Moonbloods Season 1
Castle Grass and Dreams

The light was blinding, causing my eyes to sting and tears roll down my cheeks. I gasped in surprise, trying to squint past the painful light burning and scorching my eyes.

"Welcome to Castle Grass, your Majesty."

It was like stepping into a story book. I had always herd rumors of the Dark Fey worlds, stories of the demon gates at Star Hill, the bright halls and rooms at Mid-Negera, the Salt Steps at Port Asai.

A place I should have been to begin with. Was doing my best to take in the alien beauty around me but I was still trying wrap my mind around the things Emris had told me. Chloé waved me forward into the courtyard.

It was extremely beautiful here. Flowers were in full bloom here, despite the frost air and thin layer of ice and snow that seemed to cover everything.

The fountain in the middle of the garden was massive be, intertwined with roots and thorns, ivy and mosss that seemed have its own, dull green glow it it. Frogs and crickets could be herd in the nearby bushes and around the fountain.

"I asked the servants to bring your belongings up as soon as possible. Prince Emris' things should be there too. His Majesty should be back any moment," Lady Drodic said. "You can freshen up in you room." She waved for one of her guards to show me to my room. I nodded to a Hali and Niko to follow me.

"I will send for you the second Prince Emris arrives-"

I shook my head. "I remember you," I said, suddenly able to place her face. "Lady Chloè Drodic... you were here the day my parents were buried."

She smiled at me. "I wasn't sure if you would remeber me, Princess."

I shook my head. "I'm surprised I do," I admitted. I remembered little else from that day.

"I'm sorry Emris is not back," she said as she guided me through the village. The trees, glowing white and green, alive with lights and bugs, frogs and life. It was breathtakingly beautiful. "I will send him to you the second he arrives."

I nodded and stopped beside her when she stopped to open a door. Inside was a dark great and teal blue silk covered bed, the walls rimmed and curved with high windows. Tall windows, reaching high to the ceiling, were covered in heavy, velvet curtains, blacking the fair daylight out.

"It's not much, but will have to do, for now," Lady Drodic said.

I turned to face her, forcing a smile on my face. "Thank you, My Lady," I answered. Chloè smiled and then left, back the way she had come.

I waved for Niko and Hali to join me. Halo helped me take my heavy, wet cloak off and hung it on the nail by the door.

"Something's not right," I insisted in a low voice. I couldn't say what it was for sure. I knew I had seen the Lady Drodic before, but I didn't know her. "Emris said he would be back first thing in the morning-"

Niko shook his head. "As your Sworn Sword, Princess, His Majesty is duty bound. If one of his subjects is in peril, Emris will not turn down the request for help. He is simply doing what he should be doing in replaceing his subjects killer."

I shook my head. "Emris said it was a hunting accident," I reminded him.

Hali and Niko glanced at each other.

"It was a hunting accident, wasn't it?" I demanded.

Hali lowered her head. Niko didn't answer. I sighed, getting worried now. "Answer me!" I insisted loudly.

It was the first time I had really demanded anything for either of them. It was the first time I had ever yelled or shouted at either of them. I didn't like it. But the thought of Emris getting hurt...

"We are not certain, Princess," Niko told me. "We are waiting for Prince Emris."

If he didn't come back... I would have to replace my own way back to Summer Crest where I could hopefully live out the rest of my days. If I didn't marry Emris... that would be perfect. For the both of us. We were both looking for a way out of this. Perhaps I would not have to work as hard for my freedom as I thought.

After a restless nights sleep I attended Lady Chloè's departed husbands funeral. I couldn't help but feel like an outsider. The people of Lady Drodic Court, mostly Drydales, gave me looks of disgust and annoyance. They were all very similar to Lady Yesmina, her bright purple and pink eyes were the same eyes staring at me as I walked slowly around the garden, a glass of wine in my hand and Hali at my side.

"I don't feel welcome here," Hali said in a low voice. "The people here have a bad aura."

I glanced around, the garden was crowded, the blue and purple atmosphere and ambiance gave the garden and woods around us a cool glow.

"It's been to long," I stressed. "He should be back by now."

Hali nodded. "If we don't get back in the road soon, King Alistor will send for his son."

I nodded. "Perhaps he should," I said and glanced at Lady Drodic from across the garden.

She stood under the high arch doorway of her Manor, dressed in a deep rose-gold dress, her long hair gleaming in the dim light. She had told me yesterday that she would send her people out to search for Emris and his men but Niko assured me no one had left the hideout. I tried my best not stress. I was worried about Emris, but a part of me wished he wouldn't return. It could be the out we both needed... but I knew better. He would be back. Of course he would be back. I frowned. "What happens if King Alistor sends his men and Emris is still not returned?" I asked him, an idea breeding in the back of my mind. If Emris didn't return, I could slip away. No one would know until I was far gone, to far gone for anyone to track.

Niko shrugged at my question. "I don't know, Princess," he answered honestly. I sighed, looking back around the garden. I weighed the options of telling Niko my budding plan... if I told Niko or Hali what I was doing, Emris would have probable reasons for cause to kill them bith. It was safer this way.

"Princess?"

I turned to face Chloè. She wasn't alone. A tall, dark haired Drydaleien with white eyes was with her. He smiled. "This is my son, Kain," she told me. "New Lord of Negera."

I smiled and bowered a soft smile. "I am truly sorry for your loss, my Lord."

The boy could not be more then twelve. There was still boy in his features yet the beginnings of man hood were there as well. His white eyes locked on me, his face curious. "Thank you, Princess," he said and bowed his head at me.

I looked up at Lady Chloè. "My Lady, with all due respect, is there any news of Prince Emirs?" I asked, not wanting to stall with small talk.

Lady Drodic shook her dead. "Unfortunately no, Princess. I was planning on sending word to the Capitol."

I sighed, trying to think. "What happens if King Alistor sends his men this far North?" I asked, turning back to Lady Drodic.

She glanced at Niko and Hali. "The King will have you escorted back to Summer Crest, I would assume," she mused. "Since your Uncle is dead, your brother would become your new guardian."

I felt a heavy wave of relieve wash over me. It's not that I didn't want Emris to not come home- of course I did. It worries me he hadn't returned yet-

I felt myself go cold.

When had I started caring about him? I'd been with him for less then a month. Spoken to him even less then I had physically seen him. I sighed, suddenly feeling drained.

"I think I should return to my room," I said, offering Lady Chloè a small smile. "I am rather tired," I said.

She nodded and waved for Niko who was standing by the door. "Get some rest, My Lady. Your trunk arrived a while ago. I had it brought to you chamber."

I smiled. "Thank you, My Lady."

I turned to face the new Lord Kain Drodic. "Again, I am very sorry for your loss, My Lord. If you need anything at any time, please do not hesitate to reach out."

Kain smiled. "Thank you, Princess, I pray to the Goddess that day never comes."

I offered him one last smiled before I turned and headed back inside. It was extremely cold today. My breath was bright in the dull atmosphere. I shuddered under my cloak. Emris' cloak. The fur brushed my face, warming my cheeks.

Nalia.

Goosebumps rippled over my skin as I rounded the corner, the whisper of his voice warming the back of my neck. His breath traced along my neck and I slowed, a confused sigh passing my lips. I felt extremely relaxed.

"Princess?"

Niko had joined us in the hallway. I felt an odd wave dizzying euphoria wash over me. "I'm just tired, Niko," I assured him. I was able to shake the feeling just enough to get to my room. "Thank you, Niko, Hali."

I closed my bedroom door before they could respond. Almost stumbling to my bed, I fell face first into my bed and felt the euphoric feeling overtake my limbs, pulling me down into a deep and dark slumber.

His bright silver eyes came for me from the darkness. His soft lips were swollen as he traced the inside of my left thigh. The thirst in his eyes was clear and darkening by the second.

'Stop,' my pleaded whisper passed my lips as Emris leaned down over me, his right hand coming up to close around my neck. 'Stop-'

Emris laughed at me, reaching down to catch my waitst, his other hand pulling me closer, pressing me to him. 'You don't really want that, do you?' Shoving his leg between my thighs, Emris hitched me up against the wall, pressing himself as close as he could. His face went to my neck and as just as his lips touched my skin-

My eyes snapped open, a startled gasp passing my lips. I lai there, trying to remember where I was and how I had gotten here. I sat up slowly, my cloak wrapped around me, making it hard to move. I sighed, detangling myself from the thick material. Once I was free, I pulled the strings of my cloak and stood to my feet, leaving the cloak on the bed.

Longing and despair washed through me. The longer Emris was away, the more I missed him. The longer it took for him to return, the more stressed and anxious I became. I wasn't even sure why. It really made no sense. I was still set in my decision. I was leaving. Tonight.

I didn't wait around for Emris to come back... even though I really wanted to see him once more...

I looked around, feeling like something was out of place. My trunk stood by the door, having arrived sometime when I was sleeping. I glanced out the window and sighed. It was hard to tell day from night here. I walked to my window l and stared out into the deep woods. I was really getting worried now a and what was with the seam? And hearing his voice?

My skin rippled with awareness when I thought of his lips on my skin. What was wrong with me? I felt hallow.

I walked to the door and pulled it open. Niko stood just outside my door. He turned to face me when the door opened. "Princess."

"Any word on Prince Emris?" I asked him. Niko shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Princess," he said. "Still no word."

I nodded and shoved the door closed once more. It was now or never. I wondered if I should ask Hali to come with me?

No.

Alone.

I didn't want to get anyone else in trouble. I walked to the trunk by the door and opened it. Inside were boots and cloths. I sifted through the trunk, pulling out a pair of soft cotton pants and a thick vest.

After I dressed myself, I headed for the window. I didn't know how far the drop was; it was yo dark to tell. I leaned against the window frame, trying to think.

But, the only thing I seemed to be able to think of was Emris. I frowned at myself. I despised him. I didn't want to be his wife... I wanted to to go back to Summer Crest with Jon. Emris had said, if I wanted something, I need simply ask. I doubted he would agree to let me go. And with the threat of King Alistor's men coming this far North filled me with fear.

A knock sounded at my door and I turned to face it. "Come in."

I'm sure the surprise on my face face was what she was going for when Yesmina entered my room. She was dressed in battle gear, black and thick leathers.

"Princess," she greeted me and bowed her head.

"What can I do for you?" I asked her as I walked forward slowly.

"King Alistor as has sent me to collect you," she said.

I raised an eyebrow. "What?" I asked her confused. "Why?"

She shrugged. "I do not question the orders of my King," she replied. "He just wished for you to be in Star Hill as soon as possible."

I chewed my lip. "Niko!"

The door opened once more. "Yes, Princess?"

Yesmina looked rather annoyed when Niko and Hali entered my room. "What news of Prince Emris?" I asked him.

Niko, his sharp eyes cutting to Yesmina, shook his head. "Lady Drodic has dispatched more men to the East but there is some concern of Naska in the area."

"Thank you," I said.

Yesmina turned to face Hali and Niko. "You can go now!" she said and waved them away.

I felt a wave of annoyance wash over me. "They can stay!" I assured her. Yesmina grimaced at me.

"You need to learn how to commend them if you ever wish to survive."

I laughed, out loud this time. "We all know I won't," I reminded her.

Yesmina laughed. "True... once Alistor is dead, the old toad, Emris may take anyone he likes as his wife. Even an immortal, not some half dead looking Slut!"

Niko moved forward but I held up a hand. "No." I glared at Yesmina. "I won't be the cause of conflict in a strangers Court!" I wasn't about to mess things up here. "What do you want?" I asked her.

She scoffed at me. "The only thing that would please me is your death, Princess, so I may forever be with Emris!"

I shook my head. "I will be out of the picture soon," I reminded her laughing on the inside of how soon it actually was.

"No soon enough," Yemina said. "You are holding him back. Alistor wants Emris on the throne by the end of summer and Emris does not plan on having you by his side when he does-"

For some reason this hurt me, but in my chest. I turned away from her. "You lie!"

She scoffed at me. "Oh Gods... you love him, don't you?" Yesmina went into a fit of giggles. "Oh, this is just to good! To bad he won't have much time for you once he returns. Lady Drodic is a widow now and is eager to put herself back on the market since the Prince Emris is looking for a bride-"

I shook my head, knowing she was beating me. If Emris really was looking for a new bride, perhaps it was betteryy if I did make a run for it. Perhaps it would be easier on everyone... Yesmina walked to my trunk and kicked it with her boot.

"You should leave while you can," she advised me. "Once Emris gets you pregnant you won't leave the Capital again until you die."

"Please leave," I said calmly.

Yesmina laughed at me. "Truth hurts, doesn't it?" she mused. "You've thought about it haven't you? Leaving?"

Niko glowered at her. "Her Majesty has asked you to leave."

Yesmina scowled at him. "Just who do you think you are talking to, Skavi?" She demanded, her tone repulsed. "I could have you whipped for speaking to me like that!"

I shook my head. "You will do no such thing!" I assured her.

Yesmina laughed at me, her face surprised. "Really?" She asked me. "You think so?"

I watched her walk back to the door and waved a guard inside. He was dressed in a dark green outfit, worn, soft leather and velvet cloak.

"Bring me the tongues of the Skavi." I watched as her guard stepped forward l, his hand on his dagger.

"No!" I protested.

"What is going on in here?"

I turned and looked to see Lady Drodic standing in the doorway.

"Nothing, My Lady," Yeamina assured her as she pulled her own dagger from her belt. "Just teaching the Princess how we punish Skavi that don't listen."

I felt Niko grab my wrist gently and pull me away as Yesmina stepped closer. "Spilling blood here is forbidden, Yesmina, as I am sure you know!"

Yesmina glared at me. "My apologies, My Lady," she breathed out a frustrated sigh. "Just remember, Princess, you can't keep them safe forever."

I narrowed my eyes at her but she turned on her heel and left the room, leaving me there with Niko, Hali and Chloè. "She will become a problem if she continues to disrespect you in such an open manner," Hali said warned me.

I nodded. I was ready to let Emris deal with her but that would require me staying here, waiting for his return that may not come.

Fear washed through me and I turned back to Chloè.

"You sent men in search of Prince Emris, yes?" I asked her desperately. I wasn't sure why I was beginning to panic. I had already made up my mind. It didn't matter if Emris returned or not. I had the chance to make a run for it and I'd be a fool not to take it.

"They left about an hour ago," she assured me. "We hope he returns soon."

I smiled at her. "Thank you."

I sat and stared out my window, willing Emris to come riding the n his horse out of the darkness. But the cold sunrise only brought bright yellow and violet skies. As I stared out the window, my circling thoughts came back to the odd dream I'd had.

I had almost been able to feel his hands on me when I woke. The ghosts of his handprints on my stomach and thighs made my skin ripple with chills.

Nalia.

I opened my eyes, suddenly wide awake, holding my breath as I felt his hot breath on the side of my neck. I dared not move. I knew I was alone. No one had opened the door and Niko stood guard just a few feet from my door.

My Nalia.

I herd him sigh, his breath warming the back and side of my neck. I shuddered and turned to face him but no one was there. Emris was nowhere to be seen.

I felt a warm vice warp around my neck and arms. His voice was right by my ear, low and warm.

Hmm.

I closed my eyes and suddenly it was like his fingers were slowly closing in around my neck.

Mine! His voice was almost like a growl, his invisible fingers closing around Z my neck. My breath choked passed my lips and my eyes snapped open, as I braced myself on the window frame.

My heart was pounding in my chest as my eyes scanned the room, a frightened gasp leaving my lips as I reached for my cloak.

I jumped, a startled gasp leaving my lips as the air filled with a loud tolling bell. They onlyblast d for a moment though.

What was happening? I stood where I was, listing hard, searching for anything out of place. Pulling my cloak around my shoulders, I headed for the door. I struggled with the lock for a moment before I was able to jerk the door open only to run right into his arms.

The stress of my overwhelming anxiety suddenly washed away, immediately followed by a satisfying wave of excitement and relief that rushed through me as his arms locked around me. Lifting me off my feet and stepping back into the bedroom, Emris grunted as he kicked the door closed behind him, his hands gripping my wast, his face pressed in the side of my neck.

A startled gasp left my lips as he tightened his arms around me, his warm breath was a wave of fire on my skin. "Are you alright?" he asked me in a low, raspy voice as he slowly leaned away. He smelled of sweat, soot and ichor.

"We're you hurt?" I shook my head, my fingers locked in his cloak. Reaching up, Emris touched my face, his eyes studying me, not missing a single change or detail that crossed my face.

His fingers traced down my neck, his breath warming my cheeks. "Your heart is racing," he whispered, his voice almost sounding amazed. He was so close that when he spoke, his lips brushed my neck. Awareness flared over my skin and abruptly his touch was to much. A small gasp left my lips and my body locked up. I shoved at him as hard as I could and Emris immediately dropped his hands and stepped away, regarding me with his sharp, silver eyes.

"My apologies," he insisted in an almost frustrated tone. I watched him fist his hands at his sides. I shook my head, my breath catching in my chest. I couldn't form words yet a I was to surprised and mortified by my own actions to form words. All I could think about was his warm touch, his relaxing embrace. And that I longed for it.

"You surprised me," he said forcefully. "I didn't mean to react like that." I nodded, suddenly unable to look at him. What was wrong with me? I longed for his touch yet when he touched me, it made my skin crawl. It was very confusing.

Emris reached out, placing a finger under my chin to make me look at him. His face had grown cold, his eyes narrowed at me in distaste. "Nalia... " his voice was low, husky. "If you'd rather me not touch you..." Emris jerked his finger away gently with a sigh. "You should say so."

I was surprised at the painful jolt in my chest as he turned away. My chest flared and swelled with a painful pleasure and a gasp whispered past my lips as he walked away from me. What the hell was wrong with me?

Emris didn't wast much time. He turned away, pulling the door open again. "We should be going."

I raised an eyebrow. "You don't want to rest?" I asked him. "Clean up?"

Emris shook his head. "We are already behind schedule-"

I shook my head. "Emris, please, you should rest-"

He laughed, actually laughed. "I am a Demon, Nalia, I don't need rest," he reminded me. I felt my face go blank.

"Ever?" I asked him. I hadn't known that. I watched him regard me for a moment before he swung the door closed once more.

Emris smiled, his sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light as he turned away from me and stripped off his cloak. "I am immortal, Nalia. I don't have Mortal needs like you do. The need for food and drink or rest is not a must for me. More of a pleasure."

I nodded, trying to understand. He didn't need food or water to survive. He didn't need sleep or rest. How did he survive? Without the need for food or water, what was it that sustained him?

Emris tossed his cloak across a nearby chair while he unlaced the sides of his vest. I watched him grimace, a soft groan passing his lips. Something about seeing him in pain caused a searing discomfort and a feeling of distress to flare in my chest and I found myself inching closer to him.

"What happened to you?" I asked him as he pulled the vest over his shoulder. His tunic was covered in blood and I felt my heart drop. "Emris, you're bleeding," I said in a low, concerned voice. I couldn't stop myself from stepping forward and reaching for his soiled tunic. Emris looked down at me from under his arm as he braced himself on the wall. "We found the outlaws but there were more then we thought. We were outnumbered a few thousand to my five-hundred men."

I shook my head, looking him up and down. "I don't understand... how-"

Emris dropped his arm, turning to face me. He was to close, my stomach filled with butterflies, choking off the startled gasp that threatened to pass my lips. "Magic."

I nodded. "Oh."

I was it sure what to say. "Your Drex blood is strong. You should be more developed then you are."

I lowered my gaze. "It's not like I had a choice in the matter."

Emris sighed and I looked back up at him. "Stop playing the victim."

I raised my eyebrow, dropping my hand so that his shirt fell back into place. "I'm not-"

"Stop lying!" he insisted. "If you are to be my wife- if you are to be my Queen- act like it!"

I narrowed my eyes at him and he growled, actually growed at me. Emris pushed of the wall and turned away once more, stripping off his shirt as he walked to the adjoining room where a bath was already waiting for him. I followed him and watched as he turned in the mirror to look at his wounds.

"The Out Laws were many but not stronger then me," he assured me.

I stood rooted in the doorway, as he looked at his wounds. After a moment he reached for his belt and pulled. I blushed and turned away quickly. "I will wait outside for you."

I turned but there he was, standing before me, his hands gripping the door frame, blocking my way.

"Why?" he asked. "You are my wife. I'd like you to stay."

I felt myself turn red. "I'd rather not," I assured him. I resisted the urge to point out that I was not yet his wife. Emris sighed and stepped aside. I walked passed him and he slammed the door closed behind. I felt a sob hitch in my chest as I walked to the window, knowing I would never get away. We would arrive at Star Hill in less then two days. Tomorrow evening.

And this odd tension between the two of us was heavy on my mind. What was all that about? Why was I having such an emotional and physical reaction to him? I hardly even knew him. I sighed and pulled my trunk to the middle of the room and kneeled down beside it. Pushing the top open I shuffled through the cloths. I frowned, wondering how I should be dressing for the rest of the ride. I decided to go with a pair of thin leggings, a long tunic and a pair of thick boots. I dressed myself, having just laced up my boots when Emris joined me again, fully dressed in his own set of leathers, a black leather waistcoat topped with a light riding cloak. "The weather will be warmer from here on out, Princess," he told me.

I nodded, knowing I had dressed light enough. I turned and gathered my hair to the side, folding it into a braid. Emris stopped beside me, catching my hands and unbraiding my hair gently.

"Leave it down," he said gently. "I like it when it's down."

I didn't answer as he ran

his finger through my hair, the feathers in my hair brushing my cheeks gently. He sighed.

An intense feeling of longing and confusion washed through me, a feeling that was not entirely my own. I closed my eyes, trying to concentrate. Emris traced a finger across my collarbone.

"Stop it," I said. Suddenly feeling unable to breath.

No.

My eyes snapped open when his lips touched the back of my neck. "NO!" I watched the mirror before me splintered and crack. And then there was Emris, his bright white eyes staring at me in the broken mirror. His fingers frozen on my skin.

We stared at each other for a split second before I threw my elbow back and shoved him away from me. Emris stepped away from me, his eyes following me around the room as I walked toward the door.

"We should go."

I didn't wait for him to answer. I pulled the door open and hurried down the hall where Niko and Hali turned and followed me about half way down the hall. As I walked, I could feel his growing frustration as if it were my own. I sighed and stoped, trying to curb my temper. I had left the safety of my room and was now exposed to everyone in the hallway.

"What is this?" I demanded, frustrated. Emris stopped beside me. "What is what?" he asked me, his tone amused. I turned to face him only to see him staring at me intently, fighting an actual smile.

"Emris-" Emris stepped closer, his hands reaching for my waist. I stiffened at his touch and face hardened but his eyes bore into me, searching for something I wasn't sure he would be able to replace. Something I didn't know.

He grinned at me now. "You should say my name more often," he said and I shook my head. "Why are you doing this?" I demanded.

He shook his head. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Princess." Emris held out his arm, waiting. "We really should be going."

I sighed and allowed him to take my arm and lead me down the hall, Niko and Hali along with our handful of Guards. I'd run out of time. If I'd wanted to make a run for it, I missed my window. This time tomorrow I would be married to Emris-

If you think you really had a chance in running from me, Nalia, you are the fool i didn't know you to be.

I felt my heart drop as his velvety, thick voice warped around my mind, washed through my body and tingled through your my limbs. An uncomfortable grumble left my lips.

"What is this?" I hissed at him under my breath, knowing everyone in this hall could hear us.

A connection I wasn't sure was there until today, he told me, his breath washing against my neck. I shuddered, the goosebumps rippling along my body. "Want to elaborate on that?" I hissed at him.

I'm not sure what it is... it's dangerous, I know that.

I shook my head. "Dangerous how?"

Emris refused to look at me. Your Magic is stronger then you think... our connection is as strong as it is because of you Magic.

I shook my head. "I don't understand," I insisted.

Emris sighed as we rounded the corner and were immediately greeted by people. Everyone bound forward, greeting Prince Emris, asking if he was well, why he had been gone for so long, some even striking up political talk. That's when I realized that Lord Melbourne had returned from Court. We must be closer to a Star Hill then I'd realized. I watched Lord Melbourne stare me down as we drew closer. What is his problem?

I shook my head. I don't know.

"You Majesties," he greeted us and bowed at the waist. "I bring news of your father. He has taken to his sick bed." I looked up at Emris who nodded and turned to Yesmina, whispered something to her and the turned to face me. "Go with Niko and ready your horse. We are leaving. We must hurry before the King passes."

I felt the blood drain from my face. The king was dying? I didn't want to be Queen!