Whispers of a Throne

by Victoria Pinder

  We stopped at a tent with Rex's blue flag waving from the top. The knight said, "Go in."

  One of the soldiers on foot grabbed the reigns of my horse. With a gulp, I said a fast prayer that I could find my way out of this mess I’d caused. Time slowed with every step I took. In my father's stories, Rex murdered people, and I might be next. He'd stop at nothing to win.

  No one came for me. I was alone.

  Delott kept his arms to his side and did not lift his sword as he paraded himself in front of me. He acted like he was one of them. I sped up and walked next to him inside the tent though I kept as much distance between us as I could.

  My heart fell to my stomach as someone walked out from one of the side rooms. This tent had the blue banners and black lion everywhere. The chair in the middle of the room told me this was where royalty sat. The gold crown rested on a pedestal next to the gold throne.

  From another room, a large man with green eyes and brown hair like me entered the room. His green eyes blazed with righteousness. My fingers clenched into a fist as I recognized Rex.

  Rex circled me like I was prized meat. I straightened my spine. If I died, I'd not beg for anything. I lifted my chin.

  He then turned to Delott and waved his hand. "You have done your job."

  "Sire." Delott lowered his gaze in deference.

  I crossed my arms. "Traitor."

  The word flew out of my mouth. Delott shook his head. Rex's green eyes flashed like he saw something in me that he hated. My skin crawled as he came closer. His height and shoulders towered above me, and I wasn't short. My heart beat grew wild now, but there was something about his green eyes that struck me. In his face, there was something familiar, but I had never met him. My stomach churned as I tried to make sense of my thoughts.

  Rex smiled with perfectly white teeth. "Gwendaline?"

  There was no need to pretend otherwise. I wasn't stupid and I didn't get the impression that he was either. I nodded. "Gwen. And you?"

  He bowed slightly. "Caesar Alexander Nepos, King of all England, though most commonly referred to as Caesar Rex."

  My arms stayed crossed. Nepos stood for nephew now that I thought about it. I shook off the thought. I had so many questions, though the urge to throw a chair at him and try to make a run for it raced through my mind. I'd never win. I tilted my head and asked, "Have we met before?"

  His gaze narrowed as his face paled. "Not in this life."

  I lowered my hands to my stomach. "Why do I feel as if I know you?"

  He stared into my eyes. I recognized how similar his gaze was to my mother's when she'd caught me doing something she had told me not to. "You are queen of my realm, Gwendaline."

  My sister Jax had made such grandiose claims, in jest. My muscles cramped in my gut, but I shook my head like that might free me of the ache inside. "You married Morgana. You don't get two wives."

  His laugh was cold. My entire body stilled as he said, "She will never rule anything. I married her to ensure no one else did. I will not allow any familial lines to interfere with my family's rule."

  This was an evil man. As he spoke, coldness enveloped me. Rex should not be king. Thor should. He cared about people and would unite us all. "Then how can I be queen? You already have one."

  His eyes widened. If I lived through this, I swore I’d learn to conquer my impulses. I shouldn't ask questions. I needed to control my tongue and stop being so rash.

  He rubbed his smooth chin. "You don't know, do you?"

  "What?"

  His smile deepened as he crossed his arms and circled me. I did not enjoy being studied like an animal about to get swallowed. I stared ahead. Rex then rubbed his chin and stood in front of me. "Didn't Thor tell you?"

  The fireworks inside me rang in my ears. My mother's amulet around my neck grew heavier. Mother had run away from London. I shuffled my feet and tried not to give my emotions away. "Tell me what?"

  He reached for my clenched hand and drew it from my stomach. Then he gazed at my neck and reached for the amulet. I couldn't breathe as he ripped it from me. I tried to tug my hand back and flee, but I couldn't. Rex held firm as he gripped my wrist tightly as he stared at his own banner on the necklace. "That our mother was married to the king. Then she ran away with some knight. This trinket was hers."

  I tightened my fist and yanked backward. I almost won my freedom, but then Rex grabbed my elbow, not letting go. I shook my head. "Our?"

  His eyes narrowed into slits. "You really didn't know."

  I again tried to get out of his hold but he refused to release me. I winced. "What did you mean our?"

  He let my arm go, and I rubbed at the pressure. "You're my half-sister, Gwen. Our mother ran off when she was pregnant with you."

  Mother would never leave any of her children. She had died covering Jax and Cyna clutched in her own body in the burning shed. Rex had to be manipulating me. "I don't believe you."

  He shrugged. "I could have the doctors show you the blood test, but I don't think that's bothering you. You know it's true."

  No, I didn't. I knew Mother and knew she loved me. She and my father planned to send me to Thor, not Rex. There was no way Rex was my brother. I stepped away, but guards blocked the door. I shook my head. "Stop."

  Rex came closer to me, and I saw Delott. He stood still and silent. I'd deal with him later. Rex circled me. "It seems we're alike. You have my temper."

  I crossed my arms. I was nothing like him. My head throbbed. "Mother would never leave a child, even one like you."

  Rex cocked his head to the side. "She had to choose to give birth to you or take me from my father. If she tried to steal me away, my father would never have stopped chasing her."

  We'd always moved until we were settled close to Avalon. I covered my ears. If I blocked him out then I wouldn't hear any more. "Liar."

  He yanked my hands down. As he held my arms in a tight grip at my sides, he said, "No one says that to me and lives, sis."

  I lifted my chin. Mother was an angel. "So kill me. I don't believe you."

  He let my hands go and laughed. "I can see in your eyes that you do. And you are like me."

  The coldness inside his voice made my entire body shake. If he was family, then he was the worst brother imaginable. My faults would not lead to needless deaths, like my mother and sister's. My eyes misted as I glared into the green eyes of the man who'd destroyed everything. "Your men killed her."

  He towered over me. He equaled Thor in size, but never in attitude. His profile hardened as he widened his stance. "What?"

  My voice rose. "Arrows with flames were shot at her pottery shed. Mother and my sisters were inside and couldn't get out."

  "How do you know it was my soldiers, Gwen?"

  My gut told me. Thor wouldn't have ordered his soldiers to shoot flaming arrows. Father had been so determined to get me to Thor and under his protection. I couldn't say any of this. My jaw clenched. I had no proof. "Did you have soldiers in the forest near Avalon?"

  "Yes. I need to know the movements of the rebel who wishes to steal my throne."

  My heart sped up as I stared at him. Rex had killed her. He was why she wasn't with me now. Nothing else made sense. Father did not want me with Rex and now I understood why. I'd never rule beside this man.

  "Even if I did kill her, I don't care." He shrugged and sat down in a chair. He stared at me, and I schooled my expression as he said, "She set off a rebellion. It's a fitting end for the woman who threw away a crown. She deserved whatever happened to her."

  Mother wasn't to blame for any of this. He had to be wrong. My body stilled and my voice reminded me of Mother as I asked calmly, "If I was to be queen could I stop you from ordering the deaths of innocents?"

  He leaned forward and placed his hands in a steeple as he studied me. "You could try."

  The word no reverberated in me though he hadn't said it. I stared at him.

  Delott stood like the trained soldier he was. He'd never be my hero. Somehow I had
to find my way back to Thor. Merlin had said he knew my mother. Thor also seemed to know something. They'd tell me the truth.

  The guards let someone new inside Rex's tent. The squire carried something electronic and I held my breath. All these would-be kings were crazy. Silent painful deaths from poisoned things wouldn't kill Rex fast enough for me, though.

  Then Rex stuck it in my face, and my stomach clenched. I saw how I projected onto his electronics.

  Rex stood up from his chair and grabbed hold of my arm. He squeezed so hard I lost feeling in my hand as he directed me closer to that evil thing the man held. Rex spoke in my ear. "Come, let's get you on camera. We will destroy the leaders of this outpost, together, once they see you in my control."

  The red light above the man's head came on. I pressed my lips together. The man with the machine pointed and the light turned green. I shook my head at Rex. "This is Avalon, not an outpost. Thor's town is vibrant and his people love him."

  Rex's other hand went around my shoulders and he stroked me like I was a pet he might abuse. "Come, sister dear."

  His arms wrapped tighter around me as the electronic thing was pointed closer in our faces. "People of Avalon. The Queen of London, my sister, is now at my side. Anyone who gives up peacefully and lays down their arms before us will be granted immunity from this war."

  I trembled as Rex's hands curled around my collarbone, and I imagined him choking me to death next. If I died, then at least my pain ended. I'd be with Mother and get the truth. Then my body stiffened. I couldn't let Rex hurt Thor in any way. My throat dried. Rex's words might hurt Thor's people as they fought to protect a town that was ruled on fairness. I rocked on my feet and cried out, "Don't listen. Thor deserves your loyalty."

  The man yanked the camera off his shoulder and Rex threw me to the ground. My red linen dress was hopelessly dirty and my knees burned. I ignored the pain as I stood up. I brushed off my dress as best I could. Rex's face turned red. Then he pointed to his guards. "Get her out of my sight. The legends of some queen that will help bring peace will be met with her safely ensconced in my castle. No one will live who opposes my rule, and all hope of the rebellion dies with my sister at my side."

  Delott marched behind the two guards that grabbed me. I was dragged out like a rag doll as fire bolts were shot from catapults at the walls.

  I had to find a way out of here.

  Chapter 24

  Soldiers sneered as I was brought through the field. The flicker of the projector that played on Avalon's white walls meant they had seen everything. I flinched and avoided their stare. Arrows from Avalon stopped as I was brought forward. My heart surged and I prayed Thor had ordered me to be saved. A few of Rex's dead soldiers were sprawled in our path, and I knew I didn't have time to wait. My shoulders tightened, and I fought back nausea. As we passed the wall, I vividly remembered the side door hidden in the stone. My breath quickened.

  I had walked through it to watch Morgana the day Rex's soldiers had taken her captive.

  My eyes were opened wide and I tried to see every shrub. If I made it back here, I'd have to remember each leaf.

  One man rubbed his chin as another hit his friend in the stomach. These soldiers wouldn't show me deference as they thought me a traitor. I lowered my face so no one saw how I studied the wall, but then I stared hard at the rectangular outline pattern. The door blended into the wall, and no one here knew.

  Adrenaline rushed through me. Memories flooded my mind. The shrubbery where I had stood with Nel and the guard as Rex's men had taken Morgana was on my left. This was the same place. My skin felt alive and jumpy. I knew where I was. The third rectangle back must be the door.

  If I made it to the door at night and knocked, with luck, someone on the inside might let me in.

  But what if Rex saw me, and got inside as well? I could not let my recklessness ruin Avalon. It was best not to think about anything negative with so much going against my weak plan.

  I had to make it work while keeping those inside the walls safe.

  The soldiers turned right and I counted my steps. The sound of men preparing for battle echoed around me. I rubbed my arms. The red dress made me stand out. Would I be easily seen in the dark?

  As I was taken to another white tent with a blue flag, goose bumps grew on my arms like someone familiar was here. It wasn't the warmth of Thor in my blood. The clink of swords to my right caught my attention. Whoever followed me went toward the sound as well. I turned around and swore someone stared at me. I searched the crowd as best I could, but didn't see any familiar faces. Something churned inside me. Thor would help me, but there was no way I'd depend on that thought. I had to slow down and make a calculated plan for my own freedom.

  I straightened my back as the soldiers, stopped at a door and stepped to the side in formation. My mind flashed to how my father's chest had been full of arrows and I winced.

  The guards stared at me. I was supposed to go inside the tent. Coldness seeped through me as I wondered if I'd be trapped forever and never make it out of here.

  The fabric was pushed aside and I had a look at the spacious interior. The tent had more than one room, much like Thor's. The tent had a living area, complete with chairs and a table. In the other room I glimpsed a bed to sleep on. In some ways this was nicer than some of the places I had lived. Candles were already lit.

  Delott slipped in at my heels and then stood next to me. "This is cozy."

  No. My nostrils flared. "This is a prison."

  He went over to the dining area and didn't look at me. "It could be worse."

  I cracked my knuckles. "It could be better."

  His eyes were wide as he stared at me. "You're in a mood."

  If I went to Thor with Delott, he'd think I betrayed him. I swayed on my feet. "Why am I stuck with you? All you've done since we met is screw up my life. I want you gone."

  He pointed to the canvas entryway. "I can't leave."

  I knocked a chair over as I rushed to distance myself from him. "Why not?"

  "We're being guarded."

  I picked up the chair as I remembered how Father always told me to be gentle. My face felt hot. "Shouldn't you be rewarded? You brought me to him. The great Rex. So you can go and not pretend to be stuck with me."

  Nausea built in my throat as I thought of Rex as my brother. I shivered and tucked the chair back in place.

  His lips parted like I'd just offended him. "Rex ordered me here with you and didn't acknowledge me. I don't think he trusts me."

  Rex probably thought Delott a turncoat too. No one should trust him, ever. I never wanted to see Delott again. "That would be something I agree with him on," I snapped.

  He stepped closer to the table. I clutched a candle holder like it was a weapon as he stood next to me. "Did you really not know he was your brother?"

  I ground my teeth. Perhaps Delott was sent here to torture me. He’d ruined everything. "Did you know?"

  He crossed his arms and glared at me. "No, but it doesn't change my vow to you. You are the best among the four potential rulers to bring peace."

  I lifted my chin. This was stupid. "He can say what he likes, but I don't believe him."

  Delott's voice lowered as he massaged my arm. "Gwen, I am sorry."

  No. The tingles in my skin came from the coldness I felt near him. I pressed my lips together and then called, "Guards."

  One of the two men who stood outside came in and bowed, "Yes, Your Majesty?"

  I preferred my lady now. At least Thor's people had been kind. I crossed my arms. Delott couldn't be trusted. I lifted my head and mimicked how Thor spoke. "Please lock me up on my own and not with this man who sold me to Rex."

  The guard didn't move for a moment. Jitters grew inside me as I wondered what they'd say.

  Delott loomed close "Gwen."

  "He pretends he has rights to use my name and refuses to call me Your Majesty." I pointed to the door. The goose bumps on my arms didn't matter. I held onto my coldness. I n
eeded these soldiers to understand. I clenched the candle holder tighter as I shouted, "Get out."

  I put the candle holder down on the table as the guards escorted him from the tent. Delott's brown eyes pleaded with me, but I shook my head.

  I heard the wind blow outside and men in formation march by the tent. Inside nothing stirred, not even me. I sat down in a chair and rubbed my temples. The silence meant I was alone.

  My blood stirred. This wasn't the end. I had to find my way and waiting was for someone else. I stood up and stared at the corners of my cloth prison. This wasn't a castle with stone walls. A tent was moveable. I fell to my knees and decided to check how the floor of the tent was hammered into the ground.

  I circled the room on my hands and knees. The guards outside didn't move. If I crouched low enough I could see the feet of soldiers and knights. The binding that held this place was tight, but in a few spots I stuck my head out and measured the opening. I would fit.

  My red dress would be seen, again.

  A noise outside the door caught my attention. My heart pounded, but I stood up and brushed off my dress.

  A chair wasn't that far from me, and I threw myself in it just as Delott walked back inside. I got to my feet as the guard followed. We stood without saying anything for what felt like forever. Then without saying anything the guard left. Delott lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry, my lady. Rex has ordered me to stay here with you."

  I threw my hands in the air. Escape is harder with someone watching over me. "Of course he did. He'd like for you to keep him informed on what I do."

  Delott's eyes glistened like he cared. "He's launching an attack against Avalon in the morning."

  My breath caught in my throat even if I wasn't sure I believed him. "What kind of attack?"

  Delott still had his sword at his side. Clearly he wasn't a prisoner or they would have taken his weapons. I glanced down and then back at him as he said, "I don't know, but I have a plan to get you out of here."