His head was held down; my heart sank as the vision of a disheveled Thomas approached me.
I remained in silence.
I could not believe what I was seeing.
Thomas looked directly at me and grinned.
“Let me in his cell” I ordered the guard.
He looked at Paul.
“Are you mad? Paul asked.
“Yes, now open it and leave me with this prisoner,” I said.
“Absolutely not Amelia” Paul replied.
“Do as I say Paul” I yelled.
“She will be fine, King Paul, do as she says. I will be nearby” Greyson added.
Paul motioned to the guard to open the cell.
I walked in, not really knowing what to say.
I want to kiss and hold him but at the same time, I wanted to kill him.
“Thomas? Prince Thomas of Landford” I whispered.
He laughed and said, “When did you become Queen, Amelia?”
“Thomas, what did you do?” I asked.
He turned away and said, “I did nothing. I protected myself”.
“You killed my brother Michael” I whispered.
“It was me or him, I prefer living” Thomas answered angrily.
He then grabbed my arm and said “Now, when did you become Queen? I ask.”
His eyes were different, cold and evil.
“Is Father finally dead? He whispered menacingly.
“No, he is not” I replied.
“Then?” He murmured.
“I do not have time to explain to you what is going on in Landford” I answered trying not to appear terrified.
“What am I going to do? I asked myself out loud.
“Yes, what are you going to do, my Queen?” He said condescending.
I turned to him and nodded.
He walked towards me and knelt before me.
“My Queen, I apologize for my act of disrespect.” He said.
Grabbing my hand and bringing it to his lips, he murmured “I am your King, so kneel before me” as he pulled me down to the ground.
Being face to face was chilling.
He kissed my lips and whispered “We did marry or did you forget?”
I closed my eyes and swallowed slowly as not to cry.
He remained to kneel as I stood and began to walk away.
“Amelia, you cannot leave me here” he whispered angrily.
I turned and looked at him.
“GUARD” I yelled.
“Amelia, AMELIA! You cannot leave me here to die” He repeated as he followed me to the door.
My thoughts were all turned about. The man I love and longed for killed my brother but he was my husband, my King. I could not leave him here to die. My love was strong for him still.
He grabbed my arm and said, “Do you not feel love for me anymore?”
I turned away without answering.
I left his cell breathing hard and scared, I leaned against the wall for balance.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would be putting Thomas to death.
What was I to do? I could not do this? I loved him.
“Guard, take me to your King,” I said.
As I walked through the long hallway I thought of what to say. I could not let him know Thomas was my husband.
As I entered the room, there sat my brother Paul on his throne.
“So, what did he say?” Paul asked.
“He confessed but he says it was self-defense” I answered.
Paul laughed.
“Really? Everyone knew Michael was not a warrior. Michael was lured into the forest and slaughtered like an animal. How is that self- defense? He is a paid killer from Schillingburg and must die for the murder”. Paul insisted.
I nodded in disagreement.
I was still in shock that Thomas was the man who did this. I could not believe it or show Paul I had any connection to him.
I had to think quickly. I knew I was of stronger will than Paul so I just came out and said “I will be taking the prisoner with me to Landford. Here in Willshire, he will not get the proper trial he deserves.”