Severance (The Sovereign Book 1)

by Michael Pritsos

  His thoughts were clustered and difficult to read. “Why does she wish to leave so soon?”

  “Nicolette has a prejudice against Thalassans, I’m assuming,” Ana replied with a shrug. “Her thoughts are always guarded, but I do know that she did not take to her new station eagerly. The ambassadors of Tellus are a well-respected people, so she may rise higher in the Empire yet, but for the time being she sees it as a burden.”

  “Interesting,” Xander said.

  “My mother told me you were once an orphan here in Triton.”

  “I was, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Sophia had been the one to take care of me. She said she’s been here long enough for that to be possible. It’s a nice thought, she’s very kind.”

  Ana let out a sigh of disappointment to find that they had already arrived at her mother’s home. It was only a short distance from the tavern and she felt herself wishing for more time with the watchman. He was a pleasant change from the judgmental Thalassans that did little to conceal the prejudice in their minds. Not to mention how pleasing he was on the eyes.

  “Thank you for a pleasant evening,” Xander said sincerely. Despite the heaviness on his mind, his eyes seemed to sparkle when he looked at her.

  Ana grinned. His mood had at least begun to lift. His thoughts were no longer so morose, and she hoped this change would last long enough to allow him a peaceful night’s sleep. He looked as if he hadn’t had one in quite some time.

  With a wave, Ana turned to ascend the steps leading to her mother’s front door. Xander returned the gesture and began to walk towards his own home, which was only a stone’s throw away. Suddenly, just as Ana was about to close the door, she sensed the presence of another and listened hard. Realizing from the hiding man’s thoughts that he meant to do Xander harm, she quickly called out to him in fear.

  Xander swiveled about as the Gaian charged. He pulled the pistol from his chest strap to level it at the adversary. The Gaian’s shortsword was swift, knocking the pistol from Xander’s grip to the dirt. The Thalassan kicked his enemy in the stomach and stepped back to pull his longsword from its scabbard. Iron met iron as the assailant charged again, his blow parried by Xander’s waiting weapon.

  The Thalassan watchman’s thoughts were sporadic. He had no fear, but Ana could tell how quickly he caught on to the Gaian guard’s extrasensory skill. Mind reading did not just end with conversations. Fights gave Gaians the ability to foresee their enemies’ strikes. Xander went on the defensive when he realized this, waiting for his enemy to make the first move. Ana could tell from his thoughts that this was his first time fighting a Gaian, and he was focusing on staying one step ahead. The Gaian lanced his shortsword forward and Xander knocked the blade away casually. Brown eyes stared into amber for a few heartbeats and then the guardsman came in again. This time Xander was more than ready. He met his enemy’s blade with his own and head butted him. The crown of Xander’s head smashed into his adversary’s nose, breaking it instantly, and his enemy staggered back with tears blocking his vision. Xander lunged his longsword home and there was a guttural crunch as the iron slammed through mail, muscle, and flesh.

  “Bastard,” the Gaian muttered and stared down at the blade protruding from his belly.

  He coughed and the sword twitched in Xander’s grasp as the abdominal muscles seized.

  Ana’s eyes widened at Xander’s speed and watched as he pulled the blade out and his enemy’s balance faltered. He tumbled to the earth with a rustle of his iron mail and lay there breathing shallowly. Xander grabbed the Gaian’s arms and pulled him into brush growing thick between Sophia’s house and her neighbor’s. Ana rushed to where the men were hidden from view of the street.

  “Who sent you?” Xander whispered harshly. He knelt beside the dying man.

  The Gaian coughed again and his bubbled spittle was flecked with blood. “Fuck you.”

  “Nicolette sent him,” Ana announced at Xander’s side. The soldier’s thoughts were frantic but her name had come first when Xander asked the question.

  “You were thinking of accusing my lady of murder,” the Gaian said. He grimaced as a spasm of pain raced through his limbs.

  “She murdered my friend, Gaian,” Xander spat.

  “She would never,” his enemy began. Another cough interrupted his speech. “You do not know her like us, she is kind.”

  “She’s kind enough to send you to murder someone who suspects her of murder?” Xander asked, the irony was plain in his tone.

  Ana searched the Gaian’s mind and a recent memory flickered. “If he can think it, he can say it,” Nicolette had told her guards. Armand had been up to the task of ceasing Thalassan slander by taking out this nosey watchman. Ana was confused. Xander was accusing the Gaians of having murdered Prince Daemyn. Could that be true?

  “So much pain,” Armand moaned suddenly. He coughed again and a fountain of blood erupted onto his mail hauberk.

  Xander turned to her. “If we can keep him alive for a few more moments I can bring the constable here to…” The watchman trailed off as the Gaian’s breath became short gasping bursts. Armand fought for life for a few more seconds, and then his mind was blank.

  “Shit!” Xander raged.

  The watchman stood and began walking briskly towards the Thalassan Embassy. Ana looked at Armand once more and then hurried to catch up to Xander. He picked up his dented pistol and tossed the useless weapon aside, then sheathed his bloody sword and kept walking in grim determination.

  “I do not understand,” Ana began when she caught up. “You think Nicolette had Prince Daemyn killed?”

  “I know she did,” Xander replied bitterly. “I just have to present my evidence to Aldous. Hopefully I can leave for Pontos tomorrow to tell the king.”

  Ana’s heart dropped as she realized what this meant for Thalassa. What this might mean for the world. Perhaps she did not do it, the young woman thought, but she felt that Xander would not irrationally surmise an assassination. Not to mention the attempt on Xander’s life as well. Nicolette had truly compromised herself. And in such a foolish way, Ana surmised. How would this have been covered up without Armand facing execution, too? Nicolette must be more heartless than I imagined…

  “What will happen?” Ana heard herself ask.

  “I don’t know,” Xander said as he approached the steps to the embassy. “Nothing good.”

  Ana stopped at the steps and watched the soldier open the great doors to the embassy. She suddenly became aware that she, too, might be in danger since she had witnessed the attempt on his life. Xander poked his head back out of the entrance and motioned to her. She hurriedly walked up the stone steps and entered the embassy for the first time in many years. The first room’s walls were covered in embroidered tapestries depicting Thalassan heritage through a multitude of colors and symbols.

  Xander softly took the young woman by the hand and led her to the conference room. He told her to wait there while he summoned the constable from his chambers. Ana looked around the room and wondered how many hundreds of negotiations had gone on between those two seats over the past centuries. How many lives had hung in the balance? Those were all confronted now by Nicolette’s apathetic murder of a prince.

  The constable entered the room to disrupt the young woman’s fears. Xander followed, his amber eyes intent on Ana’s. She could tell by the many thoughts racing through his mind that he wanted her to know that she would be all right. His regard for her personal well-being despite the gravity of the situation had Ana relaxing markedly. Xander came to stand beside her while Aldous seated himself in the gilded chair before them. “Now,” the constable began. His gray gaze was fixed on Xander. Aldous folded his hands and took a deep breath. “Tell me everything.”

  Roselyn

  Roselyn smiled to herself as she made her way to the castle’s library where her new husband was attending to royal business. It was time to tell him about the baby, and she knew he would be overjoyed. All the while oblivious to the fact th
at the child’s true father was a former guard of the palace. That minute detail hardly mattered, though, being that the only other person who knew was gone. A lance of pain shuddered through her stomach and she placed a hand over her womb. With her head held high she continued down the hallway towards the double doors that led to the expansive library.

  “Hello, my lovely wife.” Patrick stood from his seat behind his cherry wood desk and welcomed her as she entered the large, fire-lit room. He smiled broadly, his face searching hers for the reason of her visit.

  “I have news for you,” Roselyn began. Her husband took her outstretched hand and she smiled as he brought it to his lips.

  Patrick ushered her over to the purple cushions decorating the seating area before the fire. “Do tell.”

  Roselyn was not sure what to say. I am pregnant with another man’s baby. Let’s celebrate!

  “Well,” Patrick prompted eagerly. “What is your news?”

  Words escaped the princess so she simply placed her wedding ring clad hand over her stomach and smiled. Patrick immediately recognized the gesture and his jaw dropped in happy understanding. He suddenly grabbed her face in his hands and kissed her hard on the mouth. When he pulled back Roselyn laughed heartily. He sure is easy to please… if only he displayed some more of that passion in my bed.

  “I am elated! What a wonderful addition to an already great day. We must celebrate this. Come, we shall both tell the king and queen.” Patrick grabbed Roselyn’s hand and led her back down the hallway and then towards the garden. During this time of day the royal couple enjoyed watching a game of croquet in the courtyard, and Roselyn hurried to keep up with Patrick as he excitedly pulled her in that direction.

  When they reached the king and queen the game was finished, and the pair was just leaving their seats under a crimson awning. Roselyn was out of breath but merry when they greeted her parents. “Mother, Father, we must speak with you.”

  “Oh, please, do! You both look absolutely delighted,” Isabelle said with a smile.

  “I am with child!” Roselyn exclaimed, sounding more joyous than she felt. She wanted nothing more than for Daemyn to be there to witness this happy moment. Their plan was working out so beautifully. She would not be ruined, but celebrated. This would be especially true if her unborn child were to be a boy, and therefore she would have supplied the kingdom with a male heir.

  The commotion that followed Roselyn’s declaration was something she had never seen. The laughter and exclamations from her family were thunderously loud in the peaceful garden. Various nobles, servants, and even the croquet players all came to congratulate the princess and her husband on this blessed occasion. King Philip announced that there would be a huge celebratory feast later that evening, and he expected every person in attendance to be dressed in their finest attire.

  Patrick was looking at Roselyn with the eyes of a man in love, and she could not help but get lost in his gaze. Perhaps my life will turn out very well indeed.

  *

  The Great Hall was filled to capacity with guests for the feast honoring Roselyn’s pregnancy. She could hardly get a moment’s rest between well-wishers coming by her table. She surveyed the room in her down time, thinking of how delightful it was to be the center of attention. The princess placed a hand over her belly and smiled down at her lap. You’re going to be the pride and joy of this city, little one. Roselyn chuckled to herself as she thought of the life her child would have if she were just a merchant’s daughter and was married to Xander. As if to punctuate this thought she lifted her silver spoon and dipped it delicately into the matching silver bowl that held her steaming pea soup. She stirred absently before lifting the spoon to her lips for a taste. We certainly would not be eating a meal such as this, Roselyn thought as she looked at the courses that covered the table before her. A suckling pig dripped with grease that glistened on its fat back to simmer on the platter below and further cook the potatoes and carrots that surrounded it.

  After a few more moments of mirth and eating, the massive wooden doors at the end of the hall suddenly burst open. As if the gods themselves wished to throw her soup in her face, there stood Xander. The watchman was panting heavily. The room went silent with his hasty arrival, and King Philip was gazing at him wonderingly. Patrick stood in reflex, sensing the rage infecting Xander’s body. The guests watched as the watchman crossed the room in a hurry and stopped before the king.

  “I must speak with you, Your Majesty,” Xander stated, completely beside himself.

  Roselyn instinctually moved her hand from where it still lay over her stomach. She did not need Xander raising suspicion over her pregnancy. Her fears seemed to be coming true right before her. She glowered at him fiercely. If he spoils this for me he will never see the light of day again.

  The princess could not resist her silence. “Xander, might I speak with you in private?”

  “Highness, this is truly a matter for the king’s ears first,” Xander said dismissively.

  “Xander,” King Philip said awkwardly. “I am sure you can see that I am in the middle of dinner. If you can wait until I finish—”

  “With all due respect, we must have this conversation now, Your Majesty. It cannot wait,” Xander insisted.

  King Philip realized that Xander’s severe behavior meant important business, and he stood with great effort. He was obviously displeased, and without a word he began walking from the room to gain privacy. Xander and Patrick were close on his heels, but Roselyn’s cumbersome gown made it hard for her to keep up with the three men. She felt the eyes of everyone in the Great Hall on their backs as they disappeared from view. They reached a room at the end of the hallway were the king conducted matters of the state. He heaved himself down in his chair and rested his elbows on the desk before him. His hands were rubbing his temples.

  “Xander,” the king began, “You must have been one of my best men here in Pontos, which is why my late son suggested that you receive a promotion. However, your name seems to bring a bad taste to my lips. It seems that every time I see you now you only bring ill tidings. My daughter is here…” Philip said, gesturing his hand towards the princess. “Who else could I have lost?”

  Roselyn looked at her aging father. His face was lined with the proof of a long life that was full of laughter, only his eyes reflected none of that now. He looked worn and sad, nothing like the man that was only moments ago toasting to his daughter’s splendid news. The severity of Xander’s face must have demolished such mirth in reminder of mere weeks ago when he had come to tell the king of his only son’s untimely death.

  “Your Majesty, I am here with news that may be construed as good in some ways. It could also be very bad in others. I would like to start by saying that Daemyn did not end his own life.” Xander’s words shocked the room, and a faint gasp was heard from the doorway causing the room’s occupants to turn about all at once. Queen Isabelle had stayed behind in the Great Hall for a few moments longer than the rest to settle her many guests.

  “Pardon me?” Isabelle breathed. Roselyn ran to her mother just as she was about to collapse at what she had heard. “What did you just say?” The queen continued, holding onto her daughter for support.

  “You heard me correctly, Your Majesty. Daemyn did not die by his own hand… it was made to look like a suicide.” Xander cleared his throat. A lump there altered his speech.

  Roselyn brought her mother to a chair and crossed the room to her father. He held her hand tenderly and looked back at Xander. “You mean to tell me that my son was murdered?”

  “Yes, Majesty,” Xander confirmed, meeting the king’s hard stare with his own.

  The air in the small room was buzzing with mixed emotions from all who inhabited it. The only sounds were shallow breathing and the small sniffles of the queen who undoubtedly felt like the wound of her son’s death had been brutally reopened. His funeral alone had been a dismal affair like Roselyn had never known. One would have thought Daemyn was a gift from the god
s never fully realized until the moment was too late. A few soldiers spoke well of him, as well as a ship captain named Brennus, but his eulogy was given by Roselyn. The princess was not certain whether he would have wanted his sister to give his final farewell, but her father and mother were inconsolable, and Xander had new duties to attend to. He truly was Daemyn’s greatest friend.

  Roselyn noted how strong and brave Xander looked as he stood before her family. The watchman must have tread dangerous waters to be so certain he spoke the truth. Now he brought news that would without question mean retaliation upon whoever was guilty of killing her brother. She wanted to cry out and ask for Xander to speak faster, but it would not be her place to do so in this setting.

  The silence was broken when the king spoke. “Who do you suspect would do this? And you had better be certain, boy.”

  “I am,” Xander replied. “I have discovered that the woman who represents Gaia during the monthly transactions is responsible for Daemyn’s death. I doubt directly, but she has underlings willing to get their hands dirty for her. I learned that firsthand when one of them tried to kill me on her order.”

  Roselyn gasped and then quickly covered her hand with her mouth.

  “I could not shake the feeling that something about the prince’s death was amiss,” Xander continued. “The constable only recently allowed me to do some investigative work in Triton, so I retraced Daemyn’s steps on his last day, eventually finding myself at this conclusion.”

  Roselyn suddenly felt sick. Xander was accusing Gaian officials of murdering the prince of Thalassa. She moved to sit in the chair beside her mother and gripped her hand tensely. If this woman truly ended my brother’s life, she will pay with her own. But what else could this mean? And what if it was not just her who was involved, but someone higher? War could be a result if the Gaian Empire’s High Council took it upon themselves to snuff the heir to their vassal’s throne.