HisPrinceSubmits

by MarieMedina

  “What?”

  “Stop this waiting game. The queen told me you’ve all been stuck in limbo this whole week. I wish to directly accuse the king of murder. Since I’m a witness, doesn’t he have to respond right away without this grace period or whatever? I was a good student as a kid. Went to hear the scholars give their open lectures. I remember a lot of the history and government stuff.”

  Alexander’s eyes widened, but then he nodded. “Yes. You’re right about that. My accusation could be dismissed as a rumor or fabrication. But you could testify.” He tilted his head. “Hmmm. And if you are a seer, you could likely share your memories with another seer. Now you know what a seer is, do you remember anything from childhood? Any signs?”

  “No. But specific memories are still trickling in.” He smiled, briefly. “My gran said I was special, but I think she was a bit prejudiced.”

  “Yes, they do tend to be.” He paused before adding, “Do you feel all right to travel? Can you ride a horse?”

  “I’m not very good, but I won’t fall off or anything if we don’t go too fast.”

  “It’s not too far. A few miles. If you’re sure you’re up to it.”

  Sebastian nodded. “If you’ll defend me if I lose my temper with that monster. I refuse to give him any respect. He stopped being my king ten years ago.”

  Alexander reached out and clasped his hand, looking so sad suddenly. “I’m so sorry. For everything. Your life has been turned upside down twice. And you—”

  Not wanting to hear more, Sebastian lifted his hand to stop Alexander. “Stop apologizing. The best way to make it up to me is to take the throne and be a true king. I need to focus on this. Otherwise, I’ll give in to,” he paused, “despair, honestly.”

  “Despair?”

  “Yes, but with your help, I won’t succumb.” He looked down at their clasped hands. “Neither of us will.”

  “Good point. I’d have gone mad this last week if not for the distraction of making plans.”

  “Because of me?” It still made no sense. “Don’t say that. You hardly know me. I’m nothing to you yet.”

  “Nothing? No. I completely disagree. You’re in my thoughts all day and my dreams at night. I’ve never felt so protective before. Never cared so much what another person thought. Maybe I’m being silly or romanticizing this, but I don’t care. I won’t pretend I don’t feel something for you. Not even to make you feel more comfortable.”

  “Okay. Then I won’t ask you to hide it.” The conviction he’d heard in Alexander’s voice resonated over him. “I just won’t make any promises.”

  “And I wouldn’t ask you to.” He nodded to the door. “Come. I want Henri to go with us.”

  As they left the room, Sebastian asked, “Are you identical twins? It was hard to tell in that vision. It was a blur. I think I remember him having very long hair years ago.”

  “No, not identical. His hair was very long ten years ago, but it’s only a little longer than mine now. It’s noticeably darker. There’s also a difference around the eyes. You can see it more plainly when we’re side by side.”

  “Your mother said he’s a soldier.”

  “Yes. He’ll lead my army, if it comes to that.”

  “Will you fight?” He touched Alexander’s arm and made him stop. “I’d rather you didn’t. I like to think I had that vision for a reason. What’s the point if we don’t use the knowledge to protect you?”

  “I won’t hide in a tent or fortress. If my people fight, I fight.”

  “Not even if I ask you to?”

  Alexander looked down, seeming to struggle with his answer, but the resolve was clear in his eyes when he looked up. “You said you wanted me to be a true king. How can I do that if I live in fear?”

  Sebastian drew his hand back. “We can discuss it later.”

  They resumed walking, and after a few feet, Alexander said, “It pleases me that you care.”

  “You know, it’s not like I’ve said I don’t like you. Or that I’m not interested. The things I said last week … it’s different now. I was scared. Thought you were nuts. I’m here for revenge. Or justice. Whatever you wanna call it. But I’m also here for you. I’d be lying if I denied that.”

  “I’ll consider your request. If you wish.”

  “Yes. I do. Maybe that vision was meant to bring me here. To prevent war altogether.”

  “I’d welcome that. It would save the lives of many people, and it would give me more time to spend with you.”

  “More time? But if you become king, you’ll be so busy.”

  “Not too busy for you.” Alexander glanced his way. “But as you said, you have school. And your adoptive parents. Friends and a home. An entire life that has nothing to do with me.”

  Softly, Sebastian said, “We can talk about that later, too.” Straightening up and holding his head high, he said, “Let’s focus on this. You’ll have to coach me on what to say.”

  “I’d say you should speak from the heart. It’ll have more power for those listening. People just like you who have suffered under a cruel king.”

  Sebastian nodded. He reached over and grasped Alexander’s hand, thankful when the other man simply squeezed it tight and didn’t say anything else.

  * * * *

  Alexander couldn’t help watching Sebastian as they rode. His cariad gazed in wonder at the landscape and occasionally pointed out places and things he remembered. Sebastian also studied Henri for a few moments before looking over at Alexander.

  “Things are coming back. Seeing both of you. You used to ride out together in the mornings. I remember seeing you often.”

  Henri smiled. “I can tell you as many stories about him as you like. Within reason. I don’t want to hurt his chances too much.” He winked at Sebastian.

  Alexander said, “Henri, we’re almost there. We need to focus.”

  Sebastian eyed him before turning back to Henri. “But I would like to hear some of those stories. One day.” His gaze went back to the road.

  Henri glared at Alexander behind Sebastian’s back, and Alexander realized he’d spoiled the mood just when it had started to lighten. He cleared his throat and said, “I’m sorry. I can be too serious.”

  Sebastian’s expression softened a little as he looked to Alexander. “That will serve you well as a king. I’m not offended. Just nervous.”

  “We won’t leave your side, and Henri is the finest warrior in the land.”

  “How many people live here? In the entire land?” Sebastian asked.

  “Around ten thousand,” Alexander said.

  “So few? There are more people than that attending school with me.”

  “We’re few in number, but our land is very small.”

  “I never traveled more than a few miles to different villages. I guess I got used to being surrounded by people.”

  “We’re about the size of Wales,” Henri said.

  Sebastian’s eyes widened. “Wow.” But then he squinted and his brows came together. “Why is our world so small? I suppose I’d never question it if I’d never left, but why? And please don’t tell me that children don’t believe in magic anymore.”

  Henri laughed. “I like you. A lot.”

  Sebastian smiled. “I like you, too.” He glanced between them. “I like how different you two are. It’s fun.”

  “That’s one word for it,” Alexander said, trying not to sound put out.

  “Oh, cheer up,” Henri said. “I’m not trying to steal him. I’m quite happy with what fate gave me.”

  “The woman you said goodbye to?” Sebastian asked.

  “Yes. We’re expecting our first child.”

  “Congratulations.” Sebastian scanned the horizon. “But neither of you are answering my question.”

  Alexander said, “I don’t have an answer. We’re greater in number than we ever have been. But I’ve never read anything about the size of our land. Though texts do say the Unveiled Court is a ‘land without end,’ whatever th
at means. I always thought it wasn’t meant literally.”

  Henri shrugged. “He’s the scholar, not me. So if he doesn’t know, it’s possible no one does.”

  Sebastian opened his mouth to speak again, but no sound came out. He cringed and bent forward against the horse’s neck.

  “What is it?” Alexander said, urging his horse closer.

  Sebastian’s breathing became labored as he looked up and blinked several times. They’d just come into view of the palace, and Sebastian nodded in its direction. Squeezing his eyes closed, he said, “There’s … lots of blood.”

  “Where? In the palace?” Henri asked.

  “Yes. On the walls. The floor. People. I…” Sebastian slumped over and began to slide off the horse. Henri steadied the beast and dropped to his feet while Alexander jumped down to try to catch Sebastian.

  Alexander lowered Sebastian to the ground, touching his cheek, which was very hot. “Sebastian?”

  Sebastian buried his face against Alexander’s chest. “Make it stop!”

  “I don’t know how. We’d need a seer to help. You haven’t been trained. Can’t control it.” Alexander looked to Henri, seeing his own worry reflected on his brother’s face. “Did you find anyone?”

  Henri shook his head. “No one yet.” He walked a few paces and looked to the palace. “They may all be there.”

  “Grayden’s probably got them locked up.”

  “That many seers? One of them would be able to break through his spells. They’re stronger than he is.”

  “That’s what scares me. You can bet it scared him.”

  “You think they’re dead?” Sebastian asked softly.

  Alexander looked down into his cariad’s worried eyes. “I fear they might be.”

  Sebastian sat up, though he held to Alexander to steady himself. “We need to find out. If he’s holding them against their will, we have to do something.”

  “But there’s only three of us,” Alexander said.

  “Alexander?” Henri said.

  “Yes?”

  “Look. The village is deserted. I see charred buildings, as if it’s been burned. The atmosphere is hazy. And the palace is still. I see no guards patrolling anywhere.”

  “He’s fled? Taken those loyal to him?”

  “I think so.” Henri glanced at Sebastian. “I hate to say it, but based on that vision, I hope he had many supporters. If he’s killed people, it’s our fault for not striking first.”

  “No,” Sebastian said, “don’t say that. Please.”

  “We weren’t raised to shift blame. At least not by our mother,” Alexander said. “There’s no point in having royal blood if you don’t take responsibility for what happens in your land.”

  “Stay here with Sebastian and let me scout ahead,” Henri said. “I’ll go on foot and be careful. I’ll retreat if I see guards. Come back for you.”

  Sebastian shuddered. “I don’t think you’re going to find anyone, but be careful.”

  Alexander didn’t say anything as he looked up. He wanted to stop Henri but knew they had few options.

  “I give you my word. I will come back if it’s dangerous,” Henri said before moving down the hill.

  Sebastian rubbed his head and asked, “You have reason to doubt him?”

  “He always thinks he can handle anything,” Alexander said. “And I worry.”

  “What just happened to me? Was it because I saw the palace?”

  “Probably. It could also be proximity. You’d need a seer to tell you. To guide you.”

  Sebastian gazed after Henri for almost a minute before asking, “What if they’re dead? Or what if the only ones left are loyal to the king?”

  “There are books, but I guess you’d be on your own.”

  Sebastian sighed and lay back on the grass. “How come no one saw what would happen to me? Couldn’t they have helped?”

  “We don’t know why only certain visions come. Why some are of the present while others are of the future. There’s even debate about where they come from. Some say they’re sent by our ancestors who are now living in the Unveiled Court.”

  “My grandmother believed something like that. The seers are guided by those who came before. Those who loved us when they were alive. Like my parents.” Sebastian crossed his arms and hugged himself. “I don’t know if I really believe that.”

  “I never had to give any of it much thought until recently. I’m not sure what I believe either.” Though I’m glad I found my way to you.

  Sebastian glanced over at him. “I heard that,” he said softly.

  Alexander gave him a smile he hoped looked apologetic. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be.” He held up his hand and twirled his fingers. Leaves and flower petals floated over to him and spun in a circle near his hand. He flicked his wrist and sent them scattering. “I was always good at moving objects. What’s your gift? What are you best at?”

  “Commanding the elements. I can make fire, cause the wind to blow. Stir large bodies of water and even cause tremors in the ground. Move large boulders.”

  “That’s pretty impressive. You can just make fire, no help?”

  Alexander held out his hand, and a small flame appeared there. “Yes.” He flexed his hand and made the flame grow. Then he snuffed it out by closing his fingers. “But I can be burned by any other fire. I’m only immune to the flames I create.”

  Sebastian stared at his hand a moment, then lifted his eyebrows. “Still impressive.”

  “Not always that useful, but sometimes they’re handy.”

  Sebastian stared up at the clouds a long time before sitting up. “Tell me a story about you and Henri. Something to distract me.”

  “I’m not as good a storyteller as he is.”

  “Indulge me. I just keep thinking about what I saw.”

  “All right.” Alexander settled down on the grass beside Sebastian and tried to think of something. “Hmmm.”

  “Were you close? Did he always want to be a soldier?” Sebastian asked, sounding anxious.

  Seeing the worry on Sebastian’s face spurred him on. “I fell down a well once, and Henri dove right in after me. I was fine, but he broke his arm. Our mother had a fit and wouldn’t let us out of the palace for a week.”

  “How did you do that?”

  “He dared me to walk around the edge of it. We were only five.”

  “How far down was it?”

  “I don’t know. I could show it to you sometime. It’s dry now, but it’s still there.” He shrugged. “Took us a while to understand why Mother was so angry.”

  Sebastian tilted his head. “I guess Henri is the better storyteller. Wouldn’t take much to beat that.”

  Alexander met his gaze, glad to see a hint of a smile touch his lips. “I did warn you.” He shifted on the grass a bit. “You asked if Henri always wanted to be a soldier, and anyone would say yes. He’s always wanted to fight and wrestle and train. First picked up a sword when he was about three. We were watching some soldiers train, and Henri had begged to be allowed to watch.” He smiled. “Mother screamed and went flying across the field toward him. Gave quite an earful to the man who left his sword unattended. Henri always trained hard. He was never that gifted with his magic. The healers said that can happen with twins, one child has more ability.”

  “You were born first?”

  Alexander nodded. “About two minutes.”

  “Was there ever any debate about who would be the crown prince? Two minutes isn’t much.”

  “Actually, no. Henri’s the soldier, I’m the scholar. He likes to be outside, and I’m more at home inside, dealing with daily problems and the running of things. If I were useless at it or unfit in some way, there’s precedent for the next son to be the successor. But things seem to have worked out fine. Though in a way, I do feel as if he’ll be essential to me. As if we’ll rule together on a certain level. He’s the best and truest friend I’ve ever had.”

  A horn of some kind sounded i
n the distance, and they both looked up. Alexander saw Henri standing a few yards outside the palace, waving his arms and beckoning them to come. Reaching out, Alexander could sense his twin’s urgency. “Come on. We need to get down there.” He rose and offered a hand to Sebastian. “Can you stand?”

  “Yes.” Sebastian rose and held to his hand a moment as he looked to the palace. “I’m not sure I want to see the live version of what was in my head.”

  “I’ll be with you. I’m sure it’s safe enough if Henri’s calling us down. I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to wait outside.”

  Sebastian took a deep breath and looked around as he took his horse’s reins. “I can do this. Let’s go.”

  Alexander took his horse and Henri’s by the reins and led them as he walked behind Sebastian, his heart filling with even more admiration for the younger man.

  Chapter Six

  Sebastian ended up keeping his distance more to give Alexander some degree of privacy than to avoid seeing anything gruesome. From the moment they’d entered the palace and walked into the courtyard, Alexander’s sorrow and despair had shown in his eyes. Sebastian hung back and leaned against a stone wall by the main courtyard entrance as the brothers checked all of the men and women to see if anyone was alive. He knew he couldn’t begin to understand what Alexander must be feeling—these were his people, who had been slaughtered by his own father—and Sebastian simply didn’t know what to say or do. Henri’s face showed no emotion but anger, his features hard and set, his eyes dark and determined. Alexander seemed to be in shock, the sadness in his eyes turning to a kind of dead detachment. He’d gone very pale when his brother had said the palace was abandoned but full of corpses. It seemed a brief battle had taken place, most of the victims seeming to be civilians. A few guards and soldiers lay among them. The brothers kept talking softly, not looking over at Sebastian at all. He felt as if he didn’t belong there, though he knew Alexander would argue against him on that.

  Alexander knelt by a body and checked for a pulse before pointing to a tower, and after a few seconds Henri bowed his head. He looked tense as he muttered a few words to Alexander, and then his gaze lifted to the tower once more. Rising quickly, Alexander ran into the palace, leaving Henri standing there amongst the bodies. Sebastian took a chance and walked over when Henri finally looked over at him. “What can I do?” Sebastian asked. “I want to help, if I can. Anything.”