Book One : The Prophecy : XII : Kiss of Fate

XII

Kiss of Fate

The sound of a kiss is not as loud as that of a cannon, but its echo lasts a great deal longer…

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

The house had undergone a festive make over as the fund raising ball approached.  Small Christmas trees had been placed in each of the four large main rooms that were to be used for the formal function. Beautiful garlands had been wrapped about the banister and set upon the hearths of the four large fires that were alit. The dining room table was laden with beautiful wreaths, candles and ornaments, with the finest silver on display and around fifty guests had been invited arriving just before the clock struck seven. Outside, flakes of snow had begun to drop casting a romantic illusion across the park and street, alit with gas lamps. A string quartet filled the house with festive music as the guests filled the rooms. Amidst the music and raised voices Galean found himself hiding in the library, pacing to and fro before Theodore.

“She has improved greatly in the last twenty four hours,” Theodore said as he stood before a small mirror, tending to his bow tie. “I told her to stay in our room and rest for the evening but she wouldn’t listen to me, something about showing Mary her appreciation and wanting to dress up.”

“Theodore you only have one vial of antivenin left,” Galean said with exhausted eyes. “Tell me what your plan is on ensuring that Eveline lives?”

Theodore stopped straightening his bow and looked through the reflection of the mirror to Galean, whose head was in his hands. A crease formed on Theodore’s forehead as the bud of jealousy sprung to life.

“We leave in the morning for London, once their Gabriel will know what to do.”

“Even he will need the venom of Nagtium to cure Eveline,” Galean said quietly, miffed as to how his friend was simply brushing aside the importance of Eveline’s predicament. If he had been in control, she would be in London under the supervision of Gabriel or better yet Heiden. But he wasn’t in control of the situation, he had been forbidden to tend to Eveline since Theodores return out of a need for her to have some space and privacy. Galean understood Theodore’s true reasoning and found himself defeated, Jophiel also cautioning him to stay away.

“There will be another way,” Theodore said seriously, turning to Galean with stern eyes. “Gabriel will know how to save her.”

“You’re leaving it too late Cael, she should have been taken to London yesterday; Lagmar be damned! The longer she stays here the more vulnerable she becomes and the more dangerous this whole situation becomes.”

“We all agreed to keep her here until the ball was over for her safety and to ensure that Lagmar wouldn’t suspect anything untoward,” Theodore argued roughly.

“She tried to kill Estelle for God’s sake! What other incentive do you need?”

“I know you think or believe that you know what is best for Eveline but let me remind you that I am her husband and we all agreed to wait until the morning!”

“I wish you would let go of your pride for a moment and open your eyes Cael, instead you’re putting your pride in front of her safety, for what?”

Galean rose from the sofa and stood tall before Theodore.

“Whatever it is that lingers between yourself and Eveline, let it go,” Theodore said quietly, his face dark. “She doesn’t belong to you. Save yourself the pain and go home where you are needed.”

“Is that a threat?” Galean said curtly, stepping forward, closing the distance between them. “I am your friend or have you forgotten that?”

“You have become too close to her,” Theodore said with a firm voice. “Can you honestly tell me friend to friend, man to man that you have not grown fond of her?”

Galean took in a breath, his hands curling into tight fists. He knew he couldn’t lie, he knew that his eyes had already betrayed him the moment Theodore had asked the question. He had grown accustomed to her, her pain was his own, he had crossed the line of propriety and honour the moment she had placed her hand upon his chest, sending an electrifying surge throughout his body, mind and soul. He knew that Theodore was right, he had to leave, now, tonight before he went too far. If it was love- a feeling he had sworn off upon the death of his family- he was feeling then he had to do what was right for Eveline, he had to leave never to return. He could not watch her struggle in her marriage, could not betray his once best friend and most of all he could not betray his own principles, had someone done the same to him when his wife was alive he knew he wouldn’t have been so accommodating as Theodore had been.

“I will leave this evening,” Galean said abruptly, striding past Theodore and exiting the library. As he waded his way through the thicket of the crowd he found Belle and Mary.

“Galean!” Belle smiled up at him, beautifully dressed in cream and red, her hair tied back with a red ribbon.

“Belle you look very festive this evening,” he smiled, kissing her forehead lightly. “Mary you look very beautiful as well.”

“Mr Edwards you are always so courteous,” Mary coloured lightly, her eyes betraying her merry façade. He knew the pain she felt for her only son, knew that the festivities of Christmas would never curtail the depth of grief that clung to her every moment of existence.

“Thank you for letting me stay here as your guest these last two weeks,” Galean said with solemn eyes as he took her hand into his own. “It has been a pleasure to know you.”

“Why Mr Edwards you sound as though you are taking your leave for good,” Mary said softly with grave eyes, she had greatly come to appreciate his company in the evenings so much so that the thought of him leaving left her feeling bereft.

“No, I am just retiring to bed early, I have a headache,” Galean lied as Belle held onto his hand, observing the conversation with an anxious expression upon her face. Galean looked down at her. “Don’t eat too much,” he smiled gently at the child whose face was filled with confusion.

“Estelle said I could have some milk and cake,” Belle returned with rosy cheeks and sparkling green eyes. “Will I see you tomorrow for our walk?”

“Of course,” Galean said through gritted teeth. “Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“Night Mr Edwards,” Mary said with feeling, kissing his cheek lightly.

“Night Galean,” Belle smiled before Mary guided her away into the crowd as Galean made his way up the stairs.

*

Eveline looked at her reflection and smiled slightly, Mary had given her a beautiful red, asymmetrical silk chiffon gown that fell elegantly to the ground, highlighting her slim figure. With cold fingers she traced the red velvet belt about her waist, the material soft against her touch. She opened a little box that lay before her on the dressing table and produced a pair of ruby earring’s and put them on delicately, smiling as they sparkled brightly. Her thick auburn hair had been beautifully pinned back by her mother, who had helped her into the elegant evening gown. She turned her body slightly to look at the back. She could see her soft shoulder blades, naked and smooth. The short sleeves of her dress where chiffon and they gently flowed down the side of her back until they met with the empire waistline. Turning back to face the mirror she let her fingers trace the contaminated area of her throat that had greatly been reduced in response to the antivenin. With a little powder, her throat looked normal and pale like the rest of her. She was due to have another dose of the medication in three hours and hoped that her husband would remember.  Usually the hour before she was due another shot she felt herself change and alter in a radical way, her body beginning to burn with a fever, her eyes beginning to darken and her mind submitting the beast within. She knew not how to really explain to those around her what happened when she found herself falling into the abyss within her mind, only that a creature much greater and more powerful than herself overtook her and she became a small and insignificant prisoner, willingly obeying the creature within. It frightened Eveline- the sudden change that could occur, she knew that she had disturbed those around her, knew that she felt herself becoming obsessed with killing her mother and more so of late, her only real friend and confidant, Galean. With a shake of her head she put her woes to the side and picked up a small bottle of perfume, spraying it lightly upon her neck and wrists. Galean had been refused entry to see her and she knew that tonight she would be able to find him and speak to him, hopefully without the eyes of her mother and husband on her. Since she had awoken from that beautiful and haunting dream, her need of his presence became necessary.

As she put on her heeled shoes she noticed a small package being edged under the door and stopped tending to her feet. The shadow of a person passed by, stopping for a moment in hesitation before walking away. Assured that the person had quite gone, Eveline rose to her feet and walked to the door, picking up the small package, wrapped in tissue paper. For a moment she simply turned it about in her hands before pacing back to her dressing table and sitting down. She touched the paper lightly before gently tearing it apart to reveal a small, black, leather bound bible. The tissue fell to the floor as she drew in a quiet gasp of emotion. Amidst the horror of the Bristol bombings she had lost not only parts of her clothing, but her small bible as well which had been a gift from her mother. With tear filled eyes she opened the small bible and found an inscription within.

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.

Galean.

A tear fell upon the page, marking his name as she brought the book to her lips and kissed the inscription with fervent love and devotion.

“I am a crook whose hands should render themselves to ash to be holding such a book of morals,” she whispered with her eyes closed. “To be married to one and to love another.” With a beating heart filled with guilt and betrayal she closed the small book and rose once more from her chair making for her bed side table. Opening the top drawer she placed the little bible within, under her book of poetry and closed the drawer. A knock startled Eveline from her thoughts. Quickly she closed her drawer and tip toeing over to her dressing table.

“Come in,” she exclaimed, taking in a deep breathe.

“It’s only me,” Jophiel announced as she entered. Eveline observed her friend who looked stunning in an emerald green dress that fell to her calves. “You look beautiful Eveline!”

“As do you,” Eveline smiled as she rose to her feet to clasp the hands of Jophiel, her eyes bright and endearing.

“I love your earrings!”

“They were a gift from Theodore to mark our engagement,” Eveline said with a thud in her chest. Her husband had done nothing that could ever justify the heightening feelings she had been harbouring for his best friend, she was a cad and ever more so a liar. No she had not openly expressed how she felt towards Galean and neither had he, but the pain she had felt from awakening from their kiss had been unbearable on top of everything else that was currently happening to her both internally and externally.

“Shall we go downstairs now? They are dancing,” Jophiel said with a genuine smile. Eveline curled her arm within Jophiels and let her friend guide her out of the room, closing the door with a slight click.

“It must have taken you hours to perfect those victory rolls,” Eveline said as the descended the stairs, beautifully decorated with garlands.

“About two hours if I’m being honest,” Jophiel laughed as she gazed down at the heavy mass of people. “Your own hair is very Grecian.”

“I have always had a preference for Grecian attire, especially during the regency era,” Eveline admitted her chest tightening as guests looked up from their conversations to take in the two women. “It is a secret actually, but I adore everything about the regency era and wished greatly to travel back in time to have a taste at what life was like.”

“You mean the cream of society I hope?” Jophiel laughed deeply as they now made their way through the heavy crowd towards Theodore, Mary, Estelle and Belle who were in the large morning room, gathered in a large circle before the fireplace.

“Of course as wicked as that may seem, I am not ignorant to the real horrors of life during the regency period,” Eveline blushed slightly. “It is a silly notion really, most likely a direct consequence of reading too much Austen.”

“I have a great affiliation towards Jane Austen and completely understand your curious and inquisitive notions.”

“Theodore once brought me to Jane’s house you know in the village of Chawton near Alton?”

“I have been several times with like-minded women,” Jophiel smiled, as they came before the group. Theodore turned and stood motionless as he took in both women. Eveline watched as his eyes settled a little longer upon Jophiel and felt her heart pain a little before his eyes moved to her face.

“My dear you look stunning,” he announced politely coming forward to kiss her lips lightly. “Jophiel, you too look radiant.”

“Thank you,” Jophiel replied with lowered eyes, guilt rushing through her veins. Eveline felt Theodore’s arm wind about her waist gently.

“You are wearing my earrings,” he whispered into her ear, causing her skin to tingle slightly.

“They suit my dress,” Eveline smiled as Belle came to her taking her hand and forcing her away from the group.

“Belle what is it?” she asked the child whose eyes were filled with untold worry. Theodore let go of Eveline and walked away to where Jophiel stood, leaning into her with adamant eyes. Eveline watched the pair for a moment before gathering her wits.

“Galean, he has gone to his room with a head ache,” Belle announced quietly as they came to sit upon the window seat.

“Why does this bother you so child?” Eveline said with grave eyes, wrapping an arm about Belle who she had rarely spent time with in the last few weeks.

“He said thank you to Mary for letting him stay here,” Belle whispered into Eveline’s ear.

“He did?”

“Yes,” Belle said with anxious eyes, her nose twitching. “Is he leaving us?”

“No, why would he?” Eveline lied, comforting the child with a hug and a kiss.

“You said he was leaving soon.”

“He is, he has to return home to his family Belle.”

“But not tonight?”

“No not tonight,” Eveline said with assurance, her eyes darting to Theodore and Jophiel who were talking with serious expressions. Jophiel turned quickly from Theodore and left him by the fireplace, walking away into the crowd of merry guests. “Have you had your glass of milk yet?” Eveline asked Belle.

“Yes,” Belle replied as she observed the couples now taking their places in the centre of the room for a waltz. “Estelle says I have to go to bed in thirty minutes.”

“She’s right, it’s nearly eight,” Eveline whispered gently as the dance began. The guests were mainly older friends of Mary and young guests were scarce.

“I wish I could dance too,” Belle sighed deeply with a yawn.

“Well why don’t you ask Theodore? I’m sure he would love to share a waltz with you,” Eveline smiled warmly. “Come let us find him and ask shall we?”

“Oh yes please,” Belle beamed as she bounced down onto her feet and followed Eveline around the edge of the room until they found Theodore looking sourly out of temper, his arm nestled upon the heart, his eyes upon the fire.

“Theodore? Is everything alright?” Eveline asked her husband with concerned eyes. Theodore turned with surprise and looked down at Belle.

“Yes of course,” he lied. In truth he had just found himself in an argument with Jophiel over his conduct with Galean, but he wasn’t about to tell Eveline who would surely seek him out and beg him to stay.

“I saw Jophiel walk away, did you argue?”

“No she just needed some air,” Theodore lied with a lowered gaze.

“I heard that Mr Edwards has retired to his room with a headache, I do hope he will be okay.”

“Don’t worry about Galean he can take care of himself Eveline,” Theodore said sharply. Eveline held his gaze for a moment before agreeing to let his comment slide for the sake of Belle.

“Belle wishes to dance, would you care to be her partner?”

“I would love too,” Theodore exclaimed much to the joy of Belle. Eveline stood back and watched as the pair made their way to the floor. Theodore scooped the child up into his arms and whirled her around much to the pleasure of the onlookers who cooed and sighed at the tender sight. Eveline stood close to Estelle and watched on, her eyes suddenly darting to the stairs.

“Galean?” she whispered under her breathe as Galean made his way down the stairs with a case, dressed in his day clothes. The rest of the guests were oblivious to his presence as he quietly slipped through the crowd, making his way towards the door. Instinctively she began to follow him through the crowd until she came to the door and opened it. Snow was falling and a cool breeze entered the reception area. In the distance she could see him walking through the park under the gas lamps. Eveline looked behind her quickly before darting out into the cold night, closing the door behind her and making her way down the steps. The street was lined with cars but empty of life as she crossed and quickly made her way through the arch of the gates. Lifting up the hem of her pleated dress, her skin crawling with goose bumps she began to run after him. It didn’t take long for her to reach him. “Galean! Wait!” she cried out, her lungs burning with tightness. Galean stopped but did not turn, his back bent and his right hand tight about the handle of his suitcase.

“Eveline you shouldn’t be out here in this weather,” he said aloud, keeping his back to her.

“I came to bring you back,” Eveline replied, her breathe whistling about her in a cloud of icy molecules as snow covered her hair and skin lightly.

“Then you have come in vain,” Galean said as he turned slowly to face her, his face grave and his eyes sad. “I won’t be returning with you.”

“Why?” Eveline asked gently, stepping towards him slightly.

“I am going home, where I am needed,” Galean stated, keeping his eyes from her direct gaze, his heart already consumed with love, as beautiful and graceful as she was, gowned in deep red.

“So soon?”

“I am no longer needed here.”

“Who told you that?” Eveline asked with a confused expression, her lips trembling as the heat from her body began to slip away.

“No one,” Galean lied. Eveline stepped closer to him and laid a hand upon his cloaked arm. “I told you that I would be leaving after the ball.”

“I did not think you meant during the ball.”

“I didn’t want to create a fuss,” Galean said as he forced his gaze upwards, finally meeting her own distressed gaze.

“You could never create a fuss,” Eveline smiled. “I am the one creating all the fuss.”

“Eveline you need to return before you catch your death out here,” Galean said with a sternness in his usually calm voice.

“I care not for death but for you to return with me,” Eveline pleaded, her golden gaze widening.

“Please understand me when I say that I cannot,” Galean said with urgency. “You are safe and will be well looked after.”

“How can you lie? I am in the clutches of death and you think me well?” Eveline said with a flash of anger.

“My being near to you will only cause more pain, pain you don’t need or deserve,” Galean returned kindly, his brows furrowed.

“Your leaving me when I need you the most will only consume me with pain,” Eveline whispered wishing he could understand why.

“You have a husband Eveline,” Galean said with knowing eyes as he gently laid his hand upon her own. “He should be the man you need and want at your side, not me.”

“But we are friends are we not?”

“You know we are,” Galean said, his voice etched with pain. “But our friendship has taken another meaning and I cannot allow that.” Eveline bent her head in submission of his statement, her eyes wet with tears.

“I know I shouldn’t ask you to stay, how can I? I have as you say a husband,” Eveline cried quietly. “And yet it is not the voice of my husband that brings me back from the dark abyss in which I find myself, it is you. And I know how wrong it is, trust me I know.” Eveline pressed her free hand against her heart in desperation. “My mind urges me to stay away from you but my heart pleads with me to keep you near in spite of myself.”

“Eveline, you are bound to another and I being once the husband of a woman I loved with all my heart can understand why it is that Theodore wishes me gone from you,” Galean said with calmness as Eveline forced herself to stop crying, ashamed and dismantled. “Whatever truth lies in the prophecy, if true it is, then can we not hope that it may bear fruit at such a time when we can openly feel towards one another?”

“Such a time I fear will never come,” Eveline whispered tensely. “For you are leaving me to walk among the earth of another world, a world I have no hope of finding.”

“You don’t know what the future holds Eveline,” Galean said as he released her arm from his own to take of his heavy coat. “But you must stay true to Theodore, the guilt of loving another man whilst being married will sully you and follow you around like a shadow cast over your heart until you’re dying breathe. And if love is what we feel for one another, then let it be innocent and right. I could not love you under any other circumstances even if it meant that I wait a hundred years for you.”

“My heart will break,” Eveline said through muffled sobs. “I feel it break as we speak.”

“You are stronger than you give yourself credit for Eveline,” Galean said as he wrapped his heavy coat about her, keeping hold of the lapels as she stepped even closer to him.

“I have never felt stronger than when I am with you.”

“Your strength has nothing to do with my presence and everything to do with you,” Galean said quickly as he wiped a stray strand from her pale face. “And strength you will need if you are to pull through and make it to the other side.”

“And if I die?”

“Don’t speak of death, it is a mask you shall never wear not whilst I breathe,” Galean said harshly as he cupped her face in the palm of his cold hands.

“You will be gone, how will you know if I live or die?”

“A heart always knows, no matter the distance, no matter the situation,” Galean said with certainty. “Trust me when I say that I will know if you live or die.”

“What can I say to change your mind?” Eveline asked with desperation as her hands lay upon his chest as his blue eyes held her own, wild locks of his thick golden hair falling about his face.

“If I loved you as I do then I would go, if I loved you any less then I would stay,” Galean soothed. “To love someone is to put their own interests before your own. I wish to see you better, to see you live out your days with your husband who as you have told me many times is your best friend. You married him, remember why.”

“I thought no other man in this world could understand me as he did, but now I know that was untrue,” Eveline said with chattering teeth. “And I know that his heart is also torn between Jophiel and myself. It is a cloud of complication that I fear will never disperse.”

“It will lighten greatly with my departure. Eveline I do not wish to be the man that steals you away from your husband, no matter his intentions towards you and Jophiel,” Galean promised aloud. “No matter the feelings between you and I, please try to understand that I am helping you, that if I can give you anything, anything at all it is peace of mind.”

“Love is not rationale,” Eveline mused aloud as snow began to pierce her hair, drenching it in water. “When I married Theodore, I married him for all the rationale reasons. Now I know that it is a feeling greatly disconnected to the rationale mind. I have always prided myself on my rationale and logical nature, never one to fall prey to my illogical and irrational urges.”

“Here come over to the bandstand before you fall victim to pneumonia,” Galean ordered, taking her hand in his and guiding her over to the Victorian bandstand. Together they stood moulded within each other for warmth and comfort.

“How the gaze or touch of a hand can break the ice of rationality within me is a complete myth, it is greater than the love or wonder I feel at the hands of nature, deeper and truer than the blossoming bud of spring,” Eveline spoke with a serious and melchonalic expression. “ I see the mechanisms of nature and my logical mind is set at ease, but when you walk into a room or your eyes find my own, it is a though a volcano which has been ever present within my soul has been brought back to life and at times, I feel it will explode and I will shatter.”

“That volcanic explosion can bring with it not just relief but great harm, for love should be like the blossom of spring and not the eruption of a volcano which can bring with it death and terrible consequences,” Galean lectured as he touched her cheek lightly.

“Then why am I reminded of a volcano?”

“Because you are a married woman and to love another is against all that you believe in, it is against your nature, your rationale mind, your morals and principles,” Galean said as he took in a breath. “And so you sense the danger lurking within, the danger that opening that vessel of love to me can bring. Your rationale mind urges you to walk away, but as is always with love it feeds not from the mouth of rationality but the mouth of the irrational and illogical. It has the ability to not only strike life into the bud but to strike fire into the hearts of man. It can bring down a nation like the love between Helen and Paris. It can be the root of all that is good and pure in this world or the root of all that is corrupt and unrepentant. I wish the love between us not to be the latter, I wish it to be good and without prejudice.”

“How can it be so, for my married heart loves another, have I not already given up my morals and principles? Have I not betrayed myself?” Eveline pleaded as there breathes mingled, their hands entwined between them, Galean’s suitcase case at their feet.

“It is for that reason that I must go,” Galean urged unapologetically for he could not regret the love that blossomed between them, she had without knowledge given him life and hope. “I love you because of your morals and principles, on top of your gentle nature and educated mind. I would not for the world comprise all that makes you who you are. I am grateful enough to simply know that your heart beats in tune with my own. Such hope and life that seed of love can give is greater than any other gift a human being can offer.”

“I’m frightened,” Eveline whispered. “Frightened of myself and the future.”

“I would council you to not keep your fears to yourself, let those that care for you know what it is that unsettles you so,” Galean said with kindness, his long fingers stroking the insides of her palms. “You are not alone, even if you feel you are, know that you are not.”

“Love is like spring,” Eveline sighed. “It is here one minute and then it is gone the next.”

“But it gives way to the summer?” Galean quipped with raised brows.

“I know, but there is something so beautiful, so very startling about the spring, everything is coming to life,” Eveline said with an air of grace and tranquillity. “The summer is proceeded by autumn in which all things must wither away.”

“I will not wither away Eveline, I will be standing upon the horizon always casting my gaze out to you,” Galean said quietly as the snow swirled about hauntingly. “Though you may not see me, you will know I am near.”

“And yet I must say goodbye.”

“Yes, for now.”

Eveline could find no words, she simply nestled her hand upon his heart, feeling a jewel beneath his shirt. Shyly she opened his shirt slightly and found her gaze settling upon two brilliant yellow jewels in the shape of two stars.

“How beautiful they are,” she whispered, touching them lightly with her trembling fingers. “Where did you come by them?”

“They were my mothers,” Galean explained as he brought the necklaces forth from his shirt, seeing the colour rise in her cheeks at such an intimate touch. “She was the daughter of a great lord, who happened to be a lord of dragons.”

“There are dragons within your kingdom?” Eveline asked with curious eyes.

“Indeed, they are the last of that race,” Galean smiled. “When my grandfather died, my mother became the Lady of the dragons, though to be fair she never used that title, it just didn’t suit, so she was known instead as the Queen.”

“So does that mean that you are now the Lord?”

“I am and have been since I was fifteen, the year she passed away,” Galean answered roughly, the pain of her death still present. “She had these two necklaces made for herself and my father. The jewels come from the Dragna Mountains in the north where she was born and where the dragons live. The then living King of dragons, Nunya breathed over the two jewels.” He touched the jewels tenderly. “It is said that those in possession of the jewels can hear one another’s call.”

“And can you?” Eveline asked as Galean placed his mother’s jewel in the palm of her hand.

“I saw it happen with my parents but nothing ever occurred between myself and my wife,” Galean said with grave eyes. “But my mother and father’s love was great.”

“As was the love you and your wife shared,” Eveline said gently, handing the jewel back to him, her fingers softly closing his fingers about the necklaces.

“My mother was always the parent I would run to for comfort and wise words,” Galean said, his heart suddenly in his mouth. “With all that lies before me, I sometimes find myself lost amidst the chaos. My Kingdom may fall into the hands of my brother and to ensure that it does not, I must take away his life. I’m not quite sure if I am up to the task. I am even more afraid that those who look upon me with a kind eye will either find me weak or will say I am a tyrant.”

“Who is to say that you must kill your brother in order to save your kingdom? Why must death always be the answer? A good man once told me that when you rid a tyrannical system of its leader they are easily replaced. Instead you must rid the system of it ideology, in doing so you make the leader weak and isolated, his followers will follow another ideology that better suits their purpose. Your challenge is to appease their notions,” Eveline said with furrowed brows. “To kill your brother would wound your nature and though a King must be firm and just on behalf of his subjects, he must not fall prey to the darkness that can and does ensnare so many Kings and Queens. Rid not your brother of his life, but the ideology that drives him and his followers to believe that you are inadequate and that you represent a Kingdom they feel they do not belong too. Make them believe that you are the rightful heir that you are a man to be followed and they will fall away from your brother like flies. For not all men are in want of power and position, many if not most only wish to have bread and water upon their table at the end of the day. To feel safe and secure and to know that their voice, little though it may be is worth something. Can you give it to them?”

“My Kingdom, my people are not as evolved in political philosophy as this world is,” Galean said with frustration. “That is not to say that there are not those that seek modernisation, only that they are a great deal behind. Before my father took the throne, Meer was governed in a similar manner to Rome, power rested in one man alone. But now, power is equally distributed and though the King still has a final say on matters, he is greatly influenced by his council. But I am not ignorant of the fact that it is easy to topple a King, for one man with all that power can only stay so high due to those that keep him elevated. Many within my council see my killing Beon as a great victory, others as a defeat against the steps taken to create a better and more equal legal system and society. We must be the ones to set the example.”

“Do not kill your brother, merely put him before the law and let him be tried by those who wield and distribute the law of the land. You will not be seen as weak if you are abiding by the law you so greatly support,” Eveline said with heated eyes. “Let the law and the people decide his fate. He had walked away from all that you and your father have created to ensure your people have a better life. Your brother knows this and is obviously willing to place his life on the line. The question you must ask yourself is this – would he be so willing as to spare your life?”

“I hope that there is still love within his heart, that he can still remember the happiness we all felt in each other’s company before life became complicated,” Galean sighed. “But he has hardened in such a manner that I do not recognise him. The men in the north are still inherently blood thirsty and many spit on the new legal system. No, my brother would kill me with pride, he would not spare me nor would he gain me the right of a trial. But does that mean that I would be justified in killing him?”

“No because you are not ignorant of your morals, but maybe you are too evolved considering your educated mind which has been greatly influenced by your time amongst the people of this world,” Eveline said with a slight smile. “You will know what to do when the time comes. I trust you will know what to do and I will never see you as anything but honourable and true.”

“You will make a fine Queen,” Galean whispered as he bent his forehead down to meet her own.

“I am no Queen Galean,” Eveline said quietly as she let her eyelids fall, allowing her soul, mind and body consume the moment of intimacy between them.

“Theodore will be wondering where it is you have gotten to if you do not return hastily,” Galean said as though awakening from some dream.

“Speak not his name for it only initiates the reality of my predicament, instead let me simply keep my eyes closed and my head bent, let time still itself so that I may keep you here, where you belong,” Eveline whispered, her hands softly placed about his neck.

“To keep ourselves frozen in this moment would go against the breath of life itself and life I wish you to entertain,” Galean said as he pulled his head away. “I want you to promise me that you will live fully and without regret on my part.”

“I can never promise to betray the feelings I have for you,” Eveline argued lightly, her eyes once again filled with tears.

“Your promise will enable me to hope in the prophecy, to hope in the future. Say you will promise me?”

“Fine I shall promise to live fully,” Eveline said as a tear fell from her eye. “In exchange for a parting gift.”

“Anything you wish?”

“That your lips touch my own, that the night fade away to be replaced with the day,” Eveline pleaded as their noses touched one another. “Let your lips imprint themselves upon my soul, giving me the will to draw breathe until next we meet.”

“To kiss you would be to betray your husband and your honour,” Galean said with a deep breath as he subconsciously licked his lips in anticipation.

“Haven’t our souls and minds already pledged their troths to one another? Cannot our lips too pledge their troths to one another?” Eveline said with widened eyes and flushed cheeks. “If only ever once, then once shall be forever.”

“I am afraid that if I kiss you I shall never be able to leave your side again,” Galean murmured, his voice faint and his breathe rasping.

“Let not your mind be led by logic,” Eveline smiled. “Just this once.” She reached up and whispered into his ear. “And thank you for the bible.”

Galean tilted her head up and softly brushed his lips against her own, cold and icy. At the touch a great glow radiated from the jewels within his hand, encasing them both in a bubble of golden light, their feet leaving the ground as they ascended into the air, oblivious to everything but the feelings that bound them to one another.

*

Jophiel stood by the window and looked out onto the street, her arms folded. Behind her she heard the door of her room open and turned.

“Jophiel?”

“Theodore leave me,” Jophiel said with distain.

“It was his decision to leave,” Theodore said as he came to her, touching her waist lightly. Jophiel stood away from him quite abruptly.

“Don’t touch me!” she said in a hushed whisper. “I am not yours any more than you are mine.”

“He wanted to leave,” Theodore lied. “I could not stop him.”

“Why don’t I believe you? Why would he leave at this very moment and not tomorrow when more appropriate?”

“He felt he was no longer useful,” Theodore pleaded, cautiously stepping backwards as her firm eyes penetrated through him.

“No longer useful? Are you having me on? We need all the help we can muster or have you forgotten that your wife is dying?”

“Of course I haven’t forgotten!” Theodore shouted. “It plagues my every moment knowing that she is mere hours away from perishing.”

“Then why are you standing here trying to explain yourself? Go and stop him you idiot!” Jophiel answered loudly, her fists curling into balls. How could she love this inherently selfish man? She felt sick to the pit of her stomach at the thought. What had happened to him? Why had he altered so much and for what reason?

“No,” Theodore said quietly. “I will not stop him.”

“All because of a prophecy?”

“Yes because of a prophecy,” Theodore groaned.

“And why do you think yourself so high and mighty Cael? Did you not kiss me two nights ago? Are you morally better than Galean? Or are you riddled with guilt?”

“You kissed me back!”

“Yes and how I regret it with every fibre of my being, to lower myself to kissing you when your wife lay dying,” Jophiel turned and walked away, anger coursing through her like a tidal wave of destruction. “Never have I hated myself more than I do in this moment.”

“And you hate me too?”

“I am sickened by you Cael,” Jophiel said quietly, lifting her gaze to his own. “You were never this man, never morally corrupt and selfish, well not to this extent at least. Jealousy and pride have dismantled the man you were, the man I fell in love with. I would not be in the slightest bit shocked if Eveline fell in love with Galean, he is a better man than you and treats her with respect. Why does everything have to be about you?”

“It isn’t all about me,” Theodore whispered his voice laced with a sudden vulnerability as though his eyes had been opened and he had seen the horrid creature he had become through the eyes of the only woman who ever truly understood him. “You don’t know how I wish things could return to how they were.”

“You mean when you were Cael or Theodore?” Jophiel asked bitterly.

“When I was a man exempt from jealousy and pride,” Theodore replied, turning from Jophiel and walking to the window, looking down onto the street. “When I was worthy of you and worthy of my friends.”

“You can still be that man if you simply rid yourself of the cloak of jealousy,” Jophiel soothed. “If only you could see how Lagmar and Belem have infiltrated your heart and caused chaos to reign over your rationale self.”

“Eveline?” Theodore whispered aloud as his wife suddenly appeared on the steps of the house. Jophiel came to his side and looked on with surprise.

“What is she doing?”

“I have no idea,” Theodore said as he watched his wife cross the road and enter the park. Theodore turned quickly.

“Theodore be careful,” Jophiel warned as she followed him out of the room and down the corridor. Theodore rushed down the steps, followed closely by Jophiel and opened the door, running down the steps. With haste he and Jophiel crossed the road and entered the park.

“Where is she?” Theodore whispered to Jophiel as their eyes scanned the area.

“I don’t know, come let us go this way,” Jophiel pointed before them. Together they made their way through the park, snow falling heavily about them.

“She will catch her death out here,” Theodore said protectively as he took of his jacket and handed it to a shaking Jophiel.

“Thank you,” Jophiel whispered lightly. “Look! Is that her over there with…is that Galean?”

Theodore stood motionless as he observed his best friend and wife, moulded together intimately in discussion under the cover of the bandstand. Theodore made to move but was stopped by Jophiel.

“No,” she said forcefully. “If he is leaving then let it be.”

“How can you say that? She is my wife!”

“And if she had seen you kiss me? What then? Are we not also perpetrators of the same act?”

“I will not stand by and watch him take my wife from me!” Theodore said with feeling, his eyes wide with horror and pain. “I will not allow the prophecy to be initiated.”

“Theodore they are not doing anything untoward,” Jophiel whispered, her voice dying away as she observed the couple as they leaned in to one another, their mouths touching. A beam of light erupted from within them and encased them in a great golden light, their bodies hovering above the ground as they kissed. Jophiel felt Theodore’s muscles tense beneath her touch but so was so engulfed in awe that she couldn’t find the words to express what was occurring right before their eyes. After a moment the light broke apart as did the couple. Theodore watched as Galean picked up his case and abruptly turned from Eveline, walking away into the night without looking back. A cry rang out, a pitiful cry that struck at both Jophiel and Theodore as Eveline bent over in pain, watching Galean walk away forever. Jophiel felt her pain and wiped away a tear. “Come Theodore,” she said simply, urging him to turn and leave. Theodore was speechless as he turned from his crying wife and let Jophiel guide him back through the park.

*

Ada, Bram and Peter waded their way through the thick mass of people, their eyes scanning the rooms for anything suspicious. To their left they saw Jophiel and Theodore enter the house, both a little grave.

“Wonder what’s wrong with them?” Peter said to Ada as passed the dining room table.

“They are always having fights,” Ada said as he heralded Bram over with a wave of his hand.

“Everything as it should be?” he asked Bram who was wearing a rather dashing grey suit which highlighted his blue eyes perfectly.

“Nothing strange or suspicious as far as I can see,” Bram answered as he picked up a biscuit from the table and shoved it into his mouth.

“Where is Eveline?” Peter asked with a frown. “Wasn’t she down here twenty minutes ago?”

“Yes I saw her with Theodore and the others in the morning room,” Ada replied nervously as he scanned the crowd.

“Maybe she was too tired,” Bram said with a shrug. “And had to retire?”

“Maybe,” Ada sighed. “Let’s go and find Theodore and Jophiel.”

Nicholas and Jacob stepped into the reception area and glanced around.

“Can you see them?” Nicholas asked Jacob, both taking a glass of champagne from a waiter.

“Cael and Jophiel are in the dining room with Ada, Bram and Peter,” Jacob motioned with his eyes. Nicholas turned his gaze to the dining room.

“And Galean?”

“Not here,” Jacob said with dark allure in his eyes.

“Doesn’t matter, once he learns of what is to come this night, he will follow like a sheep to the slaughter,” Nicholas smiled dangerously as they entered the dining room. Jacob with ease took a tray of champagne from a waiter, handing it to Nicholas who sat it down upon the table. Jacob reached into his dinner jacket and took out a bottle. Both checked that they were safe before spilling the contents of the bottle into the glasses of champagne. When finished, Nicholas went in search of the waiter. When found he whispered into his ear.

“Make sure they drink from these glasses,” he pointed in the direction of Theodore. “If they don’t, you shall.” The waiter nodded in submission, his body changing and his eyes dazed. Jacob came to Nicholas’s side and both watched on as the waiter came to the group and handed out the champagne with shaking hands. As the angels sipped from their glasses, the quartet began to play Shostakovich’s string quartet number eleven in F minor, evoking an atmosphere of darkness.

“Let the games begin,” Jacob smiled as they made their exit from the house.

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