Tommit’s threat of marrying me caused a new darkness to overcome Cassius. I had never seen him take on the features of pure hate before. I wasn’t sure if it was the thought of me marrying Tommit or if it was just his proverbial final straw. He charged at Tommit while yelling, he sounded more like a wounded animal than the man I loved. Tommit thought he was ready for him, but Cassius pretended to swing right and then quickly swung left. He sliced deeply into Tommit’s shoulder. Blood started seeping through his layers of fabric.
For a moment, he stood there looking dumbfounded; he couldn’t believe Cassius had actually injured him. Several guards moved toward them. There were too many for Cassius to fight off by himself. In no time, they had him bound and on display for Tommit. My stomach was churning, my heart aching.
“Cas…” I managed to whisper. He turned to look at me, pain filled in his eyes. Tommit was busy being bandaged. I used this time to continue gazing at the love of my life—knowing we didn’t have much more time. He never took his gaze from mine. Even though no words were spoken, our eyes said it all. Our love, our hopes for the future together, our dreams of forever; we both knew it was ending and there was nothing we could do about it.
Chapter 30
Tommit’s shiny steel sword tickled the lump which had formed in Cassius’ throat.
I fought against the manacles which held me back, keeping me from ripping Tommit’s face off. Any thoughts of my ripped dress were far from my mind. I kicked and tried to bite Cronan, hoping that if I connected just right that he would release me. His sinister laugh echoed in my ears. This only enraged me more.
I threw my head back; my skull connected with his gnarly nose. A growl escaped his throat.
I used the moment to rush at Tommit. I pushed him with all of my might, and he fell hard to the ground—his sword cut deep into his right cheek. Blood gushed from his open wound. A look of shock, and then a look of desire passed his eyes. He climbed up before I made it the other two steps to Cassius. We were being swarmed by Destroyers. They had Cassius in a headlock before I could shout “NO!” Tommit walked toward me. Now, I was being held by two guards. He reached up and caressed my cheek.
“It’s alright. I like my women…feisty.”
As he wiped the fallen blood from his face, a dark smile filled his features. His vile laugh was shared by the other guards, who encircled us. More than anything, in that moment, I wanted to lunge at him and with one movement cut his head off with his own sword. It surprised me that I thought I was even capable of such violence. Walking toward me, he reached out and grabbed me by my hair. A small gasp of pain escaped my lips before I was able to stop it. Tommit pulled me forward with such force that it took my breath away, then he forced his foul lips upon mine. It took me a second to recover. I could hear Cassius fighting to free himself. I opened my mouth just enough that the ego-manic actually thought his lips were moving mine…
I allowed him an infinitesimal second of enjoyment before I bit down hard on his lower lip. He jumped back and yelped in pain. Without thinking about it, he pulled his hand back and hit me with such force my ears were ringing. Then, he spat on the floor, his saliva was mixed with blood from the large cut that now oozed from his mouth.
“You would seriously rather be with this…stable boy? I could give you everything. You will still be my queen, the kingdom will demand it. I look forward to taming the wild out of you.”
My blood ran cold, knowing all too well what he was thinking.
“Leave her alone!” Cassius roared. It took all of the Destroyers strength to hold him in place. Tommit turned his attention from me back to Cassius. I didn’t want this to happen. He scooped up his sword and raised it to Cassius’ throat.
“He will make a nice addition to my trophy room. Maybe every time you see his pitiful head mounted for the world to see, you will realize just what I am capable of.” Tommit raised his arms, ready to end the love my life.
“NO!” Tears streamed down my face. Cassius' eyes were locked on mine.
“I love you, Aurora…forever.”
This only enraged Tommit more. He growled and went to level the sword across Cassius’s throat.
Chapter 31
I have gone back to this moment a million times in my mind.
How could someone be filled with such evil? How could I survive without Cassius? I knew that the first moment I was alone, I would find a way to end my life. Evver was missing; life without Cassius was too much to bear, especially if I was forced to live my life, day in and day out, with Tommit as my husband. I knew he would make me pay for my betrayal.
My heart had dropped to my stomach and my lungs had willingly stopped breathing, then the impossible happened.
Chapter 32
The whole castle started to shake.
At first, I thought we were having an earthquake. Did they have earthquakes in Paradan? It shook Tommit with such force that his sword was sent flying across the throne room. There was a sudden appearance of hope starting to take root in my anguished heart. Cassius and I never took our gaze off of one another. If this was going to be the end, at least we were going to be together.
“WHAT IS GOING ON?” Tommit bellowed.
Everyone struggled to stay standing. I fought to free myself, willing myself to make it to Cassius. He had the same idea in mind. The guards were so bewildered by the shaking, they had weakened their grasp for a split second. It was all the time I needed to break free and run to Cassius. Seeing me running to him must have given him a surge of adrenaline; when I was only steps from him, he too, broke their hold and rushed to me. We clung to each other like our lives depended on it. Tommit had started to charge at us just when the throne room doors exploded. The sound was deafening. Cassius used his body to shield me from the flying debris.
Was this more help for Tommit?
Or were we about to be saved?
I tried to see what was coming, but Cassius continued to hold me down to shield me from the unknown. I struggled, yet he was bound and determined to protect me.
“Just wait,” his hushed whisper sounded. Frustrated, but obedient, I held still, waiting for the reveal…friend or foe?
*
In rushed more than Cassius could count. Giants, fairies, dwarfs, trolls, and humans! They were all being led by a royal figure on a black steed. Seated behind him was an older, but beautiful, woman. Next to them was Tiden, with a wide smile on his gentle face; Trix was flying nearby. Cassius felt a huge wave of relief. Help was here and they were on OUR side.
*
I could feel Cassius’ muscles releasing their fierce protective hold on me.
This was a good thing. The only way Cassius would be relieved was as if our newcomers were on our side. Peeking out from under Cassius’ arms, I could see hundreds of people. They came in every shape, size, and every type of mythical creature that I had grown to love. There were several of them already scooping up the guards and Tommit’s monstrous Destroyers.
“Prince Calan!” Tommit snarled.
Cassius and I both looked at each other, surprised the Prince would show up to help us.
“Actually, it is King Calan, now. I don’t believe I have had the displeasure of your acquaintance.” King Calan’s words brought a sneer to Tommit’s face. His jaw snapped shut in fury. “Trust me, I would remember meeting a worm like you.”
Tommit lunged at King Calan.
Before he could even get close, he was swept up by Fara guards. He was immediately chained, with no hope of escape. He fought against the chains holding him back. The sight of Tommit’s fury had me cowering into Cassius’ chest. He held me protectively. I noticed through the entire interaction the woman behind King Calan never took her eyes from Cassius. It was strange. Cassius released one of his arms, but kept a tight hold of me with his remaining arm. He pulled me along, as he walked toward the waiting King. We bowed as we stepped in front of King Calan and his Calvary.
“Your majesty. We are so grateful for your help.”
“Rise, son. We were so distressed when we heard what had become of our neighbors. Our new friends,” he motioned toward Tiden and Trix, “had brought news of the atrocities that have befallen your people. I am only sorry we were not informed sooner, we may have been able to prevent so many tragedies. We could have interceded sooner. State your name.”
“I am Cassius, and this is Aurora.”
His eyes rose at the reveal of our names. “Are you injured badly?” I looked to Cassius. He had blood coming down his face. His eyes were locked on my cheek where Tommit had hit me. I could feel it swelling already. I reached up to touch the side of my face and winced in pain.
“I’m sorry.” His words were mingled with pain. I reached to wipe the blood from Cassius’ gentle face. I was relieved to see the offending casualty was only from a small cut on his forehead. He leaned down and kissed my forehead.
“Why don’t we let you two clean up and then we can talk. I will have my guards take Tommit to the Schelle caverns. I am willing to bet they will keep him out of trouble for a while.”
King Calan’s words had the blood draining from Tommit’s face at the mere mention of the caverns.
“Where?” I whispered.
Cassius answered. “The Schelle caverns, they are buried deep in the mountain that separate Fara and Paradan. The Dragons guard them. They are inescapable.”
Relief flooded my body. “Thank you, we would appreciate that very much.”
We both bowed to the newly arriving king. As we turned our backs to them, Cassius escorted me to my room to change out of the tattered wedding gown.
*
My emotions were on a roller coaster.
I was certain that I was going into shock. My nerves were raw. Could it really be over? It was too soon to tell. Would King Calan be as good as he appeared? Or would he be another wolf in sheep’s clothing. I looked at the dozens of gowns hanging in my room. They had all been gifts from Tommit. I wanted to burn them. The sheer thought of them touching my skin again had caused my skin to crawl. Then, I remembered the clothes Cassius had given me. I dug them out of the back of my closet. They still smelled like the campfire, where we had melted our hearts together. I dressed quickly. As I put on my shirt, I could still detect Cassius’ familiar woodsy scent mixed in. I loved so much. It relaxed me. I pulled the crown out of my hair—and the flowers which surrounded it. I wanted to try to take out all the braids, but I also knew it would take me the rest of the day if I attempted to do this on my own. I didn’t want to keep Cassius waiting any longer.
Whatever I was stepping into—whatever my future held—I knew I was strong enough to deal with it; especially if I had Cassius and Evver by my side. The thought struck my heart the moment my mind said her name. Evver! I still didn’t know where she was. I rushed to the door. Cassius was leaning against the wall, his arms folded. The most peaceful look rested on his handsome features. He smiled when he saw me.
“You look unbelievably beautiful.” His compliment had my cheeks warming and my mind distracted for a split second.
“Thank you, but we have more important matters. Evver’s missing.” My tone was frantic and he replied with a smile.
“Is she the reason why you were going along with marrying someone else?” he asked jokingly. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t taking me more seriously.
“Cassius. You have to know I would have never done it if I thought I had a choice.”
“Good to know.” He winked at me. He was making me mad.
“Evver?”
“She is safe. How do you think I found out about the wedding?” It took me a minute, but when it hit me, relief flooded my entire body.
“She’s…safe?”
“Yes. I sent her on an errand. It should take at least the rest of the day. I didn’t want her anywhere near the castle until I knew it was safe. So, can we try again? You look beautiful.”
His voice nearly melted my entire being. His eyes were blazing and my heart was on fire. Reaching out he pulled me toward him, until I was resting on his chest. I could feel his heated breath and it was making my skin tingle where it touched. I felt relief in a different way. He was safe. He was alive. I looked up into his eyes and could see the same desire I felt flowing through my heated blood. It was as if the rest of the world disappeared, leaving us all alone.
My voice seemed too disconnected from the rest of me. So, I smiled. Cassius leaned down and gently brushed his lips against mine.
Chapter 33
I walked through the castle, but this time was different.
The last time, I had Drayben holding on to me. This time, I had the boy…I mean the man, whom I loved. He was more of a man than any man I have ever known. The hallways seemed brighter, the walk seemed longer. We looked at each other before he opened the door that led us into the throne room. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was once again pleasantly surprised. The throne room was empty, except for two people.
There was King Calan and the woman who still couldn’t take her gaze from Cassius.
Cassius opened the door and motioned for me to enter first. I walked through the doorway and stopped short. My nerves tingled. Cassius reached around my waist with one arm and guided me toward the awaiting royalty. With his free hand, he entwined our fingers—keeping a tight grip on me. As we made our way across the empty room, it felt strange. I didn’t know what to expect.
Would King Calan still be the good guy?
We reached them and Cassius bowed. I tried my best at a curtsey, which was difficult with Cassius still holding on strong to me. My gaze touched the woman’s, as she smiled gently in our direction.
“Cassius, Aurora, I trust you are well?” The kings’ words were touched with genuine worry.
“Yes. Thank you, sire.” Cassius replied graciously.
“Please, let us sit.” King Calan motioned to two large sofas in the corner of the room. “We have much to discuss.”
I felt weird being here in this conversation. After all, Paradan wasn’t my country.
We followed the king and the mystery woman.
“First things first—I would like to introduce to you both my sister. This is Princess Aura.”
Finally, a name. She was extremely beautiful, but she looked anxious.
“Pleased to meet you,” Cassius stood and bowed. I tried to follow suit and her hands went up, stopping me.
“Please, don’t.” Her smile grew. “It’s my honor to meet you both.”
Cassius sat down next to me and took my hands in his. He looked at me with the look of love, which melted my heart. He turned back to the king and the princess and he spoke.
“I must thank you. You saved our lives and the lives of many in our kingdom. I will be forever be grateful to you and the people of Fara.”
I nodded, agreeing wholeheartedly.
“Nonsense. Anyone would have done the same,” he insisted. I knew this wasn’t true. “Now, we need to help stabilize Paradan. What can we do in order to aid you with that process?”
“I am unsure. If King Windom would have had an heir, then we would have someone to lead us through this dark time. As it stands, I am at a loss of what to do.” I could see the pain in Cassius’ eyes.
“Windom’s son is the rightful heir.” Princess Aura’s words were quiet, but unmistakable.
“Windom has a son?” Cassius gasped. Her head nodded ever so slightly.
“But how could you know that?” Cassius' question was on my lips as well.
“Because—you are his son, Cassius. You are our son.”
My heart stopped.
Chapter 34
Cassius was frozen in place.
The only reason he knew he wasn’t dreaming was because he could feel the heat coming from Aurora’s hands. She was squeezing his hand. He turned to look at her; tears were shining in her dazzling eyes. How could this be? He was a prince, no—scratch that—he was King! He was the son of not one, but two royal families. How could this even been p
ossible? He turned back to look at the anxious eyes who were waiting for his reaction.
“How can you be sure?” his voice shook.
“I wasn’t sure if I would know when I saw you. I prayed you were still alive after hearing of all the atrocities Tommit committed. However, the moment I saw you, I knew. I can see Windom’s kind eyes, my mother’s nose, and you have my coloring. The old saying is true…a mother knows.”
Chapter 35
Tommit’s hands were bound and bleeding.
Thick ropes cut into his raw flesh. He was being dragged through the kingdom he had ruled for the past four years. Now he was being treated like a rabid animal. Drayben was attached to him—a single rope connected their waist’s. The streets were lined with those he tortured. There were smiles of relief on their faces, while some even danced in the street.
It only added to his fury.
His only thoughts were of revenge and of plans to end the stable boys’ beating heart. He could hear Drayben was mumbling something under his breath. Tommit couldn’t make out the words, but he was certain his confidante’s thoughts were close to his own.
“This is not the end.” Tommit whispered, sparking Drayben’s attention.
“Sire?”
It warmed him, knowing he still thought of him as his king.
“I have a friend in the Schelle caverns. He will make a good ally. Perhaps, with our brilliance, we will find a way to…” A sinister smile lit his face. Even the pain of the ropes digging into his flesh couldn’t force the smile from his vile lips. Drayben smiled in agreement, ever grateful he was on Tommit’s good side.
*
Evver had been unsuccessful in locating her family.
She was frantic, while wondering if Cassius had made it in time to stop the wedding. She also feared what would happen if he had made it in time. Would her brother be killed because of her warning? The thought terrified her. More than anything, she wanted to go back to the days when her parents were alive and well—to a time when they all lived under the same roof. The only change she would make would be to have Aurora there, too. Sitting down on a purple toadstool, she drained one of the rulip flowers which were blooming nearby.
They were a brilliant orange in color, and shaped similar to a teacup. Its sweet nectar was sweet and refreshing. It regenerated itself, so she didn’t have to fear that others would miss out on the same delicious treat. Pulling out a wonnot from her pack she had filled at her family home, she took a large bite. A wonnot looked like a purple banana. They grew in the fairy forest. If she got hungry there would be more she could pick along her way. She looked at the tangy fruit in her hand and it hit her.