WAIT FOR LOVE (Lovemark #4)

5. Unity

5

Unity

Eyes flaring open in the dark, I reared up, fighting against the massive hand holding me down by the mouth. But its owner was far stronger than I.

“Mmph,” I shrieked into the oppressive palm as I struggled for freedom, hoping he understood the muffled sounds to mean unhand me at once, you foul cretin.

“Shh,” a voice to my left hissed; it didn’t seem to be connected to the man holding me hostage, though. “I sense others approaching. Get her out of the bed. Quickly.”

Another hand gripped my upper arm and tugged me off the mattress. I kicked and flailed, trying to pry my mouth loose from the fingers covering it and push the man away with my other hand. My bare feet pounded and scraped across the floor, bunching the rug under me into an accordion fold, as I was dragged toward the corner of the room that was furthest from the exit.

There, I was yanked back until my spine was imprisoned against a hard, male chest.

I growled into the hand and then sank my teeth into that meaty portion at the base of his thumb.

“Ouch,” my captor barked. “She bit me.”

Only for his accomplice to retort, “Hush. Both of you. I’ve no wish to harm the guests we’re about to receive, as they might not be foes. So we must be quiet and invisible or—oh, never mind. I’ll just conceal us.”

Something about the whispered command made me think this second individual was a female and the one in charge of my k********g.

Before I knew what she was doing, she pressed a gentle fingertip to the center of my forehead, and I immediately lost the will to protest and fight the man holding me captive. Resistance simply drained from my limbs, and absolute silence wafted over us, as if someone had just stuffed the entire room with cotton.

The hand around my mouth loosened, as if realizing I was no longer able to fight back, and I just stood there against him, resting like a limp rag doll.

Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind, I knew I should be pushing away from him, running toward the door, and calling for help to whomever these two thought were coming. But I didn’t. And I couldn’t even summon the willpower to be indignant about the fact that I was being held immobile against my will—body and mind—with some form of incredibly powerful magic.

Half a second later, the door to my bedchamber was kicked open by a massive boot, breaking hinges and splintering wood from the doorframe with an ungodly boom. Light from the hallway spilled inside, providing an illuminated path straight to my bed where the rumpled sheets were hanging over the edge of the empty mattress and pooling onto the floor.

A handful of guards rushed inside. Though it was already obvious I wasn’t there, they ripped back the last of the sheets and searched for me anyway.

“What’s the holdup?” a voice demanded from behind them as a commanding silhouette filled the gaping entrance

“She’s not here, sir,” one of the soldiers announced in confusion.

“Impossible.” Their leader huffed impatiently and stormed inside. My blankets were given another vigorous shake, as if maybe I’d been hiding in them after all. They even lifted my Olivander pillow and ruthlessly manhandled him, causing a handful of feathers to jostle loose from his innards and float lazily around their heads.

Finally, the commander reached forward and set his hand against my mattress, right where I’d been lying.

I shuddered in revulsion over such an intimate move.

And my stomach pitched with dread when he announced, “It’s still warm. She can’t have gone far. Search the room. Look under the bed, inside the armoire, behind the dressing screen and curtains.”

A hand touched my bare arm, making me jump, and the fear in my bones drained as the soft feminine fingers petted me gently, stealing my fear.

Damn, she had some freaky, strong magical skills. I merely watched in dazed tolerance as all the lamps in my bedchamber were lit, and light flooded the room so I could clearly see all six men who’d come for me.

Their uniforms told me they were royal High Cliff guards. But what would official High Cliff men be doing here in Tipton in the middle of the freaking night?

Olivander hadn’t warned me to expect a visit from anyone.

“If we don’t find her,” the lead man said, “then find something that’ll give us a clue as to where she’s gone. The king will have our heads if we don’t bring her back with us.”

The king?

Oh, this couldn’t be good. If King Ignatius had sent them for me, then Ollie had not.

Which meant something was very, very wrong.

My hand went to my mark. Warmth soaked into my fingers, letting me know it was still there, and he was on the other end of the link that bound us together, very much alive.

He was unharmed, but I could feel a slight echo of worry coming through the connection.

He was scared. And if I could feel his fear from this distance, it wasn’t a mere spider-jolting-him-unaware kind of alarm. He was worried about something, right down to the core of his being.

But what?

A shiver of dread worked over my skin, and I started to storm forward to demand answers from these men invading my room. But the woman caught my arm.

I glanced down at her slim, bejeweled fingers, then blinked at her face. She was a tiny, dark, beautiful thing. Petite features, large brown eyes, and smooth, perfect skin. She wore the most ostentatious wardrobe I’d ever seen, though, sporting a belly dancer’s bedlah outfit made of scarves and jewels and gold that draped her like a seductive morsel.

Next to her, her companion was also short—shorter than me, a fact which irritated me because he’d been able to drag me about so easily—with icy blue eyes that were probably even paler than Olivander’s and close-cropped black hair.

“Don’t engage with them, dearest,” the woman told me in a smooth, intoxicating voice that made me want to obey her every command. “I believe I’ve been called here to prevent them from taking you, not help them steal you away. So let’s just stay here out of sight until they’re gone. Alright? I’ve no wish to harm them, if we can help it.”

In the back of my mind, I had so many questions. But all I did was nod compliantly and turn to watch the soldiers ransack my room, upturning baskets, spreading all my letters from Olivander across the room, reading the drafts I’d written to him, and opening drawers and cupboards. When one man turned our way and wandered closer, I finally realized they couldn’t see or hear us standing here, right out in the open and completely exposed.

“Don’t come this way,” the woman murmured into her hand and then blew the order at the guard who was almost upon us. “There’s nothing in this corner.”

The moment her magic hit him, the guard pulled up short, shook his head in confusion, and turned away to search another alcove, murmuring, “Nothing there,” to himself as he went.

“Amazing,” I murmured in awe.

The woman smiled at me brilliantly. “Isn’t it, though?”

My brow furrowed in confusion. “But why are you hiding us? Couldn’t you just control their actions the way you did me and get them to leave?”

“If only I were that powerful,” she answered on a sigh. “But alas, I can only do that for one person at a time.”

“Oh.” I nodded, belatedly realizing—hey—she’d let go of the hold she’d had on my free will a while back.

Moving my fingers to make sure I really had control over my own limbs again, I sighed gratefully, glad I was free again.

From there, the three of us in hiding watched the search of my room continue until the commander cursed fluidly. Pointing ardently, he ordered his men to spread out to all the entrances of the dormitory to await my return while he announced he was going to go see the headmistress about my whereabouts.

They stomped out in a line, and whatever magical barrier the woman had been holding over us to keep us hidden immediately evaporated, making me stumble a step forward with a surprised gasp before I could catch myself.

Once I had my equilibrium back, I turned to blink in astonishment at the two who’d originally broken into my bedchamber.

But instead of demanding answers, I got caught up again with staring at all the beads and baubles adorning her. I kind of wanted to try that outfit on. It looked absolutely exciting.

“Now, then,” she said with a refreshed sigh as she smoothed her hands over her bare, rounded hips, which drew my attention to a trio of star tattoos hugging the dark curves. “Let’s start with introductions, shall we?” Nodding regally, she focused on me and pressed a hand to her own chest. “You may call me Nalini. And I should call you…?”

I gaped at her a moment, wondering what the hell was happening here. Then I shook my head slightly. “Um, if you don’t know my name already, then why did you just save me?”

And she had definitely saved me; I knew that now, even though it hadn’t felt like a rescue in the beginning.

Suddenly realizing how utterly ungrateful I sounded, however, I rushed to add, “Thank you for that, by the way. Please excuse the lacking manners; I’m just really discombobulated right now.”

“Of course, dear,” Nalini murmured, patting my hand in understanding. “Completely understandable. I’d be just as curious and confused if I were in your slippers. But it’s all rather simple why I arrived. You see, my lover here—this is Wicket, by the way.”

“Wicket,” I murmured with a greeting bob as I glanced at the man, only to immediately cross my arms self-consciously over my chest when I realized his gaze had fallen to the tattoo on my shoulder, which reminded me I was standing before a strange man in nothing but a thin nightdress.

Sending him a tight, uneasy smile, I kept hugging myself and muttered, “Um, hi.”

“Wicket’s a soothsayer,” Nalini explained, drawing my attention back to her when she snapped her fingers and immediately covered my nightdress with a thick, dark green hooded cloak, as if she knew I was craving modesty. “And lately, because of a good-luck remedy I drank, all his visions have revolved around my very special agenda. So when he just so happened to have a vision about you being kidnapped by those unsavory gentlemen, I myself became very curious and confused as to why I was supposed to save you of all people. Ergo, if you don’t mind telling me, dearest, what’s your name? Maybe that will help clear up all our questions.”

“Oh!” That actually made sense to me. “Okay. Um, sure. I’m Unity,” I told her, even as I wondered if I should reveal my true name or not. But I was unable to think up a reason why it would be bad, since she had just saved me, so I held my breath and waited, hoping I hadn’t made a terrible mistake by answering.

Nalini merely blinked at me, then squinted. “Unity,” she repeated, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Hmm. Sounds vaguely familiar. Which house do you hail from, Miss Unity?”

“I’m from House Maresca.”

“Maresca?” Nalini wrinkled her nose in outright perplexity. “Well, that tells me nothing. No one important comes from the Maresca line.”

Wow. That was so sensitive and polite of her to mention.

Really.

“Why would the High Cliff king be sending his elite royal guards to seize you?” she wondered aloud.

“I couldn’t tell you,” I answered honestly, my pride still rather pricked over her quick dismissal of me. Straightening my back, I lifted my chin a notch and couldn’t help but name-drop my true love as I added, “My only guess would be that it has something to do with the fact that I’m mated to his son.”

So there. Guess I wasn’t such a no one after all, huh, super-powerful magic lady?

At this, Nalini’s focus immediately zeroed in on my face. “Well, now we’re getting somewhere,” she murmured with glittering, interested eyes. “You’re referring to the scholarly prince, Olivander, I assume.”

My insides warmed with delight just hearing his name aloud. Feeling my cheeks brighten, I nodded. “I am.”

“That’s right,” Nalini murmured with a sudden nod. “He did pair off with a Maresca girl, didn’t he? I’d forgotten. My goodness...” She glanced around the room, slowly rubbing her thumb against the tips of the other fingers on her hand, as if trying to brush away grime. “He’s certainly tucked you away somewhere snug and safe, hasn’t he?” With an arch glance to the door that was now hanging crookedly from one hinge and couldn’t close all the way, she revised, “Though not quite safe enough, hmm?”

She turned back to me with a winning smile and looked me up and down. “Truly, but you’ve grown up lovely and beautiful, I see. You were just a tiny sprite toddling around Vander’s ankles the last time I saw you.”

I had to blink at that one, for she didn’t look all that much older than I was. Wouldn’t she have also been a toddler then? But all I said was, “Er, thank you?”

She nodded gracefully. “He thought the world of you then, but I do believe he’ll be even more captivated by how you’ve turned out, which explains everything.” Clasping her hands together, she heaved out a big sigh. “He no doubt called in that favor I recently gave him and summoned me to your side with a wish to protect you.” She glanced at Wicket. “That means our work here is done, love. The girl’s been saved. Should we be on our way?”

Wicket nodded and reached for her elbow to escort her off.

I blinked and shook my head. Because, honestly, they couldn’t just leave now, could they?

“Wait!” I jumped forward, lifting my hands to waylay them.

What about my ruined door? And that guard who would certainly return? And...and…

There was probably an infinite amount of questions I had left to ask.

Nalini paused and sent me a curious glance. “Yes, dear?”

“But…” I shook my head, gaping at her. When I finally found my words, I blurted, “What is going on? Why did those men come for me? And why would Ollie suddenly send anyone to protect me? Is he in trouble?”

“My dear.” Nalini blinked at me as if I should know better. “He’s the son of a self-serving, tyrannical king. His father merely has to have a bad day to decide to hang your true love from the highest rafters. So, I’d say yes, he’s always in trouble. Though, I would agree that he’s probably facing more danger now than the typical day if I’ve been called in to help out. Probably has something to do with the earthling he’s been tasked with assimilating.”

“The what?”

Nalini didn’t even hear me. Tapping her chin, she hummed aloud. “Or maybe he’s finally making some headway on the quest I’ve given him to complete. Goodness, one could only hope.”

Quest? My thoughts spun with worry. What quest? But I knew better than to ask this time.

“Well, then…” I announced, nodding to let them know my mind was made up. “I need to go to him. Right now.”

“But...” Nalini started slowly, weighing her words with a slight frown. “Don’t you think your Ollie would wish for you to stay away so you don’t fall into danger with him?”

I snorted at that. “Well, I guess he’s going to have to live with disappointment, then, because I’m going.” And I stormed to my armoire, where the doors still hung open so I could drag out my traveling case. “It’s not like I can stay here, anyway. Those men could return any moment to capture me once and for all.”

“True.” Amusement glittered in Nalini’s eyes as she watched me pack in a harried, frantic manner. “How long has it been since you last saw him, child?”

“What?” I asked, barely paying her any attention as I grabbed more clothes.

“Olivander,” she clarified, gaining my attention, because there was just something about hearing his name that captured my entire focus. “Or rather—I’m curious—when did he last see you?”

“Eight years, eight moon cycles, one fortnight, and two days ago,” I reported without thinking. “Why?”

“Really?” Her eyebrows arched with interest. “Hmm. So he has no idea how much you’ve grown and changed over the years, I’ll bet.” Then she grinned. “He’ll feel you coming, you know.”

“I don’t care. If the king sent men to kidnap me, then something’s wrong. So I have to be there. With Olivander. If he’s hurt or killed, only I could heal him.”

God bless true love’s kiss for that.

“I agree,” she stated after a few moments to think it over. “A person rationalizes, creates, and performs better in the presence of their true love, too. And he needs to be at his full potential right now. I feel as if he’s this close to discovering what I need him to. And you would help him find success like no one else. So, yes, it’s decided. I’ll assist you in your endeavors.” She nodded graciously as if finally giving in after I’d begged for a full hour for her assistance.

“But I didn’t—” I started, shaking my head in confusion. I hadn’t asked for her help at all. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted it. How could I know if I could really trust her?

“I could mask you from his mark too if you’d like, so he won’t sense your presence,” she offered with an encouraging bob of the head.

“I, er…” I stopped dead and blinked at her. “You could do what?”

“Mask your love mark.” She tipped her chin, motioning to the tattoo on my temple. “If you don’t want him to feel you coming, to sense your presence, or feel your emotions, I can temporarily block you from his awareness.”

“But—” I shook my head slowly, still staring at her as if she’d lost her mind. “But that’s not possible.” Not unless she was thinking about cutting the damn thing clean off my face, which I would definitely not agree to.

“Not permanently, of course.” She laughed over the very idea. “But my magic is…” She rolled her eyes and blushingly grinned as if not wanting to brag but also kind of wanting to brag. “Extremely powerful. So, if you’d like, I could make it so that he had no idea who you were for a short spell.”

“But why—why would I want to do that?” I shook my head, very uneasy about the entire notion. I’d already lied to Ollie about my tattoo. This would no doubt feel a hundred times more treacherous. I had no wish to keep secrets or hide anything from my true love at all.

Nalini, however, shrugged nonchalantly. “There could be many reasons for concealment, I’m sure. Namely that if he knew you were there, he’d no doubt grow upset with you for putting yourself in harm’s way. An argument would ensue. Then he’d want to send you away again for your own protection and most likely put himself into danger in the process. And that wouldn’t help anyone, now, would it? So I could, you know, help you avoid all that nonsense. If you’d like.”

Huh. She made a valid point. I didn’t look forward to how angry Ollie was going to be when I showed up unannounced. He’d adjust because I would refuse to leave, but still, it would be nice to avoid the whole confrontation.

Except, no. I refused to consider Nalini’s idea a moment longer. I started to shake my head until...

She found a sudden interest in her long-tipped fingernails and added, “Besides, the last time you were together, he only saw you as a little sister—possibly even as a daughter—did he not? And don’t you want him to see you as a woman now?”

Well, yes. Yes, I did. But—

“It would be an awkward transition, don’t you think, trying to get him past sibling affection and on to s****l attraction?”

“I…” I blinked at her, not sure how to answer that one. “I hadn’t thought of that,” I finally murmured. But Olivander would probably still see me as the child he’d raised, wouldn’t he?

He’d never want to lie intimately with that little girl.

A worried frown littered my brow.

How was I going to convince him I wasn’t little anymore?

“Here.” Nalini produced a pouch in one hand and opened it, only to reach in with the tips of two fingers and pull out a pinch of glittering magenta-colored dust. “I know just what to do. This is merely glamour powder, nothing toxic. All you need is a sprinkle here and there each morning, I’d say. And voilà...”

When she flicked it in my face, I sneezed.

“Gesundheit,” she murmured. “I’ve made sure to alter you only enough to confuse him and yet still let him see the astonishing woman you’ve become. How does that sound?”

“Oh, but I don’t—”

“Remember, just a sprinkle a day,” she advised as she tugged on the pull cord to the pouch of glamour powder so she could close it and thrust it my way.

I caught it before it fell to the ground and immediately tried to hand it back. “I’m serious. I really don’t want to deceive Oli—ouch!”

Nalini had already licked her thumb and was pressing it directly to my love mark. I felt a shock of pain echo through my head as if invisible wires connected to it from the inside were all being yanked apart and snapped, one by one. And severed.

Until silence...

Before I could say a single word in protest or even push her away, she nodded, murmuring, “Good luck, dear,” and she snapped her fingers, making everything go black.