I'm The One To Decide Here

Kassian has the two of us sprinting for the exit. He hits the main floor and flings open the doors to the outside. Then he barks orders at the stable boy to bring our horses.

"That stumble in there was no accident. They meant to knock me over. To overwhelm me. I didn't see who touched me. Too many tried to help me to my feet."

"I think the girl you gave your rose to might be involved. She ran into us once, do you remember? I think … someone was trying to force us to touch."

Kassian spreads the fingers of his right hand in front of him, and shadows swirl about his hand. "It wasn't you. I can still use them around you. We were lucky with that head bash, but—"

"Now you're a target. Whoever sent that assassin will try again. Now that they know you are corporeal in their presence."

The horses finally come around, and Kassian throws me onto mine before taking his own, not even bothering to tip the boy before we take off into the night. When we're some distance from Dawson's, Kassian finally slows his horse's gallop, and I pull up alongside him.

"I was right," Kallias says at last. "It was no servant who killed my parents. Who wants me dead. Only a nobleman could have gained access to that club. I didn't see anyone recognized from court. Did you?"

"No. They could have been in disguise, as we were."

Kassian pulls the wig and facial hair from his face before dropping them onto the stones at our horses' feet. "Not that they did us any good. Whoever our contact was, he spotted us anyway." He sighs. "I should have listened to you. We never should have gone. I'll be dead within the week."

"Oh, hush," I snap. "Perfectly normal and mortal kings live to ripe old ages. You're just used to protecting yourself. All you need is to take precautions. More guards stationed in the palace. And you hire for yourself a personal guard of only the best soldiers to follow you wherever you go."

"That didn't save my father."

"Your father didn't know to look for danger within his own court. You do. When we get back to the palace, you will make the proper arrangements. And don't let Kaiser select the men. If he's in on it, he will not pick the best candidates for your protection. You find the best men for the job yourself."

Kassian doesn't say anything in response.

"I don't want to hear any more talk of you resigning yourself to death. Yes, you're a target. That's part of being born a royal. But you're not stupid, and you're not dying on me. Do you understand?"

A grin has replaced his solemn expression. "If you command it."

"I do."

"Well, a lady must always get what she wants."

When we reach the palace, Kassian walks me to my room.He promises to make arrangements for his safety as soon as he leaves me.

"See that you do," I say. "I have no intention of losing my best friend."

Kassian opens his mouth. Shuts it again. Then, "You and I are playing a very dangerous game."

I pull off my wig, letting it dangle from my fingers as I shake out my real hair. "It was only a little bit of dress-up. And a small fall. Hardly dangerous," I assure him, offering a smile.

Kassian's eyes bore into me with all the force of a burning comet. "I wasn't speaking of that game." His eyes dart down to my lips briefly, before he turns on one heel and walks away.

***

When my eyes open the next morning, the most delicious feeling of happiness wafts over me. Confused, I search through my memory. Thinking perhaps I'd had a pleasant dream.

Kassian's face rises to the surface, and my whole body heats. Yes, I'd dreamed of him. We'd finally grown close physically. But as I try to remember the details—where exactly he touched me, where he kissed me, where his teeth had nipped at my skin—there is nothing. Only a haze. And frustration overcomes the feeling of happiness.

I throw my head back onto my pillow. What is happening to me?

I do not like the king. He is a means to an end. And while I will deeply enjoy consummating our marriage, there is nothing else Kassian is useful for.

I don't care if he makes me laugh. Or if at times he seems to know me better than I do myself. And who the devils cares if he's a perfect fifteen?

These thoughts won't do at all.

My maid draws me a bath, and she blessedly doesn't ask any questions as she washes the cigar smoke from my hair.

Once I'm dressed and all done up, I've decided on the proper course of action for the day. I need to do something to remind myself of why I'm here.

The old crone who serves as the castle's royal healer will have a number of medicinal herbs within her storeroom, if I can find it. I will take the necessary ingredients with which to poison Kassian when it comes time.

***

Later, I'm on my way back to my rooms, my pocket holding a vial of distilled minalen, a plant native to Jadea. Might as well keep with the ruse used by the other assassin. My mind eases as I feel much more resolute in my task.

As I pass by a window, a blur catches my attention.

Outside, Kassian walks with a small troop of men surrounding him. His shadows rise about him in full force. Even from here, when I can't see the details of his face, my heart skips a beat.

This man who gives me what I ask. Who makes time for me when he's so dreadfully busy ruling six kingdoms. Who takes me with him on dangerous missions because he trusts me. A man who challenges me in wits, in scheming. Who values my opinion and implements my ideas for catching bandits and traitors.

A man who sets my blood to racing without even touching me. Who can warm my heart with a look.

Suddenly, the treasonous vial within my pocket feels heavier than a bag of rocks. I hurry along to my room, casting it into the deepest recesses of my wardrobe.

I don't know what I'm doing anymore. But I do know one thing.

No one but me is allowed to decide when Kassian Ashton, Child of Darkness, ruler of the rebel kingdoms, is going to die.