Silence Reigns

Chapter 12

A bellow of rage reverberated in the throne room as King Edom rose from the throne of the late Pontius IX.

"What do you mean, 'she's gone?'"

The guard shrank under his glare, as did the rest of the attendants in the throne room.

Edom's eyes were wild with fury. He enunciated his next demand in terse syllables. "Where—is—my queen?"

"We—we don't know, Sire." The guard swallowed and stood straighter. "But we are looking for her. She will be found."

"Do you promise, cross your heart?" Edom growled, his face a concoction of friendliness and malice as he dismounted the steps and approached the guard. "General Shapiero, the queen is the most important aspect of this kingdom. Without Queen Erielle, we have no more kings. We have no more kingdom. Do I make myself clear?"

General Shapiero nodded.

"Good!" With a flourish of his capes, Edom leapt up the stairs and reseated himself on his throne. He waved his hand at the general. "Search every hole, every room, every secret tunnel and rabbit hole in Daria if you must, but return with the queen, or I will ensure that your head is the only thing that returns. Do I make myself clear, General?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Then he cleared his throat. "Oh, and Your Majesty?"

"What is it?" Edom growled.

"Someone broke Bernard out of prison."

A wild roar erupted from Edom's direction as he drew his sword and lopped the head off the statue of the horse beside his throne. "Get out!"

Bowing, the guard rushed out of the room, his hand on his sword hilt.

Edom snapped for a maid to bring him a drink, then slouched in his throne and leaned an elbow on the armrest. "Leave me," he ordered the remaining attendants and advisers.

Only his mother remained behind. As the last servant closed the door behind him, she whirled on her heel and stormed to him.

"You fool," Helen hissed. "Look what you have done! The people are beginning to look with disdain upon you, seeing that you cannot even keep your own queen in the castle. I made you king, and this is how you thank me? She must be found and silenced; it will cost you the throne if anyone finds out!"

Edom made a bored sound and looked out the window. "She won't tell anyone. I am king."

Lifting her chin, Helen snatched the wine from his hand as he brought the chalice to his lips. "Even the weak ones seek escape at the breaking point."

He stroked his beard and didn't answer.

"Listen to me, Edom, my son," she said, suddenly calm. "Your first lesson as king is understanding that your face is the most important part of royalty. If it becomes smudged, everyone notices, and they mistrust you. That is when war begins. It is what happened to Pontius. I assume you do not want that."

"I am king." Edom's unfocused eyes bore into hers. "You will not tell me what to do; no one will. Are you challenging me, Mother? It might be your head."

Helen was apparently unfazed by his display of power. "All I am saying is that you should be very careful how you tread." She nodded as she turned her back on him and walked slowly out of the throne room. "Very careful indeed."

The bang of the doors echoed in the throne room, leaving Edom alone.

Ransom's words echoed in her mind.

Don't be afraid.

Just wait.

I love you.