Assistant to the Villain, #3
Accomplice to the Villain
by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Contents
Chapter 68
Overview
Trystan’s crew arrives in fog-shrouded Benevolence Village to seek Amara’s glass slipper. Arthur appears with a covert plan, straining Trystan’s resentment but offering safe passage. A townsman recognizes Sage, forcing swift action. Kingsley breaks free, turns feral, and flees toward Amara’s house, compelling an immediate, dangerous pursuit.
Summary
Before dawn, Trystan reaches Benevolence Village sleepless, unsettled by thoughts of a future with Sage. On deck, banter and attraction collide with his dread of facing his mother, Amara. Kingsley teases him about “Father,” just as Arthur appears on the foggy docks.
Trystan navigates a charged reunion: Arthur, alerted by Captain Jones, comes to guide them safely through the village to Amara and the glass slipper. Trystan bristles at the unexpected help and an attempted hug, exposing old wounds and his longing for paternal approval. Sage grounds Trystan with a quiet pledge of loyalty.
As the group prepares to move, a fisherman recognizes Sage as the “Wicked Woman,” and Trystan silences the alarm by shoving the man into the water. Jones arranges their return and wishes luck, but a greater problem surfaces: Kingsley has slipped his cuff and is acting strangely.
Kingsley’s eyes go dark and awareness fades; he leaps from a post and vanishes into the village. Arthur hustles everyone into a covered carriage to avoid the Valiant Guard. While Arthur drives, he spots Kingsley pursuing a fly up a stone path. The realization hits Trystan: that path leads to Amara’s house.
As they race after Kingsley, Arthur briefly reassures Trystan that none of this is his fault. The chapter closes with the urgent pursuit of a feral Kingsley toward the home of Trystan’s dangerous mother, foreshadowing a volatile confrontation.
Who Appears
- TrystanVillain-protagonist; anxious about facing Amara, protective of Sage, rejects Arthur’s hug, leads pursuit of feral Kingsley.
- Sage (Evie)Affirms loyalty to Trystan; nearly falls on the dock; recognized as the “Wicked Woman,” heightening risk.
- ArthurTrystan’s father; core healer who arranges covert transport and guides them toward Amara’s house.
- Kingsley (Alexander)Frog prince; slips his shackle, turns feral, and flees toward Amara’s home chasing a fly.
- Captain JonesSea captain; alerted Arthur, manages dockside fallout, promises to wait for their return.
- ClareTrystan’s sister; reunites emotionally with Arthur on the docks.
- TatiannaCompanion; travels with the group under hoods to avoid attention.
- FishermanRecognizes Sage as the ‘Wicked Woman’; pushed into the water to prevent an alarm.