“This ends now,” came the low growl.

In the Lord of Feldgrau’s room, the wife held a blade over her husband’s heart.

After everything, thought Nikolai wryly, it was almost pitiful that this was how it’d end.

The longsword swung.

Nikolai’s foot shot out, aiming a solid kick at Faye. The Raven General stumbled back. The ice prince grasped the dagger from under his pillow. He aimed it at the young woman. Although his skills paled in comparison to hers, Nikolai felt slightly safer with his own blade.

“You don’t have to do this, Faye,” warned the ice prince. Nikolai panted as he straightened but his dagger did not falter. He could still feel the heat from his dream. The distinct scent of flames and ash seemed to stick to his skin. Sweat gathered on the back of his neck.

Amber eyes flashed at him, regarding him silently. He flinched slightly. The color reminded him of the image of the burning city.

Nikolai took in the other’s disheveled form. The woman’s immaculate braids were loose and her cheeks slightly flushed. There was a stiffness to her that made him realize how relaxed she had gotten in the past few weeks.

The fact he could recognize such a thing gave him pause. They were no longer strangers. The thought made him hesitate. Against his better judgment, Nikolai did not call for the guards.

Wherever Faye went after they parted had changed her. The amber gaze was filled with a newfound suspicion and weariness. What could have happened in so little time?

His grip on the dagger tightened. “Drop the sword, Faye. I do not wish to fight you.”

But to his surprise, Faye squinted at him like he was the one who burst into the room and aimed a sword at her.

“Are you stupid? I wasn’t talking to you!” Faye’s furious gaze turned to settle… behind Nikolai.

The ice prince paused.

Faye lifted her blade and darted forward. Eyes narrowing, he cursed and lifted his dagger, hoping it would be enough. But he was not the Raven General’s target. She jumped over him and slashed down with her longsword.

Her blade clashed against another’s. Sparks flew. The harsh sound of metal grating against metal rang in the air.

Nikolai quickly turned, only to gape as the Raven General crossed blades with a man dressed in black. The other’s body was entirely covered. Only his eyes were visible.

The Raven General was relentless in her attacks but the other wielded his dual blades with a deadly precision and efficiency. Having one less sword than her opponent, Faye made up for it with her speed, blocking strikes rapidly while trying to pierce the other’s openings.

The assassin held his own. He spun out of the way and unleashed a flurry of of attacks.

“Who is he?” asked Nikolai. What were all these people doing in his room?

“Who else?” snapped Faye, ducking out of the way of a nasty cut. Judging by their eerie hue, the dual blades were most certainly poisoned. “It’s the bastard who framed me for the soup!”

Still half-asleep and relatively out of danger, the ice prince nodded numbly. Despite his misgivings, Nikolai was confident in his wife’s abilities to defeat the mysterious man.

Although she fought with more caution than usual, Faye’s attacks were no less brutal. She moved with inhuman agility. Her blade swung in graceful powerful arcs. But unlike her duels with Darcy or even Argan, this time, Faye was aiming to kill. “You ruined my creation! You’ll pay for that.” She slashed at his side, sneering when he blocked the blow. “With your life.”

The assassin only growled, too busy fighting for his life to respond.

Faye feinted to the left but her opponent was ready, intercepting the blow with his dual blades and pushing her back. The young woman was quick to rebalance herself and dashed forward with a burst of speed.

Their battle was a blur of motion, each thinking ten moves ahead in order to keep up with their opponent. It was an intricate dance. A wrong step would spell in death.

Nikolai crossed his arms, suddenly feeling very left out. Was he intruding, he wondered vaguely. The thought came and went. They were in his chambers! Next time, he would kindly request the fight take place somewhere else in the residence. And at a more preferable time.

The Lord of Feldgrau brushed the hair out of his face. “Is he here for you or me?”

Faye had the audacity to roll her eyes. “I don’t have any assassins in my room, dear husband.” Despite the taxing battle, she had the energy to tease him. “You’re lucky I’m here, otherwise your pretty face would be dead. That’s twice I’ve saved you in one night!” she crowed.

“Why are you here, dear wife?” Nikolai huffed, “It does seem like a wonderful coincidence. Is this man perhaps your friend?”

“How are you so intelligent and dumb?” Faye grunted and aimed a powerful kick at the assassin. Even as the man went flying, she charged forward, giving chase. “If you’re going to die, Nikolai, it will be by my blade!”

“Well, that really assures me on where we stand,” mocked Nikolai, but he did not press further for fear of distracting Faye too much. She seemed less focused, gaze slightly dazed. The ice prince noticed her stumble more than once. Before he could mention it, he was cut off. “Why do you-“

The assassin grunted, he had enough of their bickering. “Shut up,” his gravelly voice was sharp. “I only came for one, but I’ll take the chance to end both of you!” From his sleeves came flying knives. The small blades flew out in the blink of an eye.

Faye grunted as one of them caught her in the arm.

At the sight of blood, Nikolai stiffened, “Faye! Are you-“

Amber eyes sharpened. “Not now!”

When her hand came up bloody, the Raven General’s gaze turned absolutely murderous. “You bastard,” she sneered at the assassin’s satisfied gaze. “You only got me because I am drunk.”

The ice prince tilted his head. Faye was drunk? He sighed. Only the Raven General could be inebriated and still fight so well. The woman was a demon with her blade.

“Now, I really can’t let you leave here alive.” Faye braced herself for the attack, switching grips and leaning into her uninjured side. “It’d ruin my reputation.”

“I’ll take my chances,” the assassin twisted his body. Turning his feet, he sprinted for the ice prince. “And kill this one first!”

The Raven General stepped forward to intervene, then paused, freezing in place. A puzzling expression came across her face.

The slight hesitation was all the assassin needed. Everyone knew the ice prince was no fighter. He would take the prince down and in her shock, kill the infuriating woman as well. Gleefully, the assassin raised his blade towards the Lord of Feldgrau.

Coming to her senses, Faye reached a hand out as if to stop the poisoned blades. But she knew it would be too late.

Under his mask, the assassin smiled gleefully.

But to both’s surprise, the ice prince ducked and stuck his dagger into the assassin’s shoulder. The blade pierced into the flesh.

The assassin howled and crumpled in on himself. Contrary to popular belief, the ice prince was not completely defenseless.

Nikolai stared at Faye, slightly out of breath, safe for the moment as the assassin stumbled back.

The masked man scooted back as fast as he could, clutching his injury. Blinded by the pain, his grip on his blades loosened. A sense of foreboding had chills running down his spine. When he looked up, he felt his entire body tense in fear.

The Raven General punched his face with enough force to break his jaw. The assassin collapsed to the floor, trembling.

Unknown to Nikolai, the Raven General’s gaze was absolutely terrifying. Her snarl was animalistic. Blood lust burned in her eyes. “You should never have accepted this job.” In a single motion, her longsword came down. Blood spurted and a pained scream filled the air.

There was a thump as something fleshy and wet hit the ground.

Nikolai’s eyes narrowed.

The assassin stared in shock at the stump of his arm, now missing his right hand. One of his poisoned blades clattered to the floor next to his severed hand.

The Raven General’s longsword had slashed through the bone and cut the appendage cleanly off.

Despite the crimson blood speckled across her face, the Raven General’s gaze held no remorse. “I am going to kill you.”

Gasping in pain and shock, the assassin hated her with every fiber of his being. “Then why did you cut my hand off!”

“Because I wanted to.” She looked every part the monster she was said to be. The cut on her arm bled sluggishly, staining the floor with even more blood, but the injury barely affected the Raven General as she stepped forward. Her pace was leisurely, like a hunter staring down its bleeding prey. “You will never take another contract again.” Faye hated assassins with a deep passion. Her dark glare was chilling. “Will you?”

The longsword rose with every intention of claiming the assassin’s life.

“Wait!”

Faye’s blade stilled.

Seeing the opportunity for life, the dying man took it.

Clutching his injury, he left behind his right blade and hand, and jumped off the terrace. He grunted as his back hit the shrubbery. Although the landing was hard, he would live. The man began to sprint blindly, the more distance he put between himself and that demoness, the better. A trail of blood followed him.

Throwing a dark glare behind her shoulder, Faye sprinted over to the bannister. She could make out the assassin scurrying across the grounds. He was no stranger to the Prince’s Residence. It would be futile to give chase. By the time she reached the walls of the residence, he would be long gone. The man had been hiding long enough to know the grounds. Like a rat, she thought.

The Raven General cursed. She slammed a fist against the stone.

A presence suddenly came behind her.

Faye whirled around and spit, “This is your fault. You distracted me! Now, we might never learn of his master!” Amber eyes burned. “You are a soft fool, Nikolai!”

“How would you get that information with him dead?” But Nikolai was not concerned with such matters. If the assassin thought he could get past Cristin’s secret guards hidden throughout the city, he was in for a nasty surprise. He would order Cristin to send his men to follow the assassin back to his hideout.

But the blue eyes were icy as he focused on the more pressing issue. “You were going to let him kill me.”

He pushed away the sting of betrayal. Faye did not owe him any mercy.

The ice prince clenched his fists. Had the intent been there and he had foolishly missed it? Was Nikolai the one who had lowered his guard too much? The fascination with Rufus Langard was no coincidence. He had thought their relations would lead the Raven General astray. Instead, it had somehow brought her to the truth.

Faye knew who he was. She knew he was the messenger.

“You were going to let that assassin finish me.” Nikolai stalked forward. Despite his earlier accusations, he had never truly believed that she would take action.

At her silence, he trembled in silent rage. “Answer me, Raven General.”

The woman rubbed at her cheek. She studied him for a moment, crimson still staining her face.

“Yes,” Faye admitted. “For a moment, I was.” She looked away, pouting slightly.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Nikolai’s cold countenance grew even more icy. “Why didn’t you?”

“I changed my mind,” offered Faye flippantly, having no intention of saying more. “I chose to be selfish.”

The room fell into a heavy silence. The anger twisted into disbelief and then back into anger. “Selfish? That is the excuse you choose?” asked the ice prince. “Don’t make me laugh.”

The Lord of Feldgrau backed away, slowly inching for the door with every intention of arming himself with something stronger than space. “I was wrong to think we could co-exist, Raven General.”

Unfortunately, Faye followed, “Stop it. I am not your enemy, Nikolai.” Her voice had no right sounding as indignant as he had been. “I just proved that!”

“For all I know, he might have been your man,” Nikolai frowned at the bloody hand on his terrace. It was a gruesome sight. Would Faye sacrifice her servant’s fighting ability for this ploy?

Faye did not take the accusation well. She stormed forward, closing the distance between them.

“Do you think I also hired him to attack me? To frame me?” snapped Faye, sharp eyes flashing.

But the Lord of Feldgrau was undeterred. “It would have given you a perfect alibi.”

Faye’s unarmed fists clenched. It had not escaped Nikolai’s notice that she was still holding out her longsword. Would she cut off his hand in rage, the ice prince wondered with morbid fascination. Or would she simply take his head?

The assassin’s blood had yet to dry. The red liquid continued to drip from the end of the Raven General’s blade. Faye glared. She pointed at her own bloodied shoulder. “Why would I have my own people attack me?”

“As proof. You had him hurt you on purpose.” The ice prince’s tone was neutral and calm as he explained, “After I die and the guards came, you would say you came to defend me but the assassin was too strong.” Nikolai shook his head, voice lowering. “Cristin said the poison in the soup came from Wenge.” Seeing her wince, he knew it to be the truth. “Was the assassin your backup plan?”

The Raven General scowled. “That is one of the most stupid ideas I have heard.”

“Why?” challenged the Lord of Feldgrau. “You complete your mission and return to Wenge. Go back to being Fadye’s favorite, isn’t that right?”

At his words, Faye’s lips pursed. Rather than defend herself, her gaze narrowed. “What mission?”

“Do not play the fool with me, Raven General. I know what you came for.” He fell silent for a moment. “And somehow you know I’m the messenger.” The ice prince suddenly laughed, but it was a hollow sound. His uncaring facade cracked slightly. “I can’t believe I really trusted you. Everyone warned me, but I-” He shook his head. “You are right. I am a soft fool.”

He had always been too soft. This sentiment had caused his mother’s life and brother’s freedom. Now, he had risked the lives of all of his people. Would Feldgrau pay for his foolishness? Faye had seen their plans. She could so easily turn against them. “You should have killed me, Raven General.”

Silence enveloped the room. It was suffocating. Neither knew how to break the silence.

Finally, Faye stepped forward. Her boots squished against the wet tile. The woman’s face was still stained with blood. “I never suspected that it was you.” Her voice quivered as if she was the one who had been wronged. “My father will not allow me to take my place as his heir until you are dead. You are not wrong. I should have let the assassin finish you.” Her lips pursed stubbornly. “But I did not.”

“You were going to,” retorted Nikolai. “I saved myself.”

Faye looked away and clenched her fists.

Nikolai sighed. He was going to need to get a new dagger, he noted faintly.

—

Compared to crazy ramblings and fights between prisoners, the squeaks of a small mouse were barely audible.

The creature pawed at the air, screeching furiously as it was held up by the tail. The animal was terrified.

Ismeylda studied the fearful animal. Her bony fingers were bone white against its dark fur. The mouse tried to bite her. If she wished, Ismeylda could crush the creature’s windpipes easily.

The disheveled prisoner clenched her teeth. She used to instill such fear into humans. Now, she was reduced to intimidating mice. Pathetic.

The former assassin released her hold on the wiry tale. She watched as the rat fell to the ground and hurriedly scampered away. The fat rodent slipped between the bars easily, heading for its burrow in the walls.

She clutched at her scarred face, furious at her own envy. Jealous of a mouse. The former assassin truly had fallen.

“I thought you were going to eat it,” commented a gentle voice from outside the bars. It was a sound that seemed to ooze with kindness. “That would have been a most interesting sight.”

Ismeylda grunted. She had no intention of speaking to her visitor.

Celinis squatted down. Her lilac eyes studied the dirty woman. A part of her raged at the condition her mother was in. But every time she tried to offer clothes or even a comb, Ismeylda would snarl at her like some deranged animal.

It was fortunate the poison master always used strong dosages for the guards. There were times she feared their one-sided arguments would rouse the men from their drugged states.

Although she refused to speak, Ismeylda kept glancing at Celinis.

The poison master brushed her gray hair behind her back. “You must be wondering why I have come empty handed.”

The former assassin huffed and looked away. Even in the face of death, she would never admit liking the gifts the poison master usually brought.

Celinis’ gentle expression cracked slightly revealing the ugliness under it. Sadness and anger warred within the cruel poison master’s heart.

What use did the former assassin have in carrying her pride, especially in such a way that only hurt her?

Celinis settled for an easier topic. “We have not been receiving your missives.”

Ismeylda’s eyes narrowed. Like a dog, the prisoner crawled towards the bars, curiosity and fear lighting up in her eyes.

Celinis crossed her arms. “Your messenger is either dead or lying to you.” Her sweet voice did not hide the threat in her next words. “Since you are no longer able to provide information, what use do you think step-father has of you?”

Ismeylda’s clawed fingers gripped at the bars.

Celinis smiled sadly, voice full of sad pity. “It seems this family ritual of ours is coming to an end. I will miss these meetings, Mother.”

Ismeylda burst forward and began to bang at the jail cell. Even as her knuckles bled, she did not stop. The loud ruckus echoed in the quiet dungeons. The woman persisted as if such a thing would save her from being left behind.

The other prisoners turned to look. Most were only just noticing the mysterious young woman outside the cell doors. A gray haired maiden, unaccompanied by guards. Who was this visitor, they wondered. They inched closer, bony hands wagging for attention. Information was worth a good meal in the royal prison.

“Mother, you are embarrassing yourself,” chided the poison master softly. Suddenly, she tilted her head and broke out into a large smile. “Wait,” she reached forward and clasped the clawed hands. “Does this count as you talking with me? Dear Goddess, we are finally communicating!”

Ismeylda’s howls cut off. She shot a deadpan look to the poison master and shook her head.

Celinis deflated. “Well, that’s a pity.” With a sniff, she straightened. “Time to say goodbye.”

Ismeylda’s pride smarted as her eyes stung. She clenched her fists, uncaring as the sharp, uncut nails drew blood. She was being abandoned again. Permanently this time, it seemed. The former assassin wanted to curse the ice prince but found she could not. He had used her arrogance to outsmart her. Never would she have assumed that he would lie to her. The honest boy had grown into a scheming man with cold eyes and the heart of ice.

There was the sound of creaking metal as the doors to the cell swung open.

Ismeylda’s teary eyes widened.

The other prisoners burst forward, gaping in shock at the prison break.

Celinis swung the keys around her fingers. She tilted her head at a shocked Ismeylda. “Well, come on,” the poison master beckoned. “We don’t have all day. Step-father has big plans.”

For the first time in more than a decade, Ismeylda got to her feet, and stepped beyond her jail cell. Freedom was moist, sharp rocks that cut her feet and the disgusting odors of the prisoners, but her heart soared.

“Celinis,” her daughter stared up excitedly at her but Ismeylda only stared ahead. Her fingers itched for a blade and she longed for the grasslands. “Take me to your step-father.”

---

“You used Rufus to distract me,” realized Faye. That is why her husband encouraged her trips to the General’s Residence. “And then you used the affair rumors to stop me from visiting too often! You started those, didn’t you?”

Nikolai glared at her. “You were going to murder me! For all I know, you still are.”

“How many times do I have to explain?” The Raven General’s teeth gnashed together. “If I wanted to kill you, you would be dead. I could have used the assassin as an excuse to get away.”

“I thought that was a stupid idea,” muttered the ice prince. Despite wanting to argue, Nikolai stopped at that.

For now, he knew she was right. Faye would not kill him. At least, not tonight. He leaned his head back against the wall, a sudden realization hitting him. “I helped Wenge. I sent the weapons and plans,” he shook his head. “Now they want me dead.”

Faye’s bright eyes dimmed. “Fadye believes you have embarrassed Wenge. By the old laws, the betrayal of the Grassland Wars is enough for us to declare a blood vengeance against the Royal Family.” She was serious now in a way she rarely was.

“And yet you support them,” murmured Nikolai.

“My father… does not wish for war.” Faye’s gaze was fixed on the bright light of the moon outside. The cool light covered her with a certain softness that was usually lost in her brash nature. “Fadye will allow the blood of one to repay the loss of many. You must understand, Nikolai, Wenge almost lost because so many of us were dead.” Her eyes gleamed. “There is not one of my people that did not lose someone in the war.”

Nikolai sighed.

Two people of their status and background would find it difficult to be friends, much less a married couple.

His blue eyes stared at her. “What do we do? I can never trust you,” he paused, “And you must finish your mission.” Their marriage was destined to fail.

Faye did not answer his question. She did not have an answer. “I was sent to kill the messenger,” she admitted. “And to learn whether Eburean and its crown can be trusted.” She raised her head proudly. “Wenge is not loyal to the Royal Family, but merely has no reason to fight with them. My people will listen to me. I will choose who Wenge will follow or not.”

“Bold claim,” said Nikolai quietly, eyes narrowing as they drifted to the longsword. “What will you choose?”

Faye frowned but sheathed her blade. “Peace. I do not want to fight a war for or against your people without good reason.” Her words were a threat and a promise. “I will do what I must to ensure that.”

Nikolai paused to ponder her words.

“You know I am moving against the crown,” said Nikolai. “I hate the queen and I would sooner die than see her son on the throne.” He leaned forward. “I will not compromise my plans for anyone, not even for the great Raven General.”

He watched as her amber gaze widened. At this distance, he could make out the tiny specks in her eyes.

“My people will follow me too, Faye,” said Nikolai softly. “I cannot betray the trust they have placed in me.”

Faye stared at him as he towered over her. It was not often she was reminded of his height. They rarely stood so close together. She could feel his warm breath against her skin. Scarred fingers curled around air and a warm flush found its way to Faye’s face as she stared at his dizzyingly blue gaze.

“We will always be enemies,” he breathed. The Lord of Feldgrau slowly reached for her blade, pulling out the longsword. The Raven General stiffened. He placed the long sword back into her hands. “You may as well kill me now while you still can.”

There was a stillness to the room. The bold claim echoed in the silence.

Taking a stuttering breath, Faye pushed the blade away. “I won’t.”

“Why not?” demanded Nikolai. “You might as well do it tonight. I am unarmed. You have all the advantages.”

Faye exhaled shakily. “Because I don’t want to.”

There was a stunned laugh as Nikolai stared at her incredulously. “You expect me to believe that?” They fought silently as he glared at her. “Do it! Finish your mission. Wenge will never forget, isn’t that what your message said?”

The general’s gaze sharpened to hide the hurt. “You don’t even know what that means,” she hissed.

“Then explain it!” he challenged. “Explain to me, why you have come here and ruined all of my plans but do not take action! Come on, Raven General! You do not wish to betray Fadye, do you? Betray the trust of Wenge-“

“Do not say another word.” Faye grabbed him by the collar, pulling him even closer to her, emotions dancing in her amber gaze. “You are not a needlessly cruel man, Nikolai. What is it you want me to say? That I will give it all up for you? I can’t! I won’t!”

Despite being the Raven General, esteemed and loved, she was sent into a hopeless cage. She was also a prisoner of the situation.

“I want the truth,” said Nikolai. How would he lead his men if there would always be an executioner’s blade by his side, ready to drop at any time? “You are not faint of heart. And I have not done much to receive your mercy. Why allow me to live? What game are you playing at?”

“Game?” Faye paused. The fight seemed to drain out of her. “I am not playing any games. But it does not matter what I say, you will not trust me.”

“No, but at least give me something so I can try to guess,” frowned Nikolai.

“Very well,” mumbled Faye. She straightened, and a weird sense of determination seemed to wash over her.

Nikolai’s brows furrowed. His eyes widened as a sudden warmth enveloped his lips.

Faye was kissing him! It was a gentle and chaste press that seemed to last an eternity. Before he could react, Faye pulled away.

She released him and looked up. A cautious smile played on her lips. She looked unsure of herself but the pride she always carried remained.

“Wenge will never forget. I will never forget.” Her amber eyes stared up at him earnestly. “When your aid came, I was intrigued. A foreigner who saw the better path amidst chaos and betrayed his own country for justice.”

Nikolai felt his breath catch. He could not look away from her burning gaze. It was as alluring as a warm fire on a winter night. Tempting to stay and dangerous to leave.

Her voice lowered. “My father sent me here to kill the messenger, but I came because I wanted to see if you were still the same as then.” Amber orbs stared at him with a passion that unnerved him. “If you were not, then I would follow Fadye’s will. But if you were,” a deep blush filled her face, “I would choose my own path.”

“Do you understand now, Nikolai?” She licked her lips nervously. “You saved Wenge, and I have chosen to save your life instead of take it. Now, our debts are cleared. We are free of it.”

Nikolai blinked. The other’s admission slowly sunk in. His voice was hoarse. “How can I trust that you will not change your mind?”

Faye brushed a finger against her red lips and then pressed her fingers against his. Her blush worsened. “Is it not obvious?” she grumbled. Faye looked at him, smiling playfully. “I really, really like you.”

Nikolai stiffened.

Faye had never felt such a way before. But after seeing Nikolai’s possible demise before her eyes, she knew. In truth, she had known even before that moment. She had felt it when he had defended her and held her scarred hands like they were not broken.

Affection and love were strange concepts for her. Her parents had not shared it. On the battlefield, love was said to be a great strength, yet she had observed men and women break from the loss and pain it caused. It was something she had always seen but never understood… until now. Faye reached out a hesitant hand. “I think I love you.”

Nikolai’s blue eyes glittered. His usual mask had fallen as they swelled with emotion.

But just as soon as the mask had lowered it rose again.

Nikolai shook her hold off and pushed her away.

Not expecting it, Faye stumbled back.

The Lord of Feldgrau glared at the Raven General. “Are you messing with me, right now?”