Chapter 9
Two oddly paired women, a tall, slender one, and a shorter, stockier female, bolted down the prison halls as if fire licked at their feet. They turned corners and entered through more doors than could be counted until they found themselves outside in a lovely courtyard, lit by fireflies and well placed torches.
"What now?" The smaller one said, looking at her companion calmly.
The taller one looked around, checking to make sure no one was following them. "We have to get to the stables. The only way we will get there in time is by horseback. Listen, I need to get some food and supplies; we need to split up. The stables are straight down this path. I will meet you there with the necessary things."
The dark one nodded and they split, each hurrying their separate ways.
--
Garret went into his brother's room. It was massive and had all the furniture and trimmings fit for a king, especially a king like this one. His golden sibling lay in his bed, stroking his neck that bore chain marks from an attack earlier this morning.
"You would have never made it in the army." Garret said, smiling ruefully at Rordan.
Rordan scoffed, "And you would have made a terrible king."
Garret shrugged. He knew what his brother said was true; he never had a taste for power and was far too kind and soft hearted to be a good ruler. That's why, at the age of 14, he had relinquished his title as Prince Reagent and entered into the Army Academy of Lennox. He rose through the ranks to become Lieutenant without the help of his title or family connections, in fact many still did not know that Rordan and he were brothers. Many believed they were simply best friends and that the eldest Prince had been sent away due to madness or some other unfortunate ailment.
Phoenix knew this was untrue however and had confronted Garret about the matter a fortnight ago.
"Its remarkable how stupid some people are to not realize you are brothers." She said eyeing him warily.
Garret looked at her sharply, noting her lovely form as she lay casually by the pool. "I left nearly ten years ago, mistress, without an explanation or a cause. I was Prince reagent, the next in line for the throne, don't you think I am mad for giving it up?"
The assassin sat up, her long dark hair sliding over her shoulders in waves of black, "You did the right thing. If you had no desire to rule than I am glad you stepped down. It would have made you unhappy and cruel like Rordan."
Garret frowned, he hated when she insulted his brother, even if what she said had some truth to it. "He is not cruel. A king must be feared to ensure obedience and order."
"If a king is loved he can expect obedience and even respect, Lt. Garret." Phoenix picked a flower and admired it, "You think some people would recognize you; you don't change that drastically in a decade you know."
Garret through back his head in a bout of laughter, "Believe it or not, oh wise one, I once had blonde hair like my brother. Over the years it turned to brown like our mother's, God rest her soul. I was also a trifle thin and awkward before I left court."
"Thank God your hair turned to brown; it's less I have to associate you with your sibling." Phoenix stated as she combed her long fingers through Garret's mane.
The soldier's face turned a bright red as the beautiful young woman fingered through his hair, a bit too sensually if he had anything to say about it. He inhaled carefully, enjoying the faint smell of lavender and rose petals give off by her tan, smooth skin. He noted the pink flower she picked tucked behind her ear, stirring emotions out of the hardened man that hadn't been shaken up in a long time.
Phoenix, a bit lazed by the sun and droning insects, quickly realized what she was doing and the closeness of her body to his bulky one and immediately stood up. "Well, I don't want to miss afternoon tea. It's only my favorite part of the day." She said with false cheeriness and walked away.
--
The two women rode through the night, slowing down for nothing. There horses, packed with vitals, breathed heavily as the women spurned them on. Finally, with a nod, the women stopped at a pool of water to give their steeds a rest.
The women lit a small fire, making sure that the smoke would not give away their position.
"Sieglinde, why did you not come to Sinbadda when your family died?" The ebony woman asked cautiously.
Phoenix snorted, "They did not die they were MURDERED! And Sieglinde was killed along with them."
"Sieglinde, your mother, even your father, lives through you and your people. Keep them alive by honoring them!"
The assassin spun around angrily, her hazel eyes pale and flashing, "You mean what you said in the cell was a lie? My mother really is dead"
Valdis, looking directly at her niece, responded quietly, "She is alive in you."
Phoenix walked away, leaving her aunt and entering the dark, strange woods, muttering curses under her breathe."
A hand grabbed her from behind and wrapped itself around her mouth, "I thought I would never catch you assassin…