Chapter 95: Bast Needs Me, It's Coming

“Ha!” She gasped. “That’s how you see me? A trollop of the worst sort?” Her voice ominously quiet.

Not nearly.

But you are a hypocrite preaching to me how perception can be misconstrued and that I’m some villain when you’ve persuaded me to do things against my honor, in truth.

Very different from the act the Queen tried to force me into.

“Hush woman. Before you raise the roof.” He glanced over his shoulder to see if she’d summoned the guards. Seeing they weren’t coming his gaze fell to her mouth and he leaned forward to put his arms against the wood wall, locking her in.

“I’m considering raising more than that.” Glancing maliciously at his genitals had him pressing firm against her to keep her from attacking.

“Don’t get inspired.” He warned. “Just hear me out.”

“Oh, I’m plenty inspired. Inspired to view you differently. You seem more of what Charles says every day. Perhaps Marod too was right about you…”

No, the Dark Dread is far from right. Jaw slack he was quiet. Having no idea what to say.

A sideways glance at her and he glimpsed the deep pain written over her face. Well done, Man. He chastised himself. How’d we get here?

Kiss her mother. Then call her a trollop. You’re doing a fine job of never seeing her again. Instantly contrite he considered begging for her forgiveness. Face softening, he dropped his arms and stepped back.

How can she not know I’d never willingly betray her? He was suddenly angry she was angry, despite being aware it was only his defense against fear.

“I heard all your warnings against the evil of men, Alazar.” She whispered. Tipping her face up toward his regardless that he was now tilted away from her. “I never realized you were speaking of yourself.” Her gold hair whipped him as she spun to stalk off. Offering one last whiff of roses.

He reached for her, but she was already out of reach. Feeling like she was tearing his heart out, he watched her crossing the bailey. Impulsively rushing out for her, he caught up to her halfway across the bailey. “Stop! Just listen! Riaura, please.” He caught her upper arm and pulled her to a stop.

She lurched to a stop to eye his grip on her and then his face meaningfully. “Unhand me.”

“No!” He whispered low. Glancing around the bailey and realizing they’d drawn an audience. He knew how it’d look that he, a nobody, had his hands on the princess.

All she has to do is raise her voice.

“Don’t.” He leaned forward to whisper it against her forehead. Shaking his head.

She wouldn’t.

“Guards!”

His jaw hung in shock at the betrayal. “I never thought you’d sink so low.”

“Amusing. Since I’d thought the same about you.”

Her NightGuards appeared in the bailey and Alazar freed her roughly. Growling low in his throat. “You’re making a mistake, Ri. One you’ll regret. I don’t have to play so nice…”

And I’m not going to lose you.

Not like this…

When she walked away, he moved to call to her but saw her wave him away. Twirling her fingers in a blatantly insulting goodbye.

His chest tightened when he looked up and saw Charles in his chair on the far side of the bailey in the castle entryway. Watching the scene. The hint of a smirk dancing on his face.

A smirk I’ll shatter one day.

I’ve had enough patience. Enough waiting for her. Enough waiting for her to see what Danbury is. Enough of Marod’s evil.

Enough being her toy assassin. He cursed. Feeling impossibly helpless. Weak.

Marod had succeeded in her endeavor, despite not being permitted to follow through on her plan.

Riaura has turned on me.

“Let her be, Brother.” Sebastian’s voice emerged from behind Alazar as he stepped into view.

Where’d you come from? Alazar’s head whipped to look behind him.

Bast’s face was contorted with an emotion Alazareth hadn’t seen since they were children.

Terror.

“You’re afraid.” Alazar gasped. “What’s wrong?”

“I need you.” His voice cracked.

For what? What could be so terrible?

“What is it?”

“Please come.” Bast spun on his heel and there was a mix of urgency and fear in his posturing.

What’s going on? Where are we going? Alazar followed reflexively. Sensing the gravity of the situation.

Bast’s body contorted as he leapt into the form of the panther.

Alazareth followed suit, becoming the gray and brown wolf.

They rushed through the woods in-step.

Alazar was curious as to what was going on, but sensed Bast’s deep turmoil as he recognized the route they took as heading for the Dread Hideout. Either for the artifacts or Acharius.

They traveled in silence. Crossing the ground at a rate normal beasts couldn’t travel. As night was falling, they arrived at Acharius’ caves.

Bast’s tension was tangible.

He’s petrified.

Converting to human form, Alazareth shot his twin several worried looks. “Are you going to tell me what is happening?”

Bast’s tension was wearing on Alazareth who was losing patience with the secrecy.

Why can’t you tell me?

Bast returned to human form and Alazareth noted that his hands shook as he rubbed his jaw and mouth in an effort to ease his stress. “I think it is happening.”

The baby is coming.

Alazareth stiffened. “We’re here for the women?”

Margaret and Agatha.

They’ve worked as midwives in the village for years. He needs them for Elsabet now.

Bast nodded. His throat working hard.

“Do you need me to ask him?”

Bast blew a shaking breath. Nodding slightly. So worried he couldn't speak.

Continued in BOOK TEN:

Forever Knights -Recasting Light