The Empty Throne by Megan Derr

Author:Megan Derr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: bisexual, secrets, fantasy romance, transgender, royalty, queer fantasy, bonded, magic bond
Publisher: Megan Derr

Twelve

Oskia reached Starlen, the royal capital of Kenten, at dusk. She was exhausted, bruised, and battered, with a trail of bodies behind her that she didn't want to think about too much. Fazekas had been relentless in their pursuit, and it was dumb luck more than skill that had gotten her to her destination.

Luck, and her new fancy sword that she still didn't entirely understand.

Though every part of her body ached, and she hadn't eaten in at least a full day, Oskia didn't bother to stop to rest and clean up. She made directly for the royal palace, which sat in the middle of a body of water that was either a large pond or a small lake, she wasn't certain which, with two enormous bridges spanning the gap.

She'd never understood why they built the palace in such a showy, impractical place, especially since it was so cold most of the year that the water froze anyway, meaning any attempts at protecting the palace from attack were pointless.

Thankfully, it wasn't and would never be her problem.

Making her way through the crowded city was nearly another battle of its own. Despite the late hour everything was still busy, typical of that time of year when nobody was yet sick and tired of Eternal Night yet.

Oskia pulled her hood low to keep anyone from noticing her eyes and pushed onward until she finally reached the damn bridges, where she milled in with everyone else headed for the castle. The crowd here was lighter, but not by much, mostly staff headed for the night shift, the other bridge filled with people leaving their day shifts.

When she reached the gates of the palace, Oskia went to the line for guests. If this visit were official, she'd be let through the special guest gate with no fuss, but she didn't dare draw that kind of attention.

It took the better part of an hour for it to be her turn. Her body ached, her feet felt like they were on fire, and it was all she could do to keep her eyes open. The guard behind the admittance counter eyed her warily.

Oskia presented her signet and the papers she'd brought with her to prove her status and her mother's passing. "I am Lady Oskia Pakier, Duchess of Beltres, loyal vassal to His Late Majesty King Wendeth of Cremisio, and loyal vassal still to His Royal Highness the Regent Kite Myre, appointed in the wake of His Majesty's unexpected demise. I come on private, urgent business to speak with His Majesty the King."

The guard, eyes wide, took the papers and read them over. Swearing softly, he turned to one of the guards behind and barked out orders. Returning the papers, he jerked his head at the gate. "Be welcome, Your Grace."

"Thank you."

As she stepped through, another guard came up to escort her into the palace, where an imperious-looking servant took over and led her up the stairs and down a narrow hallway to what looked to be a private parlor.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.