Red Rose Rising

by A J Manney

  His eyes were dark and intense. “I like you in my shirt,” he said in a low voice. “I’m gonna like you even better not in my shirt,” he rumbled low in his chest. Zalia couldn’t catch her breath. Then Valen pulled her tighter and kissed her hard. Zalia lost herself in the passion of the kiss. Too soon, he pulled back. Taking a rough breath, he whispered, “I need to leave,” he said. An instant later, he was gone.

  Zalia sank onto his bed, touching her lips. Then she smiled. I got to Valen, she thought with a smirk. With that, she headed to the bathroom to take a quick bath and get dressed. After she washed her body and her hair, she got out and wrapped herself in a towel. She walked out of the bathroom and saw her bag on Valen’s bed. Valen had found her bag for her. She got dressed in her standard black leather pants and a tunic top. She quickly braided her hair, finished packing her bag, and made Valen’s bed. She grabbed her bag, her bow and quiver, and opened the door.

  Outside in the hallway, she found two guards. She didn’t recognize either of them and couldn’t tell which kingdom they were from. “Good morning,” she said to them.

  “Good morning, Princess,” they responded respectfully. The one soldier stepped forward, “Can we carry your things for you?”

  “Sure,” Zalia returned with a smile. They took her bag, her bow, and her quiver. Then one soldier stepped in front and another stepped behind her. They led her through a long hallway and down a set of steps. After two more turns, they led her into a great hall where a huge table sat, covered in food. There were soldiers everywhere. Just as she stepped inside, she remembered that she left her dagger on the table next to Valen’s bed. It was the one Beckam had given her. She turned to her guards. “I forgot my dagger next to my bed. I’m going to return quickly and grab it,” she said loudly to be heard over all the noise.

  “I can grab it, Your Highness,” the one guard said.

  Zalia place her hand on his arm. “You stay and eat. I will grab it. It will only take a second,” she said. Leaving her guards there was her biggest mistake.

  Chapter 32

  She turned back to return to Valen’s room quickly. She couldn’t believe she had almost left it. This is why I don’t own valuable possessions, she thought to herself. She quickly followed the path back to Valen’s room. A few minutes later, she stopped. She was turned around. She should have been at Valen’s room by now. She stood looking down a long hallway, debating which way to turn when she heard voices behind her.

  “Well, what do we have here?” a voice said behind Zalia.

  Zalia spun around and took in three soldiers towering over her. They did not look to be of the friendly sort. Zalia pegged them for soldiers from the Kingdom of the Dark Moon.

  Holding her head high, Zalia said, “Good morning, gentleman. I forgot something in my room and was just returning to grab it. I will be on my way now,” she finished and took a step to back away from them.

  One soldier reached out and grabbed her arm. “Not yet. We haven’t even gotten to know each other yet,” he said with a sneer.

  Zalia tried to pull her arm out of his grasp, but he wouldn’t let go. She realized one of them had gone behind her, boxing her in. It was then that Zalia realized she was in trouble. She was so angry at herself for leaving her dagger in Valen’s room.

  Zalia straightened her shoulders and used her most authoritative voice. “You will unhand me now.”

  The soldiers laughed at her. One got in her face. “You think you’re so high and mighty. You won’t be when we get through with you,” he said. He looked down at her and licked his lips. “I think you might be tasty, especially with all that attitude.”

  Zalia’s heart was slamming in her chest now, but she was trying to keep calm and figure out a way out of this. “I will be reporting you to your prince. I don’t think he is going to take lightly to you messing with me.”

  The soldier grabbing her arm jerked her forward. “He’s not our prince,” he ground out. He turned his head and spit. “He’s a traitor,” he said angrily. He jerked Zalia closer to him.

  Zalia did the only thing she could think to do. She let him pull her close, then she kneed him right where it hurt. He dropped his hold on her arm and bent over in pain. Whirling around, Zalia took out the guard behind her with a sweeping kick, but before she could turn around, the third guy grabbed her from behind.

  “You need to be taught some manners,” he said angrily. He spun her around and grabbed her arms. His hold was so hard, Zalia knew she was going to have bruises. This was getting out of control fast. She opened her mouth and screamed for Valen. She didn’t even get his name all the way out when the soldier smacked her across the face. Her head jerked back, and she saw stars. Then she was grabbed from behind and one of the soldiers kicked her in the stomach. Zalia bent in half. The guy she had kneed grabbed her braid and tugged her head back with it. Her eyes began to tear up in pain. “Not so tough now. Are you, Princess?” While he pulled her hair with one hand, he wrapped his other hand around her throat. “We will so enjoy breaking you down,” he said as he leered at her.

  Zalia was in full panic now. These men were evil, and she knew what they intended to do with her. She opened her mouth to scream again, but the horrible man threw his mouth over hers. He kissed her roughly, then bit her lip. Zalia flailed her body, but that just pulled her hair more. She tasted blood in her mouth. She tried to knee him again, but he felt it coming and threw her down to the floor. He straddled her, the weight of his body holding hers down. She bucked her hips and thrashed around on the floor. Then to her horror, the other two soldiers joined in. One held down her legs and the other held down her hands. The guy on top of her just laughed at her pain and fear.

  “This is so much better,” he said. Zalia screamed in horror and tried to move to fight him, but there was nothing she could do. The three of them more than overpowered her. Terror rushed through her veins.

  Suddenly, she heard a roar of rage. The weight from her chest was suddenly gone. Zalia sucked in air. She couldn’t open her eyes. She was on the verge of full-blown panic. She felt gentle hands probe her face, and she screamed. She started fighting with everything in her. She sat up and scrambled backwards until she hit a wall and couldn’t go anywhere. She put her head between her knees and tried to breathe. She heard somebody talking, but she couldn’t discern what it was. Then it was gone.

  Zalia took herself to another place. She thought of her mother’s voice and her wonderful hugs. She wasn’t sure how long she stayed in that safe place. Finally, Zalia registered something familiar. “Zalia,” she heard a low, soothing voice. “Zalia,” the voice called again. Zalia slowly opened her eyes and saw Valen sitting in front of her. “It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s all over.” He reached for her gently. Zalia didn’t mean to, but she flinched away from his touch. She couldn’t help it. She saw anger flare in his eyes for just a moment and his jaw harden; then it was gone. He took a deep breath and exhaled. “I’m not going to hurt you; I just want to make sure you’re not hurt.” He continued to speak in low, soothing tones. He reached out slowly and touched her face. The contact was all it took for Zalia to break out of her trance. Then she was reaching for him and crying. He swept her into his arms and carried her. Zalia didn’t know where they were going. She only knew that she was safe now.

  Valen carried her to his room and closed the door. Without saying a word, he set her down and pulled her torn shirt up and over her head. He quickly replaced it with one of his. He helped her slide out of her pants. Then he picked her up and carried her over to his bed. He pulled back the covers on his bed, and gently placed her inside. He moved to step away from her, and Zalia reached out to him in fear. “Shh,” he said. “I’m not leaving.”

  She heard low voices talking, but she didn’t open her eyes. She couldn’t bear to see anybody right now. She thought she heard Beckam’s angry voice, but she wasn’t sure. Soon, Valen slid in next to her and pulled her into his arms. Zalia stopped fighting her body and fell into a deep
sleep.

  Zalia had never felt more protected than when she woke up in Valen’s arms. She opened her eyes and met his. He was watching her carefully. When he saw she was awake, he pulled her closer to him. “How do you feel, sweetheart?” he asked softly.

  Zalia took an assessment of her body. Surprisingly, she didn’t feel any pain. Then it dawned on her. “You healed me,” she said quietly. He just nodded.

  His eyes filled anger. “Zalia, I’m so sorry...”

  Zalia cut him off with a hand over his mouth. “Valen, it’s not your fault. Those men were evil, but they’re gone now.” She looked up at him quickly. “They are gone now, right?”

  Valen’s eyes hardened. “They will never bother you again,” he said.

  Zalia didn’t question him further. She wanted to remove the episode as far from her mind as possible. She looked at Valen. “Did Beckam leave without us?” she questioned.

  “No, he said they would wait until tomorrow. Do you think you will be up to traveling tomorrow? I hate to push you, but we really need to get back to your grandfather’s castle.” His eyes darkened. “We need to get our bond back in place. If we had our bond intact, this morning would have never happened,” he said angrily.

  Zalia rubbed his arm soothingly. “It’s all right. I am fine to travel. Do you want to get going today?” She saw him hesitate and knew she had her answer. “Let’s get going. We can still get a few hours in today.”

  Valen was silent for a moment. “All right, but only if you’re sure you are up to it.” Zalia nodded. Valen rolled over and climbed off the bed, then held out his hand to help Zalia up. He walked to the door and told the guard on duty to go tell Beckam to prepare to leave.

  He walked back over to Zalia and looked at her intensely. “You stay with me at all times,” he ordered.

  Zalia scowled up at him. “Yes, Master,” she said sarcastically.

  “Zalia,” he warned.

  Zalia just rolled her eyes. “Do you know where all my stuff is?” she asked.

  He pointed over in the corner. Zalia walked over and picked up her bag and walked into the bathroom to get dressed. When she finished, she packed her remaining items in her bag and grabbed her bow and quiver. Valen took her bag from her and slung it over his shoulder. Zalia walked over to the table and grabbed her dagger. All that trouble for this, she thought as she looked at it. She walked over to Valen and opened her bag. She pulled out her sheath and strapped it to her leg. Valen watched her quietly.

  “I just don’t want to be left without protection again,” she said.

  Valen growled. “You won’t be. You’re not leaving my side until our bond is back in place, and probably even after that.”

  Zalia moaned. Then she hurried to follow Valen as he moved out of the room. Zalia followed Valen around for the next hour as he got everything in place to be able to leave.

  Finally, they went outside where Beckam and his soldiers were getting ready to depart. Beckam walked over to Zalia and pulled her into a stiff hug. He pulled back and she could see the anger in his eyes. “You okay?” he ground out.

  Zalia nodded. “I’m okay,” she said softly.

  She looked around as everyone was climbing on their horses. “Which one’s mine?” she asked Beckam.

  Valen strode over to her. “You’re with me,” he said.

  Zalia just laughed at him. “I’m not riding with you for three days. Where’s my horse?” she asked again.

  Valen stepped close and towered over her. “You’re riding with me,” he said emphasizing each word.

  Zalia crossed her arms. “No, I’m not,” she said.

  Valen growled at her. “Don’t push me right now. I am hanging on to my control by a hair, Zalia!”

  Zalia glanced at Beckam looking for support. He usually grinned and made a wisecrack, but not this time. He met her gaze and pointed his chin in Valen’s direction.

  “Fine,” Zalia said, exasperated. She crossed her arms and waited. Valen walked over to a horse and secured their bags. He brought the horse over to where Zalia stood. Putting both hands on either side of her waist, he hoisted her up on top of the horse. Then he swung up behind her. His strong arms wrapped around her, enclosing her against his chest.

  “Shouldn’t I be in the back,” she asked. “So, you can lead the horse?”

  “No,” he said. “I don’t want you falling off the back if you fall asleep. This way if you fall asleep, I still have a hold on you. Besides, I can see over your head to lead the horse, so don’t worry,” he said.

  Zalia tried to sit tall, so Valen didn’t have to hold her weight. “Just relax,” he mumbled in her ear. Zalia ignored him. She watched as soldiers fell into place all around them. Beckam rode next to them. Zalia looked for Ulric. He was off to their right a little bit. She waved at him, and he nodded. Then she saw Silas next to him. She waved at him too, and he waved back.

  Valen’s voice rumbled in her ear. “Do you have to be so friendly with other men?” he asked. Zalia smiled. She loved getting him riled up. They rode in silence for a while. Then Beckam started talking to Valen about his plans going forward for his kingdom. Zalia listened for a while, then started to tune it out. She found herself getting sleepy with nothing to do and no one to talk to.

  Valen put his arm around her stomach and pulled her closer to him. Zalia resisted at first but then gave in. She relaxed against Valen. Her head rested on his shoulder. Eventually, she dozed off.

  The three days of traveling passed slowly for Zalia, but at least she got to spend every moment with Valen. At night, she would sleep in her tent, and he would sleep on the ground outside, right in front of the entrance.

  The first night was embarrassing for Zalia as she didn’t realize where Valen was sleeping. Early in the morning, she decided to get up and get dressed. She needed to go to the bathroom and couldn’t hold it any longer. She carefully unzipped her bag and stepped out right onto Valen. She fell right over the top of him. He caught her in his arms before she could hit the ground.

  “Good morning,” he said in a voice, gravelly from sleep. “Did you miss me?” he asked, sounding amused.

  Zalia quickly pulled away and got back on her feet. “Sorry, I didn’t see you down there.”

  “Sure you didn’t,” he said with a roguish grin. Zalia just rolled her eyes and walked away. Valen of course followed, keeping an eye on her from a distance, while she did her business.

  After that, Zalia knew to watch out for Valen outside her tent. Finally, they returned to Cascadia. Zalia’s grandfather was waiting for them outside when they got there. Valen climbed off their horse first, then reached up for Zalia and lowered her to the ground. She turned and was immediately consumed in a hug from her grandfather.

  “How are you, my dear?” he asked gently. Zalia could feel Valen close behind her. She stepped back slightly and she felt his arm slip around her waist, pulling her to his chest. She smiled and put her hand on his arm. “We found Valen,” she said with another smile.

  Her grandfather smiled at her. “I can see that,” he said. He patted her arm. Then he shook Valen’s hand. “It’s good to see you, son,” he said. “Come inside, get some fresh clothes and food; then we can talk.”

  Before her grandfather turned away, Valen said, “Before we do anything, we need to redo our blood bond. My father destroyed it,” he said angrily.

  Her grandfather looked angry for a moment, but quickly concealed it. “I figured that must have been why Zalia was so weak healing Beckam,” he said.

  Valen scowled darkly. Zalia reached out and put her hand in his and squeezed. They followed her grandfather as he led them to his room. There, he once again led them through the bonding ceremony. As soon as it was done, Valen seemed to relax a little.

  Much better, Zalia heard Valen say through the bond. Zalia smiled up at him.

  Valen turned towards her grandfather and said, “Thank you for renewing the bond for us.”

  “My pleasure,” her grandfather said wit
h a twinkle in his eye. “Now you two get some sleep. I can’t imagine how exhausted you must be,” he said. “How long will you be staying here?” he asked them questioningly.

  “We will be staying here until we are married,” Valen said in a commanding voice. “We will never go through that again.”

  Her grandfather looked at Valen. “I think we can wait a little bit until...”

  “No. We’re not waiting,” Valen said with authority. Then he grabbed Zalia’s hand and pulled her with him. Zalia tripped over her feet, trying to keep up with him. He led them to the room they had stayed in before. He closed the door, then pulled Zalia into his arms. “We’re getting married and nobody will stand in our way. Nobody will keep you from me. You don’t understand who I am without you. You are my light. Without you, all I see is darkness. I become my father. I can’t go back to who I was without you. I know you deserve more than me, but I will do everything in my power to protect you and make you happy. I know it’s going to take time to grow our relationship, but I am committed to making our marriage work. I love you with everything in me. Do you understand?”

  Zalia wiped the tears from her eyes. “Valen, I love you,” she said simply. She reached up and wrapped her hands around the back of his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. He complied. He kissed her for a moment, then pulled back. His eyes darkened.

  “Tomorrow,” he said.

  Zalia was still a little light-headed from his kiss. “Tomorrow what?” she murmured.

  “We get married,” he said,

  Zalia choked. “What? Tomorrow? There’s no way. I need a dress, we need rings, we need guests, we need food, we need... I don’t know what else we need, but there is no way we can do it tomorrow,” Zalia said desperately. “Please, Valen.”