Treason (Redemption #1)

Treason

Redemption Book One

Copyright © 2018 Ashley Fetterman

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the express consent of the author, except where permitted by law.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to an actual person, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Dedication

To my Grandmother, Mimi.

May you rest in peace.

I love you a bushel and a peck.

Acknowledgements

Throughout this writing, there have been so many that have supported me. I dearly loved hearing the feedback from my mother, who ran down the stairs to yell at me for the ending that may appear in the second book, we’ll have to see! It made me feel like a true author to know that I can evoke such emotions with my writing. I will strive to continue on in my work and grow with each book that I do write.

Mom, thank you so much for all these years where you heard me complaining about this book. Also, sorry it took 7 years to get it done and published. My love goes out to you for being so patient. Now you just have to wait another year for the second one. Ha ha!

To my sister, Angela. You’ve always got my back and poking at me to keep writing. I think that you’re the mastermind behind a lot of my newer books that I hope to see on the shelves someday soon. Of course, written in your honor. That and I hope that I can keep picking your brain for more ideas. Love you to the moon and back.

Sam, you are the awesome light in my life that has made everything A-okay. Scratch that, you rock my socks, chika! I cannot thank you enough for all the late night times at the campus, goofing off and drinking Argo until we drop. Your edits with this have made my writing that much stronger. Thank you for taking time out of your busy paper writing, college schedule to read this. Cheers to the future years we have together!

There’s a special thank you that I want to mention. This person has done so much for me in regards to not only my writing but my confidence in pursuing it as my passion. You are the reason that I picked this book back up and really hit it with enthusiasm. You’ve inspired me, day in and day out, to always write and live for that passion. There are so many words that I wish I could say, but it’d fill so many pages. Thank you for being my inspirational muse to always keep writing. Your encouragement is why I do what I love the most and why I cannot praise you enough for returning that love back to my life. Zach, you are amazing and thank you for all that you’ve done to inspire me.

Laurel, this book is 7 years late, but hey! It’s finished. Finally, to the others who have endlessly supported me, I cannot thank you enough.

Chapter One

Bazaar Brawl

By the time high noon rolled around, Cade beamed with pride at having finished mucking out the nobleman’s stable. Having been at it since before the sun had crossed the sky, she wiped away the sweat that dotted her brow. Cade winced at the tug of the sore muscles in her shoulders. The putrid, rank aroma of horses coated her skin and hair, wafting around her like a toxic cloud. It took all that Cade had to suppress her gag reflex and keep her focus on the task at hand.

Now, before anything else, she needed to receive her day’s pay from the stable master. Only then could she concentrate on finding the nearest bathing house to rid herself of the stench. After that, she hoped there would be enough time to dash into the bazaar to purchase the prized dagger she had spent the past three months saving for. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she stowed the rake and wheelbarrow in the stable’s extra storage space. The workers behind her, stashing their own tools, were just as eager to be done as Cade. She smiled at a few of them as they passed, knowing lived on the streets as she did. Rounding the corner of the stables to where the stable master stood, she couldn't help but grimace at the sight of the portly man.

Cade stepped into the small line that had formed in front of him, waiting with the others to know what their work was worth. The worst part of working for the noble was that there was no set pay for each day. The stable master was given a set amount for the day to give to the workers and their payout depended upon the job they were assigned. Those who had the easier jobs, such as grooming the various horses, received a much smaller wage. While others who fought to get the harder jobs, which also meant the dirtiest, got the bigger pay.

Despite how much Cade loathed scouring out the stables, it provided her with the best pay that she had fought to get for over a month. The line moved faster than she anticipated and soon it was her turn to step forward. She was hyper aware of the smudges of manure on her skin and face. Cade also knew that the stable master would be more inclined to pay her more for the effort she put into her job. His beady eyes narrowed at her while his nose crinkled in disgust. She couldn’t have cared less of his opinion of her scent. What mattered was the jingling pay that landed in her outstretched hand.

Cade. I see you got yourself muddied up again today. Hard at work, eh?

The young woman bowed her head in an obedient manner, knowing that it would please the grubby man to no end. Every ounce of her will roared at her to never bow her head to any man. The last time that she had stood too tall for his liking, Cade had worked a day for free. It was worth it she promised herself. The more submissive and willing to obey she appeared, the heavier her purse hung. Pride could wait.

With a quick nod to the man, Cade smiled through her lashes.

Aye sir, I’ve mucked meself up again. Someun has to clean those stables for Noblemun Draves.

Good work today, girl.

She held out her hand in anticipation at what he would drop into her open palm. Five silvers plopped into her hand and she had to hold back her gasp of shock at the sheer amount. It was a blessing to receive one silver a day and this was an entire week’s worth of work.

Thank ye, stable master. I’ll continue to work hard for ye. This time, the enthusiasm wasn't nearly as fake as before.

You do that girl, and you will get paid well.

Cade once more bowed her head and turned back to the stables with a grin on her face. She would keep up her façade, all loathing aside, if it meant she would walk away with more coin.

Slipping into the deserted stables, Cade scaled the rickety ladder to the upper level where her pack was hidden from view. It was the safest place that she could hide her belongings while working. With her pack in hand, she descended from the rickety old loft. Sneaking from the stables was the easy part of her routine; it was avoiding the stable master that was the most difficult. Sliding her head through the stable doors, Cade glanced around for the stout man and sighed in relief when she did not spot him nearby. It was probable that he had gone home for the day. Keeping the pack in her hand so as to not get it covered with grime, Cade dashed over the manicured grass. She grinned when she reached the street that led to the bathing house when a chubby hand gripped her arm. Stumbling into the shadow of the nobleman’s manor, Cade jerked her arm away from the offender.

The stable master’s leering face grinned as she turned to confront him. Cade’s angry expression mellowed into a wary one when she caught sight of him. It was the first time that he had managed to catch her unawares. On a normal day, she could spot him from a distance. It appeared that she would need to devise a different escape route from then on.

The yellowed teeth that grinned back at her sent a cold spike of fear down her spine. She had always managed to avoid the man and whatever threat he posed. Now though, the threat was not just implied. The stable master grappled at her shirt, tearing the fabric as Cade pushed away from his touch. The man snarled at her attempted retreat, spittle flying from his mouth as he gripped the tops of her arms tight with his beefy hands. She struggled, lashing out in any way that she could but he was much too large for her to fend off. The surprise had left her unprepared to defend herself.

Stale wisps of his breath had Cade gagging at the smell of his rotting teeth, distracted for the moment from his prying hands. He stopped in his pursuit of tearing her clothes to stare at a portion of her chest. Freezing at the sight of his surprised expression, Cade felt the sinking dread at the possibilities for the pause. She was hesitant to follow his gaze, knowing that what caught his attention was something more than she could afford for him to be made aware of.

Her eyes darted down to the torn shreds of her shirt. It hung off of her shoulder and bare breast; the white of her skin a stark contrast to the dirt covering the rest of her person. On the line next to her collarbone, lay a mark that was branded into her skin. It was a mark that she wished with all her might to disappear; a circle with an arrow shooting through it. The mark of a slave girl.

The circle spoke of her status as a slave. The arrow, on the other hand, identified her Master. Under normal circumstances, a slave would carry a hand written permission for them to run errands. All of those without such were classified as runaways.

Well, well. Lookie here. I do believe that I can fetch a much better price for you now than I would have before.

Cade sucked in a breath, feeling a sense of fear settle in the pit of her stomach. The stable master threw her to the ground, his weight settling on top of her to keep her pinned. Her tattered top was the first to go and she shuddered at the cold seeping into her back from the cobblestone. Cade knew it was fruitless to call out, as no others would be inclined to prevent the man from harming her further. She was a street rat for one, and if more saw her mark it would only be worse. The girl struggled underneath his massive weight, her breaths coming in short gasps. Sharp nails scratched at his arms and face, any attempt at getting him to release her was at the forefront of her mind. He didn't even seem phased.

It must be my lucky day then, as I get to receive back all of the wages that you took from me.

Cade gaped at him, I do believe I earned those wages fairly, you foul and beastly man.

She clawed at his face, leaving deep scratches behind. The man jolted in disbelief at her educated tone and Cade took advantage of his lapse. Kicking her feet up from the ground, she felt the strain on her lower back as she wrapped her calves around his neck. The man choked and gagged as his airway was cut off. He leaned forward in an attempt to break her legs away and she could feel the strain. Wincing in pain, she twisted to the side to uproot the bulk that kept her down. The man gulped in the air as the uprooting left him free to breathe again. Aiming a blow to his ribs with a well-placed foot, Cade wasted no time in scrambling away from her attacker.

Hand shook as the scraps of fabric was gathered. A hand scrapped at the remains of her shirt to cover the brand. The redhead shouldered her large pack that had dropped in the scuffle, cursing the grime that covered it. Cade took off down the street, her bare breasts uncovered except for what her thin arms concealed. It took a brief moment for the shock to set in and fear at the thought of what could have happened. Her stomach roiled with the urge to heave up the bare amount of food she had consumed.

Even though she prided herself on being a strong woman, Cade still felt the tears dripping down her cheeks at the close encounter. In the process of running, the rumbling of heavy footfalls behind her caused her to pick up the pace. Rounding the corner in alarm and panic, she ran headfirst into a solid body. The uniformed Guard stumbled before turning around with a stern look, ready to scold her for her clumsiness. The expression fell away to an outraged shock at the sight of Cade standing in a tattered shirt with tear streaks marking her flushed cheeks.

Who dared to harm you, Madam?

Cade stared up at the Guard in fear before pointing to the portly man that thundered after her. When the Guard caught sight of the stable master, Cade shot off in another direction. She was hopeful that the Guard would take care of the matter, or at least delay the man’s hunt for her. Although, there was a sliver of a dreadful thought where the Guard believed the man about her status as a runaway. It was luck that the day’s work concealed her identity for the most part.

There were many back alleys that Cade could use to get to destinations, especially ones that only street rats would know. She was grateful that she had lived in the streets long enough that most left to her to her own devices out of well earned respect.

Cade hefted her heavy bag up higher on her shoulder and bowed her head respectfully to the Guard outside of the bathing house. Tossing a small bronze coin in the Guard’s direction for the tithe, she was faced with a wall of steam as she ducked into the women’s side of the bathing house. She did not give him a chance to question her ruffled appear. Low conversations took place in various pools and Cade made sure to choose one that was isolated from the rest.

She risked expose every time that she visited during busy hours, which is why her normal routine was at high noon. Others were busy during this period and left her with minimal risk. It was unfortunate that today was unusually busy. A young child splashed with a joyful cry that startled Cade, who was already on edge. The mother shot her an apologetic smile before scolding the child. Cade stepped to the back, a small nook that was large enough to fit three. Sighing in relief, she sunk down to her knees next to the pool with her back to the wall. The girl stripped off what was left of her battered clothing. It was useless at this point; she would need to scrap them anyway.

The water scalded her skin as she slipped into the steaming pool. The room had quieted down now that the children and mothers left. The only remaining women were of a higher status. Cade was confounded at the reason why the Ladies were in the common houses when they had private pools in their mansions. Cade sighed in relief as the muscles of her body relaxed under the heated water that lapped against her skin. Noises faded into the background and her eyes drooped at the leisure.

A splash jolted her from the light doze, curses forming on the tip of her tongue. Time had passed slowly, which she was thankful for. Glancing around for the source of her wakening, she took notice of a few women settling into the bathing pool next to her own. She ducked under the water to dampen her tangled mass of hair, rinsing the manure and grit from the red locks. A few of the women turned their noses up at the sight of the water turning murky from the dirt that she scrubbed from her body.

It did not cost much for supplies to bathe, which Cade took advantage of. Most of the time, she needed a strong cleanser to get the grime out and a smoothing cream to restore what damage there was. Her hair was stiff and dry compared to the noble’s standards but it was clean. The comb, on the other hand, cost her a handful of silvers to obtain. At least it made her bathing ritual easier to when trying to detangle her hair.

Cade surfaced from under the water with the remnants of cleanser dripping from her hair. Lathering her cloth with soap, Cade scrubbed her skin raw, the event from earlier driving her to wash away the memory. The bruises were beginning to form on her stomach, wrists, and arms; an indication of the attack that Cade was loath to see. It made the memory last much longer when she preferred to bury it. The consequence of the actions rushed through her mind. Cade’s breath hitched as panic rolled over her. Where could she work?

The redhead would not be able to return to the stables or work within the general vicinity, lest she risk being recognized. She knew that she would have to be on the lookout when she went to the bazaar, as both the stable master and the Guards would be on alert. Laughter interrupted her thoughts as the women’s conversations carried over to her pool. For the moment, her worries were pushed to the back of her mind.

I’ve heard the Royals are planning an attendance to the bazaar at this week’s end.

Giggles filled the bathing space and Cade to rolled her eyes in exasperation at their antics. Useless titters, didn't they know life was worth more than gossip?

Another gushed, Personally, I wouldn’t mind catching a glimpse of the King! I hear he is quite handsome. The woman's lip curled deviously at the mention of the handsome ruler, It’s a shame that they stay close to their castle for most of the year.

The older women twittered their approval, swooning about the other nobles in the area. Cade scoffed at the idea of a decent noble, let alone a Royal. She knew that their lewd, snobbish ways made them unappealing to those that cared about more than riches. From her experience, almost all of the noblemen were pigs that took advantage of women, as the event from earlier proved. Although the stable master was not a noble, he still held a high enough position to where he felt entitled to everything, even another's body.

Though she was aware that there were exceptions to every rule, she doubted she would ever find that rare pin in a haystack. Even if she did, Cade assumed that she would find one that was not inclined to romance her. Especially a runaway slave. Why bother daydreaming about it? Cade huffed in frustration and resumed fighting her mangled mess of hair with the smoothing cream and comb. The titters of the carefree must be getting to her.

A much younger women spoke up, Cade’s attention still focused on their conversation, despite her disapproval. Well, I’ve heard that the Prince has inherited his handsome face from his mother.

Sighing, Cade turned away from the gossiping antics of the noble women, reminiscing back to when she had first learned of the Royal Family.

***

The setting sun shone through the dirt-covered windows. The wood in the shack was dark with age and the smell of tobacco clung to its lumbered walls. Cade sat on a rickety stool, her hair sopping from the bath she took to scrub the day’s work from her sun kissed skin. The creaking door swung open to reveal a few other women and men, their faces wrinkled from years slaving under the hot sun. She smiled at an older woman, whose color was a warm sienna. Long, grey hair was braided and pinned to the back of her head. The hand-sewn dress brushed the floor, years of dust staining the bottom of the beige woolen fabric.

"Cade, there you are child. Come. Join us for the evening lessons."

The small child bounced on balls of her feet, wet hair flinging water in its wake. The aged woman chuckled, bringing out a semi clean towel from a cupboard to dry her fire red locks. Cade sat on a wobbling stool, rocking back and forth in glee at the movement. The corners of the older woman’s eyes crinkled in laughter, while she chuckled at the frivolity of the young girl.

"Sit yourself child and stop your wiggling. We need to get your hair dry, you hear?"

Cade nodded vigorously with a childish giggle. The others in the cabin smiled at the carefree attitude, years melting off their faces as stress lines faded.

An older gentleman stood, rapping his knuckles on the wall near the fire. Cade’s view was distorted as the elder maiden ruffled the towel against her wet strands. Her light laughter echoed through the room, before the others went silent in respect.

"Welcome all, it’s wonderful to see your faces again this fine night."

"You see our faces all the time," a voice chimed in from the back.

"That is beside the point, Malcolm, the gentleman chuckled amidst the jollity of the group. Tonight, I want to teach the younger ones a bit of our history. They get to choose our topic to learn."

Eyes turned to Cade, most of them curious as to the little girl’s choice. There was a hush as she was the only child in attendance. Cade dipped her head to the floor, bashful at the sudden attention. The elder woman, her eyes alight with mirth, wove the fiery locks into a tight braid. Bright green eyes peered up at the woman over her shoulder. With a nod, Cade grinned back at the gentleman speaker.

"I wanna hear about the Princes and Princesses."

Chuckles rumbled through the other slaves at the girl’s innocence, her naivety a breath of fresh air to their cumbersome lives. Cade bounced in her seat, unaware that her excitement would soon fade to disappointment.

"I believe tonight shall be about the Royal Family, as per Cade’s wishes."

There were few claps, only given for the bravery for the one who spoke about the Royal Family.

"The Royal Family settled into the throne half a century prior to this age. There has been two generations since and the newest Prince shall be the third generation."

Cade scooted the stool closer, her eyes glued to the speaker.

"There is a deep history in how they came to Aalerah. Tonight I will focus on the waves of changes since they seized the throne."

The slave, his wrinkled face falling into a more stern expression, gave Cade a tight smile. He knew that the girl’s perception of the Royal Family would be shattered. It needed to be done, regardless of the child's dreams.

"The first of the Royals brought a temporary peace. Their ideas and beliefs led our society into stabilizing. Laws were established but it was soon clear that these new laws were creating slaves."

Cade’s shoulders slumped, her fantasies unwinding at the realities behind her slavery. The speaker kneeled down in front of the small girl, hands wrapping over top of hers.

"I’m sorry Cade, my child. I want to tell you about the beautiful Princesses and handsome Princes but you must know our history. It is because of them that we are being held against our will."

Cade nodded, tears rolling down her face at the harshness of it all. It was a sad truth that even she knew that her fantasy could not live for much longer.

"This is another part of the lesson I want to teach you. Listen well, child. Our realm used to be submerged in wars and pillaging tribes. It was chaos and bloodshed. But when the Kovars ascended onto the throne, their firm hand brought order to the chaos. Lands and towns were established. Leader became the heads of cities. They ruled us with a firm hand. At first they were gentle and cared for the people. Now, times have changed and Leaders became Lords. Lords became Slave Masters."

The elder kissed the back of her pale hand, holding it gently in his palms.

"I want you to know that people change, dear one. Every person must be given the chance, no matter the history that they come from. Do you understand?"

Cade nodded, her braid swinging over her shoulder with a damp plop.

"I understand, sir."

"Good. Now cheer up child. There are many lessons left to teach tonight. Choose another and I’ll tell you a story tonight before bed."

Her emerald orbs widened in delight at the prospect. She nodded her head, the previous heavy atmosphere dissipated.

***

Cade was knocked from her thoughts as the gossiping women splashed each other without abandon. Swimming the furthest distance away, Cade dipped her hair into the water to rinse the smoothing cream from it. When she surfaced, the women had all but calmed and their gossip mongering continued. Cade sighed as she slipped from the water and took great care to keep her back out of sight from prying eyes. Her towel had a slight damp feel to it from the steam, but she was still able to dry herself off.

A clean set of clothes sat in her shoulder bag, one of the few pairs she owned. Cade stretched her arms up to drape the fabric over her shoulders, only to wince as her lower back muscles twinged. The woolen shirt was a basic off white color that would allow for her to blend within the crowd. Now that it was possible for the Guards to be on alert, avoiding detection was the goal. The bruises on her skin had blossomed to life, the black and blue colors winding their way over her stomach. The young woman exhaled in relief as the shirt settled around her. The pants were easy since she could just tuck them into her extra set of boots.

Shouldering her bag, Cade walked off and left the gossipers to their tales. Cade slipped out of the bathhouse and brought her bag to the front of her body. Despite the respect that she had earned from the street rats to prevent pickpockets, it was still a precaution she took. Cade quickened her pace, to reach the Blacksmith’s booth before it would be broken down for the day.

The bazaar was packed with bodies jammed against one another as they bustled through the alleyways littered with stalls. There were loud conversations and bartering occurring as people eyed the various goods on display. Cade dashed and dodged through the crowd, trying her best to avoid getting spotted. There was a racket at a stall nearby, but she ignored it in favor of charging forward.

The Blacksmith’s booth was a large black with smoke billowing up from the makeshift forges. The banging of steel was easy to hear over the bustle of the bazaar, the high ringing caused Cade to grin. Nudging a few of the patrons aside, she lowered herself into a crouch so that it was easier to watch the proceedings. It was her favorite time of the year. When the bazaar would fill up with patrons and the would start their demonstrations.

The bangs and clangs echoed in her ears, a loud thrumming that caused her to wince. This particular show was about how blacksmiths perfected their pieces, pounding and folding the metal until was thin but strong. Cade stood up, knowing that it would end soon and her chance of purchasing the dagger would decrease. Weaving her way to the display table, Cade admired the works of art presented on top of a black cloth.

There. In the center of all the others, the dagger sparkled in the light of the sun. The blade’s black handle was smooth to the touch, the cold of the obsidian shocking the palm of her hand. The dagger was curved with a perfectly sharp edge that could slice through a piece of parchment. She palmed the bladed weapon and the stone warmed underneath her touch. The weight settled nicely into the grooves of her hand. A perfect balance according to her standards. A metalsmith lumbered over to her, his eyes alight with the love for his craft.

An interesting choice, milady.

Cade tossed him a grin. Switching the blade to the other side, she felt it settle just as easily it had for her dominant hand. The metalsmith’s eyes rose at her show of dexterity, experience with bladed weapons evident.

It seems that you know this work, yes?

Cade nodded her head, the dagger still in her palm, Yes, I love working with this style.

Ah, then you are familiar with Master Matteo’s other works?

Cade grinned and returned the dagger to the table, the maker’s mark facing up to greet them. A large M with a crown wrapped around it graced the metal near the guard. Cade glanced at the others on the table but she knew that this was the only creation from Master Matteo.

That I am and I see that you are lacking his other styles. The dagger is the last one left and I’ve been saving for this since it arrived.

The metal smith’s eyes widened and he grinned in excitement at a possible commission.

Then I must make you aware of the price, milady. It is nothing to scoff at. Master Matteo’s works are art pieces and do not come cheap.

Aye. They are not cheap but I still have a piece of his that is from a decade previous.

Withdrawing her purse that hung on the inside of her shoulder bag, Cade set it down upon the table. The metalsmith reached for the bag, his greed at the large pouch leading him to try and take the money without giving her the price. Cade slammed her hand down on the table over top of her purse, trapping it underneath her palm.

Do be a dear, metalsmith and grab the Master for me. I would like to speak with him on the purchase of one of his selection of daggers.

The man scowled at her, the loss of a sale turning his mood sour. He disappeared behind the forges with smoke obscuring his retreat. Cade sighed and picked up the dagger and the pouch of coins. She spent the moment examining the blade further, finding no imperfection in its smooth surface.

Taking the dagger in one hand, Cade placed the blade flat on her arm and ran the sharpened surface across her skin to test the edge. The blade came back covered in with the fine hairs and she felt satisfied at the results. A clearing of the throat had her jerking her head up to meet the impressed gaze of the Master Blacksmith.

I see you know your blades, milady.

Aye Master Blacksmith, I do. It’s good to see you again.

The man chuckled, outstretching his hand to her. She placed the dagger back on the table and took the offered hand.

It’s good to see you once more, Cade. Have you been able to work enough to purchase the dagger this time around?

Cade grinned and handed the man over the pouch, the jingling of the coins making her wince at the loss. The desire to own the dagger overpowered the desire to have a large savings.

Two hundred silvers, Master Blacksmith.

The man jingled the purse, nodding his head at the price, That sounds about right, milady Cade.

Cade picked up her purchase while the Master dug underneath the stall. Her hands shook from the excitement at being able to take the dagger with her. The Master stood back up, a sheath clutched in his hands. He handed over the black leather, the thigh straps dangling in the wind. Cade grinned as she sheathed the prized dagger, placing it in her shoulder bag for the time being. She would need to place it under her breeches later. It would not be wise to carry it around her waist with the Royals making a surprise visit.

Cade nodded her head in thanks and turned away from the Blacksmith’s stall. Her heart was filled with joy, even though her purse was than when she first arrived at the Capital. Cade walked briskly through the dense crowd. She was not sure if she should browse and risk spending more of her money or worse, the stable master catching her.

Deciding that she would take the risk in an attempt to forget the disgusting man, the redhead wandered past a few prospective stalls. Cade pulled away from the booth she stood at, determined to head to another part of the bazaar that held more luxurious items. This was the point where