Prince of Lies

Chapter 34

Haruto and Hanan quickly looked up when the warning bells sounded.

"What is it?" Haruto demanded when their seconds swept into the room, swords drawn.

"Intruders in the castle." Jace breathed. "They've come for Hanan."

"Me?" Hanan repeated. "Why me?"

"Part of Misha's so-called patriots. They can't bring their prince back, so they want you dead."

"But I'm the one who killed him!" Eaan protested. "They should be after me!"

"That doesn't matter, they want Hanan. I guess the logic is if they'd agreed to marry Misha, he'd still be alive."

"What was I supposed to do!"

"Look, now's not the time. Eaan, take them. Get them out of here! I'll be sure you aren't followed."

Eaan nodded, and by now Haruto was standing, handing Nyix to Hanan and grabbing his crutches.

"Where's my father?"

"In the throne room with Niil and Zione. He intends to distract them from your escape." Jace stepped forward and leaned down to kiss Haruto and Nyix. "I'll see you soon."

"Let's get to the passages." Haruto suggested. "Wait! What about the girls?"

"Rae's got them." Jace reassured him, as something fell and made a crashing sound down the hall. "Go!"

Eaan held open the tapestry and the three of them ducked in.

"This isn't going to last long..."Haruto sighed, and followed Hanan, limping heavily.

"I think we've lost them." Hanan breathed, looking around his shoulder.

Haruto didn't respond.

"Haruto?" Hanan asked, just as his brother swayed and fell off his horse.

"Haruto!"

Eaan rode up behind them just as Haruto fell, and immediately jumped off his horse to tend to him.

"Eaan." Hanan corrected, and handed Nyix down to him. The baby had been lulled by the ride over and still slept.

Haruto groaned slightly as Hanan lifted his head into their lap.

"Hey. What's the matter?"

"Hanan-" Haruto whispered, and closed his eyes.

"Eaan, wherever we're going, we gotta get there soon." Hanan said urgently.

"It's okay. We're nearly there." Eaan pointed over the ridge. "You can see it through the trees."

"See what, exactly?"

"The ruins of Horin." Eaan elaborated, and Hanan understood.

"Why there?"

"Because it's the last place anyone is going to look."

"Can he ride any longer?"

"He shouldn't, but we have to." Hanan grunted as he lifted their brother up and set him across the saddle. He got back onto Rebel's back and took Admiral's reins.

"I've never been to Horin."

"It used to be so beautiful." Eaan said, mostly to himself. "The architecture was stunning. Such unique colors- I wish you could have seen it in its prime."

"Me too." Hanan breathed. "So much of the kingdom I wanted to see with you."

They continued riding in silence.