The Silent Pact

by Genevieve Dickinson

  With a snap of his fingers, he lit the candles in the room. Not bothering to dress, he sat at his desk and pored over the ancient tome. The ritual for eternal life. He sighed. How is it that I can find a step-by-step guide on how to live forever, but no way to overcome my mother’s damned binding spell?

  Six months of waiting. Miraphina should have starved to death by now, but something was keeping her alive. Her council insisted that it was her own immense magical power sustaining her. Esren nearly laughed out loud at the thought. More likely it’s stubbornness. She knows that when she dies, the binding is broken. She’s staying alive out of pure spite.

  He leaned back to stretch. Glancing out the window, he considered calling a servant to bring him breakfast. It was early, but he was the Chosen. He stood, staring out the window over the city of Katrell. The white buildings glittered in the moonlight. A low fog clung to the ground, giving Esren the impression that the buildings were sitting in the clouds. He smirked. Such childish thoughts had no place in his life now.

  The city was silent. In days past, there might have been townspeople about on late-night walks and errands. No one walked the streets tonight. Esren had declared a curfew two months ago to quiet the dissenters who gathered nightly to object to his impending coronation. Fools. They’ll learn to respect me.

  Esren had been the acting ruler of Katrell since his mother’s accident. He had come to an understanding with the battlemages, allowing them to expand their ranks far further than under Miraphina’s rule. The council objected, but Esren made sure to overload them with the day-to-day tasks of governing the city. They can’t protest if they’re the ones doing all the work. Besides, I have more important matters to attend to.

  How do I stop this wedding? Not that it really matters, but it will make things more complicated if they’re already married. Besides, I’d rather spare my beloved that indignity.

  The thought of Autumn with any other man made him sick. He wrinkled his nose, then closed his eyes to force the idea from his mind. A solution would present itself, he was sure of it. For now, he needed to focus on the ritual.

  He absentmindedly handled the vial of Essence of Life. It hung on a chain around his neck even while he slept. Esren couldn’t risk anyone else finding it and learning what he intended until the city was entirely under his control. Damn those simpletons and their protests. They’ve made this so much harder than it needs to be.

  The clanging of bells broke through his scattered thoughts. He gave a heavy sigh that came out a growl. “What now? It’s the middle of the night, damn it!”

  “The Queen is dead!” The voice was magically amplified, echoing through the still air of the city. The phrase was repeated over and over, interspersed with the deep peal of the bells.

  Esren’s heart skipped a beat. Finally! Now, to work. Don’t fear, my love. I’m on my way.

  He flipped to a new page in the book. Smiling, he read the words at the top of the page aloud. “Teleportation by Means of Soul Magic.” He reached out and rang the bell for a servant. It seemed he’d be needing some help after all.

  Chapter 26

  Autumn smiled as she stared into the mirror. The gown was more beautiful than she had imagined. The white silk was embroidered with crystals and gold thread that sparkled in the sunlight streaming in through the dressmaker’s window. In her hair was the copper comb Lyall had given her, now attached to a lace veil that brushed the floor as she walked.

  Autumn thought back to the first time she’d looked in this mirror. It had been for servant’s clothes. Back then, they were the most beautiful clothes she had ever worn. They were made for her by the same tailor who was now fussing about with the hem of her wedding gown. Autumn felt tears fill her eyes. As a child, she never could have imagined this. The nightmare was wrong. This is my happily ever after.

  Remembering the nightmare made her smile drop slightly. The smell of old leather and the sound of her father’s voice had been so real. What if he was right? What if . . .

  She shook her head furiously, drawing a frustrated huff from the dressmaker. Forget that stupid dream. I am marrying Lyall in two days, and nothing is going to go wrong.

  The door to the tailor’s studio opened. Autumn heard a sharp intake of breath from the doorway. She turned, expecting to see Kasrian. He’d said he would stop by to see her gown.

  Her heart dropped when she saw Esren standing at the door.

  He fixed her with a look that made her blood run cold. Autumn’s stomach grew heavy. Her limbs felt as though thousands of tiny knives were gently pressing into her skin. She wanted nothing more than to run.

  The dressmaker smiled, not noticing Autumn’s panic. “Hello, sir. As you can see, I’m a bit busy at the moment, but if you’ll come by this afternoon-” her voice was cut off as Esren threw her against the far wall of the room with a wave of his hand.

  “It’s alright, my love.” His smile terrified her to the core. It was the same smile he had given her all those years ago in the hallway. “No one will keep us apart again. I’m here to rescue you.”

  Autumn could barely form a coherent thought. Rescue me? From what? It was all she could do to force back the white light edging in at the edge of her vision.

  She knew he wouldn’t understand her sign language, so all she could do was shake her head, her eyes pleading. His smile widened. “I know, my love. They have you completely convinced that this,” he gestured at her wedding gown, “is what you want. But believe me, it isn’t. In Katrell, you’ll be worshipped as the goddess you are.”

  Esren was walking forward slowly. Autumn desperately glanced around for an escape route, but there was nothing. It’s just like when the bandits took me. The memory made her shiver with fear.

  But it isn’t. Back then, I didn’t know how to defend myself. But now . . .

  The power was surging through her. She knew that all she had to do was raise a hand to let it loose. I should. He was dangerous when I was a child, but he’s far more dangerous now. I should kill him now to protect everyone.

  Her hand stayed at her side. Esren was dangerous and insane, but he was also the Chosen of Katrell. If he were murdered by the Crown Prince of Nor’s fiancé, there would almost certainly be war. She couldn’t hurt him without risking the lives of thousands.

  Esren was a step away from her. The look on his face was a strange mixture of joy and relief. “You see, my sweet lady? You won’t hurt me. Somewhere, deep inside, you know that this is right. Now I’m sorry about this, but it will make everything much easier.”

  Autumn tried to pull away, but Esren’s hand was around her wrist before she could move. She felt a sharp prick, like an insect’s sting. The world around her began to spin. No. What is this? What did he do to me?

  Esren caught her in his arms as she fell forward. “It’s fine, my love. The poison will wear off in a few hours. By then, we’ll be safely back in Katrell. Don’t be afraid. You’re safe with me.”

  Autumn’s vision began to fade. As her consciousness slipped away, she glanced down at the dressmaker. Please don’t be dead.

  A tear ran down Autumn’s cheek as everything faded to black.

  

  Kasrian and Aldwin laughed and joked like they were boys again. Six months of endless official functions and work were all about to be worth it. In just two days, Lyall and Autumn would be married.

  Kasrian smiled, stretching his arms. He hadn’t felt this good since . . . Well, since Nilene. Her absence still stung, but the hurt had faded over the years. All that remained were the fond memories of her smile and her warmth. “I wish Nilene were here,” he said softly. “She loved Autumn. It would have been so wonderful to have her by my side at the wedding.”

  Aldwin looked at his brother, shocked. “You know, that’s the first time you’ve ever admitted to me that there was anything between you.”

  Kasrian sighed, his eyes far away. “I know. I don’t know why I never said it before. Perhaps if I had . . .” his voice drifted o
ff, and he shook his head. “No. It wouldn’t have changed anything. She was a soldier, through and through.”

  Aldwin nodded. “Come on, Brother. No time for sad thoughts. Let’s look in on the blushing bride and see if we can’t get a glimpse of-” he stopped dead in his tracks. Kasrian looked up at him, then followed his gaze down the hall.

  Prince Esren, the Chosen of Katrell, was standing just outside the dressmaker’s studio, the unconscious Autumn cradled in his arms. “Guards!” Kasrian yelled, rushing forward to meet the prince. “Prince Esren, what happened? What are you doing here? Is she alright?”

  The Chosen’s eye twitched. Without a word, he waved his hand. Kasrian was thrown down the hallway, landing hard on his back. He coughed, struggling to catch his breath.

  “Brother!” Kasrian heard Aldwin’s footsteps rush forward. Then, with another wave of Esren’s hand, the King was on the floor next to his younger brother. Kasrian turned, his stomach lurching as he saw blood begin to pool under his brother’s head. The King’s eyes were glazed over. The Commander gave an enraged scream that came out a wheeze as the guards began to rush into the hall.

  There was a loud crack, and Esren and Autumn were gone. A guard helped Kasrian to his feet as another draped his cape over the King’s lifeless body. Three others had rushed to the dressmaker’s room, where one was now shouting for a doctor.

  Kasrian leaned heavily against the wall. Prince Esren, why? Why would you do this? You must know that this will mean war . . .”

  Still in shock, he allowed a guard to lead him away down the hall.

  Chapter 27

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for your support in these trying times. The cowardly attempt on my life by the royal family of Nor has shattered the fragile stability of our kingdom. But you have nothing to fear! Even now, our battlemages are training diligently and expanding their ranks to keep us all safe!”

  There was a halfhearted cheer from the crowd. Esren gave a comforting wave before retreating back into the tower. Who cares if they believe it or not? I’m King now. And I wasn’t lying about the battlemages. They’ll be safe enough.

  Esren had returned to Katrell with Autumn moments after killing King Aldwin. After seeing that his unconscious prize was safely in his mother’s old room, he had rushed to the council to tell them his story. He had gone to inform the royal family of his mother’s death personally, only to be accused of all manner of ridiculous crimes and attacked by the King and his brother. The council was skeptical, but Esren insisted that he and the battlemages would keep the kingdom safe.

  That was two days ago. A dozen messages had arrived from Nor demanding that Esren return Autumn and answer for his crime. The King of Katrell ignored them all.

  Killing King Aldwin was unfortunate. The old man was more interested in stability than justice. In time, he might have seen how much better off Autumn is with me. Lyall, on the other hand . . .

  Esren sighed, frustrated. His impatience had gotten the better of him. The best that he could do now was to make sure Autumn was comfortable until she awoke. He knew she would be angry, but she would eventually see reason. She’s better off here. She’ll learn to love me.

  “Your Majesty?”

  The voice broke through his thoughts. “What?” He turned around to find one of the battlemages facing him.

  The battlemage bowed. “Sir, we’ve received a report that the army of Nor is mobilizing. It seems they mean to march on Katrell. What are your orders?”

  Esren grinned. “Show them who they’re dealing with. Send out the battlemages. This will be excellent practice for them.”

  The battlemage nodded. “Yes, sir. Do you still mean for us to use Soul Magic to defend the city?”

  “Only when it becomes necessary.” Esren had been training the battlemages in secret for months, but he was still wary of authorizing them to use their new skills too freely. “Rely on more traditional defense for the time being. If the army of Nor continues to attack, we may have no choice but to turn to more drastic measures.”

  After another silent bow, the battlemage was gone. Esren smiled. His plans were working perfectly. With the nation at war, everyone will appreciate the strength and stability I offer. They’ll learn to love me, just as Autumn will.

  Still smiling, he called over a servant girl. “You there. What’s your name?”

  The girl looked frightened, which annoyed him. “My name is Kara, Your Majesty.”

  Esren stepped close to her. “Kara. I have good news. You’re about to be the personal servant of a wonderful lady. She has some special requirements that we must discuss.”

  As the young girl trembled, Esren put an arm around her shoulders and led her up the stairs of the Royal Tower.

  

  Kasrian felt numb as he stared down at his brother’s body. King Aldwin was dressed in all his finery, resting on a bed of satin in a beautifully carved ebony coffin. By tradition, his body would remain here in the Grand Temple for three full days before his funeral. It seemed that every citizen of Nor had come to pay their respects. Every citizen but one, Kasrian thought gloomily.

  Lyall had spent most of the last two days with Ambassador Selathiel. Messages, both mundane and magical, had been sent to Katrell. There had been no answer. The only word from Nor’s sister kingdom had been the official announcement of Queen Miraphina’s death. Kasrian hoped that her death had been painless. Miraphina was a good person, a friend to all of us. If only her son were the same.

  The commander sighed. Word had already spread throughout Nor that Esren had killed Aldwin. The people were angry. They demanded justice for the King’s death. Kasrian couldn’t blame them. He found it nearly impossible to mourn his brother when he knew the killer was practically untouchable. Our soldiers are the finest, but if Esren sends out the battlemages . . .

  “Uncle?”

  Lyall’s soft voice made Kasrian jump. The commander turned to face his nephew. He looked exhausted. “Lyall, have you slept at all?”

  Lyall shook his head. The crown he wore shifted as he did, forcing him to reach up a hand to adjust it with a sigh. “I haven’t had time. We’ve had no news from Katrell, no word about Autumn.” Lyall’s voice broke as he spoke the name. He looked away.

  Kasrian’s heart sank as he looked at his nephew. He was staring down at his father’s body with a look of pure despair. In the past two days, he seemed to have aged far beyond his years. His coronation had been a quiet, private affair held the day after Aldwin’s murder. The crown doesn’t suit him. He hasn’t had time to get used to it yet. Without Autumn, I don’t know if he ever will.

  The commander had busied himself for the last two days with Aldwin’s funeral arrangements in an attempt to keep himself from thinking about Autumn. He had no idea where Esren might have taken her or why. From the look on Lyall’s face, he could tell the young man knew more than he had said.

  Now’s as good a time as any. “Lyall, do you know why Esren would do this?”

  Lyall winced. His right hand clenched into a fist. “He tried to take her away before. It was years ago, back when he first visited Nor. Autumn said he tried to force himself on her, but his mother stopped him.”

  “What? Why did you never tell me this?” Kasrian’s grief was suddenly overcome with rage.

  Lyall’s clenched fist relaxed. He looked up to Kasrian, hopelessness filling his eyes. “She asked me not to. She was afraid it might cause trouble.”

  Kasrian couldn’t help it. He laughed. “Might cause trouble? Oh, Autumn.” He laughed so hard that his sides hurt and he had to lean on a nearby pillar for support. “Autumn, you sweet girl. Can you never think of yourself?”

  In spite of himself, Lyall smiled. He reached over to lay a hand on his uncle’s shoulder. “Uncle, you haven’t slept either. You need to get some rest. I’m afraid you’re about to be very busy.”

  Kasrian nodded, his laughter fading. “I know. If Esren doesn’t turn himself over, we’ll have no choice. It’ll be war
.”

  A tear ran down Lyall’s face. He rubbed it away angrily and turned away. “Get some sleep, Uncle. I’ll watch over him.”

  The commander looked up at his nephew’s stern face. He’s so young. I hope I can help him find the strength for this. I wish Autumn were here.

  With a bow, Kasrian left the temple and went back to the castle to rest.

  Chapter 28

  The sun had just dipped below the horizon when Arik Fowler arrived at the gates of Nor. He was beaten and bloodied, but alive. Which is more than could be said for anyone else who had left with him.

  The guards called for Commander Kasrian as soon as they recognized Arik. The moment the man came through the gates, he was bombarded with questions. Thousands of men had gone out under Captain Fowler’s command. He was the only one who came back.

  Arik did not acknowledge the questions he was asked. He didn’t look at the people who crowded around him. There was no trace of emotion on his face as he stared off into the distance. When Commander Kasrian arrived, Arik stood and saluted with mechanical precision. He was still silent as Kasrian led him back to the castle to hear his report.

  One look at Arik told Kasrian everything he needed to know. The army was defeated. Their soldiers were dead. Arik himself was the only survivor. He didn’t need to say it. The Commander understood it all from the look in his eyes. All that was left was for the Captain to explain how it had happened.

  “Your Majesty.” Kasrian kept his tone calm when he approached Lyall, who was in his study surrounded by anxious nobles. We have to be careful. This will cause a panic if it gets out. “Captain Fowler has returned. May we speak privately?”

  Lyall nodded, dismissing the assembled nobility with a wave of his hand. The guards shooed everyone out of the room, closing the door behind them as they left. Within moments, the only people left in the study were Lyall, Kasrian, and the still silent Arik.