by Zizi Cole
He grabbed my face, squeezing my jaw. He lifted until I was up off the cot and standing in front of him. “You are nothing to me, except a prisoner. You will address me as sir.”
I laughed in his face. “That is where you are mistaken. The only person that I had to bow down to, is dead. I will not bow to a power-hungry guard.”
“I heard you have a thing for guards. I’ll show you mine.”
“You will not speak to me like that. I will have you thrown in a cell and you will see how much I like the guards. You are lucky I don’t have you put to death.”
His mouth came down on mine. He attempted to force his tongue in my mouth, so I did the one thing available to me. I bit down on his tongue as hard as I could. He jerked back and I felt blood fill my mouth. Letting go of my jaw, he shoved me back. I spit the blood into his face. I didn’t have time to brace myself as his fist came at me and hit me in the jaw. I was knocked back onto the bed, head smacking the cement wall.
He stormed out of the cell, slamming the door behind him. As soon as I was certain I was alone, the trembling began. I had never been treated that way by anyone, except Luquin.
I scooted back on the bed and pulled my legs up. I wrapped my arms around my knees and waited.
When I entered my room, I packed a few things that I would need for my trip back to Tiven. I knew that Tobias would think this was a mistake, but I couldn’t leave them like that. I had to go make sure things were ready. I had a responsibility to the kingdom and the people.
I hoped that Tobias didn’t hate me when he woke up and found me gone the next morning. I wanted for a little bit before I went over to Scarlet to wake her and let her know what was going on. I didn’t want her scared when she woke up with me gone.
Waking her up, I signed to her that I was going back. She vigorously shook her head no, and was signing that it was a bad idea. I hugged her tightly.
“You will be okay. Go to Declan. He will be able to understand you. I will get everything figured out and settled, then I will be back.”
She nodded, tears running silently down her cheeks. I brushed away one of the tears. Standing, I turned and left the room. I knew she wouldn’t let me go without telling Tobias; I just hoped she gave me a head start.
I headed out with a heavy heart, hoping that things would work out the way I envisioned. Even though I knew I was doing what was best, it was still difficult. It would be easier to just turn back and get back into bed with Tobias, but I knew the right thing was never easy.
When we had arrived at the church, I recognized the area immediately. I knew that we were back home. The wood, which Tobias and I had spent time in, was to the left. I followed it and made the slow trek back to Tiven. I had to get there and get things under control. I knew the majority of the guards were probably dead now so there would be chaos and mayhem everywhere.
I touched the necklace that Tobias had given me. It had the ashes of our son inside it. I lifted it and pressed a gentle kiss to it. It was such a sweet gift. He had given me our child back in the best way that he possibly could.
Now I needed to give Scarlet the gift that she deserved. I headed in the direction that Tiven was. Picking up my pace, I hoped to make it back, in one piece. I touched the short sword I had taken, for protection, when I left the safe house. The cold steel helped calm me to know that I had some protection.
Part 3: Return to the Castle
Chapter 1- Malina
I slipped into my chambers and looked around. Nothing had changed, except the rug by the bed was gone. It was dark, with a chill in the air. I opened my closet to see that the chest was gone. I nodded to myself, glad that Rosa had followed directions. She was as safe as she could be, now that she was away from the court.
I walked to the window and looked outside. There was still smoke rising from where buildings had burned to the ground. No one knew I was back yet, and I would like to keep it that way a little longer. I wanted to be prepared before anyone knew I was back. Court was a mess. People were scattering and panicking.
I sighed. I wouldn’t be able to stay hidden much longer. I walked to the closet and pulled out a pants suit that I had made when my new dresses were designed. Slipping it on, I pulled on a pair of boots. I was glad that Luquin hadn’t kept an eye on my clothing. I walked to the vanity and pulled my hair back into a quick bun to keep it out of my face. I hesitated when I saw my crown sitting on the mannequin head.
I wasn’t sure what to do. I knew that wearing it would show my position of power, but at the same time, I hated it. It represented the life I abhorred. I decided not to wear it. I didn’t need a crown for everyone to know who I was. I opened my bedroom door and slipped out. I made my way down to the storage where the armor was kept. I wasn’t going to take chances of being shot or killed when people saw that I had returned and was taking over the kingdom.
I found the smallest armor that we had and began the painstaking task of putting it on. I growled in frustration when I realized it was a two person job. The door opened, scaring me. I whipped around to stare at who was there. It was the head of Luquin’s personal guards. We stared at each other for several heart beats.
Finally, he bowed to me. “Milady, is there anything I can assist you with?”
I felt my eyebrows rise in surprise. “You aren’t going to try to take me into custody?”
“No, ma’am. Not all of us were in agreement that you were responsible for the death of the king. You had ample time alone with him to do so, if that was your intention. I also know that you were more inclined to self-harm before you would harm anyone else.”
“How?” I was shocked.
“Not everyone was oblivious to you. You weren’t as invisible as you thought. Your little maid wasn’t either. We just hated to see that sweet child being harmed. Most of the time we gave her free reign.” He walked up to me and motioned for me to turn around.
When I obliged, he helped me fasten the armor. As he was helping me suit up, I had to know. “Greyson, why are you helping me?”
He leaned closer. “I think you want what’s best for the people. That is what they need. Someone looking out for them. The priests were attacked after your disappearance from the cell. Several were killed. Father Lopez as well. We believe that the fire killed everyone that was down in the basement, but Lopez was murdered. The clergy is in an uproar and the Pope himself is coming to Tiven.”
The Pope? My thoughts reeled while I considered what that involved. If the Pope was coming that meant that there would be heightened security and possible lockdown. No one wanted the Pope to make an appearance. Over the years, things had changed and the Pope was no longer a man of peace. It was said that he was one of the four horsemen. The one known as War. It was silly superstition, but violence seemed to be his way of making people toe the line and cower under his power.
“Then I suggest we speed things along and get everything under my control before he shows up. I will not have him killing my people.” Once I was suited up, I turned and looked at Greyson. He was watching me, frowning. “What?”
“You are different, My Queen.”
“How?”
“You seem more. I don’t know. Confident, I guess. It looks good on you.”
“Thanks. Let’s go.”
“Wait.” Greyson knelt on one knee and bowed his head. “I swear my loyalty to you, Queen Malina. Queen of Tiven. Queen of Grace and Poise. I vow to you, I will lay down my life for you.”
I touched his shoulder. When he raised his head, I nodded at him. “Thank you. Your loyalty is accepted.”
He stood and we walked out of the storage together. I walked to the throne room. Greyson pushed the doors open for me and the room fell silent. The crowd parted as I walked through. My boots echoed on the floor as I made my way to the front of the room and the dais.
Greyson held his hand out for me, to help me step up onto the platform. I turned and stood, staring out at the sea of nobles that gaped at my entrance. “I, Malina Tudor, am officially reigning
Queen of Tiven. If any of you have an issue with this, you may leave my kingdom immediately.” Glancing at Greyson, I nodded once.
Greyson walked to the door and signaled. Several guards walked into the room and stood at attention before me. I realized I had been mistaken when I thought I had made it into the kingdom unnoticed.
“Lockdown the gates. I want no one in or out, until I give the command. Gather the townsfolk together so I can give them an update on what is going on. Round up all the remaining guards and servants. I want them up to date on the situation and I want to try to calm the panic.”
The guards left to do as I commanded; I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged on my lips. I could see how people got carried away with the power. It was intoxicating. A small part of me whispered about what I could do if I stayed reigning queen and didn’t let Scarlet have the throne. I pushed those thoughts back and focused on getting things calm.
I knew realistically that locking us in wouldn’t keep us safe from being attacked. It would buy us time, but that was pretty much it. If the Pope wanted in, he would find a way, one way or another. There was also another set of people that would get in if they wanted. I knew at least one who would want to. Assassins.
I sat on the throne and closed my eyes for a moment. It was quiet. The meeting had gone well and I hoped that the people would accept the changes that were going to be made. I was not naïve enough to think everything would be perfect, but I was going to make sure it was better. I wanted the kingdom to have peace and security. I knew that Scarlet would do that.
I heard footsteps on the floor and I carefully opened my eyes. I watched as the messenger approached me. I smiled, hoping to put him at ease. He dropped to the floor and crawled toward me.
“Stand. There is no need to grovel. I have a letter I need you to deliver to the Duke of Windsor.”
“Yes, My Queen,” the young man bowed, forehead almost touching his knees.
I held the message out to him. He took it and slipped it into a pouch on his waist, before backing out of the room. The first steps of my mission were completed. I knew the duke would be here by the end of the week, after receiving my message.
I wondered how long before the attempts on my life would begin again. That made my mind shift to Tobias and the fact that I disappeared on him. I hoped he understood what I had to do. I also knew that he wouldn’t let me do this completely alone. I knew him better than that. If he was able, he would be here before it was too late.
I had the feeling that an assassin would get me. One way or another. I was hoping that I would be the one to choose what way I was going to be taken. I stood and began to pace in short clips. I could feel the anxiety, of what was going to happen, building in my chest. Not everyone was happy that I was stepping up and reappearing after the devastation of the explosion that Tobias as set. I understood why he had done so, but I wished he would have had a more peaceful way of doing things.
I decided to retire for the evening and headed back up to my chambers. When I walked in, I was surprised to see Leigh sitting there, staring at the door. Her eyes widened. “Milady!” She sprung up and threw her arms around me. I returned the hug and set her back a little.
“Are you okay, Leigh?”
She nodded as tears filled her eyes. “Yes, My Queen. I lost my brother in the explosion, but other than that, I’m fine.”
“Where’s Pippa?”
She shrugged. “I haven’t seen her since the king died. I don’t know where she is or what is going on.”
“I’m going to set things right. Do you think you can stand by me while I do that?”
She nodded again, then curtsied. “You are my queen. I will abide by all your wishes and commands.”
“Good. Let’s get some rest. We’ve got a long few days ahead of us.”
She helped me settle in; it was as if helping me had settled her nerves. I watched her move more confidently as the evening went on. Once I was settled in, she settled on the chaise in the parlor. I felt better knowing I wouldn’t be alone all night.
The warning blare of horns woke me from my sleep. I jumped out of bed, throwing a robe around my shoulders. Rushing out of the room, I found Greyson in the hallway.
“What’s going on, Greyson?”
“Milady, there are troops at our gates. They are demanding entrance.”
“They are not permitted to enter.”
“They have been told. Their response was there is no king, so we have no one ruling us. They are going to attack.”
I followed him out of the castle. I was going to see who was involved in this attack. I couldn’t let someone come in and take over my castle. I may not be queen for long, but I was still queen. This was my responsibility.
When we reached the wall-walk, I stood above the gates. Looking down at the impending intruders, I tried to determine where they were from. I didn’t recognize their colors or their flag. I watched as horses circled and paced.
I waited with my lips pursed until I was noticed. The movement died down below. Finally, a man on a horse rode up to the gates. He looked up at me. He looked familiar but I wasn’t sure I knew who he was. I had met several people over the past years and I never paid attention to any of them.
“We demand entrance immediately.” He called up to me.
“Who’s we?”
“Don’t worry your pretty little head over it. We are here to protect you.”
I laughed. “It’s funny you say that. My head of the guard doesn’t believe that you are here to protect us. And I apologize good sir, but I believe him over you. Sorry.”
“Woman! I, Prince Edmond of Lictenbaum requests that the guards open the gates.”
I straightened my back and squared my shoulders. “I’m so sorry to hear that, Prince Edmond. I fear you have come here out of ignorance. We don’t need protection and we have a ruler.”
“King Luquin is dead. The statutes state that there has to be royalty in charge of the kingdom.”
“Ah, yes. The statutes. The statutes state that when a king becomes deceased, the queen shall take command of the castle, until a blood heir is found and coronated, or she remarries and makes her husband the king.” I paused to let that sink in. “Oh, my goodness. I forgot to introduce myself. I am Queen Malina. Queen and rightful ruler of Tiven. Now I ask that you take your troops and leave. As you see, I have all under control. Good day, sir.”
I turned; there was a whistle from down below. I turned back to be knocked on the ground as an arrow whizzed past my head. Greyson looked down at me, concern filling his face.
“Are you alright, milady?” He asked quietly.
I nodded and hoped the ringing in my ears would go away quickly. We stayed on the ground until the arrows stopped shooting over our heads. I prayed that everyone had sought out shelter and there wouldn’t be any casualties.
A horse whinnying made me frown. It was a weird noise from a battle horse. The noises stopped, and I glanced at Greyson. He was frowning as well. Slowly and cautiously, he lifted up and glanced over the wall. His eyes widened when he turned back to me.
“What is it?” I felt fear radiating off him.
“They are all dead, milady.”
“What? There is no way.”
“Yes, look. Every single one of them is dead and the horses are headed East with no riders.”
I glanced over the wall to confirm what he said. To my surprise, there were bodies scattered all over the ground. I stared in disbelief. I couldn’t imagine anyone doing this kind of carnage without making a sound. Suddenly, a chill ran down my back and the hair on the back of my neck stood up. We weren’t alone.
“We have company,” I whispered to Greyson.
“Who?” Greyson’s voice was a soft as my own.
“Assassins.”
We stared at each other with the unspoken question lingering in the air. Were the assassins that were here friend or foe? I had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before I found out.
Cha
pter 2- Tobias
R aynor and I watched the arrows rain over the wall of the castle. I knew Malina was on the other side, and I hoped she was okay. I had heard her calling down to the idiot that was trying to break the walls down, before the arrows were released. As quickly and silently as possible, Raynor and I had taken care of the army. If you started from the back and worked quick enough, by the time your presence was acknowledged, it would be too late. Luckily, this had been the case.
I was also grateful that Edmond had only brought a small group with him. He had probably figured that it would be a quick takeover that wouldn’t require much manpower. That was my fault. If I hadn’t let my emotions take over, the castle would have been adequately protected from invasions, but I had killed at least half of the guards.
I saw Malina’s head peek over the wall, and I let out a breath, feeling my shoulders relax a fraction, knowing that she was alive. I had made it in time to save her from that death. We just had to save her from another assassin. I finally had found out who it was. If I was known as the Reaper, this guy was known as Satan. He had some of the most gruesome methods of killing; ones that made it obvious that the victim had been aware of what was happening to them and they suffered every agonizing second of their death.
Malina was in major trouble. I also knew that he hadn’t left Tiven. He had apparently scoped out Malina long enough to know that she wouldn’t leave things in the disarray that they had been left.
“How do we get in, Tobias? It looks like they have it locked down tight.” Raynor studied the wall.
I motioned for him to follow me. We headed toward the tunnels that Malina had taken me through for our escape. I planned on just going back through it to regain entrance. He followed me as we made our way to the entrance.
I stopped and checked to make sure we weren’t being followed. Once I was confident that we were in the clear, I led him through the tunnels into the passageway. When we reached the ladder, I ascended it first.
