Freed

by Samantha Britt

  “No!” I shouted, holding on to Brion for dear life. “Stop. He’s not the enemy.”

  “Until he agrees to our cause, he will always be our enemy,” my father said plainly. Then, he motioned the line of guards forward. “Please take my daughter to my tent. Prince Brion, please release Amelissa.”

  Brion’s arms loosened.

  I spun around and stared at him like he’d betrayed me. “What are you doing?”

  His hand cupped my cheek. “We’ve won this battle, Lissa.” He bent down and gently kissed my lips. “We must survive if we wish to win this war.”

  I wasn’t given time to reply. Four strong hands wrapped around my arms. Brion released me without fight, but I wasn’t so eager to comply.

  Elven power burst into my hands. The guards behind me gasped, and they loosened their grip. I let the power fly as I turned, determined to strike anyone who dared touch me again.

  Alas, my bravery proved useless. A bolt of luminescent white power blinded me one second before it struck me in the center of my forehead. I heard Brion roar, and I heard my father shout his protest. But that was all I remembered as I was immediately rendered unconscious by the vicious blow.

  33

  Terrible pain, head-splitting and throbbing, greeted me when I returned to the world. I tried to open my eyes, but the ache was too great. I couldn’t manage it. I groaned, regretful of my actions. Had I known my mother would blast me with her magic, I might’ve reconsidered fighting in the first place.

  Oh, who was I kidding?

  My protective instincts had been triggered. I hadn’t spared a thought for the consequences of my actions. All I’d known was they were going to imprison Brion again. I couldn’t bear the thought of those painful shackles being put back on his wrists. I’d had to do something. I couldn’t just stand by.

  A beam of light landed across my eyes. I winced and rolled onto my side to escape it, groaning again when the move caused a fresh burst of pain to pound against my skull.

  “Lissy?”

  I gasped and immediately pushed off the soft surface beneath me. Once again, I tried to open my eyes, but the pain was just too much. I fell back down but managed to croak, “Lorie?”

  “Oh my goodness, you’re awake!” Something heavy hit a solid surface, and then the soft surface beneath me dipped. I must’ve been lying on a bed of some kind. “Lissy? Can you hear me?”

  “Yes,” I hissed and winced. “My head is killing me.”

  “Yes, our mother hit you quite hard,” she said disapprovingly. “I brought you a cold compress and something to eat.”

  I couldn’t imagine chewing without my head splitting open. “I’ll take the compress.”

  The bed shifted again. Lorie retrieved the compress and returned to me, gently laying the cloth over my eyelids. The sting in my eyes abated a little. “Thank you.”

  “Of course.” Lorie returned to her seat beside me. She laced her fingers through one of my hands, and emotion clogged my throat. I’d been so worried about my little sister. I was glad she found me. I only wished I didn’t feel so crappy so I could give her the hug I was dying to give.

  “Our mother also told me to tell you that Prince Brion is behind held in a more suitable tent befitting his station… whatever that means.”

  It meant that our parents weren’t making Brion sleep on a dirt floor. They didn’t have to be so accommodating. I’d thought they were going to shackle him again. I wondered what made them change their minds.

  Whatever the reason, I was glad to know Brion wasn’t lying in pain somewhere while I couldn’t help him. I planned to go to him the moment the thought of standing didn’t send dread straight to my gut.

  “So,” I said after a bout of silence, not acknowledging the news our mother asked Lorie to share, “You met our parents.”

  She exhaled. “I have.”

  I groaned. “Oh, come on, Lorie. You know I must have questions.”

  “I’d expect nothing less.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “What do you want to know?”

  Where should I start?

  “How did you meet them?”

  “When Lin took me from Draek,” she said. “We traveled for four days and nights before we reached the rebel camp. We’d cleaned up in a small goblin village in the Royal Forest, and then, without warning, our parents walked in.”

  Yet again, more information regarding goblin involvement in the rebellion. They, too, must have grievances against King Roderick’s reign. I wondered what the rebellion promised them as payment for their help in their cause.

  I kept the compress on my eyes, enjoying the soothing coolness. Lorie continued, “I recognized our mother, but not our father. Lin did most of the talking at first, telling me all about the reasons they had to leave us and why I shouldn’t be upset.”

  “Oh, really?” I scoffed, ignoring the stab of pain the noise caused. It was worth it. “Do tell.”

  “I don’t know the full story,” Lorie admitted, “But they said King Roderick’s army had been searching for our father ever since he deserted his duties in Avelin. They came close to finding him in Caldiri. He left before they could catch him.”

  “Then what made our beloved mother leave us?”

  The sound of the tent opening interrupted us, and a different voice answered my question, “Because King Aquin was searching for her, of course. She didn’t want her father to find us and keep us locked up in his palace like he’d done for her.”

  “Lin.” I greeted, though not as enthusiastically as I had Lorie. Part of the reason we were in this mess was because he’d decided to ally himself with the rebellion, before he knew of our parents’ involvement. I still resented him for that fact.

  “Lissa,” he replied. I heard him move. His voice sounded close to my head when he said, “I hear mother had to neutralize your elven powers before you seriously harmed everyone in the tent. Impressive.”

  I tried to scowl, but pain made me abandon the attempt.

  “You’ve developed elven powers?” Lorie asked excitedly.

  “A little.”

  “From what I heard, you’ve developed more than a little,” Lin stated.

  I ignored him. “So, when did you two find out we’re not just half-elven, but also half-draekon?” I wondered how my draekon-hating brother had taken the news.

  “Our parents told us shortly after we met.” Lorie squeezed my hand. “I’m sorry we had to leave you in Draek. It must’ve been awful to be alone.”

  “It wasn’t.” At least… not in the end.

  “Yes,” Lin interjected. “Haven’t you heard, Lorie? Lissa fancies herself in love with Prince Brion.” Everything about his tone was belittling and judgmental. Pushing past the agony of opening my eyes, I removed the compress and pushed off the mattress, fumbling into a sitting position.

  Gods, I felt exhausted. What had my mother done to me?

  My eyes landed on Lorie, and I was relieved to see she looked the same as the day she’d left the capital. There wasn’t a scratch on her or a strand of hair out of place. Thank the gods for that.

  Then, I faced my brother. “Yes, thank you for reminding me, Arlin. There’s no need to feel sorry for leaving me, Lorie. I wouldn’t have realized my feelings for Brion if I’d left. Feelings, might I add, that could very well be the reason the rebellion can come to an arrangement with the draekon.”

  My words silenced Arlin, much to my satisfaction.

  “They are saying you are gliminee bonded,” Lorie whispered. I turned my attention to her. She gazed at me with wide eyes. “Is it true?”

  I didn’t ask how she knew what the bond meant. No doubt, she’d been educated in such things since she joined the rebellion. “Yes, it’s true.”

  “By the gods,” she shook her head. “What are the chances?”

  “Slim,” Lin replied. He stunned me when he said, “But Lissa is right. If they are truly linked in such a way, Prince Brion will be much more open to working to bring peace, rather t
han ordering the destruction of his beloved’s entire family and the rebellion.”

  I didn’t know what to make of his statement. It supported my point, but it did so in a condescending way.

  Lorie, ever the lighthearted optimist of the three of us, squealed. “I can’t believe it. My sister is engaged to Prince Brion! But he was so broody and quiet. I would’ve preferred Prince Finn, but I guess you can’t choose who you bond to, right?”

  “We aren’t engaged, Lorie.”

  Lorie didn’t let that curb her enthusiasm. “I hope I’m in Draek when the prince tells the court the news. Their reactions will be priceless.”

  If by priceless she means outraged and shocked… then yes. It will be priceless.

  “Leith tells me you saved his life,” Lin changed the subject. His words didn’t distract only me.

  “Leith was hurt?” Lorie cried out. I jerked back as she leapt from the bed. “You didn’t tell me!”

  “I thought it best not to worry you,” Lin’s gaze shifted to mine. “Especially since he planned on journeying to Avelin to get Lissa.”

  Understanding dawned. “You knew.”

  My brother knew Leith believed that negotiating with Prince Brion was the only way for the rebellion to succeed, and Lin hadn’t tried to stop him from saving him. My parents disagreed with the strategy, but I was glad to know Lin didn’t. It would be difficult to have all members of my family determined to destroy my soulmate.

  Lorie waved her hands around, flustered. “Someone should have told me.”

  “Why?” Lin asked in obvious challenge, daring her to admit something.

  Lorie’s face reddened, and it was confirmed that something romantic was going on between my sister and Agent Leith.

  “I-I must go check on him,” Lorie stuttered, not acknowledging Lin’s question. The next moment, the tent flapped open with her swift departure.

  “Lorie and Leith?” I lifted an eyebrow.

  Lin sighed, and then he patted my feet. I pulled them back, and he sat on the edge of the cot. Gone was the arrogant ass from a few minutes ago. Now, Lin just looked like my big brother, exhausted from trying to keep up with our rambunctious sister.

  He shrugged. “Leith says he loves her.”

  Wow.

  “How did that even happen?” Wasn’t Leith busy with, oh… I don’t know… running a rebellion? When did they have the time to fall in love?

  “Leith helps me and Lorie train with our draekon abilities. They aren’t very good but, with his help, we’ve gotten better. I think the attraction was there from the first day, but Leith fell for Lorie pretty soon after that, and I think her feelings followed suit shortly after.”

  “Isn’t she a little young?” My protective instincts came out.

  Lin gave me a knowing smile. “My thoughts, exactly. Leith promised not to take their relationship any further until Lorie turns eighteen, but I’m afraid our baby sister is determined to make waiting as difficult for him as she possibly can.”

  I laughed. In spite of everything, it was amusing to picture my sister having any kind of sway over a half-draekon, rebel spy.

  “Happy late Birthday, by the way.”

  With everything going on, I’d totally forgotten.

  “Thank you.”

  Lin squeezed my leg. “I heard about Roderick’s purge of the Avelin Ambassador and his entourage. I’m glad you weren’t there when that happened.”

  “You have Brion to thank for that,” I pointed out.

  He sighed and let his head fall forward. His chin nearly touched his chest as he asked, “His feelings are genuine?”

  It was then I realized part of Lin’s resistance to my relationship wasn’t because my partner was his enemy. Lin’s concern stemmed from his brotherly duties. He’d always done his best to protect us, and he worried Brion would break my heart.

  I reached out and squeezed the hand resting on my leg. “Yes.”

  He looked up. “And yours?”

  My eyes softened as I thought about my feelings for Brion. “Yes… they are.”

  Acceptance filled my brother’s expression, and I knew I wouldn’t have to justify my feelings for Brion to him ever again. He believed me.

  “Leith believes Brion is reasonable. He thinks we can negotiate with him to change things.”

  “And what do you think?” I held my breath. Brion might be my love, but that wouldn’t save him if the rebellion didn’t see his value.

  Lin gave me a pointed look. “I can’t believe you would love anyone as evil as King Roderick. So, while I don’t completely trust Brion, I do trust you. If you say he will work with us to make Draekon fair for all races to live and thrive, then I believe you. Which, in turn, makes me believe in him.”

  I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around Lin’s neck, holding tight. It hit me just how much I’d missed him. “Thank you.”

  His arms settled on my back. “You’re welcome. But there is still one big question on everyone’s mind.”

  I leaned back. My hands slid down to rest on his shoulders. “What question?”

  “It is one thing for Brion to work with us to make peace, but will he work to overthrow his father so he can take his place?”

  My hands fell away. I thought about Brion’s prophecy, and his abhorrence at being labeled the cause of his father’s demise.

  No, I didn’t think Brion would actively work against his father. No matter how King Roderick treated his eldest son, Brion still loved him. He wouldn’t betray him.

  But I couldn’t say that to Lin. I couldn’t risk him sharing the information with our parents. They might get rid of Brion if they didn’t think he’d help end his father’s reign. King Roderick could go on ruling for decades.

  “I don’t know,” I lied. In the past, Lin would’ve easily called me out for the falsehood. He could read me better than anyone. But not anymore. I’d gotten good at deceiving people. I still didn’t know if I should consider that a good thing.

  Lin watched me for several seconds, and I held on, not giving any indication I’d lied.

  “Well, we will just have to ask him ourselves.”

  I forced a smile. “Yes.”

  Inside, I was dreading that inevitable conversation. I didn’t know if Brion would lie to save his own neck. I prayed to the gods he would. I didn’t want to think of what would happen to the world… to the rebellion… to me without him.

  34

  The rest of the day had been less than eventful. Lorie had returned a short time later with a cup of tea to help me sleep. She’d said that our mother had insisted I drink the tea, claiming it would help me recover after the power she’d been forced to use against me.

  I’d wanted to object on principle. I didn’t want to relieve my mother’s sense of guilt by accepting her help. But my conversation with Lin had left me feeling terrible and fearful. My head never stopped aching, and I felt like all of my muscles were sore from overexertion.

  So, after confirming I’d be able to visit Brion after drinking the tea, I took the cup and downed the warm concoction in four large gulps. It tasted sweet, but salty. I wasn’t given time to wonder at the ingredients. The medicines within the tea immediately took effect, and I fell asleep before I could slur out a single word.

  When I awoke, I was all alone. I pushed off the cot and got to my feet, marveling at the fact that I didn’t immediately fall over with pain. I took a few cautious steps and confirmed I felt great. I was completely healed from whatever my mother had done. I looked around the room and saw a wash basin filled with water. A worn, but clean, towel was placed beside it.

  I washed my face. A looking glass sat under the basin. I slid it out and braced myself to see what I looked like. My hair wasn’t that bad. It frizzed on the ends, but the rest of it hung around my face in a decent state. My makeup was gone, most likely from me just washing it away, so I had no idea what it had looked like before I cleaned it up. With all the flying, tears, and fighting, I bet it hadn’t been a pre
tty sight.

  I lowered the glass. I no longer wore the brown coat Erwin had given me, but the filthy and torn white gown from my birthday celebration still hugged my body. A quick glance confirmed a fresh set of clothes had been laid out for me. I struggled to undo the tight knot to the laces behind me, but I eventually succeeded.

  I shimmied out of the expensive gown and let it fall to the ground. Using the cloth, I washed my body as best I could, then eagerly stepped into the loose trousers and billowing shirt left out for me. They looked like men’s clothes, but I didn’t care. I rolled up the pant legs and tucked the shirt into my waistline. As decent as I could get, I tied my hair into a knot and stepped out of the tent.

  I blinked against the bright sun, glad to see it was still daytime. I hadn’t slept for more than a few hours. I looked around to get my bearings. I didn’t recognize anything or anyone. Several pairs of eyes watched me, but none offered to help. In fact, the moment I made eye contact, the strangers would look away. It was like they had orders to avoid me.

  Oh, well. I didn’t need them. I could walk around until I found Leith’s blue tent. I didn’t know where my parents had moved Brion, but Leith would help me.

  I started to journey through the sea of tents dispersed throughout the tall trees. The tents stood about six feet high and eight feet wide, carefully arranged so they were covered by the forest’s treetops, despite some of the woods being cleared to give the tents space. The tent colors ranged from dark brown to tan to dark green, perfect for blending into the forest. I passed several smothered fires, enclosed in stone circles. Rugged looking metal pots and pans were placed around them, as were fallen logs that had been cut into shorter stumps for chairs.

  I approached one such area. Three men were chatting as they sat on the stumps, but one look at me and they scattered.

  Seriously?

  Why would my siblings leave me to wake up alone if no one was allowed to talk to me?

  “Lissa?”

  I turned around, and I had to rub my eyes. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. “Jem?”