The Witch's Reward (22 page)

He retrieved the knife from the ground and reached for Lucien, dragging his carcass off the floor. Holding him up, Christoff held the knife to his stomach. He would get answers and he would get them now.

“It’s time for the truth, Lucien. Why did you lie to me? Why did you tell me Larra was trying to kill my father?”

Lucien tried to smile, but couldn’t. “Isn’t it obvious?” came the forced reply. “I didn’t want her to reach the palace. I didn’t want her to heal…
him
.”

“Me?” asked the king. “If that is true, then you wanted me dead. Why, Lucien?  Was this all your doing—the sickness, everything?”

“Her doing. Lissa’s doing.”

“What?” gasped the king, turning to face his wife. Lissa slowly approached from the bedside to stand beside her husband. She put a gentle hand of reassurance on his arm.

“Explain yourself,” she ordered Lucien.

“I did it for you, Lissa. All of it. I knew you loved me. Knew you wanted to be with me forever. You don’t really love that fool of a king. You love me as I have loved you all these years, in secret.

“I wanted the king dead so that we could finally be together. My plans, my dreams, they were all about you. I began poisoning the king weeks ago, but that, that
thing
,” he said with an accusatory look in Larra’s direction, “was going to ruin it all. I didn’t want her to reach the palace because I knew she could heal him. She could undo everything I’ve worked so hard for. And she did.”

Lissa looked stricken. “No, oh no, oh no,” she whispered, turning to her husband with a look of horror. “If I hadn’t been so foolish when I was younger…If I had only told you the truth instead of going to my father…But I didn’t. I made a mistake and you paid the price.”

“What are you talking about?” Steffan demanded. She quickly told him about Lucien’s forced attentions.

He raised a hand tenderly to her cheek. “Don’t think for a minute that this is your fault. It’s his. Wholly, completely.” He stepped toward Lucien. “You were my best friend. I trusted you!”

“And I’ve hated you with my every breath. You stole the one thing I wanted most. You stole Lissa from me.”

Lucien turned back to Lissa with a tortured look. “It’s not too late,” he pleaded. “We can still be together. We can make it work.”

For a moment the queen didn’t answer. She was too surprised by everything that had been revealed. When she did finally respond, it was with the voice of a person who felt sorry for another.

“No, Lucien. I have never loved you and never will. Steffan is my husband and the only man I love. I feel sorry for your delusions, but they are of your own making. You and I will never, ever be together.”

Her words penetrated. What happened next was shocking and disturbing, for with a cry of despair, Lucien pitched forward and fell down upon the knife that was held to his belly. A gurgling sound erupted from his throat and Christoff jumped back to avoid the heavy dead weight of Lucien’s body as it fell. The knife had gone all the way through. Within only moments, the kingdom’s biggest threat lay on the floor, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. He had killed himself.

Chapter 25

Following the chief counselor’s timely suicide, the king ordered his guards to dispose of the body and then gave directions to several servants who seemed to magically appear on the threshold of his private chambers. Larra was taken away by a plump maid and shown to a bathing room where she was permitted to bathe and then fall asleep in a mindless heap across the bed.

She awoke hours later to a knock on the door, which opened to reveal a different maid carrying a tray of breakfast. The seasonal fruit and honeyed bread was delicious, and she ate her full before reaching for the gown that had been set aside for her to wear to her meeting with the king.

It was a gown of blue silk, and to Larra’s eyes there had never been a lovelier garment. The sleeves were long and fitted, suited to the suddenly cooler autumn weather. Teal and silver-colored flowers were embroidered on several inches of the hemline as well as around the scooped neckline and up the ends of the sleeves. As the maid tied a thick decorative ribbon around her waist and wove similar ribbons into her hair in a simple but refined updo, Larra couldn’t help but wonder if everyone was treated with such kindness at the palace. Obviously, the king and queen didn’t recall that she was a prisoner, not to mention a witch. 

She’d never forget the moment when the maid turned her to face a large, oval mirror. She’d had few chances in her life to see her whole appearance. Her grandmother had kept a small looking glass, which she had looked into a time or two to fix her hair for village gatherings. But the sight of the beautiful young woman staring back at her left her flabbergasted. Was that really her?

“You are so beautiful,” the maid said with a wistful sigh. “You must have made quite an impression on the prince.”

Just the mention of Christoff sent mixed feelings of sadness and bitterness coursing through her. Sweet memories of his kisses and kindness collided with the sour memories of his betrayal and the disgust that had filled his face when he had seen her scars. She had to keep reminding herself that it didn’t matter, that she had more important things to do with her life. But it was difficult to do, especially when she was in the same building as Christoff and didn’t know when she would see him next. It was hard to forget someone who could turn up at any moment.

“Yes,” she had answered, quietly. “Quite an impression.”

Not much later, she was led down a long hallway and into a waiting chamber. Her whole body shook with nerves. Would the king grant her time, like the queen had promised? Or would he punish her for using her magic? At least she had the queen to support her, even if the son did not. She hadn’t been permitted to stay after the suicide to find out what everyone thought of the whole mess. But when all was said and done, even if it was the counselor’s fault that the king had been ill, Larra was still a witch who had used her magic. And that was against the law.

The door to the waiting room swung open and a guard uniformed in the now familiar green, black, and gold colors of the palace walked in. After announcing that the king was ready to receive her, he stepped back out of the room and waited for Larra to follow. Leading her down yet another hall, Larra couldn’t help but appreciate the beauty of the palace. With the late morning light shining through the gracefully arched windows on one side of the hall, and tapestries and works of art lining the opposite wall between polished wooden doors, the palace was a stunning place. Seeing its splendor, Larra wondered how the gardens would look in the daylight and hoped she would get the opportunity to see them before she was either executed or sent away. 

Her guide finally stopped at a door, not unlike the many she had already passed. Before the guard could knock, the door swung open and Christoff walked out. His steps stuttered when he saw her, and he paused in the open doorway.

“Larra,” he said, surprised.

“Prince Christoff.”

“You look beautiful.”

His eyes raked over her in appreciation and Larra was instantly annoyed. How dare he call her beautiful when she was trying to get over him! She raised her chin.

“Thank you, Prince Christoff.”

At her abruptness, Christoff seemed to hesitate. His eyes softened towards her. “Look, Larra, I—”

“I’m sorry, but I have an appointment with the king,” she cut him off. She didn’t want to hear anything he said to her. She wasn’t going to be played for a fool again. A little flattery, maybe an apology, and she knew that she would fall for him a second time. Whatever he thought of her, she wouldn’t stand to be led on a second time.

“Larra, I know you are upset, and I can’t begin to express my apo—”

“You’ll have to excuse me. I wouldn’t want to keep your father waiting, seeing as how he’s about to determine my future.” She was not going to let him apologize. Not now. Not when so much had already happened.

Christoff grimaced when he realized he couldn’t detain her longer. “Of course,” he conceded with a sigh, gesturing politely to the door.

Chin still raised, Larra avoided looking at him as she brushed by and entered the king’s office. She didn’t know that Christoff remained in the doorway watching her with regret in his eyes. Nor was she aware that the king had witnessed every move played out between the two.

At the click of the door latch, Larra relaxed enough to focus on the man sitting behind the large desk. The room was not much bigger than the waiting room she had just left, though equally as opulent and heavily decorated. There were two oval-backed chairs upholstered in gold and green placed before the desk, and others interspaced between plants and pedestals along the walls. The man facing her was the picture of perfect health, and though he lacked the robes and crown worn when conducting business with his subjects in the great hall, his rich, velvet clothing was undeniably costly and well tailored. He regarded her for a moment in silence, before motioning to one of the chairs.

She sat, her stomach bubbling with nerves.

“Larra Stoneworth of Farr.” Leaning forward in his chair, he placed his arms on his desk and began to talk in earnest.

“During the last few hours I have learned many things. My son has informed me of the events that occurred during your journey to the palace, including your run-ins with a soldier named Smithen and the carnie attacks. It seems you have had a very difficult journey, young lady. He also told me what Lucien said upon your arrival at the palace—which is hogwash, of course. No woman who wanted me dead would then come to my bedside and heal me. And you must know that I am extremely grateful for your help. Undoubtedly, I would be dead were it not for you.

“My wife also informed me of the scene she found in the dungeon.  Please accept my sincere apologies that such a thing occurred. The man who tortured you was someone I trusted, but who had obviously turned from me many years ago. His betrayal has caused me much grief.

“Now, before we continue, is there anything else I should know, any additional information you can give me about the events that have transpired in the last few weeks?”

Larra was glad for the opportunity to speak. She eagerly told him all she knew and had learned about Lucien, including that he had admitted to sending Smithen after her, as well as the carnies. When she mentioned the reason behind Lucien’s torture, the king’s eyes went wide with surprise.

“He was trying to obtain your magic?”

“Yes, sire. And he said he had been experimenting on creatures of the forest. Also, he had some way of contacting the carnies, to make them agree to attack the party.”

“I can’t believe this. He was far more deranged that I thought. You said he had some sort of black stone?”

“Yes, sire. He held it in his hand as he tortured me. He believed it could conduct magic.”

“We will have to search his private study. My men have already gone through his sleeping chambers and office, but there was another room I lent to him some years ago, with the promise that he would never be disturbed there. He needed a place to study his books without interruption, and I trusted him. But it looks like the room may have been used for far more than that. Thank you for informing me. I will have all of this looked into immediately.”

“I am sorry for your loss of a friend. I imagine it must be very painful.” She could tell the entire situation was very difficult, even for a king. To have a trusted friend turn from you and betray you was devastating, Larra knew firsthand from her experience with Christoff.

“Thank you, my dear. All things considered, it would be remiss of me to execute judgment concerning your welfare when much of my previous information was supplied by a man who wanted you dead. You will be granted a reprieve, as my wife promised, and will remain in the palace until more information can be gathered and a fair trial given.” 

He sat back, an apology in his eyes. “Larra, know that if I were able, I would free you immediately. I do not feel that a person should die simply because they have been given an extraordinary gift. However, the peace of this kingdom depends upon the laws being upheld. My people trust me to enforce the law, no matter what. And for their sake, I cannot simply ignore it. But know that I will do everything in my power to release you from the punishment we both fear may be given. It will be my priority over the next several days to find a solution that is agreeable to all.”

“I understand.  Thank you for giving me time; it means more than I can say.”

“Under the circumstances, I do not feel it necessary to have you guarded; though I ask you not to use your magic during the time you are here in the palace, as it might inspire fear amongst some of my people. Only Lissa and the knights who were with you know of your reason for being here. I did not want my people advised that there was a witch in their midst until judgment was absolutely necessary. My son will speak with his men and ask them to keep quiet. They are trustworthy and would not dare defy me in this, so rest assured that you will not be bothered while you are here in the palace. Both my son and my wife hold you in the utmost regard, as do I.”

Larra was surprised to hear that Christoff had spoken so well of her. She imagined he felt a little guilty at learning that she didn’t have anything to do with the king’s sickness.

“Is this your first time to the city, my dear?”

“Yes, sire. My first time anywhere.”

“Then you must look around. You are free to walk through the city as long as you take one of my men with you. Simply tell my steward when you wish to go and he will find someone to accompany you. I believe the autumn market is in full swing and will continue for a few more days. If you haven’t been before, then you should take advantage of the opportunity while you are here.”

Larra smiled weakly, “Thank you. I have always wanted to go, but think that under the circumstances I should avoid running into other villagers from Farr until my fate has been decided.”

“Very well. I will meet with you again after I have had a chance to personally verify the laws and search my counselor’s room.” He rose from his chair and moved around the desk, offering Larra his arm. As they slowly walked toward the door, Larra noticed a brilliant tapestry covering an area of the wall. The king perceived her interest and led her to it, giving her time to stare.

“It is one of my favorites,” he said. “I found this, and another that is in my private chambers, hidden away in an abandoned tower several years ago. It brings me peace just to look at it.”

And it did. Larra was transfixed by the story woven into the wall covering, the delicate threads casting a glow that pulled the viewer into the art. The cottage in the glen, the birds singing from the blossoming trees, and the warmth of a golden sun all seemed to shower Larra with a feeling of calm. She knew that it was her mother’s work, though she had never seen it before. Just standing next to the tapestry and feeling the magic flow from it was all the witness Larra needed.

She pulled away, knowing her time in the king’s office was over. As they continued to the door, the king spoke. “Incidentally, my dear, how did you come by your magic? I thought fairies stopped giving it to humans some years ago. And you are far too sweet to have gotten it from carnies.”

With a sad smile, Larra told him what she had learned about her mother, as well as about the incident with the lumbar.

“So I received it indirectly. I’m sure the fairy had no idea what he’d done.”

“Didn’t he?” responded the king in a speculative tone. He then opened the door and showed her out, leaving Larra to wonder if she had been part of some unforeseen destiny. She recalled the words of the gnome and the fortune that had been told. She had, indeed, suffered the “lash of man’s evil desire.” Now she wondered if she would be blessed with great rewards or if she would be executed.

The gardens were even more beautiful by daylight. It had been three days since her conversation with King Steffan, and Larra had enjoyed every moment. The servants in the palace treated her with respect and often sent smiles her way when she passed. She was allowed to eat her meals in her chamber, a beautifully feminine room with dark wood furniture and decorated in delicate colors of rose and cream. When she wasn’t in her room, she wandered through the palace gardens, as she was doing now. She hadn’t seen either the king or queen during her sojourn, and had even succeeded in avoiding Christoff. He had sent her several notes over the last few days, but she had tossed them into her fireplace without opening them. She didn’t want thoughts of that man to invade what few moments of life she might have left.