The cool breeze sent chill down her spine. Xandria was supposed to have a much cooler climate than Zania. She could only imagine what it would be like there.
Frostfire looked up from his paperwork. "You really didn't have to bring me along."
Amberfall smiled at him. "You've always wanted to see other lands." She moved closer to him. "Besides, we can keep each other company during those long nights."
Frostfire smirked. "That much is very true. Do tell me something?" He rested his hands on her thighs. "Would you prefer cooler chambers so we can get closer?"
"Hum, you really are tempting, but I doubt even you can keep me that warm."
He kissed her soft lips. "Give me the chance to prove it to you and I bet you will be saying something different."
"You really are full of yourself, aren't you?"
He laughed. "You always were the blunt one in our relationship."
"One of us has to be the leader." She set back in her seat. "Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"
"It's like you said earlier. You can always get up and walk away from anything he has to say. There's nothing wrong with that."
Amberfall sighed. "I guess, but there's just something that feels wrong about this."
"Well, you got me to come and that should be good enough." Frostfire smirked again. "You already know that I will follow you to the end of the world anyway."
"I guess." Amberfall stared out the window. Late last night, they had crossed the Eans Highlands, the mountain range that separated Nimen and Eaken. They were close to Trelia's border. The thick thorns and strange looking animals hadn't changed one bit since the curse was unleashed. The run down and forgotten cottages no longer played host to any kind of human life. Had they ran away or were they victims of the curse?"
Frostfire followed her gaze. "Don't dwell on it," he whispered as he turned her head away from the wall. "It's not your fault."
Amberfall looked slowly away from the wall. "I should have tried harder to warn them. We would have been free had I tried harder."
Frostfire shook his head. "Don't say that."
She looked down at her hands. "Okay, then, this is going to be our happy ending. We are going to get the chance to have a happy life and a family of our own. We are going to grow old under the biggest tree Nimen has ever seen. Sprucestumps will bless everything and everyone that we come in contact with."
Frostfire leaned back into his seat with a smile on his face. "Now, you're talking. Keep it going, my dear."
Amberfall talked about the happy place they would create until her voice was gone and the Trelian border long out of sight.
Darkness was starting to fall, leaving the forest filled with the glowing parts of animals. Every once in awhile they would see the faint flicker of a lantern from a lone cottage. Witches were believed to live in these parts. The further out from society they were, the foulest they were.
Amberfall shivered as the night's dampness set in on her skin. Across from her, Frostfire shivered in his sleep and goosebumps broke out on his smooth skin. She waved her hands over both of them, sending an everlasting warmth over both of them. Smiling she leaned back into her seat and allowed the warmth to overcome her.
Outside different creatures sang their beautiful, yet eerily, songs. She listened as her eyes grew heavy and, at last, she was surrounded in nothing but darkness.
The cool morning jerked her out of her sleep. She pulled back the curtain, staring out at what greeted her. The trees looked so much healthier here than those closest to Trelia. The animals looked normal. There still weren't any signs of any other life, but the fact that things were starting to look normal had to be a sign.
She nudged Frostfire, who jumped. "Look," she breathed, pointing between two trees.
"I see it," he whispered. "I never thought I'd see one alive again."
Between the two tree stood a great white stag. Its gleaming horns were wider than anything Amberfall had ever seen in her long life. They were probably was wide as Sprucestumps's chamber. Its body was strong and powerful; it stood almost taller than the tallest trees. The eyes were old and ancient, filled with wisdom that had kept it alive for so long.
"Wow," Frostfire breathed.
The carriage came to a stop as everyone stared at the stag, silence filled the forest. The stag did not move. It was as if it knew that the fairies would not harm it. It stood there for several minutes, allowing them to drink in its rich body, before turning and disappearing into the forest with great thundering steps.
The carriage didn't move for several minutes after the stag had disappeared.
Amberfall found herself staring at where the stag had been until it too was gone from sight.
"I never thought I would see one here," Frostfire breathed. "I'm surprised that the humans haven't hunted it down."
"Maybe they don't know about it," Amberfall offered.
"That could very well be true." He rested a finger next to his mouth. "Humans aren't the brightest creatures. I doubt they could survive without using someone else's magic."
"We're not going to start bashing the people we hope to make peace with."
Frostfire opened and closed his mouth, but didn't say a word.
Amberfall gripped his hands. "Let me show you a story."
He just looked at her.
"Come on, I know how much you like stories. I'll even make it educational." Without giving him the chance to respond, she waved her hand, allowing a scene to appear.
Ariana turned as her bedroom chamber door opened. She smiled at her visitor. He had gotten her note and did what she had wanted him to do: come see her.
“My lady?” Wymond inquired as he stepped within the chamber. “You wished to see me?”
Ariana smiled and rushed over to him. “Yes, I did.” She touched his face. “I’ve been thinking about you. In fact, I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.”
Wymond stepped back. This wasn’t right. She belonged to King Teodric . If he was caught here, the king would probably have him killed.
Ariana stroked his chest. “Don’t be shy.”
Wymond looked down at her long fingers. She was very beautiful, but no, no, no. He could not. He mustn’t give into her.
She looked sweetly, innocently at him. “What’s wrong?”
“Ariana, I-I can’t,” Wymond struggled to say.
“What do you mean that you can’t?” Ariana whispered.
“Teodric.”
Ariana walked around him staring him down. Wymond followed her with his eyes. “What about him?”
“What not about him?”
“He’s nobody.”
“He’s your husband. Don’t you love him?”
“No, not anymore.”
“He’ll kill me if he knew that I was here.”
“Who says he has to know?”
Wymond thought for a minute. Why did Teodric have to know that he was here tonight? “But, what if he finds out?”
“He’s not going to.”
Wymond continued to watch her circle him. “But-”
Ariana put her hand over his mouth. “No more excuses.”
Wymond nodded.
“No more worrying.”
Once again, Wymond nodded.
Ariana removed her hand from his mouth. “Good.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him.
Wymond was startled at first, but, then, he eased into it. While kissing her, he forgot she was Teodric's queen.
Ten minutes later, she broke the kiss. “Remember, not a word to anyone,” she said. Her forehead was pressed against his.
“No, not a word,” he breathed.
“This meeting never happened.”
“No, it didn’t.’
They parted, each going their own way.
Frostfire blinked. "Um, I thought this was supposed to be educational."
Amberfall gave him an evil smile. "I found it to be very educational." She leaned back into her seat, her smile became even evile
r. "I'm told that blackmail can be one of the greatest weapons that was ever invented."
"Why did you show me that?" Frostfire asked.
"I think it will do the court some good to know that their secrets are not secrets."
"Got you."
Dak watched as Vicar and Tyon rode in front of him, chasing some kind of small animal. He shook his head. He really did not see the appeal to hunting animals that had been placed on a preserve. It seemed a bit too much like cheating to him.
He prayed to whatever gods were listening that they would get tired of this game and decide to go whoring in town.
"Got it!" Vicar exclaimed as he lowered his bow.
Dak looked over as his brother got down off his horse. Huh, he hadn't even realized they had actually been close enough for the kill.
Tyon climbed down at few second later. "Right in the neck too!"
"I've never been this close to one," Vicar muttered.
Okay, that was enough. What had they managed to slay? Sighing, Dak saw that he had no other choice. He slowly dismounted his horse and went over to the younger males.
"Dak, have you ever been this close to one?" Vicar asked as Dak approached.
Dak stared down at the broken creature. The skin was so old and broken that the creature had possibly been over a thousand years old. The squashed nose and big eyes were finished off by a small mouth that was probably filled with sharp, poison laced teeth. These creatures were so rare and hardly ever seen in Eaken; they were much more common in Nimen. Its pointy ears were a clear giveaway.
"It's an elf," Dak muttered. "You killed an elf."
Vicar nodded. "What did you think we were after? A deer?"
Dak looked at the magical creature. These things were known to be vicious, but it just seemed wrong to kill something with so much magic. "Why?"
Tyon and Vicar looked at each other for several long minutes.
"Well," Vicar started in clearing his throat, "Father seemed to think it would be a good idea to use something like her against her."
Dak looked slowly at them. "Are trying to tell me that we came out to kill something to blackmail Queen Amberfall?"
"You said it, not me."
Dak shook his head as Tyon placed the elf into a hunting bag. This was just like his father. There was no such thing as using humane methods to win someone over; no, King Teodric had to go right for the thoart. It really was a wonder that someone hadn't killed the king yet.
Tyon gave Dak a small smile. "It's for the good of the kingdom. Isn't that what we're all about?" He seemed to doubt his own words.
Dak didn't answer as he made his way back to his horse. He could feel Vicar's burning gaze on his back. "We'd better get back before the sun hits that thing. I don't want to be around the smell," Dak snapped, turning his mount back toward the castle.
"Just let it go, Dak," Vicar snapped. "You don't understand how things work in the game of thrones, so don't act all high and mighty."
Dak really wanted to put his sword between his brother's shoulders. He had been trained as the Crown Prince and knew just how these things did work. One thing that he did know for sure was that Queen Amberfall probably had her own tricks up her sleeve, but he wasn't about to tell his brother or father that. They were the experts after all.
Instead, he gave Vicar a big smile. "You know best."
Vicar nodded. "And don't you forget your place again. Who knows? Maybe we'll give you some of the riches when this is all over." He spurred his horse, racing off in the direction of the castle.
Chapter Eleven: The Visitor's Request
Ryanon wrinkled her nose as she washed her body for the millionth time. Whatever smell had been in that tunnel was not leaving very quickly. Dak was going to pay for that. Her clothes would have to be burned, there was no getting out of that.
The guild had survived the attack without too much damage. There were a few more holes in the roof, which Azur and Kitt were fixing.
The entire town was still whispering about the appearance of the Iron Fairies. Wherever the Iron Fairies went, Nightstone was sure to follow. Ryanon really didn't blame them for being worried. After all, the last time Nightstone was seen involved an entire nation being put into an eternal sleep.
She threw the clothes into the fire, staring at they turned to ash. There that job was done. She sat back on her heels, staring into the dancing flames. Every once in awhile, a flame would grab onto another, creating a beautiful tango.
"Ryanon."
She jumped, mentally cursing herself for not hearing the person approaching. "What is it, Masse?"
"Dak wants to speak to you." Masse leaned against the doorframe, with a large smirk on her face. "Why would he want to see you? Did you two do something?"
Ryanon narrowed her eyes as marched across the room toward Masse. "No," she breathed as she grabbed Masse around the neck, squeezing just enough to make her gasp. "It's really none of your concern anyway what I do in my off duty hours. It's really no one's concern."
Masse stared at Ryanon with wide eyes. "Pl-plea-please."
Ryanon laughed. "What? Do you think I'm going to kill you? Well, I guess that my work load is a lot heavier than yours so I guess you do have all this extra time to come up with these rumours." She released her hand from Masse's neck.
Masse took a step back, rubbing her tender skin. "You are a monster," she hissed. "We aren't supposed to do that to each other."
Ryanon rolled her eyes. "Maybe you should stop sticking your nose in places it doesn't belong." She brushed past Masse. "Now, if you don't mind, I have a guest waiting to see me."
The stairs creaked beneath Ryanon's feet. It really wasn't like Dak to come here in the middle of the day. Unless, he was here on official castle business or sent by his mother.
Dak stood in front of Kieran and Karlen in full Captain of the Guard uniform. A few of his men looked on. "Is this her?" Dak asked, his voice coming out hard. He snorted as he looked Ryanon over. "She doesn't look all that impressive."
Ryanon narrowed her eyes at him. What could he be doing here on royal business?
Kieran smiled. "I know she doesn't look like much, but she will blend in the best at the castle. Your men could play her off as a common whore. Our other female is a lot more stunning than what you asked for, sir." Ryanon was pleased to see Kieran wince at the word "sir."
One of Dak's men snickered. "Even we have higher standards than this."
Dak gave them a harsh look. "You two need to wait outside while I discuss the terms of employment with them. Close the door behind you."
To Ryanon's surprise the two men simply nodded as they went out into the hall.
Dak pulled a small roll of parchment out of his cloak, placing it on the table in front of them. "His Royal Highness, the king, has comprised a very difficult mission. He thinks he has the power to end the curse in Trelia, now that Queen Amberfall is on her way. He believes that with the queen's magic and his army that he can get past the wall and save those poor souls."
Ryanon's eyes narrowed at the complicated looking battle plan. Nothing had ever been able to get over the wall. The most powerful equipment always came back as nothing more than ashes.
"The problem is the king does not want King Rauffe Eveneye to wake up and that is where you come in." Dak looked Ryanon in the eye. "While the legions are breaking curse, she is to slip into the throne room and kill the king."
Ryanon gulped. It was one thing to kill a lying nobleman or dark king, but another to kill a cursed king.
"I thought that only true love's kiss could break the curse," Karlen muttered. "Doesn't Princess Jessimond's true love have to kiss her?"
Dak nodded. "That is very true, but we have that part taken care of. The only think I want you to worry about is getting her ready to play the part." His eyes lingered on Ryanon. "Just by looking at her, she needs a lot of work."
"So, who is Princess Jessimond's true love, huh? I think you should tell me so I don't kill him," Ryanon snapp
ed. "I need more details."
Dak shoved a bag of gold in her direction. "This is your start up payment. Use it to get yourself something better to wear than those rags."
Ryanon looked down at her clothes. She didn't think there was anything wrong with them.
"The king intends to host a Yule Ball that will be open to the public. It would be the perfect time for you to get a feel of the castle."
"Yule is weeks away!" Ryanon protested. "I am supposed to wait around for weeks to do this job!"
Dak gave her a long look. "Like I said, we have a lot of work to do to get you ready."
Ryanon gave him a nasty smile. "Oh, I could always practice my skills on you." Her voice came out sweet, like honey, but it was laced with poison. The men outside would probably think she was trying to seduce the captain of the guard instead of ripping his throat out.
Dak snorted. "You are going to have to do better than that, my lady." He turned back to Karlen and Kieran. "She'll have to do, I guess. Just make you sure train her correctly."
Kieran actually bowed to Dak. "Yes, sir, we will see that she receives the proper training."
"Good," Dak said rather stiffly as he turned and walked out of the room.
Kieran and Karlen exchanged looks before following Dak out of the room. Ryanon eyed the bag of gold. It would go a long way. Of course, she would have to let the guild take out their share, but after that, it would be all hers.
Dak and his men talked to Kieran and Karlen in low voices for a few minutes as Ryanon leaned against the door frame, staring at them. Sure, it was risky to show their faces to the guard, but they probably had no idea what they were actually doing here.
Kieran bowed the men out the door, watching through the curtains until they were out of sight. "What did you think about that?" Karlen asked. She looked like Yule had come early. "Do you think you can pull it off?"
Ryanon stared at her hand. "Oh, I can pull it off, but I don't think I can stand Dak that long."
Kieran waved her comment away. "You may just have too. You two really do make a fine pair." His eyes drifted up and down Ryanon's body in a manner that made her shiver. "You do have the looks to pull this off. We'll have to do a little bit of cleanup, but I don't see why we can't make this work."
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