It didn’t sound particularly promising, and Sarah sighed at the hundreds of reasons invading her mind. In her world, none of them stood a chance, because normal people from her time period knew better than to take out their axe and threaten people, but Sarah was a stranger in a strange world. She wasn’t naïve enough to believe any of the modern-day rules applied here. She considered her options. Throwing one reason after another at him, particularly the part that she had cheated her way into immortality, might only enrage him. Maybe I could just play along until I get to a point where I can bargain for my life, whatever it might be worth to him. “You’re right. I have no idea what you want from me.”
He cocked a brow. “Nothing comes to mind?”
She tapped a finger against her lips, wondering whether to keep pretending or change tactics and make him aware that, if it weren’t for her, he might have more important things to tend to. “You’re angry that I impersonated Princess Gloria.” She stopped, watching the expression on his face for a moment. When it didn’t change she continued, “I think you should be happy I married that crazy nut, King Victor, instead of him really forcing your daughter into it. He planned to use her as a pawn in his sick little game.”
“Yes, I’m painfully aware of his reasons for wanting to wed Gloria.”
“He would have, too, if it weren’t for me. I distracted him so she could get away, go back into hiding in the forest. You should be thanking me, not trying to kill me.”
He nodded, his expression still not changing. “I am grateful for your kind and sacrificial deed.”
She moistened her lips, regarding him intently. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m not really feeling that right now. I just wish you’d explain everything to me.”
“You’re mistaken.” He took a deep breath, his gaze glazing over as though he was a million miles away. “I told Gloria she wasn’t going to step one foot on King Victor’s land, but she wouldn’t listen once she received word that Charles and his knights were walking straight into a trap. She took a group of knights and headed into enemy territory behind my back.”
“Did she find Charles?”
“Gloria was captured for a few hours before she escaped. She was able to meet up with Charles in time and warn him, which ultimately saved his life. They headed back, but the enemy gave chase. The only way they could lose them was to enter the forbidden forest of the Guardians. King Victor’s men followed them right in. A battle ensued, and they were separated. Charles made it back, but Gloria didn’t. I feared the worst.” His gaze focused back on her. “I think you might have had something to do with that.”
That certainly explained his bloodlust. In his twisted fantasy, he probably thought Sarah had killed Princess Gloria to take her place or maybe so Victor wouldn’t find out. She began to glance around her frantically for anything she might be able to use as a weapon. A bucket? No. A rusty pitch fork? Yeah, that could work. Now, if I could just get it. “Now you’re the one who’s mistaken,” she said. “I don’t know where Gloria is, but maybe I can help if you give me more details.”
“Very well. I don’t see the point of this, but I suppose I can humor you. King Victor and his men were close on her trail as she ventured in deeper. They’d killed all her knights, so she was vulnerable to capture. That was where you came in.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “I was the distraction. When they caught me, they thought they had her.”
“I received word that King Victor had caught Gloria, and my heart sank. I was ready to give him anything he wanted. He had won, and I was defeated. When Gloria walked into the throne room, I realized Victor had the wrong woman.”
“He had me. I was never asked or given a choice,” Sarah whispered.
“Indeed.”
“And you’re trying to kill me now? Why?” she roared. “I saved your daughter!”
King William leaned in. “Don’t you see? You and King Victor are one.”
“Yeah, I’ve kind of figured that out, particularly when the Immortals stabbed Victor in the stomach and I doubled over in pain. Care to elaborate?”
“It’s simple. When you die, he dies.”
And vice versa, I presume. If he dies, I’ll be right behind him. It had nothing to do with stealing Princess Gloria’s identity! It was nothing but a military strategy, a way to take out his enemy. A shudder rolled down her body. She knew they shared the same pain, but she hadn’t realized that she and Victor would also be connected in death. It suddenly all made sense. “I-I don’t…I can’t believe this. No wonder he sent his entire freaking army after me the second I headed into enemy territory. His life was at risk.”
She shook her head. “I bet I was considered an easy mark. A baby immortal who knew nothing about defending herself. Heck I didn’t even know I was immortal for a while.”
He inched closer, as if he was in a trance. “This battle must end. I’m sorry you have to pay the price, but King Victor needs to be stopped. It’s the only way.”
“No! There has to be another way.”
“There isn’t. King Taggert will be dead within days. He’s barely holding on, and when he dies, King Victor will take his place on the royal throne as king of the Immortals. Once your husband holds that title, I’m as good as dead. I have to kill you…so that I can kill him.”
She nodded. “He knows that, too, which is why he’s been after me. It’s all about keeping me safe so he can live. He knows you’d never try to kill Gloria, but you wouldn’t hesitate to get rid of an otherworldly stranger who means nothing to you.”
He raised his brows, seemingly impressed. “You’re putting the pieces together well.”
“Yes, well, I’ve always been a fan of the odd mystery.” She felt her voice quivering, so she cleared her throat to regain her composure. Her life depended on her ability to remain calm. “I have one last request before you get on with your plan.”
“And that would be?” He frowned, and his face softened with regret. He’d seemed to be struggling with his decision to kill her.
In that moment, Sarah realized that had she not woken up when she did, she’d be history. He could have much more easily killed her if she wasn’t awake to plead their case and beg for her life. She raised her chin, meeting his gaze. “Let me talk to Prince Charles.”
King William shook his head. “Not possible.”
Sensing this was quite possibly her only chance to stall for time, she stumbled to her feet. “My name’s Sarah Larker. Charles married my sister, which makes him my brother-in-law and Gloria my sister-in-law. I demand to see them before I die.”
“Impossible! And you are a liar!” His roar made her take a step back. “You pretended to be my daughter, and now you claim to be Elizabeth’s sister? Have you no respect for the dead?”
“I look just like her!” she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
“It’s merely a trick, a hex. Victor is messing with my mind through you.”
“This isn’t a trick. I know Liz was killed by the Immortals for marrying your son Charles. I loved her with all my heart, and I grieve her loss as well. I even found her gravestone and cried a flood.”
“Perhaps, but I cannot allow emotions to get in the way of my duty. Of course I would like to set you free, for I am not in the practice of murdering helpless women, but if we kill you, we will be destroying our greatest enemy. He could be dead in a matter of minutes.” He glanced toward the door. “Guards!” he yelled. His face turned red, his eyes bulging in their sockets. “Get in here this minute.”
Several soldiers rushed in through the door, ready to obey his command. “Milord, this war’s been going on for years,” one said. “Let’s end it here and now. It’s worth killing one person if it means restoring peace in our land.”
“My thoughts exactly,” King William said with a firm nod. “We will execute her immediately, but it must be done as swiftly, humanely, and painlessly as possible. Cover her eyes and give her the last rites to prepare her soul for death.”
“Nice trick, milady, but do you truly think you are any match for me?” King William opened his hand, and a blue flame sprang forth. The pitchfork turned into a powdery substance and fell to the ground in a pile of dust.
Sarah’s jaw dropped, but she wasn’t about to give up that easily. Time for Plan B. With lightning speed, she jumped up and grabbed a blazing torch and threw it into the hay. With a whoosh, the straw ignited, and flames leapt up, oven-hot air surrounding them. She stepped back quickly, hoping to escape through the plume of smoke.
“The barn’s on fire!” a soldier yelled.
Horses whinnied and reared up wildly, and there was no way Sarah could let them burn to death. Using her super speed, she opened every stall, allowing the horses to dart out to freedom and safety. Their stampede was the perfect distraction. She spotted a door in the very back and turned to flee. While racing at high speed, the creaking door slammed shut in her face. She heard a loud cracking sound and glanced over her shoulder to see what it was.
King William blew out a long breath; instantly, the flames turned into ice, then water. The smoke disappeared, and the horses immediately went back to their stalls, the gates clicking shut behind them.
Crap! A shiver slid down her spine.
“I’m more powerful than you could ever imagine,” King William said, his blue eyes blazing with fury.
Powerful hands gripped Sarah from behind. She struggled as they forced her flat to the ground. A cloth covered her eyes, forcing her into darkness. Her heart started to pound as she moved her arms against the restraints, ropes cutting into her skin.
“Pin her down before she tries to escape again!” someone shouted. “She’s a feisty one, ain’t she?”
A whimper escaped her throat. She opened her mouth to scream for help, but no sound came out as her voice broke. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she thought she could feel a presence urging her to get up and run, but her concentration broke, and she realized she was completely on her own…again.
Chapter 3
Somebody started to chant prayers and ministrations, and Sarah was sure she’d reached the end; she knew death was imminent. Truly, all along the only question had been whether King William, Victor, or the Immortals would do the dirty deed, and now she had her answer.
The door squeaked open in a hurry, slamming against the wall. “Stop this execution!” a woman announced in a loud, firm voice.
King William groaned. “Gloria, go back to your chambers. This is no time for your antics.”
“I will not! Charles told me you dragged in a girl who looks just like me. He said she claims to be Elizabeth’s sister.” She sounded genuinely concerned.
A rush of emotion flooded Sarah. Maybe I can talk Gloria into helping me out of this jam. They have to listen to a princess, right? “Help me, Princess! Please don’t let them kill me. My name’s Sarah Larker.”
A rush of wind rustled past her. She felt soft fingers fumbling with her blindfold. “Get her to her feet.” Gloria’s voice echoed inches from Sarah’s ear, making her flinch.
“Do as she says,” the king said with a sigh.
“I’ve committed no crime,” Sarah said. “He wants to kill me only so he can end King Victor’s life. That is not fair in any world, is it?”
“How’s this possible?” she whispered. “How did you get through the portal?”
The ties around Sarah’s wrists loosened, and something shoved her lower back. Sarah scrambled to her feet, eyes straining to see through the black material still hindering her view. “I got through the portal the same way your sister-in-law Liz did. I’ve been searching for her for ten long years. She’s my baby sister.”
“Knights, leave us!” she yelled. “I need a moment alone with Sarah Larker.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Sarah heard one say as footsteps thudded across the floor.
“Father, you will not kill her!” Gloria touched Sarah’s cheek, her hand trembling.
Sarah felt her hopes rise. If anyone could help her, it would be this princess, who obviously had a natural authority and a kind heart about her. “Thanks for showing mercy, Your Highness. I am forever in your debt.”
Princess Gloria slowly pulled off the dark cloth and gazed into Sarah’s eyes. “Is it you? Is it really you?”
Sarah blinked, her eyes flooding with tears. Gloria was dressed like royalty in a velvet cream-colored dress with fancy gold trim and a round neckline with long, flowing sleeves. A crown sparkled on top of her head, and her hair was pinned up in some elaborate medieval style. She was older, but it was definitely…her sister. Her heartbeat spiked. “Liz? Oh my gosh! Liz!”
She gasped, then squealed with excitement, looking at Sarah strangely, a modern-day version of herself. “Sarah!”
“I-I don’t understand,” Sarah said. “Why are you pretending to be Princess Gloria?”
“Gloria, is this really your sister?” asked King William. “The sister you’ve told me all about?”
“Yes!” she shouted. “I don’t know how, but it really is.”
King William touched Liz’s shoulder and said softly, “I cannot believe it. My heart goes out to her. The poor girl had to marry King Victor, of all people.”
“I can explain everything,” said Sarah.
“Later,” said King William. “First, I must revoke my execution orders for you and Victor so no harm will come to you.”
“Thanks, Father,” said Liz.
Tears streamed down Sarah’s face, and she stared into familiar brown eyes. Her whole body shook, her words choking out between sobs. “Liz, you’re…you’re all grown up now.” She wrapped her arms around her sister, squeezing her tight. “I’ve been looking for you for so many long years. I knew you were alive. I never gave up looking…never.”
“I never stopped thinking about you either,” said Liz. “I can’t believe you didn’t recognize my voice!”
Sarah spoke between sobs, emotion flooding through every fiber of her being. “It’s been ten years, sis.”
Tears spilled down Liz’s cheeks. She nodded without speaking, and then Sarah hugged her close. “How’re Mom and Dad?” she asked, her voice wavering as much as Sarah’s.
Sarah’s lips quivered. “They’re great. They’ll be so happy to know you’re alive.” She clutched Liz’s hands, confusion washing over her. “But wait…how is it that King William thinks he’s your father?”
Liz looked up at William. “Father, I must tell her. She must know everything.”
His lips pressed into a grim line. “Absolutely not.”
“She’s my sister. You owe me that. Please?”
“No,” spat King William.
Gloria kept hounding him. “I beg you! If we don’t tell her, she’ll slip up. One mistake and I’m dead. You know that.”
He hesitated, pondering her words. “In that case, she must swear to secrecy.”
Sarah nodded. “I won’t say one word, I promise. I’d never risk my sister’s life.”
King William touched Sarah’s arm. “If you were anybody else, you’d be dead. After you two have this conversation, she is no longer your sister. She is Princess Gloria. Now, I have other business to attend to, so I shall allow Gloria to explain.” He spun around and left through the creaky door.
“I’m so lost on the whole Princess Gloria thing,” Sarah said.
“I know. Look, I came in through the portal and made my way to a village in Dornia. I met Charles, and we ran away toge
ther. Eventually we got married. We had been happily married for three years when we traveled with King William to visit Princess Gloria in a faraway country.”
Sarah shifted her feet in the hay. “Charles’s sister?”
“Yes. He was so excited for me to finally meet her. She’d been living there since she was twelve to attend a special school for gifted students. We planned to attend a ball the next evening. We had our gowns picked out and everything. On the night of the event, we made a last-minute decision to switch gowns.” She looked away.
Sarah nodded.
Her voice wavered. “The Immortals came and murdered her, thinking she was me! Charles and I didn’t have permission from the court to marry, and Immortals are not allowed to marry humans and make them Immortal. It’s against everything they believe in. We tried to keep our union a secret, but of course they found out. They took Gloria away from us. We looked similar, with long dark hair, thin figures the same height, and brown eyes.”
“Oh my gosh, Liz.”
“King William loved me like his own daughter. He knew they’d be back for me next, and Charles too, once they found out their mistake. He’d lose two daughters and one son he loved so deeply.” She took a deep breath. “Charles begged him to have us switch identities. And he couldn’t deny his only son this one wish, so he jumped into action. He knew if he didn’t, his only son and last living child would be gone forever…beheaded before his very eyes.”
Sarah’s jaw dropped. “You…you switched?”
Liz winked. “You wouldn’t know too much about that, would you?”
Sarah shook her head, laughing. “The Larker sisters, identity thieves extraordinaire.”
“Well, my switch wasn’t intentional,” Liz said.
“Neither was mine!”
“I became Princess Gloria, and on that fateful day, in essence, Elizabeth Larker died. I still mourn Princess Gloria, and her death haunts me every day. I only knew her a short time, but she was a beautiful person. I came back to Dornia, where nobody knew Princess Gloria. King William told everyone he’d talked her into coming back home. The only stipulation was that Charles and I had to stay in the castle and on the grounds. We couldn’t risk any of the villagers recognizing me, or my fate would be sealed. Elizabeth Larker had to be dead at all costs—well, at least until the villagers lived out their lives. I’d have to be in hiding for at least 100 years…until they all…well, until they died off.”
Eternal Destiny - Book 2 (Second book in The Ruby Ring Series) Page 3
