The Tyrant's Queen

47: a long night

Lucien didn't need his reading glasses to take in every change of muscle on Estel's face, even with the distance between them.

He saw the infinitesimal twitch in her cheeks, the light of excitement in her pupils, and the way her tongue ran over the side of her cheek.

Anger, disappointment, but at the same time delight and surprise.

No one dared to take in a loud breath.

As Estel and Lucien looked at each other, perfect silence ensued, hanging thick over their heads like a well-positioned arrow.

Finally, she spoke. "You've matured much from the last time I saw you, King Lucien. A shame. We would've loved to take Aesna in."

"We hope for the continuation of our peace in another form and appreciate your proposal." Lucien smiled, tempted to look at Thalia.

Taking in a long, sharp breath, he turned his gaze away, to the officials.

It was the first time- since his rise to the throne- that he simply knew- the officials waited for the next word from his lips.

"High Priest Yhun. You will be imprisoned in your own home until investigation proves your innocence.

"An investigation will be conducted on Queen Thalia as well, and she will not be allowed to carry out any palace work until there is a decision made."

His throat was sandpaper dry. Gripping his cane with more force, Lucien continued.

"It is late. I thank you, King Neka and Queen Estel for your presence. Our servants will escort you to your respective chambers for a good bath and sleep after your long journeys to Aesna. And once again, I congratulate you, Queen Estel, for your coronation."

Estel's smile deepened. "And I, you."

As soldiers flanked Yhun, he raised a hand. His face devoid of its usual benign smile, Yhun spoke.

"I hope you realize the consequences of slandering a priest, Your Majesty."

"Indeed, Father." Lucien inclined his head with a weary smile. "I am prepared to face the wrath of the gods."

At a tortuously laggard pace, slowly, all officials, soldiers and the two monarchs left the hall.

When only Ulla, Viva, Matia and Dehan were stationed before them, Lucien let out the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.

"Please leave us."

With the click of the hall doors, finally, he was alone with Thalia, whose back was still to him.

The sound of the cane hollowly hitting the marble floor resounded through the hall as he went forward to face Thalia.

Her complexion had returned to its usual color, but she was oddly still. Hands folded neatly folded before her, her back straight, Thalia's gaze was cast downward.

"Thalia." Lucien's voice broke. He hadn't felt this much fear even back in Shahark. "When did you find out?"

"Today, sire." Her voice was dry, and weary. Dark circles were visible on her pale skin.

"Why did you...why did you say it? I was going to conceal it to the very end."

"Your plan was to reassert the power of the royalty before the two monarchs, by showing that the powerful men of the royal court are loyal to you. The plan has succeeded."

"Who told you?"

"Does it matter, sire? All is well now." She was not even looking at him.

"Even if you don't tell me, nothing is going to change. No matter what others say, my decision will be unchanged. You will remain by my side."