“It was not the Braykith demands which had done that.” Evangeline was quick to defend Braykith for reasons she did not fully understand beyond a basic desire of survival. Like Darius, there was no home for her to go back too. The only reason she handled the news better now was because she had come to accept it when Barret had made it quite clear she was no longer welcome.
Darius shook his head. “I do not blame Quintus for that,” he told Evangeline, so there was no misunderstanding between them. “All that had come to pass, from the promise of your wedding and including the deaths that occurred on Crimah soil, is a reaction to a commanding hunger for power that stirred within our father. Braykith was limited by their own ghost stories for protection. Father has destroyed every neighbouring province in his determination to control Zorelians’ threat.”
“I do not think anyone will believe that you are a threat Darius, but I have a larger concern than that,” Evangeline confessed to her brother.
“Oh?” Darius had not thought much further than coming to Braykith and surrendering himself to the King.
“Once it is revealed that you had nothing to do with the death of Baxter and that riding his horse was a gift from him, and not a statement of victory or replacing him, there comes a question of what will become of you. I cannot be sure Quintus will be so welcoming of your presence here in court.” Evangeline pressed her lips together and did not add that she was also doubtful of what Glais would say. “I can be certain you will have my and Kyleigh’s support in staying here as their guest. But Quintus can be unpredictable at times.”
Darius nodded. “I suppose that is fair.” Although he did not feel that way right at this moment as he struggled to see if he would have a future at all. He looked around his cell and realised this may well become the last home he knew. It disturbed him greatly that he even held the fleeting belief that a holding cell was preferable to the homeless suffering he may soon endure.
“I will do all I can to keep you safe Darius,” Evangeline promised him. “Be it here in Braykith, or elsewhere, you will not be lost to the world. I can swear to that.” She hugged her brother, and they shared a rare moment of intimacy between them. For so long they had been separated, not only physically but mentally. Evangeline knew that it was Barret’s fear of her rightful heritage that kept Darius away from her. It was those doubts had grown into something dangerous. She wondered if Darius had the same fears about her, and she looked at him as if she could see those signs.
Darius offered her an awkward smile, returning her embrace.
Evangeline believed she could save him, but Darius was not feeling the same optimism.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Sable had often wondered if her good fortune was only a trap which would expose her for who she was. Sable was almost sure that she as giving Evangeline far too much credit and that she needed to look at the facts as she saw them or soon Sable would start jumping at shadows. Perhaps Evangeline was simply a lonely and foolish girl, and she had never bothered to think that the rebellion would come so close to her sleeping quarters. Sable remained vigilant that Evangeline had no idea who Sable truly was. It would only remain that way if Sable continued to be careful.
After Evangeline had left her, Sable had waited for a few minutes before she felt that it was safe to flee the rooms. She needed to send word to Christof on all that she had witnessed today, and every rumour that had persisted since Darius had appeared on Baxter’s iconic horse. While the castle was busy with the shock of seeing Evangeline’s, brother arriving on the horse of their Prince, Sable could think of no better time to give her leader the happy news.
She had written a hurried note that contained few words, but Christof was never a man who liked the waste time of pleasantries. Sable said that Darius was here, the rebellion was blamed for the Crimah take over, and that she was within the castle. Sable had paused over the note before adding a line that Evangeline had assigned her a prominent role that would allow her to get close to the royal family and their plans.
The note was also to stop any rumours that may come up from the rebellion itself. They had lost many strong men and women to the comforts of living in the city. Sable could not blame them entirely. She had quickly come to be thankful for the warm bed she slept in, and the dress Sable was assigned to wear was made of fabric so soft that she had never imagined before. The food beat the meagre means they had been forced to live on for decades. Sable could certainly see why people with weak wills would settle here with the enemy.
She never would, though. Although everything she had now was tempting, she would never forget the time spent sleeping in the rain, huddled against the smelling bodies of her own brethren to stay warm. The food was enough to sustain them, and the discipline of the lifestyle kept them sharp. Those things were not what kept her loyal. The realisation that all the comforts she had could be shared with those who were still struggling kept her within the rebellion. Sable did not want what was good for her, but what was good for all.
It was a simple belief and one that had her climbing the stairs, two at a time, towards the messenger birds. Sable had been quick to get her usual raven to take refuge within the Braykith tower, and it was good luck that kept it from being discovered. Swiftly capturing it, she attached the note to the leg, petting the animal softly before releasing it into the world as quickly as possible. Watching the raven become nothing more than a speck in the wind, she realised too late she was not alone.
Wick stood at the top of the stairs. Sable shuddered at her disfigured body, the way her hands were too small and her head too big for the rest of her frame. Her silence only made her more intense, and Sable took a moment before she managed to take a small but shaky breath. Wick did not seem at all threatened by her, and Sable felt Wick might be the only one in the castle who suspected her of being more than a poor girl just looking to find her way in the world.
Even the garment she wore only made her appear less usual, the Braykith seamstress unable to save her although she accommodated for all types of physique to perfection. Wick simply would never fit in, and she did not seem at all fazed by such opinions. If she was, Wick hid it under the immovable mask of her face. “Who are you corresponding with?” Wick asked. Her voice creaked from under use, her broken tone was only adding layers to her already repulsive form. Even when she spoke, there was no emotion or change to her facial features. She gave nothing away.
“No one.” Sable lied, not willing to admit to doing anything if Wick had not seen for herself that she had indeed sent the bird.
“Then why are you here?” Wick picked each word carefully. The fear of accidentally causing her own death was always there, and even in ordinary conversation, she feared what she might reveal. Her words were spaced apart slightly too much and analysed before being placed in the world. The technique made her seem small minded.
Sable knew better than to believe such things. There was a spark in her eyes and a sureness in her walk that made Sable more aware of Wick’s intelligent mind. “I like to look out the windows. This is the highest point of the castle, and I don’t mind the birds.” Sable had convinced herself that it was a believable lie, and yet as she said it, there was doubt on if Wick would believe her.
With no further proof except she did not like her, Wick was forced to nod. “You should not be here at this time. Evangeline will need us to remain close.”
Sable nodded. “I’m sorry, I am still so new at this.” She smiled, and Wick gave her nothing but a piercing look in return. “What do you suppose the King will do with her brother?” Sable asked, but it seemed the conversation was over. Wick gestured to the stairs, and after a moment's hesitation Sable left the window and walked down them.
She could feel Wick’s eyes in her back, unblinking and calculating, trying to decide if this girl could ever be trusted. Sable was sure with every step that Wick would suddenly push her. Sable had witnessed herself that her frail looking body was not weak at all, and Wick worked with the vigour
of even the youngest of servants. She could surely push her down the stairs.
Wick never did. She struggled with each step but kept up with Sable. Never once did Wick consider pushing her, and never once did she speak. Wick hobbled beside Sable, escorting her silently through the halls and returning to Evangeline’s chamber where she set herself to her task and ensured that Sable stayed within her range of sight at all times.
Someday, she would get proof of this woman’s intentions, but until those moments came to pass, Wick would do as she had sworn to do. Protect Evangeline from the horrors of Braykith castle.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
The trees were starting to trust the ground again, their branches making their way lower towards the earth that nourished them and seemed to Evangeline to find peace. For what had once been intimidating upon her arrival, Evangeline was now sure to spend time within the trees that lived in the castle grounds. Specifically, though, she was drawn to the trees that stayed closest to her own living quarters. They seemed to be thriving best, and while she had no proof of such a notation, she did believe that the trees were getting closer to her, leaning towards the harsh castle and finding solace in her presence.
Somehow, she knew the trees were unoccupied. It did not take much for Evangeline to know that no Dryad would dare come to live so close to Braykith. Even if she lived her for all her days and her children possessed the naturally restorative magic that laid within her own blood, the wood spirits would never come so close to the lingering evils of the curse. With a gentle sigh, Evangeline leant back against the tree and pressed her palm against it. There was life within the tree, but nothing that gave clues to Dryad’s being present.
Thomas was making strides towards her before Evangeline even realised she was about to be disturbed. While she was glad to see that it was not Glais, she wished some other guards could be sent to her. Her life was beyond complicated, and seeing him only made everything worse instead of better. The way she felt for him was not proper, and Kyleigh had been very clear in her warnings. They could never be indulged. Seeing Thomas only put her own wits to war against her heart. Every time she needed to remind herself that Thomas was not permitted. However, it was a losing battle.
Sable was leading him to her, and Evangeline pulled herself away from the tree as they approached. She had not even seen Sable; her eyes were distracted by Thomas walking with her. “I am sorry Eva to interrupt your meditation, but Thomas insisted.” Sable generally seemed out of sorts, but Evangeline was quick to put her at rest. It had been a long few days for them all.
“It is quite alright. My time is never quite my own, even when it is scheduled.” Evangeline smiled, but Thomas did not join her.
“My lady, I have come with news of your brother’s fate, and you have been requested at the grand room to witness the final judgement.” Thomas bowed to her, but the correct posture did not last long. Thomas was far better at pretending nothing hurt him and he had proven to her time and time again since she had known him. Evangeline was useless, and immediately Thomas moved to console her before Evangeline realised she needed his support. He grabbed her hands, and Evangeline did not pull them back. “I believe this is good news,” Thomas told her.
She felt Sable’s reaction rather than see it. The girl was confused, and perhaps unsure on what she was witnessing here. Evangeline had no time to deal with such things now, and she could not be certain if she could explain this to Sable. “How can you be so sure?” Evangeline asked, giving Thomas her focus.
“I know you do not think much of our King, and question his motives at times, but asking for you to come to the grand room is a sign of sharing his decision, and perhaps allowing you a moment to intervene.” Thomas’ eyes darted back and forth as he tried to judge her moods but Evangeline was too shocked to give away much.
“Quintus had always been adamant about my place and my use here in Braykith,” Evangeline told Thomas, feeling the pressure of his hands around her own. She knew that Quintus had a limited view that was not recognised by everyone, but it was impossible to ignore when his opinion was the only one that mattered. “Quintus makes and gave lives to those he feels are needy. The fact I am here at all is the only proof of this Thomas, and you cannot convince me otherwise.” She took a shaky breath and Thomas produced a handkerchief to catch her tears before they could fall. “Perhaps he only means to give me an audience so I may say my goodbyes.”
“And perhaps you could save a life. Perhaps you could rise to the occasion Eva and remind others that the crown you wear is not just lovely, but means something.” Thomas kissed her cheek instead of her lips, surprised by his own inability to edit their interaction in front of Sable, who still seemed unsure on the whole thing. “There are many perhaps that we could ponder, but only answers can be found if you deliver yourself to the rooms now.”
Evangeline nodded. “Of course, yes. They will not wait for my response.” She agreed with Thomas. There would always be more questions she could ask, and more predictions that would take over her rational thoughts but only arriving before Quintus could answer them. “Who will be present?” she asked, leading the way back towards the castle proper, lifting her dress skirts to take a larger step than what the dress dictated was proper.
“Quintus has been in lengthy discussions with his Generals, and with the returning soldier. I believe only Glais and the witnesses remain. I cannot be certain if that has changed since I left.” Thomas apologised, and Evangeline nodded.
Evangeline knew that it would not matter who was left when she arrived because the decision had been made. Quintus had made this choice without her, yet he was demanding that Evangeline stand witness to the fate of her only living relative.
Thomas and Sable could not dare to keep up with her, and while Evangeline did not run the corridors of the castle in an effort to arrive sooner, she was faster than any walk could be deemed lady like. Evangeline did not wait to be announced, and she did not wait for Thomas either. She opened the doors to the grand room and felt all eyes land on her at once.
Looking around the grand stage, it was Glais who reached out to her. Evangeline could not reject his attentions so publicly, but in truth, she barely recognised that he was using his hands to straightened her hair and brushed a smudge from her cheek.
“Am I too late?” Evangeline asked as she looked up at him, and Glais shook his head.
“No. It is fine.” He kissed her forehead, the only place he would dare attempt to show affection in public. He only picked to do it now as a show to his father, that he had indeed learnt to control his wife and that she would not be out of control as Quintus feared she might become. He did not know how much of this act Quintus believed, but the believability would only increase with the longer they held firm to the charade.
Standing side by side, the door staying closed behind them, Quintus cleared his throat. “I apologise for taking so long with this arrangement Eva.” He started, addressing Evangeline directly and still she could not judge what was about to come. “It has been a troubling few days, and the weeks leading to this unexpected news only makes it all the harder to bear.”
Evangeline fell into a curtsey, holding her dress out to the side as she did. “Of course Quintus. We are all very shocked by the quietness of Crimah and the dramatic arrival of my brother.” She carefully scanned the room now, but he could not be seen. The room was empty besides herself, Glais and Quintus. It did not make her feel better to see the lack of witnesses. “Baxter was only new in my life, and I cannot imagine the hurt his death has had within the Kingdom, but my heart continues to hurt with the sudden loss that none of us could be prepared for.”
Quintus nodded, recognising her words. “I am struggling with being fair to your brother,” Quintus admitted, running his hand along his beard and still agitated but not sharing with them that news right away. “After all, the death of my son calls for vengeance, and Darius is the leader of Crimah now.”
Evangeline felt her heart jump, bu
t before she could speak or move, Glais gave her hand a subtle clench. She remained as she was, watching Quintus and internalising her proclamation on how criminal this justice is.
“It was Glais here who pointed out that it was not Crimah who killed Baxter, but rather the rebellion horde, and so my vengeance is to be with them.” Quintus looked to his son, but Glais said nothing.
Evangeline was looking up at Glais, seeing his strength in the way he held himself. Glais was unmovable and at times untouchable, and yet he continued to save her.
“It is with some uncertainty that I leave the final decision with you, Eva.”
Quintus interrupted her thoughts, and she looked at the King suddenly at the sound of her name. “Me?” she asked and received a firm nod in return. “Why would you entrust this with me?”
“Simply put, Glais and I can not seem to agree on what will serve the Kingdom of Braykith best, and keep you loyal to your marriage.” Quintus paused, but Evangeline and Glais gave nothing away on their reactions. “Regardless, the fate of your brother has two possible outcomes.”
Evangeline felt she was holding her breath as she waited for Quintus to give his final decree.
“Darius will be given a horse, supplies, and a deed to a small bit of land where he can live the remainder of his days,” Quintus said, and clearly favoured this option. “His second option is to remain within out castle as Glais’ squire.”
Evangeline blinked, and again she looked up at her husband to judge his reaction. Glais was like stone, magnificent and without reply to her questioning gaze. “Must I decide this moment?” Evangeline asked. She had things she needed to ask Glais, important questions and possibly demands that would never sit well with his father.
The sides of Quintus’ mouth twitched, but he did not form a smile. “You impress me, Eva. I was certain you would pick one right now, and give into your rather notorious impulses.” Glais smiled, but that was all he did as Quintus seemed both impressed and curious about her question. “I shall give you three days to come to a judgement.”
Delusions of Loyalty (The Braykith Series Book 2) Page 27
