by K. Lyn Hill
After a minute of panting, the steward raised up to his full height. “It’s your advisor, Your Majesty.”
“Which one? Benjamin?”
The steward nodded somberly. “Yes Sir.”
“What of him?”
“He was just found dead in his room.”
∞∞∞
Damien
They said he died in his sleep. Old age. That old age finally caught up to him.
Damien knew the other side of the story. The truth. Old age didn’t leave one foaming at the mouth with bloated eyes.
No, that was poison.
Benjamin was murdered. The only person besides his father that held the answers he needed.
Dead. Killed. Put away to keep the secret intact.
As Damien watched them bury Benjamin’s dead body, something whispering inside of him slowly become unleashed. Anyone could be the culprit. There was no way to tell who was guilty.
Only that someone knew the truth.
He didn’t think his father had caught on to the hints he threw out in order to stumble him, but maybe he had. But for his dad to kill one of his best friends?... Maybe. He was cruel but was he really that cruel to one who had kept his secret for so long? It was clear that someone didn’t want him knowing the truth. But why?
Someone else wanted to keep the secret.
His eyes shifted over to the princess and Siel, who stood at her side. Unreadable expressions painted both their faces. Then he peered over to his father whose eyes stared glued back on his, hard and unshakable. A blazing fire hovered beneath the surface of that gaze so hot that Damien thought he would catch fire. The king’s nostrils flared as if he had a personal vendetta to avenge as he himself looked around untrusting to the people crowded around the dead body. Why did it appear like the king’s anger was directed towards him?
There was no one who could be trusted. Not until he got to the truth. Who had seen Benjamin come into his office? Who else could have known what he was there to discuss? Elias had come into their conversation but surely he had no part in this. Carly had seen them speaking. Had she been trying to warn him? There was much he didn’t know but one thing was for certain.
He must now rely on himself and himself alone as he always did.
Chapter Forty-Six
Carly
She headed to her room, completely drained. Her body felt numb as all the blood rushed to her head, making her feel woozy. The princess had been running her raged all day on various pointless assignments. Add that to the monsoon sloshing around her head, she was completely wiped out. The princess hadn’t mentioned Aerity’s escape again but there was a tight tension that hung in the air every time Carly approached and a wicked, secretive smile that always found the princesses’ face. She didn’t know if it was just her intuition or just the aura that the princess exuded, but Carly had a sinking feeling that something big was coming. And that she was going to be in the center of it.
Then there was the fact that her warning hadn’t been enough. Benjamin had been killed. She was too late. There was no longer safety behind the castle walls.
When she approached the winding corridor leading off into the servant’s quarters, everything became eerily silent. Yes, it was later than normal but there was usually some kind of event or whisperings going on. Crickets normally chirped outside while the noises of the rain pelted on the windowpanes loudly and obtrusive. But now it was nothing but a loud ringing in her ears and a pounding of her heart.
Her eyes shifted back and forth down the hallway, drifting to the shadows and the hidden crevices of the walls. All appeared still. But it was a little too still. Quickening her pace, she marched to get to the safety of her rooms, balling her hands into fists as the only useless weapons she had. Her chest heaved up and down heavily as her breathing clawed its way out of her throat with the quick movements of her almost jog.
Maybe it was paranoia from having to walk through the dark, deserted hallways alone, but she began to feel suffocated and could feel something lurking behind her. Following her.
She kept her eyes focused on the safety of her rooms which was only a short distance away. If only she could get to the servant’s corridor and then she knew someone would be able to hear her, then run out to help her. But before she could react or get any closer to safety, large meaty fingers wrapped around her mouth.
She let out a strangled cry but his fingers muffled it. A heavy body pushed her against the wall and fumbled for the bottom of her skirt. And then she whimpered as a dark voice whispered in her ear, “You and I have some unfinished business, wouldn’t you say?”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Aerity
“Where’s the rest of it?!” Aerity shrieked while staring at the outfit Kayden so kindly bestowed upon her for tonight’s game. His answering purr only made her see red.
“This is all of it, my dear.”
Her eyes bugged out in disbelief as she lifted the fabric. “Where did you get it from? A prostitute chilling on the street corner?” She spat.
Kayden didn’t seem phased in the least. “A cute boutique down on Letaoul Blvd. It’s a lovely place. I’ll take you there for future events and personally see what clothes match your body type before purchasing them. I’m taking a chance on you now. Let’s hope your fat doesn’t ooze out of the smaller size.”
If looks could kill, he would have been stabbed over and over and over again.
And then burned.
Definitely burned.
Ignoring his crack about her weight, she eyed the material again. “What’s the boutique called? Strippers R Us?”
He chuckled. “No darling. That shop is on Barlay Avenue. But I understand why you would get confused. These street names are impossible and barely marked.”
He wanted to die. She was convinced he was trying to commit suicide. “I’m not wearing this. We have underwear more covering than this.”
“You are my decoration and I will dress you how I see fit. I wish for you to wear this.”
“Ok you do realize that no one can recognize me, right? I don’t know how many guards are out hunting me.”
“My darling, I can assure you that where we are going, no one will give a hoot who you look like. They will be too busy staring at your tits to look at your face.”
She huffed. “Is that supposed to make me feel better about wearing this?” With a scrunched-up face, she fingered the string fabric between two fingers like it had just been taken from a trash can.
Kayden sighed. “Giving up on the façade already, are we?” Smug, arrogant, condescending... “Stop cursing me out on your head.”
Aerity shot him her biggest smile before releasing a string of curses out loud. “There ya go. Not in my head anymore.”
Kayden laughed and it just made her want to throw a rock at his head. “Everything will be fine. I play with new people every night. Besides, there will be much hotter girls there than you to focus on.”
Riiiiight.
Forget the rock.
Where’s a bat?
Aerity knew exactly what he was doing. Trying to piss her off. He knew she didn’t back down from a challenge. She scowled at his stupid manipulative ways and his annoying jilted smirk. “Why can’t I wear my cloak? If there are plenty of girls going that are ‘hotter than me’, one of them can sit on your lap while I’m your secret weapon in the corner.” The sentence sounded like a whine. She really needed the money. She was even willing to beg him to concede.
“No. This is what you will wear...unless you wish to wear nothing at all. That works too.” He winked as she released a growl, grabbing the clothes off the hook. Shooting him one final glare, she stormed into the other room to change into her new persona for her debut. All she heard was his laughter following behind her.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Apparently, prostitution was what her life had amounted to.
Awesome.
∞∞∞
Eli
Wh
en Aerity told him that she was offered a job, he was thrilled. They had no idea how they were going to get by in this world and they had nowhere to go. Then she had explained how much she would make and that there was a place for them both to stay and his suspicion expanded into something dark and ugly. A deal like that was too good to be true.
Turned out he was right.
They followed the man down darkened alleys and seedy streets, which, should have screamed a warning. Then there were the looks of pure terror coming from those around them that caught sight of him. Kayden looked deadly and powerful, a combination that didn’t sit well with him.
He stole a glance at Aerity who was following at a cautious distance. Her shoulders were taunt and wound tight. She was ready to spring if the need arose. Hopefully they didn’t need to fight their way out of this.
The tension ebbed out slowly when they seemed to arrive at their destination. The home was a lot nicer than he had anticipated in the middle of the ghetto they were brought to but that still didn’t mean anything. Kayden casually strolled to the door, putting a key in it, moments before it swung open. They were hit with a spicy scent. Anis and cinnamon. It didn’t match the tough exterior that made up Kayden.
He ushered them inside silently, barely holding the door open for them to pass. As soon as the door slid shut Kayden turned to face them. “This is my home. If you touch, steel or breathe on any of the items I point out then you will lose limbs.” He went on to lead them around the room, pointing to items that seemed to hold some importance. Eli was surprised they were actually living in his home. A guy like him clearly owned many other properties. It only built on his suspicions.
“Hopefully I don’t need to stress to you not to double cross or test me. It won’t end well for you.” His tone held no hint of comedy or teasing. The threat held strong, clinging to the air.
The home didn’t appear like anything out of the ordinary. Besides the fact that it was well decor0ated, which Eli felt it odd for someone of Kayden’s caliber.
He had criminal written all over him.
Part time criminal? Part time interior designer? The thought that he was a normal human being didn’t sit well with him. Kayden obviously wore many masks, that was for certain. Which one was actually him?
“This is your room. Sorry but you will have to share. Hopefully that won’t be a problem.” Kayden looked directly at him when he spoke, the corner of his lip tilting up knowingly as he reached behind him and grabbed something red that was laying across the bed. The only bed in the room.
Elis nostrils flared at the insinuation. This entire situation had him on edge.
Aerity had told him about her run in with Kayden a few days ago, leaving out the fact that his men had been following her. They would be having a little chat about that later. Right now, he was focused on the current problem. He now noticed what was in Kayden’s hand that was now extended towards her.
“Where’s the rest of it?!” Her voice came out shrill and Eli had a hard time hiding his grimace.
Throughout the entire conversation Eli watched Aerity’s face turn from anger to embarrassed to resigned, as if this was their only option. Once they were done, his anger finally seeped in, spreading through him like a wildfire. “Aerity, can we speak privately?”
A manly snort came from beside them. “Oh yes I’m sure your boyfriend doesn’t like the idea very much.”
Aerity mumbled, “He’s not my boyfriend.” At the same time he growled, “Your damn right I don’t!”
Shocked green eyes landed on him and he replayed what he had just said. “I just mean that as her friend, this is not ok. Aerity, you don’t need to do this.” He tried to back track but the damage was already done.
Aerity was eyeing him suspiciously but then shook her head to clear her thoughts. “What other choice do we have?”
He was floored by her mild whisper. She was always fire or joy. There was no in between. Seeing her this submissive was something he wasn’t used to. “We will find another way.”
Kayden sighed. “She’s not selling her body. She’s looking attractive to be worthy to be seen on my arm. Her real skill is weeding out cheaters.” He seemed utterly put out by the delay. Eli itched to shove his fist in the guy’s face.
“Punching me won’t help your predicament. It will only elicit you getting an even worse beating in return. You will still be homeless and still need money. Sounds quite counterproductive. But by all means.” Kayden spread his hands out in a come at me bro motion. “Go for it.”
“It might be worth it.” Eli grumbled.
Aerity stepped into the conversation and placatingly placed her hands on his chest. The feel of her fingers caused his heart to speed up. “Eli, I need to do this. I won’t let anyone touch me. You know I won’t.” He was distracted by her calming words but not enough to miss Kayden’s wicked grin. The man was infuriating beyond belief.
“Now that we are done with all the coddling of your boy toy, can you please go get dressed love? I do hate to be late.”
He clenched his fist and was seconds away from letting it fly when a glint of silver caught his eye. Aerity had a knife lined up with Kayden’s crotch, her gaze predatory.
“Employer or not, if you try anything unseemly, my knife will find a new home.”
Eli grinned. He should have known better than to think Aerity helpless.
Amused, Kayden purred, “I didn’t know you liked it rough. I’ll keep that in mind.” Aerity threw one more glare his way before retracting her knife and stomping up the stairs.
Eli stared at Kayden as he threw his head back and a rumbling laugh came out. Living with this guy was going to go beyond trying and he wasn’t even the one employed by him.
Chapter Forty-Eight
Carly
Sloane.
His voice sent shivers down her spine and her blood ran cold. Panic pricked little rose thorns all over her body. “Do you know what that little bitch did to me because of you?” It was then that she could hear the slur in his voice and his hands felt more swollen than they had before. It must have been from before when she was distracting him for Aerity. “They thought I helped that wench escape. I got beaten, tortured, they burned my house down. I lost everything. My job, my life. All because of you.” Carly could smell the stench of alcohol on his breath mixed with the rubble and garbage spewing out of his pores. He smelled like he’d been living in a gutter. But Carly had seen Aerity’s broken ribs and bruised skin. She knew what Sloane had done to her friend. She felt no pity for him. He got what he deserved.
But now it seemed he was turning his ire on her. The only direction left to go. She wondered how he had gotten into the castle, but she didn’t have to think about it too hard. The princess’s arrogant smile said it all. After all, in her eyes Carly was just a servant. What would she care if harm came to a nobody?
Cold air hit the top of her thighs when she realized what he was doing. Her skirt was slowly being yanked up when she heard a belt buckle being removed. She struggled and screamed into his hand but it was no use. No one could hear her muffled cries.
“No one will hear you. The princess guaranteed me that this hallway would be empty. Now, she hates me, so she must REALLY hate you to have given me the access to do this.”
A shiver went down her spine as she tried to buck her head back into his face. He hissed and slammed her head into the wall. Dots blotted her vision as light swirled around in shadows. She tried to think of any other way to defend herself, but she was short of ideas. Why hadn’t she asked Aerity for any fighting lessons? Her friend would have done it in a heartbeat, but Carly never thought she would need to know how to fight.
“Your little friend tried that move before and I got smart enough to avoid it now. You’re not getting out of this.” His breath was hot on her cheek making her squirm. She tried to reach her foot out to stomp on his, but it was no use. He had her firmly planted against the wall and his feet were out of her reach.
She was
trapped.
She tried to bite his hand and he only pulled it tighter against her mouth, cutting off her air supply. There was no way out of this. She felt his fingers on the inside of her thigh and she released a sob into his hand.
He let loose a menacing chuckle. “Yeah, that’s right baby. Make some noise for me.” She heard the whoosh of his pants falling and again she panicked and tried to buck him off her. He wobbled for a minute but then regained his stance. “You told the princess I was a bad lay. But we didn’t even sleep together sweetheart. It’s not nice to lie. I just have to give you the experience so you can speak the truth next time.” One of his hands dug into her waist as he leaned in closer. She tried to squeeze her thighs together, but it didn’t stop him from getting closer.
Then suddenly his body was torn away from hers and she was left frozen and violently shaking against the wall. She couldn’t look behind her for fear of remembering what had just happened and she was afraid to see reality.
The sound of punching and bones cracking vaguely filled her ears, but she couldn’t think, couldn’t see past the pounding in her head and the blood dripping down her face from when he slammed her face into the wall. She let go of another sob when gentle arms wrapped around her. At first, she panicked again, jerking to be released but then the new voice calmed her.
“It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m right here. He’s not going to touch you again. I promise.”
Siel.
She relaxed.
She felt her skirt shift back down as her body still shook with adrenaline. Slowly, his comforting hands spun her to face him, but she kept her face low. He let out a curse and then his hand went up to the mark on her face, holding his hand just shy of the wound.
“Was I too late? Did he…?” His question trailed off as she peeked up to see him visibly swallow.
“No.” Her voice came out croaky and uneven.
He pulled her to his body and wrapped his arms around her like a big blanket and she reveled in the security. Although Siel was big and could easily restrain her, she knew he wouldn’t. He would never take what wasn’t given to him. She was still shivering when he brought a hand to her head, stroking her hair. She nuzzled into his shoulder despite the blood that she knew was drenching him.
