Dragon Born: Book One: Liliquin: Dragon Born, #1

By JK Ensley

From the world of JK Ensley, author of the Dance with Destiny novels, comes the first volume of a new series: Dragon Born.

Cursed from before she can remember, Liliquin cannot mourn, feel empathy, or shed a single tear. A rare woman for anyone to ever forget, she knows only one emotion. . . joy. And not everyone sees the beauty of her strange flaw.

Yet Sebastian Steele isn’t everyone. He’s a rock star in a pop culture, a hardened player dead-set against cosmetic plastic princesses and their games. . . an ambitious alpha male whose domain is relentless tours and pitiless money men. Toughened by years of grueling work in climbing to the pinnacle of his profession, he still secretly hopes to find true love. . . his Unicorn.

But when Liliquin’s history is revealed to her and the only way to attain her own dream of a blessed life is to turn to the gods of old and the fierce Norse Dragon King she was once betrothed to. . . will she curse an ancient duty for a chance at happiness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JK Ensley
• Release date: Mar 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781940726229

JK Ensley

JK Ensley is a native Tennessean by way of Missouri, born there and quickly ushered down South. A product of public school and private college, she spent her early twenties bouncing across the country. Fascinated by rich culture, ancient customs, and thick accents, she’s compelled to drink in the many exquisite differences humanity is gifted with. A self-described, happily divorced mother of three with a black belt in snarkism and an über common minivan, she does little to hide her wicked wit, advanced sarcasm, and extreme shoe addiction. “At the core of me, I’m one slightly twisted, pink haired, sword wielding, invisible ninja with a laptop, an imagination, and very little me time. That’s just who I am. I’m comfortable in my skin and I love my life. Totally not kidding about the hair, the swords, or the laptop, but I might’ve stretched it just a little with the invisible part.”

Book preview

Prologue

Back in the Olden time, long before man walked the Earth, there were great beings of antiquity: gods and goddesses, giants and elves, dwarfs, sorcerers, and animals who could speak. Yet, during this time of confusion and hostility among many... the gods and goddesses loved and feasted and warred.

There were two great pantheons of these ancient deities—the Æsir and the Vanir.

The Vanir gods and goddesses were generally associated with fertility, wisdom, nature, and magic. Most notable among this particular pantheon was a god named Njörðr. Njörðr was said to be much beloved—a Prince among the Vanir—lacking in malice and freely blessing all who asked it of him.

As was the custom of the Vanir, Njörðr mated with his divine sister and she birthed him twins—a strong, handsome boy... and a radiantly beautiful daughter. Their son they named Freyr, he was the god of kingship, virility, prosperity, and fair weather. Their lovely daughter they named Freyja, she was the goddess of love, sexuality, beauty, gold, and seidhr (sorcery).

The other principal Norse pantheon of that time was known as the Æsir. The mighty Æsir were comprised of such notable gods as Odin, Frigg, Thor, and Baldr. These deities were primarily associated with war, battle, death, wisdom, victory, and prophecy.

There also lived another immortal among the Æsir at that time—Loki. Even though only the bravest among them dared say such aloud... Loki was not considered a god by the Æsir, and thus he was not worshipped. And while Loki does claim the blood of gods, he is referred to and associated with the Jötunn—a race of giants. More specifically, Loki hails lineage from the realm of Niflheim—a realm of frost giants, children of the mists—where arose coldness... and all things grim.

Niflheim was but one of nine ancient Norse realms. It was mirrored on the south by Muspelheim—the realm of fire, from which the sun and stars were born. Where these two primordial realms met... was said to be the birthplace of all creation. The nine frozen rivers of Niflheim mixed with the fiery heat of Muspelheim and formed the Creating Steam.

Although Loki is not recognized as an Æsir by the members of that pantheon, he—alongside most mythological species of the time—coexisted with the gods and goddesses of both the Æsir and the Vanir. They met as we do today, in friendship, in battle, to form pacts, make treaties, and engage in war.

One such time of strife was the Æsir-Vanir war, during which Njörðr was used in a hostage exchange. Alas, peace would not be found through words and wise counsel, so the gods and goddesses drew arms against one another—warring to no avail—and eventually ended in a stalemate. After the mutual strife had ceased, the Vanir were assimilated into the primary pantheon of the Æsir... and were then referred to as such throughout all time.

Both the god Odin and the goddess Freyja lay claim to realms of the dead. Odin’s domain lies within the land of Asgard and is known as Valhalla—the Hall of the Slain. Freyja, on the other hand, rules over an exquisite meadow-realm named Fólkvangr—or, Field of the Host.

Now, when the Nether worlds of Niflheim and Muspelheim mixed and the steam of creation rose... mankind as we know it began to walk the realm of Earth. As man procreated and filled the lands, strife soon came to follow. Great wars were waged among the nations and man sought to overthrow man. This was when the Valkyrie were summoned.

Valkyrie were the goddess-born daughters of mighty kings, and called...Choosers of the Slain. It was a Valkyrie’s duty to determine who would be victorious in battle... and who would be slain. Of these noble dead, they would then divide the worthy fallen—half going to Odin, and half to Freyja.

Freyja welcomed women warriors, shield maidens, and all others who were brought to her. Odin, in turn, preferred his hall to be filled with the strongest and greatest of kings. His joy was unsurpassed when the blood of a worthy king was spilled in battle. He would make ready, prepare a great feast in their honor, and welcome them to Valhalla as one of his Einherjar—noble warriors who would rise up and fight for Odin during the events of Ragnarök—a foretold great battle that would mark the end of the worlds.

The Valkyrie assembled in groups of nine, the most powerful of which would ride upon horses over the skies of the battlefield. It was these Warrior Valkyrie who were followed closely by Odin’s talking Ravens—watchers and minions of said god.

Odin’s Ravens were witnesses. They watched all that transpired, missing nothing, and reported what they saw back to their waiting master. When the bloody battle would finally reach its end and the slain had been chosen for their appropriate afterlife... these Ravens would remain behind to consume the mangled corpses of the fallen before returning to Valhalla.

There were also certain Valkyrie—Valkyrie of the Hall—who did not ride off to war, yet remained always within Odin’s realm. Their duty was to serve food and mead to the Einherjar... and to tend to the gore-soaked Ravens upon their return. Such being the case, these Valkyrie of the Hall were often chanced with being the keepers of many secrets—a fortune of knowledge, if you will.

When the Ravens would eventually fly back to Valhalla, recounting all they had witnessed during the bloody days that proceeded... these Valkyrie of the Hall would bend Odin’s ear with the news. This they did in return for favors—treasures, status, even their pick of lovers among the heroes and princes of the Earth.

There was one group of Warrior Valkyrie who were quite different from the others. They were known as the Fair Nine—rare and beautiful and greatly treasured by the gods. They were much beloved by all, yes, yet they were loathed by the Valkyrie of the Hall. Why? Jealousy, to put it mildly. The Valkyrie of the Hall were not winged and glorious, their mundane duties were not the stuff of legend and lore. They were maddeningly jealous of the Fair Nine... of their rare beauty, of the attention they always received yet never seemed to want, and they were undeniably envious of the Fair Nine’s starlight-colored silky tresses.

Yet, the Fair Nine cared not for such prattle and strife. They were content in their task, loyal to their duty. Such obvious honor and unrivaled grace was much sought after, as you might well imagine, by not only the Æsir gods... but by the most glorious of all earthly kings. Even Odin himself wholly desired these enchanting Warrior Valkyrie. To bring ridicule upon one of the Fair Nine, was to invite the wrath of every god and goddess of the Æsir-Vanir pantheon... and almost certain death.

Alas, jealousy can become a cancerous rot when left to freely cultivate within the darkness of a despicable heart. Such was the case with the Valkyrie of the Hall.

And so it was, when the day came that the Ravens carried questionable dark news concerning the glorious Fair Nine, these same envious Valkyrie of the Hall ensured that the vile hearsay made its way back to the great god, Odin.

Thus, the stage for tragedy was set... and the heart of our story now begins.

*****

The Valkyrie of the Hall knew the risks, knew they had to be shrewd and cunning with their newfound knowledge. So, they plied Odin and eight of his mighty sons with copious amounts of mead... then proceeded to tell these nine inebriated deities of the underhanded dealings the Fair Nine wrought by escorting many brave kings to Fólkvangr instead of Valhalla.

Odin was enraged by the news. He called for an immediate gathering of the gods, demanding to know exactly why these mighty fallen had not been escorted to his realm.

Loki was present when Odin accused Freyja of conspiring against him, of trying to obtain the greatest warriors for herself. When Freyja vehemently protested, Loki stepped in. He accused her and all of the Fair Nine of being unfaithful harlots. Loki claimed that the lot of them were whores who readily engaged in questionable sexual activity with all manner of men and beasts.

Eight of the Fair Nine—along with the incensed goddess herself—raged against Loki’s absurd accusations, accusing him of trying to hide his own guilt by spewing lies and starting wars.

When the mounting argument had escalated to the point weapons were drawn... the single silent Valkyrie of the Fair Nine began to laugh. As her melodious giggles grew, the Great Hall fell silent.

The beautiful fair-haired Valkyrie leapt upon the council table. She slowly walked the length of it, meeting each person’s shocked gaze. When she had reached Odin, the Valkyrie turned... and smiled. Holding out her arms, she dared any man present to come forth and prove, or just claim, that he had carnal knowledge concerning her.

All remained silent.

She giggled again, her child-like laughter raining down around them. Can you not see, my friends? She turned then toward her accuser. Loki proves his deceit through me alone. I have lain with no man, no woman, no elf, no god. I stand whole and pure of flesh before you. The proof of my maidenhead can be easily ascertained. Yet, such is not necessary. She smiled at the gathered immortals. There is not one among you dares to say that you have lain with me, even if it be a lie. My virtue is above reproach. I alone stand as proof of the treachery laid out before you. She turned back to face the master of Asgard. "The jealous ones have misled you, great Odin, ΄tis true. Yet I am incapable of lying—cursed so since my birth. Ask a thing of me and know I will speak the truth. But if the truth would not be to your liking... then ask not."

You are most adored, gentle Valkyrie, even among your fair sisters. Odin smiled. I will not offend nor debase your virtue by asking you to defend against crimes you did not commit.

Then let me abate your ire with song, oh Great One. She bowed toward him. Do not let us part company with heavy hearts nor a single plaguing doubt amongst us.

When Odin smiled and inclined his head, the fair Valkyrie regaled the hall with a melodic description of their latest battle. She sang the names of the slain, their might in life, their honor in death, and of how they were separated—half for Odin, and half for Freyja.

Her heavenly voice entranced the gathered gods. Odin begged her take a place in his hall and by his side. She denied him, as she did all others present.

"I am cursed with happiness, ΄tis true. But I am content only when I fly. The mighty wind is the lover I choose, great Odin. My wings could never be bound indoors. Not even in Valhalla."

He sighed softly. You told me not to ask if I did not wish the truth.

She smiled. And so I did.

I should have headed your words more closely.

And so you should.

Loki snorted sardonically. "You’re just going to sit there and let her speak to you thusly? You’re going to let a mere Valkyrie deny the greatest god among us?"

Among you? She giggled softly. You are not a god, dear Loki. Do not lump yourself in with the blessed.

Harlot! Loki yelled, as he leapt onto the table and lunged for her.

The loveliest of the Fair Nine did not draw her blades, no. Instead, she laughed and spread her wings as she took to the air.

The shamed demi-god cursed her and drew back his bow... but was justly restrained before the arrow took flight.

The gentle Valkyrie slowly lowered herself back to the table and spoke through her angelic smile. You have called us here under false pretense and have now taken up arms against us. Yet... we have faithfully served the gods the whole of our days. We are just and fair in our dealings.

Another one of the Fair Nine joined her sister atop the table. If our decisions have been called into question, speak the terms. Try us fairly. We have work to do. Our time is best spent upon the battlefield, not being mistreated within the Great Hall.

A third of the Fair Nine then joined them. Pass your sentence so that we may justify our supposed crimes and return to our duty, forthwith.

There are no charges to lay at your feet, Odin said.

But the Ravens—

Odin lifted his hand, immediately halting the Valkyrie of the Hall’s coming words.

Forget the Ravens, Loki said. The happy one, there. He pointed at the fair Valkyrie. "She admitted their sin in song. She spoke the names of three kings I know to be worthy of Valhalla. The Fair Nine not only winged them to Freyja... but then admitted it to your face, here, in front of us all."

"The kings that were named asked to be taken to Fólkvangr, Freyja said. Is it not so that the mighty and noble can request their own reward?"

They may request it, yes, Loki said. Yet, you know how Odin favors them. And you also know to what purpose they are being gathered. To allow three such as these to enter your field instead of Valhalla, is to weaken Odin’s great army.

"It is our choice. The first of the Fair Nine raised her arms. We are the choosers. We are the ones tasked with separating and halving the dead. She smiled sweetly. Trust me in this, good Odin. You were given the mightier of the two halves."

When he reached for her, the fair Valkyrie took his large hand and let Odin help her down from the table.

What you say is true, the whole of it. He touched her pale cheek, gazing deep into her innocent eyes. "Yet, what Loki says cannot be denied. I desire the kings of the world, little one. This you well know."

You would have me go against their dying wish? A wish they have earned through their own honor and just strength? She furrowed her brow. "You, Odin... you would take back the task you have purposed us with? Tell me true. Are you alone to be the one who now decides which fallen warrior goes where?"

Odin smiled. I like you, fair one. I like you too much. He glanced back to her gathered sisters. "Warrior Valkyries with rare beauty such as the Fair Nine... they should not always be burdened with blood and war, no. He paused, meeting each woman’s waiting gaze. You are far too great a treasure to waste. Your exceptional splendor should be passed on. Wouldn’t you agree? I know... I will make you mothers, so that your grace and glory will be multiplied upon the realms."

The fair-haired Valkyrie pulled back from him. Wha... What are you saying, Odin?

I am saying... there is a great King rising up within one of the nine realms. He has beseeched favor from me. And... he has earned it. He will be the father of all Dragons. His sworn allegiance during Ragnarök will be invaluable to us all. The Dragon King has asked me for a rare wife. Odin smiled then. I shall bless him with nine.

Quiet murmurs and Loki’s chuckles filled the hall.

I will not be forcibly wed to a Dragon, the strongest of the Fair Nine said.

"He is not actually a Dragon, Loki said through his laugh. He is a Dragon King."

Be he man or creature, the Valkyrie spat. I will not bear children for him.

I owe the man a wife in exchange for his might, Odin said. "There are no women who stand as your equals in beauty and power. You will go before the Dragon King and pledge your hands in marriage. If he wants one or all of you, you will do as he wishes."

The gentlest of the Fair Nine giggled again before she spoke. "I have never disobeyed you, good Odin, nor have I slighted you in the least. Here, this day... I have proven that I only speak the truth. So know that I do not lie to you when I say... I will not do this thing."

He smiled. Do not be so hasty, fair one. You have claimed the wind as lover. What better place to explore your love, than in the realm of Dragons? Who knows... Perhaps the King can mate while in flight.

She chuckled. "Perhaps he can, at that. And while I would not necessarily be opposed to witnessing such a strange coupling, I will not be partaking in it."

"You will go," Odin said lowly.

She giggled again as she crinkled up her nose at him. "No, I will not."

When Odin growled, the Fair Nine took to the air and made to leave the Great Hall. Chaos ensued... but before the beloved Valkyrie could be captured, Freyja—mother of seidhr—used her sorcery to change the Fair Nine into stardust. She then snatched them from the air and cast them out of Asgard... sprinkled the changed immortals down upon the realm of Earth.

When word of the happenings within Valhalla reached the Dragon King, he called forth two of his mightiest knights and sent them from his realm in search of the Fair Nine with whom he could bear offspring.

Yet, stardust wills what it wills, and blows where it blows.

The chosen Dragon Knights... their task would not be an easy one, nor would it be swift. Thousands of years would pass while they remained upon their noble quest.

Alas... stardust falls when it chooses to fall.

Chapter

1

She smiled and tilted her head back, letting the sun warm her pale face as the wind softly blew through her hair. The delicate pink wind chimes dangling from her fingertips tinkled softly on the breeze. Her smile grew.

Again, Liliquin. Again.

The little girl tugged on her arm, begging.

She rolled her head to the side, only opening her eyes halfway. Do we have to, Marlee? Can’t we just enjoy the lovely day?

No, Liliquin. You promised. Please? Let’s try just once more.

Fine. She popped the bones in her neck before following the now-happy little girl back to the fishing game. "Where’d your mom go, Marlee? Maybe she can scoop goldfish better than we can."

Uh uh. Mama hates this game. She says there’s no way to keep the paper scoop from falling apart.

I tend to agree, Liliquin mumbled.

"But you can do it. Marlee smiled up at her. I know you can. Mama says weird things always happen when you’re around... like magic type stuff."

Your mom’s just teasing you, Marlee.

"Really? So... you’re not a witch?"

A witch? Liliquin furrowed her brows. Your mom calls me a witch?

No. That’s what Daddy calls you. He says... You going out with that witch again?

Liliquin chuckled. Does he now? Tell me, Marlee. What else does your daddy say about me?

He says, the TV always messes up when you come over and he can’t watch the game. He also said that the only time his car ever run out of gas was right after he’d dropped you off at the airport that time. Oh... And he says that your hair is way too light to be natural—has to come from a bottle. Is that true, Liliquin? Do you have to mix up potion to make your hair blonde?

No. She squatted down beside the little girl. Your daddy is just jealous because I’m so awesome. Don’t you agree?

Marlee nodded.

Sooo... what does your mommy say when your daddy talks about me like that?

Mama just laughs at him and says he’s being re-dic-o-lus. Marlee shrugged her shoulders. "Mama says you’re special. She says you carry a light right inside of you. Is that true, Liliquin? Do you really keep a star locked up inside your chest?"

I feel like it sometimes, yeah. She brushed the little girl’s brown curls back and tucked them behind her small ear. "It’s not really a star, Marlee. Not like your mom thinks. I’m not special, either. I’m just... different."

Different how?

I’m not sure, Honey. It’s like... I’ve never been sad. Not one single time. No matter what’s going on around me, I feel happy inside... light.

"I wish I was happy all the time."

"You’d think so, wouldn’t you? But that’s not always a good thing."

Why not?

"Because grief is a natural part of life. Sometimes we’re supposed to cry. Sometimes we’re supposed to feel sad. It’s healthy, natural."

You’ve never cried?

Nope. Not once in my whole life.

But... what about when things die? My last goldfish died. I cried a lot. It made my heart sad when we buried him.

I know, right? It’s good that you cried, good that you mourned your lost friend.

Marlee put her tiny hand on Liliquin’s cheek. You can’t do that? You can’t feel sad when your goldfish dies?

Liliquin smiled and tapped the little girl’s nose. I’m used to it, Marlee. Don’t feel sad for me. It doesn’t bother me that I can’t cry. In truth, nothing bothers me. That’s just how I am, how I was made. And that’s also why people like your daddy are uncomfortable around me.

Why?

"I make him nervous because I’m not normal."

I love you... just like you are.

Liliquin smiled. I love you, too, Marlee... just like you are.

If you can really make potion for your hair, the little girl whispered. Then make mine like yours. I want hair the color of starlight, too.

Honey, if I could, don’t think I wouldn’t... if for no other reason than to upset your daddy. She smiled. Come on, then. Let’s see if we can’t win you a new goldfish.

*****

They were sitting on the weathered old bench at the end of the pier when Jill found them. Liliquin and Marlee were leaned back with their feet propped up on the railing, popping peanuts into their mouths and seeing how far they could spit them out into the ocean.

Wow... How attractive, Jill said as she approached.

Mommy!

Marlee jumped up to hug her mom. Liliquin glanced over at her old friend as she popped another peanut in her mouth.

All took care of? Liliquin asked.

Yeah. Hey, thanks for entertaining her while I—

Liliquin waved her hand. No worries. Besides, a p-a-r-t-y isn’t a p-a-r-t-y unless it’s a surprise. Oh, and speaking of surprises. She held up a bag with two goldfish in it. Tada! Oh, and here. She handed the wind chime to Jill. She won that, too.

Wow... Triple surprises. Jill chuckled.

Yeah, I know, right? Come here, Squirt. Liliquin grabbed Marlee and gave her a big kiss. Now, make sure you take good care of those little fishes. And don’t forget to tell your daddy all about our conversation today. Okay?

Okay, Liliquin. The little girl hugged her around the neck. I love you.

I love you, too, Squirt.

Liliquin turned back to the ocean, silently listening as her old classmate questioned the excited little four-year-old concerning her rather adventurous day.

So, what did you two talk about? Jill asked.

Lots of things. We played lots of games, too. Oh... and I told Liliquin how Daddy thought she was a witch.

Jill quickly looked back towards her old friend. Liliquin only chuckled and kept her gaze fixed upon the sea.

Umm... You know your daddy’s only teasing about that nonsense, right?

Liliquin said that Daddy was just jealous of how awesome she is. Marlee looked up to her mother. "I think so, too. Oh, and Liliquin told me that if she could make a potion for her hair, she would share it with me. I really want her to do that, Mama. I want hair like hers."

But your hair is lovely just the way it is, Marlee—same color as mine.

The little girl stuck out her lips and frowned. "Brown hair doesn’t make you special, it just makes you normal. I don’t wanna be normal. I wanna be like Liliquin."

"Hair doesn’t make you special, Honey, your heart does. She gently squeezed the little girl’s hand and smiled down at her. And no one’s heart is as bright and special as yours is. Liliquin said the same thing herself, only yesterday."

Really?

Yep. Jill nodded. She told me... I want a whole houseful of children—just like Marlee. She’s the most precious little angel I’ve ever known.

The little girl glanced back towards her mother’s dearest friend. Liliquin winked at her.

"I think she’s an angel, too," Marlee whispered softly.

Liliquin felt eyes upon her then, felt someone watching her. She glanced up to the restaurant’s large balcony at the other end of the pier. No one was there.

The gentle ocean breeze washed over her again, bringing on her lovely smile. Liliquin stretched her arms out wide and let the soothing current wrap around her completely. She giggled softly, then leapt up onto the pier railing, grabbing hold of the large corner post and spinning around it while she laughed aloud. Her singing soon followed—Build Me Up Buttercup—one of her all-time favorites.

The gathered tourists, and locals alike, looked her way... whispering to one another, before giving the strange-acting woman wide berth.

Liliquin didn’t mind. She was used to it. She didn’t need anyone else or their approval. She never had. Liliquin was happy, all on her own... whether she liked it or not.

Chapter

2

Liliquin was still sitting on top of the painted pier post, swinging her legs back and forth when the officer approached her.

Ma’am, you can’t be up there. He extended his hand. Let me help you down before you get yourself hurt.

She looked down at him. Am I breaking the law?

You can’t be up there.

She glanced around. That’s not posted anywhere.

The man smiled. I’m pretty sure no one ever dreamed they’d need to warn against such a thing. He chuckled. I can’t even begin to imagine how you got up there in the first place.

I climbed.

"Well, obviously. Come on now. Hop on down."

Liliquin did, simply leapt from the post without another word.

The officer hurriedly stretched out both arms, barely catching her around the waist.

What are you doing?

I was getting down... like you told me to.

Have you been drinking?

Nope. I don’t drink.

Are you sure?

Yeah. You wanna let me down now?

He lowered her to her feet. Are you here all alone?

"I am now. I was babysitting—helping out an old friend."

Are you finished?

Yep. All done.

You heading home now?

Naw. I think I’ll hang around for a bit. I like the way the wind feels on the pier.

Do you live around here?

"Three bus stops that way." She pointed.

You need me to walk you to the station?

No. I know the way.

The officer smiled. I’m sure you do.

Am I under arrest?

No.

Then... why do you want rid of me so badly?

It’s my job to protect people. That’s what I get paid to do. And... I don’t necessarily like the attention you’re currently receiving. The way your dress flew up when you jumped down just now... that didn’t help, either. I’d feel a lot better if you’d let me walk you to the bus station.

Liliquin smiled. Well now, I’m not so dense that I wouldn’t accept a free police escort when offered. I’m ready when you are, Officer.

*****

The two exchanged casual chitchat as they made their way up the steep ramp from the pier to the main street.

So, you were babysitting, huh?

Yeah. Marlee. She’s turning five next week. Liliquin splayed her fingers out and smiled.

Family?

Nope—only daughter of my dearest friend. We met in grade school.

You off work today? Took a sick day to help out your old friend?

"Nope. I don’t work at a regular job. I’m a painter. I work from home. Unless I get commissioned on an out-of-town gig."

Painter? As in... an artist?

That’s what some folks accuse me of, yeah. Others, not so much.

He chuckled. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

So they say. Liliquin sighed softly. You got any kids, Officer...

Braehun. He turned his badge toward her.

You got any kids, Officer Braehun?

Yep. He smiled. A little boy who just turned three, and an eighteen-month-old little angel named Lizzie.

Lizzie. That’s pretty. You don’t hear that name much.

No. That’s why my wife picked it. She said there were way too many Bellas and Tiffanys. Said, the world needs a Lizzie.

"A Lizzie Braehun, maybe. Not a Lizzie Borden."

He chuckled again. Let’s hope not.

What’s your son’s name?

Max.

Max and Lizzie Braehun... I like that. Nice, strong, memorable names.

Thanks.

Can I come play with them sometime?

Excuse me?

Lizzie and Max—can I play with them? I do so love little children. Marlee is the only one I ever get to see, and she’s turning into such a big girl now. I miss when she was a baby. Liliquin smiled. "She was colicky—Marlee—cried twenty hours out of the day. I thought Jill was gonna go mad. But... when I picked her up, when I held Marlee in my arms and sang to her... the babe always hushed and closed her eyes. She slept like a little angel for me. The most precious thing I’ve ever laid eyes on. She glanced over at Braehun. I held that child more than her mommy did. Jill said I’m the reason she didn’t blow her own brains out. She chuckled. Jill’s so silly. She doesn’t even own a gun. Anyway... I love children even more than sunshine, more than flowers or buttons or even the wind. Whenever I get to wish upon a falling star... it’s always the same—I want a whole houseful of children someday."

Liliquin suddenly stopped when the wind picked up again. Officer Braehun watched as she closed her eyes and smiled a gentle, closed-lipped smile. He waited without saying a word.

Doesn’t it feel amazing? she whispered, holding out her arms. If I only had wings...

Still, the officer didn’t speak.

When the breeze was no longer strong enough to blow her hair, Liliquin slowly opened her eyes... and headed into the restaurant she had seen from the pier.

Ma’am? Where are you going?

I need to be here, she mumbled softly.

Are you meeting someone?

I’m not sure, Liliquin whispered. Perhaps so. She turned to smile at him as she grabbed the door handle. Thanks for the escort, Officer Braehun. Tell Max and Lizzie I said hi.

The now-hesitant police officer could only watch as the odd woman disappeared behind the tinted glass.

Chapter

3

The air-conditioned foyer immediately chilled her. Liliquin rubbed her bare arms as she started up the tiled incline leading into the restaurant proper.

Will it just be you dining with us this evening, Mademoiselle?

She looked toward the maître ď when he spoke. Liliquin smiled at the handsome man. Mid-forties, maybe... wavy black hair with just the slightest bit of greying at the temples... Hmm... Not bad at all. Very distinguished-looking. I believe so, yes, she said through her smile.

Let me see... He glanced down at his seating chart. Oh. It seems I have a table already waiting for you. Right this way.

Liliquin silently fell in behind him without another word. Not even curious as to why he happened to have a table waiting for her... or how he even knew who she was.

She politely inclined her head when he held her chair, only noticing the young man sitting opposite her once she was seated. They didn’t speak—she and the young man—didn’t even truly make eye contact. They even had different waiters tending to them. Liliquin thought it rather odd, yes, but not nearly odd enough to mention it.

She glanced out the large windows at the gently rolling sea, turning back only when a proper-sounding gentleman cleared his throat before addressing her.

The chef has prepared a special treat for you this evening. I will be delivering his creations as they are made ready. What would you like to drink with your meal?

I want a glass of ice water, Liliquin said. "And I want five—no... six cherries in it. With the stems, if you please."

The waiter gave her a friendly, tight-lipped smile. Will that be all?

I believe so, yes.

When he had walked off, Liliquin noticed the man from before—the maître ď—standing against the opposite wall, gaze fixed upon her. She sent him a little smile and he nodded slightly in return.

"Your water, Mademoiselle. With six cherries. The waiter placed it on the table. And... your first course."

Steak?

Yes, Mademoiselle. Medium rare.

She narrowed her gaze. How did you know that was my preference?

Our chef is extremely talented. He smiled again. If you need anything...

I’ll let you know, she said.

Liliquin watched the man leave before picking up her water and glancing back out the large windows overlooking the ocean. She sighed softly before taking a drink. She giggled. Cherries always made her happy. She gingerly grabbed one of the stems, popped it in her mouth, then slowly pulled it back out again.

Mmm... Cold cherry water. My favorite.

She dipped the plump red fruit back into the water and put it to her lips once more.

Her waiter soon returned with the second course.

Crème brûlée, Mademoiselle.

When he removed her untouched steak and placed the incredible-smelling dish down in its place, Liliquin smiled bigger than she had all day. Even spitting peanuts into the ocean with a four-year-old hadn’t made her this happy.

Steak for an appetizer. Dessert as an entrée. I’m so curious as to the finale, I’m about to burst.

She glanced over at the young man seated across from her. He had two of everything she had been served and was busy devouring his meal. Liliquin giggled. She couldn’t help herself. The man didn’t seem to notice—never even looked up.

She briefly studied his commonly handsome features, then smiled. Liliquin enjoyed watching a man eat, especially when he seemed to be wholly enjoying himself... much like the man sitting opposite her was.

Wow... He is either super hungry, or that steak is the best in the world.

Liliquin popped another water-drenched cherry into her mouth and actually ate it that time.

A slight movement caused her to glance toward the door of the kitchen. The man standing there motioned her over.

Liliquin squealed. Jim!

*****

The moment Liliquin jumped up from the table, the maître ď approached the half-dazed man who had been seated with her.

Carlisle Rogers... if you would come with me, sir.

The man robotically obeyed without a word.

"Was the meal to your liking, sir?’

Carlisle remained silent.

Your wife is waiting for you. Heed my words and you will see her shortly. The maître ď pushed the down arrow near the elevator. She is a lovely woman—your wife. Alas, she is not the one we are looking for. He helped the man steady himself before stepping through the sliding metal doors. Too bad... for us, I suppose. Good news for you, though. Am I right?

The man slowly turned toward the impeccably proper maître ď, but his vision was far from focused.

"Well, good news if you care for her, that is. She is yours again, good or ill. Gideon did not soil her, I don’t suppose. There was no need for it, once she had failed the test. Still... that man and his passions... The maître ď sighed before patting the drugged young man on the shoulder. But she’ll be no worse for the wear, either way. Gideon never leaves marks. Worry not. By tomorrow at this time... you will both have fully recovered, minus any memory of even visiting the pier."

When the sliding metal doors opened once more, the man slowly turned to face them—a tiny bit of drool escaping from the corner of his mouth.

Here we are then. The maître ď guided the man into the waiting darkness. If your wife gave Gideon your proper address, you will be resting upon your own bed in no time... sleeping off the fabulous food you just wolfed down without pause. He quickly grabbed the man’s arm when he swayed. Oops... Careful now. Don’t want you bumping your head or breaking any bones. Like I said... we do not wish to leave any questionable evidence concerning our encounter this day. Were you lucid right now, I’m certain you would agree.

The young man mumbled incoherently.

Yes. Yes. I’m certain you are right. Sir rolled his eyes as he led the man further in the darkness.

*****

Liliquin, Honey. Jim kissed her forehead. Come with me.

Jim’s parents had raised Liliquin since before she could even remember. He was her brother in absolutely every sense of the word.

Oh my stars! Jim, what in the world are you doing here?

The tall man wrapped his arm around her shoulders and began leading her toward the front doors.

I haven’t seen you in ages, Brother. How are Mom and Dad?

The blond man waited until they had made it all the way outside before he started speaking.

Liliquin, thank the heavens you are well. I’ve been worried sick about you. I can’t keep my mind on anything else... not for very long, anyway.

"Oh. Well, perhaps you are the one who summoned me here, then. When I walked past, the pull was so strong... I just had to come inside. Are you working at this restaurant now?"

I’m the head chef here. Why were you walking past? Were you down at the pier again? Did you go there alone? Are you still living in that flat—down off of Essary?

Yes, I still live in the same place. No, I wasn’t alone. I was watching Marlee for a bit.

Oh, I see. How are Jill and Reece, anyway?

Jill’s great. Reece thinks I’m a witch.

I never liked him, Jim mumbled. If you were with Jill and Marlee, why didn’t they come in to eat with you?

They were already gone. A policeman was escorting me to the bus station when I—

He grabbed her shoulders. Why were the police escorting you?

I wasn’t in trouble, she said, eyes widening to match her brother’s. He just didn’t like me sitting on top of the pier post. That’s all.

Sitting on top of the— Jim rubbed his brow and sighed. Did you enjoy your meal? I made it special... just for you.

"Oh, yes. It looked amazing."

Looked? He sighed again. Liliquin, Honey, did you eat what the waiter brought you?

"Hmm... I don’t think so. I believe I meant to eat it, yeah... but he took it away before I remembered to."

Liliquin... He searched her bright, innocent eyes before softly sighing, again. Come back inside, Honey. Let me feed you properly. I don’t want you going to the station until I’m certain you have eaten. He glanced down then. Where are your shoes?

Liliquin followed his gaze down to her sock-clad feet. She wiggled her toes.

I don’t know, she whispered. I’m certain I put some on—the black ones that match this dress. They are my favorite. I hope I haven’t lost them.

Come on. Jim draped his arm across her shoulders. You probably just kicked them off under the table.

As they turned to go back in, a small struggle broke out near the restaurant’s entrance. Two men were exchanging brusque words and pushing against one another.

Burton? Liliquin said, staring at the man now scuffling with the uniformed officer.

She hurriedly inserted herself into the ruckus, Jim protesting all the while.

Burton, stop it!

When she spoke, he turned toward her. The muscular brown-haired man quit trying to push past the officer.

Liliquin? Why in the world—

"Now’s not the time to be questioning me, Burton. What’s the meaning of this? Where’s Trevor?"

"That’s what I was trying to explain to the officer, here, that Trevor—my son—just ran into that restaurant. And for reasons unbeknownst to me, this man won’t let me follow him."

Liliquin turned to the officer then. Oh... Braehun. How are the kids?

The man furrowed his brow. "Th-they’re fine, I suppose. I haven’t actually seen them since the last time we spoke. What’s going— Who are you?"

I’m Liliquin. You may not remember, but you rescued me from the pier earlier. This is Trevor’s father, Burton. Why can’t he go into the restaurant with his son?

I didn’t say he couldn’t. I was only trying to ask him a few questions.

Why?

Officer Braehun narrowed his gaze at her a heartbeat before taking her by the arm and moving away from the growing crowd.

They were arguing, Braehun whispered. I had been walking behind them for quite a while. The boy suddenly yelled at the man, shoved him, then ran inside the same restaurant you’d only just disappeared into. You say you know them... Liliquin? Was it?

"Yes. I’m Liliquin Starr, and I know them quite well, actually. Hmm... Perhaps I should say, I knew them. We haven’t spoken in months. Burton used to have a thing for me, but he couldn’t get past the fact that I am often forgetful. Oh... And I believe he said that I laughed too much—would never argue when I should. She sort of shrugged her shoulders. I mean... I don’t mind arguing every once in a while. Mix things up a bit, ya know? Anyway, how in the world am I supposed to join in an argument when I’m not entirely positive when people should argue? She shrugged her shoulders again. So... I basically get distracted when I’m not sure what’s going on, and then end up laughing over something else that happened to cross my mind. She glanced back at the other man. Burton didn’t really care for that part of me. He’d want to start barking about this or that. I was never really sure what he was on about. Anyway, he’d get himself all fired up and I’d be like... ‘Oh, look at that lovely moss growing by that tree. I bet it’s as soft as a dove’s belly. I’d like to roll around in a big bed full of moss like that.’ Liliquin looked Officer Braehun in the eyes. Then Burton’s face would turn about forty-eleven shades of purple and he’d start yelling like he was going to pop wide open at any moment. So, since I had no idea what was suddenly wrong with him... I’d just go play with the moss."

Braehun bit his bottom lip and looked away, trying hard to rein in his coming laugh before he turned back to face her.

So... the man is not a threat to his son, then?

"Burton? Gracious no. If anything, he’s overly protective—wouldn’t even let the boy get dirty. She made an irritated tsking sound. Boys should be allowed to get dirty sometimes. I think dirt helps them grow. Burton’s head would nearly pop off every time I dug holes in the yard with Trevor. We’d dig a little hole, fill it with water, then stamp our feet in it to see who could make the biggest splash."

Braehun bit his lip again, even harder.

When Burton would come home and start screaming, I’d grab Trevor’s hand and we’d race each other to the ocean—wash off the mud in the waves. She glanced again to the man she was talking about. If it’d make you feel better, I’ll take responsibility for them. I’m sure this is all just a simple misunderstanding.

Liliquin!

A tall, lanky teenager ran toward her, picking her up as