Queen of Monsters and Madness Read online

  Spinning on his heel, he strode toward his tent and tossed back the flap. His advisors stood around a table, strategizing with maps of the Nagalian palace and Kugami Mountains.

  Rafe acknowledged him with a lift of his chin and continued speaking: “The Nagali favored open floor plans, so a frontal attack from the Scythians is unlikely.”

  Tehl stopped next to the Methian and scanned the map as Rafe pointed to lines representing an underground system.

  “This is where the danger lies. Even with William’s maps, we’re not familiar enough with the tunnels to actually use them, and that’s risky.”

  “Then why bring them up?” Jeren asked.

  “Because the warlord chose this place for a reason. We may not know the tunnel systems, but I’ve no doubt that the warlord and his men do. We need to keep in mind that with their enhancements, they are faster than anyone you’ve ever fought, and their sight, hearing, and sense of smell are superior in all ways. We need to tread carefully.”

  “How will we beat such an opponent?” Lelbiel asked. “By all accounts, we are inferior.”

  “Only in physical ways,” Lilja said, her white brows furrowed in concentration. “That doesn’t mean we can’t outsmart them. Their warriors do what they’re told and don’t deviate from their commands. We can use that to our advantage. Surprise will be our greatest weapon.”

  “But surely, the warlord has planned for such attacks?” Madden said.

  “No doubt. One so corrupt does not keep power without calculation and skill, but he is at a disadvantage as well.” Zachael smiled with a hint of malice. “He may be familiar with Aermia, but not us. It’s a weapon we can wield.”

  “And Rhys?” Tehl asked. “He was in our midst for quite some time.” He cast a glance to Rafe. “How much information does he possess?”

  Rafe’s arms crossed and his eyes narrowed. “Enough to be dangerous, as you well know.”

  Tehl gnashed his teeth. He expected nothing different, but even talking of the traitor made him want to kill something. “Sam…” He turned to his brother. “If the warlord does not let her go, what of Sage?”

  Sam scanned the group. “We’ll get her out…”

  “That’s it?” Zachael asked.

  His brother stared down the weapons master. “The more people aware of the plan, the more likely it will fail. It’s safer if only a few of us have pieces of the information. That way, if one of us is captured, our whole plan won’t fall to pieces.”

  The weapons master dipped his head. “Understood.”

  “Should I be worried?” Tehl asked.

  “You should always be worried when it comes to the spymaster,” Gav grumbled while scrutinizing one of the maps.

  Old William growled and pushed away from the table. “I hate that we’re going into this blind.” He gestured to the table. “We can’t plan anything until we know where we’ll be staying. At least he can’t surround us with his army,” his advisor grumbled. “The Nagali chose well when they built their palace into the Kugami Mountains.”

  “My question is, why this place?” Sam asked out loud. “Sure, it’s a fortress, but Scythia hates all things Nagali. So why not somewhere else? Yes, the mountains hobble us, but they hobble him as well. What’s so special about this place? I feel like we’re missing something.”

  “He’s proud of his accomplishments, and he enjoys mind games,” Lilja offered. “He could have chosen it for the purpose of showing us what Scythia is capable of, to remind us of what they’ve conquered, or maybe just to keep us guessing. We can’t know. The best we can do is stay alert and plan for anything and everything.”

  “Indeed. We’ve discussed all we can for the evening,” Tehl said with a hint of finality. “I’ll see all of you tomorrow morning.”

  His council bowed and left his tent one by one, until only Lilja, Hayjen, Gav, and his brother remained.

  “May I speak to you privately, my lord?” Lilja asked.

  Tehl nodded, fatigue riding him hard. Hayjen clasped him on the shoulder, kissed his wife’s cheek, and then led Sam and Gav out of the tent. Tehl and Lilja stared at each other, both silent and unmoving. Her unnatural stillness unnerved him.

  “Out with it, Lilja. You’re never one to beat around the bush.” He pulled a pouch from his waist and took a swig of the spirits, ignoring her stare. When Lilja still didn’t answer, he pulled a chair over and sat in it, gesturing to the one across from him. Holding out the pouch, he offered, “A drink?”

  The Sirenidae glided to his side and pulled the pouch from his hand, taking a swig. He wasn’t surprised that she didn’t cough at the liquid that burned like fire. Nothing surprised him anymore.

  She sank into the chair across from him and leveled a look he couldn’t decipher. “You’re tired.”

  He chuckled at that. “That’s nothing new.”

  “Are you prepared for Sage’s return?”

  “Yes. I didn’t fathom how much of an impact she had on my life,” he answered honestly. Lilja smiled at him, and something loosened inside of him. He never had to put on a pretense with her. He could be blunt and honest, maybe even to the point of being rude, but she never judged him. “I miss her.”

  Lilja’s magenta eyes misted. “I do, too.” She blinked a couple times and took another swig of spirits before handing it back to him. “When I asked my question, I meant something different, Tehl. That place…” She pulled in a sharp breath and looked at the rug. “It strips you down until you don’t know who you are anymore.”

  “Sage is strong.” She was. He truly believed she could survive whatever came her way.

  “She is, and I still worry for her.” Lilja pinned him with her gaze. “I worry for you.”

  “Me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why?”

  “Because when you finally see her, it will break you.”

  “I’m not that easily broken.”

  “Indeed.” She leaned forward, her face very serious. “How will you handle it if she’s pregnant?”

  Her words slapped him in the face. “Pregnant?” he croaked.

  It was possible, but it wasn’t something he even wanted to contemplate. Lilja reached out and touched his clenched fist.

  “Will you be able to accept another man’s child?”

  “Children are blessings.” He meant it. Children were precious. Tehl glanced up when Lilja squeezed his hand.

  “That is admirable, but really look inside of yourself. This won’t be just any child, but that of your enemy. Can you accept your enemy’s offspring as your own?”

  He opened and then closed his mouth. A ‘yes’ was on the tip of his tongue; his throat worked, but no sound came out. Could he really raise a child that wasn’t his? Yes. But his enemy’s?

  Lilja squeezed his hand once more and sat back. “This is not an easy task, but it is one that falls on your shoulders. She will need you; your support, your strength, your acceptance, and your love. Are you prepared to give those things to her?”

  “Yes.” That was easy.

  “And the child?”

  Tehl exhaled and nodded. “It doesn’t matter how a child was created. Scythian or no, the child is an innocent, one that I will welcome into my home and raise as my own, no matter how difficult it may be.”

  A smile lit up Lilja’s face. “Then you’re a good man.”

  He shook his head and ran a hand over his face. “If I was a better one, we wouldn’t be in this situation.”

  “Do you really believe that?” the Sirenidae asked.

  Guilt weighed him down. “With my whole heart.”

  “Maybe Sage isn’t the only one who needs support, strength, acceptance, and love.”

  “Do you think that is possible for us?” he asked, holding his breath as he waited for Lilja to reply.

  “Do you think her parents, or Hayjen and I, would’ve allowed your marriage to take place if we believed you’d be unhappy forever?” She smiled at him like she held a secret. “We all
care for Aermia, but if you think for one moment that we would have allowed our girl to attach herself to an unworthy man for the kingdom, you’re daft.”

  Her statement struck him as funny. He chuckled, which turned into a full laugh. Lilja looked at him like he’d lost his mind, and maybe he had, but her expression just made him laugh harder. His stomach cramped, and tears blurred his eyes. With much effort, he managed to get control of himself and wipe the tears from his eyes.

  Lilja grinned at him. “Laughing is good for the soul, isn’t it?”

  “My mum used to say that.”

  “What was so funny?”

  “Your statement. After spending time with the Blackwells, I should’ve realized this was part their decision, too. It seems I have many more people to be thankful to.”

  Sam pushed into the tent, interrupting them. His gaze darted between the two of them. “Gav,” he shouted. “I told you it wasn’t Tehl laughing. Lilja made him cry.”

  Tehl scowled at his brother and rubbed his eyes hard. A hand on his shoulder pulled his attention up.

  Lilja’s eyes were sparkling with mirth. “I’ve brothers, too,” she mock-whispered just loud enough for his brother to hear. “They never grow any less bothersome.”

  “My lady! I’m wounded.”

  The Sirenidae rolled her eyes and strode toward his brother. “I’m sure nothing could wound you on account of your battle prowess.”

  Sam’s eyes narrowed playfully. “I get the feeling you’re playing with me, Lilja. What a cruel thing.”

  She sniggered and swept around him. “You haven’t seen my cruel side yet.” She paused before the tent flap and swiveled to look at Tehl and his brother. “We’ll reach the castle tomorrow. Sleep well. I’m sure it will be the last time any of us do so until we leave that accursed place.” She glanced through the flap. “I better relieve Rafe before he kills the Scythian wench. They squabble like crows.”

  With that, she disappeared outside, leaving the brothers to stare after her.

  “She’s a magnificent woman,” Sam commented.

  “Lilja’s certainly unique,” Tehl answered and shifted into a more comfortable position, waiting for his brother to sit and have his say. “How much did you hear?”

  “Not much. Only your deranged cackle.” Sam plopped into Lilja’s vacated chair, swiped the spirit pouch, and stared at it. “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard you laugh like that.”

  “It’s been a long time,” he admitted. His mind then turned to the possibility of a pregnant Sage.

  “Your serious face is back,” Sam noted. “Will you share your burdens with me?”

  Tehl leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped. “What if…” His voice cracked. He cleared his throat and tried again. “What if she is carrying a child?”

  Sam stilled and then took a swig of the spirits before answering, “Then you do what you do best.”

  “And what is that?” Tehl really didn’t know. Everything was falling apart around him. Nothing seemed to go the way he planned.

  “You care for her and the child.”

  “Care?” he scoffed. “Gav is better suited for it than I am.”

  “Not true. You’re stunted when it comes to understanding others’ emotions, I’ll grant you that. But you care for those close to you. You’ve been caring for all of us for a long time. Just keep on doing what you’re doing.”

  Tehl shot to his feet and began pacing the tent, his brother watching him.

  “Speak, brother, I’m listening.”

  “I can care for the child, but what of Sage?”

  “What of her?”

  He stopped pacing and pinned his brother with a look. “How do I heal rape? I don’t know how to deal with that. When I think of it…” He broke off as rage filled him. He glared at the chair, wanting to throw it. “I want to kill him. I want to tear things apart.”

  His brother’s face clouded over. “If he has, he will pay.”

  “That’s my point!” Tehl exploded. “How can I care for her with all this hate and rage inside of me?” His hands curled into fists at his side. “How can I get her back if I’m this out of control?”

  “You’re not out of control, brother.” Sam stood and clasped him on the shoulder. “You’ve borne this better than anyone.”

  His jaw clenched, and he looked to the side, his fears spilling out of his lips. “What if we can’t get her back?”

  “We will,” Sam said resolutely.

  “And what if we do and the Sage we love died in Scythia?”

  Sam grabbed him into a rough hug. “Then we’ll welcome her home and get to know this new version of her.”

  Tehl nodded and thumped his brother’s back a few times before pulling away. “Thank you.”

  His brother clasped his forearm. “I’m with you. You’re not alone.” Sam scanned his face. “Get some sleep if you can. Tomorrow is the big day.” He slapped Tehl on the shoulder and then moved to his bedroll.

  A new sense of strength filled Tehl. They would get Sage back.

  He glanced at his own bedroll. It was doubtful he’d get any sleep, but he needed to try. Tomorrow, they would change history.

  Tehl

  It was more beautiful than he expected. Golden grass gave way to rich, green pine forests; the earth shifted from a deep brown to an intense red. He scanned the castle looming in front of them, anxious. Somewhere inside was Sage. She was so close.

  “Breathe, my lord.”

  Tehl glanced at Zachael. “I am.”

  The weapons master scoffed. “Not evenly. Remember your training.”

  He nodded and pulled deep breaths in and out as they ascended the mountainside toward the castle. It was eerie how pristine the Nagali palace still was. Not a single tower or wing looked run down or in any need of repair. It was exactly how it looked in history books.

  His men circled nearer on their horses as they moved ever closer to the palace. He couldn’t see the Scythians, but he knew they watched. Everyone was on edge as they crested the mountain path, finally arriving at the palace gate.

  Silence met them.

  Tehl scanned the area, hyper aware of his surroundings. It was like the mountains also held their breath, waiting. His gaze snapped to the metal gate when it groaned and swung inward, a group of dangerous-looking Scythian warriors just inside it.

  The largest one stepped forward. It was the same warrior they’d encountered all those months ago outside of Sanee. The one who’d shot down his own men. Tehl schooled his face, one hand tightening on his reins, causing Wraith to toss his head. He loosened his grip and straightened in the saddle, his other hand on the pommel of his sword.

  “My lords and ladies,” the warrior’s deep voice boomed, echoing off the surrounding stone. “Welcome to Palace Kamugi.”

  Tehl dipped his chin but shot a look at Lilja, who had let out an uncharacteristic gasp. He blinked at her odd behavior. She never let anyone know they’d surprised her. He turned back to the warrior who was staring at the Sirenidae. Was this the warrior Lilja had been given to? He pushed the thoughts away and focused on the warrior.

  “It’s our pleasure to join you in negotiations. Where is your warlord?” Tehl asked.

  The warrior bowed and then stepped to the side. “Unfortunately, he’s been detained and could not greet you himself, but accommodations and refreshments have been arranged, so you can refresh yourselves and rest until dinner is served, where my lord will later join you.” He gestured to the other stoic warriors. “My men will care for your mounts.”

  So, that was how it was going to be. “Indeed, send my thanks to your lord,” Tehl said, his voice ringing clear. He swung off his horse, his men following his lead. The warlord refused to greet them? What sort of game was he playing? He lifted the reins over Wraith’s head and pulled him forward, keeping his gaze sharp.

  Sam sauntered up to Tehl’s side and smirked at the warrior. “It’s a pleasure to see you again,” he said to the large war
rior. “I didn’t get your name the first time we met.”

  The warrior stiffened, the feathers in his long-braided hair fluttering in the air. “It’s Blair.”

  “Our thanks, Warrior Blair,” Lilja purred in a voice that had Tehl glancing in her direction.

  At that moment, everything about her screamed unearthly. Her hips swayed as she sashayed up to the warrior, drawing all the eyes of the Scythian men. Even in disguise, she was the most sensual creature he’d ever come in contact with.

  Tehl snuck a glance at the warrior and didn’t miss the flash of interest in Blair’s dark gaze as the Sirenidae glided to a stop in front of him, her hip cocked and hand held out. The commander carefully took Lilja’s fingers in his gigantic hand and kissed the back of hers prettily, his gaze locked on the woman.

  “My pleasure, my lady,” he rumbled against her skin, then straightened and held an arm out.

  Lilja flipped her hair and handed her reins to a warrior standing to her left. “I believe it shall be,” she murmured, taking his arm.

  How did her husband feel about the warrior lusting after his wife? Tehl glanced at Hayjen, who stood behind, watching his wife with a blank mask. Whatever he was feeling, it was deeply hidden.

  Tehl’s gaze moved to Blaise, standing proudly in the middle of the Aermian delegation.

  “Are you not going to welcome me home, Blair?” her question hung in the air.

  The Scythian warrior bowed shallowly and straightened. “It is a happiness to see your face again, Blaise. Your mother has missed you dearly.”

  “And my uncle?”

  Blair froze for a second. “I’m sure he’ll rejoice in your return as well.”

  Her cheeks sucked in, and she glanced to the side. “Where is my mother?”

  “In her suite, I assume.”

  Blaise nodded and strode from the group and into the palace.

  He shot a look at his brother. The first piece was in play. Sam slid his gaze away.

  Tehl handed his reins to a Scythian warrior and kept his face pleasant as the warrior glared at him. The air was taut with unease, hostility, and suspicion. Their peace accord was already going well.