The sound of hushed speaking brings my attention to the door to the tunnel. It remains empty, no shadows coming from either direction. I look to the opposite wall, but it is solid. I turn around, slowly looking over the wall behind me.
It isn’t a wall—it’s a door made to blend in, and it does, to the untrained eye. But to me, it can be nothing but a door leading to another room. I rest my ear against it and listen for the person or people speaking on the other side.
“Your Majesty, Queen Madrid has requested that you join the festivities,” says a deep voice I do not recognize.
“Yes, yes. Of course. I’m coming,” King Chavez says. I hear the sound of movement, the slam as a door closes. I count to ten before pushing on the door. It doesn’’t move. With how long it took me to figure out how to open the door to the armory, I am not surprised. But any hidden lever in here could only be one thing—a weapon.
I look around, inspecting each sword. I begin pulling them from their stands. The third sword on the second stand doesn’t move. I smile knowingly. Looking closer, I notice that only the hilt is visible. I pull again, putting more power into it.
It rises, and the door begins to slide open. I only open it enough so I can slide inside. I slip into the king’s study and push the door closed behind me.
I have found the room I’ve been looking for. It makes me happy, knowing that despite their secrets, their trying so hard to keep this room hidden, I have found it. I have learned, and I am winning.
I approach the desk, looking in every nook and cranny as I go. No one can find me in here. That would be a disaster. What would they think when the servant who rescued the princess was in fact an imposter? A spy? Me?
The thought brings me joy. Derrick, the assassin. They know of me, they know there is a killer out there, a deadly foe to anyone who gets in his way. They do not know that very man is inside the castle—the king’s study, no less——at this very moment, planning their demise.
A chill creeps up my spine, and my thoughts turn to Lily. I am choked up with the thought. Perhaps she could be a prisoner. Maybe Cordae would simply kick her out of the kingdom rather than having me kill her.
Never in my life as Derrick have I cared so much about a mark, so why now? Why, during the most important mission Cordae may ever give me, must I care so much about someone I have to kill?
I force the thoughts of Lily out of my mind. I can’t care, so there is no point in allowing myself to do so. I smile, satisfied at my resolve. I will continue teaching Lily to defend herself because I’ve already made that promise, and going back on it would only make her wonder why, which could lead to her discovering who I am.
I get back to the task on hand, looking through everything I can in Chavez’s office. Hopefully, any information I need can be found in this room. Are they prepared to handle an ambush? That’s all that truly matters.
If they aren’t prepared for an incoming storm, we can attack now. No more waiting, no more spying—just taking over a kingdom. Cordae’s vision finally coming to life.
I start with the desk, careful to leave everything as it was while I shuffle through every paper. Maps lie on the top of the desk. There’s a circle around the area where we set up the fake ambush. Another circle on the map grabs my attention.
It’s near the entrance to Cordae’s fort. Not close enough that I feel I should warn anyone yet—just close enough that I will have to be more careful the next time I must go back. One concern outweighs the others—do they know who I am? Do they know I am here to spy on them?
I have given them no reason not to trust me. What could possibly alert them to my true motives for being here? Hera isn’t fond of me, but she is the only one I am aware of who feels this way. The king made it clear that I was a hero and was to be respected. He offered me any reward I wished for. What would he have said if I asked for Lily’’s hand in marriage?
King Chavez is a smart man. He is marking places that have significance in the war coming his way. He just doesn’t realize how close to the truth he is, and that will be our saving grace.
I wish I had enough time to retrieve an unmarked map and replace it with this one. How lost would he be when his circles were not in the same place? Perhaps he wouldn’t even notice, but I can’t risk having to return.
I have this one chance before I must retire for the evening. Although, with the hours Miss Hera has me working, I will be lucky if she isn’t already in search of me.
I leave the map and begin searching the bookshelves. There are plenty of books on war and strategy, but that is no proof that King Chavez is preparing for what is to come. That simply means that he likes to read books on the subject. I move on to the next shelf, running my finger down the spines of every single book as I look over their titles and search for anything out of place.
With all the hidden passages I’ve found this evening, nothing could surprise me now. I pull books off the shelf if they appear even slightly out of place. Judging from the dust markings, these books have not been used in quite some time, aside from three or four random books, subjects that have nothing to do with one another.
I go over everything in the room and find nothing aside from the map that indicates he knows anything of Cordae. Even then, there would be quite a few reasons he would have a circle around the area near the fort.
I take another glance at the map, forcing myself to remember where he has circled, before I take my leave.
I turn back to make sure the door is sealed before weaving between the weapons and returning to the hidden passages. I step on the sunken tile, and the door swings closed. With a nod, happy with this night’s work, I return to bed, where I fall into a fitful sleep—the only kind I get anymore.
I exit the dining hall and wander out into the gardens, appreciating the cool breeze, star-filled sky, and music pouring out the windows from inside. I walk around the castle until I reach the grove where Gavin was working. I’m saddened that he declined my invitation to attend the feast. My heart falls when I find he isn’’t there. I realize how silly I was to think he would still be there.
I wander back inside, avoiding the party, and instead going up the staircase and wandering the halls. I walk down the hall of art, admiring the paintings on the wall, the tapestries hanging between them, the carvings beneath them.
“It has been a long while since I’ve strolled through these halls.” Mother startles me.
“It seems it has been some time since anyone has visited these halls.” I brush my finger against one of the frames, wiping away dust.
“The stress of life tends to hide what is truly important. As a maid in my father’s castle, I spent quite a bit of time wandering the halls and appreciating the art left behind by others. It was one of my favorite things to do—clean the paintings.”
“Did it ever get lonely?” I move to the next piece.
“Hardly. Roselyn treated me as her equal. More often than not, we were sisters rather than maid and princess. Of course, that was before we knew I was the princess and she was the maid.” Mother laughs.
I chuckle, though her words are barely heard over my thoughts of Gavin and all that has happened. “Have you seen Gavin?” I ask.
“The boy who rescued you? No. Why do you ask?”
“I was just curious. I invited him to supper, but he declined, saying he had to work. But when I checked, he wasn’t in the grove where he’s been working.””
“I’m sure he just had to take a break. Perhaps he is in the kitchen, eating his supper in private. Don’t worry. You will see him soon enough, I am positive.”” She pats my shoulder. “In the meantime, I’d best get back to the party. I can’t expect your father to host it without me.”” She winks and smiles before continuing down the hall.
I make no rush whilst I walk to my rooms. Eventually, I arrive there. I shut the door behind me, slip out of my clothes, and put on my nightgown. I crawl into bed and lie there, looking at the stars through my window as I attempt to get some r
est.
Sleep never comes, and just as I watched the stars, I watch the sun rise. Knowing there is no point in lying in bed any longer, I dress in my riding clothes once again.
In hopes that Gavin may not have actually finished with the grove, I grab my cloak and go outside.
When I find the grove is empty, I head for the kitchens, hoping to run into Hera so she can tell me where Gavin is. It may seem silly, but in this moment, I need him.
I don’t know why. It doesn’t make sense. How can I need someone I hardly know? Now is hardly the time to sort my feelings—I only know what I want. Voices to my right draw my attention away from the kitchen door only a few feet away.
I walk around the corner to find Gavin chopping wood.
“Good morning,” he says without looking up at me.
“How did you know it was me?” I put a hand on my hip.
“Perhaps I didn’t.” Now he turns and smiles.
I can’t help but grin.
“Is something the matter, Princess?” He takes my hand in his.
“No.” But I can’t help the way my brow furrows, the way my lips are set, the way it’’s so obvious that I don’t believe everything is all right.
“What is it?”
I’m grateful he took my hand. I pull him alongside me as I make my way to the stables.
“I need to escape. Mother and Father will not allow me to go riding alone, and if I must spend time with someone, I would prefer it be with you.” Even I am startled at my own bluntness.
Gavin seems taken aback, stopping before we reach the stable doors. “What?” he asks, disbelieving.
I suppose I should have thought about whether or not he would want to come with me. I open my mouth to apologize, but he stops me, putting his fingers to my lips. I wait for him to speak, all the while thinking of how much I would love to kiss that finger, would love to kiss him. I look to his lips, a blush creeping up my neck.
“While I would love nothing more than to spend time with you, Princess, you do realize that I work here? Hera already hates me. I do not think it is wise that I go running off a third time, since I’ve only worked here four days.””
“I’m the princess and therefore above Hera. So it doesn’t matter. I am kidnapping you.”
“You’re kidnapping me?” He laughs.
I laugh as well. “Only in a sense. If you truly do not wish to come, I understand. However, I do hope you want to.” I consider giving him the look I give my father when I want something, but with Gavin, it is different. I don’t need to give him that look.
“I would love to spend the day with you, Your Highness.” He bows and leads me into the stables.
“I thought we discussed that.” A bubble of laughter escapes me, despite my annoyed tone.
“We did. And when the princess informs you she is kidnapping you, there is no way to describe this as an event of friends, but one of you being royalty, and me your lowly servant.”
“I suppose that is fair. But really, you are now dragging me along with you, so how can it be true that I am the kidnapper here?”
“Please, Your Highness, kidnap me.”
He opens Kova’s stall and begins saddling her. Once he’s finished, he leads the horse outside and holds out a hand for me to climb on.
I mount and sit forward while he gets on behind me. I’m encased in his arms as he guides the horse outside the gates.
“Where are we going?” Gavin asks, his lips right against my ear.
A shiver crawls up my spine. “I don’t know. Wherever the path leads, I suppose.” I look ahead, wondering where that might be.
“Which path? There are many.” He chuckles.
“Do you have a specific one in mind?”
“Not at all.”
“Well, then, let the horse lead the way.”
“Leave it to Kova, huh?” he asks playfully.
“Why not?” I bite my lower lip, not knowing what other answer to give.
“Okay. We’ll leave it to the horse.”
He pushes Kova faster until we’re running through the forest, trees flying by, the wind in our hair.
I close my eyes and enjoy the ride, the peace and the quiet. Today I have no worries, no fears. Just two friends riding off to enjoy a day away from the castle.
The breeze disappears slowly after what feels like at least an hour of riding. “Princess, we’re here.”
I open my eyes and look around. The place seems familiar, but only barely. “Where are we?” We keep riding, but going much slower, the sound of rushing water to our left. “Is this where I nearly drowned?”
“Kova must’ve thought it would be good for us to return to the place where we first met.” Gavin laughs hesitantly.
“Hmm. I wonder if it was all Kova’s doing.” I grin.
Gavin stops the horse, pulling on the reins. He dismounts and offers a hand to help me. I move to take it, but instead, he grabs me by the waist and puts me on the ground.
“Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He takes a step back and bows.
It makes me laugh.
I sit on the gravely sand at the river bank, placing my bare feet in the water. Gavin joins me, neither one of us saying a word. He seems as tense as I feel.
“Why did you save me?” I look at the space between us, unable to meet his gaze.
“Wh—why do you ask?” He chokes over his words.
I look up at him. His cheeks are flushed. He runs a hand through his hair, avoiding my glance now.
“I just want to understand. When I went under, I thought I was going to die. I fought to break free from the river’s freezing grip, but after tumbling so many times, I began to give up hope. I certainly didn’t think anyone else would be close enough to rescue me. I’m not even sure what would’ve killed me first—the cold or the lack of air.””
Gavin slouches, pulling his left knee up to his chest and resting his left forearm on it. He continues running his other hand through his air, causing parts to stick up oddly.
“I don’t have an answer for you, Lily. Rescuing you is what any good person should’ve done.” He almost whispers the last part.
“What were you doing out here? So far from any village or kingdom.” I put my hand on his shoulder, just wanting him to open up to me. To be honest. The way he hides, I fear this is a subject he wishes to avoid.
“I caused you to fall in,” he blurts, burying his head in his hands, turning away from me even farther.
“What?” I gasp, blinking rapidly. I place my hands in my lap and turn to fully face the river. I let his words wash over me, thinking over what he means.
“It was an accident. I was startled and let my arrow loose in the wrong direction. It scared your horse, who then panicked and threw you in the river.”
He sits up a bit straighter, almost as if his admission lifted a weight off his shoulders. I open my mouth to say something, though I’m not sure what. So I remain silent.
His sleeve brushes against my arm as he turns toward me, causing goose bumps to cover my skin. He leans closer. “I’m sorry, truly. But how can I continue to regret my actions when it led to meeting you? To becoming your friend?””
“Why did you lie about it if it was as you said, an accident?” I ask, still refusing to look at him.
“If you were a nobody and you almost killed the princess, would you want to admit to it? And no less than to the king? Or to the very princess in question?”
“I suppose not. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t. So all this time, you’ve been guilt-ridden? Is that why you asked for a job in reward rather than gold and riches, a home of your own so you could live out your days like royalty?” I ask with a frown, sad for him and all that he’s gone through.
“I’m not that kind of person, Lily. I never would have asked for that even if I hadn’t caused the accident. Ask Hera. I came to the castle in search of a job right before that. She turned me down. I was out hunting, just trying to keep from going h
ungry.”
“I’m so sorry, Gavin. That’s no way to live. Did Hera say why she denied you a job in the first place?”
“No, but it’s all right. Since losing my family, being taken far away, finally breaking free from my captors, I’ve found my own way.”” His voice grows quieter with every word.
I look over at him, noticing the how he has opened up a bit more. His legs are on the ground, no longer a block between us.
I put my hand on his shoulder, trying to be a calming comfort. “May I ask about that?” I keep my voice low, almost reverent, not wanting to cross a line.
“Yeah.” He nods, glancing at me.
“What happened?”
“I was eight years old. The sun was still a few hours away from setting. I was waiting for my father to get home so I could go play with the other kids in the street. Mother had just started cooking supper. It was stew. Simmering above the fire when the world around us fell silent. Mama asked me to watch the food. I knelt down beside it and began stirring. The door burst open.”” Gavin stops to take a breath. He looks to be holding back tears, attempting to keep his voice strong but failing.
“It startled me, and caused me to knock the pot over. There are dinner was, all over the floor.”
“Father was there, telling me to run. Telling Mother to take me and get as far away as possible. We only made it a few feet before we were dragged back. One man took me outside and threw me on a horse. Mother and Father were killed, and I was taken away. The last thing I remember seeing clearly was Mother’s pendant. The phoenix. And while I watched the hut go up in flames, I kept hoping that Mother and Father would be reborn from the ashes, and they would come rescue me.”
Reaching into my pocketing, I pull out the pendant I’ve carried with me since the day I purchased it. I take Gavin’s hand and bring it to me. I place the cool piece of metal and chain in his palm and curl his fingers around it.
He turns his head, looking at me with tear-filled eyes. He looks down at his hand and opens it, revealing the phoenix pendant from the market.
He grabs my hand and brings it to his mouth, kissing my knuckles. “Thank you,” he whispers.
Once Upon an Assassin Page 9
