Acclayne Book 1: The Game Begins
Chapter 25

King Humphrey gazed pensively out of the window. The rain was finallybeginning to abate; though the change in weather did nothing tosettle his mood. Joanne sat across from him, reading. She thought itbest to preoccupy her mind with something trivial – she did notwant any unnecessary stress troubling her unborn child. She felt thebaby kick out and she massaged her swollen belly; it was a shame thatthe little one would have to be born into such troubling times.

The pair had confinedthemselves to their private chambers of late, as was suggested by theKing's brother. He insisted that he be the one to sort out theconflict with Corthus and so was given full command of the army;allowing the Humphrey and Joanne to remain safe and out of sight. TheKing couldn't honestly say that he agreed with the idea, he wanted togive his people some words of encouragement, allay their fears – asKing it was the least that he should be doing. If he were younger,and the birth of his child now imminent, then he would have insistedon riding out with the soldiers. Sitting around was hardly aproductive way for him to be spending his time. He was akin to a birdin a cage – ever restless and wishing to be proactive.

The Queen, on the otherhand, had welcomed the suggestion; moving around was becoming quitetiresome and she felt more comfortable having her husband close. Hisrestlessness troubled her; however, and she longed for something toease his mind, and as if by some miraculous design; there came ashort, sharp knock on the door.

“Enter.” The King'sresponse came quickly, his voice fraught with tension. Both he andthe Queen watched as the door opened to reveal Prince Fofana. TheKing breathed an audible sigh of relief upon the sight of him.

The Queen smiled, “Youare looking well. Does this mean you have good news?” Her voice washopeful; her husband may not have noticed but his brother was nigh onglowing. She could feel the joy radiating from him and she basked init – she couldn't help but feel that the worst was somehow over.

“Extremely goodnews... my Queen.” He said bowing low before them, his dark hairfell boyishly over his eyes as he rose. “The city of Corthus isunder siege as we speak; the King was captured this morning and noone is to be let in or out until the matter is settled. The King isprisoner in his own castle.” He smiled wickedly.

“Thank The Mother.”The King breathed as he looked to the Heavens.

“Indeed.” Fofanapractically purred with delight as he slowly paced the room.

“You have done well,all your plans have come to fruition.” Joanne smiled warmly at him.

“More than one mayrealise.”

“We are lucky to haveyou.”

“Then it is over? Thethreat to my throne? We are safe?” The expression on Fofana's facefaltered for the briefest of moments, but the change was lost on theanxious King and Queen.

“Well-” he startedas he circled their chairs; positioning himself beside the Queen. “Iwouldn't say that.” He snaked his arm around her as Humphrey lookedon helplessly. Fofana brought his mouth to her ear; she felt the heatof his breath on her cheek;

“With sincerestregret my Queen...” he whispered as he deftly produced a smallsilver dagger and plunged it into her swollen stomach. His wickedsmile did not once leave his lips, not even when he pulled his armfree and she slipped to the floor.

Spurred into action theKing rushed to her side, cradling her prone form desperately in hisarms. His hand came to her stomach where red blossoms had alreadybegun to form through her cream dress.

“Hold on darling,hold on- Guards!” He cried, but Fofana had slipped away, and noguards came to their aid.

“My love-” shecould feel the heat draining from her and she knew that their unbornchild was already dead. Slipping into unconsciousness Queen Joanne ofCortharen died with tears in her eyes, and her King was left togrieve alone.

***

“It is done,” shebreathed, her voice full of a heady want for her Prince, “ and myhusband is captured.” Fofana pushed her blonde hair aside from herface. Her flawless looks were akin to a china doll; the innocence ofwhich hid her true power hungry nature. “Corthus is yours mysweet.”

Hepulled her close to him by her waist, he did not think twice aboutwhat he had just done to his own flesh and blood, all he could thinkof was the effect that shehad on his.

“No, ours.” Hegrowled as he felt her body rub against him. She entangled herfingers in his hair and he kissed her ferociously; the adrenalinpumping through his veins served to amplify his need. “We shallfinally unite the two kingdoms,” he uttered breathlessly, pullingaway from her briefly. He felt the draw of her lips like a magnet, anunstoppable force which he had no intention of fighting. “The newKing of Cortharen, and the Queen of Corthus.”

Her devilish grin wasnot lost on him as she murmured into his lips; “we shall beunstoppable.”