World Devoted

by Emily Albert

  She stumbled to her vanity and saw the bruise on her face. She cursed Marco, but more so her own weakness. She would make herself whole again. She grabbed all the makeup she had. There were bold colors she had never used. Bold was what she needed. First, she covered her bruise with creams and powders until it was barely noticeable. She painted her lips bright red with a similar color on her eyelids. By the time her face was covered in makeup, she looked healthy and confident. It did not betray any hint of damage; rather, it highlighted her power.

  With a genuine smile, she stood and made her way to the open meeting that was about to take place. Marco would be there, and she was determined to be unaffected. At every turn in the hallway she imagined running into him and reminded herself that he could not see her as weak.

  Two of Marco’s representatives were there. a tall one with hard eyes and a sharp, hawkish nose, and one that scanned the room. The latter was the first to notice her come in. He cleared his throat to signal Marco, and Marco whispered something to him. He flashed Lenna a broad smile. Her face faltered for barely a second before she recovered and smiled back.

  Marco sat in his throne—the king’s throne—which he did not deserve. Even Ollivan sitting there would be better than this. Lenna laughed quietly at the cuts on his forehead from the mirror.

  The ground felt unstable, like she was walking through mud, and her throne felt harder than she remembered. It was harsh on her sore body while Marco sank into his, making it look plush.

  “I see there are many of you here, likely to ask questions about our marriage and what this means for the country. I hope we can answer them all for you today.” Marco spoke with ease as if he had lived in Haeden all along.

  “I see you’re all devoted to my country, and I appreciate that,” Lenna said louder than she intended. “And I hope you know I will do everything I can to fix our issues. Now that I am Queen, I am capable.” Lenna refused to look at Marco, but she saw him shoot her a vile smile. There was no response from the crowd.

  One man stepped forward. “With all due respect, your Majesty, there have been no signs of change from you, and—”

  “I had planned to donate the money left over from my wedding. It would have provided food and building repairs. But unfortunately, your king decided it would be more useful to his home country. From now on, you need not worry, as I will make sure progress it made.”

  Marco cut in before anyone could respond. “My country suffered a great natural disaster, you see. It was necessary to make repairs if I wanted Elawar to survive. But just as I am loyal to Elawar, I will be loyal to Haeden. So next time the opportunity arises, I will care for this country as I care for my own.”

  Lenna said, “Well, I won’t wait for an opportunity, of course. I will carve the path to helping the country.”

  The man said to both of them, “I’m glad King Marco is here now. It’s nice to know someone else is here to help us.”

  Lenna burned, and Marco’s smile never faltered.

  “Absolutely,” he said. “A fresh face is always welcome.”

  They loved him. How could her bad reputation compete with his assumed innocence?

  Destroy him. Cut him off. Make them see this is not his country.

  Lenna crossed her legs and tried to lean back into the throne as Marco did, only to be met with shooting pain. She held back a grimace as she said, “I’d like to tell you some plans I have for this country.”

  “Yes, we have many plans—”

  “I can’t promise you Haeden won’t be perfect overnight, but I can promise you that I will try. I know how difficult it has been for all of you. I fear that revealing the plans now will only get your hopes up, and if we cannot accomplish them, there will be disappointment from everyone. But rest assured, I see your problems. In fact, I have gone through the city and several towns myself to see everything that needs fixing. King Marco hasn’t made the time, seeing as he has been focused on his own country… But I will do everything in my power to fix every single problem.”

  Marco said, “Yes, I am beyond excited to help out now—”

  A woman stepped forward. “Oh, Queen Lenna, you’ve been visiting us? That’s wonderful! I remember when Queen Fay would walk with us through the towns.”

  “Yes, I plan to be just as close to my people as Queen Fay was. I know how important that is.” Lenna thought of the townspeople fighting her. “It may take time for everyone to accept me, but I have faith that we will have a great relationship.”

  Marco said, “I have always admired Queen Fay myself. I would love to join Lenna in forging a close relationship with the people of Haeden.”

  The woman beamed at them, her crooked brown teeth showing in her smile.

  Lenna smiled at her, then at the rest of the crowd. Her final jab was, “Foreigners often have to try harder to fully understand and connect with a country’s population… But I’m sure it can be done.”

  They went through all the questions and requests. Most people wondered if Marco had big plans to fix the nation; he skillfully dodged those questions as Lenna pointed out that she would have him help with her own plans.

  By the end of the meeting, Lenna felt like she could fly. Even if people looked to Marco to be saved, she had faith that she could win them over. She would be Ollivan, but level. She would be Fay, but stronger. She smiled one last time at Marco, who looked amused, and walked into the crowd. She patted people on the back and even hugged a few of them. She would show them what loving her could look like.

  ○○○

  Lenna found herself wandering the castle with a guard at her side. Somehow, she ended up outside, and the light rain calmed her and cut the scorching heat. The garden looked fresh, relieved to have the rain. Eventually, she ran into the blacksmith’s shop. The fire made it even warmer than it was outside, but it was comforting in a way. The glowing light and sound of metal banging drew her in.

  “Ah, your Majesty! What can I do for you? It is awfully nice to see you; I don’t believe you’ve ever paid me a visit. I’m Emmet Wolfe.”

  The blacksmith’s body was stocky, his skin tough. His arm muscles were huge and tight. He was filthy, but it was the kind of filth that came from working, not missing baths. He had dirt and ash on his cheeks, in his shaggy brown hair, and on his apron where he wiped his hands. His voice was hearty, but kind.

  He was currently working on a sword, part of it burning orange, dulling as time passed. He and his outdoor shop were impressive. There were metal pieces everywhere, mostly weapons and armor with some jewelry.

  Emmet put down the sword as Lenna looked at the intricate necklaces and rings. “Can I offer you a piece of jewelry, your Majesty? Anything you’d like.”

  “No, I have no need for more jewelry.”

  Lenna moved her gaze to the armor. There were bulky pieces of thick metal, chain mail, and lighter pieces with detailed decorations. There were smaller pieces of armor in addition to the main items for the chest, legs, and head. There were elbow and knee guards—delicate things that looked fit for moving and living everyday life.

  “I would like those, though,” Lenna said as she pointed to pieces in the corner. The silver knee guards, elbow guards, and thin breastplate would cover her without being too heavy. There was nothing extraordinary about their appearance, but that didn’t matter. The blacksmith smiled at her. “Ah, a queen like yourself, you have guards to protect you, do you not? Shouldn’t you be showing off your beautiful dresses?”

  “You offered me jewelry, and I told you what I really want. Are you going to give it to me?”

  The blacksmith scrunched his eyebrows, concerned. Lenna waited. “Yes, of course, your Majesty. Of course. Free for you.” He took the armor down from the rack. “Would you like me to put them on?”

  “Yes, I would.”

  Emmet tied the armor on with its leather straps. They were heavier than she thought they would be, but still allowed her to move somewhat freely. She felt stronger, taller, more powerful, li
ke she could handle anything aimed at her. If she had had these on during the attack in town, she could have won. They would have hit her, and she would have been able to stand long enough to hit back. She was protected.

  Lenna rolled her shoulders. “Yes, that is good.”

  Emmet grinned. “I’m so happy to please you, your Majesty.”

  “One more thing…” Lenna said, looking at a tiny dagger. “May I?”

  Emmet looked more concerned but did not hesitate. “Yes, let me get it for you.”

  She held the dagger and examined it. It was smaller than what most people would carry, but a queen’s defense needed to be subtle.

  Lenna tucked the dagger into the sheath concealed inside the breastplate. She enjoyed feeling the cool metal of her armor and dagger against her chest as she walked. Realistically, she was not invincible, but it sure helped foster the feeling.

  There you are… You have no weakness. Do you see? Do you feel it?

  ○○○

  Lenna wore her armor over her nightgown. Though the sound of the door opening started her racing heart again, the feeling of her dagger helped calm her.

  “Hello, my darling Lenna!” Marco called. “Are you in bed?” She did not answer him. “Ah, I see you are! I think I might join you now.” Then he paused. “Oh, I see you’ve gotten some new apparel. Very beautiful. Are you not going to take them off in bed? There’s nothing to fear here.”

  She looked at him squarely with a deadly stare.

  “Oh, last night? Why are you so afraid? And anyway, you think armor will stop you from connecting with your husband?”

  “No, but I think I can stop it.”

  Marco scoffed, changed into his night clothes, and slipped into bed next to Lenna. He got as close as he could and whispered into her ear, “What you did this morning? Trying to take me down? Don’t ever do that again. It won’t do anything. I’ll always end up on top.”

  Marco’s face was infuriating. He looked happy. He looked proud. Before Lenna realized she was doing it, she grabbed his throat.

  He laughed sickeningly, and she tightened her grip.

  “What are you doing?” he said in a raspy, suffocated voice.

  Lenna didn’t answer, but staring into his deep brown eyes invoked some sort of trance, and she could not stop.

  “All right, that’s enough.” Marco pried her hands off of his throat. In an instant he was on top of her. He put one of his own hands—much larger than hers—on her throat and held her hands above her head with the other one. He smiled and chuckled, his teeth baring; his breath smelled like alcohol.

  She shut her eyes and strained her hand to dig her nails into his skin. She had the advantage of long nails, and she saw him flinch but laugh again. “Bad, bad, very bad.” He clicked his tongue.

  She was lightheaded, but conscious enough to wriggle her hands free; his had gone weak from her nails. She reached for her dagger and pulled it out of her breastplate. Though he struck his hand back to hers as quickly as he could, his reflexes were slowed from the alcohol. He was too late, and his aim was off; he cut himself on the dagger. He pulled his hand away and winced just long enough for her to hold the dagger to his throat with one hand and his free, bleeding one in the other. She was below him with his hand on her throat, but she had the power of the blade.

  “Let me go,” she croaked.

  Slowly he took his hand off and held it up. She took gasping breaths, laughing maniacally when she had enough air.

  He smiled, but she could see his lips twitching, feel his bloody hand sweating.

  She had the power to slit his throat in that moment, but she hesitated when she heard her guardian’s warning voice.

  You need him, child. He is more important than you know. You need heirs. Don’t you care about your bloodline at all? Your legacy?

  “But he…” she barely whispered.

  He must live, unless there is someone else. You need someone. You need an heir.

  “Someone…” Lenna whispered. Devon.

  As she paused, the dagger was taken from her hands and held to her own throat.

  “My people will never forgive you if you kill me.” She knew it was a lie.

  “They won’t care, and you know it.”

  Lenna swallowed roughly and licked her lips.

  “But still,” he said slowly, “you’re not a threat. You can’t kill me. I can see it in your eyes. It’s not worth it.”

  Lenna sighed shakily and he pulled away from her. She began to notice the pain of him straddling her pelvis and the remnants of the pain on her wrists.

  He was right—she couldn’t kill him, as much as she wanted to. She didn’t know why she couldn’t, but her guardian did, and she wouldn’t betray that.

  “Get out of my room,” she whispered.

  “This is our room. You made the first move, so if anyone should leave, it’s you.”

  Marco slept easily and deeply. All night, he lay still and peaceful, and Lenna watched him.

  Forty-Three

  Devon had asked to meet with Lenna two days later. When he entered the council room and saw her, his face melted.

  “I couldn’t see that from far away…” he said, sitting in the chair next to hers.

  “See what?”

  He pointed at her cheek. “The makeup doesn’t cover it all.”

  She touched her cheek. “Why did you want to meet with me?”

  Devon took his time answering. “You can’t be with him.”

  “What?”

  “Your husband. You can’t stay with him.”

  “It’s too late. I thought we talked about that.”

  “I’ve been saying it all along, Lenna. Somehow you need to leave him…”

  “You’re just saying that so you can be with me. What, do you want to be King? Is that why you keep insisting?”

  The word someone rang in her head. Someone, anyone, as long as it wasn’t Marco. She didn’t know how she would do it, if it were possible at all.

  Devon flinched. “How can you say that?”

  “Are you saying you wouldn’t want to be King?”

  “My interest is in what’s best for you.”

  The young girl in her could see it was true, but that girl had almost faded completely. It was dangerous to love as a queen.

  “That can’t be true. Every man wants to be King.”

  Devon looked down for a moment and tugged on the strings of his tunic. “It was like that at first—just at first. I guess it… it seemed like your need for a husband in order to become Queen created the perfect opportunity… I’m only telling you this for honesty’s sake, not because it has any importance now. But my intention to take the throne vanished the moment we spoke. Sure, a crown would have been a bonus, but it was you I wanted. You are captivating, bright, and stronger than anyone I’ve ever met. I would sit on a dusty old chair with nothing but the hair on my head if it meant sitting next to you on your throne. I suppose it’s mad to still care for someone I can never have. Even if you weren’t married, I have no title to give you.”

  Devon’s eyes were filled with unconditional loyalty—loyalty that came from love, not obedience. The closeness he offered scared her. She ignored her fluttering heart and chills. Real people, she reminded herself, would always betray her. She had let people in, and she had paid for it.

  It wasn’t that no part of her wanted a genuine connection; she could feel the comfort it would provide most people. It was that all the attempts she had made to be close to people had ended in disappointment or betrayal.

  “Exactly,” she said.

  He watched her as she looked away and pulled his chair closer. “Why can’t you let yourself be loved? Not everyone is like Marco.” He brushed her bruised cheek with his thumb. “Not everyone will do this to you.”

  Lenna blushed and put her head down. He cleared his throat.

  “He’s obviously trying to take over your country. He’s obviously hurting you. Don’t you want something better for yo
urself?”

  She pushed into her head, Real people, real connections, will only let you down.

  But her guardian overrode her thoughts: You need someone.

  The words shocked her. Was having an heir so urgent that it wanted her to risk becoming attached to someone? She knew it was possible to become attached to Devon if she let herself, and her guardian must have known it too. But her guardian also must have trusted her. This time she wouldn’t let herself get that close.

  Lenna sighed. “What do you want me to do? No one will let me divorce him, and the people would hate me for it. They admire him.”

  Devon rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I just… you need to do something. It needs to be someone else, Lenna. It needs to be me… I would do anything for you.” He ran two frustrated hands through his red hair.

  Lenna searched his face. So pure, so honest.

  He would let you rise. Anything, he said.

  “You would do anything? Anything?”

  Devon’s head shook in confusion. “Of course.”

  She leaned forward, now fully awake. “Are you sure?”

  “Is there something you want me to do?” His eyes were filled with hope.

  Her eyes went wild. Power and safety flashed before her, blinding her to any potential feelings. He was no longer the sweet man who looked at her like she was his whole world. He was the way she would get out of her problems. “I need you to help me kill him.”

  “Marco?”

  “Marco. I need you to help me kill him. I tried, but I… I couldn’t do it. We’ll kill him, and then we can be together.”

  “You tried?”

  “Yes, a few days ago. I tried, but I couldn’t. He’s too strong, and something… something told me not to. But I understand why I couldn't. And now… now, with you, I can.”

  “Wait, what are you talking about? This is crazy. You can’t kill him! Not like you did with Grace.”

  Lenna smirked at him. He knew she was a murderer. He knew what she was capable of, and still he cared for her. She knew he would help her kill Marco.

  “We need it to be clean, covert.” She spat the words out manically. “It can’t be like Grace, okay? That was too messy. I could have easily gotten caught, and I can’t get caught if I want the people to like me. Do you understand? It has to be clean.”