Awry

35

Tristan sat in the stone room of the outer court, staring at his hands. Two guards stood watch at the sole entrance to his right, and another three stood watch around the perimeter.

Had it really been just that morning that Scarlet had laid in his arms and colored on his skin?

Tristan’s heart was heavy.

Escape from the court would be difficult; there were too many familiar faces, too many men who worked for his father.

But escape from the king’s army? Impossible.

Tristan was truly trapped. He would disappear at dawn and be separated from Scarlet. If not for forever, at least for decades.

And decades would be too long. She would be caught stealing and put to death. Or she would die of starvation or disease. Or she would be taken captive by a madman in the woods…

Tristan’s hands began to shake with fear and hatred.

Fear for Scarlet’s well-being. And hatred of his father’s greedy plans.

“I must see my father again.” Tristan stood from the cold bench he’d sat upon and approached the guards.

“We were given strict orders not to allow you passage anywhere,” Tennius said.

“My father will want to speak with me—”

“Your father gave the orders.”

“I must return to my chambers.”

“You will do nothing of the sort.” Tennius turned his sword in Tristan’s direction, aiming at his throat. “Now, sit down until the king’s carrier comes.”

Tristan did not sit. Instead, he snatched the blade from the guard’s hand and thrust it at Tennius, who jumped back to avoid injury. The second guard charged Tristan and they battled within the close quarters of the stone room until Tristan ran the second guard into the wall.

Tennius came at Tristan’s back, followed by two other guards from the night.

Soon, Tristan found himself outnumbered—again—and thrashing wildly, sword in hand.

Someone choked him from behind and Tristan spun about. His arm was pinned by another guard and someone kicked his legs out from beneath him.

Despite his best attempts, he was soon completely restrained and the sword was yanked from his hand.

“Your father will not be happy about this,” Tennius said.

“My father can go to hell.”

“Tristan!” Gabriel’s voice echoed through the dark courtyard.

Tristan saw his brother approach from the stone gates beyond and started fighting the guards again.

“Tristan,” Gabriel repeated when he drew closer. “What is this?” He looked at the guards in horror. “Release him immediately.”

“He attacked us, sir.” The guards let Tristan go, shoving him to the ground.

Tristan pulled himself up as Gabriel hurried to his side. “What happened?”

Tristan watched as all the guards posted themselves outside the stone room, and Tennius sneered at him.

There was no escape now.

Tristan stretched his neck. “I fought the guards and I lost.”

Gabriel looked around. “Clearly. Why did you fight? And why on earth are you enlisting in the king’s army?”

Tristan sat back down on the stone bench. “I’m not enlisting. I’m being forced away.”

Gabriel stood in front of him with a confused look. “By who?”

“Father.”

Gabriel’s jaw tightened. “The bastard. Why would he send you away?”

Tristan mocked a laugh. “For six parcels of land.”

Gabriel was stunned. “Are you joking?”

“Not one bit.” Tristan shook his head.

Gabriel cursed. Looking around, he lowered his voice. “I’ll help you escape.”

Tristan thought about it, energized by the determination in Gabriel’s voice. “We could die.”

Gabriel smiled. “Dying for my brother is no problem for me.”

Tristan gave a weak smile in return. “I would not allow you to die for me.”

Gabriel sighed. “Your endless love for others is inconvenient.”

Tristan leaned his head against the wall behind him and closed his eyes in frustration. “Why does father hate me so?”

“You are not alone.” Gabriel shook his head. “He hates me as well.”

Tristan opened his eyes. “How so?”

Gabriel crossed his arms. “Father has arranged a marriage for me. A marriage! The announcement is tomorrow.”

Tristan wrinkled his brow. “Why would he do that?”

Gabriel scoffed. “To keep me from Raven, I’m sure. He threatened to cut off my inheritance if I refused to marry his chosen bride who, by the way, is some peasant named Scarlet.”

Tristan’s chest tightened. “What is your intended bride’s last name?”

Gabriel shrugged. “Jacobs, I believe. But I have no intention of marrying her. Father is a fool.” Gabriel lowered his voice to a whisper. “Maybe Raven will run away with me. I do not need father’s money.”

Tristan’s heart began to kick at his rib cage. Scarlet? His father wanted Gabriel to marry Scarlet?

How had this happened? How had he known about her?

Tristan stared past Gabriel. “What will become of this Scarlet if you do not marry her?”

“What do I care?” Gabriel shrugged. “She is a peasant who will probably go back to her mundane life without a husband.”

Tristan stood up, his eyes intensely trained on his brother. He spoke low and close to Gabriel’s face. “You must marry Scarlet, Gabriel.”

“I…what?” Gabriel looked astonished.

“You cannot refuse her. You must marry Scarlet and take care of her always.”

“Have you gone mad? Why in the world would I—”

“For me,” Tristan said loudly. He placed a hand on Gabriel’s shoulder, lowered his voice and repeated, “For me. Please, brother.”

Gabriel’s look of confusion stayed intact for only a moment.

“Ah.” Gabriel’s face fell into understanding. “This is your girl from the eastern woods, isn’t it?”

Tristan said nothing, his palms sweating. “I might not be back for decades. I might not be back at all.”

“Do not speak that way—”

“I could die tomorrow, Gabriel.”

“You will not die,” Gabriel said. “You are speaking like a weak man.”

“No, I am speaking like a desperate man.” Tristan shook his head. “Scarlet has nothing, Gabriel. She is poor and hungry and cares for her mother by herself.”

Gabriel narrowed his eyes. “She must have something. Why else would father make an arrangement with a peasant?”

Tristan furrowed his brow. “He made an arrangement with Scarlet’s mother?”

“Yes.” Gabriel nodded.

Tristan’s head began to spin. Why had Ana spoken to the earl?

And why had the earl agreed to negotiate with her?

Tristan shook his head. “I do not know what Scarlet has, but it is not food or shelter or safety. I need….” Tristan swallowed. “I need you to marry her and take care of her. I need you to protect her. I need you to do this.”

Gabriel exhaled through his nose. “What about Raven?” He looked at his twin. “What am I supposed to do about her?”

Tristan tried not to sound frustrated. “Raven will be fine, Gabriel. Her family has money and power and food. She does not need a marriage to protect her. But Scarlet does.”

“And you want me to toss aside my love for yours?”

Tristan rolled his eyes. “You do not love Raven, and you know it. Raven is a cunning girl with more venom in her heart than love and your affections for her are all to spite our father. She is after power, not your heart.”

Gabriel opened his mouth to protest, but quickly closed it.

“Be honest with yourself.” Tristan looked at him desperately. “Do you love Raven? Are you willing to die for her? To give up your inheritance and live in poverty with her?”

Gabriel’s eyes looked pained. “Maybe not, but I am not so fickle that I will marry another for the sake of—”

“For the sake of me,” Tristan said. “If you love me, you will do this.”

Gabriel shifted uncomfortably and Tristan took a step back, ashamed of himself for asking so great a sacrifice from his brother. “I’m sorry.” Tristan shook his head. “I am a broken man without escape. I should not ask you for such things. You are more than generous to have even heard my words.” He looked at Gabriel. “Do what you will. Leave with Raven. Live free of our father. Enjoy life. I will not hold your choices against you ever. I promise.”

Gabriel breathed in and out slowly, his eyes never leaving Tristan’s face.

“Enough,” called Tennius, entering the small stone room. “Your father will have our heads if he finds you two spent the evening conspiring. Out!” He pointed to Gabriel.

Gabriel shot his eyes to the guard. “One minute.”

Tristan watched as the guards all entered the small room, their large forms blocking the light from the courtyard and casting shadows across the brothers.

Tristan’s heart filled with darkness in return, all hope draining from its well.

Gabriel put his hands on Tristan’s shoulders and leaned in close to his face. “I will do this for you.” His brown eyes were sincere. “I will marry your girl and love her and protect her like my own. You are my brother and my very soul. I will not let you down.” He swallowed. “I promise.”

Tennius clasped Gabriel’s shoulder and Gabriel righted himself, shrugging off the large man. “No need for force,” he snarled at Tennius. “I’m leaving.”

Gabriel turned his back to Tristan and followed the guard out of the stone room. As he reached the exit, Gabriel turned around one last time.

“Be brave, my brother.” He looked at Tristan. “Come home alive.”

Tristan nodded, trying to look brave.

But bravery and death were almost always companions.