The Deadly Alliance (The Deadly Alliance Series Book 1)

by Megan Bradish

  Father doesn’t take his eyes from me, as he peers directly at me. He knows this is the best way to get me to crack. It always has worked in the past, and it seems to be working now. My palms begins to sweat as I finally look away from him

  “There’s nothing more to say. I just don’t think I can be a good queen if I have to worry about two countries,” I say in a pitiful tone.

  “Jesus, Blair, just tell him the truth.” Milly scolds. She looks to father, appalled at herself for slipping up. “I’m sorry, your majesty,” she bows her head.

  Father gives a quick nod, forgiving her. “Well, Blair? What’s the truth?”

  I let out a shaky sigh as I glance around the small table. All eyes are on me, and I know I have no choice but to tell father what’s really going on. This is why I had him come here after all. But the way Elias looks at me, as he threatens me with his piercing eyes, makes me second guess telling them anything. I’ve lost Adelina. I don’t want to lose my father and cousin too. But If I had any chance at all of leaving here alive, telling them was the only way.

  I lay it all out on the table, starting from the very beginning. I tell them of the dreams I had first, of Marjorie. I explain how she would come to me, warning me of Elias. I tell about how Charolette tried scaring me off, just minutes before the wedding was to begin. I tell of the man in the hallway after the wedding reception, pleading with me to always keep my dagger close by. I tell of Elias threatening them, and that if I were to try to escape, he’d kill both he and Liam. How he then threatened that if I didn’t say I was giving up my claim, he’d have them killed for that, too. And then I get to the hard part. I explain, in much detail, how Elias held me down, tearing my clothes from my body as he brutally assaulted me. How Elias then decided he was going to execute an innocent man for his own actions. And how I stopped the execution, causing Elias to become agitated. I tell the horrific story of Adelina’s death, her head positioned on my bedpost for me to find. I tell them of Charolette locked away in the dungeon. And how she is just as terrified of him as I am. I end with last night, when Elias assaulted me again, this time in front of people. By the time I’m finished, I’m crying uncontrollably, for the first time since I can remember.

  Be strong. Don’t cry. It’s all I’ve ever known. But I’m done with that. I can’t help it anymore. I’m crying so hard, I begin gasping for air. Lucien puts a gentle hand on my shoulder, letting me know he’s with me. I instinctively reach my hand to his. Father and Liam don’t seem to notice, or they just don’t care because of what I had just confessed

  “Jesus Christ,” Liam says, as he stands in horror.

  Father has his hand in a fist against his lips, his knuckles turning white. He’s holding back his own tears, that I can see threatening to roll from his lids. I’ve never once seen father cry before. So I reach my hand out to him.

  He grabs my hand, squeezing gently. “My God, Blair. Forgive me,” he says, hanging his head. “Forgive me.”

  “Father, don’t say that. You had no way of knowing this would happen.”

  “I sent you here!” He hisses. “I did that. If I wasn’t so focused on creating an alliance, I might have seen the kind of man he is.”

  I shake my head. “No, father. He’s a master of deception. He knows how to win people over. You would have never seen it. He wouldn’t let you. Because he knows if he did, you never would have let him marry me.”

  Father stands abruptly from the table, almost knocking over his chair. I quickly stand, too. “What are you doing?” I ask.

  “He has waged war on my kingdom. He will never get away with this. I’m sending for my troops.”

  “Father, no!” I say, desperately. “Lord knows how many spies, and soldiers he has at Myrkdovia. If you were to wage war now, he’d send word, having most of our men killed before they could arrive. And I needn’t remind you that we have far fewer soldiers than he does.”

  This too, was part of the reason we so desperately needed an alliance with Cryptshiere. They had the man power. With our countries combined, no one could stop us. But I fear this alliance only created destruction against Myrkdovia.

  Father’s head seems to clear a little, he shakes his head agreeing with me. “But you can’t stay here, Blair. We need to get you out of here. How else if not for war?”

  It came to me. Just like that. Just like Marjorie said it would. The plan to leave came rushing into my head like a whirlwind. “I have a plan,” I say.

  “What is it?” Liam asks.

  “You’ll know soon enough. Just please, both of you, keep your head down and don’t let on that you know anything of what I just shared with you” I say looking between Liam and father.

  “Blair…” Father says.

  “Trust me,” I say. “I know what I’m doing. I know this will work.”

  I turn, walking back toward the castle.

  “Where are you going?” Father demands.

  “I have to prepare. You’ll know the plan by the end of tonight” I say, and rush off.

  This plan better work. It was the only one I have. It might not be the best or safest plan I could come up with. But it was the only one I knew that would ensure our safe exit.

  Milly, Lucien and Jake follow close behind me, begging I tell them what was going on. But I couldn’t. They would no doubt try to talk me out of it. And that wasn’t going to happen. I ignore their buzzing questions in my ear, and plead with them to trust me. Before they can say anymore, I slam the door to my room shut, leaving them standing in the hallway.

  I take a deep breath, coaxing my jumbled nerves to still. I walk to the mirror, looking myself over. I have what this takes. I never thought I would have chosen to take this path, ever in my life. But it’s the one I’m now eagerly choosing.

  May God have mercy on my soul.

  Chapter 25

  I wait until nightfall before I head down the long winding halls to Elias’ room. Lucien and Jake were off duty for the night, and since I didn’t allow anyone near me for the rest of the day, Lucien finally gave up and retreated to his room. Milly is mad at me, she thinks I don’t trust her enough to let her in on my plan. She’s locked herself away, and I haven’t heard a word from her in hours.

  It’s not that I don’t trust her, or Lucien for that matter. I just can’t let them know what I’m about to do. I can’t have them involved in any way. If they didn’t try to talk me out of it, they would most definitely want to come with me. Neither of those were an option. And since I swore my guards to secrecy, I don’t have to worry about Milly and Lucien looking for me.

  As I approach Elias’ room, I inhale deeply, and let it out with the rest of my doubts. I can do this. I have to do this.

  I knock softly on his door. I hear a strange noise coming from his room and my heart quickens. I can hear him shuffling and stumbling until he finally opens the door.

  “This better be goddamn important!” He says. When he sees that it’s me, an evil smile crosses his lips. “Ah, my love,” he sighs, stumbling towards me.

  I can smell the alcohol on his breath, he’s barely holding himself up. “The fun was just about to begin. Join us,” he says, motioning towards his bed.

  I glance up and see a woman, sprawled out naked. She giggles and waves as I step inside.

  I look between the girl and Elias not believing what I’m seeing. But, why shouldn’t I believe it? At this point in my life, nothing should surprise me anymore. Marjorie did tell me that this was a normal thing for him. But hearing about it, and actually seeing it with my own eyes was a different story. My stomach sinks as I remember the blood smeared on the walls in my ‘Marjorie dreams’. She said Elias killed a Harlot too. How many has he actually killed and gotten away with? Is this girl next? Am I?

  “What the hell is this?” I ask.

  Elias rests his arm on my shoulder. “This is my whore. She accompanies me from time to time. And since your wretched father is here, I couldn’t very well have you, now could I?” He whispers in
my ear.

  I clench my jaw. He’s making this too easy for me. I was hoping to feel some sort of remorse or guilt for the heinous sin I’m about to commit. But all I feel is excitement. I need to get this done.

  “She suits you,” I say, in a sarcastic tone. I check the girl over. She’s a little rough looking, with a giant scar positioned above her eye. Her skin wrinkled and sagged. Her eyes are sunken in, like she’s been through hell and back. No doubt because she’s been dealing with Elias for God knows how long. But she doesn’t seem to mind being here. In fact, she seems thrilled. What must be wrong with her to actually enjoy this man’s company?

  “You know what would suit me better?” He asks, completely ignoring the fact that I’m challenging him. “Having the two of you in bed with me. Together.” He nibbles my ear, not so gracefully as he stumbles into me.

  This is my chance. If I played this right, I might actually have a shot at this working. Though, I wasn’t expecting a guest. This could still prove to be difficult.

  I take a deep breath and face him. “You know? I think I would really like that,” I say as I step closer to him.

  He stumbles back, shocked that I actually agreed. He recovers quickly, as his eyes gaze to my breasts. “I knew you’d see it my way one of these days,” he says as he bites his lip.

  I play his little game and trace my fingertips down my neck, until I reach my chest. I slowly walk closer to him, and reach for his hand. “Are you ready for all I have to offer?” I ask in a low voice, my lips lightly grazing his.

  Elias gulps, and nods his head. The girl giggles again, and moans. “Come on over here, honey,” she says to me, as she spreads her legs, exposing herself.

  I give her a devilish grin. “I can hardly wait,” I say, as I pull Elias to the bed with me.

  I begin to pull off my dress, slowly. It hits the floor, and I’m left with nothing on but a very revealing under garment. Elias growls as he steps closer to me. He grabs me forcefully, pressing his lips to mine. I force myself to relax, and pretend that this is the only thing I want. Him. And...her.

  I wrap my arms around his neck and push myself against him. His breath is sour with alcohol, and his lips are sloppy with spit. I ignore it, knowing this is the only way.

  I can feel the girl’s hands on my body as I continue to kiss Elias. I play my part, reaching around, lacing my fingers between hers. I feel like I could be sick. I know I can’t let this go any farther. I have to find a way to make my plan happen now.

  I back away from Elias, reaching up to caress his face.

  “Get on the bed. Now,” he orders.

  I ignore him, reaching up to kiss him again. He’s too enthralled by the way I kiss his neck and feel his erection in my hands to realize that I’m also grabbing the dagger that I have strapped to my leg.

  “She has a knife!” The girl cries.

  You dumb girl.

  I push myself away from Elias, quickly walking around him, so he and the girl are now in front of me. I point it at him and anger fills his expression as he walks towards me.

  “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” He hisses.

  I roll my eyes. “What’s it look like Elias,” I say, sounding bored.

  He lets out a bellowing laugh. “You think you’re going to kill me? Your king?”

  I shake my head. “Oh no, love. I don’t think I’m going to. I know I’m going to.”

  “You can’t murder your king! Your husband!” He yells.

  I smile at him again. “What was it you said to Marjorie?” I ask, as I tap my finger on my chin. “Oh, yes. You said, ‘don’t think of it as murder, darling. Think of it as an act of love.”

  Elias goes pale, as his eyes dart around the room. “Where the hell did you hear that from? How do you know about Marjorie?” He asks, shocked.

  “I know all about Marjorie! More specifically, what you did to her. I know you took her into the woods, and I know you struck an arrow through her heart,” I say, trying to hide the fact that my hands are now shaking.

  “How?” He asks.

  “She came to me. Well, still does come to me. It’s kind of like a dream, but not. At first, I thought I was going crazy. But as time went on, I knew it all to be true. She showed me how you murdered her. She showed me everything. How your mother and father covered it all up to protect their precious son. The only thing I didn’t see was what your father ended up doing to you,” I say, stepping closer to him.

  Elias stays still. Silent. Now that he’s in shock, I take my chance. I strike the blade across his chest, blood drips in large pools to the floor. “You will never do to another woman what you have done to me and to Marjorie. You’ll never rape another woman and I’ll never let you accuse anyone else. And you will never kill another person that I love. You’re dead, Elias.”

  I lunge at him, aiming the blade for his heart. But he’s too quick. He grabs my arm and knocks me against the wall. A painting comes down hard on my head, making me feel dizzy. I quickly regain my strength, and stand to my feet. Elias has his fists in the air, ready to fight.

  This is not going at all how I planned. I should have gone a different route. But there’s no turning back now. I have to end this. I lunge at him again, knocking us both on to his nightstand. We hit the floor hard, and my dagger goes skidding across the room.

  “Grab the dagger!” Elias yells to the girl that’s huddled up on his bed.

  She glances at the dagger, and quickly jumps from the bed. I reach my leg out, tripping her. She knocks her face off the floor, lying unconscious.

  I quickly make it to my feet, running for the dagger. Elias is still stumbling to get up, but reaches me just as I grab it. He spins me around, and before I have a chance to process what I’m doing, I plunge it through his stomach.

  His face goes still, as he stares down at me. Blood begins to spill from his mouth, and I can’t help but smile.

  “Rot in hell, my love,” I say, as I twist the dagger into his stomach further. As I pull it out, he slumps into a heap on the floor.

  Chapter 26

  I’m not sure how much time passes as I stand there, looking over Elias’ dead body. All I know is I haven’t moved in what feels like an eternity. I’m frozen in place, knowing that what I just did, could easily have me killed. The time leading up to this, I wasn’t fazed at all about murdering a king. I knew then, and I still know that it needed to be done. But, I never thought out the consequences of my actions. I was in such a hurry and so eager to leave this place, that I didn’t think it all the way through.

  And then there was the matter of what I felt as I looked over Elias’ body. As the blood pooled from his gaping wound, I couldn’t help but feel exhilarated, and more alive than I ever had in my life. Was it only because he was an evil man, who deserved everything he got? Or was it something more? Was I becoming Elias?

  “Blair?” I hear my name, and snap out of my thoughts. “Blair, what did you do?”

  I turn to see Lucien standing in the doorway. He glances between me, and the dagger. I quickly drop it, and it clanks to the floor. “I had to,” I say.

  Lucien strides up to me, and puts an arm around me. “We have to get you out of here,” he says, as he looks down at Elias.

  Milly and Tobias come running in, both stopping in their tracks as they see the mess in the room.

  “Oh my, God,” Milly says, putting a hand to her mouth.

  Tobias’ expression is completely emotionless as he stands in place for a long moment. Finally, he looks to me and gives one stern nod of his head. “I’ll send for someone to clean this up. We have to be quick about it. We’ll dump the bodies off somewhere. Make it look like a robbery.” He quickly walks away, not saying another word.

  “Bodies?” I say. “But there’s only…”

  I hear a groaning coming from the side of the bed. I quickly look over and see the girl trying to sit up. Of course! How could I have forgotten about her?

  This isn’t good. This isn’t good at
all. I have a witness. I’ll never get away with it now. I feel a wrenching in my gut. There’s only one thing I can do. Have to do. I quickly pick up the dagger, and stride over to her. She’s sitting now, and scurries backwards as she sees me coming closer.

  “Please, no!” She cries. “I won’t tell anyone what happened. I won’t! I swear!”

  I almost believe her for a second, until I remember she tried to help Elias in the fight. “I have to do this,” I say. And in one quick motion, I slide the blade across her throat.

  Milly lets out a gasp and turns her head. I walk back to her and Lucien, looking between the two. “We’ll leave in the morning,” I say.

  Despite being completely shocked, Milly lets out a sigh of relief and begins to cry.

  We were going home. I never thought I’d actually live to see the day where I get to go home again. It never seemed like much of a reality to me that I’d ever see Myrkdovia again. I thought I’d be stuck here for the rest of my life, with Elias.

  This was the only way. I recite in my head, over and over. There really wasn’t any other way around it. I had to kill him. If I were to ever be a free woman again, I had to do this.

  I go to the edge of the bed to grab my dress. I realize I’m still undressed, and I know Lucien has a million questions by the way he’s looking at me. I should be ashamed with the way I seduced Elias and that woman. And maybe I am a little, but what else was I supposed to do? I didn’t know Elias was having a guest in his bed tonight. It was the only way I knew how to get out of the situation I put myself in. He would have never let me just walk out. If I didn’t play the part, I would have been assaulted again.

  Lucien walks up behind me as I’m zipping my dress. He gently touches my hand, stopping me, and finishes zipping for me.

  “Are you okay?” He whispers.

  I nod, without looking at him. “I’m okay.”

  “You didn’t have a choice. With either of them,” He assures.

  I turn to face him now as I look into his eyes. I give him a small smile and caress his cheek. “I know that.” I look over to the girl slumped over on the floor. “I just wish she didn’t have to be involved. I wasn’t expecting her.”