Page 73 of A Clash of Stars

My eyes said to go to the abyss, but I smiled as I spoke, “Your Majesty, I believe the reason we got off on the wrong foot is that I was stabbed, kidnapped, and told I would be killed, so… I apologize if I didn’t react the way you thought I should. Thank you for retaking and trapping me again at your humble abode.”

I thought my sarcasm was eloquently put, and when I glanced toward Madok, a slight smirk spread over his face.

The King’s deep voice interrupted the smile I was giving Madok.

“Yes, I could see where that could affect your reaction towards me, but I think you will appreciate the option I have for you. After speaking to our beautiful Queen.” I looked at her. Amari, Queen of Aster, was precisely that, beautiful. Evander looked just like Mother, but unfortunately, he acted just like his father.

“She put forth an idea that I thought was intriguing, so I will allow her choice to be the answer to our extraordinary situation. You join our kingdoms together and marry our prince, Evander. In return, we ask for your firstborn to be gifted to restore powers. If you choose to do so, Madok’s life and yours will be spared—for the time being.”

I thought my eyeballs might pop out of my head. I started to scan and glance around the table. King and Queen were utterly content, Madok filled with panic and strife, and Evander…upset.

Why the abyss was he sad? He could finally get what he wanted.Me.

A thoughtful voice spoke up on my behalf as I turned to watch Madok, “There isn’t another option? It seems a little extreme to sacrifice anyone, especially an unborn child?”

The King cleared his throat, “Great question, Madok. You see, in the eyes of many others in the Land, Clara is the rightful Queen to the throne of Sefida because she is the victor in the Variance. By joining her and Evander together, I secure power over the land again. Then, when the time is right, I will gain the power within her from their firstborn child. It will be the first royal born of allpowers. Born a god. If she chooses not to, Clara and Madok will sacrifice their lives for the… greater good.”

My heart began to race as I began to think about this as coldness spread over my body, my skin prickled, my head spun, and I was held in darkness. Darkness was soft and easy, not scary in the slightest. She embraced me like an old friend gone for quite a while. I felt the fall, but I didn’t feel the clash of my body with the floor.

When I opened my eyes, I was lying on the wooden floors with Queen Amari sitting beside me, hovering above me.

“She’s awake, just a fainting spell. She will be alright,” she spoke softly.

I started to sit up and the Queen guided me up with her hand, when she did, I felt it. A lightning-type touch spread through me from her, and my eyes widened in wonder at her. She kept her face as closed off as she always had.

“She needs rest. This has been an overwhelming conversation for her,” the Queen stated to everyone.

I pulled my hand up to pause her. “I would like to speak to Madok if I could before I make my decision,” I asked as kindly as I was able.

Her eyes showed such kindness. I don’t know how she could be with a man like the King.

“Fine, not for long. Make it quick. Then head to your room. Have your decision ready by tomorrow morning,” the King said with such irritation I could sense it off of him.

I walked to the doors when I caught Evander’s eyes. Still, I sensed such sadness, but why. His stare was evident, but I continued to walk, meeting Madok in the hallway.

Evander walked behind us and spoke, “You can speak in the garden. I will be your chaperone.”

I laughed internally because I couldn’t decide whether he thought we would run off or that Madok was going to touch me again.

All three of us walked together to the garden in complete silence, but sometimes silence was the loudest sound of all.

I led Madok to a spot near a set of rose bushes as Evander watched us at the garden’s edge. The smell of the roses entangled me and comforted me in this moment of strife. I grabbed Madok’s hands, sitting on the bronze bench, and spoke with great determination, “I will marry Evander. There is no way that I would allow them to sacrifice you and me. I will not do that.”

His eyes were filled with hurt and devastation, “I would rather die than watch you marry him.”

My heart dropped, and my throat was so dry. I tried, but I couldn’t stop it from happening. I began to cry. Madok’s fingertips found my skin and wiped away the tears that fell.

“What do you think is best, Clara? I-I will do whatever you want. If you want to sacrifice our lives, I will happily sacrifice my life for you. If you want to choose to marry Evander, I will live with that choice. I will be content if you are.”

He wiped the tear that streamed down my face and titled his head at me with curiosity, “Isn’t it ironic that about five years ago, we had a similar conversation in a garden about how we would get married.”

I chuckled as I looked into his eyes, “Yeah. I remember that.”

Then sadness flooded all of the nerve endings in my body. I felt my heart racing in anticipation with the sobs soon to follow. I sighed, looking into Madok’s golden eyes, withholding my tears from him.

“I can’t let you die, Madok. I-I won’t allow it. I will marry him.”

I quickly moved my eyes and looked away from him.

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