Marie & Mazero

"Come on, Marie," Mazero coaxed. "You can't fight your feelings for me forever." His lips caressed the soft flesh of her neck.

She moaned his name as she curled her arms around his neck and shoulders.

He'd always known how to coax her into relaxing, especially when it came to her feelings for him. Mazero waltz her around the ballroom. He didn't care what the others thought. As long as he had her love, he had everything. He needed her like the sun needed the sky. His arm pulled her body closer against him. He wanted her to feel his need for her. He knew the Dragon burned in his eyes. He could feel the power saturating every inch of his body.

"You look exquisite, Marie." Her cheeks blushed instantly.

"Maz..."

"Don't say anything, love." He smiled at her as he twirled her around. "Just let me enjoy the feel of you against me." If it were possible, her blush deepened.

He felt her fingers twitched against his arms. The entire family was there, watching. Castro's hatred permeated the air. Mazero felt the cocky smile fill his face. He had loved Marie first, and for always.

"Don't gloat." Marie whispered.

His hand slid against her ribs, down her back, to rest against the small of her back. Her skin bristled in anticipation.

"I'm not gloating," he smiled. "I'm enjoying my time with the beauty in the room."

"There are others who are beautiful here." She glanced at some of her cousins and some of the patrons.

"Marie, honey," she felt the lift of her chin with his fingers. "You are the most beautiful creature here." He couldn't resist, he stopped dancing, pulled her chin up, and kissed her thoroughly.

Marie's body sighed into his. He needed her and he needed her to know how much he needed her. He noticed the death stare from Castro, before he grabbed her hand and provocatively bent her body over, then moved into some more dance moves. Castro hated everything that Mazero stood for. Power, arrogance, brute strength, but worst of all, Mazero had something Castro would never have, Marie's love.

He led her away from the dance floor slowly. Her brother shared the death stare as well. Daemeon wasn't any threat, now his twin, Alexandria was another story. That girl had hella talent with a sword, staff, and bow.

"Where are we going, Mazero?" Marie finally asked.

"We need a little air." He admitted. He smiled. She would need the air, eventually, especially when he was done kissing her. He simply wanted some privacy with her.

When they had reached one of the balconies, he led her to the edge, allowing her to sit on the edge facing him. His hands wanted to explore her, but they were still in too public of a place. He settled his hands on either side of her hips and filled the space in front of her.

"You are beautiful, Marie." He kissed her again. "Would you leave them for me?" He asked. "Would you leave everything behind for me?"

He felt her flinch as if he had slapped her. "Yes," she whispered. "Mazero, I love you." Her eyes filled with tears.

"Then why do you cry?" He rubbed his hands against her arms.

"They'll destroy you," she cried.

He smiled, trying to reassure her. "At least I would die a happy man." He kissed her again, willing her to feel his own love for her. He leaned his head against hers. "I love you too, Marie." Pulling her off the ledge, back to her feet, he grinned mischievously. "Let's go for a swim."

Marie looked down at the gown she was wearing and returned his smile. "Let's go."

Racing the horses across the fields until they reached the lagoon was invigorating. He had let her win the race because it was the right thing to do. Off his horse, he moved to her side, gripping her hips, and lifted her up and off the horse she had rode. Holding her hand, still dressed up, they walked into the lagoon, going out until their feet no longer touched the bottom.

"Alexandria is going to have a fit!" Marie laughed.

"Why?" He asked curiously.

"This is her dress." She admitted.

The admission struck both their funny bones. Mazero knew that Alexandria would lend Marie a stern talking to as well. She was notoriously territorial of her belongings and of her little sister.

Mazero swam up to Marie, the laughter subsided. "Come here, Marie."

Her hands were on him, wrapped around his neck once more.

"Tell me, Marie." He kissed her nose, then reached out to push her hair away from her face.

She smiled shyly, "I love you, Mazero."

Holding on to the side of her face, he pulled her in for another kiss. The water waded at their chins. His hands were at her hips, his feet kicking, as he pushed her through the water until they could stand on solid ground, and finally they were back on the sandy bank. His hands were reaching for the ties of her dress. He needed her so desperately. Her hands shivered through the buttons of his shirt. Calling on the power within, his hands covered her from head to toe sending waves of heat through her body. The water had successfully chilled them. He forced the power through his own flesh welcoming the drying heat. Exposed, he reached out to Marie, pulling her naked body up against his chest. She hadn't rid him of his pants just yet. He couldn't resist running his fingers through her long hair, as she ran her fingers against his chest hair. She closed her eyes at his touch, parting her lips, and allowed him to kiss her once more.

This had been what they both had needed. The serenity of each other’s bodies beneath the night sky. Marie let her hands explore his muscles and his body. He had turned into a fine-looking man, her man.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Marie, Mazero, and the Baby!

He was fuming. Marie was pregnant, with his child. He yanked on his hair frustrated.

“Maz, you’re overreacting.” Marie studied him from behind his desk, rummaging through his things.

“Marie, darling, I’m not overreacting.” He turned to face her. Why was she behind his desk? Rummaging through his things? He didn’t need distractions. He needed to focus on the fact that she was pregnant, with his kid. Her father would be furious, but maybe not as much as Gloria.

“You know we aren’t going to be able to tell anyone.” She slightly muttered.

“Well maybe it’s for the best.” He countered. “It is after all just our business and no one else’s.” He concluded. “You may have to stay here a while.” Her eyes seemed to light up at the thought. She was going to be way too happy about living with him.

“I will have Magda set up a room for you,” that note clearly did not bode well with her. Her facial expressions clearly dropped. “It’s fine, Marie. You can sleep in my room if you want.” Like a light bulb changing, her mood changed immediately. “What are you doing over there?” He couldn’t keep gritting his teeth over her being at his desk. She poured him a drink.

“I think you should sit down,” she handed him the drink. “You’re looking a little pale.”

Was he? He didn’t feel ill. He felt invigorated, perplexed, and slightly scared. But he’d never admit it.

“I’m a little perplexed, Marie. I’m excited to have a child, but I’m also nervous.” He admitted. Would he be a good father?

Reaching out to touch his face, she pulled his face towards hers. “You will be a wonderful father, Mazero. I have no doubts about your abilities.”

“And do you fear it, Marie?”

“I’m terrified.” She admitted. “I don’t want Castro, or anyone like him getting their hands on our child.”

“And no one will, love.” He wrapped her arms around her and kissed her forehead. “I will die before someone takes our child.”

~~~~~

Marie, Mazero, and the Baby Continued!

He hadn't come back yet from the campaign in Sillabye. He was supposed to be training her for the Golden Arrows, or at least that's what everyone believed. She was in fact pregnant with Mazero's child. She rubbed a hand across her belly. The baby was kicking, restless, like her. She simply wanted Mazero to come home. He had traveled off to Sillabye, gaining the trust of the general there.

Mazero was becoming a formidable opponent. She wished he could rule instead of her. She was next in line, and she hated it. Wringing her fingers, she paced just inside the entrance as she had done every night for the last several nights, but still Mazero hadn't shown up. Her heart stuttered. She heard the clicking of the handle's mechanism moving into place.

His eyes were tired. His face covered in a beard, something he didn't wear often. She reached out laughing as he engulfed her in a hug, pulling her off her feet.

"How long have you stood here?" He asked as he kissed her cheek.

"Does it matter?" She smirked.

"It matters for your feet. The swelling must be intense."

"I'll be alright. In fact, I'm better now that you're back." She kissed him thoroughly as he finally placed her back on her feet.

Reaching down with his hands, he cupped her round belly. "It doesn't seem as if I've been away as long as I have?"

She chewed on her lower lip, "two months was indeed too long." She wrapped her arms back around his neck. Her round belly was pushing against his body and separating them.

Placing either hand on the sides of her hips, he apologized. "I'm sorry, Marie. It simply could not be helped. It will keep Alexandria and Daemeon from dealing with a war from the generals."

"Were they truly so angry with my family?"

"Your family has claimed an entire realm and named it after your family. And sending army scouts out into surrounding territories has not helped. Sillabye's generals want to gain the whole Eastern border of the Caveland Mountains. So far our ownership of the West has kept them leery, but they are some greedy bastards if I have ever met some."

She ran her fingers through his beard, "I could maybe get used to this." She giggled.

"Appreciate it for now," he grinned. "It will be gone by morning. I'm in desperate need of a shower. Care to join me?" He let his hands fall away from her side, reaching up to gather her hands into his own before kissing her knuckles.

"Sure," she smiled.

~~~~~

Seth Michael Vampilyo

"I'd walk through Hell for you, Marie. But what you are asking me is worse than Hell." Mazero felt the frustration flaring up his neck.

Marie cringed at the growing contractions. "There is nothing more to argue about, Mazero. You need to get my mother. She will assist us."

He grudgingly was agreeing with her logic, but he didn’t want to agree. Gloria would no doubt offer to put his head on a silver platter once the babe had been born. "Fine, Marie. You are right. Do you wish for Adriel to know as well."

Marie starred wide eyed at Mazero. Stories upon stories, that Adriel was her biological father. Stories that's all she had known. "Yes." She instantly closed her eyes at the oncoming of pain. "Please hurry, Mazero. It's getting so painful."

"Magda," he called into the hallway. A frazzled older woman hurried at his beck and call. "Do not leave her side until I return."

"You're leaving?" The poor servant looked horrified to be left with Marie.

He groaned, "May Mother Spirit help us all, yes, I am." He had offered his power in place of her pain. It had barely helped. How the hell were her parents supposed to help, was beyond him, but maybe their presence would help calm Marie.

Giving Marie a quick kiss, he grabbed his coat and groaned as she moaned and cried from the bedside. Outside with crisp clear air, he took a deep breath to settle his racing heart. How was he going to convince them to come without telling them the truth?

Gathering his dark Dragon power, his eyes brightening with his power, he reached out to Adriel first. Spirits help him, Gloria would kill him. Marie was her baby. He rolled his eyes at the thoughts, then rolled his shoulders and neck. Like a beacon, his power rose into the air from where Adriel waited. Adriel would be able to recognize the touch of the Dragon, even though his power had long been forced against him. Mounting his horse, he thanked his stable hand and rode away. Yes, Adriel would be the lesser of two threats.

~~~~~

Adriel paced where he waited. He had felt the summons. It had shuddered through him and woken him from his evening nap by the lagoon. The water had always been a welcoming solitude for him.

"What could you possibly want from me, Mazero?" He looked Mazero over. The man looked as if he'd aged a century overnight. His hair was disheveled, his face covered in rough scratchy short haired beard. His eyes looked horribly red and tired.

"I'm in need of your assistance at my home." Mazero chewed on the words.

"Come Mazero. You need my help." Adriel said sarcastically. "The almighty, powerful, arrogant Mazero."

"I'm flattered you think so, but in actuality, Marie and I need your help."

Adriel looked skeptical. Marie was a sore subject for Adriel because of Castro. But he would never deny her.

"Marie, I will help. You know this Mazero. What has happened during her training? Is she hurt? Ill?"

"It would be best if you met me back at home. It'll be easier to explain with Marie."

"You better come up with a better excuse than that if you're going to ask her mother for help." Adriel laughed. "I'll meet you there, Mazero." Adriel paused. "This had better not be your fault." He pointed before calling on his power, spreading his dark wings, and hauling himself into the air.

"Well shit." Mazero muttered. He was still smiling despite the threat. Well, no time like the present to find Gloria. Reaching out with her powers, he sighed loudly as his power lit another beacon into the air. "At least I will not have died in vain."

~~~~~

"Ah, Mazero." Gloria greeted him from her garden. Her gloved hands were covered in dirt where she had been wrestling against weeds and dirt. "How's the training going with Marie?"

"Oh, she's been advancing well." He tried not to look too panicked. He had received the summons from his home on the way to retrieve Gloria. Marie was terribly close to giving birth. "Gloria," he choked on the words.

She looked up towards him and smiled. "You need my assistance, is that it, Mazero?" She asked.

"Yes," he physically sighed in relief.

"Got Marie pregnant, didn't you?"

His face flushed. He sat up straight in the saddle, "I did." He admitted.

"I see." She removed her gloves. "We will have much to discuss when this is over." She joined him. "Give me a hand up." She demanded. "I figure we do not have time to discuss things by the look on your face."

"How'd you know?" He pulled her up into the saddle behind him.

"I had six kids, Mazero. And I remember Adriel's face through each one. Let's go."

~~~~~

Marie was screaming out curses by the time they returned.

"Cutting it close, Mazero." Gloria dismounted and headed inside. "How is she?"

Magda looked stressed beyond belief. Her brow was coated in sweat. "She's almost there, Ms. Gloria."

Gloria smiled as she removed the covers, tossed them to the side, and rolled Marie's nightgown up. "Oh yes, I see the head already. Push, good."

Mazero snuck around Gloria to Marie's side, putting himself behind her, he offered his body to keep hers upright.

"Tell me what you need Gloria, so I don't kill the whelp."

"Adriel please," Marie begged.

Gloria smiled. "Fresh linens and water will help." She looked dangerous compared to Adriel.

Mazero kissed Marie's cheek. "I'm sorry."

Marie screamed out with another contraction, gripped both his hands, and squeezed. "This...is not the time...to be cynical. We did this together."

Mazero caught the stare from Gloria. Adriel emerged next to Gloria holding fresh towels and a wash basin.

"Keep pushing, Marie." Adriel peaked over her bent knees, "you're doing great."

"I am pushing." Marie cried.

"How long, Mazero?" Gloria finally looked back at him. "How long were you both going to keep this from us?"

Marie screamed out. Mazero sighed. "For as long as it took to keep our child safe. The child's safety is all that we cared about."

Gloria's lips formed a stiff line as she concentrated. "I've got the head, Marie." She continued. "Give us another good push, baby girl."

Marie took in a deep breath and gave it everything she could as another scream belted from her lungs. The sound of a baby's cries filled the air. Mazero felt the shift in power almost instantly as the Dragon roared to life within the small baby.

"It's a boy!" Adriel and Gloria exclaimed.

Marie began to cry...a boy. Mazero engulfed her in a sideways hug and kissed her lips.

"A boy," she whispered.

"It's a boy!" Mazero kissed her head.

"Alright, mama." Gloria beamed as she came around to hand over a bundled baby boy. "What are we going to name the little Prince."

"Seth Michael Vampilyo."

~~~~~

Marie and Mazero One Last Time

Darkness. It was always the darkness that lied to her. What if Castro came for Seth? What if Mazero was killed? There was no moon; no light to break the fear of the dark, of the unknown.

Strong arms wrapped around her waist as Mazero kissed her neck. “You are worrying entirely too much.”

“I can’t help but to worry. What if something happened to either of you? Castro destroyed my family once before.”

Glimpses, Mazero stopped a smile. One day his spell would bypass Castro’s power. One day she would know the truth. Until then, there would be fragments of memories. And she’d never be aware of the difference.

“Seth is safe, love. Trust in that.” He tried to reassure her.

“But what about you Mazero? How will I know you’re safe?”

“You make it sound as if you’re going to leave us.”

Tears clouded her eyes. Anxiety riddled her body. “One day, we will not be able to be together. Castro would stop at nothing to destroy you. We must make this sacrifice for Seth.” She started to cry.

“Then,” he held on a little tighter. “I will cherish our time together, however long it may be.” He kissed her cheek. “Just know that I will always love you Marie.”