Shadows of Demise (The Warrior Angels Trilogy - Book 3)

Chapter Eight

Beatrice entered the barracks with her head held high, emitting gasps all throughout the lower floor. She heard everyone murmuring to each other about her presence and saw many tripping over their own feet to bow to her. She ignored all of this as she walked straight to the dining hall. The door had been closed and she opened it with as much force as she had, allowing it to bang against the wall.

"This is a private meeting!" Franco scolded. Then he turned his head and widened his eyes upon seeing Beatrice.

Beatrice squinted at him.

"Her Majesty deserves to be here just as much we do," Richard said. He stood from his seat and gestured for Beatrice to join them. She made a beeline for the empty chair beside him.

Franco exhaled softly. "As we were, then."

"The two claim they won't tell us anything," Ailith said, turning her body toward Franco. "While I believe it, we can always attempt to get something out of them."

"Why not send a message to Inferum cantivat by informing them we have two of their own?" Franco asked. "If they wish to have them returned safely, they will need to release their current hold on the western region."

"You sound so confident about that working," Beatrice chimed in. "Have you forgotten these people are soulless? As if they'd care about losing two more when they have the advantage over Sinstiel. It is hardly a good trade."

Franco ran his fingers through his hair and shook his head. "Alright, Your Majesty. What do you suggest we do?"

Beatrice looked Ailith directly in her eyes. "Attempt whatever you please. If they refuse, get rid of them. I'd rather we not have any of them this close to where we sleep. I only request that you ask about Julian's whereabouts. That question should be your priority. It is the most necessary."

"Understood, Your Majesty!" Ailith nodded.

Franco gaped at Beatrice. She could practically see his mind spinning with the many things he wished he could say to her. She almost laughed as she thought about how he never would be able to. Yet she resisted and averted her eyes to avoid his gaze.

The door opened again. Franco momentarily regained himself to chide whoever had entered without permission. Beatrice looked up and felt herself tense when she saw Caldwell sauntering toward them.

"Ah, apologies and all," he said, waving his hands and grinning at Franco.

Franco sighed. "Good morning, Dr. Caldwell. Is this urgent?"

"I've come to ask Her Majesty to join me. The Queen Mother has requested her presence in the throne room."

Beatrice rose from her seat and nodded once, ignoring Richard's baffled stare. Without uttering a word, she walked past Caldwell and went straight for the door. She dug her fingernails into her palms and took a deep breath. Caldwell was right beside her before she could exit the building.

"She does not seem very happy," he said.

"Is she ever?" Beatrice pursed her lips and glanced down at her fists.

"You have nothing to worry about, Your Majesty. I am certain this will all be cleared with a simple explanation."

Explanation for what, exactly? Beatrice preferred not to know. Unfortunately, she didn't have much of a choice.

Somehow, the air felt hotter and thicker in the throne room. Beatrice did her best not to fan herself and to breathe normally as she approached her mother in the middle of the room. Her mother whirled around as soon as the doors were closed, and she narrowed her eyes.

"When were you going to inform me that Ashton Ward has returned?"

Beatrice opened her hands and moved them behind her back. "I was not aware that was information you cared about."

"Do not be ridiculous, Beatrice. Franco has been quite vocal with me about his distaste for that man."

"Oh, has he? Yet he did not think to share his woes with me? How else would I know about that?" It is not as though you care to tell me anything until after it's relevant.

Her mother rolled her eyes. "Now that you do know, Ashton Ward is not allowed within these walls."

"I don't believe that is your decision to make, and not one you'd want to make. Ashton is not the same man we remember." Beatrice nearly groaned when she saw her mother shaking her head.

Caldwell stepped forward. "Anne, I agree with Her Majesty. Although I only saw him briefly, there was something different in his eyes. I no longer saw cowardice and naivety. He can be a great asset to us in this fight."

"An asset? He is not an object."

"Franco will not accept this," her mother said. That curled lip of hers was unwavering, as usual. After so many years, that scowl looked like a permanent hideous scar on her face now.

"Nobody is asking for his permission, Mother. If I want Ashton here, he will be here. Whatever issues he and Franco have will simply have to be resolved or pushed aside. There are far more important matters right now."

"Ah, yes, it is his destiny to be here," said Caldwell, rubbing his chin. Beatrice side-eyed him. He merely smiled at her, though.

"I've had enough of this," Beatrice said. She faced her mother one more time. "Ashton will not be going anywhere. Enjoy the rest of your day, Mother." Then she rushed out of there and gasped when she almost ran right into Richard.

He gently grabbed her shoulders and apologized. Beatrice ordered the guards to shut the doors, and then she led Richard further away from the room.

"My mother knows Ashton is here," she said. "As you know, nobody worships Franco as she does."

Richard paled. "Is she going to tell him?"

"I don't believe she will. She would rather not be the one to deliver news that may spoil his mood. Nonetheless, it's best if Ashton knows about this. He left to stay at the inn with Rosie."

"I will go to him now." Richard turned away, but Beatrice touched his arm. He peered back at her.

"Be careful. Dr. Caldwell appeared to be on my side, and I do not trust him. The way he spoke about Ashton unnerved me."

"Dr. Caldwell?" Richard knitted his eyebrows. "When he saw Ashton yesterday, he acted strangely, too."

Beatrice's blood went cold. "I... noticed that as well."

"Why is he so interested?"

"I've no idea." Except I do.

"Well, I suppose I shouldn't keep Ash waiting too long." Richard flashed her a quick smile and took off.

She stared after him as her stomach twisted. Inferum cantivat wanted Ashton. His healing ability couldn't be replicated, and his blood was unique—shimmering gold when shaken. Dr. Caldwell—their leader—wanted Ashton. Beatrice knew it was actually best to keep Ashton away from the castle. The less time he spent around Dr. Caldwell, the less danger he would be in. On the other hand, she didn't doubt Caldwell already alerted others about Ashton. So, it truly didn't matter.

Ashton was no longer safe anywhere, was he?

Beatrice heard doors opening and noticed Dr. Caldwell leaving the throne room with her mother. She glowered at the pair before turning around and walking away.