49. Chapter 49
CHAPTER 49
Lucenna
L ucenna had little patience for pitiful things. Crossing her arms, she glowered at the matted High King covered in soot. His filthy clothes were torn, and he reeked of smoke. Curling her nose, she nudged his boot. He didn’t stir, still unconscious where Zev had dumped him on the dusty bed last night.
Scowling, Lucenna kicked Cassiel’s leg next. He woke with a jolt, looking around at the small cabin, then up to her.
“Lucenna…” He rubbed his forehead and winced. What happened?”
You collapsed. Exhaustion will do that to you.” She tossed a waterskin and a dry roll of bread on his lap. You’re fortunate a part of her still cares. If it were up to me, I would have left you out in the rain.”
Cassiel had nothing to retort back. Sitting up, he shifted his legs over the edge of the bed and raked the messy black hair out of his face. It was longer now, falling past his jaw. “Where am I? I half expected to end up in the cell again.”
She would have liked that. But after he took down those Shades, it would be bad form to lock him up again. A tiny voice in the back of her head suggested perhaps Cassiel may have been justified because the threat against Dyna’s life was very real.
They all saw it.
And without him, they may not have been enough to protect her.
Lady Aerina was gracious enough to lend you the foreman’s cabin, even after you have destroyed her property. We haven’t told her who you are yet. Do you realize why we are here in the first place?”
He nodded. “I heard about Rawn.”
Her throat tightened as she thought of Lord Norrlen, dreading to imagine what he must have been enduring this past week. He must have arrived in Red Highland by now.
“We leave for Avandia tomorrow.”
“The capitol of Greenwood?” Cassiel blinked up at her. “Why?”
“We have a meeting with King Leif to discuss what can be done about Rawn’s capture. And no, you are not welcome,” she added when he opened his mouth to respond. “Rest here for today, but you need to be gone by first light.” Lucenna pivoted on her heel for the door.
“I can’t…” Cassiel rasped, his voice meek and defeated. “She’s my mate, Lucenna.”
She glowered at his reflection in the window. People who were meant to be in your life would be. If it was so easy for him to leave, he was never meant to be in Dyna’s life in the first place. He had his chance. “Not anymore.”
Maybe it was cruel of her to say, but Lucenna didn’t care. Still, she expected Cassiel to snap back. To be the Black Hearted Prince who used to argue with her over everything. At the moment, he looked more like a bird who could no longer fly.
His tired, red eyes blinked at the ground. “Let me see her. Please.”
Hmm, no demands today?
“Do you not understand?” Lucenna said. “She doesn’t want to see you, Cassiel. What you did broke her apart. Being around you now would only reverse everything she did to put her pieces back together.” Even if they had not been put back in all the right places. Lucenna took the door handle. “Stay away from her or we will hurt you.”
She left the foreman’s cabin and Zev straightened where he had been leaning up beside the door with his arms crossed.
Klyde was on guard duty. He sat on a barrel on the other side of the door, sharpening his skull blades with his sleeves rolled up, enjoying the spring breeze. Don’t you think you’re being a little hard on him?” he said when they turned to go.
“Hard on him?” Zev growled. “We are being too soft on him. You know what Dyna endured.”
“Aye, I do, mate. But I think we have forgotten how young Cassiel is. I was no wiser at his age, and I have done plenty of wrongs I wish I could take back. Can you stand there now and tell me you have never made a mistake you regret?”
The question left Lucenna stunned because she could easily think of her greatest regret from two years ago, and she still carried those consequences. Zev was silent beside her, his fists clenched so tight blood seeped through his fingers. The scars from his manacles were waxy and horrid in the sunlight.
At one point or another, she knew he had wished things had been different on that full moon night. To go back in time to change her mistakes was something Lucenna wished for every day.
Klyde nodded at whatever he saw on their faces and continued sharpening his blades. We all have regrets. I think we can spare him a little kindness in that regard.”
Sighing, Lucenna decided to let it go. She was mostly angry at what Dyna had gone through, but Zev’s resentment ran deeper. He stormed away toward the garden. It would be harder for him to let go because Cassiel had been his first true friend. And his betrayal had really stung.
She frowned. When is the King’s escort to arrive? It’s been nearly a week.”
Shouldn’t be long now…” Klyde said, stilling when he noticed something past her shoulder.
Lucenna turned to see Dyna come out onto the terrace with Keena sitting on her shoulder and the former commander at her side. Tension immediately charged the air as Von and Klyde locked eyes, ever muscle in his body going rigid.
Lucenna smirked. I think you should also take your own advice, captain,” she murmured before going to join them. All right?”
Dyna fleetingly glanced at the cabin. Yes, but there is a commotion at the gates.”
Her heart leaped with hope. Has the escort arrived?”
I’m afraid not.”
Frowning at the wariness in her tone, Lucenna and the others followed Dyna’s quick stride through the courtyard to the front of the estate.
A mob of Elvish nobles was gathered outside of the gates. All dressed finely and handsome as most elves were, but they were arguing amongst each other and with the Norrlen Guards preventing them from entering.
“We have a right to see Her Grace!”
“I must know that she is safe and well!”
“Give her my name. That is enough to request an audience with her!”
Immediately, Lucenna was annoyed by their raised voices and demands. She might have thought them residents of Sellav, but the main path to the estate was lined with carriages and personal guards wearing the livery of the Houses they served.
Lucenna frowned. Who are they?”
Trouble,” Dyna replied. She glanced at Klyde and Von. They nodded at her silent order, then headed for the estate and Princess Keena flew after them.
I take it these are suitors Raiden had mentioned?”
They must have heard about Rawn’s capture and assume Lady Aerina is a widow or about to become one,” Dyna said. Now every eligible noble will seek her very valuable hand. It was nearly taken it by force once, and she is at risk of that happening again.”
How dare they? Rawn was still alive, but they were already flocking around his wife and land like vultures. Now they demanded to see her as if their nobility gave them that privilege.
They only saw Aerina’s status as princess of Greenwood as a prize to raise their own. It reminded Lucenna too much of women in the Magos Empire being used as currency for power. They didn’t have rights there as they did here.
The others have gone to safeguard her in case anyone makes it past the guards,” Dyna said.
Electricity crackled on Lucenna’s skin. I will flay anyone who takes a step past those gates.”
They headed for the entrance at the same time Eldred appeared at the top of the stairs to the estate. He marched past them to the gate as Raiden galloped up the road on his white steed. He yanked on the reins, and the horse reared back, making the nobles quickly move back.
My mother is not available to see any guests,” Raiden told them as he dismounted.
Until when?” one asked.
“Indefinitely,” he gritted out. “I am the Lord of Sellav. If you come for a matter of trade or other relevant concerns, then you may request an audience with me. Otherwise, get off my land.”
Laughter broke out among the nobles.
“You? The Lord of Sellav?” The retort came from the tallest elf with light brown hair flowing down to his shoulders. A silver circlet on his forehead brought out the gray in his ashen blue eyes. He came to the front of the crowd, shadowed by guards dressed in armor, their chest plates marked with the same sigil embroidered on his cape. I have horses older than you, lordling. They would better serve to protect Sellav, as we all see the very poor state your land is in.” He curled his nose at the charred earth. “There have been rumors of all sorts of … ill guests … stirring conflict in these parts.” His gaze traveled over Lucenna and Dyna, his mouth curling. “Yet we are no more welcome than whatever miscreants you have allowed through your door.”
Eldred gave them a look. “Stay here,” he said before slipping past the gate.
Lucenna scoffed at the old elf, thinking he could give her orders. She followed him out with Dyna.
The state of Sellav is none of your concern, Varden,” Raiden said, purposely leaving off his title. “What do you want?”
The elf noble sneered and straightened the front of Raiden’s tunic. I came for the same reason these other fine gentlemen have. To court your mother.” He patted Raiden’s cheek hard enough to hear the claps and Lucenna saw how every muscle in his neck tensed. Now be an obedient son and run off to let her know the Karheim House has come to call. Whatever problems have befallen on Princess Aerina’s lap, I will see them removed.” He turned his back, chortling to the others. After a score of celibacy, she must be pining for someone with the right vigor to share her bed.”
Raiden jerked forward with his teeth clenched.
“No, my lord!” Eldred shouted.
Karheim Guards pointed their spears at them, and the Norrlen Guards immediately drew their weapons. Lucenna filled her hands with electricity. Zev appeared at her side in his wolf form, snarling.
Everyone fell still, tension choking the air.
Varden smiled sharply. “Careful, lordling. You may look like your father, but we both know you’re no warrior.”
Shadows crossed Raiden’s hard expression; his hands clenched so tight the knuckles turned white. Teal light crackled around his fists. Dyna placed a hand on his arm and tugged him back a few steps.
If Lord Norrlen were here, you would never dare insult his House in this manner,” Eldred said sharply, moving to cover them. He will hear of this.”
“Will he?” Varden retorted. “All of Greenwood knows Lord Norrlen is rotting beneath the Blood Keep, Magi Master. And well deserved. Princess Aerina was meant to marry into our Household before he stole her away for himself.” Varden eyed Raiden with an air of superiority. “Your mother was forced to marry a lowborn castle guard when she was already carrying his child, ruining her name and repute. Now that he is gone, your mother is free to right her name again. Would you not want that for her?”
Raiden ground out through his teeth, “Leave.”
Or what?”
Lucenna had enough. She struck the ground at Varden’s feet with a bolt of electricity. The elves jumped back, startled. “That was your only warning. Go before I make you.”
“Fool,” Eldred snapped at her. “He taunted us for a reason!”
Varden laughed as he stepped backward and two of his company in green robes came forward. They had been looking for a reason to fight, and she just gave it to him. His Magi Masters each chanted an elvish word, and a violent, powerful force of magic pulled at the air.
“Cease this, Varden,” Raiden said evenly as he looked past him. “Unless you wish to explain to them why you are here.”
Everyone turned to a about a calvary of elvish soldiers in dark armor riding up the path, kicking up a cloud of dust behind them.
The King’s escort had arrived.
Varden sniffed, curling his lip. “I see Her Grace is otherwise engaged today. I will call upon her at another time.”
He turned away for his carriage. It was a light blue with gold embellishments, flying the flags with his sigil. A footman stepped down to open the door. Once Varden went in, his guards mounted their horses. The other nobles followed suit and returned to their mounts and carriages. The ground rumbled as they rode away.
Dyna smirked. “The Royal Guard seem to have a formidable reputation.”
“They are not the Royal Guard, but the King’s elite unit of armed forces called the Ranger Regiment. They are the most lethal warriors in all of Greenwood,” Raiden said.
“Rawn was once offered a position among them.” They all turned at Aerina’s voice. She stood behind them at the gate, and her eyes watered at the sight of Raiden’s red cheek. She went to him, reaching for his face. “My dear boy, I’m so sorry.”
He sighed and took her hand. “I’m fine, mother. You shouldn’t be out here.”
Keena flew around Lucenna’s shoulders. “We tried to keep her inside, but she was determined to reach her son when that rude elf struck him.”
Lucenna then noticed Von and Klyde standing outside of the estate doors. She moved to join them, but Eldred took her arm and pulled her aside.
The next time there is a confrontation, do not interfere. You are not suited for a battle against a Magi Master.”
“Excuse me?” she hissed.
Eldred frowned at her. The level of your magic is inferior.”
She scoffed, purple Essence glowing on the surface of her skin and eyes. “That is easy to say when you have access to limitless power. But if you wish for a proper demonstration of my power, then I will gladly meet your challenge.”
The Magi Master shook his head. “I do not say so to insult you. Yes, you have magic, but you are untrained and emotional, throwing out spells with no finesse. It is clear you have never had a real teacher, have you?”
Lucenna blinked at him, feeling her face heat. She had no teacher. If only he knew simply using her magic was enough to get her killed where she was from.
“You still have much to learn.” Eldred returned to Aerina and Raiden as the Rangers rode up. The ground rumbled with the stampede of their horses. They dismounted and bowed to Aerina.
A Ranger with short blond hair stepped forward and bowed. The symbol of his rank was embossed on his shoulder pauldron. “Evening, princess.”
She gave him a soft smile. “It has been sometime, Commander Camsen. Welcome to Sellav. I take it you are to lead my escort?”
Camsen handed Aerina a rolled-up scroll. “Yes, princess. My orders are to accompany you and your company to Anduir, where the King and Queen await your presence. We will see to your safety along the way.”
“Thank you,” Aerina said, taking the scroll. Everyone watched silently as her eyes swept across the letters on the page. They widened and she looked up in surprise.
“What is it, mother?” Raiden asked.
“His Majesty has a message for the King of Hilos.” Lady Aerina blinked at them. “What does he mean?”
Dyna stiffened beside Lucenna; her gaze locked on the scroll.
Then everyone else turned to the gardens where Cassiel stood.