The Monster and His Queen

Chapter 9

"Father, I'm scared."

King Zarek looked up from his morning reports, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth. Saphira stood in the doorway of his private dining room, her young face pale and drawn. She twisted her hands together nervously.

"Scared? Of what?" The king's voice held more irritation than concern.

Saphira stepped inside, closing the door behind her. "I heard the servants talking last night. About strange meetings in the west wing. About nobles gathering in secret." She moved closer to his table. "Is it true? Is someone plotting against our family?"

Zarek set down his fork, his expression sharpening. "What exactly did you hear?"

"Not much. The servants stopped talking when they saw me. But they looked frightened, Father. And they mentioned Lord Marek's name. And a lady from the Northern court." Saphira's voice cracked convincingly. "Are we in danger?"

The king stood, his chair scraping against the floor. "Which servants? Where were they?"

"Near the kitchens, just before midnight. I couldn't sleep, so I went looking for warm milk." Saphira bit her lip. "Should I not have told you? I thought—"

"No. You did right." Zarek's face had gone hard as stone. He strode to the door and yanked it open, shouting for his guards. "Captain Ryver! Get in here. Now!"

A tall man in silver armor appeared within seconds. "Your Majesty?"

"I want Lord Marek brought to me immediately. And Lady Selene from the Northern delegation. Use force if necessary." The king's voice was cold as winter. "And gather the council. Emergency meeting in one hour."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Ryver disappeared down the corridor, already shouting orders.

Zarek turned back to Saphira. "Go to your sister's chambers. Stay with Elaria until I send for you. Do not leave her side, do you understand?"

"Yes, Father." Saphira curtsied and hurried out.

Once in the hallway, she allowed herself a small smile. The first part of the plan had worked perfectly. Now everything depended on what Elaria and Draven did next.

Meanwhile, in the east gardens, Elaria walked alone among the rose bushes. At least, she appeared to be alone. Draven moved in the shadows cast by the hedges, invisible to anyone watching.

"Are you sure this will work?" his voice whispered from the darkness.

"No," Elaria admitted quietly, pretending to smell a flower. "But it's our best chance. If they think I'm vulnerable and alone, they'll make their move."

"I don't like using you as bait."

"It's not your decision to like. It's necessary." She moved deeper into the garden, toward the section where the hedges grew thick and tall, creating hidden alcoves. "How many guards can you sense?"

"Three on the north path. Two at the garden entrance. One near the fountain." Draven's presence moved closer. "And someone else. Moving fast. Coming toward you."

Elaria's heart rate picked up, but she kept her face calm. She bent to examine a white rose, her back deliberately turned to the path.

Footsteps crunched on gravel. She didn't turn around.

"Princess Elaria. How convenient to find you here."

Elaria recognized the voice—Lord Marek. She turned slowly, her expression carefully neutral. "Lord Marek. Good morning."

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Quite early for a walk, isn't it? And all alone. Very dangerous for a young lady."

"I like the quiet. And I needed to think."

"About your upcoming wedding, no doubt." Marek moved closer, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword. "Such a big change for you. Leaving your home, marrying a stranger. A monster, some would say."

"Prince Draven is my betrothed. I won't hear him insulted."

"Loyal. How touching." Marek's smile widened. "But misplaced, I'm afraid. You see, Princess, that wedding is never going to happen."

Elaria took a step back. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, come now. You're smarter than that. You must have realized by now that certain people don't want this alliance." He drew his sword slowly. "And unfortunately for you, the easiest way to stop it is to remove the bride."

"You're going to kill me? Here? Now?" Elaria tried to sound terrified. It wasn't difficult—despite the plan, despite knowing Draven was nearby, fear still gripped her throat. "There are guards everywhere!"

"Guards who are loyal to me. Guards who will report that you tragically slipped and fell into the fountain, hitting your head on the stone edge." Marek advanced. "Such a terrible accident. The King will be devastated, of course. But these things happen."

He lunged forward, sword raised.

Elaria dove to the side, but Marek was faster than she expected. His blade sliced through her sleeve, cutting into her arm. She cried out in pain.

That's when the shadows exploded.