Rebel Song Read online

  “It’s nothing,” Rogan shrugged. “I’ve had worse.”

  Cable laughed and put a hand on Rogan’s shoulder.

  “I’m sure you have, but I’m still sorry that happened.”

  “Thanks. Any news?”

  Cable shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

  “Nothing credible. Alec’s in the wind. No one knows for sure what happened to him. Iris heard from her contact at the Governor’s office that he was finally arrested. That they found him sleeping in an alleyway.”

  “Do we believe it?”

  Cable shrugged again.

  “Hard to say what the truth is anymore.”

  “My guess is Alec’s just hiding out. He’s a crazy ass but he’s smart enough to realize that he better lay low.”

  “Let’s hope.” Cable smiled but his eyes looked worried.

  “Something wrong?”

  Cable flicked his eyes to each side and twisted his mouth, then pulled Rogan a little to the side.

  “Rogan, I hate to ask you, but do you know where Ben is getting his information? All this stuff about the elections and organized crime ties…it’s just too crazy.”

  Rogan hesitated.

  “No. I just know it’s someone who’s close to the source of things.” He wouldn’t betray Ben but he couldn’t flat out lie to Cable either.

  Cable looked to the side again hesitantly and continued.

  “There are rumors that someone on the High Council is leaking information.”

  Good God, she’s on the Council, Rogan thought. Why did that even surprise him?

  “What? Where did you hear that?” He feigned shock.

  “It’s just a rumor,” Cable said in a tone that suggested he knew it was true.

  “That’s a pretty extreme rumor.”

  “I know. But rumors come from somewhere.”

  “I don’t know anything about the High Council. How would anyone we know ever get that close to someone that high up? Especially Ben. He’s got ‘rebel’ written all over his smug face,” Rogan laughed.

  Cable stared him directly with eyes devoid of even a hint of laughter.

  “You know things you’re not telling me. I can tell.”

  Rogan felt a pang of both guilt and fear. If only he knew.

  “Cable…”

  “Rogan, you can tell me anything. We’re on the same team here. I’m here to lead us to a new life, a new country. You can trust me.”

  Rogan did trust him, but Cable didn’t really know what he was asking. He didn’t trust anyone enough to understand Rogan’s situation. But could he truly lie to his sworn leader? To a man who had sacrificed everything for a country he believed in, only to be abandoned in the gutter when things went wrong?

  “It’s true I know some things I shouldn’t,” Rogan admitted. “But I can’t tell you exactly what or else everyone in this room is in danger.”

  Cable stared at him thoughtfully but didn’t argue as Rogan expected him to.

  “So what can you tell me?”

  “I can tell you that Pantone and Henri don’t take us seriously.”

  “That’s hardly news,” Cable laughed.

  “Look, all I have are gut feelings, but I think we need to be more wary of Pantone. As long as a monarch sits the throne, he has no real power. Not the kind he truly wants. I think if he could find a way, he’d abolish the monarchy altogether and instill himself as authoritarian ruler.”

  “It sounds like you’re the one a little close to the source now.”

  “It’s just a theory, Cable.”

  “Well it’s quite a theory.”

  Rogan shrugged.

  “We can’t underestimate what people are willing to do for absolute power. A lot of people say Pantone is truly the threat, not Henri. He’s been whispering in his ear since he was just a fat prince. Had Rodillio lived and Henri been raised differently…” Rogan sighed. Was he really defending the king?

  “Ending Ballantyne’s reign would be a good thing, Rogan. Better yet, ending the monarchy altogether. It’s what we’re fighting for.”

  “Yes, but at what cost? Are you willing to trade a monarchy for a dictatorship? Because that’s what it will be if Pantone takes the scepter. He’s not interested in democracy.”

  Rogan looked up to see Ben stepping toward him. His body instinctively tensed, taking the defensive. Relax. Everything is ok. Nothing is going to change. Rogan made eye contact with Ben and nodded a hello.

  “What’s going on?” Ben asked casually.

  “We’re just assessing the situation,” Cable said.

  “The situation is that we’re all in deep shit,” Ben said, shooting Rogan an angry glance. “Demos is out for blood.”

  Rogan instinctively felt his side and nodded.

  “He’s doing a pretty good job of finding it,” he agreed.

  “So what now?” Ben said. “Should we lie back and take another beating or are you ready to stand up to it now?”

  “What are we supposed to do?” Rogan asked.

  “Fight, damn it!” Ben shouted. “Or is something making you soft?” His tone was laced with provocation.

  Rogan’s mouth tightened.

  “Is there something you want to say to me?” He knew he should just let it go but his pride wouldn’t relent.

  “I’m just questioning where your loyalties really lie.”

  “Ben,” Cable said with disbelief. “What’s wrong with you? What’s this all about?”

  Rogan and Ben stared at each other hard. Rogan held his breath. Don’t, he thought. Not now. Then Ben smirked.

  “Nothing Cable. Just a thing about a girl.”

  Cable rolled his eyes.

  “Seriously Ben, I don’t have time for this. Work it out on your own time. We need to figure out how to get these Valley monkeys adept with a rifle or it was one big waste of money. Rogan, you coming to the training room?”

  Rogan nodded.

  “Yeah, be there in a few.”

  Cable nodded and left Ben and Rogan to stare each other down.

  “What was that about?” Rogan asked when Cable was out of ear shot.

  “You tell me. What in hell are you thinking?”

  “I see you haven’t come any closer to understanding.”

  “Damn right I haven’t. I’m actually having a harder and harder time understanding. You’ve put all of us in danger. How do you know she hasn’t followed you here?”

  “You’re being paranoid. How is this any different from what you’ve been doing? It didn’t seem to stop you from climbing into bed with a government official.”

  “Because I did that for the cause, not in spite of it.”

  “Oh yeah, it must have been really rough on you.”

  “I sure as hell didn’t do it just to get up some fancy skirt.”

  Rogan’s fists clenched and unclenched.

  “You’re really going to lecture me on impulse control?” Rogan said through gritted teeth.

  “I get it. She’s a nice piece—”

  Rogan couldn’t help himself as his fist found Ben’s jaw. Ben stumbled back, clutching his face in shock.

  “Seriously?” Ben snapped.

  Then, almost instantly his own arm was swinging through the air, knocking Rogan to the ground. Rogan stumbled back but dodged the follow-up right hook. He lunged at Ben and they tumbled to the cannery floor, fists jabbing and elbows flying through the air as they grunted and growled like wild dogs.

  “Ben! Rogan!” Iris’ voice shrieked frantically, catching them both off guard. They both stopped mid swing, blood dripping from Ben’s mouth and Rogan’s ribs burning.

  “What in God’s name are you guys doing?” She yelled.

  They both froze, rage still swirling between their frozen fists. Then they both collapsed to the floor and chuckled.

  “Just practicing,” Rogan said through an exhausted wheeze. He’d thrown his fists way more than he liked to lately.

  “Dammit, you guys,” Cable yelled.
“Take this shit outside.”

  Rogan nodded, pushed himself up then put his hand out to Ben.

  “C’mon, let’s get some air.”

  They stepped out the back door into the alley. Ben started to laugh, shaking his head.

  “Feel better now that you got the chance to punch me?” Rogan asked.

  “A little. But, hey, you started it.”

  “True. But you deserved it.”

  Ben shrugged.

  “I’ve heard that one before,” he grinned. “So is this for real? You’re actually hooking up with the King’s daughter?”

  Rogan laughed, shaking his head.

  “We’re not just hooking up Ben. It’s more serious than that. I…I think I love her.”

  Ben just stared at him as if searching for something.

  “You know how insane that is, right? Absolutely and utterly insane.”

  Rogan nodded.

  “Yeah, I know how it sounds.”

  “I mean, if I hadn’t actually seen it…I wouldn’t believe you. You sure you know what you’re doing?”

  Rogan nodded.

  “I know how risky it is, but I do know what I’m doing. She wants the same things we do.”

  Ben took a deep breath and exhaled audibly.

  “Do you trust her?”

  “As much as I trust you.”

  “Okay,” Ben nodded. “If you say you can trust her, then I trust you. Just be careful. Seriously, be careful.”

  “I will.”

  “Who else knows?”

  “No one but you. I’d like to keep it that way.” Rogan gave him a stern look.

  Ben nodded.

  “It’ll stay between us. So does this mean she can tell you things then?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Like…secrets and things.”

  “I’m not going to ask her to spy.”

  Ben shook his head.

  “No, I know. I just mean, do you think she knows what happened to Alec? If he’s even alive or really in custody.”

  “I don’t know what she knows. She’s more in the dark than you’d think. Wouldn’t your council girlfriend know?”

  “I’ve asked, but so far she doesn’t know anything.”

  “Ok, I’ll ask El.”

  “Thanks brother,” Ben squeezed Rogan’s shoulder. Then he shook his head and laughed. “The damn Princess of Arelanda. That’s kind of amazing.”

  Rogan smiled at the thought of her.

  “Yeah, it’s pretty amazing. But Ben, you can’t tell anyone. Not yet. It has to be done right, okay? Please?”

  “Your secret is safe. But you do have to tell me one thing.”

  Rogan raised an eyebrow.

  “Okay, what?”

  A sly smirk spread across Ben’s face.

  “What’s it like?”

  Rogan snarled at him and contemplated another knock to the jaw, but then he grinned.

  “Don’t you wish you knew.”

  CHAPTER 27

  Elyra’s private study was one of the more antiquated rooms in the West Wing, but she liked it that way. With intricate marble and porcelain mythological sculptures protruding from the ceiling and multi-dimensional rose carvings climbing along the walls, the room seemed to be crawling with life. Impeccably dressed in a tailored suit dress the shade of rich sapphire and decorated with shimmering pearl buttons up the bodice, Brita Falcon looked perfectly at home in Elyra’s royal study. Her long, alabaster legs dipped into delicate pearl mules of finely tooled leather. Her platinum hair was wound up in her emblematic twist, rendering her fair complexion even more eerily beautiful. Even in the presence of her future queen, Brita showed no fear, no trepidation. She stared back at Elyra with sharp blue eyes the shade of a summer sky.

  “You’re probably wondering why I called a private meeting with you,” Elyra began. Brita sat silently. “Well to be honest, I need your help.”

  Brita nodded with composure.

  “As always, I am at your service, Your Highness.”

  “Given the nature of this meeting, please call me Elyra.”

  Brita pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes with slight curiosity, as if she were solving a mathematical equation in her head.

  “If you prefer,” she nodded.

  “I do. I assure you. Unlike my father, I’ve always hated the ceremony of titles.”

  “Unless you’re speaking with Markus Fallon of course.”

  Elyra couldn’t contain herself and let out a spurt of laughter.

  “You do notice things, don’t you?”

  Brita shrugged.

  “Markus doesn’t keep his feelings for you hidden very well.”

  “True, he doesn’t. Look, Brita I need some information and I don’t know who else I can ask. I feel as though you’re the only one on the council whom I can really trust.”

  “All due respect Your…Elyra. You hardly know me. We’ve barely spoken.”

  “Yes, I know. But I can tell by being in council meetings with you that we are of the same mind. I know I’m new to the council and all these political matters. I know also that most everyone thinks of me as the idiot princess playing dress- up. But I’m just as, if not more, vested in the state of this country than anyone in the Ministry.”

  At that, Brita’s pale red lips spread into a genuine smile.

  “Yes, I know. It’s all very amusing I’m sure,” Elyra sighed.

  “No, no! On the contrary. They may mock you to your face, but they’re frightened of you.”

  “I don’t need to be patronized.”

  “I’m quite serious. Many fear what you might accomplish if you take reign.”

  “If?” Elyra cocked an eyebrow.

  Brita lowered her eyes in sudden embarrassment.

  “Once you take reign, Your Highness. Forgive me.” Even shamed, Brita seemed collected.

  “Don’t worry about it. Lately even I’ve had doubts about that day.” She sighed. “And don’t call me Your Highness again.” She commanded with a laugh. Brita smiled and nodded. “Brita, as I said, I need…information. This is a very delicate issue and I trust that you can honor the discretion I ask of you.”

  Brita sat up straighter in her chair at the proposition.

  “I can’t imagine I know anything that you don’t.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” Elyra took a deep breath. “I need to know…the whereabouts of Alec Montall.”

  Instantly Brita stiffened and Elyra noted the way her eyes widened just for a flicker of a moment, betraying her unwavering facade.

  “How do you know about him? From my understanding, he’s just some low criminal picked up for a poor attempt at terrorism.” She attempted to brush it off, but for the first time that Elyra had ever seen, Brita’s composure was cracking.

  “We both know that’s not true, Brita.” Elyra stared at her hard, studying the slight flicker of her irises.

  “I wouldn’t know anything about any of that.”

  “Don’t lie to me!” Elyra finally snapped in frustration, the magnitude of the issue stressing her composure. She took a deep breath and collected herself. “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. But you must understand. I am surrounded by lies. Every word uttered to my face is laced with falsities. The list of those on my side dwindles daily. I want to believe that you’re on my side. Are you?”

  Brita stared hard at her for a few moments before nodding firmly.

  “Yes, I am. But, why do you think that I would know anything about it? It’s hardly in my job description.”

  “Because something tells me you are someone who knows a lot of things she shouldn’t.” Brita remained inscrutable, then offered a slight shrug.

  “Perhaps,” she smiled slightly. “Perhaps Pantone would like everyone to think they are keeping him in the tombs for questioning.”

  “But they aren’t?”

  Brita shook her head.

  “I truly don’t know. I’ve heard whispers that Pantone is telling everyone that they ha
ve him in custody so they won’t try anything else and risk retaliation, but I’ve been unable to confirm it.”

  “You mean the rebellion?” Elyra stated the question.

  Brita nodded.

  “It’s…more than a rebellion.”

  Elyra’s skin prickled. How much did Brita know? How much did she dare tell the minister?

  “Yes,” Elyra concurred. “I understand that this runs deeply and powerfully. That if they succeed, the whole system as we know it could collapse.”

  Brita shifted nervously in her seat.

  “I am certain that they will never succeed. His Grace’s army is superior. And the people will never support such a reckless rebellion.” Brita spoke assertively but Elyra could detect feigned propaganda in her voice.

  “Are you truly certain?” There was a long, uncomfortable silence between them. Tension clung to the air so heavily Elyra thought she might choke on it.

  “No,” Brita finally said. “I am not certain. I think the revolution might just happen, no matter what we do.”

  Elyra nodded and turned her mouth up in a slight, knowing smile.

  “Good. Now we can talk.”

  It was the only time other than with Rogan that Elyra could remember feeling as though she could confide in someone. The barrier of pretense and professionalism had been breached and they now sat as new friends. Elyra reached for a carafe of red wine sitting on her parlor table and poured generously into crystal goblets. Brita hesitated to accept the gesture but quickly relented at a simple raise of Elyra’s eyebrow.

  “This business is too stressful for lemon tea,” Elyra grinned.

  “I’ll agree to that.” Brita took a sip. “That’s pretty good stuff.”

  Elyra pointed a finger at herself playfully.

  “Princess,” she said factually and shrugged.

  “I guess since we are being honest, can I ask how you even know about Alec Montall? He’s not much of a name to know.”

  Elyra bit her lip and contemplated the safest answer. How about the truth?

  “Someone I know close to the situation asked me to look into it. That’s all I can say at this point.”

  “That’s the right answer,” Brita smiled. “You can tell them I’m trying to get to the bottom of it. Regardless, they’d better watch their backs. Pantone is out for blood. Don’t trust him for a second.”