Page 35 of The Final Battle

“The king tells me that you took the role of Crown Prince so that your brother could marry Queen Cassarah. That is a kind thing for you to do, it must be hard to take such a position at such a young age,“ Queen Catharine tutted, patting Phillip’s leg. “I’m sure your father must be proud. Speaking of your parents, why didn’t they come with you?“

Phillip glanced at the king then me as if he was unsure how to best answer her.

“Your Highness, Father passed away suddenly and Mother is not handling it well, so she has secluded herself in mourning,“ Gavin cut in.

Queen Catharine covered her mouth in horror. “How am I just hearing about this now? I need to go to my sister, she must be devastated.“

“We thank you for your concern, Aunt Catharine, but mother doesn’t want to see anyone, not even us. We tried to speak to her before leaving for Creisal but she denied us.“ Phillip said in a low voice, not wanting to be overheard. “Do you remember coming to Sheca at all?“

“Sheca? Why no, I haven’t left the kingdom for I don’t know how long. Although, I’m supposed to be going to Utros to see a friend of mine soon. Her nephew is going to be married to the princess of Errit, isn’t that exciting!“ Queen Catharine shared excitedly.

My gaze shifted over to King Thomas who was already looking in my direction, sadness filling his eyes. He simply shook his head as if to tell me she didn’t remember anything of the past three years. While it was wonderful to see the true personality of the queen, and to know she wouldn’t remember all that she’d done, it meant we were on our own to uncover everything that happened.

The feast was delicious and everything I ate was amazing. Seafood was new to me, and I enjoyed trying all the different kinds of fish and sea life that they had made in various ways. When it was time for dessert, I wasn’t sure I could even manage to take another bite. As bowls of fresh fruit with cream and honey were set before us, I noticed that something changed in the room. People rose from their seats and started to wander, talking with others at different tables.

Some women would sit in the laps of other men as if there wasn’t another woman present. Men pulled ladies to their feet and scurried off to the dance floor where a string quartet was playing. This must be what they’d been talking about with people being able to pick partners as they pleased. The room became much more lively and boisterous as wine flowed more freely and pitchers were left on the table to be consumed.

To my utter shock, a handsome younger man climbed the steps to our table and approached the Queen. “Your Majesty, I’m happy to see you’ve returned from your travels. To be without you this past week has been an ache in my soul.“

The queen looked at him and blinked a few times before turning to King Thomas. “Darling, who is this man and how dare he speak to me so informally. We don’t have an open arrangement… or have you decided you no longer desire me? Is that what this is? If I’m the one to ask to end our exclusivity then you get to finally go after something better?“

Before the king could answer, the man spoke. “My love, what are you talking about? We have been seeing each other for almost three years, you approached me, saying your husband was boring you.“

“Sir Roulf!“ King Thomas barked. “I do not care what sort of relationship you have or had with my wife, but you will respect her and I as your rulers. If the queen no longer wishes to share your company, that is her right, it is your duty to oblige her wishes. Now leave, this is not the time or place to deal with this matter.“

Sir Roulf looked as if he was about to burst, the way the vein on his forehead pulsed. Gritting his teeth, he gave a stilted bow and descended the stairs. The majority of the room had watched the interaction, and even if they couldn’t hear what was being said, the rebuff was clear. Gossip would be spreading like wildfire by the night’s end, I had no doubt.

I turned to ask Pax a question but found a woman dressed all in blood red running her hand through his hair, whispering in his ear. Fury like none I’ve ever experienced before roared through my body. My Birthright started to glow around me as I stood calmly walking over to the scene.

“Get. Your. Hands. Off. Him,“ I snarled.

The woman looked up at me with crystal blue eyes and pouty lips painted the same color as her dress. When she registered who had spoken to her, her mouth popped open in surprise. When she still didn’t move, I lashed out with my magic, letting it wrap around her throat before it yanked her away, slamming her into the wall of the room. I stalked towards her, closing the distance, my rage burning as hot as dragon fire, I was surprised it didn’t slit my skin.

“You dare touch one of my consorts?“ I demanded, my voice booming with magic and anger.

The woman clawed at my magic, trying to get it to release its hold on her. I noticed she was trying to answer but her throat was too constricted, so I let up on my hold just enough to let her speak.

“I didn’t know,“ she croaked.

Reaching out I slapped her across the face, the sound echoing through the now silent room. “Do not play me for a fool! He wears a sash that claims him as MINE! By your own laws, if you disregard that claim I’m allowed to respond how I see fit. That means no one can save you from me and I get to make it crystal clear that I am not to be pushed on this.“

“He was mine before he was yours,“ she shot back. “Even if he is claimed, I have the chance to come to an agreement with you.“

“Do I look like I’m willing to even consider such a thing?“ I pressed letting my magic press down on her.

“Spitfire,“ Pax murmured as he came to stand behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist. “You need to let her go.“

“Give me one good reason why,“ I demanded not taking my eyes off my prey.

Pax kissed along my neck trying to distract me, as he nibbled on my ear whispering. “She is the spymaster’s daughter. If you spare her life, which you have every right to take for what she’s done, it will put you in a position where they owe you.“

While my anger wanted retribution, I’d calmed enough to know that he was right. Forcefully, I pulled my magic back, dropping her in a heap on the floor where I knelt down in front of her. “This is the only warning you will get, the next time I will end your life without a second thought. Paxton is my consort and mine alone, you will not approach him again.“

The woman looked at me then back at Pax, her face draining of any color that wasn’t painted on her face and nodded. Standing, I shook out my skirts and walked up to Pax wrapping my arm around his waist, cupping his face with my other hand. “Thank you for stopping me, she wasn’t worth the blood on my hands.“

“You are the only woman I’m worried about, Spitfire,“ he murmured, brushing the back of his fingers along my cheek before leaning and showing everyone in this room how he felt about me.

When he released me, I had to gasp for the air he’d stolen from me, making me grin. “You certainly know how to play a crowd, that’s for sure.“