“What is it?”
“You will know soon enough, Derrick. It is best you not know all the details, should you be caught while in Tivor. Just know that soon, it won’t matter if Chavez is prepared. With this, we will be unstoppable.” He holds it up again, a smile wide on his face.
“Understood, sir. I best get back to the castle.” I roll my eyes for good measure, showing Cordae how much I hate it there, but proving that I am doing it for him. It will make him more confident in my position. He nods, not glancing my way, but continuing to inspect the bottles.
I nod and take my leave, eager to return to Tivor. To Lily, if I’m being honest with myself.
I look up from my book and out the window just in time to see Gavin as he rides through the trees toward the stables. He looks either way before pushing the door open and leading his horse inside.
At the sight of him, my heart wells up, my emotions overrun, and I’m just glad he has returned and is well. I hurriedly change my clothes, putting on a simple dress and wrapping my cloak around my shoulders as I do something I never would have dreamed of doing before life with Gavin. I rush out the servants’’ door.
Tolla is in the kitchen at this early hour, but she doesn’t even glance my way when I pass by her and head outside. I run to the stables, not wanting to waste a single moment. I burst through the door, startling Gavin and horse alike.
“Princess?” He sounds tired, almost as if he can’t believe I’m here.
“Hello.” I approach a little slower now.
“What are you doing?” He looks around, worry filling his eyes.
“I couldn’t sleep. I saw you ride in and thought perhaps we could go on an adventure before you are put to work.” I smile.
His eyes light up. “What did you have in mind?”
“Come with me.” I hold out my hand. He takes two steps and grasps it.
“Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” I lead him to the back of the wall, where I’ve covered a hole that leads to the forest behind the castle. It’s been my private getaway for years. I’ve never felt the need to share it with anyone, never trusted another with this secret.
But he holds far more than my trust. He holds my heart, my soul. He may not realize it—I only barely know it—but he is my everything. He laughs when I move the wood, revealing the hole.
“Now trimming the trees seems pointless, yes?” I laugh with him.
“I take it Hera does not know about this?”
“No one does, except for you and me.” I smile and continue forward.
He follows after me through the hole. “Your own private playground.” He looks at the vast forest. Something in his voice surprises me.
“Something like that. This has been my escape when life becomes too hard. I realize I have it better than most, but it isn’t all dresses and tiaras.” I wonder if I’’ve offended him. His life has been so much worse than my own. How can I tell him I needed somewhere to be myself?
“You don’t have to explain it to me, Princess.” He takes my hand in his and walks with me through the trees, going nowhere specific.
“Which tree is your favorite?” he asks, changing the subject with my silence.
“There’s one over here. It has a branch low enough to the ground that it works well as a bench. I remember lying on it and reading for hours while my maids searched for me. I, of course, didn’t know that anyone was looking for me until I’d already returned.” I smile at the memory, all while dragging Gavin behind me to show him the tree I speak of.
I stumble and trip. Gavin releases my hand and wraps his arm around my waist, leaning into the tree to steady both of us. He doesn’t let go of my waist as he turns, so I’m against the tree, and he’s standing in front of me.
I lean closer, our lips only a breath apart. I stand on my toes, rising enough that our lips meet. But before they touch, he leans away.
"I can't," he whispers. My heart is hammering.
"Why not?" I reach up and cup his cheek, my other hand running through his hair.
"This can never work, Lily. You are royalty. I am a servant."
"Gavin, I don't care. I love you. It doesn't matter to me. I don't love you for anything other than you." My voice catches.
"I'm not right for you."
"Do you feel anything for me?"
"I didn't used to feel anything at all until I met you. You rewarded me for saving your life, but in all honesty, you are the one who has saved me." He moves closer, still unable to meet my lips.
"Then it does not matter if we are of the same station. Right now, there is no servant and no princess. Only you and me. And I love you. My heart is yours." I don’t wait any longer, pushing my lips to his. He runs his fingers through my hair, pulling me closer.
He is perfect in every way. He kisses me as if his life depends on it, and I return it with the same urgency.
I laugh, wrapping my arms around his neck and cocking my head the other way. He does the same and continues kissing me fervently.
I lean back to take a breath and can’t help but fall in love with Gavin’s smile, the pure joy that fills his eyes. He must need air just as I do. I lean back on the tree and just smile. He leans beside me, a playful smirk on his face.
I playfully beckon him closer with my finger. He obliges. Grabbing the front of his shirt, I pull him to me and kiss him again.
“Do you think you can get me out of work today, Princess?” he asks against my lips, laughing.
“I think that’s manageable,” I reply.
“Good. I don’t think I’ll be any good to work today after that first kiss. Certainly not after a second one.”
“And what about a third one? Would that counteract the effects of the first two?”
“Oh no, Princess. Your kisses are addictive. Once I’ve had one, I’ll never get enough. I will never be able to kiss anyone else for as long as I live,”” he teases.
“Good. The only person I want you kissing is me.”
Candlelight reflects off the glass vial. I hold it closer, trying to get a better look at its contents. I gave Cordae what he wanted. He just doesn’t know that I didn’t give it all to him. The longer I’m here, working an honest day’s pay, falling hard and fast for Lily, I realize whatever Cordae has planned isn’t something I want to be a part of.
I just don’t know how to walk away from it without losing everything. Cordae will have me killed the minute he finds out I’ve kept one of the vials, and Saar will gladly do the work, as he’s never liked me.
I could make peace with that, knowing that I don’t deserve to be happy after all the harm I’ve caused. But with me gone, where does that leave Lily and her family? Cordae will kill them and take over the throne.
I can’t let that happen. He doesn’t want power to sit idle and allow the people to live their lives the way they always have. He conquers one kingdom—he will conquer them all. I can’t let that happen.
Stuck between the two options, I have to make sure Cordae’s plans fail without Lily ever finding out the truth. I will protect her, and once this battle is won, I will disappear. It’s the only choice I have.
But before I do anything, I have to figure out what’s inside this bottle. What could that witch have that would be so special to the monster who raised me? I stash the vial in my boot and blow out the candle, lying in the dark on my small cot, waiting for Hera to arrive any moment to give me more ridiculous chores.
After waiting for an hour and hearing no one approach, I close my eyes and do my best to fall asleep.
“Time to get up,” Hera says, looming over me.
I open my eyes and sit up. She steps back, giving me room to do so. “What would you like me to do today?” I ask, pulling my boots on, careful not to crush the bottle inside.
“The king would like to see you.” She places her hands on her hips, still glaring at me, though I’m unsure whether it’s out of jealousy or suspicion.
“Of course. I
will see him immediately.” I stand and take a step toward the doorway.
“Not so fast.” She grabs my wrist, pulling me back with incredible strength I didn’t expect her to have. “I don’t trust you. You’re sneaky, and don’t think for a single moment that I don’t find it suspicious that just one day after I denied your request to work here, you went and saved the princess’s life, and as a reward, chose to live here as a servant. You’re up to something, and I will figure it out. If you do anything to harm this kingdom, I promise you, it will not end well for you.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way. I will do all that I can to squelch those feelings and show you why I’m truly here.” I bow out of respect before taking my leave.
“And Gavin?”
I turn back and raise an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue informing me of how much she doesn’t like me.
“If you hurt the princess in any way, especially her heart, my threat still applies. No matter who you are and why you’re really here.”
“That’s one thing you don’t have to worry about.” I nod, knowing that no matter what happens now, I can’t hurt Lily. I’ll find a way to save her from the destruction that’s coming.
“The king awaits you in his study. It was nice working with you, Gavin.” She never ceases glaring at me. I take it as a strong hint to stay away from her, though her words drive fear through me. It was nice working with me? And the king wishes to see me?
I think back over the events of the past few days. Even with everything going on, I can’t believe I would’ve slipped up and given myself away. Suddenly, my main concern isn’t Cordae at all. King Chavez is a kind, honest, just, ruler, but even he could not deny the sentence I deserve if they’ve discovered who I am.
I walk the corridors at a brisk pace, not acknowledging the other servants as I pass. Two guards stand outside the king’s doors. “King Chavez has requested to see me,” I state, remaining calm, fearless, using my training to remain emotionless in the face of potential danger. I fist my hands, ignoring the fact that they’re sweaty. If I think about that, I’ll never be able to keep my emotions under control.
Each man takes a door and opens it wide. I walk into the room, approaching the king who leans over his desk, staring intently at the parchments before him. He dips his quill into a pot of ink and begins signing one of the papers.
I wait until he has finished to clear my throat, standing at attention and waiting for him to acknowledge my presence.
“My daughter speaks highly of you,” he begins, still not looking at me. I’m not sure what to say to that, so I remain silent. ““She is adamant that you deserve so much more in life than to be a servant, no matter how important your work is.” Now the king stands and looks at me. “Lily has attested to your skills with weapons. She believes you would better serve as an instructor than as a serving boy. We’ve seen your skills with the bow and they are quite impressive. And now we wish to see you fight with the sword, to confirm your skills are as good as my daughter says they are. If she is correct, and you really are the best she’s ever seen, I will let you choose, but know that I am offering you one of the most sought-after positions in my castle. Are you interested?”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” I reply.
“Please, you do not need to address me so every time you speak. Chavez is just fine when we are speaking privately in my study.”
“Of course. Thank you, Chavez. Thank you for the honor and privilege.”
“Thank you for all you have done. Saving my daughter, the work around the grounds, befriending my daughter—you are a blessing we never saw coming. We are ever happy that you are here.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” I bow.
He smiles. “Now, assuming you’ll soon have a new position here, I believe you’ll be needing a new wardrobe. Here.” He drops a pouch into my palm.
I look down at it, in awe that he would give me so much money. “But sir,” I begin to argue.
“I will not hear it. You deserve far more than we can give. This is a small price to the treasure you saved. Now go, get yourself a new wardrobe. Your duel with the captain is first thing tomorrow morning in the training field.”
“Thank you, Chavez.” I smile, not having to fake this one.
“You’re welcome.” He smiles back.
I leave his study feeling much better than when I went in. Miss Hera was ready to get rid of me, bidding me farewell, but I’ve been promoted. Despite taking her quite seriously and knowing she will keep her promises, I can’t help but smirk as I head for the castle doors, going for the market.
“He likes you!” Cold, small fingers intertwine with my own. I jump, slightly startled by Lily’s happy approach.
“What?” I look over at her, laughing.
She pulls my hand until I stop and face her. She lets go of my hand and runs her fingers through my hair as she pulls me closer and kisses me on the lips. Further startled, I lean back. She frowns, hurt by my actions.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “But what happens if someone sees us?”” I look around to make sure we are alone.
“What if they do? I just told you, it doesn’t matter.” She smiles so wide, I can see the happiness in her eyes.
“Lily, how does it not matter? I’m a servant. You’re a princess.”
“No. You’re the weapons master and instructor, and I’m a princess. And my father likes you.” She pulls me closer again, kissing me with no restraint. I wrap my arms around her waist, lifting her off her feet.
I set her down again gently and take her hands in mine. “And how do you know your father likes me?” We begin walking again.
“Did you not hear him? He told you to call him by his first name. That is a privilege reserved only for family members and people Father likes.” She beams up at me, not paying a bit of attention to where she’s walking.
Glad I’m holding her hand, I steer her around the pillar and through the front doors. “I’m still confused as to how that makes it all right for us to kiss and hold hands.”” I hold up our laced fingers. “In public.”
“Oh, dear servant boy, you have no idea what you’re getting into, do you?”
“Servant boy? Really?” I raise my eyebrows, questioning her teasing nickname.
“Well, you said it first. I just wanted to call you that so you knew how ridiculous it is that you can’t see past your title. You keep pointing out how different we are in rank, but you don’t realize that only one person cares about it, and that’s you. My father only wants me to be happy. If being with someone who wasn’t born royal, no matter if he is a duke or a servant, or a weapons master, makes me happy, then my father approves.”” She releases my hand and wraps her arm around my waist, leaning her head on my shoulder as we walk toward the market.
“And I’m the one who makes you happy?” I ask a little more solemnly.
“Yes!” She nods, still leaning on me.
“You’re sure there isn’t a duke or another servant boy you would prefer to be with?” I joke.
“Well, now that you mention it . . .” She pauses, looking up at me with pursed lips.
I wait for her to finish, but the curve of her lips as she begins to smile gives her away. “Very funny.” I walk a little faster.
“It was, and you know it. You just don’t like to get bested.”
“Well, that’s true.” I laugh, kissing her forehead.
“So, where are we starting?” Lily has a bounce in her step as she turns, walking backwards so she can face me while continuing on.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, Father gave you money and sent you to get some new personal things. Where are you going to start? Clothes? Shoes? Weapons? Or perhaps the baker on the corner?”
“Now, how is it that you know exactly what went on in a private meeting between myself and the king?” I look at her, a bemused smile on my face as I think over that encounter. I think over everything I saw, noting that there was no one in the corners or b
ehind the doors.
“You should know this by now, Gavin. I’ve already shown you.”
“The servants’ tunnel?”
“How else? It’s all right—he knew I was there. I was adamant that I get to be present when he offered you the position, and he was certain I shouldn’t be there. We compromised.” She laughs.
“In answer to your original question, I believe I’ll start with some new breeches. Perhaps a new tunic as well.” I look down at what I’’m wearing. They’re not terribly worn just yet, but I wish to impress the king.
“That sounds wonderful. I know just the place to take you.” Lily continues talking, mentioning a tailor but I can’t concentrate on her words when I see Neo’’s signal to me from the inn’s top-floor window. Cordae’s dragon flag hangs there in plain sight. To anyone else, it’s just a piece of cloth, depicting a dragon destroying its enemies with fire, the end of the cloth burned to make it seem all the more real.
But to me, it means that Neo needs to find me. And he can’t come to the castle, which means I must go find him. I look around, trying to figure out the best course of action. I need to distract the princess long enough to speak with Neo. Under no circumstances can she see us together.
A feathery touch on my arm pulls my attention away from the flag. “Gavin? Are you all right?” Lily pulls on her braid, wrapping it around her fingers and letting it unwind again before starting all over.
“I’m sorry, yes. Just had a flashback to a memory I thought was long lost,” I say, trying to cover for my distraction.
“I presume it was an unpleasant memory?” She touches my shoulder.
“Unfortunately, yes.” I wrap my arm around her waist and lead her in the other direction.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Perhaps later. It’s not something I wish to discuss in public.” I look around, keeping my eyes out for any of Cordae’s other men. There’s no knowing how long that flag has been waiting for me to see it.
“I understand. What doesn’t make sense is why we’re going in the wrong direction.” She laughs. I calm down a bit, feeling more relaxed now that we’re farther away from Neo’s hiding place.
Once Upon an Assassin (Finding Gold Book 3) Page 11