Page 39 of Poisoned Kingdom
‘I will ask His Majesty, but I wouldn’t count on his agreement,’ the older woman answered, and my hope drained into the gutter.
Chapter 15
Roksana
The sun hung high above the horizon as I was led back through the palace. Contrary to my expectations, the serving women didn’t return me to my cell, instead heading towards one of the palace’s wings high above the ground overlooking the river.
‘Where are you taking me?’ I asked, squinting as the sun’s rays fell on my face.
‘As per His Majesty’s orders, you will be held under house arrest. He has assigned you a room in the visitor’s quarters,’ the guard accompanying us answered.
I stopped, turning towards him. ‘Why?’
‘How should I know? The king doesn’t ask my opinion,’ he snapped. ‘Now move, woman, unless you want to be taken back to your cell.’
A few moments later, he opened an ornate door and gestured for me to enter. I took a step in and had to grasp the doorframe, completely surprised by my new prison.
Even a high-born lady wouldn’t turn her nose up at such luxury.
A grand four-poster bed anchored the room, its presence commanding yet elegant. Sunlight spilled through a west-facing window overlooking the river, casting a golden glow over the entire space as I gaped. I took in the view of water birds flitting down to the river’s shallows, their cheerful calls as they enjoyed the morning sun drawing a smile from me.
Nearby, a small table stood topped with a sewing basket, basic toiletries, and a modest vanity mirror, and I noticed a neat stack of well-thumbed books on one side of the bed. Nothing was amiss, and though the colour palette leaned towards bland pastels, the room was stunning. With its soft rugs, cosy throws, and gentle quiet, it exuded a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
‘And what will I be doing here?’ I asked, turning to face the servants as they prepared to leave.
‘Resting? Eating? How should I know? I wasn’t given specific instructions. Just be grateful the king allowed your message to be delivered,’ one of them answered.
‘But don’t try anything stupid,’ the guard warned. ‘My orders are clear. If you hurt anyone or attempt to escape, you will end up in the old castle again. And I’d love nothing more than to throw you back into the dungeon.’ He smiled cruelly. ‘In fact . . . I know the perfect cell for you—one that is often flooded. Now get inside,’ he said before brutally pushing me forward.
I stumbled, hissing when my hip painfully connected with the edge of the table. ‘Youmother—oh, pleased to see you again, Your Majesty.’
Reynard didn’t even look at me as he held the guard by the scruff of his neck. The man’s feet dangled above the ground, but the king seemingly hadn’t broken a sweat. His stormy expression was bad news for my assailant.
‘I gave a command for the lady to be treated as aguest. If you struggle to understand that, you aren’t good enough to be in my service.’
The tone of his voice could freeze the river below, so detached and devoid of emotion that it was difficult to reconcile it with the angry, passionate man from last night. As soon as he let go of the guard’s neck, my assailant bowed deeply.
‘Forgive me, sire, but we all know why she was arrested. She doesn’t deserve such quarters. Someone like her should be put to death, not provided with luxuries.’
‘Did Iaskyour opinion?’ Reynard said, his eye narrowing as he lifted an eyebrow at the man who dared question him.Therewas the War King—pure, ruthless danger. The guard visibly shrank, mumbling his apologies, but the king wasn’t done yet. ‘Tell everyone that anyone who lays a hand on this woman will be my next sparring partner, and that I won’t hold back.’
The man paled, his mouth opening with such a shocked expression that I sniggered. Reynard looked at me, the corner of his lips lifting slightly in a covert smile as he walked inside and closed the door behind him.
‘How do you feel?’
‘Better than him. I’m glad to see you terrorise everyone equally,’ I said, unable to resist the little jibe. ‘Should I ask what you do to them during thissparring, or is that a royal secret?’
His gaze was so focused on me that I felt naked beneath his scrutiny despite being fully clothed.
‘It’s just sword practice, where I stretch my muscles and teach them a lesson or two. Sometimes it gets a little . . . boisterous,’ he said. ‘Is it warm enough in here?’
‘What?’ My genuine confusion at the sudden change of subject made him huff before he leaned against the doorframe, keeping his distance from me.
‘The healer told me you were suffering from the cold sickness. I should have left you with something to cover yourself with.’ His fingers drummed on the wood before he made a fist. ‘Well, you have blankets aplenty now.’
Indeed I did. The bed was buried under furs and quilts, some of which had fallen on the floor.
Is he trying to apologise?
