by Ravyn Rayne
Her stomach ached from so much food. The pain growing unbearable. Aria stood, deciding to check on James and then to lie down for bed.
She walked into the cabin and found the prince hunched over a table. James sketched the map, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Is that what the palace really looks like?" Aria asked, coming to stand beside him. The map was intricate and large. He finished sketching the royal harem for all four brothers and the halls connecting them. There were many more corridors and probably hidden passages as well to be added to the map.
"You tell me," he said. "You were there."
Aria shrugged. Should she tell him she barely knew her way downstairs? She didn't want to give him any indication that it would be okay to lie to these people.
"I'm doing this for you, Aria." His eyes were on the map.
Aria wasn't sure if he was unable to look at her or just trying to get the job completed before sunrise. "No," she said and rested a hand on his arm. "Do this for you, because you believe the world should be different."
He paused and put the pen down. "Suppose I agree with some of the rebels ideas," James said. "How do I know they won't murder my father and my brothers?"
Aria shrugged. "You don't know that. Any more than I could have known what would happen to Ethan."
"I'm sorry about your friend," James said.
She wanted to believe him, but she couldn't know if he was saying this to remain on her good side or something else was going on. "Thank you." She patted his shoulder and turned. "I'm heading to bed."
Aria climbed up the darkened stairwell. Her eyes adjusted and though she hadn't spent a tremendous amount of time at the cabin, she quickly got used to the layout.
The moonlight cascaded into the bedroom through the sheer curtains. She found an empty mattress, a bunk bed and took the bottom. Pulling back the covers, Aria laid down, grateful for more than just a blanket on the floor.
Exhausted, she shut her eyes but sleep didn't come. She couldn't turn off her mind, no matter how hard she tried. What had James intended to do with her had he won Aria at the auction? Had his father changed his mind and wanted his son to retrieve Aria?
She pulled the covers tighter around her petite form and shut her eyes wanting to end this day and start another one. It had been long, tiring, and exhausting.
Aria tossed and turned, sleep didn't appear to find her.
"Aria?" James asked. His voice soft and her eyes fluttered open staring at him kneeling beside the bed.
"Hmm?" Though she didn't feel as if she slept, she felt groggy.
"I'm sorry," he whispered finding her hands and kissing the smooth skin.
Aria didn't blame him, not for everything that had happened. He was born into this world, same as her. Aria knew though, that they have the power to change it, transform the system into something better. She felt confident people would listen. There were only few in power and if the largest and most influential ones fell, surely the monarchy would be forced to change.
"I know."
He was here with her. Aria felt that was evidence enough that he was trying to do the right thing, even if he was unsure what it is.
"Lay with me," Aria said and shifted slightly over for him to join her on the twin-sized mattress. There wasn't room, but neither seemed to care. "Why did you come?" she asked.
"I wanted to be with you."
"No." Aria shook her head. "The auction. Why did you show up at the auction?"
He exhaled a soft breath and wrapped an arm around her waist. She didn't stop him. She knew he'd probably fall off onto the floor if he didn't hold her close.
"My father told me you were gone, that he'd gotten rid of you." James grimaced. Clearly there had been more to the exchange than James confessed. "I asked around, it took me a few days to find out that you were part of the slave auction. As soon as I knew you'd be there, I traveled with Matthew to find you."
"Matthew," Aria said and her stomach clenched remembering the driver that killed Ethan. "What were you planning on doing?" Aria asked. "After you bought me, what was the plan?" Her eyes stared into his blue reflective pools.
James shrugged. "I didn't think that far ahead."
"You do realize we couldn't have gone back to the palace. Your father..." she paused, unconfident in voicing what happened aloud. "When he removed the ankle bracelet, he..."
"What did he do?" James voice raised slightly sounding alarmed.
The bed above them shifted and James grew silent. Neither wanted to wake anyone.
"He made a pass at me," Aria said. Would he believe her? There was more to it than that, but she didn't wish to relive the moment or to give the embarrassing details to James.
James didn't say a word but she could hear his breathing grow louder with anger. "August and my father, they are so much alike."
"August is his son."
"So am I." James frowned. "You know I would never make you..."
"I know." She didn't make him finish his thought. Aria spent enough time around James to know if he'd have wanted to take advantage of her, he would have by now. She hesitated before leaning in and pressing a soft chaste kiss to his cheek. "Thank you for coming here with me, and for showing up at the auction."
James smiled. "You didn't think I was going to let you leave with that old man?"
Aria didn't answer his question. It had crossed her mind. "Did you finish drawing the map?"
"Yeah." James leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. "I want you to stay here, where it's safe, while we release the hostages and go after my father."
Aria smiled, surprised James called his courtesans what they were: hostages. Had he begun to understand how flawed the very system that his father created was?
She wouldn't make a promise she couldn't keep. "We'll see what happens."
James groaned softly beside her ear. "Promise me, Aria."
Aria remained silent. She would not be a liar. If Rhys or another rebel asked for her to join them, she would gladly infiltrate the castle and rescue those that wish to leave the palace.
She was sure it wouldn't be easy to go to war with his father and brothers, but they were fighting for more than just their freedom. They were fighting for a new country, a better country with equality and morals, for a world that once held ideals that were not entirely fictionalized.
"Go to sleep," Aria said and kissed his eyelids as he closed them. She shifted around, letting him hold her while she drifted off to sleep. She began to forgive him. If he proved his loyalty with the invasion of the palace, she would know without a doubt that he was hers.
Chapter Six
"Get up!" Rhys said.
Aria sat up in bed, and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. James lay beside her, his eyes now open as well.
"Aria," Rhys tossed her a backpack. "You're coming with me. I suggest you shorten your hair. There's scissors and dye in the bag. Also a set of blues to keep anyone from recognizing you."
"Thanks." Aria took the bag to the bathroom. Four other girls were crammed into the small space. She didn't fight them. They all needed to share. She pulled out the scissors first and trimmed her hair to the back of her neck in length. She worked in layers and then added bangs that were angled across her forehead. She glanced at the directions on the dented box.
It took no time at all for her to see the reaction to her dark roots turning light. When she finished, she would be a blonde. Aria showered the lightener from her hair, the water frigid and unbearable. She'd been given brown cargo pants and a black t-shirt to wear. It fit snug but it didn't matter, she gladly wore it over the green dress and pettiskirt.
Aria towel dried her hair as quick as possible. Everyone wanted a turn in the bathroom and she did her best to be considerate. Once she cleaned the sink area up, Aria brought the contacts to Rhys and shoved the empty case for the lenses into her pocket. "I don't know how to use these," she said.
"Sit down over there," he gestured to a chair and followed her.
"Now just try and relax."
Aria wished she could relax. He opened a fresh set of lenses, one at a time. Putting the contact lens on the tip of his finger he brought it to her eye and managed to hold her eyelid open. It felt awkward and uncomfortable but he got it on her the first try. She wondered how many times he had to help others with the same task? He repeated his movements with the second lens.
"Blink, Aria. It won't hurt you." Aria wiped the solution that had dripped down her cheek like tears.
"No one will recognize you. I want you on my team."
Would the rebels be able to protect the courtesans and slaves against the armed guards? The auction had a dozen guards at most, the palace had far more.
"What about James?" Aria asked. "Is he coming with us?"
"That's up to you," Rhys said. "If you think he'll get in the way, we'll leave him behind. However, if he can help convince the guards to fight on our side, we bring him."
"He comes with us." Aria had to believe James would do right. Did it worry her returning back to the palace with him? Absolutely, but what other choice did they have? Great change required even greater sacrifice.
* * * * *
James sat outside, using a pocket knife to carve a sharp edge to a branch. Aria stepped out into the morning sun. The sun warm but not unbearable yet.
"Hey," Aria said and smiled at him. Did he intend on using the branch as a weapon? The point grew sharp like a spear. "Where'd you get the knife?"
"Borrowed it from another guy here." James kept carving away at the wood, slicing each layer. He hadn't so much as looked up at Aria. Though she didn't blame him, she didn't want him to cut his fingers either.
"Making friends then?" She liked to hear that he adjusted here. Perhaps Rhys and the others would realize he wasn't like his brothers and King Gideon, after they stormed the palace.
He paused, long enough to glance up at Aria. Would he have recognized her if she hadn't walked over and started talking with him? Now she'd never know.
"You look—different."
"That was the idea," Aria said. "Rhys and I want you to join us when we release the hostages and take over the castle. Are you up for it?"
"Was this Rhys's idea or yours?" James asked. He closed the switchblade and turned, handing it back to its original owner. No words were exchanged between them, but a silent nod seemed to be enough to satisfy one another.
"Does it matter? We think it'd be beneficial to have you join us," Aria said.
"If Rhys is sending you back into the palace, then I'm going too. As long as my father is there, I'm not going to let you go alone."
Aria smiled. "I'm not alone, but thanks." She appreciated his concern.
He placed the dull rounded edge of the stick at the ground. The spear was long, big enough to catch fish if they needed to. However, she had the feeling he was using it for protection, she just wasn't sure from whom.
"We're gearing up in twenty. Grab breakfast and then let's go!" Rhys said.
Aria followed after Rhys. "Gearing up?" she asked. "Are there enough weapons to go around?" She never used a pistol but wanted some level of protection.
Rhys paused in the kitchen, grabbed a plate of biscuits and handed her one. From the window Aria spotted four vans unloading and several more cars pulling up outside. It seemed word had traveled about the planned attack on the palace. Aria hoped it had only gone as far as the rebel camps.
"Have you ever fired a weapon?" Rhys asked.
"You mean a gun?" Aria shook her head. "I'm a quick study."
"I'm sure you are, Aria," Rhys said. "We're low in ammo, and until we can scavenge for more, we're going to carefully divvy up the weapons to those that can make the most impact with them."
"Am I supposed to go in unarmed and hope not to get caught?" Aria asked. She didn't lie. She wasn't crazy about this plan of Rhys's. Aria knew he thought it up quick. No one expected to have the prince of Brayleigh in the rebel camp last night.
"I'll give you a knife. Two if you can handle one with each hand."
Aria could learn. "No problem." How hard could it be? "What about James? Are you trusting him with a knife too?" she asked. Aria knew he made a spear. Was he going to shove that into the car on the drive to the palace?
"Sure. If he can shoot, I'd give him a gun, but it might mean killing his own father or brothers. Would he do it?"
Aria didn't know. If it came down to them or her, so far he's chosen her. Though she wasn't sure how much control Gideon truly had over his son. Would James's loyalty change face with two options standing before him?
"I'm not sure he knows how to shoot," Aria said. "Save the bullets." It's both an excuse and a truthful answer. "How are we getting inside the palace? There's a wall around the stone building. We can't just walk up and get buzzed inside."
"James provided us with detailed sketches of the tunnel system and where it leads in to the palace. My men are packing what they need to get us inside. They won't see us coming."
* * * * *
In and out in under ten minutes. That would be an ideal situation, but let's face it, taking out every guard or having them turn to the rebel side wasn't going to happen in ten minutes. Rhys happened to be an idealist not a realist. Perhaps his optimism had been what helped him acquire such a large army for the mission. It was all or nothing. They go in strong.
They were in the tunnel, the dark damp disgusting smelling passageway that led in through a back entrance near the kitchen. It made sense. Trash must be taken out somewhere. The tunnels were almost wide enough to drive through. Some used to call it a subway system, but the tracks had all been scavenged and sold for scrap metal. The stations were destroyed in the war and what was left had been built over by King Gideon.
Aria gripped the handle of the blade in her right hand. A spare knife stayed in a sheath, stuffed into her boots.
James left the spear behind when presented with a knife and a dagger.
Aria didn't blame him, she'd have rocked that dagger if Rhys had given it to her. Was she jealous? Absolutely!
A team headed in first, disarming guards as they followed behind. They had all been required to memorize the map. Aria wondered how many times James came down here, to the abandoned tunnels. How else had he known it existed and where it led? One day she'd ask him, when their lives weren't in imminent danger.
"Remember, we stick together," Rhys said. He'd already given them orders. Though he seemed to find it necessary to remind them of their responsibilities.
Aria had no desire to split up from the group or run. At least among the rebels, she felt useful and protected.
James slipped in front of her. She knew he tried to protect her and if she didn't feel she needed protecting she would have been offended. His father scared the crap out of her and if James could diffuse a heated situation, good. No doubt, it would get heated, because they were taking the palace.
Not a single guard changed sides. Could they really have expected them to so easily? Aria watched in horror as gunfire erupted all around them. Standing against the wall, she covered her ears. James shielded her, his body covered hers, protecting Aria. They wouldn't shoot their own prince, would they? Did they realize he had changed sides or did they think he was a prisoner?
"Keep going," Rhys said. The guards were down. The men with guns, the ones on the front line were all wearing thick black vests protecting them from bullets. There weren't enough to go around. Not even for Prince James. He was just another pawn in the rebel's agenda, as was Aria.
Rhys signaled that they move forward and Aria followed. Behind them four of their own men kept lookout in case a guard struck them from behind. They were sheltered as best they could be.
Their goal was to head upstairs, capture King Gideon and end his tyrannical rule. Would it work? Aria didn't know. Were there more guards than bullets? Rhys said they were low and would have to take out every guard or turn them to our side before this day was through.
The sound of gunfire did li
ttle good to hide their entrance into the palace. Shots the guards fired ricocheted off the marble walls and stone pillars. They ran, as fast as they could up the staircase. Rhys and his men at the front took the heat of the firing squad, protecting Aria and James as they headed for King Gideon. Take the king and they would have the country.
The rebels drove forward. The guards brandished weapons but they weren't skilled in shooting anyone from a distance. The murders they had committed were always at point blank range. Force a guard to fire his gun from twenty feet away and he couldn't hit a target if his life depended on it, and today it did.
The rebel guards that split off from the group early on to disarm the royal guards returned. One group covered Rhys, the other was at James and Aria's side, shielding them.
The royal guards had no armor. The castle wall had never been breached. No one had been crazy enough or a faction large enough to cause this much damage. One strike. That was all it would take. A single day with the greatest effort. There had been thousands of battles but this would be the final act, the war that would change everything.
Rhys stormed into the throne room. King Gideon sat atop his chair, the crown nestled to his head. His final two guards stood before him to protect him fired multiple shots at the rebel men. A bullet hit Rhys, slamming him to the floor. The bullet had lodged in his armor. He would be fine, Aria hoped.
With a half-dozen shots from the rebels, the palace guards were down. There was no one left to save King Gideon.
"Enough!" King Gideon stood. "What is it that you want? You're not getting my throne."
Rhys coughed and stood up. He sounded a bit winded when he spoke. "We don't want your throne. We're abolishing the crown, monarchy, and your institution of slavery and the royal harem. You're done, Gideon."
The king snorted under his breath. "You can't do that."
Aria bent down, and picked up Rhys's gun from the floor.
"Who's the pretty little blonde?" Gideon asked. "Perhaps we can make a trade. I'll take her, your men can have a few of my women for yourselves. Everyone's happy."