Serpent: Book II of the Asterian Trilogy

by Sarah Olson

  "Whatever you say, sir." Hashim laughed before turning his attention back to me. "I’ll see you around, Norah." He gave me a wicked smile, and I nearly dropped the ladle as I fought the sudden trembling in my arm.

  "Don’t worry about him," Roy said.

  "I’m not," I replied, serving him some of the stew, all the while trying to keep my hands from shaking too much. I forced a smile, and he walked away to sit down.

  When I finally got a break, I ran up the steps, desperate for fresh air. The sea breeze filled my lungs as I climbed onto the quarterdeck. I leaned on the rail and gazed out at the dark blue ocean, Hashim’s taunts still present in my mind. There was nothing in sight but water.

  I thought I could manage this voyage and would enjoy it, but I now wanted nothing more than to go home. What was I thinking to get on a ship with a bunch of strangers? Without guards? Without protection?

  "I’m sorry," I whispered into the wind as my thoughts drifted to my family, far away in Asteria. They were probably terrified by now since they wouldn’t have heard from me in a fortnight.

  "How’s the galley?" Stephen asked.

  I jumped in surprise.

  "Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you," he said, leaning on the rail beside me.

  I sighed. "It’s all right, I suppose."

  "You’re second guessing this whole thing aren’t you?"

  I nodded. "And I haven’t even made it a full day."

  "You’ll get used to it, and we’ll be back in Asteria before you know it."

  I glanced around making certain no one was close enough to hear. "I don’t want to sound like a spoiled child, Stephen, but this is not me. I have never had to work like this, and people would never dream of speaking to me the way some have just today."

  "Did something happen?" he asked, his eyebrows knitting together with concern.

  I shook my head and sighed. "Listen to me," I laughed. "I’m such a brat."

  Stephen smiled. "I guess you’ll just have to look at this as a learning experience—what it’s like to not be a known princess and not have people laying down at your feet."

  I elbowed him playfully.

  "Ouch!" he exclaimed, dramatically.

  I rolled my eyes but then looked at him seriously. "Just don’t tell Ethelyn. She never wanted me to do any of this in the first place."

  "Don’t worry; I won’t. It’ll get better, though, as you start to get the hang of things."

  I gave him a weak smile, "I certainly hope so."

  ☐☐☐☐

  That night, Ethelyn and I were invited to dine with the captain.

  "How has your first day been on the Enigma?" Captain Matek asked as he passed me a basket of bread.

  His meals were usually after the sailors' and very formal. The table was set with beautiful dishes and silver goblets of wine. Tall candles sat lit in the center of the table along with the meal Bruhier had prepared for the night.

  "It’s been good," I said, forcing a small smile.

  "Bruhier hasn’t kicked you out yet?" the captain asked with a laugh.

  Roy and the first mate, Seif, joined him in laughter.

  "He hates someone helping him out that much?" I asked.

  "Well, I’m sure you can tell he is very particular on how things must run in his kitchen," Captain Matek said. "It’s why I usually let him work alone."

  I took a slice of bread and passed the basket to Ethelyn.

  "Since I don’t cook, he will not have to worry about me ruining anything," I said.

  Seif laughed and wiped a napkin over his mouth and dark moustache. "A woman that doesn’t cook, eh?"

  I dropped my gaze onto my plate attempting to hide a blush.

  "Well, Seif," Roy said, "I guess in Asteria, it’s the men that cook."

  We all laughed at that.

  "Let’s just say Norah has tried to in the past, but it didn’t go too well," Ethelyn teased with a sly smile.

  "I suppose this will just have to be my chance to learn," I said. I cut into a piece of meat and ate it. It was a bit tough but not terrible like the beef at the inn.

  "So why are you two traveling with us?" Seif asked.

  I was thankful he seemed more curious than suspicious.

  "I am a friend of Stephen’s, and when he told me he was leaving Malan on a trade ship that would eventually go to Asteria, I wanted to come along," I said.

  "Just like that? Have you ever been on a voyage like this?" he asked.

  I shook my head.

  Seif raised his eyebrows and sat back. "I guess there’s a first time for everything."

  "Where do you live in Asteria?" Roy asked.

  "Eagle’s Nest," Ethelyn lied.

  "So near the castle?"

  She nodded.

  "Have you ever met the king and queen?"

  We had to be careful now. I couldn’t help but feel like he was digging. "I have seen them before," I replied, hoping he would not probe further.

  "I hear they are kind," Roy said.

  "A Surman complimenting the monarchy of Asteria?" Seif exclaimed with a laugh.

  Surman. Roy was Surman—that explained why his accent had seemed off to me. I hadn’t been able to place it until now.

  I looked over at him, recognizing his Surman features. His skin that was not as dark as the Malanese but shades darker than mine. His brown hair that was not as thick as Captain Matek’s or Seif’s. His light eyes found mine, and I quickly looked away, afraid of what he would see on my face.

  "You didn’t realize it, did you?" Roy asked me.

  "Realize wh—what?" I stammered, keeping my eyes down as I sliced another piece of meat.

  "That I’m from Surmania."

  "No, I didn’t—though what does it matter?"

  I knew why it mattered. Asterians and Surmans were hostile with each other; they had been for years now. While my parents had not taught me to be, I still held something silently against them. I hated the rumors the Surmans spread blaming my family for their queen’s death. My parents had tried their best to make peace, but the Surman king would not have it. When his brother later took the throne, we tried again, but to no avail.

  "She’s right, Roy," Captain Matek intervened. "It doesn’t matter, especially here aboard my ship."

  "I know," Roy said, though I still felt him watching me. "I was only wondering if it mattered to her."

  I bravely met his gaze. "It does not."

  We were all quiet for a moment as everyone went back to their food.

  "So what sorts of goods will we be picking up from the islands?" Ethelyn asked, breaking the tension.

  "A few different things," the captain answered, after taking a moment to swallow his last bite. "Wool, jewels and spices to name a few. The islands are bountiful in many things."

  "And we bring them wine, gold, cotton and other things native to our land," Seif said. "Hence the Enigma is a trade ship."

  I rolled my eyes. "Thank you for that clarification."

  Everyone laughed.

  "We should be arriving at our first stop in about a fortnight," Captain Matek said. "I hope you brought something warm with you because even at this time of year, it can get very cold in these parts."

  "Are we going to the Boreal Islands?" I asked suddenly.

  The captain nodded.

  I had heard about them as a child, but never dreamed I would see them. They were known to be mountainous, cold and wet, but beautiful. The lakes were said to be crystal clear, and sometimes in the night, a rainbow of colors streaked across the sky.

  Captain Matek smiled, and I knew the excitement was evident on my face. While I had begun to fear the long journey, I was now certain it would be worth it.

  "We have some warm clothes," Ethelyn said, "but perhaps we will be able to acquire more when we get there if it’s too cold."

  "That would work," the captain said.

  We ate the rest of dinner as the captain, Seif and Roy told us about what to expect on this voyage. When we finished,
Ethelyn and I excused ourselves. As I closed the door to the cabin, Roy pushed it open.

  "Norah, wait," he called after me.

  "Go ahead," I said to Ethelyn as she stopped to wait. "I’ll be right there." I turned to Roy. "What?"

  He sighed and looked down at me. The light from a lantern hanging by the door caught his eyes, and I found myself trying to figure out what color they were. They seemed like a dark green but not quite.

  "I know our people don’t like each other," he began, "but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. I didn’t mean to put you on the spot in there."

  "You didn’t," I said with a smile.

  "So can we be friends?" He stretched out his hand.

  I looked down at it. Two gold rings adorned his fingers, and his skin was a warm caramel color in the lantern’s light.

  "Friends," I said, internally scolding myself for paying so much attention to his appearance. I shook his hand, and he creased his forehead. "What’s wrong?" I asked when he didn’t let go.

  Roy pulled my hand up and turned it over so he could see my palm. He ran his thumb across it, sending a chill down my spine. "These are not the hands of a commoner or peasant," he said, running his thumb across my fingertips. "They are the hands of a lady—the hands of one who has never worked."

  I snatched my hand away, both appalled by the way he touched me and fearful that my lie was falling apart.

  "Who are you really, Norah?" he asked, taking a step closer.

  "My name is Norah, and I am no one of importance. I am simply on this ship heading to Asteria. My business is my own."

  He put his hands up defensively. "I won’t say anything, so calm down. We are friends, remember?"

  I pursed my lips. "Good evening, Mr. Halding." I dipped my head and walked away quickly before he could say more.

  I hadn’t been on the ship for a day, and my identity was already in danger.

  Chapter 13

  James

  O NE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT that my time as general of the rebels had been the hardest of my life, but they did not compare to the weeks following Aria’s disappearance. I spent the days either searching neighboring towns with the soldiers or in my study, anxiously waiting for any news. Layla was not speaking to me unless it was a matter of importance, and I didn’t blame her.

  "Your Majesty," Haddon said, opening the door. "Captain Livingston requests an audience."

  I nodded and sat in the chair behind my desk.

  "James?" Tristan said, stepping into my study.

  I looked up at him expectantly.

  Tristan walked to the center of the room. His face was grim, and I knew he was bringing the news I expected.

  "We have received word from the governors of each of the provinces that despite their efforts, Princess Aria is nowhere to be found." He paused and took a breath. "I fear she is not in the kingdom."

  "I have already sent word to King Darius," I replied.

  "What about King Azad in Surmania?"

  "She wouldn’t go there," I said, standing. I found it difficult to stay seated for more than a few minutes these days. I had to keep moving—needed to do something.

  "But, just in case—"

  "Tristan, Aria understands the tense relationship we have with them. She would be in far more danger crossing the border into that kingdom than staying in Asteria or even going to Malan."

  "Captain," Haddon intervened, "it is better that King Azad be kept in the dark over this."

  "Rumors are spreading," Tristan insisted. "It will not be long until everyone knows. Word will reach Surmania—"

  "And if we send word, the nobles of Surmania will have their men search for her and use her to avenge the death of the queen they still blame us for!" I almost yelled.

  Tristan nodded. "I will keep you updated on any progress." He paused for a moment and looked at me. "I will also send some of my men to keep an eye on the roads heading into Surmania—they will remain inconspicuous."

  I waved him out of the room without a response.

  He bowed and left.

  I pressed my fingers into my temple and closed my eyes. "Haddon, make sure Layla is given this news."

  When Haddon bowed and left as well, I sat down again and stared at my desk. The threat of the Surmans was real. We needed to find Aria and bring her home safely. King Azad had control over his nobles, but their influence was significant. If they learned of Aria’s disappearance, they would seek her out—the thought terrified me.

  I shoved the papers and books off my desk and stood, slamming my fist against the table. This was the most helpless I had ever felt since the arrow struck Layla. I pressed the heels of my hands into my eyes, trying to push away the memory. I needed to get outside, then, maybe I could think clearly. Servants bowed as I passed, but I barely noticed. I felt suffocated and pulled at my collar so I could breathe. A guard opened the door to the gardens, and the spring air wrapped around me in greeting. It filled my lungs, and I immediately felt calmer.

  The gardens separated the castle from the southern wing that housed the guards’ barracks and training areas. I made my way past the groundskeepers towards the wing and into the armory. A couple of servants roamed in between the racks of weapons, probably in search of some that were in need of sharpening and cleaning. I pulled a sword from one of the racks and headed out into one of the inner courtyards where a few guards sparred with one another or used wooden dummies for target practice. The sword’s weight was reassuring as I passed them. A few stopped when I entered, but I ignored them.

  Even though the dummies were meant for archery and knife throwing, I didn’t care. I found one away from the men and readied my sword. There was a desperate need inside me to hit something, and the dummy would have to do. I took a deep breath and slammed the sword into the wood. The jolt felt good. I hit it again and again, pouring out my anger and frustration, my fear and dread. The wood splintered with each stroke.

  "James," a voice said behind me.

  I struck the dummy again.

  "Leave us," the voice said.

  I saw the guards from the corner of my eye bow and exit the courtyard.

  I took a steadying breath and turned around.

  Layla stood a few feet behind me. She wore a pale green and white gown; her golden-brown hair pulled into an intricately braided bun. Her green eyes watched me carefully. Despite everything that had happened, she still managed to take my breath away.

  She folded her hands in front of her. "Catherine is on her way."

  "Why?" I asked.

  "She’s ready to speak to us—ready to tell the truth."

  I knew she had lied. I turned and hit the sword against the dummy so hard, the wood split.

  "James," Layla said, the tone of her voice being the one she used when I needed to get back under control. She came up beside me and placed a hand on my arm. It was the first contact we'd had since our argument.

  I dropped the sword and turned to her. "I’m sorry," I said. "I shouldn’t have blamed this on you."

  "I know," she whispered, her eyes kind. "I forgive you."

  Her words lifted a weight from my shoulders.

  She reached up and ran her fingers down the scar on my face. "We need each other, James. I don’t know what Catherine is going to say, but I need you there with me as my husband and the father to our children, not as the king."

  I took her hand and kissed the palm.

  She slid it from my hand to behind my neck and pulled me towards her until her lips met mine.

  The softness of her lips washed everything away for a moment.

  She pulled back and laughed. "You haven’t shaved in a while."

  I rolled my eyes and straightened.

  Layla ran her eyes over me. "I think you should get yourself cleaned up before Catherine arrives—you don’t want to scare her."

  I smiled at her attempt to joke. "I will."

  She took my hand. "Come."

  ☐☐☐☐

  When I walked i
nto the parlor, Catherine stood quickly from the canapé sofa near the fireplace. Layla sat across from her and gave me a small smile. I waved a hand at Catherine to sit.

  While she was typically calm, something was off today. She wrung her hands nervously, and her eyes kept darting around the room.

  "James, why don’t you have a seat," Layla said, raising an eyebrow at me.

  Reluctantly, I walked over to a chair near them and sat.

  Layla gave me a small approving nod and looked over at Catherine. "You wanted to see us."

  Catherine shifted her gaze to Layla and nodded. "I—I must apologize, Your Majesty, Your Grace, but I have not been entirely honest with you."

  As if that were a surprise.

  "I promised Aria I would not say anything," she continued.

  "You know where she is," I stated, not caring what reason she had for lying.

  She kept her eyes away from me, and I saw the embarrassment and shame on her face. "I knew where she was going."

  "Where?" I asked.

  "Malan."

  "Who did she go with, other than her handmaiden?"

  Catherine looked down into the empty fireplace. "She accompanied my cousin Wesley and a few of his friends to the Malanese Seaport."

  Layla looked over at me, and I saw the relief in her eyes—relief that we now knew where to look. If Aria were safe, she would be arriving at the seaport any day now, if she hadn’t already.

  "Why did you wait this long to tell us?" Layla asked.

  "I was not going to, Your Grace—and I am sorry to have lied, but I gave Aria my word. I would not have come here today if my parents had not discovered my involvement. It was they that demanded I come clean," Catherine admitted.

  "It was your idea," I said.

  For the first time, she met my cold gaze. "Forgive me, Your Majesty; I had only meant to help Aria."

  I bolted up from the chair, fists clenched to my sides. "To help her? You let her go out there unprotected!"

  "She was going to Malan," Catherine pointed out quickly. "The road there is safe, and the people she is with will protect her if she needs to be."

  "You mean the people she probably had never met until they set out together," I growled.

  Catherine bit her lip. "She will be okay. The plan was once she got to the Seaport she would head over to Kings City and stay with King Darius."