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  You will get the key this evening when you bring the twins to the royal bedroom.

  She’d fight tooth and nail before she’d let him get the key. Isabella shuddered. For that bastard to have full control over her was beyond horror. She felt so helpless.

  At night, the twins slept in their cradles in the king and queen’s bedroom. After that, she was free until the next morning.

  He finally allowed her to go back into the nursery. Aylie had cried herself to sleep. Isabella gazed down at the baby. She was still red from crying, and her hair was damp. She felt mortified. You bastard. Look what you did! Again, that crazy laughter. She sat beside the cradle and thought about Tanoth. She was looking forward to seeing him that evening. But was the bastard in her mind and body going to allow it? If only she could tell Tanoth what was going on with her.

  You will not tell your young man anything.

  You can’t stop me.

  Oh, yes, I can. After he leaves, you will go to the treasury to get the book and the gem.

  Just like that. I don’t have the key.

  You will have it.

  Time crept by slowly. The bastard barely allowed her to tend to the babies. After dinner, Cylena came to feed them, and together they dressed the babies for the night. Isabella loved this evening ritual, but now all she could do was watch as her hands moved mechanically and listen to his griping about dirty infants. It horrified her.

  Each carrying a baby, they went to the royal quarters and laid the infants in their cribs. Isabella was about to leave the bedroom when a commotion sounded in the dining room.

  Cylena hurried to see what it was all about. Isabella found her feet flying to the bedside table. She opened the drawer, and there was the key.

  With all her might, she tried to stop her fingers from grabbing it. To no avail. With the key tucked in her pocket, her feet carried her back to stand beside Eliya’s cradle.

  Cylena returned. “One of the servants broke a precious vase and was beside herself,” she told Isabella.

  “Poor thing.”

  “Accidents happen. Now be off with you. Your young man is waiting for you in the gardens.”

  Isabella felt the reluctance as she left the palace to meet with Tanoth. Normally, she would have gone to her room, put on a fresh dress, and brushed her hair to make herself look as pretty as possible. The bastard who possessed her had no interest in doing that. His reluctance to meet with Tanoth was evident. She felt it so strongly.

  He stood leaning against a lamppost. When she approached, he eagerly stepped toward her. “Isabella. You’re late. I was afraid—”

  “Don’t be stupid, Tanoth. Stop acting like a lovesick puppy.”

  Good God. Had those words really left her lips? She saw his hurt expression, and there was nothing she could do to soften what she’d said. “Well, let’s find a quiet spot and get on with it.” She took his hand and pulled him to the gazebo in the rose garden.

  “You are acting very strange. Get on with what?”

  “Sex, stupid. Isn’t that what you want?”

  Oh my God. Did she just fucking say that?

  Shut the fuck up, snake. He’s going to think I’ve gone crazy.

  Tanoth gazed down at her, a concerned expression crossing his features. “Isabella, what is wrong with you? You’re not acting like yourself tonight. Maybe I should leave and come back another time. Or wait until we see each other at Laro and Erica’s home.”

  “Sorry. I’ve had a bad day.”

  You are spoiling my fun. You want him to take you. So, now is a good time.

  Fucktard! Leave me alone. Leave Tanoth alone.

  You need to stall Tanoth until the royals go to bed. Then you can go to the treasury to fetch what I need.

  Tanoth placed his arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry you had a bad day. What happened?”

  “The babies were fussy.”

  Isabella saw Tanoth studying her face, her eyes. Then he bent down and kissed her.

  Her body betrayed her. No, the bastard betrayed her. God, she was confused. Tanoth had awoken feelings within her, a desire she didn’t know could burn so fiercely. Oh yes, she wanted Tanoth. It was a sweet, enticing ache that built within her each moment she spent with him. Not this time. That monster corrupted it. Now, her body moved against Tanoth seductively against her will. Her hands untied the string at the top of her blouse, then yanked the material down, exposing her breasts. Her nipples hardened. She pushed herself against Tanoth.

  When he didn’t move, seemed to stand there like a statue, her hands pushed the bodice down all the way. Isabella tried like mad to stop, to will her hands to behave, but it was no use. Her fingers had a mind of their own. They undid the clasp at her waist. Before she realized, she stood stark naked.

  Throaty laughter in her head.

  You do have a beautiful body. How can he resist?

  Shut the fuck up! Dickhead! Stop this!

  I am having a good time. Enjoy your mating.

  Her lips smiled. Seductive words escaped. “Tanoth, baby, love me? Let me feel you...” Her hands found their way to his crotch, undid the string at his waist. She yanked his pants down. His cock sprang free.

  Tanoth groaned. “Isabella... stop... I cannot—”

  “Shut up.” Isabella was mortified, embarrassed, as her body sank to the stone floor and she lay down. Stop this... Please! She tried desperately to stand back up. To shove the demon that possessed her out of her mind... her body. She couldn’t. He had entrenched himself so deeply within her being, she had no hope of fighting him. Spreading her legs, she bucked her hips. Her arms lifted to invite him to take her.

  She wanted to crawl into a corner of her mind and just disappear. What the snake was forcing her to do went totally against her grain. Naked, out in the open. Anyone could walk past the gazebo and see them.

  He stood above her for a moment, his cock still free, pulsing. His jaw was clenched, and a troubled expression clouded his eyes. Suddenly, he yanked his pants up. Then he took her hand and pulled her to stand up. “Isabella! What has gotten into you? Get dressed.”

  When she didn’t move, Tanoth retrieved her clothing and handed them to her. “Isabella, please.”

  “You are no fun.” Isabella could feel anger boiling from her possessor. She jerked the clothing from his hand, yanked her dress on, slipped her blouse over her shoulders and tied the opening. “I will find someone else to fulfill my needs since you obviously don’t want to.”

  Tanoth studied her face, an unreadable expression in his eyes. He shook his head. “I should not have stayed.” He turned, strode away without looking back, and left her alone in the gazebo.

  Isabella tried to call him to return to her, but her lips would not move. Her possessor’s laughter filled her mind as he forced her to watch Tanoth walk away.

  She sat down on one of the benches and smiled... or at least the demon did. Isabella was screaming. Her heart had been wrenched in two, her soul ripped asunder. How in the hell was she going to fix this mess? Tanoth would never want to see her again.

  Why are you doing this to me?

  Enough of your whining. Once I have what I want, you will be free.

  The demon turned her gaze to the king’s bedroom window. The lights were still on. The monster’s rage was a steady burn in her mind as she stared at the window. She shivered. What could the king and queen have done to anger this beast?

  He made her wait on the bench until the lights had gone out in the king’s chambers. It was late. Well past the time she normally went to bed. Everyone in the castle would be sleeping, except for the guards that were on duty.

  It is time.

  No! I’m not going to steal for you.

  She fought against him but to no avail. He forced her to stand and slip into the palace through the rear of the garden. Her heart beat faster with each step, and dread filled her. She knew this was not going to end well. How could it? Guards were posted throughout the palace. When this was over, what wou
ld happen to her?

  She knew where to find the treasury. Cylena had pointed it out to her during one of their strolls through the palace. Too soon, she stood in front of the dreaded door. She palmed the key and opened it, then stepped inside. The portrait. She instantly spotted it and removed the picture from the wall. Behind it was the secret room. She felt the bastard’s elation when the door automatically disappeared into the wall. Right in front of her on a shelf was an old book. A gold filigree box stood on top of it. She seized them both and stepped out of the secret room.

  She tried to grab her throat. Oh God, she was choking again. Black smoke poured out of her mouth and nostrils. A wave of nausea rolled through her. She coughed and gasped until the thick fog of fire and ash expelled itself. Laughter echoed around the treasury. Then suddenly the black cloud of smoke swirled and faded into nothing. The grimoire and gem got sucked into the vortex with it. The gold box lay open at her feet. Next to it, the key. She bent to pick them up and without thinking stuck both in the deep pocket of her skirt.

  Dazed, she took a deep breath of fresh, clean air. Was he gone? Was her mind truly free? She didn’t feel him anymore. She wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.

  “What are you doing in here?” One of the guards entered the treasury.

  Another guard joined him. “How did she get in here? She must have stolen the key. Off to the dungeons with you. The king will deal with you in the morning. He does not tolerate thievery. Where is the key?”

  “In... in... my... p-pocket.” She was about to burst into tears, but she managed to restrain the urge.

  One guard held her while the other felt her pocket. He withdrew the box and the key and held them up triumphantly. “I must return these to the king immediately. Can you handle her on your own?”

  “This little girl? Go. But do not wake the royals now. Give it to the guard on duty.”

  “No. The king must have it. It cannot be in anyone else’s hands. Take her to the dungeons.”

  “Let me speak to the king and queen? Please?” Isabella begged. “I can explain everything.”

  “Hold your tongue. You can save your explanations until morning,” the guard snarled. Then after binding her wrists, he dragged her along.

  Chapter Eight

  Isabella lay curled up on a bed of straw in the corner of her cell. She cried now until she had no tears left and dry sobs wracked her body. She felt drained, exhausted. But sleep would not come. Her anxiety at what would become of her now overpowered all else. Except her thoughts about Tanoth. He was going to think her a slut. The thought of losing him for good, devastated her. Worse, what would happen to him? The king and queen would assume it was Tanoth who had told her about the grimoire, gem, and the gold box.

  Eventually, she did drift off, only to have nightmares about the tormentor who had possessed her. His demonic laughter woke her up. Her face was soaked with perspiration. Desperately, she tried to shove it all in the back of her mind.

  A guard pushed a bowl of food and a goblet of water through the bars. “Eat, wench. The king will be here soon.”

  There was no frigging way in hell she could eat. At least she managed to drink the water. Her throat was parched. She waited, but the king didn’t come. Finally, Dunmore, the king’s personal aide, came.

  “Isabella, the king sent me to fetch you and bring you to the throne room.”

  She stood. He didn’t shackle her or tie her wrists, but he did hold her arm in a vice grip. “A trial? Already?”

  “The king wastes no time if a crime occurs on Ierilia, especially one in his own palace.”

  She expected to see a crowd of spectators, but the throne room was virtually empty. The only people present, were the king, queen, Laro, Erica, Brenn, Ciara, and Ivran, Tanoth’s brother. Isabella was so glad to see Erica standing near the royals. The king dismissed Dunmore, but just as he left, two guards brought someone else into the throne room. She looked behind her and to her consternation saw Tanoth. He didn’t meet her eyes. His face was stern and forbidding. The king dismissed his guards, too.

  Once the doors closed, the king addressed Isabella. “Young lady, what do you have to say for yourself? You admitted to being a thief when you were found. You swore it was only for survival. Yet here, you have everything you need and want, and you choose to steal from us?”

  “Your Majesty, I am so sorry. It wasn’t me. Honestly, I love the twins and Cylena is my dear friend.”

  The king stood, his face thunderous. “How can you say it was not you when you were caught in the treasury with my key and the gold box. Where is the gem that was in it? Where is the grimoire? Is Tanoth your accomplice?”

  “Your Majesty, I am not. I know nothing of this,” Tanoth interrupted.

  “Silence. You will answer when spoken to. Isabella, what possessed you to steal from us and the people who helped you?” Biryn stood before her now.

  “H-his... name... w-was... Zohmes. He possessed me.”

  “Who told you where to find the gem and the grimoire?”

  Isabella’s tears began to flow. She couldn’t stop them. “T-the... queen.”

  Cylena stood and joined Biryn. “Isabella, that is a lie. I never told you.”

  “Your... H-highness... A vial magically appeared when I poured your tea on the balcony. It made you talk. The demon inside my head asked the questions. I was helpless. I heard and felt everything, but I couldn’t stop him. He was an evil bast—”

  “You have heard stories about Zohmes and Odoxon and his possession of people. You are lying, Isabella.” The king angrily strode back to his throne.

  Cylena said, “Isabella, I feel so betrayed. You have hurt me deeply.”

  “Cylena, it... it... wasn’t... me...” Isabella sobbed.

  Biryn looked at Tanoth. “And you, young man, what is your story?”

  “Your Majesty, I never told Isabella anything about the grimoire or the gem. I swear on all I hold dear. All I can say is that when I met Isabella in the gardens last night, she did not seem or behave like herself.”

  The king was silent for a few minutes. He rubbed his chin, then stood again. “Tomorrow morning we will hold the trial by fire for both of you.”

  Erica jumped toward the king. “Biryn, for God’s sake! No!”

  Ivran grabbed Erica by the shoulder and pulled her back. “Erica, this will not help them.”

  Biryn pinned Erica with a hard stare. “Captain Martinez, I have spoken. If the girl and the young man are telling the truth, as you know, they will not be harmed. The girl’s tale does not ring true. Anyone that has been possessed does not remember or know what happened to them. How is it that she claims to have been possessed by Zohmes and remembers everything?”

  Erica turned to Ciara. “Can you do something? Can you talk to Rania? Can the goddess help?”

  Ciara shook her head. “I am sorry. Rania is silent on this matter.”

  “Call the guards and have them both escorted to the dungeons,” Biryn ordered.

  Isabella felt like she was going to faint. They almost had to drag her from the throne room. Trial by fire? Were they going to burn her at the stake? Like the Salem witch trials?

  They locked her in her cell and Tanoth in the one next to her. She knew her story was unbelievable. Yet the king had admitted to others being possessed. But she remembered everything, each detail. After she calmed a bit, she thought about what she had told the king. She’d left a lot out. In her distress, her mind was scrambled. Like the smoke and stuff that had come out of her mouth and nostrils. Why didn’t she mention that, among other details? She’d left out the part of her attempted seduction of Tanoth. It was too shameful.

  “Isabella?” Tanoth called out to her.

  “Yes.”

  “I do believe you were not yourself last night.”

  She scrambled up and hurried to the bars. Grasping them, she sobbed, “Oh God, Tanoth, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t myself. It was some satanic demon inside of me. I could hear him. He talked to me
and made me do everything. Honestly. I swear it on all I hold dear. My body wasn’t my own. He controlled me. And then after I had the grimoire and the gem, all this smoke and fire came out of my mouth and nose, and suddenly I was back. But then the guard caught me with the gold box and the key in my pocket.”

  “Did the queen truly tell you about the grimoire and the gem?”

  “Yes, she did. The bastard made me put the potion in her tea, and it made her talk. He was the one making my mouth and lips ask the queen questions.”

  “You are telling me more than you told the king. Tomorrow morning, before the trial, the king will ask you again to repeat your story. Tell him everything. Even the part that involves me, you trying to seduce me.”

  “Noooo... I can’t. I am so ashamed of what he made me do... of the things he made me say.” She choked back a sob. “Tanoth... I’ve never... I’m a virgin. I’ve never been with a man.” She wished she could see him. Even though she reached through the bars, the wall between them was too thick. “What is the trial by fire? Are they going to burn us at the stake?”

  “I believe you, Isabella. Do not fear the trial. The fire will not harm those that speak the truth. You and I both know in our hearts what the truth is. But more important, I love you, and I believe you. Zohmes is an evil god. He will stop at nothing to gain what he wants. So now he has his hands on the grimoire and the gem. The spells written in the grimoire in the wrong hands can wreak much havoc. I cannot tell you more. After the trial, if the king and queen allow it, I will tell you everything.”

  “Tanoth, thank you for believing me. I was so afraid I’d lost you forever after what happened.”

  “My princess, I was angry and deeply hurt at first. I thought the gods and goddesses had deceived me about my lifemate. But the more I thought about it during the night, it became clear to me that your behavior was not that of the young woman with whom I fell in love. Then at sunup, the king’s guards came and took me to the palace.”

  “I’m so sorry. It’s all because of me. If you hadn’t found me, you wouldn’t be in this predicament. And now tomorrow you are facing the same punishment as me, and you didn’t do a damn thing!”