HIS QUEEN
Chapter 35

I looked at Mama confused. The forest lady was my mother? I turned to her, my eyes questioning but she looked blankly at me. Thane gave a signal and the guards dragged her out.

"Where are you taking her. I need to talk to her"

"She's to be tried for treason"

"Why? She saved me in the forest"

"She's responsible for Catalinas death" he stormed off. I walked after him, calling him but he ignored. Jairus held my arms to stop me from going after him. He led me to the garden where there was a swing seat. "Ask me"

"I thought Blithe killed her"

"Blithe was sent to kill her"

"She died over four centuries ago, witches don't live that long. There has to be a mistake"

"Not one as powerful as Bronte. She's one of the most powerful and one of the few that can live as long as a werewolf" Bronte. That was the name of my mother.

"How did they find out she was involved? Blithe was killed immediately"

"Blithe wasn't working alone. There was an investigation and the maid working with her confirmed Bronte was involved before she was killed"

"I need to speak to her"

"Father won't allow it. She's to be executed"

"He can't do that. That's my mother" I stood angrily and stormed to Thane's office, barging in without knocking. Valdus, Noir and some other unrecognisable faces were in the office. "I need to speak to you"

He didn't spare me a glance "we'll continue this later" they got up and left the office.

"I need to speak to Bronte"

"No"

"What do you mean by that? You're denying me access to see my mother"

"Bronte is to be beheaded, no one is allowed to see her"

"You're going to behead my mother without giving me a choice. You're a monster. A selfish and insensitive bastard" I slammed his door as I left. I was going to the dungeons one way or another.

I headed to the servants quarters and made enquiries about the dungeon. Only a few knew the exact location.

A maid took me to the entrance and I asked her to go back. I followed the steep stairs down until I got to the entrance of the dungeons. The two guards bowed buy when I wanted to pass through, they blocked me. "The king has instructed that nobody should be let into the dungeon for the meantime"

"Well he knows I'm here" they looked at each other.

"We'll have to confirm before we let you in"

"Are you trying to say I'm lying"

"N-n-no"

"Do you want to interrupt the king right now after I told you he's aware of this" I tried to keep the waver from my voice.

"My queen" I held my hands up.

"It's fine. I'll just tell the King you denied me entry" I turned to walk out.

"We're sorry. Please forgive us" I hid my smile and turned with a serious face.

"Then open it quickly" they opened the gates quickly and I entered the dungeons, the guard behind me. I tried to avoid turning at the whimpers and screams I heard This

swnove

was a total torture cha

"Where is the newest prisoner kept?" he showed me her cell. I saw her huddled in the corner muttering to herself and drawing patterns on the wall. She looked up as soon as I stood in front of her cell.

"Leave us" I said without looking at the guard.

I heard his footsteps fading as I sat on the floor.

"Why are you here?" She said still drawing patterns on the wall.

"Are you my mama?"

"Nope"

"But mama said you gave me to her"

"I did?" She cackled. "Sometimes it's better to not know the truth. It saves you from pain"

"What do you mean?"

"You never know what you might find out" she said in a sing song voice.

"Why did you kill Catalina"

"The prophecy needed to be fulfilled"

"What prophecy?" She cackled again and smiled weirdly. "Your mama is a murderer" and she laughed. I barely had time to process her words before I was jerked up roughly. "So stubborn"

"Let me go" he pulled me out of the dungeon and into his office.

"What did I tell you"

"I needed clearance. You didn't let me finish"

He pushed his hands through his hair. "She's not your fucking mother"

"That's not true"

"Did she tell you otherwise"

"N-no but"

"Your scent doesn't match with her's. She's probably a relative but not your mother" I fell into the seat. She wasn't my mother?

A guard came in "we're ready" he lifted me by my arms and took me outside. There was a large crowd, with Bronte at the middle. Her executioner stood by her side. Thane took me to where she stood. "Who birthed her?"

"A sister from the coven. Died during childbirth. The name given to you is Elpida"

"Is there any other thing I should know?"

She started humming and looked at her executioner "I'm ready"

I knew then she wasn't going to say more. It seemed like she didn't want me to find out the truth"

"Go to my hut, You'll find the

answers you seek" I looked at her

and met her eyes. I saw a faint smile on her lips as Thane moved us away from the centre. As our backs were turned, I heard the sound of the sword separating her head flinched and tried to turn back but Thane held me tightly.

оц

We didn't say a word to each other as we headed to the room. It felt like I was in a daze. Conscious but unaware of what was going on.

I began to feel better during the bath. Thane kept humming a tune and I found it relaxing. He helped me into a night wear and lay me on our bed.

"Get some rest. I'll see you later" I nodded and he left. I fell asleep quicker than I expected while thinking about Bronte.