Sins of Basilia (Shrouded Thrones Book 4) Read online

  Not long ago, she would have killed Darius if she discovered he had lain with anyone except his wife or her. The idea of him with a prostitute brought no ill feelings, because those women were made for the purpose of satisfying men’s lusts. They were no better than mindless beasts. But thinking of him making advances toward Shireen grated across her skin.

  Angeline thrummed her fingers on the tabletop.

  If Basilia was to become like Issa, she should be encouraging Darius’ desires, not wishing to remove his head for having them.

  “Hmm…”

  Perhaps she needed to test her resolve. She would defy Shireen’s request and encourage Darius to bed her. If he managed to see it through, Angeline would delve deep into her own reaction. If she overcame his actions without wanting to behead him, she would deem it a victory.

  She pushed herself up from the table and headed for her bedchamber.

  Even though Imran’s revelations had chinked her armor, she had to be strong. Now more than ever, she longed for Kendor’s comforting words. Even more so than Denali’s touch, or Darius’ heated thrusts.

  She locked herself in her room, lay down on her bed, and waited for Kendor. Hopefully, by the time he arrived with news of his endeavors, her fortitude would be as it should be.

  Once she counseled with him, she would see to Shireen and Darius. Shireen may have asked to be kept far from him, but when had Angeline ever allowed a servant to make demands?

  As for Darius, if he truly wanted the girl, why not gift him with the precious package? Not only would it give Angeline the opportunity to test herself, Shireen might learn to appreciate Darius and all he could teach her. Everyone would benefit.

  Angeline tossed aside her veil and smiled. With every passing second, she grew more at peace. Imran’s revelations would not defeat her. They gave her more reason to despise the kings and the laws, and fully justified her in killing her father. As much as she hated to admit it, she believed Imran’s suspicions. Her mother had died needlessly by her father’s hand.

  Breathing deeply, Angeline stared upward. “I will make all things as they should be, Mother.”

  She tightened her fists. The queen of all realms could not afford to be weak.

  Chapter 7

  “Kendor.” Angeline smiled at the man and opened her door wider. “Your punctuality is commendable.”

  He stood respectfully rigid. “You said two hours, and I abided by your request. I have much to report.”

  She waved him in and gestured to what had become their usual place of counsel; the two chairs positioned beside her window. In a matter of days, they had spent many hours conversing.

  He assisted her across the floor and helped her sit.

  While keeping his head held high, he took his own chair. “Were you able to rest, my queen? Your color has greatly improved.”

  She ran a hand across her cheek. “It pleases me to hear it. As you know, I generally conceal my face with a veil, but when I lift it, I do not wish to look wretched for anyone who should happen to see it exposed.” She shyly inched her eyes upward to meet his. “Such as yourself.”

  “I would never describe you as wretched. Even on the most dismal of days, you are exquisite.” He gulped, then smoothed his hands along his trousers.

  She coyly smiled. “So…what have you to report?”

  “You were wise to have me assess King Callum’s doings. He has indeed been speaking ill of you. To the priests nonetheless.”

  “The priests?” Callum had substantially overstepped his bounds. She covered her heart with one hand and leaned forward. “How do you know of this?”

  Kendor also inched closer. “Not long after I left you, I caught sight of the king hastening down the main corridor toward the front gate. I followed him as discreetly as I could. Needless to say, I was surprised when he went directly to the temple. Being it is not a day of worship, I found it odd. I waited briefly outside before cautiously entering, and when I did, I overheard him conversing with the high priest, Chan.”

  “Chan?”

  “Yes, my queen. I can see by your expression, you have not heard his name before. It is rarely spoken. You are not from Basilia, so do not feel foolish for being unaware.”

  She waved a hand. “It matters not. In my eyes, the priests are all the same. Self-righteous, stuffy, and arrogant.”

  Kendor’s head tipped to one side and he questioned with his eyes. She had likely said too much and possibly offended him.

  She let out a soft laugh. “Forgive me. I have abundant respect for them, but do you not agree that at times they seem inhuman?”

  He sat tall. “They are sanctified by God, so in many ways they are greater than common men.”

  “I suppose.” One day soon, she would put them in their place and prove to the world who had the utmost authority. “I fear we have strayed from that which is truly pressing. So, please, tell me more. What was said between them?”

  “King Callum told him of your refusal to relinquish the high throne. He asked that at the next service of worship, Chan make it known to the people that he supports his claim as high king, and that Basilia must stand behind Callum’s right to rule.”

  Angeline grasped the arm of her chair and squeezed. “How did Chan respond?”

  “Not well.” He leaned closer. “The priest revealed laws I doubt few are aware exist. Of course, up until now, we had no need of them.”

  “I know most every law. Of which do you speak?”

  “It is common knowledge that at one time Oros was next in line to take the high throne due to their support of Basilia in the great war. However, Chan claims that because more than a century has passed since Basilia won the throne, by law, the next high king must be agreed upon by all other realms. Callum cannot simply step into the role. Had Frederick not died, things would have continued as they had, and every Basilian king would pass on his reign to the next.”

  “As he should. Can my coming child not retain that status?”

  Kendor reached out and covered her tightened fist. “I understand your desire to want what is best for Frederick’s heir, yet many years will pass before he is old enough to rule.” He tenderly rubbed her skin. “I know you could capably lead, but the realms will demand a king.”

  She cradled his hand in hers, then lifted it to her lips and kissed it. “Forgive my frustration. I only want what is best for my people. If only they could see in me the very things you do.”

  He smiled and smoothed his hand across her cheek. “I fear for you, my queen. Surely, trouble is coming. The longer Chan spoke to Callum, the angrier the king became. He vowed to return to Oros and speak with his own priests to confirm Chan’s claims. Chan stood firm and insisted the laws are boldly written in every Holy Scroll. If that is so, Callum’s priests will not be able to satisfy him.”

  Angeline grasped his hand again and held it close to her breast. “If the kings are not in agreement, did Chan say how the next high king will be chosen?”

  “If the standing kings cannot come to a consensus, those wishing to hold the title must prove their worthiness and win the title.”

  “Win? As in battle?”

  “I would assume so. Soon after Chan’s revelations, Callum fled the temple. They did not discuss the intricacies of the law. I know not how this will end, my queen, but it will not be good.”

  She certainly knew. This divine disclosure played perfectly into her plans and further affirmed her ultimate destiny.

  “God is in control,” she whispered.

  “Yes, He is.” Kendor swallowed hard and stared at the place where his hand now lay. And yet, he made no attempt to move it.

  “Now that we are aware of this old law,” he went on. “It would benefit you to speak of it to the people. Callum may attempt to supersede it, or perhaps even stifle the priest from making it known. If you show yourself as knowledgeable of all that is written in the Holy Scrolls, the people will trust you and see you as sanctified.”

  She caressed h
is hand and kept it pressed to her bosom. “I was wise to enlist your counsel.” She penetrated his eyes with her own. “I will speak to the people at the time of Frederick’s funeral and make the law known, and I will relish seeing Callum’s reaction when I do so.”

  “I know how much it will pain you to relinquish the high throne, but if you bring forth a son, perhaps you can regain it. Win it back for him.”

  “I intend to find a way. I refuse to allow anyone to take what rightfully belongs to Basilia, and therefore to me and my child. I have embraced this realm and its people, and I do not intend to fail them and relinquish their status in this world.” She smiled, already weaving a wonderful plan. “You have given me much to contemplate.”

  Kendor kept his gaze locked with hers. “Your Majesty, I am pleased you find comfort in my…hand…” He nodded toward it and roughly cleared his throat. “However, I find it difficult to keep my mind on matters of the realm with it resting in its current position.”

  She looked downward, then shyly lifted her eyes and released him. “Forgive me. I have grown quite comfortable with you, and my actions came of their own accord.” Her womanly instincts screamed. Never had there been a better opportunity to push her agenda forward. She merely had to act upon it.

  He breathed harder with every passing moment. “I, too, am comfortable with you.”

  The very words she wanted to hear.

  Knowing he was too noble of a man to act on his feelings, she took control as was her God-given nature. With her eyes transfixed on his, she eased her hand around the back of his head and threaded her fingers into his hair.

  He released the most delicious-sounding moan. “My queen…I—”

  She covered his mouth with her own and fervently kissed him.

  The dear man erupted in a blaze of heated passion. He grabbed onto her and drew her against him, kissing her over and over again. Just as abruptly, he stopped and cast a questioning look.

  She seductively licked her lips, then nodded a single time.

  The smile he cast in return set her skin on fire. She scarcely blinked, and he had his lips gliding over her cheeks, then down her neck. Before she could take a breath, he dropped to his knees, eased her back in the chair, and nestled himself between her legs. He pressed his mouth to the base of her throat and strangely tickled it with his tongue. Never before had she experienced the sensation his action brought forth.

  It had been foolish to think she would teach him. Perhaps carousing in the brothels of Issa had molded him into a proficient lover.

  A satisfied whimper escaped her.

  He glanced up, grinned, then guided his lips lower and lower until he reached her bosom. Even through the fabric of her black gown, the heat of his breath warmed her breasts.

  She fisted his hair with both hands and held him there. “I want you, Kendor. From the moment I first saw you, I recognized your unique qualities. I have not been able to keep you from my thoughts.” Panting heavily, she kissed the top of his head, then yanked it back to see his face. “When Frederick took my maidenhead, I was thinking of you.”

  “Truly?” He searched her face.

  “Never doubt it. I cannot explain how deeply you affect me.”

  “Oh, my queen.” He burrowed into her neck and eagerly kissed it. “You have been in my thoughts endlessly.” The heat emanating from every breath he panted set her on fire. “As much as I want you, how am I to have you?”

  She took his face in her hands and made him look at her, then penetrated his eyes with her deepest gaze. “God forgive me, but for you alone, I am willing to defy the laws. Yet, we must be discreet. No one can know.” She kissed him again, squarely on the lips.

  His mouth moved with hers as if he wanted to fully devour her. As much as she appreciated his eagerness, it would surely advance them to the bed, and now was not the time.

  Breathing hard, she flattened her hand against his chest and gently pushed him away. “At this hour, there are too many people wandering the halls who might hear us. Will you come to me tonight, when everyone is abed?”

  “Do we dare?” He set his hand atop her stomach. “You carry Frederick’s child. I vowed to protect you and your unborn. And even if you were not with child, if I take you to myself, I will not have the strength to relinquish you. I fear my thoughts will become muddied and make me unfit to stand as your sentry.”

  “If you are concerned that lying with me might hurt my child, I assure you it is but the size of a pea and cannot be harmed by our lovemaking.” She looked at him with as much adoration as she could muster. “As for the muddying of your thoughts, I know you, Kendor. You are honorable and loyal to the realm. I do not doubt for one moment you will capably keep your mind about you and your thoughts on what best suits the kingdom.”

  She caressed his rough face. “If we join, our bond will be unbreakable, and I will want you with me always. Perhaps one day, we can openly show our love. Until then, we must be secretive. Can you abide by this?”

  He grabbed onto her and squeezed so hard, she feared she might pop. “I do want you, Angeline. More than the air I breathe.” He firmed his jaw and stared into her eyes. “I vow to you, no one will know.”

  She gave him the gentlest of kisses. “Come to me at midnight, and I will be yours.”

  He slowly nodded, then rose to his feet. “I am already yours, my queen.”

  She slid her hand up his body and rested it over his pounding heart. Its rapid rate matched her own. Once again, she felt the blissful rising anticipation of what was to come. “For now, you should go. Seek out my cousin, Darius, and my maid, Shireen, and tell them to come to my chamber. They have been bickering and I must help them settle their grievances.”

  “Very well.” He bowed. “Do you require anything more of me at this time?”

  She stood, circled him with her arms, and kissed his cheek. “Between now and midnight, think about what we shall do together.”

  “The hour cannot come soon enough.” He gave her a rapid kiss, then rushed toward the door. “I will send those you requested.” He flung the door wide and left.

  It was almost impossible to contain her jubilance, yet she calmly shut the door. Everything was coming together almost too perfectly. Not only would she have a new lover—one that could prove to be her finest yet—but his news of the unfamiliar law exceeded all. She could not have orchestrated something so flawless.

  She would have to enlist Denali to help her attain her goal, which was not an issue. If she had not asked for Kendor to send Darius and Shireen to her chamber, she would immediately run to Denali with every detail. He would see the perfection in her plan and revel with her.

  “I am the prophesied queen.” She let out a happy squeal, then laughed and covered her mouth.

  All of her frustrations over Callum and Imran disappeared. They would be ended soon enough. She merely had to wait…

  Shireen folded her arms and rolled her eyes. “Why is he here?”

  Tempted to slap away the girl’s childish expression, Angeline shut the door behind Darius and motioned him into her chamber. “I invited him, along with you.”

  Darius looked from her to Shireen and back again. “Why?”

  She pointed to the chairs that were likely still warm from her passionate exchange with Kendor. “Sit and I will tell you.”

  The two walked across the floor and sat, though neither appeared pleased.

  Shireen jutted her chin. “Did I not ask to be kept far from him?”

  “You did?” Darius stared at her.

  “Yes. You disgust me.”

  “I disgust you? I had to put up with your endless whining for days. I was glad to be rid of you.”

  “Stop!” Angeline marched across the room and hovered above them. “Your childish behavior will not be tolerated. Which of you will tell me what truly happened on your journey to make you both so boorish?”

  As if a dam had broken, Shireen and Darius simultaneously ranted. They pointed fingers at one another
and spat out hateful words, but Angeline could make sense of none of it.

  “Enough!” She clapped her hands a single time. “You will speak in turn. Shireen, did Darius act in an inappropriate manner?”

  He folded his arms and scowled, and Shireen looked away.

  “I demand an answer,” Angeline persisted. “Did he make an attempt to compromise you?”

  Her head whipped around. “He teased me!”

  “In what way?”

  Shireen’s cheeks deeply reddened. “Can we not speak of this privately? In his absence?”

  “I attempted to extract the information from you separately, and you were both quite vague. Neither of you will leave this chamber until this matter is settled. So, speak your peace and tell me exactly what happened.”

  Shireen stared at her lap. “My woman’s time came while we were traveling,” she whispered, then ever-so-slowly, her head lifted. “Never before had I been put in such an uncomfortable position. I wanted nothing more than to be in the privacy of my own bedchamber, but it was an impossibility. I was miserable and in a great deal of pain. Because I had to change my rags, we were required to stop more frequently than Darius cared to.”

  Angeline sat in another chair beside them. “I understand such a situation could prove to be embarrassing, but Darius has a wife and is accustomed to womanly needs. He should have been sympathetic.”

  “He is vile.” Shireen cast a sideways glare. “He purposely released the most wretched-smelling odor. I nearly vomited, and it only emboldened him to do it again. He found it humorous to put his backside to me when doing so.”

  Angeline shifted in her seat and faced her cousin. “Is this true?”

  “Well…” He scratched the back of his head. “Lydia has never carried on in such a ridiculous immature fashion. Had you been there, you would have thought Shireen was dying. Even Perrin heard her moaning and groaning and stopped the carriage to look in on her. I have never known a woman to die from her monthly flow.”