by Todd, E. L.
“Stop feeling this way, Zyle. I’m okay. Let’s move forward.” Zyle nodded silently. The only reason why he could was because he knew she wouldn’t be fighting in the Letumian battle. He and Aleco would see to that. Zyle couldn’t deal with this pain again. He would never risk her safety for any reason.
Zyle pulled out of her and dressed himself quickly. They were still in a hurry. Accacia came to the edge of the bed and Zyle dressed her in her clothes, hating every second of covering her body. He wished they could go back to the two days they spent together before they departed for the province. Zyle tried to pick her up but she held out her hand. “I can do it, Zyle.”
“I don’t mind carrying you.”
“I know you don’t,” she said. “But let me try. I’m certain I can. Zyle outstretched his hands and waited for her to rise, prepared to catch her if she fell. She got to her feet smoothly and stood for a moment, stretching her arms and limbs. Zyle didn’t feel an increase in pain and he knew she was fine. Accacia walked over and grabbed her gear from the floor, belting both swords to her belt and slinging her bow across her back.
“Please take it easy,” Zyle said. “Don’t exert yourself even though you feel well.”
Accacia smiled at him. “I know, Zyle.”
Together they walked toward the gate of the city. Zyle slowed his pace so Accacia would advance slowly to the carts by the gate but she continued to move past him. He couldn’t detect any increase in agony. They headed toward the wagons and Zyle noticed the pain of Accacia’s body was diminishing now that she was awake and outside. He knew she would be completely healed before they reached the forest. Zyle paid the healer a handsome price for attending to Accacia when she was still unconscious. He went to behead the commander afterwards but saw that Aleco had already done it.
They walked to the carts and the Asquithians kneeled at Accacia’s feet, thanking her for ending the battle of Paso Robles. They kissed her hand and praised her good health. Most of her subjects were in tears. Aleco stood off to the side and watch the progression. He was glad that she was well and happy. He disappeared into the cart and packed himself with the other guildsmen, hiding himself from her view.
Laura embraced her niece and ushered her into the cart. It was packed with blankets and pillows on the floorboard to accommodate her injuries. “I don’t think I need this anymore,” she said to her aunt.
Zyle helped her into the wagon and followed her inside. “I insist that you lie down, Accacia. I know you feel well but you need to stay as relaxed as possible.” Accacia opened her mouth to object but Zyle stopped her. “Do this for me, Accacia.” Accacia saw him stare at her. She knew it was important to him. She nodded. “Thank you,” he said with a sigh. Accacia lied down on the floor and Zyle sat on the bench.
Laura joined them and sat on the seat across from Zyle. “Could you give us a moment, Zyle? I need to speak to my queen in private.” Zyle nodded and left the wagon, walking down the row of carts to the front of the line.
Accacia sat up and Laura came beside her. “The first thing I want to say is how proud I am of you. You’re the strongest woman I know, and I’m honored to serve you as my queen. I’m even more humbled to have you as my niece. You saved us, Accacia—all of us. And you did it with no regard to yourself or your life. I’ve never served under a better ruler.” Accacia felt her eyes water at her aunt’s words. She didn’t feel like she deserved them but they touched her heart nonetheless. “I want you to know that I love you and I’m privileged to be related to you, Your Highness.”
“I love you as well, Laura,” she said as she smiled. “You’re responsible for all my success. I never would have survived that battle without your training and your tough love.”
Laura smiled at Accacia. She was worried if her previous words had too harsh. She was glad that they weren’t. Laura had something else to tell her niece as well. She didn’t want to involve herself in the conflict but she felt the need to protect her friend and companion, a man she had come to respect immensely in a very short time. “Accacia, I have something else to say to you. And I don’t think it will be easy to hear.” Accacia felt her stomach cramp at her words. “I want you to stay away from Aleco. I don’t want you to even speak to him. If you need him to know something, please relay your message through another person.”
Accacia felt her mind cloud in confusion. She didn’t know where this was coming from or why her aunt was the one saying it. “Why are you telling me this?”
Laura stared at her niece for a moment. Accacia tried not to flinch under the penetrating gaze. She felt like she was in training again. “Is Zyle your final choice?”
Accacia shook her head. “This conversation is inappropriate. I don’t know what I did to provoke it, but I can assure you it was accidental.”
“Answer me.”
“My final answer is Zyle—that has always been my answer.”
“Are you sure?”
Accacia knew she would never be sure. She loved both of them. She would never forget about Aleco for the years to come. She knew she wouldn’t forget about Zyle if she had chosen Aleco instead.
Laura grew impatient. “Are you telling me you aren’t?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” she said quickly.
“Then drop the act, Accacia. Zyle is the only man who should receive your affection and attention. He doesn’t deserve anything less. And Aleco doesn’t deserve to be tormented by you either. Leave Aleco alone, Accacia. I mean it—don’t speak to him.”
Accacia felt her anger course through her body. “I will never stop caring for Aleco—that will never change—ever.”
“You care for him?”
Accacia controlled the fury from escaping in her voice. “Yes, Laura. I love the man.”
“If you truly do, then leave him alone, Accacia—I mean it.”
“Did Zyle ask you to do this?”
“No.”
“Did Aleco?”
“No.”
“Then I don’t understand.”
“Accacia, I’m the one who is asking you to do this. It isn’t fair to the two men. Tell me you’ll leave Aleco alone, Accacia.”
Accacia looked away. She knew her presence hurt Aleco—he informed her many times. She suspected her aunt was lying—one of the two men had asked Laura to speak to her. She doubted it was Aleco. “I will avoid him if I can,” she said. “I can’t say I will never speak to him because I can’t foresee the situations to come—like the battle of Aleutian. We will need to converse then.”
“Then tell me you will avoid it the best you can.”
Accacia sighed. She didn’t realize how hard it was going to be until she decided to do it. Accacia thought Aleco had perished under the collapse of the wall and her stomach lunged into her chest at the possibility. Before they entered Paso Robles, Aleco had lowered his hood and comforted her with his look alone. He had assuaged more doubts and fears than anyone else, even her aunt. The thought of not speaking to him sounded impossible. Even though they argued when they were together, she still enjoyed being with him—most of the time. But Accacia knew she couldn’t always keep company with both men. She had to sever one completely—end the relationship as well as the friendship. She had already committed herself to Zyle—promised herself to him in exchange for his help. The decision had already been made. “I will.”
Laura nodded. “Thank you, Accacia. You’re doing the right thing.”
Accacia was quiet for a moment. The idea of not ever speaking to Aleco made her sad. It sounded almost impossible. “Why can’t the right thing be the easy thing?”
Laura smiled at her niece. “I’ll fetch Zyle.”
Laura returned with Zyle and the cart lunged forward, taking them from the ruined city of Paso Robles toward Orgoom Forest. In exchange for granting them mercy, Aleco made the soldiers swear they wouldn’t alert the King of the Continent of the siege until one week after the battle, giving them enough time to reach the forest, rest, and return to enemy lines. Laura
doubted their promise could be trusted, but Aleco seemed confident in their vow. She wondered if he had used his abilities to secure their cooperation. She would never know.
Accacia lied on the floor of the cart at Zyle’s insistence. Her life partner continued to look over her and care of her, concerned for her health even though he knew she was fine. Laura watched him with an amused expression, happy that she had someone else to care for Accacia as much as she did. When they stopped for breaks, Accacia insisted on leaving the wagon, saying she was going to get out whether Zyle approved or not. Every time she did, she looked around for Aleco but she never saw him. Even days later he never made an appearance.
They approached the forest two days later and entered the secluded trees of the border. Accacia jumped out of the wagon and walked under the trees, delighted to back in her childhood home. Zyle let her go with no concern. His pain was completely gone. They carried their belongings back through the forest, prepared to rest for a day before they made arrangements to leave the following morning. Aleco deemed it their time of repose. Zyle and Accacia returned to the ship and Aleco returned to the house, making the final arrangements for the battle of Letumian.
Aleco couldn’t shake the stress consuming his mind. They were going to march on the stone walls of the king’s fortress and throw all their wood into the fire. The Chief had remained behind from the battle of Paso Robles and prepared for the final battle, bringing all the guild weapons to the forest along with the remaining men. The Hideaway was completely empty. Not a soul remained behind. Aleco couldn’t sleep that night. He didn’t bother trying. He walked the woods of the forest and took wisdom from the trees. He was so nervous about the upcoming attack he didn’t even notice Accacia and Zyle’s lovemaking. He tore up his study in search of the prescient stone, knowing the old man had hid it somehow. If he could destroy the stone, then he could have destroyed the Soul Binders as well. Aleco doubted he would have kept that knowledge a secret, but what did Aleco know? His uncle hadn’t told him about his possession of the prescient stone to begin with. Perhaps it was better he hadn’t located it. He knew what he would do with it. Looking into the future was a sure way to destroy its coming because it would change by the pure act of looking into it. Aleco put the thought to the back of his mind. It wouldn’t help him get through this. He knew he wasn’t wise or strong enough to deal with such great elemental power. He didn’t trust himself to make the right decision if he held it within his grasp. He feared he would do sinister things.
The only thing keeping Aleco focused on the attack was the certainty of his impending death, which he waited for with anticipation. As soon as Accacia left, he would stab himself through the heart and end this living nightmare. All Aleco wanted to do was end this battle, kill his brother, and destroy the stones so he could fall into the void. He couldn’t care less what happened after that. Another doubt flooded his mind as he realized no one knew how to destroy the Soul Binders. They may never figure it out. Aleco forced his mind to return to a state of calm. Accacia wasn’t his responsibility anymore. If he could kill Drake and hand over the stones, then he would have fulfilled his part. He could let himself die in peace knowing her husband would take care of her.
Aleco made the final arrangements with the Chief. Everyone was assigned their missions and their priorities in pairs. Every job needed to be completed for their success. After Aleco had detailed every element of the plan, he stored his choice for the new Nature Priest and wrote it on a sheet on his desk. Aleco secretly hoped he was killed battle. Death was easier to accept when it was unexpected.
The Nature Priest walked up the stairs and entered Penelope’s room. She was lying in bed, reading a book, while Rhonian slept in his cradle on the other side of the bedchamber. She smiled at him when he entered and pulled back the sheets, asking him to come to her. Aleco closed the door behind him and sat on the bed. “Can I sleep with you tonight?”
Penny nodded. “Having trouble sleeping?”
Aleco nodded. “I know tonight is the most important night to feel rested.”
Penny placed her book on her nightstand and blew out the candle. Aleco took off his cloak and jacket then slid into bed alongside her with his clothes on. She rested her head on his chest and he held her close to him.
“Thank you,” he whispered.
She nodded against his chest. “Will you say goodbye tomorrow?”
“No,” he said. “I don’t want to say bye to the little ones twice. Once was hard enough.”
“Have you changed your mind?” she asked. Aleco knew what she was referring to. She had the adept ability to sense his emotions even when he thought they were hidden.
“Yes,” he answered. “As soon as Accacia leaves, it will be done.”
“Can I change your mind?”
Aleco shook his head. “No.”
“How?” she asked.
“I was hoping you would do it.”
Penny squeezed him harder. “If you wish,” she said. “I would rather be killed by a friend than an enemy, so yes, I will do this for you.”
“Thank you, Penny. You’re an amazing woman. Artremian is lucky to have you.”
“And Accacia is an idiot for not wanting you.”
Aleco smiled. “She made the right choice. I don’t blame her decision—I’ve forgiven her.”
“Then why are you going through with it?”
“I have no reason to live,” he said simply. “And I have too many reasons why I shouldn’t. The math speaks for itself.”
“I think you should give it more time. Perhaps when Accacia is away you’ll feel better.”
Aleco felt a tear fall. “I will never be better, Penny. I have never been well. The only time I have ever been was when Accacia was mine. I know what my future entails—nothing.”
Penny kissed him on the cheek. “You will never be forgotten, Aleco. Your namesake will carry your legacy. I just wish he got to know his godfather.”
Aleco closed his eyes and turned to her. “I’m sorry, Penny. This is what I want.”
“I know,” she said quietly. “And I accept it.”
Aleutian Keep, Letumian Province
30
Drake held up the dagger he found in the nightstand in Aleco’s bedchamber. It still contained drops of dried blood and Drake knew it was his own blood. There was no doubt. The king had tried to kill his brother before he framed him, but he was glad his attempt had been unsuccessful. Framing his brother was much more satisfying. He remembered the night like it just happened.
The nighttime breeze flew through the open window and fluttered the red drapes that were on either side of the opening. The silk fabric of the curtains danced in the summertime wind and they billowed under the light of the midnight moon. Aleco slept peacefully on his bed, his shirtless body lying on top of the sheets because the heat of the summer made his bedchamber warm. The sounds of the flaying curtains didn’t disturb him from his slumber. He sighed deeply as he fell into his dreams.
Drake watched him from the corner with a shiny dagger held in his palm, the very one he had killed his beloved dog with. The idea of blood splashing across the sheets made his heart beat in ecstasy. The death of his brother would solve all his problems. Drake would no longer be the less favored twin; he would be the only twin. The metal of the dagger caught the reflection of the moon and it shined the light on the wall. Drake’s mouth was stretched into an eerie grin. Drake approached the bedside.
The creak of the floorboards woke Aleco from sleep. He saw the figure approach his bed but he couldn’t distinguish the figure in the dark, but he could see the shiny dagger in his outstretched palm. It could only be one person. With lightning speed, Aleco grabbed his dagger from under his pillow and rolled out of the way from the stabbing knife, which was directed at his throat.
Aleco landed on the other side of the bed and he ran to his brother, knowing he had to kill him or he would be slaughtered eventually. His knife lashed out for Drake’s eyes, but Drake ducked
out of the way and cut Aleco along the arm. The pain was negligent and faded to the back of his mind, the urgency of the situation taking priority over his minor wound.
“I’m the better fighter, Drake. I will kill you,” Aleco warned. “Drop the knife and I will drop mine.”
Drake shook his head. “No,” he said. “This ends now. I want you dead.”
“I’m your brother, Drake. I never meant to hurt you on purpose. You have to realize that. Why are you so blinded by your hate?”
“Perhaps because no one loves me?” he mocked. Aleco narrowed his eyes at him. “I have no one to love me, right? But I will when you’re gone.”
“Mother and Father would hate you even more than they already do.”
“I think otherwise.” Drake aimed his dagger for Aleco’s stomach but missed the mark. He continued to pursue his brother but Aleco evaded all of the attacks. He didn’t aim his blade at his brother, hoping he could move away from his attacks until help arrived. Aleco knew how loud they were being.
“I’m going to kill you, stab you in the stomach, just like I did to that mutt of yours.”
The hateful words snapped Aleco’s mind and he felt his body change, contort into a mass of uncontrollable bloodlust. He loved that dog as his companion, his best friend, and his death would never be forgiven. The anger settled into his mind and twisted it, making all logical reason leave his body. Aleco attacked his brother with all the strength he could. He lashed his knife at Drake, but his brother moved away from the point of the knife. Aleco finally cut his forearm and made a deep gash. Then he pushed Drake to the ground and began to kick him savagely, screaming like a mad man. He stabbed him in the arm with the dagger and his brother screamed in pain. Aleco kicked him again until he broke his ribs. The redness descended over his eyes and he continued to beat his brother mercilessly. He hated the boy with every fiber of his being and he wanted him to die, to cease living forever.
The bedchamber door opened and Aleco was grabbed from him behind and his bloody dagger was torn from his hand. The guard held Aleco back as his father ran to Drake, who was a bloody heap on the ground. “He’s still alive,” he said aloud.
