Fate's Pawn: First Bite

Chapter Six: Surprise

I was awoken by a bitter scent wafting under my nose. My entire body ached and even breathing hurt. I didn’t know how I was going to get through the day. I cracked an eye open and saw Orion standing by the bed a teacup in hand. Beyond him I could see a pallet laid out, I knew he hadn’t actually slept on the floor, but he did a great job of making it look like it.

I took the drink with a wince. I knew better than to object. The brew was particularly strong this morning. I sipped and tried to hide the face I made.

“You should be grateful I got up to make that for you,” Orion scolded. He didn’t appear upset any longer. The fact brought me a measure of relief. I was in no shape to deal with any more of his fury.

“Thank you.” The words came too easy and I scowled at myself.

He grinned. “See? It’s not that hard to play your part, Will. Just do what I say, serve me, and your life could be far easier.” He was adjusting his clothes and tidying himself up before a mirror. “I’ll be joining the princes today during the strategy meeting. I very much expect you to stay in this room all day until I come to collect you. Oh, and finish your tea while it’s still hot. The medicine is more potent that way.”

I grimaced at the bitter beverage but downed it the best as I could. It was a daily ritual I despised, but neglecting it would have far worse repercussions. I wanted to get dressed but I couldn’t bring myself to extract myself from my covers. My clothes from the night before were nowhere to be found and I frowned as there was a knock at the door. Not wanting anyone to see my bare arms I put my teacup on the side and burrowed myself in with my back to the door. I wanted to at least look asleep.

“Sire, I was not expecting you so early. Did you sleep well?” Orion’s voice betrayed his good mood and I hated myself for being the cause of it.

“Is Willow not up?” I was surprised to hear the disappointment in Ash’s voice. I wanted to pop up and go towards him, but being nude put a damper on those plans. Besides, my skin was still on fire. “I wanted to take her to her surprise.”

“Surprise?” I could tell he was frowning from his voice alone. “She doesn’t need a surprise. She’ll be staying in for the rest of the day.”

“Nonsense,” Ash responded. “I have a servant coming to pick her up and take her to her surprise later. Don’t worry, friend. After the surprise, she’ll be delivered straight back here until you can return and keep your eye on her. I know she’s safe with you.”

“It would truly be a shame if she overslept such a thing.” Orion agreed. “Very well, we should get going. Have the others arrived yet?”

“No, but soon. Adrian wanted to get an early start and explain the situation. He’s tired of waiting. He said something about he’ll have someone else explain it all later.”

Their voices faded a bit as they exited through the door and left me by myself. I slipped out of bed and locked the door behind them, I would die if Ash saw me like this. Every step was agony but I took it anyway. It took far too long to get dressed but I finally managed the feat. The red welts were hidden by my long skirts and my long sleeves. True I’d probably burn up, but it was better than showing the signs of my abuse.

There was a sharp rap at the door and I hobbled over and opened it. The stranger before me didn’t seem too interested to see me. “I’m supposed to take you to the stables.”

“Stables?” I echoed as a grin came to my lips I couldn’t fight.

“Yes.” He replied with a roll of his eyes. He started off down the hall and I did my best to catch up with him.

Every step brushed the back of my skirts against my welts but I did my best to not hobble. Not that this guy seemed to care anyway. “Thank you.”

“I’m only doing as my master requires.” He glanced over his shoulder at me, his eyes raking over my figure. There was no lust in his gaze, that was good at least, I was tired of that type of conversation, but I could have been a piece of furniture for all the emotion he gave. “Come along.”

Once we got to the stables he turned to go. “Wait, you’re just leaving me here? Alone?”

“You’ll be with the animals.” He shrugged. “I’ll be back for you later. I have to get things ready for the other princes, I don’t have time to babysit.” He turned on his heel and left.

For the first time in a very long time, I was by myself. One of the horses nearby whinnied at me and I tore myself out of my preoccupation to go limp over and see which one did. Giant white wings arched over an equally flawless white back as big blue eyes stared at me. I didn’t know that the prince had pegasus. I had never even seen one!

“Hey boy,” I whispered as I reached my hand down below it. The giant nostrils expanded as it got a whiff of my scent. I found myself worrying my lip as I waited for a sign of how it felt about me. It reached down and nuzzled me and my heart melted. I stroked the side of its neck as I stared at it in wonder. “Hope you’re having a better week than me, fella.”

“You’re having that bad of a time, huh?” Growled a voice from behind me.

I stiffened and looked over my shoulder. I didn’t know this stranger but something about him made my hair stand on end. Maybe it was the way he was dressed? He didn’t quite fit in with the castle staff I had observed so far. His eyes shifted to the exit and back to me as if he expected me to make a run for it. I swallowed and started to hold my hands up to dissuade him when I hissed in pain and my arm fell to my side.

A shadow towered over me and it took me a moment to realize he had moved that fast and now he was blocking my only exit. I was trapped between him and a restless pegasus.