Crown of Thieves

by Peyton Reynolds

  They came for Fajen a few hours after breakfast the following day. By this time, Aharon was more than happy to see him go, and didn’t feel the slightest bit guilty over the man being executed in his stead. All in all, he’d found Flynn Fajen to be an all-around unpleasant individual.

  Fajen’s escort once again included several knights of Neco’s private guard, as well as their captain. Remaining silent, Aharon watched them clamp the shackles on Fajen’s wrists and ankles, then as his father affixed a strip of leather to function as a gag. This would keep Fajen from questioning why Aharon wasn’t being chained and hauled off with him, and more importantly, prevent him from screaming the truth once he was presented to the populace as “Aharon Shai.” Aharon presumed Neco would be overseeing the event personally, and he tried not to dwell on the fact that thousands of people would soon be cheering his supposed death.

  A couple hours after Fajen was dragged away, Aya appeared. Aharon moved to the bars to meet her, while inwardly dreading the deception he now had to spin.

  “How went my execution?” he greeted lightly.

  She sent him a frown. “Don’t be callous. Having to witness that wasn’t easy for me, despite knowing the truth.”

  “Sorry.”

  She nodded. “I suppose one could deem the affair a success, although Fajen obviously realized the truth once Neco proclaimed the charge of regicide and spoke your name. He began thrashing about and trying to shriek through his gag, but he was already chained to the platform by this time and given little time to react. So, while I’m afraid you appeared somewhat cowardly in your final moments, no one seemed to question your identity.”

  “I’m not sure how to take that. I assume Siris performed the honors?”

  “Yes, and he made quite a show of it. There wasn’t much left of the body.”

  “All the better.”

  “Were you able to learn much about Fajen’s life?” she questioned.

  Aharon nodded. “I learned enough, and don’t foresee any problems.”

  “Good. I’ve had Siris working on finding us a ship, and he believes he’s located a crew that’s more interested in coin than in asking questions. How do you feel about the east?”

  Since he’d already traveled the western continent as himself, Aharon thought east was probably a wise choice. Swythe Island was also an option, but since he didn’t wish to be trapped at sea for weeks on end, the east emerged as the logical answer.

  “It’s perfect,” he told her. “When do we depart?”

  She paused and eyed him a moment. “Neco revealed that I intend to go with you?”

  “Yes.”

  “And you’re not going to argue?”

  “That never results in my favor. Besides, I want you to come with me.”

  Aya looked back, and a gleam of uncertainty lit her eye. “Are you worried over what might happen if we both leave Neco?”

  Watching her, Aharon suddenly realized that she wasn’t entirely sure about this—not because she didn’t want to go, but because she was hesitant to abandon her brother. Or rather, abandon Ceja to her brother’s whims.

  “Do you want to stay?” he asked her.

  “No,” she stated firmly.

  “Do you feel you need to stay?” he amended.

  She gave in to a long pause. “Yes,” she then said, “but even so, this isn’t what I intend.”

  Aharon took a long minute to think, feeling grateful that the boundaries of their relationship invited such blatant honesty. It certainly made things easier, not having to guess where she stood.

  “I was planning on leaving without you,” he then confessed. “I’m sorry.”

  The revelation didn’t seem to take her by surprise, but she definitely wasn’t pleased. “Why?” she demanded.

  “Because Neco needs you, as does Ceja. And because you deserve better than whatever life I can presently give you.”

  “I deserve better?” she repeated incredulously. “Don’t be an idiot. You’re all I ever wanted, Aharon.”

  “That doesn’t change the fact that you’re a princess.”

  “You speak of duty?”

  “In part. And also that a life on the run simply wasn’t meant for you.”

  Aya glared at him. “So you thought to disappear, and vanish from my life forever?”

  “No, not forever. Neco and I discussed it, and thought five years was fair.”

  “Five years?” she repeated, her tone evincing her mounting fury.

  Nodding, Aharon inwardly braced himself. “We deemed this enough time for you to help Neco establish his rule, and for me to fashion some manner of decent life for us. It was then I would’ve sent for you.”

  Her glare deepened. “You just assumed I’d wait for you another five years?”

  “I didn’t assume, but hoped. I understand if you’re unwilling.” When she made no reply, he eventually went on. “Also, let’s not forget how strange it would look, you vanishing just days after I was supposedly killed. The truth would have been obvious.”

  When she still remained silent, his unease grew.

  “Aya?” he finally prodded. “I’m sorry I meant to deceive you. I was only trying to do what was best for you, and keep you from making a decision you might come to regret.”

  She gazed at him coldly. “Had you done this, I never would’ve forgiven you.”

  When he opened his mouth to respond, she cut him off.

  “As it is,” she continued, her voice raising in both tone and volume, “I’m furious that the two of you decided this without even asking me how I felt, or what I thought. Your audacity is disgusting, and utterly disrespectful.”

  Aharon said nothing, now deeming this his wisest move.

  “I can believe such behavior of Neco,” she went on, “but you shock and disappoint me—emotions I’ve about had my fill of lately.”

  Despite himself, his eyes now flashed back at her. “This past week hasn’t been easy on any of us. And in case you’ve forgotten, I’m the one being forced to abandon my home, and the only future I ever envisioned for myself. A future that included you, Aya.”

  “You’re only proving your own foolishness!” she shouted back at him, her temper finally exploding. “You didn’t lose everything, because you still had me! I would’ve gone with you, and had every intention of doing so. But you made the decision for me, assuming you knew best!”

  He strove to harness his own rising agitation. “In this matter, I do know best. You have no knowledge of this world beyond Ceja’s borders, whereas I’ve experienced and explored it. You don’t understand life outside this palace, and expecting you to confront such a vast unknown wouldn’t have been fair to you. Not until I’ve had the chance to secure whatever existence I was bringing you into.”

  “That wasn’t for you to decide! With or without you, it’s my life, Aharon, and I’ll choose where and with whom I will spend it!”

  “You don’t know what you’re saying, or the realities that await us!”

  “And you don’t know my heart! How dare you speak for it?”

  Sighing, he took a step back from the bars and shook his head. “Can you please try and view this rationally? And perhaps remind yourself that leaving you is the last thing in the world I want to do?”

  Her eyes grew small. “You think I’m being irrational?”

  “I just meant—”

  “Enough!” she exploded. “Take your presumptions and have a wonderful life in the east, Aharon. A life that you should’ve spent sharing with me.” She turned and strode off.

  Staring after her with wide eyes, he was too stunned to speak for a moment. “Aya!” he then called.

  Ignoring him, she continued on and quickly fell from sight. Swearing, he shook his head again, thinking he might’ve been better off just keeping his mouth shut after all.

  No, he then decided. If I’d done that, there would’ve been no chance of forgiveness.

  As it stood, he could only hope Aya would return once her temper co
oled, because he couldn’t possibly leave while matters between them remained so ugly. A further uncertainty was when he was going to be released, for with Fajen dead, there seemed no reason to keep him locked up. Brimming with frustration, he retreated farther into his cell and mumbled irritably under his breath.

  He was still pacing about sometime later when his father appeared.

  “I hope you’ve come to release me,” Aharon snapped, moving toward the cell door.

  The captain drew up and shook his head. “In keeping with the pretense of your demise, I’ve pulled all security from the dungeon, but I’m not to free you until tomorrow evening. Everyone’s focus will be on the coronation ceremony, so it should be relatively easy for you to sneak off the grounds without being seen.”

  Furious, Aharon slammed a hand against the bars. “Another day in this cage?” he yelled.

  His father took him in. “Are you still complaining?”

  “I’m dirty, I’m sore, and I just had an argument with Aya. So yes, I’m still complaining.”

  The captain displayed a slanted, half-smile. “If you’re seen and apprehended while escaping, we won’t be saving you a second time.”

  “You were hardly a component in saving me the first. You merely did was what necessary to preserve your council seat.”

  “Is that what you think?”

  “Yes, that’s what I think.”

  His father shook his head. “Is this truly where you wish to leave matters between us?”

  Aharon gave him a blank stare. “I fail to see an attainable alternative.”

  The captain sighed. “Stubborn to the end, I see.”

  “Not stubborn,” Aharon replied, bringing a hand to his Secondary medallion and flipping it over. “Just vengeful.”

  After eyeing the golden circle a moment, his father’s gaze shifted back to him. “I’m obviously wasting my breath trying to reason with you.”

  “You most certainly are.”

  “As you please then, Aharon. But understand, this is the last time we’ll ever set eyes on each other.”

  “At least one of my prayers has been answered.”

  The captain frowned. “Is there no shred of forgiveness in you?”

  Aharon regarded him a moment, debating another snappy reply, before finally speaking. “Actually, there is one thing you can do, one thing that would mean something to me.”

  “Yes?”

  “Zaun,” he began.

  His father nodded. “I’ve not struck him since you confronted me two years ago.”

  “I know, which is why you’re still breathing,” Aharon told him. “Now, I need your word this won’t change.”

  “You have it.”

  “Also, perhaps consider seeking Zaun’s forgiveness. I don’t need you now, but he does, and he’s still young enough that he might forgive you.”

  “Yes. I will try.”

  “Furthermore, stop blaming him for mother’s death. Women die during childbirth, and it wasn’t his fault.”

  “I know this. You’re right.”

  “He’s going to be angry and hurt that I didn’t bring him with me,” Aharon went on.

  “I’m surprised you haven’t proposed this.”

  “I thought about it, but it would look too suspicious if he disappeared now. Once he’s fifteen I’ll send word, and invite him to join me wherever I am.” Conveniently, Zaun would reach this age in just under five years’ time, which led Aharon to hope that Zaun and Aya would reunite with him collectively. Although, and considering the mess he’d just made of his and Aya’s relationship, this presently seemed like a wildly-optimistic imagining.

  “Sensible,” his father replied to him now.

  “If he decides to join me, don’t try to stop him,” Aharon warned.

  “Fine.”

  Aharon nodded and took a step back. “Farewell then, father. I hope the remainder of your life delivers everything you deserve.”

  The man responded by unhooking a ring of keys from his belt and stepping over to the cell door. “Remain here in your cell until late tonight, then sneak your way into the tunnels,” he instructed. “Say a proper farewell to your princess, then depart tomorrow during the coronation.”

  Aharon watched him turn the key in the lock before replying. “Telling me to await a late hour is kind of silly when I don’t have a window.”

  “It’s almost Eleventh-hour now. Count it down.”

  Aharon nodded.

  “Also,” his father went on, “be careful making your way to the docks. Everyone in the city believes Fajen escaped custody two days ago, including Justice, so you can’t let yourself be spotted.”

  “I think I can handle that.”

  “Then farewell, my son. I wish you much fortune, wherever you may land.”

  Aharon didn’t reply, watching in silence as his father turned and retreated.

  Once more alone, he returned to his pacing, and impatiently began counting off the minutes while willing time to hurry.

  Chapter 20

  After storming from the dungeon, Aya’s intention was to hunt down her brother and relay her opinion of his behavior. Eventually, and much to her irritation, she learned he was enclosed in a meeting with a few of his future council members, and with much effort she stifled the impulse to interrupt. Instead, she roamed the palace grounds, cursing the situation in general while Molli walked beside her, saying nothing.

  Too annoyed to bother with supper, Aya finally reentered the palace and was heading for the nearest staircase when she caught sight of Neco emerging from his meeting. Shifting direction, she veered toward him and latched onto his arm, ignoring those in his company as she pulled him into the nearest room and slammed the door shut behind them.

  “How dare you?” she demanded, turning to face him.

  He took her in. “If you’re expecting an answer, you’ll have to be more specific.”

  “Aharon told me about this five year plan of yours. You’re both reprehensible.”

  “Ah,” he nodded. “So he couldn’t keep his mouth shut, then? I’m not entirely surprised.”

  “Is that all you have to say for yourself?”

  “No. Aya, you’re the most level-headed woman I know, but when it comes to Aharon your emotions overtake your sense. And you’re only giving further proof of this now.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Meaning?”

  “Meaning, tomorrow I will become the king of Ceja, and must therefore begin acting in the realm’s best interests. Unequivocally, this includes having you as my advisor.”

  Aya paused and gave him an assessing stare. “Do you truly think so highly of me?” she then asked.

  “Yes. I’m smart enough to know—and admit—that I’ll be a better ruler with you at my side, and that I’ll need you, at least during the initial years of my reign. So think me selfish and reprehensible all you like, but don’t expect an apology. My motives speak to the betterment of Ceja.”

  She shook her head at him. “Why didn’t you just say this to me, rather than plot a deception?”

  “Because as I said, you become irrational when matters involve Aharon. I couldn’t take the risk of you leaving in spite of my explanations.”

  Falling into a contemplative silence, she was annoyed to discover that his point of view made sense. It was also very much like Neco to dismiss any negative repercussions his actions might cause, so long as his goal was met; indeed, his tendency to focus on the result and ignore the details was one of the reasons she was wary of leaving him. Regardless though, and because her desires happened to be the details he was presently ignoring, she couldn’t completely stifle her anger.

  “You should’ve just come to me and explained yourself,” she told him now.

  Neco was beginning to look irritated. “The fact that you even contemplated leaving reveals your present lack of sense. Did you not consider how suspicious it would look? Your betrothal to Aharon is hardly a secret, and if you’d vanished just days after I supposedly executed
him, talk of conspiracy would certainly follow.”

  “As would your fears of a revolt.”

  “Yes. Use your head, Aya.”

  She frowned. “It’s a stupid argument in any case. I could’ve just followed after him in a few weeks, or staged my own death. Given the recent carnage dealt our line, I doubt anyone would’ve questioned my demise, however it supposedly occurred.”

  “This is all beside the point.”

  “Is it?” she challenged.

  “You can’t possibly still be considering leaving with him. Or is he less reprehensible than I am?”

  “At least he told me the truth.”

  Neco gave her an exasperated stare. “You’re beginning to try my patience, so let me be clear,” he then told her. “You’ll be remaining here in the palace, and will serve as my advisor for the next five years. If you still wish to reunite with Aharon following this, you’ll be free to do so with my blessing. But until then, you are to fulfill your duty and issue no complaint.”

  Aya took a step closer. “You aren’t my king yet. And if I choose to leave, you can’t stop me.”

  “Oh, I very much can. And should you try, be advised that you’ll be risking Aharon’s safety.”

  Her eyes widened. “You dare threaten him? After all he’s done for you?”

  “I dare nothing, since you insist on making this decision yourself. Choose wisely, sister.”

  A long silence followed.

  “Perhaps you’re more like father than I ever realized,” she finally responded.

  “I suppose only time will tell,” he returned with a shrug.

  She left the room feeling dazed, and made straight for her private quarters. Upon arriving, and at Molli’s instance, she nibbled on some fruit, cursing her brother all the while. A knock announced Siris’s arrival a short time later, and Molli rose to admit him.

  “All is in order with the ship, your highness,” he reported. “The crew have been paid for their readiness and discretion, and will be awaiting Aharon’s presence at the wharf tomorrow evening.”

  “Excellent, Siris,” she told him.

  “Still to be relayed is whether they’ll be transporting one passenger, or three,” the jester then added, his glance moving to include both her and Molli.