Sins of Basilia (Shrouded Thrones Book 4)

by Jeanne Hardt

  Tesher sat upright and stared at Carmela. “Estelle is here?”

  “It would seem so.”

  “Then who is with my mother? Surely, she has not been left to grieve alone.” His brows crinkled with concern.

  With a soft smile, she stroked his cheek. “We will know more, when we speak with Estelle.” Carmela rose from their bed, donned a robe, and went to open the door.

  Glynn stood before her, gnawing her lower lip. “I hated to disturb you.” She peered beyond her into the room. No doubt, the girl’s heart was shattered when she learned of her marriage to Tesher.

  “Think no more of it.” Carmela put herself in the door’s opening, keeping Glynn from seeing around her. “Is my brother, Varlan, with them?”

  Glynn’s shoulders slumped, and she lowered her eyes. “Yes, Highness. But I am grieved to say, he is dead.”

  The news came as no surprise, yet it still pained her. “Tell the queen I will be there as soon as I dress.”

  “Yes, Highness.” Glynn curtsied, then hurried away.

  When Carmela turned around, she found Tesher already on his feet, pulling on his trousers. “It is as you feared,” he said, frowning. “Varlan did not survive Angeline’s care. And if he was sent to her requiring a healer, I am quite sure Denali aided her in ending your brother.”

  “Even though I know how devious Angeline can be, her cruelty never ceases to astonish me.” Carmela sluggishly shed her sleeping gown and went to the wardrobe for a day dress. “Varlan was Angeline’s brother as well, not merely some rival. And as for Denali, the man had tended him many times when he was wounded or sick. How could they simply snuff out his life without care?”

  “It is beyond my comprehension.” He rested a hand on her shoulder. “I feel utterly broken. If not for you, I would crumble.”

  She spun to face him, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. “We will survive this. Let us see to your brother’s wife and do what we can to help her. I have found that when you lend aid to others, you oftentimes forget your own woes.”

  He sighed. “If Estelle witnessed Eural’s beheading, she is caught up in a worse nightmare than my own.”

  Carmela shuddered at the thought. She quickly hugged her husband and finished dressing. At present, someone else needed her more.

  “Darius?” Carmela rushed to his side. He stood in the doorway of the carriage, looking more than frustrated. “I was not aware you had returned as well.”

  “Nor I you,” he grumbled. “Until Perrin told us of your arrival with your new husband.” He shook his head, shot a sideways glance at Tesher, then pointed into the carriage. “She will freeze if she does not remove her tail from that seat!”

  Carmela motioned Darius to the side.

  “Gladly,” he muttered.

  She peered within. Becca sat on one side, crying, while on the other, Estelle sat stone-faced and motionless.

  “She is crushed,” Becca said, sniffling. “Not only did she lose her husband, she feels dreadful for leaving Queen Leda to fend for herself. Angeline whisked us away, but left Leda behind. We could not stay in Basilia, and when we learned of this carriage to Thanwine, we asked Darius to bring us home.”

  “Along with Varlan’s body?”

  Becca’s chin quivered and she nodded. “A woman named Crispa, as well. She departed as soon as we arrived.”

  “Crispa?” Carmela knew of her—as well as her brother’s interest in the woman.

  “She helped Varlan from the field and took him to Angeline for care. But his wounds were greater than they had realized, and he died shortly after.”

  “Was Crispa with him when he passed?”

  “No. She was asked to go out of the room briefly, and she returned to the sound of Angeline’s cries. Poor Varlan bled out right before their eyes.”

  Angeline most definitely put an end to Varlan.

  Estelle let out a pitiful moan, and Becca leaned forward and patted her leg. “You are safe, Estelle. Please, come with me from the cold.”

  Estelle did not budge.

  “This is foolishness.” Carmela entered the small space and sat beside Estelle, but addressed Becca. “I understand your losses. Both your husbands perished in a dreadful way, yet we must get her within and warm her, or she, too, will die.”

  Becca dabbed at her damp eyes with a handkerchief. “Were you aware she is with child? She is farther along in her pregnancy than I.”

  “Yes, I know. Tesher told me. And it is all the more reason to help her.” Carmela put an arm around Estelle. “Can you manage her from the other side? We can guide her from the carriage.”

  Becca rapidly nodded.

  Although it took considerable effort, they managed to remove her. Once they got her on solid ground, her knees buckled. Darius rushed to her, took her in his arms, and carried her up the steps to the castle’s entrance.

  “Take her to the great room, and sit her close to the fire,” Carmela instructed.

  Aside from unending grumbling, Darius made no objections and soon Estelle was comfortably seated in front of the roaring fire.

  Tesher had remained completely quiet during the entire ordeal. Carmela could only imagine the thoughts and endless questions running through his mind.

  Darius eyed Estelle for several moments, then stepped away from her and folded his arms. “This is quite the sight. Two Basilians and an Orosian are taking refuge in the royal house of Thanwine, when our kingdoms are at war.” He grunted and curled his lip.

  Becca took a seat close to her sister and frowned at him. “I may have been born a Basilian, but I am queen of this castle.”

  “Your husband is dead, and our people surely will not want you to lead them.” He jerked his head toward Carmela. “She is the logical choice.”

  Becca lifted her chin high. “I will happily allow her to take my place. I want no part of this war.”

  “Whether or not you care to participate, Thanwine must defend itself. Angeline instructed me to return in order to lead our men. She feared for the safety of our realm, and I will do all I can to protect it.” He looked directly at Carmela. “A Basilian is presumed to have put poison on Talman’s blade. That is what ended Callum. Talman would have easily bested the king of Oros, but someone’s treachery sent everything into chaos. I will never be able to erase the vision of that massacre.”

  Carmela had always known Darius and Angeline to be close, so she chose to tread carefully in her regard. “It had to have been horrid. Angeline must be devasted.”

  “Quite. Though I must say, she will be relieved to know you are well. When you and your prince did not attend the match, and your whereabouts were unknown, she feared for you.”

  Carmela cut her eyes toward Tesher, who seemed as if he might erupt at any moment. She pushed out a slim smile for her cousin. “With the discord in our realms, it will be difficult to get word to her of our wellbeing. However, if she is genuinely concerned, I will do what I can to accomplish it.”

  Darius curtly nodded. “Very good. Now, if you will excuse me, I must see to my family, and then to my men.”

  “I assume you saw Audun and his sentries when you approached the realm?”

  “Yes. They appeared to be weary. I will see to it they are relieved.”

  “Good. And Darius, report everything back to me.”

  He smirked. “Yes…my queen.” He bowed low, then exited.

  Tesher immediately moved to her side and led her away from the others. “You do not trust him, do you?”

  “No. His loyalty to Angeline runs deep.” She looked Tesher in the eyes. “I wish he would have stayed in Basilia, but since he is here, we must carefully watch him.”

  “It seems you have plenty to occupy your time, so I will take it upon myself to tend Darius. He may see me as a mere boy, yet you have made me into a man. I will not permit him to bring harm to Thanwine.”

  Her love for him grew by the moment. “You see. Setting your mind on the issues of others eases your troubles. Let us see if we ca
n comfort Estelle.”

  She guided him back to the women, and they sat, facing them.

  Nothing was said. They simply took in the warmth of the fire and listened to it crackle. For now, it seemed sufficient.

  Chapter 25

  All had been dreadfully quiet in the realm, so Angeline sent scouts to both Oros and Thanwine and instructed them to bring back news of any sort of preparations for war. They returned with a troubling report of no activity whatsoever. Aside from seeing sentries posted on the perimeters of both kingdoms, no one appeared to be preparing for battle.

  It seemed the realms had forgotten how to properly war with one another and were keeping to themselves.

  Her intention had been to get them fighting at the match—which had gone off proficiently—with hopes they would continue on by attacking one another on their own soil, and beat each other down to the point of desperation. Once that happened, she could step in and stop the bloodshed, and they would welcome her as a savior and ultimate ruler. If they sat around doing nothing, what was she to save?

  Perhaps she should prod them a little harder.

  Even Lukah’s reports of the happenings in Basilia had become dull. With the exception of additional brawls at Toad’s Tavern—due to men fearing a venture to Issa and therefore, fighting over the tavern wenches—Basilia had returned to a state of normalcy. That in itself might be considered commendable, but was it enough?

  She strolled through the courtyard, nearly bored to tears. Unfortunately, her woman’s time was upon her, so she could not even enjoy a frolic with Denali. He had assured her all was in order, and to simply be patient and her reign as high queen would come.

  Her rags would soon need to be changed, so she headed toward the castle entrance.

  “Your Majesty!” Eckhardt quickly approached. “Prince Yakar has returned, and once again seeks an audience with you.”

  “Truly?” She held a hand to her bosom, then leaned close to the man. “Do you suppose he seeks my hand? He has come to me twice now in a mere week’s time.”

  Eckhardt’s head drew back. “Surely, you jest.”

  She giggled. “Worry not, dear man. Even if the young prince asked it of me, I would not lower myself to wed an Issan.”

  “You are wise, my queen.” The man stood rigid and proud. “Shall I have him wait for you in the great hall as before?”

  “Please do. I will be there momentarily.”

  Eckhardt bowed and walked briskly away.

  The day had taken a pleasant turn. Yet certainly, Yakar could not have ended his father in such a short span of time, unless the boy was overly eager.

  Curiosity pushed her faster, and she hastened to the great hall.

  She found Yakar fingering the cloth that covered the high throne, in the same manner he had previously touched it. Yes, eager indeed.

  She slowed her pace as she neared him. “I did not expect you so soon.”

  He spun to face her, then crossed the floor and eliminated the space between them. His eyes shifted around the room, taking in every guard. “I stand before you as King of Issa,” he whispered.

  Her heart drummed faster. “You speak low, therefore, I assume it is not to be heralded. What has become of Imran?”

  “He took ill and passed three days ago. Our kingdom is in mourning, but I felt it necessary to come here and make you aware.”

  “Took ill?” She narrowed her eyes. “In what manner?”

  Yakar moistened his lips and swallowed hard. “Something he ate.”

  “I see. My condolences on the loss of your father, so soon after your mother. It is quite the tragedy.” She took his hand and held it between hers, then put her lips to his ear. “Perhaps we could better speak of this in a place that offers more privacy.”

  Without waiting for a response, she released him and proceeded from the great hall into the corridor leading to her bedchamber. Though they did not speak as they walked, she sensed his presence behind her, breathing hard.

  Her thoughts tumbled, and she easily devised the perfect plan. If she could not provoke Oros and Thanwine, she would set her wrath upon Issa.

  From what she had learned of her people, they respected the laws and loved their God. Denali would be pleased to know she had changed her mind in regard to her plans for transforming their doctrines. Instead, she would put herself above all as the queen who brought down the sinfulness of Issa. Besides, why should she change the law, when she had proven she could do whatever she pleased?

  As usual, a guard stood at her door. She could not recall his name, but it mattered not. “I need you to seek out Lukah and bring him to my chamber for counsel.”

  “I believe he is in the village, my queen.”

  Perfect. “Then be quick about it.”

  “But…” He eyed Yakar, then gestured to the door.

  “Worry not. Prince Yakar and I have important issues to discuss. He will not bring me harm.” She flitted her fingers. “Go now.”

  “Yes, my queen.” The youthful sentry bustled away.

  As she looked over her shoulder at the new king of Issa, he smirked. His assumptions of what was about to transpire would soon be laid to rest.

  She guided him within and shut her door, but kept it unlocked.

  Yakar instantly circled her with his arms. “I know why you brought me here,” he breathed into her ear. “How much time do we have?”

  She turned to face him and lifted her veil. “You are quite presumptuous.” Thinking back to her days in pursuit of Sebastian, she released an obnoxious giggle. “Yet, it would seem you know me well.”

  She yanked him against her and kissed him hard and long. “Are you truly king of Issa?”

  “Yes. The ashes of my father were spread into the winds.” He eagerly worked the laces of her dress. “The crown was placed upon my head shortly after.”

  “Mmm…” She let out an appropriate moan as he slipped his hand beneath the fabric and fondled her breast. “Do you wish to marry me, or simply take the throne of high king to Issa?”

  “I will do both.” He tossed her veil aside and slid his fingers into her hair, then firmly held her head. “I will take the high king’s throne, then marry you, and you will be my queen.” With remarkable force, he explored her mouth with his tongue.

  Nearly breathless from his lengthy probe, she pressed her hands to his chest and pushed him away. “Your boldness overwhelms me, but I cannot deny my appreciation of it.” She rapidly untied the strings on his tunic and raised it up and over his head, then dotted kisses across his bare chest. “Your body warms my blood.” If only she could actually have him.

  Such a waste…

  He tugged at the fabric of her gown until he had drawn the skirt from the floor, then he guided his hand beneath it.

  “Wait,” she rasped. “Please my eyes with your form, then we can continue.” She fully separated herself from him and lay down on the bed.

  Smirking, he loosened the ties of his trousers, and as he did so, she carefully felt beneath her mattress, making certain her blade remained where she always kept it. She nearly cut herself, feeling for it.

  “You like to play, Angeline?” He swirled his tongue around his lips, then dropped his trousers and approached her fully naked.

  His words reminded her of Frederick and his sickening games, but she plastered on a coy smile and bade him close.

  He fanned his arms, then gestured to his erect member. “Is this what you wanted to see?”

  “You are beautiful, Yakar. A man like no other.” Though she wanted to slap away his cocky grin, since his pain was forthcoming, she kept her hand still.

  “And you are wearing far too many clothes.” He knelt beside her, then fumbled again with her bindings. “Can you not help me?”

  “Kiss me first.”

  He let out a long sigh. “You have many demands, but I want only to please you.” When he bent to kiss her, she yanked him atop her, intensified the kiss, and eagerly caressed his bare backside.


  “Mmm…That I do like.” He lifted his head and peered down at her. “You never said how long we have.”

  “Long enough.” As she pulled him close for another kiss, she eased the blade from beneath her. “Do only one thing more for me, Yakar.”

  “Anything, my queen.”

  “Die,” she hissed into his ear, then sliced the long blade across his neck. The sharp dagger easily penetrated deep, like a hot knife through butter.

  Blood spurted from the open wound and fell across her face. His eyes widened, and he grasped at his throat, then he flopped onto his back, gasping for air and gurgling blood. Within moments, his body stilled.

  She arose and stared at him. His quick death was quite satisfying and almost too simple.

  To appropriately set the scene, she thrashed about on the bed, tore her gown at the neckline, and also ripped away the skirt. She even put an adequate amount of blood on Yakar’s member.

  She then began a series of yells, shifting between, no!, guard!, help me!, and stop! Her voice tired, but she continued until Lukah and the unnamed sentry arrived to save her.

  By the time they entered her bedchamber, she had also worked up some fitting tears.

  Lukah rushed across the room. “My queen!”

  She blubbered out a series of unrecognizable words, all the while pointing at Yakar’s dead form.

  “She is in shock,” Lukah said to the other guard, then faced her. “Breathe deeply, then tell me what happened.”

  She sucked in staggered breaths. “He…he claimed to need counsel. I trusted him and brought him here.”

  “That is right,” the young sentry said. “She told me they had matters to discuss.”

  Lukah held up a hand to silence the boy. “Your Majesty, did Yakar attempt to compromise you?”

  Considering the man lay naked on her bed, the question seemed utterly ridiculous. Regardless, she displayed no sign of irritability at Lukah’s stupidity and made her chin quiver, then vigorously nodded. “He…hurt me. I fear…my baby.” She covered her bloody face with both hands and bawled.