“You’re lucky, he knows when people are lying.”
“I’m not lying.”
“I’d wager you’d better come with us then,” Aloyna decided.
There was no, how are you here?
Or where exactly did you come from?
Or, you’re related to me, hi, nice to meet you.
Or even shock, really.
Meghan and Sebastien passed a wary glance between them. He grabbed her hand again. They were staying together, no matter what.
“Nice outfit, by the way,” her grandmother told her as she and Jasper took off. “It’s nice to see a young woman embrace herself in such daring clothes. I’m sure your husband appreciates it, too.” She had a humored tease in her voice.
Meghan choked out some more words that didn’t quite form, meaning to say, “Oh, he’s not my husband. And right, olden days, people married super young.” Sebastien was no help, trying not to laugh at her. She finally mustered out, “We’re not married.”
“You’re holding hands in public.” Which meant, of course you are.
“We are recently married,” Sebastien answered on her behalf. “It’s still new to us.”
“Oh, well, congratulations, and many blessings.” Aloyna and Jasper motioned them down some stairs into a basement.
Meghan eyed Sebastien, hard.
He got in close to her ear and whispered. “They think we’re not married, we get separated. That’s not happening. I don’t care who we happened to run into. And… you do look good.” He would know, he picked it out.
And suddenly there wasn’t enough room to breathe inside her clothes. Meghan forced out a silent grumble. They followed down a long corridor, leading to who knew where.
CHAPTER 6
Juliska eyed Colby unhappily. She despised being summoned. Especially at this moment. She had much to do, and little time. And now, of all days, Fazendiin wanted a personal meeting.
“What does he wish to see me about? I’m busy.”
Colby eyed the Queen like she was crazy to even think she could turn him down.
She ground her teeth together, she wasn’t going to get out of this. And he’d sent his insolent child, to fetch her.
She gazed to Tanzea and passed along a silent message. Something she could do with each of her Scratchers, if she wanted.
“Keep an eye on things while I’m gone. Mainly, KarNavan. Don’t let him get any ideas. And the young one, Colby, don’t let him stray too far either.”
Juliska forced a toothy smile at Colby. “Enjoy your stay.” Her words held only coldness, and indicated, she’d return soon, and his presence would not be needed, long.
“Actually,” Colby turned to KarNavan. “You are going with her.” Not a request, but an order. “My father says, it’s nearly time.” And even though he hadn’t cared what that meant, and had not asked, his tone held the wisdom that he did. And whatever it was, the Striper leader got a greedy bead shining in his eye. It still didn’t make Colby care.
Juliska eyed the Striper, wondering what his business was with Fazendiin. Just what kind of deal he’d made. She didn’t like the man, but she liked leaving Colby in charge, less. Although, what difference did it make in the end, they were all fulfilling the Grosvenor’s plans. Hers, were just a personal side project. To get even with everyone who’d conspired against her, and killed her son. There was a pain that sliced through her at the thought of her son, and the vision she’d had, and her visit from that betrayer, Eddy. She would not be sucked into another trick, ever again. She breathed it out like flames doused by ice.
“Father. Father.”
KarNavan looked upward to see his daughter approaching. He heard an under the breath grunt and slid his gaze sideways to see Colby, eyeing his daughter in a far too interested, manner.
“I didn’t know you had a daughter,” Colby grinned out smugly.
“Yes. He does,” Katana Jade answered on her own behalf. “And you are?”
“I’m surprised your father hasn’t told you about me.”
“Oh, wait,” Katana put her hands on her hips. “You’re the smug idiot.”
Her father bit his tongue at her audacity. Colby didn’t even bat an eye.
“Yeah, that’s me.”
Elisha hissed through her teeth down by his ankles. She didn’t agree.
“Grosvenor’s, kid. Colby, right?”
He grimaced. Kid. His least favorite word. And he’d really enjoy punching the smug off KarNavan’s face right about now over that.
The Striper leader took a step closer to his daughter and tossed her a what do you want, look.
“Just wanted to let you know I started the job.” She gave him a mocking salute that was clearly a marker for pretending to be the obedient daughter. Her father ignored it.
“Good. Keep at it. I’ll be leaving, for a time.” He had no idea how long actually. “You will report to Ardon while I’m away.”
“No.”
KarNavan spun around, eyeing Colby with venom in his gaze. “Excuse me?”
“If anyone’s reporting to anyone around here, that will be me.” Colby stated it like he’d just set down the law and no one had better even think about breaking it. Elisha was pleased with this attitude and encouraged him. The Striper leader had every inkling this was only partly laying down the law, and partly because this happened to be his daughter, and Colby was getting a kick out of seeing him squirm.
Good thing Katana could fend for herself. He simply smirked, and nodded. Then cast a gaze at his daughter which she understood to mean, Ardon… you report to Ardon.
“Well this is fun,” Juliska frowned. “Can we go now?”
KarNavan motioned for her to lead the way.
When they were gone, Colby asked, “So what’s your name?”
“Katana Jade KarNavan. Do not ever call me Kat.”
“Why? What happens then?”
“Do it, and find out.” Her tone went from pompous and playful, to cross, fast.
“I have a feeling my answer should be, I’d like to keep all my body parts, thank you.”
“Good answer.” Her grin returned. “You’re full of yourself, but smart at least. So, have you been here before?”
“Yes. But not since the takeover. And I expect a full tour before dark.”
“Let’s get started then.”
Elisha popped into his mind. “I’m going to hunt.”
“Okay. Keep your eyes open. I have a strange feeling they’re trying to hide something from me.”
“Not on my watch, they won’t.”
“Never,” agreed Colby. He watched his Catawitch saunter away.
It wasn’t far in that they ran into Ardon.
“Katana,” she nodded in greeting. “And Colby. Hello.” She was surprised to see him there.
“Ardon, correct?”
“Yes.”
“You’re KarNavan’s number two?”
“Correct.”
“I was just giving Colby a tour of what’s going on around here,” explained Katana. “My father, and Juliska Blackwell, have left the island for a meeting with Fazendiin.”
“KarNavan did not inform me of this.”
“It was rather a sudden departure,” informed Colby. “My father doesn’t like to wait.”
“No leader does,” Katana replied a touch snidely.
Ardon gave her an evil eye that warned, “Watch yourself.”
Colby just gave a clipped chuckle. “She’s right. We don’t like to wait.”
“I’m returning home for a late dinner,” Ardon informed Katana, her silent addition, I’d better see you there. “Colby, when you’ve finished the tour, I’d be pleased to have you join us.”
“Thank you. I will.” He cast a priggish grin no one understood. He was thinking how much KarNavan would hate that he was eating at his table, with his daughter, and second in command. Something about pissing that guy off was far too much fun.
“Shall we continue?” suggested Katana.
“Yes.”
“Oh, before you go,” stopped Ardon. “How long will KarNavan and Juliska be gone?”
Katana deferred to Colby.
“No idea. You’re stuck with me for the time being. Is that a problem?”
“Not at all, Master Colby. Katana, make sure you take our guest to visit our new prisoner. I believe they are already acquainted.” Ardon made to leave, catching the surprise in Katana’s jade-colored eyes. Not over the fact that Colby and Jae had met previously, but that she wanted Colby to know where Jae was. Just what was her aunt up to?
Regardless, she’d gotten the hint. And wondered if this had something to do with the mysterious plan B Ardon was putting together. Because Katana didn’t think Colby’s dear old daddy was any more trustworthy than her aunt did. And her father was blind to this, for some reason that made no sense. It wasn’t like him. He wouldn’t talk about the deal he’d made with the Grosvenor, just insisted it would be worth it. But she intended to make it to her eighteenth birthday.
They would not betray KarNavan. But they had a plan B coming together, just in case his lack of sense, backfired. Which she and Ardon, unfortunately, were worried might happen.
They reached the barn and a guard stepped aside.
“Who’s in there?” asked Colby. It was more like a command. He didn’t like walking into strange places not knowing what was inside.
“Juliska’s pet.”
“Pajak?”
Katana laughed. “No, not the creepy little demon spider.”
She threw open the doors to reveal the cage inside.
Jae swung around.
Colby breathed in.
Their eyes met, equal parts disdain and instant understanding.
So this is where Jae ended up. Back in Juliska’s clutches. And now, a prisoner from the looks of it. Colby had the strangest thought that it might as well be him, inside that cage. His own was just much larger and included a non-stop climb up a mountain with no top.
Jae grunted, and cast his gaze aside. He wasn’t surprised to see Colby come waltzing in.
But seeing Jae in that cage did something strange to Colby. It drew some invisible line in which they were both on one side of, equaling some kind of mutual, if not a sick, sort of respect.
It also made Colby furious. And for the first time since he’d numbed himself, and killed all those Mazuruk, his mind raced like it was flying across the sky. The Magicante woke up and charged at full steam.
“Let him out.”
“What?” Katana replied, stunned.
“You heard me. Let. Him. Out.” The Magicante was strumming hard to pick up the excess emotion tearing through him. Something about seeing Jae in that cage infuriated him. Perhaps because it was too much like the cage around his own heart. The cage his father had him in. The cage he’d volunteered to live in.
When Katana passed her gaze between him and Jae, unsure if she should obey, Colby lifted his arm and with a crushing motion, broke the lock on Jae’s door.
Oddly, Jae had no problem leaving the cage. Something about Colby was… what the heck was it? He couldn’t put it into words, but this guy wasn’t going to make him kill anyone. Or hurt anyone. Which made no sense to think, or believe, as Colby was a killer.
When Jae was free of the prison, Colby raised his hand and with another crushing motion the cage imploded in on itself. The bars snapping and breaking.
“Not a fan of cages, either?” noted Jae flatly.
Katana watched, in awe of it. Such power. And she sure as heck hoped her aunt knew what she was doing. Because Jae was out of the cage now.
He made his way to Colby. They just eyed each other for a long minute.
Neither truly trusted the other, and yet there was an unsaid understanding, between them.
It was an odd situation.
“You’ll come eat dinner with us.”
“That might not be a smart idea,” Jae replied.
“I’m in charge. So it’s only my say, that matters.”
“My father and Juliska have gone to meet with Fazendiin,” explained Katana. There was a gleam in her eyes that mimicked, now the rest of us get to play. Jae wasn’t in the mood. “And just so you know, I was going to get you out of this cage. He just beat me to it.”
Jae eyed her incredulously.
Colby frowned at her. “You were going to try to free him?”
She shrugged, suddenly a bit timid. Maybe admitting that to the guy in charge wasn’t the best idea, even though he’d just done the same thing.
Colby’s mouth turned up in a tight grin. She might be KarNavan’s daughter, and a Striper, but he kind of liked her.
“It’s not like you can leave the island anyway,” Colby aimed at Jae.
“No,” agreed Jae. “How long is Juliska gone?”
“We don’t know that,” Katana returned. “Looks like you get a reprieve, Jae Mochrie.”
“What are you talking about?” Colby demanded.
She hurriedly explained what Juliska had planned for Jae.
Somehow, during the course of the explanation, Colby felt himself slide down that invisible mountain just a few steps. His father was okay with all of this? And he was supposed to be too.
But wasn’t there a way to get what they wanted, without needless killing. He’d killed before. Yes. He’d done it for his father. But having Jae kill his family just because… something didn’t sit well with that.
Jae was his sister’s friend, too. He’d looked out for her. He kind of seemed like… a good guy. But also on his side, in a way. Not by choice, but still, there anyway.
“Someone’s having an existential crisis,” mumbled Katana.
Colby straightened himself. “Am not.”
“Wow. You two could vie for brooder of the year.”
Jae shook his head. At least in this moment, it looked like he might have just a little more time. It wasn’t much of a reprieve. And he wasn’t that hungry. But it was better than being in a cage all night.
They left the barn and joined Ardon for dinner. She didn’t even act surprised when Jae made an appearance. Although she did order him to take a bath before sitting at the clean kitchen table. Which he did, gladly. Although with speed, as being alone in the hot water, which was relaxing, was something he did not need. He might be out of that cage tonight, but he could just as easily be put back inside, tomorrow.
Dinner was awkward, to put it nicely. It was an odd group. Two Stripers, Colby, and Jae. And even stranger, a face he recognized was serving their food. Oliver Stamm. Dr. Stamm’s son. Now eleven. Maybe twelve, Jae couldn’t quite remember.
Oliver had gasped and frozen upon seeing him. Jae had tried to smile and then let it drop. He was technically the enemy now, back from the dead, so to speak. That pretty much lost what little appetite he had.
Oliver dropped a plate while setting up the table. It didn’t break, but he stuttered through an apology and disappeared back into the kitchen to fetch a clean replacement.
“What is it my father calls him?” Katana said. “Oh, right. Oliver Stammer.” She chuckled. “Because he can’t get through a sentence without stuttering.”
“Really?” Colby replied. “Have we sunk so low as to make fun of a kid who stammers? And why wouldn’t he? He’s scared to death.” God. Where was all this coming from? Actually, and so sickeningly so, this response wasn’t unlike his father. He would not tolerate that type of behavior. Hell, maybe he would. Colby wasn’t sure anymore. He’d been raised one way, but his father’s actions didn’t always align. He was willing to sacrifice anyone necessary to get what he wanted. And yet lived a life where education and knowledge, and things like manners, were prized. He was a walking contradiction.
Why was his father allowing all of this to take place?
There it was again. Still so many unanswered questions. But this must have something to do with Juliska. This was her territory.
“I wasn’t really making fun. We just literally have no
thing to talk about. Talk about your awkward dinner parties.” Katana sighed in an annoyed fashion. She had a point there.
Oliver came back in with a new plate, and returned shortly after with a thick pot of stew.
Colby eyed the kid, who was so ridiculously scared it wasn’t even funny. He got up, grabbed a bowl, filled it with stew, and ordered the kid to go back into the kitchen and eat.
Oliver obliged, although a little stunned. He was not allowed to eat until everyone else was finished.
“Why exactly are kids playing slave here?” Colby directed at Ardon.
She didn’t bat an eye. “He’s here, in this house, because his father is currently hiding out on the island.”
The group of escapees, he’d heard of.
“I’m guessing you think his father might attempt to reach out to him in some way?”
“That’s KarNavan’s thoughts on the matter.”
“But not yours,” Colby assumed.
“The escapes won’t be in hiding much longer. They will run out of supplies soon. They’ll have to give themselves up.”
Colby ate the rest of the meal in silence. Having a private conversation between him, and his Magicante. The cranky old voice encouraged him to push out and test his powers. And he was thinking about doing just that.
If he was indeed, The King, who was there to stop him?
Ardon liked this plan B. Well, it was more like Plan C. She was throwing out her original backup plan. This Colby kid, he was the key to getting the Stripers out of this mess of a job. As long as whatever he did could not be traced back to her in any way, they were golden. Let him stir up trouble. Then they’d get a free pass off this island and back to normal life. And normal jobs.
Poor kid was a mess though. Probably sitting there thinking he’s king of the world.
And that’s exactly what she hoped he was thinking. She only hoped she could contain the mess he’d make, and it would work to their advantage. Maybe she did still need a Plan B.
CHAPTER 7
Meghan and Sebastien sat at a table across from Aloyna and Jasper. They each stared, thinking silently, to themselves. This was a most unique moment. Neither party, entirely sure how to handle such an insane situation.
Sacrifice (The Wayward King, The Projector's Mother, and A Prophecy Reborn) (A Fated Fantasy Quest Adventure Book 9) Page 8