you are a Worsret too?"

"Yes."

Asad relaxed a little as he looked at Azzam.  A family member.  I have never had so much family before and all in one place.  It was a bit daunting and Asad became moody as he contemplated his new home.

In Marsyas' study, the verbal report Vincent had given Marsyas was very disturbing.

"Something is about to happen, something that must be prevented," Marsyas stated angrily. 

"The ground is shifting in the area and the few villagers that live there are moving on.  I told them they would be welcomed at the Town of Carsenia.  There are still quite a few empty cottages in the town."

Marsyas nodded in agreement.  "Did you get them help in moving?"

"Yes.  I left instructions with Commander Ianscia's Lieutenant, Segmen, to send a patrol with the villagers out to the town to help them move their belongings."

"I know you must be tired, my brother, but I will need you to go to the Command Center and leave word that the Commanders must assemble for a meeting in the morning, here.  I want to make sure they do not leave for their respective posts.  And, make sure you also leave a message for Jamal."

"Here, Marsyas?"  Vincent asked incredulously.

"Yes, here.  I will not leave Arianna now, not when I nearly lost her after the birth of our son."

Vincent rose and bowed his head.  "I shall go to the Command Center at once and leave word."

"Good, then get some rest.  I will need you by my side."

"I will see you on the morrow, my brother."

"Good night, Vincent."

Marsyas saw Vincent out, and then wearily ascended the marble stairs toward his room.  Asad and Azzam both looked up when he approached and bowed their heads.

"Is all well, my Lord?"  Azzam inquired.

Marsyas pursed his lips.  "No, Azzam, all is not well.  The situation at the Twelfth Vortex has become grave."

Asad stared at Marsyas and swallowed.  "Has there been a breach?"

Marsyas shook his head.  "No, not yet, but the ground is shifting and small chasms have opened.  I am afraid it will not be long before there is a breach, the magnitude of which I cannot be certain."  Marsyas halted his words and looked up at the ceiling for a moment before speaking again.  "I will need the both of you to remain by the Regent's side tomorrow for I will be having a meeting downstairs with the Commanders."

Asad and Azzam both replied simultaneously.  "Yes, my Lord."

"Go get some sleep for the next few hours."

Marsyas entered his bedroom to find Arianna sitting up in bed nursing their son.  The scene evoked feelings of pride, love, and protection.

One look at her husband's face told Arianna he was extremely worried about something.  "What is wrong, Marsyas?  Please tell me."

Marsyas was reluctant to discuss the impending breach at the Gates to the Twelfth Vortex with her, despite Arianna's plea.  He merely repeated what he had told her previously.  "There have been a few disturbances at the vortex causing the geographical makeup of the area to shift.  I am going to speak to the Commanders about the situation tomorrow."

Arianna stared at her husband.  She realized he was being evasive, but wondered how far she could push him on this issue before he became angry.  "Marsyas, the situation is much graver than you are letting on.  I have a right to know what is happening."

Marsyas sat down on the bed next to her and reached for her hand.  "Arianna, allow me to do my job and handle this matter.  If the situation gets out of hand I will advise you, but I think you have enough to worry about with the upcoming presentation and taking care of Karsten."

Arianna would have exploded, but she realized that he was not placating her, he was merely concerned after almost losing her.  "Very well, but I expect you to keep me informed if things worsen."

He leaned into her and kissed her lips.  "I will, my love."

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

The following morning Carey got up in a cranky mood.  Her mind was on her dream and she failed to notice that Ari had a different guard on her door until she bashed right into Asad.  She mumbled an apology without even looking up, but when she reached for the doorknob she suddenly found her hand being held in a vise-like grip.  Carey's eyes flew upward and when she saw the young man; she was so ticked off she did not hold her tongue.

"What the hell do you think you are doing?"

Asad raised an eyebrow over her language and glared at her.  "I am guarding the Regent.  Who are you and what are you doing here?"

Carey pulled her hand out of his grip and when she was about to let fly a couple of choice words she heard Azzam's soothing voice behind her.

"Asad, this is Miss Carey, the Regent's sister."

Asad cocked his head and continued to stare at the young woman.  There is no family resemblance.  "The Regent has a sister?" he asked, dumbfounded.

"I am her adopted sister," Carey said proudly, then abruptly added with a flick of her hand, "Now, get out of my way."

Azzam sensed that Carey was not herself and intervened yet again.  "Asad was doing his duty, Miss Carey.  I hope you will not hold it against him."

Asad gazed at Azzam in shock.  He was speaking up for him, something no one except his uncle ever did.

Carey hung her head.  She immediately realized how rude she had been.  "No, I won't."  She sighed and continued, "I am sorry, Asad.  I am out of…well, out of sorts.  I did not get much sleep last night."  She looked up at him to find that his blue eyes were assessing her. 

Asad was not used to people being polite to him and was momentarily stunned by her apology.  "I did not mean to…I am sorry if I was brusque."

Carey offered him a tiny smile before she opened the door and called out, "Ari, it's me.  Are you decent?"

As she closed the door, Asad heard his Regent's reply, "Yes, silly.  Come in and sit. We can have breakfast together now that Karsten has just been fed."

Azzam gently laid his hand on Asad's shoulder in a reassuring gesture.  "Miss Carey comes and goes all the time.  I am sure you will get used to her quirky ways and odd words."

Asad nodded.  "I shall try."  However, even as the words left his mouth, Asad doubted their truthfulness.  I do not think I shall be able to adjust to this life.  I am sorry Momma, but I do not deserve a second chance. 

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

Breakfast had been set out, but Arianna quickly noticed how distracted Carey appeared as they began to eat.  "So, besides coming in here to see me, what is bothering you?"

Carey looked up from her juice, a tiny frown on her lips.  "I'm that transparent?"

"Carey, you have been moving the juice glass back and forth in front of you and you have not even taken a sip from it."

"I didn't sleep well after the dream."

"What dream?"  Arianna inquired, anxious to find out why Carey was so preoccupied.

"After everything that happened yesterday, I doubt you want to hear about my silly dream."

"If it was so silly, it would not be bothering you so much.  Now, tell me."  Arianna insisted.

"I dreamt of that man again, the one who is also a…"

"Shifter?"

"Yes."

"Go on," Arianna encouraged.

Carey told Arianna everything in detail and as she continued, Arianna felt goosebumps rise on the flesh of her arms. 

Family members started to arrive while Arianna and Carey were having their little talk.  Arianna was trying to form a coherent reply to Carey's dream, but Carey's description of how she felt in the dream made Arianna cringe.  She did not want to put into words what the dream meant for fear it would come to pass.  Arianna clearly saw death in Carey's dream.  However, before she was given a chance to tell Carey her impressions, Aggie came in.

"My Lady, your cousins are downstairs."

"Oh, please show them up, Aggie."  Arianna felt so relieved not to have to discuss the dream that she visibly exhaled.  She needed some time to think about why Carey was having these dreams and perhaps a talk with Rashman at some point would help. 

However, Carey forged on, wanting to know Ari's interpretation of the dream.  "Ari, what do you think the dream means?"

"Carey, I think you should keep a dream journal and write those dreams down.  Maybe there is some connection to the Shifters.  It could be your closeness to…"

Arianna was saved having to think up something on the spot when the door opened and Sandra and Rachel walked in with Melina and Casius in tow. 

"Good morning.  I hope we didn't come at a bad time?"  Rachel asked.

"No, not at all," Arianna replied.

"Morgan had to come for the meeting so we figured we would all ride over here together," Sandra explained.

Melina ran over to her aunt and hugged her.  "I am so happy you are all right, Aunt Arianna."

Arianna hugged her back.  "Thank you, Melina.  Would you like to see your new cousin?"

"Yes, please," Melina said excitedly.

Carey offered a weak smile to Rachel and Sandra and pleasantries were exchanged, however, Carey's thoughts were a million miles away.  Ari has so much to do.  I should never have bothered her with this.  I guess I will have to figure it out myself or perhaps Siathis can help me.

Downstairs, the Commanders were being seated in the meeting room that had been used during Rebecca's time.  Siathis and Rashman had been send private notes earlier that morning by Marsyas, asking them to attend the meeting.  Rashman had brought Ahmed with him for he knew his time was near and his son would have to take over shortly.    

When Siathis walked into the room, his eyes rested on the statue of the Goddess that was set on an altar at the front of the room.  Nothing had changed since he had been in this room last.  Arianna had kept it as it was during Rebecca's time.  The statue of Isis was the first thing one saw when entering the room and after everyone was seated at the oval table in the middle of the room, it appeared as if the Goddess watched over the occupants. 

Marsyas waited for everyone to be seated then walked to the front and sprinkled some incense from a jar on the altar onto the crystal in front of the statue of Isis where it immediately began to smolder.  His words were spoken in a low whisper for the Lady alone.  "May you guide us this day in the decisions we must make."

He turned around and looked at the men seated at the table, his eyes finally resting on Siathis.  Perhaps he can tell us what to expect and how to stop it from happening.  He was here during the last breach.   Marsyas took a deep breath and began.  "Today we will discuss the precautions that must be implemented to secure the Twelfth Vortex, the gateway to Rament."

A heavy silence fell upon the room as the scent of Sandalwood and Myrrh permeated the area.  Each one of the occupants offered up their own prayer to the Lady for guidance, guidance to properly keep the vortex sealed off and prevent this breach.

Marsyas sat down and motioned for Rashman to begin.

"I was but a young man the last time the Vortex to the gateway to Rament opened.  I do not have many specifics as I was still studying at the main temple, but I can tell you that it was a terrible time for Eschevelae.  Many lives were lost.  We cannot allow that to come to pass."  Rashman gestured to Siathis as he spoke.  "I believe Siathis Amarkana can shed more light on the situation."

Siathis placed both his hands palms down on the table trying to maintain a calm demeanor, but he was anything but calm.  The tragedy of that horrible day the vortex last opened was still a festering wound which he carried like a burden on his back and in his very soul.  "I was here the day the Vortex was breached, the opening was only the beginning of the cycle that took so many lives.  The vortex closed shortly thereafter and left in its wake a demon so vile that his visage still haunts me."  Siathis took a moment to catch his breath and allow his words to sink in before continuing.  "It is not so much the opening of the vortex that we must be wary of, but the creatures that will most certainly come through, especially the demon."

Commander Sacren stood up.  "Was not this demon destroyed during Rebecca's time?"

Siathis shook his head as memories of Rebecca and Felipe filled his mind.  "That is a difficult question to answer," he replied sadly.

Marsyas sat forward and asked, "Why difficult?"

"We do not really know what happened to the demon.  I arrived on the battlefield, even Rashman was there.  We saw our Regent with the demon being swallowed up in a gray mist.  Rebecca fell, but when we went to see what happened all that was left were the bones of the Guardians the demon and his minions had killed previously."

"Where were Rebecca and the demon?"  Marsyas asked anxiously.

"Vanished, no trace of either of them was ever found," Rashman added.

The occupants of the room looked at one another in shock and began talking amongst themselves.  The details of the day of the battle had never been revealed before.  People were under the impression that Rebecca had died at the hands of the demon, that she had somehow vanquished him. 

Even Ahmed had not been told about the events that had transpired and he stared at his father, wondering what else he had not been told.  He placed his hand on his father's sleeve and whispered, "We must talk, my Father."

Rashman turned to look at his son, then nodded.  "We will speak, but not now, Ahmed, not now."

Ahmed was infuriated.  Why does he put things off?  Before Ahmed could question his father any further, Marsyas interrupted. 

Marsyas stood and pounded his fist on the table for order.  "We will not allow this travesty to happen again.  I am calling up Guardians from each of the vortexes.  Jamal will give each one of you a number to use in sending me your men.  I want the best qualified, no novices, and if we can help it, no Guardians with small children at home.  You will have to weed through your men and then send them on.  I want this done immediately."

While Jamal was handling the Commanders, Siathis was standing near the statue of Isis deep in thought.

Marsyas approached him, putting his hand on his shoulder.  "What is troubling you, Siathis?"

Siathis turned, his amber eyes misty.  He cleared his throat lest his emotions get the better of him.  "I was thinking of the day I lost my wife and son."

Marsyas swallowed and took a deep breath.  "An extremely difficult thing to put behind you.  Perhaps I should not involve you…"

Siathis cut him off before he could continue.  "No, my Lord, I want to be involved in securing the vortex.  I need to do this."

Marsyas nodded.  "Yes, of course, but if you need to talk, I am here for you."

Siathis quickly composed himself.  He was very adept at hiding his feelings most of the time, but when it came to his wife and son, it became more difficult.  "Thank you.  I shall see if Jamal needs my help."

Marsyas watched Siathis as he strode off, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.  He could not imagine losing everything one loved and cherished in a single day.  I do not know what I would do if I lost all that I loved.    

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

Marsyas' plans were put into place by the Commanders and life in Eschevelae went on.  There was a presentation to be made and a new personal Guardian to be formally named.

Arianna's mother, grandmother and Aunt Marci all helped with the preparations for the presentation and Carey proved invaluable getting Nafrè and Aggie together to help prepare the brunch that would be served after Karsten's presentation.

Marsyas could see for himself that Arianna appeared to be in good health, but at his insistence, Arianna had Derek come to the house to examine her the day before the presentation at the temple.

"He is being extremely overprotective.  I feel fine, Derek," Arianna said in a huff.

Derek's light green eyes danced with amusement.  "Then, we had best humor him."

Arianna rolled her eyes and huffed yet again, something that she was beginning to do all the time, but was completely uncharacteristic of her.  Her behavior caused Derek to chuckle loudly. 

"Something funny?"  Arianna asked pointedly.

Derek cleared his throat before speaking.  "No, but your habits have changed since your pregnancy."

"Really?  I have no idea to what you are referring."

"Let us get this over with so my brother can be appeased as to the state of your health."

Arianna raised her eyebrows.  "Fine."

Some thirty minutes later Derek was staring at Arianna with a confused expression on his face.

"What is wrong?"  What has he found?  Something is not right. 

"Nothing, absolutely nothing," he said shaking his head.

"And, that is supposed to be a bad thing?"  She asked, confused.

"No, but you only gave birth two days ago and now it appears as if you were never pregnant nor gave birth."

Arianna furrowed her eyebrows.  "I do not understand."

"I believe the transfusion of blood from Asad was enough to…"

"His blood is very strong," she said absently.

"Yes, it must be quite potent."

"So, does this mean I can resume regular activities?"  Arianna asked mischievously. 

Derek grinned.  "Yes."  A sudden thought occurred to him and he began to fidget with the heart monitor in his hands nervously.

Arianna reached out and stayed his hand.  "What is really bothering you, Derek?  There is something you want to tell me, but I sense you do not know how."

Derek sighed as he gazed at her.  "You have a special gift for reading people as well as animals.  Let us sit down for a moment."

After they sat down on the sofa in the examining room, Derek clasped his hands before him as he leaned forward.  "Have you considered the fact that you will most likely give birth to a Shifter one day down the road?"

Arianna's eyes widened and a tiny smile graced her lips.  "I had entertained the idea, but I was not sure."

Derek shook his head.  "Nothing shocks you, does it?"

"Why, did you want to shock me?"  she asked with a smile.

"No, not exactly, but I wanted you and Marsyas to be aware of it.  You had two transfusions from Shifters and Asad was born from the first Shifter, not to mention, Nicholas, your own brother is one."

"Surely Marsyas must realize this as well?"  Arianna asked incredulously.

"I have no idea," Derek replied as he shook his head.

"I will enlighten him later, after dinner," Arianna said playfully.

Derek marveled at how calm she was over the situation as he put away his medical equipment. 

True to her word, after dinner that evening, Arianna brought up the subject with Marsyas as she laid Karsten down in his basinet.  "I had an interesting conversation with Derek this morning after my examination."

Marsyas had emerged from bathing wearing nothing more than a pair of midnight blue satin drawstring pants and eyed her strangely.  "You said the examination went well.  Is there something wrong that you have not told me about?"

She looked up at him from under lowered lashes.  "Yes, the examination was perfect and we can even resume normal relations again."

Marsyas slowly approached her and wrapped his arms around her waist; the seductive glint in his mahogany eyes did not go unnoticed by his wife.  "That was a very powerful transfusion you received."

"Yes, but that is not what I wanted to discuss with you."

"Ahh, so you have not missed our…"

Arianna placed her finger on his lips, then leaned into him and kissed his nose playfully.  "Yes, I have, you know I have, but I want to talk about our children."

"Children?  Marsyas asked, confused.

"Well, when we have more than just Karsten."

"What about them?"  Marsyas asked.

"Since there are Shifters in our family and I had two transfusions from Shifters, you do realize we will probably have one ourselves some day?"  She blurted out excitedly. 

Marsyas' face paled and he slowly removed his hands from her waist.  His throat suddenly went dry and he walked over to the fireplace, putting both hands on the mantle as he gazed absently into the fire.  "Could Karsten be a Shifter?  How would we be able to tell?"

"No, Karsten is not."

Marsyas turned to face her, his eyes staring at her.  "How do you know?"

Arianna shrugged.  "I just feel it."

Arianna was suddenly struck by her husband's odd behavior.  "Marsyas, what is wrong?  I know you are not prejudiced."

"No, I am not," he hurriedly said in an agitated tone.

Arianna heard the tone of his voice and glared at him.  "Why are you so defensive?  I do not understand why this is bothering you."

"Do you realize what it would mean to raise a son who…you cannot possibly understand the ramifications of such a…."

Arianna immediately cut him off.  "How dare you be so…  I cannot even think of what I want to say.  I am utterly shocked by your behavior.  I think it would be an honor, a blessing to have a Shifter for a son."

Marsyas' eyes went wide, his face paling even more.  "You have no idea what you are saying.  You have no idea what it would be like for him.  He would be…"

"Enough!  I do not wish to discuss this any further.  I cannot believe what I am hearing."  Tears began to fall and she brushed past him hurrying out of their bedroom. 

Marsyas followed her, however when she entered her temple room, he knew he would not follow her inside.  "Arianna, we need to talk.  I did not mean…"

"No, not now.  I need some time alone," she said through the door, her voice cracking with emotions of betrayal.

"I will give you some time, but we need to speak of this."  When he got no response, he walked back to his bedroom slowly.  He went to his son's basinet and gazed down at him as he slept peacefully.  She has no concept of what it would be like, no concept whatsoever. 

Marsyas looked up at the ceiling a single tear sliding down his cheek.  Uncle Gerard, I wish you were here to guide me.  You understood so well.  I cannot carry this burden much longer.

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A Regent’s Sacrifice – Chapter 7 (coming soon)