Crown of Thieves

by Peyton Reynolds

  “Slim or not, it’s his only chance,” she finally said.

  “He won’t let you do it,” Molli returned.

  Aya paused. Again, the handmaiden was correct; Aharon would never allow her to take such a risk, not even to save his life. Although, once in motion, he’d have little choice but to go along with her plan.

  “The knights won’t harm me,” Aya insisted.

  “I wouldn’t be so certain of that. Not under the circumstances you propose.”

  Frowning, the princess fell back into silence.

  Unable to discern a way to liberate Aharon through proper—or even improper—channels, the only remaining option was to simply keep him alive through any means necessary. This meant not only breaking him free of his cell, but getting him safely out of Malat, and then Ceja itself, for the populace wouldn’t be satisfied until he was dead no matter who was sitting the throne. Aharon therefore needed to disappear, and Aya had every intention of forsaking the only life she’d ever known and vanishing with him. But before this could happen, they’d first have to escape the palace.

  All things considered, brute force appeared their only recourse, with her Magic their most formidable weapon. Aware of a spell—diffluo—that was capable of melting the iron bars of Aharon’s cell, once he was free they’d have to battle their way past countless knights to escape royal grounds, then make their way through the streets of Malat to reach the docks. Attempting this late at night would provide their best odds, although even if Aharon were armed, his steel, her fire, and Molli’s daggers seemed a poor defense against the entire might of the royal guard. Aya didn’t believe the knights would intentionally harm her, and thought to use herself to shield Aharon, but this might be wishful thinking on her part. Particularly if she was threatening these knights with flames that would melt them within their armor.

  “What other option is there?” she now asked desperately, glancing back to the handmaiden.

  Molli’s expression was tense, and after a moment she shook her head. “I don’t know, princess. Perhaps if we—”

  A knock cut her off, sounding from the apartment’s entryway. Molli rose to respond, and returned moments later.

  “It’s Siris,” she said. “Do you wish to see him?”

  Aya considered. While still upset with the jester for killing Padus, she understood why he’d felt he had no choice, and his guilt-ridden confession to her that morning had been gut-wrenching to behold. Frankly, she blamed Neco more than Siris, but confronting her brother would have to wait because saving Aharon was her priority.

  “Very well,” she finally responded with a nod. “Send him in.”

  The jester appeared dressed in his usual fashion, but his demeanor remained reserved as he stepped into the room and looked to her. “Princess,” he greeted.

  “What is it, Siris?” she replied. “As you can well imagine, I’m quite preoccupied at the moment.”

  He nodded while drifting to a halt a few paces before her chair. “Aharon’s predicament is worrisome,” he agreed. “I’ve been examining the circumstances, and fear there’s little to be done.”

  She took him in somewhat dubiously. “Since when do you have any care for Aharon?”

  “I don’t, really. My concern is strictly for your benefit.”

  “Well, I appreciate that, but unless you have something helpful to offer, I still have much thinking to do tonight.”

  Siris paused and eyed her a moment. “Actually, there is something I believe might be helpful,” he then started.

  Her eyebrows rose. “Yes?”

  The jester took another step closer. “Are you aware of a man named Flynn Fajen?”

  Thinking a moment, she then shook her head. “No. Who is he?”

  He replied while pulling a folded piece of parchment from his pocket. “The man’s a thief, one who recently put Justice through their paces trying to catch him. They finally nabbed him a few days ago, and he’s currently imprisoned at Justice headquarters.”

  Aya reached to take the parchment he now held out, then felt her eyes widen in surprise as she stared downward. The man depicted in the sketch bore a striking resemblance to Aharon, so much so that at first glance, she would’ve assumed he was the subject.

  “While performing some of his heists,” Siris now went on, “Fajen murdered several people, and is consequently scheduled to be executed. Commander Nane intends to carry out the deed personally, probably because Fajen embarrassed him by evading capture for so long. Interestingly, the Justice troopers kept mistaking him for Aharon, allowing for his escape.”

  Aya was now staring at the jester with shining eyes. “Siris, I could kiss you.”

  His lips quirked upward in amusement. “Perhaps in another life, such a gesture would prove alluring.”

  She sprang up from her seat and threw her arms around him. “I won’t forget this. Aharon and I are forever in your debt.”

  “Don’t thank me yet, highness. There still remains a steep hill to climb, because to pull this off you’ll need help. Official help.”

  Pulling back, she nodded as her mind began to race. The first step was getting Aharon and Fajen in the same setting, which would require the cooperation of either Commander Nane or Captain Shai. Unfortunately, there was no way around this.

  “Don’t bother with the commander,” Siris then said, watching her. “It’s going to take some serious persuasion to pry Fajen from his clutches, and you won’t convince him.”

  “Captain Shai, then,” she responded. “Only a day ago I would’ve deemed the prospect a lost cause, but after speaking with him this afternoon I think there’s a chance.”

  The jester’s head tilted curiously. “Oh?”

  “The captain appears genuinely distressed by the situation. Despite all that’s happened between them, I don’t think he wants Aharon to die.”

  “Interesting,” Siris murmured. “Still, and regardless of sentiment, you have much stronger leverage to apply.”

  She thought a moment, then nodded again before speaking. “Neco.”

  “While the shallow measure of your brother’s word has now been exposed, in this instance he’ll probably prove trustworthy,” Siris said. “If he agrees to maintain the commander and captain’s council seats, I imagine they’ll both fall in line with the scheme. Indeed, I predict this is the only way Commander Nane will comply.”

  “It’s perfect,” she told him.

  Siris regarded her. “You understand Aharon will have to flee, and that he can never return?”

  “Yes. It’s why I’m going with him.”

  Still eyeing her, he took a long moment to respond. “I know you love your realm, princess,” he then said, “so I must ask if you truly believe this would be in Ceja’s best interests?”

  Aya stared back at him, first in puzzlement and then in understanding.

  He’s afraid of Neco, she realized. And not only for himself, but of what her brother might be capable of. He’s afraid that once I’m gone, there will be no one left to keep Neco’s darker impulses in check.

  In light of what had happened with Padus, it was easy to understand the jester’s point of view. Even so, she and Aharon knew her brother better than anyone, and they both believed he’d make a fair and just ruler. A good ruler. It was why they’d gone to such lengths to help him win the crown, after all.

  Or was he simply the best choice among too many terrible options?

  She frowned, her thoughts continuing in this vein.

  With Aharon and I here, there’d have been little cause for worry. Neco trusts us, and accepts our counsel. But whose influence might he follow in our absence?

  The possibilities were worrying. Captain Shai’s? Commander Nane’s? Whoever he chose to act as his advisor, the very role she was meant to fill? Or someone she hadn’t even taken notice of, someone who was presently lying in wait, and merely hoping to seize their own chance at power?

  You’re being ridiculous, Aya then told herself. Neco isn’t an idiot,
nor is he naïve. He’ll do just fine on his own.

  Would he though? True, her brother wasn’t stupid, but he was about to have an immense amount of responsibility set upon him, with no one left he could unreservedly trust. Admittedly, it seemed an invitation to disaster.

  Still staring wordlessly at the jester, she finally spoke. “I’m leaving with Aharon,” she stated firmly.

  “If that’s your desire, princess,” he replied.

  “You can come with us, if you’d like,” she then offered. While uncertain how Aharon might feel about this, she thought it was only right. For without Siris’s revelation about Fajen, none of this would even be possible.

  “I’ll consider it,” the jester told her in reply, although his tone bordered on dismissive. “In the meantime, you’d best concentrate on setting this plan into motion. You’ve only a couple of days to see it executed.”

  She sent him an irritated glance over his choice of words, but nodded. “Yes, of course. Thank you again, Siris.”

  The jester dipped into a slight bow. “If I can be of any further help, you’ve only to ask.”

  “Actually, there is something more you can do. Find us a ship, and make certain it’s ready to sail come Fifteenth-day.”

  “As you wish.”

  Once he’d exited, Aya turned to Molli. “Do you think I’m wrong to leave?” she asked worriedly.

  The handmaiden seemed reluctant to answer, but finally replied with a similar candor. “I think you need to ask yourself which is stronger—your sense of duty, or your love for Aharon,” she said.

  “That’s an impossible choice.”

  “It’s an unfair choice, but it’s one you need to make. And quickly.”

  Aya’s features hardened. “I’ve already made it. I’m leaving with Aharon.”

  “Then I’m leaving with you, your highness.”

  Aya nodded, and did her best to stifle any lingering feelings of doubt before she turned to follow in Siris’s wake. “Come,” she said. “I need to find my brother, and begin shaping the course for our new lives.”

  Chapter 17

  His father brought his breakfast the following morning, saying nothing as he slid the tray through the bars. Watching him, Aharon then rose from the floor and approached.

  “Are you keeping Neco away?” he accused. “I was expecting him yesterday.”

  The captain glanced at him. “Neco will be along.”

  Aharon gave him an unimpressed stare. “Mysterious doesn’t suit you. Where is he?”

  “Making arrangements.”

  “What sorts of arrangements?”

  “You’ll know everything soon enough. Until then, Aharon, you can relax. Your princess found a way to save you.”

  His eyes widened. “How?”

  “As I said, Neco will be along to fill you in.” Saying nothing further, his father then turned and started away, much to Aharon’s frustration.

  He spent the next hour or so pacing his cell with impatience, then finally turned to his breakfast. Eating mindlessly, he barely tasted the cheese and bread as he strove to identify whatever scheme Aya had apparently come up with. Unable to fathom anything even remotely viable, he eventually just accepted the fact that he was a fool for ever doubting her.

  It seemed a few more hours passed before he finally heard footsteps approaching, and by this time he was practically climbing the walls. Hurrying to the bars, he looked out to see Neco stride into view.

  “Where have you been?” he demanded, nearly yelling.

  The prince drew up before his cell and met his stare. “I’ve been a little preoccupied trying to save you.”

  “I apologize for the inconvenience, your majesty.”

  Neco smirked. “You didn’t honestly believe I’d let them execute you, did you?”

  “From what I’ve been told, it didn’t sound like you had much choice.”

  “I had no good choices, but thankfully Aya’s found another way.”

  Aharon nodded. “My father mentioned this, but wouldn’t elaborate. What did she come up with?”

  “She claims Siris deserves the bulk of the praise, but either way, my sister is an exceptionally cunning woman.”

  “That’s hardly a shocking revelation to either of us. Get to the point.”

  “There’s currently a man in Justice’s custody who happens to share your likeness. Aya showed me his sketch, and the resemblance really is quite remarkable. Indeed, he even shares your Birth dominion.”

  Aharon nodded. “Fajen,” he said.

  Neco looked surprised. “You know of him?”

  “Siris seemed to find the situation amusing, and made certain I was aware. I was disappointed to learn Fajen was apprehended.”

  “Well, you can start thanking your Patrons that he was.”

  Aharon stared back a moment. “You’re going to switch us out and kill him in my place,” he then realized.

  “The populace is demanding the death of Aharon Shai, and we’ve no intention of disappointing them. You get to live, and the masses won’t revolt against me for sparing you.”

  “But an innocent man will die for a crime he didn’t commit.”

  Neco rolled his eyes. “Flynn Fajen is by no measure innocent. Commander Nane was already planning on executing him for the murders he committed during his robberies.”

  “Oh,” Aharon said. Considering briefly, he then nodded. “I suppose it’s of no matter, then.”

  The prince gave him an exasperated look. “It never mattered. He’s a criminal.”

  Aharon frowned, but decided this wasn’t the time for a morality debate. Also, and considering his own recent actions, he probably wasn’t in the best position to be making this sort of argument.

  “To pull this off, you’ll have to expand our confidence,” he said instead. “Commander Nane, for one.”

  “Yes, as well as your father,” Neco nodded. “I promised them both council seats in exchange for their cooperation and silence. They agreed.”

  Aharon gaped at him. “You did what?”

  “Oh, do shut up, Aharon. I know you wanted your father stripped of his station, but perhaps you’ll consider being grateful for once. And for what it’s worth, I suspect he might’ve agreed even without the bribe.”

  Stifling further protests, Aharon replied. “Who else knows?”

  “Just Aya and Siris, and the men of my private guard. They’re the only knights who don’t want you dead, and can therefore be trusted. In fact, they have every reason to celebrate your actions, since they won me the crown.”

  Aharon nodded. “I presume Fajen will be brought here?”

  “Yes, tonight. Your father’s overseeing his transport, during which time Fajen will reportedly escape custody.” Pausing a moment, Neco then gave him a short stare before continuing. “You’ll be assuming the identity of a notorious criminal, Aharon. You can never return here, not as Fajen or as yourself.”

  Despite having already concluded this, it wasn’t easy to hear. “You could pardon me—Fajen, I mean,” he suggested.

  Neco shook his head. “If you ever show your face here again, everyone will realize what we’ve done, and I simply can’t have that. I’m sorry, and I wish there was another way, but this is our only option.”

  “So I secure your throne, and in return you banish me?”

  “You think I want this? Or that I’m happy knowing the crown cost me my closest friend? I don’t, and I’m not. But you got caught, Aharon. I can save your life and give you a new one, but the future we’d hoped for is no longer possible. Besides which…you knew the risks, and chose to accept them.”

  While everything Neco said was true, Aharon sent a glare through the bars. “We need to discuss Padus,” he then said.

  The prince seemed to sigh, but straightened and met his look. “I don’t feel good about that either, but I couldn’t trust him. He could’ve changed his mind about wanting the throne at any time, and begun plotting my death.”

  “You gave him you
r word. You gave us all your word! And making Siris carry out the act was exceptionally cruel.”

  “It was a test of his loyalty, which I’ve now rewarded by dismissing Nevis’s knights. The jester is walking about freely and safely again.”

  “Don’t muddy the matter. What you made him do was loathsome and unnecessary.”

  “I’m sorry you see it that way.”

  Aharon’s glare deepened. “And what of Aya?”

  “What of her?”

  “Well, I’ve found myself wondering what might happen should your delusions start lengthening in her direction.”

  The prince looked genuinely startled. “What?”

  “She’s the only sibling you have left, and it’s clear your paranoia’s beginning to get the better of you.”

  “Are you implying I’d hurt her?”

  “If you do, best believe I’ll be back for you, whatever my identity. And I’ll serve you the same fate I gave your father.”

  Neco gave him a brief stare of shock before his own anger surfaced. “I would never hurt Aya, and find it appalling you’d so much as suggest otherwise. Perhaps check your own paranoia, Aharon.”

  “I’m not the one who failed to honor my word.”

  “Always so self-righteous. Even now, while locked in a cell and awaiting execution.”

  “I earned this position by shouldering your cause.”

  Neco matched his glare. “A cause you chose to pursue.”

  Unfortunately, he couldn’t argue with that, and therefore just maintained his glower.

  Neco gazed back a long moment before finally speaking again. “I don’t want to argue with you.”

  “Then swear on your Patrons that you’ll never harm Aya.”

  Frowning, the prince brought a hand to his golden medallions, those displaying Justice and Commerce. “I can’t believe you’re making me do this,” he said, “but very well. May Anniah and Ozveld both forsake me should I ever cause Aya harm.”

  Satisfied, Aharon relaxed. “Thank you for that.”

  Neco gave him another stare before eventually replying. “There’s a final matter we need to address, and I’m afraid it also concerns my sister.”