Crowns And Shadows (MXM) (Book 1)

XXXIX: Betrayed

Third POV

Rowan stood in the training yard, the sun's heat tanning his skin. It was a typical day, filled the clang of swords and the sounds of arrows hitting their targets as the soldiers practiced their drills. He watched as his men sparred, their movements sharp and precise, honing their skills under his watchful eye. The scent of sweat and dirt mingled with the earthy aroma of the surrounding fields. For a brief moment, everything felt peaceful as he reminisced about their magical night. He was still sore but he had managed to walk down to the yard to let Cassius know that he was officially in love with the man.

“Prince Rowan...” said Cassius, clearly amused, “You nasty git. Did you really think I needed all those details? Telling me you're in love would've been just fine. As a matter of fact...”

But his words were cut off by a deep, resonating horn that echoed across the valley. Rowan’s heart sank as he turned to Cassius who had the same worried expression on their face.

That sound was undoubtedly a call of war—the unmistakable sound of Xerovia’s battle horn. The atmosphere shifted instantly. Laughter faded, and the clanging of swords became a tense silence, filled with the heavy breaths of soldiers realizing the gravity of the moment.

"Cassius, please tell me that you have a drill arranged today?" Rowan asked, his nerves clear in his voice.

"Not that I know of," Cassius replied.

Rowan suddenly noticed a raven and almost immediately knew who he was. A thick plume of smoke suddenly swirled in the clearing. From its midst, a shadow emerged, plummeting to the ground with a heavy thud, feathers morphing into the shape of a man. Garrick straightened, his face drawn and haunted, eyes wide with urgency, seeking Rowan.

When he found him, he hurried forward. "Rowan!" he called, his voice rough from flight and fear. "The enemy soldiers—they’re coming. They’re nearly here. You need to prepare your men."

Rowan took a moment to process, brows drawing together in confusion. “How would you know that?”

Garrick’s gaze flitted to the distant valley, as though he expected the enemy to break through.  “I was them. They’ve crossed the border." he said breathless, "They’re on their way. Your kingdom—it's in danger.”

Rowan straightened, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He was still too confused to even have any suspicion when he suddenly heard a shout. “To arms! Gather the men!” It was Cassius' father, the general. The soldiers snapped to attention, urgency igniting their movements as they dropped their training swords and rushed to form ranks. The sun, once a warm embrace, now felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the looming threat.

Just then, the ground trembled as if an explosion had just happened some yards away. And the smoke was proof of it.

As the soldiers assembled, Rowan, Garrick and Cassius rushed to the command tent, where maps of the surrounding lands lay spread out on the table. He quickly scanned the charts, trying to calm himself and failing.

"Father, what is happening?" Asked Cassius.

The general pointed to the borders circled in red, "All of them, asleep. It's been that way since morning. We have been unable to wake them and they're under careful watch with the physicians."

"It's a slow poison." Garrick suddenly said, "It doesn't harm their health at all but they'll be in this deep sleep for two days more. That was the plan. To attack at your weakest. It was subtle such that you don't notice right away and they catch you off guard. They're headed for your camps and the castle at the moment."

All of a sudden, it clicked in Rowan's head as he turned to face Garrick. “You knew,” Rowan said, his voice low and taut with anger. Garrick turned, his expression startled but guarded. “You knew there was going to be a war. You knew that they were going to attack this whole time, didn't you? Are you working with them? You led them to us.”