The Elven King's Consort

Chapter 35: Awakening

"You didn't strike me as one who was political, princess," he paused, that small smile growing larger," but to answer your question, it was simply because, at the time, we had nothing we sought from that kingdom. We have everything. It deemed unnecessary. You see," he leaned in closer to me his arm stretching out nearly touching the edge of the table, " I only seek what is best for my people."

I stared at his fingers, biting the inside of my lip. I was starting to understand why Cesteil had said those things earlier.

"So what is it that you want, your majesty?"

"Well, isn't it obvious? It's the whole reason why you are here, my dear."

He stood, his palms resting on the table, leaning toward me even closer now, and I could almost taste the stale cologne. I nearly vomited the emptiness in my stomach, shooting a pain up my side in retaliation. He can't have his way!

"But...you majesty...! I have come to strike up a deal. Instead of my hand in marriage, I'd like to offer you something greater in value."

He straightened, and a smirk formed, shifting the plentiful wrinkles, making me squirm uncomfortably in my seat; hands lifting, he signaled to the people of the room. Guards surrounded Keyair and me, forcing us to stand abruptly.

"At first, princess, I was willing to listen to what more you had to offer before you entered the palace, but then when you entered, your sweet, magical aroma filled these walls like a valley filled with fresh flowers, a perfume if you will, that was potent and addicting. My son's an incapable fool unable to sense the power asleep within you and only spoke of allowing you to leave back to your kingdom."

He stepped closer, the fight within me growing, and I turned to flee, but the guards held me in place, overwhelming and stopping me. Keyair watched in horror as he, too, received the same fate but was more concerned for me, and that's when I realized it. He was never my enemy. The king was. We were both tricked and trapped. The king hovered over me, his arms clasped together behind him.

"No, I think you will stay here forever in my care. Lock her up in my chambers tonight. She'll be filled with my seed and bear us a prince rightful for the line of succession."

"No!" I screamed, thrashing and clawing every which way.

I can't allow them to do as they will! The guards fought against me hard, averting my every attack and withstanding the violence, unmoving like statues even with the many wounds I inflicted, even the ones deep enough to leave scars.

"Father! You can't do this!"

"Put him in solitude while you're at it. He's become hot-headed again and needs to be reminded of who is king."

A third guard rushed over and punched Keyair hard in his stomach, and I couldn't help but stop and watch the pile of saliva escaping his mouth and onto the floor. He heaved, struggling to breathe, and fainted, his eyes rolling back. I thrashed more violently, seeing my eyes turn red from the reflection of one of the guard's suits, and my fangs slid out of their casing, protruding and extending, the fear in their eyes growing. The king clicked his tongue, annoyed, standing before me, my hair a mess, and my dress wrinkled and torn randomly from the struggle.

"It seems the awakening needs to occur now instead of later since she's not obliging. No matter, a limp body will suffice."

"Stay the hell away from me, you disgusting maggot!" I roared, spitting at him.

It didn't faze him in the least. I turned my head every which way, avoiding the outstretched hand, and kicked at him, but my leg was met only with air. The guard's free hand warped around my thigh, squeezing painfully, causing me to whimper softly. The sweaty, clammy hand rested atop my forehead and within seconds. A flash of light radiated out of his palm and into me. A warm, wet feeling ran through my body. Heat coursed through my veins as if I were tied to a stake, unable to escape burning alive. A high-pitched scream of agony escaped my lips, and my body slumped to the ground, and my knees bearing in the impact.