The False King: The Cerith Kingdom Chronicles: Book III (The Cerith Kingdom Chronicles 3)

by Jude Marquez

  "What's this we you speak of? I will never go through with it and excuse me Eamon, not to insult you or your family, but are you all out of your mind?" Alyx demanded.

  "The court whispers. They wonder why Eamon is still here. There is no reason for him to be. There is no sign of Evander and if there is talk of marriage-" Lissandra began.

  Alyx made an undignified noise of opposition.

  "If there is talk of a courtship and possible wedding, it will give us time. There are areas we have yet to look," Lissandra went on.

  "I can't marry Eamon," Alyx whispered. His eyes were wide and he felt all the blood leave his head.

  Then Eamon was there, gently guiding him into a chair.

  "I can't marry you," Alyx said.

  "I have no desire to marry you either, Alyx. It would be much like marrying Edmond yet somehow worse. But it is a ruse to ensure that we have enough time here-" Eamon started.

  "And if Evander is out there? If they give him word that I am to marry again? What will he think of me?" Alyx asked.

  "Evander has faith in you. I know he does. He has faith that you will do the right thing. And you will never marry Eamon, I swear on my son's life," Gael said.

  "What they say is true. Let the rumors swirl. Let them talk. It will make the kidnappers sloppy because no matter what, they still have Evander. If we draw them out, make them come to us, that they have the king and..." Lissandra trailed off when she saw Alyx follow the plan to its next logical step.

  "But if I were to marry, or be set to marry, whoever I marry carries the title," Alyx whispered.

  "Exactly. Their hostage is worthless. Evander is nothing. The only choice they have is to come here, show us that Evander lives still, and try to bargain," Eamon said.

  "But that makes you a target," Alyx said.

  "Let them come," Eamon smirked. "I am bored."

  ∞∞∞

  "I can tell you that the ride here was miserable. That there are people and places out there that I wish never to see again," Paige said.

  Emelina stood and went to a table behind her. She truly was beautiful and obviously had very refined taste. Her dress was the finest that Paige had ever seen and living at the De Loughrey castle had taught her a great many things about how a lady truly carried herself.

  "Are you Josette's sister?" Emelina asked when she understood that Paige would not tell her anything important.

  "No. I was- she was training me. Then this came up, to bring word here from our King and I begged to come with her," Paige said.

  "Lucky for Josette," Emelina said and returned to the bed with a steaming bowl. She stirred it and brought a spoon filled with meat and vegetables to her own mouth and took a bite.

  Not poisoned, then.

  "She would have made it," Paige said confidently.

  Emelina smiled and brought the spoon to Paige's mouth with an expertise that said she had done this many times.

  "Do you have children?" Paige asked.

  "I have a little brother. Our parents died when he was a child and I raised him since he was a baby," Emelina said.

  Paige nodded. "That's what my sister did. After our parents were taken into Thomas' army, it fell to her to raise me. My brother did what he could but we had to hide him a lot so that Thomas would not take him from us as well."

  "And how did you get caught up in all this?" Emelina asked.

  Paige's story was well known throughout their lands so she saw no harm in telling Emelina how she ended up here. "I was on the ship that Evander and Alyx took from their island. They sent me to free their men, where I met Josette. We helped to free King Evander's men and those men and Crown Prince Eamon massacred Thomas' army in Lyset."

  "Hm. I heard of the battle. So you sail?"

  "No. That was my first time at sea."

  "Why did they-"

  Emelina must have seen something on Paige's face and she shut her mouth quickly. Paige did not speak of her time on the boat, not with anyone, not even with Josette, though she knew that any of her new found family would listen.

  Emelina put the bowl down and straightened her skirts. "Well. I hope your Kings killed them all slowly."

  "I would have preferred slower," Paige said.

  Silence fell over them.

  "Who are- who are the guards outside? In purple?" Paige asked. She shoved her hands underneath the blankets still piled high atop her.

  Emelina picked up the bowl once more. "I know what you are thinking. Purple. But that is not who they are. They do not belong to Thomas. That is the Prince's personal guard, those under his orders alone. Not even his father can command them."

  "Who are they?"

  "They are called Heaven's Infinite. Well, that's the rough translation, in any event. They come from islands south west of the Ataton Kingdom. Fierce like them as well."

  "And you are sure that they do not belong to Thomas?" Paige asked. She didn't know why she trusted Emelina's word. For all Paige knew, she could be lying to gain her trust. This court was filled with liars, Josette had told her so.

  "I am sure. If you want, I am sure you could speak to one of them," Emelina said.

  "Would the Prince allow that?"

  Emelina shrugged. "But he would sooner put himself on the executioner's block than to have any harm come to you and believe me, he has a great deal of affection for his head where it is."

  "I think I would like that," Paige said and pulled herself upright.

  Emelina nodded and put the bowl down. She opened the door again and spoke quietly to someone.

  When she came back in, she was followed by a man with black skin, dark brown eyes, a bald head, and a polite smile on his face.

  "So you are the treasure we protect," he said and sat down in a chair he pulled up next to the bed.

  "I am no treasure," Paige said and looked down.

  "Our Prince says otherwise. He said to protect you as we protect him."

  After a moment, Paige looked up at him. He was not Thomas' man. She could see that already. Those men had no pride in themselves or those that they served. Their clothes and armor and weapons were rarely clean and this man's shone so brightly, Paige could probably see herself in it. Now that she looked at his cloak more closely, she saw it was more finely made, that the stitching was more elaborate, and the material itself thicker.

  "Who are you?" Paige asked.

  "My name is Milet. I come from the islands that are collectively known as Conbur. I am my Princess's head guard, sworn to keep her alive and well."

  "Where is she?"

  "With Alik, no doubt trying to speak some sanity into him, so that he does not storm your own lands, and demand why King Alyx let you two alone without a guard."

  "Josette is well trained."

  "And you are not. And as the King's ward-"

  "He did not know," Paige blurted out.

  Milet paused and looked over at Emelina who only raised her eyebrows but said nothing else.

  "He thought we were going to Nightfell. We told him that Josette was called home."

  Milet sat back and studied her for a long moment. "I have heard of you. You alone broke the King's men out, took them to Lyset."

  "I was not alone. Josette was with me."

  "But the journey. You did that alone."

  Paige fell silent.

  "You seek your King, do you not?" Milet asked gently.

  Paige looked down at the blankets again. They were intricate as well. Everything here seemed delicate and cold and Paige suddenly wished for the warmth of De Loughrey castle, for Evander's smile, for Alyx's never ending patience with her. She wished she could hear Eamon telling her stories of his wolves. She wished to hear Evander laugh once more. She wished for so many things, it felt like she would break underneath the weight of all her wishes.

  "I miss him," she whispered and the blanket underneath her blurred and she saw her tears dampen them. "Cerith feels like it is dying without him."

  "Then I hope that Prince Alik will
be able to do what he can to give you some peace," Milet said.

  Just then, there was a gentle rapping at the door. Emelina handed Paige a handkerchief to wipe her face with and then Alik was letting himself into the room, Margrave just behind him.

  Like before, Alik looked cold and expressionless, severe and all at once tired.

  "I'm glad to see you are feeling better. Now, can you tell me what this is all about?"

  Chapter 10

  "My King," Lady Lancaster said and bowed elaborately. Next to her, her daughter mimicked the gesture perfectly and Alyx fought a scream back.

  They were in the great hall and for the first time in months, Alyx was attending court. It was the only activity that Lissandra approved of, due to his health. She limited his guests and his meetings and though Lord Ethan silently glared at her when she did so, it provided a great relief to Alyx and she made sure he always made the most important ones.

  Alyx nodded and Lady Lancaster and her daughter shared a look and Alyx sighed, his irritation clearly showing through.

  Beside him, on an elaborate chair that was set slightly below him on the dais, Avelina squeezed his arm. It was an awkward movement and one that did not go unnoticed as the Lancaster women shared a glance.

  "Is there something that you would like to discuss with His Majesty?" Avelina prompted.

  Alyx was eternally grateful. In their time here, he had seen each of the royal family lose their temper, with the only exception being Princess Avelina. She was the definition of grace under pressure.

  "We only wish to know, there are rumors, I'm sure you've heard," the younger Lancaster whispered in a loud voice and leaned closer to Avelina.

  Avelina smiled and cocked her head but did not confirm the rumors that she herself had started.

  "About His Majesty seeking a new companion, possibly a new husband?" The younger Lancaster prompted.

  Avelina exchanged a look with Auelina who sat on Alyx's other side.

  "I'm sure we don't know what you are talking about," Auelina said smoothly.

  "The rumors go so far as to say that His Majesty has even selected his new companion. We only ask so that we might approach the tailor for proper dresses to be made," Lady Lancaster said.

  Avelina glanced over at Auelina and smoothly got to her feet. She took both the Lancaster women by the arm and led them away, speaking in a low tone as though they were all the best of friends.

  Just then, Eamon and Edmond entered the great hall, followed by their men. Cade led them all and headed straight for Alyx's throne. This was the first time Alyx had seen him since his latest trip, three days gone.

  Alyx stood and hugged him. Around them, the court cheered at their prince's return. Cade nodded wearily at the people of the court but he looked so much older. Alyx could only imagine what his time out along the borders was doing to him. He could only imagine the anguish he was going through, looking for his brother for months now and finding nothing.

  Alyx pulled away and held him at arm's length. He looked exhausted but he was clean, probably stopped to bathe before joining them.

  Cade shook his head and looked down.

  "I know," Alyx said and cupped his cheek. "I trust that you will find him, Cade. I do. But you must also rest or I will be forced to send Lissandra your way."

  Cade gave him a weak smile and Alyx gestured for a line of servants to put the platters of food down on the long table, where Cade and Gael had seats reserved. Alyx preferred to eat with just the royal family and often did, much earlier in the morning. Being in court exhausted him and he needed the energy before his day officially began. Cade sat and the others followed suit. Alyx looked around for Eamon and found him near the back of the hall with Aldous and Lord Ethan crowded very closely to him.

  "If that isn't the most unusual gathering of people I have ever seen..." Gael said from Alyx's side.

  Valentine joined them and the four of them crowded even closer together.

  "It got more unusual," Alyx said and raised an eyebrow.

  Auelina joined the group and Gael and Alyx only exchanged a look. The four men were listening to her talk quite intently and Eamon grasped her hand and kissed her knuckles. She smiled at him and left the group and the great hall altogether, Aldous at her side. Eamon caught Edmond's eye and tilted his head to the door and Edmond left Cade's side to meet his brother at the door.

  There, Eamon caught Alyx's eye and gave him a brilliant smile, one that the entire court saw, but was reserved just for Alyx, and the two brothers left.

  "Well if they didn't think you were sleeping with the Crown Prince before, they do now," Gael muttered.

  ∞∞∞

  Paige had never felt so small in her life. The odds had never been so stacked against her. She irrationally wished for Eamon and his huge presence, for Evander and his humor, for anyone to save her.

  So she burst into sobs and brought her hands to her face.

  "Alik, for the love of the gods, is that how you speak to children?" Margrave hissed and pulled Alik back.

  Paige raised her hands to her face and felt soft arms encircle her.

  "Do you know who this is?" Emelina hissed.

  "No, Lady Sexton, please educate me," Alik said from the other side of the room. He sounded bitter and angry.

  "This is the child that broke King Evander's men out and with the help of the barbarians rescued the two kings. And that was supposed to be her happy ending. Have some compassion, for this one child, for once in your life," Emelina snapped. She tightened her arms around Paige and that's when she heard the door open.

  Paige looked up to see Josette, pale, weak, but awake and more importantly, alive, with Lady Issat's arm around her waist.

  "Paige, enough," Josette said.

  Paige stopped crying and wiped her face before lowering her hands to the blankets atop her legs. Emelina pulled back to inspect Paige, now that she had turned her tears off like a candle being snuffed out.

  The others in the room turned to her and while there were a few looks of betrayal on their faces, Emelina's face only showed respect.

  Issat led Josette over to a chair by Alik and gently helped her sit. Sweat dotted her face and she looked like she might be sick at any moment.

  "What is this?" Alik asked Issat.

  "She insisted. She threatened to leave and find Paige herself and then you. Really, it was for your own safety. Can we get some food in here?" Issat asked the room as a whole.

  "You are fired. Margrave, arrange for a cell," Alik ordered.

  "Gladly," Margrave said though he made no move towards the door. Instead he studied Paige, renewed interest in his eyes.

  "Bring some food with you as well," Issat said.

  "Who are you?" Josette asked Milet, her eyes narrowed. His purple cloak had not escaped her eyes.

  "Who are you?" Milet countered.

  The room fell quiet.

  "I will fetch us food," Emelina said and stood.

  "See that you return quickly," Alik snapped.

  "I have to see to Lambin," Emelina protested.

  "Bring him."

  Emelina glared at Alik and turned on her heel.

  "Milet, you can return to your post. See that only Emelina is allowed in," Alik ordered.

  Milet bowed and left.

  "Can we please get some answers now?" Issat asked. Paige could only imagine the questions she had peppered Josette with.

  "I came to question your Prince," Josette said and winced as she tried to find a more comfortable position in the hard chair.

  "For what?" Margrave asked.

  "King Evander's kidnapping," Josette said.

  The silence in the room was ringing. Alik stared at Josette and then to Issat and over to Margrave before he turned to Paige and then back to Josette.

  Then, with a strength and speed that startled everyone in the room, Alik crossed the room and grabbed Margrave's tunic and cloak and threw him against a wall by the bed that Paige was in. She tossed her blankets o
ff and scrambled over to Josette. The room spun a bit but she felt safer behind Josette and Issat.

  The anger of men was unpredictable.

  "If you did this, I swear on my brother's soul-"

  The door opened and Emelina walked in with a child at her side who was clutching a book and Milet looking in. Milet looked to Issat but she shook her head and he closed the door.

  "For once, cousin, I am clueless," Margrave gasped.

  "Do you swear it?" Alik demanded and shook him.

  "I swear it. I do not know what the spy is talking about," Margrave said.

  Alik let him go and Margrave straightened his clothes with a glare at his cousin.

  "Speak plainly, spy, and do it quickly. Your secrets wear on me," Alik said.

  "Paige and I have been looking for Evander. There has been no sign of a body and any mention of a captive keeps pushing us further and further north. The last village we were in is on the border of your lands and the Cerith kingdom. Still, we were pointed north," Josette said.

  "So you assumed that I had ordered the kidnapping of a fellow royal for what purpose?" Alik asked. He didn't sound angry; in fact he sounded more bewildered than anything.

  "What else do people in power want more of? Land, people, food, currency. If you took Evander's kingdom, you could have it all," Josette said.

  "If I truly wanted his kingdom, I would seduce him or his husband first," Alik scoffed yet utterly confident.

  Margrave and Issat nodded, as though this discussion had already happened.

  "Alik's ways are more of the dirty, underhanded, cunning type. If he were truly after the Cerith kingdom, he would have slept his way into the royal family," Emelina said.

  "Excuse me," a small voice whispered at Paige's side. She jumped, not aware of the small child that entered with Emelina was now at her side. Paige looked down and was confronted with a miniature of Emelina; the red hair, the captivating green eyes, and smooth skin. The little boy held his book up and Paige felt a flush on her cheeks.

  "I don't read," she whispered back.

  The little boy smiled. "That's okay. Everyone always reads to me. I can read to you."

  Josette glanced over her shoulder and when Paige looked up at her, she only shrugged. "We will be here for awhile."