Chapter Thirty-One
CHAPTER
THIRTY-ONE
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S TEAM RISES FROM MY CUP AS I LOUNGE ON MY BED IN THE castle, flipping through one of the dragon books I brought back from the border. I had a dream about baking tarts for them after reading that apparently, they adore fruit. The guilt I feel for leaving them has amplified throughout this morning, as has the pain of their absence. I hid it well while having breakfast with Queen Cordelia, who spent most of the time complaining about the cold. She and Erix begin their journey back to Galakin tomorrow, wanting to get home to their kingdom and their handsome son whom she subtly fit into our conversation before a sea storm surges.
Footsteps pad through the suite, but I don’t have to see Cayden to know it’s him. His presence sends a shocking current through me.
“I have something to show you,” he says while leaning against one of my bedposts, and I groan in response. “I told you not to finish off the last bottle of wine.”
Saskia, Ryder, and Finnian left the ball with us, and we spent the night gorging on wine and slurring jokes until the sun rose. Saskia collapsed beside me in bed after we ran barefoot through the gardens while the others chased us.
“But it was made from strawberries,” I mutter, swinging my legs off the bed. My emerald gown embellished with gold trails behind me as I walk toward a pair of satin slippers. The thought of wearing heels today is unfathomable, but I donned the gown to trick my mind into feeling better. The sheer, loose sleeves flow like a breeze, and the intricate detailing on the bodice and skirts reminds me of drooping branches on a willow tree.
“Yes, you informed me several times while threatening me with a knife as I tried to take it from you.” I press my fingers into my forehead and groan again. “I found it endearing.”
He speaks like he’s looking back on a fond memory. He’s deranged. “Did you find it endearing the first time I held a knife to your neck?”
He licks his lips, and my traitorous eyes fall to them when he speaks. “I felt something entirely different the first time.”
Our shoes slap against stone as he leads me from the tower, down spiraling staircases and through a maze of decadent halls. I’m slightly dizzy by the time we reach an exit and slide my arm through his as we step outside. Cayden points toward a series of wagons and a woman with a scroll listing off directions to servants. Crates filled with vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, oats, and spices line the grass. I remember watching delivery crates being carried into taverns and shops while on missions knowing I wouldn’t be able to bring all that food home with me. It feels like a storm that has shrouded me for years has finally passed and daylight caresses my face.
Aestilian will live on. The parents and caretakers won’t have to forgo eating in favor of their children. Nyrinn’s hands won’t shake while she stitches someone. The guards who monitor the border will be sharp and clearheaded, and none will risk their lives trekking through snow to bring back scraps.
A shiver runs through me when I recall the harshest winter in Aestilian. I spent most of my time wading through snow and sliding down icy peaks after dark. Sleep couldn’t find me if it had a map, and Finnian was deathly frail. I stole and killed for what we needed to survive, but he’s never forgiven me for giving him my rations. He caught on to my lie when I fainted in our yard and monitored my meager meals like a hawk afterward.
“I received word of your people crossing the border. The letter was dated a few days ago, so they’ll be here soon,” Cayden says.
I clear the emotion from my throat. “My spies have been waiting for news of the treaty being signed. They probably rode day and night to get here so quickly.”
“You work fast, little shadow.” He leads me back into the castle and I rub my hands together to warm them. “I have a proposition for you.”
“Do tell,” I say, fisting my dress to begin our ascent.
“Your soldiers will have less of a chance at being attacked or robbed if I send several Vareveth soldiers with them. They won’t travel fast with that many wagons.”
I bite my lip, contemplating his offer. “Will you choose the soldiers yourself?”
“Yes. I won’t include anyone unless I can personally vouch for them.”
It’s a generous proposal, but the recent assassination attempt has me treading cautiously. “They can cross the Fintan with my soldiers, but I’m wary of revealing the exact location of Aestilian. We both know that not everyone in your army welcomes me here.” He opens his mouth to argue. “Even with your threats.”
He clenches his jaw and glares. “After the recent execution, no one would dare, but I respect your wishes and will give the order.”
I’m aware of the impression he must have left on his army, and the gossip about Cayden’s brutality and mercilessness has been incessant. Eyes often linger on us while ladies hide their mouths behind their fans to whisper tales of the demon commander and the lost dragon princess.
Finnian spots us from down the hall and hurries our way. “The soldiers are here. Ailliard sent me to find you.”
“That’s sooner than expected.” It’s a relief, truthfully. I want to tidy up my loose ends and get back to Imirath.
We follow Finnian to the main hall where I first entered the castle, and the trickling water of the fountain is an afterthought to Ailliard’s booming laughter. I’m more anxious than I should be, but it feels like I’m meeting a new person despite knowing I’m the one who has metamorphized. I’m stronger and surer of myself and my future, and I can’t pretend that I could go back to the way things were.
We walk down the steps to greet Nessa, Lycus, and Jarek. Nessa steps over to embrace me with Lycus at her side while Jarek continues conversing with Ailliard. I quickly step away and slide my arm through Cayden’s, not wanting Jarek or Lycus to extend the same greeting Nessa did.
“Nessa and Lycus are two of the guards that escaped Imirath with me. This is Commander Veles of Vareveth,” I say, gesturing to each.
Nessa grins, causing her deep-set eyes to crinkle in the corners while stretching a hand in his direction. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Commander. I’ve heard stories of your victories for quite some time.”
Cayden extends the same pleasantries before asking, “You get news of Vareveth in Aestilian?”
“Only because we could never keep Elowen inside the borders no matter how much we tried.”
“How was the journey?” I ask, quickly changing the subject.
“Uneventful. You look well, my lady,” Lycus answers. He’s always been a man of few words and plenty of formality. “The elixir worked wonderfully, sir. We managed to store a decent amount of food before the first frost came.”
Cayden nods. “How long will you be staying? I’ll alert the servants to ready some rooms.”
“Only for the remainder of the day. We want to get the food back as soon as possible and would prefer our presence stay unnoticed by King Garrick,” Nessa answers.
“I suppose it’s for the best,” I respond. “Commander Veles will be taking me on a tour of several Vareveth cities now that the treaty is signed.”
“That sounds lovely.” Nessa beams, glancing down at our joined arms. I don’t know if she’d be smiling as much if she knew the true reason for our fabricated alibi. Ailliard threw a fit but eventually relented when I convinced him I need the exposure to the world.
“Nessa! Lycus! I remembered what I wished to tell you,” Ailliard calls to his friends, and they bow before excusing themselves.
Cayden tilts his head in my direction when they’re out of earshot. “What tales have you heard of me, angel?”
I shrug. “They must not have been that remarkable because I can’t seem to recall.”
We face forward as Jarek approaches and Cayden’s lip curls. “Why are his pants so tight?”
I cough to cover up my laughter, but Cayden’s expression remains frigid. “Would it kill you to smile?”
“Yes,” he replies.
“You smile at me.”
“You’re different.”
“Your Majesty.” Jarek greets me and presses a kiss to my knuckles.
I barely repress the urge to wipe my hand on my skirts when he releases me. “It’s nice to see you again, Jarek.”
“I didn’t think you’d volunteer for the journey given how vital your presence is in Aestilian,” Finnian says, appearing at my side. It’s like I’m pressed between two guard dogs.
Jarek clearly doesn’t note Finnian’s sarcasm as he replies, “A journey for my queen could never be considered a waste.”
“Right, then,” Cayden says, stepping in front of Jarek and blocking him out while glancing at his gold pocket watch. He’s certainly not jealous, more so bored and disgusted. Finnian snickers at Cayden’s lack of manners. “I’ll be late if I don’t leave now.”
“Where are you going?”
“To steal sweets from children.” He grins at my eye roll. “I have a meeting to discuss our person of interest that you’re more than welcome to attend.”
The mastermind behind my assassination attempts weighs heavily on my thoughts, but I can’t leave my citizens when they’ve traveled all this way. There’s nothing I want to do more than ponder theories and scour the streets before we leave. “Can we discuss it later?”
He nods, taking my hand and bringing it to his lips. “I look forward to it, love. I’ll see you in our suite.”
Servants descend the steps to show everyone to their rooms, and Finnian and I take it as a sign to slip from the castle. We walk down several stone staircases leading to the wagons.
“Well, the battle of the bulges was proper morning entertainment,” Finnian says.
“Gods, Finnian,” I groan, and yet I can’t stop myself from laughing.
“Cayden won, if you were wondering. But I swear if we waited a few moments longer Jarek would’ve challenged him to a duel.”
“I’m not listening!” I cover my ears and sprint toward the wagons when we reach the grass. My laughter makes my sprint sloppy, but he never catches me. It’s easy for him to do so considering how much longer his legs are, but even when he hit his growth spurt, he always let me win. “We’re no longer friends!”
“Fat chance, Ellie!”
***
I’m exhausted by the time Ailliard and I finalize the distribution schedule for the rations, and I happily take the tea Nessa hands me.
“How’s your little Moriko doing?” I ask. She and her wife adopted a five-year-old from the orphanage. Moriko is a short little thing with more curls than body and is an absolute sweetheart once she’s comfortable.
“She’s good.” An easy smile filled with love spreads across her face. “Esme’s been knitting sweaters for her to wear this winter, and she keeps the flower crown you made beside her bed. She must’ve picked up a mischievous streak because she’s hiding around the house like you two did when you were younger.”
A soft knock taps on the door, and I rise to answer it as Finnian laughs softly behind me, probably getting the same flashbacks of our childhood as I am.
“A letter from Commander Veles, Your Majesty.” The servant bows at the waist before turning down the hall. I quickly break the seal to unfold the letter.
Elowen,
I’ve concluded that the assassin is in Verendus. Ryder and I are heading there for further investigation. The group of soldiers that will cross the Fintan with your team are assembled and waiting by the wagons.
I’ll see you soon, angel,
Cayden
Verendus is the most populated area, meaning that the assassin is hiding in plain sight. I press my lips together and filter through all the new theories in my mind.
“The castle is much bigger, but it’s not the best place to hide,” Finnian says.
“No, too many people are watching you in a castle,” Nessa agrees.
Realization slams into me like a gust of wind as Eagor’s words clank through my mind.
The brothel.
People go there to escape. Nobody would question an unfamiliar face in a brothel because they’re there for something new.
I grab my stomach and suck in a sharp breath. Two sets of concerned eyes flash over to me. “Oh no, is it your monthly?” Nessa asks.
I nod and force a pained expression to cross my features. “Would you mind if we said goodbye now? Finnian, it’s just as bad as it was before we left Aestilian.”
“Oh, darling, I’ll walk you back to your room. You don’t mind, right, Nessa?” Thank the gods he picks up on my excuse.
“Of course not,” Nessa says, embracing Finnian. “We’ll be leaving soon anyway.”
Nessa embraces me, and I do my best to pretend I’m relaxing into it, but nothing about me is at ease right now. “Take care of yourself, my lady. I’ll give Nyrinn your reply as soon as I get back.”
I smile. “Have a safe journey, Nessa.”
“Come on, darling.” Finnian places a hand on my back. “Let’s get you to bed.”
We slowly walk to the door but burst into a sprint once we enter the hall. Finnian doesn’t question what’s happening as we practically throw ourselves down the stairs. The trust we’ve built over the years goes hand in hand with knowing when to follow.
I don’t speak until we exit the castle and continue running toward the stables. “I know where the mastermind is.”
“What? How? Where?”
“Brothel.” I force the word out. “There’s an expensive one close to the castle, and places like that are notorious for gossip. If Eagor goes there, then we can assume Cayden and I are spoken of considering he doesn’t approve.”
“Fucking gods,” Finnian curses.
“Cayden and Ryder are already on their way to Verendus, and we need to catch up with them,” I say. The stables smell of damp hay and apples. Finnian slides onto a freshly saddled horse and extends his hand to me as Braxton rounds the corner.
“Your Majesty.” He suspiciously glances at us. “Did you get Commander Veles’s letter?”
I could kiss his cheeks for appearing at the perfect time. “I did. Do you know exactly where he went?”
“Are you in trouble?” He grasps the hilt of his blade.
“I’m not, I swear it. I just need you to tell me where he went.”
“He and General Neredras are starting their search at Chalice of the Gods, it’s a tavern along the main road. Leave immediately, they make quick work of whatever they do.”
“Bless you, Braxton!” I exclaim, climbing onto the horse and wrapping my hands around the saddle horn as Finnian takes off. The steep, hilly forest he leads us through is nothing compared to the Seren Mountains mixed with mist. “Find Cayden and leave me at the brothel.”
“That’s a terrible idea.” He pulls on the reins and veers to the right.
“It’ll look too perfect if we arrive together.”
“What’s your plan?”
His question would normally fill me with embarrassment, but I’m too energized to give a damn. “I need him to pretend we went there looking to escape the castle considering how many rumors are spread about us. If we manage to pull it off, the mastermind will reveal themself while we’re distracted. ”
I know it’s a solid plan when he curses under his breath and guides the horse onto the main road. “You’re sure you want to be bait for an assassin?”
“I’m sure I want their blood spilled by the end of the night, and I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve it.” I squeeze his hands. I’ll use every weapon in my arsenal to best those who have wronged me, including seduction. “I trust you to find him. Trust me to stay alive while you do.”
The Golden Rose lives up to its name. Golden and white roses creep up the brothel, covering it, emphasizing its ambience of escapism and otherworldliness. Sensual music descends into the street to lure in the curious souls passing by. The thick glass windows obscure what’s happening inside but don’t entirely hide it.
I slide down from the horse and make my way up the path, my excitement and trepidation growing with every footfall. The memory of Cayden’s hands on my body resurfaces, and the shiver that crawls up my spine has nothing to do with the breeze.