by M. L. Greye
Sazx muttered a curse. “Did you honestly think she was here because we managed to capture her?”
Kor’s face changed from panic to shock. “Was she not?”
“She is High Royalty, Third,” Sazx shot back, his steely eyes hard. “She could kill us in our sleep if she chose. Do not wake me over matters which you should have thought through on your own.”
“Then, what do we report to Lord Dagon?” Kor stammered.
“You tell him what you please. I am going back to bed.” With that, he slammed the door on Kor’s utter disbelief.
She is High Royalty. Olinia repeated the words in her head as Sazx returned to where he had left her, waiting expectantly for her to appear. She snapped again, feeling her own surprise still on her face. “Why do you see what your Nagreth do not?”
“They are not my Nagreth,” he replied. “They belong to Dagon. It is not my fault he chooses to surround me with imbeciles.”
She let out a short laugh. “Which leads us right back to what I asked you before: why aren’t you gray?”
Without moving a muscle, Sazx became the pale stranger once more. “I’m sure it works after the same manner as your gifts, princess.”
“How are you possibly gifted?” Olinia couldn’t help but stare a little. “Nagreth aren’t gifted.”
“Perhaps, you should get out more.”
“Oh, so you have other friends like you?” Olinia smirked.
“I’m not really one to elaborate.”
Olinia glared at him, entirely frustrated with his lack of cooperation. She reached out her hand to the dagger Sazx had tossed into the wall and yanked at it with an unseen force. The blade released itself from the wall with a jerk, flying through the air into her open palm. She pointed it at his throat. “You can be a Wend for all I care, it still doesn’t change the fact that you won’t tell me about my brother.”
Sazx glanced down at the dagger, raising an eyebrow. “It wouldn’t take much effort to remove that from your hand.”
She grunted. “I can pause time, captain. Try taking it from me while you’re frozen in your present.”
“I tell you again, princess, if you desire to kill me, then do so now.”
“And I ask you for my third and final time, what has Dagon done with my brother?” Her eyes narrowed. “If I don’t get my answer from you then I’m sure your brilliant Third could easily inform me. It’s amazing what a knife at the throat can do to an imbecile.”
He smiled slightly, as if amused by her threat. But then, “Last I knew, he was being held in Delvich. Dagon did not have any plans of killing him.”
“Maybe not, for now.”
Sazx regarded the princess for a moment. Here was the rightful heir to the world he despised. He would gladly give it to her just to relieve himself of it. But his position demanded that he oppose her. He frowned. Despite Olinia’s ability to pause time, Sazx knew he could still easily take the dagger from her. She was too close to him. His trained reflexes would win over hers. Sazx stared into her dark Wend eyes. This was the woman Dagon wished to have him overpower. Sazx had been ordered to seduce her– to steal away the blazing fire of independence and defiance in her eyes.
If the binding ceremony to Dagon had actually succeeded with Sazx, then he most likely would have leapt at her by now. Dagon’s orders always outweighed the emotions and desires of his Nagreth. The Nagreth were his slaves. It was really more of a curse than a binding of loyalty. Fortunately, it had not been strong enough for Sazx to fall under its influence. His mind was still his own. And he did not wish to harm the young Wend.
With a sigh, Sazx took a step backwards, raising his hands, palms forward. “No one is stopping you now, princess.”
She blinked. “What?”
“I give you Caprith.” What was he saying? Sazx’s heart began to pound as his lungs tried to squeeze themselves shut, blocking out any air from entering him. It was an attempt of the portion that was bound to Dagon, meant to force him back into submission. But it was only a small portion of him, and a rather weak attempt. His conscious mind overcame the struggle easily.
“I don’t believe you.” She was glaring again.
“I didn’t want it any more than I wanted to be Nagreth Captain. You can have it.”
“How?” She shot back. “Giving someone a world is easier said than done.”
“You take the Dark, and then you have the world,” Sazx told her. “The Dark is Dagon’s strength here. Take that from him, and he no longer has control over Caprith inhabitants.”
“Why do I feel like this is a trap?”
“You said you can pause time. Do so and free the Dark.”
Olinia’s brow pulled together. “Why would a Nagreth give me his world without a fight? There has to be a catch.”
He let out a short laugh, his eyes holding her gaze once more. “A Nagreth wouldn’t give you his world. As you can see, I’m not entirely Nagreth.”
“Then, what are you?” Olinia shook her head. “No loyal member of the Vrenyx would return a world to a Wend freely.”
“Clearly, I am not loyal to the Vrenyx.”
She stared up at him. “I think I noticed. But if not to the Vrenyx, then to whom are you loyal?”
“High Royalty demands my respect, your highness,” he replied. “I am loyal to those who are meant to rule my realm. The Vrenyx is simply the place I was born, and Dagon is simply its current sovereign. For me, to be a Nagreth is to have an occupation. The better I do, the higher my salary. Dagon’s causes are rarely my own.”
A slow, small smile formed at the soft corners of her mouth. She lowered her blade. “Ever think about getting a new job?”
He shook his head. “My specialty is warfare.”
“Then switch sides,” she retorted. “You’re basically already loyal to me. All you have to do now is join our ranks.”
And with that she was gone. Sazx frowned. He knew she had paused time. She was off to the Dark.
* * * * * *
Tiara was fuming. She glared into the roaring fireplace of Voiel’s kitchen. Behind her, Lyda chatted quietly with her son as he drank a glass of warm milk. How could Lyda be so calm – so accepting of being left behind? Tiara dug her nails into her palms, fighting her urge to scream. For the first time in her life, Tiara wished to be a man just so she could go off to war as well.
Three hours before, Archrin and Voiel had put Tiara beneath the watchful eye of Voiel’s wife. They were attacking the Kendren brothers that night under the colors of Tlaid – a deep purple. Tiara ran her tongue along the back of her teeth. She knew their plans. Voiel, Archrin and a few other officers would invade the castle through the servants’ quarters. There, the small group would split up in search of the brothers. They would go in groups of three, dressed in their Kendren uniforms, so as to move more easily through the castle. Once they found and eliminated the brothers, they would rejoin in the Northwest tower to hoist the Tlaidian flag. That would be the signal for their Kendren and Tlaidian followers to lay siege on those who had blindly followed the three brothers. It was dangerous business that both Archrin and Voiel were convinced would work, but only if Tiara remained safely hidden.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like any milk as well, your highness?”
Tiara winced inwardly as she turned around in her seat. She’d asked Lyda multiple times to call her by her first name, but apparently Lyda wouldn’t. Tlaidian adherence to protocol was amazing. She forced a smile, “Thank you, but I really am fine.”
“Could I get you something else?”
She shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”
Lyda nodded. “I’m the same way when the General leaves for another battle.” She sighed sadly. “I sometimes lose my appetite for weeks.”
“Weeks?” Tiara blinked. She didn’t have the heart to let Lyda know the real reason for her avoiding food. Anger wasn’t good company for digestion.
“Yes, but do not worry. This will all be over within a few days.”
Tiara pulled a face as she returned her gaze to the fire. She didn’t think she could handle a few days cooped up in the General’s home. Tiara sighed.
“When this is all over, I will take you shopping,” Lyda told Tiara’s back. “You will get to experience Desnbi’s finest.”
Desnbi’s finest. Tiara rolled her eyes. Lyda spoke as if the battle for Tlaid was a trite event, no more than a nuisance. The war would not end with the death of the brothers! There were far too many worlds taken by the Kendrens that would need to be sorted through and handed back to their peoples. A few days? Not likely. This was just the beginning of a long affair. And one Tiara was having a hard time believing herself to really be a part of. Her? The princess of the Saerds?
But then, the only princess Tiara had ever come in contact with was Olinia – another unlikely royal who had spent her youth as a Kendren slave. Maybe Tiara could become what an heir should be eventually. It would take some effort. And what of her blessed Drivian? Would she be forced to live in Tlaid? Tiara grunted. No, she would move her capital to her world. From what she had seen of Tlaid, she had no taste for it. Archrin had been right after all. Tlaid was far too cold and wet for her liking. During the night before, the rain had turned to sleet, threatening snow. It was still August! Shouldn’t it be warm? Tlaid had weather all wrong.
“Do you not find Desnbi castle beautiful?”
Poor Lyda. She kept trying to make conversation. Tiara stood, pulling her chair back to the Kitchen’s table. “I haven’t seen the castle. Is it far from here?”
“You haven’t seen it?” Lyda repeated, eyes wide. “How have you not? It is but a mile from here, on the outskirts of the city.”
Tiara blinked. Archrin had left her within a mile of the castle? That wasn’t like him, unless he meant for her to meet him there. A smile spread across her lips. Archrin wanted her to meet him. It had been Voiel’s desire to keep her with his wife. “Can you see the castle from one of your windows?” Tiara asked, hopeful to discover which direction she was to head in.
Voiel’s son tugged at his mother’s sleeve. “You can show her from my room, Mamma.”
“Why, thank you.” Tiara grinned.
“This way.” He extended his hand for Tiara to take. She laughed and slipped her fingers into his.
They boy moved quickly on his short legs, taking her up the two flights of stairs to his room in a mere matter of moments. At his door he paused, checking over his shoulder to make sure his mother had really followed after all. Once satisfied that she had, he pushed open the door, pulling Tiara with him.
It was truly the room of a child born into wealth. A handsome rocking horse sat in one corner while an elaborate bed filled the main expanse of the room. The boy practically dragged her to his huge, double-paned window, complete with a soft padded seat in front of it.
“Look there.” He pointed out the window. “Can you see it?”
Oh, Tiara could see it. There was no way she could have missed it. The castle rose up on a hill, overlooking the entire city. Its green flags snapped in the wind – a symbol of the power held by those who dwelt inside. And it was within walking distance! Tiara couldn’t help but stare. Archrin had left her on the main road to the castle’s gate. Voiel’s home sat quite a ways back away from the road, covered by the tall, green trees, but it was still situated on the way to the Kendren brothers. Tiara guessed that Desnbi’s wealthiest lived on this road. For the Tlaidians, to live near the castle was a sign of power. Tiara ran her tongue along the back of her teeth. How was she going to escape Lyda? There was no way Archrin would have meant for her to stay where she was if he had only put her under the care of one woman.
Tiara’s eyes drifted up to the horizon. The sun was just about to set, disappearing behind the mountains that encircled Desnbi. Perhaps it was time for Tiara to retire as well. She turned back to Lyda, forcing a yawn. “It’s a lovely sight.”
“Are you tired, your highness?” Lyda asked.
“Do I show it?” Tiara blinked, feigning surprise.
Lyda smiled warmly. “My husband has been keeping you up late the past few nights. Come.” She gestured toward the room’s door. “I will help you ready yourself for bed.”
Help me with what? Tiara felt like rolling her eyes, but instead nodded her head, mirroring Lyda’s smile. “Thank you.”
Tiara was led once more through Voiel’s estate to the room she had been given. At the room’s door, Lyda shooed away her son. “Go finish your milk,” Lyda told him. “I must help the princess.”
“I can manage just fine by myself,” Tiara protested. “Really. Thank you though.”
The General’s wife frowned. “Are you sure?”
Tiara laughed lightly. “I’ve done so all my life. I actually prefer it.”
“If you insist, sleep well, your highness.”
It really was going to take her some time to get used to her new title. She shut the room’s door behind her and leaned back against it, letting out a sigh as she closed her eyes. It was a slight relief to be free of Lyda. The woman was nice, but simple. Lyda’s heart was on finding new ways to spend her husband’s money. Archrin said it was the same for all Kendren officers’ wives. The money was a way for them to ignore any unseemly acts their husbands may commit. Tiara pulled a face. How could someone live like that?
“Retiring already?”
Her eyes flew open. He’d spoken in Saerdian. “Archrin?” She hissed, scanning the dim room for movement.
“Who else would wait for you in your room?” He slipped out from his place behind her curtains.
“Why were you hiding?”
He shook out his hair. Tiara noticed the spray of water his head released. “I heard Voiel’s wife was with you.”
“And she can’t see you because…” Tiara let her voice trail off as he crossed the room to her.
“Because I’m supposed to be with her husband,” he replied.
She let out a short laugh. “Why aren’t you?”
Archrin frowned. “Is this what you want, Tiara?”
“What I want?” She lowered her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
“Do you want to be the Saerdian princess?” He asked. “If not, we’ll leave. Tlaid is just one world.”
Tiara began fingering Olinia’s shimmer stone. It still hung around her neck. If she really wanted to leave, she could. Her mother had left her birthright to others, so couldn’t she do the same? Even though she despised the Kendrens, she never personally intended to kill them, nor to claim their throne. Archrin’s question was valid. Did she really want to be the Tlaidian sovereign? In truth, she didn’t. She just wanted to live peacefully in her home world. It was all she had ever wanted. Raising a family in Drivian had been the highest goal she planned. But then the Kendrens had attacked, bringing her Archrin. Just the thought of not having him in her life made her heart hurt. So, in all honesty, she didn’t regret the Kendren invasion, even though she missed her mother terribly. Tiara ran her tongue along the back of her teeth. Her life’s goal had sort of evaporated over the past few months as her life took her farther away from Drivian. But now, there was a small hope she could fulfill her dream. There were just three men standing in her way.
She went up on her toes, kissing Archrin gently. When she pulled back, Archrin stared down at her expectantly. “I love you.” It was the first time she’d ever said the words out loud.
He smiled. “I know.”
“Would you really do what I want?” She asked, not moving her gaze from his mismatched eyes.
Archrin cradled her neck with his hands. “Tiara, you are my mate. As such, I will do anything and go anywhere for you.” He smiled. “As a Craele, being in love with you means it hurts to be away from you long. I go where you go.”
“Even to the death?” She grimaced.
He chuckled softly. “You just can’t resist the idea of stabbing Pavn again can you?”
“It was his fault for not seeing the knife,” she shot back.
“But you’re right. If I have to be a princess to destroy the Kendren brothers, then I’ll be a princess.”
“And all that it entails?” Archrin grabbed her hand, pulling her toward her room’s window.
“Yes.” She nodded. “Now, where are you taking me?”
“Voiel thinks I’m still inside the castle.”
“You’re taking me with you?” She grinned. “What happened to protecting the princess?”
Archrin snorted. “That was always Voiel’s idea. I knew you wouldn’t stay here cooped up as a docile little female. Besides,” he stopped beside the window, pulling her up against him, “I told you, I can’t be away from you for long.”
“Good.” Tiara beamed. “I get to join in the danger.”
“I don’t think your life has been lacking much in that aspect. Since the moment I met you, you seem to always be in some sort of trouble.”
“I didn’t use to be this way.”
“I doubt that.”
“Ever think that you could be my bad luck?” Tiara grumbled.
He laughed. “I know I am.” Before she could reply, he turned to the window, pushing it open. Tiara could hear the rain outside. That would explain Archrin’s wet hair. “There’s a lattice to the side of your window,” he told her. “I’ll carry you down if you can’t climb on your own.”
Tiara pulled a face, fingering Olinia’s stone again. It really had become a nervous habit. She didn’t like the idea of climbing down a fifty-foot wall in the pouring rain, but she disliked Archrin carrying her down even more.
A thought struck her. “You’ve been inside the castle before, right?”
He blinked. “Several times.”
“Then, here.” She pulled off Olinia’s stone from around her neck. Just because Time wouldn’t let her use it didn’t mean that Archrin couldn’t. “Picture one of the castle’s rooms and open a portal to it.”
“Will that work?”
She shrugged. “It’s worth a try.”
“Alright.” Archrin’s brow pulled together as he tightened his grip around her waist. With his free hand, he raised the stone into the space in front of him and Tiara. Then, slowly he slid it downward.
