FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions

Warlock Grove, Nightway

ALAZAR

For a short time after Alazareth killed the Death Dealer he had Riaura back. Until that morning when she’d said he wasn’t close enough to her.

That I’m not open to her.

Alazar tugged on his heavy Guard’s Armor broodingly and entered the bailey for duty. Putting down the face of his helmet, he moved through the halls doing rounds. Drawing near the far corner, he felt his body tense.

Riaura passed him. So close he could’ve touched her. Her eyes never wavered from her path ahead. Thick dark lashes surrounding almond shaped green eyes as she stared forward. The strands of her hair moved like satin. Lifting around her shoulders.

He tipped his head to catch her scent. Roses. But unlike Marod’s use of the oil, Riaura’s was sparing. Making it a subtle, alluring, smell. Even through his helmet, it was powerful. As he walked his armor clanked.

She rotated on her heel. Watching him walk the hall.

He sensed her eyes on his back. Sensed she suspected it was him. How’d she know?

He walked faster to avoid her in-case she decided to pursue him. He never heard her take another step as he vanished down the hall.

Hours later he was one of the dozen guards posted in the Main Hall while Charles Danbury, Marod, and Riaura ate their expansive dinner of roasted duck and sweet basted carrots with warmed bread.

Smells decadent enough, anyway.

But his focus was on the striking flaxen haired girl. Riaura.

As usual she sat quietly. Face tipped over her trencher.

Looking morose.

Marod snapped at servants.

Rude. As usual.

Danbury barked orders to everyone including Marod who, unsurprisingly, did as he bid her.

For the first time Alazar wondered if perhaps the current queen and the cripple were lovers. Perhaps that’s why she’s so willing to hand over her only daughter. The thought was chilling.

He watched their interactions with a keen eye. Giving special note to Riaura’s pensive mood. The deep depression that grasped her for nigh on a fortnight now. What’s wrong? He pondered.

“So, Dear Riaura…” The queen said with a hint of venom. Causing the blonde’s head to lift.

Dear Riaura?

That’s the furthest from her true feeling.

“I saw something quite interesting only a couple nights past. I waited for our Lord Danbury’s return to discuss it.” She nodded toward Danbury.

This ought to be interesting.

Riaura’s brows drew together and fear marked her face.

She thinks so too.

“I followed you into the woods.”

Oh…Fabulous. He nearly snarled.

Riaura’s eyes grew huge and her jaw tight.

“I saw you with him Riaura.” She tilted her head. Foggy black eyes glinting in the firelight. “Your…Friend.”

Me.

“We did nothing untoward.” Riaura defended.

Not wholly true…

How much did the queen see?

“Didn’t you?” She asked with a hard look that said she’d seen enough to know otherwise.

She just isn’t going to say so in-front of Danbury. That’s something, at least. Alazareth felt his body tensing. Inadvertently making his armor grate as his fists worked.

Marod’s gaze snapped to him alertly but when he only stared ahead motionlessly. She refocused on her daughter.

Filthy demon harlot. He blew out a steadying breath.

“You need to stop seeing that man.” Danbury commanded.

Alazareth’s helmet creaked as his head involuntarily spun to assess the man. I’d love to put my hands around his evil neck…