The tears came to her eyes, and she blinked them back. “I’m sorry it has to end at all.”
The Beach
The air swept in over the sea and Gavin winced. The gash had split his lip into two uneven parts, and the salt and sand from the ocean’s breeze stung the open wound. The blood was still wet on his chin, and his tears had stained his cheeks. It was a sight he wanted no one to see, and yet he found he wasn’t alone.
A girl was walking along the edge of the crashing waves, heading right for him. Her dark hair danced in the wind, and her dress clung to the form of her legs. Gavin put his head down, hoping she’d ignore him. The last thing he wanted was company, especially from her. Unfortunately, she had made her way to his side, and without asking sat on the rocky ground next to him.
“That looks painful.” Her voice was kind but without worry. Talking about his pain was as casual as discussing the weather, and he wasn’t sure if he was upset or grateful for it. “Here,” she added, handing him a small handkerchief. The cloth was soft and white, but Gavin waved it away.
“No thank you.” He mumbled.
“Take it.”
“No, Rya, it’s too nice. If you allowed me to use it, you’d never get it clean again. It’ll be stained forever.”
“It’s not mine, so that’s not a concern,” she replied.
A playful smirk lifted the corner of her mouth, and he took the cloth with a nod. He placed the fabric to his lips and winced. The silk was cool to the touch and felt nice against the cut. He left it for a moment before pulling it away, finding it had turned pink with his blood. He held it out for her to see, but she shrugged him off, so he put it against his lips once more.
Rya had only been with them for a couple weeks, brought up from the Deserts of Asta to become his bride. He had known nothing about her before she arrived, and even now he had little knowledge of who she was, or what her life was like before the Isles. She was always stoic, and had the aura of a quiet storm growing over the sea. As a child he would watch those clouds form from the tower of the castle, growing and swirling in silence, gaining strength until they rushed towards the shore to unleash their fury. That was how he imagined Rya, and it both excited and terrified him.
“Is he always like that?” She asked, her voice sweet against the sound of the ocean.
“Like what?”
“Angry? Is he always lashing out on you like he did?”
Gavin shrugged. He had always been a target of his father’s rage, but few had seen it first-hand. He hadn’t known Rya was watching through the open door when his father grabbed the vase and swung it at Gavin’s head. He didn’t see her eyes fixated on him until after the blood from his lip dripped onto the clean floor. She was to be his wife, and now she had that image in her head, the sight of him cowering like a little boy.
“He shouldn’t get to treat you like that,” she continued. “He shouldn’t be allowed to treat anyone like that.”
“I deserved it,” Gavin replied out of instinct, just the way his father taught him.
“How so?”
“I’m not the son he wanted. I’m not the strong fighter he deserved to have. I’m weak and I can’t do anything right. It’s my fault he gets so mad.”
“That’s idiotic.” She shook her head. “I’ve seen the way you talk to the people around here, and how much love they have for you. Everyone has a kind word and a smile when you come around. If every man were born a fighter, the world would fall apart. It’s men like your father that bring the wars, and men like you that talk them down. You’ll be a great king, and you won’t be anything like Gerrod.”
“If I even live long enough to be king,” Gavin sighed. He turned to Rya, her dark eyes searching his for his meaning. “He’s said things,” he continued. “He’s made threats that make me believe my future isn’t as certain as his own. I know he wants a different heir. I know he would love to get rid of me and give the thrown to a better son.”
“He’s insane,” Rya scoffed. “How would he even do that?”
“By marrying someone younger, someone that could birth him a stronger son in the future. Promise me something, Rya—”
“What?”
“Promise me that if something happens to me, and I’m suddenly gone, promise you’ll get out of here. Promise me you’ll run away from the Isles and never look back.”
She nodded. “I promise.”
Gavin sighed, looking out over the sea. He couldn’t know whose life would end first, his or his fathers, but he could count on one thing—Rya would never have to deal with being Gerrod’s next target.
Thirty-Two
The sun’s light was barely a sliver on the horizon as Rya sat mounted on Eclipse at the edge of the Ivory Cape’s border. Clint had promised to ride with them until his kingdom ended, and now that they had reached the invisible line that started Trava, he dismounted to say his goodbyes.
Gavin jumped off his horse, and allowed the man to wrap him into a tight hug. The corners of Clint’s cracked eyes were wet with tears, and his hand gently held the back of Gavin’s head, like a father comforting his young child.
“I’ll see you again,” Gavin promised. Clint released him, looking into the young man’s eyes, and Gavin smiled. “Only the next time I’m up here we will both be kings.”
Rya’s eyes dropped to her hands on the reins.
“I have to thank you—” Gavin added. “—for everything you’ve done for me, and everything you taught me. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without you.”
“The best way to thank me,” Clint replied, “is to be the best leader you can be. None o’ that bullying stuff ya pop did, hear me?”
“I promise.”
One last hug and Gavin mounted his horse, pulled away from the man who had stepped in as his family when he had no one, and joined the group heading towards the Isles.
“Should be an easy ride,” he sniffed, wiping away a tear of his own. “The road through Trava and the Imani Plains is pretty smooth.”
“We can’t take Centrum Road,” Norell answered from her seat behind Thane. “It’s too dangerous.”
“Not taking it will cost us days. I say we risk it.”
“No,” Rya snapped back. “We stay off the road.”
“Kasen knows we’re coming,” Cam explained. “He’s already done all he can to stop Rya from challenging him, and when he hears that you’ve joined us, he’ll only become angrier and more desperate. Taking the main road puts all our lives in danger and removes our element of surprise.”
“I guess you’re right,” Gavin huffed.
Norell nodded. “Not to mention Nix is still after us, and if he’s lost track of us he’ll be watching the main road as well.”
“Wait—” the prince looked over at Rya riding next to him. “Who is Nix?”
“Oh, I can’t believe I forgot,” she answered. “There’s a Kael assassin that’s been hired to hunt me down and kill me. He’s supposed to return my heart to Kasen on a plate.”
“What?” He gasped. “You forgot to mention the murderous lunatic that’s chasing you? How does something like that slip your mind?”
“In case you haven’t noticed I have a lot going on right now. Besides, he’s failed so far and I’m hoping he continues to do so.”
“Great,” he scoffed. “You realize that even if we stay off Centrum the chance of us making it to the Isles unnoticed is minimal.”
Rya frowned at the truth of his words. Trava was the main hub of trade for Kelda. The fields were expansive and grew every edible plant they could. Each plot was equal in size and with a Council controlling the land instead of a single ruler it was easier to gain a piece of it for yourself. People from all over Kelda and beyond flocked to Trava at a chance to escape their station in life, which meant that it was always crawling with people.
“At least the traders coming and going has one upside,” Rya replied.
“What’s that?” Cam asked.
“Trava has inns
and taverns at every turn. We shouldn’t have to spend a single night on the ground as long as we’re passing through.”
The path Thane chose for them took them east from the central road towards the coast. It was winding and rocky, with wild vines of fruit trying to strangle it in places. Rya could see the heads of workers bobbing between the rows of growth, making their money by plucking the ripe pieces to take to market. Homes dotted the edges of the fields, signaling where one man’s plot ended and the next began. She was staring at one of the modest buildings when Gavin rode up next to her.
“Thane is one of Cam’s guards, isn’t he?” He asked, nodding ahead to the young man.
“He is, but it’s more than that. Did your father ever teach you about the Kinsmen?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “He said if we ever went to war with the Ashen you must kill the Kinsman first. The rest of the men might fight to protect the kingdom, but the Kinsman will fight to the death protecting the king, and you can’t take a land when a king still sits in their throne.”
“Charming,” Rya grimaced, “but not wrong. Thane is Cam’s Kinsman. Wherever Cam is you’ll find Thane right behind her.”
“Or in front,” the prince snickered. “I understand know why he’s leading our little caravan.”
“What does that mean?” Rya frowned.
“He’s a sacrifice. I couldn’t understand how you of all people could fall in line behind someone else, especially if he isn’t of noble blood. Now I get it. If we come across a trap or a line of soldiers, Thane will reach them first. He’s going to be the first to fall, and you stay protected back here behind him and the princess. Seems like a safe position for you to place yourself in.”
“You don’t know anything,” Sora grumbled. She had almost forgot he was riding with her until his angry voice rose behind her. “Thane is leading the way because he’s a great hunter, which means he is good with directions and navigating the terrain.”
“Sure, kid,” Gavin nodded.
“He is!” Sora shouted. “And even if he wasn’t, you would never have to order Thane to ride in front to protect anyone, he would just do it, because that’s who he is—and it’s who I am. I would put myself between Queen Rya and any kind of harm without question.”
“I bet you would.” Gavin’s smirk had faded, and his eyes sharpened as he studied Sora’s face. “I’m sure you’ll get a chance to do just that. From what I understand, there is no shortage of people wanting to hurt Queen Rya.”
Sora’s chest puffed up against Rya’s back, and she knew his rage was boiling inside him. There was no use fighting Gavin now, not while they had so far between them and the Isles. She placed a soft hand on Sora’s arm wrapped around her waist, and she could feel the tension leave his muscles. He knew she believed him, and that was all that mattered to the boy.
Rya addressed Gavin in a calm voice. “I know what you must think of me, and I don’t blame you for feeling the way you do, but these people are my friends. We protect each other, and I wouldn’t sacrifice any of them. You however—” she smirked “—you might be expendable.”
Gavin slowed his horse, falling in line behind her without a retort. Sora’s breath tickled her ear as he whispered to her.
“Your trying to get him to spare your life, remember? I don’t think comments like that are going to win him over.”
While Rya knew her tongue might be the cause of her death, she didn’t care.
“I don’t trust him,” she whispered back. “If he believes the rest of you don’t mean anything to me, he might try and use you for his own gains. Now he knows that he tries to harm any of you he’ll be dealing with my wrath. I’m sure he’s heard how terrible that can be.”
Thirty-Three
The large river that flowed from Veil Lake through the middle of Trava split into two, each arm snaking its way across the fields and stretching towards the Castil Sea. After two days of trudging down the side paths that wove themselves back and forth they finally reached the top of the two forks without issue.
The Riverside Inn sat on the edge of the water, overseeing the slow current that flowed past. The exterior of the two-story building was constructed of the tan brick Trava was known for, and stood out against the green crops growing behind it. The top of Council Castle could be seen in the distance, it’s large turrets a beacon to the middle of the town they called Danek. Even this far from that bustling village travelers hurried around the inn like ants. Some were traders trying to unload product, others were foreigners looking for a bit of work, then there were the mysterious ones that hid their business. That’s the category Cam found herself in now.
The leather bag was soft in her hand, and the coins clanked together as she shook the weight of it once more.
“You said two silver pieces, right?” She asked, peering at the man behind the counter top.
“Two per room,” he corrected. His eyes passed over each of them, counting silently in his head how much he was going to make.
Cam glanced at Rya standing nearby, then shifted her gaze to Norell. Their first night in Trava was spent with all six of them crammed into a single room. While it proved to save them a bit of money, it ended with none of them getting a good night’s sleep. The idea of a bed of her own was tempting, but it was a chunk of their coin that she couldn’t justify.
“Three rooms please,” she replied, handing over the silver. She’d have to settle for sharing, but one roommate was far better than five.
He handed over three brass keys, and directed them down a narrow hallway to a staircase.
“Who’s sleeping where?” Thane asked as they ascended the darkened second story. “I assume Rya and Sora will be in one room.”
“I’ll bunk with Cam,” Norell offered. “I think if anyone’s going to be alone with Gavin, it should be you Thane.”
The prince chuckled at her caution, but didn’t argue. Cam handed over each of the keys, then watched as Rya disappeared inside the room down the hall. Norell tugged on Cam’s arm, guiding her towards their doorway.
Inside, Norell wasted no time getting a fire started in the small furnace tucked into the wall. Cam sat on the edge of the mattress and watched her work. She imagined herself inside Rya’s room, cuddled together on the soft bed, watching the sunlight fade and night turn the room dark. It was a dream she knew wouldn’t come true.
“I know this isn’t what you wanted,” Norell huffed. She stepped away from the crackling logs and sat next to Cam on the bed. “I promise, it’s for the best.”
“Sure,” Cam pouted.
“I have to ask, what happened back at the lake? Did you two—you know?”
“No,” Cam answered quickly. “Not that it’s any of your business. It might have happened, but I heard you scream, and the next thing I know we’re chasing Nix into the night.”
She couldn’t control the tremble in her voice, and the sound prompted Norell to wrap her arm around Cam’s shoulders. Her comfort was always appreciated, but Norell was not the one she wanted holding her in that moment.
“Time’s running out,” Cam said with a tear on her cheek. “I mean that in a few days we will be marching into the Isles, and once that happens me and Rya won’t have a moment alone together. None of us knows what’s going to happen. The army might throw down their weapons at the sight of Gavin, or they might come charging after us with their swords drawn. If that happens no one can promise we’ll all survive, and even if we do, we still have no idea what Gavin’s going to do to her when he’s king. Too soon this will all be over, and I won’t be able to tell her how much she means to me, or how much I love her.”
Cam watched the orange and red smolder of the wood. The flickering embers reminded her of the sparks from Rya’s fingertips, and how they singed anything they touched. Her own heart had been scorched around the edges, charred by her touch and left forever marked. If Cam placed her hand on her chest, she could almost feel the heat burning beneath her flesh.
Norell never responde
d. The few silent tears she let out meant more to Cam than any words she could have said.
Á
The tavern seemed quaint and calm when they’d spotted it from the inn down the road, but as they entered the air was alive with chatter. Rya followed behind Thane and Gavin, searching the faces of the patrons, looking for Nix’s hard eyes. She pushed passed a pair of young me bickering, and then moved around a young woman laughing a little too hard at a man’s joke, finding her way to an open table on the far side of the room.
The chair was hard and uncomfortable, and the table rocked back and forth as Gavin and Thane joined her, each holding three mugs of ale. Gavin pushed two of them towards her, shaking the tabletop with the movement.
“No thanks,” she said, pushing the glasses back.
“I didn’t poison them,” he laughed. “It’s only a bit of beer.”
“I’m not a fan, but thanks anyway.”
Gavin wiped the thick foam from his upper lip. “If you don’t drink then why did you come with us?”
“Because we’re good company,” Thane answered before chugging his drink.
“To protect you,” she replied, her boredom coming through her words.
“Right,” he nodded. “You’re extremely concerned about my wellbeing. I could tell by the years of you ignoring my existence.”
“I’ve already explained that. If you can’t accept what’s happened, that’s fine, but there’s no point in talking about it every five minutes.”
Gavin said nothing, downing the rest of his drink instead.
A dozen mugs of ale later and the pair of boys were just as unsteady as the old table they sat at. They had gone through a course of laughter and then tears, hugging and claiming to be best friends, then wanting to fight each other for dominance the moment after. The entire ordeal irritated her. She had hoped for a quiet night alone with Cam, but instead the princess was being guarded by her cousin, and she was stuck babysitting two drunk idiots.
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