by Tamryn Tamer
“Go find out?” Frost chuckled. “You mean meet with him? What’s to stop him from having me killed on the spot?”
“If he decides to attack you it’d be an act of war,” Brynn answered confidently. “It sounds like my father approved an investigation, not a war. If he approved a war, we’d feel the ground trembling as the legions of Zira marched toward us.”
“Okay,” Frost nodded while moving toward the wagons. “Let’s go make sure everybody is okay. Once they’re settled, I’ll get ready to head toward Blackwater.”
“I’ll get ready to head toward Blackwater as well,” Brynn said as she followed him toward the wagons. “Cassia, would you mind getting Lysandra to handle the courtesans? I want to get ready to leave immediately. If we leave soon, we should make it to Blackwater before nightfall.”
“Why do you need to be there before nightfall?” Cassia asked.
“If Herald Law arrived last night by surprise then the celebration for his arrival will likely happen tonight,” Brynn said, grinning impishly. “I need to attend the party.”
“I’d prefer going alone,” Frost said. “Just in case.”
“Herald Law is my herald,” Brynn said sternly. “I have been a loyal follower of Ziralia for my entire life. He would be disappointed if I didn’t come with and it would make negotiations more difficult for you.”
“I suppose I’d hate to disappoint him,” Frost said as he watched the machinations behind Brynn’s eyes start working in overdrive. She looked like she did when she was pouring over paperwork in her study. She was definitely up to something. “We’ll leave as soon as we can.”
CHAPTER 12
Brynn was somewhat off the entire trip to Blackwater. Normally she would entertain them with music or make jokes the entire journey, but the moment they crossed the border into Zira something felt different. Although it seemed he was the only one who noticed since her provisional handmaidens didn’t mention anything.
“Finally,” Ena said as the city came into view. She gently patted her massive dark horse’s neck. “Hammer’s not an endurance runner.”
“Dancer can run all day,” Renna said, proudly patting her slender stag-like steed. “Isn’t that right? Who’s got a lot of energy?”
“Not as much as Sneaky,” Fayeth smirked as her brown-striped green zebra trotted next to them. “She always wins when we race.”
“Only for really long distances!” Renna said defensively as she wrapped her arms around Dancer’s neck. “And Dancer always wins with turns and obstacles!”
“And Witch always beats them all,” Frost said, turning to look back at the three elves. The women were dressed in identically styled gowns. Each dress had wrapped halter fronts and long flowing skirts they had to hike up while on horseback, revealing their colorful thigh-high stockings. “You can all go side saddle now if you like.”
“What if I like it this way?” Renna asked, hiking her skirt up a little further to flash him her black lacy panties. “Can I ride like that?”
“Renna,” Brynn said sternly as she turned herself side-saddle, which was an extremely awkward position since she was sharing a seat with Frost. “You need to be on your best behavior. I mean it. The Herald Law’s royal guards don’t have a sense of humor and you are representing me.”
“Fine,” Renna said, pouting as she twisted her body to the side, allowing her shimmering green dress to fall naturally, covering her tan athletic legs. “Is that better?”
“Thank you,” Brynn said as Fayeth and Ena similarly changed their positions, letting their skirts cover their legs. Both Ena’s blue dress and Fayeth’s yellow dress fit the women’s bodies perfectly, which in Fayeth’s case made her shockingly distracting. Her large chest was practically popping out of the sides of her halter wrap. “And remember, you’re my personal handmaidens. Act like it.”
“We know,” Ena groaned. “We’re not stupid.”
“What’s gotten into her?” Fayeth mumbled.
“We shouldn’t have brought them,” Frost said worriedly. “You know that if anybody tries something with them, I’m…”
“I know handsome,” Brynn said, patting his chest reassuringly. “But if I show up to a celebration without servants it’ll reflect negatively on me. It’s customary for a princess to travel with two handmaidens but anybody that travels with the minimum is seen as barely scraping by. So, the real minimum is three. Personally, I would have preferred a couple more.”
“I get it,” Frost said while staring at his raven-haired wife. The petite bard tucked her hair behind her ears and held it in place with decorative floral pins giving her a youthful look that she normally tried to avoid. Her dress was similarly out of character. It was white, a color she almost never wore, and had a bateau neckline and a mermaid skirt. She looked almost like a sacrificial virgin. “But, first thing’s first, it seems that the city is on lockdown.”
“Not surprising,” Brynn sighed.
Seven royal guards stood outside of the closed portcullis of Blackwater’s western gate, one of them sat on a large white warhorse in azure and gold plate armor. The man carried a large kite shield decorated with a golden hammer in one hand and a matching golden hammer in the other.
“That’s one of Herald Law’s personal guards,” Brynn said, nodding at the men. “Just let me do the talking.”
The armored guard trotted toward them as they approached the gate. The man gripped his hammer and shield as if preparing for battle and stopped a short distance away from them.
“The city of Blackwater is currently closed due to the curfew,” the man said, not waiting for them to speak. “The gates will reopen tomorrow during the daytime.”
“Curfew?” Frost scoffed as Brynn elbowed his ribs. “What?”
“I am Princess Brynn Hilde Leaucault,” Brynn said authoritatively. “These three are my handmaidens and this man is my husband, Herald Frost of Pluma Territory. We are here to attend the banquet for Herald Law’s arrival.”
“Herald Frost?” the man’s grip on his hammer tightened as he scanned the group. Both Frost and Brynn had the ability to prevent scans but none of the elves did. “Hmph. I can’t allow you into the city without the approval of Herald Law.”
“You mean without the approval of Princess Fiora Leaucault,” Brynn said with a tone so hostile it felt like a threat. “Unless there’s something I’m unaware of.”
“Herald Law has…”
“I did not ask about Herald Law!” Brynn snapped with an arrogance he wasn’t aware she was capable of. Several of the guards near the gate backed up slightly, as if to distance themselves from the conflict. “You are the royal guards! So, what royal has given you permission to prevent a Princess of Zira from entering this city?!”
“The king gave Herald Law…”
“My father gave Herald Law permission to prevent a member of the royal family and her entourage from entering Blackwater?” Brynn laughed. “Really? I suppose I should contact him and let him know that Herald Magnus Law has commanded his men to block my path!”
“Herald Law never…”
“What’s that?” Brynn asked, eyes full of fire and brimstone. “Herald Law never commanded you to block the path of the princess? So, you’re blocking my path of your own volition? Are your men also blocking my path of their own volition? Remind me, what’s the punishment for treason?”
“Princess Brynn Hilde…” the man turned to look at the men who were already signaling to open the portcullis without waiting for his approval. “I apologize. I believe I misunderstood the orders of Herald Law. You are of course free to enter. But your husband and…”
“My husband will come with me as will my handmaidens,” Brynn said while jerking her head toward the gate, indicating to Frost and the others that they should ignore the guard. “And you’ll be thankful I haven’t asked for your name or else I’d have your head on the slab before the week was out.”
“Yes, your highness,” the guard said, avoiding eye contact as they passed. “Thank you.�
�
Frost and the others trotted into the city and moments later the gate was closed behind them. Frost noticed a runner from the gatehouse sprinting toward the keep to inform somebody of their arrival.
“That was amazing,” Renna said excitedly. “He was so scared!”
“Of my father,” Brynn said, the black-haired bard said as she snuggled into Frost’s chest. “My father doesn’t particularly like Herald Law attempting to exert authority over the nobility. He once executed two dozen royal guards for demanding he disarm before entering the chamber of the grand council.”
“I could see that being aggravating,” Frost smirked. It was rare for Brynn to mention anything about King Leaucault directly. Occasionally, she’d let things slip like how he forced his children to compete against each other or some brief snide comment about him being a lazy ruler. “Can’t say I blame him.”
“Now’s not the time for joking,” Brynn said as they trotted through the city. “Remember, when we arrive you need to be polite. You need to get along with Herald Law. He and my father both want Zira to control the entire continent so if you’re seen as a threat to that and he reports it to my father, things could end badly for us. Also, he is my herald.”
“I really don’t like the way you say that,” Frost said, shaking his head. “If he’s harmed Haru or any of the courtesans he’s taken…”
“Handsome,” Brynn tugged on the lapel of his black coat. “Do not start a conflict because of some whores. Madam Gardenia is one thing because I know you like her, but her employees are something else entirely. Be pragmatic.”
“Ena,” Frost glanced back at the blonde cerulean-eyed elf. “What do you say?”
“If he’s harmed any of them you should kill him,” Ena said without hesitating.
“And all of his soldiers,” Renna added.
“I’m inclined to agree,” Fayeth said, smiling at Brynn. “The courtesans are our friends. Several of them even attended your wedding Lady Brynn. I’m a little bit disappointed that you would allow somebody to hurt them.”
“I never said allow him to,” Brynn said defensively. “I’m saying that if they’re hurt then they’re not dead. But even if one of them is dead and you kill Herald Law, a lot more will die. I’m just asking you not to pass the point of no return.”
“That’s up to them,” Frost said coldly.
“Just let me handle it,” Brynn said, growing slightly aggravated by the situation. “I’ll talk to Herald Law and arrange for him to release the women. Don’t do anything that can jeopardize that.”
“Do you think you can convince him to let them go?” Fayeth asked.
“Maybe,” Brynn said, glancing up at Frost. “As long as nobody causes any trouble.”
“Why would I cause trouble?” Frost asked.
“We’re going to be in a room full of nobles that despise you and view demihumans as nothing but animals,” Brynn sighed while staring at the keep. It wouldn’t be long before they arrived. “Just try not to let them goad you into anything.”
“Herald Frost isn’t tricked that easily,” Renna said smugly.
“Magnus is still Herald,” Brynn said. “And he’s been in our world for almost thirty-five years.”
“If he’s so dangerous you should tell me more about him,” Frost said while wrapping his arm around Brynn’s waist, pulling her close. “What aren’t you telling me about your herald?”
“You don’t need to take that tone,” Brynn sighed. “I married you, not him.”
“That’s an odd thing to say,” Frost said. “Should I be jealous?”
“No. But I’ve known Herald Law for a long time. He was friends with my mother,” Brynn said as they approached the gates of the tower. “He would visit her regularly and I would play music for them both. He’s always favored me since I’m one of the few devout followers of Ziralia in the royal family.”
“Are you sure you’re still in good standing after marrying Herald Frost?” Renna teased.
“And you had Prince Erik killed,” Ena added.
“And the rumors that you killed your brothers,” Fayeth finished for good measure.
“Fair points,” Frost said, smiling down on the petite bard. “You sure he still favors you?”
“I’m sure of it,” Brynn said smugly. “I’m Magnus’ favorite princess.”
“Fine,” Frost said, finding himself mildly irritated by the way she spoke about the herald. “Well, I suppose if you’re on a first name basis with him it must mean something.”
Frost and the others stopped in front of the gate to the keep where an exhausted runner leaned against a wall drinking from his canteen. The guards bowed politely at Brynn and signaled the guards on the other side of the gate to open it.
“Princess Brynn Hilde,” a royal guard bowed politely at the princess while ignoring the others. “We’re honored.”
“Thank you,” Brynn said as they rode through the gate. The group stopped in front of an extremely nervous stable boy. “Is something wrong?”
“N-nothing,” the boy said, eyeing Witch as if she were a demon disguised as a horse. He rummaged through the pockets of his overalls and pulled out a carrot. The boy cautiously stepped forward, offering the carrot to Witch while attempting to grab the side of the reins. “I-I have more in the stable if you’re good.”
“What’s wrong with him?” Ena asked.
“Tim runs Fiora’s stables,” Frost said as he dismounted. He carefully grabbed Brynn’s waist and helped her down from the red mare. “So, it’s not his first run in with Witch.”
“She’s a good girl,” Renna said, smiling as she hopped off of Dancer. She wrapped her arms around the antelope-like beast and started nuzzling its neck. “Not as good as my little Dancer though. Isn’t that right? Who’s the nicest? You are! Yes, you are! You’re going to be such a good girl, aren’t you?”
“Um,” the stable boy glanced nervously at the three unique beasts. Hammer, almost more bull than horse. Dancer, who looked like something they’d hunt for food. And Sneaky, whose green and brown stripes ironically made it stand out like a sore thumb in the city. “Will they be fine in the stables?”
“I don’t see why not,” Fayeth said while hopping off of Sneaky. “But you’ll want to keep a close eye on Sneaky.”
“And Dancer needs lots of room,” Renna said while handing the young man the reins. “And also watch out for her antlers. If any horses start a fight with her, she will use them.”
“You can put her in with Hammer,” Ena said while patting her behemoth of a horse. “He’ll make sure nobody treats her poorly. He’s such a good protector. Isn’t that right?”
Hammer huffed approvingly while stomping his hooves, causing the stable boy to take several steps back.
“Right,” the young man said, taking the reins of all of the mounts and guiding them toward the stable. “I’ll be sure to take good care of them…”
Frost and the others watched as the nervous stable boy led them away, glancing at Witch every few seconds.
“Alright,” Brynn said while gesturing toward the front doors of the keep. “Don’t forget to be on your best behavior.”
“We know,” the elves groaned.
“I was talking to Frost,” Brynn said, glaring at him. “Let’s go.”
CHAPTER 13
Frost felt hundreds of eyes burrowing into him the moment he walked through the door of the main hall. The nobles’ hatred and disgust filled the air as the mood of the entire room filled with a tension so thick it could have suffocated them all.
The massive main hall of the keep was decorated lavishly in the banners of the various noble houses of Blackwater. The herald’s blue and gold banner hung over the throne on the far side of the hall next to the violet banner of Zira’s royal family. Frost wondered if they realized that due to the positioning, the golden hammer emblem appeared to be preparing to crush the golden crown emblem.
The music of the small orchestra filled the massive hall bouncin
g off the walls as the group played on the second-floor balcony. It was the first time Frost had ever heard music playing in the keep despite several visits and he was surprised with how much livelier it made the place feel.
The center of the hall was open, providing plenty of room for the nobles to dance and mingle. For those that were hungry or thirsty, long tables filled with food and drinks bordered the room.
A large table nicer than the rest was set up in front of the throne but at the moment nobody was sitting at it. He imagined that the Herald was mingling with one of the groups of nobles.
Frost glanced around the room for familiar faces and saw several rushing straight toward him. Commander Grey and his wife were the first to greet him.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Commander Grey growled under his breath. “Are you fucking insane.”
“William,” Lady Gray chided. “Decorum.”
The old man was dressed in a fine navy blue suit with an orange ruffled undershirt that complimented his wife’s orange gown. The grey-haired woman smiled as she curtseyed, glaring at Commander Grey once she finished until he performed a polite bow.
“Everything will be fine Commander Grey,” Brynn said, returning Lady Grey’s courtesy. “Lady Grey, it’s been too long. How have you been?”
“Are you fucking kidding me right now?” Commander Grey said while glancing around the room. “You need to get out of here before you cause a problem. This is a diplomatic matter and…”
“Far too long my dear,” Lady Grey said while feigning to kiss Brynn’s cheek. “Have you been well?”
“Frost,” Commander Grey said, practically growling as he stepped in front of Frost. “Herald Law is in attendance and…”
“That’s why we’re here,” Frost said, placing his hand on the Commander’s shoulder. “I heard that he arrived and has taken people I care about into custody.”
“Dammit,” Commander Grey smacked his hand away. “We both know how you get and what you intend to do. Let me handle it diplomatically so it doesn’t turn into a…”
