“I see she was not too much trouble for you today,” he sneers, fixing the collar of his tunic.
“Princess Carnaxa, while a handful at times, is a pleasure to guard.” I would throw myself on my sword before I let him think that I would ever betray her, or that I would let a negative word fall from my lips about her before him.
“I hear you like to visit a woman of the taverns.” He leans against the wall, crossing his feet at the ankles and arms across his chest.
His remark surprises me and I have to take a moment to settle my thoughts before answering. Normally those of royal status do not concern themselves with the whereabouts of their soldiers in their off time, unless someone is interested in where the taverns are. He already knows.
“Yes, we in theShayiare allowed to do what we please when we are not actively on duty.”
“Good. Keep your dick there and don't get any ideas with the Princess. I have no doubt her maidenhood is not intact, as is the case for most Antalian women. You all don't believe in keeping control of your women.”
I curl my fist, the sword at my side heavy on my hip. To speak of Carnaxa this way makes my blood boil and my head rages inside with thoughts that, if he wasn’t a foreign royal, I would strike him down in the blink of an eye. The women here aren't controlled, especially when it comes to their bodies and their sexuality. I dart my eyes around looking to see how many others have heard his words, but besides a handmaiden brushing beside us, no one is here. Maybe he does intend to kill me. I would prefer to have our showdown now, rather than later, I think I can take him.
“I can assure you, Prince, mydickknows. I am, however, unsure why this is a topic of conversation between us.”
“I'm a man, I see how you look at her. The negotiations with her father about who will travel with her to my kingdom as she becomesmyqueen are still underway, and I will make sure you are not a part of our return home. You will stay here, despite whatever tiny friendship you had as children, you will not cross the kingdom’s boundary.” He spits on my sandals as he speaks, his brown hair casting shadows over his eyes … the same eyes that I would very much like to gouge out right now.
“I just want to make sure we understand each other man-to-man,” caution lacing his tone. He pushes off the white marbled wall and walks away without waiting for my reply; his guards trail behind him.
I stretch my shoulders and roll my neck, if he doesn't want me going with Carnaxa – I will absolutely find a way to accompany her. So before going to relieve the poor soul I have watching her rooms, someone she's probably already snuck out on, I am going to go have a visit with the King.
Walking into the throne room, I kneel at the King’s feet waiting for the chance to speak. He’s known me since I came to this land and once I would have considered him like a father. He and Rhenor took on that role when I came here.
The throne room is magnificent, with high ceilings and decorative, floor-to-ceiling windows that let the salty, sea breeze in. His throne is one of dark grey coral and white shells with a light coating of beeswax to make it comfortable and not rough. The King’s throne is tall, towering over him as he sits, with an identical one empty on his right – that was the Queen's. The room is filled with his select members of theKe Neye; they stand in armor matching mine, saying nothing. Ready to lay down their life for him at any time.
He looks down at me, a smile coming over his face.
“Tell me she hasn’t run off again,” King Clemmon queries, motioning for someone to grab the parchment from his hand.
“No, my king. She is safe in her room, under guard.” At least I hope she is.I continue to kneel as I tell him why I’m actually here, “I wanted to inquire if you made the final decision on who would be accompanying Princess Carnaxa to Shaston. After speaking with Prince Ereon, I wanted to double-check her safety measures.”
“As if I would not protect my only daughter, Thylas.” He eyes me. “Do you still hold grudges of the past between us? You know I would never harm her, if I could I would find a way out of this arrangement. Even though it appears I can’t, do not insult me by acting as if her safety isn’t my top priority.”
King Clennom has always been a strong man. The years after Queen Iviloan's death were a dark time for him, and he did many things I'm sure he regrets. My flogging is one of those regrets.I was but a young man at the time and did what I thought was necessary, however, the scars still mark my back and I'm not sure if the trust he broke can ever be fully repaired.
“It was not my intention to sound as if I doubt your concern for Princess Carnaxa, Your Highness,” I quickly state and glance up to meet his gaze, one that always seems to see more than he lets on. “I am simply asking as her friend, not just her guard.”
That makes him stop, a short expression that I can't recognize passes across his face before he adjusts in his throne and beckons me closer, “Come here, Thylas.”
I rise slowly and walk toward the throne, separated by three marbled steps and sitting higher than the rest of the room. I walk to the first step and he ushers me even closer with a twitch of his hand. And now here I stand, but one step below the king.
Speaking quietly so the others do not hear him, “I am very old Thylas and I know many things. I am thankful for your friendship with Carnaxa, despite prior actions. However, I also see how you look at her. I worry you will forget her fate is with Ereon, and I need to know you will not do anything to damage this alliance between our kingdoms. It’s barely stable and so much of the future is still unknown.”
“My loyalty is to this kingdom, your majesty. I would never do anything to jeopardize my oaths, or to displease you or Antalis. I just don't want Naxa to be viewed as property by him. I don't know if I can handle watching her be abused.” Her nickname slips from my lips before I can stop it and the King eyes me questionably, a small twitch at the corner of his lip showing the smile he’s suppressing.
“As I said, I know many things.” He runs his wrinkled hand along his jaw. He sighs, “I want to send you. I know that you will protect her. But I also need you to remind her of her place in Shaston as she was not raised in the same conservative culture as their women are. You know how different that kingdom is.”
He looks around the room before sighing and turning his attention back to me. “I have an idea but I need you to make me this vow: keep her safe, but keep her on her path.”
I would do anything to keep her safe, even if that means reminding her of the path she must follow. What her father says is true, Antalis’ relationship is unsteady with Shaston. As the deluc cases increase throughout the kingdom, we worry about how much longer we have until it reaches epidemic proportions. If it takes hold of theShayi MakaorYengo, we will quickly perish. So I do the only thing I can, I bow before the King, kiss the hem of his robe, and make my oath.
“I swear to the Great Goddess above, on my sword and my life, to protect Princess Carnaxa, now and forevermore. I will defend, honor, and serve her as we travel. I will guard her in the Kingdom of Shaston as she becomes, and reigns as, their queen. I pledge to be at her side while she walks a path known only to the Goddess, and to uphold her best interests at all times, denying my own wants. If I should fail, may I never feel the Goddess’ presence again.” The words taste bitter coming off my tongue, because it’s a half truth given to her father. The oath that will be marked on my skin with the others is one I know I’ll forever upkeep. If all I can do is protect her as she walks this plan then that's what I will do. I still can't help but wonder, what if fate has another path for her, for myself, for all of us?
six
CARNAXA
The moon rises high in the sky, and Thylas still isn't back. The guard he sent me with is still standing outside my door. I can just barely hear his breathing through the door. The guard was told it wouldn't be long and yet, here we are.
