All The Kings Men

Chapter 35 Kings Thoughts

I couldn't find Thea anywhere. She wasn't In her room, the library or even the chapel. What did it matter ? Every insecure thought i had...every doubt about me figuring out a way to love her the way she needed..to make us work, to make myself not want what I wanted. It all came crashing down that it was never going to work. I was a fool to think otherwise. What I put her through in our bed chamber was selfish and sinful. She used to look at me with such pride and tonight....I would have rather she just plunge a dagger in my heart then to have had to endure the way she looked at me. I broke her. I knew I did. Something so innocent and fragile. Something so many other kingdoms wanted. I had her and I shattered her heart into a million pieces. I hated myself.

"Silas!" Rosemarys panicked voice pulled me from my sorrow.

"Rose what is it ? You look like you've seen a ghost." I stated.

She gave a slight laugh. "You have no idea."

"Your majesty." Edger interrupted her. "I finally was able to speak with the man who came running in here burnt to a crisp. "

I glanced at Rose who wrinkled her nose at his words. "Yes. What happened to him?" I asked.

"Well....he claims he was hunted down by a...dragon." Edger replied hesitantly.

"A dragon?" Both I and rose said in unison.

"Aren't dragons just in fairy tales ?" Rose asked .

"Well...sort of. Most tales come from real stories. It's been past down that great beasts used to walk among us that can breath fire." Edger explained. "Although none such beasts have been known to exists for well over a century."

"This man. He saw the dragon?" I asked.

"He claims he did yes." Edger said shrugging.

I paused unsure of what to make of it. "He isn't on anything ? Not drunk ?"

"Your majesty the physician said he's never seen burns like the ones the man has. He isn't even sure he will make it." Edger said carefully.

"If he made it to our door that means the dragon is close." Rose spoke up.

"Im afraid so." Edger replied.

"So we are in danger then. I've read books about them. One dragon could destroy an entire castle easy. What if this man lead it here?" She spoke quickly and fearfully.

"Calm down. Peter is out on a mission for me. But I will send my second in command William to check it out. No one needs to panic. I'm sure it's nothing." I said eyeing edger to not say anything more infront of her.

"Ahh there you are my little Rosebud." Mothers voice made us both jump. We turned just in time to see Mother. Prince Edmund and Queen Tiana making their way down the hall toward us.

"Edger see what else you can find out from the man and tell William he leaves at once to investigate." I said in a hushed tone.

"On it." Edger replied leaving us.

"We have been searching everywhere for you my dear." Mother said giving an annoyed glance to Rose.

"She was helping me check on Fiona." I lied. I had to spit out her name. I was still so annoyed and angry with her. I didn't want to think about it.

"Yes. The baby is doing great." Rose replied her face dropping into a frown immediately.

"Ah well. Why don't you join us on a tour of the castle." Mother replied.

"Edmond spent many summers here. I doubt he needs a tour." I said trying to help.

"I'm actually enjoying learning about your families history and taking in the beautiful scenery." Prince Edmond stated eyeing rose. She squirmed under the attention.

I tried to rack my brain for some way to help my poor sister. I couldn't tell them about her frantically trying to speak with me before they approached. Then mother would force her to share it with everyone here and she obviously didn't want that. But I didn't want to ignore her either she was obviously upset.

"Come along Rosemary dear." Mother said walking ahead with Queen Tiana reluctantly trailing behind. I gave her a sympathetic gaze.

"Rosemary, if I may be so bold. I just can't believe the women you have blossomed into." Prince Edmund stated awkwardly. "It seems just yesterday you were the freckled faced little girl I chased around these halls."

"Time has seemed to be lost lately." Rosemary replied.

"Rose. Why don't you come find me after the tour  to finish our discussion." I said trying to throw her a life line. She nodded a slight smile formed across her lips hope I hadn't forgotten. Following after mother side by side with him she disappeared down the hall. I felt terrible but there wasn't anything I could do to get her out of it without being rude.

"Hello old friend." Vincent's voice came from down the hall. "I hope you don't mind me dropping in."

"Cousin of course not. Your last trip was so brief I hope you'll stay for the holiday." I replied with joy.

"With this weather moving in I think I will stay." Vincent said glancing out the window at the snow that had picked up in wind.

"Any chance you brought Matthew with you ?" I said glancing behind him.

"Don't tell me you have began to favor my younger brother over me." Vincent placed his hand over his heart acting offended.

"No....actually I have some unfortunate business with him." I said angrily.

"Oh boy. What has he gotten himself into this time?" Vincent asked. I held my  A tongue for a second. Vincent has always been a close friend to me. We grew up together but he was protective of his family. Although unlike Matthew he did have a good moral compass.

"Something I pray you are not apart of."I replied gently.

"Pardon me your highness." A Guard approached us. "There is a King Cassius at our gate. He is seeking refuge from the storm."

"I do not recognize that name. What kingdom is he from ?" I asked.

"The Dark Mountains your highness." I froze at his words. The dark mountains was a realm of constant snow and ice. The people were known to be cold and hostile. They lived high above all other kingdoms and rarely came down from their hills. I knew my father had killed many of their people. They were not fans of us. I did not know why he would be seeking refuge here.

"Is he alone ?" Vincent asked.

"It appears he has only 5 guards with him."

"Silas I've only been to the hills once on a very unpleasant business trip for your father. Those people hate him." Vincent warned.

"I'm aware." I frowned. "But turning him away to face the elements would cause their king to hate me as well."

"I do not envy your constant hard decision making." Vincent shook his head.

"Bring them in to the west dinning room. Prepare a hot meal and drink and have the maids put them up for the night in the west wing. Let them know I will join them shortly." I replied.

"Yes your majesty." The Guard disappeared quickly.

"Be careful cousin. Cassias is known to be more ruthless then your father. There is no telling why he was even here in the first place." Vincent warned.

I nodded in response and patted his shoulder. "I always keep your room ready just in case. Stay warm tonight."

Walking away I felt a lump in my throat. He was right the situation was strange. I couldn't put my fingers on it but I felt a great sense of danger was upon us.