Chapter 17 – Vale
Chapter 17
VALE
I woke to the tantalizing scent of smoked vanilla and the weight of a delicate hand on my chest. My heart gave a hard thump as I twisted to find Neve cuddled up against me. I blinked. We’d fallen asleep on our sides of the bed, which was large enough to fit five people.
Not that I minded her being so close, but I wasn’t sure she’d like waking up as such.
I shifted and became painfully aware of how little I minded. My cock stood at attention. Blazing moon.
We’d said no physical intimacy, and considering the odd circumstances we were in, I still thought that was wise. My body, however, was calling me a prized idiot.
Neve was all luscious curves that begged to be stroked, cupped, gripped. Her sensual lips and enchanting eyes never failed to steal my attention from whatever I was supposed to be paying attention to. Then there was her personality, which I found warm, kind, and charming. Most of the time anyway .
I chuckled at the memory of her “beating” me in training. She’d been so pleased at winning by technicality. And the way she’d looked at me before she whacked me with her practice sword . . .
My cock twitched at the memory of that sultry violet gaze and her heaving bosom. By the Fates and stars above, maybe I was an idiot for not pursuing something physical. I was sure we both wanted to, but I couldn’t break my promise.
Slowly, I slipped out from under her hand, hoping not to wake her, even as I missed the feel of her soft curves pressed up against me. We had plans to train again this morning, but at the very least I’d take care of my needs before I woke her.
Unfortunately, the moment I rose to sit and shifted to put my feet on the ground, the bed creaked.
Neve’s eyes flew open, and her lips curled up. “Morning. Is it late?”
I cleared my throat, relieved that the tent in my sleeping pants was hidden.
“Still early,” I said, guessing by how the sunlight filtered in through the window. “You can continue resting.”
“I feel great!” She rose to sit, her breasts bouncing with the movement.
I placed a hand over my groin and stifled a groan.
“I’m ready to beat your arse again today.” Neve stretched luxuriously. “What do you?—”
A knock came at the door. “Prince Vale! A message!”
Bleeding skies! This had to be a joke .
“From whom?” I knew it had to be someone important and persuasive if the Clawsguard on duty was knocking at this hour.
“Sian Balik,” the knight called. “He claimed you’d be up for training. Shall I come in and deliver it?”
The idea of the guard seeing Neve in her nightclothes was enough to make me get to my feet. In doing so, I shifted my body, hoping to hide my erection.
Her soft gasp and subsequent giggle told me I’d failed.
I shook my head. At least the door was near the bathroom. I went to the door, opened it, and poked my head outside. “Give it here.”
The knight handed over the missive, and I shut the door again and ripped open the letter.
I’ve secured the training hall. We’re all waiting.
We’re all waiting? I’d figured that Sian would be there, but who were the others?
Neve came padding down the hallway, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “What does it say?”
She was trying not to look at my cock, which only made things worse.
I cleared my throat. “Sian is in the training room. He says to hurry.”
“Then we should.” Her top teeth dug into her bottom lip. “You should . . . ummm . . . Get working on things.” She laughed at her own awkwardness, her gaze panning to the tent in my pants. An irresistible shade of pink flushed her cheeks. “I’ll get ready out here and use the bathroom after you. ”
“Perfect.” I lost no time in shutting myself into the bathroom.
I’d never been so happy to go to the palace training facilities. That said a lot considering that when I was a youngling nearing adulthood, I’d loved little more than practicing with swords. Today, though, sparring and training meant I’d no longer be in my rooms. Nor alone with Neve—the far too attractive female who wouldn’t stop throwing me coy sidelong glances and amused smiles.
Since we’d left my suite, she hadn’t said a word about the events of the morning but was clearly still thinking about it. That made me think about it and wonder what she’d have done if I’d pulled her into me and kissed her.
Our first and only proper kiss, the one not witnessed by friends and family at our wedding, played in my mind for what had to be the hundredth time. It had been a surprise, but perfect. Despite the deal we’d made, I wanted that again.
“I hear swords,” Neve said as a feral grin slipped across her face. “Are you ready to lose?”
I laughed. She was far too pleased with her win. “We’ll see if you get the chance to be sneaky again.”
“Sneaky or not, I still won. In a fight for my life, that would be all that mattered, right?”
“What of honor?” I couldn’t help but ask. My own sword master had proclaimed loud and clear that honor was of the utmost importance. He’d drilled it into me .
She turned to me; her expression thoughtful. “Worries of survival dominated my life—still do. I suppose if I were you, honor would consume me more. But me? I want to defend myself and live to tell the tale.”
Again, I was reminded that though she looked every bit the princess; we came from two different worlds. Both deadly in their own ways, nevertheless very different.
Not for the first time I wondered how well I would have fared in her position. Probably not as well as I’d like to think.
“Do what you must.” The corners of my lips lifted in amusement. “Though don’t expect me to fall for those violet eyes again.”
She smirked. “After this morning, I’m not sure I even have to work that hard.”
Heat crept into my cheeks. Bleeding skies, I’d walked right into that one.
Thankfully, we’d reached the double doors of the training facilities, so I pushed one open, pretending like I hadn’t heard her, which elicited a snigger from my wife.
“There you are!” Sian called out while parrying an attack from his younger brother. The clang of steel rang through the vast, empty room. “About time!”
“They’re married, Sian! Give them a break,” Sayyida shouted, not far from the Balik males. Wooden practice sword in hand, she faced off with none other than Marit Armenil, who appeared red-faced and out of her depth.
Neve sucked in a breath. “We?—”
I grasped her wrist and my voice dropped to a whisper. “Let them believe. ”
Her lips pursed, but she nodded. Friends or not, and I counted Sian as one of my dearest friends, it was best that they thought Neve and me were like any other newly married couple.
“I’ve warmed Filip up for you, Princess Neve,” Sian continued as he rendered his brother useless by pointing the tip of his blade at his neck. “And his magic seems in check today.”
“Can we not talk about that?” Filip rustled his wings. “I can’t help when the growth spurt comes and goes!”
“Nor would I want you to.” Sian chuckled. “You’ll need that magic when you take our father’s seat. And I do love watching your growth spurts as it gives me something to hold over your head when that day comes.”
Filip scowled, but instead of responding to his older brother, he turned to us. “I need to trade steel for wood, and I’m ready when you are, Princess Neve.”
“Actually,” I said, inspiration striking, “I have an idea.”
The squire stood up straighter. The youngling nearing adulthood was my squire and always very respectful, reverent even. Though he was the most magically powerful of the newest generation of Baliks, one would think Filip was actually training for knighthood, rather than to be the heir to the southlands. The lad took his training so seriously. I appreciated that commitment and had been much the same.
“My plucky wife is feeling lucky today. I’d like both of you to take me on. Working together .”
Filip’s dark eyebrows knitted together as questions swam in his honey-colored eyes. “But, no offense, Princess Neve, I’m much better than you. I’ll be doing most of the work in protecting and offense.”
He was, even while going through a growth spurt. But Filip hadn’t trained much with another, specifically a fae who was weaker than him. It would be good for him, and as he was my squire, it was my job to provide him with challenges. Neve, too, could learn something new by working with someone, rather than going at them like a beast.
Her feral expression from her last training session came back to me, and my arousal stirred. She had been a pretty beast indeed, and as much as I’d like to see that in her again, this was valid training too.
“If Filip doesn’t want to, I’ll do it,” Sayyida announced. “Marit needs a break.”
“What are you doing here, anyway?” Neve asked.
“Marit needs to learn how to defend herself,” Sayyida replied. “And I wanted to make sure my skills were up to par in case my soon-to-be husband gets any ideas.” When she spoke of Jarl Salizier, her tone took on a low growl.
Father might believe that this pairing was solving his problems and putting Sayyida in her place. I wasn’t so sure. If Jarl Salizier lived to see a single turn after they wed, I’d be shocked.
“Right,” Neve replied, discomfort flickering across her face.
She blamed herself for the fates of Sayyida and Marit. I couldn’t help but bear some of that burden as well.
“Don’t act like that.” Sayyida pointed her practice sword at Neve. “The king will do what he wants. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be prepared.” She paused. “Or change our fates.”
“You’re right,” I interrupted. We were the only ones in the training facility, but in Frostveil Castle, the walls had eyes. Perhaps literally, knowing what I knew of Neve walking around the hidden parts of the palace. “So, instead of two, I’ll fight three. I’ll take on you, Sayyida, Filip, and my dainty wife.”
Her eyes narrowed as she glared at me, as if being called dainty was an insult. I smothered my laugh because that reaction was what I’d hoped for.
Neve didn’t want to be small and powerless, but able to take care of herself. Fierce.
And I wanted her to come at me with more .
I wanted to rile the beast and for Neve to harness that strength inside her.
“If you get Vale out, I rush in,” Sian added eagerly. He, too, liked a challenge.
Sayyida snorted, not at all intimidated by Sian. I had to admire that about her, for Sian intimidated many. “You’re on. Marit, take a breather. Filip, Neve, get over here. I have a plan.”
I blocked an attack by Filip, only for Neve to rush me, wooden blade swinging. A grin spread across my face as Sian deflected her attack and she snarled.
We’d been practicing for three hours, and over that time, we’d attempted many formations. This one was Filip, Neve, and Sayyida against me, Sian, and Marit. Two skilled against one new fighter.
Neve was far better than Marit. Not because she’d had a few hours more of training, either. No, my wife had a fire in her that Marit did not possess, though the Armenil female was trying.
She’ll have to keep at it.
Marit darted behind Sian, who swiped at both Filip and Sayyida and pushed the latter to the ground. Sayyida snarled as, cat-like, she leapt back up and came at him again. If Lord Armenil failed in the Blood Court, and Marit wanted to survive her marriage to Jarl Triam, she couldn’t hide behind others. No, she would need to be far stronger, far fiercer. It was good that Sayyida brought her here.
“Head in the game, husband!” Neve rasped, crouching while arching her practice sword to the side and down.
I leapt over the attack that would have struck my ankles. Sian had pulled off that move, knocking his brother off his feet ten minutes ago. Neve was an adept mimic.
“But my daydreams are so pretty. Like you, my docile snow lily,” I taunted.
Her face turned red, and a laugh burst out of me but only for a moment because at that second, Sayyida landed a strike on Sian’s chest, as Filip did the same to his brother’s head. The older Balik dropped to the ground and the opposing team wasted no time in taking Marit out too.
In the time that the dissolution of my team rendered me distracted, Neve closed in. I parried, but she came at me again, this time striking like a viper for the gut.
She missed, but Sayyida didn’t when she came behind me and placed the wooden sword’s blade against my neck.
“We win, Vale. Give up!”
There was far too much joy in the young Lady Virtoris’s voice. I wanted to fight it, but, unfortunately, she was right. I’d allowed distraction to get the better of me. Again.
Though at least this time, Neve’s breasts had not distracted me. Everyone improved today.
“You win,” I added. “About time.”
“Oh, shut it, Vale,” Sayyida growled. “We kicked butt in that round, and you know it.”
“You did well,” I conceded.
Even with Marit weighing down my side, it said a lot that the other three fought and, mostly, held off Sian and me. They’d worked well as a team, protecting one another and striking as one when possible.
Neve was still a beginner, but after two days of training, I could tell she moved quickly and learned quicker. Not that I was surprised. My wife had needed both skills to survive where she grew up. Using them here, and being on guard, was natural to her.
We only needed to hone those skills further. Give her a few moons and she’d be a sight to behold.
If we had that long.
With each passing day, the threat of vampire assassins grew. No matter how Lord Armenil tied up this diplomatic disaster, Neve wouldn’t skate by without someone trying to kill her. The vampire way of blood for blood would ensure that.
“Any tips for Marit?” Sayyida prompted. “I know Vale will give Neve personalized feedback later, so I’m not worried about her.”
I chuckled as my wife blushed. Sayyida’s crassness never failed to make someone uncomfortable at court.
“You favor your right side,” I said to Lady Marit to take some of the heat off Neve. “Try to be more equal or a skilled opponent will realize that quickly. And when you tire, you keep your blade too low.” I held my blade like she did. “You’re doing this.” I repositioned the weapon. “Try holding it like this when fighting.”
She mimicked me, and I nodded. “Practice will help.”
“We’re coming back every morning.” Sayyida came to Marit’s side and gave her friend a long, pointed look. “Every night if we have to—as long as there’s not an event, we’ll train. You won’t go defenseless.”
“Maybe not at all,” Neve added, though more quietly. “How quickly can Lord Armenil get to the Blood Court and back?”
“By sea, with favorable winds and currents, it takes five or so days. The way back is longer,” Sayyida said. “So he’ll be gone for a couple of weeks.”
If a foul temper took him, my father could change his mind and force Marit to marry before then, but I didn’t dare point that out. The young lady looked hopeful.
“Lots of time to train,” Marit spoke up. “Thanks, everyone. I?—”
The doors to the training room flew open and a booming voice cut Marit off. “No one invited us to the party!”
Luccan and Thantrel swaggered inside, their wings spread out behind them like the famous peacocks of the Summer Court.
Thantrel grinned from ear to ear as he spoke. “Perhaps you couldn’t handle the handsome and powerful Riis brothers?”
“With that eyeshadow, I’m surprised anyone can handle even looking at you,” Sayyida shot back playfully.
“Don’t be envious, Sayyida. Not everyone can be as stunning as me.” Thantrel batted his lashes, showing off the shimmering gold shadow he favored as of late. “Right, Vale?”
I rolled my eyes and set to halting the flirting and verbal jousting before it really got started. Thantrel flirted with anything that breathed and Sayyida loved trying to get the best of Thantrel. Or anyone.
I gestured to Neve. “We’re done for the day. My wife needs to rest before training further. But perhaps Sian still has a few rounds in him?”
“I do. Filip too.”
The youngest Balik looked alarmed.
“You need it, Filip. Father sent you here to train with Vale, so you’d develop your skills overnight.” Sian’s eyes twinkled. “The Warrior Bear seems to be slacking in teaching his squire.”
“He has a pretty new wife.” Luccan shrugged. “Who can blame Vale?”
We had to leave before this got out of hand, as it too often did when Sian, Luccan, and I were together. I missed Caelo. My best friend would only torment me further, but he rounded out the group in a way no other could.
I held out my arm for Neve, who took it. “We’re going. Is your lord father in the castle?”
Luccan ran a hand through his hair. “We all stayed here last night. He’s in the suite. Why?”
“I wish to speak with him.”
Luccan gave me a long look, perhaps thinking I’d wish to speak with the Lord of Tongues about the gateway or some matter pertaining to the vampire assassins. Better that he thought that than the truth—that the king suspected Lord Riis of something. Once Lord Riis knew the king suspected him of acting in a manner opposing the crown, I hoped he would relay that information to his sons, my friends, who I did not wish to see harmed either.
“All right,” Luccan drew out the words, “well, he’s there.”
“Let’s go.” Neve tugged at my arm.
“She’s ready , Vale.” Sayyida sniggered.
Neve huffed. “Can you please stop?”
Sayyida shrugged but didn’t commit.
I took that moment to wave to the others and gently guided my wife from the room. Once we were alone in the hall, I turned to her. “Sayyida is famous for getting under others’ skin. She’s only saying those things to get a rise out of you. And to keep her mind off her situation.”
My wife’s face fell. “I can understand that.”
“If you want her to shut up, complain around Saga.” I smirked. “My sister is the only one who can rein Sayyida in. I’ve seen her do it many times.”
“I understand that too,” Neve said. “You’re going to tell Lord Riis to watch himself?”
“He’s helped us. It’s only right.”
“And what if your father is correct?”
“Then I don’t know.”
I didn’t believe Lord Riis had the Ice Scepter. The most important piece of evidence was the fact that Lord Riis had no winter magic. Why would he take the Hallow if he’d never be able to use it? I was sure Father had caught on to Lord Riis acting strangely because he was protecting Neve and me. Not because he held the Ice Scepter.
We strode through the palace, up stairs and down corridors packed with fae. No one stopped us. Still, no one, save for our close friends, wanted to be associated with us. I didn’t mind that but wondered how long this would last.
Because no one stopped us, we reached the wing where Lord Riis was staying in record time.
“I forgot he was staying down here,” Neve murmured, glancing at a door as we approached. “So close to me the whole time.”
I blinked and then understood. Lord Roar had been staying in this wing too.
“Do you need anything from that suite while we’re here? I?—”
The door down the hallway opened, and a feminine voice and clicking of heels echoed in the corridors. “Take better care Leyv. Please.”
My mother appeared in the hall, her back to us as she spoke to Lord Riis, who had to be standing inside his room.
“Stars! You’ve got to be kidding—Vale, I have something to tell you,” Neve breathed and pulled me forward. “In here!”
She opened the door to Lord Roar’s old suite and yanked me inside, then shut the door softly behind us.
I glanced at the door, then at her, confused. “What’s going on?”
“I-I didn’t tell you everything I saw in the hidden palace last night.” Neve’s teeth dug into her bottom lip. “But I should. Before you go talk to Lord Riis.”
“What is it?”
“I found Queen Revna’s diary back there. She wrote about your mother and Lord Riis.”
“That’s hardly surprising, Neve. They grew up in the midlands together and have been friends since they were younglings.”
“No,” Neve exhaled, “she wrote that they looked romantic .”
I sucked in a breath. But that would have been when Mother was already married to Father. I’d have been around five turns.
“I wasn’t sure if telling you was smart. Or appropriate,” Neve admitted. “But seeing her come out of his rooms, and she didn’t mention him when she told your father about our wedding and—I don’t know. I realize that in her own home, the queen has a right to be wherever she wants, but you should know before you say anything to him. What if something is going on between them?”
This might have nothing to do with the Ice Scepter, but it threw a sword into the plans. Was there something between my mother and Lord Riis? Something more than friendship?
Father was not loyal to Mother. In fact, save for official functions or matters in which he needed her council, he barely spoke to her.
My stomach twisted, and I found myself in a position of not knowing how to proceed.