Page 28 of Bewitched

“Really?” Zann’s tone told Rhys that he wasn’t looking forward to doing this. “I’m sure they’re fine. They’re witches. Besides, Mother is there, too.”

“Oh, and that’s why you don’t want to go,” said Darium in a knowing manner. “Zann, you need to get over your issues of the past.”

“It has nothing to do with it.”

“Doesn’t it?” asked Rhys, knowing it most likely had to do with not wanting to be by their mother.

“Fine, I’ll go,” said Zann, most likely just trying to prove his brothers wrong. Zann stopped his horse and hopped off, tying the reins to Darium’s steed. “Don’t say I never help you two, because that is all I ever seem to do.” He undressed as he spoke. Once naked, he stuffed his clothes into the travel bag tied to the horse. “You two enjoy the fact I am going to have to parade around in front of the women stark naked, don’t you?”

“Zann, stop your complaining,” said Rhys. “We are doing this for the sake of everyone in Mura. Besides, it’ll be good if you are there with them in case they run into any trouble with the dragon before we arrive.”

“And tell me what should I do if that happens, Brother? After all, I’m sure dragons love the taste of wolf.”

“Mayhap so,” said Rhys. “But I wouldn’t worry about it if I were you.”

“He’s right,” said Darium with a chuckle. “You’re too bitter for anyone’s taste, even a wild beast.”

“You both owe me for this, big time. The only reason why I’m agreeing to it at all, is because I have the need to run and clear my head. If I didn’t, you’d be out of luck.” Zann hunkered down on the ground, taking a deep breath and releasing it. He shook his head back and forth and started shifting into a large white wolf. Then he threw back his head and howled loudly. After snapping at the air in what looked like an act of aggravation, he took off at a run up and over the mountain.

“So, what do you think of the witch?” Darium asked Rhys as they traveled up the mountain on horseback.

“Which one?” asked Rhys.

“You know damned well which one. The one that isn’t married.”

“Oh. You mean, Medea.”

“Yep, that’s the one.”

“What about her?” Rhys didn’t really want to think about the girl that the King ordered him to kill. He had started to become fond of her, and that only made the confusion in his head worse.

“I can tell by the way she looks at you that she likes you.”

“Really?” Rhys raised his brows, feeling excitement course through him. “Do you think so?”

“Mmm hmm,” said Darium with a chuckle. “And I see by the way you just perked up that you must have feelings for her, too.”

“Nay. You’re wrong, Brother. Medea means nothing to me. And I haven’t noticed her taking any liking to me at all.”

“I’m sure you did, but you just won’t admit it.”

“Darium, what are you getting at? Just spit it out already because you’re starting to irritate me with this little game.” All Rhys wanted was silence. He’d had enough of his brother’s nonsensical jabbering. Right now the confusion in his head was loud enough and he didn’t need more chaos.

“I’m just saying, wouldn’t you rather kiss the girl than kill her?”

“Of course I would!” he spat. “You have no idea how hard this is for me. Do you think I really want to kill women? I don’t.”

“Then what’s the problem?”

“The problem is that I’ve never purposely disobeyed one of the King’s commands before.”

“You’re not seriously thinking about carrying out King Osric’s orders, are you?” asked Darium. “Murdering innocent young wenches isn’t something I pegged you for even considering doing.”

“Brother, King Osric has named me as his heir once he dies. It’s in writing.”

“I heard you the first time you told us.”

“Well, this is huge! It is everything I’ve worked so hard for, and all that I’ve ever wanted. Don’t you understand? I’m going to be King of Kasculbough someday. I’ll have my own castle, not to mention my own army. Soldiers will answer to me alone, and I will make all the decisions. I’ll even make sure magic is allowed within the castle walls. I’ll have so much power, wealth, and everything that goes along with the title, if I don’t manage to anger the King. If I do, he will change his mind, and I can’t let that happen. I will be set for life, Darium, and that means you and Zann will be too. I’ll have money and lots of food so we’ll never have to go hungry again. I’ll make sure my family never wants for anything. This affects all of us. Do you understand exactly what this means?”