Lost Princess (19 page)

The wolf nudged her side, growling softly.

The warning growl gave her a focal point.

“Someone send for Caleb.”

“How did that wolf get in here?”

“Where did it come from?”

“Kill it.”

“Enough.” Her whisper was so low, she barely heard it. “Enough.” Ryleigh stood. She forced back every bit of emotion tugging at her. She had to find Mia. She had to find Jackson. “I said, that’s it.” She placed a hand on the wolf’s back and tried raising her voice to be heard over the bickering.

The bedlam continued. With no clear chain of command in place, Jackson missing, and Chayce missing, there was no one to assume control. Fine.

Ryleigh stormed across the chamber with the wolf trotting beside her. She climbed the two steps to the platform, lifted a staff from beside the queen’s throne, and turned to face the chaos. The staff was heavier than she expected, and she had to struggle to move forward with it in her hands, lift it straight up, then slam it down against the stone floor.

Light shot from the staff, ran in a line across the floor, split into a web of fissures throughout the chamber, bringing a halt to the confusion.

Silence descended. The sea of faces stood frozen, staring at her, mouths agape.

“That’s enough.”

“Bu—”

“Silence.” Power burst from within her heart, erupted through every ounce of her being. “Chayce is a traitor. He has ascended the throne to rule the Kingdom of Argonas.”

Shocked gasps and murmurs rippled through the small crowd.

When Darius stepped forward, the hushed whispers ceased. “How do you know this?” His features hardened. His jaw tightened. His fists clenched.

“The Divination Stone was stolen from my room. While searching for it, I was taken prisoner by Kai.” She reached into her pocket and gripped the stone. A small spark warmed her hand, and knowledge flowed into her. Ancient knowledge. She opened her heart and accepted it. Embraced it. Absorbed the power, the knowledge, the responsibility. Conviction lent her voice strength. “I was taken prisoner in Argonas. Chayce entered the chamber where I was being held. Kai addressed him as King Maynard.”

Pain etched deep lines in Elijah’s face.

Darius’ eyes went completely black.

She lifted her chin and continued. “Jac—King Maynard is missing. Chayce Maynard is a traitor. He is guilty of treason and contributing to the murder of his father, the former King of Cymmera.” Rage stiffened her spine. “With no clear chain of command established, our kingdom is in chaos.” She studied those gathered. Were they loyal? How could she know? There had to be someone she could trust. A pulse of warmth touched her hand.

“Lucas.”

He stepped forward. “Yes, uh…” He stopped and faltered.

She lifted her chin. “You may address me as Your Majesty.”

His eyes went wide. “Bu-bu-but…”

Shocked gasps rippled through the chamber.

With the wolf at her side and the staff clutched tightly in one hand, its bottom resting on the platform beside her, Ryleigh embraced the power flowing within her. “I am now the Queen of Cymmera. You will either pledge your loyalty to me or not, but I will not tolerate any further betrayal.”

Lucas fell to his knee. “Forgive me, Your Majesty.”

She had no idea if he was sincere. She resisted the urge to tell him it was all right. It wasn’t all right. Nothing was. “Take the other guards with you, and please escort the prisoner, Noah White, to the throne room. I wish to speak with him.” She dismissed Lucas, hoping he’d do as she’d ordered, and turned to Elijah and Darius as the others left the room. “Take Dakota to his chambers.” She softened her tone when she addressed Kiara. She didn’t have the heart to hurl commands at the soft-spoken woman who’d saved Mia and become Ryleigh’s friend. “Will you please stay with him, Kiara?”

“Of course, My Queen.” She lowered herself to one knee, crossed her hands over the other knee, and bowed her head. The traditional way of greeting the King of Cymmera. And now its Queen.

Ryleigh clenched her fist around the stone in her pocket, biting back the urge to tuck her hair behind her ear. It was a nervous habit. No way would she show any nerves. Her nerves were made of steel. And if she kept telling herself that, one day she might even believe it.

Elijah’s posture stiffened. He stood, feet apart, back rigid, challenge hardening the contours of his face. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, how in the world do you expect to run a kingdom? You have no knowledge of our realm.”

She eyed the prophet. His hair disheveled, his features strained. Fear filled his eyes. “I don’t need knowledge of your realm, just a little common sense.” Well, that probably isn’t true. “There are simply problems that need solving. I can do that.” If only it were that easy.

Darius’ laughter scraped her already frayed nerves.

“Do you have a better idea, Darius?” She lifted a brow and waited for his laughter to subside, her steadiest scowl firmly in place.

“There are many people more qualified than you to run this kingdom, Ryleigh. I appreciate the gesture and all, but this is not going to work. You can’t just decide you want to be a queen. This isn’t playtime. Lives are at stake.”

“Really Darius? And how many of those who are more qualified bear the mark of the King or Queen on their arms?”

Darius pursed his lips, studying her, but remained quiet.

“That’s what I thought.” Oh, wow, she sounded like such a witch. “Now. Chayce is a traitor. That is a fact. How many of the Cymmeran Guard do you think are corrupt?”

Darius paled.

“And what about you, Darius. Where does your loyalty lie?” She held her breath. Waited. She needed Darius. He was one of the few people she thought
she could trust.

“As always, my loyalty lies with Cymmera.” He bowed.

“Look, Darius.” She finally gave in and released the stone, pulled her hand from her pocket, and massaged her temples. It was either that, or go stark raving mad from the constant throbbing. “All I want to do is get Jackson back here and find my sister. A lunatic was supposed to be keeping her safe.” She lowered her voice. “I have to find her. Please. I need your help. I have no clue who to trust, but I know
I’m loyal to Cymmera, and I think you are.”

He winced.

“I believe Dakota is, but I don’t know when he’ll be able to help us.” She gestured toward the young boy lying still with Kiara hunched over him.

Elijah moved forward. “Come on, Darius. Let’s get Dakota somewhere more comfortable.” He held out a hand and helped Kiara to her feet.

Ryleigh couldn’t help the small stab of hurt. She’d hoped Elijah would take her side, offer his support. But even if he had, she’d have no clue if his loyalty was genuine.

Oh, Jackson. The need to be with him, to hand over control of this mess, had become a physical ache in her heart.

Darius lifted Dakota in his arms, cradled him close to his chest as if he were a child.

“Darius?”

He stopped and glanced over his shoulder.

“Please call the Council of Elders to order once you’ve settled Dakota.”

“Yes, My Queen.” He inclined his head, then turned and left.

Elijah followed them out, closing the door gently behind him.

Alone at last, Ryleigh propped the staff against the throne—her throne—and dropped onto the seat. She closed her eyes, and images of Mia played out on the backs of her lids. Mia running after her, the mass of curls bouncing everywhere. Whenever Ryleigh tried to tame them behind Mia’s ear, they always popped out.

“Your Majesty.”

She hadn’t heard the door open.

Quickly, and she hoped discreetly, she wiped her eyes and stood. “Yes, Lucas?”

“I’ve brought the prisoner.”

“Bring him in, please.”

Lucas hesitated, held Ryleigh’s gaze. “Of course.” He lowered his head and gestured for two guards behind him to enter with Noah.

Noah stared at her and frowned but remained silent.

“Release him.”

Lucas’ eyes widened, and his mouth fell open. “You can’t be serious.”

Would she have to fight someone every time she issued an order? “Excuse me?”

“Uh…I’m sorry, Your Majesty, it’s just—”

“It’s just nothing, Lucas. Remove the shackles, please, and then leave us alone.”

He turned to the guards behind him and stood with his hands on his hips.

Ryleigh waited him out. He’d have to make his own choice, but if he chose to disobey her order, he’d be sitting in the cell next to Noah soon after.

His shoulders slumped. “Very well, My Queen.”

“Are you crazy?” One of the guards holding Noah confronted Lucas.

“Do as she says. She bears the mark of the Queen. If you wish to remain loyal to Cymmera, you will follow the queen’s orders.”

The guard released Noah. “I will have no part in this.” He strode from the chamber.

Lucas sighed, reached into his pocket, and produced a key. He shook his head as he and the other guard removed the shackles, but he remained silent.

Rubbing his wrists, Noah glanced around, warily eying Lucas and the other guard.

“Thank you, Lucas.” The gratitude was heartfelt, and she tried to convey that. “Could you leave us, please?”

“Your Majesty, with all due respect…” Lucas’ expression twisted into a grimace of pain and regret. “Are you sure? I could remain. I’ll stay out of your way.”

“Thank you. I appreciate the concern, but I’ll be fine. Please, find Mia and bring her here.” Could she trust him? No. She couldn’t trust anyone. But she did have to find Mia, and she couldn’t search the entire castle and the human realm by herself. If Chayce wanted Mia, he probably already had her.

“Very well.” He bowed.

“Do it yourself. Okay?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The other guard fell into step beside him as he headed toward the door.

“And Lucas?”

He paused and looked back, stared at her, his expression somber.

“Trust no one.”

He held her gaze for another moment, nodded once, and left.

She turned her attention to Noah and blew out a breath. “I’m sorry for all of this, Noah. I…” She shook her head. “Can we talk?”

“I guess.” He eyed the wolf sitting beside the throne warily.

“He won’t hurt you.” She lowered herself to one of the steps and patted a spot beside her in invitation. “Come sit.”

Noah stared at her a moment longer before shrugging and accepting her offer. He sat on the step next to her, but angled his body so he faced her, propping his elbow on the platform.

She turned toward him, not knowing where to start. “Have you spoken with Jackson?”

“Yeah.” His expression hardened.

“I understand you’re angry.”

He scoffed.

She couldn’t help but smile. He still looked the same. A little older, a little harder, a little less naïve, but still the same boy who’d told her he loved her only a year ago. “All right, so maybe a little more than angry,” she conceded.

A small smile played at the corners of his mouth. “Maybe a little.”

“Look, Noah. I’m going to be completely honest with you.” She looked straight into his big, brown eyes. Eyes she’d once thought she’d stare into forever. “I’m in real trouble.” She fought the tears.

Noah had never been able to take seeing her cry, seeing her hurt. That was the only reason he’d walked away that last night. The night she’d told him she couldn’t be with him. Her heart had broken, but she couldn’t stay with him. She’d had no time for a boyfriend, no time for anything. Her grandmother had been undergoing chemo, the house was in foreclosure, Ryleigh had to find a job, finish school, Mia needed to be taken care of… More responsibility than she could handle. More than she could expect someone else to shoulder with her, though he’d offered.

She shook off the memories. “And Mia’s life may be in…” She cursed the hitch in her voice. “…danger.”

His expression softened. Some of the anger and hatred that had filled his eyes in the dungeon, fled. “What is going on here?”

She lowered her gaze and shook her head. Where could she even begin to explain this mess?

He placed a finger gently beneath her chin, and lifted her face to his. “Talk to me, Ryleigh. You can talk to me about anything. You always could. I don’t understand any of what’s happening here, but that hasn’t changed. My feelings for you haven’t changed. I would have done anything for you, would have waited forever if you’d have let me.”

Her heart shattered. She lowered her head, stared at her hands trembling in her lap. “Oh, Noah. I’m so sorry for all of the pain I caused you.”

He tucked her hair behind her ear, cradled her cheek. “I’m sorry for what happened before. In the dungeon. I never would have hurt you, you know.”

She leaned into his hand, desperately needing comfort, needing to trust someone, needing to rid herself of the fear consuming her. Longing to return to the past.

He leaned toward her, heat flaring in his eyes.

She pulled away. “I’m sorry, Noah. I can’t…I…”

His eyes fell shut for a moment before he pulled back. “It’s all right. Just tell me what’s going on, and I’ll see if I can help you.”

Relief flooded her. Of course, he’d help her. He’d always offered to help, but she’d always been too stubborn to accept. “Jackson’s brother is a traitor.”

“I know.”

Her gaze shot to his. “What do you mean, you know?”

“He approached me and offered my freedom in exchange for my loyalty to him.”

Pain twisted her gut. “You can’t be freed, Noah.”

He cradled his head in his hands for a moment, then lifted his head and nodded. “I’ve accepted that now. If I’d known Jackson was telling the truth, I probably would have told him who it was.”

“I need help. You know me. You know I’d never ask for myself. Or if it was something I thought I even might be able to handle.” She wrapped her arms around her middle in a futile attempt to ward off the chill coming from deep within her. “I’m in so far over my head it’s ridiculous, and there’s no one here I can trust. Except you.” And Jackson.

“Why am I here?” He frowned.

She resisted the overwhelming desire to smooth his brow. “I don’t understand everything about how it works, but Elijah is a prophet. He has visions. In one of his visions, you and your squad existed here. Elijah approached Jackson and told him to assemble the Death Dealers to retrieve you. He told him you would all be killed anyway, and…” The vision of Noah being tortured assailed her. “It was bad. What he described happening to all of you was bad. He said they couldn’t wait, they had to reach you before the enemy did. So Jackson agreed.”