by Willow Aster
But one look at the utter desolation on her face, her shock more apparent than anything, and I am filled with the urge to fight. Anyone will do, but at the moment, both King Farthing and King Avaban look like good options.
I try to focus on what Farthing is saying, but my eyes are glued on Delilah. A transformation takes place while we’re standing there. She stands more noble than anyone I’ve ever seen, her neck like a swan and her head held high. She is a goddess and I believe that nothing could destroy her, except when her eyes reach mine…the truth is there for all to see. She would sooner die than marry this man.
I lock eyes with her and hope that I can convey to her even a small amount of peace. Not that anything I do could help her—who am I to her? But it’s all I have. If I could hoist her over my shoulder and run out of here like a man on fire, I would do that in a heartbeat. I’m tempted to do just that. But I’d be dead in an instant and she’d be left to fend for herself anyway.
They go through a couple of customs I’m not familiar with, pouring sand on the ground for them to walk over and then lighting candles underneath Delilah and Avaban’s joined hands. I don’t like the smug look on Avaban’s face; the contempt I’ve had for him is not quite up to Farthing’s level, but it’s right up there. He’s an arrogant bastard with little to show for his attitude. He runs Blorl with an iron fist, with little regard for the less fortunate, which makes me see red. The thought of Delilah being forced to live in the dry, brown desert of Blorl after she’s been used to the lush beauty of Alidonia is sad on its own merit. But imagining her living with Avaban makes it so much worse.
Everyone watches in rapt attention, and when Delilah pulls her hand away from Avaban’s and causes the flame to flicker out, the gasp in the crowd circulates quickly around the room. She runs past me and her father follows but is still slow from his illness. Caulder holds his hand up to the crowd and the room hushes. My skin feels itchy from standing in this room and I rush toward the door, uncertain of what excuse I’ll give if I’m stopped. The guard opens the door for me when I tell him I need to find the restroom and points down the long hallway. I see Delilah and her father talking and edge closer so I can hear them.
“How could you do this, Papa? I won’t marry him!”
I can tell by the tone of her voice that she’s about to cry, but she looks like fury in the thick of the storm. Her regal outfit only adds to the fire and I stop in mid-step, not caring if I’m caught staring.
“I’ve demanded very little of you in your life, sweetheart. This is not up for discussion. You will go back in there and put a smile on your face. You’ve embarrassed this family enough for one night; don’t let the party end on this note.”
“If I go back in there, it will be to say that you’re forcing me against my will to marry that hideous man. Is that what you want?”
He grabs her arm and gets in her face and I rush forward, stopping myself when they both turn and see me standing there. In this lighting I can see that Farthing has aged considerably, but I’d guess it’s the fault of the sickness more than time.
His features tighten when he sees me. “King Jadon, I’ll kindly ask you to step away while my daughter and I finish this discussion.”
Delilah pulls her arm away from him and then rubs it as she steps closer to me.
“Welcome to Alidonia, King Jadon.” She bows her head. “I wonder if I could show you our museum of fine arts. You seem to have an eye for beauty.” She smiles and God help me, it wreaks havoc on my mind and body when she does. She turns to her father and her smile drops. “Don’t make a scene, Papa. We have a castle full of guests, it’s time we think about them. I will show King Safrin the museum for a few moments in hopes of catching my breath.”
She offers her hand to me and I tuck it in my arm, nodding at her father.
“If your father agrees, please, lead the way,” I say, still looking at the king.
His face is red with anger, but he grits his teeth and nods. “Don’t be long. Your future husband awaits.”
Delilah squeezes my arm hard and I lead her away from her father before she can further anger him.
Once we’re down the hall a few steps, she points toward the glass doors at the end of the hall. “It’s just ahead,” she says.
I feel her father’s eyes on us while we walk away and breathe easier once we step through the glass doors. Floor-to-ceiling art covers the walls and the sight is something to behold. I’d be all about it if I didn’t have Delilah standing in front of me. As soon as the doors close behind us, she walks to the right side until we’re out of sight of her father. She pushes a button and music begins playing, along with a narrator describing the artwork in the room.
“We must walk, but I know where the cameras are. Follow my lead,” she whispers frantically. “Help me. Please. I will not marry that man.”
“Your father will have me and my family killed if we get you out of here,” I tell her.
“I will die if I marry Avaban. There’s something off about him. But even if he was wonderful, I don’t want to marry someone I don’t know! It’s not kidnapping if I willingly go with you.”
I reach out and straighten her headdress that is tilting slightly forward with her hurried movements. She comes to a standstill when my hands brush across her face and she reaches out and takes my hand in hers.
“Please,” she whispers.
Her eyes fill with tears and there’s no hesitation—I’ll do whatever it takes to help her. She straightens the headdress again and we resume walking.
“Is there an attendant you trust?”
“I trust no one at this point. I don’t know why I’m trusting you. My own father has betrayed me.”
“As soon as you can, get out of this outfit. You look exquisite, but it draws too much attention.” I try to ease the air with a teasing tone, but her expression remains rigid. “Cover your hair. All black would be best. Can you make it outside without being spotted—do you know a way out?”
She nods, waving her hand for me to keep going. I look at the artwork, but I’m not really seeing it. I feel the waves of tension coming off of her as if it’s my own.
“Have your phone on hand, but leave everything else,” I continue. “Make your way out of the east gate. If you can reach the ancestral stones, I’ll have our driver stop there. Eden and Luka will keep him occupied while I get you in the trunk. We’ll figure out the rest from there. If you aren’t able to get that far, let me know and we’ll stop sooner. Unless I hear differently, I’ll wait as long as I can at the stones, but I think it’s best that I leave here in an hour and a half…at the least. I’ll make my rounds and try to leave as soon as I can after that.”
She glances around, listening, then nods. “This recording will be done in a few minutes. If all of this fails for any reason, know that I appreciate your attempt to calm me. Even if it’s for the wrong reasons—I’m not naïve, I know there could be a great gain for you to work against my father—but this has returned my heart rate to close to normal.”
She attempts a smile and it doesn’t quite reach her eyes, making me want to move heaven and earth to see a genuine smile from her again. She casts such a tragic figure, here among the masterpieces.
However, I check myself. Never forget she is Vance Farthing’s daughter.
“This could all be a strange setup for you to drag my family down. For all I know, it could be another attempt on my life.” I stop and turn toward her then, staring deep into her eyes. “We’ll have to wait and see how this night ends to know the truth, I guess.”
Chapter Ten
Jadon
When I enter the ballroom again, the string quartet is playing and conversation is still scattered with talk of the princess’s engagement. Eden isn’t at our table and I search the couples dancing, easily spotting her red hair in the crowd. I look around the room, checking the grand clock that hangs over the main wall like it’s keeping watch over all. I need to pace myself, make sure I cover all the base
s and still get us out of here on time.
I strategically speak to every dignitary, finding my allies first. It makes the first hour pass quickly. When I tackle the leaders who would love nothing more than to see me fail, I start with King Avaban. He’s never done anything directly to me to display his stance against Farrow, but the fact that he’s aligning with Farthing is a pretty clear indicator. I get in place to greet him, a small gathering surrounding him as the leaders who snivel after Farthing for his approval congratulate him. I see right through them, knowing they want an in with Farthing and think Avaban is the next best bet. I wait my turn, patiently smiling at those who walk away nervously. Cowards, the whole lot.
Luka moves into place next to me and we exchange a look. We talk every day even though our kingdoms are across the world from one another, and by now, I know he sees through this situation as much as I do…without knowing a thing about Delilah. Farthing must have something on Avaban and Avaban, as small as his kingdom is, must have something valuable to offer Farthing. The question is what? What is worth Farthing giving his beloved daughter away like a prized goat?
When it’s our turn to greet Avaban, I let Luka step forward first and watch their interaction. Avaban is a cocky son of a bitch and holds Luka’s stare without wavering.
Luka holds his hand out for me. “And my brother-in-law, King Jadon Safrin of Farrow. Brother, have you met Xang Avaban before?”
“We’ve met. It’s now King Xang,” he says with a tight clench to his jaw. “Jadon, thank you for your congratulations.”
“It’s King Jadon to you,” I say with an easy shrug. “But who’s keeping track? Congratulations on working your way to…would you consider this the top?” I frown and look around the grandeur of the room, the disgust dripping off of my face. What can I say? I don’t like to pretend.
“I love my home, but I’m sure you’d agree Alidonia is one of the finest kingdoms in the world. I can understand why it’d be a little too fine for someone from Farrow.” He laughs and his eyes take on a steely glint. “Even so, you can see why I’d want to cast my chances with this family, especially with Princess Delilah as the cherry on top.”
He holds his hand out and I take it, squeezing it so firmly that Xang’s eyes widen and his face turns red.
“She’s a human being, not a dessert topping. I suggest you learn to treat her as such or your soon-to-be wife will want nothing to do with you.” I let his hand go abruptly and step back, giving him a short bow. “I haven’t had any quarrel with Blorl, I hope this alliance won’t cause that to change.” I don’t wait for him to respond, stepping back and walking away before I cause an unnecessary fight.
I feel Luka’s eyes on me as we walk away and I look everywhere but him.
“I’d like to leave soon if you and Eden are ready. I have something I need to tell you.” We stop at our table and Eden walks up at the same time, her face flushed.
“They had tiny chettlecakes by the chocolate fountain. Did you try one?” she asks.
Luka and I both shake our heads.
“Jadon was too busy threatening Xang to think about that kind of dessert...dessert toppings, on the other hand.” Luka snorts and I glare at him before turning to my sister. She looks at us confused, and like she’s uncertain if this is a real argument or not.
“We need to leave.” I look at the clock and we’ve gone past the hour and a half. Ten minutes over. “Now.”
“Bossy much?” Eden says, laughing.
When I don’t laugh with her, she puts her hand on my arm. “What’s happened? You’re so tense.”
“I’ll explain later. You guys go first. I’ll follow quickly, but let’s try not to make it obvious that we’re leaving for the night.” Someone passes, and I say loudly, “I’ll grab one of those desserts on my way back from the washroom.” Under my breath, I whisper, “Meet me at the car.”
“I’ll take one with chocolate on top,” Eden says when a lady passes. She winks at me and I grin.
“I’ve missed you,” I tell her.
She rubs my arm. “I’ve missed you too. Okay, Luka, I heard there’s a fabulous museum. Should we go visit that?” She widens her eyes to see if we approve of her cover.
“Just look at the little liar you’ve created,” Luka mutters, putting his arm around Eden’s waist and pulling her close.
I chuckle under my breath. “Just go already, no need for more improvising.”
They make their way out of the crowded room, Eden turning one more time to see if I’m following and when the color leaves her face, I look around knowing Farthing is most likely close.
“Your father would be proud of you for your bravery in coming here today.” His voice sends a chill down my spine; he’s far colder than he was when Delilah was around.
“I trusted you’d respect the code of honor,” I tell him, taking his offered hand and shaking it. “Or know that the whole world would see you for who you really are should you choose not to respect it,” I add.
The lines between his eyebrows deepen with his frown. “Your father always placed too high of a regard on honor…”
“We can leave my father out of this since he’s too dead at someone else’s hand to speak for himself…rumor has it you played a part in that, so I’d choose my words carefully if I were you.”
“Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘Threaten not a man in his own castle?’ Perhaps you’re not as brave as I thought. Stupidity isn’t a virtue.”
“I’m not threatening anyone, merely suggesting you not start a war of words by discussing my father. Besides, this is a celebration of your daughter’s engagement. If I had a glass, I’d offer a toast on your behalf.” I take a deep breath and glance at the clock again over the king’s head. We’re twenty minutes late for Delilah. I look past him and see Caulder walking toward us. “Looks like your nephew wants your time. Thank you for a lovely party, King Farthing. Enjoy the rest of your night. I heard there are chettlecakes for me to sample.” I bow deeply and walk away. It wasn’t my best performance, but he doesn’t know me very well. Not enough to think my behavior was any odder than usual.
Several people stop me on my way out, but I make one polite excuse after the other.
Have you seen my sister?
I’m looking for my brother-in-law?
Beg pardon, my family is waiting in the museum.
I’m so sorry, I have chettlecake to gather.
Lies, all lies. And hopefully convincing enough to hide my departure.
Luka and Eden are already in the car when I get there.
“Took you forever,” Eden starts.
I tap on the divider between us and the driver slides it open. I sent Quincie ahead of us to get the plane ready, so I don’t recognize this guy, a local. “Can you please stop by the ancestral stones?”
“Sure. It would be much better to see it during the day though,” he says.
“Thank you. I’d like to stop tonight, if you don’t mind.” I shut the divider and look at Luka and Eden, who are waiting for an explanation in the seat across from me. “Please follow my lead. What we’re about to do will change the course of our future for a while. I’ll give you a choice to help me or to go back to the hotel and know nothing.”
“What’s at the stones?” Eden asks.
“Princess Delilah,” I whisper.
She gasps and they both lean forward in their seat and stare at me like I’ve lost my mind.
“What are you doing, Jadon?” Luka asks.
“She asked for my help.”
“And you’re sure this isn’t a setup?” he asks.
“I guess we’ll see when we get to the stones.” I run my hands through my hair and tug the collar of my suit. “She didn’t have a clue about this wedding until tonight and she says she can’t marry him.”
“And why did she ask you to help her?” Eden demands. “Don’t you think that’s a little suspicious?”
“I believe it’s because she trusts me, but I could be way off,�
� my voice dies down at the end. It all sounds a bit outlandish to me too, but the look on her face…her eyes when they pierced into me during the announcement. “If you could distract the driver, Luka. I’ll take care of the rest.”
In the next moment, the car stops and the driver opens the door. He peers down at me and waits for me to get out.
“Thank you,” I say as I get out. “I’ll just be a few moments. Eden, Luka, would you like to come with me?”
They both get out and then we all stand there in a circle, everyone looking at me for direction. I turn and can barely see the shadow of the stones, it’s so dark.
“Eden, why don’t you walk over with me? Our father always talked about this, remember?” I spew out the nonsense and hold out my hand for her to take.
“I’ll wait here. Sounds like a family thing,” Luka says. He starts chatting to the driver as Eden and I walk toward the stones.
“I feel like I did when we’d play games outside in the dark,” she says, laughing nervously. “I never had to go to the bathroom before we started, but when I got nervous and excited, all of a sudden, the situation was desperate.”
“Are you saying you need to squat behind the stones?” I ask dryly.
She hits my arm. “Gross. No, I was not saying that.”
“Good, because it would be a huge fine if you were caught doing that,” a voice whispers near us.
Eden screams and then clamps her hand over her mouth. “Sorry, you scared me. I promise I wasn’t going to do any such thing. My brother here—”
Delilah giggles and my chest tightens. I smile despite the crazy situation we’re in, wishing again that Ava were here with us. She’d love this little adventure.
“You made it,” I say.
“At least a half hour before you did.” She’s so close her breath hits my neck and I feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “Was beginning to think you’d chickened out again.”
“Now is not the time for sass,” I say under my breath. “But well done. Good job, you. Now, let’s get to the car. This poor driver is about to be knocked out and it’d be good if he was completely unaware. I’ll make it quick and then you guys get in the car.”