by J. B. Jenn
Querra
“Wait,” Eiden said, pulling her back. She looked to him. “You can’t be serious. You can’t go after him. The beast will see you. Besides, the man’s dead. All the others who have attacked the things have died. What makes you think he might still live?”
Querra frowned at him. Part of her knew he was right. The other part, a stronger part, was curious. She turned her gaze back to where she had seen the man crash into one of the ruined buildings.
“We have to go, Eiden. You saw what he did. What if he’s not dead? What if there’s a small chance he’s still alive?”
“I see no reason in risking our lives for a dead man. We should leave.”
Querra shook her head. “Just because we had sex that one time doesn’t give you the right to tell me what to do.”
“Querra,” he said, grabbing her arm. “Don’t go. For me.”
“Don’t do that. It was just sex, Eiden. That’s all it was. Don’t make this personal.” She pulled away from him. “Eiden, that man hurt the monster. No one has been able to. Aren’t you curious how he did it? If we can find out, we can beat it and end this terror. Cascade can rebuild with or without a king or queen. It’s in our best interest to see if he’s alive.”
She watched the grim look capture his square face and knew she had hurt him. She suppressed a sigh. She hadn’t meant to hurt him. She didn’t even mean what she said.
“We’ll do it your way.”
Querra nodded. She hoped the man behind the ruins had answers. If he was still alive. Maybe then they could begin to understand what had happened to them.
“Come on. We’ll try to go around.”
They crept about the ruins, taking it slow. When the beast howled, Querra’s heart raced and she’d duck down. She wondered if it howled because the man had wounded it severely or if it was simply angry. There was dark green blood everywhere. She prayed it was because its wounds were severe.
Kneeling beside the man, she checked for a pulse. When she discovered he was still alive, she sucked in a sharp breath. There were numerous wounds across his entire body. For the deep ones, Querra tore away pieces of her clothing to bandage the wounds as best as she could. None of them seemed too serious.
Staring down at him, taking in his pale, angular face and his short brown hair, she wondered who he was. She wondered if he could tell her anything, or if he could help them. Maybe if he wasn’t fighting the monster on his own, he could kill it and make this nightmare stop.
Her eyes landed on a purple bladed sword. It was beautiful. The man’s hand was clenched around the purple and black hilt. She tried to pry it from his hand, but his grip tightened. Even in his unconscious state, he was protective of the sword. Querra looked to him curiously. Once again, she tried to take the sword, but the man was somehow aware of her attempts.
Eiden touched her shoulder. As she looked up, she saw a small, blackish purple monster in the distance. She motioned for him to get down. Both went flat against the ground. It felt as if time crawled by.
As she lay there, steadying her breath, all she could picture was Eiden dying. She met his brown eyes, wondering if it had been a mistake for her to get so close to him, to start caring about him.
Taking in several deep breaths, she focused. She wished the thing would just disappear. Eiden reached across the distance between them and took hold of her hand. Querra let him. She met his gaze again. In his eyes, she could see how much he loved her. It scared her and she looked away.
They lay there amongst the rubble, unmoving until well after dark. Only then did Querra sit up. She positioned herself against the crumbling wall of a former bakery. The ovens were tilted on their sides and caved in. She sat against the wall, watching the unknown man for a time. Eiden’s arm wrapped around her shoulders.
“Please, Eiden, don’t.” She pulled away from him.
“I know you care for me, Querra. It’s not a weakness to care for someone.”
“Yes, it is. What happened between us can’t happen again. We’re in the middle of a war. It was irresponsible.”
Eiden laughed at her. “Caring for someone isn’t irresponsible, Querra.” She shook her head at him, which only earned another laugh. “Just know, I won’t stop caring about you. You might not be able to admit you have feelings for me, but I know you do. It’s in the way you look at me.” Querra said nothing. Instead, she focused her stare on the unknown man. “Get some rest.” He squeezed her shoulder.
There was no telling when the man would wake. She hoped it was soon.
Maik
Some of his men were down in Cascade helping rescue men, women, and children. Reports had come back about a mercenary company called the Relentless. The group accepted some of the former members of the Cascadian solders into their ranks to protect the people. They had even joined forces with the men he had sent.
Maik wasn’t certain how Janessa would respond to the information. He knew King Delane had detested the group, feeling they were little more than brigands. All he knew was he was grateful for them. They were helping keep his soldiers alive, and they were rescuing those still trapped within the city, though reports suggested few were still within Kenokel.
As he sat there in deep thought, he kept wondering how Urian had come to walk Hartland again. He hated not knowing who had summoned it. He hated trying to plan blind. All he knew from those reports was the demon was still in Kenokel. He had no idea how long he’d stay there or where it’d go next. There were so many unknowns.
Maik had hoped the Servant would have arrived already. It worried him she hadn’t. There were too many possibilities concerning why she hadn’t. He hoped she hadn’t been killed. If she had, he feared Hartland was doomed. The only option left was gathering wytches. He doubted the wytches of today knew how to perform such a ritual.
Rising from the chair he’d sat in all morning, he knew he had to get out of the palace. He needed to clear his mind and he needed fresh air. The only problem was he couldn’t sneak out without anyone noticing. His personal bodyguard, a man who had protected him for years now, would notice. Orin seemed to know where he was at all times.
Despite knowing this, he was going to try anyway. He had to. There was too much to think about. Too much he didn’t know. Too much he couldn’t plan for.
If Mercea had arrived, they’d know more and could plan accordingly. She could tell them more about Urian. Explain why weapons couldn’t hurt him. Every day she didn’t arrive was a day they were in more danger.
Maik looked back toward the balcony, wishing he had the ability to leap from it and land in the sand below. He was three floors up. If he could do that, he wouldn’t have a problem escaping his guards.
All he wanted was some time alone, walking along the sand, maybe even the beach. Since he had become king, he felt as if he hadn’t been alone. There was always a guard or a servant nearby. At least, he knew of a way out of the castle, but he was going to have to involve someone else in his plans.
“Stay here,” he told the guards at the door the moment he had opened it. They looked to him with question. “I’m going to see if Queen Janessa would like some company. Alone.” When one of them raised their brow, he laughed. “She’s right across the hall. If you wish, change the door you’re guarding. I don’t care.”
The man nodded. Maik could see it wasn’t what he had thought. He didn’t care. Let them think what they will, he thought as he crossed the hall. Maik gave a light tap on the door. When Janessa opened it, she smiled at him. The way her lips curved warmed his heart.
“Please, come in.”
Once the door closed behind him, he walked to the far wall, saying nothing and studied it for a moment. His father had showed him this entrance as a child. It was designed for royalty to escape should the palace ever come under attack. His father had made him promise to never use it to escape unless the circumstances were right. There was one in his room, too, but he wanted Janessa to come with him.
“Sorry father,”
he whispered, “but I think you’d understand.”
“What are you doing?”
“Escaping for a bit.”
“What?” Her brow furrowed.
He saw the slight blemish and pressed it. For anyone who didn’t know it was there, Maik was certain they’d never see it. As the wall slid back and revealed a passageway, he turned toward her, grinning. She looked into the dark tunnel. He could tell she wanted to join him, but was hesitant about doing so.
Maik entered the dark corridor. There were cobwebs hanging everywhere. When he was halfway down the passage, he heard her soft footsteps behind, hurrying to catch up. Maik continued forward. The passage was longer than he remembered. Then again, he had only used it once before. Back when he was a child, the journey was more of an adventure.
When he reached the door, visible from the light shining under it, he felt the urge for freedom surge. He pulled the lever nearby and watched it open. The sun shining through the opening was a relief. The cool breeze blowing in off the ocean wasn’t. He was relieved he was wearing a sweater today.
“Where are you planning to go?” Janessa asked. She looked behind them as if she was afraid someone would catch them.
“The ocean. I could use the walk and some time to listen to the waves crashing against the shore. I need to escape everything, just for a little while. Including the guards.”
Maik left her there, wondering if she’d continue to follow. As much as he wanted to turn and see if she was, he didn’t.
Once at the ocean, he sat down in the sand, enjoying the cool breeze blowing off the vast water, even if it was on the cold side. This was what he needed. Some time away from everything. Some time away from the possibilities. To stop thinking about death for just a little while. From where he sat, he watched the small birds playing in the water as it came up on the beach.
Janessa sat down next to him and stared out across the waves. She brought her knees up and wrapped her arms around them as she watched the ocean.
“What do you think will happen?” she whispered after a time.
“What do you mean?”
“To Hartland. The Servant hasn’t arrived yet. You would have told me if she had. What if she doesn’t? What will happen to us?”
Maik sighed. “I don’t know. I thought she’d be here by now, too. Maybe something detained her. I… I just don’t know.” He fell quiet for a time. His gaze grew distant, remembering the reports about Kenokel. “Did you ever see your home?”
“No. Galtrand found me on my way back to the city. They wouldn’t allow me to see it, fearing I was the only surviving member of the ruling family.” She fell silent again, staring at the ocean, fighting back tears. “They had no way of knowing how close they were to the truth.”
“I’ve gotten some reports about the town,” Maik grabbed her hand. He hadn’t wanted to talk about any of this, but somehow, it seemed appropriate. “All of Kenokel is destroyed, Janessa. As of right now, Urian has stayed there. The smaller demons who had surrounded him during the attack have ventured into Cascade, attacking other towns. A group called the Relentless drive them back and protect the towns.”
Janessa shook her head. “My father was always convinced the Relentless were no good. He was wrong. I always liked Querra. She had a strong head on her shoulders and knew she and her soldiers could help Cascade.” She gave a small smile. “I guess my father couldn’t always get past his arrogance. I think he didn’t like Querra because she challenged him and his beliefs. I did, too. The only difference I was his daughter and he wasn’t going to banish me like he did my brother. That always ate at him.”
Maik patted her knee. “You were good for him. You’re good for me.” She blushed and looked away, making him smile. Silence passed between them again before he spoke. “Urian has stayed in the city. I don’t think whoever summoned him is ready for him to move yet. Maybe we’ll get lucky.”
“I hope so.” She looked to the ocean again. “There isn’t a day I’m not scared for my people down there, or for the people here.” She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. “At least, I know there’s something being done to protect them. I have you and Querra to thank for that. I wish I was down there helping them.”
“I know you do, but I’m relieved you stayed. I want to keep you safe, Janessa.”
She smiled at him. Silence passed between them for a few moments. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, Maik. You’ll never know how deep my gratitude runs for you.”
Janessa
She leaned against Maik’s shoulder, taking comfort in him. It felt as if she belonged in his arms. Worry shined in her eyes as she leaned against him, staring out into the vast water. She watched the waves crash against the sandy beach and listened to the gulls cry.
It was so beautiful. So peaceful. She didn’t want to leave. Despite everything she knew was happening and was going to happen, sitting there, with his arm wrapped around her, it felt as if everything was at peace. She hadn’t felt this way for a long time now. Not since Galtrand had stopped her carriage.
She pulled away from him, meeting his sea green eyes. They seemed relaxed and haunted at the same time. It was an odd combination, but one she understood. She kissed him. The excitement from the way his lips felt against hers took her breath away. When she pulled away, Maik stared at her, studying her. Janessa waited for what felt like an eternity.
“That’s your reaction to me kissing you? Nothing?”
She started to stand, planning to leave him on the beach alone. His hand reached out and wrapped around hers. He pulled her toward him. As his lips met hers, she was surprised by how passionate his kiss was. It sent a delightful chill down her spine. When he released her, she was breathless.
“That was…”
“Something I’ve wanted to do for too long.” She looked to him with question. Maik gave her a small smile. “I’m certain your father told you I wanted to marry you three years ago. I wanted to court you and get to know you before the marriage.”
He was silent for a moment as he stared into her eyes. Janessa couldn’t look away. He reached over and stroked her cheek.
“I saw you sitting in his study, reading a book while listening to him conduct business. I wanted you right then and there. There was something about you that made me fall in love with you the moment I saw you. I inquired about your hand in marriage, but your father wouldn’t have it. He wanted you to be able to choose who to marry. He said even if he didn’t approve of the man you chose, he would allow it, so you were happy. I told him as long as I wasn’t married, the offer would always stand. It remains true to this day. I wanted to stay so you could come to know me, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t leave the Desert for long. There was too much going on at the time.”
Janessa looked away. As she stared out toward the sea again, aware of his eyes on her, she felt the pressure of the world closing in around her again.
“Janessa?” He touched her arm. Just his touch prickled her skin. She wanted him. She couldn’t deny that.
“He told me,” she said. “It was why I thought you were implying marriage in order to help Cascade the first time I met you.” She fell silent again. “I didn’t think I’d ever come to know you the way I have. You’ve been nothing but kind to me and forgiving.” She fell silent again. She blinked back tears.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know about any of this, Maik. I have feelings for you certainly, but…” She shook her head. “There’s just so much to consider.”
“Maybe you just need some time on your own,” he offered with a sad smile. “I often find answers come to me when I’ve been alone for a few days.”
Janessa smiled at him. She kissed his cheek before rising. “Thank you.”
She left him there, afraid of what might happen should she stay.
Galtrand
The guards King Maik had placed were still outside of Queen Janessa’s room. Galtrand gave a light rap on the door, but there was no answer.
“As we said, she and King Maik are together. They aren’t going to answer.”
Galtrand looked to the man once more before he knocked again. He hoped if he was persistent enough she’d answer. Still, nothing. He frowned. It was unlikely anything had happened to her, but he felt something was wrong. He looked about the hall. Orin was nowhere in sight, leading him to believe King Maik was not in Janessa’s room.
Opening the door a crack, he peered in. He knew it was possible he might walk in on something he didn’t want to see. When he found the room empty, he was partially relieved for it.
“Are you absolutely certain no one left?”
He watched the two men look toward one another before entering the room. A look of horror passed over their young faces. Their king was missing on their watch. If anything happened to him, they were at fault.
“I…” one of them started, but was unable to finish. He looked about again. “I swear on my life no one left this room. They should be here.”
“They aren’t, as you can see,” Galtrand snapped.
Galtrand stepped out onto the balcony and looked over the edge. They couldn’t have gone over the railing. The balcony sat too high. He turned away scowling and combed his fingers through his hair. Scanning the room again, he looked for anything out of the ordinary. The guards had left, no doubt to order a castle wide search for their missing king.
Sighing, he sat down in one of the chairs. He didn’t know how much time had passed before he heard the creaking of a door opening. His eyes shot to the entrance, but it was still open from when the guards had left. He turned about looking at the room again. He saw a wall opening behind a chair in the far corner.
As he stared at the once solid wall with his hand on the hilt of his sword, Janessa stepped through the opening. He waited for several more moments. She was alone. Her brilliant blue eyes found his. He watched her clench her jaw. Galtrand stood. He said nothing as he waited for some kind of explanation.