The Great Pursuit

by Wendy Higgins

  “Any forces you would be willing to offer against this foe would be much appreciated.”

  “Good. That is good.” King Dagur sat up and leaned forward on his elbows, his fingers linked. “I can make that happen just as soon as our kingdoms are properly united.”

  Aerity went very still as she stared into his calculating eyes. She dared not look away or show weakness as she fought to keep her breathing even.

  “You speak of my marriage to Lord Alvi?”

  “Exactly. With your father currently . . . out of the picture, I would hate for our agreement to be put aside much longer.”

  Hot, rigid fury filled Aerity. She felt her spine straighten as she sat up taller.

  “I intend to honor my father’s proclamation whether he is on the throne or not. Our wedding will go on this spring, as planned.”

  Again he smiled slowly. “I had heard it was moved up to this winter.”

  Curse it!

  “There was talk of moving it up to distract the masses, but that was before war became imminent. I hardly think this is the proper time for a wedding. I want to give the people something to celebrate once all the madness is over.”

  “And if you die in said madness?”

  Vixie gasped. Aerity did not take her eyes from King Dagur as she held her index finger up to Vixie to silence her. She knew what was going on here: Ascomanni believed Lochlanach would fall, and they wanted it for themselves in the aftermath.

  “If anything happens to me, my sister will reign, and my brother after her.”

  “But they are so young. Is it wise?” His show of worry made Aerity ill.

  “My aunts and uncles are safely hidden away, and they will return to advise our ruler, however young she or he may be.”

  “Do you truly believe anyone in your family is safe right now? Do you think they will not be targeted out on that island? Kalor wants Lochlanach for its own. I am offering to prevent that.” His voice had risen, and a war broke out inside her. Of course he knew about the royal island. Was there anything he didn’t know?

  If her parents were here, they would absolutely have her marry Lief that very moment to secure the country. They would fold to King Dagur’s demands.

  “If you are to marry my nephew in a matter of months, what does it matter?” he asked. “Be reasonable. This is not the time to dally, Your Highness.”

  Seas, his words were so much like what her own father would tell her, but his voice held an arrogance that set her on edge, as if he couldn’t believe he had to deal with her. Aerity gritted her teeth. In her heart of hearts, she believed her army and navy could defend the lands against Kalor once they set all their plans into motion. Would it be pretty? No. But it would be their hard-earned victory. And after all was said and done, she would have to face all Eurona, possibly as queen. These first impressions of her reign were important.

  Aerity hated making decisions. Up until now she’d had everything decided for her, like it or not. In that moment the pressure piled upon her, and she knew that what she decided now would determine how she would be treated throughout her entire reign.

  She had watched her father’s will bend to others too many times to count in the past six months. She had thought his decisions were made for the benefit of the kingdom, and she’d admired his humility in the face of it all, but now she couldn’t help but think her father had been driven by fear, just as King Dagur was being driven by greed.

  Aerity could not afford to begin her rule by allowing the coldlands to bribe her. She had to set a higher precedent.

  “King Dagur,” she said steadily, “if you fight alongside me, I will marry your nephew the moment Kalor is defeated.”

  His eyes narrowed and his jaw locked. This was not a man who was accustomed to hearing no. He pressed his index finger against the table. “Marry him. Today.”

  “I will not.”

  Queen Agnetha clucked her tongue, and Lady Hanna sucked in shocked breath. King Dagur pushed his chair back from the table and stood.

  “Do not be a fool, girl! This is a sensible arrangement. We both know your father would agree.”

  “I am not my father, as you can clearly see.” Aerity pushed back her own chair and stood tall. “Lochlanach is an ally of Ascomanni and will adhere to all promises. But I will not allow my hand to be forced in a time of despair.” And shame on him for trying.

  The coldlander king placed both of his fists on the table and scowled at her. “You will regret this.”

  “I am not your enemy,” Aerity told him. “Please do not leave here angry.”

  King Dagur gave a growl, turning with a flourish. “Our business here is done,” he said to Lief’s parents.

  Queen Agnetha gave Aerity a disbelieving stare before following her husband. Aerity stood her ground, careful not to return any of their furious looks.

  Next was Lady Hanna, who raised her chin. “You dishonor my son.”

  “I will honor him, my lady, in due time,” Aerity promised. But Lief’s mother humphed, leaving the room. Lord Daan Alvi took his time standing, his entire being like a keg of gunpowder, prepared to blow at any moment. His glare was deadly, making Aerity’s heart hammer, but he never said a word. Just moved like he owned the place, shrugging his heavy furs over his expanded shoulders.

  “See them out and leave us,” Aerity said to her guards.

  After the four Ascomannian royals left the dining room, followed by the clomp of guard boots, Aerity stared down at the table, feeling as if icy water had been poured over her head. She began to shake.

  What had she done? Her actions had probably made an enemy of a viable ally. What have I done? She planted her palms against the tabletop and breathed. She felt Vixie rubbing her back but could hear nothing over the rush of thoughts pummeling her mind.

  Fool.

  Your pride just lost you this war.

  You’ve killed the kingdom, and for what? Pure stubbornness? Concern for yourself?

  Oh, seas! Aerity wanted to chase them, to fall at their feet and beg forgiveness, to tell her staff to ready High Hall for a wedding and do what she must to save her kingdom. Why had she made such a rash decision? She should have told King Dagur she needed time to discuss the matter with her council! She could have put them in comfy guest quarters, given them Lochlanach’s finest wines, and loosened them up a little.

  “I’ve ruined everything,” she whispered to herself.

  “Aerity.” She blinked up into Vixie’s pale face. Wyneth and Harrison were right beside her, looking aghast. She turned her head and saw Lief on her other side.

  She whispered to him, “What have I done, Lief? That was awful!”

  And to her utter surprise, Lief palmed her cheek and gently said. “No, Princess. That was incredible.” And then he began to laugh.

  Chapter

  34

  Had Lord Alvi lost his mind? Leif bent at the waist, holding his stomach, and laughed with all his might, one hand gripping the edge of her chair.

  “It’s hardly funny!” Aerity shouted.

  Vixie let out a laugh of her own, but covered her mouth when Aerity leveled her with a frown.

  “Never in all my years”—Lief stood, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes—“have I ever seen my uncle so irate.”

  “Yes, highly amusing,” Aerity said without humor.

  “Princess.” Lief laid a heavy hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “He liked your father but never respected him. Not fully. And you may have just injured his pride, but, I assure you, you’ve also earned his respect.”

  Aerity felt the fury from earlier rise inside her at the memory of King Dagur’s attitude. “Well, a fat lot of good his respect will do as he watches from the coldlands while we’re slaughtered by Kalor!”

  “I hardly believe they’ll allow it to go that far,” Lief reasoned. “You may have angered him, but anger is temporary. His hatred for Kalor is long-standing.”

  Aerity looked at Wyneth’s and Harrison’s sobe
r faces. They appeared as worried as she. After watching King Dagur storm off, there hardly seemed room for hope of his help.

  “We in the coldlands are hotheaded,” Lief said simply. “Don’t expect an apology in words, Princess. His way of apologizing will be something more substantial.”

  “I cannot imagine receiving an apology of any sort after that,” Aerity said. “I think you’re assuming quite a lot. Are you not offended as they were? About my refusal to marry you today?”

  He patted her shoulder. “Perhaps I’m just as uneager for marriage as you are, Princess.” And with those loaded words and a wry look, he walked from the room.

  Harrison ran a hand through his hair, then followed Lief. “I’m going to see that they’re sent off with due respect.”

  Aerity nodded as he left. She was horrified that the king and queen of Ascomanni had come all that way only to turn around and leave after a single meal. No, she did not share a speck of Lief’s positive outlook about making any sort of amends after that.

  “I don’t think I’m going to enjoy this whole being-queen thing,” she said to Vixie and Wyneth.

  “I could not have handled that the way you did,” Vixie said. “I had to keep myself from shouting and cheering. I’ve never been prouder. You’re doing a grand job!”

  Aerity pressed the heels of her hands into her eyes. “Nay, Vix. This is the worst job ever. I feel as if every response is a wrong response. I cannot win.”

  Wyneth snorted. “I’m not going to lie. I fully expected you to give in. I’m still somewhat in shock.”

  Aerity collapsed into her father’s chair. “I should have sought counsel before I responded.”

  “Perhaps,” Wyneth said. She and Vixie sat on either side of her. “But there will be times, like today, when you need to make a decision from your gut. You heard what Lief said. He seems to think it was a good move to stand your ground.”

  Aerity let out a laugh and rubbed her eyes again. “I’m going to need cake today.”

  “I can make that happen,” Vixie said. She stood, grabbed her skirts, and ran for the door.

  “Bless her,” Aerity whispered, as her thoughts returned to the looming threat they faced.

  Days, King Dagur had said.

  She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. “I have to be stronger than this.”

  “Look at me,” Wyneth commanded. Aerity opened her eyes and peered at Wyneth’s stern face. “You are the strongest woman I know. I’m amazed by you. Today, yesterday, when you agreed to your father’s proclamation. Vixie and I, neither one of us, could have done the things you’ve done.”

  “You could if you had to.”

  “No.” Wyneth adamantly shook her head. “Not with the grace you have. You are a queen, Aerity. You were made for this, and I believe the seas have breathed their blessing over you. You may not feel strong inside, but I promise—to the people, to me—you are the very picture of might.” Aerity swallowed. “But it’s okay to show weakness with us. That’s what we’re here for. With me and Vix, you don’t have to be perfect. You can curl up in a ball and cry and stuff your mouth with cake, and then, when it’s time, we’ll clean you up and you can face all Eurona with your head held high.”

  A small smile graced Aerity’s lips. Despite everything, she felt lighter. “Thank you, Wyn.” Aerity took a deep breath and stood. “I don’t know what I’d ever do without you.”

  “Let’s never find out.”

  Arm in arm they left the dining hall, ready to face the ensuing war together. When they got to the door, Harrison was jogging up the hall toward them, face grim. The princess and lady dropped their arms.

  “What is it?” Aerity asked.

  Harrison was nearly out of breath. “Our naval watch just returned from sea. There is activity in the Kalorian naval yards. They’re preparing their fleet.”

  Aerity nodded, her heart pounding. “And our fleet?”

  “Prepared. Stocked. Larger than theirs.”

  “Good,” Aerity said, exhaling in a rush. “Now to prepare the castle.” And eat cake.

  Chapter

  35

  Paxton didn’t know what he’d been expecting when they got to the border of Lochlanach. An army, perhaps? But there was nothing. The Kalorian troops had kept them a mile away from the coast on a very specific path, and they entered what seemed to be private Lochlan property. They converged on a large home and Paxton wondered whose it was. He wasn’t familiar with the south or its dukes and landowners. Whoever owned this property seemed to be gone.

  They began setting up camp on the property, erecting makeshift tents and building fires. The prince’s carriage pulled up right in front of the stone house. Paxton watched as Prince Vito and Rozaria went straight inside with their handful of elite Kalorians as if they owned the place. He waited to see if any Lochlans were inside, but there wasn’t a sound from within. It was all very strange.

  Paxton set to taking care of his horse before washing up at the well with the other men. While some napped or lounged, playing cards, Paxton decided to explore the garden he’d spied earlier. The plot was overgrown and weedy, as if it hadn’t been tended in a while. He stared down at the crops with his hands on his hips. The garden’s fall vegetables were full-grown and had not been harvested.

  He squatted and grasped the leaves of a carrot, tugging it back and forth until it came loose. Though the weather was colder than Kalor, the southern Lochlanach grounds weren’t frozen, so the carrots were still in decent condition. He wiped it on his breeches and took a bite. Definitely edible. The sweet crunch sent a burst of homesickness through him. He grabbed a small shovel at the garden’s entrance and began to dig.

  Paxton relished the feel of Lochlan soil on his hands. He’d amassed a nice pile of differing root vegetables when he heard footsteps behind him and turned to see Rozaria with damp hair and a clean scarlet dress. She gave him a half smile.

  “An all-around provider, aren’t you?”

  Paxton stood and brushed his hands together.

  “We’ll put your wares to good use for the troops tonight.” Rozaria glanced at the pile of food. “But I’m afraid it’s time for you to prepare to leave.” Her eyes gleamed as she took him in, and Paxton held his breath while she continued. “It’s two days’ ride to royal lands from here. That should put you there by sundown tomorrow. We will arrive in the early morning hours before sunrise the following day. Do you think you can have the castle ready for our entry by then?” He felt his pulse thump in his throat as he swallowed. They had two nights before Kalor would attack.

  “Aye, Rozaria. I can make it happen.”

  She smiled seductively. “I know you can. From what I can recall during my time there, the castle has entrances in the front facing the sea, on the side facing the markets where the maids and staff do their business, and on the back of the castle at the garden.” The thought of her on royal lands gave him chills. Paxton nodded along as she continued. “We think it will be easiest if you get rid of the guards at the back entrance. The gardens will keep us hidden.”

  “How many are you sending in?”

  Rozaria chuckled. “All of them. The royal lands will be well protected. As we attack, the primary mission is to keep the Lochlan soldiers and navy busy so that we may get Prince Vito into the castle with his personal guards.”

  Paxton nodded. Forced a partial smile. “And what of the king and queen? Will you barter for them?”

  The moment he said it, and her wicked smile spread, things seemed to slow down and fall into place. A sickening sense of understanding settled like sludge. Rozaria’s head tilted. She peered up at him as if he were something adorable. And then she gave that husky chuckle that tingled his scalp.

  “Oh, no, no, no, hunter. We have no use for prisoners. Once Prince Vito is in . . . it is ours. No bartering necessary. And there is no question we will take the castle.”

  Do not react. “So they are dead?”

  “As of this morning.” His stomach
roiled and bile rose, burning the back of his tongue. Rozaria reached up, and he forced himself not to flinch as she stroked his cheek. “The people in your lands who once oppressed you will now grovel at your feet. The Lashed will rise. You are free of your bigoted rulers now, Paxton Seabolt. Free in every way.”

  Nay. He was more burdened than ever before.

  “I’ll prepare my things straightaway.”

  Paxton was probably pushing his horse too hard, but he was desperate to get to the castle. The only thing that stopped him in the dead of night was the village of Fetchko in his path. He slowed when he saw several men gathered on the path, holding bows.

  “I am Lochlan,” Paxton called from a distance as he came closer.

  They squinted at him in the lantern light. One bravely brandished a club while another hesitated and then raised his bow, pointing an arrow. Paxton realized he was wearing a Kalorian tunic and was fully armed. He held his hands up.

  “I am Lochlan,” he repeated. “Whose land is this?”

  “Duke Gulfton’s,” one of the men answered. “If you’re Lochlan, why are you wearing that?”

  “It’s a long story,” he said. “But you need to be warned. Kalorian troops are currently at the main estate in the south. They will advance on royal lands sometime tomorrow. Prepare your village.” Their eyes widened in fear. Paxton pointed to the one who’d brandished his bow. “And when they arrive, raise your bow without hesitation.”

  Paxton didn’t stop to answer the questions they shouted as he left. He took to the path again and hoped to the seas they would get their children out of the line of the Kalorians, and quickly.

  In the light of the morning he crossed the Bay Bridge and took the path northeast to stop at the town of Dovedell before he reached royal lands. It took him out of the way, but it would give his horse a rest, and he couldn’t live with himself if he didn’t warn the people. He accepted offers of food and set back toward royal lands. He was nearly there. For hours his mind had been turning, working. He tried to devise plans to fight the forces that were headed their way, but the thought of Aerity anywhere near Prince Vito made him sick. Nay, the only thing he knew for certain was that he wanted to get her out of there before the Kalorians arrived. They would take what they wanted and kill anything in their way.