She turned from the entrance of the cave and walked towards Coza.
Slowly. Steadily. “Do you know that I hate you more than I will ever hate Danika?”
He shrugged. “But you still hate her anyway. Don't tell me you haven't fantasized about killing her. Now, I'm giving you a chance to cleanly wipe her off the surface of the earth without anybody tracing her death to you. She is all that stands between you and the king.”
Vetta cocked her head to the side and regarded him. “She is heavily pregnant for him. I know how much he wants that child.”
“He is a healthy man; he can always birth one with you.” He observed her reaction to know if she had an idea that there's a chance that the king is a sterile king.
Vetta was thinking about herself being a barren woman. But she wouldn't mind another woman birthing the king's child if he belongs to her. “You're right. He can always birth another.”
Coza smiled inwardly. She had no idea. This was his opportunity.
He will use her to eliminate Lucien's succession so that when he kills Lucien, there will be no one in his way. It's also a 'killing two birds with one stone' because Mombana's throne will be empty too.
The day was suddenly looking too bright to him. “So you're in?”
“To kill that monster's daughter,” she stated. “But let us get a few things straight, Coza. I will still kill you anyway, and if I perceive that you plan to harm so much as a hair on King Lucien's head, I will make sure you die the most horrible death ever. Mark my words.”
“Deal.” He flashed teeth. “Let it be done soon. When will you be able to do it?”
Baski urged the tired Queen Danika out for a walk to exercise herself. The queen was grumpy and reluctant to go. After being in court for half of the day, she just wanted to lie down on the bed and sleep the whole night away—if the sleep would come. But Baski dragged her out of the palace.
When the night air hit Danika, most of her grumpiness disappeared, and as their walk progressed, she admitted that an evening walk wasn’t a bad idea.
“You have a lot on your mind, my queen,” Baski observed as they walked towards the palace garden.
“I do have a lot on my mind. I tell myself to stop worrying like you always tell me, but sometimes I can’t help myself, Baski.”
“Is it because of the impending marriage?”
“Yes. It has become foremost in my mind since those nagging ministers manicured the order out of me two days ago.” She took a deep breath, one hand going to her waist to support her own weight. She felt so heavy.
“I heard that words are out already, and the royal marital invitation was already sent out to Mombana’s noblemen and across the kingdom. Careful,” she added, glancing pointedly at the stone on her part.
“Thank you.” She crossed over the stone. “The news must have reached Salem. I cannot help but wonder how the king will take that news.”
Even Baski wondered how he would take the news too. Would he get hurt thinking that Danika had indeed moved on? Would he think she’s eager to marry another man?
“The king can be so unpredictable. Nobody can be sure what goes on in that head of his,” Baski answered.
“You’re right. I miss him so much, Baski, and I know our son misses him too,” she caressed her belly tenderly.
“I know he misses you both too. When is the royal banquet?”
“In three days, according to the minister of taxation and public works. So many eligible noblemen will be in court. They will go through procedures and answer some questions. I’ll have to choose the one I want the most from the noblemen that pass all tests and give the best answers to questions.”
“Mm.” The older woman nodded her head thoughtfully. “You might never know, the king might be there that day.”
Danika’s cheeks stretched into a sad smile. “That is the best wishful thinking I have heard in a long time. The King Lucien I know would never be seen in Mombana or in court on that day. I am sure of it.”
“What makes you so sure? He might want to come and see you.”
Queen Danika gathered her thoughts. They walked past the garden in slow, steady movements and began approaching the river. The night sky was beautiful. Shooting stars traveled among other stars in the sky.
“For one, King Lucien would never want to be seen in a crowd as part of the crowd—he tends to stand out a lot amidst the crowd. Secondly, he will not want to be there while I choose another man for my life and my bed. Thirdly and most likely,” she faced Baski. “The King Lucien I know would never leave his throne empty and vulnerable to journey to Mombana just to see me because he has no one to look after the throne and his people. He would never want to endanger his people. No king wants that,” she finished in a sad, whispered undertone.
Sadness crossed Baski’s features because she knew that Danika was right. She said nothing.
“I miss him so badly. Do you know what I wish?” Danika whispered.
“What is it?”
“I wish a miracle will happen, and I will see him again,” she let out softly, her heart aching.
Baski wished so too. “I miss him too.”
Danika turned to an older woman and took her hand into hers. “I’m so sorry, Baski. It’s because of me that you’re separated from him. It must be so hard for you. You can go back to Salem whenever you want, Baski. I know you’ll always come back.”
Baski smiled at her, shaking her head. “No. I will wait for you to give birth before I step an inch away from your side.”
Danika’s eyes watered emotionally and she hugged Baski as she whispered again, “I wish a miracle will happen, and he will come to me.”
King Lucien’s eyes sprang open. He sat up, glancing at the door. “Come in.”
The door opened, and Zariel entered hurriedly. He walked towards the king’s desk and handed the king a red, wrapped parchment. “This is the invitation sent out by Mombana across the kingdoms.”
King Lucien took the parchment from him and rolled it open.
Zariel watched his king carefully as he read calmly through the parchment. He remained calm as he read through the sheepskin, but Zariel picked up some reactions he could not hide. A muscle ticked in his jaw. His fingers clenched and unclenched on the parchment. His eyes flared. His muscles tensed. Finally, he raised his head. “A royal marital invitation. She will be getting married soon.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“They are in such a hurry to give her to another man. She is carrying my child. Mine,” he spoke through gritted teeth.
“Apparently, Mombana wants a king desperately, and they are in a hurry to crown one. The royal banquet is in three days, and when she chooses her king, the marriage will follow just as quickly...then the coronation. Everything is being rushed,” Zariel explained.
Danika will be married soon. She will belong to another man. She will be by his side. He will lay with her at night. She will carry his child.
The king’s head was whirling—and not from headache this time around. An ugly feeling rose inside him that he could not tap down. His shoulder was so tensed. He had to put in a lot of effort not to ball his hands into fists and slam them on the nearest wall.
Zariel shifted uncomfortably at the look on his king’s face. Now would be a good time to get out of his sight. “Um, I know you might w-want to see the invitation. That is w-why I brought it to you. Have a good night’s rest, Your Majesty.” He bowed his head, turning towards the door. In two steps, he reached the door and grabbed the doorknob.
“Zariel?” The king called, his eyes still on the sheepskin.
The guard turned back to him. “Yes, Your Highness.”
“Send a guard to the minister’s home for public works. Tell him that I changed my mind.” Then he pinned Zariel with deep blue eyes. “Tell the minister of public works that Salem will seek out Sonma, the rain checker, to know if there is any solution for our rainless state.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty! The minister will be very happy with your change of mind!” Zariel bowed his head in a little bit of enthusiasm that was rare for the big-muscled guard. He turned to leave. Stopped. Glanced back at the king. “Which minister will I say is in charge of going to Mombana to make this positive inquiry, Your Majesty?”
Silence.
Then. “I will make the inquiries, Zariel. I will journey to Mombana myself.”
.