Betrayal Read online

  “He’s almost ‘ere,” gruffy voice said.

  My body began to shake from the chill. The guard stood me up and grappled my arm over to the spot where the others had been eating some kind of foul smelling watery stew for what I assumed might be breakfast.

  “Make her stand still,” another one said.

  Guard goblin yanked my arm down making his sharp as knives fingernails cut into my skin. Tears sprang to my eyes, but I didn’t say a word.

  Time passed slow as they finally let me sit back down where they stood. Hours more. The beginning of dawn peeked over the trees as my stomach reminded me of its absence of substance.

  “When the king gets ‘ere, make sure he doesn’t get ‘er till we get the gold.”

  The head goblin in charge was making all kinds of circles with his men.

  Small, round, little, ugly creatures holding black cannon balls ready for attack. My mind went back to a day when I survived the attack. Rion.

  I was alone.

  No one would save me. I had vanished. I couldn’t scream and be heard. I couldn’t magic my way out of this. Magic?

  I looked around surveying the area, light headed and thirsty. Counted. Measured. Running was the best option. Only option. Fifteen goblins including the taller one who looked almost like a Nym and goblin mixed. That was obscene.

  I found the best opening and calculated how many times the two predictable guards beside me looked away in a patterned way. I saw the way the head Goblin looked off towards a beaten down brush pile away from my own eyes and assumed the worst. The InSane king was close.

  Pop! Someone’s face rose above me. I hated that my sense of smell didn’t work on all things alive. When I met this next kidnapper's face though, I knew it well.

  David! “Switch?”

  “Whatever names pleases you, love.” His voice was smooth and inviting like Kin’s, always trying too hard to make the girl fall into the “sexy voice trap”. I was not in the mood for games at the moment. His eyes went to the rings on my finger.

  “Don’t call me that. I know your motives you spineless piece of—“

  “Now, now. Our princely heroes wouldn’t like such language coming from their saintly prophecy girl. Pure and holy you shall stay. For now.”

  Switch edged closer to me slinking the blade of his knife across my cheek. He was scaring me, but I could read people and creatures of this world better than ever. Motives were harder, but not impossible. Giving credit to Pike for much of it seemed wrong but true nonetheless. It's not like he affects my time with Ian. Since Pike’s first encounters, I have tried my best to avoid it for the sheer embarrassment of it. Mine and the recipient.

  Switch felt only anger. Nothing more.

  “Course, damaged wasn’t worded in the deal. I promised all else, but not intact.”

  The goblin looked up at Switch giving him a goofy look that I could surmise meant something else enticing only to him, but a goblin’s face was wearily hard to read.

  “You are a traitor to Kin and he will see through your ways.”

  “I doubt that. I’ll just blame the goblins. They would see you dead anyway, Seelie Queen are far on their list of likes. I will just have my way with you and see that they receive the wrath.” He eyed me over licking his lips. Disgusting. Definitely makes a girl see past the gorgeous outward package when the inside is tarnished with corruption. Pushing the fear away, I tried to stay on task. Rescue myself before Switch could follow through with what the human world would put him behind bars for.

  Goofy goblin boy threw a look up at Switch again, but his eyes narrowed this time. Baiting him was a good set up, for I had a secret.

  “You know. You could change the way this is going and take the whole darn court by surprise.” His hip shifted, his hand returned his knife thinking I was far from a dangerous threat, but he held the hilt in case. Wrong!

  “HOW?”

  I had no earthly idea, but I had him right where I wanted him now. I pulled every ounce of power in me and froze Switch into a persuaded mojo version of what I now called “duped”. He stood stark still stroking his knife secure in its pouch. Now was my only choice.

  A very unpracticed but well aimed arm karate chopped my goblin friend and swooshed out the dagger landing a slice to his scaled dry skin. I floored the ground running the way we came wanting to scream bloody murder to alert my rescuers that had never come in hopes that they were maybe just lost looking for me and I was somehow undercover and undetectable. I couldn’t see how. Surely they could sense me like I do them. I knew they could regardless of whether they admitted it or not.

  Ian never got lost. Nor did Pike.

  I kept my bearings and ignored the new scrapes my skin met with as I flew through the trees praying my eyes would stay adjusted to the little light I was given. I could hear my trail of chasers lagging behind me simply because I was taller and faster. Seconds would count when Switch realized what I’d done. A tree stump threatened to trip me. Bad memories forced my feet to move faster. Using my best mind tricks in hopes of success, I tried to create a glamour over me. It wouldn’t work no matter how hard I pushed. Thinking I needed high emotions only made me angry since I was an emotional mess at the time. I forced my mind to wander down paths of the past knowing the memories would rile me up. I’d hidden the idea that my own emotions were readable to others with the intentions of pondering it another day and keeping them blocked to save embarrassment, but I could see now how practicing to use them as fuel was a better idea. I felt the tingles of glamour inside my mind angle up and wave out like the tide so I ducked down into a thick holly bush and went stone still including my wayward thoughts. It worked. I was covered in glamour stabbing at flesh I knew had to be goblin.

  “Chach! Chach!”

  “Get the damn b—“

  That’s all I heard. I rolled again and away from the one I stabbed. After the sounds passed right by me, I refused to move. Minutes turned into an hour at the least. I was so scared holding the dagger near my chest concealing it just in case.

  I didn’t even relax my body from the fetal position or even notice how I started to sob. I was scared. Alone. Panic set in. The idea of leaving the spot only to be caught by Switch again kept me there. Goblins and Kin’s men working together. The Nym attack before. It didn't make sense. Who was sending them?

  Rustle!

  I heard it again, and then again. Closer now.

  I held my accursed magic though it was killing me to do so. I could tell I was weaker.

  Whispers.

  “I can tell she is near.”

  “As can I.”

  “If she is close, she will answer.”

  I recognized all three voices. They were here.

  A loud crack. I think it was someone hitting something hard. A tree. Incoherent words escaped someone’s mouth aloud and then a kick to something hard vibrated the air.

  I whimpered uncontrollably. Here! I said in my mind.

  Nothing.

  HERE! I screamed in my mind.

  Shuffling feet headed my way.

  “Grace, where are you?” Ian shouted.

  I let go of the magic and tried to roll over out of the brush. I just couldn’t move. Stiff and aching everywhere, I just stayed there glued to the ground.

  I’m here.

  Where is here, love? I can’t find you.

  At hearing the soft way he said it, I gained some hidden amount of strength that I could have never described to anyone and lifted off the ground. I needed Ian. He knew how to keep me safe and I was too stubborn to listen. He was right all along.

  I rolled backward and then forward cutting my legs yet again. I knew my clothes were hiding very little of my backside and stomach, torn from the goblins and worse when I fell. The pain in my sides told me my midriff was completely exposed. I was at least covered on the parts that would completely embarrass me, but somehow I was losing the ability to care. I just wanted him to find me.

  Leaves crunched.

/>   Warmth succumbed my senses, feeling him near..

  A sad shaky sigh was loud above me. And then...his arms were around me.

  “I have you, Grace. I have you.”

  I cried. Loud and obnoxious, but I couldn’t find a way to care.

  “I have her,” Ian shouted over my head. He was rocking me back and forth.

  When the other footsteps were upon us, I felt something cover my body.

  Thank the gods. I didn’t want to be found naked.

  Found.

  I was found.

  Chapter Sixteen

  unearthed- v. discover by investigation or searching

  I heard shouting all around me as I bounced up and down in his arms. I could smell him now. His wonderful scent.

  I usually woke up from the crazed episodes of my life in my bed or Ian’s. Not this time. We weren’t back at court yet but there was a little more light than last I saw, so it hadn’t been much time. He must have known I had awoken because he shifted me to see him.

  “Almost there love. I have you. You are safe,” his voice trembled. His face was distorted into all kinds of pain.

  “I know. I’m sorry Ian.”

  “Quit. You are safe.”

  But I was sorry. I wouldn’t leave the court grounds ever again unless I checked where Rion or a guard was close by to take me where I intended. Rion.

  “Where is Rion?” I squeaked out.

  “He is fine. The dam—They hit him over the head and took you.” His voice got heated then softened around the last word. For me.

  Rion was with me. How would I ever be safe if they could take him out?

  “Ian, I’m scared. I should have listened.”

  “I know. It’s going to be okay.”

  I would never leave his side again. Ever.

  “I will not leave your room. Please don’t leave me alone.” I know I wasn’t being realistic. And whether he knew I was meaning all the time, I wasn’t sure. But it’s what I wanted. Right then.

  “I will not.”

  Pike and Kin led the way in front of us. I felt like a parade, a float that was falling apart inside and out. Wrapped in something that smelled like Pike, I floated across the garden in Ian’s arms as the gasps and covered mouth screams crowded around me. Kin was walking into our court.

  I knew my concerns were frivolous, but I also knew my mind wasn’t quite right on track either. Exhaustion and pain led the way.

  Yells boomed from Pike to clear the way. Kin pushed our guards to the side making my head hurt from the sound of his charged voice. And finally I found myself in Ian’s room. No Kin. No Pike. Just Ian.

  He laid me across the bed gently and unwrapped whatever was around me. A loud knock at the door forced Ian to howl over me for them to go away. I cringed at his anger but only because it was coming out so strong and emotional like I myself felt.

  He was checking every inch of my body with his hands.

  “Where did they hurt you?” He was frantic now, his voice shaking. He was looking for signs of what?

  The bloody dagger was somehow still clutched in my hand so tight, I watched Ian peel my fingers back to remove it. There was blood on it and my gown. I just watched seeming to replay stabbing the creature and remember thinking I had no remorse.

  I pushed back the thoughts.

  “Ian, just scratches. I just have scratches and bruises from the traveling. They never touched me other than,” I quelled the really ugly thoughts I had of what Ian’s mind probably thought could have happened and to took a ragged breath, “the guard manhandled my arm and clawed me. I stabbed a goblin chasing me to where you found me.”

  Ian turned both my arms over and cursed noisily when he saw the claw marks.

  I am more tired from holding the magic than from the pain. The scratches would heal. And Switch didn't get a chance to hurt me. That made me stronger now. I won.

  Another knock came at the door. “I am coming in whether you like it or not, IAN!”

  An angry Miss Dan from my past emerged from the doorway. That’s the only way to describe her. She was an angry woman, who combined with the magic of the Fey, always got what she wanted.

  “Into the bathroom, now. Ian, give me three minutes to run the bath and then you will leave her in there with me. If you need to stand outside the door, that’s fine.”

  Whoa! Don’t mess with angry momma-like Fey women when their babes are in danger.

  Danella disappeared around the corner and I heard the water start up. Ian folded the bed comforter over me and tucked it in at one side but stopped when I winced in pain.

  “I am going to pick you up now, love,” he hissed as he himself winced like he was feeling every inch of my pain. I think maybe he was in some way. He probably held himself responsible.

  “I am okay Ian. I promise.” I lied. I shouldn't cry in front of him. Look strong and he is better focused.

  A muscle flexed in his jaw. He didn’t talk as he sat me down on the side of the tub. He watched me silently thinking things he no doubt should not be thinking since the dark look on his face showed a want for murder.

  He reached for a cup of something that was on the sink. I didn’t see it get there, but I drank it eagerly as he tipped it up holding my chin. The minty flavor was nice, but it burned going down. It’s not that I went that long without food and water, but rather I could tell my body was in some form of shock. People, not even Fey, die that fast.

  Ian stared back at me, taking in the way I swallowed slow and stealing glances of different wounds and where they were located. His brain was waring with itself, but his eyes said he disregarded his male need for immediate retaliation to hit something to feel relieved I was okay.

  “Promise me you will stay?” He nodded setting the empty cup back on the sink. That kept him here and not anywhere picking a fight.

  Danella treated my cuts and abrasions carefully. Fey medicines made one heal a lot faster. Some of the cuts were already closing when the bath ended as I heal naturally, or rather unnaturally. My left arm and hand endured the worst. I couldn’t move it without pain though is was considerably less than an hour ago. My face faired the best. A few cuts across my cheeks and one on my forehead, but nothing deep. The clawed marks were the worst pain though. It felt like poison was in my arm. Danella had paid special attention to them.

  When the door opened letting out the sweet smelling lavender into Ian’s bedroom chambers, I just wanted to curl up into the nook of his body and sleep.

  My face fell when he was not there. I crossed the room in a hobble due to the one tree stump catching my foot. It tripped me even though I remebered the lesson before with Pike and tree roots.

  The heavy wooden door creaked open just as I landed on my bottom and spread my hands onto the edge of the bed. He was there in one giant leap and laying me carefully down.

  “I thought you weren’t leaving?” I asked dithering with the sleeve of his shirt looking for blood or signs of a new fight.

  “I saw Kin and Pike off as they were standing right outside the door until I vowed to give my word that you were okay. They both wish to see you.”

  “I don’t want anyone else right now.” All three were together and not killing each other?

  He did manage a small crooked smile, but it was gone just as fast as if he was punishing himself for my stupidity.

  Danella came out from the bath and said to show she was listening attentively, “I will talk to Pike and Kin and assure them you will see them first thing tomorrow. Good night to you both. I will be just outside this door if you need anything.”

  No, I have what I need.

  Ian moved the covers. He slid his shirt off. Weapons. More weapons. He reeked of man sweat, but I didn’t care. His arms wrapped around me and over. His legs tangled around the one leg that had no pain. His hand pulled my hair back and tucked it under my neck. He kissed my shoulder over and over. I sighed and finally relaxed my whole body.

  The next time I woke he was still exactly as
he was when I drifted off now kissing the skin under my neck and running his fingers up and down the length of my shoulder blade. I shivered at his touch and feeling it wholly.

  “Grace,” his voice was hoarse. “I almost lost you.”

  He was crying, red lines streaked in the white of his eyes. I know tears and he had them.

  “Please don’t ever do that to me again.” He was more than begging.

  “I won’t. I promise,” I whispered.

  He kissed my shoulder and said against it, “Are you able to get dressed? Many are ready to see that you are alive in here.”

  How long have we been in here? As if hearing me he said, “It’s been over thirty-two hours since you left the court. They are worried for you.”

  Wow!

  I moved my legs and arms, disentangling myself. Stiff didn’t even explain how I ached. And my bladder. I prayed I made it to the bath room.

  He moved over and asked if I needed help. No way am I acting all invalid on him. He would not see me use the restroom.

  “I’m okay,” I lied trying to hide how my face scrunched up. I needed to walk by myself to show him. The dull ache that lingered in my legs made me wobble to and fro, but I made it nonetheless. My arm had shooting spikes that felt like little needles.

  It was then that I noticed him in full. He had a shirt again. Clothes half tucked in and out. Lopsided. His hair was everywhere. He.was.a.mess.

  “Um, are you gonna change?” I tried to make my face smile but I couldn’t take my eyes away if I tried. It would distract him from focusing on me. With appreciation even disheveled, I took my time looking him over. I rarely got the chance to divest him of clothes even in my mind.

  He watched me...watch him. Then he finally dropped his eyes. “Grace, my attire is the least concern. However, your current thoughts are not what the doctor ordered, so let’s worry about me later.”

  Fine! Ouch! My leg hurt.