Book 2. Mina - The Mercenary King 2

Book 2. Mina - The Mercenary King 2
Mina looked at Abeel—he appeared annoyed with her—before glancing at Fherax. Abeel looked nothing like his grandfather. “I am honored to finally meet you,” she said.
“And you are?” Fherax asked.
“Mina,” the Archduke said quickly. “The one I told you about earlier.”
Fherax studied Mina, his gaze growing colder with each passing second. Suddenly he turned his attention to the Archduke, “As I was saying, I will send my best men to see what’s the situation in Athea.”
Mina was confused as to why Fherax was ignoring her. She glanced at Jade, who appeared equally shocked. A moment later, Jade shrugged and continued eating.
The Archduke cleared his throat. “Two days ago, two of my men parted for Athea. If your men hurry, they might reach my men while in the Orc Forest. Einar and Arald are their names. Another was with them, but he returned last night with news about, well, Mina. But as you can see, she is well and safe.”
Fherax looked over at Mina, but she couldn’t understand why he didn’t seem to like her. After all, they had only met briefly.
“I see,” Fherax said. “After breakfast, I will inform my men about what you said.”
Mina served food to Talya, who had been silent. Although Talya was usually quiet, she had been talking more lately but wouldn’t utter a word when feeling uncomfortable. Mina could relate to this feeling.
Abeel had an empty plate, and Mina, aware of his liking for breakfast, asked, “Should I put eggs and bacon on the plate for you?”
Abeel’s eyes became darker as he responded in a sharp tone, “I am capable of getting my own food.”
Mina placed her hands on her lap, surprised by Abeel’s sudden anger toward her. “Of course, you can. I just wanted to help.”
“No one asked for it,” Abeel snarled.
Jade chimed in. “Rax, you should treat our guests better.”
Abeel directed his gaze towards Jade and responded, “I am here to train, not to entertain your guests.”
The previous night, Herron had told Mina that Jayden sometimes identifies himself as Abeel and sometimes as Rax. Abeel, who recognized Mina as his soulmate, was kind and gentle, whereas Rax was the complete opposite. Being with Jayden was more complicated than she thought.
Before Jade could say something else, Mina let her know everything was well.
Mina kept to herself for the remainder of the breakfast. The Archduke and Jade tried to make small talk with Mina, but Jayden’s state of mind worried her.
Once Talya finished eating, Mina took her to the garden, not waiting to see what Abeel—Rax—was up to. Being around him was too… painful. She knew she was running away from him, but maybe after she had time to think for a few days, she would come to terms with what was happening to him.
Talya ran around the garden, giggling, and Mina watched her from the shadows of an outdoor patio. The other children were still with Andres’ family, and Mina hadn’t asked if they were in Ora Dorei or a tribe nearby. If they were in a tribe, Mina thought it was best for Talya to join them there.
A pond was in the middle of the garden, and a pair of swans glided across the water. Talya went to look at them.
When Mina’s parents were still alive, their estate had a lake, and all kinds of birds used to live there. It had been a long time since she had seen swans, and she was about to go to Talya when Fherax stepped onto the patio.
“I want you to leave,” he said, his voice cold and commanding.
Mina kept her eyes on Talya as she spoke, “Last I checked, this was the Archduke’s home, not yours.”
“I don’t think you understand who I am.”
Mina turned to face him. “You are the Mercenary King, my husband’s grandfather. I know exactly who you are. In fact, every living soul on this continent knows who you are.”
“You have until midnight to leave,” Fherax warned her again.
“What do you have against me?”
“I know how you tricked my grandson into believing you were his soulmate.”
Mina frowned. “I did not trick Jayden. He is my soulmate.”
Fherax’s narrowed his eyes. “The clock is ticking. If you are still in this house past midnight, a black rose will be placed on your chest.”
Mina knew the meaning of the black rose—the Black Mercenaries left one on each of their victims.
Fherax turned on his heels and started walking away.
“Why?” Mina asked.
Fherax paused for a moment and said over his shoulder. “Because you separated my grandson from his true soulmate, Rosalyn. You not only did that, but you forced her to marry Prince Liam, telling her you would expose her love for Abeel if she didn’t do as you asked. So she married Prince Liam to keep her and Abeel safe. When my grandson returned from war, you also blackmailed him and had him marrying you. Be grateful I am granting you a few hours to make yourself scarce.”
Mina was speechless. What was Fherax talking about? She wanted to go after him and ask, but she couldn’t leave Talya alone by the pond. As for the Black Mercenaries, she would have to take that risk. If she survived the Sky Prison and being buried alive, she could survive anything. If only she had her dagger with her, but unfortunately, she lost it when the Necromancer attacked Jayden’s house in Athea. Guess she will have to make a visit to the kitchen later in the day.



The old grandfather clock in the hallway stroke midday.
Heavy rain started outside.
Talya was at the far end of the garden, and Mina rushed to her. By the time they made it inside the castle, their clothes were drenched.
It was quiet inside as Jade was having tea with her friends—she had also invited Mina and Talya. They were about to join Jade when the rain started, and Mina had to get Talya and herself changed before going to the tea party.
When Mina opened the door to the room, the hair on the back of her neck stood up. “Talya, go find Jade right now,” Mina said into Talya’s ear.
Probably sensing the danger, Talya ran to the staircase.
Mina closed the door to the room. She had thought Fherax gave her until midnight. He was an old weasel. Perhaps it was best if she told the Archduke what was happening. She should have done that two hours ago when Fherax made his first move, but she was supposed to have time. Besides, the Archduke had been training with Abeel and Fherax in the guards’ barracks. Mina had wanted to go there and watch Abeel train, but she hadn’t wanted to see Fherax.
Mina was heading towards the Archduke’s study—hoping he was there—when she felt a sharp pain behind her left ear.
The world turned black.