The Kingdom Thief (Sitnalta Series Book 2)

by Alisse Lee Goldenberg

  Sitnalta groaned in frustration. “I need to know they’re okay. Is there anyone I could write to?”

  Navor smiled. “There is,” he said. “He was the one who told us how to get you out of the castle. Write to Ipsinki.”

  Sitnalta jumped out of her chair and hugged the Prince. “Thank you! Why didn’t I think of that?”

  Navor laughed. “You would have eventually.”

  Sitnalta grabbed her quill and began to write once more. “Can I send this when we dock at the island?”

  “I’ll see to it personally,” Navor assured her as he left her to her task.

  The next day, Sitnalta was standing on deck wearing a travel gown of a deep sea green. Her hair was pulled back from her face, and she was watching the skyline in anticipation as the shore grew closer and closer. Her eyes took in every detail possible as she saw the white, sandy beaches for the first time. The island was dotted with palm trees, and she could see dolphins splashing in the deeper water. Colourful parrots could be seen as they flew from tree to tree. She had never seen any place like it, and she longed to get off the boat and explore every inch of her friend’s island home. Navor was standing beside her and he delighted in watching her reactions to everything she was seeing. He smiled as she smiled, her laughter made him chuckle. He found her every movement and expression enchanting. Yet she felt as if she were putting on a show for him. Inside, she was in turmoil. She worried about her home, about Aud and Gerald, and about what Wilhelm was planning to do to those she loved. In spite of this, she tried to be happy that she had made it out alive and well.

  They docked the ship and were ushered ashore to greet the people of the island. Sitnalta was still enthralled by everything she saw, and the people she met. They all seemed to adore their King and Prince, and greeted her warmly. She did her duty in responding and being as attentive as possible. However, she had not forgotten the promise Prince Navor had made to her, and as soon as it was possible, she turned to him to ask about the letter.

  “Can we send it now?” Sitnalta asked.

  Navor nodded. “Hand it to me. I will take care of it.”

  Sitnalta handed him the letter and watched as he vanished into the crowd. He returned soon after, empty-handed.

  “There was a trade ship going to your home. I gave your letter to the captain. He knows Ipsinki well and will ensure he receives your note as quickly as possible.”

  “Thank you, Navor,” Sitnalta said. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.”

  “I understand why you’re worried. I would be too.”

  The King, Prince, and Princess were helped into a carriage and taken to the castle to rest from their journey and prepare for that night’s feast.

  * * *

  Sitnalta was led to the castle’s dining hall by one of the servants that the King had sent to help her with anything she might need. The Princess had needed both a long, hot bath and nap after her arrival. She hadn’t thought she would be able to rest after all that had just happened, yet upon finding the tub filled with hot water, and a clean bed with soft sheets, she hadn’t been able to stop herself from falling asleep.

  Now that she was dressed for dinner, she walked the halls trying to see everything she could on her way to dinner. This castle was so different from any building she had seen. Everything she saw was sculpted from white marble. The windows that lined the hall were trimmed with beautiful, multicoloured stained glass depicting seashells and flowers. Tapestries showing scenes of ships and mermaids hung from the walls.

  Sitnalta entered the hall to see the King and Queen already seated at the table. They rose to welcome her, and Sitnalta blushed as she curtsied. Prince Navor’s mother shared her son’s colouring; however, while he was cheerful and lively, Queen Kika exuded a regal elegance that made Sitnalta feel gangly and awkward. Yet, the Queen seemed to not notice the Princess’s discomfort and smiled at her and welcomed her to their home.

  “I am honoured to be here,” Sitnalta said as she rose and took her seat. “Where is Prince Navor?”

  “Running late,” the King said. “He is never punctual, even if there is food waiting.”

  “I am here, Father,” Navor said as he ran into the room. He took his seat across from Sitnalta and smiled broadly at the Princess.

  “Good,” said the Queen. She saw the look her son had given their guest, and she pursed her lips. The fact that he seemed so smitten made her nervous. “Now we may begin the meal.”

  Sitnalta was treated to all manner of food that she had never seen, nor tried. However, she had quite the time sampling it all. There was creamy chowder filled with all sorts of crustacean from the fishermen in the harbour. This course was followed by a dish of flaky crab cakes with a rich hollandaise sauce on top. After this, they were treated to roast lobster with a side of potato wedges topped with a light butter sauce.

  The whole meal, Sitnalta barely spoke a word. She was completely fixated on her food. Navor and his father were delighted to see their young guest’s enthusiasm for the cooking of the castle’s chefs. They had been worried that the unfamiliar food would be a bit much for the young Princess, but it seemed as if their fears were completely misplaced.

  When dinner was over, and cups of tea had been drunk by all, Prince Navor rose and offered his hand to Sitnalta; she rose and followed him and his parents to their library.

  “My son told me you have concerns,” King Parven said when they had all taken seats in front of the fire.

  “Yes,” Sitnalta replied. “I am worried about King Gerald and Queen Aud. They are the only family I have back home. I need to know they are all right.”

  Queen Kika watched the Princess with interest. She had been told that Sitnalta had a kind heart and was spirited. She had met her before, but now she saw that the Princess was not only these things, she also felt very deeply for others. She could see why her son felt so strongly for this girl. She only wished he was not so young.

  “We will do everything possible to help you and your family,” she said. “I have known King Gerald for years. It upsets me deeply that he is in the situation he’s in.”

  Sitnalta’s eyes filled with tears. To hear that these people were on her side and were willing to help her filled her with such hope.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. “This means the world to me.”

  “Whatever you need is yours,” the King said. “But now, you need rest. We can begin to plan in the morning.”

  Sitnalta nodded and allowed Prince Navor escort her to the door to her room.

  “Your parents are wonderful,” she said to him. “Thank you so much for telling them I was worried.”

  “I couldn’t stand to see you so scared,” Prince Navor replied. “I would do anything to help you. I hope you know that.”

  “I do,” Sitnalta said. She leaned forward and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Good night.”

  Navor blushed. His heart sang in his chest. It seemed that there might be hope for him after all. “Good night, Princess.”

  Chapter Six

  Awakening

  King Gerald woke up in his cell with a groan. After a lifetime of sleeping on feather beds covered in luxurious sheets, to lie on a stone floor with only his clothes to cover him was a rude awakening indeed. He had lost track of time, but the thick beard that now covered his face told him that it had probably been months. Through his small window, he could just make out the tiniest sliver of the moon on most nights, and he had watched it fade to nothingness at least twice. To him, he could swear that he had been thrown in there only the day before. He was cold, tired, and hungry. His back ached, and he was covered in a thick layer of grime. He knew that Aud was in the cell next door, but he could not see her, and he could barely hear her. The wall between them was thick, and they couldn’t even use knocking to get messages to each other. It had been almost a year since Wilhelm had taken over. The first few months, he and Aud had managed to remain in hiding with Sitnalta.
But they had eventually been caught. He had known that Sitnalta had spent some time with Wilhelm, and he had spent every day fearing for her safety. But recently, he had heard that the King was searching for her. The thought of her escape had given Gerald the hope he desperately needed to keep going.

  When he had first been thrown into the cell, Supmylo had seen him, and the laughter that lit up the old King’s face had been violent and gleeful all at once. At least Gerald’s imprisonment had brought joy to at least one man.

  Gerald sat in his cell feeling utterly useless. He desperately wished there was some way to know that the people he cared about were safe and unharmed. He had heard of King Wilhelm’s intentions for the Princess, and the thought of him with her made Gerald’s blood run cold. It pained him horribly to think that he had spared her a life with her father, only to turn her over to Wilhelm’s hands. There was something about the new King that made Gerald think that this man was worse than Supmylo ever was. He was terrified. Not just for himself, but for his people as well.

  A rustling and clanging at the door to his cell drew Gerald up off the floor. He had resolved the day he’d wound up in his situation, that he would never show any of the guards any form of weakness. The door opened, and Gerald saw his guard throw a tin plate to the floor. On the plate was a piece of stale bread.

  “Your lunch,” the guard sneered before he slammed the door shut.

  Gerald stepped forward and grabbed the food before the rats that shared his home in the dungeon could do so. He gingerly began to pick apart the meagre meal and was shocked to find a piece of paper baked into the bread. He pulled it out and unrolled it, careful to check that the guards were nowhere near the door to see him do so. He read the note in the dim light of his cell, feeling his pulse quicken with each line of text.

  Gerald,

  I write to you to tell you the news that I am sure you’re longing to hear. The Princess Sitnalta is safe. I can’t tell you where she is, in case this message winds up in the wrong hands. Just know that she is where Wilhelm can’t touch her. She is with friends.

  We are all doing what we can to get both you and the true Queen to safety and to restore your throne.

  I am your loyal man always.

  I

  For the first time in what felt like days, Gerald smiled. This was the first message he had gotten from his man outside, and he thanked his lucky stars for Ipsinki. He wished with every fibre of his being for some way to get this news to Aud. The thought briefly crossed his mind that she may have received a similar message, and that helped him feel calmer about the situation. He knew that Ipsinki was resourceful and that he was doing everything possible to save them. He had some ideas as to where Sitnalta was, and he knew that she would be protecting herself as best she could. He remembered when he’d first met her. He had never met anyone as strong-willed and as brave as the Princess. If Wilhelm ever got his hands on her, he knew that Sitnalta wouldn’t be taken without a fight.

  Gerald heard the sharp click of a key turning in the lock on his cell door. He quickly shoved the note in a crack between two stones in the wall beside him and turned to face whoever was entering. It was the same guard who had given him his meal.

  “Have you come for my tray?” Gerald asked, keeping his voice amiable and light. He had resolved to not show these men that their actions were wearing him down in any way.

  The guard narrowed his eyes. The former King’s good nature always left him feeling off balance. He had never before seen a man so unfazed by these surroundings. He felt that there had to be some trickery at work here.

  “I am here to bring you before the King,” the guard replied.

  “Oh,” Gerald said. “Wilhelm wants to see me? Whatever for?” He feigned indifference, trying not to let the guard see his fear. Inside, he was full of questions. This was the first time since his capture that the usurper had asked for him.

  “That is for you to find out when you are presented to him.”

  The guard motioned for him to step outside his cell and start walking. Gerald obliged and began the familiar walk to the main part of the castle. He was only mildly surprised to find that he was being taken to the King’s private study. He supposed it made sense. In the study, there would be no one around to witness what would be said between them. As he was escorted through the castle’s halls, he saw familiar faces watching him. For them, he tried to appear strong and resolved. He saw their sadness and fear. He smiled at them, as if to tell them that he was okay, and that everything would somehow be fine again. As he walked, he noticed that the castle was once more the way it had been when Supmylo had been King. The flowers were gone; the colourful tapestries that he and Aud had carefully chosen and hung had all been taken down. It was, once again, a dark and oppressive place to live and to work. The realization hit him harder than he had thought it would.

  It was all too soon before Gerald found himself at the door to the study. He surreptitiously took a deep breath as the guard knocked and opened the door, ushering him inside. Gerald nodded to him and passed into the room. He looked around before acknowledging the man seated behind the oak desk. The study was one of the only areas that hadn’t been changed much. Gerald had kept it full of books, polished wood, and leather. It seemed that Wilhelm had appreciated his taste, at least in this. He turned and saw the guard bow and exited the room, closing the door behind him, leaving Gerald alone with Wilhelm.

  Wilhelm saw his prisoner enter. King Gerald looked to be a shell of the man he’d once been. He stood before him ragged and weary. Wilhelm folded his hands together and smiled slowly. His black hair was slicked back and held in place with a heavy gold circlet. He was dressed in black, with an ermine cape draped over his shoulders.

  “Gerald,” Wilhelm said. “I suspect that you know why I brought you here.”

  “I am sure that I have no idea,” Gerald replied. He fought to keep his expression neutral. He kept telling himself that he could not show this man any fear or weakness.

  Wilhelm sighed. “I brought you here to ask you if you knew the Princess’s whereabouts.” He leaned back in his chair, affecting an air of casual indifference. “It makes no real difference if you do or not. I expect to find her eventually. However, your help in this matter will make things go so much quicker, and it might prompt me to move you to more comfortable quarters.”

  “I tell you truly that I have no idea as to where Sitnalta is,” Gerald answered. “However, even if I did, I would not tell you.”

  Wilhelm frowned. “I am afraid that I do not believe you.”

  “I don’t care one way or the other,” Gerald said with a shrug. “But I know what I know, and I know that I was not informed by anyone as to where the Princess went. As to your offer of better quarters, I am quite comfortable where I am, thank you.”

  Wilhelm rose from his spot behind the desk and crossed to where Gerald was standing. He regarded the older man with a sneer on his face.

  “You may be comfortable where you are,” Wilhelm said. “But how comfortable do you think your lovely wife is? I assure you, I can make her as uncomfortable as I choose. The choice is yours. If you persist in avoiding my questions, I will make her very, very uncomfortable indeed.”

  Gerald felt a sick feeling in his stomach. He knew that it would probably come to this. He loved Aud with all his heart. He did not wish to cause her any pain—but he also loved Sitnalta, and he knew that his wife would want to keep the Princess safe at any cost. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves.

  “I am being completely honest with you,” Gerald said. “I am completely in the dark when it comes to the Princess’s whereabouts. I do not know where she is, nor do I know if anyone out there actually does. There is nothing you can do to me, or my wife, that can possibly change this.”

  Wilhelm chuckled. Somehow, the sound of his laughter made Gerald more nervous than any threat.

  “I’m sorry this is your stance on the matter,” Wilhelm said as he wal
ked towards the door to the room. He pulled the door open and summoned in the guard. “Take this man back to his cell. Once he is there, move his wife to one of the cells a few floors lower.”

  Gerald felt his heart break as the guard roughly pulled him through the castle’s halls. Those cells were where they put the worst criminals. The cramped, windowless holes would destroy the kind soul he loved so dearly. Gerald wept as he heard Aud get moved from the cell beside him. He tried to call out to her, and to tell her to be strong, but his voice failed him, and he hated himself in that moment for failing to give her what comfort he could.

  Chapter Seven

  News

  Princess Sitnalta was woken up by a knock on her door. She rolled over in her bed feeling slightly annoyed. She had been dreaming that she, Gerald, and Aud had been having a picnic in the castle’s orchard. This wasn’t a strange occurrence, only this time Najort was there, alive and well. He was laughing in the early afternoon sun, and Sitnalta was feeling completely happy and at peace. It was times like these that she missed the troll the most. He had been able to provide her with comfort and advice. He had always been honest with her, and had been one of her strongest defenders up until the moment he had died at the hands of her father, King Supmylo.

  Sitnalta climbed out of bed, pulled on a robe and went to the door. To her surprise, King Parven stood on the other side, a concerned look on his face.

  “Good morning, Princess,” the King said. “I am sorry to wake you, but we received word from our friends in Colonodona, and it is not pleasant. I know that you were speaking with my son about finding out about your family. If you wouldn’t mind getting dressed, I will share what we have learned over breakfast.”

  Sitnalta managed to nod, and narrowly missed slamming the door in Parven’s face in her haste to make herself presentable. In record speed, she was dressed and seated in the dining hall. Prince Navor arrived soon after and seated himself beside her. Unconsciously, Sitnalta reached out and took his hand in hers in a firm grip.