Chosen

by Samantha Britt

  Oh, gods… Lorie.

  I would have to tell Lorie.

  The stream of tears didn’t lessen. I wiped them away, but more continued to come. I was not in control. I’d never felt so out of control.

  “Master Errol,” a new voice called from a distance. “You are needed in the—”

  Whoever arrived must have finally entered the room. He saw the scene before him; Warren lying dead on the floor, and me being detained by Jasper, crying uncontrollably as I stared at the young man’s handsome face.

  “What has happened?” It was the commanding tone that allowed me to identify the male. I didn’t even need to look up. Prince Brion’s heavy footsteps reverberated against the floor.

  Why was the prince there? I didn’t know.

  Nor did I care.

  All that mattered was the innocent young man on the floor—a young man whose life had been stolen from him not once, but twice in his too short lifetime.

  I heard the prince step closer.

  “One of you,” he growled. “Answer me. What has happened?”

  Master Errol spoke up. “Amelissa tried to save the young man’s life… he has passed.”

  I squeezed my eyes shut and hung my head.

  “Where was he?”

  “Trapped inside,” Jasper said, his voice vibrating against my back. “He was trapped under a beam in the training facility. He’d wanted to watch the draekon training exercises. We managed to find him and get him out but…” I heard him swallow, unable to say the words. My shoulders slumped even further.

  “We?” The word clanged like a sharp dagger hitting its target. “What do you mean, we?”

  “Lissa and I,” Jasper sounded confused and nervous.

  I finally lifted my head and met Prince Brion’s enraged stare. The onyx eyes scanned my face, and his expression twisted with more anger.

  “You let her go inside the building?” Prince Brion gestured to the dilapidated pillars and smoke of the adjacent structure. “That building?”

  I prepared myself to intervene when Jasper answered, “Yes.”

  I shut my eyes as Prince Brion exploded.

  31

  The prince pulled me forward and out of my friend’s arms, tossing me to the side. I landed painfully on the ground. At the same time, he grabbed Jasper by the front of his tunic and gave him a firm shake. “Why would you endanger her life? There are dozens of men around to help you.”

  Jasper coughed. The rough sound hurt my own throat.

  “Prince Brion.” My hoarse voice was hardly audible.

  “Answer me.” He jerked Jasper again. “What were you thinking?”

  Fear and uncertainty covered Jasper’s smudged face. “L-Lissa was the only one who could have helped him survive.”

  The prince was not placated. He lifted the young man to his feet. “Your thoughtlessness will have consequences. Wait until your unit leader hears of this.”

  Jasper visibly paled.

  I’d had enough. “Stop,” I croaked.

  The prince ignored me, continuing to harass my friend. “Grunt work will be your fate. Months and months of back-breaking labor.”

  “Stop,” I snapped. I rose and glared at the prince. “Let him go. Now!”

  The prince turned to me, but his hand remained tightly clenched in Jasper’s tunic.

  “Let him go.” I stepped forward to press the issue. My weakened legs chose that moment to give out.

  Before I could touch the ground, the prince was there. His strong arms cradled my back and lowered me to the floor. He knelt beside me. “You are hurt.”

  Did I detect concern in his eyes?

  “I’m fine.” I tried to push him away. The effort was pointless. I’d worked myself to the ground.

  “You need treatment.” He looked to Master Errol. “Help her.”

  The healer moved towards me, ready to ignore my words and comply with the prince.

  I saw red. “I said I was fine.” I pushed again. I still wasn’t strong enough to force him to release me, but the prince allowed me to move away.

  I sagged a bit. Jasper was there, offering his hand to help me up. Using him as a crutch, I managed to stand on my feet.

  The prince watched the entire thing with thin lips. “At least tell me that isn’t your blood.”

  It took me a second to realize what he meant. I reached up and wiped my face. My fingers came away wet and red.

  I whimpered at the sight, turning back to the unmoving man on the ground. Jasper tightened his arm around me.

  “No,” he answered for me. “That’s from Warren. He is—was our friend.”

  Another tear rolled down my cheek. I didn’t know one person could cry so much.

  “Your Highness?” Agent Min entered. He took one look at the scene and halted.

  Prince Brion’s neck rotated. “Get Amelissa out of here,” he directed the agent. Then he stomped out of the room. Soldiers scurried out of his path like frightened rodents.

  Agent Min moved towards me cautiously. “Can you walk?”

  I wanted to say yes, but I figured now was not the time for false pride. “Not far.”

  He scanned my weak, trembling body. “May I carry you back to the castle?”

  I don’t know if it was his concerned expression or the polite question, but something triggered a fresh wave of tears.

  Agent Min took my nod as acceptance. Jasper released me as the agent swiftly lifted me in his arms, but not before he murmured soft and consoling words to alleviate my pain. I wish I could return the favor, but I was too lost in my emotions to form words.

  Agent Min carried me out. Gratitude filled me as I saw he a back exit out of the infirmary. I would’ve been mortified if the crowds saw me in this state.

  The journey back to the castle passed quickly. I must have fallen asleep. One moment, we passed by a tall, narrow building, and the next, Agent Min lowered me onto the couch in my personal rooms.

  I wanted to thank him, but I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I collapsed against the pillow, and letting the exhaustion and heartbreak consume my consciousness.

  I vaguely heard male murmurs. “I shall take care of her,” Agent Min whispered. “You have my word, old friend.”

  The other male responded, but I too deep into sleep to identify him

  “One more drink. I know it hurts your throat, but you need water.” Lorie held the goblet to my lips. Her eyes brooked no argument.

  I groaned but allowed her to pour the liquid into my mouth. I tried to swallow but coughed roughly, spewing droplets all around me.

  Lorie dried my face. “Try again.” I did as she said, and I managed to swallow the second sip.

  As I slowly drank from the glass, Lorie busied herself with cleaning the area around us. I wished I could convince her to not worry.

  I slept more than twenty hours following the fire at the barracks. I woke up in the middle of the next day with Lorie at my side. She’d taken it upon herself to see to my care. Master Errol stopped by once to check on me. When I tried to convince him I was recovered enough to work, he was quick to oppose me. I was to be given two days of rest. During which, my sister seemed determined to wait on me hand and foot. Needless to say, I was starting to feel restless. I couldn’t wait until I was allowed to do more than lay on a couch.

  A knock sounded at the door. Lorie opened it and thanked the servant before bringing in the meal tray. She walked to the sofa and inhaled the steam coming from the bowl. “The soup smells delicious.”

  I sat up and let her place the tray over my lap. A note caught my attention.

  Healer Amelissa.

  I admired the fine calligraphy. Unfolding the thick, expensive parchment, I read:

  I pray this meal finds you on your way to recovery. Master Errol says you expressed concern regarding my treatment, and I assure you he is an adequate replacement for your skilled service. I am well. Do not fret over me.

  I miss your company and look forward to seeing you once you are we
ll.

  Your friend,

  Princess Cienna

  The gesture was kind. The princess’s treatment had been my main argument for returning to work, but my superior put an end to it when he offered to treat her in my stead. Master Errol claimed he’d seen me perform the percussion treatment enough times to take over. I was relieved to hear he was correct.

  “The royal family seems fond of you.” Lorie sat next to me.

  I lowered the note. “Yes, the princess is very kind.” It made my potential involvement with the rebellion that much more confusing.

  She gave me a pointed look “And the princes. They have both sent servants to inquire after your health.”

  I shrugged away her suggestive tone, though my cheeks warmed. “They are being polite.”

  “Hmm.” Thankfully, Lorie let the subject drop. “Try to eat your lunch.”

  I obeyed. Using the elegantly carved silver spoon, I dipped it into the soup and sipped slowly. The warm liquid soothed my scratchy throat. Realizing eating didn’t hurt, I gave in to my hunger and consumed the entire meal.

  Satisfied, I leaned back and crossed my hands over my stomach. Lorie removed the tray.

  I watched her, seeing the subtle changes the past months had caused in my sister. Her eyes still glowed with youthful gaiety, but an edge glinted in the corners. I knew some of the hardness came from Warren’s death.

  I hadn’t hesitated to tell her. Once I woke up and saw her face, I delivered the tragic news. We’d both cried. Lorie was devastated. She said she’d heard about the fire and how I’d inhaled smoke, but she didn’t know it occurred while I tried to help Warren.

  We held onto each other, sharing our sadness and grief. Sometime later, the sadness remained but it was concealed. Each of us continued our grief in the privacy of our own mind.

  Observing my sister, I knew there was one more blow I needed to deliver.

  “I saw Lin.” It was wrong of me to wait so long to tell her. My only excuse was I was so used to trying to protect her. I finally realized my overprotective behavior was not helpful.

  Lorie froze. Then a hopeful smile blossomed on her face. “He’s all right?”

  Sort of.

  “Yes.” I inhaled, preparing myself to say the words. “He’s joined the rebellion. He plans to help them take down the king.”

  I expected my sister to be more shocked. “I thought it a possibility,” she admitted. “After the attack in the courtyard, when that agent gave me the note.”

  I realized I’d doubted my sister’s intellect. Of course, she had connected the two events and concluded Lin’s potential involvement. I had tried to keep my suspicions from her; I even went so far as to try and convince her she was silly to worry about such a thing, but there was no need. Lorie’s thoughts were aligned with mine.

  “What else did Lin say?”

  I no longer held back: I told Lorie everything.

  I began by discussing Agent Leith. I revealed I’d met the agent during the Census in Caldiri, and I disclosed his appearance at the castle. We couldn’t be sure, but both of us wondered if he was, also, the one who delivered the note to Lorie.

  My instincts said he was.

  “Do you think Lin plans to take us out of Draek?” Lorie asked once I finished my retelling.

  I sighed. “I don’t know his plan. Other than overthrowing the king, Lin didn’t share much else.”

  I pictured my brother’s face. The rebellion excited him. He enjoyed the dangers and intrigue, and he’d immersed himself within their ranks. But how could he not see the trouble he caused for me and Lorie? What happened to the brother whose main goal in life was to protect us?

  “Would you leave?”

  Lorie tilted her head. “What?”

  “Would you really leave?” I licked my lips. “You seem… happy here. You have friends. You don’t mind the work. If Lin found a way to get us out of Draek, would you leave?”

  Silence weighed heavy in the room around us. Unease pricked my heart, but I had to ask the question.

  “Of course, I would leave.” She looked like I’d just slapped her. “You and Lin are all I have. I go wherever my family goes.”

  I reached out and pulled my sister towards me, clinging to her. “Thank you.”

  I’d been so afraid Lorie would want to stay behind. The false sense of security and contentment had gotten to me, and I was afraid Draek had tricked my sister, as well.

  “You don’t need to thank me,” she replied, but she returned my embrace.

  Another knock interrupted us. We parted and I called out, “Come in.”

  A royal guard appeared in the entryway and my heart accelerated. My worries faded as I observed the large bouquet of exquisite blossoms he carried.

  I sat on the couch, mouth agape, wondering if I was imagining things. I’d never seen flowers so vibrant and lovely.

  Lorie gestured for the man to place the tall vase on the table beside the door.

  Once he left, she stood and approached the luxurious arrangement. She plucked a card from the stems and read aloud, “Miss Amelissa, I saw these beautiful flowers, and my mind had no choice but to think of you. I hope they earn one of your lovely smiles. Prince Finn.”

  Lorie lowered the card, and her smile was full of mischief. She opened her mouth, but I held up a hand.

  “Don’t,” I warned. I could already see where her thoughts were leading. I couldn’t take her teasing. We had enough going on in our chaotic lives. “Don’t you even start.”

  Lorie laughed,, but she complied with my wishes.

  32

  “My, my, my. Look at my little Caldirian. All grown up and schmoozing with the royal family.” Remi’s purple hair shined in the light of the candelabras in the princess’s rooms. He had entered the royal chambers with awe. He loved luxury, and his eyes drank in the best Draek had to offer, practically drooling over the collection of cosmetics and expensive oils spread across the princess’s vanity.

  I’d once mentioned my interaction with the eccentric male to Princess Cienna. She’d inquired about my first days in the capital, and I opened up and revealed nearly every detail of the first day. Of course, that meant I had to mention Remi.

  The princess must have remembered my compliments on Remi’s work. She summoned him to the castle to help me prepare for the festivities that evening. I think she thought the gesture would make me feel better. Given Warren’s recent death, Lin’s involvement with the rebellion and my illness, I hadn’t been myself. But, in truth, there wasn’t anything anyone could do to make things better. If anything, the princess’ compassion added to my distress. Just knowing of my brother’s plot made me feel like I was betraying her kindness.

  Princess Cienna wasn’t the only one concerned with my altered personality. Master Errol finally allowed me to return to work, but he coddled me, only assigning me the simplest cases. He let me resume my treatment of the princess, but either he or Prince Finn took to overseeing my work, warily watching for any sign of fatigue. The moment I so much as sighed, I was commanded to cease the percussions and instructed to return to my apartment.

  And, despite the end of my two-day break more than a week ago, Lorie still went out of her way to check on me. She even began to bring midday meals to wherever I was working in the castle, insisting I wasn’t eating enough. She wasn’t wrong, but my illness had left me with a small appetite. I ate enough to survive but nothing extra.

  Everyone’s worries were understandable. Even I acknowledged my behavior was troubling and a cause for concern, but that didn’t mean their overprotective conduct wasn’t annoying.

  When the princess invited me to attend that evening’s party, I wanted to object. I wasn’t in the mood to be among draekon, worrying about attracting unwanted attention or holding conversations with people my brother wanted to destroy. The effort would take too much from me. It would be better if I returned to my rooms and continued to recover. I didn’t want to face Prince Finn and Princess Cienna knowin
g what Lin planned to do to them. Shame would gnaw at me.

  Unfortunately, the princess wasn’t taking no for an answer. She, Master Errol, and Lorie all prodded me to go to the event. Each had their own reasons, but the common thread was the belief that the party may be the invigoration I needed for a complete recovery.

  So there I was, preparing for another elegant draekon party, which I had no business attending. With the help of one of her servants, Princess Cienna finished up her bath in an adjacent room. Jona had yet to make an appearance, but I expected she’d arrive before long. In my short experience, Jona and the princess always liked to prepare for events together.

  That left me alone in the princess’s suites with Remi.

  “If I may be so bold,” he said, adopting a haughty voice, “how have you managed to work your pretty little self into the good graces of Her Highness?” He pulled a brush through my hair. I stared at the mirror, watching him work.

  I anticipated Remi’s curiosity. Who wouldn’t be curious? Something told me recruits weren’t often friendly with many draekon, much less the royals.

  I shrugged. Explaining the princess’s illness and how I helped her continue her recovery didn’t seem appropriate to share. Instead, I said, “Good luck, I suppose.”

  Remi chuckled. “Very good luck.” His bright teeth gleamed through the reflection. I managed a small smile in return. His positive attitude was endearing and hard not to enjoy.

  “You’ve become quite famous, you know.” He began pinning strands of hair into elaborate twists.

  “Famous?” The thought made my heart race and dread pooled at my feet.

  “Mmhmm.” He bit his bottom lip as he pondered his next move. Distracted, he continued, “Not much happens in the castle that those of us on the outside don’t hear about. We love our gossip.”

  There was that word again. Gossip was the exact opposite of what I wanted to be involved with. “What are people saying?”

  “That this stunning, intelligent beauty from Caldiri has swooped in like a glorious angel and entranced the entire castle with her spell.” Remi exaggerated with sweeping hand motions, eliciting a laugh from me.