Reluctant Prince

by Dani-Lyn Alexander

  His breath caught. His heart stopped. It was too soon. The decision had come too quickly. There hadn’t been enough time for the argument that would have been necessary to convince Kai of his innocence. Fear weighed heavily.

  The guard shifted from one foot to the other, rocking back and forth in an impatient dance. Was he afraid Jackson would put up a fight? He cleared his throat. “We must go now, sir.”

  Jackson hesitated.

  Ryleigh slid her hand into his and squeezed. “I’ll come with you.” The tremor in her voice touched his heart.

  Her reassurance strengthened his resolve. He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath. “You don’t have to do that, Ryleigh. I’ll walk you back to my chamber and drop you off before I go.”

  “I want to come.” Her voice still shook, but this time there was steel beneath the fear.

  A flood of emotions battered him.

  “Should we stop and get Mia?”

  The thought of having Mia witness his death sentence wrenched a hole in his gut. “No.”

  “Maybe we should stop and check on her.” Unshed tears lay pooled in her eyes, her jaw clenched tight, and she vibrated with fear.

  “She’ll by fine with Dakota. He’ll take care of her. Besides, this shouldn’t take long.” He swallowed, hard. Without loosening his grip on Ryleigh’s hand, he followed the guard to his destiny.

  Perhaps being banished wouldn’t be that bad. He could return to the human realm and live out his life with Ryleigh and Mia. His life might even be better that way, less stressful, happier.

  But what of Cymmera? What would happen to the only home his mother had ever known? The home she’d died for? Anger surged through him, and he clenched his fists.

  “Ouch.” Ryleigh pulled her hand from his, and turned to stare at him.

  “Sorry.”

  She rubbed her hand and shook it out, but didn’t place it back in his. “Don’t worry about it. You haven’t done anything wrong, Jackson. Everything will work out how it’s meant to work out.”

  “Yeah.” Did he believe that? He had no idea, but he didn’t have much choice. Whatever fate awaited him was beyond his control. He slowed his pace as he approached the entrance to the Council Chamber.

  A guard opened the doors and stepped back, leaving Jackson and Ryleigh to proceed on their own.

  Jackson crossed the chamber with his back straight and his head held high. He took his place at the podium with Ryleigh beside him.

  When she slid her hand back into his and intertwined their fingers, sparks flew.

  Tatiana stood. “Are you prepared to receive your sentence?”

  Jackson studied the faces of the Council Members one by one. None of them returned his gaze. So be it. Ryleigh was right. Whatever was meant to be would be. He could live with being banished, as long as he could be with Ryleigh and Mia, but the weight of execution loomed over him, suffocating him, crushing him. He steadied himself, braced himself for the inevitable. “I am.”

  King Maynard stood.

  Jackson held his breath.

  Ryleigh dug her nails into his hand.

  “Prince Jackson Maynard of Cymmera.”

  His full title. Shit. His heart stopped.

  “You have been found guilty of trespassing by the Council of Elders, a charge punishable by death, or permanent exile, from the Kingdom of Cymmera. However…” His father paused. A twinkle lit his eyes.

  Jackson’s breath rushed out. His life would be spared. He might be banished, but he would not be executed. Relief flooded him, and he turned to see if Ryleigh understood.

  Tears poured down her cheeks, and she held her trembling lip between her teeth.

  He squeezed her hand.

  “We all agree.” The king stared at Kai, daring him to contradict his statement.

  The warrior remained silent, his expression hard.

  King Maynard returned his gaze to Jackson. “There are extenuating circumstances. Having been exonerated of the endangerment charges, you can’t be punished for trespassing. We’ve concluded that you protected the citizens of Cymmera to the best of your ability by escorting a stranger who managed to enter our realm on her own. In addition, in light of the evidence Elijah has brought before this tribunal, I am retroactively lifting the exile order.”

  “Thank you, sir.” He stepped from the podium and bowed before the King, an automatic gesture since he couldn’t even think clearly through the haze of relief enveloping him. Not only had Jackson been pardoned, Ryleigh and Mia wouldn’t be charged. Elijah’s story had obviously weighed heavily in their favor.

  “Now, we must address the threat to the girls.”

  Threat? His father’s words cut through the fog to Jackson’s very core.

  “Until Elijah can research his suspicions further, we don’t know if Ryleigh and Mia are children of Cymmera. It is quite possible we’ll never know. So…” King Maynard sat back in his oversized chair, rested his elbows on the armrests, and steepled his fingers in front of him. He contemplated Ryleigh for some time. “Given the fact that Ryleigh was able to open a doorway to our world, we must proceed as if they are Cymmeran citizens.”

  A low murmur rippled through the chamber.

  Not only would the girls be exonerated, they would be accepted in Cymmera, welcomed even.

  Jackson met his father’s eyes, silently thanking him.

  King Maynard’s answering nod was all the affirmation Jackson needed to know everything had been forgiven.

  “How much of a threat do you believe exists while they are here in Cymmera?” Surely, they were safe within the walls of the city.

  His father shook his head and pushed off the chair to pace behind the table. Hands clasped behind him, he moved slowly back and forth. Something was on his mind. His shoulders, usually so straight, slumped under the weight of his burden. His teeth clenched tight. What was he keeping to himself? Something.

  “Daygan has already made one attempt to retrieve the girls.” The king scanned the faces of those seated around the table, suspicion carved in his scowl.

  These were his father’s most trusted advisors, his inner circle. So why was his expression so filled with mistrust? What secret was he hiding?

  Ryleigh tugged at Jackson’s hand, dragging his focus to her. Her soft whisper barely carried to him. “I have to check Mia.” Her hands had grown sweaty, and a bead of sweat slid down her hairline.

  “She’s safe. Dakota won’t let anything happen to her, and Nika and Nahara are with her.”

  “Don’t be frightened to speak up, Ryleigh.” King Maynard stopped pacing to face her. “You have every right to be afraid for your sister, and yourself, but I promise you we will do everything within our power to protect both of you.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty.” Ryleigh bowed.

  “You’re welcome, my child.” His features softened as he studied Ryleigh, but hardened a moment later. “We need to figure out why Daygan wants you. Has his seer sent him in search of you? Or does he know we were searching for you?”

  The accusation was a physical blow. It hit Jackson in the chest, forcing the air from his lungs, crushing him. How could Daygan have known? Simple. He couldn’t have.

  Only a handful of people knew Jackson’s assignment, and each and every one of them was seated around the table with him in the Council Chamber. A traitor? Jackson examined each of them, calculated the odds of one of them being a traitor. Then he wisely kept his mouth shut. Voicing his opinion, especially in light of the fact that he had just been pardoned on treason charges, would be suicidal.

  King Maynard didn’t elaborate. He didn’t have to.

  The other members would have all understood the implication.

  “Darius, would you please take over?” King Maynard returned to his seat, still scanning the Council Table, examining every member’s features for any hint of disloyalty.

  Jackson studied them as best he could while guiding Ryleigh t
o her seat. It didn’t make sense. These people were like family. Each of them held a position of extreme importance within Cymmera. Their opinions were highly regarded.

  “Of course, Your Majesty.” Darius Knight, head of the Security Council, took his place at the podium. “At this time, we will proceed as if Ryleigh and Mia are in danger at all times. I would like to assign a single bodyguard to each of the girls, in addition to the full team that will protect them. I don’t want either of them alone for even one minute.”

  “Yes, I’ll approve that request. Do you have specific soldiers in mind?” King Maynard scribbled furiously.

  “I would like to assign Jackson Maynard to protect Ryleigh, since he’s the most familiar with this situation.”

  Jackson stood. “Thank you, Darius. May I request Dakota Knight be assigned as Mia’s guard?”

  A small smile curved Darius’ mouth. Pride filled his eyes. Dakota was his oldest son and would one day be a warrior, but Darius walked a fine line.

  Dakota wanted to achieve success on his own, without special treatment from his father. It was the only way he could earn the respect of his fellow soldiers. Soldiers he might one day be trusted to lead into battle. The fact that the prince requested Dakota for such an important assignment would weigh heavily in the young man’s favor and increase his chances of being chosen to train as a Death Dealer.

  Darius nodded. “Very well, if it pleases the Council, Dakota Knight will be assigned as Mia’s personal bodyguard.”

  King Maynard nodded his approval.

  “There will also be a minimum of two guards posted outside any room each of the girls enters. I don’t think Daygan would be foolish enough to enter Cymmera within the city limits, but he might be arrogant enough to send his savages. It depends on if he wants the girls alive for some reason, or simply wants to eliminate them.” Darius shook his head. “I just don’t know what to expect. This situation is so unusual I couldn’t even hazard a guess as to what he’ll do.”

  “You must let me in.” A commotion at the doorway halted the session. “Sir, permission to enter the Council Chamber.” Lucas yelled past the guard who blocked his entrance into the chamber. The guard at the door pushed Lucas back toward the corridor, but Lucas raised his voice over the protests of the other guards rushing toward him. “I must see you, Your Majesty. It’s urgent.”

  A brief flicker of distrust flared through Jackson. How difficult would it have been for Lucas to find out what Jackson’s final assignment had been? He shook off the apprehension. No. No matter what had happened in the courtyard earlier, Lucas was loyal to the Kingdom.

  “Escort him forward.” King Maynard rose from the chair to his full height, his massive bulk appearing even larger as he laid his hand alongside the dagger at his side. “This had better be important.” It was all the warning he would give.

  “It is, sir. It’s of the utmost urgency. I apologize for interrupting these proceedings, but I must see the princess. Please, sir.” The pleading note in his voice was unusual, but the shimmer in his eyes was bizarre. With two guards flanking him, he moved into the Council Chamber and straight to Ryleigh. He fell to his knees, lowered his head in deference, and pressed a hand to his heart. “My Princess. I pledge my allegiance to you.”

  Something must have happened to change the guard’s opinion of her. Word of the King’s acceptance couldn’t have traveled that rapidly.

  “Lucas, what are you talking about?” King Maynard’s anger echoed through the stone chamber.

  “Your Majesty, you must follow me. All of you must follow me. I have witnessed a true miracle at the hands of the young princess.” Lucas turned awe filled eyes on Ryleigh.

  Kai stood. He glared at Ryleigh before turning and pinning Jackson with a death stare. “I will have no further part in these proceedings.” He crossed the chamber, his anger burning a hole through Jackson’s chest, searing him with its intensity. Kai left the room without looking back.

  A brief flicker of distrust tried to surface, but Jackson quickly tamped it back down. Kai’s behavior proved his loyalty to the Kingdom. He wanted only to protect Cymmera. Jackson would have to make amends with his mentor. It was unacceptable for them to be at such odds, especially when the entire Kingdom of Cymmera could be in danger. His father needed Kai, his most trusted advisor, at his side during such turbulent times.

  “Explain.”

  His father’s demand forced Jackson’s attention from his trainer back to Lucas.

  “Please, sir. I must show you.”

  King Maynard sighed, but stood. “This had better be good, Lucas.”

  Lucas bolted from the chamber with Jackson, Ryleigh, and the remaining Council Members following behind.

  “What do you think is going on?” A tremor shook Ryleigh’s voice.

  Jackson blew out a breath, blowing his hair up off his forehead. “I have no idea.”

  “Is Lucas always so emotional?”

  “No, never.”

  Lucas led them down the pathway to the courtyard and pointed to the Tree of Hope. “Do you see?”

  Three new buds clung to the edge of one of the lower branches.

  Jackson sucked in a breath.

  Ryleigh gasped beside him.

  “I saw the girl run her fingers along the branch in that exact spot. When she left, I approached the tree to check for damage.” He paused and glanced apologetically at Ryleigh. “I found these buds.” He stepped back to allow the others to examine the miracle.

  Ryleigh stood motionless, her mouth agape.

  Jackson’s orderly world spiraled out of control.

  Chapter 8

  A low murmur spread through the small group. No new buds had grown on the Tree of Hope, or on any tree in the Kingdom of Cymmera, since the death of Queen Dara.

  The buzz intensified. A rumble surged through the small crowd. “Did you see…miracle…she touched it…lost princess…” Their excitement battered at Ryleigh.

  She struggled to block out the enormity of their emotions, fought to make sense of the extraordinary circumstances she’d been thrown into. Ryleigh sought answers in the confused expressions of those gathered.

  She had run her fingers along the branch, wishing she could ease some of Jackson’s fears and help his people in some way. Now, where there had been only faith, three new signs of life clung precariously to hope.

  Elijah spoke softly to the king.

  King Maynard nodded and approached Ryleigh. “Please, accept our sincerest apologies, Young Princess.”

  Ryleigh simply nodded, unable to speak.

  “This new development only adds to what we already suspected. From here on, we will move forward with the assumption that your sister and you are both lost princesses of The Kingdom of Cymmera. The Council of Elders will reconvene to continue the discussion of providing security for you both.”

  She tried to focus, to make sense of his words.

  He turned to Elijah. “Summon Kai, please.”

  Jackson tugged Ryleigh’s hand. “Are you all right?”

  “I don’t understand.” Her voice shook, but she lacked the strength to steady it. Her nerves were completely shot. With no clue how to handle the direction fate was pulling her, she wanted to flee. Instead, she closed her eyes and leaned into Jackson.

  He pulled her closer, tucked her beneath his arm. “Don’t worry. Everything will work out. Just give us some time to sort out what all of this means.”

  “Lucas!”

  Lucas stood before the King. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  “Have you pulled yourself together?” King Maynard raised one eyebrow as he waited for a response.

  Lucas blushed. “Yes, sir. I apologize for my earlier excitement.” He looked around at the other Council members then back to the King. “Sir, if I may speak freely?”

  “What is it, soldier?”

  He fingered the edge of his weapon belt. “Kiara and I have been seriously considering leavi
ng Cymmera.”

  The small group erupted in a frenzied rush of denial.

  Tatiana tried to hush them, but gave up and addressed Lucas instead. “You can’t leave. That would be totally irresponsible. How could you even consider leaving when you are one of the few couples with a female child?”

  Lucas held up his hands, palms forward, in an effort to stop the barrage of questions. “Please, hear me out.” He raised his voice. “We’ve discussed taking Sadie to the human realm.”

  One by one, the Council members fell quiet.

  “Cymmera is dying. Everything here is barren and desolate. There’s been no hope for centuries. And now, Daygan has once again become a threat. This is no way for a child to live, Your Majesty.” A plea for understanding filled his eyes.

  It touched Ryleigh’s heart.

  “A child’s life should be filled with joy and hope, not fear and uncertainty.”

  “What of your loyalty to Cymmera?” Anger reddened Darius’s face.

  Jackson stiffened at Ryleigh’s side.

  “I am completely loyal to my Kingdom,” Lucas spat back, “But what of loyalty to my child?”

  Darius stared him down.

  Lucas held his gaze, unwavering, obviously strong in his convictions.

  “You would condemn your daughter to a life limited by mortality?” Darius scowled.

  Lucas turned away from Darius, and his expression changed, softened. “We would offer our daughter the chance at happiness, the opportunity for hope, for a future. The choice to marry a man she loves and have a house full of children if she so chooses.” He took a deep breath, stared at the surrounding trees, their branches bare. “We’re not the only ones who feel this way.”

  Would Ryleigh want Mia to live this way, destined to marry and try to have children with little to no hope for a happy future?

  Lucas studied the new buds. A slow smile spread across his face, lit his eyes. “I will speak to Kiara tonight. Now that there’s hope once again, perhaps we’ll stay for a while longer.” He shrugged. “Who knows, maybe I can convince some of the others as well.”

  “Thank you.” King Maynard relaxed his tone. “I do hope you’ll decide to stay. Go. Speak to Kiara. Once you’ve finished, return to your post.”