All Kings favorite Human

The Rescue

KING ATTICUS'S POV

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I have to be honest, your brides seem far too self centered to wear a crown,” the head of my council boldly states as we step out of the council room.

"Not to mention extremely unwise." Lahore adds.

Days ago I would have sent anyone to the gallows for speaking so boldly about my brides, but now I can't begin to explain how thankful I am that we carried out the coronation test. If we didn't, I would have made the gravest of mistakes, marrying the worst of women.

In their kingdoms, they had appeared to be the epitome of grace and beauty. I had been convinced I’d found the most noble women. But now, it seems my brother had chosen not just poorly, but recklessly. The women he favored are not just unworthy, they are downright foolish and self-centered idiots.

Even my servant mate would have definitely answered some of those simple questions, too bad she's from the same stupid family and above that she might have a curse.

“Your Majesty,” Lahore says as we take the stairs towards my office. “It’s not too late to reconsider your options. We can still ask the humans for someone who truly embodies what a queen should be.”

I nod slowly, there is still time to get another human bride, one with a brain.

As we reach the top of the stairs, I spot Adrian at the end of the hallway, waiting, taping his foot against the floor like he has been here forever. As soon as he sees me he starts pushing against my guards, calling out for my attention.

“Your Majesty! I have an urgent message about a very important issue,” his voice rings out and he starts following after me.

"Step back!” one of the guards barks, shoving him back away. “You can’t approach the king without permission!”

I can guess what the urgent matter is, my human mate. He’s probably here to plead for her release. He should know I did her a big favor by merely having her whipped and locked up. In my kingdom, assaulting a royal is punishable by death, and that law applies to everyone, even her.

“Your Majesty!” Adrian calls again, desperation in his tone. “It’s about Agatha."

Lahore halts mid-stride, turns to face the persistent i***t. “You must go through the council first before seeing the king. Now stop bagging my guards or I'll have you thrown into the dungeons again.” he warns.

If we're to listen to everyone who approaches me, I’d be overwhelmed with so many unnecessary requests. That’s why I have a council, to sift through what’s truly important and what isn’t. I doubt Adrian has anything of significance to share.

“This is important! I can’t wait for council deliberations!” I hear him insisting as I step into my office.

AGATHA'S POV

Hours have passed since Lirith left my cell, and the gnawing pain in my wounds is becoming unbearable. Hunger gnaws at my insides too. I'll die in here slowly, unless she comes through with a way out for me.

"Hey, elfin you ain't attending the coronation party tonight?" I hear a familiar voice. It’s Adrian. He's right in front of my cell door.

"You know I have to keep the cells guarded." The voice of the male guard answers sounding frustrated.

"Hmmm! You want to go to the party?" Adrian's voice asks.

"Of course, but I am stuck here, can't disobey the king." The guard answers.

"I could cover for you," Adrian offers, "if you promise to bring me one of those amazing cakes your wife makes."

"I would give you a night with her too if you do that for me." The guard says with a laugh.

"It's a deal then. You may go." Adrian says. That's quite a disgusting exchange.

I don't hear any more sounds for ten minutes, until I hear the unmistakable click of a door opening. Footsteps approach, and though it’s dark, I can make out Adrian’s tall figure.

"Hello, my little Angel!" he whispers, his voice low. "Everyone's getting ready for the coronation party, and being the fool that I am, Lirith convinced me to risk rescuing you."

She did? Relief floods through me as I nod slightly. "How are we getting out of here?"

"I’ll show you," he says quickly. "There’s a tunnel that leads to the beach."

I wince as I speak. "I can’t walk fast. My back... it hurts too much."

"That's Okay, I don't think you weigh too much" He says and picks me from the floor. I hiss in pain.

“Be quiet,” he says, his words almost inaudible. “I need to get you out before anyone returns.”

I clamp my mouth shut as he carries me out of the cell. The darkness envelops us, and I have no idea where we’re headed, only that we’re going down.

After what feels like an eternity of descending stairs, Adrian suddenly stops and sets me down gently before crouching down. I hear a fumbling sound, like his hand is searching for something along the floor, and then there is a quiet creak as he lifts a board off the floor and places it to the side.

On the floor in front of us is a large square opening. There is pure darkness below.

“Let’s go. There’s a ladder,” Adrian says, lifting me against him.

He reaches out with his right hand, feeling for the ladder, and carefully maneuvers us toward it. Once he finds his footing, he begins to descend slowly, making sure I’m secure in his arms.

Soon our feet touch the floor, and he carries me again so I don't have to grope in the dark.

Finally, we reach the other opening and he manages to climb both of us out.

Stepping away from the outlet, I gaze at our surroundings. The sky above is covered with stars, and there is thick sand under my feet. We’ve made it outside the palace gates, and I can see several boats bobbing gently in the harbor.

But then a loud blare pierces the night, the palace warning bell. They’ve discovered I’m missing!

“Those are traders' boats, they are leaving now,” Adrian points. “Get on one. It’ll take you back to land. Go!”

“What? No!” I stare at him in horror. “You have to come with me! They’ll arrest you!”

“Go,” he hisses. “I’ll hold them back. Or we’re both back in those cells."

I hesitate for a second. I don’t want to leave him behind, but I don’t want to be caught either. “Thank you,” I say quietly, looking up at him, and see a quick flash of white teeth in response.

“Go,” he says and I do as he says, wobbling down towards the boats as quickly as I can. I can hear loud shouts and I know the guards are coming down the beach.

My entire body is shaking with a combination of nerves and adrenaline, and I focus on not falling as I reach one of the boat's gangplank.