Page 34 of Crowned A Traitor
“I alone will inherit Malum and then Hell. When the King calls me, I will serve wherever and whenever the King pleases.”
Abadan’s deep swallow gave away her rage even if her eyes remained calm.
“And as they serve on His Right and Left hand, they will serve you when that time comes,” Eve said with a faint smile. She was trying to ensure her own daughter’s safety.
“You alone are the heir,” Abadan said as if she believed it from the bottom of her cruel soul.
“I should thank the Ghouls for taking my heart; otherwise I never would have had the opportunity to return and see whom I can call upon should I need them,” Klara said finishing her plate.
The three Queens continued their meals with their secrets exposed.
“With Father retiring sooner rather than later, I have little time to prepare. I hope you will each help me reach my full potential. Once I take my throne, I do hope you three will stay on as my council. I would hate to live in this Castle alone,” Klara said.
“Anything we can do to help.” Eve paled at the news of her Father retiring.
“Malum is our domain,” Abadan said.
“For now, but should Father wish me to rule Malum for a century or two. Then we will all have to adjust.” Klara absorbed the sweet silence. She half-expected Abadan to take the knife on the table and carve out her new heart.
“It’s been nice catching up, but I should get some rest before I leave for patrol, the task of sealing the portals is first on the agenda,” Klara said, and the Queens’ heads snapped up.
“Will you leave so soon? My Guards can escort you through the Forest, should you run into any difficulties with the Creatures or the Alphas,” Abadan said, and Klara could feel her traitorous mind working a mile a minute as her rule was threatened.
The only thing the Crimson Guard would offer me is an enchanted dagger in the back.
“Thank you, but you needn’t concern yourself. The Guards movements from the Castle will only alarm the Creatures and smugglers.”
Klara dropped her napkin and she was surprised to see the Queens rise with her.
“A toast to your inherent success,” Abadan said, raising her goblet and the others did the same. Klara hesitated and took a small sip before they returned to their seats.
???
Sitting on the long staircase, Klara rolled her neck as both the conversation and the trip exhausted her.
Why did you have to go so far?She scolded herself, wishing she had kept what she had learnt to herself. Antagonizing them hadn’t been part of her plan, but Klara wanted them to know that she knew their dirty little secrets.
“Sulking Heiress?” Lilith said. Gone was Lilith’s sapphire suit and, in its place, her armour and leathers, tight to her body ready for whatever stepped in her path.
“Just taking a breather before my climb to the sky,” Klara said holding onto the porcelain bannister to stand.
“A new heart isn’t a cakewalk.”
Lilith had little to gain or lose if she were overthrown so Klara couldn’t help but wonder where the warrior Queens true loyalties lay.
“Let’s get cracking on that mission of yours?” Lilith smacked the bannister and Klara whined. The more she slept today, the more energy she would have to run tonight.
“Creatures will be out tonight so the smugglers will have more privacy during daylight,” Lilith said.
“Unless you aren’t as invested in your orders as you let on?” She pried, and Klara clapped her palms together, “Can I change first?” Klara asked.
“You have a blade,” Lilith cocked her head like a predator looking at her thigh. “And boots, what else do you need? As you said, you will run Hell and Malum. You should be able to fight in any garb.”
Garb,Klara smiled a little. Lilith’s words were often of a different time and sounded strange to the ear. The towering main doors sprung open, allowing a stream of cold mountain winds through the foyer. “Where are we going?” Klara asked, following her mentor.
“To show you what you are getting into,” Lilith seethed. The mud and clay crunched underfoot as they descended from the mountain and into the Forest below.
~9~
