Broken, but Not Defeated

Chapter 22 (Wesley)

The bang of a jail door wakes me from my sleep. I instantly reach for my sword, and then I remember that the witches had taken it. I look toward the door to see a witch standing in the doorway.

"Time to get up, human."

"Wesley, my name is Wesley," I correct as I roll over to go back to bed.

"I don't think so." I feel her grab the blanket. That's all I need, springing off the bed I tackle her to the ground. We roll on the ground when suddenly two more people grab my arms and pull me off her. Another witch is holding Cole with a knife to his throat.

"Stop fighting or he loses his head." The witch I had tackled jumps off the ground. She sneers at me.

"Your little friend knew what was best for him and didn't fight."

I look over at Cole and our eyes lock. William.

"He's dead isn't he?" Cole asks.

"That's enough Mave. Yes, he's dead. He died a few days ago." The witches holding my arms relax their grip a little bit. But not completely. "Mave, help me hold this one."

"They're in the throne room," the witch on my left says to Mave and the other one. Mave and the witch share a look. We all turn down a hallway that leads to two black doors. Four witches grab the handles and pull them open. I see her first. She looks like 'Mother.' A spitting image of my mother. But that's impossible since my mother is dead.

I feel the witches trying to pull me, but I can't take my eyes off Caldina. It's impossible.

I hear Cole cough. I look over at him, his eyebrows are raised. I shake my head and walk towards her.

"Wesley, son of Lord Drustan and Lady Evana, brother of Lady Juliana, and...Captain Cole West, son of Commander West and Lady Sala, brother of Lady Anya. I bet your fathers are dying to have you back in their arms. I was a bit confused in the beginning. Why would the commander have been looking for you? I figured it out. You stole his daughter. Interesting move. Why would four young lords and ladies be traveling through a forest alone? Please tell me," Caldina says, shifting in her throne. I could tell she is not used to that seat of honor.

"Why would a woman of your power be sitting on a throne for the first time?" I question back. "This is obviously your first time sitting in it. And using this room, considering the amount of dust in it."

She sneers at me. "Well, aren't you a smart one?"

"I am. Considering I have had people at my disposal."

She chuckles. "I like you. Maybe I'll keep you as a pet."

I growl. "What do you want?"

"Well, someone is not happy. In that letter I got from Nora it says you know something about something."

Cole looks at her, he had been throwing glances at Esta. "I don't know what you are talking about."

She stands from her throne and walks towards us. Esta and another witch, Sienna I believe, step in place behind her. "Are you sure about that? I know you know something about my aunt and your father."

"I don't."

She stops right in front of him. I try to go stand beside him, but Mave and another witch grab my arms.

"Wesley, stop fighting. Nothing good will come from it. Now tell me, and I will tell them."

"Fine, just as long as you don't hurt my friends and sister."

"You have my promise."

"They plan on gathering a league and attacking the King." I look at Cole with surprise.

"Where did you learn this?" I ask through gritted teeth.

"In a meeting with your father."

"Dang!"

"Yeah, that was my reaction."

Caldina looks between us. "Release him."

The witches release my arms.

"Cole, we need to warn the king," I say.

Caldina lets out an evil chuckle. "Did you forget you're my prisoners?"

At that, I lunge at her. She moves with ease and easily swipes my feet out from underneath me. I slam onto my knees with my back to her. I feel a knife press against my throat. "Even your sister is smarter than that."

"Have your fellow soldiers taught you nothing? Never attack a witch in her stronghold! Especially Princess Caldina, rightful heir to the throne of witches, the commander of the Thirteen—a group of assassin witches—and Lady of Havran, the strongest of the strongest forts," Sienna says, stepping forward with a knife in both palms.

I feel Caldina's knife press into my neck just enough to draw blood. "I don't tolerate cowards and hate people who have no respect. So do not test my patience, and do not tempt my fury." She releases me and sheaths her knife. "Thank you, Captain. Esta, Mave, Willow, and Ingrid, bring our guests to one of the rooms and have them dressed for tonight." She spins around and heads back to her throne.

I lock my eyes on her back. "Will you just leave us and our people to die at the hands of witches and humans?" I say trying to hide my fury but clearly having no luck because I hear Cole let out a breath of frustration.

She turns to look at me and shakes her head in disappointment. "I expected more from you." She nods her head. I feel hands grab my arms. Ingrid turns and walks out of the room, gesturing for Mave and Willow, who are gripping my arms, to follow. Esta and Cole trail behind us. Instead of leading us back to the jail cells, they bring us to a room. Mave and Willow push me into the room. I turn around to see Esta whispering in Cole's ear. She looks over at me when she is done. My eyebrows raise. She rolls her eyes and walks away. Cole walks in, his face beet red.

"I'll explain later," he tells me.