Calliope [Book 2]

They reached Asmar the next day and found their way to the city gates, worn and exhausted, by afternoon. The guards, expecting their arrival, greeted them carefully.

“No one said anything about soldiers,” one of the guards said as he looked over Librona’s men.

“We are allies again,” Ian said. “They have come to help King Mido, their comrade.”

The guards looked to each other and nodded to the travelers, granting them access into the city. They guided them through the city streets and towards the castle where Mido greeted them outside. He pulled Ian into a tight hug, both men patting each other’s backs, thrilled to see their friend safe and sound.

“What the hell,” Ian said, pushing Mido back and looking him over. “What. The. Hell.”

“Come inside,” Mido said, leading the way into the castle and to the throne room.

“Maria told me everything,” Ian said as they stopped in the middle of the room. “I can’t believe any of it.”

Mido held open his arms as if presenting his royalty to his friend. Ian looked around in awe, then, suddenly aware of the royalty before him, bowed low.

“Get up, fool,” Mido hissed at him, grabbing at his friend and pulling him upright. “None of that shit.”

Ian laughed. “You don’t make a very good king.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.”

“So, what’s the plan?”

Mido sighed. “Are you ready for this?”

“For what?”

“I spoke with my advisor yesterday.”

Ian scoffed. “Your advisor. Someone’s getting comfortable with his new title.”

Mido ignored the remark and continued. “We need to go to Re’iam.”

“Why?”

“Well, we have strong trade connections with them. And, it turns out, their Queen is a witch.”

Mido heard Maria gasp behind them. Ian searched his friend’s eyes, waiting for him to continue.

“The royal family belongs to a long line of witches. Their ancestors created the lands and essentially rule the world. As other kingdoms began to develop, they came under an agreement that witches would remain in Re’iam, seeing as the only witches there were of royal blood.”

“What about Scarletta?” Ian asked.

“Exactly. She and her mother were not of royal blood. Naturally, they couldn’t trust them. They had no agreement with witches outside of the royal family, so they wanted to kill them. You know the story from there.”

“How is that possible?”

Mido shook his head. “I know as much as you do. But, we could use this to our advantage. Maybe Queen Ryenna can help us find Calliope. It would be beneficial to have her on our side.”

“I doubt the people of Asmar would be okay with this plan.”

“They won’t know. We’re going over to establish a relationship, since I’m Asmar’s new king.”

“Ah.”

“I’ve promised to give the kingdom some time to recuperate,” Mido explained. “We won’t be able to leave for at least a couple of weeks. Is there any chance Calliope is in Librona? I don’t want to leave any stone unturned.”

Ian shook his head. “King Sloan would have said something. I have a feeling she went to Re’iam.”

Mido nodded. “Me too.”

“I guess we wait,” Maria said.

“Go do your kingly duties,” Ian said with a smirk.

Mido rolled his eyes. “Watch yourself, I am a king now. I could have you banished.”

Ian threw his hands up in defense and bowed. “Of course, Your Grace.”

“Stop that,” Mido growled.

Ian winked to his friend and turned away. “I guess we’ll make ourselves comfortable,” he said, taking Maria’s hand in his. “Let’s go find some grub.”

Mido watched as Ian lead the way out of the throne room, the soldiers following close behind, leaving Mido alone once more. He gazed out the window, watching as night made its way to them once more. Two days already gone; just twelve left to go.

#

Mido counted the days anxiously, each day slowly melting into the next with no excitement to distract him. He paced the castle halls day in and day out, eager to be on the move once more. He stared out the windows as Rowan had once done, gazing out to the horizon where the sea met the land. Rowan had been long buried by then, his kingdom in mourning, but now they celebrated the arrival of their new king.

Mido greeted the kingdom, just as his advisor suggested, despite his retorts. He memorized the speech Colin wrote for him, assuring him that the people would love him and follow him no matter what. They looked for a ruler in their time of tragedy, Colin had said, and they were grateful the rightful heir had returned. He stood before his kingdom, sputtering the words written for him, making no attempt to feign enthusiasm, but they cheered and welcomed him regardless.

He couldn’t help but to hate the people of Asmar. How could he rule a kingdom he despised? He hoped it would be worth it, in the end. He just wanted to take advantage of their resources and their army to find Calliope. What happened after that, he didn’t care; just as long as Calliope was safe with him once more.

Mido found himself standing alone in the throne room, staring at the empty chair. He hadn’t sat in it once, despite Colin’s efforts. The crown had not been placed on his head, and except for his speech, he had not made an attempt to hold court for his citizens, or even venture out of the castle walls.

Ian found Mido standing alone in the big, empty room. He approached Mido’s side and joined in his stare at the royal chair before them.

“I heard the big news,” Ian spoke, still watching the chair, as if something would happen. “We’re setting sail tomorrow?”

Mido nodded without saying a word. Ian looked to his friend, concerned.

“You’ve been awfully quiet.”

“I don’t want to be a king,” Mido said, his voice hoarse. “Especially a king to Asmar.”

Ian pinched his lips together and turned back to the throne. “You should get some rest,” he said.

Footsteps echoed behind them, and the two men turned to greet Colin. He had been casually checking in on Mido for the last two weeks in hopes of encouraging the new king to embrace his kingdom.

“I trust you’re anxious for tomorrow?” he said to Mido.

Mido shrugged.

“Kings don’t shrug,” the advisor corrected him.

Mido shrugged again.

Colin sighed. “You cannot leave your kingdom without a temporary ruler,” he said. “While you are away, I have arranged for someone to fill in for you until your return.”

“Okay.”

Colin was quiet, waiting. When Mido said nothing more, he continued. “Don’t you want to know who it is?”

“You?”

Colin narrowed his eyes at his king. “No, Your Grace. I am just an advisor.”

“Sounds like you have things under control around here.”

Colin cleared his throat and continued. “I have arranged for a man worthy of ruling. A fair and just man who had won the hearts of our people while they went without a king.”

“Sounds great.”

“I assure you he is qualified for this responsibility,” Colin continued, despite his king’s disinterest. “He was King Rowan’s favorite knight. I will be sure to assist him in any way I can until your return.”

“Thanks.”

“I’ve brought him here. He’s anxious to meet you.”

“Fine.”

Colin bowed and left the room, returning a moment later with a man behind him. Mido recognized the man immediately and his heart dropped.

“Your Grace, this is Barric. A worthy and loyal knight to Asmar.”

Mido said nothing as Barric approached, a sly smile across his face. He bowed, not taking his eyes off of Mido, his devilish smile getting wider.

“What the hell?” Ian’s voice boomed off the stone walls. “Is this a joke?”

Colin looked to Mido, confused.

“Is there a problem?”

Mido held his gaze on Barric, his face still as stone. “Welcome to Asmar, Barric.”