The Arcav Prince's Captive

by Hope Hart

  “Try. Harder.”

  “You can put a caveman in a suit,” Eve mutters, “but you can’t make him dance.”

  I send her a look. Soon she will see how much of a caveman I really am.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Eve

  I shuffle along beside Varian, letting my hips sway as I bend my back. I have a whole new appreciation for Harlow’s situation.

  “You’re doing it again,” Blake says.

  “What?”

  “You’ve turned it into a strut. It’s more of a waddle.”

  I bare my teeth at him as Nathan chuckles. Varian lets out a low growl and narrows his eyes at us.

  Korva is looming beside me, and if I wasn’t so mad at him, I’d probably admit that he looks incredible. He’s also wearing a crown, and while it’s weird seeing him dressed in formal wear, he’s sure mastered the I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and you’re just a servant look.

  We’re surrounded by guards, and I feel claustrophobic. Usually, I’d be on the outside of the group, scanning our surroundings while keeping Harlow within sight. Now, I have to trust everyone else to be on their game while pretending to be more interested in the architectural features that the Fecax dignitary points out as we arrive at their palace. It chafes.

  Now I know how Harlow must feel.

  The palace is gorgeous. It’s straight out of a fairytale, with roses winding up the walls, making the air smell sweet. After college, I took a trip to Europe, and everything I’ve seen of Fecax so far reminds me a little of Prague or Budapest. Long, cobbled streets are lined with trees and there’s not a cloud in the sky. Maybe I’ll move here once the dust has settled and people begin to pay attention to the fact that I haven’t submitted a blood test.

  I sigh as I take in the sound of children laughing in the streets, while the Fecax dignitary—crap, I’ve already forgotten his name— drones on about the paintings covering the interior of the palace.

  I’d be bored in two weeks.

  We’re silent as we walk into the main hall, where a long table has been set up. I watch, fascinated as a muscle in Varian’s jaw ticks. He told the Fecax no food, and the guy still led us into a full-blown feast.

  Well, you can lead an Arcav to food, but you can’t make them eat.

  Every move these people make is a power struggle, and the thought makes me tired. Varian takes his seat at the head of the table, I take the seat on his right, and Korva sits next to me, although he should really be next to Varian.

  I kick him under the table, and he traps my foot between his legs, reminding me of our fight on our trip to Earth. It seems so long ago.

  The Fecax keep us waiting, and Varian’s face is blank, although anyone could tell that things will not go well for the Fecax after this.

  Finally, a group of Fecax males walk in, seemingly startled by our silence.

  “Your Majesties, Your Royal Highness, forgive us for our tardiness,” one of them says. “I am Drenga. We have been speaking by ComScreen for the past few months.”

  Varian stares at the male and I almost laugh. The idiot has styled himself like a royal. All that’s missing is the crown on his head. Could he be any more transparent?

  All of the Fecax have light blue or lavender-colored hair. Their ears are slightly pointed, and while they’re not delicately built, they’re not close to the size of the Arcav. After seeing this place, I can see why the Fecax King was so determined to keep violence and fighting away from Fecax.

  After years of trading the latest technology to the Arcav in exchange for their protection, the Fecax royal family was slaughtered in their beds. Well, all of them except one. Now, we’ll see exactly how bad the infighting has gotten.

  Drenga’s smile fades and a flash of uncertainty crosses his face. I almost feel sorry for him, but this jovial idiot routine could all be for show.

  He seems to realize that keeping Varian waiting was a bad idea, and he takes his seat down the other end of the table, surrounded by his advisors, who he introduces.

  Finally, he gestures toward the food on the table. “Please, help yourself.”

  None of us move. Varian has made it very clear that while he would eat at the Fecax King’s table, he trusts no one in Fecax.

  Drenga frowns but quickly moves on. “You have a lovely mate,” he says, and I struggle to keep my mouth from dropping open. Could this guy be any more tone deaf? Of course it’s Korva who stiffens next to me, and I dig my heel into his leg warningly.

  “Explain this situation,” Varian says.

  This will be good.

  Drenga seems to realize that Varian’s not about to tolerate his shit because his frown gets deeper even as his advisors begin to whisper around them.

  “As we have mentioned, this planet will not govern itself. With the Fecax Queen presumed dead—”

  Varian lifts a hand and the room is suddenly as silent as a grave.

  “As I have mentioned, the Fecax Queen has not been missing for long enough to be presumed dead. Are you attempting to rule this planet, Drenga?”

  Varian stares him down. I wish I had some popcorn.

  “Temporarily, Your Majesty. We felt that it would be best to have someone close to the royal family available to step into the role while we searched for the Queen.”

  “That is interesting since I have seen no sign that the Fecax are actually searching for the Queen. Tell me, how close to the royal family are you?”

  A bead of sweat appears on Drenga’s brow.

  “I am the Queen’s first cousin.”

  “Ah. I find it even more interesting that the royal family were slaughtered by someone that they know and trust, and yet you were there to step into their still-warm shoes.”

  Wow.

  “What are you implying?” Drenga snaps and we all stare at him. It’s pretty obvious what Varian’s implying.

  Drenga turns to me. “And you, Your Majesty? Do you believe this?”

  I clear my throat. “I would personally like to know more about the investigation into this murder. Where are your suspects?”

  Drenga narrows his eyes at me, and both Korva and Varian growl in response.

  The Fecax pale.

  Varian sits back, looking a lot like a cat playing with a mouse and I almost grin.

  “What would you say if I told you that your Queen has been sighted?”

  Mouths drop open and Drenga turns purple.

  “I would ask you not to spread false rumors, Your Majesty.”

  Varian shrugs. “It is true. One of my men recently found her in Gule. She escaped with an Arcav ship. Unfortunately, the locator had been turned off on that ship, but the good news is that your Queen is very much alive and well. We will find her, and we will bring her back to her rightful place as ruler. And if you think to take advantage of this situation, we will make you very, very sorry.”

  Drenga’s mouth hangs open, and my hands itch to pick up one of the fruits that look a little like orange grapes and throw it into his mouth.

  The meeting wraps up quickly after that. Varian makes his distrust for Drenga and anyone who supports him known and decides to reroute an Arcav ship to Fecax in case of any ‘trouble.’ The threat is clear. Play by Varian’s rules or leave his playground.

  Drenga tries one last tactic.

  “Your Majesties, my mate had mentioned that she would love to show the Arcav Queen our gardens if you have time.” He turns to Varian with a false smile on his face. “Perhaps we could introduce you to the guards who were the last to see the royal family alive. We are currently keeping them in the prisons until we can verify that they are not traitors.”

  Varian looks at me and I smile. Refusing would imply that I’m scared of the Fecax.

  “That sounds lovely.”

  I get to my feet as Varian leans toward me and murmurs in my ear.

  “They are separating us for a reason.”

  “We’re on the same page. Let’s see what they’ve got.”

  H
e nods, smiling down at me, and I almost roll my eyes. Anyone with half a brain would see that I’m not his mate. Although, I’m guessing that there aren’t many Fecax who have seen the way Varian’s eyes are glued to Harlow’s every move when she’s around.

  Korva is tense when I smile at Drenga who gestures one of his advisors forward.

  “I will take you to the gardens, Your Majesty.”

  “Lead the way,” I tell him. Blake and Nathan automatically step beside me, and I almost roll my eyes as Korva gets to his feet. He’s the Arcav Prince. He should be staying with Varian to question the guards and get the lay of the land.

  Drenga’s mate is waiting outside the door, two ladies’ maids with her.

  “Hello, Your Majesty. My name is Mara. I am so pleased you could make it.”

  I smile at her. The Fecax women are beautiful, and she looks like she’s about to go to Coachella with her long, lavender hair in braids, a flower-crown on her head, and a floaty dress swirling around her ankles.

  “I’m pleased I could be here. Varian mentioned you wanted to show me the gardens?”

  “That’s right. We have heard how much you enjoy your gardens on Arcavia and I thought you might wish to wander through ours for a few minutes after such a long trip.”

  I keep my smile pasted on my face, but every muscle in my body tenses. She’s either unaware that she’s just told me that someone is reporting on Harlow’s movements, or it’s a cleverly disguised threat.

  “That sounds great.”

  Mara also seems unaware that the towering Arcav at my back is the Arcav Prince, and she doesn’t acknowledge him at all. I follow her lead and simply smile at her maids as we all traipse down the hall toward the gardens.

  I’ve always been impressed by the many gardens in Arcavia. But the Fecax are known across the universe for their love of nature. I’ve heard Jaret mutter that if they could, they’d all walk around barefoot and sleep outside.

  I suck in a breath as the roar of water hits my ears as we walk outside.

  “Wow.”

  A frothy cascade of water is falling into a plunge pool, surrounded by lush grasses and plants with shiny leaves. I catch a glimpse of fish scales flashing under the water, and the rich, earthy smell of moss and flowers teases my nose.

  I move closer and feel the mist of the water on my skin. If I could, I’d take off this dress and lie on one of the sunbaked rocks surrounding the waterfall.

  I turn back to Mara. “It’s beautiful.”

  The pebbles along the shoreline are bright blues and greens, glinting in the sun while birds dart overhead. Blake grins and points to a curious furry shape which darts forward, lapping at the water before disappearing into the trees.

  It’s a good thing Harlow isn’t here. She’d never leave.

  “The young princesses loved playing out here.” Mara’s mouth trembles and she turns away for a moment, collecting herself. “They’d run along the paths leading away from the palace for hours when they were small.”

  “You were close?”

  Mara gestures toward a bench and we take a seat. Sucks to be Varian. He’s stuck in some miserable prison while I get to stare at this beauty.

  Blake moves toward the entrance to the palace and Nathan positions himself in front of the path leading deeper into the garden. I almost nod in approval. Korva stays where he is, silent, yet still managing to annoy me as he hovers a few feet away.

  The maids wander around, obviously used to spending time in this garden.

  “I considered the Queen to be my sister,” Mara says. “We shared everything.”

  “She never mentioned being frightened or worried before the attack?”

  “No.” She stares into the distance, finally wiping away a tear as she turns back to me. Her grief doesn’t seem staged, but I also thought Liam was an honest guy so what do I know?

  Mara turns to me. “May I be frank, Your Majesty?”

  “Of course.”

  “I do not believe enough has been done to find Queen Leara.”

  “Neither do I. She was sighted by one of our guards in Durin.” No point keeping that information from her. I’m sure her mate will tell her as soon as we leave.

  “Durin. So she has been sold or worse.” Her voice is flat, and she stares in the distance as if unwilling to look at me.”

  “Nope.”

  She whirls. “Please, tell me what you know.”

  “Leara stole an Arcav ship. One that’s not being tracked. Tell me, where would she go?”

  A grin crosses her face. “Of course she did.” Her shoulders slump and a laugh bubbles out. “Leara was always the mischievous one. She’s the youngest, you know. And she was her papa’s favorite. Her siblings all doted on her too, even as they tried to keep her in line. She’s alive.”

  If this woman tried to hurt the Royal Family, I’ll eat my borrowed crown.

  “Any thoughts about where she might go?

  “Somewhere she could fit in. Leara always hated being in the spotlight. She was lucky that she was the youngest and wasn’t expected to attend as many dinners and balls.” A strange look appears on Mara’s face. “You know, she could—”

  I gasp as a flash of fire hits me and Mara’s face turns the color of oatmeal as we both whirl. Korva has Mara’s maid in his arms, a knife buried in her throat.

  Korva

  I shake the maid’s body and roar in fury.

  Eve’s eyes are dark with shock as she stares at me, blood running down her back. I roar again, and Blake and Nathan step forward, lifting Eve away from the bench.

  “What the hell happened?” Eve demands.

  Blake’s face is horror-stricken. “She went for you. We were too far to get to you in time. Korva got to you at the last minute. I should’ve fucking searched them.”

  For as long as I live, I will never forget the sight of this treacherous female lunging toward my Eve with a knife in her hand.

  My hands clench on her body, and I grab the dead female’s hair, ready to rip off her head. I will carry it with me always to strike fear in the hearts of anyone who would think to touch my Eve ever again.

  “Korva,” Eve’s voice is quiet and panicked. “I need you to put her down.”

  Blood is dripping down Eve’s back and my hands shake as I drop the female and lunge toward her.

  “Korva?” The Fecax woman’s voice is confused. “Isn’t that the name of the prince?”

  Nathan turns to her, fury clear on his face. “I suggest you get a healer.”

  The female nods, shaking, and runs toward the palace with her maid by her side.

  “Lay her on her side,” Blake suggests, and I position Eve on the ground, ignoring her hands as they weakly push at me.

  “I’m fine,” she says. “It must be shallow or I’d be feeling it more.”

  “Either that or you’re in shock,” Nathan says, voice hard.

  I run a shaking hand down her face and her eyes meet mine.

  “Korva—”

  “Shh. It will all be okay. I promise.”

  Eve sighs but allows Blake to rip the back of her dress, revealing the knife wound. I was not quick enough to knock the knife completely out of the maid’s hand, so there is a long cut along Eve’s upper back.

  “It’s not too bad,” Blake says, relief evident in his tone as his eyes meet mine. “Did you hear that, man? She’s not going to die, okay?”

  “I want to take her straight to the ship. Can she wait that long to see a healer?”

  “I’m not a doctor, but I’m pretty sure this would need stitches on Earth. She’s definitely not in any danger of bleeding out or anything. The bitch didn’t get any organs or arteries or anything.”

  “Okay,” Eve blows out a breath. “Let’s get back to the ship where we can see Brin. Strangely, I no longer trust the healers on this planet.”

  “Same page,” Nathan says. “Eve, I’m sorry. We dropped the ball.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I should never have sat down
with my back toward the maids. I let this place lull me into complacency.”

  I’m still shaking as I pick Eve up and draw her to her feet. I move to haul her into my arms and she tenses against me.

  “Korva, you can’t touch me. Mara’s already going to wonder why the hell the Arcav Prince was with me instead of Varian. Right now, we can explain it as you being concerned for your future niece or nephew. But you need to back up.”

  I shake my head. “No.”

  “Korva.”

  I blow out a breath. If I cannot control myself, the Fecax will discover that Harlow is not here. Varian will look weak. As much as I hate him, I am well aware that we cannot afford for that to happen. If the King looks weak, the Arcav look weak. If the Arcav look weak, Eve’s life could one day be at risk.

  I slowly move away from Eve as Varian appears, Drenga at his side. Drenga has pasted a look of shock on his face, and I do not believe it. I snarl at him as he moves closer and Varian gives me a look.

  Varian moves to Eve’s side, taking her hand, and strangely, I do not want to rip off his arms for daring to touch her. I may not trust Varian with my life, but I do believe he would protect Eve with his life, if only for his own female’s happiness.

  Mara appears again, pale and shaking. I stare at Eve’s blood, and idly wonder of the repercussions if I simply killed every Fecax in this palace.

  Varian seems to read my mind, his eyes narrowing as he stares me down.

  “I’m okay,” Eve assures him, but her eyes are also on mine.

  “A healer has been called,” Drenga assures us, and Varian laughs darkly.

  “Do you believe I will trust my pregnant mate with any of you now?”

  Drenga’s face whitens as if he finally understands the implications of what has happened.

  “I assure you—”

  “No.”

  Varian picks Eve up in his arms, and I slowly count to ten, even as he raises an eyebrow at me, likely ensuring that I am not about to risk everything we have done here.

  I nod at him, and we walk as a group through the palace. Each of us is on high alert, and the Fecax are somber as we leave, likely fearing the outcome of this event.