#The Imperium Chronicles

[cljordan-imperium]

(My spirit animal is a wee hedgie, so that is how I henceforth shall be representing myself)

Revision and edits #3 done on my novel. 54,448 words. Gonna need beta readers very soon. *heavy sigh**very heavy sigh and nervous*

Start rev 4 tomorrow.

@saltysupercomputer @watermeezerswildwandering @pheita @writingmaidenwarrior @dreaminggoblin @toribookworm22

[jaspermeredith]

3

Chapter 2

Jasper has an idea...everyone should be scared...

Jasper didn’t trust Meredith, and Meredith did not trust Jasper, but they had agreed to work with one another.  The time spent the rest of the afternoon after this agreement was used to pull all of the different volumes off of the shelves that they would need to do a thorough investigation.  Jasper also was trying to determine how to keep Annabella and Adriel from discovering the mission that Meredith had been given. 

She was now sitting cross-legged in one of the large, plush, leather chairs in his library, looking over an old tome that he believed had the history of Jean Pierre before in it somewhere.  Even he wasn’t quite sure where the Grigori came from before he had turned up in New Orleans.  He’d never really dug into it either, not really caring.  Watching her, Jasper was vexed on how to keep his friends from all killing her, whilst simultaneously proving two of their innocence.  Answering to the Phanuel was not on the top of his “to-do list” anytime between the current day and the end of time.

“Finding what you are looking for, Princess?” Jasper leaned back in his chair, crossing his long legs at the ankle atop the leather ottoman before him.  He was currently leaving the research up to her, since she was the one who had all of the details.

Meredith’s eyes rose from the typed text before her, but her head stayed bowed over the book.  The look she pinned him with just made him smirk, which made her eyes narrow.  “I’m not a princess, we covered this.” Her eyes rolled, and she looked down at the book again before she blew a puff of air to try to get an errant lock of hair out of her face.

“Touchy, touchy there, are we, sweetling?” Jasper leaned over from the other side of the table, reaching forward to let his fingers skim her forehead to remove the lock for her.  He swore that he saw her jaw clench and he loved it.  Getting under her skin was a favorite pastime of his.

There was a heavy sigh.  “Must you?  Really?”  She tried to ignore him. She failed.

“Oh, why yes, darling, I very much must.”  He grinned and put his hand on the top of the book to flatten it down on the table they were both leaning over.  This earned him a glare, which made him smirk all the more.  He loved getting under her perfect exterior, he couldn’t even say why.  “If you aren’t learning what you want to know from that, I do have another idea how we can find out the information.” His head tipped, waiting for her to ask.

For a full minute, silence filled the air of the library.  It was probably the first actual silence there had been since Jasper had caught her in there. Meredith, however, was trying to figure out what his angle was, because she couldn’t believe he actually wanted to help her.  “Well…carry on…what is this idea you have, Jasper?”  She finally gave in and asked when it was clear he was not going to volunteer the information.

With a smirk that he saw caused her to have to purse her lips to keep from another snarky response, he replied: “we’re going to live together in my mansion in the Garden District of New Orleans.  Blend into society as a couple.” His smirk grew as he watched her eyes grow wider and her jaw go slack.  

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[adrielandanna]

3

Chapter 2

“Mate?” Her voice barely more than a whisper, Anna had to ask. She had to make sure she was not misunderstanding.

Adriel gently nodded, not dropping his eyes from hers. Annabella felt her heart speed and her lungs seemed suddenly unable to draw air. She felt her head spin a bit, the reality of the situation setting in hard and fast. For a second her eyes dropped to the center of his chest, where her hands were now splayed. At the moment, everything about him was affecting her more than she had anticipated him doing so in the beginning, let alone than she wished it did. Setting aside the fact he was Abriella’s father, he was gorgeous and she was finding him far more muscled than she had anticipated judging based solely on his profile in his suit.

When their eyes once again met, her breath and voice stuttered as she tried to put her thoughts into words. “So, I’ll be your first…” Each word was enunciated and came out slowly as she still tried to make sure she expressed herself clearly. Every implication from what she had learned of anglic relationships over the centuries tumbled through her mind and she was failing to grasp them soundly.

Was that really what she was worried about? Adriel’s jaw clenched hearing the words come out and the seeming hesitancy of them. His pride and, if he was honest, heart were more than a little bit wounded that her mind first went to sex and his inexperience. His voice held an edge, no matter how hard he tried to keep it out, “worried that you will not be satisfied due to my lack of experience, Bella?”

The sexual attraction and magnetism between them was strong, and it was all he could do not to ravish her on the table upon which she was sitting, yet that she was concerned about his experience struck at something within him that hurt in a way he could not express. Rarely did he feel vulnerable in any way, but at the moment he felt completely defenseless before her. His jaw tensed more, and he fought snapping. He had wanted to claim her there and then, but she worried that he would leave her wanting greater pleasure then he could provide? Angels did not copulate before they found their mate; but that did not mean he had not provided pleasure in other ways, and would not ensure that she was completely sated when he was through with her. That she would doubt him, and it would be her primary concern; that bothered him. He wanted a mate focused on more than the physical, but it seemed he had been granted otherwise by his father.

“First relationship.” Anna clarified, a bit taken aback and unsure of what else to say, after feeling like she had just been slapped by his reaction. Although she supposed the other was true as well, she was not about to state that from the way he had just spoken to her. She had seen the hurt on his face, and heard it in his voice. She was actually hurt herself now that he had thought she was referring to sex. It had been the last thing on her mind. How could he think she meant that? Relationships were complicated and sometimes messy; it seemed that communication was starting off that way for them in this one.

As soon as Anna spoke, and Adriel realized his mistake, his eyes closed and his head fell forward a bit. Obviously he was trying to process things as she was, and the heightened sexual tension between them, that had been building since their first meeting, was not helping. “I am sorry, my Bella.” He swallowed, unsure what else to say. Curse Div, curse Stennis, curse…fuck…he didn’t know. Maybe he should curse himself for jumping to conclusions after seeing how well that had worked out over the years for Cruz and Abriella. His mind, his body, and his heart seemed to be warring with one another on how to handle everything. This had to be one of the most unique situations when it came to angelic matehood, and nothing had prepared him for it.

Anna brought one of her hands to his cheek to gently caress it, the soft stubble tickling against her soft palm. “Adriel, I’m more worried about disappointing you.” She sighed heavily, now trying to be more careful with her wording and her nerves rising ever higher. “Being your first at everything…it’s a bit overwhelming. I did not mean to hurt you. I’m sorry if my hesitation in being able to put my thoughts together gave you the wrong impression. I’m just overwhelmed with everything, but that’s not a bad thing.” Now it was her thumb that swept slow and soft over his cheekbone as her voice mirrored that softness. She had been in his place more than once; she knew the blow to the ego and the heart. Worse, she had been in the place he thought he’d been in, where she had been a disappointment to someone else, someone who didn’t necessarily care that it caused her an ache.

Her touch almost caused a greater ache in his chest than his realization that he had been an ass to assume and not let her finish her sentence. If Annabella had reacted with anger or hurt, he would have understood and he deserved her reproach; instead she had been understanding and was worried herself. Adriel felt that it was he who did not deserve this female as his mate. His anger, which was indeed legendary amongst the Heavens and Hells, was something he now feared would hurt her and potentially drive her away. If he lost her…the ache in his chest caused him to breathe in sharply. He and Div would talk later.

“I am sorry, Bella. I have a temper, one which I have never had reason to contain nor restrict. I did not mean to offend or hurt you. I promise to do better in the future.” Slowly Adriel’s eyes opened and his head rose to look at her face. “You could not disappoint me.” Softly he kissed her, keeping his eyes on hers, feeling drawn into their cerulean depths and drowning within.

Gently he lowered his hands to her ass and lifted her off of the table. He had an idea, and it required getting in a totally different position than the one they currently were in. Her legs had still been wrapped around him, which helped as he carried her over to a large couch that was a short distance away. “I think we both got wrapped up in the feelings, emotions, and desires, mia bella. How disappointed would you be if we spent the rest of the afternoon,” one hand left her ass and slowly made its way up to the middle of her back, “just talking and becoming more comfortable with one another? Maybe avoiding more miscommunications?” He held her to him, trying to convey he didn’t want to let her go yet, but they obviously were both trying to grapple with this sudden shift in all they knew.

Anna’s hand was still on the side of Adriel’s face and again her thumb caressed his cheekbone, her head tipping to the side as she did. “Horribly…that is if there aren’t snacks and wine included in this snuggling on the couch.” Her lips curved up in a smile as she leaned into him. The passion that had overtaken them previously was waning, and that while the attraction had not lessened, now she wanted to know the man in a way that was far more deep and intimate than carnally. “A girl must have sustenance if she is to bare her soul to her mate, you know.” She was trying to lighten the mood a little. Truly, she wanted the wine more than anything.

When Adriel reached the couch, Annabella finally released her legs from around his waist. Her feet were only on the floor for a brief moment, however. As Adriel sat, he pulled her down with him so that she sat across his lap. Her ass on one thigh, her thighs were perpendicular across the other, with her shoulder tucked under one of his, and her head resting atop his shoulder. By the time they were settled, she was securely wrapped in his arms once more, and it was a toss up which was more pleased at the current situation.

One arm wrapped around her back with his hand on her hip, the other cradling her with his hand buried deep in her golden, silken hair, Adriel’s hold was gentle, yet possessive. How his daughter had found his mate and then matched them up without realizing it confused him, till he realized that Div had assisted her in pairing everyone up. It was true that his father worked in mysterious ways, but sometimes it would be nice if the being gave a heads up when he was about to upend your life. A soft kiss was placed on Anna’s forehead. She was his treasure and for her, he would learn not to explode as much as he had for the entirety of his existence. At least he would learn to temper his anger towards and at her, if not towards others entirely.

“I cannot promise to be a perfect mate. I shall try. There will be failures, but know that you are treasured regardless.” His hold tightened momentarily. “Tomorrow should be more relaxed. What do you think of spending the day together? We can go anywhere you want, or just stay here in Imperium and I can show you around. There are many nice places here on the Palace grounds.” A slow and soft kiss was placed on her forehead, and he inhaled the scent of her perfume as it mixed with her innate scent.

“I tend to snap to judgements and say things without thinking, so we both have things to work on, Addy.” Anna gave him a sheepish smile. Judging from everyone’s reaction at breakfast, she had a feeling that they’d all had run-ins with Adriel’s temper. She hoped not to, at least nothing worse than what had happened today.

Another kiss was placed on her forehead, then Adriel brought his forehead to hers. There was something in his eyes that made her feel that no matter what fights or disagreements that they had, it would end up okay. “Spending the day together sounds great, but how about we stay down here for a while? At least till we figure each other out a little more?” Annabella gave him a small smile, which was rewarded with one of his own and a very soft kiss. She was coming to like both from him exceptionally.

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[palaceofimperium]

VISITING DAMIEN

Abriella pays her uncle a visit....

The group approached Damien’s castle, their strides all in unison and footfalls heavy against the hard earth beneath their boots.  This was not a friendly visit. Abriella was the point of the spear, her brother on one side, her grandfather on the other.  Directly behind her was Leandre.  There was no one else she would have at her back at such a time as this besides him.  She had almost chosen him to be beside her, rather than Lucifer, but decided that while she could see to her side, she could not see to her rear.

As they drew nearer to the castle, the drawbridge over the chasm that separated the inner keep of the castle from the outlying lands of the greater lands of Imperium, rose.  A smirk formed on the crimson lips of the Queen of the realm as her hands spread out to her sides, parallel to the ground.  All around the four that were marching forward formed a rolling fog of swirling white and black.  At first it was on their perimeter, then it began to weave between their feet. Finally, it started to move forward and in front of them.  As Abriella’s hands began to move forward, the fog descended into the chasm and seemed to fill it, overflowing and building even higher on top of itself.

By the time that Abriella reached the edge of where the chasm should have been, it could no longer be seen.  It was clear that this was not a concern for her.  She didn’t even slow down as she drew near to what should have been a sheer drop off.  Where there should have been certain death, there appeared to be now a firm underpinning to her steps.  The same held true for those who were following behind her.  None were slowed by the drop off that should have been there.  The ethereal fog not only filled, but solidified within the chasm.

The next “obstacle” was as little of one as the previous one had been.  As they approached, once more the group did not slow.  While the drawbridge to the castle was up, Abriella once more did not intend to let the defenses that her uncle was mounting against her hold.  There was a purpose to her visit and she intended to bring it to fruition.  If he had thought that hiding within the weathered stone walls of the castle would prevent her from reaching him and addressing the violence that he had brought to bear against both Kaylin and Asher, he was mistaken.  

One step from the closed wooden gate, Abriella outstretched one hand and as she did, the wooden structure exploded inwards.  The group could hear the clamor of troops reacting to their arrival, but it would be futile.  They would just be running to their death, no one could stand against the Queen of Imperium and Horseman of Death.  She was well and truly pissed and all within the castle would feel her wrath before she left, a warning personally delivered to the ruler within.

One foot in front of the other, puffs of dust coming up as each one impacted the dry earth. All four who were coming for Damien were in step.  All four were in agreement.  All four were going to leave an impression on the regent, an impression he would not soon forget, but one he would not learn from.  For he was unfortunately still lost in his madness, a madness that had consumed him to his core.  It would still serve as a warning to those who served him, it would be to their peril to continue.  To serve him meant death.  There could be no other outcome.

As his forces started to come against the four, it would merely be an outstretching of Abriella’s hand that would fell them in their steps. A draining of the life force that would take them from a living being into a shriveled husk of a being that was a scant reflection of what they had once been. The farther they went into the keep, the more bodies that were left shriveled and misshapen in their wake. Those that witnessed it began to experience a deep seated terror and run.  Few of Damien’s men wanted to come against an adversary that they couldn’t actually fight, but would kill them all the same.  

*****

Damien had been alerted when the first lines of defense fell.  No one had been brave enough to tell him who it was that breached the outer walls, fearing that he would take his agitation out on them. Now as he donned his armor to face the intruders that had dared to think they could come into his castle and face his legions in battle, he was sure that he would own the day and leave his foes bloodied on the field of battle.  He hoped that his daughter and her lowly lover were amongst them so he could slaughter them, as they deserved for the dishonor that they had brought to his house.  

Leaving his quarters and heading towards the bailey, he heard screams coming from his legion.  He wondered what force could be invading, what size of army could have decided to come against him.  Would he have to call his father or his niece to aid him, would they even come?  Had his daughter poisoned them with her lies against him?  It was of no matter, he would slaughter them all.

As Damien walked into the bailey, his eyes widened at the scene that greeted him.  All around were the twisted and shriveled husks of his soldiers.  It was as if the life had been drained from them and they had been mummified as they were in the agony of death.  Who or what could have done such a horrendous thing?  What beast or being had invaded his castle?  He had never seen such an attack in all his years of battle.  As he stood there dumbstruck there was a sliver of fear invading his senses.

“Damien!” Abriella’s voice bounced off the stone walls and echoed across the bailey of the castle. “Take this as a warning that if you come against the Palace of Imperium to try to get to Kaylin or Asher that you will face ME and all of my forces.  I, Abriella, Queen of Imperium and Caligo, Horseman of Death, Grigori of the Source, Daughter of Adriel, Granddaughter of Lucifer, High Nephilim, and Granddaughter of the Divine, have granted her sanctuary within the Palace. DO NOT try me on this uncle, or you shall rue the day that you come against me and my forces.  You will not survive the onslaught of what we will bring to bear against you.  The Horsemen stand ready to defend me and mine.  Consider your next move carefully.”  

As she had been speaking, Damien had turned to look at Abriella.  His eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, he had not even considered it would be her that would have done this to him.  To see Cruz and Lucifer next to her made his blood run cold.  She had the backing of everyone, this would definitely be a fight that he would have to make sure he brought at least one of the Princes with him for.  There was no way he could take her on alone now.  If all four of the Horsemen were in agreement, he would not even be able to breach the Palace gates, let alone get to his daughter or that manwhore of a lover she had taken.  

As he watched Abriella and the three that she had brought with her exit his castle, leaving a swath of death in their wake, a fire of age and resentment burned brightly in his breast. He would make plans.  He would contact Leviathan and.  If Abriella thought that she would deter him from getting his revenge, from getting his victory, she was mistaken.  All she had done was further enrage him and ensure that now she too would feel the sting of sword and the bitter taste of defeat along with his daughter.

[theimperiumchronicles]

Now that we know what Jasper and Meredith are going to be getting up to in NOLA, maybe we should get caught up with Annabella and Adriel. You know that they won' stay in Imperium once they hear that Jean Pierre and Armaund are under investigation. Nothing In NOLA escapes their knowledge for long...

Coming soon...

@watermeezer @saltysupercomputer @abalonetea @frostedlemonwriter

@crowandmoonwriting @jadeglas @ashirisu @mama-ivy

@toribookworm22 @pheita @dreaminggoblin @writingmaidenwarrior

If you'd like to be added to the tag list, please just comment.

[wrathcomescalling]

2

Chapter 1

The Summoning...

At one point, between her conversation with Mithos and the arrival of Amon in Imperium, Abriella had considered having the meeting with Amon in the throne room.  She eventually reconsidered that idea, feeling it might be a little too formal.  If Amon was coming to request sanctuary within Imperium and vow fealty to herself and Cruz, it might be more beneficial to keep things more relaxed.  In the end, she decided that they would hold the meeting in the grand salon, where they would often spend evenings after diplomacy was completed with the insufferable royalty that seemed to never stop coming, most of the males of which were trying to convince her that they should be her King and not Cruz.  They all left with their egos significantly more deflated than when they had arrived.

When the hour arrived, Mithos summoned Amon into the room, and he arrived with an additional guest, which had Abriella’s brow rising.  She had not been advised there would be another, however she recognized him and her eyes soon narrowed as she surveyed the scene.  Arioch and Raguel were both present, having spoken with Abriella after Mithos had.  Mithos and Thinius were both there as well, not wanting a potential threat to be allowed into the realm without them both being present.  Rounding out the group in the room were the other three Horsemen, Dez, Arch and Talon.  With those she implicitly trusted, she felt more assured that everything would go smoothly than originally considered.  She had chosen not to include Adriel, for the moment, in the situation.  Sometimes he could be a little too overprotective, and she wanted things to go smoothly.

While none from Imperium were in formal court attire, the males were all in suits.  Abriella had decided on a dress that was cut perfectly to create an impressive silhouette.  For their part, the males were all imposing, looking like something out of a Godfather movie.  It would be worse to humans, since every single one of them was well over six and a half feet tall. 

Amon arrived and it was as if he had somehow gotten the memo on how to dress, as did Heath, his top General, who was at his side. Abriella had a sneaking suspicion that at least one of those who were to vouch for him had advised him on the proper attire for the occasion.  No tie for Amon, but otherwise his manner of dress matched the other males that were in attendance. Heath on the other hand was impeccably dressed, as he always was.  The two of them had met before, and Abriella wondered if the male dressed in anything else.  Even in battle the male was in a suit.  

It helped Amon feel a little more at ease to have Heath with him, and see Mithos in the room with them. That Raguel and Arioch were also present helped even more.  He knew they would back up what he was going to reveal, and vouch for his reasoning in desiring to relocate to Imperium. They had both suggested this meeting when they had been speaking extemporaneously. There was only one more he expected to see, but was absent, although knowing the Queen before him, he was sure there were reasons.

Abriella stood and motioned to Amon, “Prince Amon, you have requested audience and I have included my most trusted advisors at this time.  We will hear what it is that you have come to say.”

“Thank you for agreeing to see me and hear me out, Queen Abriella.” Amon started with a low bow, trying to walk a fine line between keeping things formal and speaking freely what was on his mind.  Next to him Heath bowed far lower.  “I’m not here to start a fight, or with hostility.  I come asking for your indulgence.”  He was nervous, not only was she far more powerful than he, but he was in a room with enough powerful beings to snuff him out of existence, should they choose to.

“OH!  Here’s the party!” Jasper’s voice rang from the doorway, making Amon choke, Heath had to stifle a laugh, Cruz came to standing next to his sister, Dez almost fell out of his chair with his hand over his mouth, and Abriella  just closed her eyes, took a deep breath through her nose and turned her head in his direction.

“I do not remember inviting you to this meeting, Jasper.”  Her voice was even, almost soft, but there was an undercurrent of warning that could not be missed. The smile that graced her lips was not one of joy or happiness, but barely contained annoyance.

“You didn’t, your mistake, lovely.” Totally ignoring Cruz who was glaring death rays at him, Jasper draped an arm around Abriella and dropped a kiss on her cheek then kept moving forward letting his hand glance along her arm to her hand where be bowed very low to bring it to his forehead and then kiss it.  “But, I have business here,” he said as he stood up and turned towards Amon and Heath and continued to walk towards them, “so I came anyway.  You should know by now, lovely, that you can’t keep me out.”  

Again her eyes closed and she breathed deep.  Some day that demon was going to push her over the edge and her friendship with Anna, Jean Pierre, and Armaund was not going to save his ass.  “And what business could you possibly have in this room right now Jasper that warrants chancing my brother removing your limbs…again.” The threat was no longer so subtle. 

At first Jasper did not respond, and now all the laughing had stopped.  However, when he reached Heath, they clasped forearms before bringing foreheads together and doing a half hug.    Then Jasper turned to face Abriella, who now looked utterly confused.  “He’s my cousin, and I know why the big asshole he works for is here, Your Majesty.  And though I may royally piss you off, you know I won’t lie. So no matter what any other asshole in this room will say, I’m here for Heath, and the oh so wrathy one, My Queen.”  Jasper then did something NONE in the room had seen, he went down on one knee, put his right hand over his heart and bowed his head in a soldier’s salute to his sovereign.  

A slight smile graced Abriella’s lips.  His entry may not have been the most graceful or appropriate, but the demon of chaos had just redeemed himself, and impressed a few in the room.  Cruz, however, still wanted to dismember him…again. 

“Very well, Jasper, you may stay.” Abriella finally decreed, which had Cruz make a growl before he sat.  She then continued, “now that I believe that everyone that is going to show up, has, what is it that you have come to request, Amon?” Since she had been more than once reminded of his assistance during the whole Talia debacle, Abriella’s demeanor was more friendly towards him than it might otherwise have been.  She was truly curious what it was he was going to ask of her.  Neither Raguel or Arioch had wanted to be the one to speak for him, nor had Mithos, so now was Amon’s time to make his plea.

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[thiniusphaedradez]

Phaedra came to Imperium with a clear purpose: to support her sister. Now, she finds herself at the center of an unexpected whirlwind involving Dez and Thinius. While she is accustomed to being the whirlwind, this situation is uncharted territory for her, but she is embracing it fully. She understands that the future may not be as carefree as it seems. Her sister harbors deep, invisible wounds that require attention, and Phaedra is determined to manage her feelings for the two men who have captivated her. She intends to keep them on their toes, confident that they will challenge her in return. However, they are all unaware of the dangers lurking within the palace walls. How these threats will manifest is yet to be revealed, but Phaedra is ready to face whatever comes their way.

[leandreandyael]

Yael has endured a lifetime of pain, fiercely protecting her sister from similar suffering. Now that she is safe in Imperium, she is determined to move forward with her life. She is supported by a warrior with whom she shares an intriguing connection that demands her attention. Furthermore, in "The Horseman of Famine," she discovers another bond that mirrors the one she has with Phaedra. While the significance of these connections might be unclear, one thing is indisputable: she can trust them. Given her past, that level of trust is invaluable.

[graeadalicia]

Grae is completely captivated by his new mate, Adalicia. With Kellen's blessing secured, he will arrange for her tutors to commence her education immediately. However, as is often the case in Uffern, things rarely go according to plan. Demons frequently disregard orders, and when his clear instructions are ignored, chaos erupts. When Adalicia confronts the true demon within him, she must decide: will she flee in fear like a scared rabbit, or will she accept him for who he truly is?

[casperiusandmartenique]

Mattheus, Matty, has meticulously crafted a cunning plan to topple his two brothers. Feeling utterly marginalized by their lavish and ruthless demon-dealing empire, he is determined to make them rue the day they cast him aside. Although he failed to capture Martinique during his recent visit to her extraordinary realm, fate has shifted, and she now finds herself within his domain. With a network of powerful allies and access to strategically significant locations, Matty is primed to execute an elaborate web of deception and manipulation that will ensure both of his brothers crumble beneath the weight of their underestimation. The time for retribution has come, and he is ready to strike.

[amayadartan]

Dartan stands in stark realization of the mistake he has made. It was never his intention for Amaya to come to harm; she is more than a mere companion—she represents a deep, unbreakable bond. Now, as they are torn apart, he feels an acute sense of loss and the weight of his actions. He watches from a distance as she grows closer to others, and with each new connection, the bond they once shared seems to pulse with a renewed intensity.

Determined to amend his past mistakes, Dartan is fueled by a fierce desire to win back not just Amaya’s trust, but the respect and redemption of those around him. Yet, looming over him is Abriella’s ominous prediction, a shadow that threatens to engulf him. Will he find a way to atone and emerge stronger, or will fate declare him vanquished, banishing him from the imperium forever?

[cljordan-imperium]

New story going up today for @amayadartan

New story going up today for @palaceofimperium

New story going up today for @the-andromeda-effect

It won't be until after work, so some of you will see them tomorrow...but be on the lookout here and over on @theimperiumchronicles

@saltysupercomputer @blind-the-winds @pheita @writingmaidenwarrior

@watermeezer @dreaminggoblin @toribookworm22 @frostedlemonwriter

@mama-ivy @jadeglas @abalonetea @crowandmoonwriting

Anyone wishing to be +/- the tag list, just let me know

[adrielandanna]

Annabella had only opened up to one man since her husband had died centuries before, only to have her heart shattered. Adriel had waited since the dawn of time for his one true mate to arrive. Now the Angel and the Grigori are trying to come to grips with the reality that they've been thrown into with one another. Unfortunately, they won't get much time to do it as someone from Anna's past desperately needs her help, and she never turns down a friend.

[palaceofimperium]

A REQUEST FROM A PRINCE - 1

Mithos has to deliver a request from Prince Amon to Abriella...what could he possibly want?

“I’m sorry, what did you say?”  Abriella looked up from the book she was reading to try to relax after the excitement that had happened in the last few days with all of her friends showing up, then Kaylin and Asher’s arrival, and finally the commotion with Amaya and Dartan. Adding onto that the visit to her uncle’s castle, and she was just a bundle of nerves with a supernatural migraine. When Mithos had come into her office, she hadn't even heard or noticed him, and when he spoke she was damn sure she had not heard him RIGHT.  

Mithos took a deep breath.  He wasn’t enjoying this, but it was his duty as a Captain of her Royal Guard to inform her of everyone wishing an audience with her as the Sovereign of Imperium. Before he’d come into her office, he’d considered going to Cruz, but the demon had a feeling the reaction he would get would be significantly worse; and it had been Abriella who had been specifically requested.  So, here he was having to deliver the news he was not happy about the least.  “Sorry, I didn’t announce myself.” He breathed out, and braced himself.  “You have a request from Prince Amon for an audience with you, and he is being vouched for by both Arioch and Raguel.”  

Abriella opened her mouth to speak, then she sat up taller and closed her mouth.  So she had heard him right, she thought as her head tipped to the side with her eyes narrowing and lips thinning.  “Did he say the nature of this request?”  There had to be a reason that he’d want to come now.  Now, when there was peace in the realm, but there had been upset in the Palace.

“No, Brie, he did not.  I have my suspicions.” Mithos knew much, but did not want to say too much, in case he was wrong, and revealed the secrets of others where it was not his place.  Abriella’s brows draw together and the look of concern that crossed her face, and it put him in an awkward place.  With what he had been privy to before Abriella ascended to the throne, sometimes he felt conflicted in such circumstances.  He was devoutly loyal to Abriella, but he would not reveal secrets that were not his.

“And those would be?” Abriella inquired with brows lifting and head tilting more, wondering what her Captain wasn’t freely revealing.  While Thinius at times was hard to shut up when he had information, Mithos guarded the secrets of others tightly.  She knew this and while she normally respected that, when it came to one of the Princes, it was not a luxury that she wanted to afford them.

“Amon does not wish to rule, he only wishes to feed off of wrath.  Why ally himself with the other Princes who will undercut him and be a constant threat as they seek power, when he could come here and get everything he wants with none of the risks.”  Mithos considered his next words very carefully so as to not reveal more than he should.  It was his supreme hope that she would not dig deeper than what he said.  “It is also true that there are some within the realm that mean something to him.  If he remains at odds with us, then he is cut off, as well as unable to ensure their safety.”  

Abriella’s eyes narrowed at her Captain.  There was more to the last part than he was revealing, she was not a stupid woman.  He was guarding someone’s secrets, possibly more than one person’s and they must be very sensitive ones for him to be so guarded.  She would respect that because she respected him, and more so because she knew that Mithos would literally trade his life for hers.  If there was any danger that he sensed, he would not hold back from her.  “Do you think he is a danger?  I value your council in this, Mithos.  He has two males I trust vouching for him, but I want to know YOUR opinion.  Please, I ask of you.” Her eyes met his, and he could see the sincerity of her words.  

“I do not believe he is a threat to you, or anyone in this Palace.  I do not believe he is coming for any nefarious or harmful reasons.  We have given Lucifer and Arioch a second chance, My Lady, I believe that if one is going to come and ask similar after he has twice come to your aid in times of need, then we should at least entertain his argument.” Words chosen carefully came from Mithos.  He hated reminding her that Amon had saved her life once, at great risk to himself, and aided her another time, again at some risk to himself.  However, he would be fair to the fallen angel.  Was Amon coming for selfish reasons?  Most certainly.  Would those reasons put anyone within Imperium in danger?  Mithos felt within his being that the opposite would be true, they would be safer with him there and if his legions were loyal to Abriella and Cruz, it would not be a detriment to them in the least.

“Then, based on the vouching of three males I highly respect, I will meet with him.  When does he want to come?” She was still reticent to trust that the fallen angel was there for an altruistic reason, but she would at least listen.  Listening hurt nothing, and he would be in her realm, in her Palace, in a room she would ensure was seated with those she could trust.  All Four of the Horsemen would be there. Her realm and all within it would be safe.  Of that she would be certain.

“He can be here whenever you send summons.”  Mithos had to work hard to keep a slight smirk from his face.  While he knew that if certain other Princes were coming, she would react differently, he was glad to see that she was being logical and also calm regarding Amon.  Recent happenings with Gabriel and Damien only had added onto their conflicts with Leviathan and Mammon.  Then there was the Spectre Dartan that kept Arioch and Raguel on edge, someone to distract one of the males might not be a bad thing.  Abbadon was another that would have to be dealt with at some point.  Both Abriella and Cruz had their hands full, thankfully they had Olly and Deacon to share the load.  He was proud of both of them that they did take counsel from those around them, even if there were a couple that the demon was unsure of regarding their discernment, but never their loyalty.  There were none he knew of that would not lay down their life for another without thought.

“Give me two hours, and then summon him.  I need to gather a few whom I trust to listen as well.  I want to ensure that we are careful in any move we make now that we have eight vulnerable females in our trust.  While many are warriors, all are still adjusting here and some have fragile psyche and I will not have anyone disrupting any of them finding peace in their new lives.”  Abriella sat tall and regal, appearing the full Queen that she was, knowing her first duty was to those within the Palace walls.  Then to those who counted on her to keep the peace in Imperium.  She took all responsibilities seriously, but especially when any of the Princes was involved.

Looking at her, Mithos was proud.  He remembered when she first came with Abbadon and while he had come to respect her then, later seeing her as a friend, and Queen.  It was only after Abbadon had been banished from the realm that he had seen her blossom into the true leader that he, and her other Royal Guard, had always known was there.  Now, as she was handling all of the events that were unfolding around her, he saw in her a strength that many who had fought against her when she was a Nephilim had always feared.  She truly was her brother’s sister, and he knew Cruz had to be even more proud than any of them of the woman and Queen she had become.

[talonandelilah]

5

“Tal, why were you hiding a neck tattoo earlier?  Does it mean something?” Lightly Del traced over it with one finger, the pattern ornate and flowing, she found it beautiful.  “Am I not supposed to see it?”  She looked at his face again and met his eyes.  He looked confused and that made her a little scared.

He didn’t HAVE a neck tattoo.  What was his girl…no…she wouldn’t tease him about....oh fuck!  Without saying anything Talon was up off the bed and into the attached bathroom in an instant and flipped on the lights which were way too fucking bright after being in the two dim rooms.  As his reflection greeted him though, there it was and he couldn’t deny what he saw.  Holy FUCK!  

“Uh, Red Hot, ya wanna come here?  We need to talk, sweetheart.”  Yeah…that was an understatement, genius.

He heard her coming behind him before he saw the red hair over his shoulder and when he turned around he saw it.  Fuck yeah!  “Babe, I got some good news and some bad news.  Which ya want first?”

Del’s eyes searched his face and she felt like crying.  After what had just gone on between them and now there was bad news of some kind?  Had she done something?  Was there something about Talon that Brie hadn’t told her?  Did he hate her?  Was she just a pity fuck?

“Bad.”  She choked out and tried not to cry. He really needed to get better at teasing her. She was going to break his heart if she kept crying when he was trying to to tease.

“K, if you say so.”  He got down right in her face so that their noses were touching.  “You’re absolutely and positively, 100%, without any doubt….stuck with me.  Yep, can’t get rid of me.  I mean, you are literally going to have to put up with my fucking ass for…well, ever.”  He saw confusion cloud her eyes and she did that thing where she looked back and forth between his eyes and her little eyebrows drew together.  FUCKING CUTE!  God, he was falling for her in less than five hours, and that was without the nifty magic tattoos they now had.  

Talon leaned in and kissed her softly.  “There’s more bad news.” Her eyes went wide and before she could react, he deftly moved behind her and pushed her forward so she could see herself in the mirror.  “You got one too.  Only yours is right over your heart.  Kinda cool.”  He grinned as he put his chin on her shoulder, watching her stare at herself in the mirror in disbelief.  “Ya do know what this means, right?”

There it was, he wasn’t lying.  She did have one, and it matched his.  And, he was almost giddy over it.  He was happy.  She was afraid to be happy and could nor be more shocked if he’d said she’d sprouted a second head.  They. Were. Mated.  Married.  Bonded.  Paired.  Suddenly her eyes met his in the mirror and she still had a look of shock as she tried to take it all in, but as their eyes met the joy in his eyes was not debatable.  

“You’re happy about it?” She was hesitant. 

“You’re not?”  Now he looked unsure, but his arms came around her waist to hold her.  He was trying to comfort her, she could tell but she honestly wasn’t sure what she needed.

“I’m overwhelmed.”  She was honest, but she was happy and she put her arms over his to keep him from pulling back.  This caused his arms to tighten.  “I am happy, but this whole immortal thing is new.  Like a week old new.  And now, I’m married…ish…and…I just….well…I…” Del closed her eyes and took some deep breaths.  Her anxiety was kicking up.

“Red, shh..  You don’t have to explain any more than that.”  He understood now.  He had been afraid she hadn’t wanted him, but now he got it.  It hadn’t occurred to him how new all of it was and then this.  “We’ll take everything as slow as you need it to be, ok?”  Her head nodded and he kissed her cheek before turning her around and pulling her against him, then reaching over and flipping off the light.  “Come on, let's go back to bed.” Tracing them over to the bed again, they climbed in and he laid on his back, letting her choose where she wanted to be.  Her head came to rest on his chest and it made him smile.  “You can stay in here, or have your own place.  I’ll leave it up to you.  Or you can go back and forth depending on how you feel most comfortable.  Delilah, I’m not going anywhere.  Even without this new shit, I liked ya.  I liked ya A LOT.  I didn’t want what just happened to be a one time thing or just something casual.  I know we just kinda met and all, but I had a feelin about ya.”  Talon’s finger’s were gently caressing Del’s arm as he talked to her.  “Del, babe, I was gonna be all yours even before we knew about this.  From the second I saw ya and Brie told me about what ya liked, I just wanted to get to know you.  No one else.  Just so ya know.”  He stared up at the ceiling.  He had wanted her to know, to understand.

He was HERS?  Even before?  This sexy as sin man was hers?  He could have walked into any bar in any city and walked out with some hot chick and he had wanted her?  She found it hard to believe and just about said it, then her brain kicked in.  What was it he had asked her about when they’d left breakfast?  Gaming.  Hot as he was, how many women complained about their men being heavy into gaming?  And being immortal, how many women were going to want a man who was heavy into gaming and killing things?  Two things that were her passions.  

“Right now, I’m liking right where I am.”  One of her long legs moved to lay atop his and she heard a light chuckle and felt his chest move.  Her fingers played lightly in his chest hair.  Unlike so many of the “pretty boys” that her friend had dated, Talon was not smooth chested.  He was fuzzy, and she found it sexy.  “And don’t you ever shave, Feathers.  I like the fuzz.  Only place you can shave is the face.”  That earned her an outright laugh.

“As my lady wishes, Red Hot.”  His free hand rose to press her head briefly into his chest as he placed a kiss on the top of her head.  HIS  “Any other demands that I must obediently follow?  I might have a few demands of my own for you, you know?”

“Whatever this cologne is, wear it.  I think I could just smell it all day.  I might be addicted.”  She pressed her nose into the center of his chest and did a sniff and a slight sigh.  “So, what are your demands, Feathers?”  She liked their names for each other.

“Darlin, I’m not wearing cologne.  Welcome to matehood.”  He chuckled and kissed her head again.  Damn, this was gonna be good.  He might have to ask Brie to put him off of duty with the guard for a while and take her to the tropical area of Imperium for a bit of a honeymoon, a naked one.  

“I saw that sports bra and panties combo,” he felt her shift a little uncomfortable and he grinned knowing she wasn’t anticipating what was coming, “get more of those.” She froze. “Like lots.  When we’re gaming together, I want ya in that.  God, that would be so fuckin hot.  No lace, no strappy shit I gotta figure out.  Just that. K?”

“Are you serious?”  She sounded like she didn’t believe him.  She probably didn’t.

“Dead.  Get sets in every fucking color.  And do you mind just either sleeping in that or naked?  I want to feel your skin on mine when you’re with me. Like right now is heaven.” Another kiss to her head.  

“You’re being serious?  No sexy lacey stuff with heels?” Del asked again, still sure he was joking with her till he tipped her head back using his fingers under her chin and she saw his eyes.  No, he was serious.  “Okay, cotton panties and sports bras it is.  Every color of the rainbow and then some.  And I’ll steal your hoodies and shirts.”

“Now you’re talkin, Red Hot.” Talon grinned and she swore she felt herself start falling for him.

“If you hold me like this, I have no problem sleeping naked with you.”  Her hand again skimmed lightly over his chest.  Him being naked next to her was a pretty nice thing all on its own.  “In fact, I’m pretty happy to stay just like this until it’s time to get ready for the ball.  Unless you have other plans?”

“Fuck no.  Darlin, I am all yours in every way.  You and me are going to make plans for things for any time I’m not on duty with the legion.  Even if it’s just sittin on the couch and watchin a movie with the door locked and a privacy ward so everyone else can fuck off.”  His arm tightened around her.  “And tonight I’m talking to the boss and getting some time off.  You and me are gonna go to a private place I have here in Imperium on a honeymoon.  I’m going to take care of ya.  I told ya, I wanted ya before the mating thing.  I’m not changin a thing, cept I might be a bit more possessive.  Can’t help it, it kinda comes with the territory.”  Talon kissed her head, his own still reeling a bit from being mated. “I like the sound of that, Feathers.  We have a lot to learn about each other, but we have all the time in the world to do it.” 

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[wrathcomescalling]

Their bond surpasses that of ordinary siblings; it runs soul-deep. The Prince of Wrath has arrived, and they have made the decisive choice to allow him to stay. As events unfold following his arrival, uncertainties will emerge, but unexpected turns are certain to shock everyone and dramatically reshape the course of Imperium.