Page 15 of Eldritch
“Then we agree to end this discussion.”
“Agreed.”For now.
CHAPTER FOUR
ZEVANDER
Past …
Zevander had never seen King Sagaerin’s throne room before that day. While he’d spent time at the palace as a younger child, the throne room had always been reserved for business that had never concerned him, up until that moment.
Hands bound in shackles, he stepped cautiously along the long stretch of black tiles. Veined in silver, they held carvings of a cosmic map in which the moon cycles and various stars gleamed a ghostly white. Blackened moonstone pillars reached toward the domed ceiling, carved with faces he’d been taught to recognize—the Lunadei—that appeared as though they were crawling right out of the stone. Lunar glyphs that represented the various royal families whose bloodlines were said to have descended from the gods had been carved above and below the eerie faces. Tall lancet windows at either side of him held paintings of the moon cycles, while others depicted each member of the Lunadei, with their pale, white skin and elaborate, blue and silver robes.
It must’ve taken centuries for the artisans to complete.
Lord Belthane, King Sagaerin’s advisor, stood alongside a throne that was absent of the king. Flanked by a half-dozen guards, his expression twisted to an unwelcome scowl, as Zevander and his father came to a halt alongside Lady Rydainn, who’d undoubtedly arrived to plead for the king’s mercy.
The pursed-lipped frown she wore, directed at Zevander’s father, assured there’d be an argument later. When her eyes fell on Zevander, they softened with kindness, as usual, and she lurched toward her son, but stopped when a guard grabbed her arm.
Zevander’s muscles tensed.
“Do not approach the prisoners,” the guard barked in a gruff voice.
“Thatprisoneris my son.” She turned to Lord Belthane, eyes blazing with indignity. “I requested an audience with the king. For a longtime friend of the royal family, surely you could make accommodations.”
Lord Belthane adjusted the sleeve of his long, velvet robe and plucked off a bit of lint, casually tossing it away. “The king is exhausted and resting. He’s sent me to preside over these matters.”
Lady Rydainn rolled her shoulders back. “Very well. I am asking His Grace to pardon both my husband and son.”
“It is my understanding your family consorted with Cadavros prior to his execution. What was the nature of this bargain?”
“He offered protection from the Solassions in exchange for a sampling of my son’s magic, which he explained was meant for academic purposes.”
“And were you aware of the dark nature of his studies?”
“I was?—”
Belthane raised his hand, cutting off her words. “I’ll caution you, Lady Rydainn. Friend or not, lies will not be tolerated, particularly when spoken to my face.”
She gave a slight bow of her head. “I had heard rumors.”
“And you proceeded to strike a bargain with him, knowing that demutomancy was outlawed by the very king whose throne you stand before, pleading for mercy?”
“We were desperate?—”
Belthane’s face twisted with sudden scorn. “You broke the law! The king’s law! A protection he instituted, to avoid whatever it is that now grows on your son’s face!”
“I’m begging your forgiveness.” Lifting the hems of her skirts, she knelt to the floor before him. “Spare them, and I vow I shall never ask for any favor, or pardon, from this court again.”
“Perhaps you’re unaware of the infamy of your husband’s crimes.” The accusation had both Lady Rydainn and Zevander turning to see a look of worry twisting the elder Lord Rydainn’s brows. “The dragoniron mined in Draconysia, the very element used to forge our weapons for defense, must be transported through the Australius Channel, unless we’re willing to contend with the ever-hostile dragons that nest there. That channel belongs to the Solassions, who have vowed to deny us passage if your husband and son are not turned over to them at once.”
“What?” Lady Rydainn exchanged a worrying look with her son. “They …. They would do such a thing for mere thievery?”
“Thievery?” Lord Belthane’s lips curled in contempt and his eyes narrowed on her. “No. Your beloved husband committed treachery when he?—”
“Please, My Lord …” Zevander’s father bowed his head and let out a quiet whimper. “I committed no treachery, and you know it.”
“Interrupt me again, and I’ll have your tongue removed where you stand.” He turned his attention back to Zevander’smother. “As I was saying, he murdered an innocent Solassion woman. The wife of a shipping magnate by the name of Lord Vanhelm, who happens to have very close ties to the Solassion king.”
