Contents
title page
copyright
dedication
acknowledgments
other books by
Chapter One: Assassin
Chapter Two: To Fight
Chapter Three: Denied
Chapter Four: Freedom
Chapter Five: The Princess Lily
Chapter Six: My Rescuer
Chapter Seven: Castle Life
Chapter Eight: Restless
Chapter Nine: Watched
Chapter Ten: Wandering
Chapter Eleven: Hunting
Chapter Twelve: His Past
Chapter Thirteen: Memories
Chapter Fourteen: Learning How to Lose
Chapter Fifteen: The King's Map
Chapter Sixteen: An Escape
Chapter Seventeen: The Witch
Chapter Eighteen: Love
Chapter Nineteen: Weapons' Master
Chapter Twenty: Suspicions
Chapter Twenty-One: Which Side
Chapter Twenty-Two: Secrets and Vials
Chapter Twenty-Three: The Dragon Raised
Chapter Twenty-Four: Mysterious Magic
Chapter Twenty-Five: The Truth
Chapter Twenty-Six: Taken
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Assassin No More
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Pain
Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Sword of Dragons
Chapter Thirty: Gavin
Chapter Thirty-One: Brother
Chapter Thirty-Two: Good-bye
one year later
Chapter Thirty-Three: Happily Ever After
about the author
Copyright © 2015, Konstanz Silverbow
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to a real person, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
This book was professionally edited by Tristi Pinkston
http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com/
Cover art by Ida Janssson @ Amygdala Designs
www.amygdaladesign.net
Formatting and interior design by Lindzee Armstrong
www.lindzeearmstrong.com
Print ISBN-13: 978-1515149163
Print ISBN-10: 1515149161
To Corey Nicholson. Thank you for being the inspiration for (yet, nothing like) Cordae.
As always, first and foremost, my thanks goes to God for making this possible, for guiding me, for making my dreams possible.
Thank you to my family and friends for the constant support.
A huge thank you to my beta readers:
Jessica, Cassie, Liz, Rachel, Brooke, and Wendy.
Many thanks to Ali Winters for the constant support, inspiration, and help!
Thank you to Tristi Pinkston for making this book presentable.
Thank you to Jaclyn Weist for stepping in last minute and making sure this book was completed on time.
Thank you to Lindzee Armstrong for coming to the rescue last minute for formatting!
And last but not least, thank YOU!
Other books by Konstanz Silverbow:
Only Half Alive
Finding Gold Series:
Missing Royal (Finding Gold, Book One)
The Enchanted Rose (Finding Gold, Book Two)
A cloud of dust rises from the road below as a company of soldiers ride toward Tivor. I smirk as I nock an arrow, pulling the bow’s string back and taking aim. I let it loose and watch as it sails true, taking out the last soldier in the regiment. Dropping from the tree, I land in a crouch, hidden by the dust the men kicked up, concealing me from their view. Fifty soldiers returning from their scouting trip. Only forty-nine will actually make it home again.
I grab the reins from the soldier’s grasp and lead the horse and rider into the forest. I strip the man of his uniform and leave him lying in the grass in nothing but his underclothes. I remove my breeches and tunic, and squeeze into the uniform. At just under six feet tall and muscular, it’s hard to find clothes that fit me at all. But trying to wear another man’s clothing? Unless he’s taller than I am, it’s never comfortable.
I barely get the shirt buttoned, but it will do for the few minutes I will be stuck wearing it. I stash my clothes, along with my bow and quiver, behind a tree beside the dead soldier before mounting his horse and returning to the end of the line of soldiers as they approach the castle gates.
A few men look back at me, but only for a moment—I assume to ensure that I, or he, is still with them. I give a curt nod, and they turn back around.
As we enter the gates, I stay near the wall—still with the soldiers, but far enough away not to be noticed. Prince Elian and Captain Armando approach the king, who now stands before his army, Queen Madrid and Princess Lily at his side.
Though the king speaks to the captain and his son, his words are heard by all. “What news do you bring me?” For being such a young leader, he looks worn and tired.
“There is an army at the borders, just as you suspected, Your Majesty,” the captain answers. “What would you have us do?””
The world seems to fall silent as we await the king’s command. I only need to hear the orders. Then I can return to Cordae and begin the next part of his plan. The king looks around, searching each soldier’s face. I lower my head, placing my hand over my eyes as if rubbing at them. No one can look too closely at my face.
I glance up just enough to make sure it’s clear. The king continues looking around as he speaks. “We have been nothing but kind and honorable in our dealings with our surrounding kingdoms. We share our treasures and food. We help when we are called upon, and yet, that is not enough for the greedy. I will not play their games. If what we already offer is not enough, they can wish for war all they want. But they will have to bring it here because I will not risk my people, I will not risk all of you, for the sake of one person and those he controls. Come, feast and rest.”
Tension lifts, and the men’s shoulders sag with relief. I allow my body to appear relieved, but I am far from it. Cordae swore that King Chavez would take the bait, swore our victory was sealed.
I do not follow the men this time, but I turn to the gate and ride. I urge the fallen soldier’s horse to run as fast as it can. Captain Armando yells for me to return, but I don’t look back, so he can’t see my face.
I ride past the hidden body and my belongings, and gallop into the forest to circle back just in case I was followed. When I’m sure no one is closing in on me, I return to the tree where everything is stashed, dismount, and change back into my own clothes before putting the fallen soldier back into his uniform.
In one last attempt to save Cordae’s plan, I put the man on his horse, making sure to drape him just as he fell when I shot him. Leaving the arrow in him, I lead the horse back to the road and smack its backside. The horse takes off toward Tivor.
They will see that this is not an idle threat. One man left the safety of the kingdom and returned moments later with an arrow through his chest? Surely that will cause panic. And panic can lead to victory.
I gather my belongings and march deeper into the woods in search of Kova, my ever faithful horse—my one and only friend. I mount and don’t hesitate. I push Kova to take me to Cordae as fast as possible. He will be livid when he finds out. The longer I make him wait, the angrier he will be.
I reach the hidden fort, n
estled perfectly between the forest and long-forgotten caves, within the hour. With the entrance in sight, I pull back on the reins, bringing Kova to a stop. I swing my leg over the saddle and jump to the ground. My horse loyally follows me as I approach.
“Who goes there?” A shout comes from above, where a guard sits in the trees watching all those who approach. A funny thought, considering that the only people who know where the door is are usually those who are allowed inside.
To anyone else, it simply appears to be a large wall of brambles and brush. But to the trained eye, it is a passage leading directly into the fort Cordae has built for himself and all his men—myself included.
“It’s Derrick,” I answer gruffly, annoyed by Neo’s method. He shouldn’’t make his presence known unless the door is about to be found out or he is spotted. Anyone simply wandering by would have no reason to look for him among the leaves.
“You’re late. Cordae has been expecting you,” he remarks as if I don’t know this already. Cordae has been waiting two days—though, in the long run, more like ten years. I’m no stranger to his impatience and his anger.
“Well, then, I suggest you allow me in.” I pointedly look toward the entrance.
He nods, acknowledging that he won’t kill me the second I reach for the door. It’s heavy and makes a groaning noise as I pull it open and slip inside, allowing it to shut behind me. I descend the narrow stairs, following a thin strip of light that pokes through the cracks in the rock above me. I reach the slightly wider corridor at the bottom and follow it straight on until I reach another door.
I press the spot where a handle would normally be placed, and the door swings open on its own. I make sure it closes behind me as I continue forward, walking a brisk pace. The room I enter is more like another long hall leading to the room Cordae refers to as his throne room.
And there he sits on his misshapen chair of rock. The way he fills the seat and bears down on all those around him, it appears his makeshift throne doesn’t faze him in the least. He is well aware this is only temporary.
I am here to inform him that it will have to be temporary a little longer. I approach Saar, the guard dog—as I so fondly refer to him—Cordae’s righthand man, and Cordae himself.
“Just the man I hoped to see.” Cordae rises and greets me eagerly.
Saar glares at me, crossing his arms over his expansive chest. The master doesn’t stand for just anyone.
I turn my full attention to Cordae. This is not a conversation I ever wished to have, but I cannot even for a moment pretend that I come bearing happy tidings. Cordae believes we have won. “I’m afraid there is bad news,” I state.
Cordae opens his mouth, but I don’t allow him to ask for details. “The king has commanded his army to rest for the night. They will not be riding into battle, but instead, are waiting for the war to come to them. I made sure to send them a gift in your name before leaving, though.”” I hadn’t intended to inform him of the soldier I killed, but with bad news, it is always a good idea to bring something good as well.
His face contorts in disgust, and he runs a hand over his bald head. I take a step back as he grabs his goblet from the table and launches it across the room. “Why did he not take the bait? We gave him every chance to make a move!” he screams.
It is rare for Cordae to be visibly angry. He is the type to use a smooth voice to drive fear into those he wishes to scare. But now there is pure rage in his eyes. All his plans were dependent on King Chavez going to war, leaving his kingdom vulnerable.
“Well done, boy.” Saar spits at my feet. His mocking tone could be ignored, but to call me a boy—insinuating I’m a child—irks me, just as he intended it to.
“Shut up, Saar,” Cordae snaps, whipping around to face us. “Not all is lost. We’re just going to have use a different approach.” He sits once more and runs his fingers over his jaw as he thinks. I reposition myself, standing with my feet apart so my weight is equally distributed. I know Cordae will take his time, and I don’t plan to move until he has made a decision.
Saar grunts and glares at me. I ignore him and worry about Cordae and his secondary plans. I watch his face as he makes different expressions, contemplating every idea he comes up with.
It bothers me that he didn’t have a backup plan in the first place. Was he so sure of his one plan that it never crossed his mind that failure was an option?
“I planned on Chavez going to war. I realize now that I should not have underestimated him. But it matters not, because I will win.” Cordae stands and begins pacing. “We can work with his soft heart. In fact, that will be his downfall.” He stands before me, a smirk playing on his lips.
Though I could never admit it out loud, that look used to terrify me. Now it simply tells me he has something planned, something he’ll need me to do.
“What are you thinking, sir?” Saar asks, seemingly more annoyed than he was when I first walked in, most likely because the attention isn’t on him.
“How do you feel about becoming a spy, Assassin?” Cordae’s grin widens as he continues speaking to me, completely ignoring Saar——which brings me great pleasure.
I stand up straight so we’re at the same height. “What do you have in mind?” I ask, smiling at the idea of doing more than hiding in the shadows.
There’s a glint in Cordae’s eyes. “You’re going to become my inside man in Tivor. Figure out Chavez’s plans. Where his weaknesses lie. You are going to live the castle life and find out any and every secret any member of the royal family may have. We are going to use everything they hold dear against them. And then, when war has broken out and there are no secrets left . . .” He takes a breath, his voice lowering. “You will kill the entire royal family.”
I smirk, matching Cordae’s expression. “When do I leave?”
“Sir, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Derrick is a killer. An assassin. His best work is done from afar. Do you truly believe he’’s capable of playing the part? Perhaps we should send someone more fit for the tasks you have in mind.” Saar’s nostrils flare, and beads of sweat roll down his forehead. His face is bright red, his hands clenched. His anger gives me a small amount of joy. His jealousy makes this task all the sweeter.
Cordae turns on his heel and faces Saar. “And who, my second-in-command, would be better fit for the task than him?” He points at me.
“I could go. I wouldn’t fail you,” he says in all seriousness.
I try not to, but I laugh out loud.
Cordae turns back to me, a hint of a smile playing on his lips before he glares at me for interrupting. He looks back at Saar. “And what makes you so sure that you could do a better job?”
“I look more royal than Derrick. It would be more believable for me to go in as a distant duke and play the part, and perhaps even ask to court the princess. She would know a thing or two about her father.” He pulls at his tunic, straightening it and his back, standing a little taller.
I look at his stance, his posture, the way he speaks as though even he is not sure of himself. “No,” I shout.
Cordae spins back around to look at me. “No . . .what?”
“Saar may be right about looking nicer, but you don’t want to send him.”
“And why ever not?” Cordae folds his arms across his chest and tilts his head, waiting for me to impress him with my brilliant plan.
“Do you not think it would be slightly suspicious to the king that right after he finds out he is about to be invaded, a foreign duke shows up and asks to court his daughter? He won’t know Saar. He will have no reason to believe his story. It will make the king harder to break. And do you think the princess is going to tell her father’s secrets to someone she doesn’t know?”
“Are you saying you know the princess, Derrick?” Saar asks, only trying to make Cordae suspicious of me.
“No. I don’t. But it doesn’t matter, because we don’t need the princess. What you need is for me to go in there as a servant. That gives me
access to just about anywhere in the castle. It means I would be serving the king. I wouldn’t need to cozy up to anyone to overhear things. I could simply be pouring their wine, and they will tell me everything we need to know.”
“And a new serving boy right after the threat is less concerning . . . how?” Saar counters.
“No one suspects those who feed them. There are always peasants in need of work. I would be under the royals’ noses, always listening, and they would never have a reason to think I am anything more than I say.” I turn to Cordae. “I can be there before the sun rises. Send me. You know I can get you the secrets you need.”
“Derrick is right. He will go as a servant.” Cordae nods, giving me permission to leave for the castle.
I follow Father through the corridors as he makes his way to his study. “Father, please!” Anger courses through me, causing my entire body to feel tense, as he continues walking, ignoring my plight.
“Lily, for the last time, we are not going to war. If they want a battle, they can bring it to us. And even if that should happen, you are still not fighting.”
“Elian gets to fight. Why can he, and not I?” I demand to know.
“Because he is a man. It is his duty to help protect his family, his people, and his home. Your duty is to listen to me.”
“So because he’s a man, he gets to fight? How is that fair? Father, you know I can wield a sword just as well as he can. I should get to protect my family, my people, and my home just as much as he should.”
“My dear.” Father turns and stands before me. He pulls me into a hug. I stay stiff, not wanting his affection, but his permission to go into battle. “I love you, princess. But I can’t lose you. Should anything happen to me or your brother, you and Mother would be left to take care of everything. Besides, for the moment, it is irrelevant because we are not going to war."
“Have you already forgotten about Julio? His body was sent home with an arrow sticking through it. Why not prepare now and be ready for the attack?”
Once Upon an Assassin (Finding Gold Book 3) Page 1