23. fallen kingdoms

23

fallen kingdoms

Rivian

It's worse. I can tell it's gotten worse. I always knew she was a perilous creature but this is an undeniable danger that we have to eradicate. My wife is buried in a grave illness but this time, she's killed a Royal. A king. That may very well go above all innocent lives she's destroyed. How am I going to talk my way out of this?

My Factotum is sleeping with the king that my wife just killed, who had been blaming my Society for the Rogue that supposedly killed his brother, amongst many others.

The Society members amble into the room and make their way to find seating. Murmurs of curiosity and gossip fill the air creating an echo of voices to sound.

The Center Hall is a large multipurpose space, complete with standing room in the back and theater-like seating that extends in two sections on either side of the room. The back side of the room is attached to the castle while the front half of the atrium provides a near one-eighty view of the sea and the cliffs, made visible due to the windows that make up the rest of the room. Plants and greenery adorning the frames, vines spread throughout. The sun starts to disappear as the moon shimmers against the water on the other side, creating this luminary visual for the Society to enjoy while they wait for me to stand before them and speak.

Nearly every chair is full, and standing room is sparse. The protection shade embedded in the glass of the windows allows for all of the Nocturnes to feel secure from the remaining day light that threatens the outdoor space.

I had a plan. Tell them the truth. Speak to them about the promise to protect them and to serve the kingdom rightfully going forward. With your queen.

A queen that murdered the king who was the one threatening the…

The thought repeats itself. Over and over in my head like an incessant, scratched record.

"Stage fright?" My sister attempts to joke, nudging me in the arm as she cozies up to my side. I'm sure she sees that I'm not particularly fond of her jovial behavior, though I do find solace in her innocuous quips and her wise remarks every now and then. But right now my focus is narrowed.

"How am I expected to speak in front of an audience who demand a leader when I can not practice the methods of being a leader. I have failed this kingdom." profess as I pull the single button of my blazer through its loop.

I don't often prepare to acknowledge defeat, but I'm not too stubborn to know when my efforts were next to none when it comes to the interests of my own kingdom.

The thought of stepping back and allowing Travois to find a way to take my place is a thought that settles in the forefront of my mind. As much as it would abash me, sink my pride, I have to think about what would be best for both Lucynda and I.

"Don't do that, Rivian," Troian's tone switches from the light-hearted pitch she shared to a more criticizing tone. "You have not yet failed anyone yet." My sister grabs my elbow and forces my attention. "Many kingdoms have fallen, Rivian. But none have had brave enough leaders to fall with them."

I raise my brows at her statement, trying to dissect her words. I stare straight ahead, somewhat hidden in the shadows where the court lighting isn't focused and distantly listening to the whispers that fill the room.

"Be a leader strong enough to fall with his kingdom. Do not let them fail alone." Her words are strong and virtuous, but in true Troian fashion, her words of inspiration are usually always followed by an aphorism. "Ride it till the wheels fall off."

She pats me on the back and excuses herself to stand off to the side, giving me more time and space to decide how I want to play this. I could cancel, I don't truly owe them an explanation until I'm ready. They'd be annoyed, but they'd get over it. Or I can face this and feel some sliver of satisfaction knowing that I've gotten at least one thing taken care of, allowing me to remain locked in on everything else and I'd deal with any consequences later, if any.

I clear my throat, dust off my suit and walk toward the podium. As soon as I make an appearance, everyone shushes down and the eerie silence crashes against the nerves that have settled in my stomach.

I look out, everyone waiting with bated breath and attentive eyes. I grip the sides of the podium and begin.

"I have not been an altruistic or trustworthy leader to the Society and kingdom of Hollows Trace," I start, making it a point to look out to the faces that stare back at me. No one so much as breathes a new lungful as they wait for me to continue.

"I have led my duty as your king with a selfish quest of my own to fulfill an objective that would ultimately end in the ruin of Hollows Trace and I willingly connived regardless." This time, as I let my words fall from my mouth, a few light gasps can be heard spreading throughout as Nocturnes turn to each other and whisper their likely stigmatizing theories.

I feel a presence approaching behind me. I allow this moment to connect with Troian's eyes before dipping my chin to my chest and slightly looking to my right. The figure behind me is familiar and he takes one step closer, I see that Kacian has decided to join me.

He nods at me and I face forward to continue.

"In this process, my inimical actions led to my blindness of a threat that penetrated our Society in the form of accusation of treason." My people are suddenly jumping from their seats, some shouting their questions while others stress themselves with worry. I have to raise my voice over their interruptions to proceed. "I was presented with information that there is a Rogue loose in-" I can't even get the words out before chaos ensues. Hollers and shouts reach me, confusion morphs on their faces, along with potential fear.

I have to maintain this. I have to create a calm to counteract the storm. So my demand comes in a thunderous shout. "Order!"

Everyone listens to my voice as it roars over their grousing. They find their seats once more and return their attention to me.

"I am going to ask that everyone please remain in order and listen carefully." I clear my throat. "The Rogue has been assumed to come from our Society and has attacked four Outsiders, one non-Royal Nocturne, and one Royal in the confines of Valor Cove." I make a mental note, remembering that two of the four Outsiders were truly of Trav's doing, a confession he made but regardless the facts are as stated.

I look around at the thought of him, wondering where he might be. I told him to stay out of sight while keeping tabs on Zharus—who I know is locked up but where was he before that? Trav would be smart to keep away from this meeting, however. I won't out him as the suspect, but if anyone else figures it out, there will be a call for his head.

"What we know is that King Viktrum has accused our Society of treason. Treason which is punishable by the Faction as they see fit."

"Who is the suspect?" someone shouts from the crowd which avalanches more questions from others, turning to one another and trying to gauge if they can just their neighbors.

"I implore you all to not do anything unwise or minacious. I, as your king, am not convinced that the supposed Rogue has truly derived from Hollows Trace." The dominoed whispers settle down as I try to decide if I'm going to announce the death of Viktrum or not. I don't want to be too hasty and jump the gun on the reveal. That could lead to suspicion that we had something to do with his death—which would be truthful without intention. But I don't want them to feel as if I am holding back any more than necessary.

I ultimately decide it's not the best move to make. I'll make Trav and Kacian aware of the news that was presented to me, and we will come up with a plan to deal with Zharus and Lucynda.

"I can assure you that I am now fully invested in taking action to make sure that whoever is responsible will be handled accordingly. I ask you to please provide any information you might have. Your identity will remain private." I take a breath. I've never hoped for the type of respect that one deserves as a figure of royalty. I only demanded the respect I needed to move forward in my own devices.

I'm unsure of how to surmise this meeting, but I know I need to reestablish some kind of relationship with my people so that trust from them comes easily moving forward. An idea pops into my head that may help with the next step in our agenda—seeing as the King of Valor is dead, and the girls weren't able to find Ameliana. Zharus might be our only hope of finding out what we need to know.

I see a shift in movement out of my peripheral, noticing Troy lean off her stance against the wall. She can tell that I'm about to detour. I straighten my tie and ready myself to readdress the Society.

"To conclude this meeting, I'd like to announce that tomorrow night, the Gilded Hollow will be open for a formal carousal. All you can drink, fully guarded and of course, masks required. I hope to see all of you in attendance." I turn to leave the podium, feeling quite confident in my plans. But before I can make a clean getaway, someone shouts out.

"Where's the queen?" I turn my head to the familiar voice that pierces the air. The sound of shuffling follows as people turn to look at the source of the question as well. A question I had hoped wouldn't be asked.

I see Kacian step up and Troy does as well. I turn to find the one person I haven't thought about even an ounce since I threatened her.

Birdania.

I readjust my demeanor, knowing the wretched woman gives me the fucking shakes and she will do her best to make this harder for me than it needs to be. She stands from her chair and simply stares with her arms crossed. I had rejected her and her jealousy is obviously a factor as I examine her snark and hubris.

"The que-" I attempt to come up with an excuse, not willing to reveal the total truth of Lucynda's condition to everyone. Had she not returned back to her cursed self earlier, she'd be standing here right by my side. But before I can make up a lie to tell, the answer is spoken for me.

"The business of Your Highness is not of any concern of yours. Please do better to respect the privacy of your rulers or your invitation to the carousal will be revoked." Kacian's vehement and demanding voice booms over the curious faces, leaving Birdania utterly annoyed at the answer that was provided to her. She rolls her eyes and huffs as the dismissal of everyone else begins.

Troian walks over to where Kacian and I exit, leaving the Center Hall and stepping outside. There, we find Travois who seemingly stood nearby to listen to my unprepared speech.

"I'd say well done, brother but by the looks on your face…" he points to Troy, "there is nothing to celebrate." His analysis isn't shy of accurate but I would hope they'd have better faith in my plans.

We all huddle closely, making sure that no one else is watching or listening as we discuss our next steps. But first…

"Am I delusional to suppose that there might be a traitor amongst me and this kingdom?" My question simmers with my siblings and my wife's guard.

They all look between themselves for a beat before settling their eyes back onto mine. I think the answer is obvious, someone in this castle is—was—likely in an alliance with Viktrum. Or something of the sort. And unfortunately, the only person that I know of right now who has been close enough to the Valor king to scheme whatever illogical and moronic plan they might have come up with is Ameliana or Zharus.

I hate the idea that my Factotum might have betrayed me though. And if it were Amy, she'd proven just how right I was about the kind of person she is but she'd also let down a lot more than just me.

Before I can explain any further or elaborate my thoughts, Troian smacks my upper arm with a thud. "Idiot! What the hell are you thinking of inviting everyone to a freaking party? Is that really your master plan to reassure everyone of your leadership and their safety?"

"Would you calm down?" I request and all she does is give me a pointed glare and possibly flips me her middle finger, but I turned away from her before fully catching it. "The party will give us a distraction. We don't have long before the Faction is made aware of Viktrum's death and they make good on their threat to come to retrieve Travois. We need to figure this out and the party is our hourglass." The carousal will be a good event to have in the background as we track down anyone who might be involved.

"Apologies, brother. But did you just divulge that the king of Valor is dead?" Travois asks and I forget that he's been slinking to the shadows since our family gathering.

"It was an accident." I hear Troy reply, obviously wanting to defend her sister.

I look at the way she dips her head, eyes closed and the exhaustion rolls over her. She's tired. More so as of late than I've ever seen her. Troian isn't meant to be at everyone's beck and call. She's a lone soldier who thrives in her right to be free. But she's been roped into all this mess and she hasn't broken character to the loyalty she plays for me. I won't let that notion go unnoticed.

"Lucynda's curse has returned," I announce and in the same breath, I see the I told you so look across Trav's face and the need to say as much is barely kept under his control. "She's chained and contained for now but I'm afraid it's gotten worse. She's at risk of all her humanity being completely stripped from her at the likes of this disease and at that point, we won't be able to bring her back."

Troy scoffs, "And you planned a fucking party?" Vexation floods me at her rashness and I have to fight the urge to argue with her. Instead, I simply direct an unyielding glare at her and she retreats with an apologetic shrug.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to make things worse," she says and turns to face the others. "What should we do?" she asks and I see the look on Kacian's face as I turn my eyes to him.

"I may need Nathairia to come back," I admit. "I might have to ask her for another dose of the herbs or something else that may be stronger."

"You know that tangling with her will only cost you more than you can afford," Travois states. and I appreciate his attempt to look out for me, but I just don't have a choice.

"I'm aware," I claim and wait to see if Kacian will have an objection to my declaration.

"I want out of this," he implies while shaking his head harshly. "I am trying my fucking best to understand why you did what you did, Rivian. But I want nothing to do with that bitch." His clenched jaw and gritted teeth are all I need to understand that he still has ill feelings toward my actions, but what he and everyone else needs to know is that I will not stop at anyone's hurt feelings when it comes to my wife.

"Wait, before we jump to our own deaths," Troy interjects. "Is there literally anything that you can think of that might help? Maybe a book in the library or…"

"A book?" Travois casts his twin a satirical glance in which she just ignores.

"I don't know," she starts. "Maybe there might be information about these kinds of things in one." She doesn't back down from her suggestion even though I might agree with Trav's stance on it.

"We can try," I offer. "But we are running out of time."

"Well, what are we all waiting for?" She shoots each one of us an assertive glare before instructing us to get moving.

But just as quickly as she demanded our urgency to leave, she stops us to make a confession.

"Actually, one more thing." Her body language reads discomfort, and she seems unsure on whether or not to say anything at all, but she continues as we watch her with careful eyes.

"There's something you both have to see."