Rufus squinted up at the blaring sun. Beads of sweat gathered at the back of his neck. He moved away from the window.

In his lap, the horse-tailed brushes were carefully balanced. Despite her expensive tastes, Elody would be pleased, he thought.

In the middle of their session, they had been rudely interrupted by Madam Athena herself.

It had been hours since. The thought of leaving had crossed his mind a few times, but in the end he couldn’t bear to do it. Something was clearly wrong. And the pleading look Elody had sent him before being whisked away was enough for him to stay the entire day.

Rufus peeled at the wooden chair.

SCREECH.

The wooden door slid open. The boy slid the brushes into his pocket. Rufus sat up but the greeting died on his tongue.

Elody stared at him from the entrance, looking utterly lost. There was a redness under her eyes. The artist courtesan’s pristine hair was disheveled.

Rufus burst to his feet. “Lady El, what’s wrong?”

She took a step forward, then collapsed to her knees.

Rufus hurried over, hands worrying around her. Stupid, the boy cursed. He placed his hands back at his sides.

“Oh Rufus,” cried the young woman.

He winced when Elody broke out into quiet sobs. Rufus wasn’t equipped to deal with this. He wasn’t equipped to deal with anything.

“Lady El? Please,” he started quietly. “What is going on?” The boy tried for a smile but it fell flat. “Did one of your brushes break?”

“Do you think I’m so petty?” snapped the artist. But her tears stopped flowing.

They sat in silence.

Rufus thought of the brushes in his pocket. He did not dare to give them to her. Elody’s makeup was stained and ruined. He reached out to hand her his handkerchief instead.

“If there is someone bothering you, you know you can tell me,” offered Rufus. “I’ll make sure to-“

“Do what?” challenged Elody, eyes flashing. She pushed his hand away. “What can you do, Rufus? Even if you wanted to chase him away, it would be your father’s guards or the Langard status. Not you.”

The boy tried to hide the hurt on his face. Elody was always the one encouraging him. The only one to believe in him.

Lady El looked at him guiltily. “Rufus, I did not-“ She was cut off.

“My family’s power is mine too!” Rufus Langard hung his head. “If I can at least offer you help, is that truly a crime? So what if I must leech off of them?”

Elody stared at him, pieces of hair falling into her face. “Oh Rufus,” she chided sadly. “When will you learn?”

“Learn what?” challenged Rufus, finally fed up. He had waited all day in worry. “If you hate my presence so, then let me call someone else for you, Lady El. Someone useful.”

Elody’s frown smoothened. “I apologize, my lord.” She sighed, “I did not mean to blame you, Rufus. It is not your fault. Right now, I find myself stuck between two immovable forces.”

Fortunately, Rufus was no immovable force, and he told her so. Her small smile made him inch closer.

“You should not apologize.” The boy sat up straighter. “El, you know me better than my own parents. I know I am useless,” he said earnestly. “But please, let me help you. Despite my best efforts, the Langard name still holds some weight around these parts.”

Elody studied him with a critical eye. But a glimmer of hope shimmered within them.

Rufus scooted himself so that they sat side by side. “What happened?”

“The queen came to visit me,” said Elody evenly but her brows bunched. “She requested my presence specifically.”

Rufus’ mouth dropped. “Her Highness came to a brothel?” He worked his jaw. “That feels treasonous to even say.”

“Exactly,” agreed Elody. “But that is not the worst of it.”

There was a pause. Rufus stared but did not press.

Elody used her finger to brush back her hair. “She wanted to know about the Lord of Feldgrau.”

“The ice prince?” asked Rufus, genuinely surprised. He thought of the Raven General and her heartfelt plan to win over the Lord of Feldgrau. “I always thought him to be… more private. Have you been treating him?”

“Well, yes,” Elody bit her lip and lowered her voice. “And no.”

“Lady El,” Rufus took her hands. They shook despite the calm facade she had. “If it were so simple, the queen would not come find you.”

“When he was drunk, the Lord of Feldgrau revealed to me that,” Elody licked at her dry lips. “He was a double, not the true lord.”

Rufus froze. He should not ask further, but he had to know. “What of the one you saw in the meeting room?”

Elody gulped, “That was the real one.”

With that, two large targets were painted on their backs. It was only a matter of who would get to them first. The severity of it pressed down on both of them. This was a secret they could die just for knowing.

“Who else knows?” asked Rufus, face paling.

The artist’s voice shook. “Only me.”

“And now the queen as well?” Rufus ran a hand through his hair, worrying it.

“I did not tell her!” Elody had tears in her eyes. “But I fear she suspects. And if the double who was here, I saw him, reports this to the ice prince-”

Rufus burst to his feet, trying to pull the artist up as well. “Elody, you are in danger!”

“I know that!” cried the artist. “But what can I do? If I leave, they will only find it more suspicious! The lord may send people after me.” She winced, “Or Her Majesty’s Hounds will drag me back if she finds out I have lied.”

“I can borrow my father’s guards,” Rufus’ eyes were blown wide with panic. “They could escort you out of the capital.“

“I can’t leave my sister, Rufus.” Elody crossed her arms, tone adamant. “You know this.”

The young lord deflated. He sighed in defeat and clenched his fists. If only he was… the boy sighed.

“What do I do, Rufus?” Elody’s voice wobbled. “I’m scared.”

Rufus’ eyes snapped open. “The Raven General.” The beginnings of an idea began to form in his mind.

“I’m being serious, Rufus!” snapped the other.

“So am I!” protested the young lord. “The Raven General owes me. And if she won’t help me,” his eyes lit up as the details came together. “I have something that could be used against the lord. I will trade your safety for the information!”

Elody stared at him, bewildered. Since when was the boy so well connected with the infamous couple? Were the rumors of him and the Raven General true, she wondered. Her thoughts were cut off.

“I may be useless, Lady El,” Rufus took her hands again, ignoring the confused expression on Elody’s face. “But I promise you this.”

The artist stared at his earnest eyes.

“I will save you.”

—

Yawning, Faye breathed in the floral scent. Frederick always used lavenders and roses in his soaps. He said it was Nikolai’s secret back in Feldgrau. It made the lord’s room smell like a garden.

Faye had to admit, there was something nice about waking in a bed without fear of the next battle or assassin. According to Nikolai, the dual-bladed assassin had escaped and fled. They had men looking for the one-armed man but it was clear he was nowhere near the Prince’s Residence.

For the time being, she could feel safe in the soft blankets and bury her nose into goose-feathered pillows. She turned, pressing into the warmth next to her. It was comfortable. She sighed happily, snuggling into it. There was a huff of air.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

A hand draped over her.

Faye’s eyes snapped open. There was another person in the bed! She flipped over, ready to kick the unknown person into the next life. Instead, she froze and gaped at the sight.

The Lord of Feldgrau snored softly. His hair was a mess as it splayed on the pillow. He slept on his side, blankets pulled to his nose. His head was tilted towards her side.

Amber eyes glanced down at the hand hanging over her. Faye’s cheeks flushed. She floundered for what to do. How did the man even end up here? Although it was technically his room, Nikolai had been sleeping elsewhere.

Faye blinked. The lord would not willingly have come here. Was he drugged?

Curious, she picked up the limp arm and held a finger to the pulse. Closing her eyes, she counted silently. Curious, Faye thought, everything seemed normal.

Before she could investigate further, the hand moved as Nikolai pulled it back to his side. Still holding onto the hand, Faye gasped as she was pulled over too. Her eyes widened.

Faye found herself face to face with the Lord of Feldgrau’s suspicious blue eyes. “What are you doing?”

Her breath caught before spluttering, “I should be asking you that! Why are you here?”

“Why wouldn’t I be in my own bed?” Nikolai’s nose crinkled. “I’m in my own bed,” he repeated.

The lord burst up as he pushed himself to the edge. Nikolai held the blanket up to his chest. The usual stern lord looked like an offended maiden. “Why am I in my bed?” His voice was pitched.

Sitting up as well, Faye crossed her arms. “That’s what I would like to know.” She tilted her head at the other’s genuine distress. “What is the last thing you remember?”

“I,” Nikolai ran a hand through his hair. “I was in my study, working. I must have fallen asleep. But Darcy and Cristin were with me, they should have…” His voice trailed off.

Cristin had been acting suspiciously. And whatever Cristin wanted, he was sure to get Darcy to pitch in for his crazy ideas as well. He cursed the two names under his breath.

Pushing away the blankets, Nikolai got to his feet. He turned to Faye. “They must have thought it funny. I apologize if,” he seemed at a loss for words, “I made you uncomfortable in any way, Faye.”

“I did not mind.” Peering at his night clothes, Faye commented, “At least they had the decency to change you.” Her cheeks flushed slightly at the sight.

Nikolai stared down at his night tunic in growing horror. “How am I supposed to go out like this?”

Faye yawned, “Like normal? I do not see the problem. You look dashing as always.”

Dragging a hand across his face, Nikolai groaned, “People will see me roaming the halls in night clothes, leaving a room that you have been staying in.”

Faye lifted an eyebrow. “You are a lord, why should you care for their gossip?”

“Because I do not wish for this news to spread,” grumbled Nikolai.

“I don’t see the issue.” Amber eyes narrowed. “We are married, Nikolai, no one will care.”

“You do not understand, Faye,” complained Nikolai. “Everyone from my men in Feldgrau to my great stepmother in her castle will care. By the gods, maybe even my father will hear of it!”

There was a tense silence.

Nikolai sighed. Instantly, he felt a sense of regret. It had been numerous late nights of planning and playing the feeble prince in the queen’s court. “Look, Faye, I’m-“

“They aren’t the only ones you’re worried about knowing, are they?” Faye’s voice was dark.

“Well, yes,” said Nikolai failing to see what had set off the young woman. “I suppose a great many more will also hear of it.”

“Yes,” growled Faye. “And among those many more include your precious Lady Asinara.”

The Lord of Feldgrau froze.

“That’s the one you’re really worried about.” The Raven General glared at the floor. “She is the one you wish to protect.”

Nikolai was taken aback at the sudden harshness. “Are, are you jealous?” He let a small laugh slip. “I was not expecting that.”

“Maybe I am jealous,” Faye walked up to him. In her nightclothes and without her sword, she almost seemed normal. As if she wasn’t a warrior goddess who could tear him and his house down with a single command.

Still, Nikolai shifted uneasily.

Faye stared up at him. “I am your wife. It may be a burden to you, but I have tried to honor my side.” She clenched her fist. “Regardless of my personal feelings, you have a duty as well.”

Nikolai’s blank mask fell back into place. “Have I mistreated you, Faye?”

“No,” admitted the young woman. “But you protect her from the queen’s rumors by spreading lies about me.” She pounded harshly at her chest. “You would tell everyone I burnt down your home so that her honor won’t be tarnished.”

“Faye,” started the ice prince. “I was only protecting myself. It was not about Asinara.”

“You know she spreads rumors of me at the court,” interjected Faye angrily. “And you have never once said anything to her.” She exhaled slowly. “Not even once.”

Nikolai stared at the other, almost amazed by the anger. “I did not think you would be affected by that,” he murmured.

“Why?” spit Faye. “Because I am the Raven General?”

The silence spoke for itself.

Faye went to the mirror. She pulled at her hair, combing through the knots with her fingers. She snatched the brush. In the grasslands, she had never needed to use one. Frustration bubbled within her. Faye tugged at her hair, pulling harshly.

“It is true that I once held affection for Asinara.” Nikolai did not make to move.

Faye lowered the brush. She peeked at him through the reflection.

“I once thought I would marry her,” admitted her husband.

Faye glanced down so that she would not have to look at him. “Tell me the truth,” she began. Faye was no coward. She steeled herself. “Do I even have a chance?”

“Faye, aside from all other issues, your father demands a messenger’s head, he demands my head.” Nikolai could only state the obvious. “To my knowledge, you do not have a head to deliver to him.”

“Enough talk of heads,” Faye gritted her teeth. Her grip tightened on the brush. “Answer the question.”

Nikolai pushed open the door.

“I am fond of her, Faye,” he said. “After my brother’s trial, Asinara was my only friend in the capital.”

Faye set down the brush. “So you do-“

“But I do not love her.”

Nikolai’s eyes were fixed on the hallway, but she could see the faint redness on the tips of his ears.

The young woman stilled, heart pounding.

“In truth, I have also grown… quite fond of you.” There was a pause. Nikolai feigned a cough. “Perhaps more than I should.”

The door creaked open. The ice prince slipped out into the hallways.

Servants peeked up and then quickly looked away. The lord was in his night clothes! The more daring snuck in a few more appreciative glances.

There was the rapid sound of footsteps as Nikolai hurried back to the privacy and safety of Cristin and Darcy’s room.

In the lord’s chambers, Faye finally stared at her own reflection. A small, shy smile graced her face. She touched it, amazed. Her cheeks were warm.

“That stupid man,” she swore, but the smile remained.

—

“Asinara!” called a female voice.

The Rose of Eburean looked up from her book. A brilliant smile broke out across her beautiful face. “Mother!”

Getting to her feet, she bounded over to the other side of the royal library. Lady Asinara did not bother saying goodbye to the crown prince as she hurried to the older woman’s side. “Please tell me you are taking me back home.”

“Asinara!” scolded Lady Vellward. She curtsied, bowing towards the crown prince. “Your Highness.”

But Argan only brushed by the mother and daughter, a sneer on his lips. “Thank the gods this dreadful session is over.” He waved over one of his squires. “Ready the training yard, I must prepare for my next fight against the Raven General!”

Asinara frowned angrily, glaring at the crown prince’s back.

A hand grasped her, squeezing it warningly. “Remember where you are, my love,” warned Lady Vellward lowly, the demure smile still on her face.

The two women stayed in place, waiting until the crown prince was out of sight.

“The carriage waits outside, my dear,” said the mother.

As they left, the servants and passing-by nobles stared with equal awe and envy. The Lady Asinara was the sight of elegance and poise. Her walk was straight and her expression soft.

“I hate him, Mother,” Lady Asinara nodded politely toward a passing lord. “There were times I considered jumping out the window.”

Lady Vellward hummed, “You must be patient. He will grow out of this phase.”

“I highly doubt that,” said Asinara. She picked up her dress to hasten her pace. “I find it hard to believe they are related.”

The mother sighed, “Why do your thoughts always return to him, my love?” She tapped her daughter’s shoulders. “Do not slouch.”

“I am not!” protested Asinara.

“Not doing what?” Lady Vellward raised an eyebrow. “Slouching or thinking about the ice prince?”

Asinara rolled her eyes.

The two stopped in front of the gardens. Beautiful roses and fruit trees filled the area. In the center of the garden was a plain oak tree. It had little leaves and was of medium height.

“If there was a great fire, would you choose to save the roses or the oak?” asked the older woman, tone airy.

Asinara crossed her arms. “You know I am very fond of roses and their beauty, Mother.”

“Did you know,” started Lady Vellward. “This oak tree was planted by King Arganus’ great uncle?”

“Yes,” said Asinara, slightly bewildered at the change in topic. “Nikolai told me. He said the king was raised more by his great uncle than his own father.”

“And that is why this ugly tree remains to this day,” said Lady Vellward.

At the heart of the tree, the trunk was a messy spiral that resembled a scowling face. It would have been considered a bad omen in any other case. However, for this oak tree, the spirals supposedly reminded the king of his great uncle. As such it was never to be touched or altered.

“It is a lucky tree,” said Asinara

“Indeed,” stated Lady Vellward. “This tree is treated better than most ordinary men and women. It is unfair, but that is the privilege of being valued by the king.”

“Mother,” warned Asinara, guessing how the conversation would go. “I do not wish to hear this.”

“But you will,” said Lady Vellward. “I know you hold much affection for the second prince, but you must grow up now, my love.”

“Why must you and Father push me towards unhappiness?” Asinara huffed angrily.

“And pursuing a married man will grant you happiness?” challenged Lady Vellward. “Even if the ice prince annuls his marriage with the Raven General, you will only be a second wife.”

Asinara frowned, “It is better than being Argan’s anything.”

“Maybe at first,” Lady Vellward caressed her daughter’s face. “But later when the servants gossip and the queen turns her ire towards you, will you be satisfied then?” She smiled sadly. “We are too similar, my love. Aside from your affection, you crave the ability to do something with your time, to help people and make your kingdom better.” Her eyes hardened. “You cannot do that with the Lord of Feldgrau. Even if he wishes to, he will never grant you the life you want.”

“Father put you up to this, didn’t he?” cried the rose. “Have you considered the possibility of supporting Nikolai?”

“And plunge our family and kingdom into a war of succession for your love?”

Asinara gasped at the insinuation.

“Your father has protected you far too much,” decided Lady Vellward. “The queen has heard of your tense relationship with Argan. You realize there are other candidates for the crown prince’s intended.”

Asinara’s pride flared. “But I am the best choice!”

“As long as the queen believes so,” Lady Vellward frowned. “What do you think will happen to our family if we lose her favor?”

Asinara’s eyes watered at the harsh words. “Is there truly no way?”

“Marry the crown prince,” insisted her mother. “You will thank me one day when you sit on the throne and your son becomes the future king.”

Asinara’s lips pursed. She plucked a rose and pressed the flower to her nose. She inhaled its sweet scent, rich and intoxicating.

“Please Asinara,” begged her mother.

The rose fell to the dirt floor. Mud marred its beautiful red petals.

“The rose is sweet, but it will die when winter comes. Its beauty is fleeting.” Asinara turned to stare at the oak. Her expression was solemn. “Do not worry Mother, I may not enjoy it, but I swear I will not let you or Father down.”

Lady Vellward clasped her hands together, pressing them to her chest. Reaching out, she took her daughter’s arm. “My darling rose, you could never let us down.”

Asinara hid the thorns of her pain with a beautiful smile. “Let us go, Father and Asinor surely await.”

The remains of the rose lay underfoot, crushed and scattered as two pairs of footsteps passed over it.

In her heart, Asinara said a silent apology. But she was unsure who it was for.