Sins of Basilia (Shrouded Thrones Book 4)

by Jeanne Hardt

  “Won?” A man yelled. “Is not the king of Oros to be designated?”

  Mumblings resounded through the room, and Chan raised his hand to silence them.

  Angeline waited as calmly as she could for the crowd to hush. “The title must be earned,” she finally said. “It cannot simply be taken.” She eyed Callum, whose fists clenched so tight he was likely piercing his own skin with his fingernails.

  Chan moved to her side. “She speaks truthfully.” He unrolled a small scroll. “The words are here in the ancient writings. They go on in great length, but simply state that if more than one king wishes to hold the position of high king, it must be earned. Combat by sword will determine the strongest king. Yet, if only one reigning king comes forth and is not contested, but is otherwise given support for his bid by everyone present, no combat will be necessary.”

  So many people spoke at once, the volume of their voices rumbled through the chamber.

  King Callum stepped forward. “Oros earned the right at the great battle! We stood beside Basilia until every Crenian fled. Warriors from the other realms were nowhere to be seen! Basilia has no heir, and I am the rightful high king!”

  “There is an heir,” a woman shrieked. “Growing within Queen Angeline!”

  Shouts of agreement rang out.

  “No!” Callum shook his fists. “An unborn babe cannot reign! The throne will be moved immediately to Oros!”

  Angeline looked at Talman, begging with her eyes for his intervention.

  He puffed up with pride. “I challenge you!” Her dear brother perfectly read into her plea.

  Callum’s eyes shot daggers. “You? The king of a kingdom who gave no aid when Basilia cried out for it?” He snarled, whipped around, and pointed at Imran. “And what of you? Do you also wish to stake claim to my throne?”

  Imran held up both hands. “Issa has no need of your rituals. I have no desire for a throne other than my own.”

  Talman took Becca’s hand, patted it lovingly, then stepped away from her and approached Chan. “May I speak openly?”

  “Do you wish to address the matter at hand?”

  “I do.”

  “Then, say what you will.” Chan motioned Talman to stand at the front of the altar.

  He lifted his head high to address the people. “Thanwine may not have aided Basilia in the battles of old, but we are not the same kingdom, nor am I that king. Just as King Callum cannot claim direct involvement in the winning of the war against Crenia. We are not the people our ancestors were, and I am grateful for the writings in the Holy Scrolls. It is time for us to stand once more and prove worthiness for the highest of all thrones.” He pivoted toward Chan. “Therefore, I say again, Lord Priest, I, Talman of Thanwine, challenge King Callum of Oros for the title of high king.”

  Chan bowed, then stood tall and splayed his arms wide. “A rightful challenge has been decreed! In thirteen days, when the moon is at its fullest, King Talman of Thanwine will face King Callum of Oros in combat by sword. He who proves himself strongest will be deemed high king and stake claim to the throne currently standing in the great hall of Basilia! Whichever king is defeated must yield and accept the outcome of the match without question. All realms will abide by the claim of the victor!”

  “What of King Frederick’s unborn heir?” a man shouted from the back of the room. “Basilia’s rightful rule is being stripped from us!”

  Heated angry words rose high in the large temple. Although the commotion pleased Angeline, she feigned sorrow, frowned, and clutched her stomach.

  Chan waved his hands. “Enough!”

  It took several moments for the outbursts to subside.

  “Basilia has reigned in the highest capacity for more than a century,” Chan said, once the level of sound had fallen enough for him to be heard. “As was custom from the time of the first high king, the crown has been passed from father to son, and in Frederick’s instance, from uncle to nephew. All who have worn the high king’s crown have been Basilian and rightfully so. Should Queen Angeline birth a son, when he comes of age, the crown will be passed to him. However, should she deliver a girl, the position of high king will remain with whomever wins the title!”

  Conversation turned to that of confusion, rather than anger.

  Angeline rested a hand on the priest’s shoulder. “May I speak?”

  He huffed an exasperated breath and nodded.

  She craned her neck and peered toward the back of the room. “To whomever voiced their concern over my child, I give you thanks. But please, be comforted in the laws of old. I am at peace with what must be done, and I trust the kings of every realm to accept the outcome of the forthcoming match. Let us face this first trial with dignity. We have been at peace much too long to dispute a binding law.”

  She gazed lovingly downward and again rubbed her belly. “Our realms would lack leadership, if we were required to wait for the birth of my child.” She tipped her head high and smiled. “We must have a high king. I ask that you accept what has been decreed. We will all gather once more on the day of the full moon and ask God to bless this event and put His hand on whom He sees fit to reign. I trust Him to make His will evident.”

  “God bless you, Queen Angeline!” a woman yelled, followed by affirmations from many others.

  The glorious words sent shivers across her skin.

  She shifted her gaze to Talman, who bowed his head, smiling. Surely, the fool actually believed he would wear Frederick’s crown.

  She returned a polite smile, then faced the crowd for a final time. “Out of respect for my late husband, until we have a victor, the high throne will be shrouded in black, just as I am. My mourning will not soon come to an end, and I pray for your patience and understanding.”

  With her head high, she walked gracefully from the temple.

  Chapter 12

  “I hope you left some of that roasted turkey for me.”

  Carmela snapped her head around in her brother’s direction. “Talman!” His voice had never been more welcomed.

  She grinned at Tesher, shoved her seat back from the table, and ran to greet her brother. Varlan and Becca stood close beside him. Carmela eagerly hugged each one in turn, but oddly received a bit of unexpected iciness from Varlan.

  She stepped away from him. “Are you unwell, Brother?”

  He grimaced. “I do not wish to speak of it.”

  Tesher had risen shortly after her and came to her side. “Just as your sister feels, I am pleased you have returned.” He respectfully nodded to them.

  “I see you are the epitome of good health,” Varlan grumbled, “though I despise having any Orosian in our dwelling.” After casting a hideously hateful glare, he stormed away.

  Completely befuddled, Carmela watched him leave. “It would seem more than I supposed might happen transpired during your time in Basilia.” She faced Talman. “Shall I assume something unfavorable happened with Pasha?”

  “Let us sit, so we can dine and speak at length.” He gestured to the table and they all took their places.

  Tesher kept his eyes on the hallway, as if expecting Varlan to return.

  “When he is angry,” Carmela said, “he stays in his chamber. No doubt, his heart has been pierced.”

  “It is not that I fear his return, I thought for certain someone from Oros would be arriving to retrieve me.” Tesher leaned across the table toward Talman. “Did my father not send for me?”

  “Yes, and no.” Talman grabbed a turkey leg and bit into it. “No one from Oros accompanied us here, but your father expects you in Basilia on the next full moon.”

  “Basilia?” Tesher glanced fearfully at Carmela, then returned his attention to Talman and crossed his arms in defiance. “I know not why he would want me there, but that is only seven days from now, and I will not go. I intend to remain here indefinitely.”

  Talman’s eyes narrowed.

  “That is,” Tesher quickly added, “if you allow it.”

  “Allow it?” Tal
man frowned and set aside the meat. “You are the least of my concerns. If only all our troubles were so simple.” He glanced at Becca, and his frown deepened. Excessive worry lay in his eyes.

  Carmela hoped nothing was wrong with Becca, but other concerns weighed heavier. “Why does King Callum want Tesher in Basilia? Why not Oros? And—of what trouble do you speak?”

  Talman ignored Carmela and kept looking toward Becca, who meagerly ate. She nibbled scarcely enough to satisfy a small bird. With the slimmest of smiles, he took her hand and kissed it. “My poor wife has been having stomach issues. Truthfully, she is with child, and the matters at hand have worsened her disposition.”

  “With child?” Carmela smiled at her, but her delicacy and the uncertainty in the realms concerned her. It did not seem like the best time to bring a new life into the world.

  “Yes, I just recently learned of it,” Becca said, then turned to her husband. “Please do not speak of me as if I am not here,” she whispered. “I am perfectly fine. It is more important that you answer Carmela’s questions, and tell them of the coming match, as well as Varlan’s disappointment.”

  “Match?” The word sunk deep in Carmela’s mind. As for Varlan’s disappointment, she assumed Pasha had rejected him.

  “Yes.” Talman kissed Becca’s hand a second time, then patted it and puffed out his chest. “Carmela, you were exceedingly wrong in regard to Angeline. She wants me to sit on the high throne.”

  “You? But—”

  He waved a hand. “I know what you intend to say. It was expected for King Callum to claim the position, which he indeed attempted. However, there is a law indicating the title must be won. I intend to attain it.”

  “Won? In what manner?”

  “A show of strength with the sword. On the next full moon, Callum and I will fight. Not to the death, mind you, but to the point of a sound yield. Whoever tires first must surrender their claim, and the victor will take the throne.”

  “What of Angeline’s child? Does it not have an entitlement?”

  “If it is a boy, he will be properly trained and on his eighteenth birthday will be allowed to ascend the high throne. If a girl, the winner of the match will retain the title, and the high throne will remain in their kingdom. Which, of course, will be Thanwine. I have no intention of losing.”

  Tesher’s mouth dropped wide open. “My father must be furious.”

  “An understatement.” Talman chuckled. “Not only does he despise me for challenging his right to rule, your sister, Pasha, has shamed the house of Oros. She has become an Issan whore.”

  Tesher slammed his fist on the table and shot to his feet. “How dare you say that of her!”

  “Sit down,” Talman hissed through his teeth. “Nothing I utter is false. Pasha willingly gave her maidenhead to Prince Yakar of Issa—during Frederick’s funeral rites nonetheless. They were discovered by Angeline’s chambermaid, Shireen, who believed all had left the castle and was simply going about her work. Of course, being loyal, the maid told Angeline, and Angeline in turn informed King Callum. Before the king could render reprimand, your sister fled with Yakar. It is assumed they went to Issa.”

  “No…” Tesher dropped into his chair and put his head in his hands.

  “Yes. Pasha did the very thing you have been accused of. The royal house of Oros is crumbling, which is another good reason your father should not be granted a higher title. If a man cannot keep his own family in order, how can he be expected to rule the world?”

  Tesher shook his head. “I feel sick for Pasha. How could she lower herself to such a degree? Issans are immoral and ungodly.”

  “I know Yakar,” Carmela said. “Yes, he is Issan and has alternative beliefs, yet I know he has a genuine heart. I assume his intentions are honorable.”

  “An Issan honorable?” Tesher scowled. “He will use her until he tires of her, then toss her aside. She is forever tainted.”

  Carmela cast a concerned look his way, but the aforementioned match troubled her more than Pasha and Yakar. “Talman, tell me more of the upcoming event.”

  She sat silently as her brother recanted details of the funeral and the high priest’s proclamation, which Talman claimed Angeline beautifully managed.

  “I have never been prouder of our sister.” He lifted a goblet of wine. “I offer tribute to her. She has suffered greatly, yet stands strong.” He drank until he emptied the cup.

  Carmela’s stomach roiled. “I am not eased. I fear something is amiss.” She rubbed across her aching chest. “What did King Imran say in regard to the proclamation? Has he challenged the law? And did he offer defense for his son’s actions?”

  “Those are two contrary issues.” Talman motioned for more wine. To Carmela’s surprise, Glynn rushed over to fill it. It seemed the chambermaid had taken on more responsibility.

  The girl poured the burgundy liquid into the cup, all the while looking toward Tesher. Miraculously, the beverage did not spill, but to Glynn’s dismay, Tesher’s gaze rested on the table and nowhere near her. Thankfully, Glynn removed herself from the room. At present, Carmela did not want to have a confrontation with her.

  “King Imran showed no desire for the high throne,” Talman went on, “and I doubt he will care to attend the match. As for his son’s behavior, Imran offered an apology to Callum, but only because of the manner in which Pasha and Yakar fled. By the laws of Issa, Yakar had every right to bed her. The girl willingly lay with the prince, so Imran believes nothing inappropriate transpired.”

  “I see the sense in it,” Carmela whispered, then reached under the table and squeezed Tesher’s leg.

  His head popped straight up. “Sense? Yakar should have first married her and committed himself to her alone. For a princess, the laws are clear. Pasha was not to be spoiled prior to a marriage rite.”

  Talman extended his goblet toward Tesher. “Spoken like a true prince. I worried you might compromise my sister, yet that notion will trouble me no longer.”

  Carmela paid her brother no regard and shifted in her chair to face Tesher. “Did your father not refuse Yakar’s request to claim Pasha?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “Then, what choice did they have? Their hands were tied, just as ours currently are. If you feel so strongly about following the law and behaving in the most upright manner, do you now wish to abide by your father’s demands and go to him?”

  “Certainly not.” Tesher’s eyes filled with pain. “I want only to be with you.”

  Carmela gently took his hand. “Then cast no judgment on what you do not know. Pasha may very well love Yakar, and he her. Because of their devotion for one another, Pasha has become as ostracized as you. She needs your support, not your condemnation.”

  Talman leaned back in his chair. “I feel for your mother, Tesher. Soon, her husband will be shamed, and she must also bear the brunt of scorn brought on by her children. Your father requested that you come to Basilia, yet it is your mother who will need you, while your father licks his wounds.”

  Tesher looked directly at him. “How can you be so heartless?”

  “Heartless?” Talman inched forward. “If I had no heart, I would immediately throw you from our dwelling and let you freeze. I allow you to remain, only because I care for my sister, and for some God-forsaken reason, she believes she is in love with you.” He pointed a stiff finger. “Do not cross me, young prince, and prepare yourself for a journey to Basilia. I assured your father of your return, and we will leave the day after tomorrow.”

  Tesher’s features tightened, and he pushed away from the table. Without saying another word, he stormed down the hallway toward his chamber.

  Carmela’s emotions shot painfully every which way. “Please, Talman. Do not force him to go. You do not fully comprehend his reasons for distancing himself from Basilia.”

  “Angeline?” Grinning, he bit off a large chunk of turkey and soundly chewed.

  “This is not a game at which you should smirk. Please, I beg of you, make
any excuse imaginable, but do not take Tesher to Basilia.”

  “Ready yourself as well,” he said through a mouthful of meat. “It is not every day your brother becomes the highest king in the lands.” He dismissed her with the flit of his hand and kept eating.

  She wanted to scream at him, yet retained her composure. It was not the time to openly display emotion, and she needed to keep her head about her. “I pray we have not upset you, Becca.” She looked at her apologetically. “Perhaps you will be able to eat in the absence of such disturbing conversation. If you will excuse me, I will take my leave.”

  Becca peered upward with a genuine smile. The best one Carmela had seen since their arrival. Her sister by marriage said nothing and simply nodded. Since more than enough had been said, it was likely for the best.

  Carmela walked slowly down the corridor until she cleared Talman’s range of sight, then hastened to Tesher’s chamber. At least her brother had not questioned which room he occupied. She probably should have moved him to another, but Tesher had been sleeping so comfortably in her mother’s bed, she hated to transfer him.

  She rapped on the door.

  “I assume that is you, Carmela,” he mumbled from within. “You may enter.”

  She found he had not set the lock, so perhaps he expected her and desired her company, regardless of the fact she had challenged him.

  Once she went in, she secured the door behind her and approached Tesher, who sat in a chair, staring blankly at the shuttered window. He seemed utterly miserable, but for good reason.

  His eyes remained focused away from her as she placed a chair beside him and sat. “Please forgive my brother’s coldness. Talman has never been gentle.”

  “I am a doomed man,” Tesher whispered, then shifted in his seat and faced her. “Even if Angeline does not try to poison me, or shame me in some manner, I cannot be near her. The simple thought of her sickens me as does the idea of being in Basilia. Within those walls, I will be reminded over and over again of the last words spoken to me from that poor servant girl, Prima.”