In This Life And The Next
Chapter Twenty-Three

Chloe served them a thick stew, quizzed Faye relentlessly and gave her seal of approval. The village was where Chloe had grown up at and the queen had sent her away the night before the attack.

Faye, as it turned out, worked for Roman. This took both Chloe and Aurora back until Faye explained that while in his training he heard plans to steal the Princess and “fuck his way to the throne”.

At this, Faye left. She was a scout for his army and no one thought it strange she left on her own. She made for the castle only to get waylaid by the marching army. She got to Caspian as he was leaving the castle and he ordered her to Hazel’s side. Faye was about to approach them before they stopped at the clearing but then-

“Well. The meadow.” She said helplessly and Chloe handed her a piece of bread to sop up her stew. “So, orders from a Prince to go protect the Princess at all costs.” She swiped at her bowl with the bread. “Instead, I found the King’s betrothed and his favored lieutenant.” She shrugged.

“Rest for the night.” Chloe said. “Ben’s head injury isn’t terrible but he shouldn’t be traveling. The girl’s ankle just needed a proper wrapping. Hannah and Lisa are already in bed.”

Aurora couldn’t think of a proper argument and Chloe showed them up to a room with two beds. Aurora fell on one but Faye took a chair by the window, pulled her hood up, and smiled at her. “Rest. There are others on watch.” She murmured. Aurora did she was told.

***

The march was bigger than any that Alec had undertaken. Roman’s forces were burning villages in their path, kidnapping women and children, killing boys and men.

“Send a force ahead to protect what villages we have.” Alec said to Victor.

“Prisoners, Your Highness?” He asked.

“Kill every single one that they come across.”.

Victor left his side.

A man came in, reports from both Liam and Caspian. Each was a day to his east and west, commanding men of similar size. They had only small fights against scouts of Roman’s, nothing huge. They believed that the scouts were probing forces, meant to ascertain the size of the Valours army.

Alec gave the same orders, for Liam and Caspian to dispatch a force of men to ride ahead and protect what villages they could, to kill with extreme prejudice.

The man turned to leave but Alec stopped him. “Any word from the south?” He asked.

The man, Will, shook his head. “No, Your Highness. I could send a scout- I could go myself.” He volunteered.

Alec considered it and shook his head. “Relay my messages then return. I will decide then.”

Will bowed and left.

Alec considered his map and frowned. As far as reports could tell, Roman’s army had fanned out to march along the border and take the land that they could. They were killing livestock and burning crops in their wake. It made no sense, to destroy the land that he made to rule. He wished for Aurora, someone to speak to about Roman’s actions, Liam by his side, or even Caspian’s unruly thought process. He longed for his mother and her pragmatic sense or even Hazel who he could bounce ideas off of. His family was splintered, in pieces along the country.

Messengers came and went throughout the day, servants dropped off food and wine for him that he barely looked at.

He was stripping off his leathers and readying for bed when he heard a commotion outside, as thought a hundred men were shouting. Alec looked to the servant, Corbett, that was hanging his armor up but he only shrugged and left the tent to investigate. He barely had a foot out of the tent when he was shoved back in.

A man, one that he recognized to be under Liam’s charge, fell into the tent at Corbett’s feet and Liam walked in after him.

“Liam?” Alec said looking from the man on the ground up to his brother.

“I found the mole.” Liam growled and kicked the man in the ribs. “Brad. He was a schoolmate. He turned to Roman’s forces years ago. He was promised Lady Jessica in exchange for information.”

Alec nodded and gestured for Corbett. “Fetch me Cole and Harry.” He ordered. As Corbett left, Alec called him back. “Bring Neil as well.”

Corbett paled but nodded. “Do you have any instructions for him, sire? Or do you merely request his presence?”

“Tell him to come prepared.” Alec replied, his eyes on Brad still.

Corbett left in a hurry.

In the meantime, Liam and Alec circled Brad who was on the ground still.

“You’ve been feeding him information for years, then?” Alec asked conversationally.

Brad spat at their feet but didn’t reply.

“Is there anything else you would like to inform me of?” Alec asked. “Before Neil forces you to say it?”

“Neil doesn’t scare me.” Brad growled.

Alec crouched in front of him. “Be that as it may, a man with such a stain on his traitorous soul should be scared. Before the night is through, I will let my brother choose your punishment.” Alec gave Brady a sweet smile. “And my brother has always been fond of evisceration and quartering.” Alec stood and called for his guards. “Hog tie him. Take him to the edge of camp. Send in your replacements.”

They bowed, tied Brad and carried him out. Liam and Alec listened to the jeers and the threats from the men that remained faithful to the crown.

“Fancy meeting you here.” Alec murmured to Liam.

“I had to come. As soon as I knew.” Liam replied. The light caught his face and Alec saw a bruise blooming along his cheek.

“He attacked you.” Alec murmured.

“He tried to kill me.” Liam corrected.

Alec grasped his chin and tilted Liam’s face into the candlelight. “Well.” Alec whispered. Then he sighed and looked at Liam. “You could have sent a convoy.”

Liam looked helpless.

Alec looked down at his feet.

“I have no desire for this war. Less than you, I would wager.” Liam replied.

Alec gave a hollow laugh.

“Jessica is pregnant.” Liam murmured.

Alec wanted to kill Roman more than ever.

“And I understand that this is my life, our lives, as Princes, but I can’t do it without my brother. I have no wish to win this war without you by my side.” Liam finished.

“You spoiled brat.” Alec whispered and wrapped his brother up in a hug.

Liam laughed and it sounded wet. “That is your fault.”

Alec couldn’t deny the truth of that. “We’ll send a convoy to Caspian. You know how he hates to be left out.”

“I already did.” Liam stated.