by Riley Walker
Rook begins to speak when Edrik claps him on the back, “Come on Rook. Let him do his job and let’s go get something to drink.”
Rook takes one last look at his best friend, his brother, and we leave the tent. Once outside, Rook drops my hand and begins to run his hands through his hair, his sign that he is stressed. “What happened to him?” I jump at Winston’s voice. I forgot he was in the tent waiting for us.
Rook takes a deep breathe and looks up at the sky before answering me. “We were following another lead. He came out of nowhere and before we knew what was happening, there were arrows coming at us. Edrik and I were able to get behind a tree. Hawkeye was preparing to shift to find whoever was shooting at us when he was hit. I didn’t see the first one until it was in his shoulder. The other two hit his thigh and chest. The shooter must have known we were shifters because the tips had been dipped in silver. We were able to get them out, but the damage had already been done.”
The four of us stand around outside of Jessup’s tent waiting on word about Hawkeye. Rook can’t be still, pacing back and forth until I am dizzy from watching him. Just as I am about to say something to Rook, the tent flap opens and Shelby walks out.
“Nothing vital was hit. Some of the silver had flaked off in his shoulder wound, but we were able to dig it all out.” I wince when she tells us that. “We need to keep him here and immobile for at least twenty-four hours. After that, we can move him to the castle so he can finish healing somewhere quiet. He’s asleep right now, but Jessup said if one of you wanted to see him before…..”
Rook nearly knocks Shelby over pushing his way into the tent. I guess that answered the question of who would go see Hawk. I walk to her and grab her in a hug. “Thank you for letting us know. I’m going to get Edrik and Rook inside and make them get cleaned up and eat. Come get us if anything changes.”
“You know I will, Frannie. I’ll come up later and grab a few things. I told Jessup I would stay here and watch over Hawkeye.” My best friend looks at the ground and I see a slight blush on her face. Well, this is interesting.
Rook comes out of the tent and I grab his hand before he can take off on me. “Come on, Rook. Let me get you and Edrik some food while the two of you clean up. You need to try and get some rest.”
He looks like he wants to argue with me, but Winston interrupts him. “You should go with the Princess. I can stay down here and keep an eye on him for any changes. I promise to come get you if anything happens.”
Rook cocks his head at Winston. “Are you sure? If you have something else you need to do?”
“No. It is fine. I actually have a few more things I need to do around here anyways. We were bringing down new clothes and toiletries when you arrived, I should finish doing that.”
Edrik claps Winston on the back, “Thank you for doing that. Come on Rook. I do not know about you, but Chess is right. I am dirty, hungry, and exhausted.”
Before I follow Edrik and Rook back to the castle, I jog over to Winston and surprise him with a swift kiss on the cheek.
The next morning I find myself in front of Jessup’s tent before anyone else is even awake. I stayed away last night to let him rest, but this morning, the need to see him is almost consuming. I walk into the tent to find my best friend sitting on the cot beside a still sleeping Hawkeye, running a wet cloth over his face and down his neck. I take a moment to watch her and notice, probably for the first time since I’ve known her, that she looks content and at peace. I wonder if that is because she is so close to another shifter. Rook said they were all family and had a special bond with each other. Something tells me this might be more than that. I clear my throat to get Shelby’s attention.
She drops the cloth when she sees me. “Frannie, what are you doing here so early this morning?”
I move through the tent and sit on a chair a few feet from her and Hawk. “I just needed to come see him this morning. I felt this pull, like I needed to be here, to make sure he was okay.”
“I know exactly what you mean. I can’t seem to leave him, no matter how hard I try. I wonder why that is?” She resumes her task of washing his face and then running the cloth over his head.
“He and I fight all the time, you know. He can be so sweet one moment, but the next, it’s almost like I’m dealing with Winston, because he’s being such an asshat. If I didn’t know better, I would think those two were related with the attitudes they have.”
Shelby just chuckles, “Can you imagine them together at family gatherings? That’s something I would pay to see. Asshat versus Asshat. The ultimate asshat challenge.”
We both start laughing when a cracked voice startles us. “I can take King Asshat. Arrows in me or not.”
“Hawkeye, you’re awake.” Shelby leans over him, looking him in the eyes. I’m not sure what she is looking for, but I assume she found it because she smiles and sits back on the cot.
“Hey Hawk. Whatcha doing just laying around? Lazy doesn’t suit you.”
He rolls his head in my direction and lifts his hand, giving me the finger. “I missed you too, Princess.” Hawkeye rolls his head back to face Shelby and I can feel a shift in the room. I take that as my cue to leave.
“Where are you running off to, Frannie?”
I look over my shoulder to Shelby and notice that Hawkeye still hasn’t stopped looking at her. “I didn’t tell anyone I was coming down here. I need to get back before Rook or Edrik send out the Royal Guard to hunt me down.” I throw her a wink and walk out of the tent and straight into a wall.
“Princess, what do you think you are doing out here without a guard on you?”
I look up into the furious face of Winston. Damn.
“I just needed to see him. I was headed back to the castle to stay. No need to worry about me, I can take care of myself.” I lift up my shirt and show Winston my dagger he gave me. I never go anywhere without it.
“Princess, having a dagger on you is smart, but you literally just walked into my chest because you were not paying attention to what was going on. How will a dagger, or any training for that matter, help you if you won’t even lift your head when you walk?”
I hate when he is right. “Chess! What the hell do you think you are doing out here? We have been looking everywhere for you.”
I move my head to look past Winston and see two very pissed off fated mates headed straight for me. Double Damn.
37
Armed And Dangerous
I am sitting here listening to Edrik and Rook discuss leaving again to search for Armand. I can’t take much more of this. “Edrik, I think you should stay and let Armand come for us. You’re not having any luck finding him. He seems to always be one step ahead of you. There is no point in you all being gone for so long. Armand will eventually come looking for me here anyway. Also, don’t you think Rook would like to stay here with Hawkeye, at least while he’s healing?”
Edrik looks over at me, “You have a point, Chess, but if we find him first, then he cannot get to you. If something were to happen to you again, it would destroy me.”
I walk over to him and place my hand on his cheek. “I think you both should stay here then. The three of us are stronger together, and all this separation is taking its toll on everyone.” I get up on my tiptoes and give him a sweet kiss.
I walk over to Rook and give him a kiss as well. “Rook, do you really want to leave Hawkeye behind?”
Rook sighs, “No, I don’t. I already worry about your safety when we’re apart. I would rather not have to worry about Hawkeye too.”
I clap my hands. “Then it’s settled. You will both stay home, at least while Hawkeye is healing. I will continue my training with Winston, and we can figure out a new game plan together. Let’s take a couple of days off first. You two look exhausted and I would really just like to spend some time alone with you both.”
Edrik and Rook look at each other and then turn back to me. “Agreed.” They say at the same time.
It’s been twenty-fo
ur hours since their arrival and Hawkeye is stable enough to be moved inside the castle. Jessup is overseeing the transfer, but Shelby still refuses to leave his side. They get him settled into his room, and I volunteer to go make him something to eat. I had to promise Edrik I wouldn’t make anything that required using the stove.
When I enter the kitchen, my gaze goes right to the magnificent chocolate cake sitting on a pedestal. How did I not know this was here? On my way down, I noticed my Father’s light was on in his office. I bet he would love to have a piece of cake. I open the fridge to find the ingredients I need to make Hawkeye a sandwich when I hear a noise behind me. I turn around to see Winston leaning up against the wall.
“Winnie.”
“Princess.”
He moves from the wall and walks toward me. “What are you doing down here? Is everything okay with Hawkeye?”
I lay out everything I could find and begin to build Hawk an enormous sandwich. “He’s doing really good. I told them I would come find him something to eat. I noticed my dad’s light on in his study so I’m going to sneak him some of this cake too. Can I get you anything?”
“No, thank you. I can take the cake to the King, if you would like.”
“Thank you, but I wanted to see him. He’s been looking more worn down every time I see him. Would you mind carrying this food up to Hawkeye though?”
Winston takes the offered plate from my hands, “Of course I can. I’ll wait upstairs for you. I had an idea about your training and I wanted to run it by Edrik and Rook.” Before he turns around to leave, he leans over and kisses me swiftly on the forehead.
I use the tips of my fingers to gently touch where he kissed me. I can still feel his lips on me. Shaking off the weird tingles, I cut a big slice of cake, grab a fork, and head to my dads study. I notice the door is ajar but I’m stopped from opening it by the angry voices coming from inside. I place the plate down on a table in the hallway, and put my ear to the crack in the door.
I hear a man’s voice that is not my Dad’s. He is yelling so loudly I am easily able to make out what he is saying. “Our father was an imbecile. He should have never chosen you over me as King. I am here to takeover the crown and claim my rightful place.”
“You will never be King. Franchesca is the fated Golden Queen. Even you cannot stop what has already begun.”
“I can and I will. The Kingdom belongs to me!”
“Even if you are successful in getting rid of me, you will never defeat my daughter and her mates. You will not even be able to leave this castle alive.”
I hear an evil chuckle before my Uncle continues his crazy ramblings. “I got in here without anyone noticing me. How hard will it be to ease out of here and straight to your daughter’s bedroom? I grew up here too, remember, brother? I know every inch of this castle just as well as you do. I bet I know tunnels you never thought of sharing with her. I can see it in your face that I am right. I can be in and out, your entire family dead, before anyone knows what has happened.”
I have heard all I need to. I push open the door and see my dad standing in front of his desk, the man I assume is my Uncle, standing directly in front of him. I watch in slow motion as my father takes a step back and Armand pulls a knife from his side. My instincts take over and I reach for my dagger. The one that this man used in an attempt to kill me, and throw it at his back. Just as it leaves my hand, I see the knife Armand is holding plunge straight into my Dad’s stomach. I see my dagger hit its mark and in the same moment, my Dad’s eyes find mine. Armand is the first to fall, and my Dad graces me with one last smile before he too, falls to the ground.
I can’t breath. I fall back onto the couch, just staring at the two men, both with vacant looks on their faces, laying on the floor at my feet.
My dad is dead.
And I just killed a man.
38
In Shock
(Winston’s POV)
I walk back to Hawkeye’s room to bring him the sandwiches Franchesca made. I am sitting in a chair waiting on the Princess to get here, when a bad feeling comes over me. She has been gone too long, and I suddenly feel an unease wash over me. I decide not to voice my concern, instead I get to my feet and excuse myself from the room.
I practically run down the stairs and head directly for the King’s study. What I find when I enter the room has my body frozen in place. The first thing I notice is King Bastian and Armand, both lying on the floor, blood pooled out beneath them. The King is on his back with a knife protruding from his stomach. Armand is half on his side, the dagger I gave to the Princess sticking out of his back.
The Princess.
I frantically look for her, and when I turn to my left, I finally see her. My Beloved, sitting on the couch, staring straight ahead at nothing. It takes me two large steps to get to her. When I see the distant look on her face, I know she is in shock.
“Princess?”
Nothing.
“Franchesca!”
Still, nothing.
I grab her by her shoulders, “Beloved, please. Look at me.” I shake her, trying to get her to come back to me.
Again, nothing.
I have only seen one other person go into shock like this. I do not think she will appreciate me slapping her, so I do the one thing I hope will bring her back. I let go of her shoulders and place both hand on either side of her face. I ask her for forgiveness before I kiss her with everything I am.
One second.
Then another.
And another.
When I am about to give up, I feel her take a deep breath and my Beloved begins to kiss me back. I am kissing her with every ounce of love and passion I have in me. She puts both of her hands in my hair and uses it to pull me even closer.
One kiss.
Then another.
And another.
I feel her fingers in my hair begin to loosen. Our kiss becomes slower and more gentle. I begin to pepper her lips with smaller kisses and make my way down her neck. Her moan hits me like a lightning bolt to the heart. I pull back to look at her, when I am suddenly overtaken by a blinding pain.
“The pain! What is wrong with me?” I grab my head with both hands, yelling out in agony.
I look up at my Beloved and see her with a hand covering her mouth. Her eyes study me and get larger with each second that passes. She drops her hand from her mouth and whispers, “Oh, shit. Not again.”
Also by Riley Walker
The Chess Series
Knight
Rook
King
Queen (coming in fall, 2018)
Becoming Alice Du-Kane (coming summer 2018)
Acknowledgments
Amy Naylor:
To MoMo and Poopy who support everything I do. To my husband and son, who never complained about the late nights spent writing and the dinners I didn’t cook. Last but not least, Kelly, the only one keeping me sane most days. I couldn’t ask for a better partner, and it’s totally normal to hate ice cream and coffee.
Kelly Stephens:
Richard and Brett… what can I say? You two are my life and I love you both madly. To my Momma, thank you for everything you do. I would be lost without you. Amy, first off, no. It is not normal to hate ice cream and coffee. Second, you have taught me a lot, some good, and some I am still trying to forget. Last, thank you for not changing a single thing about yourself. You are the best co-writer and I couldn’t imagine doing this with anyone else.
From Both of Us:
To Nikki Thompson, thanks for the late night chats and the amazing graphics. To Kayla Erikson for keeping the Biscuit occupied. Zoe Parker and Vicki Duran, we love you guys like mad. To our Betas, we could not have finished King without you. To the faithful readers that follow us everywhere, you are there for every takeover, GIF war and you continue to humble us every time you share our books. You girls are fabulous! Last but not least, to the Riley Walker Renegades. We love each of you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being with us for
this wild ride.
About Us…
Riley Walker is the writing duo of Amy Naylor and Kelly Stephens. They are both from Arkansas, both a little loud and a whole lot of crazy. Amy writes kegger-style and is the ‘bun’ queen. Kelly is the cotillion writer of the two and has perpetual frizzy hair (thank you Southern humidity).
Amy (aka Biscuit) is the alter ego Riley of Riley Walker. She has one husband, one kid and three dogs. She loves to read RH, PNR, UF and Dystopian. She a hairdresser by day and a football mom by night.
Kelly is the Walker half of Riley Walker. She has been married to her husband for almost twenty years and is a proud mom of a future MMA champion. They have two rescue dogs that unapologetically rule the house. Kelly reads anything she can get her hands on, from contemporary to paranormal and everything in between. She survives on coffee and will be the first in line if they ever start giving it out in IV form.
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