As the guests retreated in haste, there was another commotion. She looked up to see the Sixth Prince standing in the doorway, followed by Patrick. Aisling stood and made her way across the room.
“Your Highness, this is a surprise. What are you doing here?”
“I felt better and insisted they let me off the ship.”
“But we agreed that you would rest. You’ve not yet recovered.” Aisling turned to the physician. “Who came with you?”
“A few members of the crew.”
“Where is Maológ?”
“He’s overseeing the fleet. He knew you wanted him to stay with the ships.”
She breathed a sigh of relief and turned to Prince Zo. “Your Highness, I’m so glad that you’re feeling better. Do you have your memory back?”
“Yes, and one thing is clear.”
“What’s that?”
“I want us to be together.” He grabbed Aisling and pulled her into his arms.
She stood there, stunned, until she heard a low voice behind her. “What do you think you’re doing?”
The Sixth Prince grasped her arm. “Brother, I’m claiming what is mine.”
“We’ll see about that.”
“You’re too late.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve already asked Father for permission to marry her.”
“What?”
“I spoke with him a few hours ago, as soon as I arrived. He said he would consider it.” Prince Zo clutched Aisling’s hand and pulled them both out of the banquet hall and onto the veranda.
The Fifth Prince and Patrick rushed after them. As she was being dragged across the walkway to the bridge, she shouted to Prince Zo.
“Your Highness, please stop. Let’s discuss this.”
He ignored her pleas. The Fifth Prince caught up to them and blocked their path.
“You’ve had a serious head wound, so I’m not going to provoke a fight. What is this? We’ve always been on the same side.”
“We have, until now,” Zo replied, with narrowed eyes.
“You need to think about what you’re doing. You’ve not even asked the commander what she wants.”
The Sixth Prince turned to her. “You saved me when I was near death. You sat with me when I was on the ship. I know you care for me on some level.”
“I… I do care for you, of course, Your Highness.”
“I knew it.”
She tried to position her words so that he wouldn’t be hurt. No matter what I say, she thought, he will still be bruised.
“I am your friend. I want you to get better and have a wonderful life. But, that’s very different than love.” She glanced over to see the Fifth Prince exhale a deep breath.
Prince Zo moved closer to her. “You could love me in the future. I feel it.”
“I don’t want to give you false hope.”
He grabbed both of Aisling’s hands. “I want to be with you. Don’t make a decision now. Promise me that we’ll have another conversation when I feel better. Agreed?”
“All right, when you’ve recovered, we’ll talk about it some more.”
Zo swayed and held onto the railing for balance. Patrick intervened.
“We’ve traveled at a relentless pace. It’s been an arduous journey.” He turned to the Sixth Prince. “You need to rest. A few of the crew are waiting on the other side of the bridge. We’ll take you to your quarters.”
“All right.”
The Sixth Prince turned back to Aisling.
“We’ll talk about it later,” he said.
“Yes, we will. I hope you feel better.” She could see the circles under his eyes. “Get some rest now.”
She watched in silence as the doctor led the young man across the bridge, toward the palace. Soon, they disappeared from sight.
She felt a hand grasp her waist.
“Are you all right?”
She turned to see a stricken look on Drayaen’s face.
“I’m sorry.”
“About what?”
“I had no idea he cared for me to that extent. His feelings are going to be hurt.”
Drayaen shook his head. “It’s my fault. I should have seen this coming, but I didn’t expect him to talk with the king.” He reached out and held her hands. “I don’t want you to worry.”
Drayaen didn’t want to let go of her. The touch of her skin was intoxicating. I should be preparing for battle, he told himself. It was just a few hours away. The attempted poisoning was a clear message that this was an all-out war. Every instinct told him to check the weapons and consult with his men, but right now, he had a bigger priority.
He was torn, because he would be going against his brother’s wishes. The timing was improbable. But he couldn’t leave without settling a few things first.
He grabbed her hand and started to run.
“Where are we going?”
“I want to take you to a special place in the Secret Garden.”
Aisling wondered why he was in such a rush. They hurried along the curving path until they reached a small hill. At the top, she saw they were in an enclave, surrounded by trees on two sides, with a clear view of the water below.
“This is one of my favorite spots,” Drayaen said. “You can sit and watch the flowing river.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Come here.”
Aisling smiled and took a step toward him.
“Closer.”
She could feel her heart begin to pound. “But there’s almost no distance between us.”
“That’s the idea.”
He reached out and pulled her to him. She looked into his dark, luminous eyes. He leaned down and moved his lips over her forehead, eyes, and cheeks. He held her face in his hands and pulled back to gaze at her before his warm lips covered hers with soft, languid kisses. What started as a gentle caress soon built into a consuming heat.
She could feel his hands sifting through her hair. His touch made her feel as if she were floating on a puff of clouds on the wide, open sea. After what seemed like an eternity, he wrapped his arms around her and stared once more into her eyes.
“You’re mine now,” he said, in a low mesmerizing voice. As she leaned back and gazed at him, she hoped this wasn’t all a dream.
CHAPTER TEN
INTO THE MIST
Drayaen returned to his room to retrieve his weapons. He didn’t like leaving Aisling in the guest quarters, but it was away from the main gate and she would be safer there. There was a knock at the door. He opened it to find Colonel Lex.
“I was about to join you and the warrior monks in the barracks. Are there any updates?”
The colonel nodded. “A few of our soldiers have infiltrated enemy forces. An incursion is planned for tonight.”
“We thought as much. When?”
“In less than two hours.”
Drayaen ran his fingers across his furrowed brow. “Why now? I thought they’d strike right before dawn.”
“It seems the servant responsible for the attempted poisoning implicated Prince Quell. He’s left the palace and joined the queen’s brother.”
“Where is Queen Vila?”
“No one has seen her since this morning.”
“How many men do they have?”
“More than we thought. They’ve bolstered their numbers by recruiting in rural areas and promising government positions.”
“I see. Let’s talk to Crown Prince Tae about our supply of weapons. That may even out the match.” Drayaen grasped his sword and rushed out of the building.
Aisling paced in her room. Something isn’t right, she thought. First, there was the episode with the poisoned tea—someone had tried to harm her, again. Then the Sixth Prince declared his love. Either of those events could throw any sane person into a tailspin. But, she sensed, there was another issue.
Rustling noises outside revealed Hanu and Maehwa on the stairs. She ushered them in.
“Is there any news?” s
he asked.
“We heard the palace may be attacked.”
“When?”
“Tonight.”
“You’re sure?”
“During dinner, we overhead some men talking about mobilizing forces for the Fifth Prince.”
“All right. Gather your things.”
“Now?”
“Yes, we should all stay together. Do you know the location of Sean and his team?”
“They’re a few buildings away.”
“When you’re ready, meet back here. We can join the crew.”
“Where are we going?”
“Within the palace walls, but some place closer to the Fifth Prince.”
“All right, Commander. We’ll return in ten minutes.”
When the girls left, Aisling changed into her sailor’s outfit. After packing a small bag and securing her dagger, she hurried out to the balcony. Hanu and Maehwa were headed in her direction. She met them at the bottom of the stairs, and the three of them went in search of her crew.
A few minutes later, they knocked on Sean’s door. “Come in.”
“Hello, cousin.”
“Commander, I thought you’d still be at dinner.”
She moved past him, into the room. “I need your help. Are the others with you?”
“They’re next door. What’s wrong?”
“There may be an attack tonight.”
“What?”
“We don’t have much time. I’d like us to find shelter.” She looked at his worried expression and realized there was concern about the fleet. “Our ships should be fine. There are warrior monks at the temple who are watching the bay.”
“Aye, that’s a relief.”
“Please tell your men to bring their necessities with them.We’re leaving in five minutes.”
“Aye, I’ll let them know.”
She thought back to the recent confrontation with General Neo’s troops. They had hundreds of soldiers on their side then. If they’re attacking the palace now, they must have accumulated a formidable army.
Drayaen surveyed his officers. “There isn’t much time. You need to replace all the soldiers guarding the gates. Include those in the sentry towers as well. Some of them might be working with General Neo. I don’t want to risk sabotage, or failure to call out enemy sightings.”
“Yes, Your Highness.What about weapons?”
“The Crown Prince has the supply. He’ll be here soon.”
“How should we allocate the troops?”
“Protect the king. Barricade the main gates. Station guards at the minor entrances as well.” His thoughts turned to Aisling and her crew. “Make sure you cover all the secret doors and access points.”
“Do you think they’ll breach the side entrances?”
“It’s a precaution. Station some men on the roof. They’ll have a better vantage point for detecting invaders.” As they continued planning, there was a knock on the barracks door.
The Crown Prince was outside. He motioned to his brother.
“What is it?”
“The good news is that we still have some weapons.”
“And the bad news?”
“Our supply has been compromised.”
“How much was taken?”
“About a third.”
“That’s a lot. It sounds like they’re preparing for a massive attack.”
“I think you’re right.We underestimated the size of his troops.”
“We must marshal everyone we can.”
“What about the men in town? When you and the commander arrived, they were very supportive.”
“I’ll send Lex to round up volunteers.”
Drayaen was deep in thought as he walked back to his officers. To defeat the enemy, they were going to need some innovative strategies.
Aisling walked down the path and crossed the bridge to the palace. Although it was dark, she could sense movement in and among the buildings. As the moon rose over the compound, it illuminated soldiers on the palace roof, scanning the territory for signs of encroachment.
She faced her entourage. “We need to hurry. I don’t want us mistaken for enemy forces.”
“Aye, Commander.”
“Sean, when we find a secure place, protect the crew. I also feel responsible for Hanu and Maehwa. Can you watch out for them as well?”
“That’s no problem.”
“I’ll get you situated, and then I have to locate the Fifth Prince.”
“Now?”
“Yes, it’s important.”
As they approached one of the buildings, she saw a familiar face. “Colonel Lex?”
“Commander, I wasn’t expecting you here. I thought you were still in the guest quarters.”
She motioned to the group. “I wanted everyone to be together. Is there somewhere we can go?”
“Yes, I’ll find you a place.”
“Colonel, can you take the crew? I need to find the Fifth Prince.”
“He thought you’d be safer away from the main compound.”
“I understand that, but it’s urgent.”
“All right, come with me.”
After settling her team, she and Colonel Lex crossed the expansive courtyard and headed toward the barracks.
Aisling was certain she could help. She realized she was taking a risk and exposing her powers to more people, but she thought about the wizard’s advice. Her mind and heart were both telling her to save those in danger from outside forces.
Now, she needed to convince the prince.
Drayaen huddled over the map with his officers, plotting the expected direction of the incoming army. A warrior monk approached.
“Your Highness, there’s someone who needs to see you.”
“Now?”
“Yes, that’s what I was told.”
“All right, where are they?”
“Outside the door.”
“Have them come in.”
“She asked to speak with you outside.”
He headed for the door. As he threw it open, he was greeted by Aisling.
“Your Highness.”
“Are you all right? I thought you were in the guest quarters.”
“I heard we’re preparing for battle. I’ve brought my team closer to the palace.”
“You should be someplace in the compound that’s more secure.”
“Colonel Lex found us a place. I’m here because I can help.”
“How?”
“You said yourself I have a talent for fixing things.”
“That you do.”
“Well then.”
“I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“You forget I’m in charge of a fleet. I manage an army of more than six hundred men.”
He sighed. She’s right, he admitted to himself. “What are you thinking?”
“Can I see a map of the area?”
“All right, come in and we can talk.”
As she walked over to the table, the other soldiers retreated. She scanned the document.
“I have an idea.Tell me if you think this will work.” She stood close to him and spoke in low tones. When she was done, he looked at her with an incredulous stare.
“Is that possible?”
“Yes. Can you handle the other part?”
“I will.”
As he issued commands to his officers, he thought about the new strategy. It was unique, and there was an element of surprise. I should have confided in her earlier, he thought. He sheathed his sword and left the barracks to fulfill his side of the bargain.
Queen Vila and her entourage rode out to General Neo’s camp. Her brother, Snyde, noted their arrival and hurried over to the palanquin. “What are you doing here?”
“I can’t stay at the palace. The servant I paid to poison the princes and the commander has confessed. I’ve been implicated. So has Quell.”
“It would have been your word over hers. The king would have believed his queen.”
“I’m no
t so sure. He’s had me followed. There are too many others involved for me to feel secure.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“Work with you and the Seventh Prince to rule the kingdom. First, you must win, at any cost.”
“We’ve recruited more men. There are many from the palace guard.”
“Your money from the grain bought them for a short while. Will they be loyal after that?”
“We don’t need long-term fealty. We need a victory today. After that, we can sort things out.”
“What are your chances?”
“It’s not certain, but we’re in a good position. General Neo has retained some capable officers.”
“I can’t go back. Neither can you.”
“Wait at my compound. I’ll come to you after the battle.”
“All right. Make it happen.”
The queen scanned her assembled forces and exhaled an embittered sigh. She never liked delegating important tasks to others. They always disappointed her.
General Neo and his troops marched through the forest. He thought about the royal family’s reaction to losing the imminent battle.
The princes have never appreciated my talents. I was the strategist behind all of their military conquests. He scoffed at the king’s ignorance. His queen has worked against him for years, and yet he still trusts her. He shook his head. I will dominate once and for all. When this is over, I’ll be in charge of the entire military. I can then have whatever I want.
His thoughts moved to the queen’s brother. Snyde knows nothing about running a government. I know, though. I’ve learned the deepest secrets of the bureaucrats, and helped many of them enrich their pockets at the expense of others. They’ll be forced to work with me now. They won’t dare say anything against me.
This skirmish, he concluded, was a formality. Once they saw the extent of his army, they’d panic and it would all be over in a matter of moments. He was looking forward to his new position in government, and the spoils of war.
The general was so occupied with his thoughts of conquest that he hadn’t realized they were already within view of the palace. Snyde rode up to the front line.
Princess of Sky, Earth, Fire and Water Page 12
