by Raye Wagner
Evzan laughed as he nodded. “Strap on your knives. They’ll know we’re Cervenean because of our attire anyway, but let’s not go looking for a fight.”
A few minutes later, Adaline bid Gunhild and Behorig farewell, promising to meet them outside the gate in an hour. Gunhild pointed at Evzan and said in Mal-mal, “Don’t let that one talk you into anything you don’t want.”
Adaline grimaced. “I’m not planning on buying anything more than a few sweets for later and maybe a pretty necklace for you.”
Gunhild snorted. “I don’t need a necklace, unless it’s made from the bones of Tsar Baine.” She stared at Adaline for a long moment and then said, “Your guard has been very loyal to you and helped your heart to heal. But be careful.”
Adaline smiled at her friend. “You sound like a modir.”
Gunhild’s intensity didn’t waiver as she studied Adaline. The Mala accepted the reins to the princess’s horse and said in Mal-mal, “My mother was a witch. I don’t have her power, but I get impressions, and occasionally, I can see the Lumea but not like you’ll be able to once you rid yourself of the shadow holding you back.”
The world seemed to stop for a long moment, and Adaline blinked in awe. “You can see it?”
Gunhild nodded. “But not always, just here and there.”
“Can you tell me how to get rid of the binding?”
“No, but it is less now than when we first met. Something happened to weaken its hold.”
Evzan stepped up to Adaline and cupped her elbow. “Are you ready?”
Adaline glanced back and forth between her guard and Gunhild, but the flaxen-haired woman only gave a slight shake of her head before saying, “Go have fun with your knight. We can converse more when you return to camp.”
Adaline and Evzan joined the throng of people in the center of the courtyard. Fabric stalls leaned like lavishly dressed ladies eager to gossip with their neighboring stalls. Vendors shouted their wares, offering everything from sweets to gems to small figurines. Adaline inhaled several apple tartlets and even coaxed Evzan into eating one. He’d even gone so far as to admit it was tasty.
Seriously? Did the man have no fun?
“Tasty?” She rolled her eyes.
He looked at her sideward. “You fed it to me hoping I wouldn’t like it?”
She nudged him. “I fed it to you hoping that you’d admit that it’s the best thing you’ve ever tasted.”
His mouth twisted to a half-smile, and his gaze dropped to her lips. “But it’s not the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Not even close.”
That ended Adaline’s complaint, and with butterflies swarming in her belly, she tried to focus on shopping. Adaline found a carving of a handsome djinni on horseback, a man with dark hair and silver eyes riding a black horse. His lips curled up in a sardonic smile as he peeked through a forest of trees. She pointed at the artist’s rendition and asked, “Who is it? Or rather, who is it meant to be?”
The man in the stall appeared taken aback. “Do you not know? He is Aksel, the Black Horseman. Some say he is the bringer of justice, to mete punishment to those who’ve abused their power and oppressed their people. Others call him Famine.”
Evzan snorted behind her and mumbled, “He looks like a self-important ass trying to one up the other djinn.”
Adaline ignored Evzan’s rude talk about the djinni. Everyone knew the spirits of the Lumea were capricious when it came to dealing with mortals. And while they still existed, their appearances were exceedingly rare, to one human here or there, not an entire community.
“What about this one?” she said, her gaze settling on another. She squinted and then moved closer as surprise hit her, followed by admiration. “Evzan, look at this one. He’s terrifying and a bit handsome, too. He looks a little like you.” She pointed to another Horseman. He rode a large stallion, bigger even than Warbringer, and he was dressed in gruesome crimson. On closer inspection, Adaline realized that this Horseman’s untamed hair and gleeful, carefree expression exuded a wildness Evzan would never permit. “What’s his name?”
The merchant didn’t answer.
“Kaitse,” Evzan said.
Adaline stared at her guard. “How is it you know so much about djinn?”
He shrugged. “My mother insisted.”
Adaline bent toward the painted figurine once again. “What does Kaitse do? What’s his job?”
“He brings peace,” Evzan said. “Peace to nations or empires divided by greed. He ends war.”
Adaline straightened, a slow grin spreading across her face. She fished around in the purse at her belt, grateful she still had a few coins. Before she could pay the vendor, Evzan extended his hand and dropped several gold coins on the table for her.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling first at Evzan and then turning to the seller. But her smile faltered when she saw the wary look the man was giving her guard. The man had paled to whiter than the bolts of cloth hanging beside him. He knocked three times on the wood of his stall, spit over his shoulder, and uttered a Belochian word she didn’t know. “Your money is no good here. Take the figurine and leave my stall.”
Adaline realized that she and Evzan had fallen into Cervenish common, making it clear to the seller they were the enemy. The coins Evzan threw down were also Cervenean currency. No other stall had objected to her gold, but she could understand why this seller was upset. She opened her mouth to demand the man take the payment, but Evzan only scooped up the coins.
“Let’s go, Your Highness,” Evzan said with a hand at her back. “This isn’t the time to start a knife fight with villagers.”
He was right. She knew he was right, but something about the encounter disturbed her. It was as if he was warding off evil while banishing the pair from his stall. After leaving, she commented to Evzan, “Did you see how scared he was of us?” She sighed, lost in her thoughts as Evzan led them from the marketplace. As they approached the gate, she looked down to the figurine she still clutched. “It’s too bad we can’t have him truly come here. I’d love to have peace.”
Evzan stopped walking, and Adaline came back to stand in front of him. She knew that showing her feelings for her guard was as foolish as it was inappropriate. But lost in a sea of strangers who didn’t even glance their way, she felt free to look up at her guard and reach out to brush away the haunted look on his face. She ran her fingertips over his eyes, and his lips parted.
“You’re so tired,” she said, guilt nagging at her heart because she knew she’d been the cause of much of his exhaustion. “I’m sorry this is so much for you. I’ll try to do better.”
He caught her hand and held it to his chest. His heart thumped beneath where he held her palm, and Adaline stepped even closer.
Evzan opened his eyes, his blue gaze locking on hers. “Don’t ever apologize for being yourself, Adaline. To me, you’re perfect.”
Warmth infused her chest with his words. Raising onto her tiptoes, she closed her eyes as Evzan’s arm encircled her waist. The world, Orikrod, the marketplace, the war, all disappeared.
“Adaline,” he whispered, his breath caressing her face.
He touched his forehead to hers, and even though she knew she should pull away, that the physical contact in public was horribly inappropriate, she didn’t want to. She wanted him to kiss her again; she longed for it. To feel his lips on hers, the warmth of his body . . .
He pulled away, and she opened her eyes just in time to see him swallow hard. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I promised I wouldn’t. We can’t—”
Covering his mouth with her fingers, she said nothing. There was nothing to say that hadn’t been said several times before. Instead, she just spun away and started toward the gate. Adaline felt Evzan at her side as they maneuvered through the crowds but did nothing more to acknowledge him.
She couldn’t. Her heart was breaking.
29
Adaline stepped outside and found Gunhild and Behorig waiting just past the black twisted
metal that had recently been impenetrable. She mounted her horse and met the gaze of her generals and then Evzan. “Thank you,” she said, her heart swelling with gratitude for each of them. “For all of your support . . . and your loyalty.”
Behorig spoke for the first time that Adaline could remember. “Your father would be proud of you, Princess. You will make a fine queen.”
Her emotions flooded her, burning her eyes as tears welled. She knew if she said anything, she’d be a blubbering mess, which was not what she needed when she returned to her army.
The four of them rode back across the bloody field of yesterday’s carnage where Belochians and Cerveneans now worked together to dig trenches. The giant earthen mounds would be unmarked graves for the soldiers she failed. Her mind tortured her with guilt all the way into the Cervenean camp.
Many soldiers gathered at the edge of camp to greet them as they rode in, and the cheers bolstered Adaline’s waning confidence.
“Justice!” they chanted, “Justice!”
It was a new mantra. Adaline waved at the men, amidst their celebration, and reveled in the quick and peaceful end of the battle in Orikrod.
Adaline sent General Behorig with a request for the other generals to gather for a meeting in the central tent and then returned to her own space to change out of the ill-fitting armor.
“How soon do you want to march?” Evzan asked.
Adaline considered her options. It was only mid-afternoon, still plenty early to send out scouts, break camp, and cover several miles. Today, however, Adaline was exhausted. “We’ll break camp at first light. Just like last time.”
He nodded. “Then you can get some sleep tonight. You’ve been far too drawn and anxious lately.”
Adaline chuckled, a sound of disbelief rather than mirth. “I’ve had a lot to be anxious about.”
“True.”
The air in the tent thinned, and Adaline had a sudden urge to close the distance once again. Instead, she pulled off the rest of the leathers and headed out, brushing by Evzan on her way through the flap.
Adaline, Evzan, Gunhild, and the other generals met in the large pavilion. Adaline detailed her plan to take Rizy, going through the formalities to secure Gunhild’s position as second-in-command. There was something fiercely loyal about the Mala woman, and Adaline hoped Gunhild was part djinni, just so Adaline would have her around for her reign.
As they wrapped up their meeting, someone shouted outside, and the clang of metal on metal made Adaline’s heart jump. The generals drew their swords, and Adaline’s heart raced.
“Wait here,” Evzan said, waving back the others as he strode to the door.
Adaline surveyed the occupants of the tent; most of their looks were open and honest, sincere in their support of her.
The sounds of a scuffle ensued, and several of her men went out to see what was happening. A man outside the tent said something about “arrest” and “death,” and Adaline bolted toward the tent flap.
“Princess,” Gunhild hissed, stepping in close and blocking her path. “Be very careful. Watch what you say, how you say it, and whom you trust.”
Their exchange took only a moment, and then Gunhild led Adaline outside the tent into the afternoon sun.
Adaline’s heart flipped and then thudded against her chest, pushing her forward. “What is the meaning of this?”
Ten men surrounded Evzan as he knelt on the ground, bound in chains and bleeding from a gash on his head. One of the men held a sword at Evzan’s back, and two more had their weapons pointed at his neck.
Adaline recognized the man who stood by Evzan immediately. Tipalek was the same brawny captain whose men’s taunts and jeers convinced her to don armor and ride for the army. Around him now stood many of those same men.
The brutish captain grinned as his sword pricked deeper into Evzan’s neck, a bead of blood welling beneath the tip, but Tipalek’s attention was all for Adaline. “Oh, Princess. Thank the stars. We’ve been so concerned about you. Your aunt has asked me to bring you back to Burdad. She’s been worried sick.”
The man’s words sounded sincere, except that General Tipalek wasn’t particularly effusive.
“Why do you have my guard at sword point and in chains, Captain?” she demanded. “Release him at once.”
“General, I am a general now, made so by the queen.” The newly minted general shook his head slowly. “And I’m afraid I can’t release him, Princess. The queen regent has demanded he be arrested for kidnapping you, endangering your life, and defying her orders.”
Adaline looked at Evzan, who rolled his eyes.
He rolls his eyes? Of all times to discover a sense of humor.
“She sent a courier three days ago and asked that I bring you back to Burdad,” her guard said. “I replied that you were safe and flourishing. I saw no reason to tell you if she hadn’t communicated with you directly.”
“Silence, traitor,” one of the men said, hitting Evzan upside the head with the blunt side of a sword.
Adaline saw red, and she stalked to the knight, stomped on his foot, wrenched his weapon from his hands and held it to his throat. “If you ever touch my guard again, I’ll make sure you lose a hand. Do you understand?”
The man’s eyes widened, and he nodded.
“Let him go,” she snapped at the general again. “I’m the princess of Cervene, and I demand—”
“Leave it alone, Adaline,” Evzan growled. “Let them take me, and I’ll be back in a few days.”
The general cleared his throat and said, “Princess Adaline, we are to escort you back as well. Your aunt is quite anxious over your safety.”
Goosebumps prickled over Adaline’s skin. Dimira’s position of power and ability with magic had crossed Adaline’s mind with the assassins, but she didn’t want to believe her aunt capable of this type of betrayal. The person who had the most to gain if Adaline died was also her last family member. The princess didn’t even want to think of what that meant or how far her aunt’s betrayal might extend. Or was Adaline reading into the situation too far?
She straightened, glaring at the arrogant captain. “And if I refuse?’
The general pursed his lips. “I’m afraid we’re going to have to insist.”
Adaline had no options. Even if she did, she wouldn’t want to leave Evzan to Dimira if she was behind the assassination attempts.
Adaline wanted to cling to the fissuring belief that her aunt was innocent and still trying to protect Adaline. Maybe even that Dimira had caught wind of the assassination attempts and wanted to make sure Adaline was alive and well. But she didn’t believe it.
Not at all.
Adaline turned to Gunhild and said, “Will you advance the army, General, but hold outside of Rizy? I’ll be back in less than a fortnight.”
Gunhild pounded her fist against her chest and inclined her head. “It will be my pleasure and my honor, Princess.”
Adaline turned her attention back to General Tipalek. “See that his horse and mine are prepared. We will leave for Burdad in an hour. And get those handcuffs off my guard.” She stepped up to the general and said, “I might not be your sovereign yet, but it is only a matter of weeks.”
General Tipalek crouched in front of Evzan and asked, “Will you swear not to run off?”
Evzan laughed and said, “Ever? You want me to swear that I’ll never leave? How’s this, I’ll not abandon Adaline for as long as we both shall live, and I’ll be loyal to her and her only.” Evzan glared at the general and added, “And with snakes like you around, let’s face it, she needs me.”
General Tipalek stood tall and puffed out his chest. “You’re nothing but a hunter who got lucky. But we don’t need your kind climbing the ranks, playing soldier.” The general turned to Adaline. “I’ll let my men sheath their swords, but the huntsman will remain in his restraints until the queen regent orders otherwise. I’m sorry, Highness.”
Adaline glared at the soldiers from Burdad. She turned to Gunhild
and said, “Will you allow Derric and Mace to accompany me back to Burdad, or do you need them here?”
Gunhild scrunched her face up while she contemplated and then said, “You can take Derric and Rand. I need Mace here with me. Have Behorig pull two of his most loyal men to accompany you as well. Remember what we discussed. I’ll have the army outside Rizy within a fortnight.”
Adaline nodded. “If I’m not there within a fortnight, level the city.” She turned to General Tipalek. “We leave for Burdad in an hour.” Then she turned to General Behorig and asked, “Will you find two trustworthy men to accompany me?”
The general nodded, the apprehension in his eyes speaking volumes of his feelings toward General Tipalek. “Of course, Highness. I’ll have them ready your horses as well so you can pack your things.” Behorig bowed low and added, “And might I say what a pleasure it has been to serve with you here in Orikrod? I look forward to seeing you again outside the walls of Rizy.”
Then he turned and barked orders back into the tent, and three soldiers hurried out.
Adaline crouched in front of Evzan, who still knelt on the ground. Even though only he wore cuffs, they were both prisoners. But, determination settled in Adaline’s core because she would not become a victim. She’d meant what she said to the blubbering Sir Sadon: Everyone was either for or against Cervene, and if Dimira was against, Adaline would investigate how far her aunt’s treachery spread and hold her accountable to the crown and the people of Cervene. Cupping Evzan’s face, Adaline vowed, “I’ll make this right.”
He quirked a smile at her, far too at ease for their predicament, and said, “I know you will.”
Demigods. Monsters. Mythology. Romance.
Hope has a deadly secret… Hope has spent her entire life on the run, but no one is chasing her. In fact, no one even knows she exists. And she’ll have to keep it that way.
Even though mortals think the gods have disappeared, Olympus still rules. Demigods are elite hunters, who track and kill monsters. And shadow-demons from the Underworld prey on immortals, stealing their souls for Hades.