Marcael: A Terraneu Novel, Book Five by Stormy McKnight Read Free Book Online Page B

they got him what he wanted. This was going to be a tricky situation since
Marcael knew that his King would want to see Brennae again, and that most
quarantine situations only lasted a few hours or so. He would have to come up
with something by then to keep his King occupied.
    Walking into Knuan’s chambers Marcael came to stand before him. He did
the required salute then stated, “The medical facilities are under quarantine
my King. It is as I feared and the female has some diseases that require
sterilization.”
    Knuan looked at him, “Yes I checked. I saw that the female is
contaminated. Is there any reason for me to be worried?”
    “You have no need to worry my King unless you exchanged bodily fluids.
You are safe until the quarantine is lifted.” Marcael knew the King had not
kissed Brennae so he figured it was safe to use that transmission method.
    “I could kill that idiot all over again for putting me in danger.” His
King’s dead eyes landed on him, “You are a worthy Kings guard Marcael. What
would I do without you?” Before Marcael could acknowledge his Kings words he
continued, “Come show me my favorite memory while I relax.” The King walked
through the doorway into his private chambers. With an exaggerated sigh, Knuan
lay down on his bed and closed his eyes. “You may begin. Start at the point
when they dragged the worthless traitor King into the Queens chambers.”
    “As you wish my King.” Marcael made his voice cold as possible. Having to
show his King the worst moment of his life was always a trial. Steeling his
resolve he went into his memories and thought of the one his King wanted to
“see”. Then he played back the moment in his mind. It was as if it was
happening again for both of them to re-live.
    He had been with the Queen in her chambers. She had been ranting about
her husband and his worthless offer of peace.
    “Does he really think I will let him and the other four traitors flee
across the universe to escape justice?” She had not expected an answer and all
of the guards had stood their positions without comment. “Why would I agree to
let them use the port pad outside of Socar and leave Terra?” She had seethed,
“What possible incentive is having Terra for all of Aekaetum if I know they are
living their lives out there somewhere? Happy and healthy.” She had gestured
wildly around the room. “No! I want them to be brought to justice!”
    “My Queen.” A guard had rushed in and bowed low, “We have caught the
traitor. We have your husband.”
    Marcael had forced himself to show no response. Standing rigid at the
Queen’s side, he had watched as two guards dragged the King into the chamber
and forced him to his knees in front of his wife.
    “Not so high and mighty now are you my love .” She had sneered.
“What has become of the great King of Hedal?” She went to leave her throne and
Marcael had tried to stop her. This earned him a glacial stare.
    “My Queen what if it is not safe?” He had tried to reason with her.
    “Not safe?” She scoffed, “Look at him Marcael! He is no threat to me.”
She had walked forward to stand in front of the prostrating man. “How I hated
every minute of being forced to “love” you.” She had motioned for his guards to
pull him up. “Did you know that? Did you know that my father forced me to
accept you as a mate? I never loved you and I loathed your touch.” She slapped
him as hard as she could, “That is for forcing your disgusting body on me.” She
slapped him again. “That is for giving me four worthless sons and making me get
rid of two worthless daughters.” She went to move away and the King spoke.
    “I loved you Elyon. I would have loved all of our children.” Marcael
noted that the King’s voice was weak and raspy, “I am sorry you did not return
the sentiment.” Before anyone could stop him, the King had gotten free, grabbed
his wife and kissed her. Wrenching herself away, she wiped furiously at