Thame stepped outside into the glaringly bright sunlight, the air charged with an impending thunderstorm. Far off in the distance, he could see the grayness of the sky, the clouds heavy and dark, coming inland off the coast. He could not fathom Aribelle, Wren, and Dru all together peacefully, hunting for meat and not trying to stab each other in the back. He hoped that, at the very least, the three would make it back safely before the storm hit.
Sitting down on a log next to the firepit, Thame waited patiently, enjoying the fresh air. As time passed by, Thame grew concerned for the group, who had still not made it back to camp. The storm came, pouring down freezing rain, and still, Thame sat, staring at the trees, hoping to see his brother or Aribelle coming towards him, unharmed.
The sun had set, the shadows lengthened, and still, Thame sat waiting, knowing he could not just venture out into the unknown in his feeble state. As Thame fought to keep his eyes open, he said a silent prayer that everyone was alright.
The next day dawned bright and sunny, without a cloud in sight. Thame woke from his uncomfortable perch on the log, still alone and now extremely worried for his brother and Aribelle, and even Wren. They should have been back yesterday, but their camp looked abandoned, save for him. Thame got up and walked around the camp, looking for any sign that might point him in the direction that the group took the day before, but he saw nothing.
What he did notice was that his limbs moved easier, and there was a total absence of pain on this morning. He would have to go out in search of them, rescue them if need be, without overexerting himself and risking his own demise. Walking back to Aribelle's tent, Thame threw open the flaps and headed to the bed. His boots sat on the floor, a note laying atop of them. Thame sat down and unfolded the parchment, his eyes turning a violent shade of red as he read what was written.
Thame,
You are probably wondering where everyone is right now. I sincerely wish I could have been here to see the look on your face when you realize we all left you here to die, but alas, I had more important matters in which to attend. Should you be capable of doing so upon your awakening, please see yourself home, where our father will already have been informed of your infidelity to your mission and your king.
I, however, have corrected your blunderings and took control of the situation. As the beast sat in the corner, watching you slowly die, I offered her a drink. It did not take long after that for her to see where her heart truly lies, with me, of course. I surely do not need to explain to you the ramifications that would follow should you attempt to thwart our upcoming nuptials, but in case you are considering ambushing our very special day, allow me to assure you it would end in the bloodshed of many.
I do hope that there are no hard feelings between us. After all, I stood by and allowed you the glory and the spotlight and all of our father's affections for my entire life. All you have to do at this point is to make a choice. Step aside and be a good brother for just one instance in our lives or come for the beast and ignite a war between our kingdoms. I have made my choice, as has Aribelle. This choice is yours, Thamyris.
Wishing you would have died when you had the chance,
Druas
Thame crumbled the paper in his hand; his jaw clenched with barely restrained fury. His brother betrayed him, after everything they had been through. After Thame expressed his growing feelings for Aribelle, his brother still sought to destroy her. Thame felt a murderous rage take hold of his soul. He would not rest until his brother paid the price for his betrayal. He would find a way to Rynoch and tear apart Dru's entire charade and come clean with Aribelle about everything, including his suspicions that her mother was working with King Thaddeus. Pulling on his boots, Thame conjured up a plan, starting with intercepting whatever message Druas was planning to send their father. As luck would have it, Thame knew exactly who Dru would send to do his dirty work.
He would get the information he needed from Wren, and then everyone who stood in his way of Aribelle was going to die.
Aribelle’s story continues in Ruthless Heir, which is available for pre-order here: https://amzn.to/2swilNe