by Emma James
“That was great!” Aerdan cheered, stroking his horse on the neck. “You’re a champion, Tlatse!”
Tlatse nickered in response.
Seconds later, the clearing was filled with masculine cheering and shouting, Baelan and Huen, Aerdan’s closest friends, rode into the clearing, each perched atop a powerful stallion.
“I’ve won, again,” Aerdan said smugly. He leapt off Tlatse’s back, then loosely tied Tlatse’s reins to a tree branch. “Good boy,” Aerdan said. He reached into his leather bag and held an apple out to the stallion.
“Not exactly a fair contest,” Baelan gasped, swinging his leg over his horse’s back and landing solidly on the ground. “Tlatse is too fast!”
Aerdan grinned. “He’s just fast enough,” he said. “Isn’t my fault that you’re too slow.”
Baelan groaned. He was Aerdan’s cousin – the two had been best friends practically since birth. Like Aerdan, he was tall and muscular. But where Aerdan was dark, Baelan was fair. The girls in the kingdom always giggled whenever Aerdan and Baelan were together – as a pair, they were unstoppable at whatever they set their minds to. Like Aerdan, Baelan hungered for more in life.
Huen leapt off his horse’s back and tethered the stallion to a nearby tree. “I feel like I almost won,” he said modestly. “Maybe in time, I’ll catch up with you, Aerdan.”
Aerdan smirked. “Good luck,” he said. “You’ll need it.”
Huen rolled his eyes. He, too, was tall, muscular, and powerful. But unlike Aerdan and Baelan, he was more introverted.
In the distance, there was the sound of a horn followed by a deafening cheer.
“Sounds like it’s started,” Huen said, gesturing to the loud sound.
Aerdan tried to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach. “Yeah,” he said.
“How did you get out of this,” Huen asked as he flopped down in the grass. “Did you find a bride?”
“No,” Aerdan said. He shrugged. “I didn’t, really.”
“You mean, your mother doesn’t know you’re here?”
Aerdan shook his head. “No, thankfully,” he said. He rolled his eyes and reached into his backpack for his flask. Greedily pouring water down his throat, he wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. He passed the flask to Baelan and Huen. “I mean, I left without telling her.”
Baelan burst out laughing. “She is going to murder you,” he said, shaking his head. “Damn, Aerdan!”
Aerdan shrugged. Now that he could hear the sounds of the festivities, he felt better than ever about blowing them off. But he couldn’t ignore the slight twinge of anxiety whenever Zornaya’s face popped into his mind.
“I know,” Aerdan said. “But gods, it’s better than being a prized pig.” He wrinkled his nose.
“If you don’t get serious soon, you’ll have to marry Muertha,” Huen teased. He snickered.
Aerdan groaned. “Don’t remind me,” he said. “Mother actually said as much earlier. I don’t know why she’s so bent on me marrying by thirty!”
“Because that’s tradition,” Baelan said. He smirked. “And you’ve lost your mind if you think she’s going to give you a pass.” He handed Aerdan’s flask back. “If I were you, I’d get to work on finding a girl. Before all the good ones are taken,” he added.
Aerdan shuddered. “I’ve slept with most of the girls in the kingdom,” he said. “And they’re all not interesting enough.”
“Sofala is nice,” Huen said dreamily. “Those blue eyes. That backside, too,” he added.
“She’s far too boring,” Aerdan said, narrowing his eyes. “I bedded her once. She refused to meet me in the stables – said something about how the hay would ruin her hair.”
Huen snorted. “Well, she’s a damn sight better than Muertha,” he said. “If you’re going to marry, you may as well marry someone pretty.”
Aerdan shrugged. “Where are all the girls with a sense of adventure,” he said, leaning against a tree and shaking his head. “Where are the girls who want to travel, who want to explore?”
Baelan shook his head. “Friend, no one in Zheka wants to explore, save for you and I,” he said. “Everyone is content here.”
“As we should be,” Huen said stubbornly. “We want for nothing. We are a peaceful kingdom. The great wars are long over.”
“But don’t you ever wonder about what it would be like if we left?” Aerdan asked. He pulled the weathered map from his bag and unfolded it, passing it to his friend. “Look, there are mountains! There are mermaids and fantastic creatures in the sea! There’s so much to see, do and experience,” he added. “I can’t stand the thought of being tethered here for the rest of my life.”
Huen and Baelan exchanged a look.
“You’re the future king,” Baelan said slowly. “Aerdan, you can’t just abandon that. You’re the High Commander, and someday you’ll be the Commander-in-Chief.”
“With a wife, and a family,” Aerdan said in a tired voice. “And a million responsibilities, and no time to travel. Don’t you agree that it would be best if we could explore for a few years, then return and marry?”
“Maybe,” Baelan said dryly. “But that is not our way.”
“And unless you snag a bride, you’ll be stuck with Muertha,” Huen added. “Don’t you think it would be better to find a more suitable person?”
Aerdan shrugged. “I don’t really care,” he said. “I can bed women when I want them, why would I want to sleep next to the same woman every night, for the rest of my life?”
“You’re hopeless,” Huen said. He rolled his eyes.
Aerdan frowned. “I’m tired of this conversation,” he said. He walked over to the tree and untied Tlatse, mounting his back with ease. “Let’s race,” Aerdan added. “To the market!” He let out a whoop and galloped away, leaving Huen and Baelan in a cloud of dust.
Hours later, a dusty and tired Aerdan hauled himself up the rope ladder and into his chamber. A lamp was lit by his bed, and he was dismayed to see Zornaya seated at his desk, looking deeply unhappy.
“You have disobeyed me once again,” Zornaya thundered.
“I’m not a child!” Aerdan yelled. “I’m nine-and-twenty years old!”
Zornaya’s face contorted into a mask of rage. “Then start acting like it,” she said angrily. “Aerdan, this behavior is unacceptable! You are no longer a child, and I am sick and tired of treating you like one!”
Aerdan ignored her. He tossed his possessions into the corner, then settled down on his bed.
“Aerdan, I’m not finished speaking with you,” Zornaya said.
Aerdan shrugged. “Fine,” he said. “Marry me off to Muertha, I don’t care.”
Zornaya sighed heavily. “Son, please,” she said. “I know you have no affection for her, and to be honest, I was rather hoping you would choose a girl from Zheka. It would be the best for our lineage,” she added. “Don’t you care, Aerdan? Don’t you care about your royal duties?”
Aerdan didn’t reply. “Mother…I do not wish to stay,” he said. “I wish to travel, to explore! Can’t I go off, just for a year or two? Can’t I see the world, can’t I learn about anything other than Zheka?”
Zornaya closed her eyes. “I have told you many times, that is not possible, our family has a duty to the kingdom,” she said heavily. “You are the sole heir to the throne. Your father and I are growing old, Aerdan. You must marry and produce an heir – within the year,” she added.
“What if I refuse?”
Zornaya shook her head sadly. She got to her feet, looking weary and much older than her years.
“I refuse to argue with you, son,” Zornaya said. “You must come to your senses.”
Aerdan didn’t reply.
“And do not think this discussion is finished,” Zornaya said. “Aerdan, do not disappoint me further.”
She walked to the door, closing it gently behind her. Aerdan closed his eyes and curled up on the silk sheets. The musky smell of horses and sweat and the forest s
till clung to his skin and he knew he should bathe, but he no longer cared.
“I was right.”
Aerdan opened his eyes just in time to see Brynx leap onto the bed and begin grooming his paws.
“Of course you were,” Aerdan said sourly.
“I hope you’re pleased with yourself,” Brynx replied. “She’s the angriest I’ve ever seen her.”
“I don’t know what I’m supposed to do about that,” Aerdan snapped.
“You could marry,” Brynx said.
“How am I supposed to marry any of these girls?” Aerdan groaned in frustration, gesturing out the window towards the glittering kingdom before. “They don’t know me! They just like me because I’m a warrior, because of the way I look. They’re selfish twits,” he added. “And I won’t have them.”
“You already have,” Brynx said dryly.
“I’m not going to dignify that with a reply,” Aerdan said. “Brynx, come on. You know I wouldn’t be happy with any of these girls.”
“I doubt you would be happy with Muertha of Glasule, either,” Brynx said.
“Enough,” Aerdan growled. “You know what I mean.”
Brynx snickered. He curled into a ball against Aerdan’s thighs. Aerdan reached down and stroked the cat until Brynx began to purr.
“I don’t understand what the rush is,” Aerdan said sleepily. He yawned, rubbing his eyes with hands curled into fists. “It’s not like I’m going to die tomorrow. Why the need for an heir?”
“Because you are the only one in line for the throne,” Brynx said.
Aerdan groaned. “I’d kill to meet a girl with a sense of adventure,” he said. “Someone different – someone from another land, someone who cares for something other than gowns and balls.”
“Good luck with that,” Brynx said dryly. “I doubt you’ll ever find such a girl in our land.”
Aerdan closed his eyes and blew out the candle by his bedside. “I’ll never stop trying,” he said sleepily. “I swear, one day, I’ll find her.”
CHAPTER THREE
Angelica
“This isn’t funny,” Angelica said crossly. “I want to go home. Right now.”
Aerdan shrugged. He pulled the leather straps from his chest, revealing a small pack. Reaching inside, he lifted a leather flask to his lips and drank. He held it out to Angelica.
She stared suspiciously. “What is that,” Angelica asked slowly. “Some kind of wine?”
Aerdan laughed and Angelica felt a flash of annoyance. Who is this idiot, she thought, unable to tear her eyes away from his glistening, bulging torso. Trying to get me drunk in the middle of the day! That’s not even fair!
“It’s water, lady,” Aerdan said.
Angelica hesitated before accepting. “What if I drink this and I wake up somewhere else,” she grumbled. “How do I even know I can trust you?”
Aerdan gave her a boyish grin and shrugged. “I guess I can’t prove that,” he said. “But you’ll just have to. I mean, not like you know anyone in Zheka.”
“Zay-ka?” Angelica narrowed her eyes. “I’ve never even heard of that.”
Aerdan glanced around. “Well, you’re here now,” he said.
A knot of dread formed in Angelica’s stomach. What if this isn’t a dream, she wondered nervously. What if something happened – really happened – and I won’t be able to get back home? What’s going on?
Angelica took the flask and drank. Aerdan had been right – it was nothing but water, albeit water with a faint taste of cedar. She drank until the flask was empty, tossing it towards Aerdan.
“Thanks,” Angelica said in a small voice.
“Maybe I can be of assistance,” Aerdan said. He reached into his leather bag and passed a faded, dog-eared piece of paper to Angelica.
She unfolded it and glanced down in curiosity. It looked like a map – except it wasn’t like any other map she’d ever seen before. It was more like something from the dark ages, all mystical words and places.
“Is your kingdom on that map?” Aerdan asked. “Perhaps I could point you in the right direction.” He puffed his chest out. “I am an adventurer, after all.”
“You are? Could you take me home?” Angelica dropped the map. “I live on fifty-seventh street, in Crown Heights.”
Aerdan made a face.
“I know, it’s not the best neighborhood,” Angelica said quickly. “But it’s cheap, you know – rents in New York!” She laughed.
Aerdan frowned. “Lady, I do not even know of Old York,” he said slowly. “Perhaps it is in another kingdom.”
“Uh, yeah,” Angelica said nervously. “Look, it’s not really a kingdom – I mean, it kind of is, I guess, for the people who are super rich. But we have a mayor, you know, an elected official.”
“What’s that?”
Angelica’s anxiety grew. “Forget it,” she said darkly.
“Lady, may I ask your name?”
“Angelica,” she said. “Angelica Bowers.”
“I have never heard that surname before,” Aerdan said slowly. “Perhaps you really are from a distant land.”
“No shit,” Angelica muttered. “This obviously isn’t anywhere even close to home.” She shuddered and wrapped her arms around herself. Despite the warm breeze, she felt more terrified and alone than she’d ever felt in her life. And it didn’t help that this hot guy – who talked like he was straight out of a movie – was acting like she was in some faraway mythical place. Maybe this is a joke, she thought. Maybe this is some kind of prank.
“You don’t believe him,” Brynx said dryly. He rubbed against Angelica’s ankles and she reached down to pet his soft fur. “But he’s telling the truth.”
Angelica swallowed. “So…where am I?”
“Lady Angelica, you are in the Kingdom of Zheka,” Aerdan said. He straightened up proudly.
“Yeah,” Angelica said nervously, looking around. “But where am I? When can I go home?”
Aerdan frowned. “Perhaps…” He trailed off, narrowing his eyebrows.
“What?” Something about Aerdan’s tone made Angelica even more nervous. “What are you thinking?”
“Maybe, lady, until we determine how to send you home…perhaps you ought to stay,” Aerdan said. His bright blue eyes were glowing with the beginnings of an idea. “Perhaps it would be for the best. You can become acquainted with the kingdom, and I can show you everything about Zheka.”
“Why would you do that?” Angelica asked stiffly. “You said you’re an explorer, right? So why not just help me home?”
“Because,” Aerdan said. “It would be better this way.”
“Aerdan,” Brynx said warily. “I don’t like the sound of that. You need to escort the lady home,” he said sternly. “This is no time for plotting and games.”
“If she stays, she will be a great distraction,” Aerdan said. “And everyone will forget all about this marriage thing.” He suddenly looked gleeful, like a child presented with a large cake. “Yeah,” he added. “This is perfect.”
Angelica narrowed her eyes. “What marriage thing,” she asked slowly. “And what do you mean by, distraction? I want to go home,” she added. “Why do I feel like that’s not going to happen?”
Aerdan grinned. “Look,” he said. “How about this: you help me, a little, I swear not anything too intense – and then I help you, I’ll help you return to the Kingdom of York?”
“New York,” Angelica said crossly. “And why should I help you, anyway? And what did you mean by ‘the marriage thing?’”
Aerdan chuckled. “Don’t worry about it, it’s a long story,” he said calmly. He walked close to Angelica and she caught a delicious, musky scent of sweat, leather and fresh grass. “Come with me,” he added. “I’ll explain everything.”
Aerdan offered an arm to Angelica and she stared down at the muscular limb for a few moments before accepting.
“You’d better explain everything,” Angelica said darkly as Aerdan led her out of the clearing. �
�Or else.”
After a brief walk, the pair emerged from the forest, and Angelica could hardly believe her eyes. She slipped her arm out of Aerdan’s and discreetly pinched herself again, hoping that by some miracle she’d awake in her own kitchen, bruised and sore but otherwise perfectly fine.
It didn’t work. Angelica sagged a little, her shoulders slumping. Despite her distress at being lost, trapped, and scared, she couldn’t stay pessimistic for too long. This weather is an improvement, at least, she thought, closing her eyes and letting the warm sun soak through her dark hair.
