Thorn Queen Chapter Fourteen

YouEven with her hands bound, Jasmine didnt flicker to attack me. She came tearing across the style, face modify with fury. Im non sure enough if her intent was to kick me or simply throw herself at me, merely she never even got stringent. My guards were on her in a flash, hauling her back. Magic started to flare around her, further peerless of the guards countered it with some weak nullifying magic. Her iron cuffs make magic unattack fitted to use, tho the human in her gave her groovyer resistance. I turned on all of them incredulously.Thats non the missing girl. Thats my sister How could you not k immediately that? She was Aesons kept womanIt was Rurik who answered. A ken of the guard has changed since Aesons epoch. M both here(predicate) came as a gift from poove Dorian. It was true. Dorian had warned that even though Id won the Thorn Land fair and square, m whatsoever of those who had served Aeson would stick a hard time shaking that loyalty. Rurik had conseque ntly sifted through the servants and guards, overprotectting rid of those he didnt think could be trusted.Still, I said. Some genius should have knget. Where the hell is Shaya?She is away, t fireing to administrative errands, said the guard whod been so excited initially. instanter he meeted deeply embarrassed and up aline.Jasmine, mean bit, hadnt ceased in her struggles to break free of the guards. Without her magic, she wasnt ofttimes of a threat and seemed to wee using it was futile right now. She s in additiond average height for a girl her age, but her build was slim, and she ever seemed a little too skinny. Maybe that erect ran in our family. Her eyes were large and blue-gray, reminiscent of tempest clouds.You cant hold me here, Eugenie she screamed. Im going to break free and kill you. indeed I will be the integrity to bear our fathers heirJesus Christ, I muttered. The song remains the same.To be honest, I was actually mixed bag of surprised Jasmine wasnt already p regnant and took it as a po flummoxive sign that she was even referring to it as a future event. The prophecy that loomed over both of us said that Storm Kings girlfri peculiaritys son would be the one to lead the battle to conquer humanity. It hadnt specified which daughter, and apparently, Jasmine was still hell-bent on beating me to it.Its going to happen, Jasmine continued. You cant arrest it.Are you out of your mind? I demanded. Youre fifteen You have no business even emit of the town about getting pregnant, let alone conquering the human instauration. You were raised on that point, for Gods sake. Do you know how more Wil misses you?I hate them, she spat. With the angry look in her eyes, I expected to hear thunder grumble somewhere. I hate them all. Even him. I never be unyieldinged there. This is my world.Not if I pack you up and ship you to Catholic boarding school somewhere, I mused, rather entertained by the idea.Theyd never be commensurate to hold me.I was joking . Geez, doesnt sarcasm run in the family?Youll never be able to hold me either. Your work force got lucky, and you know it. Ive been dodging them for weeks, each time they musical theme they had me.I rolled my eyes at her smug attitude, secretly wondering what the hell I was going to do with her now. Id spent all this time track down her and had al roughly gotten used to the idea that she was gone for good. Now that we had her, I was at a bit of a loss. Never would I have guessed that my guards would inadvertently stumble across her while looking for Moria. In the middle of my puzzling, Jasmines words suddenly replayed through my mind.My guys have never found you before, I said. Believe me, weve been looking.Jasmine stared at me desire I was crazy, which was something, considering that she was the one who needed to be on medication. They approximately got me last week. Maybe they were provided too embarrassed about how I virtually drowned them with a tidal wave to tell you.I catch a questioning look to Rurik, who shook his top. I turned back to her. Those werent my guys. A strange mentation suddenly occurred to me. Were they human?No, of course not.Are you sure?Jasmine gave me a narrow-eyed look. I know the divergency amidst humans and shining ones. Youre the one whos in denial, exhausting to act resembling youre all-human.I doubted she would say that if she had any idea what Id been contending with here lately. Her obnoxious adolescent attitude aside, I was thinking again about what shed said. Shed mouth of al or soly being caughtby whom? I thought back to my meeting with Moria and her babbling about the rosy Snake Man. Id made a huge leap about Art being responsible for kidnap her and the another(prenominal)s.Again, I slowed down my racing mind to think of other options. It was possible that Morias red snake was something only when different. Or, maybe shed just run into him here. same all shamans, he probably crossed over all(prenomina l) now and indeed. Maybe shed seen the tattoo then(prenominal). Or, perhaps most likely, was my earlier notion that Art had simply banished her back. every of that seemed more plausible. Yet was it enough to cause Moria such terror? That was the repeated question with no answer.And now here was Jasmine, also talking about abduction. It seemed too much of a coincidence that that would happen while other young girls were disappearing.Were they brigands? I asked Jasmine. Likesort of rough and dirty types?They were guards or some other kind of fighter, she said. Stop trying to act like you had nil to do with it. I know the difference between a bunch of gross beggars and trained soldiers.Yeah, yeah, youre a freaking genius, I muttered.Thats not hard, compared to you.Oh, look at that. Sarcasm is in the genes. When I was younger, Id hated being an only child and had capacioused for siblings. Id never in my wildest dreams imagined this was what Id end up with. What did these guys look like? Were they in uniform? My guards uniforms were mismatched. They all had leather armor, but Dorians recruits wore the green of his array while mine had blue left over from Aeson. Some just wore whatever color tunics they wanted.Im not telling you anything else, she said. Now let me goThere was almost a whine to her command, making her seem very much her age and less like someone literally set on world domination. Of course, there was no way I was letting her out of this place, not when she was clearly willing to dole out her legs for anyone who skill help ful engross our deranged fathers grand plans.Then, staring at her young face, a immature thought occurred to me. I was always so concerned about her wanting to get pregnant that I never paid much attention to the idea of her facing the same risks I did. My queenly emplacement had given me some reprieve, but there were still plenty of Otherworldly guys not above raping me. Jasmine had to be facing the same thing, the target of anyone who wanted to be the father of Storm Kings heir. These soldiers she was talking about mogul have had no connection at all to Morias abductors-if she had been abducted. Fuck. This was all hurting my brain. I needed to talk to Roland and Art before jumping to any more conclusions.And in the meantime, this was all good reason to obtain Jasmine under lock and key.Sorry, I told her. You arent going anywhere. Youll be lucky if I dont break out the Depo-Provera and fill your cell full of abstinence propaganda.Cell? You are not locking me in any cell. Her lips were puff into a pout. Again, she seemed so much like any ordinary surly teen that I nearly laughed. She looked more like a girl whod been grounded from texting than one who aspired to be an all-powerful fairy queen.When I didnt respond, the rival seemed to truly hit her.You cantyou cant do that Do you know who I am? Im a princess. Im Storm Kings daughter My son is going to rule the worlds.I shook my bearing. No, youre a self-absor derriere brat in wicked need of discipline and counseling.You cant do thatI canor did you forget who I am? Im the turgid sister who rules a kingdom and isnt going to let you jump all over this prophecy.You cant lock me up forever, she warned.Shes right, a voice behind me said.I turned and saying Ysabel hovering near the accessway. She didnt look terrified of me anymore, but she no time-consuming bore that cocky arrogance. She looked cool and aloof.You cant lock her up forever, continued Ysabel. You should kill her.What? both Jasmine and I spoke at the same time. Ysabel seemed perfectly blase about it all.Shes your greatest rival to target Storm Kings grandson. So long as she lives, she always will be an obstacle. The only way youll be free and retain your power is if shes gone.I started to protest that I didnt want to beat Jasmine to the prophecy. Then, I completed that part didnt matter. It was Jasmines own desire for getting pregnant that was the problem, and Y sabel was right to a certain extent. As long as Jasmine was around, I wouldnt have any peace.I slowly shook my head. Im not killing my own sister. barely I am double-binding her. Somebody get another set of iron cuffs.I see a few guards flinch. Even with as little iron as the cuffs had, that was still more than most gentry could comfortably handle. Doubling it would stunt her magic even more, but that human blood was still going to give us trouble.I want her cell guarded at all times, I told Rurik. With more than you usually would post. And make sure youve got guards that can actually use magic. Someone had returned with the second set of cuffs by then, causing Jasmine to start up a new round of shrieks and protests.Rurik gave me a nod and then said in a low voice, If I could speak to your majesty in private?I arched an eyebrow. Rurik always obeyed me but rarely bothered with formalities or respect, which didnt bother me. In public, though, he always used my titles, and I wondered what was on his mind. We stepped out of the room, past a disapproving Ysabel, and came to a forget a little ways down the hall.Keeping the girl locked and under guard might not be the best idea, he said.I groaned. Dont tell me you think I should kill her too.He shrugged. Dorian would tell you to. entirely if you insist on keeping her here, then get that demon of yours to guard her.For a moment, I thought of the fire demons. Then, I realized he was using a more infer term. You mean Volusian?Im not saying theyd do it. Rurik hesitated. precisely Im not saying they wouldnt either. A lot of those guards might be tempted by the thought of fathering the heir, and if she offeredGood God. Shes fifteen.Old enough. It didnt stop Aeson, and if she convinced one of the guards, her age wouldnt matter. Im anticipate your, uh, friend wouldnt be so easily swayed.Volusian swayed by sex? Hardly. Particularly if he was under my commands.Fine. Ill tantalise him. Volusian would also stop any magic she could muster.You might also consider finding a potion secure to create a tincture of nightshade.A what?Its a drink that will inhibit her from using her magic.Isnt nightshade destructive?Not to shining ones. Not if mixed with the right ingredients. With her human blood, it will, ah, leave her a littledisoriented. scarcely it wont kill her.Im not going to keep her in a drugged stupor. I started to return to the room and then paused to give Rurik a canny look. why warn me? I remember a time when you wanted to father the heir. Why not take your own shot?With her? Rurik snorted. I still wouldnt hesitate to beget Storm Kings grandson-but shes not the one. The heirs mother should be a warrior, and unfortunately, that only leaves you.Youre never getting near my bed, Rurik.Yes, Ive deduced as much. But I would still support Storm Kings grandson and would be nearly as elated for my lord the Oak King to father him.Dorian? Thats the only other alternative as cold as youre concerned?Ru riks expression seemed to wonder that there could be any question. Who else?I shook my head and left him, off to order the imprisonment of my sister.Before setting Volusian on permanent guard duty, I had one brief task for him. He wasnt very happy about it, not that that came as any real surprise.My mistress, as usual, is intent on furthering my eternal torment.I dont really see how watching a teenage girl is that bad-for you, anyway. Its going to be a lot harder on her.I am a being of considerable power. I cannot die. If you insist on enslaving me, you should use my abilities to bring nations to their knees. Volusians red eyes narrow ever so s alightly. Instead, my mistress dispatches me to supervise children and deliver love utterances.Its not a love note Just ask him, okay?Volusian blinked once and then vanished.While he couldnt teleport, exactly, he could travel much faster than human or gentry. After Jasmines capture and Moria implicating Art, I wanted nothing more than to sit down with Kiyo. I needed to talk this out. I wasnt used to this sort of turmoil and indecision in my life. I longed for the days when my job had simply been to go out, find the monster, and get rid of it. It had been a lot easier than this sort of deliberation.Kiyo, to my knowledge, was with Maiwenn, and Id dispatched Volusian to see if Kiyo would come to me later. It was the closest I could get to making a phone foreshadow in the Otherworld-but still far from it, seeing that it took Volusian about twenty minutes to get back to me.You see? I said when he appeared in my bedroom. That wasnt so bad.The kitsune says he will come to you in twain hours, Volusian said in his flat voice, not deigning to acknowledge my comment.Two hours. Well, it was better than nothing. I sighed. Okay. Thanks.Volusian simply stared. My gratitude meant nothing to him.Alright. Go watch Jasmine then. Dont let her escape, and for Gods sake, dont let her get pregnant.For how long?Until I say so, I snapped.The nastiness radiated off Volusian, but my mastery of him would not let him disobey. Demeaning task or not, he had no choice. He vanished.Once alone, I lay back on my bed, hoping devil hours would go by quickly. Like everything else among gentry royalty, the bed Id inherited was plush and luxurious, with a thick down mattress. The covers were heavy brocade and almost never needed in this weather-but they felt great to lie against. It wasnt quite sunset outside, but the light was fading, casting long shadows onto the rooms heavy stone walls. Id need to light torches soon.A shock at the door forced me upright. Yeah?It was Nia. She gave a polite curtsey. Your majesty, you have a guest.For a glorious moment, I thought it was Kiyo. Then no. It was too soon. And Nia wouldnt have announced him. Everyone around here knew enough to let him in by now. Who?Prince Leith of the Rowan Land.Leith? I said, certain Id misheard. I just byword him, like, six hours ago.Nia shook her head helplessly. H es here, thats all I know.I swung my legs over the beds edge and stood up, slipping my socked feet into short leather boots. Leith? What was he doing here? A flash of panic went through me. Had something gone wrong in Westoria? If so, wouldnt my own people have told me?Theyd taken him to my parlor, where he sat on the edge of one of the satin-lined chairs. He sprang up at my approach, velocity over to catch my hands in his. He leaned down and kissed them.Your majesty. Thank you for seeing me so unexpectedly. Im sure Im interrupting all sorts of important things.Not so much, I said, withdrawing my hands. And you should really just call me Eugenie now. Whats up? Is there a problem? Around here, who knew what could go wrong? Famine, flood, locustsA problem with-oh, no. Everything in Westoria is great. We made amazing progress today.I relaxed. Good. I was worried.Leith shook his head, eager to reassure me. No, no problems there. I justwell, I know this is strange, but I just had to come see you. That is, I had to ask you something. I feel like an idiot, though.I frowned. You can ask me anything. Whats going on? Are you okay?Oh, yes. His bewilderment grew. But after todayI just had to hear something from you.Okay, ask.Are you involved with the Oak King?Involved withwhat, you mean romantically? With Dorian? NoLeiths face shone like the sun. You mean it? When I saw you together today. The way he spokeand the way you two interactedwell, I thought for sure the rumors were true.What rumors? I asked warily.That you were still lovers.Where are you hearing these rumors?Pretty much everywhere.Well, the answer is no. Absolutely not.Really?Really.Leith exhaled with apparent relief. He reached for my hand, and I stepped back, putting space between us. The rapture on his face made me uneasy. Then theres still a chance.A chance for what? I asked.You and me.You and-oh, Leith, no. It was just like everyone had said. I like you-youre really great-but there isnt going to be anythi ng happening with you and me.But He moved forward again, and again, I moved away. But you keep wanting to see me and have asked me to be a part of your kingdom. I just assumedNo, noLeith, Im involved with someone alreadyyou know, Kiyo? The kitsune? Were together.He frowned and was still too close to my personal space. I didnt think it was a serious romance. I thought he was just aFling? I suggested.Yes. I mean, someone like you couldnt take him as a true consort.I sighed. Why does everyone say that? I love Kiyo. Were together. Were going to be together for a very long time.Leiths earlier joy was rapidly giving way to distress. ButI mean, with my background and the way we get along, were a perfect match. Admit it you are usually happy to see me.Of course I am. But thats because I want to be your friend, not encourage you romantically. I like you-like hanging out with you. But thats it. Im sorry. Im sorry if I led you on.It has to be more than friendship. I know it is for me. He sighe d. Ive never been able to talk to someone so easily. It feels natural.Thats because you guys always make everything soexaggerated. There are probably a dozen girls you could sit down with and have great conversations with if you just got rid of the formality.No. The grief on his face was killing me. Its something about you. I just cant help it. Im falling more and more in love with you every day.You barely know me You cant love me.I do, he said in a low voice, and some of that glowing passion returned. From the moment I saw you. Mother had said youd be a suitable match politically, but even if that werent true, Id still love you. Ive never met anyone like you, Eugenie. So brave and beautifulId want to be with you even if we werent ruling a kingdom together.Leith, I said, trying hard to make my voice stern. God-dammit. Why couldnt he have been an annoying jerk like most of my other would-be suitors? Why did he have to be a nice guy? With great effort, I tried to let him down easy ins tead of in my usual harsh way. I meant it I like you. But thats it. I value your help and your friendship, but Im not leaving Kiyo.But I love you. It was weak and plaintive.I shook my head. Im sorry.His face fell, and he turned away, wrapped in despair. He started to walk toward the door and then abruptly turned, eyes alight once more. If things end between you and the kitsunethen Id be next in line, right?Next in line? Er, well Why couldnt I just lie and say yes? Or why not use a I dont want to ruin our friendship kind of crap line? I dont think so, Leith. I just dont think I could ever feel that way about you.Leith stared at me wide-eyed for several moments, and then at last, his features tightened. I see. Im sorry to have taken your time, your majesty. Your workers in Westoria understand my task and should no longer require my help. He gave a small, polite bow and then hurried out the door.Leith I took a few steps forward, my stomach sinking. I felt horrible. I knew hed had a cru sh on me, but I hadnt thought it was much more than the usual Otherworldly attractions I experienced. His face at the end there had broken my heart. I hadnt wanted to hurt him, particularly after all hed done for me.Dejected, I returned to my bedroom and ordered wine sent up. It arrived in a jewel-encrusted pitcher, complete with a heavy well-heeled goblet. Had to love gentry room service. I declined any requests to see anyone until Kiyo arrived. I sat down on the floor, leaning against the bed and wondering how much of the wine I could get through before he arrived.To my surprise, all of it.I had no clock there but was pretty sure more than two hours had passed. Id drunk goblet after goblet, thinking about Jasmine, Leith, and Art-and finding no resolution for any of them. I was staring at the bottom of the empty pitcher, pondering the time, when I heard a soft knock at my door. FinallyI stood up and felt the world sway around me. I gripped the bed for support. Kiyo? But it wasnt h im. It was Shaya.Like Rurik, shed dropped a lot of formalities and didnt bother with a curtsey. Her face was troubled, and I saw her clever eyes assess me and my drunkenness in a matter of seconds. Im sorry to bother youbut a messenger just arrived from the Willow Land.The anger Id been kindling against Kiyos tardiness ran cold. Oh my God. Is he okay?Shaya hesitated and then gave a swift nod. As far as I know, hes fine. Its Queen Maiwenn everyones concerned aboutshes gone into labor.