Preface
The bond would need to be formed on the highest point of the full moon, and the time was near. Genevieve sat quietly as she rubbed her hands lightly against her belly. Lying deep within her, a baby boy slept peacefully. Constance sat next to her, her hands pressed against her belly. She carried a baby girl and feared greatly for her. Both ladies were consumed by their thoughts as the Fire and Wind kings consecrated the space for the ritual to be conducted before the dawn of the moon. Constance did not want this ritual for her daughter, but for greater peace, she was willing to allow herself to bond with another realm. For the love of her life, she was willing to do anything to protect his people, her people.
Both ladies looked up, hearing steps descend from the stairwell into the room they were waiting in.
"It's time." The Wind King announced. She only knew him as Eric. His crown gleamed in the dim light, and she admired the way he looked with it. He was hers and she was his, yet something tugged at her, something deep within her denied that he was the right choice.
"My love," Constance's voice shook in trepidation. "You're certain our children will be safe?"
The Wind King looked at her, his eyes melting like warm chocolate.
"My dear Constance, they will be fine." With that, she and Genevieve rose from their seats. They began to walk behind the Wind King to go upstairs to the ritual. Genevieve caught Constance's hand as they walked behind him. The warm gesture soothed her raw nerves. Before they could exit to go onto the top deck, a wind blew, as cold as ice. The Wind King stiffened at the change of air.
Another woman yelped as she fell to the floor being pushed by her master. Her hands smacked the floor in front of her so as to not harm the child she carried. Her body shook as she wept. Constance and Genevieve sank to her aid immediately. "Filthy whore" a dark voice spat behind her.
The Wind King turned to look at him.
"What do I owe the pleasure, Odin?" His voice was most unpleasant.
"Just what I'm owed." He responded as he stepped out of the shadows. "We made a bargain Eric, a life for a life. "The Wind King shook his head. He knew this moment was coming the moment Odin gave Constance her soul back. She had died, but Odin saved her.
"Your debt will be repaid, but not this way."
King Odin shook his head, "Your oldest daughter will bond with my only son." His voice lacked any reason, sending Constance to cleave to her pregnant stomach. She snapped her head to the Wind King, who looked like he was about to cave in. His magic wouldn't compare to the Spirit King's. Odin was royal-blooded. The Wind King, however, was not.
"Eric, you can't allow this. This child is the son of a..."
"Demon?" Odin finished, Constance turned to see him inches from her face. "That's what you were going to say?" He breathed, a smile tugged on his lips.
"Get away from my wife." The Wind King hissed.
"Or what?" Odin held Constance's gaze. Tears leaked from her eyes as she found herself not being able to move. Odin brushed his hands against her breasts fingering tenderly her nipples before he trailed down her stomach.
He moaned in delight as the child beneath kicked at his palm.
"So innocent..." he purred. "So pure."
"Get away from my fucking wife!" The Wind King boomed, shaking with rage. Odin only smirked and leaned into Constance, grazing his lips against her sternum, and dragging them down to her belly. He smelled her desire and knew she hated him for it.
The Wind King moved to attack him but found himself trapped under Odin's spell. "Relax, " he murmured as he pressed an ear to Constance's belly. "A strong royal-blooded one I hear. She will be a fierce woman. What a beautiful child, Constance." He looked up at her, and she held his gaze, her jaw tightening. "No manners for the Spirit King?" She said nothing, she couldn't. Odin's magic also held her in her place. Her thoughts though, were of every profane slander she could think of, and she knew he was listening. He laughed and stood from her now looking at the Wind King himself.
Odin flicked the Wind King's crown as he said, "a beautiful wife, Eric. What a shame she'd spit in my face given the chance." He broke his hold allowing them both freedom. Constance waited no time to wipe the feeling of Odin off of her body.
"So would I." The Wind King sneered.
Odin only grinned at the Wind King. "But at what cost?" He said gently. "Come, the moon will be at full peak soon." He said. He picked the woman up by the back of her neck and shoved her toward the door. Eric clung to Constance who wrapped her arms around herself.
"Eric," she pleaded as they continued to walk.
"I have no choice." He said, his voice numb.
Constance saw the look in Eric's eyes and knew he could do nothing, and she hated him for it. She sobbed into him for their daughter.
...
