Connected to the King

Preparations

Sebastian’s letter. Who could have intercepted it? The thought swirled in my mind as I called for the maidens to assist with my plans.

My heart began to flutter with intensity and anxiety when I paused. Is something wrong with Marcus? Are these his feelings? What's going on?

Mariam, Heather, a few other maidens, and I met with the merchants of the village to choose designs, materials and other products to help bring life to the castle. Granted this place was vastly known for death, torture, and pure agony, it needed a new look and since my arrival they've given King Marcus a new name, “The Witcher”. One that isn't spoken aloud.

Surprisingly, the merchant had more than enough of what we needed in stock besides some of the larger stone pieces and furniture that were just waiting at the trading docks. Once I had placed the order everything that the merchants had on hand was brought over while Marcus and his men trained.

"Oh! Be careful with that piece, it's going into the King's chamber." I pointed at a worker whose grip on a very expensive vase was loosening.

"Those drapes are to be hung in the main dining hall, yes, yes. That would be going to the kitchen and oh! Please be careful with the chandelier!" I barked orders at the workers as they shuffled around us.

I sighed clutching my gown in angst as I watched the final pieces come into view. "Oh, that red wood looks marvelous!" I squealed, causing everyone to freeze for a moment. "Oops, please carry on everyone." Grabbing my braid, I nonchalantly exited the foyer and headed over to the training area.

The scoffing of a man rang in my ears, the hairs on my arms stood on end as my quick steps turned into a halt. I spun on my heels to see that the perpetrator was none other than Dominic. How was he still alive?

“What the hell are you doing here? What do you want with me?” I shouted with clenched fists.

"Oh, nothing really. How's that dear brother of yours? I bet he's worried sick about you." He taunted leaning into the crook of my neck.

I shook off his disgusting words and pushed him away before I could make the connection. "Wait, what? What did you just say?"

Dominic pulled a letter from behind him, waving it in front of me. “Shall I read it out loud for you?” He let out an evil chuckle.

“Why don't you just give me my letter and I won’t say anything to Marcus?” I extended my hand in his direction, using my eyebrows I gestured for him to hand me Sebastian's letter. “I'd rather not make a scene if I don't have to.”

Dominic held his stomach as he erupted into hysterical laughter. "You? The mousy witch thinks she can hurt me?"

I peered behind Dominic as I saw a very pissed off looking Marcus make his way down the hall, his tunic riddled in sweat as it clung to his body. Maxwell, Gavin and Emmret followed. I bit my bottom lip as the image of this morning's activities swirled in my mind. Quickly, I snapped out of the trance and grinned from ear to ear. "I don't know Dominic, maybe you're right. But I'm pretty sure, the ones behind you could." I crossed my arms over my chest as I stepped away from what was to become a brutal beat down.

Dominic raised a brow at me as he came down from his laughter. "What did you-" Maxwell’s fist connected with Dominic's cheek with a sickening crack.

Blood splattered from his nose and busted lip. I brought my hand over my mouth to conceal the smile that played upon my lips. Marcus made a b-line straight for me and scanned me over.

"Did he hurt you?" His hand grasped mine as he rubbed gentle circles into my hand.

My shoulders slumped, "Why don't you just kill him already?" I asked.

Marcus's eyebrows knitted together as he glared at me. "Good question." He turned around and stepped toward him, signaling the others to stop their beating, and pulled him to his feet by his tunic. “Why worry about a guard detail that I can’t trust when I can just get rid of the one thing that is tainting their minds into rebelling against me?”

I watched as Dominic’s one good eye widened in fear.

“You wouldn’t?” he shook.

I rolled my eyes, folding my arms over my chest. “He would, and he should have a long time ago.”

Marcus cranked his arm back and launched it at his torso before gripping either side of his head in a weird motion. I was unfamiliar with this tactic, but the sickening crack that came from him deemed it effective.

Dominic’s body dropped to the ground with a heavy thud. The life in his eyes drained as his breathing came to a stop.

"My King!" A familiar voice sounded from behind, Marcus turned to face the oncoming guard. While I stared into the clouded eyes of Dominic.

“That poor bastard had it coming.” Maxwell commented before grabbing his leg and dragging him away.

“Hey! Not on the new rug.” I called out to Maxwell.

"Ahem." The soldier cleared his throat, "There is someone at the gates looking for Aurora."

For me? I thought, my heart sank to the bottom of my chest as I wondered, turning around I addressed him. "Okay, take me to them." I straightened my posture and followed the guard.

"Were you waiting for someone?" Marcus asked as he walked alongside me.

"I don't know anyone besides the members of my coven and even then, they don't know that I'm here. At least I don't think they would." I tapped on my chin in thought.

Once we reached the front gates Marcus grabbed my hand, "Are you sure you don't know who it is?" He gestured at the man ahead.

My lips parted as my breath hitched. "Sebastian… no— " I brought my hand up to my mouth. "But, why? Sebastian, what are you doing here?" I shouted.

Sebastian opened his arms for an embrace, "Is that how you welcome your big brother?" He raised a brow at me and stepped forward.

I shook my head and ran into his arms. "Why did you come here?" I whispered, gazing up at him.

He leaned down to the crook of my neck and whispered back, "Because some fool intercepted my letter. And your birthday is soon. I didn't want to miss out." He pulled away and shot me a toothy grin.

My birthday. I had completely forgotten, with everything going on I forgot the one day I cherished. I facepalmed. "How stupid of me to forget. I was so wrap—"

"Wrapped up in what? What happened." Sebastian’s expression turned cold as he turned his gaze to Marcus. "What did he do to you?" He grumbled low enough for no one else to hear.

"Don't worry about it right now. Let's just focus on keeping you alive for now. Please." I begged.

Sebastian closed his eyes and exhaled a breath before looking down at me, "Only because you said please."

I stepped back and watched as Sebastian plastered the fakest smile, he could muster and bowed his head along with his greeting to Marcus. "King Marcus Kincaid, it is an honor to meet the man who has it all. Including my sister."

I internally screamed. Bash what the hell! I telepathically shouted at him.

I don't f*****g like him. He sneered in my mind.

I don't want to have to go through and fix everything again!

What do you mean again? What did he do to you?

Just drop it, Bash.

I lamely stomped my foot and walked back over to Marcus who stood watching our internal bickering toward one another.

Marcus raised a brow and nodded, shifting his gaze to me, "Is everything alright?"

I twiddled with the skirt my gown and nodded, knowing I was lying deep down inside. "Everything is alright. I just wasn't expecting my brother to find me."

Marcus’ expression quickly shifted into one of anger, "Was he in your coven?" His low tone sent shivers down my spine.

I nodded again, "H-he was, a d-decade ago. He hasn't been involved since one of our s-siblings died at the hands of her husband… King Luthor." I stuttered.

Marcus stared at me for a moment before releasing a breath, "Alright, well in that case. Let's celebrate the arrival of your brother and finish these renovations."

I was taken back at how calm he was at a time like this. I blinked in confusion, "Wait, how did you know I was doing renovations? The training grounds are on the other side of the castle."

He chuckled, patting me on my head, "I can see through your eyes, remember?" Marcus stretched his hand out to Sebastian. "Well, looks like you're okay in my book… for now. Come let's celebrate your sibling reunion."

My jaw hit the floor. Celebration at a time like this? Oh dear. I had really hoped Sebastian didn't betray me as he did in my last vision.

Bash, did you see anything in your visions lately? I glanced his way as he shook Marcus’s hand.

I did. Why did you think I responded when you called out to me? That's why I needed to come. I needed to know why Luthor wanted to invade this place.

Luthor? Do you work for him or something?

I do. Aurora, understand I needed to make sure you were alive and well. I had no choice but to work for that man to survive. You know how our mother is and she’s managed to kill every single person within my reach. Now, the only person she won’t touch is Luthor.

And why won’t she touch King Luthor? He murdered Meredith.

I know that. Again, I had no choice.

Could you please explain to me what the hell that means?

If I hadn’t gone to King Luthor you would have been escorted to him three years ago. Which is about the time that we received Meredith in that wooden box. Since you are his next target, I needed to sway him to leave you alone. Buying you enough time to ascend so he can’t kill you.

I sighed, slumping my shoulders as I turned to head back into the main foyer. "We have a lot to do in preparation for the festival." I hollered back at the boys.

"And your birthday!" Sebastian shouted.

My steps came to a raging halt as I let out a nervous chuckle, gazing at the guards and then back at the two. "Heh… yeah, that too."

You asshole!

You love me.

You're lucky.

"Wait, Aurora, is your birthday the same day as the winter festival? Why didn't you say anything?" Marcus smiled.

"Because it isn't a big deal." I replied and continued back.

As I arrived back in the foyer my eyes widened, and my lips parted as I took in the sight. The new chandelier hung, sparkling in the flickering light of the candles that now rested upon it. The crimson-colored grand carpet and runners I had brought in gave life to the dull scene as the frames of the kings and queens before Marcus were now polished and cleaned. The pieces of furniture such as the chase and chairs sat gathered around the main fireplace.

"This is wonderful!" I squealed, bouncing on my toes. "Mariam! This is amazing!" I shouted at her in excitement as she approached me. A smile plastered on her face.

"Milady, the shutters have been placed over the windows throughout the castle and everything else that was not brought in today will be here in three days' time. Is there anything else we can do in the meantime?" She asked.

I watched as her gaze traveled behind me, her eyes widened at the sight of Sebastian and then shifted back to me.

"What is he doing here?" Mariam whispered.

I anxiously fiddled with the hem of my sleeve, "He was in my vision… when I called out to him to stop, he looked at me as if he was present too."

Mariam gasped as she brought her hand up to her mouth. "No, then you two being close enough to one another can share visions. Where has he been hiding? Has he told you anything yet?" She pressed.

I shook my head and sighed. "He told me he’s working for Luthor. Something about keeping him at bay from coming to retrieve me. My mother’s trade with those damn ancestors.”

“That deal she made has done nothing but cause trouble. I don’t see why she would sacrifice her own children to save her own backside.”

I raised a brow at her. “What do you mean?”

“Aurora, it wasn’t just the life of your sister she wanted. Those ancestors made a second deal to keep that man away… you know who I’m talking about. The one your father sealed away long ago; your power would seal him away for good.”

Sebastian interjected into our conversation, wrapping his arms around our shoulders, “Ladies, we can’t talk about these things in the open. You wouldn’t want to scare everyone away now, would you?”

I rolled my eyes, “We need to finish the preparations for the Winter Solstice Festival."

"And your birthday, milady." She smiled.

I internally groaned.