Page 187 of Prize for the King
Ah, yes. Because women can’t stay focused and always say silly things. Richard just proved to himself I am exactly as he expects me to be, and all is well in his world.
He’s about to crush me.
“If you have no more questions, we shall vote,” he says, a nastysmile curling his lips. “Who votes for Magnar to be removed from the Table of Kings?”
I don’t dare blink, and my eyes burn as I stare at Theodore, my heart pounding so hard, I barely hear anything other than its sound. Is Theodore cowed enough, or is that secret too weak to hold him on a leash?
“Raise your hands,” Richard says, instantly raising his arm as high as it will go.
Everyone follows him, hands rising around the table. Only Susan’s husband sits still, staring at the tabletop in front of him.
“Theodore?” Richard asks. “Do you vote for Magnar to be cast out?”
The elderly king takes a deep breath and folds his hands meticulously, one on top of the other. When Richard makes an impatient noise, Theodore clears his throat.
“I do not. I believe we need to look into this matter some more. Such decisions cannot be made in haste.”
“But we’ve agreed!” Xander bursts out, slamming both fists on the table.
“You’ve ruled before the Gathering?” I ask with my last strength, even though the world grows blurry, my vision swimming strangely. “But that is illegal.”
Sidonius raises his head, his lips pursed, eyes determined.
“No, we haven’t,” Richard snaps before he can speak. “Shut up, Xander. Theodore, what the fuck?”
“I spoke,” Theodore says primly, turning away. “I propose to reconvene in two days.”
He looks at me, his eyes cool and narrowed, and I understand he intends to vote differently in two days. In the meantime, they will have plenty of options to manufacture a way to remove me, too.
I bought us two days. And it’s not enough.
LVI Knee
Raduna waits for me in the corridor. I shake my head when he raises his arms to hold me, his eyes brimming with worry. The kings file out behind me, talking in hushed voices, and I cannot be carried now, I cannot collapse. I whisper as quietly as I can.
“I must be strong. Walk a pace behind me.”
He falls into step without a word, and we make our way down the stairs. I hold on to the banister but don’t grip it as hard as I want to. My eyes play tricks, things growing small then large as the world sways around me like the sea. I almost stumble a few times, but always catch myself.
It’s the longest walk in my life.
When we reach our apartment, I collapse to the floor as soon as the door closes. Raduna is on me in seconds, picking me up, calling for Anke to be brought, for tea, for food, and water. I close my eyes and breathe, silent tears rolling down my cheeks.
I almost failed. I almost got Magnar killed. And it’s not over.This is all my fault.
“She should rest,” Anke says as soon as she sees me. “And avoid all strain, physical and emotional.”
At this point, I am well enough to sit up, and I snort weakly. “Oh, yes. Let me get right on that.”
“Magnar is held for possible trial,” Raduna murmurs. “Keep this to yourself. Caliane will get him out.”
Anke hums in understanding. “I see. Strain is unavoidable, then. You still need to give yourself some relief, or it will end badly for the baby. A bath, a massage, a few orgasms. Knights, take care of your queen.”
I shake my head. “No. I must think. I must get him out. It’s all my fault.”
But Anke isn’t moved by my pitiful confession. “My queen, you need to relax to think properly. Let them help you. You’ll gain nothing by torturing yourself. Dark environment soothe her. Soft and quiet. Let her body know it’s safe.”
Arvi and Khay jump into action, covering the windows, lighting candles and lanterns, calling for a bath to be brought to the sitting room. I ask Raduna to bring me my father’s journals, because I intend to read them again, but he shakes his head.
