Fireblood

FIVE

A foul sickness rises up from my stomach and coats my throat. The contraption Mr. Levine is secured to rumbles to life as a member of the Force cranks a lever on its side.

Mr. Levine wails as the rafter above him inches forward and a hook stops just above his stomach. A member of the Force grabs the hook. My feet are frozen to the stone. I’m unable to move—my system shocked. The point of the hook pierces his flesh. His sharp cry unhinges me, and I bolt forward.

The sight of blood streaming from Mr. Levine’s side nearly knocks me to the ground, but I force my feet to run toward the knight cranking the lever on the machine. “Stop!”

Another shrill, gurgling cry rips from the apothecary’s throat as the hook rises, bringing with it his entrails.

My head lightens, I’m dizzy, and I slur my next order. “Sh-top!”

Before I reach Mr. Levine, arms circle my waist, and I’m halted. Someone pulls me against their hard chest as I flail my arms. “Zara,” a harsh voice says.

My eyes widen as the knight digs the hook into Mr. Levine’s stomach again. Bile burns my throat and nostrils. I gasp air into my constricted lungs, trying to clear my stinging sinuses. “Make them stop,” I plead, my voice trembling. There’s so much blood.

A hand covers my eyes, and I’m being dragged away. The cool air of the inner ward wraps around me, soothing some of the nausea roiling my stomach.

The fingers digging into my arm loosen their grip, and the hands turn me about. “Have you never seen a live transmission from the king?” Sebastian’s face is flush from the exertion of wrangling me into the castle.

I shake my head, over and over, then stop. The thief. The hanging. But that was damn near humane compared to that torture device. What’s more, I know Mr. Levine. I’ve spent time with him in his shop, and with his daughters. He came to our home. Went fishing with my father. Is Mr. Levine’s torture being transmitted? Is his family watching right now?

Sebastian presses his lips together and his brow furrows. “You cannot interfere with our means of questioning.”

“Questioning?” I snap. Fury ignites, searing my blood. “How is he to tell you anything when his insides are spilling from his body?” I shove against his chest, hard. He doesn’t budge, and I raise my clenched fists to slam them against his stubborn form.

He grabs my wrists and firmly holds me in place. “The Force has already exhausted their simplest means of questioning. He gave nothing up.” He lowers his face toward mine; his warm breath fans my bangs. “This is the next logical step. You must know this.”

Angry, I try to turn away from him, holding back tears. “Did it ever occur to you that mayhap he knows nothing? And to simply end his torment, he’ll now tell you whatever you wish to hear?”

His eyes study my face, and his expression sours. “Come, Zara. You know that isn’t the truth.” His lips twist into a sneer. “After all, it was you who led the Force to him.”

My mouth falls open, and I shake my head. “No,” I whisper. I shove him backward one last time and free myself.

The tapestries along the corridors blur past me as I run, seeking an escape.

I don’t care that I have no plan—that I’m leaving with nothing. I need to be away from here. Now. Only one thing slows my pace.

My father.

What is happening to him in the Oubliette? Is he suffering the same fate from a similar device? When the mad misbehave, do they beat them and torture them back into line? Before I can think better of it, I’m hastening through the atrium, heading for the glass door.

The Oubliette can’t be far from the castle. It’s on the king’s grounds somewhere. Devlan has left the door unlocked, and I launch into the garden area and begin my search. There’s a latticed entrance to a maze past the garden, and the training ground is to my right. Deciding to go straight, I pick up the hem of my gown and run. A fire snakes its way down my throat.

I pass the center fountain and turn in to the entrance of the maze. Stumbling, I look down at what tripped me and nearly retch. A dead bird lies in the grass, its white neck crooked at an odd angle. I back away from it slowly, then head farther into the maze.

The walls of green stretch high above my head, and only the clouds guide my path. Everything else looks the same.

Two openings present themselves. I pause. I’m not sure that the Oubliette is even located here, but for some slightly twisted reason, I feel that it would be. I close my eyes for a moment, and then turn right.

The pathway feels never-ending. My heart races as I run faster, deeper toward the center. My limbs shake with panic and exertion. I reach a dead end and slam my hands into the wall of bushes. I could turn back, but I’ve wasted precious time. Beating down the wall feels right, and I claw at the stems and thorns. Hands latch onto my arms, and I yelp.

“Princess,” Devlan says, his voice deep, calm.

I continue my attack on the bushes. My hands are streaked with red. Devlan tears me away from the wall and turns me around, then pushes my back against the shrubbery.

He breathes deeply through his nose, his lips pressed into a hard line. His eyes scan my face as his chest rises and falls. “Don’t let them break you,” he whispers. “Be made of steel, like the walls that surround you.”

The depth of his pale blue eyes holds me captive. I see fear in them, but I also see strength, honor. His gaze is heated and steady, and something inside me wavers. As their blue intensifies, matching the bright streaks marring the sky, a strange calm settles over me.

When he seems convinced I’m through with my fit, he tentatively releases me. He’s close enough that I feel the heat rolling off his body. The inch of air between us is alive with tension until he slowly takes a step backward.

We stare at one another. Then he glances around the maze, his eyes seeking invisible ears, reminding me that I’m being spied on.

He turns and motions me before him, and we walk back silently. No more words between us.

Cameras are everywhere in Karm. Hidden, so that the old-world feel of the Camelot-esque culture is not lost. As I walk the castle grounds, today’s happenings heavy on my mind, I glance around at the tree branches, trying to spy one of the Eyes.

In my whole life, I’ve only witnessed a handful of arguments in town. Someone not happy with a purchase in the market, or another discontent with their placement or station. The Force addressed every episode swiftly, before it became a bigger matter. They use their watchful Eyes to remedy incidents immediately, assuring us that we live in a perfect society.

Most citizens are content living the fairytale life the king has created for them. I believe they are happy, in some strange way. But for all the wrong reasons. This is not how Camelot was ruled, by fear.

No one so much as gives a stern look to another. The king’s transmitted punishments suppress any thought of rebellion. We have been conditioned. It wasn’t possible that Mr. Levine was guilty of traitorous actions; we fear the consequences too much. And yet, he helped my father hide his illness. He probably helped others in the same way. Does wanting to care for sick people make you a traitor, though?

To King Hart and his Force, I suppose it does.

My hands sting. I curl my fingers toward my palm repeatedly, pumping my fists, attempting to alleviate the burn from the thorn scratches that cross my skin. There’s nothing to be done for the guilt eating away at my insides, though. It slices through me like a whip.

Had I not been elevated to this new station, Mr. Levine would be tending his shop this minute. The Force wouldn’t have been made aware of his actions if I hadn’t come to him for aid. I bow my head, wondering if there’s anything that will alleviate the shame I feel. There isn’t.

As Devlan leads me toward the lake, I stagger to a stop. A white bird lies dead before me, its wing broken. “That’s the second one I’ve seen.” I glance to the sky.

Devlan stands beside me and looks down at the bird. “A cleanup crew is needed,” he says into his silver communicator. “A bird—near the front of the lake.” He slides the device into his vest, then escorts me to the other side of the bank.

The wind ripples the surface of the lake, and I settle on the spongy grass. Where does the breeze come from? Is there a person somewhere in the castle pushing a button because a monitor says “cue pond ripple”? I laugh hollowly.

“Something amusing?” Devlan asks, unrolling a wad of gauze he took from the training grounds’ armory before bringing me here.

I take a labored breath, and try to quell the hysteria coursing through my system. I’m exhausted and angry and afraid, and all I want is to free my father and get the hell away. Instead of trying to explain this, I say, “Of course not. What could be amusing today?”

Settling down before me in the grass, he stretches out the gauze. “Let me see your hands.” I hold them out, and he gently wraps the thin material around each one, his head bent low. “When you’re asked”—his eyes flick to my face briefly—“you wanted to take some roses from the garden to your bed chamber, but you were impatient and didn’t use pruning shears.”

I crane an eyebrow. “You sound as if you’ve had practice inventing stories.” He turns his head away, and I study the side of his face. Stubble casts a slight shadow along the otherwise-smooth skin of his chin and jaw. “Sir Devlan, what was your station as first knight?”

He tucks the ends of the bandages in and places my hands in my lap, then looks at the ground and runs his hand along the grass. He finds a rock, stands, and shucks the stone out, skipping it across the top of the water. My chest tightens as I await his response.

In this moment, I miss Hadley’s constant chatter. My heart constricts, and I wonder whether she misses me, too.

“You know, Sir Devlan. Many women might find the quiet type endearing,” I say. “I admit, a man of few words has an attractive quality.” His head turns toward me. “But seeing how you’re one of the few people I have to converse with, your lack of conversational skills can be obnoxious.”

Taking two quick strides toward me, he stops a few inches from my crossed ankles and squats, balancing on the balls of his feet. His pale eyes shift into a darker blue, reflecting the lake. “Then I suppose I’ll have to remedy that,” he says, “considering His Highness has just assigned me as your personal guard.” His eyes take in my stricken features and I swallow. “Wouldn’t want to displease my charge, would I?”

“What—why? You’re the first knight. Surely there’s something more important Sebastian needs of you rather than being my watch dog.”

“I agree.”

Stunned, I part my lips to speak but nothing comes out. He presses on. “I was the knight commander. And as such, my duties were to train and command knights in combat and protect the king. But, since there is no war, no lands to conquer, I suppose after what happened in the arcade, the prince feels you’re the most valuable of his possessions in need of protection.”

His words weigh down on my shoulders like lead, sinking me farther into this cage. “Well, you have the possession part right.” I turn my gaze from his, looking to the water. A moment passes, and Devlan stands, putting distance between us.

Another wave of guilt washes over me. I’ve now had the knight commander demoted to a sitter. My sitter.

“I can be unseen,” Devlan says. “If that makes it easier for you.”

“Nay. That’s not necessary.” And not in my favor. He’s going to be watching me closer now. Not knowing his whereabouts would make running away more difficult than it already is.

Mayhap I’ve been going about this wrong. What if I should become the most undesirable girl in all of Karm? Would Sebastian still want to spend the rest of his life with a wife bent on making him miserable? He may show me past the castle gate himself. A smile twitches at my lips until I remember Mr. Levine’s cries. This is not a game.

Sebastian is prepared to take on that challenge, just as Madity claimed. His ego at breakfast verified my first assumptions of the vain prince. If he doesn’t put me in the torture device, then my actions may only succeed in making him want me more. The one girl who doesn’t fall all over herself to be near him. As Devlan put it, there’s no great war, no lands to conquer. Sebastian’s greatest conquest will be my affections.

Devlan interrupts my brooding as he kneels on one knee before me. “Princess,” he says, and glances toward the tree branches before continuing. “This is the one place in Court where the wind disrupts the amplifiers.”

“The listening devices?”

He nods. “I must tell you that your father is gone.”

“I know,” I say. “I watched—”

“No. He’s truly gone.” Lacing his fingers together, he cups his knee, straightens his back. “The Virus took him during the night. He was incinerated this morning.”

My heart plummets past my stomach. The nausea returns with renewed vengeance, and I gag, my swollen throat biting back the rising bile. Tears burn my eyes, then fall freely, scorching a hot path down my face. I wrap my arms around my stomach and rock.

I force myself to hold still. My body trembles with the restraint.

I must stay composed. I must stay composed. I repeat this mantra because the Eyes are watching.

Devlan lowers his head, putting his gaze level with mine. “Princess,” he says, his tone cautionary. “You mustn’t fall apart. I’ve only told you this so you’ll dismiss any notion of fleeing.”

My focus sharpens, until I’m finally seeing him through my blurred vision. “Why do you chance telling me?”

“You can’t outrun the Force.” His features harden. “You have to accept that your life is here. Banish all thoughts of escape. For your mental stability and to stay alive.”

I feel fresh tears sliding down my cheeks, but I refuse to wipe them away.

My father’s dead. Dead.

The earth looks so inviting that I want to curl into myself and simply lie there. Possibly forever.

A long moment passes where I stare out over the lake. Silent. I can’t do this on my own. I look at my gauze-wrapped hands and allow the heartache to consume me. Sebastian took away my last moments with my father. I may not have had much time left with him, but it was still my time. My last memories of him are filled with the Force beating him and hauling him away.

Devlan speaks the truth. My mind clearly understands that what he says is logical. My brain comprehends this somewhere behind the pain. I have no chance. Now that my father is truly gone, I should accept my new life in the castle.

But my father’s desperate plea still haunts me, and all that I’ve seen in a single day’s time only confirms his wish—his demand. Regardless of what happens, I must attempt to escape.

I nod my head, hoping a weak acknowledgment will at least placate the first knight. I cannot have him turn me over to his prince or the Force. He must trust that, by losing my father, I’ve abandoned my quest. Of course, now that Sebastian has stationed his Number One at my side, I’ll have to be more creative to escape.

With a furrowed brow, Devlan studies my face for a moment longer, then stands. He’s silent, like it’s the most natural thing to never speak as he patiently waits for me to finish out my tears.

I take my time, saying goodbye to my father in my mind. I will love you forever. I will never forget you, even if I cannot speak your name. Find Mother, and then one day, I will search for you both. I tell him all the things I’d have said if I had not been denied that right.

After what feels like hours, I look up at Devlan and take a steadying breath, forcing false strength into my voice. “If I’m going to be here, tell me. What the hell is there to do around this place?”

A fleeting half-smile breaks across his face. He looks relieved I’ve not melted into a pile of writhing girl parts. “What does the princess desire?”

“For one, you to stop calling me that.”

He doesn’t respond, only continues to stare at me, waiting for another response.

“I don’t know. I used to love taking care of the newly cloned animals on my father’s farm. Is there any wildlife here? Do you have livestock or something?”

He nods. “We have a stable. Horses.”

My chest flutters. We tended to cows and pigs. Sometimes ducks, rabbits, and other small animals. But never horses. I’ve never ridden one. The thought excites me and gives me a new idea. Escaping on foot probably isn’t wise. I’ll need something fast.

My insides are shattered, and I could disappear into myself—lock myself away in my chamber. Instead, I will focus my anger and forge a plan.

I look Devlan in the eyes. “Show me.”

The air is a mix of damp hay and meal. It pricks at my nose, and I feel at home. I take a deep breath, and fresh tears brim my eyes. I push the pain deeper, further from my consciousness. My hands slide along the wood railing as Devlan leads the way to the stable. For once he’s not behind me. He’s off to my left, and points as he navigates my course.

“You won’t be able to come here alone.” He glances my way. “There’s a code.”

My eyes slip over him, taking in his lean but well-built physique. He’s probably even stronger than he looks. “And I take it you won’t give me the code.”

“Nay.”

“Of course.”

We continue our trek and the stable comes into view. It looks like a regular wooden structure. As we get closer, I see the shatterproof glass doors that are also throughout the castle. Although it looks like mere wood, Devlan’s words to me in the maze remind me that solid steel is between those walls. Nothing could penetrate it or the castle. I study every inch as we step up to the door, looking for a flaw in the system.

Devlan’s key chain jangles as he unhooks it from the inside of his uniform. His fingers pick out a large, rusted key, and he inserts it into the keyhole on the side of the stable. A glass latch pops open revealing a dial pad, and he maneuvers in front of me, blocking my view as he enters his code. He steps back, and I flinch when a green beam shoots out from the top of the door.

“Hold still,” he says. “It’s just scanning your image.”

I nod, then stop. Hold still. The light scans over my face and moves down my body. Through tight lips, I say, “Is this necessary? For horses?”

His face hardens. “Court horses are of great value.”

I frown, wondering who would be stupid enough to try and steal the king’s horses and go against the Force. A shiver skitters down my spine. I suppose that’d be me.

The doors slide apart, and Devlan walks between them first. I hesitantly follow, my eyes sweeping the entrance. Not only would I somehow have to figure out the code, I’d have to snatch Devlan’s key ring. There doesn’t seem to be another way. I glance to the far back. The stable is completely enclosed. No other door. Hell.

I look around and notice the cozy stalls and feel a little better. Like my father, I love animals, and couldn’t bear it if they were kept in a harsh environment. As I continue to look, I’m reminded of my enclosure, and suddenly feel like I’m not the only prisoner in Court.

The horses nicker as we walk past. They seem strong, fierce, graceful. One catches my eye. I can’t tell if it’s a boy or girl, but it’s beautiful. Solid white with a long creamy mane.

“Her name is Hawken.” Devlan steps up to the stall’s gate. He stretches his hand out, palm up, and Hawken sniffs it.

“She’s gorgeous.” I remove the gauze from one hand, slip it beneath the sash of my gown, and mimic his action. Her nostrils take in my scent, tickling my palm as she snorts. A small laugh escapes my mouth.

Devlan withdraws his hand and leans against the side of the gate, watching me. I become brave and stretch out my other hand, reaching for the soft hair just above her eyes. She blinks once, then nuzzles her head closer to me. My cheeks tingle as my smile widens.

“She likes you,” Devlan says.

I giggle a little as she nudges my hand. “I like her, too.”

From the corner of my vision, I notice that Devlan continues to watch me, not Hawken. Suddenly self-conscious, I pull my hand back and press it to my dress.

He clears his throat, finally moving his gaze from me and back to the horse. “That’s the first I’ve seen of your true smile.”

An ache lodges in my throat. I know I must act unaware of my father’s death in front of the Eyes, but it’s tearing at me to perform. I pull back my shoulders, lift my chin. Devlan risked much by telling me of his death. I owe it to him to hold strong.

The first knight probably loathes himself for showing weakness, for dropping his guard and giving in to my tears. Even now, I’m hungry for him to acknowledge me in that very real way again, though I know that will never happen. He was the commander. Before I ran into the arcade, his station was far more significant than watching over a princess. He simply wants me compliant—a burden-free charge.

He’s not my friend. He’s my guard. I’m alone here, with no confidant. However, he’s helped me more than anything, anyone, as I’ve resolved to be strong—to not let them break me.

And to find a way out.

For a moment, I pretend my smile affects him as much as my pain did. But when I look up into his pale blue eyes, his armor’s in place, and I know I’ll never see that emotion again. He’s a knight. He has no reason to want my happiness.

This morning, I thought he was threatening me. I might be mistaken in assuming his warning before I entered the atrium was meant for my benefit. It may have been for his own preservation. He doesn’t want to answer to King Hart for my disappearance.

At the thought of encountering King Hart and his Force, a fierce shudder rocks my body. When I do leave, it must be for good.

I step away from the railing and walk toward the back of the stable. “Whose horse is she?” I look over my shoulder.

Devlan pushes off the gate and trails behind. “Prince Sebastian’s.”

Of course. He would have the most stunning. Something he feels possibly equals his own beauty. “Will I have my own horse to ride, then?”

“I’m sure the prince wouldn’t mind sharing Hawken with you,” he says. “At least while you learn to ride. Then he’ll give you any horse you desire.”

“Who’s to train me to ride?” I glance around at the other horses. Fine animals, though not nearly as gorgeous as Sebastian’s.

“We have a stable hand. Jericho. He could be your instructor.” The thought that I might be alone with only a stable boy and not a guard crosses my mind. I’m nearly giddy until Devlan says, “I’d also monitor.”

I deflate. There has to be some way I can manage being alone. There are too many complications and not enough solutions. My chest constricts, and I press my palm to my breastbone.

I turn around and head back toward the entrance of the stable. Ready to pry a little deeper and try to unearth some knowledge about my riding lessons, I open my mouth, but a crackling noise cuts me off.

I spin around as Devlan brings out his communicator. “Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of King Hart’s illusion?”

His lips purse and his eyebrows pull together. “It’s necessary,” he says to me, then into the circular device, “Devlan.”

Static hisses, and a deep voice booms over the transmission. “Princess Zara is needed in her chamber.” A beat. “Her maid is making preparations for tonight’s ceremony.”

“We’re coming now.” Devlan places the shiny device back inside his uniform.

I press harder against my chest, wishing I could reach inside and stop the pressure—stop my body from responding to the fear that overtakes me when Devlan announces, “It’s time.”