“I don’t suppose you would have gotten the opportunity to be a child.” He said interrupting her thoughts. She nodded.
“No. I trained hard. I became the best because I had to. It has always been a battle to survive. That was my heritage passed down to me as a babe. That battle is the same for thousands of others. The longer the King threatens us by continuing his pointless wars, the more children will be born with that heritage.”
“I don’t have the power you think I have.”
“You live in a gilded cage.” She looked around at the library again. “Under threat of death and danger, but when the King dies, you will take his place. That might not be power today, but that’s power tomorrow. That’s hope for a better future. I don’t need you to fix today. I need you to fix tomorrow.”
He stared at her before sighing.
“There’s a council full of men who-”
“Throw them out.” She growled. “When your King you have the power. Throw them out if they want to continue to live in yesterday. You want happiness then you take it. This world will never let you have it unless you take it for yourself and keep it.”
“Then what about your happiness? Are you happy here playing dress-up?”
“Happy? I don’t think that word exists in my world. I live in the gutter you live in a palace. There’s no power that I hold that could gain me happiness, let alone let me keep it. I’ve tried, and it’s not a way to live.”
“You’re telling me the…” he looked around. “Assassin of Acreage” he whispered. “Has no power? You-”
“I scare people into submission. I view people as expendable and kill them without remorse-”
“You have remorse. You wouldn’t be able to say sorry. You wouldn’t understand it otherwise.”
She went to open her mouth when the doors opened. In the doorway stood James. His brown eyes landed on Serena. Eyes full of ice.
“My Prince, the Captain wishes to speak with you.” He said with a bow. Daryl nodded.
“Alright. Please see Lady Serena back to her room. I’m sure she’ll like the time to read.” He said getting up. The lieutenant bowed again.
“Of course, my Prince,”
“Thank you, James”
James stood up and glared at Serena, who stood. He looked her up and down, his eyes devouring every inch of her.
“Let’s go,”
She pulled the book to her chest and walked closer, feeling the eyes of a hunter on her.
“James, is it?”
“No talking,” he growled. Her eyes looked over him some more, landing on the sword at his hip. The blade protruded from the top of the sheath, exposing the metal. Black iron reflected the light.
Her blood ran cold. She only saw a black blade once before. In the light of the fire that burned down her guild. James was too young to have been that man who towered over her that day. He was not the man who killed Adrian, but he was somehow connected to it.
“You have a nice blade.”
He looked at her out of the corner of her eyes as they walked. He continued in silence, nodding at the two guards outside her doors. She didn’t recognize either of them.
He opened the doors and held it for her. She walked in warily, unsure of what was wrong. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as he shut the door. She spun, swinging the book at his face. He caught the book glaring at her. With quick feet, he shoved her against the nearby wall, pinning her there.
“Let me make one thing very clear to you.”
He ripped the book out of her hands, tossing it aside as he held her by the throat. She glared at him, a warning in her eyes.
“Get off me,”
“I don’t care who you are. You come into this castle and stir up all kinds of shit. Hanging out with the Captain and the Prince, like no one is going to notice. Trying to get close to them while putting on this act like you’re some kind of docile Lady?” he snorted, punching the wall next to her head. She refused to flinch, holding his eye contact.
“You’re messing everything up for everyone. When the General arrives, he’ll enjoy tearing you limb from limb for trying to manipulate his son. I guarantee you won’t live out the first week after his return.”
“Who are you to know such a thing?” She glared at him. “You’re just a soldier.” Her hand slowly drifted to his sword.
“If I ever catch you dressed like a maid snooping in the hall, I’ll kill you.”
She elbowed him hard in the chest, trying to push him far enough away to unsheathe his blade. He tightened his grip on her throat with a grin.
“Give me a reason, little assassin.”
“James!” yelled a voice. Serena looked at Mary, who stared at the pair. Slowly James pulled back from her.
“She went for my blade, Mary. I had to make sure she knew better.” James said over his shoulder. “Remember your place,” A sinister grin sat on his face as he looked at her. He bowed his head to Mary before leaving. Mary scowled, rushing over.
“Are you alright?”
“What the fuck is his problem?” Serena snapped, rubbing her sore neck.
“You want a list?” Mary led her to a seat. “I’ll order you some tea with honey for your throat.” She said calling for another woman. Mary gave quick instructions before returning and picking up the book. She sat it on the table in front of Serena.
“What’s the list?”
“He’s an angry young man. Orphaned at two, he’s devoted his life to war. None of the women like him. He has killed a lady of the night once or twice. Not that the Captain didn’t swoop in and save him from their justice.”
“And why would the Captain keep someone like him around?”
“He has special skills. He was trained by one of the last witch hunters of the war. They also grew up together.”
“Witch hunters?”
“Yes, brutish animals if you ask me, but the Captain needs one. Just in case some witch tries to hurt the Prince. It’s invaluable.”
“Why not have James train another and-”
“Betray him? James is crazy enough to burn this whole place down. The General loves him. So does the King. I think he’s really with the Captain to spy on him for the General, but the Captain refuses to believe me. James saved his life too many times.”
“Saved his life from who?”
“The General, soldiers, and even once the King. He’s not a man you want as your enemy.”
“Nor am I,”
A young maid knocked, and Mary rushed over to gather the tea. She poured Serena a cup and added the honey. Serena took sips, mulling over the new information. James was a wild card. A deadly one. She snorted at the thought. So was she.
“Let me know if you need anything,” Mary said walking out.
Serena turned to the book in front of her. Her fingers trailed its edges as she took a deep breath before opening it again. The symbols written into the margin called to her and she read over them. However, even though she could understand the words, they held no meaning.
Various mentions of twilight and offerings to a Goddess but it never named her. Serena tossed through pages looking for something about the strange creatures she was seeing. Why was she the only one seeing them? Why were they appearing to her? So many questions swirled.
She flipped through more pages and frowned.
Nothing. Nothing about the creatures.
How? Frustrated, she looked again. Maybe something she missed in the margin. Nothing.
She slammed her fist into the book and felt her veins heat with magic. Did the book have magical properties?
She rushed around, locking doors and pulling curtains over the windows. Once the room felt secure, she lit a candle and towered over the book. Slowly she let her blood heat, her magic rising awkwardly to her fingertips. With another careful glance over the room, she pressed the magic in her hand into the book.
Nothing.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips. Perhaps she needed to say something.
She flipped through the page’s hidden words, looking at spells, information on the gods, and ceremonies. The largest section was on the Twilight Princess, Goddess of shadows, Rutia. A goddess Serena knew little about. She knew little about the gods outside of the patron of assassins, Altara.
She read about the Twilight Princess’ twin the Midnight Prince and his dominion over light. Both in a constant battle against the other. The creatures she saw following her were named Winged Ones. They were the spies of the Twilight Princess who could not leave the Mystic Forest.
A laugh escaped her. This was crazy. She felt so out of her depth and it frightened her. Hearing a noise outside, she rushed to force the magic down and shoved the book into her bookshelf.
She took a breath, calming herself. Enough books and magic. Satisfied by the quiet of the castle, she changed into her maid outfit and set off into the halls. Slowly she crept around trying to decide on the information she sought. She drifted towards the Captain’s room curious about the events leading up to the missing guard.
Slowly she peeked into the room noticing it was silent. She crept into the room and saw the office door open. Looking inside she spotted the Captain sitting at his desk. He poured himself another drink from a half-drunk decanter. He took a long drink his eyes full of dread. She watched him stand and push away from his desk. His fingers moved to the chain on his neck before turning to look out the window.
She moved to the doorway leaning against it unseen.
“Are you alright Captain?”
He let out a curse spinning to see her. “You shouldn’t be here! Go back to your room!”
She shrugged and moved closer until she stood before his desk.
“Did you get my apology letter?”
“Yes, it was sent to Georgina. She appreciated it but I doubt she’ll be trying to have tea with you anytime soon.” He said picking up his glass and taking another sip. She took it from him and took a sip herself. The fiery liquid burned her throat, warming her. She took another sip.
“Such a pity,” she said putting the glass back down.
“If you came to steal alcohol, I can have some sent to you. If anyone catches you out-”
“They won’t. Did you find out anything about the poisoner or the missing guard?”
“No,” he sighed. “There’s been little information to find. Whoever it was, made sure it would go unnoticed.”
“So then what happens?”
He shrugged taking another long drink.
“I’ll control the fallout and we’ll keep an eye out. That’s all I can do.”
“You act like you don’t have an assassin around.”
“I don’t need more dead bodies. Please just go back to your room.”
“You’re on edge. More so than normal. What is the fallout for something like this?”
He looked up at her their eyes meeting. She searched them for an answer, but he looked away quickly.
"Nothing to concern yourself about. Daryl will be training with you tomorrow. He asked to join your session with Raft. I’ll be busy with other matters.”
“Busy with what?”
“Trying to get you into the guards. Getting a mercenary in is hard enough but you’ve been paraded as a lady. It complicates things.”
The doors to the apartment opened.
“Please make sure my sheets are fresh tonight. That will be all,” he said to her. Serena bowed to him keeping her eyes low as she headed towards the door. A guard walked in and handed the Captain a letter.
“The King has summoned you,”
Serena’s blood ran cold at the words, but she pressed forwards leaving. Reaching her room, she anxiously waited for word on the Captain. Why did the King need to see him? What would he do to the Captain?
◆◆◆
Chapter Eleven
Serena worried about the Captain. Admitting it left a sour taste in her mouth. She sat at the table dressed as a guard, finishing her breakfast. The doors opened and hope to see the Captain nestled in. Instead, Daryl stood in the doorway grinning.
“I was hoping perhaps you wouldn’t be opposed to me joining training this morning. The Captain is engaged elsewhere.”
“He told me last night. Is he okay?” The words fell out without thought. Daryl smiled.
“He will be.”
Not accepting his answer, Serena stood heading towards the door. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do, but she wanted to help. Daryl grabbed her arm, stopping her.
“Don’t. You’ll only make it worse. For now, just let him handle his affairs.”
Serena pulled her arm free, logic finally winning her mind. She didn’t have a plan. Acting without one was stupid. Regaining her senses and pushing the last of the anxiety away, she focused on a new task. Training. Training could melt all her worries away.
“Let’s train,” she said, leading off down the halls. Daryl followed closely, trying to strike up a conversation, but Serena refused to engage. Ike and Raft followed a few steps behind. Before long, they walked onto the training fields. Her eyes fell to her waiting weapons and grinned. As she inspected them, Daryl pulled his sword.
“You don’t want me to fight against you.”
“Try me. I want to learn,”
She looked at him and sighed. His face showed determination and if he could hold his own against her, then he was more prepared than most. If people were trying to kill a nobody Lady of the court, then he faced plenty of attempts himself.
She pulled her sword, turning to him.
“You get the first move. Raft, watch closely. I’ll break down some of these moves for you after.”
Raft walked closer, eyes wide. Ike scowled as always.
Daryl moved the instant she stopped speaking. His blade thrust at her head and she barely dodged, her eyes wide. He wasn’t holding back, and she almost laughed at the exhilaration of it. He moved again, slicing at her chest, but she knocked her blade into his. The tip of his blade dipped, and she moved her free hand up, fisting it as it grew closer to his face. She stopped just before impact. He stared at her.
“Don’t forget about the other hand. Always stay out of reach.”
“I didn’t even see it,” he said, pulling back.
“You’re not supposed to,” She stepped back evening her feet. “Again,”
Several more attempts were to no avail. She paired Daryl and Raft together, going over various moves. She included tips for things to watch for. Watching them bumble through her instructions made her laugh.
After another failed attempt. Ike walked over.
“You’re not listening, Raft! Get your guard up. I don’t want to tell Klara you got yourself killed.”
“You know his fiancé?”
“He’s gonna be my father-in-law.” Raft said before Ike could stop him. Serena stared at Ike. No wonder Ike was always with him, watching over him.
“Try again,” Ike said, ignoring Serena’s look.
They returned to training and for a few hours, she was lost in the toils of it. Her mind no longer thought about emotions and only focused on the blades swirling in the air. She could happily say Daryl learned quickly, so her impromptu lessons didn’t go to waste. Raft too eventually got the hang of it. They all stood sweating and panting by the end.
“Thank you,” Daryl commented. “You didn’t have to help me.”
“I actually didn’t mind. You’ll make a great King if you stay on this path.” She returned, putting her blade away. He smiled.
“I pray you’re right,”
Ike took her weapons away carefully checking to be sure nothing was mis
sing.
“Come on. Can’t I just have a knife?”
“Not until the Captain says you can,” Ike said, walking off with them.
Daryl sheathed his blade and motioned for her to walk with him. She fell in line as they looked at the flowers in the garden. Tall stemmed blossoms with small yellow buds, bushes of roses in all colors. The garden’s several paths led to various areas of the castle grounds. She enjoyed the feel of the wind on her neck as they walked in comfortable silence before returning inside. They entered taking a long way back passing by the large central staircase in the great foyer. A maid going up the stairs carrying a glass tripped. The glass went flying and broke on the ground, spilling the red liquid inside. The maid choked on a sob as Daryl rushed to her.
“Are you alright?”
“I’m sorry, My Prince,” she said, rushing to bow. He gently helped her to her feet and inspected her.
“Are you injured?”
“No, your highness,” she said, turning to pick up the broken glass. She cut her hand, and he drew her away. He pulled out his handkerchief and wrapped her bleeding hand tight. He looked at Raft, who was with them.
“Get me another maid.”
Raft nodded, running off.
“I’m sorry. I should’ve been more careful-”
“It’s alright. Mistakes happen,” he said with a soft smile. The maid gave a meek smile in return as a booming voice yelled into the halls.
“Where is my drink!”
Loud steps followed down the hall to the grand stairs where all the commotion was. The King stood glaring down at the sight. He looked just as imposing as she remembered.
“You!” he growled, pointing at the maid.
Daryl quickly stood in front of her and gave a look, asking Serena to help. She pulled the maid behind her as well. The maid stumbled behind, shaking with fear. The King glared at the Prince and then noticed the glass.
“You clumsy savage! That wine is worth more than your life!” He glared at the maid. Serena scowled at that statement.
“I’ll have another glass brought to you father,”
The Death Sparrow's Shadow: The Assassin of Acreage Book One Page 13