Chapter Text
1
All my life I have know the truth. My father was Duke Lindell, but my mother had kept her name last name. I was given my mothers last name allowing me to be free to do what I wished when given the chance. I also had a sister who was three years older than me. Fia and I were close, we even stayed in touch while I wa in Tyrrendor. I lived in there with my mother. I grew up alongside Tyrrish royalty. When I was 10, my father and King Fen Riorson signed an agreement that when his son and I were of age we would get married. My father only agreed so that I would be able to stay away from Navarre. Fen became a father to me.
A few years later, Fen announced that Tyrrendor would be succeeding from Navarre. War started and lasted for a while. My mother became one of Fen Riorson’s most trusted advisors. I grew close to Xaden. We helped each other when our parents were away.
I was 16 when they finally found us. It still is my most vivid memory. I remember trying to calm Xaden down before going to bed. Our parents had to leave, and Xaden had gotten into a fight with his father over it. After I had fallen asleep, Xaden came banging on my door. The smell of smoke and sulfur filled my lungs. “Alyth, we need to go.” I remember him helping me out the door. There was no way out. We were trapped. A few of our friends were with us, Bodhi, Garrick, Liam, Sloane, and Imogen. Xaden had tried to protect me, but I was pushed away from him and shoved to the ground. My arms were forced behind my back, nearly dislocating my shoulder, making me cry out.
Xaden and I were forced into the dungeon. They were trying to round up all of the leaders. We were the first cought. I wasn’t sure how long it had been, but it was at least a few days. I sat on the cold floor, barely holding back my tears. I spent most of the time just leaning on Xaden’s shoulder with his arms wrapped around me. We hadn’t been given food since we had eaten dinner the night we were caught.
The day the dragged us out, was the day we watched our parent’s execution. Xaden and I were both 16. No 16 year old deserves to go through that. We watched Codagh turn our families into ash. I felt tears run down my cheeks. Xaden just stood next to me, giving me support. I felt a burning sensation on my left arm. I look down seeing a shimmering, sliver relic starting on top of my hand, and ending on my jawline. ‘Marked Ones’, is what General Sorrengail said we would be called.
I zone out, but then Xaden is called up. The General starts explaining that he will take responsibility for all of us. My blood runs cold, and the breath freezes in my lungs. I will not let him do this alone. It will either be me or both of us, but not him. “Xaden!” I run forward only to be shoved to the ground by and Infantry Soldier. I see panic flare in Xaden’s eyes. “Tyrrish laws state that when two people are betrothed, they will share responsibility, no matter what it is.” I struggle to breathe.
“What are you saying child?” General Melgren, rider of the large black dragon, asks.
“Xaden and I are betrothed. I will either take responsiblility of the marked ones, or both of us will. Not him.” I make myself clear.
I am let up, and General Sorrengail motions me forward. I am terrified, but this is my choice. I can tell Xaden is afraid. Two gauds pull out daggers. “Both Xaden Riorson and Alyth Byrne will be taking responsibility for all of you.” We brace ourselves for the coming pain. She starts listing names and with each one, a new slice in our backs. I hear our friends shouting at us, but I can’t hear them. I am on the edge of passing out from pain and blood loss.
“Aly, look at me.” Xaden tries to get my attention. “It’s over,” he whispers. I hear the General speaking again, but I can’t make out what she is saying. I think Xaden could tell because he explains it for me. “You, Imogen, Liam, and I are going to be fostered at your father’s house. I will explain more when you are better.” The world fades around me and I blackout.
– –
I start to open my eyes. “You’re awake.” I see Imogen in the room. She is the closest person to a sister I have ever had. She is a year younger than me.
“How long have I been out?” I ask, taking in the room. “Where are we?”
“5 days. Xaden woke up yesterday. And we are at Lindell Estate.” She responds casually. “I was trying to help take care of your wounds because you were unable to do so yourself.”
“Thank you.” Imogen walks out of the room. I attempt to sit up in my bed, wincing when the bandages shift. I attempt to get dressed. After, I hear a knock on the door. I see Xaden walk in, and I can only assume that Imogen went to get him.
“Are you okay?” I see his eyes soffen when he looks at me. “Your father has been waiting for you to wake up. He wanted to give you time and space though. I know he has never been much of a father to you.”
“I will be fine. What details did you want to tell me?” I ask.
“ Well,” he starts, “when we are twenty, we will be conscripted into the Riders Quadrent.” My eyes fly open. “At least you were getting combat training while living with us. You have been the only person to easily take me down.” he adds. “The other part is, we will owe General Sorrengail a favor that she will name at a later date.” I nod.
Eventually I go downstairs to see my father. We don’t speak, but he will allow us to train and practice Navarrian while we are here. That night I fall asleep, but plunge into a nightmare. Imogen tries to wake me, but fails. I am screaming, trying to force myself out with no luck. I feel warm, strong arms wrap around me. I am able to wake up. I see Xaden, Liam, and Imogen around me. Liam and Imogen are my foster siblings, and I know they will always be there for me, same with Xaden. I know I will never be able to shake the nightmares, but they can help.