I failed to sleep well the night before and it made dragging myself out of bed before dawn feel like torture. With unhurried movements I pulled on my royal uniform and left my chambers in search of food. The halls were quiet with everyone sleeping off the festivities from last night. When I reach the kitchen, the staff is bustling around the room and shouting orders at each other. The heavenly smell of breakfast foods hits my senses and my mouth waters. I attempt to sneak a pastry when a spatula flies at me just missing my head.
"Ren! If you are to steal food at least grab a plate! No need to act like an animal."
I turn to the plump women, with greying brown hair, and smile. "I wouldn't dream of stealing food Laya. I was just testing to make sure the pastries were up to pare this morn."
She bristles at me. "Up to par my ass! Help yourself Ren but grab a plate."
She turns from me without another word and goes back to ordering her staff around. Laya rode her staff to the bone but also took everyone under her wing. She was the mother hen of the castle staff and everyone went to her if they found themselves in a rut. She was constantly trying to mother me, and though she was the only person within these walls I come close to trusting, I kept her at arm's length.
Grabbing a plate of pastries topped on one another I exit the kitchen and head toward the gardens. The morning air was chilly, and the sun had yet to rise as I make my way through the garden to the lake on the other side. Birds sang and shuffled from branch to branch as I drop onto my back at the edge of the water. The water gently ripples as colorful dead leaves fall onto the surface. I close my eyes to savor the peace around me and bite into the soft pastry filled with a mixture of fruited jelly.
Before I had a chance to really relax, I hear multiple footsteps approaching me. my irritation instantly rises at the interruption of my quiet breakfast. Only when the steps stop do I look in their direction. Four men dressed in long black robes, masks of different animal faces covered their face, and daggers with ruby hilts were in their hands. Nothing like starting the day with blood and pastries for breakfast.
"Isn't it a tad early for such games gentlemen?"
They do not answer but start to rush me, foolish enough to think their numbers will stop me. With a heavy huff I rise from my comfortable spot and draw my twin daggers from my sides. The men attempt to attack me at once which is a coward move but I try not to let it bother me. I throw my daggers at the two on the right, hitting the center of their chest, and they sink to the ground. The other two do not stop to look at their fallen comrades and continue to come at me. I grab my throwing knifes and sink one in the fort head of one, then take on the last head on. I let him swing his knife at me a few times, dodging with little effort, before getting bored and shoving my knife into the side of his throat. His eyes go wide with shock, before falling to his knees, and his blood coating me as he plunges into the grass face first. I look at the blood I am covered in and then the bodies littering the ground.
"Now look what you guys have done... I'm a mess and these clothes were just laundered."
Of course, none of them answered, dead and all. I collect my weapons and head back to the castle to get cleaned up. I wonder who those men were as I make my way through the gardens. Most have enough sense not to attack me especially with so little men. Why the masks? I honestly hope it is not another cult thing. The last cult took me over a month to dispose of and I would rather not go through the trouble.
I decide to go through the double doors leading into the dining room to shorten my commute to my room. The second my feet cross the threshold I instantly regret the decision to do so. The king and both princes were seated at the table. Each of their gazes turns to me, each with their own expression. Kaiden looked horrified, Ezra confused with a hint of concern, and the king bore a proud smile. I bowed on one knee when I came close to the table.
"Your majesty and his highnesses."
"Seems you have been busy this morning Ren. Do tell whose blood covers you."
I rise to meet the king's eyes. "Didn't catch their names unfortunately but it pains me to say we might have another cult problem."
The king nods. "Yes, I have heard this rumor myself over the last week. I do not see it becoming a problem just yet though. We will give them more time to change their minds before I let you take care of them."
I bow my head slightly in agreement. "Of course, your majesty."
"Have you met my eldest son Ezra?" He asks sweeping a hand in his Ezra's direction.
I let me graze wonder to him and was not surprised to see him looking at the blood covering me.
"Yes, we met last night."
A sly grin covers the king's lips. "Perfect then I am to assume you are both aware of your betrothal?"
Before either of us could answer the sound of silverware hitting porcelain echoed through the room. My eyes turn to Kaiden's, shock evident on his face. "Betrothal?" He whispers.
I could see hurt flash across his features as he continued to stare at me. I had almost forgotten that Kaiden did not know of my betrothal to his brother. I felt a pang of guilt in my chest knowing that I unintentionally hurt him but push the feeling away as quick as it came. I turned my attention to Ezra and saw he was studying the both of us intensely. Not wanting to deal with the tension in the room I turn back to the king.
"We did speak of it last night." I pause. "My king if I may be excused to clean the filth from my skin."
"Of course! Where are my manners? Go, bathe but report to my study after. We have much to discuss."
I bow on one knee. "As you wish."
I do not look at any of them as I make my leave and head to my chambers as quick as my legs will carry me. I only make it halfway before steps sound behind me and I know exactly who it is before they catch up. Instead of ignoring him I stop and turn around to face Kaiden. Many emotions flitted over his features, but one was more prominent than the rest. Betrayal.
"My Brother? Did you laugh at my confessions behind my back? Were you enjoying yourself as I laid my heart out to you?" He spat.
"You know nothing Kaiden." I reply avoiding his questions.
His face turns red with anger. "Ezra will never love you the way I do! How could you choose him over me? you don't even know him."
I shove the irritation I felt over his assumptions down before answering him. "You are making a fool of yourself Kaiden. I chose nothing! I do not wish to be married to him or anyone else for that matter. I have never laughed at you." I pause to calm myself again. "I don't owe you any answers Kaiden. I don't even understand why I am explaining myself now."
His eyes were downcast to the floor. "Will you go through with it?"
I did not have to ask him what it was. "Yes."
His expression was pained when he looked back up to me. "Why?"
"Just let me go Kaiden... you said you wouldn't push your feelings onto me. Was that a lie?"
"No."
Silence stretched between us and I turn to head to my chambers when he stops me. "Ren?"
I pause but do not look back. "yes?"
