The Marked Hosts

Cezon brushed her cheek. Fear, dread, worry, love almost knocked her backwards. Sometimes, strong emotions were also communicated through physical contact.

“I’m more worried about your family. They live in the middle of the ocean.”

Contessa pushed his hand away. She didn’t need his emotions.

“They wouldn’t stay if Devortus is no longer safe.”

“They’d wait for you.”

Contessa shook her head as she looked around her room.

“They would’ve left a message with your family. Why did I come to this room? There’s nothing I want here.”

She walked to the door. Cezon stopped her.

“You came here to be alone,” he said.

She didn’t need his emotions stirring things. She shook off his grip. Arms slipped around her waist. Contessa held onto her self-control before she threw Asamee across the room.

“What made you think you could touch me?”

“Look at you,” Sarisha said from the door. “Not even married and you have four children.”

“What do you want?”

“Nothing. This apartment has nothing of value. The children are getting irritable and I have no patience for that. Time to go.”

Contessa hadn’t seen home in almost two years. Was the water still deep red? The most eye-catching birds with immense wings used to greet her each morning. Some even talked. They were more eloquent than most Nobles. At night, dark green balls of light floated through the city. That yellow thing humans called the sun assaulted her senses every day. She missed the dull white light of Devortus’ sun as it parted the darkness each day.

Arms squeezed her waist. A face brushed her side.

“Why are you still holding onto me? Let go, child.”

“I didn’t mean to destroy your home, Conta.”

What nonsense was he spewing? “How is this your fault? You’re three days old. You spent half your life with me.”

“You’re saying he didn’t exist until three days ago?” Sarisha asked.

Contessa pried Asamee off her.

“I’m tired of talking. We need to go.”

She headed for the door. Cezon stopped her again.

“Do that one more time and I will gut you.”

“You need to stop threatening me. You know it has the opposite effect.” He turned to Sarisha. “Leave us alone for a while? Asamee you leave too.”

Sarisha scowled. Contessa gave her a small smile. “No sex. We don’t have time for that.”

Asamee folded his arms. “I’m not leaving.”

Sarisha put her hand around his shoulder. “Don’t worry. Your mommy will be with you shortly.” She glared at Contessa. “Shortly.”

Sarisha closed the door behind them.

Contessa’s strength went to her feet. She hit the floor. Cezon and Sarisha may be her only family for a while. Her home was destroyed. Being a Noble didn’t mean they didn’t feel. It wasn’t in their nature to express those emotions. Cezon kneeled in front of her.

“Watching you wore me out. You Nobles and your pride.”

He was a pain but it was nice being around Cezon. Unlike Nobles, he didn’t expect her to act proper, above everyone else. She was learning to show a little weakness around him. She felt lighter. Contessa didn’t realize how much the situation weighed on her.

Cezon brushed his fingers through her hair. Waves of ease spread from his touch.

“You’re learning to rely on me more. Took me years to train you.”

She pushed away his hand. “Train me. I am not your pet.”

“Your family wouldn’t leave a message for you,” Cezon said.

Her chest tightened. The last war erupted while she was alone, away from home. It took her weeks to find her way back. The house was empty. Their scents were gone. She didn’t know where they went. It took her four months to track them down. Leaving messages for your daughter showed concern—unbecoming for a Noble. It was an insult to your child.

Nobles could be heartless and arrogant brutes.

More of Cezon’s sentimental nonsense. Mom and Dad would be disappointed if they found out she was thinking like a lower Class Brevia.

Cezon brushed her arm. “You need to stop doing that.”

She needed to be practical. Going home would be a good test for Asamee. The only mixed Brevia were Draiors. He couldn’t possibly be a part of Cezon’s family. Contessa would’ve known about him. Noble and Draiors were considered cold weather Brevia because hot temperatures made them ill. They were the only Classes with this temperament. Cezon lived in an underground ice cavern. Contessa’s home was in a glacier filled ocean.