“I see my son is praying,” the King said, stopping in front of Jeffrey. “Let me see him.”
“Your Majesty,” Jeffrey said and bowed. “His Highness has asked to be undisturbed.”
“Do you think I care? Move! I will not ask again.”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I cannot.” Jeffrey cringed as he spoke. The King’s face hardened, lines appeared between his brows, his eyes narrowing.
“The King has given you an order,” The King’s Captain snapped.
Locking his eyes on the Captain, Jeffrey spoke with force. “By royal decree, my primary duty is the safety of my charge, His Highness the Crown Prince. By the same decree, I must obey all his orders before anyone else’s.” Jeffrey turned his attention back on the King, inclining his head. “Your Majesty, I cannot move unless ordered to by His Highness the Prince.”
The King laughed. “He’s found himself a fool. How fitting.” He took a step back and made a gesture with his hand. The Captain stepped up in front of Jeffrey, hand on his sword, pulling it out of its sheath a fraction.
“Sir, for the safety of his Majesty I would ask that you keep your sword sheathed. I mean no harm. I am simply following the orders given me.” Jeffrey crossed his arms in front of his chest to show his lack of intent.
“Move out of the King’s way, that’s the order you’ve been given. Obey it.” Jeffrey remained still.
“Akoni, open the storming door,” the King called loudly, his voice booming. “Or your fool of a guard is going to have an unfortunate accident.”
Moments later the door did open, the Prince standing in its frame. “I believe I had asked to be undisturbed,” Akoni said his voice low and dangerous. “Oh, father,” his eyes opened wide, his voice softening. “How unexpected. I didn’t realise you still prayed. Of course, I’ll make way for his Majesty.” Akoni bowed.
“You’re going to go back in there, so we can talk,” the King said.
“In that case. Jeffrey,” Akoni said and made a gesture, bidding Jeffrey enter with him.
Jeffrey, while surprised, did as told, entering the temple sanctum. The King followed and after a look from his King, so did the Captain. They had entered a marble hall with carved statues of both Goddesses standing on either wall, a small pool of water in the centre, filled by a stream coming from the far side of the hall, which opened into a garden with flowers and trees, where birds sat singing their songs.
“You should leave your guard waiting outside,” the King said.
“It’s quite alright. He is sworn to secrecy after all,” the Prince replied, smiling.
“Are you quite certain, Akoni?”
“Yes, father, I am. In fact, let’s not fight today either,” Akoni said and, lifting his sleeve, held out his hand and arm to the King.
Jeffrey watched horrified, knowing what was about to happen but not knowing how to stop it.
“Could it be? Are you finally coming to your senses?” The King asked, his voice scathing. He stepped closer to Akoni but did not take his hand yet. “Kneel before your King.”
“Your Majesty,” Akoni said, bowed his head and knelt as ordered, still holding out his hand. The King scoffed then moved his own sleeve out of the way and took Akoni’s arm in a firm grip. Akoni wrapped his hand around his father’s arm in turn, his head still bowed.
Jeffrey stood frozen, his eyes glued to the linked arms. He waited for the blue light to appear as he had seen before. But nothing happened.
The King got restless. Something was going wrong.
Jeffrey felt a tingling on his fingers. When he looked down, a blue butterfly had landed on the back of his hand. Carefully he lifted his hand, the butterfly didn’t move. Holding his hand inches from his face, the butterfly still sat, moving its wings very slightly. Without apparent cause it took flight. Jeffrey followed it with his eyes and saw it landing on Akoni’s shoulder, beating its wings in the same slight manner it had done on his hand.
His mother’s voice whispered in his ear, telling him of the Goddess’s messengers.
He looked up and saw several blue butterflies around them. The Goddess was watching. Understanding, Jeffrey moved and stood beside Akoni. The butterfly took flight and Jeffrey laid his hand on the Prince’s shoulder.
He felt a pulsing, centred where they touched. The blue light came then, but rather than covering the Prince and the King’s arms, it appeared to start at Jeffrey’s hand and spread through both Jeffrey and Akoni at the same time. When it reached Akoni’s outstretched arm, it spread to the King, forming into a flame like flicker to engulf his whole body.
Akoni lifted his head and locked eyes with his father. The King jerked his arm but could not pull away. Standing up, their arms still locked and Jeffrey’s hand still on his shoulder, Akoni laid his free hand over his father’s. “You will never again draw another person’s strength,” Akoni said, his voice kind and forgiving. “You’ve lived a long life, you’ve ruled this realm to the best of your abilities, now it is time for you to find some rest.” Akoni let go of his father and the light surrounding them disappeared. The King staggered and Akoni reached for him, steadying him. Then he pinned the Captain with a hard look. “I believe you know what to do? You’ve done it for me often enough.”
“Your Highness...” the Captain stuttered, swallowed and nodded. “I will bring him to his chamber as soon as he is able.” The Captain bowed in deference before helping steady the King, bringing him to a nearby seat.
“Be kinder to him than you were to me, will you? He may not make it on his own. You should also get someone to fetch his physician.” The Prince spoke with efficiency, his voice betraying little emotion.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Akoni nodded then turned away from his father and instead looked at Jeffrey.
Jeffrey became aware that he was gaping and closed his mouth. The Prince gave him a reassuring smile before linking their hands and giving it a gentle squeeze. The Prince indicated the door with his head, Jeffrey nodded and followed him out of the temple.
Four Kingsguards stood positioned strategically beside and across from the door. All four gaped at the Prince.
“The King is praying, make sure he’s undisturbed. No one else should enter unless the King himself gives permission,” Akoni said. Silence filled the hall.
Back at the Prince’s quarters, Jeffrey watched him go inside but leave the door open. It was clearly an invitation, yet Jeffrey hesitated. He didn’t really understand what had just happened, but he knew it was significant. He also knew it would change everything. He wasn’t sure he would like what came next. In the end, he entered the Prince’s quarters, making sure the door closed.
Akoni stood with his hands on his desk, hunched over, his face hidden. Such an uncharacteristic posture made Jeffrey go over and lay a hand on his shoulder, not realising what he was doing until it had happened. The Prince looked up at him, grinning happily, his eyes showing elation.
“I’ve done it, Jeffrey. I’ve beaten him. It’s over. He will never again be able to harm anyone.” Akoni stood up straight and faced Jeffrey, then he took Jeffrey’s hands in his own. “While I was in the temple on my own, I had a vision. I knew my father was on the way and knew what would happen and how it would end. Though I didn’t realise what would make it end. Jeffrey, you’ve saved my life more than once. Today you’ve given me control over it too. I will be forever grateful to you, in ways that I can never explain or express.” Seemingly overwhelmed by a sudden urge, Akoni dropped to his knees once more. “I am yours, Jeffrey. In every conceivable way.”
Jeffrey stood gaping, utterly confused. “I don’t understand. I’m not...”
“You knew instinctively what you needed to do. I was resisting him on my own but without your help, I would not have been able to overcome him. It’s thanks to you that I’ve beaten him. I’m going to be King.” Akoni stood up again, radiating nervous energy, he paced the room. “I need to speak to Ignacio. And probably the marshal. There’s so
much to be organised.”
“I could get Ignacio for you?” Jeffrey offered, eager at the idea of getting away. He felt too confused and needed space.
“Would you? That would be great, thank you, Jeffrey.”
“I’ll get the marshal too.”
Akoni nodded and Jeffrey left the room.
***
After filling both Ignacio and the marshal in on what had happened, Jeffrey went to his own room instead of going back to the Prince. Getting out of his armour he put on his normal clothes, leaving both his armour and sword on the bed. He had no big possessions and the few bits he owned were easily collected in his pockets. What money he had saved he had split in several different pouches, which he tied underneath his clothes in a way that they could not be easily seen or stolen. He headed into the city, trying to work out what to do. Even though he had prepared to leave, he didn’t really know where to go. Or even whether he actually wanted to leave. But he knew he couldn’t be at the palace now.
For a long time, he wandered through town, his thoughts a scrambled mess. Based on the vision he’d had, he should have been exposed and dead by now. The Prince would be King. He would be safe from his father now, no longer in need of Jeffrey. The night they had spent together. The Prince’s excitement earlier. The King’s expression when they’d fought their silent magical battle. The kisses they’d shared. The marshal would be able to keep him safe. Ignacio would have to stop him from whipping more servants. As King, he would be able to support the efforts against the rebels. The look of marvel on the Prince’s face when they were at the market. A new King. Would the people welcome him or fear him like they did his father? The night they’d shared, the happiness he’d felt while exploring the city with the Prince in disguise. Could he leave him? Did he have a choice? They could never be together, proximity would only torture them both. And now, his father no longer posed a threat, he didn’t need Jeffrey anymore. For Jeffrey to leave now would be better for both of them.
Walking around without a clear destination led Jeffrey to the train station. Inside, he saw that a train would be leaving for the southern provinces, stopping at several of its larger towns, including Ibirea. He knew there was a large military fort there and knew he’d find a way to join the garrison stationed at it if he tried, he’d done so often enough in the past. He had not been in his hometown for many years, but it felt like the right place to go to. Following his intuition, he bought a ticket and got on the train without another thought.
Epilogue
At the palace, the marshal and Ignacio had gathered in the Prince’s study. Both speaking with Akoni around the same time that a train headed south pulled out of the main station.
“Slow down, Ako.” Ignacio laughed, sitting on the sofa, his eyes following Akoni. “You’re much too excited to make sense.”
“I’m going to be King!” Akoni said, throwing his arms up in a flurry, pacing the room.
“Yes, let’s go back to that. What happened?”
“The miracle I’ve been praying for. And Jeffrey did it.”
“You’re going to have to be more specific,” Ignacio said with a smile.
“I’ve been stronger for a long time. That’s why he drew from me. It wasn’t to keep me weak, well, not only. He’s been getting weaker and needed the strength from others. He can draw from those without magic but it’s more effective drawing from me, because of my magic. For the first time, I could feel the difference in our connection today, compared to you, Nace, or Jeffrey. It’s like I could sense the magic inside him, there was so little. The reason I couldn’t beat him before wasn’t that I was weaker, it’s because I didn’t know how. I could never seem to use my magic before.”
“And how did Jeffrey change that? What did he change?”
“I haven’t the faintest notion!” Akoni laughed. “Since the first day I saw him, my magic reacted to him. He brought it out in me. What he did... I don’t know how to explain it, don’t even know that I understand it. It’s like for the first time my magic did what I wanted it to.” He was still pacing, adrenaline coursing through him, keeping him in motion.
“He’s not related to your bloodline, is he?” the marshal asked, standing near the door, he’d been mostly quiet, simply observing.
“Ignacio is the only relative I know of. And I’m sorry to say that you never quite had the same effect on me, Nace.” Akoni smiled at his advisor, who shrugged in response.
“So, what actually changed?” Ignacio asked.
Akoni sighed. “Good question. I...” Some of the pieces that made up the puzzle of his magic had been falling into place but there were still so many unknowns. “Since Jeffrey’s arrival, my awareness of the magic changed. Where it was dormant before, now it’s active. I feel it moving inside me, almost like a separate entity. No that’s not right... I don’t know how to explain it. It’s part of me but it isn’t.” He blew out a breath and ran a hand through his hair. How to explain something he didn’t understand himself?
“Can you use it now?” the marshal asked.
“I don’t know to be honest. I’m afraid to try.”
“You’ll need to eventually.”
“Yes, I suspect I do. Where is Jeffrey? I’d prefer him here when I do.”
“After he had given me your news, he said he had to deliver one more message for you and then he would be back,” the marshal said.
“Another message? But... I only asked for you and Ignacio.”
There was a moment of awkward silence as the men shared looks of concern and confusion.
“Ako, when all this happened...” Ignacio said. “Did you explain to Jeffrey what it meant?”
“That I was going to be King. Of course,” Akoni said with a frown.
“And how did he take it?”
“He said he was confused, so I tried to explain. I was rather excited, so I don’t think I gave him much of a chance to say anything.”
“Could it be that he was overwhelmed and needed space? Considering your... involvement and the implications this has for him.”
“That would make a lot of sense,” Akoni sighed.
“He likes to go to the temple in the city. With some luck he just went there,” the marshal suggested.
“We’ll find out soon, latest tomorrow,” Ignacio replied.
Akoni saw them share a look. He didn’t believe that Jeffrey went to the temple, and neither did they. Jeffrey had been too adamant, too insistent that they could never be together.
Flexing his hand Akoni stared at it. His magic had felt different since the night they’d shared. It had evolved, and it was at least a part of what had enabled him to beat his father. But it was changing again now, an itch he couldn’t scratch. His ascension had started.
The curse was manifesting...
Glossary
Scoranis - keyword for guard changes
Scornay - keyword for guard changes
Language of the Northern Clans:
Tiras - Form of address like Master or Sir, for someone superior, a commander, a mentor
Trian - Form of address for someone inferior, someone lower ranked, a student
Language of the Western Isles:
Miamoris - term for addressing a lover
Ancient Sycanian:
Oiktos - Mercy
Characters
The nobles:
Akoni Faustus - Crown Prince of Sycania (called Ako by his advisor)
Claudia Faustus - Queen of Sycania
Luciano Faustus - King of Sycania
Lord Ignacio - advisor to the Prince (called Nace by the Prince)
Lord Argyros - a good friend and ally of the Prince
Guests at the villa Extraneo:
Bibiana
Demyan
Estria
Felix
Filipa
Iris
Lucretius
Silvestro
Sofia
Tacitus
Xandra
The soldiers, serv
ants and staff:
Paul Marshall – typically called the marshal - tutor to the Prince, legendary fighter, Prefect of the Crownsguards and Palaceguards
Jeffrey - Crownsguard, personal guard to the Prince
Kieron - Crownsguard, personal guard to the Prince
Matthew - a Crownsguard in training
Faruk - Queensguard
Ulfar - Palaceguard
Gavin - Palaceguard
Niall – Palaceguard
Commander Johnson – Commander of a Fort visited by the Prince
Captain Rockwell – Captain at a Fort visited by the Prince
Aid Townsend – Soldier at a Fort visited by the Prince
Hendrick - the Prince’s servant
Marek - a servant at the villa Extraneo
Paavo - the royal physician
Exclusive
Get a free and exclusive eBook from the Curse of the Crown series.
Chains of Punishment
A disobedient soldier. A handsome captain. A relentless enemy force. But is the enemy the only danger?
Jeffrey fights for the present and keeps his past a secret. The only joy in his life comes in the form of a handsome captain, the only man able to deal with Jeffrey’s disobedience.
Yet, the secrets of Jeffrey’s past haunt him. What if the price for his mistakes isn't his to pay?
Find out more about Jeffrey’s life before he becomes a Crownsguard in this short story prequel in the Curse of the Crown series.
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