Darkness spread as far as the eye could see. A thick fog settled on the stone floor, swallowing Pierce's feet. "Hello?" he called out, his voice echoing in the empty realm. Suddenly, there was a noise. The sound of a spinning wheel, reverberating through his skull. Pierce clutched his head. It was too much for him, the noise he'd been hearing on and off all day. Hidden in the mist beneath him was the visage of a young girl. She was four, maybe five years old. Her features were hard to make out, the fog cloaking what her long black hair did not. But what Pierce could make out was her eyes. They glowed a deep amethyst, their glow piercing through even the thick fog. Slender hands gripped his leg. Then more. He struggled against the mass of hands grabbing at him, pulling him down, down into the fog, but it was hopeless. There were too many of them.

Another hand shot up, this one reaching for his throat. The girl with the amethyst eyes. "They come," she whispered, her eyes boring into his. "They're here. They never left." She pulled him into the fog, the cold stone breaking beneath him like water.

Pierce woke up, gasping for breath. Someone was crying. He looked over to see Bowen sitting up in his bed, bawling his eyes out. "Hey, what's wrong?" Pierce whispered, his voice gentle and low despite his heart pounding in his chest. He moved from his bed to Bowen's, sitting on the edge of the straw mattress. "Bowen, what's wrong, lad?" Pierce asked again. Bowen didn't say any words. He bawled. "Did ya have a bad dream?" Pierce pressed, bending down to peer into the boy's eyes. The child nodded. "It's okay, I have bad dreams sometimes too," Pierce assured him, "I had 'nother one tonight, even. It's okay. It's normal."

Even as he comforted his little brother, Pierce couldn't help but let his eyes dart over to their da. The man was sleeping in the corner, blissfully unaware of his children's existence. Joe, the tavern keeper, had allowed Pierce and Bowen to use one of his rented rooms for the time being. It was a temporary measure, sure, but an awful generous one. Joe was even letting Pierce work off their tab, an absolute blessing. Parker was in no condition to work a doorknob, let alone the mine. Pierce couldn't work no mine either, he needed to watch Bowen. Joe could give him safe work, work you can have a child around. It was a good idea. At least it seemed like one, until the drunkard sleeping in the corner started making Pierce second-guess the decision. The wooden chair creaked under the weight of Parker's body as he snored. The half-drank mug dangling from his fingers filled the room with the stink of stale ale.

Pierce sighed, pulling Bowen into his embrace. "Shh, it's alright, Bowen. Ye don't have to cry. I'm here. I'll keep ya safe," he assured the younger child. Pierce was counting the seconds until their mother returned. Gods willing, she'd set Parker straight. She'd get Bowen some of the love and comfort the boy so desperately needed.

Outside, Pierce could hear the pounding of hooves. Strange, the sun still wasn't up. He looked out the window to see a man riding through town, royal colors adorning his cloak. A king's rider. The man didn't even tie off as he jumped off his horse in front of the tavern. "Ceneth Drefaris!" the rider's voice boomed downstairs. "Prince Hector!"

Pierce couldn't help himself. He had to see what was happening. He gave Bowen a quick kiss on the forehead and slipped outside of the room. He leaned against the railing, gazing down below.

Blood covered the rider's face. He was talking to the wizard, motioning frantically. The old man stroked his disheveled beard in thought, nodding as he listened to the rider's hushed whispers. A door slammed open. Out hopped Hector, pulling his second boot on. His tunic was still untied. His pack was slung over his shoulder. Pierce's heart stopped. "Yer leaving? Ye can't leave, Paige is still out there somewheres!" he protested.

Hector and Ceneth exchanged worried glances. Hector stepped forward, looking up at Pierce. "Pierce, was it?" he asked. Pierce nodded. Hector sighed, his brow furrowed as solemn eyes gazed up at Pierce. "I understand your frustration. Really, I do," the Prince assured him, "But someone I care about needs me, someone I cannot afford to fail. I must go. But once I see to her, I will return to help your sister. This I swear."

Pierce scowled. "She might not be alive that long!" he shouted down.

"I will return," Hector repeated firmly. He swallowed, trying desperately to keep his voice from cracking as he continued, "Whether it is to find your sister or avenge her, I cannot say. But please, I beg you. Let me return to my beloved's side, lest I am forced to avenge two maidens."

Pierce grabbed the railing in a white-knuckled grip. He grit his teeth against the tornado of emotions rippling through him. Hector continued looking up at him, waiting. Waiting for a peasant's permission to leave. Pierce knew he didn't have to. Hector could run Pierce through if the boy tried to stop him, and not a single guard would bat an eye. Some would even claim Pierce deserved it. And yet, there Hector was, waiting for him. Every fiber of Pierce's being screamed for him to refuse Hector, to keep him there, to find Paige at any and all cost. But as much as he didn't want Hector and the old man to leave, he could not leave the Prince to the same fate Pierce himself now suffered from. The uncertainty. The waiting. Pierce knew better than anyone how much it ate at a man. He finally slammed his fists on the railing, relenting with a scream. "Fine, dang it!" he bellowed. "But don't ye think for a second I won't come find yer arse!"

Hector sighed in relief. "Give me five days. Should I not return by then, I will let the guards know to tell you where I am."

~

Hector arrived back at the palace around noon, but it wasn't the festive air one would expect after a party. Bodies lay strewn about the courtyard, smeared across the steps and leading back into the castle. Blood stained the cobblestones. A leg hung from a nearby flagpole. "What happened here?" Ceneth whispered beside him as Hector dismounted.

The Rider rode up beside Hector, wiping the sweat off his brow. "A monster," the Rider replied. Hector looked up at the man, his expression unreadable as he tried to urge his horse through the courtyard. The horse would not move. Hector could not blame it. The air was heavy with the stench of death and sulfur. He dismounted, following the trail of blood inside. He had to know. He had to see it with his own eyes.

More carnage lay inside. Deep gashes lay in one of the stone pillars, claw marks. Bodies lined the way to the Great Hall. Hector walked the path, stepping over nobles and guards alike, through the wide open wooden doors. The bloodbath outside was tame compared to the Great Hall. Hector stopped one of the guards passing by. "Where are Princess Lynnette and Princess Adina?" he asked.

The man regarded Hector for a moment. "We have our orders, Your Highness," he whispered.

Hector marched into the throne room, pushing open the huge wooden doors. The guards did not help, but neither did they try to stop him. Adina looked up, rising from her mother's throne as relief and joy lit her face. King Frederick grabbed Adina's arm. She looked to her mother, panicked. The Queen's expression was unreadable, carefully emotionless. Adina lowered herself into the throne once more, glaring at the ground.

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"Where is Princess Lynnette?" Hector asked, staring at King Frederick.

King Frederick sighed, squeezing Adina's hand. "She was killed," he replied. Adina glared at the King from under her mother’s arm. Hector's stomach dropped. "Did Magus Drefaris come back with you?" the King queried.

Hector nodded, "yes, he did."

King Frederick nodded. "Good," he sighed. The King swallowed hard, his voice cracking as he whispered, "Hector, may I ask a boon of-"

" May...may I see her? Please, I need to see her," Hector interrupted, his voice cracking.

"There is a ship in the harbor heading back to the Isles. I want you on it."

"Please, Your Majesty, I need to see her. I need to say goodbye.”

"There is nothing to give your farewells to, Hector. You would not be alone. Adina would be with you, as would her dowry."

"What?" Adina gasped. "No! Father, please, I beg of you-"

"You will obey your King," her father declared, glaring at her. Adina shrunk back into her mother's arms. The Queen held the girl to her breast, shielding Adina's face with her hand as she shot a dirty look at her husband. The sting of his wife's disapproval drew his brows together. He closed his eyes, gathering his composure once more before addressing Hector again. "Please, Hector. I need you to reconsider."

"I cannot," Hector stated.

"Were your father present, this is what he would want of you," the King argued.

"Yes, he would," Hector agreed, a sad smile playing his lips. "But he knows full well that he raised no such man. My heart belongs to Lynnette, and until I can say my farewells, my hand is hers to keep."

King Frederick let out a tired sigh. "If that is your final answer, then so be it. Hector, you are hereby banned from leaving the castle. None will let you pass through the city gates, and the walls will be well-guarded."

"You would trap me here?" Hector scoffed.

"Of course not," King Frederick replied, "you are still welcome to leave by boat." Hector scowled. The King then turned to Adina, gently cupping her face. "I could live a thousand lives, and it still would not be enough time to beg for your forgiveness."

"Just once would suffice, you stubborn oaf!" Adina snapped. Her mother quickly clapped a hand over the girl’s mouth, desperately stroking her hair.

Her father smiled. "Yes, perhaps it would," he whispered. Then he turned to the guard standing at his side. "Send for a ship from the Deserai Empire. Tell the Empress Hidan I accept her proposal."

The color drained from Adina's face. "You wouldn't. You couldn't!"

The King smiled, his eyes glistening as he looked at her. "You are your mother's daughter, Adina. You will learn to wield Prince Jaheem's madness, just as she did mine." The Queen shot him a look, her expression unreadable as he turned back to Hector. "Unless, of course, your ex-betrothed would like to return to his senses."

Hector scowled. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. But then he looked to Adina. She was so pale, shivering as she cowered in her mother's arms. They both had heard the rumors. Prince Jaheem was not just stricken with madness. If it was just madness, perhaps the prospect of being trapped in a marriage with him and his wives would be less terrifying. But as Adina looked up at him, Hector could see the fear. He could see the pleading behind those baby blue eyes. Adina always knew how to pull at his heartstrings. He took a deep breath, his fists loosening.

~~

Hector's cloak curled around Adina's shoulders. He held her close, glancing at the men surrounding them. A knight in full plate armor walked in front, his big hulking frame clearing the way. Sir Reynald the Unbreakable's hand remained on his sword at all times. On his back was a huge tower shield decorated with the image of a winged horse. He kept glancing over his shoulder, looking back at Hector and Adina. Six palace guards escorted them. Their eyes scanned the area as they moved through the bustling city of Vanya, to the harbor. Sailors unloaded cargo, carrying barrels of dried meats and ales below deck. They were too busy to keep watch. They were to busy to notice.

Twelve flaming bolts whistled through the air. Two watchmen threw up wards, protecting their crews with illuminated walls of blues and greens. Seven ships burst into flames. Eleven more flame bolts sailed through the air, followed by two groups of ten. In but a few moments the harbor was a sea of fire. A chorus of screams filled the air.

"By the gods," Adina whispered, drawing Hector out of his trance. She covered her mouth with her hand, unable to take her eyes off the sea of flames.

Hector pulled Adina close. It was all he could do to block the grisly scene from her sight, to keep her safe from the panicked crowd around them. Around them, two of the guards had fallen. Sir Reynald stood between them and where the attack had come from, his tower shield stood planted in the ground before him as he barked orders to the remaining guards. Hector pulled Eluatha out of its sheath just enough to view the bejeweled magic blade, looking down with a puzzled expression. Two of the seven gems were glowing, filling the sheath with a blue-black glow. He knew what blue meant. He knew what black meant. But both? It didn’t make any sense. Flames were from the magical domain of fire. Fire magic should have been involved in this attack. The ruby should be glowing, not the opal or the sapphire.

One of the guards pushed Hector in between two buildings, Adina still in his arms. The prince kept his eyes on the chaos before them, even as he pressed Adina’s face into his chest to hide it all from her view. But then he noticed something. The guards weren’t watching them. They were too busy watching the chaos unfold, the screaming peasantry and the fires slowly burning the water-soaked wood to pitch black cinders. They weren’t actually paying attention to him and Adina. He glanced around the alleyway, quickly getting his bearings. They weren’t far from the southern gate. King Frederick probably hadn’t even sent a messenger out to tell the guards to watch for him, seeing as Hector had accepted his bargain.

Hector slowly pressed his palm against Adina’s mouth, drawing her gaze up to him. He cocked his head to the side, motioning deeper into the quiet alleyway. Adina’s eyes darted towards where he indicated. She vehemently shook her head. Hector cocked his head again, eyes wide with impatience. Again, she shook her head, looking at him as though he were mad. His eyes darted to the guards, still busy with watching the horrors. “Are you truly so eager to wed the Mad Prince?” he whispered in her ear. Hector could feel her body stiffen in his grasp, her eyes wide with fear. He motioned again for them to leave. Her eyes darted towards the guards. A hesitant nod was the only answer she gave, but it was more than enough for Hector. He quietly guided her down the alleyway, grabbing a blanket from a nearby clothesline as they slipped away.