Page 38 of Crowned A Traitor
“I didn’t think you cared about such trivial matters,” Klara said expecting another slap.
“Perhaps there is a simple explanation. When have we ever discouraged our ward from stealing?” Lilith reasoned. Abadan turned towards her fellow Queen, clearly surprised by her carefree attitude.
“My Father holds Human objects in his possession,” Klara couldn’t stop herself.
“Are you the King?’ Abadan roared, her complexion darkening. “Until you take your seat, you will abide by the laws, or you are no better than that sniveling Demon.” Abadan pointed to the prisoner.
“Calm yourself, Abadan, she is only trying to rile you,” Lilith rolled her eyes.My how the tables have turned, Klara thought.
“The gems, a Human object and all this new interest in our borders,” Abadan eased her grip on the skulls, “until we can be sure of her intentions, we must protect her.”
Abadan’s eyes drifted from Lilith to Klara, “even if that means protecting her from herself.”
“I agree with Abadan. Until we know for sure, we should keep her for her protection,” Eve said. Klara couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Eve’s ignorance.Once I’m out of the way, Mila will be the next to die to ensure Frendall’s rule, but Klara kept that bit of information to herself.
Klara wondered what Abadan had promised Eve for her compliance. Eve would never risk angering Lucifer on frivolous charges.
“I have nothing to hide from my Guardians. I merely wanted them for myself, and since I do not have a vault of my own, I decided to bury them at the crossroads and gain a spy in case of retaliation.”
Abadan shifted slightly in her chair.
“And when my Father, the King gets here I will explain why I’m delayed in my duties.” Klara extended her wrists, waiting for the iron cuffs, but nothing happened.
“No irons?” Klara asked, and the Guards lowered their heads at the mention of their King. It was a reminder of who she was and the real power she harnessed.
“I don’t think irons are necessary,” Lilith said, and Abadan nodded in agreement. “I’m sure you will go willingly,” Abadan said, and Klara smiled, “Happy too.”
One of the Guards pushed her forward, and Klara’s eyes flashed black, “touch me again, and I will take that hand as a souvenir.” And the guard took a step back.
“Play nice,” Abadan chuckled.
“A sense of humour in the help is so hard to find these days,” Klara said slapping the Guard’s shoulder.
???
“Get a move on,” the Guard said as she stood before the portrait of Edward the Insane. A King who wiped out his Kingdom in fear of an uprising.
Klara stepped through the paint and varnish to the narrow spiraling stone stairs that led deep into the mountain. There was no railing to hold and only the light of a few flickering candles. Klara swallowed as she stared at the never-ending pit off the edge of the stair. If you fell, the pit would plunge you straight to purgatory. Klara thought about shoving the Guards over and making a run for it, but as soon as she passed back through Edward’s portrait, the Queens would sense her.
Many who descended this deep into the Queens’ mountain failed to return alive, and those that did weren’t in their senses. Klara thought of her Father hearing of her imprisonment,would he feel rage or contentment?
The damp smell of rotting iron bars and flesh shook her from her thoughts. The Guards handed her off to the silent dungeon Torturers. Neither Guard nor Torturer seemed to notice the smell. She allowed the trade, knowing a fight would only confirm her guilt to the Queens. She needed to appear compliant but waiting would also mean her death.
If the King sent Frendall to examine her case, her escape would be over before it began. Least they hadn’t called her bluff on the irons then she would have been truly screwed.
“Fit for an heir,” the Guard said before leaving, exposing a row of crooked rotten teeth while the Torturer reefed open the rusted iron door. Klara stepped inside the cell, lit by a single candle. The only comforts being the damp stone walls, a metal cot and a bucket she dared not think about.
“Don’t worry, and I’ll be sure to reward you for your loyalty.” With those parting words, the Torturer struggled to slam the rusted door before securing it with an iron bolt. The iron wouldn’t hurt her, it only reduced her magic and strength. Klara paced the small cell; thankful she still had the blade at her thigh. A part of her wished she had kept her mouth shut at dinner and just played the dutiful ward. With their secrets exposed, the Queens were backed into a corner. Klara rested her body on the metal cot. “Fit for an Heir,” she chuckled to herself as the rods dug into every part of her body.
???
“You need to come with me.” A hand came over Klara’s mouth and the shock stilled her. Klara’s eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she saw Lilith’s hooded face.
“What are you doing?” Klara asked but Lilith pulled her to her feet and tossed her some new clothes. Black trousers and a heavy woven green jumper and a grey t-shirt. “They are coming for you,” Lilith said as Klara pulled on the warmer clothes. “My Father?” Klara asked. She worried Frendall had given in to his mother and told Lucifer everything.
Lilith shook her head. “Word was never sent to your Father.” Klara felt her stomach drop.They are going to kill me.
“You know about the other Heirs, it’s too late for you now,” Lilith said, pacing back and forth as she strapped her blade to her thigh over the trousers. “Abadan can’t kill me. Father would rip her head from her body.” Klara laced the boots tight around her ankles, knotting them over and over for when she needed to run.
