Chapter 13
Today I was preparing to be introduced to the kingdom.
I was exhausted after Evver’s last night’s antics. She had been terrified by her running around last night. She still wouldn’t tell me what had gone on but she had promised me she would never do it again. It was enough for me, so I left it alone. It was apparent there was a lot floating around in her mind but I wasn’t sure I wanted to know it all. I was consumed with the thought that in just a few hours I would be presented to the kingdom.
Drayben and Tommit had created quite a story about my life and family. I doubted anyone would ask. Most were so afraid of King Tommit and his Destroyers that they would have accepted anyone as their new queen. As for the others? Well they were just thankful to be living comfortably; they would not do anything to jeopardize it.
A gown was delivered for the special event.
It was the color of flowing blood. Over 50 yards of fabric must have been used to make it. In some ways it was like the other gowns. Tight fitted from my chest to my waist and ending with a full bell skirt. However, today this dress had a large train. The fabric was silky and gathered from my waist down to the floor. The top was open leaving my shoulders exposed. The golden delicate rope wound its way around my shoulders then it braided down my chest.
My hair had taken over an hour.
Most of it was left down and curled. I still didn’t get how they managed those curls without a curling iron. The same golden rope accented with rubies was braided into my hair. It formed a half crown on the back of my head. A matching ruby necklace touched my naked collarbone. No detail was overlooked. My shoes were the same color of crimson, heels which tied from my ankles to my mid calf with the matching golden rope. None of it was certainly made for my comfort.
The gown was made as a prop in Drayben and Tommit’s quest for power.
I couldn’t sit down and breathing was an afterthought. My large diamond weighed heavily on my hand and heart. The final piece was the crown. It was simple and it surprised me. Golden spires each had rubies perched on top of spires that then encircled my head.
The whole effect was dazzling.
I felt strong, regal and stunning.
Evver’s eyes were glued to my every movement. Her eyes were large and red-rimmed saucers threatening to spill over at any moment. Evver was so sure Cassius would come to my rescue. Watching me prepare to be introduced to the kingdom was soul crushing for her. I hadn’t seen Cassius for two days. After how I treated him I couldn’t blame him for staying away. I was certain he would never darken my doorway again.
It pained me, but after Drayben’s visit I knew I had no other choice. To protect him, I would have done anything, say anything. Seeing the pain that touched his eyes was like a sharpened knife slicing its way into my already weeping heart.
I could handle my pain, my fate even.
Another reason Evver was struggling was I had been assigned a new guard. It was Zieg.
She had been having night terrors ever since. He arrived to take me to the viewing area. Tommit was already there waiting for me. Evver followed behind Zieg not trusting him for even a moment. I could hear her whimper every few moments. I tried to talk her into staying behind, but she refused. She could be so stubborn sometimes.
Tommit was on the balcony off of his room.
He was being worshiped and praised by those in the large crowd in the courtyard. He reveled in the attention. Most of the assembly was human, but there were a few trolls mixed in attendance for crowd control. Tommit was dressed to impress everyone— but me. His blonde waves were shining and his goatee was darker than I remembered. He was wearing black pants and a red dress uniform coat. It was the exact color of my blood red dress. Gold buttons went down his chest and held his wrist cuffs together. Medals adorned his chest and black shiny leather boots finished the effect. It was dramatic and I was certain anyone would agree that the look was striking. If I wouldn’t have known what a smarmy, evil man Tommit was I might have been swayed for a second.
Smiling when he saw me, he reached out his hand for me to take. The familiar look of lust, flashed in his coal colored eyes. I felt the familiar sense of darkness the closer I got to him. I took a deep breath willing my courage to hold. I placed my hand in his. A large lump formed in my throat. Each step into the light signaled a step closer to the end.
Stepping out into the sunlight.. The noise was thunderous.
It hurts my ears, but I managed a smile. Hoping it comes off as happy and not the grimace I was feeling. The cheers grew.
“Thank you. Thank you. Now quiet” Silence filled the square. “I am so grateful to have you all assembled here to share in this joyous occasion.” More cheers were heard.
“Hail King Tommit”
“Long live the King”
I couldn’t be sure of where the cheers were coming from. Tommit motioned for silence.
“I have called you all here for one very special announcement. I would like to introduce to you my lovely betrothed. People of Paradan I present your future Queen, Aurora.” He took his left arm pulling me to the edge of the open balcony. There was a roar from the crowd. My eyes tried to focus on their faces but I couldn’t.
*
Cassius watched from the gallery. His eyes were glued to his beloved Aurora. Every time he saw her she grew more beautiful. Today was no different, except today she looked the part of the Queen. He had fallen harder than he had thought possible for her. The last moments he spent with Aurora echoed in his mind. She had been so distant. He was certain she cared for him perhaps— not as much as he cared for her.
But that didn’t matter.
Evver was hoping Cassius would fix it all. She was naïve in believing he could save the world. He was trying and he was willing to die trying, if that is what it took, but he wouldn’t let Tommit survive this. There have been groups already rallying out there in support against Tommit. Aurora would be the perfect queen. She was kind, loving, gentle and compassionate to all with which she came in contact with.
Anyone who had the opportunity to see her could see the beauty of her soul shining thru today.
Aurora’s eyes, were tight and her smile, guarded and forced. Those in the crowd would never notice, but Cassius knew every single expression, every movement she made told a story. When he had seen her last, she was frightened. Not only did she push him away but there was more to it. It was true he didn’t know Aurora’s story.
She had been evasive from the beginning.
Cassius could see the underlying pain in her tortured eyes. Tonight they were meeting for updates. He was hoping for good news. First Cassius was going to save her from Tommit and then he would find out her story. Maybe then he could make the pain in her gaze disappear forever. The crowd was starting to quiet down. King Tommit loved the applause and all of the cheers. He seemed annoyed when it started to end so quickly. So, taking things into his own hands he pulled Aurora into an unexpected kiss.
The crowd went wild Cassius felt fury, surging through him; with all the strength left in him he forced himself to stay frozen in place.
*
My stomach heaved; I quickly forced myself to recover.
I fought the instinct to punch him full in the jaw. My hands were clenched into fists and were pleading to extend into his smug jaw. Never in my life had I wanted to physically hurt someone more than I wanted to hurt Tommit. Tommit’s lips felt unnatural and slimy. When I tried to pull away, he only pulled me closer. The crowd loved it.
Finally when our lips separated he laughed darkly in my ear. He relished my discomfort. Pleasure washed over his arrogant features. I hated him. With every cell of my body I hated the man who I was going to marry.
“I look forward to you all getting to know “MY” beloved Aurora.” His possessive words tortured me. “Our wedding will be unlike anything the kingdom has ever seen. In ten days Paradan will have a new queen to stand by my side.” Sounds erupted, horns blared and people were shouting. But Tommit’s words echoed in my ears. He continued to speak but my ears had stopped communicating with my brain.
My smile remained and numbness set in.
I was going to have to find a way of dealing with my future.. husband. I cringed internally at the reality of the word. I looked toward Tommit. He was basking in the glow of victory. At times he reminded me of a neurotic, self absorbed, greedy megalomaniac politician. He would do anything it took to retain his power.
Tommit didn’t care, who he hurt or whose life he destroyed in the process. I was beginning to believe that he enjoyed the destruction that was left in his wake of conquest the most. He pulled me into another embrace. This time I was prepared for what was coming up. Tensing my muscles and forcing my lips to be hard, I resisted the urge to bite him.