SIX
It was still several more nights before I could walk, and when I was finally up and standing, Josiah had me use a carefully carved and polished cane. The thing was probably worth a fortune, and I wish I could say that I didn’t need it, but I actually relied pretty heavily on the little stick. My balance was still terribly shaky, and it was helping me not to topple over at the slightest little wiggle.
The Prince did visit once more, but a man who I did not recognize had strode in before he could ask me any questions, and after a quick whisper in the royal’s ear, they were all off somewhere else.
I was relieved. I didn’t want to answer any questions about the dragons. Although almost every thought of mine was preoccupied with the ancient shapeshifters, that didn’t mean I wanted to share it with the man who was hunting them down.
Did they miss me? Had Gael returned? Did he even know what happened? Was Myrik upset? Did he understand that I had done what I thought was the best option to make sure everyone survived? Did the other dragons understand?
It was an endless crescendo of equally frustrating and non-answered questions that just played themselves on repeat every moment that I was alone and let my mind wander.
So when the Prince did finally return to interrogate—I’m sorry—question me, I was almost relieved at the momentary reprieve from my endless internal onslaught of what ifs.
“My lady,” he said, as jovial as ever as he walked to my side. It was hard not to flinch away. Despite all his charm and hospitality, I knew who he was underneath. Someone who could ruthlessly destroy a race just because…actually, I didn’t even know what his slaughter of the dragons would earn him. What were the humans going to do? Live in the underground cities themselves and become a new race of hermit people? I found that unlikely.
And it was gold or riches, I had never noticed enough wealth in the kingdom to justify all the resources the royals were putting into destroying them. What happened if they came out on the other side of this thing with a net loss? Was that the faceless man’s goal? To put the kingdom in suck a weak position that he could easily take over in some sort of financial coup?
“You look stressed. Don’t tell me ol’ Josiah hasn’t been treating you well?”
“Oh no! He’s everything I could ask for in a caretaker. I was just lost in thought.”
“A dangerous place to lose your way.”
“Yeah, I’m starting to understand that.” I gave him another plastered on smile. “And so to what do I owe the honor of your presence again, Your Majesty?”
He lowered himself so he was sitting on the edge of the medical bed I was sitting up in. He took my hand in between his and squeezed comfortingly. He was much touchier than I had anticipated. It wasn’t in a perverted, or sexual way, but I did feel like it was a subtle grasp at establishing the power dynamic. He was the one in control, the one touching, and I was the delicate little flower that needed his soothing. It was completely different than how Gael, or even Myrik touched me, and it was grating at my nerves.
“I was hoping you could answer a few questions for me. It’s fine if you don’t know, but we were hoping you perhaps picked up on something that might end up helping us. Even if you think it’s silly.”
“I really don’t know anything.”
“You’d be surprised what your mind picks up on in survival situations. For now, let’s just try, okay?”
“Okay…” I murmured.
“So, of course you know that the dragons can shift between a form like ours, and their beast form.”
“Yes,” I answered quietly. “I was…surprised at that development.”
“I imagine so.” He laughed, but it was a gentle sound. “I’ve only ever met one in their human form, and they were discernable from any one of us. You were with them for an extended time; did you notice any differences? Something to set them apart?’
“I…I don’t think so.”
The muscles in his jaw tightened. “Surely there must be something? They can’t very well be identical to us.”
“I think they are.” I could sense his displeasure growing so I tried to think of something that would placate him without weakening my allies. “But I do know the older ones are bigger, and less human looking.”
“What do you mean?”
I thought back to the imposing, over seven-foot Queen. “There are only a couple left, but they’re almost like giants, and their eyes are colors you would never find among true-born humans. All of the ones who are our stature, are younglings. Only a century or two old.”
“Only a century,” he mused. “Their sense of time is certainly different than ours. Anything else?”
I shook my head. “I am sorry, but no. A few have sharper teeth, but that’s it.”
He patted my hand again. “As I said, do not worry. Can you tell us anything about them? Their weaknesses? Things they wouldn’t want us to know.”
“I think the breeding pens sum up about all of that. I know they didn’t want that getting out, as they thought it would incite you more. It takes over a decade for their eggs to hatch, so they really thought this was their only choice—or at least that’s what some of them thought. There’s actually a deep division in their ranks on whether it was the right choice or not.”
“Really? That surprises me. So, they have some form of government then? Or did the stronger, more barbaric ones force their ideas on the weaker?”
I almost told him that their system wasn’t that different from the Prince’s, but I caught myself. That probably wasn’t the right card to play. “I’m not really sure. I only know what I overheard, which wasn’t much. They kept us separate from their inhabited parts of the mountain.”
“Sensible. It makes sense to try to keep you as little in the know as possible, so you cannot use your knowledge against them.”
I nodded. “I was pretty much either terrified or confused the entire time. I never knew what was going on.”
“I think anyone would be much of the same in your situation. But you made it out! That’s certainly something to brag about. Tell me, how did you find yourself in that tunnel? I’m sure that has to be a harrowing story.”
“No, it’s nothing like that,” I murmured. Thankfully, I had anticipated a question like this, and had already created and rehearsed my backstory. “It was all luck, really.”
“No need to be humble,” the Prince said with a smile. “Please, I’d love to know.”
“The dragon I was given to was one of the group that hated the idea of the pens. He thought they were wrong, and would bring more harm than they would good. But he couldn’t say no when they ordered him to find a mate.
“So he would drink whenever it was time for him to…” I trailed off, forcing a ladylike blush into my cheeks.
Another assuring pat. “We understand; it’s alright.”
“And he would drink after as well. Eventually, he grew to trust me. He started keeping me in his presence longer, and I began to overhear things. That’s when I found out that their scouts had heard whispers of a force approaching. They were planning some sort of retreat, but wanted to leave behind something to push you all for even trying to disturb them.
“I knew that this was my gods returning my prayers. They were sending me a way to save myself, and stop hundreds from being hurt. So that night, I…” My breath hitched. “I seduced my master. It was strange, he seemed almost relieved. I encouraged him to drink much more than he would normally, and when we were done, he passed into a deep slumber. From there, I dressed and ran as quickly as I could to the entrance they had been trying to enchant. I never stopped; I was sure that they would slaughter me the moment I did. And then, I finally saw the light, and what looked like rows and rows of angels coming to save me. It was only then that I realized what was going to happen, and I tried to warn them away.”
“You’re a clever little thing, aren’t you? Turning his weakness against him.”
I am not a thing.
My temper was spiking at his condescending words, but I forced myself to think of other things. The sharp line of Gael’s jaw. The way he had felt pressed against my body. Myrik, and how he had carried me to what he thought was our escape, his heart beating against my ear. If I just thought of them, I could make it through this charade without betraying myself. “I know not about that. Only that I had to do something. I am glad it worked out as it did.
“As am I.” He stood, finally releasing my hand from his grip. He nodded his head to both Josiah and I, and I could tell he was getting ready to dismiss himself, when suddenly his eyes widened and his smile broadened. “Oh! I forgot to tell you! More of my men are returning, and they found more survivors! According to the birds they sent, they should be here within the day!”
I couldn’t think of a single thing that could have made my stomach fall farther. I fought valiantly to keep my expression hopeful and not let the horror show through. “That’s wonderful!” I eked out.
“I’m sure you’re anxious to see them again. I will have someone tell you the moment they arrive!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. You truly are too kind.”
“It is the least I can do, believe me. My kingdom is in your debt.”
I smiled weakly, and he tilted his head once more to each of us before exiting, his knights in tow. I let out a long sigh and leaned back against the down pillows propping me up.
“It’s exhausting being in the presence of such powerful men, isn’t it?” the apothecary asked, crossing to help me settle even though I didn’t need that level of assistance anymore.
“Yes, it is,” I murmured. “And it doesn’t get any easier.”
*
I had to escape. I knew that much.
I couldn’t wait for these new survivors to arrive and have them betray me. Sure, it could be Avros, or anyone else who would protect my identity as a seer, but I wasn’t willing to count on that.
So, I spent the rest of the day plotting and planning. It would help if I wasn’t still a bundle of bruising from the tunnel collapse, but I suppose I had to deal with the hand I was dealt. At least I could walk now, albeit shakily.
I was actually pretty certain I could get rid of Josiah and leave the healing ward with little trouble. It was exiting the palace that I worried about. I knew nothing of its layout, or exits, or anything really. I didn’t want to slip out only to end up wandering around suspiciously until daylight and collapsing into a little puddle of exhaustion.
Once more, I felt like I was chasing my mind in circles, until I remembered there was a certain someone who would provide me with an excuse to get out of here and could work as a guide.
“Josiah?” I asked, stirring the man from whatever herbs he was crushing in his pestle.
“Yes, my lady?”
“Is the Duke of Marlonvale still in residence in the castle?”
“I am not sure, but I believe me might be. Why? Did you wish to see him?”
I smiled weakly at him. “If it is not too much of an inconvenience, I would love to request his accompaniment on a walk. I am finally beginning to feel a little bit too cooped up here—although you have been more than lovely, I assure you.”
“Don’t try to coddle the feelings of an old man now. You’re a young, beautiful woman; of course you want to get out and enjoy the company of a handsome man.”
“I think you’re plenty handsome,” I retorted sweetly. “But I appreciate your understanding.”
“Well I was young once too, you know.” He laughed to himself and slid from his stool. “I’ll see if I can fetch a servant for him. I’ll be back in just a moment.”
“Thank you, Josiah.”
He left and my stomach twisted with anticipation. Part one was a success so far. I just had to hope that the Duke was still around, otherwise I was going to have to use Josiah as a guide, and I had no desire to physically accost the man.
Thankfully, when he returned only a few moments later, there was a large, toothy smile across his face. “The gods are with us! It seems that he is still due to be here for several more days. One of the maids will return to us soon with his answer. Or, if we’re very lucky, he might just pop in himself.”
“That would be wonderful, now wouldn’t it?”
Josiah sat back in his stool, but instead of returning to his work, he looked at me almost giddily. “Are you sweet on the Duke?”
“What?” I blurted, surprised before I could recover. “No!” I realized that was much too emphatic of an answer, and looked down sheepishly. “I just…appreciate a familiar face from before…everything that happened, happened.”
“Ah, sorry if that came across as insensitive. You’re a lovely young woman, and I was just happy to see you expressing interest in something so normal. I would not blame you if you wanted to hole yourself up and never set foot outside again.”
“Oh no, I have far much to do for that.”
“Good.” He beamed at me once more before returning to his work, oblivious to the stress twisting in my middle.
The next hour or so ticked by so slowly, I almost wondered if I was stuck in one of those dreams where time never passes at all. But eventually, just when I was worried I was going to have to rethink of a new plan, footsteps echoed outside the door once again and it swung open.
I flinched as the heavy metal slammed into the stone wall. I didn’t even need to look to know exactly who it was.
“Lady Mercedes!” The Duke of Marlonvale said, crossing over to me. “I am glad to see that you have recovered. I was afraid that our last meeting would be the only time we would ever have to speak, and that would be such a tragically short ending to our story, do you not agree?”
Ugh. What a pompous ass. “Quite. Imagine how surprised I was when I heard there was such a familiar face present. It brought me great comfort while I healed.”
“I am happy to hear that I assisted in your recovery. A little birdy told me that you requested my presence? I hope this little tumble of yours hasn’t taken away that fire that made you so interesting.”
I laughed lightly. “Oh no, my lord. It would take much more than that. Actually, I wished to ask if you would allow me to be so bold as to request your escort around the grounds. Josiah has only recently given me approval to be up and about, but I’m not quite myself enough to go on my own.”
The Duke bowed deeply. “But of course. I would be more than happy to, especially since our last stroll was so abruptly interrupted.”
“Thank you, it means quite a lot to me.” I gently swung my legs over the side of the bed, and held up my arms coquettishly for him to help me up. I could do this. It was just a simple game of flirting to get something I needed. Probably the oldest play in the book, right?
His larger hands wrapped around my smaller wrists and he hauled me up. He put a bit too much power into his pull, and I collided with his chest. I tried to pretend I didn’t know that it wasn’t on purpose, and laughed nervously as we parted.
“Sorry about that,” he murmured. “I guess I just don’t know my own strength.”
“That’s alright,” I chittered. “It’s nice to have someone a bit brawny guide me, just in case I slip.”
He guided me to just one of his arms and nodded so resolutely that my cheeks pinkened from the effort of not laughing. “I assure you, you need not worry about falling into anything other than my arms.”
I almost coughed up a laugh at that, but Josiah snorted from his side of the room and saved me from ruining my cover.
“Apologies, my lord,” he murmured. “The summer pollen does terrible things to me.”
“The trials of getting older, I suppose.” I breathed a sigh of relief that he left it at that. “So, shall we begin?”
“Let’s,” I agreed eagerly.
And then we were walking forward and passing through the door that had been the partition of my reality ever since I arrived.
The outer halls were pretty much exactly what I had expected. Everything was towering, and drafty and ancient. There were lush tapestries hanging from the walls, as well as paintings, sculptures and armor. And everything was very, very, very dirty.
I guess they didn’t show that side in blockbuster videos. For having so many maids, the palace could use a good bit of spit-shine and bleach to make things sparkle.
…I didn’t even want to think of what the kitchen looked like.
“So, where would my lady like to go?”
“I would love to see the gardens, if there are any,” I murmured. “Perhaps walk along the outer walls of the castle?”
“I can accommodate that, as long as your skinny friend there can keep up.”
“What?” I was confused for a moment, then realized he was referencing the cane still clenched in my other hand. “Oh goodness! I didn’t even notice that I had brought this along.”
“I’m glad it was a force of habit then,” the Duke smarmed at me. “I was beginning to think you doubted my ability to lead you true.”
“Oh, most certainly not, my lord.”
“Good. Now, where did we leave off, last we spoke? Something interesting, I’m sure.”
“So much has happened, I don’t think I could remember that in a thousand years,” I retorted. “But you’ve already heard of what’s been happening to me on my side, I would love to know what has been occupying your own time!”
“I don’t know if it’s as exciting as saving an entire regiment of the royal army,” he said back jovially. “But I didn’t get myself captured by some flying, overgrown lizard, so perhaps we’re a bit more even than one might think.”
“I’m sure if someone were to be as callous as to make it a competition, the difference in our paths would be quite noticeable.”
“Hah! Look at you, laying down pretty consolations just like an islander. I’ve only met a few of you, but you all could disagree right to my face and make it sound downright lovely.”
“It’s an art I do not mind being known for.”
He snorted, an incredibly unattractive sound. “You’re the talk of almost the entire castle and fiefdom. I wouldn’t be surprised if even that pitiful little village I first found you in has heard of your exploits.”
“The village!” I practically yelped before reigning in my tone. “Are they alright? Have they heard of me? Did they recover from the dragon attack?”
He laughed and patted the hand that was resting on his arm. I was quickly starting to hate that. “I’ve been far too occupied with matters of actual importance to check on the well-being of a tiny little slum.”
“Of course. How silly of me.”
We walked through way more halls than was ever necessary, and most of them seemed empty. I knew from history books that most of the servants were probably traveling through narrow, staff passages hidden from view, but one would think that at least there would be more nobles milling about.
“Where is everyone?” I murmured.
“This is the summer season,” the Duke answered. I could tell that he was really enjoying being the all-knowing guide on this little tour of ours. “Most are traveling to their homes along the sea, or even vacationing in your land. This is the time of year that the castle finds itself most empty.”
I nodded my head, and he went on about another tangent about the first manor that was gifted to him after some great act or another he performed for the previous king. I made sure to keep my eyes open and observe everything around me, so I could retrace my steps if I needed to.
Ages later, we finally emerged into an open hall, with arched ceilings that were flooded with beautiful sunlight. We strolled down the length, and I took deep breaths of the fresh air.
It wasn’t like the healing ward had been particularly claustrophobic—especially not compared to the recent rock collapse I was in, or the cavernous city I had been living in—but even a well ventilated and illuminated room could not take the place of real, actual outdoors.
“I was sure the Prince was going to hog you all to himself,” the Duke continued, and I wondered just how much of his ramblings I had missed. “But I was pleasantly surprised when one of the maids delivered that you wanted to see me and were available to see.”
“The Prince is very generous,” I murmured. “And far too busy to occupy my time unfairly.”
“True, I suppose. But I know if I heard of a woman from a faraway land who somehow survived and almost escaped our greatest enemy, I certainly wouldn’t want her leaving my side. You must have a treasure trove of useful knowledge stored up there.”
“No. Nothing like that,” I assured him.
But then we were stepping out into direct sunlight, and I stopped in my tracks. God, I had missed this.
I tilted my head up, letting the rays caress my face. It poured over me as liquid gold and I took a deep breath, letting the summer air fill my lungs and rejuvenate me.
“You look quite content there,” the Duke said.
“I am,” I answered. “As content as one can be considering the situation.” I lowered my head and examined my surroundings with new eyes. We were at the front of what had to be a garden, with high topiary walls stretching out far beyond my sight. Over the tops of the cerulean partitions, I saw numerous willows, and blossoming trees. It was quite beautiful, and I couldn’t imagine what it must look like on the inside.
“Is there a place to sit inside?”
“Of course. That’s the point of gardens, isn’t it? To sit and repose on the beauty and incredible neediness of nature.”
“I suppose.”
“Come,” he said, pulling me along. “I know of a lovely place by the fountain. It should be fairly private as well, considering the season.”
I let him lead me along. And I was right, it was that much more beautiful on the inside of the bushy walls. The carefully sculpted path was winding and curved in on itself, but I didn’t mind the meandering cobblestone walkway. On either side were hundreds upon hundreds of beautiful blooms, cultivated to perfection.
I saw dahlias and marigolds, roses and beardtongue. It was like a painter had dumped their entire palate in generous puddles, leaving a beautiful, living creation for all to enjoy. I could easily see anyone who was troubled in the palace coming here to reflect, and puzzle over anything that may be occupying their thoughts. I could only hope that it would be as productive for me.
A trumpet sounded through the air, and I full-body jolted, my mind flashing back to the tunnel that had almost been my end.
“What was that?” I cried, my heart in my throat. I tried to tell myself that I was fine. That I was safe and out in the open. But my mind wouldn’t listen.
“Calm yourself, Lady Mercedes. It’s just the criers announcing that the soldiers we were waiting for have arrived with the other survivors.”
Oh no. My time had just cut down from potentially hours to maybe minutes. I just hoped I would luck out and maybe the survivors they were toting were either unconscious or not the ones who would rat me in.
“Oh, how silly of me.” I tried to think of a quick distraction, so I pointed to the closest brilliantly colored flower. “What kind of blossom is this?”
The Duke didn’t indicate whether he bought the abrupt transition or not. “Trust a woman to be enraptured by some pretty petals.”
I raised an eyebrow while my face was turned away from the condescending noble. “You say that often. Trust an islander, trust a woman, perhaps these traits you are observing are not due to anything more than me being a human just like you.”
I was expecting another pithy reply, but not a full-on laugh. “Except you’re not a human just like me. Don’t tell me that on the little rocks that you come from that they teach a man and a woman are the same.”
I bristled at that. “I never said we were the same. Merely equal.”
“Equal? How amusing.”
“Yes,” I snipped. “Hilarious.”
He didn’t respond to my grousing, but most likely because we had reached the fountain he had mentioned. It was just as aesthetically pleasing as the rest of the painstakingly cultivated landscape.
It was made of some sort of beautiful alabaster, and I couldn’t spot any seams immediately. The water inside was a sparkling blue and it was being pushed up through multiple tiers to bubble constantly.
There was something inherently soothing about the sound of gentle rushing water, and I found my stress lowering itself an iota.
We sat at the edge of it, the Duke keeping a hold of my arm. I wanted to tell him to let me go, but I couldn’t risk souring the mood more than I had already.
“Thank you for bringing me here.”
“No need. The company of a beautiful woman is payment enough. You would be surprised how boring it can be to see the same over-painted faces of the available noble ladies waiting in the wings to snatch up whoever they think can support them for the rest of their harpyish days.”
“Yes, that sounds truly harrowing.” I saw a path for the conversation to take, and I took it. “Surely it makes you want to escape sometimes.”
“Occasionally, when they’re proving to be especially tedious.”
I nodded. “How would you go? Would you just head out the front doors?”
He scoffed. “Of course not. That would require far too much pomp and circumstance. No, if I wanted to slip away quietly, without having to worry about teary goodbyes and halfhearted promises to return before the next moon, I would assemble my party and head out of the supply gates towards the kitchens.” He gestured over his shoulder. “The stables are just south of that wall, so it would work out rather conveniently.”
“But are those paths guarded?” I questioned lightly. “Wouldn’t they wonder why a noble is leaving out the servant’s quarters?”
“Not at all!” He laughed. “They all know the lovers who use the path for forbidden trysts, amongst other things.”
“How funny! It seems you have everything all planned!”
“It’s a daydream I entertain more than I should.”
I was carefully considering where to guide our talk next when I heard the distinct sound of metal rhythmically moving against metal.
“Soldiers?” the Duke murmured, equally perplexed. “What are they doing in the garden?”
No. No, no, no!
They were coming for me, I knew it.
It looked like it was time for another Hail Mary before they found me and hauled me off to whatever their equivalent of a dungeon was.
…Probably an actual dungeon, considering the time period I was in.
Quickly, I smashed myself to the Duke’s side. “You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”
He looked surprised but pleasantly so. “Did what?”
“All this talk of lovers, and moonlit romps.” I pushed my face closer to his, so our lips were barely a breath away. “Sweeping in to my room and guiding me like a true gentleman.” I pulled his hand to my chest. “Please, I beg of you, if you find me at all comely, take me on these forbidden journeys of which you speak so easily.” Huh, maybe that was a little heavy handed.
The Duke’s arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me to him with a crushing strength. Well, looked like he bought it, but it would be nice if he remembered that I was recently nearly pressed to death in a cave collapse. “I suppose I could be convinced to show you things that you only dreamed of.”
Was he serious. “Yes, please. Surviving the hell that almost swallowed me just taught me that I shouldn’t waste what precious moments we have.”
“I will come to you in the light of the moon—”
The footsteps were getting closer. “No! Now. Take me to the stables. I can’t wait a moment longer. We should avoid the soldiers, however. You know how people…talk.”
I couldn’t believe this was working, but the Duke stood, sweeping me up in his arms and strolling out of the center we had been sitting in. I thought we might not make it, and it was nearly impossible to keep my composure, but we rounded a corner without any cries of being found.
There was no way he was falling for this, and yet he was. Every step took us further and further from the shifting armor, until we were out of the looming topiaries and I saw a long, simple building.
Neither of us said anything. I guessed he was too preoccupied with the energy needed to carry me. I wasn’t heavy by any means, but I wasn’t exactly a lightweight either. I was too busy looking over his shoulder to make sure the soldiers hadn’t suddenly deduced my plan and changed their direction.
And then we were in. He set me down, and I rushed to close the door. It was heavy, and it took more effort than I thought, but when it slid shut, I felt a wave of relief crash over me.
The Duke was on me in less than a second, pressing into my back and pushing me against the wall.
“My lord!” I wheezed. “My injuries, remember.”
He took his weight from me and I whirled. “Of course. I forgot about your…delicate nature.”
“I am sorry, my lord. I am still recovering. But I am willing. I want to see you. All of you.”
“Impertinent little woman, aren’t you?”
“My journeys have made me bold.”
He shot me an arrogant smirk that made my skin crawl, and his hands went to the lacings at the front of his tunic. I nodded encouragingly, my face flushed with rising excitement.
And just when he looked down, I tightened my grip on my cane, then whaled towards his head with all of my might.
The length of the wood connected with his skull, and he crumpled like a stack of potatoes. Particularly douchey potatoes.
I stood there, panting, looking at the rag doll-like body of the Duke. He was breathing, but there definitely was a thick, red liquid dripping lazily down his forehead. I was in so much shock from everything actually working, I didn’t quite know what I was going to do.
Escaping on foot seemed like it would be too slow, especially considering that my balance was still so terrible. So that left…
No. I couldn’t. I hadn’t ridden a horse since I was thirteen at equestrian camp. And even then it had been with a full tack, saddle and all that stuff that came along with a hobby that was way out of my family’s price range.
I looked once more to the door I had just closed.
…I was going to do it.
I ran towards the nearest horse, which instantly bucked, sharp hooves flailing like diamond weapons.
“Alright. Not that one.”
I looked to another, and picked out one that was just staring at me with bored disinterest. That. That was the horse I would make my getaway on.
This time I approached the animal much more calmly. There was a full set of equipment on a rack beside it, but I didn’t know how to use any of it, so I just grabbed the blanket, slung it over its back and hoped for the best.
I ran—or hobbled, rather—back to the front of the stable and threw open the door. If I had planned this a bit better, there would be a whole lot less back and forth, but I was doing the best with what I had.
Breathing hard, I went back to the horse, found a stool and clambered on.
“Here goes nothing,” I whispered to myself, squeezing my thighs against the animal’s side and twisting my hands in its mane. When I was ready, I pressed my heels into its side.
The horse took off at a gentle trot, moseying its way out of the stall, and then the stable. For the briefest of moments, I was terrified that I might have chosen an untrained beast, but when I pushed my right knee into its flank when we were outside, it dutifully turned the direction I wanted it to go.
Alright. All I had to do was act natural and head for the two gateways I could see a few minutes ahead. I would get out of here, ditch the horse in the city and steal some clothes, then attach myself to a caravan heading out before finding Leryk and his lovely wife again.
I was sure they would have a way to help me, and more importantly, believe me. I just had to make it through this one…last…part…
I had to remind myself not to hold my breath as I approached. I was sure there was going to be some sort of regiment of guards I would have to con my way through, but I saw almost no one on the inward side, and only a handful stationed outward. Two of them were preoccupied with checking the contents of a wagon that was coming in, another was flirting with what I assumed was a servant girl, and the others seemed barely attentive. It was clear their job was to make sure threats didn’t get in, not that potential fugitives didn’t get out.
“What are you doing, Lady Mercedes?”
My blood went cold, and I looked over my shoulder to see the Prince on a horse as well, along with several more of his men.
“Shit.” I looked back to the front and kicked the sides of my horse. “Get me the hell out of here!”
I held on for dear life as we shot forward. My pelvis objected rather insistently to the violent up and down that I was putting it through, but I didn’t care. I could deal with walking even funnier later.
I heard shouts, and people running towards me, but I didn’t let up and neither did my mount. I was going to get away or die trying, and I didn’t think they would try to—something whizzed by me, and I didn’t realize what it was until I made out the shaft of an arrow sticking out of the side of the gate as I raced through it.
That was unfortunate.
I was out, but it wasn’t nearly far enough. More and more bolts shot through the air around me, and I wasn’t nearly in enough control of the powerhouse of an animal beneath me to convince her to zigzag.
She was terrified—we had that in common—but I had to hope that worked to our advantage. After all, wasn’t there an old idiom about not backing an animal into a—
Suddenly we lurched to the side, giving me whiplash that I would remember for a while. Before I could put two and two together, I slammed into something hard, and then a terribly familiar feeling of being crushed shot through my leg.
“No!” I cried, punching my fists against the still warm back of the horse.
My mind clearing, I saw that she had been shot twice in one leg, and it had given out, causing both of us to topple down a gully. Tears of pain and frustration welled in my eyes when I realized that my leg was trapped under her, screaming at me not to do this to it again.
I tried. I really tried. I pushed, and pulled and tried to wiggle my way out of her oppressive weight. Sweat poured down my brow, and every muscle in my being screamed with exhaustion. But nothing I did allowed me to even budge, and all too soon, I heard more hoofprints come up alongside me.
“Lady Mercedes,” the Prince said, sounding so disappointed. “And here I thought we were allies. Imagine my surprise when one of the humans we rescued said that you were not some miraculous escapist, but rather the very person who warned them of our approach and robbed me of the glory we were due.”
My words came out in breathless clumps between my pained whimpers. “You know you can’t just go around listening to rumors.”
“My thoughts exactly. Which is why I wanted to speak to you. Imagine my surprise when I found out that you had mysteriously vanished. Now, I’m sure that you would love nothing more than to tell your side of the story, but this really isn’t the place for it.”
He walked around so he was finally in my view, and knelt beside me. His kind face looked much less like an amicable mask now, and more like someone who genuinely enjoyed whatever he was about to do.
I was powerless to stop him as his hand wrapped around my throat, and he squeezed.
It was quite different from any of the other times that I had been deprived of oxygen, which was beginning to happen with a concerning frequency. Unlike the other instances, when I had suddenly been gripped by the desire to breathe and fought valiantly for a single gulp of air, this was almost a welcome relief.
I let my eyes roll back and my body drift off. I might as well enjoy a little peace and quiet while I could. I knew when I awoke, I was going to be in a much worse situation.