Lost Princess

by Dani-Lyn Alexander

  Flames tore through the field, scorching everything in sight. Thankfully, there was no underbrush to catch or the whole castle would have gone up. Oh no. The Tree of Hope. She spun around and tried to figure where it would be in relation to where she stood. No use. The enormity of the battle raging before her overwhelmed her senses, threatened to crush her. How long could she cower against the wall and procrastinate?

  A few feet away, a savage swung a huge, double-sided axe, knocking the sword from a woman’s hand.

  The woman dove for it, but she was too slow.

  The savage brought his heavy boot down on her hand and lifted the axe over his head.

  Well, that answers that. Ryleigh yanked the sword from her scabbard as she ran, swung it back just before she reached him, and brought it down, tearing through the savage’s wrist.

  The screech of pain pierced her brain as the axe fell behind him.

  The woman rolled away and grabbed her sword.

  Ryleigh gripped her beneath the arm and hauled her to her feet. “Go.”

  A second savage attacked.

  Max launched himself at the creature, tearing into his throat.

  The woman fled toward the castle.

  Ryleigh ran the opposite direction toward the stable, sword in hand.

  A savage sprinted toward her, sword raised.

  She stopped, braced herself for battle as Jackson had taught her.

  The creature swung.

  She lifted her sword to block. The clash sent a reverberation all the way through her arms and into her shoulders. The tingle in her fingers almost made her lose her grip on the heavy weapon.

  He swung again.

  No way could she block in time. She tried to evade, spun to the side.

  The crash of metal on metal brought her up short.

  Noah blocked again, then ran his sword through the creature’s gut. He grabbed her arm and shoved her to the center of the small group of men who’d fled with him only moments ago. “Which way?”

  “There.” She gestured toward the stable across the courtyard.

  “Stay in the center. Go.” They moved forward, fighting their way toward the stable.

  Sleek black dragons filled the sky, sliding between the bulky, two-headed, savage dragons. They held no riders. The Death Dealers had obviously not made it this far yet. At least, that’s what she hoped. Yet the dragons still fought, spraying the ground with flames. Loyal to their kingdom, defending their territory.

  Ophidian circled the tower that housed Jackson’s chambers, weaving back and forth between the spires. Searching?

  Noah and his friends cleared a path to the stable, ten feet to go.

  Where’s Max?

  She searched the field as she ran. She had to find him. Where could he be? He was right beside her the—

  Mia screamed as two men dragged her across the field.

  “No.” Ryleigh charged back the way they’d come, wrestled her way between Noah and his men. “Mia. Fight.”

  A savage stepped in front of Ryleigh, blocking her path.

  She ran her sword through him as she passed.

  The two men struggled to hold onto Mia.

  Traitors.

  Mia fought desperately, clawing, kicking, punching…

  Ryleigh’s vision tunneled. The bedlam surrounding her receded.

  Mia’s gaze caught hers. “Ryleigh.”

  “Hold on, Mia.”

  The ache in her legs propelled her faster. Her burning lungs pushed her harder.

  A portal opened.

  No. No. No. She reached for strength, urged herself to move faster.

  The closing portal cut off Mia’s scream.

  Ryleigh flung herself forward, but only landed sprawled on the ground. “Nooo.”

  Chapter 10

  “Run.”

  “Ryleigh. Run.”

  “Nooo. Mia.”

  Noah grabbed Ryleigh around the waist and propelled her forward. “Let’s go. Now. Pull yourself together, or you’ll be no help to her.” He shoved her through the small gap where Elijah held the stable door open.

  The others followed. As they pulled the door closed, the hinges screeched. At Elijah’s orders, they dropped the heavy barricade into place, effectively closing out any intruders.

  “Come, quickly.” Elijah started toward the dragon pens, then turned back to them. “You must hurry.” He jogged down the central corridor.

  “Ryleigh?” Noah moved away from the huddled men. Moved tentatively toward her. “What do you want to do?”

  She opened her mouth to speak, but her jaw trembled, her teeth chattered. She clenched them together, took a deep breath, and tried again. “I’m going after Mia.” She strode down the corridor toward the pens.

  Noah and his men followed.

  Elijah waited.

  Ignoring him, she lifted the horn he’d used to call Kalayah the first time, praying the dragon had escaped Argonas, praying she’d come. She pressed the horn to her lips and blew. It sounded different. Had she done it wrong? She tried again. A beautiful note, but not the note Elijah had used. She slammed the horn to the ground. Could she do nothing right?

  Pounding sounded against the door.

  Ryleigh ignored it. She weaved her hands into her hair and squeezed. Tears poured down her face. Her eyes fell closed. How could Mia be gone? How could they have gotten to her? She should have been safe inside the castle. But it was men who’d taken her, not savages. Probably Cymmeran men.

  When she regained control and lifted her gaze, Elijah was gone.

  Noah stood facing her, his men in a line behind him. “Tell us what to do, Ryleigh?”

  Confusion warred with impatience. “What are you talking about?”

  Noah frowned and glanced over his shoulder.

  The older man, whose name she didn’t know, nodded.

  When Noah turned back to her, his expression had hardened. He gripped both of her hands in his. “We are willing to pledge allegiance to Cymmera. Or do whatever else it takes.”

  A tear trickled down her cheek.

  Noah reached a finger up and caught it. “We’ll help you find her, Ryleigh. We’ll get her back. I promise.”

  “Thank you. All of you.” She hoped they heard the shaky whisper, because it was all she could force through her strained throat.

  Elijah returned with Caleb and Darius, who stood at attention on either side of him. Together, the three of them dropped to their knees and bowed.

  Noah and his men did the same.

  Elijah stood, and the others followed. “What are your orders, My Queen?”

  Ryleigh rubbed her eyes and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “We have to find Mia and Jackson.” She searched Elijah’s gaze, stared deep into his eyes. Could she trust him? And what about Caleb and Darius?

  Kalayah descended through the opening in the ceiling and landed in the pen. She lowered her head, and Ryleigh threw her arms around her. “You’re okay.”

  Kalayah lifted her head, and Ryleigh stepped back. The dragon looked perfect, as gorgeous as ever.

  A shadow flickered over her as another dragon set down. A white dragon with pale blue wings.

  Ryleigh stared as dragons slid through the opening and lined the pens. Ten white dragons, with pastel colorings along their wings and backs, in addition to Kalayah.

  Her gaze shot to Elijah. “I don’t understand.”

  Pride filled his eyes. “You’ve called the Queen’s army.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  Caleb stepped forward. “Please, let us explain our plan, Your Majesty. Darius will lead the Death Dealer team into Argonas. Chayce will expect that.” He shifted his considerable bulk and rolled his shoulders. “I will lead the Cymmeran Guard—what’s left of them now that I’ve weeded through the traitors, anyway.” He clenched his fists, his knuckles raw and torn. “Chayce may or may not expect that. That little bastard might just be arro
gant enough to think they were all loyal to him.”

  Darius took over. “We’re almost positive we know where they’ll take Mia. Finding her shouldn’t be too hard.”

  “Getting her back may be a little tricky.” Darius nodded to Elijah.

  Elijah continued. “That’s where you come in. While the Death Dealers and the Cymmeran Guard cause a distraction, your army will slip in and retrieve the princess.” The seer held Ryleigh’s gaze. “Chayce has dismissed you as weak and ineffective. He will never in a million years expect an attack from the Queen’s Army. Won’t even believe you were able to summon them. Only the queen can summon her army, and she must do it alone.”

  Ryleigh stilled. She pinned Elijah with a stare. Oh no. Her mouth went completely dry, and she licked her lips, desperate for relief. “That’s it, isn’t it?” Tremors shook her. She couldn’t utter the words, and yet, she had to know. “Was this your vision, Elijah?”

  He bowed his head once in acknowledgement.

  Her world spiraled out of control. She hadn’t trusted Elijah. Had made him feel so bad. Hurt him. She’d given Jackson such a hard time, argued with him, threatened to leave, begged him not to retrieve these men. The Queen’s Army. Her army. Her sister’s saviors? Eight men were taken from their world to try and save Mia. How could she be sorry for that? And yet, what about their families and their lives? Her knees buckled, the weight of responsibility driving her to her knees, the burden too much to bear.

  “Come. We’ll get you what you need.” Darius led the men away.

  This wouldn’t do. Pushing herself back up took all of her might. They’d worked out a plan to go after Mia, but Jackson still had to be found. She would see to it they were both found alive.

  “You okay?” Noah held out a hand.

  She took it and stood facing him. “I’m fine. Thank you.” She dropped her gaze, couldn’t stare into those eyes knowing his life was forever changed. “I’m sorry, Noah. For all of this.”

  “It is what it is, Ryleigh.” He put a finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up until her gaze met his. “It’s not your fault. You are as much a victim here as we are.”

  She shrugged and tried to look down, but he wouldn’t release his hold.

  “It’s obviously what’s meant to be. We’re here now. That can’t change. We can only choose to do what we feel is right.” He leaned closer, eased her toward him.

  She jumped back. “Noah.”

  His laughter eased her fears. “It’s all right, Ryleigh. I understand.” He slid his fingers up her cheek and tucked her hair behind her ear, then gave a little tug. “Come on, now. Don’t send me off into battle without a smile at least.”

  “Send?”

  “Noah.” Elijah strode toward them, his hands full. “Here.” He handed Noah a breastplate and boots. “We must hurry.”

  Noah propped the sword against the gate, took the boots, and stepped into them.

  “Elijah, what about Jackson? Someone has to find him.”

  “Yes, My Queen.” He turned and gestured toward a dark corner.

  Alec Ranger stepped forward and bowed. “I would be honored if you would allow me the privilege of riding with the Queen’s Army, Your Majesty.” He rose to his feet. “I will ride with you to Argonas, then go after Jackson.”

  Ryleigh stiffened. She couldn’t help it. She tried to relax her stance, but she couldn’t trust him. “How will you find him?”

  Ranger’s eyes darkened. “The prisoners are typically kept in a tower, and I’m sure you’ll find the princess there.”

  “What about Jackson? Won’t he be there too?”

  “Probably not, My Queen.”

  “I don’t understand. Where will he be?”

  Ranger shifted uncomfortably. “I was a…guest…of Daygan’s at one time, many hundreds of years ago. There are certain prisoners at certain times who are kept below ground. In the dungeons.”

  “Why?”

  He glanced at Elijah.

  Ryleigh bristled. “I asked you a question, soldier.”

  “Of course, Your Majesty. I’m sorry.” He inclined his head. “Some prisoners are kept in the torture chambers below ground. I’m quite certain that’s where I’ll find Jackson.”

  She fought the tears, kept her back straight, but couldn’t keep the tremor from her voice. “Will you be able to get in?”

  “Yes.”

  She nodded. “Very well, thank you.”

  Ranger moved toward the pens.

  Elijah joined him as the others returned and led the men toward the pens.

  Noah leaned close to her. “You okay?”

  Warmth emanated from him, chasing away the chill.

  She nodded.

  “Do you trust him?”

  Did she? Who knew? “I don’t trust anyone at this point.”

  He moved around and faced her. “You trust me, right?”

  “Of course, I do.”

  He blew out a breath. “I’ll go with him.”

  “Are you serious? You’d do that for Jackson?”

  His gaze clamped onto hers. “I’d do it for you.” He grinned, the same grin he’d always given her when he wanted something from her. “But you’ll owe me one.” His laughter followed him toward the pens as he walked away. “Dragons, huh? Not gonna lie, this is so cool.”

  He joined his team as Elijah, Darius, and Caleb helped everyone onto the dragons and explained everything they needed to know.

  Ryleigh climbed onto Kalayah.

  Conversation stopped. Everyone stared at her.

  “Excuse me, My Queen.” Caleb looked around before continuing. Maybe looking for support. “Where are you going?”

  “I’m leading my army, Caleb.”

  Murmurs ran through the small group, but she lifted a hand to halt their protests before they could voice them. “I’m going after my sister, Caleb. Period. That’s non-negotiable.” Dismissing the warrior, she turned to Elijah. “Now. Why are there ten dragons, when I only have nine men? Will you be riding with us?”

  “No. Not me.”

  “I don’t understand. Who—?”

  “I will ride with you, Your Majesty.” Dakota jogged toward the pens. “If you’ll have me.”

  A genuine smile warmed Ryleigh’s heart. She jumped down, ran to him, and threw her arms around his neck. “You’re okay.” She gripped both his upper arms and held him away from her. She couldn’t see much beneath the armor, but his coloring was a lot better than last time she’d seen him.

  He shook a lock of hair out of his face and blushed even deeper. “I’m good, thanks to you.” He bowed. “Please, allow me to ride with you, My Queen.”

  “Of course, Dakota. I’d be honored to have you. Thank you.”

  He ran to the last dragon and climbed up. He studied each of the other men who sat watching him. “Chayce Maynard is mine.” He squeezed the dragon’s sides between his knees, and she lifted through the opening and into the sky.

  The others followed. Whoops and hollers drifted back to her as the men first started to fly.

  Elijah approached Ryleigh and studied her a moment before lifting a white breastplate trimmed in gold. The same purple and white design that encircled her arm adorned the front of the armor. “The Queen’s armor, Your Majesty.”

  Ryleigh slid down and threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you, Elijah. For everything.”

  Elijah helped her fit the snug armor over the black sweatshirt.

  She pulled the bottom of the sweatshirt down a bit, smoothed it along her leg. A bump in her jean’s pocket caught her attention. “Oh, Elijah. Could you do me a favor, please?”

  “Of course, My Queen.” He strapped a white metal plate to her leg.

  She pulled the Divination Stone from her pocket. “Would you please return this to the pedestal?” She held the stone out to him. It pulsed once, a deep purple flicker of light.

  Elijah closed her fingers over the stone
and covered her closed fist with his hand. “Keep it, My Queen. The Divination Stone may be separated from the base and will continue to grow in power, as long as it is in the queen’s possession.” He cupped his hands and boosted Ryleigh onto Kalayah’s back, then patted the dragon’s head. “Be careful, Your Majesty. Caleb and Darius have left, and they will cause the distraction you need to get in. But still, watch your backs.” He rubbed a hand down the dragon’s snout and stepped back.

  “Thank you, Elijah. For everything.”

  Kalayah lifted into the sky. Ryleigh watched for a moment as her men plunged and turned, learning to maneuver the dragon’s they straddled. When they noticed her, they moved into a V, and waited while she took her place at the front of the formation.

  * * * *

  Jackson floated in a haze of pain and peace. He was so close. All he had to do was let go, and the pain would end.

  Oblivion beckoned.

  He slid further from reality.

  Only Ryleigh’s image kept him in this world. He couldn’t find peace until he knew her fate. If only he knew she was all right, he’d give up now. He longed for the peaceful obscurity death offered.

  He’d used every last ounce of his strength trying to heal his injuries, grave injuries that would have been difficult to heal under the best of circumstances. Current conditions made healing impossible.

  Trying to shift positions sent waves of agony through every inch of his body. With his eyes swollen completely shut, he couldn’t see. His shoulders burned, an ache he couldn’t relieve with his entire body weight hanging from the shackles binding his wrists. He lacked the strength to stand and ease the pressure.

  Death called. Louder this time. More insistent.

  Perhaps it was time to answer.

  Voices.

  In his head?

  Hurried footsteps.

  His body stiffened. Pain tore through him.

  No. He couldn’t take another moment of torture. He’d fought as long as he was able, endured once he could no longer fight. But he was done now. He would die with the knowledge of the ancients locked firmly in his mind. No matter what, Chayce couldn’t take that from him. Even as Jackson surrendered, the thought comforted him.

  “I love you, Ryleigh. I’m sorry,” he whispered, then relinquished his tentative hold as blackness claimed him.