Entangled web of destruc.., p.9
Entangled Web of Destruction, page 9
Nelia places her hand on Lord Ryan’s shoulder, whispering, “Everyone is safe, and Charnell is escorting them down the mountain as we speak. Your village has suffered from the senseless attack, but if you have any supplies to share for our journey, that will be a blessing. I am sure the queen will repay you.”
“Lord Mitchell is already working on supplies. He will join you on the return trip to ensure your safety before returning to his home.”
“I will ensure the queen knows of both your loyalties.”
19
Richard
Broken Rest
Richard’s hair tickles his face as a calm breeze graces the royal gardens. It’s been a tiring day with his wife’s pregnancy and waiting for news from Orchard Ridge. He stretches toward the sky as his wife enters the garden. Her long dress clings to her large belly as she walks toward him.
He doesn’t want to keep her locked away in her room, but what choice does he have after she conspired to leave with his child?
“Victoria, good afternoon.”
“You summoned me?”
“Please enjoy the weather,” he says as he motions for her to sit beside him. “You look lovely today, my queen.”
“Your kindness is too much.” Her voice is flat, and she refuses to make eye contact. She folds her hands, resting them on her stomach, not making eye contact. “You requested my company, Your Majesty.”
Richard allows the silence between them as he gathers the strength to address her. Part of him loves her, but the other part is too far gone and entangled with the demons of his past, present, and future. He continues to fight with the shadowy figure, preventing him from taking all his humanity, but one day, he will lose that fight. He doesn’t want to hurt her.
“After our child is born, you will have a choice. You can stay and raise the child with me, or you can leave Broken Rest.”
“Will you allow me to leave without any harm?”
“Yes, but the child will remain here at Broken Rest. If you decide to kidnap the heir, you will face the punishment of treason.”
“It’s not like you to withdraw an order against someone who has betrayed you. How can I trust you?”
“We will need to work on that for both of us. I will allow you to stay and raise our child together or return to your homeland. If you decide to leave, I will ensure that you are escorted safely to Port Welch with a guarantee of no harm.”
“How long do I have to make my decision?”
“After our child is born.” He motions for two knights to join them. “I will have you escorted back to your room.”
He walks toward the courtyard, hoping for good news as the party returns from Orchard Ridge. Sir Raphael greets Richard, and the warlock joins them.
“Have you both returned with good news?” he asks.
“We had trouble, Your Majesty,” Raphael informs. “Splintered Vale’s army arrived before we could locate your nephew. We did everything possible to hold them off, but we were outnumbered and had to retreat.”
“Retreat?” he fumes. “We look weak for retreating every time we encounter an obstacle.”
“I assure you, Your Majesty, we did everything possible to locate him. The loyalty between the local villagers and Splintered Vale is strong,” said the warlock. “Our numbers are not great. After the recent battle, we are less powerful.”
“Whose fault is that, warlock? You assured me that we were ready to attack Splintered Vale, but as I see it, you failed me once again.”
“You got what you wanted, didn’t you?” he says.
Richard makes intense eye contact as he invades the warlock’s space, clenching his fists. “You were kicked out of your homeland for a reason I have never inquired about, and you have no family. Your devotion to Broken Rest has been necessary, for what I assume is your strategy to gain control or revenge against those who have forsaken you. We both found dependability in those we never would have expected. Neither of us can afford to doubt one another after everything we have both been through.”
Lord Reese interrupts, “Your Majesty, your wife needs you. Something is terribly wrong.”
PUSHING THE DOOR OPEN, he sees his wife in bed with the physician at her bedside. Her pale complexion, damp hair, and the velvet blanket concealing her body concern him. He brushes his hands on his tunic and wraps his hands around hers, her skin cold and clammy.
“Richard, please forgive me.”
He turns his attention to the doctor. “Tell me everything is okay.”
He shakes his head.
“Richard, don’t cry,” she says, caressing his cheek. “No matter what happens, promise me you will not hold any animosity toward yourself.”
“I cannot. Retribution for the death of my brother is something will haunt me forever.” He brushes her hair out of her face. “You’re as beautiful as the first time we met.”
“I am tired. Will you stay with me?”
After she closes her eyes, he focuses on the warlock, saying, “No matter the cost, I beg you to save her.”
“Your Majesty, there is no magic—”
He tosses a wooden chair against the wall. “Everyone, get out!”
Richard cradles his wife in his arms as he weeps, and his surroundings appear to drift into the distance of an unrecognizable scene. All he hears is his heart beating and his heavy breathing as he tries to figure out what went wrong. He told her that he was cursed, and she reassured him that it was all in his head. In reality, he was cursed at birth. He was unwanted, unloved, and consistently rejected by those around him, but Victoria was the light he needed. All he did was abandon her.
“I know you did not desire to stay here after everything I have put you through, and there is no blame for you to feel that way. You are my anchor.”
He kisses her on the forehead.
The physician, Raphael, and the warlock stand in the hallway, with a few knights congregating at the corridor’s end.
“Raphael, send a message to her family notifying them of her death, and House Brenton can meet us in a few days at Port Welch to bring her back home.”
“Your Majesty?”
“We will not disrespect my wife’s wishes. A small funeral can be arranged for farewells before her final departure.”
Richard brushes past the warlock, knowing that he has the power to save her. He has seen him in action over the years, reviving dead animals. Now is not the time to challenge him. The pounding in his head intensifies as he makes his way down the corridor, and in the dark corner stands the shadowy figure.
20
Nelia
Splintered Vale
The trumpets echo throughout the castle, announcing that the royal army has returned.
Alexander meets the party at the entrance to the inner quarters, and they travel to the Great Hall to meet with the queen. Nelia falls back, not wanting to engage in conversation and wishing she could return to her quarters to rest. They have been traveling for days, and exhaustion is beginning to take over.
She forces a smile as she enters the Great Hall, where tables are prepared for a celebration.
Kyle races into his mother’s arms.
“You have no idea what this means to me. Roselynn, your bravery and friendship are things I could never replace. Charnell, please join Alexander, so he can update you on what has been going on. Nelia, please join us.”
Nelia sits quietly, listening to the queen introducing her daughter to Kyle and Roselynn. If only she could have been strong enough to keep the family together, and not allow the warlock to overpower her.
“Where is Aurlynn?” Roselynn asks.
“We have been searching but have not found any sign of her whereabouts. Richard has denied involvement, but we know he is untrustworthy. Nelia, I was hoping you may have seen her or could try to find her location for us.”
“I have not. After Alexander returns, I will talk with him to see if anything is foreseen.”
Forcing a premonition can be tricky and unpredictable, especially since her powers are not at full capacity. It is hard to focus and appear strong in front of a room full of her friends and other constituents, but it should not be much longer before she can retire to her quarters. She closes her eyes, focusing on relaxing.
She jerks awake at the sound of metal battering against metal. Alexander and Charnell arrive as dinner is served.
Nelia requests to speak with Alexander privately. She closes her eyes and places her hand on his arm, attempting to summon a vision of his sister’s whereabouts. Her heart races against her chest as she feels Aurlynn’s pain and fear. The sound of water dripping and the musty smell of stagnant water assails her nostrils before she releases her grip.
“We must meet with the queen,” she says.
“Nelia, is she alive?” he asks, grabbing her arm. “Is my sister alive?”
She nods.
The queen sits with Charnell and Roselynn at the table, as Maggie attends to the children. The steam from the freshly cooked food ascends into the air, and the aroma of the fresh bread causes Nelia’s stomach to grumble.
“Your Majesty, I can confirm that Richard indeed has Aurlynn, and she is becoming hopeless as time passes,” Nelia warns.
“Alexander, gather as many knights as you can, and if any of the support from the local villages is still here, please request their attendance. Nelia, I expect you, Roselynn, and Maggie to protect my children until my return. Charnell, you ensure everyone is on high alert, and every angle of the castle is covered. Alexander, I request my husband’s sword.”
“Your Majesty, no disrespect, but you should remain at Splintered Vale,” says Alexander.
“You would not question my husband if these were his orders. I assure you, Richard will not harm me, or he would have already. I will present a strong front, for the people of Splintered Vale, and let Richard know that he has not defeated us.”
Nelia is quiet during dinner because her thoughts are elsewhere, and she must decide on her next step to fight the warlock. After eating, the queen speaks with Nelia alone.
“After I return, we need to talk. I know you would not have abandoned us, and I need to know what happened.”
“I am truly sorry.”
The queen’s finger rests on Nelia’s lips, and tears glide down Nelia’s face.
“We will talk in a few days.”
“Your Majesty, I have brought your husband’s sword,” Alexander informs.
She accepts it, looking it over as if she were looking for something or a sign, but she gives a faint smile.
Nelia stands by the door with Alexander as the queen dresses in armor, preparing for departure. She kept details about Aurlynn’s situation a secret. There was no need to cause more worry and distraction than each could already feel.
Aurlynn is cold and sick. Water is seeping into the room from a spring, and the amber glow of torches reflect off the still surface. The primary goal is to rescue Aurlynn and return her to Splintered Vale. Richard will not put up a fight, not now anyway because he has something planned for all of them.
HER ROOM, IN THE NORTHEASTERN tower, is still in chaos with books scattered all over the floor. There is no time to clean up, and she needs to search for a protection spell in case she is with child. She flips through the pages in her family grimoire, and she halts on a spell that may be useful. She runs her finger down the page, reading each word line by line. She must call upon the Winifred ancestors to bless the spell, which could alert her sister, but she has no choice. Most of the ingredients needed for the spell are in her room, but she must travel to the castle market in the morning to obtain the rest.
A knock disturbs her thoughts.
She cringes to see Charnell standing on the other side of the door. There is no time for them to reminisce or talk about anything, because there are more pressing matters to take care of.
“May I come in? We need to talk.”
“Would it make a difference if I said I was busy?”
“Not really.”
She rolls her eyes as he pushes past her, brushing against her shoulder.
“What do you want, Charnell? I am exhausted from the traveling and need to rest.”
“While we were gone, Alexander located the two men you cursed with a plague and moved them to a secure location. By the way, he says we have never encountered this type of plague before. Didn’t he cover up another incident when you arrived at Port Welch? Care to explain your use of black magic, that I had no idea you could wield?”
“Please, go.”
She moves toward the door, but he just stands still, glaring at her. Fighting with him will not make everything go away or turn back time, and keeping him at a distance is the only way to protect him. Brushing tears away, she crosses her arms, but that still does not faze him.
“I don’t have time to argue with you. I don’t want to ask you again to leave.”
“I can’t do that, Nelia. I need you to tell me everything.”
She laughs. “Tell you everything, as in what? My black magic, why I left you over ten years ago, what I did while I was gone, where I was staying, or why I failed the royal family the night Jonathan was murdered?”
He steps toward her, but she steps away, holding up her hand. Not because she is scared but because she worries she will give in to his demands and tell him everything he wants to know. Maybe telling him will help, but that will only make her more vulnerable and hurt him.
“I do not need to explain myself to you or anyone else, only the queen.”
“You’re pushing me away because you are scared,” he says as he steps toward her, never breaking eye contact. “Tell me what happened the night I found you in the conservatory. I promise I will take care of whoever hurt you.”
The tears burn her eyes as she tightens her jaw, trying to prevent herself from crying, and her chest aches from all the heaviness she carries.
Charnell reaches for Nelia, but she pushes him away, and he refuses to move. She pounds her fists against his chest, telling him to go, and he pulls her into his arms, holding her against his body as she sobs uncontrollably.
21
Constantina
Broken Rest
Constantina arrives at Broken Rest at dusk.
Those defending the gate allow her party to pass without incident, which doesn’t worry her but makes her wonder what Richard is up to. Entering the Great Hall, Richard and the warlock stand in the middle of the room, conversing about something. Alexander joins the queen as she greets her brother-in-law.
“Lady Constantina, what brings you to my home today?”
“No need for pleasantries, Richard. I am here for Aurlynn.”
Richard steps forward, and Alexander does the same.
“I have no need for your maiden.” He smirks as he drinks wine. “What proof do you have she is in my home?”
“In your dungeon, to be exact,” she says, signaling her knights to search the castle. “I am sure you have better things to do than stand here and talk with me, Richard. Do you not agree?” He steps toward her, and she motions for Alexander to stand down. “You don’t intimidate me.” She taps her finger on the hilt of her sword.
He looks her over, smirking. “Do I have a niece or nephew?”
“I am sure your spies have already informed you of everything. Be warned, we will identify all the traitors and banish them from Splintered Vale. This will leave you with no leverage. If you would be so kind as to release Aurlynn, we will leave.”
He laughs.
“You have a life here with your wife, who is pregnant, yet you torment my family. My husband, your brother, never condemned you, but you had this vendetta against him for something was out of both your control. He wanted to rebuild a relationship with you and connect our families, but here we are, you have committed high treason against House Ainsworth.”
“House Ainsworth has been crumbling for many years, but I vow to rebuild the legacy for my family.”
“House Ainsworth has never been stronger. All you did was rally our people to support Jonathan’s heirs. You have failed.”
He clenches his fist, and Alexander tightens his grip on his sword. Constantina refuses to break eye contact, not wanting to let her guard down.
A knight interrupts, “We have Aurlynn. She has been cursed with no sight.”
“The work of your warlock?” she asks, but he refuses to answer.
The warlock leans against a column as if mocking her, chewing on a hazel twig. His hair is unkempt, long, and oily, his clothes are black, and his eyes are copper-colored. Nelia was right; he could make anyone cringe.
Constantina refuses to say another word to Richard. The thumping of her heart overpowers the whispers as she walks away. She takes a deep breath as her knights surround her and escort her out of the room. Although Richard bears a likeness to Jonathan, she can still tell the men apart. Richard’s vibe is unlike her husband’s: He is full of anger. All she wants is to be home and hold her children.
The sound of the trumpets is a relief to Constantina as she returns home. Several scouts had followed closely since their departure from Broken Rest, more for intimidation, and it worked. They never attacked but stayed close enough to ensure she could see the glare of the dragon’s red eyes. She finds her family sitting in the gardens with Maggie, Nelia, and Roselynn. Kyle races into her arms, almost knocking her off-balance.
“Aurlynn?” Roselynn asks.
“Nelia, Roselynn, can you accompany me to my husband’s private study? Maggie, I have a few knights standing by the fountain in case you need anything. Kyle, I will be right back shortly. Stay with Maggie.”
“Yes, Mummy.”
Once the party arrives at the study, Roselynn races to Aurlynn, giving her a hug.
