Prologue:

A creature wearing a cape stood balancing on an orb atop a castle. Though there was a full moon out, nothing could be recognized from this creature except for the black cape it’s wearing fluttering in the wind. It looked into the deep forest beyond the kingdom’s walls. A spark of light caught its eyes and it dove right down and went straight into the darkness.

 

Chapter 1:

A knock on the door woke her up. She found herself lying on her stomach drooling over an open book on her bed. The candle from the previous night is now a mere puddle of melted wax on her bedside table. Before she could mess up her hair and slip between the covers, the queen and her guard barged in with a small breakfast muffin and a lighted candle sticking out of it. Behind them were servants bringing in trays of meat, bread, fruits and juice assortments.

The queen stopped at the sight of her while the captain of the queen’s guards chuckled. The servants pretended not to see anything and went on to setting everything on her dining table and bowing down on their way out. Once the door was shut, leaving only the queen, her guard and the girl behind, the guard started laughing. The queen sighed and sat down on her bed beside her.

Her family, her aunt the Queen Brianna and her uncle the captain of the queen’s guards, Gawain, came in to surprise her on her birthday. Not just any ordinary birthday, today is Jet’s sixteenth birthday. Her passage to adulthood, court and to be introduced to the kingdom. Growing up in the castle, she rarely got the chance to meet other kids her age. She was always with her tutors learning all about the world from books, not that she minded, or with her uncle learning how to defend herself.

Jet’s mother had died during childbirth. Jet is the product of her mother’s rebellion and a short-lived love affair. She never met her father as he was shunned away by her mother’s family before she was even born. But her aunt Brianna told her he was a lowly merchant and that she was better off not knowing him at all. Jet didn’t mind that she was an orphan, the queen have always treated her like their own daughter despite the fact that she was bastard-born and her uncle is her best friend.

“When will you ever learn to sleep normally? There is a reason for this quilt you know?” Queen Brianna said as she patted the bed.

“Let her be Brianna,” Gawain said, “it’s nice that the child loves reading.” He sat down on the other side of Jet. “Here lassie, blow out your candle!” He pushed the muffin in front of her.

“Make a wish first!” Queen Brianna blurted out before Jet could blow the flame out.

Jet closed her eyes. After a few seconds she blinked open and blew out the candle. She smiled to her aunt and uncle and gave them each a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you so much! Have I ever told you lately that you’re the best and that I love you so much?” She extended her arms behind the queen and her guard to give them a hug.

It always set Jet back a bit the sight of the queen’s smile. The queen, looking nothing like Jet, has deep green eyes and straight auburn hair, which is usually tied in a bun. She was told that her mother was even prettier than the queen but has the same eyes and hair color. The queen was slender and stunning even if she was in her late thirties. Her uncle’s eyes were of the same color but has curly, darker auburn hair. He isn’t the normal muscle bound soldier you’d imagine. He’s tall, lean and stern but he always wears a smile around Jet. He is quite the handsome fellow, Jet sometimes wonder why he still isn’t married. He is already 29 after all, it’s not all that strange for Jet to be wondering. Jet, however, has wavy hair so black it was almost blue and dark, almost black, eyes to match them. She was lanky, all arms and legs. Her aunt always tells her not to worry as she’ll grow out of it, everyone does.

“We love you too, sport! Now, let’s have some breakfast, shall we? I’m starving!” Gawain said as he jumps off the bed.

The queen shook her head at her brother’s enthusiasm for breakfast. “Jet, there’s something I want to give you now that you’re 16.” She removed one of the rings she has on. It wasn’t as elegant as the rest of the rings on her fingers, in fact, it’s the simplest looking one. A black stone on top of a platinum band.

“This was your grandmother’s ring. It’s nothing special but it’s been passed on to the first-born daughter of the family. It’s been handed to me by your mother before…” she paused, Jet’s mother passing away has always been a hard topic.

Jet closed her aunt’s hand, “I know Aunt, and you don’t have to say it. Its ok and thank you for this. I will treasure it.” The queen put the ring on Jet’s hand and smiled.

“Hey you two, if you don’t hurry, there’ll be nothing left.” Gawain called out.

“Leave some bacon for me Uncle!” Jet said as she took her aunt’s hand and hopped off the bed walking towards the table where Gawain was stuffing a bacon in his mouth.

--

King Aedeon waved a hand dismissing all the servants in the room left, except for his personal butler whose left standing at a corner of the room with the wine.

“As I was saying earlier dear,” Queen Brianna addressed her husband while she cut a small piece of potato to a smaller piece, “we should introduce Jet to the court in the next debutante ball.”

King Aedeon eyed Jet. They were in the dining hall having a normal dinner with just the four of them, the king, queen, Gawain and Jet. The king doesn’t have any relatives left in the castle, his two elder sisters were married off to some royal family to create alliances and they never did come to visit, at least not to Jet’s knowledge.

“Do you think she’s ready?” The king asked as he took a sip from his wine glass.

Gawain snorted, “Oh, she’s ready. The question is, is the court ready for her?” He winked at Jet before he gobbled down a piece of steak.

“Oh stop it Gawain, she’s not that bad. In fact, she’s grown up to be a proper lady of the court.” Queen Brianna said.

“You haven’t seen her in the sparring pit.” Gawain mumbled. Jet’s eyes widen and kicked him. “Ouch, that hurts!” But Jet just went on her meal, pretending not to know anything. She usually doesn’t talk much around the king. He intimidates her in a way and is afraid of what he might do if she said something wrong.

“I’ll talk to the other nobles if they can squeeze her up in the list,” King Aedeon said, “I do think it’s time for her to look for a suitable husband even if she is…” Jet knew the next words… bastard-born.

--

After dinner the king and queen went to their rooms to retire. Gawain accompanied Jet to a walk in the gardens.

“You know sport, what we’re doing in the sparring pit is nothing should be ashamed of. In fact, I think your aunt will agree to the training. You need to be able to defend yourself if something were to happen.” Gawain said.

“I know Uncle, it’s just that, it’s not a thing a lady should be doing.” Jet said as she kicked at a pebble, “They might not allow me to go near the pits or to even be around you anymore.”

“You worry too much,” Gawain said as he picked Jet up and threw her over his shoulder. “You know you can’t get rid of me, whether you want it or not. Now off to bed!”

Jet squealed, “Put me down!” and started laughing when her uncle started running towards her quarters.

--

Jet heard footsteps outside her door. She ignored them as they were usually servants sneaking off during the night. Servants are humans too anyway, why can’t they have fun?

But then, the footsteps stop and she looked at the direction of her door. Whoever was walking decided to stop at her door. She quickly put the candle out, slid the book she was reading under her bed, dove under the covers and pretended to sleep.

She heard the door open and someone stepped in. Thinking it was her uncle there to check in on her, she pushed the covers down and sat up. “What makes you think you can just barge in on me like that?” She said playfully.

However, it was not her uncle’s smiling face that she found staring back at her. “Because I’m the king.”

“I’m sorry Your Majesty,” Jet quickly apologized. “I thought it was Captain Gawain checking up on me.” She pulled up the covers up to her neck. It wasn’t because she was indecent underneath, in fact, she was still fully clothed in her dress from dinner. It was just unsettling to have the king stare at her like he’s a predator and she’s his prey.

“Oh, does he usually come for late night visits?” There was something obscene with the way he asked the question. He stepped closer to the bed.

“No Your Majesty.” Jet said as she squirmed closer to the opposite side of the bed.

He came closer to Jet and tucked her hair behind her ear, “There’s nothing to be afraid of, my young niece. I am after all your uncle. You’re sixteen today aren’t you? Such a fine looking lady.” He said as he moved his hand to her cheek.

She froze, she doesn’t have any idea on what to do. This is her king and her aunt’s husband. But as soon as King Aedeon’s hand slid past her clavicle she shot herself up and ran out her door. Her bare feet felt the cold marble flooring of the hall, tears were sliding down her cheek and she didn’t know who to run to.

She stopped at a door and knocked as hard and as fast as she could. She tried the knob but it was locked. She kept on knocking until she heard a click on the door.

“What it the devil’s…” Gawain opened the door, half naked. She immediately hugged her uncle and buried her face on his chest. “What the hell happened?” He looked on both sides of his door, pulled Jet in and closed the door behind him.

He pulled Jet away at arm’s length with his hands on her shoulders, not caring that she was still sobbing. “What the hell happened?”

Jet continued sobbing and this irritated him. This was his niece, the girl who made his guards scream uncle in the sparring pits. She wasn’t supposed to be crying when something bad happen. She’s supposed to fight back. He shook her, “Geez Jet, speak up! What the hell happened?”

She sniffled and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. “He… he was in my room.”

Gawain’s eyes widen with rage, “Who?”

Jet sniffled more and started shaking. Gawain tightened his grip on her shoulders. “The… the king.” She finally said.

Gawain pulled her back into a hug. “There, there… sport. You need to get some rest. We’ll deal with this in the morning.”

He tucked her in his bed as he grabbed a pillow and walked over to the couch.

2: Jet Black - Chapter 2

The shadowed creature swiftly jumped from one tree to another. Leaves rustling behind it as its cape brush past them. The shadow moved closer to the unknowing camp spying on them while they’re having their dinner, noisily boasting to one another how great their accomplishments were.

The shadow swept down and extinguished the camp fire with its cape and lunged at the one who first held his dagger out.

Chapter 2:

Jet blinked her eyes open as the morning light peek through the curtains. She smelled bacon and freshly brewed tea from the other room. She certainly wasn’t in her rooms. She got out of bed, straightened her dress and walked to the direction of the temptingly delicious smell of bacon.

“Good morning sport!” A cheerful Gawain greeted her. He was half way to stuffing his face with a croissant, “Sorry I couldn’t wait for you to get up. You know, the stomach complains.” It was amazing that he wasn’t fat or he didn’t even have a slight bulge on his belly. With the amount of food he eats, not to mention the way he eats, he should have weighed at least 200-kgs by now!

“Good morning Uncle,” she grumbled, “I’m not hungry.” After what happened the night before, how could she have any appetite?

“Come on now, you know breakfast is important.” He’s acting like nothing happened the night before. He took a bite out of the croissant he’s holding as Jet sat on the chair across his.

“Uncle…” she started but Gawain cut her off, “Listen sport, will you be fine if I asked you to travel alone? Of course it will be with the proper provisions and all. I know well enough that you can defend yourself.”

She stared at her uncle, she’d never seen him look so serious before. “I… I think so?”

“Good. I need you to be ready, just in case.” He took another big bite of the croissant and didn’t bother to explain more to her.

--

“Brianna,” Gawain complained.

“No, I will not listen to this… fallacy, Gawain! And if you don’t stop I can have you locked up in the dungeons for libel. Aedeon was asleep beside me the whole night.” The queen insisted.

“Brianna, I will not be insisting this if I don’t believe this myself. If you saw what state Jet was in last night…”

“Enough is enough Gawain! I won’t hear any more of this.” The queen stomped her foot down and turned her back on her Captain.

“I’m not asking you to bring THAT up with the king, I just wish for you to consider sending Jet out to the southern kingdoms. We all know that an alliance with King Emrys is needed and we haven’t found a way to settle it. Fostering your heir, though unofficial, will help with this alliance. That I’m sure of!”

The queen faced her brother, he has a point. And in addition, Kind Emrys has a 22 year old son who still isn’t married. “I will discuss this fostering with the king.” She waved a hand, dismissing her Captain.

Gawain shook his head and walked out of the room.

--

Jet was holding a practice stick and facing one of the queen’s guards in the sparring pit when Gawain finally found her. She was wearing a buttoned tunic and some tight fitting trousers that reaches just below her knees. She stood and bowed to her opponent, apparently the match was already done. Her opponent limped off the pit as she walked towards Gawain’s direction.

“This is the last place I’d expect to find you today.” Gawain said as he took the stick from her and shoved it into a rack.

“It’s a good way to get distracted. I’m heading out to the stables next.” She untied her hair only to put it up higher. “You’re welcome to join me for a ride Uncle.”

“I might just take you up on that. I’ve talked with Brianna… if everything goes well, you might be on your way to King Emrys by the end of the week.” Jet stopped and looked strangely at him.

“What do you mean ‘on your way to King Emrys’?”

“We need to get you away from here, sport. You won’t be sold off, you’ll just be fostered for 2 years, build the alliance with the southern kingdoms.”

She nodded, still unsure of what to say to her uncle. He was just protecting her, looking out for what’s best for her. Who was she to argue, what does she know about politics and the way the world operates? She continued to walk straight to the stables barely noticing that Gawain was still beside her.

--

The king watched as Jet and Gawain rode off with their horses. Gawain, being one of the best riders in the kingdom, was lagging behind Jet. Maybe it was the horses, but most probably because Jet was a better rider.

The king smiled cunningly to himself, there’s no way he’ll introduce this bastard to the court. He’ll be the laughing stock of the kingdom, fostering a bastard and appointing her as an heir, preposterous! He’d just have to make Brianna believe that Jet wasn’t really ready to be presented to court yet.

“Aedeon,” Brianna entered his study. The sight of the queen still has an effect on him after 20 years of marriage. She was wearing a dark purple laced fitted gown today, and as she still haven’t bore him any heir, her figure was still the same as the day they married, if not better.

“Ah, my queen,” he walked to her, took her hand and gave it a kiss. He is the king but Brianna is still his queen. He’s an old romantic that way. They sat down on the couch, he pulled her closer and whispered to her ear, “Now where have you been?”

“I was just… thinking. Aedeon, how desperate are you to build a better alliance with the southern kingdoms?”

“And where, may I ask, is this thought coming from, my queen?” his hand was playing with Brianna’s bun, trying to get her hair loose.

“I was just thinking of getting Jet a husband.” She said as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “And King Emrys does have a bachelor as a son if I remembered correctly.”

He pulled back and looked at Brianna with surprise, “And you think that he’d let your bastard niece even close to him?” Aedeon laughed, “Honestly Brianna, you should stay out of court business if you think this is even possible.”

“Jet is more than just my niece, she’s the closest thing to an heir that we have.” She looked down and touched her flat belly. “Aedeon, I haven’t given you any heir, and perhaps never will.”

King Aedeon stood up, “No Brianna. We will not send her off to marry some prince and she will not be our heir.” He walked towards the window just in time to see Jet and Gawain return.

Brianna walked over to him, “Yes Your Majesty.” And just stood beside him, looking out the window.

--

Jet was walking back to her quarters from the castle’s library that evening. She already started burying her nose between a huge history book that she found. She opened the door to her chambers, ready to jump on her bed and read until she falls asleep, without even looking up. So naturally she jumped when she saw the queen and the captain in her room. Gawain caught the book before it landed on the floor.

“This is some heavy book you’re reading, lassie.” Gawain said as he closed and read the title.

“What happened?” Jet asked in a whisper. It was almost midnight and it’s not normal for them to visit her at night unless something bad happened.

“Jet, you have to go with Gawain now. Gawain has the map to where you’re headed. And here.” She gave her a sealed parchment. “I had one sent by a messenger before dinner as well. But this letter of introduction will help King Emrys identify you. Do not lose this.”

Jet took the parchment, since her dress didn’t have any pockets, she held it in her hands. “I guess I’ll see you when I see you Aunt Brianna.” She was fighting back her tears, she knew if she cried it will sadden her aunt more.

The queen pulled her in, “You stay safe, ok? I love you.” And pushed her back again, “Now, go.”

She took her cape and followed Gawain to the stables. They didn’t talk along the way, but once Jet was about to get on her mare Gawain pulled her arm.

“Remember all those training, sport. Don’t hesitate to do what you think is right. You have to get to the southern kingdom as soon as you can. It’ll be rough but I’m sure you can do this.”

Jet nodded and gave Gawain a hug. “I will miss you most Uncle.” She let go and got on her mare.

She started with walking the horse a few steps and then dashed into the night. With snow falling, her family and the castle behind her, she headed south with nothing but a pouch of coins, a letter of introduction and the tears she’d held back.

3: Jet Black - Chapter 3

The sky was a shade of red as the sun set that day. Villagers were running home in fear of being outdoors when darkness came. The shadow perched on top of the clock tower looking down with amusement as the villagers scrambled in fear. No, the villagers were smart to fear when darkness comes. But what they’re feared for is silly. The shadowed is not to be feared, but what it was fighting… that’s another story.

Chapter 3:

After the meeting with the king, Brianna knew what she had to do. She hastily drafted a letter addressed to King Emrys stating that Jet will be arriving to the south in a few weeks and that she’d to marry the prince, if the prince agreed.

The queen sealed it with wax and pushed her pendant over it. She didn’t have enough time to review it and rewrite the whole thing. “Take this to the southern kingdom at once. Hand it over only to King Emrys himself. Be discreet when you leave and make sure no one knows where you’re going.” She handed the parchment to the messenger, “Now off you go.”

The messenger bowed and walked straight to the door. He didn’t run once he got out, he just walked normally. The queen nodded at her decision, this messenger was the best at sending confidential documents. She quickly returned her attention to the parchment in front of her and started scribbling another document again.

--

King Aedeon woke up just right before the sun rose and saw his queen sleeping right beside him. Steady breaths from the queen convinced him that she was not feigning sleep. He threw the covers to her side and sat up. He put his robe on and walked out of their chambers. No one would dare question him why he was walking around the castle so early in the morning.

He walked straight to Jet’s chambers, thinking if he should risk going in again. The queen hasn’t mentioned anything about the incident, which meant that the girl didn’t go running to her. Or the queen was too naïve to believe that he wouldn’t cheat on her. But he moved past the door and continued on his walk around the castle, passing staffs bowing down as he walk pass them.

Finally contented with his inspection of the castle, he went back to his side of the castle and went back beside the queen. Brianna shifted to face him, “Where have you been, my king?” She asked in a very sexy bedroom voice and moved in closer to him. He pulled her closer and let her snuggle on his chest. He kissed the top of her head and let the smell of her hair linger around him.

“Just went out for a walk and the morning inspection. Nothing special.” He assured her while he caressed her back.

She purred and kiss his chest. She looked up and met his eyes and he kissed her on the lips. Nothing like a morning snuggle to pump him up for the day to come.

--

“How far do you think she is by now?” Brianna asked Gawain as she looked out the window of the carriage. They were on their way into town to do some shopping. Gawain hated this part of his job but today, he seem to not mind being away from the castle at all.

“She probably reached the first village out by now, she is a fast rider.”

“Did we do the right thing sending her out alone? Maybe you should have gone with her.”

“It’s too late now. And I don’t think we should be talking about this thing here, or at all, Your Graciousness.” Gawain rarely address Brianna as such, except in formal company.

The queen nodded and closed the curtain as the carriage swept them off to town.

--

Aedeon sat on his throne listening to the complaints and requests of the kingdom. If you think sitting there looking regal and hiding all boredom is easy, then you’re definitely one of those babbling idiots down there.

He waved his hand to a soldier beside him to give some coins to the farmer asking for some extra coins since the snow had put a stop to harvesting or growing anything. Aedeon believe himself to be a good, decent king. He’s not a tyrant and people love and respect him.

The farmer’s eyes grew when the pouch of coins was given to him. It was more than he’d expected. He thanked and bowed repeatedly while he was walking out the door. A merchant and a boy, looking no more than 6 years of age, moved forward. After bowing and pushing the boy to do the same, the merchant started complaining that the boy stole some of his trades. He wanted the boy punished, sent to the dungeons, anything to bring him justice.

“Boy, how old are you?” King Aedeon’s voice cut the merchant in the middle of his troublesome complaining.

The boy looked up and stared down the floor again. “10, Your Majesty.” He said in almost a whisper.

“Is there any truth to what this man is accusing of you?”

The boy’s eyes grew wide, fear and guilt painted his face. “It was only to feed my sister, Your Majesty. You see, she’s sick and we don’t have any money to…” he trailed off and covered his face with his hands.

Aedeon nodded and sat a bit straighter, “You’re going to work for this man from now on. As for your sister, bring her to the castle immediately. Let my physician take a look at her.”

Both the merchant and the boy looked at the king. The boy’s face was relieved and he repeatedly bowed and thank the king. The merchant, however, started to voice out his objection.

Aedeon stood up, “Boy, retrieve your sister now.” He faced the merchant and pointed his finger at him, “You, you dare question my authority? He will work for you for him to pay off his debt.” The boy scampered out the castle doors and the merchant bowed and left as well.

“That’ll be all for the day.” Aedeon pushed his cape back and walked into the hallway letting his guards follow after him.

--

King Aedeon looked over the queen and his brother while they quietly pick on their dinner. He hasn’t seen Jet since last night’s dinner. Something was wrong. “Where’s Jet?”

The queen didn’t look up, “You know teenagers, she might be off somewhere and lost track of time. She’s sure to come back for dinner once she gets hungry.”

The king nodded and took another bite of his lamb shank dinner.

“I’ll check on her after dinner Your Majesty. I’ll personally look for her when she’s not back at midnight. But I’m pretty sure it’s nothing, must have dozed off somewhere.” Gawain said. He brought his wine glass up and took a sip.

The king nodded again and let the topic drop. The rest of the meal was filled with awkward silence.

--

The next morning, Aedeon woke up before Brianna once again. He got off the bed, put on his robe and walked out of their chambers. Instead of walking around, he went straight to Jet’s room. There was definitely something wrong. Surprised to find the door unlocked, he pushed it open, entered and pushed it shut behind him.

Jet wasn’t in her bed, books scattered everywhere. He listened for any noise from the bathroom, nothing. “Guards!” he shouted as he dashed out of the room.

The castle guards assembled in front of him in a few minutes, some of them had their clothes disheveled. Probably just about to take on the morning shift. He excused the untidiness this morning, “follow me.” He ordered as he briskly walked to his own room.

“Go get the Captain of the queen’s guards now. Some of you stay here.” He ordered as he entered his chambers and pushed the door slightly ajar.

He found Brianna sitting up, clutching the blanket up to her neck. “What’s wrong Aedeon?”

“Where’s Jet?” He saw Brianna’s eyes grew wide with fear or anger in them, he wasn’t sure.

“Probably with Gawain off to an early ride or something. I don’t know Aedeon,” She walked over to him as she put her hand on his cheek. He almost wanted to forget about what he was about to do. “Why are you so worried about her?” Brianna asked.

He stepped back from her touch, “Guards.”

His guards entered, two of them with Gawain between them. “Lock her up the tower, Queen Brianna is charged with treason. As for the captain, bring him to the throne room to wait for me.”

He heard Brianna screaming that he cannot do this to her. Gawain was resisting his guards. Aedeon didn’t look back, he walked straight to his bathing chambers to get ready for the judgment he needs to give.

 

4: Jet Black - Chapter 4

A boy ran towards the town, screaming. When he stopped beside the fountain of the town square, he was gasping up for air as if he’d forgotten how to breathe. The town villagers huddled around him, some people eyeing him with mistrustful eyes and some tried to calm him down. It was early morning, some of the villagers were just getting off their beds. However, this boy, not more than 8 years of age, was known to wander in the forest early morning to gather some worms as bait for the fishermen in the village.

“People… dead.” He managed to get out. “Out… there.” He pointed towards the forest.

The shadowed creature was watching the whole scene from a tree in one of the houses nearby. It leaped off into the woods right after it saw the boy inform the villagers. Its work is done.

 

Chapter 4:

Captain Gawain had his perfect posture in display. He had his hands tied behind him but he wasn’t about to show the King that he was afraid of him. The captain was taken from his room as soon as he opened the door. The guards didn’t even let him put on a robe or shoes. He was standing in the middle of the throne room waiting for the king in just his trousers. Yet he wouldn’t allow the king to see that he has power over him, Gawain was too proud for that.

After almost an hour of waiting, King Aedeon finally appeared before him. As usual, the king was regal to look at with every strand of hair slicked back in perfection. He makes Gawain look like a street urchin, an unbearably good looking one, but nonetheless an urchin.

The king slumped on his throne, looking at Gawain. Probably thinking of how to execute him. Gawain stood there, locking eyes with the king.

“Well, brother of mine, you seem awfully calm at a time like this.” The king said as he sat straighter. “Do you have any idea of why you were brought here?”

Gawain hesitated to speak, but he saw no sense in resisting. “Jet.”

“Very smart! Would you happen to know where our dear niece ran off to? I’m sure you’d know… she tells you everything, doesn’t she?”

Gawain slightly smiled at the remark. He found it ridiculous that the king always envies whatever he does. He was just a lowly captain of the queen’s guards. At first he thought it was because of his closeness to his only living sister, but it turned out it has always been because of Jet.

“Now what are we going to do to you and your sister? You two went against my wishes… as captain, you’d think you’d have more sense not to do that!” A servant went over to the king to hand him a glass of wine, and Aedeon swirled it while he talks. He was sitting with his legs up on one of the armrest of the throne.

“Oh I know! How about getting Jet back into the castle?”

“What made you think I’d agree to that?” Gawain spat out, unable to hold back his temper.

“Because if you don’t, I’ll have both you and your sister out on the square, ready to be executed until our dear Jet comes back on her own. And I’ll have the three of you executed. How does that sound?” Aedeon smirked and looked at Gawain.

Gawain knew his face betrayed him, fear could be seen in his eyes. Aedeon is not usually cruel, but he could be heartless, even with his own family.

Gawain knelt one of his knees down and bowed. “I will do as you wish, Your Majesty. Just promise not to hurt the queen.”

Aedeon stood up from his throne, victory radiated all throughout him. “Now, what made you think this is a negotiation? But no harm will come to your sister, as long as you bring Jet back after 2 months. After which the queen will be executed for betrayal.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will bring her back.”

“You are dismissed. You’d better run after her if you want to catch up with her. We both know that she’s a better rider than you are.” With that, the king left.

--

Gawain hurried back to his chambers after the meeting with the King. He was right about one thing, Jet was a better rider than Gawain will ever be. So he’d better go after her now if he wants to catch up with her. In addition, she had a whole day head start. This is going to be a tough ride.

After he was dressed, he headed out to the stables with a pouch of coins, a change of clothes, some dried food and a canister of water.

--

Brianna’s tower prison wasn’t uncomfortable. It was furnished like one of the guest rooms. She hasn’t been up there at all and wondered who furnished it. She looked out the only window her prison was equipped with. Sure, it wasn’t uncomfortable but it was dim during the day and cold during the night. She saw a rider zooming out of the stables, maybe it was a messenger delivering a message to King Emrys to bring Jet back.

She heard the guards outside her door shuffling and ignored it. The door was pushed open, but she still didn’t budge from her window. It might be some servant dropping off her meal.

“Did Gawain leave yet?” Brianna spun around at the sound of the king’s voice.

“Leave?” She was still in her night gown, her hair was a mess. She felt the king’s gaze piercing through the thin fabric and cringed. She cross her arms over her chest. “Where is he going?”

“Why, to bring back his niece of course. He finally realized what a mistake sending the poor girl out there alone.” He looked around the room, “Nice place, huh? I decorated it myself.”

Brianna stood near the window, still had her arms crossed in front of her. “It’s actually my private chambers. You know, for those unfortunate nights that you shun me out of our room.” The king plops down to one of the cushioned chair near the fireplace.

“That’s kind of you…” Brianna started but Aedeon cut her off. “Oh, don’t be so thankful. I didn’t actually think of your comfort. It’s more of for my own pleasure. After all,” He looked at her, “You are still my wife and queen, and you have… responsibilities to fulfill.”

Brianna looked at him with disgust but she put down her hands and walked towards him. He still wants her, that’s a good sign. She stood in front of the king and knelt in front of him. He looked at her and smirked. She started unbuttoning the king’s trousers. He was more than surprised at what she’s doing. “No, not now.” Aedeon pulled her up and sat her on his lap. He kissed her and pulled her nightgown over her head, gave her breasts a squeeze. Then he pushed her off, Brianna stumbles on the floor naked and humiliated.

“Now you know how this is going to be.” He stood up, buttoned his trousers and looked at her. “You’re looking great Brianna, maybe I should get you more clothing that shows more of your skin rather than those conservative dresses of yours.”

Brianna didn’t bother to put her nightgown back on. She merely walked over the window and looked out. Let Jet and Gawain be safe.

--

That night, King Aedeon sat in front of the fire place in his chambers. He was reading a report from his councilors, something about the kingdom needing more funds to build a proper water system when he heard a light knock on his door.

“She’s here your majesty.” The guard announced from outside.

“Send her in.” He put down the report and sat back his chair.

A small woman, barely 5-feet in height walked in. She had on a black cloak with the hood over her head even though she was indoors. She didn’t kneel down in front of him. “You sent for me?”

King Aedeon looked at her. She didn’t come near the fireplace so he couldn’t see her face. “Do you have to wear the cloak?”

She chuckled and put the hood down. She let her hair loose, it was as dark as the night and it reached her waist. Her eyes were of the same color, just like that of Jet’s. The king shuddered as he saw her face. She was young, in her early twenties probably, and pretty. But there was something evil behind those eyes. “Satisfied?”

Aedeon cleared his throat, “What do I call you?”

“Rue.”

“Ok Rue, I need you to look for 2 people, my wife’s brother and her niece. I want them brought back here. I trust you know what they look like?”

The woman called Rue smirked, “You belittle me.”

“I was just making sure. I need you to bring Jet back, Gawain is not of importance. If you see Gawain before, kill him.” Aedeon ordered.

Rue stood there and looked at Aedeon. Aedeoon pointed at two bags beside the chair nearest her. “That’s yours.”

“Then it shall be done.” Rue took the two bags and left from the window. The king followed and looked out the window. There was no dead bodies below, there weren’t even any sound outside besides the wind.

The king got a chill from the thought of the woman standing in front of him just minutes ago. He put on his robe and walked out of his room towards Brianna’s prison.

--

He found Brianna still looking out the window, her food untouched and her naked. He shook his head and went beside her. Brianna stiffened beneath his touch, but she didn’t look away from the window.

“How do you think I feel to know that the guards who brought your food in got to see you naked?” He whispered in her ear. With that, she looked at him.

“You caused it.”

Her skin was clammy because of the cold. He removed his robe, put it on her and hugged her. Brianna was still stiff under his arms.

 

5: Jet Black - Chapter 5

There was a fire burning, a pot dangling above it.  It was obviously an abandoned campsite, but why leave in the middle of the night? An old man came out of the trees and headed towards the fire. He was wearing a hood and holding a cane. Probably an old hermit travelling between towns.

The creature stooped on a branch of a tree, camouflaging in the black of the night. It was just looking at the old man while he scooped himself some deliciously smelling vegetable soup.

Chapter 5:

Jet’s been in the road for two days. For someone who hasn’t really travelled out of the kingdom, she was doing pretty well. Luckily, she hasn’t been forced to hunt for food and camp out in the forest as of yet for there were plenty of villages not too far apart from each other south of the kingdom.

The villagers were friendly and hospitable enough to welcome travelers and tend to not poke into their business too much. Just the friendly, ‘Where are you off to, Lass?’, ‘The snow ain’t good for travelling, you have to be careful out there.’ Kind of things… They don’t even ask where she came from.

It was her second day out of the castle and was on her third village. She was riding quite fast. In addition, she decided against staying in the only village inn as a precaution. She wasn’t sure if she was being followed by someone but she would like to avoid getting caught. As much as she misses her aunt and uncle, she just wasn’t ready to go back and be around the king yet.

Instead, tonight she was staying in a tavern. She mentioned to the owner that she was willing to pay or work for the night if she could crash on his couch. The owner, an old man, saw that she was a teenage girl and asked her to help serve drinks to the patrons and she could even have dinner for free.

It was noon when she arrived the village, since her living arrangements were set for the night and she still have time before the tavern starts to have some patrons walk in, she took her mare and started to walk around the village. She looked for a local stable for her mare to have some roof for the night but was shunned away by the rude lady managing it.

She saw a local blacksmith and asked if she could have a dagger made by the morning. The blacksmith raised his eyebrows to this request. “What would a young lass like you do with a dagger?”

“I’m heading south and I’ll be needing something to cut some roots if the need arises.” She lied, she wouldn’t be needing to cut some roots, but she will be needing it to cut some bandit’s eyes out of their sockets.

The blacksmith snorted, “That young lass is the worst lie you can come up with? Regardless, yes. I can make you a dagger by the end of the day.” He looked up at the mare beside Jet. “That’s a pretty thing you got there.”

Jet patted the mare and brushed the hair on its neck, “That she is.” And quickly added, “I can’t part with her, but I have coins for the payment.”

“Oh, I wasn’t trying to pry her away from you lass! I was just admiring it.”

Jet around the blacksmith’s quarters, it looks big enough. “My living… conditions tonight doesn’t allow me to have her around. If it’s not too much to ask…” She stalled off, looking at the smith if he’d catch on to what she’s suggesting.

“She can stay with me. I have plenty of room here. It’ll be a shame if she’s to stay outdoors in the snow.”

Jet smiled, villagers were mostly friendly. It was so different in the kingdom that she ended up taking advantage of them since she found out. “That’s awfully kind of you kind sir.” She bowed down.

“Tsk, don’t go all snooty on me lass! I’m not the king.”

With that, Jet smiled and waved a goodbye. Leaving the blacksmith to forge her dagger and take care of her mare. She headed back to the tavern to get ready to start working.

--

“Is it always this full in here?” She asked the owner. She has been to 2 taverns in her lifetime and it was in the course of the 2 days that she’s been out of the kingdom. She hasn’t seen them full like this one.

“Old man Oran will be arriving soon. You’ll see why this tavern is always full.” The tavern owner showed his teeth to her, one golden tooth glistened as light reflected on it. She wasn’t sure if it was supposed to be a smile so she didn’t smile back.

After servings for what seemed like a thousand drinks, Jet saw an old man with a walking cane sat on the floor with his back facing the fireplace. The buzzing seem to mellow down and everyone turned to face the old man.

The old man cleared his throat, the owner shoved her towards him. Jet supposed she was to serve him a drink and walked towards him.

“Who do we have here? A new wench?” old man Oran said as he grabbed the mug from her tray. “Tastes better with a pretty lass serving it instead of Brody back there.”

The crowd laughed and Brody, the tavern owner, cursed Oran. “Don’t get used to it old man!”

So, is this old man Oran supposed to be a comedian? Jet thought as she walked back to the bar, where Brody was wiping mugs with a towel. She sat down and Brody pushed a bowl of mashed potatoes and peas towards her. “Good job tonight.”

Jet took the bowl and started eating it when old man Oran started with his story telling. He was an amazing story teller. He caught everyone’s attention, the tavern was quiet with the occasional hushed whispers reacting to the story and slurps.

“Nobody knows what this creature looks like as the only people who sees it ends up dead. But the dead can tell you it is terrifying ‘cause their faces are all frozen in fear. Others say that it’s human, a vigilante, out to eradicate the evil people out there. But others believe that this is a creature just out to get blood.”

Jet held back a laugh and ended up making a soft snort. This was all fabricated lies told to children who wouldn’t want to go to sleep at night. She’s read enough books to know it’s nothing but bull crap.

Old man Oran apparently has a keen sense of hearing as his head turned to Jet’s direction. “You have something to say lass?” One of his eyebrows rose so high it looked so comical that it was hard for Jet not to start laughing.

Jet put down her bowl of mashed potatoes and peas and covered a hand over her mouth. She continuously shook her head from side to side hoping to cover up her shaking from giggling. “Nothing,” She finally managed to blurt out. “It’s just that I couldn’t fathom adults still getting scared or believing this…” she waved her hand out trying to think of a word that’s not too insulting for everyone.

“Fiction, you were going to say lass?” old man Oran shot her another questioning look. She just nodded, glad that he took the initiative to fill it in.

“Let me tell you lass, the world is full of mysterious beings. It is not wise to scoff at the words of the ancient. Just because we’re living in our little villages or castles,” his voice lowered at the word ‘castles’ “Doesn’t mean that it’s a safe world out there.”

His voice was so serious, no trace of the earlier humor could be heard. The neck behind Jet’s nape stood up, it didn’t help that her hair was tied up in a ponytail. “I’m sorry, please do continue.”

Old man Oran shook his head side to side, “Youngins’” he muttered. The crowd let out an awkward laugh.

--

After the patrons left, Jet was wiping tables when a rough hand grabbed her left forearm, she almost knocked the person out with the right elbow but stopped when she saw it was the old storyteller.

“No need to be so jumpy missy.” He hissed. He didn’t sound anything like the light hearted man in front of everyone just minutes ago.

Jet nodded and twisted her arm, Oran let go. “Where are you headed to lass?”

Jet was dumbfounded by the question, “Upstairs to get some sleep?”

“Cut it, I know you’re not some tavern wench Brody got. You’re a traveler.”

“South.” Jet suddenly became serious, contemplating on whether or not this old man was a threat.

Oran snorted, “I’d be more careful out there if I were you.” And he walked away, barely using his cane.

--

The next day, a little after the sun rose, Jet went back to the blacksmith to get her dagger and retrieve her mare. She found the big man combing the mare’s hair.

“Oh, you’re here early! Wasn’t expecting you before noon.”

“I have to leave soon.” Jet said as she gave her mare some dried apple slices. “Thank you for taking her in. Is the dagger ready?”

“She’s a keeper and yes, it’s been ready since yesterday afternoon.” He took a dagger with a red hilt from his waistband. “Figured you like red from the color of your coat.”

Jet took it from the smith’s hand and examined it. It was done quite well. She brought out her purse to pay him. “No need lassie, this one’s on me.” He smiled at her, “Just take care of this big one here! She’s a keeper!”

Jet smiled, kept her pouch and slid the dagger at the back of her trousers. “Thanks, and I will.”

She got on the mare and rode off before everyone from the village wakes up for their everyday life.