by Jeanne Hardt
Feigning distress, she stumbled to a bench in the corridor and sat. “I told him I wanted Talman to win, because I knew he would uphold the rights of my coming child. Kendor sacrificed himself for my desires.”
Lukah knelt beside her and gripped the hilt of his sword. “Every man in our army wants only to serve you and Basilia. I will do everything in my power to be a warrior fit to take Kendor’s place. It will be a difficult position to fill, but I will give it my all.”
“I expect no less.” If he only knew how many positions she wanted him to fill. “When darkness is upon us and the moon is high, come to my chamber and report all you have encountered. In the meanwhile, I will see to Becca and Estelle, and we will lift up prayers for the safety of our people.”
“Yes, my queen.” Lukah bowed, then stood and strode away.
Darius appeared out of nowhere. “How kind of you to insist I not be slain.” He chuckled and drew nearer. “You did not lie. You told me, more kings would die, but I did not expect such a bloody display.”
She hurried to his side. “You speak too freely,” she intensely whispered.
He seemed humored by her action and broadened his grin. “How did you accomplish it? Was Kendor your pawn?”
“Hush!” She pulled him down the hallway to a place no one else was about. “Am I to have your lips permanently sealed?”
“Only if it is done by your mouth.” He boldly gave her breast a squeeze.
“Do not begin such play. The time is dire and our kingdom could be besieged. Are you not mourning my brothers?”
“I despised them. The sooner you take the high throne, the happier I will be.” He smacked his lips. “So, when will you have me again? By your request, I lingered in Basilia for today’s frivolities and had hoped we might have time for one another. However, in light of all that has happened, soon, I must return to Thanwine. It is important I reassure Lydia and my children that they will be safe.”
“If Oros has any say in the matter, that is questionable.” She folded her arms. “And why do you require me? Have you not been warming Shireen’s bed?”
His head jerked back. “You knew?”
Until that very moment, she had not been certain. “I know everything. As for when you might have me again, I do not believe it is wise. Not with the chaos I am forced to manage.”
Frowning, he bobbed his head. “Very well. More than anything else, I wanted to commend you for the exceptional display at the Crenian ruins. I am amazed at your cunning.”
“And if I told you I had no part in it?”
He lifted her veil and tapped the tip of her nose. “I would call you a liar.”
She glared at him, then flitted her hand, telling him to go.
Grinning, he backed away, then practically skipped down the hallway. No doubt, he was on his way to Shireen. Angeline had already assigned her to the quivering princesses, and he would find himself disappointed when he discovered her otherwise engaged.
Despite what Angeline had told Lukah, she had no reason to bother with Becca and Estelle. She readjusted her veil and hastened instead to Denali’s chamber. When she arrived, she found his door opened wide.
He stood at his window, peering out.
She carefully shut his door, locked it, and crossed to him. “If I were not fearful of invasion, I would shout our victory.”
He spun and faced her. “The drawbridge is an issue we did not anticipate. We were foolish to overlook such a detail.”
“It is proof of King Roland’s inadequacy. But I am confident my men will not allow anyone to breech the castle.”
“If you are so assured, why fear incursion?”
She looked away, then jutted her chin high and turned to him again. “Perhaps because it all transpired so easily. I suppose I am more afraid of celebration, believing this all to be a dream. I dare not do anything that might rouse me from my slumber.”
He took her hand, then raised it to his lips and kissed it. “You sleep not. I have been standing here for a very long time, hoping you would seek me out. Be secure in knowing the kings are dead, and the smell of war is in the air. We have accomplished exactly what we set out to do.” He moved her closer to the opening and lifted her veil up and over her head. “Breathe the air, Angeline. Does the scent of blood not hover upon it?”
She shut her eyes, put her face to the open air, and deeply inhaled. Visions of every bloody strike strolled through her mind, and the scent of dying bodies lingered in her nostrils.
As much as the sensations pleased her, a heavy pit formed in her stomach. “Kendor’s demise troubles me. He was loyal, and he died as a criminal.” She pivoted toward Denali and allowed her memories to rest. “I believe he truly loved me.”
“Yet, had he lived, my involvement in the poison would have been made known.” He stared into her eyes. “Do you not love me more than he?”
“I never loved him—so to speak—but he pleased me. He died brutally.”
“Be at peace that he suffers no longer, and we are free to continue on with our task.” He put his hand behind her head and firmly held her. “You are the prophesied queen. The people of Basilia are already looking to you for leadership, and soon, those from every other realm will look to you as well.” His eyes narrowed, then he forcefully kissed her. “Do not question yourself or what we have done.”
She grasped onto him and kissed up and down his neck, needing a feeling of closeness. She stopped just as quickly, chiding herself for taking her mind off important matters. “What of Imran? We have not yet determined how to end him.”
“In time, it will be made known to us. God is guiding our every step. As He revealed the unknown law which led to the blessed match that ended kings and princes alike, He will show us how we are to eliminate Imran from this world.”
His words emboldened her. “And when we have succeeded, I will remove the black shroud from the high throne and declare it mine.” She kissed him deeply. “Yet, aside from this damnable veil, I will not shed my black attire, for I must follow the words of the prophecy.”
“You are delicious in black, my queen.”
As he buried his face in her bosom, she gazed out at the darkening sky. “I must go to my chamber and await Lukah’s arrival.”
Denali’s head popped up. “Are you taking another lover?”
“Now?” She rolled her eyes. “I have no time. Not only must I watch over Sebastian’s sisters, I am needed to make plans with my army. Lukah is now in command, and I told him to bring me a report. If I am to lead my people, I must know everything.”
He studied her as if not fully believing her.
She moistened her lips. “Come to my chamber at midnight and lie with me. Did you not hear Lukah say only you can care for me?” Unable to help herself, she giggled. “He knows not the extent of your abilities.”
“I will come.” Denali rubbed his chin. “Aside from Kendor, are you not troubled by today’s display? You watched your brother slain, and the field covered in blood, not to mention the sight of Prince Eural’s head flying through the air. It should have caused some amount of distress within you.”
“I have witnessed beheadings, but I admit, the way in which Eural lost his was quite spectacular. If only I could thank Varlan for ridding me of the problem. There is only one Orosian prince remaining, and I doubt Tesher will take the throne.” She heartily laughed. “Once the boy hears of today’s happenings, he will stay hidden with his tail firmly tucked between his legs.”
“You grieve not for your brothers?”
“They were beasts, just like our father. I bear no regrets in ending him, and I am pleased to be rid of his successors.” She placed a quick peck on Denali’s cheek, then hastened to the door. “Midnight, Denali.”
Without waiting for a response, she left him standing at the window. They would have ample opportunity to talk—along with other things—once the full moon hung at its highest in the night sky.
“Angeline!” The heavy beating on her chamber do
or pounded her head. She had been blissfully resting, recalling all the glorious events of the day.
Again, Denali pounded. “Angeline!”
She hurried to the door, wondering why he had come so early. She had not yet met with Lukah, and it was nowhere close to midnight.
The instant she opened the door, Denali grabbed her arms. “Varlan lives!”
“What?” Her heart thudded into her feet. “How could he possibly have survived that massacre?”
“I just received word from one of Lukah’s men. Both Oros and Thanwine have retreated and fled to their realms. But before the conflict ended, Varlan was wounded and taken from the field by a Thanwinian woman. She braved seeking help from our men, knowing you would aid your brother. He is being brought now to my chamber. What do I do?”
“Surely, you jest.”
“No. Varlan is being brought to me for healing.”
She smacked him on the chest. “That is not what I meant. I do not doubt Varlan’s condition or his whereabouts. I only wish my guards would have taken me at my word. They were to slay anyone who was not Basilian.”
“Even your brother?”
“A command is a command. I will deal with my insolent guards later, but for now, you know full well, Varlan cannot live. Whatever the degree of his injury, you will make certain the wound is mortal.”
Denali nodded, looking slightly dazed.
“Do you take issue with my demands?”
“No, but…” His shoulders slumped. “I tended Varlan for many years—cured him of ailments. It will not be easy to end him.”
“Then do it as painlessly as possible. You know how.”
Again, he nodded, but with no enthusiasm whatsoever.
Heavy footsteps neared.
Angeline craned her neck and peered down the hallway, yet could not yet see who approached. “That is likely Lukah.” The full moon beamed through her window. “Go now and do what you must. When I see you at midnight, I expect word that my brother no longer breathes.”
“Yes, my queen.” Denali rigidly bowed and hurried off.
Lukah passed him and came to her side. “Are you unwell?”
“A silly question to pose, when all is in chaos. My healer came to inform me of my brother’s arrival, however, I expect you to tell me all.” She gestured into her room.
Lukah hesitated, obviously reluctant to enter her chamber.
“Kendor and I held counsel there.” She pointed at the chairs beside her window. “I do not care to engage in important discussions in the great hall. In that place, I am reminded constantly of my dead husband, and it pains me immensely.”
Finally, he followed her in, and she secured the door.
Lukah stood rigidly close to the wall. “Forgive my boldness, my queen, but does not your bedchamber also render painful reminders of your loss?”
She gazed toward the bed. “Memories in this particular room are blissful.” Again, she gestured to the chairs.
He nodded and sat in the one she usually took, but she did not ask him to move, nor did she scold him for not assisting her into a chair first. She took Kendor’s seat and gazed out at the brilliant orb radiating its light. “God is with us.” She pointed at the moon. When she turned toward Lukah, she found him smiling with his eyes affixed to her face.
She tilted her head to the side. “We are in turmoil, and yet, you smile?”
“I cannot help myself, my queen. Your skin is glowing, as if the moon has cast its radiance upon you. It may be inappropriate for me to say, but you have never looked lovelier. It has been a great while since I have seen you unveiled.”
His words moved her in an exceptional way. “You are too kind. Surely, I look wretched. I have shed abundant tears, and at times I feel all is hopeless. Denali indicated the other armies have fled, but I must know of our losses. How many Basilians died in today’s upheaval?”
He leaned forward. “Only one, my queen. Kendor.”
“I am both grieved and relieved.” She held a hand to heart. “Kendor followed my orders and instructed the Basilians to refrain from engaging in battle. His loyal action saved countless lives. I have given it much thought, and I cannot allow myself to believe he rendered the poison that ended Callum. Talman is not alive to defend himself, but I knew my brother well. It would have been in his nature to seek such an advantage.”
“No doubt it is difficult for you to speak out against your brother, but it pleases me to hear your support of Kendor. My men wish to honor him with an appropriate burial.”
“Do so immediately. I had a mere glimpse of the Orosian bludgeoning, yet I am certain, with so many open wounds, Kendor’s body will quickly decay.”
“Then, we shall bury him by moonlight and honor him under God’s full glory.”
She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, even though they rendered no tears. The loud cry of a bird startled her, and she peered out the window only to see its large black shadow hovering against the moon. Its wings steadily flapped and it remained like a demon attempting to overpower God’s light.
Lukah followed her gaze. “It is an omen, my queen. A symbol of death.”
“And yet, there is beauty in it.” The bird flew off, and her heart returned to a steady beat. “Perhaps the creature honored Kendor.” Or wanted to peck his remains. “Once you have buried him, send your men through the realm to evaluate my people. If they find them frightened, or in mourning, have them offer comfort. I want no Basilian to be afraid.”
“Do you not believe the people will be abed? Would we not wake them and bring even more distress?”
“Considering the day’s events, I doubt many will be sleeping. In addition, on nights such as this, most will be in worship, gazing at the massive orb above them.” She reached out and cupped his cheek. “You have a kind heart and sound judgment. Use it, and you will know which cottage requires your attention.”
“Is there anything more you need from me?”
A light whimper escaped her. “Not at present.” She pulled her hand to herself and sighed. “I must get some rest, yet I fear for Varlan. Did you yourself see him?”
“No. My men made me aware of him and his condition. The woman who accompanied him has not left his side.”
“Hmm. Do you know her name?”
“Someone referred to her as Crispa. An unusual name, to say the least.”
“Crispa?” Angeline had always suspected her brother of being infatuated with the woman. “I am quite familiar with her. She is a Thanwinian artisan. She makes scented oils and trades them in Issa.” She stood. “It is important I speak to her.”
Lukah quickly rose. “Now? Did you not indicate your need for rest?”
“Some things are of higher importance.” She walked to the door, and he followed. “I will meet with you for counsel in the morning—but not early by any means. I will send for you, when I am fully rested.”
“Very well.” With a better-than-usual bow, he went off down the corridor.
She hastened again to Denali’s chamber, and was met by several sentries. She waved them aside, and they parted, allowing her to enter.
When she beheld the scene, fury built within her.
Denali paced in front of his window, while Crispa sat beside his bed, holding Varlan’s hand. Her brother appeared to be no closer to death than she. He looked straight at her and cast a slim smile. “Good day, Sister.”
“Varlan?” As difficult as it was, she pushed out her own smile and rushed to his side. “I feared you were dead.”
“I would not let the Orosians defeat me. Before my men carried off Talman’s body, I took Father’s ring from his hand, and when I return to Thanwine, I will wear his crown as well and be the leader our realm requires.”
She stared at his ring-laden finger, being fondled by Crispa.
“Dear Brother, is it not inappropriate to have this commoner touching you in that manner?”
Crispa’s body deflated, and she put her back to Angeline.
Var
lan’s eyes narrowed. “Do not speak down to her, Angeline. She saved my life, and I owe her a great deal.”
“Forgive me,” Angeline said without feeling. “Can she detach herself from you long enough that we might speak privately?”
Varlan sat up higher in the bed and patted Crispa’s hand. “It will not take long.”
The woman rose—all the while looking steadily at the floor—and exited the room.
Angeline faced Denali, hoping to meet his gaze. To her relief, he turned from the window, and they locked eyes. She gave a slight nod, silently ordering him into action.
“I will avenge Talman’s death,” Varlan said. “Every Orosian will die.”
“Is that not a bit harsh?” Angeline perched on the bed beside him. “Do you wish to slay women and children, as well as men?”
“If they bow to me, they will be spared. I am now one of few men who can claim the high throne, and I intend to sit upon it. If the Orosian people do not honor me, their blood will flow.”
Denali inched closer. The gleam of a dagger shone from his hand.
“What of Imran of Issa?” Angeline asked, attempting to hold his attention. “When he learns both Talman and Callum have fallen, he may change his mind and request the throne.”
“Imran,” Varlan grunted. “Our kingdoms will not be ruled by an Issan.”
“Then it would seem, you are truly our only hope.” She fingered a bloodstain on his tunic. “Was this your only injury?”
He lifted the fabric and exposed bare flesh. A lengthy slice had been made along his side. “A mere scrape. It bled quite a lot, but nothing of importance was pierced. I should be able to return to Thanwine in several days.”
She smiled and stroked his cheek. “I think not.”
She pressed her hand to his mouth and laid herself across his chest, while Denali plunged the dagger deep into the wound, then twisted it upward and pushed it farther in.
Varlan’s eyes popped wide, and he groaned in pain. Her tight covering of his mouth kept him from yelling, and being weakened in battle, he gave little resistance. As Denali yanked the knife free, blood flowed from the deep, open wound.