Chapter 1 : The Ambroses’ Honour

Lowlands, the Ambroses’ villa in Aggatta’s valley. 

Thalen sat silently as her maid, Shea, arranged her long, dark curls so they wouldn’t fall over her face as they usually did. She was impatient to see her father, but he was busy with an important guest. At least it had allowed her to rid herself of the dust from the roads, have a bath, change, and take a quick collation. She was glad to be home, finally. She and her father needed to talk. She could no longer stand being kept in the dark. Something had happened, and she wanted to know what, so they could face it together. Ignorance was torturing her.

Her eyes settled on her mother’s small portrait on one of the walls. She had been beautiful, and Thalen wished she looked more like her. When her mother was alive, she used to tell Thalen how perfect she was. Thalen had never believed it. Her mother had been a true beauty – she was not. She wanted straight hair instead of the mass of curls she had; green eyes like her mother, instead of her own brown ones. Her mother had possessed fair, flawless skin, despite spending so much time in the sun, while hers was olive. According to her mother, Thalen took after her late paternal grandmother in looks. Raelynn had been a free spirit – a bohemian, her father had affectionately called her. She had enjoyed walking barefoot, climbing trees, and sleeping under the stars. Thalen resembled her in those ways.

Thalen missed her mother so much. She wished she were still with them. If she were, her father wouldn’t feel the need to be so protective of her. He would have someone to share his burden. Something seemed to weigh heavily on his mind. He hadn’t said anything, but she had felt it in his letters. She needed to know what it was.

When Shea finished, she placed a hand on Thalen’s shoulder, and Thalen took hold of it. They exchanged a look in the mirror – one full of comfort, the other of gratitude. They knew each other so well, and had known each other for so long, that they didn’t need words. Shea understood that Thalen needed to be alone for a while.

“I’ll be back later.”

Shea left, and Thalen remained alone in her room. She stood up, kissed her fingers, and then pressed them against her mother’s portrait.

“Look after us, Mother,” she whispered. “Look after us.”

***

It was late morning when Thalen entered her father’s study, a tightness in her chest that wouldn’t loosen. The room was full of leather, wood, and marble – a space she had spent countless hours in while her father worked on his affairs. She would often fall asleep in front of the large fireplace with a couple of books or drawings beside her. Her father would carry her to bed while she grumbled about not being tired and still full of energy. How many times had she hidden behind his desk to escape a tutor, or when she and Shea were in trouble?

The older man was sitting behind his massive, coal-black desk, his face in his hands. Thalen had never seen him like this before, looking so… defeated.

Sensing he was being watched, Caden Ambrose raised his head. When she saw his expression, Thalen instinctively knew it was worse than she had thought. Dark circles shadowed his eyes. Had he slept at all in the past days, a few weeks? He wore a pained expression, which disappeared instantly when he saw his visitor, his face immediately lighting up.

“Father,” Thalen called.

“Daughter,” he murmured, standing up to greet his only child in a tight embrace, which Thalen returned. She was so glad to see him, after being away for so long.

Three months ago, he had sent her, with a good escort, to stay with acquaintances of his, a merchant named Apollo and his wife Berine, in the kingdom of Presus. Her father believed she should learn more about business from the man who, apparently, had taught him everything he knew about conducting affairs. Thalen had been surprised to learn her father knew anyone in Presus. Why had he never mentioned the man before? To her knowledge, her father had never been there.

Thalen had obeyed her father’s will without argument, as always, even though she had had thousands of questions. It was painfully clear to her that it had been a pretext to send her away. However, she understood that he must have had a good reason – one the older man was not yet willing to share with his only child.

“I’m sorry, Thalen, that I was too busy to welcome you back home, but it couldn’t be helped. Aren’t you tired after such a long trip?”

“I’m not tired. I’m glad you finally sent for me. I missed you,” Thalen said, resting her head against her father’s shoulder.

Since her mother had died of a respiratory infection when she was eight years old, it had always been the two of them. Her father was her friend, confidant, and hero. She admired him greatly. He was a man of integrity who treated everyone with respect. She knew how much he cared for her by the time he spent with her.

Caden always brought her everywhere with him, even to places deemed inappropriate for girls, like horse races. Whatever business he was doing, he would stop everything when his daughter needed his attention. At first, Thalen had thought that was how all parents behaved with their children, until she saw how poorly some of her friends were treated by their parents. It wasn’t the fact that she was part of the nobility, or their wealth, that made her think she was lucky and privileged – it was the care and love her father showed her.

“I missed you too,” Caden replied. He then stepped back to take a better look at Thalen. “You’ve grown up again,” he commented, smiling.

He always said that, even if they had only been apart for a day.

“No, I haven’t.”

“How was your journey? Any problems?” Caden asked, frowning.

“I had a safe trip, Father. Apollo and Berine send their regards,” Thalen replied. Her father had always been strict about her safety, but this time, she sensed there was more to it. “Father, I left when you asked me to, even though I knew deep down it wasn’t only about learning business from someone else. I can sense something is bothering you. Please, tell me. I need to know.”

Her father moved to pour himself a cup of wine. He offered some to his daughter, but Thalen declined. Her father didn’t drink much – just a cup with his meal, but never during the day. Caden emptied two cups, then turned his attention to his child.

“Let’s sit, Thalen. We have much to discuss.”

Thalen had a bad feeling – one she chose to ignore, waiting for her father to speak.

He went to close the doors as she sat. Caden then stood by the windows, watching the gardeners tend to the luxuriant grounds of their villa. His late wife had loved these gardens. Raelynn had spent more time outdoors than inside their home. How many times had he seen her walking barefoot near the fountains or sitting in the grass, cradling their child? It was in these same gardens that Thalen had taken her first steps. Those had been happy days. The older man sighed and sat down across from his daughter.

“Thalen, as you know, King John died months ago, an unfortunate hunting accident,” he began. “I have since received more details. He fell from his horse and struck his head badly. The court physicians were powerless to heal him. He passed away after days of agony.”

Thalen, like most people from the Lowlands, wasn’t especially saddened by the king’s death. The Lowlands were crucial to the kingdom, supplying much of its wheat – the breadbasket of the realm. However, the king had cared little for its people, strangling them with oppressive taxation, which had caused widespread dissatisfaction and led to many revolts.

King John had left the administration of the Lowlands to his younger brother, Prince Niall, who treated the region as his personal property. He had imposed additional taxes on top of the sovereign’s, and King John hadn’t minded, ignoring the many complaints and reports he received on the matter, some from Thalen’s own father. Caden often expressed his anger at a king foolish enough to despise the very people who were guarding the southern borders of his kingdom.

The hatred for the royal family had begun twenty years ago, when King John and Prince Niall massacred the population of Alagar after yet another revolt over tax increases. The king had been ruthless, ordering the deaths of men, women, and children. The village had been razed, and the few survivors imprisoned. That barbaric act had broken the trust and respect the Lowlanders had once held for their king. A rift now existed between the Lowlands and the centre of power, the Highlands. Though the king was dead, people were still wary of his successor. After all, ‘like Father, like Son’.

“The successor, as you know, was the king’s eldest son. But neither he nor his brother were in the kingdom when their father died – they were off fighting the Piuses, I believe. Prince Niall saw an opportunity to seize the throne while his nephews were away. When he received the news of his brother’s death, he summoned the lords of the Lowlands, demanding they pledge their loyalty to him alone.”

“That’s treason,” Thalen said, shocked.

“That’s not all. He also wanted us to provide him with gold to raise an army of mercenaries. He knew he couldn’t gather a large enough army in time,” Caden informed her.

Thalen shook her head. “By the gods.”

“He claimed to have the support of some at court – councillors, noblemen, and wealthy merchants. He was certain he would be king. He only needed to act quickly and reach the capital before his nephews. Once there, he planned to have the high priests enthrone him as king and secure the army’s allegiance.”

Caden stood up again and refilled his cup of wine, drinking it rapidly.

“He was such a fool. I think the man is unbalanced. He couldn’t win the army’s loyalty – their allegiance lies with the future king and his brother. And do you know what else? Queen Lilian would have fought him to her last breath to protect her son’s crown and legacy. If Niall had reached Attalorn, he would have faced a siege lasting many years. No one has ever taken that city. Its walls are impenetrable – unless you have the help of the soldiers inside, which he couldn’t get.”

“What did you do?”

“I knew I couldn’t support him. His actions could have led to another civil war, and we paid dearly for the last one. There are no winners in the war, and the innocent always pay the highest price. But I couldn’t refuse him outright and risk my life – or yours. I pretended to agree and promised him gold. To assure him of my loyalty, I gave him my seal and a gold bracelet – the one your mother gifted me – as proof.”

Her father ran a hand over his bare wrist. Thalen hadn’t even noticed he wasn’t wearing his bracelet. She realised the older man mourned the loss of the last gift her mother had bestowed upon him. Her mother had engraved protective symbols on it. As far back as she could remember, the bracelet had never left her father’s wrist.

“When I returned home, my first priority was your safety. I knew that once Niall realised, I wouldn’t give him the gold, he would threaten you. That’s why I sent you somewhere safe. After that, I sent a message by pigeon to a friend in the army, advising him of Niall’s plan. Then, I closed the house and left, travelling from place to place, trying to shake off Niall’s men who were following me. I returned two weeks ago, once I was sure you would be safe.”

“What happened to Prince Niall?” Thalen asked.

“He was betrayed. The queen had a spy among his trusted men. They sent word to the prince, who returned just in time to catch Niall and his followers in the Middlelands. But Niall and some of his men managed to escape. The good news is, he’s alone now, without any support. I’m sure he’s probably gone to the kingdom of Goria to seek an alliance,” Caden explained.

Thalen was glad to know Prince Niall’s plan had failed. But if the man was no longer a threat, why did her father still look so worried? Perhaps the man had sent assassins after him. He had said he returned when he knew Thalen would be safe. He had spoken of her safety, but not his own. Suddenly, Thalen felt cold.

“Father, I don’t understand. Is your life in danger?”

Caden sat down again and took his daughter’s hands in his. Thalen noticed how cold they were.

“Na Dilina,” he said, in the Lowlands’ old language.

My wildflower – he had called her that ever since she was a child. Like her mother, she enjoyed climbing trees and spending time in the forest. How many times had he helped her remove straw, herbs, flowers, moss, and even insects from her long, curly hair?

Thalen looked down at their clasped hands, and suddenly she felt overwhelmed. Her heartbeat quickened, and she started to tremble.

She lowered her head and shook it. “No… no… no, it can’t be.” She knew nothing good would come from his next words.

“Look at me, child.”

She couldn’t.

“Please, Na Dilina.”

She raised her head and gazed into his sad, tear-filled eyes.

“Thalen, you need to be strong,” Caden said slowly.

Thalen gripped his hands tightly, her mouth falling open as her breath came in short, rapid bursts. She shook her head again. Her heavy heart understood before her mind could fully process what her father was about to tell her.

“Niall made all of us place our seals on a document, stating that we recognised him as the true ruler of Megarit. The king now has that document, and he came to the Lowlands two days ago. I’m deeply sorry, darling. I thought we would have more time.”

Her throat was so tight when she tried to speak. “H-He’s here to make the traitors pay, isn’t he?” she whispered, tears welling up. She stood up, moving away from her father.

“He can’t, Father. You did nothing wrong. What choice did you have? Niall could have killed you. You tried to stop him – your friend can testify for you. Show them the message you sent him,” Thalen urged.

“He can’t. I didn’t sign the message . I was afraid it might be intercepted by Niall’s supporters. He is my friend, yes, but his testimony won’t be taken seriously. The king will assume he’s trying to protect me.”

“It doesn’t matter. We’ll prove your innocence one way or another.”

“Thalen, the king won’t listen.”

The king wouldn’t listen. Why would he? He would finally have his revenge against her family – one of the seven noble families who had stood against his own, who had refused to bow to the intruder.

“No! You’re not guilty!” she yelled. “Father, he can’t do this, he can’t–” Thalen’s voice broke.

“He can, Thalen, and he will. There is nothing we can do. All the evidence is against me – I’m guilty,” Caden added.

Well, there was only one possible solution, she thought. “We’ll leave the kingdom tonight. We can go somewhere else, Father, start anew,” the young woman suggested.

“Thalen, I don’t want that kind of life for you – hiding and living in fear of being found by the king’s men,” Caden explained. He stood and faced his daughter, placing his hands on her shoulders.

“The king will never leave us alone. Some lords fled, but he found most of those who signed the document. I met this king once – he will redress the insult at all costs. He can’t appear weak. He wants to make an example of us, to show the entire kingdom that treason will not be tolerated under his reign. We will never be safe.”

Thalen tried to control her tears, but she failed, and they rolled down her cheeks.

“Please, Father,” she murmured weakly.

He took her face in his hands. “I will not run, Thalen. I can’t, you know that. We Ambroses are men and women of honour. I’ve written to the king, telling him I will hand myself over to him within the week. I’ve asked to die with dignity. As per our traditions, he is honour-bound to grant my request.”

Her father caressed her hair.

“No harm will come to you, I swear. You will be protected as a member of the nobility. You will keep your status and inheritance. You don’t need to worry. You will be safe, and you won’t lack for anything. I’ve written to the family – they will look after you. You won’t be alone, I promise.”

To die with dignity. Her father had asked the king not to hang him like a common thief, but to allow him to be beheaded – the death suited to a nobleman. Thalen wanted to be strong for him, but she couldn’t stop the tears, knowing she would lose her only parent in a week. She would be an orphan in a few days. How could the gods be so cruel? It was a nightmare, and she needed to wake up.

She couldn’t breathe. The tightness in her throat and chest prevented her from doing so. She pressed a fist to her chest.

“I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe,” she murmured, feeling her legs give way.

Her father held her in his arms as they slid to the floor, her limbs becoming numb. He held her tightly, her head against his strong chest, her tears soaking his clothes. All of it – his warmth, his scent – would soon be gone.

“Please, Thalen, please… be strong for me,” her father whispered into her hair. “Be strong, I’m begging you.” She could feel the wetness in her hair – his tears. But who could muster courage when their heart was breaking?

“I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry,” he kept repeating.

She didn’t know how long they remained like that on the floor, but eventually her tears dried, as did her heart. She could hear the servants outside closing up the house for the night.

Her father lifted her chin with one hand and wiped the wetness from her face with the other.

“Na Dilina, for me… please, promise me.”

Her father was determined to face his fate. She knew that look. He wouldn’t be swayed. Thalen needed to be strong, to be brave for him.

“I will be strong, Father. I promise,” Thalen said, forcing a smile that flickered and quickly faded.

“I’m proud of you, daughter, always,” Caden said, his eyes brimming with tears he struggled to hold back.

“I’m proud of you, Father,” Thalen replied softly, but inside, after the shock had worn off, she was screaming. She couldn’t let this happen. She wouldn’t say goodbye to her father. There had to be a solution. He had taken care of her and protected her all her life. Now it was time for her to do the same for him.

Her father would not die. She promised herself that.