Home (Hidden in the Reed's Book 1)

by Declan, Brian

  Falcon sat up and Rocious extended a hand to help him up, “Round two?”

  Rocious looked over his shoulder at the castle, “No. We’re done for today.”

  Everywhere there were faces frozen in shock at what happened. Even Count Grey, who had a glimpse of this last night, looked frozen. Greko pushed his way through the crowd, but before he opened his mouth doors to the castle slammed open. A line of Castle guards filled out and cleared a path. Dominick walked out with Octavia by his side.

  “General, escort our guests to the throne room,” said Dominick. Octavia touched Dominick’s arm, he looked at her and followed her eyes. “Falcon, Frederick come with me,” he said.

  Greko snapped into a crisp salute, “Yes, Sire,” and marched off giving a string of orders to his men.

  Falcon and Rocious followed Dominick inside. Once they were alone in the castle’s hallways, Dominick turned to Falcon and Rocious.

  “It seems that Werval is being held captive by Duke Eikard. He is the only person not accounted for aside from Werval himself,” said Dominick.

  Falcon stepped in front of Dominick forcing them to stop walking, “Then what are we waiting for, let’s go get him!” he said louder than he intended.

  Dominick gently pushed Falcon’s shoulder and walked him toward the back entrance of the throne room, “We need to proceed with caution. We don’t know where or why Eikard has taken him. Then we need to figure out how to get him back discreetly,” said Dominick.

  “Eikard is formidable,” said Rocious.

  Falcon looked at Rocious suddenly, “There’s not a man alive that could stand against the two of us and you know it.”

  Rocious grabbed Falcon by the back of the neck, “I’ve warned you about overconfidence before.” Rocious let go of him and looked at Dominick, “Our goal is finding Werval. If… that means fighting, we’ll do it together.”

  Dominick stopped outside the throne room to address them one last time before entering. “I have a few tasks for both of you. Falcon, I’d like you to speak with Werval’s wife. She trusts you and could use the reassurance.”

  “Consider it done,” said Falcon.

  “Frederick, I need you to talk with Connelly. He is insisting on having Falcon tested at his academy this week,” said Dominick.

  Rocious turned on Octavia and snapped, “I told you this was a bad idea!”

  Dominick stepped in front of Octavia, “What’s a bad idea?”

  Rocious let out a breath, “Connelly wants to strip me of my title and train Falcon.”

  Dominick waved him to hurry up, “No, he wants to be seen training Falcon, that’s nothing new. What’s the big deal about him being tested? Falcon is more than capable.”

  “No, he’s exceptional, and that has nothing to do with the test,” said Rocious.

  “You’re certain he will fail?” asked Dominick.

  “Yes,” said Falcon and Rocious in unison.

  Dominick pinched the bridge of his nose, “Get to the point.”

  “Falcon fails and the council will no longer consider me a Praetorian. Praetorian are beyond reproach, free to do as we wish without answering to the council. Connelly and I are currently the only two who have completed the trials,” answered Rocious.

  “I don’t need a history lesson. What do you need? Be quick.” asked Dominick.

  “Time,” said Rocious flatly.

  Dominick nodded, “Time.”

  “How?” asked Falcon.

  Dominick tugged the bottom of his shirt.

  “I’ll make it,” he said extending his arm for Octavia and entering the throne room. Falcon and Rocious followed closely behind him. Greko had completed his task promptly and the realm’s leadership was waiting when Dominick entered.

  “As I’m sure you’ve all heard, one of our peers is missing. We have reason to believe Duke Eikard murdered two of Lord Werval’s guards and kidnapped him.” Dominick raised his hand to stop the audience’s murmurs, and walked to the center of the room looking in the eyes of those present.

  Dominick paced the room looking down.

  “War,” he said stopping. He closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again he looked up at his family. “It has been over twenty years since I have said that word. If I had my way, it would never be spoken again.”

  Dominick looked back to his court, “Return to your homes and assemble your legions. Prepare them to defend your borders, but defend only. I ended one war, and I do not intend to start another one,” Dominick returned to his throne.

  The moment Dominick sat Camilla Antioch pushed Count Grey out of the way and shouted, “You mean to let Eikard go? To just let Quintus be taken?!”

  Dominick let out a low growl using his amulet to strike an innate fear in the members of his court. Duchess Camilla took a step back but stood her ground.

  “I assure you, measures are being taken to find and free anyone Eikard is holding captive,” said Dominick.

  “The only captives I see are right here. When do you plan to let us go?” asked Duke Daven Secundus causing a wave of agreed murmurs from around the room.

  “Enough!” boomed Dominick using his medallion to enhance his voice. “Eikard took Lord Werval and left a trail of seventeen dead men. Be thankful your name is not on that list, Daven. Now shut your mouth and get out of my city.”

  The nobles dropped into silence and the throne room’s doors opened for them to file out. Camilla Antioch and Count Grey stood in the center of the room waiting for the room to clear. Dominick signaled his guard to shut the doors.

  Octavia leaned over to whisper in Dominick’s ear, “What is it?” he asked.

  Camilla cleared her throat, “Two things, your Majesty. I would like to be involved in the search and rescue of Quintus. He is a dear friend and my loyal ambasador, it is my right.”

  Dominick waved his hand, “I have men tracking him as we speak, but I will have General Greko include you going forward. What’s the second thing?”

  “My daughter, Hadriana,” said Camilla.

  “My wife tells me Drake is not interested. Is that all?” said Dominick.

  “I heard your wife last night, but respectfully I believe it is her that is not interested. I would like to hear from Prince Drake,” answered Camilla.

  Dominick turned to Drake and motioned him forward. Drake knelt next his father to speak privately.

  Dominick glanced at Octavia then to Camilla, “They have my blessing, but I suggest they spend some time together away from…” Dominick waved his hand in a circle, “all this.”

  Camilla flashed a smile at Octavia, “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will inform my daughter of the good news,” said Camilla as she flipped her hair and turned. She looked over at Count Grey signaling him to speak.

  Count Grey cleared his throat and opened his mouth but said nothing. He cleared his throat again. “What is it, Atilius?” snapped Dominick.

  “My daughter, well, she also…” began Count Grey.

  When he hesitated Octavia said, “Yes, I’ve already made arrangements.”

  Count Grey rubbed his hands together, “Yes, for Lucina, but my other daughter Aemilia?” he said.

  Octavia let out a breath, “I thought this matter was resolved last night,” said Octavia.

  “That’s not what I meant,” said Count Grey.

  Dominick hung his head, “Spit it out already.”

  “Aemilia and Reed’s boy,” blurted Count Grey finally.

  “What!” shouted Falcon. “Hell no.”

  Dominick raised his hand to quiet them, and motioned Falcon over to speak privately, “What’s the problem? She’s pretty, and rather intelligent if I hear correctly.”

  “She hates me. It’ll be torture for us both,” said Falcon.

  Dominick squeezed Falcon’s shoulder, “I understand, but I actually agree with Count Grey.”

  Falcon returned to Rocious’s side.

  He looked down and stood up straight, “I’ll do my duty for my people.�
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  “It sounds like they don’t get along so well,” said Dominick to Count Grey.

  “Aye, they had a rough start. Aemilia can be a bit wild, but she needs someone like Reed’s boy. They just need some time to warm up to each other,” answered Count Grey.

  “I can’t argue with the match, but I have my concerns for Falcon’s well being,” said Dominick.

  “What’s the concern? I saw the boy take a beating that should have killed him, and he got up like nothing happen. Surely he can handle a girl half his size,” said Count Grey.

  Before Dominick could reply Octavia placed her hand on the throne’s armrest, “Perhaps a little time to get to know each other,” she waved her hand in a circle, “away from all this.”

  “Alright, make the arrangements,” said Dominick.

  Chapter 17

  Expectations

  Falcon stared at the floor, fixated on the perfection before his eyes. Left foot fourteen inches forward, right foot twenty-eight inches forward, left foot eight inches, left foot six inches left, right foot six inches backward and stomp, twist, repeat. Drake paced back and forth, back and forth in such a precise pattern that it had Falcon mesmerized. It was the same precision he strived for every day as he practiced martial arts.

  Fafnir on the other hand was annoyed by it, “Brother, please sit down. You are giving me a headache.”

  “That’s probably last night’s wine,” replied Drake never missing the slightest movement.

  “What are you so nervous about?” asked Fafnir.

  Drake stopped pacing, “There’s a lot that could go wrong.”

  “What are you so worried about? You could take her to a brothel, screw half the women there and she’d still happily marry you.”

  Falcon and Drake looked at each other then at Fafnir. “What? It’s true.”

  Drake continued pacing, “I want tonight to be perfect.”

  “I just want to survive,” said Falcon.

  “You heard Count Grey, she needs someone like you. Someone to abuse as much as she wants,” said Drake.

  “A beauty like that can abuse me all she wants,” said Fafnir.

  Falcon coughed, “What?! What happened to the evil bitch from last night?” asked Falcon.

  Fafnir looked at Drake, “Did I say that?” he asked.

  “Yeah,” answered Drake.

  “Oh, well I take it back,” said Fafnir.

  “Don’t expect her sister to be any better, she tried to freeze me to death a few weeks ago,” said Falcon.

  Fafnir’s eyes bulged and he opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Drake smacked him in the side of the head.

  “Did you forget about your own bride to be?” laughed Falcon.

  “Ha. Ha. No,” said Fafnir rubbing his head. “I failed to realize she was attuned.”

  “Why else would our mother push for the match after you insulted her sister and her father wanted to break your face?” asked Drake.

  “Aaah,” said Fafnir.

  “You forgot that part too,” said Falcon.

  “I didn’t forget I just… didn’t know. Is he still, you know, wanting to break me?” asked Fafnir.

  “No, Falcon took care of it,” said Drake.

  “What do you mean took care of it?” asked Fafnir.

  “He fought Count Grey for you,” said Drake.

  “Now he’s forcing you to marry his daughter?” asked Fafnir of Falcon, “I must be dreaming,” said Fafnir.

  “Yeah, I’d say you owe him one,” said Drake.

  Falcon put up two fingers, “Two, for the two teeth he knocked out,” said Falcon.

  “Wait, you lost the fight?” asked Fafnir.

  Falcon shrugged, “They’re here!” he said.

  Drake turned to Fafnir suddenly, holding out his arms for appraisal.

  “You look fine. I want to hear about the fight later,” said Fafnir without looking at him.

  Drake turned to Falcon looking for a genuine reply.

  “Don’t ask me,” said Falcon standing up a split second before Count Grey pushed open the doors followed by Duchess Camilla.

  “Good evening, gentlemen,” said Duchess Antioch.

  “Evening,” said Count Grey.

  Drake bowed his head, “Good evening.”

  “Your ride is waiting outside,” said Camilla.

  “You go ahead, I need a word with Falcon here,” said Count Grey.

  Drake hesitated, but Falcon waved, “I’ll catch up.”

  “Alright,” said Drake.

  Count Grey took a seat, “I know this was not your idea.”

  Falcon sat next to him, “Honestly, I am surprised Aemilia agreed to it also.”

  “Actually she didn’t, and after what she told me I understand her reluctance,” said Count Grey.

  Falcon felt his face get warm and looked toward the door, “Then why?”

  “I know my daughter, and as crazy as this sounds, she’ll be happy with you,” said Count Grey.

  “I find that hard to believe, but I’m worried more for myself,” said Falcon.

  “Which is what I wanted to talk to you about,” said Count Grey.

  Falcon raised an eyebrow, “Okay?”

  Count Grey touched his shoulder. Falcon looked up as the count said, “What do you want? There must be something.”

  Falcon rocked back and shook himself, “What? Are you trying to bribe me?”

  “No, I want to know what Aemilia’s dowry should be. I don’t have a ton of money, but if that’s what you want I can speak to her grandfather. Or maybe you’d like to be Stormhelm’s ambassador and stay in Dominion?” answered Count Grey.

  Falcon started walking away, “I don’t want your money.”

  “What do you want then? Just name it,” asked Count Grey.

  Falcon turned back, “Nothing, I don’t want to spend my life married to a woman who hates me,” said Falcon louder than he intended.

  Count Grey stood up and grabbed Falcon’s shoulders again, “You two don’t know each other. Sure she has a temper, but trust me, if you can get past that, I promise you will not regret it.”

  Falcon hung his head, “Can’t you find someone else?”

  Count Grey laughed and shoved Falcon, “She’s a lot to handle. Most get scared away or turn into a hurt puppy before she gets to know them.” Count Grey shrugged, “You’re different, more confident and it annoys her because she can’t walk all over you.”

  “Alright, I’ll try, but no promises,” said Falcon.

  Count Grey smacked Falcon’s arm, “Splendid, run along then. We can chat about the dowry tomorrow, don’t want to keep them waiting too long.”

  Falcon took one last look at his prospective father-in-law and darted down the hall. He caught up to Drake and Fafnir as they were entering the carriage. He gave a quick wave to Centurion Chaplin and his men then bounced up to the carriage.

  The carriage was fairly spacious, but with six people they were forced to sit right next to each other. The girls must have realized that and sat completely on one side together. The result was that the three guys had to practically sit on top of each other.

  Falcon poked his head into the carriage, “Good evening,” He had to wait for Drake and Fafnir to stop fidgeting and sit down. Drake had a blank look on his face meaning the night had not started as he hoped.

  “Good evening,” said Hadriana.

  “Good evening. You look well,” said Lucina.

  “I am well, why would I not be?” he asked.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean it like that. Just this afternoon you were beaten half to death,” said Lucina.

  “No worries Luci, I still find it weird and I’ve watched it for years,” said Fafnir.

  “Years? How long have you?” Lucina glanced at Fafnir, “Don’t call me Luci,” she said.

  Falcon shrugged and ignored the question.

  Fafnir opened his mouth but before he said anything Drake knocked on the roof to signal their driver. Falcon looked across from
him at Aemilia, her expression was unreadable. She did not look unhappy like the last times he had seen her, just lost in thought, not at all interested in having a conversation.

  He could respect that so he turned to Drake, “So when are you planning to tell us where we are going?”

  Drake perked up at the question, “Right now we are going to have dinner at a little inn. You might know the owner, he’s friends with Sir Colville and Master Lockland,” said Drake.

  “Doesn’t sound familiar,” said Falcon.

  “The Inngraved Lantern?” asked Hadriana.

  Drake’s eyes wrinkled slightly, “You know it? Your mother said you had never been there.”

  “I know of it. Who’s the owner you mentioned?” asked Hadriana.

  “Sir Denali. My father knighted him for defending the city. His family has owned the Inn for generations. One of the best views of the city,” answered Drake.

  “Denali, I do know him. He owns a shop in the eastern market,” said Falcon.

  Falcon glanced over at Aemilia again, this time she was looking at him with the same thoughtful expression as before. He flashed a smiled and looked out the window. While his companions shared small talk, Falcon tried to think of a way to clear the air with Aemilia. By the time they stopped at The Inngraved Lantern he still had not come up with anything.

  Closest to the door, Falcon slipped out the door and offered his hand to help Aemilia down. She glanced at his hand, but he waited until she took his hand. When she was on the ground, she pulled her hand back. Falcon looked over at Chaplin, he nodded so Falcon opened the inn’s door, “After you.”

  Aemilia slipped inside without a word.

  Denali’s daughter Rika was organizing a stack of menus behind a tall desk, “Good evening.”

  “Good evening Rika, which way to the roof deck?” asked Falcon.

  Rika looked up sharply, “Falcon? I’m sorry we are holding a private event for some nobles tonight,” she said.