Queen Of Thorns

The Crown's Root (5)

Rumours spread faster than wildfire but were never genuinely reliable however, the tale of King Prodes's first-born son had captured Thorn's attention.

Never had she used the information before, holding close to her chest what Dragana had revealed but it seemed the kings needed reminders of who they dealt with.

"King Prodes's wife bore two sons, both of which grew to be loved by their king until one day the eldest son and heir to the throne revealed himself in actuality to feel as a woman rather than a man. Dishonoured,"

The Queen scowled before continuing.

"King Prodes tortured his son for identifying as a woman, and despite my invitation quite clearly stating to bring all the heirs including Princess Kuvira, you have not."

King Prodes, with his large belly moving quickly with every quickened breath, felt his face turn raw. Thorn watched as he reached up to his mouth and began to claw at the invisible stitching keeping his mouth shut, blood dripping from his face.

Yet, no action was made to stop him. Some of the kings stared in horror while his cousin, the Scarred King Eràtyl tried to stop him.

"Please your highness-"

Prince Fiir glanced between the Queen and his father clawing at his face, pleading.

"Please release him!"

For a second she watched then flicked her hand and the King roared, standing so abruptly the table shook and his chair slammed to the ground.

"How dare you stoop so low as to plead with the witch!?"

He raised his arm ready to strike at the Prince's concerned and fearful face when a hand gripped his wrist, the Queen had barely made a sound as she stared into the Protruding-Bellied King.

"You are under my Law King Prodes, you shall not raise a hand to anyone within my walls or the consequences will be severe this including your son."

Panting heavily he stared into her until ripping his arm free from her grasp and sitting back down without another word, his face toning down to a light pink. Prince Fiir turned his face away from his father, mouthing a 'thank you' to Thorn who sighed deeply and looked between the other Kings.

"This Law applies to you all. You do not raise a finger to anyone within my walls or you will suffer a fate worse than death, your sons are within my walls therefore they are also under that protection. I understand that you do not hesitate to punish anyone even blood but that does not exist here, now let us resume the evening festivity."

Tension still hung in the air but lessened as Thorn sat in her chair, even Kittyosis who had been hunched and ready to pounce had returned to relaxing.

As the Queen cut into her fish she felt the need for conversation.

"You will all be residing in the East wing of the castle and perhaps by the end of the week you will see me as something other than a threat, perhaps even Peace could be brokered between our kingdoms."

King Durenath, youngest of the men, swirled the wine glass in his hand cautiously.

"Peace is...a hard value when we believe a kingdom should be ruled by a man."

Thorn peeked through her eyelashes but did not meet any of their eyes as the kings all nodded, the Princes mostly eating the food in silence. Slowly she sliced through her fish, feeling their eyes on the Queen she spoke.

"Tell me since your rule have your lands prospered? Have your crops grown more than you can count? Have the people been fed and treated with respect as any noble even if they are poor? Have your water supplies never encountered a drought?"

Each one had a face at the questions, the face that looked rejected and the Queen raised her head high, smiling.

"My land has never had a drought, the people are at peace and joy, the crops are endless and bountiful, all are treated with respect and my kingdom has prospered even under fire by yours. Truly the only thing that is stopping you from accepting our Sanctuary is that I am a female ruler."

They could not even deny that fact especially since Prince Letüne had not stopped eating to cure his famish, his beyond skinny body finally receiving the proper protein needed.

But the king of jewels, Soroph, scowled at Thorn.

"None of us has unnatural powers, none of us is of a witch bloodline."

The Queen only sighed and shook her head, the night had faired rather quickly with most of the hall empty now. Mainly filled with maids who were helping the remaining civilians, so she stood from the table and waved her hand.

"Come, I shall show you to your chambers and retire for tonight."