Chapter 1: Kairos
The song playing is A Little Respect by Erasure.
Kairos Adara McNight stepped out of her emerald chateau atop of Olympius. The mountain air surged through her body as she took in a deep breath. A prelude to a day of war, she thought. Turning, she went back inside to prepare for breakfast. Her beloved, Vincent, would be arriving at any instant.
Kairos went through her clothes and selected one of her more revealing ensembles. She put on the green dress and her diadem. Thereupon, she sat at her silver vanity and brushed her hair. A guard knocked at her doorway, startling her. Setting the brush down, she went over to the immense door.
"M' Lady, Vincent is nearing as we speak. Would you like to welcome him, or shall I?" The tall guard asked as he bowed.
"I will greet him, Duncan. Thank you."
With that, the guard was gone. Kairos went over to the window to behold her knight. He was riding on a tawny stallion, his snow-white cloak flying behind him in the wind. She ran down the turbinate staircase towards the front passage. Breathless, she flew out of the doors. Vincent was just dismounting the grand creature as she flung herself into his strong arms.
"Oh, Vincent, I've missed you so very much! Please, tell me that you were not injured in battle. How does life find you?" Kairos asked frantically, as if she would never see him again.
"Kairos, life finds me as Commander of all the army. I have seen the carnage of many a clash, and have slain many a man and foe." Vincent started.
"Vincent, were you hurt? My dear, please speak comfort to me!" Kairos interrupted.
"Kairos, I did not receive even a solitary scratch or bruise." Vincent explained, somewhat peeved at her interruptions.
"Vincent, say you'll never leave me again. I'll make you a true and wealthy bride, Vincent. If you refuse me this, and leave me again, I would die!"
"Kairos, may we go inside? I am here, yet much has happened. We shall talk within about the matters."
Kairos felt her heart skip a beat. Was the man of her dreams to ask her for her hand in marriage? They went into the great mansion of emerald and to the parlor. Once seated on the couch, Kairos looked up at Vincent, who was just coming in. He sat down, opposite of Kairos. Vincent took off his cloak and riding gloves, revealing a golden ring upon his finger. Kairos gasped in shock.
"Vincent! What does this mean?" Kairos asked as she exploded into tears, "Was my love not powerful or worthy enough for you? You come back to me like this, a married man?"
"I wanted to tell you in person, Kairos. While I was in Lankrite, I met a marvelous woman. We hit it off rather well. She was in my regime as a nurse. Her name is Adelle Vienna Brinkley, and she is a faerie. She will be joining us here shortly. Kairos, we both knew that this childish game could not continue on. Our betrothal..."
"Childish," Kairos interrupted, "I love you Vincent Blaine Merriton! It was not just a betrothal set up by our family. I truly love you! And this, this is how you betray me? How could you be so heartless?"
"Kairos, don't be this way. We knew that this day would come and..." Vincent started without feeling.
"No, Vincent. I love you and that is the way it is. You will not treat me this way. Was I just a fling? A play toy for your bedchamber? Did that all mean nothing to you?"
"Listen, we were mere children. It was all a misinterpretation. We had a bit too much to drink and got carried away before I left. I felt bad about it, so I kept in touch with you. I intended to keep it up, until I met Adelle, my true love."
Kairos turned from her untrue lover, embarrassed to let Vincent see her crying. She was a strong person. She would have her revenge on him and his little wife. The only question left in her mind was the question of how she would do it. As they sat in the parlor quietly, she thought about it. Then, Duncan knocked on the door.
"Your majesty," he started, "there is a Mrs. Merriton here to see you. Shall I let her in?"
"Yes, send her in." Vincent replied, waving arrogantly to Duncan.
Duncan nodded at his orders and left, closing the door behind him. At once, Kairos' face turned red with hatred. Had Vincent just done what she had thought that he had done? Duncan was her guard! He had no right!
"How dare you give orders in my mansion? You have no right to do so!" Kairos blared as the parlor door opened.
Adelle entered the parlor, her long scarlet hair flowing behind her in tight ringlet curls. She wore a white dress with a copper bracelet made to look like a snake with moonstone eyes. She is pretty, Kairos thought to herself. Adelle's chestnut eyes glimmered as she approached Vincent and their eyes met. Kairos silently laughed. Revenge would be simple, for this girl Vincent had fallen in love with looked as soft as a kitten. Looks, however, can be deceiving.
"Hello, I'm Adelle! I've heard so much about you. You are indeed a true friend of Vincent's." The young woman said, reaching out to shake hands with Kairos.
"Yes, Vincent and I are real good friends," Kairos said, a menacing tone in her voice, "but every time he wrote to me, he never once mentioned you. I'm..."
Vincent broke in, trying to save Adelle from the grief of Kairos' wrath of anger and revenge.
"Dear, we really must get going. We need to be in Porcelina by nightfall."
"Porcelina? What business do you have there? Why, that town is nothing but harlots and ale houses!" Kairos questioned.
"It's where our fort is now. My station is to be there, and my wife, Adelle, will be joining me." He replied.
"Oh, how touching." Kairos snapped out of spite.
Kairos smiled falsely on the outside, but on the inside she was laughing. Adelle would leave Vincent in a heartbeat as soon as she found out about his drinking habits and lustful affairs with the mistresses of the towns that they would visit. Maybe she should warn Adelle about it so that she would be suspicious of every move that her new husband made. That was the ticket to getting revenge on Vincent! As they were about to leave, Kairos seized the golden chance.
"Adelle, have you and Vincent gone to any taverns together? I know of a quaint little pub in Locke. It's very good, and it's right on your way! It's called La Sonadora Cantina. They have your favorite ale, Vincent. You know, Subtlein?"
"Oh, Vincent does not drink anymore." Adelle proudly informed Kairos.
"That's right, Kairos. I haven't drunk since the time that I saw you last. I needed to concentrate on the more important things in life."
Kairos snarled as the two lovebirds joined hands and kissed. Her plan had failed. She, however, would not give up she told herself as she stormed back inside. She would have her revenge one way or another. Finally, after hours of contemplating in her sleeping chamber, she decided that it was time to call on someone to help her. The question left in her mind was whom she could call.
Kairos sat in front of her towering looking glass to brush her blond hair. She stared at her reflection in it and gasped! She hadn't thought of this possibility yet. Dillon Hadley McNight! She could call on her brother for help! He could use the war against the lovers. The war had raged on ever since they had been born. He had chosen the other side to fight for. The side that Vincent was now fighting against. Dillon would come to her aid.
An hour passed as she wrote and rewrote the letter. Finally, Kairos sent for Duncan. She then gave him a sealed letter to be delivered at once to her brother across the enemy lines. As Christian left the mansion in the evening rain, Kairos lay back on the bed of green satin. Everything would be fine. If all went well, Dillon would be there in the morning to help her out.
Morning broke as Kairos arose from an almost perfect slumber. She went to the kitchen and drank a cup of strong black coffee that her cook, Blakely, had prepared. Then, she took her bath and went to her closet. Her usual green would not do today. As she sorted through her clothes, she came upon a black dress with a slit up the side to the hips.
How did that get in there? Kairos pondered that question for a few moments. Her sister, Kora, must have forgotten it when she stayed there last summer. Kora had, she remembered, used her room a couple of nights as the guestroom was prepared. That was it.
Kairos slipped the dress on and twirled around in it. It was a perfect fit. She went to her vanity to brush her hair. As she was putting her powder on, she heard horses out front. Her brother was here at last.
Christian entered the mansion doors. Kairos came down the spiral staircase as the noises of talking grew louder. Behind Christian was Dillon. But, someone else was with him! He was taller than her brother. His mahogany eyes seemed to gleam in the early morning sun. And, best of all, this stranger had the most gorgeous black hair, pulled back in a ponytail. I wonder if he's single, Kairos thought to herself.
"Hello, sister. I didn't think that I would ever hear from you again. I knew that it must be urgent if you sent for me. What is the trouble?" Her brother began.
"Um,Christian, could you go do something else? Hush matters, you know. Thank you, Christian." Kairos called as she motioned Christian away.
Kairos led the two men into the parlor. Once inside, she served them ale and they all sat down. Who is this man, she kept thinking. She finally could not contain herself any longer. She had to know!
"Dillon, who is your friend? I thought that you would be alone." She inquired.
"Dreadfully sorry, sister. This is my bodyguard and friend, Braden Westington. He is, as you may guess, a vampyre. He is an assassin for our side. In fact, he's our best! Now, Kairos, why did you call me here?" Dillon answered.
"I want revenge, frankly! The man I was seeing came back home a few days ago...married to a faerie! I need you to help me. And, I do believe he's right up your alley." Kairos replied.
"Tell me more, Kairos. Why call me? I'm very intrigued!" Dillon said as he leaned closer to her.
"Dillon, he is commander of the army that you fight against! He is Vincent Blaine Merriton. You surely know of him. Dear, I don't care how you do it, I just want him to pay for hurting me." Kairos replied.
"Yes, I can help you. I'd love to! We will have to work out the details later. But first, we need something to eat and a shower from our journey." Dillon said.
"Yes, dear brother, Christian is already seeing to that." Kairos smiled.
Kairos felt so self-conscious, but she could not help but stare at Braden. He seemed to be doing the same, but turned his head as she turned to glance at him. For a moment, his fangs seemed to grow larger. Kairos blinked, and found them normal again. She thought that, perhaps, she could get over Vincent on her own, but now she knew that she needed him to help her.
After dark, when the guys were rested, they all met in the parlor to plan. Many ideas were thrown out, but most were shot down on site. Finally, Braden suggested a ball to be thrown in honor of victory for Vincent's side. Dillon would lead his soldiers into a mock battle, letting Vincent win easily. Kairos would throw a ball in honor of the victory, and invite Vincent and Adelle, without harsh feelings. The plan was perfect! Dillon and Braden would disguise themselves, along with others from their side, and kill Vincent at the stroke of midnight. The guests would not be armed, for it would not be necessary. It was a retreat from the stress and worries of battle. Kairos only made one request, and that was that she could take care of Adelle. And so, it was settled with a toast of red wine.
At two in the morning, Kairos went up to her sleeping chamber. The two guys wanted to stay up and talk more about the plan in detail. Tired of hearing Vincent's name, she had politely excused herself to get some sleep. She knew, however, that she would not get much sleep. Braden overwhelmed her thoughts. Finally, she slept.
At dawn, she heard horses outside. She got out of bed to see what was causing the commotion. As she neared the window, she could distinctly make out two figures galloping away from the mansion. Dillon and Braden had left to start the plan. Her heart sank on site, for she longed to go with Braden. She began to wonder if he loved her, and started to cry. She could not go through another heartbreak.
As Kairos sat down at the mirror, she noticed two tiny puncture marks on her neck, slightly raised. Her first instinct was that a spider had bitten her, but when she examined them closer, she knew that it was not a spider's bite. Braden had done this. Many thoughts passed through Kairos' mind. Was he ravished for the taste of blood, or did he truly love her and want her with him for all eternity? Kairos decided that it had to be the latter part of the two.
Time passed by slowly for Kairos the next three days. But then, it happened. Dillon had led his men into battle fifty miles from the mansion. The battle lasted only a day, with Dillon's men retreating into the woods. Christian brought the letter up to her that told the specific details.
Dillon had placed two hundred of his men at the edge of the forest. At his command, they charged into the open to meet their enemy. After a day, they retreated back into the woods to regroup. The total loses for them was more than what they had wanted. But, it would be worth it in the end. Braden had written the note the night after the battle, and sent one of his men ahead with it.
The ball would go as planned. All the essentials for the ball were taken care of, and everyone was informed. Vincent had to come to the ball, for he was commander. Adelle would join him at his side, to protect him from potential danger and grief from Kairos' anger, and keep other prospective women from him. The plan was perfect, if she did say so herself. This would be a night that no one would ever forget. Three days later, the ball would take place.
Kairos went upstairs to get ready for the ball two hours before the guests were to arrive. She selected a dark green dress, to match her eyes. As she twirled around in it, the door to her room opened slowly and quietly. A dark shadow approached the unnoticing Kairos. A hand gently touched her shoulder. She turned around, startled, and pointed her dagger at the throat of her assailant. Slowly, she withdrew her dagger from the throat of the familiar face, which stood in front of her.
"Braden! You have returned! I pray that you did not get hurt! How is my brother?"
"He is fine, as am I. Is all prepared, Kairos?" Braden said.
"Yes, in two hours it will all commence." She replied.
"I have brought you two things. We stopped along the way at a small village. Turn around and close your eyes, Kairos."
Braden dug around in his bag as Kairos turned to face the mirror. Pulled out of the bag was a grand diamond tiara and a necklace to match it. Braden placed the triangle shaped tiara on her head. He then placed the necklace around her slender neck. Feeling his fangs grow, Braden turned away. The feeling wasn't the same as the pangs of hunger. It was something more than that.
"Open your eyes, Kairos." He said, turning back to her.
"Oh Braden! They're beautiful!" She screamed.
Kairos flung herself into Braden's arms. Braden knew at that point why he felt that strange urge before. He loved her. He just didn't know when to tell her. Did she love him, or was she too material for him?
Guests started arriving promptly at dusk. Everything was in place. The green streamers and silver balloons hung in the ballroom. Christian was given the night off, as were the other servants. Dillon's men took the servant's places. And as for Dillon, he took the part of a new recruit in the army. Kairos barely recognized him as he entered the room, for he had disguised himself well.
Braden was her escort for the night. Braden looked even better than he had before. His brown-ember eyes glistened as they entered the room together, arm in arm. And then, at that moment, all eyes were on her. As they should be, she thought.
Her green dress glittered as she walked, showing that she was a highborn in their society. Her brown hair was up in a fancy twist, with ringlets hanging down in wisps. The tiara Braden had given her topped her head. Kairos looked around the room. Her dark eyes could not find what she hoped they would.
Then, she saw him. Vincent was staring at her escort, and at her. Adelle was by his side. She was wearing a red dress with rubies hanging from it at the neck and sleeves. Her hair was wavy and loose. She glared at Kairos as she pulled the gasping Vincent closer to her.
The band began to play a waltz. Kairos began to dance with Braden. Others joined in around them. As the night went on, Kairos found herself falling deeply in love with Braden. They danced every song together. She could almost feel the silver cord linking their hearts together as true love does.
But, did he really love her? Could he ever love her? Could she love again? All of these thoughts filled her head as she twirled around the ballroom in his strong arms. She couldn't tell him, she decided. She couldn't endanger the plan.
The grand clock stroked eleven o'clock. Braden led Kairos out onto the open balcony. The stars shown above in the cloudless night sky. A full moon shined upon them as they looked out onto the sapphire blue waters of the river. The cliffs of the mountain upon which Olympius sat looked even more rugged underneath the blood red moon's reflection. Braden put his arm around Kairos as they gazed out upon the scenery.
"It's beautiful out tonight." Braden said as he gazed out, then he turned to Kairos. "But, not as beautiful as you."
"Braden, I..." Kairos began.
"No, don't speak. This night is much too perfect already. Let's not spoil it." He interrupted.
"Braden, you don't have to pretend that you love me out here. No one is watching." Kairos told him.
"Who said that I was ever pretending, Kairos McNight? I'm afraid that I've fallen in love with you. And to think that I was skeptical about coming here with Dillon in the first place. When he told me about it, I told him that it was out of the question. And to think, I would have missed out on the best thing that could ever possibly match what you mortals call Heaven! I'm not going to leave you like Vincent did. Kairos, say you'll be mine."
At that moment, Kairos knew that she was over Vincent. Never more would her heart be broken. All of her dreams were coming true. She had to tell Braden how she felt. Finally, she was truly loved by a man worthy enough to spend all eternity with.
"Braden, I'm so helplessly in love with you, too! Promise me that you will never leave me for another woman." Kairos exclaimed.
"I will never do that. You have my word." Braden answered.
Braden took Kairos' hand and kissed it, as if to seal his promised word. Kairos gently caressed his well defined face with her other hand. As Braden pulled her close to kiss her, the clock chimed eleven. Finding a secluded place among the greenery of the terrace, Braden laid Kairos down on a stone bench.
Passionately, they made love underneath the red moon and fern trees. Kairos didn't know that this would be the last time that she would ever make love. Three minutes before midnight, they reentered the ballroom, their excuse being a meteor shower and the brilliance of the fireflies that lit up the valley below that lasted so long. It, however, was time to push aside feelings and continue with the plan at hand.
They found Dillon and gave him the signal to commence. The music stopped as Kairos nodded to the band and rose her goblet high into the air. She called a toast to be held in honor of the victory, and to Vincent. With the clang of the glasses, the hidden men gathered around Vincent, holding daggers to him. Vincent was stunned. Adelle screamed, dropping her glass.
"Kairos, darling, what is happening?" Vincent demanded.
"Vincent," Kairos began sweetly, "you have upset me. And now, you must be killed for your sins against me. Your unfaithfulness. It is as simple of that."
Vincent was taken out onto the balcony as the other men took the guests as prisoners to their camp. Adelle was taken out next. Tied to a column of silver, she was very quiet. A placid look had taken over his face. Braden held Vincent. He would be the first to die.
Dillon would cut off his head with an ax. As his head was placed on the balcony railing, he started crying. First came low, soft cries. Then, the loud and chilling sobs of fright. Vincent begged for mercy, and his life. He, however, knew that he was going to die. He could not get out of that.
Dillon raised his ax over his head. With a loud grunt, Vincent's cries stopped. Kairos, shielding her eyes from the initial slaughter, looked up in horror. Vincent's head was gone. He was truly dead.
Now it was Adelle's turn. Braden untied her and brought her over to Dillon. Blood, still glistening on the silver railing, dripped down the edges to the body on the ground. Adelle still did not cry or seem affected by any of the night's activities. Even as her head was laid upon the very site her husband died upon and blood smeared her cheeks, she showed no trace of fear.
As Dillon raised the ax, a strange thing happened. Adelle was out of her binds and reached for Dillon's daggers. Dillon could not stop her, and caught a dagger in the stomach. Bleeding and weak, he stumbled back, dropping the ax. Kairos tried to stop him, but she was too late. As she screamed, her brother fell over the edge of the railing and down the cliffs to his death.
Braden, seeing his chance as Adelle tried to regain her strength, rushed at her. Gasping for air, she fell down to the stone floor. The dagger was tossed from her hand and landed five feet away. She scrambled to reach for it, but Braden grabbed her wrists. Not being able to move, she made use of her faerie magick. Kairos screamed for Braden to be careful as she began to cry.
Making herself small, Adelle was able to move about out of Braden's grasp. As she closed in on the dagger, she grew bigger again. She grabbed it and turned. Braden was right behind her. He fell to the ground, gasping. Adelle pushed the dagger completely through his heart.
Kairos lunged at Adelle in fury. Revenge flashed deep inside Kairos' eyes. Kairos swiped at Adelle with her dagger, the edge coming close to her arm. Again, Kairos tried. Successfully cutting Adelle on the leg, Kairos smiled.
After what seemed like hours. Adelle managed to cut Kairos on the arms twice and on the leg three times. Kairos had cut Adelle's legs up and her arm once. Enough damage was done, however, that Adelle was too weak to continue. With a final stroke of the blade to the throat, Adelle fell to the ground. Kairos was the victor. She had the revenge.
Many months passed as Kairos grew big. By the end of winter, twin sons were born. Their names were Jeremy Kyler and Damon Demitri. They both grew up very smart and handsome. Kairos and her sons traveled a lot through the countryside. One evening, they found themselves in the company of a noble named Rhett Justyn Evans. As time moved on, Kairos found herself in love with him at first. But, that would all change.
Rhett was the king of the land and very deceptive. He used his powers for evil and took a strong liking to Jeremy. Damon was sent away, against Kairos' wishes, to a private school in the north part of the country. She never heard from him again.
Rhett taught Jeremy how to run a kingdom. The kingdom he would own after Rhett was gone. Jeremy also was taught the fighting techniques of a knight. Kairos could never go to his tournaments, however, because she couldn't forget Braden and Dillon. Jeremy grew to despise his mother for this, and grasped Rhett's ideas even more. She didn't care for him, anyway.
Rhett died in the spring when Jeremy was twenty. Kairos took over the kingdom. She took ill in midwinter. Kairos had spent all afternoon at the grave of her dead husband. Snow had begun to fall.
That night, she had come home cold and trembling. She passed dinner and went to her room. She called Jeremy in an hour later. Jeremy, sorry for how he had treated her years before, ran to her room. He knew what was happening.
"Jeremy, darling, I'm dying. I caught a cold, and it has moved to my lungs. My fever is high. I won't be alive much longer. I want you to take my tiara and necklace. Keep them with you to remember me by. I'm sure that you'll find a use for them. I also want you to return to Olympius, our true home. Please, grant me these wishes." Kairos said hoarsely.
Jeremy held his mother's hand as she slept that night. He did not cry the next morning when she never awoke. He sat alone that night, drinking and blaming Damon for her death. How could he stay away this long? Rumor had it that he joined the army Vincent had been in. The army he was taught to hate.
Jeremy knew in his mind what he had to do. He would become king and lead his army into battle against the army that had killed his true father, Braden. And, against his twin brother Damon. It would take time. He would have to make himself known for his abilities. Perhaps he would even encounter love. Maybe Merrilin. Rumors of her beauty had traveled wide and far, and of her marriage to Damon. Revenge would come; he could taste it in his vampyre fangs.
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