Page 36 of The Final Battle

“Or I really wanted a reason to kiss you and stake my claim on you,“ he teased with a quick peck on my nose. “Can I steal you for a dance before I have to share you with the masses?“

“I would be delighted,“ I answered, looping my arm through his so he could escort me down the steps to the dance floor.

Chapter twenty-one

Cassarah

Before I got much further, something had me looking back at the head table. It was then I noticed all my men were standing, putting their weapons away, as they ensured the spymaster’s daughter retreated. Seems I had a little help in making our position clear that they were off limits to anyone but me.

“Percilla has been trying to tie me to her for a long time, even going so far as to use her father to pressure the union. What she didn’t realize, was that I had so much dirt on her father there was no way he could ever force me to do something I didn’t want to do. His own daughter was the source of most of that blackmail, she loved to share secrets during pillow talk,“ Paxton explained as we whirled around the dance floor. “I’m not a perfect man and I’ve used every dirty trick in the book to get what I needed from people to survive. There was no reason for me to be good, honest, or loyal to anyone. Then, my entire world turned on its head the moment your mark appeared on my arm.“

When I’d first met Paxton, I didn’t think there was a chance in hell that we would end up where we are today. Even though he was brash with his thoughts, always poking at me, forcing us to talk about the things we’d prefer to leave alone, I could no longer imagine my life without him.

By the time Pax and I had finished our dance, the room settled back into the normal swing of things, aside from everyone giving me a wide berth. I couldn’t blame them. I’d made quite the scene and knew it would establish the clear understanding that I was not to be trifled with.

“Your Majesty,“ Sir Roulf addressed with a bow. “Might I have the next dance?“

I looked the man up and down trying to discern if he was being sincere or not. “You wish to dance with me?“

“Yes, only a dance, I have no intention of even thinking about asking for more than that. You’ve made it quite clear that you and your harem are a closed unit,“ he answered, keeping his eyes lowered.

While I’d planned to speak to this man, I hadn’t intended to do so publicly. “You may have one dance, use it wisely.“

Pax gave me a confused look but when I smiled in reassurance giving him a kiss on the cheek, he stepped aside. “I will meet you back at the table, my queen.“

“You have a very loving and loyal group of men, your Majesty,“ Sir Roulf commented as he took my hand, leading me out onto the dance floor.

I let him spin me into place as the music started up the next dance. We went a few minutes without either of us saying anything, but I’d finally had enough.

“Sir, it’s incredibly clear to me that you didn’t ask me to dance with you out of the goodness of your heart. It would be wise to say what you need to say or I’ll leave you standing here alone,“ I warned, holding his gaze so he knew I was serious.

He swung me away from him then I twirled, returning to him my back against his chest for a few steps. “You’re right, I didn’t come to dance with you but to warn you. I know you’re the one who freed the queen’s mind, the Lost King knew it was possible with how light his hold on her was, but the failsafe of her losing her memory was also there to prevent someone like you learning our secrets.“

The dance had me slipping under his arm in a complex move that had me facing him again. He gripped my waist and pulled me tight, even though I tried to keep as much space between us as I could.

“Just accept that the Lost King has already won, he holds Creisal in his hands. Many of his men have infiltrated the castle and the kingdom alike, you’ll never be able to tell who you can trust. I applaud your guardians being so overly cautious, but will they be able to protect you against everyone?“ Sir Roulf whispered in my ear. “The Lost King is willing to meet with you and receive your surrender, putting an end to this whole affair. There’s no need for any more life to be lost, all you have to do is admit that he’s outsmarted you and he might see fit to let you and your men live.“

When we reached the point the dance brought us to the edge of the dance floor I stomped on his foot as hard as I could. He stumbled, almost falling on his ass, but I caught him and pulled him in close by the front of his shirt. “You tell the Lost King that he hasn’t seen anything yet. I’m just getting started and I will find what he’s hiding, it’s the whole purpose of my visit here. He better get here quickly if he wants a fight he won’t lose, because as soon as I discover what he’s so desperately trying to hide, he’s finished.“

Done with the wretched man before me, I cast him aside roughly so he crashed into another couple, drawing the attention away from me. May appeared at my side, lightly grabbing my elbow as she escorted me away from the scene.

“Do I need to kill him?“ May asked in a low voice. “From what I’ve been able to gather from the palace staff he isn’t well liked. The only thing that’s kept him out of trouble is the queen, but now that she’s publicly cut him off he’s going to see just how much people haven’t liked tolerating his attitude.“

“He’s connected to the Lost King,“ I shared as we climbed the steps to the head table.

May’s face twitched as she tried to keep her expression neutral. “Seems Henry wasn’t convinced his mind control would be enough, he placed backup to ensure she did what he wanted.“

I took my seat at the table and smiled over at King Thomas as I spoke. “It would be wise for you to place a trusted guard with your wife at all times. After a lovely conversation with Sir Roulf, it would seem that the Lost King has more men here than we were led to believe. Even if he was lying, it would be foolish to think it couldn’t be possible.“

“That is wise advice, your Majesty, I will certainly take it under advisement. There are a few that I would trust with my life as well as hers. Did the gentleman have anything else to share with us?“ King Thomas asked.

Reaching over I placed my hand on his arm. “While this feast has been lovely, I think it’s best to retire for the night. Could we possibly have breakfast tomorrow together somewhere private?“

“Yes, I believe that can be arranged. One of my personal staff will come to escort you to the meal. There is a lovely balcony in our private chambers that has a stunning look over the sea I would love to show you,“ he offered, understanding the game I was playing.

“Tomorrow then,“ turning to the queen, I caught her eye. “Thank you for your hospitality, your Majesty. This feast has been a wonderful evening and I look forward to seeing more of your kingdom in the following days.“

Queen Catharine seemed to be pleased with the flattery as she waved me off. “Goodness child, you put me to shame when you speak like that. A queen for such a short time yet as eloquent as the woman of days past. Gavin is blessed to have such a wife. I can see why he gave it all up for you. Now off with you, I’m sure you must be excused with all the drama that’s gone on tonight. Feasts, you never know what to expect from them do you?“