Chapter Fourteen:

Open Wounds Filled with Broken Glass

Dmitri

Later that night, The Committee alongside Andrew and Cerelia’s most trusted court sat around the coffee table of the downstairs lounge, all quietly staring down at a tape on its surface. Andrew had requested I stay at his side as we tackled this, as the label of the tape read, To Help Dmitri. The Cavalries stood at the back of the room, silent and serious as they waited for someone to finally move. Jeremiah ran a hand through his long hair and cleared his throat, breaking the silence, “What did you give Riley today, Zachary?” He asked.

“It was instructions on how to get Morgan to safety. He, the queen, and I have been planning on it since Alexei requested the meeting. We knew Riley would be there, so I made sure to give the note to him. I have a copy of what I wrote in my pocket for you.”

“Thank you,” Jeremiah replied.

Zachary slowly sighed, flashing his slate eyes to me, “Riley gave this to me. I don’t know what it is, but he told me he wanted everyone to watch.”

“Should we play it?” Cerelia asked me.

I slowly nodded, absolutely silent, as Jeremiah set the tape into the VCR. The sound of it being welcomed into the player made my spine tingle, and I steadied myself by clasping the gathering of fabric against my knee like it were the lifeline to sanity. The video began with an image of my brother, just as, if not more, broken than earlier that day. He had changed much over the years; his face had matured handsomely into that of a young man’s, yet his eyes were full of nothing but sorrow. He was seated on my bed from back home, but I could tell he had locked himself in the bedroom so no one would find out.

“Dmitri...” He began, his hands clasped before him and his soothing voice soft, “I have accumulated a video of our most important memories for you. It took some doing, and a rather uncomfortable spell, but it is the only way I can truly show England what atrocities we have been victim to. These memories are direct from my mind, and unfortunately, they depict some of the worst moments in life for you,” he paused, sighing once, “I wish for everyone present to watch all of it, so you can see that Dmitri and I, truly, are victims of this war just the same. As hard as this is, it’s time we told our story. So, please, for my sake and his, take the time to see this tape through. It’s time everyone understood what kind of monster Joshua truly is.

There are five parts, and each progressively gets worse, but it is vital that you understand he is not there with ill intent. Everything we have done up to this point was to escape Joshua, and for probably the only time ever, I can prove his innocence. Please, be kind to him. I know the circumstances, but this tape should be evidence enough of what he has gone through to earn your trust today,” his voice broke, and he cupped his mouth as tears ran down his cheeks. “I love you, you little son of a bitch, more than anything in the world. I hope you and I can see each other again soon.” and with that, the tape began.

Part One:

The scene opened to the training arena of The West castle. Horses and swords clashed, and soldiers marched in line like the obedient dogs they had become. Morgan was seated on a bench in the scene, smiling at three young children racing around the grass before her. Since the first day of the war, the day Alexei became King of the West, Morgan was only home three days out of the year. No one except Alexei knew where she was, but she always returned with a smile that hid more pain than one was meant to hold.

One of the children was Matthew, the thirteen-year-old son of Alexei’s Prime Minister and Riley’s closest companion. He bore dark chestnut hair, warm tan skin, and blinding ice blue eyes, and was a carefree child who had no problem entertaining his younger companions. The second was a nine-year-old, Matthew’s brother Maxwell. He had his brother’s eyes and hair, and a blinding smile that made people’s hearts melt.

The last child was a boy of eight who wore a prince’s training uniform, his sword clanking against his thin legs as he raced around his close friends. His turquoise eyes, one which held a dark and ugly bruise, were full of a child’s innocence, and his golden hair was slicked under a lopsided crown still a bit too big to be worn but was to be out of discipline. Riley, whose perspective we were watching from, chuckled as the blonde child snatched a butterfly, darting to his mother and opening his hands. “Look, Maman! I caught one!”

“So you did; you’d better get ready, as your brother and Joshua will be home soon?”

“Oh, what of it,” the child laughed as he let the butterfly go, which made Morgan roll her eyes. The two watched it fly away, desperate to escape the impending doom.

Morgan brushed the boy’s dirt covered hands clean, “Dmitri, please, listen to him. The more trouble you cause the worse it is for all of us.”

“I do listen!” Little me proclaimed, plopping onto the bench beside Morgan and kicking my legs sadly, “All I do is listen, Maman…”

She delicately fixed a strand of my hair, pure love and affection in her eyes, “Not as well as you should, Mon prince aux yeux bleus?” She cooed my nickname like a dove.

“Well, he’s mean Maman… He doesn’t let me play with Matt and Max anymore! All I do is train; train, train, train!” I snapped as I crossed my arms stubbornly.

Morgan sighed, pressing her cheek to my hair lovingly. I cuddled into her side, with my face smooshed cutely into her neck. Riley giggled at the scene. “I know you tired, Dmitri…?”

“Can’t I have one day off, just one?” I asked in my sing-song voice, which made my mother’s heart melt.

Her eyes flicked back and forth as she thought of an excuse, and when she did, her words were almost painful as she spoke them, “He wants to see you become strong…?”

“I am strong,” I declared, puffing my chest out as Morgan laughed lightly.

“Do you hear of this Riley?” She joked as Riley shook his head.

“As brave and strong as you are, you’re young, and sometimes when we’re young, we have to do things we don’t like,” Riley tried.

“Mhm…” I popped as the glass doors opened.

My entire demeanor changed in a heartbeat. The light in my eyes faded, and the look of an abused dog came over me. Morgan watched the transition with broken eyes as Alexei walked calmly out of the castle, puffing a cigar as he nodded to the arena. “Ten pull-ups before you go to archery. Joshua will be with you after his meeting. Do as he says.” Silently, I slid off the bench, trudging forward with my head hung low. He smacked the back of my head as I passed, his eyes cold, “I expect a yes, your majesty, when I speak to you young man,” he added.

“Yes, your majesty,” I whispered, touching the throbbing spot as I stumbled down to the gymnastics arena.

When I was out of sight, Morgan turned to Alexei, “Must you be so cruel to him?”

“Someone has to be.”

“He’s a child, Alexei…?”

“He’s a weapon, a born and bred weapon. His job is to kill people, plain and simple. He is of no use to me otherwise.” He said these words with slight displeasure, almost as if he didn’t want to at all, but he had to convince himself and Morgan.

“He’s your brother!” She spat.

“As is the mistake behind us, but that doesn’t mean I give a damn,” Alexei scoffed.

Riley hissed as Morgan shook her head sadly, “Where did I go wrong with you?”

“Says the woman who’s never here for her family,” Alexei snickered.

Morgan slammed her fist into Alexei’s back, making him howl once in discomfort, “You are the one who’s made it that way, you despicable shit!”

“Don’t put your hands on me, mother.” Alexei snarled demonically. She fell silent as he scoffed in delight, “And you wonder why you’re so weak…”

“Watch your tone with her, you snake,” my grandmother barked as she threw the backdoor open. Alexei shuddered once as she smacked him away from Morgan, “Respect your mother, because if it weren’t for her, you’d be in a comfy padded room for eternity.”

“Bitch…” he hissed, trudging off as little me gasped and bolted down the gymnastics set to the smiling woman.

Alexei ground his teeth angrily but didn’t utter a single word as she picked me up and spun me around, smiling beautifully as she kissed my cheeks. “You’re here, you’re here!” I bawled, tears in my eyes as she laughed like a bell.

“Of course I am! I’d never miss your birthday, my angel!” She sang, kissing my nose delicately as I snuggled into her neck with tears in my eyes.

“We were waiting for you,” Morgan said with a smile.

“I had to get our angel his birthday present, didn’t I?” Anne joked, making me gasp.

“A present, for me?!” I asked as she set a small blue box in my hands. Riley had come over to join us, and sat on the other side of our mother. Morgan hugged him tightly, her eyes shining as I popped the lid on my gift. My eyes bugged, and a moment later, I sniffled and pulled out a beautifully crafted pocket knife. My initials, D.M.M, were etched into the handle, handwritten into the beautiful steel. “Do you like it?” Anne sang.

“What is going on out here.” Joshua emerged from the castle with a glare that could physically consume someone, and when his eyes fell on me sitting in Anne’s arms, a fury like none other burned within him.

I immediately scrambled down and backed up five steps, panting so violently that my face was bright red, “I’m, I’m sorry! I’m going to practice, I promise, I promise!”

“Do you ever listen, ever!” He smacked me so hard in the face that I spun wildly and hit the grass with a deafening thud. Anne yelled for Alexei to intervene, but instead of doing so, he calmly watched Joshua charge towards me, puffing his cigar without a word. I had begun to skitter backward through the grass, but Joshua caught up and grabbed my hair, ripping me upright so that he could get in my face, “You have a schedule; learn to follow it! If I catch you slacking again, you’re going to the field for two weeks, do you understand!?”

“Y-yes, sir…!” I stammered painfully, tears spewing down my cheeks by the dozens.

“Dmitri, don’t you dare go down there…!?” Anne cried, racing forward to reach for my arm. She took hold of my hand and whipped me around so that I was behind her leg, and huffed angrily at Joshua, “How dare you, how DARE you touch him like that…!?”

“This matter does not concern you, Anne, so go back to The Peace Zone. I’m sure Jeremiah is waiting oh so patiently for your return.”

“You son of a bitch…!” She whipped around to my mother, who was sobbing horrifically into Riley’s shoulder, then shot her glare to Alexei. “How can you sit by and let this happen!?”

“Dmitri, do as you’re told.” Alexei firmly repeated.

I glanced up at Anne, then Joshua, before slowly pulling myself from her side. She scoffed in disbelief as I began to trudge down the hillside, which made Joshua smile proudly to himself. “You fucking monster, you absolute monster! Dmitri, please my love, please come with me…? Dmitri…? DMITRI…!?” She screamed, but her voice was carried away by the November winds.

Part Two:

The next scene began at the sword fighting arena, where Joshua had a tight grip on my hair as Walter, Collin, and Alexei stood behind him. I was already heavily bruised and bleeding, but Joshua was far from done with me. “Leave him alone, you bastard!” Riley yelled as he shoved into the three men hard, trying desperately to grab me.

“I will not ask you again, what are you!” Joshua yelled in my face. I stayed silent, with not a single tear running down my cheeks. I remember being in the most horrific of pain, but I held my ground regardless of that. “Dmitri!” He yelled. A moment later, he turned to Walter, “Ten lashes.” Walter slammed me onto my knees and ripped my shirt up, cracking his belt against my bare skin. I clenched my teeth and trembled from the pain, forcing back a sob as Alexei watched my suffering with not a single ounce of remorse.

“Alexei, make him stop, please…!” Riley sobbed hysterically, but Alexei completely ignored him and continued to watch the scene completely emotionless.

“Now, what are you…?” Joshua hissed as Walter let go and rolled his belt back up. I rocked on my knees, silent once more. Joshua grabbed my hair and ripped me up, his eyes full of hell’s fury, “You are a West soldier, Dmitri, and we can do this all night until you say it…!”

“I’ll never take such a hideous name,” I growled.

“You are a prince; like it or not, this is your country. Learn your place!” I spit in his face, which made Riley yelp once. Joshua slowly wiped the substance away, then smiled a smile that would haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life.

He held his hand out to Walter, who handed him the belt curiously. I prepared for another whipping, but instead, Joshua threw the leather around my neck and tightened it as much as he could before dragging me toward the sword rack. I choked off loudly, making Riley scream in horror as Joshua attached the other end to the rack, then hoisted me off the ground. I squirmed and desperately clutched my throat, wheezing violently for breaths that I couldn’t catch; Alexei watched with a deadpan expression and lit another cigar casually. Walter was even surprised by Alexei’s actions and stepped behind him so the guilt wouldn’t eat him alive.

“Joshua, stop it, now! YOU’RE GOING TO KILL HIM!?” Riley screamed bloody murder as my eyes rolled back, and my hands curled before my arms slowly began to drop. Joshua waited a moment longer before he sliced the belt in half, allowing me to drop. I hit the ground with a deafening thud and lay still, my fingertips twitching slightly.

Walter let Riley through; Riley pulled me up and cut the belt from around my neck, then began desperately rubbing my chest and back to get me breathing again. I finally caught my breath and hacked so violently that I began throwing up. Riley allowed me to do so and brushed my hair back with shaking hands. Collin and Walter frowned a little, feeling an ounce of compassion for the first time in their lives. Alexei died out his cigar and turned his back on us. “What are you, Dmitri?” He asked one last time over his shoulder.

I spit a few chunks of my last meal up, trembling violently, “W-West… Sol-dier… Your m-majesty-ty…” I hiccuped the sob.

“Good boy.” Alexei praised, ghosting inside unfazed by what Joshua had done.

Part Three:

Part three began with an array of horses adorned in battle armor coming up the long walkway. At the head was a twelve-year-old version of myself, who halted Archimedes and jumped down fluidly before walking inside. My uniform was stained with blood, mostly my own, and I had a patch over my eye from a soldier that had whacked me with his sword, though this was nothing new at this point. Riley had come from upstairs at the sound of our return and raced the steps to meet me at the castle doors. “Dmitri…” he sighed happily, bending down to hug me in relief. I didn’t return the gesture, just stared blankly over his shoulder. He could feel me trembling, which made him pull back in horror, “What happened?” He whispered worriedly.

“He refused to kill Andrew’s Cavalry, that’s what, even after they wrongly attacked us. So much for war!” Collin snapped as he charged upstairs past us.

“Where is Joshua?” I breathed emotionlessly.

“A meeting… why?”

“He’s going to kill me, for this. I disobeyed him. I couldn’t do it, Riley. I can’t kill people anymore. I just can’t…” Riley was at a loss for words as the door to the conference hall slowly opened. Collin propped himself up in the doorway with a sadistic smile, proud that he had ratted me out yet another time. Joshua calmly walked downstairs, plucked my arm up, and began to drag me toward the basement. The look of pure fucking horror that fell across my face made Riley shudder just the same.

“Alexei!” Riley yelled as if Alexei would come to my rescue.

“Must I give you a reminder of our main goal, Dmitri?” Joshua tsked, shutting the door.

Riley raced over and ripped at the lock, bashing his sword end down on it over and over. No one dared to help him, and they were right not to do so because interference would have meant their death. Riley continued to hit the knob as my blood-curtailing scream echoed through the castle, which made everyone yelp and bunch in groups to try and protect one another from the guilt. Riley screamed my name past tears and pounded violently on the door, over and over until he finally sunk to his knees, and let himself be consumed by defeat. Everyone in the foyer wanted so badly to help him, but they would be no use, and they knew that. All they could do was wait, and listen to the sounds of agony that echoed from the dungeons.

╬

Riley sat in the throne room, trembling violently with anger as he waited for Alexei’s return. He had been in Italy that weekend, tending to trade, and it was only a matter of time before he had to face what Joshua had done. I had been absent for a day, and though Riley had searched relentlessly for me, he and whoever had helped were unable to find me or Joshua. Alexei showed up finally, his face blank as Riley stood, “Where is he?”

“Whom?” Alexei replied hoarsely.

“What did Joshua do to him…? Where is he!?” Riley bellowed, his voice echoing through the dark and cold room.

Alexei, to my surprise, scoffed, and raced forward to grab Riley’s arm, “What the fuck do you mean, what did he do to him? Where is Dmitri!?”Joshua emerged from out of thin air it seemed, but instead of a warm greeting from his friend, Alexei whipped around and grabbed his collar ferociously. “What the fuck did you do; where is Dmitri?” He hissed demonically.

“Playing,” Joshua simply responded, making Riley gasp in horror.

“I swear, if you locked him in that room again!” A wicked smile crossed Joshua’s face before Riley bolted across the castle, racing the steps to the northern tower. Alexei and Joshua erupted in a horrific argument down below, the first I had ever known Alexei to discipline Joshua, but it was far too late at that point. Riley reached the top of the stairs and kicked the door as hard as he possibly could, watching as it slowly creaked open. Light broke into the completely black room and fell upon a tiny figure bawled up in the corner, sniveling violent sobs into his knees. “Dmitri…” Riley croaked, darting to throw his arms around me.

I shakily clutched at my brother’s shirt as he stared at me in horror. “I don’t like the dark… I don’t like the dark…” I bawled delusionally into Riley’s chest.

“How long were you in here, buddy?” He whispered, kissing my temple fast. Instead of answering I moaned like a zombie, so scared that Riley could hear my teeth clattering together. He tried to console me, but something caught his attention and made him violently freeze in place. “What, is on your arm…” he croaked as his brushed mine. I didn’t have it in me to answer. He slowly looked at the blood-soaked bandages in absolute horror, which only worsened as he pulled them loose. He slapped a hand to his mouth, hiccupping as he looked over the bleeding and burned skin. “He, branded, you?”

“To remind him what his mission is,” Riley snapped around as Joshua stood in the doorway, his face full of murder, “and if you don’t start listening, Dmitri, I’ll do worse.”

“What the bloody hell is wrong with you?” Riley whimpered, clutching me close to his chest, “How could you do this to him?”

“Easily, Riley…”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

“I won’t let this go unnoticed…” Riley breathlessly threatened.

“What are you going to do? Tell Maman?” Joshua laughed, “Your mother isn’t going to do anything about it, Riley. Morgan does what I say when I say it, and nothing more. Be lucky I keep that mongrel alive; the only reason I do is that you adore him so much. Alexei has given me full jurisdiction over Dmitri’s well-being and training, so if I wish him dead or worse, it is done. Don’t take my kindness for granted again, or I’ll truly make him suffer.” Joshua ghosted down the steps, leaving Riley to shiver and clutch me as close as he could.

“I can’t take it anymore… I can’t… I can’t protect you, no matter how much I try. I'm so sorry, Dmitri… I'm sorry I can’t keep you safe…!” He choked before he couldn’t contain his sobbing anymore.

Part Four:

Riley was seated on the edge of the roof, where his long legs were swaying in the wind. He was dressed in battle armor, and his hair kept sweeping over his face, though he didn’t attempt to brush it from his eyes. A moment later the door behind him opened, and a set of boots crossed the rooftop. Beside him sat thirteen-year-old me, whose eyes and face was completely void of any emotion. I wore a frail white tank top, which showed how my body had become riddled with scars, cuts, and bruises, but we both were unfazed by them. “You asked for me?”

“When did you get home?” Riley stagnantly asked.

“About an hour ago. Had to report casualties to Joshua.”

“How bad is it, this time?”

“He’s burned three towns in The East. Whoever was left was either raped or slaughtered; I lost track of the civilian causalities. The damage is devastating; they left no one alive.” I answered, staring off into the endless sky.

Riley breathed a low sigh, shaking his head, “This is never going to end.”

“I'm going to have to kill him, aren’t I?” Riley turned to me, watching the blank stare that fell over my face, “I am going to have to kill him, just to make this all end.”

“I don’t know the answer, to be honest.”

“Alexei is going to let Joshua burn this country to the ground, and then what? Leave us with them as our only hope? None of us will survive if Joshua has his way, and Alexei continues to give it to him. He’s a delusional puppet with strings even he can’t see. It disgusts me.” I turned to eye Riley out of the corner of my eye, “You don’t agree, with Alexei’s philosophy, do you?”

“Bloody hell Dmitri, how sick do you find me?” Riley scoffed in disgust.

“I apologize, I just wanted to make sure. Nowadays, I don’t know who to trust.”

“Alexei’s fate was destined from the moment he was brought into the world. That man will die, and let it be so for all he’s done to you,” he looked to my branded arm morosely, “I can’t stomach it anymore, I can’t. There isn’t anything in this world strong enough to stop them. They have created the perfect army, and it’s only a matter of time before they consume us all.”

“Alexei’s stripped us of everything we’ve ever loved so that we have no choice but to abide by his rules. In his mind, if we have nothing to live for, then what reason do we have not to listen to him? Joshua cannot stand the idea of loosening my leash, especially to anyone willing to protect me, and will use me until the day I die. God forbid one person should think I’m worth saving…” I mumbled as my head fell into my lap.

“Don’t speak of yourself that way,” Riley cooed, then fell silent for a moment. “What’s Alexei’s story, anyway? Why is he being so much nicer lately?”

I scoffed with a stiff shrug, “Because I’ve made him think I finally cracked. When we go on missions, I stay in the back with him and listen to him drone on about strategizing. I have yet to kill anyone for the past few months, but time is ticking, and he’s going to catch on eventually, especially since Joshua requested I accompany him to The North this weekend.”

“He always does…” Riley cupped his hands, then sighed miserably, “I think Mom is dead,” he finally whispered, “It’s been almost a year since she came to see us. She would have at least called, something. I don’t know how much longer we can fuel the fantasy before it’s time to accept she’s gone.”

“If I find out Joshua killed her, so help me God…” I paused, bringing my knee up to rest my arm on top of it. Riley turned to me, waiting for me to continue. “I’ve come to a decision, about Alexei and Joshua, and how this problem will end.”

“Which is?” Riley stammered a bit nervously.

“I no longer wish to be alive…” I began, which made Riley squeak in horror, “I can’t take living like this anymore. It’s kill or be killed, and I will not attack innocent people. So, what better way to go out than bringing them with me?”

“Don’t you say that!” Riley snapped, shoving me hard, “You are the only person I have in this world! Don’t you dare try and hurt yourself!”

I turned to him creepily, my eyes hollow and soulless, “Would you rather Joshua beat me to death? How long before he snaps my neck, or worse? Not to mention, do you truly think I’ll last that much longer in combat? How many times have I been injured on the battlefield? It’s apparent that our parents are useless, and you’re not strong enough to do it alone.”

“Don’t act as if I'm not trying!” He bellowed brokenly.

I patted his arm, “As much as you do, and as grateful as I am, it’s not enough. The burden on your shoulders is painful enough to bare, and yet I keep making you do it. I haven’t been in this world long, so I won’t be missing much… Besides, who would want to be around someone like me? All I'm good for is a weapon…” I mumbled, my voice trembling as I clenched my fist.

Riley desperately tugged on my shirt, “I would, Dmitri, and so would many others. You’re going to do amazing things one day; you may be the only person in this family to ever make something of yourself, and I will see to it that you do. Unfortunately, we are the ones plagued with ending this vicious war, but by God, the hero you will be when you do…” He paused, then scoffed a chuckle, “What would you like to do with your life, anyway?”

“End it.” I snapped, but ended up giggling as he rolled his eyes.

“Come now, be honest!”

I paused to ponder his words, “I want to stay in the army, but by my own will.”

“Would you? Do you truly enjoy it?” He asked in awe.

“I don’t know much else, and I’m good at what I do…” I fell silent for a moment, then shook it off, “I enjoy the arts, the weaponry. I just want to fight for the right side.”

Riley leaned back on his arms casually and let out a breathless chuckle, “Entertain me for a moment, would you? Which army would you join?”

I rolled my eyes playfully, but did smile for him. “Preferably? Andrew’s. The North has not only the heaviest artillery but the largest and strongest soldiers. He is my gateway into taking care of Alexei, which is why Joshua is going after Andrew’s kingdom so heavily.”

“And you’d be able to kill Joshua? Alexei, even?” Riley asked hesitantly.

I looked out over the beautiful, war-torn city below us, “I'm hoping it wouldn’t have to come to it, but I'm prepared to do whatever to save the country. If Alexei and Joshua are dead The West has no power, and this madness will end.”

Riley couldn’t find the right words at first, and settled on, “You’re very brave for that.”

I plucked at the strings on my knife-torn pant leg, “He may be my brother, and I do care for him, but I hear Stockholm syndrome is quite nice this time of year.”

Riley burst into hysterical laughter and shook his head, “Your jokes are so dark.”

“I'm trying to lighten the mood?”

“Stop getting your jokes from medieval literature, would you?”

“I'm reading the roman poet, Horace, right now. His work is quite interesting. That famous line, carpe diem… What a fascinating saying,” I stood carefully to look over the kingdom, “I think it’s about time I learn to live by it,” I declared confidently.

The door behind us opened, and Alexei peeked out before breathing a sigh of relief, “Ah, there you are. I’ve been looking for you two. We have a meeting in five minutes?” He gently reminded in a surprisingly caring tone. Wordlessly, I ghosted towards the doorway; he went to ruffle my hair, but I silently walked past him and down the steps, making his eyes widen in disbelief. Instead of anger consuming him, though, a deep seeded sadness came over him, and he slowly turned to Riley, “He truly hates me, doesn’t he?

“Do you blame him?” Riley retorted before he stood, attempting to pass him without another word. Alexei grabbed his arm, though, shaking uncontrollably, which made Riley pause. “You’re my brother, and I respect you as such, but it’s time you deal with the consequences of your actions. You have ruined that boy, and your selfish acts have cost you.”

“I’m sorry, Riley, I’m sorry! I should have… What do I do to fix this!?” Alexei begged.

Riley turned, his eyes dead in the reflection of Alexei’s as he whispered, “Let him go.”

Part Five:

Riley stayed hidden in my closet, waiting patiently for Alexei to enter the room. I was seated on my bed with stacks of books to my side, and my eyes flicking back and forth between them. I found one I liked, and pulled it out to rapidly flip through the pages. It was the only way to keep myself calm for the situation approaching. Alexei knocked lightly on the door, smiling nervously as he peeked into the room. “You asked for me?” He chirped.

“Yes; please, come sit with me,” I said, pushing my glasses up higher.

He chuckled at the sight, sitting to my left and peeking at the book in my hands, “You’ve always loved reading; I can’t pry you away from these…?” He tried warmly.

“It helps me keep some form of sanity.” I cruelly snapped in return.

He frowned, then set his hand on my leg, “I'm very proud of you; you’ve been doing so well lately. Watching you and Joshua work together makes me so happy. I know with a little more time and men, we can take care of Andrew…?”

“As of today, I will no longer take part in the army,” I cut him off abruptly. “I resign from my position; I refuse to subject myself to this war any longer.”

“Dmitri…?” He started in annoyance.

I looked him dead in the eye, “I will not die in battle for a cause I don’t believe in.”

Alexei’s own darkened slightly, “You, don’t believe in?” He whispered in surprise.

I clenched his shirt collar tightly as I spoke, “What you’re doing is wrong. You are killing innocent people for power, and it’s gotten out of control. Why is one country not enough for you?”

Alexei smacked my hand off of him, “Dmitri, hold your tongue. You have no ideas about this matter, and I will not hear such nonsense. I'm tired of being lectured as it is, and you’re beginning to annoy me…?!”

“Why, because I’m right…!?”

He grabbed my shirt harshly, but when I winced he let go, sighing loudly when he saw the damage he had done. “I am trying to be patient with you, but you are pushing way too far…”

I scoffed in disgust and threw my book down to the floor, “I'm so sorry I angered you; shall I pick a belt out for you to beat me with!?” I sarcastically spit.

Alexei blinked, “I don’t think you’ve ever said such a thing to me?”

My face flushed red with unadulterated anger, “Yes, well, after years of being smacked around, I’ve grown quite tired of it. I’ve grown tired of fighting you, and for you. You have treated me like a dog my entire life!”

Alexei grabbed my arm, his face broken, “Don’t say that, please!”

“You let Joshua torture me so you don’t have to feel the guilt from doing it yourself. You have put thousands of lives in danger, and for what? Do you think telling me you love me now is going to change everything you’ve done? You have taken everything from me, Alexei. My childhood, my sanity, my happiness… my family! Everyone says I am the weapon; Alexei, you are the weapon in this family, the bomb, to better clarify. And I am going to be the defusal, whether you like it or not!”

His eyes widened in horror at how serious my words were. “I…?”

I ripped my arm away from him and stood, turning my back to keep my confidence even, “I will take care of this matter once and for all, whether you like it or not. That begins with my leaving the army, and this castle.”

“No, you are not going anywhere!” He yelled, purely angry now.

I whipped around, “And why should I stay!? So you can let Joshua abuse me some more?!”

Alexei shook his head wildly, as if it would drown out my voice, “I don’t know who’s filled your head with all of this, but god damnit Dmitri, you are my brother and you are not leaving!”

“I will not kill innocent people!” I bawled, my voice cracking as a sob broke from me, “Why do I have to be the weapon? Why do I have to hurt people?! Who decided that was proper? The only person in this family insane enough to do so is you! What were you thinking?! Even if you tried to stop now, The Committee will never forgive you for this! You’re as good as dead for what you’ve done…!”

Alexei grabbed my shirt and slammed me into the wall, his eyes dead as he did, “I know people are dying because of my army, and I do not need a lecture from a teenager about it. If this is what I have to do to reach my goal, then so be it. Anyone who dares to disobey us is better dead regardless…” his voice twisted, and his eyes jutted back and forth as they tried to believe the delusional thoughts spewing from his lips.

“Do you hear yourself?” I whispered, trembling, “Do you hear how insane you sound?!”

“I do what I do to give you a good life, Dmitri.”

“Well, you’ve done a pretty shit job so far,” I spat.

He calmly dropped me, folding his hands as he exhaled slowly. An indescribable look filled his expression, as if what little soul he had truly shattered. “I’m sorry you feel that way. I have heard you, and all I have learned is that you truly deserve what Joshua has done to you,” my eyes widened in horror as he opened the door, “If you leave this castle do not ever return, because the only way you shall leave again is in a body bag. To think I felt guilty for being so cruel to you. I see now that you do not deserve my sympathy.”

“No, Alexei…” Riley breathed from inside the closet to himself.

I stood as still as a statue as Alexei continued, towering over me with a cemented glare, “You want out of the army so badly? Then go, and see how far you get. If you are still here come this time next week and do not seek forgiveness, I will personally make sure Joshua disposes of you. If, and when, you realize your mistakes, I expect an apology and for you to join Joshua and Collin in The North,” he slammed the door shut, leaving me wide-eyed and jaw-slacked in shock.

Riley was silent a moment longer, making sure Alexei was gone before he came out of hiding. He slowly opened the closet door, then shuffled to the bed and lightly sat beside me. I was frozen, so much so that Riley sighed, and lowered his head in shame. “I'm done,” he simply said, “I am positively, fucking done. This will end, tonight. I will contact every person I can until someone takes my offer. If he’s not going to change, then I will make sure he does not have the tools of destruction at his disposal.”

“So now I'm a tool to you, too?” I croaked.

Riley turned to me lifelessly, “If everyone calls you a weapon, then we shall treat you as such. You are not just a weapon, Dmitri. You are the weapon that will end this war, and I am not going to let Alexei destroy you any more than he has,” he powerfully whispered.

╬

Three days later, Riley watched as I climbed onto Archimedes’ back, sliding a hood over my golden hair. He handed me another small bag, smiling as I fixed it to my waist. “There we are, a proper Cavalry if I do say so myself.”

“Why won’t you come with me?” I breathed.

He shook his head, watching the moonlight wash over my saddened face. The tears that slid down my cheeks glistened in the rays, and made him chuckle, “You look like an angel when you cry, do you know that?” He cooed lovingly.

“Answer my question…” I barked back.

“I need to protect you, to make sure no tracks lead to your whereabouts…” He sniffled, grasping my outstretched hand tightly, “I love you, so much it hurts to breathe when I think about you. I want you to be safe, and that is why you are going alone. I know you will be all right. You’re going to do amazing things…” He took hold of my scarred arm, running his fingers over the gnarled pink skin, “Do not think of this scar as a plague, but an omen to what you will one day accomplish. You are our last hope, Dmitri, so please, don’t let me down?” He hugged my side, holding me a moment longer before slowly prying himself away.

“Where to?” I whispered brokenly.

“East Cavalry Academy; they’re fully aware of the situation. Gerard and Julia will meet you there, and explain everything you need to know. Set out to do what you feel is best, and what will make you happy in life. And please, be safe...” he combed his hand over my cheek, which I pressed into his palm, and wiped my tears away, “Now, get going, before someone sees us. And, Dmitri; don’t ever look back…” He whispered seriously.

Regretfully, I tapped Archimedes’ side, ducking my head as he trotted off down the road. Riley stood at the edge of the castle gates long after I had disappeared, his hands interlocked in the frame of the iron. When he realized I was truly gone, a gut-wrenching sob broke from his chest, and he buried his face into the back of his arms to mourn in peace. A moment later, a set of boots came up the path behind him. Riley stayed silent, did not shake or cower, as Alexei walked up and to his side calmly, his hands behind his back. “You do realize what you’ve done, don’t you?”

“I am aware.” Riley answered robotically.

“You deliberately disobeyed me, Riley, to the highest degree.”

“Put me to death, then; I do not fear the consequences of my actions. As of now, we’re all as good as dead to that child.” Riley said with no fear in his voice.

Alexei sighed softly as a small stream of tears began sliding down his cheeks, “He’s truly gone, isn’t he?” He managed to whisper, trying to suppress his pain, but unable to do so.

“Not for long,” he blinked as Riley folded his arms, “He will return, but he will return a much stronger man. He will kill you, and Joshua, and he’ll rule The West; create a beautiful family of his own. He will save England from its demise...” He turned to Alexei, “For once in your life, show him compassion and let him go. Let him escape this horrible existence, for the love of God, Alexei…?” He begged.

Alexei turned and clamped a hand on Riley’s shoulder, “You’re content with knowing he’ll kill me one day?” He asked seriously.

“Absolutely; I despise you, and the ground you walk on.” Riley said immediately and without question or consideration. Alexei chuckled, shaking his head as Riley continued, “This is going to go one of two ways. Either you will succeed in murdering Morgan’s siblings, and kill Dmitri and I for the disobedience, or, Dmitri will return to this country, execute you, and end this unnecessary war. I'm not sure which will happen.”

“Well, I do believe I'm interested in the outcome,” Riley blinked as Alexei smirked sadly, “Let’s give the little brat a chance. But Riley…” He turned to him, his face deadpan, “The moment Dmitri brings a threat to this country, I will execute you.”

“I honor that promise.”

“For the time being, you are not allowed to leave this castle. I will act as if I do not know what has happened tonight, and hopefully, you will continue to do as you are told. But keep in mind that your actions will end you.”

“Back at you,” Riley said, which made Alexei smirk.

Alexei clapped a hand onto Riley’s shoulder and shook him once, though tears still ran down his cheeks, “Hey, now I have some evidence to hang over your head, eh champ?”

“Use it at your leisure; I put my life on the line trusting this war will end with my actions tonight.” Riley said, before shoving Alexei’s hand away and walking inside.

He paused a moment, and listened as Alexei breathed a shaky sigh, “I’ve finally made you into a man, haven’t I, little brother?” He whispered to the air, hoping that, somehow, his words would reach me.

The tape ended. Throughout the film, most had broken down and had to look away at multiple parts. The only ones who watched until completion were Andrew, Jeremiah, and me. Andrew looked like he had seen a ghost, and was trembling from all of the emotions he was feeling. The Cavalries all silently consoled one another, with Gwen and Michael getting hit the worst. Michael mumbled something about how Alexei reminded him of his mother, but then he felt guilty for comparing the situations, which made him cry even more. Ramah slowly turned to me when the screen had gone black, staring at my deadpan expression. “Good lord, Dmitri…” He finally whispered to break the unbearable silence.

Everyone unashamedly turned to gawk at me as I breathed a low sigh, and forced a smile for them, “Yeah, a rough watch, eh?”

“This is, real?” Crispin whispered as he couldn’t find anything else to say.

“Very much so,” I replied warmly.

“How could we have let this happen to you…?” Cerelia hiccupped with her face in her hands, “How… How could we have let this go on?! Oh, Dmitri, I’ll never forgive myself… I can’t stomach to think about how much we didn’t see…”

I tsked and slid over to gently hug her shoulders. A broken sob burst from her and she fell into my side, clutching my shirt desperately. “Please don’t cry, Cerelia. I know this was hard to watch, but remember that Alexei let this happen to me, not you; it’s evident by the tapes. What were you supposed to do when he was wreaking havoc on your country? The last thing that would cross your mind was his siblings…” I paused mid-sentence.

“What is it?” Ramah breathed.

“I have spent years blocking these memories out of my psyche, and that aided in providing a different outlook as I watched. Many holes in this story are much clearer now than they ever had been. For example, Morgan. Riley and I were convinced she had left us with Alexei on purpose, that she and Levi did not care about us anymore, but there is substantial evidence proving that theory wrong. It pains me to imagine what exactly he’s done to her, especially now that I know she’s alive. Also, Alexei himself. The change in his actions, his remorse… It’s oddly terrifying. What caused him to have second thoughts after all he let happen? Makes me wonder what The West is truly like, now, after this all transpired.”

Everyone shifted uncomfortably as they processed my words. Andrew, who had his head in his lap, mumbled, “Oddly, at this moment, I am so happy. I am unbelievably ecstatic.”

“How?!” Alden barked.

“Because I was right,” he whispered, “I was right; I knew I was right. I knew from the day we began auditioning for the next Cavalry that I was right, but no one believed me…”

“What are you blabbing about, you drunk buffoon?” Ramah scoffed.

Andrew’s voice shook as he spoke, “I told everyone that Dmitri was innocent. I knew from the bottom of my heart that he was truly here to help us, and I was right. There is not a bad bone in that kid’s body, no matter how much Alexei tried to convince us there is. Every time someone said villain, I was there to say hero, and look how things have turned out. Riley was right to make us watch this because now I can confidently say…” he looked up, his eyes full of tears as he locked with mine, “I am so unbelievably proud to have you in my army…” he choked.

Andrew didn’t give me a moment to answer; he stood and sat on my other side, then pulled me into his arms and hugged me so warmly that his love was palpable in the air. I slowly returned the embrace, smiling into his cotton button-up. Martha wiped her eyes, sniffling happily at the scene, as Cerelia joined in and kissed my hair before nestling into it. I let out a breathless laugh into his chest, “You will never understand how much that means to me…”

Zachary sighed in shame, shaking his head to himself, “Man, do I feel like an asshole?”

“I could never be angry with you,” I whispered as the three of us broke the hug, though Andrew kept an arm around my back, “I don’t blame anyone for their distrust. How were you supposed to know unless Riley did something like this? I could have recited all of this to you myself, but without the footage, my words had no weight in this situation.”

“I am completely beside myself,” Alden admitted, “To know, now, that this was going on behind closed doors… it makes me sick to my stomach.”

“Are you, ok, after watching all of that? I mean… that had to bring up some dark stuff, Dmitri.” Stefan hesitantly asked as he and The Cavalries came to sit around us.

“Maybe; I must admit, it stings, remembering the day Joshua branded me…” I didn’t realize it at first, but I was shaking so violently that it was making my scabbard click against my boot buckle. I looked down at my waist to see what the noise was, and when I realized I had been causing it, I grabbed the scabbard forcefully to steady myself. I exhaled slowly and closed my eyes, just to create a private space for myself momentarily, “I will never forget what Alexei said to me, that day in my bedroom. It’s… of everything he’s done, it truly was the final straw.”

“You mean the day Alexei became a true villain to you?” Ramah breathed morosely.

“Exactly,” I replied stiffly.