The Other Worlds (The Other Worlds Series Book 1)

by M. L. Greye

  “And before they discover the princess’ location,” Voiel added.

  Princess. At the mention of her new title, Tiara felt a jolt go through her. The idea was still unsettling for her.

  A Kendren near the back of the room grunted. “Aye, especially since they now know her name.”

  “My name?” Tiara blurted, turning to Voiel for an explanation.

  He frowned down at her. “Today, several generals were summoned by the brothers. We were given orders to hunt a Miss Tiara Anteal, the woman who not only aided treasonous parties in Drivian and Kepleth, but also the sworn enemy to the crown.”

  Tiara blinked. “And that would give the brothers reason to hunt me? I’d expect that from Pavn, but Ryth?”

  Voiel looked surprised. “Why Pavn but not Ryth?”

  “Pavn has been looking for me.” She grimaced. “They’ve discovered my birthright, haven’t they?”

  “We believe so.” Voiel nodded.

  “What does Pavn want with you?” The same man from the back called out.

  Tiara winced inwardly. It was time to let the group know her past with the kings. “The brothers know my face. In Kepleth, I stabbed Pavn.”

  Voiel passed a hand across his eyes as the room broke out into arguments, their words indiscernible to Tiara. A few men appeared to be laughing – as if amused by her actions. After a moment, Voiel raised his hands to quiet them.

  “Men, this is just a minor setback.”

  Tiara raised her eyebrows. How was this a setback? If anything, it helped them in their plans of anarchy. The focus on finding Tiara, who was supposedly still in Evedon, drew the attention far from their designs, relieving them of any suspicion.

  “The brothers could find her here!” Someone shouted.

  “Unlikely,” Tiara grumbled. “For all they know, I’m still with the Eves.”

  Voiel glanced at her. “Interesting. In order for them to reach you, they would need to conspire with the Vrenyx for aid.”

  “Have they tried to do so?” Tiara asked, surprised.

  Before Voiel could respond, his wife appeared suddenly at his side. She whispered something into his ear urgently, her eyes frightened. Voiel stiffened. “Men, it is time for us to adjourn. Please exit through the rear.”

  As one, they moved to the indicated door with a speed that startled Tiara. They must have had some practice. Voiel took Tiara by the elbow, practically yanking her to her feet, and handed her off to his wife. “Take her to the cellar,” he hissed.

  “What’s wrong?” Tiara breathed, as Lyda began to pull her away.

  “That really won’t be necessary.”

  Tiara whirled at his voice – dearly familiar – and grinned. In the archway, designating the entrance from the home’s front to its kitchen stood a tall figure. A dark gray cape covered his body and head, hiding his face. He was dripping water onto the slate floor, yet he didn’t remove his cloak. Voiel’s hand dropped instinctively to the dagger at his side, ready to protect his princess. But Tiara knew the hooded figure very well. She jerked away from Lyda and dove for the stranger.

  “Archrin!” Her arms enveloped his neck just as he dropped his hood, revealing his face. His muscles seemed to relax around her, as if they had been tense for days.

  She felt him breathe in deeply and kiss her hair. “Hello, Tiara.”

  “You found me.” She tipped her head back to catch his mismatched eyes.

  “I found you.”

  Tiara frowned. He looked exhausted, as if he’d ridden for hours without sleep. “How did you know I was in Tlaid?”

  He let out a short laugh. “I’ll tell you later.” His eyes drifted up past her. “General.”

  “Captain Lorth.”

  Tiara stepped to the side of Archrin so as to see Voiel’s face. “I’m sorry I scared your wife,” Archrin apologized.

  “She feared you were another messenger from the brothers.”

  Archrin raised an eyebrow. “Little wonder you tried to hide Tiara.”

  “How much of the meeting did you hear?” Tiara knew his Craele ears could listen through walls.

  He smiled tightly, his gaze still locked on Voiel. “I always knew you weren’t entirely Kendren.”

  Voiel grunted. “It appears I am in good company.”

  * * * * * *

  Where was Treveri? Olinia frowned up at the ceiling of the room Kor had placed her in. She was on her back, laying flat on the large bed. What time was it anyway? Olinia sighed and sat up. She wasn’t exactly in the mood for sleep. Treveri had to have made it to Avyrithe by now. Then again, he may have just turned around and gone home, saying he’d tried. No, he was still invisible. At his home, he wouldn’t be able to do much, at least not until Olinia released him. That was one good thing about her making him disappear; it guaranteed his return to her. She was the only one who could both see him and return him to normal.

  He would have to find her, though. Olinia was locked inside with a Nagreth guard placed right outside her door. Even invisible, the Nagreth would notice her door open. And that was if she managed to unlock it first. Maybe she could find a way out her window.

  “Olinia?”

  The sound of her name made her jump. She peered out into the darkness of her room. She’d recognized the voice. “Treveri?”

  She watched as a tapestry on her wall was moved to one side, a glimmer of a hand emerging. “It’s nice to be finally heard again.” He grunted, his body slowly forming out of the wall.

  “How did you get in here?”

  The tapestry fell back to its usual place, and Treveri began towards her. “Did you know there’s a passageway over here?”

  “Behind the tapestry?”

  He nodded as he lowered himself onto her bed. “Your room is one place it ends up.”

  Olinia furrowed her eyebrows. “Where else does it go?”

  “A few other rooms,” he replied. “Including the Nagreth Captain’s.”

  “Sazx’s room?” That was interesting.

  Her tone must have surprised him. “What of it?”

  “What if I tied him up while he slept?” Olinia leaned back against the headboard of her bed.

  “Better yet, why don’t you just kill him?”

  She stared at him. “And then we could free the Dark.”

  It was Treveri’s turn to stare. “I wasn’t being serious.”

  “But I am.”

  “You want to kill the captain of the Nagreth?” He blurted. “What good would that serve us in finding Caiden?”

  “It would give us Caprith. Think about it. Destroy the Nagreth, who rule Caprith, and it’s left to us.”

  “Until Dagon sends hosts of his Nagreth to whip us all back under his tyranny!”

  Olinia shook her head. “Not this time.”

  “How?” He exclaimed. “How can you be so sure?”

  “Because he’s never competed against a Wend,” she said simply. “And he won’t be taking us by surprise. We know he’ll be sending his Nagreth to reclaim Caprith. We’ll be ready.”

  Treveri passed a hand over his eyes. “Ready with what army, Olinia?”

  She grunted. “You can’t tell me the families oppressed by the Dark swear allegiance to Dagon. They hate the Vrenyx.”

  “That doesn’t mean they’ll fight for you.”

  “Just because you fear the Dark and the Dreens and the Nagreth does not mean others do.” Olinia paused, frowning. “The people of Caprith, those who were old enough to remember, loved my mother and her children enough to hide them.” She bit her lower lip. “Help me free our people.”

  He let out a soft groan. “You know I will, princess. I’m just nervous about our odds.”

  “Let me worry about the odds.”

  “What’s your plan?”

  “I’ll take care of the Nagreth.”

  He blinked. “You’ll kill them?”

  “They killed my parents and stole my life from me. Do you honestly think I’ll have a problem slitting their throa
ts in their sleep? I’m not about to let them stand in my way.”

  “What would you like me to do?”

  “Go to the Dark,” she answered. “Find Caiden, and I’ll meet you there.”

  “You’re really going to take on the Nagreth by yourself?”

  “Just the leaders,” she replied. “The rest of them are really nothing more than gray-skinned puppets. Without leadership, they’ll go running back to Dagon for guidance.”

  “How do you know that?”

  Olinia let out a short laugh. “Let’s just say it’s easy for me to know their thoughts.” This wasn’t an exaggeration. The majority of her Nagreth captors had very little placed in her way as barriers to their minds. The one she was having difficulty hearing was Sazx. He was actually intelligent.

  Treveri sighed and stood. “Alright, when should I expect to see you at the Dark?”

  “You’re not going to try to get some sleep?”

  “I can’t sleep so close to the Dark.” He grimaced. “I end up dreaming about them.”

  Olinia felt herself staring. “Come here often?”

  “I used to.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “Can you hear them now?”

  “Should I?”

  “I was just wondering.” She shrugged.

  “Can you hear them?”

  “No, I’m not trying to, but it does feel cold here.” She glanced at the walls of her room for a moment. “My world is in pain. I can sense that much.”

  “I don’t think you need your gifts to figure that one out.” He watched her silently. Then, “I hate the Dark, Olinia. I don’t know if I can do this alone.”

  “Oh, but you can.” She smiled. “You wear a Silver Heart and you’re invisible to all, except to me. You’ve lived under the tyranny of my uncle for so long, making you believe you’re weak. But I see your potential. Use it tonight.”

  “Alright.” He pulled out a dagger from the inside of his boot. “You may want to use this. Sazx’s door is the third one on the left.”

  As Treveri retreated back the way he had come, Olinia focused on the task ahead. She had never killed anyone – had never tried, really. She’d been around death and warfare, but someone else had always done the actually killing, usually Will. Now, she was on her own. She was about to slit the throats of five Nagreth leaders – Sazx, his Third, and three lesser officers. Olinia swallowed down the pasty feeling in her mouth. She would begin with Sazx and work her way through the others. Hopefully none of her victims would wake their guards. But then again, she was invisible after all. The Nagreth would have no way of finding her.

  The candle in her hand flickered as she moved slowly through the dark passageway. She had to brush back a few cobwebs from her face now and then, but for the most part, the tunnel was surprisingly clean. Olinia wondered if Sazx’s servants ever used it. He had to at least know of its existence. Olinia let out a short laugh. Watch, the secret tunnel was probably only a servant’s hall, used to clean the rooms of the estate.

  As Sazx’s door drew closer, Olinia found herself gritting her teeth. She did not fear the task ahead, oddly enough. If Will could fight for her in a realm not his own, then she would survive doing something for herself. She just wished it were already over. Outside Sazx’s door, there was a mounted candelabrum. Olinia slipped her candle into one of its arms, allowing its flame to continue to light the small hallway. She then eased herself into the room.

  Just as in her chambers, a tapestry covered the entrance to the passage. Olinia pulled it back once she’d secured the door behind her. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the room’s darkness. When she was able to make out the outlines of the bed and furniture, Olinia stepped further inside. Through the cracks of the window’s curtains, a few rays of moonlight managed to spread across his floor, illuminating the room just enough for Olinia to see clearly the different shapes. There, at the opposite wall from Olinia, was Sazx’s sleeping form, sprawled beneath his thick blankets. He was entirely unaware of her presence.

  Olinia took a deep breath before beginning across the expanse of flooring to the bed. Licking dry lips with a tongue in need of moisture, Olinia slowly raised Treveri’s dagger. Finally, she was to his side. Her heart began to quicken as she realized that it was time for her deed.

  Slowly, she poised her blade, glancing down at her victim. She hesitated, stunned. His position was perfect – on his back, neck unprotected. Yet, Olinia didn’t take the opportunity. In sleep he looked so different! Yes, his handsome face was more peaceful, less guarded, but that wasn’t what halted her vigor for his death. His coloring was off.

  Olinia gaped. He wasn’t gray! He, a Nagreth, was not gray! Olinia fell back a step, gasping. Was Sazx able to make himself gray when he pleased? Impossible! That was a gift. Nagreth weren’t gifted. And they actually liked their gray skin – were proud of it even. The gray signified their oath to Dagon. Why would Sazx only be so in public? He was the Nagreth captain! He should be the grayest of all. Olinia backed away from Sazx’s pale form, eyes wide.

  And all at once she was falling. Her foot caught on a small table, sending her backwards. The dagger flew out of her hand, releasing itself from her invisibility. Olinia’s mouth formed a silent no as the blade clanged to the floor. Almost instantly, Sazx bolted up, eyes bloodshot, and his skin gray again. Of course he was a light sleeper. Olinia winced, rubbing her bumped elbow with one hand. It would be bruised in the morning.

  Sazx’s steely gaze glared out into the darkness of his room. It only took him a moment to find the dagger. He slipped out of bed and picked it up. Olinia frowned. That was her weapon.

  He peered once more through the room. He was in nothing more than his breeches, barebacked and barefoot. “You’re in here, aren’t you, princess?”

  Olinia blinked. He’d automatically assumed she was his assassin. But then, who else in his house would have liked him dead? Naturally, she’d be the prime suspect. She frowned, unsure of whether or not she should show herself. How had he managed to change his skin so quickly? Olinia had heard of some Eves being able to mask themselves with the face of another for short periods of time. But to change one’s skin all day everyday? That was unheard of, and especially not by a Nagreth. How had he managed to survive the binding ceremony to Dagon without his skin changing? It was supposedly what drained the Nagreth of their color.

  All at once, he was stepping towards her. Olinia blinked. Could he see her? Not likely. He wasn’t looking at her. His eyes were on something located behind her. Olinia gulped and stood, gliding out of his way. But she was a second too late. He felt the air stir. With the reflexes of a cat, Sazx whirled – his outstretched hand brushing her arm as she leapt away.

  “I believe you dropped something, princess,” Sazx said dryly. He had discovered her.

  “I shouldn’t have hesitated at your bedside,” She grumbled, knowing he couldn’t hear her.

  He began to spin the dagger in one hand, remaining where he was. Then, in one deft movement, he flung the weapon into the opposing wall, far away from Olinia. Did he know where she stood?

  “I have no desire to hurt you, princess,” Sazx assured the room. “You hold a much larger influence in our realm than I could ever. If you desire to kill me, please do so and be done with it.”

  Was he being serious? Olinia stared. A Nagreth captain wished to keep her from harm? This had to be a trick – some sort of an attempt to get her visible again. Olinia bit at her lower lip. If she did leave her shield from his eyes, would she be able to defend herself should he attack her? Sazx was unlike any Nagreth. Her resolve to stay hidden was slowly disintegrating. On impulse, Olinia snapped her fingers and stepped into his vision.

  “Do you wish for death?” She asked.

  Once again, just as when Olinia had first met him, Sazx’s eyes showed that hint of surprise. It was as if her face startled him. But it was only a hint – almost lost to his gray mask. Olinia frowned. Had she imagined him without the gray? It seemed so
flawless now.

  “Not at all,” Sazx replied in his strange Eveon. “You just seem to be set on it.”

  “Since when has a Nagreth cared about what I want?”

  His brow furrowed. “Why are you here?”

  “I was captured.”

  “And a Wend is easily imprisoned,” Sazx grunted. “You could leave with the mere snap of your fingers. What is it that keeps you here?”

  Olinia let out a short laugh. “Why should I answer your questions when you don’t answer mine?” She took a step closer to him. “I’m still wondering about my twin. And…” she paused, suddenly unsure if she should finish.

  “And?”

  She tilted her head to one side. “Why do you make yourself gray?”

  Sazx visibly stiffened. “You saw.” He didn’t even try to deny it.

  “Yes, I saw,” she exclaimed, stepping closer, placing herself within inches of him. “And I can’t believe it. The Nagreth captain isn’t gray?” She stared up at him. “How did you manage to keep your color?”

  The gray gave way to the pale she had seen. His eyes were no longer the cold steel. No, they were an icy clear blue – pure even. “Who are you?” She whispered.

  “Sazx Tharrne.”

  She shook her head. “I already know that. Why aren’t you gray?”

  “What does it matter?”

  “Because I’m stunned to discover that you’re strangely gifted.”

  He smiled tightly. “Is it too difficult to comprehend another person as such?”

  A sudden pounding on Sazx’s bedroom door made them both whirl. It wasn’t coming from the passageway. Olinia snapped, hiding herself immediately. Sazx’s pale disappeared just as quickly as her form. He began for the door, his irritation clearly visible on his face. He opened it to a haggard-looking Kor.

  “She’s gone, captain!” Kor panted. “The princess isn’t in her room.”