by Dyan Chick
Ashton’s pressed his mouth into a line. “You really going to give up being a queen for me?”
“Happily,” I said.
“Okay.” He turned and stared into the grass, a smile spreading across his face. We sat next to each other in comfortable silence as the sun dipped low in the horizon. I could have sat there with him for hours. All too soon, we were interrupted by Saffron calling to us.
I sighed and stood, brushing the grass off of my trousers. I offered my hand to Ashton and helped him up. Our walk back into the barn was slow. I wanted to drag out this moment as long as possible. I knew that once I entered that barn, nothing would ever be the same.
I realized I was holding my breath so I tried to focus on maintaining steady breathing. Ashton’s fingers brushed against mine and I ached to clasp his hand. Instead, I pulled away. He clenched his hand into a fist and put some space between us. My chest felt tight. Denying what I felt with him was like denying a part of myself. My life had become very complicated in a very short time. I paused in front of the closed doors. Please be done fighting. I didn’t want to hear any more arguments about my life. I didn’t think I could keep playing nice. As we crossed the threshold tension still hung in the air.
Master Flanders and my brother were seated in front of everybody else, clearly the highest ranking people in the room. There was an empty chair directly across from them waiting for me. My heart was pounding. I didn’t want to do this anymore. I didn’t want to be their puppet. I knew I’d have to listen but they couldn’t make me stay. I faced them with my chin held high.
“I’m sorry you had to hear all of the disagreements earlier, Wilona,” Master Flanders began. “Your brother and I have been working together for years and we have a plan we believe is best for everybody.” He winked at me. I flinched, trying to figure out what he was silently telling me.
Max took over the conversation. “Etta, you are new to the Ravens and to being royalty. Your duty is first and foremost to your kingdom. You will be marrying the prince of Sardinia, but we will be asking for a year long engagement, citing your lack of experience with royal protocol so that you can have time to learn before you are married.”
A year. I fought back the urge to scream at my brother and bit the inside of my cheek.
I looked from Max to Master Flanders. He gave me a subtle nod. Like he was telling me to go along with it. I narrowed my eyes at him, then caught myself and worked to make my face impassive. I knew Master Flanders had no intention of sending me away from Illaria. Something else was going on here. For some reason, he was pacifying Max, playing politics. I was only just beginning to get a taste of how politics worked. Another reason I don’t want to rule. Too many games. I lowered my head in a bow and raised it. I wanted nothing more than to look to Ashton, but I kept my gaze locked in front of me, chin held high.
“Thank you, Max.” I inclined my head. Even as the words came out, I was thinking of ways to get out of the marriage. A lot could happen in a year.
26
I sat quietly at the back table of the tavern where we were waiting to meet the Sardinian ambassador. Max and Saffron were seated on either side of me. Ashton and Celeste were seated at an adjacent table. The selected tavern was crowded with people who were enjoying the evening with their friends. Our stoic faces didn’t blend in with the smiles emanating from most of the people around us.
I straightened my skirt and and fidgeted with a button on my cloak while I waited. I didn’t touch the ale that was sitting in front of me. After the last experience I had with alcohol, I promised myself I would avoid the stuff at all costs. I didn’t like the giggly, wobbly creature I had become after consuming the beverage. It was important to maintain control over myself so I simply stared into the amber liquid.
Max and Saffron flinched at every sound. A crash in the kitchen, the tapping of another patron’s boot on the floor, the opening and closing of the door, or a loud laugh.
“How much longer should we wait?” I asked. I had no idea if it was customary for an ambassador to keep people waiting.
Max set down his cup. “We’ll give them a few more minutes.”
I ran my finger around the rim of my cup, trying to keep myself busy. Every time the door opened, I’d lift my eyes from the cup, and hold my breath, worried that the ambassador had arrived. If he didn’t show up, the marriage can’t be finalized.
Then the door opened again. When I glanced up, a figure wearing a long brown cloak and faded clothing looked toward us. His clothing didn’t seem to match my vision of what an ambassador should look like. He glanced around the room nervously before walking over to our table. Pulling down his hood, he settled into a chair across from me. Max cleared his throat and nodded to the newcomer. I stiffened in my chair, hands gripping my cup too tightly. So close to getting out of here. Why did you have to show up?
He inclined his head toward me. “My lady.”
I returned the gesture and gave what I hoped was a friendly smile, forced as it was.
He moved his gaze to Max and inclined his head slightly toward him. Max returned the greeting with the same gesture.
A barmaid noticed the addition to our table and walked over. “Can I get you an ale?”
He nodded, a smile filling his face. “Yes, thank you.”
After she strode away the smile faded. “I’m afraid I have bad news. King Osbert has promised invasion if we continue with our current agreement.”
Max leaned across the table. “You know we have to fight him eventually to secure the throne.”
The man nodded in agreement. “Yes, but we aren’t ready. We won’t be able to keep the alliance without risking too many Sardinian lives.”
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep the smile from betraying me. He’s calling off the engagement.
Max’s eyes shone with anger. “This isn’t part of the deal. You told me this was done. You told me your country was ready to fight.”
The man lowered his eyes. “I’m sorry. The king is not well. He’s afraid of going into war with a brand new king on the throne. He thinks it will make us too vulnerable to inside attacks. We can’t appear weak as we transition to a new king.”
“And how will it look to have a king with no queen? No way of producing heirs to secure the future?” Max hissed.
“I’m afraid that’s already been addressed.” The man swallowed. “The prince married in secret two days ago. Apparently he was in love with one of the queen’s ladies. A duchess. The deed is done.”
Max slammed his fist on the table and ale splashed out of my glass. A few heads turned to look at us, but they didn’t linger. I held my breath, afraid of what Max might do. I’d seen him upset, but never seen him lose his temper and the look on his face was terrifying.
“You are throwing away a great alliance here. When we take back the throne you’ll find no friend in Illaria.”
The ambassador’s eyes darted around the room. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He moved his face closer to Max. “We’ve already found a friend in Illaria.” He backed away and let his words sink in.
Max stood. “The king? You betray me for the usurper?”
My breathing quickened as I watched the scene unfolding in front of me. Sardinia made an alliance with the king? Would Sardinia be coming after the Ravens? My chest tightened at the thought of more guards pursuing me. The king had sent his own guards and his Reapers after me already. How was I supposed to survive if he started sending more people after me?
The ambassador stood as well, shaking his head. “They don’t know I’m here. I came out of respect for your cause. To warn you that you are not safe. The king will not stop until she is dead.” He nodded his head in my direction. “Word got out about her little lightning trick. He’ll send an entire army after her if he has to.”
I felt the color drain from my face as panic gripped me. A whole army? All of my fears were coming true. My pulse quickened but a tiny flicker of pride registered inside of me. A whole army because
of my lightning. They’re afraid of me.
Max ignored the lightning comment and turned to me. “Have Ashton take you back. Go now.”
Feeling numb, I made my way over to Ashton’s table. He rose when he saw me walking over and we quickly made our way out the back door of the tavern, Celeste at our heels.
“It’s over,” I said. “The alliance is gone.” I didn’t have it in me to say anymore and I couldn’t help but wonder if Master Flanders saw this coming.
I thought I saw a faint flicker of a smile cross Ashton’s face in the dim evening light. He clasped my hand and Celeste’s hand and in a cloud of smoke, we disappeared.
I woke with a start to a crashing noise and jumped out from under my blanket. My eyes darted around the barn, hunting for the source of the sound. My heart was pounding and it quickened as I realized I was alone inside the vast space. Realizing I was safe, I took a few steadying breaths. My head was pounding. I rubbed my temples but the throbbing continued. Probably just hungry.
I listened carefully and looked around the room to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. There was muffled conversation outside the barn. When I opened a door, I discovered a rush of activity. People were darting around making a lot of noise. I winced. What I wouldn’t give for one of grandmother’s headache teas right now.
With all of the noise, I was amazed I slept so long. I walked out into the grass and saw a few familiar faces. It was the Ravens. At least what was left of them. There were faces I didn’t recognize as well. Either survivors from the other camps or new recruits. Though what would bring people to the Ravens after the slaughter, I could not imagine.
Hammers slammed against structures being built and a blacksmith clanged against swords and armor. Voices in conversations carried through the space. The smell of cooking meat mingled with fresh bread. A series of ovens had been constructed and a woman was pulling loaves of bread out. Where did they all come from? I felt like I was in a dream. A very loud dream.
I shielded my eyes against the sun with my hand as I looked around for one of my friends. I cringed. Celeste. She waved to me and I forced a smile. I still wasn’t completely comfortable around her. She ran over to me. Great.
“Isn’t this amazing?” She was breathless in her excitement. “They all came back. All of the Ravens that survived came back. And they brought friends. The word is out. People know about you and that the king is hunting you. They want to help.”
Without thinking, I grabbed for my pendant and slid it back and forth along the chain. “They can’t stay here.”
She frowned. “Why can’t they stay here?”
I looked around at all of the people gathered. They were in danger, all of them. “It’s not safe. I won’t have more innocent people dying for me.”
She put her arm around my shoulder as if we were childhood friends. I tried to subtly shrug it off but she either didn’t notice or didn’t care.
“That’s what’s so great about you.” She flashed a smile at me. “You care so much about all of your people. But don’t worry. They’ve got wards up. Nobody can find us here. They took extra precautions this time. Only 3 people can even give the location to the camp. It’s all very advanced magic.”
I wasn’t sure if she was being condescending or kind. It was probably best if I just get away from her. Her high, sweet voice was making the throbbing in my head more intense. “Have you seen my brother?”
She shook her head. “Not since last night. Boy was he mad that he can’t marry you off! Serves him right if you ask me. He should be listening to Master Flanders and to you.” She took her arm off of my shoulder and lowered her voice. “If it were up to me,” she stepped closer to me so I could hear her whisper. “I’d be pushing for a new queen instead of a king.” She winked at me.
My mouth dropped. Celeste was being nice. Maybe even too nice. I swallowed. “Thank you, that’s kind of you to say, but I don’t think I’m the right person for the job.”
Her face turned serious and she locked her eyes on mine. “That’s exactly what makes you the best person for the job, the fact that you don’t want it. It isn’t about power for you.”
I didn’t know how to respond so I just gave her a polite smile.
“You’re awake.”
I spun around to see Ashton walking toward me. Butterflies filled my insides at the sight of him.
“Celeste explaining things to you?” he asked.
“A bit. Seems we have a new camp,” I winced.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, eyebrows creased in concern.
“Just a headache,” I said, “I could really go for a good cup of tea right now.”
Celeste’s eyes widened and she grabbed my hand, pulling me with her before I could object. “Come on.”
I stumbled after her. “What are you doing?” Just when I was starting to warm up to Celeste she decided to act like a crazy person.
She led me to a small tent barely large enough to fit a single person and pulled me inside.
“I’ll wait out here,” Ashton said before the flap closed behind us.
I narrowed my eyes at her. “What are we doing here?”
She rolled her eyes at me. “I know you don’t like me, but have a little faith. Sit down.” She pointed to a bed roll on the ground that took up most of the space inside. I wasn’t even sure how we both fit in here. I pressed my lips together and considered walking out. With a sigh, I decided to humor her. She was one of Ashton’s closest friends, after all. I probably needed to get used to having her around.
Celeste’s back was to me, digging through something. When she turned to face me she was holding the small box I had seen at the trials. She handed it to me, smiling. “Go ahead.”
I accepted the box from her and lifted an eyebrow in silent question.
“Open it, take the orb out, hold it for a minute. See if it helps.” She mimed the process with her hands as she spoke.
I recalled the calm feeling the orb created last time I held it and curiosity led me to open the box. I held the warm, glowing purple orb in my hands and all of the tension in my hands melted away. The warmth spread up my arms to my shoulders, relaxing them, into my neck, my jaw, my head. Soon, my whole body felt relaxed and recovered. “This is amazing.”
She inclined her head. “Thank you.”
I placed the orb back into the box. My headache was completely gone. “Thank you, Celeste.” I felt like I should say more, apologize even, but I wasn’t sure where to go from here. I didn’t have a lot of experience making friends.
“You two doing okay?” Ashton popped his head in the tent.
“Great,” Celeste said, offering her hand to me. “The orb works, got rid of her headache.”
“That’s great!” Ashton held open the flap so Celeste and I could exit.
We walked back toward the heart of the new camp, back into the noise. This time, none of it bothered my head.
“We just have to get you going on that full size one, soon. We could sure use it,” Ashton said. A shadow crossed his face and the humor left his eyes.
“What’s wrong?” I reached my hand out to him, then pulled back.
His eyes flicked down to my hand for a moment, then back up at me. “They’re planning an offensive attack. They want to try to take out the king before the Sardinian army can get here. And they still want to use you as the bait.”
“It can’t be that much worse than what we’ve already faced then, right? I mean, if it helps us bring him down sooner, it’s worth it,” I said.
He shook his head. “You know how I feel about you risking your life.”
I reached my hand for his again and this time I grasped it in mine. “Then you’re going to have to stick with me and help keep me alive.”
Celeste cleared her throat and I felt my cheeks get hot. I dropped Ashton’s hand and crossed my arms over my chest. Ashton took a step back from me and brushed a hand through his hair. Thanks to Celeste’s warning, we appeared almost normal when Max re
ached us.
“You’re awake,” Max said. “Good. We have things to do.” He paused in his step and looked at the three of us. His eyes narrowed for just a moment before going back to normal. “Ashton and Celeste, they need you with the other sorcerers. Etta, follow me.”
I glanced back at Ashton as we were forced in opposite directions once again. The weight of marriage had been lifted, but it felt like they were purposefully keeping us apart. Max would never approve of the two of us. I sighed and picked up my pace to keep up with Max. Never a dull moment.
“We received some information this morning,” Max said as we walked. “There is speculation that the king will be overseeing any action against you. That likely means Reapers.”
“He’s never done that before,” I said. “He’s just sent others. What about the protection on me?”
“My guess is that he’s upset that the other attempts on your life have been unsuccessful. He probably wants to be the one in charge, even if he can’t touch you.”
My hands felt clammy. I knew the king couldn’t touch me, but having him show up in the same place I was terrified me. So far, I’d faced Reapers and the King’s Guards, but never at the same time. Would we be able to fight them all?
I followed Max to table outside the barn. A fabric covering shaded the table and those who stood around it. Seven men in armor surrounded the table, heads bowed as they studied a large map. When they heard me approach, all eyes lifted to focus on me.
Saffron was the only woman in the group. She smiled when I arrived. It made me feel better knowing that she was part of the group planning this offensive. When I offered to be the bait so we could take down some of the King’s Guard, we didn’t think the king would be participating. Now there was the real threat of the king himself showing up at any place he thought I might be. And he’d probably bring his Reapers. My fingers busied themselves with a fraying piece of fabric at my waist. I took a deep breath and tried to think of something more pleasant than undead monsters.
