That’s the plan as she leaves him, and she wants to believe she is as loyal to him as she is disloyal to Everleigh and yet she knows it’s not true. Her allegiances seem to change hourly.
What she should do is confess all to Everleigh, bring her to Millard and let that be the end of it all. When she untied him, and let him go she wanted him to have a chance, a fair fight, but now he’s sitting in her cottage, well fed, warmed by the fire she made. But if she tells Everleigh, she will never be able to trust her again. Everleigh will capture Millard and she will throw Ginata in the tower with him. She will have to. A confession doesn’t change the deed that is done.
Ginata has betrayed Everleigh and if Everleigh finds out she will have to punish her.
Ginata shakes her head as she walks, talking out loud, discussing her problem with herself. Dismissing each solution until she comes to one she likes.
The truth is she cannot be on Millard’s side or Everleigh’s. She has to look after herself.
She will free Wolf, as promised. She will take clothes and weapons to Millard, as promised. And then she will leave him to it. She will go back to the castle, straight after, gather the things she cannot bear to leave behind and then she will flee.
The teacher will be able to crown Everleigh if Everleigh wins the war with her brother, and if she fails Millard is King already. They will not need her. She will not have to admit what she has done. She will be far away.
They may wonder, the truth may come out, but she will be far away and won’t hear of it.
One more day, she says to herself as she walks through the front door of the castle: one more day.
She goes to Everleigh’s room and knocks the door. She tries the handle but the door is locked. “It’s Ginata,” she calls.
Ceryn opens the door, fury on her face and spits out the words to Ginata. “Where have you been? Everleigh’s worried sick.”
“What? Sorry. I just...I...”
Ginata crosses the room to Everleigh and bows to her. “Forgive me? I was in my rooms-”
“No you weren’t! I went to fetch you.”
“And then I went to the kitchen, and then the gardens. Sorry, Everleigh, I didn’t mean to scare you. Being cooped up was driving me crazy.”
Ceryn scowls at Ginata and then storms over to Archer’s side. “Liar,” she says.
“Ceryn! It’s not a problem. I was just worried that’s all. There was an incident in the great hall.”
“What happened?”
“Someone in a hood stormed in and threw a severed head at Everleigh. But that’s fine, we looked after her,” Ceryn says.
Ginata puts her hands over her mouth. “That’s awful. Who was it?”
Everleigh sits down and Ginata sits next to her. “We don’t know. They had a hood on.”
“But they did shout, in the name of the King, when they did it. If I knew where he was, I’d kill him.”
“Alright, Ceryn. Stay calm.”
“I’m sorry, Everleigh.” Ginata touches her arm. “I’ll stay here now.”
Everleigh holds her hand up, stopping Ceryn from butting in with a sarcastic comment. Ceryn shakes her head but remains quiet.
“We just want to make sure we’re all together. That we’re all safe. Until we know where my brother is and what his plans are.”
Ginata nods, repeating silently in her head, one more day. She cannot see any other choice.
There’s another knock at the door. “It’s Finn.”
Ceryn lets him in. “Right, we’re all here, we’re all safe. What next?”
“Two more days until my coronation. Once Weaver gets here with my army, I think we’ll have to find my brother. Wolf’s locked up but I cannot rest while Millard’s out there somewhere.”
“Agreed,” Archer says, standing behind Everleigh, placing his hands on her shoulders. “It doesn’t make sense to have him on the loose. We cannot do anything until Weaver gets back, and really, aside from that nonsense earlier, is there a real threat?”
“That nonsense was horrible,” Della says. “It certainly upset me and Addyson.”
“I know that. But Everleigh didn’t come to any harm. They didn’t make a move to hurt her, just scare her.”
“We can handle that. I think you’re right though. Get through the next two days, stick together and get Everleigh crowned. Then we’ll have reinforcements. We’ll be able to keep you and the castle safe and send people out to find Millard.”
With nothing more to say or do, Della and Addyson break off to continue sewing bunting for the coronation. Will stays by Everleigh’s side and Ginata and the teacher join them. “Ginata, I’m glad you’re alright.”
She nods at him, a smile plastered over her face. “Just fine.”
Ginata tunes out as the others chat. She can feel the teacher’s eyes on her as well as Ceryn’s but she keeps her eyes trained on Everleigh and Will.
Everleigh calls Archer over. “What do we do about Wolf?”
“Kill him?”
“We probably should. I’d rather leave him locked up for ever, though.”
Ceryn joins them. “But then you have to feed him. Just kill him. Get it over with. He’s your brother’s closest ally. Without him, Millard will struggle. He can fight but he needs a henchman.”
“I know you don’t like it, Everleigh, but I think she’s right.”
“What do you all think?” She looks to Will, Ginata and the teacher. “Do I want to kill him?”
“Ceryn and Archer killed Millard’s men, who attacked us in the great hall. And they’d have probably killed whoever was in the hood if they’d caught him.” Will shrugs. “Kill or be killed.”
“Is that what we’ve come to?”
“Sadly. I think so.”
“You?” Everleigh looks at the teacher, her eyes pleading with him to see things her way.
“You feel as though if you kill him then you are no better than your brother.”
“Exactly!”
“But you are. You don’t kill indiscriminately, or on a whim. But if there is real danger, a real threat to you, or your sister, or your people, you cannot sit idly by. People will look to you for protection.”
“So, I just order his death?” Everleigh pushes back her chair, walks over to the window, looks out at the courtyard.
Archer follows her over, slips his arm around her waist, pulls her close to him. “Everleigh. I know this isn’t easy for you.”
“It’s not. I don’t want to kill people. I know, more than anyone, how precious life is. I was ready to die but I was given a second chance. Life is sacred.”
“Lock him up, then. If it makes you happy. It’s up to you.”
“People will think I’m weak.”
“They’ll think you’re merciful.”
She turns to face him, resting her head on his shoulder. “This is so much harder than I thought. When Halfreda told me I might live, might rule, I heard the word live. I would live. Ruling is good too, being in charge, being an all-powerful Queen but it never occurred to me what that meant. I’m not hard enough, I can’t be cruel.”
“Not cruel. Just thinking of yourself and the Realm. Keeping everybody safe. You can do that.”
“But at whose expense? I kill Wolf, then who’s next? Who stops me losing control?”
“Me, Will, your sister, the teacher. Any one of us. We’ll help you, advise you, support you. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.”
“And my brother? He still wants to kill me.”
“So, we’ll find him and lock him up too. Everleigh you will have an army of people to look after you, a bunch of people happy to advise you, the whole Realm behind you.”
“But it will be me who has to live with the choices I make, Archer. I will have to decide whether people live or die, and I will have to sleep at night after doing so.”
Ceryn
WE ARE ALL BACK TOGETHER and I should be happy but I’m not. Everleigh’s upset about Wolf. I know where she’s comi
ng from. I’ve killed so many people I’ve lost count. It’s clear to me: if someone means me or my friends or a child or anyone less capable than they are, harm then I’ll happily get in the way. I’d rather just knock someone out, but if they fight back or keep getting up, I’ll kill them.
I still remember the fear I felt when three grown men attacked me; I was only a little girl and I cannot stand to see the helpless as victims. I’d rather get myself killed trying to help than look the other way.
Everleigh has never been in a situation like that or a position like this. She doesn’t like having the power over life and death. I think she’s mad. I’d love that power. Wolf – kill him, no question. Millard – kill him, no question. Any of Millard’s men – kill them.
I will never forget how sick I felt when I killed Brett and found out that he was innocent, but I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I showed mercy and it was misjudged.
Wolf has done nothing to prove he deserves to live. From what I’ve heard he was Everleigh’s other brother’s man first but then turned on him for Millard. He would kill without questioning it if Millard told him to, and I bet he has. Hundreds of times. And I bet he likes it.
If Everleigh shows him mercy, it’ll be a mistake. If she wants to be nice, then she can leave him to starve in the tower.
That’s one reason I’m feeling out of sorts. The other is Ginata.
I don’t know her very well. When we met, she had to tell me and Weaver that Archer was dead. I wanted to punch her, but she was actually sweet, she seemed to really care about us being upset. She seemed to want to help us. She seemed to want to help Everleigh. Now it’s like she’s all wrapped up in herself and her own troubles.
What troubles has she got? She’s safe from Millard now. She hasn’t got to pretend that she serves him anymore. She can be open about her loyalty to Everleigh. She’s got us for company. You think she’d be happy.
I’m missing something, I know. I just don’t know what.
But I’m watching her.
And if she’s hiding something I’ll see it.
Archer leaves Everleigh by the window and comes over to me. “I’m going to go to see Wolf. Give him something to eat.”
“Be careful. He’ll try something sly if you let him.”
“I know. I’m going to throw food in there. Not even talk to him, not give him a chance to try anything.”
“Good idea. Do you want me to help?”
Archer shakes his head, no.
“Fine. See you in a bit.”
I take his place by Everleigh’s side. “It’s good that you don’t want to kill him.” She doesn’t answer. “It means you’re a good person. A better person than your brother. That means you’ll be a better ruler than he was.”
She smiles at me. “I’m not sure I’ll be any good. But I know I have to try. For my father’s memory, for Halfreda.”
“You’ll be fine. Better than fine. You’ll be great.”
“And you’ll definitely stay?”
“Absolutely.”
We are quiet then, she’s looking out the window, I’m looking around the room. Is this my new home? My new family?
I hope so. I never thought I’d even like Everleigh. I wanted to hate her, but I just can’t. I love her. Her and Addyson are like the sisters I never had. I still can’t believe these people have seen me without my mask. I’m glad they have. If I helped Addyson even a tiny bit by showing her, then I’m glad.
Della is lovely and Finn’s alright. He’s a bit grumpy since we rescued Everleigh, since we realised Archer’s alive...oh, I wonder if he has a thing for Everleigh like I had a thing for Archer. I watch him for a second and he’s shooting some foul looks Archer’s way. His eyes soften when he looks at Everleigh. I might be right. Not that it matters either way.
Everleigh and Archer are falling for each other more and more. She looks to him for advice and reassurance. He wants to be near her, close to her, touching her. It’s kind of sweet to watch. I’m not jealous anymore. I’m really not. They look right together. I’m pretty proud of myself actually for being so grown up. So, I’m a bit jealous but not like I was. It’s not an angry gut churning jealousy now, more of a dull ache.
Will joins us by the window and I leave the two of them together. I’m not going to replace my affections for Archer by pushing them on to Will. Will is great but I’m not looking for love or any more awkwardness when I fall for someone who doesn’t fall for me, again. I’ve done that once.
I am living and learning today, I tell you!
There’s a knock at the door and Archer calls out. I let him in. Everleigh rushes over. “Are you alright? Did he try anything?”
“I’m fine. He’s alive. I know that much because he was shouting and swearing before I even got there. When he realised I was outside he shouted and swore more. I told him to move away from the door and I’d give him some food.”
“Did he listen?”
“No. He kept shouting and swearing and bashing the door. So I left it on the floor. The dogs will enjoy it.”
“Oh, Archer...”
“Everleigh, please don’t worry. If he was injured or starving, he wouldn’t have had the energy to argue. If I had opened the door to throw anything in, he would have got out. He’s furious. We’ll try him again tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?”
“He’s fine.”
I am chuckling at the thought of Wolf being so helpless and angry. He deserves it. “Can I go instead of Archer tomorrow? I’d love to hear him screaming. I’ll scream back at him!”
Everleigh laughs and it’s a lovely sound. Soon we are all laughing and the tension in the air lifts.
All of us except Ginata.
15
CERYN HEADS DOWN TO the kitchen to ask for their food to be brought to Everleigh’s room. “Are you alright?”
Cook snorts. “Nobody here is daft enough to bite the hand that feeds them, let me tell you.” She lifts a copper-bottomed pan. “I’ll hit them with this if they try anything. How’s Everleigh and little Addyson?”
“Both fine. We’re going to crown Everleigh on Saturday. We’ll need a feast.”
“I can do a feast for you. No problem.”
Cook seems excited at the prospect and Ceryn helps the little maids carry food and wine to Everleigh’s room.
“I told Cook about the coronation. She’ll sort out the food.”
“It feels strange planning my coronation while Millard is missing.”
“If he wasn’t missing, we wouldn’t be planning it.”
“But still...I just wish it was all resolved, I suppose.”
“The coronation is the ideal time for him to cause trouble. Best hope he stays missing.”
“Do you think he will cause trouble?”
“If he can, he will. Absolutely.”
They eat in silence, thinking about the coronation and Millard. Ginata pushes her food away. “I’m just not hungry.”
Ceryn catches her eye and refuses to look away. Ginata lowers her eyes.
“Boys, you’ll sleep in Macsen’s rooms tonight and us girls will stay here. It’ll be more comfortable. And I know Ceryn will keep us safe.”
“I might go to my room-” Ginata pushes her chair back, ready to stand.
Everleigh cuts her off. “No, Ginata, you can’t. We have to stick together. We cannot risk it, it’s just two days.”
Ginata nods, sits back down, smiles and picks at her food.
“Weaver will be back by then and so we’ll have plenty of reinforcements. If Millard tries anything, we’ll be ready.”
An almighty crash from outside in the courtyard has them all on their feet. Ceryn and Archer grab their swords and rush to the window to see what’s going on. Everleigh grabs hold of Addyson. “What is it?”
“I can’t see anything.”
“What was that noise?”
“I can’t see.”
They all gather at the windows, trying to see what the noise wa
s, when there’s a huge bang as the door into Everleigh’s room slams open. They whip around, Addyson screaming in fear, Archer and Ceryn raising their swords.
Three hooded men stand completely still in the doorway, it’s a petrifying sight.
They take one step forward, so do Ceryn and Archer.
Archer keeps his voice low and calm, “Everleigh. Remember when Will was in your bed...”
He says nothing further but both Everleigh and Will move quickly. When Macsen came to Everleigh’s room to kill her, she escaped through a grate in the wall, Will taking her place, willing to sacrifice his life for hers.
Everleigh drags the trunk away from the wall, Will ushers Addyson forwards. Everleigh pulls the grate away and pushes Addyson through, Della follows her and then Ginata, followed by the teacher and Finn.
“In the name of the King!” Seeing Everleigh make her escape, the hooded men take up the cry and launch themselves at Ceryn and Archer.
“Go Everleigh! Go!”
Everleigh hesitates for a second and Will pushes her into the gap, jumping in after her.
They can hear the clash of swords as they hurry along the hidden corridor.
Everleigh
I FOLLOW FINN THROUGH the dank corridor, catching my feet on the uneven floor. I can hear the rats scampering away from us – hopefully away – and I want to cry. I can feel the heat from Will behind me and I can hear the battle in my room and I feel sick of it all; there’s no peace, no rest. As soon as things are calm and going well, something trips us up.
I’m running away again, letting others fight my battles. “Everleigh, you have to be safe.” Will’s voice is an urgent whisper and I know he’s right. I cannot risk being killed and leaving the Realm with no one to rule it.
But I’m not really ruling it now, I’m just running around in circles, reacting to attacks or decisions other people make. I’m not in charge.
If I was in charge though, what would be different? I’m not safe. If Millard was dead or locked up who’s to say these attacks would even stop?
In the name of the King. Does that mean Millard is hidden away somewhere commanding people to hurt me? Or are these people who hate me or want to cause trouble, regardless of Millard? How would I know? But with only two people able to protect me, I’m vulnerable. I need to show the Realm that I’m strong, stand up and tell them that Millard is gone and I will be their ruler from now on. I am their Queen and I demand their respect and loyalty. Attacks will not be tolerated.
Born to Rule Page 11