Beyond The Realms

Chapter 6: The Questioning

Hours passed. As I flipped through the drier sections of the book, I came across a small painted panel. It was a miniature replica of the large painting above the library fireplace. The Chapter was called, "The Tears of Winter A Kingdom's Loss." From what I gathered with my first read - through, it was a historic story of love, triumph, tragedy, and loss. I found myself immersed in an account where a friend betrayed a friend, parents made the ultimate sacrifice, and a son was determined to see justice. It seemed there were two Fae (the female bowman in the painting, and the dragon rider) who fought together in a major war, fell madly in love. In the following years, a son, Talandrian, was born and grew well, learning the ways of ruling and beloved by the people. The whole family was loved as they were kind, just, and did what they could to help the people. When the son reached the age where he would be named as regent, as well as had an upcoming birthday, the townspeople were invited to celebrate. It was at this birthday party where traitors attacked and killed the parents. In a final act of love, the father threw his sword to his son, Talandrian, to protect his mother before being cut down. Sadly, the mother received an arrow to her chest, and eventually faded. Devoted servants grabbed the son and got him out of there, leaving his father's sword and mother's bow behind. In hiding, Prince Talandrian spent many years training and learning, only to have rumours spread he was an assassin. One by one, those involved in the death of his parents disappeared. No one claimed it was the prince, but many wondered. When Prince Talandrian finally attempted to come "home," he was permanently exiled by the usurper. Now, the exiled prince wandered the realms, he who was actually the true Winter King. Feeling overwhelmed with emotion, I tossed the book into my old clothing by the bed and walked over to the window.

Poe soon came bustling in with an unusually large platter of food, which we shared by the fireplace. I was still dwelling on this story later when she helped me ready for bed and left for her own chambers.

I reread the story several times before I finally put the book down and fell soundly asleep to dream of falling sheep with purple eyes, and the coming storm sounded like a muffled roar.

Morning came too quickly for me. I felt uncommonly strange as I woke, and struggled to sit up. The feeling that I had been here for ages, and yet I had only arrived yesterday, weighed heavily on my shoulders. Poe was already pulling my blankets off and setting out clothing. She checked the windows for drafts as wind and snow beat against them.

"The King is already asking to speak with you," she informed me breathlessly, her expression troubled.

I had forgotten about the king's and my prearranged chat this morning and hurried to ready myself for the event. Poe made sure I was presentable, then lead me back to the rather empty throne room where the King sat still and upright on the throne. She stopped at the doors, leaving me to continue on alone.

"Good morning, Thea," it was little more than a murmur. Snapping his fingers and glancing to the side, Valentin seemed eager to begin our conversation. A simple chair was brought forth and sat on the floor before the throne's steps. Two guards placed themselves behind the chair. I stopped before sitting and looked at the guards questioningly.

"For your protection," Valentin smiled noticing my hesitation.

I sat, hands folded in my lap and my mouth feeling suddenly very dry.

"How did you sleep?" He began and barely waited for my answer of, "Very well, thank you" before continuing with his questions. "Have you ever seen weather like this?"

I continued to answer some simple, harmless questions about my stay so far and my journey to his castle. Surprisingly, I relaxed, after all, these questions were easy to answer and seemed genuine enough.

Then the atmosphere changed slowly, and what was supposed to be a simple, small talk, the getting to know you session turned into an all - out interrogation.

"What is your full name, what does it mean?" The King asked while his mouth was smiling but his eyes were not. "Are you a Queen? From where do you come? Do you have any family? Did anyone else come through the portal with you?"

I barely had time to answer between questions, barely had time to breathe. There was no sun shining through the windows to measure time passing. King Valentin asked questions like a police detective, asking for clarification, or to repeat something he found of interest. When I finally paused to take a deep breath, Valentin seemed to soften.

"My apologies for keeping you so long. I know this must be tiring for you, but I need to make sure you and my people are safe. We will speak again tomorrow. Enjoy my castle."

The king rose from his seat, turned, and left without any further conversation. One guard behind me tugged on my elbow and assisted me to my feet.

This seemed to be the routine from that day to the next, for the following two weeks. I would rise early in the morning, try to force some food down my throat, and go to speak with King Valentin. I tried to endure the endless questions, some of which I just couldn't answer, and keep my spirits up. Poe dutifully made sure my clothes were clean, I ate, and slept.

I tried asking about my silver Knights but was silenced by a curt reply of, "They left. Their job was finished." When I tried asking about a portal, I was brushed off.

"I have sent out riders to search for such a portal. I am sure they will return soon."

Poe had told me no one had left the castle since the snowstorm that happened the day after I arrived. I would share the questions asked of me that day with her, to see what she thought. Poe simply shook her Fae curls and whispered, "He's looking for something."

"Pardon?" I asked, wanting to make sure I heard correctly.

My handmaiden came and took my hands in hers. She kneeled in front of me and looked me straight in the eye.

"My lady," she whispered. "He is not a kind King. Watch your back, and only trust half of what he says...if that."

With those words, she went back to her duties, and I went back into a state of wondering when I would wake up from this dream.