Red Rose Rising

by A J Manney

  They needed to move fast. If more guards got in here, they would all be in trouble. Zalia fingered her bow and pulled it up flush against Valen’s leg. She needed to figure out how to reach behind her to get an arrow. She was trying to figure it out when she felt an arrow placed in her hand. Valen! Zalia started sweating, and her heart was hammering profusely. She was waiting for the perfect opportunity. Her opportunity came a moment later when he leaned his arms against the wall surrounding the platform. She knew this was it. She turned off her thoughts and relied solely on her hours of training. She grabbed her bow, nocked the arrow, stood fluidly, and released it. As soon as she released it, she dropped and rolled. She had no idea if she hit her mark or not. Chaos ensued as Adaire and Beckam took on the soldiers near them, and Kell, Reid, and Ulric took on the guards further away. Zalia stayed on the ground on one knee. She released three more arrows, each one finding their mark. Then she looked towards the platform where King Mylan had stood. She needed to make sure he was dead. Seeing as everybody else was busy, she knew it needed to be her. She slipped away from Valen and into the shadows. She quickly made her way to the stairs of the platform. She drew out an arrow and readied it. With a deep breath, she began to climb.

  She reached the top and suddenly she was grabbed from behind. Zalia’s scream was cut off when a hand slapped across her mouth. She fought to free herself, but the hold on her was too tight. “Not so fearless now, are you?” King Mylan whispered in her ear. “You have taken everything from me! Now I’m going to make you pay.”

  Zalia stilled her movements when she felt the blade of the knife he held against her throat. She resisted the urge to panic. She silently thanked Beckam in her mind for the countless hours of defensive training he had given her. In a move Beckam made her practice hundreds of times, Zalia raised her right hand in a form of surrender and then used her left arm to push the arm holding the knife up and away from her. She dropped and rolled and did a sweeping kick to take his feet out from under him. He grabbed her ankle before she could get away from him. Before she could react, he sliced the back of her ankle.

  Zalia cried out in pain and fell to the floor. He was on her a moment later. She dodged a blow from his knife in her shoulder. She fought against him. She put everything in her punch to his nose and was rewarded with a horrible crunching sound. She pushed him off of her and got up to run away, but her foot gave out on her and she crashed to the ground. He was on her a second later and this time, she didn’t move fast enough to avoid him. A stabbing pain shot through her chest, precariously close to her heart. Zalia cried out in pain. “First, I will kill you. Then I will finish off that worthless son of mine,” Mylan said with hatred blazing in his eyes.

  Zalia felt time slow down as her body stopped responding to her commands. She watched as he raised his knife again. She fought against him. He stabbed her this time in the other arm. Zalia’s body screamed out in pain. She knew she needed to keep fighting him, but it was as if her body was just giving up. Fire erupted in her leg as he stabbed her there next. Zalia could barely hang on to her consciousness.

  “Say hello to your mom and dad and brother for me, Zalia,” Mylan said with evil hatred in his eyes. Zalia watched as if in slow motion as he raised his hand above her heart. She braced herself. Thinking of Valen one last time, she closed her eyes and waited for the killing blow to come.

  She heard a bellow of rage, then the weight lifted off her. She watched as Valen plunged his sword into his father’s heart with a cry of rage. Zalia lifted her eyes to Valen’s as he dropped to her side. “It’s finally over,” she whispered to him. “I love you,” she whispered.

  “Don’t you dare leave me,” Valen’s gruff voice commanded her. Zalia tried to respond, but her body failed her. She sank into oblivion.

  When she came to, it was quiet. Zalia slowly sat up and looked around her. They were still in the underground area. I must not have been out for very long, she thought to herself. She slowly stood up and looked around, looking for Valen. She spotted him the same time he saw her.

  Their eyes locked. Zalia moved towards him as he weakly stood up. Reid put his arm around him to hold him up, but Valen shook him off. He hadn’t looked away from Zalia yet. Zalia walked over to him and gently put her arms around him. His strong arms shook as he held her. Zalia felt her tears fall as she hugged him. He tightened his arms around her. Zalia knew that she had never felt anything better in her entire life.

  “Is it over?” she asked him.

  He pulled her tighter to him. “It’s over,” he said in a low voice.

  Zalia pulled away slightly and looked at him. “Valen, I need you to lie down, so I can heal you.” He shook his head angrily. Zalia frowned at him. “Listen, you healed me. Now it’s my turn to heal you.”

  He stared down in her in anger. “You’re not healing me,” he ground out in anger.

  “Yes, I am!” she said just as stubbornly. She softened her voice. “Valen, I need you at full capacity. We have no idea what is ahead of us. I need you. Please let me heal you. If I need a break, I’ll take one,” she pleaded with him. He stared down at her before finally nodding. She carefully helped him to the ground. Then she gently helped take his shirt off. She found the worst of his wounds and began there. Tears welled up in her eyes as she surveyed his body. She swallowed and pushed them away. Now was not the time.

  Zalia was not sure how much time passed while she healed Valen.. The more Zalia healed Valen, the more color returned to his face; but his eyes stayed the same. His eyes followed her every move, never leaving her face. Zalia lovingly healed broken bones, bruises, and cuts all over his body. It was a lengthy healing. She was beginning to tire, but she pushed on relentlessly. Several times, Valen tried to stop her but she just glared at him. The next time Valen tried to push her away, Beckam stepped in. “We need you completely healed so we can finish this battle and put your kingdom back together. All right?” Valen just glared at him, but he must have gotten the message because he didn’t push Zalia away anymore.

  Zalia could feel herself on the brink of giving out. She was so close to being finished. She wanted to hang on just a little longer, but her body couldn’t. Her body couldn’t give any more. She slipped into oblivion, knowing Valen would be there to catch her... always.

  Chapter 31

  Zalia opened her eyes slowly. She felt slow coming completely awake. When she finally did, she looked around quickly as her surroundings came into view. She was in a room she’d never been in before. She sat up quickly as her breathing started coming swiftly. In almost a full-fledged panic now, she moved towards the door. She opened it and two guards turned to look at her in surprise. “Silas,” she said, breathing a sigh of relief. “Where am I? What’s happening? How long have I been out? And where’s Valen?” she rushed through her questions quickly, still feeling panicky.

  Silas laughed and held up a hand. “One question at a time, Princess. The battle is over. King Mylan’s soldiers have surrendered, and King Mylan is dead. Prince Valen has taken over control of the kingdom. He left you here in his room because you passed out.” Silas looked at her questioningly at that. “He left us here to guard and protect you and left orders to send word as soon as you were awake. As for how long you were out, it’s been two days.” He looked at the soldier next to him. “Find Prince Valen and tell him the Princess is awake,” he ordered. The soldier nodded and left.

  Zalia breathed out a deep breath. “Two days?” she asked and groaned. “But it’s over?” she asked. She couldn’t believe it was finally over.

  “It’s over, Princess.” He looked at her silently for a few moments. “I can’t believe you’re alive, Princess,” he said emotionally. “How are you doing?”

  Zalia looked at him. There was so much in that question. “I’m really doing okay, Silas. It was difficult, and I have nightmares often. I miss my family so much, but I’m moving forward. I put my emotions into training hard. Valen takes good care of me,” she said with a smile.

>   “Do you love him, Princess?” he asked solemnly.

  Zalia looked up at the man who had guarded her for so many years, becoming more like a grandfather to her than a guard. “I do,” she said confidently.

  He nodded. “I’m glad. I have worried about you over the years. And how is your health?” he asked.

  Zalia smiled broadly. “Well, apparently I’m a magical healer. My powers manifested once I turned eighteen. They started to become too strong, until I bonded with Valen. After bonding, my power has been much more stable. Well, until the bond broke…” her voice trailed off. “We’re working on that,” she finished simply. Zalia cocked her head. “You don’t seem surprised,” she said.

  Silas was quiet for a moment. “I’ve always known there was something special and unique about you, Princess. I just didn’t know what it was. It doesn’t surprise me in the least,” he said.

  Zalia didn’t get a chance to respond. Valen came striding down the hall, his dark eyes locked on hers. Zalia took a deep breath. Gone was the weak, hurt Prince. In his place was the dark, powerful Prince. Silas backed away slowly as Valen walked right up to Zalia. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the bedroom and shut the door. Once the door was closed, he turned towards her. Zalia felt her heartbeat pick up as he stared down at her. He gently framed her face with his hands.

  “Are you okay?” he asked in a low voice. Zalia couldn’t find her voice, so she just nodded. “You’re not still hurt anywhere? You just passed out because of the healing?” he asked intensely.

  Valia put her hands over his. “I’m okay, Valen.”

  He stared at her. “I can’t believe you’re alive,” he whispered painfully.

  She closed her eyes as he slowly lowered his head to hers and captured her lips in a kiss. The kiss turned passionate quickly. He kissed her with the hunger and desperation of a man who had thought he had lost her. When he finally pulled up, they were both gasping for air. Valen crushed her to him. Zalia wrapped her arms around his waist and just clung to him as her tears began to fall. Tears for him for all he had been through. Tears for the boy who had to live with a wicked father. Tears for the family she had lost. She couldn’t hold back the torrent of grief that swept through her. Soon she was sobbing into his shirt. He gently unhooked her arms from around his waist and swept her into his arms. Carrying her to his bed, he sat down with her in his lap and held her. He didn’t say anything. He just stroked her back. When Zalia felt like she couldn’t cry anymore, she finally stopped. She sat there and tried to get control back. When she finally felt more in control, she pulled back and looked up into his eyes. “Are you okay, Valen?” she asked softly.

  “You’re alive and in my arms. Nothing else matters,” was all he said. Zalia let it go for now. Eventually, they would need to talk. Valen would need to talk, so he could heal. But for now, it was enough.

  “What happens next?” she asked him.

  He sighed. “I need to get this kingdom back in order and establish my rule. We need to do the same with your kingdom. We need to figure all that out. But first,” he looked down at her with a dark look. “First, we need to head back to your grandfather’s kingdom and get married.”

  Zalia stared at him in shock. “That is so not what I thought you were going to say,” she said.

  Valen stared down at her. “I will never allow the bond to be broken again. The man I became when I thought you were gone...” he shuddered. “I can’t live like that ever again. We need to fully complete the bond. A completed bond can never be broken; a blood bond can be.”

  Zalia looked up at him. “A full bond takes place when we...” she didn’t finish, and she felt her face turn red.

  “When we consummate our marriage,” he said, matter of fact. Zalia swallowed. Then she looked up at him and gave herself a mental pep talk. This is Valen. I love him. He will always take care of me. There’s nothing to fear.

  “All right,” she said. “When do we leave?” she asked.

  “You’re not going to argue with me on this?” he asked, surprised.

  “I can be reasonable sometimes,” she said defensively. He just looked at her skeptically.

  “I need to spend the rest of today getting my men set in place. We leave first thing tomorrow morning,” he said.

  Just then a knock sounded on the door. Valen stood up and placed Zalia gently on her feet. He walked to the door and opened it. Beckam strode into the room and hugged Zalia. “How are you doing, cousin?” he asked with concern.

  Zalia smiled at him. “I’m good. Is it really all over?” she asked him.

  Beckam blew out a breath. “It is. It’s finally over. Life can get back to normal now. Though I guess with you, life will never be normal,” he said with a grin.

  “Hey!” Zalia said as she smacked him. Zalia looked up to see Adaire come walking into the room. “Adaire!” she said. She walked over and gave him a big hug. She heard a low rumbling from Valen, which she ignored. She stepped back from Adaire and looked him in the eye. “Thank you so much for everything. Thank you for the hours of training me and for bringing your army. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “It was my honor, Princess,” he said. He smiled mischievously at her and said to Valen, “Hey if you decide not to keep this one, let me know.” He winked at Zalia.

  Zalia watched Valen move in on Adaire faster than her eyes could track. He punched him square on the nose. Zalia heard a horrible cracking sound. “Valen!” she shouted and ran towards Valen. She put her hands on his arms, afraid he’d do something more. Valen looked over her head at Adaire. “That’s for the comment and for making my girl cry in the bathtub,” he said in a low tone.

  “Oh. My. Word.” Zalia ground out. She was mortified and could feel her face blush a deep red. Zalia dropped her hold on Valen and moved towards Adaire to help him and was shocked to see him laughing. “Are you all right?” she asked in concern.

  “I’m good. I think my nose is broken, but I deserved it,” he said. Zalia couldn’t believe he was laughing. Beckam handed him a towel to wipe the blood up. Zalia turned to Valen. “Now I have to heal him,” she reprimanded him. Before Valen could tell her no, she reached up with both hands and quickly healed his nose. She cringed when she heard it pop. She felt Valen right behind her, but he didn’t try to stop her.

  Once Adaire was all cleaned up, he said, “All right. It’s time for me to leave. I need to get my army home. It’s been a pleasure fighting with you all. Let’s do it again sometime soon. Zalia, you ever need me, you send for me.” Valen made a sound in the back of his throat, and Zalia looked at him sharply.

  “Adaire, stop baiting him!” she said sternly.

  Adaire grinned, “I can’t help it. It’s too easy,” he said. “Seriously, though, if any of you need me, I’ll be there. My kingdom will stand with any of yours.”

  Beckam walked over and clapped him on the back. “Same here, Adaire.”

  Zalia looked pointedly at Valen. Valen just crossed his arms and glared at Adaire. Adaire laughed once more, then left. Zalia smacked Valen on the arm. “Good work on diplomacy,” she muttered to him.

  “I don’t like him,” he rumbled deep in his chest. Zalia stepped into his arms and he wrapped his arms around her.

  Beckam looked at the two of them and smiled. “Valen, I need to head back. What’s your plan here?”

  Without letting go of Zalia, Valen spoke to Beckam. “I need to finish getting my men in place today. Zalia and I will head to your kingdom first thing tomorrow.”

  Beckam looked surprised. “I figured you would stay here.”

  “Zalia and I need to get married as soon as possible and complete the bond. I figured she would want to do that in her grandfather’s kingdom, so he can officiate. Then we will figure out what to do with our kingdoms,” Valen said.

  Beckam looked at Zalia. “You okay with this plan?” he questioned.

  Zalia smiled at him. “Yes,” she said.

  Beckam nodded. “All right. Then
you can both head back with us. It will be safer that way. We will leave at first light,” he said. Valen nodded and Beckam left the room.

  Zalia felt so good being in Valen’s arms, she didn’t want him to ever let go. “You probably need to get going,” she said unhappily as she looked up at him.

  He wrapped his finger around one of her curls. “I do. I have a lot to set in order today. Will you come with me?” he asked.

  “Of course!” Zalia agreed quickly.

  Valen sighed. “Okay, let’s get going.”

  Zalia was practically joined at the hip with Valen the rest of the day. Late into the evening, Valen was still working and Zalia felt herself growing really tired. Valen finally led her up to his room. “You can sleep in here tonight. I’ll take the floor; you can have the bed. I’ve got a few more loose ends to tie up. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I’ll have two guards posted outside your door. Get some sleep.” He bent down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. With that, he was gone.

  Zalia wasn’t sure where her bag had gone in the midst of everything, and she was too tired to spare the energy to find out. Rummaging through Valen’s drawer, she found a black t-shirt to throw on. It hung down mid-thigh on her. Zalia crawled into Valen’s massive bed and fell quickly asleep.

  Zalia awoke to somebody shaking her gently. “Zalia,” a low voice rumbled near her ear. She opened her eyes and saw Valen looming over her. “It’s time to get up and get ready to leave,” he said quietly. Zalia nodded sleepily. She closed her eyes one more time, for just a moment.

  Valen chuckled and pulled her hand, pulling her into a sitting position. “Come on sleepyhead. We have a huge day ahead of us,” he said. Zalia scowled at him.

  “Fine,” she muttered. She rolled out of bed and stood up, yawning and stretching. When she opened her eyes to look at Valen, he was staring at her with dark eyes. Zalia glanced down. She forgot she was only wearing his shirt. She shrugged her shoulders. “I needed a shirt to wear,” she said. She took a step towards the bathroom but didn’t get very far. Valen grabbed her and pulled her against his hard body.