Alayna agreed. “Of course. So, are we all in agreement that we must move forward in our plans then? That we must direct our attention to defeating the Lands?”
Everyone nodded.
“Good. Meeting adjourned. Once we have more word from Samuel in regards to the Lands, we will begin gathering twice a week. King Eamon we will keep you informed via messengers. I will also be sending a letter to Katarina in the Valleylands of our plans so that should we need her aid, she is ready.”
“I do not trust her.” Elizabeth blurted out. “I mean, not fully… anymore.” She shrunk back as if regretful of her outburst.
“I am cautious too, but right now we need allies, and she is all we have.”
“But to ask an army that we just defeated to actually fight with us… how do we plan for that to go over? I am almost certain some of those men may hold grudges.” Isaac pointed out.
“They have a new queen.” Alayna stated. “They will follow her orders.”
“The guards in the West did not even realize Abner had died.” Elizabeth explained. “How do we know if Katarina has even made a mark or a change yet?”
“We ask her.” Alayna answered. “It is that simple. I will not rely upon her if she does not seem confident in coming to our aid or joining in our fight. But I feel it necessary to have her involved.”
“Very well.” Elizabeth waved her hand in acquiescence.
“Isaac and Clifton work with the soldiers. When you feel we are fit and ready for battle, we will coordinate with Samuel. We have waited long enough. It is time for us to move forward.” Alayna reached over and lightly brushed Elizabeth’s hair with her hand. “It’s good to have you back.”
Elizabeth smiled as everyone began their movements to exit. She stood and allowed her husband to lead her away. Alayna watched them go, and her heart sighed at the thought of ever having such a relationship. Clifton cared for her sister, deeply. It was evident that both of them truly loved the other. And though she had found it amusing to see Clifton wander aimlessly about the castle the last month not knowing what to do without his wife, she found herself glad that his other half returned along with his sanity.
CHAPTER 10
“I honestly do not understand you, Prince Ryle.” Lancer walked about the reflection chamber with his hands clasped behind his back and his red tunic crisp and spotless. Edward lingered to the side of Ryle’s chair, his bloody sword hanging by his side.
“In another life you and Prince Edward could have been brothers.” Lancer chuckled. “I mean, that is if Queen Alayna wished to marry you or perhaps the other one. What’s her name again, Edward?”
“Elizabeth.”
“Ah yes, Elizabeth. Must have been painfully embarrassing for your younger brother to snatch one of Granton’s daughters instead of you. Now your brother is heir to not only your father’s throne, but heir to the throne of the entire Realm as well.” Lancer chuckled. “I can see why you crossed into my lands.”
Ryle sat stiffly, not willing to defend himself or to encourage Lancer’s bantering.
“You know how easy it would be for you to take what you wanted if you joined with us? Ask Edward. Why, since he’s embraced the darkness a whole new world has opened before him. Right, Edward?”
Edward nodded. “Yes, my Lord.”
“Edward’s strength is testament to his belief in the power that the darkness contains.” Lancer continued. “Though I do not share the darkness with just anyone, Edward has proved quite brilliant.”
Ryle snarled at Edward and Edward’s eyes flashed and he backhanded Ryle across the face. Lancer paused in his walkabout and studied them. He smirked and continued on his journey about the room. “Even the love of his life serves me.” Lancer smiled at Edward and Ryle watched as a brief semblance of pain washed through Edward’s gaze.
“You could have that too, you know.” Lancer grinned as he walked towards Ryle. “Get the door, Edward.” Lancer pointed to the wooden door in the corner of the room. Edward opened it and a servant walked inside, her head bowed.
“Why, yes, it would not be Queen Alayna completely, but perhaps in part?” Lancer waved his hand, and nothing happened. He looked to Edward. “A bit of help, Edward? I do not believe I’m back to full capacity just yet.”
He and Edward waved their hand towards the servant and she transformed into Alayna. Ryle’s heart hammered in his chest at the transformation and though longing filled his heart, the terror of that sort of power filtered through him.
“Ah, he’s intrigued now Edward. Do you see?” Lancer laughed and rubbed his hands together. He knelt in front of Ryle and tapped his chest where the seal of the Northern Kingdom used to reside. “Hm, oh dear. Seems you lost something there, Prince Ryle. A sign of your true identity. Did you erase your tie with Queen Alayna’s Realm as a symbol of your conversion?” Lancer turned towards Edward with a sly tilt to his lips. “You are more than ready than I imagined. Edward,” Lancer motioned to the side of Ryle. “Let us try to convince the Prince once more.”
Lancer closed his eyes and extended his hands out and Edward mimicked his pose. Lancer peeked one eye open and then opened his eyes and rolled them in annoyance. “Edward.” Edward opened his eyes. “Yes, my Lord?”
“My hand, Edward.”
“Oh yes, apologies, my Lord.” Edward slipped out his dagger and cut along Lancer’s palm and did the same to his own. He then reached for Ryle’s hand. Ryle gripped his hand into a fist, but Edward slowly unfolded his fingers enough to slice through his palm. Ryle did not flinch as fear began to overcome him at what possibly may consume him. “Bring the girl closer, Edward, and slice her palm as well.” Lancer motioned to the servant who now looked like Alayna. She stood silently in front of Ryle.
“Look at her Prince Ryle. She could be yours.” Lancer whispered as he closed his eyes. Edward did the same as Ryle studied the woman before him. Her eyes were Alayna’s eyes and her hair was the mirror image of Alayna’s as well. He found himself wishing he could touch the blonde curls, just to see if they felt the same way as the real Alayna’s. The lanterns along the wall erupted and light flooded the room as the eerie black smoke slinked across the floor and began swirling around their feet. Ryle watched as Lancer breathed it in, the black billows seeping into his palm, his mouth, and his nostrils as he consumed the addicting source. Edward stood firm, his arms outstretched as if welcoming the flood. Ryle stared at the woman before him and her eyes held fear. A fear he knew matched his own. He closed his fist as blackness swirled around his legs and arms tightening him to the chair like ropes. His chest felt constricted and he closed his eyes and mouth to prevent any opportunity for the darkness to seep in. What seemed like hours was only a few minutes. He opened his eyes and saw the girl enveloped in the blackness. Lifted off of her feet and in a trance. When she settled upon her feet again and opened her eyes, they were black as night. The lights faded, and Ryle watched the darkened Alayna. The woman exhibiting strength she did not possess before. To see the onyx storm in Alayna’s eyes made him jolt.
“Pity.” Lancer leaned towards Ryle’s face and shook his head in disappointment. “I truly thought this might convince you. Look at the power you two could hold.” He motioned towards the dark Alayna. She stood bravely next to Lancer and before she could mouth a word, Lancer brandished his sword and cut off her head. Ryle and Edward both looked on in shock.
Darkness crawled out of the woman’s body, her appearance remained as Alayna, and Ryle wished to never see Alayna experience a death so bitter. He turned his head away and Lancer grabbed his chin forcing him to watch the woman’s body bleed across the floor. The darkness hovered, circling around the room before slithering across the floor and seeping into Lancer’s palm. His eyes brightened at the contact and he breathed in as if savoring a pleasant aroma. “Ah, that’s better.” He patted Ryle’s shoulder. “Take care of the body, Edward. And take care of our Prince.”
∞
Katarina unfolded the letter, Queen Alayna’s
wax seal intriguing her to the letter’s contents. She began to read:
Katarina, or shall I now say, Queen Katarina,
Congratulations on your coronation. I know you had intentions to wear the crown, but to hear you officially do is quite encouraging. I am happy for you.
I write to you with grave news. King Anthony has yet to be found, but we did find his royal caravan trapped in the Western hills, watched by a few of your father’s guards. Guards who did not realize your father had passed. Unfortunately, in our rescue attempt, none of these guards survived. Also, we unfortunately did not discover King Anthony. We are deeply saddened by this, Isaac and Melody most of all, though Isaac refuses to show his emotions on the matter. With this weakening in the West, King Eamon from the East will be overseeing that kingdom while his kingdom is taken care of by his Captain of the Guard. We are rallying our troops to begin preparations for battle against The Land of Unfading Beauty.
The time has come. The time for that blasted boundary to be destroyed, and I am writing to ask for your help. We do not know the status of your armies, but we wish to be able to call upon them if necessary. I await your word.
Queen Alayna
Katarina sighed and tucked the letter into her surcoat pocket as she continued down the hall. She turned to the guard standing outside her prison chamber and nodded. He opened the door and stepped aside as she began descending the steps.
Would she help the Realm defeat Lancer? Could she forget about her father’s death and move forward? And what of Isaac? He held no remorse for killing her father. And though he claimed to be acting in self-defense, his action still poisoned her heart. She reached the bottom of the stairs and lit the lantern hanging above the farthest cell. Her secret. Her temptation with turning out like her father, sat before her, dirty, thin, mangy, and worn and despite the horrid appearance, she still struggled with giving into her revenge. King Anthony stared back at her with eyes much like Isaac’s and she felt her anger bubble up within her.
Darkness and the trail of smoke billowed in the still air as she huffed out the light and quickly retreated out of the room. Just gazing upon the King of the West hastened her steps to reply to Alayna. The stakes of this upcoming battle had changed. And she was about to lay claim to what was rightfully hers.
Dearest Queen Alayna,
I will promise you my aid in the upcoming battle against Lancer and The Land of Unfading Beauty. The Lands plague us all. However, I have conditions. Conditions that I do not think you are going to like, and conditions that I am sure will change the way your realm prepares for this battle.
My father left me something. He was always planning for any unexpected event, and perhaps he foresaw the outcome of the last battles before they happened. Either way, he gave me an opportunity to show my strength while also avenging his death. I have your King of the West, King Anthony. He is in my possession. Yes, I said possession. He is mine. Prince Isaac killed my father and I find it only fitting I receive the same courtesy. King Anthony’s life is in my hands. My father left him for me as if he knew Isaac would betray me and have him killed. How fitting it is that I now hold the life of Isaac’s father in my hands, when he so willingly took my father’s life. So here is my proposal and my offer of aid.
I will send troops to aid in your fight against the Lands. But should we all fail once more, your king’s life is forfeit. I will keep him in my possession until the fate of the Lands has become known. Should we have victory, I will release him. Should we fail, he will die. I do not risk the lives of my armies without cost. King Anthony is the cost. I suppose this time you will have a clear plan on how you wish to defeat the Lands. Best to make them count.
I await YOUR word.
Queen Katarina
∞
Elizabeth sat on the edge of her bed waiting for Clifton. She knew he was wrapping up a conversation with Isaac in the hall and she anxiously wound her hands in her lap at what she was about to tell him. Would he be excited? Would he be scared like her?
“Of course not.” She whispered aloud. He is not scared of anything. As she mentally debated, Clifton opened the door and shut it behind him.
“I imagined you would already be in bed. You have had a long day.” He leaned over and kissed her as he headed to the washbasin and began washing his face.
“I am quite tired.” Elizabeth’s voice was quiet and had him turning in suspicion.
“Is everything alright?”
She shook her head and a tear ran down her cheek. He hastened to her and knelt in front of her, gripping her hands in her lap. “What is the matter?” He kissed her knuckles and she sniffled, using one hand to wipe her dripping nose. Clifton watched as her blue eyes sought his. “I have news for you, and I am scared.”
“You? Scared?” His brow furrowed. “Alright. I’m sure it is not as bad as it seems.” He nervously pulled a chair towards her and sat, still holding her hands. “Tell me what is plaguing your mind, love.”
She took a deep breath and looked up at him. “We are to have a baby.”
She watched as the meaning of her words seeped into his mind. His eyes held confusion, glee, and then concern. “Are you not happy about this?” He asked.
“I am very happy.” She confirmed. “I am just terrified.”
He chuckled as he pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the top of her hair. “You have nothing to be terrified about, Elizabeth. This is exciting!” He pulled her away from him and kissed her heartily. “You will be an amazing mother. And I,” he paused as if his next statement was unbelievable. “I am to be a father.” A wide smile spread over his face as he kissed her again. He lifted her from the bed and spun her around the room, Elizabeth finally releasing a small giggle as she allowed him to sweep her off her feet. When he settled her back to the floor, he tilted her chin up to look into her beautiful face. “I am most pleased, Elizabeth. You have given me a great gift. I love you.”
She smiled despite her tears and wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her head against his chest. His heartbeat strong and rhythmic soothed her nerves.
“Have you told Alayna?”
She shook her head and looked up at him. “Only your father knows.”
“My father? You told my father?”
“Well, he sort of figured it out while we were in the West. And I guess you could say Queen Isabella knows, but I fear she will probably forget or assign my child to someone else entirely.”
They both chuckled as he gently held her face in his hands and brushed his thumbs over her cheeks. “You are amazing, have I told you that?”
“Not lately.” She replied with a grin.
Laughing, Clifton pulled her into another hug. “I say, I believe I am too worked up to go to sleep. I feel like shouting the news to everyone.”
Elizabeth backed away and motioned towards the door. “Go ahead.”
He grinned and darted out into the hall, standing along the landing and shouted down to the floors below, his arms outstretched. “I am to be a father!”
His words drifted down the halls as he repeated the phrase over and over until doors began opening and people began emerging from their private chambers. Elizabeth stood in the doorway and shook her head as she watched him. She wished to memorize the moment. Clifton, arms wide, radiant smile, and hopeful heart shouting his news to the world.
∞
Edward walked through the Uniters’ camp and sensed an imbalance. He could not tell for sure, but he sensed everyone treating him a bit differently. Was it just his imagination? He was not certain. The darkness tainted everything nowadays. What was real and what was not real was growing more difficult to decipher. His eyes roamed familiar faces, Cecilia nowhere to be found among them. He had asked around and no one had seen her. Who helped her escape? If it was not one of his Uniters, then who? Did someone loyal to Lancer know of his split loyalties and save her? The idea made his skin crawl. It would not be long before Lancer found out about his true allegiance and then what help co
uld Edward be? He circled his neck around to loosen his muscles and the constant ache he had been carrying since his last encounter in the reflection chamber. Ryle was to be killed. He had not completed the task yet, but he would have to do it in order for Lancer to not question him. Could he do it? Yes. No. Yes. He shook his head, willing the darkness away as best he could, but the temptation to feel Ryle’s life seep away from him and through his bare hands was dancing within Edward’s mind.
He lifted himself into his saddle and caught sight of a familiar face. He recognized it but could not place it. The young man turned before he could catch a second look. Shrugging, Edward turned his horse towards the castle. As he pulled into the stables, he handed his reins to the stable boy and set about his plan for Ryle. He walked straight to the prison chamber with purposeful strides.
He knocked his fist against the bars on Ryle’s cell as he entered. Ryle slowly stood. “Is it that time already? Have you come to kill me?” The prince did not seem turned off by the aspect and Edward felt as if he were testing him.
“Shut it, would you?” Edward stated as he grabbed the key ring from the wall. “I am not going to kill you.”
“Why not?”
“Because I am still loyal to the Realm. Why would I kill one of their princes?”
“Their?” Ryle asked.
“You know what I mean.” Edward barked as he unlocked the cell and opened the door. Ryle still wore the shackles and walked slowly out, watchful of Edward.
“Do not look at me like I am insane.” Edward nudged him towards the stairs. “Up.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“I do not know. I intend to keep you hidden. Perhaps then you will see I am trustworthy.”
“Why not send me back over the boundary? Lancer would not see me, and I could retreat back to the North.”
“No. You remain here.”
“Why?”
Edward’s grip on his arm grew tighter and the Northern prince blew a hot stream of air as he attempted to maintain his composure. “Just trust me, okay?”
The Unfading Lands The Complete Set Page 69