by Elle Clouse
Kiera smiled at that. “What about Phelan, Brigid, and Erann?” she asked. “Are they safe? Taken care of?”
“Lachlan offered them work in the castle, which they refused.” Brogan rolled his eyes. They had all been offered very respectable positions as waiting maids and palace guard. Brogan wouldn’t have scoffed at such a hand up. “They are at the inn now on Lachlan’s coin.”
“And you?” Kiera prompted. “Did Lachlan offer you something better than a princess’s chaperon?”
“Yes,” Brogan admitted, a bit reluctantly.
“Well? What did he offer you?”
Brogan gritted his teeth. “The house on Armanta Hill,” he said. “And the barony associated with it.”
Kiera’s eyebrows shot up. “That’s not a house, that’s a small keep.”
Brogan sighed. “I know. I know exactly what it is. The question is, would I really want it?”
Kiera’s expression softened. “Isn’t that why we are here? To get a chance at the good life?”
Brogan wasn’t sure whether to agree or disagree and settled for a shrug. “I just thought I’d have to work a little harder.”
“Well, you know how to pretend to be a lord,” Kiera said with a little laugh. “Might as well get some experience as the real thing.”
AS IF MIRRORING THE mood of the people gathered in the family graveyard, the sky was gray and tumultuous. Cold, drizzling rain covered the earth. A rumble of thunder shook the surrounding trees, muffling the sobs of the gathered mourners.
Lachlan addressed the crowd. “Thank you all for coming. It is good to honor the life of this great man.” There were somber nods of agreement and more than a few teary eyes.
A priest started the eulogy and went through the ceremony of prayer over the body.
Lachlan took his place beside Kiera, who looked lovely even in the black of mourning. He took her hand, and even though he knew the priest was speaking about the king’s honor and loyalty, Lachlan didn’t hear much of what he said. He stared at his father’s casket and fought back tears.
Kiera’s eyes were red, but that wasn’t unusual. Almost everyone in the crowd had been crying at one point. Lachlan took comfort in Connor and his family who stood nearby, and some new allies who had arrived that morning for the coronation. He saw the graying Duke Liam who had been a good friend of his father’s. He also saw his former classmate Lord Turlach, pretentious goatee on his face, who had made it clear early on that he didn’t like either Ian or Ayden. Lachlan nodded to them both and got nods in return. He knew he could count on them.
It didn’t escape his notice that his brothers were not present to lay their father to rest.
Behind Kiera stood Brogan in his finest tabard, and her newly discovered kin, Melchir and Ardhor. Their presence meant a lot to Lachlan. Although there was no formal alliance between him and the elves, their presence was enough to make it known whom they supported as king. The wilderness beyond Cearbhall was dangerous and strange, and the fact that the elves claimed it as their homeland attested to their vigor and skill. No one could doubt the tenacity of an elf, even if they were strangers in the land of men.
The priest finished his sermon. Now it was time for Lachlan to bury his father. Normally all sons would help in this process. Liam, Turlach, and Connor came forward to stand in Ayden and Ian’s steads.
The coffin was lowered into the ground, and the four shoveled soil over it until it was covered. Liam, Connor, and Turlach took turns expressing their sympathies to Lachlan as the rest of the guests walked past the gravesite, dropping flowers over the freshly turned earth. When the mourners began to trickle away, Liam gave his condolences and joined them in retiring to the castle. Connor and Turlach remained.
Lachlan offered Turlach a smile. “It is good to see you again,” he said. “I only wish it had been under better circumstances.”
“I am glad to be here for your coronation,” Turlach replied. “And I am glad I could have participated in laying my king to rest. I will miss him, but I will always have very fond memories of him. Now, who is this?”
Turlach motioned to Kiera, who was standing under the branches of a nearby tree for protection from the rain. Her half-brother and her cousin stood off at a distance keeping watch.
Connor whispered something to Turlach as Lachlan motioned Kiera over.
“Gentlemen,” Lachlan said, “this is Princess Kiera Clark Laelithaar, my betrothed.” Turlach bowed to her, a slightly shocked expression on his face. “You know Connor already, but this is my old friend, Lord Turlach.”
“Congratulations,” Turlach said. “Though it is too bad that such good news had to be overshadowed by an event such as this. It’s rare I need to offer my condolences and my congratulations at the same time.”
Kiera smiled politely. “Thank you for both, though,” she said. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Turlach glanced around, then lowered his voice. “It concerns me that your brothers are not here, you know. They never did have a sense of propriety.”
“Everyone at the ceremony was thinking the same thing,” Lachlan said dryly. “We expect they’ll cause trouble. Should it come to that, can I count on you by my side?”
“Aye. You will always have my loyalty and the loyalty of my family.”
“And from me and mine,” Connor threw in. “I will not suffer Ian or Ayden on the throne, and I suspect that most of your guests will not, either.”
By this time, the four of them were the only ones left outside. Even Ardhor and Brogan had gone back inside.
“Shall we at least get to a dry place to discuss things?” Turlach suggested. “We don’t need either the bride or the future king to get sick.” Lachlan nodded and led the group toward a small service entrance. No one would follow them this way, and Kiera seemed quite thankful to be out of the cold rain at last.
They emerged into a small study, one he hadn’t been in for years, and all took seats around a research table. From the thin layer of dust on everything, it didn’t seem as though the servants visited this room too often, either. It was perfect for the conversation about to take place.
Turlach cleared his throat. “I’ve heard rumors that your brothers have gotten rather spoiled over the years as your father’s health started to fade.”
“That is true,” Lachlan admitted. “And they are planning something to sabotage the coronation. We have to be ready for it. Kiera, can you share your findings?”
“The inventory ledger indicates large orders of sulfur and saltpeter,” Kiera explained. “When we searched the storeroom for the kegs, they were missing.”
“What can you do with sulfur and saltpeter?” Turlach ran his thumb and index finger down either side of his goatee.
“Flann and I are stumped,” Kiera admitted. “All texts on chemistry and alchemy are missing from the library. Even Flann’s personal copies.”
“Lachlan,” she continued before they could start a plot of their own. “I’ve been reading the laws in regards to the coronation, and the only way they can prevent you from taking the throne would be to prove you are incompetent in some way.”
They all looked at one another, but none of them said a word. From the look on Kiera’s face, he knew she suspected he was hiding something. He hated that he had to keep information from her, but he could not tell her about his affliction. Not now when so much rested on them presenting a united front.
He cleared his throat. “Ayden has already tried poison, and he’s hired mercenaries before. I don’t doubt he would resort to hiring an assassin to prevent my ascension. Connor, were you able to glean anything from the guests or servants about a plot against me?”
“There is nothing to report on that front. If anyone knows anything, those two have everyone too frightened to speak a word.”
“Hmm. We cannot look as if we are hiding anything, but I do not want Kiera to get hurt in all this. She has already fallen victim to their treachery once. I cannot have it happen again.” It was actually t
wice, but her visit to the caverns did not need to be discussed. Kiera looked relieved that it did not come up.
“You know that we will both look out for her,” Turlach volunteered, his face serious.
Connor nodded vehemently. “As will my own sister. How many days until the coronation?”
“One week,” Lachlan replied. “Seven days for them to do something.”
They all looked at one another in silence.
THE OLD MAN LASTED longer than Ayden had anticipated, considering the levels of toxins he sneaked into his food every evening. Just enough to weaken the man until his body gave out. He had been taking too long to die on his own.
He looked out the library window at the drizzly day, the weather was the same as the day before when his father was buried. People would mope around in black for months. Especially after Ayden completed his coup.
He returned his attentions to the schematics of the castle, copied from the originals that had fallen to pieces years ago. The castle was old, and as the kingdom had grown throughout the years, it had been renovated. New rooms or wings were added every couple decades. He needed to make sure he knew the foundation for his plan to work.
Ian had been near useless, blubbering like an idiot when their father finally died. Ayden had kept him from the funeral lest he say something stupid and reveal his plan. The witless fool. If Ayden didn’t need him to take the throne, he’d be rid of him too.
The door to the library opened, and Ayden’s eyes narrowed when he saw it was the queen-to-be, followed by Aisling. He tucked the schematics inside his jacket and prepared to leave. He had what he needed.
Kiera and Aisling halted when they saw him.
“Ah, dear sister. Dear cousin.” Ayden smiled, reveling in both women’s unease. “Lovely to see you so well and in one piece.”
Kiera did not acknowledge his words and merely stepped aside for him to pass. Aisling hooked her elbow around Kiera’s arm.
“I guess you got your wish after all. You snared a prince. Any prince for the right price, I suppose.”
Kiera’s nostrils flared, but she kept her mouth shut. The contempt in her eyes was delicious. How delightful her suffering would be when he set his final plan into motion.
“It was convenient for that elfin high chancellor to declare you his daughter, if illegitimate. You must thank your mother for being a whore. Oh, that’s right, she didn’t make it. So sad.” He made a tsking sound and watched her grind her teeth, her jaw taut with rage.
Unfortunately, she was too wise to retort. The normally sassy Aisling kept her mouth shut too, instead placing her hand on Kiera’s shoulder. Such a disappointment.
Smiling, Ayden moved toward the door. As he gripped the handle, he couldn’t resist one last parting shot. “I am so looking forward to the coronation,” he said, snickering. “I hope to see you there. Should be a blast.”
KIERA FOUND ARDHOR in his suite the next day. “I am ready to be despelled,” she announced when he opened the door. Ardhor blinked in surprise but waved her in all the same. Brogan entered behind her; she had asked him to come along to be her support. The two men shared a brief but friendly greeting.
“I’m glad,” Ardhor said, shutting the door behind her. Melchir was also present. He sat on a small love seat, book in hand. “Please take a seat wherever you would like.”
Kiera opted for an armchair across from Melchir. Brogan waited behind her, silent but present, and that was all she needed. Ardhor moved in front of her, and she glanced at Melchir. He appeared to be a little anxious.
“This should not take long.” Ardhor studied her for a moment. “It should be fairly straightforward, as the spell itself is simple. The only thing that might be a problem is the length of time the spell has been in place. It looks fairly old.”
“My mother has been gone for over five years,” Kiera offered, surprised that so much time had passed. It felt as though it had been much less. “So it has to be at least five years old.”
“I would say it is older than that,” Melchir said. “It looks to have been cast and then altered a few times at a later date.”
“How can you see all this?” She felt like a bird in a cage with both elves studying an invisible shroud around her.
“Magic bends and alters the world around us,” Melchir explained. “When you are skilled enough, you will be able to see how the magic has shaped things. Your mother was a prodigy and learned to break down a spell very quickly. She could also cast in such a way as to hide her real intent.”
“So there could be more than just a forgetfulness spell on me?” She felt Brogan’s hand on her shoulder and took a deep breath.
“No,” Ardhor reassured her. “It is just the one spell. It’s simply been modified a few times. I’m certain of it.”
Kiera did not feel assured on the matter. She glanced toward Melchir, and he nodded.
“It won't hurt at all.” Ardhor raised his hands before him as if he was about to start praying. “Also, remember that your memories may come back in one rush of thought or that they will return gradually as your mind processes everything that was blocked off previously.”
“All right.” She had never knowingly had a spell cast on her or removed. Magic was feared in the capitol and all but banned in Northam. Only the emperor’s magicians were authorized to practice it; all others were thrown in jail or worse. Most practitioners of the art had fled to the uncharted Wylderlands or the fringe city-states where no such ban existed.
Ardhor didn’t ask if she was ready. He started to chant softly and move his hands. Brogan kept his hand on her shoulder and whispered for her to keep calm. Which was easy for him to say since he wasn’t the one getting magicked.
As abruptly as he had started, Ardhor stopped. His eyes had remained open the whole time, but they hadn’t been focused on anything. Now he looked at her, waiting for some form of reaction. She looked about tentatively, then shrugged.
“How do you feel?” Melchir watched her closely.
“I feel fine,” she admitted. “I didn’t feel a thing.”
“Do you remember anything new?” Brogan asked. He sat on an ottoman to bring himself to eye level with her. Only then could she see how concerned he had been for her.
Kiera tried to recall anything she could, but since she didn’t know what she had been missing, she wasn’t sure if it had worked or not. She shrugged.
“It looks like Fiona set the spell to gradually return the suppressed memories.” Ardhor sounded impressed. “That isn’t the easiest thing to do on a memory-suppression spell. I’ve never seen a more perfectly crafted enchantment.” Kiera could tell by the look on his face that he did not bestow such compliments lightly.
“Fiona was casting it on her own daughter,” Melchir said. “She would of course take extra precautions and make the extra effort. I think that the great question is why she would cast such a spell in the first place.”
Kiera met Brogan’s eyes. “Kiera hasn’t had the easiest of childhoods,” Brogan offered.
Melchir made a noise akin to a humph but said nothing more. Kiera knew that only time would tell the real reason why her mother had blocked her memories. Hopefully now that this spell was gone, she could regain her childhood and get some more answers, preferably sooner rather than later. This wasn’t something that she could look up in the library. These were holes in her very own memory, and she had had enough of blank spaces.
Chapter 16
Kiera was back in the cavern underneath the castle and it was pitch-black. She couldn’t see anything, but she could hear the low, rumbling growl of the creature very close by. She reached out with her hands but couldn’t feel anything. She took a tentative step forward, then another. Still her hands found nothing. She kept walking. There could be a ledge anywhere, so she tested her footing before stepping, but she went several steps without finding anything.
Then she heard voices off in the distance. Two voices, both male. She recognized them as Ian and Ayden. She could
n’t see them, though, as the cavern was still as dark as a moonless night. She wondered if she should cry out to them, for the beast was sure to pounce at any moment, but she would only be trading one beast for another, so she kept her mouth shut. At least the creature’s inner monster was also apparent on the outside. Ayden was a sugar-coated demon.
“Kiera,” someone called. Lachlan. She would recognize his voice anywhere. “Kiera, come to me.” It sounded as though it was coming from all directions.
“Where are you?” She turned around, trying to see where he might be, but still she saw nothing. “I can’t see you.”
Something lit up behind her, and she turned to see him standing there in only his trousers. “Come to me,” he said.
Kiera ran toward Lachlan. She could still hear the creature all around her, growling as he always had, but she couldn’t see him. He could be anywhere.
Lachlan opened his arms and she fell into them. A rush of relief went through as he embraced her. She looked up with a smile, but she didn’t see Lachlan’s handsome face.
The creature embraced her, his claws digging into her back. She tried to scream but no sound came out. She struggled as best she could, but she couldn’t get free; she was trapped.
“What’s the matter, dearie?” She craned her neck around and saw Ayden standing nearby with a smirk on his face. “Not happy to be in the arms of a prince? He does rule over this cavern.”
Kiera found her voice again. “Tell it to let me go,” she pleaded. “I want no part in this.”
“Oh, but I think that you do.” Ayden walked forward. “All you wanted was a prince, and I have delivered one to you.” Another smirk. “You’ll have such a splendid wedding night, I’m sure.”
At that moment, Kiera jolted awake and sat up. She was once again in Lachlan’s room, in his bed.
Lachlan was nowhere to be seen, but the night was still new. Her heart raced from her night terror, her nightshirt once again clinging to her clammy skin. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and rested her elbows on her thighs, her face in her hands.