Shattered Assassin

by Knight, Wendy

  There was a general gasp as they walked in together, and she felt her fingers dig nervously into Randolf’s forearm.

  “What a handsome couple!” Charlotte said as she came around the table to greet them.

  “You clean up well, Princess Kazia.” Tobias smiled from where he stood at the other end of the table. William’s eyes sparkled at her.

  Randolf turned her toward the crowd gathering in the commons. “Princess Kazia of Sylvana, my future queen!” he announced. The crowd roared in approval and she waved the way she had been taught since she was a tiny girl, all while trying to stop her knees from shaking. When Kazia thought she would collapse if she had to stand in front of all those people one more second, Randolf steered her to the table. Others took their places all around her, and she was surrounded by nobles trying to talk to her. She wanted to cry or climb under the table or fly through the roof — none of which was possible. When her Uncle Jeffery slid into the seat across from hers, she thought of drowning herself in her gravy. She made polite conversation through the entire meal, trying to make eye contact and be polite and be a princess, but she was so tired.

  Jeffery waited until they were nearly through with dessert to catch her attention. “What news do you bring of my home, your highness?”

  “Your — your home?” Had he not gotten the missive about Kristina?

  Luke appeared out of nowhere at her elbow. “I don’t believe that’s polite dinner conversation, m’lord.” Kazia wanted to cry, she was so grateful to hear his voice. It took her two tries at picking up her fork before she realized she was trembling.

  “And you, Captain, are out of place,” Jeffery sneered. Luke didn’t seem concerned. He stalked down the table and leaned near King William, whispering in his ear. The king’s milky eyes moved slowly around the room, settling on Kazia, and he nodded.

  Luke stepped back as William rose to his feet. “We must allow our princess to retire early, as she has been traveling and is fatigued by her adventures. Everyone please join me in wishing her good night.”

  The guests were surprised, but all murmured their farewells as Luke helped Kazia to her feet. “Thank you, your majesties.” She inclined her head, and William’s eyes sparkled. Charlotte didn’t look at her, instead glowering at William, but waved a dismissive hand.

  “Kazia, allow me to escort you back to your rooms.” Randolf threw his napkin down and came around the table, tucking her hand into the crook of his arm. It wasn’t until they made it to the hall that she realized he was angry. “If you needed to leave, Kazia, you should have addressed me, not sent your guard to my father.”

  Kazia opened her mouth to object, but Luke, storming down the hallway after them, beat her to it. “She didn’t send me. I was watching her.” Kazia knew he was supposed to watch her, but the words still sent shivers up her spine. “Even from clear across the room I could tell she was in trouble. You were three seats down and you didn’t notice,” Luke snapped.

  Kazia rolled her head back on her neck, trying to ward off the headache she felt coming. “Captain, he doesn’t know me well enough to see the signs.” She sighed.

  “Common sense shouldn’t have failed him, then,” Luke spat. She had never seen him so unprofessional, and Randolf was clearly not used to being spoken to like that. He sputtered as his cheeks went a blotchy red and white. Thankfully, they reached her room just then, and Luke swept inside, checking for anything suspicious. “Nakomi has been here the entire time,” Benjamin said, nodding toward the wolf sitting in front of the fire, watching them like a statue.

  “Captain, a word?” Randolf’s voice was icy cold and Kazia wondered, in an exhausted haze, if they were going to duel or something else just as stupid.

  She squeezed his arm, trying to distract him. “Thank you for your welcome, Prince Randolf.”

  “What? Oh, of course, Kazia. We are happy to have you. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to summon me.” Finally turning his full attention on her, he bowed low over her hand, bringing it to his lips. “I only await your command.”

  She smiled, trying to hide the pain that was rapidly taking over and making every joint and limb ache. “Thank you, Randolf.”

  He touched her cheek and gave her a tender smile before turning crisply and leaving. Luke stayed where he was at Nakomi’s side for several more seconds, watching Kazia before swinging away, shutting the door with a snap. Kazia closed her eyes gratefully, moving toward the bed. Crystali intercepted her, gently steering her toward the dressing screen. “Let’s get you in your nightgown, Princess. You’ll never get any rest in this dress.”

  She tossed and turned through the night, in too much pain to get any real rest. Fighting her natural inclination to sleep during the day wasn’t helping matters. She finally fell into a restless slumber sometime near dawn, and even though she heard Crystali answer the polite knocking at her door several times, she couldn’t rouse herself enough to fully wake until the sun was sinking in the western sky. “Jeffery was here several times to see you, Princess,” Crystali said as she helped her dress, in a much simpler and less painful costume than the day before. “As was Prince Randolf.”

  “Thank you for not waking me up, Crystali.” Kazia smiled at her in the mirror, trying not to notice the dark circles under her own eyes or the fact that she looked like the walking dead. Crystali grinned without looking up, her expert fingers weaving Kazia’s hair into more intricate braids.

  The knock at the door made her jump so suddenly that Crystali’s hands, already woven through Kazia’s hair, became tangled. It took several seconds of Crystali muttering under her breath before she was free. “Lord Jeffery to see Princess Kazia,” Heath said as Crystali swung the door open. Crystali glanced back at Kazia and she nodded, moving to the sitting room to receive him.

  The big black castle seemed to trap the sun’s heat during the day and kept it much warmer than it was outside. Even so, Crystali had a roaring fire going and Kazia gratefully settled into the chair next to it, and Nakomi limped in to lie at her feet. “Crystali…” Crystali leaned toward her. “Could you please summon Luke?”

  “Of course, your highness.” Crystali scurried away as Jeffery strolled in. He didn’t look like he was in mourning.

  “Dear Uncle. How are you?” Kazia didn’t force herself to her feet. She lacked the willpower and the desire.

  He frowned at the insult but didn’t comment, instead settling himself in the plush chair across from her. “I am only half a man without my dear Kristina,” he said. He smelled strongly of whiskey and she tried not to gag when his breath reached her.

  “I’m so sorry. It must have come as quite a shock.”

  “It did. I can’t imagine what would cause her to throw herself out her own window.”

  Kazia was astounded at the complete lack of sadness in his voice. “It was a terrible storm. We could only guess that’s what happened.”

  “I’m sure you did everything you could.” His dull gray eyes seemed to be trying to read into her soul.

  “We didn’t find her for several days after, Uncle.”

  “You didn’t notice her absence before then?” Color rose to his cheeks as his fists tightened and un-tightened, the knuckles white.

  “No. The staff had been told not to interrupt her in your absence.” Luke, where are you? As if conjured by her desperate thought, the door swung open and he stalked in, beautiful, impeccable, formidable, taking up residence at Kazia’s left. She immediately felt stronger. “Jeffery, what is it you’re asking, exactly?” She leaned forward, her hands gripping the edge of her seat.

  His eyebrows shot up and he blinked several times. “It just doesn’t make any sense, that’s all. I’m sure you considered that the assassin struck her?”

  “What would the assassin have to gain by killing Kristina?” Kazia asked in bewilderment. “Unless the assassin is a mistress of yours, there is nothing to gain by her death.”

  “I don’t like what you’re implying.” Jeffery’s eyes n
arrowed, but his hands clasped and unclasped — he was nervous.

  “I could say the same thing of you.” Kazia rose, one fluid motion that hurt a lot more than it looked, at least she hoped. “I think we’ve reached an impasse, Uncle. It’s time for you to go.” Luke stepped forward, menacing in his silence.

  Jeffery looked from one to the other before sneering at them both. “Quite the pair, you two are. I know about your scandal — the whole kingdom knows. It would be interesting to see what your fiancé thought about it.”

  For the first time, Luke spoke. “Do not threaten your future queen. Or I’ll hang you for treason.”

  Jeffery chuckled, backing out of the room with his hands up. “Just a thought, that’s all.” He turned around at the doorway but paused and looked over his shoulder. “Are you going to keep him, like some sort of concubinus? What a pretty little pet he’ll make to add to your collection.”

  Luke started forward, swearing, but Kazia’s hand shot out, catching his arm and holding tight. “Don’t, Captain. He’s trying to start something. Just let it go.”

  “He can’t insult you like that.” Luke growled, still glaring at the empty hallway Jeffery had disappeared through. She shook her head, turning away. She was tired again. “Are you okay?” His voice was soft behind her, and he laid a hand on her lower arm.

  “I hate being so weak, Luke. What queen in the history of the world couldn’t handle a simple discussion? Or even a banquet?”

  “Kazia—”

  “Maybe Jeffery’s right. Maybe I’m not fit to be queen.”

  “If not you, who? The ones who make the best rulers are the ones who don’t seek the position. Those who do…” he trailed off and she looked over her shoulder at him.

  “Those who do, what?

  “They are usually the last ones you want in any position of power.” She nodded slowly, wanting more than anything to lean her head against his broad chest. She might have done it, too; she was that weak at the moment. His eyes were kind — they were the eyes she remembered, not the eyes he glared at her with now. She opened her mouth, not sure what she would say, when another light knock jarred her from her thoughts.

  “Princess?” Randolf came in, hesitant, glancing at Luke with a confused frown.

  “Randolf. Come in.” She smiled as warmly as she could manage.

  He pulled a large bouquet of flowers from behind his back. “I am here to apologize. I behaved horribly yesterday.” With a wry smile, he came farther into the room, holding out the flowers — white lilies. “Apparently I find it difficult to think clearly when you are around.”

  “They’re beautiful!” She pressed her nose to lilies, reminded of her garden. “Crystali, could you put these next to my bed?” Crystali appeared as if by magic, taking the flowers and disappearing again into the next room.

  Randolf beamed. “I have also come to ask if you would care to walk with me in the garden. Cook has created what he says is his best picnic work ever.”

  Her heart leapt. The garden! “Oh yes, Randolf, that sounds delightful.”

  Randolf turned with sharp precision toward Luke, who was watching them both with hooded eyes. “Captain, I understand your need to keep constant vigilance, so I will not ask you to do otherwise.” Luke blinked in surprise. “However, I do ask that you and your men keep a discreet distance, so that I may get to know my future bride.”

  Pain lashed across Luke’s face, instantaneous and then was gone. Randolf seemed to miss it but Kazia did not. “I’ll inform my men.” His voice was low, almost too low to hear over the crackle of the fire and Nakomi’s breathing.

  “Nakomi, come?” Kazia stood in front of the great wolf, asking instead of demanding. Nakomi yawned, heaved a sigh, and rose to her feet, limping out in front of them. Randolf grabbed the picnic basket sitting on the entry table in the hallway and took her hand. She didn’t look over her should but she could feel Luke watching them until they were out of sight.

  True to his word, Luke’s men stayed out of sight as she and Randolf ambled along the garden path. It wasn’t nearly as beautiful as her garden, although she knew there was a chance she might be biased. None of the flowers were planted specifically for a little princess who lived at night — they didn’t sparkle or glow in the darkness. “I know you are still recovering from your journey, but I wanted to ask you about the — the wedding.”

  Kazia sucked in a breath like she’d been punched. Gets right to the point, doesn’t he? “You think we should move the date up.”

  “Yes. The wedding was to be in less than a two weeks’ time anyway.” She knew this was coming; he had warned her in the missive he’d sent.

  Kazia smiled what she hoped wasn’t a wobbly smile “How soon were you thinking?”

  “Day after tomorrow.”

  Kazia choked, gasping for breath until he pounded her on the back. “Day — day after tomorrow?” she gasped.

  He set the basket on the ground and dug out a blanket, spreading it across the small patch of grass by a giant tree that would have protected Kazia nicely if it wasn’t already dark. He hesitated to look up at her when he was done, straightening wrinkles and picking at imaginary lint. “You… don’t want to move the date up?”

  Oh dear. “It’s just so sudden.” She eased down next to him on the blanket. “I am still recovering from our journey here.” She trailed off at the crestfallen look on his face. She ducked her head so she could catch his eye, “First thing next week. That will give me time to prepare.”

  His eyes lit up and he grinned at her, making him look very young and vulnerable. “Really?”

  She couldn’t help but laugh, even as the words tore her heart just a little bit more. “Of course.” They sat in an awkward silence, not sure where to go from such a heavy topic.

  Kazia was the first to break. “What’s wrong with King William’s eyes?” She blurted it without meaning to, curiosity finally leaping at the chance for some answers.

  Randolf’s smile was very sad as he picked a flower and twirled it between his fingers. “He’s losing the sight in them. He can only see out of the sides of his eyes. One day, he won’t be able to see at all.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Kazia laid a hand on his arm.

  Randolf shook his head, a flash of pride crossing his face. “He doesn’t let it stop him. Not one bit. He does everything he wants to. His enemies still fear him. His people still love him.” Randolf smirked and gave her a sideways glance. “Charlotte is his third wife. My mother died a long time ago.”

  Kazia’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “I had no idea.”

  “Well, there was never really an opportunity to bring it up.”

  Kazia bit her lip, searching for a new topic. Randolf gave her a shy smile, “Kazia, I know this sounds silly. We’ve only communicated by letter. But ever since my father suggested the betrothal, I’ve dreamed about you.” His cheeks colored and he ducked his head again. “You haven’t left my mind for a moment. I’d heard rumors of your beauty — that the Royal Guard would lay down their lives for their princess.”

  Now Kazia blushed. Some of them, maybe. Luke would, of course, but not for the reason Randolf implied. “They do it because they are duty-bound.”

  “They do it because they love you.” He smiled, brushing a knuckle across her cheek. “And even with all that time dreaming and imagining, when I saw you at our city gates, you were more stunning than anything I could have come up with.”

  Kazia burst out laughing, realizing belatedly that he had not intended that to be funny when he paled like she had hit him. “Prince Randolf. I looked like a drowned rat.”

  “You were beautiful,” he said quietly. She didn’t realize he was going to kiss her until his lips were already against hers, and she had to stifle a gasp. It wasn’t unpleasant, exactly, but it felt wrong. She held very still, willing herself to feel something positive. She’d kissed Luke enough to know it was supposed to feel like the heavens were splitting and the world was imploding. But here, t
here was nothing.

  There was a crash in the distance and Kazia leaped to her feet, spinning to look in the darkness. Randolf was slower to move, and Nakomi was in front of Kazia growling before Randolf got to his feet. “What in the world?”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  THROUGH THE SHADOWS she saw her many guards running toward her. She was surrounded in seconds, by everyone but Luke. “Captain?” Benjamin yelled.

  “Go, Benjamin, Heath. I’m fine!” Kazia made shooing motions and the two guards took off, swords drawn and held low. Kazia looked up at Randolf. In the darkness he was very pale, and shaking, although he tried to smile when he caught her staring. He’s afraid. And it bothered her. She frowned and turned away, peering into the shadows. Nothing would happen to Luke. He was too big. Too powerful. Too important.

  Even so, she held her breath until three shadows materialized out of the dark; a laughing Benjamin and snickering Heath on either side of Luke, who cradled a bloody hand. “What happened?” Kazia asked, shoving her way toward him.

  “Nothing. I… fell.” He wouldn’t look at her, so she turned to Benjamin, arching an eyebrow.

  He grinned and leaned toward her, whispering in her ear, “I’ll tell you later.” The look Luke gave him could have melted diamonds, but Benjamin only laughed harder.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Randolf finally moved from behind the circle of guards.

  Heath immediately snapped to attention, the smile gone. “There was a falling planter rolling straight at your location, your highness. The captain—” his lips quirked, just a bit, “stopped its progress.”

  Randolf’s eyes scanned the area, alarmed and pale yet again. “Could it have been the assassin?”

  “No sir, we don’t believe so.”

  Luke only glared, not saying a word.

  “Kazia, I think we should get you back inside where it’s safe,” Randolf said, his eyes darting around the gardens, watching for the assassin. Kazia wondered what he would say if she told him the assassin standing next to him was far deadlier than the one he feared.