PART 1

FOURTEEN YEARS AGO

Cara strode through the grass, her feet were cold from the cool air and the bright moon above shown down upon her. The night was in a constant battle with the ever-present moon casting shadows.

She continued through the forest, stalking like a silent cat toward her destination. Coming to a small clearing with a large stone in the middle, she paused for several minutes, waiting to see if anyone had followed her.

Satisfied she had been stealthy enough, she broke from the shadows of the trees and made her way to the boulder. She waited patiently, wrapping her thin shawl around herself, keeping the cold at bay. Wishing she had taken more time to don warm clothing, she withstood the cold with a shiver.

“Where are you?” she whispered under her breath, growing impatient.

Right after she had sent Ulfrick to fetch Jebbin for her, she had left her room immediately afterward, taking steps to not be followed. Now that she was waiting she more than ever wished she had taken the time to change out of her nightgown and into something more fit for the cold weather.

Getting bored quickly, Cara blew puffs of air from her mouth and watched it dissipate in front of her. It looked as if she could breathe smoke but quickly grew bored of that also. Finally, after what seemed an hour, a rustling sound, followed by a twig snapping, drew her attention to her left.

Rounding the boulder, Cara hid behind the rock, waiting to see who it was that was in the forest. A voice called out into the silent night, which she recognized immediately but stayed still.

“If Erik is scared.” the voice whispered in the night.

It was a code Cara had made up with Jebbin. On nights like these, meeting in secret was dangerous. So she came up with the phrase, “If Erik is scared…”

“I’ll sing a tune.” she stepped from behind the boulder, finishing the phrase.

Erik would ask her to sing to him every night before bed, which is why she used this phrase to confirm their identities. Though inwardly, Cara always felt uneasy singing the tune to him as it was Astrid’s. She had taught it to her, for whatever reason.

Erik loved it, however, so Cara sang it to him, despite her disgust with her mother.

Jebbin stepped out from the shadows, Ulfrick on his heels.

“I got your message.” Jebbin’s voice was low and swift. “What’s so urgent we had to meet at this hour?”

“I overheard my parents, Jebbin,” Cara said, her voice instantly serious. “They're trying to have you killed. And soon.”

“You’re freezing.” Ulfrick stepped past the alderman. “Here, take mine.”

As Ulfrick offered his jacket to her, Jebbin’s face was mostly covered in shadows but even then, Cara could see his face turn sour. He didn’t look overly surprised as he was expecting a plot of this manner.

“What are you going to do?” Cara asked, wrapping herself in Ulfrick’s comfortable jacket.

“I’m not entirely sure,” he whispered. “The king and queen cannot get away with what they have done. With what they are doing. I will find a way to expose them for what they are, monsters.”

“I have convinced most of the aldermen but they are too afraid to act against them. I need more proof.” Jebbin mumbled.

“No. It’s too dangerous.” Cara said. “It’s too soon. We don’t have time. They will kill you.”

“I will convince them,” Jebbin stated confidently. “With their backing, I can make them step down. I would have a portion of the army at my back and the support of the council of elders. I just need more time. I need to convince Torstein most of all.”

“Perhaps it is too dangerous for you to stay in Vlakias, sir.” Ulfrick offered his advice. “Would it not be wise to seek sanctuary?”

“Yes. That’s it. I need to publicly make my accusation with the evidence I do have and go from there. With the support of the council and…,” he paused. “Some of the army, we could overthrow them once and for all.” Jebbin completely ignored Ulfrick's advice.

“Jebbin!” Cara hissed. “My parents will kill you! A few stolen letters won’t be enough to convince the people or the armies. Especially Torstein. You must leave!”

“She’s right, sir.” Ulfrick shifted uncomfortably. “Having the aldermen’s support isn’t enough. They don’t control the armies, you need Torstein for that. If you can convince Torstein and the rest of the council… then perhaps, maybe, you could stage a coup. But we all know how unlikely that is.”

“I’ve thought of that.” he ignored Cara’s plea. “General Torstein despises me. Perhaps if he knew the princess was involved and you could speak on my behalf he would have a change of heart. Perhaps, if we...” Jebbin paused, stroking his chin then turned to her. “Cara, we both must speak with Torstein together, after I convince the council of course. That way he will have no choice but to listen.”

“Stop!” Cara nearly yelled. “I won’t have you running off to your death. My parents will get wind of your plan and have you killed. You must leave or you will die.”

Jebbin stared at her for a long moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out in a slow and methodical exhale. His face turned from frustration to determination.

“That is a risk I am willing to take, your highness. I will not leave you or your brother here. Or the people.” Jebbin said. “Your parents are a threat to us all. What kind of man would I be if I left my people… and you, to fend for yourselves. No. Without me, we cannot stop the two of them. I will not abandon this country.”

“Jebbin please.” tears welled up in her eyes. “I don’t want to see you hang from the gallows.”

“That won’t happen. I swear it.” Jebbin smiled comfortingly.

“You don’t know that,” Cara said. “What if you can’t convince them? What then?”

“If you like, your highness, I can watch over Jebbin till the time comes.” Ulfrick offered.

Ulfrick surprised Cara by taking her hand in his, comforting her. It was a simple gesture but one that meant more to her than he realized. His warmth, his presence, calmed her.

“No. You must keep a close eye on her.” Jebbin countered, his gaze flickering to their hands. “I will be fine.”

If Jebbin wasn’t aware of their secret romance, he was now. Realizing his mistake, Ulfrick pulled his hand away. Out of everyone she knew, Jebbin would be the one man she trusted to keep it to himself.

Cara had hinted at her feelings for Ulfrick to Jebbin before but he thought nothing of it. She knew he trusted her to not do anything she would regret. It was all too obvious that she was betrothed to Xerath and having another man in her life would be problematic. If Halden or Astrid caught wind of their budding romance, Ulfrick would be executed in a heartbeat.

Jebbin stood there for a long moment, staring at their hands, now parted. He slowly turned then paced back and forth. Ignoring the slip-up, Jebbin pondered their situation carefully. Cara and Ulfrick silently watched him walk back and forth through the moonlight, in and out of the shadows. Patiently waiting for a response.

Suddenly he halted mid-step.

“Give me one day,” Jebbin said. “That will give me enough time to sway any aldermen to our side. Tomorrow night, we will have our little chat with Torstein.”

“Isn’t that dangerous?” Ulfrick spoke up. “As of now, Halden and Astrid don’t know of her involvement. You would be exposing her.”

“My parents already suspect me,” Cara added. “If my presence and your evidence will be enough to convince Torstein, then I must go.”

“I don’t like it,” Ulfrick grumbled.

“I don’t either but I have to do something.” Cara looked up at him.

Ulfrick bit his lip but didn’t protest further.

“I trust you to keep her safe.” Jebbin smiled at him, understanding his caution and worry. “If I fail, then you know what to do.”

“Don’t do anything foolish, Jebbin.” Cara pleaded. “Be careful.”

“I always am.” Jebbin gave a confident smile.

PART 2

The next day was torturous, her fear for Jebbin’s safety only grew. However, she forced herself to focus and not give any indication she was bothered by such problems. Spending most of the day with Erik, Cara’s attention had been occupied but now, sitting in the dining hall eating a late supper, her worry and anxiety returned. Erik had gone to bed at this point, sound asleep, oblivious to the problems around him.

She wondered when Jebbin would come to get her. They were supposed to meet with Torstein tonight.

Cara sat in the large dining hall, waiting, “Thank you, Opel.”

“My pleasure, your highness,” Opel replied with a smile. “If you’d like anything else, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I will.” Cara smiled wryly back. “Thank you. You may go now. Say hello to your family for me.”

“Of course.” the cook bowed.

Cara watched the woman exit the room.

Opel had made her food before retiring for the night, knowing she would be up late again.

Digging into the savory soup, she scooped up bits of beef, potatoes, and carrots with a thick piece of bread. Delicious smells of salt and savory meat wafted into her face as she bent over the bowl and inhaled the simple yet wonderful tasting soup. Thoroughly enjoying her meal, Cara barely noticed as her father approached from behind. A shiver shot down her spine before he spoke to her, his mere presence gave him away.

“A bit late to be eating, don’t you think?” Halden asked, his voice steady and unwavering. “Why are you still awake? Is Erik in bed?”

Cara whipped her head around, crumbs falling from her lips, and stared at her father looming over her. A flicker of amusement flowed across his face for an instant.

“Yes, father,” Cara replied quickly, wiping her mouth with a napkin. “He’s in bed. I missed supper so Opel was kind enough to make me something.”

“She knows better to short-order cook for you.” Halden huffed. “You shouldn’t have asked her. I will have to punish her now.”

“What? No. Please father don’t.” Cara pleaded, her heart skipping a beat in panic.

Opel was the head chef of the castle and was fond of the young prince and princess and on many occasions would slip them desserts and extra food while her parents weren’t looking. Halden was probably aware of this fact as his distaste for the chef grew by the day.

“Fine.” Halden sniffed and dismissed the issue with a wave of the hand.

Instantly, Cara became even more cautious. Her father was acting strange. Letting something like that go, was unlike him. He wanted something from her.

“Make sure you don’t do it again.” Halden scolded. “Next time, I won’t be so gracious. You must learn to behave properly. And eating at the proper time is one of those things.”

“Yes, father.” Cara lowered her gaze.

Halden grabbed her chin, with surprising gentleness.

“You are so beautiful,” Halden said. “You know that? You and your mother are more alike than you think. I wish you two could get along.”

Cara nearly laughed aloud in mockery but managed to hold it in.

“You know how she is.” Cara started. “We are nothing alike. She scolds me and belittles me at every turn. I cannot do anything right in her eyes.”

“But darling,” Halden whispered. “If only you tried harder. Your mother only wants what’s best for you. We both see the potential in you.”

“Father.” Cara flared her nose. “She has publicly humiliated me countless times. And over simple mistakes. Mother has never said a kind word to me. She only sees what I do wrong.”

“But that’s just not true.” Halden tried to smile.

She could see his patience was waning.

“Cara, dear.” Halden gently spoke to her as he slipped around the table's corner to sit beside her.

Cara’s heart sank from the tone in his voice. It was the tone of someone using you. She knew it was pointless to argue. He wanted something from her and he would get it.

She had hoped he was here to simply talk to her. As a father would. But it wasn’t so, not this night.

“Your mother and I have been talking about your future.” he began. “Now, I know you don’t like the idea of marrying Xerath but you must understand, your mother and I are under an enormous amount of stress. The responsibilities we juggle every day would astound you.”

“Father-” Cara began to protest.

“Let me finish,” he spoke over her. “You are young and beautiful. And you are a princess. You too have a responsibility to Vulkira and to us, your family. We raised you for a purpose, that purpose is to serve the kingdom. You have a responsibility Cara.” he repeated. “I know you will be happy with Xerath. He is a handsome young man and is the heir to Xer, which will make him the most powerful man in Isulia. What more could you want?”

He asked in a way that sounded as if Xerath was the perfect man, but she didn’t want a perfect man. She wanted Ulfrick. She dared not say it aloud though.

“He’s strong too. He led the armies against Kligira. His tactical prowess is obvious. He’s powerful and rich. What else do you want from a man?” her father continued to spout out meaningless reasons. “Don’t you want to be part of that power? To rule over the people. Just think of it. You would be the queen of Xer.”

Halden finished with a crooked smile as if he were trying his damndest to come up with a believable reason for her to be whored off as a prize. There was no justifying it. Cara knew she was a glorified gift to appease whatever schemes they had brewing.

“Father.” Cara began again, careful not to spark his rage. “I don’t want power. I’m not like you and mother. I don’t desire it. I’d rather be happy than live a life as a wh-” she paused, rethinking her choice of words, “Wife to a man I don’t know or love.”

Halden stuttered, his face turning red. Cara couldn’t believe he actually thought this would convince her to do what they wanted. He gave an exasperated sigh and tried to smile, continuing his little game, treating her as if she didn’t know what he was trying to do.

“Try to understand from our point of view,” Halden mumbled. “We are trying to build an empire that will last for millennia. You are the key to making that happen. Can’t you see? It’s for the greater good.”

“I don’t want any of that, father. I only wish to care for Erik and stay in Vulkira, my home.” Cara tried to explain. “I’m sorry but I won’t do what you ask.”

Halden looked at her with menacing eyes, his entire demeanor changing in an instant. The look of utter disgust and rage made her want to flee from his gaze.

“You will do what you are told,” Halden said sternly. “I tried to make this easy but you just won’t listen. Your mother is right. You will always be a spoiled brat. Good for nothing else. You will be useful for a change. You will marry Xerath and you will accept that.”

“You can’t make me, father.” Cara started to panic.

“Oh but I can.” Halden grinned evilly. “Whether you like it or not, you will be the queen of Xer and you will do so with a smile on your face. You will bear a son and he will rule both Vulkira and Xer. My grandson will bring the dawn of a new era and you will have fulfilled your purpose. After that, I care not what you do with yourself.”

“Is that all I am to you?” Cara began to cry, her father’s words wounding her more than she wanted to admit. “Just a plaything for your schemes? What of Erik, does he mean anything to you? Your own son? Are we just… pawns in your game? Tools to be used and discarded?”

“Erik? Oh, Cara.” Halden smirked. “Erik is a means to an end. What happens to him, is up to you. He is merely our leverage.”

“Leverage?” Cara whispered, her heart sinking.

“We wouldn’t want Erik to have an unfortunate accident now, would we?” Halden sneered, his teeth showed through a menacing smile. “You’re a smart girl. Do as we ask, without complaint, and Erik will be safe and sound. Here of course. With us, in case you get any ideas.”

“You wouldn’t dare harm him,” Cara said but didn’t believe her own words.

Halden only laughed back at her, his eyes flickered with rage but joy in her distress overtook his features. “You have no idea what I would dare to do, child.”

Cara gazed at him in horror, it was one thing to believe their contempt for them, entirely another to hear it for herself. She felt like throwing up as her stomach twisted, her whole body felt sickened from the thought. This was a living nightmare. What made it even worse, is she knew she would do it... for Erik.

Halden saw her face soften in defeat and the tears flowing from her eyes.

“Good girl.” Halden mocked. “And don’t think Jebbin will save you. He’s being dealt with as we speak.”

Cara shot a glare at him, her eyes full of tears and her heart sank even further. His eyes betrayed the enjoyment of tormenting her.

“Yes.” Halden taunted. “I know about his plans to overthrow us and his silly council. They turned on him like rats. Poor Torstein… he hasn’t the slightest idea he’s being used. And for Ulfrick, if you step out of line again, he will be next. Do you understand me?”

There was a moment of pause in the room. Her father’s words hitting her like a battering ram.

“Yes,” Cara whispered, still in shock at the revelation that Jebbin had been captured. “I’ll do what you tell me. I promise. Please don’t hurt Jebbin. Please, father, don’t kill him.”

Halden chuckled, “I’m afraid it’s too late for him. I will make an example out of him and he’ll wish he was never born.”

“Father please!” Cara begged. “Spare him, I beg you.”

“Look at her. Isn’t she pathetic?” a voice from the other side of the room spat with scorn. “Groveling like a dog. Begging for mercy. I told you she is too weak.”

Her mother stepped up to Halden, who looked down at her with pure disgust and hatred. She had been listening to the whole conversation.

“Yes,” Halden muttered, his gaze pulled to his wife. “She buckled like you said she would.”

“Your soft spot for your brother will get you killed someday,” Astrid warned mockingly. “Let’s see if she is true to her word.”

“If you don’t behave.” Halden looked at her with that same stare that made her want to run away. “Your puppet guard… What was his name? That young man that you’ve been seeing in secret.”

“Ulfrick,” Astrid mumbled, playing along with his game.

Cara froze, her heart stopping. “They knew?” she thought frantically.

“That’s right.” Halden snapped a finger. “Ulfrick. It’d be a shame to lose him too wouldn’t it? And over such a silly thing?”

“I wonder. Have you already opened your legs to him?” Astrid asked nonchalantly.

“If you have,” Halden spat. “He’s dead already.”

“No!” Cara shouted in panic. “I… we… we haven’t. I swear!”

Both Halden and Astrid raised an eyebrow and looked at each other, making her tense in anticipation. The laughter that followed was met with both relief and dread. They were toying with her. It dawned on her. Without Jebbin, she could do nothing to stop them.

“It’s simple enough to fake your virginity.” Astrid pursed her lips. “It’ll be but a trifle. Men are ignorant when it comes to such things.”

“No matter either way.” Halden sniffed.

“You have shapely legs and hips, I doubt Xerath will care either, as long as you bear him children.” Astrid sneered. “Your breasts are a bit small but I’m sure you will grow into them.”

She wanted to weep. The way in which they spoke of her crushed her spirit.

“Leave us. Straight to your room or I will hear of it.” Astrid ordered. “Now!”

Cara sat up quickly and began to walk out of the room, her tears running down her face dropped to the floor as she escaped her parents' malice.

“It pains me that I birthed such a creature,” Astrid said from behind her. “It’s worse that we need her. The wretch.”

If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Shall we?” Halden’s last words drifted out of earshot as Cara made her way to her room.

The moment Cara thought it was safe from prying eyes, she wiped her tears away with one arm and gritted her teeth. Something inside her had snapped. Every fiber in her being hated them.

Her determination had been fractured and Cara wrestled to keep herself composed.

She had to find her hawk and get a message to Ulfrick immediately. If they were to save Jebbin, it had to be now, or never.

PART 3

Upon entering her room, Cara slammed the door behind her and locked it with a twist of her wrist. She heard two guards standing outside her room.

“I can’t leave.” she bit her lips, thinking.

For now, she believed Erik wasn’t in any danger but she had to find Jebbin and her only hope of doing so was to get out of this room.

Cara had to rely on Ulfrick from this point on, her heart raced a mile a minute as she walked over to her desk where her ink and quill lay. She desperately hoped Ulfrick was already aware of Jebbin’s impending demise.

She sat down and started writing on the small piece of paper but stopped. Cara looked over at her window where Silver should’ve been. Another gut-wrenching wave of nausea washed over her as she saw her trusted hawk, unmoving on the ground next to the window.

Sprinting over to Silver, it lay dead, its neck was rung and feathers lay everywhere. A momentary jolt of hatred hit her as she realized her parents knew everything. They knew she would come straight here to warn Ulfrick and killed Silver for it.

Tears of hopelessness slid down her face. “How am I to warn Ulfrick now?” she thought. “They’ll kill him.”

Unable to stop and grieve for her pet hawk, Cara stood and paced her room, thinking frantically of a way to get out of this nightmare. All her hopes rested with Ulfrick now. There was nothing she could do.

After a few minutes of intense stress and rapid thought that felt like an eternity, Cara froze mid-step.

A voice outside her room ripped her from her thoughts as she recognized it as Ulfrick. His voice intensified and a single shout echoed through the castle. Fearful, she ran to her door and unlocked it. Opening the door, Cara found herself face to face with Ulfrick struggling with one guard, a bloody dagger in one hand. With the other hand shoving the soldier against the wall, Ulfrick tightened his grip.

One hand over his mouth, Ulfrick frantically pressed the dagger closer, trying to leverage his weight to shove the knife into his ribs. A muffled scream escaped but Ulfrick doubled his efforts.

Cara glanced down to one soldier with his neck spitting out blood, his arms raised to the wound trying to stop the bleeding but inevitably failed. Cara jerked her attention back to Ulfrick who lay atop the guard struggling with his dagger and to keep the man quiet. He slowly sunk the dagger into his chest.

The groans and grunts of pain pierced Cara’s conscience. The struggling guard had one hand pushing with all his might to keep the sharp metal from skewering him and the other batted at Ulfrick’s face blindly. She ignored the disgusted feeling and rushed down to help Ulfrick. Grabbing the guard’s arm, she kept him from hitting Ulfrick and watched as the weapon sunk into the man’s chest.

He bucked and kicked the whole time Ulfrick slowly slid the dagger between his ribs but Cara kept him from losing his balance and put her entire weight on the second arm to make it useless. He stopped struggling and Ulfrick let out a heavy sigh, his own chest heaving from the effort.

“I’m sorry you had to see that.” Ulfrick huffed, turning to her. “Get your things. We are leaving now.”

“What?” Cara looked at him, confused. “I need your help to save him. We can’t leave Jebbin to die.”

“Yes, we can.” Ulfrick sounded pained but his priority, she knew, was her safety. “Jebbin had a failsafe if something like this were to happen. I was to get you and Erik out of the city where allies of his would be waiting for us. We have to go, now!”

“No!” Cara clenched her fists. “Where is Jebbin?”

“Princess, please. I can’t tell you.” Ulfrick protested. “Get whatever you need, then we will get Erik and escape the castle. I have loyal men at the entrance waiting for us. They will take us to Jebbin’s people. There is a carriage that will take us far from here. Away from your parents, where it’s safe.”

“I’m not leaving Jebbin behind.” Cara looked at him with her sparkling violet eyes, her determination showing.

“Please,” Ulfrick begged. “We don’t have time.”

“Ulfrick.” Cara pressed a hand to his chest. “I am ordering you to tell me where Jebbin is. We are going to free him and only then, will I leave.”

“I-I…” he stuttered, thinking quickly.

For a moment, he looked as if he would fling her over his shoulders but he sighed in defeat.

“He is in the dungeons. Halden had him arrested earlier tonight and threw him down there.”

“Good,” Cara said confidently. “Then that’s where I’m going.”

“I’m coming with you,” Ulfrick said.

“No.” Cara whipped around to stop him. “You have to get Erik out. Just in case something happens to us.”

“I can’t leave you alone!” Ulfrick’s face turned red with frustration and the need to hurry drove him to the brink of madness.

“Once you get my brother to safety, come back for me.” Cara smiled. “Do this for me. Please.”

Ulfrick again, hesitated, his honor being contradicted, “Alright.” he breathed. “I’ll go as quickly as I can. Don’t go in alone. Wait for me at the stairs.” Ulfrick said.

“If we are caught…” Cara mumbled. “You will be put to death. You know that right?”

“I am more than willing to take that risk… for you princess,” Ulfrick responded instantly.

“Thank you, Ulfrick,” Cara said, stretching her toes gave her enough height to kiss his cheek. “Go. Quickly.”

Ulfrick didn’t do what she said, instead, he grabbed her wrist and leaned down to kiss her fully on the lips. Cara kissed him back, fear, panic, and dread momentarily drowned out.

Pulling away, he nodded, his cheeks turning red then sprinted off toward Erik’s room.

For an instant, she was stunned. That was their first kiss. Her first kiss. She hoped with all her might that this night would end soon. Longing to chase after the man she loved, Cara steeled herself for what was to come.

She pulled the dagger from the man she helped kill and felt sick to the stomach. It had taken all her strength to convince Ulfrick to save her brother, knowing she was unlikely to succeed in saving Jebbin but she had to try. Jebbin had always been loyal to her and cared for her like no other person in her life had. He protected her, even when his own life was in danger. She would not abandon him now.

Rushing through the castle, bloody dagger in hand, Cara silently ran down stairway after stairway until she reached the dungeon entrance. The stone was cold and the air was stale but she heard faint noises coming from further down. It was pitch black apart from two torches on her left and right. Grabbing the one on her left, she held the torch in one hand and the dagger in the other.

She paused for a moment, noticing that there were no guards, which she thought was odd but thanked Hashem for the absence of them.

In all honesty, she hadn’t the slightest clue what she would do if she found more guards down there, only the thought of rescuing the man who treated her like a daughter kept her moving. She swallowed audibly and took the first step into the dark tunnels.

It took her several minutes to reach the end, all the while the voices grew louder and louder. She thought she heard thudding noises too, which made her think that someone was beating Jebbin. Her heart rate skyrocketed as she recognized the voices. It was Halden and Astrid and at least two others. Distinct words echoed through the dungeons now, as she could make out who was talking and it frightened her further.

“Where is he!” a voice screeched.

“We know you work for him. What is he planning!?” another voice chimed in.

There was a brief pause as someone sputtered and groaned in audible pain.

“Again,” Astrid ordered.

Another loud thud came from the room as Cara gently set her torch down and continued without light. Feeling the walls, she made her way even closer. Light streamed from the room and another thud echoed through the tunnels.

Peeking around the corner, Cara took in the full view of what was happening. Jebbin was chained up on the wall, his body hanging limp, his face and chest exposed with bruises and cuts. He looked nearly dead already but he moved and spat blood from his mouth, unwilling to answer their questions.

Her father held Frostmoon at his hip and her mother stood beside him in one of her elegant dresses. For the scene before Cara, they looked out of place with their attire.

“Enough.” Halden barked. “All this will end if you just tell us. Don’t you see? He has abandoned you. You’ve already failed. There’s no need for you to suffer any longer.”

“Our plans have come to fruition.” Astrid hissed. “We have won the war and Armin and Brinna are dead, along with their only son and Felkuru is secluded and alone. There is no one left to stop us now. You have failed your master. Tell us what we want to know and we will let you live.”

Jebbin chuckled mockingly and managed to cough out a retort, “As if you’d let me live. I know what you two are, there is no hiding your true nature.”

“We can end your suffering,” Astrid spoke. “As we did for Brinna.”

“Huh.” Jebbin croaked, his face saddened. “You won’t get away with it. In this life or the next. You two will atone for your crimes.”

“It’s the price for power,” Halden said. “One in which I will gladly sacrifice. Kligira is no more a threat to us now than you are. We will continue, but you die tonight.”

“Tell us. Why does he want you to wake the Emarine? What is Malik’s plan?” Astrid refocused the interrogation. “Surely it wasn’t to let us beat you to death?”

One of the guards sunk a fist into his gut when he didn’t respond. Cara flinched from the brutal scene. She had to do something but her body wouldn’t move.

“You know what Galton’s downfall was?” Jebbin spoke through fits of coughing. “He was arrogant. He believed no one could defy him. Right up until his head was on a spike. That’s where your heads will end up too.”

That comment gained him another grueling punch but this one was to the face, breaking his nose.

Jebbin groaned and spit another glob of bloody saliva onto the cold stone floor.

“Xerixes knew this. He used it against him.” Jebbin continued through the pain. “Malik guided him through it all. Overcoming the odds. He too guides me now. You two are just too blind to see it. You have no idea.”

“How could you possibly know that?” Astrid drilled.

Jebbin only gave a faint smile in response, then spat more blood from his mouth.

“Stop speaking in riddles!” Halden raged. “Tell us what we want to know now!”

Jebbin’s face didn’t look angry or upset, only sad. The look made her parents uncomfortable and they shifted in place.

“Mulguran will betray you,” Jebbin warned. “Don’t believe he has your best interests at heart. He’ll use that against you. Don’t let him control you.”

“Control?” Halden laughed. “We used him to get what we want. The results speak for themselves. We won the war. Kligira is no longer a threat to us. Armin failed.”

Cara stared in horror at the scene, Jebbin’s bloody body, her parent’s murderous faces, and worst of all, by their words, it seemed they had orchestrated the war. Their reasons were unknown and Cara couldn’t move, frozen in place, listening to her parents confess horrible crimes.

Jebbin was speaking another language for all she knew. “What was he talking about?” she wondered endlessly.

“He has brought us this far.” Astrid scolded. “He has brought Klgiria to its knees and by the hands of the Xerians of all people. But you, you're here, at our mercy.”

“Our master has great plans ahead. He has realized the value of controlling the kingdoms. And realized our value as its head. Ruling over them all.”

“You sound desperate.” Jebbin wheezed, his eyes swollen and bruised.

Astrid hissed, resembling a snake and Halden growled like a bear, “Obviously they were desperate but for what?” she thought, the desperation in their voices made that clear but none of it made sense to her. “What were her parents trying to get out of Jebbin? And who were these masters they spoke of?”

Suddenly a hand wrapped around her mouth, covering her from screaming but she didn’t struggle as it was gentle and soft. She knew immediately it was Ulfrick from his touch and smell. Her face turned to him in the shadowy hallway and met his gaze with a look of worry and grief. They were torturing Jebbin but they were outnumbered and Cara couldn’t fight.

“Why must you persist with your stubbornness? You have been caught! All your plans have failed and Cara will be sold off and there’s nothing you can do about it.” Halden shouted. “Everything you have worked for has failed!”

“What makes you think she isn’t supposed to marry Xerath?” Jebbin coughed.

“What?” both Halden and Astrid asked simultaneously.

“Erik and Cara will become great rulers one day. They will change the fate of Isulia. She is stronger than both of you combined.” Jebbin stuck out his chin confidently. “The things you have put her through have made her that way. She will find her courage. You will never win.”

For a moment, Cara thought he was talking directly to her as if he knew she was watching.

An instant later a soldier slammed his balled fist into his gut again, making him puke and spit up blood. His determination washed away by the foul smell.

“You leave us no choice then,” Halden said, his posture betrayed his uncertainty, however. Jebbin’s words had struck a chord.

“What a pity,” Astrid commented, more from the fact they hadn’t pried any information out of him than by his pitiful state.

“You will die here tonight… and for what? He won’t come to save you.” Halden mocked, regaining his confidence.

“Just do it already. No need to drag it out.” Astrid ordered. “Kill him.”

Cara’s heart jumped and she made a move forward but Ulfrick grabbed her and held her in place. The two guards inside the room hesitated as if they didn’t expect to kill him. They knew him, as did most of the soldiers in the city, and with orders or not, they didn’t want to carry them out on the old man hanging helplessly before them.

It seemed torturing the man was more than enough for their appetite. A sickened look crossed both their faces, unsure what to do next.

“Well?” Astrid yelled at them. “What is it?”

“You said to beat him, not kill him.” one said.

“Alderman Jebbin is part of the council. He should be put on trial before a sentence is carried out.” the second man said boldly but his posture said otherwise.

Both king and queen sneered at them, gritting their teeth in annoyance. Halden looked over to Astrid and she nodded in approval for something. He walked up to the soldiers and stared them down.

“Kill him,” he said in a low menacing tone.

They hesitated again, “But sir, if-” his words were cut short as Halden whipped Frostmoon out and cut his head clean off. In the same fluid movement, he brought the sword back up and swiped the second soldier across the stomach, nearly cutting him in two.

He had tried to leap backward but wasn’t quick enough, his stomach gaped open. His entrails spilled out and he fell to his knees, eyes wide in shock. Crying out in agony he grasped at his innards, trying to keep them inside his body, in a feeble attempt to save himself. Halden, without hesitation, took a step forward and ran his sword straight down his neck and into his chest cavity.

It happened so quickly, Cara didn’t have time to react but Ulfrick, seeing the chance, dashed forward without a sound, going straight for Halden’s back.

Astrid screamed to her husband, warning him just in time to react to the intruder. Ulfrick lunged forward and sliced Haldens left shoulder, missing his target. His reflexes saved him from a mortal blow but Ulfricks blade cut deep enough to tear muscle and tendons in his shoulder, rendering it useless.

Cara stood in the doorway, frozen in conflict. As much as she hated her parents, she didn’t wish them to die. Everything was happening so fast she couldn’t process the image before her.

Halden backstepped and parried Ulfrick’s next blow, his right arm perfectly intact and unharmed. His wound didn’t seem to bother him in the slightest as he blocked and reflected each attack from the younger man.

Ulfrick was eighteen years old, whereas her father was thirty-five. His age was nearly double his. Though Ulfrick had trained for many years, his experience was far outweighed by Halden’s skill with the blade, which was on par with many masters.

“Heal!” Astrid hissed.

“I ca-” Halden barked but was interrupted mid-sentence.

Trying to end it quickly, Ulfrick relentlessly attacked with blow after blow, giving Halden no time to strike back. Cara knew her father outmatched Ulfrick in a fair fight, which is why he had tried to take him out before he could react.

Astrid stood against the wall, watching the vicious fight before her. Still unnoticed, Cara stayed in the shadows. At first glance, Ulfrick seemed to be winning, his speed and precision were masterful for someone his age, but Halden was still better, even with a wounded arm.

Cara noticed Astrid glared at Jebbin. “How are you doing this?” she screamed.

Halden patiently waited for the younger man’s strength to abate before he began his own onslaught of attacks. Before she knew it, Ulfrick was the one defending while Halden attacked mercilessly. The tables had turned, and hope for victory was quickly dissipating.

Ulfrick was desperate to keep his sword from being shattered as he fought Halden. Frostmoon’s strength and density chipping away at his steel sword. To prevent the frostrium steel from overcoming his weapon, Ulfrick parried and deflected rather than blocking head-on.

As the fight dragged on, Astrid took up a dagger from her sleeve and slowly inched her way over to Jebbin, who was struggling in his chains with the little strength he had left.

“Stop this! Do not harm the boy!” Jebbin pleaded. “Kill me! Let him live! I’ll tell you what you want to know!”

While Halden fought, Astrid stepped up to Jebbin and whispered something to him, making him stiffen. Cara couldn’t stand by any longer, she screamed and bolted straight at her mother, knife extended.

“Astrid!” Halden yelled to his wife as he saw Cara with the knife.

It was too late, as Astrid raised her knife to gut Jebbin, she glanced backward as Cara sunk her blade into her mother's eye, killing her instantly. Her body slumped to the floor with a sickening crash. Cara let go of the knife, her whole body in shock.

“NO!” Halden screamed in rage.

Halden cursed loudly and her death distracted him for an instant. Without hesitation Ulfrick used the distraction to land a blow to his cheek, tearing away flesh and revealing a sliver of bone beneath. He had missed his target though, Halden had dodged backward an instant before cutting into his neck. Halden’s rage took over, blood poured down his neck, he ignored the wound and sliced Ulfrick’s thigh, causing him to stumble. Ulfrick pulled his sword up with both hands to block but the strength of frostmoon cut straight through his sword and Halden’s blade pierced through bone, cutting his left arm off.

Ulfrick screamed in agony as he gazed at his stump, his eyes wide in shock. Without hesitation, Halden ran him through, frostmoon piercing his chest. Blood flowed from his missing arm and he looked down at the sword in his body. His eyes wide as if unaware that he was going to die.

“No!” Cara cried out, her eyes instantly bursting into tears as she watched the life drain from Ulfrick’s body.

Halden whipped around to stare at Cara, his gaze sent terror shooting through her body. For a moment, his eyes turned black, his leering stare, disappearing into a black hole. Cara screamed in panic. She was going to die and her father would be the one to end her life.

“I’ll kill you!” he shrieked, blood sprayed from his open mouth as his jaw bone was visible.

He stalked over to her, his sword arm raised, blood dripping down from his cheek and death in his eyes. Halden swung down at her and she shrunk back in fear. To her left, out of nowhere, Jebbin plowed into him, knocking them both to the ground before the sword touched her.

Jebbin struggled on top of her father, trying to pin him down but he was too weak and his already bruised and battered body failed quickly. Halden, now weaponless as he had dropped his sword in the fall, shoved Jebbin to the side flipping him onto his back. With the speed of a snake, her father loomed over him and started choking him to death. Jebbin tucked his chin down, slowing down the process of being choked but her father was too strong. Weak arms battered at his face and even tore more flesh from his cheek revealing even more bone but it wasn’t enough to stop him.

In a last attempt, Jebbin reached down and peeled one of Halden’s fingers backward, snapping it to the side. However, it didn’t seem to bother Halden in the slightest, his focus on squeezing the life out of him.

Halden flopped his useless forearm onto Jebbin’s throat and shoved down with his right, using his own arm like a pole to crush his hyoid.

Jebbin quickly lost all his strength and dug at Halden’s wounds again trying to loosen the weight of his body. He feebly swung at his elbow, trying to dislodge his grip but to no avail.

Cara bent down and picked her father’s sword up. Frostmoon was heavy and covered in grime and flesh, its grip slick from the blood covering it. Halden didn’t notice her, his focus, still on Jebbin.

With a sob, Cara lifted the sword and ran it through her father's back. She aimed for the heart but missed, instead, puncturing his lung. He gasped in surprise and he let his grip loosen on Jebbin and turned to her in shock.

He took another breath but this time, blood filled his lungs and he gurgled and shook from the effort. Blood flowed from his chest and gushed from his mouth.

“C-Cara,” he sputtered, reaching out his right arm.

Again, Cara noticed his black eyes, not her father’s eyes. She blinked, then they were gone, replaced by his true eyes. His dark blue gaze softened for a moment. A look of sorrow and regret on his face burned its way into her memory. He fell to the floor, his body convulsed as his blood filled his lungs and he suffocated to death.

He lay still after a moment of spasms.

Jebbin was wheezing and shaking but was alive. Cara stared at the dead bodies around her and was overcome by sickness. She puked several times in horror and disgust, the scene was from a nightmare, only it was real.

Wiping her mouth, Cara sobbed and stumbled over to Ulfrick’s dead body. His eyes were wide open, his clothes were soaked in blood but she bent over him, tears streaming down her face.

“I’m sorry.” she cried. “I’m so sorry.” she kissed him tenderly on the lips. His body, still warm. “Forgive me.”

For a moment, she desperately wished she had left the castle with him. Her heart threatened to burst from her chest, her entire body ached. Shaking uncontrollably, Cara wept with such pain of sorrow, she wished to die then and there.

She had lost so much in a blink of an eye. The man she loved, her mother and father dead. Everything seemed to crumble before her eyes.

“Is-is Erik safe?” Jebbin croaked behind her. His voice was barely audible.

Cara looked over to him with a devastating look but nodded her head slowly, unable to speak.

“Erik is safe. I still have Erik. And Jebbin.” she thought. He was alive too. A glimmer of hope embedded itself in her mind and heart and she held onto that hope desperately.

“Forgive me.” Jebbin breathed. “I’m... so sorry, Cara. I… I should've listened to you.”

Cara ignored him and continued to cry over Ulfrick’s dead body. A gentle hand touched her shoulder and she jerked in fear before realizing it was Jebbin. He pulled back and looked at her, his face contorted in pain from the state she was in.

“Come, child,” Jebbin whispered tenderly. “Let me help you.”

Cara’s jet black hair was sticky and her clothes were soaked in blood. She was shaking constantly whether from the cold or from shock, she didn’t know, but Jebbin needed to get her out of this wretched room.

Jebbin gently pulled her to her feet and walked her away from the gory scene. Cara melted into his arms unable to think or process what had just happened. Her mind felt like it was shattering, only the tender touch of Jebbin’s strong hands kept her from losing herself.

PART 4

Before she knew it she was in her washroom, warm water was being poured over her. Two maids bathed her and scrubbed her body clean. They dressed her as she stood there blankly. Her mind in a stasis and her emotions were dull and void.

It felt like days as Cara slept through night after night, she could feel herself slowly regaining her sense of reality but each time she came close, horrid images of dead bodies and blood fractured her mind a bit further. The image of her father, intent on killing her. His face gruesome and inhuman, kept coming back.

The burned image of his final breaths tormented her. Halden had looked regretful. “Why? Why did he look at me that way? Why can’t I just hate him.” she wracked her brain. “Why couldn’t you have just died with that same rage and spite on your face like you always did.”

“It would’ve made it easier.” she sobbed.

For an instant, she felt sorry for him. Sorry that it had come to this. Sorry that she was the one to end his life. He had forced her hand. It was him, or Jebbin.

She chose her real father. Halden didn’t deserve that title. Where Halden and Astrid lacked, Jebbin was always there to pick up the pieces. Always watching and protecting her and Erik. Jebbin was her true father, not that monster.

Eventually, Cara woke, it was mid-day and the air in her room was stuffy and hot. Looking around, she saw Jebbin sitting next to her asleep. His head bobbed, unable to stable itself in a sitting position. She looked down at his hands.

His wrists were bandaged and bloodied. It made her realize he must’ve ripped through flesh and broken bone to get out of his shackles.

He had done it to save her though.

The memory of Ulfrick came rushing back, along with a burst of fresh tears. She sobbed silently, mourning his death. She could barely breathe. The thought of living made her stomach twist in knots.

Ulfrick had given his life for Jebbin. For her. His excruciating last moments were undeserved. He deserved a better death than that. He deserved better. And it was her fault.

She moved her arms and Jebbin snapped out of his daze and looked at her intensely.

“Cara. You're awake.” he wiped his eyes. “How...” he hesitated. “How are you?”

Staring at his bruised face, Cara instantly burst into tears again as the memories flooded through her mind uncontrollably. Burying her face into her pillow she sobbed for some time before Jebbin placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Cara,” Jebbin whispered. “Come back to us, dear child.”

She froze, her tears stopping momentarily, “How long have I been in here?”

Jebbin cocked his head, revealing his grotesque black and purple neck where Halden had nearly joked the life out of him. His face gave her an answer she wouldn’t want to hear, “Two weeks.”

“Where is Erik?” her mind panicked.

“He’s fine!” Jebbin assured her. “He is perfectly fine. He is safe. So are you. Erik has visited you every day since...” he trailed off, regretting where his words were taking the conversation.

Flipping onto her back, Cara sat up and pierced Jebbin with her bright purple eyes, though they were panicked, “What do we do now? What do we tell the people? The council? Torstein?”

“I swear I will make this right,” Jebbin promised. “Don’t worry about that. Focus on resting. You must regain your strength. Your body. Your mind. Your spirit. You are not well, Cara. Please don’t think of such things. I will take care of everything.”

“Jebbin.” Cara frowned. “What is our next step?” she persisted, her voice low and calm.

A mixture of pride, dread, pain, and hope fell on Jebbin’s face, somehow all at once he conveyed so many emotions with one look.

“That, my dear child, is up to you,” he said softly.

“Where is Ulfrick?” she asked suddenly. “Where is he?”

“He’s…” Jebbin averted his gaze. “I buried him. I’ll take you to him once you are... feeling better.”

“I’m feeling better now.” she got to her feet stubbornly.

Jebbin looked as if he would stop her but instead, he braced himself, ready to catch her if she fell. He didn’t say another word, knowing the importance of wanting to see his resting place. To see the man that she loved, buried in the ground.

Slowly, they made their way through the castle. Many people gawked at them but said nothing, only getting out of their way.

Constant muttering and whispers were the only things she heard as they moved through the castle.

Blessedly, they finally reached the bottom of the castle and emerged from the back entrance. The courtyard full of people, all froze as they passed. Not one word was uttered, only watching closely.

They were all soldiers.

Jebbin led her past the stones and into a small clearing filled with lush green grass. When she saw it, a lone grave atop a small hill next to a tree, tears silently spilled down her face. The sun shown overhead and clouds floated by. The wind on her back pressed her nightgown against her body and the thin fabric flapped against the breeze.

Gently, she removed herself from Jebbin’s supportive hands and walked the rest of the way alone. A small patch of unearthed soil stuck out like a sore in the grass. Several dead leaves fell from the tree, fluttering to the ground.

Her foot crunched a leaf as she stepped over it, her bare feet dirty and caked with mud. A small stone at the head of the grave read, “Here-lies, Ulfrick Yoten.”

She fell to her feet at the foot of his grave and brushed the top of the soil with her small hands. Slowly she let the dirt slide through her fingers.

Cara hunched over in a heap and with trembling lips, wept openly. The nightmare wasn’t over. It never would be.