Raife: An Aquadomina Novel (14 page)

Her face felt like it was cracking. If she had to hold this smile much
longer, she might just be the first Chosen to run screaming like a loon from a
celebration. She was in the receiving line saying things like, “So nice to meet
you” and “how lovely to be here” over and over as delegates presented
themselves. She had already been introduced to the councilmembers from their
clandestine meeting. Just as they had planned all parties feigned ignorance of each
other. The end of the line was in sight and she sighed with relief. After this
there was to be an announcement from Queen Tholl’een, she would say a few words
and the dance would commence.

She let her eyes wander down the line at the Queen’s sons. Both were very
handsome men. Large builds with warm chocolate eyes. Their sandy brown hair was
cut a bit longer in the back, almost to the shoulder and waving around the
sides. All of the males of Terragale wore their hair in that style. Tonight
most of them had ties holding their hair back. It looked very “pirate” with
their military dress uniforms. When her eyes landed on Ther’ol, her inner voice
jumped in.

He is planning something. Something
that will end in great sorrow. You must stop him.

Jerking forward she saw that the end of the line was passing her, she
must have said something reasonable to the last poor delegates. At least they
weren’t giving her odd looks as they continued down the line.

Leaning up to whisper to Queen Tholl’een to hold off on her welcome
speech until she got back she hurried over to Ther’ol.

Pretending to be in casual conversation, she leaned up to him. This close
she could see he had bags under his eyes, and his face was pinched with stress.
Her senses were picking up
desperation, sadness,
deep love and pain...Thas’in…Ther’ice.
“I know you are planning something
and I want you to bring Thas’in and Ther’ice to the alcove by the door. If you
try to jack rabbit, I will have my guard detain you.” When he looked oddly at
her, she realized what she had said, “Oh. Sorry, it’s an Earth term. To ‘jack
rabbit’ means to run away.”

Without waiting for him to acknowledge her command, she went to stand by
the alcove. Raife was guarding her along with Garritt, Ramsey, Willem, Connor,
Stefan and Thomas. It was hard to act nonchalant when surrounded by her entire
contingent of guard, but Sophie smiled in what she hoped was a serene fashion
around the room. When someone tried to get to her, one of the guard would step
forward and with an “encouraging” look, he or she would turn away.

Finally, she saw Ther’ol striding toward her with his brother and a very
beautiful woman in tow.

“What are you needing to talk about Ther’ol?” The eldest brother had then
looked around and spotted her. “Chosen.” He did an elegant half bow, his hands
waving in a flourish. She laughed realizing it was better than nothing.

“Gentlemen, can you please give us a wider circle to speak privately.”
She asked her guard, knowing full well Raife would stay close to her. When the
others moved out to expand their little bubble of space, she sighed. “Just
stand for a moment would you please.” She took their measure, not finding any
true evil in any of the three before her. So what was her inner voice warning
at? Walking around the three, she noticed the female was leaning toward Ther’ol
almost unconsciously.

“I am horribly forgetful sometimes.” She smiled apologetically to the
female, “What is your name again?”

“I am Ther’ice.” The woman whispered, “Councilwoman Char’ is my mother.
Our houses are to unite with Thas’in as my intended one.”

Sophie’s eyes swung to the eldest brother. Her inner voice was yelling,
he is
Deviant but has not been caught.
 
Sophie couldn’t believe that he was Deviant.
It didn’t make sense. She didn’t want to embarrass anyone but she had to know.
Whispering to the male she asked, “Exactly what is your deviation?”

All three of them got panicked looks on their faces, and Thas’in turned
white as a sheet. Before they could do anything stupid that drew attention to
this meeting, Sophie put her hands on the brothers. It had worked with the
guards before and she was hoping it would work now. She put as much calming
essence into her touch as she could. “I am here to help. What is your
deviation?” She asked Thas’in again.

Swallowing hard he choked out each word, “I am not…
attracted
to females.” He gasped his eyes wide in horror at what
she could do with that information. “The worst deviation possible. A death
sentence if I am caught.”

Sophie stumbled, black dots swam before her eyes and she felt faint.
 
She had started to go down when Raife was
suddenly there. Supporting her, his warmth flooding her and giving her
strength. She felt tears pooling in her eyes and she gasped in air.

“What is it Sophie?” Raife whispered in her ear.

“I didn’t know that sexual preferences were a cause for being cataloged
as Deviant. My brother…” She trailed off.

“You told me he was murdered, that is why?” Raife soothed her as much as
he could without being obvious. “I’m sorry Sophie. I thought The Three told you
all of the deviations.”

Sophie was slowly getting a hold of herself. She hadn’t been able to save
her brother, but she sure as hell was putting an end to this damn Deviant law.
Pulling herself together, she faced the three shocked faces of Thas’in, Ther’ol
and Ther’ice.

“You are going to have to trust me.” She stood taller and held up her
hand when Thas’in would have said something. “I want you to do exactly as I
say, when I say it and this all might end well. Right now I want you three to
mingle and pretend to be having a good time.” She moved away with Raife in tow,
the others taking up their places as she walked. Now she had to hope nobody was
suspicious about the meeting in the alcove. Hurrying to find Queen Tholl’een,
she thanked her for giving her a moment and she could proceed when she was
ready.

Looking around the room, she found Ri’Carn schmoozing some delegate.

It was time.

Queen Tholl’een moved to stand on the small platform that held the
musicians. Raising her hands for silence, the crowd slowly quieted down to
listen to what she had to say.

“We are here to welcome the arrival of The Chosen.” Her voice boomed over
the crowd. Sophie walked with her guard to stand next to the Queen. She went on
in her speech but Sophie wasn’t listening. She was watching for Ri’Carn. He was
surrounded by his people, all of them corrupt. After a few minutes, there was a
pause from the Queen. She hadn’t been paying attention and looked up to realize
she was watching her expectantly. “Would you like to address the gathering?”

“Yes.” Sophie smiled out at the crowd. Noticing the way Ri’Carn was
laughing with his friends over how slow she must appear. “I would love to say a
few words.” This was it, taking a deep breath she continued. “I would like for
Ri’Carn to join me.” She was happy to see he was taking this as a great honor.
His eyes were positively glowing in excitement to be asked to stand with her.

When he was beside her on the platform, she laughed, “Since you are all
dressed in your finest. With all this grand food and good cheer among us…a far
better celebration we could be having would be…a wedding.” At the shocked
rumbling that went through the crowd, she laughed again. The look on Ri’Carn’s
face was like the cat that ate the canary.

“Thas’in, Ther’ol and Ther’ice.” She called out. “Please come forward.”

“My Dear.” Ri’Carn drawled, “We hardly need them to stand for us in our
wedding.”

Sophie looked puzzled then laughed again, “Oh. I’m sorry Ri’Carn. You
must have misunderstood. It is not
our
wedding.”

Ri’Carn went to step back and she smiled coldly, “I know of your plan for
me with the Deviants. If you try to move from this platform or even speak one
more word, I will have Raife cut you down.” Looking lovingly behind her she
whispered, “Is that blade as sharp as it looks my dear?”

“It is.” Raife chuckled happily, “I sharpened it just for the occasion.”

Ri’Carn went to speak, but Raife she noted, pressed the blade into his
back a little too enthusiastically.

“Oh dear. That is going to stain your lovely shirt.” Realizing everyone
was waiting, she turned back to the audience.

“Where was I?” She mused, “Oh yes. The wedding.” She looked at Thas’in,
Ther’ol and Ther’ice and called out. “Thas’in has agreed to be on a newly
formed council of Three I am selecting.” She had sensed that Thas’in didn’t
want to be King Consort of Terragale. He wanted to travel and enjoy life
outside of Kingdom Two. Given his sexual preferences, he certainly didn’t want
to marry Ther’ice. Since the power was held by the female, Ther’ice would be
Queen and ruler of Terragale. At the very least, Sophie could understand his
not wanting to be in a loveless marriage, having been there and done that
herself.

There were some shocked gasps and rumblings to her words. The Queen
didn’t even know about this part, because she had just decided on it. She
placed a hand on Tholl’een to relay happiness and contentment with the
decision. She was trying to tell her this was for the best and wait to see how
it played out. The Queen had her guard placed around the room to try to stop
Ri’Carn’s men from any interruptions and they had started forward when the
rumbling started. She was placing a male on a ruling council…this could get
messy. Sophie waved her hands to get everyone’s attention.

“As a result of his new appointment, Thas’in will be in Aquarian doing
his best to serve Terragale. One of the first duties I will charge him with is
the full investigation of the mining industry. I want to know the needs of the
miners. How best to serve the demand for soil and keep everyone safe and
healthy at the same time.” There was a roar of applause at her words, when it
quieted down she continued.

“The wedding we are to witness today is between Ther’ol and Ther’ice.”
She smiled down at the couple, “Ther’ol will be able to serve as future King
Consort of Terragale and Ther’ice will take her place as Queen when Tholl’een
wills it.” The couple had been in shock when she announced they were to be wed,
and then she felt her inner voice laughing with happiness. The two had been
desperately in love, but with Ther’ice promised to his brother, Ther’ol had
been lost in despair. All he had ever wanted was Ther’ice and to stay in
Terragale and serve his family.

“To the wedding. Will the parents of the bride come forward?” She yelled
and saw Councilwoman Char’ and a man who had to be her husband rushed forward.
The woman’s eyes were misted and she was close to crying outright. “Thas’in
would you stand for your brother?” She needn’t have asked. He was busy congratulating
the happy pair. Both brothers were slapping each other’s backs.

Seeing everyone was in position, Sophie waved her hands and silence was
instant. “To the wedding vows. Let’s see—”

“
You
are going to marry them?”
Queen Tholl’een gasped loudly next to her, her gaze flying from her to the
couple holding hands in front of them.

“Yes.” She paused, “Do they need rings or something?” She pulled one off
of her finger and tossed it down to Ther’ol. “You can use that for now, if you
like it Ther’ice keep it…if you prefer something more personal…well you can
still keep it. Think of it as a wedding present.”

“You are giving them a bonding ring too?” The Queen looked about to faint
and Sophie worried she might not make it through the ceremony.

“Why not?” Sophie smiled, “I am happy to do it.” Turning from the Queen,
she started the ceremony before something could go wrong. Better keep it short
and sweet.

“Friends, family and delegates we are gathered here to join forever the
lives of Ther’ol and Ther’ice.” She looked at Ther’ol, “Do you take Ther’ice to
be your mate, to love, honor and protect her until the end of your days?”

Ther’ol looked at Ther’ice, the love and happiness shining in his face,
“I will.”

“Ther’ice, do you take Ther’ol to be your consort. To love, honor and
protect him until the end of your days?”

Ther’ice had tears running down her face and Sophie’s voice didn’t have
to tell her they were happy ones. “I will.”

“Then by the power of The Chosen. I proclaim you joined until the end of
your days.” She waved with a flourish at the couple. “You may kiss the groom.”
She laughed at her own wording. Ther’ice didn’t waste time she had happily
locked lips with Ther’ol.

“You are not authorized to do this.” The Three had spoken. Sophie had
wondered when they would show up. Moving quickly forward One, Two and Three
stepped to stand defiantly before her on the platform. Ther’ol hastily drew
Ther’ice to the side away from The Three, putting her behind him as if they
would take away his new happiness.

Ri’Carn smiled wickedly, “There is no way that Deviant will be allowed on
a council, and you my dear will be found quite mad.” Raife dug his blade into
Ri’Carn’s side a little deeper at those words.

“Is that a threat?” Raife’s snarled question and the deadly intent flashing
in his eyes gave Ri’Carn pause. If Sophie hadn’t placed a hand on Raife, he
would have driven the blade into his rotten guts.

Ri’Carn hoped to use Thas’in as a
pawn. Blackmail would gain him Kingdom Two.

“You knew.” Sophie glared at Ri’Carn. “You were going to exploit the
situation for your own gain. Do you have any decency left in you?” Since it was
a rhetorical question and The Three were still waiting for her to address them
she ignored Ri’Carn.
 

Sophie looked at The Three and knew they had been good at one point. How
Ri’Carn had corrupted them she didn’t know, but he had gotten to them. Used
them to further his power.

“I am revoking your authority.” Sophie stood her ground, “You have lost
your way somehow and the needs of the people of Aquadomina are no longer your
priority.” Sophie continued hoping to reach some part of The Three that was
still good. The part she had sensed when she first met them. “I have the
authority of Terragale and Norhurst behind me. A new council will be
established in Aquarian. A council with a delegate from each Kingdom. If you
choose the path of greed and power mongering
you
will be responsible for civil war.”

“The Chosen has the authority of all Wildehurst at her disposal as well.”
Another voice yelled out and Sophie’s gasp of shock was drowned out by the
sudden clamor of shouts echoing around the room. When the crowd parted, she saw
a small group of men making their way toward the platform. She was looking at
what could only be described as Viking raiders. These men were tall and
muscular with blond hair whipping about their faces. The clothing was clean and
of a nice quality, but left a lot of tanned skin showing since the tops were
just some type of vest. They were armed with lethal looking blades and Sophie
noticed all of them had some type of tattoo on their right shoulder. Trembling
slightly she held her ground as they arrived at the platform.

The males stopped directly in front of her all doing a slight bow. The
leader spoke, his deep voice full of power and not a small amount of arrogance,
“We heard that you prefer no bowing or salute.” He smiled at her and she
thought for a moment that a nun would give up her vow of chastity for a smile
like that. “I am Meric. Son of Marius, King of Wildehaven and my delegation and
I are here to put our support behind the new Chosen.” He clapped his hands and
his delegation lined up for introduction, “May I present Honorate’s Lusca,
Kaerius, Aqilus and Buinen.” As Meric stated the names the males had stepped
forward, bowed and moved back. With their size and wild looks she wasn’t about
to ask them to stop bowing.

“Thank you.” Sophie smiled in what she hoped came across as a warm and
inviting manner. “I welcome you to the celebration.”

Meric moved to stand to the side of the platform and poor Ther’ol hurried
to get Ther’ice even further out of the way.

“I would speak to The Three privately but know this.” Sophie called out,
“The Deviant law is to be worked over by the new council I am going to appoint.
In a time agreed upon by all three—.” Sophie looked to the Wildehurst
delegation and amended her speech, “Four…all Four Kingdoms, your people will be
able to select their own delegate if my chosen council is not approved upon by
the people. I will stand in for Aquarian until a councilmember is voted on.”
The excitement in the crowd was at a fever pitch. She hurried to finish what
she had to say, “Current judgments are to be brought before the new council
until such time as I can assure all of Norhurst, Terragale and Aquarian are
being served justly by their adjudicators. All current Deviants are to be given
a new hearing, their siblings given immediate release. Something I will do here
for Terragale before I leave for the Welcome Celebration in Norhurst is to meet
with your adjudicators.” There was a huge roar of applause and Sophie turned to
gesture at her guard, “Queen Tholl’een has a cell waiting for Ri’Carn. I would
hate for him to continue to spoil the festivities with his presence.”

“What am I to be charged with?” Ri’Carn wasn’t going to go quietly.

Sophie thought for a moment, “Your crimes are so vast I wouldn’t know
where to start. Unlike you however, I am offering a judgment session that will
be completely fair.” She looked at him in disgust, “I am sure people will flock
to your hearing to tell the truth about you.” Nodding her head for the guard to
remove him, Willem and Connor went to drag him away. Before they could get very
far, Raife moved to block them. Hitting Ri’Carn hard in the stomach, he nodded
for the guards to drag the wheezing man away.

Sophie called out “Okay everyone. Let’s celebrate!” The musicians started
playing, people were running around excitedly and the newly married couple were
swarmed with well-wishers.

Turning to The Three, Sophie nodded for them to follow her. As she was
passing the Wildehaven delegates, Meric’s hand flew out to stop her. Raife, her
guard and some of Terragale guards were instantly chest-to-chest with the
newcomers. Sophie hurried to defuse the situation, “Gentlemen, please. Stand
down.” She gently moved Raife back with a hand on his arm. Stepping between him
and the giant from Wildehaven, she instructed the Terragale guard to take The
Three ahead. Turning to Meric she asked, “What can I do for you?”

“We will require The Chosen to visit Wildehaven at her earliest
convenience to make arrangements for our participation in your alliance.
Certain concessions may be required.” Meric boomed out and his men all nodded.

They are up to something.
Her
inner voice was warning her, but she didn’t need that voice to tell her what
was obvious.
You are safe to travel to
Wildehaven. Their scheming isn’t malevolent.

“What was that show you put on then?” Raife bit out, “Why say The Chosen
has your support when she doesn’t.”

Sophie still had The Three to deal with and she wanted to dance with
Raife, then slip away to the Castrum. The Wildehaven issue could be dealt with
in the morning. Before Meric and Raife could come to blows, she intervened. “I
am happy to travel to Wildehaven. Is tomorrow too soon?”

Meric’s face showed excitement at her easy acceptance of their request.
“That would be acceptable. We shall make contact in the morning.” He looked
around at the partying delegates. “I think it time we show these green-gobs how
to have fun.”

Sophie had one moment of sympathy for the partygoers as the Wildehaven
group hit the dance floor. Then she saw the looks they were getting from the
females and quickly changed her mind. She hurried off to find where her guard
had put The Three. Turning a corner, she found them waiting for her.

“You have no—” The Three tried to argue, but Sophie interrupted.

“I have the ability to see when someone is a threat or lying.” Sophie
said without preamble. “I know Ri’Carn has corrupted you in his thirst for more
power. You can give up your positions and face judgement, or you can fight me
on the changes I am asking for.” Sophie saw that The Three were astonished at
her speech. “If you choose to fight me, you will lose and the people of this
world will be the ones to suffer.”

“No Chosen has gotten that ability so fast.” One huffed.

“How is it possible?” Two wasn’t really asking anyone in particular.

“It is theorized that the air or suns or food of Aquadomina must change
something about a Chosen…but it has never been tested to see which.” The Three
were talking to themselves.

At the word “food”, Sophie blushed hotly. She had always been a healthy
eater, and the food Maureen provided was really good. She had been snacking on
it constantly since she had arrived at the Castrum.

“It doesn’t matter.” Sophie interrupted them. “You need to make a
decision.”

The Three touched foreheads and murmured to themselves. Then they stood
up, “We will face judgement. We will not speak against the wishes of The
Chosen.” They all did the low bow and stayed there.

“I am curious.” Raife broke in, “How did Ri’Carn get to you? What did he
hold over you?”

The Three stood taller and seemed ashamed to admit what he had used to
control them. “He could be very charming and the things he talked about seemed
reasonable.” One admitted.

“Don’t sugar coat it.” Three snapped out. “He was our lover and
threatened to destroy us once we had gotten too deeply involved. We deserve
judgement.”