Whispers of a Throne

by Victoria Pinder

  His muscles quivered and he tugged his arm back. I didn't let go, but I said nothing as he caught his breath. "You being here puts me in a situation I hadn't intended."

  He changed the topic. He seemed agitated, but he was no longer angry. Despite the king title, and all that entailed, Thor had the heart of someone good. My fingers refused to detangle from his muscles. "Again, we won't tell anyone I'm here."

  Thor blinked but his voice grew softer. He looked down at my grasp on his forearms. "Merlin knows."

  “You trust Merlin entirely.”

  “With my life.”

  I had no reason not to, but I think he had a different plan for me than Thor. I doubted he'd ever betray Thor. Merlin started the whole rebellion the moment he took Thor out of London. I let go of Thor, but my body craved him. I wanted him to hold me or crush me against his large chest. It felt like I was going crazy. Where were these thoughts coming from?

  "Why did he come in without knocking?"

  Thor sat down in the chair and removed his boots. I walked and leaned against the wall next to the bed, just so I could be near him. "He wanted to know what I was doing with a boy in my room for so long."

  He smiled and for a split second we held a silent joke. Then I winced. That was my fault. "Ohh."

  Thor shook his head and neatly lined his boots next to him. "I trust him. He will do everything he can to protect me."

  My hand combed through my hair. Thor had to know what everyone thought. I turned and stared out the window. The burned remains of history continued to fly past us. "Everyone on this train thinks I'm some she-devil out to destroy you."

  Thor joined me at the window, his hand on my shoulder. He truly was a good soul. My heart had a pang in it as he rested his head on top of mine. "If ‘destroy’ comes in the form of confuse me and baffle me, then they'd be right."

  A snort escaped my nose, but my skin was hypersensitive. I'd never been this alive. His arms brushed against mine from behind me. I slowly turned and he held me in his embrace. I was in a warm cocoon where every cell in my body burst into a million pieces, but I didn't want to move. How he held me was tender, despite how strong he truly was. I didn't want to break the spell. "Don't be rude. It's not like you."

  His fingers stopped massaging me though he rested his hands on my shoulders. "How is it not like me?"

  I lifted my chin and my face rubbed against his chest. He stepped away to let me breathe, and part of me craved his touch. "You're gentle and sweet and kind and I have grown to like you."

  His body tensed and he averted his gaze. "Gwen, stop. I'm not these things."

  “Kings don't get to be shy.” He should accept the truth about himself. I rubbed my hands on his arms, but he withdrew and his shoulders tightened even more as I said, "You are all of this and more."

  He covered my hand. "Sleep here, in this room, with me. We can figure out what to do about you in the morning. It's late, and we're both tired."

  My heart raced. Sleep with Thor? Cyna and Jax were the last two people I ever slept in a room with, and they were not men. I'd never touched a man and I couldn't imagine sleeping with one. My mother had once said the best part of her life with father was how they woke up together. I choked out. "What?"

  He stared at the chair and then the bed. I saw the two options and neither were good. "There is no place else you can sleep where you'll be safe."

  My voice grew weak. "There isn't?"

  Thor closed his eyes, like that might change this situation. "You're the only woman here, and you're to be the queen. There is no place else you'd be safe. I will sleep on top of the covers if you wish and you can sleep inside the sheets."

  I covered my chest, like that might protect me if we lay down together. "There is no place else?"

  Thor opened his eyes and I saw the storm of emotions. Something made him tense now. "Most of my knights saw you as a lady at dinner for the first time. It's dangerous for you to be alone."

  A change in topic would be perfect. I lifted my head and asked about the battle he never went to. "Did your army win that battle with Rex's?"

  Thor walked around me and flipped the bed cover over for me. "Yeah, Sir Wain pummeled Rex’s troops, but I don't want to talk about that right now. I'm exhausted."

  I saw how he smoothed over the top. I couldn't let this happen. "Are you sure about this? I could try that chair."

  We both stared at the chair that had a stiff back and no cushion. Then he ensured two pillows lay side by side. I swallowed. One of those was intended for my head as he said, "This is just for the trip. Next to me."

  I was going to lose this argument again. I saw the writing on the wall, but I had to try. I trembled as he stood still. "I've always had my own room."

  He stared down at the bed and yawned. He was tired. Of course he was. He never slept. "Your virtue will be safe. I'm too tired to do anything to you, even if you begged me."

  "Beg?" My voice squeaked. "Never."

  At first I didn't move, but then I slipped as quietly as I could to the other side of the bed. Thor sank onto the mattress and folded his arms. Despite how light-headed I was, I continued forward and lay down next to him. I slipped inside the covers and brought them to my neck. My arm brushed against his and I froze.

  Thor wiggled on his side and fluffed his pillow. I swallowed and said, "Get under the blanket too. You're the king."

  He didn't stir. "I won't hurt you."

  I tugged the blankets under him to get him to move. He finally turned toward me. I lifted my head from the pillow. "I won't sleep if you don't. I can't have anything happen to you."

  He didn't move at first. I wasn't sure he'd agree. Then he sighed and stood. I threw the sheets lower and he came beside me. He stayed on his side of the bed, but our arms brushed against each other. My heart beat was steady and I was so warm. Then his voice whispered, "For the record, I'm still baffled that you're here."

  I lay still, as if I touched him, I'd be forever changed. I couldn't let that happen. My stomach was in knots. I stared at the white metal ceiling, but there were no lines to count. I swallowed, determined I'd be myself in the morning. "For the record, I'm still baffled why I get along with a man who would be king. I assumed I'd hate you."

  He turned his head and stared at me. The second I turned toward him, he smiled and winked. "That was before you met me."

  A smile built on my face. Next to Thor, I was safe. And now that I was down, my leg muscles began to relax. I yawned and reached out to rest my hand on his hip. "True. Now be a kind king and let me sleep."

  He inched away from me, but I curled closer again. He finally stopped and brushed my hair off my face. "For such a small thing you take up a lot of room."

  For tonight, we were all that mattered. I could trust him. He'd see that he could trust me. With my brains and his muscles, we might be unstoppable. "Thor, just hold me as I go to sleep."

  Everything would work out. It had to.

  Thor’s lips brushed against my forehead and I lifted my face. A moment later, we kissed and my hands reached into his thick curly hair to keep him close.

  I wasn’t tired any more as he deepened our kiss. All I could do was moan my approval.

  Chapter 15

  My entire body was warm and parts of me that I didn’t know existed still made me feel like I floated in air. My fingers rested against his hard leg muscles and close to his masculine parts. The nerves in my skin sent pleasurable shivers through me. It took a moment to understand that my hands were on a part of him that I shouldn't touch and my head rested against his shoulder.

  I sniffed the air. Testosterone and a pleasurable forest-like smell that described Thor. I swallowed as I realized I was curled into his side. My mind became sharp. This wasn't good. I shouldn't touch him. I tilted my head away, but if I slipped my hands off of his perfectly formed muscular thighs then he'd wake. I inched back.

  He turned in his sleep and his hand went over my shoulder. I licked my lips. The weight of him on me
made me even warmer.

  I should move, but I didn't. Chills ran up my spine as my mind repeated a familiar thought. If I kept my hands and body to myself, and didn't touch anyone, then I'd never lose anyone else I loved. I couldn't love anyone again. The ache in my chest for Mother, Jax, Cyna and Father still hurt.

  Thor's soft blond hair and wide shoulders made me physically melt. My heart was at risk. Marriage would be impossible. I'd not care about him long term beyond friendship.

  He grumbled and then took his hand off my shoulder. "Sorry."

  Without him, my body felt heavier. I blinked and then faked a yawn. "For what?"

  He scooted away and turned down the covers. "I didn't mean to crush you."

  As he stood up, my eyes went to his naked back. All his muscles were perfect. He'd be able to protect me simply by standing in front of me. I rubbed my nape and turned toward the wall. As my feet also hit the cold metal ground, I realized the train was no longer moving. "You didn't."

  Thor's tread was heavy as he slipped into the bathroom. I heard the water splash as I stretched my arms. Then I walked around the small room in his huge shirt and realized I didn't have anything to wear except my old boy clothes in the bathroom or Thor's shirt.

  Thor then came back in, but left the bathroom door open. His expression was closed as if he wasn't in the mood to talk. I'd ask him after I cleaned my own face. So I slipped past him, though I brushed against his arms. A wave of awareness grew inside me.

  I heard the outside door open and close as I washed up. Finished, I decided to stick my head out of the bathroom in case Thor wasn't alone. "Is the coast clear?"

  "Yes. Your clothes are as clean as possible."

  I curled my nose and stared at the boy's outfit in Thor's hand. I clutched the material and sighed. At least he'd tried to help me. "You're still without a shirt."

  "You're wearing it."

  Of course I was. He came over and handed me my nightgown which also appeared scrubbed clean folded and seemed to no longer smell. His hands on mine again sent awareness right through me. I tugged my clothes free. "I'll be right out. Don't go anywhere."

  I ran into the bathroom and changed. I stared at myself in the mirror without the hat. The nightgown made me appear slightly fat which must be why people thought I looked like a boy. The thump in my chest came as I wondered if Thor saw the same thing, but then he'd seen me last night and knew the truth. I was on the skinny side.

  I averted these thoughts and rushed back out to him and handed him his shirt. He raised his arms, flexing his muscles. My insides quivered. I wanted to touch him, but it wasn't wise. He pulled the shirt over his head, and I stepped back.

  He turned to me and went to sit on the chair. His blue eyes met mine and my face flushed. I sat on the edge of the bed and hugged my stomach. He leaned forward, clasped his hands between his legs and said, "Gwen, I have a plan for today."

  To fall backward in this bed with me flashed in my mind though I sat straighter. "What is it?"

  He pressed his fists together as he smiled. "I clearly can't order you since you don't follow directions. I'll need to hear you promise to agree."

  A laugh escaped my lips as I shrugged my shoulders. "I can't promise what I don't know."

  He didn't blink as he stared at me. I gulped as he rubbed his forehead. "Stay at the train station. I'll leave Merlin and Chaus to guard you, but blend in with the squires, like you did on the way here."

  Not go to London to find out about my mother? Besides, I'd not send him alone into battle without his squire and best knight? I'd argue, but first I needed information. I scooted forward and reached out to grasp his hand. "What will you do?"

  He froze, but then held my hand. "I will enter the tournament and win back my sister."

  I shook my head and frowned. "That's your plan?"

  He swallowed. "Yeah."

  I pressed my lips together. He was the king and he had advisors. Thor might not listen to me, but I decided to open my mouth. "It's not going to work. This is Rex's home. He knows every inch of London."

  "I grew up there, too."

  At least he was listening. "But you left after Rex tried to kill you." My father had always explained that the best way to ensure you have dinner is not to repeat the same routine every day. "Once you lay a trap and the animal escapes then you set a better trap next time."

  His forehead wrinkled as he leaned closer. "What?"

  Now was not the time to set a trap. "I'm repeating something I learned in the forest. Can I suggest a plan?"

  He stood and widened his stance. "I'll listen."

  A smile grew on my face. I needed to make sure he was safe at my side. I'd not risk losing Thor too. "We surround the city and demand Morgana."

  A show of force rather than Thor competing in a battle of lances kept him safe.

  This time he shook his head. "Rex's soldiers man the walls and I don't have my whole army. I've brought just a fragment, and we're not ready to take out London's multiple defenses."

  The numbers weren't in his favor, but at least he was willing to talk. I stood and held him closer to my heart as another idea raced through my thoughts. "Do you know of another entrance to the city, perhaps something more secretive?"

  He traced my fingers with his and the spark he set off inside me almost made me lose focus. "We know of back roads meant for the servants eons ago. There are underground stations. London wasn’t always a walled fortress and the construction wasn’t always able to block all the entrances."

  Someone knocked on the door, pulling Thor's attention from me as he said, "Be right out."

  We had no time. I'd never been allowed to shoot or kill anything, but my father often discussed strategy. My father would probably suggest a diversionary tactic when we found Morgana at the tournament. Thor could sneak her out if the guards were distracted somehow. "Without violence is better for your sister. My new plan is we sneak in, find Morgana and get her out. If your army is not prepared to tear down the walls of London, then leave most of them here. A skeleton crew can go undetected."

  "This was my plan all along." I opened my mouth to ask why he mentioned the tournament and entering, but then he smiled at me and finished, "You have a quick mind. You should sit on my war council."

  My entire body was aware of every move of his body. I swallowed. "I should, if I were to stay in your home."

  “After last night…”

  “Don’t use last night as a reason for me to stay.”

  He pressed my hands to his heart as he left his chair and knelt before me. I lost the ability to speak as he said, "Gwen, either way I'd need you to lay low and be safe. Can you promise that?"

  Part of me wanted to agree with him. I'd do anything to make him happy, but I had to follow the clues about my mother and London. Once I was inside, I'd have to find someplace or someone that my mother mentioned or saw. There had to be something that could explain the amulet. I took my hands off his chest. "No. I'm going with you. I need to find out about my mother. You can either take me or expect me to follow behind."

  He ran his hands through his hair. "Why Gwen? You know rescuing my sister is the primary objective. I can't let you chase ghosts that truly don't matter now."

  Those were questions I kept asking myself. My mother was not just a ghost to me. I rocked on my feet and tried to explain to both of us. "I won't jeopardize Morgana. My mother is a part of who I am, but I want to ensure you're safe. There is something inside me that keeps pushing me to go, as if there's a secret needing revealed that is important for my future. It's like this internal alarm. Besides, if something does happen to you, then I'm alone. That sounds dumb, but that's how I feel. I'd rather face my destiny head on."

  "You are a brave woman."

  "I'm not brave." My entire body trembled as I lowered my gaze.

  His voice became solemn as I shifted on my feet. "You came to my castle and then reached out to warn me about ancient technology, Gwen."

  He was wrong. He didn't h
ave a clue about who I was and he shouldn't be nice to me. "It's just common sense."

  His skin brushed against mine and something inside me broke. Whatever cracked made me feel warm.

  "Then you followed me as a boy. Gwen, you are the bravest woman I ever met."

  I stood on my tip toes. "So I can go with you?"

  He stood up as I opened my eyes. He paced without a word. Then his voice thundered into the room as he made a solemn vow. "I won't stop you, but I need you to stay with me at all times. As we're going in quietly and as long as you stay with me, then I'll keep an eye on you. I can't have you fall into Rex's clutches, but I need you to follow directions."

  "I will." My heart jumped for joy and I smiled. "Good."

  Another knock sounded on the door. He wanted to keep me safe, but he dangerously used poisoned relics. He picked up the shiny machine he called a phone and stuck it in his pocket. Then turned to leave, but I lifted my chin and called him back. "So why do think you and your people can touch poisoned things and use the Old One's empire that was destroyed?"

  Thor answered, "Rex has more capabilities in London than you realize. We have to make do with whatever is left."

  Nothing was worth killing ourselves for. I crossed my hands. Thor was good to me, and he should take better care of himself. "This is dangerous. I don't want any of us to die."

  A huge grin appeared on his face as he winked. "We all have to go sometime."

  As I stood, I threw my hands to my sides, but shook my head. "And we can all take preventive measures to ensure it's not needless. I know of some plants that might help with the effects of poisons, but I don't have my mother's nursing skill."

  He brought my hands to his lips which started a pleasurable quiver. "Tell you what, Gwen. The day we get married, you can start a health initiative within our ranks. Many will follow you."

  Speechless, I could fall into his arms and forget about London, Rex and Morgana. "I don't care about many. I care about you."

  He held me close. "If you agree to be my queen then all we have to do is call forward the priest to marry us."