The First Queen

13 - Decisions, Decisions

I rapped my fist against the door to Julius' chambers and waited for a few seconds before not getting a response.

"Julius?" I called out.

Nothing.

"Come, Julius, open the door!" I groaned but still didn't hear anything.

I tried the doorknob and it gave way, allowing me entrance into Julius' quarters. It was dark and messy and there was no sign of Julius anywhere.

I turned to a guard behind me, "Do you know where the king is?"

"I saw him following The Captain, Your Highness." He bowed and I thanked him before heading off in the direction of my quarters.

When I arrived outside of my chambers, I spotted Julius conversing with Athena and Darius who appeared to look agitated and disgruntled.

"Your Highness, I'm afraid that's not going to work..." Darius lamented, fiddling with a messy notepad.

"What's not going to work?" I inquired and Julius spun around to face me whereas Darius and Athena bowed.

"As you may be aware, Lady Elia, that my fellow doctors and mages have been working on a cure for The Red Contagion and His Royal Highness has just put in a request for our studies to be revoked. I'm sure you agree with me that this is not a matter to sweep under the rug?" Darius informed me and I shot a look at Julius who just scratched the back of his neck.

"No, of course not. I don't know why my husband would even make a suggestion like that." I growled, keeping my eyes trained on Julius.

"Thank you for seeing reason, Your Highness." Darius bowed his head at me with a respectful grin before clapping Athena on the shoulder and disappearing down the corridor.

"Captain, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to speak with Julius alone," I demanded and Athena glanced between the two of us.

"As you wish." She bowed and I opened the door, allowing Julius to enter.

When the door clicked behind me, Julius rounded on me.

"You wanted to talk, so talk." He snapped and grabbed him by the shoulders.

"What are you doing?!" I hissed and he rolled his eyes, "First, you have an argument with Athena, now you try to get Darius to stop creating a cure. What is going on?"

Julius scoffed, "Nothing is going on--"

"You may be a good persuader but you're not a good liar, Julius Summergarde." I declared and he let out a loud groan.

"You have a duty to uphold, Elia Frost, so I suggest you don't dalliance with someone who is regularly in the spotlight. Have some intrigue but not the kind that will dethrone you." Julius snarked and stormed past me and out of the door but I chased after him.

"Excuse me?" I coughed, trying to play dumb.

"Excuse you of what, Darling?" Julius smirked, turning around to face me and coiling an arm around my waist.

"I... Wha--" I started but was cut off by Julius pressing his lips to mine.

I stiffened and straightened at his touch and when I spotted Athena in my peripheral, it all fit together.

"Sleep well, Elia." He grinned, licking his lips and glaring at Athena before marching away.

Yuck.

"You look happy," Athena grumbled sarcastically with a scowl.

"As do you." I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, "You wanted to see me?"

"I did, although, Julius has given me some orders and I should probably leave before he has me by the neck. I apologise, Elia." Athena sighed, rubbing her forehead.