The Battle for Astodia

by Maryam Durrani

  “Do you think I’ll ever be . . . normal?”

  “Oh, sweetheart,” the queen touched my face with her soft fingers. She was quiet for a second. Then she whispered, “You are normal.”

  I swallowed, studying her face. Then, I got to my feet. “I’ll

  be leaving now.”

  Why had she hesitated?

  I stood in her chambers, in the center of the room on the expensive new carpet the queen had just received. It had just been shipped from the kingdom of Crea as a gift from its King.

  She lay on her bed, her chest rising and falling as she slept peacefully. Locks of silky hair spread out over her pillow, her eyelashes brushing her cheekbones.

  “I had a nightmare,” I nudged her softly. Her eyes fluttered open and she sat upright, curtains of thick hair falling over her shoulders.

  “A nightmare?” She blinked her golden eyes wearily. “About what, my love?”

  I knew I wasn’t supposed to wake her. But there was nowhere else to go. I felt so scared and alone at that moment, that all the rules I’d learned vanished. I woke her up, and now I felt foolish. What was I going to tell her? That I, a trained assassin, was afraid of a nightmare?

  “It was about last night.”

  Her face fell. The queen watched me with those familiar golden eyes I found comfort in. “Come here, dear.”

  I sat beside her.

  “Tell me,” she said. “Go ahead.”

  “My parents were a part of the dream,” I said, embarrassed. The queen pulled up the heavy covers over my legs. Comfortable now, and warm, I said quietly, playing with my fingers, “and the man from last night tried to kill me.”

  “The man you—” she stopped, unable to bring herself to say the horrid word.

  “Yes, the man I killed,” I said, feeling brave. “He came

  for revenge in my dream.”

  “What happened?”

  “I was choking. I couldn’t breathe. And when I woke up, I was screaming.”

  The queen stroked my hair. “What about your parents?”

  “They’re not really my parents. I was adopted, remember?”

  “Do you want to find your real parents?” The queen asked, her voice tired, yet serious.

  “No,” I said abruptly. “It’s not important, and I’m not going to waste my life looking for them after they willingly gave me away.”

  “Well, I hope we find them,” the queen muttered. “They need to be taught a lesson.” She poked me and I giggled. “And if we do find them, I will personally see to their assassination.” She was joking, of course. She’d never do that.

  “Don’t worry,” I smirked, “I’m just awaiting orders.”

  I tried to forget the horror in her eyes, underneath that smiling mask.

  My thoughts were interrupted as Xavier nudged me. “The goose is approaching us. Don’t make any sudden movements. Geese might have rounded beaks, but their bites leave marks.”

  “And how would you know that?” I asked, blinking as I opened my eyes.

  “Don’t ask me questions I’m too embarrassed to answer.”

  “I’ve bought a dress for you!” the queen said when I walked into my room, tired to death from training.

  “Me? But I don’t need a dress,” I frowned, confused. I sat on my soft bed, sinking into the center. I stretched out my legs, trying to get rid of the soreness.

  “There’s a ball coming, darling. You do need one.” She

  twirled the beautiful red dress in the air, small enough to fit me; a child often.

  “I’m tired. I can’t wear it now,” I groaned, plopping on my bed.

  “Stand up,” she said with a warm smile. “Do it for me.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Fine.”

  When I changed into it, she was ready with the brush and bows and everything, makeup ready at hand.

  “No. No makeup,” I shook my head, backing away.

  “Adalia,” the queen pursed cherry red lips, “be a lady for once.”

  “I’m not old enough!” I said, pulling away. She laughed and chased me, and we ran across the whole room until she collapsed on the bed with me, both of us giggling like maniacs. When I looked at her face, I realized she looked deathly pale. I swallowed, feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden. I propped my head up on the base of my palm, lying on my side. “Are you alright?”

  “I’m fine.” She touched her forehead with a pale, slender hand. “Stay here. I’ll be back.”

  “Okay,” I whispered as she stood up, trying to leave the room slowly. “Come back soon.”

  “Xavier,” I turned my head to face the prince. We were lying on our backs, sprawled out and watching the sky turn from a light blue to a startlingly beautiful orange.

  “Yes?”

  “Do you . . . do you remember the day she died?”

  Xavier’s face changed. He went from happy, quiet Xavier, to a sudden mess.

  “Wh . . . why would you ask me such a question?” His honey-gold eyes were sad as he waited for an answer.

  “I’m thinking.”

  He let air pass through his lips as he closed his eyes, searching for an answer. Then, “Yes, I do. You were there. You should know.” His sentences were clipped and cold, though I took no offense. If I pressed such questions, he could be as cold as he liked.

  “Xavier!” I yelled in the courtyard, running to him. I hadn’t seen her for days. My mission was finally over, and I had to make sure she was okay. “Xavier, where is she?”

  He didn’t turn around, almost as if he hadn’t heard me.

  “Xavier!” I ran, nearly colliding with him. “Where is she?” I pulled him to face me, to find his golden eyes glassy.

  “Not now, Adalia.”

  “Why? What happened?” I asked, my stomach dropping. “Tell me what happened!”

  “Not now!” he yelled, pushing me. I fell off my feet in surprise. He looked down at me, his eyes widening like he’d just realized what he’d done. “She’s sick,” he whispered. “She has a disease.”

  “I want to see her!”

  “Okay, okay.” Xavier crouched next to me, touching my shoulders. “Okay.”

  “Do you think she was afraid of death?” I asked him. He didn’t answer. He was quiet for a while, and then I turned my head again to face him. There were tears in his eyes. One single drop slid down his cheek, and he made no effort to wipe it away.

  “Adalia,” he said, his voice full of sadness, “I don’t know.” I turned on my side completely, facing him, looking up at him. I took in his high cheekbones, his long lashes. The way his jaw looked carved and sharp.

  I reached out and took his hand in mine to give him some comfort. He turned his head to face me, his golden eyes looking into mine.

  “Why are you thinking these things now?”

  I gave him a sad smile. “I always think. I’ve just never brought myself to speak about it.”

  She lay on the bed, her eyes closed, her face pale, the blankets pulled up to her chin. Xavier was holding my hand when I walked inside, but I pulled away immediately when I saw her.

  “Oh, no,” I whispered, sitting by her side. I squeezed her hand. “It’s me.”

  The queen’s eyes fluttered open. “Adalia,” she whispered.

  “Are you going to get better?”

  The queen smiled. “Look at me, dear.” She reached out and put a cold finger under my chin, watching me with weary eyes. “When someone is this sick, the next place you’ll meet them is with God. So be a good girl for me,” she smiled, “and when you’re old and your little Adalias have grown up and had their own children, we may reunite.”

  I stared at her face in disbelief, the words slipping out of my mouth. “I promise.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m not sad, see?” she said. “I love you, my little princess,” and then smiled at Xavier, pulling him towards her. He looked down at his hands, his dark hair falling in his eyes. Never once did he look up. I blocked everything out, unable to listen to th
eir conversation. I focused on the ceiling, my eyes training on the small crack in it. And then I left them alone. There was a part of me that was hoping she’d miraculously get better, but when I received the news, it was as if I hadn’t seen it coming at all.

  Xavier was the one that told me. “She’s gone.” A weight fell on my chest, crushing everything inside me.

  “I already knew it was going to happen. You don’t need to be so upset about it. We all knew it was coming,” I spat out, turning on my heel and leaving him wallow in his own misery.

  “I think everyone is afraid of death,” Xavier finally said. “But she always thought of herself last. To her, there was always someone more important.”

  “You,” I said to Xavier. His grip tightened on my hand.

  “Us.”

  “Aren’t you going to the funeral?” Xavier asked, a day after the tragic death.

  “You think I have time for that?” I laughed coldly. “Xavier, I see these things happen all the time. In fact, I have to go kill someone now. It’s not important. I’m used to it.”

  Xavier raised his eyebrows, hurt. “Oh, Adalia, I’m—” He didn’t complete the sentence. He exited the room, slowly closing the door. “I’m going to miss you,” was all he said.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” I said, confused, but he was already gone. There was a dull throb in my chest.

  “I miss her,” I whispered, sitting up.

  “I know.”

  “She’s never coming back.”

  “No.” Xavier looked into my eyes as he sat up. I wiped my face on the back of my sleeve, giving him an apologetic smile. “It’s late.”

  Yeah.” His eyes were sad.

  “I’m sorry. About everything.”

  He looked down at his long fingers which were twisted to-gether stressfully. This was a topic that had remained unspo-ken between us until now. I got to my feet, brushing the dirt

  off my clothes.

  A cool breeze rippled through our clothes. “We should get back.”

  I walked around the edge of the lake, kicking off my boots as Xavier fell into step beside me. Suddenly, I had a wicked idea. I wanted to get him back for all of his years of taunting, teasing, and getting me in trouble, so I turned and pushed him. Hard. He stumbled, trying to catch his balance, but failed to do so and toppled into the lake. There was a loud splash, droplets of water hitting my face like icy needles. Xavier came up and spat out water, gasping for breath, his arms flailing. I fell back, laughing and holding my stomach as he crawled over the edge, choking out water. He was soaked and shivering.

  “Why did you do that?” He coughed, wiping his soaked hair out of his face. “How cruel.”

  “I’m not going to apologize,” I gasped. “It was worth it.” I stood up, still laughing when suddenly Xavier got a dangerous look on his face and stood up. “What are you—”

  I couldn’t finish the sentence before he lunged at me, wrapping me in a giant bear hug until all the ice-cold water had soaked me completely. I toppled to the ground, Xavier keeping me in his strong hold.

  “Not fair!” I yelled, struggling in his grasp. He let go, but a moment too late. The whole front of my uniform was soaked, and part of my back. “I hate you.”

  “The feeling’s mutual,” he coughed, reaching up to push his dark, wet hair out of his face.

  He smiled down at me, and I couldn’t help but smiling back. His face was getting closer. His forehead bumped into mine, and we lay like that for a while, entranced by the comforting silence. When he did lean in, I pulled away quickly, my cheeks flushing a deep, dark red. His lips brushed my cheek.

  I was embarrassed. I sat up, not knowing whether to apologize. I’d never been in such a situation, and my reaction was impulsive. Xavier got to his feet, brushing dark hair out of his eyes. He avoided making eye contact.

  “We should head back.”

  I cleared my throat, nodding. “I agree,” I said, a little too stiffly. I was frustrated. Frustrated with myself.

  The king was waiting for me when I returned.

  “Yes, Your Majesty?” I asked, bowing.

  “Since you’re back,” he said, stroking his beard and watching me carefully, “it is best to resume your practice.”

  Time seemed to freeze. It seemed silly to have forgotten, but it had completely slipped my mind. I was to go back to being a killer now.

  “I have another mission for you. Now that the rebels may know who you are, you have to be very discreet. The target lives side of Astodia, not too far from the castle.” The king began to give me the details of the man. “Understood?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  I swept into a low bow, tucking a strand of loose hair behind my ear. I was ready.

  TWENTY ONE

  I crouched on the roof, taking out my bow. Nocking an arrow in, I waited for the carriage to roll by. I could already hear it in the distance. In a few moments, it would be right under me.

  I aimed the arrow, my hands steady. I focused on the horse and the rider that was leading it. Releasing the arrow, I watched as it whizzed towards him, piercing his chest. He let out a groan, slumping forward. By then, the carriage was almost below me.

  I slid the bow onto my back, freeing my hands, and stood up, readying myself. I held out my arms and fell forward, flipping in the air. I landed with a thud on the carriage, and I heard a shout from the inside. The horse panicked, rearing, throwing off the dead rider and began to gallop. Holding on, I flipped over the edge and gripped a bar on the roof, trying to pry open the door. They were holding it shut from the inside.

  I slid out my sword, using the hilt to break the window. As the glass shattered, the carriage hit a bump, nearly causing me to lose my grip.

  The wind whipped in my face, throwing back my hood. I sheathed my sword, pulling out a knife, and slashed at the hand holding the door shut. She let out a cry of pain.

  I pulled the door open, maintaining my balance as I took a look at the woman inside. She was terrified.

  I found myself wondering why the king wanted her dead.

  “Spare me,” she begged, huddling in the opposite end out the carriage. My cloak rippled in the wind behind me as I bent down, looking at her closely. She was young. “Please, I won’t say anything to anyone.”

  “The only thing I can do is make this quick,” I said to her. Don’t make this hard for me.

  It wasn’t supposed to be hard for me.

  “I’ve done nothing wrong.”

  “I don’t kill people for fun. You must’ve done something.”

  She kept shaking her head, begging for me to spare her. So, I changed my mind. Grabbing the bars above the carriage, I pulled myself up back up. I stood, steadying myself, and then jumped onto the horse. Yanking on the reins, I pulled it to a stop.

  I dismounted the horse, waiting for her to come out.

  For the first time, I felt the need to hear her out, to give her a chance. I was disobeying a direct order.

  “Thank you,” she gasped. “Oh, thank you. I will forget that I ever saw you. You needn’t worry.” I nodded, turning my back for a brief moment to take care of the frightened horse who kept pawing at the ground, shaking its head, neighing. It was going to wake someone up.

  And then, I heard her.

  Her steps were too quick, too anxious.

  In one quick movement, I whipped arm towards her, letting the hidden knife in my sleeve fly. She let out a gasp, staring down at the handle protruding from her chest. I watched as she fell to her knees, staring at me with wide eyes, blood dripping from her wound onto the cobblestone below her.

  Then, she fell to the side. I walked over to her, reaching

  down, and picked the glinting dagger from her hand. It had been poisoned. In that moment, I promised myself I would never hesitate again.

  As I walked down the steps to the dungeons, heading toward Lance’s isolated cell, I heard whispering coming from inside. The door was closed. I brought my ear to it, listening carefully
.

  “They’re planning on getting you out of here,” a familiar voice said.

  “How?” Lance asked.

  “During the ball. I have the keys—while the assassin and her guards are distracted, I’ll give you something to change into and—”

  I threw the door open, ripping out my sword and pressing the tip against Hunter’s chest. I backed him up into the wall, slipping the knife out of my belt, and pointed it at Lance who stood behind me.

  “It’s not what you think!” Hunter said, holding his arms up in surrender.

  “Are you getting Lance out of here?” I asked the guard, who hesitated in response. “Answer me,” I growled, pushing the blade deeper. He winced.

  “Yes. Please, let me go I promise I—”

  “Shut up.” I sheathed my sword, flipping the knife in my hand as I walked around the dark room. “What’s the plan?” I asked Hunter.

  “Me?” he asked.

  “Who else, idiot?” He glanced at Lance, who began to speak.

  “Even if you stop us, I’ll still find a way out. Like I said,

  we have people all over the castle—”

  “I asked one question, and that’s not the answer to it,” I said, cutting him off.

  “It’s the ball. I was going to leave during it without hurting anybody,” Lance explained. “Hunter had no part in this, I was only asking him if he wanted to assist me and he kept refusing—”

  “Save it.” I exhaled slowly. “I’ll convince the king to change it to a masquerade. That way, it’ll be easier to disguise yourselves.”

  Lance and Hunter stared at me with shocked expressions.

  “I brought you here, and I owe you this much. After this, we shouldn’t meet again.”

  “You want me to what?” Xavier asked. “Why?”

  “I’m just in the mood for one. Look, I’ll pay you.”

  He threw back his head and laughed loudly. “No bribes. I actually pay you.”

  “Oh, come on. When did you get so boring?”

  “Me? Boring?” He looked shocked, as if he couldn’t believe I would even suggest something like that. “Alright, alright. I’ll tell my father to make the ball to a masquerade. Happy?” He narrowed his eyes. “But . . . why?”