Whispers of a Throne

by Victoria Pinder

  I tugged free. This wasn't good. I turned my body to create space. As a light coldness blew against my skin, I said, "I've not agreed."

  He shrugged and walked around me to pick up his boots. "Then no more lectures on technology or health or what is good for me."

  Footsteps outside our door echoed. I assumed it was Merlin who waited for Thor. I rubbed my arms. "I never thought you'd try to blackmail me into marriage."

  He slipped on his boots. "I'm not. I could force you, but I don't believe that's right. We all choose our own destiny."

  My heart hammered in my chest as ice inched up my spine. "If I choose to walk away, you'd let me?"

  His broad shoulders blocked the view of the window. "I promised your father I'd keep you safe."

  Thor was all about his promises. My eyes misted, but I refused to cry. "And if I find a way to be safe that doesn't require me as your queen?"

  He wrapped his belt and sword around his hips. The war was coming. Everyone mattered more than I did. I already guessed that as he said, "I'd miss you."

  Coldness entered my heart. I blinked quickly. Perhaps I should learn to protect myself. "You would miss me? Why?"

  He reached out and brushed his hand against my arm. "I thought we were friends, at least?"

  Friends. Maybe I'd overreacted. The stirrings near my heart grew inside of me. I didn't like the word "friend" but I had nothing else. I swallowed to hold my tongue. Maybe I read him right there. Maybe he repeated what I said and nothing more. I needed to wait and see.

  He tucked my hair into my shirt and adjusted my hat. "You're far too pretty to be a boy."

  I held the door for him, like I was a page. I smiled and nodded at soldiers who pressed their lips together to avoid looking at me because they know I'm not a page.

  Merlin, Chaus and a few others waited at the end of the train. There were no horses, but Chaus held a map. If I was to find my mother's secret, I needed to study that. Thor announced, "Gwen is coming with us."

  The soldiers who just passed us turned around to stare at me. I lowered my gaze.

  Merlin smiled and bowed. "Excellent, Your Majesty."

  Something about how he said those words to Thor pricked at my skin. Something else was going on, and I had to find out what. I stayed right at Thor's side. We were going together.

  Chapter 16

  Going to London now meant walking through green fertile soil in the cool morning and in the distance there was a river. The trees were not like a forest at all, but scattered. It would be much harder to hide behind oaks here. The still greens dotted the hills and for the past few hours, Thor held my hand as we walked, but my legs cramped. The hills were unavoidable. "How much further?"

  He gritted his teeth like I'd asked a stupid question. And it was true I'd sounded like Cyna who whined about everything. I shouldn't have asked, but my boots were wearing through and my heels now scraped against more rocks. He peered down his nose. "I thought you grew up in a forest and could run around free as a bird."

  The others kept their distance. I squeezed his hand and realized he had every reason to stay wary and silent. So did I. I gazed at his profile, and I promised myself that I'd remember this moment forever as Thor and I walked side-by-side. "My father never let me leave our house really. He and Mother kept us free from danger and always said it was to protect us from Rex. I was limited and always had someone with me, wherever I went. The past two days of walking has been a trial."

  "Your father probably thought you had the queen gene." His eyes widened. "That explains why you can't shoot anything."

  I stepped away and rubbed the side of my neck. "Why?"

  He came over and placed his hand on my back to reassure me. I turned into him, and let my shoulders slump. "When I showed up, I assumed you'd be able to slit my neck if I came too close."

  "You thought I knew how to fight like a man?"

  He shrugged. "My sister does. I thought you would know about knives and arrows at least."

  I'd been sheltered. The idea that I might do anything to protect myself raced through me. I smiled though I shook my head. "My father would never allow it."

  Thor kept the pace and I fell back to his side as we climbed yet another hill. London was farther away than I ever imagined, not that I'd complain out loud. "Perhaps he should have."

  I bumped into his arm at the same time I formed my hands together as a steeple and pressed them to my lips. "I liked Merlin's black crossbow with the gold trim. Will you teach me?"

  He nodded his head and stared at the hill as if London was on the other side. I sucked in my breath and hoped. "Aye. You should know how to shoot an arrow. I will arrange for you to have crossbow lessons."

  Amazing. I didn't care what anyone said as I threw myself in front of him and wrapped my arms around his huge shoulders to hug him. This was better than any present I’d ever received. My limbs tingled at the thought of me and an arrow. "Thank you."

  He patted my back, and didn't pull away immediately. He smelled of the forest and home. I'd not lose him too. I let go as he said, "I'll teach you myself if I can."

  Even better. My heart roared, and I barely felt my sore heels as we continued.

  We neared a cave and Merlin placed one finger to his mouth as he stepped into the dark entrance. "Sire, we must be quiet now."

  Thor nodded as Chaus followed Merlin inside. As two more of his men went in, he held my hand closer to his heart. "Stick to my side and follow my instructions."

  The thump in his chest was his heart beat. I paused and swayed on my feet to regain my composure. His sister and my answers were so close. I could taste it in the damp air from inside. "Yes, Your Majesty."

  My words echoed through the black rock walls. A slight tremble inside me grew as I wondered if I ruined everything. Thor squeezed my hand.

  Nothing moved in the black empty space ahead. We all remained still until the echo stopped. I pressed my lips together and stepped deeper inside the black hole. I kept my hands on Thor's arm and followed blindly. It was so dark that I couldn't see my own hands or Thor at all. My adrenaline spiked and I wanted to run back outside. His hand was my rock.

  At the other end of the small cave, Merlin waited for us near a beam of light. As we drew closer, my eyes squinted and adjusted to the sting of sunlight as the first soldier slipped out of the cave's small entrance. In that second he disappeared, I imagined Rex's soldiers cutting Merlin in two.

  No screams. Nothing must have happened though my pulse remained rapid.

  Chaus went next as my shoulders tensed.

  Thor lightly urged me forward. Dizziness overwhelmed me, and I couldn't speak. Part of me wanted to flee. The other part of me trembled at the thought of not knowing what was out there. No matter what, I had to do this. I had to find something of my mother's here. I had to know. I squeezed Thor's hand and followed as we went out into the light.

  My head knocked against a wooden door and I stared at Merlin's gray steel boots. His hand came down and grabbed mine to help me before I fell. Then he whisked me through a door and I flinched as he had me stand next to Chaus instead of himself. At the end of the alley, people went in and out of small shops or walked down the busy street. My breath lodged in my throat and stuck on the exhale.

  Then Thor tugged me closer to him and adjusted my hat and shirt like he needed to check on me. My voice had not returned as my heart raced too fast. My face grew warm as his fingers brushed against me.

  I didn't know what happened to me near him. It was like I was someone else. Silence clung between us as we stepped into the street holding hands.

  The noises of merchants who wished to sell items pierced my skull. No one had to scream that loud. An older woman rammed right into me like I was in her way. Thor steadied me as we walked toward one of the shops. With a quick nod of his head, my shoulders were slightly less tense though we kept our heads down.

  Something was off. I rubbed my forehead as guards rounded the corner of the street. I glanced up at
Thor and froze. His hat must have fallen off because his blond hair was exposed. Anyone might recognize him. Two soldiers then turned the corner right in front of us. I couldn't let anyone notice him. Without another thought, I threw my hat on his head and let my braid fall out.

  As the soldiers drew closer, I pressed my lips against his so no one could get a close look at his face.

  His kiss was brighter than sunshine. My entire body hummed as I remembered last night. My hands wrapped around his neck, though I tried to stop them. My heart thumped to continue, but my brain said this wasn't the time. For a moment, I saw nothing. All I felt was his lips on mine as the fire inside me grew.

  Merlin placed his hand on Thor's back. I pulled away, though Thor's hands remained around my waist. I couldn't quite see straight and Merlin's low voice pierced through me. "Let's go. We're all here."

  Thor's lips had left mine and I craved him again. I've never wanted anyone's touch, never mind kiss. I followed as he led. At least the smell of the forest and home was in the air, though my skin was alive and aware of him. My hand went down his arm and I took his fingers again.

  We left the street and entered a dim bar. The bartender stayed in the distance, even though we were the only patrons. Chaus signaled for us to join him at a high-topped table near a window. I missed how he held my hand now, but I get that he has to be the leader. I’d have to figure out something that connected my mother here, so I soldiered in.

  Merlin said, "The castle grounds house the tournament. We will have to recon..."

  Chaus interrupted, and pointed outside, "Check it out."

  We all turned our heads to see. Outside the window a huge view screen appeared within the town square with a royal crown that spun in front of the symbol on my amulet. I clutched my necklace. Thor and the others seemed to recognize what was going on.

  In London there were more electronic devices of the Old Ones. I rubbed my forearms to stop the chill that raced through me.

  Technology had destroyed human kind once. What was Rex thinking by wanting to bring it back?

  Thor held my elbow and led me outside. Merlin and Chaus flanked us. We walked into a crowd that gathered near the view screen. My body tensed, ready to run. The symbol rotated on the screen. Trumpets blared and then the screen changed.

  A shiver ran down my spine. The camera flashed and the image of Caesar Rex, with Morgana a step behind him, filled the screen. Her smile seemed small. I'd guess she was scared, but then I would have been. She seemed braver than me. To her side stood an ominous knight dressed in a suit of armor but with a green cape.

  The trumpet music stopped. Rex stepped toward the camera, catching my attention with his captivating and familiar green eyes. His were open and angry, which Mother’s never were.

  My soul whispered that the amulet connected my mother to Rex in more than a distant way. My father was so certain I would test to be Queen. He had to have known something.

  Rex held his head high and announced, "This morning after the joust Morgana and I became one. May I present your queen, Morgana."

  The crowd of revelers around us cheered. Thor crossed his arms and he dropped my hand, leaving me chilled.

  Then without warning the Green Knight next to Morgana swung his sword and chopped the head of another knight's who hadn't been on screen. The blood poured onto the screen as the helmet clanged against the floor. Morgana jumped behind Rex as I turned my face into Thor's chest.

  Everyone around us covered their hands in shock as one woman's cries echoed throughout the crowd. No one moved so I turned to face the screen again. Thor wrapped his arms around me, cradling me with his strength.

  Rex smiled as the camera lens was cleaned free of blood. "Behold, today's champion from the joust. Take off your helmet now, sir, so we know who you are."

  Despite the savageness that seemed to radiate from his soul, something about Rex's demeanor seemed like he was from a dream of long ago.

  The Green Knight bowed to Rex and held out his sword. "Would you like to make a wager, Sire?"

  Someone in the crowd shouted, "Yes. He might challenge the king."

  Another voice shouted back, "Don't get us all in trouble."

  My gaze focused on Rex's ring on his sword hand. Then Merlin placed his hand on someone's shoulder and asked, "Who is the Green Knight?"

  "He was a street urchin until his blood test, my lord. Then he became the greatest knight in London."

  On the screen, Rex widened his stance. "Do you seek to challenge me in my own castle?"

  My necklace felt hot and I stared at Rex's hand on the screen. His ring matched my amulet. I couldn't stretch my fingers. Someone might notice me and I didn't want that.

  The Green Knight then bowed and his suit clinked. "I invite you to chop off my head and if I somehow survive, then I can do the same to you."

  The crowd around them all covered their faces as they silenced their cheers. It seemed no one wanted to stand out. It seemed such a joke, being here. I’d heard how cruel Rex was, but the crowd reminded me of children and not adults.

  Rex narrowed his gaze like my mother had in those moments she challenged me to beat her in a game. "If you survive?"

  The knight kept his helmet on as he stood with one arm behind his back. "From your blow to my head, Sire."

  Rex turned and stared at Morgana. Morgana's lips were thin and she said nothing. She looked miserable, pale and drawn. Rex shrugged and returned his attention to the Green Knight. "My queen, should I kill your champion for his foolish dare?"

  Rex's green eyes reminded me of Jax when she was about to dare me. Then he turned to the Green Knight and gripped his sword handle. "Deal."

  Again my gaze fell onto his finger. His ring matched my mother's necklace. My heart skipped a beat. Then I turned my gaze to Morgana and my stomach knotted for her. This was a no win situation.

  The Green Knight nodded and knelt down on one knee in front of Rex. "I bow my head to you."

  Rex lifted a sword that resembled Excalibur, but his had a jewel in the center where the blade met the handle. I stared closer and realized it wasn't a jewel, but a crest just like my amulet.

  Rex's lips curled into a sneer instead of a laugh. Every cell in my body begged for him to stop. In a whish, his strong arms swung that huge sword down.

  The Green Knight's helmet flew across the screen. I hid against Thor's chest again, like he'd stop the blood for me. I heard the metal clink, and I couldn't help myself. I turned around to stare at the view screen.

  There was no blood.

  I gasped as the headless knight, on his knees, patted the stage around him until he found his helmet and picked it up. My mouth wouldn't close. Dead men don't do that. Then he shrugged his shoulders and popped his dark hair and dark eyes out of the hole left at the top of where his head should have been. Then in all seriousness, the Green Knight lifted his plain sword and nodded his head to Rex. "Your turn, Your Majesty."

  Rex's ashen face silently conveyed he had no idea what had just happened. Rex gripped his sword and shook his head. His green eyes then narrowed as if he was actually in danger and this wasn't a joke. I held my breath, but then Rex stepped backward and called, "Guards!"

  Rex's mouth opened and he cried out in pain. My entire body flinched as the camera turned to Morgana, who pushed a dagger into Rex's back.

  The crowd around us screamed.

  Merlin closed in towards Thor and myself. "Now would be the best time to storm the castle."

  My heart thumped in my chest as Thor stroked his chin. I blinked and said, "If Rex is dead, now is the time to take over London. You don't need your army."

  Thor's gaze met Merlin like the two had a silent conversation. Thor then stroked my back and said to all of us. "Perhaps, but first we must find my sister."

  The Green Knight with dark hair grabbed Morgana. The screen went black.

  Merlin slapped Thor's back. "We should go immediately."

  Thor shook his head. "I made my decision. First we g
et Morgana."

  Merlin kept his voice low, but firm. "Sire, there are soldiers all around this city and Morgana is now their primary target. I don't see how we can save her."

  Thor pressed his lips together, let go of me and straightened his spine. "I will not abandon her."

  Merlin bowed. My breaths were short as I waited to hear what happened next. Then Thor nodded. "Let's find her and the knight and get them out of here."

  Merlin's voice cracked. A moment ago I thought he was all for forgetting Morgana. But his gray eyes paled. "She had to know we'd come for her."

  Thor stood like he was a mountain. "She also knows how we escaped last time."

  When I spoke my voice was higher than expected. "Is that safe?"

  Thor's chin lifted. "She would go there to escape."

  My stomach churned. It's not like his sister was ever my friend, but I did not want her dead. She'd acted heroically by killing Rex on the screen in front of everybody. She had to have a plan. I clutched my amulet under my shirt and tried to understand how my mother and Rex had the same symbol. If there was more time, I'd search for a clue on my own, but I didn't have the time.

  Merlin's face hardened like he intended to murder someone. "I'm sure Rex added security that way."

  Rex's soldiers barred the streets and people screamed. The words 'revolution' and 'Thor' were rung in the air. Thor nodded as the group turned to keep us together as we made our way down the street. His silence spoke clearly. I stayed right next to Thor. Thor said to all of us as we weaned through the rioters. "We're wasting time."

  As we passed the shop we’d left, I turned to Thor and said, "Something about this place is familiar."

  I wanted to find my mother's past. Would answers be in the castle? I slowed down and looked at the street as if there was some way to accomplish saving Morgana while searching the palace.

  If Rex was dead, then Thor would win the war soon enough. I turned and quickened my pace. Every step I took was like out of a long forgotten dream.

  Thor urged me forward. "Gwen, we've no time. I'm sorry."

  I hustled to keep up and tugged on my breeches. "I know. I just want answers."