Chapter 411: Not You
“So now I am your queen. When I was struggling to get the approval of my people, you were actively working to remove me from my position, a position given to me by the moon goddess and my husband, your king. You so badly did not want to be ruled by a human. The only crime of mine that you all cared about is that I am human, not that I ruled badly, just my race,”
Audrey wore a scowl on her face, anger bubbled under her skin. “You sat on your seats, made decisions to undermine me, suggested that my husband take a mistress. If it were not for the love that my king had for me I would have been killed by you and Astrid. For your crimes, I strip every last one of you of your titles, all of you will be branded as the traitors that you are, you will not be paid any wages and you will be banished from this city never to step foot here ever again.”
Constantine’s head snapped up, his eyes wide, “But my queen! You said if I confessed I would be spared the disgrace!”
“Did I? I guess I lied. Just like you four did when Astrid first accused you. Get out of my sight!”
The guards took hold of them and hauled them out of the room as they argued and cursed at Constantine.
As the door shut behind them Darius reached over and squeezed Audrey’s hand, bringing it to his lips he pressed a kiss to her knuckles, “It is over.”
“Not until we find Lord Anthony,” Audrey said.
“The council of elders are now incomplete, your Majesties. We need more members,” The Oracle said, interrupting them.
A brilliant thought crossed Audrey’s mind, but she could not say it until she had asked the people involved. “We will discuss and revisit this later,” Audrey told the Oracle.
The Oracle simply glanced at Darius and nodded. Audrey and Darius stood, Elder Irene, Elder Elfred and The Oracle all stood as well and curtsied to them as they walked down the dais and out of the room. Ryker followed after them, falling into step.
“How is the search going?” Darius asked Ryker.
“My men had checked his manor, but no sign of Lord Anthony. He has some other properties on his lands that I have sent them out to check as well. We will know more soon,” Ryker informed them.
Audrey nodded, “He is the only one left.”
Ryker bowed to them and walked away.
“I was thinking,” Audrey began. Darius glanced at her, listening. “I wanted to offer Marchioness Cordelia a seat on the council of elders.”
Darius raised his brows in shock, “Really?”
Audrey nodded, “She has excellent skills when it comes to matters of the court, she is just and it would be better to add someone young that is not greedy for power.”
Darius fell into quiet thought, thinking it over. “I hear you. Would you ask her?”
Audrey nodded, “I will ask her right now.”
Audrey turned to Darius, tugging at his mantle, pulling him down into a kiss. She pulled away, biting down on her lips, “See you later, husband.”
With that she turned and walked away. Darius watched her leave, his heart racing and his length digging into his pants.
The guard at the door pushed it open with a respectful bow as Audrey walked into her private study. The room was bathed in the soft, golden light of the afternoon sun filtering through tall mullioned windows, and the air carried the faint scent of burning pine logs from the hearth.
Heavy oak shelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound ledgers and ancient scrolls, while rich tapestries depicting the empire’s founding hung above them.
She met Cordelia seated on an oak chair close to the hearth. Cordelia was not on Audrey’s velvet chair. Audrey smiled softly at the sight. Cordelia raised her head from a ledger she was going through, only just realising Audrey had entered the room.
She stood to her feet, her face bright as she walked towards Audrey with open arms. She embraced her friend warmly. “Audrey dear, you look absolutely radiant.”
Audrey hugged her tightly, breathing in the familiar scent of lavender and parchment. “And you look busy. I hope I am not interrupting.”
They pulled apart. Cordelia took hold of Audrey’s hand and led her to another oak chair opposite hers.
Audrey looked to the large velvet chair behind the mahogany desk and asked, “Why don’t you use the bigger chair? It is a lot more comfortable.”
Cordelia shook her head with a gentle smile. “I will not sit on your chair, Audrey. I am very comfortable here.”
Audrey smiled, knowing she had made the right decision. “How are Tia and Am?”
“They are perfect. Faye and Ruby are with them now.”
“I almost forgot to tell you. We have begun moving some misplaced children and mothers into the group home. House Avalorn has made generous donations of food materials. We have sent out more flyers in the gossip papers to send word of the group homes opening,” Cordelia proudly informed Audrey.
“I wish we could have a celebration for the opening. It would spread the word a lot better and encourage more nobles to contribute.”
Cordelia placed her hand on Audrey’s, her touch warm and reassuring. “Do not worry. You just delivered, do not trouble yourself. When you feel up to it we will organize something in the palace.”
Audrey sighed, leaning back slightly in the chair. “You are right. Actually, there is something I want to speak to you about.”
“Of course,” Cordelia inched closer, her expression attentive.
“Today, during the Councilmen’s trial I got Constantine to confess to their crimes and Astrid was right. I had to release them of their duties and take their seals and so…”
“You need more members for the council of elders,” Cordelia finished Audrey’s sentence.
Audrey nodded, watching Cordelia’s expression closely. “I do not think I know of anyone that would be a good match for the seat. Most people are power hungry.”
“Not you,” Audrey said, causing Cordelia to turn to her fully. She watched realization dawn on Cordelia. “I did not want to tell the Oracle without asking you first. So, what do you say?”