*ON HOLD* The Airborne Oracles [Book I - Breeding the fire]

Chapter Fourteen

[Pedwar ar ddeg]

Oldaff tried to calm his racing heartbeat as he sat chained in a chair beneath the platform of the throne. He escaped the torture that was upon him from the ruthless guard moments before, but he knew his prospects didn't seem brighter now that he was awaiting the queen's wrath.

The short length of the woman gave her halfling heritage away, yet her ferocious dark eyes left no doubt in Oldaff's mind that she was a force to be reckoned with. The lack of her gaze on Oldaff increased his uneasiness as he wondered what would happen.

The door of the grey throne room flung open and a valet stomped the floor with his foot, "Lord Goreshaw at her Majesty's service!"

A cloaked but tall figure sauntered forward, followed by three men dressed in moss war attire. By the rings wrapped around their fingers and details on the handles of the swords resting by their sides, Oldaff knew these men were at the very least nobility.

The cloaked figure knelt before the queen and kissed her hand before standing up, pulling off his hood, "Your majesty." Neon green was set deep in the sockets of the man's eyes. His lips formed into a smug grin and the sharp line of his jaws increased the harshness on his face.

Ruthless.

"Allow me to introduce the men that have accompanied me on this journey your majesty," the man spoke in a boorish voice.

The queen lifted her hand to stop his action, "I have no desire to be acquainted with your men Lord Goreshaw." The queen pointed to Oldaff, "This is the prince I spoke of, I'll allow you to interrogate him here as I have promised."

"You do not waste time your majesty," the man smirked, "I appreciate a woman of your nature," he bowed his head before turning to the three men standing in silence behind him, "Does he match our description?"

"He lacks the size and height of the man that was described to us," one said, "but he certainly shares the distinct features of the man."

Lord Goreshaw turned to Oldaff. The insides of his stomach felt like it was about to push up his throat as the man stepped closer to him.

"Prince Eaglefire, am I correct?"

Oldaff's eyes widened at the mention of his house name. He gulped before nodding.

The three men behind him murmured before one spoke, "Prince Lucien Eaglefire?"

How did these men know the name of his brother? He never mentioned the names of his siblings to anyone since he was captured. The cryptic stares and frowns they gave at each other was enough to convince him the men were not to be trusted.

Oldaff shook his head, "I am his youngest brother, Prince Oldaff Eaglefire."

Lord Goreshaw hissed, "So it's true, more than one of you survived!" He seemed angered at his own statement, "Not to mention the treasured princess that you seek!" he spoke to the queen more than he did to Oldaff.

The queen flung up from the throne and Oldaff couldn't help but notice her dark eyes lighting up to a bright silver as she angered, "She is the key to everything!" Her tone lowered, "Need I remind you that neither one of us will get what we want if this one here dies at your hand?"