《Curse of Blades (Blades #1)》


 Chapter 1

    The walls were wet with blood. It flowed from the images of the people he had killed, all perfectly arranged from the first to the most recent. They were there to remind him of his cruelty, to accuse him of his crimes. To drown him in the blood that stained his hands. He was suffocating, held down by the weight of the knowledge that he was a monster of the worst kind. A killer. These people had done no wrong, he had. Only letting them destroy him would right that wrong.


    Then he was drowning. He held his arms out, accepting the end, accepting his death by their ever flowing blood. Perhaps this time it would truly happen. Maybe this time he wouldn''t wake from his nightmares.


    Then the familiar stranger arrived. Shrouded, as usual, in dark colors that masked all details, the figure moved through the sea of blood to his side. A gloved hand reached out and touched his face, lifting away all the guilt and misery. In their place was left a strange peace that he only felt when the figure appeared in his dreams.


    And the dream vanished, leaving peaceful sleep.


    Which was soon disrupted by a heavy pounding on his door.


    Coulta sat up in bed and was amazed to see the brightness of the room. He rarely slept past dawn when the dreams haunted him. And he actually felt rested, which was just as unusual.


    The pounding on his door came again and he reluctantly forced himself out of bed. At the door he found Yerik, the aging castle servant who seemed to have the sole job of fetching Coulta for their master.


    "Master Varin would like to speak with you," Yerik told him, as if his appearance at Coulta''s door could mean anything else. "At your earliest convenience."


    Coulta knew enough to understand that he was expected immediately. "Thank you."


    Yerik nodded and left. Coulta closed the door behind the servant and quickly set about making himself presentable. He changed into black trousers and a tunic, yanked on his boots, and settled his shoulder-length black hair with his fingers. Shaving could wait until he returned. Whenever that would be.


    Varin was waiting for him in his lavish office where the red-hued tapestries and upholstery reminded Coulta of the dream he''d had that night. It was a dream he was familiar with, a dream that haunted him through his days as well.


    Lord Varin wore a gaudy gold dressing robe and was eating his breakfast at his desk. When Coulta saw the other man in the room, he struggled to hide his scowl. Roane was dressed much like Coulta in dark colors, though he had pulled his brown hair back so it couldn''t hide the half-healed cut on his left cheek.


    A cut Coulta had put there.


    Too bad he''d missed his mark.


    "Ah, there you are," Varin said when he saw Coulta walk into the center of the room.


    Coulta bowed. "I apologize, my lord."


    Varin waved him off. "I have a job for you. This one is more important than any other."


    Coulta didn''t believe that when Varin said the same thing about every assignment. "I''m yours to command," he gritted out.


    Varin grinned. "Very good. The bastard Grand King is sending an envoy here to attempt to bribe me into surrendering to their demands. You will kill the envoy and his escort. And I want his head delivered to me."


    "Yes, my lord." Coulta knew nothing about the politics that surrounded his life ¨C he was kept ignorant and he knew it ¨C but he doubted Varin had a good reason to want these men dead. The earl of Arren was just a cruel, bloodthirsty monster.


    "His name is Wildas," Varin continued. "My sources tell me they left the capital yesterday. That gives you six days to prepare for the arrival. I will allow you to observe them on their first night in the city. They are a large group and you can only devise so much of a plan without seeing how they act here, I''m sure. If you do not take care of them the second night, however, Roane will finish the job for you."


    "I thought you could use the test," Roane told him with a sinister smile. "I was offered it first and passed it on for now. When you fail, I''ll have my fun."


    Varin didn''t comment on Roane''s interruption, simply continued as if he hadn''t spoken. "The envoy is traveling with thirteen other men, all soldiers. One is an officer of some degree and will likely be guarding him closely. I want them all dead."


    Coulta nodded. "I understand. I will do it."


    "I know," Varin replied with a cruel smile. He picked up two sheets of parchment and held them out. "Now, I have a few small jobs for each of you in the meantime."


    Coulta didn''t read his sheet of information until he had eaten, shaved, and made his way over to the room that adjoined his. Teeya was there working on someone''s clothes, as usual. She hardly looked up when he entered.


    "How did you sleep last night?" she asked.


    She never asked about the jobs, because she knew he hated them, but she always asked how he was after them. The job the night before had been his typical work, as he was sure all the jobs on his new list would be. All citizens guilty only of taking up religion, wanting to have families, or being too poor to pay their taxes. If it were up to him, he''d help them all leave the city instead of killing them. But he couldn''t.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    He was physically incapable of stopping himself from killing those he was ordered to kill. The curse saw to that.


    "Fine," was all he said in answer as he took a seat on her narrow bed.


    She glanced up with a small smile. "I guess that means your mysterious man visited you."


    "We don''t know that it''s a man," Coulta reminded her, something he did frequently. "We don''t even know that it''s human. I''ve never seen more than a shadow."


    And felt what seemed to be a very human touch, but that was beside the point.


    "When you were a child you always called it a boy," Teeya pointed out. "You''d tell me how the other little boy came and played with you in your dream so you weren''t sad or scared anymore."


    Coulta unrolled his sheet of parchment and shrugged. "I''m not as oblivious to the world as I was then."


    "Well, I still think it''s the person from your father''s letter," Teeya went on, turning back to her sewing. "He visits you in the dreams so you can remember that someday the two of you will meet and be free of the curse. He''s trying to tell you not to give up."


    Coulta snorted. "So you keep telling me. There''s nothing I can do, Teeya. I''m trapped here."


    "You''ll just have to hope he can whisk in and take you away then."


    "Right. I''ve heard this idea of yours more times than I can count. Can we talk about something else?"


    She abruptly turned from her work. "Yes. What happened to Roane''s face? I saw him coming in as I was leaving for the market."


    Coulta gave up trying to read the information Varin had given him. "I did it," he admitted. "I was going for his throat. My hand jumped at the last moment. It must have been the curse. I had told Varin I would work with Roane whenever I was requested to. I never promised not to kill him, though."


    "Why did you decide to try?"


    Coulta rubbed his eyes. "The job was to destroy a cult that he''d gotten word of. We broke up a worship gathering and had to kill all fifteen people there." He tried to calm his breathing as the images flashed through his mind again. "Some people had fled to other rooms. I cleared one. When I got back to what was their altar, Roane was torturing a girl. Cutting her with a knife while he...  pleasured himself. I missed his throat but I still managed to throw him across the room. I think my magic got away from me, I was so angry."


    "And the girl?" Teeya asked gently.


    "I did what I had to," Coulta answered quietly. "The curse wouldn''t let me help her anymore. So I told her I was sorry and I killed her. Quickly. I knew it was better than letting Roane drag it out all night. She looked right into my eyes. Another face that will haunt me for the rest of my pathetic life. Another life I cut short because I have no control over my own actions. If I could go back and save every one of them, I would."


    "I know." She came to sit beside him and took his hand. "You truly are a good person. This curse is the only evil thing in you. That''s what makes things so hard for you. Despite everything you''ve been through, you haven''t let it destroy your humanity. Or maybe your mystery dream person hasn''t."


    "I wish I had no humanity," Coulta whispered. "At least I could live with myself."


    She squeezed his hand. "I know."


    "What if he told me to kill you?"


    She smiled sadly. "I would understand. I would go peacefully and do my best to make it easy for you. But," she added, clearly trying to lighten the mood, "I''m his best seamstress so I don''t see why he''d want me gone."


    Coulta forced a tiny smile. "True. You aren''t on my list, thankfully."


    "And I know I''m not on Roane''s because Varin would want you to kill me just to hurt you more. I''m your only family, even if it''s not by blood."


    It was true that, though she was only a few years older than him, Teeya had raised him after his father had left him at Varin''s castle when he was only five years old. She was both a sister and a mother to him, and Varin would love the pain that killing her would cause him. She was also right about being his best seamstress, though.


    Coulta squeezed her hand. "Do you have anything happier to talk about?"


    She smiled. "I have to show you the ridiculous design Varin wants for his parade costume for his birthday."


    Still not free of the pain ¨C if he ever would be ¨C Coulta forced a smile and followed her to her table.


    <hr>


    "You aren''t concerned at all, are you?"


    Crown Prince Wildas, heir of Grand King Deandre, ruler of Phelin, glanced over at his uncle, Prince-General Decus of the Royal Guard, riding beside him. "Why should I be? I have you and twelve of the best men in Phelin with me."


    The older man sighed. "I''m shocked that Shelton decided to send you to Arren, of all places."


    Wildas loosened his reins so his horse could grab a few mouthfuls of the tall grass beside the road now that they had slowed from a trot. "It was the only option when I asked him to send me somewhere."


    "So this is a stall tactic," Decus stated. "You''re far too old for this."


    "Funny, you sound just like my father," Wildas remarked, gazing around him at the empty land.


    "Sharing blood will do that to you."


    "So I''ve been told."


    Decus grunted and, thankfully, let the conversation drop for the time being.


    Wildas didn''t want to admit that he really was concerned about the visit to Arren. Shelton had warned him that there were assassins in the city and that the earl, a man named Varin, hated anyone with any ties to the crown. Shelton didn''t believe he would go so far as assassinating the heir to the throne, however. He''d always done just enough to avoid sparking a civil war in the past, because he could never take on the crown alone. Arren would be destroyed without difficulty were it to come to war.


    Still, Wildas wasn''t looking forward to the conversation he needed to have with the earl about unpaid taxes to the crown and the way he treated his people. The night before he''d left, he''d dreamed of watching his guards get murdered in front of him while he was told he would be ransomed back to his father. The mysterious figure had appeared then, calming his nightmare with a simple touch. Wildas didn''t know who the figure was, but he''d dreamed of it his whole life ¨C or, rather, for as long as he could remember. It always calmed his nightmares and comforted him when he needed it most. In all his life, through countless dreams, he''d never seen its face. He didn''t even know if it was a man or woman, or something else.


    One of his mothers had taken him to see the castle priest when he first started reporting the dreams, and they were able to determine that it was nothing evil. Beyond that, no priest or seer could determine why he kept dreaming of this mysterious person ¨C he would assume it was at least human until proven otherwise. Not even Second King Shelton, the most powerful sorcerer in the world, could offer any suggestions.


    Wildas had stopped talking about the figure after all the excitement had died down. The figure felt like his private friend and he didn''t want to share it. Now no one cared what he dreamed about. Now he was an adult and needed to give up his dreams.


    "So what are you going to say to Varin?" Decus finally asked.


    Wildas shrugged away his thoughts. "Question him on the unpaid taxes and his treatment of the people. Bribe him. Let him know that we will help the people if he lets us."


    "And you honestly believe he will give in?"


    "No," Wildas admitted. "But at least I''m away from Ryal for a while."


    Decus snorted. "And it''ll be my head if you don''t get back there in one piece."


    "Then keep me that way," Wildas replied as he nudged his horse into a trot again.

 Chapter 2

    Second King Shelton was worried, and he hated worrying. He supposed it was his own fault, this time. He had agreed to let Wildas go to Arren when his instinct told him it was a terrible idea. All he could do was remind himself that Varin didn''t have the financial or political strength to risk a war by harming a prince, especially the heir to the throne.


    Shelton sighed and stopped pacing his office. He had wanted to double the size of the guard traveling with Wildas, but that would only have made Varin think they were trying to force him to bend to them. The conflict between the Earls of Arren and the Throne had been going on for eight generations, and no one had ever used military force in all that time. Now wasn''t the time to start.


    The fact they still had to bother speaking to the man annoyed him, however.


    And Deandre was going to have a fit when Shelton finally had to tell him where he''d sent the heir.


    The thought had barely crossed his mind when Deandre himself entered the room. He was dressed in his typical deep blue silk and velvet. His graying brown hair was perfectly arranged and his beard was neatly trimmed.


    "You look morose," Deandre observed. "Another magical idea bothering you?"


    "Yes," Shelton replied, turning away so Deandre couldn''t see his face and catch the lie. Gods, he hated lying to his husband. But making him stress and fret wasn''t going to accomplish anything.


    "Shall I send for your sister so you have someone to express your frustrations to who actually knows what you''re talking about?"


    Shelton shook his head. "She''s away from the city for the next several days. I''ll just have to take my mind off it. Did you need something?" he asked, turning back to Deandre.


    "I just thought to check in on you," Deandre replied. "I''m also talking to Yvona about the ball at the end of the month. He will be back by then, correct?"


    Hopefully. "He should be," Shelton said instead. "And he''s going to hate having to go to yet another ball."


    "How else will he meet potential spouses?" Deandre questioned. "We''ll have to choose for him this winter if he doesn''t choose before then."


    "I don''t want to do that to him," Shelton stated.


    "Neither do I and neither does Yvona, but it''ll need to be done. Unless he chooses on his own. It shouldn''t be this difficult for him to choose a husband and two wives."


    "I''m fairly certain an arranged marriage would kill him like it killed Xiao."


    "We all cared about her. We all mourned for her."


    "But she was never truly happy," Shelton argued. "She never overcame being the only spouse chosen for you. She was already dying on her own long before the winter sickness took her."


    Deandre sat down heavily in a chair. "Three years ago, almost, and sometimes it still feels like last night we all sat with her when she passed."


    Shelton went to him and put a gentle hand on Deandre''s shoulder. "I feel the same sometimes. As distant as she always was, I still miss her."


    "So do I."


    Shelton found himself suddenly worrying even more, not only for Wildas''s current welfare, but his future. Even if he wasn''t Shelton''s own child, watching Wildas live in misery would break Shelton''s heart. He''d watched his wife waste away in anguish, no matter what any of them did to show her that they did care, did love her and consider her a dear part of their family. Wildas, whether he knew it or not, clearly had his mind set on finding that mysterious figure from his many dreams. A forced marriage would destroy all his hope for finding someone who could love him without wanting money or status.


    It would kill him, Shelton was sure of it.


    <hr>


    When dusk came, Coulta reluctantly left the castle of Arren and began to look for the first names on his list from Varin. He didn''t know how he found the people he was required to kill, but he was always able to do so without difficulty. It was something he simply attributed to the curse as it was, after all, what forced him to obey Varin''s every command.


    He arrived at a cramped shack built against the city wall in time to watch the people inside settle down to bed. Using some of his magic he hid in the shadows of the dark street outside the shack. He didn''t have a great understanding of magic, but he knew he had some separate from the curse. The curse controlled him. The magic he could control ¨C most of the time. It came from his parents, who were both people of magic, and his father had taught him basic uses for it ¨C including how to hide the mysterious marks on his skin ¨C before abandoning him. Everything else he knew he had figured out for himself by trying new things whenever he got the chance.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    He''d also learned the restrictions of his curse over the years. That had been done by fighting it, trying to stop himself from killing each person Varin instructed him to kill. He''d even tried to tell Varin exactly how he felt about the bastard, but that had just resulted in a coughing fit. He had sworn to respect his master, after all.


    Still hidden, Coulta peeked into the shack''s only window. Three adults ¨C a young man and woman, and a much older man. They all slept in one room, on two separate mats on the floor. The two younger ones shared a mat while the older one had his own.


    Coulta waited until it seemed that the people were asleep, then slipped inside the window. He moved silently, even as his hands began to tremble. He wanted to leave, to let these innocent people live. But he drew a dagger from his belt of weapons.


    He closed his eyes and let the curse use his body, let it kill the people he was powerless to save.


    It forced him to speak as it struck down its victims, used his very voice to terrify before killing. "Your cult of Favi is no more. There is no god or goddess in this world. Your death is as empty as your life."


    The power of the curse abruptly released him and he opened his eyes. He tried not to look at his victims as he wiped his dagger on a blanket with shaking hands and returned it to his belt. At least the curse had let him kill swiftly. As always, he cringed when he saw Varin''s name carved into the flesh of each person, to remind others just who held their lives in his hands.


    He stumbled from the shack, only remembering to conceal himself at the last moment, and began the long walk back to the castle and a quiet space.


    The pain and guilt followed him into his room, just as expected. He sighed and undressed for bed, hoping that maybe he could escape in his sleep. Maybe he could have a few moments of peace before the nightmares started. He saw their faces in the shadows, heard their voices in his mind, saw their blood all around him.


    Many times before he had tried filling his room with candles when he slept, to chase away the torment, but the color of the light reflected on the plain walls and ceiling reminded him of blood, and the dancing shadows looked like his victims. There was no escape.


    Coulta grew restless as the night passed. Unable to sleep at all, he finally climbed out of bed, pulled his black clothes back on, along with his black boots - complete with hidden blades, as a precaution - and headed for the open window.


    Calling up his magic, he jumped out, landing effortlessly on the covered doorway of the kitchen two stories below. The fall to the ground was much shorter, and he was running even before his boots touched down. He sprinted across the deserted castle yard to the stables, easily hopping onto an iron fence as if it were just a step in a staircase, and jumping onto the stable roof from it. He ran along the length of the stable roof until he reached the other end, and from there he leaped onto the roof of the barracks thirty feet away. It was an easy jump from there to the wall surrounding the yard, and he hopped it effortlessly, landing on the roof of a house below.


    Coulta had learned, years ago, that the best way for him to clear his mind was to go out at night and run the roofs of the city. The feel of the wind in his loose black hair and the calm of the night made him feel the closest thing to peace that he had ever felt while awake. And knowing that he was alone up here... that comforted him even more. He''d never seen anyone else running roofs, not even thieves trying to break into homes or shops after dark.


    As he jumped from rooftop to rooftop, he passed over the central market, deserted for the night. He hopped street after street where not a sign of human life could be seen, only to pass over other streets where people bustled in and out of taverns and whore-houses. He stopped on the roof across the road from one such establishment and watched a pot-bellied man saunter out the front door. His sharp senses caught the sounds of pleasure from within through the many open windows, and he cringed. He knew why there seemed to be several of these places on almost every street: denied the ability to marry by Varin''s obsessive control, women turned to prostitution when they wanted to have a baby and avoid the risk of a lasting relationship. From the spying he had done, he had noticed that many older women often helped raise their own grandchildren, and he rarely, if ever, saw men involved in those households unless they were other children of either generation. He couldn''t help but wonder if the men within the city ever knew their own children, or if anyone knew who their father was.


    He shuddered at the thought of a woman unknowingly sharing pleasures with her own father or brother, and he forced himself to continue his run through the city. Before he''d even realized it, he was standing atop the city gate, looking out at the farmlands beyond.


    The gate was closed for the night, and the guards were asleep at their posts, as usual. Coulta couldn''t help but look out over that vast land beyond the dirty streets and cold castle he knew. A wide, though lightly used road cut through the farmsteads and vanished into the woods and hills in the distance.


    Coulta caught himself wondering what would happen if he jumped down to that road, and followed it for days on end. Where would he end up?


    His toes were on the very edge of the stone arch above the gate. He looked down, then out at the stars in the sky and the road vanishing away. He jumped, knowing exactly what would happen.


    He turned in the air without thinking, and his hands caught hold of a ledge in the stone just above the gate. He hung there, willing his grip to give way so he could hit the ground, but his hold never weakened. After nearly an hour of trying to let go, he finally climbed back onto the wall, defeated as usual.


    His hands ached as he ran back toward the castle, not even bothering to look back. He should have known better than to try to leave. It was a waste of his strength.


    He couldn''t leave the city, no matter how he tried.

 Chapter 3

    The day that the envoy was expected to arrive, Coulta waited at the city gate, sitting atop the wall and gazing out over the land beyond. It was a long wait ¨C he saw no signs of the approaching group of horsemen until dusk had begun to set in.


    Coulta watched them enter the city gate below him, and counted fourteen men in total. Thirteen of them wore red uniforms, and one of those thirteen wore a golden cord of rope tied from his left shoulder across his body to his opposite hip, a symbol Coulta took to mean that he was the captain. Riding beside this man, at the head of the group, was a man dressed in blue and tan. He also had a cord of rope draped across his body, but it was thicker and there was blue braided into the gold which Coulta assumed was a mark of higher station. All the soldiers, even the captain, wore helmets of silver metal, but the envoy did not and his chestnut hair shone in the setting sun. He was also the only man in the group who was clean-shaven.


    The man looked up abruptly and directly at Coulta, a momentary look of puzzlement crossing his face before he shook his head and focused on the direction he was riding. If Coulta wasn''t certain he was hidden from sight, he would have thought the envoy had spotted him. He shook off the sudden strange desire to show himself to the man and forced himself to pay attention to the entire group of soldiers.


    Coulta couldn''t help staring with wonder at the sight of them. They must have stopped before reaching the city to groom their horses, because they all gleamed far more than any steed ridden for several days could have. They were clearly there to remind Varin who was truly in control of the city.


    The group moved down the street and Coulta followed silently on the rooftops. As he had expected, they stopped at the best inn the city had to offer. Coulta knew the layout well. There was a tavern on the ground floor, above which there was a floor with two large group sleeping rooms, and on the top floor were two smaller group rooms that could fit five men each, and two private rooms. He was fairly certain the group would take the top floor.


    He waited and watched from the roof across the street, crouching in the shadows. The men stabled their horses in a public stable beside the inn, and made their way into the tavern. Coulta slipped soundlessly from his post and found a place where he could watch from a closer vantage point, still hidden in shadow.


    He could see a large portion of the tavern from his new location thanks to the shutters being wide open and, as he had expected, the soldiers were already busy getting drunk and flirting with the girls working inside. Though he kept track of what the soldiers were up to, his gaze returned frequently to the envoy and the captain, who were speaking to the innkeeper.


    Moments later, coins changed hands and the two guests made their way upstairs carrying several traveling packs with them.


    As they went up the stairs, Coulta climbed easily onto the stable roof, which allowed him to see into the window on the second level. As expected, the men did not stop there. So Coulta grabbed the handholds he had planted in the wall the night before. These allowed him to climb up to just below the top window and rest almost comfortably there to listen.


    Luckily for him, the men chose to enter that room and not the other private room at the opposite end of the building. Coulta heard them enter and glanced up to see the window gradually grow lighter as the candles in the room were lit.


    "Oh, let the men have their fun," the older man was saying. "They''re soldiers, Wildas. They''ve spent six days on the road, away from the comforts of ale and female companionship."


    "If what I have been told of these Arren whores is true, they''re likely to be leaving a part of themselves here when they go home," Wildas grumbled.


    Coulta could hear them moving around, as if they were getting their things organized while they conversed.


    "Well, at least none of them will have to worry about fatherly duties."


    There was a sigh, then, "Do you think Varin knows we''re here?"


    "I''m sure he has his spies. We won''t know until you speak with him tomorrow. And if he does know, there''s nothing we can do, except keep alert for those assassins he has."


    "I suppose you''re right."


    "I''ll keep an eye on the men, you get some rest, My Prince."If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Coulta''s eyes went wide and he gripped the spikes harder to keep from falling off. Prince?


    He knew then that he couldn''t make himself kill the man. Even knowing that Varin had ordered it, he couldn''t make himself climb up through the window when the man was left alone. Instead, he dropped soundlessly back to the stable roof and ran back to the castle, springing from roof to roof effortlessly as he tried to escape his own shock and horror at what was being asked of him.


    <hr>


    As soon as Prince-General Decus left the room, Wildas wandered to the window and glanced out. What was it about the city that made him want to go out and wander the streets? Night was setting in and from what he''d heard, Arren was not a safe city for an outsider to take a walk in alone at night.


    Tomorrow morning would be soon enough for a venture out of the inn. Hopefully he wouldn''t need more than a day or two to speak with Lord Varin. Then he could leave the frustrating place behind.


    <hr>


    When Coulta got back to the castle yard he paused to catch his breath, then climbed up the castle exterior and through his window. In his room again, he went straight to the door separating his room from Teeya''s and knocked several times before walking in.


    Teeya was getting out of bed, dressed in her nightshirt. "Coulta, what''s ¨C"


    "He''s a damn prince!" Coulta practically yelled.


    "Who?" Teeya asked, looking confused.


    "The envoy Varin wants me to kill. This Wildas. He''s a prince!"


    Teeya''s eyes went wide. "Wildas? Oh, no, no Coulta. He''s not just a prince. He''s the prince."


    "What do you mean?" Coulta demanded, throwing his hands up in frustration.


    Teeya was looking truly disturbed. "From what I''ve heard on market days, he''s the Crown Prince, the oldest prince, and heir to the Grand King''s throne. Coulta..."


    Coulta sank to the floor, burying his head in his hands, feeling like something was stabbing into his chest and ripping into his soul. "I can''t. Teeya, I won''t kill him. I won''t assassinate the Crown Prince. I can''t have that on my conscience with all the other lives I''ve taken."


    The voice of the young man in the inn came back to him. He was guilty of no crime. Death was not what he deserved, least of all a death by Coulta''s hand.


    Teeya sat down beside him and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Coulta... You went against Varin''s demands tonight?"


    Coulta shook his head. "He told me I could observe the first night, let them settle in." He swallowed a lump in his throat. "Tomorrow..."


    She hugged him tightly. "I think, Coulta, that it''s time for you to take control from Varin."


    He snorted. "How?"


    "Maybe Wildas is the one your mother foresaw."


    Coulta laughed outright. "I don''t see how that''s possible."


    "I''m sure he lives in a grand castle in a big city. In Phelin. But I suppose we will know for certain tomorrow night. And I haven''t seen you react quite this way to an assignment in years. Considering how Varin, who is only an earl, behaves, I would have expected you to assume the prince was an even more terrible person and be less upset than this."


    He rubbed his forehead, completely unsure of what to think. She was right about part of it, at least. Never in his life had he felt so torn by his emotions, and so confused as to what those emotions tearing him apart actually were. In truth, he should be less upset about killing someone with so much power and should assume he was crueler even than Varin. But it felt terribly wrong to even consider doing harm to the prince. Something about him felt utterly good, though Coulta hadn''t interacted with the man himself.


    He simply couldn''t fathom why.


    A pounding on his door woke Coulta the next morning. He had slept fitfully, still fully dressed in everything but his boots and sword belt, and on top of the blankets. His dreams had shifted constantly between pleasant fantasies of a happy life and freedom, and nightmares of massive armies swooping down on him, and headless princes being crowned king. He''d woken up during every dream, sweating and panting and clutching at his pillows and the blankets on the bed. Several times the prince in his dreams reached out for him, but he always recoiled and dropped himself back into more nightmares. His comforting shadow figure never came to him, making him feel even more lost.


    He forced himself off the bed and to the door, where he found Yerik about to pound again on the other side.


    "Uh, morning, Coulta," the servant said, dropping his hand to his side. "Master Varin sent me to rouse you. He would like to have a word with you."


    Coulta sighed. "I will be there in a moment."


    The servant nodded and went on his way. Coulta sighed again and ran a hand over his face, trying to wake himself up more. The stubble there prickled his hand annoyingly. He didn''t grow facial hair very well, but it had been days since he''d last shaved, and the stubble would need to be dealt with. When he returned, as usual.


    He combed his tangled hair, and changed into clothes that were less wrinkled than the ones he''d slept in, then made his way to Varin''s chambers. The earl was waiting for him, and did not look happy in the least.


    "I take it you were unable to complete the task last night?"


    Coulta shook his head, hands clasped behind him. "As expected, they were... occupied until dawn."


    It was likely, even if he hadn''t been there that long to know for sure.


    Varin grunted over his breakfast. "See that you take care of them tonight, or I will have to have Roane complete the task for you."


    "Of course, my lord," Coulta replied, through clenched teeth.


    Varin excused him and he returned to his room, feeling furious and determined to do the only thing he could bring himself to do, regardless of the consequences.


    He wasn''t sure how he would accomplish it, but he had the entire day to think it through. The curse was going to release him or he would ensure that his was no longer a body it could use.

 Chapter 4

    "Don''t expect this bastard to treat you with respect," Decus told Wildas as they walked up the castle steps. "Your father has been dealing with him all your life, and both their fathers before them. He has generations of strife with the crown to work off of."


    Wildas nodded. "Shelton told me as much."


    "Well, that''s one step toward redeeming himself for sending you on this fool''s mission," Decus said with annoyance and what was possibly anger. "Waste of time and resources, and too damn dangerous in my opinion."


    "I requested this," Wildas declared, giving his uncle a sharp look. "I told you it was the only option to get me away from the dignified lords and ladies parading their sons and daughters in front of me like horses instead of people."


    "Oh, not more of this," the older man grumbled. "You just don''t want to accept that marriage is a part of life for you, and the longer you avoid it, the more unpleasant it will be. There isn''t a single person you would even consider? Do you truly have no friends at home?"


    Wildas shrugged, momentarily more interested in getting into the castle. He looked around for a guard as he answered, "No one wants to know me for who I am. All of them have this goal to seduce me and get me to marry them. It''s rather annoying." He glanced back at his uncle, narrowing his eyes as he did so. "And last I heard you weren''t married."


    "I''m the Guard General," Decus replied. "It''s easier this way. I wouldn''t want to leave someone behind every time I had to go escort you somewhere. I''d better get a warning to Rohan, though. If you die without an heir, he''s next in line."


    Wildas knew the last thing his closest brother wanted was to end up as Grand King. Rohan was happy knowing he was the heir to the Guard General post.


    "No one said I had to be married to have an heir," Wildas pointed out.


    Decus gave a snort. "Oh yes, the court would love that."


    That was the moment a guard chose to appear from the castle. "I take it you''re the king''s man?" the burly man questioned, looking at Decus.


    "I''m here to speak to Lord Varin," Wildas clarified, stepping forward.


    "You?" the guard laughed. "Have you even grown whiskers yet, boy? Lord Varin doesn''t need to be wasting his time with a little pup like you."


    "That''s your future Grand King you disrespectful scum," Decus spat, a hand on his sword as he stepped in front of Wildas again.


    Wildas put his hand on his uncle''s shoulder, drawing the older man back. "I''d like to speak to Varin now," he said, directing his words and his gaze to the castle guard.


    The guard removed his hand from his own sword and opened the door. "As you wish," he replied, his voice edged in sarcasm.


    They followed the man into the castle, and Wildas noted how different the building was than the one he called home. The castle at Ryal was massive, constructed with magic as much as stone. Even the passageways were spacious, and the public halls were several stories high. The entrance hall in Arren was much smaller than he was used to, and he''d seen many other castles in his time as the official representative of the crown. As he walked to what was either Varin''s personal office or some sort of audience hall, he took note of how bare most of the walls were. Very few tapestries filled the space, and those that did showed the very castle he was in, depicted on what had once been brilliant backgrounds.


    They were led to an audience chamber, where Varin sat on what could only be described as a throne. Varin wasn''t really sitting as much as he was lounging, though; one leg was draped over the arm of the chair while he leaned his back against the other arm, toying with a gold ring. There were no other chairs in the room.


    "Ah, the spoiled princeling," Varin said with the briefest glimpse at him. "What have you come to waste your time with here?"


    "Grand King Deandre wishes to reach an agreement that would result in the city of Arren paying its taxes to the crown," Wildas answered, ignoring the disrespect. "He is willing to forgive the generations of unpaid taxes if you agree to pay beginning only with last year''s due. You are also respectfully requested to erect at least one temple to the worship of the gods."


    Varin laughed. "Oh, child. You truly are wasting your time. Tell me, what do I get out of handing over my money to you?"


    "Protection during war. Assistance from our sorcerers and engineers for defense and infrastructure improvements. Assistance from the crown so that your people can have better housing. Crown-sponsored healers to train your people to better care for each other. And you remain the Earl of Arren. As you know, anyone who controls a city must provide for its people. We know that you are failing in that duty."


    Varin turned to face him then, slipping the ring onto a finger. Leaning back against the throne, he looked Wildas over for a long moment, almost as if he was truly considering the offer.


    "Listen, princeling," the earl finally said, fixing his gaze to Wildas''s. "I''ll tell you exactly what I''ve told your father several times already. The fact is, if I gave in to your demands, I would be shaming all my ancestors. My several-times-great grandfather was given a grave insult by your several-times-great grandfather, and vowed to never allow Arren to be manipulated by him or his spawn again. I can''t give dishonor to my line by being the one to bend to your inferior will.


    "We always wondered if it would come to war, and someday I''m sure it will. So, I ask, what will you do to avoid a civil war? Will you turn your pretty spoiled arse around and go home to your selfish family? My suggestion is that you do, and that you leave before nightfall tonight."


    "Is that a threat?" Wildas demanded.


    Varin grinned wickedly. "It isn''t an invitation to dinner."


    <hr>


    "We''ll leave first thing in the morning."


    Coulta crouched on the climbing spikes he''d installed below the inn''s window when he heard the prince''s voice. Dusk was beginning to set in, and he was forced to use magic to conceal himself from passersby. He''d been hoping to get into the prince''s room before he and the captain returned from dinner. Then he would wait until the captain left for the night before ¨C


    Before what?


    He was supposed to kill Wildas, Coulta knew that, but he wanted more than ever to disobey Varin''s orders. Tonight would be the night he put all of his remaining effort into trying. If he failed and the prince died, he would end his own life before going back to Varin.


    "Did it truly take all day to get in touch with Shelton?" the older man was asking.


    "No, it took all day for him to make a decision. He had to talk to Brother Pelles and see if he''d had any visions. Shelton doesn''t want us running away and letting Varin think he''s won. He wants us to leave in the morning. He claims Brother Pelles would have seen something if there was real danger to your life."


    There was a heavy sigh. "Always consulting the damn priests about these things. There is danger. We were threatened. You were threatened. I''ll just have to watch your door all night. I''ll leave the men to take care of themselves. Shut and bolt that window first, though."


    "Who would come in the window?" the prince asked, his voice coming closer to Coulta as he spoke until he actually leaned out the window. He looked straight down at Coulta, who was hidden from sight by magic, and the same puzzled look from the day before crossed his face. Then he shook his head and leaned back into the room, saying, "Someone would have to be part spider to get in this way."


    "It would add a decade to my life if you would shut and bar it anyway."Stolen novel; please report.


    There was another sigh, then the shutters were pulled closed and Coulta heard a bar being set into place.


    With the window closed, Coulta''s ability to hear the occupants was almost completely cut off. He inched up higher, settling his feet on the highest climbing pegs and grasping the windowsill with both hands. Leaning his head as close to the shutters as possible, he tried to make words from the murmured voices he could barely hear, but it was useless. He could sit there until dawn and never know if it was safe to enter the room.


    <hr>


    "Thank you," Decus said as soon as the window was barred. "Get some rest so we can leave at first light. I''ll be guarding the door if you need me."


    Wildas waved him off. "I''ll be fine. But thank you," he added, giving his uncle a smile.


    "You''re welcome," the Prince-General replied, smiling back, "spoiled princeling."


    Wildas chuckled as his uncle left, but it didn''t do much to end his discomfort. He''d been threatened and he knew Varin had assassins willing to kill him, but part of him still didn''t want to leave the miserable city.


    He might as well go to bed, though, he decided. Morning would come before he knew it, and it would be time to head home.


    Just as he was beginning to unbuckle his sword belt, the door opened. Wildas looked up expecting to see his uncle, and was shocked to see a complete stranger. Who would Decus have let in, without even warning Wildas that he was to have a visitor?


    The stranger was dressed in black, the hood of his cloak pulled up over dark hair. As he shut the door again he smiled at Wildas, an expression made sinister by the fresh scar on his left cheek.


    "Hello there, troublesome boy," the man said, pushing back the hood.


    "Who, by all the gods, are you?" Wildas demanded. He didn''t like the stranger''s tone, or the way he was caressing the hilt of a sword at his side.


    The man continued to smile. "I suppose the doomed should be allowed to know the name of the executioner. They call me Roane."


    Wildas felt sudden fear clench his heart. That had to mean... "How did you get past my guard?"


    "How do you think?" Roane answered with a silky laugh.


    Anger boiled up inside Wildas, destroying his fear and forestalling the heartbreak. "You bastard!" he snarled, yanking his sword from his belt and lunging.


    Roane blocked his initial attack easily. "Oh how I do love a duel to the death. Always makes my job more entertaining."


    Wildas attacked again and was pressed back. To his surprise, he felt a sharp pain in his side. Looking down, he saw a gash in his shirt.


    "Unfortunately for you," Roane laughed, a dagger flashing in the hand that wasn''t holding his sword, "I duel by my own rules. Makes things much faster."


    Distracted, Wildas felt his feet kicked out from under him and he fell backward onto the floor. His sword flew from his hand and slid under the nearby bed. Roane towered over him, a dark agent of death poised to deliver a final blow.


    Then the shutters on the window exploded inward.


    <hr>


    Coulta lunged at Roane, shoving him away from the prince. "Why are you here?" he demanded, pointing his sword at Roane.


    Roane smiled. "I didn''t think you could do it, so I thought I''d beat you to the task before Varin had to give the job to me in the morning." His smile brightened. "And now I can kill you, too. I''ll make it look like the rotten prince there did it."


    Coulta brought his sword up just in time to stop a deadly attack from the other assassin, and sidestepped to just barely avoid a knife cut to the side. He had worked jobs with Roane enough to know not to let the bastard''s blades cut him. Magic leaked into his movements without him even trying to use it, allowing him to shove Roane back hard enough that the other assassin stumbled. Roane spread his arms as he fell back, and Coulta took advantage of the opening that it gave him. He kicked out, keeping Roane from finding his balance by knocking the wind from him. Roane landed hard on his back and Coulta, still moving with the flow of his magic, straddled him by placing one foot on each of his opponent''s wrists. It was an unconventional and awkward move with the way Roane''s arms were sprawled, but the magic was now guiding him instead of being guided by him.


    And Coulta was pissed. That certainly helped.


    He stood looking down at Roane while the other assassin struggled to get his breath once more. Coulta guessed he would probably get a kick in the back if he didn''t end this soon. That was when it finally occurred to him that this was the moment he had waited for for years, when he could finally do away with Roane and his cruel ways.


    Hopefully. That was what he''d thought just before putting the scar on Roane''s sinister face after all.


    Fueled by magic and anger, Coulta slammed his sword down with both hands into Roane''s chest. He didn''t have time to see Roane''s face in that moment of death or even marvel at his ability to kill his rival without an ounce of guilt, because the magic decided to stop helping him then and he fell forward with the momentum of his attack. He stumbled gracelessly forward several steps before finally catching his balance. Turning back, he grabbed his sword without a glance at the body, and found the prince on his feet again, staring Coulta down.


    "And who are you?" the prince demanded.


    Coulta sheathed his sword and tried to look as unimposing as he could, which was probably impossible with his dark clothes on and having just killed someone right in front of the man. "My name is Coulta," he answered. "I''m not here to do any harm."


    "Really? You''re dressed an awful lot like him," Wildas snapped, pointing his sword at Roane''s body.


    "Yes," Coulta explained, "I was told to kill you. But I''m leaving the city." He hoped. Something did seem to be drastically changing suddenly. "I can''t be a killer anymore. I know you don''t trust me, but I just saved your life. It would have been easy for me to let Roane kill you, make it look like you killed him, and make Varin believe I had killed you."


    Suddenly, a woman''s shout came from the tavern room downstairs. "Poison! They''ve been poisoned!"


    Apparently Roane had found a way to take care of all the soldiers the prince had brought.


    "We need to go," Coulta stated. "Those are your men that were poisoned."


    "And he killed my uncle," Wildas added, glancing at the door. "I''m not sure I trust you."


    "I swear that I will do everything I can to protect you," Coulta said, knowing that he''d be bound to obey if this could overpower his oath to Varin. Princes were more powerful than earls, so he hoped it would work. "I swear that I will answer all of your questions when we''ve left and that I will get you safely back to your home. After that, you can tell me to leave if you want. If there is one thing I can do to redeem myself, let this be it."


    Something undefinable flashed across the prince''s face before he nodded and sheathed his sword. "I accept your promise, and I hope you have more honor than I would expect an assassin to have."


    "There is honor among assassins. Or so I was always made to believe," Coulta added, giving Roane''s body a glance. Stepping in on a job was against everything they''d been told by Varin''s former senior assassin. He could hear the increasing panic downstairs and he moved to the door, leaving Roane and his deeds behind. "We need to go."


    Wildas gathered two traveling bags and followed Coulta into the hallway. There the prince paused to give respect to the dead man laying by the door, but only for a moment. They managed to slip out of the inn easily amid the chaos. The panic would ease once everyone realized that only the king''s men were dead. Unless Roane had been brazen enough to kill more than that. Coulta wouldn''t put it past the man.


    "What am I supposed to call you?" Coulta asked as they got to the stables.


    "Just call me Wildas." The prince pulled the stable door open and they entered.


    The stable had twenty stalls, all but two of which were occupied. Even late in the night the corridor was still lit from lanterns hanging in the rafters, encased in smooth glass to prevent fire. Coulta couldn''t help but wonder how they were lit, hanging up there. Wildas went immediately to what Coulta assumed was his horse, a gray with a stripe down his face who nickered at the prince as soon as he approached.


    Wildas motioned down the barn. "All our horses are on this side, plus the first four by the door on the other side. Choose whichever one you want."


    "Thank you," Coulta said as he moved down the corridor, looking at each horse as he went. He had ridden several times before, but he wasn''t exactly a skilled horseman. He hoped he could find one that wouldn''t throw him. Finally a black caught his eye. He had a spot of white on his nose and white markings that faded into black from his hooves to his knees.


    "That was Uncle Decus''s horse, Quiver," Wildas said, coming up beside him. "He''s a little hard to handle. You might want a calmer one."


    But the stallion came up to rub his face on Coulta''s shoulder, then nuzzle his chest.


    "Or maybe he likes you," the prince amended.


    Coulta rubbed the horse''s face. "I don''t want to take him if he was your uncle''s. It doesn''t seem respectful."


    Wildas shook his head. "You saved me. I think Uncle''s spirit will rest easy knowing that his beloved steed was helping you to help me."


    Coulta nodded. "I will honor his spirit."


    "Thank you," Wildas told him quietly.


    They saddled the horses and set out for the city gate, hoods pulled up. The gate was closed and the guards looked bored when they approached.


    "What are you doing leaving the city at this hour?" one of them asked.


    "I just received word that my mother is ill," Wildas told the man, clearly allowing some of the real anguish he felt to seep into his voice. "My brother and I need to see her. Her farm is only a few hours from here."


    The guards shrugged to each other, probably not even caring what they were up to outside the city, Coulta thought. They asked no more questions as they opened the gate and let them out.


    "I feel terrible leaving them there like that," Wildas said quietly. "They should have a funeral."


    Coulta nodded in understanding. "There was nothing that could be done."


    The prince nodded and fell silent. When Coulta looked over at him, he saw Wildas holding the charm of a necklace he must have been wearing under his shirt earlier, and staring off into the distance.


    Coulta finally let himself be relieved. They were out of the city. For the first time since he was a boy and his father had left him in Arren, Coulta was outside the city walls. And he didn''t even feel the slightest pull to return. Somehow, swearing to protect the prince had gotten him free of Varin''s control, and Coulta wasn''t about to question it.


    After a while, Wildas finally said, "There is a village a day''s ride from here. We can get food and supplies there for the ride to Ryal. It will take us six more days from there to make the capital. Five if we don''t stop to rest very often. Will Varin send men after us?"


    Coulta shook his head tiredly. "I don''t know," he admitted.


    Wildas nodded. "Maybe we have enough of a lead on them, if someone does come after us."


    "I hope so."

 Chapter 5

    Lord Varin was awoken at midnight by the urgent words of a servant.


    "Forgive me, my lord," the boy sputtered, "but the captain of the city guard is asking for you. There''s been some sort of disturbance."


    He''d been expecting to be awoken by someone warning him of Coulta''s return, not something foolish like this. Couldn''t his guards ever keep the peace without him? Wasn''t that what he had them for?


    He shoved the boy back as he got out of bed. "I will meet him in the audience chamber."


    The boy turned and left the room quickly. Grumbling about the situation, Varin dressed and marched to the audience chamber. As expected, there was the city guard''s captain, dressed in his green uniform. The man was younger than Varin would have preferred, likely the reason why he felt the need to bother Varin at this late hour. Inexperienced fool.


    "What is it?" Varin demanded.


    The man bowed briefly. "There''s been a problem at the Gilded Inn."


    Varin would have smiled at the name of the place if he''d been in a better mood. Splendid name for a run-down shack.


    "Someone poisoned all the men who had come with the king''s envoy," the pale-haired captain went on. "Slit the general''s throat, too. But the envoy himself is gone, and your man Roane is dead."


    Varin cocked an eyebrow at that. What was Roane doing stepping in on Coulta''s job? Curious. "I''m not really concerned with the king''s men," he stated.


    "I thought as much," the younger man went on. "But I thought you should know that two of the horses from Ryal are missing from the stable, and two sets of tack. Someone left with the envoy."


    Varin spun around and yelled, "Servant!"


    The boy who had woken him stepped out of an alcove and bowed.


    "Go find Yerik. Tell him I want Coulta in my chambers immediately. If Coulta can''t be found, I want the seamstress."Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    The boy bowed again and hurried away.


    Turning back to the captain, Varin smiled. "Thank you. I trust you can get things back in order. You''re excused."


    The captain bowed and left, moving just as quickly as the servant had.


    Back in his personal chambers, Varin waited for an hour before Yerik arrived. With the seamstress girl.


    "Where is Coulta?" Varin demanded.


    "Not in his bedchamber," Yerik answered. "I looked everywhere else he would be in the castle, as well, then checked his chamber again. He''s missing."


    "He''s supposed to be killing the prince," the girl said, and she seemed to be glaring.


    Varin gave her a curious look. "Strange, I just heard from the city guard. That prince is gone, also. As are two horses and two sets of tack."


    "Perhaps he was kidnapped," she suggested with a shrug.


    "I doubt that. Not with all the king''s soldiers dead and his own rival also dead." He motioned for Yerik to leave, then stepped closer to the girl. Teeya, he remembered her name was. She had been tasked with raising Coulta and he knew they were close. It was fortunate that she hadn''t yet been pregnant, or he would have already arranged for Coulta to kill her. He''d have needed another seamstress then. He grudgingly admired their forethought. "Where is Coulta?" he demanded.


    "I don''t know."


    The look she gave him was so challenging that he slapped it off her face. "I''ll ask you again. Where is Coulta?"


    She glared up at him, practically asking for another slap. "I don''t know where he is. I just know that he''s finally found a way out of your control."


    "Yerik!" The servant stepped back in and Varin shoved the girl to him. "Take her to the dungeon. Tell the guard she''s to have no food or water for three days. Then I''ll see if she''s ready to tell me where my assassin went to and why."


    The girl continued to glare at him even as Yerik led her out the door.


    No sooner had the door closed than Varin felt a familiar heat under his shirt. He pulled the rune-inscribed bone charm from where it was resting against his chest and closed his hand around it.


    Your attempt at war was foiled I see, said the rough voice in his mind.


    Unfortunately. What would you like me to do?


    Build an army and send your sons to infiltrate every city surrounding Ryal. Cut them off from the rest of the country. Weaken them. Make them chase shadows.


    I don''t have the resources to do that. There is almost no more gold to take from the people in the city. The plan was to kill him quietly and attack when they sent their men out to find him. I don''t have enough men or gold to lead an attack against the full army of Ryal, not after he warns them that I already tried to kill him.


    Ah, that is where I will assist you.


    Varin almost let go of the charm as a loud thunk sounded from behind him. Turning around he found a large wooden chest.


    Open it, the voice commanded.


    He stepped up to the chest and tugged at the lid. It lifted easily on a set of hinges and Varin saw the glitter of gold in the candlelight. Shoving the lid all the way back, he used one hand to sift through the gold coins. There had to be several thousand gold coins in the chest, all stamped with the Phelinian seal.


    With this, you can build your army and weaken the country with civil war. I will send you weapons, as well, and soon I will teach you how to bind your slaves. I''m sure you will find more assassins to help you. You will be greatly rewarded, just as we agreed.


    Varin grinned. I will begin immediately.


    Good.

 Chapter 6

    As they rode through the night, Coulta found himself worrying about Teeya. What would happen to her when Varin found out that Roane was dead and he was missing? Hopefully she wouldn''t be hurt. Hopefully Varin wouldn''t think she knew where he was.


    When they slowed their sweaty horses to a walk, Wildas turned to him. "So," he began, breaking Coulta from his thoughts, "tell me why you were working for Varin."


    Coulta looked down at Quiver''s mane. "I had to work for him," he replied. "I had no choice."


    "Everyone has a choice."


    Coulta shook his head. "No. I was sworn to serve Varin. I couldn''t go against him." He took a deep breath and added, "I have a curse."


    "A curse?"


    Taking another deep breath, Coulta nodded and began, "My father was a sorcerer in Berk, who fell in love with the woman his master had wanted for himself. My father had promised to find the woman and bring her back to the sorcerer he had previously been apprenticed to, but he stayed with her instead. When his former master finally found them, he cursed their unborn child to be forced to keep every vow made to the person with the most power over him. I was born that night."


    He didn''t explain what his mother had foreseen, described to him in the letter from his father that he kept in his sword belt because it was the only item Varin would never take from him, and Wildas saved him from having to tell that detail by not asking.


    "So, this is why you swore to serve me?" Wildas asked quietly. He didn''t sound frightened or disgusted, but Coulta refused to look over at him.


    "Yes," Coulta replied with a nod. "I needed to break all ties with Varin completely. I assumed a prince would have more power over someone than an earl."


    "Did he know about the curse?"


    "I''ve always thought so," Coulta answered. Memories of Varin''s cruel demands rushed into his mind and he tried to force them back as best he could. This wasn''t the time to dwell on the past. "I never told him, but either my father did or he was able to guess when I never managed to fight him."


    "I''m sorry your life was so painful."


    Coulta glanced over at him, surprised. "I did have Teeya. She''s like a sister to me, and a mother. She is his personal seamstress and she raised me."


    "Does she know you left?"


    "As far as I know, she doesn''t. I didn''t tell her anything. I hope Varin doesn''t think I did."


    "I wish I''d had more time to find out what Varin was capable of. At least I know he''s not completely full of empty threats," the prince said with a sigh. "I wanted to know, who was the other assassin? How closely was he tied to Varin?"


    Coulta shrugged. "Not like I was. I believe I was the only assassin who lived at the castle, but not the only one Varin employed. Roane was a hired killer, but Varin usually had him take the jobs that were more high-risk. I was usually kept to killing people whose only crimes were being too poor to pay their taxes, following religion, or falling in love. But he sent me after you because Roane wanted to see me fail. I didn''t know you were a prince until I spied."


    Wildas looked thoughtful as he took in the information. "So then you were able to go against your orders and save me."


    "It surprised me, too," Coulta admitted. "I don''t know why Roane thought he could take the job from me. He wasn''t supposed to step in until tomorrow night, if I failed and you were still in the city. I wish I had been able to save your men. I''m sorry."


    Wildas nodded. "They were soldiers. Soldiers know they may someday give their lives for their country. But this is different ¨C this isn''t war." He sighed. "We''ll keep this information about you a secret from my father."


    "Thank you," Coulta replied. "I don''t mean to be a burden."


    The prince shrugged the comment off. "Don''t even think that you are. You saved my life."


    Coulta bowed his head and nodded. He had no response, and they rode on, each lost in his own thoughts.


    <hr>


    The night was yielding to dawn when a village materialized out of the light fog that had set in overnight. Wildas saw with relief that some people were already moving about doing early-morning chores. He winced at the pain in his side, which had grown steadily as the night had worn on, and hoped there was a healer in the village.


    His tired stallion stumbled on an uneven patch of roadway and Wildas sucked in a breath when the motion pulled on his side.


    "What is it?" Coulta asked.


    Wildas winced as he pressed a gloved hand to his sore side. "I don''t know. I guess that scratch I got from the assassin was deeper than I thought." He''d never had a little wound hurt so much, and he knew he couldn''t have gotten an infection already.


    "Did he cut you with a blade?"


    The anxiety in Coulta''s voice sent a bolt of fear through him. "A dagger. Are you going to tell me it was poisoned?"


    "Yes."


    Wildas stared at the other man, who didn''t look as worried as Wildas expected. Maybe he actually wanted him dead after all, even after his promises to protect Wildas.


    "You said if we didn''t stop often we could make Ryal in five days from here," Coulta told him. "If this healer doesn''t have the right herbs to make the counter-poison, you will be home before it can kill you."


    "If it''s not going to kill me yet, why does it already hurt?" Wildas questioned.


    Coulta took a deep breath before explaining gravely, "It''s a torture poison. The only poison Roane ever used, in case anyone ever got away from him. You would think you had survived the attack with only a scratch, then the poison would set in. You''ll wish you were dead long before it kills you. It causes extreme pain that lasts for seven days. On the eighth day, you''ll be completely pain-free, so that you think you''ve survived the poison. Then, on the ninth day, you will bleed from everywhere until there is no blood left in your body to sustain you. As long as you take the counter-poison before the eighth day, you''ll fully recover."


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Wildas swallowed the bile that rose in his throat. "How likely is it that this healer will be able to make the counter-poison?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Do you know how to make the counter-poison?"


    "Yes," Coulta told him firmly. "But I wouldn''t know how to find the herbs without asking specifically for them. I made a copy of the recipe when we did a job together and he was already asleep at night. He had never memorized it, just kept the recipe with him in case he accidentally poisoned himself. I memorized it because I worried he would use it on me someday."


    Wildas nodded grimly. "Will normal pain-killing herbs make it more bearable for me? I''m guessing this is going to get more painful than it is now."


    "They might," Coulta replied. "But you''ll need a lot of them. I''ve seen men paralyzed from pain with this poison."


    Wildas let out a shaky breath. "If you have to strap me to my horse, following this road out of the village on the other side will eventually lead to Ryal."


    Coulta nodded. "I hope the healer can make the counter-poison, though."


    "As do I," Wildas agreed.


    <hr>


    Anil enjoyed her work in the public stable. Just about everyone in the village of Windwick had a riding horse, either for occasional pleasure riding or visiting the nearby city of Arren for market days, and kept it in the stable for convenience. The farms around the city had working horses, but they didn''t live in the public stable. Anil would have liked to work with the big draft animals, but she liked the rough ponies most of the villagers owned.


    But ponies could be pests sometimes.


    "Lay off, Starlight," she scolded, pulling her long coat sleeve from the annoying mare''s mouth. The obnoxious thing got nippy when she wasn''t fed exactly when she wanted to be, and Anil should have known to wear a different coat by now. But it was all she had left of her father. It had been a harsh winter, and the usual illnesses had struck harder than ever. It seemed like almost half the village had died, despite the efforts of the healers. Somehow Anil had been the only one of her family to survive. Both her mothers, her father, her three younger siblings... What she wouldn''t give to know why she had been spared.


    She wiped her eyes quickly and went back to mixing the buckets of grain. "Stop it. I have to finish mixing this before you can have it," she explained when Starlight tried to grab her coat again.


    The little mare snorted and started pawing at the dirt floor, ever impatient.


    "Hello?"


    Anil was surprised when she glanced at the door and saw two men on horseback outside. Who would be coming into the village when it was barely past dawn? She set the grain aside, much to Starlight''s frustration, and walked out to greet them. She noticed immediately that they were a strange pair. One was dressed in all black, while the other was dressed in fine riding clothes. Both wore swords at their sides. The two horses, a black and a gray, were the biggest horses Anil had seen outside of a farmstead.


    "Is this a public stable?" the one in black asked.


    Anil nodded. "Yes, sir. I can feed and groom for you, no extra charge."


    "Thank you," he said as he dismounted awkwardly. Clearly, he didn''t ride very often.


    The other man dismounted just as awkwardly, but she could tell that he was injured. That, or he just happened to have a cut in his tunic and stomach cramps at the same time.


    "Are you looking for the healer?" she asked with concern, reaching for both horses'' bridles.


    "That would be wonderful," the pained man replied, wincing as got himself standing properly. His companion had come around to offer extremely hesitant assistance.


    "She''s just right across the street," Anil explained, pointing. "That house with the wreath above the door. That''s her craft sign. Her name is Mara."


    "Thank you," the man said and pulled something from the small purse at his side. "I hope this is enough for the horses."


    Anil stared at the two gold coins when they were placed in her hand. "Are you paying for a year?" she asked, stunned. She looked back up at the man and suddenly remembered the men who had ridden past the village a few days ago. "You''re the prince," she gasped.


    He held up a gloved hand. "Please. I just want to see the healer and get home. I''d like to be discrete."


    "Where are the other men?" she asked before she even considered her words.


    "Dead," the prince replied, then winced. "And I''m sorry if I''m rude, but I''m in a lot of pain."


    Anil nodded and made what she hoped was a passable curtsy. "I''ll care for the horses," she assured him.


    He nodded. "Thank you. What is your name?"


    "Anil."


    The prince attempted a smile. "Thank you, Anil."


    The other man nodded to her and said a quick "thank you" before walking with the prince to the healer''s home.


    A little stunned still, Anil stood staring at the two horses for a moment before tying one to a post outside while she got the other into a stall. No wonder the horses were so large; they were probably bred for war.


    <hr>


    "Myri, come in here!"


    Myri sighed as she stood up from her garden. What could her mother need her for now? She hoped there hadn''t been some accident on one of the farms. The last time it had been a child killed in a plowing accident.


    When she entered the small house she found her mother in the sick room with two men. One was brown-haired and fairly fancied up for a traveler. If he hadn''t been  grimacing so much Myri thought she''d find him strikingly handsome. He seemed to be her own age, too.


    Bad idea to have such thoughts about a patient.


    The other man was another story. He was lean and tall, with dark hair and dark eyes, dressed completely in black. Like his companion, he had the potential to be attractive, but she could practically smell the dark magic on him. Even from across the room she could get an idea of it, and she had very little magic herself. She could tell he was a sorcerer, of a kind she had never encountered before. He didn''t necessarily wield the evil magic, though. She could tell he meant well in his actions, at least at the moment. He just felt tainted.


    It was probably some kind of curse he had to live with. Poor man.


    "Myri!"


    She stopped analyzing the mysterious sorcerer and joined her mother with the injured man. "What is it?"


    Mara lifted the man''s shirt enough to show a thin shallow gash across his side, halfway between his arm and hip. To Myri, it looked to be the length of her hand.


    "Dress this," Mara instructed.


    Myri pulled a salve from the cabinet near the bed and did as instructed. The wound wasn''t deep and it had barely bled. "Is this your only injury?" she asked, looking at the man.


    He nodded. "It''s poisoned."


    Myri jumped back and hurriedly wiped her hands off on a rag. "By Rutsav, why didn''t you warn us?" she demanded.


    "Because you can''t be hurt from it," the dark man said calmly. "You would have to be cut with the same blade as he was."


    "What do you expect us to do?" Mara questioned. "Poisons do too much damage to heal."


    "It hasn''t done any damage yet," the same man explained. "If he gets the counter-poison in the first seven days he will fully recover. It doesn''t actually harm the body for seven days, only causes extreme pain."


    "Do you know how to make the counter-poison?"


    "I do," the sorcerer answered.


    Mara handed him a sheet of paper, a bottle of ink, and a quill. "Write out the recipe."


    It took the man a few moments to finish the list, which took up the entire sheet of paper. Mara took it and vanished into the storeroom.


    "Who would use such a useless poison?" Myri asked.


    "Someone who wanted to make certain his assassination attempt didn''t fail," the injured man grumbled.


    "I''m guessing it wasn''t him," she said, motioning to the other man.


    "No," her patient agreed. "He''s my escort to Ryal."


    "Ryal?" she repeated, surprised. No one would come from the capital to a place as poor as Arren or its surrounding villages. She had heard a troop of soldiers had come through a few days ago, but hadn''t seen them herself. The rumor was that a prince was with them. Of course, this couldn''t be related ¨C


    Her eyes widened as she realized what word he''d used.


    Assassination.


    Common people were murdered. People with power were assassinated.


    He caught her look and nodded. "Crown Prince Wildas. And I would really appreciate it if you could just make this pain stop."


    "You''ll have to forgive us," Mara said to that, returning from the storeroom with an armload of herb bundles and bottles. Myri rushed to help her as she explained, "We have all but one herb on this list. Dragonweed."


    "There''s some in the garden!" Myri told her excitedly.


    Mara shook her head. "It has to be dried. What''s in the garden isn''t even finished growing yet, and it will take a month to dry in this weather."


    "How hard is it to find dried Dragonweed?" the prince asked.


    Myri''s heart was sinking quickly. "Fairly. It''s hard to grow, and takes a long time to dry. Then it needs to be ground to a fine powder to be used in a tea. The only way to take it is by tea because the body can''t absorb it alone or any other way."


    "But you have everything else?" the sorcerer questioned.


    Mara nodded. "Where are you headed?"


    "Ryal," both men replied.


    "Mother, did you not hear him say he''s the Crown Prince?" Myri demanded.


    Mara''s eyes widened and she hastily curtsied. "Then I''m even more sorry that we don''t have all the herbs you need. Take these ones with you, then the healers in Ryal only need to find one ingredient."


    The prince nodded and pulled some sort of necklace from his shirt. "I''ll be able to send word now with this. Is there any way I could at least rest a bit?" He glanced at the other man and added, "My companion, too. We rode all night and I''d like to try to sleep a little before the pain gets worse."


    "Stay right there on that cot," Mara answered. She motioned to the other man and pointed to the second of their four sick beds. "You can rest there. Myri, could you see about making a strong pain tea for our patient? We''ll see if we can ease the pain at all so he can sleep better."


    Myri nodded and went to the storeroom. As she stepped past the prince she saw that he was laying with his eyes closed, and that there was a faint purple light coming from the necklace charm he was holding.

 Chapter 7

    Shelton felt a sharp stab of pain radiating from his side at the same moment he heard Wildas''s voice in his mind. The pain was so intense that it made his stomach churn and he pushed his breakfast away. If he hadn''t been feeling the phantom pain, he would have left the breakfast table, where his family was watching him with concern. Instead, he pushed his chair back until it found the stone wall a few feet behind the table.


    Gods, Wildas, what happened? he demanded. Wildas had told him the night before about the assassination attempt and his escape from the castle without his full guard. He had felt faint pain in his side then, too, but it had been nothing like it now was. He''d been more concerned about Wildas making him promise not to tell Deandre the details until he was closer to home. As if he wouldn''t be more upset about not being told immediately.


    That assassin. Nicked me with a poisoned blade. Torture poison. You need to find dried Dragonweed. It''s the only ingredient to the counter-poison the healer here doesn''t have. I have six more days before the poison actually does any damage. It''s just extreme pain first.


    Where are you? How do you know this?


    Village outside Arren. Please. Just find the Dragonweed. We''re going to ride hard to make it there in less than six days. Don''t tell Father yet.


    Shelton sighed and ran a hand over his smooth face. Someone is coming with you from there?


    Yes.


    One of the Guardsmen survived?


    No. Someone else. I trust him. I''ll explain everything when this is over.


    Shelton could hear the pain and exhaustion in the prince''s voice. I''ll have the Dragonweed.


    Thank you.


    The abrupt lack of pain when the connection ended made Shelton sigh with relief. He could barely imagine how Wildas felt having to endure that, and likely worse, until he got the counter-poison.


    Shelton stood and left the dining hall without a word, though he knew he was being watched by his spouses and their children who had chosen to eat with them. The only thing on his mind was finding a healer with the right herb.


    He would tear the city apart to find it if he had to.


    <hr>


    Coulta woke to screams.


    "What''s going on?" the younger healer ¨C he thought her name was Myri ¨C demanded as he jumped from he cot he''d been given to sleep on.


    Mara appeared to be barricading the front door nearby. "I don''t know! Soldiers are killing everyone!"


    Coulta ran past her to the window and swore at what he saw. Men in green uniforms were chasing people through the streets, killing anyone they found and setting houses on fire. They weren''t close to the healers'' house yet, but it would only be a matter of minutes before they reached it.


    He knew those uniforms too well.


    "They''re looking for me," Wildas said gravely. Coulta turned to see the prince on his feet, but looking a bit unstable.


    "We need to go," Coulta announced, moving to where he''d left his boots and pulling them on as quickly as he could.


    "Myri, go with them," the older healer commanded.


    "Mother I can''t -"


    Coulta saw her make a gesture at Wildas, who was struggling to get his own boots on. "He''s our patient. Our promise as healers is to see every patient through to the end. Take the herbs and go. They''ll need me here."


    Letting the women have a moment together, Coulta scouted the small house for another door, and found one that led to a garden nearby. He was relieved to realize it was early afternoon ¨C they hadn''t lost much time. Wildas left a few coins on a table and followed.


    "Can you make a hard ride?" Coulta asked him, looking the prince over.


    Wildas forced a smile that was more of a grimace. "If we make it fast. The tea they gave me helped, but I have a feeling it will wear off sooner than I''d like."


    "Probably in less than an hour," Myri agreed, joining them. She handed each of them a plain brown cloak and pulled one on herself. "Mother thought it would help hide your fancy clothes and your... darkness. Most people don''t dress like thieves."


    Coulta ignored the comment and pulled the cloak on, carrying his own in case he needed it later, and followed Myri as she led them through the garden and around the house. Most of the soldiers were still occupied down the street, so they made it to the stable without incident.


    The horses were agitated, but at least they were all still there. They found Quiver and Silverblade, Wildas''s horse, but didn''t see where the saddles and bridles were. Myri had gotten her own scruffy horse from its stall and was saddling it. Coulta assumed the stable girl had fled already, so he started searching the place for the tack, frustrated by the delay.


    He was just considering the idea of riding without tack, as difficult as he knew that would be for his inexperienced self and an injured Wildas, when he heard a muffled sound from the other side of a haystack. Edging closer, sword in hand, he heard it again, and realized it was a muffled scream.


    "Now, stop that squirming. If you just lay still it won''t hurt a bit."


    Coulta stepped around the haystack and found the stable girl pinned under a burly man who was in the midst of unfastening his belt. Grabbing him by the back of the green tunic, Coulta hauled him back with astonishing ease, and threw him against the far wall. The shocked man barely had time to realize what was happening before Coulta''s sword was in his chest.


    Coulta wiped his sword on the man''s pant leg before sheathing it. He almost expected the girl to be gone when he turned around, but she was still on the ground, hurriedly pulling her skirts back down.


    "Are you all right?" he asked.


    She nodded. "Thank you."


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    He held out a hand to her. "Come with us." When she hesitated he insisted, "I need to get the prince to Ryal. He''s going to be delirious soon and I know nothing about horses. I''m going to need help with them. The healer will be too busy trying to help him." He hated himself as he admitted what he knew would be true, "Everyone in this village is going to die. Come with us."


    She finally took his hand and he pulled her to her feet, making sure she was steady before letting her go. He didn''t know why he felt the need to help her. Maybe she reminded him of Teeya.


    "Your tack is over here," she said, leading him to a corner by the door where the items hung. How had they missed it?


    With her help they were riding out of the stable courtyard within a few short minutes, Coulta and Wildas pacing their horses to ride just behind the women. But they hadn''t reached the edge of the village before three mounted soldiers blocked their path.


    Coulta barely thought as he dropped the reins and pulled two daggers from his belt. He''d never tried throwing knives before, but once again the magic seemed to be leading him, and the first dagger flew with impossible precision into a soldier''s throat, above his shirt of mail. It then came back to his hand, trailing a misty tail of black. He immediately threw it again, along with the other, killing the last two soldiers just as his group reached them. The daggers came back as he wanted them to once again.


    Interesting. He''d never tried to use his magic like that before.


    They had just ridden past the panicking, now riderless, horses when Wildas yelled, "Archers!"


    Coulta again moved without thinking and put one dagger hilt between his teeth so he could grab the reins once more. Spinning Quiver around, he threw both blades at the two unmounted archers at the edge of the village. As before, both blades were deadly accurate. One archer released an arrow as he was hit, but it flew uselessly into the trunk of a nearby tree.


    Blades in hand again, Coulta looked for any other sign of pursuit. Satisfied that they were safe for the moment, he sheathed the daggers and turned Quiver, kicking him into a full gallop to catch up with his companions.


    He''d only just reached them when he saw Wildas grab his side. Obviously, the tea was wearing off. Silverblade faltered to a walk as his rider slumped slightly in the saddle. Coulta barely got close enough to catch the prince before he fell from his horse. Wildas groaned what sounded like an apology as he attempted to sit straight again.


    "Hold up!" Coulta called to Myri and Anil, who had barely slowed down.


    "We can''t stop here," Myri complained. "We''ve barely left."


    Coulta spotted a farm a short distance down the road and nodded to it. "We can stop for a moment."


    When they reached the farm, Coulta was dismayed to realize that Varin''s soldiers had already ransacked it, killing the family and all the animals. He barely had time to think about it before he was reaching to catch Wildas again.


    "Get him down!"


    Myri and Anil jumped off their horses and went to Wildas''s other side, pulling him off with the help of a gentle push from Coulta. The prince didn''t even try to stand, just collapsed to his back with his hands over his face.


    "It''s not just my side anymore," he groaned as Coulta hopped off Quiver.


    "I never said it would only be your side," Coulta stated. He knelt next to Wildas, surprised by how helpless he felt. It wasn''t as if he really knew the prince, after all. "What do you want us to do?"


    "Find rope," Wildas moaned, not taking his hands from his face. "Tie me to the saddle. Get me home."


    "There''s a wagon here," Anil said suddenly. "The ponies can pull it. Can we use that instead?"


    "Fine. Use it. I don''t care," the prince answered.


    "We need to look for harnesses," Myri stated. "And food."


    Coulta offered her a dagger as he sat down on the ground. She raised an eyebrow, but took it gingerly. He hoped it would be enough if there was anyone dangerous in the barn.


    "You could just kill me," Wildas groaned as soon as the women had started toward the barn.


    "I can''t," Coulta replied. "I made a vow to protect you."


    Wildas moved his hands from his face. "Try."


    Coulta decided that holding a knife over the prince would be a bad idea if Myri or Anil came back sooner than he expected, so he shrugged and leaned over with the intention of strangling him. Wildas didn''t even flinch, and Coulta''s hand stopped so abruptly that he almost fell on top of the prince. His hand was so close to Wildas''s throat that he could feel the heat from his skin, and just for further proof he used as much force as he could to try pressing closer. Black tendrils of magic surrounded his hand and Wildas''s eyes were free of pain for the first time as he watched with fascination.


    The effort finally started to hurt and Coulta pulled his hand back, shaking it out as the magic faded.


    "It''s physically impossible for me to kill you," he stated. "My promise was to protect you and get you safely to Ryal. That''s all."


    Wildas nodded. "Thank you."


    Coulta was impressed that it didn''t take Myri and Anil very long to find what they were looking for. They found two large baskets and filled one with grain for the horses, the other with what food they could find in the house for human consumption. There were even two waterskins that they filled with well water that Myri judged to be safe, using whatever magical skills she had.


    But the wagon was useless. Upon closer examination they found one of the wheels broken. Anil claimed she knew how to fix it, but it would take up too much time. It seemed that tying Wildas to his saddle really was their only option.


    "There''s enough rope in the barn to tie him to the saddle securely," Anil told Coulta after explaining the issue with the wagon.


    "There''s enough for two, actually," Myri corrected as she joined them. She had several coils of rope in her arms. "If we need to ride hard, it might be best to tie two people, and have the other two leading. There''s just enough to also tie the horses together. We can share the other rope and rotate sleeping."


    "We''ll still have to rest the horses at times," Anil added. "They can''t go without sleep and food any more than we can."


    "And I''ll be awake at night," Coulta decided. "I''ll rotate with both of you during the day, but not at night. I would feel better about the situation that way."


    Both Anil and Myri agreed to that and went about storing the supplies they had collected in saddle bags for the ride. Only moments had passed when Coulta heard the sound of hoofbeats and jingling harnesses from down the road. He stood up from Wildas''s side and spotted a group of six riders in green uniforms trotting directly toward the farmstead. Before they could spot him, he mentally drew a blanket of magic over his group.


    Myri looked at him sharply, probably sensing the magic. "What¨C"


    He held up a hand to quiet her as he finished setting the magic over them. In his mind he had pictured something like a blanket of magic that would make them invisible to their enemy, and he could see the physical magic hovering just above them all, shimmering like a fine net in the air.


    Somehow, he knew the magic wouldn''t conceal noise, so he held a finger to his lips and looked pointedly at the women, who both stopped working and placed quieting hands on the horses.


    "This is the only logical way for ''im to go," a male voice drifted to them.


    "Well, I don''t see no damn fancy royal man," another voice replied.


    The riders slowed to a walk as they drew closer to the farm, much to Coulta''s frustration. He had no idea how long he could hold the magic. He had already used more magic than he was accustomed to on the mad ride out of Windwick, and this was taking even more.


    "Clearly, someone lost ''im," a third man stated.


    "Or he''s hiding," the first man pointed out.


    A fourth man laughed, gesturing all around them. "And where would ''e hide?"


    "Inside that house," one man said, pointing.


    Coulta gritted his teeth as he watched a bearded soldier pull some sort of wooden stick that resembled an unlit torch from behind his saddle. He knocked the stick against his boot and quickly lifted it away as it caught fire.


    Coulta had never seen anything like it, even in all his work for Varin, and it was a little unnerving, especially when the man rode to the house and tossed the torch onto the thatch roof. Another man lit his own torch and rode to the barn. Coulta held his breath and the soldier and his horse passed so close to Anil that her expression changed from mild fear to something close to terror.


    Both soldiers rejoined their companions on the road as they watched the buildings burn.


    "I''d say he ain''t hiding here," the youngest man stated. He barely looked strong enough to lift a sword.


    Wildas had managed to make it through the tense minutes in some sort of daze, and Coulta wasn''t even sure the prince knew what was happening, but then, suddenly, Wildas shifted in pain and moaned.


    Coulta dropped down next to him and quickly put a hand over the prince''s mouth. Wildas hardly seemed to notice or care about what was probably a terrible affront to a prince under normal circumstances.


    Luckily, at the same moment Wildas had moaned, the roof of the house had collapsed, covering the sound even better than Coulta could have.


    "I say we go back," a soldier finally said. "Lord Varin won''t be happy, but we got nothing else we can do."


    "I want to find me a whore I can have a rough tumble with an'' not hafta kill," a burly man added as they turned their horses back to Arren.


    "I have a feelin'' you fathered half the damn city, Kirl. Maybe even little Wilco there," another man said, pointing to the youngest of the group.


    "I hope not!" the boy laughed.


    They picked up a trot again, but Coulta waited until he could barely hear them before letting go of the magic. He instantly felt lightheaded and incredibly cold. It was all he could do to keep from falling on top of Wildas as everything spun around him.


    The next thing he knew, he was staring at the sky. And Myri''s face.


    "You need someone to teach you how to control your magic," she told him as she helped him sit up.


    "I''ve just never tried using that much before," he explained, rubbing his sore head.


    "I suppose you aren''t as dangerous as I thought you were."


    He gave her a curious look. "Because I look like a thief?"


    She snorted. "Because I can feel the taint on you. Care to explain this curse of yours?"


    "Let''s get going first," he sighed. "I think we''ve stopped for long enough."


    "Anil is finishing with the horses," Myri explained as she helped him to stand. "We just need to get His Highness mounted again and tied. He doesn''t respond to me."


    Coulta nodded and looked at the prince. He appeared to be unconscious for the moment. "He will be this way until he gets the counter-poison, with moments of awareness where he will be able to drink a bit. Mostly just unconscious or delirious with pain."


    Myri looked grim. "I hope they have Dragonweed in Ryal."

 Chapter 8

    Anil wasn''t entirely sure she believed the story the mysterious sorcerer told as they traveled on from Windwick, but when they stopped to water the horses he pulled a folded letter from a pouch inside his sword belt and handed it over.


    "I know you don''t believe me," he told her. "You can let Myri read it, too."


    He stepped away to help Myri get Wildas from his horse. Though she felt a little uncomfortable reading something so personal, she carefully unfolded the letter and read the script that was starting to fade in the creases.


    Dearest Coulta,


    You may not remember my face, but my name is Markiel, and I am your father. You may have asked yourself for many years how I could have given you up, but believe me, I did it because I thought it was the best thing I could do for you. I have written you this note to explain things to you that I know I will never have a chance to explain in person.


    I spent my boyhood in the farmlands of Berk, until I was noticed by a traveling sorcerer named Alion. I was a minor sorcerer myself, and he took me on as an apprentice. I went to live with him in Mariadok, one of Berk''s many minor cities. I was with him for five years, time enough to master the basics of my abilities.


    At the end of my apprenticeship, he sent me to the village of Cassel to find a young woman named Eline. He said that he had had visions of her, and that she would give birth to his son. Alion was old then, and she would not come back with me to be his woman. I had made a vow to Alion to bring her back to him, but I broke that vow when I fell in love with her.


    Alion found us many months later, living with her parents. Eline was in the final days of pregnancy, carrying my child - you. Alion was understandably displeased, and dueled us both. We took his life, but Eline, a very powerful sorceress of rare abilities, knew that you, her unborn child, had been cursed by him.


    She told me everything that she could determine from the old man''s magic. It was her belief that, because I had broken a vow to him, you were cursed to be unable to break any vow or agreement made to anyone with power over you. I discovered the truth to this - you were a very obedient child.


    Eline, your mother, went into labor that night, and being as powerful as she was, did everything she could to fight Alion''s magic. Just before you were finally born, she told me that someone would save you, that she had found the soul that would have the most power over you. She told me that you would find someone within a city in the country of Phelin, someone who lived in a great castle, who would love you despite your curse, and who would understand you and care for you enough to never make you enter into any agreements that would hurt you.


    It took the last of her energy to find this connection and to bind it. Moments after you were born, she died, having given everything to save you.


    I do not know how to explain those markings on your skin, I only know that they are either a sign of your curse, or that they were created by the conflict between Alion''s magic and that of your mother as she fought to find a way to free you. But I can tell you why I brought you to Phelin, and why I left you as I did. I was doing what your mother needed me to do, I was trying to find the city or the castle she had foreseen. I don''t know if I chose the right one, but I know that what is meant to happen will happen. I only pray that I have not caused you more suffering by giving you the chance to be free.


    I did not give you up out of hatred, but out of love. I pray that whoever finds this letter on you will keep it for you until you are old enough to understand my words, and have been taught to read them.


    -Your Father.


    By the time she had finished reading, Anil felt tears slipping down her cheeks. It was all so terrible, but she knew he would never appreciate sympathy. She wondered for a moment about the marks on his skin that were mentioned. He appeared very normal to her, so she wasn''t sure what that was about.


    But her greatest concern was that she wanted to help him, despite only just having met him. Somehow, she could just tell that he was a good man who faced misfortune that wasn''t of his own doing. But what could she do for him?


    <hr>


    Myri didn''t believe anything Coulta told her until she read the letter after Anil. Feeling the dark magic had made her reluctant to completely trust him, but his actions in the short time she had known him were starting to wear down her doubts, especially after she read the letter.


    He had taken a short nap on the back of Quiver before dusk, then rode in a lead position through the night while Myri and Anil took turns resting. The night was uneventful and they stopped to rest the horses for a while in the dawn light. As soon as they stopped, and he helped them get Wildas from Silverblade, Coulta settled down under a tree and appeared to fall right to sleep.


    "Do you trust him?" Anil asked as she and Myri sat watching over the sleeping horses and men. They''d placed Wildas under the same tree Coulta slept under, more to keep all of them together than for any other reason. The prince was sleeping far more fitfully than Coulta at the moment, if he was even sleeping at all.


    Myri nodded, surprising herself. "He''s not dangerous. He has the potential to be, if he wanted it. I think he''s more dangerous to Varin than to us, or anyone else."


    "I think so, too. He stopped me from being raped, back in Windwick. And he told me to come along. He could have just asked where the tack was and left."


    Myri glanced over at the other woman, someone who had become something of a friend in the last few months, and tried not to think of what could have happened to her had she not come along, or what had likely happened to her own mother. "But he didn''t," she murmured.


    "That letter he showed us," Anil went on after a moment, "about the curse... do you think the person it talks about is the prince?"


    Myri glanced over to the tree when she heard a groan. The prince was rolling back and forth in agony, clawing at his face. The only thing stopping him from hurting himself was the fact that he still wore riding gloves. Myri had been tending to him every few hours, and it was all she could do to get any water into him. He''d been aware of things at a few points, and had outright refused to drink even then. She knew it was because he had soiled himself and didn''t want to do so again. As a healer, she was used to such things, but patients were always too proud to accept things they couldn''t control, men especially. Her dire warning of him dying before getting the counter-poison had made him finally take a few sips of water. If she had had any pain-killing herbs she would have tried to make him a tea, not that it would truly help him. She''d never seen anyone in such pain before, and it was amazing to her that it wasn''t actually killing him.


    As she watched, Coulta reached out a hand and set it on the prince''s shoulder, still seemingly asleep. Wildas curled into a tight ball and let out one final groan before falling silent and motionless, aside from his ragged breathing.


    Looking back at Anil, she nodded. "He is."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Anil glanced over at the men and shook her head sadly. "Poor Coulta."


    "Why do you say that?"


    "Well, the prince has to get married eventually, if he isn''t already. There''s no way he could marry someone with Coulta''s past or be close with him if he already is married."


    Myri sighed and nodded grimly. "In either case, no one will want an assassin so close to the royal family, even if he says he doesn''t want to kill anymore."


    "Do you think they''ll have him killed?"


    "I don''t think the prince would allow that," Myri assured her. "But I''m not sure he''d be able to do much else for Coulta. Certainly not marry him."


    Anil shook her head again. "That''s awful."


    Myri surprised herself again by agreeing.


    <hr>


    The the magic pendant Wildas wore allowed Shelton to sense how far he was from home. It didn''t allow him to see exactly where he was, or how he was fairing, but it did give him an idea of proximity. Five days after he had spoken to Wildas, Shelton could tell that he would arrive just after nightfall, if he continued moving at the same pace.


    It was time to finally tell Grand King Deandre the full truth.


    "You should sit," he began when Deandre arrived in his office.


    Deandre regarded him with raised brows, but did as suggested and sat on a wooden chair by the dying hearth. "Are you finally going to tell me what you''ve been fretting over?"


    "Yes," Shelton admitted. "It''s Wildas." Seeing the panic on the Grand King''s face, he rushed on, "He is going to be fine, don''t worry. I told you two days ago that he survived an attack, but I learned he was injured. A very minor wound, but the assassin used a unique poison. As long as he receives a counter-poison within seven days, he will have no lasting effects." Supposedly. He still wasn''t certain he trusted information from a stranger he knew nothing about. "He will arrive home tonight, with an escort from the village of Windwick outside of Arren. I know nothing about this person he''s with, except that Wildas said he trusts him."


    "What is this poison doing to him?" Deandre asked, his voice too calm for Shelton''s liking.


    "Putting him in extreme pain. I''ve tried contacting him several times in the last few days. He''s unable to answer me. His mind is too clouded from the pain."


    "And you have the counter-poison?"


    He''d only purchased every pinch of the Dragonweed herb he could find in Ryal. Wildas hadn''t said how much he needed, but Shelton was sure he had enough. No potion he''d ever dealt with needed more than a few pinches of anything, and the Dragonweed he had would fill two wine cups.


    "Yes. I do."


    "Then cure him and don''t send him on such a fool''s errand again."


    Shelton was stunned by the anger in his husband''s voice. "What else would you have me do?"


    "Keep him here!" Deandre snapped, getting to his feet. "If he doesn''t stay in Ryal he''ll never be married. There was no reason for him to go to Arren. You knew nothing would come of it! Except for it killing him! Now he''s being tortured by some failed assassin''s twisted humor? You shouldn''t have sent him!"


    "Have you forgotten that he asked me to send him?" Shelton practically yelled, slamming his hand down on the table beside him. "He wanted to visit Arren because you keep trying to force possible spouses on him. And I agreed because I didn''t imagine Varin would go this far! You think I don''t regret all the Guardsmen we just lost? That your brother was killed? That Wildas is suffering? Because not one day has gone by that I don''t wish I hadn''t sent them."


    "Why did you think it was so safe?" Deandre demanded, barely looking any calmer for everything Shelton had said.


    Shelton knew that Deandre was reacting so angrily because he had hardly reacted to being told about the attack to begin with. He''d taken it with much too much calm, and Shelton had known this would happen. It didn''t stop his own emotions, however.


    Frustrated and agitated, Shelton put out the candles on his desk with a violent motion of his hand. Violet energy moved over the flames like a miniature gale, extinguishing them but sending melted wax onto the rug on the other side of the desk. "I was never given the impression that Varin would attack anyone of any true rank. He doesn''t have the resources for that kind of aggression. And it was the only place I could send him when he begged me to get him away from Ryal. You''re far too hard on him."


    "He''s my heir!"


    "He''s your son! And a grown man! If you treated him as one, and spoke to him with more respect, instead of treating him like a child, maybe you would understand him better. Maybe he would understand you better, as well." Shelton sighed and sat down on a nearby chair, suddenly exhausted. "You hardly speak to him at all. If you were to die tomorrow, the least of our problems would be that he''s unmarried. The greatest would be that he has no idea how to fill your place."


    Deandre sagged back into his own chair. "He confides in you?"


    Shelton met the Grand King''s eyes. "He has no one else. He''s afraid to speak to you about anything, because you make him feel like he can never please you."


    "I just don''t understand why he won''t simply choose," Deandre sighed, rubbing his graying beard. "He has enough options for spouses. I''ve seen to that."


    "Maybe he doesn''t want to choose his spouses like one chooses an outfit for a festival," Shelton replied pointedly. "Maybe he''s tried to tell you how he feels about your actions, well-intended though they may be, and you refused to listen."


    Deandre shook his head. "I still don''t understand it."


    "You don''t?" Shelton questioned. "I''m fairly certain that when we met, the day I was appointed as the court sorcerer, you were ranting in the courtyard to a statue about how cruel an arranged marriage would be. How old were you then? Close to his age?"


    "No. Four years younger than he is now."


    Shelton pretended to think for a moment. "And how long after that was the wedding?"


    Deandre sighed. "Another year and a half. It would have been longer if my father hadn''t chosen Xiao."


    "And we are reminded of her everyday."


    "Every day that I look at her closed chamber door."


    "Me, too. You need to do better by Wildas. If not for him, than Xiao''s memory."


    Deandre sighed. "I''ll do my best." Then his face transformed into a fond smile. "You''re going to be the death of me."


    Shelton returned the smile. "Better me than anyone else."


    <hr>


    They arrived in Ryal just as dusk was fading, and Myri suggested Coulta hide their movements through the city so the people didn''t see their prince in such a state. Coulta agreed, and they managed to sneak through the gate just before it closed for the night.


    It was easy enough to make it to the castle, which Coulta guessed to be twice the size of the one in Arren. He didn''t understand how something so big could be safely built from massive stones. There was a main roadway leading straight up the hill to it, though in several places gates stood ready to block the way. They were open, which made Coulta think they were just for defense, in case the main wall was breached. The gates were part of several walls that seemed to section off the city.


    Coulta noticed that they had entered the city where the buildings seemed the most run down, though they were no worse than the entire city of Arren. The closer they got to the castle, the fancier the buildings became. He didn''t know which were houses and which were businesses, as all the shops were closed, but he noticed several obvious taverns and inns.


    Just before the final gate to the castle grounds, Coulta lifted the magic. The gate was closed, but a guard in a red uniform instantly spotted them.


    They had decided that Myri would speak on their behalf, and she called up to the man, "My name is Myri. I''m a healer from the village of Windwick. We''ve brought the Crown Prince home, and he needs more healing than I can give him."


    The guard yelled down to the castle yard below, "The prince!"


    The gate went up moments later and they moved through. Coulta was unsettled to see two dozen men in red uniforms quickly surround them. The man who seemed to be in charge held up a hand and Coulta pulled Quiver up. Myri halted her horse on the other side. Anil was behind Quiver on her pony, with Wildas semi-conscious on Silverblade behind Myri''s horse.


    "One of you is a healer?"


    Myri nodded. "I am. I have the recipe for the potion he needs."


    The man nodded. "You''ll come with us." He looked at Anil. "Who are you?"


    "My name is Anil," she answered. "I''m also from Windwick. The ponies are mine. I''d like to care for them, if I may."


    The guard turned to the man next to him. "Help her to the stables."


    The other guard saluted, but didn''t move.


    When the leader looked at Coulta, he made some sort of hand gesture that Coulta found puzzling. He was about to explain who he was when the man calmly ordered, "Arrest him."


    The next thing he knew, he was being dragged off Quiver. Someone practically ripped off his sword belt and he was rather rudely touched everywhere on his body until they found his hidden weapons and were satisfied. Part of Coulta wanted to fight the guards as they painfully clamped manacles onto his wrists, but he knew it was best to let them drag him across the castle yard.


    He heard Anil cry his name before they dragged him away, and Myri assure her that he would be fine. He hoped he would be.


    They dragged him into the castle through a door that was sunk into the ground. It was dark and smelled rank, and the tiny cell they threw him into was cold. At least they took the manacles off once he was confined.


    Left alone without a word of explanation, he knew he should feel desperate or angry. But he just felt tired. He''d barely slept in the last few days, and what dreams he''d had were nightmares from which his shadow stranger never once saved him. He sat down on the damp, cold stone floor with a sigh.


    As soon as he leaned his head against the wall, he was asleep.

 Chapter 9

    Wildas woke feeling more rested than he had in a while, and completely pain-free.


    Coulta had said he''d be pain-free for one day. Then he''d die. He''d bleed to death. Tomorrow.


    He struggled against the blankets covering him, panicking. A firm hand almost immediately pressed down on his shoulder, making him fight even harder.


    "Calm down! You''re safe! We got you the counter-poison in time!"


    Wildas stopped struggling and took a good look at the person holding him. The young woman wasn''t one of the usual court healers, but she looked vaguely familiar. "Myri?" he asked, attempting to grasp the hazy memories of the last few days. She certainly looked like the younger healer from Windwick.


    She nodded, smiling fleetingly. "They allowed me to heal you because I had the other ingredients." There was a pointed cough from somewhere behind her and she removed her hand from his shoulder. "Under guard, of course," she grumbled.


    Wildas looked around her and noted with relief that he was in his own bedchamber. He also saw a member of the Royal Guard standing by the door, just removing his hand from his sword hilt. Wildas gestured to him and said, "Don''t worry about her. I need to speak to the Second King."


    The Guardsman bowed, though he cast a hesitant glance at Myri. "Yes, Your Highness," he finally said before leaving.


    "Where''s Coulta?" Wildas asked Myri. "And wasn''t someone else with us?"


    The healer nodded, pulling her tangled black hair to one side of her face. "Anil was allowed to take care of the horses we brought from Windwick. I don''t know where she is now. Coulta..." She took a deep breath and the pause filled Wildas with dread. "They arrested him. He didn''t fight them, so I think he must be safe. I assume they wouldn''t do anything to him before you could speak for him."


    Wildas let out a heavy breath. "No, they wouldn''t. Not if he went willingly. But why?"


    Myri shook her head. "I don''t know. It happened as soon as we arrived."


    "How long ago?"


    She glanced out the window. "We arrived just after dusk. It''s late morning now."


    The Second King arrived then, and looked surprised to see Myri trying to give him a passable curtsy. "Did you stay here all night?" he asked.


    Myri nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty."


    "It''s ''Highness''," he corrected patiently. "Only the Grand King is ''Majesty''. Keeps the court from getting fussy."


    "I apologize."


    Shelton waved a hand. "It''s not that important at the moment."


    A servant entered carrying a tray, and only then did Wildas realize how hungry he was. After not eating in days, he thought he might even eat the core of the apple that was resting beside the plate of meat and eggs. The boy bowed after he set the tray down on the bedside table, but before he could go, Shelton stopped him.


    "Thank you. Could you also show this healer to a guest room?"


    "There are no guest rooms prepared, Your Highness," the boy stammered.


    "Then, please show her to a guest room, start a fire in the hearth, and ensure that it promptly prepared. See that she is given breakfast, hot bath water, and a few sets of clothing."


    The boy bowed. "I will, Your Highness." Turning to Myri he said, "Please, come with me."


    She gave the Second King a curtsy and thanked him before she followed the servant to the door.


    "You didn''t tell me you were bringing more than one person with you," Shelton said, settling in the seat Myri had vacated near the bed. "Your brother wasn''t as prepared for your arrival as he could have been."


    "Is that why the person who saved my life is in the dungeon?" Wildas questioned, sitting up carefully. He felt weaker than ever.


    "Rohan is taking his new role very seriously. And, considering you were unconscious and he was armed, it was what I would have done. Eat and explain to me who these companions of yours are."


    Wildas was more than happy to pull the tray onto his lap, but he took a long drink of the tea he''d been given first. Finally, he sighed and set the cup back on the table. "I wasn''t expecting to bring Myri or Anil. They both joined us in Windwick. Myri''s mother is the healer we went to, hoping she could make the counter-poison. Anil was working in the public stables. Varin sent a group of men after us. I don''t know how many. At least fifty, I would guess. They were killing and burning everything. Myri''s mother made her go with us when we fled the village, and this was hours after I spoke to you. I was trying to get some rest before the journey home, because the pain was almost bearable then. We brought Anil because Coulta needed help with the horses."


    "And who exactly is Coulta? What is he?"


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Wildas played with the apple in his hands, suddenly not as hungry as he had been. "You need to talk to him yourself. Just know that he saved my life multiple times and that I trust him."


    Shelton gazed at him with skeptical violet eyes. "I take it he didn''t join you in Windwick."


    "He saved my life in Arren first," Wildas agreed with a nod. "Just speak to him. I know you won''t judge him too quickly. Where''s Anil?"


    "She was given a room at the stables with the grooms. I can arrange for her to have a guest room here if you would like. I will need to determine how safe this Coulta is, but the women can stay as long as you want them to."


    Wildas nodded. "At least a few days so they can rest. I don''t know if there is anything left of Windwick, though."


    Shelton nodded grimly. "I''ll find out. I''ll also arrange for them to be paid for their assistance."


    "Thank you. And I want to talk to Coulta after you do."


    "Your father will want to speak to you first."


    Wildas shook his head. "I don''t want to see him yet. He''ll just tell me how stupid I am for whatever I did, then tell me that as soon as I can get out of bed I have to get married."


    Shelton sighed. "He won''t let you avoid him forever."


    "He had better let me avoid him for today, because I don''t want to hear his complaints at the moment."


    "I''ll advise him against intruding on your bed rest, but I doubt he''ll give you more than today."


    Wildas knew Shelton was correct, but he didn''t care. He didn''t need to be scolded like a child quite yet. He wanted to rest and try not to think of what he had been through.


    Or the fact that the comforting shadow figure in his fevered, pain-filled dreams had started to look a lot like Coulta.


    <hr>


    The clanging of the cell door woke Coulta with a jolt, not that he''d been sleeping all that well.


    "Get up," the red-clad guard in the doorway ordered. "You''re to be questioned."


    Coulta got unsteadily to his feet, noting with annoyance that his whole body was numb from the cold stone. The guard fixed the manacles on him again, then led him down a torch-lit hallway to another room. The guard stepped away, and Coulta didn''t have time to wonder why before a bucket of cold water was dumped over his head. Sputtering from the shock, Coulta braced himself as more water was thrown on him. Someone probably got strange joy when they emptied a bucket of icy water directly against his groin, too.


    "What''s going on?" a sharp voice demanded.


    No more water came, but Coulta couldn''t stop himself from shivering as he dripped on the stone floor.


    "Just doing what we were told, Your Highness."


    "I said let him have a bath, not soak him in cold water. Were you even going to offer him dry clothes, or make him stand out in the sun for an hour? I thought as much. Idiots. Get towels before I make you wish you''d listened better."


    It was only moments before a guard handed Coulta a towel, which Coulta awkwardly rubbed over his rough face and hair.


    "Take off the damn manacles, I''m sure I can control him if I have to."


    A guard removed them, though he didn''t look very happy about it, then handed Coulta a fresh towel. He used it to soak up the water in his clothes as best he could, and when he looked up he found a middle-aged man in a purple robe standing in front of him. He looked Coulta over for a moment in the darkness, then stepped toward the door.


    "Come with me."


    Coulta tried not to shiver as he followed. They didn''t step outside as he had hoped, however, just wove through a maze of corridors and staircases until they entered a neatly organized office.


    "Stand by the fire."


    Coulta obeyed, thankful for the warmth, regardless of what was about to happen. Why was this man going to question him? Surely Wildas hadn''t died, had he? Coulta was sure they had made it to Ryal in time, but what if the herb they had needed wasn''t to be found?


    For a long moment the man just stared at Coulta, which was unsettling, especially because the man''s eyes were an unnatural shade of violet. Coulta took a few uncertain glances around the room, taking in the walls of bookshelves and what looked to be potions. There was even a shelf of stones that ranged from dull and uninteresting to what looked like very large gemstones.


    "Wildas says you saved his life."


    Coulta looked back at the man. "He''s recovered?"


    "He''ll likely need a few days of bed rest, but yes." The man gave him a suspicious look. "Did you not expect him to recover?"


    Coulta shook his head. "I knew if he got the counter-poison in time, he would, but I didn''t know if the Dragonweed was found."


    "I managed to find some." The man leaned against a desk that was neatly stacked with papers. "I apologize for your mistreatment, but Prince-General Rohan wasn''t sure he could trust you when you didn''t identify yourself as a member of the Royal Guard. He had assumed anyone with Wildas would be a fellow Guardsman who survived whatever happened in Arren."


    "No one survived Arren. None of the soldiers, I mean."


    "But Wildas did. Explain to me exactly who you are. I can feel something dark hovering over you. I can tell that you aren''t evil, but you have the feeling of someone who could be. You feel haunted, dark. Death has surrounded you for years, but you have never chosen such a life for yourself. I want to understand this shadow at your back ¨C need to understand it before I can let you leave this room."


    Coulta instinctively reached for his sword belt and the letter he had tucked into the small pocket inside it years ago. But of course he didn''t have his belt. The soldiers had taken it from him the night before. Taking a deep breath, he explained the contents of the letter instead. This time, he didn''t leave out what his mother had foreseen.


    "Varin used the curse to turn me into an assassin," he finally concluded. "I didn''t want to kill, but I could never fight it. If I tried, it was almost as if my body acted on its own. Until I was told to kill Wildas."


    "Did you kill his Guardsmen?"


    "No," Coulta quickly explained. "That was Varin''s other assassin, Roane. I was planning to do anything I could to not kill Wildas or his men, but Roane stepped in on my job. By the time I knew he was there, he had already killed everyone else."


    "But you broke Varin''s control?"


    "Somehow, Wildas has more power over me. As soon as I swore to him that I''d bring him to Ryal, the need to serve Varin was gone. I assume because he is a prince."


    The other man looked at him for a long time, clearly thinking and trying to decide what it all meant. Finally, he sighed. "Unfortunately, you are dangerous. It would be unwise to have you wandering freely all over Phelin, if there is someone out there who has more power over you than Wildas. There''s no saying what anyone else would do with someone in your position. There are others, like Varin, who would see you as a weapon and not a man. I suggest you make another vow to serve Wildas, if you only promised to bring him home previously. Be careful of your wording. Does Wildas know about the curse?"


    Coulta nodded.


    "So he understands. I don''t think he would ever take advantage of you, unless the poison had a drastic effect on him."


    "It shouldn''t have. I''ve unfortunately witnessed its effects."


    The man nodded and stood straight once more. "Wildas wants to see you, but I suggest a bath and some food first. I''ll have a servant show you to your room. You''ll be near the others you arrived with, for now. I''ll be sure to have more clothes sent to you, as well."


    "My weapons?" Coulta ventured.


    "I''ll have those returned to you as soon as I can. Do I have permission to find and read that letter?"


    Coulta nodded. "Yes. Could I ask one thing?"


    "Certainly."


    "Who are you?"


    The man smiled. "Second King Shelton."


    Coulta quickly bowed like he had done countless times to Varin. "I apologize, my lord. I didn''t know."


    "I didn''t expect you to," the Second King replied, still smiling. "Come, let''s get you settled. I''ll make sure someone takes you to see Wildas in a couple of hours."


    "Thank you."


    Shelton paused halfway to the door and returned to the desk, where he took something from a drawer and handed it to Coulta. Taking it, Coulta saw it was a black velvet pouch that fit perfectly in his hand. And it was heavy.


    "He''ll work out a price with you if you plan to serve him from this point forward," the Second King explained. "That is for bringing him home."


    Coulta was stunned. "I don''t need ¨C"


    "How else do you expect to buy the things you will need in order to live here and work for Wildas?"


    Coulta nodded reluctantly. "Thank you."


    He supposed he could get used to living and working for the royal family. There were certainly worse people he could work for. Experience had shown him that.

 Chapter 10

    Lord Varin stood before the gathered men who would become his army''s foundation. They were all men and boys just old enough to hold a weapon, all dragged by force from their homes in the early morning hours. All were frightened, kneeling with bowed heads in Varin''s personal throne room.


    Varin grinned.


    "Citizens of Arren," he addressed them. "Today you will join the greatest avenging army of our world''s history. For generations the people of Arren have been ignored and dismissed by the crown. Our troubles have never mattered to them while they are surrounded by their petty ways. Now we must fight them. The ultimate slight has been made by the Crown Prince himself. We will no longer have the royal funding granted to other cities of our size. I asked for the aid to improve our roads and sewers so that we are healthier and safer, but he told me things were just fine here."


    Varin began to pace as he spoke, trying to win over his reluctant people with words they would never see as lies. It would be better to do it the easy way, first. Force would come next.


    "You know the condition of our once great city. We must tell the crown what happens when people are abandoned. I will not abandon you."


    He stopped pacing to lift a large silver bowl and a small dagger from his throne.


    "And you will not abandon me."


    ***


    After Coulta''s meeting with Second King Shelton a servant in a plain gray and red uniform led Coulta to a guest room, leaving him utterly confused as to where in the castle he actually was. The massive building was a maze of passageways and stairs, lined with plain wooden doors and bright tapestries. When he stepped into the room the servant had shown him to, Coulta stood frozen with surprise. He''d expected a common guest room to be plain and even dreary. This wasn''t. The room was several times larger than where he had lived in Arren, and he immediately felt as if he didn''t deserve such a place even for one night.


    The room was well-lit with silver wall-torches and a fire burned in the large hearth, fighting the chilly spring breeze coming in through the open window. In the center of the room was a large bed dressed in dark blue sheets and matching blue curtains hung from a canopy above the bed, drawn back invitingly. Coulta wanted nothing more than to climb into that bed and sleep for a day after all the sleepless days he''d had, but he knew Crown Prince Wildas would be expecting him soon. And surely the dreams of all the innocent lives he''d taken would keep him from truly resting as they always did.


    There were two storage chests along the far wall, made of a stained wood identical to the bedposts. Close to where he stood was a matching desk, which already held a few sheets of parchment, a glass bottle of ink, and two feather quills atop it. A chair sat at the desk, made of the same wood as the other furniture and with a seat cushion matching the bedding. Along another wall was a very large wardrobe and a small table with a washbasin, a pitcher of water, a bar of soap, and even a razor. A small towel hung on a rack beside it and a small mirror was on the wall above it.


    There was a dressing screen in the far corner of the room, and Coulta found a steaming bath waiting for him on the other side. He''d never been happier to see a tub of water in his life and could hardly get his damp clothes off fast enough. Knowing that Wildas was waiting to speak to him, he forced himself to wash relatively quickly. Unsure if servants knocked on doors in Ryal or just walked in, he wrapped a towel around himself when he was done before walking to the wardrobe.


    When he opened it, he was surprised to see more than just one or two outfits ready for him there. A sudden tightness came to his heart when he saw some of the more brightly colored pieces, and he settled for a black pair of trousers and a silver silk shirt. The fabric didn''t feel natural when he put it on, but he wanted to keep to the same colors he had always worn. For Teeya. Despite his former life as a killer, she had made him accept himself in the dark colors, shades she always said made him handsome, not like a killer. He''d kept wearing the colors because it made her smile. There was no way he could make himself wear bright greens and blues when the only friend he''d ever had in his life was so far away. He didn''t even know if she was still alive, now that he was gone. For the memory of her, he swore then to wear only the colors she had liked to see him wear back in Arren.


    He had just finished shaving a short time later when there was a knock on the door. Coulta answered it to find another boy in servant''s clothes holding a tray of food. At least that answered his question about knocking. The boy was visibly surprised when Coulta reached for the tray.


    "I''m sorry," he stammered. "I just usually bring the trays inside for everyone."


    "Oh," Coulta replied, understanding the reaction. "Well, next time."


    The boy nodded as he relinquished the tray. "You can leave it inside the room when you''re finished. Someone will pick it up. Probably not ''til morning though. That''s when we do all the cleaning chores."


    Coulta nodded. "Thank you."


    "Welcome to Ryal," the boy replied, then hurried away.


    It wasn''t until Coulta had shut the door that he really looked at the food. There was meat and cheese and bread, all seasoned with spices he was sure he''d never had before, and a cup of sweet-smelling tea. Even though he hadn''t actually been a servant in Arren, he''d only eaten what the servants had. Spices and fresh cheese had never been wasted on them. Plain food, most of it scraped free of mold, was all they ate. Plain tea, too, nothing like what was before him now.


    Serving Crown Prince Wildas would be worth it just for the food.


    He was just beginning to wonder if Wildas had decided not to speak to him after all when, some time after he''d finished his lunch, he finally heard another knock on the door. Coulta stopped pacing and went to answer it. Instead of a servant, he found a man in the red uniform of the soldiers who had arrested him.


    In fact, he was the very man who had ordered him to be arrested.


    "Don''t worry," the soldier told him, actually smiling. "I''m just here to take you to my brother. And no, I''m not doing it because I don''t trust you."


    Much to Coulta''s amazement, he offered Coulta his sword belt. Despite the man''s words, Coulta was still suspicious, and took the belt hesitantly.


    "I wanted to apologize," the soldier went on. "I should have just had someone escort you to a guest room and guard the door, but I was taken by surprise. My brother being in such a state and an armed stranger who didn''t give the sign of the Royal Guard, and the two women... Wildas just explained everything to me. I''m very new to my post, I suppose I didn''t want to muck it up when my brother was involved."If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Coulta finished putting his belt on and gave the man what he hoped was a reassuring smile. It had been too long since he''d last smiled, so it probably looked like a grimace. "I understand. It wasn''t that terrible."


    "Aside from the water incident," the other man grumbled. "That was the men taking things into their own hands. They''d assumed you''d had something to do with Wildas''s condition. I''ll see to them."


    Coulta felt inside the lining of his belt and was able to tell that the Second King ¨C what did that title mean, anyway? ¨C had returned his letter. That was the only concern he''d had for the moment. "You don''t need to be harsh."


    "I can''t have them going beyond orders." He motioned for Coulta to follow him. "I''m Prince-General Rohan. But if you''re familiar with my brother, I suppose just calling me Rohan in private is allowable."


    So he was the one who had taken over for the man Roane had killed. He did look quite a bit like Wildas, now that Coulta thought about it. Rohan had lighter hair and blue eyes instead of hazel, but they had the same face. They even looked to be the same age.


    "I''m Coulta," he said as they started up a winding case of stairs.


    "I know," Rohan replied, and it sounded like he was smiling.


    The harsh man who had arrested him was suddenly pleasant and smiling. This day was getting stranger by the moment.


    Much sooner than Coulta had been expecting, they reached a door that was guarded by another man in a red uniform. Coulta took a moment to compare their uniforms, noticing that the soldier guarding the door lacked the row of star-like white stitches on the Prince-General''s collar. The Prince-General also had a shield embroidered on his chest, depicting a golden horse leaping across a blue background. The other guard saluted Rohan, and held the position while Rohan led Coulta inside.


    If Coulta had thought his guest room was massive and elaborate, it was nothing compared to the Crown Prince''s chamber. Colorful tapestries covered what wall space wasn''t filled by shelves or one of the three large wardrobes. A large sword rack was next to an ornate writing desk, but most of the swords looked to be ceremonial ¨C not even a prince would consider combat with a sword glittering with gems or inscriptions. Several carved chests took up space along the walls, along with two hearths. A small sitting area was in front of Coulta, with a cushioned sofa and three chairs that looked immensely comfortable. A small table sat empty in the center, on a fur rug that was dyed the same blue as the cushions on the chairs and sofa.


    The blue also matched the blankets and curtains on the massive bed that sat on a raised platform near the back of the room, a short distance from a closed off area that was probably a bathing room. Wildas was sitting up in the bed, wearing a plain green tunic, and arguing with Myri.


    "You asked that I stay your healer through this," she was saying. "I say it''s best if you stay in bed through tomorrow. If you are feeling stronger by tomorrow evening, I might consider letting you off bed rest."


    "I have too many people I need to talk to," the prince argued.


    "Don''t you have enough authority that you could ask for those people to speak with you here?"


    "I suppose most of them would be willing to meet here, but I can''t expect my father to. Though I''m sure he''ll force the door down if I don''t go to see him soon enough."


    "Then let him force the door down, and he''ll see that you truly are restricted to bed rest."


    Wildas sighed, then noticed Coulta when Rohan led him over. Myri noticed, too, and got up from her chair to give Rohan a curtsy.


    Rohan looked from her to Wildas and said, "I like her. She isn''t afraid to order you around like the other healers are." He turned to Myri and took her hand, pressing his lips to the back of her hand before telling her in a low voice, "Slap him if he doesn''t listen. I''m sure he would appreciate a slap from such a beautiful woman."


    Myri looked completely flustered when he released her hand. She blushed as she clasped her hands behind her back.


    "Rohan. Did you flirt with Coulta, too?" Wildas demanded. Somehow he managed to look both annoyed and amused.


    Rohan motioned to Coulta. "Him? No, I begged his forgiveness for dragging him from horseback, taking his weapons, patting him all over, and throwing him in a cell without food or a sleeping pallet. And for my men throwing cold water over him this afternoon."


    Something about the brothers made Coulta feel like smiling again. "You only apologized for having me arrested and the water."


    "I apologize for the rest then," Rohan said with a careless gesture and a grin.


    Wildas made a much ruder gesture at his brother. "Rohan, you''re an arse. Get out of here."


    Rohan gave his brother a mocking bow as he backed toward the door. "Yes, Your Highness."


    As soon as he was gone, Myri was fussing over Coulta, practically dragging him to a chair to look at him. He was too confused to bother fighting her.


    "They made you sleep in the damp dungeon?" she demanded. "Didn''t even feed you? And dumped cold water over you? Are you feeling well? Any fatigue? Pain? Chills?"


    "I''m feeling well," he assured her, scowling when she lifted his chin and tilted his head every direction. In truth, he was quite tired, but he was certain that it was mostly from the exhausting journey, not just the night in a cell. "I''ve had food and a hot bath now anyway."


    Myri finally let him go and crossed her arms over her chest. She''d evidently also had the chance to bathe and put on clean clothes, because her dress was not the same stained one he was used to seeing.


    "I suppose I''ll just make you a tea anyway," she sighed. "It''s the least I could do. You did save my life. I''d hate to have you take sick afterward."


    "Don''t rush," Wildas told her from the bed. "I''ll keep him here for a while."


    She nodded. "Will the guard outside be able to tell me where the guest wing is?"


    "Of course."


    She gave him a quick curtsy, then headed toward the door.


    "Thank you for distracting her from me," Wildas told Coulta with a laugh when she was gone.


    "I think your brother distracted her before I did," Coulta commented.


    Wildas snorted. "He''s impossible. I''m sorry I didn''t even consider what he might do once we arrived."


    Coulta shrugged. "You didn''t have much time to consider it."


    The prince nodded. "That''s true. And thank you for bringing me home. I know it wasn''t exactly a pleasant journey."


    "It would have been more difficult without Anil and Myri. You did fairly well with the poison, anyway. I''ve seen the end of result of what it does to some people. Some kill themselves, probably without even realizing it. It was one of the many reasons I hated having to work with Roane." He gazed into the nearby hearth fire, trying to burn away the memories in his mind. The poison had often made its victims claw at their bodies in agony, causing them to bleed out before the poison''s final act of cruelty. There had even been one man who had thrown himself into a hearth fire to end it.


    Coulta quickly glanced away from the hearth and back at Wildas.


    "It was worse than anything I have ever experienced before," the prince said quietly. "Sometimes I felt like my body was on fire, and sometimes I felt mercifully numb. I don''t know if that part was very brief, or if that was when I was able to sleep and it felt that way. I have very little memory of anything other than pain after we left Windwick. I only remember knowing that the three of you were with me."


    He cleared his throat. "I haven''t had the chance to speak to Anil yet, but I told Myri she was welcome to stay at least until we know what happened at Windwick. She seems to be happy to stay and order me around for a few days. Did Shelton speak to you?"


    Coulta nodded and fingered the sleeve of his shirt, noticing how the stitches were at a different angle than Teeya''s always were. "He suggested I make another vow to serve you. I don''t know how much of the vow I made in Arren is still in effect. Not the part about bringing you back to Ryal, I know."


    Wildas was quiet for a moment, and Coulta could sense the prince''s eyes on him. "It would likely help my brother relax if he knew I had someone other than him to watch my back. There usually aren''t a lot of assassination attempts in Ryal, but he''s slightly paranoid now. If you agree to be my escort whenever I leave the castle, he won''t be obligated to follow me around and complain about whatever I''m doing. As you just saw, he can be a little annoying. I love him dearly, but he''s still my brother and growing up with him was tiring enough."


    Coulta nodded again. "I understand."


    "Good. So, you can swear to serve and protect me," Wildas went on. "But I also want you to swear that you will be honest with me. If I ask you to do something trivial, ridiculous, or overly dangerous, I want you to tell me. I don''t want to take advantage of this, intentionally or not. If I jokingly tell you to go chase chickens, I don''t mean it. It''s just one of those things everyone tells children to do when they are complaining of boredom. I tell Rohan to do it all the time."


    Coulta smiled and decided his face was going to be sore soon if this continued. "Should I also vow not to annoy you?"


    "I doubt you''ll ever annoy me like Rohan can, don''t worry."


    "Then, I swear to do everything in my power to protect you," Coulta vowed, looking Wildas in the eye. "I swear to serve you to the best of my abilities. And I swear to always be honest with you."


    Wildas nodded. "I accept your service, and, for what it''s worth, I will do my best to never do you any harm or take advantage of your position."


    "Thank you," Coulta replied with a nod, amazed by the sincerity he saw in the prince''s eyes.


    Despite the physically binding promise to serve, Coulta somehow still felt free.

 Chapter 11

    Wildas knew he wasn''t offering Coulta much better than what he''d had in Arren, but at least there wouldn''t be any killing involved. Not of innocents ¨C though Wildas hoped there would be no killing at all.


    "Once Myri lets me off bed rest I''ll be back to my normal life," he explained to break what felt to him like awkward silence. "That means I''ll be fairly busy until the midday meal. I usually have breakfast with my family, then attend my father''s meetings with his advisers. Unless it''s one of the few days where I sit with my father when he hears petitions, I will be free to do whatever I wish in the afternoons. That''s when I''ll need you. I like to leave the castle and go for rides outside the city or visit the city on market days. If the weather is bad, I spend time with my siblings or visit the library. I do spend some afternoons with Shelton. I also spar with Rohan or my mother in the training arenas. No other soldiers or officers will practice with me. I may need you in the evenings, but not always. We''ll find something for you to do when you''re not with me. What do you like to do? Or, what would you like to do?"


    Coulta shrugged and watched the closest fire thoughtfully. "I would like to practice my combat skills. And my magic. There is a lot I''ve never tried to do with it and I want to know my limits." He paused before adding, "And Varin was determined to keep me rather uneducated. I know very little about the real traditions of Phelin, and I feel that I should know more if I''m to serve you. So I''d like to learn more. About tradition and politics if I can."


    Of course Coulta would want to understand his surroundings in his new home. And he would need to know where threats may come from if he was to protect Wildas. "Do you have any specific questions?"


    Coulta hesitated a moment before asking, "Are there two kings? Is there no queen?"


    Wildas couldn''t stop himself from laughing, but when he saw the way Coulta ducked his head as if he felt ashamed, the amusement disappeared. "That was rude of me, I''m sorry," he said, trying to mend the situation. "There are two kings and two queens. All four are married to each other. It''s probably strange to someone from a place where all relationships are forbidden, I''m sure. My parents are Grand King Deandre, Second King Shelton, and Queen Yvona. My other mother, Queen Xiao, died three winters ago. The Second King is usually chosen as someone who can be the Grand King''s most trusted adviser. He is usually a military leader or sorcerer ¨C Shelton is the most powerful sorcerer alive in the world. There is always a sorcerer in the court, so he''s often chosen as the Second King for convenience. Some queens are also sorceresses or military leaders. Queen Yvona was an officer in the Royal Guard before she was married. The whole structure is supposed to be strategic, but sometimes there is love involved. I''m fairly certain all of my parents care very much for each other, anyway."


    "They''re all your parents?" Coulta asked, looking a little skeptical as he gazed at Wildas. For the first time, Wildas truly looked at the other man''s eyes and was surprised to realize that the odd coloration hadn''t been a trick of dim lighting or Wildas''s pain-filled hallucinations as he''d assumed. His eyes truly were a deep gray, almost black, and flecked with shining silver throughout.


    He forced himself to tear his gaze away from those fascinating eyes and explained, "Well, one of the queens obviously gave birth to me, but I''ve never truly wondered which one. I have always known them both as ''Mother''. It''s different with the kings, because the Second King can''t have children, as dictated by tradition. Otherwise, there would be too much possible conflict for the throne. I was told he has to take some sort of herbal tea that causes temporary infertility. I have only ever called the Grand King ''Father'' and it''s the same with my closest siblings. The younger siblings have known both him and Shelton as ''Father''."


    "How many siblings do you have?"


    "Three younger brothers and six younger sisters. And no one older. Rohan is the closest in age. We''re only a month apart. We''re both twenty-four." Wildas was suddenly struck by something he''d never really wondered. "How old are you?"


    Coulta shrugged. "Twenty-two, I think. I don''t have a birthday that I know. Teeya knew I was five years old when I arrived in Arren and we used that day each year."


    This filled Wildas with a sadness he hadn''t expected. "If you tell me when that is, I can make sure we celebrate it."This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Coulta shook his head, sadness on his face as he quietly admitted, "It wouldn''t be the same, without her. But thank you."


    Wildas nodded and wished he could offer the other man some comfort. "If you ever change your mind, just tell me."


    Coulta nodded and looked away. "I will." Then he cleared his throat and asked, "Do all of your siblings have positions they will inherit, like Rohan?"


    "My twenty-year-old brother, Jarlin, is being trained by our Uncle Pavle to become Prince-General of the navy. My sister, Sari ¨C she''s twenty-two ¨C is training under our Uncle Ruairi to become Princess-General of the army. And my oldest sister, Lana ¨C a few months older than Sari ¨C is going to take over the treasury from our Aunt Thea. The rest of my siblings don''t have any specific positions, but they have their high social station for life."


    "Do they all have to follow the marriage tradition?" Coulta asked.


    Wildas shook his head. "They don''t need to. It''s usually only the oldest few who feel obligated to follow the tradition. Well, not the Prince-General of the Royal Guard. He has more demands for his time than any of the others and rarely gets married at all. That''s the main reason why the position is held by the Grand King''s brother or second eldest child. There have been Princess-Generals of the Guard, as well."


    "How is the Royal Guard different from the rest of the army?"


    "Its first concern is to protect members of the royal family, instead of the country as a whole. They are always in Ryal as permanent defenders, though small units travel outside the city with members of the royal family. The full Guard is made up of five hundred men and women."


    That seemed to surprise Coulta, whose eyes widened. "Female soldiers?"


    Wildas smiled. "Didn''t I say Queen Yvona was an officer? We don''t have nearly as many women in the Guard as men, but as long as they meet the requirement of serving five years in the regular army, they can try to join. There is a test every year to find new members for the Guard, and it''s incredibly rigorous. There''s sword fighting and archery from horseback, sword fighting and archery on the ground, weapons-free combat, and endurance tests. A point system is used, and only those who score highest are accepted." He leaned back against his pillows and sighed. "More of them will be making it this summer. We rarely need to replace more than five Guardsmen. This year will be at least twelve."


    Coulta didn''t say anything for a moment, then asked, "Why were you in Arren? Isn''t it dangerous to send the heir as an envoy?"


    Wildas shrugged. "I suppose, but it''s my duty. The heir apparent always gets sent out to act as an envoy so he becomes known to both enemies and allies before he becomes the Grand King."


    "So it is a political, as well as a social, position?"


    The prince nodded. "Precisely. And, if something were to happen to me, Rohan would be next in line. He would be allowed to choose and train another sibling to lead the Guard, then take my place."


    Myri''s return halted their conversation for a moment. She handed Coulta a cup, then gave another one to Wildas. "It''ll help you get more strength back," she explained, clearly not impressed by the way Wildas sniffed the tea and grimaced.


    Still skeptical, Wildas sipped the tea and had to force himself to swallow. "I hope so."


    "Drink it," she commanded.


    "I will!" He took another sip to prove it to her, trying not to make a hideous face as he did so.


    Coulta''s tea must not have been much better, because he coughed and made a face that was so comical Wildas had to bite back a laugh.


    Myri scowled, glaring at both of them. "In Windwick, healers were appreciated."


    "I appreciate what you''re doing for me," Wildas tried to explain. "I''m going to drink this because I trust healers. That doesn''t mean I''ll enjoy it."


    Coulta met her gaze levelly when she turned her full focus on him. "I''ll drink it."


    Clearly satisfied, Myri nodded and looked back at Wildas. "Do you need anything else?"


    "Could you bring Anil with you in the morning?" he asked.


    She nodded. "I will be sure to."


    "Thank you."


    "Will you have to drink that now even if you don''t want to?" Wildas asked Coulta when the healer was gone.


    "No," Coulta answered, swirling the tea in the cup. "But I will. It''s only my promises to you that I am forced to keep."


    Wildas watched him take another sip and force it down. "I think I''m going to rest now. I would like it if you would come back tomorrow afternoon."


    Coulta nodded and rose from his chair. He nearly spilled his tea as he quickly bowed.


    "Don''t worry about that," Wildas told him, smiling. "The bowing. You only need to do that if you meet me anywhere in a more public place. Even then, I wouldn''t mind if you didn''t, but it would look bad for you if others noticed."


    "Of course," Coulta replied with a nod. "And thank you. For allowing me to stay here."


    "Thank you for wanting to stay," Wildas replied.


    Coulta gave him one last nod, and left.


    Even before the door closed, Wildas felt profoundly lonely. With a sigh he forced himself to drink his tea as quickly as possible. At least no one could see his face when he finished the disgusting concoction.

 Chapter 12

    Anil was just leaving her room for the stables the next morning when Myri stepped out of the room next to hers. She was glad to see the healer; she had only been told by the servant who had shown her to her room the day before that Myri''s room was near hers. The last time Anil had seen her, Myri had been walking toward the castle, surrounded by soldiers, following the prince as he was carried inside by two other soldiers. That was immediately after Coulta had been dragged away and just before she was escorted to the stables by two more soldiers. Grooms had taken the war horses, but she had been allowed to care for the two ponies from Windwick, much to her relief. The stable master had been quite kind and told her she could return at any time to see the horses, and had given her a room in the stables that first night.


    "Good morning," Anil said with a smile.


    Myri smiled back. "Good morning. I was about to go see to Wildas. He asked that I bring you with me this morning."


    Anil nodded and walked with her. "He''s better?"


    "Still weak and will be for a few days," Myri explained. "But the poison has been stopped."


    When they arrived at the prince''s chamber a few minutes later, the guard outside the door nodded to them. "I''ll make sure he''s awake," the man said before vanishing into the room. He came back a moment later and motioned them inside.


    Wildas was sitting in bed, reading a book and wearing a plain shirt. It was the only thing plain in the otherwise massive and colorful room.


    "I trust you drank that tea I gave you?" Myri asked as they approached the bed.


    Wildas put down his book to hold up an empty cup. "Yes, I did."


    Myri set about looking at his eyes and touching his neck and face. Wildas put up with it, though Anil was fairly certain he was scowling.


    "I''m not ill," he eventually grumbled.


    "As weak as that poison made you, it would be very easy for you to take ill," Myri explained. "I''d rather not be executed for you becoming worse under my care."


    Wildas snorted. "You wouldn''t be executed unless you intentionally killed me."


    "I''d rather not take any chances." She finally let him go. "I''ll go make you another tea and let you two talk."


    When she was gone, Wildas motioned to the ornate wooden chair near the bed. Anil sat down on the edge, feeling uncomfortable about resting her rear on something that certainly cost more money than she had held at one time. Then she remembered that she hadn''t gone riding in the dress she wore, so it couldn''t possible soil the furniture. Still, how could someone sit on something so expensive?


    "I apologize for not speaking to you before now," Wildas began. "I don''t have much energy yet and I had to report to the Second King. And get the situation sorted out with Coulta."


    "Is he all right?" she asked, startled by her own concern.


    The prince nodded. "His room is near both yours and Myri''s, not the dungeon anymore. Have the people at the stables treated you well?"


    Anil smiled. "They''re all very kind. They let me care for my horses, and even let me help with some of the others. I enjoy it."


    Wildas returned her smile. "I''m glad to hear that. We''ve sent a small group of soldiers to find out what became of Windwick, but it will take a few days. Myri has agreed to remain my healer until then, and Coulta has sworn himself to be my personal protector, so he will be here permanently. I''ve been told that both the master trainer and master breeder are in need of extra help at the moment, if you would like something to do for a while. Foaling season is just beginning, and it''s also time to train the yearlings."


    Anil was slightly concerned. "Certainly they don''t start riding the horses so young?"


    "I don''t believe so. From what I''ve seen, they just get them accustomed to the tack and lightweight armor. They also spend a lot of time swinging swords around them, making loud noises, and butchering animals for our meals in the stable aisles. I don''t think they are ridden until they''ve become accustomed to battle that way. Those that fail that part of training are gelded and sold to be riding or work horses."


    Anil was fascinated, though she wasn''t sure if she liked the idea of slaughtering animals in the stable aisles. It would be interesting to see how the horses were trained for battle. It would also be fun to see the foals before they grow into the size of war horses.


    "I''d love to help," she declared. "Even if I could return to Windwick, I don''t want to. Would I be able to work in the stables permanently?"


    "I''ll make sure you can," the prince answered with a nod. "Do you not have anyone to return to, though?"


    She shook her head sadly. "The winter illnesses took my whole family. My father, both my mothers, and my three brothers. All I had left were the horses in the stables."


    Wildas looked puzzled. "Varin has always been against any family units existing other than mother and child, and Windwick is one of the villages he controls..."


    Anil shrugged. "He never paid much mind to us. Maybe he had too much trouble controlling the people inside Arren to care about the villages."


    The prince nodded thoughtfully. "That''s possible, I suppose. I''m sorry, though. That you lost your family. I lost one of my mothers to a similar illness three years ago."


    "I''m sorry as well, then. And thank you," Anil added, amazed by the prince''s sincerity. So many people had been kind to her since she had arrived that she was starting to wonder if she really was surrounded by nobility or just commoners like herself.


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    <hr>


    Wildas was just finishing his lunch when his door opened. He was expecting the visitor to be Coulta, and was dismayed when he saw his father.


    "I''m happy to see that you''re well," Grand King Deandre said as he stopped beside the prince''s bed.


    "I will be."


    "I''m glad." Deandre stared down at his son, thumbs hooked through the purely ornamental belt he wore over his blue coat. "Shelton says you wanted to go to Arren just to escape your marriage duties."


    Wildas sighed and moved his lunch tray from his lap to the bedside table, putting it down a little harder than he had planned to. "Must you do this? I almost died. Uncle Decus died. Twelve other Guardsmen died. And you turn it into another complaint about me not being married yet!"


    Deandre held up a hand. "Easy. I just hadn''t realized I was pushing you to make ridiculous choices to avoid your duties. What is it that is making you so opposed to marriage?"


    How could he explain this to his father? There was no way Deandre would understand what it was Wildas wanted. He certainly never tried to find out what that was before. But now he was asking. Now he did want to know. Had it really taken Wildas nearly dying for Deandre to care that much?


    "I want what you have," Wildas finally answered, his voice more calm than he felt. "I want spouses who actually care. Everyone I meet only wants the prestige of marrying me. None actually want me. I won''t just marry people who can''t even be friends to me. It doesn''t feel right."


    Deandre sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes. "Wildas, I was lucky to find that. Most of us don''t. My father''s marriage was arranged, and they all became friends well enough. You can try to find what you''re looking for, but I don''t have much hope. It''s only the harshness of our station in life, Wildas. I don''t think you will find lovers who love you."


    Despite the gaping hole he felt his father ripping in his very soul, Wildas met his gaze levelly. "I want to try."


    "You have until the end of summer," Deandre sighed. "If you do not present three chosen spouses to me by then, I will choose them for you. If you find one or two, I''ll choose the others. This will be our final discussion of the topic until then."


    Wildas nodded, relieved. "Thank you."


    "But I''m not canceling the ball at the end of the month."


    Wildas sighed. "Fine."


    <hr>


    Anil spent the remainder of the morning grooming her bratty mare, Starlight, and Myri''s calm gelding, Lore, and trying to decide if she''d rather help train war horses or help breed them. In the end, she decided that it would be more rewarding to work with the foals to prepare them for training than it would be to frighten yearlings on a daily basis. She knew the conditioning was important, but she just didn''t want to be the one to do it.


    The stable master in charge of caring for the trained horses was kind enough to show her to the breeding stable, which was situated below the castle grounds. She had noticed upon approaching the city that it was built on a cliff overlooking a large river. The castle was at the highest point, and the city fanned out in front of it, down the slope ¨C though the slope was so slight that it was almost impossible to notice while in the city without studying every building''s foundation. A wall circled the castle grounds, though Anil knew no enemy forces could scale the cliff. She assumed the wall was mostly to keep people in rather than out. She cringed at the thought of people accidentally falling to the river below.


    A gate broke the expanse of the wall, large enough for two horses to walk abreast. She had never seen it open in the short time she had been in Ryal, but a guard swung it open for her and the stable master, Hatlim. A cobbled road led down to a flat expanse of land halfway between the castle and the river. She noticed another trail that went straight across the otherwise flat cliff face to a much smaller outcropping.


    "What''s that?" she asked, noticing a statute against the dark stone.


    "Ardan''s Rest," Hatlim answered, then shook his head. "I can''t do that legend justice. You''ll have to ask a royal scholar. Or a sorcerer. Either would explain better than I could."


    Anil nodded and hoped she would remember to find out. Maybe Wildas could tell her, if she was able to speak to him again. Part of her wondered if giving her a position in the stables was his last act of thanks, or if they were somehow friends.


    Friends with the Crown Prince? That was a ridiculous thought.


    When they reached the flat area below the castle, Anil was amazed by the size of the stable there. It was large enough to hold a hundred horses, and there was pasture land beside it where two mares grazed on the scant spring grass while their foals nursed. Who knew that such a huge piece of land could be cut from the face of a cliff.


    "Master Zairn!" Hatlim called into the barn.


    A middle-aged man in dirty clothes stepped out to greet them a few moments later. When he spotted Hatlim he looked surprised. "You don''t come down here much, Master Hatlim."


    Hatlim motioned to Anil. "I''ve brought you the assistant you''ve been looking for. She helped bring the prince home, and she''s been helping around the stable a bit. Prince Wildas told her she''s welcome to a job if she wants one."


    Zairn attempted to wipe his dirty hand off on his shirt before holding it out to Anil with a smile. "I''d love the help. You know horses?"


    Anil shook his hand and nodded. "I took over the stables in Windwick when the previous owner took sick over the winter. I''d been working for him since I was a girl."


    He gave her a quizzical look when he took his hand back. "Haven''t heard of Windwick."


    "It''s outside Arren," she replied, which got her a nod and a look of comprehension. "I''m Anil."


    "Zairn," he replied, then motioned to her to follow him into the barn. "I''ll give you a tour of the place and set you up with another hand to teach you the job."


    Anil tried not to seem too excited as she followed the breeding master into the stable. Lining the aisle were stalls, each occupied by a very pregnant mare. She paused to rub a bay''s nose and was rewarded with a soft nicker.


    "The foaling season is just beginning," Zairn explained as they walked. "During the height of the season we will have multiple foals born every day and night. We have close to a hundred mares in foal this season."


    "I didn''t realize so many horses were needed," Anil commented, trying not to get distracted by the velvety noses that practically begged to be rubbed.


    "Some foals will be stillborn," Zairn explained. "Not all of them will succeed in training. The army and the Royal Guard always need extra horses ¨C some become ill or have injuries that make them unsuitable for use in battle. Those that don''t need to be humanely killed go on to other uses. Most of the work horses on the surrounding farms were born here. The mares become broodmares."


    "I understand," Anil replied, nodding.


    "The placards on the stall doors tell the mare''s name and stallion she is in foal to," he went on. "After the foal is born and a name is chosen, its name will replace the stallion''s."


    They entered a room that reminded Anil of a library. Shelves lined with books covered the walls, and a man in a green robe was writing in a book at a desk under the window. There were four large portraits of regally-posed horses in the room, one on each of the walls.


    "The Ryal steeds have four distinct bloodlines," Zairn told her. "This is the records room where every horse ever bred is recorded. This is where each pairing is decided, and where names are chosen. The names follow strict rules, with each foal being named after the foundation stallion it is descended from. Names can only be repeated if the last horse bearing the name has been dead for at least a decade, so sometimes that is quite the feat. That''s why it''s left to the record keepers to decide on names," he finished, motioning to the robed man, who ignored them.


    Zairn pointed to each of the four portraits. "Those are the four foundation stallions that were brought here by Grand King Caolan during the war to reclaim Phelin from Berk all those years ago. His was the pure white stallion, Blade. Second King Kian''s stallion was the black, Stormchaser. Kian didn''t ride him much in battle, though. He was too busy fighting on his feet with the infantry. The bay, Bowman, was Queen Nydia''s. She led many a cavalry charge on him, though most of her soldiers had horses nowhere near as good as he was. Most were on work horses and sturdy ponies. That lovely dun is Starrunner, Queen Dyna''s horse. They say he was the fastest horse that ever lived, but I think Dyna must have magicked his shoes ¨C she was a sorceress after all. Haven''t had any especially fast horses out of his line, but his color still appears."


    Zairn led her back out of the room and stopped beside the closest stall. "This pretty mare is Storm."


    Anil read the stallion''s name on the stall placard. "Oh, she''s in foal to Quiver? I rode him on the way here from Windwick." Only a couple times, she amended silently. Sometimes it had been more convenient to switch horses with Myri or Coulta than rearrange all of the ropes that allowed them to sleep in turns while riding to Ryal.


    "He let you ride him?" the breeding master asked in obvious surprise.


    "He let my other two companions ride him, too. Myri and Coulta. Coulta was riding him before me."


    Zairn shook his head. "Horses still surprise me."


    "Have there ever been horses given terrible names?" she asked out of curiosity.


    He laughed. "A few years back they tried naming a Bowman colt Target. I swear, I would have thrown them into the Amia River down below us if they hadn''t rethought that."


    "That''s certainly not a good name for a war horse," Anil agreed with a laugh.


    "They eventually realized that. Decided it would be courting bad luck. Anyway, here, I''ll get you started with some actual work, now that you know the scholarly stuff."


    Anil gave Storm''s face a final rub before following Zairn over to where two stable hands were closely watching a palomino mare.


    "Goldenblade looks like she''s close to foaling," one of the hands, a man who looked slightly older than Anil was, said to Zairn.


    Zairn smiled at Anil. "A foaling on your first day. I guess we''ll know if you chose the right stable to work in soon enough."


    Anil returned the smile. "I think I did."

 Chapter 13

    The next afternoon Wildas unexpectedly appeared at Coulta''s door after the midday meal. Myri had said he could go back to his usual routine as long as he didn''t push himself, and Coulta had been told that he''d be going everywhere Wildas went. Coulta had just been wondering where he was supposed to meet the prince, and was relieved by the prince''s arrival. Wildas was dressed in dark blue riding clothes and wore a blue-and-gold twisted cord of rope from his left shoulder to his right hip. It was the same cord Coulta had seen him wear into Arren, and which Coulta assumed to be some sort of mark of station.


    "Would you like to go for a ride?" Wildas asked with a smile. "I thought I''d give you, Myri, and Anil a tour of the city and the castle."


    Coulta nodded. "That would be helpful."


    He followed Wildas into the hallway, where they were joined by Myri only moments later. As they wound through the passageways leading out to the castle grounds, Coulta tried to remember every turn. He knew it would take a few more walks before he knew his way around the castle.


    Once outside, Wildas led them to a gate in the surrounding wall, which Coulta would have expected to lead to a steep drop into the river, from what he''d seen on their approach to the city days ago.


    "Are we bringing Anil?" Myri asked.


    "We''re going to get her," Wildas answered as the guards bowed and opened the gate.


    On the other side was a wide path that led down to a large expanse of land on which a stable and pasture were situated. A few mares grazed in the pasture with tiny foals close by. Looking straight ahead, Coulta saw a large tower on the cliff opposite the castle, across the river. There were horses in a pen, along with what was probably a barn. He was surprised to see a few people practicing archery, and was unsettled by the fact that they wore green clothes similar to Varin''s soldiers.


    "That''s Algoma''s watch tower," Wildas explained when he noticed the direction of Coulta''s gaze. "The other side of the river is Algoma, and they''re our ally. We have towers along the river from the coast to the end of our land, and so do they. We help each other patrol the river." He pointed off into the distance, along the river. "The country of Dyrai is a mutual... problem of ours. It''s a three-week journey across the stormy Corintha Sea, but it''s a straight shot from the mouth of the river to Dyrai''s shores. Sometimes they try to cause trouble by sending small forces in to keep us busy. Not a real attack or declaration of war. Just a ship trying to damage some cities every few years. The emperor just likes to remind us that he''s still interested in someday taking us over, I suppose. The Algoman soldiers at the tower visit Ryal from time to time. They actually buy supplies here instead of having them sent from inside Algoma. Sometimes our soldiers have friendly tournaments with them, too."


    Coulta was once again reminded of how sheltered Varin had kept him. Dyrai and Algoma were new names to him. "Where''s Berk?" he asked, thinking of the only other country he had heard of, thanks to his father.


    Wildas turned to point along the river in the other direction. "The river begins at the Alta Mountains. Berk is on the other side. They are more of a trading ally than an ally in war, because they have no enemies there. It''s mostly cold and snowy, with very short growing seasons. Not even Dyrai wants to invade them. They were our enemy at one point, long ago, when they managed to take control of Phelin for a time."


    "That was before Grand King Caolan, wasn''t it?" Myri questioned.


    The prince nodded. "Let''s fetch Anil, then I''ll show you all Ardan''s Rest."


    Coulta had no idea what that was, but he followed Wildas and Myri to the stable below them, though still a rather long way above the river. A middle-aged man with a graying beard rushed up to them almost as soon as they stepped inside. He hurriedly bowed and asked, "What can I do for you, Your Highness?"


    "I''m looking for the new hand, Anil," Wildas replied, absently patting a horse in the closest stall. "I need her for a few hours. She can be back here by the evening."


    "Of course," the man replied. "She was to have the nighttime foal watch anyway." He turned and called down the massive aisle, "Anil!"


    She stepped out of a stall almost at the end of the barn and walked up to them, giving Wildas a clumsy curtsy. It was the first time Coulta had seen her since arriving, and when she smiled at him he gave her a small smile in response.


    "I wanted to take all of you on a tour of the city and castle," Wildas explained to her. "I feel I''ve been a poor host to the people who saved my life."


    "You gave me work," Anil argued. "That''s more than I had dared hope for."


    Wildas smiled. "Well, you all deserve a tour anyway. I''ve been stuck in bed for days and I''d like a nice ride through the city."


    Anil gave him another curtsy. "Of course. Will I be back here for my evening foal watch?"


    "I''ll be sure that you are." Wildas motioned for her to join them, and they left the barn again. "I''ve meant to ask you, Myri," he went on as they started up the sloping road, "if you''d like to work with the royal healers for now. If you decide to return to Windwick when we have news, that would be all right, or you could stay on."


    Myri actually stopped walking to stare at him. "You mean that?"


    "Of course I do. I wouldn''t offer if I didn''t."


    She stared at him a moment longer before finally nodding. "I would like that."


    The prince smiled. "I''ll introduce you to the other healers when we tour the castle."


    "Can I ask what that place is?" Anil asked suddenly, pointing up to a ledge above them.


    "Ardan''s Rest," Wildas answered. "That''s where we''re going first."


    "Master Hatlim said there''s a legend about it."


    Wildas nodded. "It''s about how the current way of doing things began."


    They reached level ground and Wildas led them along a much narrower path to the small outcropping that was just large enough for them all ¨C and a marble statue of a man ¨C to sit a comfortable distance from the edge. The statue was carved to look like a man standing in the wind, hair and long robe billowing. One arm was at his side while the other was raised almost as if he were casting out some sort of spell. He looked out over the river, the smooth face and plain stone eyes somehow carved into a masterpiece of determination. It looked like the statue had just been placed there hours before, it was so clean, crisp, and unweathered.


    "That''s Ardan," Wildas said, motioning to the statue. "Phelin used to have the same ruling structure as other countries, with only one king and queen, until it was overtaken by Berk. The walls of Ryal were breached for the first time in the over three hundred years since the first king, Tryrayl, built it. King Caol''s heir was born as the city was being taken, and the queen died from the stress of it all. Ardan was the court sorcerer, and according to the legend, he was Caol''s secret lover. He escaped the city as it fell, with the newborn prince and a nurse ¨C at Caol''s request. Somehow, they eventually made it to a small village at the very foot of the Altas. They named the prince Caolan, and when he was old enough, they told him who he was.


    "Ardan had used his magic to help him spread rumors as they fled Ryal. He made certain people believed that an heir had survived and would reclaim Phelin. When the time came, he helped build Caolan''s army, finding all his highest military commanders, including those who would become Second King Kian, Queen Dyna, and Queen Nydia. Another high official was a man named Nelek, who is Lord Varin''s ancestor."Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    It suddenly made sense to Coulta why Arren was so different from the rest of Phelin. "Nelek wasn''t happy afterward, was he?"


    Wildas shook his head. "He felt that being given his own land to govern how he saw fit wasn''t a good enough reward. That''s why we have had problems with Arren''s earls almost since that very day Nelek took power there."


    "Why did the others end up married to Caolan?" Anil asked.


    "The legend says that Caolan was in love with Kian. He told Ardan that, if he was going to reclaim Phelin, he might as well change tradition. No one knows if Ardan ever told Caolan about his relationship with Caol, but he did convince Caolan that it would be best if he had a wife to give him an heir. Somehow, in thinking of how to make things work, they decided that four was a better number than three. Some even claim it was because Caolan wanted to choose Nydia, but she was in love with Dyna, so he took both of them. Only they ever knew the reasons, but love always makes a good story.


    "After the war, which lasted almost two years, the ruler of Berk surrendered. The original borders were restored and treaties were signed, and at the same time Phelin had a very large wedding and coronation ceremony. Very few people cared about the choice to have four leaders. In fact, everyone was so happy to be free of Berk control that they embraced the change. It''s common now to find people who decide to follow the tradition themselves. It also led to more acceptance for those who previously had to keep their relationships secret, because loving someone of your own sex used to be frowned upon. In some more remote places in Phelin it still is. ''Just because the royal family does it, doesn''t mean everyone should,'' is their belief. And of course there''s Arren, where no relationships except by blood have ever been allowed.


    "Ardan helped to rebuild the city and to enhance the castle, and stayed to see Caolan and his spouses through the first five years of their reign. On he fifth anniversary of the coronation, he left." Wildas shook his head as he gazed out across the river. "When Berk overtook Phelin, all members of the court and anyone with even the slightest royal blood were executed. Here. Every person of rank was beheaded here and thrown into the river. But they left Caol''s body here for whatever twisted reason they had. Ardan learned that a few years after Caolan came to power, when he found an account of the executions in a journal. The legend says he found this place, and found Caol''s bones. With a prayer, he threw the bones into the river, then, having fulfilled Caol''s last request by making sure Caolan was safe and secure on the throne, he stepped from the ledge to join his lover.


    "He had left Caolan a note before he left, and when Caolan came to this spot he found a ring resting on the bare stone, one of the many gifts that he had given Ardan in thanks for everything he had done. Caolan commissioned the statue, and Dyna placed a spell on it so that it would never weather. This has been a place that many people in the court and royal family visit for solitude. I know Shelton meditates here quite often. I think it''s important that Ardan is not forgotten, after all he did in life."


    Coulta was surprised by how taken he was by the story, and by how strange he felt sitting on a stone where so many had died, despite his own past. He glanced at Wildas, who was leaning against the stone behind him with an unreadable expression. How must he feel, knowing that his own ancestors had died where they sat? Looking at Anil and Myri he saw that both of them looked sad, and Anil wiped a hand over her eyes.


    "How long ago was this?" Coulta finally asked. He knew it was before he was born, but other than that, he was clueless.


    "Two hundred and fifty years, about. When the time comes, I''ll be the ninth Grand King," Wildas answered. "Hopefully that won''t be for several more years."


    There was such a strange look of sadness and fear on the prince''s face that Coulta found himself wanting to hold the man, which was strange given that he had never wanted to hug anyone but Teeya in his life. Did the vow to protect apply to emotions? Why else would he want to do something so strange? But he found that he could hold back the urge, that he wasn''t forced to reach out and touch Wildas.


    He was distracted from his confusion by Wildas getting to his feet.


    "Would you like to go for a ride now?" he asked them. "This place makes me a little sad."


    "I haven''t ridden since we got here," Myri replied as she stood. "I hope Lore remembers me."


    "I''m sure he will," Anil told her.


    "Did you get along well with Quiver?" Wildas asked when Coulta drew close to him on the walk to the castle wall.


    "He was a good horse," Coulta said honestly, remembering how the stallion had easily followed his commands when they fled Windwick.


    "Would you like him to be yours?"


    Coulta actually liked the thought of having a horse of his own, despite knowing next to nothing, still, about the animals. "For how much?"


    Wildas laughed. "No, I mean, he''s yours. We give all of our soldiers their horses, and if you''re going to be my protector, you''ll need one when I leave the castle grounds. He''d have to be given to someone else to use anyway."


    Coulta wasn''t used to someone giving him so much. He''d been paid more than Varin would have paid him in two years just for escorting the prince to Ryal, and Wildas had made sure he had a room and was being paid regularly just to follow him around. Now Wildas wanted to give him a horse that likely cost at least as much as he''d been paid already.


    "Thank you," he finally managed.


    Wildas smiled at him. "You''re welcome."


    <hr>


    Myri wasn''t exactly happy with the prince''s decision to take a long ride so soon. Especially one in the city, where there would be a lot of people to see him when he fainted from exhaustion. She would just need to watch him carefully, she decided. They might not have known each other very long, but she already knew there was no reasoning with the man.


    They rode out into the city, and Wildas paused almost immediately to motion around them. "This is what we call the ''upper market.'' It''s mostly businesses that work almost solely for the royal family and court."


    He turned his horse down the road to the right and Myri noticed how the people in the street bowed as they passed. Wildas acknowledged them in groups, nodding to clusters of people on the left and right at various intervals. Myri saw Anil looking around in something like wonder, while Coulta appeared more curious. He also had a hand discretely on the hilt of his sword. Clearly, he was taking his new position as the prince''s protector very seriously. At least today he wasn''t wearing all black; his shirt was ash-gray with green trim, though his pants were as black as his boots.


    It didn''t help that his horse was black, too. The poor man would never be more than a shadow around Wildas, though she supposed he might prefer that.


    "You can find just about anything here," Wildas explained. "There are tailors, jewelers, booksellers, even pets."


    "What''s that, at the end?" Anil asked.


    Myri looked straight ahead to a massive stone building that could very well be another ¨C albeit much smaller ¨C castle. It spread across the entire street and looked to be a part of the stone walls themselves, the way it merged seamlessly with them on either side.


    "That''s where most of the sorcerers in the city live," Wildas explained. "They aren''t required to live there, but many choose to. They work on developing new defenses and building methods for use all over Phelin, but most are there waiting for opportunities to directly work for a member of the royal family or for a lord needing help with infrastructure or defense. Those jobs become available fairly often, but it''s the chance to be the sorcerer of the Grand King''s court that they all want."


    "How often does that happen?" Myri asked.


    Wildas shrugged. "Not often. Once the current sorcerer reaches an age where he wants to retire, he will choose a new sorcerer, who the Grand King must approve of. It''s usually a long process. The current court sorcerer is Second King Shelton, and I doubt he''ll be willing to pass on the position until he''s too old to walk," the prince said with a chuckle.


    "I''ve heard rumors about him," Anil commented. "Is he really the most powerful sorcerer in all the world?"


    "According to what little knowledge I have of magic, yes. The color of magic denotes the level of power that can be mastered. I''ve been told violet is the most rare and highest level of magic, and only one person with violet powers exists at any time."


    "What''s the most common color for magic?" Anil questioned.


    "Brown," Myri answered easily. "The most I can do as a healer is place weak spells on herbs to enhance their natural abilities, and sense other magic."


    "What about black?" Coulta asked, glancing at them.


    "I didn''t even know black existed until I met you," Wildas admitted. "Maybe you should talk to Shelton about it."


    "Would he speak to me?"


    "He told me that he''s waiting for someone he knows to return to the city to ask her about curses," Wildas answered. "Apparently she knows a great deal about how they function, more than Shelton does. It''s not because he''s concerned about you, so you know. I think he''s just curious and truly wants to help you if he can."


    Coulta nodded. "Thank you. And him."


    The more time Myri spent with the mysterious Coulta, the more she understood that the horrible magical taint on him actually hid a kindhearted soul too terrified to express any real emotion. Myri caught a fleeting glimpse of gratitude on the sharp face before he looked away, and she realized that he was using his curse to keep himself distant from everyone he met. He had agreed to be the prince''s protector, but she wondered if Wildas would ever be able to get him to come out from behind that wall he hid behind.


    If anyone was going to, the prince would be the only one who could.


    They paused outside a small shop that must have been a bakery from the smell of it. An aging woman stepped from the door and gave Wildas a smile while she wiped her hands on her white apron.


    "I thought my guests would like to sample your sweet rolls," the prince said to her, smiling.


    "Oh, of course!" the woman replied. She looked them all over and frowned. "Where did you toss your brother off this time?"


    Wildas grinned. "He stayed behind. My friend here does just as well."


    Myri saw a flash of something unidentifiable cross Coulta''s face at the word "friend," but it was gone before the woman looked at him. He gave her a nod and a faint smile.


    "Ah, these must be your friends who brought you home," the woman said with a knowing look at Wildas. "Word travels fast, and gossip even faster."


    Wildas sighed. "Thank you for the warning."


    She nodded, but smiled again. "I''ll get you all something to eat."


    "What did she mean?" Anil asked when the baker was inside again. "About gossip?"


    Wildas just shook his head. "It''s nothing," he replied, but the relaxation was gone from his face.


    The woman returned and handed them each a lightly wrapped roll. It fit in the palm of Myri''s hand and didn''t look very special. There was no icing or obvious filling, only a plain yellow roll. It smelled delicious anyway, and when she tried it she was impressed by the flavor. No ingredient was dominant, but they all merged together to create something indescribable.


    Wildas thanked the woman, then turned his horse around so they could ride back the way they had come, all eating. Coulta looked a little ridiculous trying to eat and watch for whatever potential danger he thought they would encounter, but she was glad he was eating. She didn''t know what he''d been fed in Arren, but he was uncomfortably skinny in Myri''s mind. If he didn''t have muscles from using a sword, she''d have been worried about him.


    "Do you not need to pay for things?" Anil asked, sounding curious and looking at Wildas.


    Wildas crumpled the wrapper his roll had been in and tucked it into a pouch on his saddle. "I pay for everything I get for myself," he explained. "Lita is my aunt, though. The Grand King''s youngest sister. She''ll never be in need of money, though she prefers to earn it herself. If we''d have gotten more from her than we did, I would have made her take some money."


    "I didn''t know royalty was supposed to be so kind," Myri said, letting a small amount of sarcasm into her voice.


    Wildas gave her a smile. "Keeps the people happy."

 Chapter 14

    Anil was enjoying the tour through the city. The sweet rolls they had gotten from Wildas''s aunt were delicious, and the sights and sounds around them were exciting. She could tell Myri was anxiously watching the prince for any sign that he was pushing himself, but she was distracted from her worry when they arrived at the healers'' house. Wildas explained that it was where all the healers who worked for the royal family lived and worked when they weren''t at the castle. Myri was clearly in awe of the size of the place, though it wasn''t nearly the size of the sorcerers'' house.


    Anil was intrigued by everything she saw. There were so many shops with colorful or glittering merchandise, including clothing, children''s toys, jewelry, and even weapons. There were a couple of taverns, a large inn, and a stable that caught Anil''s attention. There was even another massive building at the end of the street.


    "That''s the brothel," Wildas stated, motioning to it.


    Anil wasn''t very familiar with such places, but, having been in the city of Arren several times, it seemed a little too large, even for Ryal.


    "Is it the only one here?" Coulta asked, probably thinking the same thing.


    Wildas snorted as he turned his horse around again. "Catering to just those living in upper Ryal, where we''re going next, yes. In all of the city? No. It''s actually four separate brothels in one building. Two for men, and two for women, all of which do excellent business, or so I''ve been told."


    Knowing what she did about the structure of the royal family, Anil was not surprised by this. She tried not to wonder if Wildas actually had visited either of the brothels catering to men. It truly wasn''t her place to consider it, let alone ask.


    They passed through an open gate and into another part of the city, one that was slightly less crowded. Anil noticed large buildings on either side of the gate that were clearly stables, but every other building looked like a house.


    "This is where the nobles in the city live," Wildas explained. "We call it ''upper Ryal''. Most of those living here are members of the royal family or of other noble families distantly related. Others are wealthy merchants who live here when not traveling."


    "How are the nobles related to the royal family?" Myri asked.


    "Mostly through marriage. Some families are descended from the relatives of former queens or Second Kings. One of the first things every Grand King does when he takes the throne is to name his spouses'' families as nobles. From then on, anyone in that family until the end of time is a noble. Typically it comes with a gift of money and a large piece of land. And status, of course."


    They didn''t ride down the streets on either side to see the houses, but Anil could see that they were all well-kept and that some had small gardens. They were too close together for her liking, though, with barely space enough between them for someone to walk. The space between the walls was large enough for four rows of houses on each side of the wide street, and Anil knew the road was slightly longer than it was in the upper market. The houses against the walls had small gardens in the front and narrow pathways in between, the backs of the houses completely flush against the wall behind them. The houses in the center had small gardens behind them, and narrow alleyways between.


    There were a few well-dressed people in the streets, and they all gave Wildas a brief gesture of greeting - older people often nodded to him instead of bowing, while younger people tended to bow or curtsy. The red-clad guards who wandered among them gave him bows, no matter their age. Myri was the one who finally asked about it.


    "Elder family members don''t bow to me, not until I''m Grand King," Wildas explained patiently. "Younger family members do."


    "I never knew there were so many rules," Myri commented.


    Wildas smiled as they passed through another gate. "You get used to it."


    This part of the city was more crowded than the first two combined, and Anil realized they were in a market much larger than the first they had seen. There were more shops and market stalls, and it was all more colorful and noisy. They rode through the crowded streets and Wildas pointed out all the different types of shops, along with all the inns, taverns, and the brothels catering to the commoners of the city. All the shops seemed larger, and Wildas explained that most of these shopkeepers lived and worked in the same building. This section of the city was also wider, providing space for more buildings.


    "We don''t need to visit lower Ryal," Wildas finally said after they had spent over an hour exploring the market. "There is nothing there but poorer homes and thieves. And I''m starting to feel a little tired."


    "I knew it was too soon for something like this," Myri grumbled as they started back to the castle.


    "Can we visit this market on our own?" Anil questioned. She had finally decided that she should find some trousers to replace skirts if she''d be working with the horses. All the other women in the stables wore them.


    "Of course," Wildas replied with a nod.


    <hr>


    Coulta was concerned by how pale Wildas looked by the time they arrived back at the castle. But the prince managed to dismount and hand his horse off to a groom without falling over, so he couldn''t possibly be that exhausted. The way Myri was discretely watching him, however, gave him the impression that the healer thought otherwise.


    "You should rest," Myri told the prince quietly.


    "I will," Wildas assured her. "I''ll show you to the healers and you can make sure I get some tea and sit there."


    Myri sighed in resignation.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Should I be going back to the stables?" Anil asked.


    "I want to show you the important places in the castle," Wildas replied, then hastily added, "They''re all on the way to the healers'' wing and we will only stop for a moment at each place."


    They entered through the main doorway of the castle, which was flanked by guards who bowed quickly to Wildas. It took a moment for Coulta''s eyes to adjust to the dim interior of the massive stone building, but when they did, he saw that they were in a long hallway lined with statues and lit with unnatural light that could only be magic. On the wall to the right the seven statues had the same large, glittering crowns, wore long capes and held shields engraved with the leaping steed of the royal family, swords held point-down in the opposite hand. All of these statues depicted men in the same commanding stance, while the seven statues on the left showed men in various other poses; some held actual swords, appeared as though they were casting spells, or stood in commanding poses only slightly different from the statues on the right. All of the ones on the left, no matter the pose, had the same smaller crown. Tapestries hung between each statue.


    "The ones on the right are all the Grand Kings," Wildas explained as they walked through the hall. "The ones on the left are all the Second Kings, depicted as they were best known. Most were war heroes or sorcerers, or both. One is known for taking over for a Grand King who died before his heir was old enough to rule. His statue is posed like the Grand Kings''. The current kings won''t have statues until their reign is over."


    "The queens don''t have statues?" Myri questioned.


    Wildas laughed. "They have their statues, don''t worry. Many of the queens have been quite legendary themselves. All their statues are in the Great Hall, where we have banquets and other celebrations." He pointed to the first statues. "These are Caolan and Kian. Next are Jasper and Kemen," Wildas went on, naming the Grand Kings first. "Jasper was the reason his parents'' relationship became a tradition. He wanted to continue it because he thought it made Phelin stronger. His son, Leon, didn''t agree, but followed the tradition anyway. Leon and Arion had the only unhappy relationship that''s ever been noted by the historians. Leon was in love with one wife, Mona, and didn''t care much for Arion or the other queen, Zeta, who he married only to strengthen the alliance with Berk because she was the Berk overlord''s youngest daughter. Arion ended up having a child with her, and Leon had him castrated."


    Coulta saw Anil cover her mouth as she looked up at the statue that was posed like the man was casting magic at them. "Why?" she asked.


    "The Second King isn''t allowed to have children," Wildas explained. "It keeps the pattern of succession much easier. Most remember Arion more for the magical defenses for the city he put in place after that, though. And the child, Prince Saurin, didn''t lose any station in life. He became Prince-General of the army. Aiden and Perrin had a much more comfortable reign, in comparison. Adley and Kedar didn''t. They were in power when Dyrai attacked for the first time since before Caol''s reign. The war lasted for five years before we finally pushed them back from our lands, and only after both kings died in battle. The soldiers fought to avenge them, and finally won. Queen Deva was so consumed with grief over their deaths that she killed herself a month later, leaving Queen Khasa to rule for five years before Adley''s heir, Calais, was old enough to take the throne. When you see her statue, it''s the only one posed just like the Grand Kings''."


    They moved to the next statues and Wildas pointed to the Second King. "All of Adley''s children were prone to illness, and no one knew how long Calais would rule. He was often ill, but still ruled for over twenty years before dying of yet another illness. Dirk had to rule in his place for another two years before their son was of age."


    The statue of Second King Dirk was posed identically to that of Calais across the hall, but the man wore a sorcerer''s robes instead of the usual long coat and breeches that the statues on the right wore.


    "The last two are Pontus and Binh," Wildas finished, motioning to the statues.


    "Your grandparents?" Myri asked, looking at them.


    Wildas nodded. "Yes. I was very young when they died, so I don''t remember having known them, aside from my grandmother, Etta, who outlived the rest and died when I was six. Pontus died of a mysterious illness none of the healers could cure, and the next year it''s said that Binh''s heart simply gave out on him."


    They paused a moment longer, but Wildas didn''t seem to have anything else to say about his ancestors. Coulta was glad of that, considering how overwhelmed he was by everything he had seen and been told over the course of the day. Wildas finally turned to continue down the hall. Coulta followed, and noticed that the hallway was lined the rest of the way with tapestries and paintings in an effort to fill up the space that would someday hold more statues. At the end of the hallway were two sets of double doors, both closed.


    "The Great Hall is here," Wildas said, opening the doors on the right.


    Coulta looked inside and was stunned by the size of the room. The ceiling was two stories high, and a balcony ran along three of the four walls. Two spiral staircases flanked a raised platform, and a few banners hung from the railings of the balconies. Statues dotted the room below the balconies, all apparently of women in various poses.


    "There are the the queens'' statues," Wildas said with a smile.


    "Do you know all their stories as well?" Anil questioned, looking around her with wide eyes.


    "The more interesting ones," Wildas answered.


    Coulta was concerned when he saw the prince''s hand on the door handle tremble, and Wildas moved quickly to hide it.


    "We can hear stories later," Myri said, and by her expression Coulta could tell that she had noticed.


    Wildas shut the door behind them as they stepped back into the hallway. "That''s a better idea, but I''ll let you see the throne room before we continue."


    He had to use all his weight to push open the other set of double doors, and Coulta wondered if it was because the prince was so tired or because the doors were heavier. He was distracted from wondering when he looked at the room, which was only slightly smaller than the Great Hall. There were low rows of benches set in front of a raised platform at the rear of the room, where four large chairs sat. Even without knowing the name of the room, it would have been easy to tell that the chairs were thrones by how they practically glowed in the light of the great windows behind them.


    "What is that tapestry behind the thrones?" Anil asked.


    Coulta looked where she indicated and saw a massive blue tapestry that covered the whole wall below the windows. He couldn''t see the details well from the doorway, but it looked like the blue was covered in elegant golden script. What it said, he had no idea.


    "It''s a tribute to the kings and queens who ruled Phelin, until Caol," Wildas explained. "When Berk overtook Phelin, all the portraits and statues of the past kings and queens were destroyed. Somehow, written records of all the rulers of Phelin survived and Caolan was able to have this made to honor them. It names them the Kings of the First Era of Phelin and lists every king and queen, and all of their children."


    "That''s very thoughtful of him," Myri commented, clearly not all that interested in either the story or the tapestry. "Now, could we get you seen by the healers?"


    Wildas nodded with an expression of resignation. "Yes."


    Coulta stepped close and put his hand next to the prince''s on the door handle. Wildas met his eyes and Coulta glimpsed gratitude before the prince stepped away. Coulta swung the door easily closed, though the door did have some weight to it. They continued on into a passageway tucked into an alcove so that it was almost invisible upon approaching the doors to the halls. After a few turns, they arrived at another great room, which was much smaller and filled with cots. All the cots were empty, but a small group of men and women were sitting around a small table talking.


    One of the women noticed their arrival and hastily got to her feet to curtsy. "Hello, Your Highness. How may we serve you?"


    "Are you in need of any new healers?" Wildas asked.


    The woman glanced at the others, who had gotten up after her to acknowledge the prince. "We could always use more help," she told him, getting nods of agreement from her companions.


    Wildas motioned to Myri, who was smiling. "This healer came from Windwick outside Arren. She healed me there and came with me to continue healing me. I thought she could use a job now that I''ve recovered."


    "He hasn''t fully recovered," Myri told the healers, giving the prince a pointed look.


    The other woman smiled, then pointed to a cot. "In all respect, Your Highness, please sit a moment. We''ll make you a tea." She motioned to Coulta and Anil. "You can sit a moment, as well. Would you like anything?"


    "Thank you. Only water," Anil replied as she sat on a nearby cot.


    Coulta took a seat on another cot and nodded. "The same, thank you."


    As the healers went about their work, with Myri in the midst of them, Coulta watched Wildas lean back against the wall on his cot. Coulta could tell the prince was more tired than he showed, and Coulta wondered if he might even regret the tour of the city.


    Almost as if Wildas sensed Coulta''s concern, he glanced over and smiled. Coulta returned the smile with a nod.

 Chapter 15

    Wildas didn''t know why he kept Coulta with him for the rest of the day despite not leaving the castle again. Maybe it was his need for someone other than his family around him, or maybe he simply enjoyed Coulta''s company. The former assassin was quiet and observant, but he asked questions when he needed to and kept up conversations well enough. Somehow, Wildas felt the need to make Coulta feel at home and to offer the best form of friendship he could. Coulta seemed surprised when Wildas asked after him; how he was fairing, if he needed anything, if his guest room was comfortable. Wildas knew he would need to find his new protector a different place to stay before anyone complained about taking up a perfectly good guest room for too long, but decided it could wait until things were finally settled with Anil and Myri. Then he could worry about finding all three of them new rooms at the same time if he needed to.


    Coulta seemed happy enough to sit with Wildas in his room for a time while Wildas drank yet another tea from the healers, sitting on the plush sofa. Wildas spent the time explaining what daily life in Ryal was like. Or what it would be like, once he fully recovered his strength. Coulta asked a few questions here and there, and, when the conversation eventually died, spent a few minutes looking around the room.


    "You have a lot of swords," he finally commented, looking at the rack of weapons against a nearby wall.


    Wildas could see how interested he was, and it made him smile. "You can look at them, if you would like. I trust you." Vow to protect notwithstanding.


    Coulta got up and wandered to the rack, where he took a closer look at the twenty or so swords there. Wildas stood slowly, then joined his companion when the room didn''t spin.


    "Most were gifts," he explained, running a hand over a gilded hilt. "One of my distant cousins is a swordsmith. He likes making fancy ceremonial things when he''s not working on actual weapons. Some came from other parts of Phelin, given to me by lords who wanted to make sure they are in the crown''s good graces were anything to change politically. Only a few of these would actually be useful in combat." He picked up a very small, lightweight sword with a hilt too small for his hand. "I kept this one because it was my first, and I always had fond memories of my mother teaching me to fight when I was a boy."


    "My training wasn''t so enjoyable," Coulta commented. Wildas couldn''t tell what the emotion in the man''s voice was, and Coulta covered it by asking, "Could I hold one?"


    Wildas put his childhood sword back and nodded. "Go ahead."


    Coulta carefully chose one of the most decorative swords. The golden hilt was inlaid with numerous gems of all colors, and the silver blade was inscribed with a prayer. Coulta held the blade at an angle to read the glittering words.


    "It''s a prayer for the health and well-being of the descendants of Tryrayl, the first King of Phelin," Wildas explained.


    Coulta looked up at him questioningly. "A prayer to what?"


    "Raiofsi, the god of royalty. Varin didn''t welcome the worship any of the gods, did he?"


    Coulta shook his head and put the sword back. "Some people worshiped one called Favi."


    Wildas nodded. "The goddess of peace and hope. That''s understandable."


    "Unfortunate," Coulta corrected, picking up a different sword and examining it. "Roane and I were expected to deal with members of the cult whenever we found them. Varin wanted them... eradicated."


    Wildas shook his head sadly. Of course the bastard would make Coulta kill people who just wanted some hope in their lives. "Well, Raiofsi is the god of royalty. It''s said he decided to divide the world into nations and chose the individuals he deemed most fit to rule them. He''s mainly worshiped by the royal families of most countries, hoping to have blessed reigns and all that. I can show you to the castle temple one day. Brother Pelles can help you learn about the gods. I wouldn''t expect you to become a devoted worshiper suddenly, but it would be helpful for you to know the basics."


    Coulta took a step back to swing the sword he was holding. "It would be," he agreed. "Thank you." He switched the sword to his left hand and swung it just as easily before setting it back on the rack.


    "You can fight with both hands?" Wildas asked in surprise.


    Coulta gave him a puzzled look. "Of course."


    "Why don''t you carry two swords?" The only person Wildas had met who could fight with both hands, a captain in the Guard, usually carried two swords.


    Coulta shrugged. "I never thought to. This way, I can pull a knife if I need to."


    "One day I would like to spar with you. It seems like it would be interesting."


    "Would I need to give you half a chance to score a hit or no?" Coulta asked with a smirk while he swung another sword.


    Wildas grinned. "Is that a challenge?"


    "Possibly. I wasn''t exactly trained to fight honestly," Coulta pointed out, still giving him a challenging smirk.


    "I suppose we''ll have to test that, then," Wildas replied. "But in a few days, when I won''t be risking Myri''s wrath."


    It actually sounded like Coulta chuckled when he said, "That''s probably a good decision."


    Wildas had made sure to leave the door open to forestall any more of the rumors his aunt had informed him were spreading, so he wasn''t surprised when Rohan suddenly walked into the room without warning. The Prince-General nodded to Coulta, who returned the nod almost as if they were both equal comrades in arms. Rohan was showing Coulta a lot more respect than Wildas had expected already.


    "Shelton thought I should tell you that Mother has been asking after you," Rohan said to Wildas. "He suggested you go visit her, if you''re feeling up to it."


    Wildas nodded. "I should, anyway. I''ve seen everyone else. She''s just so busy training."


    "This evening she''ll be available, though."


    "I''ll see her then," Wildas assured him.


    Rohan stepped away and motioned to him. Coulta seemed to take the hint and kept testing swords while Wildas stepped away with his brother.


    "You know people are talking, don''t you?" Rohan asked quietly.


    "Aunt Lita said something about gossip, and I figured what she meant," Wildas replied. "I honestly don''t really care."


    Rohan raised a brow. "Oh?"


    "That''s not what I meant," Wildas hissed. "I just don''t care what people say. Maybe it''s better for people to think I''ve found my spouses."


    Rohan continued to give him a skeptical look. "Do you plan to ask them?"


    Wildas glared at him. "If you speak of this again, you will regret it."


    Rohan snorted. "I thought as much."


    Wildas didn''t know what that was supposed to mean, but Rohan gave him the smallest of bows and left the room with a smirk before Wildas could ask. Shaking his head, Wildas turned back to Coulta, who put away the sword he was examining to look up at Wildas questioningly.


    Wildas waved a hand. "Him being annoying, as usual."


    "So, being your brother?"


    Wildas thought over what Rohan had said, and, while the younger prince was clearly trying to get a rise out of Wildas, there was also an underlying honesty to his words. Not that Wildas wanted to admit that. "Yes, I suppose he was," he relented.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    <hr>


    Second King Shelton quietly entered the castle temple after breakfast the following morning. The cavernous room was lit by countless candles and the rich scent of burning incense filled the air. Of the two dozen private prayer alcoves, seven appeared to be closed already. At the front of the room, Brother Pelles was placing the morning offering on the altar before the life-sized statues of the Great God and Goddess. The candles at the base of the smaller statues of the lesser gods and goddesses were already lit.


    Shelton approached the altar and knelt respectfully before the statues to offer a silent prayer to the gods. When he stood again, Brother Pelles was watching him with a thoughtful expression.


    "For someone who claims never to have visions of his own," the priest commented, "you have a remarkable ability to appear just when I''ve had one of importance."


    Shelton smiled slightly. He''d only come because two of his most trustworthy spies had gone silent. He didn''t like the idea of spying on his own people, but keeping abreast of political changes was always important. It was the best way to keep the peace. "What can you tell me?"


    Brother Pelles led him to his own personal chamber off the temple. Shelton took a seat on the wooden chair beside the hearth while the priest sat on the only other available place; the bed. Brother Pelles didn''t offer him anything, and Shelton didn''t mind. This was how their working relationship had been since they had first met upon their respective appointments.


    "You were wrong about the rebel lord''s strength," Brother Pelles began. "As you are now aware. He has more support than you could have guessed. Soon your spies will begin to report his actions. He will take control of the holds around us."


    Shelton felt a cold trickle of dread pass its way through his body.


    "War will soon be upon us."


    <hr>


    Wildas had given Coulta several books of history to read when he had expressed interest in the country''s past beyond the story of Caolan, and he was studying one of them late the next morning when a knock came on his door. Opening it, he found a member of the Royal Guard standing in the hallway.


    "I''ve been told to escort you to the sparring field," the man explained.


    Coulta was a little confused, but pulled on his sword belt and followed the man without question.


    "The Crown Prince and Prince-General Rohan arranged for you to have some practice," the man explained as they walked, despite Coulta''s lack of questions. "The best swordmaster in all Phelin is waiting to test you."


    The man seemed a little too amused for Coulta''s taste. Apparently, this was to be some sort of joke. At least to the Guardsman.


    When they arrived at the sand arena near the barracks, Coulta was convinced that there really was a joke going on. In the arena was only one person, a woman dressed in fighting leathers and wearing a sword belt. She was dressed as any male soldier he had seen, but her face was clearly feminine.


    "The best swordmistress in Phelin, I should have said," Coulta''s escort corrected with a grin. "Go on, she''s been waiting."


    There was a small group of people watching from outside the arena, and among them Coulta spotted Wildas, who gave him what seemed like an encouraging smile. Rohan entered the arena and stood beside Coulta and the woman. Coulta did notice that the woman had the appearance of someone who could handle a weapon, despite her sex.


    "There are only two rules for this fight," Rohan explained. "Don''t kill your opponent, and the fight is over when the first person drops their weapon. And, it''s not a rule, but try not to cause any serious injuries. Neither of you are using blunted blades." He gave Coulta a pointed look, and Coulta nodded.


    Coulta''s opponent raised her sword to salute the Prince-General, and Coulta copied the movement. Rohan gave them a nod and left the arena to join the small crowd.


    "Have at it," he declared.


    The first thing Coulta noticed was that his opponent was quick ¨C so quick that he had barely ended his salute to Rohan before he had to block a sword thrust. He managed to do so, barely, then spun away to make an attack of his own that was easily blocked. So Wildas meant what he said when he explained that women had to be just as good as men to make it into the army. He had never expected that fighting a female soldier would be so difficult. He had much to relearn about the world.


    "Don''t be afraid to fight with all your tricks!" he heard one of the princes call out.


    A grim smile came to Coulta''s lips. If they wanted a show, he would give them one. He threw every trick he knew at the soldier, who somehow managed to evade or block most of the moves. He did manage to put a slice in the woman''s leather shoulder guard ¨C after he had gotten a hard whack on the back from the flat of her blade.


    They were both sweating and panting by the time he managed to trip up his foe with a well-placed foot. The soldier went down face-first, sprawled in the arena dirt with her sword several inches away.


    "That''s a win for the guest!" Wildas yelled, from the other side of the fence.


    Only then did Coulta look up to where the princes had been watching. Several others were gathered there as well, including Myri, and a few well-dressed teens who were likely other princes and princesses, along with some men and women in the red uniform of the Royal Guard and gray garb of the regular army.


    Coulta suddenly felt very self-conscious and sheathed his sword before helping his opponent up from the ground. She spat arena dirt but gave him a smile, and the got a good look at her for the first time. Her chestnut hair had a few strands of gray in it and her face was somewhat lined with age, but her eyes were bright as she looked at him and offered him her hand.


    "Good fight," she told him as they shook.


    Coulta nodded. "You, as well."


    Wildas was smiling when he joined them. "I told you she was one of the best warriors in the Guard. Coulta, meet Queen Yvona."


    Even more startled, Coulta took a step back to bow to her. "It''s an honor to fight you, Your Highness," he said to her, hoping his voice didn''t betray how shocked he was. He''d just sent a queen into the dirt. It suddenly occurred to him just how rude that was.


    She smiled. "It is an honor to fight you, my son''s protector." Her eyes moved past him, then returned to his when she grasped his shoulder. "Welcome to Ryal," she said before stepping away.


    Looking behind him, Coulta saw Second King Shelton approaching and bowed to him. The sorcerer smiled. "Have you ever had a practice magic duel?" he asked.


    Coulta shook his head. "I''ve barely used my magic for fighting before the night I left Arren. I knew no other people there with magic, either."


    Shelton nodded. "Would you like to try your magic in a duel against me? We''ll test your skills and see if there is anything I can do to help you master them."


    "I don''t know what I can control," Coulta admitted with unease. "Is that wise?"


    The older man smiled. "Of course not, but what other way is there?"


    Coulta relented with a nod. "What do I do?"


    "The rules of a magic duel are just as simple as a sword duel," Shelton explained, his voice loud enough for the crowd around them to hear. "We can throw whatever magic we want at each other, but we cannot seriously injure or kill each other. Minor injuries are expected, but anything serious is not. We are testing your magic. Just do what feels the most useful to attack or defend."


    He took his place at the other end of the arena and nodded to Coulta, who nodded back. Almost immediately a streak of violet light was coming straight at Coulta. Raising one hand, Coulta hoped to brush it aside like he would an insect, but the light hardly faltered. Coulta had just enough time to put his other hand in front of his chest and imagine a large shield in his mind before the light hit him. The violet light split into a hundred tiny sparks and vanished against the black-and-silver wall of light Coulta had produced.


    Coulta didn''t even have time to be relieved about stopping the attack before the sensation of heavy wind pushed his legs out from under him.


    "Be alert for more than one attack coming at once," Shelton advised as Coulta climbed to his feet. "And think quickly. A real fight will not be slow, nor will someone fighting you to the death consider sending one attack at a time."


    Coulta nodded and braced for another attack. How was he supposed to fight back when he didn''t know if he could keep any of his attacks from killing the other man?


    The sand in front him shifted and he saw something moving toward him beneath the surface. Coulta''s first thought was to jump away from it, but instead he dropped to a crouch and shoved his hands into the sand. The movement abruptly went back in the opposite direction. Directly in front of Shelton''s feet the ground erupted, pelting Shelton with grains of sand as something shot up into the air.


    Coulta was stunned to see what appeared to be a very small dragon made of violet light spread its wings and soar toward him. Raising both hands, Coulta focused on the dragon, surrounding it with black-and-silver light that stopped the illusion in midair. At that moment he saw another movement in the sand, much larger this time. Still crouching, Coulta stuck his hands back into the sand and sent out more energy than before.


    The sand erupted in the center of the arena and another, larger, violet dragon emerged surrounded in black-and-silver light. It took Coulta a moment to realize that his light was actually another dragon locked in battle with the violet one. Both were the same size and identical except for the color. Shelton''s was solid violet while Coulta''s was black with glowing silver markings like vines all over its scales. Coulta recognized those marks and quickly glanced at his own skin, thankful to find that his natural appearance was still obscured.


    He glanced at Shelton and saw the the other sorcerer staring in awe at the two battling dragons. Raising a hand, Shelton uttered a single word and his dragon vanished. Coulta sent his flying toward the other end of the arena with a thought, but it was vanquished by a wall of violet light that it dissolved against.


    Shelton motioned Coulta to his feet and Coulta obeyed, though he didn''t bother to wipe the sand from his hands. He had only just stood when a ball of violet fire sped past him close enough to burn the shoulder of his black shirt. The shirt didn''t catch, but a charred hole the width of his finger revealed red skin. Apparently Shelton meant it when he said minor injuries were expected.


    He looked away from his shoulder just in time to put up a hand and stop another ball of fire, his hand surrounded by black tendrils of magical protection he hadn''t even thought of. He hurled the ball back at Shelton, only mildly surprised to see that the violet was mixed with black as it flew across the arena. Shelton blocked it easily, then sent the arena sand swirling in a storm of wind straight for Coulta.


    It surrounded him, making it impossible to see what was coming, and he couldn''t figure out how to clear it away. A wave of energy slammed into him, knocking him over onto his back. The sand dropped from the air and Coulta managed to keep it from covering him. As he turned to push himself to his feet, he realized how completely exhausted he was. The duel with Yvona had tired him enough after so much time without practice. Now, using his magic so much when he had scarcely used it before was draining what energy he had left. And his shoulder ached. Clearly, mage fire really did burn human skin like real fire.


    He weakly pushed up into a crouch, but was too afraid of fainting to stand yet.


    "You haven''t used this much before, have you?" Shelton questioned, still in position.


    Coulta shook his head. "No," he replied hoarsely, finally forcing himself to his feet.


    "We don''t need to continue," Shelton told him, voice serious. "You are not used to wielding so much power in so short a span of time. You already have impressive control, but you need to build your strength for channeling the power."


    Coulta knew he needed to believe him. Shelton surely knew what he was talking about if he was as powerful as everyone said he was. "I yield," he declared with a nod, before sinking back to the sand to sit.


    Shelton came over and crouched beside him. "By the gods, I have never seen anything like you," he said quietly. "No one I have ever used that dragon spell with has been able to completely counter it like that. It''s a spell I created myself. I don''t understand how you knew it."


    "I didn''t use a spell," Coulta tried to explain. "I just thought about fighting back your power, and let the magic do what it would."


    Shelton shook his head. "Not even a single word of power?"


    "I don''t know what you mean," Coulta stated, "so I guess not. Unless I can use words without thinking. Most of the time I just think of what I want to do and the magic does it."


    Wildas suddenly knelt down beside them and handed Coulta a cup filled with water. Coulta took it with a word of thanks, and drained it in seconds.


    "Did you learn anything?" Wildas asked, looking at Shelton.


    "Only that I have met the greatest mystery of my lifetime," Shelton replied, still looking only at Coulta. "I have an associate who has made a study of curse magic. She should be returning to Ryal in the next few days. When she does, I''d like you to meet her."


    Coulta nodded. "I''m as much a mystery to myself as to you. I would like answers."


    Shelton patted his unburned shoulder. "We''ll find some. And you should see the healers about your arm. I didn''t mean to nick you with that ball."


    "It''s all right," Coulta assured him.


    "I think we could have regular duels," Shelton added. "It would help you increase your strength. I''m sure many of the soldiers and Guardsmen would be happy to spar with you anytime, as well."


    Coulta nodded. "I would like that. Both of those."


    Shelton smiled. "Meet me here every third morning and we can work before Wildas needs you."


    Coulta agreed, and after Shelton left, allowed Wildas help him stand, a little embarrassed that the Crown Prince was helping him.


    "Let''s get you to Myri," Wildas suggested. "Then maybe you should have a bath."


    Coulta forced a smile and was glad to know he could walk unaided. "I can''t be keeping you company if I smell, I take it."


    Wildas grinned. "Can''t have me looking bad," he said, though it seemed like he was mostly teasing.


    "Of course not," Coulta replied, smiling easier.

 Chapter 16

    Shelton was having breakfast with his spouses and most of their children when a servant appeared beside him at the table. The girl curtsied as soon as she had his attention, and said, "The sorceress Asema is here to see you."


    He nodded. "Thank you. Take her to my office."


    "Yes, Your Highness," she said, then left with a curtsy.


    Shelton glanced around him at the curious faces of his family. "I must go speak to Asema," he told them as he rose from the table. Wildas was watching him with even more interest than everyone else, but didn''t say anything, for which Shelton was glad; it wouldn''t be easy to explain Coulta''s situation to anyone other than those who already knew.


    He arrived at his office to find Asema reading the titles of the books on one of his shelves, dressed in her usual baby blue robe. Her blond hair was tied loosely back and still seemed damp from an early-morning washing. When she heard him enter, she smiled, and he was reminded of the girl he''d grown up with.


    "I was told you were looking for me," she said, stepping forward to hug him. "I haven''t seen you in ages."


    Shelton smiled. "I''ve encountered someone I thought you would like to meet. You still enjoy studying curses?"


    Asema immediately looked intrigued. "Yes, but they are more rare than I had once thought. I haven''t dealt with one for several years."


    He went to his desk and found the paper he had placed in the drawer days ago, a copy of the letter Coulta had allowed him to read. "This is a copy of a letter that belongs to a friend of Wildas''s. The man''s name is Coulta and he saved Wildas''s life earlier this month in Arren. He has a curse that forces him to obey the commands of whoever has power over him. Right now, he is sworn to serve Wildas. I don''t fear him at all, because his actions prove that he''s not a true danger. However, I would rest a lot easier if I actually understood him."


    Asema took the letter from him and sat down in a chair to read it. Shelton stepped into the hallway and found a servant to bring Coulta. The man deserved to be there while Asema was trying to figure out his life, after all. Asema was still pouring over the letter, twirling her hair as she did so, when Coulta arrived a few minutes later.


    "This is my friend I told you about," he said quietly. "I hope you don''t mind that I made a copy of your letter."


    Coulta shook his head, a flash of hope blazing in his strange black-and-silver eyes before he put on his usual expressionless mask. "If it will help, I don''t mind."


    Asema looked up then, and rose from her chair. She approached slowly, but Shelton could tell it was because she was looking Coulta over both with eyes and magic, not because she was uncomfortable or frightened of him. Handing the letter to Shelton, she took Coulta''s right hand and grasped it between both of hers. Her eyes were closed, but he was startled to see tears soon streaming down her cheeks.


    "This truly has been a curse to you," she whispered, opening her eyes to look into Coulta''s. "It should not even be your curse to bear, and yet it is. You suffer from it. It forced you to take many lives, and you regret it every day. You have seen so much pain and sorrow, and I pray that it may finally end."


    Coulta seemed to struggle for a moment to find his voice before he finally asked, "Then, it can be broken?"


    Asema released him and took the letter back from Shelton. "Maybe we should all sit. I have much to say."


    They all seated themselves in chairs by the hearth, which the servant must have gotten going again when she brought Asema. Coulta was trying and failing to keep his mask in place. Shelton could see hints of emotions warring across the young man''s face.


    "I read the letter your father left you," Asema began. "The first thing you must know is that, if your mother told him that she had linked your soul to another, then it is the truth. It''s clear she was an Asir." When she saw Coulta''s obviously confused expression she explained, "The Asirim are people whose powers are connected to the human soul. Creating links between two kindred souls is a skill possessed by the Asirim with the greatest power, which your mother must have had.


    "However, just because she found a soul to free you, does not mean you will ever be completely free of the curse itself. It is incredibly difficult to completely break a curse, even when you find the one you are linked to. You will find that person, if you haven''t already, but even the greatest love may not be enough to utterly sever the curse, so don''t go expecting a first kiss or a night of lovemaking to do it. Curses are powerful magic. It is most likely that, in order to break the curse, you would have to save your soul-partner from certain death, and that act would require so much energy from you that it would unravel the curse itself.


    "It would not be wise to go looking for this danger, as these acts walk a fine line between breaking a curse and killing all those involved. Such an event may never occur, in which case you will live with your curse until you die. Having a soul-partner is what makes that life bearable, because the other person would not take advantage of you in any way. You may still be bound to that person because of your curse, but you will not be suffering from it."


    She paused, then rested a hand on Coulta''s arm. The man was staring into the fire, an unreadable expression on his sharp face.


    "Ask anything you need to," she told him gently.


    "Will I ever find this person?" he asked, barely loud enough to hear. "How will I know?"


    "If you have not found your soul-partner yet, you will," she answered. "Your souls are constantly searching for each other. As for how you will know, you simply will. You both will be drawn to each other and fall in love. It won''t be a person you feel a wild, lustful need for, however. It will be someone you simply long to constantly be close to. Passion and lust may come later, but the need for simple intimacy will be what draws you together. You will know."This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Coulta shook his head, then asked, "If I do find this person, and someday the curse is broken, will the soul-link end, too?"


    "No. The link and the curse are tied together by nothing more than your mother''s desire to give you a good life. She found your soul-partner to help you. There is always the possibility that the curse may weaken once you are with your partner, but it is a very rare case. Even then, a full destruction of the curse will not end your love."


    Coulta just nodded and remained silent as he stared at the fire. Was he trying not to hope for too much, given the life he had been living until only days ago?


    "What can you tell me about my magic?" Coulta finally asked, glancing up.


    "First, what are the marks on your skin that your father mentioned?" Asema asked, making Shelton wonder how he had forgotten about those.


    Coulta didn''t say anything, but Shelton was fascinated when he saw black lines appear on the younger man''s visible skin. They crossed his face, neck, and the backs of his hands like a thousand tiny vines, swirling and twisting as they went. Coulta pushed back his sleeves to show that they went up his arms as well.


    "They cover my entire body," he told them quietly. "My father taught me to hide them before he abandoned me. I rarely let them show."


    Asema took his hand and traced the lines across it. "Sometimes curses do leave visible marks on the body. I have yet to understand why. It is probably best to keep them hidden, so as not to frighten anyone."


    Coulta nodded and the marks faded until they were gone, again without Coulta speaking.


    Asema leaned closer to look into Coulta''s eyes, then shook her head. "I''d like you to do something small with your magic. Move an object perhaps, just so I can see what your magic looks like."


    "Here." Shelton took a poker from the wall beside the hearth and laid it on the floor.


    Coulta didn''t move or speak, but black-and-silver light surrounded the poker as it lifted off the floor. Shelton expected Coulta to bring it to his own hand, but he instead hung it back on the wall.


    Asema shook her head. "I''ve never seen anyone with two colors to their magic before. Black is the typical color for those who have arcane powers, which you clearly do as you control your magic with thoughts alone. How you came to have two colors, we may never know. What have you used your magic for?"


    "Not much. I usually used it to keep myself from being noticed by people. I had to use it to kill some people who were looking for Wildas. Also to run the roofs of Arren."


    "Run roofs?" Asema asked.


    Coulta nodded. "It was the only thing that gave my mind any peace. I used to go out at night and run across the city from rooftop to rooftop."


    "I''ve heard of worse ways to pass time," Shelton commented. "I''ve decided to help Coulta build his strength for channeling magic, as he hasn''t used much of his powers before. I wasn''t able to determine how powerful he is, though we did duel yesterday and he countered my dragon spell."


    Asema gave him a surprised look, then turned back to Coulta. "How?"


    "I just thought that I wanted to defend myself from the spell," Coulta answered. "I didn''t imagine a dragon, it just appeared to fight Shelton''s. He used the spell twice and I only countered it the second time. Maybe I knew what he was doing and was able to counter it because I knew what was coming?"


    "It shouldn''t be possible that way," Shelton replied. "You should, in theory, need to understand how I made the dragon. You shouldn''t have been able to copy the result without the spell."


    "Perhaps it''s the curse," Asema said thoughtfully. "If you have met your soul-partner, it could weaken the curse, as I said before. When curses weaken, the power that sustained the curse becomes usable to the person who carries it. I''ve been studying curses for years, and I''ve determined that they are within a person just like the three forces: magic, life, and life-giving. Like the magic force, which all people have but only some have enough that it is usable, a curse reproduces its power continuously. That is how it sustains itself, and, like the magic force, only the end of the life force will end the curse completely.


    "However, if the curse is weakened or completely broken, that power is no longer sustaining the curse, only its magic. It becomes just a second magic force in the body. One that requires a lot of control to effectively channel. I suggest you continue to work with Shelton."


    Coulta nodded. "I will."


    "And if the curse breaks, how much stronger will his powers be?" Shelton questioned.


    Asema gave him a small smile. "You''d better be prepared to no longer be the most powerful sorcerer in the world, Shelton, Wielder of the Violet Power. In your place will be Coulta, the Formerly Cursed."


    "I''m not certain I like that title," Coulta grumbled, and Shelton caught a hint of fear in his voice. "You said it was unlikely for the curse to be broken."


    She patted his arm. "I have a feeling it is far more likely now that I have an idea of who your soul-partner is. And, by our rules of naming, that would be your title. One of many, I should say. Those who were once cursed are just as highly respected among sorcerers as any other. In fact, the higher the power, the more respect is given. Those who were once cursed have the most power and thus receive the greatest respect. Everyone knows that someone who is Formerly Cursed has long ago atoned for whatever crime they committed against the one who cursed them. On the other hand, to be the one who does the cursing results in the sorcerer being shunned by any other that he meets for the rest of his life, even if the transgression against him was great. Such things are better dealt with through duels, not curses."


    "And the power isn''t fully containable, is it?" Shelton asked.


    Asema shook her head. "He would need to use magic for everyday tasks to keep it under control. And his soul-partner will need to learn how to use and control it, as well."


    "Why?" Coulta questioned.


    "You won''t be able to stop power shares," she answered. "Unless you decide never to be a lover to the one you love after the curse breaks. Power shares are usually controllable for the rest of us, but they won''t be for you. Most magic can''t even be passed on to a lover who doesn''t already have magic, but curse magic can be. I think it will be useful in your situation."


    "But it''s not guaranteed that the curse will ever break," Coulta said, and he sounded like someone trying to hang on to the last bit of hope in a hopeless situation.


    "Correct," Shelton said before Asema could say anything more. "If it happens, we will deal with the complications. Until then, I will help you with what powers you have."


    Coulta gave Shelton a grateful look. "Thank you."


    "Do you have anything else to ask?" Shelton offered.


    "Nothing I can think of," Coulta replied.


    "Once the shock wears off, and you think of anything else, you are more than welcome to speak with me." Shelton moved to Coulta and squeezed his shoulder. "Don''t ever allow yourself to feel alone here."


    Coulta nodded. "Thank you."


    "You know who his soul-partner is," Asema said when Coulta had gone back to his room after a generous cup of wine from Shelton''s small wine cupboard.


    Shelton decided it was time to have a drink himself and used the largest cup he had. "Yes," he said as he poured the wine, "and that''s what concerns me."


    Asema waved him off when he offered her a cup as well. "You know he''s not going to cause any harm. Even when the curse breaks, you''ll just have to help them. The powers he shares won''t be nearly as powerful as he will be capable of wielding."


    Shelton took a long drink before replying. "That''s not where my concerns are. I can easily handle the magic."


    "What is the problem then?"


    "Appearances. You have no idea what daily life is like here. Appearances are everything. The court would never overthrow Deandre or Wildas but they get antsy over every little thing."


    "Oh, I know that," she interrupted. "I''m familiar with the strife I caused by forcing you to talk your husband out of making me a noble just for being your sister."


    "And there are still some people who will argue about that if there''s nothing else to argue about. Now we''re overdue for an attack from Dyrai. One earl is slowly taking over the cities surrounding us and killing off my spies as soon as they report to me." He took another deep drink. "It''s happening far too fast, it almost seems like he has been planning this all his life, but he shouldn''t be capable of it at all. There is pressure on all of us on a daily basis. Wildas is handling it by choosing to ignore it. Deandre has decided to do the opposite and fret over it every waking moment of the day. At this rate, in a month''s time we''ll be at war against our own people. I fear for Deandre and I fear for Wildas. He won''t be prepared to rule by then if he has to."


    Asema clasped his shoulder. "Then you had best be a damned good mentor."

 Chapter 17

    "Are you well?" Wildas asked as they walked out to the sparring arena that afternoon.


    Coulta nodded. "Shelton''s friend spoke to me this morning. I''m trying to accept everything she told me."


    "She gave you answers?"


    Coulta shrugged and was thankful that Wildas had made him swear to be honest. "Some. I''m just not... I''d rather not speak of it yet."


    Wildas nodded. "I can have Rohan follow me around this afternoon, if you''d rather have some time to yourself."


    "I would rather try to distract myself for now," Coulta admitted.


    "Then I believe you owe me a sparring match," the prince replied with a smile.


    Coulta forced a smile in return. "We''ll see how long you fight before yielding."


    "Against you, I don''t think that will take long, but I plan to try for as long as possible."


    Coulta woke out of a dream that night still hearing Teeya''s screams, her accusatory expression still burned into his mind. It was one of the dreams he''d been having almost nightly since leaving Arren. If he wasn''t dreaming about Teeya being tortured or killed by Varin, he was dreaming about all his victims. Some nights he even dreamed that one of those victims was Teeya. Trying to keep his mind busy during the day didn''t stop his fears from taking root every night.


    To make matters worse, his mysterious figure wasn''t offering him any comfort. Several times Coulta had seen the figure in his dreams, but it had begun to look very much like Wildas. Unsure about what that meant, and afraid of what Asema had told him about his soul-partner, Coulta had turned away from the touch every time it was offered. Somehow, dreaming of Wildas ¨C his master ¨C in such a way felt wrong. And if what Teeya claimed about his dream figure was true, that it was his soul-partner trying to reach him, accepting the dreams would only make him feel worse. Even hoping to be considered a friend to the prince was too much for Coulta. Anything else would be so much more disappointing.


    Normally, he would force himself to fall back asleep when the dreams woke him, or he would read by firelight until he distracted his mind. This time, he wanted nothing more than to run until his lungs ached. Slipping out of bed, he pulled on the old black fighting leathers he had worn to Ryal, and his high black boots. He left his swords behind, knowing he had a knife in each boot if he needed them.


    His room was on the second floor of the castle, but the stables were close enough to land on if he timed his jump accurately ¨C and used a touch of magic. He climbed up onto the windowsill and jumped out, landing silently on the stable roof. From there, he jumped to the second stable building some distance away, then even farther to the barracks, which required him to jump upward, then up again onto the wall surrounding the castle yard.


    There were a couple of Guardsmen patrolling the wall, with another stationed above the closed gate. They didn''t notice Coulta as he hopped the battlements and landed on the roof of a florist shop in the upper market. The streets were mostly deserted, except for the end where the massive brothel was. He debated for a moment going to see the building where the mages lived, but assumed he would not go unnoticed there; sorcerers in charge of the defenses of the city would probably have defenses for their own place of work and life. He''d most likely get himself caught, which would require him to do a lot of explaining to a lot of people.


    Instead, he moved across the upper market to the streets crowded with fancy houses, avoiding Guardsmen once again. He paused at one house, noticing a dog chained outside. He had long ago learned that his magic could essentially make him invisible and silent, but he wondered if he still had a scent. At the very edge of the house''s roof he slipped down close to the dog.


    The big brown beast sniffed the air, looking right at Coulta. It seemed confused, glancing all around exactly where Coulta stood, nose sniffing wildly. Finally it started to growl. Determining that his experiment was successful, Coulta easily climbed back to the house''s roof and set off to explore the larger marketplace in the next section of the city. The gate between the noble homes and the common market was closed, likely to keep out thieves, Coulta assumed.


    The streets closest to the taverns and brothels were much more crowded than in the upper market, and Coulta took some time to watch the people moving about. Even this part of Ryal had a much more peaceful feeling to it than all of Arren.


    Thinking of Arren again made him think of Teeya, and he moved on to try clearing his mind again. Reaching the poor section of the city, he found he had to magically check the strength of every roof before attempting to put any weight on them. The last thing he wanted to do was damage the homes of those who were already struggling to survive.


    Standing above the closed main gate of the city, he looked out over the land beyond. It was bare grassland, cut only by the road that approached the gate and dotted with trees. A line of trees was off in the distance, and beyond that was farmland. Wildas had explained that Grand King Caolan had thought it bad luck for the farmers to try growing crops where a battle had been fought to reclaim the country, so all the farms were a few hours'' ride from the city. Coulta thought it was probably a good way to keep farms from being destroyed by enemies in the event of an attack, as well.


    Standing there, staring off into the overcast night, Coulta couldn''t stop his thoughts from plaguing him. Everything the sorceress had told him that morning, and his dream of Teeya, filled him with more fear and hopelessness than he had ever thought he could feel.


    Even if his curse could be broken, Coulta would never be happy. He''d be forced to deal with more power than he could ever control, and everyone would call him "the formerly cursed." There was no freedom in that, just a new version of the curse that had controlled him all his life. He didn''t even dare think about finding the person who would help him, because that brought him back to Wildas and the dreams again.


    He didn''t feel controlled or trapped like he had been in Arren. Varin had used him like a weapon, offering him no friendship ¨C not that Coulta wanted any from someone like Varin. Wildas treated him with respect and kindness. Coulta was bound to him, but it wasn''t something he regretted, at least not yet. It suddenly occurred to Coulta to test the hold Wildas had on him to see if it truly was kinder.


    Stepping to the edge of the stone above the gate, Coulta jumped, expecting to find himself hanging from his fingertips like he had every time in Arren.


    Instead, he landed in a perfect crouch on the packed dirt road. Amazed, he stood up and took one step forward, then another. He took ten steps before he felt the pressure come to his mind, telling him to turn back, that Wildas needed him and it wouldn''t do to have Coulta desert him now. In two more steps it became almost overpowering and he turned back.


    Just as Coulta expected, he couldn''t leave. At least he felt more free, though. That was something.


    <hr>


    Myri was learning the castle healers'' inventory system in the storage room when Sara, the healer in charge, appeared in the doorway. Marcal, the aging healer who had been trying to explain the way they kept certain herbs fresh inside a magic box, stopped talking when he saw her. That concerned Myri, until she saw a strange look on Sara''s face.


    "Crown Prince Wildas would like to speak to you, Myri," the older woman said with a smile.


    It had been three days since she had started working with the healers, and they still all assumed she had been given the job for some other reason than that Wildas was thankful for her help. Annoyed, she walked past Sara and found Wildas standing just inside the doorway of the healing room, wearing princely blue clothes that were contrasted by the plain black shadow behind him that was Coulta. She gave the prince a small smile and a curtsy.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Wildas didn''t smile at her, which she hoped would put off her fellow healers, but it planted a seed of dread inside her. He motioned to her and stepped into a private examination room close to the door. Myri followed, flanked by Coulta, who shut the door behind them.


    The prince took a deep breath, before meeting her eyes. "We''ve gotten word from the men we sent to Windwick. Myri... there''s nothing left."


    It was suddenly very hard to breathe. "My mother?" she asked, barely able to get the words out.


    Wildas shook his head. "They found her in the house. Everyone was killed. Myri, I''m sorry."


    Even before she had left the village, she had known there would never be anything to go back to. She had known her mother wouldn''t survive. But it was a knowledge she had buried under the need to help Wildas, then the need to help others.


    She was shocked to realize how intense the pain was, having confirmation now that her mother was gone. Her home was gone. All the people she had ever known were gone.


    "I''m sorry," Wildas repeated, and shocked her even more by pulling her into a hug.


    It was horribly embarrassing, but she couldn''t stop her sobs as she held on to him with all her strength. It was a few moments before she realized she was crying on the Crown Prince''s shoulder and tried to pull away.


    "I don''t want to ruin your shirt," she whispered.


    "Then hug me."


    She looked to Coulta and saw him standing with his arms out to her. Without a second thought, she turned to his embrace. She knew she must be desperate if she was willing to have Coulta hold her, but she soon discovered that the tainted feel of his curse was comforting. This man had saved her life by helping her leave Windwick. He didn''t seem to object to comforting her as long as she needed it, but when she eventually pulled away she thanked him. He just gave her a nod.


    "Thank you for telling me," she told Wildas quietly.


    He gently squeezed her arm. "Are you all right?"


    She took a deep breath and stood up straight. Giving him a nod she said, "I will be. Is there anything else?"


    Wildas shook his head. "That was all. If you want, you can go back."


    "Thank you," she said as turned to go. Only when she was across the room of cots did she realize she hadn''t even bowed to Wildas. Hopefully he would attribute it to the shock.


    "Myri, what happened?" Sara demanded when she saw her.


    Myri wiped her eyes and managed to say, in a choked voice, "I''ll be here for a while. My village was destroyed. My mother is dead. I have nowhere else to go."


    A look of utter sadness crossed the older healer''s face and she hugged Myri tightly. "I''m so sorry. You are welcome to stay here for as long as you wish."


    Myri nodded and found herself choking back more tears. "Thank you."


    <hr>


    Wildas didn''t speak as they left the healing room. He didn''t trust himself to say anything, despite feeling Coulta''s eyes on him. He''d never experienced such an overpowering feeling of anguish and regret.


    And anger. Gods, he''d never been so angry for more than mere moments before. This was a rage that went right through him.


    He stopped walking so suddenly that Coulta almost collided with him. They were in a mostly unused side passageway, thankfully. Wildas wasn''t sure he wanted to see anyone at the moment, servant or otherwise.


    "What is it?" Coulta asked.


    "I''m the reason her mother is dead."


    "No, Varin is."


    "She died because I wanted to go to Arren. Because I was hurt and needed a healer before we reached Ryal. If I hadn''t gone to Arren..."


    "Varin probably would have done something to Windwick anyway."


    "He wouldn''t have killed every woman, child, and elderly man in the damn village! He was looking for me, that''s why they''re all dead!"


    He needed to do something to get the anguish out before it consumed him. Whirling around, he moved to slam his fist into the bare stone wall, only to connect with something decidedly not stone. Coulta was suddenly so close that Wildas could feel him draw a sharp breath of pain.


    It took a moment to process the fact that Coulta''s hand was between his fist and the rough wall, his palm over Wildas''s knuckles.


    "Gods, Coulta," he gasped, moving his hand away. "I''m sorry."


    Coulta leaned back against the wall and slid down to a sitting position on the floor, cradling his bleeding hand.


    "You didn''t have to do that," Wildas sputtered as he knelt next to him.


    "I would have let you punch it," Coulta hissed through his pain. "I don''t care if you want to do something so stupid. The vow to protect you apparently applies to self-inflicted pain, too."


    "Is it broken?" Wildas questioned, all his earlier pain replaced by concern and shame.


    Coulta managed to flex his hand several times, though he grimaced while he did it. "I don''t think so."


    "Do you want to go back to see a healer?"


    Coulta shook his head. "Just give me a moment."


    "I suppose now I know better than to punch things around you," Wildas said, relieved that he hadn''t broken his friend''s hand. "I''m sorry."


    Coulta gave him a pained smile. "We have to learn the details of it somehow, I suppose."


    "I''m still sorry."


    Coulta nodded, but changed the subject by asking, "When you were talking about Windwick, you said every woman, child, and elderly man was killed. What about the rest of the men?"


    "Gone," Wildas replied, leaning his shoulder on the wall. "We''re guessing Varin drafted them."


    "For what?" Coulta questioned.


    Wildas was suddenly exhausted, having finally accepted what Shelton had been reporting from his spies. "His army. His sons are gradually taking over all the lands between here and Arren, so that doesn''t really bode well for anything but civil war."


    "How can they do that?" Coulta demanded.


    Wildas cleared his throat. "Stealthy assassination. A son goes to visit on a social call between nobles, and the lords mysteriously die within a day or so, along with all blood relatives in the area. Varin''s sons conveniently step in to seize control when it should come to the crown to sort things out. He''s greedy for as much power as he can kill for."


    There was a sudden fierce look on Coulta''s face that was a bit frightening. "I''ll be the one to kill him."


    "I hope you didn''t just make that a promise you have to keep."


    "It would just give me peace to kill him."


    Wildas nodded, then sighed after a moment. "Can we get your hand cleaned at least? I know Anil said she didn''t plan to return to Windwick, but I''d like her to know. I don''t want to scare her with your hand looking like that."


    Coulta got slowly to his feet. "It probably should be seen," he relented.


    The healer in charge called for Myri again, though Wildas didn''t ask for her this time.


    "What could you have possibly done to yourself in such a short amount of time?" she demanded, pointing to a cot when she saw Coulta''s bloody hand.


    "I stopped Wildas from punching a wall," Coulta answered, flinching when Myri used a wet cloth to clean the blood off.


    "How, by trying to catch his fist too close to the wall?" she questioned, and Wildas was glad to see that she was mostly herself again, aside from her red eyes.


    "I think that''s exactly what I tried to do," Coulta replied.


    She glared at him. "There are better ways to stop someone from punching a wall."


    "I can''t control what the curse chooses," he stated quietly. "It made me do what was most likely to keep him from hurting himself."


    Myri sighed. "I''ll put a healing salve on it and wrap it. It will help with the bruising."


    Coulta nodded and sat patiently while she went for the salve and linen. Wildas glanced at Coulta''s hand and saw that it was already bruising. There was also fresh blood from the spots where part of his skin had been rubbed away by the rough stone.


    "I''m sorry," Wildas felt the need to tell him again.


    Coulta shrugged. "It''s fine. Nothing is broken and I''ll heal."


    <hr>


    Anil was surprised when she was told that Wildas wanted to see her. She tried her best to brush the hay off her clothes as she stepped out of the stall she had been cleaning. Wildas was waiting with Coulta just inside the stable building, and he didn''t look very happy.


    When she reached them she moved to give him a respectful curtsy, then remembered that she had started wearing pants instead of skirts. "Am I supposed to bow or pretend to curtsy?" she asked, embarrassed.


    "Don''t fret about it," Wildas answered. "Right now I don''t really care, but I''d say bow if you don''t wear a dress."


    She nodded and gave an awkward bow anyway. Her gaze turned to Coulta and she noticed that his right hand was wrapped in a white bandage. "What happened to your hand?" she asked with concern.


    "Put it between Wildas''s fist and a wall," Coulta replied with a shrug.


    Looking back at Wildas, she thought she saw a flash of shame cross his face. That faded to what seemed like sadness as he motioned her to the records room. The robed scribe looked rather annoyed to be excused from his work temporarily, but bowed to Wildas and hurried out to the barn aisle without a word, just the book he had been writing in, his quill, and a bottle of ink. It was the first time Anil had ever seen one of them leave the room.


    She was surprised when Wildas gently grasped her hand. "I know you said you didn''t plan to return to Windwick, but it was your home and I wanted to tell you what we learned this morning." He took a deep breath before telling her what she already knew, "There''s nothing ¨C no one ¨C left."


    Despite having known the truth, she still felt tears come to her eyes. She had known those people. She''d cared for their horses every day. Her family was buried outside the village. She''d never get to honor their lives by visiting their graves.


    She would have to honor them by living well in Ryal instead.


    "Thank you," she told Wildas, nodding.


    He pulled her gently into a hug. "I''m sorry."


    She nodded against his shoulder and repeated, "Thank you."

 Chapter 18

    The last thing Wildas wanted to do six days later was attend the ball his father had planned as a way for all the available young men and women to meet and charm him. The only change he''d gotten Grand King Deandre to make was to allow Coulta to attend.


    "He''s afraid you''ll scare people away from me," he grumbled to Coulta on their way to the Great Hall. "So he would rather you protect me from a distance."


    Coulta nodded. "I understand."


    "But please find me from time to time," Wildas added. "I hate these parties."


    He felt ridiculous dressed as a fancy piece of the court, wearing the uncomfortable flowing blue silk shirt and the decorative tan breeches with blue stitching down the outsides of the legs. He''d shaved and left his wavy chestnut hair down, making it difficult to see the sapphire earrings he was wearing, per Queen Yvona''s request. His shoes were practically mirrors and he wore rings on each hand.


    He envied Coulta. His protector had been given nicer clothes for the night; a black silk shirt and black breeches with silver cording along the outer seams. He''d even gotten new boots that were perfectly polished. He had his hair pulled back in a tight tail and didn''t have to wear any jewelry. He was even permitted to carry his sword, though he had been given a new belt that was of a heavily polished leather matching his boots.


    "You should go in first," Wildas said when they got to the side entrance of the Hall.


    Coulta nodded and went inside. Wildas sighed heavily and followed a few moments later. All his parents were already there, and Deandre dragged him over to meet several potential spouses who Wildas quickly determined had no potential for him.


    It was a long time before he could escape the clutches of the obnoxiously flirtatious men and women and find a spot on the balcony to relax. He looked down at the guests, who were, not surprisingly, starting to become more interested in each other than they were in him. There were already several couples dancing to the music of the minstrels his father had arranged for the night.


    He was scanning the crowd for Coulta when someone suddenly came to stand beside him. Expecting Coulta, he turned and smiled, only to realize it wasn''t him, but another man he recognized. His smile faltered. Ashnil was the youngest son of the Grand King''s distant cousin living outside the Ryal farmlands, and he''d been after Wildas''s hand for years. He was dressed impeccably as always, this time in black pants and a shimmering green shirt that seemed to accentuate his movements. As lean as the man was, Wildas thought it made him look like a snake. He wore gold earrings and a few gems glittered on his fingers. His black hair was pulled partially back and his green eyes held nothing but desire for power.


    "It''s a good party," Ashnil commented in his silky-smooth voice, handing Wildas a cup of wine.


    When Coulta didn''t magically appear from the shadows and knock it away from him, Wildas took the cup with a nod. "Thank you."


    "You still haven''t made any choices yet?" Ashnil asked, standing at the railing next to Wildas with his own wine.


    "No," Wildas replied and took a sip from his cup before adding, "but I have a few in mind."


    "Oh? Who are you considering?"


    Wildas took another sip and tried to stall. "I''d rather not share names just yet."


    Ashnil made use of the shadows on the balcony to run his hand down Wildas''s back, making Wildas shiver in discomfort. The other man seemed to take it as a sign of pleasure and ran his hand across Wildas''s lower back.


    "Surely my name is under consideration? Or is that one night forgotten?"


    It had been. Or repressed, more like. Until he saw the man again and was reminded how he''d been utterly taken advantage of, which was why he was wary every time Ashnil handed him a cup of wine and started taking liberties.


    "I''ll let you know," he said pointedly.


    When Wildas didn''t respond anymore to the hand caressing his back, or say anything else, Ashnil finally took the hint and gave him a nod. "Find me when you''ve finished your wine."


    Wildas nodded, but stayed silent until the balcony was empty again. With a sigh he sat down on the bench against the wall, glaring at the half-finished wine that was already affecting him. He should have tried to build up his tolerance again, knowing how many people would be offering the stuff to him.


    But he hadn''t, and his thoughts were unfortunately straying to those touches from Ashnil, but his mind put Coulta in the other man''s place, which only vaguely surprised him.


    "Shall I go bring him back for you?"


    Coulta''s voice startled him so badly that he almost spilled the wine. The man appeared seemingly from nowhere to stand near the bench, giving Wildas a strange look.


    "No," Wildas answered, hoping he didn''t sound as guilty as he felt. He held the wine cup up to Coulta. "Just give this to my brother and tell him that if anyone tries to bring me more spiked wine, they should be thrown in the dungeon."


    Coulta gave him a curious look, but took the cup and walked away. Wildas sighed heavily and leaned his head back against the cool wall. It was going to be a long night.


    <hr>


    Coulta hadn''t liked the way the snake-like young man was touching Wildas, and he wasn''t sure why. Something warned him against the stranger, but surely Wildas was capable of putting off would-be lovers. Though the look on the prince''s face after the man was gone suggested that maybe he had wanted him around after all.


    Doing as he was told, Coulta took the wine cup to Rohan, who was standing guard near the elevated table where his parents sat eating. "Wildas wanted me to give this to you," he explained. "He says anyone who brings him spiked wine should be thrown in the dungeon. I don''t think he was serious, I just have to do as he asks."


    Rohan laughed as he took the cup and set it down on a nearby table. "Sounds like Wildas. I saw Duke Bracin''s son up there with him. That brat has been trying to court him for years."


    Coulta assumed, based on what he''d seen, that the Prince-General wasn''t calling his brother the brat. "What is spiked wine?" he asked.


    Rohan snorted. "Nothing Wildas wants with all these potential spouses around," he explained, waving his hand at the crowded Hall. "It contains an aphrodisiac. Makes for long nights. It''s common at celebrations here because of the marriage tradition. A lot of guests also follow it."


    "So they try to get Wildas to marry them by seducing him?" Coulta questioned.


    "Some of them," Rohan answered. "I honestly wonder if he''ll ever give in and choose."


    Coulta looked around the Hall at the guests, many of whom were dancing with each other to the musicians. "I don''t think I like the one who gave him that wine," he admitted.


    "Ashnil? He''s quite harmless. Now, anyway. I don''t think my brother needs you protecting his honor. He''s capable of choosing lovers if he wants."


    Coulta wasn''t sure what he heard in the other man''s voice, but he shook his head. "It''s not that."


    "Just be careful," Rohan said, leaning closer. "You''re probably the closest thing to a friend Wildas has. He doesn''t need our father trying to get rid of you because you''re chasing away all his potential spouses."


    "I''m not going to chase anyone away," Coulta assured him. "It''s the people who want to harm him that I don''t like."


    "Then you probably don''t like Ashnil because of what he did to Wildas years ago," the Prince-General replied, leaning even closer. "I don''t like him for it, either. Wildas had just reached marriageable age ¨C fifteen. Ashnil got him drunk off that wine at a party like this. At least the bastard had the decency to find me and tell me where he left my brother, and he probably only told me because he knew I had no power to do anything to him yet. Wildas won''t ever call it rape and refused to tell anyone with the authority to ban Ashnil from any party like this, especially the Grand King. He''s too ashamed of himself and blames himself for letting it happen. That''s why I say he''s capable of choosing his own lovers, because he learned from that."


    Coulta tried not to act overly affected by the story, but the anger that shot through him was hard to hold back. "You don''t worry about him trying to seduce your brother, even after that?"This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Rohan shrugged. "As far as I know, he''s yet to get any sort of reaction out of Wildas since then, but he won''t give up. He''s a pest, and it''s unfortunate that Wildas doesn''t choose spouses just to get him out of his life. Anyway, maybe you can somehow sense that he had harmful intentions before, so you dislike him."


    Coulta shrugged. "It''s possible."


    In reality, he had no idea if that was possible. Angry as he was at the man''s past transgressions, he still felt that Ashnil was dangerous, and it was about more than the harm he''d caused before. He kept an eye on the man for the next hour, trying to decide what it was about him that was keeping Coulta''s attention. At one point, toward the end of the night, he lost track of Ashnil, only to find him in the shadows on the balcony.


    Ashnil was kneeling in the shadow of a pillar, wearing a dark gray cloak he hadn''t been wearing before. Coulta hid himself from view with magic just a single pace from where the man was kneeling, and saw him pull a piece of polished wood from beneath his cloak.


    The feeling of danger grew as he watched Ashnil press a button at the end of the piece of wood. Two more pieces sprang out, and Coulta realized that he was looking at a very small crossbow.


    Setting the object down, Ashnil pulled a single dart from his cloak and a small glass vial of dark liquid. He uncapped the vial and dipped the tip of the dart inside, then carefully set it down to cap the vial again. Coulta moved carefully around the man and watched him load the dart into the miniature crossbow. Still hidden in the shadows, Ashnil raised the weapon onto the railing of the balcony and took aim.


    Directly at the Grand King.


    Coulta didn''t know how the mechanism on the weapon worked, so he simply used his magic to hold the dart in place when Ashnil fired. He wished he could see the look on the man''s face when the dart stayed where it was, covered in black mist. Ashnil pulled the weapon to himself and looked it over, swearing.


    Coulta reached forward and grabbed the weapon, avoiding the poisoned tip of the dart. "Thank you," he said as he made himself visible.


    Ashnil started to stand and Coulta knocked him unconscious with some help from his magic. Looking below, he spotted Rohan almost directly under where he stood. Holding the weapon out of sight, he nudged the Prince-General with a bit of magic.


    Rohan glanced up in confusion. "Was that ¨C"


    "Come up here," he hissed, motioning with his hand.


    No one seemed to care about Rohan practically shoving people as he made his way quickly to the stairs, except for Second King Shelton, who watched Rohan until he was up the stairs.


    When Rohan saw Ashnil laying behind Coulta even the shadows couldn''t hide his annoyed expression. "After that whole conversation you still ¨C"


    Rohan''s rant died when Coulta showed him the weapon. "He had this aimed at the Grand King," he explained.


    "What is that?" Rohan questioned, reaching for it.


    "The tip is poisoned," Coulta warned, handing it over.


    Rohan turned the weapon around in his hands for a moment, careful of the tip of the dart, which Coulta made sure remained in place. "I''ve never seen anything like this," he muttered, then handed it back to Coulta. "Hold on to it and him. I''ll send Guardsmen to take him away. He''s not dead, is he?"


    Coulta shook his head. "I thought you''d like to talk to him."


    The Prince-General nodded. "Good. Make sure he keeps resting a while."


    Coulta watched the prince move off along the balcony toward the nearest staircase. He stopped to talk quietly to the first two Guardsmen he found, two of the several who were standing guard along the walls of the Great Hall. The two other men saluted him, then made their way up the stairs. Rohan then moved to where his parents were seated, leaning down between both kings. Coulta saw both of them look up directly where he stood. He couldn''t read the look on the bearded Grand King''s face, but Shelton gave him a hint of a thankful smile.


    Coulta bowed his head, then turned to the two Guardsmen. That was when Wildas appeared. Coulta had just begun to wonder where the Crown Prince was, though he knew through the curse that his master wasn''t in any danger.


    "What happened?" Wildas demanded.


    "Your admirer apparently planned to make you a king tonight. Don''t touch the point." Coulta handed the weapon to him and helped one of the Guardsmen roll Ashnil over to bind his hands.


    Wildas turned the thing over in his hands several times, just like his brother had. "What is this?"


    "Some sort of weapon," Coulta answered as he hauled the unconscious man to his feet and handed him off to the Guardsmen. "That''s all I know."


    The Guardsmen took Ashnil through a doorway a short distance down the balcony, taking the would-be assassin from the party without raising any alarm among the guests. Below, however, he heard the party go quiet. Even the minstrels stopped playing.


    "I regret that it is time we retired for the night," Grand King Deandre announced. "Please, stay as long as you wish. Surely Prince Wildas will remain much longer into the night than we shall."


    Coulta watched him step away from the table they''d been sitting at, followed closely by Shelton, who was talking quietly to Rohan. Yvona was close behind them and carrying herself like she wanted to have a sword in her hand. Coulta thought he understood how she felt; he''d feel helpless in such a situation, without a blade while his family was threatened. Rohan left them at the door and returned to where Coulta and Wildas were both still waiting on the balcony.


    "I really would rather not be here ''longer into the night''," Wildas grumbled to Coulta.


    "Neither would I," Coulta agreed.


    Wildas looked up at his brother when he joined them. "What are we supposed to do?"


    "We need to send word to Duke Bracin before we can question Ashnil," Rohan said with a resigned sigh. "Apparently that''s the ''political'' thing to do. I''ll be taking that to the weapons master," he added, pointing to the strange little crossbow. "We''ll see what he can make of it. None of our parents have heard of such a thing, either."


    Wildas handed it carefully to his brother. "And am I really expected to stay here?"


    Rohan nodded. "Unfortunately. You can keep Coulta nearby if you want to. I think he''s finally proven to Father that he''s worth having around." He gave Coulta a crooked smile and a nod.


    Coulta returned the nod.


    "I have to take this somewhere safe," Rohan added, motioning to the weapon. "I''ll be back to send these guests away later."


    "Thank you," Wildas said.


    Rohan gave them both a nod and left through the same doorway that the other Guardsmen had used.


    "How did you know Ashnil was up here?" Wildas asked.


    "He gave me a bad feeling," Coulta tried to explain. "He felt dangerous, but not directly to you. I kept watching him all night. Rohan tried to tell me he was harmless."


    Wildas sighed and sat down on a bench, motioning for Coulta to sit with him. "I always just thought he was an annoying bastard."


    Coulta cleared his throat and admitted, "Rohan told me. What he did. He seemed to think that was why I felt I didn''t like him."


    "I was a fool back then," Wildas replied. "Too bad I didn''t have you around when I was fifteen."


    Coulta stared off into the light coming from the main part of the Hall. "Around then was when Varin started using me as a killer. I was thirteen."


    "Is it still hard to think of the first one?" Wildas asked, though his voice was gentle.


    "Of course it is," Coulta replied. "I remember all of them. I wish I didn''t, but I do. Hundreds of different people, and every one is distinct." He fought the lump in his throat. "The first was especially personal for Varin. It was one of his mistresses, who had just given birth to a daughter only days before. I had to kill her in her sleep. She was young, probably not much older than I was. She woke up while I was trying to fight the command. But I couldn''t, and I had to see her terror when I killed her. If that wasn''t enough, I had to kill the baby."


    The horror at that first assignment came flooding suddenly back to him. Killing them. Dropping the knife. Stumbling from the room. Varin waiting in the hallway.


    Laughter.


    Falling to his knees in the hall. Sobbing. Vomiting what little he''d eaten that day.


    Even more laughter.


    That was when he''d known for certain that Varin was the cruelest man alive.


    Teeya had hovered over him for days like an attentive mother, until Varin''s commands forced him from bed and into the guise of a killer once again.


    And the secret hope he had always carried, that, even if this person he was bound to never appeared, that one day he would be able to somehow be the agent of Varin''s own demise. And now he would be.


    "Coulta?"


    He looked up at Wildas, who was watching him with concern. "It''s the past I must live with," he whispered.


    Wildas reached out to him cautiously, hesitated, then brushed the tears from Coulta''s cheeks. "All I do is cause you pain. I''m sorry."


    Coulta shook his head, ashamed of his tears. "No. The curse causes me pain."


    "How is your hand?" the prince asked, moving back again.


    "Completely healed," Coulta replied. He''d noticed that the last of the bruising had faded that morning and the skin was whole again.


    "How?" Wildas demanded. "It''s only been a few days!"


    Coulta shrugged. "I''ve always healed rather fast. Maybe the curse needs me in good condition to use me."


    Wildas didn''t seem to know how to respond to that, because he didn''t say anything for quite a while, until he asked, "Would you want to go riding outside the city tomorrow? I''ll need to take half a guard and Rohan with me, even if you come. It''s the minimum amount of protection I''m supposed to have when I leave, even if I''m only riding just outside the city."


    Coulta nodded. "It sounds much better than staying here all day. But, what is ''half a guard''?"


    "Six Guardsmen," Wildas answered. "A full guard is twelve Guardsmen. However, the full Guard is five hundred Guardsmen, not including the officers."


    "I''m happy I don''t have to oversee the defenses of this place," Coulta stated. "Everything is so much more complicated than I could have imagined."


    Wildas smiled. "I suppose it is, if you haven''t grown up with it."


    Rohan returned then, covering a yawn. "I thought you''d still be here."


    "No one seemed to be looking for me," Wildas replied, "and I''m not in a party mood."


    "Neither am I," Rohan agreed. "I say it''s late enough to call an end to the gathering. I''ll see you in the morning. And have Coulta take you to your room. I doubt there''s anyone hiding in the shadows by this point, but I suppose you never know. I didn''t expect what did happen tonight." He started to move away, then turned back to them and added, looking at Coulta, "I posted Guardsmen in the hallway outside his room. You should wait for him to shut the door before you walk away. It''s the proper way to go about things like that. They finally stopped gossiping about your arrival for the most part."


    Coulta nodded in understanding.


    "Appearances," Wildas grumbled to him quietly. "Everything is always about appearances."


    "You don''t need to make any announcement like your father did?" Coulta asked as the Prince-General walked away.


    "No," Wildas replied, standing. "Rohan can speak for me."


    Coulta got to his feet and followed Wildas through a side door and into a dark corridor. Though he suspected Rohan was correct in assuming no more assassins were lurking around the place, he still walked with a hand on his sword hilt.


    It was a while before they were in familiar passageways. Coulta made a mental note of their location when they passed his own door, and the route they took to where Wildas stayed.


    "This is where my siblings and some of my other relatives have their rooms," Wildas explained. "I don''t think I ever mentioned that. If Shelton ever sends for you, my parents live directly above us. The whole wing upstairs is taken up by two suites of rooms; my parents'' and the ones I will live in with my spouses when I get married. Shelton''s office door has the symbol of the court sorcerer on it, a violet dragon."


    Coulta nodded, relieved to finally know how to find his mentor. Shelton had been finding him when their days came to work with his powers, but it was good to know how to find the sorcerer if he needed to.


    They stopped walking and Coulta realized they were at the door to Wildas''s room. There were a couple Guardsmen standing guard at various points along the hallway, but otherwise the hall was as unremarkable as usual.


    Wildas turned to him when they stopped at the door. "Thank you."


    Coulta was surprised at the appreciation. "What for?"


    "Stopping Ashnil, along with everything else."


    "I was just keeping my vow," Coulta replied.


    A sad look crossed the prince''s face. "Thank you, nonetheless. I will see you tomorrow."


    Coulta gave him a bow, mostly for the benefit of the Guardsmen. "Goodnight."


    "Goodnight," Wildas said again, almost in a whisper, and slipped inside the room.


    Coulta waited until the door was latched before walking away, feeling as lonely as he always did when he was away from the prince. Now was when the ghosts from his past would haunt him, when he was alone and night was all around him.


    At least it was much later than usual, so dawn would come much more swiftly.

 Chapter 19

    "We''ve been summoned to examine a prisoner in the dungeons," Sara told Myri the moment she arrived at the healing room early in the morning. "I thought it would be a good experience for you."


    "What is the prisoner''s condition?" Myri asked as she walked with the older woman through the twisting corridors of the castle.


    "I was told that he''s relatively healthy," Sara answered. "The person who apprehended him hit him in the head, though. We''re to make sure there is no lasting issues. Though I was told the one who caught him used more magic than physical force."


    Myri thought it strange that they were supposed to care about a prisoner so much. Of course, maybe the guards needed to learn information from him and had to make sure his memory wasn''t damaged. That seemed logical enough, she supposed.


    When they arrived at the dungeon they were escorted by a guard in a red uniform to a cell that was much larger and less damp than Myri would have expected. There was also a cot that was in much better condition than what seemed allowable for a prisoner. When she saw the way the man was dressed, she realized why.


    The cell was designed for prisoners of higher social status than most. This prisoner was clearly wealthy, wearing clothes that were far fancier than anything Myri would ever be able to afford, and he wore fine golden jewelry. His expression didn''t match his clothing, though; he sat staring at the wall with a defeated look on his face.


    Sara turned to the guard, clearly taken aback. "Isn''t that Duke Bracin''s son?"


    "It appears he tried to kill the Grand King last night," the guard explained. "That spooky friend of the Crown Prince stopped him."


    Myri couldn''t avoid a smile at the description of Coulta. She''d heard about the ball that had gone on the night before, and she had been glad not to be invited. Hopefully Coulta was starting to earn more respect than he''d gotten since being dragged off horseback their first night in Ryal.


    "He woke up a while ago," the guard went on. "Hasn''t said a word though. I know he''s expected to be given an examination by a healer because of his father, that''s why we called for you."


    Sara nodded. "He doesn''t seem to be too out of sorts, from what I see. I''ll need to make a closer examination, however."


    The guard nodded and opened the door. Another guard came over to stand at the door while the first guard went inside with Sara and Myri. It didn''t take long to decide that the only effect of Coulta''s blow was a headache. Sara left some packets of herbs for a healing tea with the guards, and led Myri away.


    The man didn''t speak at all during the visit, other than to answer Sara''s questions with a simple "yes" or "no."


    "You know that spooky friend, don''t you?" Sara asked as they left the dungeon.


    "Yes. He saved my life."


    "He makes me uncomfortable."


    Myri smiled. "I used to feel the same. He takes some getting used to, but he''s a good man."


    "I hope so, as close as he is to the Crown Prince."


    Myri just nodded. It was pointless to argue or try to reassure the woman. Coulta would have to prove himself to everyone, just like he''d proven himself to her.


    <hr>


    Rohan was yawning when he arrived to take Coulta to the stables. Coulta secured his sword belt as he stepped out into the hallway. "Did you have a hard time making everyone leave last night?" he asked.


    "It was almost dawn before we got the last of them out of the Hall," Rohan grumbled. "I think I hate those parties as much as Wildas does."


    "I didn''t find it all that enjoyable either," Coulta commented.


    Rohan snorted. "Only the oblivious guests enjoyed it, I''m sure."This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    When they arrived at the stables they found several grooms and a few Guardsmen saddling horses. Coulta saw Wildas wave off a groom and tighten the girth on his saddle himself. The prince was dressed for riding, though his shirt and breeches were far from plain. Even Shelton was there, and it was the first time Coulta had seen him in anything other than his violet robe. He still wore a violet shirt and cloak, but his breeches were tan and he wore black boots. There was a also a cord of blue-and-gold rope across his body, thicker and with more gold in the weave than the one Wildas wore. Clearly, he was planning to ride with them.


    "I thought we could test your abilities some more outside the city," he explained when he caught sight of Coulta. "There are less people to worry about endangering with stray magic out there," he added with a smile.


    Coulta returned the smile. "Most likely a good thing." He turned when someone handed him Quiver''s reins and he rubbed the stallion''s white nose. It felt like it had been ages since he''d last ridden the horse through the city when Wildas had given them a tour.


    "Are we ready?" Rohan asked. When he got a nod from both Wildas and Shelton he led his bay horse from the stable and everyone else followed. In the yard outside he gave an order to his Guardsmen to mount up.


    Coulta was the last to make it onto horseback and only succeeded when Wildas pulled him up from the back of Silverblade, just like the last time. He''d decided that it had been pure fear that had gotten him on the stallion twice on the way from Arren. On the road, he''d found use of rocks or fallen trees.


    "I''m not exactly a horseman," he stated when Rohan gave him a curious look.


    The Prince-General shook his head, smiling, before turning his mount toward the castle gate. The Guardsmen fell into formation behind him, surrounding Wildas, Shelton, and Coulta. When they made it to the main street that cut down through the city, they fell back so that they only rode two abreast. Rohan led them, with Shelton and a Guardsman behind, then Wildas with another Guardsman, followed by Coulta and a third. The last four Guardsmen took up the rear.


    They were entering the main market before the Guardsman riding beside Coulta spoke, though Coulta had noticed him trying to size him up without being obvious.


    "They say you bested the queen in a spar a few days back," the man said conversationally. "You don''t look like a master swordsman."


    Coulta shrugged, glancing at his companion. Like the rest of the Guardsmen, he had the burly look of someone used to wielding broadswords, and he probably had been doing so from a young age. He looked somewhat older than Coulta with a short brown beard and messy brown hair.


    "I usually rely on magic, not strength," Coulta explained.


    The man nodded, as if suddenly understanding. "A sword-mage then. I''ve met a few others who don''t like relying only on magic during combat. Weapons still have a purpose. I don''t suppose your magic happens to be black?"


    Coulta nodded. "I suppose it''s obvious, isn''t it?"


    The Guardsman chuckled. "Most of the other men refer to you as ''the prince''s shadow.'' A lot of them are afraid of you."


    "Are you?"


    "I don''t think you''re so bad," he said with a shrug. "Especially if those three trust you," he added, nodding to the royal men in front of them. "We''re heading into lower Ryal. This is where the troublemakers are. Best make sure you earn your keep."


    Coulta noticed the other Guardsmen shifting to subtly place their hands on their swords. Coulta did the same and scanned the area for anyone with harmful intentions. They made it safely to the outer gate without incident, and all the Guardsmen relaxed.


    The open fields outside Ryal were almost blindingly green now that spring was well underway, and the trees were covered in buds and new leaves where they dotted the area. It was a sunny day, but clouds in the distance suggested that their pleasure ride wouldn''t last all day.


    They cantered down the road until they drew close to the treeline that marked the border of the old battlefield, then broke off to the left where the ground was especially flat. There they hobbled the horses and the men started challenging each other to sword fights. Shelton and Coulta both sat in the grass, and Wildas sat with them to watch Coulta''s training. Rohan hovered nearby as Shelton put Coulta through a series of mental exercises, then worked on his channeling strength by instructing him to move a number of small objects with his magic. Shelton seemed happy with his limited progress, much more than Coulta was.


    "How was I able to use more magic when we were coming from Arren?" he questioned. "I killed five men who were chasing us, then I made us all invisible for several minutes when more men nearly found us."


    Shelton ran a hand thoughtfully through the grass. "You have the ability to use a large amount of power. You can use a great deal of magic in a short span of time. Our goal is to make you capable of using a large amount of power for as long as you need to."


    Coulta nodded. "That would likely be useful."


    They felt the first drops of rain a short time later, and everyone prepared to ride back to Ryal. As Coulta tightened Quiver''s saddle he felt a prickling sense of unease and glanced back at the treeline. Nothing moved, but he kept his senses open while he used a boulder to climb onto the stallion''s back.


    The feeling only grew as he followed the other riders away, and he turned Quiver to face the trees again, hand on a knife hilt in his belt. There was something ¨C or someone ¨C in those trees, he was sure.


    "What is it?" Wildas asked, pulling Silverblade up next to Quiver.


    "I don''t -" The feeling suddenly became unbearable. "Go!" he yelled, throwing a protective net of magic over the prince.


    Something slammed into his left shoulder at the same moment an arrow struck the magical barrier over Wildas and fell harmlessly to the ground. Wildas swore and wheeled his horse around. He heard Shelton''s voice yelling for Rohan and the Guardsmen.


    Coulta felt the magic slipping from him and he fought to hold it, even as a violet shimmer surrounded himself and Wildas. Riders in red flashed past him, shooting arrows into the trees.


    He began to fall forward and didn''t understand why he could barely grasp the magic he was using to shield Wildas. He felt someone catch him. Wildas was swearing somewhere close by. Shelton''s face appeared out of the dark rain clouds above him. The pain in his shoulder was suddenly worse, but he didn''t really care much.


    "It''s poisoned," Shelton was saying. "I can draw enough of it out before it does any damage, but if he doesn''t drop the magic it will kill him before I can do anything. Coulta, do you hear me? You have to let go of the magic. Now."


    "Coulta!" The prince''s voice now. Why did he sound so panicked? "Listen to me. I''m safe. You have to let go of the magic."


    Let go? How could he do that? He had to protect Wildas. That''s what he had sworn to do. Serve and protect.


    "Damn it, Coulta! Let go of it! I order you to let it go!"


    He couldn''t resist a direct order.


    So he let go.

 Chapter 20

    Somehow, Myri was not surprised by who her patient was for her first emergency healing. His room had been closer than the healing room, so they had the luxury of privacy, which allowed Sara to practically throw Wildas out of the room. The prince was close to distraught and refused to leave until Sara grabbed his arm and removed him from the room, shutting the door in his face. Myri wished she had been a bit more understanding, but they definitely didn''t need him pacing the room the whole time they were working.


    That still left the Second King, who was trying to stay out of their way while still holding Coulta''s left wrist.


    "If I let go of him, he''ll die," Shelton told Sara when she gave him a stern look. "I''m using magic to sustain his life force. I don''t think his wound is as much a problem as the fact that he drained himself."


    "What happened?" Sara demanded as she cut Coulta''s shirt away from the ugly arrow wound on his left shoulder. "Myri, is that water heated yet?"


    "Almost," Myri replied. She''d had to jam the metal bowl into the dying embers when she realized there was no wood to stoke the hearth with.


    "I''m not completely sure what happened," Shelton explained. "We were near the trees outside the city. He noticed something as we were preparing to leave. That''s when we were attacked. Coulta put a shield on Wildas, but not himself. I had been working with him on his magic the whole time we were out there, so he shouldn''t have been able to use that much power. Coupled with the injury, he ended up collapsing after only moments."


    The water was finally heated and Myri got a cloth from Sara to dip in the water. Sara had her clean the wound while Shelton kept talking.


    "The arrow was poisoned. I was able to stop it from doing any damage. Whatever is left in him won''t be able to hurt him, if we get him through these next hours. He is going to need the strongest strengthening tea you can make."


    "What of the attackers?" Myri asked.


    "Dead. Rohan''s men made sure of that. We won''t know more until more men can be sent out to retrieve the bodies and make a thorough search of the woods. They''ll have to start at first light, though, it''s too close to dusk and the weather isn''t with us. Until then, we''re increasing the guards."


    Sara leaned over Myri to look at the wound. "At least it didn''t get very deep," she muttered to Myri. "The usual healing salve should suffice, wrapped tightly, with the strongest tea, as His Highness recommends."


    "Will there be a guard posted at this door?" Myri asked as she took the cloth back to the bowl of water.


    "Two," Shelton answered. "I''ll be with him until he no longer needs me to sustain him. And I think even the the gods themselves would be hard-pressed to drag Wildas away."


    Myri glanced at Coulta, who looked the most peaceful she had ever seen him. There was no pain in his face, just a quiet ease, the look of someone completely oblivious to his condition. Did he look that peaceful when he actually slept? Or did he look as intimidating as he did when he was awake?


    Why was she wondering about that?


    "Help me bandage him," Sara said suddenly, bringing her from her thoughts.


    Myri nodded and went back to the bedside. She had a patient to care for.


    <hr>


    Shelton had lent strength to other sorcerers and a few members of the royal family who were healing before, but his vigil that night at Coulta''s side was the hardest on him. It wasn''t only that Coulta''s strength needed constant bolstering throughout the night, but that he knew exactly what Coulta was to Wildas. If Coulta didn''t get through the night, there would be no consoling the prince.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    He hadn''t expected to be with Coulta past midnight, but it was obvious that Coulta was still using magic, even unconscious. It took him an embarrassingly long time to realize it was the magic that Coulta used to hide the marks on his skin. He considered breaking the younger sorcerer''s hold on the magic by force, but finally decided against it. Better to just keep lending him strength, instead.


    Deandre and Yvona both stopped to see him before retiring for the night, and Shelton was glad that his spouses seemed to approve of what he was doing.


    "Wildas and I both owe him our lives," the Grand King said quietly, putting a hand on Shelton''s shoulder. "Do what you can for him."


    Shelton nodded. "I am."


    Yvona kissed his cheek. "Take care of him."


    Wildas sat with him for a time after that, but, even as worried as he was, the prince eventually fell asleep. Shelton knew he couldn''t afford to sleep, and requested several strong teas brought to him by the servants. The prince''s even snoring was strangely hypnotic, though. Unfortunately, the other chair was too far away to reach easily.


    Stretching out as far as possible with his legs, Shelton lightly kicked the prince''s lower leg. Wildas startled awake and Shelton briefly struggled to get back into a comfortable position on his chair. "Go to bed," he said as he shifted awkwardly. "There''s nothing you can do here. I will make sure you''re the first to know if anything changes. Send a Guardsman in here, though. I need company that knows how to stay awake."


    Wildas looked at Coulta for a long moment, rubbing his neck, then let out a heavy sigh. "All right."


    One of the Guardsmen from the hallway entered when Wildas left and bowed to Shelton. "You wished to see one of us, Your Highness?"


    Shelton nodded to the chair Wildas had vacated. "Please, sit. I need someone to keep me awake. Wildas wasn''t very good at that. I know you Guardsmen have ways to stay awake on long watches."


    The middle-aged man sat down, looking incredibly uncomfortable. "Yes, Your Highness. Some men recite songs or poems in their minds. Some think about family. When there are two or more men on duty, we talk quietly."


    "Then let''s talk," Shelton suggested. "Tell me about your family. Tell me about your home. You''ve got something of a country accent. Are you from a place close to the Algoman border?"


    "I am, Your Highness ¨C"


    "Please, you don''t need to keep using the title for now," Shelton interrupted. "It makes conversation too burdensome. What''s your name?"


    "Lince, Your ¨C I apologize."


    Shelton smiled. "It''s all right. You were telling me where you were from."


    Lince nodded. "A small city on the border. Millstone."


    "I''ve heard of it. You''re known for your flour."


    The Guardsman seemed pleased that Shelton knew of his home. "That we are. My family farmed for generations, but I turned soldier. There was a band of bandits that pestered us for years, until a group of us took them down. After that, I thought I could make a living defending my people."


    Shelton let a bit of magic flow into Coulta, then turned back to Lince. "Why did you join the Guard?"


    Lince shrugged. "Wasn''t moving up the ranks in the army. Thought, even if I never become an officer, at least I''ve made it into the Guard. Not many men can say that, considering how many try."


    "Of course. You''re one of the best five hundred men among the thousands of soldiers Phelin has."


    Lince was clearly flattered by the praise. "Thank you."


    "Do you have a family?"


    He nodded. "Wife of ten years. Twin daughters who just turned eight years old. A son of five. And another daughter born just this winter."


    Shelton smiled. "Congratulations then. Any of the children want to follow your lead?"


    "One of the twins and my son," Lince answered with a fond smile. "They play with their wooden swords so often they''re always covered in bruises."


    Shelton chuckled, thinking of a very young Wildas and Rohan. "That sounds familiar."


    He talked to two more Guardsmen after Lince''s shift ended, constantly checking Coulta''s condition. Dawn was starting to lighten the sky outside when he finally felt that the younger sorcerer was capable of recovering on his own. Shelton leaned back in his chair with a heavy sigh.


    "I can rest now," he told the Guardsman who was with him. "You may return to your post. Thank you."


    He wasn''t even aware of the young man leaving, he was so tired. Closing his eyes, he let sleep carry him away until a healer or Wildas disturbed him.


    Which turned out to be much sooner than he''d hoped.


    "Is he ¨C"


    "He''s going to be fine," Shelton mumbled, forestalling the prince''s questions. "Let me sleep for a moment, could you?"


    Wildas let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. The healers will be here shortly, though."


    "I''m sure," he agreed quietly. "Tell them another hour won''t do him any harm. I''m sure it won''t."

 Chapter 21

    Coulta woke with a groan to a heavy ache in his shoulder.


    "I''m just surprised it hasn''t been bleeding more," a woman was saying.


    "Probably has something to do with whatever the Second King was doing to him," someone else said, and he recognized her voice.


    "No, he has no power for healing. All he can do is sustain a person, and deal with poisons, of course."


    Someone prodded the sore spot on his shoulder and he winced. "That hurts," he complained hoarsely, finally managing to turn his head to the two women looming over him.


    "I''m sure it does," Myri agreed, though she gave him a smile. "At least you''re alive to feel the pain."


    "Put more salve on it and bind it again," the older woman instructed. "I''ll leave him to your care, since you know him already."


    Myri nodded. "Should I start giving him tea now that he''s awake?"


    "Yes, make sure he gets it for the rest of the day. I''d say he''ll be able to go the night on his own, though."


    Memories of the day before slowly started to return as he watched Myri work, trying not to think of the pain. At least he could tell that Wildas was safe now. The curse was good for something. "How''s Wildas?"


    "If he wasn''t the Crown Prince I''d lock him up somewhere," Myri grumbled. "He''s worse than a worried mother. Unhurt, though. Just damned impatient to know how you''re recovering."


    "Why?" Coulta asked. It wasn''t like his life truly mattered, all things considered.


    Myri gave him a look that suggested she thought he was an idiot. "If it wasn''t for Shelton you would have died out there, protecting him."


    "I take it I was shot?"


    "By a poisoned arrow," she added, wiping her hands on the apron she wore. "Shelton took the poison from you but you used so much energy trying to protect Wildas that he had to sit through the night with you, giving your body strength to survive." She picked up a wad of white linen from the table nearby. "It''s a good thing he was there."


    "I''ll have to thank him," Coulta said with a nod.


    "You''re not leaving this room for a few days," she warned, wrapping the bandage around his shoulder. "Even if I have to tie you here."


    Coulta could feel that he had no energy at all, so he didn''t argue. She finished with his shoulder and helped him sit with his back supported by pillows.


    "I''ll go brew you a healing tea," she told him. "Shelton''s request, by the way. Don''t blame me when you taste it."


    Before he could argue, she was leaving. She had barely gotten out the door when Wildas slipped inside. The prince looked utterly relieved to see Coulta awake, and Coulta gave him a small smile.


    "Gods, Coulta," Wildas whispered as he sat down on a chair beside the bed. "You almost died keeping that damn vow of yours."


    Coulta would have shrugged if his shoulder didn''t hurt so much. "You know I don''t have a choice. I did what I could."


    Wildas reached out and squeezed Coulta''s hand. "Thank you."


    "What happened?" Coulta asked, squeezing his hand in return. "I remember arrows and throwing protective magic at you."


    "I don''t really know," Wildas admitted. "Rohan took twenty men out to search the forest this morning. It''s just after midday and they haven''t returned yet. They''re trying to figure out who the archers were and if others might be out there. Why didn''t you sense them before we were leaving?"


    "They weren''t there before then," Coulta answered. "If they had been, I would have noticed."


    Wildas sighed. "I''ve had enough assassins for a lifetime."


    "Present company included?"


    The prince gave him a stern look. "No. You''re no longer in business."


    Coulta shook his head. "I can''t change what I am. You might not use me as an assassin now, but you do realize that if you ever told me to kill someone, I would have to."


    "I wouldn''t ask you to do that," Wildas assured him quietly. "I couldn''t put you through that. It''s bad enough you keep getting injured just trying to protect me from harm."


    "I swore to serve you, so it doesn''t matter."


    "It matters to me."


    Coulta shook his head and looked away, unable to stand the honesty in the prince''s gaze.


    Wildas moved to sit on the edge of the bed, and, to his credit, didn''t order Coulta to look at him. Instead, he turned Coulta''s chin with his hand. "You being my protector doesn''t make it any easier for me to see you hurting. I just want to give you a better life than what you''ve had. I wish you never had to suffer, physically or otherwise."


    Coulta tried to shake his head, but the prince''s hold was firm. "I''ll never be able to break the curse. It''s going to be a part of me until I die, and it doesn''t let me choose to protect myself at the same time that I protect you. If I swore to you now to try to protect myself, the two vows would conflict with each other and it would get us both killed. I can feel that. I can''t make two vows to you that counter each other. If I give my life to save you somehow, then that''s all there is to it."


    "I don''t want you to do that," Wildas replied, his voice heavy with emotion as he finally let go of Coulta''s chin. "I thought I was watching you die yesterday, and it was the most terrifying thing I''ve ever experienced. More terrifying even than when I was attacked in Arren or when I was suffering on the way back here. I would have felt guilty for the rest of my life knowing you had died for me."


    Coulta looked away. "You''re the one who matters, not me."


    "You think you don''t matter?" Wildas demanded.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    He shook his head. "I''m as important to you and this country as any common soldier is. When I die you only need to have your brother find someone else to protect you in my place."


    "Damn it, Coulta, stop talking like that."


    The words Coulta was about to speak started changing in his mind until he hardly knew what he had intended to say. He shot Wildas a glare. "You made me swear to be honest with you. I''m trying to be. I don''t know how to make you see the truth using more positive words than that."


    Wildas shook his head. "But you''re wrong, Coulta."


    "I don''t feel wrong," Coulta replied quietly.


    "You matter to me," Wildas said softly. "You''re important to me."


    Coulta just shook his head and closed his eyes. He was so tired. Maybe if he kept his eyes closed, Wildas would leave him to himself. This conversation was too much for him.


    But, instead of leaving, Wildas leaned closer to Coulta and pressed a brief, firm kiss to his lips.


    Coulta opened his eyes and stared at Wildas, who stared back at him with an unsure expression. When Coulta didn''t do anything to object, Wildas leaned in again. It was almost terrifying for Coulta to realize that he truly wanted this, whatever it was that was happening, so he chose not to think about it. He closed his eyes once more, trying his best to return the kiss. Wildas had probably never kissed someone so bad at it before, and he''d likely think better of his actions as soon as he realized that Coulta had no idea what he was doing.


    Wildas did pull away after only moments and Coulta braced for some negative comment, but there was only concern in the prince''s hazel eyes. "Is this you or the vow to serve me?" Wildas asked. "I won''t take advantage of you."


    "I don''t think it''s the curse," Coulta replied quietly.


    "How do we know?"


    Coulta thought a moment, then told him, "Kiss me again."


    Wildas gave him a small smile before leaning close again.


    Coulta turned his head away and brought the hand of his uninjured arm to the prince''s chest, pushing him away. He turned his head again to look at Wildas, who had a curious expression on his face.


    "If it was the curse, I wouldn''t be able to push you away even briefly," Coulta explained.


    "That''s proof enough for me," Wildas told him with a nod.


    Coulta moved his hand to the back of the prince''s head and pulled him in again. He felt one hand cup the back of his neck and another rest on his side. He was thankful that Wildas didn''t care about how clumsy he was; he didn''t know kissing could be so enjoyable.


    "That will be quite enough of that," came a stern voice from beside them.


    They broke away to find Myri glaring at them, one hand on her hip and the other hand holding a steaming cup wrapped in a cloth. She continued glaring at them until she finally pointed to the door and turned her focus purely to Wildas.


    "Go tell people that he''s awake," she commanded. "And don''t tell me I can''t order you around. You are hindering my patient''s healing process. Go."


    Wildas sighed and gave Coulta one more smile before doing as Myri commanded. Then she turned to Coulta.


    "Drink this," she told him. "If you want to spend any time alone with him, you''d best get your strength back first. I won''t be putting twice the effort into you again if you decide to have a merry romp with him before you''re healed. Consider that a warning." She handed Coulta the tea and walked toward the door.


    "Thank you," Coulta called after her.


    "Don''t thank me yet," she replied. "Drink all of that."


    Coulta sniffed the tea and grimaced. The taste wasn''t much better, either. The tea was stronger than the one she had made him after he''d spent the night in the dungeon. He almost choked but forced it down as quickly as he could, ignoring the heat.


    He didn''t need the healer being even more annoyed with him.


    <hr>


    Wildas was surprised to find Shelton in his office with Deandre. The Second King looked exhausted still, but he was wearing his usual sorcerer robes instead of the riding clothes he''d been wearing all night. He was fiddling with a violet stone on a chain around his neck, which was something Wildas was familiar with.


    "They haven''t reported any problems yet," Shelton explained.


    "I don''t like that this happened only the day after the incident at the ball," Deandre sighed, leaning back in his chair. "How long were those attackers waiting in the trees to ambush all of you?"


    Wildas sat down in another chair across from his father. "Coulta says they weren''t there the whole time we were out there. He said he would have sensed them sooner if they had been."


    "He''s awake?" Shelton asked.


    Wildas nodded. "Myri said I was in the way and I thought I should tell you he was awake, anyway."


    "I''m glad he''s recovering," Shelton replied, fighting a yawn. "Did he say anything else to you?"


    Wildas found it rather difficult to remember the start of their conversation. "Only that he was sure they weren''t there earlier, and that he didn''t have a choice about the magic he used."


    "I thought as much. His vow of service has no clause for self-preservation, does it?"


    Wildas shook his head. "He said it wouldn''t be possible to make a new vow to ensure that he protected himself, even if I demanded it. It would conflict too much with the vow to protect me."


    "I''m not as familiar with this curse as I''m sure the two of you are," Deandre commented, "but would there be any way to release him from the previous vow and create a new one?"


    "It''s doubtful," Shelton answered, dashing Wildas''s momentary hope. "The sorcerer who placed the curse would not have wanted something so lenient when his goal was to punish Coulta''s father by forcing him to regret his own broken promise on a daily basis. Coulta''s first vow to serve was only to bring Wildas safely here, and that ended once they arrived. This new vow has no frame of time." He glanced at Wildas. "Am I correct?"


    Wildas nodded.


    "So, it can''t be ended at any time?" Deandre questioned, rubbing his beard thoughtfully.


    "The vow will only be fulfilled if the curse is ever broken, or when one of them dies."


    "What if he meets someone who has more influence over him than I do?" Wildas asked, trying not to worry about that possibility. "I took him from Varin, couldn''t someone take him from me?"


    Shelton gave him a strange look. "That would be possible, except there is no one with more influence over him. There never will be."


    "How do you know that?" Wildas demanded.


    The Second King sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Asema was able to give more insight into the curse. It''s something he needs to explain to you himself. When he''s ready, he''ll tell you everything he learned from her, I''m sure. Don''t force him to tell you, either."


    "Why would I force him to tell me?"


    "He didn''t promise to be honest with you?"


    "Yes... How did you know that?"


    Shelton shrugged. "It seemed like something you would want him to do."


    "It seems you''re stuck with him," Deandre commented. "He''s earning his keep so far, and I must say I''m glad he''s around."


    Wildas could only hope that his father truly meant that. "So am I."


    Deandre stood with a sigh. "I should go report the lack of news to Yvona. I know she''s frustrated not to be out there with them."


    "Give her my love," Shelton replied. When Wildas started to get up, the Second King pointed at him and ordered, "Stay here."


    Wildas sat back in his chair, concerned by Shelton''s expression. Shelton didn''t speak again until Deandre was away from the room, which made Wildas even more uncomfortable.


    "Myri said you were in the way?" Shelton asked conversationally.


    "Essentially," Wildas replied, giving the Second King a confused look.


    "Why''s that?"


    "Uh... because I suppose I was."


    Shelton toyed with the violet pendent around his neck, but looked directly at Wildas. "You finally confessed your love for him?"


    Wildas could only gape at Shelton, at a complete loss about how to process the question.


    "I''m sure it''s obvious to a lot of people," Shelton commented, giving him a tired smile. "You practically wore a trench outside his door yesterday."


    "He saved my life," Wildas tried to argue. "And he''s my friend."


    Shelton raised an eyebrow at him. "Are you denying it?"


    He felt like his head was spinning as he tried to grasp the conversation. He had spoken to Shelton about a lot of things as he''d gotten older, but nothing remotely related to love or even sex.


    "No," he finally admitted.


    "I told you he has things to tell you," Shelton said with a sigh. "Don''t push him. I''m sure you realize that he hasn''t exactly had the sort of easy life you have."


    Wildas almost argued that his life wasn''t exactly easy, but he knew Shelton was right. Learning to rule a country wasn''t easy, but aside from that everything in his life seemed to be. He''d never had to kill anyone before. He wasn''t forced to obey every command given to him by a curse he had done nothing to deserve.


    "I know," he said quietly.


    "Then you know to take care in how you word everything you say to him. It would be too easy to take advantage of him if you don''t."


    "I know," Wildas repeated. "That''s the last thing I want to do."

 Chapter 22

    "Yes, you need to drink it."


    Coulta sighed and took his third cup of tea from Myri. It was dusk and she had just forced a rather terrible broth into him, as well, and changed the dressing on his shoulder. Taking one deep breath, he lifted the cup and tried to drink the tea without tasting it. He ended up coughing and gagging, but didn''t spill any before handing the empty cup back to the healer.


    "Good," she said with a nod. "Hopefully you won''t need as much tomorrow. Not if you rest well tonight."


    "I''ll try," he assured her, still grimacing at the taste the tea had left in his mouth.


    She gave him another nod. "Then I''ll be back at dawn. Do you need anything else?"


    "Can you get the hearth going again?" he asked. The room had grown steadily cooler as the sun had set, mainly because Myri wanted him to have fresh air through the open window, claiming it wasn''t so cold at night anymore that he could take sick from it.


    "Certainly."


    Coulta watched her as she placed another two logs on the fire and coaxed it to life once more. He was glad she was kind enough to do that for him, considering how demanding she had been all day.


    "Thank you," he told her when she was done.


    She smiled. "Goodnight."


    Alone again a few moments later, Coulta pulled the blankets over his shoulders and tried to make himself sleep. Part of him wondered if Myri had someone made it impossible for Wildas to visit him, or if maybe Wildas regretted what had happened earlier. Trying impossibly hard to keep all hope out of his life so he couldn''t be disappointed, Coulta decided that of course Wildas regretted it.


    He sighed and closed his eyes, planning to let sleep come over him eventually.


    It was only a short time later when he was brought out of a doze by someone quietly speaking his name. He opened his eyes and saw Wildas standing next to him.


    "I thought you''d want to know that we heard from Rohan," the prince said, sitting down on the edge of the bed instead of on the chair nearby. "They found the bodies from yesterday. Three men, not wearing any uniforms, so there is no way to know for certain if they worked for Varin. They also found a camp in the trees, much bigger than what three men would need. Rohan and a small force are going to wait out the night to see if anyone returns."


    "So, we don''t know any more than we did this morning," Coulta commented.


    "Unfortunately," Wildas agreed, looking at Coulta with concern. "How are you feeling?"


    "Not so bad as before," Coulta answered honestly. "I don''t know if it''s the damned teas Myri keeps forcing down my throat or the curse healing me."


    The prince smiled. "Probably both."


    Coulta struggled to pull his arms from under the blanket, uncomfortable with the idea of talking to Wildas while cocooned in his blankets. Wildas helped by pulling the covers down just slightly when he realized Coulta couldn''t lift his injured arm as well as he had thought he could.


    "Myri seems to think I''m healing faster than I should be," he grumbled, "but I wish the curse would heal me even faster."


    Wildas gently touched Coulta''s arm below the bandaged shoulder. "Shelton said it was poisoned and that it would slow the healing process."


    "I thought he stopped the poison?"


    "He did, but he couldn''t heal what damage it had already caused to the wound. He''s not a healer."


    Coulta nodded. "I know. I''m grateful he helped."


    "He would have come to see you, but he was preoccupied with Rohan''s mission," Wildas explained. "And I would have come back to keep you company if Myri had let me."


    "I suppose that''s why you waited until she left for the night?" Coulta asked.


    The prince smiled. "Yes. Now I can wish you a good night without her chasing me away."


    Coulta happily welcomed the kiss that followed and made it last as long as he could. Far too soon, however, Wildas pulled away to look him in the eyes.


    "I''m quite tempted to stay here with you, though," the prince admitted quietly.


    Coulta didn''t even think before he whispered, "Then stay."


    "Myri would kill us both."


    "It doesn''t matter."


    "She''d make it slow and painful. I''m sure she knows how."


    "I don''t care."The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Coulta knew Myri was the least of his concerns. The greatest one was that he knew being the Crown Prince''s lover was one of the worst choices he could make. It couldn''t possibly last very long and he''d only end up disappointed. At that moment, though, it didn''t matter.


    Wildas leaned in again and kissed his neck. "I don''t care, either."


    ***


    Wildas woke sometime in the night and didn''t enjoy his search for the chamber pot; the fire had died to embers and Myri had left the damned window open, of course. It was annoying that only the royal chambers and best guest rooms had privies ¨C at least he wouldn''t have needed to search for it. He cautiously tossed another log on the fire and let it slowly catch, and finally found the chamber pot close to the bed next to where Coulta was sleeping. That was logical, he realized. Coulta wasn''t supposed to be getting out of bed, after all.


    He was grateful for the thick blankets when he slid back into bed. Coulta was laying on his side facing Wildas, and he was glad to see no blood seeping through the pale bandage over Coulta''s shoulder. He was saddened to see the frown on Coulta''s face though, as if he was having a terrible dream. It was unpleasant to see after the way Coulta had smiled so much just a few hours ago. He''d even laughed at one point, which had practically been Wildas''s undoing.


    Reaching out one hand, he gently caressed Coulta''s slightly rough cheek, unsure what else to do.


    Coulta''s eyes opened after a moment, and he looked confused. "You''re still here?"


    "Why wouldn''t I be?" Wildas asked, drawing his hand back.


    "I just... assumed you''d want to sleep in your own bed."


    The guarded look on Coulta''s face was painful. "But you''re here," he replied. "Maybe you could come sleep in my bed soon, if Myri lets us survive the morning."


    The confused look was back. "This wasn''t just for tonight?"


    That hurt even worse, like he''d been stabbed in the chest. Apparently he''d been taking this for granted. "Did you want it to be?"


    "No," Coulta replied quietly. "I just know it won''t last for long."


    "Why do you say that?"


    "I know you need to get married," Coulta answered, looking resigned. "Wouldn''t it be unwise for you to have a lover outside of your spouses?"


    "Of course it would be," Wildas replied, confused. He searched Coulta''s face for a long time before realization hit. "You don''t think I''d marry you?"


    "You can''t."


    "Why can''t I?"


    There was such a look of pain on Coulta''s face that Wildas didn''t know what he could possibly say or do. Just looking at Coulta was tearing him apart.


    "You know what I am," Coulta told him, looking away.


    Wildas found Coulta''s hand between them and gripped it tightly. "Yes. You''re my friend. There is no other man I would rather have next to me on the throne when the time comes than you."


    Coulta was quiet for so long that Wildas wondered if he''d even heard. Finally, he murmured, "You could take advantage of the curse now, you know."


    "I know, and I won''t," Wildas stated, more sure of his sudden decision than any other decision he''d ever made. "I need you to choose. It has to be your choice." He took a deep breath and added, even though it was painful, "If you can''t do it, I won''t hold it against you. I''ll still keep you as my protector."


    "There''s something I need to explain, first," Coulta replied. "It might change your mind."


    Wildas shook his head. He was terrified of being turned down now, but he did his best to hide it. "Go on."


    "There was a letter my father left me, and I''ve let Shelton and his friend Asema read it. Anil and Myri, too. Apparently, my mother was extremely powerful. Asema called her an Asir. She knew I was cursed, and she died trying to find a way to break it. She was able to link my soul to that of another person who could help me weaken the curse and at least live relatively peacefully with it. It''s unlikely that I could completely break the curse, but Asema says this ''soul-partner'' is someone who will help me, and that I already met this person. Supposedly this person will have more power over me than anyone else, and our souls are constantly looking for each other."


    Coulta took a deep breath. "Asema knows who it is, but didn''t tell me. I''m sure Shelton knows. What''s wrong?"


    Wildas didn''t realize his shock was obvious, but everything suddenly made sense. "Shelton told me today that there would never be anyone with more influence over you than me."


    Coulta just stared at him, looking stunned.


    "Listen," Wildas went on, squeezing Coulta''s hand again, suddenly excited. "The whole way to Arren Uncle Decus told me repeatedly how dangerous the city was, but I looked forward to getting there. And... you were watching when we got there, weren''t you? Above the city gate?"


    Coulta nodded. "I made sure no one could see me, but you looked directly at me."


    "And tell me how you were hanging on the wall outside my window at the inn?"


    "I put climbing spikes in the wall when I knew you''d be staying there. You looked right at me then, too." A look of utter, complete relief came to Coulta''s face, followed closely by such a joyous expression that it nearly brought Wildas to tears. "It is you. I was too afraid to even hope."


    Wildas moved closer to hold him tightly. "I wondered why I trusted you so much from the start. I didn''t know you, but I knew, even before you told me about the curse, that you wouldn''t harm me."


    Coulta was shaking, and Wildas realized he was crying. Wildas didn''t blame him; for the first time, Coulta actually had something real, not just the slightly easier life that Wildas had given him.


    It was a long time before either of them spoke again or even released each other. Finally, Coulta wiped his eyes with one hand and leaned back slightly to look at Wildas. "This may seem like a strange question, but have you ever had dreams of a shadowy figure?"


    "One that would ease my nightmares? Ever since I was a child, but since meeting you, it has started to look very much like you."


    Coulta laughed that beautiful, magical laugh. "Then Teeya was right. My dream figure always was my soul-partner, I simply hadn''t met you for it to have a real form."


    Wildas pulled him closer until Coulta rested his head on Wildas''s chest. "Now I won''t feel guilty seeing you in my dreams. To think it was always you who comforted me. Sometimes the dreams were so real. For three nights after my mother died I couldn''t sleep until you were there. You held me, and it truly felt as though I were in the arms of someone who cared very much for me. You were even there after Ashnil took such advantage of me that I felt worthless and filthy. You made me feel safe again."


    "I know what you mean," Coulta said quietly. "After some of my worst jobs you held me, too, and I felt something only Teeya has made me feel. I felt wanted, like I did matter to the world. That I wasn''t a monster."


    "You were never a monster, Coulta," Wildas whispered. "And you aren''t now, either. You were a slave and I wish I could truly free you."


    "You have," Coulta murmured.


    Wildas tightened his hold on him. "Thank you."


    They were quiet for a long time, each enjoying the closeness with each other, before Coulta lifted his head and asked, "Who will our wives be?"


    Wildas laughed with relief and kissed Coulta''s forehead before he answered, "What do you think of Anil and Myri? I dragged them away from home and they now have nothing to go back to. There have also been rumors since we got here about the four of us. Might as well make them true, I suppose."


    Coulta smiled. "I think that''s a good idea. Maybe that will stop Myri from killing us in the morning."


    "We can only hope," Wildas said with a grin as he kissed him.

 Chapter 23

    Myri was on her way to Coulta''s room at dawn when she nearly collided with Prince-General Rohan. The man was wearing his uniform as usual, but it was dirty and rumpled and he looked tired.


    "Were you going to see Coulta?" he asked when she apologized with a curtsy.


    "I am," she answered. "He woke up at midday yesterday and he''s recovering. Did you need to talk to him?"


    He shook his head. "I need to speak to my brother. I thought he might be visiting Coulta."


    Myri also had a feeling that was exactly where they would find Wildas, but she hoped they had listened to her. "He might be," was all she said.


    "I''ll walk with you," he offered.


    She nodded and continued on her way with him beside her. He was quiet company, not flirting or flattering her like the few times she''d interacted with him. She could tell he was exhausted, but it probably wouldn''t do for her to try telling him to rest, she speculated.


    "Wait out here," she instructed when they reached Coulta''s guarded door. "If he''s in there, I''ll send him out. If he''s not, I''ll come tell you."


    Rohan didn''t seem to mind being ordered around by her, just thanked her and leaned against the wall.


    She slipped inside and sighed as she shut the door. Of course they hadn''t listened to her. If she had been in a more pleasant mood, she would have tried to find the most amusing way to wake them up, but she didn''t think Rohan wanted to wait much longer.


    "Do you ever listen to what healers tell you?" she demanded loudly as she roughly gathered the prince''s discarded clothing. "Either of you?"


    She marched to the side of the bed to find them both looking at her with more amusement than her chastisement should have gotten. She glared at them both, then threw the clothes in the prince''s face. "Your brother is waiting in the hallway for you."


    Wildas hurried to get out of bed, pulling the bed curtain closed on his side to hide himself from her. She just rolled her eyes.


    Turning to Coulta she pointed a finger at him. "And you are going to wish you had died already. Twice as much of that tea for you, whether you actually need it or not. Now, let me make sure you didn''t make your wound worse."


    "It''s not bleeding through," he stated as she sat on the nearby chair and began to remove the bandage. "I couldn''t have made it worse. And I thought you said you wouldn''t put extra effort into healing me."


    She chose to ignore him, instead muttering, "Men. You''re impossible. I can''t trust you to let yourselves heal."


    "Maybe you need to keep a closer watch on us," Wildas suggested, pulling on his shirt as he stepped around the bed.


    She snorted, finally tossing the dirty bandage away and looking more closely at Coulta''s wound. "I''m only one healer. I can''t chase after the two of you like some concerned nursemaid."


    "Nursemaid wasn''t what I had in mind," he replied. "I thought wife would be better."


    She turned to look at him, completely caught off guard. "You can''t mean that. I''m not some rich lord''s daughter."


    He smiled and shook his head. "So far, both of the people I''ve asked to marry me seem to think I couldn''t possibly choose to marry them." He moved closer and gently grasped her hand. "I''m horrible at following instructions from healers, and I''m sure I''ll be terrible as a husband, but I trust you and I count you as a friend. I would rather have friends than strangers of my father''s choosing. I understand if you don''t want it, though. It''s your choice."


    She stared at him for a long moment. He certainly looked sincere, and everyone else seemed to think she was his lover or some such anyway. Being a queen would certainly be strange, but hopefully that wouldn''t happen for several years and she could become more used to the idea.


    "I accept," she said, even before she realized she was going to.


    He smiled and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Thank you. I need to go deal with Rohan, but I''ll be back here for dinner. You can ask anything you need to then."


    She nodded, but as he turned to leave she asked, "What of Anil?"


    He paused to turn back to her. "Don''t say anything to her until I can ask her."


    Myri smiled. "I''m glad you''re planning to ask her, too. Don''t keep Rohan waiting."


    He gave her a nod before he continued to the door.


    "Myri," Coulta said, his voice tight, "I will do everything I can to change his mind if you don''t stop pushing on my shoulder like that."


    She turned abruptly to her patient, ashamed to realize she had been using her hand on his injured shoulder to hold herself in a twisted position while talking to Wildas. "You deserve it," she replied, though not with as much annoyance as she had felt earlier. "I suppose that means I''ll be marrying, you, too. Have you shown him that letter?"This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Not yet, but I told him everything I learned about our souls being linked."


    She used the wash basin to wet a cloth and clean the salve from the wound. "Anil and I knew it was him that the letter talked about," she admitted. "We didn''t think he''d be able to marry you, though."


    "Neither did I," Coulta replied quietly. "I didn''t even let myself believe it was him until last night. Apparently Shelton more or less told him that we were soul-partners, as Shelton''s friend called it."


    Myri nodded and placed more healing salve on his shoulder. "You should let him see the letter anyway."


    "I plan to."


    Neither of them said anything else until she had bandaged him again. Then she laughed and got up from her chair. "My life has changed more than I ever expected."


    "You''re not the only one."


    <hr>


    Rohan looked like he was half asleep leaning against the wall outside Coulta''s room. He straightened as soon as he saw Wildas, however, and gave him a halfhearted smirk.


    "Wearing the same clothes you wore yesterday?" Rohan asked.


    "So are you," Wildas replied, taking in his brother''s rumpled and dirty appearance.


    "Well, I kept mine on all night."


    Wildas rolled his eyes. "Are you going to tell me what you found?"


    Rohan started walking down the hallway and Wildas followed. "Someone had moved the bodies. They were buried in a shallow grave, with nothing but the clothes they''d been wearing. Even our arrows had been removed or broken off. We found their camp later in the day." He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. "They built a lean-to out there, camouflaged with tree branches and mud. There were nine sleeping places in it, all of which looked to have been used recently. With three men dead, that leaves six more out there. We watched the place all night, but they never came back. I don''t think they abandoned it, either. They left too much damning evidence."


    He pulled a rolled parchment from the pouch at his side and handed it to Wildas. Pausing next to a lit wall torch, Wildas unrolled it to find a list of names, including his own and his father''s.


    "What is this?" he asked, scanning it.


    "I would say it''s a list of people to be assassinated, judging by the attack the other day."


    "There are at least a hundred names here," Wildas commented, stunned. "Damn, even Coulta is on here!"


    "I''m sure he''s considered a traitor now, so that doesn''t surprise me." Rohan took the paper back and returned it to his pouch. "It gets worse, though," he said as they continued on. "The riders who went to inform Duke Bracin of his son''s arrest met up with us on the way back to the castle. Everyone at the estate is dead. The only body unaccounted for is Ashnil''s."


    "Do you suppose he was kidnapped and forced to attempt the assassination? It makes more sense to me than him simply deciding to do it himself."


    "We''ll never know for certain. I barely finished speaking with the men about Bracin when one of the guards from the dungeon found me. Apparently someone posing as a member of Duke Bracin''s estate demanded to speak to Ashnil alone last night. He was alive and well last night after the visitor left, but they found him dead this morning."


    Rohan rubbed his face with a groan. "I''m betting on him being forced into it. The night of the attack, as I was trying to get everything ready for the morning mission, the weapons master I gave that little crossbow to asked to speak with me. I haven''t had time to tell you, or anyone at all, about it, as I was obviously occupied."


    "I know," Wildas assured him. "All of this seems to be coming down on us at once."


    "I wish less people wanted to kill you," Rohan grumbled.


    "So do I, trust me," Wildas declared as they started up a case of stairs. "What did the weapons master tell you?"


    "That the only place weapons like that are made is Dyrai."


    Wildas felt a chill go up his spine at the mere name of the place. "How did Ashnil get a weapon made in Dyrai? And, if Varin supplied it, how did he get it?"


    Rohan shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine, but I do know that it can''t mean anything good for us."


    Wildas paused at the top of the stairs and looked back at his brother. "When I spoke to Varin, he asked me what I would do to avoid a civil war. We know that''s what he''s getting at now, but I didn''t realize how long he must have been planning for this."


    "I''m sure running off with his pet assassin wasn''t the best response you could have made for our sake," Rohan replied.


    "He was looking for any excuse to start a war anyway! Why else would he have tried to have me killed?"


    Rohan raised an eyebrow. "Have you asked him yet?"


    "Asked Varin why he wanted to kill me?" he replied, confused.


    "No. Coulta. To marry you."


    Wildas glared at him. "Yes, and if you say anything to anyone before I''m ready to make an announcement, I will have you drawn and quartered."


    Rohan snorted. "You can''t do that."


    "Don''t test me."


    "But it''s such fun."


    ***


    Anil had been planning to visit her mare that morning, then go to the brood stables for her daily shift. She was at the main stable at dawn when more than thirty horsemen in the uniform of the Royal Guard rode into the courtyard and called for grooms. Hoping to be of use, Anil went out with the usual grooms and grabbed the headstall of the first horse she encountered. It happened to be ridden by a man she recognized from the night of their arrival, the man who had ordered Coulta to be arrested.


    "You''re the other person who helped bring my brother home, aren''t you?" he asked her when he''d swung off the horse''s back.


    She nodded. Unsure of how she was supposed to address him ¨C he was obviously a prince if his brother was Wildas, but she had no idea what honorific she was supposed to use ¨C she simply said, "Yes."


    "Were you told of the attack two days ago?"


    Startled, she looked up and him and shook her head. "What attack?"


    "Someone tried to kill Wildas when we went for a ride outside the city," he explained quietly. "Coulta saved him, but was hurt in the process. Shot in the shoulder. Last I heard, he was going to recover just fine. I just thought you should know if no one had told you."


    "I''m living at the stables with the other hands," she told him. "I suppose there hasn''t been much time for anyone to come tell me." She hoped that was the case, anyway, and not that her three companions on the journey from Windwick no longer wished to call her a friend.


    She forced that depressing thought away. Surely Myri would have said something to her if she were still living at the castle with them. The healer was busy now, especially if Coulta was badly injured. Surely Wildas was too worried to leave his savior''s side, either.


    "Prince-General Rohan!"


    He stepped away from Anil to meet the man in uniform who was running up to the group of men and horses.


    "The prisoner!" the man panted. "He''s dead!"


    "Damn!" Rohan turned back to the soldiers behind him. "You all go rest. I''ll see to this and make a report. You''ve earned some sleep."


    Then he ran off behind the other man, who she assumed was a guard from the dungeon.


    Anil wasn''t sure exactly what was happening, but she led Rohan''s horse to the stable and decided to go visit the castle to see how Coulta was fairing. She didn''t truly need to be at the brood stable until afternoon, as she would be spending the first half of the night on foal watch. She would help with the soldiers'' horses, then go to the castle for a bit. The least she could do was check on people she still considered friends.

 Chapter 24

    It was late morning by the time Anil made it into the castle and remembered where Coulta''s new room was. There were two uniformed guards outside the door, and Anil wondered why they were there. Of course Coulta wouldn''t be able to fend off any attackers if he was injured, but why was anyone bothering to guard him? She didn''t think being a protector of the Crown Prince really made him important enough for guards.


    "May I visit him?" she asked one of the guards.


    The man nodded to her. "I will see if he would like to see you. What is your name?"


    As soon as she gave her name, the guard slipped into the room, closing the door all but a crack. She could just barely make out the quiet sound of voices, but not what was said. A moment later, the man returned and held the door open. "He will see you."


    "Thank you," Anil said as she stepped inside.


    Coulta didn''t look as unwell as she had expected. Aside from the bandage over his left shoulder and the fact that he was sitting in bed, she wouldn''t have thought anything was wrong with him.


    "Have you spoken to Wildas?" he asked as she approached the bed.


    "No, but his brother told me a little of what happened. The one in charge of the Guard." She sat down on the chair beside the bed. "I didn''t expect your room to be guarded."


    "Wildas ordered it. They found a list of people Varin wants to have killed, and I''m on it for turning against him." He tossed the book that had been on his lap onto the other side of the bed, where the blankets were rumpled. Apparently he wasn''t in so much pain that he didn''t move in his sleep.


    "That makes sense," she supposed.


    "Could you come here for dinner?" he asked, giving her a look she couldn''t read.


    She nodded. "If you''d like."


    He smiled. "Yes. How is Quiver?"


    It was so strange to see him smile, and she was caught for a moment thinking that he should do it more often. Even scruffy and wounded, it made him look good. He gave her a curious look when she took a moment to answer, and she felt herself blush.


    "I don''t see him much," she explained, trying to hide her sudden awkwardness. "I did see him this morning when I went to visit my Starlight. He seemed well, and let me pet him for a while."


    That made Coulta smile again. "I''m glad he wasn''t hurt when we were attacked."


    "What happened?" she asked, looking at his bandaged shoulder. "I wasn''t told much."


    "We went riding outside the city," he explained, leaning back against the pillows piled behind him. "Wildas, Shelton, Rohan, and some other Guardsmen were with me. At the end of the day, three archers started shooting at Wildas. The curse made me use too much magic to protect him before Shelton could help, and it almost drained me. The arrow wound wasn''t as bad as the fact that I used too much magic. Though, the arrow was poisoned, but Shelton was able to draw it out."


    Anil tried not to cringe at the thought of what the poison could have done to him. Surely it would have been a swift killing poison, not the torturous kind. "And Myri has been healing you?"


    "Much to her frustration," he replied with what might actually have been a laugh.


    Had Myri given him some sort of herb with more than healing effects? "What do you mean?"


    He shook his head. "It''s nothing."


    "I suppose you must be a difficult patient," she commented.


    "She would agree, I''m sure."


    When she returned to Coulta''s room for dinner that evening, she was happy to see Myri there as well. She had hardly spoken to or even seen the healer since the day Wildas had taken them on their tour of the city. It was good to see her doing well, after how good Myri and her mother had been to her when her family had died that winter.


    "Why is it that I still feel so weak?" Coulta was asking her.


    "You completely drained yourself," Myri answered, wiping a salve off his shoulder injury, which looked horribly painful to Anil. An area half the size of her fist was scabbed over and an area twice that around the wound was pink and looked sore. "In all honesty, you should be dead."


    "I should tell Wildas that you want me dead," Coulta said, wincing as Myri prodded his shoulder.


    Myri didn''t say anything to that, but when she turned for fresh salve, she spotted Anil and smiled. "Joining us for dinner?"


    Anil nodded. "Coulta said I should."


    Myri picked up the jar of salve and nodded. "That''s very good."


    Several servants arrived a few moments later with four trays of food and were followed closely by Wildas. Myri finished binding Coulta''s shoulder again as they got settled, and placed a tray on his lap. Wildas found a chair from elsewhere in the room and set it down near where Anil was sitting.


    Looking at the prince, she realized that the last few days had taken a toll on him. He looked exhausted and he plopped down on the chair with a heavy sigh, then surprised her when he reached over and gently took her hand. "Anil, I would like to know if you want to marry me ¨C us."


    She stared at his hazel eyes, fairly certain her mouth was hanging open. "What?" she finally asked.


    "You''re terrible at this," Myri said with a laugh, and it took Anil a moment to realize the healer was talking to Wildas.


    "I know," Wildas replied with a smile. "No one ever bothered to tell me how I should propose, just that I needed to."


    Anil knew she was blushing and she looked away from the prince''s honest expression. "Why are you asking me?"


    "Because I owe all three of you my life and I count you as friends," he replied. "I''d rather marry friends than people who only want to marry me for power. You are free to decline. I won''t force you into anything."If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    She glanced up at Myri and Coulta, who were watching her expectantly. "You already agreed?"


    "I only asked them this morning," Wildas explained, drawing her attention back to him. "I was going to visit you at the stables this afternoon, until Myri found me and said you''d be having dinner with us."


    "Will I still be able to work in the stables?"


    He nodded. "Of course. If there are any issues at first, they can be sorted out."


    "Then I accept," she said with a smile.


    The prince leaned close to kiss her, which made her blush. "Thank you."


    "What happens now?" Myri asked, sitting down in the chair on Anil''s other side.


    "We should eat, first," Wildas stated, taking a tray from the nearby table. He passed one to each of them, then sat with his own. "I haven''t gotten to eat much at all today. In regards to the wedding, I will make a formal announcement to the court tomorrow. None of you will need to do anything in the way of planning. My aunts will take care of that, you''ll only need to find time to meet with them about clothing and jewelry. I''m sure they will let you know when it''s time for that. I''m sure many people will introduce themselves to you, as well, especially my family and members of the court. But you can go about your lives as usual, aside from those disturbances."


    "Do I still live at the stables?" Anil asked awkwardly.


    Wildas nodded and swallowed the food he''d stuffed in his mouth before elaborating. "I''m not supposed to have my future wives as lovers before the wedding. Neither is Coulta. If one of you became pregnant before or just after the wedding, and if even just the servants knew we''d been together before, it would cause an uproar among the court that I would prefer to avoid. I mean no offense by that."


    Anil knew she was blushing. The thought of sex hadn''t even crossed her mind when she had considered his proposal, but she supposed there were worse men whose children she could bear. He wasn''t only kind, but also more handsome than she had let herself think before. "I take no offense."


    "Mind you don''t run Coulta down so much that the wedding is postponed," Myri warned, pointing a knife at the prince. "He''s still healing."


    "After all that tea you made me drink today, I think I''m ready to start sparring with Queen Yvona again," Coulta told her with a scowl.


    "I told both of you to stay away from each other," she snapped. "I should have made Wildas drink it, too, just for punishment."


    Anil glanced between Coulta and the prince, and when she saw Coulta color slightly, she couldn''t help smiling.


    "After the wedding," Wildas went on, ignoring Myri, "we will have a suit of rooms across the hall from my parents''. We will each have our own bedrooms, and Coulta and I will have offices. Both of you can continue your current jobs for as long as you wish."


    He cleared his throat and moved his food about his plate with a fork before finally telling them, "Things will be difficult very soon, however. Whether you marry me or not, you''ll still have to deal with what''s coming." Wildas looked at Anil and Myri. "Do either of you know of the attempted attack on the Grand King a few nights ago?"


    "I examined the prisoner to be sure he didn''t have any serious injuries," Myri answered.


    Anil was in disbelief. Who would try to kill the Grand King in his own home? "I didn''t hear of this."


    "There was one of my father''s parties," Wildas explained. "He hosted them to help me find spouses. One of the men who had been trying to court me for years was one named Ashnil. His father was a noble ¨C which is why the healers treated him. That night Coulta found him attempting to shoot my father using a very small crossbow and a poisoned dart. Of course, Coulta stopped him. The next day, we were attacked by three archers while out riding, which is when Coulta was injured.


    "Rohan took the weapon to a weapons master, who says that the little crossbow came from Dyrai. Also, when riders went to tell Bracin, Ashnil''s father, of his son''s arrest, they found every last person on the estate dead. Both of these facts suggest that Ashnil was forced to attempt the assassination. Unfortunately, someone posing as a member of his household gained access to his cell, and Ashnil is now dead. Rohan also learned that there were more assassins camped in the trees at the edge of Ryal, but they never returned to the camp while Rohan and his men were watching it."


    A growing sense of fear began to take root inside Anil''s stomach. "Are we going to war with Dyrai?"


    "Varin."


    She glanced at Coulta, who had a resigned look on his face. "Civil war? Why?" she asked.


    "He''s been planning it for a long time," Wildas answered. "The fact that I escaped his assassination plot must have made him decide to act now. I''m hoping it''s only a war with him and not Dyrai, as terrible as that sounds that I want a civil war. The fact that he''s buying weapons from Dyrai doesn''t bode well."


    They were all quiet for a while, until Myri commented, "This turned dreary rather quickly."


    "I apologize," Wildas replied. "I just wanted to make sure you were aware of the situation."


    "Still, let''s speak of something more enjoyable. When are you expected to have an heir?"


    Wildas coughed awkwardly. "As soon as possible is usually the idea."


    Anil felt herself blushing again. She hoped she wouldn''t make a fool of herself on their wedding night.


    The rest of the evening passed pleasantly enough, with no more talk of war or babies. When it was time for her to leave for the night foal watch, she only hesitated a moment before kissing them all goodbye.


    She was a few minutes late for her shift, which got her a scowl from Gilfree, the other stable hand on watch with her. "You''re lucky we didn''t have a problem birth while you were gone."


    "I was dining with the Crown Prince," she replied. "I''m glad there were no problems, and I apologize for being late."


    The shaggy boy grunted and walked along the barn isle to check inside the stalls for signs of impending labor in any of the pregnant mares. "What did you do to deserve dinner with the prince?"


    Wildas had told them not to say anything to anyone until after he made his formal announcement the next day. She couldn''t hide her small smirk, though, and was glad Gilfree was looking away for the moment. "I helped him get home when he was ill," she answered when the man did turn to her. "We are friends, I suppose."


    Gilfree snorted. "How could you have helped him?"


    "I helped with the horses," she stated, looking into a stall. This one was occupied by a watchful mare and her three-day-old filly. "I looked after them so he and his protector wouldn''t need to."


    "Only handled the horses, did you?"


    "If you are only going to insult me, please remain silent for the rest of the night."


    Gilfree laughed. "Fine then."


    <hr>


    Myri left soon after Anil had, leaving Coulta and Wildas with a kiss and a stern warning. Coulta wasn''t sure if Wildas would choose to stay with him again. He didn''t want to assume too much, no matter what Wildas had said to him the night before.


    Wildas did stay after Myri had gone, and collected their dinner trays for the servants who came to retrieve them. Then he sat on the edge of the bed beside Coulta and gently took his hand.


    "Do you need anything?" Wildas asked, caressing the back of Coulta''s hand with his thumb.


    "My sword belt," Coulta replied, glancing around the room for it.


    Wildas got to his feet and retrieved the belt from the corner of the room near the closed off bathing area. "What do you need it for?"


    Coulta found the small pouch sewn into the inside of the belt and removed the folded letter from his father. "I wanted you to read this. It''s the letter my father left me."


    Wildas took it and pulled one of the chairs close to the hearth fire to read it. Coulta waited uncomfortably for him to finish, though he wasn''t sure why he felt that way. He had told Wildas everything in the letter, but somehow allowing his lover to actually read it made him feel awkward. What if Wildas read the words and somehow interpreted them as something worse than what Coulta had explained himself?


    When Wildas finished reading, he folded the letter and returned it to Coulta. His eyes were sad, but he seemed curious when he asked, "What marks does it speak of?"


    "I''ll show you." Coulta put the letter back in his belt, afraid of how the prince might react to the strange black tracery. "Don''t be alarmed," he whispered, then let the marks show.


    He heard Wildas draw a breath and he turned his head from him so he couldn''t see his reaction. After a brief moment he felt a soft touch; fingers brushing his cheek, tracing the swirling lines of the black vines. When Coulta met Wildas''s eyes, he realized that what he saw was decidedly not fear, though it wasn''t quite wonder either.


    The prince''s voice was husky as he asked, "Would it bother you if I said I was even more attracted to you now?"


    Coulta hadn''t expected that, but he shook his head anyway. "No."


    "Do they cover your entire body?"


    Coulta just nodded in answer.


    "I''d like to see, if I may."


    Coulta smiled. "Of course."

 Chapter 25

    "You must do this, or your parents will die."


    The dark-clad figure loomed over the girl. It spoke with the deep voice of a man, but for all she could tell it could very well be a creature from a nightmare. A horrible stench of blood assaulted her nose the moment she stepped outside from the kitchens, and neither the moon nor the lantern by the door did anything to illuminate the figure''s shadowed face.


    And he spoke with such an air of doom that she could barely breathe, even if the smell of him hadn''t been gagging her.


    "Do you understand?" it demanded.


    She nodded frantically. It made a strange, impatient sound and she hastened to assure the creature with her voice. "Y-Yes," she stuttered. "I understand."


    The figure almost seemed to laugh. "Good," it declared, then stepped away and vanished into the night.


    The lantern beside the door sputtered out. She grabbed frantically for the handle and practically fell back inside the castle at Ryal. Her hands trembled as she threw the lock and hurried back to the kitchen. The thought of cooking made her stomach churn, but she needed the company of her fellow servants.


    Not that she could tell them anything. She had been doomed to choose treason or murder.


    <hr>


    Wildas dreaded speaking to his father. Grand King Deandre would no longer be able to pressure him to find spouses now that he had finally made his own choices, but Deandre would be happier for himself than for his son. It needed to be done, though, he knew.


    So he left Coulta''s chamber shortly before dawn, stopping at his own room to bathe and put on clean clothes. Rohan joined him in the passageway to the Grand King''s office and remained silent for once. The door stood open, welcoming the advisers who would attend the daily meeting. Since Ashnil''s failed assassination attempt, the meetings had been taking place over breakfast in the office, instead of later in the morning. Inside they found Grand King Deandre, Queen Yvona, Prince-General Pavle of the Navy, and Prince-General Ruairi of the Army already there.


    Wildas nodded to his uncles and his mother, then approached his father''s desk. He bowed his head and said quietly, "I''d like to speak to you privately."


    Deandre rose from his desk. "With me, then."


    Wildas followed him into the adjoining bedchamber, which was significantly larger than his own. The rising sun did nothing to add warmth to the cavernous room with its dead hearth fire. Deandre closed the door and motioned for Wildas to speak.


    "I''ve made my choice."


    Deandre actually looked mildly surprised. "That was faster than I expected."


    Wildas met his gaze levelly. "You don''t want to know who they are?"


    Deandre smiled. "I think I know. The three who saved your life, of course. Who else would you choose in such a short time?"


    That was certainly a good question. "You approve, then?"


    Deandre reached out and clasped his son''s shoulder, a completely uncharacteristic move. "Yes. Come, let''s announce it."


    The room was filled with the usual members of Deandre''s court when they returned to the office, including Second King Shelton, who gave Wildas a knowing look and patted Yvona''s knee when she gave them all a curious glance. Servants were just entering with trays of breakfast for everyone, and Wildas remained standing with his father until everyone had been served and the servants had left. Wildas looked longingly at the tray that had been left at his seat, despite the fact that his stomach was tight with anxiety. Why was he so nervous?


    "Wildas wishes to make an announcement," Deandre declared as soon as the last servant had gone.


    "About time," Prince-General Pavle said with a smile.


    Wildas cleared his throat and nodded. "I have chosen my spouses. Anil and Myri of Windwick Village near Arren, and Coulta of Arren."


    Prince-General Ruairi gave Deandre a sharp look. "You are accepting of this?"


    "Of course," Deandre replied in his most commanding voice.


    Ruairi wasn''t intimidated. "But why are they not here?"


    "Coulta is still recovering from the injury he sustained while defending me," Wildas answered. "The ladies will dine with us tonight."


    Deandre forestalled any other comments by declaring, "I believe it''s time for breakfast now, and to discuss the true issues at hand."


    <hr>


    It was odd for Myri to see Wildas with Rohan instead of Coulta when he came to the healing room that afternoon. This time, when Sara told her he was there to see her, there was an actual reason for her knowing smile; several people who introduced themselves as royal family members of one type or another had come to see her over the last few hours. Apparently Wildas had made his formal announcement and the news was spreading.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Myri didn''t know how she was supposed to greet Wildas now, though. "Am I still expected to curtsy?" she asked when she stood before him.


    He shook his head. "No, don''t worry," he assured her.


    "Even if you were supposed to," Rohan commented with a smirk, "he doesn''t deserve it."


    Myri gave the brothers a curious look. "Why not?"


    "He keeps telling me to shut up," Rohan replied, still smirking.


    Wildas, who looked mildly annoyed, grumbled, "Gods help me, Rohan, I am going to kill you before Coulta recovers if you keep acting like an arse."


    Myri found herself smiling. "Did you need me for something?" she asked Wildas.


    "I just wanted to let you know that you and Anil will be joining my family and me for dinner," he answered, his annoyance fading. "I was not informed that I was supposed to bring you with me to meet the court when I made the announcement this morning. Am I right to assume that Coulta would still be too unwell for a formal meal?"


    She nodded. "Until he''s healed completely, I would say that it would be wise to let him rest." She gave him a stern look as she added quietly, "And if you insist on staying with him at night, be gentle with him. If he has a setback it will be on you."


    Wildas was actually blushing, much to her surprise. "Of course," he said awkwardly.


    Rohan snorted. "See, that''s what you get for marrying a healer," he told his brother.


    "I''m sure my sisters will help you prepare for dinner," Wildas said to Myri, still blushing.


    Myri nodded. "I''ll make sure someone looks in on Coulta, as well."


    "Thank you," Wildas said with a nod. "I will see you then."


    Myri nodded again. "Of course."


    Moments after the princes had left, while Myri was just making her way back to the herb room, she heard Wildas''s voice from down the hall exclaim, "Rohan shut up!" and found herself covering a laugh.


    ***


    Anil had never worn anything as fancy as the dress Wildas''s sister, Dala, helped her put on that evening. It was deep green and billowed around her legs, and was complete with long, flowing sleeves. Gems lined the collar, which dipped slightly lower than she was used to, though not uncomfortably so. She even had new shoes that matched the dress and fit perfectly.


    She got a greater surprise when Dala showed her a dressing table arranged with bottles and brushes. The bottles turned out to be filled with perfumes and color for her face.


    "You don''t have to wear anything you don''t wish to," Dala assured her. "Especially now when we don''t have much time left to prepare. Let''s find a perfume that you like though."


    Anil nodded and smelled each of the bottles she was offered until she found one that she liked best. They all smelled like different flowers, and the one she chose was the least intense of the scents. She was too afraid of smelling like horses to refuse it, anyway, despite the fact that she had bathed and changed since returning from the stables.


    Then Dala picked up the ornate wooden box behind the bottles and opened the lid to show Anil what was inside. She was stunned by the number of glittering pieces of jewelry she saw as the box folded out to reveal several half-open drawers. Gems and gold glittered as she stared in wonder. Here before her were gems that would have cost her more than she would ever have been able to afford.


    "Choose whatever you''d like," Dala told her. "You can keep it after, as well. I have so much that I barely wear most of it."


    "It''s too much," was all Anil could finally get herself to say.


    Dala smiled. "You''re marrying the Crown Prince. Of course it''s not too much. I''ll help you choose something that will match the gown."


    Anil nodded and allowed Dala to select her jewelry for her ¨C a gold and emerald choker, three golden bangles, and a simple golden ring.


    "You don''t have your ears pierced?" Dala asked, moving Anil''s hair aside to look at her ears.


    "No, but I would like to," Anil answered. "Not many people in my village had it done, but now that I see that almost everyone here does, I''d like it. Earrings are pretty."


    Dala smiled. "I''m sure we can get it done before the wedding. Now, let me do your hair."


    By the time Anil left for the dining hall she felt like she already looked the part of a queen. She had never imagined herself dressed so well before the moment she looked at herself in the large mirror in Dala''s room after her hair was done.


    She met up with Myri in the hallway, and was glad to see that she wasn''t the only one who was fancied up. Myri''s dress was as billowy as Anil''s, but it was deep red in color, and she had on as much glittering jewelry as Anil did.


    "Wildas is supposed to meet us here," another girl, who Anil assumed was a princess, commented from beside Myri. Dala introduced her as Marla.


    Both Marla and Dala were also dressed well, but not as extravagantly as Anil and Myri. It was clear who would be the focus of the evening because of Wildas''s announcement.


    Wildas appeared almost as soon as his sister finished speaking, though, with Rohan following him like Coulta often did. While Rohan was dressed in his Guard uniform, Wildas was dressed slightly better than what he had worn on a daily basis since they had arrived in Ryal. He wore dark blue silk with sapphire earrings and the same ring he always wore on his right forefinger. He had shaved and his brown hair was loose, making Anil realize once more that he truly was handsome.


    Wildas smiled at them and took both Anil''s and Myri''s hands. "Are you happy with the gowns?"


    Anil smiled and nodded, suddenly feeling shy before him in her fancy dress.


    "Yes," Myri told him. "Thank you."


    He nodded and leaned forward to kiss each of their cheeks. "Let''s go introduce you to the court. Though I''m sure you''ve met just about everyone already."


    They walked with him to the dining hall, where they found the room filled already with other nobles. Anil recognized many of the people she saw, though she didn''t remember their names. The room fell quiet as they made their way to the raised table at the head of the room. Wildas stopped behind a chair near the Second King, with one empty chair on either side of him.


    Anil wasn''t sure if she was supposed to sit yet, so she waited, as Myri did on Wildas''s other side, next to the Second King.


    "I would like to introduce my future wives," Wildas said loudly. He motioned to Anil, then Myri. "Lady Anil of Windwick, and Lady Myri, also of Windwick."


    A fairly pleasant murmur filled the room. It didn''t seem that many people objected to his choice.


    "You can both sit now," he murmured to them, and waited for them to be seated before he sat between them. "I''m sure several people will come to speak to us, but please eat."


    Anil was happy to do just that, despite being slightly afraid of soiling her new dress. The food that the servants brought was just as delicious as what she was used to having at private meals, but it was better when she realized she could take more than one serving if she wanted to. Hopefully Wildas didn''t think her unladylike. And hopefully she could remember all the names of the people she was introduced to over the course of the meal. She didn''t want to look foolish to the court, either.

 Chapter 26

    Coulta''s shoulder ached when he moved it too much and his legs felt a bit unsteady when he got out of bed, but he was happy that he had enough strength to finally leave his room and accompany Wildas to the Grand King''s morning meeting. Apparently Wildas needed to formally present him to the court, though Coulta was sure all the people he was about to meet already knew who he was after all the time he spent following Wildas around, and certainly the story of how he''d saved the prince recently had circulated quickly. He knew Anil and Myri had already been presented to the court the evening before, but Myri had encouraged Wildas to wait to present Coulta at least until he''d had one more night of rest. Wildas had even kept to his own room that night so Coulta could rest better ¨C they couldn''t put off the meeting much longer, or it would make them look questionable in some way only tradition could rationalize. Coulta didn''t think he''d be very good in a fight just yet, but he didn''t think he would make a fainting fool of himself if he had some moments of rest during the day.


    Wildas spent the fairly short walk to the Grand King''s office explaining how Coulta was expected to act in front of the court, especially his father, and when they reached the door he gave Coulta''s hand a quick squeeze. Coulta gave him a reassuring nod, then followed the prince into the crowded room. As soon as they entered, Rohan closed the door. Coulta immediately felt a prickling of unease in his mind, but put it aside. Best not to consider how many powerful people were looking at him.


    "Glad to see you on your feet," Rohan told Coulta quietly.


    "Glad to be on them," Coulta whispered with a nod.


    As he followed Wildas through the crowded room, Coulta kept his gaze on the prince''s back, ignoring the people muttering. Apparently some of these nobles thought he was dreary, frightening, or plain evil. He''d tried not to be so intimidating by wearing a silver shirt over black pants, instead of all black, but he was still wearing his sword belt. He knew people with magic could feel the curse and hoped there weren''t many sorcerers in the court.


    Stopping before the Grand King, Wildas and Coulta bowed, Coulta bowing more deeply.


    Then Wildas turned to the room at large and motioned to Coulta. "I present to you my chosen future husband, Coulta of Arren."


    The room was quiet, and Coulta avoided the gaze of everyone. The unease seemed to grow as he felt the eyes of the entire court boring into him.


    "I approve," Grand King Deandre stated. "He has shown his worth before he even arrived in Ryal. You may both be seated."


    Coulta turned to follow Wildas to their seats near the Grand King''s desk, then stopped and looked to the corner of the room. He still felt uncomfortable, and he realized it was from more than his concern about meeting the court. Something wasn''t right, though it wasn''t anything immediately dangerous.


    "Coulta?" Wildas asked.


    Coulta could hear muttering in the room, and he could practically feel the Grand King''s eyes on him. He also knew that Shelton was watching him from his seat beside Queen Yvona. He searched the corner with his eyes and used a small amount of magic, until he discerned that the source of his discomfort was a table behind the Grand King''s desk. It was fairly small and was stacked with books and a single unlit candle, but what caught Coulta''s attention was the cloth that draped down from the tabletop to the floor.


    "What is it?" Wildas questioned quietly.


    "I don''t know," he answered. "Don''t let them kill me," he added as he stepped toward the table.


    "What sort of disrespect is this?" one of the men behind him demanded.


    Coulta glanced at Rohan, who was already stepping from his post by the door. He gave Coulta a nod as he started across the room. When Coulta chanced a glance at Deandre, he was relieved to see that the Grand King wasn''t as angry as Coulta had expected. Shelton was saying something to him that Coulta couldn''t hear.


    Rohan shadowed Coulta as he slowly approached the table. The room went quiet, and Coulta hoped that meant the Grand King had signaled for everyone to stop complaining. Bending close to the table, Coulta grabbed a handful of the tablecloth in his left hand and looked up at Rohan. The Prince-General nodded, one hand on the hilt of his sword.


    Coulta flipped the hanging cloth up and reached under the table with his right arm. He couldn''t see, but he felt his hand close around what felt like a human arm. There was a shriek and the person struggled against him. He had to let go of the cloth to use both hands, but he managed to pull out what he quickly discovered was a young girl in the uniform of the castle servants. Rohan grabbed the sobbing girl from him as sounds of confusion and outrage swept through the room.


    Only when Coulta had given the girl over to Rohan did the pain register. He sank to his knees on the rug as searing pain shot from his shoulder all the way to his fingertips and across his chest. He groaned and grabbed his shoulder, eyes squeezed shut against the agony.


    Through all the chaos he heard a quiet voice ask, "Your shoulder?"


    It was all he could do to nod, and it was likely the curse that made him attempt even that, because he always needed to be honest with Wildas. Someone helped him to his feet and to a chair, where he slumped with a groan, still holding his shoulder.


    "We''re sending for a healer," Wildas told him.


    "Thank you," Coulta whispered painfully.


    Wildas turned from him to explain to everyone that his condition was only because of his injury, and the room finally grew quiet, aside from the sobbing girl.


    "Explain yourself," was all the Grand King said.


    The girl''s sobbing doubled. "They''ll kill my family!"


    "Who? And why?"


    "I don''t know who they are!" she sobbed. "My parents live in Craywell, and I was told that they would die if I didn''t spy!"


    "How long have you been spying on our meetings?"If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Six days," she mumbled.


    "Rohan, let her sit."


    The Prince-General guided the girl to a chair and released her. He remained standing behind her while she cried into her hands.


    "I thought you had a spell on this room," Deandre said to Shelton.


    "I do, but only to ward against those who aren''t supposed to be in here," Shelton explained. "I know she stokes the hearth fires every morning before the meetings, so she has a right to be in here."


    "Who told you to spy?" Deandre asked the girl. "Tell me what this person looked like."


    "I don''t know!" she sobbed. "He showed up one night and asked for me. He said he had a message from my parents. He was short, dressed in dark colors, and had a cloak hood up. I think he even had a mask over his face. I don''t know! He made me talk to him outside in the dark!"


    "What did he tell you to do?"


    "Listen to the meetings and report everything I heard to an older man. I''m supposed to meet him everyday in the market. If I don''t come anymore, he''ll know I was caught and my parents will die!" She slumped forward, shaking with sobs.


    Coulta realized suddenly that he didn''t want any harm to come to her. He could sympathize with her easily, and he wished there was something he could do. But he''d already done enough to get the court to dislike him that morning ¨C and his shoulder hurt too much for him to want to do anything.


    "Your parents aren''t going to die because of this," Shelton said. He stepped over to her chair and waited for her to look up before he continued, "You will continue the same routine you''ve had for the last six days, but you will not be in this room. Before the meeting ends I will tell you what to pass on to this person you meet with, and you will meet with him as usual."


    The girl was so overcome that she slid to her knees on the rug and repeatedly thanked him.


    "Come with me," he told her.


    <hr>


    Shelton had no sooner led the girl into the adjoining bedchamber than Myri arrived. She didn''t speak as she wove her way through the room, but she looked rather annoyed. Wildas supposed she had a right to be.


    "What is Shelton doing with the girl?" he heard his second cousin, Princess Astrid, ask. She was a motherly middle-aged woman who had never been able to have children herself, but used her maternal instincts well when it came to managing the slew of castle servants. She was likely the most approachable and kindhearted master any servant could ask for. It was certainly the reason why servants usually stayed on until old age.


    "I don''t know," Deandre replied, leaning against his desk, "but he''s the spymaster and I doubt she will come to any harm."


    Myri pulled a chair up next to Coulta and quietly demanded, "What happened now?"


    "He found a spy," Wildas explained in a hushed voice, though everyone else had broken off into their own conversations while they waited for Shelton to return. "And dragged her out from under a table."


    "I didn''t get a choice," Coulta added, giving Myri a pointed look that was twinged with obvious pain.


    Myri sighed and nodded. She opened her small healer''s pouch and removed a jar of salve. "I''d make you a tea, but we''ve already gotten close to the limit of what can be taken in a short amount of time before it stops having an effect."


    "Thank the gods," Coulta groaned.


    Shaking her head, Myri turned to Wildas, who was sitting on Coulta''s other side. "Am I treating him here?" she asked quietly.


    Wildas heard the inner door to the bedchamber open and looked up to see Shelton step into the office. The Second King turned to look over at Coulta and Wildas caught his eye. He motioned discretely to Coulta and Myri, then looked past the Second King to the door. As he had hoped, Shelton understood, and shook his head just enough to get his point across.


    "We have to stay here," Wildas said quietly, leaning closer to Myri.


    "Why?"


    "Appearances," Wildas grumbled.


    Myri nodded and turned back to Coulta. "Unfasten that shirt enough for me to get this on."


    Coulta silently obeyed, slowly loosening the ties on his shirt so he could pull it far enough off his shoulder that Myri could put the salve on the healing wound. Wildas looked over and noticed that he no longer wore a bandage. The arrow wound was scabbed over and ringed with pink flesh, though spots of blood showed where the scab had cracked during his struggle with the girl.


    His attention was drawn back to the meeting when someone asked what had become of the girl. It sounded like his uncle, Prince-General Ruairi, the commander of the army. He''d happened to hear the same voice grumble that the spy should be killed and done away with immediately.


    "She is sitting with Cara, Queen Yvona''s lady-in-waiting, and will do so every morning," Shelton answered, sitting down beside Queen Yvona. "I will give her false information to whomever she is reporting to. She will report back to me whenever that person tells her anything."


    "And Cara will not tell her anything that she might pass on to our enemy?" Ruairi questioned.


    "Of course not," Shelton replied, turning to look the man in the eye. "None of you shall speak of this incident again once the meeting ends. If the wrong person overhears, her family will die, and she will likely be killed as well. Then we will have a new spy to uncover and deal with."


    "It''s a good thing we now have an able spy-catcher in our midst," Prince-General Pavle of the navy said with a smile on his sun-tanned face.


    "How did he know the girl was there?" Wildas''s sister, Princess Sari, demanded. She was learning how to lead the army under Prince-General Ruairi, and had quickly become as sharp and commanding as her uncle. There was no mercy given to enemies in the army.


    "I told you he''s a sorcerer," Wildas reminded her.


    "But why did he immediately search for a spy in a secure room?"


    "Wildas took me on as his protector," Coulta explained, though he sounded vaguely annoyed. "I''m used to using my magic to sense danger around him. It''s become a habit."


    "And I certainly hope it''s a habit he never gives up," Deandre declared, gazing directly at his daughter. "He has saved the life of Wildas at least twice now, proof of which can be seen in his still-healing wounds. He has also saved my own life, and for that I am just as grateful. All of our lives may rest on the smallest and most untrained spy or archer. I trust you will remember that."


    Wildas was glad to see that Sari looked slightly ashamed as she bowed her head. "Forgive me, Father."


    "I don''t believe the apology should be given to me, daughter."


    Sari looked to where Wildas sat with Myri and Coulta. Myri was wiping the salve from her hand with the hem of her healer''s apron.


    "Forgive me, future brother Coulta." To Wildas''s surprise, she sounded honest.


    Coulta nodded. "Accepted."


    Myri put the lid back on the jar of salve and placed it back into her pouch. "I don''t think it will bleed much more, but I can bandage it for now, if you''d like."


    "I''ll be fine," Coulta assured her, pulling his shirt back over his shoulder and doing up the laces. "The pain is mostly gone. Thank you."


    Myri nodded. "Don''t do more damage to it, if you can avoid it."


    "I won''t," he assured her.


    Myri glanced at Wildas. "Do I just leave?" she whispered.


    "Acknowledge my parents first," Wildas instructed quietly. "Stand and wait for my father to notice, then ask if he needs anything else." He gently took her hand and raised it to his lips. "Thank you."


    Myri blushed slightly. "You''re welcome."


    Coulta squeezed her other hand and thanked her again, then she stood. The conversation that had begun as soon as Sari had apologized to Coulta grew quiet. Deandre looked at her and she curtsied deeply. "I have finished tending Coulta. Is there anything else I may be needed for?"


    Deandre shook his head. "You may go."


    Myri curtsied again quickly, then bowed her head to Shelton and Yvona, who both smiled at her. With that, she made her way to the door, which Rohan opened for her, and left.


    "Back to where we left off at the previous meeting, then," Ruairi said, sounding bored. "We need to make sure the sailors know how to fight. Varin will not send his forces by river, and we will need all the soldiers we can get."


    "My men already know how to fight," Pavle argued. "Sailors do not simply point cannons at enemy ships and call it battle. We know what close quarters are."


    "But do they know what real battle is about?"


    "Yes, my brother. We''ve been over this before."


    Wildas leaned close to Coulta and murmured, "You''ll realize these meetings are rarely exciting."


    Coulta shifted in his chair and gave a slight nod. Wildas hoped, at least, that the rest of the meeting was as boring as usual. It certainly hadn''t started that way.

 Chapter 27

    The meeting was more interesting to Coulta than Wildas seemed to expect. He was glad to have an idea of what was going on, aside from the brief updates Wildas had given him prior to the meeting.


    After the meeting Coulta was introduced to each individual person who had attended, but Coulta knew it would be a few more meetings before he could remember all of them.


    "Are you feeling well?" Wildas asked when they finally left the office.


    Coulta nodded. "As long as I don''t need to do much with my arm today, I''m fine."


    "Could you take a walk to the upper market with me?"


    "Yes, but I may need to rest when we get there," Coulta admitted.


    "I''ll make certain you can," Wildas assured him, leading him down the passageway. "We need to purchase gifts for Anil and Myri."


    "We do?"


    Wildas nodded. "We''re supposed to give them betrothal gifts. It''s a tradition."


    "I''m supposed to give you a gift, too?"


    Wildas shrugged. "I''m not asking for one. Traditionally only I''m required to give gifts, but you''re still somewhat expected to give Anil and Myri gifts. It doesn''t matter if you don''t get me one."


    "I wouldn''t know what to get you," Coulta confessed, feeling oddly pained at the thought of not getting him anything.


    "I''m sure Shelton can help if you''d like. He''ll be coming to speak with you this evening anyway."


    They were startled by the sound of running footsteps coming up behind them. Coulta knew whoever it was wasn''t dangerous, but he still turned around quickly to see Rohan slow to a walk as he joined them.


    "I''m coming with you," the Prince-General announced.


    Wildas looked slightly annoyed. "Why? Coulta''s with me."


    "But he doesn''t need to be defending you before he''s fully recovered," Rohan argued.


    As much as Coulta wanted to say that he would be just fine, he knew that would be a lie. He''d used just about as much energy as he could spare that morning already, and his shoulder would only hinder him in a fight.


    He met Wildas''s gaze. "It''s not such a bad idea."


    Wildas finally nodded, though he didn''t look especially happy. "All right."


    "So, where are we going?" Rohan asked as they started walking again.


    "To the market," Wildas replied.


    "I hope you buy me something," Rohan teased.


    Wildas ignored him.


    Coulta''s legs ached by the time they reached their destination ¨C which turned out to be a jeweler''s shop ¨C though he hated to admit it. He hoped he didn''t look as worn out as he felt, considering all the people who were acknowledging Wildas as they walked.


    There were four people in the elegant shop; three older women who briefly nodded their heads to Wildas, and a young man who bowed. One of the women moved away from the group to greet them.


    "What trouble are you two boys up to now?" she asked, smiling at Wildas and Rohan, before her gaze moved to Coulta. Her kind smile faded. "Oh child, you''re pale. You aren''t taking sick, are you?"


    Coulta shook his head. "Recovering. It''s warmer out than I had anticipated."


    She gently took his arm and guided him to a cushioned chair beside a glass case filled with gold and silver necklaces. "I''ll fetch you some water."


    As she hurried off through a curtained doorway at the back of the shop, Coulta heard someone try to suppress a laugh, and looked up to see Rohan holding his fist to his mouth. Coulta glanced at Wildas, who was glaring at his brother. "What''s the problem?" he asked.


    Rohan removed his hand and took a deep breath before answering, "If the news had gotten to her by now, dragging you around wouldn''t have been proper."


    "Why are you dragging him around if it isn''t proper?" the woman questioned, returning with a cup. "And what can I help you with?"


    Coulta thanked her as he took the cup and was glad of how cool it felt in his hands. He was even more glad of how cool the water was to drink.


    "You haven''t heard the news?" Wildas asked.


    "What news?"


    Wildas looked slightly awkward, but didn''t sound it when he explained, "I''m here to buy gifts for my future spouses." He motioned to Coulta. "He''s one of them."


    The woman glanced back at Coulta, who held the now-empty cup in his lap. "The gifts?"


    Rohan let out the loudest laugh Coulta had ever heard, and quickly slapped a hand over his mouth and turned away. Coulta could see the Prince-General''s shoulders shaking.


    "Oh!" The woman looked back at Coulta, then to Wildas again, her kind expression changing to one of concern. "What did you do to him, then?"


    "Nothing," Wildas replied. "He was injured in a hunting accident when we were out with some of the Guardsmen a few days ago."


    So that was the story they were going with. "I''m all right," Coulta assured her.


    She looked at him and finally nodded. "I''m glad. I apologize for taking liberties."


    Coulta wasn''t sure what she meant. "It''s all right. Thank you for the water."


    She nodded again as she took the cup and returned it to the room in the back. By the time she came back a moment later, Rohan had composed himself.


    "I should introduce you," Wildas said. "Aunt Jinry, this is Coulta of Arren. Coulta, my aunt Jinry."


    Coulta nodded to the woman. "It''s good to meet you."


    "You, as well," she replied with a smile. "How did you possibly meet each other?"


    "He saved my life in Arren," Wildas explained. "I''m sure you heard that."


    "Oh, yes. So, then, are your future wives the two women the rumor mentions?"


    "Yes. They helped Coulta bring me home."


    Jinry laughed. "I''m sure there are plenty of disappointed suitors now, to know you didn''t even choose from among them. Things will be quite interesting when the news gets out, I''m sure. Now, you''re both here for gifts?"


    Coulta didn''t have the slightest idea of what to get Anil or Myri ¨C in fact, he had a better idea of what he could get for Wildas than either of the women. In the end, he settled on a large onyx on a short silver chain for each of them, thanks to Wildas''s suggestion that the gifts were meant to make the receiver think of the person who had given the gift. There would never be a mistake in that.


    After Coulta had decided, Wildas stepped away from him and Rohan to speak to his aunt quietly. It took nearly an hour for him to specify what he had in mind, then they made their way back to the castle. Coulta was exhausted by that point, and Wildas suggested that he rest for a while. He didn''t phrase it as a command, but Coulta didn''t argue.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ***


    Anil wasn''t surprised when Master Zairn pulled her aside that afternoon.


    "Are you truly marrying the Crown Prince or have the rumors escalated?" he questioned when they were alone in the records room.


    "I am," she replied. "I was assured that I could keep this job, too."


    Zairn put his right hand over his heart. "My Lady," he said, suddenly too formal for Anil''s taste, "I cannot allow you to clean stalls and help birth foals. This is not a job suitable for a future queen."


    Anil felt strangely trapped. All she could manage was a meek, "I thought future queens could decide what they wished to do."


    "It would not look good for Prince Wildas if you continued here," Zairn argued, though he didn''t look happy about it. "You have been one of my best workers, but I simply can''t allow you to continue here. Speak further with him and see if there is anything else you might be happy doing during your days."


    "There is nothing else I want to do," she stated.


    At least Zairn looked honest when he said, "I''m sorry, My Lady."


    Without another word, she turned for the door and the path back to the castle. It was only when she was close to Coulta''s room that she realized she had no idea where to find Wildas if he wasn''t sitting with Coulta, or if Coulta was even still on bed rest. Last she''d heard the night before, Myri wasn''t certain how mobile he would be by morning.


    There was a guard outside Coulta''s door, which she took to be a good sign. She quickly brushed a few wisps of straw from herself and hoped she didn''t smell too bad as she approached the guard. This was the first female Anil had seen in the Royal Guard uniform, though she suspected there were others.


    "I was told only to allow the healers to enter," the guard said when Anil drew close to her.


    "Is Prince Wildas inside?" Anil asked.


    "No, only Sir Coulta. He''s resting. Crown Prince Wildas and Prince-General Rohan went to speak with Second King Shelton."


    Sir Coulta? That was different. "Where could I find Second King Shelton?"


    The guard gave her brief directions to the Second King''s office, then added, "There should be guards up there as well, if you can''t find it."


    "Thank you," Anil replied with a nod, then made her way down the hall. She found the office easily enough, and asked the guard outside the partially-open door if Wildas was there. The man nodded and ushered her inside.


    Second King Shelton, Prince-General Rohan, and Wildas were seated around a low table that was covered by a map of what she assumed was Phelin, though she wasn''t close enough to read the labels on it. She heard Rohan mutter something that included the word "surrounded" before they all fell silent.


    "Lady Anil wishes to speak to Prince Wildas," the guard said with a low bow. Shelton nodded in acknowledgment and the guard left them.


    "What is it?" Wildas asked, looking rather concerned.


    Anil glanced around, unsure if she was supposed to bow to the Second King. He and Rohan were both looking at the map again, though, so she simply answered, "Master Zairn doesn''t want me working in the stable now."


    Wildas''s concern turned to confusion. "Why not?"


    "It''s apparently not appropriate work for a future queen," she replied, blushing.


    "You told him I said you could keep the job?"


    She nodded. "He said I should speak with you about finding something else to occupy my days. I don''t want to do anything else. I enjoy working in the stable."


    "I''ll speak to him," Wildas declared and started to stand.


    "No, you won''t," Shelton stated, getting out of his own chair. He looked at Anil and gave her a smile. "Don''t worry. Sit for a moment." Going to his desk, he picked up a quill and a sheet of paper. He didn''t bother sitting, just stood over his desk as he wrote.


    Anil sat down in the empty chair closest to where she''d been standing, which was next to Wildas. She felt strangely uncomfortable and hoped her shyness around Wildas would fade once they were married. She folded her hands in her lap and stared at them, knowing that both princes were watching her.


    Suddenly, Wildas rested a hand over hers. "Shelton will sort it out," he told her quietly.


    She forced herself to look at him and smiled slightly, though she was aware that she was blushing. "Thank you."


    Wildas nodded and awkwardly took his hand back.


    A few moments later, Shelton set the quill down and folded the small piece of paper. He then slipped that into an envelope and sealed it using candle wax and a stamp from the desk. Finally, he brought the note to Anil.


    "Give this to Master Zairn," he instructed as he handed it over. "It says that you are allowed to continue working there if you wish to, and that he can take the issue up with me if he feels the need."


    Anil took it and briefly wondered how the wax had gone from plain yellow to violet. "Thank you," she said with a nod.


    He smiled. "I doubt you''ll have any more issues, though your schedule there may need to change a bit."


    She nodded. "I know. Thank you, though."


    "Would you like anything before you go?" he asked. "Something to eat or drink?"


    "I don''t want to hold up your meeting any longer," she replied, standing. "I would like to get back to work. Thank you for this," she added with a bow.


    The Second King smiled. "You''re very welcome. You can go, then."


    She had just gotten out the door when she heard a muffled laugh, then Rohan''s voice saying, "You have a problem if she doesn''t even want a kiss from you."


    Her face burning, she glanced back in time to see both Shelton and Wildas sit down before the guard closed the door. When had Wildas even gotten up? Gods, had he been planning to tell her goodbye?


    It took all of her willpower not to groan out loud as she wondered if he thought less of her now. She hadn''t known what to expect, surely he must understand that.


    Mortified by her own obliviousness, she hurried down the passageway, clutching the note from the Second King.


    Master Zairn seemed surprised to see her again, and went pale when she handed over the note, seal facing up. He carefully broke the seal and removed the note, his hands shaking slightly. It took only a moment for him to read it, and he returned it to the envelope when he finished. Anil was glad to see that he looked relieved.


    "All right then," he said with a nod, though he didn''t meet her eyes. "If anyone else gives you problems, please tell me so we can deal with it. I''ll have to find another to help, as I''m sure you''ll have other obligations. Come and work whenever you''d like. Your help will always be appreciated."


    "Thank you," she replied with a smile. "I will be here as routinely as I can be."


    She assumed she would still be living in the stables until the wedding, and was surprised when Dala and a younger girl appeared that evening to escort her back to the castle. They were wearing dresses that were somehow both simple and elegant at the same time, one blue and the other green, plain but loose enough to flow in gentle breeze. Each girl wore a blue-and-gold rope belt tied around her waist, along with a few minor pieces of jewelry. The younger girl was no older than ten, with blonde hair tied completely back from her blue eyes. She was excitedly talking to Dala about the little colt that was currently nuzzling her hand.


    Dala smiled at Anil when she stopped beside them. "I''ve been appointed as your lady-in-waiting."


    Anil had no idea what that meant, but assumed it was something good if the princess seemed happy. She smiled. "I''m glad."


    "And this is Lissa, the youngest of us," Dala added, still smiling. "She came along to see the foals."


    "There are a lot of them," Anil told the girl, who was shyly avoiding eye contact. "I was told I needed to go to the castle for dinner, but if we have a few moments I could show you a few more."


    Lissa looked up at Dala. "Please?"


    Dala sighed, but still smiled. "All right."


    Anil led them down the aisle and pointed out some of the little colts and fillies. The young princess gushed over all of them.


    "How come not all the horses have babies?" Lissa asked as they turned back for the entrance.


    "It''s not time yet," Anil explained. "When they are ready to have their babies, they will."


    "Do they have round bellies too, just like ladies?"


    "Of course." Anil paused to point into the stall of a heavily pregnant gray mare. "See?"


    Lissa leaned over the half door to look at the horse, who watched them with pricked ears. "She''s pretty."


    "Of course she is," Dala agreed, putting a gentle hand on her sister''s back. "Let''s not be late for dinner, though."


    As they started up the sloping path to the castle grounds, Anil finally decided that it was time to admit that she had no idea what was going on. "What does it mean for you to be my lady-in-waiting?"


    Dala kept her eyes on Lissa, who was skipping ahead of them. "It just means I''m to help you with day-to-day life at court. I''m supposed to help you get ready for the day and social events. I don''t need to follow you wherever you go, but I am supposed to go with you when you go to the market or out of the city." She sighed as she added, "Until whatever this mysterious threat is that''s hanging over everyone is done with, we''ll also have a Guardsman with us for such things. I hope it''s one of my more pleasant cousins."


    Though Dala had helped her prepare for dinner previously, the thought of her doing it every day surprised Anil. "It seems like a job a servant would do," she said hesitantly. "Not that I mean any offense. I''m still not used to life here, and the idea that I''m getting married is still sinking in. Not to mention who I''m marrying."


    Dala laughed. "I understand. It''s always another princess who becomes the lady-in-waiting to the future queens. We''re supposed to be almost like sisters, or at least friends in some manner. My elder sister, Marla, will be attending to Myri. The same for the attendants of the men. Star has been preparing to be Wildas''s attendant for years, since Wildas reached marriageable age, but my Aunt Astrid has been looking for a suitable cousin to attend Coulta as we don''t have another brother without a military position."


    "I assumed Wildas would have had a personal servant for most of his life," Anil admitted as they reached the door in the wall.


    "There are always servants to help us all," Dala explained, and if she thought Anil was a fool with her questions, she didn''t let on. "It isn''t thought that the heir needs a personal attendant until he''s married. I suppose because he isn''t expected to have as many obligations before that."


    Anil nodded thoughtfully. "I suppose preparing to be a king and keeping three spouses happy can be quite a lot to deal with."


    Dala gave her a strange look. "I know my brother. He''d give his life to make sure you were all happy. If you are ever unhappy, just speak to him. He''d do anything to help, and not just because he''s obligated to, as your husband. He hasn''t allowed himself many friends, but you are one of them. You shouldn''t ever consider yourself a broodmare."


    Anil blushed and looked away, remembering that Wildas had been ready to talk to Master Zairn as soon as she had told him of the situation. Then she remembered her failure to properly tell him farewell. "I didn''t mean it that way."


    Dala patted her shoulder. "I know. I just wanted to assure you."


    Anil smiled as they reached the castle. "Thank you."

 Chapter 28

    Wildas was happy to see that Coulta looked rested by the time they met for dinner in the sitting area of Wildas''s chambers. He still wasn''t moving his injured shoulder very much, but at least he wasn''t dragging his feet with exhaustion.


    They left the door open so there would be no gossip once Anil and Myri joined them, and the meal passed pleasantly after a few moments of awkwardness. Clearly Anil had overheard what Rohan had said earlier that day about her not wanting to kiss Wildas, because she seemed uncomfortable until he asked after Zairn''s reaction to the note. Hopefully she''d be even happier after hearing the offer he''d been asked to pass on to her.


    "I haven''t been told not to help the ill," Myri commented. "It seems that would be a greater concern than cleaning up after horses."


    "Master Zairn voiced his concerns to the Royal Horsemaster," Wildas began, glancing at Anil, who was seated in the chair beside him. "He''s in charge of all the stables here; the breeding, training, and care of every horse at the castle. The Royal Horsemaster, one of my uncles, then spoke to me and suggested you might be interested in being his assistant, if you''re not happy working for Master Zairn. My uncle plans to retire eventually, but he has no successor."


    After everything he''d done by giving her a job to begin with, then asking her to marry him, Wildas didn''t think he could possibly surprise her any more. But he watched her gray eyes grow wide and she stopped buttering her roll, probably without realizing she had.


    Finally, she smiled. "I''ll certainly consider it. I''m not sure if there will be more trouble or not, but I''ll certainly consider the offer. Thank you."


    Wildas smiled back at her. "You''re welcome, of course."


    Shelton arrived soon after they finished eating, and asked to speak with Coulta. When Coulta stood to go, Wildas pulled him back for a quick kiss on the cheek, knowing that Shelton certainly didn''t care. Coulta returned the gesture, then followed Shelton out of the room.


    Wildas turned to Anil and Myri, who were both finishing their wine ¨C the plain, unspiked kind, Wildas had made sure. "Are you both happy with your ladies-in-waiting?"


    They both nodded and Myri said, "Marla seems interested in being a healer, too. She''d make a good assistant if she could be."


    "Of course she can," Wildas replied. "Her job is to do whatever you need her to. If she''d like to be an assistant healer, she''d be attending you that way, as well."


    Myri nodded. "That''s what I had hoped."


    "I also met Lissa," Anil told him. "She seems very sweet."


    Wildas smiled. "She is. I think she was holding on to the hope that I''d take a few more years to marry, so she could be a lady-in-waiting. She''s too young to have been considered now."


    One of the Guardsmen who had been stationed outside the open door stepped inside suddenly and bowed to Wildas. "The healer, Mistress Sara, is here for Lady Myri."


    "I almost forgot that I promised to help her pick night herbs tonight," Myri stated, setting her wine down. "Is that all right?" she asked, turning to Wildas.


    He nodded. "Of course." He rose when she did and kissed her cheek before she followed the Guardsman out the door.


    That left him alone with Anil, who looked just as awkward as she had earlier that day in Shelton''s office.


    "I suppose I should leave, too," she said, looking at what was left of her wine.


    "There''s no rush," he told her as he sat back down. "Finish your wine, at least."


    She nodded. "Dala showed me my new room, but I''m not sure I know my way back there."


    "Would you like me to send for her?" he offered.


    "I want to apologize first," she replied.


    "For what?"


    "Earlier today. I heard what Rohan said, and I''m sorry. I just... I suppose I''m not sure how I''m supposed to act around you, especially with others."


    He reached out to touch her arm. "Don''t fret about it. You don''t need to do anything around others if it makes you uncomfortable. You don''t need to do anything at all that makes you uncomfortable, truthfully. No one expects you to be affectionate at all, especially the members of the court. Shelton, my mother, and my siblings wouldn''t mind if we kissed in greeting or farewell. It''s your choice, though. I want you to be comfortable."


    Anil was blushing and quickly finished her wine. "I''m still trying to realize that this is happening." She shook her head, still not looking at him. "I''d never even imagined getting married in Windwick."


    Wildas felt his heart ache for her. He''d completely turned her life upside down the day he''d arrived in that village outside Arren with Coulta. "What can I do to make it easier?"


    She shook her head again. "It''s all right. I''m adjusting." She smiled over at him. "There are worse men who could have asked for my hand."


    He returned the smile. "I''m glad you think so."


    "Of course I do. You''re much kinder than I''d ever have expected a prince to be, especially the heir." He was amazed to see her blush go deeper. "And you''re handsome, too. Being such a plain girl, I never expected anyone handsome would actually be interested in me, though I know Myri and I were mostly chosen for convenience."


    His smile died. "Why would you think that?"


    She looked away again and shrugged. "We know about the soul-bond between you and Coulta, and that you''ll always love him more deeply than anyone else. But you also need wives for appearances and children."


    He gripped her hand. "Gods, Anil, that''s not true. Not completely, anyway. You and Myri are good friends of mine, the only people who haven''t tried to trick me into marriage somehow. I''ve said this before, and I mean it. I want people I can trust in my life, and I trust you both. I care about you both. I feel terrible that I took you from your homes, that I''m the reason Myri''s mother and all the people you knew in Windwick are gone."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    He had a feeling he wasn''t exactly impressing her so he went on, still with all the honesty in his heart, "And I don''t think you''re plain. I don''t know why you''d think you were. Anil, I find you quite beautiful." That got her blushing deeper again. "You''re also kindhearted, and that''s the greatest thing a person can be, in my opinion. Please don''t think you were a convenient choice. If I wanted something convenient I would have been married years ago."


    She nodded, but still didn''t look at him. "I''m sorry."


    "And I wouldn''t have thought less of you if you didn''t want to marry me," he added. "I''m sorry if you felt pushed into this."


    "I don''t," she replied, glancing at him.


    He leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I''m glad."


    She surprised him by pulling him back and kissing his lips, but he returned the kiss without hesitation. He felt her lips part under his and all her awkwardness seemed to vanish as the kiss dove deeper. It wasn''t quite like kissing Coulta, but it had the same effect on his body. As for his heart, he felt utterly happy to know Anil wanted him, but he didn''t quite feel the same overpowering elation he did every time he kissed Coulta this way. He assumed it probably had more to do with the soul-link than anything else.


    The kiss lasted for what felt like several long minutes before Anil pulled away. He stared at her mutely for a moment as she blushed and looked away from him yet again. Wildas finally realized that no words could express what he felt, so he gently took her hand and intertwined their fingers.


    "Was that acceptable?" she asked quietly.


    "Acceptable?" he repeated with a laugh. "More than."


    She smiled shyly. "Thank you."


    "Do you want me to send for Dala now?"


    "I suppose you should."


    He squeezed her hand before moving to the door. He hadn''t worried before that afternoon that any of his future spouses might not be fully comfortable with the arrangement, and since then he''d been fretting about it constantly. But he was glad to know that he didn''t need to worry about Anil''s feelings now.


    <hr>


    Coulta followed Shelton from Wildas''s room to the Second King''s office. Shelton paused at the door to point across the hallway. "That one will be yours. I know your magic is more black than silver, but I suggested a silver dragon would be easier to see on the door. Is that agreeable?"


    It took a moment for Coulta to understand what the question meant. "Isn''t that the symbol of the court sorcerer?"


    Shelton motioned him inside and answered with a simple, "Yes."


    "Wildas said he didn''t expect you to choose a successor for years yet," Coulta said as he sat by the hearth.


    Shelton walked to the cabinet where Coulta knew he kept wine. "If you weren''t a sorcerer that would be true." He pulled a bottle from the cabinet and checked the label. Satisfied with whatever he saw, he poured them each a cup and put the bottle back. "Because the Crown Prince also chose to marry a sorcerer, we have an interesting arrangement." He walked over and offered one of the cups to Coulta. "Essentially, we are both court sorcerers, though you are more of an apprentice until I want to retire."


    Coulta took the cup and thanked him. "What exactly does that mean? I have no idea what I''m expected to do anymore, honestly."


    Shelton smiled as he sat down on the other side of the low table from him. "That''s why I thought I should speak to you. As long as I''m around, nothing will change for you ¨C aside from you getting significantly more attention from people. You will remain Wildas''s protector, but being his husband gives you the right to join him in any meeting or event he wants you to be at. No one can challenge your presence anywhere in Ryal."


    He paused to sip his wine before continuing. "You will need to spend some time with me periodically, however. Gods willing, Wildas won''t take the throne for several more years, but you still need to know what your tasks as Second King would be. If, when Wildas becomes Grand King, I am still capable of doing my duties, I would remain the court sorcerer, unless you asked for the full responsibility. The same of our other duties, which you''ll be sharing with me until I give them completely to you."


    Coulta took a drink of his own wine and waited for Shelton to continue, but when the pause lasted longer than he''d expected he asked, "What are the other duties?"


    Shelton took another sip before answering, "They are mainly those of the spymaster. There is a network of spies that can be employed during times of war or unrest. It''s very active now, with all Varin is doing to cause trouble."


    "That girl I found is a part of it now?"


    "Not exactly. I just saw a means to hopefully keep her and her family alive. I knew she was being truthful, but she doesn''t have the same qualities I usually look for. That''s something I will be teaching you, as well as how to ascertain if someone is being honest with what they report, and how to locate them. That can wait a bit, though. I''d rather sort out your magic first. I''d like another practice duel with you in a few days, if Myri approves. I know you''ve been improving, but I also want to see if the curse has weakened further, as Asema seemed to think it would."


    Coulta nodded. "I don''t know if it has. It certainly isn''t gone, but I don''t expect it to ever be."


    "But Wildas won''t take advantage of that," Shelton assured him, not that Coulta needed the assurance.


    There was a knock on the door then, and Shelton set down his cup before going to answer it. Coulta turned to see a young man give the Second King a nod. Coulta wasn''t sure he''d seen the boy before, but the fact that he didn''t bow and that he was dressed not in a servant''s uniform but deep blue clothing in a similar style to what Wildas wore around the castle suggested that he was one of the younger princes.


    "A note for Sir Coulta," the boy said, handing something to Shelton.


    "Since you''re delivering it, I assume it''s from Wildas?" Shelton asked.


    "Yes. Was I supposed to say that part?"


    Shelton chuckled. "You''ll get used to it, Star. Does he want a response?"


    The boy, who Coulta assumed was named Star, looked thoughtful for a moment. "He didn''t say," he answered finally.


    Shelton motioned him inside and Star stepped into the office. "Wait for him to read it, then take back a verbal answer."


    Star nodded and stood with his hands behind his back, gazing all around the room. Coulta took the letter from Shelton and broke the seal. Did they all seal notes out of habit? Or did Wildas not trust his brother not to read it?


    When he read it, Coulta couldn''t stop a smile, considering what Shelton had just said before the interruption. Wildas had written two lines: Come back for the night ¨C if you wish to. He''d underlined the second part three times, then signed his name.


    He glanced up at Star, who was still looking around the room. "Tell him I''ll be there."


    Star nodded to him. "Is that all?"


    "Yes."


    The boy bowed his head quickly to Shelton, then left the office.


    "I''m sure I can guess why you''re smiling," Shelton said with a smirk as he sat down again.


    Coulta was annoyed to realize he was actually blushing a little, but he showed Shelton the note. "If you wanted proof that he won''t take advantage of the curse. He''s careful not to accidentally order me to do things, too."


    Shelton smiled. "That''s very good, though I''m sure he''ll slip up at some time or another. I hope you don''t let that make you think differently of him."


    Coulta shook his head. "Of course not. I don''t think the soul-link would let me." He finished off his wine, then asked, "Why am I being called ''sir'' now?"


    "If you weren''t his personal protector, you''d be ''Lord Coulta'' until you became the Second King. You''re an honorary member of the Guard now, in title only. ''Sir'' is what they call any regular Guardsman who is assigned as a personal protector for a member of the royal family."


    "I like it better than ''lord''," Coulta replied. "I won''t be called ''prince''?"


    Shelton shook his head. "Only those who are royal by blood have that title."


    "I''m fine with that," Coulta assured him. "Why didn''t a servant deliver the note?"


    "Star is now Wildas''s personal attendant. He''s the youngest prince, seventeen this winter. You''ll have your own attendant in the next day or so, likely one of Wildas''s cousins." He took another drink of wine before giving him an annoyed look. "They''ll tend to show up at the strangest times, too. They are expected to be quiet and not to share anything of your personal lives, but you''ll learn to keep the bed curtains closed. There''s also Anil and Myri''s ladies-in-waiting. Wildas''s sisters. It''s the same with them."


    That didn''t make Coulta feel especially comfortable. "Wonderful."


    "It is." The Second King nodded and finished his wine. "You shouldn''t keep Wildas waiting too long."


    Coulta rose from his chair as Shelton did, handing over his empty cup. "Thank you."


    "Make sure you both get some sleep," Shelton said as he went back to the cabinet. "There''s a meeting in the morning. And every morning until Varin stops this nonsense."


    Coulta nodded. "Of course."


    He doubted the "nonsense" would stop any time soon.

 Chapter 29

    They kept the bed curtains closed, but that just led to Star annoyingly calling their names to wake them up at dawn. After dressing, Coulta met his own personal attendant, who had arrived to take him back to his own room to freshen up before the meeting in the Grand King''s office. The young man was a couple years older than Star and was, as expected, one of Wildas''s cousins. He introduced himself as Ralix, though Coulta wondered if he had the title of a prince or not. He didn''t dress quite as regally as Star, but Coulta guessed that could easily be due to personal preference or the fact that he wasn''t the Grand King''s son. He was tall and almost scrawny, probably not good in a fight, and had pale blond hair with gray eyes.


    And he walked somewhat awkwardly, Coulta noted as he followed the man out of Wildas''s room.


    "What will you be doing as my attendant?" Coulta asked as they walked through the passageways, hoping to be friendly. If Ralix was essentially his servant, even one with high status, he wasn''t going to be a cold master, or whatever he was to the younger man.


    Ralix shrugged his thin shoulders. "Keeping your things in order. Taking care of your wardrobe. Fetching servants for anything you need brought to you."


    "Where do you stay?"


    "For now, in a room across the hall from yours. After the wedding all of us will have small rooms in the same hall as your chambers, with an inner passageway to the main bedchamber. I will also travel with you whenever you leave the city."


    As they reached Coulta''s door he asked, "Do you fight, too?"


    Ralix seemed suddenly tense as he pushed open the door. "I''m not a swordsman, if you haven''t noticed, but I''ve become quite good with a bow. Not that the archer regiment wants a cripple in the ranks. So here I am."


    Coulta wasn''t sure if that was meant as an insult, but it certainly felt like one. "I won''t force anyone to do a job they don''t want to do. I''ll ask if anyone else would like to take your place," he declared, walking to the washbasin. Hopefully Wildas ¨C or whoever was in charge ¨C would allow a change in attendants.


    "No!" Ralix replied hastily. "I apologize. I didn''t mean to insult you. I just... I don''t know how to explain."


    Coulta turned to look at the man, and somehow knew exactly what Ralix felt in his heart. "You wanted to have real purpose in your life."


    Ralix nodded and looked down. "Not that this has no purpose."


    "It''s just not the same, and I understand." He hoped he sounded compassionate as he asked, "What happened?"


    Ralix sighed and lifted his gaze only to stare out the window. "I was thirteen, riding my father''s horse during a pleasure ride in the fields outside the city. I wasn''t supposed to be riding Starblade, but I unhitched him while my father was taking a nap in the sun. No one paid any attention to me, until I rode Starblade close to one of the few large trees. There was a beehive, and they stung both of us. Starblade panicked and my leg was slammed against the tree, shattering my knee, before Starblade reared and I fell. The healers did what they could, and I am grateful that I can walk at all.


    "And I don''t want your pity, either," he added before turning for the door. "I''ll wait in the hall for you."


    As Coulta watched the younger man leave, he realized what he felt wasn''t pity, but a sense of understanding that he''d never felt before. Ralix''s injury was a curse that had changed his life, much like Coulta''s, though in different ways. Perhaps he''d have to tell his attendant about that one day. For now, he had a meeting to attend.


    <hr>


    The wedding would be only eight days from the morning Coulta had been presented to the court, was the announcement. Myri had been told that it usually took months to plan a royal wedding, but with Ryal being surrounded now by enemy holdings, no guests would be coming from outside the city. That meant the wedding could take place as soon as possible, though she had a feeling the Grand King preferred it this way.


    The short time to prepare meant the castle was full of bustling ladies and servants, and Myri was often pulled away from her work with the healers to do her part in the preparations. She had to give her opinion on the style of gown she wanted, then she had to attend more fittings than she had expected. She had to be measured for rings and shoes, was taken to select an array of perfumes, and had her hair styled until she settled on one she vaguely liked just to keep the elder women of the household happy. She and Anil also spent time daily with Queen Yvona, learning what it meant to be wives of the Crown Prince.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    They took dinner with Coulta and Wildas each night, and Myri checked Coulta''s shoulder each time. He was healing quickly, much to her relief, and would likely be completely healed by the day of the wedding. The curse truly did want him whole.


    <hr>


    As soon as Coulta was feeling up to it, Shelton requested another duel to test the younger man''s ability to channel his magic. He''d expected Coulta to have improved, but he hadn''t expected to see such an increase in the amount of power he could wield. He almost would have thought the curse had broken if not for what Asema had said about that, and the fact that Coulta did eventually tire much sooner than Shelton ¨C also the fact that Wildas hadn''t yet pounded down Shelton''s door to tell him that he mysteriously had magic.


    They''d drawn a crowd by the time they ended the duel, something he was sure would become a common occurrence. It was rare for two powerful sorcerers to have a practice duel right on the castle grounds, and even more so for both to be court sorcerers, not to mention the current Second King and the future one.


    Shelton knelt down beside Coulta, who was sitting in the arena sand, winded and sweating. In comparison, Shelton only felt vaguely tired, which only a moment of rest would resolve. He knew Coulta wouldn''t be able to stand for at least a few minutes, and then he was going to need all his willpower to walk unaided.


    "You pushed yourself dangerously far just now," Shelton commented as Ralix hurried into the arena with water.


    Coulta took the water with a nod of thanks. "I realize that now."


    "You didn''t realize you were draining yourself?"


    Coulta drank his water before answering, "I thought I was supposed to feel tired."


    Shelton sighed. "I should have explained better. With your magic, you shouldn''t need to concentrate very hard on using your power. If you can''t simply channel it, you''re pushing too far."


    "When we were attacked outside the city, I had to think hard to keep the magic over Wildas."


    "And that almost killed you," Shelton reminded him. "That''s exactly what I mean. If it takes extra concentration, you need to stop using it. There are other ways to fight."


    Coulta wiped the sweat off his face with a black sleeve. "When it comes to protecting Wildas, I can''t decide how I act."


    Shelton sighed. "Then let''s hope he doesn''t need a whole lot of protection."


    <hr>


    Anil was glad that she no longer felt awkward around Wildas, but she was still worried about making a fool of herself on their wedding night. So, after some consideration, she went to the healing room.


    Myri saw her almost as soon as she entered the room and walked over. "Is everything all right?" she asked.


    Anil nodded. "I just wanted to talk to you. It''s nothing serious though."


    Myri drew her into a private examination room and sat down with her. "What is it?"


    Anil knew she was blushing. "Are you... I mean... Have you ever been with a man before?"


    "A few times," Myri said with a shrug. "May have been more if patients weren''t off-limits," she added, and Anil knew she was trying to put her at ease. "Why do you want to know?"


    Anil looked at the tapestry-covered wall and admitted, "I haven''t."


    "Oh," was all Myri said.


    "The only man who ever showed interest in me was that soldier Coulta stopped from raping me," she explained. "I just don''t want to make a fool of myself on our wedding night."


    Myri gripped her hand gently. "Just make sure you tell them. If you''re uncomfortable about anything, let them know. I may not know them perfectly well, but I doubt either of them would knowingly make you suffer from anything."


    That surprised Anil slightly. "You think that well of Coulta?"


    "I agreed to marry him, didn''t I? It was the curse that put me off at first, but now that I''ve been able to understand the man hiding behind it, I know he''s a kind and caring person. His past was not his own, and he had no choice. He''s yet to hurt anyone here who didn''t deserve it one way or another."


    Anil nodded. "I think he''s a good man, too. So is Wildas."


    Myri smiled. "Yes. Just be honest with them. And if you need me, I''ll be right there. I''ve had plenty of practice putting men in their place. Not all patients liked being off-limits."


    "I hope I don''t have to learn those skills," Anil said.


    "I''ll teach you. As a woman, you can never be too safe. I wouldn''t want to assume all men are respectful even when I am married to the Crown Prince. Sometimes men try to get away with everything."


    Anil nodded, thinking of some of the rude stable boys she''d dealt with. "I know what you mean."


    Myri opened the herb pouch she always carried and pulled out a few dry, gray-violet leaves. "Here. First lesson: if a man attacks you, try to get this into his mouth. It will cause blisters in his mouth instantly, and if he swallows, blisters will form down his throat. It won''t kill him, but he''ll be in too much pain to even attempt to hold you there. Just get away as quickly as possible. One leaf will do it."


    Anil took the leaves and nodded, slipping them into her purse at her belt. "Thank you."


    "I need to get back to the sick room," Myri said. "Before another soon-to-be relative needs me for another fitting." She leaned in and kissed Anil''s cheek. "If you have any other concerns, you can always find me."


    Anil kissed Myri''s cheek in return. "I will."


    As she began walking back to the stables, Anil had to admit to herself that she did feel a bit better about her situation.

 Chapter 30

    Three days before the wedding, after they''d dined together, Wildas presented his future spouses with their betrothal gifts. They each received a ring that symbolized their inclusion in the royal family. Coulta noticed the differences in each ring when Wildas presented them. His had a black stone set in it, with a rearing horse depicted on the right and a pair of crossed, flaming swords on the other side of the stone. Myri''s had the horse beside a green stone, with the healer''s wreath ¨C the symbol of the god of healing, Rutsav, he''d learned ¨C on the other side. Anil''s stone was red, and was framed by two horses; one was the rearing horse while the other was galloping.


    "They''re unique to each of you, so they can be used as seals if you wish," Wildas explained. "The rearing horse is the symbol of the royal family. The other symbol represents your current status, but it will remain your seal even if that changes."


    He held his right hand out to show them the ring he wore. Coulta had studied it on multiple occasions recently, laying with the prince at night. It was a much older ring than the ones the rest of them now wore, and even had a tiny chip out of the dark blue stone. The rearing horse had once been detailed but those fine lines had been smoothed out. The same was true for the crown on the other side, the points of which faced toward Wildas.


    "Mine will eventually change," the prince explained. "I''ll have the one my father wears, and this one will go to my heir when he''s of age."


    "How long has it been passed down?" Anil asked.


    "It''s the ring Ardan kept for Caolan until he was of age, the one King Caol wore. Back then, a new ring was made for each heir, to be part of a presentation ceremony after the child was born, but there hadn''t been time to retrieve Caolan''s before he was moved from Ryal. Caolan changed that tradition, too, and had a new one made for himself to represent the title of Grand King so this could go to his heir. Eventually it will likely need to be replaced, before it''s worn completely smooth."


    Wildas glanced at Coulta, who was sitting to his left. Coulta took that to be his cue and moved from his chair to the chest where Wildas had put the gifts after the jeweler had delivered them. He presented both women with the necklaces he''d had made for them.


    "They aren''t as thoughtful as what Wildas gave you, I realize now," he told them.


    Myri smiled as she put hers on, brushing a hand over the smooth black gem. "Thank you."


    "It doesn''t bother you, coming from me?" he asked her. The fact that she could feel his curse was something he had known since they''d left Windwick, and he suspected it wasn''t a pleasant experience for her.


    She shrugged. "Now that I know you better, it''s something familiar, not ugly. I''m not sure how to explain it any other way. And no, there''s more essence from the jeweler''s magic than from yours."


    He nodded, relieved. "I''m glad."


    "I love it," Anil commented as she put her necklace on. "Thank you."


    "You''re welcome."


    <hr>


    "I have something else for you," Wildas said once the women had both left for the night.


    "I want to give you something, first," Coulta replied. He pulled another necklace from the inner pocket on his sword belt. "I wasn''t sure if I was supposed to give it to you with Anil and Myri here or not, so I waited. Shelton suggested this because I can use it to find you if I ever need to."


    Wildas took the necklace and found it identical to the ones Anil and Myri had gotten, only with a shorter chain. "I thought the curse allowed you to find me?" he asked, glancing at Coulta.


    "It only tells me if you''re alive and well," Coulta answered. "Or warns me if you''re in danger. I''m sorry if you don''t like it," he added, looking away.


    "I love it," Wildas assured him, smiling. He put the necklace on and leaned over to give Coulta a light kiss. "Thank you."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Coulta smiled. "You''re welcome."


    Wildas stood and gently pulled Coulta to his feet. "I don''t want you to consider this other gift as a betrothal gift. It''s something useful for you as a court sorcerer as well. It also made my cousin quite happy."


    He walked over to the chest beside his rack of swords and pulled out a long bundle wrapped in plain white cloth, the weight of which was deceptively light. Taking it to the bed, he carefully set it down and unwrapped it. He heard Coulta draw a sharp breath as he saw the collection of blades in their fine black leather sheaths. When Wildas had asked his cousin to make the blades, he hadn''t expected more than a sword and a single dagger, but Belteal had been so excited to finally use the rare materials he''d been collecting that he''d made the sword and six knives of various sizes. The smallest blade was barely the length of Wildas''s palm, and he assumed it was made of the last bit of material that was available. Belteal never wasted anything. Each hilt was made of polished black onyx shot through with bands of white, the grip wrapped in thin black leather that allowed the hand to still touch the onyx stone. The blades, Wildas knew, were made of a material that, while it looked like polished steel filled with dark red impurities, was actually something far stronger, lighter, and more useful for someone like Coulta.


    Coulta hesitantly picked up the sword, and a look of what Wildas almost thought was disappointment crossed his face as he weighed the sword in his hand before removing it from the sheath. "Are these ceremonial?" he finally asked, looking the sword over.


    Wildas smiled. "No, they''re real weapons. The blade is made of Altmyr, a metal that comes from the depths of the Alta Mountains. The ore can only be accessed from a single mine on the Berk side of the mountains, and it''s fairly rare because it''s so difficult to extract. It''s also far stronger and lighter than steel, and channels magic incredibly well. According to legend, a group of sorcerers created it when they used their combined power to stop a volcano from destroying precious farmland. Shelton can tell you more about it. He knows the story because they were led by a violet sorcerer. Anyway, my cousin, Belteal, bought some several years ago and has been eager to find a use for it since. The onyx came from the same mine and is actually banded with traces of Altmyr, which helps channel the magic into the blade."


    He watched as Coulta''s disappointment was replaced by curiosity and he stepped back to swing the sword in all directions and with each hand.


    "Do you want to test it against another sword?" Wildas offered.


    Coulta smiled at him, which was enough of an answer for Wildas. He stepped over to his sword rack and chose one of his plain steel swords. He and Coulta had only sparred a few times in the arena, and each time Wildas had barely been much of an opponent. He was a fairly good swordsman, having been trained all his life by Queen Yvona, but no one would ever be a perfect match against Coulta. Even Yvona herself lost to him.


    Wildas prepared to spar anyway, just to give Coulta a feel for his new sword. It would probably take a few practice spars in the arena for him to truly become accustomed to the new material.


    He was able to block Coulta''s first attack, and the sound that filled the room was not very different from that of two steel swords coming together, though maybe slightly deeper. Coulta pulled back and Wildas attacked, only to be easily blocked.


    A noise from the doorway made them both turn. Apparently the two Guardsmen outside had thought there was a problem, because they both burst in the door, hands on their swords.


    Wildas lowered his sword and raised his other hand. "We''re all right. Sir Coulta is testing his new sword. If I needed help I would yell for you. Thank you for your dedication."


    Both Guardsmen nodded, bowed, and left with a brief apology.


    Coulta looked his sword over again before sheathing it once more. "I like it. Thank you."


    Wildas smiled and put his sword back on the rack, then joined Coulta again while he examined each of the knives.


    "I didn''t get you this much," Coulta finally commented, meeting Wildas''s gaze.


    Wildas put an arm around him. "That doesn''t matter. As I said, these are more than a betrothal gift. My cousin appreciated the chance to make all these, and they''re far more useful than symbolic.


    Coulta put down the smallest blade and turned to kiss Wildas softly. "Thank you."


    Wildas smiled. "You''re welcome."


    <hr>


    The day before the wedding, after returning to his own room to prepare for the daily meeting in the Grand King''s office, Coulta was surprised by the arrival of a servant with a tray. He''d become accustomed to taking breakfast during the meetings and wasn''t sure why that had changed.


    But it was just tea that the servant left on the desk with a bow. Coulta finished shaving, then picked up the cup. It certainly smelled better than what Myri had been forcing into him until recently. Finally, he realized it was the tea he would be expected to drink daily just to ensure he wouldn''t father any children and complicate all their lives. With a small smile, he took a sip.


    The tea tasted sweet and almost flowery, which was a major improvement from what he''d been used to drinking since being injured. He could certainly get used to taking it daily.


    But he''d only taken three sips before he began feeling ill. Thinking the tea might help whatever sickness was beginning, he took another sip.


    He somehow managed not to spill the tea as he put it down and dove for the chamber pot. The only thought he had before his mind became clouded was that it was a good thing he''d slept in Wildas''s room so the pot was empty.

 Chapter 31

    Ralix found him only minutes later, though to Coulta it felt like days. The younger man helped him move from where he had slumped on the floor to the bed. Coulta''s mind was starting to function properly again, and he was glad his attendant wasn''t panicking.


    "What happened?" Ralix asked as he settled Coulta against the bolsters. "Should I send for a healer or Prince-General Rohan?"


    "Myri," Coulta answered, annoyed that his voice sounded as weak as he felt.


    Ralix nodded and went to the door.


    Though he was weak, Coulta could also feel himself recovering while he waited. Was his curse healing an illness, or had someone tried to poison him? He''d never been ill before, which he attributed to the curse, but he''d never experienced the curse actually healing an illness. Had this happened before without him taking notice? It wasn''t hard to imagine, considering how physically and emotionally taxing his life in Arren had been. He could have simply thought it to be a response to taking innocent lives.


    When Ralix returned a few minutes later he had more than just Myri with him. Wildas, Shelton, and Anil followed them inside.


    "What happened?" Myri demanded. "Ralix says he found you on the floor."


    Coulta nodded. "I was feeling ill, but I''m much better now."


    Myri proceeded to examine his eyes, check for a fever, and feel his pulse. "It just came over you suddenly?"


    He nodded again. "I was drinking that tea," he explained, pointing to the desk.


    "Poison?" Wildas asked, glancing at Shelton with obvious concern.


    Shelton moved to the desk and picked up the cup. After a few moments of staring into it, he shook his head. "There''s nothing wrong with it. It''s just the tea he''s supposed to be taking now." His expression suddenly changed from puzzlement to understanding and he put the tea back down. "Coulta, give me your hand."


    Coulta held up his left hand as Shelton walked over to him. The sorcerer placed one hand under Coulta''s, fingers on Coulta''s wrist, and his right hand in the same position on top of Coulta''s. His violet eyes closed and Coulta could feel a gentle warmth spread up his arm and through his body, then it receded almost immediately and Shelton opened his eyes.


    "It was the tea that made you ill," he explained, taking his hands away, "but not because it was poisoned." With a sigh he went on, "I don''t know if it''s because of the curse or not, but you have no life-giving force."


    "What does that mean?" Coulta questioned, though he thought he had an idea.


    "You''re infertile," Shelton answered, his voice gentle. "In some people the force is blocked and can be unblocked through healing herbs and magic. But yours just isn''t there. The tea is used to temporarily block the force, and when it found nothing to focus its power on, it created havoc in your body. The effects should fade, as they already seem to be." He smiled. "At least you won''t have to drink the tea every morning. It gets rather boring after a while."


    Coulta forced a smile. "I knew I wouldn''t be fathering children anyway. I suppose this makes my life easier."


    No need to explain that knowing he wouldn''t have children was different from knowing he couldn''t. He''d need to get used to the idea.


    Shelton gave him a small smile. "You can miss the meeting this morning. Let the tea wear off."


    Coulta nodded. "Thank you."


    The Second King nodded in return and gave Wildas a sharp look. "But you can''t miss it."


    "I know," Wildas assured him. "I''ll be with you in a moment."


    "I don''t think the effects will last much longer," Myri said once Shelton had left. "I can make you something to help it along, though."


    "I''m fine, thank you," he told her quickly.


    She gave a short laugh. "I thought you''d say that. Send for me if you need me." With that, she gave each of her future spouses a kiss on the cheek and left.


    Anil did the same, telling Coulta, "I''m glad you''re all right."


    Wildas took Coulta''s hand when they were alone. "Are you truly all right?"


    "I will be," Coulta answered. "I don''t understand why it bothers me to know I can''t have children. It doesn''t change anything. It might have, if I had known before now."


    Wildas gave him a curious look. "How so?"


    "I wouldn''t have avoided every whore in Arren," he admitted frankly. "You wouldn''t need to teach me so much because of my inexperience."


    Wildas smiled. "I''m enjoying it, and you''re learning quite quickly. What made you avoid the men in Arren, though?"


    "I''ve seen what happens on the streets. They hit you and steal everything of value you have on you. Why haven''t you asked before?" he questioned, suddenly curious.


    Wildas shrugged. "I assumed it had something to do with Varin''s control. And I thought I''d let you have some secrets. I''m sorry I asked now."


    "I don''t mind," Coulta assured him. He reached up with his free hand and pulled Wildas down for a quick kiss. "Shelton''s waiting."


    "I know." Wildas gave him another swift kiss, then left for the morning meeting.


    Ralix soon materialized out of whatever corner he''d melted into and asked, "Is there anything you need?"


    Coulta shook his head. "You heard everything?"


    Ralix nodded. "My duty is keep your personal life personal. Rumor-spreading attendants don''t remain in the castle very long."


    "I didn''t mean to accuse you of anything," Coulta clarified.


    Ralix nodded again. "I know. I was just assuring you that I wouldn''t be telling anyone."


    "Thank you."


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Coulta was awoken the next morning by Ralix and a trio of servants who insisted on helping him prepare for the wedding ceremony that would take place in a few hours'' time. He was feeling well again, and no matter how many times he told the woman who was clearly in charge that he could do things himself, she insisted that they had been sent by Queen Yvona. Ralix gave in to them almost immediately and stopped trying to help. In the end, Coulta also surrendered to their assistance, and suffered through it as they made sure his black silk clothing was perfectly arranged, his hair was tidy, his face was carefully shaved, and his new ceremonial boots shone so brightly they could have been mirrors. Ralix had spent an hour polishing those boots the day before, but he clearly wasn''t well-trained enough for the women to let him handle things himself. The attendant mostly sat and watched, shaking his head every time his lack of skill at dressing Coulta was grumbled about.


    By the time he was escorted to the hall outside the throne room where the ceremony was to take place, Coulta just wanted to get it over with.


    The entire ceremony had been thoroughly explained to them all the afternoon before, and seemed simple enough. Because Wildas was the Crown Prince he needed to be ceremonially treated as such ¨C especially when he was marrying three commoners ¨C and would already be in place before his parents'' throne dais. Anil and Myri were to enter the hall from doors on each side, while Coulta would enter from the back of the hall.


    He was dreading the attention of a hall full of the city''s nobles, and he was almost tempted to magically hide himself from them. Only the thought of how that would upset Wildas stopped him from doing it.


    It seemed like he waited outside the door for hours before the commotion inside the hall died down and the door opened for him. Inside, the throne room was even more highly decorated than usual, with garlands and ribbons strung across the rafters and several intricately carved benches providing seats for the numerous guests.


    The guests were dressed in fine outfits of bright silk and lace, with the ladies sparkling in their jewels. Deandre sat on his throne, dressed in elegant royal blue and wearing his crown. Shelton sat beside him, wearing his own, slightly smaller crown and wearing a violet sorcerer''s robe that was more elaborate than the ones he normally wore. Yvona was wearing an elegant, pale blue gown, her shining crown, and numerous glittering jewels. The fourth throne was draped in black with a crown identical to Yvona''s resting on the seat.


    Off to the side of the thrones, and on the steps below them, stood Brother Pelles in his dark blue priest robes. Below him stood Wildas, looking rather handsome, Coulta had to admit, in his blue silk attire with his gold-and-blue cord of status worn across his body. The prince also looked incredibly nervous, and Coulta knew he would be too, if he were conducting nearly the entire ceremony himself.


    The other princes and princesses flanked their parents on the dais, dressed just as elaborately, the princesses glittering nearly as much as their mother. The only one not with the family was Rohan, who stood along the walls of the hall with a hundred of the highest ranking members of the Guard. All the Guardsmen wore ceremonial red uniforms that included sheathed ceremonial sabers. Coulta envied them for this, as he felt naked without a single weapon on him. A number of the Guardsmen, including Rohan, wore cords that marked them as members of the royal family, mostly cousins and uncles to Wildas, Coulta had been told.


    Coulta arrived before Wildas at the same time Anil and Myri did. Both women were dressed in pale violet, lace frilled gowns with a few small jewels that allowed them to look a bit like they belonged to the royal family already. Coulta knelt with them before Wildas, who then began the ceremony.


    "Anil of Windwick, Coulta of Arren, and Myri of Windwick, I have chosen you to be my spouses now, and when someday I wear my father''s crown. If you accept this, rise and let it be known to all the witnesses here."


    One by one, they each rose to their feet, took Wildas''s hand, and kissed it. Wildas then turned to his parents seated behind him on their thrones.


    "These are the ones I have chosen," he declared, "do you give us your approval?"


    Shelton nodded first, with a smile. "I approve."


    Yvona also smiled and nodded. "I approve, as well."


    Deandre was the last to nod, and Coulta could feel his eyes on him. "I approve."


    Wildas gave his parents a small bow, while Coulta bowed deeply and both Anil and Myri curtsied. Brother Pelles walked up then with a bright silver tray. Wildas took a blue-and-gold cord from it and stepped to Myri. He tied the cord around her waist, the way all the princesses wore them, then took a gold ring from the tray and slipped it onto her finger. She smiled and he kissed her.


    He then took another cord from Brother Pelles, and stepped up to Coulta. Coulta bowed his head as the cord was draped across his body. Wildas then took his hand and placed a ring on his finger. It was bright gold, with four small diamonds fitted into it. He smiled at Wildas, who smiled back and kissed him softly before moving on to Anil.


    Once all three of them wore their new cords and rings, Brother Pelles handed Anil another ring. She pressed it to her lips and passed it to Coulta, who did the same and gave it to Myri. She kissed it, and all three of them placed it on Wildas'' finger, touching it in some way all at the same time.


    Wildas smiled as they each kissed him in turn, then spread his hands out. They all took each others'' hands, forming a circle, then brought their joined hands into the middle of it so that they were all touching. Then they turned and kissed each other.


    Brother Pelles stepped into the circle once they''d all kissed, and placed his hands over theirs, speaking a prayer to the gods to bring them happiness, protect them, and grant them many children. When he finished and stepped away, they separated into a line facing the audience, with Coulta on Wildas''s right, and Anil and Myri on his left.


    They joined hands again, and Wildas declared to the crowd, "Behold, my wives and my husband!"


    As the hall erupted into cheering and applause, Coulta couldn''t deny how happy he felt. It was a strange feeling, considering that he had no idea what the future would bring to him as the Crown Prince''s husband. The thought of eventually being the Second King made him uncomfortable, but he knew he''d have time to become used to it.


    He might as well enjoy this as much as possible.


    <hr>


    Lord Varin drew a deep, contented breath as he finished dressing. The ragged bedchamber smelled of blood and sex, a glorious mixture of scent that practically made his mouth water. The girl was motionless, slumped against her restraints beside the bed, but he knew she was alive. She was bloody and used, but alive nonetheless. He''d have a servant tend to her, like always, while he finally found some sleep.


    Ever since the gifts he''d received for Dyrai, the need for blood and power had been growing. Nothing made him happier than torture, and the lust he found from that exhibition of power. It kept him from sleeping and, sometimes, eating. Beneath this need was the even greater desire to finally march on Ryal and take the throne that should be his.


    The bone necklace he wore was coated in red-tinted gold. The red came from the blood of his soldiers, forced to swear loyalty to him or bleed to death over the burning hot vat of liquid metal. It was a far better control than what he''d had over that cursed assassin. The only way these soldiers would be free was through death. Their minds were under his control, their bodies acting even as they were broken.


    Even his sons had cast their blood into the gold, so that they could then bind their own armies in the same way as they took control of all the cities surrounding Ryal. The same bloodlust ran through them now, as they bound every man of fighting age and killed every old man, raped every woman and girl child. The young boys were bound to the gold but held in reserve. Once Ryal was Varin''s they would need the young crop of boys to become soldiers.


    Varin was proud of his sons. And why wouldn''t he be? They were a part of himself.


    The necklace suddenly grew warm as he left the chamber for the cool hallway. He immediately grasped it, excitement soaring through him.


    It is time, a voice whispered in his mind. Ride to Ryal and crush them into the earth.


    Yes. It will be done.


    Leave at dawn. You will arrive outside Ryal in four days. Capture the farmers outside, but do not kill them or the destroy the farms. They are needed to feed our forces. Kill only those who seek to warn the city. Save the raping for after the victory.


    Something to look forward to, then, besides killing the royal bastards. Yes.


    I have a gift for you and your sons. See what is in your stable. Attack with the dawn so that they may see what you ride and be fearful.


    The communication stopped and the necklace went cold. Still excited, Varin left his castle and walked to the stables behind it. What he found inside made him laugh with joy.


    The twenty-stall barn was filled with undead, demon-like unicorns. They were all colors, from black and gray to chestnut and bay. All had sharp, pointed horns and steel-studded hooves. They were bony thin, but Varin knew his master wouldn''t have given him animals that would be useless. Oozing, crusty wounds and scars covered their bodies and their manes and tails were tangled. But it was their eyes that excited Varin; their dead, blood-red eyes that burned with a life that was not their own.


    Oh how the bastards would fear him.

 Chapter 32

    Wildas kept expecting Coulta to vanish at some point during the celebration after the wedding ceremony, the way he kept scanning the crowds, but Coulta never left his side. The fact that he remained watchful even while the wine flowed freely at the royal table made Wildas feel that, whatever happened in the months to come, they would endure. Even Coulta alone could keep them safe. Or so it seemed at that happy time.


    They moved into their new rooms that night, though they all slept in the largest room, which was Wildas''s. Apparently, if they all wanted to spend the night together they had to use his room, because none of the other beds would comfortably fit four. Wildas was simply glad that he was drunk enough off the spiked wine for it to be the incredible night it was supposed to be, and not so drunk that he couldn''t remember it.


    Coulta startled them all awake with a brief shout just before dawn. Wildas, who had been laying beside him, tried to soothe him awake. It took several moments.


    "That''s the worst nightmare I''ve had in a while," Coulta murmured. "You had just appeared when I woke up."


    "I''m sorry," Wildas said quietly.


    "I need to go for a run," Coulta added.


    Wildas let him go and watched him with concern as he dressed and hid the marks on his skin again ¨C it turned out Wildas wasn''t the only one who liked them. Then he opened the window and climbed out, using the climbing spikes Wildas had allowed him to set there so he wouldn''t be jumping three stories.


    "Is he all right?" Anil asked from Wildas''s other side.


    Wildas gently took her hand. "I hope so."


    <hr>


    Coulta''s excuse for sleeping in his own bed for the next three nights was that he knew Wildas needed an heir and he didn''t want to be a distraction. His real reason was that he didn''t want any of his spouses to worry about him as his nightmares grew worse. The concern he''d seen on all their faces was enough to decide him that first morning. Wildas''s dream presence came to combat every nightmare, holding Coulta in his arms and fighting off the shadows when they tried to reform. It was comforting, but didn''t stop the nightmares he had already had from lingering after he woke up.


    Perhaps Wildas had a stronger sense of Coulta''s dreams now and knew what he was going through, because he looked like he didn''t believe the excuse but didn''t ask for an honest answer. In truth, Coulta really did understand that Wildas needed to father a son as quickly as possible, especially as Varin''s threat grew.


    Which might have been why the nightmares were worse than they had been previously. Maybe Varin was making an even greater move to attempt to take over Ryal. Shelton even seemed to agree with this, when Coulta explained what he was experiencing. It was the only explanation for why all of Shelton''s spies had suddenly gone silent.


    The fourth night after the wedding, Anil and Myri practically dragged him from his room and into Wildas''s adjoining chamber.


    "Enough of this ''not being a distraction'' nonsense," Myri said as they pushed him through the door. "Wildas is going to die of loneliness if he doesn''t have you again soon."


    "We''ve kept the two of you apart for long enough," Anil added. "We''d like a night to ourselves."


    Wildas had just walked into the room from his office and gave them a curious look. "What''s going on?"


    Both women released Coulta and turned to Wildas.


    "We decided the two of you need a private night together," Myri explained, then gave Wildas a quick kiss on the cheek and left for her own room. Anil did the same and followed.


    Wildas watched them, then turned to Coulta with an amused smile. "She''s gone from telling us not to have sex, to telling us we need to."


    Coulta smiled, surprised to realize how much he suddenly needed this time with his husband, a title was still so new that it sent a wave of pure happiness through him.


    "I wouldn''t argue with the healer''s orders," he said, his smile widening into a grin.


    Wildas stepped close enough to pull Coulta into his arms. "I suppose you''re right."


    "Would you like to tell me why you''ve really been avoiding us at night?" Wildas asked later as they lay tangled in the sheets. "You don''t have to, but I want to help, if I can."


    Coulta sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. "The nightmares are worse every night. I feel restless and can''t sleep."


    "Why didn''t you ask Myri for something? I''m sure she could help."


    "It never occurred to me," he admitted. "I''ve been dealing with this for so long, I never thought to ask her. And you have been helping, in a way."


    Wildas ran a hand gently through Coulta''s hair. "I wish I could do more. Can you try to sleep now?"


    Coulta sighed again. "I think I''ll go for a run first." Wildas looked skeptical, so Coulta kissed him lightly. "I won''t be gone long, and I''ll come back here."


    Wildas nodded and gave him a kiss before releasing him. "Take care."


    Coulta slipped from the bed. "I will."


    In his own room, Coulta dressed in his fighting leathers and slipped a blade into each boot. He wasn''t sure why he felt the need to dress for combat, but not to wear his belt. Maybe he was becoming paranoid.


    He could feel Wildas watching him as he slipped out the window of the central bedchamber. Once outside, he ran from rooftop to rooftop, enjoying the cool summer night breeze. Then, halfway across the city, he caught a scent in the air.


    The smell of woodsmoke wasn''t strong in the city because few people needed fires for warmth at this time of the year, and it was too soon to be fixing a morning meal and too late for dinner. What he smelled was a great deal of smoke, as if from dozens of fires. He feared briefly for the farms, but surely someone would have come to the city seeking aid if the farmlands were burning. Reaching the outer wall of the city, he realized it was something worse.


    An evil, chilling sensation went down his spine as he looked out over the field below Ryal. It was empty until the treeline, and he couldn''t see much beyond those massive branches, even from atop the wall. He could feel, though, that something awful was out there. Deep in his heart he knew exactly who it was.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    Then he realized why he couldn''t see past the trees: a cloak of magic was resting on the land beyond the forest, an evil, tainted magic that made his blood run cold. It was a magic he''d never encountered before, and it was steeped in blood and death.


    But the magic let the smoke from campfires through it, and he realized that what he had thought were clouds were actually wisps of smoke.


    Two guards were watching the gate, playing a game of cards by a single lantern''s light. Coulta made himself visible and cleared his throat. Both men jumped and grabbed for their swords, knocking cards off the table and almost tipping the lantern over.


    Coulta held up one hand. "I didn''t mean to startle you."


    The guards released their swords and hastily bowed. "We''re sorry, Sir Coulta," one of them said. "We didn''t notice you approach."


    "Because I didn''t want you to," he replied.


    "What are you doing out here?" the other asked, then quickly added, "Not that I mean any offense. Of course it''s not my place to question you."


    "It''s all right." He pointed off into the night. "Do you smell the smoke? Do you see the smoke in the sky?"


    Both men sniffed the air and squinted at the stars.


    "Come to think of it, I do," the first man answered. "I just didn''t think nothing of it. There''s no sound and I don''t see a thing out there. Must be from one of the farms."


    "No. There''s an army on the other side of those trees. I could sense the magic even from the castle." He didn''t care if it was a lie or not. He doubted these men would know any better. "The magic is hiding the camp, but not the smoke."


    As the guards squinted into the night, a horse burst from the treeline, a rider bent over its back. The horse was being ridden bareback, with only a halter on its head and a rope slung over its neck.


    Horse and rider hadn''t gotten far from the trees when a hail of arrows shot out, taking down both of them before the rider could even yell. Ten men in dark uniforms moved out from the trees and dragged both bodies out of the open.


    "By all the gods," one of the guards groaned.


    The other guard looked at Coulta. "Should we raise the alarm?"


    Coulta shook his head. "Keep watch. I''ll take news back to the castle. Don''t raise the alarm unless they start to attack."


    With that, he melted back into the shadows and sprinted for the castle.


    <hr>


    Having arranged for Wildas and Coulta to have some time together, Anil and Myri had chosen to do the same. The wine she''d had at the banquet after the wedding had helped Anil get past her concerns on their wedding night, not to mention that her husbands had been understanding. After she''d been with both of them, Myri had taken her aside to give her some herbs the take away the mild discomfort she hadn''t even paid much mind to. Every night after that, her attention had always been focused on Wildas.


    She thought, though, that if she and Myri were married, why couldn''t they take pleasure in each other like Wildas and Coulta did? As soon as she''d awkwardly broached the subject, Myri had readily agreed.


    So it was, as they were finally drifting off to sleep together in Myri''s bed, that the sounds of hurried movements came from the other side of the door, in Wildas''s room. Anil assumed her husbands were just starting up a new round of lovemaking and tried to ignore it.


    Until Coulta burst into the room wearing his black leathers and sword belt.


    "What?" Myri demanded, sitting up.


    "We''re going to be attacked," he said, sounding winded.


    "How do you know?" Myri questioned, not moving.


    "I saw proof outside the city. Varin''s army is camped on the other side of the forest. I suspect they will attack at dawn. Wildas wants everything in the castle to gather in the Great Hall."


    That was all he said before he left.


    Anil looked at Myri, suddenly more terrified even than when they had fled Windwick. That same fear was reflected in Myri''s brown eyes, until the healer gave a grim nod.


    "Come."


    <hr>


    The Great Hall was filled with all the castle residents, from members of the royal family to the very last servant. Wildas stood atop the raised dais in the room with his spouses and his siblings, behind their parents. Rohan was the last to enter the room before pulling the doors shut. He''d been at the barracks warning the Guardsmen there to prepare. He slipped through the crowd and joined them on the platform, saluting his father before taking his place close to Wildas. Rohan turned to Coulta for a brief moment and nodded to him. Coulta returned the nod.


    If the situation at the moment had been less dire, Wildas would have smiled. Coulta and Rohan had learned to work together so well that it almost seemed like they could read each other''s minds. Even if no one had told Rohan that Coulta had raised the alarm, the Prince-General could have guessed accurately.


    "I regret that you were all roused from your beds at such an hour," Deandre began. All the murmurs and mutterings fell silent at his first word. "Not an hour ago an enemy force was sighted outside the city, waiting on the other side of the woods to attack at dawn."


    That caused a stir of fearful whispers, and Deandre let the people have a moment to react.


    "Many of you have already been preparing for such an event," he went on, "so you know what must be done. The healers will set up here. Anyone who wishes to assist them will seek out either Mistress Sara or Lady Myri."


    Myri nodded to the crowd and Sara, surrounded by others Wildas recognized as healers, raised a hand briefly.


    "The kitchen staff will continue working to supply food to everyone. The laundry workers will bring as many blankets and towels as they can for the healers. All young children will be taken to the royal nursery on the top floor, including children of servants. Princess Cara will be there to watch them, but will need help from anyone who would join her. If there is anyone who wishes to fight but is not a soldier you may fight. Seek out Prince-General Ruairi. All persons with magic strong enough to be useful is required to fight or work with the healers.


    "We will ride with the dawn to meet our enemy. Go now."


    "And may the blessings of Mahault, Rutsav, and Savjuvi be upon you all!" Brother Pelles shouted from one of the balconies above the crowd, calling on the gods of war, healing, and magic.


    The crowd began to disperse and Wildas turned to Anil. "What will you do?"


    "I''ll help the healers," she replied, her voice steady despite the fear in her gray eyes.


    Wildas nodded and kissed each of his wives. "Take care."


    "You, too," Myri told him.


    "I''ll be with him," Coulta reminded her.


    "And you take care, too," she added, wiping her eyes before she gave him a kiss, as well.


    Wildas knew the reality of what they faced. He knew he could very easily not return from the field outside the city. He knew they were almost certainly outnumbered. He hated leaving both of his new wives ¨C his friends ¨C there, knowing he might not see them again.


    But Coulta was a solid presence at his back as they left the room. Deandre was ahead of them, giving orders to Rohan, who finally turned away and ran down another passageway. Then he saw another brother and uncle leave the group, and he felt another stab of anxiety. Jarlin and Pavle were being sent out to sea on one of their naval ships, just to ensure that one of Deandre''s sons would survive the coming battle.


    Star and Ralix were both waiting for them when they returned to their suit of rooms. Star had prepared Wildas''s armor that he had barely worn; his metal breastplate stamped with the Steed of Ryal, the helmet, gauntlets, shield, and chainmail.


    Coulta''s new armor that awaited him made Wildas even more anxious about what was to come; leather armor nearly identical to what he always wore, but embossed with the Steed of Ryal across the chest. No chainmail or heavy metal plates, only leather, tough though it may be. The only real change Coulta had allowed was for lightweight metal plates to be sewn into the chest and back pieces. He''d drawn the line there and wouldn''t allow more protection that might slow or hinder his movements.


    Wildas tried not to think about it as Star helped him dress. "Will you fight?" he asked the younger prince.


    Star shook his head. "I''m going to work with the healers until you need me."


    Wildas nodded. "They will need you."


    From across the room he heard Ralix quietly tell Coulta, "I wish I could fight."


    Wildas glanced over at his cousin, who was tying the straps on Coulta''s leather shirt. "You can fight if you want to."


    Ralix looked up at him. "The army doesn''t want me, you know that."


    Wildas waited for Star to finish securing his breastplate before he said, "You have a horse, don''t you? Take your bow and ride out with the rest of the non-scripted fighters. We need all the help we can get, Ralix. This isn''t going to be an easy victory."


    Ralix went back to work, but at least he was thinking about it.


    "Why are we riding out to meet them instead of defending the walls?" Coulta asked.


    "The last time we did that, Phelin was lost to Berk."


    Coulta just nodded.


    The attendants left them when they were both in their armor. Wildas moved to Coulta and kissed him, trying to convey all that he felt.


    "I love you," he finally whispered.


    Coulta brought a gloved hand to Wildas''s cheek and pressed their foreheads together. "And I love you."


    They remained that way for a long moment. Then, without another spoken word, they left for battle.

 Chapter 33

    There was no military unit specifically for mages. Any sorcerer or sorceress who chose to fight would do so scattered among the ranks, going wherever they were needed if they could. Shelton had always seen that as a weakness, knowing that magic had greater potential when more sorcerers worked cooperatively together. But there simply weren''t enough of them in Ryal to have ever made the training worth the time it would require.


    Perhaps it was time to change that. Even if this war ended quickly, peace would never last forever.


    He pulled on his Altmyr gauntlets studded with numerous violet gems. Many who didn''t understand magic might consider the gauntlets frivolous and ridiculous in war, but the stones were actually white quartz that he had infused with magic. The magic could be accessed as easily as internal magic, and the Altmyr helped it channel more easily, though the palm of each gauntlet was left uncovered. Though Altmyr was a great conductor for magic, it still added a slight bit of resistance that Shelton didn''t want in combat. His chainmail was also made of Altmyr and lined with violet gems around the neck, just above his shirt.


    Other than that, his armor was identical to anything worn by the members of the royal family, including Queen Yvona.


    "Where''s Galen?" she asked curiously as she entered his room from Deandre''s.


    "He plans to fight, so I told him he could go prepare," Shelton answered, gathering up his helmet.


    Yvona nodded, then watched him for a moment before saying, "It''s so strange to see you dressed like that."


    Shelton gave her a weak smile. The only time he wore anything other than a violet sorcerer''s robe was to sleep at night and when he went riding. "It feels strange to be dressed like this."


    "I agree." She stepped up to him and gave him a light kiss. "Take care. I need to go help ready what soldiers we have."


    He nodded. "Fight well."


    "You, as well."


    When she was gone, Shelton stepped into Deandre''s room. The Grand King was in full armor and standing at the window, staring into the night. Shelton walked up beside him and gazed out at the stars silently.


    "You''ll help Wildas?"


    Startled, Shelton glanced at his husband, but Deandre continued to stare into the night. "What do you mean?"


    The Grand King didn''t answer for a few moments, then stated quietly, "I dreamt of my death tonight."


    "That hardly means anything," Shelton replied, despite the fear that shot through him.


    "And it might. Will you help Wildas when I''m no longer here?"


    Shelton felt a strange tightness in his throat. "Of course. If I am capable of it, I swear I will do whatever I can for him."


    Deandre nodded and once again fell silent. After a moment he turned to face Shelton and put a hand on his shoulder. "I''ve already told Yvona, and I tell you this now. I may not have ever been the best at showing my love for anyone, but I have loved you all."This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Shelton put his own hand on Deandre''s shoulder. It was hard to speak. "I know."


    "You most of all."


    Tempting though it was to ask if that was also what he''d told Yvona, Shelton just nodded. "The same is true of me."


    They drew as close as their armor allowed and kissed for as long as they dared, and, as they drew apart, Shelton found himself desperately hoping that it wouldn''t be their last kiss.


    <hr>


    By the time night faded to dawn, nearly two thousand soldiers were waiting in ranks outside the barred city gates, but barely a thousand of them had had any training. Ryal housed a force of only five hundred Guardsmen and just as few hundred regular soldiers. The rest of the military force was scattered across the country in other holds, though each of those forces numbered only five hundred. In times of war, those holds would increase their forces.


    But Ryal had been cut off from the rest of the country, and Varin had infiltrated every hold. There hadn''t been enough time to train more soldiers for the defense of Ryal.


    Who knew what size army Varin had been able to raise.


    Coulta tried not to think about that as he sat on Quiver, waiting with Wildas, Deandre, Shelton, and Yvona. Everything was silent, aside from the rattling of harnesses when a horse shifted. He was holding Quiver''s reins so tightly he was amazed that the stallion wasn''t doing more than chewing his bit. The leather was biting into his palms, and he almost wished he hadn''t given up his gloves at Shelton''s suggestion.


    Varin''s army finally appeared just as the sun began to crest the horizon, and Coulta was glad to see that at least most of his soldiers were on foot. Almost all of the defenders were mounted on horseback. That didn''t change the fact that they were outnumbered by at least two-to-one.


    As the army drew closer, however, Coulta began to feel a sense of wrongness about it. He glanced over at Shelton, who was grimacing. Whatever it was, it was some sort of evil magic.


    The advancing army stopped just inside the treeline, except for a single rider on a bay horse. As they drew closer, the rider lifted one arm and held a white cloth over his head. No one rode out to meet him, and the horse went abruptly from an easy lope to a dead stop in front of Deandre. All the horses danced uneasily as the wind blew the scent of the pair and the sense of magic at them.


    Coulta was close enough to smell the stench of death that came off the horse, which was thin and covered in putrid wounds. Quiver tossed his head and sidestepped, and when Coulta looked back up he realized that the horse before them was actually a unicorn, its brown horn capped with a blade.


    He looked for some sort of strap holding the horn in place, but he soon realized it actually was a unicorn. They were supposed to be myths, where had Varin gotten one? And one that was some sort of undead creature, at that?


    The rider spoke, and his voice drew Coulta''s attention. It was Varin''s voice, but the rider certainly wasn''t Varin. Of course the man wouldn''t put himself into so exposed a position. The strange rider sat perfectly still, still holding the flag, and had a faraway stare. He didn''t seem to be dead like the unicorn, at least.


    "Hand Ryal and all of Phelin over to its rightful king," the rider said, his face blank of the sneer Coulta was familiar with seeing when he heard that tone, "and all of your lives shall be spared."


    Deandre sat easily on his agitated chestnut stallion. "Surrender and all your lives will be spared."


    A laugh came from the blank face. "I have a secret to share. You''ve let one of my greatest weapons into your twisted little family." The empty eyes abruptly locked onto to Coulta. "Kill him now, Coulta."


    The tone was commanding, but there was no urge to obey. He couldn''t hold back a tiny smile of relief for a fear he hadn''t realized he still held after all this time. "You no longer have any control over me," he declared.


    "Ah, but I will have it again." The rider turned back to Deandre. "Your final answer."


    "No," Deandre said flatly.


    "Then prepare to die." Rider and unicorn spun and galloped back to Varin''s ranks, the white flag left behind.


    Deandre moved his horse out a few paces and turned to address his army. He gave no long speech, simply yelled, "It is time to defend our homes against this usurper!"


    "For Phelin!" the defenders screamed back.


    Then Deandre spun his stallion around and pulled his sword, leading the charge at Varin''s army. Coulta resisted the urge to look at Wildas as they followed the Grand King''s lead. He didn''t need to see his husband''s controlled terror, because it was exactly what he felt.

 Chapter 34

    It wasn''t until Coulta had cut down several soldiers that he changed his focus from blindly hacking at any enemy soldier he could reach physically and magically, to finding Varin and removing the bastard''s head from his body.


    Knowing Varin''s dislike for doing his own killing, Coulta assumed he would be somewhere at the back of the field, likely watching the battle from a secure location. He might even be in the treeline itself. So Coulta urged Quiver on, deeper into the fray, hoping to push his way to the rear of the enemy ranks. He kept a careful eye out for Wildas, but knew that if the curse wasn''t pulling Coulta to his side, Wildas was doing fine.


    He quickly realized as he went, however, that dispatching Varin''s soldiers wasn''t as simple as he''d expected. They didn''t seem to respond to pain like they should. Deep cuts didn''t faze them. Magic only slowed them slightly. Heavy blows did nothing to knock them down. Not even being trampled by a horse kept them from fighting. The only way Coulta found to stop them was to sever their heads or burn them alive.


    It was worse than any killing Coulta had done before. Blood and churned bodies mingled with the morning dew, leaving the ground a wretched mess. The air was filled with screams of challenge, screams of pain, and screams of fear. Above that was the sound of weapons clashing, armor clanging, and horses pounding through the ranks.


    Only once did it occur to Coulta that he felt no remorse over the lives he was taking. It was a matter of survival. He needed to keep going so he could kill the man commanding this battle. If he could only kill Varin perhaps the battle would end in their favor. Perhaps this mysterious spell over the nearly immortal soldiers would be lifted and they would cease to fight so strongly. Perhaps they could end this.


    So focused on moving forward, Coulta quickly lost sight of Wildas, but again left his protection to the curse.


    It wasn''t until he had nearly reached the trees and began looking more earnestly for Varin that he felt the undeniable pull of the curse.


    Wildas was in danger.


    His final thought before the curse clouded his mind was to spin Quiver away from the trees once more.


    <hr>


    It didn''t take long for Wildas to come to the same conclusion Coulta had about the near immortality of Varin''s soldiers. He didn''t stop to wonder how they had gotten that way or what sort of power Varin had come into possession of. He simply started aiming his sword for soldiers'' throats.


    He was surprised to find himself fighting more than he had expected. Apparently Coulta''s curse knew when he''d be able to fight off would-be killers in such a situation. They were separated by the flow of battle fairly quickly, but Wildas didn''t have much time to worry about his husband as he tried to stay close to his father. All he could do was hope that Coulta would find him again when he needed to.


    Shelton had also left them as soon as he saw the way the twenty unicorns were being used to attack Ryal''s defenders. Each of the monsters eventually fell to violet flames, at least from what Wildas could briefly see.


    By the second hour of the bloody, exhausting battle, Wildas and Deandre found themselves completely cut off from their own army and surrounded by a tight knot of soldiers. Wildas fought off as many as he could while Silverblade kicked and reared. Then one of the soldiers cut the stallion''s throat. Wildas was roughly dragged away by far too many hands as the stallion collapsed.


    "Hold them! Don''t kill them!"


    Someone pulled off Wildas''s helmet and he was forced to stand. Barely ten feet away from him his father was being held in the same way, his own horse dead beside Silverblade. Seeing his horse dead and his father disrespected filled Wildas with a rage that replaced his fear. He struggled to break the hold on him, but could hardly move no matter how much strength he used.


    Varin strolled into view and smiled a wicked smile. "Good, now I can do away with both of you at once." He looked from Wildas to Deandre and back again. Then, grinning at Wildas, he pulled a dagger. "I think I should let you see your father die. How does that sound?"


    Wildas hoped his glare was answer enough.


    Varin shrugged and turned to Deandre. "Any final words for your son? ''Avenge me'' perhaps? Too bad that won''t be possible. I gave you a chance to avoid this earlier."


    Deandre held his head up and locked eyes with Wildas. He said nothing, but the look in his eyes said more than enough for Wildas. There were so many emotions warring in those familiar, usually stern eyes, and somehow Wildas understood all of them.


    Varin gazed at Deandre thoughtfully. "Anything?"


    Wildas felt a knot forming in his throat as he continued to hold his father''s gaze. This couldn''t be happening. Deandre was supposed to die as an old man in a sickbed, not on a bloody battlefield at the hands of someone like Varin.


    "All right then."


    Deandre''s eyes never left Wildas, even as Varin drew his dagger deeply across his throat and the life vanished from those familiar eyes.


    Wildas screamed with rage and fought the hold of the soldiers even harder, but they only held him tighter. He watched his father''s body fall in a heap as the soldiers released him. Varin was laughing like a child with a new toy.


    Varin abruptly stopped laughing and turned to Wildas. "I suppose that makes you king for the moment," he sneered, slowly twirling the bloody knife in his hand. "What do you say? I was merciful to your father, I''ll be even more so to you. Abdicate."


    "You bastard," Wildas snarled, struggling again.


    Suddenly, from over Varin''s shoulder his gaze was caught by the image that would forever be burned into his memory of that day, side-by-side with the look in his father''s eyes. But this was an image that gave him hope and froze him in awe.


    Quiver was galloping faster than Wildas could have imagined, trampling anyone in his path without hesitation. Thankfully, most of Ryal''s defenders reacted fast enough to jump away from the stallion, but not Varin''s spelled soldiers.


    And there was Coulta, leaning over the stallion''s neck, one hand on the reins, the other holding his bloodied sword. There was a strange aura around him, and it wasn''t the usual black and silver that Wildas had learned to associate with his magic. This was silvery-white, and grew brighter the closer he came to where Wildas and Varin stood.


    Varin''s brows drew together when he noticed Wildas''s expression, and he took a step back. He''d barely turned around when Quiver and Coulta reached him, and several things happened in a single instant.


    Coulta''s sword swung down to meet Varin''s neck as Coulta bellowed, "Kusb sa iae ozk texavsut su zogu al Caolan ozk haak!"


    But the voice wasn''t Coulta''s - it was a hundred different voices screaming out their rage.


    Varin and the closest soldiers exploded in a wave of heat and ash.


    The sword dropped to the ground.


    Quiver shied away with a snort.


    And Wildas fell over backwards with the force of Coulta''s body slamming into him.


    <hr>


    Shelton had lost his horse to one of the monstrous unicorns, but the moment he saw Coulta and Quiver pass him at an unbelievable gallop, he started running.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Even more unbelievable than the horse''s speed was what he witnessed Coulta do. He knew Coulta''s mother was an Asir, someone whose powers could include the ability to be temporarily possessed by the spirits of the dead, but he hadn''t thought Coulta had any of her magic until that moment. And to have been a vessel for so many...


    There was no way a mortal body could survive that.


    Wildas had just gotten to Coulta when Shelton reached them. The marks on Coulta''s skin were visible, which Shelton didn''t think was a positive sign. He knelt down next to Wildas, trying to catch his breath enough to comfort Wildas, who was feeling for a pulse on Coulta''s neck.


    Wildas glanced at Shelton, but he didn''t look as upset as Shelton had expected. "Is this like the last time he used so much power? Will it kill him if you don''t help him?"


    "He''s alive?" Shelton asked, stunned. He reached for Coulta''s throat and Wildas moved his hand. There was a pulse there so strong it made Shelton gasp, "How?"


    "What do you mean?" Wildas demanded.


    Shelton took off his helmet and rubbed his face. "He shouldn''t have survived that. What he did... He channeled the spirits of your ancestors. They were inside him. All of them. Well, all since Caolan."


    "You mean, he was possessed?"


    "Essentially. But he''s not now or he wouldn''t be unconscious."


    "What did he ¨C they ¨C say? He doesn''t use spells."


    Shelton shook his head. "He used an ancient language, from before this country even existed. Not many people even know it now, only sorcerers who have had training in the ancient words of power, and those who can communicate with the spirits of the dead. What he said was ''Kusb sa iae ozk texavsut su zogu al Caolan ozk haak'' or, ''Death be to you and all your supporters, in the name of Caolan and his blood''. He must have used Caolan as a summons because he''s the founder of our traditions that older ancestors likely would have objected to and not wished to see continued."


    "How did it not kill him, if you think it should have?" Wildas asked quietly.


    "I don''t..." A sudden thought came to him and he picked up Coulta''s hand, searching deep within the younger sorcerer with his magic. When he found what he was looking for he actually laughed. "By the gods."


    "What?"


    "They broke the curse. The extra magic is sustaining him."


    Wildas''s hazel eyes were wide. "What does that mean?"


    "That he''s not controlled by the curse," Shelton explained. "There will be time to learn the details later. What matters is that he''s alive and that the curse being broken doesn''t change anything about who he is."


    Wildas nodded. "We should get him to the healers, if we can."


    Shelton glanced up, surprised that no one had attacked them while they knelt there, completely exposed to enemy weapons. The battle was still going on, but Varin must have given commands to leave this spot on the field, commands that couldn''t be broken by whatever control was still on his soldiers.


    "Where''s your father?" Shelton asked, looking back at Wildas. The look on the prince''s face was enough to tell him. "Where?"


    Wildas looked past him and Shelton realized just how focused he''d been on Wildas and Coulta; he''d run right past Deandre. But he ran to him now and knelt beside his crumpled form. He could barely look at that familiar face now slack in death. This was not how he wanted to remember that face.


    He closed his eyes as the grief hit him with the memory of their last kiss, but he drew a deep breath and forced himself to his feet. Mourn later, he told himself. There was too much that needed to be done.


    Wildas was standing now, watching him. Shelton had promised Deandre that he would help Wildas, and that was what he needed to do. He moved closer to where Deandre''s heir stood, but as he started to kneel, Wildas grabbed his arm.


    "Don''t," Wildas commanded. "I''m deferring to you."


    Shelton raised an eyebrow. "Why?"


    Wildas gestured to the field around them with his free hand. "Who would people rather see in charge right now, with all of this?"


    Shelton had to admit that he had a point. "All right," he agreed with a nod.


    Rohan suddenly appeared from the battle. He had a bloody cut on his left cheek and his Guard uniform was splattered with mud and blood. He''d obviously seen them talking instead of fighting and had come to find out what was happening. But his eyes found his father''s body and he stopped in his tracks.


    Wildas finally released Shelton and stepped closer to his brother, holding up a hand. "I''m deferring to Shelton."


    "What happened?" was all Rohan said.


    "Varin," Wildas answered. "Coulta barely managed to keep him from killing me."


    "Then where is the bastard''s body?"


    That was a question Shelton hadn''t had time to ask himself. He looked around and realized there were several piles of ash around them. "I think the powers Coulta used turned Varin and his closest supporters to dust."


    "What''s holding this twisted magic over his soldiers, if he''s dead?" Wildas asked. "And what is this magic, anyway?"


    "Something stronger than a curse," Shelton said thoughtfully as he started looking around the trampled grass, blood, and ash. "Evil blood magic."


    "I thought all blood magic was evil?" Rohan asked, watching him.


    "Only when it''s used for evil," Shelton answered. "There are plenty of good uses for it."


    Something reflected the sunlight from the ash, and Shelton knelt to uncover a large golden lozenge on a plain string. Varin must have worn it around his neck, but how anyone could wear something as long as a man''s hand and as wide as two fingers, made of heavy metal, was beyond him. The gold had a red tint to it and was inscribed with what he knew were necromantic runes.


    "I need one of Coulta''s blades," he said, holding up a hand. He didn''t take his eyes off the necklace, letting his mind and magic work together in search of the right words of power to counter the evil in front of him.


    He had a terrible idea of where the thing had come from, just like the poor unicorns. If he could completely destroy the necklace, he might be able to damage the source enough to buy them a few months to rebuild and prepare.


    One of the princes put the hilt of a dagger in his hand and he took a deep breath. He hadn''t needed to use any of the magic he''d stored in the stones on his armor yet, but he knew he was close to that point. He didn''t think the power he planned to use would drain him to the point of no return, but it was always possible for him to miscalculate when he''d never done something like this before. He thought about warning Wildas, but decided against it.


    He knelt over the necklace, grasping the dagger''s hilt with both hands, and pressed the tip lightly to the golden surface. "Stay back," he told Wildas and Rohan. "I''ve never tried to destroy something like this before."


    So much for not warning Wildas. The prince was smart enough to realize something could go wrong. Shelton didn''t look at him, though. Instead, he closed his eyes and drew a deep breath.


    He needed to counter the magic in the necklace by using words of power and magic that were complete opposites to what made and held the controlling magic in place ¨C and by using more power than what had been used to create the lozenge. He hoped he had more magic at his disposal than the necromancer he was indirectly dealing with.


    The words he needed became clear in his mind and he started to draw on his power, preparing it to channel down the Altmyr blade.


    "Lyms!" he said clearly. Light.


    Magic flowed through him and he felt the blade cut slightly into the gold. That was a good sign.


    "Esovu!" Life.


    The blade went slightly deeper and hit a different material. Shelton suspected it was bone, considering the magic.


    "Mazut!" Goodness.


    The blade passed through the bone and into gold again.


    "Kush s'' kush!" Death in death.


    The blade pierced the ground and the necklace broke completely apart with a horrible stench of decay and a rumbling of tainted magic. Shelton threw himself backwards as the gold melted into a pool of blood and the bone turned to ash. He dropped the dagger and shook the cramps from his hands, noticing that he had drained the magic from all but three of the stones on each gauntlet.


    The sounds of battle became the sounds of hundreds of weapons being thrown down and voices begging to be spared.


    Shelton looked up at Rohan, who was staring at the pool of blood. "Take them prisoner until we can question them. They are our people and shouldn''t be murdered if they were forced into this, which I''m sure they were. Find some help to take Coulta to the healers, and family members to stand guard over your father until he can be moved."


    "And make sure everyone knows Shelton is the one in charge for now," Wildas added.


    Rohan nodded and gave them a salute before sprinting away, yelling, "Take prisoners!"


    Shelton sat for a moment, overcome with the exhaustion of using so much magic. He looked over at Wildas, who was now sitting beside Coulta''s unconscious form. Shelton picked up the dagger and handed it over. Wildas took it and slid it back into the sheath on Coulta''s belt.


    "His sword should be over there somewhere," Wildas said, sounding almost as tired as Shelton felt.


    Shelton found the sword almost directly in front of him, and passed it over. "You should speak to the prisoners with me."


    Wildas nodded as he returned the sword to his husband''s belt. "I will."


    Yvona walked up to them, gazing sadly at Deandre''s body. She had a cut on one arm, but it didn''t appear to be bleeding badly, and she was limping slightly. "Rohan told me," she stated. "I''ll stand watch." Then she spotted Coulta. "Is he ¨C"


    "He''ll be fine, I''m sure," Shelton said, cutting her off and briefly explaining what Coulta had done.


    "I didn''t know he could do that," she commented, in obvious awe.


    "I doubt he did, either."


    More family members began to arrive to stand watch over Deandre for the time being, and Shelton forced himself to get slowly to his feet. Deandre''s attendant, his brother Tacus, stood beside Yvona, both of them taking their duty more seriously then anyone else possibly could have.


    It took several more minutes before anyone could bring a litter to carry Coulta to the castle, and it was Star who finally did so. Shelton could see the rest of the wounded being tended to. Some would surely need care before they could be moved. The castle wasn''t close to the battlefield, but it was the best place for the wounded to recover without being moved constantly, and the Hall was the biggest space available for such things.


    Wildas watched Coulta being carried away by Star and a few members of the Guard. Shelton allowed him that moment, then looked to where all of Varin''s soldiers were sitting under guard.


    "There''s more work to do," he said quietly.


    Wildas nodded. "Let''s go."

 Chapter 35

    The first of the wounded soldiers arrived at the Great Hall two hours after dawn. He wasn''t badly wounded, and had clearly run from the field, as out of breath as he was.


    But what shocked everyone in the room was what he announced as Sara guided him from the door to sit on a cot.


    "Grand King Deandre is dead."


    Several people gasped and Myri felt a hundred eyes on her and Anil, who stood beside her.


    It was Anil who managed to ask, "Wildas?"


    "Unhurt and deferring power to Second King Shelton," the man replied. "The battle was won."


    "And Coulta?" Myri questioned.


    "Also unhurt, but unconscious. They say he used a lot of magic and is going to be brought here." He ducked his head before adding, "I''m sorry, My Ladies. I shouldn''t have made you ask. I should have known better."


    "It''s all right," Myri assured him. "You haven''t had the easiest of days."


    He bowed his head again. "Thank you."


    When Coulta was carried in a short time later, Myri had him placed on a cot at the far end of the Hall, leaving the cots closer to the doors for the seriously wounded, who were starting to be brought in. She and Anil spent a moment making him comfortable; removing his sword belt and boots and stowing them under the cot.


    "Why are the marks visible?" Anil asked quietly.


    Myri shook her head. "I don''t know. I would think it would be from using so much magic, but they were still hidden the last time he drained himself."


    She reached out to brush his black hair from his face and her fingers touched his skin. The fact that she could just barely feel a fading taint of magic made her stop. She pressed her palm against his cheek and was amazed to realize that only a trace of the magic that had cursed him remained.


    "What is it?" Anil questioned.


    Myri glanced up at her and shook her head in disbelief. "His curse," she whispered. "It''s broken."


    "Does Wildas know?"


    "I don''t know, but I''m sure Shelton does and will tell him."


    Anil nodded. "This is good, isn''t it?"


    Myri managed a smile. "I think so."


    <hr>


    Wildas guessed there were around a thousand men and boys in rough green uniforms sitting under the guard of several hundred stoney-faced soldiers and Guardsmen. Regardless of how angry they were with the attack and the Grand King''s death, they still only watched the prisoners with hands on swords, without speaking. They had been ordered not to kill, and they wouldn''t unless they had to.


    The prisoners were divided into several groups across the battlefield and weren''t bound, merely sitting there voluntarily. Some held their heads in their hands, others stared off into the distance. Some were crying, but none were speaking. It was eery, seeing such a large group of people sitting in such utter silence.


    Rohan was one of the guards, and saluted Shelton and Wildas when they approached the first group. "These are all the survivors. Some are wounded."


    Shelton nodded and stepped forward. Wildas followed a step behind and watched the reactions of the prisoners. Some tried to bow from a seated position, while others just cowered like they expected swift execution.


    Shelton seemed to pick a man at random and pointed down at him. "You. Explain yourself."


    The gray-bearded man visibly shook when he saw the hand pointing at him. "I was forced to fight. This wasn''t my choice! He forced us all!"


    "How?"


    The man held up one hand, showing a barely-healed scar across his right palm. "He took my home by force ¨C Craywell. Every man was taken to the castle. He demanded fealty and I refused. So he dragged me to a huge vat on a burning fire. He held my hand over it and cut my palm so the blood fell into the vat. I have no other memory after that until I found myself fighting here. I swear!"


    Shelton looked across the group in front of him. "Is this what happened to everyone?"


    The air was filled with calls of agreement.


    After the prisoners grew quiet Shelton asked, "Did anyone swear fealty voluntarily?"


    "Some," a different man answered. "When he demanded it, he promised that those who served him willingly would become his closest advisers."


    Wildas hoped that meant they were the ones Coulta had killed with Varin.


    Shelton turned to Wildas and motioned for him to follow as he stepped away. Wildas did so until Shelton stopped far enough away for the prisoners not to hear them.


    "What do you think we should do?" Shelton asked.


    Wildas knew that Shelton was asking his opinion more to give him a lesson in decision-making than anything else. "We can''t execute them if they were forced to do this."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Shelton nodded. "I agree. But what do we do with them?"


    "Don''t we need to find stewards for the cities Varin controlled? We could allow them to go home with the stewards. I don''t think they''re a threat at all, but each steward is going to be escorted by Guardsmen as it is."


    Shelton gave him a hint of a smile. "You''re better at this than you think you are. What about for tonight?"


    Wildas considered that for a moment before answering. "We let them divide into groups based on city, and give them what provisions we can spare. Even if everyone understands that these men were controlled by Varin, there will still be problems if they are allowed into the city. Only the ones wounded badly enough to need a healer should be allowed inside. We can have healing supplies sent out for the wounded who aren''t in danger of death or illness."


    The look Shelton gave him was the same fond look the sorcerer had given him in the past; while Deandre had never been very forthcoming with praise, Shelton had always been.


    "You''re going to be a fine king."


    Wildas drew a deep breath. "I hope so."


    <hr>


    Anil was amazed by how quickly the Great Hall filled with wounded soldiers. The healers were efficient, though, and moved the patients to specific areas of the Hall based on the seriousness of their injuries. Anil found herself helping to supply water and bandages to whatever healer called for them.


    The room smelled of filth and blood and the floor was spotted with it. Some wounds went beyond the skills of the healers by the time the patient arrived, and a few bodies were tucked along the walls. Other wounds had resulted in the loss of limbs, which were resting neatly near the bodies.


    The whole scene was beginning to make her ill.


    Everything came to a sudden stand-still when a group of men in green uniforms dragged each other through the door. Anil knew that none of Ryal''s defenders wore green, and she immediately understood why several people were loudly objecting.


    Then Prince-General Rohan eased past the new arrivals. He looked tired and was more ragged than usual. He had a scabbed cut on his cheek and his filthy red uniform was ripped in places. With one hand on his sword hilt he stood just inside the Hall and addressed them, "You will tend to these wounded men. This is a direct command from Second King Shelton and Crown Prince Wildas. If you refuse it will be their judgment you will face, not mine. These men are citizens of Phelin as much as you are, and were forced to serve Varin against their will through the use of powerful controlling magic. Any soldier here who defended Ryal saw how these men fought, and knows these men were not in command of their own minds or bodies."


    "He''s right!" a Guardsman from a nearby cot called out. Despite a heavily bandaged arm, he sat up on his cot and added, "Those men had the look of something possessed. If they were wounded they continued to fight without faltering, unless they were cut through the heart or their heads removed. That could only be the work of evil magic."


    Several other men added their own agreements to their comrade''s statement.


    Rohan nodded to them. "As I said, we all know these men were under a control not their own."


    "They will be tended to," the healer in charge declared, stepping forward. "All of them. They will be treated with kindness and respect."


    "Thank you."


    They''d barely gotten the new arrivals sorted to cots when a boy Anil recognized as one from the stables entered the Great Hall and came right up to her.


    "My Lady, some of the soldiers are killing horses that aren''t even badly wounded," he told her, out of breath. "We need you to help us. Especially in saving your husband''s stallion, Quiver. The soldiers were warned by the Crown Prince not to kill him, but we can''t catch him. If we can''t, the soldiers will eventually kill him anyway, because he''ll get himself injured running from us."


    Anil didn''t even consider staying with the healers while horses were being killed. She went to Myri, who was bandaging a soldier''s leg, and told her, "I''m going to help with the horses."


    Myri nodded. "One less set of hands won''t matter right now, unless you were a trained healer."


    "If I was, I''d stay."


    "I know. Go help where you can. Those horses are important to their riders."


    Anil had known immediately what to do for Quiver. Picking up a clean cloth, she went to Coulta and knelt beside him. She gently ran the cloth over Coulta''s face and neck, trying to pick up as much of his personal scent as she could.


    Much to her surprise, his eyes fluttered open. There was no pain in those black-and-silver eyes, only a confusion that vanished as his lids became heavy again. She leaned close enough to kiss his forehead.


    "Wildas is safe," she murmured. "We all are. Rest for now."


    She didn''t know if he heard her, but he was asleep again when she leaned away.


    Knowing a battle had raged outside the city and seeing the wounded soldiers had not prepared her for what she saw when she left the city gates. The usual green field was littered with discarded weapons and armor, blood, and the bodies of the dead. Guardsmen were moving among the dead, attempting to identify each soldier, she guessed. One of the Guardsmen did have a parchment and quill. She watched as another man held out a bottle for him to dip the quill in before he wrote something and they moved on.


    At the far edge of the field she saw several people standing around what she thought must be a body, though it was hard to see. She knew it had to be the dead king, that they were too busy trying to settle the conflict for arrangements yet to be made for his body. It seemed perfectly symbolic to have him watched over by people who had been close to him in life.


    Scattered throughout the field were what looked like small camps being built by soldiers in green. Varin''s soldiers. They must be awaiting some sort of judgment. But among those camps and the dead were horses. Some were laying dead or close to it, while others were wounded but not too badly to run.


    The horses were upset by the blood, despite their training. None of these horses had seen battle before, and training could only desensitize an animal so much. The rest was learned through experience.


    She held her simple green dress above the trampled ground as she looked for Quiver. He was her first priority before she even considered taking care of the other horses.


    She finally found him, standing with his ears pinned, reins trailing on the ground, muscles ready to run. He was staring at the three soldiers who were grumbling amongst themselves. Two of them held bows and one had an arrow already on the string, though he held the bow down.


    "We can''t catch it," he was arguing. "It''s useless, then. I say we just kill it. That leg is bleeding anyway. No one will know we killed it."


    Another man nodded. "I suppose you''re right. Just shoot him. Prince-General Rohan won''t know."


    Anil marched up to them, the cloth she''d used on Coulta bunched up in one hand. "He most certainly will know!" she warned loudly.


    They all turned and the archer lowered his bow again. All three men gaped at her.


    "If you shoot that horse, you might as well shoot me, and I doubt you will." She paid them no more heed as she moved past them and slowly approached Quiver. The black stallion snorted and stepped back.


    "I know," she said in a soothing voice. "You''re confused." She unbunched the cloth and held it out to him. "You''re all right," she continued to soothe, not moving. Eventually, the stallion got a whiff of the scent on the cloth and one ear flicked forward.


    "Good boy," she murmured.


    "I wouldn''t get closer to him," one of the men warned. "My Lady, he''s unpredictable."


    Anil ignored the man and kept her focus on the stallion. If she didn''t, she''d make a rude comment she''d regret later.


    It took several long minutes, but she was eventually able to touch the stallion''s neck. He flinched, but didn''t respond otherwise. So, gripping the reins, she began to lead him back to the stables.

 Chapter 36

    Coulta awoke from another dream about watching Teeya die and was stunned to realize he couldn''t move. He was in no pain, but he felt so drained of energy that he could barely move his fingers without effort.


    What had happened to him? Everything was dark, but he could feel soft sheets against his bare skin. So he was in bed, but if it was his own, Wildas''s, or any other he didn''t know.


    "Coulta?"


    The bed shifted as Wildas moved close to him, and Coulta wasn''t sure why he was so relieved to know that Wildas was there. He managed to turn his head, but his throat was rough when he tried to speak.


    "Don''t push yourself," Wildas told him gently as he grasped Coulta''s hand. "Do you remember what happened?"


    Coulta wasn''t sure if it had been a dream or reality, so he responded by asking in a croak, "Battle?"


    He just barely made out Wildas''s nod in the dark. "Varin led an army of magically-controlled soldiers against us. You stopped him just before he killed me."


    Coulta cleared his throat. "How?"


    "Shelton claims you called upon my ancestors to seek vengeance. He''ll be able to explain it better than I can, I know, but the spirits used you to kill Varin."


    That entire idea seemed strange to Coulta, but he knew he could ask Shelton for a better explanation. "Is that why I feel so exhausted?"


    Wildas nodded again. "Shelton thinks it will take you several days to gain back your strength. Do you need anything now? Myri left you some water and some herbs if you want tea. She thought you''d wake up at some point and I offered to stay with you so she could take a break from healing."


    "Just water," Coulta answered. "Thank you."


    Wildas kissed his cheek, then slipped out of bed. He helped Coulta sit up, then held the cup of water to his lips. Coulta was annoyed by his weakness but didn''t complain. He also accepted Wildas''s help using the chamber pot without arguing when he realized he wouldn''t be able to walk to the privy.


    Once they were settled comfortably in bed again, Wildas said, "There are two important things I need to tell you." He cleared his throat before saying quietly, "Varin killed my father."


    Coulta was stunned. "What?" he gasped. Even given the situation, he hadn''t expected the Grand King to die.


    He cleared his throat again. "Varin killed him, before he turned on me."


    "What does that mean?"


    This time Wildas drew a deep breath. "It means I have to become the Grand King much sooner than I wanted to. You''re obviously my Second King, and Anil and Myri are our Queens. Tomorrow, just after dawn, we have the ritual pyre for my father, where I''ll announce that Shelton is ruling in my place until you are strong enough for the coronation ceremony. It wouldn''t be right to do it without you in better health, and everyone will understand that you used so much magic that it exhausted you completely. But you''ll need to listen to Myri because it wouldn''t be appropriate for Shelton to stay in power for more than a month."


    Coulta nodded, still feeling overwhelmed. "I will. What else did you need to tell me?"


    Wildas was quiet for a moment, then whispered, "When my ancestors'' spirits used your body, they broke the curse."


    That was a bigger shock than hearing that Deandre was dead. For a moment he could hardly breathe.


    "Shelton didn''t tell me what it means," Wildas added warily.


    "Asema told me," Coulta told him, trying to recall the conversation with Shelton''s friend. "She said if the curse ever broke it would be because of something that would have killed both of us. She also said that the soul-link between us wouldn''t end, that it was something my mother did in response to the curse, but really isn''t tied to it. And the magic that sustained the curse would become a second force of magic I could use, and that it almost has no limits."


    "That''s incredible," Wildas murmured. "Will that make you more powerful than Shelton?"


    Coulta nodded. "So she claimed."


    "And you''re certain the link between us is still there?"


    The hesitancy in his husband''s voice cut through Coulta''s heart. And, while it was true that his nightmare that night had woken him before Wildas''s comforting presence had appeared, he still knew, deep in his heart what the answer was. "Yes, and if I could move I would prove it. Do you not think it is?"


    Wildas moved closer and pressed his face to Coulta''s cheek. "I just worried that you didn''t."


    It was so frustrating, not being able to put his arms around the person he loved most, so he slowly forced his arm to move until he was touching Wildas''s shoulder. It took all the remaining strength he had to turn his head and kiss Wildas firmly.


    Wildas returned the kiss, then caressed Coulta''s hair as he murmured, "Get some more rest. I''ll be right here if you need anything."


    "Thank you," Coulta whispered.


    "I love you," Wildas said as he kissed Coulta''s forehead.


    <hr>


    Wildas left Coulta when Myri woke him at dawn. Coulta hadn''t woken again during the night and was still sleeping when Wildas went to prepare for his meeting with the court before the procession to his father''s funeral pyre. He felt like Coulta as he dressed in the black silk clothes that had been set out for him. Even Shelton was wearing a black robe when he entered the room, though there was a small violet dragon over his left breast, the mark of the court sorcerer. Wildas also noticed that he looked exhausted, and he wondered if Shelton had slept at all.


    "I suggested the meeting take place in your office," Shelton told him. "How''s Coulta?"


    Wildas finished with the ties on his shirt as he answered, "Still sleeping, as far as I know. He woke sometime in the night, though. I told him what he needed to know."If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Including the curse?"


    Wildas nodded. "How are you doing?"


    Shelton forced a small smile. "Managing."


    Wildas wished he could do something to help, but he couldn''t even think of the proper words to say. So he simply took a deep breath and motioned to the door. "Let''s have this over with."


    Prince-General Ruairi was complaining as they stepped into the office, "We should be on our way to the pyre, not having some meeting. The war''s over. We need to have the funeral and the coronation before the day is over."


    "There will be no coronation today," Wildas declared.


    Ruairi had been sitting with his back to the door, and spun around at the sound of Wildas''s voice. He wore a clean uniform with a black armband, as all of the soldiers and Guardsmen were for the time being. "Why not?" he demanded.


    "Until Coulta has recovered from the battle enough to go through with the ceremony, Shelton is in my place as ruler."


    "We were told he wasn''t injured," Ruairi countered.


    "He wasn''t," Shelton replied. "He used more magic than he should have been able to, however. It will take him several days to recover to the point where the ceremony will be possible."


    "How did he use more power than you?"


    Wildas glanced at Shelton, who looked rather annoyed. "Coulta had received no formal training in the use of his magic before arriving here. I have been working with him, but he is not well-trained enough to truly control the magic he wields or to understand his limits. That comes with years of training, not a month."


    Ruairi didn''t look satisfied with that, but didn''t continue to argue.


    Only Shelton and Wildas were required by tradition to attend Deandre''s funeral pyre, but Yvona, Rohan, and almost all of Wildas''s other siblings went with them, as well as fifty Guardsmen. Both Anil and Myri were working with the healers, replacing those who had continued working overnight, and of course Coulta wouldn''t be out of bed for days yet.


    Wildas rode directly beside Shelton ¨C both of them on borrowed horses ¨C through the city and out onto the battlefield that was still littered with debris. People watched them move through the city, then followed the procession in silence.


    The pyre was already set up high on the cliff just a short distance from the outer city wall. Deandre''s body had already been placed on the logs and had been watched over through the night by Guardsmen. A small crowd had gathered for the funeral, but Wildas was surprised to see that most of them wore green uniforms. They weren''t the rough green of Varin''s army, but the crisp green of soldiers from Algoma.


    It wasn''t surprising that the soldiers at the watchtower across the river knew what had happened the day before. The one hundred soldiers stationed there would have crossed at the ford slightly upriver immediately if the signal flag had been raised requesting aid. What did surprise Wildas was when he and Shelton dismounted and the captain of the Algoman soldiers stepped forward.


    He bowed, then said in a slight accent, "Queen Cyra sends her regards and sympathies. If Algoma can help in the rebuilding process in any way, all Phelin needs to do is ask."


    So the soldiers had some sort of magic message system, it seemed.


    "Thank you," Shelton told the captain.


    Wildas echoed the thanks and added, "The offer is much appreciated."


    The captain bowed again and stepped back into the ranks of his soldiers.


    The pyre was lit and Wildas stood with Shelton, silently watching it burn. The citizens from the city tossed small gifts and paper prayers on the fire to show their respect, and even the Algoman soldiers did so before returning to their side of the river.


    As he watched the fire burn, Wildas found himself thinking of his memories of his father. It was hard for Wildas to remember any time when Deandre had treated him the way Shelton and his mothers had; as something more than the heir to the throne.


    But those few memories did come to him then, bringing with them a wave of sadness. Deandre helping him onto a full-size horse for the first time, giving Wildas his first sword, taking Wildas hunting... And the almost forgotten conversation when Deandre had pulled him aside at Wildas''s wedding banquet: I know you assume I''m only happy because you finally married, but I truly am happy that you found what you wanted.


    Wildas hadn''t believed his father then, and he wished he had. How much of his memory of his father was only him thinking he hadn''t been treated with respect and affection? What if Deandre had showed that he cared, but Wildas hadn''t wanted to acknowledge it?


    He fought the lump in his throat as he caught himself regretting his choice never to speak to his father about how he felt. Perhaps they could have had a better relationship if he had.


    He mentally shook himself. It was useless to think such things now. Nothing could be changed. He glanced at Shelton and saw that the sorcerer was putting obvious effort into not showing emotion. Wildas''s heart broke for him. No matter what his own relationship with his father had been, he knew there had been love among all of his parents.


    If Coulta had died, he''d be unable to function. Shelton''s ability to lead in such a time was amazing, but he wanted to have the coronation as soon as possible so Shelton could have the chance to mourn like he surely wanted to; in private.


    <hr>


    Anil had spent most of the afternoon at the stables tending to the injured horses. All the horses that would not recover from their injuries had been quickly killed. The rest were not in serious condition, though some required their wounds to be sewn up, then checked regularly to be certain the stitches hadn''t been rubbed out. Horses were good at such things, and she was convinced they did it to make their masters work more.


    It was dark by the time she returned to the castle and found something in the kitchens for dinner. The servants there were even more flustered than usual when she asked just for something she could easily eat as she walked to her room. The way their rooms were arranged, she had to enter through either of her husbands'' offices, then their bedchambers until she got to her door, which was in Wildas''s chamber.


    She was startled when she found Wildas in his chamber, staring at nothing in particular by the light of a single lamp. It was rather eery, and she moved close to him.


    "Are you well?" she asked gently. "I thought you''d be with Coulta."


    Wildas rubbed his rough face. "Shelton is trying to help him with his new magic. I thought I''d sit over here where I''m out of the way."


    "Would you like company?"


    "If you''d like," he replied.


    He was sitting on the sofa, which left enough space for her to sit beside him. She hesitated, then gently took his hand. He surprised her by grasping her hand firmly.


    "Coulta''s doing well?" she asked.


    Wildas nodded. "He''s still far too weak to even sit up without help, but he''ll recover. The ending of the curse changed his magic quite a bit, though. Apparently he''s more powerful than Shelton. Or he will be, once he recovers."


    "How is that possible?" she asked, amazed.


    "The magic that comes from a broken curse has nearly no limit," he answered. "That''s what I was told. But he can''t hide the marks on his skin anymore, and Shelton doesn''t know why. If it''s something he can''t control now, we''ll need to think of an explanation for them."


    Anil squeezed his hand. "It''ll all work out," she assured him. "If it is permanent, Shelton will think of something believable."


    Wildas just nodded, but she could tell he wasn''t convinced.


    "None of this is easy for you, is it?" she asked quietly.


    He made a sound that might have been a forced laugh. "I''m not ready for this."


    She squeezed his hand. "Of course you are. You have Shelton to help you, and we''re all here with you, too. You''re not going through anything alone."


    His hand squeezed hers and he nodded, though his other hand moved to wipe his eyes. She barely thought as she reached up and pulled his head down against hers, letting her fingers comb through his chestnut hair. He put his arm around her and pressed his face to her hair.


    They stayed like that for a long time, until Myri entered the room from Coulta''s.


    "Thank you," Wildas murmured as he let Anil go.


    She smiled softly and squeezed his hand one more time. "Of course."


    "Do you need anything?" Myri asked, giving Wildas a concerned look. "I know you''re having a difficult time. I could make you something to help you sleep."


    "I''m all right," he assured them as he stood. "I''m just going to stay with Coulta in case he needs anything."


    Myri looked at Anil. "I think Coulta''s bed will fit all of us. It just might be a little cozy."


    "I think so, too," Anil said in agreement. "Just let me change."


    "You both don''t need to stay with us," Wildas said, looking tired.


    "But we want to," Myri argued. "You need support and comfort right now, and it''s our responsibility to give that to you. Even if it''s just by sleeping beside you."


    Wildas sighed, but finally nodded. "Thank you."

 Chapter 37

    As the days passed, Coulta felt his strength building. He could get out of bed for short periods, usually just to bathe with the help of one of his wives or Ralix, who didn''t seem to mind. The attendant had come through the battle with a few minor scrapes from falling off his horse, and had apparently won the respect of most of the soldiers who used to scoff at him for wanting to fight when he killed multiple enemy soldiers in hand-to-hand combat.


    Wildas and Shelton were constantly busy during the day, but Shelton always made time to work with Coulta and his new powers before retiring for the night, and Wildas always spent the night with him, though chastely. For the first few nights Coulta had been far too exhausted to even think about sex, until Wildas started slipping into bed already smelling like it. Coulta tried not to let it get to him, but it just made him want to recover even faster.


    Finally, on his sixth night of bed rest, Wildas kissed him and murmured, "Myri says it''s all right as long as we''re careful."


    Coulta wasn''t about to argue.


    And, even though they heeded Myri''s warning, it was still the most incredible of all their nights together. At first, Coulta assumed it was only due to his happiness at knowing Wildas was alive and well after what they''d gone through.


    Then, after a long moment in which they both tried to catch their breath, Wildas asked, "What was that?"


    Coulta looked at Wildas as he lifted his head and was stunned to see, in the light of the single night candle, a thin black line that was disturbingly familiar tracing its way from Wildas''s right ear to his collarbone.


    "I think it was a power share," he whispered, lightly tracing the line with his fingertips.


    "But I''m not a sorcerer," Wildas pointed out, sounding obviously confused.


    "It''s the curse magic," Coulta tried to explain. "You should go see Shelton in the morning."


    Wildas nodded. "But if power shares are always like that, I won''t complain."


    Coulta couldn''t help smiling. "Me neither."


    <hr>


    With the immediate threat of war over, and a coronation date yet to be set, the morning meetings of the court were no longer taking place on a daily basis, only every other day so that every member of the court knew what was being done to rebuild the country. Wildas was glad the next morning was not one with a meeting so he could speak to Shelton without worrying about his uncles.


    Shelton was sitting at the desk in his office, holding the violet pendant of his necklace. His eyes were closed and Wildas knew he was speaking to someone outside the city. Wildas had a feeling it was one of his relatives who had been sent to one of the cities Varin had controlled to sort out whatever mess had been left. Shelton somehow knew he was there, though he didn''t open his eyes, just pointed to a chair beside the dead hearth.


    As Wildas sat and waited, he considered the fact that he felt no different than he had before this supposed power share had happened. The mark was still on his neck, though, and he sat rubbing it, even though it didn''t hurt or even itch. He''d seen it in Coulta''s mirror and Myri had taken special notice of it. It was like a thin vine that twisted from the very bottom of his ear to his collarbone, very similar to the marks that covered Coulta''s body. What it actually meant, he had no idea.


    Eventually, Shelton let go of his necklace and rubbed his face with both hands. "What do you need?" he asked as he removed his hands and looked at Wildas.


    Wildas took his hand from his neck to point at it. "An explanation would be helpful."


    Shelton raised an eyebrow. "I wasn''t expecting him to be strong enough to make love to you yet."


    Wildas cleared his throat awkwardly. "We made it work."


    It was good to hear Shelton chuckle as he got up from his desk. "Obviously." He walked over to Wildas and examined the mark.


    "Why is it there?"


    "Because the magic wanted it to be," Shelton answered. "Curse magic doesn''t follow many of the normal rules. You are his soul-partner, but I''m not sure that''s the reason. Many times, when sorcerers or sorceresses acquire powers their magic becomes tinted with whatever color magic they took on from the one who gave it. Sometimes, with very large power shares, their eye color may even change for a time. I think this might be a similar situation. Was he touching or kissing you here?"


    Feeling utterly awkward Wildas admitted, "I''m not sure, but I don''t think so. I don''t truly remember what happened."


    Shelton smiled and sat down. "Of course you don''t. Power shares tend to be incredibly... intense. Not remembering the details ensures that the power will be used, not passed back and forth for pleasure purposes. That''s also the reason why most sorcerers can''t share power every day."


    "Is this something you know from experience?" Wildas asked innocently.


    "I did have a different life before I came here," Shelton answered with a shrug. "I''ve helped friends before. As I was saying, though. It''s possibly different with Coulta, and I suggest you find out. It would be best if you weren''t the only one of your spouses with such an obvious mark when it comes time for the coronation. After that, I''ll help all of you learn to use it."


    "Is he still ¨C"


    "Yes. That was one of the first changes I looked for. He still lacks the life-giving force completely. All the spirits did was break the curse."


    Wildas nodded, slightly relieved that Coulta wouldn''t need to drink a daily tea just to make sure only Wildas fathered their children. He assumed it wasn''t much of an inconvenience, but it was still a requirement unique to marrying the Crown Prince. "Will the mark go away if I use the magic?"Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "It might," Shelton answered. "And it might get larger if you take on more magic."


    "And why am I getting this magic if I have none of my own?"


    "As I said, curse magic doesn''t follow the normal rules of magic. It can pass on to any lover, without the sorcerer having any control over it at all. Normally, sorcerers can decide who they share powers with, but this isn''t true of those with curse magic. The magic can''t be controlled when it comes to power shares, though that''s the only difference, aside from it being a nearly limitless source of power in the sense that it replenishes itself far faster than the usual magic."


    "Then why is it taking him so long to get his strength back now?" Wildas asked, confused.


    Shelton sighed and leaned back in his chair. "As far as I can tell, the curse must have been broken after he had used all of his usual magic and reached the point of no return, which is when the sorcerer is guaranteed to die from it, unless another sorcerer can lend strength, as I did the night after the attack by the archers. The curse would have broken in the moment he would have died."


    The thought of how close he had come to losing Coulta filled Wildas with horror. He pushed that away as best he could. "And do you think the spirits broke it intentionally?"


    "I don''t know if they did, or if it was their presence at the time of the drain on his magic that caused it. I am sure it wouldn''t have happened without them, though."


    Wildas nodded. "I''m thankful for them."


    "I am, as well."


    <hr>


    Myri had been surprised by the strange mark on Wildas''s neck, even after they explained that it was supposedly a power share. As far as she knew, power shares weren''t possible unless both people involved already had magic, and she knew Wildas had none. And the explanation Wildas relayed from Shelton that night while Shelton worked with Coulta made her even more surprised.


    "He wants all of us to take on this magic that even he can''t explain?" she questioned.


    Wildas gave her a tired look. "I trust Shelton."


    She felt suddenly ashamed of herself for questioning the only father Wildas had left in his life now. "I''m sorry," she murmured. "I''ve had so many long days healing the wounded since the battle that it''s starting to get to me."


    "You''ve had long days?" he replied with a sarcastic laugh, stunning her.


    "Let''s not fight," Anil interrupted before Myri could think of anything to say. "We''ve all had long days for our own reasons."


    Wildas sighed and rubbed his face. "You''re right, Anil. I''m sorry, Myri."


    She moved so she was sitting beside him on the bed and hugged him. "Would you like it if one of us was with you tonight?" she offered.


    "At the moment I''m mostly concerned with getting a tea for my headache," he replied tiredly.


    Myri gripped his hand tightly before going to her own room for her herbs. She could do with some tea herself.


    <hr>


    Anil had only been with Coulta once before, on their wedding night, and she felt much more comfortable with him the second time. Being with Wildas so many times had made her less awkward about intimacy. What she wasn''t prepared for, however, was just how incredible it got, how she felt almost as if she would go insane with the pure intensity of it.


    "Wildas didn''t warn you about that?" Coulta asked with a breathless chuckle when she commented on it.


    She shook her head. "I suppose he thought to surprise me."


    He smiled, then his expression turned thoughtful as he touched her chest. She watched as he traced the black mark that started below her left breast and looped around and above it. It came up the inside of her breast, and wasn''t quite in the center of her chest.


    "Why there?" she wondered.


    "I''m not sure," Coulta replied, "but I think it''s meant to be over your heart."


    She took a better look and had to admit that he was right, it was definitely over her heart, from what little she knew of the human body. "And Shelton wants to wait until after the coronation to find out what we can do?"


    He nodded and took his hand back. "If the magic forces you to use it without meaning to, we''ll have to do this again. Or try to. Shelton thinks the marks will likely go away if you deplete the magic."


    She gave him what she hoped was a teasing smile. "It would be so terrible if we had to do this again."


    Coulta grinned and pulled her close. "It would be awful."


    It was amazing to see the change in him from the serious, almost stern man she''d traveled with from Windwick, to the friend she had now who had found a sense of humor somewhere along the way, probably with the help of Wildas. Anil smiled as she nestled against him, resting her head on his shoulder.


    "I wish I didn''t need an excuse to spend a night with you," she confessed, tracing the black lines on his chest.


    "You don''t," he replied, sounding slightly confused. "I''d be happy to have you here. Myri, too. Wildas and I are soul-partners but that doesn''t mean I don''t need you, too. You''re a wonderful person."


    She felt herself blushing. "So are you."


    He didn''t say anything for a long time, just lay there caressing her shoulder. Then, just as she was starting to drift off, he murmured, "Thank you."


    All Anil was conscious enough to do was kiss his chest where her head lay.


    <hr>


    Wildas wasn''t surprised to see where Anil''s mark was. After all, he had called her kindhearted himself. Nor was he surprised when he saw Myri''s mark the day after Anil''s; hers started between her right middle and ring fingers, crossed the back of her hand, then passed below her thumb to wrap almost completely around her wrist. It could easily be a healer''s mark.


    There was a banquet that afternoon, in honor of the god Tysy, who would ensure that no drought or famine would plague Phelin during the hot summer days to come. Wildas was not looking forward to having the celebration without his father, but it would not be a good start to his reign if he skipped the holiday and anything unfortunate happened that summer.


    At the encouragement of Shelton, Coulta remained in their rooms and Wildas, Anil, and Myri covered their marks as best they could. That was easy enough for Anil, who only needed a dress with a higher neckline, but Wildas and Myri found it difficult. Wildas had to wear a higher collar, with his hair loose about his shoulders. Myri had to wear silk gloves, which were supposedly out of style for that time of the year.


    The banquet was held in the Great Hall, where tables had been arranged to seat the noble guests from the city. Once again, Varin''s actions were seen in the lack of guests from outside the city. The surrounding lands were too busy being rebuilt by the stewards for those nobles to pay a visit as they normally would have. On a happier note, Wildas thought, Varin had mercifully not pillaged the farms outside Ryal, so there was no shortage of food for the meal.


    Normally, the holiday would be joyous, with music and feasting and dancing into the night. This year, because of the death of the late Grand King, there would be no dancing and music would be quiet. Colors wouldn''t be vibrant, either, only dull and mournful. At the raised table in the back of the Hall, the usual seating arrangement would be rearranged so that the Grand King''s chair sat draped in black cloth, Shelton to its left and Wildas to the right. Yvona sat beside Shelton, and Anil was beside Wildas, with Myri on her other side.


    When they entered the Hall, Wildas caught the muttered questions about Coulta''s absence and if there would ever be a coronation at all. Reaching the head table, Wildas stood behind his chair and announced, "My husband has still not quite regained his strength enough for long social events such as this. However, his healer judges he will be fit for the coronation in four days'' time."


    They had planned to make the announcement later that evening, and when he glanced at Shelton as they took their seats he saw the sorcerer eying him with curiosity.


    "You didn''t hear their questions?" he asked quietly over the empty chair between them.


    Shelton looked even more curious. "No, but I suppose I now know at least one of the powers you''ve acquired. Try not to listen too hard."


    "I wasn''t trying to listen," he hissed.


    "I know. We''ll learn about this another time, though."


    Wildas reluctantly turned back to the meal that was about to be served, and saw both his wives giving him concerned looks. He discretely pointed to his neck and quietly explained, "I have much better hearing now, apparently."


    "I hope we all were given useful powers," Myri commented.

 Chapter 38

    It was late by the time Coulta''s spouses returned from the banquet. Exhausted, they all went to their own beds except for Wildas, who slipped into bed with Coulta and almost immediately fell asleep. Coulta was only vaguely aware of this, being mostly asleep himself, but he unconsciously moved closer to his husband.


    Sometime later, just before dawn, he awoke from a nightmare in which he watched Teeya slowly starve to death while she screamed at him for abandoning her until she was too weak to do anything but glare. He was powerless to help, unable to pick the lock on her cell for which he could find no key, and discovering that his magic was somehow useless.


    Careful not to wake Wildas, he slipped silently from bed and walked to the window. It was open to let in the cool, early summer air, and he leaned against the sill to watch the sky begin to lighten. There was no smoke in the stars tonight; Varin was dead.


    Varin is dead.


    "What''s wrong?" Wildas asked, stepping up behind Coulta and slipping his arms around him.


    Coulta turned to face him. "I need to go to Arren."


    Wildas let him go, a puzzled look on his face. "Why?"


    "I need to know what happened to Teeya."


    "I could ask my cousin," Wildas offered. "He reported that most of the staff remained to serve him even when he told them they were all free to leave if they wished to."


    "Where else would they go?" Coulta scoffed, stepping away. "None of them knew any other life. He had complete control over them."


    "I''m only trying to help," Wildas said calmly.


    Coulta took a deep breath and nodded. "I know," he whispered, turning back to Wildas. "But I need to see her. If she''s alive, I need to assure her that I never meant to abandon her after all she had done for me." The thought of finding her dead filled him with so much anguish that he didn''t even want to speak of the possibility.


    "I''m sure she''ll understand." Wildas moved close and put his arms around Coulta again. "Just wait two days after the coronation, so you don''t look like you''re running from court. Rohan and some Guardsmen will have to go with you. And, if she agrees, bring her back here. You said she''s a seamstress? We''re always in need of more of them here."


    Coulta fought the lump in his throat as he nodded. "Thank you."


    Wildas kissed him lightly. "Back to bed. There''s still a few hours left to sleep, and I plan to use them. I wasn''t expecting that banquet to last so long."


    Coulta returned the kiss, then followed his husband back to bed.


    Coulta woke the morning of the coronation to find Myri standing over him with a handful of herb leaves.


    "Now," she threatened, "you can get up and take these herbs in your tea, or I can force them down your throat. Either way, you''re not leaving this room without consuming them. It would reflect poorly on me if you collapsed today."


    He groaned and sat up, rubbing at his face and marveling at the fact that he still hadn''t grown a single hair of stubble since he''d shaved the day before the battle. The marks on his skin really wanted to be seen, apparently. "Tea is preferable," he relented.


    Less than an hour later they were all dressed in finer clothes than they had worn even for their wedding, all silk, velvet, and lace. Coulta felt somewhat uncomfortable, despite the fact that his outfit was, thankfully, black and shimmering silver. The silk cloak he had to wear was too much for the already humid weather, and Anil had ordered him to keep his hair down, making it even hotter ¨C and they hadn''t even left their rooms yet. For the first time he wondered if he would eventually faint like everyone seemed to fear he would.


    He was also without a single weapon, which added to his discomfort.


    Wildas was dressed very handsomely in an outfit of deep blue silk, with more intricacies than Coulta''s outfit. His chestnut hair was pulled back to show the mark on his neck. Anil and Myri were dressed in similar gowns of a lighter shade of blue, trimmed in lace. Anil''s dress had a slightly lower neckline to show some of the mark on her chest, and she wore lace gloves. Myri wore no gloves to show off the mark on her hand. They both glittered with gems and even had strings of pearls in their hair.


    Shelton and Yvona joined them in Wildas''s room as soon as they were all prepared. Shelton wore his decorative violet sorcerer''s robe once again, while Yvona wore an elegant blue gown very similar to what Anil and Myri wore. And, for the second time Coulta had seen, they both wore their jewel-studded crowns. Shelton also carried a highly polished wooden box.


    Yvona stepped up to Anil, removed a glittering diamond necklace, and fastened it around the younger woman''s neck. "You look beautiful," she said quietly, and Anil hugged her.


    She then moved to where Myri stood, and gave her a glittering gold bracelet from her wrist. "And you do, as well," she said as they hugged.


    Coulta turned his attention to Shelton as the sorcerer approached him. He removed a simple gold necklace from around his neck and fastened it around Coulta''s. On the chain was a violet stone, and Coulta could feel the magic in it.


    "A small gift of magic," Shelton explained. "Not that you''re likely to ever need it."


    "Thank you," Coulta said with a nod.


    Shelton returned to where he had set the box, and removed something from it. He walked up to Wildas and lifted the heir''s right hand. Coulta had the feeling he was witnessing a symbolic ritual as he watched Shelton place a ring on Wildas''s hand, where Wildas had been wearing his heir''s ring until that morning when he had removed it and stored it away.


    "This was your father''s," Shelton explained. "And his father''s. And his father''s. Back to Caolan. Now it is yours. Wear it well and in their memory."


    Wildas only nodded.


    They rode out of the castle gates a few minutes later in a royal procession that included many of the slightly more distant relatives Coulta had only recently learned the names of. At the head of the procession was a riderless warhorse carrying only Shelton''s wooden box tied to its saddle, and being led on foot by two members of the Guard who had been promoted for their actions during the battle. Rohan had explained how difficult it had been to choose who would lead the steed. It was one of the greatest services a Guardsman could perform, and it was an honor to be chosen.This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Behind the riderless horse rode Brother Pelles, then Shelton and Yvona. Yvona carried a box similar to the one ahead of them, but much smaller. Then came Wildas and Coulta ¨C who had been relieved to see Quiver alive and well ¨C followed by Anil and Myri, then Deandre''s other children, then his siblings and their children, along with standard bearers for every household within the royal family.


    Guardsmen lined the streets to keep the crowd in line, but Rohan rode among the procession. Everywhere people called out Wildas''s name, along with Deandre''s. But Coulta felt like everyone was looking at him, and he felt uncomfortably exposed. He missed his ability to hide the marks on his skin. Apparently his spouses'' marks weren''t being noticed quite yet.


    There was already a crowd gathered at the platform where the ceremony would take place by the time they got there. It was made of stone and set atop a cliff outside the city.


    It was also where the royal dead were burned when their lives ended. It hadn''t rained since the day of the battle, and the wind had hardly stirred since then either. Despite the fact that Wildas and Shelton had been the ones to sweep the last of the funeral pyre off the cliff, Coulta was all too aware of the fact that he was among at least some of the ashes of the late Grand King when he took his place kneeling on the platform. He could see the importance of uniting the new Grand King with the old, but it was still discomforting to know that a body had been burned ceremoniously where he was kneeling.


    "This day," Shelton began, standing in front of where Coulta knelt with his spouses, and looking out at the crowd, "you will witness the crowning of your new leaders."


    The crowd cheered.


    "These four," he went on when the crowd quieted, "have been blessed by the gods themselves."


    "They have!" Brother Pelles called out in agreement from his place on the platform.


    "They will rule justly!" Shelton went on over the crowd. "Their authority is not questionable!"


    When the noise died down, he moved aside so that Yvona could be seen as she walked up behind Myri, placing her hands on the kneeling woman''s shoulders. "Lady Myri of Windwick, do you take the title of Queen?"


    Myri lifted her head. "I do."


    "Then wear this crown and become Queen Myri of Ryal," Yvona declared as she removed her crown and placed it on Myri''s head.


    Myri rose and Yvona knelt in her place. "I am Queen Myri of Ryal," she said with conviction, gazing out over the crowd.


    When the cheers quieted, Yvona rose and picked up the smaller box she had been carrying. She removed a crown from it and took her place behind Anil. "Lady Anil of Windwick, do you take the title of Queen?"


    Anil looked up. "Yes, I do."


    "Then wear this crown and become Queen Anil of Ryal."


    Yvona placed the crown on Anil, who rose and declared with emotion, "I am Queen Anil of Ryal."


    Cheers filled the air as Yvona knelt in Anil''s place, and Shelton waited for the crowd to grow quiet again before walking up behind Coulta. Coulta felt his growing anticipation peak when the sorcerer, his mentor, put his hands on his shoulders.


    "Sir Coulta of Arren," Shelton said, sounding almost proud, "do you take the title of Second King?"


    Coulta lifted his gaze to the crowd before him, watching in total silence. The only sounds to be heard came from shifting horses and standards moving in the slight breeze.


    "I do."


    "Then wear this crown and become Second King Coulta of Ryal."


    The crown was surprising light and fit him perfectly. He rose to his feet and, even though he had prepared for this, he still felt a strange sense of wonder at the idea that the crowd was yelling and cheering for him. Myri and Anil smiled at him.


    "I am Second King Coulta of Ryal," he declared.


    Brother Pelles brought the wooden box to Shelton, who took a crown from inside it. This crown was larger and more highly decorated than any of the others, and Shelton held it reverently as he took his place behind Wildas.


    There was a catch in his voice when he spoke. "Prince Wildas of Ryal, do you take the title of Grand King?"


    Wildas looked up at the expectant crowd. "I do."


    "Then wear this crown and become Grand King Wildas of Ryal."


    Shelton had hardly finished speaking and the crown had hardly touched Wildas''s head when the crowd roared. When Wildas got to his feet, Shelton knelt where he had been. The cheers doubled, and continued for several minutes, until Wildas walked to the edge of the platform.


    "I am Grand King Wildas! And as your Grand King, I declare this a day of celebration!" he called out, causing even more chanting and cheering. If anyone really wondered about the black line on his neck, they were too happy to care.


    But it wouldn''t last long.


    <hr>


    "People have started wondering," Rohan reported during the celebratory banquet that afternoon. He was speaking quietly, bent between Wildas and Coulta at the elevated table in the Great Hall. "I overheard Lady Kristyn even suggest Coulta has a disease that he''s been spreading to you and Anil. No one seems to have noticed Myri''s hand yet."


    Wildas sighed. He''d been trying not to listen closely to any of the talk around him for just this reason. He glanced across Coulta to Shelton, who, as the former Second King, still had an honorary seat at the table with Yvona. They had discussed just this possibility days ago, and Shelton nodded.


    Then Wildas looked at Coulta, who met his gaze and nodded. They''d come up with a story that they thought would satisfy most of the court and allow Coulta to keep the curse private. Wildas found himself praying for it to be believable as he stood up from his chair.


    He waited until everyone in the room noticed and fell silent, which didn''t take very long, especially because many people had been talking about him anyway. Once the room was quiet he began, "I''ve been told that many of you are concerned about this -" he motioned to his neck "- and I wish to clarify what is happening before false rumors are passed around.


    "Second King Coulta has a rare form of magic that cannot be prevented from transferring partially to us. For some reason that magic has marked his skin and also marks ours. Queen Anil bears a mark over her heart, and Queen Myri on her right hand."


    He glanced at Myri and she held out her hand as if expecting everyone to be able to see it. He didn''t care if no one could for the moment.


    "I know you must be wondering why this is evident now, but not before the battle. The answer is that Coulta''s magic was changed by the spells he used to aid in our victory on the battlefield."


    The muttering increased again, and based off of what Wildas heard, the story wasn''t being accepted as easily as he had hoped.


    "Magic never works like that," someone complained. "It doesn''t just change."


    "It sounds like something evil," someone else added.


    "But Shelton wouldn''t have allowed him so close to the prince if it were," another voice argued.


    This was becoming a large mess rather quickly. They''d been hoping that most of the court didn''t know much about magic and would accept whatever was told to them. Wildas looked to Shelton for help, but Coulta stood up beside him at the same moment that Shelton did. And, to Wildas''s shock, he began to explain the truth.


    "Yes, what happened, whatever it was, did change my magic. Because I was cursed, cursed for the actions of my father before I was even born. And when I killed Lord Varin to save Grand King Wildas''s life, the curse was broken. This makes my magic very powerful, but I cannot control when I share powers. These marks have been on my skin since the moment I was born, but I was able to hide them before. Since my magic was changed, I can no longer do so."


    The Hall was filled with shocked silence, then more mutterings, this time of fear. It seemed that no one truly understood how curses functioned or that they weren''t evil.


    "Do you question my judgment?" Shelton demanded, his voice practically echoing off the walls above the mutterings of the nobles before them. "Do you truly think I would let someone dangerous into this city, let alone marry into power? Would I have accepted someone evil as my fellow court sorcerer and replacement on the throne? Has he not proven himself to you by this point? It was he who discovered that our city was surrounded and warned us. He saved all of your lives by assisting in ending the battle. There is nothing evil about this man beside me, who now sits where I once sat and wears the crown that I myself once wore."


    His voice quieted slightly, as if he had just realized the room was silent, though it had been since the moment he''d started speaking. "It is not always right to fear what you don''t understand, and very few of us in this world understand curses. Put aside your fear and trust me. I have spent far more time with Second King Coulta than anyone else since he arrived ¨C except perhaps Grand King Wildas ¨C and there is nothing evil about him. He was the victim of a cruel and jealous sorcerer who cursed him for his father''s actions before he''d even left the womb.


    "If you still have your concerns you may speak them to me at another time. We are celebrating now, and I won''t take any more time to explain something that I need not explain again."


    He sat down again, and both Coulta and Wildas followed. It had been years since Wildas had seen Shelton angry, and he certainly was now. At least there were no more complaints or questions for the remainder of the banquet.

 Chapter 39

    There were no more complications by the time Coulta left for Arren two days later. No one had dared to question Shelton again, it seemed, and took his word that Coulta wasn''t someone to fear because of his magic or the curse.


    Coulta left just after the morning meal, accompanied by Rohan and twelve Guardsmen, along with Ralix, who had refused to be excused from service for the journey. Shelton had been in contact with Arren''s appointed steward, Lord Malryf, one of Wildas''s second cousins, and the man was aware of why Coulta was coming. They planned to conceal Coulta''s arrival by playing that Rohan was visiting at the request of his brother to see exactly what was going on in the city, while Coulta hid himself magically. Malryf had offered to find Teeya for him, but understood Coulta''s need to find her for himself. Coulta knew it was only right that he meet the man during his visit, but he planned from the start to find Teeya first. Pleasantries could be exchanged later.


    It was strange and saddening to leave the castle and his spouses, especially Wildas, but he knew he''d return before long. They would be safe without him. Even as he felt this strange sadness about leaving, he also felt a horrible anxiety about reaching Arren. He''d worried about Teeya from the moment he''d left the city with Wildas, and it was time to learn what had happened to her. Was she alive or dead? If she was alive, was she angry with him for leaving her?


    He would know soon enough, he supposed.


    <hr>


    Coulta had been gone for three days and Myri hoped he''d hurry back. Wildas had too much to do during the day to worry, but at night he was so quiet and distant that it was almost impossible for her or Anil to make him smile. She knew he was aware of the fact that their social status meant they could be apart at times, but she supposed the very intimate connection of the soul-link between them made normal life difficult without each other. She was sure Wildas would adjust soon enough, but that it would take a few more days. This was their first separation since they''d arrived in Ryal, after all.


    She was personally kept busy working with the healers, where she learned to use her new powers without very much help from Shelton. Sara had advised her that working with the sick may not be the best way to spend her days as queen, but hadn''t stopped her from continuing her work. She even seemed happy to let Myri do whatever she wanted when they learned that she could close wounds and give an accurate diagnosis for every patient, as long as she touched them with her marked hand, even when the diagnosis wasn''t an illness.


    "I''m feeling better now, Your Highness," the servant girl assured her. "But I work in the kitchen so I thought I should come here. It''s the only way I can be excused from work."


    Myri nodded. "It could simply be that something you ate disagreed with you. Let me make certain," she added, gently placing her hand on the girl''s wrist. There was no tainted feeling of illness, but there was another, completely different sensation. Looking the girl in the eye she asked, "Do you know you''re with child?"


    The girl looked away. "I was afraid of it."


    "Why?"


    "Because I have no future with the baby''s father," the girl replied, her voice choked.


    That was better than what Myri had half expected to hear. At least the girl hadn''t been assaulted. "Why do you think that?"


    "Because I am only a servant."


    "And I take it he''s not?"


    As if in answer, Wildas''s attendant, the young Prince Star, rushed up to them. "Blia! I went to see you this morning and they told me you were unwell." He was immediately stricken when he saw her sudden tears. "What is it?"


    Myri gently put a hand on his arm. "Nothing too serious. Could you go wait by the door? I need to finish tending to her, then you can visit."


    Star nodded, and gave the girl one last concerned look before doing as he was told.


    "I wish I could marry him," Blia said through her tears, "but we would never be given the Grand King''s blessing. We would need it, or to run away. Because he''s a personal attendant and they rarely get married."


    Myri squeezed the girl''s hand. "I will speak to my husband tonight. Star doesn''t know about the baby?"


    Blia shook her head. "Not yet."


    "It''s your decision to tell him now or wait, but if you stay here overnight I can have an answer from Wildas in the morning."


    Blia nodded. "Thank you, but I won''t hope for too much."


    Myri squeezed the girl''s hand. "He''s very reasonable, but we shall see."


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    When she returned to their rooms that evening she found Wildas preparing for bed with Star hovering over him. The younger man didn''t seem distracted, so Myri guessed that Blia hadn''t told him her news quite yet.


    "May I speak with you for a moment, Wildas?" she asked as she walked up to where he was rinsing his face at the washbasin.


    He dried his face and turned to Star, who was still hovering. "You can go. I''m fine."


    Star gave them both a nod and wished them a good night before leaving.


    "And, Star," Myri added as he turned away.


    He stopped and turned to her, a concerned look suddenly on his face.


    "Blia''s doing fine," she assured him. "She''s spending the night in the infirmary, but just so she gets another day of rest."


    Star looked relieved and smiled faintly. "Thank you."


    After Star had left, Wildas sat down on the bed. "What is it?"


    Myri sat down beside him. He was already in his nightshirt and probably eager to get to sleep. He needed the rest and she hated keeping him from it, but this seemed suddenly more important than anything. "If one of your brothers came to you for your blessings to marry, would you give them?"


    "Of course," he answered immediately.


    "Even if he was asking to marry a servant girl who is carrying his child?"


    Wildas sighed. "Are we talking about Rohan?"


    Myri had to laugh. "No. At least, not to my knowledge."


    He suddenly looked toward the door that led to the attendants'' rooms. "Star?"


    She nodded. "She hasn''t told him yet, so wait for him to come to you."


    "He''s the last person I would have expected to be in such a position," he admitted.


    "Why?"


    Wildas shrugged. "He''s so reserved. Quiet. A bit awkward around new people."


    "I''d say that just means he''s more likely to truly care for her, than for her to have been a single night of fun. He was very concerned when he showed up at the infirmary to visit her."


    "If he asks, they''ll have my blessing."


    Myri smiled and kissed his cheek. "I knew you could be reasoned with."


    Anil joined them then from her own room, where she''d probably been cleaning up after spending a day in the stables. She sat down on Wildas''s other side and took his hand.


    "I learned today that I can calm anxious horses with magic," she began. "I thought I could see if I could ease your tension, too. I know it''s been stressful, learning how to be Grand King and with Coulta gone."


    Wildas gave her a faint smile. "I won''t stop you from trying."


    Myri touched his knee as she rose from beside him. "I''ll be back in a moment."


    He nodded and she went to her room to change into her nightgown, which Marla had set out for her. Myri had told her several days ago that that was all she required of her lady-in-waiting at night, unless Myri called for her. When she returned to Wildas''s chamber she found him more relaxed than she''d seen him in quite a while; he was sitting with his back against Anil, who was leaning against the bolsters, and his eyes were closed while Anil lightly massaged his forehead.


    Myri settled herself beside them with a smile. "It seems your magic works on him, as well," she observed.


    "I like this magic," Wildas mumbled.


    Anil laughed and kissed his cheek. "You''re welcome."


    Wildas''s eyes opened slightly and shifted to Myri. "Tell me how you learned about Star," he requested quietly.


    As Anil continued her relaxing massage, Myri told the story of how she''d met Blia and learned that she was pregnant, then how she''d found out that Star was the father and that Blia was afraid to tell him.


    "So I told her I''d speak to you," Myri finished.


    Wildas nodded slightly ¨C Anil had moved from his forehead to his shoulders. "She shouldn''t worry about me when it comes to telling him. And he seems to care about her, from what you say, so I doubt she should fear him leaving her."


    Myri caressed his hand. "I doubt it as well."


    Anil let her hands move from his shoulders to his abdomen as she wrapped her arms around him and nestled her face against his neck. Myri smiled and leaned in to kiss his lips.


    "I''m tired," he argued weakly when she pulled away.


    "Just let us keep you company," she replied. "We don''t like seeing you as lonely as you''ve been."


    He nodded. "Thank you."


    <hr>


    It was Anil who struggled to fall asleep that night, plagued by the memory of the story Myri had told. She judged it was at least midnight before she decided that she couldn''t wait until morning to talk and nudged Myri awake. Wildas was snoring softly on her other side and she hoped his improved hearing wouldn''t be an issue.


    "I need to talk to you," she murmured to Myri when she finally opened her eyes.


    Myri just nodded and moved them as far from Wildas as they could get without leaving the bed.


    Alert for any change in their husband''s snoring Anil asked, "How far along was Star''s lover?"


    "Far enough for her to start wondering, but not so far that she knew for certain."


    "Can you feel anything with me?" Anil asked, somehow both excited and terrified to know.


    "I can try," Myri replied. "It''s barely been a month since the wedding. I don''t know if it''s too early for the magic to tell."


    But she took Anil''s hand and Anil felt a slight tingling of magic through her body. Then Myri took her hand away and met Anil''s gaze. She didn''t say anything, just gave her a smile and a nod.


    Anil was filled with so much happiness that she didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. She covered any sound by hugging Myri and pressing her face to her wife''s shoulder. Thankfully, Wildas kept snoring.


    "Do you want to tell him?" Myri asked softly.


    Anil shook her head. "Not until Coulta''s home. It doesn''t feel right not to wait."


    Myri nodded, then kissed her. "I''ll need to take a fertility tea to keep up with you."


    "Why do you say that?"


    "My mother never had more children than me, though I don''t think she ever stopped trying. She refused any herbal help, only because the herbs were difficult to come by in Windwick and Arren. The only time she took any was when I was conceived. I''m afraid I might have the same problem."


    Anil caressed Myri''s shoulder. "Can you find the herbs here?"


    Myri nodded. "All herbs are easy to come by here. It makes being a healer much easier."


    "I''m sure," Anil murmured, then kissed Myri lightly. "Thank you."


    Wildas''s snoring ended then and he shifted, rolling over to face them. "Is something wrong?" he asked groggily.


    Anil smiled and moved close to him. "Of course not."


    Wildas nodded and put his arm over her before promptly falling back to sleep.


    Myri grinned as she moved closer to them. "I''m glad to see him sleeping better," she said softly.


    "So am I," Anil agreed.


    Myri gave her a final kiss, then drifted off to sleep. This time, Anil wasn''t far behind.

 Chapter 40

    It took six days to reach Arren. Neither the hardy warhorses nor the trained Guardsmen needed to rest very frequently, which allowed them to remove a day from the usual travel time. Coulta had a feeling they''d take the return journey easier after only a day or so of rest in the city.


    Even knowing that Windwick had been destroyed, it was still a shock to see the entire village reduced to ash and fallen timber. Shelton''s spies had burned what was left out of respect, including the bodies, before returning to Ryal. Coulta couldn''t even tell where the healer''s home or the stables had been.


    It was late in the afternoon of the sixth day when they passed into the city of Arren and Coulta hid himself. Quiver''s reins were tied to a Guardsman''s saddle so that the black stallion looked more like an extra pack horse. People in the streets watched curiously as they made their way to the castle, but didn''t say much.


    The city didn''t appear to have changed to Coulta''s eye. It was still rundown and had an air of desperation to it. Coulta hadn''t expected much change in such a short amount of time, though. Malryf had a massive task in front of him to ease the damage Varin and his forefathers had caused to the city and the minds of its people.


    What he did notice was a small shrine in the market for Favi, the goddess of hope. It seemed that worship of the goddess had become more common since Varin''s death. Coulta was glad he and Roane, Varin''s other assassin, hadn''t managed to completely destroy the cult despite Varin''s orders.


    They reached the castle yard and Coulta managed to dismount and get out of the way without issue as grooms took their horses and a guard greeted Rohan.


    "Lord Malryf didn''t expect you until tomorrow, but I''m sure he''s eager to speak with you," the man said after giving the Prince-General a salute.


    Rohan nodded to him. "I''m eager to speak with him, as well." He ordered the Guardsmen and Ralix, who had been given a plain Royal Guard uniform as honorary membership after his actions in battle, to help with the horses, then relax outside until he returned with Malryf''s orders for them. Then he started to follow the guard, but Coulta put a hand on his arm, still invisible.


    "I''ll find him later and speak to him," he said quietly.


    Rohan gave a slight nod, then continued on his way.


    Coulta drew a deep breath and followed. The castle door was left open, something Varin would never have allowed, and Coulta slipped inside without being noticed. He took a side passage that he remembered by heart, and eventually found himself in a familiar hallway. The door to his former room was firmly closed, but Teeya''s was standing half open, which he knew meant that she was accepting sewing work from anyone who needed it. He glanced inside and his heart leaped to his throat at the sight of her sitting at her work table, looking just as she had when he''d last seen her. If Varin had done anything to her, it hadn''t left any obvious physical scars.


    He made sure no one was in the hallway, then knocked on the door. She glanced up as he slipped inside and made himself visible.


    Her eyes went wide and her hands flew to her mouth. He fought hard against the lump in his throat as he shut the door. Then she was in his arms, crying as she held him, and he could hold back his own tears of relief no longer.


    It was several minutes before they ended the embrace, and it was when Teeya pulled back and whispered, "I should be bowing, not crying on you."


    Coulta pulled her back into another hug. "Not you. Never you."


    "Why are you here?" she asked when he finally let her go.


    "I had to know what happened to you," he answered. "I have to visit Lord Malryf, but I came here to find you. I''m sorry for leaving you here."


    She wiped her eyes and gave him a weak smile. "Don''t be. I was just happy when I knew you''d gotten away, and with the prince."


    "Varin didn''t think I had told you anything?"


    She glanced away for a moment. "He did, and he tried to starve it from me, until he decided that he needed too many uniforms made to keep me locked up. It wasn''t bad. He didn''t hurt me and I was only in the dungeon for a day. Please, don''t feel guilty."


    She still knew him so well. "I didn''t even expect to go against Varin''s orders, let alone leave the city."


    "I told you the prince was the one your mother foresaw," she teased. "Will you tell me everything that happened? Why aren''t you hiding the marks on your skin anymore?"


    "Of course, but it''s such a long story. I should go see Malryf first, then come back here and tell you."


    She smiled. "I''ll be waiting."


    Lord Malryf was a kind, middle-aged man who appeared honestly interested in fixing all the problems in Arren. He also knew that Coulta was only speaking to him because ghosting in and out of the castle without doing so wouldn''t have been polite. He was very understanding of Coulta''s reasons for being in Arren, and didn''t object to him asking Teeya to leave with him. They were still sorting through the treasury and ledgers, but Wildas had forgiven all of Arren''s debts to the crown in order to allow the city to be essentially rebuilt, so there was some money already set aside to give the servants who left the castle something to live off of. Teeya would be granted her due if she chose to leave, which Coulta hoped she would.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Then he returned to her room and helped her with her mending while he told her everything, from the moment he''d tried fighting Varin''s orders outside the inn window to the moment he left to look for her. She listened eagerly and gave him a ridiculous smile when he told her ¨C in very few, vague details ¨C about the night Wildas had asked him to be his husband. She covered her mouth at the details of the battle, and squeezed his hand when he told her how the curse had broken. She was incredibly interested in all the people he spoke about, as well.


    "I would love to meet them all. Everyone sounds so wonderful."


    He smiled. "Then come back with me. The castle always needs more seamstresses."


    "Do you mean that?" she asked, staring at him.


    He nodded. "Of course I do. You''ll have plenty of work and I''ll be sure to introduce you to everyone. I already spoke to Malryf and he''s happy to let you go. He''ll even give you some extra payment to get you settled. Will you come?"


    She barely took a moment to think about it before smiling. "Yes."


    He grinned and hugged her. "Thank you. Is my room still as I left it?"


    She nodded. "No one''s been in it since you left."


    "I''ll stay there tonight. We''ll be leaving tomorrow."


    "I''ll be ready," she assured him, watching him move toward the door that separated their rooms.


    Inside his old bedchamber he found everything as he''d left it. He''d been gone only two months, but spiders had already made a home of the place, and a thin layer of dust covered everything. He removed his boots, sword belt, and cord of station that he wore across his body and placed them all beside the door to Teeya''s room. Then he shook out the pillows and lay down on top of the blankets for a restless night.


    The old ghosts haunted him until Wildas''s dream presence chased them away. Strong, familiar arms held him closer and more tenderly than in any other dream before, and he finally slept without nightmares. When the first rays of light woke him at dawn he decided it was time to go home. This place had once been the semblance of home, but it wasn''t anymore.


    And it never would be again. Home was where Wildas was, and that wasn''t going to change. Anil and Myri were also a part of that home, and now Teeya would be a part of it again, too.


    It took seven days to return to Ryal, and they entered the city at the end of dusk. Teeya had spent the days asking question after question about life in Ryal and the people she would meet. Coulta answered all her questions, though he was vague when it came to talking about his intimate life. Thankfully, she left that topic mostly alone, aside from wanting to know more about power shares.


    When they reached the castle at Ryal, Ralix went ahead to tell Wildas, Anil, and Myri of their arrival while Coulta showed Teeya the entry hall with the kings'' statues, the the Great Hall, and the throne room, though those rooms weren''t well-lit at that hour.


    "Where is the late Grand King''s statue?" Teeya asked.


    "It hasn''t been completed yet," Coulta answered as he led her up a flight of stairs. "It was only just commissioned the day after the coronation as Wildas''s first official act as Grand King."


    "There must be a lot of tradition here," she commented softly.


    "There is."


    Most of the passageways were shadowy and only dotted periodically with torches until they reached the hallway holding the two suites of rooms, two sets of attendants'' quarters, and a nursery at the end of the hallway. Several more torches were lit and two Guardsmen stood at the entrance to the wing. Now that they were less likely to be facing Varin''s assassins the normal, lower number of guard rotations had been reinstated. The Guardsmen saluted Coulta, who nodded to them. Even being Second King didn''t seem to change the fact that he''d become an honorary member of the Guard by becoming Wildas''s protector, so he was saluted to as a Guardsmen of greater rank, not bowed to like Shelton still was.


    Coulta was sure it would take him his whole life to fully understand everything about being the Second King. To say there was tradition in Ryal was an understatement.


    The door to Wildas''s office was slightly ajar and Coulta heard voices from inside, but he paused to point out his own office door to Teeya. "If you ever need me, check there first. If it''s not open at all, I''m not there."


    She nodded. "I might get lost first, though."


    "You''ll learn your way fairly quickly. And there are always servants or Guardsmen willing to help you."


    She nodded again and followed him to Wildas''s office. Inside they found Coulta''s spouses as well as Shelton and Yvona. The room fell quiet as soon as they entered and Coulta introduced Teeya to everyone.


    "No, don''t bow," Wildas said when she started to. He stepped up to her and smiled. "You''re Coulta''s family and you''re more than welcome here."


    "Thank you," she replied weakly, then blushed when Wildas took her hand and kissed it.


    Then Myri and Anil each hugged her and told her how glad they were to finally meet her. They were followed by Yvona, then Shelton, who kissed her hand as Wildas had before welcoming her to Ryal.


    Teeya was soon relaxed and comfortable in their presence, and stayed there for a couple of hours getting to know them all. Finally, when it grew late, Coulta hugged her and allowed Dala, Anil''s lady-in-waiting, to take her to her new room downstairs. He promised to see her in the morning to take her to meet the castle''s other seamstresses, and she seemed excited to start her new work.


    Shelton and Yvona also left a few minutes later, leaving Coulta alone with his spouses. He had been surprised to see them all still bearing their marks from the magic he''d shared with them, though maybe slightly smaller; he could only see a small hint of Anil''s above her dress, Myri''s didn''t quite reach as far around her wrist, and Wildas''s no longer went all the way to his collarbone.


    "I''d thought you would all have used up your magic by now," he observed.


    "We''ve been using it a bit everyday," Wildas replied. "Shelton seems to think you''ve given us much more than any usual power share can transfer."


    "But we wouldn''t object to being given more," Myri said with a smile.


    "I can''t control it," he pointed out, "but I wouldn''t object to trying."


    Myri stepped up to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I think Wildas needs you most at the moment."


    "But I would like to say something first," Anil announced.


    Coulta watched curiously as she moved closer to Wildas and took his hand. Myri was smiling at Coulta''s side and he wondered what the announcement could be.


    Anil looked Wildas in the eye and quietly said, "I''m pregnant."


    Wildas''s hazel eyes went wide and he practically gasped. "Really?"


    She smiled as she nodded. "Myri was able to sense it."


    Wildas pulled her into a hug, laughing. Then he kissed her and grasped her hands, seemingly at a loss for words.


    Coulta leaned over and hugged her, smiling. He didn''t know why he was so happy when it wasn''t truly his child. But he found himself hoping to be the child''s friend and mentor like Shelton was to Wildas.


    She smiled and looked up at him. "It''s as much your baby as Wildas''s," she whispered, almost as if she read his mind.


    Little did any of them know how true that statement would eventually prove.

 Chapter 41

    Shelton had continued to work with Coulta and his magic since the younger sorcerer had returned from Arren three days ago. Everyone at court seemed content to believe that the threat against them had been removed with Varin''s death, but Shelton had a nagging idea that something else was coming. There were simply too many questions he still had no answers to. So he kept meeting with Brother Pelles to see if he''d had any visions, sent out more spies, kept in contact with the stewards of the cities Varin had overrun, and worked on Coulta''s magic.


    He couldn''t deny that he was also trying to distract himself from the hole burned into his heart and the grief that simply would not fade.


    He was about to start a lesson on how Coulta could store magic inside crystals and gems when a messenger appeared at his office door.


    "Important news from Arren," the boy announced breathlessly. "Lord Malryf wanted it sent straight to you."


    "Thank you," Shelton said, moving from his seat in front of the dead hearth to take the wooden box the boy held out for him. He took it and handed over a single coin. The boy bowed, then took it and left.


    The box was plain, darkly polished wood with a single lock. Sitting at his desk, Shelton easily used a small spell to unlock the box and opened the lid.


    "I just want to make sure this isn''t too important," he explained when he noticed Coulta watching him curiously.


    Coulta got up to join him. "What is it?"


    Shelton unfolded a single sheet of paper and read the words aloud, "''We found this in a hidden compartment in Varin''s chambers. We don''t have any idea what it is, but it gave me an uncomfortable feeling. I thought it best to send it to you. Malryf.''"


    He put the note down and pulled a black velvet pouch from the box. Something small was inside, and he proceeded to tip the object from the pouch and into his left hand ¨C a choice he immediately regretted.


    He barely had the chance to realize it was a human finger bone inscribed with runes before it wrapped shadowy tendrils around his hand.


    Sorcerer.


    "Shelton?" Coulta''s voice was unusually wary.


    What do you want you unholy bastard? Shelton demanded of the necromancer.


    Much to his surprise, there was no response at first. Then, Won''t you speak to me?


    A shot of excitement went through him and he laughed darkly, his mind already racing. "You''ve grown weak. You should be able to read my mind."


    And you''re to blame for that.


    Shelton grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill, frantically writing as he replied, "I had hoped I would do more good than just stopping a useless battle."


    He hoped his words were legible as he passed the messy note to Coulta and stood. Coulta squinted at it for a moment, then turned to the door. It apparently took him only a moment to get a Guardsman in the hallway to start running errands because he was back almost immediately.


    I''m not so weak that I can''t act against you.


    Shelton began pacing as his mind kept racing. "And what are you planning to do?" He made a couple gestures at the furniture around the room.


    Coulta immediately began moving things to the edges of the room.


    There was evil laughter in Shelton''s mind. Do you even know who I am? I know who you are, Wielder of the Violet Power.


    "Why would I care who you are?" Shelton answered. "You''re undeserving of the life you have, and that''s all that matters."


    The first of the people he''d asked Coulta to send for appeared: Galen, his attendant. Shelton caught his eye and plucked at the shoulder of his robe with his free hand. Galen looked confused, until Coulta whispered something to him. He was glad Coulta understood at least something of what they needed to do.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    I''m the only Master of my art. Do you understand now?


    Shelton was only vaguely surprised. He''d had a feeling this was who he was dealing with back when he''d destroyed Varin''s necklace. "Well, Emperor Kemale, what do you want?"


    Myri entered the office then and he heard her gasp. Coulta motioned for her to stay quiet, having finished moving furniture, and she nodded. Galen returned with a spare robe and Shelton pointed to a chair nearby. Then he motioned to the hearth, but when Coulta moved to light it he held up a hand before pointing at Galen. It had to be a pure, natural fire.


    What do you think I want?


    Shelton''s next request of Coulta took a lot more gestures that he knew were almost ridiculous, but by the time Galen had a fire going a minute later Coulta had sent him away again.


    "How did you get Varin to work for you?"


    Galen returned with a spare blanket and spread it on the floor where Shelton gestured. Now he just needed Brother Pelles, and to write another note. He hadn''t even realized he was pacing the room until he turned back to his desk.


    All my spies had to do was find the bastard willing to bring war to your doorstep. Then I offered him power in my court. But of course I wasn''t going to keep the agreement. I just needed him to weaken your lands so I could invade with my true army.


    Shelton had a feeling that the necromancer wasn''t lying. He would get more satisfaction in telling the truth this time. Shelton finished scrawling the simple yet blotchy note to Coulta and handed it over. He hoped the young sorcerer could read what it said; Think of light, goodness, and saving everyone you love. He sat down on the blanket without waiting for a reaction just as Brother Pelles arrived. The priest didn''t look like he approved of whatever he was witnessing, but Shelton was going to need his purification after being so close to the mind of someone who could control the dead.


    "And what if I weaken you?"


    Coulta knelt in front of him, waiting to be told what to do. Shelton pressed the back of his hand to the blanket and pointed to Coulta''s belt before mimicking the thrust of a knife down into his hand. Coulta nodded in understanding, looking rather grim as he pulled an Altmyr dagger from his belt. Shelton held up his free hand to tell him to wait.


    How would you do that? By cutting off your own hand?


    "If it would mean weakening you, yes. I will gladly lose my hand to destroy your little talisman."


    He knew the magic that allowed the necromancer to communicate with him would directly connect to the monster himself. It was blood magic, after all. His gaze went to Myri, who nodded.


    A sorcerer with one hand is useless.


    Shelton was well aware of that fact, but that was what he had called Myri for. "I''ll find a way, if it means destroying you."


    He made eye contact with Coulta and nodded. There was no time to wonder if the younger, less experienced sorcerer had been able to master his emotions enough to do what he needed to do properly so it didn''t kill both of them. He could only have confidence in Coulta as the blade slammed straight down.


    Just as before, there was a smell like death, but this time no magic or blood exploded from the bone that had attached itself to his hand. The bone was gone and Coulta''s knife was poking all the way through his hand, but there was no blood.


    The necromancer''s magic had gone into the wound as the blade had shattered the talisman. This was exactly why Shelton had requested the priest, because he had known there would be no way around this complication and that his magic would be no match for the sort of invasion the blood magic would launch against his body.


    Brother Pelles was with him in moments and motioned Coulta and Myri away. Pelles pulled the knife away and Shelton started seeing black blotches in his vision. It was becoming hard to breathe even as the priest uttered the most powerful prayers he could, stroking Shelton''s wounded hand to coax the death and evil from it.


    Finally, just as Shelton thought he would faint, the wound began to bleed a thick black pus that soaked into the blanket and Shelton''s robe. Then it became the normal color of blood and Shelton''s lightheadedness had more to do with the pain and the sudden gushing blood than the evil magic.


    Then Myri was there, a gentle black-and-silver magic flowing from her hand to his. But she wasn''t strong enough and he heard her call for Coulta, who gripped her wrist. Apparently he could pass magic into her that way, too, probably because she already had a small amount of her own personal magic to begin with, Shelton thought, his mind wandering. In just a few minutes, the wound was closed, though he had a scar on each side of his hand.


    "Burn the blanket," he instructed, feeling exhausted. "And my robe."


    Myri and Galen helped him change into the spare robe and Brother Pelles threw it and the blanket into the fire, where the flames went black for an instant before returning to bright yellow and orange. Shelton settled against the back of a chair and sighed heavily.


    "What exactly happened?" Coulta finally asked.


    "That was some sort of talisman Emperor Kemale of Dyrai used to communicate with Varin," Shelton explained. "He was behind everything that happened recently."


    "But you defeated him?" Myri asked, sounding confused. "How is that possible?"


    "We didn''t," Shelton said, with a heavy sigh. "We weakened him and secured us a bit more time."


    "Time for what?"


    "Preparations." He met first her eyes, then Coulta''s. "Something far worse than Varin''s greed is coming for us. This isn''t over."


    The story continues in King of Blades, the second book in the Blades duology.