Beguiled

Part Ten

Iris pulled back from the embrace, surprised and confused, "The palace?"

"Yes."

It made no sense, that was the last place they should go. She unfolded her arms from him, her shoulders slumping, "Why?"

He took her hands in his, speaking firmly, "Because we have nowhere else to go."

She shook her head, "But they will know we killed the King."

Colin smirked, sureness written on his face, "I have a trick up my sleeve."

She regarded him with bewilderment as he stood. He turned to the fallen men, the horses having ran off amongst the fray, and held his hands out in front of him. He tensed his hands and his fingers clenched into fists. In the blink of an eye the bodies were gone.

Iris's eyes widened as she stood up, "You... you're more powerful than I thought."

He turned over his shoulder, smiling wide, his eyes sparking with appreciation for her wonder. He dropped his arms as he turned, "Now they won't know."

She laughed in relief, and then she stopped, "They will not allow me back."

"They will. You have the power to erase their memory, I count on it. You just have to have confidence." He went to her again, "Realize your strength, if not for me, then for yourself."

She set her jaw, attempting to gain the assurance within herself that he desired. A moment later she nodded, "I will. For us."

He smiled warmly, "Good. Now let us go."

They moved through the forest with ease, keeping a steady pace, no rush this time, but there was an eagerness. When they reached the palace they moved more quickly, running up the steps. The guards approached them but Colin was quick to swipe his hand out, and they fell. Iris looked over at him, shock in her eyes, "Are they dead?"

Colin pulled her through the palace doors, looking back at her with a smirk. He said nothing. She didn't know what to make of it but allowed him to keep guiding her.

When they entered the foyer a man was passing by, catching sight of them. He doubled his glance before stopping them, "She is not to be here."

Iris flicked her fingers at her side and he suddenly looked confused. He regarded them a moment before walking on. Colin chuckled, Iris smiled confidently. So she could do it.

They were moving once more, Colin pulling her up the stairs. They went down the corridor of rooms until they reached the end. Colin barged in with her following suit. She had been unaware that it was the Queen's room until she saw her. The woman was startled from sleep, jumping from the bed. She froze when she saw who it was, "Hayworth?"

Colin went forward, "I need to speak with Byron."

The King.

The Queen shook her head, "He is not here. He left a while after you did."

Colin feigned gravity, "Then he may not be coming back."

The royal woman's features fell, "Whatever do you mean? Why would he not?"

Colin spoke with confidence, "The people speak ill of him. It would not surprise me if he fled."

The Queen sat down onto her bed in soft shock, "He would leave his people?"

"Yes," he said firmly.

"He would leave me?"

"Yes," he said again.

The woman looked down, processing, until she spoke faintly, "You are closest to him. If anyone speaks the truth, it is you."

"Indeed." He moved closer, "I have a proposition."

The Queen looked weary, "And what might it be?"

"Let me be King," was his blunt reply.

Her eyes widened, "You? But..." she shook her head, but then it was clear she was arranging her thoughts. She spoke again, hastily, "We would need a ceremony. You must wed me. We will claim Byron is dead."

The look on Colin's face flashed surprised, but only for a moment, "Then we shall be wed, your highness."

Iris had been listening in the background, entranced by the volley, but when Colin agreed to such a thing her eyes widened and her mouth fell agape. "Colin..." she breathed out in disbelief.

Colin turned to her, speaking under his breath, "Trust me."

The Queen looked to Iris, "What is she doing here?"

Colin quickly turned back, "She agreed to be your lady in waiting."

The Queen regarded Iris for a moment before nodding curtly, "That will be fine."

Colin went to the Queen, kneeling before her, "Tomorrow we shall be King and Queen. We will win the hearts of the kingdom. I swear it."

The Queen pursed her lips, "Very well. Now leave me to rest."

Colin took her hand and kissed it, "May your dreams please you. My Queen."

And with that he stood, moving back through the door, Iris following.

They slept in Colin's room that night, after conversation of a plan. They agreed that they would take over the Queen's mind, glamour her into accepting them both. To allow them to be together in the ignorance of the people. Colin may be wed to the Queen, but he'd be in bed with the handmaid.

The next day they forced an impromptu gathering, the throne room crowded with nobles and peasants alike. The Queen walked down the isle with Colin, arm in arm. The crowd was silent, mourning the disappearance of the King, but also in awe of his replacement. They reached the thrones and sat. A servant placed a crown upon Colin's head. The Queen was vacant, no expression, glossy eyes, and yet she beckoned for Iris.

The young sorceress went to sit beside her, gazing out into the crowd nervously. She forced a smile, though it was genuine, especially when she looked over at Colin. The new King looked back at her, his own smile gracing his lips. Their look was one of secrecy held, a look of a happily ever after.