Free Rhal Part 5 by Erin Tate Page B

make threats. He speaks promises.”
    “And you can speak on his behalf,” Davir sneered.
    “Like your queen, I’m the heart of our mating. Ujals’ mating names are proof of your beliefs. He is Rhal fa Adar-Marte. He is mine. Not the other way around. So when I tell you that the male who holds my heart will do anything I desire, I am telling you he will do whatever he can to make me happy.” She let all her loathing shine through. “And after everything you’ve put me through, seeing you dead would make me very happy.”
    The king rose to his feet. “Guards! Secure—”
    “Remain as you are!” The queen’s voice rang high and hard above Davir’s and the female rose to her full height. A sneer decorated her lips, but it wasn’t at Rhal. It was at the king. The king and then Rhal’s parents. “Seize them. Now.”
    “Remove the queen!”
    But not a single one moved to follow the king’s order. No, they did as their queen commanded. They took hold of Lord and Lady Adar as well as the king and dragged them off the dais, leaving the queen alone save Sudal. Sudal looked so lost and disgusted.
    “This,” the queen hissed, “is my throne. You are here at my convenience. You rule in my stead, and you make me sick ,” she spat.
    Because the females were the heart of their existence, names were passed through the female line, as were titles unless there was no choice but to name a male. The paleness of Davir’s features must’ve meant he finally remembered that fact as well.
    “I want the three of them confined in the brig and prepared for transport to Ujal. I will take statements here and then the final judgment will be witnessed by all.” The queen focused on their small group, on Rhal. “I find you not guilty of the crimes pressed against you. You are as he made you and I agree that any threat to your mate deserves a worthy response. If the male is ignorant enough to not realize who he addressed, it is his own fault. I require financial reparations to assist with Kaag’s care, but those will come from the crown’s funds. We have taken enough from you, Rhal. We will take no more.”
    The king ranted. “You can’t… Stop this! You must not—”
    “Silence him.” The queen’s voice was firm and unbending, and the guard holding the king obliged with a single strike to the head. Her attention flicked to Niax and Thame. “Release him immediately. A formal statement will be made clearing him of all charges.” The queen slowly descended the steps, her focus on Cara, and a tendril of fear unwound itself. She didn’t think she’d done anything wrong, but she had snuck into Rhal’s cell last night and…
    The queen cupped her cheeks, her near-white eyes boring into Cara’s. “You are all that is good in Ujal and we are lucky to have a female such as you. Rina is my daughter-by-mating and you, dear Cara, are my heart-daughter.” The queen pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “May the seas bless you and comfort you. May the sun bathe you in purity and may the stars always lead you to your heart.” She released Cara and spoke to Tave. “My son, I have need of you. Of you and Rina.”
    Things happened quickly then. Fast and quiet as the queen left with Tave and Rina. A few guards dragged Rhal’s parents and the king away which left them with a handful of high guards and Sudal.
    The moment Niax removed Rhal’s bindings, her mate rubbed his wrists, gaze trained on the hint of red nearly consumed by his midnight scales. Cara remained silent, watching and waiting for his response. And she got nothing. He did not tear his gaze from his arms; his attention completely focused on the soft rub of his fingers over skin.
    Cara took a step forward. “Rhal?” Part of her hoped and prayed he wouldn’t push her away now, that they could work past her betrayal, but one look at those black eyes—no hint of red or gold present—dashed those prayers. “I…”
    Rhal’s words were rough and hoarse when he spoke.