Whispers of a Throne Page 21

  All these noises were cries of war.

  I went back to my bedroom and stared at the barred window. Trapped. Tonight I'd not see a moon. Coldness settled in my skin, but I set my dress outside to slip on fast later.

  Rex was nothing like the rest of my family. He was brutal and would kill me once he wiped out any rebellion. I brushed out every knot in my hair and then decided to go to sleep. The smell of fire from the arrows was in the air. The smell reminded me how my mother had died.

  The smoke made resting my head hard. I kept thinking 'what if Rex burns Thor too.' I closed my eyes and wiped away my tears.

  Outside the sounds of swords clanked, arrows whooshed. I'd have to ignore everything and rest my head on this pillow.

  Tomorrow, I would claim my crown. I would be queen, and no king was going to lock me away, ever again.

  Chapter 26

  I opened my eyes and the smell of smoke was gone. I sniffed to be sure, but nothing was there. No noises echoed from outside. I rubbed my eyes and sat up in my bed.

  I froze as I heard the floor creak. Then someone stood in the corner. My breath hitched with anger that once again Morgana was here, but then Nel came forward from the shadows. Relief washed through my body. I sat and said, "You scared me. I thought you were Morgana."

  "I am sorry, my lady." She curtsied and then fumbled with my hair brush.

  I put my feet on the floor and stood. Quietness echoed everywhere. The lack of sound penetrated my eardrums just as loudly as last night's attacks. I rubbed my arms. "What happened with the battle?"

  Nel bounced on her feet and stared me in the eyes. "My lady, it's over."

  A huge sigh escaped my lips. I wasn't alone. My face grew warm. I swallowed and let the air reach my lungs. "What happened, Nel?"

  Nel's lift in her step caused her to knock something over on the table next to the mirror. My shoulders tensed as she said with a smile, "Rex's army left."

  My forehead wrinkled. He'd said he had a plan. To leave? Nothing made sense. Thor hoped his army might arrive in time to beat Rex back. I narrowed my eyes. "Why?"

  She fixed my bed covers as I went toward the mirror. "Sir Wain's troops outnumbered the remaining soldiers."

  The soldiers were that much of a threat to Rex? He had to assume Thor's Sir Wain would arrive. It was our hope all along, but I still shivered. Rex hadn't seemed the type to run. I rubbed the back of my neck. "So we won?"

  This was all too easy and way too convenient. My nose twitched as I thought this was all a trap.

  Nel fluffed the pillow and turned back to me. "Yes. King Thor wants to see you right away."

  Thor was my first priority too. He should have been happy when I'd returned. The doubt on his face held me back. Now my hands shook, though I held them together to hide it as I asked, "Where?"

  Nel lowered her gaze. "In the throne room."

  This was formal. He must think the worst of me. My heart raced slightly. "What? Where is that?"

  "You were there last night, I'm told." Nel walked toward the closet. "First, let's get you dressed."

  I had been in a room, but if that was Thor's throne, it was simple compared to Rex's gold one he had in his tent.

  My plan last night still worked in the light of the morning. If one day I married Thor and became his wife, then he'd have to listen to every word I said. I lifted my chin. If he threatened me or didn't listen now, there was no future. My blood boiled, but I stiffened my entire body. "My dress is right here. Please help me with my hair. I want it to shine."

  Nel rubbed her hands. "He said now."

  I needed her help. I placed my hands on her shoulders. "If I'm to be queen then I will look the part. Please help me and do my hair."

  She shivered but nodded her head. "Yes, my lady."

  I let her go and took a seat before the mirror. The last time she made me glow like my mother. Nel dropped the brush, again, and I swallowed and tried to smile. "Thor is happy he won?"

  She ran the brush through my hair. "I'd imagine so."

  For a few minutes, in silence, I let her work her magic. My hair shone though I had no idea what she did to the bottom to bring out that small curl.

  I closed my eyes, but as I did I saw how pale Nel looked. A knot in my stomach grew as I asked, "Were you feeling well last night, Nel?"

  "Yes, my lady. I'm well."

  I glanced at her again. Nel had been my friend so I had to ask, "Why did you not come to me the other night when I was kidnapped?"

  Nel stopped with my hair. "My brother was sick. I couldn't leave him."

  I nodded. Family should matter. I'd go home if I could. My eyes watered, but I stopped myself from crying. Then I asked, "Is someone supposed to come help me if you can't?"

  Nel's fingers trembled as she wound my hair around the bristles. I could feel her shaking. "Morgana's lady's maid, Henrietta, told me to go and she'd take care of everything. The night you disappeared, she kept me occupied with so many orders that I couldn't get away."

  Once again, Morgana had a plan for everything. "You believe I didn't run away then?"

  Nel straightened her shoulders and then massaged my arm. "You had said you wanted to marry Thor. Of course I didn't."

  "Thank you." I stared hard at the door. "I might need you to tell me that again in the throne room."

  Nel stepped away from my head. I saw her in the mirror as she covered her chest with the hand holding the brush. "I can't go in there."

  Thor wasn't an ogre. He didn't bite anyone's head off in front of me. I had liked him. If he believed me, then I'd keep the faith. Nel was a sweetheart. I turned and smiled at her again. "Wait outside and come if I call you. I might not need you. If I do, all I need you to say is why you weren't with me the other night. No one will hurt you. I swear it."

  She came back and brushed my hair again as she nodded. "I can do that, my lady."

  Once lady had sounded like a foreign word, but now everyone called me that. I straightened my neck and stared at the dress I picked out. I'd shine brightly today. "Please ensure every curl bounces."

  My hair was half up and half down, and the curls at the bottom cascaded with light. My hair almost sparkled on its own. I turned my head back and forth. My mother would have loved to see me like this.

  Nel fretted with her hands again. "It's almost noon."

  She was right. Thor had waited long enough. I rolled my shoulders. "Help me with the dress."

  She took the gown off the hanger and held it for me as I untied my robe. Nel bounced on her feet. "I don't believe Thor's slept, my lady."

  "Then let's get this on and make sure I look like a queen."

  I reached inside the dress for the sleeves. As we found them, she rushed around and tied me up. I almost couldn't breathe.

  Nel stepped back and smiled. She truly was sweet as she said, "You look stunning."

  She was the closest thing I had to a friend and I knew nothing about her. I swayed in my slippers. "Other than your brother, do you have any other family?"

  Nel checked my hair one more time and ensured no strand was out of place. "My sister is two years younger than me, but you don't want to hear about me. Your future husband is waiting and he's going to be pleased."

  "I hope that's still the plan." I squared my shoulders. She was right. "I guess it's time. Tell the guard I'm ready to go, and if you can, please get my window cleared. I miss not seeing the sun and moon."

  "Of course." She curtsied. "I hope you and Thor clear the air, my lady. I certainly like being your maid."

  I went to Nel and hugged her. "Thank you."

  She hugged me back, but then dropped her hands to let me go. My heart beat faster as I held my head high. Once in the dining hall, the guards flanked me in front and back like I was a criminal. I refused to cower.

  We walked up the stairs, and at the doors, they stopped at both ends. A new guard opened it. I nodded at them like I had approved what they did, though inside my stomach churned.

  Thor stood to t
he side with Merlin and some of his officers as they stared at a table. He stepped away from them. His shoulders were tight, though he bowed his head. "There she is."

  This much formality was unnecessary, but I saw the glow of approval in his eyes. My face heated. "I'm happy you won this battle."

  Thor crossed his arms, once again encased in woven metal. "Rex is not dead. He can rejoin his larger force and train new men."

  I stepped closer, but he stepped back. I gulped. Something was wrong. I tried to stop my heart from racing as I said, "It will take him time, and you won the hearts of many."

  His chin jutted out like he was upset. My stomach had butterflies as he said, "Not you though. You ran off with a knight."

  He believed that? No, that wasn't true. I'd hoped he'd trust me immediately. My breath became shallow, but I would prove my innocence. I’d never choose Delott over Thor. I closed my eyes and tried to tell my pulsating body to be calm. "Where is Morgana?"

  Thor's voice shot like a thunderbolt through me. "Why?"

  I'd have to be kind and patient to overcome these lies. I held my stomach as I squared my shoulders. "She was the one that kidnapped me and I would like her to tell you."

  So much for patience. I had to work on that. My stance grew wider so I'd stay firm on my feet under my long gown.

  Thor's glance went to Merlin as he dropped his hands to his sides. "She what? Bring my sister."

  At least he finally listened. My heart begged for his trust. The metal of his outfit clanked as Thor took a step toward me. Merlin nodded his head. "Yes, Your Majesty."

  Thor's blue eyes pierced through my soul as he stripped beyond my defenses. I trembled. "Gwen, you did not run away with Delott?"

  My soul burst free like light that broke through glass. My heart beat became steady as I realized he might believe me, on my own merit. "No."

  Thor placed his hand on my shoulder and heat coursed through me as he said, "Did Delott bring you to Rex?"

  Technically he did and he didn't. I shuffled back and Thor dropped his arm. "Yes he did, though he did swear to help me escape--like he helped Morgana escape."

  He ran his hand through his hair. "I don't understand."

  "I need you to believe me, Thor. I need us to trust each other."

  All I had was him. But I would rather be alone if he didn't trust me.

  Thor swallowed. "There is the legend that a queen will unite the kingdom. Gwen, I want to believe it could be you."

  Coldness mixed with the heat inside of me and cooled me off. I sighed. "Not enough. If we're to get married then you need to trust me."

  "Did you spend the night with Delott?"

  "It wasn't my fault. I never left this castle on my own free will, Thor."

  His voice was deeper and softer. "Did he hurt you?"

  The smell of testosterone on him made him somehow bigger and stronger in my eyes. I wasn't a weakling though. "You must know I'd want to kill him myself if he ever hurt me physically."

  His lips curled slightly. "Now that sounds like you."

  A spark traveled through me as I realized it wasn't friendship I needed from Thor. I wanted him to love me. I needed that because I might love him too. "Then let's wait for Morgana, if we're to stay here with an audience."

  He nodded. His kiss had all the fire I’d ever need in my life. He had to know this and trust me, if I was to stay. The best way was for us to be alone.

  Merlin walked back into the throne room with Morgana. They held hands, until they saw I noticed. She tugged her arm back as I said, "Morgana."

  She crossed her arms. "Gwen."

  I circled her like she had me in my room that day, though I stayed close to Thor. If she lied, I'd have to bring Nel in, and maybe Delott. "It's time for you to tell Thor what you did to me."

  She held her head high and stared at her brother. "I sent her to Rex."

  Thor's eyes widened. He took a step forward, but then froze mid-step as he asked, "Why?"

  Morgana's face was red. Even her eyes had sparks of fire inside them as she yelled, "Because she's a liability. If you marry Gwen, then we will always be linked to her family through eternity. No one will remember our choices. It will be seen as a transition of power instead of a revolution."

  I stood in front of Thor and ensured she stared in my eyes. "That is beyond me."

  Thor's voice was like lightening through the room. "Morgana, you had her kidnapped and sent to Rex?"

  She lowered her gaze and closed her eyes. "Yes. I don't want her in our family."

  Thor's arm went around my shoulder as he said, "You don't get a choice in the matter."

  Heat coursed through me. "Thor-"

  Thor squeezed me slightly, as he spoke over me to his sister. "Gwen is my guest here. You don't get a say, Morgana."

  Morgana's face was wet from her tears. "But-"

  Thor held me close. "Merlin, please ensure that Morgana is taken back to her home by the lake and out of sight."

  Merlin pressed his hand to his heart. "Yes, Sire."

  I turned toward Thor. That was it? She went away and nothing else. My lips cracked as I asked, "Is that justice?"

  His blue eyes penetrated the heat inside me, and I softened. "She will not be in a position to hurt you again, Gwen."

  Love would answer this. If I married Thor, we'd be family, and I had to know he loved me. My love for him had snuck up on me, but it was there. This need for love though couldn't come at the cost of others. Once Morgana was taken out of the room, quietness rushed through all the walls, including the ones inside me.

  As Thor let go of my arms, I said in a low voice, "What about Delott?"

  He pressed his lips together. "He can stay in the dungeon."

  I shouldn't make a plea for him. He'd forced me to kiss him, but the way he spoke about the people of London and how they spoke about him made me see a connection. If he was transformed somehow, he could bring many to Thor's side that might wish to run but were afraid. I swallowed and said, "He wants to fight for you. Given time, you could use his popularity against Rex in London."

  Thor's eyes widened. "He kidnapped you."

  I rubbed my neck. This was it. "He kept his promise. He also kept his promise to me to get me out. I don't trust him, but we'd be wise to use him as he used us. Ask for his allegiance, Thor."

  Thor opened his mouth. At first he didn't say anything, but then he said, "But he kidnapped you."

  I nodded. That part was true. I woke up in the forest and not in my room. "He did."

  Thor's finger brushed against my chin. "Then he can stay in there until I see you smile and I'm in a more tolerant mood."

  I wished we were alone and he didn't have people always listening to everything we said. "You'll consider it then?"

  He nodded. "Yes."

  What else could I say? There were people here. I took his hand in both of mine. "Thank you."

  "Gwen, our marriage-"

  We had to be alone. I needed to tell him how I felt. If we loved each other, then everything else would be fine. "Will be discussed soon. We need to speak in private."

  His hands curved against my face. "As you wish."

  If he kissed me, I'd shatter into a million pieces and die happy. I didn't say anything.

  Then Merlin rushed back into the throne room. "We're under attack."

  My heart nearly stopped. I knew Rex hadn't let this go. I had to help Thor. No one was going to steal my happy ending.

  Chapter 27

  The ease of victory had struck me as funny as I gripped the nearby table that had various writings on it. I hoped everyone inside the city was safe. My mind reeled as Thor asked Merlin, "What's going on?"

  Morgana retreated into the shadows. My eyes narrowed when I noticed how she brushed her hands against Merlin. Thor trusted his friend, and his sister knew it. Merlin closed into a tight circle with Thor and myself. I assumed he had come here to plead Morgana's case, but he lowered his head. "Mines. They intend to blow our walls."

&nb
sp; Thor grabbed the hilt of Excalibur. His metal boots clanged on the floor as he took a step forward. "How do you know?"

  Merlin snapped and a struggling child was brought in. "I caught a boy red-handed."

  Thor's gaze was steady on Merlin as he asked, "How many mines?"

  His friend answered, "I don't know."

  I went down to my knees so I was face to face with the child and I stared into his eyes. He was no more than six or seven. Despite the soot on his hands, he was blameless. I swallowed, "Sweetheart, where are your parents?"

  His voice was hollow as he answered me. "Dead."

  He was smaller than Cyna. "Mine too. Rex had them killed."

  The boy closed his eyes. "His soldier said he'd kill me. If I failed."

  The black dirt on his face didn't come close to covering how the boy's eyes misted and his body trembled. Fear never helped anyone. She scooted closer but stopped as he shivered. "Would you like to live here? I promise that King Thor won't let Rex kill you."

  His eyes widened. "Is he really a king?"

  I turned and stared at Thor too. With his wide shoulders and muscles, he appeared more than human. "Yes." I met the boy's gaze. He hardly blinked and stared at me. I lowered my voice. "Do you know how many of you were sent to dig holes for the mines?"

  The boy sucked in his skinny chest, and then nodded. "Six. There were six of us."

  I smiled at him. Six places. We had a chance to find five holes and dig out the explosives before they were detonated. I crossed my legs as I sat on the ground. "Thank you. What's your name?"

  For the first time, he smiled at me. "Frank."

  I didn't care about the dirt as I mussed the boy's hair. "Thank you Frank. Thor, can you send for Nel and have her get my friend Frank washed, changed and fed? I want to see him all cleaned up later."

  Thor stared at me with surprise. "Of course." He snapped his fingers and a guard ran off.

  Merlin then elbowed Thor. "She's good to have here, Your Highness."

  Thor smiled and a bolt rushed through me. My energy level was never this high and Thor hadn't said a word. I stood.