The World of Samar Box Set 3

by M. L. Hamilton

  Aiden didn’t have time to react. He stared up as an arrow slammed into Adison, taking him over onto his back. Whipping around, Aiden looked up at the building across from the castle, one of two that rose higher than the others, but he didn’t see anything and no more arrows followed the first.

  Vaulting out of the saddle, Aiden didn’t waste a moment, racing for the castle, climbing the stairs two at a time. He heard Kalas and the Nazarien pelting after him, but he didn’t stop, skidding around the corner and hitting the stairs running as he climbed to the solarium and then to the roof.

  A moment later, he burst out of the door and found himself in the dovecote. Carona had helped Alasdair climb back up and they were huddled against a turret, hugging each other. Aiden hurried to them, dropping to his knees and throwing his arms around both of them.

  They were sobbing and talking all at once, but he didn’t care. They were safe. Then he remembered Adison.

  Releasing his brother and his wife, he shifted and looked to where Adison’s body lay sprawled between the pens. The birds fluttered madly in agitation, feathers floating on the breeze.

  Kalas knelt beside Adison, pressing a hand to the pulse in his throat, but Aiden knew there wouldn’t be any. The arrow had taken him through the neck and a pool of blood was forming beneath his head.

  Climbing to his feet, he approached his brother and hunkered down at his side. Adison’s eyes were wide open, staring with shock at nothing, his mouth gaping in a scream he’d never utter. Aiden reached over and closed his eyes, bowing his head in grief.

  Kalas placed a steadying hand on his shoulder and Naia knelt by his side. “I’m sorry, Aiden,” said Kalas.

  Aiden nodded, glancing up to see his brother and Carona standing side by side, staring at Adison’s still form. For a moment, Aiden couldn’t summon up enough energy to say anything.

  The grief was overpowering.

  “Aiden,” came Alasdair’s raw voice.

  “Yes?”

  “Lyell Vito’s in the dungeon. We haven’t been allowed to see him in a week.”

  Aiden’s thoughts snapped into focus and then he was moving again.

  * * *

  Aiden stumbled to a halt outside Lyell Vito’s cell. The old man sat at a camp table, sipping tea from a teacup and holding the saucer in the other hand. He looked up at Aiden and his face lit with joy.

  “Aiden!”

  Aiden curled his fingers in the bars as a guard began unlocking Lyell’s door. “Are you drinking tea in the dungeon, Lyell?”

  Lyell looked around as if he realized where he was for the first time. “As a matter of fact I am.”

  The cell door opened and Aiden stepped inside, moving toward the table.

  “Would you like some?” He motioned to the chair across from him.

  Aiden sank into it, realizing his knees were shaking. “You’re drinking tea in the dungeon.”

  “The guards have been very good to me, providing me with all the creature comforts, yes.” He glanced around again, settling the teacup and saucer on the table. “I will say, it wouldn’t be bad if there was just a bit more natural light.”

  Aiden barked a laugh, relief spilling over him. “I’m so glad to see you, old man.”

  Lyell reached over and took his hand. “I’m delighted to see you, Aiden. I was so afraid for you.”

  Aiden’s smile sobered. “Adison’s dead.”

  Lyell lifted his chin, then he nodded. “Who had the unfortunate task of killing him?”

  “I don’t know. He was shot from one of the buildings across from the castle.”

  “Someone should probably investigate if anyone saw the shooter.”

  Aiden nodded.

  “Is Alasdair all right?”

  “Shaken up, but he’s fine.”

  “A little while ago, they brought a young man down here, Nazarien by the look of him. You might want to investigate that too.”

  “Zander. He was our messenger. They didn’t hurt him, did they?”

  “As I remember, they were very apologetic. Adison was not a man to garner loyalty, I fear. Something went off in him when he took the throne, Aiden. He was like a madman.”

  Aiden nodded. “I think it started a long time ago. Adison’s the one who had me abducted.”

  “Ah, yes, I suspected as much.” He gave Aiden a careful once-over. “All said, you’re thinner than you were and there are a few more lines around your eyes, but you look at peace, Aiden.”

  Aiden smiled. “So I am.”

  Kalas appeared in the cell doorway. “Is everything all right, Your Majesty?”

  Aiden squeezed Lyell’s hand and smiled over his shoulder at the King. “Everything’s fine, Kalas, just fine.”

  * * *

  Carona looked into the mirror over her dressing stand as Aiden entered her chambers. Her maid, Maren, stilled in brushing her hair and met her gaze. Carona motioned the girl away and rose, clasping her hands before her.

  Aiden dropped his gaze. He didn’t know what to say or how to say it. Now that the moment was here, he felt a wash of guilt so great it choked him. Carona didn’t rush into his arms or make any other overtures of welcome, but she gave him a cool look.

  “Welcome back, my lord,” she said.

  “Thank you,” he mumbled. “It’s good to be back.”

  She didn’t respond and they stood, standing awkwardly across from one another, Aiden unsure how to approach this situation and Carona less than welcoming.

  “Dear lord, Aiden, you haven’t come to demand your husbandly rights, have you? After the day I’ve had, I’m exhausted.”

  Aiden’s gaze snapped to her face and his mouth opened in shock. “No, no, I…” He gave her a confused look. “I wanted to see how you were, Carona.”

  “Clearly, I’m fine. Do I not look fine?”

  “Yes, you look…” He stopped and held out his hands. Immediately they’d fallen into the same routine. “What are we doing, Carona?”

  She sank down into her dressing chair, bracing an arm across the back of it. “I don’t know, Aiden. It’s always been like this between us.”

  He came forward and hunkered down in front of her. “I care about you. When Adison had you dangling over the roof, I was so afraid.”

  “I felt the same thing when you were gone.”

  Aiden smiled. “I was also proud of you. You were a hellcat up there.”

  She beamed with pride. “There’s a warrior’s spirit inside of me.”

  Aiden laughed. “There is.”

  Her smile grew grim. “I hate the way it ended though.”

  Aiden nodded. “I know.”

  “He was a sick man, Aiden. I don’t think he knew what he was doing.”

  “I agree.”

  She brushed a stray lock of hair off his forehead. “You need a haircut.”

  “I do.”

  She dropped her hand to her lap. “Who’s the woman?”

  “What?” He glanced up at her.

  “The beautiful Nazarien woman.”

  “Naia.”

  “Naia? How did you meet her?”

  “She was a slave too.” He gave a helpless shrug. “She saved my life.”

  Carona smiled softly. “You’ve never been good at hiding your emotions, you know that, Aiden?” She leaned closer to him. “Who is she?”

  Aiden looked down. He just wasn’t sure what her reaction might be, but he had to get this out there and he had to do it now. “The woman I love.”

  Carona gave a slow nod.

  “I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just did. We went through so much together and when I thought I was lost, she was there.”

  “We’ve never been good together. You know that, Aiden. This whole marriage thing and the pressures it put on us is awful. If we’d had the choice, we would never have selected each other. If I’m being honest, you are so not the right man for me.”

  He gave a startled laugh. “Really?”

  “No, I’d so much prefer a man like K
alas Eldralin, now there’s a man. Or that pretty piece he calls his brother. That one has some wildness about him.”

  Aiden didn’t know what to say. He gave her an amused look. “Amaroq?”

  “Amaroq, yes,” she said with a lusty purr. “Amaroq is quite tasty.”

  Aiden scratched at the back of his neck uncomfortably.

  Carona’s smile faded. “I’m glad you’re back, Aiden.”

  “So am I.”

  “I learned something while you were gone.”

  “What?”

  “Life is short and you should make the most of it while you have it. Seeing Adison die so suddenly just reinforced that.”

  Aiden nodded. “I learned that when I was a slave, Carona.”

  She leaned closer to him. “Seems to me we ought to grab a bit of happiness now and again, don’t you think?”

  “I do.”

  “And honestly, being married to you has not made me happy. No offense, mind you.”

  “None taken.” He drew a deep breath and released it. “So what do we do?”

  “I’m not sure, but I’ll think about it.”

  “You’ll always have a home here, Carona, and you will always be Dorland’s Queen.”

  She made a face. “Besides the clothes and jewelry, the rest is tosh. I hate state dinners and pretending I like you.”

  He chuckled.

  She touched his face. “Let me think on it and I’ll come up with a solution.”

  “I might be able to help with that.”

  “Oh, let’s be honest, Aiden. I’m a lot smarter than you are.”

  Aiden pressed his hand against hers, then rose and kissed her forehead. “I’ll grant you that you are, my Queen.”

  * * *

  Alasdair led Amaroq into the library. Nakoda trailed them, looking around as if he feared he’d be attacked, but immediately Amaroq sensed the quiet, the calm of the place. He wandered down one aisle, trailing his fingers over the bindings. The library at Tirsbor wasn’t nearly this expansive.

  He smiled at the quiet, shy brother of Aiden Cerik. “I like it.”

  Alasdair clasped his hands before him, blinking behind his thick spectacles. “It’s my refuge.”

  Amaroq nodded. “I can see that.”

  Nakoda made a grunt and slumped into a chair at the table. “It feels like a dark cave. I can get this at home.”

  Amaroq ignored the testy comment, wandering to a large map affixed to one wall. He ran his hands over the textured surface, marveling at the detail. “This is amazing.”

  Alasdair came to his side and studied it as well. “I like to look at it, imagine the places on it – what they’re like, the languages people speak, the customs.” He pointed to a spot on the right side of the map. “This is Loden. My father used to tell us the rivers run in cream and the mountains were crystalline with sugar.”

  Nakoda grunted again, but Amaroq smiled. “Kalas wants me to go to Temeron with him. We have a sister there.”

  Alasdair looked over at him. “Are you going?”

  Amaroq nodded. “I believe so, yes.” He pointed to the far north. “What’s up here?”

  “That’s the Madronic Range. Legends have it that Gava had his fortress in those mountains, but no one’s been there in decades.” He swept his hand south over the ocean. “And out here is Delure, land of the aliens.” He gave Amaroq a nod. “Your brother saw it. He can tell you about them.”

  “My entire life was spent in a canyon. I never thought to leave. It was always enough. That must sound crazy, right?”

  Alasdair laughed. “You’re standing in my world, so no, it doesn’t sound crazy.”

  “Haven’t you wanted to see these places?” He swept his hand over the map. “Experience them yourself.”

  Alasdair shrugged. “I have my books. They’re enough.”

  Amaroq studied the map, memorizing what he saw. “I want to see more. I want to know what is beyond those mountains. I want to explore all of it.” He gave Alasdair a wistful smile. “I want to see aliens.”

  CHAPTER 28

  They buried Adison in the vault with their father, laying him to rest with all of the honors bestowed upon a member of the royal family. The townspeople followed the procession and laid roses on his coffin, paying homage more to their returned King, than the usurper who had dared to covet the throne.

  Aiden stood beside Alasdair and Carona, unable to hide his emotions as his brother was placed inside the tomb. He should have felt anger and hatred for the brother who had betrayed him, but all he felt was sorrow. Adison had never understood why he’d been shunted aside, overlooked for the crown. In the end, it had driven him mad.

  Lyell Vito spoke a few words, invoked a prayer in Eldon’s name, and the vault was sealed again. Aiden helped Carona down to her carriage, handing her inside, then he moved to Naia’s side and took her arm. Together they walked back to the castle, the sun shining down in a brilliant display.

  The kitchens laid out a feast for them and everyone milled about the Audience Chamber, eating and drinking, talking in subdued voices. Kalas Eldralin approached with Amaroq beside him. Amaroq kissed his sister’s cheek, then offered Aiden his hand.

  “I wish you only peace now,” he said.

  Aiden clasped his hand in both of his own, then turned to Kalas. “I can never repay either of you for all you’ve done for me.”

  “As I said before, we’re allies. This seals the bonds between our lands,” said Kalas.

  Carona moved up on Aiden’s other side, giving Naia a dismissive look. “Your Majesty, might I ask you a question?”

  Kalas inclined his head. “Ask anything, my Queen.”

  “You have a home that overlooks the ocean, do you not?”

  “That I do. It’s a lovely piece of property.”

  “Do you find the ocean breezes to be restorative?”

  “Restorative?” Kalas glanced at Aiden. Aiden shrugged. “Yes, my Queen, I find them to be exceptionally restorative.”

  Carona placed a hand against her throat. “As you know, I have a delicate constitution. I think it’s the dry air in Dorland. I’m certain I would do much better in a more temperate climate like Kazden. Is there any property near yours that might be purchased? My husband has promised to build me a beach home. Haven’t you, Aiden?”

  Aiden gave a disbelieving laugh. “A beach home?”

  “A beach home,” she repeated, staring fixedly at Naia.

  Aiden laid his hand on Naia’s where it rested against his forearm. “Yes,” he said to Kalas. “I am building the Queen a beach home. Do you know of such a location, Your Majesty?”

  Kalas shared an amused look with his brother. “I do. I have the perfect location, and furthermore, while your home is being built, feel free to use mine. I will be taking a trip to Temeron soon and won’t have need of it for a good, long while.”

  “Oh, you are so kind,” said Carona, running her fingers along his chest. “So kind and handsome.” She gave Aiden a wink, then pressed between the two brothers, trailing her hand down Amaroq’s arm. She stopped and looked up at him. “And you are delicious, aren’t you? What did they say your name was? Wolf, right?”

  Amaroq inclined his head.

  “Wolf, yes.” She made a purring sound in her throat. “Feel free to visit me as often and for as long as you want.” Then she sashayed away.

  * * *

  “We searched both buildings, but there was no evidence that anyone was inside to take the shot, Eladrasen,” said Tovan, standing before Kalas’ breakfast table in his suite. Behind him stood his second, Beck, and Zander.

  Wiping his mouth with his napkin, Kalas settled it beside his plate and glanced at his brother. Amaroq shoved his plate away, shifting to face the Tirsbor Commander, but he didn’t speak. Dolan settled his teacup on its saucer and blew out air, sensing Kalas’ frustration.

  “I want a bounty placed on Halish and Duard both,” said Kalas.

  “Done,” said Tovan, motioning to Beck. The seco
nd ducked his head and left the room.

  “Dolan, would you ask Aiden to send word of the bounty to the entire region, Terra Antiguo included?”

  “As you wish,” Dolan answered, rising to his feet and moving toward the door.

  Kalas gave Tovan a lift of his brows. “Anything else?”

  “There is.” He looked at Amaroq for the first time. “We await your orders for departure.”

  “I’m not returning to Tirsbor, Tovan.”

  Tovan held out a hand. “Things are different now. You command the Nazarien. You won’t be restricted to the canyon.”

  Amaroq shook his head. “I’m going with my brother to Temeron.”

  “Then I’ll send warriors with you. When you return, we can…”

  “I won’t be returning.”

  Kalas blinked at that. This was the first he’d heard of that plan.

  “I release the Nazarien back to you and the Nazar.” Amaroq rose to his feet and held out his hand. “And I thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the years.”

  Tovan opened his mouth to protest, but in the end, he clasped Amaroq’s hand with his own. “It has been my pleasure, son of Talar.” He released him and took a step back. “By your leave, Eladrasen.”

  Kalas nodded.

  Turning on his heel, Tovan motioned for Zander to follow him.

  “Amaroq,” said Zander, stepping forward.

  Tovan stopped moving and looked over his shoulder.

  “I would like to follow you to Temeron, if you are agreeable to that.”

  “I don’t intend to return to Nevaisser, Zander.”

  Zander nodded. “I understand that, but still I’d like to follow.” He turned to Kalas. “If you’ll accept my sword, Eladrasen.”

  “A skilled sword such as your own will be welcome, Zander.” But his brow furrowed at Amaroq’s words. What did he mean he wouldn’t be returning to Nevaisser? Did he plan to stay in Temeron? Forever?

  Zander faced Tovan. “Will you release me?”

  “Why? Why do you want this?”

  Zander looked down. “I thought things would go a different way. I thought I’d build a life in Tirsbor, but that’s not to be. Still, there’s a way I can serve Naia. I can protect her brother.”