Chapter 47

Soren strode through the hallway as fast as he dared. He ignored the titters and greetings of the ladies he passed; he had no time for playing nice when the future of the only woman he cared about hung precariously in the balance. 

He’d thought he was so smart for paying court to the Rhinnean maidens and ladies—after the debacle with Lord Grenlef and Lady Dakoa he’d realized that his position was much more precarious than he’d originally believed. He still wasn’t sure if Lady Dakoa was interested in him or if it had been an elaborate plot to entrap him or tarnish his reputation but he would not risk his, or, Goddess forbid, Annalise’s reputation. Plus, Annalise had made it quite clear that she was determined to marry Nelan for the good of Dovea, and Soren would rather cut off his right hand than leave her behind.

So, the only option had been to find a suitable lady who would appreciate the protection and security he could provide, and who in return could be an ally at court, a friend outside of court, and who might understand the rather unorthodox situation he found himself in.

There had been a few candidates, the most promising of whom he’d taken a turn in the gardens with earlier in the day. She was from a respectable family but had three older brothers and two older sisters, and Priscilla had told him once that the lady in question was rather close with her maid and didn’t seem to care to dance with any men her age.

She was a delightful young woman; sarcastic, intelligent, and with a knack for navigating court politics from the background. To make matters even better, Annalise seemed to enjoy her company and had even mentioned the possibility of making her a lady-in-waiting.

It didn’t matter anymore—Soren was on a mission, and if he had his way, they’d be leaving Rea that very evening.

Or at least, that had been the goal. After Annalise left to confront Nelan, Soren went to the barracks to apprise his men of the current situation and found that they’d been granted a rare day pass to the countryside to stretch their legs under the watchful eyes of a small Rhinnean contingent. The timing couldn’t have been more suspicious, and he’d rushed back to the castle as fast as he could. 

He was too late. Annalise’s former chambers were empty, although one of the Rhinnean chambermaids sweeping the bare floor helpfully told him where the princess had been taken for further preparation for her wedding—the east tower. 

“Her wedding? Then she is still to marry King Nelan?” Soren asked, hardly believing his ears and hoping there was a misunderstanding. 

“Yes sir.” The chambermaid, a young girl of perhaps sixteen with mousy brown hair and a smatter of freckles across her nose, paused in her sweeping. “In fact, I heard that King Nelan is so entranced by the beauty of the princess that he’s ordered the wedding moved up to three days’ time. It’s quite romantic, if you ask me.” 

“It’s quite something, that’s for sure,” Soren said through gritted teeth before turning on his heel and continuing down the hallway. 

“Do you know where the east tower is?” 

Soren looked over his shoulder at Matheus, his perpetual shadow. He’d grown so used to the man’s company that sometimes he forgot he was there. “Of course; why else do you think I escorted so many Rhinnean women around the castle?” 

“I thought you had a penchant for women’s talk and gossip.” 

“That was part of it, yes, to understand the workings of the Rhinnean court…but the other reason was to get a guided tour of the castle and the freedom of movement that came with having an entranced young lady on my arm.” 

“And you’re telling me this now because…?” 

“Because I have no plans to stay here any longer than I need to.” 

There was a beat of silence behind him for a moment as their footsteps echoed down the empty hall, then Matheus spoke again. “I fear that I have underestimated you, Captain Kierson.” 

“Good. With any luck, you won’t be the only one.” Soren picked up his speed and did his best to ignore the sick feeling in his gut.

They reached the east tower and started climbing. After three floors they entered a large open room, and Soren’s heart sped up at the sight of a contingent of Rhinnean guards outside the tower door. 

“Who are you?” the lead guard asked, levelling a short spear at Soren. 

Soren struggled not to roll his eyes. “Captain Kierson of Dovea. Queen Annalise is under my protection. Step aside so I may speak with her.” 

At the use of her new title, several of the Rhinnean guards exchanged glances, but the one in front didn’t back down. “King Nelan has ordered her kept here with no visitors until after the wedding.” 

“He can’t lock her away like that; she’s the former Crown Princess and now Queen of Dovea. Move aside on your own or I’ll make you,” Soren growled. 

“Then you’ll have to make us, because I don’t take orders from you, Dovean dog.” The guard leveled his spear at Soren, and a faint scrape of metal was heard as several of the men behind him unsheathed from their scabbards. 

“Captain Kierson, is that you?” Annalise called through the door. 

“It is, Your Majesty. Give me just a few minutes to clear the room and we can talk,” Soren replied, his voice loud enough to be heard clearly through the thick wooden door. 

“We’re all okay and unharmed. Don’t do anything rash.” 

“They’re keeping you prisoner, and I will not stand for it! If it takes a fight to free you, then I’ll give them a fight they’ll never forget.” He glared at the guards across from him and put his hand on his sword. 

“The two Dovean guards who went with me to see King Nelan have disappeared. It is only me, Priscilla, and Elsabeth in here. If you fight them, you do it alone. Stand down, Captain Kierson. That is an order!” 

Emotions warred within Soren’s breast; every fiber in his being rebelled at the thought of not freeing her when he had the opportunity, but a direct order from the woman he loved was not so easily ignored, especially with the situation as dire as it was. 

“If I may?” Matheus stepped up to Soren’s side and put a hand on his arm. “There’s no need for that yet. You, what’s your name?” The last question was directed at the lead guard. 

“Lieutenant Vincert.” 

“I see. I assume that you have locked and properly secured the door to the Princess’s quarters?” Matheus paused for Lieutenant Vincert to answer, and when he received a nod, continued on. “In that case, step aside and let him speak to the princess.” 

“We received these orders directly from King Nelan.” 

“Yes, I am aware. You said that his orders were to let no one in or out of the Princess’s quarters, correct?” 

The lieutenant nodded again. 

“You have nothing to worry about, then. I will assume all responsibility for the next ten minutes, and you may remain just on the other side of the stairway door so as not to technically abandon your post.” 

“And who are you to order us around?” 

Matheus drew himself up to his full height and towered over the other man. “Captain Risebach, of the second division. I suggest you listen to me or I will report your insubordination—that is, if Captain Keirson doesn’t make mincemeat of you here and now.”

“One man against six? Bad odds there, I’d say,” one guard towards the back of the group said. 

“You’re right; bad odds for you. If you had any sense at all, you’d recognize that the man who defeated the son of Lord Grenlef so easily wouldn’t have much trouble against you lot, especially in such a narrow room.” 

Lieutenant Vincert narrowed his eyes and glanced between Matheus and Soren, then shrugged and lowered his spear. “Fine, let any consequences be on your head, although I won’t move from this very spot until Captain Kierson surrenders his sword.” 

Soren opened his mouth to protest, but thought better of it at the scowl on Matheus’s face. He sullenly unbuckled his belt and scabbard and handed them to Matheus, who gave them to the guard for safekeeping. After the men exited the room, Matheus closed the door to the stairwell and leaned against the wall. “Go ahead and speak with her, Soren. I can’t give you any more than ten minutes, but at least this way you can say your goodbyes.” 

Soren wasn’t sure if he should be grateful to Matheus for deescalating the situation or angry that the man and a very solid wooden door stood between him and the woman he loved. His entire body roiled with his emotions, and he suddenly felt very, very tired.

He sank to his knees and placed his forehead against the wooden door.