Hawk strutted toward me, his eyebrows raised. “We’ve never sailed this far.”
I licked my dry lips. “Perhaps I can give you some of the payment now. As a show of goodwill.”
He cleared his throat. “Thank you.”
I reached deep into my drawstring bag and felt the cool edge of the dagger. It had been gifted to me on my thirteenth birthday. The hilt was made with sapphires and diamonds. It was the most valuable thing I owned. I wasn’t going to give it to Hawk yet. Instead, I grabbed some coins and shoved them into his hands. He quickly stuffed his pockets. “I’ll give you the dagger and the rest once you take me home. As promised.”
He pursed his lips, then exhaled heavily. “Of course. How long do we expect to be here before bringing you back?”
“A week, maybe two. I need to return before month’s end, else Edgar can change laws I may not be able to reverse.” I cleared my throat. “Honestly, I’m afraid of what damage he would do.”
“I suggest two weeks,” he advised. “It’s enough time to eradicate suspicion but short enough so you can take back Magaelor’s reign before any damage occurs.”
“Yes.” I furrowed my brows. He reminded me of Ashur in his words and tone, my father’s right-hand man.
Hawk shouted at one of his crew for pulling the wrong rope and marched toward them. I leaned over the side of the ship. The sun reached its peak in the sky as we reached shore. I was back in enemy territory, but this time of my own accord. My lips parted as I took in the orange-yellow horizon.
THREE
I wiped a sheen of sweat off my forehead and looked around. My hair was sticking to my face. We’d disembarked safely and Hawk managed to find a horse dealer and stables for us to hire four horses to ride to Woodbarrow. Whispering the ancient words “Cum ab oculis abscondere tuam augurium” twice, I cloaked my staff, making it invisible to all. I clasped the pendant of my blue necklace, letting it deceive those around me into believing I was one of them. It could pass as a relic; it did last time I was here. On horseback, Hawk, along with a few of his men and I, began the three-hour journey through Woodbourne province.
We neared the town center of Woodbarrow, and my stomach was in knots. There was more chance now than ever of being caught, with the recent attack on their people.
After climbing off my horse and handing the reins to Hawk, I walked to a newspaper rack on the corner of the street and sighed. A detailed drawing of my father’s face covered every single one, his accusing dark eyes on me. I grabbed one, paying a bronze piece to the man at the stand.
King Amos of Magaelor Dead, Marking the End of His Ruthless Reign.
My heart sank. The shock of what I’d done washed over me. I was responsible for it, even if it didn’t feel like murder. I didn’t stab him or cut his throat. I didn’t run him through with a sword, like he had done to Jasper. Nor had I slaughtered him like he had the elves. But I had pulled the ring from his finger, knowing what would happen. It was premeditated, yet I had been holding myself in a higher esteem than other killers.
For a second, it didn’t matter how many bad things Father had done; they weren’t worth killing him for. I felt a part of my soul darken. No matter how many times I told myself I’d done the right thing, that he’d deserved it and I saved Magaelor from a war with Niferum, I couldn’t get rid of the sinking feeling deep inside, like an itch I could never scratch.
“Everything okay?” Hawk asked, peering over my shoulder. “Ah.”
I scrunched the newspaper in my hands. “Yes. Thank you for bringing me so far, but there’s something I must do. Alone.”
He looked uneasy. “We will be at the Red Thorn Tavern. Peter knows the owner from a shadow market. We can hide out there.” Hawk’s face was red. “When will we be expecting you?”
“I don’t know,” I answered. “A day, possibly two. Depends if I can find the person I seek.”
His eyes flitted to my drawstring bag.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m not going to run from you. Trust me, I need you to get back home.”
“I know.” He nodded. “It’s not that. I’d rather you were not left alone. Your safety has become essential. It’s not only the payment that matters now. You are…” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Our queen.”
“I’ll be careful,” I promised, feeling a little annoyed he would think I couldn’t handle myself. I was the one who’d saved us from the mercreatures. “I have been here before. I will be okay. It’s only for a day.”
“I cannot force you to stay with us.” He let out a weighted sigh. “Return soon, and be wary of thieves,” he said reluctantly and turned to follow his right-hand man, Peter, and two other crewmen back down a winding dirt road.
Once they were gone, I straightened the thin pages of the newspaper and devoured the words. The word Monster was scrawled across the paragraphs, entwining with words about his supposed murder and the anarchy that followed. In the short time I’d sailed, everything that could have gone wrong, had. The hairs on my arms stood erect as the words entered my head.
Edgar had made a deal with King Xenos.
I turned the pages, desperate for more information, but nothing else was said. They were keeping the details under wraps.
That traitor! After what Berovia had done to my brother, his own cousin. Xenos was king when the attack on Magaelor had been ordered. I puffed out my cheeks and clenched my fists. I stormed through the town center, clutching the pages in my grasp. If his rule wasn’t incentive enough to return and reclaim my throne, this new deal was. Berovia wouldn’t just agree to peace. Not after everything. What had Edgar promised them?
I glanced down at the inked words one last time before throwing the paper into a garbage wagon on the corner of the road. White-bricked houses lined the seaside town, leading away from the swampy marshes farther south. The air was so thick, I could hardly catch my breath. I stopped in front of another display rack. My name was on one of the newspapers, along with a drawing of my face.
Magaelor Princess Believed Dead After Fleeing Niferum. Is This the End of Amos Mortis’s Direct Bloodline?
A second newspaper read:
A New Era for Magaelor
I let out a long exhale before stepping back. It was an inconvenience. I couldn’t hover around public places for long, especially ones where my face was openly attached to my title. The sketch of me was small and only on one newspaper, so I was safe enough, but still, I didn’t like it. I was surprised they were printing about us at all, but then I supposed our deaths were the best thing that could happen to King Xenos.
Whatever happened now, I needed to find Cedric. He could help me, then I would go into the Forest of Tranquillium to see the village myself. I needed to look at it and to see if Birch was… still alive.
Spotting a week-old newspaper lying next to the stand, I read the headline:
Elves Ambushed in the Dead of Night by Lunas, Nymphs Stolen, Our Resources Attacked.
It was only one nymph, not that it mattered. The article reiterated what I already knew to be true; Berovia wasn’t going to just forgive us and not retaliate, even if Amos was dead. No, Edgar had offered something valuable. He had to have. Luckily, he couldn’t legally sign anything until he was crowned king, which wouldn’t happen until after the mourning period. I still had time to go back and undo his treachery.
I hurried down brick roads to smaller, cobbled streets until I reached the entrance to the shadow market. The wrought iron gate reached high, twisting into spikes at the top. I fumbled in my bag, then pulled out the heavy iron key. I forced it into the large, scratched padlock and turned it. As I did, the illusion of a quiet street melted away into a scene of vibrance and magic.
The first stall shone, immediately capturing my attention. It was a beautiful array of intricate, small collectibles, like goblets of silver and tungsten and glass ornaments with faery dust trapped inside, making them shimmer and glow, contrasting the black cloth that hung over the table. Rings glistened from a black pad
ded stand—a metal dragon wrapped around an emerald and a phoenix alight over an orange stone. I wanted it all.
I pulled my attention to the next table. Packs of tarot cards, like the ones Morgana had used, were stacked neatly in the center. My heart panged. The voice in the back of my mind questioned if it would be too late to save her. I swallowed hard, attempting to remove the lump in my throat, to no avail. I pushed on, ignoring the dark thoughts threatening to consume me and anxieties I could not answer.
I reminded myself why I was here. I had to find Cedric.
Curiosity burned in my mind. I looked from left to right, taking in the relics and magical items for sale. Sunlight danced off various diamonds and rare gems, silver trinkets, and gold covers on ancient books. The footpath was crowded. I darted in and out of small groups of solises and, occasionally, a light fae or elf. I could always tell them apart with the light fae’s nature-inspired clothing and glistening wings, some tucked at their backs, others had them spread open for all to see.
Elves, like the fae, were humanoid looking, with pointed ears. However, the elves ears were much longer, and their eyes were wider. Most had long hair tied at the back of their necks into braids. They were able to see better than any other race in the dark, with sharp reflexes. I admired one elf’s sword, which reflected light when he walked. They were always the best at making weapons.
A pinstriped tent blocked the road. I walked down the small path leading past stalls and through the entranceway of the tent. I recognized the tables and the same vipers and charmers as last time. Tiptoeing my way around the area, I maneuvered myself behind four women wearing long yellow dresses made of sheer silk, made so thin it was see-through, revealing the tight gold dress beneath the layers. I emerged to a bar. It had been erected with tables semi-circled together to serve various liquors. Men and women drank, and as they did, the chatter rose and laughter grew louder.
The heaviness of the Ring of Immortalem, still safe in my pocket, reminded me of how I could stop aging, if I wanted to. I had a priceless item on my person and, with it, great power. The lure of immortality was strong, especially when posed with such threat, but Blaise’s warning lingered. They were cursed, I reminded myself, and pulling it from my father’s hand was what had caused him to stop breathing.
“Equs.” I sighed relief when I saw the familiar face of the gatekeeper. Cedric said Equs could lead us to anyone, and now ironically, I needed him to lead me to Cedric. I approached the table. He blinked his white eyelashes and ran his hand over his short, white hair. His tattoos were fading with age, but still beautiful.
“I remember you.” His tone was steady but authoritative as he sat upon his tall throne behind long tables.
“I need your help finding someone.” I reached into my other pocket and pulled out a ruby. It could easily fetch forty gold coins. “I can pay.”
He eyed the red gem and shifted his eyes back up to mine. “Who are you attempting to locate?” His expression was unmoving, giving nothing away.
“Cedric, the faery I was with last time.”
“Ah, yes. I will talk with my network and find his location. It may take some time before I get an answer back.” He held out his hand and flexed his fingers.
Hesitantly, I reached forward but recoiled at the last second. “You can have it when you find him.”
His stare ran cold. “Payment is required up front.”
Neither of us looked away. I clenched my jaw but relented. I handed him the ruby. “I will return at sundown,” I mumbled, remembering how Cedric had shown Equs a lot more respect than I think he deserved, but I needed him to find the only ally I had here. Aside from Birch, but I couldn’t count on her ever being a friend to me again if she was alive, after what I’d given away where they lived in the forest. Then, I didn’t even know if she was. I hoped she’d survived. I couldn’t bear the heaviness on my conscience, where I could be responsible for the demise of one of the few people in my life who had shown me unconditional kindness. If I’d known my father would have gone to attack them, I wouldn’t have said anything.
His stare bore into me. I shifted from one foot to the other. “Thank you,” I said quickly and turned on my heel. I trudged out of the market, shoving the key back into my bag. I creaked the gate open and shut it behind me. The town was bustling with solises crowding stores and taverns.
Turning the corner, I kept my head down and found a narrow, desolate road. I kicked a pebble across the sandy ground as I headed to the docks. The fishy, tangy scent grew stronger as I reached the sand and sea. Sitting on a crumbling wall, I looked out over the beach. It stretched alongside the water. I carefully peeled off my boots and stretched out my aching toes. Curling them into the sand, I watched waves lick the golden sand, the tips bubbling over, pushing a piece of driftwood farther up the beach.
I curled my back, slumping over and pressing my hands against my thighs. My head drooped forward. The minutes ticked into hours, and the sun began to set. Blues turned to reds, then purple blotted the sky. I sat upright. Listening to the waves tumble toward me was the serenity I needed for my aching soul.
Hours fell into each other. I nestled down the side of the back of the wall. I rested my head against the sand and closed my eyes, only for a moment. I enjoyed the sound of the waves, my own lullaby to the pain and guilt I carried. Sleep was waiting for me, an eager friend ready to take me from my cruel fate.
***
I fluttered my eyes open. I heard someone calling out to me in my dream. I remembered where I was and sat up, panicked. Night had swallowed the day, covering everything in darkness. Pinpricked stars glistened, and the light from the moon illuminated the tips of the waves in the distance.
“Winter.”
I jumped, scratching my hand against a jagged rock.
“Cedric.” I placed my hand over my racing heartbeat. “I am so relieved you’re here. You got my message?”
“Yes. Equs contacted me through a friend. I was staying not far from here. I flew as soon as I heard you needed me. I went to the market, but you didn’t return as Equs said you would, so I went looking for you.” He smirked. “I figured knowing you, you’d probably gotten yourself into trouble. So what’s happening? You know, everyone thinks you’re dead.”
I wrapped my arms around my waist. “It’s been a difficult year so far.”
“I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.” He looked me up and down. “I’m glad you’re not dead. I hoped it wasn’t true.”
I laughed. “Thanks.”
His golden strands were curled around the crown he always wore. His lips were curved into a carefree smile, and he was dressed in naturistic clothing, with a shirt that looked like it was made from tree bark, with green pants to match.
I pointed at his outfit. “The trees must be flattered you stole your look from them.”
He looked down at his outfit and chuckled. “I always liked the way I looked in this, but do you want to know a secret?”
I leaned in closer, and he whispered in my ear. “I prefer wearing normal clothes.”
My eyes bulged. “I wouldn’t have guessed. Why not just wear them then?”
He flushed pink. “I’m, uh, under certain pressures where appearances are concerned.”
I squinted and furrowed my brows. “What pressures?”
“Why are you here?” he questioned. “Your father is dead, and your people think you are, so I’ll presume you did something reckless. If you came all the way back here to find me, then you were right about what you told me before. You really must have no friends.”
I knew he meant it jokingly, but the comment stabbed through me, nevertheless.
“I’m sorry,” he said, seeing my pained expression. “I’ve had a lot happen too. I’m actually happy to see you.”
I touched his arm, feeling his warmth beneath my fingertips. “Right now, honestly, I really could use a friend.” Tears pooled in the corner of my eyes. “I need your help.”
His expression tu
rned serious, his smile turning into a hard line. “What do you need? Do you want to come back to my place?”
He had another property here? The last one was in Bluewater province, over near the castle, I remembered.
“Yes, although I’m curious to how you’ve amassed such wealth to have yet another house.”
He tapped the side of his nose. “Some things must stay secret.”
He linked his arm through mine and walked with me. It was nice. I felt like I’d known him forever, when in reality, I barely knew him at all. I’d spent little over a week with him altogether. He just felt… familiar. When we reached the road lined with matching houses, I began to panic. I didn’t really know why I was there. I supposed I just needed to talk to someone. He was right. It was sad I had to travel halfway around the world to find a friend.
FOUR
I sat across the table in Cedric’s modestly sized beach house. He leaned his elbows against the oak and clasped his fingers together. “I apologize for the size. I don’t frequent this one often. Only when business calls.”
“Business?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Trade deals.”
“Oh yes.” Perhaps that was how he was so wealthy. Trade was a strong business to be in nowadays. Everyone needed something. “Where’s Buttercup?” I asked, noticing the pixie’s absence. “At one of your other houses?” I shook the table with my leg, anxiety buzzing.
His lips pressed into a hard line. “I had to send her back. She was caught, and they gave me two options.” He shuddered. “I gave her to Aquarius for when he next visited Magaelor for trade. He left with her weeks ago.”
“I can’t say I’m not pleased to know she’s back where she belongs.”
He sighed. “I do miss her though.”
“She’s a pixie.” I rolled my eyes, then smirked.
The Fate of Crowns: The Complete Trilogy: A YA Epic Fantasy Boxset Page 29