Death of a King Page 5

  “Forgive me, but I was not in danger,” she replied.

  He realized she apologized again, something she had never done before. With a soft tone, “You know our history little dove, what they have done. Do you wish us to war again?”

  “Papa…, we are no longer in danger from the humans,” she replied. The king held his silence, then addressed his wife.

  “She conferred,” the queen answered. He addressed Tatiana as his wife explained the details. The king listened and wondered if it were true. He didn’t dare take it on face value. Too much has happened, too many lives lost in trusting humans. Nicoli couldn’t deny his daughter’s return from their world and sensed her comfort with humans.

  “Papa, I made friends…, friends that shared my trials. Friends that risked their lives to help me, protect me…,” Tatiana added through the silence.

  “We can discuss that later,” he paused a moment, “Tell me what really happened to Lukous?”

  The princess frowned, a topic she wasn’t ready to discuss. There was no good way to explain his death without implicating her Dark Elf friend. Villainy would be the only description her family would label Dregous. She recalled what he once told her about half-truths. The princess gave him a clear account of what happened at the abandoned cottage when the human thugs attacked. The thought of Lukous’s death and Dregous’s mortal like sleep made her weep.

  The king studied her account. The details of what happened bothered him. More so that his daughter was alone, “I see.” He understood why she blamed herself when she first came home. “He will be gravely missed.” He crossed his hands behind him to pace the balcony and admired the sky. “Do you recall his place?”

  She sniffed as she stepped beside him, “Not clearly, but I am certain Dregous would. He recalls and records everything.”

  He nodded, “Hmm, do you trust, this Dregos?”

  Tatiana offered him a knowing smile, “Dregous.” He glanced at her, “It is pronounced, Dregous…” she corrected. The King gave her a facial shrug. “As you say papa, I trust him with my life.”

  Nicoli glanced at her. Such a reply only meant one thing and wondered if that was the case. “Do you sense him?” he found himself wishing she did.

  Tatiana’s heart skipped as she admired the sky and the beautiful mountains, then lowered her gaze as a tear fell, “I do,” she said softly, and recalled Dregous, then addressed her father, “He risked himself three times to save me and once surrendered his life to be at my side…,” she tried to steady her voice, “…as so papa. I trust him with everything in me,” she sniffed a few times.

  With a deep internal sigh, she found her mate. He’s hoped it would be Verrell, but we have no control whom we fall in love with. Joy for her discovery filled and thrilled him more than he expected. His unfeeling daughter could now feel others, sense others. “We must meet this Elf that found his way into your heart.”

  Tatiana’s heart thumped with widened eyes, “Father?” then glanced at her mother.

  The queen didn’t expect his reply and too was surprised. “My lord?” she chimed as her eyes darted between her husband and daughter.

  Nicolas looked at them curiously, “For many years I was under the impression Ayrian’s have sharp hearing or was I not clear?”

  “Well my lord, there are other things that require your attention.”

  He faced his wife, “More important than this Elf?”

  “These are pressing matters,” the queen added.

  He arched a brow, “Very well…, let us converse.”

  Tatiana explained as gently as she could, her trade agreement with the humans. The queen added that they could send an envoy to Riverdale to confirm the humans' stand. The princess stated magistrate Ceron was the primary contact. His first reaction was speechless. She was in their midst and returned unharmed, again the thought left him baffled. Fear filled him with caution. Perhaps there was merit in her venture, he wondered. They continued their discussion as he returned to the balcony. Tatiana’s voice injured him more than he realized. His little girl behaved and spoke like a woman. He recalled how she hung on his every word. His heart thumped. Those were years long gone and shouldn’t be frowned upon, compared to the person she has become. He was proud of her.

  “Nicolas?” the queen ventured. He snapped back and glanced at his wife. “Are you well my love?”

  He nodded, and returned to the table, reclaiming his seat. “Forgive me child. Continue, I will weigh your words.”

  Tatiana smiled softly, she still saw the powerful Ayrian within her father. “My gratitude papa….” She continued the details of the trade agreement.

  ***

  Seeker wore a common cloak, to blend in with the locals. She walked about the academy, discretely studying the windows and doors.

  The large structure dominated this section of Riverdale, overshadowing the common buildings. The mid-level roof was a courtyard. The conservatory resided in the center of the middle-class sector. Four towers loom over the nearby buildings, at its perimeter. The towers stood four stories tall of the two-story structure. Windows encircled pylons with balconies. The numerous high windows stretched throughout the academy. She didn’t realize the immensity of the facility. It took an entire city square.

  Seeker entered an alley and ensured no one was about, climb to a window. Bookshelves lined the walls, tables and chairs lined the center.

  The assassin continued her survey over the next few days. To gather more information, Angelique befriended a mage student. He dwelled in the academy dormitory second floor.

  The Dark Elf Assassin returned and updated Tuke with her findings. She noted his discomfort when mentioning her activities with the student in order to obtain more information. It baffled her. Fornicating in groups or couples was common back home. She hasn’t met anyone she could share her intimate thoughts with.

  The following evening Angelique found a few extra candles and lanterns illuminating the main room with Millie overly cheerful. She hummed while setting the final meal. “Your spirit is high.” Millie and Crystal exchanged smiles. Seeker arced a brow, “What are you two up to…” she rested her hands on her hips. “…come come, out with it.”

  She noted Jarde sitting at the table trying to be discrete. Seeker kept an arched brow. “You three are up to something.” They remained silent as she pulled a chair beside the big man, “Jarde… sweetie what is happening?” she asked tenderly.

  “Nothing amidst here,” Millie came to her husband’s aid, “Is that not right love,” she insisted.

  Seeker glanced between them and noticed his discomfort, “Jarde?” she bumped shoulders with him. His huge frame dwarfed her as she looked up.

  He looked at Millie, “You should have said something.”

  “Jarde!” Millie hissed.

  Angelique smiled, “Come Millie, out with it.”

  A knock at the door stilled them, saving Millie. Crystal ran for the door, “I got it mama!” she shouted excitedly. Her eagerness surprised Seeker when Crystal opened the door, Tuke stood there with a pleasant smile then greeted them.

  Her eyes widened, her heart pounded, as she tried masking her composure, “Tuke?”

  He greeted Crystal with a wide grin, but when he saw Seeker his heart skipped, “Lady Angelique,” he breathed.

  Millie stood back and thought it was adorable. They spent the evening with pleasant conversation and good food. Tuke and Seeker held eye contact throughout the evening. It was more than Millie hoped for.

  After which they stepped to the main room and sat on pillows before the small hearth for warmth. Millie and Jarde joined them in silence.

  Crystal drifted to sleep on Seeker's lap. She slightly leaned, unconsciously against Tuke while stroking her lovely blonde waves. “I must put her to bed,” she whispered.

  “Of course,” Tuke thought it was a polite dismissal. “Allow me,” he gestured to the little blonde-haired angel, “then I will be on my way.”

  “I am grateful,
” Seeker smiled warmly and leaned back allowing Tuke to take her daughter. The priest grew tense when Seeker arced her back, unknowingly pushing out her breasts. He avoided looking at her chest and swallowed in a suddenly dry throat. He looks cute when he is nervous, she thought.

  After tucking Crystal in bed, they returned to the hearth, “I will take my leave, my lady.”

  Seeker blushed and thank the darkness for her deep complexion. “It is not necessary,” she said gently.

  “Are you not turning in?” his heart pinged.

  “Not yet, this night will belong.”

  Tuke arced a brow, “Long…? Joining your young friend this night for more information?” he tried to sound indifferent but wasn’t sure if he succeeded.

  Seeker hid her surprise, then smiled. She realized Tuke may be feeling uncomfortable with her sexual encounter. “No… are you envious?” she teased with a broad grin.

  Tuke stuttered, his mouth barely closing and suddenly dry. He didn’t want to admit he was jealous. “I I… I I…”

  Her gentle chuckle calmed him, “I tease dear Tuke… I will scout…,” she glanced making sure no one was about, “I will not fornicate him anymore.”

  “Dear heavens, I… …of course of course. How will…”

  Seeker interrupted, “It is only sex,” she leaned and kissed his cheek. “Besides, I think I found someone to share my thoughts with…,” she paused then changed the subject, “I will contact you.”

  “…As you say,” Tuke muttered. “Why?” She gently shushed him with a finger to his lips. He nodded. They rejoin Millie and her husband for a short time before taking his leave. Seeker escorted Tuke out. “Rest well,” he addressed all.

  She leaned against the door, “You as well.”

  He gazed at her light blue eyes, contrast her brown complexion. “My gratitude for the evening.”

  “Oh… would you like to do this again?” Seeker stunned herself.

  A boyish grin escaped him, “I would love to.”

  She shyly closed the door, then leaned against it. Oh Great darkness, I hope he understands? But he is human… …though wonderful, Seeker thought, pondering this evening when Millie startled her.

  “Angelique?”

  “Oh!” surprised, Seeker readied to fight. Millie froze, “Gods, you startled me,” then clutched her chest.

  She clasped her hands to her belly, “Oh Angelique forgive me. I did not mean to…”

  They realized they spooked each other and giggled. Then noted Millie’s slight trembling, “You shake, why?” she asked gently.

  She sniffed a few times, “I thought you would hurt me…,” she said softly.

  With swelling guilt, “I would not hurt you. You surprised me, nothing more,” she stroked Millie’s hair. “You are my friend,” and lifted her chin. Millie nodded. “Good, now tend your husband… …do what I showed you. I have business this night,” and kissed her upper lip.

  Millie blushed from the kiss and recalled the oral lessons, and the practice Seeker had her do with a vegetable, “Where do you head?” she managed.

  “To see a friend sweetie,” she winked. Millie smirked, understanding her message. Seeker passed Jarde as she pulled her tunic over her head, exposing herself while heading to her room. He pretended not to look, “Eyes in your head,” the assassin whispered with a giggle. Millie stared at her husband with an arched brow. The big man pretended innocence as he sipped water and swallowed hard.

  The darkroom didn’t diminish her sight as she retrieved her black leather armor from the chest. A tanner equipped additional dagger sheaths onto her thighs, calves, and back, allowing her to store fourteen daggers. Various equipment fitted into her redesigned armor. A sword on her back and short bow over her shoulder. A small pouch on the rear of her belt held her picking tools, a flask of oil and spike-traps. She looped a knotted 50-foot rope over her other shoulder and climbing claws on her thigh satchel. Her new four-part blowgun fitted in her other thigh pocket. She strapped a low-profile backpack in case she spotted something worth taking. Seeker scanned the room one last time, then gently kissed Crystal, and slipped out the window.

  Seeker scurried through the darkness and down alleyways. She was about to step out and noticed a constable. The assassin was soundless and virtually invisible in the shadows.

  Moments later the guard continued his patrol near the academy. Seeker watched him with frustration. She couldn’t afford to lose time and silently followed him from the shadows a few meters back. Anticipating his movement absorbed her attention. They reached the street of the academy.

  The guard scanned the streets then casually about-faced, returning to his point. The assassin gently stretched low along with the stone fence’s shadow and held her breath. She readied a small dagger with a neural toxin, hoping not to use it.

  The guard stopped beside her, only his boots were visible from her angle. “What the hell are you doing here?” She held her dagger firmly.

  Someone groaned, “I drank too much and woke next to a pile of dun the size of your house,” he replied. The constable stepped away.

  “You know the magistrate does not like anyone out past the witching hour.”

  Another moan, “I know I know… just help me home,” his speech slurred.

  “You ass,” the guard put his arm around his shoulder and guided him away.

  Seeker gently sighed with relief, making a face. She was grateful for not having to drug the constable. Once cleared she continued. Two more guards walked the streets by the conservatory’s dorm were having an exciting conversation. She waited for them to pass. They talked about the Ayrian princess, how thrilling their return. The height of the conversation was the princess’s unearthly beauty and gorgeous figure. Seeker made a face and wondered if that was all they saw in Tatiana. The conversation continued, she made circling hand gestures expressing her impatience for them to hurry on by. When they cleared her, she continued.

  Tuke’s word echoed in her mind, it appears someone wishes our friend ill. Stealthily, she slipped to the alley side of the dormitory. A quick tug from her thigh and slipped on her clawed palm gloves. Silently she scaled the stone fence then leaped onto the wall. The second story courtyard was an easy climb, then waited.

  Magical traps were a concern and focused to detect them. She scanned the area expecting to see a slight deep blue aura, an indication of magic. None present then continued. She peered window after window, with no success.

  Seeker spent the morning studying the information she gathered the past couple of weeks. The princess returned from her Ayrian kingdom at midday. Many spotted the princess as she flew over Riverdale. The group gathered at the mansion when they learned of her return. They spent a few hours catching up with food and drink. Rem suggested having dinner at the Yellow Dragon foot Inn when they first entered Riverdale. Their conversation was light, friendly and filled with smiles. Meredith prepared the table and a place for Dregous, along with elven wine.

  All eyes glanced at the empty setting. It was difficult to keep their spirit up with their absent friend. Tuke frowned at the vacant seat.

  Tatiana reached into her traveling pouch and removed a white candle with a narrow cylindrical shade of simple wire construction encased with a brilliant white cloth. It was a sample for the magistrate. The wireframe adorned winged warrior maidens surrounded by mourning doves. The group watched in silence. The princess smiled gently as she lit the candle then replaced the shade. It cast shadows on the table and them. She prayed in Russian for Ukko to release Dregous, so they may be together again.

  Tuke waited until she finished, “Princess?” Tatiana grinned pleasantly. “What is that?” he pointed.

  “It is a prayer guide.”

  “Prayer guide?” Rem asked.

  “Whenever someone is not present, a white candle is lit and shrouded by this shade…” she explained the custom of the open prayer for loved ones, friends and family that have died. In the past two hundred years, the prayer was amended to i
nclude those who have gone missing. Then realized her explanation was a confession of her love for Dregous and blushed.

  Tatiana took Seeker’s hand, “Come…, join me,” and extended a hand to Rem. Seeker didn’t know what to do. She took Tuke’s hand without looking at him and felt her heart race. Rem held the princess’s hand firmly and instantly regretted selling the demon’s name. They all held hands as the priest reached for Meredith. Most of the patrons of the inn joined the princess in silent prayer.

  Seeker felt lite hearted, though filled with a stern determination to find her ally. A few moments later she excused herself and headed towards the mansion while studying the school’s towers peering above the roofline, “fa pelteh fayhan,” she whispered.

  ***

  Rem arrived at Nevis the next morning by sea. Serval weeks passed since his last visit to this small town. He strolled off the deck plank and on to the dock. On his way to the inn he saw Kenton leaning against a support post by the door, “Interesting you are here,” Rem stated.

  Kenton hugged his arms within his broad robe sleeves, “It is no coincidence. I sense you would come and thought I greet you,” he lied, he was about to enter the inn to get something to eat when he spotted Rem on the ship as it docked. “Will you join me?”

  Rem masked his reaction. Not bad, he thought. “Aye, it was a long journey.”

  They entered the inn and stepped to a small table towards the back. The music, light and pleasant filled the room along with the warmth of a small hearth. The fire glow gave the main room a comforting welcome with a soft ambiance. Kenton silently greeted the owner as he took his seat. “Forgive my bluntness, my time is short,” Rem informed.

  Kenton raised his brow, “I see.”