Page 10 of Cages and Crowns
“We believe it was a group of savages hailin’ from Ovobia, Your Grace. They carried spears and dressed in nothin’ but cloths hangin’ from their hips.” I am not familiar with the country of Ovobia, and I have my father to blame for that, but I vaguely remember seeing it on a map north of Tatus. Maybe now would be a good time to get geography lessons.
“How can you be certain it isn’t Labisa?” Tobias pushes. He wants nothing more than to pin any threats on Labisa, and I don’t blame him. They already killed the Rakushian Queen, and the princess is still missing. What is going to stop them from killing innocents? Tellavid is part of Port Tobeo, which means they had to come by ship if they were to arrive unannounced. But why wouldn’t the guards stop a ship filled with Ovobian men? How would they have even gotten far enough to infiltrate Tellavid?
“Did they come by ship?” I quickly clamp my mouth shut as soon as thewords leave my lips without thought. I’m not supposed to speak during court, but I couldn’t help it. I look to my right, where Tobias is sitting on the matching throne to mine. He isn’t glaring at me though, his eyes are focused on the woman, awaiting her response. I swear I see a hint of fear pass through his eyes, but it’s gone in less than a second.
“No, Your Grace.” She lifts her head and looks at me. “They came from behind. The land side, not the port side.” They camefromNoterra, not the ocean. It couldn’t have been another country, unless they funneled out of Rakushia, but even then, they would have been spotted well before they made it all the way to the bay.I open my mouth to say just that, but Tobias cuts me off.
“Very well. The crown will supply medical equipment and food to assist in healing the people of Tellavid. We will also arrange our emergency funding to be distributed equally amongst the affected families, to ensure they can rebuild without strain.” She nods, relieved, and stands, limping towards the back of the room as people part to let her through.
Tobias rises without saying anything, signaling that he is done for the day, his jaw clenched. We have been here for hours, and there are still so many people seeking the attention of their king, but they will have to wait. I follow suit, standing from my own throne and walking over to offer my hand to Tobias, which he takes.
It has become an act; one I was quick to learn. I play the dutiful wife, the queen that speaks only when spoken to. In turn, I live. Although, I feel the alternative would be a better option. I wouldn’t call this living.
I amsurviving.
Tobias turns and pulls us out of the room without another word. The door to the council chamber opens and he guides me through with his hand on my lower back. I focus on keeping my head up and steady, as any slight movement causes the spikes to shift. Once the door back to the throne room closes, his hands leave my back, and he walks around the table to the bar cart. I can tell he’s angry, but I force myself to remain steady. My pulse skips as my eyes snag on the dooron the far side of the room.
The door that leads down.
“Remind me, Ela, when have I ever given you permission to speak during court?” He asks, his back to me. I tear my eyes away from the door and take a slow deep breath before answering.
“Never.” I whisper, wiping my sweaty palms on the skirts of my gown.
“Exactly.” He walks over to me, carrying his glass of whiskey. He sets it down on the council table before stepping closer. He lifts his hand and I flinch, but he just brushes hair from my face, tucking it behind my ear. “You don’t need to be scared of me, my love.” He whispers, his thumb brushing my bottom lip before he bends down and kisses me.
His lips are soft against mine, gentle. I fight against the trembling that seems to always be present. His tongue forces my lips to part, and I resist the gag forming in my throat. His free hand snakes around my waist pulling me against him. I can feel his growing erection pressing into my lower belly and my hands dampen. Sweat beads along my hairline as the pounding in my ears quickens.Breathe, Elaenor.Thankfully, someone knocks on the door and Tobias pulls away from me.
“Your Grace, King Thelonious of Rakushia is here.” Welan says and I force myself to straighten and swallow the bile sitting in my throat.
“Send him in.” Tobias calls back, returning to the table where his whiskey is after brushing his hand along my cheek again.
Thelonious walks in and I nearly gasp, my hand flying to my mouth. His normally golden skin is a deep red, sunburnt and dry. He’s thin, as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks. He is freshly dressed but looks as if he has been on the run for months, which I suppose he has.
“Elaenor.” He smiles as he walks in, coming right to me. Relief pools in his eyes as he sees me. “It’s so good to see you.” He throws his arms around me, and I return the hug, tears springing in my eyes. “My, how you’ve grown.” He pulls back and looks me up and down, his eyes catching on my neck and the ironcollar.
“It is so good to see you, uncle.” I whisper, fighting the sob working through my throat. He’s my father’s cousin, but as children he told me to call him uncle. He is the last living family member I have. His thumb gently wipes under my eyes, taking the tears with it. He turns away from me and smiles, looking at Tobias. I bite my bottom lip and clasp my hands in front of me, begging the trembling to subside.
“Your Grace.” He bows quickly before offering his hand to Tobias.
“It is good to see you have healed well, Thelonious.” Tobias responds, shaking his hand. It isn’t common for kings to not bestow formalities when greeting one another, but Tobias forgoes tradition, no doubt seeing himself as better than the Rakushian King.
“Yes, well you have been more than instrumental in my recovery.” They take their seats at the table and I hover behind Tobias, my place when in the council room. Thelonious’s eyes glance at me nervously every few seconds. I cock my head in question and hiss as the collar moves. I bite my lip to keep from wincing and straighten my neck.
“Are you alright, Elaenor?” He asks as he rises and steps over to me. “Are you ill?” Tobias stands quickly, grabbing Thelonious’s hand before he can touch me again.
“She has been unwell as of late, but she is recovering quickly.” He gestures towards his chair again. “Please, sit.” His voice is anything but regal, and if I was scared of Tobias, I would take it as a threat.
“Of course, Your Grace. Pardon my intrusion. I will always see her as the small girl I once knew.” He explains as he glances at me knowingly. He knows. Hehasto know. Anyone who saw me, saw how I looked, would know I was not a willing participant to whatever Tobias does to me.
“I am no longer that girl, uncle.” I say, causing Tobias to look over his shoulder at me.
“Sit, Elaenor.” Tobias snaps and I take the seat next to him. He holds outhis hand and I take it. His thumb caresses my palm and I try to ignore the nervous jitters spreading throughout my body. The jitters responsible for the brief feeling of relief knowing that I am no longer alone. I have family with me. “Please Thelonious, tell us of your troubles.”
“Please, call me Thel.” He responds before furrowing his brow and sighing. “It started one evening; we heard the shouting. It wasn’t long before we were pulled from bed and thrown on the ground. Men wearing indistinct armor and black cloaks were yelling, and I had to watch as they beheaded my dear Lyla.” He takes a deep breath and looks over at me.
“They were screaming, asking where Emery was, but I pretended to not know. I only hope she got out in time.” He swallows against the lump in his throat, and I almost want to reach out and grab his hand, but something in his facial expression looks off. It looksforced. I glance at Tobias who is staring at him with wide, calculated eyes and pinched brows, buying every word.
“How did you escape?” Tobias questions.
