The wolf tumbled through the opening, spilling all three of them onto the familiar, patterned floor.
I did it. A screech tore free. She couldn’t help it. The relief was too great to contain. Now to find Jackson.
The wolf regained his footing, stepping tentatively on the polished stone floor.
“Sorry, fella.” Ryleigh patted his head as she moved past him to Dakota. “Dakota, can you hear me?” She bent and shook his shoulder. His chest still rose and fell rhythmically, his breath coming in short gasps, but he didn’t respond. “Can you stay with him?”
The wolf approached Dakota. He sat at his side, head lifted, nose twitching.
All right. Now what? The throne room was empty. Where would everyone be? She had to find Jackson, desperately needed a healer, and had no clue whom to trust. Chayce had been a high-ranking official in the Cymmeran Guard. Surely, he must have had followers, but how many? Was the entire Guard corrupt? She weaved her fingers through her hair and squeezed, the pressure bringing some relief, some focus. The only person she could fully trust was Jackson. The certainty slammed into her mind. The knowledge already filled her heart. Okay, she had to find Jackson. Her need to be with him outweighed everything else right now. She ran.
Her footsteps pounded through the corridor, echoed in the silence. She headed toward Jackson’s chambers. She’d tell him what had happened and find a healer for Dakota. Then she’d go find Mia and return with her to her own realm. It was time. She was in too far over her head here. Maybe, one day in the future, she’d be able to rule at Jackson’s side, but now was not the time. She had too much to learn. And, if she were to be honest with herself, she was too afraid. She lacked the courage necessary to lead.
“Miss Ryleigh?” Elijah’s hurried footsteps pounded through her head.
Could she trust him? She stopped and turned.
“Are you all right?” He ran to her, grabbing her arms and examining every inch of her. He ran his finger over the cut on her head, pressed a hand to the wound on her throat. “Oh, dear. Come, sit.” He led her toward Jackson’s chambers. “Guard.”
A guard rounded a corner, as if he’d been waiting for the summons. Was it a set up?
“Sir.” He stood at attention.
“Go. Quickly. Summon a healer. Bring Kiara if you can find her.”
“Yes, sir.” He bowed his head and turned to go.
“Wait.” Ryleigh hesitated. She had to trust someone, and yet she didn’t. Either way, Dakota still needed help. She’d just have to stay with him until Jackson got there. “Could you bring the healer to the throne room, please, and hurry.”
“Of course, Princess.” He turned and jogged down the hallway.
“I need help.” She stared straight into Elijah’s eyes.
His gaze never faltered.
“You have to find Jackson. Please. Tell him to meet me in the throne room. Hurry.” She started back the way she’d come. “Oh, and then find Mia.”
Elijah kept pace at her side. “I’m sorry, My Princess.”
“What is it, Elijah?” She didn’t have time for this.
“The king is gone.”
Ryleigh’s world collapsed. “What do you mean gone?”
“He left in search of you.” Elijah shook his head, his posture, usually so straight, wilting. “He has not returned.”
“What are you talking about, Elijah?” This couldn’t be happening.
“He and Dakota left several—”
“Wait.” She held up a hand. None of this made any sense. If Jackson left with Dakota, where was he now? “What are you talking about, Elijah? Dakota’s in the throne room.”
Elijah paled. He stared at her a second longer, then turned and fled, robes flapping behind him. He threw open the throne room doors and fell to his knees at Dakota’s side. “Dakota.”
Kiara entered behind Ryleigh and dropped beside Elijah. “Dakota?” Light surrounded him as she pressed her hands to his chest.
“I must have answers, Kiara.” Elijah’s strained voice did nothing to alleviate Ryleigh’s fears. If anything, it only frightened her more.
Memories of Dakota lying motionless in the snow battered her. Had Jackson suffered a similar fate? Why would the wolf have only brought her to Dakota if Jackson lay nearby? Perhaps Jackson had been beyond saving.
“You can’t have answers until I’ve had time to heal him.” Kiara angled herself so her back was to the prophet as she hunched over Dakota.
“What is going on in here? Why are there no guards at the door?” Darius Knight strode into the chamber but stopped short at the sight of his son lying motionless on the cold floor. “What happened?” He rushed toward him. “Where’s Jackson?”
“We don’t know.” Elijah stood and face Darius, his tone unusually short. “We know nothing.”
They both turned intense glares on Ryleigh.
Her courage—what little she had left—withered and died.
“Explain.” Elijah issued the order through clenched teeth.
“Uh…well…” The room faded in and out of focus.
“Answer me, girl.” Elijah stepped over Dakota’s legs and strode toward her.
Shock held her tongue.
“Enough, Elijah.” Darius pressed a hand against his chest, blocking his path.
“We must know what happened. The king is missing.”
Lucas ran into the chamber with several guards trailing him. “What’s going on?”
“We don’t know yet, Lucas.” Darius turned his back on Elijah.
A lock of Elijah’s long, blond hair fell forward and covered his face. He shoved it back, glaring holes through Darius’ back.
Darius began to issue orders. “Jackson is missing, and Dakota is injured. Find Chayce.”
Chayce. No. Vomit surged up her throat. She slapped a hand over her mouth.
“He hasn’t returned from securing Mia yet.”
Mia.
Chaos erupted around her. Voices issued commands, swords slid free of their scabbards, footsteps, yelling, arguing…
Mia.
Her legs gave out, and she fell to her knees on the floor. The world spiraled out of control around her. She covered her ears, had to block out the commotion, had to think.
The wolf nudged her side, growling softly.
The warning growl gave her a focal point.
“Someone send for Caleb.”
“How did that wolf get in here?”
“Where did it come from?”
“Kill it.”
“Enough.” Her whisper was so low, she barely heard it. “Enough.” Ryleigh stood. She forced back every bit of emotion tugging at her. She had to find Mia. She had to find Jackson. “I said, that’s it.” She placed a hand on the wolf’s back and tried raising her voice to be heard over the bickering.
The bedlam continued. With no clear chain of command in place, Jackson missing, and Chayce missing, there was no one to assume control. Fine.
Ryleigh stormed across the chamber with the wolf trotting beside her. She climbed the two steps to the platform, lifted a staff from beside the queen’s throne, and turned to face the chaos. The staff was heavier than she expected, and she had to struggle to move forward with it in her hands, lift it straight up, then slam it down against the stone floor.
Light shot from the staff, ran in a line across the floor, split into a web of fissures throughout the chamber, bringing a halt to the confusion.
Silence descended. The sea of faces stood frozen, staring at her, mouths agape.
“That’s enough.”
“Bu—”
“Silence.” Power burst from within her heart, erupted through every ounce of her being. “Chayce is a traitor. He has ascended the throne to rule the Kingdom of Argonas.”
Shocked gasps and murmurs rippled through the small crowd.
When Darius stepped forward, the hushed whispers ceased. “How do you know this?” His featur
es hardened. His jaw tightened. His fists clenched.
“The Divination Stone was stolen from my room. While searching for it, I was taken prisoner by Kai.” She reached into her pocket and gripped the stone. A small spark warmed her hand, and knowledge flowed into her. Ancient knowledge. She opened her heart and accepted it. Embraced it. Absorbed the power, the knowledge, the responsibility. Conviction lent her voice strength. “I was taken prisoner in Argonas. Chayce entered the chamber where I was being held. Kai addressed him as King Maynard.”
Pain etched deep lines in Elijah’s face.
Darius’ eyes went completely black.
She lifted her chin and continued. “Jac—King Maynard is missing. Chayce Maynard is a traitor. He is guilty of treason and contributing to the murder of his father, the former King of Cymmera.” Rage stiffened her spine. “With no clear chain of command established, our kingdom is in chaos.” She studied those gathered. Were they loyal? How could she know? There had to be someone she could trust. A pulse of warmth touched her hand.
“Lucas.”
He stepped forward. “Yes, uh…” He stopped and faltered.
She lifted her chin. “You may address me as Your Majesty.”
His eyes went wide. “Bu-bu-but…”
Shocked gasps rippled through the chamber.
With the wolf at her side and the staff clutched tightly in one hand, its bottom resting on the platform beside her, Ryleigh embraced the power flowing within her. “I am now the Queen of Cymmera. You will either pledge your loyalty to me or not, but I will not tolerate any further betrayal.”
Lucas fell to his knee. “Forgive me, Your Majesty.”
She had no idea if he was sincere. She resisted the urge to tell him it was all right. It wasn’t all right. Nothing was. “Take the other guards with you, and please escort the prisoner, Noah White, to the throne room. I wish to speak with him.” She dismissed Lucas, hoping he’d do as she’d ordered, and turned to Elijah and Darius as the others left the room. “Take Dakota to his chambers.” She softened her tone when she addressed Kiara. She didn’t have the heart to hurl commands at the soft-spoken woman who’d saved Mia and become Ryleigh’s friend. “Will you please stay with him, Kiara?”
“Of course, My Queen.” She lowered herself to one knee, crossed her hands over the other knee, and bowed her head. The traditional way of greeting the King of Cymmera. And now its Queen.
Ryleigh clenched her fist around the stone in her pocket, biting back the urge to tuck her hair behind her ear. It was a nervous habit. No way would she show any nerves. Her nerves were made of steel. And if she kept telling herself that, one day she might even believe it.
Elijah’s posture stiffened. He stood, feet apart, back rigid, challenge hardening the contours of his face. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, how in the world do you expect to run a kingdom? You have no knowledge of our realm.”
She eyed the prophet. His hair disheveled, his features strained. Fear filled his eyes. “I don’t need knowledge of your realm, just a little common sense.” Well, that probably isn’t true. “There are simply problems that need solving. I can do that.” If only it were that easy.
Darius’ laughter scraped her already frayed nerves.
“Do you have a better idea, Darius?” She lifted a brow and waited for his laughter to subside, her steadiest scowl firmly in place.
“There are many people more qualified than you to run this kingdom, Ryleigh. I appreciate the gesture and all, but this is not going to work. You can’t just decide you want to be a queen. This isn’t playtime. Lives are at stake.”
“Really Darius? And how many of those who are more qualified bear the mark of the King or Queen on their arms?”
Darius pursed his lips, studying her, but remained quiet.
“That’s what I thought.” Oh, wow, she sounded like such a witch. “Now. Chayce is a traitor. That is a fact. How many of the Cymmeran Guard do you think are corrupt?”
Darius paled.
“And what about you, Darius. Where does your loyalty lie?” She held her breath. Waited. She needed Darius. He was one of the few people she thought she could trust.
“As always, my loyalty lies with Cymmera.” He bowed.
“Look, Darius.” She finally gave in and released the stone, pulled her hand from her pocket, and massaged her temples. It was either that, or go stark raving mad from the constant throbbing. “All I want to do is get Jackson back here and find my sister. A lunatic was supposed to be keeping her safe.” She lowered her voice. “I have to find her. Please. I need your help. I have no clue who to trust, but I know I’m loyal to Cymmera, and I think you are.”
He winced.
“I believe Dakota is, but I don’t know when he’ll be able to help us.” She gestured toward the young boy lying still with Kiara hunched over him.
Elijah moved forward. “Come on, Darius. Let’s get Dakota somewhere more comfortable.” He held out a hand and helped Kiara to her feet.
Ryleigh couldn’t help the small stab of hurt. She’d hoped Elijah would take her side, offer his support. But even if he had, she’d have no clue if his loyalty was genuine.
Oh, Jackson. The need to be with him, to hand over control of this mess, had become a physical ache in her heart.
Darius lifted Dakota in his arms, cradled him close to his chest as if he were a child.
“Darius?”
He stopped and glanced over his shoulder.
“Please call the Council of Elders to order once you’ve settled Dakota.”
“Yes, My Queen.” He inclined his head, then turned and left.
Elijah followed them out, closing the door gently behind him.
Alone at last, Ryleigh propped the staff against the throne—her throne—and dropped onto the seat. She closed her eyes, and images of Mia played out on the backs of her lids. Mia running after her, the mass of curls bouncing everywhere. Whenever Ryleigh tried to tame them behind Mia’s ear, they always popped out.
“Your Majesty.”
She hadn’t heard the door open.
Quickly, and she hoped discreetly, she wiped her eyes and stood. “Yes, Lucas?”
“I’ve brought the prisoner.”
“Bring him in, please.”
Lucas hesitated, held Ryleigh’s gaze. “Of course.” He lowered his head and gestured for two guards behind him to enter with Noah.
Noah stared at her and frowned but remained silent.
“Release him.”
Lucas’ eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. “You can’t be serious.”
Would she have to fight someone every time she issued an order? “Excuse me?”
“Uh…I’m sorry, Your Majesty, it’s just—”
“It’s just nothing, Lucas. Remove the shackles, please, and then leave us alone.”
He turned to the guards behind him and stood with his hands on his hips.
Ryleigh waited him out. He’d have to make his own choice, but if he chose to disobey her order, he’d be sitting in the cell next to Noah soon after.
His shoulders slumped. “Very well, My Queen.”
“Are you crazy?” One of the guards holding Noah confronted Lucas.
“Do as she says. She bears the mark of the Queen. If you wish to remain loyal to Cymmera, you will follow the queen’s orders.”
The guard released Noah. “I will have no part in this.” He strode from the chamber.
Lucas sighed, reached into his pocket, and produced a key. He shook his head as he and the other guard removed the shackles, but he remained silent.
Rubbing his wrists, Noah glanced around, warily eying Lucas and the other guard.
“Thank you, Lucas.” The gratitude was heartfelt, and she tried to convey that. “Could you leave us, please?”
“Your Majesty, with all due respect…” Lucas’ expression twisted into a grimace of pain and regret. “Are you sure? I could remain. I’ll stay out of your
way.”
“Thank you. I appreciate the concern, but I’ll be fine. Please, find Mia and bring her here.” Could she trust him? No. She couldn’t trust anyone. But she did have to find Mia, and she couldn’t search the entire castle and the human realm by herself. If Chayce wanted Mia, he probably already had her.
“Very well.” He bowed.
“Do it yourself. Okay?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The other guard fell into step beside him as he headed toward the door.
“And Lucas?”
He paused and looked back, stared at her, his expression somber.
“Trust no one.”
He held her gaze for another moment, nodded once, and left.
She turned her attention to Noah and blew out a breath. “I’m sorry for all of this, Noah. I…” She shook her head. “Can we talk?”
“I guess.” He eyed the wolf sitting beside the throne warily.
“He won’t hurt you.” She lowered herself to one of the steps and patted a spot beside her in invitation. “Come sit.”
Noah stared at her a moment longer before shrugging and accepting her offer. He sat on the step next to her, but angled his body so he faced her, propping his elbow on the platform.
She turned toward him, not knowing where to start. “Have you spoken with Jackson?”
“Yeah.” His expression hardened.
“I understand you’re angry.”
He scoffed.
She couldn’t help but smile. He still looked the same. A little older, a little harder, a little less naïve, but still the same boy who’d told her he loved her only a year ago. “All right, so maybe a little more than angry,” she conceded.
A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Maybe a little.”
“Look, Noah. I’m going to be completely honest with you.” She looked straight into his big, brown eyes. Eyes she’d once thought she’d stare into forever. “I’m in real trouble.” She fought the tears.
Noah had never been able to take seeing her cry, seeing her hurt. That was the only reason he’d walked away that last night. The night she’d told him she couldn’t be with him. Her heart had broken, but she couldn’t stay with him. She’d had no time for a boyfriend, no time for anything. Her grandmother had been undergoing chemo, the house was in foreclosure, Ryleigh had to find a job, finish school, Mia needed to be taken care of… More responsibility than she could handle. More than she could expect someone else to shoulder with her, though he’d offered.
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