The Twice Cursed

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Fear pulled at Aidan. Meical wanted to see him. Carys' room had been akin to entering a dragon's den. But Meical's room would be like descending into damnation.

Again.

Carys took an unusually long time climbing the stairs and making the loop around the hall from her bedchamber to Meical's quarters. Her slow pace betrayed her lack of eagerness. The raven flew behind them, as if judging their progress.

Aidan's skin prickled as it flapped near him. "Is that bird a familiar?"

Carys didn't look at the bird. "Meical has many Curse Creatures under his authority. The Curse Raven is one of his greatest weapons."

"A little bird?" he joked, aware that it was no mere bird.

"Aye." She nodded. "The Curse Raven acts as my brother's eyes."

He shuddered. "I think it's been in my room," he whispered, not wanting it to hear.

She looked unsurprised. "That is how my brother maintains order. Watch yourself. It isn't just one bird. It can multiply. I've seen thousands appear on the battlefield, devouring the enemy."

His skin crawled. The image of a demonic flock tearing into his flesh was impossible to shake.

Nyx was waiting as they approached Meical's door. Aidan flushed, still flustered from their earlier encounter.

Carys gave a stiff not to the warrior. "My brother is expecting us?"

"Aye." A strange emptiness enveloped the undamaged side of Nyx's face. "Actually... just the Little Dalon Prince."

"Me?" Aidan cringed at his voice squeaking. "Why me?"

"He wishes to discuss this plan with you," she said, her tone too flat. "He wishes to make sure your intentions are pure when it comes to saving Gil."

"How absurd!" Carys exclaimed. "My brother has no cause to doubt his attentions. Aidan is too honorable."

The warrior jutted her chin. "Your brother needs to see for himself."

Carys shook her head. "I'll still go with him. I can..."

"You'll do no such thing." Nyx squared her shoulders. "Curselord Meical is not to be tested. Not if you care for Gil."

The words were directed at Carys, but her gaze targeted Aidan.

Carys scrunched up her face. "I—"

Nyx grabbed her arm. "If Meical can be certain of the prince, you're going to need a dress. We'll see to that while Little Dalon Prince meets with your brother."

Carys opened her mouth as if to object, then sighed. "Aye. Aidan? Just be true with my brother. He doesn't brook lies."

That seemed incongruous for a leader from the land of lies. But Aidan nodded as Nyx pulled her away. Carys' grim face stared back until she disappeared around the looping corridor.

Aidan found himself alone with the raven.

Silence swathed the hallway as they stared at each other.

The bird twitched its head before shooting off in a dark blur toward him.

His heart leaped, but he couldn't duck in time, and the raven struck his forehead.

Fiery pain didn't strike him, instead an icy numbness flooded his face.

His vision blurred, and he stumbled, but still knew what happened.

The raven had flown right through him, an intangible surge of ice. Everything remained hazy, but he was certain that it went through Meical's door.

His sight readjusted quickly enough, but he grew colder as the door swung open. There was no indication whether he should enter. It took two minutes of deliberation to work up the nerve to go inside.

The quarters were also more lush and colorful than Aidan expected. If anyone would have a chair made of bones, he thought it would be Meical.

Aidan's heart sank at the sight of the Curselord seated atop a cushion on the floor. The raven flapped around its master before settling on his shoulder.

Silence blistered, only broken up when someone pushed back a chair.

Aidan tensed as one of Meical's inner circle rose from a desk.

He recalled Gil turning into each member of the circle to familiarize Aidan with the workings of Ghost Tower.

This was Curse Mage Bradon, Meical's most loyal and devious adviser.

The unsmiling Bradon didn't spare Aidan a glance as he took an armful of scrolls and went over to his lord. "Shall I make the arrangements?"

Meical nodded. "Proceed. The prince will agree."

A chill ran through Aidan at the ominous last sentence.

Caught between curiosity and fear, he stayed quiet as Bradon left the room.

Alone with the monster who ruined his life, he struggled to contain his rage.

After finding some humanity in Carys, he still saw none in her brother's empty eyes.

He wanted to believe her stories of a brother who risked everything for her.

But that bit of decency was weighed against a man who used people, launched a merciless attack on innocents in the Starlands and threw Aidan down to hell.

The poisonous silence burned until he couldn't take it. "What do you want with me?"

Meical picked up a goblet from the floor. "I believe it is you who wants something from me." He took a long sip. "You wish to attend the Doom Ball and rescue the shapeshifter."

"Indeed." Aidan nodded. "Of course it wouldn't be necessary if you hadn't sent him on such a foolish mission."

He almost smacked himself. Meical's lips curved, appearing unbothered by his audacity. Carys warmed him her brother would brook no lies, so it might be better to stick to the truth.

"Indeed," Meical echoed. "Although the shapeshifter agreed to the mission. Everyone in my domain has a choice. He didn't have to go."

Aidan's stomach churned as he recalled Shanna's frenzied assertions that there was no choice. "What would have happened if he'd refused?"

"That would have shown selective loyalty." Wine sloshed back and forth as the goblet dangled in Meical's hand. "I've no use for the half-hearted. I would've banished the shapeshifter and his monster of a sister."

The hateful truth stung more than any lie. "That would upset Carys," Aidan said, not hiding his frostiness.

"Indeed." Meical inclined his head. "She would have been ever so cross with me. But she understands that this is my domain. My law is always followed."

Aidan wanted to argue that a good leader showed mercy, or at least they didn't push away useful people. But one look into the man's empty black eyes told him that the words would be wasted.

The raven flew to the top of the bed's canopy, and Meical rose. "I understand you wish to attend the Doom Ball and find the shapeshifter. I've no objection to the plan in principle. I wouldn't mind looking Kieran in the eye and taking what belongs to me."

"Gil doesn't belong to you!"

He winced at his outburst, half-expecting retaliation like Cal and his minions did. Green flames crackled in the fireplace, casting an eerie glow over the Curselord's face. But nothing happened.

"The shapeshifter pledged his service and belongs to me unless he has disavowed me.

" Meical took another long drink from his goblet, far too nonchalant as he discussed betrayal and ownership of people.

"I understand your scheme is to add to my prestige, proclaiming your loyalty to my cause.

I could use such an advantage. But Kieran could easily turn it around.

.. if the shapeshifter chose to serve him. "

"Never!"

Meical snorted. "You think the shapeshifter has that kind of devotion to me?"

"Never," Aidan said, once again with unwise honesty. "But he wouldn't leave his sister in peril."

"You'd be surprised what can be sacrificed after one has spent enough time in the Curselands." Meical tilted his head. "I've reservations about sending you to the Doom Ball."

"I can handle myself."

"You misunderstand." Meical moved forward, pausing beside him, so close it gave Aidan the sensation of spiders swarming his skin. "I fear Kieran will tempt you."

Aidan balled his fists, struggling not to back away. "What?"

Meical approached a tapestry and caressed an embroidered maiden. "There is much that he can offer..."

"I would never risk Bella."

"Perhaps." Meical shrugged. "Kieran offers many temptations. Make no mistake, I appreciate your offer to show loyalty. But if this plan is to work, I need more than a mummery."

"You have my loyalty." Aidan scowled. "I have no choice in the matter."

"We always have choices," Meical said in a frustrating, enigmatic way. "You've heard of Nyx's past?"

Still horrified by what the woman endured, Aidan gave a quick nod.

"Carys wants to go there to find the shapeshifter—indeed, because of the curse, she would need to accompany you. But this is a man who has no qualms about enslaving women with those wretched Curse Ceremonies."

Aidan's lips went numb. "He can't hurt her during the Doom Ball—"

Meical shook his head, "Are you that much of a fool, lad?

Do you truly believe a competent Curse Mage can't find a way around a curse?

There are always ways to do it. My sister.

.. she thinks she has a stone heart. But she doesn't. She ever had affection for the shapeshifter.

You chose to enslave yourself for the one that you love.

Do you think she is strong enough to avoid that path? "

Aidan swallowed. "You think... Carys would surrender herself to save Gil?"

"She would never plan it or agree if she thought it over. But in a split second?" Meical sighed. "Anything is possible. I suppose since arriving here, you've realized your folly in agreeing to damnation. Perhaps you wouldn't have agreed if you'd time to think it over."

"No." Aidan avoided looking at the Starlands tapestry. "I've had my doubts, but I could not live with myself if Bella died. Or any I love. I would make the same choice. Always."

An eerie smile flickered on Meical's face. "So, do you think my sister is different?"

Aidan couldn't admit that he was right. "So you won't agree to the plan?"

"I was of a mind to refuse." Meical took another drink. "Then Nyx reminded me of your heroic tendencies. And that you might persuade Carys to defy me in the vain hope of rescuing Gil. You believe life works like a bard's tale."

Aidan's cheeks burned, but he continued to meet Meical's merciless gaze.

"I wouldn't want to risk you getting my dear sister hurt. And Bradon brought up an intriguing possibility. So we'll go to the Doom Ball."

Aidan's heart lightened.

Meical held up his finger. "But you've another choice to make."

Hopes dimmed by the prospect of a Curselands choice, Aidan lifted his chin. "What is it?"

"I won't endanger my sister's freedom, nor risk losing your blood. So I am prepared to offer a compromise." Meical paused, staring at him as if he could see his soul. "No one can entrap Carys in a cursed matrimony if she is already wed."

The last word almost didn't register. "You want Carys to get married?"

"I never wanted that for her." Meical grimaced. "But we live in a dangerous world and foul men will always crave her power. So, before the Doom Ball, I will have my sister married."

"Doesn't she get a say?" Aidan demanded.

A harsh grin crossed Meical's face. "Did your brother give you a choice?"

It still bothered Aidan. "She shouldn't have to marry just to keep monsters from stealing her."

"Aye." Meical's malicious merriment faded.

"If we lived in an ideal world, I wouldn't have to do this to her.

But even the Starlands isn't that world.

Peasant maidens wed farmers for security, whores marry merchants when they are too old to please and royals are married for political considerations. "

Aidan ignored his pointed look during the last words. "It's not just." He glowered at Meical. "And who would you have marry her? Most men here are no better than beasts."

"Indeed." Meical approached his desk, setting down his goblet and picking up a black dagger. "Bradon has proposed a few. Cal is a good option, and he's sweet on my sister." He ran his finger down the blade. "I imagine she wouldn't be averse to the arrangement,"

Aidan's stomach burned at the idea of her marrying that arrogant jackass.

Meical smiled as if he knew what Aidan was thinking. "But that wouldn't work." He cocked his head. "Cal is loyal right now, but I don't trust his ambitions. I won't have him turning my sister to his side and overthrowing me."

Aidan wrinkled his nose. "You think so highly of your own people."

Meical ignored his impertinence. "So it cannot be him. The irony is that Gil would have been the most promising option. He would have the least incentive to betray me. At this point, I can only think of Old Jan."

"Old Jan?"

Meical nodded. "A fearsome warrior, but over threescore. Between the age and his own curses, he would have trouble betraying me."

Aidan's mouth dropped open. "You want your sister to marry a man in his sixth decade?"

Meical gave him such a murderous glare that Aidan took an instinctive step back.

"I spoke very clearly. I don't want to marry her to him.

It must be done. This Gil situation has impressed upon me that I haven't been responsible.

If something happened to the slippery shapeshifter, it can happen to my sister. I shan't risk her anymore."

Despite the beastly expression, his tone was raw. If Aidan didn't know better, he would have believed the Curselord cared for Carys.

The raven sped to Meical's desk, looking up at Aidan with its soulless red eyes. "There is one more choice." Meical ran fingers around the bird. "It wouldn't be my first choice. But it is the most tidy way to tie up these problems."

Aidan half-expected him to say that he would kill Carys' husband after the Doom Ball. "What?"

Meical threw his dagger across the room. The black blade barreled towards Aidan and he ducked. It whooshed just over the top of his head and a thud echoed when it hit a mark. Uncontrollable trembles ran through Aidan as he turned to the sight of an embroidered sun stabbed with the dagger.

"You will marry her."

Aidan, still shaken from the near miss, barely understood the words. "I... what? I will marry her?"

"Aye."

Shocked laughter escaped him. "No!"

"I beg your pardon?"

"No," he repeated. "How could you ever think I would do such a thing? I don't love her!"

Meical laughed. "What sort of insipid poetry have you been reading? Even in your own realm, love is never a consideration."

Aidan's cheeks warmed at his foolish words. "True. But there is also the fact that I am betrothed to someone else."

"I believe that ceremony was interrupted. You are quite free of any obligations." Meical leaned against the desk. "You can pledge yourself in a Curse Ceremony."

"No! I won't do it!"

Meical's face darkened. "Is my sister so off-putting?"

The anger didn't deter Aidan. "Aside from Bella and my absence of feelings for Carys, I am already enslaved to you both." He folded his arms. "I refuse to chain myself further to your cause."

Meical snorted. "I knew your offer of public proclamations of loyalty was empty. That's fair. I never expected true loyalty from someone coerced. But this would make all the difference."

"Even if I wed your sister, you would never have my true loyalty!" Aidan snapped, too angry for wise words.

"This would be different." Meical tapped his fingers on the desk.

"Your blood... it's more valuable than I ever envisioned.

You aren't just a helpful key for opening the portals, you may be the key to healing the Curselands.

I've discussed the matter with the Bloodwitch and she seems to think even the blood of your children would be useful. "

"What—"

"If you had children here, they would be born tainted." His dark eyes fixed on Aidan. "But they would have Star Magic from the most ancient family in the Starlands. Your children would be quite beneficial."

Nausea assaulted Aidan. "Not only do I refuse to marry Carys, but I refuse to aid your cause by having children."

"And, if their blood can't heal the Curselands, the portals wouldn't be a problem again," Meical continued, as if Aidan hadn't spoken at all. "I considered putting your seed to use, but I worried that your spawn would oppose me. This would be different. Blood loyalty."

"Are you mad?" Aidan snapped. "I won't aid your foul plans."

The room rushed back and pain tore through Aidan's head. It took a moment to realize Meical's magic sent him flying, and he had collided with the wall.

His vision spun as a blurry Meical approached him. "I will not force you. This is your choice. But if you don't enter the Curse Ceremony with my sister, no one will attend the Doom Ball."

"No!" Aidan tried pushing himself up. "I won't!"

"So you'll let Gil perish?" Meical smiled as shadows shrouded his face. "It seems to this land is corrupting you, after all."

There were a few times Aidan wanted to unleash the full power of Spiky on someone.

This was one of those times.

"Why even make the offer?" He struggled to hold his sore head up. "If saving Gil means so little, why ask this of me?"

"You are bringing life to this damned land. I want your loyalty."

Aidan's eyes widened. "You are threatened by me? I am practically your slave!"

"Until the corruption wears away your ability to care." Meical scowled. "The day will come, no matter what my sister thinks of your noble soul. But even when the poison digs deep into your soul, you are not one to forsake your own blood."

Aidan clenched his hand. "No!"

Meical shrugged. "I am offering you an honorable position. Wed my sister and become my brother in arms. But, should you refuse, I will marry Carys to Old Jan, you will continue your life of degradation, and I will still find a way to make use of your seed. A lust potion should do the trick."

"You wouldn't!"

"I allowed my beloved sister to tie her fate to you." He narrowed his eyes. "There is nothing I won't do for my victory."

Aidan's spirit plummeted. Meical's words were true, and he was trapped. His bitter hatred made him want to defy Meical, regardless of the cost.

Then he thought of Carys. The witch who cursed him. The girl who didn't know her own eye color. He couldn't stomach the idea of her chained to Meical's old lackey.

The agreement almost slipped out. Then Bella's image came to his mind. Their fragile promise to wed in a year, their vow to make Valoa a kingdom of legends.

Then he thoughts of his friends. Niall. His mother. His brother. The shame and disgust they would feel if he chose to marry a Curse Mage.

Aidan cleared his throat. "It can never be undone?"

"Never." Meical folded his arms. "Only death could ever part you. The magic will prevent you from entering any other mystical ceremony, so no jilting my sister for that Valoa bitch."

Rage rocked Aidan at the insult to Bella. "Don't call her that!"

"You can fuck her if you want," Meical said, as if he hadn't heard him. "I could make the Curse Ceremony more restrictive, but even I can show mercy. A loveless partnership is bad enough. I wouldn't condemn you to a passionless life."

"I would never forsake sacred vows." Aidan glared at him. "You would remove that limitation just to torture me."

"If you choose to be tortured, that's your choice. All of this is your choice. Again." Meical picked up an hourglass with black sand. "But the Doom Ball is fast approaching and I must make preparations if we're to attend. So do be quick about your answer."

The black sand was piled at the bottom. It would soon be time to turn it around.

"No..." Aidan whispered.

Meical raised an eyebrow. "No?"

"You heard me, you bastard! No!" Aidan growled. "Force this choice upon Carys if you must, but you get no more of me."

"Indeed?" Meical set the hourglass down with an ominous thud. "You may go."

Head still ringing from colliding with the wall, Aidan wondered if he missed something. "What? Just like that?"

"I don't force people into my service. They always have a choice." Meical's disturbing blank expression returned. "You've made your choice and there is nothing left to say. Go. I've work to do. If you see my sister, tell her I must speak with her straightaway."

Convinced he was toying with Aidan, he waited. But Meical turned back to his papers, as if Aidan ceased to exist.

There was nothing to do but leave. But, as Aidan's hand brushed the doorknob, uncomfortable thoughts barraged him. Gil's gifts of books and friendship. Carys leaning against Aidan. The sister who depended on Gil. Friends and family waiting for Aidan.

Bella waiting for Aidan.

"I'll do it," he muttered.

Meical looked over. "Did you say something?"

Aidan forced himself to meet Meical's dead eyes, feeling very much like he was staring into his own death. "I will do it. I consent to marrying your sister."