Page 103 of Death's Gift

A guard pulls out a chair at the right-hand side of the table, gritting my teeth, I slide into the seat, tucking in the large skirt.

“Hello again, Andi,” a deadpan and deflated voice says in front of me, a voice I recognise. My gaze slowly lifts at a man sitting across from me in this gratuitous, bedecked house–castle.

Governor Thran.

His bleak eyes stare through me. It was him. He’s the reason the guards knew where to look, the traitorous arsehole.

Loyalty, my arse.

“You.” I can’t hide my disgust, spitting my words at him, crossing my arms.

“Ah, that’s right, you two know each other, good. So, Andrina, welcome to my home. I’m sure you’ll be very comfortable here.”

“Why am I here?”

“Straight to the point, I like it. I have a proposition for you. One, I’m sure you will be eager to accept.” Refusing to look ateither of the men at the table, I scoff. “With my army, I will help you take back your throne.”

“I’ve seen what your army is capable of, I will not work with them. Bloodthirsty tyrants, that’s what they are. Surely, you’re not so ignorant of their actions? Of how they treat the folk they come across, the raids, the beatings. I’ve witnessed it firsthand.”

“Yes, they can have a rather unruly nature, but I’m sure with your guidance, we can set them straight. You do want your kingdom back, don’t you?” My eyes flick to him, and Adrian leans forward at the table, his chin resting on his clasped hands.

“What makes you think I want it?”

“Oh, I know you will. Especially since I know what, or should I say who, killed your family.” I contemplate his words carefully. Looking, praying, for signs of a lie, but nothing; his face is stoic, unwavering.

“And what do you get in return for your generous gift?”

Adrian lifts his goblet to his mouth, his eyes remaining on me. “That’s easy. I get you.”

For the first time since arriving, I laugh. “That was funny, but I am not property.”

“I think you’ll change your mind.” He clicks his fingers. Behind Adrian, a purple-robed man materialises, grinning the same nauseating grin from the glade.

Adrian dabs the corners of his mouth with his napkin, his chair scrapes the floor as he pushes up, whispering to the robed man. With a wave of his hand, a large mirror appears, showing the image of a dungeon, dark and damp, rats scurrying around, muffled crying comes from one of the cells. Two cowering women come into view, huddled together in the corner of the cell. Their faces are covered in dirt, their hair is ruffled and matted, and one woman lifts her face. Stroking the hair of the other, her eyes meet mine.

Mum?

“What is going on?” I shout, pushing up from the chair. Two guards’ step in behind me, grabbing hold of my arms. I turn my attention to Governor Thran, “You did this.”

He shakes his head, closing his eyes.“I had nothing to do with it. Andi, you have to trust me.”

“Trust you. I’ll never trust you again. You’re a filthy liar. I felt sorry for you, I believed you when you told me you were loyal.” I spit at his face. He wipes it away but doesn’t respond.

Adrian saunters towards me, and I try pulling free from the guard’s grip. “Such a feisty girl, isn’t she?” He laughs, smirking at his guards, and he brushes a stray hair from my face. “Your family are safe, as long as you uphold your end of the bargain. Otherwise, my Majos can make their life a living nightmare.”

My mind races. I long for the simple life I left behind, the peacefulness of the cottage, ignorant of the horrors that roam the lands, but now I have to choose. My freedom for my family.

I wish they could see me, know that I’m alive, and know that I will do everything I can to help them. I would suffer this man so that they can go back to their lives. I wouldn’t be surprised if they hate me. After all, I’m the reason they’re here, trapped, tortured, all because they know me.

Breaking my stare from my almost unrecognisable family, my pointed gaze turns to Adrian.

“What do I need to do?”