Queen of Hearts (The Risen King) by Samantha Warren

Author:Samantha Warren [Warren, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-06-28T00:00:00+00:00

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FIFTEEN

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Arthur stood in the dining room at the head of the table. Around him stood several of his knights and the generals of the North, South, and East. Norin, general of the West, was on patrol around the perimeter.

“Castle Eiri Greine is impenetrable. Trust me, I know. It must be a trick.”

Zela shot a glare across the table at Deklen. “It's not a trick, you imp. I've checked. The castle has fallen. The South is in the hands of Leanansidhe.” She slammed her hands down on the wood with force enough to topple a nearby chair. “She has my mother!“

“Calm down, Zela.” Arthur kept his voice steady and soft, but he felt her pain. Everyone did.

Percival stood close to her and he slipped his arm around her waist. She rested her head on his shoulder and forced herself to take several deep breaths.

“Regardless of what was once believed, we have the facts. Leanansidhe has the South, and she has Titania, along with countless number of servants. We don't know who has turned or who has been killed. The only information we have is what Kane was able to share with us, and that is very minimal.” Arthur tapped the map that covered half the table, indicating a bright yellow spot in the south. “The one thing we are absolutely certain of, though, is that we cannot let her keep it. We will get the castle back, and we will save the queen.”

“What if she's already dead?” Drakka crossed her arms beside her brother. They were both shiny rays of sunshine.

“She's not. We would know. Leanansidhe would not toss away a powerful asset such as Titania. And if the queen did die, Leanansidhe would not hide it. What better way to demoralize your enemies than to take down one of the strongest queens ever seen and parade the body in front of the others? No, Titania is still alive, and we'll see to it that she stays that way.”

The king rubbed a hand across his face and through his blond hair. “Let's break for a bit and then return to this to formulate a plan. We're all exhausted at this point and emotions are running high. We need clear heads and clear hearts when we figure this out.”

The others mumbled in agreement and filtered out of the room. As Zela and Percival left, a guard scooted in through the door behind them. “Your highness? Guinevere has been asking to meet with you. I know you insisted you not be bothered by her, but she is very persistent.”

Arthur's lips pinched together. “That she is.” He sighed and ran his hand through his hair again. “Very well. Bring her to the garden. I will meet you there in ten minutes.”

“Yes, your majesty.” The man bowed and walked out as Lancelot came in.

“How'd the meeting go?” Lancelot plopped himself in a chair and threw his feet up on the table. “Make any headway?”

Arthur shook his head. “No, not yet. But we will. We'll get Titania back one way or another.

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