by M. K. Dawn
She gives me a very curious look, like I should already know the answer to that question. “I just meant it’s obvious how much he loves you.”
I’m floored by her observation. This is all an act. Could it be he’s just that good of an actor?
“But, of course you already knew that, since you married him.”
I smile and turn back to open the door to our room.
“Lane, bathroom, that way?” She points up the stairs.
“I know. Good night.” I walk in our room and close the door.
Brady is standing there in pajama pants - in only pajama pants. They hang low on his hips, showing off that v-cut on men that makes every girl drool. His body is perfect, hard, and built. Next to the small window, the moonlight outlines his sculpted silhouette.
“Everything okay, Princess? You looked a little freaked when you walked out.”
“Umm…yeah, I'm good. I just wanted to thank Charlotte again. She has been so sweet. The whole family’s been great. I hate lying to them.”
He sighs. “Alaina, I know it’s hard. But if word gets around that you are back before we’re ready, your life will be in even greater danger than it is now. Anyone, who is even remotely loyal to Wright, will be hunting you down. Even those who aren’t may turn you over, just to keep Wright’s guards at bay. I know lying to people like them is hard, but it will not always be that way.” He takes a few steps closer, until he’s right in front of me.
My knees wobble. He smells amazing. “Brady?”
“Yes?”
I don’t know what I want to say. I look up at him and stare into his blue eyes. “So how are we going to do this?”
“Do what, Princess?” He leans in so close I can feel his breath on my face. Did I just give him an open invitation? Do I know what I want to invite him to? Do I even know what I’m talking about? Nope, I don’t have a fucking clue. But I'm pretty sure us running for our lives is not the time to figure out. But, my Gods, he smells so good.
“Alaina,” his breath hitches, like he’s struggling with some internal dilemma, probably the same one I’m having. Unexpectedly he cups my chin with his massive hands and leans in towards my oh-so-ready lips.
A knock at the door jolts us back into reality. “Lane, Brad… we have a problem.” No shit … it’s called Carl and his very bad timing. Brady and I both heave a weighted sigh. Brady takes a step back and runs his fingers through his already disheveled hair. “It looks like we have some of Wright’s men coming towards the house. I know it’s none of my business, but I thought you might want to know.”
Brady throws his clothes on before Carl has time to finish his sentence.
“Alaina, come here, you are going out the window. I will meet you behind the house by the shed.” In an instant, Brady has turned back into the warrior he has trained his whole life to become. The man in front of me is a cold and calculated fighter, a far cry from the man who almost kissed me.
“Brady, I think we should stay together. It’s not the time to split up. What if some of his men are out there, waiting? What if you run into them on your way out? What if you’re captured, or worse, killed? Shit. This is really bad.”
He blows off my rant. “Alaina, I can take care of myself but I can’t do it with you next to me. It’s not up for debate. You have to run; run and hide, until I can find you.” He grabs me by the arm and pulls me close to him. The heat in his eyes returns, creating an ache in the pit of my stomach, that I have no right to feel in this situation. He leans in, and whispers in such a sensual way, I forget the danger that is heading our way. “Believe me, Princess, I will find you.”
With those final words, he lifts me up, and tosses me out the window.
Chapter Eleven
Alaina
The instant my feet hit the ground, reality comes crashing back. I run towards the shed without so much as a glance back. Brady can take care of himself, though I wish he would have reconsidered, and come with me instead. I find a secluded spot behind some overgrown trees. Hiding in the shed may have given me more coverage, but there is no way I’m going in there and risk being trapped with no way out. I’ve seen too many horror movies to know how that kind of carelessness ends. It’s important I stay out of sight, but also important I’m able to run if I must.
It’s quiet, eerily quiet. The guards should have made it to the house by now, but where’s Brady? He should have already slipped out the back door and made his way to me. Something’s wrong; I can feel it in my bones.
“Tell me where the girl is, Warrior, and I will make sure your death comes quickly.” The familiar voice sends chills down my spine. It’s the man Brady called Kakos, and from the sounds of it, Brady’s in trouble. I chance a peek and spot them. Brady’s body is suspended off the ground, in a kind of enchanted bubble-like object, that looks to be shocking him with bolts of lightning. Blood flows down his body, escaping from his mouth and nose. Whatever that thing is, there’s no doubt it’s killing him.
“A slow and painful death is a warrior’s most honorable death,” Brady spits out. “She is long gone. The prophecy will be fulfilled, and your master will rot in the Underworld for eternity.” His breath is ragged; he’s running out of time. I know he wanted me to run, but I can’t let Kakos kill him.
“Master? Wright is not my master, you foolish boy.” The lightning intensifies to the point that it’s almost blinding. Brady’s body convulses under the sheer magnitude of Kakos’ power. If I’m going to do something, it’s now or never.
I muster all the courage I can and step out from my hiding spot. “Stop! Let him go. It’s me you want.”
The lightning stops at once and Kakos turns his full attention to me. Just being in his presence again sends waves of terror through my body. Brady’s unconscious, or that’s what I keep telling myself, because the alternative is too painful. His whole-body slumps forward. Blood pours from a multitude of wounds and puddles under him. My heart shatters into a million pieces. How can anyone survive that kind of loss?
“Well, well, well. What do we have here, a brave little princess who has come out to fight?” His mocking tone is so infuriating I almost forgot I’m supposed to be afraid of him. Almost.
“Let Brady go and I will go with you willingly.” The words flow out of my mouth.
He laughs the most sinister laugh I have ever heard. It’s nails-on-a-chalkboard unbearable. I fight the urge to cover my ears. “You would come with me, just like that? To spare your little warrior’s life, or what’s left of it? Shame, shame. What would your betrothed say?”
Betrothed? Like betrothed to be married? That’s not important. Kakos is trying to throw me off my guard and doing a hell of a job.
“What? Did your little warrior not tell you about that? I had heard that you lost your memory, but I would think he would mention that. Or did he use his warrior power to seduce you? You know the warriors are known for their overactive libido. Is that why you are sacrificing yourself for him, because you love him? Did he make you believe that with the overload of pheromones he has been expelling at you?” He’s circling me now, like a predator about to pounce on his prey. I don’t know what he is talking about, but I know he is trying to get under my skin. He is playing on my emotions to get the upper hand.
“I don't know what you are talking about. If I’m indeed the princess, then he is one of my sworn guards. That would make him one of my people. And what kind of princess would I be if I let some traitor to my throne torture one of my people because of me?” With my words, I know everything Brady has told to me over the last twenty-four hours is true. I hold my head up high as he continues to circle me. I refuse to show him how terrified I am. To be openly afraid is to let him win, and there is no way I’m going to allow that to happen. “Release him now and I will go with you, without putting up a fight.”
He leans in and whispers, “My brave little princess, I'm going to enjoy breaking your spirit. Maybe we will even bring some of your memories back. The one in which yo
u saw your mother murdered by me would be quite enjoyable!” Brady’s lifeless body falls to the ground.
Kakos grabs my arm so violently that I almost fall. “Time to go! Wright is expecting you.”
“Let me at least check on him.”
He eyes me suspiciously.
“Please. If I'm going to sacrifice myself for him, let me at least know that he is going to live.”
He throws me on the ground, a few feet away from Brady. “Stupid, compassionate people. You are all weak and pathetic. No wonder it was so easy for Wright to overthrow your kingdom.”
I crawl to his lifeless body, and relief floods me as I see he is still breathing.
“Guards, burn the house. Kill everyone inside!” Kakos screams.
“No!” Suddenly my nightmares take over. My mind fills with images of burning houses, and people running and screaming all around me. Then I see her, the woman from my dreams, and the little house we called home. She is calling me home. The smell of lavender consumes me. Then everything goes black.
Chapter Twelve
Brady
“Come, sit here, my child. You must have fought very bravely to have won the warriors’ initiation today. I’m sure you will make a fine leader one day, just like your father.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
She pushes back my hair to examine my wound. “You should have come to me sooner; I would have been able to heal you without leaving a scar.”
“Sorry, my lady. The ceremony began as soon as I won. Then I was taken to the castle to be presented to the king. Only now did they notice my wound, and they sent me over to you right away.”
“I have heard many brave warriors brag about their scars, especially to the young ladies around the village.”
I can’t help but blush.
“You know, I think you may already have one admirer.” She ever-so-slightly nods at the little girl with the big brown eyes peeking around the corner. “Come here, my dear.”
The little girl bounces over, careful to avoid my eyes. “Did you see our new warrior win today, my child?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she says shyly.
“Did he fight bravely?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Brady, my daughter has been training on how to use her healing touch. Would you mind if she practices on you today?”
“Not at all, my lady.”
“Come here, child. Watch, and then do what I do.” The healer carefully runs her finger over my head wound. I can feel the heat penetrating my skin. I have lost count how many times I have had to have a healer fix my cuts and broken bones. Her touch is gentler than most.
“Now your turn. Run your finger over the wound, just like that. Very good. When your full powers come in, you will be able to feel the heat, which tells you that it’s working.”
I swat the girl’s hand away and jump out of my seat. Something feels wrong! I have never had a sensation like that before. What did she do to me? Her eyes catch mine and we stand there, staring at each other.
The healer's voice breaks the trance. The girl jumps and her face turns beet red. “Sweetheart, why don't you go start dinner? You did a wonderful job, he is all healed.” The little girl nods and leaves the room. After she is gone the healer turns back to me.
“Brady, are you okay?”
“What was that?”
“I know right now you see her as a child, but someday you will see her as something completely different.”
I don’t know what she is talking about. “Why did it feel different when she touched me?”
“She is a very special child, who is going to grow up to be a very special woman. Right now, it may not make sense, but one day it will be clear. Can you promise me something?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Protect her.” And I knew, as soon as she said those words, that I would lay down my life to do just that.
The heat surrounding my body intensifies, pulling me from my dream. I open my eyes to see a goddess surrounded by a white light, cradling my lifeless body in her arms. This must be Elysium. As a warrior, I heal exceptionally fast, but without my orb, there’s no way I could have defeated Kakos, or come back from the wounds he inflicted on me.
I stare up at the goddess’ face and feel an instant connection. I can’t place her, but I would know her anywhere.
Then, it hits me - something’s not right. The peacefulness that should surround us is missing. For some unknown reason, the goddess is crying, which can’t be right, because from what I knew of Elysium, it’s filled with harmony and love. It’s a place that lacks pain and sorrow, so why is there so much of it?
The urge to comfort the woman overwhelms me. I reach out to wipe the tears from her face. As my hand touches her, she startles and screams. The white light disappears.
“Brady?” she says. “How is this possible? You were dead. I couldn’t find a pulse. You have been lying here, dead, for at least ten minutes!”
Is she yelling at me? I’ve just come back from the dead, and she’s yelling at me. “Take it down a notch, Princess. I don't think it’s very nice to scream at someone who has been dead for ten minutes.” I should sit, but my body’s so weak. There’s not a spot I don't feel some sort of pain. And to be quite honest, I’m pretty damn comfortable with my head resting in Alaina’s lap.
“I don't understand how any of this is possible. You. Were. Not. Breathing!”
“Did you try mouth-to-mouth? Because I'm pretty sure those lips could wake any man from the dead.”
“Ugh!” She shoves me off her lap - knocking me face first into the dirt - and stands up. “How are you still alive and talking to me? What? Did you see a bright, white light and decide to turn around?”
I’m rapidly regaining my strength so much so I’m able to sit up, though I’m still lightheaded. “I don't know, Princess, why don't you tell me? I woke up all warm and cozy, thinking I was in Elysium, being fondled by a glowing goddess. Come to find out it was you. Couldn’t keep your hands off me, even while I was lying lifeless in your arms, could you?”
“You’re incorrigible! I was not fondling you! I saved you from Kakos. He dropped your unconscious body from that glowing bubble thing like you were a rag doll. Thank the Gods I convinced him to let me check on you before leaving with him.”
“Wait a minute. What do you mean before leaving with him?”
“He was killing you. I told him that I would leave with him willingly if he let you go.”
Her revelation leaves me speechless. I sit there, staring at her and let the words sink in. She was willing to sacrifice herself for me and it was all my fault. I had been flirting with her, maybe even leading her on. I almost kissed her back in that room. It was reckless and dangerous. She’s a princess and betrothed. I swore an oath to protect her. Sure, there was an undeniable chemistry between us. But her and I together was impossible. I’ve already let it go too far. It’s time to end it - now. “What the hell were you thinking? Didn't I tell you to run and leave me? You are too damn important; don't you know that? Do you even know what would have happened if Kakos got a hold of you? I am no one. My life is not important.”
“I… I… you were hurt, dying. I couldn’t just let him do that to you.” Tears fall from her eyes. The pain on her face is killing me. But I know it’s for the best. She can’t fall for me.
“I was dying a warrior’s death, an honorable death. You don't even know me! Why would you sacrifice yourself for me?” I shouldn’t ask her that, but I must know. All this time watching over her has taken a toll on me. I’m insanely attracted to her, not only because of how she looks but because of who she is.
“Because…” The blush in her cheeks, and the inability to look me in the eye, tells me everything I need to know. The feeling was mutual. I know what I must do and it’s going to gut us both.
I jeer. “Seriously? You’re a little girl. Let’s get something straight, Princess. I’m here for one reason, and one reason only, and that’s to comp
lete the mission of bringing you back to our camp. Whatever you think is going on between us in that silly little girl brain of yours isn’t.” Nail. In. Coffin.
She turns and I can hear the quiet sobs coming from that beautiful mouth. I can’t stomach the pain I know I’ve inflicted. It takes every ounce of strength I have in me walk away. I want to grab hold of her and beg for forgiveness. Tell her my words were lies used to protect her. But like a coward, I walk farther and farther away, allowing her space to digest the horrible things I’ve said.
Then it hits me. We are no longer at Carl’s house. “Alaina, how did we get here?” No answer. She’s upset, understandably, but we have bigger problems to deal with. “Alaina?” I turn around but she’s nowhere to be seen. Son of a bitch. Panic strains to take over. Was she upset enough that she would have just walked away by herself? “Alaina! Alaina!” She couldn’t have gone far. I only turned around for a moment. Think, Brady! Where the hell would she have gone? I sprint back to where I left her. “Alaina!”
“I'm in here.” I turn towards her voice and almost fall to my knees. Somehow, she brought us here, to the Kardia village, to the healer’s house with the little girl that I had sworn to protect but failed. But how is that possible? She would’ve had to know this place, seen the image in her head, to have transported us here. None of this makes any sense. The princess rarely left the castle. And even if she wandered into the village, there’s no way she would have gone to a healer. She had her own in the castle. Things aren’t adding up. The sooner we get back to camp, the sooner Eric could deal with all this shit.
I step inside and find Alaina in the kitchen, eyes wide. I graze her shoulder and she jumps. “Alaina, what are you doing in here?”
“I don't know.” Her voice is distant.
“How did you transport us here?”
“I don't know how I did it. I thought of it and then we were here. I know this place. This is the house from my dream. My mother carried me out that door during the attack. I watched an arrow pierce her heart under that tree. I can still hear her voice screaming at me to run. I tried to run but there were too many people. There was so much death. I fell to the ground and then the boy with the green eyes – Eric - he saved me. We ran into the woods, away from the fighting. He put something around my neck and then…”