Page 17 of Diamond Queen
“We are related by blood – doesn’t that mean anything to you?”
“Yes… it means I am the one who should be sitting on the throne. Not you. I was the firstborn to the King.”
“Before he was married to a Queen,” Emersyn cocked her brow at him, “that gives you no claim to the throne. Plus, you’re a man with no power.”
“Power doesn’t make you a ruler. It only makes people fear you, allowing you to sit on the throne. The people are tired of the divided kingdoms. It’s time to have one ruler… me.”
“I’m afraid that won’t happen. We must come to some agreement, or it will be your head. I don’t want your blood on my hands. Hasn’t there been enough bloodshed? It must stop. I beg of you, Helix. Put this madness to rest.”
“And what? Be imprisoned for life. You know, as soon as I agree to a truce, your men will arrest me. No,” He backed up from her, “I will not die in a cell. I didn’t kill your parents to rot in jail.”
Emersyn sucked in a breath. She’d known for some time he was the one responsible for their death, but to hear him say it pierced her heart. “Why are you so cold-hearted? My father didn’t even know of you. Your mother is to blame for the lies. Killing him solved nothing. It changes nothing.”
“Oh… my mother paid for her lies. Killing the King and Queen was just the beginning of my plan to overthrow the kingdom.”
“And Dimitra? Why kill her?”
“She was a means to an end. All of you will die if you refuse to abdicate the throne.”
Emersyn laughed, “You’re mad. I was made Queen because I would die to protect the kingdom. And you know as well as I do the others would do the same.”
“Yes… I do know that. This is why I knew this meeting was a farse to get me here in the open. You’re foolish if you think I didn’t come prepared.”
Chapter 24
Dimitra stood at the entrance to the Ruby Kingdom’s castle. She prayed it was not too late to reveal herself.
“Jason, where is everyone?” She looked around, seeing the castle mostly vacant. A few men milled around the grounds, but it was eerily silent.
“Your Majesty?” a guard rushed to the gate and pulled it open. “How is this possible?” He caught sight of Jason and drew his sword.
“Stand down. He is the reason I am alive. Where are the Queens? I was told they were all here planning an attack on the man responsible.”
“They are gone. The Emerald Queen agreed to a meeting with Helix Thorne.”
Dimitra gasped, “What? Where?”
“They are at the edge of the kingdom. In the field that meets the edge of the wood on the south side.”
“Can you get me there? Helix is planning something big. I fear she has been duped.”
He nodded, “Wait here. I’ll get a car and take you myself.”
Dimitra turned to Jason, “I’m too late.”
“Don’t say that. We will make it in time.”
The guard reappeared, “We have a problem, Your Majesty.”
“What is it?”
“It appears the cars have been tampered with. We will have to walk.”
“Fuck.” Jason ran his hands through his hair, “Helix must have gotten someone on the inside to dismantle the cars. That way, the rest of the guards couldn’t go and assist if needed. How far of a walk is it?”
The guard sighed, “About five miles.”
“Shit.” Jason shook his head, “Do you have a phone?”
