Assassin's Liege

by A Lonergan

  “I-I am a Queen.”

  I rolled my shoulders. She was preparing to run. I could feel it in the air like electricity. It was magical. The beast inside of me wanted out desperately and I was almost there. I was so close to letting go, until I heard her.

  “Balam!” The desperation in her voice. The fear. I had never heard Willow scared and it did something to my beast. It made it desperate. I turned on the nymph and my teeth went short again.

  “Give me my weapons and I will not hunt you.” I scratched at my chest. “You provoked my beast and for that I am sorry.” My weapons materialized in front of me and I belted them at my waist. I was about to run to Willow’s aid when I turned back. “Next time you will know better than to steal from a demon.”

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Willow

  “We have got to stop meeting like this, little human.” Balam’s voice coaxed me from the darkness I floated in. I blinked my eyes and there he was. He held me closely on his lap.

  “You came,” My voice came out in a whisper. My entire body ached and I wondered how long I had been out. The stars were still shining above us but there was no fire. I imagined it hadn’t been long.

  He didn’t say anything and closed his eyes for a moment. He had put clothes back on, which I definitely wanted to complain about but kept my mouth shut. I was still very much undressed. “Where were you?”

  Balam pressed his lips together before he answered me. “There was a nymph trying to play fate in the woods. I would imagine she has been following us for a while now.”

  I wrinkled my eyebrows. “Was she the Queen?”

  Balam smirked. “She might have mentioned that.”

  “What did she want?” I didn’t know why I was nervous but I had a feeling he was going to tell me something I didn’t want to hear.

  “We are going to have to go straight to the Artrovian kingdom tomorrow. No stopping. Even through the night. That nymph is up to no good and I have a feeling she isn’t finished with us yet. There is much I have to teach you and so little time.” Balam sat me on the ground and ran his fingers through his hair. “You’re going to have to do something you don’t want to do.”

  My eyebrows hit my hairline. “Oh?”

  “We are going to have to pretend we are married.”

  Oh.

  I stared at him with my mouth agape.

  “Don’t act silly, you knew I was going to have to plot something out.” Balam stood up and paced on the sand. “I have a feeling she will come back for you and I know you are powerful but I can’t keep finding you like this. It’s my mission to keep you alive and train you but it’s more than that now. I have started to grow fond of your heathen ass.”

  I smiled but the sass inside me had to come out and I rolled my eyes at him. “I enjoy your company too. Even if you are kind of scary.”

  He chomped his teeth and my chest grew less heavy. “I was starting to worry you were immune to my charms.”

  “To your charm? Most definitely immune. To your scary glowing eyes and sharp pointy teeth? I’m not blind.” I pressed my fist into my chest and laughed. The sound bubbled up out of me and I tried to not fall over with the force of it. The demon tilted his head and his eyes changed. It was so slight, I almost missed it. But the color seemed to morph into a slight red then they went back to normal.

  “How are we going to pretend we are married?” I finally asked.

  Balam chuckled. “Leave that all to me.”

  That didn’t reassure me at all.

  We raced through the trees as soon as we got up the next morning. There was no time for food or water, even though I complained. Balam ignored me and set off. He didn’t care what I wanted to do, he had his mind set on a plan and he wasn’t going to deviate from it. My legs were already sore from all the fighting I had done the previous night and my chest still ached but I was determined to keep up with his speed. I wasn’t going to give him any reason to make fun of me or pick at me later.

  When we finally stopped for water, I guzzled it down. I didn’t stop when Balam started to gawk or when he made snide comments. I was much too thirsty and hungry to give a damn about him. I hoped there was a huge platter of food waiting for me on the other side of the castle. I would do anything for it.

  I imagined Madam Colver in the kitchen and my stomach growled again. I closed my eyes and savored the cold water washing down my throat. We were so close. I could practically taste the roasted festerfaust.

  Balam poofed our waterskins away and we were off again. He grabbed ahold of a vine and swung through the air above me. He laughed and mocked me from the tops of the trees but there was no way I was going to attempt that again. I liked the air to remain in my lungs and I didn’t care to know what it felt like up where he was. I would manage just fine on the ground or in the trees.

  The ground began to get softer and harder to run on. I looked up at the demon and he gave me a worried expression. Not another thing. Why couldn’t we make it to the castle without another issue?

  “You’re going to have to learn how to do this eventually, Willow,” Balam called down to me. I had expected his voice to be full of mirth and teasing, but all his voice held was concern. He stopped his swinging and reached his hand down to me. “I know you aren’t fond of it, but the land is turning to mush right before my eyes. It won’t take long for it to devour you.” I grabbed his much larger hand and he yanked me from the ground. “Just hold onto me, I don’t want to risk you falling down into that.”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck and his muscular arm snaked around my waist. He held me flush against his body as he swung from tree to tree. His hands were crimson and I wondered and worried that it was because of my weight. I was also curious to know how much magic he was exhorting or if this was all his physical strength. Either way, I was impressed. My stomach dropped with every dip we made in the air. My hair tangled around my face and as much as it was annoying, it was glorious.

  “Is this what it feels like to fly?” I breathed into his neck and I felt his pulse jump under my face.

  He pulled his head back and his eyebrows wrinkled in the center. “You have never flown before?”

  I smiled and shook my head. “No, is this something I should know how to do?”

  “We are almost there, but yes, you should have flown a long time ago.” His grip tightened. “I wondered where your dragon was.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Cal

  What Ailia had told me had left me stunned. I hadn’t been able to sleep for days and when it came to focusing on the other sisters, I couldn’t. I tried my hardest to give them my undivided attention, but all I could think about was the faces staring at me from the bottom of the lake.

  What a rutting curse. I had been able to sleep for the first time since Willow had disappeared and we had left her, now I was plagued with more demons. Would the torment ever stop?

  I paced the floor in my bedroom. Nico had tried to speak to me about it all and what it meant for a possible alliance, but I pushed him away. It seemed like the only thing I was good at lately. Today was the day I would see Ailia again and I was a wreck. I had dark circles under my eyes and pain in my soul. My energy wasn’t happy and light anymore. How much more could the elves take from me? How much more could they continue to destroy? I yanked the bedroom door open and marched down the hallway. I had to try. I had to do better. I couldn’t let this depression drag me down with it. I had to be better. If not for myself, then for my kingdom and all the people the elves had harmed.

  When Ailia pulled her door open this time, it wasn’t as aggressive as the last. She wore a white dress and a pair of golden sandals. Her hair was braided away from her face and she wore a touch of makeup. She looked radiant and no longer angry.

  “Good morning Cal.”

  “You’re finally in a good mood,” Nico muttered from behind me.

  Ailia’s eyes flashed to my guard before she lifted an eyebrow. “There is much to be celebrated
today.”

  I couldn’t help but smile at her changed attitude. It was infectious. “What are we celebrating?”

  “There has been a change in the water at the lake.” Ailia didn’t wait for me to respond and raced right out of the castle. Nico laughed and we both took off after her. Her dress billowed around her legs and I understood why she had it braided today. The quick pace she had would have tangled her hair up and given the wrong impression as we walked back from our date. I was thankful that she had thought that much through. I didn’t have romantic feelings for her but I certainly didn’t want rumors flying about. The court could be a nasty enemy.

  Sure enough, as we neared the pool of water, I noticed that the color of it was different but it didn’t give me hope. My face fell just as Ailia’s shoulders slumped. The water was as dark as Willow’s magic.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Willow

  The first thing I saw when we got to Artrovia was how massive it was. It was completely surrounded by the forest but absolutely surreal with how separate it was. Balam hadn’t been lying when he had told me about the different sects. You could tell where the poor, non-magic users lived and where the talented and powerful lived. It was disgusting. I frowned and narrowed my eyes.

  “You’re gonna have to pull your distaste in. The king will feel it and he will not like it. Sometimes in these kingdoms you just have to survive.” Balam squeezed my hand and let me down onto the tree branch. “We will have to walk through each sector. Try your best to look hopeful and not like the rutting fool you are.”

  I rolled my eyes and didn’t say anything. He was right and I needed to keep my wits about me or I would get us both killed. When we landed on the ground sigils illuminated on the wall around the massive kingdom.

  “We have arrived. Keep your eyes open and your mind clear. We have no idea what we are walking into.”

  I nodded once and took a step forward. Not only was there a physical wall around the kingdom but there was also a magical one. Walking through it felt like water. It rippled against my skin and slowed my movements. The wards spit me out on the other side. There was a large wooden sign at the first building that was falling apart but I could make out the words painted on it.

  SECTOR ONE

  Balam was spat out next but his experience didn’t seem to be as pleasant. He fell to his knees and vomited into the bushes. “Rutting wards.” He straightened up and scowled at me. “How are you still standing? If it had brought me down, it really should have taken you down too.”

  “Must be my goddess blood,” I winked at him and he went pale.

  “What?”

  I shrugged my shoulders. I didn’t know why he was acting so weird. “I was just joking. You’re the abnormal one around here.”

  His shoulders sagged in relief and I wrinkled my nose. He threaded his fingers through mine and I straightened up in surprise. “Husband and wife, remember?”

  I frowned. “Do we have to start now?”

  Balam leaned forward and licked the cuff of my ear before he whispered, “They started watching us the moment the wards went off outside the gates.”

  I was surprised I had processed his words. My body was still in shock by the physical affection he had poured on me. I blinked a few times and cracked my neck but it did nothing to get the heat from my core. I could have sworn I was set on fire.

  Balam smirked and tugged me forward. Sectors one through four didn’t have much to offer. There were no merchants in the streets and people watched us with suspicious eyes from their doorways and windows. Their homes were made of clay and rock. The people we did spot in the shadows wore rags. There were no children. There wasn’t even a sound as we walked down the dirt roads. Everything was gray. Even in Arinal there wasn’t anything like this. I felt nauseated as we walked through. I wanted to speak to them, buy things and try to lift their spirits but I knew there was nothing I could do to help these people. At least, not yet.

  Sector five was lively. There was a wall that separated it from the lower sectors but there wasn’t anything keeping us from passing through the doorway. The ground was paved with colorful bricks and there were people everywhere. The crowds of people were of all different ethnicities. Their clothing was bright and colorful. Their skin was radiant and happy. They looked nothing like the people from the lower sectors. Children ran around the streets and vendors had carts down the main road. I stopped to grab a hot bun and Balam shook his head.

  I pouted. But he was right. We were on a mission and couldn’t get sucked in by the culture. Even though it was fascinating.

  But as we walked through, all I could think about was the lower sectors and how desolate they were. As much as I wanted to be happy and carefree with the remaining sectors, I couldn’t be. I couldn’t forget the sad, beat down faces that had watched me from the shadows.

  I tugged on the end of my hair nervously as Balam led me through the throngs of people. Finally, after what seemed like forever, we came upon the main gate to the castle. The main gate was open and it led to a drawbridge that led to the castle. On the bridge there were several carts posted that sold food, wine, and what looked like fairy trinkets. Which were my favorite since my first time in Rosalia. Fairy trinkets were made up of potions, flower crowns, and various bottled spells. They were colorful and brought joy to the streets of Rosalia. I watched a little girl run away from the cart with joy written on her face. She had a flower crown perched on her head of blonde hair and a bottle clutched between her hands.

  Each merchant tried to delay us but Balam wasn’t budging. I could tell by the setting of his brows that he wasn’t enjoying this and wanted to get away from all of the people as soon as possible. He didn’t really have to avoid the people though, they stayed clear of the both of us. They took one look at all of our weapons and various bruising before they turned in the opposite direction. Balam was pretty menacing, especially with his liquid orange eyes. The merchants didn’t even look his way.

  When we made it to the other side of the bridge I took a deep breath and wished I would see Cal soon. After a few minutes, the giant wooden doors swung open but instead of Cal being there, it was Nico staring at me with shock.

  He rushed to me and I met him halfway. I wanted to punch him in the face but I knew that was a low blow so I punched his shoulder as hard as I could. He reared back in surprise and laughed. “I should have expected that.”

  “You left me,” I growled. Balam placed his huge hand on my shoulder and pulled me back an inch.

  Nico looked at Balam’s hand and then my face. “You disappeared. For a long time. What were we supposed to do?”

  I gave him hurt-filled eyes. “I don’t know, not leave me like I don’t matter to you.”

  Behind Nico, several armed guards were watching with passive faces. “Who’s the party for?”

  “You took us all by surprise.” Nico didn’t take his eyes off of Balam. “I have to come out and make sure it was actually you before they let you in.”

  I nodded my head. I could understand. I had disappeared for awhile there. “Where’s Cal?”

  Nico opened his mouth and then he closed it.

  “Spit it out,” Balam growled this time.

  “He’s on a date.”

  I wanted to process his words but they wouldn’t sink in. I stood there and stared at him before I nodded slowly. I felt like I was underwater. “I’m exhausted and starving, can we hurry this along.”

  Nico looked at Balam and Balam gave him a warning glare. I didn’t know what was going on between the two of their minds but I didn’t care. All I cared about was food and a bed. I had been dreaming of a bed for a long time. I was going to enjoy this even if it meant the end of my relationship with Cal. I shook my head. No, I couldn’t think that way. It no longer mattered. I was here as his friend. That was what mattered.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Cal

  One of my elite watched me as he spoke. “Willow Bane has made it to the castle.”


  My entire body felt like it was on fire at those words. “What?”

  Ailia watched me carefully.

  “Willow Bane and George have made it to the castle, My King.”

  “Where is she?” I stood up and brushed the grass off of my tunic. Ailia and I had been eating lunch in the garden when my guard had come running through. I didn’t see the point in having a plethora of guards around me when I was trying to get to know the princess. Trust was earned and I was determined to earn hers.

  “She and her husband have retired for the evening.”

  I rocked back on my feet. “Her what?”

  “Lady Bane and George have eloped.”

  Just as I feared. My entire world came crashing down around my shoulders and I felt myself fall to my knees. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t hear. Everything was a blur like I was underwater. A hand on my shoulder brought me back to reality. I blinked hard and shook my head. I could hardly believe it, but then I could. I had left her. I had pushed her away into the arms of another. I didn’t want to admit that it was crushing my soul but there was something missing in my chest. I clenched my jaw and nodded my head before I stood back up. Little rocks had embedded themselves into my knees. I patted them off of my leather pants. I gave Ailia and my elite a smile that didn’t reach my eyes and retired to my room. Ailia raced after me but I shook my head. I had pushed away one, why not another?

  How could I have been so stupid? Willow had been searching for answers and herself. What had I done? I had pushed her into the arms of another because the thought of war and emotions didn’t pair well together. I had pushed her away because I had been afraid and now look at the mess. She had eloped with a demon. I pressed my forehead into my bedroom door.