He could see the prince lowering his guard, now he didn’t need to pretend to be some warm, greater good loving person. Now that he believed that Markus could be bought and that Markus was not emotionally or morally invested in the Element, he could speak a language that was true to him.
“You are more powerful than I thought,” Markus said slowly, “You may actually have what it takes to be king.”
Haddin smiled, “with your help, we can be rulers both in our own rights.”
Markus smiled, “Well first of all, I would like a room at court…”
Haddin’s eyes narrowed, “whatever for? Nobles who have rooms at court are nobles who work closely with the king, you have no such connection and with your blemished title…”
“That is exactly why. I had that with your father. I want that back. Without the favor of a royal, there is no way I would be welcomed here. My mansion at Arduway is… comfortable but I know that in order to make a mark in this kingdom I need to be close to where the power is.”
Haddin looked pleased.
“Unless,” Markus continued, “such a request is beyond your scope of authority.”
“Of course not! Is that all?”
“No, I also want the lands taken from the Cort estate restored.”
Haddin balked a bit, “all of them.”
Markus shrugged, “at least the farmlands near the border. If I am going to pull my weight around here, I will need the resources to do it.”
“I will give you time to think about it,” Markus said, “let me know what you decide and what you are able to do. And then we can talk about what I can do for you.”
Markus stood up and looked down at Haddin, his expression unreadable as it often was, even as his mind lit up with excitement at what he was able to do.
Haddin finally nodded, “alright,” he said, “I will send word to you with my decision.”
“What was that?” Cad hissed once they were out of earshot from the prince’s chambers.
Markus grinned, “I was just speaking his language.”
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing? That guy is clearly mad.”
Markus sighed, “Even more reason to stick to the plan. What’s worse than a mad man, is a mad man with power.”
As they rounded the corner Markus’ steps were roughly interrupted as a small body plowed right into him. Instinctively, he reached out and gently grabbed petite arms as he looked down into the widened eyes of a woman. A woman whose face he knew. Another gift from his father was the ability to remember things, everything he saw stayed embedded in his mind like filed paintings. This painting was instantly pulled into his consciousness, only there was something not quite right with the resemblance.
The woman he held at arm’s length, whose hands were pressed against his chest, wore the finery of a noble, her midnight hair piled high atop her head, accentuated by a jewel beaded tiara. She was a contrast to the image he had of her in his mind, dirty and dressed in the outfit of a peasant and lying helplessly at his feet.
“I am sorry,” she said, stepping back from him.
Markus dropped his hands from her arms and frowned, she spoke with the grace of a noble as well, which was not quite how he remembered her speaking the last time.
“That is alright,” he replied.
“Have we met before?” he asked, although he was pretty sure they had.
She shrugged and took a step back, “oh I am sure I would remember, Lord…”
He frowned and Cad elbowed him.
“Your title, kind sir,” she asked.
“Oh…” Markus grinned sheepishly, “I am Lord Cort.”
Recognition and intrigue flashed in her eyes almost simultaneously.
“Oh, so you’re the one responsible for all of this.”
Markus shrugged, “I was invited just like everyone else.”
“You assume everyone was invited,” she said with a hint of something he did not quite catch. As his frowned deepened, Cad cleared his throat rather loudly beside him.
“Oh, where are my manners? This is Cad, my right hand and head guard.”
The woman nodded politely, “nice to meet you.”
“And you are?”
She turned her attention to him once more and he instantly saw the hesitation in her deep blue pools; sky eyes as Dravians would call it. This would make her a descendant of Rad, according to Dravian culture. Markus had to admit, he had never been easily stirred by physical beauty, but this woman was distractingly beautiful and by Cad’s dominating stance, he thought so too.
Finally, her lips parted, “I am lady Quadin,” she replied.
“Lady Quadin,” he repeated, he felt intrigue stir in him.
So, she was a noble woman, who sometimes paraded as a peasant girl in the village of Arduway. He imagined that there was much more to be discovered about this woman. She held his gaze with boldness and a every burning spark of brilliance.
“Well if you would excuse me, I was…” she pointed behind him, with an uncomfortable smile, “I was going that way.”
He fumbled when he realized between him and Cad that they were blocking her way to the ladies’ chambers. He stepped aside instantly.
“Apologies.”
“That is alright,” she said as she hurried past them.
He turned to watch her and instantly noticed how she walked gingerly down the hallway, like she was in pain. He was not an expert on ladies’ matters, but he might have assumed that the lady Quadin was hurt somehow.
“Niceee,” Cad hissed, once she had disappeared behind the door.
Markus slapped him on the shoulder, “hold your horses ladies’ man, a woman like that is surely spoken for.”
Cad snorted, “by you, you mean.”
Markus chuckled, “no brother, I dare not entertain the distraction.”
They started walking towards the ball room again with Cad shaking his head.
“You need to stop using your heritage as an excuse to not be happy.”
“Who says I am not happy?” Markus shouted as the music rose around them once more.
“Your frown lines,” Cad shouted back.
Markus laughed. Yet he was already thinking of a way to speak with the mysterious lady again, for reasons that had nothing to do with Cad’s suggestion.
Chapter 15
The dark blue gown Eunice had sewn her complemented her eyes, but what she was most grateful for right now, was how well it concealed her bleeding wound.
Shadaya hunched over the basin, wiping frantically at the spot on her dress where the blood from her wound had seeped through. What had appeared to be a manageable cut was proving to be a major annoyance here at the ball. She looked up into the mirror and took a deep breath. It had been about an hour since she had been wounded and she had displayed no signs of being poisoned. That was a good sign, but it didn’t make playing her part tonight any less uncomfortable. If no one looked too closely, she could make enough rounds at the ball to make her presence known, though she doubted she could turn down any more dance requests without drawing attention.
Tap Tap
The knocking at the door was followed by a muffled, “you in there?”
It must have been Eril. Shadaya groaned, he had done a good job of playing the part of her escort, but now he might have been taking it too far by following her to the ladies’ room.
“Yes,” she called back, despite her annoyance.
“Are you okay?”
When she didn’t respond he knocked again.
“Open up.”
Shadaya hobbled to the door and opened it, hitting him with an annoyed glare. Only the shock of who she saw standing there caused her eyes to widen.
“Whh…” her words stuck in her throat as that good-natured mischievous smile danced across Jasper’s face.
“Sorry if this is very inappropriate but my concern for you extends beyond all reason it seems.”
Shadaya stepped back for him to come in and he hurried
inside gratefully. Shadaya tossed a look behind him before closing the door.
“Hopefully no one thinks twice about you, being in here… with me.”
“Hopefully no one knows I am here at all.”
“You shouldn’t be here,” she whispered, “you’ve walked right into the lion’s den… For me? I can handle myself.”
Shadaya glared at him and leaned up against the door. As he proceeded to double check the bathroom stalls to ensure that they were alone. The ladies’ room was a small room with two wash basins resting atop stone counters and above it was two rounded mirrors. There were stalls, with wooden doors in which women could relieve themselves privately. It was said that Aldor had the most advanced water and sewerage system in Saharia, with their large aqueducts and complex water systems which allowed most of their citizens access to clean running water. Dravia apparently lagged only because of their location away from the mountains and coastline. Otherwise Dravia excelled in technological advances, never being afraid of the limits of nature. Despite their advancements, there was nothing much that could be done about the stench filling the atmosphere between Jasper and Shadaya.
When he was satisfied, he turned his attention to her once more.
“Don’t worry I’m not staying long. How are you feeling?”
His rain cloud eyes searched her face and she gasped when warm hands reached up to cup her cheeks.
“You’re not running a fever,” he said thoughtfully, before withdrawing his touch.
No man had ever dared to touch her so boldly, nor had she ever felt so at ease to let them. Not even Drayton, whom she had once courted, was able to put her at such ease with a simple touch. What made the kind-hearted foreign prince so different?
The Aldorian prince was digging in his bag now, “just to be safe though.”
He pulled out a small glass bottle and handed it to her, “here drink this. Geoff’s remedy for all things poison.”
Shadaya sighed but took the offered bottle.
“What is this magic?”
Jasper scoffed, “never, it is only the wisdom of men combined with the bountiful natural blessing of El. Now drink it.”
His response to magic was not lost on her. She knew that as an Aldorian he would be against it but hearing him speak this way bothered her somehow.
Before she could finish swallow the surprisingly tasty medicine. Jasper had bent his head to look at her stomach. She gasped and drew back when he touched her close to the wound. He was moving with the efficiency of a man who knew he had little time, yet he was gentle and attentive to her in a way, she was unaccustomed to. But a little invasive.
“You shouldn’t be walking around with this,” he said with worry.
She reached out and held his hand away from her, causing him to return his gaze to her face.
“Listen,” she resisted the urge to say his name, “I appreciate you trying to help me. You don’t have to repay me, we’re even now. I can handle myself just fine.”
Jasper frowned, “my concern for you has nothing to do with your inability to care for yourself Lady Shadaya. I’m just a man looking out for a woman he has come to care for.”
The tenderness in his eyes made her uncomfortable and she let go of his hand like it had burned her.
“Thank you for your concern. But now let me extend some concern to you. You cannot be here; you and I both know the kind of power Haddin has roaming these halls. I have taken your potion now you must leave.”
Jasper looked down at her abdomen once more, then reluctantly nodded.
“I will ask Stacia for an update on how you are doing,” he smiled warmly, “I have grown somewhat expectant to hear from her concerning you.”
With that, he turned and slipped out of the room. The moment he was gone, Shadaya leaned back against the wall of the room as though the strength to stand had suddenly left her. It had nothing to do with the blood seeping through her dress but a boldly attractive prince. A crown prince of an enemy kingdom who was suddenly making her think and feel things she didn’t want, nor expect to.
✽ ✽ ✽
Three weeks ago: The night of Princess Ruby’s rescue
The heat was so unbearable, Shadaya was tempted to remove her heavy cloak. But she couldn’t risk it. She looked up in shock at the blaze of fire consuming the barracks and store houses of the Demeris Castle. It was a like a vision of her own life as she knew it going up in flames. This was a major act of treason that would surpass her own father’s crimes. She felt her knees grow weak. She hoped she was on the right side of this.
“Come on!” an impatient voice growled behind her, “you’re up.”
She had come to know him as Galed, believe it or not, Galed was an Aldorian knight. Who had come here in the company of the prince of Aldor. As she ran after Galed and the rest of the small band who had all been party to infiltrating and destroying crown property, her mind reeled. In the space of a day, she had snuck into the castle to gather intel from a spy, met the crown prince of Aldor, helped prisoners of the prince escape and set fire to the barracks. She had also managed to sneak in a side mission of her own.
She had to admit, the prince of Aldor was nothing like she expected. Stiller had been the only example of an Aldorian she had ever known, and he was intimidating and strong. But Jasper, he radiated a kindness and warmth, yet still managed to be strong and commanding. Not to mention she was instantaneously struck by his good looks. So much so that she had been unnecessarily mean to him. His chiseled facial features seemed to have been carved out by the gods themselves. Or if she had to go by his beliefs, by the finger of El himself. Not to mention his figure was impressive. He was as tall as Stiller, but leaner, there was a nimbleness in the way he moved that intrigued her, and he wore a proud head of locked jet-black hair, hair like wool, that she longed to touch. His earthy skin was a like polished wood, even though marked with scars. She had tried to pass it off as mere intrigue in another race, but the other men were just as impressive, yet none of them caught her attention the way he did. Her attraction to the prince frightened her and since they had met, she had made it her duty to avoid him or deter him.
As they ran, she realized that the prince was not with them and worry for the beautiful stranger tightened her stomach.
“Where is the prince?” she asked Galed.
“Ran off to get his sister,” he replied easily, even as she fought to keep up with his strides.
She had to admit the Aldorian knights were impressive warriors, they possessed a variety of skill sets that she envied. Even with the magic coursing through her she had to try hard to keep up.
“Shouldn’t he be heading out with us?” she asked breathlessly.
“He said we should keep going, don’t worry, he can handle himself.”
But she did not want to risk it. His men may have to follow his every order, but she didn’t.
“Go on ahead,” she said slowing down, telling herself that her decision to go back was solely because she did not want the blood of the prince of Aldor on her hand.
“My men will see to it that the princess and her rescuers are taken care of.”
Galed gave her a look as if to say, “suit yourself” and at the pace he ran soon disappeared into the darkness.
Shadaya looked around her, taking deep breaths as she plotted the direction in which she should go. Demeris castle was large and currently crawling with panicking soldiers after what they had done to the barracks. The smell of smoke filled the atmosphere and her throat burned.
She turned around and bolted in the direction of Haddin’s quarters.
She was about to make another turn, when she heard running feet close by. She ducked and took cover behind a wall, expecting soldiers, but one look and she knew who it was. She poked her head out and shouted.
“Over here!”
Jasper turned to her voice sharply and joined her where she was hiding behind the wall. His friend, the priest joined him.
“What are you doing
here? You’re supposed to meet my sister at the rendezvous.”
“You didn’t really think I would do that myself did you?”
Jasper looked worried, and though she had no siblings she thought she could understand his protectiveness over his sister.
“Don’t worry, they’re safe. You also went off plan. What are you doing here? If you get caught…”
“I know,” he said quickly, “but I had to make sure Ruby was okay.”
“Well the escape route we plotted in that direction is blocked off. Haddin and his men have crowded that end and soldiers are crawling this place like bugs. I came because without me, you won’t get out of here.”
Jasper sighed, “fine, what is the plan?”
“Follow me!”
They had almost made it back to the entrance to the tunnels when Shadaya stopped short. Prince Jasper’s heavy frame barreled into her from behind in the dark and she felt protective arms reach out to keep her from falling forward. The warmth of his touch was pleasant… that was all.
“Do you feel that?” she whispered.
“Dark magic,” Jasper said, from behind her, he sounded angry.
She had never felt anything like that before, it was a heavy eeriness that had suddenly wrapped itself around her. The hairs on her arms stood on end and she felt herself shiver.
“What is happening?”
The priest whom she had come to know as Geoff, spoke up now.
“Haddin is close.”
“I’ve been close to him before and I have never felt this,” she argued. Despite Haddin’s cruelty, she refused to believe that he was more powerful than their own sorcerers.
“It must be a seeking spell. He’s looking for us,” Geoff whispered.
Shadaya tried to take a step forward but her feet felt like lead, alarms started going off in her head. There was no way they could fight against something like this.
“He won’t catch us; his magic is no match for our God’s power.”
As Geoff spoke, he stepped forward and she could see him lift his rod in the dim light. The pieces of stones on it started to glow brightly and Geoff pursed his lips in concentration. He then pushed the rod forward with a grunt and a wave of light flashed forward, then back unto them. Instantly Shadaya felt light.
Shadaya: Out of Darkness (Gemstone Royals) Page 15