Freed

by Samantha Britt

“Just say the word, Lissa, and I will make sure the prince is so preoccupied with peace negotiations that he will barely be able to wish you good morning or goodnight.”

  I wasn’t sure if Erwin was serious, but the gleeful glint in his eye said he wanted nothing more than to punish the draekon prince. I couldn’t blame him. I’d be bitter too if I’d been imprisoned and mistreated for something I didn’t do.

  I squeezed his arm. “Let’s not do anything to the prince at the moment, but if his behavior becomes too much, you will be the first to know.”

  Erwin stepped back and executed a perfect bow. “As you wish, Princess.”

  25

  “Come on, is that all you’ve got?” Lerick taunted as he danced out of the way of my elven bolt. He leapt to the other side of the practice room, wearing a maniacal grin. “Erwin must’ve been mistaken. He said you showed raw, untapped talent. But right now, all I see is a little girl, casting the same bolts over and over again, unable to adjust her strategy to account for her opponent.”

  And I thought Erwin was a mean instructor.

  “I’m doing my best,” I shouted. Lerick had been pushing me around for the better part of two hours. Erwin had cancelled training with me at the last minute, barely taking the time to tell me of his replacement before Lerick began lobbing offensive attacks my way. I’d barely managed to deflect them before they burned a hole through my chest.

  Except, Lerick knew the bolts wouldn’t actually burn me. As a royal, no elven power could hurt me. Erwin had told me that. It was definitely a useful advantage when fighting with your crazed cousin. Lerick was all over the place, and he enjoyed attacking me a little too much for my taste.

  A fresh bolt flew across the air, striking my left thigh. I grunted on impact. The bolts may not do damage, but I still felt the force of the throws.

  That was it. I’d had it. I was fed up training with Lerick. At least Erwin talked me through his teaching style, informing me of the benefit of his tactics, explaining why he was doing what he was doing.

  “I’m done,” I announced, dropping my arms and spinning on my heels. My path to the exit was blocked when Lerick blurred, tapping into his elven speed to intercept me.

  “You are not done.”

  My temper flared. “Yes, I am.” I tried to walk around him, but Lerick was quick to block every attempt.

  I screamed, “What is your problem!”

  “You, quitting, is my problem.”

  “I’m not quitting,” I snapped defensively. “We’ve been at it for hours. I’m exhausted.” And I was done being beaten by a masochistic elf.

  Lerick crossed his arms, once again blocking me when I tried to step around him. “You are quitting. Erwin coddles you. He doesn’t want to hurt your feelings. But I’ve got news for you, sweet cousin, the trials you are bound to face in the future won’t care about your feelings. You need to toughen up, or this world is going to chew you up and spit you out into a useless heap of lost potential.”

  My jaw fell open. What in the gods’ names was he talking about?

  My teeth clanked together as I snapped my mouth closed. My eyes narrowed. “Erwin doesn’t go easy on me.”

  Lerick scoffed. “Trust me, yes he does. I’ve seen our cousin in action. He is treating you like a spooked sheep, and it’s not doing you any favors. You need to be ready for anyone and anything that might come your way. Practicing drills over and over again isn’t going to help you.”

  “Why do you even care? Shouldn’t you be off somewhere, coordinating with the rebellion on how they can overthrow King Roderick?” Lerick had made himself scarce the past few days, only bothering to show himself at Court dinners where King Aquin specifically requested his presence. The king, it seemed, truly wanted to put the contentious past with his nephew behind them. His sister, Lerick’s mother, had even been sent for. She hadn’t seen her son since his banishment from Court and seeing their reunion had brought a tear to my eye.

  Other than those occasions, Lerick was notably absent throughout most of the day. To say I was suspicious would be an understatement. Normally, I would’ve been able to keep the remark to myself, but that was before I’d been attacked at an incessant and unforgiving pace. All civility had flown out the window after the first hour, when I’d been down on the ground but Lerick hit me in the side with a fresh bolt anyway.

  Lerick’s jaw ticked. “Unfortunately, no, I don’t have any important meetings to deal with today. Just an obstinate young female who seems determined to live her life in willful ignorance, refusing to acknowledge the legitimate dangers she has in her life.”

  “I’m not ignorant!”

  “You’re not?” His eyes grew cold. “Then tell me, have you accepted the fact that you will inevitably be put in a situation to fight for your life?”

  Of all I thought he might say, that was not it.

  “What are you talking about? No one is trying to kill me.”

  “Not yet, but what do you think will happen when people learn the truth?”

  I sucked in a breath. Lerick, of course, knew about my draekon bloodline. But he was the only elf aside from Erwin who did. “No one will find out.”

  “Then not only are soft, but you’re willingly naïve. What a great combination.”

  “What is your problem!” I shouted, unable to hold back. “You disappear for hours on end, and when you are around, you’re distant. And now you’re lecturing me?”

  Lerick crossed his arms. He caught me off guard when he pivoted the conversation. “I’ve already warned you about King Aquin. He won’t negotiate with Prince Finn.”

  I didn’t believe that. But for the sake of argument, I said, “So?”

  “So,” he sneered, “I know you’ve thought the king is up to something. I’ve heard he denies knowing rogue elves were involved in the rebellion. Odd, don’t you think? Considering Erwin told him the news.”

  I didn’t say a word. But yes… I thought the king’s denial odd.

  Lerick continued, “What if King Aquin is more involved in the rebellion than anyone thought?”

  “Wouldn’t you know that? Seeing as you work with the rebellion, too?”

  He shook his head. “We’re all very careful. No one knows everyone, and the identities of major players are often kept secret. I didn’t even know of your mother’s involvement, remember?”

  How could I forget?

  I mimicked his stance and crossed my arms. “How does any of this involve me fighting for my life?” And why does it make you act like such an ass?

  “I don’t know yet,” he admitted. “But I do know His Majesty isn’t a fool. He has one of the most cunning and strategic minds I’ve ever seen. He is planning something, and I wonder about the repercussions.”

  My eyes flickered between his, searching for the truth. “You think he will hurt me?”

  “No,” his arms fell to rest at his sides. “Not intentionally.”

  I scowled at the vague remark. It was the same thing Erwin had said.

  He explained, “I saw what his actions did to Lassandra. He wanted to protect her to the point where he almost smothered her inner light. Meeting your father saved her life, but I don’t ever want you to be in that position. I don’t want the king’s overprotectiveness to break you.”

  “You don’t trust the king,” I observed without judgement.

  “He is my king,” Lerick replied. “He didn’t have to welcome me back to Court, but he did. He has my loyalty, but should you find yourself in a situation where you need to leave Avelin, I wanted you to know that I will help you. Consequences be damned.”

  How had our conversation shifted from criticizing Lerick’s aggressive training tactics to him vowing to help me if I decided to escape King Aquin’s palace?

  “So you are being a jerk because… you want me to be a better fighter in case I have to fight my way out of the castle?”

  Lerick laughed. “I’m being a jerk, as you say, because although I don’t have the gift of Sight, I can
see that violence is bound to cross paths with you. Elven power cannot hurt you, but that does not make you invincible. You need to be ready for anything.”

  I wanted to disagree. King Aquin’s palace was the safest place I could be, with Eelie possibly being the only exception. If an enemy wanted to find me, I doubted they would think of searching elven territory first.

  I wasn’t sure what my future plans entailed, but I didn’t see myself leaving Avelin territory anytime soon. No news had reached me about the status of the rebellion. I had no idea where Lin and Lorie were, and I no information regarding the successes or failures of the rebels. With a start, I realized I was standing in front of a male who just might have the answers I needed.

  “Do you have news about the rebellion?” I asked quietly, careful to not let my voice echo and be overheard by anyone passing the closed doors. “Have you communicated with Agent Leith since your return to the palace?”

  “I have not been sharing news of your presence here, if that is what you’re worried about.” He sounded a little defensive and, dare I say it, offended.

  I immediately shook my head. “No, that’s not what I meant. I am wondering if you have asked about my siblings. Lin and Lorie? Do you know where they are? Do you know if they’re safe?” I held my breath as I waited to learn anything about my beloved siblings’ fates.

  Lerick frowned. “No, I have had no news.”

  “Then what have you been doing all day, every day?” I asked, but there was no bite to my words. I was too deflated.

  “Mostly, hiding out to avoid the king,” he admitted. “I don’t want to overplay my hand by forcing him to gaze upon me throughout the day. I don’t want to risk reminding him of why he banished me in the first place.”

  He rubbed his chin and watched me thoughtfully. “But I do have information about the draekon forces.”

  My chest tightened. “Brion?” I whispered. “Is he okay?” I prayed to the gods he was. I wouldn’t know what to do if he wasn’t. We hadn’t spoken in so long. I couldn’t imagine hearing he’d been hurt. I wouldn’t be able to go to his side. I wouldn’t be able to help him. It would break my heart.

  “Last I heard, the draekon prince is fine,” Lerick assured me.

  I thought my legs would collapse under the weight of my relief. Unwilling to test their strength, I lowered myself to the floor. I drew my knees close to my chest and wrapped my arms around them.

  Lerick didn’t bat an eye as he moved to sit across from me. If anyone walked into the room, they would think we were taking a break and talking. His taller torso would block me from view if anyone walked in, allowing me an extra moment to pull myself together and hide my turbulent emotions.

  His voice dropped to a low volume, “The connection is real then? You are truly bound to Prince Brion.”

  I could only nod. There was no way to describe the pull Brion had on my heart. It’s what made the weeks of silence so painful to endure.

  A heavy breath blew from Lerick’s lips. “Poor Erwin.”

  My brow furrowed. “What?”

  For a second, I thought Lerick was going to tell me to forget it. The set of his mouth looked ready to avoid my question. But then something shifted in his eyes. I didn’t know if it was my deflated expression, or perhaps he’d thought of something which made him change his mind. Whatever the case, I braced myself. Whatever he was about to say was, obviously, difficult to get out.

  Lerick bent his knees and rested his forearms on top of them. “I know there is much about elves you do not know. Your mother didn’t educate you, and I imagine it was for a good reason.” He sighed. “But there are some things it would’ve been beneficial for you to know. For instance, your elven powers. By letting them lie dormant for so long, your mother risked their disappearance all together. You are lucky that was not your fate, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned for your brother and sister.”

  “Don’t worry about Arlin,” I told him. “He’s already speaking elven.”

  He bobbed his head. “It would make sense for elven power to be stronger. Your mother is, by far, the strongest between her and Arthur. Don’t get me wrong, your father’s a powerful, talented draekon soldier, but he’s no match for an elven royal.”

  I’d never considered the fact my mother would be more powerful than my father, or that my siblings and I would’ve inherited more from her.

  “As I was saying,” Lerick continued, “Your mother kept you in the dark, when perhaps she should’ve told you the truth about some things.”

  “Like what?”

  He gave me a pointed look over his knees. “Like Kyrie Spirits.”

  Oh… that.

  I swallowed the lump threatening to choke me. Lerick obviously had something to say, and I had to admit I was intrigued. “What do you think she should have told me?”

  “Nothing that would change anything, but perhaps if you knew about Kyrie Spirits, you would’ve been better prepared when Erwin claimed you as his.”

  “Like?” I prompted.

  He rubbed his eyes. “Like how rare the connection is. And how sacred. To be Kyrie Spirits is to be perfectly matched by the Mother, herself. It’s an honor to be part of such a link.”

  I’d already figured that out. “But I’m bonded to Brion. He’s the one my soul feels connected to,” I confessed. “I don’t feel anything but friendship around Erwin.”

  “And that,” he said, “is why I feel sorry for my dear cousin. His soul is linked to one who is split. Had you been full elven, that would not be the case. Alas, that is not how this worked out.”

  A question popped into my mind. I thought about ignoring it, but I found myself asking, “Maybe the connection is not as strong for him either?”

  Erwin and I are family. And though things had gotten tense for a bit, we’d finally returned to normal. I didn’t want to believe it was an act.

  I received a pitying look. “I doubt it.”

  Guilt filled me, but there was nothing I could do. I couldn’t change how I felt. Not even if I wanted to. Brion held a piece of me, and he always would. We shared a gliminee bond.

  “C-can Erwin ever find another one?” I asked. “Another Kyrie Spirit, I mean. Is that possible?” I prayed he’d say yes. There had to be some hope at the end of this road for Erwin.

  Lerick shrugged. “It’s happened before, but having multiple Kyrie Spirits is, obviously, very rare. I doubt Erwin will find another at this stage in his life.”

  I let my head fall onto my knees.

  Great. Just… great.

  “I feel horrible,” I mumbled against my legs.

  “Don’t,” he told me. “Erwin wouldn’t want you to feel bad. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “No.” I looked up. “I’m glad you did. It’s hard to hear, but you’re right. I wish my mother would’ve told me these things.” Perhaps I could’ve kept my distance from all elven males if I’d known this was a possibility.

  Immediately, I chastised myself for the ridiculous idea. I knew, better than most, how little control we had over our own fate. Mine had forced me to struggle to survive in Caldiri, and then I’d been forced to face my fears of the draekon as a Census recruit. Nothing about my life had been my choice, not even loving Brion. But I couldn’t find it within me to resent a single moment of my fate. It would be a wasted effort.

  I unfolded my legs and got to my feet, feeling steadier than I had moments ago. Lerick copied my actions.

  “Thank you for telling me that.”

  He dipped his head. “I hope it didn’t distress you. It’s just… I care for Erwin. I know you don’t have control over any of this, and I know he comes off as unaffected, but I ask that you tread carefully. It is inevitable he will be hurt by this, but you can make it less painful.”

  I wasn’t sure how I could make it less painful, but I agreed anyway, “Of course, you have my word.”

  “Good.” Lerick clapped his hands together, then pulled out a pocket watch.
“I believe we have run out of time.”

  I sagged, relieved to be saved from more aggressive attacks, but Lerick’s next words filled me with a different kind of dread.

  “I believe you should grab something to eat for your midday meal while you have a chance. There is a birthday party you need to prepare for.” Amusement twinkled in his eyes. King Aquin hadn’t kept it a secret of how much time and money he’d dedicated to my twentieth birthday celebration. Dozens upon dozens of guests had been arriving the past two days, and I’d been growing more and more nervous to be the center of attention in such a large crowd.

  And Lerick knew it, and he enjoyed teasing me.

  I groaned. Gods, help me. This is going to be a long night.

  26

  The floor-length windows in my private apartment were flung open. The sea breeze rolled into the room, filling me with calm as I was reminded of the times I’d sit on the Caldirian shore with Jem, watching the waves crash into the rocky shoreline. I didn’t miss Caldiri, but I missed the people. I didn’t know if I would ever see them again, and the thought sent a fissure of pain through my heart.

  “Your Highness?” The woman behind me spoke, catching my attention in the mirror in front of me. Her name was Rita. She was a pretty, middle-aged woman with the first signs of gray growing beside her temples. “Am I pulling your hair too tight?” She’d seen my pained expression and misunderstood its cause.

  “Not at all,” I forced a smile. “Forgive me. I was just lost in my thoughts. I promise, you aren’t hurting me.”

  Her eyes pinched together, not sure if she should believe me, but she shifted her attention back to my hair in her hands.

  I withheld a sigh. Remi would have never let me get away with that response. The enigmatic stylist would have stopped what he was doing and insisted I tell him what was going on. Remi was a recruit from Sipal, and he was one of the first recruits I’d met who’d willingly entered the Census each year, hoping for the chance to live in the capital city of Draek. He was boisterous and bold, and the complete opposite of what I’d expected to encounter in a fellow recruit. He’d become a valued friend in the few times we interacted. His humor and sassiness could always bring a smile to my face. I missed him. I could really use his positivity at the moment.