Silver Skeletons: Book 3 The Rose Tree Chronicles

Chapter Twenty: The Curse of the Golden Orb

"All existing Slaves must be documented with the proper paperwork copied thrice. Two copies must be kept in the records of the Association of Slave Owners, one with the Slave, and the original copy must be kept with the Slave Owner."

Back at the Ronanan palace on Miseria 3, King Darren and Queen Ariana walked together down a long corridor which beheld a view that overlooked the kingdom beyond the waterfall on which the palace sat.

"Parliament doesn't want Ramses to be a member, Dear," Ariana said. "It would require voting someone out. There is already so much happening now with the merging of three nations, they don't have time to deal with exchanging members."

"Very well," said Darren. "We'll put the matter on hold, but only on hold. Ramses could be an asset to Parliament."

"He's biased against Noelle," Ariana argued.

"How so?" Darren asked. "He's a part of Noelle now."

They heard multiple footsteps make their way down the corridor. Darren and Ariana turned their heads to see a scowling Polaris turn the corner and approach them with their three spies following behind him. It's possible that Polaris attempted to hide his mood, but he did a very horrible job at it.

"News from the Kingdom of Preshire, Your Majesties," Polaris said with a bow.

"Yes?" Darren inquired. "What is the news?"

"We were able to locate Nadia, Your Majesty," said one of the spies. "But we were unable to retrieve her."

"What?" asked Darren. "Why not?"

"They have her locked up in their dungeon, sire," answered another spy. "Heavily guarded with berserkers and minotaurs. You've made quite a reputation for yourself, sire. I'd say they expected for you to attempt to break her out."

"I see," Darren growled.

"Civilized letters are futile at this point, my dear," cooed Ariana. Polaris glared at her, but she ignored him. "If we surprise attack them, we can take down their palace and acquire immediate access to Nadia before they even have a chance to escape with her."

"Interesting thought," said Darren. "Have you any suggestions, Polaris?"

Polaris inhaled through his nostrils. "None that would be useful to your cause, sire."

"Ah." Darren appeared somewhat perplexed at Polaris's uncharacteristic silence; as was Ariana, however she was more pleased. It was about time he kept his mouth shut for once. Darren glanced at his wife and spies. "I would like a word alone with Polaris, please." He looked to his spies. "You are dismissed."

The spies bowed. "Your Majesty."

"I will see you at dinner, Sweetheart," he said to Ariana.

"Of course, my King." Ariana glared at Polaris before she left their presence.

Then, King Darren and Polaris were alone. Polaris found himself slightly nervous, probably because he considered telling his king everything. But he couldn't for Nadia's safety, which didn't exist in the queen's presence.

King Darren approached the balustrade, which was the only thing which kept him from plummeting down the waterfall. He leaned against the marble and folded his hands in front of him, welcoming the cold winter breeze to cool his cooking head.

"I am growing weary of war, Polaris," he said. "All I want is Nadia. This is her home. We are her family. If there is any other way for me to have her here with me, I would snatch up the opportunity in a heartbeat. I sense you would too."