Wings of Grace

Chapter 9

They looked up, only to see a sword pointed at each of their heads. Lara quickly stood, only to be pushed back roughly into her seat by the king, before he walked towards them, clapping his hands slowly.

"Now that was what I call entertainment. Very impressive. You definitely got my lady's attention." Louis Reardon then looked directly at Lara who moved uncomfortably in her seat. "She couldn't take her eyes off of you."

He turned back to them.

"Remove your masks. I want to see your faces," Reardon ordered. Nobody moved.

With one hand signal, all blades were now directly touching each of the performer's throats.

Slowly, in a voice lined with cold blooded severity, he spoke again.

"I said... Remove - your - masks." Each emphasised word was laced with the promise of death, if they continued to disobey.

One by one, each of them slowly took off their masks, until only Lyon was left.

King Reardon knew instinctively that this last one was the leader of the group. If he was going to leave any impression as to his authority over Lara, this man was the key to her acquiescence.

The peasant man's identity made no difference, only his actions. This entertainer was going to be made an example of. His cries of pain will be heard across the kingdom. King Reardon would personally see to this one.

Not waiting for Lyon to remove his mask, the king's impatience to see Lara's compliance at the foremost of his mind, he ordered, "Guards, take them to the dungeons. Ensure this one," his finger pointed to Lyon, "is taken to the whipping post in the public courtyard, for all to see. I'll be down later."

"No, you can't!" Lara yelled out. Unable to believe this was happening.

"Ah, but I can my sweet. He will be the main entertainment for all my guests. We wouldn't want to deprive them of some fun, would we?"

"Please, no. I beg you, let them go, they haven't done anything. I will do anything you ask of me. Just let them go." Lara, went to the king, placing her left hand on top of his.

"Anything, you say? How the tables have turned..." Fingering several strands of her hair between his rough fingers, he smiled to himself. He had gotten exactly what he wanted.

"But it's been so long since I've enjoyed a good torturing session. I would gladly let you watch, maybe join in a little. You never know dear, you might just like it."

"No, never. You have to let them go," Lara pulled back, but her hair was still caught in the king's right hand. With his left, he grabbed the back of her neck, slowly pulling her head closer until her face was about two inches from his.

She stood her ground, glaring at him, refusing to show any fear. His hot breath fanning her face with each unhurried word.

"I don't have to do anything." Without taking his eyes from her, he signaled for the guards to take them away immediately.

Under Lyon's warning, not one of them put up a fight as they were marched out of the Great Hall. But it was done under great duress. Reardon's hold on Lara, left little room to move without her possibly getting hurt.

"Best you remember that." The King let her go, after the group had left the Hall.

"I'll deal with you later. Take her back to her room."

"No. I'll find my own way back." Her voice came out as a growl.

As Lara walked away, the king had still signaled for a guard to trail her, she heard the announcement: "All entertainers please leave the Great Hall Today's performances have come to an end."