The Assasin's Princess

Betrayal

        “Saven.” Morakai’s simple statement of her son’s name made the Queen pale even more.

        “How do you know him?” The Queen didn’t remember either of them being together at the same time.

        “He and Gore were with Avlar when he came and told my father that Dorban was responsible for Amoran’s disappearance.” Morakai said after he cleared his throat for attention.

        “Did he say anything?”

        “He did most of the talking. All Avlar did was profusely demand that he had nothing to do with it.”

        “What did my son say?”

        “He said he had tried to save Amoran from his brother, but that Dorban had overpowered him. He said that Dorban chased her through the forest and threw her off a waterfall. When she didn’t die she tried to get away. As she crawled he stabbed her through the calf of her leg several ties to disable her.

        He kept her trapped in a cave where he beat her and r***d her. Saven said all he could do was watch from a distance. He only stayed long enough to give his testimony to father, he said there was trouble at home he had to get back to help with.” His speech was said quietly, all three women’s faces were horrified.

        “Saven was no-where to be found during the border attacks, I know because I looked for him for his safety.” The Queen said, tears starting to form in her eyes.

        “There was an imperial ship amongst the Benat ships when I arrive. It was the ship that fired on the Variask. Morakai added, knowing how badly it implicated the young Prince.

        “So it was Saven, that means he has tried to kill me too.” Gone now was the Queen’s sadness, now there was fury growing. “I am going to do something about this.”

        “Your Highness, I understand your feelings but if you confront him now he really could kill you or run away knowing he is caught.” Morakai cautioned her gently.

        “You want me to just let him get away with attempted murder?

        “No, not at all. I am saying wait until I have a chance to gather some people you can trust to protect you while you deal with him.”

        “Like who?”

        “Our father and brothers.” He threw a cautious glance over at Mora.

        “NO!” Mora jumped to her feet between Dorban and her brother. “You bring father here and he will kill Dorban. I won’t let that happen.”

        “He would have to go through me first big sister. Believe me, once he know the truth he will be more than willing to help us.” He reassured her.

        “But if your ships are spotted at the border won’t Saven be suspicious and run any way?” The Queen asked.

        “No one knew I was here until I took Dorban, there won’t be any problem sneaking in undetected if we need to. Even if he found out he may think we all came for Dorban in person.”

        “When will you go?” Mora asked, afraid of when she would have to face her father again.

        “The quicker I leave the safer both of them will be.” He looked around at the three women watching him now. “I want the three of you to stay together, stay close to him. Don’t go out anywhere alone. Amar, that goes especially for you.”

        “Why me?”

        “Because I expect to see you here and well when I come back for the show.” He winked at her again making her cheeks flame red.

        “She will. Be careful brother.” Mora hugger her brother tightly, he picked her up slightly to deepen the hug.

        “You do the same big sister.” He left them and transported away.

        Several servants were called in shortly after to clean up the room and bring them some food. They carried out the body and stripped the bed down to the frame, bringing a new mattress and sheets. Mora couldn’t fight the urge to wander over to the window and stare out, watching for any signs of her family coming already.

        She wasn’t sure she could face her father yet, he had always dotted on her being perfect. Maybe being so perfect is how she got herself into this mess in the first place? All she could do now was wait and see what fate had in store for them all.

Dorban woke back his bed with his mother next to him asleep. He groaned as he leaned up to look around. Amar had taken the lounge chair near the fireplace. Mora was asleep in the one near the bed, clutching her swords hilt tightly.

“Did I miss something?” He mumbled.

Mora woke with a start, “your awake.”

“What did I miss, where is Morakai?” He asked as she sat next to him on the bed.

“We had a discussion last night. Your mother, Morakai and I decided that he should go home.”

“Are you crazy?” He tried to get out of the bed and she stopped him.

“Would you let me finish. He’s going home so he can bring reinforcements. Your mother decided it would be best.”

“I am better now, we could have handled it. Dorban demanded.

“We know Dorban. Saven is the one behind all of this.” She said quietly.

“How did you figure it out?”

“It wasn’t that hard to figure out really.” Mora glanced away from his gaze, she had hoped he would have been glad to see her once he had woken up. If she continued to look at him, she would be crying her eyes out in dissapointment.

“Mora.” His hand came up and turned her face back to him, he placed a gentle kiss on her now tear soaked lips. “Little one, I didn’t mean what I said like that. I just know that if your brother does not return with my head as a trophy your father would be coming for you.” He wiped away the tears.

“I have to face him eventually Dorban. I don’t want to, but it is necessary. I will have to do something to keep my father and brother from tearing you apart.”

“Are all of your brothers like Morakai?” Amar asked, bringing Dorban a drink.

“He is the most handsome that is for sure.” Mora smiled, Morakai would have to work hard to keep this girl to himself. “ Do you want to get up now Dorban?”

“I want to go look for Saven.” He said as he threw his legs off of the bed.

“He is gone,” his mother said as she yawned and sat up too.

“What do you mean gone?” Dorban asked.

“The last time anyone saw him is when Morakai saw him at my father’s home.” Mora said, “we searched but it was no use.”