Lost Princess. Dani-Lyn Alexander

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СКАЧАТЬ open with a bang against the stone wall.

      Jackson turned, stepped in front of Ryleigh, and unsheathed his sword, all in one smooth motion.

      Chayce stood in the doorway, lips pressed firmly together, and let his gaze play over what he could see of Ryleigh. “Well, well, well.”

      Jackson stiffened. Jealousy burned a hole in his gut. He tightened his grip on the sword. Ridiculous. Chayce was his brother. Even though they’d been having problems since just before their father’s death, they’d always been close. Jackson had to get his emotions into some kind of balance if he was going to rule even halfway effectively. Which was not looking too promising. He loosened his fingers and sheathed the sword, then leashed his anger. “What’s wrong, Chayce?”

      His brother’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? What’s wrong?” His laughter held only sarcasm. “Let’s see. First I looked for you in the throne room, but only found my father’s empty throne collecting dust. Then I searched the Council Chambers. Of course, they were empty as well.”

      Jackson started to seethe. It began as a slow burning in the pit of his stomach. Instead of standing by his side and offering support, Chayce had whined constantly since their father’s death. No matter what Jackson did, what decisions he made, Chayce disagreed.

      “Let me ask you something, brother.” Chayce clenched and unclenched his hand around the hilt of his sword, his black gloves creaking with each movement. “Do you ever plan to avenge our father’s death? Or are you just going to continue playing with your girlfriend?” He gestured toward Ryleigh, a look of pure derision crossing his face, an instantaneous loss of control before he once again schooled his features.

      Bile crept up Jackson’s throat. The burn fueled the fire his runaway emotions had already sparked. “My girlfriend is your queen.” Sort of. “You would do well to remember that and show the proper respect.”

      Chayce’s words had held such passion. The desire to avenge their father an almost palpable need. Yet his eyes held nothing of that passion. Instead of the rage or pain he expected, Jackson found only emptiness. A black abyss.

      Chayce stepped forward, stood toe to toe with Jackson. “I will not wait much longer, Jackson. If you will not accept your role, I will take the Cymmeran Guard and search for Kai myself. My father’s death will be avenged.” He poked a finger into Jackson’s chest. “You are a pitiful excuse for a king. You make us look weak. Incompetent. No wonder Kai—”

      Fingers splayed against Chayce’s chest, Jackson slammed him against the wall. Even though Jackson’s conscience screamed at him to release Chayce, his hand had a mind of its own. “That will be all, Chayce.” Apparently, so did his mouth. “I have been patient with you since our father fell. I’m done. Whether you like it or not, I am now the ruler of this kingdom. You don’t have to agree with everything I say and do, but you will respect my title. If you have a problem with how I run things, call a council meeting, and we’ll all discuss it. Until then…” He gripped Chayce’s shirt and pulled him closer, until no more than an inch separated their noses. “Back off.” With one last shove, he finally eased his grip.

      Chayce held his gaze. Then he smoothed his tunic, turned, and walked out.

      Jackson ignored the instinct to call his brother back, to make things right with him. Most Cymmerans no longer had the capability to feel. And yet…Chayce’s words betrayed some leftover—

      A soft touch on his shoulder pulled him from his contemplation.

      “Are you all right?” Ryleigh stared at him, her eyes filled with concern.

      “I’m fine.” Reality slapped him in the face. “He’s not wrong, you know.”

      She frowned. “What do you mean? You send regular patrols to search for Kai. What more can you do, if you can’t find him?”

      He hesitated, knowing she wouldn’t like his answer. “I could send the Guard to invade Argonas. Seize control.”

      Ryleigh’s eyes went wide “You can’t just decide you want to rule a realm and take it over…can you?”

      “Of course, we can. Especially since the leader of that realm was killed. With Daygan gone, someone has to take control. If I don’t do it…” He shrugged. “Someone else will.”

      Ryleigh was silent for a minute, seemingly contemplating the information. When she finally spoke, it was quietly, tentative. “So why haven’t you? I mean…I’m not saying you should, I’m just asking why you haven’t. There must be a reason.”

      “I can barely run the kingdom I’m currently responsible for, what in the world would I do with another one?” The risk of someone else taking over Argonas and invading Cymmera was high. But if that happened, his armies would defend their kingdom.

      “Maybe someone good will take over Argonas.”

      “Perhaps. But it’s highly unlikely. Argonas is a harsh realm. Filled with savages who will need to be brought under control, tamed. It’s not likely a kind-hearted, timid leader could do that. But there’s always the possibility whoever it is will be content to conquer his own realm and leave us alone.”

      “Is that likely?”

      “Who knows?” Jackson took her hand. “Chayce is not aware of the prophet’s predictions. If he was, he might feel differently. Elijah has been warning of danger coming.”

      Ryleigh gasped and tried to pull her hand away.

      He only gripped it tighter. “Take it easy. You said earlier Mia’s been saying the same thing. It is possible she’s seeing something, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she’s a seer. She may just be…aware…that something might happen. After everything she’s been through, it’s not really too far-fetched for her to have bad dreams or think violence is coming. Even without any special knowledge or talents.”

      Fear filled Ryleigh’s eyes. “I guess.” She ran her tongue along her lips. “Can you stop it? The danger, I mean.”

      He pulled his gaze from her full lips and tamped down his desire. “If I send our armies to Argonas, men will die. Most likely a lot of men. I don’t want to lose any more of my people if I can help it.” He lowered his head and massaged his temples. Did that make him a weak leader? He had no idea, but with the threat of Kai hanging over them all, he preferred to keep his warriors in Cymmera to protect their home and their people. He’d stood outside of Kai’s chambers and overheard Kai acknowledge someone else as his King. The other voice had been so familiar, even though it was distorted through a portal. It could have been Daygan, but it didn’t feel right in his gut.

      Chapter 2

      Ryleigh stepped back and swung the heavy sword. A second later she lay flat on her back staring up at the elaborately carved, domed ceiling. Again. She lifted her head.

      Jackson straddled her hips. The jerk wasn’t even breathing hard. “Too slow. Try again.”

      She let her head fall back and closed her eyes. Try again? Was he trying to train her to fight or kill her?

      His weight lifted off her. “Let’s go.”

      “I can’t.” She coughed and rolled onto her side.

      “You СКАЧАТЬ