Fate War: Alliance

by E. M. Havens

  A wicked cackle split the quiet, and Cole watched through the crack as the prisoner dropped his tooth then smashed it under his heel. There was a crack and spark where he smashed it. How does a tooth spark?

  Samantha released her head and watched with him through their peep hole as the insane soldier continued his cackling. The man then looked straight at the wall where they stood as if he could see them.

  “Nesso, sy yaul,” he said with a mischievous grin.

  Samantha let out a hiss that sounded like “Jasper, no”, but Cole was distracted when the traitor grabbed the bars of his cell. The man reared his head back then brought it down hard into the metal of his cage with a bone shattering crack. Blood erupted from his nose, and he slumped to the floor.

  Cole slammed the slide bolt closed to block out the chaos that erupted on the other side of the wall. “Samantha, I’m sorry you had to see that,” he said and placed reassuring hands on her shoulders. She stepped away from him and backed up the corridor towards the darkness.

  “It’s okay. Really. I didn’t see anything.” She was lying. He could see the fear and disgust carved in the lines on her face. “I’m cold. Can we go back now?” She hugged herself against the chill of the passageway and turned to ascend the stairs.

  “How’s your headache?” Cole retrieved the torch and followed her retreating form.

  “Gone. It left when the sound stopped.”

  “Samantha, I never heard anything.”

  “It must have been my headache causing it.”

  “I guess,” he said and followed her back into the study and out of the secret passage. The warmth, however, did nothing to ease the icy foreboding that settled upon him.

  ****

  The next few days passed much the same for Samantha. She managed to put the disturbing incident with the Fate Soldier out of her mind and tried to enjoy the shared meals with Cole. He would make her a plate laden with food and order her to eat it. He brought her a fresh set of his underclothes to change into each night and insisted she read or help him in his study. She no longer feared his commands. Each one was like sunshine blooming trust within her.

  Though she should be elated that the man she married demanded her to do only the things that she really enjoyed, each day that passed found the spring in her gut coiled a fraction tighter. It was too good to be true. She found herself jumping at every unexpected noise and looking over her shoulder. She shouldn’t be doing any of this; she shouldn’t be breaking so many rules. If they found out, there would be consequences. Surely Cole knew this. He must feel they were safe enough within their chambers to disregard conventions.

  One thing couldn’t be hidden outside their chambers, though. She lifted the hem of her shirt up and poked a finger at her stomach testing the resistance. Yes, she could already see her new eating habits having an effect. Releasing the hem to cover herself, she picked up the book she had been trying to read. She had already read the ones she found interesting, and now, Ancient Battle Practice and Strategy, was the next best thing. She had actually gotten very little reading done in the past few days. Cole was constantly asking her questions about atomic theory or her opinion on tinctures and such. She allowed herself a surreptitious smile. He was so handsome when he got passionate about a topic. The spark in his eye, the curl of his lip when he wanted her to agree with him.

  She tried to concentrate on the text, but it was no use. Placing the book on the night stand, she threw back the covers. She wanted to be outside, even if just on the terrace, but she couldn’t be seen in Cole’s underclothes. Settling for looking out the window, she watched the myriad of servants and nobles mill about the grounds. Searching the faces, she looked for Cole’s. He left earlier with strict instructions for her to read or relax. He had even left a new concoction of herbs for her to try in the bath if she wanted to.

  She was just about to push off from the window when she caught a glimpse of his cocky stride. Why did he look so different? And how in the world had she recognized his walk? She smiled and started chewing her fingernail as she watched him cross the courtyard. He had gotten a haircut, which still left it a little too long. He also wore a waistcoat. Even from here the change was striking. She giggled to herself, tucking her hair behind her ears.

  He reached the end of the courtyard and held his hands out in a friendly greeting. He stepped just out of her line of site, and she strained to see who it was. She could tell embraced someone. A moment later he took a step back holding the person at arm’s length as if looking them over. It must be an old friend he hadn’t seen in a while. Maybe one day soon they would meet. Cole seemed to be very fond of the person.

  A few steps more, and the pair headed back across the courtyard. The wound coil sprang inside Samantha. Retribution for rule breaking had arrived. His arm lay with much familiarity across a woman’s shoulders, and her arm snuck around his waist. Their conversation was animated, but he held her close in a secretive stance. They looked so happy. Even from her perch at the window she could see the woman was beautiful. Long dark hair and tan skin accentuated her fine features. Her figure was perfect and her breasts full. The woman wasn’t even wearing a corset. She was the exact opposite of Samantha.

  They reached the end of the courtyard where a carriage awaited and turned to face each other in obvious farewell. Cole kissed her lips and embraced her again. He helped her to the carriage and shut the door. She handed him a box wrapped in brown paper, then leaned out the window. They waved and smiled. Just before the carriage disappeared beyond the gate she blew him a kiss.

  Samantha backed from the window rubbing her hands up and down her arms. Although it was summer, she was covered in goose bumps. She stood there numbly for what felt like an eternity, until her training began to whisper. This was exactly what she should have expected to happen. She was such a fool neglecting her duties. Such a fool.

  ****

  Cole whistled as he trotted through the castle halls. Brown paper crackled and crunched as the package under his arm jostled with his quick movements. He had never left a meeting with the King in such good spirits. Maybe there was something to the decorum he circumvented for so long. He had petitioned the formal meeting days ago, got a haircut, shave and even worn his waistcoat and jacket. In the meeting he was prepared and firm. In the end his request was granted, though begrudgingly, because he was the Prince.

  He convinced The King; now that left only Samantha. He had a feeling that might be more difficult, but he hoped not. He skidded to a stop before the bedchamber door, still invigorated by his victory. Cole burst through the door calling his bride in a sing song manner.

  “Samantha!” He was instantly deflated.

  The bed was made and the room straightened. Samantha stood silhouetted by the double terrace doors. Her hair was curled and her face hidden below layers of makeup. Every inch of her was covered in a tailored dress, each curve accentuated by an impossible corset.

  “What’s going on, Samantha?” He tried hard to hide the disappointment in his voice.

  “Lord Cole.” She gave the appropriate curtsy. “I wish to apologize for my recent behavior. I have failed to perform my duties as your wife and as a Lady. I have dressed inappropriately and have not seen to your needs. Please forgive me. I promise not to fail you again.”

  She couldn’t even look at him. What happened while he was gone? Sure, she acted anxious, but this turn around was too sudden. Cole sighed, resigned to the set back. He would have plenty of time to get to the bottom of it if he could get her to agree though.

  “I understand. I know appearance is everything to you. I’m sure you would love to spend the next seven weeks sealed in these stuffy rooms. That’s too bad though. I just got permission to spend the rest of our Binding Time at my manor in the southern countryside. But, since tradition and pretense are so important to you, I will just have to cancel the plans.”

  Her reaction was encouraging. She tried diligently to hide her hope and disappointment. Good. Somewhere be
neath the pomp was his Samantha.

  “Of course, if you will consent, we can go.” He waited and watched. He could tell she wanted to say yes, but society said no. Society had a big voice. Just say yes Samantha.

  “Whatever you deem is appropriate, My Lord. I defer to you in all things,” she said with a slight bow of her head.

  “Good enough!” Cole proclaimed and headed to the study to gather some supplies. “Pack a small bag. The rest of our things will be brought in a separate carriage.”

  “Wait.” Samantha stopped him with a hand on his arm. She was trembling. “I am your wife, and I wish to fulfill all my duties.” She began to unbutton her dress from the top. Cole’s stomach clenched. What the slag happened while he was gone?

  “Stop.” He said gently, hoping it didn’t offend her.

  “No…I insist.” She fumbled with the next button with shaky fingers.

  “Samantha, please stop.” Tossing the package on the bed he took her hands away and buttoned back her top.

  “I understand.” She still wouldn’t look at him. “I will try harder to please you My Lord, but I understand if you take your needs elsewhere.”

  “What?” Cole asked, surprised, as he finished buttoning.

  “She is very beautiful, and I don’t mind. Noblemen are afforded some latitude in their affairs and…”

  “She? Who? Samantha what…”

  Remorse weighted his stomach with the realization. She could see the courtyard from the window. Cole schooled his features, stepped back and leaned on the bedpost with his arms crossed.

  “You’re jealous.” He quirked a smile.

  “No. I’m not. I’m ashamed of having neglected your needs and…”

  “No. You’re jealous.” He pushed off the bedpost. “And I like it.” He took her hand and kissed her gloved knuckles. “Rest assured, dear. I’m not sleeping with that woman. I’ve made love to many women, and I’ve had zero complaints, mind you. But I made a vow. I don’t care what leniencies nobles are supposed to have; there is only one woman I plan on making love to again.” Samantha reflexively grasped the buttons on her dress top.

  “But I am disappointed, Samantha. I left a beautiful woman this morning, sitting in that bed, wearing my clothes, with mussed hair and reading battle strategies. I returned to an overdone, vapid and extremely less appealing copy.” He pulled at one of her curls and watched it spring back into place.

  “Keep it though. It’s probably best to look the part as we leave. We don’t want to bust too many boilers.”

  With that he scooped up the package from the bed and left her to pack while he shut himself in the study. Cole slammed his fist hard on the desk.

  “Slag!”

  How could he have been so stupid? The courtyard was just below their quarters. His one indiscretion had cost him weeks of progress with her. He hoped the damage wasn’t irreparable. He would just have to continue on with the plan and find out.

  The carriage was made for comfort; plush seats covered in deep burgundy velvet. Fat angelic figures adorned the ceiling in painted pastels. Gold leaf covered intricately carved swirls within the wooden frame, yet Samantha grew more uneasy with each lurch and pitch of the coach.

  It began with their walk of shame through the castle. It was evident, by the stares of the aristocracy, that Cole’s decision for them to travel during the Binding was not a popular one. With her hand on his arm, Samantha followed, half hiding behind him all the way to the grand entry. Where she cowered at the haughty glares, Cole walked confidently, head held high with that brazen smile. Whether he intended it or not, every inch of him proclaimed King. His countenance dared them to disagree.

  Her unease worsened when they met the King of Arborea who waited to send them off. “You know I’m not pleased with this, Cole.” The King didn’t look angry as he spoke, just tired.

  “I know, father. But we’re suffocating in the castle. I need to be in my home. Samantha needs to be in our home with fresh air and a little more space. Besides, it’s just as safe at the Manor. Maybe even more so considering recent events.”

  The King’s final plea to Cole failing, he tried to convince Samantha.

  “Lady Samantha, surely you can convince your husband to stay.” The King had addressed her. The question had been like dry tinder tossed on a flame she didn’t know was lit. How dare he ask her to contradict her husband in public, or at all? The intensity of her response had surprised her, but she managed an appropriate reply.

  “My King, I defer to my husband’s judgment in these matters.”

  “I’ll keep her safe, Father. She won’t be out of my sight. The Binding Time will be adhered to,” Cole interjected.

  “It must.” The King stepped closer to Cole and his brow furrowed in warning. “All concessions from our earlier discussion must be abided by. You cannot put the Alliance at jeopardy for fresher air.”

  “Yes, Father.” Cole and the King clasped hands amicably, but the underlying tension remained. The King kissed her hand and bid them fair journey, striding off to attend his never ending duties.

  Samantha became even tenser as they approached the carriage. A commotion arose behind it. She looked to see Octavious and Freedom tethered behind their coach. Freedom snorted and tossed her ebony mane. She pulled at her lead trying to break away. The stable hands had a hard time calming her. The row made Octavious nervous, and he pranced in place.

  “Looks like Freedom is anxious to be on the way,” Cole remarked and patted Samantha’s hand which tightened on his arm. “It’s good to see her with a little spirit after so many years.”

  Samantha silently willed Freedom to calm down. Thankfully, as they entered the carriage, she did. Freedom would be an amazing mount. It saddened Samantha to know that she would never ride her.

  As the carriage jostled along, Cole sat opposite her and stared relentlessly, making her even more uncomfortable. She could swear, as each new wave of heat pinked her cheeks, she could hear him chuckling over the din of the carriage.

  “Let’s play a game.” The suddenness of his voice after a half hour of silence startled her into looking at him. The grin on his face, and the mischief in his gaze set her on edge. She narrowed her eyes as if it might help her ascertain his true motives.

  “What kind of a game?” she asked skeptically. Her voice caught as the carriage hit a particularly nasty hole.

  “It’ll be easy. I’ll ask you five questions. If you answer them completely and in all honesty, I’ll give you this gift.” He indicated the package the woman in the courtyard had given him. She flushed again, this time in embarrassment. She had jumped to conclusions earlier and made more of a fool of herself than even she believed she was. Luckily, Cole had taken her accusations in stride. The incident, however, left her more confused than ever.

  “All the questions will be about your favorite things. Come on, it will help pass the time,” he urged.

  Samantha had no favorite things. This would be harder than her husband thought.

  “All right,” she acquiesced, hoping that it would at least make him take his eyes off her.

  “Good.” If possible, his smile became even more devious. “What’s your favorite food?”

  For the first time all day, Samantha smiled. Maybe she did have some favorite things. This question was easy.

  “Chocolate mousse. I’d never had it before, but it’s my favorite now.” She looked out the window, still unable to meet his unending gaze. She spotted a few houses along the mostly wooded road.

  “I really can’t believe you’ve never had chocolate mousse before,” he said, still in shock.

  “We weren’t served dessert at the school. I don’t really remember anything like it as a child.”

  Cole was quiet for a moment as he pretended to think of another question. She had no doubt, however, that he knew exactly what all five questions were already. She chanced a look to find him still staring at her. This time she didn’t look away. The moment stretched, and she studied h
is eyes. She had forgotten their uniqueness. She wondered if they were, in fact, a biological improbability. Two colors. Green along the outer rims fading to blue near the pupil. The in-between color, like a tide pool swirling together sky and sea.

  “What’s your favorite color?”

  “Blue…green like the sea.”

  Samantha’s mouth had spoken on its own accord, and her small hope that Cole hadn’t realized the muse to her response was dashed when those sea green eyes wrinkled with mischief at the edges. He could be so cocky. She broke the trance and looked out of the window again, desperately trying to hide the grin that threatened to devour her face.

  “Next question,” she said behind a giggle.

  “What was your favorite subject in school?”

  Her smile faded, but she forced it back. Why did he have to make her think about that?

  “Flower arranging,” she said. The land slipping by her window now was forest and field. No signs of the city remained.

  “No. You’re lying, and now you can’t have your present.” She was shocked he would call her a liar, but when she faced him again, his bottom lip stuck out like a pouting child. He held the package in a bear hug. She couldn’t help but laugh at the site of him. He broke the pose and encouraged her.

  “Tell me.”

  Trust. She should trust him. He hadn’t given her reason not to. Even the incident in the courtyard was a misunderstanding. Just trust him. Taking a breath to steady her nerves, she said, “Accounts.”

  “Can you explain?”

  “Balancing ledgers, household finances and the like.”

  “So, mathematics.” She looked at him through her eyelashes waiting for his response.

  “That is…” He paused for drama’s sake. “Extraordinary!” Her shoulders shook with quiet laughter at his animated responses.

  “That you could find something to enjoy in that awful, awful school. I bet you could keep the accounts for the entire kingdom down to a single coin.”