Stolen Heart

by Sawyer Bennett

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure. Now what’s the second thing you want.”

  Kieran stood up from the table and walked to the teapot. He poured himself a cup and sat back down. “Did Carrick tell you I want to challenge Renard Foss’ stepson, Mason?”

  “He mentioned it but I figured you would tell me more when you returned.”

  “Like I told Carrick, I can’t tell you why, but I want to issue a challenge to Mason. To the death. It would mean a lot if you would stand beside me with Kestevayne’s backing, but I also understand if you can’t. Seeing as how I cannot tell you the details of why I’m issuing the challenge.”

  Ava regarded Kieran shrewdly. She looked every bit the Queen that she was. “I’ve known you a very long time, Kieran and if you tell me that you have information that would lead you to issue a death challenge, then I trust you. I will stand by your side and you will have Kestevayne’s full support.”

  Kieran raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t think…I mean I had hoped.” He inclined his head to her in a nod of appreciation. “Thank you, Ava.”

  “So, in what order would you like these favors bestowed?”

  “I’d like to get Claire settled and taken care of. Then Mason. Then I can get my life moving forward again and put all of this behind me.”

  “And what about Annika?”

  Kieran felt a pang in his chest. He rubbed it with the heel of his hand. “What of her?”

  “Will you be moving forward with or without her?”

  “How can you ask that, Ava? She lied to me. She stole from you. Aren’t you in the slightest bit pissed off?”

  Ava thought about it for a second. “No, actually I’m not. You said yourself that she did it for love, right? To help a friend in dire need. It doesn’t excuse theft, but I am easy to forgive. This you know about me.”

  Kieran sighed. Ava would easily forgive Annika. It was her nature to always look for the best in people. He didn’t know if he could do that though. But right now, he didn’t want to think about.

  CHAPTER 25

  Balvraine – 2 months later

  Kieran knocked on the door and heard, “Come in.”

  Opening the door, he stepped in and saw Claire sitting at her desk. “Kieran! You’re right on time.”

  Claire walked around her desk and gave Kieran a warm hug. Things sure had changed. Two months ago, he stood in this same spot with a knife held to her throat. The thought made him chuckle.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “I was just thinking that two months ago I was threatening to slit your throat, and now here we are, all hugs and kisses.”

  Claire laughed. “Well, you have the hug part right but forget about the kisses.”

  Kieran watched as Claire walked back to her desk and sat down. Her eyes were alive and bright with excitement. She radiated confidence.

  “Well, I brought it. Are you anxious to see it?”

  Claire’s eyes lit up. She nodded her head with a big grin on her face and he thought she looked like a kid at Christmas.

  Reaching into his pack, he pulled out Claire’s Scepter. He reached across her desk and handed it to her. It wasn’t the ugly iron bar she had once stolen from Ava, but instead a crystal dove, its shimmery wings spread in flight.

  “Oh,” Claire whispered reverently. “It’s so beautiful. I didn’t expect…”

  “Ava wanted you to have something that represented peace. She wanted to be here herself, but Emma is sick and there was no way she was leaving her.”

  Claire reached out and accepted the dove. She stroked her thumbs over the wings. “I still don’t understand why you and Ava helped me. Not after what I did to you.”

  “Claire, you made a dumb mistake. You were sorry. We forgave you. And Ava…well, she likes to help. You’re like her pet project now.”

  Claire nodded in agreement. She set the dove down on her desk and then turned to look back at Kieran. She cocked her head to the side. “How come you can so easily forgive me but you can’t forgive Annika?”

  Kieran flinched at the question. The subject of Annika had been taboo, ever since their first meeting after he returned to Balvraine. He and Ava had come together to meet Claire and tell her of their desire to help her. Before they left, Claire had implored Kieran to give Annika another chance, but he shut her down quickly. He told her that Annika was a subject that was off limits. And yet, here she was now bringing it up again.

  “Don’t go there Claire.” He laced his tone with enough of a growl that she should get the warning. She ignored it.

  “Why not? Doesn’t she deserve the same gift you gave me?”

  Kieran was confused. “A scepter?”

  “No, you knucklehead.” Kieran raised an eyebrow at her. She appeared to have completely gotten over her fear of him. “I’m talking about the gift of forgiveness. You gave it to me. Why not Annika?”

  Kieran sighed and ran his hand through his hair. He sat down in the chair opposite her desk. “It’s just different, Claire. Everything is different with Annika.”

  “Of course it should be different. You love her.”

  “Loved.”

  “Love.”

  “Whatever. I’m not going to argue about it.”

  “I don’t want to argue with you either. I’ve grown very fond of you over the last few months. But I just don’t understand how you can forgive me the crime but not Annika? Ava’s forgiven her.”

  “Yes, well, Ava’s a lot nicer than I am.”

  Claire cursed in frustration. “Why Kieran? Please tell me.”

  “Fine. I’ll tell you why. It’s harder to forgive her because I loved her. And I believe she loved me even though she was too stubborn to admit it. She should have trusted me with the truth from the beginning.” Kieran paused and reflected. He looked out the window, then back to Claire. “She trusted me enough to tell me about Mason. She should have trusted me enough to tell me the truth about The Scepter. I didn’t have that expectation with you, Claire. But I did have it with Annika.”

  “Fair enough,” Claire said with finality.

  Kieran looked at Claire in surprise. “You accept that? You’re not going to continue to defend Annika’s actions to me? Not going to hound me to forgive her?”

  “No,” Claire said in resignation. “You’ve made a good point. I’ll have to respect that.”

  “Really?” Kieran was shocked she was letting it go.

  “Really. In fact, I kind of agree with you. Given what the two of you shared, it would be hard to trust again.”

  Kieran didn’t know what to say, but for some reason, it wasn’t setting right. Which made no fucking sense. She was doing nothing more than agreeing with what he felt was the very sound logic he had just laid out to her.

  “Well, I better get back to Kestevayne. I have some pressing matters to handle.”

  “Sounds good. I’ll see you next week when I come to see Ava.” Claire had been meeting Ava weekly for magic lessons.

  Kieran started to walk toward the door. When he reached it, he paused, and then looked back at Claire. “Can I ask you something about Annika?”

  “Sure. What is it?”

  “Why does she steal? I mean, I understand why she stole The Scepter. I guess I don’t get the other stuff.”

  Claire laughed. “She’s a modern day Robin Hood, Kieran. She robs from the rich and gives to the poor. Well, the abused.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Seriously,” Claire said with a smile. “Look. It’s wrong. We all know that. But it’s something that Annika had to do to save her sanity. She lived every day under a cloud of guilt and shame over what Mason had done to her. She couldn’t go back and change that. But she could make a difference in other people’s lives.”

  Kieran’s heart sank. He had been judging her pretty harshly over her criminal activities. Still, he had to point out. “She is still hurting the people she robs.”

  “Not really. First, she only robs people that she know
s have a direct connection to and actively helps aid abusers. For example, the woman that she stole from the night on Park Avenue? Her son beat his wife so severely, she ended up in the hospital for a week. And he did it while his mother watched and did nothing to stop it. She bailed him out of jail, hired the best attorney in New York City, and got the charges dropped. The woman is stinking filthy rich. The missing jewels probably weren’t even missed. And the money those jewels will fetch will help keep safe many women.”

  Kieran didn’t say anything. His whole perception about Annika had been changed in just a matter of minutes.

  “If it also helps, I can tell you that Annika has given up her stealing. Like I said, she knows it’s wrong. And besides, I actually think you may have helped her heal the guilt she had been carrying over Mason raping her.”

  “That wasn’t her fault,” Kieran snarled.

  “I know that. You know that. And now Annika knows that. She said you helped her see that she was the victim and she couldn’t help what happened.”

  This was all a lot to process. He’d have to mull it over, but as he had just told Claire, he had some more pressing matters to handle.

  CHAPTER 26

  Kieran, Carrick and Ava arrived in Myridian at the House of Foss. They were expected as Ava requested a meeting with Renard. She specifically requested his stepson, Mason, be present as well. She didn’t give a reason for the meeting, but then again, she didn’t need to. As the most powerful sorceress in Vyronas, and the woman who was single handedly responsible for defeating Ralina, all ruling monarchs gave her deference.

  They were currently waiting in Foss’ great receiving room. There were several people milling about. Most likely members of Renard’s Conclave and other royal lackeys.

  It didn’t take long before Renard entered the room. Mason walked just a few paces behind him. When Renard saw Ava, he walked toward her with arms outstretched. “Ava, it’s so good to see you.”

  “Hello, Renard.” Ava reached her hand out for him to shake, averting an awkward hug. Renard looked at Carrick and Kieran and nodded at both of them.

  “Ava, you remember my stepson, Mason, right?” Renard swept his hand in Mason’s direction. He stepped forward and held out his hand to Ava to shake. Ava kept her hands clasped in front of her and just nodded at Mason. Her face was impassive.

  Renard could clearly sense something was wrong and he chuckled nervously. “Yes, well. Mason, this is Ava’s husband, Carrick Dunne, and his brother Kieran.”

  Mason inclined his head to Carrick and then turned to Kieran. His eyes grew wide and he hissed, “You!”

  “Yes, me.” Kieran couldn’t help taking pleasure in seeing Mason’s face mottled red with anger.

  “Renard, this man should be arrested. He assaulted me a few months ago. When I returned to the scene of the crime with troops, he had made his escape.”

  Mason made this announcement so loud, everyone in the receiving hall turned to listen to the conversation. Kieran rolled his eyes. What a drama king.

  Renard turned pale. “Mason! Surely you must be mistaken. Kieran is part of the Royal House of Clairmont.”

  Kieran decided to interrupt. “He’s not wrong, King Renard. I knocked the shit out of him a few months ago.”

  Kieran swore he heard Carrick snicker behind him. Or was it Ava? Regardless, he turned his gaze to Mason but he addressed the king. “King Renard, I am here to officially challenge your stepson, Mason…uh…Mason…” Kieran paused. What the hell was this guy’s last name? Whatever! “I don’t even know his last name, nor do I care. A dead man’s name is not important.”

  Mason started sputtering. Renard looked at Ava. “Is this some kind of joke?”

  Ava replied, “I’m afraid not, Renard.”

  Renard looked to Kieran, his face grave. “Young man, a challenge to the death is a serious charge. Surely you have mistaken Mason for someone else.”

  Kieran turned his gaze to Mason. His eyes were hot with rage. “I have not mistaken him. I am here on behalf of Annika Foss. Mason knows what this is about.” Kieran then turned his fiery gaze to Renard. “And so do you.”

  Renard’s face went from pale to bright red. “How dare you levy such an accusation!”

  “I’ve not levied a single accusation. I merely pointed out that you both know why I am here.”

  Mason hissed. “The woman lies. She cannot be trusted.”

  Kieran pulled his sword. It slid out smoothly from its scabbard, making a slight hissing noise. “There is nothing more to discuss. Draw your sword Mason and be prepared to die.”

  Mason looked desperately to Renard, who looked desperately to Ava. Ava just shrugged her shoulders.

  “MASON!” Kieran shouted to get his attention. His head snapped toward Kieran. He looked to be on the verge of panic. Kieran spoke in a low voice. “Pull your sword and fight me now.”

  Mason looked around the room frantically, desperately seeking help from someone. Anyone. He received nothing back but impassive glances. Mason apparently was not well liked here. He turned once more to Renard. “Please, Renard, stop this madness.”

  Renard shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry, Mason. You must fight him. The challenge has been issued.”

  Kieran watched with interest as Mason’s face turned a putrid shade of green. For the man to be this scared, he clearly was not a good swordsman. He clearly didn’t have a level head on his shoulders either or he would have insisted they use magic, which Kieran would gladly oblige. But he was glad he didn’t. He wanted to feel his sword pierce through Mason’s cowardly flesh.

  Mason turned reluctantly and faced Kieran. He reached down to his sword and pulled it out. Kieran’s adrenaline spiked. He was finally going to get justice for Annika. Kieran raised his sword and prepared to lunge, but Mason threw his sword to the ground. What the fuck?

  Mason followed his sword and fell to his knees. He started crawling toward Kieran and tears were running down his face. “Please,” he sobbed. “I am begging your mercy.”

  Reaching Kieran’s boot, Mason reached out and grabbed ahold. “Mercy. I beg you.”

  Kieran looked down at Mason in disgust and stepped backwards, having to shake his foot to dislodge Mason’s hand. He looked over his shoulder at Carrick and damned if Carrick wasn’t turned away from him, his head hanging down and his shoulders were shaking. The jackass was laughing.

  Kieran looked back down at Mason and snarled. “Pick up your sword and fight me.”

  Mason continued to cry and then he looked to Renard. “I’m sorry, Renard. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to, but Annika was just so beautiful. I couldn’t help myself. She fought me every step of the way, but I made her. And..and…” Mason let out a hiccup and Kieran rolled his eyes, “I threatened her life and yours if she told. Now please, you have full confession. Stop this madness and don’t let him kill me.”

  Kieran glanced at Renard. The man paled substantially and actually clutched a hand over his heart. He gasped. “You lied to me. I took your word over Annika’s.”

  “Yes. I lied. I lied about all of it. Now please, call off this mad man.”

  Mad man? I’m the mad man? Kieran snorted in disgust and lowered his sword. He looked back at Carrick and he at least had the grace to stop laughing, but his lips were still quirked.

  Renard turned to face Keiran. “You have the right to kill him if you want. I will not stop you. Or I will have him arrested to stand trial.”

  “I can’t kill a man who is so cowardly he cannot stand up and fight.” Disgusted, Kieran turned his back on both Renard and Mason and walked over to Ava, sheathing his sword as he went. “I’m ready to leave.”

  Renard stepped forward to Ava. “Ava, I hope this in no way damages the very good relationship we have had all these years. I can assure you that…”

  “Enough, Renard,” Ava said loudly. But then she stepped in closer to whisper so only he and Kieran heard. “You stood by ignorant while your daughter was attacked over and over again. You chos
e to believe Mason over your own flesh and blood. I can’t imagine the damage you have inflicted on her. You are to consider yourself relieved as an ally to Kestevayne. Furthermore, I am cancelling all import and export contracts between our countries. I will also see to it that every other country will do the same. Then I will sit back and watch while your country withers and dies.”

  Renard gasped. “You can’t. You are dooming my people as well.”

  “You’re people will be welcome in Kestevayne or any other country. Or perhaps they will revolt. I’m wondering how safe you really will be here in your palace.”

  “Ava, please…” Renard begged.

  “Goodbye, Renard. Mercy to your soul.”

  CHAPTER 27

  Kieran sat on his balcony, drinking a beer and watching the sun set. Carrick had just left and had presented a very interesting offer to him. Apparently, Carrick and Ava wanted Kieran to become a traveling ambassador to the other AltVerita. They wanted him to establish contact with other worlds and set up trade relations.

  It was an appealing offer in that it would get Kieran away so he would quit obsessing about Annika. But, Kieran wasn’t an ambassador. He was a soldier. True, a soldier within a country completely at peace, but a soldier none the less.

  He didn’t have what it took to negotiate. Look what he’d done to poor Claire. He’d threaten to cut her throat if she didn’t tell him where The Scepter was. Of course, he would have never harmed a hair on her head. He could no more kill an innocent, unarmed woman that he could a cowardly, sniveling, rapist who refused to fight.

  What to do?

  His decision would be a lot easier if he knew where Annika was. After leaving Myridian, Kieran immediately traveled to New York City to find Annika. He had no clue what he would say to her, but he had to see her. Seeing Mason admit his crimes made him remember that Annika was truly a victim and deserved his forgiveness. Where they would go after that, he had no clue.

  Walking into Itch, it brought back his first memory of Annika. When she was glamoured as the sexy librarian, Ashley. It brought a smile to his face. He walked up to the bar and ordered a beer. He was nervous as hell and figured a beer would give him more time to think what he would say.