A Soul for Trouble

by Crista McHugh

  “You’ve never been there?” He asked the question like she was some kind of backward hick.

  “Wallus was too far away to make casual trips there.”

  Her sarcasm erased the dumbfounded look on his face. “Then you’re in for a treat.

  Trivinus is the most beautiful city in Ranello.”

  “It better be if the king chooses to live there,” Dev muttered under his breath.

  The young soldier began to list all the wonders of the city, from the palace on top of the hill to the artists who lined the perimeter of the city green. Although she could sense his awe of the city, she didn’t share it. It sounded too big and complicated for her liking. Who would’ve thought she’d miss tiny, insignificant Wallus?

  “Look ahead, Lady Arden. You can see the palace on the horizon.” Ortono’s word chilled her, but she forced her eyes up. The morning sun had burned away the fog enough to reveal a stone garrison large enough to hold all of Wallus. Her breath caught.

  Her cold fingers wrapped around the reins and squeezed them.

  “Relax, Trouble,” Dev said.

  The lump in her throat made talking difficult. “But we’re almost there, and…”

  “When are you going to learn to trust me?”

  She pulled her attention away from the city looming ahead and focused on the deep green of his eyes. Her terror lessened enough for her to say, “I’m scared.”

  “I know you are, but try not to worry so much. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” She leaned over and reached under his tunic sleeve until it touched the metal hilt of a dagger. By a few tricks, she hoped he meant more than his small arsenal of concealed weapons.

  One corner of his mouth quirked up before he guided her hand down. “One day, I’ll have to teach you how to play lansquenet. The first rule you need to learn is never let your opponents know what cards you hold in your hand. The next rule is never let them know what you have up your sleeve.”

  “You talk like a professional gambler.”

  “At one time, he was.”

  The little tidbit of information Loku let slip matched the grimace on Dev’s face. He widened the gap between them so she couldn’t touch him anymore. “If you’ve lived as long as I have, you would’ve picked up a few things.”

  “What happened?”

  The grimace morphed into a scowl. “None of your business.”

  “Fine. I’ll just ask Loku.”

  Dev directed his glare to the rider on her other side. “Ortono, make yourself scarce for a few minutes.”

  The soldier blanched, but nodded and rode ahead.

  “Listen to me.” His voice practically seethed with anger. “If you want to get out of this alive, the less people who know about the conversations in your head with a god they don’t acknowledge, the better your chances. For all you know, they probably think you’re possessed by some demon.”

  She nodded, unsure what to say. Whenever he spoke to her this way, she always wished he would shout instead. He seemed more dangerous when he tried to control his rage.

  “As for my past, you have no right to inquire about it. I’m sure you’ve done things you don’t want me to know about, but you don’t hear me asking about them. I would appreciate the same respect from you.”

  “So you were a gambler.”

  “I’ve made a few bets in my day,” he tightly replied. His body tensed as if he were bracing for her next question.

  She studied him for almost a whole minute before deciding it was better to drop the subject for now. “Thank you for answering my question. Perhaps we can revisit this subject in a few weeks.”

  “Or not.”

  She sighed. “You ask me to trust you, but you insist on keeping secrets from me.”

  “I’m not the only one with secrets.”

  “Meaning?” Sweat prickled at the base of her neck.

  “I know you weren’t alone at the river this morning, Trouble. If you think seducing the prince will work in your favor, think again. It’s his father who holds our lives in his hands, not Kell.”

  “I wasn’t trying to seduce him.” She fought hard to keep her voice quiet when she wanted to yell and scream in frustration.

  “Consider this a piece of friendly advice: don’t fall for his tricks.” Arden pulled her hood lower to cover her burning cheeks. Embarrassment over being caught stung her pride. Then Dev’s accusation that Kell was only toying with her bruised it.

  My life would be much less complicated without men in it.

  “Ah, but it would also be very boring. Admit it—don’t you feel a little tingle of joy knowing you have two men fighting over you?”

  “Fighting? Over me? Are you sure you’re not the one going insane, Loku?”

  “You haven’t heard them exchange words over you while you were sleeping.”

  “And you have?”

  “My dear little Soulbearer, just because I’m confined to your body doesn’t mean I’m confined to your experiences. I’m a god, after all. All-knowing and all-powerful.”

  “Except I’m your jailer.”

  “A minor inconvenience. But I see and hear things you don’t, and I don’t need sleep.”

  “And you expect me to believe that Dev and Kell fought over me?”

  “You underestimate your appeal to them.”

  “They certainly have odd ways of showing it.”

  “Kell’s rather transparent, or did you miss the way his pants strained to contain his cock this morning?”

  No, she didn’t miss it. Her skin flushed when she remembered the way he’d pulled closer to her. She sucked in a deep breath. Her gaze wandered to Dev. Would he react the same way if she kissed him?

  “There’s only one way to find out.”

  “He’d probably pin me to the ground if I tried it. Besides, I have some idea where I stand with Kell. He desires me, but he’ll probably lose interest once he beds me. Dev, on the other hand, has made no effort to show anything other than annoyance for me.”

  “Dev cares for you more than he lets on, and in your heart, you feel the same way.

  Perhaps you should practice your kissing with him instead.” She almost snorted at the ridiculousness of his suggestion. Yes, she found Dev attractive—

  she always had. And the few times he’d shown her kindness, her heart warmed to the point where she could feel like she could trust him completely. But affection? Love? She doubted Dev knew the meaning of those words.

  Of course, she doubted Kell knew the meaning of them either. He reminded her of a wildfire on a gusty day. What started off as a single spark would consume her within seconds if she let him take advantage of her. After spending most of her life intent on avoiding the same mistakes her mother made, she came dangerously close to falling into that trap this morning.

  She knew what she felt for him: pure lust.

  Dev, on the other hand, conjured up images of steel and granite in her mind. Cold, strong, dependable. He took a long time to warm up, but when he did, he soothed and steadied her.

  Kell’s fire could destroy her, but Dev would still be there when the flames were extinguished.

  And that made her want to cling to him all the more.

  “Yes, love and lust are two very complicated emotions, my Soulbearer.”

  “I just wish I knew how to handle them.”

  “Time and experience are all you need.”

  “I’m sorry I lost my temper with you, Trouble.”

  Dev’s quiet apology jerked her from her thoughts. “No, I shouldn’t have pried into your past. After all, you probably have a colorful one, considering you’re over three hundred years old.”

  He shrugged. “That has nothing to do with what we’re facing now. I do have something planned, but I wish to keep it quiet for now. The less people know about my plan, the less likely they are to interfere.”

  “But you’ll tell me, right?”

  His eyes flickered over her, and a grin played on his lips. “If I need to. Part of me wa
nts to retain some of your innocence.”

  “It’s that bad?”

  “It’s political, and if you haven’t learned by now, nothing soils your hands like politics.” She stared ahead at Kell, Bynn, and the captain of the guard, Larenis. Ever since she’d healed Ortono, the tension among them intensified. Lord Bynn regarded her with increased suspicion, but at least he didn’t look like he wanted to slit her throat like the captain did.

  “Do you think we’ll be on the road to Boznac tomorrow?”

  “If I can have a private audience with King Heodis tonight, possibly.”

  “That confident?”

  His grin widened. “Yes.”

  His cockiness roused her curiosity. He could be very handsome when he smiled. Too bad he spent most of his time in a pissy mood.

  They rode in silence until they reached the outer walls of Trivinus. Her fingers tightened around the reins, and her stomach tied in knots.

  Dev leaned over and rested his hand on her thigh. “Relax, Trouble. Everything will work out in the end.”

  A wave of calm washed over her. Was it magic, or simply Dev’s presence?

  The city of Trivinus surged forward from the palace walls and down the gently sloping hillside. Ortono told her that behind the palace, the hill dropped off into a sheer cliff that ended at the river. A series of horseshoe-shaped walls divided the twisting streets, telling the history of the city’s expansion.

  The entire party filed through each narrow gate and continued riding up the hill. The closer they got to the palace, the grander the buildings became.

  Arden followed Dev’s example and kept her hood pulled low over her face. If the ring of soldiers around them didn’t draw attention, her golden hair certainly would. When they passed the third gate, her skin crawled. The smell of rotting meat nearly knocked her off her horse.

  “Dev—”

  “I feel it, too.”

  He didn’t need to say more. “But you said they only come out at night.”

  “No, I said they were stronger at night.”

  They both searched their surroundings for a half-rotted walking corpse, but the streets provided too many hiding places. “Should we alert Kell?”

  “And tell him what? That we sense undead? That won’t help our case.”

  “But…” She paused as the stench vanished. “It’s gone.”

  “I know.” He twisted in his saddle to look behind him. “Either we moved past it or it went deeper into hiding.”

  “Whatever the case, I don’t like the idea of having one so nearby.”

  “All the more reason to get out of here while we can.”

  “And leave the problem for Kell to handle alone? Dev, what if—”

  “Quiet.” He pointed at the guards listening around them. “One problem at a time.” Her stomach churned at the idea of leaving the Ranellians at the mercy of Sulaino and his army of undead. It couldn’t be a fair fight. Even if they told every soldier how to destroy undead, battling magic without magic would lead to a massacre.

  “Don’t feel guilt over something you can’t control.”

  “I can make a difference.”

  “But at what cost?”

  In order to defeat Sulaino, she’d need Loku’s help. The cost? Her sanity.

  “I doubt letting me take out a necromancer will turn you into Robb.”

  “I’m sure you say that to all the Soulbearers.”

  “But in this case, I mean it. I have no desire to be captured by that creature. I’d much rather stay cozy with you and enjoy the power of having a set of tits.” She hunched over and resisted the urge to cover her chest.

  “There’s no reason to be ashamed of them, although I must say, they are a bit on the smaller side.”

  “Shut up, Loku. Here I am, worried about a half-crazed necromancer, and you want to talk about my lack of cleavage.”

  “Fine. Be serious and gloomy if you want. Dev’s becoming a bad influence on you.” The conversation ended just as the party reached the palace. This time, they waited while the heavy iron gates rose just high enough to allow them to enter. Her heart beat double-time with each clank of the gears. What waited for her on the other side? A dank dungeon filled with rats until they gathered enough wood for a pyre?

  They rode into the courtyard and dismounted with everyone else. A man in a deep red tunic ran out of the two-story doorway and pulled Kell into a hug. The strong resemblance between the two men marked them as family. “Who’s that?” she asked Ortono.

  “Prince Therrin, the Second Prince.”

  “Nice guy?”

  “From what I’ve been told, yes.”

  A third man joined the two princes. He, too, had the same straight nose and wide jaw, but his face was leaner and he wore his hair so short, it almost looked shaven. He stood back with his hands clasped behind him and began speaking to Kell.

  “Another prince?”

  Ortono nodded. “Prince Gandor, the First Prince and heir to the throne.”

  “He doesn’t look too friendly.”

  “More like he has something stuck up his ass,” Loku added.

  “I wouldn’t want to cross him, if that’s what you mean.” Kell waved them forward. Her breath came in hesitant shudders when she met the determined gleam in his eyes. Please don’t let Prince Gandor decide our fate, she whispered in her mind.

  “These are the charged?” Gandor’s voice held no warmth.

  “Yes, but due to the special circumstances of their crime, I wish to speak to Father immediately,” Kell replied. “Until he decides what we should do, I would prefer to treat them as special guests.”

  His eldest brother raised one thin brow. “Special guests?” Kell nodded. “House them in their own rooms under heavy guard.” Arden released the breath she’d been holding. Rooms under heavy guard sounded much nicer than a dungeon cell.

  “And what’s to stop them from using their magic to escape?”

  “If they wanted to do that, they would have done it already. Please, Gandor, let’s take this discussion inside and see what Father thinks.”

  She didn’t need to ask what Gandor thought. She could see the flames dancing in his eyes.

  At least Therrin gave her small smile.

  “Very well. It shouldn’t take long.” Gandor snapped his fingers, and a man in well-made robe approached him. “Take them to east wing and see they are made comfortable for now.” The man bowed. “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “Might I request a private audience with King Heodis?” Dev asked as though he had every right to do so.

  His request surprised all three princes, but Kell nodded. “I’ll ask him about it.”

  “It would be poor form for him to refuse to see a representative of Empress Marist. That might cause a strain on the already fragile diplomatic relations between Gravaria and Ranello.” Gandor’s eyes narrowed into thin, brown slits. “You’ll have an audience with my father, but don’t think it will be on your terms. It could just be your sentencing.”

  “Your father is a wise man. I hope he won’t let pride interfere with the wellbeing of his kingdom.”

  Shut up, Dev. Arden fidgeted between her protector and the royalty who could condemn them in a moment’s notice.

  Kell caught her eye and nodded. “Sir Devarius, your apprentice seems weary after the long ride.”

  “Please, Dev, I’m longing for a hot bath and a nap.” She pressed her hand against his chest and hoped he’d end his standoff with Gandor.

  “That’s right—tempt him with your naked body and a possible romp between the sheets.” Blood rushed into her cheeks. “Loku, you’re not helping matters.”

  “But I think he got the idea.”

  Dev took her hand, staring down at her with confusion. Could he be thinking that? The warmth spread to her ears as she remembered their first night together. She wouldn’t mind a second glimpse of his naked body, either. She lowered her eyes in case he could read her thoughts.

  “I look forward to mee
ting King Heodis tonight.” He pulled her in the direction of the well-dressed servant, leaving the princes standing in a huddle in the middle of the courtyard.

  She knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer, but she hoped his attitude wouldn’t cause more problems down the road.

  Chapter 24

  Kell watched Arden disappear into the palace, the wolf tight on her heels. He had to suppress a grin when the first squeal of terror echoed down the stairs. The servants might have a difficult time adjusting to Cinder’s presence.

  Therrin cocked his head to the side. “Is that a fire wolf?” His brother’s question pulled Kell away from his thoughts of Arden. “A what?”

  “A fire wolf. I’ve read about them, but I thought they were just a myth.” Gandor rubbed his nose in disgust. “It’s a smelly beast, and I’ll have it destroyed with the other two as soon as Father gives the order.”

  “Not if I have anything to say about it.” Kell shoved past his older brother and proceeded straight to his father’s chambers in the west wing. It mattered who whispered in the King’s ear first, and he wanted to make sure it was him.

  He didn’t bother knocking when he came to the inner chamber doors. One nice perk about being a prince. And, if his father’s treatment of him was any indication, he was also the favorite son.

  “Did you bring me Sulaino’s head?” Heodis asked without looking up from his papers. His large body matched his desk—massive, regal, and imposing. The grey in his hair and beard did little to diminish his bearing.

  “Unfortunately, no. Something else came up, but I think you’ll be happy to hear I have a better plan for stopping the necromancer.”

  By this time, his brothers had entered the room. Therrin discreetly closed the doors behind them while Gandor lounged in a plush leather chair.

  Heodis lifted his head. “Speak, before I get more wrinkles.” Kell grinned. As gruff as Father tried to sound, he knew he had his respect. He described his battle with Sulaino’s undead and how Arden stopped them, making sure he spared no detail over the depth of her power. “I never realized how much we needed her help until I almost lost my head that night.”