Page 9 of The Queen of Ash and Magic

“Call me Ham Hock again and I’ll burn it in front of you,” he says, and I smile. “Let’s go.”

I turn to follow him and see a massive castle made of obsidian. It’s stunning. Everything here is stunning. There are flowers everywhere from the flower beds to bushes, to the fields around the castle. “It’s beautiful,” I say. “Oh… Thanks for catching me.”

“You’re weak,” he says as we walk inside.

“I haven’t eaten in a few days,” I say simply. He stops dead in his tracks and turns to face me.

“What?” he asks.

“I haven’t eaten in a while. That’s why I’m always weak,” I say. He studies me for a moment before turning back and walking. Others are watching as we make our way to the left wing of the castle. Everyone looks sad.

What did my family do to break the treaty that made them all so sad? I feel bad for them. I wish I could help. I would if I knew how. As far as I know, they always honored the treaty, so I don’t think they deserved to be made to feel this way.

We walk into a massive room and Eyrx turns to me. “This is where you will be staying. You are not to leave this room. You may go onto the balcony if you wish. I’ll have servants bring you food and clothing. They will also bring you some books to read to entertain you. Before you eat, I want you to take a bath and clean the filth off of you. I expect you to remain clean. Servants will come in daily and clean the room. Don’t make their lives harder by being messy.”

“Yes, Sir,” I say.

“When someone enters the room, you are to kneel and stay where you are. If you try to run, you’ll be placed in the dungeon below the castle,” he adds.

“Yes, Sir,” I say. “Are… Are you the king?”

“No,” he says. “Drakarus is the king.”

“Oh…” I say. “Am I expected to… uhm… service anyone?”

“What? No. No one is allowed to touch you but the king. If anyone does, tell me immediately,” he says. “The servants are not your friends. You are a prisoner. Understood?”

“Yes, Sir,” I say.

Is this their version of prison? What a joke. This is luxury. I will be on my best behavior if it means I get to stay in a room like this and get treated so well. I actually get a real bathroom and bed here. Plus, they are going to feed me. No way I am screwing this up. I don’t even care if I end up having to service someone the way I was forced to with my dad and Aldric. I will definitely suck a dick for consistent meals.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” he frowns.

“I am just thankful is all,” I say.

“I will return later. I must greet my wife,” he says.

“You have a wife?” I ask as he walks away.

“Yes. Why?” he asks as he turns when he gets to the door.

“Just curious,” I say. “I realize my questions are annoying. I apologize. I just don’t get to talk to many people. I’m sure it’s sketchy… considering.”

“Considering what?” he growls.

“Petra said that the witches broke the treaty with that spell they did. I assume that’s why you took me. Plus, everyone looks sad.

“What do you know about the spell?” he asks, walking back to me.

“Nothing,” I say.

“Liar!” he shouts as grabs me by the shoulders. “Tell me what you know, witch.”

“I don’t know anything,” I plead. “I wasn’t there when they did it.”

“I don’t believe you. Tell me,” he yells as he shakes me.

“Ow! You’re hurting me,” I complain.

---