Chapter 11

Queen Courtney

The servants were kind to Courtney, and she was allowed time to relax in the bath. When she finished, she changed her dress into a queenlier one and was escorted to the throne room just as her husband had commanded. She saw Levi on his new throne and a smaller seat beside him upon entering. She walked up and sat beside him; the throne room was huge and circular, held up by expertly carved pillars.

Several people shuffled in, and Courtney spotted Tobias off to the side. When they looked at one another, he turned away and glared at something. Why was he so angry? He had been kind before.

When things settled down, and the room was packed, King Levi stood up and addressed the room. Courtney smiled at them, and she felt at peace. He would make the announcement to send help to Glidonia…

"My people! It's good to be back! I regret all that has happened since I left you! I'm sorry for your pain!" He shouted.

"I know you are all heartbroken over my father's sudden death! As am I! I want vengeance for him! I want the person who ordered my father's death to be brought to justice!" said Levi.

Courtney felt strange as the people in the room burst into cheers. Tobias crossed his arms and turned to glare straight at Courtney. She wanted to sink in her seat.

"I know who killed my father! Do you want revenge?" He asked. There was a loud noise of approval. Then Levi reached up and wiped away a tear.

"My dear wife has suffered much," he said. "She, too, had to watch her father die. I don't know who murdered King Randolph, but I know who murdered my father… My poor wife had to be born into a family of murderers." Courtney sat straight up.

"What?" She whispered.

"It is with regret that I announce the betrayal of Glidonia! Not King Randolph! I speak of King Derek and Queen Genevieve, the new rulers of Glidonia! King Derek sent the order to have my father assassinated! The man who sits on Glidonia's throne is a murderer and must answer for his crimes!" Levi screamed.

Everyone gasped, and Courtney got to her feet. She moved forward and grabbed Levi's arm.

"Levi, that's impossible!" She cried.

He shoved her away from him as a few guards came behind her and grabbed her arms as the people began roaring.

"For this crime, my first order as king will be to wage war against Glidonia!" Levi cried. "We won't rest until King Derek's, and Queen Genevieve's heads are on spikes!" said Levi.

Those in the throne room began stomping their feet; the sound was thunderous as Courtney screamed out, but her cry was lost in the noise. Levi turned his back on the people and stomped over to the guards holding Courtney.

"Come, wife," he said and took her by the arm.

"Levi!" Courtney gasped. "You've made a mistake! Derek couldn't kill –" she said but was cut off by Levi.

"A queen never questions her king!" Levi snapped. He dragged her away and out of the throne room. He no longer handled her gently. Courtney winced from the pain. He pushed her up some flights of stairs and pushed her inside what she presumed to be their bedroom.

"Levi, please! You can't wage war against Glidonia! You know that Derek is innocent!" Courtney gasped as Levi slammed the door shut and suddenly pushed Courtney against the wall.

"You are a stupid girl, aren't you?" He snarled at Courtney as she felt her heart go numb.

"What are you talking about?" She asked, tears springing to her eyes.

"Of course, Derek didn't kill my father! He's not smart enough! He's too naïve!" Levi snapped.

"Then why did you tell everyone that he…?" Courtney asked as Levi burst into a fit of giggles.

"Because it wouldn't do very good to tell them that I was the one that killed my father now, would it?" He laughed.

"You killed your father?" Courtney's voice was distant.

"And I killed yours," Levi said, grinning at her.

"Your sisters will fight for Derek and Genevieve, and they will die if they don't surrender; only then, with your help, not only will I rule over Thraas, but I will sit upon the throne of Glidonia as well…." He said as Courtney looked horrified, but then her face grew hard.

Without thinking, she smacked him across the face. In retaliation, he spat in her face. Then he grabbed her by the hands and made sure she couldn't move.

"You traitor! How could you?" Courtney gasped. "When I tell the people what you really are, you'll be hung!" she exclaimed.

"I would be, but who's going to tell them?" Levi grinned.

"I will!" She announced.

"You're my wife! You will do everything I tell you to," he said.

"I don't care if I'm your wife or not! I will tell them the truth! I can't let my country be invaded! Countless lives will be lost for your sick ambition!" Courtney cried.

Levi let her go, and she caught her breath. She glared at him and made her way to the door.

"Oh, before you go…" came Levi's voice behind her.

"I thought you just might want to know that if you say a word…." She froze. "…I will be forced to kill poor Kathleen." She couldn't move, and Levi came to her side and kissed her cheek.

"Good night," he said as he opened the door and left but not before locking the door, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

'This is all my fault,' she thought to herself as she began to cry.