“More!”
“More!”
“More blood!”
The cries for more bloodshed from the crowd made Selene feel sick to her stomach.
“It will be okay,” Aya whispered in Selene’s ear. “He took that man down easily, I am sure he can take another man down as well.”
“I do not want him to have to kill again,” Selene whispered. “I feel sick, Aya!”
The small man, who had announced the match, stepped into the ring and grabbed Phaelenx’s wrist, pushing his arm into the air. Compared to Phaelenx’s size, the small man looked like a rock next to a large tree trunk.
“People of Zheka, this is your champion, Phaelenx Cobbler!”
A smattering of applause and cheers came from the stands.
“But a source tells me that you all are hungry for more,” the man yelled.
This time, the cheers from the crowd were deafening.
“Release the Tigers!” the man yelled, scrambling out of the arena.
Selene gasped as two large orange Tigers slunk into the arena, roaring and plodding around Phaelenx in slow, uneasy circles. Tears came to Selene’s eyes. They are going to rip him limb from limb, she thought as a horrible sense of dread came over her.
“Baelan, stop this madness,” Selene cried, reaching for her brother’s arm and tugging at his brocade sleeve. “You must!”
Baelan narrowed his eyes. “Stay out of this,” he said arrogantly, tossing his head in the air. “This is my celebration, and I get what I want!”
“Yes, Selene,” Taryn said. Selene gasped – her new sister-in-law had seemingly appeared out of thin air. “This is our day, not yours.”
“Please, it’s inhumane,” Selene begged. “Please stop this madness!”
Below, the ring was going wild. Selene dared sneak a glance down. She gasped when she saw Phaelenx attacking one of the tigers, slicing its throat efficiently with his short sword.
Baelan cheered. “Kill it!”
Selene closed her eyes and uttered a silent prayer to the gods. Please, let him live, she thought. She was afraid to open her eyes. When she did, she saw Phaelenx backing away from the remaining tiger. People in the stands were throwing things into the arena – bits of trash, and weapons, and pieces of food. The tiger roared angrily, standing up on its hind paws. Selene’s heart froze as it leaped towards Phaelenx.
Phaelenx struggled with the tiger. Selene could see his face was shiny with sweat from the hot mid-afternoon sun, and she bit her lip and clenched her hands into tight fists.
For a few moments, the arena was silent as Phaelenx and the tiger struggled together. The tiger’s paws were resting on Phaelenx’s shoulders, and Phaelenx’s eyes were locked on the tiger’s fearsome jaws, dripping with saliva. Selene gasped in fright as Phaelenx twisted free and stabbed the tiger in the chest with his sword, dragging the blade into soft white fur until blood appeared.
The tiger howled in pain before dropping to the dirt. Phaelenx got to his knees and sliced the tiger’s throat. Blood sprayed all over his leather armor, and Selene could see that he was heaving and struggling to breathe.
“Now, that is a real warrior,” Baelan said smugly. “Tell me, Selene – do you not agree?”
Selene nodded weakly.
“Yes,” Taryn said, taking her place at Baelan’s side. “That was terribly exciting.”
Selene nodded again.
“Taryn has such brilliant ideas,” Baelan said, staring happily at his bride’s face. “Tell my sister, Selene.”
Taryn smiled sweetly and Selene felt a hot rush of anger.
“We are going to sail a fleet of ships around the world, and gather knowledge from each and every nation,” Taryn said, batting her eyelashes.
“She is brilliant,” Baelan repeated. “Do you not think so?”
“Um,” Selene said. “Zheka isn’t an exploring country, Baelan. You know that.”
Baelan frowned. “Mother and Father think it is a wonderful idea,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Selene, perhaps it would behoove you to think differently.”
Selene bit her lip. “Right,” she said, glancing over Baelan’s shoulder at Arsinoe and Ashton. True to Baelan’s word, they both seemed thrilled.
“Well? Lady Selene?” Taryn raised an eyebrow.
“May I speak with you?” Selene forced a smile. “After all, now we are sisters.”
“Anything you must say to Taryn, you may say to me,” Baelan said forcefully.
“Please, darling,” Taryn said, stroking Baelan’s rough cheek. She smiled at Selene in such a way that made Selene’s stomach twist. “We will just be a moment.”
Baelan grumbled, but after a few moments, he went to join his parents. Taryn took Selene’s arm and guided her to the window.
“Tell me, what would you like to speak of?”
Selene bit her lip. “Taryn, what are you doing?” She asked in a low voice. “What is the meaning of your romance with my brother?”
Taryn looked offended. “I love Baelan,” she said. “And I love your parents, Selene.” She narrowed her eyes and flounced her skirts. “And if you do not love me, too, that is only your own fault.”
Before Selene could answer, Taryn turned on her heel and stalked away.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Phaelenx
“My, that was something!” Brenna said, placing a large platter of roasted meat in front of Phaelenx. “I could barely breathe!”
Phaelenx nodded. He stared at the meat, trying to summon an appetite. He still felt weak and shaky.
“Thank you, Brenna,” Phaelenx said in a shaky voice. “I appreciate it very much.”
Brenna smiled and nodded, but Phaelenx could tell there was something different about her. Her smile seemed forced and unhappy.
“I am sorry, that must have been very stressful to witness,” Phaelenx said. He took a deep breath. “I was not aware of the Tigers until they were released.”
“Savages,” Brenna said softly. She put a hand on Phaelenx’s shoulder and squeezed. “But you are alive, and that is what counts.”
“And tomorrow it will be back to the shipyard,” Phaelenx said sarcastically. “Just another day of being a hero.”
“Phaelenx, at least you will be safe,” Brenna said sternly. “You cannot keep fighting, you nearly died!”
“I am well aware,” Phaelenx said drily. He stared down at the meat before sopping up a bit of gravy with a hunk of bread. The food tasted like ash in his mouth, but he forced down a few bites before pushing his plate forward and closing his eyes.
A knock on the door startled Phaelenx and he jumped.
“I will get it,” Brenna said.
Phaelenx leaped to his feet. “No,” he said. More than ever, he hoped it would be Selene. He had seen her, up in the royal box, looking distressed during the fight. He hated that she had been there – somehow, it had made the thought of dying truly frightening for the first time in Phaelenx’s life.
Phaelenx pulled the door open and saw Selene, standing there with her cloak in her arms. Her face was frozen in a mask of fear and unhappiness.
“Come in,” Phaelenx said quickly, putting an arm around Selene and bringing her inside. “Why have you come?”
Selene threw her arms around Phaelenx in a surprising display of affection. After a moment, he buried his face in her neck.
“I thought you were going to die,” Selene said solemnly, pulling away. A single tear rolled down her cheek and she wiped it away with one finger.
“I did not, I am pleased to say,” Phaelenx said lamely.
Selene laughed nervously. “I have just left my family,” she said softly. “May we speak privately?”
Phaelenx led Serene up the ladder and into his loft. Thankfully, this time there were no sidelong glances from Brenna.
“What is it?”
Selene pulled a flask from the folds of her robes and drank greedily, wiping her chin and passing it to Phaelenx. He took a long swallow, recognizing it as the same-aged whiskey she had brought down to the docks, months ago.
“Sorry,” Selene said. She swallowed. “I needed that.”
“Selene, what is it? What’s happened?”
“My brother,” Selene said, shaking her head. “He and Taryn…there is talk of using the fleet of ships, to sail around the world, and gain knowledge!”
Phaelenx frowned.
“And what’s worse, I had a dream after the ceremony,” Selene continued, tossing her long hair over one shoulder. “I went home to lie down and clear my head, and I had an awful dream. Taryn is pretending to be someone else, Phaelenx. She’s really…” Selene trailed off. “This sounds stupid,” she added lamely.
“Tell me,” Phaelenx said.
Selene took a deep breath. “I had a dream that Taryn is an evil sorceress, from Glasule, in disguise,” she said quietly. “And now I know it to be true – they must be one in the same, and she has bewitched my family and the entire kingdom!”
Phaelenx frowned. “Selene, it was just a dream,” he said slowly. “You do not know anything to be true at the moment.”
Selene’s jaw dropped. “What, you do not believe me?” Her face turned angry and haughty. “Phaelenx, I swear, this is the truth!”
“It is not that I do not believe you,” Phaelenx said quickly. “But perhaps, have you considered – something else, something very wrong might be occurring? Perhaps the disguise is a ruse – perhaps the ships will be used for far more nefarious purposes than exploring.”
Selene stared at Phaelenx for a moment before getting to her feet.
“I knew you wouldn’t understand,” Selene said hotly. Her blue eyes flashed with anger.
“Selene, do not—“
“Shut your mouth,” Selene said angrily. “I cannot talk to anyone!”
Selene climbed down the ladder at rapid speed. By the time Phaelenx was in the kitchen, she had gone.
Brenna stood there, looking confused. “What happened? Did the two of you have a row?”
Phaelenx groaned. He felt confused and somehow blindsided, yet still like he was at fault.
“I do not know,” Phaelenx said slowly. He frowned.
“Women are hot-tempered creatures,” Brenna said kindly. “I am sure she will come around. I have seen how she looks at you, Phaelenx.”
Phaelenx narrowed his eyes. “It does not matter,” he said darkly. “I could never make someone like her happy.”
Phaelenx tried convincing himself that Selene was better off without a man like him in her life, but the more he thought about her, the worse he felt. Perhaps she had been right – and Phaelenx knew he had been in the wrong for not immediately believing her. But he was stressed and tired from the long fight and the match with the Tigers, and he realized that even if he managed to find Selene, he would have no idea how to apologize.
The next day, Phaelenx woke up at dawn and went down to the docks. To his surprise, Commander Aerdan was there, seated atop an enormous stallion.
Phaelenx bent down in a bow. His knees creaked painfully, but he stayed in the respectful position until Aerdan told him to relax.
“There is no work to be done today,” Aerdan said. His voice sounded distant, far-away. “There will be an important announcement at the castle.”
Phaelenx’s heart sank. What now, he thought. Suddenly, a horrible thought came to his mind – what if the announcement had to do with Selene?
What if it was an announcement of her betrothal?
“Well, move,” Aerdan said, tossing his head arrogantly in the air. “You’ll be late.”
Aerdan kicked his heels into the sides of his horse, galloping off and leaving Phaelenx in a cloud of dust.
With a heavy heart, Phaelenx trudged to the top of the green hill and entered the castle gates. A huge crowd was gathered, waiting silently in anticipation. Phaelenx looked around for Selene, but he couldn’t make out her slight figure over the tall warriors. He found Brutus and pushed his way through the crowd.
“What is going on,” Phaelenx hissed. “Why are we here, and not working?”
Brutus shrugged. “Speak for yourself, I am relieved to have a day off,” he said, whistling jauntily and hooking his thumbs in his breeches.
Phaelenx didn’t have time to reply. A loud trumpet sounded, and everyone looked up to see the beautiful Queen Zornaya step out onto her balcony. She smiled serenely at her subjects.
Not quite so peaceful when I was about to be torn apart by beasts, Phaelenx thought bitterly. But now the attention is back on you.
“Good people of Zheka,” Zornaya said loudly, projecting her voice over the gathered crowd. “I thank each and every one of you for attending this meeting.”
There was a ripple of applause through the crowd.
“Zheka will be going to war,” Zornaya continued. “We will take to our new navy, courtesy of our wonderful warriors, and attack Nasenia, the land to the south.”
Phaelenx felt like someone had punched him square in the jaw. He glanced around, expecting surprise and shock on the faces of the other warriors. But they looked calm – happy, even.
“Nasenia is in the grip of a terrible plague, and their resources are nearly depleted,” the queen continued in a serene voice that was filled with power. “And they will be unable to fight back. It shall be an easy acquisition for Zheka.”
Queen Zornaya smiled. A few moments later, a deafening applause broke out in the crowd. Brutus elbowed Phaelenx and glared until Phaelenx reluctantly put his hands together and clapped.
“How exciting,” Brutus said. “I have always dreamed of going to war, haven’t you?”
“No,” Phaelenx said, shaking his head. Suddenly, Selene’s words came rushing back to him and he closed his eyes and groaned. “I have never dreamed of going to war.”
Brutus cocked his head to the side and gave Phaelenx an odd look. “Phaelenx, this will be a triumph for you! You will go down in history as the most powerful man in the world!”
Phaelenx felt empty inside. “Yes,” he said hollowly. “I am sure that is exactly how things will go.”
Unwilling to hear anymore, Phaelenx pushed his way through the crowd. He had barely made it over the drawbridge when a slight figure threw herself into his arms.
“Phaelenx!” Selene cried. Her face was streaked with tears and she buried it in Phaelenx’s rough tunic. “I cannot believe it!”
Phaelenx put his arms around Selene and held her tightly.
Selene pulled away and tilted her head up, looking deeply into his eyes.
“You must help me,” Selene said. “You must try, everyone else has lost their minds! They seem to think this is a good idea!”
Phaelenx took both of Selene’s hands in his own and squeezed. “They have lost their minds,” he echoed. “Selene, I am so sorry – I should have believed you. Please, forgive me.”
Selene stared at Phaelenx for a long moment before giving a brief nod of her head. “Yes,” she said softly. “I forgive you. But please, you must promise to help me, you cannot let this madness continue!”
Phaelenx dipped his head and planted a gentle kiss on Selene’s lips.
“I promise, I will try,” he said in a low, husky voice. “I will do anything for you.”
As Selene melted in his arms, Phaelenx could do nothing but pray to the gods that they would allow him to keep his promise to the woman he loved.
CHAPTER NINE
Selene
Selene stayed in Phaelenx’s arms for a long time, until the cheers and cries of the crowd had faded. Her heart was thudding in fear and she couldn’t remember ever having felt more frightened in her life.
I must be strong, Selene urged herself. I must not break down and cry.
But the urge to grab Phaelenx and run far away from the shores of Zheka was strong.
“I am afraid,” Selene whispered.
Phaelenx nodded. “I know,” he said. He seemed stronger and tougher than ever before, but Selene her friend was deeply frightened.
“I must talk with my parents,” Selene said, her mind churning and racing. “Perhaps they can make heads of this.”
Phaelenx looked grim
“What?” Selene asked, pulling away. There was a trace of her old haughtiness in her voice. “You think I will not be able to reach them?”
Phaelenx sighed. “I do not know,” he said. “I am weary, Selene.”
Selene nodded. She, too, was tired – her face was wan and puffy and she could practically feel the dark circles forming beneath her eyes.
“I must try,” Selene said.
“Will you find me later?”
Selene nodded. She stretched up on the tips of her toes and planted a kiss on Phaelenx’s cheek.
“Be well,” she said softly. I love you, she added silently. As much as she wished to say the words, they would not come. Instead, she gazed meaningfully into Phaelenx’s eyes.
Phaelenx nodded. “And you, Selene,” he said.
The way he said Selene’s name made her shiver. She could barely tear her eyes from his, but she forced herself to turn on her heel and flee. Selene pushed her way through the crowds, keeping her cloak clutched tightly around her body. There was a chill in the air and Selene shivered, but it was more from fright than the outside temperature.
When she reached the royal compound, Selene slowed down and touched her hair, making sure everything was in order. She stood straight and tall and walked quickly towards her family’s rooms.
When Selene pushed open the door to her home, she was dismayed to see Arsinoe and Baelan seated with Taryn. Taryn had a harp settled on her lap and she was singing in a soft voice.
Arsinoe looked up at Selene and scowled. The annoyance on her face was obvious.
“Mother, I need to speak with you,” Selene said. She forced a smile. “Baelan, you as well.”
Baelan frowned. “What you have to say to me, you may say in front of the lady Taryn,” he said.
“Brother, this is a family matter,” Selene said sweetly.
“Taryn is my wife,” Baelan replied. “Which makes her your sister. Does that not count as family?”
Selene’s heart sank and she bit the inside of her lips to keep from frowning. “Aye,” she said, keeping her voice light and cheerful. “Mother, may I have a word?”
Selene walked into the kitchen and sat down at the stone table. The cooks were hard at work, preparing the evening meal, and Selene dismissed them with a wave of her hand.
When Arsinoe entered the room, Selene breathed a sigh of relief – thankfully, her mother was alone.
“Now, daughter, what is this about,” Arsinoe asked. “You may tell me.”
Selene nodded. “I assume you have heard the news,” she said. “I have just come from court. Queen Zornaya made an announcement – we are going to war, with Nasenia.”
To Selene’s dismay, Arsinoe nodded. “Aye,” she said. “And I think it is a long time coming.”
“Mother,” Selene said, biting her lip. “Do you…do you not think this a bad idea for our country, do you not think it could damage us, or hurt us in some way?”
Arsinoe didn’t reply.
“I do not mean to question the judgment of the queen,” Selene said hurriedly, for in the royal compound there were spies everywhere. “But it seems to me that this is a poor decision.”
Arsinoe frowned. “You should hold your tongue, Selene,” she said disapprovingly. “You know better than to speak ill of Zhekan policy.”
“But that’s just it,” Selene said, unable to stop herself. “Zheka is not a warring country! We are a peaceful people, a people of habits and routine!”
“Perhaps it is time for that routine to change,” Arsinoe said, crossing her arms over her bony chest and frowning at her daughter. “After all, if Queen Zornaya has made the decision, I trust her with my entire being.”
Selene bit her lip.
“And the lady Taryn speaks often of Nasenia,” Arsinoe continued. “She says it is a poor nation – a nation of nothing, a wasted land!”
“So, then why are we invading?” Selene asked crossly. “If we have nothing to gain from Nasenia, why even bother?”
“Daughter, your insolence!” Arsinoe snapped. “You shut your mouth this instant!”
Selene narrowed her eyes and glared.
“And do not think I haven’t noticed the cold manner in which you treat your new sister,” Arsinoe continued. “Lady Taryn is a member of this family now. Your brother is absolutely besotted with her!”
“I know,” Selene said crossly. “That’s part of the problem, isn’t it?”
“Selene!” Arsinoe narrowed her eyes. “What is the matter with you?”
Selene gave her mother a sulky look. “Nothing,” she said. “Other than my family ignoring everything I say.”
Arsinoe tutted and shook her head. “You could stand to learn a lesson or two from Baelan,” she said. “He found a mate, he’s happy now. He’ll have children, be a family man – why haven’t you considered marriage more seriously?”
Just as Selene was about to spit back an insult at her mother, Baelan and Taryn walked into the room, arm in arm.
“Mother, what’s all this,” Taryn asked innocently. “I heard shouting.”
Arsinoe’s nostrils flared.
“Nothing,” Selene said. “As a matter of fact, I was just leaving.”
“Your new sister is being quite obstinate,” Arsinoe said to Taryn and Baelan. “I was telling her of your newfound happiness – and how she should work harder to obtain what you have.”
Baelan laughed. “Oh, she’s found someone,” he said, raising his eyebrow at Selene. “A dumb warrior, really. No one fit for our family.”
“Shut your mouth,” Selene hissed.
“Selene? What’s this?” Arsinoe asked, frowning. “Have you been carrying on in secret with someone unsuitable?”
Selene was seething with rage as she pushed past her mother, brother, and sister-in-law. She stormed out of the room, her face red with anger. I hate them, she thought angrily as she stalked through the royal compound.
When Selene reached Aya’s door, she pounded against the wood with her fist. It was only a matter of seconds before Aya opened the door, looking terrified.
“Selene!” Aya gasped. “What’s the matter? I nearly thought the gods themselves were trying to break down my door!”
“It’s my mother,” Selene said angrily. “And that wench, Taryn!”
Aya gasped again, flushing brightly as she grabbed Selene by the arm and pulled her inside before closing the door.
“Selene, you cannot say such things,” Aya chided her best friend. “She is your sister now! She is your brother’s wife, you will be an aunt to their children!”
“Curse their children,” Selene muttered angrily. “I’m sick of them all. I want to leave, Aya. I want to go far away from this place and pretend it never existed.”
Aya frowned. “Selene, you cannot be serious,” she said softly.
“I am quite serious,” Selene said. She sniffed the air indignantly. “Perhaps I shall stow away on the ships to Nasenia, maybe they could use someone like me.”
Aya sighed. “I am sure this will all pass,” she said softly, reaching out and putting a hand on Selene’s shoulder. “Come, let us take a walk.”
Selene sighed, but she reluctantly allowed Aya to lend her a cloak. They stepped out of royal compound together, their silk slippers growing damp with dew on the evening grass.
“I never want to go home,” Selene said bitterly. “You should have heard them talking of Phaelenx, like he’s some kind of wild beast!”
Aya bit her lip. “They do not know him as you do,” she said slowly. “But you cannot fault them for saying such things. It is unheard of, a friendship between a royal lady and a warrior!”
Selene glared. “You know nothing,” she said. She flopped down in the grass and lay back, not caring that her hair and cloak were now wet. “No one understands how I feel.”
Aya frowned. “Selene, I care for you,” she said in a gentle voice. “Just as your family cares for you. You need to realize that.”
Gods, she’s so ignorant, Selene thought angrily. Instead of replying, she got to her feet and stalked off. Selene walked down the sloping grass at a fast pace, breaking into a sweat as the docks came into view.
“Selene!” Aya yelled. “You’re going too fast!”
Beads of perspiration appeared on Selene’s forehead and soon her heart was pounding with the effort, but it felt good. It almost felt like somehow working off her frustrations, the way she felt, her anger with her family and her newfound frustration with Aya.
“Selene!” Aya shrieked.
Selene quickened her pace. Her skirts and cloak swirled around her narrow thighs as she pushed on, stomping into the wet grass. Her feet sank into the damp ground – somehow, it felt satisfying to make a mark on the ground. I am here, Selene thought, narrowing her eyes as she broke into a run. I am here, and they cannot erase me – or my will!
Selene kept running until the docks came into view. The sun was beginning to set over the horizon and the Zhekan harbor sky was streaked with pink and orange and lavender, beautiful hues that filled the whole panorama. Normally, this was Selene’s favorite time of day – evening signaled the beginning of her own time, away from her family.
But right now, she just felt hopeless. Selene sighed and halted in place, wiping her sweaty hands on the folds of her cloak. She unfastened the clasp from her throat and pulled it loose, shaking her hair free and breathing hard from the effort of her run.
It seemed to take Aya forever to catch up. By the time Aya arrived at Selene’s side, the sun was sinking low in the sky.
“Selene!” Aya panted wearily. She looked tired, but her color was high and her cheeks were bright pink.
“I do not want to hear it,” Selene said, holding her hand in the air. “Aya, what am I to do? What is my purpose in this life?”
Aya frowned.
“Yes,” Selene said curtly at her friend’s silence. “That is what I thought.”
Aya sighed. “I do not mean to be so rigid,” she said softly. “But you have to understand, Selene, I am familiar with your willful ways. And…well, sometimes I think you would be happier if you could learn to conform, perhaps even just a little bit.”
“I am only happy when I am with—“ Selene bit her tongue.
Aya frowned. “With whom?”
“It does not matter,” Selene said quietly.
The sun sunk lower and lower in the sky, and soon the horizon was filled with glowing, pale stars. To Selene, the world seemed so vast and large that it was almost unfathomable. She clasped her hands in front of her and bit her lip.
“Selene?”
“Hush,” Selene said. She frowned. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of movement down at the docks.
“What is it?”
“I told you, hush!” Selene whispered loudly. She reached for Aya’s hand and knelt down, pulling Aya down. “Lie flat!”
“Selene, what’s going—“
“For the last time, shut your mouth!” Selene hissed. “There’s someone down there!”
Aya was silent. Selene could feel her friend’s rapid pulse and she realized she was squeezing Aya’s hand so tightly that her own fingers were numb. She took a deep breath and released Aya’s hand, narrowing her eyes and squinting down at the docks.
Selene’s heart leaped into her throat. There, faint but unmistakable, was the slender figure of Taryn. She was wearing a fur-lined cloak trimmed in ermine – with a hint of disgust, Selene recognized it as one of Arsinoe’s – and she seemed to be floating above the ground by a few inches. There was a faint greenish glow emanating from her body.
“Why it’s Taryn,” Aya whispered. “What could she be doing down there?”
Selene rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t deny that she felt a hint of fear. It tasted like iron in her mouth, and she licked her lips nervously as she focused on Taryn’s distant figure.
Taryn walked out on the main pier until she was surrounded by the newly-built Zhekan warships. Selene watched nervously as Taryn spread her arms high into the air. Green dust glimmered and shimmered in the night air and Selene felt a cold chill of dread as the dust spread through the harbor, coating the ships in a translucent, eerie coat of green.
That was when Selene heard the sound – ghastly chanting, coming from Taryn. Taryn was speaking in a low growl that didn’t even sound like it could be human, and Selene could see that her eyes were closed. The green glow about her figure was stronger than ever, and Selene watched in dread as the ships began to levitate above the surface of the water.
“We have to do something,” Selene whispered to Aya. “That witch, she’s doing something evil!”
Aya didn’t respond. Selene felt frozen to the ground, rooted stiff with fear. Then her instincts kicked him, and she scrambled to her feet. Grabbing Aya roughly by the elbow, Selene dragged her friend away, down the hill, towards the village.
Selene ran until she was sweating and breathing hard. She narrowly darted through alleys and streets until she made her way to Phaelenx’s house. Pounding on the door, Selene prayed that he was home.
“Is Phaelenx home? I need to speak with him,” Selene said quickly as soon as the door swung open. “It’s very urgent!”
Brenna, Phaelenx’s maid, and housekeeper, stood in the doorway with a soiled apron tied around her stout frame.
“We were just sitting down to dinner, lady,” Brenna said. “Care to join us?” She eyed Aya with approval. “Room for two more!”
“No,” Selene said. Then, remembering her manners, she smiled a forced smile and bowed her head. “I mean, no, thank you. I just need to speak to Phaelenx. Please, send him out.”
Brenna smiled mischievously, then shut the door. When it opened again, Phaelenx stood there clad in casual leather leggings and a roughly spun tunic.
“Come with us,” Selene said, reaching for Phaelenx’s hand and pulling him away from the door. “Quickly, now,” she added, glancing over her shoulder to make sure Phaelenx was following close behind. “Before she’s gone!”
“Selene, what’s going on,” Phaelenx asked, but Selene noticed that he didn’t slow. If anything, she had to run all the faster to keep pace with the large man.
Selene, Aya, and Phaelenx ran back towards the docks. But when they approached the hill that led down to the water, Selene sighed with dismay. The ships were dark and gloomy, and there was no sign of Taryn or her mystical green glow.
“She’s gone,” Selene said in dismay. “I cannot believe it!”
“What happened?” Phaelenx asked. He narrowed his eyes. “What is this, Selene?”
“I saw Taryn,” Selene said breathlessly. “She walked to the center of the pier and said some kind of spell, oh, I don’t know! I couldn’t understand her, it was in a foreign tongue!”
“It was frightening,” Aya added in a small voice. She looked shyly up at Phaelenx.
“The ships started glowing, bright green, and they lifted out of the water at the hull,” Selene added. She sighed heavily. “I wanted to catch her in the act, but she’s gone!”
Phaelenx frowned. “That reminds me of a tale I heard, weeks ago,” he said, narrowing his eyes and glancing out over the horizon.
Phaelenx’s words sent a chill down Selene’s spine.
“What did you hear?” Selene asked softly.
“Twas a bard, down at the arena, who told me,” Phaelenx said, avoiding Selene’s curious blue eyes. “A country, a foreign land from here – tricked into attacking another country.”
Selene’s stomach twisted with anxiety. “What happened?”
“The country was ambushed, by a powerful navy, of another land. The navy decimated the country’s ships and depleted all available resources.”
“Do you think that’s what will happen to Zheka,” Selene asked in a hushed voice. “Tell me the truth, Phaelenx.”
Phaelenx didn’t answer.
“I am going back to the compound,” Aya said, her voice trembling with fear. “It is too late and far too dangerous to be out of doors!”
Selene didn’t reply, she only watched as her friend turned heel and fled.
“She is frightened,” Phaelenx said softly as Aya’s slim figure disappeared into the darkness. “You cannot blame her, Selene. Not everyone has your will and your strength.”
Selene furrowed her brow. “I don’t know what it could be,” she said, brushing past Phaelenx and walking down to the docks. Instead of turning and walking onto the pier, she kept going until her silk slippers touched the wet sand at the shoreline. Her feet were freezing cold, but she kept going.
“I wonder what will become of us,” Selene muttered softly, glancing up at the stars gleaming in the sky. They seemed brighter than ever before. The moon was a white beacon of hope, but Selene couldn’t rid herself of the dread she felt deep inside.
Phaelenx put his hand on her shoulder. The silence between them was heavy, almost unbearable.
“I do not know,” Phaelenx replied.
Selene turned to him and bit her lip. In the light of the moon, the rough scars on his face seemed to shimmer, like silver.
“I’m afraid,” Selene said.
Phaelenx pulled her into a close embrace. He didn’t speak as he held her close and stroked her hair. For a brief moment, Selene closed her eyes and rested her head against Phaelenx’s broad chest.
She wondered if she would ever feel the same peaceful calm again.
CHAPTER TEN
Phaelenx
It was near dawn by the time Phaelenx got back to his house. When he let himself inside, Brenna was bustling around the kitchen. She turned to him and raised an eyebrow.
“Had a late night, have you?”
Phaelenx ignored her. He opened the larder and pulled out a few pieces of salted pork, tearing into them with his teeth and gnawing the dried meat until it was soft enough to swallow.
“Phaelenx,” Brenna said softly. “You cannot let that girl become too involved with your life. It’s dangerous.”
Phaelenx didn’t answer. He was just finishing the last of the salt pork when there was a knock on the door.
Brenna raised an eyebrow. “Again?”
Phaelenx frowned. This knocking wasn’t soft and insistent, like Selene’s, but rather harsh and loud. He crossed the room in two strides and pulled it open.
Two young men stood there, dressed in leather and silks. By the arrogant looks on their clean faces, Phaelenx could tell they were royals.
“Are you Phaelenx Cobbler?” One of the men growled. He balled his hands into fists and glared in a such a way that made Phaelenx think he was trying to be a menace. In reality, the man was slim and young, with a mop of fair hair that spilled over his pale forehead.
“Aye,” Phaelenx said. He smirked, leaning against the frame of the door. “And you?”
The larger of the two men puffed his chest out. He, too, was blonde, but his hair was curly and stuck out in a wide halo of frizz. His bright green eyes narrowed at the sight of Phaelenx’s muscles and scars.
“I am Junius Covendane,” the curly-haired one said. He gazed arrogantly at Phaelenx.
“Sorry,” Phaelenx said. “I regret you’re not too familiar.”
Junius seethed. “I am a royal cousin,” he said angrily. “And this is my companion, Tosh.”
“What do you want?” Phaelenx asked.
Just then, another man, equally posh, stepped into the doorway. Unlike Junius and Tosh, he was dark with swarthy skin and black eyes.
“We have come to kill you,” the brunette man said. “You have tried to abduct our cousin, Selene Covendane! I am Regulus Covendane, prepare to die!”
Phaelenx threw his head back and laughed harshly. “I have done no such thing,” he said loudly. “She is a friend of mine.”
“You’re a fool,” Junius said. “We all know you have no business with a woman of such good breeding!”
Phaelenx swung an easy fist through the air, colliding with Tosh’s face. Tosh’s eyes rolled back in his head and he staggered backward, falling on his backside in the pig muck next to Phaelenx’s home.
“You bastard!” Junius cried. “You will pay for that!”
Phaelenx eyed him warily. “Outside,” he said, pushing Junius and Regulus out of his doorway and slamming the door behind him. Junius and Regulus crouched down low, skipping and darting around Phaelenx like a pair of tiny boxers.
Junius swung through the air and his fist connected with Phaelenx’s muscular shoulders, but Phaelenx barely felt the punch. Phaelenx twirled through the air and grabbed Junius by the wrist, lifting him into the air and flinging him over his head. There was a distinct snap! as Junius’s wrist broke in two, and Junius howled with pain, clutching at his wrist and moaning loudly.
“You’re going to die, wretch!” Regulus yelled. He lowered his head and charged Phaelenx. Phaelenx barely staggered backward – the impact was no more intense than being hit with a pile of feathers. Regulus balled his hands into angry fists and beat on Phaelenx’s chest over and over. Phaelenx stood there with a tired smile on his face, taking each punch with ease.
“Kill him!” Junius yelled from where he lay on the ground. “This thug is trying to steal Selene!”
Regulus was red in the face as he continued his attack. “That’s right,” he hissed under his breath as he swung through the air and reached for Phaelenx’s jaw. Phaelenx easily darted out of the way and Regulus went staggering through the mud.
“I do not know what you have heard,” Phaelenx said, grabbing Regulus by the scruff of the neck and lifting him high in the air. “But I have not attacked the lady Selene!”
“Her own brother came to us,” Junius yelled. He scrambled messily to his feet, falling back down in the mud once before successfully standing. His chest was heaving and he clutched his injured wrist to his chest. “He told us, she has been dallying with you!”
Phaelenx rolled his eyes as he looked down at Junius. “Want me to break the other one?” He gestured towards Junius’s good arm.
For a moment, Junius paled with fear. Then he narrowed his eyes and charged. Regulus attacked at the same time, lashing out with his feet in a sharp kick. The attack knocked Phaelenx down to the ground on all fours, but he was back on his feet by the time Regulus and Junius made for him again.
Tosh climbed out of the muck and barreled towards Phaelenx, wailing loudly. Phaelenx swung his leg through the air until it connected with Tosh’s torso, pushing him down. Phaelenx took a dagger from his waist and leaned down, pressing the blade against Tosh’s throat.
“Tell me,” Phaelenx growled into Tosh’s bruised and bloody face. “Did you think it would be easy, killing a man of my size?”
Tosh shrank back in fear. He began to whimper, his chin wobbling as tears streamed down his face.
Phaelenx rolled his eyes. “You’re pathetic,” he said, stepping back. Tosh sat up, gasping and coughing as blood streamed out his nose and over his lips and chin.
“Go on, fight me,” Regulus yelled. “And drop that knife, coward!”
Phaelenx shrugged. He set the knife down in the muck, challenging Junius, Regulus, and Tosh with his fierce gaze.
“Fine,” Phaelenx said. “If the three of you are content to die, so be it.” He growled and swung his arms through the air, beating on his muscular chest and roaring like a bear.
Junius’s eyes went wide and he grabbed hold of Regulus’s sleeve, preparing to run. But Junius slipped in the mud and went crashing down to his backside, pulling Regulus with him. Sloppy brown mud flew through the air, covering them both until their fair skin was completely hidden.
“That’s what I thought,” Phaelenx growled. He reached for his knife and sheathed it at his belt, crossing his arms over his chest.
“He’s too strong,” Regulus moaned, wiping his face free and clear of the muck. “We cannot kill him!”
“You will pay for this!” Junius yelled, his voice as high as a girl’s. “You will pay for what you’ve done!”
Phaelenx shrugged. “I haven’t done anything,” he said defiantly. “And now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go apologize to my father for waking him with these stupid antics.”
The three men stared in silence as Phaelenx lumbered up the steps to his home and closed the door. Phaelenx stood for a moment, watching out the window as they stood up and brushed themselves as clean as possible. When they turned and began staggering back towards the castle, he grinned.
Pathetic fools, Phaelenx thought as he washed his hands in a bucket by the hearth. I bet they’ve never fought a match in their lives.
Darius was in his workshop, hunched over a pair of leather work boots. “What was that?” He called as Phaelenx walked inside.
Phaelenx smiled wryly. “Some visitors,” he said dryly. “Now that I think about it, they were quite rude.”
Darius turned to Phaelenx with a scowl on his face. “I hope you haven’t been fighting again,” he said warily. “You know what that does to my nerves.”
Phaelenx sighed wearily. “Don’t worry,” he lied. “I haven’t been doing anything you wouldn’t approve of.”
Darius set his lips in a thin line. It seemed to Phaelenx that he looked older than ever before.
“Phaelenx, please,” Darius said.
Phaelenx sighed. “I’m going out,” he said. “I’ll be back in time for dinner.”
Darius didn’t reply as Phaelenx left the workshop and strode out into the bright sun. He intended to go to the castle, to find Selene and ask her what in the name of the gods had happened – why had her cousins suddenly appeared, demanding to fight him?
Phaelenx felt troubled as he walked out of the village and towards the royal compound. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he felt an unnerving sense of dread like something truly awful was about to happen.
Just as Phaelenx was approaching the compound, he caught sight of a group of guards. They were clad in armor and carrying spears. Their faces looked narrow and angry as they stomped across the hard ground.
Probably off to coerce men into sailing those ships, Phaelenx thought nervously as he crossed past them.
“You, there!”
“Hey, stop!”
Phaelenx frowned. Or they’re arresting someone in the village, he thought. The thought was disturbing. Between Queen Zornaya’s unlikely announcement of war and Selene’s fears, Phaelenx felt like he had endured enough stress to last a lifetime.
“You, stop!”
Phaelenx turned around. When he saw the guards barreling toward him, he stopped dead in his tracks. His jaw dropped as the guards rushed to his side. They clustered around Phaelenx and pointed their spears in his face.
“What,” Phaelenx said. “What have I done?”
The leader of the guards, a shorter man who looked like he had been crammed into his armor, stepped forward and unrolled a piece of parchment.
“Phaelenx Cobbler, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of three royal cousins,” he read, raising his eyes to Phaelenx’s and smirking. “You are to be thrown in the castle dungeons while you await trial.”
“No,” Phaelenx said, shaking his head. “No, that cannot be true – they came to my home, and challenged me! I didn’t even hurt them…well, much,” he added.
The head guard shook his head. He rolled up the parchment and slipped it inside his armor. “Men!” He yelled loudly. “The chains!”
The other guards stepped forward with chains in their hands, taking Phaelenx’s wrists behind his back and binding his hands together. Phaelenx’s heart began to thump nervously and he could barely move – the chains were so tight, they were obviously meant for a much smaller man. One of the guards tethered his ankles in shackles and then they began to lead him forward.
I have to get word to Selene, Phaelenx thought in a panic. If she thinks I attacked her cousins, she’ll never speak to me again!
The guards hustled Phaelenx over the drawbridge. The small party attracted a lot of attention – villagers hooted and whistled loudly as the guards pulled Phaelenx closer and closer to the castle. Some of the onlookers even began to throw rotten fruit and vegetables at Phaelenx. They bounced off his chest – he barely felt the sting – but the humiliation was worse than the pain of being dragged away without his consent.
Those bastards, Phaelenx thought angrily as the guards took him down a dark hallway that led to the dungeons. They were rough with him, kicking and spitting, as they showed Phaelenx into a wide room with moldy stone walls. Just before slamming Phaelenx in a cell, they stopped. There was a prison warden, and one of the guards gave Phaelenx’s name.
While Phaelenx was waiting to be abandoned in the chill jail, he caught sight of a familiar woman.
Taryn, the witch, slipping into the castle with a hood over her head.
Phaelenx felt a chill of fear. Oh, Selene, he thought anxiously. It’s up to you, now.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Selene
The following week was somehow the most boring, yet the most anxious time of Selene’s life. Arsinoe forbids her from leaving the compound – when Selene tried to sneak out like usual, she was apprehended by guards and brought back to her chamber, hissing and spitting like a cat.
In the morning, Arsinoe summoned her daughter to her chamber.
“Selene, I am very displeased with you,” Arsinoe said. She stood proud and tall with her arms crossed over her narrow chest. “You fail to show respect for me, and for most in the kingdom. You’ve embarrassed your brother countless times, and you have yet to greet lady Taryn with respect.”
Selene frowned, glancing down at the rushes covering the stone floor. When Arsinoe slapped her across the face, she barely felt the sting of her mother’s hand.
“Selene, I am speaking to you!” Arsinoe screeched. “Pay attention to me!”
Selene glanced up at her mother with a dull look in her bright blue eyes. “Fine,” she said, leaning back in the chair and fixing her mother with a haughty expression. “What shall I say?”
Arsinoe sighed. “I have arranged a dinner with someone who might be suitable for you,” she said. “Please, Selene, do not embarrass me.”
Selene stared, expressionless.
Arsinoe glared at her daughter for what felt like hours. “You are a disappointment, Selene,” she said softly. “I do not understand why you couldn’t have inherited more from me, and less from your father.”
Selene raised an eyebrow and smirked at her mother. “Perhaps because you chose a dull man with little wit. Maybe it would have behooved you to be more discerning.”
This time, Arsinoe’s slap was painful as it was loud.
Selene cringed, leaping to her feet and putting her hands to her red cheek.
“You are insolent,” Arsinoe said, her voice dangerously low. “Now get out of my sight. I don’t wish to look at you anymore.”
Selene shrugged. “Fine,” she said. “Goodbye, Mother.”
Selene stalked up to her room where she grabbed a cloak before running down the stairs and leaving the compound. Thankfully, the guards weren’t paying attention and she was able to slip away unseen. For a moment, she considered knocking on Aya’s door. But Selene had not spoken to Aya since that night, down at the docks when they’d seen Taryn.
And somehow, Selene knew that Aya would side with Arsinoe.
Selene left the compound and pulled her cloak tightly around her. The day was windy and gray, with spots of cold rain falling the sky, but after being pent up in the castle for a week, the fresh air was welcome. Selene pushed her hood back until her dark hair was soaked with rainwater. She carefully lifted the hem of her cloak as she crossed over muddy patches of land. It wasn’t until she was close to the village that she realized where she was walking.
The sight of Phaelenx’s familiar home filled Selene with nervous anticipation. She licked her lips and knocked on the door, prepared to see his handsome, scarred face looming down at her own.
Instead, Brenna stood there, looking worried.
“Lady Selene!” Brenna exclaimed. “You’re soaked to the bone!”
Selene barely registered the friendly greeting. “Where is Phaelenx,” she asked. “I need to speak with him.”
Brenna frowned, a deep comma of flesh appearing in her cheek. “Why, lady,” she said uncertainly. “Master Darius and I both thought he was with you.”
Selene’s heart leaped into her throat and she swallowed nervously, pushing past Brenna into the warm, smoky kitchen. She lowered herself down at the table, her mind spinning.
“Lady Selene? Do you mean to tell me you don’t know what happened to Phaelenx?”
“No,” Selene said softly. “I…I have not seen him in days.”
Brenna gasped. She covered her mouth with wizened hands, looking frightened. “Oh, oh,” she said, closing her eyes. “I am so worried!”
“What happened?” Selene asked. “Tell me, tell me everything you know!”
Brenna paled. “That is just it, lady,” she said. “I know nothing. He spoke to his father and said he was going out, and then he disappeared.”
Tears filled Selene’s eyes. “He must have run away, into the forest,” she said quietly, looking down at her hands in her lap. Suddenly, she felt every inch of the soaked wool wrapped around her body and she began to shiver. Her nose began to run and she wiped it on her sleeve, looking dejectedly at the floor.
Brenna sighed. “I fear the worst, lady,” she said. “Perhaps you could…” Brenna trailed off.
“Perhaps what?” Selene asked dully. “If Phaelenx has left, I won’t be able to find him.”
“Aye,” Brenna said nervously. “But, lady, perhaps you could inquire with the queen?”
Selene sighed. “I am sorry, but I don’t think she would grant me an audience.” Selene felt regretful of the way she’d spoken to her mother – by now, she was sure every royal knew how badly she had behaved.
Brenna didn’t reply. The look in her eyes hardened and she shook her head. “Lady, you are a privileged woman,” she said. “Please, use your position for something good – don’t you realize how you could help?”
Selene felt a chill wave of tension in the air and she got to her feet, straightening her wet cloak.
“I should be going,” Selene said quietly. “I am sorry for disturbing you.” She left the kitchen and walked back out into the rain. The drizzle had turned into a heavy downpour, and Selene could barely see two feet in front of her. It wasn’t even midday, but it was almost as dark as midnight.
Selene’s mind was troubled as she pushed through the rain. She couldn’t stomach the idea of going home – not with Phaelenx missing! Maybe some of the men at the docks know where he is, she thought. She broke into a run and ran down the sloping hill, skidding to a stop just in front of the muddy pier.
To Selene’s surprise, the docks were mostly empty. As she saw the completed ships bobbing and waving in the turbulent water, she bit her lip and sighed in frustration. Just as she was about to leave, she saw a troupe of travelers and bards, hunched under the shelter of a large tree at the edge of the woods.
Plastering a smile on her face, Selene stalked forward. She ducked under the canopy of leaves and stood close to the fire, warming her soaked face and hands in the bright flames.
“Lady, have you come with provisions?”
“Yes, lady, we are so hungry,” one of the men said. He was weak and skinny, with dry scaly patches on his face and a foul smell that reminded Selene of her chamber pot.
Selene fumbled in her cloak and pulled out a small leather bag, heavy with coin. She tipped the gold into her hands and passed it over.
“I am sorry, I have no food,” she said. “But you may have this. Where have you come from?”
The two men exchanged glances. The stronger-looking of the two had a small lute hanging from a gut string around his neck.
“For coin, you may have a song,” he said, bowing his head.
Selene frowned. “There’s something strangely familiar about your accent,” she said slowly. “Are you…are you from across the sea?”
The man’s face paled and he began to quiver and shake. “Please, lady, do not tell anyone,” he said, his voice stammering. “We are from Glasule.”
Selene’s eyes grew wide. “And you have come here? To your enemy?”
The man sighed nervously. “Lady, we heard there was steady work, in your harbor,” he said, pointing out at the ships. “We are nothing but poor bards, and we heard promises of food, and honey, and mead, all in exchange for honest work.”
Selene frowned. “Well, as you can see, that is over,” she said, narrowing her eyes. “And what are you still doing here?”
The skinnier man jabbed the man with a lute. “Don’t tell her anything,” he hissed under his breath.
Hot anger flared in Selene and she stepped forward, grabbing the man with the lute by the neck. She tightened her fingers until he began to wheeze for air.
“I am a royal cousin,” Selene said proudly, straightening up to her full height. “And you will tell me what is happening!”
“Let him go, let him go!” The skinny man begged. “Please!”
“I will take back my coin and report you as thieves if you do not tell me,” Selene said. Her blue eyes flashed with dangerous anger. “Tell me, now!”
The man with the lute was turning blue in the face. He fumbled and swung his arms, but he remained as useless as a doll.
“Tell me!” Selene hissed, clenching her teeth. “Or I will have you burned at the stake!”
“Let him go,” the skinny man pleaded. “Please, lady!”
Selene loosened her grip and cocked her head to the side. The man with the lute struggled, pushing himself away from Selene, falling to the ground. He coughed and choked and spat wetly.
“Get up,” Selene said. She crossed her arms over her chest and stared impatiently.
The man with the lute struggled to his feet. “Thank you, lady,” he said, bowing his head. “Thank you for sparing my life!”
“I’m waiting,” Selene said. She tossed her wet hair over her shoulder, turning her back to the fire.
“Glasule is…” The man with the lute bit his lip and cut himself off. “Glasule will attack Zheka, once these ships leave the harbor.”
Selene raised her eyebrow. “That cannot be,” she said arrogantly. “Zheka is going to fight Nasenia, to the south. We are not even headed in the direction of your native land.”
The man with the lute shook his head. “Aye, lady,” he said. “That is all part of the plan.”
His words hit Selene like a sharp punch to the gut. Tears came to her eyes and she began to quiver and shake.
“Lady, do not be afraid for your husband,” the man said. “Perhaps you can tell him to leave?”
“I do not have a husband!” Selene spat angrily. “But we have been deceived!”
The men stayed silent and Selene fumed hotly, stomping the ground with her silken slipper. “That wench,” she said angrily under her breath. “She’s been planning this all along!”
The men looked at each other nervously. “Lady, I am afraid this is quite a shock for you,” the man with the lute said. “Perhaps we may accompany you back to your home?”
“No,” Selene said angrily. She felt as though she was going to be sick, and she knelt over, retching violently until sour bile spewed from her mouth and covered the ground in foul slime.
“Lady, you are ill,” the skinny man said. “Please, get home and back into the warmth. Keep your family safe, lady.”
“Tell me,” Selene hissed through clenched teeth. “Is there a royal cousin of Glasule named lady Taryn? With stunning green eyes? She is very fair, with long red hair and a cunning expression to her.”
The man with the lute frowned. “I…I do not know, lady,” he said.
“Tell me!” Selene repeated angrily. Hot venom was flowing through her veins and she thought with satisfaction of taking the lady Taryn’s pale throat in her hands and crushing it until she could no longer breathe and her face turned purple and swollen.
The skinny man bit his lip and shook his head. “No, lady. There is no lady Taryn in Glasule…at least, not a royal cousin.”
Turning on her heel, Selene stalked back into the rain and towards the royal compound. Of course, she thought bitterly as she headed towards home. Of course, Taryn is in disguise…but who could she be? Why is she doing this?
Selene barely had to think before the answer popped into her head. Taryn wasn’t Taryn at all, but an imposter from Glasule sent to bewitch the royal family and trick Zheka into going to war.
And unless Selene could get through to her parents, her brother, and Queen Zornaya, it seemed very likely that Zheka would be destroyed.
Just as Selene was entering the royal compound, Arsinoe stepped into the hallway. To Selene’s surprise, her mother smiled at her.
“Selene, you’ve decided to join us, after all,” Arsinoe said loudly. Selene’s heart sank as a young man followed Arsinoe into the hallway. He was pale and thin, with a mass of brown hair, spectacles, and a silk cord knotted around his neck.
“Um, Mother, I need to speak with you,” Selene said. Her cloak was dripping water and mud onto the fine carpet of the hall, but she didn’t even notice.
“Selene! You look awful,” Arsinoe said, eyeing her daughter critically. “Please, go upstairs and change at once.”
Selene scowled.
“Now, Selene, dinner is almost ready,” Arsinoe said. She turned to the young man. “Do you remember Freidan? He is visiting us for a time,” she said. “I am sure you wouldn’t want him to see you all disheveled!”
Selene suppressed a groan. She nodded, knowing that playing nice with her mother would perhaps help her later. “I will change,” she said politely. “Do not let me keep you waiting.”
Arsinoe’s eyes flashed with a trace of anger. “Be hasty,” she said. “We wouldn’t want the meat to chill!”
Selene darted upstairs and changed into a loose-fitting silk gown. She dried her hair as best she could and wrapped it into a coil at the back of her neck, securing it with a silken cord that reminded her of the one Freidan had worn around his neck. What a fop, she thought as she straightened her cuffs and neckline in the glass on her wall. He looks like he’s on his way to a pageant!
By the time Selene entered the dining room, everyone was seated. Freidan leaped to his feet, bowing in an exaggerated fashion at the sight of Selene.
“Lady Selene, you are too beautiful,” Freidan said gallantly. “Please, allow me to sit next to you.”
Selene resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Why, Freidan,” she said sweetly. “You just saw me a few moments ago, tell me, has my beauty really increased since then?”
Freidan’s cheeks colored bright pink.
“Selene!” Arsinoe snapped. “Please, do not be rude to our guest.” She beamed at Freidan. “I think Freidan’s comment was perfectly charming.”
Selene sat down with a heavy thump, narrowing her eyes. Across the table, Baelan and Taryn sat, staring at each other. Selene could practically see a ring of hearts floating around Baelan’s head, and she frowned.
“Your mother tells me you have a great interest in embroidery,” Freidan said, his voice rising up to a high pitch.
“Yes,” Selene said.
“Tell me, do you enjoy that? Embroidering things?”
Selene locked eyes with Freidan. “Obviously,” she said.
Just as Arsinoe was about to rebuke her daughter once, servants entered the room, their arms were laden with dishes of every type. The mouthwatering aroma of roast quail and potatoes filled Selene’s nose, but she couldn’t summon even an inch of hunger. Between Phaelenx and the news from the Glasulian beggars, she was terrified. The last thing she wanted to do was eat a sumptuous meal while seated next to an overdressed dandy.
“This looks wonderful,” Freidan said, eagerly taking a large portion of quail from the roasting pan when it was offered to him. “Tell me, Arsinoe, can Selene cook?”
Arsinoe laughed politely. “Oh, Freidan,” she said. “We are perfectly capable of keeping a cook! Selene has no reason to learn – one day, she will be the mistress of her own fine household.”
Selene swallowed nervously. Not if Zheka is destroyed, she thought, sneaking a glance at Taryn. To her annoyance, Taryn was smiling sweetly, her gaze fixed on Selene.
“Oh, of course,” Freidan said quickly. He flushed. “Selene, I believe the last time we saw each other was years ago. Do you remember?”
Selene didn’t answer. Her mind was running rampant with horrible thoughts – Phaelenx, lying dead in the woods. The Zhekan castle, flaming and crumbling to the ground in a mess of rubble. Aya slaughtered like a lamb and bleeding out on the dirt while the royal compound burned behind her.
“Selene,” Arsinoe snapped. “Freidan asked you a question!”
“Sorry,” Selene said, flushing. “What was that?”
Freidan smiled kindly at her. “I am sure the lady Selene is only distracted by the delicious meal in front of her,” he said. “I know I can think of little else.”
Selene glared at him. What a fool, she thought. Can he really think of little else, other than food?
“I was talking of the joust, years ago, where we met,” Freidan continued. He speared a large fingerling potato into his mouth and began to chew loudly. Bits of potato dropped from his lips to his lap and Selene had to make an effort not to raise her eyebrows in disgust.
“What of it?” Selene asked, reaching for her cup of wine. The wine tasted dry and bitter on her tongue, and she shuddered. Like blood, she thought.
“Do you recall?” Freidan asked, looking hopeful. “I told you that you were as beautiful as the brightest day of summer.”
“I am sorry,” Selene said. “I do not remember at all.” She tossed her head. “I went to so many jousts years ago, they’ve all bled together in my mind.” Unable to stand any more of Freidan’s pandering behavior, she got to her feet and put her napkin down on the banquet table. “Please, Mother, Baelan, Freidan – excuse me. I’m not feeling well, I think I shall go lie down.”
Selene had barely left the room when Arsinoe followed her into the hall and grabbed her arm, yanking her painfully back.
“What is the meaning of this,” Arsinoe hissed. “Selene, I warned you!”
“Mother, I am ill,” Selene said. She swallowed nervously, knowing that her chance was slipping away with each passing second. “Something is very wrong here.”
“I should say so,” Arsinoe said, narrowing her eyes at Selene. “You are behaving like a wench!”
“Mother,” Selene said nervously, licking her lips. She stepped closer, her heart pounding like a drum. “Zheka is going to be attacked by Glasulian warships, as soon as our own ships leave the harbor. This whole thing, the war against Nasenia…it’s a ploy to get our best men killed!”
Arsinoe stared at Selene.
“I’m telling the truth, I swear it,” Selene said quickly. “I spoke with men from Glasule, men who came because they were promised work!”
Arsinoe’s mouth fell open.
“I know,” Selene said. “I know, it is a lot to take in! But if we act now, we can be safe! We can tell the queen, and everything—“
“Selene!” Arsinoe hissed. “Have you lost your mind?” She gaped at her daughter. “What have you been doing in the woods, talking to strange men? You’ve gone completely insane!”
Selene blinked. “I swear it,” she said. “It is the truth! Glasule will attack us, and Taryn is behind it all! She’s not a native royal of Glasule, she is some witch, in disguise, out to kill us!”
Arsinoe slapped Selene across the face so hard that Selene’s head spun. She saw bright lights flickering in front of her eyes and she gasped in pain.
“Shut your mouth,” Arsinoe said, grabbing Selene by the shoulders and shaking her roughly. “You are telling lies!” Arsinoe’s face went white with rage as she yelled at her daughter. “Ever since you have begun spending time with that degenerate, what’s his name, I don’t know what’s become of you! I no longer know my own daughter!”
Tears came to Selene’s eyes and she blinked them away.
“I am glad he’s dead,” Arsinoe said loudly, her eyes blazing. “I am glad I ordered your cousins to attack and kill him!”
The blood drained from Selene’s face and she reached out for the stone wall to steady herself. Her knees and ankles felt weak and again she felt a strong wave of nausea break over her head.
“What?” Selene whispered. “What did you do?”
“He is dead,” Arsinoe said. “And I am quite finished with you. Go upstairs, to your chamber, and think. Freidan will propose tomorrow, and I urge you to accept him. No other man will have you now,” she said nastily.
“I don’t believe you,” Selene said. She pushed her mother roughly to the side and broke into a run, darting out of the royal compound. The rain outside had stopped but the air still felt damp and chill and Selene was panting as she ran down the hill and into the village. She no longer cared about dodging piles of mud and muck, and by the time she reached the familiar cottage, her skirts were soaked with grime.
Selene pounded on the door. “Phaelenx!” She yelled loudly. “Phaelenx, please! It’s me!”
The door swung open. Darius, Phaelenx’s father, stood there, looking pitiful and sad.
“Please, Darius, tell me – what happened to Phaelenx,” Selene asked in a shaky voice. “Please, tell me!”
“Men came and challenged him to a fight,” Darius said thinly. “He swore to me that he didn’t do it, but that was the last I saw of him.”
Selene sank to her knees and began to weep, feeling utterly hopeless.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Phaelenx
Phaelenx leaned against the chill wall of his cell and shivered. It was freezing cold in the dungeons below the castle, and water had leaked through almost every stone of the wall. Phaelenx wondered how long it had been raining. The small window in his cell afforded him a little view of the outside world, other than small glimpses of the sun when it was high in the sky.
But the sun had not been out in days.
Phaelenx could barely remember what it looked like.
When the guards had left Phaelenx in the cell, that was the last he had seen of them. In fact, Phaelenx had seen almost no one during his time in the jail cell. The only person who came with any regularity was the aging warden, who slipped Phaelenx what he supposed was food – often a bowl of thin gruel, or a stew with a film of grease on the top and chunks of gristle inside.
It was just as well – Phaelenx had no appetite.
He wondered how long they were going to keep him. He wondered if anyone had told his father, or Brenna, what had become of him.
But more than any of that, Phaelenx wondered what they had told Selene. Did she hate him? Did she really think that he had tried to attack her cousins, to kill them? It was unlikely – Selene was smart and discerning. But she was also hotheaded, and Phaelenx wondered how strong her loyalties lay.
At least there was no news of the war. That was the only comfort Phaelenx took from his situation. He felt cowardly, but perhaps being locked up in a cold cell was better than being forced to march upon a ship and slaughter innocent men.
One day, the warden didn’t come at midday. Phaelenx waited anxious for the creak and clank of iron keys in the locks, but he heard nothing. In fact, his cell was quieter than ever before. Despite the thick stone walls of the castle, Phaelenx often heard normal activity – servants calling and bustling with platters of food, footmen yelling out the presence of the queen. But today had been absolutely silent, and Phaelenx felt nervous.
Perhaps it’s started, Phaelenx thought, getting to his feet and stretching high. When he stood on the tips of his toes, he could just barely see out the tiny window. He closed his eyes, listening for any hint of human activity.
But the air felt as still and silent as ever.
With a frown, Phaelenx leaned against the slimy stone wall and closed his eyes. He knew he should be hungry – his thin prison meals were barely enough to keep a child fed – but he felt nothing inside but emptiness.
Something is wrong, Phaelenx realized. Something is very, very wrong.
Walking over to the bars of his cell, Phaelenx put his hands on the iron and shook until the bars rattled in their concrete anchors. The sound cheered him – it reminded him of his own strength.
“Guards!” Phaelenx yelled.
There was no reply.
Phaelenx banged his fists against the bars. He had lost some of his muscle mass, but he was still quite large and he felt no pain. The bars rattled and shook and clanged, but still, no guard appeared.
“Guard!” Phaelenx yelled.
No guard appeared in the dungeons.
Groaning with frustration, Phaelenx gripped the bars harder than before and dug his feet into the ground. He gritted his teeth together, and using all of his strength, pulled at the bars.
To his surprise, the bars began to extend. Beads of sweat appeared on Phaelenx’s forehead and dripped down the sides of his face as he skidded against the floor, working hard in a desperate attempt to bend them further.
Phaelenx closed his eyes and channeled his energy into the task at hand. He hated the bars more than he’d ever hated anything in his life, and as they bent further and further, he was buoyed by adrenaline and encouragement. This wasn’t the same satisfaction that came in the fighting arena, but it was better – for once, Phaelenx was actually using his strength for a tangible outcome.
Phaelenx grunted and groaned, straining hard against the bars of his cell. They budged further and further apart, and Phaelenx dropped to his knees, panting. His body glistened with sweat and he took a deep breath before getting to his feet and grabbing at the bars once more.
It took Phaelenx hours to bend the bars. The whole time he worked, he kept an ear cocked, listening for guards. But no guard came, and the small patch of sun at Phaelenx’s window soon turned to chill pink evening sky.
Just as the moon was beginning to rise, Phaelenx had made enough progress to slip through the bars. He was a large man, and the task wasn’t an easy one, but he forced himself through and stepped out on the other side, free. He was just relieved he was no longer in irons – he didn’t think he had much strength left in him.
As tired as Phaelenx was, bursting free of his cell filled him with adrenaline. He glanced around quickly before darting up the stone staircase. Thankfully, he passed no guards. He kept his head low and pressed his back to the wall along the inner hallways of the castle.
As Phaelenx walked, his heart was pounding in his chest. A group of guards passed, laughing and chattering amongst themselves. Phaelenx turned his face to the wall and pretended to study a portion of the slime-covered stone. He held his breath, nervous that the guards would pounce and drag him back to the dungeons. But miraculously, they passed without even glancing at Phaelenx’s large frame.
Phaelenx stayed alert and on edge until he emerged from the castle. The castle grounds were bustling and cheerful, and the sunlight pounding down on Phaelenx’s bare head felt like a warm blessing from the gods. Stalls were laden with meat pies, cheeses, and all kinds of fruits, but Phaelenx couldn’t risk theft now – he knew he had to get as far away from the castle as possible. He was a wanted man, and it surely wouldn’t take the guards too long to notice that he’d escaped.
Phaelenx walked briskly through town. He kept his head down, avoiding the large groups of people passing by in the sunlight. It was chill outside, Phaelenx could tell that the summer was dying. When he made it back to his father’s house, he breathed a sigh of relief and pushed his way into the kitchen.
“Phaelenx!” Brenna gasped. She leaped from the table and threw her wrinkled arms around Phaelenx’s muscular frame. “We’ve been so worried!”
“I am sorry,” Phaelenx said quietly. He sighed. “I was tricked.”
“A right dirty trick,” Brenna agreed. “Your father will be so pleased that you’ve returned!” Brenna called for Darius. Seconds later, the old man appeared at Phaelenx’s side and pulled his son into a tight embrace.
“Phaelenx,” Darius said in a serious, low tone. “What have you done?”
Phaelenx shook his head. “Nothing,” he said. “Those men – the royal cousins – came to the house and challenged me. I barely hurt them – they were able to walk away. But I was apprehended regardless.”
Darius frowned. “It is too dangerous for you to stay here,” he said. “You must go.” Darius grabbed a leather sack that was hanging on the wall and began stuffing the insides with fruits and hunks of dried meats.
“I cannot leave,” Phaelenx said. Not without Selene, he added silently.
Darius stared at his son, and it occurred to Phaelenx that Darius knew exactly what he was thinking.
“You must go, Phaelenx,” Darius hissed. He pressed the bag to Phaelenx’s chest until Phaelenx reluctantly took it into his own hands.
“I don’t want to leave without her,” Phaelenx said quietly. “I cannot. I will not.”
“Then you must find her,” Darius said. There was clear pain in his eyes and Phaelenx felt a wave of shame and guilt for hurting his father. “You must find her, and leave at once.”
Phaelenx bit his lip and nodded. “I will wait until dark,” he said.
Darius sighed heavily. “You must hide until then,” he said. “And not here – here is the first place they will search for you.”
Phaelenx nodded. He pulled his father into a close hug, then reached for Brenna and embraced her tightly.
“Thank you,” Phaelenx said, taking Brenna’s hand and squeezing. “For everything.”
Brenna nodded solemnly. “Aye,” she said. A tear dripped down her withered cheek and she wiped it away with an aged hand. “This may be the last time I see you.”
“Don’t say that,” Phaelenx said roughly. To Darius, he said: “Father, I swear, I will send word when I know it is safe.”
Darius stared at his son for a long moment before shaking his head. “It will never be safe,” he said quietly. “You must go. Go and forget all of this.”
Phaelenx’s heart was heavy as he snuck out of his family’s house and down to the edge of the woods. He was starving and parched for water, but he kept to the shadows until he was well-hidden in the woods. From where he crouched, he could see the faint but unmistakable silhouette of the royal castle in the distance.
It wasn’t long before the sun began to set. It had taken Phaelenx so long to break free of the dungeons that the day was nearly all gone.
At least I won’t have to wait long, Phaelenx thought, leaning against the trunk of a tree. He opened the leather sack and pulled out a small bag of dried apples. They didn’t taste very satisfying – especially not compared to Brenna’s cooking – but compared to the gruel and slop he’d received in the dungeons, they were delicious. Phaelenx ate the whole bag without even thinking about it. He reached further into the sack and pulled out a soft flask of water. After just a few sips, the water was nearly drained.
Panic flashed in Phaelenx’s brain. If I must escape, I’ll need more supplies, he thought. Maybe Selene can bring something from the royal compound – if she’s able to sneak out without getting caught!
The moon rose in the sky, shining and white, like a beacon of hope. But as it edged overhead, Phaelenx felt nothing but dread. The stars twinkled and flickered above Phaelenx and he stared at their creamy brightness until his eyes ached.
But there was still no sign of Selene.
Phaelenx stood up and brushed his dirty hands off on his thighs. He’d barely had time to change at home, and suddenly he wished he’d brought more things. A warm cloak, some of his weapons – anything that might be sold for food and shelter when they reached a foreign land. And what of that? What would befall them?
When Phaelenx guessed it was just after two in the morning, he saw a familiar, slim figure making her way down to the docks. Selene was clad in her thickest cloak, with the hood pushed back and her dark hair rippled loose, down to her waist. In the moonlight, Phaelenx thought her more beautiful than ever before.
“Selene,” Phaelenx called quietly. “Over here!”
For a moment, Selene’s face showed alarm. But when she recognized Phaelenx’s voice, she broke into a run. A leather bag swung from her side and her feet moved nimbly over the wet blades of grass with her usual grace as she darted to the woods.
Selene threw her arms around Phaelenx and jumped against his chest, pressing her body to his. She buried her face in his neck. The warmth of Selene’s breath against Phaelenx’s neck sent a shiver of desire down his spine and he couldn’t help wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. Selene closed her eyes and tilted her face up, puckering her lips for a kiss.
Phaelenx pressed his mouth to hers gently, then more passionately as Selene slipped her tongue into his mouth. Lust and desire rose over him like a wave of heat, and he roughly parted Selene’s cloak and put his arms around her slender waist. He could feel his manhood throbbing in his leather trousers and Selene’s body against his own was like that of a mythical goddess.
“I was so worried,” Selene panted into Phaelenx’s ear. She nibbled on the lobe and gently sucked it between her lips, making Phaelenx groan with pleasure. His manhood stiffened and he tugged Selene’s cloak from her shoulders, laying it down on the grass and pulling her down on top of his muscular body.
Selene’s cold fingers fumbled with the lacing of Phaelenx’s leather trousers and she yanked them down his muscular hips. As she bent over Phaelenx, her dark hair fell in long tresses over her face, tickling Phaelenx’s neck. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a passionate kiss.
Selene moaned softly as Phaelenx slid his fingers inside her gown, fumbling with the laces until the bosom was loosened and her breasts were exposed. In the moonlight, her skin looked as pale as silver. Phaelenx pressed his face to her breasts and gently sucked her stiff nipples until Selene was writhing with pleasure. She pulled her skirts up to her waist and straddled Phaelenx’s hips, rocking and twisting until he entered her.
Phaelenx grunted with pleasure, closing his eyes as his manhood thrust deep into Selene. She was warm and wet and waiting, and it seemed like they were perfectly made for each other. Selene stayed silent for a moment, then began to rock her hips and move gently on top of Phaelenx’s muscular body. Phaelenx fondled her breasts as she rode him, pinching her nipples and rolling them in his meaty fingers. Pleasure raced through his body and he closed his eyes, arching his back as Selene moved faster and faster. Soon, the air was punctuated with little cries of pleasure and whimpers and moans from Selene. Sweat broke out over their bodies and Phaelenx found himself groaning loudly as pleasure filled his body.
“Phaelenx,” Selene murmured softly, leaning over his body and pressing her lips to his. She repeated his name over and over, resting her forehead against his own and kissing him deeply. Phaelenx felt the pleasure built into a knot in his lower belly, then explode. His manhood pulsed and twitched, filling Selene with his seed as he bucked beneath her slender body.
The motion seemed to set Selene off, and soon she was whimpering and crying, grinding her wet hips hard against Phaelenx’s pelvis. She bit her lip and threw her head back, sending her dark hair flying through the air like a powerful mane. As she arched her back and rode Phaelenx faster than ever, he knew she was experiencing an intense wave of pleasure.
Phaelenx took Selene’s face in his hands, kissing her deeply. She fumbled with the laces of her gown with clumsy fingers, drawing them tight and climbing off Phaelenx’s body. Selene lay next to him on her cloak. Their bodies were still warm and trembling from making love.
“I’m leaving,” Phaelenx said, sitting up and drawing his leather trousers back to his waist. “I’m leaving tonight, and I want you to come with me.”
To his shock, Selene stared at his face for a long time before gently shaking her head.
“I cannot leave,” Selene said softly. She swallowed and bit her lip, looking distressed. “But I am glad you are alive.”
Phaelenx narrowed his eyes. He felt dread and confusion welling up inside of his chest, erasing the happy calm of moments before.
“What are you talking about,” Phaelenx asked slowly. “Selene, why can’t you come with me?”
Selene sighed. “I am sorry,” she said meekly. She dipped her head and her masses of black hair covered her face, shielding her from Phaelenx’s sight.
“I am not angry with you,” Phaelenx said quickly. “But I am worried for your safety – for both of us! I was in the castle dungeons, and I only managed to escape earlier today. Did you know your cousins went to the queen and told them that I tried to murder them?”
Selene nodded. She brushed her hair to the side, looking miserable. “I know,” she said. “And I wish to apologize, on their behalf.”
“Come with me,” Phaelenx said urgently. He reached for Selene’s hand and twisted his fingers with her own. Against his massive palm, her hand was no larger than a child’s. “Please, Selene – why would you want to stay here? This is dangerous, for both of us!”
Selene nodded again. Phaelenx watched as tears welled up in her dark eyes, brimming over and wetting her lashes.
“Taryn is not who she says she is,” she said softly. “She is a witch – she is from Glasule, and she means to destroy this country, and my family – everyone will be dead. We have to stop them, Phaelenx,” Selene pleased. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and hugged him tightly. “And time is running out!”
“I’m a wanted man, Selene,” Phaelenx growled. “This isn’t possible – if I don’t go now, they may kill me.”
Selene began to weep. She buried her face in her hands and cried, her shoulders shaking and trembling as the sobs racked her body. Phaelenx stared, feeling helpless. Selene was the strongest woman he’d ever met, and watching her cry was more painful than the worst forms of torture. He thought back to the night when he’d first met her – her haughty strength had drawn him in, right from the beginning.
“I’m sorry,” Phaelenx said gently. He reached out and touched her shoulder. “Please, don’t cry.”
“I just feel so helpless,” Selene muttered, her voice breaking with sobs. “I can’t abandon my family now, even if they were very kind or understanding. It’s all because of that witch, she’s seduced them all!”
Phaelenx sighed. He closed his eyes and thought for a moment – what would life be like without Selene? It seemed impossible to think of – even though they had only been acquainted for a short time, Phaelenx felt closer to Selene than he’d ever felt in his life.
He thought about what his father and Brenna had said. His father, Darius, had seemed to understand just how important Selene was. Did that mean Phaelenx would regret leaving her behind for the rest of her life?
Phaelenx tried to think back, to his life before he’d met her. But the days blurred together in a frenzied mess of colors – a blend of fighting and eating and working with the other Zhekan men, joking and laughing. Phaelenx had met his share of women before, and while some of them had been very beautiful and charming – some of them had even made him lust for them – none of them had been like Selene. There was no other woman in Zheka with Selene’s charm, her wit, her biting tongue. Her fearlessness, the way she didn’t let anyone stand in her way.
That’s why Phaelenx felt so puzzled. He’d never felt this way in his life – how was he supposed to feel about everything without Selene?
He couldn’t imagine the idea of going to a foreign land to live, without the woman of his dreams.
“So,” Phaelenx said heavily. “You’re not coming.”
Selene looked at him for a long time, her face streaked with wet tears. She bit her lip and trembled, shaking her head. “No,” she said softly. “I’m so sorry, Phaelenx, but I can’t leave Zheka without figuring out a way to stop this madness. I…I can’t abandon my family, not now – not when they have no idea what is truly happening!”
Phaelenx closed his eyes and sighed. “Are you sure?”
When she spoke, her voice was trembling: “Yes. I’m so sorry.”
Phaelenx opened his eyes and reached for Selene’s hands, taking them in his own. He pressed his lips to hers and kissed her deeply, savoring the moment and the feel of her soft skin against his own. Her face smelled salty, from her tears.
“Then I am not leaving,” Phaelenx said quietly.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Selene
Selene spent a long, torturous night in the woods with Phaelenx. The two lay on her cloak and stared up at the milky stars, trying to figure out what course of action to take. Selene felt an incredible amount of guilt – if it wasn’t for her, Phaelenx would be well on his way to another country by now. And although she wouldn’t have admitted it, not even to Phaelenx, she was filled with gratitude and love that he was staying with her. Phaelenx was a wanted man – it was dangerous for him to remain in Zheka.
And yet, she knew he wouldn’t leave.
Not without her, and not without answers.
Phaelenx decided to stay in the woods. When dawn came, Selene left her cloak with him.
“Keep this, you need to stay warm,” she said softly, draping the velvet-and-fur confection around his shoulders. “I’ll be back in just a little while – I’m going to the kitchens, and I’ll bring you food and water.”
Phaelenx nodded. He hadn’t said much about his recent time in prison, but Selene could tell the week had taken its toll on his body. Already, his muscles looked weaker and he was pale and wan about the face. He smiled gratefully and kissed her before she darted out of the woods.
Thankfully, the royal compound was quiet when Selene arrived – the buzz of the morning had yet to begin. Servants were bustling and chattering in the kitchen, but Selene guessed that most of her family was still in bed. She was just putting some leftover roasted lamb and carrots in a leather bag when Arsinoe stormed into the kitchen.
“Selene!” Arsinoe said sternly. “What are you doing? It’s morning, we have not yet broken our fast.”
Panic rose in Selene but she forced a smile. “I am sorry,” she said. “I was feeling hungry. I did not eat much last night, at supper.”
Arsinoe narrowed her eyes. “You should join us, daughter,” she said. “After all, have you not forgotten our guest?”
Selene suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. “Of course not,” she said haughtily, tossing her dark hair over one shoulder. Just as she was about to lay into her mother, she bit her lip. As impetuous as Selene was, she knew that now was no time for such behavior. She had to be cautious…especially if she was to get away with hiding Phaelenx in the woods for days and days.
“Well?” Arsinoe crossed her arms over her chest. “Will you be joining us?” She leaned closer and sniffed, looking offended. “By the gods, Selene, you stink like an animal! Have you spent the night in a barn?”
Selene bit the inside of her mouth so she wouldn’t smile and give herself away. “No,” she said, not wanting to reveal how dangerously close Arsinoe’s joke had been to the truth. “I told you, I am hungry, that is all.”
“Well, please, join us for breakfast, daughter, and do eat some proper morning food.” Arsinoe sniffed again. “Cold lamb is no breakfast for a woman of your breeding.”
Selene forced a smile. “Yes, mother,” she said. “I’ll be right there.”
“No, you won’t,” Arsinoe snapped. “Please go and wash! Freidan would be horrified at the sight of you.”
Selene nodded. “Yes, mother,” she said again, making her voice meek and obedient. “I will return shortly.” Reluctantly, she set the lamb and carrots back down in the larder and climbed the stairs to her chamber where she quickly washed in the bowl at her dresser and put her hair back in a simple bun. She looked awful – there were dark circles under her puffy eyes, and the scent of the woods and Phaelenx was upon her – but there wasn’t enough time to properly bathe. After changing into a bright saffron gown that hugged her slim figure, Selene made her way downstairs and into the family dining room.
She was dismayed to see Taryn and Baelan seated at the table, with Freidan on the opposite side with an empty chair next to him. When he saw her, he didn’t smile but rather narrowed his eyes.
“Good morning,” Selene said, faking a smile as she sat down. This time, Freidan made no gesture to help her.
Baelan, at least, smiled at his sister. “Good morning,” he said. “You almost never join us for our morning meal, Selene.”
“I was hungry this morning,” Selene lied. She bit her lip as the cook wordlessly spooned a ladleful of warm sausage and beans onto her plate.
Baelan nodded. “Are you feeling better?”
Selene nodded. “Yes,” she said. “I am feeling quite well.”
Baelan chuckled. He turned to Freidan. “See,” he said. “There you have it, my sister is feeling much more like herself.”
Freidan frowned. “She smells of dirt,” he said. “Selene, I’m surprised you wouldn’t consider the importance of bathing before joining others for a meal.”
Selene frowned. “That isn’t any of your concern,” she said sharply, spearing a piece of sausage with her fork and biting down angrily.
Baelan chuckled. “See, sister? Not every man is as charmed with you as you think!”
Taryn and Freidan chuckled together. After a few moments, Baelan joined in and Selene glared, her nostrils flaring angrily.
“Tell me, brother,” Selene hissed through clenched teeth. “What do you know of Glasule?”
She’d intended the remark to be a cutting insult, but to her surprise, Baelan laughed.
“Why, you are forgetting our cousin, Huen,” Baelan said. “If you want to know of Glasule, why not ask him? He married a native Glasulian girl, remember? The orphan!”
“Your cousin married an orphan?” Taryn raised an eyebrow and smirked. “How embarrassing.”
Selene glared at her. For a moment, the words didn’t sink in. Then, suddenly, she remembered – Huen’s bride, Aine, was from a Glasulian family who had abandoned her in infancy.
She leaped up from the table, banging her thighs on the rough wood and cursing loudly.
“Lady Selene!” Freidan said, narrowing his eyes. “What is the matter this time?”
“I’m still not feeling well,” Selene lied. She pushed her way out of the room, stalking down the hall of the royal compound before Baelan or Freidan could give chase. As she ran from her family’s quarters to the main rooms, she began to sweat nervously. Why didn’t I think of that, she thought angrily, cursing her own stupidity. This girl – Aine! – is exactly the secret weapon we need, if we’re to understand the Glasulian ways!
She ran and ran until she was at the door of Huen Covendane, another royal cousin. Selene breathlessly knocked on the door, pounding with her fist until it slipped open. Huen stood there, shirtless and disheveled, his cropped fair hair standing up all over his head.
“Hello,” Selene said, dipping into a brief curtsey. “May I speak with your wife?”
Huen narrowed his eyes. “Selene? Is everything all right?”
“Not really,” Selene said, pushing past Huen and walking into their dwelling.
Upon marriage, Huen and Aine had been given a small royal apartment by the queen. It was rather tiny by Zhekan standards, only ten rooms, and it didn’t take Selene long to find Aine. The young woman was sitting by the window in the kitchen, staring dreamily outside.
“Hello,” Selene said awkwardly. “I am Selene – I’m a cousin of your husband’s,” she added.
Aine smiled. “I remember you,” she said. She stood up, the masses of her fair, curly hair falling over one shoulder. She was shorter than Selene but seemed infinitely more comfortable in her own skin.
Perhaps it is a quality native to the Glasulian people, Selene thought, furrowing her brow.
“May I help you?” Aine asked, looking slightly less comfortable. “Is something the matter?”
Selene sighed and nodded. “Yes,” she said stiffly. She glanced around. “Is there…is there someplace safe, where we may talk?”
Aine looked more perplexed than ever, but she nodded and led Selene into a small chamber filled with sewing and silks.
“My sewing room,” Aine explained. “I’ve never been fond of it, but I find I’m rather gifted.”
Selene nodded, glancing around and feeling distracted. She knew she should be careful – after all, they could be overhead at any time.
“Perhaps we should speak outdoors,” Selene said. “Can you meet me at the edge of the woods, in exactly one hour?”
Aine narrowed her brow but nodded slowly. “Aye.”
Grateful, Selene pulled her into a surprise embrace. “Thank you,” she whispered hotly in Aine’s ear. “This means very much to me.”
Selene walked back to her family’s apartments, where she snuck into the kitchen and put together a small feast of leftover meat and cheese for Phaelenx. After packing everything into a bag and grabbing a few flasks of water and mead, Selene ran to her room where she fetched two more cloaks. Packing everything into a bundle, she left the royal compound and ran to the edge of the woods.
Phaelenx was asleep when Selene dropped to her knees beside him. She dipped her head to his and kissed his forehead until Phaelenx stirred and opened his eyes.
“I think I may have found someone who can help,” Selene whispered excitedly. “She’s going to meet us here!”
Phaelenx opened his eyes wide with alarm. “Selene, is she safe? Can we trust her?”
Selene bit her lip. “I hope so,” she said softly. “Because otherwise, I have no idea what to do.”
The two waited in silence for Aine’s arrival. Phaelenx tore into the bread and meat, gnawing at the lamb until he looked satisfied and healthier than he had in days. They shared a flask of mead, nervously passing it back and forth until a rustle in the bushes made Selene’s eyes dart up in alarm.
She was surprised to see not just Aine, but Huen – as well as Aerdan, the future High Commander, and his wife, Angelica. Aerdan was another royal cousin, born and bred in Zheka, the son of Queen Zornaya. But Angelica was from a foreign land, a land that none of the others had ever heard of.
“Hello,” Selene said nervously. “I hope you have not come to arrest me.”
Aine shook her head.
“My wife was quite worried at what you said,” Huen said, narrowing his eyes. “Tell me, Selene – does this have anything to do with your brother and his recent marriage?”
Selene bit her lip. “Yes,” she said. “Well, yes and no. His marriage, not so much.”
“But his bride?”
Selene nodded. “Yes,” she said stiffly. “I believe the lady Taryn to be….”
“Well?” Huen raised his brow. “What do you believe, cousin?”
Selene swallowed. “An imposter,” she said softly. “I believe she is hiding something dangerous, and I believe she is controlling my brother.”
Huen burst out laughing and Selene narrowed her eyes, glaring at him. “I do not see what is so funny,” she said stiffly. “Please, enlighten me.”
Huen was gasping for air, clutching at his stomach as he doubled over. “Nothing,” he managed to sputter. “It is just—“
“That is exactly what he has been saying for the past few weeks,” Aine interrupted, glancing at her husband. “I have told him, we must give her a chance.”
Selene shook her head quickly. “No,” she said softly. “I…I do not think that would help anything.” She swallowed, then began telling the small group everything – from the lady Taryn’s suspicious behavior to the night she’d made the ships glow, to the sudden urge for war.
Aerdan stared at her, dumbfounded. He blinked. “I…I cannot believe this,” he said. He frowned deeply. Angelica put a hand on his shoulder and rubbed in a comforting way, but Aerdan continued to look stormy and upset.
“What?” Selene asked. “What is it?”
“I…I cannot explain it,” Aerdan said quietly. “But you’re right. When Mother told me we were to attack Nasenia, it seemed nothing but good. But that cannot be the purpose of these ships – we will have far too small a fleet to defeat any other country except a tiny one, one that isn’t important to us at all. Nasenia has no resources – there is no reason, other than pure greed.”
Selene’s heart began to thump in her chest and she blinked. Somehow, hearing her cousin Aerdan confirm her worst fears just made them all the more real in her chest. She reached for Phaelenx’s hand and squeezed it nervously.
“Aine,” Selene said nervously. “Please, help us.”
Aine shrugged and looked helpless. “I want to help you, very much,” she said quickly. “But…I was raised here, in Zheka – I know little of Glasule, other than the native language.”
Selene buried her face in her hands. She was too scared to even cry. “You can’t…I don’t know, sense anything? That they’re planning to attack?”
Aine shook her head. “No,” she said. “I am sorry. I desperately wish I could help you, Selene.”
“I am going to talk to my mother about this at once,” Aerdan said angrily. He got to his feet. “She needs to know that something strange is going on.”
“Do you think she will believe you?” Selene asked quietly. “What if she dismisses your concerns, just as my parents have done?”
“I am the future High Commander,” Aerdan said sharply. “If she does not listen to me, she is no queen.”
Aerdan snorted arrogantly as he turned on his heel and broke into a run. Selene and the others watched in silence as he disappeared from sight.
“Now what are we going to do,” Angelica whispered softly. She, too, looked dismayed.
“I do not know,” Selene said. She closed her eyes and sighed deeply.
“We can’t let that witch ruin us,” Huen said angrily. He looked at Selene and shook his head. “I have been saying that ever since the lady came to join our family. I know Baelan, better than anyone else in this land. And he would never fall so quickly for some foreign witch!”
Aine looked almost hurt. “You say that,” she said. “But you fell in love with me, did you not? And I am not native,” she added.
Huen shook his head. “Of course, love,” he said, reaching out and stroking Aine’s mass of curly hair. “But we were different. We trusted each other, we knew each other.”
Selene fell silent. She and Phaelenx exchanged a worried glance. Throughout all the chaos, they had still not yet discussed the status of their relationship. Selene had come to realize that she loved Phaelenx…when she’d thought he was going to leave her alone, she’d been heartbroken. But now she realized that all talk of relationships was going to have to wait until things were restored to normal. Now was no time for normal conversations.
Now was time for action.
If only they knew what to do!
“Look,” Angelica said, scrambling to her feet. She shielded her eyes from the sun and pointed to the horizon. “Men, and they’re coming from the castle!”
Selene felt a cold rush of dread fill her body. “They’re coming for us,” she said softly. “Quickly, everyone! Hide! Into the woods!”
“No,” Angelica said. She narrowed her eyes. “It doesn’t look that way, Selene. Look.”
Selene’s heart was thumping with fear as she stood at the edge of the wood and looked out. Sure enough, a long line of men stretched from the castle to the large sloping hill by the harbor. Men, marching two by two, were clad in unfamiliar uniforms. Selene bit her lip.
“They’re going to the ships,” Selene murmured. “They’re getting ready to leave!”
Angelica’s face turned white with panic. “Aerdan has still not yet returned,” she said slowly. “We must find him!”
Selene grabbed her sleeve. “No!” She hissed. “You mustn’t be seen, Angelica! They could find us!”
Angelica ripped her arm free. “He is my husband,” she said, her eyes blazing. “I must warn him!”
Before Selene could stop her, Angelica pulled loose and began running up the hill towards the castle. Some of the men spotted her – they stopped in their tracks and Selene could see their eyes following Angelica’s lanky frame as she ran awkwardly in her velvet gown.
That’s when the men gazed to the woods. Selene locked eyes with one of the soldiers. He was a familiar face, someone she had seen before.
“Brutus,” Phaelenx said softly. “Look, Selene. It is all the warriors – the men who built those ships. They are going to sail.”
Selene reached for Phaelenx’s hand and clutched it tightly. She was filled with fear and dread. Brutus glanced past her and she cringed at the look in his eyes – she could tell he saw Phaelenx hiding in the woods.
Brutus broke rank with the men and jogged towards them. His mouth was set in a grim line.
“Phaelenx,” Brutus said, panting. He was clad in heavy golden armor that had to weigh at least seventy pounds. “I have been looking for you!”
“Aye,” Phaelenx said. Selene bit her lip at the tone of his voice – he sounded tired and defeated.
“You must come with us,” Brutus said. “We are to set sail for Nasenia and attack immediately.”
“No!” Selene yelled. “You cannot go!”
Brutus stared at her in alarm. “Lady, surely you wish for this man to bring glory to you, and to all Zhekans? He must come and fight – it is what the queen has demanded!”
Selene stood proud and tall, staring Brutus right in the eyes. He was a large man – almost as large as Phaelenx – yet she felt no fear of him.
Phaelenx brushed past Selene.
“No,” Selene yelled again. She reached for Phaelenx’s hand and grabbed it, stopping him in his tracks. When he turned, she looked at him with pleading eyes. “You cannot leave!” Selene said fiercely. “You will die!”
A small smile crept across Phaelenx’s face. “Lady, I appreciate your worry,” he said. He leaned in close and winked. “But do not be afraid, Selene. I have a plan.” He took Selene’s fingers to his mouth and kissed them.
Selene closed her eyes. Aine put a comforting hand on her shoulder and squeezed.
“I, too, will go,” Huen said bravely. He looked at Aine with love in his eyes. “It is my duty.”
Selene and Aine stood together, clasping their hands tightly as they watched Phaelenx and Huen disappear into the long line of soldiers.
“What are we to do,” Aine murmured. “Now that they have gone?”
“I do not know,” Selene said bitterly. “We must think of something.”
Aine looked at her, and Selene saw clear fear in the girl’s face.
“We must be strong,” Selene said. She forced a smile, feeling sick. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Baelan marching by with the other soldiers. “I am sure Phaelenx has a plan – he would not have left if he wasn’t prepared to fight.”
Aine nodded wordlessly.
At least, that is what I hope, Selene thought as she watched the last of the men make their way into the harbor. I cannot let my trust in Phaelenx waiver.
But as the ships began to pull out of the harbor with their sails whipping in the wind, Selene felt more nervous than ever before.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Phaelenx
“We’re leaving now?” Phaelenx turned to Brutus with concern etched on his face. “Are you sure?”
Brutus nodded. “Aye,” he said. He narrowed his eyes. “What were you doing in the woods?”
“Nothing,” Phaelenx lied. He glanced around, looking at the long line of Zhekan men stretching from the harbor to the castle. It seemed to him that he’d never seen so many people assembled in one place. There was an undercurrent of tension running through the crowd, a kind of masculine energy that Phaelenx had only felt a few times in his life – and usually, those times were right before a large match in the arena.
“Phaelenx,” Brutus said in a warning tone. “You are missing your armor.”
“I’ll be fine,” Phaelenx said. A shiver ran down his spine. These men don’t know how to wage war, he thought as he looked around. The men all wore similar expressions – focused and intense – but that did little to calm Phaelenx’s nerves. He knew the war would be a disaster. These men had never taken orders as a group – they’d never done anything, aside from skirmish in the arena. At best, a few of them had killed other men. Phaelenx was a skilled warrior, but he knew there was a big difference between fighting for sport and fighting for spoils.
“Men!”
Phaelenx looked up to see a small man – likely the overseer from the docks – standing straight and tall at the prow of the largest ship. The men hooted and cheered, hollering loudly and punching the air with their fists. The cold rays of the sun gleamed off their armor, and Phaelenx felt both naked and exposed in his usual leather leggings and muslin tunic.
“We are to bring glory to Zheka!” The overseer yelled. He smiled wickedly down at the men. “I am your captain – you may call me Captain Labrax!”
The men fell silent. Phaelenx fought the urge to look behind him, to see if Selene and the others had followed the men down to the docks. But when he finally looked around, there was no sight of Selene. All he could see was an endless sea of men, all clad in shining, brand new armor.
“You may cheer for me,” Labrax said, narrowing his eyes and crossing his arms over his puny chest. “For I will lead you all to victory!”
The men cheered again, and Phaelenx had the oddest sense that their cries of adulation were genuine.
“How exciting this is,” Brutus said, clapping his hands loudly. “Why, Phaelenx, aren’t you pleased?”
“Thrilled,” Phaelenx muttered under his breath. When he realized he was the only man not clapping, he put his hands together in a reluctant display of gratitude.
“Now, men, this is where your first challenge lies,” Labrax continued. Like the men, he was clad in shining armor, but a large hat with a feather was perched on his head. He looked as if he was about to take part in a staged play. “You must divide yourselves accordingly. This is the largest ship,” he said proudly, gesturing behind him to a large schooner. Phaelenx frowned – he remembered being on his hands and knees, scrubbing the deck until it shone like polished caramel.
The crowd fell silent.
“Men, I want the strongest of you to step forward,” Labrax continued. “Don’t be shy.” He put his hand over his eyes to shield his gaze from the sun and looked out over the large crowd assembled before him. “You, there!”
Phaelenx stepped forward and cleared his throat, puffing out his chest. “Aye?”
“You are to be my first mate,” Labrax said. He smiled coldly.
Phaelenx nodded.
“You may thank me, for my kindness,” Labrax added sternly. “Lest I have you thrown overboard.”
Phaelenx chuckled. “You wouldn’t dare do such a thing,” he said.
Labrax’s nostrils flared and he tossed his head arrogantly. “And why not?”
Phaelenx snorted. “Because, as you have said, I am the strongest of all Zhekan men,” he said. “And losing me certainly wouldn’t help you.”
Labrax looked angry, but he gave a brief shake of his head before smiling again. “Fine,” he said. “Then you may choose the rest of your crew. Pick thirty men for this ship, and have them get to work.”
Phaelenx frowned. It was clear to him that Labrax had no idea what he was doing. Still, he turned to Brutus and reached for his head.
“Brutus, you select the others,” Phaelenx said in a low voice. “I need to find some armor. Make sure Huen Covendane is among the men you select from the crowd.” He paused for a second, searching the crowd. “And Baelan Covendane, too,” he added. “Please.”
Brutus saluted Phaelenx. “Aye,” he said in a crisp voice. He turned smartly on his heel and strode towards the large crowd, scrutinizing them.
Phaelenx narrowed his eyes as he pushed his way onto the ship and found his way into the hold. Inside lay a great many treasures – chests of food, large barrels of water and wine, and finally a chest containing several shining pieces of brand new armor. Phaelenx had a hard time wriggling into the breast plate and gauntlets, and when he was fully dressed he felt stiff and awkward. Phaelenx wasn’t used to fighting in anything other than a leather breastplate. By the time he made it back on deck, Brutus had assembled a crowd of men.
“Sir, these are the worthy ones,” Brutus said in a formal tone. He smiled at Phaelenx. “Do you agree?”
Phaelenx shrugged. “I am sure they will be fine,” he said.
Brutus narrowed his eyes. “Phaelenx, this is quite serious,” he said.