He was losing his powers. He needed to find her soon or she d be useless to him. Most of them were already gone, the only reason he still ruled was by sheer force of his will. No one was foolhardy enough to go against him, but no one could know that his powers had faded.

What a fool he d been. He could have been looking for her all along, but he refused to believe the book. He didn t want to think that a woman would have control over him, his powers, and his life that he d be dependent on her. Women were for sex period. No more, no less. He d seen what women had done to men who let them have control. Well, he wouldn t be one of them. He d find his mate; he d protect her with his life, give her food and shelter and use her body when he needed it. He would have the control. With an evil smile he pulled the bell cord, summoning his right hand man.

Paul waddled into the room and Taker said I m going out tonight. I ll be back sometime tomorrow. His mind on his double jointed, redheaded bedmate. He needed to work off some aggression and she was willing to try anything. He could get as rough as he wanted with her. He knew she didn t like it, but he didn t care, he paid her well to do what he wanted.

You have a party to go to tonight. Paul said softly. He knew that Taker had a lot on his mind and that sometimes he forgot the little details. What party? Taker asked, not remembering hearing about a party. The coming out party of General Azline s daughter. She just turned 18; you have to be there, the ceremony. Taker rolled his eyes, not wanting to have to deal with yet another coming out party for yet another of his Generals daughters. He d been to more of these parties in the last two months than he cared to remember. What time is it? Taker asked, his mood going from bad to worse. He d have to postpone his plans until after the party. The party starts at 6:00 PM but she is making her showing at 7:30. Her father wants a traditional coming out. Paul said softly. Her father wants a traditional coming out? Does he know what that is? Taker asked, shocked. The last traditional coming out he d gone to was 200 years ago when he was just an underlord. He d watched the traditional ceremony in shock. Why wasn t I told of this earlier? He asked softly. He knew it wasn t Paul s fault. I don t know. I just found out about it this morning from a servant from the Azline home. Paul said, knowing at that time that Taker had no idea of the ceremony.

Taker sighed, and said, I ll cancel my plans. I also want to speak with General Azline. Make sure he s here before the party. Paul nodded his head, walking out of the room he said I ll lay out your robes for tonight. Taker just nodded, and sat back in his chair, fingers templed together in front of him.

General Azline to see you my lord. Paul said, using formality whenever there were guests around. Show him in. Taker said, standing. He watched as the older, balding man walked into the room. General, thank you for coming so promptly. Taker said, reaching out to shake his hand. General Azline bowed, using the formality of a bygone era. Taker returned the bow and then motioned for the man to sit. General Azline sat, and watched as Taker sat also. General, the reason I asked to see you, is it has come to my attention that you want to have a traditional coming out ceremony. Taker stated, looking hard at the man in front of him. Yes my lord, I m having a traditional coming out for Talen. She would have been raised in the traditional way had her mother not run off with her into the human world. General Azline said. Taker nodded his head, he d had dealings with the human world before, and he didn t like it. Are you sure you want to have a traditional coming out, if she s been in the human world, she probably doesn t know what a traditional ceremony is. She s been told what a traditional ceremony is and she has been told that she will have one. She is my daughter and she will obey me in this. General Azline said, his eyes lowered.

Taker sighed to himself, he liked General Azline, he was one of the best in battle and that s why Taker kept him on when he d taken over. If that is what you want General, I ll make sure that your daughter has a traditional coming out. He said. Thank you my lord, you don t know what it means to me. General Azline said, standing he gave a quick bow and then left.

Paul, get the ceremonial robes out. Taker said with a sigh, and then as an afterthought added And get the book. Paul raised an eyebrow, but didn t comment. He walked to the safe and opened it, pulling out the Dark Book of Spells. He walked over and handed the book to Taker, and then walked off to get the robes.

Taker read the words, memorizing them so he could repeat them during the ceremony. He sighed and shook his head, in all the years he d been Ruler, he d never had to perform a traditional coming out. He couldn t believe Talen s dad wanted him to do one. Again he sighed and then he stood, going into his private chamber to relax and get ready for the upcoming evening. He was not looking forward to the ceremony.

Talen was sitting in her room, watching the other girls, her cousins she d found out, watch her. They would whisper and giggle, giving her looks of pure hatred one moment and then of pure pity. She didn t understand them, but she didn t care. All she knew was that her mother, half brother and stepfather were dead. She didn t even know how they had died. She was at work when her father came in, someone she couldn t remember ever seeing, coldly telling her they were gone and she was coming with him. She d not fought him when he put her in a car, too shocked by grief to care what was happening to her at the moment. The last thing she remembered was getting into the car and then falling asleep. She d woken up here...she just didn t know where here was. Everything was different, colors were brighter and the sky had been a light purple for the last three days. She hadn t seen a car, TV, phone or anything that she was used to. There was no electricity in the castle, and everyone walked around bowing to her. It was beginning to get on her nerves.

Two days ago her father told her he was having a party for her, to reintroduce her to his family, friends and his ruler. Talen didn t understand but agreed and since then she hadn t been left alone. Dressmakers, sewing women, servants and her cousins were around her constantly. The only time she was alone was when she went to bed, and by then she was so tired she just slept. She was given anything she wished for, treated like a queen, but she didn t want it. She wanted to go home, bury her family and try to put her life back together. She d tell her father after his party.

Miss Talen, a word please. An old serving woman said, coming close to her. Of course. Talen said, standing and offering the woman her seat, ignoring the gasps from her cousins. As she was pulling another chair over, she didn t see the old woman wave her hand in the air and her cousins freeze in place.

My thanks, Miss Talen. The old woman said, slowly sitting down. May I ask your name? Talen asked, her mom having taught her to respect her elders. My name is Ennis, my lady. She answered, keeping her eyes lowered. Tonight is a big night for you. She said softly. I guess. Talen said, shrugging her shoulders. Tonight my dear, you will become the plaything of the Ruler. Aren t you excited? He is a very handsome man, I hear he gives great pleasure to his...playthings. Ennis said, a small smile covering her lips. Miss Ennis, I don t mean to be rude, but I don t know what you re talking about. I won t be a plaything for anyone, ruler or no. Talen said, keeping her voice low. You don t understand young one. Tonight when you have your coming out, your father will lead you to the altar and put you before the Ruler. The ruler will then strip you of your robes, lay you on the altar and take your maidenhead in front of the whole assembly. It is a great honor for you and your father. Ennis said, an evil smile now on her lips. He will use your body for his pleasure and you will live in his dwelling until he tires of you. The longer he keeps you, the greater the honor to your family. I don t think I understand. Talen said, biting her lower lip. You will be taken in front of your father, his friends, family and peers. When the Ruler is tired of you, he will then send you home. For your sake, I hope he doesn t tire of you too soon. Ennis said, knowing her evil lies were filling the young girl s head.

What? Talen yelled, jumping up. I can help you. She heard the softly spoken comment. No thank you, I ll go to my father, he wouldn t let something like this happen. Talen said giving Ennis a tear filled look. If you need me young one, just think it. I ll be at your aid. Ennis said, her form fading from the room. Just think.... Talen trailed off, not seeing Ennis in the room. She looked at her cousins and they were talking to each other, acting like nothing had happened. She opened her door and saw a guard. Please ask my father to come see me. She said, closing the door.

She waited for hours, every time the door opened; she jumped off the bed only to sit back down with a sigh. She heard music start and she looked out her window, seeing people arriving at the castle by carriage. She just shook her head, thinking the people of this country needed to get into the 21st century. A maid came and helped her dress, bathing her and then putting a long white silk robe over her damp body. She was not allowed to have anything on under the robe, and she hoped someone else would be bringing her clothes and helping her with them. She didn t see anyone else until her father came into the chamber, looking at her from head to toe, telling her she looked like her mother, but he saw his strength in her. She smiled and walked over to him, saying Father, I was told that I would be given to someone named Ruler... Talen started, but he cut her off with We ll discuss this later Talen, it s time for you to make your entrance. Then she was taken out of the room and lead down a flight of stairs.

There she is, look. She looks just like her mother. Taker heard the whispers and turned, looking for the girl they were talking about. He couldn t get a glimpse of her, she was too far away, but he did notice an odd feeling in his fingers. He looked down and with a gasp, saw that they were glowing. His powers were coming back. He jerked his head up and looked around, determined to find his mate, she was here somewhere. Paul was at his side instantly, asking What s wrong? My mate is here somewhere. Look around; bring every woman I ve not met to me now. Taker said, knowing the closer she came, the more of his powers would return.

Paul started walking the room, bringing women he d never met to Taker only to have him shake his head no before they got too close to him and he sent them away. Finally he walked back too Taker and said The only other female here is Talen, and you can t talk to her until the ceremony. Paul said softly. I m the Ruler; I can talk to anyone I want at anytime. If Talen is my mate, then she can t have this ceremony. Bring her and her father to me at once. Taker said, his tone booking no argument. Paul went off in search of General Azline.

Talen couldn t see this ruler person, but she knew he was here and she d overheard bits and pieces of conversation and it seemed like the old woman was right. She was going to be...well....fucked in front of all the guests at this party and they were looking forward to it. She d tried several times to ask her father about it, but he d put her off, finally telling her she d do as told or she would live to regret it. That s when she decided to look for Ennis. Ennis said she could help her and she was going to take her up on that offer.

General Azline, The high ruler of the underworld would like to speak with you and your lovely daughter Talen. Now. Paul said. The general clicked his heels and bowed, telling one of the guards to find his daughter.

Ennis. Ennis, where are you? Talen called softly, not wanting anyone to hear her should they come toward the kitchen. She didn t get an answer, so she walked into the pantry. She shut the door when she heard footsteps and held her breath, hoping whoever it was would go away. Can you believe that HE is going to perform the ceremony? She heard a female voice say. I d love to be in her shoes, feeling his hardness moving in and out of me. She heard another voice say. He has a red headed playmate in the village. I heard her say that he likes to be very rough, but he pays her very well, so she takes whatever he has to give. The first voice said. Can you believe it s been over 200 years since the last traditional coming out? I remember it like it was yesterday. The old ruler was very brutal with the girl....what was her name.... The second voice trailed off for a minute and then said well, her name doesn t matter, she was soon married and then she disappeared with her firstborn child. I was a child myself at the time, only 10, but I ll never forget the way that girl was taken. She didn t scream however, a real credit to her family. The voices faded as the two women left the kitchen area and Talen leaned against the door, Please, someone, anyone help me. Talen thought, her eyes closing.

I told you I d help you child. She heard Ennis s voice. She jerked open the door and saw her standing in the kitchen. I want to go home. I don t know what this place is but I don t want to be here. Talen said. Before Ennis could answer, they heard the guard opening the kitchen door. My lady, are you in here...there you are, your father is looking for you. Come, you don t want to make him angry. The guard said, gently grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the kitchen. She looked over her shoulder and didn t see Ennis, her hopes crushed at her feet, she followed the guard.

My lord, my daughter is coming. Is there a problem? General Azline asked, bowing before Taker. I d like to speak with you alone, is there somewhere private we can go? Taker asked softly. The general nodded and he turned, Taker following him down the hall and into the library.

I can not allow your daughter to have a traditional coming out ceremony. Taker stated, sitting in a chair. My lord please, I ve gone to great expense to make sure this would happen. I ve invited my family, friends and peers to watch this. I can t be embarrassed in front of them. If Talen has done something, tell me and I ll have her punished immediately. The general said, seeing all his grand plans going up in flames around him. Talen has done nothing wrong... Taker said his eyebrows lifting when the general interrupted him. She is untouched my lord, I swear it. General Azline said, thinking Taker might think she wasn t a virgin. I m sure she is general, but the fact of the matter is... Again he was interrupted when the guard brought Talen into the room.

Talen looked at the two men in the room she didn t know and picked out the ruler as soon as her eyes fell on him. He stood and she raised her head, watching as he unfurled his long body out of a chair. Talen, it s nice to meet you. Taker said, reaching for her hand and dropping a kiss on it. It s nice to meet you also. Talen replied her eyes wide. He was huge; he could crush her body with his two hands with no effort.

As soon as Talen walked in the room, Taker knew she was his mate. He felt all his powers surge back into his body, not as strong as before, but they were there. He had to mate her before they returned full force. Something he would do in private, not in front of a bunch of his subjects. She was beautiful; he d give her that. She had raven black hair and stood at a commanding 5 8. She had pale white skin and the deepest, clearest purple eyes he d ever seen. The mark of a natural witch in his world. He wondered if she d developed any of her powers yet and then realized that she was only 18. Her powers wouldn t come to her until she was 21. His gaze took in her slender body and he grinned to himself, knowing he would find hours of pleasure in her bed, he was looking forward to it.

Talen, this is Undertaker, the Ruler of our world. Her father said, pushing her towards him with his hand. She gave him a stiff curtsey and then raised her head, looking at her father. Father.. She said but he cut her off with a commanding SILENCE! Talen s mouth dropped open in shock, no one had ever spoken to her like that before. She didn t say anything however, seeing the look of rage on her dad s face.

My lord. Paul said softly, causing both Taker and the general to turn toward him. Taker walked over to Paul and Paul said I think you should mate her tonight. In front of everyone, that way no one will be able to contest this. I think it will also put to rest some of the unease from the outer regions of your realm. There have been rumors going around that you were losing your powers. She should not be mated in front of an audience. Taker said softly, knowing that just hanging the sheet out of his bedchamber window the morning after he mated her would suffice. I think in this case, she should. That way her father gets what he wants, his families honor, and you get your mate and your powers. Paul said, looking Taker in the eyes. They had been friends for years and Paul knew his power was fading. Sighing, Taker nodded, knowing Paul wouldn t steer him wrong.

General, the ceremony will take place, but it will take place at midnight. Taker said, smiling at Talen and heading for the door. Midnight, my lord, I don t understand. The general said. At midnight, Talen will have her coming out and I will have my mate. With that said, Taker walked out the door.

Ennis, please. I desperately need you. Talen screamed in her mind. She was running down the hall to her room, tears flowing down her face. She ran into her room and shut the door, sagging against it in defeat. She d begged her father to let her go home, to stop whatever this ceremony was and to leave her in peace. He d refused, telling her that she was his, and she d do as told. He then left orders that she wasn t to leave her room until midnight. She ran to her prison, as she thought of it now and shut the door. She heard the guard stop and then the hallway was silent.

I m here young one. She heard, looking up she saw Ennis sitting in the chair she d sat in earlier. I want to go home. Can you help me? Talen asked, not beating around the bush. I can get you away from this place. Ennis said, patting her hand. Do it, do it now. Talen said, her eyes wide with hope. Drink this young one and close your eyes. Ennis said, handing her a clay flask. Talen drank it down, screwing her eyes shut at the awful taste.

At the first toll of the witching hour, you will be taken from your lover s power. Into the world you will go, safe from him and all he knows. Remember nothing I command you, so as I say, so shall you do. Ennis muttered softly, waving her hand over Talen s head. When Talen opened her eyes, Ennis was gone; a cold chill filled the room.

Paul, cover for me, I need some time. Taker said, walking out of the room. He walked along the halls, smiling when he felt a jump in his powers. He knew Talen was close, he could feel the surge her presence gave him. He turned the corner and saw a guard. He decided to speak with Talen, let her know what he expected in a mate, and maybe they could have a nice life together. I d like to speak with Talen. Taker said, his tone brooking no argument. The guard bowed and moved out of his way, opening the door for his entrance.

Talen heard the door open and raised her head, seeing Taker, she jumped off the bed and backed away from him, fear in her eyes. Taker sighed and walked further into the room, moving slowly so he wouldn t frighten her more. I m not going to hurt you Talen. I just want to talk to you. He said softly. I want to go home. Talen whispered. I m sorry beautiful one, you can t, this is your home now. Taker said. DON T! Don t call me that. Talen said harshly. Taker raised his eyebrow and said You dare speak to your Master that way? You ll never be my master. Talen said, her eyes filled now with anger. You are so young. Taker muttered. Talen, I know you don t understand the ways of this world. It s very different from the human world and the rules there. Women here are not equals to men. Women are taught to obey their fathers and husbands from the cradle. Your mother should have taught you that. Taker said. My mother taught me to have respect, not to bow down to people. Talen said, her words heated. Taking a deep breath, Talen continued, I understand that you rule....here, but I don t live here, I won t live here and while I will give you respect I will not bow down to you or anyone. Come here Talen. Taker said softly, his eyes locked with hers. She felt her feet moving across the floor, she tried to make them stop but she was already in front of him. He grabbed her elbow, pulling her into his lap. In public young one, I will demand that you obey, respect and bow to me. In our home I demand your respect. I m not a monster, I ll not hurt you, but I will have an obedient wife. I will please you in every way Talen, give you what your heart desires most, but know this, you are my mate, and I will have you. Taker said, his hand sliding up her leg, inside her robe.

Talen saw his lips moving, knew he was speaking, but the only thing her mind was focused on was his hand. He slipped his hand inside the opening of her robe and was rubbing her leg. As he continued to speak, his hand moved higher and unbelievably, her legs fell open. She looked at his face and saw his lips form a tender smile as his fingers found her womanhood. She gasped when his fingers slipped inside the soft folds, finding and stroking the hidden nub there.

Taker held her eyes with his, watching as they widened more and more with the pleasure he was giving her. He brought her to climax slowly; wanting her to enjoy what he could do to her. He wasn t looking forward to the coming ceremony any more than she was and he would have preferred to mate her in private, but that had been taken out of his hands. He watched her jerk against his fingers; her bottom wiggling against his own engorged shaft. After the final contraction of her body, he slowly pulled his hand away from her; bringing his fingers to his lips, sticking them in his mouth and sucking them clean of her juices.

I want you to enjoy what I do to you Talen, unfortunately, tonight has to be. I wish I could change it for you but I can t. I will make is as painless as possible. Taker said, running his fingers though her long midnight black hair. You don t care that I ll be humiliated tonight? You don t care that hundreds of people will see your wife naked? What kind of husband are you going to be? Talen said sadly, tears again filling her eyes. This isn t a love match; I will never love you. You will be my mate that is all. You will have no control over my life, you will do as I say in all things and when it comes to sex you will be glad for the attention I give you. I will only tell you this one more time, I will not hurt you and I will make sure you have everything that your heart desires, but never expect love from me, because that you will never receive. Taker said, his voice harsh. Then we will not be married tonight or any other night for that matter. When I marry it will only be for love. Talen said, her voice filling the chamber. Taker laughed, and hugged her saying, I am going to enjoy being with you, Talen. You make me laugh. Then he stood and set her on the floor. Until midnight beautiful one. Then with a swirl of his robes, he was gone, the door closing behind him.

Five minutes before midnight, Talen was again led downstairs, this time by the guard. Her father waited for her at the top of the stairs and she refused to look at him. He walked her down to the altar, a large, flat black stone that was rising up from the floor. She saw Undertaker standing before it, his eyes not leaving her. She glanced down at the floor and heard a murmur of appreciation cross the room, without realizing it; she d just showed the highest respect a woman could show to her future mate. Taker smiled to himself when she lowered her eyes. He knew she knew nothing of their ways and customs, but she would learn; he d make sure of it.

Her father stopped before Taker and said Overlord of the Highest Underworld; I give to you my daughter. She is yours to do with whatever you see fit and if at anytime you are unhappy with her; I ll take her head myself. I accept your daughter into my keeping and will be happy with her, if I m not you will be the first to know and I will hold her down while you take her head. Taker said, smiling to himself as he fought to keep Talen s eyes locked with his. If she turned her head, it would be a sign of disrespect and he couldn t allow that.

Talen couldn t move, her eyes were locked with Taker s and it felt like someone was holding her head in place, try as she might, she couldn t look away from him. Her mind however was screaming at her to pull away, to run and hide. The words highest underworld, and take her head, ringing over and over again. She watched, terror filling her, as Taker walked over to her.

She s lovely general, a credit to you and her mother. Taker said in a loud voice, making sure everyone in the room heard him. The general beamed with pleasure and placed Talen s hand in Takers outstretched one. Taker pulled her toward the altar, standing in front of it he said Talen, I ll protect you until my dying breath. He turned both of them around, so the crowd could see them and said My people, tonight is a joyous night. I have found my mate... He looked at Talen and then continued and we want you to witness our joining. The clock struck midnight as a cheer filled the room, a chant for a long life, a good marriage and a healthy heir started, deafening Talen as it grew louder and louder. She turned to look at Taker and saw him from a distance. She vaguely heard him calling her name and then she heard nothing as he faded from her sight.

Taker felt his grip on Talen s hand loosen and he looked toward her, seeing her fading from his sight. What have you eaten? He demanded, needing to know what was taking her from him so he could stop it. She just looked at him, not moving her mouth and then she was gone. TALEN! Taker shouted, grabbing for her, but getting air. He jerked his head around when evil laughter filled the suddenly silent room. ENNIS! Taker shouted, moving away from the altar. You ve lost your mate, or great and wise ruler. However are you going to rule now that your powers will be gone in a matter of days? Don t bother to look for her Taker, she s somewhere that even you can t get to. Ennis said, a smug smile on her face. I ll get to her and I ll bring her back and then I ll deal with you. Taker said, flinging his hand toward her suddenly. He watched with grim satisfaction as her body hit the wall behind her. Good trick, ruler. I learned that one when I was two. Ennis said, rubbing her hands together and then throwing lighting bolts toward him. He deflected them with a wave of his hand saying with a laugh And I foul one, learned to making lightening while still in the cradle.

Part 2

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