Fireblood

TWENTY-TWO

Death is too kind a word. My body feels like it’s been packed into a meat grinder and raked over fiery coals. I wince as I try to open the atrium door. Even my wrists hurt. I didn’t know I had muscles in my wrists that I could strain.

Devlan reaches his arm around me and grabs the handle. “Allow me, princess.” I can hear the amusement in his voice.

“Why, thank you, Sir Devlan.” I eye him through slitted lids. I swear he’s a masochist. He probably enjoys feeling pain as much as he does inflicting it.

Sebastian rises from his chair, tosses his silver embroidered cape over his shoulder, and greets me with a kiss to my hand. He guides me to my seat, his eyes trailing over me. “You look as if you’re feeling worse.” He cocks his head after he takes his seat. “You seemed in better shape yesterday afternoon. Have you fallen ill again?”

I sit as the servant behind me pushes in my chair. “I believe it’s just an aftereffect from the fever.” I nod, encouraging him along. “Muscle fatigue. I forgot to take my medicines this morning.”

His face pinches. “Zara, mayhap you should see the physician before we leave for town. I don’t want to take any chances it’s something—”

“I’m fine, Sebastian,” I interrupt. “Truly. I’ve never handled fevers or colds well.” I smile.

He studies me once before picking up his silverware, then returns my smile. “All right, my love.”

Relieved, I pick up a knife and butter my croissant. I would still be laid up in bed if it weren’t for Devlan giving Madity the soak this morning. I could barely hobble across my room when I first woke. Madity only mildly questioned me. I’m sure she knows horseback riding wouldn’t cause this much pain, or a fever, but she decided against probing.

I want to tell her everything so badly, but I can’t bring her into this. If protecting her means hurting her feelings by requesting another maid, it may come to that. It will pain me, and I’ll never be able to explain to her the reason, but I can’t chance endangering her if she becomes too knowledgeable.

After breakfast, Sebastian leads me to the carriage at the front of the castle. It’s drawn by two white horses, and five members of the Force are mounted on black horses in the lead. Devlan and a guard from his knights ride with us in the carriage.

As we near the gatehouse, the giant gate squeals open as the electric charge surrounding the metal bars zaps off. I hear the hum, then silence. We pass through, and my stomach flutters with excitement as we leave Court.

If the past two days had never happened, my only thoughts would be on how to lose Sebastian and the knights in Town Square. As the town opens up around me, however, I’m plagued with different, pressing matters aside from myself.

Haphazardly stacked houses layer the cobbled streets, their rooftops peaked against the light sky. The scent of baking bread filters into the interior of the carriage. Children chase after the carriage, fake swords in hand. The market is packed with citizens milling around, buying corn from the recent harvest and materials to sew with. It’s peaceful. I didn’t realize how much I missed the freedom of coming to the market. I never liked having to leave the wide-open country around the farmhouse. Now, I miss the simple task of running errands.

Then I remind myself it’s all a façade. Beyond that bright skyline, a nightmare world lies, real and sinister. The simple life these people lead—eating, playing, laughing, even breathing—has a cost, and eventually they’ll pay the price.

Before I left Devlan last night, we spoke of what will take place once the barrier is brought down. I must understand the full consequences we’ll be facing. Fighting the predators of Outside is only one harsh truth. If we succeed, Karm will change in many ways.

If we’re successful in combining the Rebels, knights, and the Force, we will set up a military perimeter to deflect the cannibals’ and monsters’ attacks. Every citizen who can fight must. It will take every able body to defend Karm. Once the cannibals realize what we’ve done, they’ll destroy the compound, shutting off the power to Karm. We’ll be taken into a world more similar to Camelot than Hart ever imagined. Far closer to the old world of that time, and we’ll have to adapt.

As Devlan stated, my father, our families, and all the Taken are worth the risk.

The carriage rumbles to a stop near the podium in the middle of the square, jerking me from my strained thoughts. In the center, the platform where I once saw a man hanged stands two feet off the ground. Sebastian takes my hand as I exit the carriage. The Force lines up before us, already blocking the citizens who have grouped together to spy the prince, and now, I suppose, the princess.

Sebastian waves to his subjects and I mimic him, trying to feel not so out of place, even though I hate the action and the thought of my own importance. I drop my hand and smile instead. It seems more sincere.

My eyes scan each citizen, seeking Hadley. If I could get just one moment alone with her, I’d bring her into the know, make sure she’s aware—at least partially—of what will transpire over the next few months. She needs to be prepared for it.

She’s not here, though. My stomach plummets. She had to know that the prince was making a speech today, and that it was possible I’d join him. Where is she? I decide I’ll have to find a way to get word to her before our mission takes place, regardless of what may be keeping her from facing me.

Sebastian continues to wave and drops his head near my ear. “After my speech, we can go anywhere you’d like.”

“Thank you, Sebastian.” I can use this time to discover more about the prince and his ideas for Karm. “I’d love to visit the artisan shops. Mayhap take in the artwork of the painters.”

“Done.” He takes a step toward the podium, then turns back to me. “Stay close to Devlan and the guards.” His eyes linger on me a moment longer before he turns and walks onto the stage.

As the crowd moves in to get a better view of the platform, a woman is pushed forward. She tumbles, and one of her hands protects her swollen belly, shielding it from the edge of the platform, while the other lands on Sebastian’s booted foot.

My chest barbs with fear as two members of the Force shove past the crowd toward her. They raise their hands to apprehend her, and I step forward, but Devlan latches onto my arm.

Sebastian holds his hand up to his knights, then looks down at the pregnant woman. My breath halts, my skin prickles, my mind flashes to the arcade as Sebastian ordered the Force to torture Mr. Levine.

Reaching down, Sebastian grasps the woman’s hand, the one shakily cupping his boot, and helps her to stand. His Force stops mid-capture, their V-batons outstretched. My eyes take in the scene as Sebastian smiles at her, then raises a hand, welcoming the cheers of the crowd.

I eye Devlan, my brows raised. His features reflect my shock at seeing the prince help a commoner before we return our gazes to the stage.

Sebastian raises his hands as the applause grows. “Citizens of Karm,” he begins. “Thank you for joining me to welcome in a new season of the tournament.” The crowd hollers, their applause echoing off the buildings. Sebastian’s charisma even makes me want to cheer. He’s a natural at being in front of people and giving them exactly what they want.

As he continues his speech on the tournament, I scan the crowd. How many Rebels are here, if any? Devlan catches my eye. “No need to fear, princess,” he says in a low voice. “I will protect you from the bad men.” His lips twitch on the verge of a smile.

I look back to Sebastian, covering my own knowing smile. I suppose I’m one of the “bad men” now. However, Sebastian truly worries for my safety. This thought sobers me. To him, the Rebels are the enemy, and he endeavors to protect me from them. He has no idea one of them is his most trusted knight, and another his betrothed. I now wonder if the man I saw hung in the square was a Rebel and not a simple thief. Maybe this silent war hasn’t been so silent, only the citizens have been fully kept in the dark.

When Sebastian concludes his speech, the crack of applause jolts me back into the now. I clap as he exits the podium and his Force surrounds him. Devlan and his knights escort me toward the cobbled street in pursuit of the prince.

Behind me, the crowd attempts to push past the line of knights blocking the entrance of Commerce Street. Sebastian waits for me near an artisan’s shop.

“How was I?” A proud smile curves his lips.

“It was perfect.” And it was. He was truly born and raised to be a leader.

“It was only my second speech. The first, of course, being the transmission where I chose my lovely princess.” He winks. “The citizens are not used to having royalty address them, as the king so rarely gives speeches. But I think giving them more of this will be a good thing.”

As he talks, I smile, trying to keep my thoughts centered on my mission. Finally, I say, “I’d actually never seen any of the king’s transmissions before our betrothal. But I imagine the citizens will enjoy having their new king so respondent to them.”

He cranes an eyebrow. I’m sure my action that day in the arcade makes sense to him now. “You’ve never seen any of his transmissions. You amaze me.” He’s rendered speechless for a moment. Then he says, “Zara.” He stops walking and faces me. “After the wedding, and after I become king shortly thereafter, I want to hear your ideas.” A solemn look crosses his face.

“My lord?” I’m confused as to what ideas I’ve ever mentioned until I recall all that I told him in the garden. Optimism fills me, hoping this is his meaning.

“I have theories myself. Things I want to see changed in Karm. And I want us to make this realm a truly fantastic place. Where citizens are happy, not living in fear.” His voice is hushed, Devlan and I the only ones near enough to hear. “I want to bring Karm into a new era—for me to become a legend, for my name to live long past me.”

I’m stunned. It was my wish that day at the meadow that Sebastian would be a kind ruler and would change Karm. That we’d no longer simply abide by the laws for fear of the Force. I look to the ground, unable to form words. He can’t know. No, not speaking like this. Surely he can’t be aware of what Hart has done, is doing.

He lifts my face. “I’ve said something to worry you.” He tilts his head. “I thought this would please you. I’m doing it for the citizens as much as for you.”

I suck in a deep breath. “It does please me, Sebastian.” I smile genuinely. “More than you know.” And it’s true. It’s my proof his heart is not yet hardened like King Hart’s. He won’t agree to rule as his father does. My chest loosens with relief.

He releases my face and takes my hand, guiding me toward a storefront. I peek over my shoulder, a smile stretching my face, and spot Devlan lingering behind. A dark expression shadows his features. His eyes are etched in hard creases. I’m confused as to why he’s not overjoyed that he may not have to betray his former best friend, that there’s a chance for Sebastian to take our side and help us stop the Virus and take down the barrier.

I study Devlan’s rigid features a moment longer as his eyes seek something other than me. What happened between him and Sebastian?

As we approach the artisan’s shop of paintings and crafts, something tugs at my dress. I look sideways, and a man with deep-set wrinkles and hollow eyes grabs my arm.

My heart crashes again my chest.

“Guards!” Sebastian calls.

The man’s dark-rimmed eyes widen, and his mouth trembles open. “They’re coming for you.”

Dread envelopes my core and I shakily yank at my dress, nudging the crazed man off as the Force snatches him up.

“By order of King Hart, unhand the princess,” a knight orders. Larkin, I realize.

I feel a little better knowing at least Larkin, one of the Rebel plants, apprehends the man and not another member of the Force. I don’t think he intended to harm me. His eyes are far away, as if he’s not completely aware, lost. Does he suffer from the effects of the Virus?

The man breaks free of Larkin and bolts forward. Sebastian hauls me backward as Devlan steps in front of me. The man crashes into Devlan’s chest and is knocked to the ground. Larkin is close behind, V-Baton in hand.

A scream lodges in my throat. I prepare to order them not to hurt him, but I’m too late as the man is zapped.

He drops to his knees, and Larkin stuns him again. And then a third time. The man splays out over the cobbled roadway, his body seizing with convulsions. I cover my mouth, horrified, as he writhes and foam leaks over his lips.

I latch onto Devlan’s arm and gape from around his shoulder. My fingers dig into his solid arm. I feel Sebastian’s hand on my shoulder, trying to lead me away, but I cling there—staring at the man, petrified at seeing Larkin repeatedly shock him.

Larkin and another member of the Force lift the man, grabbing him under his arms, and start to drag him away. Before I turn away from the scene, Larkin’s gray-eyed gaze traps mine. A cruel smile drives up the corners of his mouth. I back away as his cold eyes penetrate mine, and his smile widens into a sneer.

If he’s merely playing his role as a Round Table knight, he plays it too well.