Realm of the Chosen: A Reverse Harem Romance

Chapter 16

Chapter Sixteen

Atkin of Iceforge was a brute of a man, and not in the same way that Cassius and Landon were—he wasn’t the least bit attractive. Just very large and bulky, and she almost wished he hadn’t bothered to come from such a great distance when she was fairly certain she’d be sending him home within a few weeks’ time. Still, she’d greeted him and his entire delegation and wore a pleasant smile even though her mind wandered to Jecob endlessly.

At least it hadn’t taken hours to meet just one Representative. Kit was hesitant to return to her chambers because she knew she’d have to think of something to say tomorrow. She looked out at the crowd now, before she turned to go inside, and wondered how many of these people would be there in the morning. Her mother had not made a formal announcement yet. That would come through couriers out into the queendom shortly, but Kit was certain the rumors had already begun to spread. Even now, there seemed to be much more whispering than usual. And once the chopping block was brought out, there would be no doubt the villagers would begin to discuss what might be happening.

Her mother didn’t wait for her. When Kit turned back around, the queen was almost through the doorway already, and Kit thought perhaps Rona was avoiding any questions. She’d hardly spoken at all as they waited for the delegation, only muttered that her hair looked “better—thank goodness.” Kit had wanted to ask where Jecob was being held, thinking perhaps she’d be allowed to visit him, but she realized that wouldn’t happen, and if she went about looking for him, she was liable to get him into further trouble. Besides, she wasn’t sure what she would even say to him. She was angry that he’d allowed this to happen, and part of her wanted to slap him across the face herself. The other part wanted to wrap her arms around him and hold him tight.

“You seem lost in thought, my child.” The sound of her father’s voice at her shoulder had Kit’s head spinning around.

“Oh, yes. I suppose I am. You startled me.”

“Forgive me. I only wanted to say… I heard about what happened, and I’m truly sorry for your—friend.”

“Thank you, Father,” Kit replied, happy to have a moment to speak with Remont. It seemed as if she saw less and less of him these days. She knew her mother didn’t want him to have anything at all to do with her Choosing, but times like these necessitated some fatherly advice. “I’m quite worried for him.”

“I have no doubt you are, my child. But try not to be. When the time comes, you’ll know what to say. The fact that you managed to persuade your mother speaks volumes as to what you are capable of.”

Kit stared into her father’s warm eyes, not sure how to respond. He patted her lovingly on the shoulder and then stepped behind her to proceed down a side hall that would take him to his own chambers, far on the other side of the castle away from both Kit and her mother.

Glancing around, Kit made sure her guards were still with her. They were, both tall men with dark hair she didn’t recognize. Where her cousins had gone off to, she couldn’t say, but she supposed it didn’t matter. She’d return to her chambers and write down her thoughts about what she would say the next day. It would’ve been nice to spend some time with the other Representatives, but she felt she needed to take advantage of every moment she had to help Jecob.

Approaching her chambers, she saw a familiar form leaning against the wall across from her door, and immediately let go a sigh of contentment. She didn’t have to be too close to recognize the broad shoulders and height of Cassius, and a genuine smile came to her lips, despite the harshness of the day.

Once she came to a stop before him, he bowed low, and said, “I hope I’m not intruding, my Princess.”

“No, not at all.” He stood, and she caught that twinkle in his green eyes that might’ve had her swooning if her emotions were her own, but since they were not, she only smiled in return.

“I won’t try to keep you. I only wanted to let you know how truly sorry I am about… what happened. I’ve been thinking of you all morning—we all have, to be honest—and if there’s anything we can do….” His voice trailed off, and she knew he would do anything she asked, that most of the men would. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much that could be done.

“Thank you so much, Cassius,” she said, reaching out and resting her hand on his arm. “I truly appreciate it.”

“We were all shocked to hear. It was such an awful situation.”

Curiosity overcame her, and she realized he had to have been there when Armant made the discovery. Dropping her voice, she asked, “What was it like?”

Cassius raised an eyebrow and looked around. “Pardon?” He seemed conflicted as to whether or not he should answer her question.

Her guards were across the hall, and she appreciated the fact that they were giving her some privacy. “You were there, when Armant made the diagnosis, yes?” Cassius nodded. “Was it… traumatic?”

“My Princess, I’m not sure I want to say.”

“I understand that, Cassius, but I need to know.”

He took a deep breath and glanced around the hallway again. “Yes, it was distressing. In my opinion, Armant was very professional. He did his examination, as he had for everyone in front of Jecob in line. I was a few places behind him. None of us ever pay any attention to the examinations themselves, as you can imagine.” She nodded. She didn’t suppose they would. “But when Armant called for the guards, we knew something was amiss. He asked that Jecob be held until he could consult with the queen, and then Jecob became irritated, demanding to know what the situation was. Armant told him he had tingo, and Jecob began shouting it was just a rash from slingball, that he was fine, but Armant had him removed, and he fought against the guard every step of the way. Your commander had to put him in a choke hold and drag him out of the room.”

Kit was shocked. Not only was she stunned to hear that Jecob had gone through all that, but she had no idea Eli had been there. “It wasn’t the Queen’s Guard?”

“No, your guard always accompanies us. I believe Jecob was handed over to the Queen’s Guard to be taken to a cell somewhere, after he was removed from the room, but they had to be called in after the matter.”

She felt the breath leaving her again and backed against the wall, wishing she hadn’t even asked as she began to imagine the scene in her mind. Cassius’s strong hand was on her arm, and she appreciated the support. “It must’ve been just dreadful.”

“Yes, but it was handled well, considering the circumstances. I’m sorry, my Princess. I should have refused to tell you.”

Kit met his eyes. “You would never refuse me.”

A crooked grin broke out across his handsome face, and she realized what she had said could have more than one meaning. “No, that’s true. I wouldn’t.”

A blush consumed her cheeks, and despite the situation, Kit had to giggle. “That’s not what I meant.”

“Oh, I know. But ‘tis true.”

She shook her head at him, ignoring the way his breath on her cheek ignited a fire within her. She’d have to put that to the back of her mind for a little while longer. “I’m glad you told me. Thank you. If you hadn’t, I would’ve been forever wondering.” He nodded, his smile becoming less mischievous and more sincere. “Do you happen to know where they took him?”

“That I do not know, but the commander of the Queen’s Guard made it clear none of us were to attempt to communicate with him. When Jate asked what his punishment might be, the commander said we know the law.” Cassius swallowed hard, as if it pained him to think about it. “I understand what he did was wrong, and the fellow could be a bit of a conceited fool at times, but I don’t think he did this purposely, and I certainly don’t think he deserves such a harsh punishment.” His voice was low so that no one else might overhear, and Kit appreciate the fact that he was willing to confide in her when she could very well take what he was saying as speaking out against the queen.

“I agree. He never meant to harm me. Death is too harsh a punishment. That’s why I’ve petitioned my mother to let me call upon the people to pardon him tomorrow. And she’s agreed. I will make a plea to the realm in the morning, asking them to spare his life, and Mother says if I can convince them, she will find an alternative punishment.”

Cassius was quiet for a moment, the surprise on his face evident, before he said, “That’s quite bold of you, my Princess. I wish you luck with that endeavor.” Kit nodded her thanks. “Do you have any idea what she may do in lieu of taking his head?”

Dropping her eyes to the floor, Kit admitted, “No, I don’t. But certainly nothing could be worse, could it?” She met his eyes again and saw that he was considering the possibilities.

“I suppose not, though there are some potential substitutes I can think of I wouldn’t want to go through. Still, the pain would be less permanent than death. No, I think if you could speak to him, Jecob would prefer for you to argue for his life.”

“Do you think I should try to get word to him, to see if that’s what he wants me to do?” Kit was beginning to think perhaps she had not made the right decision.

“No, Princess. That would be too dangerous for you. If your mother has given you the opportunity to speak for him, then do so. His fate is in the hands of the goddesses now.”

The truth of his statement was a comfort to her. “You’re right. I shall ask them for leniency for him as well.” The sound of her cousins coming up the hall reminded her that she had work to do inside of her chambers. “Thank you for coming to see me, Cassius.”

“Thank you for seeing me. There were others who wanted to come, but they weren’t sure whether or not you’d have time to speak with them. I will let them know we need to support you tomorrow.”

“It’s very kind of you to think about the others when you’re in direct competition against them.”

“Competition?” he asked, that grin back on his face. “I don’t think of it that way. Perhaps I should. But at this point, there are seven rooms to fill, and my plan is to take this one step at a time. I know there’s a connection between us, my Princess. I see it every time you look in my eyes. If I can help you to choose myself and the best six other Representatives, then that’s what I intend to do. There are some who are here for the wrong reasons. I want to make sure you don’t make that mistake again.”

His eyes shifted when he said “again” as if he realized he may have offended her, but she knew exactly what he meant. Even if he didn’t have tingo, Jecob was not the right man for her. It was evident now. Still, she intended to do everything she could to spare his life. And Cassius had just advanced his position beyond everyone else by disclosing he was truly there for the right reasons.

“You are a prize yourself, Cassius Peet from Warchester Keep.” She meant every word and actually saw a bit of pink come to his cheeks, as if her words embarrassed him. “I’m sorry, but I must go now. I have a lot of work to do.”

“Yes, of course. But I have something for you.”

Kit’s eyebrows knit together as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a white handkerchief wrapped around something that smelled delicious. She took the package and unwrapped it to find a strawberry pastry. Immediately, she began to giggle.

“I thought you might be hungry, and since there were plenty of them on the table in our gathering room, I decided to bring you one.”

“That was very considerate of you,” she said, still smiling. She imagined there would be a large buffet table in the Representatives’ lounge. “I’m starving.” Kit hadn’t eaten at all that day, and her stomach rumbled as a reminder. She placed her hand over her abdomen, and he chuckled, clearly pleased at having brought her something useful. “Thank you, Cassius. I will see you tomorrow.”

“You are quite welcome, Princess Katrinetta.” His eyes continued to dance as she looked into them, and despite the fact that they were not alone in the hallway, she leaned up and pressed her lips to his. It was a sweet, simple kiss, but there was a promise there, one she knew would mean deeper, more passionate kisses later when they were alone and could get to know each other much better. Kit was looking forward to that and for this nightmare with Jecob to be over.

She smiled at him one more time and then turned to walk away. She could feel his eyes on her as she crossed to the doors, and the guards opened them for her. When she swiveled back, he was still watching her, and she ducked inside certain that this man would not fail her as her first choice had. Of course, she’d have to trust her instincts, and they had been wrong before, but she had a good feeling about Cassius Peet, and she knew when she was ready, he’d be there with open arms.