Thor shifted Excalibur to his other hip. He shouldn't have worn it so obvious. A guard might see him and recognize it. Thor checked on me and said, "If Rex is dead, then we'll come back to this city as the rulers and you can search to your heart's content."
I sighed and straightened out. My mind needed to be sharp. I didn't know what was wrong with me. If Rex was dead, there was no need to marry Thor anymore. I'd be safe. I shook my head as I strode to go faster. "Of course."
We walked right toward the alley way we'd just left. I took one more smell of the city. The cobblestones were cleaned with a harsh chemical.
Merlin stood at the end of the alley and picked up his sword. Thor tapped his shoulder as we passed by. "If Morgana is coming, secure the street the second you see her."
He turned and stared right at Thor. "I will save her."
Something in his voice told me he cared. I tilted my head. Did Merlin and Morgana have a thing?
Thor made it to the slit in the stone wall and pointed for Chaus to stand behind me. He kissed my forehead. "Gwen, go with Chaus back into the cave."
I shook my head as I dropped his hand and crossed my arms. This wasn't the time though so I unhooked my arms and let them fall to my side. "He can't protect me."
Thor nodded his head. His blue eyes were a shade darker right now. "If I am not with you by the time you count to sixty, run."
He stepped back and I refused to move. I stared at him. "Thor."
Thor took another step in the opposite direction. A coldness raced up my spine as he told me. "Go."
I entered the cave, though at the last moment I turned around. He had taken out his sword as he walked toward Merlin. They believed his sister would make it this far on her own. I stopped mid-step. Thor intended to protect me at every turn it seemed as if I was less capable than Morgana. I pressed my heel into the dirt on the ground and forced myself to move.
Chaus walked into me and I moved ahead. It was my fault for stopping. As the darkness took its tight grip of the light, I tripped on a rock and then fell. A strange man caught me and I quickly stepped backward toward Chaus.
We were so close to the entry that the street light filtered a little. My eyes narrowed as I stared at the green-caped knight that had been with Morgana on the view screen. I inhaled. "Who are you?"
The man took a step closer and I whirled away. I'd not let him touch me. "Your beauty paralyzes me."
The reckless flirt. It was absolutely black in here and no way could he see me. This is who Morgana found in the city to help her escape? I shook my head. "Morgana? You're here too?"
I couldn't see her, but I heard her piercing voice. "Why are you?"
A shout rang out behind me. I ignored Morgana's words as my heart froze in my chest. Nothing could happen to Thor now. I couldn't let him stay out there one second longer. I backed into Chaus and then raced to return to the street.
Outside Thor and Merlin were in a skirmish with four guards. I covered my mouth and stifled a scream. Thor's sword Excalibur glistened from the sun and blood as he pushed through two men's hearts at once. I winced, glad that they'd won.
Any second more guards would show. I stepped into the street, "Thor. Hurry. Your sister is already inside the cave."
He sheathed Excalibur as Merlin blocked Thor. Thor turned back toward me. I sighed as his arms wrapped around me and I clutched his hand. Moments later we stepped into the cave together.
Merlin followed.
The two men then heaved a rock to close the cave entrance. Chaus brushed past me in his rush to join their king. The dark haired man with Morgana stepped next to Thor and my heart momentarily stopped. There was no way I'd ever trust this man. Then he grabbed the rock and helped.
Total darkness engulfed us. I stood still and waited for Thor's hand. Someone else bumped into my arm. I turned, but then the stranger said, "I'd have protected you and taken you anywhere you wished to go, angel."
The green-caped knight who apparently had dark brown hair under his helmet. I rubbed my neck, but said nothing else. Finally, Thor's hand found my back. My skin warmed as I reached around to ensure we held hands this time.
We raced through the cave, in the same pattern we came. Morgana never spoke.
Once we reached the clearing, my eyes adjusted again.
Morgana walked between Merlin and the Green Knight. I held onto Thor. The side of the hill was patches of green and barren grass. We’d made it this far.
We'd be safe. We had to be. Or at least I hoped. I hugged my stomach as we walked. Morgana might interfere with me and Thor and the budding feelings we were having. I swallowed the thought.
More important at the moment was that I had to figure out a way to get back here no matter what. My mother's secret with the amulet was why Father said I had Queen's blood in my veins. I'd find the answers. There was no other choice. I need to know what secret my mother had that let me inherit the queen gene.
Thor deserved a capable strong queen that people would respect, and something about Rex and London struck at my heart. I had to know the truth. My life depended on it.
Chapter 17
I glanced at Morgana as we journeyed down this hill. She did not seem brave enough to stab Rex as she had. My pulse raced and I tried to ignore my thought that Rex was alive. The thought hit so hard and acted like a battering ram against my skull. Morgana continued to walk like she was free even though Rex had done who knows what to her. I swallowed and shook away the thoughts or how my heart seemed jittery if my guess was true.
Thor deserved the throne.
Thor motioned for us to be silent as he scanned the next field for anyone. The guards were not enough to stop us. If we met anyone on this journey, we could handle it. Thor then motioned for us to continue so we did.
As I followed our small group and stayed silent, I kept picturing life in the fortress might be like most of my childhood in the forest. Then we had found my mother’s and sister's bodies on the river.
Thor walked near me and as we headed down another hill, he placed his hand on my back. I was capable of continuing, but his nearness helped me stay aware of my surroundings in a peace. Once I was over a rock, he withdrew his touch and went to speak to Chaus. Thor and I needed to talk, alone. For now we were safe. All had ended well, and I'd find another way to get answers on my amulet.
Over the horizon to this green lush hill was the farmland we’d traversed. We'd be back to the train soon.
The Green Knight winked at me once he realized I walked by myself and strolled at a brisk pace away from Morgana's side.
I held my stomach and hoped Thor would return. He was into a conversation with his squire. Then the knight stepped closer to me. He smelled of vanilla and honey and my nose curled. I ignored him as he said, "Evening."
I felt it rude not to acknowledge his existence. He'd helped Thor's sister escape the castle. We probably could trust him though he did kill some defenseless man. I lifted my head and asked, "What is your name, sir?"
"Delott." He bowed and waved his hand in the air like he held roses to bestow upon my head. I pushed a piece of hair that had fallen out of my braid behind my ear. He continued and said, "And you, Your Majesty?"
I glanced at Thor. He had everyone calling me "my lady" though I wasn't. I wasn't a queen either, not because a blood test said so. If I didn't have to rule anyone, I'd be happy. "I'm Gwen."
"Delott, don't talk to her." Morgana warned so loudly that everyone in the party looked at us. I turned and stared into Thor's blue eyes.
His gaze was warm, but his lips were pressed together. I cupped my elbow with one hand and turned toward Morgana. Her blood spattered dress was soft and the ends were gathering a hopeless amount of dirt inside them. I hummed to keep the peace, but then my mouth opened. "Why not?"
She crossed her arms and the gaze she gave me was so sharp that I raised my eyebrows. Morgana swiveled toward Thor, turning her back to me. "She will be the end of us all."
Thor ended his conversat
ion with Chaus and Merlin and came to my defense. "Gwen is to be..." I closed my eyes and shook my head as he glanced at me. I prayed he'd not say wife or his queen. Thankfully Thor coughed and said, "I mean, Gwen is under my protection. I'm counting on you, sister, to ensure her stay at our home is pleasant and everyone begins speaking with her."
Morgana's sharpness took hold of her entire body as she stiffened on the descent of this hill and her walk seemed uncomfortable. "Just because we're family doesn't mean you can order me around. I am also to be a queen, as you know my brother."
Merlin interjected, "I'm sorry. I must have misunderstood what just happened today. Did you want to go back to your new husband?"
Morgana lifted her chin and shook her head at both men, though she pointedly ignored Merlin. "I saved myself. I never needed you, baby brother. You have always been the one who needed me."
She must be referring to a time when he was thirteen years old, I thought.
Thor opened his mouth to say something, but my blood boiled. He'd risked his neck to save her. Jax and Cyna had been killed so fast, I never had a chance to put out the flames. My mother and sisters had deserved so much better.
The edge in my voice rose. "Enough. You both clearly care about each other as family. I miss my sisters all the time and if I knew how to bring them back from the dead, I would. Don't fight over stupid things."
Morgana rolled her eyes, her back to me. "Fine. I'll ensure your bride meets everyone in your castle. I have no idea why you haven't forced her yet as she seems to be part of your big plan. But since you want me to do your job, no problem. Everyone will love her, unless, of course, Rex lived through what just happened."
My lips refused to close. Thor was nothing like his sister, for which I was grateful. Did she know Thor's plans for me? My blood pressure spiked, but I wasn't quite sure what had happened yet.
Thor rubbed his neck, much like I did, as he spoke to his sister. "You didn't kill him?"
No, that didn't answer my question. I coughed. "What plan?"
Thor craned his neck toward me. "If I had a plan mapped out where you’re concerned Gwen, I'd have told you."
Morgana let out an exasperated gasp like she needed all the attention on her. "He dropped. I didn't check Rex's pulse. I had to run or I'd have been caught and killed."
"We have to hasten our step." Merlin interrupted and straightened his tunic, his tones calm and rational. "The earth rumbles under our feet. Men on horseback are coming and we have to make the train."
Thor nodded and we all started to walk faster.
Morgana said, "The fortress was built to defend against an attack, no? Guess we'll see if Merlin's design lives up to the promise."
I jogged next to Delott and wrinkled my nose. "Merlin seems the mastermind here. The rest of us are his pawns."
Thor pressed his hand on Chaus' side to ensure he sped with the rest of them. Merlin stayed close to Morgana as we ran. Morgana grimaced, but accepted Merlin's presence as she said, "Some people call him a wizard."
Merlin's face flushed. "I'm not a wizard. I'm a decent enough knight with a good head on my shoulders."
Delott then whispered so only I heard him. "Me too. My head is still attached."
Morgana and Merlin lowered their voices in private discussion.
Thor followed right behind me.
I turned my head toward the rocky pass we were on. Once we passed to the open field, we'd be easier for Rex's soldiers to see. We'd truly have to run there.
Thor had us stop as he checked out the next long stretch of grass. I didn't see anything but waited then I sighed and spoke to Delott. "How did you meet Morgana?"
"During her wedding preparations yesterday. She had been crying, and my duty as a knight is to never allow that." Delott's smile read like he didn't care about anyone or anything. His shoulders were lighter than the rest of the men. My father hadn't cared about the war until the end. Delott then winked at me, again and said, "I'd swear allegiance to you, Your Majesty, Gwen. You're the prettiest woman I've seen in years."
Thor motioned for us to continue. My feet brushed against the dirt. Your majesty and his line were ridiculous, but my entire body felt hot. I kept my gaze on the road in front of us as I sped up to run. "None of that. I do not require or desire knights following me around."
He gave a dramatic shrug. "Then I'd give up the sword if that is your wish."
This was ridiculous. My boots hit the grass and I no longer had any tolerance. I sucked in a breath, going faster. "I am under King Thor's protection. Speak to me as thus and not some girl you seek to impress enough to get into bed and leave in the morning."
The laughter in his gaze told me I'd just issued this man a challenge. My skin heated as he said, "My apologies."
Thor and his group broke up from their conversation. Delott ran ahead as Thor joined me. He pressed his hand on my back, and I tilted my head to greet him. I could trust him, so I took his hand again and ran beside him.
My throat was parched and my entire body was pulsating with the speed and distance we had run. Morgana seemed worse as her torn dress dragged, slowing her down. We stopped the moment we reached the terminal for the train. Thor straightened as if the run here hadn't even made him break a sweat.
I panted for water, but as we took our final steps to the train more men gathered around Thor. He spoke with a commanding voice to everyone around us, but I was surrounded. My throat constricted and I needed air. I slipped through the men as he issued his commands.
I made my way to the edge of the group and rested my hands on my legs like I might somehow will myself to continue. A shadow came over me and I rolled my shoulders to stand. Merlin came next to me. "Let's get you on the train, my lady."
I wiped my brow and swallowed like that might quench my thirst. I followed him as we climbed the metal steps into the carriage that held Thor's small bedroom. The bathroom had water. I glanced out the window and didn't see anyone following us.
We had to leave as soon as possible. The moment the wheels turned and we left this place, the better I might breathe. "Yes. Let's make haste. If the fortress is to be attacked, we have to be ready."
"I am aware, my lady." Merlin ensured no one looked at me as we passed through boys who seemed in a hurry to follow orders. I assumed we'd be off in moments. The coldness raced up my spine and by the time we’d made it to the door, I shivered. Merlin stood to the side to let me pass into the room though he said, "Please be kind to Thor. He's all we have."
I rubbed my arms. "Does he ever get to be himself?"
Merlin shrugged. "I don't know if he even knows who he is without all the responsibilities on his shoulders."
Responsibilities put there by Merlin who rescued him from London years ago. "Why did you rescue Thor? Why did you plan all of this?"
The train's engines blared on. The rumbling under my feet meant we'd be on our way in a moment. I held onto the door as Merlin said, "I didn't plan you, my lady."
My gaze narrowed and I went inside the room. There were two glasses on the small table. Merlin must be thirsty as well. After I poured him water from the bathroom sink, I asked, "Why not? There are legends about a queen too."
"Thank you." He gulped the water. I sipped mine which tickled my dry throat. Merlin answered, "I assumed the queen would be Morgana, since the day I brought them both out of London."
Merlin placed the glass back on the table. I stepped closer to the door to block him as I asked, "The legends speak of two possibilities where one queen brings chaos and the other helps build a better future. You had to know there was more than just Morgana. How did you know even about them in the first place? Morgana and Thor? Did you know my mother?"
He stood taller and I realized even his hair had a few gray pieces. "Those are all very different questions."
The train began to sway. We were moving. I sipped my water and then placed it down. "I need answers."
Merlin widened his stance to stay stable as the train began to pi
ck up speed. "I have been in Thor's service since he was a baby. I knew he was royal the day he was born."
No one took blood tests on babies. I crossed my arms. "How could you possibly know that?"
Merlin ensured his sword was tied to his belt, but then I glimpsed into his gray eyes. He believed whatever he was about to say. I held my breath. "His parents taught me to believe that we didn't have to bow to another Caesar."
I'd been told my parents had run from a rebellion. Thor's parents were the leaders of the resistance. I knew that part from the stories people told. My instincts told me he knew my mother. I guided the questions to my mother as I said, "From this you believed their son would lead us?"
Merlin stared out the window as we rolled down a hill. The train sped up. Thor would be with me soon. I dropped my hands to my sides as Merlin said, "I believed in my soul that their deaths to save me and their dream would bless their son Thor, and it was my duty to look after Thor. I did not interfere with the blood test as Rex has claimed, but I did get Thor out of London the moment he took his test."
His gray eyes seemed open and didn't hide anything. I lowered my voice to ease him, but I needed answers. "I believe you. What about my mother? Did you know her?"
Merlin stared at the door. He intended to leave, but I stood in the way. "I do not know. What was her name? And your father's?"
At last, I lifted my head and stared at the gray knight who seemed to tell the truth. "My mother was Callie and my father was Leo Carmel. Did you know them?"
His lips parted and he didn't say a word. He stared at me. "Calypso and Leodegrance Carmel?"
My pulse quickened. Finally. I then said, "Yes..."
He interrupted me and tried to rush past me. "Forgive me, my lady, I must go."
I refused to budge out of the way. I needed answers. "Did you know them? Did you not speak to my father the day he came to see Thor?"
Merlin's expression darkened. I wasn't afraid exactly, but I never seen him so mystified. He hedged closer to get around me. I knew I'd not be able to stop him, but I tried to stay in the door as he said, "Yes. I knew them and no, I wasn't there the day your father came. Let me wrap my head around what you said."
Whispers of a Throne Page 14