GRIPPED (Romance Mystery & Suspense Box Set)

by Abbott, Alex

  “They aren’t traitors. They were wandering in the woods in pairs and trios. They aren’t anywhere near organized enough to be spies.”

  “Well, if they aren’t spies where did they come from?”

  “That is the interesting part. Would you like to hear my theory?”

  “Of course.”

  “I don’t think they’re from Manna.”

  Troy laughed. “Very funny brother. I needed a laugh today. I fear there will be no joy once Catherine returns.”

  “You shouldn’t have sent her away in the first place.” Tavis shook his head at his brother’s folly. “She will be hard on you for that but it doesn’t change anything. However, I was no joking about my theory. Remus agrees with me.”

  “That’s impossible. You’re missing something about them.”

  “There are only two options. If they aren’t from here and they aren’t from there, where are they from?”

  Troy considered the riddle. He wasn’t convinced they were from…elsewhere. Sure, there were rumors of other worlds and all kinds of fantastical things but that didn’t make it true. He wished it were. Maybe he could escape to some other world and get away from all his burdens in Castle Blackfire.

  “I’m not ready to say that they aren’t from Manna yet.” Troy said. “There must be an easier explanation. We’ll question them again when the sun is out.”

  “We’ve questioned them already. I don’t think they’re stories are going to change. Look at them brother. Have you seen anything like those clothes before? I have. On the beast-woman.”

  Troy nodded. “That is true but that does not mean they don’t all suffer from the same malady. Maybe the wraith is controlling them. She is a powerful creature. Or they could be some kind of new wraith themselves.”

  Tavis sighed. “Question them again then. When you come around to my thinking, talk to me then.”

  “Where are you going?” Troy asked Tavis’s retreating frame.

  “I’m bored of this body. I’ll be in the sky for a while.”

  “You’re just running from our sister!”

  Tavis looked over his shoulder with a smile. “Do you blame me?”

  He was always running off when things got dicey. Just a few minutes difference and it would be Troy running off when things became difficult. This time he didn’t begrudge his brother too much. Tavis had gone after the wraith and had captured the remaining people Lena was seeking. At least that was taken care of for the rest of the night. Troy would deal with the wraith when she showed her face again or the next harvest. Whichever came first and he desperately hoped he could wait for the harvest. Maybe Hera would take care of it for him.

  Lena and a tall bearded man approached him. “Troy this is Allen he is captain of my guard and one of my most trusted advisors.”

  Allen put out his giant hand. “I’m not sure I can call myself captain of the guard when I no longer have any soldiers.”

  Troy shook his hand. “All your men deserted you?”

  “Sorry to say yes they did. I don’t blame them one bit. The Council is going to have a mess on their hands when Sophia regains her strength.”

  “Council?”

  “The governing body of the supernatural peoples,” Lena explained. “Allen, Ellia, and I would like to speak to you privately.”

  “There’s a small room just down the hall.” Troy motioned for Ellia to come over and follow him too. He led them a few feet down the hall to a room that was used to store fabric for his sister’s gowns.

  “Look at all these!” Ellia pulled a bolt of rich green silk down.

  “Not now Ellia.” Lena scolded. “We would like to talk to you about housing our people at Castle Blackfire.”

  “Of course,” Troy said. “I expected as much. You claim not to be from these parts and have no other place to stay. I would have insisted as much had you not asked.”

  “You’re a good man,” Allen said. “Are you king of this place?”

  Troy tilted his head from side to side. “Not exactly. My father was the king before me so if I marry I too will be king. As it stands now, I have no wife and so no crown.”

  “No kingdom without a wife!” Allen looked horrified. “No offense ladies but what kind of man needs a woman to rule?!”

  “The kind that rules Castle Blackfire. It’s to ensure that all peoples are looked after equally. If a man has a wife, he will not be able to ignore the plight of his female subjects.”

  “How forward thinking!” Ellia said. “That would help a lot of problems back home. Women are the fairer sex after all.”

  “I think you’re interpreting that sentence incorrectly,” Allen said. “It makes no matter to me, you are the leader here Troy and we will follow your rules and wishes while under your roof.”

  Lena nodded. “We would like to do anything we can to help alleviate the burden of our being here.”

  Troy laughed. “You are less than twenty total. We see more births than that in a month. It won’t be any burden to take you in.”

  A guard came to the door and motioned for Troy to come out. Catherine must have arrived.

  Troy bowed slightly to Lena, Ellia, and Allen. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a matter to attend to. Please explore the castle all you want. Remus will help you get settled in.”

  The trio bowed and curtseyed to Troy before he left with the guard. Remus wouldn’t be able to get them settled in well but he would find someone who could. Troy wanted to get his first meeting with Catherine over with. She was going to be in a foul mood until she had said her piece. Troy knew there was no way she would marry any Eternal Sun clan member but he had to at least send Catherine. He could send word of her refusal now and Hera would have to accept.

  “Well look who it is.” Catherine threw a hat at Troy.

  He grabbed the hat before it could hit him. “Wonderful to see you again too sister.”

  Cate pulled her long brown hair up in a jeweled clip. “I can’t believe you forced me to spend a month with those savages.”

  “They are no more or less savage then we are.”

  She threw her hair brush at Troy. “Are you insane?! Do you have any idea how difficult they made it for me?”

  “I do not.”

  “Everyday I had to go to a grand dinner with Sir Rustion. Everyday the Queen announced me as his soon-to-be wife. Peasants were lining up to stare at the Blackfire princess and knights fiancé. It was humiliating.”

  “They fed you and gave you a spot of honor. They admired your beauty and poise on a daily basis. It sounds awful Cate. I’m sorry I put you through all that.” He put the brush down on her desk and put his arm around her shoulder. “It had to be done. I truly am sorry.”

  “I won’t forgive you that easy Troy. At least you can no longer use me in your attempts to keep the queen at bay.”

  “I know. I thank you for buying me even this small reprieve from her scandalous ways.”

  “I hear she’s sending a nude portrait with Rustion.”

  Troy frowned. “It wouldn’t surprise me. She seems to think she can sway me with her beauty.”

  “It is a little suspect that you aren’t even a little attracted to her.” Cate gave him a twisted smile.

  Troy was aware of the rumors in Eternal Sun. The wildest rumor was that he and Tavis were in an incestuous relationship. The mildest was that he was like Tavis and no woman would be able to sway him. Turning down the only eligible royal bride in the world wasn’t that strange. When she looked like Hera, it gave people pause. The queen was one of the most beautiful women Troy had ever seen. Both in human and dragon form she was beguiling.

  “There’s something wrong with her Cate. As attractive as I might find her, I have to do what’s best for my country. Marrying Hera would be terrible for Blackfire.”

  Cate sighed. “I know. If you had told me ahead of time, I may have been less angry with you.”

  “I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to do it.” Troy kissed her forehead. �
�It pained me to send you away with those knights.”

  “That’s sweet Troy. You don’t have to worry. My honor remains intact. They may have humiliated me but they didn’t harm me one bit. The queen did pump me for information about you at every chance though.”

  “Let’s not talk anymore about these Eternal Sun dragons. Have you heard we have visitors?”

  “Is Rustion already here?” Cate’s brow furrowed. “Impossible! He left a full day after us and is carrying a secret gift from the queen.”

  “Not Rustion…or any Eternal Sun clansmen.”

  “Another beast-woman?!” Cat clapped her hands. “I didn’t get a good look at the last one. Please say it’s a beast-woman!”

  “Not a beast-woman but people who claim to be from the same place she was from.”

  “What?! More than one of them? Are they alive still?”

  Troy nodded. “Very much so. They’re going to be our guests for a while. One even claims she’s a princess.”

  Cate pulled up the hem of her long formal dress. “Take me now! Why didn’t you say so right away? I would have forgiven you already.”

  Troy laughed. “I’m glad you have such a curious mind. Tavis has gone off to fly for the day. I would love to hear you’re opinion on these Northlands Fae.”

  “What is a Northlands Fae?”

  “I have no idea. They look just like we do.” Troy led his sister back to the room he had left the gathering of fae. Some had already left but Lena was still there.

  “Troy.” Lena greeted him with a big smile. “Your men have already started finding houses for my people! That was much faster than I expected.”

  Ellia eyed Cate’s dress. “This is beautiful! You must be Troy’s wife.”

  Cate giggled. “I’m his younger sister. Troy has no wife. Which one of you is the princess?”

  Lena raised her hand and curtsied slightly. “I’m Princess Lena of the Northlands Fae. Nice to meet you.”

  Cate curtsied very slightly. “I’m Princess Catherine of clan Eternal Sun.”

  Ellia curtsied deeply. “I’m Ellia and I’m Lena’s handmaiden.”

  Cate smiled. “So, where are you from again?”

  Lena told her story to Cate while more of her people left. By the time she had finished answering all of Cate’s questions, only Ellia and Lena were left of the in the room with Troy and Cate.

  “A wall? That doesn’t sound very welcoming,” Cate said. “I would like to see this wall.”

  “I would too.” Lena looked at Troy. “Could you take us there? If it’s not too dangerous of course.”

  Troy was caught off guard. His sister didn’t usually ask to see things outside of the castle. “I could if you wish. Zane would have to come with us.”

  Cate nodded. “Wonderful! I’ll go change out of my riding clothes.”

  Six

  “Everyone has been put into a home.” Allen came to stand beside Ellia and Lena at the front of the castle. “We were lucky they had so many open spaces.”

  “Very lucky,” Lena agreed. “Ellia and I will be sharing a room though the knight didn’t like that one bit.”

  “He thought it was inappropriate to have a princess sharing a room.” Ellia waved her hand. “Like I would leave Lena alone in this place!”

  “Nor would I,” Allen said. “I’ve asked to be placed in a room near you two. Why are you waiting out here?”

  “We’re going to the wall with Troy.” Lena looked back into the castle. “We’re waiting for him to come with his advisor Zane.”

  “Princess, you must not leave the castle without notifying me,” Allen said. “If anything happens to you, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. Please don’t make my job harder than it already is.”

  “I’m sorry Allen,” Lena said. “I didn’t think you would be done seeing everyone into a house. I would rather you watch over the people and not watch me go for a walk.”

  “You aren’t going for a walk,” Allen scoffed. “You’re going to wear your murderous sister resides now.”

  “I wonder how she did it.” Ellia mused. “No one else has magic.”

  “I think it’s the place we’re in.” Allen pulled up the scabbard. He had been given a long sword by the prince’s guard but he wasn’t used to the archaic weapon yet.

  “No, my sister could use magic on the beach and none of us could. I think she is the only one who has magic here.”

  “Here,” Allen said thoughtfully. He looked around to make sure no one could overhear them. “I don’t think we’re in England anymore or even in Europe.”

  Ellia looked at Lena. “We don’t think we’re even on Earth anymore. They call this place Manna.”

  Allen rubbed his chin. “I’ve never heard of Manna before. Is that the country or the city?”

  Lena shook her head. “Allen did you hear her? We aren’t on Earth. This isn’t our world.”

  “I think you ladies are confused,” Allen said gently. “There is no way the council could have sent us to another world.”

  “Why not?” Ellia said. “It couldn’t be that hard for one of their more powerful people. What would stop a ghost from checking the planets to find one that was livable?”

  “It would be possible but not probable,” Allen said. “We know they can manipulate time. They were pulling warlocks in from around the world. They were looking for time witches specifically.”

  “But if they could move us through time, they could move us through space.” Ellia said vehemently. “Sending us back in time wouldn’t be enough to rid them of Sophia’s evil intentions. She could just start over at an earlier time. The council aren’t stupid.”

  Allen frowned. “I hadn’t thought of that. I still don’t believe your right but it is a good theory.”

  Allen’s eyes darted behind Lena. She turned to see Troy coming down the hall with Cate and a mountain of a man. He was bigger even than Allen. He had dark hair like Troy and his siblings and a sharp face. Combined with his darting eyes, Lena couldn’t help but notice he resembled a hawk searching for its prey. He looked more the part of castle guard than royal advisor.

  He stood out even when Cate was wearing a scandalous outfit that made Lena and Ellia exchange glances. Cate had changed from her beautiful dress into a pair of dark brown loose pants and a button up dark green shirt. Lena and Cate still wore dresses that were much slimmer cut and easier to walk in. Lena had no idea when Cate said she was putting on walking clothes she would be wearing something closer to her brother.

  “Lena, Ellia, Allen, this is Zane my advisor and security head for Castle Blackfire.” Troy presented the giant man.

  “Nice to meet you all,” Zane said with a slight bow. “I see your security team will also be joining us. Good. I don’t want to be caught off guard by this wraith.”

  “Not a wraith, a Fae.” Lena corrected again. She knew their natural appearance wasn’t pleasing to the eye but she didn’t have to be reminded they looked like monsters. She was glad at least their glamour was holding.

  “My apologies Princess. I warn you ladies now, it is a long walk to the new wall. No one would think less of you if you were to turn back now.”

  “Ladies endure far greater pain than a long walk Sir Zane.” Cate linked arms with Lena and began to walk for the city gates.

  Ellia walked with Zane and began a conversation on the food served at breakfast. Troy and Allen walked together and rushed to overtake Lena and Cate.

  Cate huffed and then spoke low so only Lena could hear. “These men! You would think we were helpless children. I am a full grown dragon. If any wraith crosses our path, she will be a very burned wraith.”

  “You’re a dragon,” Lena said slowly.

  “Of course,” Cate said. “Do they have dragons in your city?”

  Lena shook her head. “There were rumors of mages and witches who could cast dragons and some fae but I’ve never seen one before today.”

  “Well I am one of the best,” Cate boasted. “I am just
as powerful as either of my brothers even if they won’t admit it. Liking pretty things doesn’t make me weak.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Lena said with a smile. “My tribe hasn’t had a king in over millennia. I am always astonished when humans treat their women as lesser. Without women, there would be no empires.”

  “I think we’re going to get along just fine.” Cate patted Lena’s hand.

  “You weren’t here when we arrived. Where were you visiting?”

  Cate made a face. “Castle Eternal Sun. My idiot and shortsighted brother was trying to buy himself more time. It did not work out as planned. I am very glad to be home now.”

  “Buy time for what?”

  “Oh, Queen Hera is really set on making a match between them happen.”

  Lena nodded. “Match-making. That is far too common in my country. If there were any eligible royal fae, I would have already been married off at birth. Lucky for me, we are still waiting for the birth of a new fae prince.”

  “They would have made you marry a baby! How terrible. As bad as my brothers trying to send me off to the old knight. If I am to marry, I will do it for love not for alliance. Let Troy marry to save the kingdom!”

  Lena sighed. “I wish I had you’re backbone. I couldn’t imagine marrying just anyone without the consent of my advisors.”

  “You have advisors?” Cate pushed a tree branch out of her way. They were entering the real forest now. It was more like a jungle than any forest Lena had ever seen. There were tangles of branches and roots sticking out of the ground. Cate said it wasn’t far but they had to move slowly. Lena wished she was wearing pants like Cate. The bottom of her dress was already ruined. She would look into having a pair made when they got back to the castle.

  “I do. At home, I have a half-dozen people who help me make decisions.”

  “Who are these people? Do you pick them?”

  Lena laughed. “Of course not! My mother picked the people. They were mostly people from court. I had one advisor who was part of the security team. He’s with my sister now.”

  “Fascinating! I talk over everything with my brothers but the final say is still mine. You come from an odd land Lena.”