The Prince of Ilios

Eighty-Seven

That night Ava heard a morning dove call at the window. Alyn! She wandered over, nodding to Tiara and Nissa. They watched at the bars to make sure the guard were gone and would provide distraction if necessary. They had dwindled down to four. There was no knowing which one would be next to disappear. River was looking worse by the day. Her stomach had begun to bulge from malnourishment. Ava wiped the dirt from her cheek, "Where have you been!" She scolded him.

"I'm sorry." He handed her a small loaf of bread and an apple. She gave them to River and came back. Alyn searched her cold face. She had changed. She was not the weepy girl she had been when she was first captured. Now, she just seem hardened and closed off.

"What are you looking at?" She snapped, her stomach had gone numb from lack of food, but she was left with a bad mood in its stead. Her once joyful and dimpled cheeks had become hollow, her eyes dull, and her expression worn.

"You've changed." He said without thinking.

Her jaw set, "You would too if you didn't know who was going to die next. We haven't even seen you since you delivered the news that Derya was dead. What do you expect?"

Alyn nodded, "No, its a good thing." He smiled in admiration, "Means you are ready to fight. Perfect timing too. We have to escape."

Ava crossed her arms in front of her, her frosty attitude unyielding, "And do you have a brilliant plan to go with this escape?"

Under different circumstances Alyn might have laughed, the girl was acting just like a mix of Tiara and Nissa. She was hiding under the mask well. He dropped the key in her hand, "Get the cuffs off while no one is looking. When it is time, you will need to be able to get out. This will give you some advantage."

Today was the first time Alyn came with an actual plan. Ava looked up at him in surprise, her voice softened slightly, the chink in her mask, "Thanks." After being completely forgotten by Nicola, Alyn was the one who had come to check up on them. Although the visits were short and at odd times, he always came back. She appreciated his steadfast way of speaking, but did not want to get too caught up in the moment. She turned her emotions back off and moved the conversation forward, "When?"

"Wedding day." Alyn replied.

Ava went around unlocking the girls' cuffs, while the guards were away. One was sleeping in the corner. Tiara eyed him suspiciously as she handed Ava back the key. They left the cuffs on, but unlocked. Ava returned the key to Alyn, "We'll be ready."

"Ava. After all of this is over, could we talk?" Alyn asked sheepishly.

"If you get us out of this, you can have all the time you want." She chuckled like it was a long shot.

Alyn grimaced. He knew it was, but refused to dwell on it, "Keep up hope. We'll be out soon, and we'll go to a place that doesn't even know that Vatra exists."

Ava had to stifle her sarcastic laugh. She rolled her eyes and shook her head, such a dreamer.

Alyn slid the key into his pocket. The Captain had been knocked out long enough. He strode to the closet where he left him, and flung the burly man over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He took the Captain back to his room, and shook him awake, yelling, "Captain!"

The Captain squinted his tired drunken eyes.

"Captain, you fell asleep. King Cyrus needs to see you urgently!"

The Captain blinked, more alert than before, but struggling, "What is it?" He yelled back in a slurred, confused tone.

"Need to finalize the plans for the wedding."

"Wedding? I'm not getting married." The man hiccuped.

Perfect. Alyn smiled inwardly as the Captain fell back onto his bed, "You're in no condition to go."

"Would you go?" The Captain slurred, "I can't."

"I'll cover for you, sir." Alyn stood, nodding his understanding. He left briskly, knowing the Captain would only remember some of their conversation. He made his way to the castle study.

Cyrus was bent over his desk, "Where's the Captain?"

"He is drunk, Your Majesty, he sent me in his stead." Alyn bowed.

Cyrus shook his head and waved for Alyn to take his place, "Very well. It is just some wedding details. Ellora has 4 guards to walk her to the throne room and down the aisle, you will be with me. You can stand and watch as we get married. But, I need two in the balcony for extra security. Who should I put up there?"

Alyn nodded, thinking only for a brief moment before answering. He had two perfect guards already in mind, "Oliver and Tracy."

Cyrus tilted his head weighing the decision, "I was going to put them outside the door, but I suppose you are right. Their archery and lance work has been improving. What better way to keep them tried and tested."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Alyn replied flatly.

Cyrus looked up from the maps that he was pouring over, "I will be married, the provinces united, and then we will move on to the next conquest."

Alyn raised a brow.

"I hear there is a land beyond the western sea. Barbarians."

Alyn nodded, "What is so interesting about them?"

"Nothing yet," Cyrus stood, pacing over to Alyn.

Alyn kept his breath even and his heartbeat calm.

"But we will take over every land. I will rule all of them." Cyrus said savagely.

"Of course, Your Majesty." Alyn nodded.

"If you do well tomorrow," Cyrus circled around his back, "You could be at my side when it all happens." He suddenly slapped Alyn on the back, coming around to his right, and squeezed his shoulder. The action was almost fatherly. Alyn nodded shortly, "It would be an honor, Your Majesty." He tried to hide his grimace as he continued the facade, "My sister is in good hands."

Cyrus smiled and shook his head blissfully, "I know. Dismissed."

Alyn bowed and walked out, jaw clenched and seething.

Cyrus crossed the room, yawned and flopped into his plush chair. His legs resting on one arm, his elbow on the other, and slurped happily at his wine.