When Two Devils Battle

Bynx held the flat end of the sword against Ray'ven's throat, wishing he would have sliced her open as she led him through the halls. "Which room did you last see him in?" He spoke low and cold.

Ray'ven shifted uncomfortably, her brother's hold was a tad tighter than necessary. She could practically feel his want to cut her deep and a frown tugged at her lips. "I haven't seen him since I was left in my room. He was meant to check on me by now." she said. It had been as though they'd spoken him into existence.

Razmyr lead Caldren down the opposite end of the hall, dagger protruding from his stomach and two swords at his throat. "Tell me," The pirate lord said, the rumble loud and gravelly within his tone. "Why I have a rat loose and a spy?"

Bynx's lip curled upwards. He'd rather have wine and ale than to be here, but he couldn't afford to disappoint his father again. The prince pressed the sword closer. "I want out. And I'll kill her if you don't let me through."

The pirate cocked his head, and the corner of his mouth rose as he chuckled lowly. "And you'd kill her? Do you really think we should be playing this game, prince? Last time I had you in my clutches, weren't your arms as limp as a rag dolls? I do believe your head was next too. I've heard of you, and you don't have the balls to cut her throat. Or the dick."

This son of a bitch. Had he insulted him in front of Caldren and his sister? A row of pearly whites flashed and he nicked Ray'ven's throat, blood welling shortly after. If this man thought he wouldn't injure her, he'd thought wrong.

"Perhaps I didn't make myself clear," Razmyr nudged Caldren forward. "Release her, drop your weapon, then get on your knees and wait to be taken back to your lovely cell. That or I'll have your guard looking just like you were hours ago. And trust me, you probably don't care, but you will when you have no one else to protect you, considering your sister was going to allow your execution for the good favor of your father. He's here, isn't he?"

His cerulean eyes lowered towards the crest shimmering on the sword's hilt. Bynx came only with a dagger, and no one here would dare carry the sign of the tyrant king before him. But Ja'ule knew this. He wanted Razmyr to know he was coming. Good, let him come. He'd be waiting right here in this very hallway. Bynx's throat bobbed when he swallowed, his plan lay in ruins.

His father sent him despite knowing he'd give Razmyr a sign that he was coming? He truly had no love for him in his twisted heart. The only person there, caught in those tangled thistles was Ray'ven. Bynx didn't move. Maybe he could kill her and run while Caldren faced the pirate. No, the damn bastard had eyes for her too. He probably joined Razmyr in killing him.

"I'm inpatient," Razmyr flipped his sword until the blade pointed up and the hilt was down, then slammed against the crook of Caldren's shoulder. It was fast, just as fast as he'd done the other. And when the guard slunk to his knees, he dug out his left eye using the tip of his thumb. Nose flared, he tossed the white eyeball right at Ray'ven's face. "I'm about to take the other one in two seconds. You'll be having a handicapped guard."

Ray'ven's eyes widened in horror as Caldren's eye was removed, but even then, the man did not make a sound. His jaw clenching in pain.

Bynx removed the blade almost instantly and pushed his sister forward. Razmyr did the same with Caldren, though made sure to shoot a paralyzing sedative into the princesses neck. The king rounded the corner holding an unconscious James, and the pirate hooked an arm around Ray'ven's neck.

"Welcome to my lair." Razmyr sounded angered, and the king's gaze flashed murderously when he'd seen his daughter as a hostage.

Ray'ven's eyes met Bynx's and she saw no regret in his actions. Her limbs were slowly becoming heavy and numb, but relief flooded her when her father rounded the corner, the pirate James being dragged behind him and Strel.

"Father." She called out weakly, but her body allowed her to do nothing more.

"You bastard." Caldren growled, glaring at the prince.

Bynx kicked Caldren in the mouth. "Shut your mouth low life. The king is here, hold your tongue and have respect."

"Release her," Ja'ule said dangerously, smacking Razmyr's third in command awake. Little did he know, James was willing to die for their cause. He wouldn't bend. "Or I'll?"

"Kill him?" Razmyr smirked. He might as well rouse his enemy, the man he'd sworn to kill for years. His head lowered, the tip of his nose running across Ray'ven's neck before he lowered her shirt and revealed the name branded on her flesh, fresh and red for every eye in the room to behold. When the king's face twisted into something demonic, his teeth clenched, fist tightening in his third in command's hair, he reveled. He felt a million times worse when this man killed his entire family.

"Looks like your precious princess belongs to someone else. She's even showed me her body a couple of times. I had her beat in the halls without an inch of fabric covering her. You know who's fault that is? Yours."

His. Ja'ule's nose flared, evergreens narrowing as he slung James behind him and stepped forward. He'd risk everything for his daughter. Certainly murder for his daughter, and Razmyr, this blight upon the world would know if he killed her, he'd better run. Better kill himself before Ja'ule laid hands on him. He started forward, stepping on Caldren as he did, and each time he grew closer, Razmyr walked backwards, waving his everything in his face on a thin line.

"You did what?" The king hissed.

"Exactly what I said. I may give her back if you drop your weapons."

The only one who'd be bowing was him. Ja'ule rose two fingers and electricity struck down above the pirate, but he'd swirled out the way, smirk upon his face. "Careful. Wouldn't want to stop her heart." Razmyr cupped the princess' jaw and tugged her forward, then kissed her lips. "We'll meet again."

Razmyr tossed Ray'ven over his shoulder. They wouldn't fight this time. The king wouldn't risk his everything. The pirate lord had been the escape distraction. Baeron gathered James, and the rest of his crew were already waiting aboard.

Ray'ven reached for her father weakly, he was so close. "Daddy." She whispered weakly as she was carried away.

The king stood there, jaw clenched, but he mouthed, "I'll come for you. Be strong like the Aldaine blood which ruins through your blood." As he watched his daughter be torn away from him again. And it'd be the last.