Enchantment of the Bow

Chapter Fifty-Two

Lyra's POV

I find myself nervous as I am marched down the corridor towards the throne room, though I can't imagine why. I've had plenty of guests that I don't know come here, though none of them had visited for my benefit. They were all friends of the court or either one of my parents, but the uneasy feeling in my stomach tells me that this is different. 

Sage stays close enough to brush my leg and her hackles never flatten. She growls in warning every time one of the Guardsmen step too close. I brush my fingers across her back and mumble to her under my breath, soothing her in Noshïel and giving her orders that are foreign to the ears of the men around us. Stay alert, but don't attack unless I say so. 

I am dressed as usual and my hair is a mess, but it doesn't seem as though the King cared about what I look like. Otherwise, he would have sent maids to fetch and dress me up for this unknown guest. Perhaps I have nothing to worry about at all. Maybe Janine called for my assistance after all, and simply needs some help keeping he shop open. Without Jensen to help her bring money in, I can see how it would be difficult to keep the bakery open while raising a child alone. I cling to that hope as we come to a halt in front of the throne room, but my breath hitches in my throat when the doors are opened and I see who is inside. Sitting in my chair and drinking my tea. Poisoning my air with their vile breath. 

My blood runs cold and I can't move. I feel like I might be sick all over Levi's sparkling shoes. He puts a hand on my back as I lean over myself, trying to function, trying to take a breath. My head swims and I feel light headed. Had there been more than bile in my stomach, I'm certain I would have vomited. 

Luckily, the visitor hasn't noticed us yet, as his back is to us for the time being. 

"My lady?" Levi asks in a gentle tone. "Are you alright?" 

I can't answer right away as I stare at my feet, eyes burning with tears of betrayal. How could they allow this to happen? Sage growls at the Captain, and he slowly retracts his hand from my back. A giant nose presses against my cheek, leaving a wet streak on my skin as my Chimera shows her concern. 

"I don't suppose you could look the other way while I bolt for the door?" I ask Levi in a whisper, staring into Sage's wide, caring eyes. 

His response is sad and truthful. "If my families lives were not at stake, I would allow you to leave in an instant. I would not have brought you here if I felt that I had a choice."

I squeeze my eyes shut, wishing that I could disappear. It crosses my mind to make a dash for the doors anyway, but I shoot it down quickly. If I did that, not only would Captain Levi's family be killed, but everyone I hold dear would still be stuck here. If I left without them, many of them would have no protection from my father. For many of them, I am all that stands between them and the King that adores bloodshed. There is no running for me, this time. Today, I have to be a Queen. I can't help but wish for my sword, though. I feel far too light without it and more exposed than I would like.

I pull my shoulders back and straighten my spine. Every emotion I had is wiped clean as I put a mask of indifference over my face, concealing the panic beneath the surface. I played as a boy for months. I can fool having this strength for a few minutes. "Retrieve these men from my Guard and have them brought here. Lucan, Nikeil and Jasla. Send also for Sir Lance of Prince Sam's company. Stress urgency to all of them." I order Levi, and for a moment, I think he will ignore my request. But after a moment of weighing the risks, he nods to one of his men and sends them to find them. 

I turn to the captain and nod in thanks before turning and walking into the throne room with all the dignity of a queen before her subjects. With Sage at my side to comfort me, I stride with purpose into the hall with defiance in my bones and fire on my breath. In the moment that my eyes find those of King Alphonse, I feel ready to start a war. "Explain to me," I command, voice calm and full of power as it echos off of the walls, surprising me with the strength. I sound as confident as a prince as each stride brings me ever closer to the very man who wants to kill me. "Why the man who has been ordering hits on me is sitting in my chair."