The Song of Blood and Bone

Chapter Four

Celebrations are usually a happy time but for Hayden it wasn’t a very happy occasion.Yes, Aliyah is happy but at the cost of her kingdom. There she is dancing to festive songs and laughing at her fiancé.

Even though Hayden knew what was going on in the kingdom he had to admit that it was nice to see joy. Ever since the day they were overthrown, No one enjoyed themselves. Everyone in the kingdom knew that they were no longer free. Often when Hayden had been outside of the kingdom, he found himself filled with sorrow knowing that he couldn’t protect the queen while he was gone. So even though it was in bad circumstances he was happy for her, but he knew what had to be done

This night would be a night that Aliyah Would remember forever. Even if she hated Hayden for the rest of his life he had a vow he needed to fulfill. Volalela needed her, but she would never leave as long as Rowyn was still alive.

“Hayden.” Hayden looked up at Aliyah who stands with her hand out. Her chest moved up and down quickly as tried to catch her breath.

Despite him knowing it is such a bad idea he takes her hand. She pulls him in the direction of the rest of the dancers. Though her dancing was not proper, Hayden had to admit that he found joy dancing up and down, spinning and throwing his hands in the air. It was an odd dance, and yet everyone around the did the same. Still he could not get over the pure happiness that filled everyone, it was something he had not seen in years.

“Why do you look so sour?” Hayden didn’t know that his face had been ‘sour’. So he furrowed his brows.

He huffed. “My face is not sour.”

Aliyah chuckled and the smell of wine slammed into him. “Mm, whatever the case, you should smile. We are celebrating!”

“It is hard to celebrate when everyone I have come to love is enslaved or dead.” Hayden stopped dancing. “This has been fun princess, however I must retire.” Aliyah stood there looking as if she was about to cry.

Still he turned on his heel and headed towards the tavern. As he walks through the town he looks at every little detail. The drunks standing in a dark most likely waiting for someone to pray on. Hayden wanted to do something but he had other important things to take care of. His plan was perfectly laid out in front of him, he just had to wait for the fish to take the bait.

Hayden sat down at a table and pretended to mind his own business. But in all reality he was looking at anyone and everyone. The small brown tables were being abused by a few drunk men next to him. There were a few women that sat on peoples laps, in this town they called them streetwalkers, it is an odd name to Hayden but it kind of fit.

At the bar were men half in their seats however the man with the bright red hair caught Hayden’s eye. Even from the back of his head Hayden could tell it’s Avyil. Hayden slowly walks over to the bar and sits next to Avyil.

Hayden claps him on the back and smiles. “Avyil, dearest friend such a small world!”

Avyil smiled back. His red hair combed neatly on his head and his bright blue eyes shown with that mischievous glare. “Ahh, Hayden. What are you doing in this town?” His tone sounded worried, Hayden was confused as to why.

“Oh you know, just a pass-by. I don’t plan to stay long, however I find the women pleasing and the wine delightful.” Turning to the hostess. “Fetch me a wine and another ale for my brother.” Looking back at Avyil he let his smile drop. “What are you doing here?”

At all costs Hayden would protect the secret that the princess is still alive. Even if that meant betraying his brothers trust. “Mm, I must be honest with you, but no other soul can know. I trust you,” Hayden nodded and waited for the death blow. “My woman is with child. I hid her here, she’s due to have the baby any day now.”

Hayden blinked a few times and then a genuine smile grew on his face. Avyil had finally grown up, he finally set down roots. “I’m so excited for you brother! I just hope the babe does not look like you, that would be retched!” Hayden and Avyil cackled.

“I’m terribly excited, I cannot believe after all this time I found my mate,” his face turned sour. “But I know what must be done.”

“What is that?”

“Lynce is a monster, I am not bound to him yet if he finds out my mate is with child it would mean my family’s end. I cannot let that happen Hayden, so I must leave them. After this week after she gives birth I must leave them.”

“You do not need to leave them, you’ve waited so long for the happiness that you deserve. You cannot let Lynce take that from you too.”

“Then what do you suggest I do? It’s not like there’s another heir that can challenge him.”

“Actually, Avyil, there is. The princess Aliyah is alive, I’m working on getting her to come with me, however she never knew who she is so she has set down roots here.”

Hayden sucked down the wine that the hostess brought. “This could mean the Borne will rule once again. My family would be safe. But why did you keep this so long?”

“ I did not know who I could trust, I didn’t know how deep Lynce had his claws in you.”

Avyil clapped Hayden on the back. “I will follow you to the end brother. Once my mate gives birth I will set off on the journey with you to steal the thrown back.”

Hayden nodded. “ I am at a crossroads. Aliyah has set down roots, she is now in process of a wedding. I was planning to kill this man tonight so that way she would have no roots, but that could very well blow up in my face.

“We will make it look like an accident.” Avyil whispered. The two began to plot their next move. Until the plan laid out perfectly.

………………

The two waited patiently for the perfect moment. They had chained every door of the tavern closed and then set it to fire. Avyil and Hayden fell back into the shadows, they retreated back to Avyil’s hut.

When they got there they snuck in quietly so they would not wake up Hanna. Once they were safety at the wooden round table they lit a few candles.

“What is the plan now?” Avyil asked.

“We lay low here until your mate gives birth than we with both approach her, she needs time to mourn the death of her love.” Avyil nodded.

The two began to whisper amongst themselves about things they missed. Their conversation light hearted even though they had just murdered an innocent man. Outside a crowd began to gather around the tavern screaming for help as it burnt to the ground.