“You think a shifter did it, don’t you?”
“I know they did.”
“But why?”
“Because whoever it was had been given a command to follow. And there is only one person in charge of the shifters who would be able to conduct such a thing.”
***
HADRIAN INSISTED ON finding Commander Alina himself. After taking me back to my room, he promised to return as soon as he could.
I paced from one end to the other, unable to stop replaying the haunting thoughts of what had happened.
I’d tried losing myself in the view from my window, but failed. I even picked up the book Hadrian had given me, but was unable to make it past the first page before I gave up.
There was a tap at my door. I ran for it, hoping it was Hadrian who was on the other side. It wasn’t. I threw the door open to see Nyah, her face red and hair frayed.
“You can at least pretend you’re glad to see me,” Nyah said. She walked passed me, into the room without invitation. “So, this is where you’ve been hiding all day. I don’t blame you for not leaving, it’s so… fancy.”
“I was actually expecting Hadrian.”
I looked down the corridor, but saw nothing. I closed the door behind me and turned to Nyah. She laid herself down on my bed, both her boots resting on my clean sheets. “Well, it’s taken me ages to find you. Trying to get directions to your room was like drawing blood from a stone. I suppose I’d be hiding up here though too, everyone is talking about it.”
My heart stopped. “Talking about what?”
“Tomorrow…”
“Tomorrow what?” I asked. Nyah looked at me like I was crazy for even asking.
She leaned up on her elbows, one eyebrow raised. “Are you kidding? You haven’t even been told?”
“Nyah,” I shouted, frustration taking hold. “Told what?”
She raised both hands in defence, “I can’t believe I’m the one telling you this. We were all told during breakfast that the duel has been brought forward to tomorrow.”
Everything stopped.
I stumbled for something to grasp onto. Nyah was already by my side, hoisting me up and directing me to the bed. I couldn’t think. I couldn’t breathe. Panic constricted around my legs and black spots covered my vision.
This couldn’t be happening. Why is this happening?
On cue Hadrian burst through the door and looked to Nyah first, then to me. I saw three of him.
“She told you…” he said, closing the door behind him.
I tried to listen but the loud rush of blood in my ears muffled everything Nyah said to him. My eyes were focused to a spot on the stone wall beside Hadrian’s head.
“I could not find her, no one knows where she is. It was father who told me about the duel, it was his idea. I am so sorry, this isn’t right. Everything is just so fucked up.” He was talking about the Commander. But still his words were nothing but a jumble in my mind.
I pressed the heels of my palms to my eyes, flashes of light burst behind my lids. Neither Nyah nor Hadrian said another word, not until I spoke.
“It’s all just so convenient.” I said.
“What do you mean?” Nyah leaned forward and rubbed a thumb into my shoulder.
I trusted her as much as I did Hadrian, but I could tell by his eyes that he didn’t want me to tell her.
Hadrian cut in, saving me from having to lie to Nyah. “I shall attempt to speak with father and see if I can prevent the duel or at least put it off until the original date. But do not expect it. I can promise you, I will try everything in my power to stop this.” He turned to Nyah. “Stay with him until I return. He is going to need you.”
I wanted to tell him to stay. To stop him from leaving me, but I couldn’t muster the words.
***
NYAH HELPED ME change out of my clothes. I relaxed into her silence, thankful for her presence.
“On another day, I might ask why there is blood on your shirt and hands…” she said, guiding me to the bed. “But I shall not pry tonight. Give me your hand. You are going to need to get some rest so let me help you. Just close your eyes and give into me. I’ll wake you if Hadrian returns.” Her voice was soft, like a lullaby.
I didn’t have the energy or the want to refuse. In fact, the idea of sleep was too inviting to ignore. I gave her my hand and in moments it was alight with her deep glow.
I gave into her magick and felt my mind melt into a forced sleep.
“Stay with me,” I murmured before I gave into the wave of sleep.
THE WORLD CREPT into life as sleep left me. I felt weightless of worry. Light brushed against my closed lids, urging to me greet it. I peered around my room, dazed and eyes heavy. Then, the events of yesterday came crashing down over me.
I shot up. Nyah choked on a snore beside me where she was laying above the sheets. I nudged her feet resting on the pillow next to my head, but she didn’t wake. I looked at her, rubbing the sleep dust from the corners of my eyes, her face covered by her mound of red hair. She’d stayed with me, I remembered asking her to.
It was bright outside, a beautiful clear day, different to the dark clouds in my mind. In a matter of hours, I would be put on display for the entire palace. To duel, when I was not prepared. Not in any sense of the word.
I forced myself to sit over the side of the bed. Hadrian hadn’t returned, which meant he had no news regarding the duel being postponed. It was going ahead, the thought sickened me.
Nyah groaned behind me and I felt the bed shift as she rolled over. It must have been the first time she’d stayed asleep this long. Morning service in the kitchens must’ve been called off. I’d let her sleep a while longer, she needed the rest.
I decided to pass the time by shuffling around the room. The cold stone nipped at my bare feet, but was not enough of a distraction whilst I waited for Nyah to wake, or Hadrian to turn up.
The call of seagulls greeted me beyond the window. It sounded like laughter, mocking me. I pulled the doors open to my wardrobe, trying to find the most suitable outfit for the day. If I wanted any chance, I would need something flexible and tight fitting. Whichever guard the Commander picked would be well skilled and I didn’t want them to have any more of a chance.
I decided on a plain, black top and the same slacks I’d worn to the Antler & Cart. They still stank of smoke; the smell was rancid.
I pulled the clothes on and something soft fell onto my foot. My breath caught when I glanced down at the bloodied cloth, stained grey and red.
I picked it up, studying the cloth for what must have been the millionth time since Nasamel.
“What you got there?” Nyah squeaked, stretching her freckled arms and clicking her neck from side to side.
“Just another reminder that I’m completely fucked and even the Goddess is against me.”
“Good morning to you too,” Nyah replied, brushing the hair from her face. “You really need to stop this pity party you’re having for yourself. I’m not buying into it.”
“Do I sound that bad?” I slunk over to the bed and sat beside her.