Lost Princess (18 page)

“You remember.” A euphoric grin split Chayce’s face.

Jackson said nothing. He simply held Chayce’s gaze. With the information in Jackson’s head, Chayce could invade Cymmera, take over the people, and assume control. He could rule effectively, as Jackson could have if he’d only taken a moment to search within himself, instead of letting the weight of responsibility scare him, instead of allowing fear to defeat him. Because he would certainly die now. There was no way he could pass this knowledge on to Chayce. No matter what. Not even to save Ryleigh.

She was the love of his life, his one true mate, the woman he should protect above all else. The woman he would have pledged his heart to for eternity. The woman he would lay down his own life for in a heartbeat. But he couldn’t betray his people to save her. Emptiness began in his heart. It fought back the fear, the regret, the anger, the pain. Healing energy flowed to his chest, weaving through his injuries. He would heal himself. It would take time he might not have, but he had no choice. He wouldn’t betray his kingdom, couldn’t sacrifice the people who trusted him. Including Ryleigh. He’d have to find a way to save her. Any other outcome was unacceptable.

“Here’s how it’s going to work.” Chayce sorted through the weapons spread sporadically across the table. “I’m going to kill you, quickly if you co-operate, and you are going to pass the knowledge to me as you die.” He smiled. “Got it.”

Jackson remained silent. He focused every ounce of his being on healing, pictured the healing light fusing the broken pieces of his body back together. The hole in his chest filled with warmth. Heated. Burned. The searing pain helped him concentrate.

The door creaked slowly open.

Chayce sputtered, his face turning nearly purple.

A guard entered.

“What are you doing here?” Chayce spoke with a deadly calm. “I told you I was not to be disturbed.”

The guard must not have noticed the rage in his eyes, because the fool continued. “Sir, it’s of the utmost importance that I speak with you.”

“Is it?” Chayce lifted a flail from the table.

The guard sank back but didn’t retreat. He swallowed a couple of times before working up the courage to go on. “Yes, sir. It’s extremely urgent.” He spared Jackson a look from the corner of his eye.

“Don’t worry about talking in front of my brother. He won’t be around long enough to repeat anything.” Chayce laughed and swung the weapon, the spike covered ball missing the guard’s head by only an inch. He gripped the wooden handle tightly, ran his hand along the chain in a loving caress, and waited.

Jackson almost felt bad for the guard, even thought about trying to save him, but there was no opening for him, no way for him to intervene. Then the man spared him a look filled with hatred, and Jackson left him to his fate.

“Your Majesty.” The guard bowed, obviously stalling.

“Spit it out already. I don’t have the time or the patience for your games.”

“Very well, sir.” He cleared his throat. “The prisoner is gone, sir.”

Chayce’s eyes widened. His mouth fell open.

“I’m sorry, sir. I came as soon as I noticed she was missing.”

Wait. She?

“We’ve searched everywhere, Your Majesty. She’s nowhere to be found.”

Ryleigh?

Chayce’s right eye twitched. One hand fisted tightly around the wooden handle of the flail. The other shot out and gripped the guard by the throat. He spoke through gritted teeth. “I don’t care how you do it. You put a patrol together, take a group of savages, and you find that girl. Do you understand me?”

The guard nodded frantically, his bobble head bouncing around like it wasn’t even attached.

If the rage coloring Chayce’s face was any indication, it wouldn’t be attached for long.

Chayce released his hold.

The guard fled.

“Well, well, well, brother dear. Looks like you’re going to have to relinquish the throne to me after all.” He stepped closer to Jackson.

Ryleigh had escaped. She must have. It was the only thing that made sense. Unless Chayce had taken Mia. He had to know. “What’s the matter, Chayce? Lose something?”

Chayce lifted the flail.

Laughter bubbled up and out before Jackson could restrain it.

“You think you’re funny?” Spittle sprayed from Chayce’s mouth.

Jackson braced himself, stiffened his body, called on the light that would help him heal under even the worst of circumstances.

Chayce took two steps forward and lunged, gaining momentum as he swung the spiked weapon.

Pain slammed into Jackson’s ribs.

Rage contorted Chayce’s face as he swung the weapon again and again.

When the merciful blackness finally claimed him, Jackson surrendered.

Ryleigh pressed her hand against Dakota’s chest, praying fervently for any sign of life, even the slightest flutter of a heartbeat. She tilted her head and lowered her ear to his open mouth.

Nothing.

Scalding pain ignited in her gut, heating her nearly to boiling. Power surged through her with an intensity she had no hope of controlling. Electricity arced from the hand she held against Dakota’s chest. She jumped, startled, but then pressed her hand back against his heart. It sizzled, then erupted in a ball of light, consuming his chest and her hand in a purple glow.

A tidal wave of pure energy poured from her core, flowing into Dakota. Draining her. A circle of snow melted around them as the glow began to fade. The power she’d unleashed trickled and died, and she slumped across Dakota’s chest.

The giant wolf licked her cheek.

She opened her eyes, just for a moment. “Thank you, boy.” Her eyes fell shut.

The wolf curled protectively around the two of them, lending warmth, head held high as if standing sentinel.

Ryleigh snuggled into his fur, covering Dakota as best she could.

“Ja…”

Her eyes shot open.

“Ja…”

“Dakota?” She frantically patted him down, searching for any sign of life.

“Jack…son.” His breathing was harsh, but at least he was breathing. His pulsed fluttered erratically, but at least his heart had started to beat.

“Dakota. What happened? Can you tell me?”

He moaned, mumbled something she couldn’t make out, and rolled over.

“All right. Don’t worry. I’ll get you to Jackson. He’ll know what to do. You just have to hold on until we can get you there.” The young warrior obviously needed a stronger healer than her. Hopefully, she could keep him alive until they found one. She longed to lay back down in the warm haven created by the giant wolf but resisted the urge.

The wolf stared at her, intelligence etched in his every expression.

“Can you take me home, boy?”

He studied her another moment, then rose gracefully to his feet. He pushed his nose beneath Dakota.

Ryleigh stood to help. She half-shoved, half-dragged Dakota onto the wolf’s back. When she had him safely slumped over his back, she started forward.

The wolf didn’t. He nudged her once, then lowered his head for her to climb onto his back behind Dakota. With Ryleigh and Dakota perched on his back, he stood and moved forward, his smooth, rocking gait similar to Nahara, but different. The wolf was sleeker, more muscular.

A dull ache settled in her chest. She had no idea if Kalayah had been able to escape.

“Ugh…How could I have screwed everything up so badly?”

The wolf continued to walk, his pace steady, unhurried. Did he have any clue how to get them to Cymmera?

A bolt of lightning shattered the peace, splitting a tree and dropping half of it into the snow to block their path. Ryleigh gripped Dakota tighter. Enough of this. If no one noticed the amount of power she’d used to—heal Dakota, she was probably far enough away from the castle to open a portal. And if she wasn’t…well…she’d cross that bridge when she came to it.

She closed her eyes and concentrated on gathering energy. Static hissed around her, sizzled through her. She fisted her hands together, pictured the throne room, imagined Jackson seated on the throne, issuing orders, in control. She faltered, the need to be with Jackson too strong. Regaining her focus, she lifted her hands. When she could no longer restrain the power, she ripped her hands apart.

The wolf tumbled through the opening, spilling all three of them onto the familiar, patterned floor.

I did it. A screech tore free. She couldn’t help it. The relief was too great to contain. Now to find Jackson.

The wolf regained his footing, stepping tentatively on the polished stone floor.

“Sorry, fella.” Ryleigh patted his head as she moved past him to Dakota. “Dakota, can you hear me?” She bent and shook his shoulder. His chest still rose and fell rhythmically, his breath coming in short gasps, but he didn’t respond. “Can you stay with him?”

The wolf approached Dakota. He sat at his side, head lifted, nose twitching.

All right. Now what? The throne room was empty. Where would everyone be? She had to find Jackson, desperately needed a healer, and had no clue whom to trust. Chayce had been a high-ranking official in the Cymmeran Guard. Surely, he must have had followers, but how many? Was the entire Guard corrupt? She weaved her fingers through her hair and squeezed, the pressure bringing some relief, some focus. The only person she could fully trust was Jackson. The certainty slammed into her mind. The knowledge already filled her heart. Okay, she had to find Jackson. Her need to be with him outweighed everything else right now. She ran.

Her footsteps pounded through the corridor, echoed in the silence. She headed toward Jackson’s chambers. She’d tell him what had happened and find a healer for Dakota. Then she’d go find Mia and return with her to her own realm. It was time. She was in too far over her head here. Maybe, one day in the future, she’d be able to rule at Jackson’s side, but now was not the time. She had too much to learn. And, if she were to be honest with herself, she was too afraid. She lacked the courage necessary to lead.

“Miss Ryleigh?” Elijah’s hurried footsteps pounded through her head.

Could she trust him? She stopped and turned.

“Are you all right?” He ran to her, grabbing her arms and examining every inch of her. He ran his finger over the cut on her head, pressed a hand to the wound on her throat. “Oh, dear. Come, sit.” He led her toward Jackson’s chambers. “Guard.”

A guard rounded a corner, as if he’d been waiting for the summons. Was it a set up?

“Sir.” He stood at attention.

“Go. Quickly. Summon a healer. Bring Kiara if you can find her.”

“Yes, sir.” He bowed his head and turned to go.

“Wait.” Ryleigh hesitated. She had to trust someone, and yet she didn’t. Either way, Dakota still needed help. She’d just have to stay with him until Jackson got there. “Could you bring the healer to the throne room, please, and hurry.”

“Of course, Princess.” He turned and jogged down the hallway.

“I need help.” She stared straight into Elijah’s eyes.

His gaze never faltered.

“You have to find Jackson. Please. Tell him to meet me in the throne room. Hurry.” She started back the way she’d come. “Oh, and then find Mia.”

Elijah kept pace at her side. “I’m sorry, My Princess.”

“What is it, Elijah?” She didn’t have time for this.

“The king is gone.”

Ryleigh’s world collapsed. “What do you mean gone?”

“He left in search of you.” Elijah shook his head, his posture, usually so straight, wilting. “He has not returned.”

“What are you talking about, Elijah?” This couldn’t be happening.

“He and Dakota left several—”

“Wait.” She held up a hand. None of this made any sense. If Jackson left with Dakota, where was he now? “What are you talking about, Elijah? Dakota’s in the throne room.”

Elijah paled. He stared at her a second longer, then turned and fled, robes flapping behind him. He threw open the throne room doors and fell to his knees at Dakota’s side. “Dakota.”

Kiara entered behind Ryleigh and dropped beside Elijah. “Dakota?” Light surrounded him as she pressed her hands to his chest.

“I must have answers, Kiara.” Elijah’s strained voice did nothing to alleviate Ryleigh’s fears. If anything, it only frightened her more.

Memories of Dakota lying motionless in the snow battered her. Had Jackson suffered a similar fate? Why would the wolf have only brought her to Dakota if Jackson lay nearby? Perhaps Jackson had been beyond saving.

“You can’t have answers until I’ve had time to heal him.” Kiara angled herself so her back was to the prophet as she hunched over Dakota.

“What is going on in here? Why are there no guards at the door?” Darius Knight strode into the chamber but stopped short at the sight of his son lying motionless on the cold floor. “What happened?” He rushed toward him. “Where’s Jackson?”

“We don’t know.” Elijah stood and face Darius, his tone unusually short. “We know nothing.”

They both turned intense glares on Ryleigh.

Her courage—what little she had left—withered and died.

“Explain.” Elijah issued the order through clenched teeth.

“Uh…well…” The room faded in and out of focus.

“Answer me, girl.” Elijah stepped over Dakota’s legs and strode toward her.

Shock held her tongue.

“Enough, Elijah.” Darius pressed a hand against his chest, blocking his path.

“We must know what happened. The king is missing.”

Lucas ran into the chamber with several guards trailing him. “What’s going on?”

“We don’t know yet, Lucas.” Darius turned his back on Elijah.

A lock of Elijah’s long, blond hair fell forward and covered his face. He shoved it back, glaring holes through Darius’ back.

Darius began to issue orders. “Jackson is missing, and Dakota is injured. Find Chayce.”

Chayce. No. Vomit surged up her throat. She slapped a hand over her mouth.

“He hasn’t returned from securing Mia yet.”

Mia.

Chaos erupted around her. Voices issued commands, swords slid free of their scabbards, footsteps, yelling, arguing…

Mia.

Her legs gave out, and she fell to her knees on the floor. The world spiraled out of control around her. She covered her ears, had to block out the commotion, had to think.