Chapter 17: Alkan - Fated to the Night King

"There was a time everyone cowered simply seeing my shadow." I muttered the words under my breath, recognizing the serious set of Augusta's shoulders and the unmistakable way Danvers had his arms crossed over his chest. "I miss those days."

"Don't you growl at me," said Gus, following me down the hall toward my private rooms.

"You had to tell her didn't you, Danvers."

The healer fell into step on my other side. It was like the two hellions I'd somehow collected in my life were determined to herd me like I was a wandering sheep in the wilderness. "Alkan, you need to listen to us."

I came to a stop and glared at the two of them. They were my friends, but there was also a hierarchy among the Istakarrans that needed to be respected. If it wasn't, well, we'd seen the results of the breakdown that resulted in. I still woke believing I was drenched in blood, stuck in the wars that resulted in nothing good for my people. Until I couldn't stand the death any longer.

"Be careful with the liberties you choose to take, Danvers." He dipped his head, eyes darting around the corridor. No one was in view, but there were always listening ears. My people were happy, for now. If they sensed weakness or divisiveness, the fragile peace we benefited from could crumble.

"Apologies, my King." He straightened once more, a formalness dropping over him. "There is an urgent matter we need to discuss with you, sir."

Dawn was drawing close and I was tired. There had been much to attend to and the list of things that remained was never ending. "Fine. We can retire to my quarters for a brief chat."

They didn't say anything, just offered me nods and followed as I opened the door to my personal space. I rarely held meetings here. This was one of the few places where I could close the door on my responsibilities for a short period of time. Where I could leave it all behind and just rest.

The duo's silence was short lived. As soon as the door shut tight behind them, Gus pointed a finger at me. "You would actually throw that girl out like she's garbage?"

"She'll be treated like everyone else we've found in similar condition. Danvers will work until she's recovered enough to travel safely. We can send her on her way with a stipend, food from your delicious kitchen, and clothes from our store. It's a fair chance for her to have a new start."

"You don't understand what she's been through, Alkan. That poor girl, the way she's been treated by her own kind. By the one who was meant to look after her."

Danvers even looked uncomfortable and he'd seen a great deal in his career as a healer. When I glanced at him, he shook his head. "Truly. There are some things that can't be allowed. It's worse than we even thought."

"She couldn't defend herself. Couldn't cry out in pain. He ordered her to bear it all in silence."

Sympathy wasn't something I could afford. "Did she admit that she was sent here to spy on us. To be the weakness within our walls?"

Neither of my friends would meet my eyes.

"I didn't think so."

I sat in the chair beside my bed and watched them. Gus was struggling to hold back tears, so I was surprised when she was the one who said, "A monster would send her away. And you're no monster, Alkan. Tough, formidable, willing to fight to protect your people. Terrifying when you need to be? Yes. But a monster who would throw a defenseless woman to the wolves?  That I don't believe for a moment."

I closed my eyes, unable to name what it was that held me back. The fact that Gus was right about me stung, because in almost any other circumstance, I wouldn't hesitate to allow someone the chance to make a home among my court if they chose. But the certainty that this woman was a threat to me and mine wouldn't leave me.

"Keeping our enemy close is a smart play," Danvers said, and when I opened my eyes again, he continued on. "Give her the option to take the vow, commit to a term of service here. Treat her well and she may even be convinced to help us."

"That is a very self-serving point of view." Gus swatted his arm. "We don't offer people sanctuary just because of what they can do for us."

"I understand that, but in this case, it may be warranted. We have a need, one that she may very well be able to meet. May be the only one who can."

Their bickering rose in volume until I gave an exasperated sigh.

"Fine. Both of you. She can stay." The decision startled them both enough into silence and I was able to keep going. Provide parameters of my own. "If she agrees to take the vow, to offer it sealed with blood, as all are required to do. And commit to the service asked of her."

"You won't ... require her to do anything she doesn't want to do?" The fact that Gus even asked such a thing lit a spark of anger in my chest. Something she quickly saw. "Not that I expect you would, sir, but I suspect she's been abused for a long time. In many ways."

It wouldn't surprise me if Gus was correct. Thalon had a reputation for brutal leadership. And for doing whatever he could to keep those he labelled whole satisfied and complacent. All in the name of the Goddess he claimed to worship.

"She will not be required to do anything she doesn't want to do. If she agrees to it, though, if she accepts the terms and takes the vow, she will be bound by that."

Gus opened her mouth, to add her own conditions, I was sure, but I didn't give her the opportunity. "Take the victory, both of you. She has three days. Three days, then she will stand before me and all the court and make her choice."

"Thank you, Alkan," said Gus, crossing to me and taking my hand in hers. "This is the right decision. I'm sure of it."

"I hope you're right."

She straightened, squeezing my fingers in hers and then released me, giving me a quick once over.

"You haven't eaten properly lately. I'll send you up something before you rest. I'll include a flask. So, no one will have any claim to having fed you."

I offered her a thin smile, appreciating that even when we disagreed, she still felt the need to care for me in her own way.

"You better eat, or I'll be quite vexed."

Danvers relaxed, glad that the tension between the three of us had dropped.

"I thought I was the one who gave orders around here."

"We let you think that, dearie. I'll be about my business then."

She bustled out of the room, and I leaned my head back against the chair. "That woman is a force, Danvers."

"That she is, but she's also unstoppable. Best to just get out of her way in most cases."

"True."

He paused, then said, "I believe she's right, Alkan. What you're doing here, it's what should be done. If she poses a threat, when she takes the vow and seals it with blood, you'll be able to sense it. One drink and you'll know if your concerns have merit."

"And if I am right, what do you think I should do then?" Exhaustion weighed heavily on me and I leaned forward, elbows on my knees as I watched my friend. "How do I neutralize a threat when I've offered them my protection?"

The quiet of this part of the castle was taut as we both considered my question.

When he finally spoke, his voice was sure. "Keep her close, sir. Show her all she has to gain, and what she could truly lose."

I nodded but didn't say anything when he gave his farewell.

Even with dawn drawing close and the need to rest pushing down on me, I couldn't stop asking myself if I had just sealed the fate of all in my court.