Death's Queen (The Complete Series)

by Janeal Falor

  Looks like I’ll have to play her role today. How do I start? I didn’t know this was so hard. “What are you thinking?”

  She sniffs. “I can’t believe Daros was my father.”

  “I couldn’t either.” When she stays quiet, I say, “How do you feel about that?”

  “Awful.” The tears start. “I don’t want to be his daughter. He’s a cruel man who was vicious to so many, including you. What if I turn out like him? I couldn’t handle it if I betrayed people like he did. Or worse, what if I turn out like my mother, who kept such a horrid secret for all these years—a secret that cost others their lives?”

  I wish I could lean forward and put a hand on her arm. We’ve been able to keep her true parentage a secret, but that doesn’t change it or the fact that her mother has been sentenced to execution, which must be weighing on her as well. “You are not like him or her. You are good and kind and true. You would never do something cruel, like Daros, or stupid, like Monkia. You're a wonderful person. You take care of me with no thought to yourself when the other servants have pretty much abandoned me.”

  She gives a warbly sigh. “Do you really think so?”

  “I do. I’m grateful and happy to call you my friend.”

  She pulls out a handkerchief and dabs at her eyes. “Thank you, Ryn. I’m glad to call you a friend too.”

  “It’s a good day when you’re willing to talk to me.”

  She laughs, though it still sounds a bit watery. “I thought for certain I was about to receive the lashing of my life.”

  Blasted Androlla. “Never with me. I promise you that.” Though if Androlla gets a hold of me, Inkga will suffer her wrath. I’ve got to find a way to protect the people I care about if she takes over. Maybe I should just tell her. She's certain to understand. Before I can do so, she continues.

  “Can I tell you something?”

  “Anything.”

  “I’d love to hug you right now.”

  I grin. “I’d love to hug you too.” And if Afet and Eldim weren’t hiding in the corners of my room, I’d do it. Another reason I can't tell her now. Too many people present. This secret is getting out of control.

  “Do you want me to leave your hair down or put it up?”

  Normally, I have her put it up, but there’s so much to do, I don’t want to waste time. “Leave it. I need to speak with Nash. Send for Jaku as well, please.”

  “I can do that.” She wheels me into the dark sitting room and lights the candles as Afet and Eldim take their places.

  I watch the two men, wondering about them. They’ve been steadfast through everything. I wish there was something I could do for them. A way to show them how much I value them.

  “I’m going to get Nash and Jaku,” Inkga says. “I’ll see you at lunch.”

  “I look forward to it.” After she leaves, I say to the two men, “Thank you for always guarding me so faithfully.”

  “It is what we do,” Eldim says.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you both so devoted?”

  The exchange a glance. Afet says, “You are the queen.”

  “Is that all, though? If I was a bad queen—which I try not to be, but if I was—would you still guard me with such loyalty?”

  They hesitate.

  “You can be honest with me. I’m not going to get angry,” I say.

  Afet shifts his weight, the loss for words uncharacteristic for him. “I don’t know that I would, Your Majesty. I would be more likely to try to get in a different position.”

  “And you, Eldim?”

  He stands straighter. “I am the same as Afet.”

  I must do something for them as well, in the likely case that Androlla takes over. “Thank you for your honesty. I want you both to know I’m grateful all you’ve done for me, for putting your lives on the line for me over and over again.”

  “It’s a pleasure,” Eldim says.

  Nash and Jaku enter the room and relieve the other two guards. As soon as we’re alone, I say, “We have a problem. When the First Queen takes over for good, those who have been loyal to me will be under her scrutiny and rule. I get the feeling she has wicked plans for them, including the both of you.”

  “You mean if,” Nash says.

  “I’m sorry?” What is he talking about?

  “You said when the First Queen takes over. It’s not a when. It’s an if. We're determined to do everything we can to not let that happen.”

  I don’t want to tell him when seems much more appropriate, especially with the pounding and persistent feelings of victory in my head. “All right. If she takes over, it’s going to be dangerous for the people I care about. I don’t want to sit helplessly inside my own head, watching her torture the people I love. I’d like for you both to plan how to get everyone out and away from Androlla, without telling me what you decide.”

  They exchange a look.

  “What?” I ask.

  “We’ll take care of it,” Nash says. “You don’t have to worry about any of us. Just worry about defeating her and taking care of the country.”

  It feels as if a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I sit taller, ready to face the challenges of the day. Now, if I could concentrate on defeating her and protecting my people… The headaches make it difficult. “Thank you. Now, I believe I have a state dinner tonight to get ready for. Is there any way we can skip it? I’m worried about Androlla taking over during it.”

  Nash gives a slight grimace but covers it well.

  Jaku says, “I’m afraid you’ve skipped so many, people are starting to wonder if you’re ruling or not. It could be detrimental if you didn’t go. Nash and I will try to stick close to you, so we can get you out if something happens.”

  I was afraid of that. “Very well. Go ahead and send Julina in, and Inkga in a few minutes, so I can get ready.”

  “Of course,” Jaku says.

  Nash walks over to me and takes my hand.

  “What are you doing?” I shoot Jaku a worried glance, but he’s looking at the wall.

  “Jaku and I talked about it. It’s all right. You need the contact, and I’m going to give it to you.”

  His hand feels so good in mine. It’s tender and gentle. A nice, firm grip that leaves me feeling breathless. The calluses on his hand are familiar and welcome. I want to pull him closer, but no matter how Jaku feels, I worry about kissing Nash in front of him. I’ll have to settle for this touch; that’s what I need.

  He takes both hands and grasps one of mine. He leans forward and whispers, “I love you, Ryn. We’ll make this work. I promise.”

  “I love you too.” Even if I know he can’t make that promise come true.

  He gives my hand a final squeeze and leaves. The loss is immediate. I want to call him back and latch onto him—not let him go until this is all over. It may be unfeasible. Doesn't matter.

  “I’ll get Julina for you.” Nash leaves the room, and a moment later, Julina joins Jaku.

  “You wanted to see me?” she asks me. “Or is it my turn to guard you?”

  “I suppose you should guard me, but I’m more interested in talking to you. We haven’t done that in a long time.”

  She grins and sits down near me.

  “How are you doing?” I ask.

  “As well as can be expected. I’m happier now that you seem to be safe. There haven’t been any attacks on you in a while. That’s a record, not just for you, but for any queen I’ve protected. You’re bringing stability to this country.”

  “Thank you for the kind words. I’m grateful my work is paying off with the people. I hope they’re happier.” And now maybe I can focus on defeating Androlla. I’ve spent too many long hours practicing spells, but I need to figure out how to make that golem. I won’t have a chance today, but hopefully tomorrow, I can end this all. And if it doesn’t work, then I can practice until I lose myself to her.

  “Are you all right?” Julina asks.

  “Fine. Why?”

&nb
sp; “You looked sad, all of a sudden.”

  I sigh. “I’m afraid I have some heavy things on my plate. But I want you to know something. No matter what happens in the future, you are my friend more than my guard. I’ve appreciated all you’ve done for me. I never had sisters, but if I did, I’d want you to be one of them.” Her and Inkga. My two surrogate sisters.

  Her eyes glisten. “Thank you, Ryn. I consider you a sister as well. Although we get on better than some siblings I know.”

  I laugh. “That may be. Tell me what you’ve been doing the last while, since you healed. I haven’t seen enough of you.”

  We spend the next half an hour talking. It’s nice to sit down with her. I wish we could have done this sooner. I’ll never forget the time we were hiding, and she sneezed. It was memorable, and I don’t want to forget it or any moment like it. I’m afraid that when Androlla takes over those memories will be all I have to comfort myself with.

  Chapter 35

  As Inkga gets ready to roll me into the dining room, I want to tell her to take me anywhere but here. I know the council and court need to see me, and I need to be strong for them, but in a day or so, I’ll know if I can defeat the First Queen and be able to come out among them.

  Only I don’t believe it’s going to happen. Not with me. Perhaps Nash and the others will figure it out and defeat her eventually, but the spell seems too difficult for me to carry it out. Though if I can, it will take a single swipe from Nash and Jaku’s swords for her to be gone forever. I need to focus on that, and not the negative.

  But in case I don’t survive, I should spend one last night with the court. “I’m ready.”

  Servants open the doors, and Inkga wheels me in. The sight before me is like many I’ve seen before, though this time, someone seems to have paid attention to how much food we serve. There are no obscene mounds of it, like there were in the past, for people to gorge themselves on. Modest amounts are spread across the tables—still probably too much, but not so that I worry we’re taking food away from those who need it the most.

  Everyone stands as Inkga rolls me forward toward the only setting without a chair. Nash stands on my left, Jaku on my right with Jem next to Nash. I wonder how they pulled off not sitting in the seats protocol dictates. It doesn’t matter, though; I’m grateful they did it.

  Once I’m rolled to my place, the others take their seat, and people start chatting. There are many sideways looks at me. I smile and pretend there’s no pounding in my head or fear in my heart. That everything is as it should be.

  Silence once again spreads through the room. What is going on? I glance around to see Inkga bringing me the Mortum Tura.

  Oh no.

  I can’t drink it. If I do, Androlla will have even more power over me. Her strength will increase while mine decreases. There’s no saying I’ll keep myself from drinking it if it gets near me. She will likely take over and drink it for me, and who knows what announcement she’ll make then?

  I breathe slowly, trying not to let my panic show. Nash must see it, because he whispers, “It’s all right.”

  It’s not all right. It’s all wrong.

  The pounding in my head lessens as Androlla laughs inside. She revels in my fear. I have to work past it. Inkga’s almost here. What do I do? It’s not like I can accidentally knock it over; it’ll refill itself.

  Inkga reaches me, and her huge grin dims when she sees my faces. Still, she holds the tray out to me.

  “Do you need help?” she asks when I don’t grab it, concern lacing her words.

  I’ve gotten more mobile and I’m able to move my upper body some, but have yet to drink without spilling. Perhaps she thinks I’m worried about embarrassing myself.

  “Drink, Your Highness,” a male voice calls out. “We want to see the glory of your glow shining over us.”

  “Yes, drink,” a female yells.

  “I can’t,” I whisper.

  The ground begins to shake. The tremor is faint at first, but soon it’s rolling. Nash grabs one of the handles of my chair. People scream. Things go crashing to the floor. The platters are shaking and clanking together.

  How long has it been since I last drank the Mortum Tura? Is that why this is happening?

  Everything sways beneath me. I’ve brought my country to their knees because I won’t drink. Androlla’s tinkling laugh becomes louder in my mind. Either way, she’s won. The city will continue to deal with this earthquake, and she’ll still take me over. I’ll drink, and she’ll be that much closer to getting what she wants.

  “Drink it,” someone hollers.

  Soon, everyone is yelling it, adding to the chaos of the ground shaking and things falling. The chandelier in the middle of the room sways dangerously, like it’s ready to fall. The people at the tables beneath it scramble to get away from it.

  There’s no time to waste. I’ll have to deal with the consequences later. “Help me, Inkga.”

  She doesn’t hesitate. She reaches for the cup, but before she gets to it, the floor shakes harder than ever. She staggers, and the cup falls to the floor, its juice splattering across the wood.

  “Get it,” a woman calls.

  “For the queen. Get the Mortum Tura.”

  “The Mortum Tura.”

  “Get it before we all die.”

  The voices overlap, so I can no longer make out words. People are hurrying to get the cup, but it rolls away in the heaving of the earth. While Nash helps me move toward the cup, Jaku jumps into action, joining the others trying to grab the fleeing object.

  Finally, Jaku gets a hold of it. Liquid sloshes everywhere, but he’s not close enough in this wavering world. “I’m going to throw it,” he says.

  Good thing it refills itself.

  “I’ll catch it,” Nash hollers.

  Jaku swings his arm back and then forward, and the cup goes sailing through the air toward us. Nash reaches out with one hand and catches it midair. He says, “I’m so sorry.” And then he brings it to my lips.

  I swallow, hating the sickly-sweet taste of it.

  The shaking stops, the room going deathly quiet. Until Androlla’s tinkling laugh fills the air.

  No, I scream in my head. I slam against her, trying to regain control. Nash must know that’s not my laugh, because he pushes me toward the closed door.

  “What’s going on?” people ask.

  “Where’s he taking the queen?”

  “What just happened?”

  “Are we all going to die?”

  The questions keep coming, but Nash ignores them as the tinkling laugh stops. She’s going to say something, and I’ll regret it. It will be a taste of what’s to come—one that leaves me with a foul feeling. Someone’s hand slaps across my mouth before Androlla can speak.

  Jaku opens the door, and Nash races me out. It’s his hand on my mouth. Him protecting me from the First Queen.

  Behind us, I hear Jaku yell, “We’re securing the queen after this earthquake. There’s no cause for alarm. Jem, please see to the room.”

  Behind us, voices speak all at once. Androlla tries to bite Nash’s hand, but he keeps a firm grip on her. I’ve never been as grateful to have him around as I am in this moment.

  Jaku races ahead of us, clearing the way of both people and debris. Voices sound about both Nash’s and Jaku’s actions. I shove myself against Androlla’s presence, vying for a way back to myself. A way to stop this chaos.

  But nothing.

  Suddenly, Androlla relaxes. Nash doesn’t move his hand, but as he hurries down the hall, he asks, “Are you back, Ryn?”

  She nods, while inside I’m screaming. What is she doing? What is her plan? And then I sense it. She’s going to act crazy when we next see someone. Have me declared incompetent, which will bring my death and a new life for her.

  I can’t let that happen.

  I fight against her, trying to get her to focus her attention on me. She doesn’t react to me or Nash, just continues to sit quietly.

  Na
sh slowly takes his hand from my mouth. I hope they don’t kill him for touching me because everybody saw. No. I won’t let that happen, and Jaku will help keep him safe. I need to focus on getting my body back.

  “You all right, Ryn?” Nash asks.

  “Shaken,” Androlla says.

  Is that something I would say? Will Nash believe her?

  “It’s all right,” he says. “We’ll be somewhere safe soon.”

  What does he mean by safe? Nowhere is safe.

  Inside, she’s laughing. I do my best to knock with force against her. She trembles and the laughter stops, but she doesn’t give me control.

  Will she ever, or am I permanently stuck here? I thought I would have more time. At least, a little.

  Jaku bounds ahead, and I realize we’re not headed toward to my room. Where are we going? Outside? It'd appear safer, after the earthquake, but that's not the danger we're facing now. Outside, Androlla will have a bigger audience.

  Footsteps echo behind us. Androlla hears them too because she speaks nonsense about magic. That’s how she’s going to bring about my downfall—with talk of the mystic.

  Nash says something under his breath but doesn’t clamp him hand over my mouth. Does still he not realize it’s not me? Doesn’t he get that Androlla is playing him, using my body to betray us all?

  “There are others coming,” Venda says from behind. “We must move quickly and get her out of earshot.”

  I relax for a brief moment. No wonder Nash wasn’t worried. He probably knew it was Venda the moment she started after us. Androlla isn’t so happy; she lets out a piercing scream.

  Nash clamps a hand over my mouth again as Jaku looks back at us, a crease forming between his eyebrows.

  “Almost there,” he says.

  We’re not in a part of the palace I’m familiar with, but we were heading toward the outside wall. When did that change? Probably when I was too busy fighting the First Queen. I give her another good lashing, but she goes on screaming underneath Nash’s hand. It leaves me mentally exhausted and doesn’t seem to do much to her.

  Jaku opens a door and disappears into the room. A moment later, he pops back out. “It’s clear and looks sturdy, even after the earthquake.”