Royal Games

Chapter 45

On Boxing Day, I wake up once again in Isaac's arms. I notice it's still dark outside. I lie still, content to soak in the feel of his body against mine. His breath warms my neck.

I don't want to wake him, and I don't want to go back to sleep. So, after a while, I grab my phone from the bedside table. I scroll through social media, seeing snowy scenes and Christmas parties.

My eye snags on a news headline.

My phone slips through my fingers, clattering to the floor.

"Isaac." I whisper hoarsely. No response. I speak louder. "Isaac."

"Hmm." Isaac answers, still mostly asleep.

"He's ill, Isaac. My dad's ill."

I feel Isaac shift behind me and twist round to face him. His eyes are suddenly wide awake as he props himself partially upright. I anxiously wriggle myself into a similar position.

"What happened?" He asks, voice strained.

"The news headline said he's bed-ridden after falling gravely ill. What if it's my mum? What if she's poisoned him? What if it's all my fault?" I wail, my thoughts taking me away from the present.

"Calm down, Ally."

"But I tried to get that message to him, didn't I? What if she found out about it? Or he confronted her and this was to shut him up? Or... Or..."

"Alyssa." Isaac's touch on my arm grounds me. "Stop talking. Take a deep breath in." I follow his instruction, feeling more relaxed already. "And out. In. And out. Now, are you calm enough to read the article, or do you want to pass me your phone?"

Wordlessly, I grab my phone from the floor and hand it over to him. He takes a few minutes to read the article. The only reason my thoughts don't spiral again is Isaac. He takes my hand in his, stroking a thumb across my skin.

"He fell ill overnight." Isaac explains. "It is unknown what's caused the illness, but there are healers with him now. That's basically all it says."

"I... If this is my fault..." My voice cracks as I fight to hold back the tears.

"Listen to me, Alyssa. This is not your fault. Even if your mum did cause the illness, that's on her, not you. Do not hold yourself guilty for this."

"But..."

He cuts me off with a short but sweet kiss on the lips. When he pulls away, his eyes seem to dare me to try arguing with him.

"I have to go and see my dad. If he..." I lose the fight as a single tear rolls down my face. I wipe it away. "I have to say goodbye."

"I understand why you feel like that, but it's too dangerous. Your mum could kill you on sight, with or without the assassins."

"I don't care." I snap.

"Yes. You do." His voice is so calm. So definitive.

The flood-gates open. I bury my face in Isaac's shoulder as the tears pour out. His hands wrap around me, holding me close to him. We remain like this for a few minutes.

"How did... my life become... so horrible?" I sniffle into his pyjamas.

"Am I that horrible?" I can't see him, but I hear the teasing smile in his voice.

"No." I cry harder.

Silence descends for another few minutes.

"Sorry for getting your top all wet." I apologise as I finally lift my head.

"It will dry. I care much more about you than this stupid piece of cloth." At another time, I might have laughed.

I extract myself from his grasp, climbing out of bed.

"I have to go." I insist.

Isaac sighs. "Go back to your room and get ready. I'll meet you outside in fifteen minutes."

"No. You're staying here with your family. I won't let you come with me." I object.

"I still don't want you to go either. But if you go, I go. That's the only way you're getting anywhere near the palace."

"I don't want you caught up in all this." I argue.

"Too late, Alyssa. It's been too late since Christmas Eve."

I startle at the realisation. He's right. I mentally kick myself for letting myself get so close to him. What he means to me puts him in danger, whether he's running towards that danger or not.

"Fifteen minutes." I nod grudgingly. "Grab only what you need."

I pass through the wall into my own room.

Hurriedly, I change out of my pyjamas, throwing on a navy jumper, a pair of black leggings, and boots. I sweep my hair into a simple ponytail. I shove a dagger into each boot, including the one from Liam, and strap a belt around my waist. To the belt, I attach my potions pouch and a sword. I throw a dark hooded cloak over my shoulders, keeping the hood down for now. Finally, I switch my phone to silent, slipping it into a cloak pocket.

I check the clock. Four minutes to spare. I sneak out of the room and head outside to the front garden. The faint light of approaching dawn lines the horizon.

Isaac joins me three minutes later, dressed in an all-black ensemble. I can't help but notice how good-looking he is.

"Where's the nearest portal?" I ask.

"The clothes shop in the village centre. There's a mirror in the changing room that we can use. But we need to wait for Liam before we go."

I narrow my eyes accusingly at him. "Why do we need to wait for Liam?"

"I texted him for backup." Isaac shrugs.

"Wait. When do you... Never mind." I shake my head. There are more important things than finding out how Isaac got Liam's number. "Why would you bring him into this?" My tone hints at some of the anger bubbling inside me. How could Isaac go behind my back like this?

"He's your guard, and you're knowingly putting yourself in danger. Liam should be aware of what's going on."

I give him a firm shove. He stumbles backwards. "Next time you want to put one of my friends in danger, at least tell me first." I grit out.

"Okay, okay." Isaac lifts his hands up in surrender. "I should've told you. But it's done now."

I glare at him.

"Have I ever told you how cute you look when you're angry?" Isaac teases, a smirk tugging at his lips.

I shove him again. He anticipates it this time, catching my wrists in his hands. He pulls me towards him. Before I can fight back, his lips crash into mine.

My anger fades away, replaced by excited flutters in my stomach. I kiss him back. Hungry for more.

A loud cough draws my attention.

Awkwardly, I pull away from Isaac, watching as Liam steps out from the shadows.

"Why has your boyfriend just informed me that you're going to see your dad?" Liam spitting the word 'boyfriend' catches me off guard. It's a word I hadn't even associated with Isaac until now, although I suppose it's true.

"Liam..." I start.

"What does he know?" Liam growls, prowling towards me.

"Everything. He knows everything." I admit.

Liam swears.

"Are you going to help us or not?" Isaac asks impatiently.

"The Princess should not be going anywhere near the palace." Liam crosses his arms.

"The Princess can speak for herself." I assert. "And I'm going to the palace with or without you."

"I've already gone through this with her, Liam." Isaac adds. "She's going."

Liam glances between us, expression unreadable.

"Let's go." He says harshly, stalking off towards the fiery orange horizon.