by J. C. Ahmed
“Oh, Portal, you must make it so,
To the Step Region we must go.”
Liralexa felt a sense of peace, as she watched the pulsing colors, nebulous glows and flashes of light. The mesmerizing spectacle ended all too soon and the deluge of fear and worry, which had briefly receded, swept over her once again. They were atop the hill overlooking Vallerton. Her time spent with Malthus and his friends in this very place seemed like it was part of another lifetime. She gazed into the shadowy woods as the group waited for all the soldiers, the carriage carrying the magicians, and a cart returning the region’s dead, to emerge. She thought of all the times she spent there with Malthus, resting her hand on his, her pale tone contrasting with his walnut skin. His lips always curved into a smile before he kissed her lips. The carriage jerked forward, jarring her out of her remembrances. They were on their way. She steeled herself for what was to come, fearful the overcast sky was a bad omen. Kids playing at the base of the hill panicked when they saw the approaching troops round a bend. They ran into town to spread the word.
“The soldiers are coming! The soldiers are coming!” they screamed, as they ran along Main Street, turned onto Hill Street, and made for the green.
The wary townspeople gathered and waited for the army. Before long, they came into view, led by General Hackett. Governor West, followed by his curious son, rushed to the green to unwillingly greet the arrivals.
“Her Majesty, Queen Liralexa has an important matter to discuss with you, West,” General Hackett boomed.
Liralexa and Aldrin exited the carriage and approached the governor.
“Are you Governor West?” Liralexa haughtily demanded.
“I am, Your Majesty.” He bowed.
“My parents were killed yesterday by a gang of assailants from your region.”
The governor turned cold. A chill swept through the bodies of everyone in the crowd. Matt and some of his co-conspirators snuck nervous and curious glances at each other.
“Are you sure, Your Majesty?” he struggled to blurt out. “My people don't know where the portal is or how to travel through it?”
“My advisers have assured me the attackers came from this region.”
A cart pulled up next to the governor. The bodies of six dead men were laid out on it.
“Do you recognize any of these men, Governor West?”
“I recognize two of them,” he shakily admitted. Sweat formed on his brow and palms. “I can assure you, I was unaware of any plot to kill your parents. I will cooperate fully to ensure the conspirators are apprehended and punished.”
“Do your people have grievances against my parents, Governor?” He stared at her, unable to speak. Malthus stood with his arms folded, marveling at her acting skills. He never took his eyes off of her. She kept her eyes fixed on his father.
“Please be honest with me. I can handle the truth.”
General Hackett shifted nervously in his saddle.
“We have lost more than three hundred of our children at the Strages over the years,” Adin said, with a tremor in his voice. “My own son was taken away to be killed but thankfully he was returned yesterday. Half of my people go to sleep hungry because we have to provide so much food to the Golden Region. We lost a third of our crops to weal disease this year but your parents refused to lessen our tax burden or provide any assistance to fight the epidemic. I'm sorry to say it, but there is a lot of anger here.”
“I see.” She bit her lower lip.
“But I can assure you, Your Majesty, I would never have allowed a plot to assassinate the king and queen, if I had been aware of it.”
“I understand how that anger could have led to the tragedy which befell my family. And you don’t know how the assailants discovered the portal?”
“I have no idea, Your Majesty. I don’t know where it is.”
“I believe you. And I harbor no ill will toward your region. They have suffered terribly since my parents assumed the throne.”
“Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty. And thank you so much for letting my boy come home.”
A single teardrop escaped his eye. He used his sleeve to wipe it away. Liralexa kept a fixed expression on her face.
“Is he your son?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What is your name?” she demanded.
“Malthus,” he said, as he bowed.
“I will be perfectly honest with you, Governor West,” Liralexa said, feigning harshness. “Some people in your region know how to access the portal. We have no means to stop them, outside of using military force. I don't want any more violence. Like I said, I believe your people have suffered and your grievances are valid. I have ended the Strages and will adjust your taxes to more reasonable levels. I will also send magicians and botanists to assist in your fight against weal disease.” The Governor couldn't believe his ears. Excited chatter rippled through the crowd. “As a gesture of peace and to prove my seriousness in this matter, I would like to join our regions in friendship by taking your son as my husband.”
Instantaneous silence fell over the crowd. Displeasure flashed across Adin’s face. Malthus’s eyes widened. He stood ramrod straight and barely moved a muscle. A million thoughts ran through his mind. Hundreds of people stood around waiting for a response and his head was muddled. Fearful of being alone, he had slipped into his father’s bed the night before. But company brought him little solace. Harrowing thoughts of the prison echoed in his mind. But he also brooded over Liralexa. He missed her and the thought of never seeing her again left him feeling empty inside. But marriage?
“Do you accept?” She was terrified the answer would be no but her mouth remained a grim line.
“Your Majesty, I don't want to speak for my son. It needs to be his decision. But I would like to speak to him privately for a moment, if you please.”
“Of course,” Liralexa said. “Take your time.”
She understood she was asking a lot. She hung her head, hoping to hide her despair from the hundreds of curious eyes around her. Aldrin also fought to maintain a fixed expression to hide his own worry. The father and son went into a nearby alley. All eyes followed and watched as Adin West put his hands on his son’s shoulders and looked him directly in the eyes.
“I know it's difficult to say no to the queen.” He kept his voice low. “But you must do it. You don't have to marry a stranger for the sake of the region.”
The fog lifted from Malthus’s mind. “It will benefit all the ill-treated regions if I accept.”
“True, but you just turned eighteen. The new queen is to marry immediately to produce an heir to continue the Abbingdon line. You are far too young to become a husband and father. And she’s arrogant. I don't believe she will make you happy, and you deserve happiness after all you have been through. You must decline her offer.”
Malthus was fond of Liralexa, and he believed that bud of fondness would blossom to love. And he felt obligated to say yes. Governor West had no idea the new queen was involved in a plot to save his son.
“Look, I appreciate that she has ended the Strages. I really do but it is the height of arrogance for her to march in here and ask for my son's hand in marriage to assuage her guilt.”
Malthus looked at the queen. Her slumped shoulders, mournful gaze, and fatigued expression broke him up inside. He couldn’t stand to see her hurting. She needed the comfort and support of someone who understood what she was going through. He couldn't walk away from her. She had lost enough and didn't deserve to lose anything more.
This was also a chance for him to make a real difference for his own people and those of the other persecuted regions. He knew firsthand how hard life was in the subject regions. A consort from the Golden Region wouldn’t understand their problems and needs. He understood now that Almora the Good’s prophecy was misunderstood. It was Liralexa’s affection for him that led to her saving the people. His role was indirect. But this was a chance to play a direct role.
&n
bsp; And there was a darker side to his desire to become king. He wanted to exact vengeance on the wretched minions of the deceased sovereigns who had tormented and abused Aimee and hundreds of other children over the years. His head filled with visions of the barbaric prison guards writhing in agony, as they experienced a heavy dose of the cruelty, pain, fear and dread they had inflicted on defenseless children.
“Oh, I will make them suffer, make no mistake about that,” he thought. He smiled at the prospect.
“I want to say yes, father. She needs me.”
“She doesn't even know you.”
“She does,” he said softly. “I’ve held her in my arms many times. She was there when I needed her. And now she needs me. She would be devastated if I refused after the risk she took to save me. I can't abandon her.”
An astonished expression crossed the Governor’s features but knowing he was being watched he quickly wiped it away.
“I don't want to know more,” he muttered. He put his arm around his son’s shoulder as they made their way back to the queen and her entourage. Liralexa stiffened.
“We are humbled and honored by your gracious offer, Your Majesty,” Adin said. “In the interest of peace and friendship, we accept.”
He and Malthus bowed. Liralexa’s heart leapt, and she felt a warm tingling sensation throughout her body, but she didn't show it. The actress had to stay in character. It was hard for Meryl to control her excitement, but she had to maintain her composure to avoid suspicion. Matt and his collaborators heaved sighs of relief.
“Very well then,” the Royal Secretary grumbled. “The marriage ceremony must be performed immediately.”
“This very moment?” Malthus almost shouted.
“Do you object?” Munlin asked. He shot a look of disapproval at the would-be king’s stripeless neck. He hoped the response would be yes. Then they could return to the Golden Region to choose a suitable mate.
“No, I will do it,” Malthus said.
The head of the Sigils Guild came forward to perform the ceremony. Malthus and Liralexa desperately wanted to throw their arms around each other. But they had to stand side-by-side, feigning discomfort and awkwardness.
“We are gathered here today to witness the joining of Queen Liralexa Abbingdon to Malthus West. But this marriage goes beyond love and passion. The Abbingdon clan has ruled this kingdom for a thousand years and this union is a link in the chain which will stretch for thousands more. This couple will be joined to each other and to the kingdom they will rule.”
Aldra turned to Malthus. “Malthus West, after you take on the Abbingdon name, do you promise to devote your life to serving and protecting the Kingdom of the Nine Regions?”
“I do,” he said.
“Do you promise to love, cherish, honor and protect Queen Liralexa Abbingdon?”
“I do.”
“Liralexa Abbingdon, do you promise to love, cherish, honor and protect Malthus Abbingdon?”
“I do.”
“Turn and face each other. Take each other's hands. Look into each other's eyes. Then repeat after me. I will devote my life…”
“I will devote my life…” they repeated in unison.
“...to you and the kingdom we serve.”
“...to you and the kingdom we serve.”
“I will be faithful to you and the Nine Regions.”
“I will be faithful to you and the Nine Regions.”
“I agree to be bound in marriage in the name of the Sigils Guild...”
“I agree to be bound in marriage in the name of the Sigils Guild...”
“...and the universal powers who rule over this world.”
“...and the universal powers who rule over this world.”
“Then in the name of the Sigils Guild and the universal powers, I pronounce you wife and husband, queen and king of the Kingdom of the Nine Regions.”
The jubilant crowd erupted into cheers. Having one of their own become king was a huge source of pride. Their long nightmare was finally over. The governor embraced Malthus. Regional officials surrounded them to offer well wishes. Meryl, Anton and Jack bowed before throwing their arms around Malthus. Liralexa held out her hand to Adin.
“It is an honor to meet you, father.”
He smiled and took her hand. He put his other hand on her cheek and kissed her forehead.
“Welcome to my family, daughter.”
General Hackett shifted nervously in his saddle. Liralexa’s chief adviser noticed. The military leader would be one of the first to go in the coming purge he was planning.
“Governor,” Aldrin said. “You can travel with us now. All the regional governors will attend the coronation this evening.”
“Can I also bring my friend, Jack?” Malthus asked Aldrin.
“Of course, Your Majesty. You are free to choose your personal assistant, if Jack is interested in the role.”
Malthus felt a jolt go through him when referred to by his new title. It was terrifying and empowering at the same time.
“You must get your belongings before we head back to the Royal House.”
Soldiers accompanied the new king to his house. Liralexa walked among the crowd shaking hands and listening to everyone’s concerns. A few shopkeepers presented her with gifts. Small children crowded around her. She got down on her knees and gave them hugs. Aldrin stayed by her side as she mingled. Memories of days gone by permeated his senses. The interactions of the new queen and the excitement of the people were reminiscent of the days of King Artis and Queen Lira. Munlin thought the queen’s behavior was beneath the dignity of her position. Aldrin noted his disapproval and would replace him as soon as possible. Malthus returned to the green carrying bags in both hands. He was delighted to see the people already loved his new wife. He beamed with pride.
“Isn't she amazing?” he said to his father.
“She is, son.” Adin sounded dazed. He still couldn't believe what was happening.
The newly married couple, Jack and Governor West stepped into the royal carriage to begin their journey. Aldrin joined the magicians in their carriage. The excited crowd ran alongside the entourage. The king and queen waved and blew kisses as the carriage rattled along the streets. When they reached the edge of town, the crowd faded away. Liralexa took her husband’s hand and leaned her head against his neck as they rounded the base of the hill. He put his arm around her waist and looked into her eyes. Something seemed different about him. As she became lost in his eyes, she knew what it was. Before when he smiled, his mouth curled up but his face remained weary and his eyes sorrowful. Now his whole face lit up. Melancholy had been replaced by optimism.
“Aw,” Jack teased. “Young love is precious.”
Liralexa giggled. “You must come work for us, Jack.”
“For you, Liralexa, I will become a lackey to Malthus.”
“Thank you, dear Jack,” she laughed.
Adin sat in silence taking everything in. He had met Liralexa’s parents many times and found them cold and unyielding. He couldn’t believe their daughter was so different. She reminded him of Queen Lira in both looks and temperament. She was also a simple woman who spurned formality. The new queen’s humility made him hopeful a new day was indeed dawning and that his son’s marriage would be a happy one.
The fact his son and his friends were associating with the princess, and he and her parents were unaware was astounding to him. It would have been disastrous for his people if they had found out. They wouldn't have hesitated to inflict brutal punishment on the innocent for their own negligence. But it had all worked out.
“Prepare for a dazzling spectacle,” Liralexa said, when they reached the portal. Malthus was in awe as they were transported through the magical conduit. “Isn't it beautiful?”
“It's astonishing, wondrous, I don't think there’s a word to describe it accurately.”
He was awestruck as they traveled through the palace grounds, a place he always heard about but never expected to visit. N
ow it was his. He looked forward to wandering in the woods with Liralexa by his side.
“Here we are. Your new home,” she said, when the carriage pulled up to the door of the Royal House. Aldrin led the new royal couple to the chamber of the king and queen. Liralexa felt pangs of guilt as she entered her parents’ bedroom. She opened the door to the giant closet only to find her own clothing. All of their belongings had been removed. It felt like her parents had never existed.
“The tailor will be here in a few minutes to take the king’s measurements,” Aldrin said. “He will need a new wardrobe. I'll show Governor West and Jack to their rooms.”
“Thank you,” Liralexa smiled.
She sat on the bed and hung her head. Malthus sat next to her and put his arm around her shoulder. Her choice was to lose her parents or lose him. She had two unbearable options. She knew she had made the right decision, but that didn't make it any less painful.
“Thank you for what you did,” Malthus said softly.
“Thank you for what you did,” she responded.
He raised his eyebrows. “What was that?”
“Agreeing to marriage. I know it was presumptuous but I couldn't imagine being with anyone else. I was terrified you would refuse.”
“Say no and have you marry a popinjay with lace ruffs and floral doublets?”
Liralexa covered her mouth and giggled. “Is that how you perceive our young noblemen?”
“Is it not accurate?”
“Alas, it is. But you of all people should know I have better taste in men than that.”
“I can indeed attest to that.” He smiled and squeezed her.
“I was afraid maybe you didn’t love me.” Malthus felt a twinge of remorse. “I lay awake half the night worrying you didn’t and I would have to marry someone I didn’t love. I should have trusted you.”