THE BLOOD ROYALS Book 2: Long Live The Queen!

Chapter Three: Calling Me!

Carperia
Queen Takara's POV
It's been a sad six months.

The bombing in Ebrium caused the kingdom a lot of grief. While we were yet to recover from the loss of 15 innocent lives, Thalia's death hit us.

The kingdom was looking forward to a royal wedding. I believe it could have helped soothe the pain of the bombing in Ebrium. But losing the wound be princess has changed the atmosphere in Chea Niva. The excitement over the royal wedding has been replaced with uncertainty and tension.

The effects are not just outside the palace but in here as well.

I knocked the slightly open door and pressed my palm on the wood to push it open. My husband, the King of Chea Niva is seated on an armchair holding a book in his hand. He is very still. He has been quiet, possibly be withdrawn into silence as everyone else in this family. We just don't know how to deal with the grief of losing Thalia. I for one was looking forward to working with her especially on the King's Fund. It's a charity that works to better the kingdom by helping the disadvantaged and every reigning queen chairs it. I wanted to teach her so that she can help out and possibly take over.

"Cathan."

He looked up suddenly with eyes wide open. They gradually eased to the normal size. I think I have started him. Is the book that captivating or is he lost in thought?

"Hi"

"Hi. Can we talk?"

"Yes, of course. Close the door." He set the book aside giving me his full attention. He cut his hair. It's the first time I'm seeing him with short hair. Many attribute the long hair to the Queen Mother's genes. Most people from the Chrystal Isles have long hair, even the men. I think he still looks handsome. I gave him a small smile. He returned it with a crooked one. "What is it?"

"I have never seen you with short hair." Nilsa gave Reli a forced hair cut but he has grown it back. "It suits you."

He laughed a little nervously. "In that case I'll keep it this way."

He's not a bad person. He has his faults but deep down, he has an infectious and endearing warmth to him, almost like the Queen Mother's id she likes you.

"You have been scarce. I barely see you anymore. Are you well?"

We don't share rooms. I have my chambers and he has his. He occasionally comes into mine when he's seeking intimacy. That's all. Nothing else. Sometimes he asks for me and I carry out my duties as his wife. I don't think we have a relationship deeper than the sensual penetrations he offers.

He shrugged. "I'm not sure."

"That's a vague response."

He let out a deep sigh. I sat down on the sofa facing him. "Maybe I'm just sad. I have been thinking about Ebrium and how Taof and Hanniel are in the wind. How is it that no one can find them? How?"

"Possibly that is how deep the rebellion runs my King. Have you considered that?"

"Every other second and it keeps me awake at night. It's one thing for a Duke or Duchess to cause trouble. But a defective General can be trouble. I dint know the reach they have or the bonds they may have forged. I just know there's no justice for the 15 lives lost."

"How is Reli doing with the Iron Army?"

"Very well. They are all loyal to the crown. He's really growing into the role of General." He smiled to himself while looking at the crackling fire. "For the longest time I feared he wouldn't be king. He didn't express as much interest as I did when I was a prince. Reli is severely passive, hard to read and impossible to predict. When he said he wanted to abdicate..." Cathan rested his hand on the left side of his chest.