The Siege

by Leigh Walker

He grunted. “Do you really think my father would deign to put his immaculate beard through the mud? Of course not! We use this as a fighting technique. We have to dig the tunnels ahead of time. We have a whole system set up in the forest. My guards know what to look for—if they ever need to make a hasty retreat, the tunnels are a neat trick. The capital only has a few of them, because the vampires there are too busy being uppity, overprivileged gits.”

  I still didn’t understand. “How do you breathe when you’re in there?”

  “Ah, I don’t know. I actually don’t know if I breathe at all.”

  I pointed to his chest, which was rising and falling. “You are breathing, my lord. I have smelled your breath. It’s fantastic, always fantastic.”

  He looked down. “I can stop doing that, though.” The rising and falling stopped.

  “Don’t do that! You’ll die!”

  Austin laughed again. “I’m immortal, remember?”

  “Yes, yes, of course. You and your perfect-smelling breath and your large sculpted chest that doesn’t need to rise and fall. I’m up to speed on all of it except this.” I pointed at the tunnel. “I’d like to see you do it. I want to see what happens.”

  He sighed. “We’re supposed to be preparing for battle, remember?”

  “You’re the one who told me I might have to govern in your stead. I should at least know what your kind is capable of! That way, I can order the men to burrow if they must.”

  “You’re ridiculous.” He frowned at the hole. “This is rather unpleasant, but for you… I would, of course, do anything.”

  With that, he bent down and put his hands into the entrance as if to widen it. Then he held his arms above his head as if he were about to dive into water. He dove into the hole instead. It happened so quickly that all I saw were his shiny black boots being sucked into the dark soil.

  “What on earth?” I looked around, but he was gone.

  A moment later, I heard spluttering from three hundred feet away. “Ugh, I’d forgotten how disgusting that was!”

  I raced to him. He was lying on his stomach near the base of another tree, a pile of dirt behind him. The prince pulled himself up, grimacing as he wiped dark soil from his face. “I should make all my men do this as part of training—you’ve got to remember to close your mouth.”

  “Ew.” I reached out and pulled him up then inspected at him. He had mud in the creases of his skin and in the corners of his eyes. “Can you see in the mud?”

  He looked at me as if I might be crazy. “There’s not much to see, is there? That’s why you have to dig the tunnel first. Otherwise, you’d just be down there, bumping into tree roots.”

  “Fascinating.”

  Austin laughed as he shook the dirt out of his tunic. “You’ve got an odd idea of what’s fascinating, my lady. Now, let’s get moving—enough vampire tricks for one morning. We’ve got a perimeter to scout.”

  He held out his hand, and I clasped it. “Ooh, are there more?”

  “I’m going to hypnotize you into being normal.” Austin chortled. “What a trick that would be!”

  Chapter 11

  A Soft Launch

  “Here we are.” Austin brought me up beside him.

  “Where is that exactly?” Going through the forest with Austin had been educational, but I didn’t see anything but trees and bushes.

  “We’re at the wolves’ camp.” He went quiet then said, “I know you’re in there, Rhys. I can smell you from a mile away. And I mean that literally, you filthy beast.”

  A low growl issued from behind dense foliage. A large wet black nose poked its way out of the bush. The nostrils flared as Rhys burst out, his black-and-gray mane bristling. Even though he was in wolf form, his surprise was obvious. Rhys hadn’t expected to see me here. He looked from Austin to me then back again.

  Austin held his stare. “Yes, that’s right. I brought Lady Kensington into the woods.” Rhys snorted, and the prince held up my hand. “Yes, I am holding her hand. I have a tendency to do that.”

  I glanced at him. “You can understand what he’s saying when he snorts?”

  Rhys snorted again, sounding a bit put out, and I quickly corrected myself. “I mean, when he makes a noise like that.”

  “I can understand him in wolf form, yes.” He turned his attention back to Rhys. “Have you seen anything since you’ve been out here?”

  The wolf shook his head.

  “Oh, I get it!” I said. “It’s sort of like talking to Beast—I always know when he wants a treat.”

  Rhys snarled.

  “That’s enough, that’s enough.” Austin waved his hand, dismissing the conversation. “Have you spoken with the other sentinels? I sent them this way first thing this morning.”

  Rhys nodded.

  “And did they set off toward the encampment?”

  The wolf nodded again.

  “Have you been up there?”

  Another nod.

  “And were there as many of them as I said? Did they look ready to attack?”

  Rhys bared his teeth in response. I took that to mean yes and that he was ready for them.

  “Good work. Meet me back at the castle once the sun sets. Does your pack need anything?”

  The wolf shook his head no, but he whined as he looked between us again. He tilted his chin questioningly at Austin.

  “Ah, yes. Lady Kensington. I’ve designated her to rule in my stead should anything happen to me.”

  Both Rhys and I stared at the prince. This is official?

  “I brought her out here today to show her more of the grounds as well as our tunnels and encampments. I figure she ought to have an idea about the lay of the land.”

  “Not that you’re going to be dying anytime soon, my lord,” I reminded him. “You’re immortal, remember?”

  “Yes, of course.” He bowed to the werewolf. “Keep up the good work. We’ll talk more tonight.”

  With that, we headed in the opposite direction. I waited until Rhys was out of sight before I spoke. “My lord. Are you serious about me governing in your absence?”

  He stopped and turned to me. “I’m absolutely serious. When I left you and Eve in charge while I was in the settlements, it was a test run. There is no one I trust more.”

  “But you yelled at me when you got back, remember? About the prisoner?”

  “Of course I remember. We discussed the matter of your security, and we’ve discussed it since. I now believe we are on the same page—the ‘neither taking too many risks nor treating you like a teacup’ page.” He gazed into my eyes. “Are you trying to talk me out of this?”

  “No, of course not,” I said. But am I? This is all happening so fast! “It’s just that… I have no legal claim to your throne. I’m not from here, and I’m human. There are all sorts of reasons your people would not accept me as their leader. Not the least of which is that I’ve never led anyone anywhere except to the kitchen for a snack.”

  Austin clasped my hands in his. “You have a clear eye, intuitive fairness and, as I said, a mostly level head. That is what I’ve always aimed to have as a leader. There is no one I trust more.”

  “My lord… Th-thank you.” I was touched.

  “As for a legal claim, there are of course things we can do about that.”

  My heart hammered in my chest. “What sort of things?”

  He led me by the hand through the forest. “We’ll talk of it later.”

  I nodded, unable to speak.

  We walked for several more hours, to the edge of the forest and back. I glimpsed the abandoned village on the other side, but the prince didn’t linger. The rebel camp wasn’t far. After he’d shown me the approximate location, he brought me back to safety.

  Once we returned to the castle, Austin bade me farewell. “I’ve got to meet with my sentinels to hear their news. Tell the others to meet in the dining room in an hour. We will dine and drink tonight in good humor before we leave for battle in the morning.”

  I nod
ded. “Thank you for everything today. For showing me the forest, for letting me see Rhys, for including me. For everything.” I kissed him gently.

  He squeezed my hands. “It was my pleasure. Sharing this with you today has actually left me relieved. I know that you are capable of helping. It’s a great comfort knowing that I have you on my team.”

  “Austin.” My eyes pricked with tears. “Stop.”

  He winked at me. “Never.” With another brief kiss, he was gone.

  I staggered into the castle, feeling overwhelmed and tingly.

  Eve was inside, talking to a sentinel. She took one look at me and dismissed him. “What’s the matter with you?”

  “I’m in love.” I slapped my hand over my mouth.

  She laughed. “You can’t tell me you’re just figuring that out.”

  I dropped my hand and laughed, but I felt shaky. “I’ve known for a while. But I’m afraid it’s official.”

  “That’s a funny thing to say. What’re you afraid of?”

  “Nothing.” Everything. I looked around, keeping my voice low. “That he’s going to war tomorrow and keeps talking about me governing in his stead.”

  Eve motioned for me to follow her. “Come with me.” She led me into a small salon and closed the door. “He discussed this with me, you know.”

  “He did?”

  She nodded. “He said if anything were to happen, you are to lead in his place. And he made me take a vow.”

  “What sort of vow?”

  “To protect you with my life.”

  “What did you say?” I asked.

  “I said yes, of course! But I don’t expect that anything will happen to His Highness.”

  I sank down in to a nearby chair. “Then why is he saying these things? He’s making quite a production out of it.”

  Eve paced near the bookshelf. “Ah, that’s where I think this gets interesting. I think the prince is soft launching the idea of marrying a human to his people.”

  I blinked at her. “I’m sorry?”

  Eve stopped pacing and put her hands on her hips. “Blake, don’t start getting daft on me now. He plans to marry you, and he needs his people to adjust to the idea. You are a human, after all. Up North, these types of relationships are new. No one’s done such a thing before.”

  I opened my mouth then closed it.

  “Gnome got your tongue?” She arched an eyebrow.

  “No, it’s just… This is all a bit sudden.” I shook my head. “Did he tell you he planned to propose?”

  “No, but Tamara called it just as soon as she got here. And I hate to admit it, but she’s usually right about these things.”

  “I don’t know what to say. She could be wrong. There’s a first time for everything.”

  Eve frowned. “The gnome is direct evidence, as is the way he can’t keep his eyes off you. The prince loves you. Everyone knows it. Now he’s just got to get his people to accept the idea.”

  “Is it such a radical one?” I rubbed my forehead. I hadn’t thought of my relationship in that context before—a political one. I figured politics was the province of Dallas and Gwyneth. But Eve was right. Of course, the Northerners would have an opinion about their leader’s relationship. I might think it no one’s business but our own, but Austin’s people were his family, whom he’d vowed to protect and serve.

  How have I failed to worry about this before? I must’ve been too busy getting kidnapped by werewolves and errant vampires. Ooh, and falling in love. That’d do it.

  My friend peered at me. “You look quite confused.”

  “I would describe it more as overwhelmed.”

  “Well, I suppose it comes down to one question—which, as of this evening, you’ve already answered.”

  I furrowed my brow. “What question?”

  “Do you love him? The answer is yes.” Eve shrugged. “So I suggest you start preparing yourself for your role as princess of the North. Show the people who you truly are, and they will love you as much as His Highness and your friends do.”

  “Aw, Eve. Thank you.”

  She smiled. “It’s my pleasure. And I fully expect to be a general, or something equally fantastic, under your benevolent rule.”

  I laughed. “You’ve got it.”

  But as I climbed the stairs to my chambers, I wondered whether I was actually prepared to rise to the occasion.

  Chapter 12

  Bounce Back

  “Whatever is the matter?” my maid Giuliana asked. She and Isabella peered at me.

  “Are you worried about the rebels?” Isabella asked. “I can assure you, His Highness is equipped to deal with the likes of them. No offense, of course.”

  I held up my hand. “Just because I’m a human doesn’t mean I’m a rebel.”

  “Of course, miss.” She curtsied. “It’s just that I mean no one ill will, and I do not wish to offend you.”

  “You don’t offend me. I don’t wish anyone ill will either—human or vampire. Not the wolves, not the gnomes… But I will not stand by and watch the rebels attack the North when we’ve done nothing to provoke it. Wrong is wrong, I say. We’ve got to stop warring with each other if we are ever to have a chance at a real future.”

  Isabella bowed. “I agree, my lady.”

  “Now we just need the rebels to see things the same way.” Frustrated, I shook my head.

  Giuliana tsked. “Please stop fidgeting! I’m trying to finish smoothing your hair.”

  “Sorry.” My body stopped moving, but my thoughts whipped around. I wished there was a way to get the rebels to understand. The royals were not what we’d thought they were. Yes, they had taken over the settlements against our collective will. Yes, it had been scary, and the adjustment had been difficult. But the royals wanted peace and prosperity for the settlements. We could all live in peace—I knew we could. A brighter future awaited us if only each side could see past their prejudices.

  The sisters frowned as they fussed over me. “You look as though you have a lot on your mind.” Giuliana watched me carefully. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I wouldn’t even know what to say.”

  I didn’t know where to start. The love of my life was about to go to war in the morning against the human rebels, and I’d seen him burrow through a dirt tunnel in record time that day—I could start with that… or with the fact that he didn’t breathe. I could tell her that one of my dearest friends was sequestered in private chambers because she wanted to sink her fangs into my neck and suck me dry. Then, of course, there where the werewolves… And the fact that Eve kept telling me Austin wanted to make me a princess.

  “Are you quite all right, miss? You’re quite flushed.” Giuliana fanned me with her large brush.

  “Yes, of course.” I wrenched the collar of the gown away from my neck so that I might breathe better. “But are we almost done? I think I need to go for a walk to clear my head.”

  “Of course, miss.” They backed away immediately. I must have looked a fright.

  I patted my thigh, and Beast rolled after me. We headed down the hall. I knew I couldn’t go outside, but there was at least one place in the castle where there was room to roam. I headed past the sentinels who guarded the entrance and slipped down the stairs to the indoor basketball court. Beast whizzed past me, delighted to zip around the smooth waxed floors.

  I kicked off my heels, grabbed a ball, and started dribbling. The only two things that ever made me feel better when I was confused were food and exercise. Ice cream, pasta, or even an old-fashioned peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich often worked to restore me to my normal good humor. A brisk walk or a game of P-I-G always managed to clear my mind. Said mind was still spinning with thoughts of the rebels, the impending attack, and concerns about the prince. But I knew that after basketball and a feast, I’d be able to pronounce myself “cured” of my malaise.

  I dribbled the ball and easily made a shot. “That’s right. You get it, girl.” I felt better already.

 
Beast paused from his sprints, his tongue lolling out as he looked at me expectantly.

  “I’m just talking out loud. Don’t mind me.” I sank another shot. “And boom, don’t mind that I still got it.”

  I kept dribbling and shooting. Beast kept whizzing about. I stopped thinking and started to just enjoy the feel of the ball in my hand, the satisfying way it thumped against the court and bounced back up. I made another shot, then another. I kept going until I heard the beat of boots marching over the waxed wood.

  Austin stood at the side of the court, his arms crossed against his massive chest, biceps popping underneath his black leather tunic. He grinned. “I knew I’d find you down here.”

  “Oh dear—did I miss dinner?” I immediately dropped the basketball.

  He chuckled. “Not yet. They just started passing hors d’oeuvres and champagne. I figured you wouldn’t want to be too late.”

  I called for Beast and took Austin’s hand. “Of course I don’t!”

  But he didn’t budge from the court. “What’s bothering you?”

  “Nothing.” I blew the stray hair out of my face. Good thing Giuliana wasn’t down here—she’d have had a fit that my blowout had gotten large and wild with humidity.

  “Blake.” He squeezed my hand. “Do not try to hide from me. I know you’re down here because you’ve got something on your mind.”

  Busted. “I’m not very good at being subtle or hiding my feelings, I suppose.”

  He chuckled. “Not at all. I also know that you shoot hoops when you’re upset.”

  “Well, aren’t you the authority.” I straightened myself to my full formidable height. “If I’m so easy to read, what am I feeling right now?”

  “Quite tall and rather full of yourself as a basketball player.” He pulled me closer. “Ah, and besotted with a ridiculously handsome, muscular, brilliant, talented prince.”

  I snorted. “I’m the one who’s full of myself?”

  “Ha ha. But tell me, my darling…what is it? Have I put too much pressure on you?” The joking tone was gone from his voice. He tilted his chin as he studied my face, waiting for an answer.