“Not to be rude my dear and speaking from experience. You have your entire life to get to know these men. It is not our place to know them before we wed them, that is for those who aren’t royalty.” I gapped at her in shock, she was blatantly telling me to fuck them, and then get to know them.
“I’m not going to sleep with anyone I don’t know, let alone don’t love. Contract be damned.” She barked a laugh in my face.
“What a lovely childish sentiment, but unfortunately for you, one that cannot apply. If you don’t solidify your union before your nineteenth birthday, then all of Lasina will be at war. You don’t have time for love, at least not yet,” her words were snide, and yet I could hear the truth in them. I decided I was done with this conversation and stood.
“Thank you for allowing me to see the contract no one thought to see if I was alright with. Have a wonderful day.” I pulled myself up to my full height of five foot five and walked proudly out of the room.
I leaned against the bedroom door and listened as Sic spoke with his mother, “You don't have to be rude mom. You could have explained it to her much better.”
“She needs to understand all that is at stake. She’s still a child in all the ways that matter, and she knows nothing of our world,” Salima’s words were not said unkindly, just a statement of fact.
I walked away from the door and sat on the bed facing the window. The sky was a pale lavender offsetting a crimson sun. Away in the distance, I could see gold waters sparkling in the light. I didn’t know if they were from the sea or a nearby lake, but I had the sudden desire to be away from this castle and these men.
I found the bag that had my stuff on a side table and reached into it for clothes. I couldn’t feel anything, so I stuck my head in and a light popped on. The bag was utterly empty. “Where’s my stuff?” I yelled to no one and anyone.
Kai opened the door slowly. “What did you yell?”
I turned holding up the bag in my hand. “Where is my stuff?” I accused him, as I shook the bag.
“Oh,” he walked towards a door near the bathroom and opened it slowly. “This is your closet, we put all your things away in here. Along with a few other things you might need.”
“You unpacked my things? Why would you do that?” I wasn’t staying here not for one more minute. I marched through the doors and drew up short. The closet was massive, all my furniture was in place with racks, and rack of shoes and clothes. I was more than a bit shocked at the sheer volume of items.
“We’ve been planning this for ten years, we made sure you would want for nothing here. Emot picked out hundreds of pairs of shoes, while Sic worked on the dresses and other lady things. I made sure you had jeans and t-shirts since that’s what you wore most back in the Earthly realm,” his words were soft next to my ear, and I shivered at his nearness.
“Why would you all agree to this? It’s utterly ridiculous, not to mention this mysterious fourth man that hasn’t been seen in ten years. I’m being set up to fail, so why bother? I want to go home. NOW!” I was venting all my anger, and deep down I knew Kai wasn’t deserving of this, but he was the only one here.
“If you go home now, you run the risk of Vago finding and killing you. You are the one piece of the puzzle that is utterly irreplaceable. Sic, Emot, Zugo, and me; we are all replaceable in the Treaty. Hell, I have five brothers that could just as easily take my place. There is no other female royal in all of Lasina that can replace you. Please stay, at least until we get Zugo, or until we hear that Vago is back,” he ended his words on a plea for my safety.
“That’s a dick move on your part, but fine I’ll stay until we hear Vago has returned. Why do you all have similar names? Letter wise at least.” I was curious about them at least a tiny bit. He did have a point though, it was smarter to stay until Vago returned, then I would be safe in the Earthly realm. “Can I at least leave this castle?”
“As far as leaving the castle is concerned you will need a guard detail, but yes, you can leave. The names are as old as the split, at least in terms of what they start with. East got A through G, South got H through M, West got N through T, and the North got U through Z. Your grandmother was from the East, your grandfather the West, your father the North and you mother was born in the South. That is why your family have never stayed within the required lettering mandates. You were born on Earth, and not subject to the customs of our world.” Holy crap, they even divided up the alphabet in this world.
I pushed Kai gently back out of the door, my hands resting on his rock-hard chest. Holy shit, the man was a brick encased in gorgeous skin. “Thanks for the lesson, I’m going to dress now, and you can leave.” I closed the door on his smiling face, after pushing him back over the threshold.
I turned around and was blown away all over again. So many clothes and shoes my teenaged heart was about to burst. I walked along each wall flicking through the countless hangers until I came upon a pair of faded jeans and a cute moon shirt, that said glow in the dark. I pulled open the drawers and found hundreds of panties, all lacy or silk, some missing bits in the crotch. Sic was, well, sick, if he thought I would ever wear crotchless panties.
I rummaged through the drawer, throwing things to the floor, until I found a pair of regular cotton underwear with a matching cotton bra. I stripped off the robe I was wearing and slipped into the comfy white cotton. Then slid perfectly fitting jeans on and pulled the shirt over my head. I found my old worn out shoes and slipped them on without socks.
I pulled the door open and all three men were standing there waiting in silence. Emot looked at Sic who just smiled, “Kai mentioned you wanted to go out. Is there any particular place you would like to go to? We would be glad to escort you as well as the guards.” I sighed, I wanted to get away from them but how was I supposed to tell them that?
“I saw something gold through that window,” I pointed to the far window. “I think it’s a lake, I want to go there. Alone, if possible.” I walked around the line they made in the doorway and opened the bedroom door. I paused and rolled my eyes at the two dozen armed men and women standing at attention in the main room. “Oh, come on, surely I don’t need this many guards.”
I looked back over my shoulder at the guys, and Sic stepped forward. “If we went with you the detail would be slightly less.”
While he was talking, a servant arrived. “Your Majesties, the carriage is ready.”
“Seriously, no cars? A freaking carriage. How far is it and why can’t I just walk?” I waited for an answer, but no one volunteered one. “Fine, let’s go.”
The guys followed me out of the room steering me towards the front courtyard but still letting me lead. Guards opened the front door and I skid to a stop at what I saw waiting by the doors. “HOLY SHIT!” I looked over my shoulder at Sic. “Are those freaking unicorns?”
He smiled as the sound of hooves reached my ears. “Yes, they are. They left the Earthly realm to take refuge here. They are the closest thing to horses we have, unless you count the hellhound army brigade. Or the asshole Pegasus shifters.”
I gaped at his words. “Hellhounds?”
“Yes, they are actually quite easy to tame, and because of their massive size, they make for an excellent cavalry,” he explained but I was still gawking at all black unicorns with silver and gold swirled horns. That is, until the guards surrounding us began mounting the massive beasts, that looked like viscous dogs, the size of elephants.
One rider even cooed over his hellhound and it lolled its massive black tongue out and yipped. Their fur looked like spikes and their bodies were covering in metal plates. Once the guard was mounted, Sic opened the carriage door and helped me inside. “Would you rather have us come?”
“No, I need some space, a few moments alone to catch my breath. I’m sure I’ll be fine with all this.” I waved my hand to indicate the massive number of hellhounds and guards. Sic closed the door and tapped on the roof twice, there was the crack of a whip, and we smoothly rocked into motion.
I knew the moment I saw her climb in that carriage that she would try to run, that’s why her guard detail had been so large. Half to protect her, half to keep her from running. The lake wasn’t far by carriage, only half an hour. So, I hoped nothing happened so close to the nest.
“What now asshole?” Kai slapped me on the arm.
“I guess, while we wait for her to run, and fail, and come back… we plan. We need to get the most up to date intel on Zugo. If he’s still a captive or if he’s been turned by Vago. We also need to find the safest route over the wall. Past the armed guards and into wherever he is being kept. Last time was a disaster, and Emot almost died.” I could still see the scar on Emot’s chest from our last attempt to break Zugo out, when in human form.
Once Clair had left, while still pregnant with Maisie, Vago had built a wall thirty feet tall around his lands and ruled them with tyrannical fervor. No one was allowed in or out, and that included the Duke. The only reason his signature was on there was thanks to a very brave wind runner from the East. They had met in secret and he had signed.
From what she told us, he wanted out, but she hadn’t been strong enough to carry him. He used his own blood and venom to sign the paper, as a sign to how committed he was to the unification of Lasina. He had disappeared several months after he signed the Treaty. He had never seen Maisie, never watched her like we had, and hadn’t been able to help build the nest.
We had tried to find him several times but after the last time, we decided to wait until we had Maisie. “Maybe if we use her status we can get in, and get him out. With Vago gone, they won’t have anyone in charge,” Emot suggested, as we walked towards the great hall. Five thrones where lined up, side by side. The largest one in the center for Maisie.
I sat on the steps leading up to the dais and looked up at Kai and Emot. “Are you really willing to risk her like that? Let’s contact our spies and the network within the North Kingdom and go from there.” As the oldest they tended to look to me for command, but once Maisie fully gained her crown, she would be leading us all.
“No, you’re right. We shouldn’t risk her like that, maybe if we can get word to him that she’s here, if he’s not imprisoned, then he can meet us at a rendezvous point,” Kai spoke up first, “Then we can have the winged guards help fly him back over.” I thought about that plan but there were still too many ifs.
“I still think our first course of action should be to find him. Then figure out a rescue plan.” I stood and called to a servant standing along the wall. “Find me Viper and tell her the Kings request her presence.” It was the first time I had used that term and it rolled awkwardly off my tongue.
“Yes, Your Majesty.” He bowed quickly and sped off.
“Are you sure you want Viper. She’s the deadliest assassin in Lasina. What is she going to be able to do?” Emot asked, while he looked at me with wide eyes.
“She’s also from the North and knows the terrain better than anyone. She can still slip in and out where no one else can. Why I never thought to use her before is a mystery to me.” I sighed at my own stupidity for not using her years ago.
“Let’s go get food. I’m starved.” As always, Kai’s appetite overran his brain and he walked off towards the kitchens without waiting for us to follow. Emot and I exchanged a look and followed, as we talked more about the plan.
We rolled through a short mountain trail that eventually opened up into a picturesque meadow. Wildflowers, in a rainbow of colors, painted the entire area around the golden lake. The door opened as the guard helped me down, and I walked towards the mesmerizing waters. The light danced across the ripples, giving the water a rose gold hue as it moved.
I stood by the bank and just breathed in the sights. I saw bubbles begin to rise from the center of the lake and stepped back as a giant tentacle reached into the sky only to slam down in the shallows. Walking along the massive suckers, were beautiful people no bigger than a coffee pot. I had to bend down to see them fully, and fully I saw them in all their nakedness.
The one in the lead stopped and bowed to me. Four more began to walk across the suckers holding a beautiful crown of ice. They held it out for me, and the man mimed me putting it on. I reached towards it just as a guard snatched my wrist. “They are Nymphs, Your Majesty,” her voice was soft as if trying to not offend.
“I don’t care, they clearly wish me to put it on.” I snatched my hand away and reached again for the crown.
Once I placed the cold ice on my head the lead man spoke. “Your Majesty of the Basilisk people, we greet you. I am the King of the Nymphs, and these are my Queens.” He gestured towards the rows and rows of women along one side of the tentacle. “I have come to bid you welcome, and in a show of good faith, offer you my son as a consort to further good will.” I tried to hold back a giggle as another tiny man stepped up next to the king. Several wails accompanied his movement.
“Your Majesty, while I appreciate the gesture. I feel your son is of better service to your Kingdom. However, to sow seeds of friendship, you and your consorts would be most welcome to join us for a feast.” That should keep Sic, Kai, and Emot busy while I escaped.
He bowed graciously at my offer. “I shall accept and give you time to organize this feast. I will return here in one week for the details. If you ever have need of us just toss a large rock into the lake and Harvey will bring us up to you.” He rubbed the tentacle softly and it rippled under his hand. I watched as he held out his palms. “The crown is our only way to communicate with other kinds, so, I shall need to have it back.” I slowly took off the crown and placed it softly on to the closest sucker. It swiftly closed around the ice and then the Nymphs all waved as the tentacle lowered back into the water.
“Well, that was strange,” I said out loud.
“What is, Your Majesty?” the same guard asked, as I rose back up to stand.
“He offered me his son as a consort.” I giggled outright now that they were gone. “Oh, and they are coming to dinner soon.” I rushed out that last part.
“Why did you not accept his son as consort? It is a great honor and they are reputed lovers,” she was genuinely asking why I didn’t accept a six-inch-tall man as a consort.
“He’s six inches tall.” I continued to laugh.
“In his true form yes, but Nymphs, like some other creatures here, can alter their size when necessary. They go to the human realm from time to time to breed new blood into their genetic line,” she continued to ramble as I looked on in shock at her explanation. She sounded as knowledgeable as Sic, when she began going on about genetics.
“Ok, I get it, I’ll talk to the guys and go from there,” I said just to shut her up. I began walking around the lake as the sun began to set. I was almost to the tree line in the distance, when a hellhound let out a ghostly howl, that sent chills up my spine. The guards were surrounding me within seconds and the carriage was pulled closer. They swiftly swept me back up to the cushioned seats and then we were racing back to the castle. “Damn, so close.,” I said to the darkness descending over the landscape we passed.
The sky changed from lavender to a deep violet color, that almost looked black, as we raced back to the castle. This trip seemed to speed by faster than our outgoing one; before I realized, we were pulling to a stop outside the main doors. A guard opened my door and then escorted me into the castle. The great hall was empty when I entered, but a servant rushing by stopped to bow, giving me the opportunity to ask, “Where are the Princes?”
“They are in the kitchen, Your Majesty. If you follow me, I’ll take you there.” With that he rushed out a side door, leaving me to follow. We walked down a winding set of stairs into a large open room. It felt like I had stepped into a large-scale restaurant kitchen, with the newest appliances on the Earthly market. Emot was commanding cooks left and right while wearing a white chefs coat. Sic and Kai sat at a small table drinking a bottle of wine and eating what looked to be an appetizer of sorts.
I couldn’t
help but watch, as Emot added brandy to his pan and then flambéed whatever was inside. He plated the still flaming pan and placed it on the table by the guys and pulled out a chair. “Dig in fellasss.” I watched him douse the flames with lemon juice and then saw the fried cheese. Emot had made saganaki and my mouth watered at the smell.
I coughed lightly and three sets of eyes swung my way and three chairs scraped the floor as they stood. Kai had to grab the back of his to keep it from toppling over. I walked closer and noticed the rest of the food was Greek as well, and I swear, I started drooling.
Emot stepped aside and held out his hand. “Care to join usss?” I nodded, and he slid the seat in for me before walking around the table to sit. Sic and Kai shared a look as they sat, and Kai handed me a glass of wine.
“You know I’m not twenty-one yet,” was all I said, and they all began to laugh.
“Honey, this is Lasina, no cars and no legal drinking age, most kids are drinking by fifteen here. Royalty has its advantages in this case, as well,” Sic said, as he poured another glass for Emot. I watched Emot place pita points and taramasalata, caviar, bread, and potatoes mix on a plate. The pink paste is one of my all-time favorite dishes, along with skordalia, a garlic lemon potato paste, much like hummus. He also added some fried saganaki and zucchini chips, and then placed the plate directly in front of me.
To say I was ladylike in my eating of this would be an utter fallacy. I pigged the fuck out and didn’t care who was watching me. The food was so fresh and so amazing that I could swear I was crying tears of joy. I didn’t help that I hadn’t really eaten since dinner the night before. After polishing off my plate, Emot handed me seconds and I worked my way through it more slowly.
The guys talked here and there, but I ignored the chatter in favor of the delicious food. The kitchen suddenly became silent and a soft hissing could be heard off to my side. I looked down to see a tan and red saw scaled viper. I screamed at the top of my lungs and jumped onto the table knocking wine glasses over in the process.
The Basilisk Princess Page 4