Child of Hope (Prophecy Series Book 4)

by T. N. Hayden

  “I didn’t want to impose.” He rested his hands on his thighs, and his fingers brushed her thighs.

  “It’s not an imposition. I’m used to riding with Cyril. Surely you must have seen us riding together many times.”

  “I know.” He paused. “But I’m not Cyril, so I didn’t know if you’d be offended.”

  “I’m not some court lady.” She glanced over her shoulder, and her sapphire eyes were bright. “I’m the daughter of a rat catcher and midwife. I promise you, I’m no courtier.”

  “When you and Cyril walked into the ballroom the other night, you looked every bit a courtier. I was fooled.”

  “Apparently I clean up well.” She laughed. “It’s not every day I wear a gown like that.”

  “I like you in pants.”

  She glanced at him again, and he thought she was biting her lower lip. She faced the road once more. “Thanks, I think.”

  “You look beautiful in dresses, too.” He didn’t want to offend her. “I…” He trailed off.

  “I’m not some dainty flower.” She playfully elbowed him. “I promise you, I won’t get offended by what you say to me. Besides, if you say something which upsets me, I can just use my magic and make you a silent riding companion.”

  He laughed. “I suppose you’re right.”

  “Has my brother said anything to you about Ashlie?” Whitney asked. “I think they like each other.”

  Kaleb glanced at the stallion several paces in front of them. Brent sat in front of Ashlie, and her arms were wrapped around his waist. Her long, brunette braid was coiled around her head, and her leather outfit gleamed in the sunlight. Brent had been spending a lot of time with her. “I’m not sure. Brent and I are friends, but I think he partially blames me for what happened to him. He was turned into someone he never was, and he fought you. He hated you, and I think that hurt him more than anything.”

  “Father and I tried to talk him out of his enchantment, but it took Henika’s magic to cleanse him.”

  “I’m glad he’s free.”

  “Me too.”

  She was almost opening up. It surprised Kaleb, but he hoped she wouldn’t shut herself off. “Did I meet your father while I was in Pheant?”

  She straightened slightly, but she didn’t answer. Kaleb waited several minutes, wondering if she was thinking about telling him about herself. But she didn’t speak, and he sighed. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop trying to pry into your life.”

  “Good.”

  “I’m sorry about your mother.” He paused as he noticed his breath stir her golden hair. He thought he noticed her back twitch just slightly. “I didn’t know how my father recruited his soldiers until you and the others told me.” He closed his eyes. “I’ve been such a fool, and for so many years.”

  “So, what are you going to do now? Will you continue to be a fool, or will you become a king?”

  He hoped he could prove the answer.

  ~ Chapter 25 ~

  The rain was a steady curtain as they rode through the grasslands of Mesite toward the north end of Waden. The rhythm of his stallion was swift and steady under Brent as he rode. Ashlie had accepted his invitation to ride with him, and her arms were warm against the wet sides of his shirt.

  “I should have put a jacket on as well.” Brent nearly spat rain as he spoke.

  “Our trainee outfit calls for the jacket.” Ashlie spoke of the leather as she shifted her arm. “Back in the time of King Navion I, it was illegal for common folk to wear leather.”

  “What made you want to be Delisa’s friend?” Brent asked. “I mean, I can’t imagine how you were raised, and then you wanting to be friends with someone born a commoner.”

  “My family always taught us that common folk were lesser beings, and I remember thinking they were. When I started training, most of the people in Krijar were just like my parents. I was like every Soldata trainee, and I looked up to Rayna Little and Princess Viveca Perso. I remember when they were friends, but then it became known that Rayna was noble, not high noble. Viveca stopped being her friend, and most of us girls were divided between Rayna and Viveca. I did not know either personally, so I did not have a specific choice between the two.

  “However, a few years ago, Rayna changed. She became best friends with her sister Jerrika, and it was later known that she was courting Soldat Kurtis, who everyone believed was of noble birth. It was that moment when I realized high nobles could change, and I longed to be like Rayna. I looked up to her, and I completely respected her. She was kind and loyal to her friends. I was at Krijar when Rayna fulfilled her destiny. The entire school was shocked to find out Soldat Viktor Little, our headmaster and considered to be the high noble most loyal to the king, had knowingly raised a common girl so she could fulfill her destiny and kill the king. My respect shifted once more.

  “I wished I could have known Rayna better, and when I heard Delisa Quint was coming to train to be a Soldata, I knew I wanted to befriend Rayna’s sister.”

  “I was befriended by Kaleb and Nate when I started training to be a soldier.” Brent paused. “Now I know Nate befriended me because of Whitney, and I know that Kaleb did because he’s a good man. He will be a great king, like his biological father was. I still can’t believe Kaleb isn’t King Marc’s son.” He shook his head. “How do you like being an ambassador?”

  “Well I am not actually the ambassador, only Peyton is. Valerie is the ambassador’s protection. They will continue to travel and make peace with different countries. Delisa and I will return to Perso’s Creek to continue our training and eventually get our Woplers.”

  “I would love to come to Perso’s Creek and see you.” Brent felt his face flush.

  “I would like that.” Ashlie’s breath tickled his ear.

  “How many ambassadors does Perso’s Creek have?”

  “Two teams right now.” Ashlie answered. “It has taken the king time to gain control of his nobility, and now Kurtis is sending people to countries to get allies for Perso’s Creek. Of course, we are the ones reaching out to Waden. Kurtis sent Soldat Hadrien Little, along with Soldat Radley and Soldata Wilma Forney, to Fedji to speak with Queen Dianastace. By now, she has been queen for almost a year. Her daughter was the Child of Prophecy in Fedji.”

  “I can’t believe how many prophecies are coming to pass now. I’m glad we live in this time and age.”

  “I do not understand how so many evil people came to power. I wish I understood how it all happened.”

  “Maybe we’ll know soon?”

  “Or never find out.” Ashlie leaned her chin on Brent’s shoulder.

  He straightened slightly. He longed to turn and kiss her. Ashlie was different than any woman he’d met, and he wanted to ask her to stay. He needed to remain in Waden for his sister and dad, but his heart longed to follow Ashlie wherever she led. Did she feel the same? Was he just imagining her flirtation? Or was she looking at him like he was someone she could never love? She’d been raised completely different than him, but it didn’t matter. She was good, kind, and honest. She was everything the women at court were not.

  The blaze of the fire was breathtaking, and Kaleb felt lost in the light. He watched as Whitney and Brent spoke quietly to themselves. He wanted to know everything about them. Brent wasn’t giving Kaleb any information about his sister; some friend he was.

  “Let me guess.” Nate sat beside Kaleb. “You’re pining after Whitney.”

  “What?” Kaleb blinked.

  “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?” Nate grinned. “You already asked me if my cousin loves her and if she loves my cousin.”

  “You were Neil.” Kaleb pursed his lips. “Of course, you were Neil.” He shook his head. “You were never loyal to my father, and you were never healed by Henika, your aunt.”

  “This protects me from magic.” Nate lifted the gold ring on his right index finger. “Aunt Henika spelled it for me when I was a child.”

  “How long have you known Whitney was the Sorceress
?”

  “Since I was told by Cyril.” Nate answered. “Whitney came into her magic the day Brent was taken by soldiers and their mother killed. I grew up in Darter with Whitney until my parents moved us to Limpkin to better help the rebellion. They were doctors who helped heal the wounded, in a different way than my aunt could.”

  “You were looking out for Brent because of Whitney.”

  Nate nodded. “Cyril started looking after Whitney because of me. He knew she was my closest friend, and then he fell in love with her.”

  “But she really doesn’t love him?”

  “I’m pretty sure she doesn’t. She might even love you.”

  “She doesn’t love me.” Kaleb shook his head. “She’s so cold, and she won’t tell me anything about herself. You just told me more about her than she ever has.”

  “Well we’ve been friends for a long time.”

  “Why did you become my friend?” Kaleb looked at Nate.

  Nate smirked. “Because I wanted to either manipulate you into trusting the rebels or use my friendship with you to kill you to punish your father.”

  Kaleb laughed. “Oh, thanks.”

  “I didn’t know you then.” Nate went on. “As we became friends, I realized that you were not your father, and I understood that you were as blind as the soldiers. You didn’t know the truth about your life or anything going on outside the palace. I knew you would make the correct decision once you found out the truth. I believed you would be strong enough to endure the truth about life outside the palace as well as your parentage.”

  “Whitney said you always believed in me.”

  “And I have as soon as I got to know you.”

  “Thank you for believing in me.” Kaleb smiled.

  “And I believe in you and Whitney.” Nate added. “The way she acts around you is extremely different than how she acts around anyone else.”

  “Because she likes everyone else. She hates me.”

  “She likes everyone else. She loves you.”

  ~ Chapter 26 ~

  After several days ride through mountains and forest, Rose was ready to be at Pheant. She held onto Spencer as they finished the last leg of their journey with their rebel protectors in silence. Rose wondered if her son was worried about entering the city of the rebellion, but she figured he was more excited than scared. He hated living with his father as much as she.

  “Edwin.” Rose called.

  He looked back at her.

  “I would prefer to have as few people as possible know who I am.” She admitted.

  He nodded. “I want you and your son to see our healer, but I won’t tell her or anyone else who you two are. I would fear the boy’s safety, as well as yours.”

  “Neither of us are loyal to Marc.”

  “I know.” Edwin touched her hand and looked at her with the kind dark blue eyes she had always admired. He had always been strong, loyal, and humble. “I’m sorry I could not free you before now.” He paused. “I’m sorry for a lot of things.”

  “I don’t blame you.” She assured him.

  “Jenkin was always a great man, and I was unable to free you from such a terrible fate.”

  “You have done something far greater for Jenkin and me.” She glanced at her wrist. “Can your healer remove the Colaphizo from me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then we should hurry. I’ve always hated my magic, but I have found a new purpose in it.”

  “I’m sure you have.” Edwin led the small group through the cliffs and into a large city.

  “Wow.” Spencer whispered.

  “I found this city abandoned after I was forced to run from Marc.” Edwin explained. “I knew that he would never let me live; he knew I would always be loyal to Jenkin and Rose.”

  “This is where Kaleb, Nate, and Brent have been for the past few months?” Spencer asked.

  “Your brother was a prisoner when he was here, but you will be free.” Edwin assured him.

  They rode into the city’s stone streets, and Rose was pleasantly surprised to see many resisters, rebels loyal to the man she loved and his true friend.

  “Here we are.” Edwin dismounted. “Welcome to Pheant.”

  “Thank you.” Rose helped her son jump off the horse before she slid from the saddle.

  “We’re welcoming more people from the palace?” A blond man walked up and shook his head. “Don’t try to tell me they’re not from the palace.”

  Rose glanced at her ball gown to discover only the ends frayed.

  “Telford Kilton, meet…” Edwin paused.

  “Kathy.” She used her sister-in-law’s name. “Kilton? Are you the father of the Sorceress and Brenton?”

  “Yes.” Telford nodded, his light blue eyes narrowed on Spencer, who nearly hid behind his mother.

  “Come with me, Kathy.” Edwin paused at her false name. “I need to get you to Henika.”

  Spencer held onto Rose’s hand as they followed Edwin to a small cottage with bright green window boards.

  Edwin entered the dwelling after a knock.

  “I see you’re back.” The woman looked to be around the same age as Rose with dark brown hair tied back in a knot. Her dark eyes immediately went to Rose, and she gasped. “Oh, you poor thing.” She rushed to Rose, and the queen had to move Spencer, so he wouldn’t step in front. “Who did such a terrible thing to you?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “This.” The healer touched Rose’s wrist and grimaced at the bracelet. “I’ve never seen one look so fancy.”

  “It is more than the normal Colaphizo.” Rose looked at Edwin. “She’s the only one we tell.”

  He nodded.

  “I’m Rose Masen.”

  “You’re Queen Rose?” The healer gasped and stepped back. She curtsied. “My name is Henika Chandler.” She turned her wide eyes to Edwin. “What is going on?”

  “Edwin and his people saved me.” Rose explained. “This is my youngest son, Spencer Donnie. We have both been abused and imprisoned in the palace by the man who claims to be my husband.”

  “He put the Colaphizo on you?” Henika whispered.

  Rose nodded. “I was always too afraid to use my magic against people, even though I was trained to be very powerful. Jenkin’s death was the one reason I had accepted to use my abilities, but before I could use them against him, Marc imprisoned my magic and memories. I’m hoping you can free me.”

  Henika sat Rose down and touched the bracelet again. “I have seen the likes before, but this one binds more than magic. Let’s see if this helps.” Henika waved her hands above the bracelet. “Aperta inhaerebat.”

  Bright quartz shined, and it felt like something was biting into Rose’s arm. She cried out, and Spencer rushed to her side.

  “Mom!”

  “I’m alright.” She gasped the lie.

  “There are three different kinds of Colaphizos, and each one has a different phrase used to unlock it.” Henika’s brow furrowed. “I’m sorry, but you will be in pain when I get it wrong. Should I try again?”

  Rose nodded. “I want this off.”

  “Recludam.”

  Rose was able to keep the scream from her lips, but her body stiffened. Spencer took her hand.

  “He’s bound truth with your magic.” Henika looked at the queen with understanding in her dark eyes. “That’s why you never spoke against him, and that’s why you cannot say what else is bound.”

  Rose nodded.

  “Veri copiam revelabitur.”

  Magic surrounded the bracelet, but it was no longer painful. The cursed object fell to the ground with a sickening thud, and Rose gasped as she felt her magic for the first time in almost eighteen years. As her magic came back, her mind remembered, and Rose cried out as a new pain overwhelmed her.

  ~ Chapter 27 ~

  Whitney couldn’t believe they’d found the small castle of the Spádómur. A river led the way into the courtyard. Whitney stopped her mare.

  “I think we’re in t
he courtroom.” Whitney called to the others.

  “Are you sure?” Cyril dismounted behind her, and Whitney followed suit.

  “Look at the high walls there.” She gestured to the columns, some fallen and others standing firm.

  “Do you really think the Spádómur are still here?” Brent asked as he helped Ashlie dismount.

  “Where would they have gone?” Kaleb joined Whitney and Cyril as Brent, Ashlie, Delisa, and Nate followed behind.

  A bright white light lit the back of the long courtroom, and Whitney shrugged. “I think something’s there.”

  The group walked across the rocks in the river as it emerged from the courtroom. Vines, bushes, blackberries, apples, peaches, and green grapes grew through the rubble. Whitney glanced at her brother, and a knot formed in her throat. She tried to swallow, but it didn’t seem to want to move.

  Two women stood from where they had sat on cracked stone thrones. The one on the left was dressed in a white gown, long-sleeved and embroidered with gold apples. Her hood, all white, covered her face so they couldn’t see it. However, long strands of white-blonde hair hung free. As she stood, her white cape aligned with her body. “Hello travelers.” Her voice was musical. “I am Agardamos.”

  “And I am Esperanza.” The woman beside her had brown hair, and she wore a light brown dress which flowed around her and gathered just above her waist. A circlet adorned her hair, and something bright seemed to shine behind her.

  “Are you the Spádómur?” Kaleb stepped forward and knelt.

  “We are what’s left of our people.” Agardamos spoke.

  “How do I prove to the people that I am truly the son of King Jenkin Masen?” Kaleb looked up.

  “You are not the heir.” Agardamos stepped toward the group.

  “Marks of Llempac.” Esperanza raised her hands as Agardamos raised her own.

  Whitney froze as her magic overtook her. She frowned.

  “Llempac magic is one of the two kinds of magic passed generation to generation.” Agardamos went on. “You are the true heir, Princess Alana Masen.”