by Frost Kay
“Have you told Isa?”
“No,” Gav grimaced. “It will break her heart, I’m sure.”
Tehl opened his mouth to answer when the door slammed open. He rolled his eyes at his brother. “Will you ever learn to knock?”
Sam powered to his desk and held out an envelope. “Not when there’s news.”
He plucked the envelope from his brother’s grasp and brushed his thumb over the black wax seal. This was it. Everything hinged on the contents of this letter. He glanced up at his brother and then Gav.
Pulling in a deep breath, he snatched the letter and ripped it open. All the air rushed from his lungs. It was just three sentences.
We are in accord. Your letter pleased me. We will meet in one month and embark on something our kingdoms haven’t experienced in hundreds of years: peace.
Tehl’s jaw hung open. This was unreal. He turned to the two men at his side. “He agreed. We’re set to meet in one month.”
Sam moved around the desk and pulled him into a hug. “Just one more month, brother, and then we’ll have Sage in our arms. She’ll be safe.”
Emotion clogged his throat. They were almost there. Only thirty days until he had his wife and advisor back. “I need to tell her parents,” he said absently.
“Do you think that’s a good idea? To give them hope?” Sam asked.
Tehl ran a hand through his hair. “I’ve got no other choice. I can’t keep this from them. And even if I don’t say anything, I’m certain Lilja will. Honestly, though, I’d rather…”
“You want it to come from you,” Gav supplied.
“Yes, and I’m due for a visit anyway.” He blew out a breath and handed Sam the letter. “Alert the war council. We’ll meet this evening.” He rounded the desk and clapped Gav on the shoulder. “Tell Isa I’ll be back for dessert.”
His cousin nodded and, just as he was exiting the room, his brother called out, “Give the Blackwells my best.”
***
Tehl tensed as the door swung open, revealing Sage’s father. The man looked fairly healthy, but also very tired.
The older man stepped up to him and wrapped him in a hug. “Welcome, son.”
He released Tehl and stepped back. The heat of the forge enveloped him, the warmth draping over him like a warm blanket. A small smile pulled at his lips as the older man sat him down and poured him a drink. Tehl sank onto the bench and took the cup of ale with a muttered, “Thank you.” Colm sat and sipped his ale, all the while watching him over the rim.
“What’s eating at you?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yes, though I’ve also come to know you a bit over the last couple of months.”
Tehl swallowed. “I’ve had word.”
Colm paled and placed a bracing hand against his workbench. “Sage? Is she…is she all right?”
“She’s alive.”
Tehl shot to his feet as the older man leaned forward, visibly sagging. “Colm!”
The older man grabbed Tehl’s hand and yanked him to his knees before pulling him into another hug.
“So, she’s really alive?” Colm rasped, his eyes full of tears.
“She is.”
Sage’s father let loose a heavy sigh and pulled back. He quickly wiped his face and stood, extending a hand to his son-in-law. “We need to tell Gwen.”
Tehl clasped his hand and pushed off the floor, looking the other man in the eye. “Is she strong enough to bear it? We may be getting her back, but I’m not sure in what condition we’ll find her.”
The older man’s face hardened. “Condition?”
“She’s been in Scythia this whole time. Specifically, with their warlord,” he finished softly.
“No,” the older man breathed, looking green.
“He’s assured us that she’s been well taken care of and is in good health, but…”
“It’s damn Scythia. You can’t trust a word they say!” Colm thundered.
“I know, but what other choice do I have?”
Colm’s face fell. “You’ve none, I know.”
“I have to balance my feelings for Sage with the good of the whole kingdom.” He slumped onto the bench and hung his head. “I’m tired, so tired. Each day I awake only to find myself stuck in the same nightmare from the day before.”
A large hand settled on his shoulder, and his father-in-law’s deep voice washed over him: “We don’t blame you.”
“How could you not? I’m the reason she’s gone.”
“Do you really think that’s true?”
A bark of laughter escaped him. “No, I suppose not. Somehow, she still would have found a way to be in the middle of this mess.”
The man chuckled. “She never could stay out of trouble.”
Tehl sobered. “I worry.”
“We all do.”
He nodded. “Where’s Gwen?”
“She is sewing by the fireplace.”
“Are you sure she can handle this?”
He nodded once. “She’s stronger than most.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Sage
Time stretched and blurred, only measured by the warlord’s visits. It sickened her how easy it was to fall into a routine with him. It was now second nature to accept the food he offered from his hands, his kisses, and his care. The night he released her from her punishment, he moved back into his suite.
She had tried to sleep on the couch, but all it took was a reminder of his threat for her to trudge back to the bed. Her skin had crawled when he’d slipped into bed, but he had left her untouched. She hadn’t thought she’d sleep, but exhaustion had pulled her under. The next morning, she’d awoken in a panic, barely able to breathe. A close inspection, however, revealed that he’d left her unmolested. He’d left her to the silence of his empty room.
The silence was the worst.
Her thoughts ran in a continuous loop in his absence. Day by day, she was losing what was left of her mind. She reflected on her mistakes, her misjudgments, her unnatural attraction to the warlord, dying, and back to the warlord. He consumed so many of her thoughts.
After being starved of human interaction for so long, she looked forward to when he’d visit, to the gentle touches bestowed upon her. One day, she realized that she wasn’t scared when he came to bed, and that his side had slowly encroached onto hers, until he slept curled around her. It disgusted her that sadness blanketed her when he left in the morning. She craved his company, but didn’t understand why. It was wrong, depraved, and yet she couldn’t help it.
“Wild one?”
Sage blinked and glanced over her shoulder to catch the warlord watching her. “Yes?”
“Come here.”
She pulled her fingers from Nali’s fur, earning her a chuff of discontent, and moved to stand in front of him. He leaned forward and brushed a kiss across her lips with a smile.
“I have news for you.”
“News?”
“It’s time for a trip.”
“A trip? You mean, I get to leave this room?” Even she could hear the desperation and excitement in her voice. She was pathetic.
“Yes, we leave now.”
“Now? So soon?” Her heart raced. What brought this about?
“It’s safer to travel.”
“Where are we going?” she asked. Maybe he’d tell her.
“To another one of my castles.”
She hid her frown at his evasion. How would she ever escape if she didn’t know where she was?
“I need to pack.” She scanned the room. It held nothing of hers. The only thing she truly cared for was the black feline staring at her through a slitted eye. Turning back to the warlord, she shrugged. “I have nothing to pack.”
He cupped her face with a grin. “I’ve already arranged clothing to be packed for you. Something befitting a queen.” She stiffened as he caressed the crown collar around her throat tenderly before settling his palm on the side of her neck. “I don’t understand how you do i
t, but you bewitch me. Something about you ruins all of my best-laid plans.”
“Ouch.” Sage pulled away from him and rubbed her neck. “A thorn poked me,” she explained. The collar stopped bothering her after the first couple weeks, but every so often it would hurt something terrible. Her brow furrowed as the room spun. “I don’t feel so good.” Zane’s arms wrapped around her as her stomach plummeted, and she stumbled.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m exhausted.” Her temple pounded, and she lifted a hand to her head, blinking. Just barely was she able to focus on his face. Concern was evident in his expression, but his eyes spoke the truth. Calculation. Her heart sank. This was planned.
“Did you drug me?” she asked weakly.
Zane swept her feet out from underneath her and carried her to the bed. “I had to. You wouldn’t be reasonable about traveling. I can’t risk you trying to escape and getting yourself hurt. This is for your own protection.”
“Zane,” she whispered, struggling to sit up. “But I promised.”
“I know. That’s why Jasmine is coming as well.”
She shook her head to keep awake. “You’re bringing my friend?”
“I couldn’t rely on you being logical with what’s ahead of us. I don’t plan on hurting her. I’m bringing her to protect you, really.”
“How does bringing her protect me?” she mumbled, the words becoming hard to form.
“It protects you from doing something stupid.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “I will explain it all when we arrive.”
“Liar,” she whispered, her eyelids too heavy to keep open. He didn’t explain his plans to anyone. He was too suspicious. Too cautious. Too controlling.
“Goodnight, wild one.”
He’d lied. Again. Hurt her. Again. Tricked her. Again. When would the deception end?
Never.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sage
When Sage came to, everything was blurry.
She blinked several times before the world came back into focus. When it did, she found herself in a massive tent with tiny lanterns hanging from its ceiling. There were furs covering the floor, and the lanterns cast a soft glow over the space, casting deep shadows in the corners. Where was she and why couldn’t she move her limbs? What had Zane given her?
She felt movement on her right and, when she turned her head to inspect it, found herself nose-to-nose with Nali. The black feline swiped her rough, long tongue from Sage’s chin to her temple. She scowled at the beast.
“Nali! No kisses!”
If Nali could have rolled her eyes, Sage was sure she would have. She was about to scold her further when the murmuring of voices caught her attention. She lifted her neck, attempting to see farther. One tent flap was tied back, giving her a view into a connecting room.
In it, the warlord stood, hands braced against a table, surrounded by warriors. Even after everything he’d done, something about him called to her. Was it his unearthly looks? His charisma? Whatever it was, it disturbed her, deeply.
Almost as if he heard her thoughts, his dark gaze cut to hers, entrapping her. A shudder rolled through her. Everything about him was all sorts of wrong. A stunning smile curled his sensuous lips at her blatant stare, and she jerked her eyes away, staring instead at the canvas wall. Her eyes traced the flickering shadows in an attempt to calm her beating heart.
The murmurs died down, and she had to force herself not to glance in his direction again. She could feel his attention on her, but maybe if she paid him no mind, he’d leave her alone.
“Consort,” his smooth, deep voice called.
She was never that lucky. Sage continued to stare at the wall, her fingers tightening in Nali’s fur.
“Look at me, wild one.”
Sage stared harder at the shadows.
She heard him sigh before he moved to kneel before her, cutting off her view of the wall. She focused on staring at the laces of his shirt.
“I know you’re angry with me.”
Angry didn’t even begin to describe how she felt.
Another sigh. “You needed protection, and this was the only way I could protect you.”
“By drugging me?” she whispered, still not looking up.
“You know the dangers of jungles. I needed to transport you safely. The risk is too high, and you’re too important.”
Her gaze flew to his face. He was serious. His expression showed tender emotion and something deeper than passing affection. She hid her dawning horror at this revelation and forced herself to remain still as he cupped her cheek. “Don’t hide from me. I hate it.”
“I’m right here,” she whispered.
“Don’t lie to both of us. You’re a thousand leagues away, Sage. I know the symptoms. I invented them.”
She swallowed and focused back on his laces. “I can’t move my arms,” she said, changing the subject.
“It will be a while until you can.”
He pushed back from the bedroll and began unlacing his shirt.
“What are you doing?” she asked in a high voice.
“Undressing. It’s time for bed.”
Panic fluttered in her breast, and her breathing turned shallow. She was completely at his mercy. She couldn’t fight back even if she wanted to. He stilled and cocked his head.
“Hell…” He dropped his hands with a scowl. “I’m not going to accost you. Have I not told you that? I will never take from you!”
She didn’t believe him for one second, and her expression must have shown it, because he let out an irritated huff as he jerked off his boots before stomping to the bedroll, pulling back the fur covering her, and sliding in. Her heart pounded as he rested on one elbow and leaned over her, earning a growl from Nali.
He glared at the beast, then looked back to her. “I’ve not ever taken from you, have I?” he demanded.
“No,” she whispered, conscious of the fact he had complete control. Now was not the time to challenge him.
He scanned her face and brushed a stray hair from her cheek. “I regret what happened that night. I’ve never been that close to losing myself. It sickens me when I think of it.”
Sage didn’t regret it, not one bit. It had shown her who he truly was, and she now understood that the other person she’d come to know was merely a persona, one invented for her benefit.
“I hate that it was necessary,” he whispered. “Do you think I liked seeing you chained to my wall?” He shook his head, his hair brushing her face. “I hated every moment of your punishment. It hurt me as much as it hurt you.”
Sage doubted that, but still she remained silent. She was getting good at that these days.
“One day, you’ll understand. I wait for that day,” he whispered and pressed his lips to her cheek. He pulled back, a tender smile on his face. “Until then, I can content myself with only holding you.”
Zane wiggled his arm underneath her head, twisted her to face Nali, and pulled her into his arms.
She squeezed shut her eyes as he curled his large body around her, holding her like she was precious, even though she already carried scars from his cruelty. She inhaled sharply when his other arm snaked across her waist and rested against her stomach. Her moment of alarm passed quickly, though, as the warmth of his body cocooned her and fatigue settled over her.
“Are you hungry?” His breath moved the loose hair around her ear.
The idea of food did not appeal. “No.”
Warm lips brushed the skin below her ear. “All right, love.”
Goosebumps broke out along her arms at the whispered endearment. His hand moved from her stomach and passed along her arm, soothing her goosebumps even as he caused more to erupt. Her skin prickled, hyperaware of him as he intertwined his fingers with hers, the metal of his ring kissing her. He turned her hand and brushed his fingers along her wrist.
“Sleep, wild one.”
She hissed as something pricked her wrist. “Again?” she asked, not even shocke
d that he’d drugged her.
“For your protection. When you wake, we’ll be at the palace.”
“You mean the prison,” she slurred as Nali faded into a black blob.
“My prison,” he whispered, and darkness once again claimed her.
***
Awareness came to her in the form of warmth. Sunlight filtered through her eyelids and warmed her face. Her fingers twitched, and then brushed over the material under her. A bed. It was a real bed, so they weren’t still traveling. Sage took stock of her body, flexing her fingers and toes. Her muscles were stiff, but at least she could move them this time.
With care, she rolled to the side and scooted just out of the light. Cracking her eyes, she took stock of her new prison. Two huge doors were opened toward her, revealing a sprawling red stone balcony that boasted a view unlike any she’d ever seen. She stumbled to her feet, lurching toward the balcony. Pain stabbed at her temples and her stomach heaved, but none of that mattered. She gasped, and tears poured down her face when the cool breeze wound around her. She was outside, finally. So many emotions coursed through her. She blinked several times, trying to remember the last time she’d seen the sun.
Smiling, she leaned on the intricately-carved railing to get a better view and then gasped. The balcony hung in the air, a two-hundred-foot drop below her. Pine trees stood like giants on the mountainside below, and red sand peeked out between them.
They had to be in Nagali.
She craned her neck. Above her, similar balconies adorned what seemed to be a castle, and the structure itself had been built into the mountainside. It amazed her how seamlessly the castle blended into the rock. Her gaze traced the exotically-upturned roofs, and the way each story of the castle was smaller than the last, reminding her of a tall, castle-sized cake.
Prying her eyes from the architectural marvel, she turned back to the view. It was stunning and foreign. Part of her mourned for the land. How no one now enjoyed its beauty. Part of her was in awe that she’d get to experience something that she’d only read about in books.