Apprentice of Death

Sebastian entered the room with a servant who had shown him the way and bowed and left. Sebastian set Cinder’s saddlebags with their things down on the bed. Cinder and the King joined him in the room.

“I will leave you to get settled, then. Sebastian, your room is through that door there. I would be pleased if you and Cinder would join me for dinner this evening. We have a few things to discuss. Please let me know if either of you needs anything.” With that, the King exited through her bedroom door, leaving the two of them there. Sebastian looked at Cinder, happy to be back with her.

“Celeste sends her greetings and is delighted that the King has invited us to stay with him. She said she would keep our rooms reserved for us there if we need them, though. She also sent me with an extra horse to keep and use myself for all of the travelings back and forth we are going to have to do. She is also sending word to Dominique that you won’t be coming to his Keep for a couple of weeks because you are starting another work release that you will be doing before continuing with him and need to settle into your other work.” Cinder gave a sigh of relief. It appeared that Celeste had bought her some time.

Cinder unpacked her things into the room and then went with Sebastian to his through the door that connected their two rooms. His room was considerably larger and decorated more ornately in reds, yellows, and deep rust-orange colors that reminded Cinder of fall; it was stunning. It had a large sitting area and everything her room offered, minus the small balcony. The sitting area boasted a large fireplace and mantle with a fire crackling in its hearth. The evenings were especially chilly up high in the mountains unless you were at the peak of summertime.

Cinder walked over to it, appreciating its warmth and ambiance as Sebastian unpacked his things and looked around better.

“He really went all out for us, didn’t he, Cinder?”

She sighed and nodded, “Yes, I tried to talk him out of it, but his reasons were sound. You are a King Alpha, and it just wouldn’t be a protocol or honoring to put you in anything less, and since we are Bondmates, it makes sense for me to be right next door. He said that as an Ambassador, I would be in this wing of the palace anyways. I feel very unsure about all of this, Sebastian. So intimidated. I wasn’t expecting all of this. I just came to work and somehow got welcomed into a friendship with Adrian.”

Sebastian approached her and kissed her, with a hand on her neck and another wrapping around her waist. She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him back, melting into his embrace that comforted her. They stayed like that for some time, enjoying each other’s closeness.

Sebastian led her over to his bed and lay down, pulling her with him. He heaved a sigh and relaxed back into the cushions of the great bed. She lay in the crook of his arm with her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat as he rested. Sebastian rubbed her back lovingly while he dozed, content to have her beside him.

“What do you think of him, Cinder?”

“Who, the King?”

“Yes. You’ve had time today to speak with him several times. What do you think of him?”

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath of relaxation before responding, ”He is generous and caring. He cares greatly for his people and wants what is best for them. He is older than I had dreamed and has seen and experienced a lot of pain and loss in his life. He bears a great burden in his role of ruling and could use some friends not intimidated by his station. He is lonely because of it. He seems very wise and thoughtful and has an honorable heart that loves purely when it does. He is a good man, Sebastian. One of the truest I have ever been around.” Sebastian absorbed her words, relieved by what she said. Dealing with one evil overlord was going to be enough.

They rested for a while and then decided they would go get some exercise by practicing some hand-to-hand combat techniques. It had been over a week, and they both were beginning to feel the lack; they needed to keep up with their techniques and practice if they wouldn’t slip. An unused, neglected sword would rust, as would their skill.

Celeste’s fortress hadn’t had a place for them to practice and spar, but here they knew there would be a place all of the guardsmen and soldiers did. They changed into their gear and, after a quick inquiry, were shown to the practice yards for the guard.

It was very nice with multiple practice arenas that could be used. They were permitted to use any free ones they wished, so they went to one more on the end. They drew the eyes of the others in the vicinity as they walked into the arena, both armed to the teeth, but neither drew their weapons.

They faced off and smiled at each other teasingly as they crouched into defensive positions and started circling one another. Sebastian smirked and jutted his chin to get her to take the first attempted strike. She matched his smirk and struck out at him as he blocked and side-stepped. His eyes twinkled, and he continued to wear his smirk as she came at him, and he blocked; he returned an attack, and she blocked. They continued on like this, warming up, enjoying each other.

Those around slowly came to watch the pair as they practiced. Cinder wasn’t a match for Sebastian in the physical hand-to-hand dueling alone, but once she started using her magic, the playing field evened out somewhat. She never attacked him in any way that could ever truly injure him if he failed to block, but it made things more difficult for him, nonetheless. More often than not, the magic successfully flowed off of him, as the Hunters had been able to do during their first encounter with them. Only when he would start to pull ahead would she up her game and push him back with her magic before striking at him with jabs and kicks.

Once they felt warmed up, they parted and drew their weapons and began sparring in the same fashion. Sebastian was still trying to teach her blocking techniques that she could sustain against a stronger opponent. He had had more time to study and practice physical combat than her, under the tutelage of Darius and Brane, because Cinder had had to also focus and study on her magic; thus, Sebastian was more skilled in all areas of combat than her. He continued to help her catch up, instructing as he could.

They both enjoyed their time together sparring like this, and it was something they both had come to look forward to. It was one of the things that they enjoyed doing together, one of the ways they interacted as friends and Bondmates that was special to them.

They started to draw quite a crowd, as many were curious about the mystery witch and King Alpha, that had shown up out of nowhere. The two were unaware, but even a few military officers, including the General and the King, watched them from a balcony above the training grounds.

Some of the surrounding soldiers were itching to try their hand at a challenge after watching the two, who were clearly skilled, spar against one another.

“Against us both? The lot of you?” Sebastian questioned, waving his hand at the troop that was challenging them.

“Yeah. The two of you, against all of us. I want to see what you can do,” the officer said.

Sebastian met Cinder’s eyes as she thought, “They have no idea, Sebastian, but you had best warn them. We won’t hold back.” He grinned wickedly at her in delight.

“Alright,” Sebastian agreed to the Captain, “but we won’t pull punches to make you feel better. What exactly were the terms?”

“Looser buys a round of drinks sometime.”

“Done,” Sebastian said, “easy pickings.”

Cinder rolled her eyes, laughing at his goading, and got ready. She had her short sword in one hand and a dagger in her other. Sebastian preferred a two-handed saber that was lightning-quick. The two brought up their weapons, standing back to back, and waited for the other ten to get ready; they stood in the middle of the arena, two black wraiths, waiting for the soldiers to attack. At last, the soldiers charged, and Cinder sent a hailstorm of stunning spells before most could even reach them.

The Captain was the first to cross blades with Sebastian, and two more soldiers came at Cinder. She blocked one with her short sword and forced him between herself and her second attacker.

Sebastian pushed the Captain back and sent another wolf flying away with a hard kick to the face, spraying blood everywhere. The Captain rushed him again, along with another.

Cinder shot a column of fire out and around them in a circle to block the other two advancing on their position, preventing them from being overwhelmed; they were each fighting two opponents already. The crowd gasped and backed away, avoiding the flames that roared around them like a serpent of fire.

Cinder blocked the man attacking her again and gave him a firm head butt, reinforced with her magic, over their crossed swords, sending him to the ground flat on his back. The other man ran at her, and she tilted her head as her eyes got a far-away look. She squeezed his mind tight enough to drop him to his knees, and then a sharp kick to his face sent him sprawling out on the ground, out for the count. Cinder turned to the last two.

They both rushed them and while she sent another stunning spell onto one of them, the second engaged her, crossing swords, pressing her back.

Sebastian was still fighting the Captain; the second soldier who had attacked him lay across the arena floor, gushing blood from his face from a hit. The Captain was the most skilled of all of them, and he and Sebastian circled one another. Cinder shoved the soldier attacking her off of her blade just as the Captain had his legs swiped out below him by Sebastian. A sword pointed to the neck, and he conceded to Sebastian.

The last soldier came at Cinder again, engaging her. Their exchanges were lightning quick, but he was no match for Cinder; he conceded when he found a dagger at his throat.

The crowd around them began whooping after the gasps were finished.

The Generals and King made their way down from the balcony to join them on the sparring grounds.

“Most impressive!” bellowed the General. Cinder bowed to the General, and Sebastian gave him a polite nod. “And where did you learn to fight, may I ask you? You have successfully taken down an entire group of my soldiers. Perhaps we could use you for training, Your Highness?”

It took Sebastian a moment to realize the General was addressing him with that title, but he bowed his head again and responded, “I would be happy to help train your men in what I know if this pleases the King?”

King Adrian gave him a smile and laughed, “Of course! Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. What King would turn down the chance to improve his men?”

The General began discussing training times with Sebastian and the techniques he had used that were new to the General. The General was enthusiastic about bringing in outside techniques to improve his soldiers, particularly because Sebastian had already mastered the New Moon Forces techniques, bringing in Eradicator knowledge.

The General was a knowledgeable man with a kind disposition, even though Cinder could hear his seriousness as a soldier there in his mind. She was pleased to find that he was another good, honorable man in leadership here in the Kingdom; she doubted that Adrian, with who he was, would stand for anything less in his Kingdom.

Cinder felt Adrian’s gaze on her, and she tore her eyes away from Sebastian to look at Adrian. He looked at her strangely, almost like he had seen her for the first time.

“Sire? Is everything alright?”

He gave her a small smile and nodded as his eyes narrowed in thought while he studied her anew. She could hear that his mind was absorbing this new image of her, and it was like he was seeing her entirely for the first time; she looked like his old love, but she was her own person in his mind. One that could hold her own against werewolf soldiers, with a commanding presence though humble, one he was impressed with, making her blush.

Her thoughts were torn from the King as the General asked her, “And WHAT was all that, with the magic!? How did it float off His Highness but stun my men?”

She answered the General, “Sebastian was simply blocking the magic when we were fighting, so it flowed off of him, not taking effect. If your men have never had blocking training, it would be impossible for them to do this. I would be happy to help give them opportunities to learn from Sebastian if it pleases His Majesty.” She locked eyes with Adrian and then looked back to the General after the King nodded approvingly.

“Very well then! We shall see when we can get started,” the General said, enthused. Cinder felt Adrian continuing to study her and could hear the questions in his mind about her. He wanted to understand her more.

After discussing training logistics with the General, Sebastian, and Cinder excused themselves from the training grounds and returned to their rooms. Cinder noticed that the word of their sparring and guard challenge had spread throughout the palace already. The guards down the royal corridor were intimidated by the two, all dressed in black, approaching them. Some worried that the two were there to assassinate their King and take over rule. They went into their separate rooms and changed out of their armor.

Cinder wandered into the bathroom to find a small pond made from a rock wall that was continually fed from a small waterfall in the wall behind it. Another stream out of the pool created another fall carried away by a drainage system; she was amazed. She touched the water, and it was pleasantly warm. She stripped and stepped into the water, cleaning herself thoroughly after her sweaty practice.

She stepped out and dried off, dressing in the red gown she had worn so long ago to act as a Seer for Rhys. She braided her hair back using her magic and put on another headpiece. Sebastian knocked on the door connecting their rooms.

“Enter,” she answered him, taking one last look in the mirror.

“I’ve always loved that dress on you, Cinder.” His eyes wandered down her neckline, bringing a blush to her cheeks that made her even lovelier in his mind. He cupped her face and kissed her, instantly heating her and causing her to reach out to caress his waist with her hands.

He groaned at her touch, wishing to keep them longer so he could make love to her, but they would be late if they did. He pulled back to look at her, his eyes illuminated with desire, looking into hers that matched his own.

“You’re lucky we have to go have dinner with the King, or I’d already have you out of that dress, Cinder,” he said in a husky voice, still holding her face. Her heart sped up a little at his words, making him smile as he listened. He bent and kissed her again, possessing her with his tongue, making her moan and cling to him.

“Sebastian,” she mentally sighed at him, her desire for him intensifying.

He rereleased her, whispering, “I’m not finished with you for the night, but first, we have to go have that dinner.” He released her face, blinking his eyes clear, watching hers slowly fade.

He offered her his arm, and they left her room and down the hall. A servant met them at the end of their hallway and escorted them to a private dining room in the royal wing of the palace that overlooked a garden.

They were seated and waited for the King, stealing flirting glances at one another. Both rose when Adrian arrived, and all sat down together.

Servants began serving the meal as Adrian turned to Sebastian, “So, Cinder informs me that you two grew up together in the woods?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. She was my first friend, and then I befriended another boy who was Cinder’s friend. The three of us grew up in the woods together.”

“Were you ever aware of what Kingdom your family had fled from?”

“No, Your Majesty,” Sebastian answered, “I’m afraid I wasn’t old enough to know when Hunters wiped out my pack. I had only been told we had fled an evil King.”

Adrian thought for a few moments about how to offer his proposal to Sebastian.

“Sebastian, have you thought about what you would like to do with your time here while Cinder works?”

Sebastian politely answered him, “Well, it seems, Your Majesty, that a good chunk of my time will be filled with combat training now. Otherwise, no, I have not considered what else there would be for me to do here. I’m afraid I don’t know much about your way of life. Living in a community with other wolves is foreign to me.”

“Sebastian, I would like you to call me Adrian in private, and you may call me Sire when we are in public. As far as natural rank goes, we are equals here.”

“As you wish, Adrian,” Sebastian answered him with a nod.

“Sebastian, have you considered your future as a King Alpha? Do you ever intend to form a Kingdom of your own?” asked Adrian.

“I had not considered that far into my future, no. We are simply trying to fulfill the legal requirements upon Cinder for an apprenticeship. It would be most difficult to just start a Kingdom, don’t you think?” Sebastian asked back, curious as to what Adrian would say.

“It wouldn’t be impossible and would take time, but I believe others will flock to you if you are known as a kind and generous King. Too few of the King Alphas are known to be this way. Our world needs more of them, so I have a proposal for you to consider.” Sebastian looked curiously at Adrian and stole a glance at Cinder. She smiled and nodded at him.

“What proposal is that?” Sebastian encouraged.

Adrian sat back in his chair and looked at Sebastian while he said, “I would like to mentor you in the areas of leading a Kingdom, including politics, trade, military and war, and anything else that comes along the way. I would like to make you my Second, for your time here, in hopes of raising up another King Alpha worthy of the position, one that actually cares for his people instead of serving his own selfish purposes.” Sebastian was obviously surprised by the King’s offer, especially when he didn’t know Sebastian.

“Is this your doing?” Sebastian asked Cinder.

“It was his idea when we talked earlier,” she answered. Sebastian turned back to look at Adrian.

“Why would you offer such an honor to someone you had just met you know so little about?” Sebastian asked him.

“I agree, Sebastian, that in general, it would not be a wise thing to do, but from my conversation with Cinder, who speaks from a place of truth in her Seer mode, I believe this is the right thing to do. She did share with me about your past and who you are, from what you know. I have strong suspicions about your family origins that we can discuss later. If possible, I also strongly desire to help my people and our entire race. Ensuring a good foundation for a rising King Alpha will only bring good to our people.” Sebastian scowled some, looking down at his plate while he thought about it.

“My duty is to Cinder, above your Kingdom, I’m afraid, Adrian. I don’t know how to fully commit to being your Second in that place. I cannot make a commitment that would interfere with my bond to Cinder.”

“I understand that. Is that your only concern, then? I promise never to put you in a position where you would have to choose one over the other. It may require moments of small sacrifice of time, but otherwise, I would never ask you to put my Kingdom before her. Putting my Kingdom first is my burden to bear,” assured Adrian.

Sebastian mulled the idea over in his mind. It was a huge responsibility and undertaking. He was worried that the duties would leave him little time to spend with Cinder and still force him to choose duty over her. Even walking her to Dominique’s home to keep her safe might sometimes be impossible.

“Voice your concerns to the King, Sebastian,” Cinder encouraged him. Sebastian turned to Adrian and explained his thoughts and concerns.

“I don’t mean to appear ungrateful for the opportunity. Cinder’s safety, and time with her, are important to me,” Sebastian finished.

“I agree. Simply voice when you want reserved time with Cinder, and you shall have it. As for her safety, we will ensure she is always escorted when traveling through the woods. She can obviously take care of herself to a large degree, but we will provide what you think she needs.”

Sebastian nodded his understanding, “Very well then. I accept your proposal.”

Adrian smiled, obviously pleased, and motioned for a servant to bring forward a rectangular wooden box that opened to reveal another livery collar made out of silver rectangles, with a black onyx center stone in each.

“This will signal to everyone your station as my Second. Other than in combat and armor, you should wear it. Over a shirt or without is up to you. There will be times of certain dress requirements, but otherwise, it will be a personal choice,” Adrian knowingly smiled at him. “You will get used to it, I promise, as intimidating as it seems now. You have the ability to rule, and Cinder tells me you also have an affinity for it. This will give you the experience you lack, preparing you to step up into your own Kingdom.”

Sebastian’s eyes snapped to Cinder’s when Adrian commented on her opinion of him having what it would take to rule. He knew that Cinder loved and held him in high regard, but to hear that she went as far as saying that he would make an excellent ruler to another King Alpha moved him on a deep level. Her loyalty and love always astounded him, and he let her feel it.

Sebastian tore his eyes from Cinder’s and looked down at the ornate collar, lifting it from its box. Its weight was substantial, a reminder of the burden of the responsibility that came with the position. He stared at it for a long moment before heaving a heavy sigh and lifting it over his head to rest on his shoulders. He looked up at Cinder and met her gaze with a look of consternation.

Cinder turned to Adrian, thinking.

“Adrian, Sire, may I ask a question?”

He nodded at her, saying, “You may ask me anything you wish at any time, Cinder.”

“How is it that you don’t already have a Second?” She felt pain from him at her question and instantly regretted asking.

“I’m sorry, Adrian. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“It’s alright, Cinder,” Adrian answered her. He took a sip of wine before continuing. “This will be good for Sebastian to hear anyways. Consider it his first lesson. Normally the King’s firstborn son becomes his Second after his Coming of Age at 18. I have no queen or children of my own, so the position has never really been filled. It is sometimes filled by a King’s chosen successor, in this case, or another for training, but that is a rarer circumstance like this one. It is the King’s choice, and none can contend with that decision, either to instill someone as their Second or remove them from the position. There have even been times when a King finds his son unfit to rule and even names another as his Second or a younger son. Some firstborns are instilled as the Second before their Coming of Age, especially if their father is ill and dying, but that is much rarer and not recommended as the weight of the responsibility is heavy. I was my father’s Second at 18, up until his death when I became King. Never be afraid to ask me any questions. You may ask anything you want, the both of you. I already mentioned I have nothing to hide.”

Cinder was extremely curious about Adrian’s story. He was 400 years old but had no queen or family to show for it. He had loved once since she looked like his first love, but where was the woman? What had happened to her, and why did he not remarry or marry someone else? Had he had no loves since that woman?

He caught her gazing at his hand, where a ring would have been. She met his eyes, blushing at being caught, and then looked down at her plate, feeling shy again. She focused on her food, remaining silent as her mind went over all her questions about him. How could such a wonderful and attractive man not have a woman in his life, especially when he had had hundreds of years to find one? It just didn’t make sense to her.

She listened, not looking up, as Sebastian and Adrian began discussing what Sebastian’s duties would be and what their future in the Kingdom would look like. Her thoughts drifted back to Adrian. What had happened in his life to cause him so much pain? If she was honest with herself, she found herself even more curious about him because she was attracted to him. With all that she could hear and discern from his mind, he truly was an amazing man; his heart was noble and pure, devoted and kind.

If she was ever to love another man again, outside of Sebastian, it would be someone like him. But she refused to love another because she brought death to those she loved. She had gotten Garret killed, and her Pathway was to be fraught with death, including hers.