Chapter 24

Chapter

Twenty-Four

Berserker Trigger Warnings: Finding Zen in the War Den

From A Beginner's Guide to Berserker Bliss

Author Unknown

I soared inside the castle and halted. Where was Callen? He'd couldn't have gone upstairs. Having entered the house only seconds before me, he should be climbing the stairs. But he was nowhere to be seen. Nor were the guards. Once again, I was alone.

I spun in a circle, unsure where to go or what to do until my phone dinged, signaling a text message. I checked the screen.

Mr. T: Denounce Callen during the prince's punishment tomorrow or say goodbye to your old life forever.

Fury sparked, and I stomped my foot. Enough with the threats! The mole must be working overtime to so quickly relay what had happed.

I jabbed at my cell phone, typing:

If you want to hurt Callen, why not tell him the truth about me?

Mr. T: Are you calling my bluff, human?

Yes! No. Maybe? Obviously, waiting to confess all to Callen had been a mistake. Whatever the consequences, the conversation had become dire. I needed to share everything with him. He wouldn't hate me. He wouldn't rage and lose trust in his wife and allow evil into his heart. Instead, he would understand I'd done what was necessary to survive the terrible situation thrust upon me. I only regretted that I hadn't yet found Tavish's ally.

I cobbled together a plan. Ask Callen to (carefully) abduct and escort "Elizabeth Darcy" back to Scotland, giving Isobel no advance warning. No chance to mount up a defense. Make the switch however Callen planned to do when he'd thought the victim was merely my friend. Lock Isobel up and use her only to calm Callen's rages. Contact my parents. Live happily ever after with the man I…loved.

I went still. I did. I loved him. He'd won me with his goodness and yes, his smolder. Only downside, I didn't like that Isobel calmed him. I didn't even want her near him. But what choice did we have?

It wasn't a perfect future, but it was a future. I marched to our bedroom, determined to hash this out. Empty. Dang it. I searched the palace, but there was no sign of Callen anywhere.

All night I paced inside the suite, awaiting his return. He never showed up. Nor did I see him outside the window, though many men worked in the backyard, building some sort of stage .

Morning arrived, ushering in the very day I should start teaching. Still no word from Callen. My stomach churned.

A soft knock sounded at the door, and I jolted. I rushed to open the entrance and discovered a formally clad Gavina. Disappointment weighed down my shoulders.

"I'm here to help prepare you for the punishment," she intoned as she entered. A swath of white lace draped across her arm.

"Where's Callen?" I rushed out. I must speak with him.

"He's making arrangements for the ceremony."

Dread oozed over me. "Talk," I commanded. "Explain what's to happen."

"I will do so after your shoulder. We're pressed for time."

Fine. In the bathroom, I brushed my teeth and hurried through a shower. Covered by a robe, I returned to find Gavina sitting at the edge of the bed.

She ushered me to the vanity. Arranging my hair in a series of braids, she told me, "We'll go outside. Once we leave this room, we aren't to speak unless specifically addressed by Mr. Bruce. He will have a spot on the dais, and you'll join him. Sentinels are going to fill the yard. The prince will be escorted in and ordered to kneel. When Callen delivers the whipping, you are to watch, and you are not to react with anything but satisfaction. To do so is to reveal doubt in your king's actions. When he finishes, you must inspect the wounds."

I started to whimper. Inspect a pulpy back without reacting? How could I? Then I remembered I'd survived a wolf attack. I wouldn't let the king down by displaying weakness.

She applied thicker than usual makeup, helped me strap on the gown, and anchored a diamond tiara to my crown. "Why am I dolling up for this?"

"Tradition says the queen must show the people she supports and celebrates her king's decision. And believe me, you do. Because he could've and should've ordered the prince's death."

Put like that… And, really, I'd decided to stay with Callen, if he'd have me. To live in his brutal world and give up my own. This was my chance to prove to both of us I could succeed.

When Gavina finished with me, I cast a glance at my reflection. A majestic white gown studded with hand sewn pearls hugged my body. Around my neck hung a pearl necklace of varying lengths. Pearls graced my ears, wrists and ankles, too. I looked ethereal and lovely. Every inch a queen.

Gavina clasped my upper arms. "You can do this."

Deep breath in. Out. "Yes, I can."

We headed out the front door, where Buzz and Ponytail waited. The two guards escorted us outside, around the house and into the backyard. A crowd of people already congregated, dressed in their own finery. I recognized some from the reception. No one spoke a word, but gasps rang out, accompanied by murmurs of "brightest mark I've ever seen."

Buzz and Ponytail ushered us through a narrow path, bypassing a wooden pole. We climbed to the stage. An emotionless Callen stood in the center, bathed in sunlight. His posture appeared steady but relaxed. Head high, hands at his sides, feet braced slightly apart. But I could see beyond his mask. He brewed with anger and uncertainty. Because he regretted what was soon to occur? Or did he fear I would reject him, as Isobel had done in the past?

I straightened, more determined to prove myself. Though his attire didn't mesh with my gown, I was glad he wore what he wore. A black T-shirt and leather pants, with his hair tousled. How delicious he appeared.

The guards took a giant step backward, stepping behind me, as if presenting a gift to their king. My husband met my gaze, nodded in greeting, and looked away.

That was it? All I got?

"Are you kidding me?" I muttered.

His attention shot to me, returning as if drawn by an irresistible force, and tremors rocked me. Laser focused, he ran his gaze from my top to my feet, his irises heating. Would I have received this same look as Elizabeth?

Stomach in knots, I claimed my place at his right without tripping, thank you. Gavina took a post just behind me and placed a supporting hand on my shoulder, and I loved her even more for it.

In the back of my mind, a thought stirred. If ever there was a moment to denounce my husband, as Tavish demanded, it was now.

I lifted my chin. I'd made my choice. Callen all the way.

He raised two fingers and motioned to someone. Seconds later, Jamie strode around a wall of bushes and followed the same path I'd taken; he stopped at the pole and bobbed his head in greeting. His gaze darted between Callen and me with so much rebellion, I feared he planned to sign his own death warrant.

"Speak," the king commanded.

The prince studied me intently, slid his tongue along his teeth, and bowed his head. He dropped to one knee. "My humblest apologies, Mrs. Bruce. As my friend explained this morning, you are my king's greatest treasure, and for that alone, I owe you my utmost respect."

Around him, warriors displayed varying levels of astonishment. Me too! But had he truly experienced a change of heart or did he seek to save his life?

"You're forgiven," I announced. The answer to my question didn't matter. I would do what was right no matter what anyone else did to me.

All eyes zipped to me and stayed put as Gavina groaned behind me. Oops. I'd broken the ‘no speaking unless spoken to' rule. Which was a terrible rule and something I would fight to change as soon as Callen and I started dating officially.

The enormity of what I intended hit me. When I switched back, he would still be married to Isobel. I wouldn't date a married man. Would he love me enough to divorce his fated? Expect me to live with him in his castle or visit him occasionally? Make me a part of this immortal world I knew so little about or try to hide me?

I peered at him, and he peered back with a tinge of bemusement. He wasn't upset that I'd spoken up?

"Mrs. Bruce is sweetness itself," he said, his voice booming across the land. "Her opinion is always welcome."

Surprise mingled with pleasure. This man, oh, this man. He valued and exhibited my two favorite qualities: honesty and loyalty. The rarest of all the qualities. If ever there was a guy to take a chance on, it was him.

He clasped my hand, kissed my knuckles, and called to Jamie. "Do you have no more to say?"

The prince thought for a moment, then shook his head. "Nay, I donna think I do. I willna apologize for being honest."

"In that case," Callen snapped, "you will receive ten lashes rather than twenty."

Wait. What ?

Shock swept across the crowd. Heck, shock swept through me. Mercy, for a semi-defiant soldier?

"You didna tell me what you thought I wanted to hear," Callen announced. "You were unafraid tae give me your honest opinion. For that, I won't punish you."

I squeaked with a little burst of happiness. Beneath Callen's harsh, tough exterior beat an ooey gooey heart.

"What I will punish you for is the insult dealt to your queen." He released me and popped the bones in his neck. "For that, I'll whip you harder than I've ever whipped another."

"For that," Jamie echoed, dead serious, "I welcome the whipping as my due."

Dude. These berserkers were so weird. And yet, an inkling of understanding broke through my dismay. Their unwavering code of honor had kept them alive for centuries by strengthening their trust in each other, and thereby their bonds. Callen had issued the punishment only because he must.

Yes, I'd made the right decision. Trusting him would serve me well.

He stalked down the steps. As he closed in on the prince, a warrior tossed him a cat of nine tails. I think that was the weapon's name, anyway. He caught the whip without missing a beat and took position behind the younger royal. Two other warriors approached with shackles to anchor Jamie to the pole. But the prince shook his head and extended his arms.

The pair glanced at Callen, who indulged the prince and nodded. Both guards backtracked, receding into the crowd. Jamie removed his shirt, revealing a heavily tattooed muscled chest. Wowza! He bore just as many slashes as Callen, but also other images as well. I hadn't expected such hardcore strength underneath his garment.

Jamie slowly eased to his knees, saying, "I willna move. You have my word."

Callen unfurled the whip, and I braced myself for the coming horror. From his determined expression to his stance of pure power, he was a sight to behold. An ancient king born of myths and legends.

As promised, Jamie absorbed the first blow with the barest flinch. And the second. And the third. By the time Callen delivered the tenth slash, the other man was pale and dripping with sweat and blood, his shoulders rolled in, as if too heavy to hold up. But he still hadn't moved or even made a sound.

Someone offered Callen a branding iron. He shoved it into Jamie's chest—a chest the prince puffed out, as if eager to receive the burn. He hissed air between his teeth at the moment of contact. When the iron lifted, a fresh black slash was visible.

So those slashes weren't tattoos but brands, and they kept count of punishments the berserkers survived?

"Elle," Callen called. Again, all eyes swung to me.

Gavina leaned closer to whisper, "The prince will be whipped again unless you give your seal of approval."

A part of the festivities I'd rather avoid. But onward and upward. I could do this. I might not be a redheaded glamazon, but I could be an asset to Callen.

I closed the distance and accepted his hand. He didn't have to pull me to his side, I glided there. "The punishment is satisfied," I announced with my gaze only upon Callen.

He blinked down at me, incredulous. "You haven't looked at the results. "

"I'm confident in your work ethic, and I know you gave it your all."

His mood lightened. Actually, everyone's mood lightened, including Jamie's. And mine! Guess I'd said the perfect thing.

Callen's gaze told me what he couldn't. You did good. I know this was difficult for you, and I appreciate your efforts .

I bloomed under the silent praise.

"You may go," he said out loud before pressing a soft kiss into my lips. "I'll handle things from here."

I tried to convey my own message. Thank you. Your mercy has not gone unnoticed. Find me afterward so we can talk. Among other things…

Crystalline irises glittering, he motioned to Gavina, who hustled to my side and ushered me away. Drawn by an irresistible force, I glanced behind. Callen watched me, and our gazes met once again. Just for a moment, but it was enough.

I want everything, he projected.

The corners of my mouth tilted up. Then that's what I'll give you .

Anticipation bubbled in my veins, as heady as champagne, as I hugged Gavina goodbye.

"That is the fastest punishment I've ever attended," she said, wide-eyed. "I've never seen Mr. Bruce so accommodating, either."

I smiled, pleased with my decision to be with him. To stay with him and overcome our difficulties .

"Have a wonderful night," I told her, and sealed myself inside the room. I know I will.

I swiped my phone from the bed and sank into a chair by the hearth to await Callen. My blood flash-froze when I checked the screen.

Mr. T: Big mistake. Huge. But I'm not worried. I'll be hearing from you soon, I'm sure of it.

I gnashed my molars. Once again Tavish possessed info he shouldn't. He knew I hadn't betrayed Callen, who would learn the truth by the end of the night. No doubt he had ways I didn't to suss out a traitor.

The door swung open with a bang, and my husband strode inside the room. I yelped in surprise, only to smile, then frown when I spotted his expression. Hmm. He didn't exude the same eagerness as before. In fact, he roiled with aggression he didn't even try to hide behind a mask I suddenly missed with every fiber of my being.

Confusion drove me to my feet. "What happened? What's wrong?"

He kicked the door shut, a phone squeezed in his grip. "Are you, or are you no', associated with Tavish?"

Oh, no. I was too late. Better spill all before things spun out of control. "I am, but only because of Isobel. The day before the wedding, Isobel approached me in a bar and drugged my drink. You tracked her. You can verify. I passed out and woke up in her body to discover she switched with me after the wedding. My name is Elizabeth Darcy. I'm from the United States. Oklahoma City. I'm a special education teacher on vacation."

He rubbed his hand over his mouth. His lips remained pressed together in a thin line. "And Tavish? "

He believed me? I didn't know, couldn't tell, and proceeded with caution. "The wolf showed up in my bedroom the day he sent the messenger, thanks to a mole in your camp. Tavish told me he'd given Isobel the potion to switch us. Later he messaged me to say if I disavowed you, he would take me home and switch me back. As you can now attest, I denied him and chose you. And I'm sorry about Isobel's betrayal. I truly am. But she betrayed us both."

"I see." With slow, measured steps, Callen approached me, tapped buttons on his phone, and lifted the screen for my viewing pleasure. "Elizabeth, is it? How do you explain these?"

My stomach bottomed out. Selfie after selfie of Isobel and Tavish, smiling, laughing, and kissing. "Okay, so this looks bad." Very bad. "She must have taken those before she switched with me." I gripped his shirt. "I'm not Isobel. You know I'm different."

"I'm supposed to trust the woman who has run from me, betrayed me with another, and lied to me over and over."

"That wasn't me," I rasped. "It isn't me. I'm Elizabeth. Your Elle. I'm not Isobel," I repeated, parts of me begging him to understand.

"Even if I believed you, even if you were this other woman, you still lied to me."

"To save myself. You threatened to kill me."

His eyes narrowed to tiny slits. "Ah, but by your actions you have only condemned yourself."

He clamped my bicep in a firm grip and dragged me to the hearth. With a slap of his scarred palm against the marble frame, and the entire structure spun like a lazy Susan, revealing a shadowed opening to a secret passage .

"Callen," I cried as he forced me inside the musty, gloomy space and down a flight of stairs. "Please. Listen to me. Get Isobel's phone. Threats fill the text messages to me."

"How convenient for you." He placed his palm over a section of the rock wall, and a circle symbol lit up beneath his fingers. The same symbol etched into his skin and my wedding ring. Another secret door opened in front of us, revealing a small, dim room without windows. There was a toilet, a cot, and a basket filled with what looked to be snacks and bottles of water.

"Listen to me," I beseeched. "I didn't run off with your brother, and I didn't take those pictures with Tavish. I'm Elle. I only ever sought to survive and get home to my family. I grew to like you along the way." To love you. "Don't make me hate you."

He spun me in front of him, forcing me to face him, only to release me as if I were toxic waste. A concept he shattered as he stalked forward, herding me deeper into the room. "You knew your day of reckoning would come, and you took measures to protect yourself by concocting this story. A smart move. But not smart enough. So you will stay here while I clean up the mess you've made of my life. I should have listened to Jamie." Bitterness drenched his tone. "When I return, I'll see to your punishment."

That said, he slammed the door shut, sealing me in the room. Alone.