Lost Princess (20 page)

Noah stared at his hands, still rubbing the red mark encircling his wrist. “You know, it’s weird. I had a bad feeling about that mission from the start. And I wasn’t the only one.”

“I don’t know why, but I truly believe you’re meant to be here, all of you. Will you stand with us? Please? If you and your men will pledge your loyalty to Cymmera, I would at least have a small group of men I could trust. I know you probably hate Jackson, but I have to try and find him.”

“I don’t hate him. Not for taking us, anyway.” He held her gaze with the fire burning in his. “I guess he thought he was doing the right thing. If what you’re saying is true, the alternative would have been…” A shiver coursed through him, and he dropped his gaze. “But I can’t help you, Ryleigh. I’m sorry.”

Pain surged through her.

“We all agreed to stand against your kingdom. I won’t betray my men, no matter how much I…care for you.”

“Of course. I understand that. Respect it even.” How could she not? Betrayal had started all of this mess. She couldn’t ask him to do that. There had to be another way. “Is there—”

One of the big wooden doors slammed open against the stone wall.

Great. Now what?

Noah leaned close to whisper in her ear. “I’ll talk to my men.”

“Well, isn’t this cozy? It didn’t take you long to get over Jackson, huh?”

“I beg your pardon.” Ryleigh shot to her feet. The huge man looked familiar, but she couldn’t quite place him.

Noah surged to his feet beside her.

“Why is this prisoner not shackled? Unless he is pledging his loyalty to his new queen.”

Noah bristled. He puffed out his chest, ready to defend her.

She placed a hand gently on his arm, a restraining gesture that would never hold him back if he launched himself at the other man.

The newcomer gestured toward Noah. “Restrain him.”

Four guards trotted forward.

“Please, Noah. Just do as they say. I’ll come see you in a little bit.”

“I’m not leaving you alone with this…” Noah kept his gaze on the man she finally recognized.

Caleb Sloane. Head of the War Council. Yes, better to just appease him for the moment. He’d be a helpful ally. And a brutal enemy.

She reached for her haughtiest tone. “I’ve called a council meeting to order. Why are you here instead of in the Council Chambers?”

Caleb’s eyes widened for an instant before suspicion narrowed them. “What kind of game are you playing?”

Noah lunged forward, but the four guards attacked. They wrestled him to the ground, shackled him, and dragged her last hope from the room.

“I assure you this is no game. I have assumed command of Cymmera. You will either pledge your loyalty to me and my kingdom, or you will be banished.” She lifted her chin and strode past him, the huge wolf keeping pace at her side, leaving Caleb to decide what path to choose.

Ryleigh pushed open the heavy wood door and entered the council chambers. Empty. Disappointment followed her to the head of the table. “I guess they’re not interested in following the new queen, huh, boy?” She petted the wolf’s head. “Or maybe they’re just scared of you.” She pulled the elaborately carved wood chair back from the table, and plopped down on the red velvet cushion. She ran her fingers over the smooth stone tabletop.

The wolf settled beside her, his head high.

“Well. Looks like it’s just me and you. So, now what?”

The wolf tilted his head, studied her.

“I’ll tell you what. Why don’t we give you a name, and then we’ll go find Mia and Jackson ourselves.”

He lowered his chin onto her lap, and she rubbed behind his ears. His eyes fell shut.

“What should we call you? Something strong. How about…Max?”

He opened one eye and looked at her. He seemed okay about it. Of course, he probably had no clue what she was talking about. Then again…“Okay. Max it is.” When she pushed her chair back and stood, Max stood beside her.

He fell into place at her right side, as he always did. Odd. He always walked directly to her right, his flank at her hip.

“Your Majesty?” Elijah stood in the doorway.

“What is it, Elijah?” A dull ache settled in her chest. She’d hoped at least the prophet would stand with her. Maybe Darius. All she needed were a few strong Council Heads to support her, and she’d gain the support of the kingdom.

He stood with his arms folded across his chest, his expression unreadable. “I’ve called the Council to order, as you—ahem—requested. But I thought, perhaps, you’d like to take care of something else first.”

What now? Couldn’t anyone simply do as she asked? She reigned in her temper. “What’s that, Elijah?”

He opened the door wider.

Mia.

“Ryleigh.” Mia ran toward her. When her gaze fell on the massive animal at Ryleigh’s side, she skidded to a stop. “Whoa. What is that?”

“This is Max.” She patted his back. “Max, meet my sister, Mia.”

Max bent his front paw beneath him and lowered his head.

Mia ran to pet him. “Where’d you get him? How’d you teach him that so quickly?”

“Actually, I didn’t teach him anything.” Ryleigh frowned. “And he found me.”

When the wolf stood, Elijah placed a hand on his head and held his gaze. “Of course he did.”

“What do you mean?”

Elijah stepped back, allowing Mia to get closer, her joy filling the room as she snuggled against Max.

“He’s your totem, a spirit animal if you will.”

Ryleigh stared at Max, who had rolled over and bared his belly for Mia to pet. “What are you talking about, Elijah?”

“When you needed the qualities the wolf would share—intelligence, intuition, loyalty, guidance, power—he appeared to you. He’ll share your journey, stand by your side, a constant reminder of the strength you found when you needed it most. A symbol of the power you possess.”

She smiled, tentatively.

Elijah nodded toward Mia and backed away, leaving her space to reunite with her sister.

Max sat up and licked Mia’s face.

Ryleigh laughed. “Come here, you.” She patted Max’s head, then pulled Mia into an embrace. “Where have you been?” She set her back to examine her, assure herself Mia was truly safe and unharmed.

Mia’s scowl might have been funny, if it wasn’t accompanied by a tirade. “I was in the human realm with Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs. When are you going to stop doing that, Ryleigh?”

“Huh? Doing what?”

“Every time something goes wrong here, you ship me off to the human realm with a babysitter. Enough. You have to stop. I’m not a baby anymore.”

“I’m sorry, Mia. You’re right.” She tucked Mia’s hair behind her ear, but it popped back out, as usual. Ryleigh had lost almost everyone she’d ever loved, if anything happened to Mia… “I worry so much about you. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.” Mia had grown so much over the past few years, but she still had a delicate, vulnerable quality about her. Or maybe that was just Ryleigh’s maternal instincts holding on to the little girl she remembered, the one she’d always tried to protect. “But you are growing up, and I’m sorry for treating you like a child.” She smiled. “I love you, little sis.”

“I love you, too, big sis.” She gave Ryleigh another quick squeeze before returning her attention to Max.

“Am I forgiven?”

“Of course.” She pointed a finger at Ryleigh. “But don’t let it happen again.”

Elijah poked his head back through the doorway.

Ryleigh hadn’t even noticed he’d left.

“May the Council enter now, Miss Ryl…uh…Your Majesty?”

“Of course.” He opened the door wider, and the Council Members entered one by one. Ryleigh approached Elijah and leaned closer to his ear. “Thank you for finding Mia, and for everything else too.”

His smile touched his eyes. “You are quite welcome, Your Majesty.”

Elijah gripped her arm, squeezed. “You are doing the right thing, My Queen. I’m sorry I couldn’t offer much guidance before, but this was a decision you had to come to on your own.” He smiled knowingly.

For a brief instant, Ryleigh there was something more in his eyes, something she couldn’t place. Pain, knowledge, something—

“I would be honored if you would accept my offer to be your Prophet and Advisor.” He lowered himself to one knee and bowed, then stood.

“Oh, Elijah. Thank you.” The urge was too strong to resist, and she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Thank you, so much.”

“Of course, dear.” He patted her awkwardly.

When she stepped back, his cheeks blazed crimson.

She grinned. “Come on, let’s get this show on the road.”

“Your Majesty?” Matt and Eleanor Jacobs approached, accompanied by two guards. “Might we have a moment?”

“Of course. How can I ever thank you for keeping Mia safe?” She approached the couple.

Before she reached them, they both fell to their knees, as did the guards flanking them. Matt Jacobs looked up at her as he spoke. “We’ve come to pledge our allegiance to the new Queen of Cymmera.”

Tears stung the backs of her eyes. She lifted her gaze to the open doorway.

Lucas and Kiara stood with Sadie between them. The three stepped forward into the room and bowed.

Ryleigh lost the fight for control of her emotions. “Thank you.” The forced whisper was all she could manage.

They all stood at once, Kiara guiding Sadie.

Ryleigh smiled at the little girl whose eyes were so filled with pride that she’d done well.

Matt Jacobs gripped the handle of the sword hanging at his side as he stepped forward. “Eleanor and I have discussed it, and I am going to take my place with the Cymmeran Guard, if you approve, of course, and Eleanor will remain at the castle to help in any way she can.”

“Thank you, both.” She smiled. “I know time is not the same here as in the human realm, but can I assume I missed my first day of work?”

Matt laughed. “Yes, My Queen, but I think the boss will forgive you.”

“Yeah, but will he hold my position open?” Did she still want to return to her own realm and live her life as a mortal? Who knew? Right now, she had to find Jackson.

“I’m sure he will, unless you’ve found something more important to do.” He held her gaze, a twinkle lighting his dark eyes.

She sobered. “Has Elijah explained the situation to all of you?”

“Word travels quickly, My Queen.” Kiara lifted Sadie into her arms. “I must return to Dakota, but I wanted to take a moment to offer my support.”

“Thank you, Kiara. How is Dakota?”

“He’s doing better. I think he’ll recover, but it may take time for all of his strength to return.” She nodded and left.

As the others followed her out, Ryleigh patted Max’s back. “Come on, boy.” She returned to her spot at the head of the table and stood, unsure how to begin the Council Meeting she’d ordered and frantic to somehow find Jackson, though she had no idea where to start.

Each of the Council Heads stood in front of their seats at the table, their expressions blank. Waiting.

She lifted her fist to her mouth and cleared her throat. The seat beside her should hold her closest advisor. The position Kai had once held for King Maynard. The seat Chayce most likely would have filled for Jackson. The seat that should now stand empty.

Mia stared back at her. She stood in front of the empty chair waiting with the others, her back straight, her chin lifted. Confident. Sure. Strong. Trust filled her eyes.

Ryleigh had no clue if the others would pledge their loyalty, but Mia would. Mia would stand at her side forever. No matter what. Warmth spread through her. Things were as they should be. As soon as they found Jackson, he’d take control, and everything would be fine.

A small smile flickered at the corners of Elijah’s mouth, just for a moment, but that was all she needed.

She’d been wrong. She had never been alone. And there were people she could trust. People who would offer guidance and help. She straightened. “Thank you all for coming. I assume Elijah has explained the situation, so I won’t waste time going over everything. I would like to offer each of you the opportunity to continue in your advisory positions. I would like each of you to continue in those roles, but only if you are willing to pledge your loyalty to Cymmera.” She forced herself to continue, though the words threatened to choke her. “Be aware, though. Treason will not be tolerated. From this moment forward, if you are found guilty of treason, of betraying your kingdom or any of its inhabitants…” She tamped down the nausea. “You will be executed immediately.” Did she have that right? The right to decide a man’s fate and kill him? It didn’t sit well, churned in her gut, but what choice did she have?

“If you choose not to continue, you have the opportunity at this time to walk away. No questions asked. You will not be viewed as a traitor for not following me. Please, take as long as you need to decide.” Ryleigh sat. She pulled her chair forward to the table, folded her arms, and forced her back straight. Urgency screamed at her, begged her to act, but she waited. She had to know who was loyal.

Max sat beside her.

Mia sat and pulled her chair to the table. She glanced at Ryleigh and smiled.

Ryleigh gripped one of Mia’s hands quickly, then returned to her position. She resisted the urge to tap her fingers against the table or look at anyone. She simply stared straight ahead.

Elijah sat.

Darius left his spot at the table and crossed the chamber to the door. He glanced at her before pulling it open.

Her heart fell.

Darius stood back, and the members of the Death Dealer Squad filed in one at a time. They lined the back wall of the chamber and stood facing Ryleigh.

The heavy door fell closed, and they all dropped to their knees and bowed their heads.

Darius returned to his position and sat, followed by the other council members.

All but Caleb Sloane, head of the War Council. Caleb approached the podium at the center of the horseshoe and stood, hands resting on the podium. “Your Majesty. If I may address the Council?”

“Yes, please.” Having no clue what was expected of her, Ryleigh remained seated, as did the other members.