Jeffrey paused, taking several slow breaths, then he continued. "We sparred all the time. We knew each other's movements and knew how to respond. Father encouraged us to practise, even with real swords. Mother didn't like it and always cautioned us. I wish I'd listened to her." He paused again. "Our tutor had shown us this counter... We'd practised it daily for years. I lunged at him, expecting him to do the counter the way he had countless times in the past. He turned his wrist and raised his sword. He moved his right foot back. Everything was smooth until it wasn't. I tried to turn, to stop, to...something! But my momentum carried me and... We fell.
"I landed on top of him. I looked at his face, calling him, asking him if he was okay. When he opened his mouth, only blood came out. He coughed and spluttered, his breathing...his eyes...he..." Jeffrey choked on a sob. "My sword pierced his chest. His lungs." He hid his face in his hands. "I killed him." A fragile whisper.
Kendra had her hand on Jeffrey's shoulder, stroking, comforting. She seemed heartbroken at the sight her brother presented.
While Jeffrey's despair pulled at his heartstrings, Akoni focused his gaze on Kendra. "My lady, you were there that day and saw what happened?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"You're the only eyewitness?"
"Yes."
"Do you confirm what we just heard? Or would you change anything? Add something?"
"It happened the way Corvin described. They sparred often. It was nothing unusual, and I had watched them many times. In the cave, I think Gaius stumbled on the uneven ground and lost his balance. It skewered his defence. There was nothing intentional about it. It was an accident."
Akoni nodded, pondering how to handle this. "Did you mean to kill your bother?"
"No! Of course not. I--"
"Would you do things differently if you could go back?" Akoni interrupted Jeffrey, keeping any emotions from his voice.
"Yes, absolutely," Jeffrey cried.
"You know that as king I hear people's pleas and judge criminals."
"I plead guilty and won't resist arrest, Your Majesty. I am a murderer."
"Are you listening?" Akoni demanded.
Jeffrey looked up, startled.
"I have heard the evidence and have come to a decision. Jeffrey Corvin Trevino, you are hereby deemed not guilty of the death of your brother, Gaius Trevino. You're absolved of all charges. Do you understand?"
"But... I... I'm not..."
"This is not a choice, Jeffrey. You are innocent."
Kendra leaned in and wrapped her arms around Jeffrey. "You've carried this with you for so long. But you're not alone. I'm with you, Cor."
"But I should have stopped it, prevented it. I should never have sparred with him. If we'd stayed at the house..."
"ʽIf only' does not change what happened," Akoni said. "Your brother is dead because of an unfortunate accident. It was not your fault, Jeffrey. It was no one's fault. You're innocent."
"No one holds you responsible, Corvin."
"Father held me responsible."
"No, he didn't. He was grief-stricken those first days. After you left--"
"He disowned me. Called me a disgrace and embarrassment. And those were the nicest things he said. He also labelled me a murderer and had me flogged nearly to death. How could I have stayed?"
"He wasn't himself, Corvin."
Jeffrey opened his mouth, likely to protest. He stared, his gaze wandering from Kendra to Akoni and back. In the end he shrugged, hanging his head. "Don't call me that."
"But it is your name," Kendra pointed out.
"It was. Once. He doesn't exist anymore. I'm Jeffrey."
"What happened to you?" Kendra asked in a whisper.
"I grew up." Jeffrey shrugged. "So did you. You're so different. Taller."
"So are you." She laughed, the sombre mood breaking. "Stronger, too. You're so..." She let her gaze travel across his body. "If you weren't my brother...girls must be falling at your feet."
Jeffrey smirked then and caught Akoni's eye.
"They better not be," Akoni said. "He's taken."
Her eyes opened wide, her hand flying to cover her mouth. "That's why..." she whispered, her gaze jumping from one of them to the other.
"I don't recall agreeing," Jeffrey said, his eyes on Akoni, the corners of his lips twitching.
"I recall you realising you didn't have a choice in the matter. No more running."
A knock on the door interrupted further talk. A messenger had arrived with urgent news.
"Duty calls," Akoni said, looking at Jeffrey, questioning.
"I'd welcome an opportunity to catch up," he said, glancing at Kendra, who nodded.
"Good, maybe Kendra can help you internalise your innocence. My lady, it was a pleasure."
"I will try, Your Majesty."
Akoni nodded and left them to it.
***
Akoni had called a council meeting at short notice to deal with his messenger's news. Now he had to listen to their squabbling, and it irritated him. Action was needed, and they couldn't agree, they never did. His head throbbed, and his magic stirred again.
Akoni had gone to Ignacio's office where the messenger waited. Ignacio had already received the news and briefed Akoni quickly. He'd still felt perfectly well then. It wasn't until after they had started the council session that Jeffrey's absence had become palpable. Jeffrey had still been with Kendra, and Akoni had wanted to give them time to catch up and had thus not summoned him to join them. Now it became apparent to have been a mistake.
Calling one of the servants to him, he whispered into his ear to get him some ren-tea and bring Jeffrey, without delay. He tapped the armrest impatiently as he waited. The tea came first. It was hot and soothing but it didn't do enough.
Jeffrey finally showed, still only dressed in his legion tunic, since they'd not had time to organise something else for him, and he didn't carry a sword either. Yet he appeared more intimidating than the crownsguards stationed around the room. At least, Akoni thought so. Jeffrey's lithe form betrayed his strength. His arms and legs had strong definition. Most of all it was his presence, the expression of disregard on his face that made him so intimidating. Akoni swallowed hard at the memory of their earlier time spent together. He motioned for Jeffrey to sit in the empty chair on his left. Jeffrey hesitated but did as told.
"Your Majesty, what is this?" Lord Dragomis asked, staring at Jeffrey, outraged.
"Call it an intervention." Akoni smirked.
"You cannot be inviting soldiers to these meetings."
Akoni didn't need to look to know Jeffrey was tense and if given a voice would decline the choice presenting itself. The reason he was as deserving to sit at the table as everyone else couldn't be shared yet. Akoni would respect that wish, at least for the time being. "Protocols may not make me king yet, but with my father incapacitated, I am in charge. Whether you call me prince or king has no relevance to that fact. I'm certain you understand my meaning, Dragomis."
"Of course, Your Majesty, I'd never question your authority, but surely--"
"Be silent! Lord Ursinus, be so good as to summarise the situation."
"Certainly, Your Majesty," Lord Ursinus answered. His gaze travelled to Jeffrey for the briefest moment, and when he continued, it was directed at no one. "Our neighbouring city, Terving, was attacked by rebels some months ago, but they seemed to disappear as quickly as they had come, leaving only traces of dissent. Now, out of nowhere, they have returned. A force estimated at fifteen hundred strong at least has gathered and appears to be readying to march on the capital. They will be here in about four days, maybe less."
"There aren't enough guards here, are there?" Jeffrey asked, glancing at Akoni, who shook his head. "And Corunia wasn't built for defences. There's not even a real city wall."
"The most popular solution right now is that we all leave to our respective country homes or that I relocate elsewhere for the time being. While that might save these men's lives if it comes to a fi
ght, I will not abandon the people in the city."
"If you leave, the guards will go with you. The people will be defenceless."
"Precisely why I'm not leaving. Between the city guard, palaceguards, and crownsguards, we make up good numbers, but as you pointed out, there's no wall around Corunia. There's no way to defend the whole city with the men we have. I need alternatives."
"We could always negotiate," Lord Dragomis said.
"And will you ride out to parley with them?" Akoni asked in a scathing tone.
"Did anyone ever talk to them? What do they actually want? Besides reinstating their god?" Jeffrey asked.
"Their god?"
Jeffrey stared at Akoni. "Don't tell me you don't know."
"Teaching an abused dog to trust again takes time," Akoni said. "My reports are still not as reliable as I would want them."
"So..." Jeffrey paused as if afraid to continue. "Based on your reports, what do the rebels want?"
"Control, money, land. Some reports did say they want a new king. I suspect they don't mean me, but there was never any clarity on what they actually want."
Jeffrey laughed. "By Tempesta, it's no wonder--"
"Jeffrey," Akoni interrupted, his voice hard.
"Your Majesty." Jeffrey inclined his head. "They acknowledge the goddesses but don't worship them, certainly not the way we do. They believe in a god, Volcanis or something like it. Apparently, he's Gaia's husband and Tempesta's father. They believe him the true ruler of the world who has been tricked and subjugated by his daughter, cast into darkness to be forgotten about. And they want him back. They do also want a new king, and I'm afraid it's not your esteemed self."
Akoni turned to Ignacio, who shrugged and shook his head.
"They call themselves Red Coats, by the way, rather than rebels," Jeffrey added.
"Is this what they are doing in the cities they take over? Establishing a new cult?"
"They drive the legion out, so we don't really know. But yes, from the few towns we've been able to take back, I believe so. I think it only started recently, though. I mean, a year ago we were fighting dissenters, but they weren't as organised or as well equipped. Something's changed along the way."
"Well, my lords, how is it none of you are able to give information with even a fraction of the value we just got? From a man you object to having here, no less."
"You're not actually believing this nonsense, Your Majesty. A god? Cast out by his own daughter? That's ludicrous."
"Sounds like something more daughters should be doing actually," Ignacio muttered.
Akoni smirked. Dragomis's son, Lucretius, and his daughter, Octavia, would likely agree, though never in public.
Dragomis' eyes narrowed. "How does he even know these things? Is that the secret mission you had him on? Liaising with rebels. And now he presumes to sit amongst us and spout nonsense. This is absurd, Your Majesty."
"You're the one sitting here spouting nonsense," Jeffrey snapped. "Bickering with each other and never taking action. I've been fighting against rebels these last few months, gathering information from captured rebels and liberated towns. What can you show for yourself? What have you achieved in your endeavours against the rebels?"
"What an excellent question, Jeffrey. I am starting to wonder, Dragomis. Your region is the one that struggles the most, and yet you're the one with the least information. What hinders you so?"
"Your Majesty, I...while I'm in Corunia, my son is in charge at home. He is young yet. I will--"
"You will stop blaming your son for your own failings. I've had quite enough of that in my life. Own up to your mistakes. No more excuses. I want solutions, from all of you."
"Your Majesty," Lord Ursinus said, his tone cautious. "There is a potential option. Some days ago, we had men from the eastern forts summoned to travel west. They cannot be far out now. If we can find out where exactly, at a push they may be able to get here in time."
"They'll be exhausted from the march, but the rebels aren't usually skilled fighters. So what are you waiting for exactly?" Jeffrey asked.
Akoni laughed. "Thank you, this is what I was waiting to hear."
"Corunia isn't the only city under attack," Lord Dragomis noted. "Most of Calenatis is falling to their cause. We need the men there."
"So you'd rather sacrifice Corunia to save your own region. Seems fitting for your kind."
"Jeffrey, play nice," Akoni admonished with a smirk.
Jeffrey huffed but remained quiet.
"Lord Ursinus, thank you for the first valuable option today. I will leave it in your hands to get the information we need. If they are in reach, they should change direction right away. Unless there are any other useful suggestions, we are done."
There was some awkward shuffling as Akoni pinned each of the lords with a hard stare.
When no one spoke, Akoni rose. "Ignacio, Jeffrey, with me." He left not through the main entrance but a side door. One only his father used.
Upon Akoni entering the room, a wave of dizziness hit him. The main council chamber was ancient, its decorations consisting of carvings in the stone walls and ceiling, depicting scenes from hundreds of years ago. The antechamber by contrast had been built more recently, or at least renovated. It was darker, the walls panelled teak oak, and a heavy table of darkest wood with matching chairs dominated. The carpet was midnight blue, and while it looked soft, it ate what little light entered through the single window. Everything about the place felt dark, ominous and...wrong. But there were things to discuss, so he shook it off.
"Nace, we need to have as many people as we can evacuated. My mother and father, the noble ladies, any staff not strictly needed should go to their families."
"I'll see to it."
"The palace has a few cars. We'll use them to get people out. Not just nobles--most of them will have their own cars. Get servants and their families out. Have messages spread in the city to get as many people to leave as possible."
"Many of the civilians won't have anywhere to go," Jeffrey said.
"It'll only be for a time. A few days until the situation here is sorted."
"Some will go. Not many will choose to abandon their homes."
"We have to try at least."
"Both the palace and temple have strong walls around them," Jeffrey noted. "You could use them to shelter people. A handful of guards could do much at the temple. Same with the palace. It may not be built for defence, but it's better than nothing."
"I'd prefer it doesn't come to that. I'm thinking we should ride out to meet them in the field."
"What? But, Ako...you can't mean to negotiate."
"No, Nace. Not to negotiate. To fight them in the field where the civilians won't suffer."
"That's not a bad plan," Jeffrey said, a thoughtful expression on his face. "If you empty the palace of nobles, you can bring all the palaceguards and crownsguards. Why didn't you say that earlier?"
"Because I don't trust some of the lords. I'd prefer they don't know our plan until it's too late for them to sabotage it."
"You think they're with the rebels?"
"I don't know. But I think it stinks that despite considerable efforts, things are getting worse."
"So what do we do then?"
"Maybe I was too adamant about staying. Nace, I think you've convinced me to leave as well."
"But..." Ignacio started before realisation dawned and he let out an 'oh' sound.
"You're the only one who could get me to change my mind on something like that. We'll evacuate everyone, including my council. We'll start with them and their families. I'll remain just long enough to make sure everyone's safely on their way."
"And then?" Jeffrey asked, his eyebrows knitted together in suspicion.
"Then we'll take the troops and ride to meet the rebels. If we can't do anything other than stall them until the reinforcements get here, it'll be a job well done. I need to talk to Paul about the specifics. He knows the land, the soldiers. He'll know the bes
t way to go about this."
"You mean the marshal?"
"Yes, the man everyone calls the marshal except me. I had known him a long time already when I learned of his legend." He'd practically grown up with Paul, had been tutored by him for years and formed the next closest thing to a friendship. The only reason he couldn't truly consider the man a friend was their difference in station and Paul's own rigidity with protocols, though Akoni had always thought fear of the king had been the bigger, yet always unspoken, factor.
"While you go talk to him, I'll see about getting this evacuation started. May I ask, will you be evacuating once the others are gone and everything is prepared to defend the city?"
"Oh, Nace, you know me better than that."
"Please, Ako. This is not a game nor is it a fight against Livanorans who are practically more nuisance than threat these days. These rebels are capricious and shouldn't be underestimated."
"Yes, and that is precisely why I'm staying. I won't abandon my people. For me to help them, I need to be here. You know I value your council. I won't risk myself more than I need to but I will stay. That'll be all for now, Nace."
Ignacio inclined his head, hiding his expression of regret and contention, and left.
Akoni turned to Jeffrey, letting his gaze travel down and up again, licking his lips. "A few words would give you the respect you deserve. There's no reason to put up with their pettiness."
"Thank you for not saying those words. Their...pettiness as you call it, is meaningless to me." Jeffrey shrugged.
Akoni nodded. "Next time I call a council, I will need you there. Every time."
"Why?"
"When I left you, I felt pretty good. My magic was calm and stable. Then they started talking and fighting with each other. It got angry. It's not good when that happens."
Ties of Magic (Curse of the Crown Book 2) Page 11