I don’t know how long Lily will sleep, but no doubt she will need food. I only hope I can get her back to the castle before nightfall.
Until then, I have to keep her alive. With that in mind, I work faster, watching every step as I make my way back toward the river where I found creatures lurking earlier.
Rustling leaves catch my attention. I lean down and nock an arrow against the string, pulling back as I take aim. A rabbit hops by. I wait for the animal to be still and let the arrow loose. It finds its mark.
Knowing I will be returning to the castle soon, I don’t bother looking for more game. I claim the rabbit and my arrow and make my way back to camp. I begin preparing the rabbit, skinning it and pulling apart the chunks of meat before skewering them.
I place the food over the fire and turn to check on Lily. The princess has yet to awaken. I take life away—I do not restore it. I can no longer help her. She needs a physician, and only the best. I eat a bite of meat, questioning how safe it is to move Lily.
With very little choice if I wish for her to survive, I wrap the cooked meat up and stick it in the saddle bags before kneeling beside Lily. “Kova.” I call for the horse to come to me, coaxing her to lie beside the princess while I lift her onto the horse’’s back.
I leave the princess’s cloak and the saddle, but grab the saddle blanket and put it around her shoulders, along with my cloak. Hoping she is warm enough, unable to give her any more warmth but my own. “Stand up.” I tell Kova, coaxing her along. As soon as she has risen, I mount and lean Lily back against my chest.
I guide Kova from the dense forest and back onto the path. As soon as the road is clear, I push her to run.
My entire body feels frozen. I can only imagine that Lily is holding up far less, still soaking wet. I try to hold her closer just to keep each other warm. She squirms a little, and I fear she will awaken in the middle of the ride.
I push Kova harder, urging her to go faster. With the castle in sight, my hope rises. We don’t slow down until we’re through the gates and in the courtyard. Guards surround me, but I don’t have time to think about it.
“The princess needs help!” I yell, climbing down from the horse’s back and pulling Lily into my arms.
“What happened?” Captain Armando pushes his way through the wall of soldiers, approaching me as if he is more concerned about who I am and what I’m doing than the princess’’s wellbeing.
“I found her in the river. She is freezing to death. She needs the royal physician immediately.”
“We will take her from here.” He raises his arms as if he means for me to hand over the princess.
“I would rather take her myself. I rescued her, and I have a right to see that she is taken care of, Captain.” I refuse to let this woman out of my sight until I know she is safe and well. And that I have a shot at seeing the king for my heroics.
“What is going on?” The voice startles me. I did not expect to get my audience with the king so soon.
“Your Majesty, this man is claiming to have saved Princess Lily from the river. He wishes to carry her to the physician himself,” the captain says with disdain.
“Then allow him that curtesy. My daughter’s life hangs in the balance.” The king glares at the man, which gives me a small bit of pleasure. ““Follow me, young man.” He walks briskly through the castle doors.
I follow after, careful to watch my step while carrying Lily and keeping up with the king. We weave through multiple corridors before arriving at the infirmary.
“Riel!” the king shouts.
A short man greets us, seeming a bit panicked. He nods and shows me to a bed where I can lay her down. I remove the cloak and notice that her skin is much darker blue. I intertwine my fingers with hers, attempting to bring warmth back to them.
“Alert me as soon as she is awake,” King Chavez commands before grabbing my arm and attempting to drag me from the room.
“Your Majesty, I will need to ask the boy questions. Please allow him to stay,” Riel requests. I assume he is royal physician.
“Whatever you need in the name of saving my daughter.” The king releases me. I immediately return to Lily’s side.
“Tell me what happened to her, ” Riel demands. He seems more menacing now than he did a moment ago. Perhaps going with the king would be my best course of action.
I notice the king is no longer so eager to leave. Rather, he lingers behind me, waiting to hear what happened. So I tell them. I was in search of food, but my hunt was interrupted by the screaming of a woman. When her screams stopped, I was more concerned, and noticed a form in the water.
I go into detail—how I used the rope to create a handhold so the current didn’t sweep me away as I went into the water and saved the princess, then leaned her on her side to help empty her lungs of water.
Both men listen intently, though Riel works while he listens. “You say she was awake for a moment?”
“Yes. She tried to speak, but was interrupted by more coughing. When she passed out, I knew she needed more help than I could give, but I was afraid to move her while she slept. I built a fire, covered her with all the cloth I could, and finished hunting for food in hopes that it would help her when she woke up. However, upon returning from the hunt, I found that she was still asleep, and colder than ever. I knew I could not wait to bring her here. I was able to get her on my horse, and held her up while we rode.”
“Will she be all right?” the king asks Riel.
“If I can get her temperature to rise, she will live.”
“I will send help to build a fire and bring more furs.” The king leaves us, and Riel continues working, fidgeting, trying to save the princess, though I do not understand his actions.
“Might I suggest something? Though it may not be entirely proper, I believe the circumstances would allow it.” I feel brave in asking this. And truthfully, I would never think it, less much voice it, with the king present. But just to Riel, I believe I am safe.
“What is it, boy?”
“I do not think she will be able to get warm again on her own. But if someone were to lie beside her, their warmth will help her own temperature rise.”
“I do believe you are correct. She is far too cold right now.” He turns slightly and looks behind me. I follow his gaze to see Armando standing just inside the door.
“Captain, please fetch the queen immediately. Call for Hera as well.”
“Of course, Riel. Right away!” The captain turns on his heel and leaves.
“How is she, Riel? Please tell me.” The woman’s voice coming from behind me causes the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end. ““What is he doing here?”
I turn to see Hera standing there, glaring at me.
“He saved the princess—who, yes, is fine. She will live. We just need to get her body to warm up, which is why I’ve called for Queen Madrid. I asked you to be here so you can make our hero welcome. Give him a room for the evening. He has a right to stay and ensure that Lily survives and is all right, not to mention that he should be rewarded for his actions today. I believe a hot meal, a warm bath, and a comfortable bed are in order for this young man.” Riel praises me, which surprises me, considering that only moments ago, he called me a boy.
“Of course,” Hera says through gritted teeth. “Follow me.”
With her dainty wings flowing behind her, her thin body and the attractive blue gown, I never would have thought that she would have the strength to drag me anywhere, but that is exactly what she does. My arm actually hurts, but I don’t resist. I would rather she take her anger out on me in her own way, privately, than to inform the king that I was here just yesterday seeking a job.
“Who do you work for?” She spins around abruptly and now faces me.
“What do you mean?” I go for the innocent, wide-eyed, peasant look.
“It can’t be a coincidence that you are here one day seeking a job, and after being turned away, the next afternoon, you arrive the hero,
having just saved the princess. So, who do you work for? Why are you here?”
“I told you yesterday why I’m here. I am homeless, with nothing but the clothes on my back to my name. That and my loyal horse. I came seeking a job and a place to sleep at night. I was hunting for food when I saw something or someone being tossed around like a leaf going downstream in the river. I had no idea it was the princess, of all people, I was rescuing.” I hold her gaze, refusing to back down.
I can fool any human. But a fairy? Not as easily done.
“I am watching you, Gavin. Don’t think you have me convinced even for a second,” she snaps.
Another servant walks toward us. I hope to make a clean break, to use the newcomer as a distraction, but it isn’t necessary.
“Here is your room. I hope you find it most accommodating. Please let me know if you need anything, hero.” She pushes the door open and waves me inside.
I go without a sound, letting the door close behind me.
Every rise of my shoulders, every lift of my chest, any movement at all causes my stiff body to hurt. I pull the blanket closer to my chin, shaking from the cold. A warmth beside me brings comfort, so I move closer, though that hurts too.
“It’s okay, dear. You’re going to be all right. Just rest,” a sweet voice whispers.
I move even closer. Finding that bit of heat comforts me, and once more, I fall asleep.
I open my eyes and notice I’m in the castle. The infirmary, no less. How did I get here? The last thing I remember is riding in the forest. The quiet, an adventure on my own . . . I remember the horse getting spooked, and I lost my grip and fell into the frigid water.
Immediately, I pull back the furs on top of me and attempt to sit up. I notice there is nothing beside me, though I remember finding warmth in that empty spot last night. Or perhaps that was longing for warmth?
Maybe it wasn’t last night at all. The last thing I truly remember is falling into the river. The weight of the water pushing down on me, suffocating me. I remember seeing a man, the same young man who got my attention during my duel with Elian.
“Careful, Your Highness. You are still recovering.” That voice sends a jolt down my spine. I look up. The mysterious man.
“Who are you?” It doesn’t feel like the question I should have asked, but there is something about him, and I can’t rid myself of that feeling. I have to know.
“Your rescuer. I found you in the river, nearly drowned, hardly able to breathe. You almost froze. I’m only glad I was able to get you to safety in time.” His frown somehow seems wrong.
“But who are you?” I ask again.
“You should rest, Your Highness.” He bows and leaves the room.
I stand, ready to follow him, but the room begins spinning. I turn, still attempting to move, when I fall back, landing on the bed, but only barely. Everything hurts.
“Your Highness.” I recognize Riel’s voice. “Please lie down. You need your rest.” He tucks the blanket around me.
“Riel, who is he?” I look toward the empty doorway where I last saw the man.
“He is the reason you are alive. As for his name or where he comes from or even why he is here, I do not know. I am sure he will be happy to answer all your questions, but first, you must get better. Your temperature has returned to normal, but you hit your head quite hard, and I would like to keep you here until I know for sure that you are going to be all right.””
“Please bring him back,” I say before drifting off again.
The straw mattress dips and moves beneath me, stirring me from an unsettled sleep. I open my eyes and see the man who saved me. His brown eyes are bright, welcoming. He brushes a strand of hair from my face.
“Are you feeling any better, Your Highness?”
“My name is Lily,” I respond, wishing to hear him say it.
“If she remembers her name and is aware that she wishes you to be addressing her with it rather than ‘Your Highness,’ I believe the princess is healed,”” Riel jokes. I realize I did not correct him earlier when he addressed me the same way this man did.
“If you are all right, I will continue on my journey, then.” He goes to stand, but I reach out and grab his hand.
“Don’t go. What is your name?” I sit up to face him.
“It matters not, Your Highness. I am no one. I really should be leaving soon. I would hate to travel in the dead of night.” His voice shakes slightly.
“Come with me.” I stand again. When the same dizzy feeling doesn’t overcome me, I step forward, grab his hand, and pull him along.
“Might I ask where you’re taking me?”
I look back to see that the man is smiling, trying desperately not to laugh.
“To see my father.” I march all the way to the grand hall, where King Chavez sits on his throne, addressing those who have come to see him about their problems. Knowing my father’s caring nature, I get in line behind a couple wearing torn clothing.
A guard waves them forward. I cannot make out their words, but when Miss Hera is summoned to take them away, I know they are being given new clothes to keep them alive during the winter.
I may not always agree with my father, but knowing that he truly cares for his people warms my heart. I hope to be that kind of ruler one day.
“Lily!” I look forward and am embraced by his strong arms. “I am so happy you are alive.” He steps back, holding me at arm’s length as he looks me up and down to ensure there are no lasting effects from my ride down the river.
“As am I.” Mother wraps her arms around me, which causes me to jerk back, startled. I did not see her walk in.
“I have explained to your father about your outing. Whatever happened to the soldiers who were with you?” She looks at me with concern, but I know she is only playing a part to keep Father from being angry with both of us.
“We somehow got separated,” I give as my only explanation.
“Well, we are forever grateful to this young man for rescuing you.” Father pulls the stranger beside me closer. “Without you, my daughter would not have lived, and for that, there is no reward I could offer sufficient to show my gratitude. Name whatever it is your heart most desires, and it shall be yours.”
We all look at him, waiting anxiously for his answer. He looks between my mother and father, meets my eyes, and averts his gaze to the floor.
“I only seek a place to work and earn my keep.” He speaks timidly, which is not what I expected of him. His good looks, strong arms, and the fact that he was able to pull me from the freezing water all attest to the fact that he should be able to find work anywhere.
“What is your name?” my father asks.
“Gavin,” he answers simply.
“Well, Gavin, Miss Hera will show you to your new home. She will teach you what you need to know about working in the castle. Your reward could have been all the gold you would ever need, all the food you would ever want, and I would have given it to you. Yet, you asked for honest work and a place to call home. I am astounded, grateful, and forever in your debt.””
Tears well up in Gavin’s eyes as he bows. “Thank you,” he whispers.
If I did not have a longing to know more about this boy before, I certainly do now. He is nothing like I could have imagined him. Standing outside, watching me sword fight with my brother, he appeared intrigued, curious, cautious—perhaps even intimidated. But I know him to be brave, courageous, and to take action when he needs to.
I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss his cheek. “Thank you.” I smile and step away, trying my hardest not to be taken aback by his sudden stiffness when I touched him.
My cheeks are warm from the blush caused by Lily’s kiss. But I feel more confident that I have convinced them I am an ordinary man named Gavin. I did not realize how it would feel to use this name again, but Derrick seemed wrong. Derrick sounds like a monster. Not just any monster——the very beast Cordae created. Gavin sounds like a hero. He sounds like the innocent boy he
was before everything changed. Right now, I need to be the hero so they never suspect the monster.
Hera looks even less pleased at being asked to show me to my new home than she did yesterday having to show me to a temporary room. I half expected her to inform the king that I already tried to get work here once—perhaps she did. It would only take that little bit of knowledge to put a shadow over their feelings and make them suspect me.
Now that I’m in, I only hope Cordae never doubts me again. It puts a smile on my face, knowing I proved Saar wrong twice. He didn’t believe I would ever get inside this castle. He would have let whoever was drowning simply drown.
“Here are your sleeping quarters. That bed over there is yours. You can leave your belongings on it so no one else takes it. You will sleep when you are told to sleep and you will work when you’re awake. Do you understand?” the hot-tempered fairy asks, but doesn’t give me enough time to answer. “You will have to be a quick learner, as there is always more than one job to be done. How are you with your hands?”
This time, she stops speaking, giving me enough time to respond. “It depends on what they are doing.” Killing someone? Well I’m quite good with them. But regular work? We’’ll have to find out.
“The horse stalls need mucking out. You can start there. Then the coaches, harnesses, saddles, bridles, and stirrups need to be cleaned. Can you handle that?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Follow me.” She leads me out the door and toward the barn. The alley doors are wide open. She walks through them, and I follow.
“Here is everything you will need to complete both tasks. Get to work.”
I nod and begin working, with her standing at the door, watching me.
I have to show her that I can keep up. That I can do whatever task she throws at me. She won’t be rid of me so easily. I didn’t expect to start out shoveling manure, but I guess I will have to gain some trust and work toward serving the king and queen directly.
I have one stall mostly cleaned out when I notice that Hera has left me to work alone. I’m grateful not to be kept under her watchful eye. Being what I am, I crave seclusion. I survive by being invisible.
Once Upon an Assassin Page 3
