by A. K. Koonce
“This has been in my family a long, long time. I’m told the pendants represent the great loves of your life. One for your father, surely, the other three for ... Well, I think you know who they may be … and the last largest pendant for your husband.”
Nash pulls the necklace behind me to clasp the chain. It digs tightly into my skin. For a second, I choke as my air is cut off, my hands rising to my neck. But he clasps the jewelry and drops it.
Horror spreads through me, fear and other feelings all different shades of terror. I turn to face him. My hand rises and snaps across his cheek. He doesn’t even flinch.
Instead he chuckles, a pleasant smile forming along his lips as he leans forward. His mouth presses hard to mine, my teeth smashing against my flesh.
His eyes gleam like emeralds as a sneer fills his features.
“Have a wonderful day, my Princess. Enjoy the wedding planning.”
My palms meet his slight shoulders, shoving him back from me.
He doesn’t give me a second glance as he strides from the room. I see him smile politely to Hazel as he leaves. She looks to me and I can’t bring myself to move from this spot.
I’ll save the Ryken brothers. I know I will. But along the way, I need to save myself.
Chapter Five
Unlikely Friends
Wren
Days pass and I find myself kicking at the rocks with every slow step I take. The ground holds my focus as I walk aimlessly. A tightness has taken control of my throat, my fingers drift along the light, tender bruising there.
I should have screamed at him. I should have ripped that ugly smug look right off his face.
But I didn’t. Maybe I never will. Will I really live the rest of my life as his wife? Nothing more than a piece of property I’m sure.
The wind tears at my long hair. Hesitant fingers push the tangled locks back. Did I brush my hair today? Yesterday? The day before?
For a second I stand unmoving as people push past me. My attention can’t be spared from my hand holding the end of my inky hair.
“You’re starting to draw attention to yourself, darling.”
My gaze rises from my palm and I meet Ledian’s questioning stare.
“You alright?” His jaw clips the words out, like he isn’t used to asking or talking in general.
“I’m fine.” I consider smiling but my mouth refuses to complete the gesture.
“You don’t have to pretend to be anything here.” His hands raise, indicating the street we stand in. “No one gives a shit if someone like you isn’t having the time of their beautiful life.”
I nod and he takes a step closer to me.
“Someone hurt you?” He studies me closely. The line across my pale throat is barely visible and I’m thankful he doesn’t seem to notice it.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” We stare at each other for a few moments before he carefully nods.
A beat passes and he looks down the road. It feels like I’m keeping him from something. For a moment I think he might just walk away.
“You never told me your name.” His eyes crease slightly as if he might smile but he doesn’t.
“Wrenley.”
“Walk with me, Wrenley.” He turns and begins to walk the busy streets, clearly expecting me to follow. The crowd of people part for him as if he’s just one of the city structures; just another proud, standing, worn structure.
I doubt he cares if I follow at all.
He doesn’t care, I know he doesn’t, but my worries slip away just having someone to talk to. And that’s why I follow him.
It’s easy talking to him. About nothing and everything all at once. Nothing of importance and yet, it feels important. His stories take my mind away from this world and into his.
Hours have passed and I almost don’t want to leave. The sun touches the horizon, dimming the sky into pretty colors of orange and black and white.
“I could walk you home.” He shoves his hands into his pockets as he looks up the street, toward where I came from earlier that day.
Absolutely not. He isn’t someone I know. Or trust, if I’m being honest. He’s sweet, in a discreet kind of way. But I can’t bring him to Hazel’s house.
“I’m capable of walking myself home.”
A smile pulls at the corner of his lips.
“I know you are.” He takes a single step closer to me. His eyes drift over the column of my throat and I force myself not to cover the bruise. “If you ever need me, you know where to find me.”
Swallowing hard, I nod at him.
I think I just made an unlikely friend.
Ledian might be useful. I do need him but not in the way he thinks.
Chapter Six
Enchanted Reality
Wren
The bar looks weird in the daylight, as if it doesn’t host some of our towns most wanted criminals by night. No garbage from the night before litters the street, the windows all sparkling from a recent wash. Not a hint of vomit in sight.
Reaching for the knob of the bar, I marvel at my hand, confident, no tremors in sight. Nash Turningten will have to do better if he expects to scare me.
I push my weight into the door but it doesn’t give.
Seriously.
Frustrated, I kick the door. My boots leaving a dark scuff against the oddly clean surface.
“Humph.” I cross my arms over my dress.
“Got a problem?” The owner of the voice prowls from the dark alley, a deep green hood over his face.
Pulling the hood off, I realize it brings out his eyes, he speaks again in a smooth voice, “Thinking of moving in? Feel like I’m starting to see you every day.”
“Ledian.” I grin. “You seem to creepily appear every time I come looking for you.”
Crinkling his nose, he retorts, “It's like a sixth sense. Blessing and a curse. Call me your magic genie, only your wishes aren’t free.”
His steps remind me of Cormac, the way self-assurance drips off of every move. Heat rises to my cheeks at the thought. Guilt drags through my stomach.
I miss them.
“Does that mean you’ll help me?”
“Will you ever stop trying to hunt me down if I don’t?”
“I would show up looking for you till the day I die.” Dropping my hands to balance on my hips, my cheeks ache from the huge smile that’s managing to work its way into my face.
“I knew it.” He laughs. “Follow me.”
Ledian turns briskly, walking down the street. He walks like he owns the world. My breath picks up as I take large steps to catch up with him.
“Where are we going?” My curiosity can’t be contained.
“Gonna find you a witch, I suppose.”
We walk through town and people are already immersed in their day-to-day lives. They’re unaware of a princess and a common thief strolling the roads for a magical witch.
After a few minutes of silence, I clear my throat. “So, what do you do for a living?”
Ledian snorts, “I thought that was obvious.”
“Right.”
I suppose a thief doesn’t need side jobs.
“What about you? Let me guess. A daughter of a wealthy journalist, seeking out a good story?”
“Nope.” Laughing, my hands brush my cheeks, I haven’t smiled like this in a while. “I thought it was obvious,” I mimic in a deep voice.
He steps closer, bumping me with his shoulder. My feet stumble a bit as his little push breaks loose a freeing laugh that rises from deep within me.
“Well I give up.” His muscled shoulders rise and fall as he shrugs.
“You mean to tell me you don’t recognize me?” Dramatically, I hold my hand to my heart as if he has truly offended me on the deepest, most vain level of my being.
I continue, “What about if I do this?” I raise my hand waving delicately to the pretend crowd of people. A large fake smile covers my features. “How about now?”
“Oh my Lord.” He covers h
is cheeks, his jaw dropping a second before his voice flattens. “Nope. No clue.”
“You are joking right now.”
His green eyes roll. “Sorry Miss Popular, not everyone knows who you are.”
“I’m the princess.” I stop where we stand on the side of the cobble road.
Even the way I say it makes me want to cringe at the ridiculous words. Not a princess. The princess.
Ledian doesn’t miss a beat, he continues to walk. With a shake of his finger he says, “Must be fun. Ruler of the land and all that.”
“Trust me, it’s not.”
Taking a few turns, Ledian leads me further until we reach the edge of town. Together we stand overlooking the steady river.
A large mansion to our left is eloquently caged in by an iron fence. The metal swirls in equally delicate designs. I recognize the house immediately. My features harden with a glare as I take in the estate.
Ledian’s eyes follow mine. “Ah, I take it you know Lord Turningten.”
I frown in the general direction of the home. As if the beautiful property is Nash himself.
“Unfortunately.” I nod.
“Don’t tell him you know me. I’ve climbed that fence too many times to count.”
Mumbling, “Of course you have.” I turn away from the thoughts surrounding my betrothed.
“Well, follow me.” Ledian raises his shirt over his head, revealing the hard strength of his stomach. My eyes mill around his hips. The fabric of his pants drops low enough to see the lines of muscle pointing in a satisfying vee.
He bends low untying his boots. “You gonna undress or just watch me with that hungry look on your face?”
“Why would we undress?” I turn looking uneasily over my shoulder at Nash’s house. “Surely there is a bridge?”
Sighing he stands, his hands settling on his trim waist. “There is a bridge if you wanna take a three day travel by carriage to the next town over.”
“Ledian, I can’t get undressed in the middle of the day, right outside my future husband's house with another man!”
His face scrunches, his lip curling in annoyance. Picking up his shirt he rolls his eyes at me. “Fine, meet back here once it gets dark.”
***
At midnight, I sneak from my room once more. I’m getting really good at climbing the lattice. Ledian appears to be impressed and surprised that I’m here as I said I would be.
“Didn’t take you for the rebellious type.”
Once again he raises his arms, as if making a show of removing his shirt for me.
“Wait, what will we do once we’re on the other side?” He pulls his shirt from over his head and gives me a confused look. “We’ll be naked.” I say, emphasizing the predicament. “What will we do once we’re on the other side?”
“Have a good time it sounds like.”
Carefully my lips seal into a thin line, my eyes narrowing on the man I’m putting far too much trust in.
A smirk cracks his features, his eyes shining in the moonlight.
“We’re not going far. Keep your under clothes on. It’ll be freezing this time of year but it’s just a little past Turningten’s estate.”
I nod my head slowly. It’s already chilly. Now I’m going to climb into a river in my underclothes and then take a midnight stroll.
There has to be something wrong with me.
Maybe I should just go home.
The dagger against my calf burns against my skin, reminding me of why I’m here. It’s like the curse within the dagger is urging me forward. Guiding me. Helping me help the Ryken brothers.
And that’s why I’m here. Ledian will lead me to the witch, I just know it.
I pull my hands behind my back and begin unbuttoning the simple maid’s gown. My numb fingers push against the few smooth buttons, slipping against them.
“Need some help?” Ledian asks.
Suddenly, he’s a bit closer to me. It’s as if he’s a real gentleman seeking out a damsel in distress. Or just a princess he wants to help undress.
“I’m fine,” I snap at him, turning until there’s a foot of space between us.
“You’re a little stubborn.”
“You’re a little eager.”
His palms raise from his sides.
“I can get women. I don’t have to pretend to like them either.”
My lips curl at his insult but I continue forcing the buttons through their holes.
“And yet, you’re wasting your time with me.” I all but roll my eyes at him.
Slowly, his fingers begin undoing his pants, drawing my attention to his movements. Against his abdomen, smooth lines disappear into the top of his pants. My dress dips down from my shoulders, free from my body at last, just as Ledian’s pants fall to his feet.
A thundering sound takes up residence in my heart, roaring through my ears until my whole face is on fire with heat.
I push off my dress with as much confidence as I can manage, my cold palm slipping down my silk corset and hips. I’ve never been this exposed with anyone other than my maids.
Ledian doesn’t look at me the way my maids do, though. With careful observation, his gaze travels along my body; across my white underclothes, down my long legs, skimming along my pale smooth skin.
“Ready?” he asks in a rasping voice, holding out his hand to me.
The warmth of his skin against mine makes me scoot in closer to him, our shoulders touching as his palm envelopes mine.
I scoop up my clothes and glancing down at my boots, I remember the blade there. Nervously, I step away from Ledian. Quickly, I scurry to the nearest tree and kick off my black boots. The dagger gleams with power, shining against the moonlight, demanding my attention; demanding I take it with me.
Time is running out. The blade whispers. For a moment, my attention is caught in the shine of the blade under the moonlight. A face not my own looks back at me in the reflection, the laugh lines of an innocent woman wrinkle into a snarl.
My stomach twists with the fear that someone might find it. I can’t entirely trust Ledian yet, and I can’t be sure I won’t lose it in the river. I shove my dress on top of my boots at the base of the large tree trunk, praying no one will find it.
I stand and walk back toward Ledian. A skeptical arch raises his brow as he studies me. As if I’m still a proper princess, I smooth my palms against my nonexistent gown, skimming across my flesh like I’m wiping away wrinkles and not my anxiety.
“Ready?” I ask with a nervous smile.
He returns my look with a tilting smirk of his own. He looks younger when he smiles. More carefree. More earnest. Almost trusting.
Almost.
He nods and takes my hand once more. Our feet teeter against the edge of the small river. Dark waves dance, ignited by the white light of the stars. The damp grass is slick against my toes.
We both stare at it for several seconds.
“You know how to swim?” He looks to me, measuring my small height. “I could carry you if you like.” He leans a little closer to me, his bare chest skimming my shoulder.
Oh yes, the poor princess might need someone to carry her across a river.
Without warning, I shove him. My palm collides with his smooth skin and he stumbles until he falls. Crashing into the cold water below.
His dark hair bobs above the water, damp strands fall into his eyes.
My feet push off from the safe ground. I leap into the water without hesitation, as if the waters of this world is merely an old friend calling me back to it.
Except it’s freezing. I surface, my palm pushing back the wet locks from my eyes.
I wait for something angry to fall from Ledian’s mouth. A smile is all he gives me.
“You’re a cruel woman.”
My shoulders shake from the cold, goosebumps forming along my arms.
“Come on. Let’s get you out of here.” His palm skims up my arm beneath the water.
His strong arms cut through the dark water a
nd I trail after him. Mud slips through my fingertips. Ledian climbs the shore with ease but I can’t get my grip.
Kneeling at the shore, he reaches down for me, his brows lowering with worry. My palm slips against his but he doesn’t let me go. He pulls me from the water, my feet slick against the mud. I kneel there with him. The moment the night air stings my skin, I shiver uncontrollably. Strong arms sweep around me, holding me to his damp warmth. My head dips into the crook of his neck, my cold nose pressed to his collar bone.
“It’s just a few feet farther, Wrenley.”
A chattering sound accompanies my shaking breath, my teeth jarring together repeatedly. I shake my head into his chest. Neither of us move for a moment as he holds me to his hard body.
It feels … nice. In this moment, Ledian feels less like a hard criminal and more like a reliable friend.
Without a word, he helps me to my feet, his arms remaining locked around my frame as we trail past Nash’s estate. The high arching peaks reach up to the sky, attempting to touch the moon itself. It’s a proud manor. A carefully sculpted building. Carved into something beautiful and dark. Everything about it screams Nash Turningten.
I’ve never loathed a building so much in my life.
“Wh—what would your betrothed say if he saw you right now?” A slight shake controls his wide shoulders, the wind is probably relentlessly biting into his flesh just as it is mine.
I shiver against his side, our damp bodies pressed tightly together.
“Nasty things, I’m sure.”
“Really?”
“W—whore for starters.” My teeth clamp together, forcing the words out as another hard shake quivers through my shoulders.
“And here I thought so much of the guy.”
I shake my head, my jaw feeling tight.
Just on the other side of the ominous building is something I didn’t expect so close to his home. The ocean. It surrounds it fully. Waves caress the shore on all sides. Dark waters are all that can be seen for miles and miles. The skyline disappears into the ocean, the heavens being swallowed up by the overpowering sea. It’s as if Nash has built his own island away from every single person on the planet.
Typical.
“Sit here,” Ledian instructs, lowering me carefully to the ground, just at the edge of the water. The ground has been smoothed away at the edge, a perfect drop off into the ocean. A large boulder stands proudly at my side. It’s carved into a flawless surface. It feels out of place and catches my attention.
