Whispers of a Throne Page 23

  He hugged me for a moment and cradled my head in his hands. "Gwen, are you hurt?"

  Now was not the time to kiss or talk. My heart pounded in my chest as I pointed toward the door. Delott had thrown a punch to free himself and then ran. "No. Wait. He's getting away."

  Thor snapped his fingers and called out, "Guards."

  He never left my side as we followed the guards, chasing Delott through the courtyard. My heart beat in my chest as Delott rode a horse through the gates.

  Guards chased him, but I knew it was too late. He was gone. He had freed Rex and they were both gone. I closed my eyes and felt hot wet tears well inside me. With my hands still balled tight, I tried to let my anger go as I admitted, "Morgana is missing."

  Thor's hand reached for my closed fists. I opened my hands and stared at my palms as Thor's blue eyes seem to penetrate through me. "Did you kiss him?"

  I yanked my hand away from his. What a ridiculous thing to say. We didn't have the time for that. We had to find his sister. "I don't need your permission. We're not married."

  He stiffened and stood taller as guards rushed around us.

  I shouldn't have pushed him away. My anger was my issue. I swallowed as he said, "If we are, then how can I trust you?"

  "When I'm shocked, I lash out sometimes. I am working on that, but you should know I would never willingly kiss Delott." I lifted my chin. "Rex murdered my family and then claimed he was my brother. I don't want anything to do with them."

  "Gwen, your father came to me and said he knew in his heart you had the queen gene and that's why he spent his life keeping you and your family safe. I knew he was a good man who loved his daughter."

  His blue eyes were wide open, innocent and sweet. Tears rolled down my face. I opened my mouth to speak, but then Morgana's voice called from the steps near my room. Had she been in there? "You two fight all the time. If you're determined to be my brother's wife, then you should learn to watch your tongue. And baby brother, never accuse a woman of being unfaithful when the man obviously forced some kiss out of her. I saw how they interacted here, and she was going to kill him."

  I rubbed my neck. The last person I wanted to defend me was Morgana. I simply said, "You're here."

  Merlin and Chaus rushed in to stand around us. Merlin didn't look at Morgana as he reported to Thor, "Sir Wain and a few of his chosen men are chasing them, Your Majesty. I believe this was all a ruse to get inside and steal the queens. We prepared for an honest fight, but not a political one. I will ensure no one ever enters Avalon as an intruder again."

  Morgana fixed her hair as she descended the stairs and tried to stroll past us. Near me, she covered her mouth as she yawned. "Now that this is over, I'm going to my room."

  We marched after her, and Thor's boots echoed on the hardwood floors near the entranceway.

  "Wait," I said. "It's not that simple. Where were you hiding?"

  As we stood near the dining hall, my skin felt grimy. Today had been long, but she had helped me too. "I was in your room. I didn't know where else to hide from him."

  My heart beat fast in my chest. "You are not allowed in my room, ever again. Not when I'm sleeping. Not when I'm not there. My room is off limits."

  She shrugged. "Fine."

  Then she took off in the other direction and up a different flight of stairs opposite of mine.

  Thor spoke to Merlin. I returned to his side. I hugged myself and then took Thor's hand. His hands still had dirt in the beds of his fingers from digging up the mines. I held his hand closer to my eyes to check him as I asked, "Are you hurt?"

  He lowered his voice and turned to me. "My pride. I should have told you about your father and been more upfront with you, Gwen.” He stirred my heart with old legends that would help my cause. The legends about two queens, one good and one bad, where one queen brings peace and the other chaos. “I believe you are the good one Gwen."

  "I don't know about any of that. I'm a disaster at being peaceful, unless you're here." I squeezed Thor's fingers. It was time to let things rest.

  "That makes me the bringer of chaos brother?" Morgana called out.

  Thor's muscles stiffened like she struck him. "It's been a long day, Morgana. Let's just talk tomorrow. Is Merlin to fix the wall and create ways to to protect everyone in the castle in case we're attacked again?"

  Merlin and Chaus both stood at attention as Merlin said, "Yes, my lady."

  "My father has a book of histories and legends he studied at great lengths. Perhaps there is more to the story." I held still and hoped this might help somehow.

  "Let's go, Gwen." Thor led me to the stairs and up to my room. As we reached the top step, a servant entered to relight all the candles. My gaze stayed on his profile. He looked like one of those blond statues of great men. Future legends about him would be what outlasted anything I ever did. Thor paid them no mind and took my other hand as we walked down the hall. My heart lifted. "That was kind of you, Gwen. Forgiving my sister and hoping to find out more details of the legend that might help her reputation with the people."

  Is that what the legends might do for him? I thought it might do more, but now wasn't the time.

  Thor's chiseled chin had a prickly, sexy beard to it as he hadn't had time to shave. His fingers laced with mine and I stayed in the moment. This was it. I was going to agree to be his queen. It was on the tip of my tongue.

  My skin felt filthy and the dirt on my feet began to itch. I should clean myself up to be a proper queen he'd be proud of. The words were there to say yes, but then I said, "Let's have a celebration. For now, we've defended ourselves from an attack and everyone who helped deserves a good dinner."

  His fingers pressed against my palms. My heart beat grew stronger in my chest, and though I knew others were now in the room, he was all I could see. "Sounds amazing."

  I floated toward the door that led me back to my room. I tossed him a smile and said, "So if I don't show up for whatever reason, send the army after me because I've been kidnapped again."

  Thor's voice had a rasp as he called out to me, "Gwen..."

  It felt like my entire body turned into a pool of warm water where my feet used to be. "Yes?"

  He crossed his arms. "I don't like you kissing anyone else."

  If he held me, I'd be his. I blinked and then stepped away. "Tomorrow, we talk."

  To announce our engagement, he'd need me at my best. I handed the guard at my bedroom door my crossbow and kicked my slippers off the moment I stepped inside. My heart raced every time I breathed because I imagined another kiss from Thor.

  Chapter 29

  The birds chirped outside. I sighed as I woke up. Either the air was lighter than usual or I floated through my morning routine. Nel came in, but my head was in a dream state as I dressed. Today I would say yes. Today I’d agree to marry Thor.

  I imagined how he'd kiss me. He'd wrap me in his arms and hold me as his lips descended.

  Nel held out the purple dress that had been made for this occasion and I slipped into it. We were almost done.

  Morgana's voice interrupted my daydream. "Morning."

  Fire rushed through me as I hugged my waist. "I told you to stay out of here."

  She lowered her gaze and held her hands to her sides, as if she was shy. I knew this posture was an act, though she said, "You have a witness and I don't mean harm. Can I come in for one second?"

  I stared at Nel. I sat down in my chair and settled the dress around me. Morgana waited as I fixed my puffy sleeves. Nel brushed my hair and my muscles seem to snap, relax, and then snap again to keep me on edge. I clutched the ends of my dress to have something to hold. Today I’d accepted. "Please do. Morning."

  With her arms crossed, Morgana leaned on the open door. "Today's a big deal."

  She was here to ruin it. My stomach hardened. I nodded. "It is."

  She uncrossed her arms, and lowered her head. "When you are ready to make the announcement to the public, I'd like to be there."

  This
was too much. I wasn't sure if I'd ever trust her. "Why?"

  She lifted her head. "I want Rex to know that he hasn't destroyed me. I'll smile and cheer like everyone else."

  If he had damaged my eyes and forced me to marry him, I'd want Rex dead. Mother and my sisters and then Father's dead bodies all flashed in my mind. I swallowed. Merlin was Thor's most trusted advisor and all grains of truth that came out of Morgana's mouth would be in his presence. I pressed my lips together. "You'll stand in the back with Merlin?"

  Her entire face brightened. "If you wish."

  Friends wasn't going to ever happen, but we did have a common enemy. My half-brother. I nodded until Nel had to stop brushing my hair. Then I stopped and chose peace. "I saw you holding his hand."

  Morgana blushed. "He's saved me more times than I can count."

  Gray eyes made Merlin stick out. "He's cute."

  She shook her head. "He's not interested. Besides, I'm a married woman."

  I stood and waved Nel away from my hair. "Not by choice."

  She scoffed. "In this game of life, what we want isn't always what we get. Today I want to support you."

  I'd not change her mind. I shrugged and realized today was about Thor and no one else. "Fair enough."

  "Thank you, Gwen." She stepped into the hallway.

  Nel finished my hair and the weight of what I was saying yes to hit hard.

  I waited for Morgana's footsteps to signal she was gone. Then I stood and left too. As I strode towards destiny, I gazed at the magnificent castle walls and the portraits of important noble people. No one was near me. As queen, the walls, the people outside the walls, and countless people outside would look to me.

  Thor handled the pressure. My stomach was still tight, but I needed to stop thinking about this. I rubbed the back of my neck and went through the main dining hall that was decorated with gold and red banners. Servants smiled as I ascended the steps to the throne room door. As the guard opened the door, I straightened my spine.

  No more excuses. Today I would talk to Thor about this. I swallowed and went inside.

  The moment I saw his blue eyes as he stood with Merlin and Chaus in a corner, my heart lifted. Awareness grew inside me.

  He nodded. "Gwen. Men, if you'll both excuse me."

  "Yes, Sire."

  Both men left. We stood on opposite ends of the room. The space left me cold. As the door clicked behind him and no ears might hear us, Thor said, "We need to talk."

  I held my breath and became lost in his gaze for a second. I exhaled. "Yes, it's why I'm here."

  He came closer and the huge gap between us lessened. I could reach out with my hands and touch him, if I dared, which I didn't. He widened his stance. "Gwen, I don't want to force anyone-"

  I rubbed my neck as he spoke, but then I couldn't let him finish that thought. "Stop. Let me speak."

  He closed his mouth and his arms went around his back. "What?"

  We were still so far apart. I stepped closer and brushed my hands over his strong hard arm. Underneath his usual metal, he was the flesh and blood man that stirred me. "Thor, do you have feelings for me, or is this all one-sided?"

  His face reddened. "Gwen, don't you know?"

  My heart soared. I prayed he meant love. Adrenaline rushed through me as I asked, "Know what?"

  He took my hands in his and a spark grew inside me as he said, "That you are the most interesting female I've ever met. I've never been more confused about anyone or anything since you."

  My face heated. I had hoped for an 'I love you.' Perhaps he didn't. "I confuse you, then."

  "No. I mean yes. You definitely do. I have no idea what you'll say or do next." I shivered, but then he took one hand off mine and placed it on his chest near his heart. Today he wore no metal armor and I could feel how his heart raced. "Gwen, since you've been in my life I can't stop thinking about you."

  Perhaps he did. I sighed. "Thor."

  He retook both of my hands to hold between us. "Yes?"

  It was up to me. My heart beat so crazy in my chest and every part of my body was alive. "I think I might love you."

  His smile widened across his whole face. "Good. I hadn't wanted to scare you away, but I love you too. The moment I was told you left with Delott, my heart broke, and I knew for certain how I felt. Then when I saw you with Rex, I didn't dare believe. The legends all spoke about a queen's betrayal and a queen bringing peace. My sister betrayed my trust. It wasn't you..."

  "You love me? That's all that matters." He enfolded me in his arms. The rest of the world was black as I ran my hands up his chain metal to his the skin at his neck. I tilted my head. "Kiss me then."

  He chuckled and his lips pressed to mine. My fingers tingled as I ran them through his hair. Thor made me forget everything else.

  As he pulled back, he held me close. "Promise me you won't kiss another guy."

  I blinked. It was cute that he had been jealous over nothing. Thor had my heart. I stepped back and gulped. "As long as you promise you'll stand with me as we rule together. I still don't know if I'm good queen material, but I will try as long as it's with you."

  He smiled and didn't let me go. "You'll succeed. I have faith in you. You're fearless, strong, determined, deadly with an arrow, and you care about other people, Gwen. We'll figure it out together."

  I lifted my chin to keep our eye contact. "There is one more thing."

  He stopped and took my hand again. "What?"

  I could feel my heart flutter. This was it. "Kiss me again and don't stop."

  As his arms wrapped around me, I became light-headed. Every nerve ending stirred as he said, "With pleasure."

  His kiss set off a firestorm inside me. The sweet smell of testosterone and metal made me weak. This must be how love feels. I was lost in a sea of happiness.

  As he let me go, I briefly closed my eyes. We'd have to stay close. I needed him in my life. "And in the future, you will touch less poisonous things. I don't like it."

  He took my hand. "Yes, Your Majesty."

  Wherever he led me, I followed. I didn't dare let go of his hand. "Funny."

  At the door, he stopped. "Kiss me once more and then we have to go announce our engagement."

  The third time today we kissed like this. My heart beat still banged in my chest and everything else was fuzzy as his lips crushed against mine. There was no more holding back.

  Chapter 30

  As we stood on a balcony that overlooked the town of Avalon, my entire body hummed. Thor held my hand as trumpets announced that we were coming down the stairs together. Every step had pomp and I followed Thor's lead to the town center. Guards and trumpets blazed. As we neared our destination, I saw Nel speaking with the woman I’d met on my first day here outside a shoe shop. Both women cheered as Thor stepped forward.

  Silence hung in the air until Thor announced, "Today, citizens, I announce that my lady has agreed to my suit and will marry me."

  Avalon was now my home. These people and Thor were all part of who I was.

  Thor had a way with words. That announcement even had me smiling. I had never imagined this moment as we stood in the town square.

  Cheers erupted all around us.

  My gaze went toward the sky, but the blackened charred remains of the ancient city beyond us reminded me that life was worth every second.

  People cheered for us as we began the journey back to the castle balcony. At least Thor hadn't used electronics today. I clutched Thor's hand as we walked to the stone steps. On the first step we turned toward the town again.

  He squeezed my fingers, expecting me to speak. My tongue was tied as I took a step toward his metallic projector. I should have been clearer that I'd not want that here. My mind was buzzing with what I'd say or how people would react to me.

  I stared into the town and saw on the wall in the distance men who were laying stones to strengthen the defenses. This was my moment. I lifted my head, squeezed Thor's hand, and said, "Thor is the best man I ever met.
I never expected to love a king or to be a queen. I wanted to live my life without war."

  Everyone clapped. My heart beat grew faster but steadier. As the cheers died down, I finished, "As queen, I promise that Thor and I will do everything in our power to end all wars. You deserve to celebrate your lives and live in freedom. Thor rules with justice and honor and we all have a choice to make. I will fight with Thor for my own dreams of freedom."

  People cheered for me as I stepped closer to Thor. He put his arm around my shoulder and I nodded. People clapped as we went up the stairs toward the balcony to stand beside his sister, Merlin, Chaus and Sir Wain.

  This was it. This was my life. I am Queen.

  * * *

  The End

  If you enjoyed this novel, please check out my other fantasy novels while you wait for the next adventures.

  Hidden Dragon Series

  Call of the Dragon

  The Queen Gene

  Whispers of a Throne

  Earthseekers Mission

  Makeup May Change Your Life

  The Zoastra Affair

  Ancient Greek Heroes

  Mything You

  Mything the Throne

  Also by Victoria Pinder

  Returning for Valentine’s (FREE if you go to my website)

  The House of Morgan

  Secret Crush

  Secret Baby

  Secret Bet

  Secret Wish

  Secret Dad

  Secret Heir

  Secret Tryst

  Secret Date

  Princes of Avce

  Forbidden Crown

  Forbidden Prince

  Forbidden Royal

  Forbidden Duke

  Forbidden Earl

  Forbidden Monsieur

  The Hawke Fortune

  Tempting Gabe

  Tempting James

  Tempting Conner

  Tempting Harry

  Tempting Navid