Acclayne Book 1: The Game Begins

“Huh, I thought we were meeting them here.” Alaina looked around – there wasn't a soul in sight, not even a single guard at the main gate. Either the royal family here were extremely trusting or they were short staffed. Alaina laughed nervously to herself, she couldn't decide which idea was more ridiculous, still, it was eerie.

“It's cold, they probably went inside already.” Juney shrugged, “It's no biggie, we'll just go in and join them. Who knows, Methyn might have already sorted out the whole mess- save us a job.”

“I don't know... don't you find it all a little – strange?”

“Now? Only now are you starting to find things 'strange'? Mother-” she laughed, “You're strange.”

“Just look how quiet it is.” Alaina looked around and as if to emphasise her point; a cricket chirruped somewhere nearby, “see.”

“ And? It's practically night time, grow up would you. Come on it's cold.” And with that Juney strolled casually through the gateway as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Not wanting to be left behind Alaina quickly followed.

“Hey! Wait up!” When Alaina caught up with Juney she took a moment to look at her surroundings. This was a much bigger palace than the one in Corthus, far grander too in architectural design. Detailed sculptures lined the smooth, sandstone walls and the sound of their footsteps could be heard echoing up to the high vaulted ceilings. Even though she was not of either kingdom – strictly speaking – she couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

Though most of the building was draped in shadows she could tell that a lot more time, effort, skill and money had gone into the construction of the building; just as it had throughout the rest of Cortharen.

As she took it all in she followed Juney blindly; trusting that she knew the way. Hmm, she wasn't sure why she had assumed that.

“You've been here before then yes?”

Juney paused a moment before answering; “Once, on a job-”

“Say no more,” Alaina interrupted, “I don't want to know. Still having problems believing that you're the same girl I met ages ago in work if I'm honest.”

“I'm not – I killed her off.” She said matter-of-factly.

“W-what?”

“Joking, geez- and 'gullible' sounds like 'orange' if you say it slow enough,” Juney shook her head, “Haven't you heard of under cover agents?”

“G-u-l-l-i... wha? Oh.”

“You should have seen your face though. Ah, here we are then.” They stopped outside a rather imposing, dark red door. “Throne room,” she gestured toward it, “ready for this?”

“Ready as I'll ever be.”

“I suppose that's true enough. Got your Twin-Blade?”

“Check.”

“Good. Don't be scared.”

“I'ts okay,” Alaina smiled, “I trust you.”

***

The throne room of Cortharen castle was long, imposing and dark. The majority of the torches affixed to the stone walls were unlit and so darkness lurked in most corners of the room. Juney strode confidently through the cavernous room while Alaina hung back tentatively.

The throne itself was sat at the far end, as far away as physically possible from the door, and was perched on a high plinth- so that whomever was sat on it could look down upon everyone present. The man who was currently sat on the throne was far younger looking than Alaina had anticipated – though from what she had learned about Juney she suspected that she shouldn't judge him too quickly. His handsome, youthful features; however, did put her at ease slightly. She had expected, for whatever reason, a crusty old man leering down at her.

“Greeting to you!” His voice echoed throughout the room as the women approached him. Juney bowed politely and Alaina quickly followed suit; with maybe a little too much enthusiasm. “I am Prince Fofana, and you have my sincerest apologies for my brother's absence. I shall be entertaining you as my brother finds himself otherwise engaged. There has been a death in the family.”

“Oh my!” Alaina exclaimed, “I am so sorry, had we known-” She babbled her apology, flustered by the unexpected news.

“Not at all.” Prince Fofana waved off her concerns with a jewel encrusted hand. “We have been expecting you, though I must say possibly a bit sooner than this.” The Prince glanced at Juney who did not respond to the remark. Alaina, on the other hand blushed with embarrassment.

“No matter!” He continued, clapping his hands together loudly. “You are here now and that is all that matters. There is someone here who is quite anxious to see you.” The Prince looked to his right where a woman's figure was slowly emerging from the shadows- though where she had been hidden up to this point Alaina could not fathom.

This was it, she thought, they were finally going to meet Princess Stella. Whatever mix up had gone on Methyn had obviously already had it sorted and here she was ready to be taken home. Thank goodness.

Except the woman was not Stella. Alaina had already met this woman, her perfect features were unmistakeable even in the dim light, but what was she doing here?

“My dear – I trust your journey went as well as could be expected.” She addressed Alaina in her soft, velvety voice. In her slender hands she carried a large, highly decorated crown.

“I believe you have already met.” Prince Fofana smiled, “Ladies, I give you my future bride; Queen Siônel of Corthus.”

-Wait. What?

“You'll be wanting this my love.” She said tenderly, handing him the crown, “Your brother seems unable to fulfil his duties as King at present.” She smiled. Fofana's laugh was chilling as he placed the artefact upon his head.

Alaina; stunned and confused, remained silent but her expression was easily read. Juney, on the other hand, remained impassive.

“You were expecting Princess Stella perhaps?” His laugh calmed now to a low chuckle. “She is not here, but she is safe and out of harms way... for the time being at least.” A darkness quickly befell his features. “Rest assured that when she does arrive, she will be promptly disposed of. Don't worry,” he said, addressing Alaina's obvious distress, “you shan’t be here to witness it. Shame really, nothing beats a good beheading. Speaking of which; it is high time that we parted you from that pretty little red head of yours. Your lineage poses too much of a threat. Guards!”

On his word two guards appeared at Alaina's sides as if by magic, taking her firmly in hand – she hadn't even realised they had been in the room.

Finding her voice she yelled: “Get the hell off me!” She struggled uselessly against their formidable strength. “You'll never- Juney! Help me!” she choked, tears springing to her eyes. She was out of her depth, but Juney did not respond to her, instead she addressed Fofana for the first time since they arrived.

“I want what I was promised.”

Alaina yelped in pain as she continued to struggle, what was she talking about? Why wasn't she helping?

“You want? You disobeyed me! You gave her the Twin-Blade! Had the girl had any wits about her we could all be dead!” He spat, the rage that consumed him coloured his face.

“I think you'll find that I have given you the Twin-Blade, take it-” she gestured towards Alaina without looking at her, “she has no idea of the power it possesses.”

In an about-turn Fofana began to laugh maniacally at her words. It was all becoming too much for Alaina – the guards had all but completely overpowered her. She could feel the air gushing out of her lungs as she tried desperately to breath, but the pain of Juney's betrayal was too much to bear.

“How shrewd,” Fofana laughed, “though I do suspect you were merely backing both horses. You are nothing if not opportunistic Cholden.”

Alaina whimpered as one of the guards crushed his massive arms into her ribs. She felt the last of the oxygen escape her lungs and as she finally lost consciousness her eyes let out the hot, pain-ridden tears she had been holding back.

“Here, have your stone-” he picked out a large, plain stone from one of the recesses of his crown and threw it onto the ground before her. “Now get out of my sight – before I have them do the same to you.” He glanced disdainfully down at Alaina's limp body. Juney did not. “I hope it was worth it Cholden.” She could hear the smirk in his voice but she did not respond. She picked up her prize and left. She did not look back.