Stolen Heart

chapter 26




Kieran, Carrick and Ava arrived in Myridian at the House of Foss. They were expected as Ava requested a meeting with Renard. She specifically requested his stepson, Mason, be present as well. She didn’t give a reason for the meeting, but then again, she didn’t need to. As the most powerful sorceress in Vyronas, and the woman who was single handedly responsible for defeating Ralina, all ruling monarchs gave her deference.

They were currently waiting in Foss’ great receiving room. There were several people milling about. Most likely members of Renard’s Conclave and other royal lackeys.

It didn’t take long before Renard entered the room. Mason walked just a few paces behind him. When Renard saw Ava, he walked toward her with arms outstretched. “Ava, it’s so good to see you.”

“Hello, Renard.” Ava reached her hand out for him to shake, averting an awkward hug. Renard looked at Carrick and Kieran and nodded at both of them.

“Ava, you remember my stepson, Mason, right?” Renard swept his hand in Mason’s direction. He stepped forward and held out his hand to Ava to shake. Ava kept her hands clasped in front of her and just nodded at Mason. Her face was impassive.

Renard could clearly sense something was wrong and he chuckled nervously. “Yes, well. Mason, this is Ava’s husband, Carrick Dunne, and his brother Kieran.”

Mason inclined his head to Carrick and then turned to Kieran. His eyes grew wide and he hissed, “You!”

“Yes, me.” Kieran couldn’t help taking pleasure in seeing Mason’s face mottled red with anger.

“Renard, this man should be arrested. He assaulted me a few months ago. When I returned to the scene of the crime with troops, he had made his escape.”

Mason made this announcement so loud, everyone in the receiving hall turned to listen to the conversation. Kieran rolled his eyes. What a drama king.

Renard turned pale. “Mason! Surely you must be mistaken. Kieran is part of the Royal House of Clairmont.”

Kieran decided to interrupt. “He’s not wrong, King Renard. I knocked the shit out of him a few months ago.”

Kieran swore he heard Carrick snicker behind him. Or was it Ava? Regardless, he turned his gaze to Mason but he addressed the king. “King Renard, I am here to officially challenge your stepson, Mason…uh…Mason…” Kieran paused. What the hell was this guy’s last name? Whatever! “I don’t even know his last name, nor do I care. A dead man’s name is not important.”

Mason started sputtering. Renard looked at Ava. “Is this some kind of joke?”

Ava replied, “I’m afraid not, Renard.”

Renard looked to Kieran, his face grave. “Young man, a challenge to the death is a serious charge. Surely you have mistaken Mason for someone else.”

Kieran turned his gaze to Mason. His eyes were hot with rage. “I have not mistaken him. I am here on behalf of Annika Foss. Mason knows what this is about.” Kieran then turned his fiery gaze to Renard. “And so do you.”

Renard’s face went from pale to bright red. “How dare you levy such an accusation!”

“I’ve not levied a single accusation. I merely pointed out that you both know why I am here.”

Mason hissed. “The woman lies. She cannot be trusted.”

Kieran pulled his sword. It slid out smoothly from its scabbard, making a slight hissing noise. “There is nothing more to discuss. Draw your sword Mason and be prepared to die.”

Mason looked desperately to Renard, who looked desperately to Ava. Ava just shrugged her shoulders.

“MASON!” Kieran shouted to get his attention. His head snapped toward Kieran. He looked to be on the verge of panic. Kieran spoke in a low voice. “Pull your sword and fight me now.”

Mason looked around the room frantically, desperately seeking help from someone. Anyone. He received nothing back but impassive glances. Mason apparently was not well liked here. He turned once more to Renard. “Please, Renard, stop this madness.”

Renard shook his head sadly. “I’m sorry, Mason. You must fight him. The challenge has been issued.”

Kieran watched with interest as Mason’s face turned a putrid shade of green. For the man to be this scared, he clearly was not a good swordsman. He clearly didn’t have a level head on his shoulders either or he would have insisted they use magic, which Kieran would gladly oblige. But he was glad he didn’t. He wanted to feel his sword pierce through Mason’s cowardly flesh.

Mason turned reluctantly and faced Kieran. He reached down to his sword and pulled it out. Kieran’s adrenaline spiked. He was finally going to get justice for Annika. Kieran raised his sword and prepared to lunge, but Mason threw his sword to the ground. What the f*ck?

Mason followed his sword and fell to his knees. He started crawling toward Kieran and tears were running down his face. “Please,” he sobbed. “I am begging your mercy.”

Reaching Kieran’s boot, Mason reached out and grabbed ahold. “Mercy. I beg you.”

Kieran looked down at Mason in disgust and stepped backwards, having to shake his foot to dislodge Mason’s hand. He looked over his shoulder at Carrick and damned if Carrick wasn’t turned away from him, his head hanging down and his shoulders were shaking. The jackass was laughing.

Kieran looked back down at Mason and snarled. “Pick up your sword and fight me.”

Mason continued to cry and then he looked to Renard. “I’m sorry, Renard. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to, but Annika was just so beautiful. I couldn’t help myself. She fought me every step of the way, but I made her. And..and…” Mason let out a hiccup and Kieran rolled his eyes, “I threatened her life and yours if she told. Now please, you have full confession. Stop this madness and don’t let him kill me.”

Kieran glanced at Renard. The man paled substantially and actually clutched a hand over his heart. He gasped. “You lied to me. I took your word over Annika’s.”

“Yes. I lied. I lied about all of it. Now please, call off this mad man.”

Mad man? I’m the mad man? Kieran snorted in disgust and lowered his sword. He looked back at Carrick and he at least had the grace to stop laughing, but his lips were still quirked.

Renard turned to face Keiran. “You have the right to kill him if you want. I will not stop you. Or I will have him arrested to stand trial.”

“I can’t kill a man who is so cowardly he cannot stand up and fight.” Disgusted, Kieran turned his back on both Renard and Mason and walked over to Ava, sheathing his sword as he went. “I’m ready to leave.”

Renard stepped forward to Ava. “Ava, I hope this in no way damages the very good relationship we have had all these years. I can assure you that…”

“Enough, Renard,” Ava said loudly. But then she stepped in closer to whisper so only he and Kieran heard. “You stood by ignorant while your daughter was attacked over and over again. You chose to believe Mason over your own flesh and blood. I can’t imagine the damage you have inflicted on her. You are to consider yourself relieved as an ally to Kestevayne. Furthermore, I am cancelling all import and export contracts between our countries. I will also see to it that every other country will do the same. Then I will sit back and watch while your country withers and dies.”

Renard gasped. “You can’t. You are dooming my people as well.”

“You’re people will be welcome in Kestevayne or any other country. Or perhaps they will revolt. I’m wondering how safe you really will be here in your palace.”

“Ava, please…” Renard begged.

“Goodbye, Renard. Mercy to your soul.”