by M. K. Dawn
“It’s just, I had plans with friends back at home, who are now probably worried sick because I up and disappeared.”
Charlotte pats me on the leg.
Nobody says anything for a while, because really, what is there to say? It is what it is. My stomach growls to remind me I have yet to eat.
“Shae, Ana said you would have some food for me?”
“Right.” She digs in her bag and unearths a couple of muffins and a bowl of fruit.
“Thanks.” I scarf down my food, relieved my nausea is gone.
A few minutes later, I spot Brady and Eric advancing towards the group, lost in conversation. Eric breaks off in the direction of a lone man lingering on the edge of camp, while Brady joins us.
“Okay,” Brady’s voice breaks through the chatter, “the next base camp is secure, and movers are ready to start the transport. Tents and supplies go first, followed by our initial set of soldiers. The warriors will then escort Princess Alaina, and then begin transporting civilians. Any questions?”
No one speaks up. I assume they’ve all done this a million times and know the routine.
“Great.” Brady turns to Eric. “All set?”
Eric nods, heads back up the hill and sits beside me. “Ready?” Silly question. He knows how excited I am to see this. “There’s another mover on the other side of camp. They will have to join their powers to move the entire thing at once.”
The mover lifts his hands and he and the camp disappear.
Eric nudges me in the side. “Cool, huh?”
“It was a little anticlimactic.”
Eric laughs. “What were you expecting?”
“I don't know. Bright lights, a loud boom. Maybe a little struggle.”
Eric laughs louder. “Maybe next time we can ask for a little more theatrics.” He stands, pulling me up with him.
“That would be nice,” I shoot back, with the same sarcastic tone.
“Come on, time to go.” Eric leads me to where Brady and the rest of the warriors are waiting.
I look back at my friends who don’t seem bothered by my special treatment. “When are they going?”
“They should be transported next or shortly after that,” Eric says.
“And Henry and his guards?” I’m not surprised they aren't here. Waiting with commoners would be on his list of things that are below him.
“I'm sure they’re already over there. Prince Henry likes to do things his own way if you hadn't noticed. Brady, everything secure?”
“The first set of soldiers just transported. We’ll hold off until the scout gets back, then you all will go with Alaina. Her training will begin after she arrives. Nick, don't leave her side.” He grabs my guard by the collar and whispers something in his ear.
Nick smiles. “Yes, sir.”
“Aren't you transporting with us?” After all, Brady is part of the warriors. I would think he would want to be there to make sure everything’s okay.
“I have to make sure everyone gets transported first, and then I will hitch a ride with the last guy here.”
“You still don't have an orb, brother. I thought you went to see Pierce?” Eric inquires.
“No, mine was missing a piece and he didn't have any replacements. That's something we need to discuss when things get settled. Someone…”
A pop stops the conversation, though I'm pretty sure I’m the only one who jumps out of their skin. Eric leans in and whispers in my ear, “The more you are around transporting, the more you’ll fine tune your hearing so that you can pick up on the subtle sound of static that occurs right when someone appears.”
“Brady, the camp is set up and secure,” the scout says.
“Thanks, Dom.” Brady turns to me. “You’re up.”
“Alright.” I smile weakly. He returns my smile with a little wink, which makes my insides flutter.
Out of nowhere, a memory gnaws at the back of my mind. From last night, maybe? Oh, Gods. The bathtub, jealousy, nakedness, and mermaids. Guess I did make a complete ass out of myself.
“You okay?” Eric asks. All I can do is nod.
“Good, just hold on to me.” He slips his hand around my waist and turns to the warriors. “Let’s go.” A white light flashes, then the world vanishes and reappears. We’re back in the camp. Everything looks so similar, if I didn’t see it disappear with my own eyes, I would swear we hadn’t moved at all. That is, except for the trees. I'm pretty sure those are taller.
“This is the training facility.” Eric rotates me around. “My guess is Henry’s guards are waiting inside. How are you doing? Ready for all of this?”
“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Which is pretty much not ready at all.
“Good. There are a few things that need my attention, but I will try to pop in on you later today, just to make sure Henry’s guards are treating you okay.”
“Sounds good.”
“Nick, you got things under control here?”
“Yep,” Nick replies.
“Alright, see you later.” Eric pats me on the shoulder then takes off through camp.
The other warriors depart as well, leaving only me and Nick standing in front of the large tent. “Guess there is nothing I can say that will get me out of this?”
“Sorry. Prince Henry’s orders. Nothing I can do.”
“Well, you’re no help. Let's get this over with.”
“That's the spirit.” He slaps me on the back, pushing me through the door.
The training room is large, about the size of a gym and packed full of equipment. Towards the back wall, two of Henry’s guards are going rounds in the boxing ring. I thought they looked scary before, but seeing them with shirts off and throwing punches, adds a whole other level of fear.
Nick watches them, arms crossed, as barbarian one hits the floor, blood running down his nose. “Pussy,” he mumbles.
“Seriously?”
“That was a classic left hook. He should have seen that coming a mile away. I can’t believe Brady agreed to let these overgrown apes train you.”
“I don't think he had a choice. And Henry believes that his guards are just as good as the warriors.”
Nick snorts. “Let’s go.”
When we reach the edge of the ring, barbarian two sneers. “Nice of you to grace us with your presence.”
“Watch it,” Nick growls.
“We have specific orders to train the girl by any means necessary. I don't believe in sugar-coating or taking it easy on someone just because of their social status. You’re not needed here, Warrior.”
“That may be, but I’m going to stick around anyway if it's all the same to you.”
He scowls. “Just stay out of the way. As for you, little girl. You’re weak, flabby, and if were to be captured today, you would surely die a most unpleasant death.”
He isn’t wrong, except for the flabby part, which I kind of take offense to, but I’m not about to tell him that.
“First things first, stamina. If you’re out of shape you cannot keep up in battle. We will start off every training with ten laps.” He points to the track that encompasses the tent. “What are you waiting for?”
I hate to run but don’t want to get on his bad side, so I take off. After lap one, I’m winded. By lap two, my side aches. Halfway through lap three, I have to walk.
“Tired already?” The barbarians laugh. “How pathetic.”
I do my best to ignore their taunting, but deep inside want to curl up in the corner and cry. Each time I pass Nick, who has made his way to the bench closest to the locker rooms, he gives me a sympathetic smile but it does nothing to boost my confidence. I try a couple more times to run but my side stitches make it impossible. By the time I finish the tenth lap, sweat drips down my head and under my shirt. Nick hands me a bottle of water.
“Didn't think you were going to finish,” barbarian two taunts. “Lace up.”
He can't be serious. “What?”
“You heard me, lace. The best way
to learn to defend yourself is when you have to actually defend yourself.”
I turn to Nick. “He can't be serious. I’ve never hit anyone, or anything, in my life. He can't expect me to get into a ring with him and box.”
Nick grabs a set of gloves off the wall and straps them on my hands. “I don't think he has any other side but serious. It's going to be fine. He can't hurt you, you’re the princess, for Gods’ sake. Just keep your hands up and in front of your face.”
I duck under the ropes, scared out of my mind. Barbarian two waits; a mischievous grin splashed across his face.
“Now, little girl, hold your hands up. We are going to practice blocking techniques.”
“Wait, what? Don't you think maybe you should be showing me how to do this first?”
He ignores my objections and gestures to barbarian one who sucker-punches me in the shoulder sending waves of pain down my arm. “Hey, what the fu…” The next punch lands square in my chest, knocking me to my knees.
Nick flies into the ring and knocks the man into the ropes.
“What do you think you are doing, Warrior? You think any one of Wright’s men are going to take pity on her, take it easy on her if she’s caught? You think that hurts, little girl, just be lucky we aren't using swords or daggers. Those tend to sting a bit.” His laugh sends shivers down my spine.
“I think that's enough training for today.” Nick wrenches me up off the floor.
“That's not your call,” barbarian two fires back.
“The hell it isn't.” Nick yanks the gloves off my hands, grabs my arm and drags me to the door. Leaving does little to improve his mood.
“Nick. Where are we going?”
“To find either JD or Clint so they can heal you.”
“Please don't. I'm fine.” Nick gives me an ‘I don't believe you look.’
“It hurts, but running away to get healed is only going to make me look weaker than people already think I am. You shouldn't have interfered.”
“Yes, I should have. He should not have hit you.” His jaw clenches. “They may be your trainers but you are still the princess and are not to be harmed. There are other ways to teach someone to defend themselves besides sending them into a ring and throwing punches at them. Gods, Brady is going to have my ass when he sees those whelps.”
“It may be best not to tell him. He is a tad bit overprotective.”
“Yeah, that's not going to happen. He needs to know. They will not be training you like this again.”
We reach my tent just as the adrenaline that flooded my system earlier rapidly dissipates.
“Can I get you anything?”
“No, thanks. I think I'm just going to hang out here and rest. All those laps are catching up to me. I’m more out of shape than I thought.”
Nick squeezes my shoulder. “It will get easier. Tomorrow will be more constructive, I promise you that.”
“I’ll take your word for it. Right now, I think I'm going to take a nap.”
“I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”
“Thanks.” I don't bother changing. Exhaustion overpowers me, and as soon as my head hits the pillow, I'm out.
***
I wake up groggy, unsure of the time. It's darker than it should be, considering I laid down for a nap early in the afternoon. I drag my body to a sitting position. My chest aches and I can’t lift my arm past my shoulder, but other than that, I’m not too sore. The lamps in my room have been lit, but turned down low, as not to wake me. I reach for the one next to my bed and turn the knob. A smile creeps across my face. In the corner of the room sits a table stacked with presents, a cake, and what I hope is a plate of food. I jump out of bed, excited to get a closer look.
I check the plate first and find a mouthwatering, supreme pizza. With a slice in hand, I pick up the note leaning against the cake.
Alaina –
We had planned on surprising you with a small party this evening but when we arrived you were sound asleep. After waiting for over forty-five minutes, I thought it best we leave you be, considering the day you’ve had. Enjoy the food, cake, and presents.
Happy Birthday,
Brady
Tears of joy burn my eyes, but I hold them back in case anyone walks in. People around here have already seen too many of my ups and downs. I don't want anyone to think I sit in my room and cry when I’m all alone.
After snatching another slice of pizza, I pull up a chair and open my presents. The first is from Shae and Nick. I rip through the paper to find the complete series of the book she let me borrow. Next, from Charlotte and Thomas, is a black and white pinstriped skirt with a matching black halter top - handmade, of course. Ana’s gift is a large basket full of bath soaps, bubbles, and lotions.
The smallest of the boxes is from Eric and has only a note inside.
After lunch tomorrow, we will start ‘magic’ exercises, from fire-starting to transporting.
Eric
I laugh. It must have irritated him to no end to write the word ‘magic’ in there.
Two presents left, one from the warriors, the other from Brady. I open the large box from the warriors to find a set of stunning daggers with matching holsters. A note lies on top.
Alaina -
These were your father’s most prized possession. Please leave them in the box and put them somewhere safe since you are nowhere close to being ready to use them. They are very sharp.
Happy Birthday, The Warriors (a.k.a. Nick)
I ignore Nick’s warning and pull one out of the box for a closer look. Indeed, they are sharp, I mean, why wouldn't they be, but what surprises me the most is how light they are. The handle is engraved with our kingdom’s seal. The holsters look to be made to strap to the thighs and are also engraved with our seal. I place everything back in the box, then put the box on the floor of my wardrobe. Nick’s right, there is no way I'm ready to use them, but I will be one day.
The last present waiting for me to open is from Brady. I’m not sure what I expected but a large tablet was not even close. A one-word note lies on top - Downloads. I find the download folder and almost squeal with excitement. Hundreds and hundreds of TV series and movies have been loaded. I scroll through and find all my favorites and tons more I’ve never seen before.
“I couldn’t get current seasons.”
I nearly jump out of my skin at the sound of Brady’s voice.
He’s lounging close to the door, arms crossed, as if him being here is the most natural thing in the world. “In the box is a battery-operated charger and a shit load of batteries. You should be set for a very long while.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re very welcome. You didn’t seem too happy when I told you there is no TV here. I thought you would like it.”
“I love it. How did you manage to get it?”
“I know people.” He winks. “You feeling okay?”
I look down and grimace at the bruises that have already formed. “Nick told you?”
“Are you surprised?”
“No. He isn't in trouble, is he? It wasn't his fault. He stopped it as fast as he could.”
“I know. This isn’t the time to talk about it. It's your birthday and you haven't had cake.”
“How long have you been watching me?”
“Not too long. When I got back from my nightly rounds, Ace said you were moving around. So, I thought I would check in on you.”
“I’m fine. And you’re right, cake sounds amazing. Want a slice?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
I cut two very large pieces and hand him one. “Chocolate is my favorite.”
We each take a bite and stare at each other. When I can't take the silence anymore I say the first thing that comes to mind. “I can't decide what to watch first.”
“Little Mermaid?” he suggests.
“Oh, that's real funny.”
“I thought so.”
I roll my eyes, grab the tablet and head f
or the bed. Brady follows close behind.
Propping the pillows up against the headboard, I sit down and skim through the contents, looking for something to watch. Brady joins me, snatching the tablet out of my hands. “Hey. That’s my present.”
“What? I'm helping you look.”
I scoot closer and watch him flip through the titles. “You watch The Walking Dead?” He asks.
“Uh, duh.”
“I’ve only had the chance to watch through season two.” I narrow my eyes. “What, it can get boring when on a mission in the human realm.”
“You’re way behind. You haven't even met The Governor yet.” I hit play on episode one of season three, jump out of bed, grab the pizza and am back before the opening credits.
Brady gawks at the plate, so I offer him a slice. He takes two. Ever-so-slightly he leans towards me. “Fair warning, this show totally freaks me out. You may have to hold my hand if I get scared.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Alaina
The next week flies by in a blur. Each day identical to the one before it, besides the move every two days.
I’m woken too early, have breakfast with Henry, train with the barbarians, head back to my tent and cry, lunch with Henry, powers training with Eric, dinner with Henry, then back to my tent for the evening. Most nights I spend alone, reading my new books or watching TV on my tablet. A few nights Ana, Shae, and Charlotte stopped by to hang out.
Since the night of my birthday, my time with Brady has been scarce. Each passing day my need for him grows stronger, only to be alleviated by his presence. A quick wave here, a few ‘hi, how are things going’ when he has a minute of downtime, but no more all-night TV marathons, to my disappointment.
Not that I have the energy to stay up all night anyway. My daily workouts with the barbarians are kicking my ass. After the fiasco of a first day, Brady and Eric both approached Henry, demanding that I be treated like royalty, not just another trainee. In response, barbarian one (I refuse to call them by their name) decided that instead of training me to defend myself he would make me run. And when I couldn’t run anymore he made me put on the boxing gloves and hit the punching bag. When my arms gave out, I was forced to run again. I could deal with the exercise, but what I couldn't deal with was the constant taunting. And I thought teenage girls were mean. These boys put them to shame. On more than one occasion I had to call in one of the other warriors to remove Nick from the training facility, afraid of what Henry would do to him if he hit one of his precious guards, which he had come close to doing on multiple occasions.