Free Only in Her Dreams by Christina McKnight Page B

He sent Alexander and a few other Melas into Lucessa’s house again tonight. I think they found what they’d been looking for.”
    “That’s the name you are not to speak aloud, Maxim!”
    “The secret seems to be out and there’s no need to keep the name hidden any longer.” His use of her given name was a slip he hadn’t realized he’d made. “I know it hurts you not to speak her name. Your pain is not lost on me, brother.”
    “My pain, as you call it, is none of your concern.”
    Even after all these years, Guy had yet to allow him that intimacy. His eldest brother had not planned to return to Erebos, let alone rule, but he gave up everything to help his youngest brother when he’d been in need.
    “My apologies.”
    “What did they take?”
    “It seems he is only after family pictures. Last night, he took a picture of you and the girl when she was a child and tonight he made away with her wedding photo.”
    “Where’s the girl’s husband now? I’d expect he would not relish your presence in their home.”
    “He doesn’t seem to mind me being there.”
    “That’s interesting. How’d you explain your existence to him?”
    “I didn’t need to. He’s six feet under. He died of malaria during his time in Uganda. It was in my report some time ago.”
    “He’s dead? I don’t remember reading any of this.”
    Maxim was positive he’d included it in his annual report. “Well, yes. He contracted the disease and went fairly quickly, from what I heard. As my report said, I immediately started keeping a closer eye on Lucessa. She didn’t handle his death well and her dreams tortured her for some time, but they mainly focus on her childhood with you and Marie now.”
    “And how is she adjusting to your protection?”
    “She invited me to stay in her guest room, even changed the sheets for me." At Guy’s raised eyebrow Maxim continued, “Come on Guy, she is a lot like you. She hit a Melas in the head with a frying pan tonight for coming at me with a sentimental paperweight.”
    “Awe, a gift from her mother on her seventh birthday, an iron statute of Laura Ingalls Wilders, if I am not mistaken.” Guy glanced away.
    “Brother, I should return to the girl. I don’t know when it will be safe to leave her unattended again. Please send someone for me if there are any new developments here.” Maxim turned to go, without a formal dismissal from his brother. When it was just them in the room, protocol was disregarded. These infrequent times allowed them to be brothers, not leader and servant.
    “And Maxim...”
    He swung around to face Guy.
    “Guard my Lucessa with your life.” Unshed tears glistened in Guy’s eyes.
     
     
    # # #
     
    Guy paced his study. The sound of his boots hitting the hardwood floor and the swishing of his coat were the only sounds. The situation had escalated and he feared there was much that Maxim hadn’t told him. He’d let Maxim keep his secrets, just as Guy held his own secrets close.
    There was something new in his brother’s eyes, a purposefulness Guy had not seen before. The look was new and refreshing. Maxim’s existence hadn’t been one of importance. As the younger twin, he’d been overlooked by their father, a man who’d focused all his attention on Darius as his successor. Guy had long believed Maxim would’ve been the better choice to lead the people of Erebos. But as the only true son of Morpheus, the position could only be filled by himself.
    The depth of their family secrets ran deep and he looked forward to the day they’d be out in the open. Although, Guy feared they would crush Maxim’s fragile sense of self. His identity centered around who he believed he was--son of a demigod. To find out he was no more than the bastard son of a common Oneiroi would likely destroy him.
    How Guy wished that was the only thing he’d kept from Maxim, but his deception ran deeper still. Guy’s stake in Lucessa’s safety extended further than the relationship