Lost Princess (14 page)

Noah stared at him in silent contemplation.

The seconds ticked by, pounding in his mind with every beat of his heart. He didn’t have time for this. Jackson waited him out.

“You have a traitor in your midst.”

Jackson stilled. Everything in his mind whirled past, his focus riveting completely on Noah. How could he know that? He couldn’t. The urge to get up and walk out beat at him. He ignored it. “How would you know that? And if you did, why would you bother to tell me?” A hostile prisoner coming to him and telling him of such a thing didn’t make sense.

Noah sighed. His posture relaxed the slightest bit. “Look.” He held Jackson’s gaze, but this time some of the defiance was missing from his eyes. The once hardened look had softened the slightest bit. “A member of your kingdom approached me in secret. He offered my freedom in exchange for loyalty to him.”

Jackson’s heart stopped.

“He promised to grant me and my men the freedom to return to our own realm if we would pledge our loyalty to you and then launch an attack against you.”

“It’s not possible.” Jackson spoke so quietly he wasn’t even sure the other man heard him.

“I’m telling you, it’s true.”

“No. I’m sorry. I…” Jackson tried to shake off the shock, had to find a way to think clearly. It couldn’t possibly be true, and yet…“Why you? You are obviously not the leader of your group. Why would someone approach you?”

Anger roiled in Noah’s eyes. The line of his jaw firmed beneath his clenched teeth. “Apparently, you have a thing for Ryleigh that he doesn’t approve of.” His eyes lit with just a hint of mischief. “He thinks your jealousy of my…relationship…with Ryleigh will make you fly off the handle. Said you have a wicked temper.”

A volcano of pure rage erupted deep within him. Unstoppable. He launched himself from the table.

Noah jumped to the floor, braced himself for the attack.

Jackson fought desperately for control. With a primal roar of uncontainable fury, he grabbed a chair and smashed it against the unforgiving stone table. Spikes of wood flew everywhere. One clipped his cheek, the sting bringing him somewhat back to the brink of reality. He teetered on the edge.

“I guess he was right. About the temper anyway.” Noah’s laughter only irritated him further.

Jackson turned on Noah, the need to hurt him a physical ache. He fisted his hands. “He lied to you.”

Noah arched a skeptical brow. “Really?” His gaze jumped to the shattered remnants of the chair.

Jackson tightened the hold on his emotions. Eagerness to inflict pain chased away some of the anger. “He may be willing to return you to your own realm, but did he explain the circumstances?”

“I don’t care about the circumstances. I just want to go home.” For just the slightest instant, the boy he truly was peeked through the tough facade, before his expression hardened again. “I’ve come to you with a deal.”

“Oh?”

“I’m willing to hand you the traitor in exchange for our freedom.” Noah held his head high, his back straight. Honesty filled his words.

A glimmer of hope sparked. He could accept the deal and return the prisoners to the human realm. They would not survive, but what difference did that make to him? He’d have his traitor. The spark dimmed. “Why?”

“I don’t know what is actually going on here.” He paused and looked around the Council Chambers. “But there is nothing worse than a traitor. I have no use for a man who would pledge his loyalty and then stab his leader in the back.”

Jackson’s last bit of hope died. He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t accept this man’s offer. “Look, Noah. I wish I could accept your offer, but I can’t.”

Noah’s confident expression faltered. “What do you mean? Why not?”

“Sit.” Jackson brushed aside a few splinters of wood and perched at the edge of the table he’d been sitting on. “Please.”

Noah hesitated only a moment before returning to his own place.

“In order to be transferred to Cymmera, you had to be…” There was no way to soften this blow. Suddenly the urge to hurt him wasn’t quite as strong. He’d already explained this once, but belief in one’s own mortality could be difficult. “You died in your realm, Noah. Your body could be returned there, but you would no longer live.”

Pain contorted the young man’s features.

“Whoever approached you may be willing to return you to your realm, but he is not being honest with you about how.” The need to know who it was tortured him. He worked desperately to suppress it. “I know there is a traitor among my people.” The admission hurt like a physical blow. “I assure you, when I find him the punishment will be swift and severe. But I will not lie to get the information. I can offer you a good life here. The life of a warrior. All of your men will have homes, a place in the community, honor, respect. You will live. Possibly forever.”

Noah fingered the chain between his hands.

“I will remove those right now if you will pledge your loyalty to the Kingdom of Cymmera.” Jackson held his breath, anticipation all but suffocating him. “It’s all I can offer, Noah. Our prophet saw a vision in which you played a role. I believe with all of my heart you are meant to be here. But it is still your choice.”

Noah ran his finger around the inside of the cuff on his wrist. He lifted his gaze and looked directly into Jackson’s eyes. “I—”

The door to the Council Chamber slammed into the wall as Chayce strode through. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty, but I must speak with you.” He eyed Noah, his black stare filled with contempt.

Noah stiffened, defiance straightening his back.

He’d been so close. “Can it wait another minute, Chayce?”

Chayce approached Jackson and stood at attention beside him. “Of course, sir.”

Jackson returned his attention to Noah, but it was too late. The moment had passed. A barrier had already slammed down over Noah’s eyes, hardening them.

“Will that be all?” Noah’s sarcasm dashed any last shred of hope Jackson might have held.

“Yes. We’ll talk again.”

“I wouldn’t count on it.” Noah eyed Chayce, then Jackson as he headed toward the door.

Lucas intercepted him.

Chayce cleared his throat. “Can you spare a minute now, brother?”

Great. Now Chayce was insulted he’d been made to wait. Noah, who he’d been certain was about to relent, had closed off once again, and Jackson still had a traitor to deal with. He rubbed the back of his neck. “Of course, Chayce. What is it?”

“Mia has been safely returned to her chambers. Dakota will meet you at the stables. The dragons have been summoned. And there has been no word on Ryleigh.” Chayce’s tone softened. “You should probably get going now. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of things here. Who knows? Maybe I can even persuade the prisoners to join us.”

Jackson stared at Chayce, studying the blank expression he wore. He squeezed his shoulder as he walked by without another word. Chayce was right. It was time to go find Ryleigh.

Muffled voices brought an abrupt halt to Ryleigh’s search for freedom. No matter. The room, despite all of its luxury, may as well have been a prison. Abandoning her search for a way to escape, she pressed her ear against the door, held her breath, and wished for a way to silence the blood rushing through her head.

“—here, sir.”

Footsteps. The now familiar clank of weapons against armor. “Bring him here.”

Kai.

The door handle rattled, and Ryleigh shot to the couch and flung herself down. Her heart pounded wildly, the erratic beat making her lightheaded.

Kai entered. A black breastplate covered the chainmail he wore earlier, the front of the plate adorned with the symbol of the Death Dealer.

“Well, My Princess. Have you decided to be my queen?”

Ryleigh tried to shake her head, but only managed a small twitch. It was impossible to move her head with her neck muscles strained so taut.

The door cracked open, and a guard poked his head in. “King Maynard is here, sir.”

Jackson. Her heart soared, relief bringing tears to her eyes.

“Show him in.” Kai’s cold demeanor faltered for an instant. He glanced over his shoulder and leaned closer, his hot breath washing over her, the odor of evil invading her lungs. Gripping the front of her shirt in his huge hand, he pulled her face closer to his. “Answer me, woman. Now.”

Was that fear in his eyes? Was the warrior afraid of Jackson? The thought lent her courage, and she opened her mouth to answer.

The creak of the door opening cut off her response. Kai released her and jumped back. He wiped the back of his hand across his forehead, then stood with his hands clasped behind his back and his feet planted wide. A drop of sweat crawled slowly down the side of his face. His gaze darted back and forth between Ryleigh and the door the guard held open.

Chayce strode through the doorway.

What the…? Confusion held Ryleigh still. Something must have happened to Jackson for Chayce to have come in his place. Terror gripped her in an iron vice. Squeezed.

“King Maynard, sir.” Kai bowed.

Chayce ignored the warrior, his stare riveted on Ryleigh. “Have you not yet learned to bow before your king? My brother has been so busy following you around like a lost puppy, he has neglected your training.”

Chayce?

“No worries. I’m sure you’ll learn quickly enough under my tutelage.”

Oh, no. It had been Chayce all along. Pain exploded in Ryleigh’s chest, reality a physical blow, threatening to crush her.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk…” Chayce approached, his face unreadable. “Poor Elijah. So predictable, I almost hated to use him.” He grinned. “Almost. The man stands too firmly on tradition. Of course he’d send you running after a stupid rock. But alone?” Chayce’s laughter crept down her spine, raising goose bumps. “That was an unexpected bonus.”

Betrayal surged like ice water through her veins, paralyzing her.

“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?”

Ryleigh struggled to latch on to any one of a million thought tearing through the whirlwind of confusion in her mind. Chaos made it impossible to think, to speak, to move. How could he have betrayed his own brother? What about his father? Had Chayce been involved in King Maynard’s death? No. She couldn’t believe that.

Chayce stood tall, pride holding his head high, his back straight. He carried himself with the confidence of someone used to being in charge. “Very well, then. If you have nothing to say, here’s the deal.”

Rage battered her, banishing all rational thought. Blind fury catapulted her from the couch. “How dare you.”

Chayce smiled. “Ahh…I see you found your voice.”

She clenched her fists, digging her nails deep into her palms, struggling for some semblance of control. No use. “How dare you betray your brother, your kingdom. What kind of man betrays his own father?” She spat the words with all the disgust coursing through her.

Chayce’s backhanded blow landed hard against her right cheekbone.

She flew back onto the couch, stars dotting her vision.

“My queen will know her proper place.” His maniacal grin twisted his features into something grotesque. “On your knees before me.” He gripped her hair and dragged her from the couch, shoving her to the floor. “Kneel.” He kicked her in the ribs.

Ryleigh sobbed, clutching her side, curling her body into a tight ball. A stab of pain stole her breath.

Chayce grabbed another handful of hair, pulling her head up. “I said kneel. Now. I won’t tell you again.” He lowered his face closer to hers, his eyes hard, cold, seizing her gaze. “You will show me the proper respect. I am not Jackson. My followers will respect me. Worship me.”

She struggled to get her knees beneath her, shifted her gaze away from him, unable to stare into those eyes so filled with hatred.

Kai rubbed a hand over his mouth in a lame effort to hide his mocking smile.

Bracing for the stab of agony, Ryleigh inhaled a shallow breath. “Why…” She gasped at the pain. “…are you doing this?” Tears rolled down her cheeks.

Chayce released her hair, stood, and shrugged. “Because I can. While my brother is busy whining about you, and the weight of his responsibilities, and whatever else he’s been carrying on about, I have taken charge of my kingdom. I rule with an iron fist.” He clenched his fist tight, his black, leather glove creaking, and held it up in front of her. “My subjects serve me with loyalty and respect. They fear me. And the Kingdom of Argonas flourishes and grows stronger, while Cymmera withers and dies.” He propped his hands low on his hips, the gesture reminding her of Jackson.

She didn’t know how things between them had gone so wrong, but she had to see him again, needed a chance to fix everything.

“My brother is a weak, pitiful fool. If you hadn’t shown up, he would have been crushed long ago.” He circled her. “You, however, change things. I still get the satisfaction of defeating my dear brother, but now I also get the thrill of stealing what’s important to him. A win, win situation, really. For me, anyway.” Chayce knelt behind her, wove his fingers into her hair, and tugged her head back. His hot breath washed over her as he leaned closer, gripped her chin, and turned her face toward him. “Plus, I conquer another kingdom. With Argonas and Cymmera both under my rule, no one will be able to stop me. I will be the richest, most powerful leader in the history of all realms.”

Stifling the urge to swallow, Ryleigh held still, barely breathing. She squeezed her eyes closed tight, tried to block out the ravings of a lunatic, to fill her mind with images of Jackson…before they’d fought. When he’d still loved her. Need coursed through her, longing to be cradled safely in his arms. She opened her eyes, the memories too painful to contemplate.

“Now, you must choose between us. Who will you pledge your allegiance to, Ryleigh? Because you are the key. Whoever is at your side will become the new King of Cymmera. You are the rightful heir, King Raya’s descendant, somehow returned at exactly the precise moment King Maynard…relinquished…his control.” He shook his head. “What are the chances?”

Kai rolled his eyes.

What was with the warrior? And why had he asked Ryleigh to rule beside him, if he’d already pledged his allegiance to Chayce? That traitor. Wait. Traitor. Maybe that was it. She sucked in a slow, steady breath. Afraid to speak too loud, or breathe too hard, she kept her voice a whisper. “What about Kai?”