Legacy (Last Princess Book 2) Read online

  Legacy

  A.M. Hardin

  © A.M. Hardin, 2018

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  As always, to my beautiful baby girls. I love you!

  Chapter 1

  Cherish

  My breathe leaves my lungs in a puff as I fall flat on the ground beneath me.

  Damn it.

  That fucking hurt.

  I narrow my eyes at Andrei, my guard who's been helping me with my training to make sure I'm ready if any of my brother's or the Ikishri's people attack.

  My brother, Forrest, took over our kingdom by killing our father and our older brother, Dago, two weeks ago. He framed me for their deaths, so I've been hidden with my three guards at a rebel base.

  The rebel's here are led by Andrei's grandma, Maggie. A sweet, take-no-shit elf that has a serious mean streak when she wants to. Thank god, I've never had that directed at me. I've seen enough over the past two weeks to know that that is a woman I do not want to piss off.

  Andrei steps closer to me and holds his hand out for me to grab. I ignore it and keepstay my sore, bruised ass on the ground where it's safe.

  "Cherish," he says, looking like he's fighting a smile.

  "Nope. I'm done for the day. We've been at this for hours, Andrei." I wave my hands in the air for a brief second before dropping them back down to my stomach.

  He chuckles. "You did well. You've gotten a lot stronger since we started training you."

  I snort. "Sure, I only get tossed on my ass a couple dozen times a day. Oh, and blow shit up without meaning to."

  I stare at the darkening sky above me as he moves into a crouch beside me. He reaches out and wipes my hair back off my face.

  "You only started this training a few months ago, Cherish. Everyone here, myself included have decades, even centuries of training over you."

  I turn my head slightly to meet his chocolate eyes. Sighing heavily, I nod once. "I just feel like I'm letting everyone down. I'm nowhere near ready for what you guys want from me." Tears prick my eyes as I think of how my training is going.

  "Hey," he says softly, running his thumb against my cheek. "You're doing remarkable for having no prior training besides the basic self defense classes from the human realm. Why don't we go get some food and then Xander can help you train with your powers for a few hours," he suggests, still using his gentle voice, like he expects me to start bawling my eyes out if he uses a different tone. Which probably isn't far from the truth.

  I sigh and nod. "Alright. I'm starving anyway."

  He stands up straight and reaches out for me again. Instead of ignoring him this time, I grab hold of his hand and allow him to effortlessly pull me up until I'm standing right in front of him.

  I look up when he doesn't let go of my hand and back away as soon as I'm up like he usually does. I'm about to ask him what's on his mind when he cups my cheek with his hand and brushes a thumb just under my eyes.

  "You aren't sleeping again, are you?" Hhe asks quietly.

  I nod. "Nightmares," I mutter. I place my hand over his and take a moment to revel in the contact. "I'll be fine."

  His eyes soften and he leans forward, pressing his lips against my forehead. "I'm sorry, Cherish. I wish there was something I could do."

  I smile sadly. "It's not your fault. It's his."

  His, being my jackass of a brother.

  "Let's go get you some food, then you can practice with Xander for a little bit then get some rest."

  Sleep. It sounds so good. It would be better if my brother's face wasn't a constant presence in my dreams.

  * * *

  I groan in frustration, clenching my fists tight against my sides.

  "It isn't working," I moan. My cheeks heat in embarrassment as I finally admit to Xander that I still can't get a grasp on these fucking powers.

  Xander flashes me an understanding smile and moves to stand behind me. He gently runs his hands down my arms to my wrists and back up again. "Close your eyes," he says gently.

  Letting out a heavy sigh, I do as he says and close my eyes.

  "Clear your mind, quit thinking and forcing it. It won't come to you that way." His voice rolls over me gently, compelling me to do as he says. "Look for that place deep inside you wherethat your powers are lying. Once you find that place, slowly start drawing it out. When you feel it reach your fingertips, let it out and direct it to do what you want it to."

  Taking a deep breath, I focus on that spark I feel inside me and focus on bringing it out and to my hands. Once I feel the magical energy in my hands I lift my arms a little bit and focus on bringing vines from the nearby trees in front of me to create a large wall in front of me.

  Opening my eyes, I groan when Ii see that the wall isn't any bigger than two feet in height.

  Damn.

  "The more you work on it, the more you won't have to stop to think about doing it. It'll just happen," Xander says quietly. "You did good, Cherish."

  "Not really," I mutter. "I wanted it bigger."

  He chuckles softly and runs his hands up and down my arms again before I feel him kiss the back of my head gently. "It'll come, you just need to work on it. The more you work on it, the easier it'll be and the stronger it'll get."

  I turn my head to look up at him. "I don't know if I'll even be ready if anything happens, Xander. How can you guys be so confident that I will be?"

  His eyes soften and his mouth quirks. "We have faith in you, ma hai, even if you don't have any in yourself."

  My mouth opens in surprise. That's the first time since he kissed me a few weeks ago that he called me that. Warmth fills me as I look in his eyes. I'm just not sure if that's his feelings or my own.

  I blink several times to clear my head and focus on what we're supposed to be doing. "Um, what else did you have planned for me to learn today?"

  His eyes flicker with something, but it's gone before I can figure out what it is. His mouth quirks but the smile doesn't reach his eyes like it usually does. "Yeah. I want you to try to pull the vines back. Once you've done that, we'll work on the fire powers you manifested two nights ago."

  "Great," I say dryly. The fire powers manifested while I was having a nightmare involving my brother. I don't remember exactly what happened in the dream, I just remember the fear, the helplessness, and Forrest's face. Kade woke me up and I woke up to my bedroom on fire.

  Needless to say, even without the nightmares, I'm now scared to sleep on the off chance that I'll blow all of us up. Not exactly the way I want to go if I'm being honest.

  Xander chuckles. "Come on. The sooner the lesson is done, the sooner you can catch up on some sleep."

  I puff out a breath. "You know as well as I do that I won't be able to sleep."

  He's quiet for a moment. "Have you seen Ella lately?"

  "Not since the night we got here. She said she was going to find out some things and come ba
ck," I say quietly.

  "She should be back soon, Cherish," he says softly, running a hand down my back.

  I nod my head, more in an attempt to get him to drop it than an agreement. "Can we just stop talking about this and get back to work?" I ask quietly.

  He sighs and presses his lips to my hair. "Of course. Forgive me."

  "Nothing to forgive," I mutter. I take a step away from him and focus on the pitiful wall of vines in front of me.

  Chapter 2

  Cherish

  I run through the long hallway to the throne room of my father's castle, getting more worried by the second.

  There's no one else around. Usually I'd be passing at least a handful of people by now. I haven't seen a single soul. Everyone's just kind of disappeared.

  I have to find my father, nothing else matters. I have to tell him.

  I have to tell him that Forrest is the one behind all of the crap happening because he's helping the other kingdom in the war.

  Where the hell is everyone? I peek in one of the bedrooms I'm passing and see no one there. What the hell is going on?

  I've never seen the castle so damn empty.

  I finally make it to the throne room and burst through the doors.

  The first thing I register is the sight and the smell of all the blood. My stomach churns as I look around the room. In front of the throne areis the bodies of my mom, dad, and sister. Beside them areis my father and brother, Dago. Sitting on the throne is my other brother, Forrest. The bastard who started all of this bullshit.

  That's when I realize that this is all a fucking dream. Again.

  "Ah, darling sister. So kind of you to join me," he says casually.

  I grind my teeth, but otherwise don't say anything.

  His smile grows taunting. "What? You have nothing to say to your big brother?"

  "You won't answer any of my questions," I growl. "You never fucking do. Burn in hell, brother," I sneer the last word. This man in front of me is no brother of mine. He's nothing more than a jealous bastard who won't fucking leave my damn dreams.

  He chuckles darkly, and a chill runs down my spine at the sound. "Little sister, I don't think you understand what's happening, do you?"

  My upper lip curls up in distaste. "I understand plenty. Like the fact that you're a fucking pussy and a coward." He growls and glares at me, but I ignore it. "I understand that you killed our father and our brother, not to mention our other fucking siblings, all because you're a greedy parasite who wants the crown."

  He smirks. "Now that is actually true that I want the crown. And look where I am." He sweeps his arms out to gesture to the room around us. "I'm now the King of our land. And you? You're nothing more than a traitorous little princess whore on the run."

  "Because you framed me, you son of a bitch," I snap. "Now leave me the fuck alone!"

  He sighs and slowly uncurls himself from the throne. "I can't do that little sister. You see, I've come to realize that you've been spending time with the rebels. I can't have that. I was hoping you would return to the Earth realm and leave everything be."

  "And leave these poor citizens in the hands of a psychotic king? You're a fucking joke."

  He casually walks over to me, around all of the bodies on the floor, miraculously not stepping in the blood. I stiffen the closer he gets.

  Forrest reaches out and traces his finger down my cheek. "If anyone's a joke, little sister," he whispers, menace coating his words, "it's you. The first Marked child in centuries. You're a fucking human. The fact that you've been Marked, makes you a joke."

  I raise an eyebrow at him, helplessly amused at the bitterness and jealousy that he let seep into his voice. "That's really eating you up isn't it?" I ask with a grin.

  He snarls and pushes me away from him. "It doesn't matter. What matters is, I'm only here to give you a warning, little sister. We know about your Mark and we have dozens of soldiers gunning for you." I narrow my eyes at him when he smirks. "If you have any sense whatsoever, you'll let one of them do the job of killing you. If myself or the Ikishri king get our hands on you, you'll be begging for death in no time."

  "You're delusional, as always, I see," I mutter dryly. "I'm not going to just let myself die. If that means needing to go against you and the Ikishri king, then so fucking be it. You're nothing but a coward, Forrest. I'm looking forward to seeing you in person again."

  He laughs. "And why is that?"

  My mouth curls up in an evil smile. "Because, I'm going to make you pay for all of the pain you've caused me and this kingdom."

  "Big words, little girl," he sneers.

  "Doesn't matter. Now. Get. Out. Of. My. Fucking. Head!" I shout.

  Bolting upright in bed, I gasp and put my hand over my racing heart. My eyes roam around the room and I let out a breath of relief when I see that I didn't set the damn room on fire again.

  I run a shaky hand through my hair and throw the covers off of me. I climb out of bed and leave my room, heading for the kitchen. Maybe a glass of water will help calm me down.

  "Can't sleep?" Andrei asks from where he's standing by the window in the living area, looking outside.

  "As usual," I mutter.

  "What is it?" Hhe asks, turning to face me, his expression worried.

  I shake my head and get my drink. "It's nothing."

  "Bullshit. Don't lie to me, Cherish."

  "I-" I cut myself off and choose to go a different direction. "Is it possible for someone to walk in other people’s dreams and interact with them?"

  Andrei narrows his eyes at me, studying me closely. Too closely for my comfort. "Yes. It is. It's more common in noble bloodlines than in commoners. Is that what woke you up? You think you're dream walking?"

  I wince. "Uh, no. That's not it."

  "Someone's walking into your dreams?" It's not really a question, it's more like he's demanding an answer.

  "Yeah, I think so."

  "Who?" Hhe snaps.

  "Forrest," I murmur before finishing my drink and placing it in the sink.

  He stiffens and moves closer to me. "How often do you think he visits you in your dreams?"

  "He's been in my dreams since we left the castle. I'm not really sure when I realized that it may not be just a dream," I admit quietly. He curses under his breath. "When is Kade supposed to be back?" I ask, hoping to change the subject.

  "He was supposed to be here before you woke up, but we didn't exactly take into account any nightmares you may have. Why don't you head back to bed and try to get some more sleep," he suggests softly. I meet his eyes and am a little thrown off by the warmth I see in those chocolate depths. It takes me off guard enough that I'm silent for several moments before snapping out of it.

  "No," I say, shaking my head. "I don't want to sleep anymore."

  He sighs. Taking my hand in his, he leads me to my room. He sweeps his arm to the bed, telling me to get my ass in bed without needing to say the actual words.

  I grumble under my breath and climb under the covers. A heartbeat later the bed dips and Andrei wraps an arm over my waist above the covers.

  "Andrei?"

  "Shh," he mutters into my hair. "Just sleep, disa."

  It doesn't happen right away, like I'm sure he was hoping for. Instead, his breathing evens out first and I chuckle softly to myself. I figured he'd have tried to keep himself awake until I finally passed out. He must be more tired than I thoughtknew.

  He has been working damn near non stop. All of my guys have been. Well, they're not my guys, they're my guards. Ugh. Whatever. It's getting to be a pain in the ass to keep those two things separate in my own freaking head.

  Chapter 3

  Andrei POV

  The light pouring in through the window and the feeling of a small warm body pressed against mine pulls me out of a deep sleep.

  I open my eyes slowly, letting them adjust to the brightness. Peeking down I see Cherish nestled against my side, her head on my chest. My arms are wrapped around her, keeping
her securely against me.

  That's right. She woke up last night and in order to get her to go back to sleep I climbed into bed with her. Probably one of the stupidest things I've ever done in my very long existence, but I don't find myself regretting it.

  I exhale heavily and allow myself to just focus on the feel of her body against mine. I know it's stupid but right now, I don't give a shit. She's here, she's safe, and she's in my arms.

  Cherish's breathing changes slightly. She cuddles into me further, her hand rubbing against my chest gently and she’s making this soft noise of contentment. I know the moment she fully wakes up because her hand freezes it's movements and she tenses slightly.

  "Andrei?" Sshe mutters sleepily.

  "Yeah, it's me, disa," I murmur and lean my head down to place a kiss on the top of her head.

  She sighs softly. "Why do you call me that?"

  "Because it's what you are," I point out quietly.

  "Not really. I don't exactly think I'm princess material in either world. Plus, I was only princess in name, not necessarily duty."

  I smile, thankful she can't see it because she'd probably get pissed and think that I find her funny. "Only because you didn't get the opportunity, Cherish. You are a princess and when this is all over you'll be the queen."

  "As long as Forrest doesn't kill me first," she mutters so quietly that I barely hear her.

  "Forrest is, and always has been, a fool, disa. He has never been fit to rule the land. If he had been all that's left for your father's heir, your father would have given the throne to one of your cousins. He knew that Forrest wasn't the most stable elf around."

  "What do you mean?" Sshe asks, moving to sit up in the bed so that she can turn to face me. Almost immediately, I miss the feel of that little body against me.

  "Xander was friends with Forrest until Forrest found out that he was going to be chosen as one of your guard. Xander used to be his personal guard. Xander knew a lot about the way Forrest could fly off the handle with very little provocation, though he didn't know as much as the king and I did.