Chosen

by Samantha Britt

  “He is rather attractive,” Jona confided to her friend. She looked at me and then back to Lord Erwin. “His hair might even be lovelier than Amelissa’s.”

  I wished I could laugh—that I had it in me to join the female’s banter, but I could still feel Prince Brion’s disapproving stare.

  “I’m going to get a drink,” I said, pushing back my chair. Human servers walked through the room filling empty goblets, but I wanted the excuse to stretch my legs and get out of a certain draekon’s line of sight.

  Neither female pointed out my needless act.

  “Hurry back,” Princess Cienna instructed. “I have male friends I would like to introduce you to.” The gleam in her eye let me know she was wanting to put the “eat their hearts out” plan to action.

  With a shake of my head, I set out towards the back of the dining hall. For the fiftieth time, I acknowledged Princess Cienna was nothing like I expected.

  I kept my head down to avoid attention. I sensed when I caught a draekon’s notice, but I moved away too fast for any of them to talk to me, going to the hidden alcove where I knew servers and runners kept the beverages.

  Leaning against the wall, I tilted my head back. I took a steadying breath and let my eyes close. I wanted to pretend my anxiety stemmed from sitting among so many draekon, but I knew it was untrue. I could not deny the sole reason for my unease sat on the raised dais with a powerful, dominating stare.

  I didn’t know why Prince Brion affected me so. I’d only been in his presence once, but the memory of the encounter had haunted me every night when I tried to sleep. Despite my best attempts, I could not shake the image of him from my mind. It was daunting… and unsettling.

  “You certainly have powerful friends.”

  I pushed off the wall with haste. I chastised myself for my lack of attention to my surroundings, but the words fell away as I identified the intruder. My face split into a wide grin. “Nolan.”

  The handsome servant bowed with an amused gaze. “Healer Amelissa. You certainly clean up well.”

  I laughed, a real laugh. I was out of sight, and Nolan was the only one there aside from the passing server moving to refill their pitchers and trays.

  “Since when do you serve the court dining hall?” I asked. The last I checked, Nolan was in charge of overseeing the guest wing’s mealtime deliveries. He was, essentially, Chef’s right-hand man.

  “Since Chef learned Bridget and I are seeing each other. It is frowned upon for couples to work in such close proximity with one another,” he revealed. His happiness was easily detected.

  I continued to smile. “That’s wonderful.” And not at all surprising. I’d seen the increase in the couple’s touches and lingering glances during our nightly parlor gathering. I figured it was only a matter of time before they made their intentions known. “I’m happy for you.”

  “Thank you.” The corners of his eyes creased with his grin. “And we are happy for you. Bridget’s told me how skilled you are as a healer. I’m glad you were able to find a way to put your talent to use.”

  I dipped my forehead. “Me too.”

  “Am I interrupting?” A smooth voice wound its way into my ears. Nolan and I turned and saw the blond male, Lord Erwin, at the same moment.

  “Not at all, my lord.” Nolan fell quickly back into his server’s persona. “May I be of assistance?”

  “No.” Lord Erwin dismissed him, his gaze locked onto mine. “I would like to speak with you.”

  “Me?” The word fell past my lips.

  His lip quirked. “Yes. You, doll.” The endearment told me he remembered our first encounter.

  I looked at Nolan and tried to give him a reassuring smile. “I’ll see you soon. Tell everyone I say hello.”

  My friend looked like he wished to object. He, clearly, did not want to leave me alone with the elven male, but he and I both knew there was nothing he could do.

  So with a resigned nod, Nolan picked up his pitcher and disappeared to serve the room.

  I waited until the other server in the alcove moved out of hearing range before I spoke. “How may I help you, my lord?” I asked, clasping my hands in front of me.

  “You could start by telling me your name.”

  Briefly, I thought about lying. But I quickly decided that might not be smart. For all I knew, he already knew my name.

  “Healer Amelissa,” I answered, using the title. It felt like protection.

  “A healer?” His interest peaked, and his eyes scanned me from head to toe, but it wasn’t an admiring look. It was contemplative, almost analytical. Like he was trying to see something hidden behind the shimmering blue fabric and makeup—something that intrigued him.

  I filled the silence. “Yes. A healer.”

  “Interesting. Are you a recruit?”

  Obviously. “Yes.”

  “From?”

  “Caldiri.”

  “Ah.” He rubbed his chin. “A rather poor region.”

  “Yes.” I found myself disappointed that none of my one-word answers seemed to deter him.

  “And your family? Any parents? Siblings?”

  I had enough. He could ask about me all day, but I drew the line at my family.

  “Pardon me, my lord. But my friends are expecting me to return with refreshments.” I picked up two flutes filled with clear liquid and moved to pass him.

  Lord Erwin stepped to the side, blocking my path. “Ah, yes. Your friends. How does an everyday healer earn the friendship of the princess of all the draekon and her sidekick, the duchess of all draekon?”

  I assumed the latter title was for Jona. I put the information away for later.

  “I’m not sure why it’s any concern of yours.” My statement was bold and potentially dangerous. It was unwise to be so blunt, but Lord Erwin seemed the kind of male who did not respond to subtlety.

  Instead of getting upset, Lord Erwin actually laughed.

  I stared at him with wide eyes, watching as he put his hands on his hips, bent over, and continued to chuckle.

  He’s unstable. That was the only explanation.

  “A female with some backbone,” Lord Erwin managed to choke out. “How refreshing.”

  Rule number one: avoid attention.

  Not knowing how else to leave the situation, I turned to my side and squeezed past him and the wall, holding both of the drinks in the air.

  Lord Erwin either had to physically put a hand out to stop me or let me slide past. Thankfully, he chose the latter.

  I reached the edge of the alcove and heard his amused voice say, “Until next time, Healer Amelissa, until next time.”

  27

  I didn’t know where to look the rest of the evening.

  On one side, Prince Finn and Prince Brion both stared down on me from their dais. One of them seemed harmless enough, and the other looked ready to burn me with a flaming breath.

  Then on the other side, Lord Erwin waited with a debilitating smirk, making me feel insecure and confused in equal measure. He was busy conversing with swooning females, but whenever I accidentally turned his way, his emerald eyes were always there… waiting.

  I almost groaned with relief when Princess Cienna announced the meal officially ended. Numerous draekon pushed back their chairs and rose to their feet. I followed the princess’s lead and found myself walking between her and Jona as they led me out of the court’s dining room.

  “Where are we going?” I picked up my pace to match theirs. Even with the princess’s poor health, she was still quicker than me.

  “To the after party, of course.” Jona smiled brightly, highlighting her naturally stunning features.

  “After party?” I’d never seen the draekon do anything after dinner.

  “Yes, but shhh. It’s a secret.” The princess smiled conspiratorially.

  “Why is it a secret?” I thought draekon could do whatever they wished. Who was to stop them?

  Princess Cienna waved a hand. “Because my brothers are overbearing
and no fun. They’d be angry if they found out.”

  I might’ve been the only one to think it, but I believed the princess was inappropriately casual about her brothers’ wrath.

  “Oh, relax.” Jona saw my face and nudged me playfully, like we’d been friends for years instead of mere days. “It is going to be fun. All of the younger nobles will be here. We will finally be able to assess the reactions your makeover elicits.” She waggled her eyebrows.

  The last thing I wanted to do was attract the attention of any more males, but if the brothers weren’t going to be there, how bad could it be? Besides, something told me the princess would not let me escape so easily.

  I blew out a breath. “Where is this party?”

  The princess grabbed my hand in delight. “In the back gardens. One of the green houses has a renovated basement. Our group has taken it over and turned it into gathering spot.” Excitement and eagerness illuminated her gaze. She could hardly keep from bouncing on her feet. It must have been some time since Princess Cienna felt well enough to spend time with her friends.

  Steeling myself to endure the additional hours among strange draekon, I said, “Sounds… fun.” I doubted anyone who heard the words would have believed the lie.

  “… and my father owns one of the most profitable mines in Sipal. We have the most beautiful collections of jewelry you’ve ever seen. I’d love to show it to you sometime.”

  I sipped my wine and bobbed my head absentmindedly. The roguish draekon was the third to approach me since the princess and Jona decided to leave me alone against the far wall. The pair of mischievous females watched from across the room, making encouraging gestures and debating with one another about when I would find a way to dismiss the charming draekon.

  They are worse than Lorie.

  “Lady Amelissa?”

  I looked back at him. “It’s just Amelissa.”

  The draekon’s smile was dazzling. It might have even been breathtaking if it weren’t for the fact I was raised to fear the attractive creatures. “Amelissa. What say you to my offer?”

  My brow furrowed. “Your offer?”

  “Yes, about viewing my family’s jewel collection.”

  I took another sip, buying myself time when a shadow fell over the draekon’s face. I turned and nearly dropped my glass when my eyes landed on the newest draekon.

  Agent Leith?

  The night of the welcoming banquet flooded my mind. I swore I could smell the food and hear the music playing in the background.

  Agent Leith was a census agent in Caldiri, but I didn’t see him after the night we spoke in the garden. Where had he gone?

  “My apologies, Lord Quill,” Agent Leith spoke to my companion. “But Miss Amelissa has promised me a walk in the garden. If you would excuse us.” He held out his arm for me to take.

  I took the agent’s arm. I could only reason that shock rendered me unable to deny his silent request.

  Taken aback and struggling to understand what was happening, I didn’t even see the princess and her friend openly gape as Agent Leith escorted us out of the greenhouse basement.

  Nighttime temperatures in Draek were cool, much cooler than during the day. My silky dress kept me warm enough indoors, but I shivered as a light breeze rolled over my skin. Agent Leith removed his jacket and placed it over my shoulders before retaking my arm.

  I think I muttered thanks, but I wasn’t sure.

  He led me down a curving, stone path. The rocks were placed neatly and precisely along the ground as they separated the well-tended greenery.

  I couldn’t admire the beauty. My thoughts raced.

  Agent Leith was a mystery. At first I’d been terrified of his attention. Then following our conversation, I almost felt bereft from the loss of it. I recalled seeing him roaming the aisles of the banquet, coaxing young women into conversation with ease. And, like me, each of them wore matching expressions of disappointment when the oddly charming agent left their side.

  Something was different about Agent Leith, something strange. And I feared it was not the good kind of different.

  “I’m experiencing an odd feeling,” his masculine voice disturbed the quiet. “Our last conversation occurred in nearly the same setting. Fitting, isn’t it?”

  I remained silent.

  “You were lovely then,” he continued, undeterred, “but I must say your time in Draek has certainly served you well. You are exquisite.”

  His flattery confused me more than his presence. It seemed forced, and I specifically remembered him not resorting to it the last time we spoke.

  Again, I opted to say nothing. I waited for him to reveal the reason behind his presence.

  We walked deeper into the garden. Even straining my ears, I could no longer hear sounds from the greenhouse party. A part of me shouted at myself for allowing Agent Leith to lead me so far away, but I realized I wasn’t without protection. Princess Cienna watched me leave with Agent Leith. If anything happened to me, he would have to answer to her, at least.

  “I was surprised to find you obtained such a coveted position. Healer to the princess. I can only imagine the circumstance that landed you in that spot.”

  I wanted to contradict him and inform him I was a castle healer, not just the princess’s. But silence was my mantra for our walk.

  Agent Leith sighed, exasperated with my lack of reply. He stopped walking and looked at the sky. He was able to end my silence with one well-delivered sentence. “Your brother says hello.”

  My knees threatened to buckle. Disbelief, hope, and dread rose in my throat. “Lin?”

  Agent Leith helped me sit on a bench tucked in between two hedges. “I believe you only have one brother.” He pulled away as I sat down. We no longer touched.

  “Please.” I breathed, my imagination conjured horrible images. Only something terrible would result with my brother associating with a census agent. All of my fears were coming true. “I’ll do anything. Just… please. Don’t hurt him.”

  My hands began to shake, trembles traveling over my entire body.

  “You don’t need to be afraid of me.”

  I shook my head. “Just please. Tell me. Where is—”

  A clamor of voices and movement interrupted. I bolted up, wobbling. Agent Leith steadied me and turned to the source of the noise. “Well, that was quick.”

  He faced me. Gathering my hands, he lifted them with his own and brought them to his mouth. The press of his lips distracted me. I almost didn’t feel it as he slid a folded parchment in between our fingers.

  “Don’t react,” he murmured against my skin. “We are being watched.”

  I forced my eyes to look into his. They were cunning and imploring. “Return to your chambers. Then read the note.”

  I swallowed and dipped my head.

  Agent Leith pressed one more lingering kiss against my hands. I figured it was for show. Nothing about my shaking limbs would have encouraged the affectionate gesture.

  Then with a bow, he disappeared from the royal garden, leaving me alone in the dark.

  28

  Nervousness flitted through me as I walked the streets of Draek the next morning. I’d done as Agent Leith said and held off on reading the note until I was safely in my rooms.

  Thank the gods I listened. The moment I saw Lin’s familiar handwriting I burst into tears. I would never admit it to anyone, but I’d been terrified something horrible had happened to my beloved brother. To see an indication he still lived broke the part of me I tried to keep contained. I could not hide my relief as I spouted prayers of gratitude to whatever deity deigned to hear them.

  Lifting my hood, I tried to blend in with the early morning crowd. My castle uniform was easily recognizable to those who worked within its walls, but the cape Bitty loaned me managed to cover both it and my unique hair. Still, I tried to keep my eyes on the stone and avoid meeting anyone’s gaze.

  I’d been surprised by how easy it was to convince Master Errol to give me the day off.
I’d expected him to disapprove since I’d just spent the previous day being pampered by the princess.

  Then again, maybe he realized how not a day off that had been.

  Regardless, the master healer agreed, and I was on my way to meet my brother. Eagerness lightened my steps, making me bounce a little despite my desire to remain unnoticed.

  Garrison Tavern, off of the square. Ten am.

  Lin

  That’s all the note said. I didn’t know much about the city’s layout, but I knew the square was towards the center, away from the castle. I set out, relying on my intelligence, and the probable help of a kind stranger or two, to find the tavern. I hoped I arrived in time.

  The thought of my brother being in Draek unnerved me. Though, admittedly, not as much as it would have in the past. I’d since overcome my childhood terrors of the city. It was not at all a torture and slave driven community. The draekon, themselves, still managed to incite a healthy dose of fear, but I learned the capital was run like any other city in the kingdom. Or so I assumed. I’d never actually visited another city.

  A portly woman, the first I’d seen in the capital, stood outside a bakery shop, sweeping the steps. She hummed to herself and brushed a loose, gray strand of hair out of her eyes.

  A human.

  “Excuse me?” I kept my voice low. “Could you help me?”

  The woman looked up and kind, hazel eyes stared into my hood. “Of course, dear. What is it you need?”

  “I’m looking for Garrison Tavern. Could you point me in the right direction?”

  The woman smiled, tittering with amusement. “Got yourself a soldier, do you?”

  It wasn’t true, but I blushed nonetheless. “Just a friend.”

  The smile grew. “Ah. A friend. Indeed.” She lowered her broom and lifted her arm to point down an adjacent street. “Two blocks down, you will see the garrison building. The tavern is one street past on the left-hand side.”

  “Thank you.” My gratitude was sincere. “Thank you very much.”

  “You are welcome, dear.” Her expression warmed. I thought it looked motherly. “You tell that friend of yours thank you for his service. These are trying times with the rebellion causing all that trouble.”