“We saw more of her those days. She was fond of festivals and celebrations. All that was done in moderation, of course.In more recent times, we rarely see her leaving her chambers.”
“How old is the queen?”
"Let me see... We celebrated her hundredth birthday last January. She's almost one hundred and one now."
"One hundred and one?"
"An amazingly long, prosperous life."
“It is.”
“The council is trying to supplement her absence, but it’s difficult for the people to respect the crown if they don’t see their ruler.”
“I understand.” I checked if the others could hear us.
“If I could be completely honest with you, that's the reason why I am here, trying to get to know you.” He leaned closer to me, lowering his voice. “There are many people, I’m afraid, that don’t have anyone else's interests at heart but their own.”
“And you are different?” I lowered my voice, matching his tone.
“You are an extraordinary woman.” He flashed me a smile, a real one this time.
“I think my attraction is heightened by all the circumstances surrounding my situation.”
“No doubt you are simplifying it way too much.” His eyes roamed my face and for the first time, I regretted putting so much makeup on.
“I wish.”
“Do you believe that one person can change the lives of others for the better?” he asked at length.
“Yes.”
“Then that is common ground for both of us, because that is exactly what I believe. And I will do anything in my power to ensure that the right person occupies the throne.”
I looked back at him surprised.
What did he mean? What was behind his words? Did he just threaten me?
“And how would you ensure that?”
Instead of answering he took my hand and placed it to his mouth. I was not expecting that, and could only look at his lowered head, completely lost for words.
From the corner of my eye, I caught a movement where my guard was stationed. Kent had crossed his arms over his chest. I avoided looking at him, trying to maintain a serene expression.
“I believe that the time for a new ruler is rapidly approaching and we all need to be ready for some changes,” Lord Rutherford continued.
I raised my eyes and caught the stares from all the other suitors that no doubt felt left out. Lord Adger, who sat across from me, made an attempt to strike up conversation and started an endless monologue about his horses and stables.
When the rows of servants brought the second course, a sudden uneasiness gripped my chest. I looked around and met the gaze of my guard. Something did not feel right. For a brief moment, it was as if I were watching everything fromoutside my own body. There was the clinking of silverware, and soft voices exchanging the latest news of the capital filled the air, but with my next breath, everything changed. Screams echoed, glasses shattered, red wine spilled, and vases of flowers were knocked over.
Then my eyes fixed on the strange object that had crashed into the center of the table. In a daze, I leaned in closer, and that’s when I realized what it was – a human arm, torn at the elbow, laying atop the pristine white tablecloth. It was grey with a bluish tint, its fingernails dirty and stained. Every muscle seemed contracted, as if whoever it belonged to, death had been agonizing and painful. But what chilled me to the bone was the size. It was a small hand, likely belonging to a child. My breath caught in my chest, and I screamed.
CHAPTER TWELVE
TYNAN
Panic erupted in the room as people collided, stumbling and crashing into the table. Glasses shattered, and maids screamed in terror. I shoved a frantic man aside, and gathered Alina in my arms, dodging the chaos. Kicking the door open, I rushed out into the brightly lit corridor.
“Is it an attack? Are we in danger?” someone shouted.
