Princess of Darkness

by Adrianna J Tetnowski

  Valerius

  Everything had changed now that Marcus knew just how far Valerius and Serendipity’s relationship went. For that reason alone, the Princess had to escape sooner than her husband had planned. If she was to get away successfully this time, their plan would have to be executed faultlessly.

  Valerius did not wait until it was night time, as he knew that was when his father put the guards on the highest alert. He had to be clever and outsmart him. Lucky for him and for Serendipity, the young Lord knew exactly how to do that and it included some necessary damage.

  On his command, Evard had gone down to the village undetected and had paid a baker a hefty sum of money from Valerius himself, in order to cause a planned outbreak of fire – enough to send the village in a frenzy and catch the soldiers within the castle off guard. Evard had reassured the baker that all the necessary supplies needed to return his bakery to its normal state were available and that there was enough water for him to put the fire out quickly.

  All Valerius needed was enough time to get Serendipity on a horse and to take her to the secret gate at the back of the garden, which only they knew about. It helped that Reynald was dead and the current position of Captain was vacant. It meant Marcus was left vulnerable for the time being.

  The Princess’ host of guards would stand by her bedroom door, to make it seem like they were guarding her well during the outbreak of the fire and Valerius hoped it would be enough to fool his cunning father into thinking she was still inside the castle.

  Within her room, Serendipity was struggling to get the final buttons of her waistcoat done up with trembling fingers. She could hardly keep a good pace with her breathing and she felt like she was going to be sick.

  Alena and Marhi stood in her room, packing a necessary but unnoticeable satchel of water, food and a few small bandages. Marhi had also slipped in a compass that was not too heavy and a map, already wrinkled but still readable.

  Serendipity let out a short sob, despite no tears falling, as she still could not do her buttons up.

  Alena moved to help her. She worked quickly and spoke to the Princess all the while. “You haven’t got much time. Evard will come and get you, hopefully with news of the fire already going, and you’ll both sneak out of the castle using the servants staircases.” the Princess already knew the plan but, Alena did not doubt that going through it one more time would help put her nerves at ease.

  “I hate to be leaving you all here.” Serendipity whispered.

  Alena placed her hands on the Princess’ cheek and forced herself to smile through the painful thought of her leaving. “You need to get out of here. That’s the only thing that matters right now.” she replied.

  There came a light knock on the door and Serendipity knew it was Evard. Slinging her small satchel across her shoulders, she secured a dark cape over herself to conceal the bag and then threw her hood up.

  Evard was already prepared to leave as well. He had wasted no time in getting back inside the castle, without anyone noticing. Bells had started ringing out as the commotion everyone had been waiting for finally began and people were running around screaming about a fire. Marcus would be calling for guards to keep the Princess inside the castle, no doubt. The first time Serendipity had nearly escaped had been enough to keep the Grand Lord himself on high alert. But the first time had not included a fire in desperate need of extinguishing.

  Serendipity and Evard swept through the corridors like shadows, going down the narrow staircases which the servants used to get to the kitchens and their quarters. The noise of people in a panicked frenzy only continued to heighten, and it seemed the plan was working so far – Serendipity just hoped that not too much damage would be done to the village at her expense.

  As the staircase finally came to an end, Valerius stood waiting by a small door which led out into the vineyards of the castle and then into the rest of the gardens themselves. He had made sure that no guards would be on duty here and it seemed the fire in the bakery had sent every soldier rushing to put it out. The trio were in luck. Valerius led the way outside and towards the horses he and Thommo had prepared earlier on. The beasts were getting impatient from all the waiting, but thankfully they remained near enough silent.

  Valerius helped boost Serendipity up onto her horse, with Evard falling in step with his own steed. The young Lord looked to his wife and gave her a curt nod. “You know where to go. The gardens should be clear of any guards, I’ve made sure of it. As for my father, I’ll go in search of him to make sure he’s not wondering where I am. I cannot be seen having anything to do with this.” he said. There was no time for a proper goodbye and before Serendipity could even say a word of farewell, Valerius struck the back of her horse and sent it charging off. Then he was gone, back up to the castle before anyone could notice that he too was missing.

  Viktor

  Upon learning of Marcus’ bold attempt to poison his daughter, Yhannisan Urveed, Emperor of Illia and doting father, had dispatched one of his generals and five hundred strong men to Aarengoth earlier than he had originally anticipated; with more guaranteed once he had received the necessary statistics regarding the Redbane armies.

  Yhannisan had had no personal vendettas against Marcus Valenti himself and had thought the Redbanes could lead in this war against the Valentis, as had been expected. But with Dominika as the latest Valenti victim (or at least a near victim), the Emperor of Illia was not going to fight from the sidelines. He wanted his men to be front and centre with that of Viktor’s armies.

  Both the Emperor and his brother were incredibly grateful to hear of the aid that Yhannisan was going to send, for they did not want to admit it but, they feared that with no rough estimate of how many men Marcus had, their own numbers might have been lacking. What they both felt they also really needed was for someone who had been inside Valkenn Castle to just drop into their arms but, the chances of them ever coming across someone willing to share any secrets about the Valentis was highly unlikely.

  Saff finished tidying away a series of contracts which had been left unfinished by his father. He looked to Viktor once finished and raised his hands out in front of him, a kind gesture. “Is there anything else you want me to get my hands on? I’m here to help for as long as you need me.” he said.

  Viktor sat reading through an old journal which had belonged to their father; filled with dates of future meetings and check ups within the city. He realised he would need to attend to the barracks soon, since the city was still without a Chief of Staff. He looked up at his brother in thought. Then he snapped the journal shut and placed it onto his desk. “There is something else you could do, actually. It may sound strange but, do you think you could keep Dominika company for a while? At least until Adelaide returns. I’m a terrible husband I know, you don’t have to tell me, but I’ve been so busy with work that I’ve hardly had anytime to spend with her.” Viktor replied.

  Saff blinked hard at the request. It was not that he thought it particularly strange but, he just had not been expecting his brother to ask if he could keep his wife company. Still, Saff was rather embarrassed to admit that apart from during meals, he had not actually sat down with Dominika and gotten to know the new Empress. Dominika was a Redbane now and Saff believed he still owed her a warm welcome. “It would be my pleasure. When is Adelaide supposed to return, by the way?” Saff replied. He leaned against the doorframe with his arms folded over his chest.

  Viktor rubbed at his beard. “I’m not too sure myself but, I doubt she’d choose to stay in Faradwyn for any longer than she thought necessary. From what you’d told me about Athon Broadblade during your stay, he really does seem as much of a brute as Father had always suggested. Either way, I await her return eagerly. I’ve actually missed our sister dearest.” the last of the Emperor’s sentence came off teasingly and he and his brother both shared a laugh.

  “As do I. Now, tell me, where is your blushing wife. I believe we have much acquainting to do.” Saff replied with a wa
rm smile. After yet another loss to the family, Dominika was a pleasant and welcoming addition to the ever shrinking line of Redbanes still alive and still to be murdered by another damn Valenti. At least, not if the Redbanes could somehow end the Valenti line first.

  Valerius

  “You cheat, you can't do that. This is exactly why no one plays this game with you.” Baleon Valenti said and laughed warmly as he picked up his scattered cards from the table.

  Valerius watched his uncle carefully as he shuffled the cards in his hand and distributed them evenly. He had not expected him to make a sudden reappearance, after having returned to his own Manor on the outskirts of Valkenn (for he too found castle life overwhelming at times and found he had more use in his own private estate). Nonetheless, Marcus was pleased to have his younger brother back. Even though he loved him dearly, he believed Baleon had still much to learn about running a castle, but Marcus still valued and appreciated his brother’s input. Not to mention, the Grand Lord had much to thank his brother for regarding the defences of the border of Valkenn. Marcus had been more than happy to let his younger brother handle such matters, as he knew it was where Baleon excelled. Marcus let out a short laugh as he looked through his own deck of cards.

  “Ah, you're a cheeky bastard too. In order to win, you have to cheat a little and I’m very good at using what I have been given.” Marcus replied and shuffled his cards once more in his hands.

  It had been some time since Valerius had played cards with his father and uncle, with Aderico too. But his cousin was not at the castle at this moment in time; instead he was in Faradwyn escorting Valerius’ mother safely to the Valenti family manor. Valerius’ mind flew back to Serendipity unintentionally, her laugh and the way she moved during their training sessions. Such grace. Such beauty. Such innocence. Her curly black hair that cascaded down her shoulders and...Valerius stopped himself from thinking about his wife, should he appear too distracted by his own thoughts. Instead he focused his attention on the cards he clutched in his hand, now creased from being held onto too tightly.

  “I heard there was a fire here, in the village.” Baleon said.

  Marcus let out a small grunt as he stared hard at his cards. “Yes. The damn baker had managed to start one, and it had caused a chaotic mess of panicked villagers and guards.” he began.

  “But it was handled accordingly. Come now, Father, it could have happened to anyone. Besides, what where you expecting from a small shop that housed a naked flame and a large stone oven constantly in use? A fire was bound to break out at one point, large or small. We should be grateful that not too much damage had been done at all.” Valerius cut in. He was feeling extra bold that evening but, if he could dampen his father’s lingering suspicions about the day Serendipity had escaped, Valerius intended to make as best of an effort as possible.

  Especially because his father still did not know about Serendipity, after Valerius and the Princess’ guards had reassured the Grand Lord that she was simply not feeling well these past few days and did not want to be seen by anyone – nerves about her engagement to Aderico, that was what the Princess’ two young serving girls had also said.

  “I'm done for tonight.” Valerius said eventually and placed his cards on the small round table before them. He sat in his seat for a moment longer and then went to stand.

  “Tired already?” Marcus asked him.

  “It's late and yes, I am tired already. It's been a long day.” Valerius replied. He shifted his weight from one heel to another, waiting patiently for his father to say something else. When Marcus did not, Valerius turned and went to leave.

  “Aderico should be returning.” Baleon spoke instead as he continued to scrutinise the cards in his hands. He lowered them away from his face for a moment and looked at his nephew.

  “Is that so?” Valerius replied flatly. He could feel his hands growing sweaty at that news. After all this time, Aderico had finally sent word that he was coming back.

  Lord Baleon nodded. “I'm sure he will be most pleased to return to his fiancé. Where is Princess Serendipity, I haven't seen her around?”

  Valerius swallowed hard at the mention of his wife – Aderico’s fiancé. “She's in her room. She says she doesn't want any visitors, her serving girls had told me that she wasn't feeling very well when I’d asked about her. A fever, that was what they’d said.” he replied, forcing himself to sound bored. As he had feared, no one believed him.

  “Have the healer check on her and then send her here, I haven't seen her leave her room in a long while and I don't want her to start eating less than she already does.” Marcus ordered. His concern for the Princess was unexpected, so much so that it even surprised his own brother.

  The question Valerius had been holding in since Serendipity had escaped three days ago now crawled up his throat slowly, making him want to gag. He swallowed hard. “When is Aderico returning?” he asked just about loud enough for the others to hear.

  Baleon's eyes sliced into Valerius’ and the corners of his mouth tipped up. “Today.” he replied.

  Valerius bit down on his tongue until he was sure he tasted blood. “Splendid.” he replied and turned again to leave, hoping all the while that he would be allowed to just go in peace already.

  “You don't seem too happy. It's the evening already, so I assume he will be here any minute. Now we just wait to see when exactly he will return.” Baleon drew a card from his hand and placed it down on the table, smiling in victory as Marcus threw down his cards angrily and shook his brothers hand.

  The question remained in Valerius throat still, urging him to ask it again as though hoping for a different answer but, he only swallowed hard for the second time and let out a quiet sigh of relief as his words finally dissolved into nothing. “I don't think she will agree to come down, she’s hardly talked to anyone since Aderico left and I doubt she will start now.” even though none of that was true and Marcus knew it – Valerius supposed he was trying to persuade his uncle more than anyone else, seeing as he had returned to the castle himself not that long ago.

  “We'll just wait till Aderico arrives, he can bring her down. In fact,” Marcus looked up and smiled. “I think I heard a horse just now.”

  Valerius shook his head slowly, hoping, praying – screaming on the inside that Aderico had not returned.

  Only the doors to the castle swung open and Valerius’ dear cousin strolled into the hall, his blonde curls slightly messy and his blue eyes a little less striking. Aderico bowed down low before the others and asked. “What did I miss?”

  Valerius looked up to the heavens yet he did not dare utter a word to the gods, knowing that they would make him pay for any complaints made later, somehow. “A game of cards, the most exciting thing that has happened around the castle since you had left. How was the journey?” Valerius replied. He was trying hard to keep the topic of conversation on his cousin.

  “And your fiancé. She hasn't left her room since you left, or so we've been told, she has a fever apparently.” Baleon added in.

  Aderico's eyebrows furrowed together with unexpected worry, and he immediately turned towards the pillars. “Excuse me.” he simply said and strolled off again.

  Marcus scratched at his beard before clearing his throat. “You seem worried about something, Valerius. What’s setting you off?” he said to his son. The Grand Lord was only teasing him, he knew how far Valerius’ relationship with Serendipity extended – enough for them to have found each other in the same bed. But what Marcus still remained oblivious to was that the Redbane hostage he seemed so intent on keeping hidden away in his castle…well, once Aderico returned no doubt in a fit of rage, Marcus himself would be in for quite a nasty surprise himself.

  Valerius could not move a muscle. He had never felt so afraid and the fear he felt was not even for himself but, for his wife. Serendipity would be hunted like some animal and the young Lord knew it. He had doomed her to a false hope of freedom and a dozen, if not more, guards in pursuit of h
er.

  Moments later Aderico returned, his face burned red with anger and he stormed towards his cousin. “Where is she?” he growled.

  “And you’re asking me because?” Valerius asked in response. It was perhaps the wrong thing to say.

  Aderico's hands curled into fists by his side and he growled again. “Where is Serendipity?” he enunciated the words this time.

  Valerius did not reply.

  “You helped her escape. Didn't you?” Aderico hissed.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Valerius replied, convincing no one.

  He scratched the back of his neck but, before he could even say a word, Aderico had him by the top of tunic and was shaking him with trembling hands. “You helped her escape? Why? Why would you do that, tell me?” he yelled.

  Valerius shook Aderico’s hands away and looked over his shoulder, meeting the furious gazes of both his father and uncle. There was no way of escaping this confrontation. So he decided to save Serendipity and damn himself. “I've given her the opportunity to find her family, she has a lot to find out about herself…where exactly her loyalties lie. I gave her an opportunity that you would have never even considered,” Valerius began to explain.

  Aderico’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “What did the two of you get up to whilst I was gone?” it was a question he did not necessarily want to know the answer to but, something within was prodding him to ask it anyway.

  Again, Valerius did not reply. But Marcus coughing in the background was enough for Aderico to understand what it meant.

  “You slept with my fiancé?” this was the first time Valerius had ever heard his cousin sound so wounded but, in all truth it did pain Aderico to have to ask such a question.