by Frost Kay
“Have I ever hurt you?” he countered.
She glanced up to her bloody wrists and back to him, saying nothing.
“You did that to yourself. Think about it, Sage. Have I ever really hurt you? Have I left scars on your body, or ever taken a hand to you?”
“No,” she drew out. “But you’ve wounded me just the same.”
He cocked his head as he regarded her. “You are the crown jewel of my accomplishments. I have a feeling we will change everything.”
“Change everything how?” Unease rolled in her gut.
“By ripping apart the world, piece by piece. Then, once we’re done, we’ll reshape it into something better.”
Tehl
Sweat dripped down Tehl’s forehead and into his eyes. He swiped a quick hand across his brow, his eyes never leaving his opponent. It took only one moment of distraction to lose your life.
His arms screamed in protest as he met his attacker head-to-head, their swords flashing in the morning light as they crashed into each other. Tehl clenched his jaw and pushed against their crossed swords, hoping to upset the other’s balance.
“You’ll have to do better than that,” his brother heckled.
Tehl spun out from their lock and retreated, his teeth bared in a ferocious smile. He kept his steps light as he maneuvered around Sam and met each thrust and cut of his sword. Every move was calculated on his part for, slowly but surely, he was wearing his opponent out.
“You have enough yet?” Tehl taunted him.
Blue eyes, so like his own, narrowed on him. “Big words for the man who passed out after yesterday’s bout.”
He glared at his brother, but didn’t take the bait. He knew better than to let anger take reign over his actions. Giving into anger made you sloppy; it made you lose. Instead, he coolly assessed his brother’s form as they sparred. The spymaster had been favoring his right side for the last five minutes.
Having ascertained what he needed to, Tehl lunged. As he moved in a sequence of attacks, Sam dropped to the ground and slid under Tehl’s arm, only to pop up behind him and place his sword on the back of Tehl’s neck.
“You lose.”
“Swamp apples,” he muttered. The crown prince’s chest sawed in and out as he fought to catch his breath. He slid his sword into his scabbard and yanked his sweat-soaked shirt over his head. A whistle had him turning his neck and arching a brow at his brother. “What?”
“By the time Sage gets home, she won’t even recognize you with all those muscles and bruises.”
Tehl scowled and shrugged on the clean shirt an Elite had handed him. He didn’t bother with the buttons and crossed his arms over his chest, self-consciousness striking him.
His brother barked out a laugh. “Only you would be embarrassed by that comment.” Sam took on a thoughtful expression. “Maybe I should have my wife kidnapped…then I could be motivated enough to look like you.”
His levity disappeared. It was like his brother had thrown cold water on him; as if he needed a reminder of his worries. “And you say I never watch my mouth.”
Sam’s smile faded. “What would you have me do? If you can’t laugh about it, why live?”
“Well, it’s not funny,” he growled back.
“You’re right, it’s not, but it’s how I handle things. You know that.”
Tehl shook his head. “Well, this time it’s not right.”
Sam scrubbed a hand down his face. “What then? Ought I to deal with this situation like you? Work constantly, hardly eat, and spar while you’re supposed to be sleeping? How’s that working for you, huh? You know you’re at the end of your rope, so you tell me which of our coping methods is healthier.”
Tehl dropped his head to stare at the sand beneath his feet. His brother had a point, but it didn’t make this any easier. He was occupied enough with his duties as ruler during the day that he simply forgot to eat, but at night… Well, at night he found he just couldn’t sleep. His dreams frequently featured Sage these days and in them, he was always searching for her, but she always died right before he reached her. He rubbed his chest. Her scent had even begun to fade from their room. He swallowed hard and met his brother’s sympathetic gaze.
“It troubles me… more than I’d like to admit.” That wasn’t something he’d planned on sharing, but it was true.
Sam crossed the circle and clasped his arm. “I know. The black bags beneath your eyes attest to that. When was the last time you had a decent night’s sleep?”
His response was automatic: “The night before she disappeared.”
His brother sucked in a breath. “As long as that?”
Anger sparked inside him and he shook off Sam’s hand. “How can I sleep, knowing she is suffering or she might be…?” He couldn’t finish the thought.
“She’s not dead. We have to believe in that.”
“It’s been over two months.” He paused, his face sober. “Honestly? There’s a part of me that almost hopes she is,” he confessed, though the admission caused a familiar pang of guilt. He watched his brother’s expression, awaiting judgment for his words, but none came. He blew out a relieved breath. It seemed his brother understood that in some situations death was a mercy and a kindness.
“She’s strong. She’ll make it through this,” Sam assured. When his brother didn’t seem relieved, he added, “She will… She has to.”
“Even if she does, in what condition will we find her, Sam? Will she still be Sage, or will she be a shell? Or perhaps worse?”
“We can’t know and it’s better to leave the what ifs alone. You can’t worry over something that might never happen.”
“I know.” And logically, he did. But since Sage had snuck into his life, things weren’t as clear and logical as they used to be. His attention shifted to Garreth, who was striding in their direction at a clipped pace, his limp barely noticeable.
“News, my lord. We’ve finally received news!”
He exchanged a shocked look with his brother, before they both ran toward the man.
“What news?”
“We’ve received a letter from Scythia. It’s awaiting you in the war room.”
“Make sure Lilja and Hayjen are notified,” Tehl commanded, already heading that way.
“They’re here already.”
Tehl simply nodded and sprinted into the palace. The hallways and doors blurred as his mind focused on one thing: getting to the war room and reading the contents of that letter. He burst through the doors and scanned his council as he took his chair. “Where is it?”
“Here, my lord.” Gav held out a sealed letter.
Tehl stared at it for several heartbeats, slightly afraid of the information it contained. He took a breath and commanded, “Please read it, Gavriel.”
His cousin nodded and cracked the seal with his dagger. Gav first scanned the document and then began reading:
“‘To the lord of the Aermian kingdom, the warlord of Scythia sends his greetings.
It was somewhat of a shock when we discovered one of your messengers bearing a missive. It’s been a long time since Scythia’s been in contact with the outside world, so please excuse my manners if they offend.’”
Gav pulled in a breath and continued: “‘Many years have passed since the atrocity my ancestors committed against Nagali, yet my people continue to suffer for crimes which they did not commit. It has been hundreds of years. I understand that a crime of that magnitude can never be wiped away, nor should it. But I offer to make atonement in the way of restoration. I want to restore what was lost in Nagali. With time, we can honor those who have fallen.’”
Jeren scoffed. “How could one atone for that? Bring all those dead back to life? Even with the use of science, I’m sure that isn’t possible.”
Tehl ignored his outburst and nodded to Gav. “Please continue.”
“‘Most of my people have never been outside Scythia, nor encountered someone of a different race. The beliefs of our ancestors have slowly
faded over the years, leaving us an isolated people with a bloody, shameful history. But I believe my people deserve to experience life beyond our kingdom, so I will accept your olive branch. It is our desire to reach an understanding that will bring both our kingdoms into lasting peace and prosperity.
“‘However, I’m a cautious man, and I can’t help but feel suspicious of the fact that this treaty coincides with the arrival of a certain female in my kingdom. She has assured me, though, of your good intentions, and I must say it is only by her counsel that I accept your offer, albeit somewhat blindly. She has also advised me that, as neither side will feel safe in each other’s territory, I should find an alternative. Therefore, I propose we do so in the middle, or, in this case, where it all began. In Nagali. There’s a palace near both our borders where we can begin negotiations. It’s prudent to let you know that Sage Blackwell is very well looked after. Our interactions have become a special part of my day and I admit, I cherish our intimacy. In fact, one would be remiss in not seeking her stimulating company whenever possible. I have, of course, offered to bring her to the Mort Wall for your retrieval but, dedicated as she is to peace, she has thus far insisted on staying.’”
“Lies,” Lilja hissed, her eyes flashing. “My Sage would never stay there! Especially not without consulting her family!”
Gav nodded and began again. “‘Also, I hope you’ve shown the same consideration to my woman, Blaise. It’s important to me she continues unharmed and well cared for.’” Gavriel’s hand tightened on the letter. “‘I’m sure you can relate to my concern, as, it would be likewise unpardonable if Sage were to fall ill or be hurt during her stay in our nation.’”
“That’s a blatant threat,” Zachael snarled.
“‘But have not a care, I’ll do my utmost to keep her safe, warm, and loved during her time here. My messengers will be on their side of the Mort Wall and are instructed to wait until they receive your response. I send my best wishes and hopes that you continue on in health and prosperity. Your humble servant, Zane Ziy, Lord of Scythia.’”
There was a beat of silence before his council erupted.
“You can’t trust a word of that document!” Lelbiel stated.
“He wants us to meet him in Nagali? Where the man-eaters roam unchecked? Surely, it’s a trap!” William shouted.
“It would be a terrible place to wage war,” Zachael retorted.
“And he presumes to threaten us! Us!” Jeren yelled.
“Silence!” Tehl’s father commanded over the din.
Tehl looked to his father, who’d been silent until that moment. “What say you, my king?”
His father’s face was stern. “The warlord mentioned some valid concerns. We don’t know what’s been happening over there, thus we cannot say for a certainty that he was the one to sanction the attacks and kidnappings which have been taking place.”
“I respectfully beg to differ, my king,” Lilja said softly.
His father looked over to the Sirenidae. “Can you be sure that the same man is leading?”
Her lips thinned. “No, I cannot. I lost my contact within Scythia fifteen years ago, but I believe they are the same. I can’t give you proof, only my experience and my observations.”
The king dipped his chin. “Thank you. We need to be cautious, but we must also have our minds open.” He turned to William. “Is Nagali such a bad middle ground? From his letter, I know of the place he speaks. It’s just beyond Scythia and Aermia’s borders, at the base to the Kugami Mountains.”
Old William’s face scrunched up as he thought. “I need to study the area to be sure.”
“I have extensive maps of that area,” Lelbiel added. “They might need some updating, but it’s nothing the scouts couldn’t take care of.”
“Good,” the king remarked. “Son, your thoughts?”
Tehl stared at his father, the air around him seeming to turn to water. Safe. Warm. Loved. Drowning, he was drowning. “Did no one miss the statement of ‘safe, warm, and loved’? Or his use of the word ‘intimacy’ when he spoke of their interactions and his enjoyment of her ‘stimulating company’?” Silence descended as his voice echoed around the room. “What is he doing to my wife?”
“We can’t know for s—” Sam began.
Tehl stabbed a finger in his direction. “Don’t you placate me. You’re the spymaster and the trickster of words. Was that not blatant verbiage for sex?”
Sam snapped his mouth shut and his eyes shuttered. “It was.”
“Do you have any doubt of her having been abused at his hands?”
“No, I don’t,” Lilja whispered, answering for Sam. “Even if she looks whole and beautiful when we see her, we won’t know what she’s suffering inside.”
The very idea brought on a flood of unknown emotion. He’d always been awkward when it came to feeling so, because he didn’t know how to react; he packed his feelings away in a box. But today, the box would not close. Rage, anguish, and frustration all poured out of him. He slammed his hands against the table and let out a roar. He ignored the shocked looks on his councilors’ faces as he shoved back from the table, his chair clattering to the ground behind him. “Why do we need to accommodate this monster?”
“Because it means Sage’s life.”
Tehl swung his gaze to Rafe. “What?”
“If we do not accomplish this and put on the most amazing show for the Scythian warlord, she will die.” The rebellion leader paused, staring him in the eye. “Or worse, he’ll keep her.”
Tehl inhaled deeply, getting his anger under control. His emotions had been getting more and more out of hand the longer he went without news of Sage. He sparred and it helped; the energy he expelled calmed him for a time, but it wasn’t quite enough. He righted his chair and took a seat. One by one, he scanned the council, pausing on Zachael. “Our army?”
“Close, but I’m afraid we still need more time.”
He nodded and tucked that away. “Then I guess that leaves us one option.” His voice took on a dangerous edge. “We accept the good warlord’s invitation and prepare to give him hell.”
Jasmine
Her shoulder burned, and the men hovering around her weren’t helping the situation.
“What did you do to anger the warlord?”
“We told you to keep your mouth shut! Why can’t you do what you’re told?”
“She’s reckless, Phoenix. She’ll get us all killed.”
“Enough,” Phoenix growled, lifting her arm to clean the wound.
Jasmine winced and stared past the men crowding her. The image of Sage chained to the wall in a translucent robe was frozen in her mind. What had the warlord done to her? She looked like herself…but not. She winced when Phoenix probed her arm.
“Careful,” she growled. “That hurts.”
The gigantic warrior glanced at her and then back to his task. “It was necessary.”
“What happened?” Mekhl demanded.
“You know I can’t reveal that,” Phoenix rumbled as he began to bind her arm.
“He used me,” she replied flatly.
“For what?” Orion asked, crossing his arms.
“To control—”
“As a demonstration.” Phoenix cut her off with a glare, then turned it on the others. “Don’t risk all our lives and positions for something as petty as curiosity. Others have disappeared for less.” He pinned her with his cinnamon gaze. “And you should know better. It’s time to keep silent.”
She bit her cheek and looked away. It rankled her that when he demanded her silence, she gave it. She had to admit, she felt guilty for it, she felt like a coward. But she knew she was also being smarter. She’d fought at the beginning. Oh, how she’d fought. But all it led to was punishment. The beginning was the worst. Nightmares still plagued her of the examination forced upon her, and the subsequent drugging that ensued afterward. She’d awoken here, with Phoenix, Mekhl, and Orion staring at her. A tug on her arm pulled her from the memories.
<
br /> “All done,” Phoenix murmured, and then began to clean up his healing supplies.
“Thank you,” she said and stood with a stretch. “I think I’d like to go on a walk now.”
“No.”
She blinked at Phoenix’s hard tone. “No?”
He stood to his full imposing height and stared down at her without any emotion. “You’ve been confined to our home.”
“Confined?”
“You’re too important to let wander.”
His statement didn’t comfort her; it did just the opposite. Up until this point, she’d played her part, and in return, they’d allowed her a certain amount of freedom. For instance, she could go for walks, as long as she was escorted. It was the only time she was free of fear, guilt, and self-loathing.
“This is because of our little trip today?”
“Yes. Don’t think of sneaking out. The warlord stationed his personal guards outside our door.”
Her stomach dropped.
“Is he interested in her?” Orion asked, a hint of worry in his tone.
“No, he’s busy with his Aermian consort.” Phoenix shook his head. “But Jasmine’s a means to an end.”
Anxiety churned in her gut. What an apt phrasing: a means to an end. She was an exhibition, a slave and a broodmare already, but now she was to be a means by which a maniac would control Sage. She cast a glance to the men speaking quietly. She hated that they wouldn’t hurt her. At the beginning, she’d expected them to beat or torture her, but instead they’d included her in their lives: they spoke with her, took her for walks. But it wasn’t because they cared for her personally, not at all. Rather, she was their property, and, as their property, their responsibility; rather like a well-cared-for animal.
She swallowed hard and stared blankly at the wall. The worst part was the night, not because of what she remembered, but because of what she couldn’t remember. Her breath came heavier as she thought about each night. Apart from the first night, every night since she’d been taken from Sage was a giant blank. No matter how hard she pushed, the veil of darkness wouldn’t lift. She could only guess what happened in those blank spots.