“I want you to be the man I fell in love with. Not the protector who’s not sure where his loyalties lie. I want to know that we can disagree without you running to my father or castigating me as if I were a child. James, I want you to put me before your duty.” Tears began to fill her eyes again. “And if you can’t figure out what that means or how to do it, then perhaps Cargius was right to say that you are a distraction I can ill afford. Now if you will excuse me, I need to be alone.” She sniffled and wiped at her cheeks as she knelt back down to continue with her prayers.
James slipped off his coat and laid it over her trembling shoulders. He knew what was required. He kissed her hair and walked back to the doorway he’d entered the sanctuary through. Once in the foyer, he sent a cathedral steward to find him pen and paper. The ink and quill and parchment arrived on a silver tray and James sat down in the shadow of the Gods to pen a letter to Joseph.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
“What do you mean, a complication?” Danielle asked, worried. She had just followed Sir Jeffery and several other men of Eden’s retainer from the Palace cathedral down through a myriad of servant passageways and locked doors to the tunnel that led from the palace armoury to the basement of the Tunnel Tower on the eastern wall. Joseph had been waiting at the entrance. There were grey-cloaked knights of her father’s guard in company; most of these distinguished men carried torches to light the way back down the dank tunnel.
“There were witnesses to Kane’s capture,” Joseph said grimly.
“You mean his kidnapping,” Danielle corrected. The illegality of all this grated on her, whatever its necessity. Bastion had been right when he’d called this murder. “How many and what has been done about it?”
Joseph asked the knights to go on a short way to give him and the lady some privacy. Only James remained with them, holding a solitary torch.
“It wasn’t exactly our own men handling the matter,” Joseph said when the footfalls receded up the tunnel and around a corner leaving the three of them alone. “And we did not know until after the fact, but it seems the witnesses were killed,” Joseph said in hushed tones
Danielle was horrified. “Who?”
“Lord Henry Cameron, his niece and a few men of his entourage.”
“Helhar forgive us, this is murder.”
“Unfortunately, yes. But it was out of our hands. The men responsible were told categorically that there could be no witnesses. Unfortunately this was left to their own discretion. A foolish oversight. However, it has been made to look like outlaws attacked Lord Henry’s carriage as he made his way back to his estate so there will be no suspicion cast upon you or your father.”
“I’m sure Lord Cameron and his next of kin will be most relieved to know as much,” Danielle said shakily.
“Frankly, lass, I think you should be more concerned with the task at hand. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but you have to apply whatever is in that vial to Kane’s chest, eyes and head?”
“Yes. And his feet.”
Danielle let Joseph take her elbow for support and they set out along the passageway, his stick tapping on the stone floor. James walked beside them stony faced and silent. Danielle felt very much like the one walking towards the executioner’s block.
“He knows nothing of what is planned,” Joseph continued. “I think it’s more humane for all involved if it remains that way.”
Danielle agreed. “He’s restrained and guarded?” She knew he would be, but she wanted reassurance.
“Chained down on a table in one of the tower’s basement cells with five knights of the kings guard for company. Eden and some of his retainer are outside in the passageway for good measure and the rest have taken over the protection of the tower and gate to keep everyone else out so you can do this in secret. Also, just in case, Fren somehow discovers where Kane is and tries to secure his release.” He glanced sideways at her. “And you are sure that amulet Cargius gave you will help keep all this concealed?”
She was still wearing both; the amber one and the emerald Cargius had placed around her neck. “So I’m told.” In truth she wasn’t sure of any of this.
They were quiet for a moment then Joseph continued, saying, “Once the ceremony is done, we’re going to move him to the prison tower. Arrangements have also been made for the disposal of his remains as requested by Cargius. And you should know that your father and the other members of the Inner Council will be present at dawn to witness the execution, albeit from outside the cell.”
It was clear Joseph was taking no chances and Danielle had to admit she was pleased for that. The more time she’d had to think about what Cargius had said, and what was required of her, the more she had realised that perhaps James, Joseph and her father were right, and she was putting too much faith in Cargius and she needed to be more careful, even if necessity—as Joseph had called it—kept her committed to the task in hand.
“Did you tell my father anything of what we discussed in the carriage on the way back to the palace other than I might come to be with child?”
This too, had been playing on her mind, though her father had said nothing to her.
“No. I have no intention of worrying him with such things until we know the truth. That said, I have sent off several very private letters to trusted friends in Lunwraith, making them aware of what Cargius told you, and to find proof that might validate his claims. Assuming there is proof to find. They’ll be extremely discreet, so there’s no need to fear, Danielle.”
“Father Joseph,” James said, “forgive the change of subject, but who will be accompanying Danielle inside the cell with her brother, other than the five men of the king’s guard?”
“I was hoping you would, James.”
“No. I don’t want that,” Danielle said.
“Why ever not?” Joseph asked.
“Because I’ll likely need assistance and with an arm in a sling, I doubt that he can afford me that.”
“He?” James said.
Danielle ignored him.
James abruptly stopped. “Milord, could I speak with my fiancé for a moment?”
Joseph blinked at him, surprised at the request given the urgent matter in hand. James pulled a letter from his pocket and handed it the Lord Protector. “It’ll explain all. It won’t take more than a few minutes.”
Danielle couldn’t believe he’d insist on such a thing at this juncture. They were all in danger until this execution ceremony was done and he bloody well knew as much.
Joseph glanced between them, taking in the situation, and then nodded. “Then make it quick, James.”
“I’m not sure we have anything to talk about,” Danielle protested.
“Lass. We don’t know what will happen when you begin this ceremony, so go. Take a moment together. It’s clear you both need it. Just make it as quick as you can.”
James opened a side door into a storeroom, and gestured Danielle inside. She went reluctantly. Light played off steel in every direction, as swords, armour and shields sat in racks and on shelves—all bearing the markings of the black Arkaelyon eagle. A decade had passed since the signing of the Amthenium Treaty and the weaponry down here was covered in a thick coat of dust and cobwebs since it had not been used since.
“What do you want?” Danielle whispered.
James’ eyes were earnest in the lantern light. “You. Forever.”
“This is hardly the time.”
When she made to return to the passage, he caught her arm, his fingers dug into her skin preventing her. “That letter informs Joseph that I have resigned as your protector so I can better serve you as a husband.”
She had to admit she was pleasantly surprised to hear this.
“I explained that the dual duty of fiancé and protector placed an unaccepted strain on my loyalty and that if I must choose, I choose you. Dee, I want to be a husband who stands firmly at his wife’s side and no more firmly than at times like these. I want to lessen your burden, and the gods know there ar
e likely to be many moments such as these over the cause of your tenure as Madam Protector. As proof of my commitment to you, I made it clear in the letter that when we are wed, you will not be requiring the accompaniment of a personal protector. So please, don’t send me away.”
She reached out and guided his hands so they encircled her and then laid her head against his chest. This did please her, more than he could know. But...
“What about Cargius?”
“I said I’d support you unequivocally in whatever you decide is best for Arkaelyon.”
“James, what is best for the realm right now is that we cannot be together. You might be scared of losing me, but I’m also scared of losing you.”
“When did we start letting fear dictate the terms of our love for one another?”
She closed her eyes. She knew he’d say something like that. “You can’t know how tempted I am.” Even now the scent of him was driving her to distraction. “But please this is not the time.”
“Dee, what sort of husband would I make, if I can’t be allowed to support you during times such as these? You honour me with the best of you. Please let me share in the rest. Let me give something back.”
She had no answer to that, at least none that was sufficient to turn his argument.
“What do you say?” he asked. Her silence seemed to give him hope.
She sighed at their predicament and then abruptly rose on the toes of her shoes to kiss his wonderful mouth. It was as exquisite as always and she broke off reluctantly. “How are we going to last six months?”
“I’m sure we’ll find a way.” His boyish grin was roguish yet sincere.
She laughed at it and shook her head and slipped her arms around his neck and reached for his mouth again. “I love you very much. And thank you.”
A firm knock came at the door and Joseph’s voice sailed in to them insisting that they be going.
He was right of course. But before she went she whispered beside James’ ear, “I accept, again. And thank you for choosing me over your protectorship.” His breath was making music against her neck and she enjoyed it a moment longer before insisting they go.
As they stepped back out into the passage, they found Joseph smiling shrewdly at them. Danielle felt her cheeks burn as she realised too late that the rumpled state of their hair and clothes gave them away. “Sorry.”
“Don’t be. You’re going to have to learn to take what joy you can when you can.” Joseph handed the letter back to James. “This is a wise decision, and you have my support. I’ll see it settled with the king.”
They rejoined the knights, and continued down the passage. Danielle’s joy ebbed with every step they took towards the tower cells, though there was now a comfort knowing that James would stand beside her regardless of what lay ahead of them.
Sir Minley unbolted the door at the end of the tunnel and they climbed the stone stairs to the foyer of the tower basement. Danielle shivered as the distant sound of Kane’s cursing and yelling reached her. The thought of having to face him filled her with a mixture of dread and grief. There was also a sense of guilt, which she was trying to ignore with little success.
“This way, Milady, Milord.” Sir Gideson gestured them down a corridor, past the tower mess hall.
Eden and several knights of his retainer were waiting for her at the door to the prison. He gave her an understanding smile and kissed her cheek before opening the door and stepping inside. Five iron-barred stockades opened into a wide passage. Each cell was of a good size and the whole room was well lit in anticipation of her arrival. There were no windows. Four men of her father’s personal guard were inside the further most cell. Each stood quietly in a corner, sword drawn, hands wrapped around the hilt and the point of the blade pressed to the stone floor like an honour guard—though there was no honour in what they were about to witness, Danielle thought.
General Hendrix was standing waiting for her at the door to the cell. Like Eden he offered a sad smile and opened the door. Kane bent his head to see who had entered. He laughed snidely on seeing her. Sweat and blood covered his face and it was clear his capture had been a hard affair.
“What? Can’t find any evidence of slaves on the Helidon’s estate so you intend to murder me any way?”
“Innocent men don’t run, brother,” Eden said. He’d entered behind Danielle, Joseph and James were with him, none of them looking pleased to be here.
“So Lord Henry Cameron and his niece were guilty of some crime then?”
Danielle couldn’t stand the banter. She just wanted to get this done and be out of here. “He has to be held still.”
Kane’s gaze settled on the vial she took from her coat pocket. He laughed as Eden and three grey cloaks moved to hold him down. “What, you think to poison me then? Do you know what your lackeys did to a lord of the realm and his niece this even, sister? What would the commoners think if they knew their dear princess was as much a murderous bitch as the infamous Lady Winters, ah?”
Her hands shook as she removed the cork from the vial and she almost dropped it when Kane managed to lift his head an inch off the table and spat a wad of blood and phlegm in her direction.
Eden threw an arm around Kane’s head, and held him firmly.
“Cut off his coat and shirt,” Danielle said, hating the tremor in her voice. She could not meet Kane’s blazing eyes.
Eden gave a nod and Sir Willaby produced a knife and moved to comply. The blade made short work of Kane’s expensive attire and soon his smooth muscled chest was exposed.
He fell quiet, defiance in his glare as she approached the table. His chest heaved and beads of sweat ran down his brow and pooled on the table but he now seemed resigned to his fate.
“I’m doing this for Arkaelyon,” Danielle said.
“Fuck you and fuck Arkaelyon … fuck the lot of you.”
There was no point trying to explain and wanting this to be as merciful as possible Danielle quickly set about her task. As carefully as she could she tilted the vial and two drops of the clear liquid splashed into Kane’s forehead. To her horror, he contorted wildly and a scream of agony burst from his throat. His skin reddened and began to dissolve and the stench of burning flesh filled the air. Danielle stepped back and put a hand over her mouth in revulsion, then quickly turned for the door as her nerve failed and her stomach threatened revolt. Eden was yelling at his fellow knights to hold Kane still.
James stepped into her path and caught her shoulders, making her look at him. “Finish it quickly, so we can get you out of here,”
She didn’t want to, and a great heaving sob welled up inside. “I can’t do it!” He’s my brother, my own blood.
“Danielle, you must! Now hurry,” Eden bellowed at her. Kane’s screams were cutting through her like cold steel, revulsion paralysing her.
James gently coaxed her back to the table.
A gag was shoved into Kane’s mouth but the terror in his eyes, his muffled groans and the stench of burning flesh played on her frayed nerves as keenly as his screams had.
“Do it!” Eden yelled.
Bracing herself, she lifted her shaking hand and put four drops onto Kane’s chest. A new wave of pain took him and his muffled cries became ever more pitiful.
With tears blurring her vision and hating Cargius for what he’d made her do, Danielle moved to his feet. Even with two knights and chains holding Kane’s legs down, the table moved violently every time he writhed. She quickly put two drops on each foot before returning to his face. The sight that met her brought a sob welling up from the depth of her soul. Blood soaked his thick black hair and puddled onto the tabletop, and in the midst of the ruin that had been her brothers beautiful face were his terror filled eyes, consumed by pain and begging her for release.
When he realised what she intended, he begged for mercy and strained and writhed to get free.
Danielle’s hand trembled so badly James had to help her tilt the vial. Kane’s left eye steamed and clouded a
s the first drop splashed into it. He blinked frantically and then the pain must have hit him for he went as ridged as a board and shrieked a blood curdling cry threw his gag. Two more drops into his other eye and it was done. Danielle threw the vial away and ran from the cell, sobbing. Her head spun so hard, she crashed headlong into Sir Jeffery in the passageway. Men moved to steady her, but she pushed their hands away and stumbled on towards the door. Her stomach churned with revulsion at what she’d done and before they could unlock it she had collapsed to her knees and vomited up what little dinner she’d managed to consume.
“Open the bloody door.”
It was James’ voice she heard over Kane’s hysterical screams. Familiar arms picked her up and carried her outside into the cooler air of the passageway. James was wincing with every step.
“Wine, bring her wine.”
She was vaguely aware they had entered the tower’s mess hall. A large callused hand touched her face and she heard her brother say, “She’s burning with fever. She needs a physician.”
“No physicians,” Joseph said. “Close that door.”
A cup was forced to her lips and she coughed and sat up as wine flowed over her tongue and slid down her throat catching her by surprise. When she had caught her breath and felt a little restored she took another sip and then another before finishing off the cup and finally opening her eyes.
“Are you alright?” James asked, brushing a cascade of hair from her face.
She nodded fitfully, not really sure and trying not to think of Kane and what she’d done to him, or was yet to do to him. Mercifully, there were no screams coming from the prison she had just left. Kane had likely blacked out from the pain and if the gods were kind, and she prayed that they would prove themselves so for a change, he’d remain unconscious until he was welcomed into the hallowed halls of Helhar. Their mother would be there waiting for him and that was another small comfort. After all, he had not asked for this any more than she.
“Dee, did you know that was going to happen?” Joseph asked.
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