21. Chapter Twenty One Callum
Chapter Twenty One: Callum
I shut the door softly, leaving the Queen's room while she proceeded to get ready for the introductions that would be taking place shortly. I walked back to the tiny closet that had been assigned as my room, needing to shower and wash away the feeling of disgust from my skin. Even though she hadn't touched me today, just having her eyes trailing across my body that was always on display for her, was enough to make my skin crawl. I needed to wash that sensation away.
My anger rose quickly at my situation and my helplessness to do anything about it. I was always so angry these days, and I couldn't find much to hold on to as I locked everything away so as not to make things worse. All I had right now was an ever-fading hope that I'd find a moment or way to restore my family's name. For that, I needed to be here at Court, keeping the bitch close.
While I absolutely hated every single second of being here with her, I could see that she was slowly lowering her guard around me. I could see that with the added tensions of the trials, my moment would come soon. She was feeling the pressure, especially with the arrival of the unknown fae girl who was a complete mystery. And that drove her nuts. I took pleasure from seeing the tiny cracks in the Queen's facade and was grateful for her appearance.
The one thing I didn’t like was the fact that I was the new fae's consort, which had been confirmed by the pain I had experienced last night while trying to sleep. Even though I hadn't been at the ceremony, I had known exactly what the pain meant when it had struck, and I hated that I’d been chosen. It was just another set of shackles binding me unwillingly to someone, when all I wanted was to free myself and my people. Once I’d been bound, I found myself unable to go back to sleep.
I paced in my room, wondering how I would manage my already insurmountable tasks with these new chains and responsibilities. Most fae men would be honored and would have rushed to their Chosen's side, but I was hesitant, mostly because I knew so little about this girl. Finally, I’d decided I needed to see her, to find out as much as I could before I made myself known to her. That was if I found her worthy.
So, I’d sneaked into her room to see what I could find and had been completely startled when she’d called me out, wielding a knife. Then, the minx had the gall to throw a vase at me, breaking it across my back and cutting me in the process. Looking back at the incident, I was rather impressed by her fighting spirit and resourcefulness, not throwing her knife and leaving herself unprotected. I had to admit that a part of me was rather proud of her, but I still knew next to nothing about her. Which was what the whole court had been talking about according to the servants.
I had managed to build a small network of spies among the servants who always saw and heard everything because they were often so overlooked and ignored, treated as nothing more than belongings, not much more than slaves to the whims of the court. I’d also been quite surprised that while the new girl was all that anyone could talk about. No one really knew anything about her, including Juniper and Larissa, her maids. The name Rhowyn was on everyone’s lips.
Which was why the Queen had been too preoccupied to touch me today despite having requested my presence. She had raved at her Consorts, demanding that one of them find out who she was and how big of a threat she might be. Apparently, whatever big plans she had going on right now were at risk. By the time she’d calmed down, it had been time for her to get ready for the meeting with all the Chosen, and she’d dismissed me.
After entering my room, I stripped down and jumped into a scalding hot shower to wash the crawling sensation away, the one I got with every interaction with the Queen. Today had been a good day for me, but the feeling still lingered. Shame and disgust for lowering myself to this followed me everywhere, and it was the only thing I couldn’t wash away. To protect my people from her wrath, I’d been a distraction to keep her from punishing them like she had my parents.
Stepping out, I dried myself quickly and got dressed, moving to sit heavily on my bed. The weight of my responsibilities pressed down, and I lowered my head into both of my hands knowing I needed to do something soon about this whole consort thing. What weighed the heaviest was not really knowing how this would affect my strategies.
From my lessons as a child, when my parents had been grooming me for this possibility, I knew the pull would only get stronger the longer I denied it. On one hand, I wished they were here because they'd be so proud of me being a consort. On the other hand, they weren't here, and it felt wrong to be a part of something so crooked. Any selection process that could result in someone like that bitch, who cared nothing about the people or the land, only wanting more power for herself, wasn’t the right thing for our people. It might have been good at one time, but it felt twisted now, and I couldn't resolve myself to being a part of it. Not if the Queen would benefit in any way, which I had strong suspicions that she would.
I knew I'd have to decide soon, and I had no idea which way to go. I needed to make sure my people would benefit, or it would have all been for nothing.
Still needing more information, I sought out the servants who might be able to tell me more about Rhowyn. I marched down the hall, looking for Larissa first, knowing she was attracted to me and more likely to give me what I was looking for. I found her in the kitchens as she got her meal for lunch and quickly grabbed some food for myself. I sat down next to her at the table. “Afternoon, Larissa. How have you been?” I turned on the charm and gave her a smile.
She was instantly flustered, stuttering over her response. “I- I'm w-w-well, Callum. H-how are y-you?”
I ignored her obvious nervousness and replied, “I've had better days.”
“Oh no!” she gasped. “A-anything I- I can h-help with?” Her face scrunched in concern.
“I don't know. It's just that the Queen wasn’t happy with any of us for not having information on the new Chosen, and I'm not sure I can face her again without something to give her.” I let my smile slip and lowered my head and shoulders, doing my best to look dejected. I felt a little bad for manipulating her, but I desperately needed information in order to make an informed decision about whether or not to embrace my role as consort.
“Oh!” she pouted and leaned toward me obviously wanting to console me. “M-maybe I c-can help? I w-was assigned to be R-Rhowyn's ladies’ maid. Al-although I-I'm not s-sure h-how much I can tell you s-since I only m-met her once s-so f-far,” she supplied eagerly.
I glanced up at her, forcing a pleading look onto my face. “Anything would be helpful.”
“Larissa!” a voice cut in before she could give me anything. “Don't you still have some chores to do?”
Larissa jumped guiltily, scrambling to her feet., “Yes, Juniper. I'll go do those now.” She rushed the words out and then fled the room.
Juniper glared after her, one hand on her hip until she’d left. Then she turned that glare on me, and I immediately felt guilty, even though I didn't show it.
We stared each other down, her displeasure evident, but neither wanted to speak first. Finally, she moved closer to me, and I stood. “I'm not sure what you’re doing, fishing for information on Rhowyn, but I know it's not for the Queen. I know you well enough, boy, to know you have other reasons for being here.”
I caught her meaning. She wasn't just talking about my interrogation of Larissa. As I studied Juniper, I wondered if I could get any information from her. I would have to trust her on some level, and I wasn't sure I could do that. However, the fact that she suspected my motives for staying close to the Queen and hadn't said anything yet, made me think that I could. Testing the waters, I said, “What if you were correct? What would you do?”
She considered me for a moment before replying, “It would all depend on your motives.”
Deciding I needed to open up more, I said, “May I escort you to your next duty, Juniper?”
She squinted at me as I offered her an arm but decided to take it. “I had just been gathering some snacks for my Chosen's room for after the introductions. You can help me carry them back.”
I gathered a couple of trays of food and drink, walking Juniper toward Rhowyn's room, neither of us speaking. We both knew that in this castle, the walls had eyes and ears. She opened the door to Rhowyn's empty suite for me. “You can put those on the table over there.”
Once I had entered, she shut the door behind us. Setting the food down, I turned to face her. “You can speak plainly in here. Wards have been placed to prevent spying during the trials.”
Nodding, I inhaled deeply before speaking, still anxious about placing my trust in her. “You were correct on both counts earlier. I wasn't gathering information for the Queen but rather myself.”
“Now, why would you feel the need to go digging for information on Rhowyn?” Her face remained hard and gave nothing of her thoughts away.
“Because I am here at the pleasure of the Queen as punishment for my parents' betrayal, but I allow her to control me so that I may protect my people. And since Rhowyn arrived, I've been forced into a dilemma that I never wanted. I need to make a decision soon on the course of action that will keep my people safe, and I need to know more about the new, mysterious fae who was selected as a Chosen when no one even knew she existed.” I laid it all out there in a way that didn't give too much away, just in case my judgment of Juniper had been wrong.
She stood there and judged me in the same way, and I tried to present an honest and strong front for her, hoping she'd decide to trust me and give me something that could help me. Still on the fence, she asked me, “What exactly is it that you are hoping to hear or find out?”
“Honestly, I'm not sure exactly. I guess I need to know if she's honorable, trustworthy, strong, or kind. I need to know her character.”
“Well, I'm not sure how much I can help you with that since I honestly haven't had much interaction with her yet, but I can tell you that she's smart, strong, and capable from what I have seen. She's arrived in a completely foreign place and has not gotten overwhelmed or allowed her circumstances to control her. And she's managed to gain three strong fae men as her consorts. I would also wager that her mysterious fourth is just as strong and honorable. If anything, that tells me the most, because if they're meant to support and balance her, then she must be quite powerful and competent on her own with enough connection to the land to be Chosen despite spending her whole life on Earth.”
The way she spoke about Rhowyn's fourth made me think she suspected me of being the one who hadn't come forward yet. But that aside, she had good points about Rhowyn's strength and power. To be Chosen with so little interaction with the land and having us all as her Consorts could only mean that she had something desirable, something that would make her a strong contender for the throne. I still struggled with whether she would be a better queen than our current one.
“In your opinion, Juniper, would she be a good queen for her people?” I asked her bluntly, needing to get to the heart of the matter.
“In my opinion, Callum, she couldn't possibly be worse than our current options. And because of that, I will help her to win the trials in any way I can,” she stated bluntly, and I believed every word she said.
“Now, I must get back to my other duties. Just remember, the Consorts are also meant to provide balance and truth to their Chosen, which means ensuring she doesn't become the type of queen that you have only known.” She finished, effectively dismissing me and giving me a lot to think about.
“Thank you for your time and help, Juniper, I won't forget it,” I told her as I went to exit the suite. She just smiled at me knowingly as I left the room, not needing to say anything more.
Now that I had as much information as I was likely to get, I needed time to process it all. I headed back to my room, my thoughts churning in my mind. My gut was telling me to take the risk with Rhowyn, but how could I be sure it wasn't just based on the consort connection we were now bound by? Logically, I knew that anyone would be better than the bitch, but if Rhowyn didn't succeed or the Queen managed to connive her way into another term, then my people were screwed.
I also knew that each day I spent in her presence, I risked angering her, risked her punishing my people instead. Either way was dangerous, and I had to choose correctly to keep everyone safe.
But, maybe, I was doomed to fail on my own. It had been years, and I had made very little headway in bringing her down. I might just have to admit that I couldn't do it without help, but with a strong team and my help, Rhowyn could unseat the bitch.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that this was a blessing in disguise, given to me by the land after years of disregard and abuse by the Queen. A part of me felt the magic might be on our side and wanted us to succeed.
By the time I made it back to my room, I had finally made up my mind, for better or worse. I quickly changed into a pair of loose black trousers and a black linen shirt, the nicest clothes I still had that didn't make me seem like one of the servants and set off my pale skin, shaggy auburn hair, and green eyes. Running a hand through my hair which needed a cut, I smoothed it into place as best I could. Finally satisfied that my appearance was as good as it was going to get without a lot more effort, I ran a hand over my short beard, not having shaved this morning after the events of last night. Then I turned from my tiny mirror and left my room, headed for the dining hall where the introductions would be made over lunch.
Today, for the first time in years, I entered the room through the main doors and not one of the side entrances the servants used. I made my way inside, passing a couple of guards who were assigned to watch the door, and paused just past the threshold to the room. My eyes searched the two long tables that seated all fifteen Chosen and their Consorts with the Queen sitting at a smaller perpendicular table with her consorts.
I scanned all the faces, recognizing most of the people present from my years at the palace or from my time with my parents. Finally, I spotted Lennox's dark head sitting at the table closest to me and nearest to his mother. Across from him sat a petite, dark green haired human, her locks in a braid that rested over one shoulder and ended just below her breasts. Despite appearing as a human, she was stunning, and I recognized her immediately as she smiled at something one of them had said, the consort bond humming between us. Having stood here long enough, I walked across the distance, planning to take the empty chair next to Lennox, most likely intended for me.
When I was about ten feet away, the Queen spoke, “Callum, what are you doing here?”
The crowd grew silent, and all eyes turned to me as they sought to find out what was going on. I paused and pulled my shoulders back, head high. There was no going back after this, but I didn't hesitate, my gut telling me this was the right move. “I have come to claim my place as a Consort to Rhowyn, Your Majesty.” I bowed slightly in deference, but I caught the widening of her eyes as she realized that, as part of the trials, she no longer had free reign over my body.
As I stood back up, her expression had hardened in anger though her voice remained soft and warm. “Welcome, then. Please, take a seat and enjoy the meal. We will begin introductions shortly.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your hospitality.” Once she had turned to her Consorts, I turned back to face the tables, finding most had already resumed their own meals.
Lennox was turned to face me as I approached, his back straight and his guard up. Rhowyn was watching me warily with Arryn and her other Consort on each side of her. Arryn appraising me and the other smiling congenially.
I stood behind my chair, preparing to pull it out to sit, but Lennox spoke, “Nice of you to finally join us, Callum.” His voice was dripping in sarcasm and disdain.
“Seriously, Lennox? You can't be civil for even a moment?” Rhowyn spoke, the anger toward him apparent and taking me aback. Lennox was usually a charmer and ladies’ man, but it seemed he wasn't putting forth any effort for his Chosen. This division didn't bode well for what was at stake. We couldn't win the trials and keep my people safe if we weren't a cohesive unit.
“Please, join us, Callum.” Her husky voice drew me back to the situation at hand and went straight to my core, my cock taking notice of the seductive tone.
I proceeded to sit and faced down the three of them while Lennox sulked next to me. Before any of us could speak, a plate was placed before me. When the servant left, I faced the others again.
“I'm Rhowyn,” she said, reaching a hand out, but I didn't know what for.
Her other consort laughed. “We don't do handshakes in greetings here, Rhowyn. That's a human thing.”
“Oh, right.” She pulled her hand back, her face blushing, and I found it enchanting. She laughed softly and nervously. “Well, it's nice to finally meet my fourth consort. We were getting ready to hunt you down if you hadn't shown up.”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” I dipped my head.
“Well, I can at least say that I'm happy you were selected as her consort. I'm not sure about Lennox's thoughts, but I have always known you as a good man. Quite skilled in combat as well, which will come in handy during the trials,” Arryn spoke matter-of-factly, always the fair Captain.
“It's nice to see you again, Arryn. You as well, Lennox, though I see the feeling is not mutual,” I said, as simply and politely as possible.
“I'm Baer, from the Spring Court. I'm just glad you saved us the trouble of searching for you, so we can focus on everything else instead.” He smiled at me as if privy to some secret joke, but I found I liked his easy-going nature. For now, at least.
“Don't let him fool you, he's actually quite important if I understand correctly, though he'd rather have everyone underestimate him,” Rhowyn said quietly, her eyes dancing with her teasing tone.
“We can discuss all that later, Rhowyn. We must be careful right now,” Arryn said gently, leaning into her to keep others from overhearing.
“You're right. Sorry. I'm still not used to all this,” she said, somewhat guiltily.
Arryn smiled softly at her, obviously already smitten with her. “No worries. Hopefully, soon, we'll be able to speak more freely.”
“How much longer will this take? I'm eager to speak with Master Jude, and this all seems like a whole waste of time,” she asked Arryn.
“We’ll be here for the next couple of hours if Mother has her way, which she always does,” Lennox huffed beside me as I ate my food.
It was the best food I'd had in years, and I would take advantage of it while I could. I had lost quite a bit of weight over the years, not having access to the amount and quality I had grown up with. Plus, with all the times I needed to heal myself, a lot of the energy the poor food provided had been spent quickly. I was still strong and muscled, but I was not nearly as bulky or as strong as I had once been when my parents were still alive .
Rhowyn's eyes flashed with anger at Lennox's tone, and I found I was quite amused at her reaction to him. This was no timid mouse before me, which boded well for me. The woman who would be queen needed a backbone of steel.
Before she could lash him with her tongue, Baer spoke up. “We have to sit through the introductions of all the Chosen and their Consorts. Part of the introductions will include their Courts and affinities, which is necessary should we continue in the trials.”
She nodded. “That makes sense. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.”
Baer laughed as she sipped her drink. “Exactly,” he said, beaming with pride at her and causing her cheeks to pink slightly.
I was slowly starting to see the dynamics for the four of them. All three were completely taken with her, though Lennox held himself back and was trying desperately to push her away for some reason. Though, if I had to guess, after having grown up with him, it had to do with him actually liking her and still having no freedom.
I made a mental note to speak with him privately later to get to the bottom of it. We'd need him fully on board if we were to win the trials, and failure was not an option for me. I'd do whatever it took to ensure our success.