King of Me (The King Trilogy #3)(29)
Author: Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

But if I died, then so be it. This alternative path would stop her from cursing King, and prevent my brother from digging up the Artifact in Palenque. It might even prevent him from ever getting mixed up with the 10 Club, if King in fact “owned those clowns.”

I smiled to myself as the twisted little pieces slid effortlessly into place, and that gnawing uneasiness deep inside my gut lifted. This was right…

~~~

As soon as the sun rose, I asked one of the guards—a shirtless behemoth with mocha-brown skin, long black hair, wearing a sword and a manly—yes, manly—little blue and red pleated skirt (not much different than a kilt but made for warm weather) if he could tell me where I might find Hagne.

“I do not know, but I will send someone to look for her,” he replied.

“Or point me in the right direction, and I’ll go find her.”

He eyeballed me cautiously as if conflicted. “I am sorry, but our king has forbidden you to leave. You are to remain in his or your chamber, or in his private courtyard.”

Of course. King would know not to trust me to follow his command and stay put.

I looked at the guard and smiled. “Thanks. I’ll wait here, then.”

He whistled for another guard before scurrying off promptly. In the meantime, I looked around the room for something sharp or blunt, unfazed by my new hard shell and utter lack of remorse or concern over wanting to end Hagne. If I couldn’t get her to see reason—a serious long shot—I would get her away from here, where the guards couldn’t intervene.

I riffled through a few large woven baskets in a little cove that looked like King’s closet. There were piles of finely woven fabric—golds, blues, and reds—neatly folded and scented with dried flowers. In another basket, I found a jeweled dagger sheathed inside a suede holster. I plucked my finger over the tip. It was sharp as hell.

I lifted my dress and strapped the dagger to my thigh, hoping the pleats would conceal the bulky handle. I went outside to wait, and ten or so minutes later, Hagne appeared in the courtyard, her face flushed as if she’d run the entire way.

“Mia, are you all right?” she panted with false concern.

“Hunky-dory.”

“I know not what that means, but the guards said it was urgent.”

“I told the king he has to let you be with Callias.”

“What did he say?” she half gasped.

“He wasn’t upset. In fact, he fully understands. He really isn’t a bad guy, Hagne.”

Bitterness flickered in her spiteful eyes, and I knew what she was thinking: she’d said several times in her journal how she despised the king for being so weak. And right now, I’d bet she was congratulating herself for being right. Because only a weak man would roll over and give his betrothed to his brother.

“How did you convince him?” she asked.

“I offered to take your place,” I lied.

Her face was bright red with anger, but she said nothing.

“I didn’t tell you this, Hagne, but I am his betrothed in the future. Your marriage to him ends in a tragedy for everyone, including him. My proposal was simple: he lets you be with Callias. You live, your family lives, and your baby lives.”

“But I am not with child.”

“You will be.”

This was the point where any rational, decent human being would simply thank their lucky stars and feel happy that they’d been given a chance to get what they wanted. But not Hagne. Nope. She did exactly what any psycho-bitch would do.

“He is casting me aside,” she whispered in disbelief. “Everyone will see me as his rubbish.”

I wanted to roll my eyes. I really did. But this was too important. “You get out of marrying a man you despise and get to be with the one you’ve loved since childhood. Does it really matter what people think?”

Pure unfiltered hatred sizzled in her brown eyes, and I knew that any shot at a peaceful resolution would be impossible. Shit. I have to kill her.

But then, like a switch had flipped, her gaze fell into a neutral state. “No.” She bobbed her head frantically. “Of course, you are right. Callias is the love of my life. Nothing else matters.”

Her words sounded as fake as she was, so I wasn’t at all tempted to let down my guard. The woman was dangerous, and I had to assume powerful. Hell, her spit gave me the ability to speak ancient Minoan.

“So you will marry the king instead?” she asked.

Not that he’d asked, but part of me really wanted to make him mine forever. The man was seduction, power, and sexiness wrapped up in a manly, ancient Minoan package that left no woman unaffected in this time or in the future. Truth be told, however, there were structural issues with my situation. Such as…I was going to kill Hagne, and King would likely have to execute me, among just a few.

I replied, “You focus on Callias.”

She lowered her head with the grace of a lady. “As you wish.”

So damned fake. “And now, I have a favor to ask,” I said.

“Yes?”

Let your guard down so I can kill you. “I’d like to go to the market and look for a few items for when the king returns. Can you get me out of here? The guards won’t let me leave.”

She grinned. “I can take care of them. It’s the least I can do. After all, you have saved me.” She held up her small hand. “Wait here. I shall return.”

Hagne disappeared for several minutes and then returned, waving for me to follow her down the stairs that led to the right of the building.

“This way,” she whispered, giggling like a girl.

Psycho.

She added, “There is a secret tunnel leading beneath the palace and to the hill just north of the market.”

This was perfect. I could follow behind her and then…

Be strong? Save King? Save your brother, too?

Yes. I could do that. I just had to remember who Hagne really was.

I followed along, and when we did, in fact, reach a small cave, about five feet tall and four feet wide, she stopped. “It is dark inside, but the tunnel goes for several passes to the right and then you will see the light. Simply follow me.”

I didn’t trust Hagne, but when I looked inside, there really wasn’t anything there: a muddy floor, muddy walls, and a lot of darkness. And, hell, she was going first. And…hell, I had the dagger, which I was about to get out and use.

She rushed inside, and I followed along for almost forty or so yards until all light faded away.

“It’s really dark in here.” I began reaching for my dagger, trying to keep pace with her.