Child of Beauty (Prophecy Series) Page 21

  Paige nodded.

  “Then we have to make it out of here alive.” Orman put his hand to her neck. “We have to leave here.”

  She closed her eyes, hysterics shaking her body as she tried to rationally control herself. He was right. She had to survive to avenge her sister.

  “We will go and find him another time.” She whispered, glancing over his shoulder at the man in the azure robes. “He will not get away with this.”

  Jerrika felt peaceful as she fought alongside Barrett. He was an amazing fighter: turning, ducking, jabbing, stabbing, blocking, and shifting as needed. It was as if he’d learn to fight at Krijar himself.

  “You are so sexy when you fight.” Jerrika bit her lip. “Not that I want there to be many battles, but I did not think you would look this amazing.”

  He laughed and pulled her into a kiss. “I love you.” He paused. “The necklace.”

  “My father fixed it and gave it to me on the way here.” Jerrika explained. “He gave us his blessing in front of my mother.” Part of her was still shocked that he had, but she was too elated to not believe it. It was everything she’d wanted.

  “What?” He bit his lip as his eyes filled with joy.

  “My parents were either fighting or not speaking to each other the whole three days here.” Jerrika explained. “But my father told my mother that he wanted me to marry my common blacksmith.”

  “That is unheard of.”

  “So I think he would give Sage his blessing to marry your sister too.”

  “Now we just have to have my father give Sage his blessing.” Barrett sighed. “My father’s not so happy with him right now.”

  Jerrika blocked a knife from a servant and punched his face. “You think the servants would be trying to help us.”

  “It’s amazing how many people are loyal to the king.” Barrett paused. “Or are afraid of change.”

  Sage finally saw Aileen and ran to her side, using his Wopler as a sword to block an attack intended for her. She turned. “Sage?”

  “I have been looking for you.” He pulled her out of the fight as Hadrien took over, and Sage gently tugged Aileen into a small corner.

  “As I have you.” She threw her arms around him and kissed him.

  He kissed her back. “I am so sorry for everything Sparrow.”

  “Call me Aileen.” She grinned. “I forgive you Sage. I love you so much.”

  He kissed her once more and pulled her necklace out of his pocket. “Then you must take this back.”

  She moved her long hair up, and he clipped the metal around her neck once more.

  ~ Chapter 48 ~

  Rayna blocked a blow from a rebel, changing her Wopler from a sword to an axe. As she made her way up the several flights of stairs, to the high tower where Kurtis had told her his father should be, she fought rebels and Soldats alike. It was strange to have so many people want to kill her, especially since they were truly on the same side.

  Rayna pushed the door opened, and four Soldats lowered their weapons toward her.

  “The rebels keep coming.” Rayna gasped as she rushed toward them.

  “Your father betrayed me.” The king glared.

  “I am not my father’s daughter.” She insisted, raising her hands. “I was adopted by Viktor Little, and now I am thrilled to not be his flesh and blood.”

  “They are here.” One of his Soldat guards cried and rushed down the hall to fight off the rebels. “Your Majesty, go with Rayna Little.”

  “I will not.”

  “Remember I am also Fergus Little’s sister.” Rayna knew he trusted her brother. “I will get you to safety. Please come with me, Your Majesty.”

  He hesitated a moment longer, but he followed her as she rushed him out the tower and onto the wall.

  “My son is fighting with the rebels.” King Navion shook his head. “I saw you fighting him.”

  “I still cannot believe Kurtis betrayed you.” Rayna was honest. “Viveca is still loyal to you.”

  “Then I shall make her queen after this ridiculous battle is over.”

  “Why do you think this battle is ridiculous?” Rayna stopped walking. They were far enough from any help. Her heart pounded in her ears. “I think this battle has been a long time coming. Did you think that oppressing common folk, maiming and killing, taxing and placing unjust laws would make common folk just submit? You never thought it would build a raging fire within?”

  The king stared at her. “What are you saying?”

  “Surrender.” Rayna still didn’t want to fulfill her destiny. She loved Kurtis too much. “Please surrender and let your son become king. You do not have to die today.”

  “You are with the rebels.” King Navion snarled. “You have deceived us.”

  “Please surrender.”

  Suddenly she knew everything would turn out alright, and she understood her destiny. She truly was the one person who could bring peace. The one person who would bring King Navion’s evil to a rest.

  “Why would I surrender to you?” The king stepped back. “I know the prophecy.”

  Rayna pulled her Wopler free and snapped it into a long shaft. “I do not want to kill you.”

  “You will not.” King Navion stared at her. “Out of common blood, blue blood will flow.”

  She blew the dart from her Wopler, and it hit true. “My father is Creedon Quint, the man who began the rebellion after a noble kidnapped me. After the Battle of Krijar, Viktor saw the true you and could not be loyal to your evil ways anymore. That is why he kidnapped me, a commoner, and raised me to become the only common Soldata.”

  Radley fought with Ulric by his side. After he’d come to Kapok, Ulric has found him and brought him to the rebellion, revealing that Ulric was a rebel himself, working with Creedon Quint against the king. Radley had always wondered if Wilma had told her brother about his plan to betray the king. As he watched her fight with the rebels, Radley understood she had. It had always been her.

  Radley grabbed Wilma’s arm, helping her in their fight against their own. He’d loved her for so long, but now his love for her blossomed. They were on the same side, believed in the same things. They belonged together.

  Wilma was an excellent fighter, and several Soldatas and Soldats surrendered. As the battle ended, Kurtis rushed to them. “Where is Rayna?”

  “Where is the king?” Wilma looked at him. “We will finish getting this situation under control.”

  He nodded and ran.

  “Wilma.” Radley touched her cheek. “When I left Krijar, I told you I wanted to join the rebels.”

  “I know.” She whispered. “I am sorry I did not tell you the truth about me then.”

  “Ulric never told me you were also a rebel.” Radley smiled. “I suppose if I was going to betray the rebels and really be working for the king, Ulric did not want you to be exposed as well.”

  “I love you Radley.” Wilma touched his shoulder. “I have for a long time, and when you told me you were going to betray the king, those words made me love you even more.”

  Radley pulled her close and kissed her.

  “Hey Wil.” Someone poked her shoulder.

  She pulled back and rolled her eyes. “Really Barrett?”

  Barrett chuckled, his arm around Jerrika.

  “So you are a rebel too?” Radley looked at Jerrika.

  She nodded. “Turns out my family are rebels, even the members I did not know about.”

  “My father and Viktor are taking control of the ballroom now.” Barrett noted.

  “Your father is Creedon Quint?” Radley was surprised. He had never imagined Creedon would allow any of his children to love someone of nobility.

  “I still cannot believe Kurtis is really the prince.” Jerrika looked around the room. “Where did he go?”

  “Kurtis is the prince?” Wilma gasped. “He is looking for Rayna.”

  “What about Prince Navion, the guy we went to Krijar with?” Radley frowned. “Is he not the prince?”


  King Navion slumped to one knee, pulling the dart from his side.

  “Kurtis will bring a new age of peace.” Rayna took several steps back from King Navion. “I am sorry you had to die. I did not want to kill you, but you gave me no choice.”

  “We always have a choice.” King Navion jumped up, lunged, and grabbed Rayna’s shoulder. “I may be dead, but I will make you wish you were.” He shoved her.

  Rayna stumbled and fell straight into a torch. She screamed as the fire burst, blinding her as it burned.

  King Navion snickered as Rayna tried to hit the fire out, but her movements only managed to burn her right hand as well. Rayna stumbled as her left arm and shoulder burned. Her knees hit the side of the tower wall, and she fell, a burning mess into the moat below.

  ~ Chapter 49 ~

  Pain was the only thing she was aware of when she woke. Every inch of her hurt, and as she shifted, the movement only made her realize she was in utter agony.

  “Shhh.” Something cool was pressed against her burning head. “Do not move yet sweet.”

  The voice seemed familiar, but Rayna couldn’t concentrate on anything other than the currents of pain shooting through her body.

  “Mother, go get another cool rag.” The voice belonged to her brother.

  “Fergus?” Rayna whispered, her lips cracked and her voice hoarse.

  “Yes Rayna.” He answered. “Mother and I are here to help you.”

  “Why?” It wasn’t like Ederra to be loving and kind.

  “So much happened in that battle.” Ederra whispered. “I lost so much already, and I do not want to lose you too.”

  “Where is everyone else? What are you talking about losing?”

  “Do not worry about that now.” Fergus pressed another cool rag to Rayna’s face.

  Rayna tried to open her eyes, only to find one obeyed. “What happened?”

  “You killed the king.” He stated. “Kurtis took his father’s place on the throne. I can tell you that a lot of people were shocked to find out he was truly the prince.”

  “How long have I been out?”

  “Eleven days.” Ederra answered.

  “Where is Kurtis? Is he waiting for me to wake?”

  “I am afraid not.” Fergus touched her right shoulder. “Kurtis saw you fall from the tower, and he and Barrett found you in the mote. They pulled you out. Kurtis vomited upon seeing your face. Neither of them could stand being around you.”

  “Fergus took you here.” Ederra added. “We have had some help from a local medicine man. You were badly burned, but the medicine man said you will live. You just need to heal.”

  “Kurtis does not want me?” Rayna whispered. No. He loved her. He always had.

  “I am so sorry sweet.” Ederra’s tone was soft. “He said the kingdom needs a strong, beautiful queen to get through this new shift in power.”

  “He started courting Zenia Kendrick.” Fergus put a soft hand to his sister’s shoulder. “I am so sorry.”

  “No. He loves me. I need to see him.” Rayna tried to sit up. “I did not see you in the battle Fergus. Which side were you on?”

  “I started out fighting against the rebels.” He admitted. “I thought we were on the same side. I fought the entire battle to defend the king. Hadrien and Sage faced me in the end, and I surrendered to them. I would not fight my brothers. It was Sage who told me the truth about you, your destiny, and your birth family. That was the moment when Barrett and Kurtis returned, both disgusted. I went out to find you, and I took care of you.”

  “I found Fergus trying to cart you out of the palace.” Ederra added. “I hid in one of the parlor rooms during the battle.”

  “I need to see Kurtis.” Rayna closed her eye.

  “He does not want to see you.” Fergus whispered.

  “I need to see him.” She insisted.

  “We will try to find him and bring him here.” Fergus placed another cool rag on her neck.

  “We will never forsake you as the others have.” Ederra promised.

  Rayna brought her right hand up to touch her other bandages. “Where is a mirror?”

  “You do not need to look at yourself.” Ederra took her hand.

  “I need to know.” Rayna looked at her. “What could possibly make Kurtis reject me?”

  “You do not need to see.” Fergus whispered. “You are going to be alright. I promise.”

  “Bring me a mirror.”

  Ederra glanced at Fergus. He slowly stood and brought a mirror to her. Rayna took it. She looked like death, wrapped in bandages, but the ends of the bandages revealed broken, rotten skin. She swallowed hard as her eye filled with tears. Just one glance at her rotten skin, she understood Kurtis and Barrett. She took a deep breath. “Wait.” She looked at Fergus. “What about my birth family? What about my birth parents?”

  “They died just after the battle ended. There was an unexpected attack after the ballroom was secured by the rebels.” Fergus whispered. “Your brothers and older sister survived, but your parents and younger sister were killed.”

  “Viktor and Garrik were killed as well.” Ederra added. “Your friend Mae Hamilton was killed too.”

  “It was a bloody battle.” Rayna looked between them. “Rayna Little died in the fight. I will go by Faryn Quint from now on.”

  “As you wish.” Ederra gently placed another cool rag on Rayna’s bandages.

  “How badly was I burned?”

  “The doctor does not think you will ever be able to see from your left eye again.” Fergus told her. “It will take several months for you to heal properly.”

  “What will happen to me?” Rayna whispered. “No one wants me.”

  “We will always want you.” Ederra corrected. “After everything I lost in the battle, I finally understand the true meaning of family. I am sorry I have been such a terrible mother. I promise to be different.”

  “We cannot live with the constant reminder of everything we have lost.” Rayna sighed.

  “We can leave Perso’s Creek.” Fergus stated. “The kingdom of Fedji just had its own prophecy fulfilled a month ago. We can start over there.”

  “I have duties to continue here.” Ederra sighed. “But Fergus is right. You can go to Fedji and forget all that has been taken from you here. Fergus will go ahead and send for you when he finds a place for you. You can start fresh. You will be Faryn and have no connection to this heartache. When I can, I will follow you two there as well.”

  “Thank you.”

  It took several days for Faryn to gain enough strength to get out of bed. Fergus had left to find them a new life in Fedji, but Ederra remained with Faryn.

  “Here.” Ederra helped Faryn into a simple gown, one which wouldn’t get in the way of her bandages.

  Faryn slipped her right arm into a short sleeve, and the left side of the dress was sleeveless. She stood, holding onto the bed’s post as she swayed a little.

  “You are doing so well.” Ederra helped support her.

  “Thanks.” Her face still felt foreign. The bandages hid something Faryn wasn’t ready to face. She turned and saw a mirror on the far right wall. “Please take that down.”

  Ederra looked to what Faryn had gestured to.

  “I do not want to see myself ever again.” Faryn closed her right eye.

  “It is going to be alright.” Ederra took the mirror down, set it on the ground, and turned it against the wall.

  Someone knocked, and a light-haired footman bowed. “You have visitors. King Kurtis Perso and Lady Zenia Kendrick.”

  Faryn’s head stopped, and she almost slipped out of Ederra’s grasp, but her mother held her up.

  “Let us sit you down in the chair.” Ederra helped her daughter and Kurtis and Zenia entered.

  Faryn watched Kurtis’ face, and it was an emotional mess. She saw scorn, disgust, and pity mixed in with relief through his features.

  “You’re going to be alright?” He whispered his question.

  No. How cou
ld she be alright? He looked handsome, healthy, and strong. He was dressed in a simple leather outfit, as he usually was. Being crowned king and revealed as the true prince hadn’t changed him. Except that Zenia’s arm was wrapped around his. Her long black hair was down and slightly curly, and her blue-green eyes were full of pity. The girls had been friends long ago, but she had continued her friendship with the princess rather than Rayna.

  “Your mother sent word that you wanted to see me.” Kurtis looked at her. “I’m glad to see you’re healing.”

  “Thank you.” She wanted to cry, but she would not give him that satisfaction. “I hear you are now king.”

  He nodded.

  Faryn looked at Zenia. “Do you mind leaving Kurtis and I alone to speak?”

  “Of course not.” She rose and looked at Ederra.

  After they were alone, Faryn swallowed. “Why? Just tell me why?”

  Kurtis let out a slow breath and stood. “You know your fathers were killed, right?”

  Faryn nodded. “Mother and Fergus told me.”

  “Most of the rebels and nobles don’t want to try peace. They don’t trust one another, and they won’t follow my lead. I love you Rayna, I still do, but I can’t risk this kingdom for our love.” He knelt before her and took her bandaged hands in his. “Zenia is a powerful ally, and she’s bringing much needed support to me.”

  “Do you care for her?”

  “I couldn’t ever love her.” He paused. “I’m afraid my sister will try to overthrow me and become queen. Zenia’s still one of her closest friends. She tells me things about my sister, not even knowing how much I want the information.”

  “So Zenia is just a means to keeping your sister in line?”

  Kurtis nodded. “I love you, but if you were to become my queen, I couldn’t ever keep my sister from claiming the throne. Maybe you can come and be my mistress. We don’t really need a marriage, since we love each other. Stay with me Rayna, be with me.”