Sins of Basilia (Shrouded Thrones Book 4) Read online

  Callum shot to his feet and slammed his fork on the table. “When can we expect your brothers to arrive, so the funeral rites can be performed, and we can settle the important matters at hand?” He spewed hateful spite in every word.

  Angeline calmly lifted her veil. “Your urgency is understandable, King Callum. You have been in Basilia longer than any of the others seated here at this table, and you wish to return to your realm.” She frowned and placed her hand over her heart. “These times have been grave for everyone, but all will soon be accomplished. I expect my brothers by the end of the day. Therefore, the rite of Frederick’s passage into the next world will be carried out on the morrow. Is that satisfactory?”

  “And what of the other issues?” His eyes cut in the direction of the grand throne. “I demand my voice be heard by every king.”

  “Have I denied you?” She tipped her head to one side. “When all have gathered, all will be said.” Expressionless, she stared at him.

  After several long moments, he lowered himself into his chair.

  Several others at the table exchanged a few hushed whispers, though nothing loud enough for Angeline to hear.

  She rose to her feet. “There is an appropriate time for all things. I appreciate having been given the opportunity to mourn my dear husband, but I assure you, the hour is soon coming for proper order to be upheld. None of you will depart Basilia unaware of your purpose in the realms. We will follow the laws of our ancestors and do what is required of us.”

  Again, she locked eyes with Callum. He kept his jaw rigid, but his eyes said much more than his bold stance. Though unaware she had met with Chan and learned of the ancient law, the fear in his eyes led her to believe he had suspicions. Putting him in his place would be more satisfying than any other accomplishment in her entire life.

  She shifted her gaze downward and caressed her stomach. “If you will excuse me, I must see my healer.” Proudly pulling her shoulders back, she paraded from the room.

  When she reached the archway leading to the exit corridor, she brushed past Kendor. They had learned to keep their distance when in the presence of others, yet she still detected the sensual heat from his body as she passed. Their unspoken desire seeped into her soul, and she longed for the midnight hour. Surely, he would be proud of the way she had conducted herself with Callum, and she anticipated a glorious night of celebration.

  As she ventured down the long hallway to Denali’s chamber, the glee she felt in her actions abundantly grew. When she reached his room, she almost sang her victory.

  She boldly opened the door and locked it behind her, assuring they would have no interruptions. “Denali, you missed the most wonderful interchange.” She turned from the door, stopped cold, and nearly dropped to the floor.

  Her dear healer lay bare-chested on the bed beside Shireen. Her servant’s gown had been pushed high around her waist, and her legs were completely bare.

  Denali looked up at Angeline and placed a finger to his lips, silencing her. His other hand rapidly moved, doing to Shireen what he had done countless times to her.

  The girl lay so enraptured, she gave no regard to Angeline. Shireen writhed beneath Denali’s touch, moaning in utter pleasure. Her eyes pinched tightly shut as if she were in another world entirely.

  Angeline knew the feeling well.

  He continued his movement, and to her horror, accompanied it with soft kisses on Shireen’s neck.

  His stimulation of the girl was one thing, but how dare he show her such gentle affection?

  Angeline’s heart shattered. She spun on her heels, fled the damnable chamber, and did not stop running until she reached her own.

  Tears overcame her and she flung herself onto her bed.

  Her feelings far exceeded jealousy. Though she wanted to despise him for stomping on her heart, she loved him too much to cast him aside.

  She beat her fist on the mattress. “I pushed him to this!”

  Yet, how could he have thought it would please her to see them that way? He should have had the sense to keep their activity private.

  Perhaps his intent had not been to please Angeline by having her witness his performance. Instead, he purposefully meant to hurt her.

  “You succeeded, Denali,” she mumbled and curled into a ball.

  When a knock came to her door, she refused to answer it. She did not care to see anyone. Not even Kendor.

  “Angeline?” Denali’s voice tugged at her aching heart.

  “Go away!”

  “Please, Angeline. Allow me to enter.” He sounded caring and warm, like the man she had known since her youth. But she could not erase the vision of him with his hands and lips on her maid.

  He rapped harder. “I will not leave until I speak to you.”

  Anyone hearing the commotion might question it, and she could not allow rumors to arise. Mustering strength, she got up, opened the door, then put her back to Denali and returned to her bed.

  He entered her room and locked the door behind him.

  Though tempted to roll on her side and face the wall, she chose to lay flat on her back with her arms firmly crossed over herself, and turned her head only enough to see him. “Why did you leave Shireen?” Her spite came through clearly. “I have never known you to stop your activity, when it is being thoroughly enjoyed. Did you rob the poor girl of her pleasure and not fully satisfy her?”

  He slowly approached and sat on the bed’s edge. “I assure you, she was satiated.”

  “Oh!” Angeline slapped the bed’s coverlet with an open palm, imagining it was his face. Even in anger, she could not bring herself to touch him.

  “Did you not ask me to help her?” Denali said as calmly as ever.

  “I intended for you to give her a potion, not fondle her!”

  “Why are you angry?” He looked at her with the devotion she craved. “You encouraged me to lie with another woman. I believe you said I should allow them to benefit from my gifted touch.”

  “Why her? My own chambermaid?”

  He climbed fully atop the bed, perched on his knees and gazed down at her. “Initially, I went to her simply to offer medicine. But I confess, I eventually used her for my own gain.”

  “You enjoyed her?”

  “Not in the manner you are thinking.”

  “Your words are senseless!”

  He scooted within inches of her. “Every time I see your eyes on Kendor, I doubt your love for me. I had to take strong measures to make you see me again. I thought I could accomplish it by doing what you asked of me, and I decided Shireen was a viable subject.”

  “Viable subject?” Angeline wiped away tears. “How did you seduce her?”

  “It was not a seduction in any form. I told her I had the means to ease her discomfort, and she willingly complied. She trusted me as a healer. After the first treatment, she came to me for more.”

  “Of course, she did. You are brilliant.” She blubbered out more tears, unable to help herself. Not since her mother’s death had she shed real tears. “But why remove your tunic, and more importantly, why did you kiss her? You showed her tender affection, as if you truly cared for her.”

  “I cast off my tunic for comfort alone. Rapid movement of my hand overheats me. As for the kisses, they were those of a father figure. No passion lay within a single one, and they were simply meant to ease her.”

  “Ease her?” Angeline cried harder. “You had her wildly thrashing about. Is that not a contradiction?” She covered her face with her hands, hating herself for displaying weakness.

  “You cry for me, my queen?” He reached out and ran his fingers through her hair.

  She grabbed onto him. The fear of losing him overwhelmed her. “I had no understanding of how painful it would be to see you so intimate with someone else.”

  He smiled as only he could, then tenderly kissed her. “Perhaps now you comprehend how I feel when I am aware you are entwined with another man. Your coupling may only be in my mind’s eye, but it is just as
upsetting. In addition, you have never shied from telling me detailed accounts of your escapades. Each one reminds me of my shortcomings.”

  She held him tighter and breathed him in. “Forgive me, Denali.” If only she could crawl inside him to be even closer. “I am utterly confused and know not what to do. I cannot stifle my passions for other men, yet I want you for myself alone. This is not how things are managed in Issa. How can I justify myself and move forward to change our laws?”

  He gazed at her with so much love, it amplified her guilt. “You may wish to reconsider. I have said before, there is no need to mimic Issa. Why make changes to our laws?”

  She sniffled and buried her face against his neck. Every thought and feeling coursing through her seemed foreign—as if she were not herself in any form. Somehow, she had to find her strength once again. “I cannot keep our statutes as they are.” She lifted her head. “I must free my people from their guilt.”

  His fingers continued to thread through her hair in a soothing manner, but her heart would not calm, nor could she stop crying.

  “My dearest Angeline.” He kissed her brow. “You are conflicted, and it troubles me deeply seeing your pain. Yet, it has proven one thing. I believe you do indeed love me.”

  “More than anyone in this world.” She wiped her eyes and searched his face, praying he would believe her. “No lover can replace you in my heart. My life is meaningless if you are not in it.”

  “I have no intention of leaving you.” He kissed her firmly on her mouth, and she eagerly reciprocated. With every passing kiss, her tears subsided.

  She finally managed a large breath and eased her hold on him.

  He pulled back slightly and put his hands to her cheeks. “I understand your needs…” His gaze bore deep. “…as well as my limitations. It would be wrong of me to deny you your pleasures, but I require something in return.”

  “Tell me.” She kept her eyes locked onto his.

  “Vow I will always be the most important man in your life.”

  “I swear to it.” She stroked his sweet face. “And I will abide by my vow forever.”

  No burning desire overtook her. Nothing of the sensual kind. She only wanted to be embraced by the man who held her heart. Their unusual love could not be denied, and as upsetting as his actions had been, she was grateful he had opened her eyes to the magnificence of their love.

  Never again would she take him for granted, and she certainly would not push him toward another woman. Regardless of how many other lovers came in and out of her life, Denali would be by her side for eternity. Not only to see her become the prophesied queen, but to help her achieve it.

  “My dear brothers and sweet Becca.” Angeline hastened toward them and took hold of Talman’s hand. “You cannot comprehend how grateful I am that you have arrived. At this horrid hour, I need the strength of family.”

  Kendor had come to her with news of their arrival and she wasted no time meeting them at the front gate. The sun had begun to set, and she had feared their arrival might be delayed, which would have made King Callum even more bitter.

  “We came as quickly as we could.” Talman patted her hand, then released it and fingered her veil. “Black has become your permanent color, has it not?”

  “Talman,” Becca scolded. “That is a wretched thing to say.”

  Angeline laid a hand on her arm. “Think nothing of it. I know my brother well, and he always speaks his mind. Sadly, he states the truth. I have mourned many days over the course of this past year. It began with your brother’s rejection and since then, my sorrows have multiplied. It would seem Sebastian cursed me.”

  The girl lowered her pretty blond head as if ashamed. Exactly how Angeline wanted her to feel.

  Talman grunted. “Now, who speaks wretchedly, Sister?”

  She placed a hand to her breast. “Not I. Truth in all forms may at times be difficult to hear, yet is it not what is expected of us? Or would you prefer I proclaim falsehoods?”

  “We are weary, Angeline,” Varlan said. “Allow us to refresh ourselves in our chambers before we have such thought-provoking conversations.”

  “Very well.” Angeline folded her hands in front of herself and faced Talman. “Sebastian’s former room has been prepared for you and Becca.” She pivoted toward Varlan. “You are to have Allana’s former chamber. Becca can show you where it is. Once you have freshened yourselves, feel free to go to the kitchen and enlist Mab to prepare something for you. Because it is so late, the main meal has already been partaken, but I will not have you retire hungry.”

  “We appreciate your offer. However, we ate in the carriage.”

  “Mab will be relieved.” Angeline fidgeted with the edge of her veil. “Frederick’s funeral rites will be said tomorrow at midday in the temple. It will allow you plenty of time to rest. If you require anything more of me tonight, come to my chamber—though not too late. I am emotionally spent, and I must get some sleep, in order to prepare myself for the upcoming rituals.”

  “We will not disturb you,” Talman said. “After the funeral, there will be ample opportunities to discuss all matters.”

  “There is one small thing, I feel currently needs to be mentioned.” Angeline took his arm. “For your ears alone.”

  His head drew back, then he stepped away with her from the others. “What is it, Sister, that cannot be uttered in the presence of my wife and our brother?”

  “More so your wife, than Varlan.”

  Talman leered defensively. “You continue to hold ill will toward Becca because of her brother. Sebastian is at fault, not she.”

  “I agree.” Angeline lifted her veil to accentuate her sincerity. “I can tell simply being here in her family’s former abode is troublesome enough, and I did not wish to upset her further.”

  He huffed an angry breath. “Say what you will, so we can retire.”

  “Very well.” She put her face close to his. “Because Basilia has no heir—save the one in my womb—and it will be years before my son can ascend to power, King Callum has voiced his right to the high throne. He wishes to physically take it and erect it in Oros. If I have no son, he will permanently claim the high title.”

  “What you say does not surprise me. Everyone knows Oros is in line for the position.”

  She smiled devilishly. “I offer something few know. I have learned of a law which requires the new high king to earn his title. If another king wishes to challenge him, Oros will not simply be handed the throne.”

  Talman’s brows wove as he digested her words. “I know of no such law.”

  “Only a handful do. It was one no one studied, because there had never been a need. There are abundant Holy Scrolls, but the one containing this particular law had been kept separate from those most read. Yet the priest assures me, it is just as sanctified. Only by chance did I come to discover it, and I will make it known at tomorrow’s ceremony.” She tightened her grip on his arm. “The most revered throne in the lands was carved by the artisans in Thanwine, and that is where it belongs. Talman, you deserve to be high king. Far more so than Callum.”

  She rubbed across her belly with her free hand. “Perhaps I am behaving selfishly. Because you are my brother, I know you care about the child growing within me. Only you can protect him. Please, do not allow Callum to strip away my son’s future.”

  Talman stood taller. “This law would permit me to be high king? Until, of course, your son comes of age?”

  “Yes. Until then, there is no one I would rather see hold the title.”

  “What is to be done to achieve this?” He puffed out his chest.

  She had painlessly won him over. “You must win the title. Any king wishing to attain it is required to fight.”

  “By sword?”

  She frowned and lowered her veil. “I am afraid so.”

  “A match to the death?” He slightly deflated.

  “Heavens, no!” She reached under her veil and put her hand to her lips. “Forgive me for the outb
urst, but how could you think such a thing? Our realms are civil, not barbaric. The match is a show of strength. Whichever king grows weary will yield, and the other shall claim the title. I know you are much stronger than Callum and will easily attain it.”

  Once again, Talman thrust out his chest. “I would proudly honor you and your child’s stake in this matter. However, should you bear a daughter, all will be for naught.”

  “For naught? My dear brother, if I birth a girl, you and your heirs will sit on the high throne forever.”

  He folded his arms and seemed to be struggling to hold in a victorious smile. She had most definitely won him over.

  He glanced back at his wife, then returned his attention to Angeline. “Becca is also with child. We just learned of it. I may very well be growing a son of my own. Are you certain you can willingly cast aside the Basilian claims and allow Thanwine to reign supreme?”

  “Have you forgotten I am Thanwinian?” She lovingly stroked his arm. “Losing Frederick devastated me, but learning of this law has given me hope. Callum does not deserve such a magnificent throne, and if you step forward and make a claim, it will lessen the painful loss of my husband. Nothing would make me prouder than to have my brother sit as high king.”

  His eyes narrowed. “What of you, Angeline? Do you not see yourself as high queen?”

  “I will rule Basilia until my child comes of age, but I understand I must relinquish the high throne. Our realms are not ready to be led by a queen. They require a king.” She patted his chest. “And a fine king you already are. Can you not imagine yourself seated upon the most glorious throne of all?”

  Finally, he released his smile. “You have given me much to consider, Sister.”

  She lifted her veil high enough to kiss his cheek. “Take Becca to your chamber. Hold her and love her as if tomorrow may never come. Our lives are so fleeting, and you are blessed to have her as well as your coming child.”

  His face shadowed over, and he stepped away. “I must bid you goodnight, Angeline.” He appeared almost fearful of her, but why? Had she not just offered him the world?