Thirty-six

Gaeleath walked next to the litter holding Marravae’s hand. The men carrying his sister were trying to do so smoothly and Erthor was watching each step like a hawk. Ellus and both of the other Arek men posing as servants were carrying the bags and they were flanked by the two guards from the doorway.

His sister looked nervous and pale. Squeezing her hand he spoke softly to her, “There is no need to worry, Marravae. Rest and be calm. Who do you think our father will send? Commander Tertien or Commander Hilmar?”

“Lord Bellith is on the border; our father may allow him to come with his men before committing a Commander.” She relaxed slightly and squeezed his hand back.

“He may for expedience but I think one of the Commanders won’t be far behind. And Lord Bellith would undoubtedly send word to Duke Haellan of Ibres.” He kept his tone light and saw her smile.

“He was sour that Anrae came with me. She said he had a dream that…”

“What did he dream?”  

“That she came home weeping in a blood covered gown.”

“I’ll scold him for telling his sister such a thing before she left.”

“Stop them!” Myrin’s voice rang out as they were approaching the main hall and door.

Armed Cuphisian guards encircled them and the Arek servants dropped the bags. Those carrying his sister looked hesitant as if they were uncertain if they should place her down and prepare to fight or hold the litter and prepare to run.

In Arek Gaeleath hissed, <“Keep hold of the litter. If you put her down we are stopped. If she can be moved quickly we can escape.”>

“You think you can assault the Crown Prince of Cuphisia and walk away with his wife?” Myrin came forward brandishing a short sword.

“My sister is not your wife. No marriage has taken place and after your behavior in attacking me, Myrin, I do not believe one will. I defended myself, nothing more.” It took an effort not to let his hand move to his hidden dagger. “If you persist in this-”

“She was offered and we accepted. The matter was agreed to and once it is finalized it cannot be taken back. I should have pressed my father into bringing a priest the moment we returned as I had intended. Once the marriage is in place you and your father will have no choice but-”

“It will never be upheld. Not by my father and not by our courts. Volas will-”

“You will cease threatening me with Volas! You won’t dare to go to war when your sister is here with us and when she bears my children your father will calm himself.”

“King Merin gave the command that we were to go remain with Volas in his lodging until-”

“My father has taken ill from the distress of the morning’s events and I have taken up the responsibility of ruling until he recovers. Princess Marravae remains here. I would invite you to witness our marriage but perhaps you should send one of the Ladies instead?” The smirk on the Cuphisian’s face made something knot in Gaeleath’s belly.

“I am leaving with my sister.”

The guards suddenly moved forward pulling their weapons and the Areks he had thought unarmed drew daggers and engaged them. The pair holding the litter nearly dropped it, they placed it down so quickly and joined the fray.

Marravae immediately began to try to stand. “Gaeleath!”

He stepped back protectively and felt her brace herself against his back. “If you see an opening I want you to run, Marravae.”

“I am not leaving you!”

Myrin came toward them and swung his sword as if he wished to make Gaeleath flinch and the Cemiri drew his dagger catching the edge and landing a closed fisted blow to the Cuphisian’s belly as he shoved back.

The slender Prince gasped and panted before throwing himself at them again. This time in his fury, Myrin managed a cut to Gaeleath’s arm that made him drop the dagger. Marravae dropped as if diving for it and he bent to take it back from her as Myrin lunged. The momentum and pain in his side made Gaeleath stumble and fall over his sister as she screamed.

The world went quiet before it went dark.