Page 169 of The Fae Girl 1

The castle was quiet.Too quiet.

Even in the darkness we could see it.

We galloped into the courtyard, all three hundred of us. The few soldiers that were around looked shocked to see us but they would have seen our approach from miles away. At least they should have.

I jumped from my horse, stormed through the keep and up the main stairway. If I had to fight every damned man between me and my nephew then I would.

Ridley was right on my tails. As were half my men. We’d already devised our plan. Already instructed each section where they were to go.

Exactly how we would secure each room of this castle.

But every room we entered, every hall we crossed was empty. As if the entire place was devoid of life.

I could feel Ridley glancing at me. I could see the look on his face though he tried to hide it.

The further up we went the worse it got. It was like everyone had simply vanished. That some sort of spell had been cast over everything.

I picked up pace. If the Crown Prince was gone then I had to know now. Had to find out where and get him back before he was harmed.

Ahead I could see the door to his room. There should have been guards. But there were none. I snarled rushing to the door but just as I got it I heard footsteps.

Soldiers started pouring out. Blocking us from all directions. The ambush was here apparently. The ambush was now.

“High Prince Fain.”

I paused at the voice.

“Hezak.” I said looking to the man meant to keep this castle safe. “Where is he?” I asked.

He glanced at the men beside me. “You were quicker than we expected.” He said with a smirk. “But then you always did like to impress didn’t you?”

“Where is he?” I gritted out.

“Relax. The boy is safe enough.”

I shook my head. Fury raging through me. That boy was our future King.

“You have to admit.” He said taking one small step forward. “It was a smart move on our part. To draw you out. Imagine your brother’s shock when he hears that not only is his precious son dead but his brother too. Tell me Fain, who will lead his armies when you’re gone?”

I glared at him. It had been a smart move. A clever one on his part. The thing he’d overestimated was his ability to beat me. To beat my soldiers. “So you turned traitor did you?” I snarled.

He laughed. “For the right price anyone would. Even you Fain, though you act noble enough, we all know what bastard blood runs through your veins.”

I let the insult rub off me. Did he really think such words would have an effect? I’d been called a bastard my entire life. Rillon had spent most of my late childhood beating the words into me. It meant nothing.

“Stand down. Move aside. Or I will gut you where you stand.” I stated.

He raised his sword. Every other fucker around him did the same. At a quick glance we were outnumbered ten to one.

“Come on then.” He growled. “Let’s see how well a prince can bleed.”

They charged at us. Stupidly assuming their numbers would overwhelm us. But what we lacked in bodies we made up for in skill. This was why I trained my soldiers so hard. This was why I insisted on a proper army. Not a makeshift cacophony of stableboys and farmhands.

We took defensive positions. In such tight quarters shields would only hinder our movements but they had none either so we could play the advantage we had. Using the fact we could kill three of their men for every one of ours that fell, when they fell.

Hezak ran at me. Clearly he’d decided to go for the big win, taking me out and hoping my soldiers would surrender quickly after. Only he didn’t know my soldiers. Didn’t realise their loyalty ran deeper than simply following their commanders orders. We fought for Uther. We fought for my brother. We wouldn’t stop simply because one of us fell. They’d have to cut us all down. Butcher us all to stop us.

And we both knew they’d never manage it.

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