Chapter 10
Princess Courtney
"Court, we're here," Levi said suddenly, shaking her awake.
She opened her eyes and stared up into the face of her husband Levi smiled at her, and she felt her heart lift, he was so handsome, and she was grateful she had him.
Since they left the wedding, things hadn't been easy for her. Finding out that her father had died wasn't easy for her; his death still left a hole in her heart, and she wasn't sure if it would ever heal.
"Where?" She asked. Levi kissed her forehead.
"We're in Thraas," he said. Her eyes filled with tears.
"Will you send protection to Glidonia? My sisters will need it," she said.
"Yes, of course, I will. Anything for my queen," Levi answered.
"Come. There are guards waiting for us. They will protect us until we are safely in the castle." The guards surrounded them as they left their carriage. Levi took Courtney by the hand and guided her; even though her knees were weak, he ensured she wouldn't fall.
"You'll be able to sleep in a real bed again," he told her. "You've been so restless. Anything you need, it will be provided for you." He said.
"Thank you," she said and leaned against him. Their party walked up the front steps to the Thraas castle. When they got inside, the guards spread out, and Courtney was able to see the magnificent castle.
It was different from her home, but she felt safe there. A sense of relief washed over her.
"Levi!" Someone cried. Courtney lifted her head and saw a blonde man running toward them; he threw his arms around Levi and hugged him. Courtney could immediately tell who he was, even though she'd never seen him before.
"Brother," Levi said.
"It's been so long," the brother said. "I was worried about you after the news of King Randolph's death. Our father died not long before that. Someone out there has it in for kings. You'll have to be careful."
"Yes, I will, won't I?" Levi said. He motioned at Courtney.
"This is my wife, Queen Courtney. Courtney, this is my younger brother, Tobias. He's 7 years younger than me." Courtney curtsied before him.
"It's a pleasure," she said.
"I'm sorry about what happened to your father," Tobias said.
"And I'm sorry about what happened to yours," she said, her heart twisting. Tobias shared Levi's hair, and though he certainly wasn't ugly, he wasn't attractive either, but he is still a teenager, so there's room for improvement.
His nose was slightly larger than average, and he was skinny but seemed to be getting his athlete body. His eyes were small and were the color blue. A few freckles dotted his face, but you could barely see them.
"Guards!" Levi shouted. "Take my wife to the baths! Make sure she has everything she needs! Then bring her to the throne room so we can discuss our next plan of action!" The guards obeyed orders and escorted Courtney out.
Prince Tobias
Prince Tobias felt so much love and adoration when he stared at his brother. It hadn't been easy since his father died. Everyone panicked since the new king, or Levi, was away, which meant much responsibility for Tobias. Now that Levi was back, their country was sure to be all right.
"Your wife is lovely," Tobias commented.
"Yes, she is," Levi said.
"Guards, leave us. Walk with me, Toby." He put an arm around Tobias's shoulder, and they began walking away from the group of guards.
"Do you know who killed our father?" Levi asked Tobias. He shook his head.
"No one knows. It was poison though; maybe the person that killed our father killed King Randolph…" he said.
"Well, I don't know who killed King Randolph, but I was able to find out who killed our father," Levi said.
"Who?" Tobias's voice shook.
"Well, the order was sent out by Prince, or excuse me, King Derek of Glidonia," Levi answered. When Tobias's eyes widened, Levi went on.
"I was shocked too, of course, but I found the order tucked away. Derek promised gold to the assassin. I don't know where the man who did it is now, but I assume he's going to Glidonia to pick up his reward. Now Derek is king." he said.
"By what good would it have come for him to kill our father?" Tobias asked.
"Don't ask me to tell you how sick people think. They like pain. He probably did it for some sort of political gain, but I don't know what. We must exact revenge, though. I can't idly sit by and let justice not work," Levi said.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Tobias asked.
"Because I was a foreigner. The people wouldn't trust me in Glidonia," Levi answered.
"Yet you still married into that family?" said Tobias.
"As far as I'm concerned, the family didn't know about it, but Derek did…and his wife probably knew too. I think they felt threatened by us. Chances were they were happy about me marrying Courtney, so they could have one of their own in our family. Courtney won't be able to do anything, though…" he said.
"How do you know?" Tobias asked.
"She's too weak. She won't be a threat. King Derek and Queen Genevieve may even be more willing to admit their treachery if we have their sister." Said Levi.
Tobias stopped and stared in horror at his brother. "You're planning on using her as a ransom? She's innocent! Even if her family –" he began, you can't do that.
"Silence! I am your king now! You will not question my ways. Just because Courtney will be a ransom doesn't mean I will hurt her. After all, she is my wife, and I am very aware that she is innocent. You don't need to fear for her, brother. You should fear for our country," Levi said coldly.
Tobias nodded; his throat constricted with emotions. He wasn't sure what to feel. Hate? Sadness? Pity for Queen Courtney since her family was murderers? At least Levi was back to make things better…
"I'll announce the truth to the public in the throne room. I trust you'll be there," Levi said.
"Of course," Tobias said. "I will always support you. I am your brother." Said Tobias.
"Good," Levi said and walked away.