Queen of Monsters and Madness Read online

  “Okay.”

  She kissed both the children’s faces and pulled in a breath before slipping quietly from her hiding place. The man had flipped the woman onto her back and was now holding her down with his weight and pinching her chin between his fingers. The rumble of his voice filled the air, and Jasmine could only guess at what disgusting things he was saying. Anger burned beneath her chest. It was men like this who made the world an awful place for innocents. She glided through the forest on silent feet, drawing closer to the man and woman.

  “You’ll learn your place,” the man threatened as he slapped the woman across the face, her eyes falling shut. She wanted so badly to charge across the meadow and teach him a swift lesson, but she knew better, so she did the opposite. Inhaling quietly, she continued her careful trek.

  When she’d almost reached them, the woman’s eyes popped open, revealing vibrant green eyes. The green eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to speak just as a hand clamped over Jasmine’s lips. While keeping her gaze on the woman, she raked her nails down the arm detaining her. Her captor cursed, and the huge dirty hand pressing against her face pressed harder, now covering her nose. When she tried to breathe, no air would come. She thought frantically, trying to recall any of the things her mama had taught her to do in such a situation. She needed to offset her attacker. Jasmine threw herself down, becoming dead weight, hoping to upset his balance. Her move did little to aid her, however, for all he did was grunt and heft her against his body. Dizziness overwhelmed her, but she refused to give up. As a last resort, she bit down with all her might. She gagged as a metallic taste filled her mouth, but she didn’t dare let go. When she felt a blow to her side, she was forced to release his hand as she gasped. Then, something knocked her in the head, and she found herself on the ground, staring at the raven-haired woman.

  “This wench drew blood,” a male growled.

  “Well,” a deep, smooth voice answered, “at least she has fight. That’s exactly what we need. Are the men here?”

  “They’re waiting at the border with Blair. He was getting antsy, because you were late, my lord.”

  Border? She thought, What border? The treetops swirled together above Jasmine. The only border close is … No! Jasmine tried to sit up, to escape, but the world lurched when she made the attempt and then she was right back on the ground.

  “There were a few complications,” the smooth-voiced male answered.

  “Like abusing the master’s woman, my lord?”

  “She needed to be taught a lesson.”

  “He’ll be displeased with what you’ve done, my lord.”

  “We’ll see. Let’s move. It won’t be long before the Crown figures out she’s missing.”

  Right before the world went black, the green-eyed woman mouthed something to her.

  Fight.

  She didn’t need to be told. That was something she would always do.

  Tehl

  Tehl sighed as he snuggled deeper into the blankets, relishing the sunlight warming his back.

  Wait...Sunlight?

  Tehl squinted at the window. The sun was high. When was the last time he had slept in? He couldn’t remember. His stomach growled. It was most definitely past breakfast. He stretched out a hand to touch the empty spot beside him, a smile on his face. Sage had slept beside him last night of her own volition and that was truly a victory. Her words from the night before came back to him, and his smile widened further as he rolled over to stare at the ceiling.

  You have a loyal heart. That one statement changed everything. It meant she cared.

  Finally, after everything they had been through, she was warming up to him. Admittedly, he had thought for quite a time that she never would. And after last night’s misunderstanding, he’d expected her to cut him off completely, or possibly even stab him. But he was very surprised when, instead, she’d opened up to him and they’d been able to communicate freely and honestly for possibly the first time ever. At last, it seemed there was true hope for a friendship with his wife.

  He clutched his stomach when it, once more, rumbled its displeasure. It was well past the time he usually ate. Tehl glanced again to the windows and Sage’s empty spot. He had slept better last night than he had in a long time. Normally, Sage’s nightmares woke up both of them frequently. It gutted him each time he had to reassure her that no one was hurting her, or when he had to hold her so she wouldn’t hurt herself or him. What a cruel hand they’d been dealt.

  Tehl shook off the glum thoughts and rolled out of bed, stretching his arms above his head. No matter what had happened in the past, today would be a good day.

  He shuffled to the vanity and brushed his black hair, splashed water on his face, smoothed his rumpled shirt, and finally, pulled on his boots. It was well past time to get his day started, but first…breakfast.

  Pulling the door open, Tehl paused, looking between the guards. Addressing the redhead, he asked, “James, do you have any idea where the princess is?”

  “Garreth took her for a walk a while ago, but they’ve not returned.”

  “Probably training already,” he mused. After nodding to the two men, he moved down the corridor and to the stairs where his brother lounged carelessly against the banister. Moving past him, he began to descend the steps, slapping his brother’s shoulder good-naturedly as he passed.

  “How are you this morning?”

  Sam followed him. “Not as good as you, it seems. Why, you seem downright chipper this morning.”

  He raised a brow and smiled. “It’s going to be a good day.”

  “I take it things went well with your wife last night?”

  “She forgave me,” he said simply.

  A choking sound came from behind him. “She didn’t make you grovel or anything? Or attack you?”

  “She’s not that type of woman.”

  Sam sniggered. “Uh, yeah… she is. She would definitely stab you.”

  “That’s not what I meant. I meant she isn’t a petty woman.”

  “Then you’re a lucky man,” his brother said.

  Tehl stopped at the bottom of the stairs and turned to his brother with a smile. “I am. Last night resolved itself better than I ever expected. She can be so emotional at times, and yet, she can also be extremely rational. It’s remarkable and confusing.”

  Sam grinned. “You act like you’re surprised. Of course, Sage is remarkable.”

  Something in his brother’s tone gave him pause. There was an intimacy there that he hadn’t expected. His brows furrowed as he tried to work it out. When Sam caught his expression, he slapped the back of his head. Tehl rubbed it and glared. “What was that for?”

  “Don’t be stupid. You know I consider Sage my sister. I have no feelings for her, save the sort of love and admiration a brother usually has, so stop looking at me like I’m about to steal your wife.”

  “You’ve been known to steal women.” His brother’s lack of expression pulled a sheepish smile from him. “Sorry,” he offered, continuing to rub the back of his head.

  “Apology accepted. It happens to the best of us.”

  Now that made him snort. “Like you’ve ever been jealous. You don’t keep company with the same woman long enough to become envious.”

  It was Sam’s turn to furrow his brow as they began descending the arched, airy corridor. “Well… maybe one day, I’ll find the right woman.”

  Tehl stumbled, gaping at his brother.

  “What?” Sam shrugged. “I’m just saying one day it would probably be nice to have a family.”

  “Who are you and what have you done with my brother?”

  “Very funny,” his brother said, rolling his eyes. “I’m not saying right now, just… you know, in the future sometime.”

  “And what brought on this change of heart? You’ve always told me you’re not a one-woman man.”

  “Things change.”

  “Things?” he asked incredulously. “What sort of things?”

  Sam ent
ered the private dining room and closed the door behind them before responding. “Sage,” he said, with a shrug.

  “Sage?” he repeated plopping into his chair.

  His brother paced back and forth with his hands behind his back before placing himself in the chair across from him. “Well… She’s interesting.”

  Tehl waited a beat before prompting, “And?”

  Sam tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling. “She’s strong, hardworking, loyal, funny, sweet, smart…” He paused. “She’s a good person. She’s even warm and empathetic, which is hard to find. Being her friend has brought me to the conclusion that, perhaps, marriage wouldn’t be so bad after all.”

  “Because of Sage…”

  “Yes, she’s helped me realize that all women aren’t the same.”

  Tehl plucked a grape from the table and tossed it into his mouth while studying his brother. He agreed that Sage certainly was unique. Like his mother. That thought stopped him mid-chew and a lump lodged in his throat. He forced himself to swallow. “Do you ever think about Mum?”

  Sam smiled softly and dropped his head to meet Tehl’s gaze. “From time to time. Sometimes, Sage snarks something at me and it reminds me of Mum. I think she would have liked Sage.”

  “Father said that, as well.”

  Both men fell silent, lost in their thoughts. His mum would have welcomed his wife with open arms, he was sure. She’d always wanted a girl in their family. Tehl pulled himself from his thoughts and asked, “Have you seen Sage this morning?”

  Sam blinked and shook his head. “Not this morning. She’s probably skulking around somewhere. I heard her ladies-in-waiting wanted to go to the market this morning, so I bet my horse she’ll hide out all day, just to escape the horrors of shopping.”

  The brothers exchanged a look and burst out laughing. “I’ve never known a woman to hate shopping more than Sage. I tried to have new dresses commissioned, but she about ripped my head off, spouting off about ‘ridiculous and unnecessary things.’”

  “Let me guess, she wanted you to use the money to fund some cause?”

  “She’s predictable in that way, isn’t she?”

  “Well, at least she isn’t a power-hungry money spender.”

  Tehl swallowed a bit of honey cake and nodded. “She’s special.” He blinked, surprised at his own admission.

  Sam grinned. “I’m glad you think so.”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “You’re finally seeing her worth.”

  His brows wrinkled in confusion. “I’ve always seen her worth.”

  “No.” Sam shook his head. “Not her worth as a consort, her worth as a woman.”

  Tehl’s mind conjured up her sweet smile, the glint in her eye when she was about to do something crazy, and the curves she hid beneath linen and leather. “She’s beautiful,” he blurted. “My wife is beautiful.”

  “Inside and out,” Sam said.

  “Indeed,” he muttered, staring at the table. He definitely appreciated her appearance, but he had to admit it was the person she was on the inside that had finally won him over. Sage had done many things for his family, but she’d received very little in return which benefited her personally. Maybe he could change that. But what could he do for her? Despite living with her, he didn’t know her very well. All he knew was that she didn’t care for extravagant gifts and she liked weapons, but, as she was a blacksmith, she liked to make her own, so that was not an option. What did women like?

  “Sam…” He eyed his brother. “What do women like as gifts?”

  “Jewelry, flowers, romantic dinners, things from the heart. Sage is a little different from the typical woman, but she still appreciates things from the heart.”

  What was in Sage’s heart? Her friends and family. It was that thought which sparked an idea. He smiled. “I’ve a plan,” he declared. “I’ll set up a dinner with our families at her parents’ home.”

  Sam slapped a hand on the table, excited by the prospect. “That’d be a perfect gift.”

  Echoing his brother’s excitement, he expounded on the idea. “I want this to be a surprise. It can be Father, Gav, Isa, Lilja and Hayjen, her brothers, her parents, and the two of us. We can spend the evening together as one united family.”

  Sam leaned forward on steepled fingers. “Tehl, I must say, I think this is one of the best ideas you’ve had in a long time.”

  A moment of uncertainty plagued him. “You think she’ll like it?”

  “She’ll love it.”

  He stood up and pushed back from the table. “I need to go see her parents and Lilja.”

  “Right now?”

  Tehl felt like his smile couldn’t get any wider. “Yes, right now. I want to get this underway as soon as possible, before the summer ends.”

  “Well, best of luck. Give Gwen and Colm my love.”

  “Give it to them yourself. You’re coming with me.”

  Sam’s face dropped. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen them since we discovered Sage at the forge, and I’m not sure they’d welcome my presence.”

  “Then it’s about time to talk it out. Stop being a coward.”

  “Very mature.”

  “What can I say? Communication does wonders. Last night is proof of that.”

  Sam sidled up to him with a wolfish grin on his face. “What indeed did it accomplish, brother of mine?”

  He punched his brother on the arm, ignoring the question, and headed toward the doors to the training yard. “None of your business. What happens with my wife is private.”

  “Your wife? Not Sage?”

  He smiled. “Yes, my wife.”

  Sam

  Sam tilted his face toward the fading sun and soaked in the last rays of warmth, reveling in the feeling of sand between his toes. Dropping his chin, he began scanning the beach as he walked, reminiscing. He’d spent innumerable hours here as a young boy, playing with his brother and his mum. A smile softened his features at the memory. His mum had cared nothing for propriety; everything had been about their family. He knew she must have ruined countless gowns by wading into tide pools just to gather sea treasures or to show her sons some of the little sea animals.

  Catching sight of something small and shiny, he moved toward a pool surrounded by porous rocks. He reached into the water and plucked the shell from the sand, holding it up to the light. The iridescent abalone was a mural of swirling blues, greens, and purples. It was just the right size to be made into a necklace, one his sister-in-law was sure to love. His sister-in-law had a love for sea baubles that almost rivaled his mum’s. Grinning to himself, he pocketed the treasure and moved toward the entrance of a cave which lay hidden among the rocks. Just before entering, he paused. The large, arching cavern was still a source of wonder for him; it was a study in contrasts. Some spots had been so worn by the ocean’s waves that it felt as smooth as glass, whereas others were sharp enough to cut your hand.

  Just past the hidden entrance was a staircase carved into the stone walls. Sam stopped to pull on his socks and boots and grimaced. The sheer number of steps combined with the steep gradient made the hike a brutal one. Putting one foot in front of the other, he began the long trek up.

  As he walked, his mind wandered to their recent reunion with the Blackwells—how his stomach had been in knots when Gwen had answered the door. How, much to his surprise, she’d looked him over, and before he understood what was happening, hugged him fiercely. She had then ushered them into her kitchen, where Colm stood. The four of them had awkwardly stood there until Gwen forced them to all sit down. As was his way, his brother had forgone any small talk and launched straight into his idea for their families to spend an evening together. That particular moment had amused him since, by the looks on Colm and Gwen’s faces, they had yet to adjust to Tehl’s straightforward manner of speaking.

  But, what bothered him the most was when they’d discreetly catch his eye. The questions lurking in their eyes had him wanting to squirm in his c
hair. He knew he deserved it for lying to them for years. They were owed an explanation for his behavior.

  After Tehl had talked everything through, he sat back and eyed all of them for a moment. Sam got a little nervous when he’d noticed a glint in his brother’s eye. His brother had flashed them a smile before excusing himself to ‘get some fresh air’ while Sam had glared at Tehl’s retreating back. The traitor. He hadn’t even been subtle about it. Taking a deep breath, he’d then turned to face the only people that had given him one thing it was hard to find at the palace after the death of his mum. A sense of normalcy.

  “I’m happy to see you, my lord. We appreciate your visit,” Gwen had murmured.

  The way she had spoken held a note of respect, but he detected wariness as well. He had felt his heart sink in his chest a little more, hating that he’d lied. His lies almost always hurt someone and he hated that, this time, it was someone he cherished. Carefully, he had reached out a hand and taken one of Gwen’s. “There’s no need for such formality. You still know me.”

  “Do we?” Colm asked.

  That one question had felt like a punch to the gut. “Yes,” he paused, then amended, “Well, part of me.”

  “And who is the other part?” Gwen asked.

  “Brother, prince, commander. Take your pick.”

  “Those are merely descriptions of your roles, Samuel, not who you are. Your lot in life does not define you. Your actions do.”

  Gwen’s words had struck him. The concept was both powerful and foreign to him. His roles did not define him?

  “So, again, my lord, who are you?”

  Sam had met her eyes, imploring her to believe him. “A boy looking for a family when his own fell apart, and please, call me Sam. That’s who I am to you, just Sam.”

  At his response, Gwen’s expression had shifted from that of wariness to understanding. “You’ll always have a family here.”