Silverclaw

Lord Ristarl and the King

 Jason bowed deeply to King Adonis and waited. Beside him, Oakfall bowed just as deeply, although Jason knew just how much it rankled for him to do this. It was still required, however, and Charlotte, who had been relegated to the tiny room with the other women, had said to just kill the man. Jason, however, knew that they still needed his help, especially after the truth about Cassius had come out.

 Yet again, Jason cursed the man's name. After all, who would have thought that the man was not just a spy, but a Snow Leopard Knight, too? And not just any Knight, either. Sir Garin's twin! If only he had known, he would have tried to at least twist Cassius to his cause, and if not, outright killed him himself.

 With an inward shake, he shut out thoughts of Cassius. He needed his wits about him for this meeting, especially as he didn't know what it was about. King Adonis tapped his fingernails on the arm of his chair, staring down at them calmly, his face expressionless.

 'Rise, Lord Jason. I offer congratulations on finally marrying off your sister-it was far past time that she go to another man's family, after all. Now, on a more urgent matter. Perhaps you can explain this to me, hmm?' Adonis held out a scroll to them, and waited. One of his retainers stepped forward and took it from him, then handed it to Jason, who bowed to Adonis a second time before opening the scroll and reading it. Slowly, a malicious smile spread across his face.

 'Majesty, this Rose Anastasia mentioned in this missive is the same female that has escaped me at every turn so far. Forgive me, but may I ask when this arrived?'

 'It arrived just this morning, Lord Jason. A month late, admittedly, but at least we have it. Now, what will you need to apprehend this Queen of the Elves?' Adonis snorted derisively at the title. 'Queen of the Elves. What a chronic little liar. Even if elves did exist, I doubt that they would accept a human child as their Queen. And a female at that, too!' Adonis laughed, and Jason was glad he did-it gave him the chance to shoot a warning look at Oakfall, who had started to say something sharp.

 With a quiet hiss, Jason muttered: 'Oakfall. Keep quiet and let me handle this. Let him receive the shock of his life, and then we can take it from him, along with his crown.'

 Oakfall growled. 'He questions our existence, Jason. I do not ever let slights like these slide.'

 'And you won't. Just not now. We still need his support.'

 Adonis's laughter ended abruptly. 'Is something the matter, Lord Oakfall?'

 'No, Your Majesty. Forgive me-I wish only to return to my wife. She is very high handed, and if I don't beat her regularly she starts to think herself above her station.' Oakfall smiled apologetically up at the king and bowed to him deeply, making it as subserviant as he possibly could.

 'Hmmm. Usually, it is the father-in-law's job to discipline a woman, but, if I remember rightly, your family is dead. Am I right, Oakfall?'

 'Yes, Your Majesty.'

 'Then, as your king, the duty falls to me. I shall gladly take the switch and more to her.'

 Oakfall kept his face stiff even as he cursed inside. 'Truely, there is no need, Your Majesty. I can easily give her the beating she deserves. There is no need for Your Magnificency to exert himself over so small a matter.'

 Adonis watched him a moment, and finally, he nodded his agreement. 'You are right, Oakfall, of course. Besides, if I did that, her loyalty would then be to me, and not to you, as it should be. Now, then... I believe we should begin talk of plans to capture this Rose Anastasia, don't you agree?'

 That night, Jason and Oakfall met with Charlotte to inform her of their plans. On hearing them, an evil smirk spread across her lips.

 'When do we leave, Brother? I am eager to get my hands on the little hussy for daring to take my Knighthood away from me.' Charlotte drew a dagger and started whetting it, long smooth strokes that quickly put a keen edge on the blade.

 'Tomorrow morning. We pack tonight and leave with fifty of the King's best warriors.' Jason drew his sword and examined it for nicks. 'You'll have to continue acting the meek little mouse for now, Charlotte. At least until we're out of the city, anyway.'

 Charlotte hissed in distaste, and he looked up at her. 'I know you don't like it, Sister, but we don't have much of a choice. Once we're clear of the city, then I shall inform of them of the truth concerning you. Even after that, however, you will have to wear those robes over your armour. It's safer.'

 'Very well then, brother. I shall wear them for one week after we leave the city. After that, I refuse to do so.' She met him glare for glare, and he finally nodded his agreement.

 'Check your bows as well. If we are planning an ambush, Jason, then we will need them. If not for that, then so we can hunt for our food.' Oakfall, who hadn't spoken up till then, was already checking his bow over, face set with something neither Charlotte or Jason could name. The siblings glanced at each other, then nodded their agreement and started checking over their bows.