Shadows Of Desire

After finding the two guards passed out in the corridor, the entire Kingdom was suddenly put on high alert. The Queen had ordered that Greagor and the prisoner be captured and brought before her. She was hellbent on the execution of the prisoner but, Greagor’s fate remained to be seen. The entire situation didn’t sit well with Evander. Greagor was his captain. He’d trained under him and had served him for years. He trusted Greagor. It was the Queen he didn’t trust.

If Greagor had escaped with the prisoner, he wouldn’t have just waltz out the dungeon doors with him and, they weren’t hiding somewhere in the holding cells. Knowing Greagor, there was only one place they could go. Down the tunnel to the guard house. Greagor was trying to reach the main gate where he could easily lead the prisoner out of Basmorte to safety. Easy, that is, if the guards on duty didn’t try to stop them first. Honestly, Evander had no idea how the other guards would react. Greagor was their captain but would they be willing to commit treason for him?

If the guards refused to let them pass that could be a problem. Greagor was a formidable man and a great warrior but, even he was no match for the handful of guards he’d find guarding the gate. A skirmish with them could easily turn into a blood bath. Evander had to make it to the main gate himself and intercept the captain and his prisoner before things got out of hand. If there was a fight, at least having Evander on his side might give Greagor a chance.

Evander still had no idea who this prisoner was but, if Greagor were willing to risk everything to protect him, that was good enough for Evander. He had no loyalty to the Queen anyway. Mounting his horse, Evander took off for the main gate as fast as the gelding could manage. He just prayed he’d make it in time.

No one attempted to stop him as he raced through the city though he did get some suspicious looks from the people he passed. Most of the time the guard rode through slowly, doing patrols of the city to make sure all was well within the city walls. They would stop and talk to the people at times or just stop at one point and watch the goings on around them. To see Evander riding through as fast as if the devil were on his heels meant only one thing, something out of the ordinary had happened. The people were curious, of course, but Evander didn’t have time to stop and ease their concerns.

“Out of the way!” He shouted to an alarmed looking couple as he sped down the road. The couple immediately moved to the side to let him pass. Evander didn’t even give them a second glance.

The rest of the way was fairly unobstructed. He did knock over a cart of apples on the way but that was it. The merchant who owed the cart cursed him as he rode past but Evander paid him little attention. This was a matter of life or death after all and he just did not have the time to deal with pissed off vendors.

It had taken nearly twenty minutes but he’d finally reached his destination. All seemed quiet as he approached. Slowing down as to not cause alarm, he made his way to the guard post near the gate and stopped. There were two guards stationed at the gate, guarding the wicket. Four more were patrolling the top of the wall, all armed with cross bows. Evander could see them walking back and forth, looking out into the darkness towards the forest but they didn’t seem as though they were overly concerned. The two guards in the gate house were playing cards. They briefly looked up as Evander approached but seeing who it was, quickly went back to their game.

Evander wasn’t sure how many were in the guard house as it was located a fair distance from the gate but, from where he was sitting, perched on his mount, he could see candle lights burning in the windows on all three floors of the building. He tensed as he looked the building over. Greagor and the prisoner would be coming up through the ground floor. From there they would most likely exit through the west side door and then cross the grounds to the gate where they would try to leave through the wicket. If they were quiet enough, they could make it to the gate without alerting the other guards. The two in the gate house would be easy to get past, as long as they didn’t sound the alarm.

Evander thought of trying to distract them but, he knew these men well. They wouldn’t be easily distracted from their duty to guard the gate. He considered talking to them. He could explain the situation and hope that they were of the same mind as him. Many of the guards disliked the Queen but would they really be willing to betray her? False Queen or not, she was the current monarch on the throne and each and every guard had pledged their loyalty to the crown.

Evander just didn’t know what to do. What would be the best way to handle this situation? Whatever he decided to do had to be done fast, time was running out. Greagor and the prisoner must, by now, have made it to the underground chamber. It was only a matter of time before they emerged.

Evander climbed down from his horse. The guards in the gate house were still engaged in their game but both glanced up as he approached them.

“What are you doing here, Evander? Weren’t you assigned to the court yard this evening?” The guard closest to the opened doorway asked, his eyes still glued to the cards he held in his hands.

“I was, Munro. There’s a...situation though. The Queen sent me to alert the guard of a possible escape attempt.”

Both guards abandoned their game and stood up, walking immediately to where Evander was standing in the doorway. Once they looked up and really had a look at him both men grimaced at the sight of his face. “What the hell happened to ya, Lad?” The second and considerably younger guard asked. “Did the escaped prisoner do this to ya?”

Evander averted his eyes as a look of shame washed over his face. “No, Hamish.” He answered, finding no reason to lie to these men. Especially if he wanted their help. “It was the Queen.”

“The Queen?” Monro raised an eyebrow though he didn’t sound surprised by the news. “Why would she do this? Did you offend her in some way?”

“I merely reported to her what I was told. The Princess was murdered, Lord Killian took his own life, and the Captain helped the prisoner escape the dungeon. She did not appreciate the news and so did this in her anger.” He pointed to his eye and the faded scar that ran across his otherwise unblemished face.

“Dear Gods.” Hamish gasped as Evander told the story.

Monro nodded. “She will burn in the fires of hell for what she’s done.” He growled.

“Monro!” Hamish stared at the older man, eyes wide with fright. “Tis treason to speak ill of the Queen.”

“Is there any here who will tell her?” Monro bellowed as he puffed out his chest and stared down at the younger man.

Hamish was quick to shake his head. “Not I.” He said.

“Nor I.” Evander added. “As far as I’m concerned, the Queen can go fuck herself.”

The three men chuckled at the idea. They walked back inside the gate house to further discuss the situation and figure out what they were going to do about the Captain and the escaped prisoner.

***

Greagor was the first to climb the ladder into the upper level of the guard house which was, in fact, the ground floor. Rowan followed and Aidan, the squire, brought up the rear. Greagor wasn’t sure what they would find when they reached the guard house so he insisted on going first. Aidan followed after Rowan just in case they were attacked from the tunnels. This way, Rowan was sandwiched between them and better protected from any Knights or Guards that might attempt to stop them.

Greagor wasn’t sure what good the squire would be in a fight. He would have had some combat training but he carried no weapons. Neither did Rowan as his dagger had been taken from him when he was arrested. Still, both were vampires, well Rowan was half, but at least that gave them a slight advantage. If it came down to it, they had their claws and fangs to fight with. Greagor just hoped that it didn’t come down to a fight. If it did, they would be seriously out matched. The Captain could hold his own but with a scrawny, barely adult, squire and a pregnant omega Prince to worry about, it put Greagor in a precarious position. He couldn’t fight and protect both of them at the same time.

Greagor was relieved to see the ground floor completely empty. He had expected it under normal circumstances. The guards usually gathered in the upper levels where they had a higher vantage point in case of attackers. The highest level also led to the wall which was patrolled both night and day. He wasn’t sure though if there would be any soldiers waiting for him and Rowan. The fact that they were not though, told Greagor that the guards had not yet been alerted to their escape.

Once he was in the room above the lower chamber and had made certain that it was safe, he motioned for Rowan to come up. Greagor helped him through the hatch in the floor and then both waited as Aidan made his way through. Greagor closed the hatch and then placed a finger to his lips and pointed to the floor above. Rowan understood at once what he meant. Greagor did not want them to make any noise that would alert the guards above that they were there.

Greagor waved his hand, signaling for the others to follow him as he quietly made his way across the room to the west door, leading to the yard outside. Under the cover of night they should be able to go undetected if they kept to the wall. The real issue would come when they reached the gate house and had to explain to the guards stationed there what was going on. Greagor knew the men on duty. He had assigned them to the main gate himself. Hamish and Monro. Both good soldiers and loyal to the crown. Greagor just hoped they were loyal to him as well.

Greagor told Rowan to stay close. He opened the door and the cool air from outside rushed into the room, causing Rowan to shiver. Greagor and Aidan were unaffected by the cold but Rowan, being half Shee, felt it to his bones. Fall was slowly slipping away as winter drifted towards them. Rowan stepped out into the cool night and looked up at the moon. Full and mysterious looking, it’s silver beams of light reached down from the heavens and lit a path through the darkness. Rowan let his head fall back, his face now raised to the night sky and he closed his eyes as he allowed his face to be bathed in the moonlight.

Somewhere in the distance a wolf howled. Rowan didn’t pay it any mind though. His thoughts were elsewhere. Past the gate that held him within the city limits, past the Palace of Basmorte, even past the forest where the werewolves were, no doubt, running freely in their furs. Rowan’s thoughts wandered to a place that could not be seen by people of this realm. He was thinking of Annwn, the land of the Tuatha. His thoughts had wandered to that of his mother. He could almost feel her close to him. Her presence was all around yet separated by the veil between the living and the dead.

He could feel the stillness in the air, and the shift of energy as the moon shone down on him. At first he didn’t understand why he was feeling what he was feeling. He’d been locked in the dungeon for days, not really knowing how long he’d been there, or even knowing what day it was. But, standing in the yard near the wall now he understood. This was the night of Sauin, the end of the fall harvest and the night when the veil was at it’s weakest. He could feel his mother’s presence and sense her power because her spirit was closer to him now that it had ever been. Caroline had chosen this night to execute Rowan as an insult to him and his ancestors. Probably as a slight against the Goddess Morrigu herself.

Rowan had to smirk when he thought of Caroline and how angry she must be now. Her plan had failed miserably. If either of them were to die this night, Rowan was absolutely positive that it would not be him. He would make certain of that, in fact. As soon as he met up with Thaden again, he would speak to him about going back to Rosegate. There Thaden could convince his father and brother to invade Basmorte. Rowan would ride alongside them and take back the throne. Caroline could then be locked in the dungeons until her trial. For once she would be alone, without friends or allies. Rowan wasn’t sure yet what he would have done with Emilia but one thing he knew for sure was that the bitch would be joining her mother in a rat infested cell.

A hand lightly touched Rowan’s shoulder and Rowan turned to see Aidan standing beside him. The squire nodded towards Greagor who was already moving towards the gate house. He looked back to the others and motioned with his head for them to follow.

Just as Greagor had anticipated, Hamish and Monro were inside the gate house but they weren’t playing cards as they normally did. Instead, they were speaking with another guard, a young guard who had only served under Greagor for the past three years but still, Greagor knew the man well. What puzzled him though was why the man was there. He wasn’t stationed at the guard house or the main gate. He was ordered to provide security in the court yard just in case the crowd decided to riot when they realized who it was the Queen was planning to execute.

Of course, Rowan never made it to the courtyard or the pyre that had been erected to burn him but, that did not give Evander permission to leave his post. The only one who could have ordered him to leave was the Queen. So, that begged the question, why was he there? What had the Queen ordered him to do?

“Evander?” Greagor stepped into view of the gate house, Rowan and Aidan safely behind him. His voice was stern and commanding but without anger, just curiosity. “Why are you here?” He asked the obvious question. “You were stationed at the court yard.”

“Captain.” Evander turned and bowed and when Greagor saw the young man’s face he paled.

“What in Sheul’s name happened to you?” Greagor demanded.

Evander explained to Greagor what the Queen had done to him, as he had explained it to Hamish and Monro. He then told Greagor of how the Queen had ordered him to alert the guard and have Greagor as well as the prisoner apprehended. Hearing this, Greagor was furious. Not only was the bitch Queen planning to murder the Prince and rightful heir to the throne but, now she was injuring his men for her own petty satisfaction. More so now than before Greagor was glad that he’d sided with Rowan. Basmorte needed a ruler that would care for its people. Vampire and Fae alike.

“So, you all now know that I’ve aided the prisoner in escaping.” Greagor looked to the three guards with a raised brow as he studied their expressions. “The question now is, do you stand with me or, do you follow the rule of a corrupt Queen?”

Evander already knew the answer to that but, he was still curious. Who was this prisoner that Greagor was so willing to risk his life to save? And, why was Queen Caroline so hellbent on seeing him or her burn?

“My loyalty has always been with you, my Captain. That was never in question but, I have to ask, who is this prisoner that we are meant to protect? Why are they so important?” Hamish and Monro locked eyes with the captain and each nodded their heads, wondering the same thing.

“Maybe it’s best that I let him explain.” Greagor said and he stepped aside to allow Rowan to step forward.

“Gentlemen.” Rowan addressed the three of them and the moment they saw his face all three men fell silent. It was obvious from their expressions of shock and confusion that they were trying to wrap their heads around what and who they were looking at. There, before them, stood the supposedly dead Prince, alive and well. Was this a joke? Some kind of trick? They just couldn’t comprehend what it was that they were seeing. He wasn’t a ghost nor a zombie. He looked exactly as he had before the fateful night he’d supposedly taken his own life.

He was still young, radiant, and enchanting to behold. Maybe a bit healthier looking and without the forlorn face he normally sported but, he was still Rowan, their lost Prince. Not knowing what to say or do, Hamish and Monro immediately took a knee, declaring their allegiance to Rowan but, Evander stood still, staring at the young man with a look on his face that was something between disbelief and anger.

“Evander.” Monro whispered from where he knelt on the floor. “Kneel, for Sheul’s sake, he is our Prince!”

“No.” Evander said. His eyes remained locked on Rowan and his voice was low and accusing. “I will not kneel. Not until he explains himself.”

“Evander!” Greagor scolded. “It is not your place!”

The two guards still kneeling grimaced at the ire in their captain’s voice but Rowan only put up a hand, telling Greagor that it was alright.

“He’s right.” Rowan said. His voice remained calm and he spoke with understanding. “I owe him, I owe all of you, an explanation for my actions. What I did was deceitful, and cowardly. I thought only of myself and my own happiness and for that I am deeply sorry. I do feel though that my journey, as short as it was, has helped me grow into a better man and a more capable ruler than I would have been otherwise. This does not excuse my actions though. I am a servant of the people first and foremost and I should have thought about that before making such a rash decision.”

“But, why?” Evander asked, narrowing his eyes. “Why did you abandon us in the first place? I could forgive such an act if you have a valid reason. Was your life in danger?”

Rowan motioned for Hamish and Monro to stand as he addressed the three of them. “I was a child, fearful of my father’s wrath if I refused to wed Lord Killian. I did not love him. Honestly, I found him repulsive. I could think only of how miserable my life would be as that man’s mate so, I did the only thing I could think of at the time. I ran away.” Rowan went on to explain the circumstances of his fake death, leaving out the part about how Caroline and Emilia had planned to trick him into drinking actual poison. That was a tale best told at a later date, when they had more time.

There was much that Rowan wanted to explain but it could wait. The most important thing was reaching Thaden and planning their next move. Rowan assured the three guards that he intended to take back the throne from Caroline. He just couldn’t do it alone. His only hope at this point was that the Elven King would take this opportunity to crush his long time enemy. Then, with Rowan and Thaden on the throne, perhaps they could work towards peace between the realms and possibly form an alliance. This all rested on finding Thaden though, telling him of Rowan’s plan, and convincing Thaden to speak to his father.

“Where is the Elven Prince now?” Monro asked as they all sat around the table in the gatehouse.

“I was taken from Pickaway village.” Rowan explained. “At the time, Thaden was there. I’m sure by now he’s figured out that I was taken and is on his way here.”

“Can you really be so certain of that?“Hamish asked.

Rowan smiled. “He’s my mate. My true and fated mate. He will come for me. Besides, it is not just my life at stake.” He gently touched his belly and the two guards eye’s followed his hand to where it rested.

“My prince!” Hamish gasped. “You’re in no condition to be going into battle!”

“Perhaps it won’t come to that.” Rowan told the man. “Most if not all of Basmorte is ready to revolt, or so I’ve heard. With the Elves backing me, perhaps my own troops will abandon Caroline and side with me, their true sovereign.”

“What about the council?” Monro asked. “Some believe that they have aided Caroline in her rise to the throne. They may not acknowledge your claim.”

Rowan sighed, pursing his lips as he nodded. “My father allowed the council too much power but, he was a weak ruler and cared little for the Kingdom. The council is here to guide and advise the King or Queen but, their word is not law. When it comes down to it, the one who holds the real power is the one who sits on the throne.”

“What say you, Evander? Do you think the council will back Prince Rowan?” Hamish questioned Evander and all eyes turned towards the man but it became quickly apparent that Evander’s attention was elsewhere. Rowan had to wonder if the man had even heard a word he’d said in the last ten minutes.

“Evander?” Hamish called out to him, attempting to bring his attention back to the conversation. Evander turned towards the other guard and looked up with a dazed expression on his face. Rowan followed to where his gaze had been only moments before and saw Aidan, standing behind him, blushing from ear to ear.

“The council?” Hamish repeated his earlier question. “Do you think the council will back the Prince?”

“Oh.” Evander scratched the back of his head as he tried to piece together what the others had been discussing. He simply shrugged his shoulders. “Who’s to know.” He said. “All we can do is wait and see.”

Hamish frowned, obviously not pleased with the answer but Evander didn’t even seem to notice as he turned his attention back to Aidan. Aidan smiled at the man then averted his eyes as a deep blush once again rose up his cheeks.

Evander stood up and walked to Aidan who was now staring blankly at the floor. Evander placed a finger under the younger man’s chin and lifted his head up so that they were looking at each other. “You have such beautiful eyes.” Evander told him.

“T-thank you.” Aidan said, the words coming out as a squeak that Evander found absolutely adorable.

“Perhaps when this is all over, you and I could spend some time together.”

Aidan’s eyes lit up at the suggestion and he nodded his agreement. “I-I would like that.” He said.

Monro elbowed Hamish in the side then grinned. “I think Evander has more on his mind than politics.” He said, and both men chuckled.

“Alright.” Greagor said as he stood up from the table. “The two of you can moon over each other later. Our priority now is getting the Prince to safety and that means getting him out of Basmorte.”

“I think Aidan should accompany the Prince once he leaves the city. It will be safer for him then.” Evander was the first to speak up and a look passed between he and the squire. Greagor noticed it but said nothing. He wasn’t sure if it was Rowan’s safety or Aidan’s that Evander was worried about but it didn’t really matter. Aidan wasn’t a warrior. He was little more than a messenger boy and would be of no use in a fight but, he could be useful to Rowan. At least the Prince wouldn’t be alone when he left to find his husband.

“I agree.” Greagor said. “Aidan, you will go with Prince Rowan and help him locate his mate. The four of us...” He motioned towards himself, Evander, and the others. “We’ll make sure your path is clear and see you safely out of the city.”

“And after that?” Rowan asked him. “The Queen will know you’ve helped me. How will you avoid capture.”

Greagor pursed his lips. He hadn’t thought that far ahead yet. “We’ll just have to cross that bridge when we come to it.” He answered. In truth, he was worried about what the Queen would do when she discovered that Rowan had escaped and that Greagor had aided him in it. He feared most of all that she would go after his family just to make a point. He had to have faith though that Rowan would reach the Elven Prince in time and together, persuade the King to lend them his army. If Rowan’s plan worked and he took back the throne then Greagor and his family would be safe, and so would all of Basmorte.