Blindsided

By Danika Jeffries

Doctor Casper Holidran, head of the Elementalist academy and one of the heads of the Erumari government, is one of the most powerful men in the system. But with power comes enemies, and he's a target.

Cicely Avanthal, a member of the Protectorate Intelligence, stumbles across a secret meeting between Casper and Jax Amari, a wanted traitor, and is desperate to learn more. Caught in a plot that has nothing to do with her, Cicely might be the only one who can save the doctor.

Thrown together, Casper and Cicely must rely on each other in order to survive their rapidly collapsing lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Danika Jeffries
• Release date: Aug 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463835920

Danika Jeffries

Danika is new to the genre of romance, but has been writing fantasy for a few years now, under her real name.

Book preview

cover-image, Blindsided

Blindsided

An Elementalist Novel

Danika Jeffries

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2018 Danika Jeffries

Discover other titles by Danika Jeffries at Smashwords.com

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Epilogue

Chapter 1

What is taking so long? Karim muttered, pacing the length of the small waiting room. He brushed his hand along his short, dark hair and then straightened his dress uniform unnecessarily.

Casper chuckled, his odd silvery-green eyes sparkling. You can relax, your Highness, he told the soon-to-be king. It’s not like she’s going to leave you at the altar.

Still, with everything that’s been happening, it’s hard not to assume that something’s gone wrong, Karim pointed out. It is certainly within the realm of possibility.

Casper smiled. The prince wasn’t wrong, but the royal physician wasn’t going to agree with the man — it could be bad luck. Instead, Casper leaned back, resting his arm along the back of the couch.

You know as well as I do, he told the nervous Elementalist, that if the delay was regarding something important, Jessa would summon you. So try to relax. This should all be over soon.

Karim just muttered something under his breath and resumed his pacing, while Casper shook his head. He’d never been in the prince’s position, waiting for his bride to arrive for their wedding ceremony, but Casper assumed that he wouldn’t be nearly as wound up as Karim seemed to be. After all, there was no doubt in anybody’s mind that the queen was deeply in love with the prince, so what did Karim have to worry about? Aside from the death threats, of course, but those were pretty much a daily occurrence and not really worth worrying about. It really was quite amazing, the number of people who weren’t happy with Karim’s position as Jessa’s fiancé, and as the date of the royal wedding drew closer, the threats had grown more numerous. Not that anybody would actually act on those threats, of course. On Erumar, the ability to rule was directly tied to having the combat prowess and the Elementalist power to hold the throne, and Karim had more than enough of both to defend his position as Erumar’s king. To say nothing of the fact that Jessa, the queen, was also a force to be reckoned with.

A knock on the door of the small room heralded the arrival of Aiden, the queen’s youngest brother. He was smiling broadly and he nodded his greetings to Casper before turning his attention to Karim.

It is time, your Highness, Aiden announced. Are you ready to tie yourself to my dear sister for the rest of your life?

Of course I’m ready, Karim told the prince with a smile. You seem incredibly happy for someone about to be knocked down a peg on the succession hierarchy, though.

Two pegs, I’ve heard, Aiden told him, his grin widening. Congratulations.

Karim’s eyes widened, and he turned to look at Casper, who shook his head. The royal physician wasn’t in the habit of sharing personal medical information, and certainly wouldn’t tell anybody about the queen’s pregnancy; that was certainly not his place.

We were planning to wait a little longer before telling anyone, Karim said softly.

Jessa told me, Aiden commented, answering Karim’s unasked question. "And as for the whole succession thing, I never expected to actually sit on Erumar’s throne. You have met my sister, after all. Who in their right mind would try to remove her from power?"

There are more than a few, or so I’ve heard, Karim muttered, frowning. Still, now is not the time to worry about that.

Aiden turned back to the door, prepared to lead Karim to the throne room. Casper pushed himself up from the couch, ready to go and take his place among the guests, when a shock wave rolled through the room, making him stumble a step.

How close was that? Karim demanded, switching immediately from nervous groom to seasoned warrior.

Not too close, Aiden supplied. Somewhere in the city.

Do you think it has anything to do with the Movement?

I doubt it, Casper answered. While it is possible that whatever that was is somehow connected to the anti-Erumar Movement, it’s far more likely to simply be a protest related to your ascension to the throne.

Karim pursed his lips, perhaps not entirely convinced. Casper agreed that the Movement was a growing problem, the insurgents getting bolder as their influence spread, but he’d told Karim the truth. Security around the planet had been tightened considerably over the past week or so, and the palace was locked down entirely. The chances of the Movement infiltrating the wedding were slim indeed.

Come on, Aiden said with a gesture. It’s probably best not to keep our queen waiting.

Karim allowed himself to be distracted from whatever was happening outside the palace complex, following along behind Aiden while Casper brought up the rear. When the physician saw a guard patrolling along the corridor, he gestured for the man to come closer.

Can you please send a message to the academy for me? Casper asked. As the head Elementalist, it was also his job to oversee the deployment of his fellows. I’d like a pair of Fire Elementalists to accompany the doctors out into the city to investigate whatever that was. Please let them know.

Yes, Doctor Holidran, the guard agreed, giving Casper an abbreviated salute. I’ll do that right away.

Trusting the man to do what he’d said, despite the fact that the soldiers didn’t answer to Casper in any way, the head Elementalist lengthened his stride to catch up with the pair of princes before they could enter the throne room. His job was officially done — keeping Karim company while Jessa saw to her final preparations — but he didn’t want to arrive behind the groom.

Let me slip in ahead of you and take my seat, the doctor said, catching up to the men a few steps from the closed door. Casper could hear the muttering of a fairly large crowd on the other side of the wooden portal. Aiden nodded his agreement and held the door, and Casper strode quickly up the aisle to take his place in the front row.

A few heartbeats after he was seated, and the door opened once more, Karim and Aiden walking up the aisle between the rows upon rows of guests to take their places by the altar. The men were now accompanied by Doctor Terese Conterra, who was acting as Jessa’s second, as Aiden performed that role for Karim. Karim looked calm and confident as he moved, his demeanour considerably different from what Casper had witnessed not long ago, and the head Elementalist smiled to himself. Karim was learning to play the game quite convincingly.

Just moments after Karim and Aiden were in place, the door opened one last time. Music began to play from one of the balconies above the guests, and Jessa appeared, framed by the door. The queen’s arm was linked through that of Commander Gregory Feulion, her one-time bonded partner and her closest friend. As the pair walked up the aisle, Casper couldn’t help but feel a brief surge of jealousy. Casper and Jessa had gone to school together and had been lovers, and Casper had once toyed with the idea of possibly standing in Karim’s place one day. The jealousy passed as quickly as it had come, however, the doctor realizing that he’d have made a lousy king. Still, Jessa was a stunningly beautiful bride, and Casper knew that he likely wasn’t the only one who envied Karim the coming wedding night.

The music died down as the queen reached the altar, Gregory symbolically joining her hands with those of her fiancé before leaning forward to kiss Jessa on the cheek. Stepping down from the dais, Gregory took his place beside Casper, and the priest directed everyone to sit once more. Casper looked across the crowded room, guests and guards seemingly present in equal numbers, and then he sat and turned his attention back to the bride and groom. 

We are gathered together today to join Queen Jessalyn Amari with her king, Karim Jaleel, Elementalist and Protectorate solider, the priest intoned, getting the ceremony underway. The man continued, the ceremonial words familiar enough that Casper simply tuned them out, instead watching Jessa and Karim as they paid rapt attention. It was so incredibly obvious that they were deeply in love with each other, and Casper felt another surge of jealousy. What he wouldn’t give for a love like that…

If there is anyone who knows of any reason why these two should not be joined, let them speak now or forever hold their peace, the priest invited the assembled guests.

I object!

Jessa turned to look over her shoulder. Excuse me? she asked in a quiet, deadly calm voice.

I said that I object, the man at the back of the throne room repeated. I object to Kaleganese scum becoming my king.

Aiden and Terese stepped forward, ready to help Jessa and Karim defend their right to be wed. Casper felt Gregory tense at his side, the commander obviously not happy with the developing situation.

On what grounds? Karim demanded, his voice as hard as Jessa’s had been.

Movement from the corner of his eye drew Casper’s gaze, and the head Elementalist realized that Gregory wasn’t tense because of Jessa’s or Terese’s potential impending combat. Instead, while everyone else was watching the drama unfold, Gregory wasn’t; he was scanning the room.

Jessa!

Gregory’s warning came a fraction of a moment before an energy blast shot from one of the balconies, but it was enough. Karim jumped in front of Jessa, shielding her with his body, while both Aiden and Jessa threw up shields of power around the dais where the wedding party stood. Jessa’s shield of hardened air slipped easily behind Aiden’s dome of fire, the prince fortunately having enough control that Casper and the other guests sitting in the first row weren’t burned. 

Casting out his senses, Casper tried to locate the idiot who’d fired the weapon before he was taken down by one of the numerous Protectorate guards in and around the room. He had to have known that he’d only get one shot, though Casper did acknowledge the wisdom of using such an attention-getting distraction to prolong that one moment. The man who’d objected to the union was already in custody, likely to be charged as an accessory to treason, and just as Casper’s power settled on the lone man fleeing from the area of the balcony stairs, the Elementalist felt the arrival of a trio of people that he assumed were guards. A shout of triumph confirmed that guess, and General Triaka rose from his seat a little farther down the row as Jessa and Aiden released their shields. The general met Jessa’s gaze, bowed, and left the throne room to deal with the inevitable interrogations. Casper wondered who the men were, and how they’d managed to get an energy weapon into the throne room.

Well, the priest said, his voice tremulous. "If there are no further objections, we will continue with the ceremony."

When nobody said anything, the man nodded, turned to Jessa, and asked her to repeat after him.

Chapter 2

Well, if the point of that idiotic and doomed attack was to ruin my wedding night, it certainly succeeded, Jessa huffed, dropping into the chair behind her desk. She was still wearing her wedding gown, her crown resting upon her braided, long brown hair. 

Karim, now wearing his own crown and a sash of silver that had been added to his dress uniform during his coronation, stepped behind his bride and started to rub her shoulders. Leaning down, the king whispered something in Jessa’s ear, making her smile and lean her cheek against Karim’s hand briefly. A knock at the door preceded the arrival of General Triaka, the man walking into the room on a wave of laughter and noise from the guests getting ready to enjoy the wedding dinner downstairs, sans the guests of honour; as soon as Karim was safely crowned, the monarchs had made their way here to the study to find out what they could about the attack.

So what do you have for us? Jessa asked the general. How much of my party am I going to miss because of this stupidity?

I don’t expect that you need to miss much of it at all, Triaka told her. There doesn’t seem to be an imminent threat.

Jessa blinked, surprised. Really? So this wasn’t the Movement?

I didn’t say that, the general corrected her. In fact, I’d say that it’s incredibly likely that the attack was at least inspired by the Movement, if not actually ordered by them. I just said that it doesn’t appear that there is an imminent threat, so I’d recommend enjoying your wedding night, your Majesties. This will wait.

If you are able to make this recommendation, then you obviously learned something, General, Karim pointed out. Why don’t you share this with us, and we can decide what to do? 

The admonishment was gentle, but it was obvious to everyone in the room that Karim was planning to exercise his new power to make decisions as a ruler of Erumar.

The man who interrupted your ceremony is the young Lord Markus Avanthal, the general told them. It seems that the young man enjoys the gaming table, and has accumulated a significant amount of debt in the recent past. He informed me that his father has refused to pay this for him, so when he was offered a substantial amount of money to interrupt your wedding, the young lord jumped at the opportunity.

And do you believe him? Jessa wanted to know. I mean, anybody can say anything, especially right after being arrested on the suspicion of treason.

I don’t think he’s lying, General Triaka stated, but I’d like Doctor Holidran’s help to confirm his story.

What about the other man, the shooter? Casper asked. What did he have to say for himself?

Nothing, yet. All we’ve been able to get out of him so far is the fact that he is a native Erumari. I expect his interrogation will be a little more involved, especially since the treason charge is certain. The man knows he’s dead, so he has no reason to cooperate, or so it seems.

Still, I want to know who hired him, Jessa insisted. I don’t care if he’s not inclined to talk; do what you have to.

The general glanced over toward Casper, who sighed.

I’ll do what I can to help, Casper promised. When would you like to get started?

Right away, was the immediate, and not unexpected, response. The king and queen can go and join the rest of their guests, and you and I can go and take care of this.

Casper nodded and rose. If you’ll excuse us?

At Jessa’s nod, Casper spun and made his way to the study’s door. He wasn’t entirely happy with this turn of events, though he understood the necessity. Using his power to tell the difference between the truth and a lie was one thing, but forcing someone to tell the truth was another. It was certainly within the scope of his abilities as a Life Elementalist, but it made him uncomfortable.

I don’t expect that this will take too long, the general said, coming up beside him. It seems pretty straightforward.

Casper groaned silently at the man’s words; it was like cursing the entire evening to make a statement like that. If he’d learned anything, it was that the situation with the Movement was far more complicated than it seemed to be at first glance. There were layers upon layers to the plot against Erumar, and he suspected that they were just now starting to scratch the surface of it all.

The pair took a set of stairs leading down and out of the palace near the entrance to the Protectorate headquarters. They managed to avoid any wedding guests who might be wandering around, and any of the Protectorate guards they passed saluted their commander-in-chief as they went by. Triaka nodded each time, but didn’t stop and didn’t say anything to anybody until they reached the lower level of the headquarters, where the cells were located. As the general keyed in the security code they needed to gain entrance, Casper pursed his lips in displeasure, remembering the last time he’d visited this part of the palace complex. He tore his thoughts away from Sasha and Jax as the door hissed open, and he followed the general through and into the cell block.

Erumar was a harsh planet, ruled by the idea that power equated to strength and action. Since traitors and criminals were dealt with quickly and painfully, the cells were usually empty, and today was no exception, prior to the arrival of the two ‘guests’ currently awaiting them, of course.  Triaka led the way to the first cell on the left, keying open the door and stepping inside, Casper on his heels.

The young, disgraced Lord Avanthal rose from the cot where he’d been sprawled, his wide, scared eyes flitting back and forth between the two heads of government. It was obvious that he was starting to understand the severity of what he’d done, and he lowered his eyes a moment later. Casper tapped into the massive palace power grid, spinning the energy into the manipulation he needed to ensure the prisoner told the truth.

Do you understand why I’m here, Lord Markus? Casper asked softly, seeing absolutely no need to raise his voice. The young lord nodded his head, but Casper wasn’t satisfied.

I need to hear you say the words, the head Elementalist insisted.

You’re here to question me.

Yes, Casper agreed, but more importantly, I’m here to make sure you tell the truth. Do you understand the charges that could be brought against you?

Treason, Markus sighed. 

And do you know what that means?

I’m not stupid! the prisoner snapped, looking up to meet Casper’s gaze. It suddenly struck the doctor that the young Lord Avanthal was barely old enough to be questioned without a parent present.

Really? Casper asked, eyebrows raised in disbelief. Because if you knew what the charges would be, and if you knew that you could die, why would you agree to participate in this attack?

I needed the money to pay my debts, Markus told him. They said they’d kill me if I didn’t pay, so why not take the risk?

Something tugged at Casper’s power, and he shook his head. That’s not entirely true. Care to try again?

Markus just clenched his jaw, not even bothering to shake his head.

Stubborn, Casper muttered, taking a step closer.

As a Life Elementalist, Casper’s power could be used to influence the body and the mind.  He had a particular affinity for thoughts and memories, which was part of the reason he was often called upon to question prisoners or verify information. Reaching out, the Elementalist laid a hand on Markus’ shoulder, putting himself into the young man’s thoughts. With him questioning Markus’ motives, Casper knew that the memories he needed should be right near the surface…

The room seemed to spin around Casper, his surroundings changing from the prison cell he knew he still stood in to a large, richly furnished room. Markus stood beside him, and Casper watched the young man’s eyes widen in shock.

How did we get here? he demanded.

We’re not actually here, Casper told him. This is just your memory of this place. I want to see what really happened.

Markus took a step away from him, shaking his head in denial. No! This isn’t any of your business!

I would respectfully disagree. The queen asked me to question you, you lied when I did, and so now I will find the truth on my own.

Markus started to protest further, but the door to their right opened, allowing the entrance of an older man who Casper suspected was the elder Lord Avanthal. The lord was followed by two men and Markus, nobody looking happy.

We’ve given you plenty of time, Avanthal, one of the men growled. Lord Avanthal placed his hands on a table, his back to the men, and took a deep breath. Markus wandered over to the window, out of the way.

I’ve tried, Markus’ father stated. Business just isn’t good enough to pay for the house and its upkeep, and then pay the debt I owe on top of it all.

Well, the boss won’t be happy with that, the man said, and he ain’t gonna care if you can pay for your house or not. He wants his money, and he wants it now.

I don’t have it! Lord Avanthal insisted, now turning to face the pair of men. I’ve already let most of the staff go, and my daughter isn’t going to get to attend the summer parties.

Well, if it’s the house that’s keeping you from paying, maybe we’ll just take that instead, the other man commented, breaking his silence.

But where will my family go? I sold the other property months ago.

Not our problem. You have until sundown to—

Father, I’m sorry to interrupt but…

Casper turned his attention to the door once more, the real Markus taking an involuntary step forward, as if he sought to stop the young woman from stepping across the threshold. His memory self turned from the window, but made no other movement.

Cicely, now is not a good time, Lord Avanthal stated. I will come and find you when I’m finished here.

Oh, I disagree, the first man said. I think now is an excellent time. He reached out and grabbed the young woman’s wrist, pulling her deeper into the room.

When you mentioned a daughter, you didn’t tell us that she was so lovely. The man ran his fingers down the side of Cicely’s face in a parody of a caress. I’ll tell you what. We’ll take this fine young thing with us, and you get to keep your house for another week. After that, you pay up or we’ll just kill your family and take our money where we can find it.

Casper had seen enough, and he pulled himself out of Markus’ memories. Blinking to settle himself back inside his own mind and body, the doctor turned to look at the young man. He seemed very shaken by what he’d been forced to relive, and Casper could see tears in his eyes.

Not your debts after all, Casper stated, "though the threat to your life was real. But how did you end up involved in all of this ?"

I told you, they offered me the money I needed to pay the debt. Enough to get Cicely back and still have money left over to cover the bills for the next month.

But why didn’t you ask for help? Casper wanted to know. This isn’t your burden to bear, Markus. I’m sure that the crown would have done something.

The young lord laughed bitterly. The crown doesn’t give a damn about the likes of us, he stated firmly. The only thing noble about my family is its title. We’re dirt poor, have few connections left, and there are more of us in this situation than you think. Besides, Father appealed to the king for help when the shipping accident that ruined our business first happened. The king informed him that it was none of the crown’s concern, so why would that be any different now?

Casper had no idea what Nathan had done in the past, but he didn’t believe for an instant that Jessa would be so cold.

Surely you realize that the queen isn’t much like her father, he suggested.

She’s alike enough, Markus insisted. She’s still an Elementalist, and a royal, and that means she’s caught up in her own world of parties and politics. You wouldn’t understand either, Doctor. You’re one of them.

Casper wanted to refute the statement, but honestly wasn’t sure that he could. He’d barely left the palace complex since he’d started his training, except for those occasions when his duties sent him afield. Now that it had been pointed out to him, Casper realized that he honestly had no what it was like to live outside the palace walls.

Regardless, Markus continued, either ignoring or ignorant of Casper’s discomfort, Cicely  should be safe by now. The deal was that she’d be sent home, debts paid, regardless of whether or not the attack on the queen succeeded. 

Casper looked over at the general, who nodded and stepped out of the cell to speak to a guard. Someone would be on the way to the Avanthal home within a few minutes.

So you knowingly participated in an act of treason, Casper summarized. I understand your reasons, but a treason charge is still a death sentence.

Markus nodded. So what happens now?

Now, I’ll pass along your story to the queen, and she will decide your fate. I’d still like to know how you were contacted, specifically, but that can wait for now.

Casper left Markus’ cell, moving deeper into the cell block to find the shooter. Jessa might decide to be lenient with the young man, once she learned of his circumstances, but it was hard to say for certain. Of course, now Karim would be involved in these decisions as well, and Casper knew firsthand what sort of temper his new king had buried beneath his usually calm demeanour.

The Elementalist didn’t waste time with niceties for the next interrogation. General Triaka had already indicated that the man, Darius, wasn’t being terribly forthcoming with information, and Casper knew that Jessa wouldn’t be terribly patient waiting for an update. Hoping to avoid having the bride and groom visiting the cell block, Casper used his power to settle his own will over that of the shooter, forcing the man to tell him a truthful answer to every question the general asked. Casper could feel the shooter fighting him, but the man’s capitulation was inevitable. It was with a heavy heart that the doctor made his way back to the palace to pass along his findings, while General Triaka continued questioning Markus, getting details about how the Movement had contacted the young man, and perhaps more importantly, how they’d known he’d be open to the offer.

The wedding reception was in full swing by the time Casper made his way to the ballroom.  Dinner was finished and cleared away, and his stomach rumbled, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten in quite some time. Pushing the feeling down with a silent promise to eat as soon as he could, Casper scanned the room,