Page 46 of Their Chosen

Now that I had as much information as I was likely to get, I needed time to process it all. I headed back to my room, my thoughts churning in my mind. My gut was telling me to take the risk with Rhowyn, but how could I be sure it wasn't just based on the consort connection we were now bound by? Logically, I knew that anyone would be better than the bitch, but if Rhowyn didn't succeed or the Queen managed to connive her way into another term, then my people were screwed.

I also knew that each day I spent in her presence, I risked angering her, risked her punishing my people instead. Either way was dangerous, and I had to choose correctly to keep everyone safe.

But, maybe, I was doomed to fail on my own. It had been years, and I had made very little headway in bringing her down. I might just have to admit that I couldn't do it without help, but with a strong team and my help, Rhowyn could unseat the bitch.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this was a blessing in disguise, given to me by the land after years of disregard and abuse by the Queen. A part of me felt the magic might be on our side and wanted us to succeed.

By the time I made it back to my room, I had finally made up my mind, for better or worse. I quickly changed into a pair of loose black trousers and a black linen shirt, the nicest clothes I still had that didn't make me seem like one of the servants and set off my pale skin, shaggy auburn hair, and green eyes. Running a hand through my hair which needed a cut, I smoothed it into place as best I could. Finally satisfied that my appearance was as good as it was going to get without a lot more effort, I ran a hand over my short beard, not having shaved this morning after the events of last night. Then I turned from my tiny mirror and left my room, headed for the dining hall where the introductions would be made over lunch.

Today, for the first time in years, I entered the room through the main doors and not one of the side entrances the servants used. I made my way inside, passing a couple of guards who were assigned to watch the door, and paused just past the threshold to the room. My eyes searched the two long tables that seated all fifteen Chosen and their Consorts with the Queen sitting at a smaller perpendicular table with her consorts.

I scanned all the faces, recognizing most of the people present from my years at the palace or from my time with my parents. Finally, I spotted Lennox's dark head sitting at the table closest to me and nearest to his mother. Across from him sat a petite, dark green haired human, her locks in a braid that rested over one shoulder and ended just below her breasts. Despite appearing as a human, she was stunning, and I recognized her immediately as she smiled at something one of them had said, the consort bond humming between us. Having stood here long enough, I walked across the distance, planning to take the empty chair next to Lennox, most likely intended for me.

When I was about ten feet away, the Queen spoke, “Callum, what are you doing here?”

The crowd grew silent, and all eyes turned to me as they sought to find out what was going on. I paused and pulled my shoulders back, head high. There was no going back after this, but I didn't hesitate, my gut telling me this was the right move. “I have come to claim my place as a Consort to Rhowyn, Your Majesty.” I bowed slightly in deference, but I caught the widening of her eyes as she realized that, as part of the trials, she no longer had free reign over my body.

As I stood back up, her expression had hardened in anger though her voice remained soft and warm. “Welcome, then. Please, take a seat and enjoy the meal. We will begin introductions shortly.”

I nodded. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your hospitality.” Once she had turned to her Consorts, I turned back to face the tables, finding most had already resumed their own meals.

Lennox was turned to face me as I approached, his back straight and his guard up. Rhowyn was watching me warily with Arryn and her other Consort on each side of her. Arryn appraising me and the other smiling congenially.

I stood behind my chair, preparing to pull it out to sit, but Lennox spoke, “Nice of you to finally join us, Callum.” His voice was dripping in sarcasm and disdain.

“Seriously, Lennox? You can't be civil for even a moment?” Rhowyn spoke, the anger toward him apparent and taking me aback. Lennox was usually a charmer and ladies’ man, but it seemed he wasn't putting forth any effort for his Chosen. This division didn't bode well for what was at stake. We couldn't win the trials and keep my people safe if we weren't a cohesive unit.

“Please, join us, Callum.” Her husky voice drew me back to the situation at hand and went straight to my core, my cock taking notice of the seductive tone.

I proceeded to sit and faced down the three of them while Lennox sulked next to me. Before any of us could speak, a plate was placed before me. When the servant left, I faced the others again.

“I'm Rhowyn,” she said, reaching a hand out, but I didn't know what for.

Her other consort laughed. “We don't do handshakes in greetings here, Rhowyn. That's a human thing.”

“Oh, right.” She pulled her hand back, her face blushing, and I found it enchanting. She laughed softly and nervously. “Well, it's nice to finally meet my fourth consort. We were getting ready to hunt you down if you hadn't shown up.”

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” I dipped my head.

“Well, I can at least say that I'm happy you were selected as her consort. I'm not sure about Lennox's thoughts, but I have always known you as a good man. Quite skilled in combat as well, which will come in handy during the trials,” Arryn spoke matter-of-factly, always the fair Captain.

“It's nice to see you again, Arryn. You as well, Lennox, though I see the feeling is not mutual,” I said, as simply and politely as possible.

“I'm Baer, from the Spring Court. I'm just glad you saved us the trouble of searching for you, so we can focus on everything else instead.” He smiled at me as if privy to some secret joke, but I found I liked his easy-going nature. For now, at least.

“Don't let him fool you, he's actually quite important if I understand correctly, though he'd rather have everyone underestimate him,” Rhowyn said quietly, her eyes dancing with her teasing tone.

“We can discuss all that later, Rhowyn. We must be careful right now,” Arryn said gently, leaning into her to keep others from overhearing.

“You're right. Sorry. I'm still not used to all this,” she said, somewhat guiltily.

Arryn smiled softly at her, obviously already smitten with her. “No worries. Hopefully, soon, we'll be able to speak more freely.”

“How much longer will this take? I'm eager to speak with Master Jude, and this all seems like a whole waste of time,” she asked Arryn.

“We’ll be here for the next couple of hours if Mother has her way, which she always does,” Lennox huffed beside me as I ate my food.

It was the best food I'd had in years, and I would take advantage of it while I could. I had lost quite a bit of weight over the years, not having access to the amount and quality I had grown up with. Plus, with all the times I needed to heal myself, a lot of the energy the poor food provided had been spent quickly. I was still strong and muscled, but I was not nearly as bulky or as strong as I had once been when my parents were still alive.

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