Christof sat up a little straighter, but he did not react quickly. Instead, he considered what the Priest was saying, and after a moment he smiled and nodded. “Good.” He said as if this was part of his plan all along and that the people of Crimah had only walked into a trap. “I hope your lands are tormented.”
The priest looked at Christof. “Sir, these lands are not tormented, and they never will be. Before us, men lived here, and more will come after. All of our time is limited, and all we can strive for it a single day to make it all worth it.” Laughter erupted around him, but he did not bow his head or hide. Instead, the priest continued to look into Christof’s eyes. “You once followed the same God.”
Christof’s eyes narrowed, and he rose from his seat. “The Gods are dead, and the men who follow them are fools.” He grumbled. “Yolanda, take the priest to the dungeons. I would hate for us to lose him.” He smiled and was surprised to see the man stayed seated until it seemed that Yolanda might have to force him to stand.
The priest rose in his own time, heavily dependent on Yolanda but he continued to watch Christof. “The Gods never give us more than we can handle.” He said.
Christof nodded. “Yes, I remember that lesson. And I am sure it will keep you warm.” Yolanda dug a hand into the back of the man’s neck and used it to steer him in the directions she liked.
The Priest followed the pressure with very little choice to do anything else. But he had hope. He knew that while Crimah appeared deserted it was not. Yes, many had fled and more had died, but he had seen life in the dark. The total number had been diminished, but there was still a small number of those loyal to this manor and what it stood for.
The priest was not sure how it had come to be, but it appeared to him that the rebels had forgotten that the loyalty that burned in them still burned in their opposition. They walked into Crimah and believed that it was dead and ripe for the taking. The priest could not believe that the citizens were turning their backs so quickly on the only lives they had ever known. He was hopeful and prayed he was not wrong in thinking that perhaps the remaining few of Crimah would create a rebellion of their own.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Evangeline stood firm on the main stairs of the castle, and while she said nothing at all, it was a comfort to have Sable by her side. She was so accustomed to being alone all the time, that the novelty of having a friend had not worn off yet. She heard the quick steps coming down the corridor and knew who it was and did not bother turning to greet Glais as he met her in an archway.
“Thank you for agreeing to accompany me.” He said, looking back to Sable, who quickly averted her gaze and looked down at her feet.
Evangeline only nodded, ensuring her hair was placed carefully to keep her neck covered. “It seemed incredible to me Glais that you have not been to the marketplace before now.”
“My father was very strict on what I should spend my time on,” Glais answered, knowing he was repeating himself. While it wasn’t a lie, it was not quite the truth. Quintus had been very strict on his son, ensuring that he was safe before releasing him into the Kingdom, however, he had never banned Glais from going to the markets or any place else within Braykith. Quintus had merely never encouraged it, and so Glais had never gone.
Glais had said all of this to Evangeline and elected the right response from her, an invitation to come with her on one of the errands into the market later in the week. Glais also wanted to give Evangeline something to do besides watch the sky for messenger birds. There was still no word from her brother or his, and while Quintus did not seem concerned Glais agreed with Evangeline that the silence was growing eerie.
He offered her his arm, and after a moment of hesitation Evangeline took it. Walking down the stairs together, Evangeline spoke quietly. “You mother is also concerned with where we are spending our time.” She confessed. “Kyleigh pulled me aside briefly to explain we needed to appear in public together to ensure that the people have less to gossip about.” Evangeline shrugged. “I was quick to inform her that gossip will never stop following us. However, she does make a point. With Baxter gone and the continued reports of people being missing, it is important we appear capable.” Evangeline looked at Glais and thought she saw him smile at her summarised version of events.
“She doesn’t like to meddle directly in my affairs, but like all mothers she wants nothing more than to see her son be successful, in life and love.” He started towards the stables and Evangeline frowned, pulling him back gently. “We are not riding?” he asked and ignored Sable as she attempted to cover a laugh with a cough.
Evangeline gave her friend a quick look of disapproval, but Glais did not manage to decipher its meaning. “The markets are not far.” She promised him.
Catching Evangeline smiling up at him, Glais felt his own lips form a returning smile. His mother had told him to make things work under Evangeline’s terms. Glais lived with the slim hope that by spending time with Evangeline, during the times where she dictated their activities and audience that he could perhaps woo her. Glais was merely looking for time so Evangeline could see the evidence that she was special to him. He had decided the best way to do that was insert himself into her life.
To be honest with himself, Glais needed to admit that it had seemed easier when he was merely thinking of it. Being beside her now and walking arm in arm down the paths that lead away from the entrance of the castle had immediate effects on Glais. One look at the expression on Evangeline’s face was enough to convince him that she did not share these light-hearted feelings. Glais continued trying his best not to force his emotions onto her but it harder than imagined. He had told her not to work with ultimatums, and that advice was good for himself as well. All they needed was time and signs of small progress to keep him encouraged.
Walking at her side, and being given a lukewarm reception, only allowed Glais more time to ponder his own emotions. He pondered where this desire came from. Glais was not one who liked to force his hand on people. All he owned had been presented willingly to him. Never before had he needed to think of others’ emotions rebelling against his own. No one had done it before or since Evangeline’s arrival. He was ashamed to say that he was this old and still learning the luxuries of his birth did not extend to everyone.
Evangeline seemed oblivious to his struggle and the slow realisation that he could not force love out of her was an embarrassment. But he still believed it was there, a slow burning ember that did not go out no matter how Evangeline wished it would. Evangeline was conflicted about their relationship, but there was a tinkering of something that nagged at the back of his mind and blossomed into hope. Glais looked at her and hoped soon they could move past this together.
“How often would you come to the markets?” Glais asked, just for the excuse of something to say.
Evangeline shrugged, thinking on his question and struggling for an answer. “Every other day or so. There is not much for me to do in the castle. It all started as an excuse to leave, but after only one day I realise how different I was from the people here.” Evangeline sighed.
“I was told you education included our annual customs,” Glais said, and Evangeline heard the guilt in his voice, but she did not fall for it. Out here in the crisp weather, it was harder for Glais to manipulate her emotions.
“It was, but it is one thing to know about a community and something entirely different to experience it. It does help knowing the history and theory, but the day to life is odd.” She looked up at him. “I am sorry, I do not mean it like that.”
“It is fine.” Although Glais was curious.
Evangeline sighed, realising she needed to explain herself and desperately trying to ensure that she did not offend him further then she had done already. “I mean, you do realise how strange Braykith is, do you not?” Evangeline asked him.
Glais shrugged one shoulder and looked around, but there was nothing obvious about his home. “I know the rumours about it if that is the oddness you are
alluding to.”
She shook her head and stopped, making Glais stop with her. “I mean the layout. Your farms are so far from the castle. The most important part of the city, your way of life and useful trading entities are furthest from protection and free for intervention.” She told him. “If any dared to come close enough that is. The rumours do keep the lands free of attack, but should those rumours ever fail Glais, your Kingdom is in danger.”
Glais had never considered it, and he looked around, but he knew she told the truth. “The crops and livestock have always been kept furthest from the castle.” He told her. “Until very recently with your arrival, there was no food here growing in the ground.”
“I understand it, but it is just an example. It was different to see.” Evangeline urged him to walk again, and Glais willingly fell into step beside her once more. “If I am to rule these people with you, I want to know them.” She turned to see that Glais was intensely listening to her. “I do not have the luxury of knowing them my entire life.” She cleared her throat, unsure of his motives, but never letting her guard down.
“On that front, we are on equal footing.” Glais chuckled, however when she didn’t join him, he stopped. “Well, I suppose that isn’t entirely accurate.” He said, apologising for the subtle sound of disapproval that Evangeline made. “I only meant, while I do know the theory of Braykith and the way my father rules, it is not to say that I know the people. Politics is different to the community.” Glais winced, feeling stupid for offering such a complicated answer to what should have been a casual conversation.
The slightest differences in Glais gave her chills that were getting harder to ignore or just accept. Evangeline felt that her livelihood was only secure if she could understand him. “Glais, are you ok?” she asked.
“I told you before Evangeline, I am lonely. I am not very good at this kind of thing. My father never encouraged me to have friends and the few people I do know are not interested in social engagements for my benefit.” Glais stopped his excuse, and he did not explore that further because she knew the details surrounding his life and they had witnesses. After the danger he had once posed Wick, Glais had been separated from his peers until he had control.
When Glais was a young man, he had thought that learning the control over the curse and its impulses would mean he would be free to go and interact with his Kingdom in the same manner his brother Baxter had done. Quickly, it had become apparent to him that it was a child’s daydream, and acceptance would never come since people already feared him. “Shall we continue?” Glais gestured them forward.
“Of course, yes.” Evangeline smiled, and lowered her arm out of his and took his hand. Glais did nothing, and Evangeline kept the contact. “The markets won’t be too crowded today. Sable told me that because of the harvesting, most of the people we see there will be busy so maybe we picked the right time for this.”
Glais saw that Thomas was approaching them with three other men. Evangeline stopped with Glais just short of the castle guards that would be accompanying them into the markets. She understood that they were needed for everyone’s protection, but she barely bothered to acknowledge them. It was shocking to see how quickly she had adapted to people following her everywhere she went. Kyleigh had been correct on that.
Glais recognised them all as the short list of the possible guards that will be shortly assigned to Evangeline permanently. Once Glais had not cared to know that Thomas would be one of those guards. Now, he was trying very hard not to rip out the man’s throat simply for being present and attending to his assigned duties. They would have a complicated relationship, and neither man was happy with the arrangement.
Ignoring the obvious tension, Evangeline smiled, pausing as the men came to a halt before her. “And what is all this?” she asked Thomas.
“Your entourage My Lady,” Thomas answered, and after a moment he bowed as was the custom but it seemed he had forgotten. Glais straightened his back and tried to lose some of the tension that kept a hold of him.
“I didn’t realise it would be so many of you,” Evangeline said, wondering if they would be able to get anything done with this much security.
“What were you imagining?” Thomas asked a twinkling of mischief in his eye that no one spoke of but made Evangeline smile.
She shrugged. “I suppose I simply never realised how important Glais was to the crown. Apparently, he is four times more valuable than I am.”
Thomas laughed, and Evangeline joined him, but Glais did not. He heard the slight change in her voice, even if she didn’t realise it had happened. The men laughed because they assumed she was joking, and the joke was like something his own mother would say from time to time, but that crisp edge had been dismissed by everyone standing there but Glais.
He said nothing, though, unsure how to tell her that regardless of how his father believed her to be dispensable, he did not. “It is mostly because of the increased tension,” Glais said. “I am sorry Evangeline; I did not consider how this would impact your time.”
She shook her head. “Don’t be so silly.” She forced a smile, but Glais would not return it. He was looking out towards the tree line where there was movement the moment before someone sounded the warning bells. Someone was approaching fast on a Braykith mount.
Evangeline did not seem to notice the oncoming intruder but rather had opened her mouth to point out the monuments of interest they would be passing soon when she heard a shout. The walkways were far less crowded than usual, but they were not deserted, and a group of people were pointing to the distance.
Evangeline followed their gestures and felt her heart leap. Saying not a word, she released Glais’ hand and pulled up the hems of her skirts so she could run towards the figure that had caused such alarm.
Glais took off after her, and he easily caught up. Grabbing her around the waist, he pulled her off her feet.
Evangeline’s hands went to his, nails raking at his fingers to make him let her go. “Release me Glais.” She demanded. “That is my brother.”
Glais put her down, turning her so he was placed between her and the approaching figure. “Evangeline, please.” When she refused to calm herself, he turned his focus to the guards who seemed in shock at the sudden turn of events. Glais wondered if any of them could be trusted to guard her, but now was not the time. “Take her inside,” Glais said, shoving Evangeline into Thomas’ arms, but she easily got free of him
“That is Darius,” Evangeline screamed. Unprepared for her swift actions, she quickly slipped out of the hands of her guards and past Glais before even he could follow her a step behind. He grabbed her again around the waist, yanking her back against him and this time he would not release her
“Let me go Glais.” She demanded once more, fighting for freedom, but Glais spun her, so they were face to face.
With his hands on her shoulders, and blocking her view of the scene playing out just meters from them, Glais finally succeeded in getting her attention. “Evangeline, stop.” He demanded and to his surprise she did although she remained unsettled. She was panting, her dress restricting the ability to take a deeper breath, and he wondered if soon she might begin to hyperventilate. Adrenaline made her hands shake as she turned them into fists at her side but could not help but uncurl them only to have them snap closed once more. She did not swing at Glais although they both recognised she would fight him if she felt the need. They also both acknowledged that in a physical altercation, Evangeline would never win, but Glais reasoned that she was not thinking clearly and so he remained on guard for Evangeline to take her first swing.
“I realise this is painful for you Evangeline, but please we must think of this politically and your safety is paramount.” Evangeline tried to object, but Glais silenced her quickly. “The last family member you were with attempted to kill you. Please, for just a moment, do not be impulsive. We do not know why he is here, and I can not protect you if you charge off without me.” He spoke low, a hurried whisper th
at only Evangeline could hear, and she understood why.
This was the exact reaction Quintus had warned her against, and yet she could not seem to let it go. She nodded, but it was rushed and still panicked. Glais did not immediately release her even after she promised to behave. Evangeline rolled her eyes, but Glais did not relent until she made a show of standing calm. Glais still seemed uncertain if she would not just run once he did give her the freedom but he needed to trust her. Slowly he lowered his hands, and she did stay where she was.
“Stay with me. Walk beside me, but when I tell you to stop, you need to listen.” Evangeline nodded again, but she tried to look past his shoulder, trying to find her brother still and Glais moved them so she could no longer see. “You keep telling me you can pretend Evangeline.” He harshly whispered to her. “Now you need to prove it.” Glais used the last card he had against her, and after a moment's struggle, it seemed to work.
Evangeline looked up at him and seemed to find her own footing while he still held her firm. “I will.” The pair stared at each other, but Glais was not quick to release her. “I will.” She promised.
“And you will allow me to handle your brother as I see fit for the safety of this Kingdom, and any objections will be kept internal until we are properly alone?” Glais asked.
Evangeline nodded, biting her bottom lip as she did. It seemed like something Glais could manipulate later but Evangeline couldn’t think of how to counter his argument. “Please don’t hurt him.”
“It depends on why he is here.” Glais finally released his hold on her, and Evangeline did not run off to meet the quickly approaching horse that carried her brother.
Delusions of Loyalty (The Braykith Series Book 2) Page 25
