by Bridie Blake
His breath tickled her skin. Her body was weakening against his touch, but her mind was panicking, screaming at her to pull away. “You’re being pert,” she said nervously.
“I’ve been accused of worse,” he murmured before drawing her lips into his own, and her mind was silenced as she let herself be kissed.
They pulled apart when they heard approaching footsteps.
Nic grinned at her. “At least you didn’t slap me this time,” he whispered in her ear as he rose to greet his bodyguard, Dagan.
—
The day of Hamalia’s funeral was overcast. Storm clouds hovered in the distance and threatened to roll in and wreak havoc on the day. Mourners had been pouring in for days, and the castle at Amarill was full to bursting. Otto’s sister, Lady Sofhia, and her husband Lord Burron had been the first to arrive and had taken charge of the household and the arrangements for the burial.
Hamalia’s body was to be burned, her ashes cast to the winds so her spirit would live on in the earth it touched. It was a Kalaowin tradition and one sure to raise a few eyebrows among the nobles in attendance. But Otto had been adamant.
Tempani had spent the morning in the watchtower, observing the mourners arriving at the chapel. She sat there, hugging her knees to her chest and wrinkling the black gown her aunt had forced her to wear.
But now she was seated in the cold, draughty chapel. The only light came from the dozens of candles that had been lit in her honor. She gripped her brother’s hand tightly and tried to force back more tears.
She watched as the royal contingent arrived. King Wimarc walked down the aisle, dressed in his finest, and holding up Queen Tryphena. She had almost forgotten that Hamalia had considered the queen a close friend. Trailing behind them was Prince Nicolass, his proud face showing no emotion, and Prince Theodore, his eyes glistening with tears.
Chae had to pull Tempani to her feet so she could curtsey, and she had to fight the urge to disregard the tradition. It made her blood boil that the attention was diverted from her mother, even if it was just for a split second.
There was a small yelp from somewhere behind them as the flames on the candles grew dangerously large. Teddy caught Tempani’s eye, and he gave her a small, sad smile. She felt her anger subside. The servants who had rushed forward to blow out the candles took a step back as the flames shrunk back to their normal size.
Tempani didn’t hear a word that was spoken by the Priestess of Allarah, who had travelled from the south to preside over the service. She had stared as Hamalia’s body was transformed into nothing more than a pile of ashes. She was numb as Otto stepped forward to accept them from the priestess. But when her mother’s ashes were caught in the wind and carried away, her tears fell again.
She couldn’t sleep that night. She had tossed and turned for half the night. Finally giving up she had crept out of the castle, sneaking across the grounds until she came to the stables. She was sitting in Mincha’s stall when he found her.
She was surprised when Nic climbed into the stall and sat beside her.
He wordlessly pulled her into his arms and cradled her against his chest while she cried. He made no comment about the tear stains she was leaving on his shirt. He just rocked her back and forth.
“It’s all my fault,” she choked. “She died because of me.”
“What?” He pulled away from her so he could see her face. “It is not your fault.”
“They caught me first,” she whispered. “Mama heard my screams and came running. I heard her shouting for papa.”
“Tempani.”
“She threw herself in front of me and begged them to kill her instead. Said it was her they wanted. If I hadn’t been playing in the east wing they wouldn’t have found me. Papa would have gotten there in time.”
His grip on her tightened.
“One stroke, and she was dead.” She wiped the tears off her cheeks. “She just lay there at my feet. And then papa came. I’ll never forget the look on his face. He knew it was all my fault.”
“They were bandits. There was nothing you could do.”
“I should have died. Not her.”
“Don’t,” he hissed. “Don’t ever think that.”
“Papa will wish that every day. So will the village. I see them all, watching me now. They know it’s my fault.”
He tilted her chin up so she was forced to look at him. “Listen to me,” he said. “This is not your fault. No one wishes that it was you. No one.” He inched his face closer, his lips almost touching hers. She wrenched away and slapped him hard across the cheek.
“Mama just died,” she spat and ran away, wishing that she would never see his face again.
—
Yet here she was, standing beside him now, his hand on the small of her back, sending sparks of heat through her body.
“A riot has just broken out in the city,” Dagan said. “I need to get you back to the palace where you’ll be safe.”
Nicolass squared his shoulders. “I’m a knight. I am capable of defending myself.”
Dagan suppressed a smile. He sometimes felt sorry for his charge. He had spent years earning his shield, but if the king kept getting his way it wouldn’t be long before Prince Nicolass was kept hidden at the palace for his own protection.
“I have no doubt of that, your Highness, but you have a companion. This is not just your safety at risk.”
He sighed. “Of course.”
They saw the smoke as they rounded the bend and closed in on the gates to her manor. She recoiled as the smells hit her nostrils. They heard the sounds of fighting and the thundering of the King’s Guard as they galloped down the way.
Her father’s men-at-arms paced outside the gates, their eyes darting around. Rando saw her and whistled sharply.
“Tempani!” Otto stalked down the stairs, his sword resting against his waist. He was the picture of a warrior. “Inside, now!” He bowed to Nic and thanked him for getting her home safely. “You are welcome to stay here until the fighting subsides.”
“Thank you,” he said. “I best get back to the palace.”
He bid them farewell and rode away, the Raiders forming a tight circle around him. Tempani slid out of Mincha’s saddle and handed her reins over to Lindow.
“Lock the gates,” Otto ordered after Tempani was safely inside. “Do not let anyone enter under any circumstance. You send for me first.”
Rando nodded and ran to do as his master requested. No one would get through these gates on his watch. He hadn’t been there to protect her today, but now he would. And she would never again be out of his sight. He had sworn an oath to protect her.
Tempani stayed in the sitting room with Zadi and the servants. Chae was at the palace, and she didn’t want to be alone. The mood was somber, and she knew they were all wondering when it would end. And how many lives would be lost.
“They’ll punish ‘em for this,” Leela whispered as she sipped her whiskey.
“They’re still going strong,” Goran, one of the men-at-arms, said as he was relieved from his shift. “Sounds like it’s getting closer.”
“Any closer to the palace, and the Guard will kill the lot of them.”
Tempani patted Lindow’s hand. “It won’t come to that.” But even she had her doubts. “Here let me do that,” she said and grabbed the shirt Zadi was mending. “I’ll go crazy if I don’t occupy my hands.”
Zadi picked up another shirt and sat beside her mistress.
“They’ll burn the city down.” Leela’s cheeks had gone red from the whiskey. “The Guard don’t care for innocent lives. They’ll burn ‘em in their beds.”
Tempani moved over to the cook and wrapped her arms around her. “My father and Lord Darby would never allow it. I’m sure it’ll be over soon.”
“They just want a chance,” she whispered. “Like I got. Not everyone’s lucky like that. I get fed, I got a warm bed. They got nothing.”
“I know,” Tempani murmured. “If I could change it
I would.”
Leela’s eyes were bright. “You can.”
Lindow grabbed his mother’s arm. “Come on ma. You need to rest.”
She looked up and patted her son’s arm. “Yes. Rest.”
He helped her to her feet and out of the room. Tempani watched them go with a heavy heart. She wished she could change things for them, but she couldn’t. She was not only a half-blood; she was a woman. She had as little say in this kingdom as the commoners.
The fighting raged on through the night. Otto was restless, prowling the house, constantly on edge. She guessed he was itching to be out there helping the King’s Guard restore order instead of being cooped up in the manor keeping an eye on her. She knew he was receiving the occasional report about what was happening. She figured it made sense since he was on the Royal Parliament.
“Tea?” She asked when he eventually sat down. “Or something stronger?” She waved the whiskey under his nose.
“I don’t drink on watch.”
She poured him a cup of tea and placed it beside him.
Otto frowned, making him appear older than he really was. “We need to increase your guard now that Nic is courting you.”
“He is not courting me,” she snapped. “We’re just friends.”
“That’s not what the king thinks. According to all reports he wants to ask for your hand.”
“We’re being reported on?”
“He’s next in line to the throne, Tempani. Everyone has an opinion on who his bride should be. I have done what I can to diffuse the situation, but there are certain people out there...”
“This riot is about me?”
He remained silent, but she saw in his eyes that she was right.
“I don’t understand,” she said and walked over to the window, watching the flames reach further into the night sky.
“We’re on the brink of a full scale civil war.”
“And if I marry Nic, then I will be the cause.”
She wrapped her arms around herself, desperately trying to remember what it felt like to be in Nic’s arms earlier that day. It seemed like such a distant memory now. And she knew it could never be more than that. Not now that people were fighting it.
She silently cursed the ignorant people of this kingdom for not being able to see the person that she was. Instead just seeing the aspects of her that scared them. She had hoped the commoners would be willing to accept her. Had she not spent time amongst them in the city? Some had even smiled at her, talked to her, laughed with her. Perhaps that was fine when she was just a lady but not when there was talk of a union between her and Nic.
But she couldn’t blame them. Not really. They were a product of the nobility’s ignorance and neglect. And she did not want to fuel their anger. She didn’t want people to die because of her.
Her voice was quiet when she spoke. “I won’t be the cause.”
—
Chae and Madoc had been holed up in the palace since the riot broke out. Both had been eager to ride into the city and help the King’s Guard regain order, but their instructions were to stay put.
They were sitting in Madoc’s room, playing cards, when Xanthir stopped by and hurried them to Nic’s study, where he and Teddy were already seated.
“We’ll have to make this quick as they don’t know we’re meeting with you.” He jerked his thumb towards the corridor, which was being patrolled by the Raiders.
“What’s going on?” Madoc asked. “This isn’t just a normal riot is it? The Raiders are pacing the grounds and keeping you locked in your room.”
“Apparently rumors have spread that I intend to make Tempani my bride.”
“And you don’t?” Chae asked.
“No, I do. But not until she is ready. I think I’ve only just convinced her that our relationship goes beyond friendship.”
“That’s hasn’t stopped the rumors though,” said Xanthir. “Word from the city is that they will fight the union.”
“You have to stop pursuing her,” Chae said.
“Not an option.”
“She is in danger!” Chae banged his dark fist on the strong, oak table. “This isn’t just about you!”
“Shh, do you want them to come in here?” Xanthir hissed.
“Chae’s right,” Teddy whispered before turning to his brother. “It’s too dangerous. For both of you.”
“Well that would just pave the way for you then, wouldn’t it?”
“Yes, that was my plan all along.” He threw his arms up in the air. “You are unbelievable.”
“What does my father say?” Chae asked.
“He bolted as soon as word reached us that the riot had started and Tempani was out with Nic,” said Teddy. “I’ve never seen a man’s face lose color so quickly.”
“No doubt he’ll increase her protection,” Xanthir whispered. “It’s very unusual, don’t you think? That a lady has her father’s men-at-arms in addition to her chaperone following her everywhere she goes? One would think she arrived here with a purpose.”
“To watch people die?” Chae cried. “She will be beside herself right now knowing that people are fighting one another because of her.”
“Perhaps her plan all along was to wear a crown. Champion for her people.”
“My people too, right?” Chae rose to his feet. “So I’m in on it too? You think we’re planning to take over?”
“Now come on Xanthir,” Teddy jumped in. “She was close to our family as a child. It was only natural she would resume those friendships when she got here. Otto was probably just concerned about the backlash. I strongly believe her intentions are pure. She has no hidden agenda.”
“I’m just telling you what all the nobles think.”
“Not all the nobles,” said Teddy. “And I don’t think you believe it either Xanthir. Chae has been nothing but a good friend to you and deserves a lot more respect than you are giving him now.”
Chae looked down at Teddy and gave him a small smile. It was uncommon for Teddy to speak so forcibly while in the company of his brother and his friends. Chae had often felt the need to protect him. Speak up for him against stronger voices but not anymore. He had made himself heard without any help.
Xanthir nodded and rose too. “I am sorry, Chae. I do not believe the whispers. I guess I just got caught up in the moment.”
“Tempani is a loyal servant to the crown. She would wish no harm on anyone.”
“I know,” Xanthir said and gripped Chae’s arm. “Brothers?”
“Till the end,” he said, repeating the promise the four knights had made to each other as young boys.
“So it’s agreed? Tempani doesn’t have a hidden agenda, and Nic will stop pursuing her.”
“I didn’t agree to that Teddy,” Nic snapped. He turned to Chae. “I understand you’re worried about your sister, but I don’t think I can stop seeing her. She will be given every protection I can give her.”
Chae glared at his friend, unsure if he was angry at him for putting his sister’s life in danger or proud of him for standing by his feelings for her.
“Madoc, you’ve been quiet.”
“I am in no position to tell you what to do, Nic.”
“I would like your opinion.”
Madoc sighed. “If you’re going to pursue her then we need to make sure she is protected at all times, and not just by Sir Otto’s men-at-arms. One of us should be with her everywhere she goes.”
“She’s going to love that,” Chae said.
“She’ll learn to live with it.” Nic stood and placed his hand on Chae’s shoulder in a friendly grip and patted him on the back. “I will see you at dinner.”
Teddy rose and shrugged his shoulder helplessly at Chae before following his brother out the door.
Chae frowned. He knew that no matter what Nic wanted and what plans he made, it all depended on Tempani, and she would never agree to this.
—
Around her there was chaos. Small fires crackled, voices shouted
, swords clashed. It was death to any commoner who carried a weapon, and the blows of the Guard were swift if they were lucky to catch an armed man. For every man that was caught, ten more swarmed at the Guard, allowing the armed assailants a chance to flee.
Tempani’s eyes were wide as she watched a man writhing on the ground, clutching at his sides as the boots of a Guard pounded into him. This was her chance to help someone. She moved swiftly from where she was hidden behind the rubble of the old blacksmith’s home. She brought her leg up, kicking the man’s feet from under him. It wasn’t enough to force him to the ground, but he did stumble. She landed a fist in his belly and brought a hand up to his throat, crushing his windpipe the way Nika had taught her. She helped the beaten man to his feet, and they took off. Behind them she heard the Guard spluttering as he tried to run after them.
She let the man lead the way as they ran down alleys, turning and changing direction constantly. When they could no longer hear the sounds of fighting, he slowed to a walk, and she followed him towards a house that was in one of the poorer parts of the city. He pushed open the door and ushered her in. He collapsed into his kitchen chair, his body sagging as he panted.
She knelt down in front of him, and with the sleeve of her shirt, she wiped away the mix of mud and blood that caked his face. Only when he was clean did she finally see who he was.
“Keane?” She gasped as she recognized the young stable hand from the city stables.
He narrowed his eyes and then frowned, pushing her away from him. “You be crazy, my lady. What’re you doing?”
“I wanted to help. I know how to fight.”
“I saw that.” He shook his head. “You coulda’ been killed. The Guard would love to see you dead.”
“Because I’m Kalaowin?”
He nodded as he rose and moved slowly to the door. “You got to go.” He motioned for her to follow. “I’ll take you to someone. He’ll get you home safe.” He looked at her. “Fix your cap. Your hair’s coming loose.”
She did as she was told and then followed him back out into the night. They moved slowly, sticking close to the shadows and avoiding any voices they heard. They came across another home, this one more alive than the one they’d just left.