It doesn't surprise me to hear that someone lurks in the shadows. I'm the last heir to the throne, and one of the invaders appears to be holding me captive. It would distress me more if people weren't concerned. 

"Are you sure someone isn't going the same way we are?" I feel ridiculous hiding in the bakery, but it doesn't stop me from taking another bite of my bread. I push past him, irritated, as I peer out the window. "Look, there's the bookstore. Let's go over there, and if we are followed there, then I'll worry." 

While Tonic doesn't look convinced, I walk past him, leaving the door to cross the street with a ridiculous amount of confidence. Behind me, my puppy dog guard keeps a close watch; I can feel his tension and find it entirely unnecessary. An assassination attempt was the least of my worries, and frankly, I welcomed it. 

It would be the most normal thing to happen since we were invaded. 

In the store, I pace through the shelves, and I'm disappointed that it's true that they have burned most of the spell books, though I do find one thin copy of a healing book and slip that into the page keeper in my vest. 

It folds neatly away as I murmur the concealing spell, I slip some money on the counter while Tonic glares out the massive storefront window. The clerk didn't look as happy to see me as I might have hoped; perhaps she was just as confused by the dynamic as the baker was.

To the outsider, it might have looked like this controversial Prince had his own family slaughtered by their slaves.  

 "They are waiting for us to exit, " Tonic reveals.

"What; are they talking to you?" My voice drips with my lack of faith in his ability to predict our situation. He doesn't notice; he's on full alert, and I'm certain he will forewarn my captor if we don't solve this now. If there truly was an attempt on my life, would he keep me from coming back to the city? 

That, I couldn't risk. 

"They are in that alley; I imagine they will approach when we are outside."

I struggle to see the threat involved with one of my own people standing against a Lycan; if we had the ability to fight them off, I wouldn't be in this mess, and my bodyguard was very obviously not human. They can't know Tonic as a pushover, from a distance he might even look intimidating. 

"Let's go see what they want, then." I press.

Tonic's expression cracks, and he gives me a nervous look. "I... " He's afraid. This is out of his pay grade. He's a babysitter, not a fighter, and he doesn't want to risk his life for something that would assuredly get him in trouble. I find this curious, as it would mean that Alpha did give him the word to bring me back alive. 

"We can't just hide in here all day. Now, if you don't move, I will go by myself. What say you, Tonic?"  It has never been in me to value my own life and do what I am told. I was not bred and raised to listen to the likes of Tonic.

With a heavy grunt of frustration, he watches out the window; the scruffy gray hair heightens his youth, his shirt one size too small, and one of his rolled-up sleeves sags halfway down his forearm. How was this man supposed to intimidate anyone?

 "Ok... here's the plan. We're going to go out there and see what they want. If anything strange happens, I will shift, and you will climb on my back. No arguments, no refusals, we head back towards the castle. We should meet up with one of the patrols there and that will keep us safe. Understand? I can take one or two but I'm not experienced enough to take on a whole group."

"How many did you smell?" 

Is that even correct to say? 

Could that be considered offensive? 

"Just one.." 

One? What are we worrying about? 

I shrugged and gestured for him to lead the charge. Growling low in his chest, I could feel the mounting frustration as he led me out of the bookstore to the side alley, where we spotted our shadowy figure. A person intending to hide would not allow themselves to be caught so easily, further pressing my point that this person was at least not hiding their presence. 

They are hooded and in an oversized black coat. We can only see the lower half of their faces and hands, the pale skin capturing what little light was able to creep into the alley. The remainder of the figure's body is covered in garments meant to conceal one's identity. My ability for detection was disappointing, I should have noticed a dark figure such as this on such a bright day.

Untrained, this was no bounty hunter.

"What do you want?" Tonic demands. 

The figure smiles to reveal beautiful white teeth. No fangs. That makes me breathe a sigh of relief. 

"I've been looking for you, Nicolas; there's been talk that you were slaughtered. When we saw the smoke, we figured as much. The lycans must be brave to have let you out of the castle.. Though I see you've brought a mutt. Have you turned sides so easily? Should I report that you are not on the side of the crown?" 

I scoffed; I hadn't realized I was in such high demand. "Hardly the case; he is my guard. I am surprised there is room for gossip when the royal family is still fresh in their graves; idle tongues should spend more time in debt to their country rather than entertaining gossip. No, I'm not turning on the crown, but I do have to keep myself alive and that means doing what is necessary."

While I don't appreciate being followed, my mind races for potential reasons why these dogs that used to serve us keep me company. My chest tightens, and I force the feelings down; I can't crack now. I can't reveal I'm being held captive, that there's a lunatic in my house who thinks I can reverse the spell. This person can't know I'm not in control. 

"I believe we asked you a question, what do you want?" 

I hear Tonic growling, and it makes me shiver as images of my father's death flash through my memory. My mother is screaming, and the blood- so much blood.

The figure takes a step forward, and Tonic stiffens, slipping in front of me with a flash of his teeth. Quickly, my hand shoots up, resting on Tonic's shoulder to call him off, I plead with him with my eyes, begging him to let this man speak. 

"I'm with the rebellion. I'd like to take you there and show the people you are alive, we could use the morale boost. It's been hard biding our time; the Lycans have this place shored up pretty well. We are-" This voice is male, the hooded head cocks to the side, seemingly looking towards Tonic. "Is there any way we can send this one away? The rebel leader urgently wants to meet with you."

 I waiver; it might make me look better if I was capable of such a thing, but Alpha would surely hunt me down, leading him right to the rebellion. "Tonic is with me... anything you say can be said in front of him. He is here to keep me safe. These are trying times, good sir; one can't be too careful." I reassure this hooded figure. 

The man sighs and removes the hood to reveal long, flowing, honey-colored hair and dark eyes. 

"You can see why I don't want to discuss matters with him?" He is an elf, made obvious by his long, pointed ears.

A snarl comes from my wolf bodyguard, more barbaric than I had heard of the youth. It strikes me that sending him home might be the best thing for my cause. If I couldn't control him in conversation, no one would believe that I had any authority over this situation. 

Yet, at the same time, my heart pounds when I think of what might happen to him. I feel conflicted; what would the others do to him if he lost me? Alpha had mentioned flogging, branding, and a variety of other horrendous punishments, which all seem too cruel for someone with such kind eyes. Sota's words about pulling teeth solidify my opinion. 

I can not send Tonic home without me, no matter how much I wish to run and hide, how desperately I want to leave here and never return.  

"Tonic is a good man. I know you don't want to give away your position, but he doesn't want this either... he's on our side." 

I hope Tonic has a good poker face. I hope that I'm telling the truth and that I haven't been wrong about him. Glancing at me, there is a silent pact made for he nods; I squeeze him in gratitude.

"I need to be back before nightfall. I'm on a pretty strict schedule."

This appears to disturb the elf. "We need to get going then. Once the night shift shows up, this place gets a little- well, I'm sure you know."

 Ignoring the heavy sarcasm and pointed suggestion, I gesture to him to guide the way. 

My watchdog stays close behind, and I find myself growing used to the heat while finding comfort in the chilly air circulating in the shadows. 

__________

Arriving at the rebellion brings a whole new mixture of emotions. I am in a dead run before I know it. They're here, and I'm not as alone as I had feared, for these borders are filled with other magic users. I feel tears threatening to run over me as I count in my head what faces I recognize. There are healers and shapeshifters, and a couple of those with gifts have managed as well.

I'm thrilled and, at the same time, devastated. I'm coming up short; there are some I don't see—a medicine woman, a few of the gifted, and some spell casters. But the wolves have been mistaken; they have not killed nearly as many as they thought. While I'm broken for those we have lost, I'm so grateful for all that were saved.

 Tonic appears painfully uncomfortable, and they don't seem too thrilled with his presence either.

There are plenty of new faces, elves, and even a few mortals among them. There are more elves than I could have guessed, considering the population rarely came to this side of the region. We often went to them; it wasn't like an elf to travel. Overall, the rebellion is 50 strong, and I'm impressed but concerned. 

They stand no chance against this army. In an instant, the Lycans would destroy them.

I'm preparing my speech when the crowd begins to part, and I'm greeted by a tall man in white silken clothes. His long platinum blond hair has the front braided into an intricate crown around his head while the rest falls to below his waist. It's so well brushed that it almost looks translucent as it sways behind him. His light eyes are locked on me, and he pulls his full pale lips together in what could be a smile.

 He watches me with an interest that I am, unfortunately, familiar with, and it almost makes me squirm. It's the look of a man who's asked for favors in exchange for political power, someone who has seen me as a weakened doe needing tending to. He is practically drinking me in, but I don't shy away. 

Extending my hand boldly, I'm thankful for the spanking, for I can think beyond the potential for political gain in exchange for favors. 

"Nicolas," I introduce myself. He takes my fingers and bestows me a polite half-bow, bringing him down to my height. The motion conveys the heavy scent of perfume to my nose, and I resist the urge to cough. He bears quite the odd scent of a man.

"Oh, I know who you are. I've been dying to meet you once more." His voice is smooth like a fine wine; his hair slips from behind his back as he lowers and rises. His angular features make him almost look alien, to perfect, as if it was carved and polished onto flawless marble skin. I think of my marred skin and retract my hand from his silken touch. 

This man has never known work a day in his life; much as I had lived a life of luxury, I earned my title as Solomonari.

"Haryek." He introduces himself. "Prince Haryek, son of Taryek."

I raise my eyebrows. "Son of Taryek? The Elf King?" 

Haryek doesn't give the shy smile I would have expected. He looks proud, yet I'm not impressed; I'm more surprised he is out of his cozy castle. 

"What finds you at the head of the rebellion?" 

I knew of Haryek faintly from a few dinners and parties in my youth. He was a political figure more than an heir to the throne as he was one of the last born of his father's children. With more heirs than thrones, and the long life span of elves, Haryek never stood a chance at taking a seat. 

 He handled most of the outside dealings in trade, wine, and slaves, and his father must have been furious at his absence. Without Haryek, how was Ziduri fairing in trade? 

The elf shrugs a slow rise and fall of his shoulders as if he were taking a deep breath.

"I decided this would be a better route for me. What the three kingdoms did to the Lycans was not something the whole society agreed upon. It's time for change. I wish we could have spoken about this alone, but I suppose now is as good of a time as any. I want to find a way to de-throne my father without murdering hundreds of elves; it would seem you have successfully achieved that.

We do not have history books; we have certain people who remember these things and pass them down through the generations. Those would be critical losses for our society, and my father would no doubt be hiding behind the other royals. With your abilities and my tactics, I feel we will have a fighting chance to get through this with little bloodshed.

I just need to know how you did it. How did you convince the lycans to side with you?"

I take this all in and watch him cautiously. What does he know about my abilities? Perhaps it's just what he's read, for the meaning behind a Solomonari came from our most ancient of texts. I'm not sure I want Haryek to be in charge of anything, let alone a kingdom, a close neighbor, and a valued trade partner. I think of Alpha sparing Elven lives and almost laugh, but if nothing else, my royal training has taught me to stay serious.

I could do this; I could act like the Prince I was born to be, for this was merely political war games. While he might believe I killed my family, the die was cast, and it was my job not to confirm his story. 

I can't show him my doubts, and I must keep him happy for the time being. "We have similar wants for our people; I don't want anyone else to have to die." This brings a smile to the elf's face, but I don't smile back. "I assure you, Haryek, I did not kill my family, but I do intend to find common ground with the Lycans and have a peaceful conclusion."

This seems to catch Tonic off guard, and I elbow him, threatening him not to show my hand.

"My father will not hold back for long. The lycans have done the dirty work of removing your father, Lord Darrius; there is a chance at restoring balance to this world. I want to put good people in place, form an alliance between the kingdoms once again, and restore peace to this world. There is a time for the elite, but where it stands, we cannot continue this way. We must act quickly before someone comes, seizes this moment, and destroys us all." His eyes flicker towards Tonic, almost accusing. 

His words were clear: He wished to use the lycans but not befriend them. Any alliance would be temporary, and that was fine with me. 

I glance at Tonic, who looks uncomfortable. "I believe we do agree on that."

Who does he want to rule Dezna? Me? Ha! 

"I'm grateful for all you're doing for my people, and I would love to repay the favor. I want to help in any way that I can. When I find my book, I will be of more use to you. I'm afraid right now I'm rather limited to what I can contribute."

Haryek allows a massive smile to come over his face, and with a gesture, a small woman comes forward holding a bag. She hands it to me, and I can sense it before it reaches my fingers. As I shove the bag hurriedly out of my way, my book reveals itself, and I clutch it to my chest as if I were holding on to the very lifeline that is my true self. "How?"

"I saved it." Her voice is small. 

I can only stare at her, feeling horrible that I don't recognize her. My eyes travel over her burnt hands; my book is not meant for anyone but me to hold. I reach out and touch her hands, focusing my thoughts as her burns vanish. She smiles a small, grateful smile, which I return. While my reserve is low, which has pushed me further to the edge of burnout, I couldn't bear leaving her with burns my book caused. 

"So you will help?" Haryek presses. I know what he's hoping for, and I lack excuses for those questions.

"As much as I can." I allow. "I will return in a few days. I have a lot to think about and need to build my strength. Hear me, stay away from the city. If the lycans catch wind of an elf in our midst, that will be the end for all of you. Stay put, and wait for me to come to you. On my way out, cover my trail, for if their leader follows my scent, it will undoubtedly lead him straight to you." 

Haryek takes my hand once more and half bows. 

"Till next time."