Despairing Tides (Fate's Intent Book 12) (27 page)

He nodded as our fathers left the galley and headed into the captain’s quarters where they were to be staying for the voyage.

Chapter 53

Blake

Time was a horrible thing. I had a lot of it lately and yet I still couldn’t do what I want. I kept Cadence locked in my room for whenever I needed to blow off some of this steam and it was fun but I was sick of waiting around for what was next. It was boring and now only being limited to getting the girl pregnant was almost boring after getting a taste of the other side of her. I missed how she screamed. It was deeper and more real. My father was to blame but he always overlooked my anger. That had to stop. I was someone to be taken seriously and I had to prove it.

My father sat behind a desk when I entered his presence but he wasn’t looking at me at all when he spoke. “No, Blake. I do not wish to join you again. It’s time for me to leave the girl alone.”

“You can’t say it wasn’t fun, father. I remember that.”

“And you remember what I said. Stay out of there.”

I sighed heavily to his disapproval again. I didn’t think it mattered much. I’ve been with her dozens of times already. She had to be with child by now but my father remained strict on his goal which was what? I think I’ve done a pretty good job at ruining her already. Getting to do what I want would only increase it.

“I wasn’t going to ask that anyway, father.”

“Then what?”

“What are we waiting around here for? We should know they’re coming.”

“Yes. I’m sure by know they know I’m not her father. I expect them to be here soon.”

“And then what?”

He was still looking down and had yet to meet my eyes like none of it even mattered. “And then we make them work for it. They won’t be able to prove she’s not mine but Seth’s love for her will fight it.”

My stomach ached upon the word. Love. Such a stupid emotion. Any man that succumbs to it should no longer be called one. It was shameful but there was still a way I could make her never want to love again.

“Then let me take away all of her hope, father. I can make sure she won’t love him back.”

“No, Blake. You’ve taken all the hope from her that you need to. She fears you and that’s good. It’s all we need.”

I was only getting angered but he still didn’t see it because he still wasn’t looking. He would never meet my eyes for every long like I was beneath him. I was tired of being treated like a child and stepped forward to force him to.

I pushed him back in his chair, pinning him there with my arm tight around his neck so he couldn’t move but he still struggled with a choking voice. “Blake! Stop!”

“I’m sorry, father but I’m going to make you see.”

I took the quill pen from the desk and stabbed it into his eyes, removing them while he screamed. I should have been more remorseful to hearing it like this but reluctantly, I felt nothing. His time to rule was over. I pierced the end of the quill through his throat next and the screaming withered until it stopped. He became still in my grasp and was gone.

I loosened my hold on the once great King with the realization that I was King now. I took the crown from his head and placed it on my own. I’ve always heard about its weight of burden but this was crazy. My father’s stone crown was kind of ridiculous. I didn’t want this one. I tossed it on the floor and went to a hidden door that I knew was in this very room. It held the original Hintin crown that was worn before my father and now I would wear it. I was in charge now and I would do things my way.

I reached for the set of eyes that sat bloodied and alone on the desk and left the room to begin my rule.

I entered my room and placed the crown right on the stand inside the door before going over to the tattered up woman in the corner. I didn’t want it to fall off or get damaged while I took every bit of hope this girl had left and make it join my father in another place.

I walked to her but she wasn’t as jumpy as she used to be. We would change that.

“On your feet.” I pulled her up after I unhooked the chain and I began to drag her towards the bed.

She was weak but she didn’t seem to fight it like she used to either.

“Come on, Cadence. I can make it good for you. I promise.”

She whimpered as if trying not to let me hear and I made her face the bed.

“Knees up.”

She looked back and was looking better worried now. “Why? Father said―”

“Get your fucking knees up on this bed now! I don’t care what father said. You’re mine and I’ll do you how I want.”

She did as commanded but still thought father was in charge. “He won’t be happy about this, Blake. You shouldn’t.”

“Oh, I don’t think he’ll mind. In fact, I brought him here to watch.”

I dropped his eyes on the bed in front of her and they rolled perfectly to look right at her.

She screamed, reaching out her hands for them. “Blake! What did you do?!”

Her hysteria made me laugh. “I’m King now and I say keep screaming.”

I put my hand on her warm moist skin and spit down on her so I could slide a finger in the hole I was ready to have again. I moaned while doing it because it felt so tight just around my finger. It hardened me instantly to think of how it would feel on my eager dick. I took it out and spit again, letting the two join together.

I got just the tip of it in and let out another moan. “Oh, fuck. I missed this.”

“Blake! Please stop!”

“Yeah, keeping saying that.” I slid myself inside her farther and her screams were a pleasure all their own.

It felt so amazing. I could never go back to just trying to get her pregnant. I’m not the one that cared about that goal. He’s dead and my goal was just to ruin her completely for her precious Seth. I think I was doing a pretty good job. Every time she screamed, I smiled wider to think of what I’m taking away from that stupid Prince. He’ll regret ever let her out of his sight because when I’m through with her, she’s going to be so emotionally shattered that she won’t be able to love anyone.

I could only hope I was here to see his face when he realizes it.

Chapter 54

Seth

I secluded myself from everyone for the night and was left to my thoughts alone. That was always a bad idea but none of them could really help. I was so anxious to just get there and free Cadence from this curse bestowed upon her before it was too late. I was well aware of the psychological damage this could cause if we didn’t make it in time. We will only have one opportunity to get it right and if we fail, I know all too well of what could happen. I could lose her forever. Just the thought made me succumb to sadness in an instant but I was left alone to carry this burden alone.

The next morning, I was found by Jinx while laying next to the pool just as the sun was rising. He came right over to give me some words of comfort like I direly needed.

“Still worried about her, I see. You know she’ll be fine, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t. I don’t even want to think what might or has already happened but I can’t seem to turn my head from it. It’s more than worried. It’s fear.”

“Fear of what?”

“Of losing her, maybe. The details only shade my mind but thoughts of what is to come consume my memory. Like what will happen if she’s different, if this changes her somehow?”

“People go through trying times every day but one thing that can and will never change is who she knows she is. Being forced to spend her nights with her brother may make her appear differently on the outside but on the inside she will be the same Cadence everybody knows, you’ll just have to look for it.”

“And if she’s not?”

“She will be but it may take time before you can see it and you need to give her that time as long as it takes.”

I slightly nodded in understanding. He was right.

“Seth!” Dirk and Bryce walked up the stairs to us. “Your father wishes to see you.”

I sighed and looked back at Jinx.

“As long as it takes.” Jinx said.

I nodded again and got up. “Thanks.”

Jinx smiled as I turned from him and walked over to Dirk and Bryce. “For what exactly?”

“We need to discuss the plan now.” Bryce said as we started down the stairs.

“Are you ready to do that?” Dirk wondered.

“Yeah, I’m ready.”

We walked across the upper deck to the captain’s quarters where the others were waiting.

“Good.” My father said when we entered. “Sit. We have a lot to do.”

We all sat around a table and Rory took out the maps, ready to go over everything we needed to know in order to succeed. “All right, I’ve gotten everything set so as long as we do it by plan it should work.” He laid the first map of the city out in front of everyone.

“Should?” Bryce wondered.

“I’m sorry. Was that the wrong word? I meant will. Will work.”

“Very well, where do we begin?” Father asked.

“First we dock.” Rory pointed at the map. “From there we wait for cover of darkness before entering the city. It’s the safest way then we walk just a short distance to here, where we’ll make the underground trip to the palace.” He placed the map of the palace over it and pointed to it. “Now, this is where we have to be extra cautious. We wait until after evening shift change before going in where the security is at its lowest and the staff is at rest. This is where we’ll be splitting up to get them both at once so who’s going with who?”

There was a pause as everyone looked around at each other.

“Well, who’s less likely to have company?” My father asked.

“Meg would be kept here.” Rory said as he pointed to a room on the map. “In the lower west corridor. She’s less likely to be with someone.”

“But wouldn’t she be with the King?” Dirk wondered.

“No. Wyatt doesn’t sleep with his wives after already having a child with them. He sees no point. He hires company for that sort of thing. He sleeps in the upper east corridor, nowhere near where she’s kept.”

“And what of Cadence?” Troy asked.

There was a short pause but I didn’t appreciate how Rory glanced over at me before pointing to the map. “She will be found here. This is Blake’s room and let me warn you now, he’ll probably be in there being so late but I’ve never seen him sleep so who really knows? You’ll just have to be cautious.”

“Okay, you lead Troy and myself to retrieve Meg while Bryce takes everyone else to Cadence.” My father said. “You still know how to get there?”

“With my eyes closed.” Bryce replied.

“Good. Go get something to eat for now and we’ll discuss this more later.” Everyone nodded as they all got up from the table and started towards the door. “Seth. Could you stay for just a moment?”

I sighed but let everyone out the door and closed it behind them. “Yes, father?”

“I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself since yesterday and you have not said a word all morning. Is everything all right?”

“Are we really having this discussion?”

“We are and I don’t want you to go doing anything rational at the wrong moment.”

“I won’t, father.”

“You will and I won’t risk it!”

“You seem like you won’t risk anything anymore but that’s where we’re different. I’ll do whatever it takes to get her out of there! I won’t lose her!”

“You won’t. Only as long as we do this right. I know what you’re feeling and I know what you’d do for her. I remember the times I almost lost your mother and I remember feeling exactly what you do right now but I also remember waiting. Waiting was the hardest thing but so long as I waited everything would have turned out the way I’ve wanted it to be in the first place and it did. Now, you need to wait and as long as you do, it will work out.”

I stood in silence but started to understand what he was saying. “Forgive me, father. I did not mean to raise my voice with you.”

“I understand. You love her. Any man would wish to do the same but the timing has to be right.”

I nodded. “The timing.”

He smiled as he walked by me and patted the back of my shoulder. “Now, let’s go get breakfast. You must be hungry after skipping dinner with us last night.”

I smiled back and we walked out, meeting the others in the galley.

We sailed west for the next two days and the weather was gladly on our side. We came up on the Hintin docks at the start of sundown and I stood at the bowsprit, looking towards the city.

“We’ll be anchored momentarily.” Jinx said as he stepped up beside me. “Think you can wait a little longer?”

“I’ll have to but I need a favor from you.”

“Sure, anything. What is it?”

“I need you to come with us.”

“Come with you? Why would you need me to do that?”

“I’ve been thinking about what you said. If Cadence’s psyche has been compromised, I’m going to want you there to convince her to come with us.”

“Why would she need convincing? She loves you.”

I sighed and put my head down. “I know. I don’t want to think about it but what if she won’t come with us? I’m going to need someone else there who she really trusts and that’s you. Please, for her.”

There was a pause as Jinx leaned over and thought about it as he looked towards the city. “All right. For her.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. We only have one chance to get it right and we can use all the help we can get.”

Jinx nodded just as the ship came into port.

“Let’s get ready.” Jinx said.

I smiled and nodded and we walked back down the stairs.

We got everything we needed together quickly and everyone met on the upper deck as the gangplank was being dropped. Rory looked up got a sour look on his face when he noticed Jinx with us.

“Don’t even.” I muttered.

“Why is he coming?”

“Because you need me.” Jinx smiled.

“We do not.”

“Enough.” I said, stepping in between them. “We do, he’s coming and that’s final.”

“You mean, you’re actually leaving your ship?” Rory wondered.

“For a good cause. Now, hurry. We can get there by nightfall.”

Rory didn’t say another word as we all left the ship on foot and headed towards the city. We went right through the unguarded gates and Rory took us the rest of the way to the abandoned brewery where he used to live.

“Are we close?” My father asked.

“Yes.” Rory answered. “It’s just down in the basement.” He led us to the back stairs and we all walked down and followed him to the back corner. “There.”

“Good work.” My father said. “We’ve got make this quick. Remember the plan and it will be. No mistakes.”

Everyone nodded and he signaled Rory to go in first. He nodded and went in then we all followed behind him. We walk through the tunnel until Rory stopped at the ladder going up to the closet floor. He looked back at us and put his finger to his mouth. We nodded and he started going up. He stopped at the top and listened for a second before opening up the floor and looking around.

Once he knew it was clear, he removed the floor boards completely and climbed out. We started up after him one by one into the closet while Rory approached the door. He slowly opened it and looked around. It was as silent as ever. He looked back at us and waved us to continue.

He led my father and Troy just to the right as Bryce took the rest of us down the long hall straight in front of us to the stairs at the other end. We moved around as quietly as possible while climbing the stairs and made it to the top unseen. From there, Bryce led us passed three doors and stopped outside of the fourth one on the left. “This is it.”

“Look inside.” I said. “See if she’s in there first.”

Bryce nodded as he turned towards the door and used his vision to look inside the room. I put my hand on his shoulder just so I could see too. I saw Blake first, standing by the bed then looked around to find Cadence. She was sitting in a corner with her knees held tightly to her chest and her head down.

Blake walked over and kneeled down next to her. She quickly lifted her head and flinched as he touched her. “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be back when I’m ready to have some more fun.”

Cadence didn’t reply as she tried to move away more and that’s when we noticed she was chained to the wall by a shackle around her left ankle like an animal. We watched Blake stand back up and start walking towards the door.

“Move! He’s coming out.” Bryce whispered. I opened my eyes and everyone quickly walked down the hall and hid around the corner.

We stood there and waited while we heard his door open and close. I peeked around the corner and watched Blake walking in the other direction towards the stairs. Once he was down and out of sight, I turned to the others. “It’s clear, let’s go.”

We walked back around the corner and back to the door.

I opened it and went right inside. Cadence quickly lifted up her head and saw me with the others behind me. “Cadence.” I walked over to her and noticed the bruises on her face. I kneeled down and went to reach for her but she leaned away and looked scared. I knew we were too late and slowly lowered my hand. “Cadence. We’ve come to get you out of here.”

Cadence didn’t reply. She started too frantically shake her head and moved back, hugging the wall. I knew this wasn’t going to work and I looked back at Jinx. Jinx nodded as he stepped through the others and kneeled down to her. “Cadence? Honey? It’s all right. No one is going to hurt you.” Cadence lifted her head and looked over. When she saw it was Jinx, she was relieved and quickly rushed into his arms as the tears started to fall. Everyone else looked around at each other as Jinx held her close to him. “It’s all right, babe. Let’s get you out of here.”

I used my gift and unlocked the shackle around her ankle and Jinx helped her up. Her legs gave out immediately and she would have fell back down if Jinx didn’t have a hold of her. He held her up until she could get her footing and we took her out of the room back down to the servant’s closet.

When we got in, Darius started picking up the floor boards. “We’ll start heading back now. Zayden and the others should have made it back to the ship with Meg or close to it.”

We nodded and started heading back down the ladder. Darius was the last one down and re-closed the floor and we started going back through the tunnel. Cadence tried to keep her distance from anyone but Jinx as she kept a tight hold around him. He had his arm around her as we made it back to the abandoned brewery and started back through the city towards the docks.

As soon as we arrived back on the ship, Meg immediately went to her daughter. “Cadence!” Cadence freed herself from Jinx and rushed into her mother’s arms. “Are you all right?” Meg pulled her back and looked at the bruises on her face. “Oh, sweetie, let’s get you cleaned up.” She started leading Cadence away to the captain’s quarters.

“How is she?” My father asked.

“How does she look? We were far too late.”

I started to walk down below deck and just needed some more time to myself. She didn’t even want me to get close to her. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like if she never let me again. I couldn’t take it.