In the Shadows~zayn au~Completed ✅EDITING

~Chapter 10: Your Only Hope~

A/N: I was going to post this the other day, but the power died and the wifi has been off/on sporadically since then. Sorry about not posting this sooner! It's short, but I was going to be doing a double update. However, big twists. Hope you enjoy! ;)

The Ambassador was reading a book in an armchair near the window when she let herself into his room. As she leaned her back against the door to close it, he rose slowly, setting the book aside and slipping a small dagger from his sleeve to grasp in his hand. His wary look told her he did not trust her in coming to his room this late at night.

"Princess," he said carefully. "To what do I owe this late night pleasure?"

"Do you actually plan on doing anything with that dagger, Ambassador?" Kalysta asked, irritated. She saw his eyes narrow as he scrutinized her, weighing whether or not she was a threat to him. "As you can see," she continued, "I do not have a weapon."

"That does not make you entirely harmless, though, does it?" he asked quietly, showing forethought she had not believed him to possess. He turned so that he was facing her fully, his movements lithe and measured. "And despite your assurances I do not believe for a second that you are unarmed. There's probably a blade in that bodice or stowed in your belt. So again, I ask, why are you here?"

"If I give up my blade, will you drop yours?"

"Answer the question first."

"I am here to discuss a rape your men committed in Westtown," she hissed. "That is all."

"My men?" he asked, surprised. He thought for a moment, then carefully laid his dagger on the bed, moving away from it. "I have laid down mine and I do not have any more on my person. It's your turn."

Kalysta thought for a moment, then reached up to remove the knife that was nestled next to her breast on the right side, pulling it sheath and all and tossing it onto the bed as well. She didn't mention the one to the left side. He need not know about that one. And even if he was willing to place his safety in her hands, she was ready to offer the same to him.

"Ah, I took you for a bodice kind of lass," he said knowingly, waggling his eyebrows at her.

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Kalysta exclaimed outraged.

"Women with small bosoms often hide their weapons there as a form of compensation."

Fury ignited in her and she had to fight not to throw one of her remaining blades into his smug face. A knife an eye might improve his looks some. She pushed this thought back and appeared outwardly calm.

"I suppose that extravagantly gilded sword that you swagger around with does the same then," she snapped.

"Only one way to find out, Princess," he teased, putting his hands on his hips and winking at her.

"You are disgusting!" Kalysta hissed. "I wondered if you were as backwards and primitively animalistic as your men, and you've just confirmed it. I only wish I had a witness against you for a crime so I could lock you up too, immoral ape, not that I haven't tried."

"Locked up?" Zayn asked quickly, all hint of joking gone. "Who have you locked up? And why was I not notified?"

"He's locked up for rape, you dull pig," she retorted, "which is the reason I came here in the first place. Your man, Hayden, confessed to the rape of a girl in West town last week, a girl who came to me for help. The other man, James, was present and failed to assist her. He watched instead, which is equally punishable under the law."

"Hayden?" Zayn whispered hoarsely. "You locked up Hayden? Of all the foolishness! You have to let him go!"

"Why, because you'll throw a tantrum?" Kalysta asked snidely. "I've dealt with children misbehaving before and you wouldn't be any different."

"Gods, no, woman," he breathed. He lurched forward and gripped her wrist before she could react. "He's noble! You can't arrest him!"

Kalysta didn't take too long to react, though. She swung and brought her knee up into his crotch, making him release his hold on her and drop to the floor, groaning.

"You may be allowed to manhandle the women in your country, pig, but not here," she said venomously. "If you ever deign to touch me again I will cut off whatever part you touch me with, have no doubt."

"No, please," he groaned, getting to his knees and standing up slowly. "If you truly want what's best for your country, you'll take me to Hayden and release him. I do not jest. You risk igniting a war between our countries, right now, tonight, if do not do as I say."

"I'm not going to release a rapist simply because he's a noble!" Kalysta cried.

"He's the Prince's cousin, the King's favorite nephew!" Zayn cried desperately. "If they hear one word about this, you can be sure that they will march on this nation as quickly as a war draft can be drawn up. They will either come to rescue him or attempt to avenge him. You need to take me to him, now!"

"Surely not," Kalysta breathed, but suddenly she wasn't so sure. Murdoch wasn't called the Mad King for nothing. He could very well have such a reaction to a family member being imprisoned in another country.

"I would stake my life on it," Zayn said, still breathing heavily in pain, bent slightly forward to rest his palms on his knees. "He's my father after all. If you take me to Hayden, I can persuade him not to bring this before King Murdoch. I'm your only hope right now, so please take me to him."

A/N: :D let me know what you think about the chapter and what you predict will happen in the future!