by E. A. James
Aine gasped. “Oh, I know you,” she said quickly. “I remember you!” She flushed, covering her mouth with both hands. “Your thirtieth birthday was talked of all over the kingdom…the peasants gossiped about it for weeks!”
“Yes,” Huen said dully. “I left poor Eris at the altar, and my mother condemned me to manual labor until I find the lucky girl of my choosing.”
Aine narrowed her eyes. “And you wanted to escape that…by letting some thug murder you in the arena?”
Huen shrugged. “It seemed like a good idea at the time,” he said sheepishly.
“I bet,” Aine said archly. “So, we can help each other, then.”
“What? I did not agree to that,” Huen said.
Aine shrugged and flashed Huen a wicked grin. “So? You may as well,” she said tartly. “Because I am not sure how you’re going to find happiness otherwise.”
Huen snorted. “What makes you think you can help me?”
“All I know is that perhaps together, we could think of a solution.” Aine tapped her chin, pretending to ponder.
“Aerdan might know something,” Huen said. “My cousin,” he explained.
Aine gave him an annoyed look. “Yes, Aerdan, the Commander,” she said. “I know of him, as does everyone in Zheka.”
Huen blushed and Aine had to resist a strong urge to reach out and touch his cheek.
“I forget that sometimes, not everyone has the same life as I,” Huen said quietly. “I meant no offense.”
“I know,” Aine said. She shook her head. “I am teasing, that’s all.”
The pair fell silent for a moment and Aine closed her eyes, listening to the snap, hiss, and crackle of the logs upon the fire. She felt a desperate ray of hope beginning to grow inside of her chest, something she almost never allowed herself to feel.
“I will ask Aerdan for his assistance,” Huen said slowly. “Perhaps…perhaps he may help us.”
Aine nodded. “I have always wanted to learn more about Glasule,” she said, keeping her voice low so Mie wouldn’t hear her. “But my parents…well, they are not exactly as interested as I.”
“I do not care what I learn about, as long as it is something more than war,” Huen said passionately.
“So, why don’t we sneak into the royal castle and into the library?” Aine asked, her dark eyes flashing with excitement. “The Commander – I mean, Aerdan, -- can help us,” she said. “Please, Huen!”
Huen nodded. “I will speak to him as soon as you give me the freedom to leave, lady,” he said with a smirk.
Aine flushed. “As soon as you’re well enough,” she said softly.
“Aine!” Mie called. “I need your help over here.”
Aine made Huen an apologetic face before getting to her feet and walking to her mother.
“Yes, Mother?”
Mie sighed. “Aine, you have been neglecting your work in order to care for this man,” she said sternly.
“Mother, he’s badly hurt,” Aine said. She bit her lip and glanced down, trying to appear respectful. “It isn’t as though I could just abandon him to death!”
“That man is a royal cousin,” Mie hissed. “What happens if he dies in your care?”
From across the room, Huen cleared his throat.
“Ma’am,” he said to Mie. “No disrespect meant, but Queen Zornaya herself saw the way Aine attended to my broken wrist. The Queen said the work was very fine, that perhaps the only one who could have done it better was herself.”
Mie raised her eyebrows. “Surely, you speak in jest,” she said. “My Aine?”
Your Aine? Aine thought, looking at her adoptive mother. You’ve never even wanted me, and suddenly, now, you find a reason to be proud of me? She felt sour and bitter, even though she knew she should be grateful.
“I speak in complete sincerity,” Huen said. He coughed. “And ma’am, do trust if I were well enough to stand and bow, I would do so. I thank you very kindly for taking me in.”
Mie gave Aine a suspicious look, almost as if she didn’t believe Huen.
“Well, child, you heard the man,” Mie said, waving her hand in the air. “You’d better get back to his side.”
“What…what about the rest of my work?” Aine glanced down at the fine silk and golden thread in Mie’s lap. It looked out of place – such a fine garment draped over Mie’s stained muslin dress.
Mie gave her a strange look. “I am sure you’ll find the time for it later,” she said. “Correct?”
Aine flushed. She can’t have overheard, she thought as she nodded.
“Yes, Mother,” Aine said softly. “Later.”
As she walked back to Huen and knelt at his side, Aine suddenly had a terrible feeling of dread. What was she doing, talking about sneaking into the castle? That was a serious offense – an offense for which she could be put to death. She knew she should resist her urges to act out.
But whenever Aine looked at Huen’s handsome face, she had the sense that her biggest adventure was yet to come.
CHAPTER FIVE
Huen
Huen stayed with Aine for almost a week as he recovered. After four or five days, the pain was bearable, but Aine was reluctant to let him go back home.
“I worry I will never see you again,” Aine said, in a rare moment of candidness. “Isn’t that strange?”
Huen nodded. “No,” he said. I feel the same, he thought as he looked at Aine’s fair curls falling down her back. It was strange – he’d never had feelings like this before, and they were confusing.
But Huen could tell that his presence was beginning to wear on Mie and Thom. When he felt well enough to begin the long walk to his parents’ grand home, he promised Mie he would repay her.
“Oh, child, there is no need for that,” Mie said. But there was something insincere about her words.
“I will,” Huen promised. “I’ll send word in a few days.”
Over Mie’s shoulder, Huen locked eyes with Aine. They had decided on a plan – Huen would return home, then find Aerdan and ask for assistance. Huen was almost nervous about asking his friend for help. Before Angelica, Aerdan had always been up for a madcap adventure. But now that he had settled down, Huen knew his friend’s views on life were beginning to change.
Huen set out at dawn, walking most of the morning. His wrist had almost completely healed, and there was no longer a need to stuff herbs in his chest wound, but the aches and pains had yet to fade away. For the first time, he realized how stupid and reckless his behavior had been, and he was deeply grateful to Aine for her healing skills.
Instead of going straight to his home, Huen strode across the drawbridge and into the castle. People buzzed and chattered around him, clearly busy with their mid-day tasks. Huen was barely seen as he climbed the stone tower to Aerdan’s chamber and knocked on the door.
“Aerdan? Are you at home?”
Seconds later, the door swung open. Aerdan glared at his friend for a moment before pulling him into a tight hug.
“Huen, you devil! Where have you been? I sent search parties all over Zheka, looking for you!”
Huen gave his friend a guilty grin. “I have been away,” he said. “I was…being taken care of.”
Aerdan shook his head in disgust. “I cannot believe you,” he said. “I’ve been worried sick! Baelan, too! And Angelica blames herself, she thinks that stupid story she told had some kind of effect on you!”
“Well, it did, but not like that,” Huen admitted. “Listen, I need to speak with you. May I come inside?”
Aerdan sighed in disgust, but he put an arm around his friend’s shoulders and guided him inside, locking the door safely behind him.
Huen explained the situation at hand. “As you can see, I am in desperate need of your help,” he said. “Please, Aerdan, would you be willing to do this for me?”
“What, sneak you and your lady into the castle, just so you can see the library?” Aerdan narrowed his eyes. “I’m not sure that is wise, Huen.”
<
br /> Huen sighed. “She is not my lady,” she said.
Aerdan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Then, who is she?”
Huen had to make a conscious effort not to blush. “No one,” he said, shaking his head. “Just the girl who cared for me, that is all.”
“Well, you must feel something towards her,” Aerdan said dryly. “I doubt you would have taken any other Zhekan woman up on that offer.”
Huen swallowed. “She is different,” he said. “She is not…superficial, she does not care about clothes or jewels or riches.”
“Because she is a peasant,” Aerdan said. “She has never tasted the life we live.”
Huen shrugged. “I think she is as unhappy as I,” he said.
Aerdan stared at his friend for a long time. “I will help you,” he said finally. “Bring her here, tonight, at a quarter to midnight. Angelica has been practicing concealment spells – I am sure she will assist.”
“Really? You’d do that?”
Aerdan nodded. “You are my cousin, and my best friend,” he said. He shook his head, sending his dark locks flying around his face. “I am only nervous about Angelica – she has not yet become comfortable with this spell, and I worry that she is too inexperienced to provide the proper magic you will need.”
“It’s our only chance,” Huen said. “And I swear to you, Aerdan, we’ll both be careful.”
Aerdan nodded again. “Well, I must find her, and tell her,” he said. “Do not be late, Huen.”
Huen nodded gratefully. “Yes,” he said. “There is nothing to worry about.”
Aerdan frowned. He crossed the room and opened a large trunk, digging through it and tossing garments over his head.
“And have the lady put this on,” Aerdan said, passing over one of Angelica’s dresses. “She would otherwise attract the wrong kind of attention, do you understand?”
“Thank you,” Huen said, grateful that Aerdan had thought of that detail – such a thing had not crossed his mind. “That’s very considerate.”
“Just be careful with it,” Aerdan warned. “Angelica isn’t too fussy about her clothes, but you never know…” He trailed off, biting his lip. “And Huen?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t be seen by anyone,” Aerdan said darkly. He pushed open the door to his chamber, showing Huen the stairs.
Huen nodded. “I’ll go tell her now,” he said. “Thank you.”
Aerdan nodded. As Huen ran down the stairs, he couldn’t help but feel a shiver of excitement. Finally, I’m doing what I want, he thought. A smile spread across his face and he took the stairs two at a time. It was one of the only times in his young life that he could remember feeling satisfied.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. Huen sent a message to Aine – along with twenty gold coins for Mie and Thom, plus the borrowed dress – and hung around the castle, nervous about what would come. When the sky began to darken, Huen took supper with Zornaya’s courtiers, listening to the women chatter about medicine, spells, and herbs. They all seem so content, he thought, staring at them. The men repulsed him – much like the king, most of the male courtiers were heavy, dull, and vacant in expression. I never want to be that kind of man, Huen thought as he looked at the men. It’s like they don’t even have minds inside of their skulls.
After dinner, Huen could do nothing but wait. He paced back and forth, outside of the castle, eagerly awaiting the sight of Aine. Even with the fancy dress, Huen knew she would still stand out – she had neither the manners of a courtier nor the flirtatious manner of a girl brought up near Zhekan’s royalty. I pray to the gods she keeps her head down, he thought. That is, assuming she was able to escape the sly eye of her mother.
But at just past eleven, Huen saw her. Aine was walking very slowly, with her hands clasped in front of her, staring at the ground – just like a courtier. Huen felt a touch of respect for the girl – perhaps he had underestimated her after all.
“Aine,” Huen called. “Over here!”
Aine looked up, obviously startled. When Huen saw her, he did a double-take. Aine had washed carefully. She’d braided her hair with a circlet that matched the color of Angelica’s dress, and her dark brown eyes were glowing in the dim light of the torches.
She looked beautiful – more beautiful than Angelica, more beautiful than Queen Zornaya in her youth.
“What is it?” Aine smiled. “You have an odd look on your face,” she said.
“It is nothing,” Huen stammered. “It’s just…”
“Surprised?” Aine raised an eyebrow and twirled in a circle.
“Perhaps,” Huen said, straightening to his full height and puffing out his chest. Suddenly, he wanted to impress Angelica.
“Well, there is more to me than meets the eye,” Aine said softly, stepping forward. “Should we not be going?”
“Yes,” Huen said stiffly, running after Aine and slowing at her side. “We should not be late if we hurry. And Aine?”
“Yes?”
“Make sure no one sees you,” Huen whispered. “We must not be seen.”
Huen led Aine through the castle. Even though Aine was glancing around in obvious amazement, she kept quiet and followed obediently behind Huen until they reached Aerdan’s staircase.
“Stay here,” Huen whispered. “I’ll be right back.”
“No,” Aine said. “If you go, I go.”
Huen stared at her. “You’re serious?”
“Yes,” Aine said sweetly. “Now, lead the way.”
Huen shook his head. “Alright,” he said. “But I have to warn you – there are many stairs to the top.”
Aine shrugged. Huen could tell she was stifling a laugh. “I am strong, Huen,” Aine said softly. “After all, I carried you into my home. Twice, remember?”
Huen rolled his eyes. “I suppose you did,” he said.
The two climbed in silence. When they reached Aerdan’s chamber door, Huen knocked softly. The door swung open and Aerdan and Angelica stood there, gesturing for Huen and Aine to come inside. When Aerdan saw Aine, he made a face at Huen.
“Hey,” Angelica said. “That’s my dress.”
“My love, I am so sorry,” Aerdan said. “I thought it would assist with the ruse.”
Angelica softened. “Oh, it’s fine,” she said. She smiled at Aine. “It’s nice to meet you, Aine. My name is Angelica.” She held her hand out and Aine stared at it, unsure of what she was supposed to do.
"I am called Aine," Aine said softly. "Of Glasule.”
Angelica’s jaw dropped and she suddenly shivered, looking afraid. “You are from Glasule?”
Aine blushed. She looks even prettier like that, Huen thought, unable to tear his eyes away from her rosy cheeks.
“Yes,” Aine said softly.
“Her parents abandoned her as a baby, and she was found by Zhekan peasants and taken in,” Huen said. “She has never been to Glasule.”
Angelica nodded, looking relieved. “Well,” she said. “Perhaps it is time.” She pulled a small bottle from a leather pouch at her waist. “Now, drink three drops of this, each of you,” she said. She shook the bottle, then removed the stopper and sniffed cautiously.
“What is this?” Aine asked.
“It’s an invisibility potion,” Angelica said. “Well, not exactly – but that’s how it should work. As long as no one is keeping an eye out for anything suspicious, it should work perfectly.”
“Oh,” Aine said. She bit her lip.
Angelica passed the bottle to Huen. He drank first, trying not to choke on the bitter taste.
“Gods, this is disgusting,” Huen said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand and passing the small bottle to Aine. She closed her eyes and drank, twisting her lips in disdain.
“Thank you,” Huen sputtered as he passed the bottle back to Angelica. “We appreciate your help very much.”
Angelica nodded. “You’re welcome,” she said. She smiled kindly at Aine, who had taken to glancing around the chamber. “Is thi
s your first time inside the castle?”
Aine nodded. “Yes,” she said. “Well, I was at Queen Zornaya’s coronation, when I was a small child. But I didn’t remember anything.”
“I know, it’s beautiful,” Angelica said. She smiled. “Aerdan will lead the way to the libraries. The potion should work for five hours, and then you must leave.”