by Wend Petzler
"We are well, Your Majesty. How fares the road from London?” Nicolas asked as Edward motioned for his knights to continue onto the camps below. The king always stayed in the Keep, using the chambers set aside in his honor.
"Uneventful until we reached Serenity! What the hell happened?” Edward demanded as he dismounted, handing the reins to his squire. Resting a hand on the hilt of his sword, Edward and Nicolas walked up the steps to the Keep.
Nicolas made to explain when a simpering voice interrupted. “Yes, Drago, please tell us how the town burned.” Alden smirked, tossing the leather reins to the knight beside him.
A snarl formed on Nicolas’ lips as he took a menacing step toward the arrogant man when a slender hand stayed him. Fierce amber eyes speared the one who dared interfere, finding emerald eyes beseeching him to remain calm. Nicolas met Edward's questioning gaze, firm control over his anger. “A uniformed attack was made on the town, bent on destruction rather than ill-gotten gain."
Edward's attention centered on his cousin, reassured Isabella was once more in command of her situation. “You look amazing! Marriage agrees with you, my dear.” He pressed a warm kiss on her smooth cheek, his gaze moved unerringly to the Demon's sword in her hand.
Emerald eyes sparkled with irresistible amusement. “Nicolas knows everything, Your Majesty, and is quite adjusted to the idea of marrying a woman of celebrity status.” Isabella smiled, love apparent for her husband as Nicolas stood protectively behind her, a wolfish grin on his handsome face as his hard gaze clashed with Alden's.
Glaring at the loving couple, Alden paled when he saw the Demon sword in her hand as she gave it to Sir Michael who glared down at him. Later, he would ask Miles what happened to the Demon Lord. “It appears Drago has been lax in his duty to Blood Keep and its surrounding lands."
Edward cast a cool look on the man beside him. “Do not presume I am unaware of your traitorous activities, Lord Alden. Rest assured, justice will be met when you meet Drago in the joust, and I will be the judge!” He growled ominously at the flaxen-haired man. “By the way, you will not be staying inside the castle. Captain Wallace will escort you to the field, ensuring you are set within my men's perimeter.” Edward's voice was low, the threat unmistakable. Leaving the surprised man, he proceeded up the stairs followed by Isabella and Nicolas.
Frowning at the turn of events, Isabella worried how Miles would meet with Alden. She needed to find Xander's location. She smiled at her cousin. “Come, Edward, I'm sure you will wish to freshen up before lunch.” Isabella led the way to the hall, holding Nicolas’ hand tight.
"Lunch would be wonderful."
When Aggie saw Edward enter the hall, she beamed happily. “Oh, Your Majesty, it does me heart wonders to see ye again. How is the Queen, is she well?” Aggie chatted excitedly.
"We need not stand on formalities, Aggie. You are as dear a mother to me as you are to Isabella. And, my Queen is once more pregnant. We've been blessed by God's abundant generosity.” Edward's chest puffed with pride and male ego at becoming a father again, but his love for his first born, Edward IV, was undeniable. He saw in the lad's eyes the making of a great king.
Aggie cast a secretive smile at Nicolas and Isabella. “Perhaps, we will be blessed with the patter of tiny feet from these two in the near future."
Blushing red as she caught Aggie's meaning, Isabella sought to flee further interrogation and made her excuses. “I need to freshen up as well. I'll see you at lunch.” She hurriedly pressed a kiss on Edward's cheek, dashing off from the conversation.
Unaffected by his wife's discomfort, Nicolas grinned as he, too, thought of children in their future. “Once all is settled, mayhap we can concentrate on matters closer to the heart.” Winking at the older woman, Nicolas strode after his wife.
"Children will be born sooner than they think,” Aggie winked at Edward as she led the way to the King's chambers.
"I truly hope so.” Edward sighed, hoping the joust would work in favor of the couple who were obviously in love.
As Isabella reached the stairs, Michael stepped forward, handing her sword back to her. She smiled up at him as if nothing was wrong. “I must tell Drago what is asked of me.” Isabella's voice was low, spoken only for Michael to hear.
"Check the passage before you speak to Drago. The boy has probably told the enemy of our secret passages.” As Michael spoke, understanding lit his black eyes as the knowledge struck Isabella as well.
Anger filled her, briefly glowing in her eyes. “Miles told Alden of the secret door inside my chambers. That's how the bastard was able to get me alone without detection so he could punish me.” Isabella was grim, reminded the betrayal almost cost her, her life.
"Drago approaches. I'll speak to you later.” Michael bowed to Isabella, leaving to seek the traitorous squire.
"Ready?” Nicolas asked Isabella, frowning as she tried to regain her composure.
Isabella led the way to their chambers, swearing she would kill the young man when she got her hands on his scrawny neck. Cursing under her breath, Isabella cautiously opened the oak door, warily scanning the room for signs of danger. Entering the chamber, Isabella headed to the fireplace, touching the wall and a narrow door swung open to Nicolas’ amazement. Satisfied no one there, she firmly closed the door.
Speculating at Isabella's actions, he frowned, demanding, “What's going on?"
"I was approached by our rat and was ordered to kill a man to save my nephew who is in Alden's grasp as we speak.” Fear filled her at what might happen to the dear child if she failed.
Taken aback, he held his arms wide as Isabella flung herself into his warm embrace. She leaned on his strength, trusting Nicolas to help her. “What are our options?” He whispered, resting his cheek on her shiny head.
Tears fell as Isabella whispered brokenly, “You must die."
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Chapter Twenty One
Shock riveted Nicolas briefly. “What?” he demanded in alarm.
Taking a deep breath, Isabella sat down on the bed. “Alden wants you dead. If you're gone, he gets Blood Keep and me. To ensure my cooperation, Alden has kidnapped Xander."
His heart went out to the frightened little boy whom he had known by word, but not sight. A plan began to formulate in his mind, and a devious smile curled his lips, a wicked glint in his eyes. “The only option I can see to get the boy back is for me to die."
"What did you just say?” Isabella demanded, shocked by Nicolas’ statement.
"The matter is simple, I die, opening a way for you to find Xander. We need the boy's location to save him, Alden can't afford to let Xander live. If he's found out, Alden will lose his head for conspiring to kill a baron, me and kidnapping an earl.” Nicolas faced her, encouraging her to listen to him.
Warming to his plan, “You are right. Alden would order Miles to dispose of Xander if you died before the joust. I already have the Demons watching the secret exit from Blood Keep as we speak. The night you die, I could follow Miles when he meets with his contact and find the location of my nephew.” Isabella felt hope surge inside her.
Nodding his approval, Nicolas asked, “How can we cause my death with so many witnesses?"
Isabella stretched out on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, pondering the question. “Poison? If you appear ill, we can move you up here. You must remain close to our chamber, protecting the secret passage. Edward will accompany us, and we can fill him in on our plans for dear Alden."
"Apparently the messenger never reached the King. Edward knows nothing about Xander's disappearance.” Nicolas stated, lying back on the bed, pulling his wife into his arms.
"Xander must be close for the messenger to have been intercepted. Yet, there are many places to hide the boy from here to the Scottish border. How can we keep Alden occupied after you die?"
Pressing a gentle kiss on her brow, he smiled at her encouragingly. “The joust. I will have Edward throw open the joust to anyone who wishes to compe
te for Blood Keep. When it is time, I will ride out and meet him."
"I am required to accompany Edward to the joust. Or do I?” Isabella thought of another ruse to be used. “You now, Alison could pass for me if she wears a concealing veil and is in mourning. When do we kill you?"
"At the feast tomorrow night. After I am brought to our chamber, you will sneak out and wait by the secret exit for our rat. Then you will ensure he spills his guts of Xander's whereabouts."
Hesitant to suggest the idea she had, but knew it would make their ploy realistic. “Aggie can make a balm making you sick enough to be plausible you were poisoned. I warn you, it feels as if you are dying, praying for death as I had when Aggie dosed me with the potion.” She attempted a half-smile as Nicolas’ tanned face visibly paled at the idea.
"Would I regain my full strength for the joust?"
"Yea."
Taking a deep breath, Nicolas made his decision. “Find a private moment with Aggie and arrange for a very weak potion to be made. I must be strong to joust with Alden. The man is clever, even if not powerful on a warhorse."
Emerald eyes brightened in amusement as her mouth tilted in a brilliant smile. “Trust me. I would never harm to you on purpose."
"Better not! I might be tempted to get even with you.” Nicolas growled playfully before his mouth claimed hers with a fiery passion, kissing her long and hard.
Her arms wrapped around his sturdy neck as his massive arms pulled her close, fitting her soft curves to the heavily muscled frame of his. Isabella's heartbeat leapt as fire surged through her body as his hands roamed freely, enticing, inflaming her body out of control. A clock chimed the twelfth hour, cooling their passion as they realized lunch was to be served, and Edward waited upon them.
Reluctant, he released her, laughing as her bottom lip pouted. Rising from the bed, they straightened their garments. She turned to leave when Nicolas stayed her. Reaching to undo the long braid, freeing the silky tresses, he explained, “I would consider it an honor if you left your hair down for me.” Taking a comb in hand, he brushed the dark, honeyed strands until her hair flowed down her back.
"I love you,” she whispered as his arms gathered her in a tight embrace.
"I love you, too, but we'd best go downstairs before Edward sends a search party for us,” Nicolas teased as he led Isabella to the door.
Edward pondered the idea when the couple walked down the stairs holding hands. His hard eyes softened. Isabella blossomed into a beautiful lady. “Cousin, you honor me with your beauty and grace.” He bowed, smiling at her blush.
People filtered through the open doors, many famished from hard work while others from a long ride to the remote castle. Alden drifted inside the hall, guarded by four knights, appearing quite smug until Michael stepped from the shadows, towering over the smaller man. The dark knight snapped his fingers and twenty Demons surrounded Alden and his knights who stared nervously at the fearsome, brutal-looking men who crossed their arms, cutting them off from the rest of the occupants in the hall.
Edward choked back the laughter behind a linen clothe. “Very subtle, my dear."
Isabella enjoyed Alden's discomfort immensely as the man tried to appear calm, surrounded by the most lethal assassins in the English Realm. She raised her cup mockingly at him. Alden glared, unable to do a thing.
Nudging her arm, Nicolas ordered, his deep voice laced with authority, “Behave!"
Meek in her demeanor, she bowed her head, hiding the amusement in her eyes. “Yes, my husband."
A dark eyebrow rose at the false sincerity of her manner. “I promise you will have satisfaction.” Taking her hand in his, Nicolas pressed a kiss in the sensitive center of her palm.
Curling her other hand to the hard planes of his shadowed jaw, she whispered, “I trust you."
Edward smiled as he listened to the softly spoken conversation, heartened his champion had found his equal. The man was absolutely in love with Isabella. Confident the question of who ruled Blood Keep would be satisfied once and for all when Drago defeated Alden.
Nicolas spoke in a lowered tone to Edward. “Would you care to wander about the market this afternoon? We can suit you up in a Demon's armor, freeing you to walk around without any recognition."
His eyes lit up at the opportunity of wandering around the sellers’ booths without anyone knowing who he was. Edward asked eagerly, “Can it be arranged?"
Isabella motioned for Gabriel to come to her and whispered in his ear. Gabriel motioned for the King to follow. Edward jumped out of his chair, hurrying after him. Isabella shook her head at her cousin's enthusiasm when she saw the terror in Alison's eyes, her features pale.
Averting her face from Drago, Alison whispered in Isabella's ear, “Please, I must speak with you. Alone.” Alison begged, not daring to look in Alden's direction.
"Nicolas, please excuse us. I will join you and Edward later.” Acting as if nothing wrong, she kissed him and rose from the table. Alison grabbed her hand and literally dragged her outside. Once they cleared the courtyard and had entered the melee of sellers’ booths and food stands, Isabella asked breathlessly, “What's wrong?"
"I can't find my son!” She frantically looked around her, terrified for her son's safety with Alden close at hand.
"What?” Isabella demanded as she grabbed Alison's shoulders, forcing the frightened woman to face her.
"We went to help in the kitchens, one minute Allen was with me, and the next he was gone.” Tears coursed down her pale cheeks as she desperately looked for her missing son, knowing deep in her heart who had Allen.
Isabella's equilibrium spun as the evil plots unfolded around them. “Alden left nothing to chance, did he? I recently found my nephew's been kidnapped by Alden's men."
Sniffing, Alison knew in her heart Alden would demand her to do something horrible. “What are we to do?” She whispered as they walked through the crowd, trying hard to appear casual.
"If you are approached by Alden, let him tell you what he wants from you, protest a bit then agree."
"Where do you think Allen is?"
"Most likely they have the boys in the same place. This is better for me to retrieve them home.” Isabella sighed wearily. Alden endangered two innocent boys for his need to dominate her and Alison. Typical of the bastard, she thought furiously.
"I know you will bring Allen home safely.” A thought struck Alison as she hastily looked around for Gabriel, imaging his rage. “What am I to tell Gabriel? He will kill Alden for taking my son!"
Pondering how to handle her trusted knight, she decided on a course of action. “Say nothing until Gabriel does. If he asks, tell him Allen is playing. I will inform Gabriel when the time is right."
"Will you take Gabriel when you ride for the boys?” Alison asked, afraid to be left alone.
Shaking her head, Isabella wandered around, holding Alison's arm in hers, acting as if nothing wrong. “Michael will ride with me. Gabriel will remain with Nicolas, ensuring no more surprises while we disappear to find the boys. We need to join the men for our own protection.” Looking around for Nicolas, she caught sight of him walking beside Gabriel and the Demon Lord, Edward in disguise.
Gabriel felt his heart constrict with hot emotions every time he gazed upon Alison. He waved to attract their attention, shocked by the raw fear in Alison's soft, gray eyes. Holding his arms open to the woman he loved, Gabriel knew without a doubt Alison was hiding something when she flew into his embrace, clinging to him as her anchor amongst the sea of pressing people around them.
Isabella knew exactly how Alison felt as Nicolas wrapped his powerful arms around her, tucking her to his side. She felt his strength enfold her in his strong embrace. Her darkening eyes warned him of more trouble. “Later,” she whispered in his ear.
Rumors ran afar, people wondering why the Demon Lord strolled without his infamous sword, walking beside Lady Isabella who earlier had the deadly blade and rode the volatile Lucifer. They strolled through the market, enjo
ying the confusion as people pointed at the two. Edward noticed the makeshift corrals, wishing to inspect the warhorses competing in upcoming events.
"Fine horses.” Edward admired the sleek animals as the warhorses munched on hay, unconcerned by the onlookers. His sharp eyes missed little as Isabella appeared distracted, his gut instincts warned him something wrong. However, Edward learned long ago to respect her wisdom. In good time, Isabella would inform him of the discord.
"Yea, the horses are as fit as their newly knighted riders.” Isabella replied, observing the young men strolling about in gleaming, silver armor and strutted like peacocks before the beautiful young maidens.
Edward and Isabella hung back as hopeful, young men approached Nicolas and Gabriel, wishing to speak with the Baron and the Commander of the Black Knight. “The tournament is even more popular this year.” Edward commented, watching her reaction.
Smiling ruefully, she watched her husband move easily amongst the young knights, something she could not do until they were recruited. By the time they realized the Demon Lord was female, her leadership was respected without questioning her gender. “The men are eager to join an army who has two champions."
"Is all well at Blood Keep?"
"Go along with whatever happens. We are about to clean house, expelling an infestation of rats.” Isabella replied with the determination she was infamous for. Edward remained silent, and Isabella was grateful as Nicolas rejoined them. Gabriel and Alison departed, the poor woman wavering from the strain of not knowing where her son was.
"Sire, shall we return to the castle and prepare for tonight's feast?” Nicolas asked, enclosing Isabella's hand in his, leading the way back to the Keep.
"A bath and a short rest would be welcomed.” Edward replied, tired of wearing the Demon's helm closed.
When they entered the hall, Isabella hailed Aggie and spoke briefly with the housekeeper. The older woman went herself to make the preparations. Isabella smiled at Edward. “Enjoy your rest, I'm sure Brandon and Otto intend to keep you up until the wee early morning hours drinking.” Isabella chuckled as Edward rubbed his hands gleefully.