Cinderella: (he's the light of) the stars in my eyes - Part Two
(he's the light of) the stars in my eyes
rajkumari905
The queen summoned him as he was eating dinner with his men and Cook had a brief moment of terror that she'd somehow learned about either his treasonous conversation or his treasonous affair and was calling him for punishment.
He'd put his conversation with Carly out of his mind, or attempted to do so. It was just so far-fetched, and really, what did he even know about Carly that he should be so easily influenced by her?
Nevertheless, as he stood in front of the queen, he couldn't help but scrutinize her face for any sign that she was capable of regicide. She was ambitious and formidable, sure, but a killer? Cook wasn't convinced.
"Your Majesty," he said with a bow.
"David," she said warmly. Cook relaxed. He'd been getting carried away with Carly and all her nonsense -- he knew the queen. She wasn't ruthless -- hadn't she proven that by her generosity with Cook? "Adam told me that you were helping him at the ball. Your assistance is greatly appreciated."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Cook said uncomfortably. "Anything for the crown of Tulsa."
Queen Paula beamed at him. "Tell me, have you had the opportunity to speak with Lord David much?"
"Uh. No, Your Majesty, only very briefly," he lied.
"Hmm. He is proving far more difficult than I had anticipated. I would have welcomed your input as to what might make him give in to Adam. He seemed quite enamored of Adam earlier, but now he is less and less receptive to his advances. I don't understand it! Is Adam not handsome and charming and heir to the throne?"
"He is, Your Majesty," Cook said.
"Never mind, we will endeavor to keep trying."
"Your Majesty," Cook said tentatively. "Suppose Lord David does not fall for Prince Adam before summer's end, what will you do then?"
"Nonsense," she said. "If he continues to be difficult, well. People become much more amenable to these things when plied with drinks!"
She laughed heartily, luckily missing Cook's look of horror.
"I didn't think he was accustomed to partaking of alcohol," Cook said, carefully trying to sound neutral.
"Ah yes, they are so dreadfully old-fashioned in Murray, are they not? But we can use that to our advantage. With the help of a bit of liquid luck slipped into his drink, Adam can persuade him into bed, and I have no doubt that Lord David will view it as a lasting commitment."
Cook couldn't believe what he was hearing. He'd never imagined that the queen could be so manipulative. If she were willing to go to such lengths to secure a connection for the throne she already held, what would she have been willing to do to get the throne in the first place?
Cook had a feeling he already knew the answer.
Working hard to keep his dismay off of his face, he bowed and said, "Indeed, Your Majesty."
"Anyhow, I thank you again for proving once again your loyalty to the family," Queen Paula said, abruptly reverting to her sweet and harmless facade.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Cook managed, and fortunately was dismissed immediately thereafter.
*
Cook wandered through the halls in a daze for the next hour. He didn't know what to do. He wasn't actually sure that there was anything he could do, no matter what Carly seemed to have been implying. The only thing he'd decided for certain was that he had to end things with David. Now he knew for certain how the queen would react if she found out, and it wouldn't be pleasant for anyone involved. In fact, Cook was starting to think that it would be downright dangerous.
There was nothing for it but to stand firm and tell David that they had to stop. Without getting distracted, this time. When he next saw David and there was no one around, he'd end it and figure out what to do about the rest of it later.
He'd no sooner strengthened his resolve than he heard a sound as he was passing an alcove. David was inside, gesturing at him to approach. This wasn't exactly the most private of locations, although there was no one around. It was probably for the best that they weren't going to continue this, because if this was David's idea of being careful, the word would be out within the hour.
Cook could think of no way to soften the blow, so he just said, "David, we can't--"
"Meet me at the Athena statue in the maze at midnight," David interrupted, voice hushed, and then slipped out of the alcove before Cook could respond.
*
It was nearly half past midnight by the time Cook arrived at the indicated place to meet David. He'd debated not showing up and ending things with David in that way, but that seemed unnecessarily cruel, and cowardly to boot. He'd been mentally preparing himself to be firm this time, though, and he was certain he'd manage it.
He didn't bank on David not giving him an opportunity to speak, however.
As soon as he rounded the corner, David looked up, beaming. "You came!"
He flew at Cook, not appearing the slightest bit upset about Cook's tardiness, and threw his arms around Cook's neck, kissing him soundly.
Cook concentrated on savoring every moment of that kiss, knowing that all too soon it would be just a distant memory.
"David, listen to me," Cook said as soon as David pulled back.
"No, let me speak first," David said, seizing Cook's hand and pulling him to the birch tree in the corner, where he'd set up a candle and blanket, no doubt appropriated from his chambers. This portion of the maze opened out into a small courtyard, on the edge furthest from the palace, so there was no way that anyone in the palace would be able to see the light. It was clear that David had planned this out in great detail and Cook was forced to reassess his earlier thought that David wouldn't know how to be discreet.
Once they were both seated on the blanket, David took a deep breath. "I was not certain that you would come. I know what you were about to tell me earlier today and I have no doubt that you've been rehearsing it this whole evening."
Cook was a little taken aback by David's candor, but also impressed. One of the things that had drawn him to David was his lack of artifice. It probably seemed naive to some who thrived on the social intricacies of court, but Cook found it refreshing that David didn't seem to be able to feign much other than politeness.
Cook hurried to say, "It's not that I don't want this, I do. But you must understand that this could ruin me." He'd thought at length about how to explain it to David without accusing the queen of regicide. "Her Majesty has a very strict view of loyalty, and despite our intentions and the fact that you are not interested in Prince Adam or Prince Kristopher, she will view my involvement with you as treason. And I have worked so very hard to be where I am, David. I am charged with protecting my people and I would not throw that aside."
David was listening to him solemnly.
"I understand that completely and I cannot fault you for it," he said with a funny smile that was a bit sad around the edges. "I suppose I just -- I didn't expect to meet someone like you when I came here. I thought that I might never connect with someone in this way. You always know what to say to make me feel better. And I've been so homesick this summer, but I forget all that when I'm with you. You make me feel right at home."
Cook couldn't breathe with the sudden wave of emotion that hit him. He reached out to cup David's face in his hands.
"David," he said softly. "I've never felt for anyone the way I do about you."
And then David was crawling toward him and they were kissing again, clumsy and fast and perfect.
When they broke apart this time, David said, a little desperately, "What if I encouraged Prince Adam?"
The thought of David with Prince Adam was very effective in clearing the daze he'd fallen into. "What?"
"We could be careful, very careful," David explained. "And if I stopped rebutting his advances, the queen wouldn't have reason to be suspicious."
"David, no. I know he makes you uncomfortable. You shouldn't be subjected to that, much less encourage it. I regret that I pushed you toward him once."
"It would be worth it," David said, "If I knew I would get to see you later."
Cook suddenly felt an overwhelming conviction. Queen Paula had taken much from him -- more than he was capable of truly grasping at this point. Why should he let her take this away from him too?
"We'll meet only at night," Cook said, watching as a slow smile blossomed on David's face. "And you must not acknowledge me during the day."
"Of course," David agreed happily.
Cook met him in a slow kiss, this one lacking the urgency of the previous few. Finally, he allowed himself to stop thinking.
Some time later, he moved to lean back against the tree and David followed him, resting his head against Cook's chest and one leg over Cook's.
They were both quiet in their contentment and the peace of the night helped Cook to relax for once. It felt a bit like being with his men on a night off, after the fourth ale of the night, before the headache and nausea set in.
Which reminded him abruptly of what the queen had said earlier today about "persuading" David to consider Prince Adam one way or another. But how could he warn David without mentioning his doubts about the queen's integrity? David had a strong tendency to see the best in people and Cook wasn't at all sure that David would believe him, or even how he would take the suggestion that Queen Paula wasn't as motherly as she appeared.
"David, I've been meaning to tell you that you must be very cautious about what you drink here," Cook said carefully. "It has often happened that, er, people who want to cause mischief slip alcohol into the drinks purported to be non-alcoholic. And sometimes people unintentionally get intoxicated."
"Oh dear," David said. "Thank you for telling me. I shall have to stick to water."
Satisfied, Cook craned his neck to press a kiss to the top of David's head, before relaxing against the tree once more. David smiled up at him and snuggled in closer.
They stayed there for several hours. David fell asleep leaning against him there, but Cook stayed awake, relishing in his presence and keeping an eye on the progression of the stars so he'd know when they had to return to their respective quarters and distance.
He'd be exhausted during his patrols the next day, but Cook didn't even begin to care.
*
Their system worked well for several days. Most nights, they met in the maze, since it was the easiest and safest place that either of them could think of. But they didn't even really need all the caution -- the queen didn't appear to have noticed anything off at all, other than that David was a bit more tired than usual.
It was a warm night, the eleventh since Cook had given in to David, and the moon was a bright crescent hanging low in the sky. Though the evening had begun innocently enough, with both of them taking it in turn to invent ridiculous constellations and stories, it had digressed as they always did, until they were lying on the blanket, side by side, with their legs tangled and their mouths pressed together. David was making soft gasping noises which were starting to make Cook wild with desire.
"God, you're perfect," Cook murmured, pressing a kiss to David's cheekbone before moving forward to suck on his earlobe.
David whimpered, fingers pressing into Cook's back.
"Cook," he said, and waited until Cook pulled back to look at him. "I want..."
Cook waited, raising an eyebrow, but David appeared unable to continue verbally, so he took one of Cook's hands and brought it down to the bulge in his pants.
Cook sucked in a harsh breath as he abruptly pulled his hand back. "David--"
"You're the first person that's ever made me want to," David whispered and Cook's breath caught.
He knew that people in Murray, and consequently David, were more conservative than those raised in Tulsa by far, and his conversations with David on the subject had confirmed the fact. This was a big deal to David, something he would never have suggested lightly, or in the heat of the moment. This was premeditated.
Cook remembered Queen Paula's words, that David would view a sexual act as a commitment. And then he looked down at himself, with no land, no money, no connections, and felt grossly inadequate.
He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve David.
"We can't," Cook said and sat up, moving away from David.
He got to his feet and walked away, not looking back lest David see his stricken expression.
That he was in love with David was beyond doubt. That was why he had to end this farce once and for all. It was one thing to meet at night and kiss under the birch tree. It was another thing entirely for David to think he was worthy of being his first, and probably his only. How could this ever work out in the long run with all of the barriers between them? He didn't want David to look back on these nights with regret, but it felt like that was inevitable.
*
"You do mope about a lot, don't you, Your Highness?"
Cook looked up from his shoes. Carly sat down next to him. He was sitting on a low wall in the far side of the rose garden, one of his few secret places he hadn't shared with David. He'd been doing his utmost to avoid him, and he hadn't gone to the maze the previous night, though he was sure David had been there.
"What's troubling you?" Carly asked
"What do you do when you -- you have feelings for someone, but you know you are not worthy of them?"
Carly raised an eyebrow. "It seems to me that it is your partner who should be allowed to decide for themselves who is worthy of them."
"But what if you know what they would choose and that it would be an error?"
"Then you clearly do not have enough faith in your partner's ability to make decisions and perhaps it is you who are the problem. If you are in an equal relationship, you should trust your partner's good sense and judgment."
Cook shifted uncomfortably. "He doesn't know the truth about me, however. My future is entirely uncertain. I haven't even thought about what action to pursue. How can I drag him into that unknowing?"
"Perhaps you should tell him."
Cook hesitated. "I can't."
"Do you really think Lord David would abandon you?" Carly demanded.
"How did you know I was speaking of Lord David?" Cook gasped.
Carly waved a hand. "I'm very capable of reading between the lines," she said dismissively, ignoring Cook's gaping. "And yes, of course your secret is safe with me. Now on the topic of what Lord David would do if he knew your true identity?"
"He wouldn't abandon me, but that makes it worse. He lives a life of luxury and I would be the one to destroy that. He would follow me to god knows where. I would not be able to provide him anything -- I have no funds, no lands, and only the emptiest of titles."
"You reveal more about your own thoughts of yourself than of Lord David's. It is your own self-doubt that speaks in you. You have allowed yourself to be ruled by fear for too long, Your Highness. It is time for you to move beyond it. Allow Lord David to choose what he wants for himself."
"Er. I already sort of chose for him when he propositioned me and I left him in the maze," Cook said, sort of guiltily.
"You left him?" Carly shrieked. "Your Highness, you are an utter imbecile."
Cook lifted his hands into the air defensively. "What do I do?"
"Apologize. Go to him tonight. Make it right. Grovel if you have to."
Carly's suggestions came out more like commands, but he knew she was right. "Very well, I shall go after dinner tonight."
*
Cook waited until several hours after dinner to go knock on David's door, hoping that it would be late enough that David would have already dismissed his attendants, but not so late that he would be asleep.
As it turned out, David still had an attendant in the room, but it didn't end up being a problem.
A few moments after he knocked, the door was opened by a maid. Cook had already prepared what he would say in that situation, so he started, "Please inform Lord David that--" before realizing that the person standing in front of him was none other than Carly. "You!"
She curtsied, the picture of deference if it hadn't been for the smirk on her face. "I will announce your presence and take your leave," she said.
A moment later, she returned and before he could think of anything to say, slipped out behind him.
Cook shook his head and went through the door.
David was standing in the center of the room, already in his dressing gown, though his bed was still made. He looked tired and troubled as he met Cook's gaze. He didn't say anything.
Cook shut the door behind him and walked forward a few steps, until he was in front of David. "I am a coward and a fool, and I'm sorry."
David took the remaining step to close the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Cook's neck. Cook pulled him close, something in his chest loosening at David's apparent forgiveness. David had his face buried in Cook's neck and Cook held onto him for all he was worth, tilting his head to press a kiss to his ear. "I love you," Cook whispered.
David pulled back and said, "You do?" in tones of awe and joy.
"I do," Cook confirmed and bent his head to kiss David.
David put his hands on Cook's face and kissed him back fervently.
"I love you too," he mumbled against Cook's mouth, the words just clear enough for Cook's heart to jump.
They kissed for a while until suddenly David pulled back, looking alarmed. "My attendant saw you come here!"
Cook brushed a hand down the side of his face. "Carly already knows. We can trust her."
David looked confused but Cook kissed him again because the last thing he wanted to discuss right then was Carly.
"In that case," David said after a moment. He took a step back, pulling Cook along with him in the direction of the bed. Cook followed readily.
*
When the knock on the door came the next morning, they were on their sides in bed, facing each other, close enough to kiss with only a tilt of the head, which they had been doing repeatedly. Cook had his hand on David's hip, sliding his thumb against the soft skin and feeling exhilarated and possessive and fulfilled.
"Who is it?" David called.
"Carly, My Lord," came the answer, and she came in without waiting for an invitation.
David squealed and slid down further under the quilt, so he was covered up to his chin. Cook grinned.
Carly looked deeply satisfied when she took in the sight of them in bed. "Good morning! I see that you've had an interesting night!"
"Carly!" David protested, his voice muffled by the blanket that was half-covering his mouth.
Cook just laughed and reached out to pull David into him. "Indeed we did."
"Oh my gosh, Cook!" David said.
"I am truly happy to hear that," Carly said, her expression fond.
"Carly," Cook said, suddenly struck by an idea. "Perhaps you could inform Her Majesty that Lord David is feeling a bit under the weather, and will be remaining in bed for the day in hopes of recovering his strength?"
"Oh," David said, and looked hopefully at Carly.
"Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear that," Carly said, sounding the opposite of sorry. "I shall tell Her Majesty's steward at once. Perhaps breakfast in bed will make you feel better."
"We are indebted to you," Cook said.
She winked and slipped back out the door.
As soon as the door was shut behind her, Cook leaned in to kiss David soundly. Right now, lying in bed with David with an uninterrupted day together stretching out before them, Cook wasn't sure that there was anyone happier in the entire palace.
*
It was several hours later, when David was lying with his head resting on Cook's outstretched arm, that they paused for conversation.
"Why did you leave, before?" David wanted to know.
Cook had been expecting this question -- had expected it much earlier, in fact -- so he was prepared. "I suppose I was caught up in worry for the future. I love you. But I have nothing to offer you. I am a poor match by any standard."
"You're not," David protested.
"I am, though. I'm certainly not worthy of Lord David Archuleta, of the Royal Family of Murray," Cook said.
"You're a noble!" David said.
"I am," Cook agreed, "but only in name. I have no lands, or inheritance, or family to support me."
"Well, I have plenty of all three," David said resolutely. "Everything that is mine is yours to share."
"Your family will be disappointed, if they do not reject me altogether. They were hoping for an alliance match with Tulsa."
"My parents want nothing more than my happiness," David said firmly. "Dowries are outlawed in Murray. If I had been interested in taking a bride rather than a groom, she would not have brought anything other than herself to the marriage, and nor would she have needed to. Why should it be any different if I choose a man?"
Cook opened his mouth and closed it. He hadn't thought of it that way before. "I suppose it shouldn't," he said finally.
David looked triumphant. He put a hand to Cook's cheek. "All I need from you is your trust, your respect, and your love."
Cook swallowed, overwhelmed. "They are already yours," he managed, and rolled over on top of David, kissing him desperately.
*
Cook had his head resting on David's chest. He was sleepily content, listening to David's heart beating, strong and steady. He was exhausted in the best way and he was considering letting himself drift off. David was already dozing, or so Cook thought until he spoke. "The summer is coming to an end soon."
Cook lifted his head so he could rest it on his hand and look at David. He'd had his worries put to rest earlier, but it seemed by his solemn expression that this was something that had been concerning David.
"It is," Cook agreed. "I think that shortly after you return to Murray, I shall take my leave of Tulsa and follow you."
David frowned. "But your loyalty to the people of Tulsa and the queen--"
Cook took David's hand and raised it to his lips. "There will never be a place for me before Queen Paula if I am with you. And I can just as well serve the people of Murray as I can the people of Tulsa. I would go anywhere if I could be by your side and I would have all the happiness in the world."
"Are you sure?" David asked, still sounding doubtful. "Perhaps Queen Paula would understand if I spoke with her."
"She wouldn't," Cook said, and then realized that he'd never gotten around to telling David his background and what Queen Paula had done to gain the throne. With everything else going on, he'd forgotten entirely that David didn't know all that he did. "There are some things that I've been meaning to tell you about that."
"About what?" David asked.
"I haven't fully explained my title and my unique position as a noble in the guard."
"I had wondered about that," David said.
Cook nodded and took a deep breath. "Queen Paula is my stepmother."
David blinked and stared at him for a couple beats, screwing up his face in confusion before slowly his eyes widened. It would have been funny if Cook hadn't been waiting for his reaction with bated breath. "Wait, what?"
"It's a complicated story," Cook said, "but my father died when I was twelve and so I was placed in the care of Queen Paula, and--"
There was a sudden, urgent knock, and then Carly burst into the room, her arms full of linens. "Her Majesty is planning on coming to check on you, Lord David. She is eating dinner currently, but it is her intention to come by immediately thereafter."
"Oh dear," David said, starting to get up before pulling the quilt back up and looking at Carly imploringly. Carly obligingly turned around, and David and Cook made short work of getting dressed.
"Is she suspicious that something is amiss?" Cook asked worriedly as he pulled his breeches on.
"No," Carly said. "She is only worried about Lord David feeling poorly. You shall be quite alright if you just leave here in the next few minutes. I shall change the sheets and help Lord David to look as if he is truly ill."
"You are a treasure," Cook said gratefully. "Thank you."
Carly gestured at him to hurry up but she looked pleased. Cook turned to David and took his face in both hands. He kissed him softly. "Meet me in the maze at midnight? I'll finish explaining then."
"Of course," David agreed.
Cook smiled at him one more time and then left the room hurriedly. He didn't encounter anyone out of the ordinary the entire way back to his chambers, where he finally allowed himself to relax. He stretched out on his bed fully clothed and drifted off, thinking of the taste of David's laugh and the feel of his smile.
*
*
*
Queen Paula arrived at David's bedroom about fifteen minutes after Cook had left in such a hurry. Carly had disappeared as well after fussing over him and tucking him back under the sheets.
David was feeling pleasantly sleepy -- for all that he'd spent the day in bed, he'd exerted himself quite a bit -- so he wasn't feigning his yawn or drooping eyes as Queen Paula walked in. He started to sit up, but she gestured at him to relax, moving forward.
"My dear Lord David," she said, sounding dismayed to see him ill. "I was disheartened to learn that you were feeling under the weather. Are you at all improved?"
"I believe I am, Your Majesty. I am sure that I shall be fully mended after another night of rest."
"I hope you are indeed," Queen Paula said. "The palace has been dull without your presence and Prince Adam has been disconsolate."
Privately, David thought it was unlikely that Prince Adam had been remotely bothered, but he didn't say anything.
Queen Paula added, "If you are not well tomorrow, I shall send him to keep you company."
David barely suppressed a wince. "May I be frank, Your Majesty?"
She smiled and put her hand on his. "Of course, Lord David. You may always be frank with me."
"I do not believe that Prince Adam and I are quite compatible," David said.
Queen Paula's expression was curiously blank, which was a bit offputting. He had been expecting some disappointment. "I see. May I ask why not?"
David opened his mouth, and then hesitated.
Cook had said that he would be just as happy in Murray as in Tulsa, but David wasn't sure he believed him. He'd worked so hard to become Captain of the Guard and protect the people and Royal Family of Tulsa. David couldn't be responsible for taking him away from that.
David was certain that Cook was mistaken -- surely Queen Paula would forgive him and embrace him with open arms once she saw how loyal he was and that he hadn't meant to betray her. David had felt a similar fear before telling his family about his preference for men, but in the end, all his fears had been for naught, and they had accepted him with open arms.
Queen Paula was kind and motherly, and she'd treated David like a son during his time here. Surely she would come around if David explained it to her properly. After all, what Queen Paula had been hoping for was an alliance between Murray and Tulsa. If he were to marry Cook and stay in Tulsa, that would be accomplished, just in a different way than she had initially imagined.
In the end, Cook was her family and family was always there for each other. Cook wasn't her biological son, true -- he must have been the son of her previous husband -- but he had mentioned on multiple occasions that he owed her a great deal. Surely that indicated that she viewed him as family just as much as Prince Adam or Prince Kristopher. And if that was the case, certainly she would not be upset with Cook.
Mind made up, he took a deep breath and said, "I'm in love with your stepson."
Queen Paula's face was still blank -- with shock, probably. She hadn't even known that they were acquainted after all.
David hurried to explain. "I met him by chance a few times as he was on guard and he was ever so kind to me. I had been feeling homesick and he consoled me. He was worried that you would be angry, that's why he didn't tell you." He faltered. Queen Paula's persistently blank expression was throwing him off. "You're not angry at him, are you? Truly, it was I who pursued him, rather than the inverse."
Queen Paula relaxed, finally, her expression reverting to its regular compassionate one. David let out a breath. "I'm not angry, Lord David. I was simply taken aback. All I truly desire for the both of you is your happiness, and if this makes you happy than I am glad for you."
"It does," David told her earnestly. "I am very happy."
Queen Paula squeezed his hand. "I am pleased to hear it. Well, Lord David, you should get some rest. I hope you will be fully recovered tomorrow."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," David said, smiling as she left the room. He felt light, with all his worries dissolving by the minute. Wait until Cook heard how understanding Queen Paula had been! He would be so relieved. David couldn't wait to tell him when they met at the maze.
*
David waited all night, but Cook never showed up. It was like the night before last all over again, as if the past 24 hours had never happened. David couldn't understand it -- he thought they'd been able to work past all of their misunderstandings. David sat under the tree until dawn. Most likely Cook had simply fallen asleep by accident, he told himself, but he couldn't silence the small worried voice in the back of his mind.
By evening of the next day, the small worried voice had grown into a loud shout that he couldn't ignore. He hadn't seen the slightest sign of Cook and it wasn't for lack of searching. It was possible that Cook was attempting to avoid him again, but David couldn't think of a reason why he would do so. Everything had been perfect between them when he'd left David's chambers the previous evening.
Hoping against hope, he went to the maze again that evening, but once again, there was no sign of Cook the whole night.
*
The next morning, he went directly to Queen Paula. "Your Majesty, have you seen Sir Cook?"
"Oh dear," she said, looking confused. "Sir Cook came to me yesterday morning and requested to be transferred to the south of the kingdom. I believe he left yesterday evening. I assumed he had spoken to you!"
David took a step back, shocked. "No, I didn't see him at all yesterday."
"Oh dear," Queen Paula said again. "I had so hoped this time would be different."
"What do you mean?" David asked numbly.
"I love him dearly," she said, "but my stepson is known for his philandering ways. This would not be the first time he left a paramour unexpectedly."
"No, it can't be," David said. "Cook wouldn't do that!"
"I'm sorry, Lord David," Queen Paula said.
*
David returned to his chambers, feelings raging within him. He had only to think on the matter for a moment or two before he knew for certain that what the queen had said was preposterous. He knew Cook better than that.
For the first time, he was mistrustful of the queen's intentions. He was certain that Cook wouldn't have left without saying something, so the only possibility was that she had lied to him. Why, he wasn't sure, but she had assuredly lied to him.
He didn't know what was going on, but he was going to figure it out.
The first thing he did was search the grounds thoroughly. It took him the better part of the day, but he found no trace of Cook. He went to the roof and also to the balcony, but none of the guards stationed there were Cook. On the balcony, he had an idea and approached the guard by the door.
"Do you know where I can find Sir Andrew or Sir Neal?" David asked. Cook had mentioned them as his closest friends on multiple occasions.
"Sir Neal is on patrols, My Lord, so I'm not certain where he is at the moment. However, I don't believe Sir Andrew is on duty. He is most likely in the guards' mess or the guards' quarters."
David thanked the guard, got directions, and set off.
It was evening by then, but David couldn't think of rest or food. He felt uncomfortable walking into the guards' area but his desperation to find Cook lent him courage. The more time passed, the more strongly he felt that something was gravely amiss.
Fortunately, Sir Andrew was easy to find and he immediately led David to a secluded area where they could talk.
"Do you know where, um, Sir Cook is?" David asked.
Sir Andrew looked worried too. "No, My Lord, I have not seen him. He was off duty the day before yesterday, but he has not been seen since and he missed several patrols, not to mention morning practice, which is most unusual for him."
David bit his lip, disheartened, although a small part of him was gratified that he'd been correct. Obviously his fellow guards would know if he'd been reposted.
Sir Andrew looked closely at David's expression and then said, slowly, "Perhaps you might like to take a look in his chambers?"
"That would be wonderful," David said.
He followed Sir Andrew up the stairs and to a door in the corner. Cook's room was small, but functional. A small bed opposite a closet, with a shelf on the far wall and a desk underneath. It didn't have much in the way of personal artifacts, although the care with which his sword and armor was kept demonstrated how much Cook loved them.
Nothing was out of place in his bedroom. His bed was made and the clothing in his closet undisturbed. It appeared that this was another dead end.
David was just giving up and turning to leave when he caught sight of something poking out under the foot of the bed. "Hey, what's that?"
Sir Andrew came to look as David pulled a boot out from its hiding place. David recognized it as the boot that went with Cook's guard uniform -- one of the boots that Cook had been wearing when he'd come to David's room.
David looked under the bed and in the closet but there was no sign of the other boot.
"Cook wouldn't have gone somewhere with just one boot, would he?" David said slowly.
Sir Andrew looked somber. "No, he would not," he agreed.
David tightened his fingers around the boot, trying to push down the panic that was trying to rise in him. It seemed clear that Cook had been taken somewhere against his will, and David was starting to realize that the only logical explanation was that this was a direct consequence of what he'd told the queen.
He followed Sir Andrew outside, still clutching the boot. "If you hear anything about where he is, will you send me a message somehow? Please?"
"Of course, My Lord," Sir Andrew said.
"Thank you, Sir Andrew," David said, turning to go.
"Call me Andy," he heard behind him, and he turned to share a quick smile with Cook's second-in-command.
*
David grabbed some bread from the kitchens and took it outside to eat. It was getting dark now, and David didn't know what to do. Where would Queen Paula have taken Cook? Any guard members who had been involved were probably loyal to her, so they wouldn't tell him. Prince Adam certainly wouldn't tell him. Already he'd been trying at breakfast and lunch to "comfort him in his time of distress". The funny thing was, David didn't even particularly think that Prince Adam liked him -- it almost seemed like he was flirting with David out of necessity or expectation. And Prince Kristopher--
David paused, thinking hard. He didn't know Prince Kristopher all that well, despite the two months he'd spent here thus far. David had been offended initially that he hadn't paid David enough attention. Every conversation he'd had with the younger prince since then had only made David feel stupid, because Prince Kristopher had always spoken only about the books he'd read and the advanced sciences he'd studied. They just hadn't hit it off.
Nevertheless, David thought there might be a chance that Prince Kristopher would tell him where Queen Paula was likely to have taken Cook. He had to at least try.
*
Just as David had hoped, Prince Kristopher was in the library despite the late hour. It seemed that he spent most of his time there. He was sitting at one of the large tables with a thick tome in front of him.
Though he must have heard David's approach, he didn't glance up until David had taken the seat across from him and said, tentatively, "Prince Kristopher?"
"Lord David," he said, only after slowly putting his bookmark in place and closing his book. "I know why you are here."
"You do?" David asked.
Prince Kristopher looked pointedly at the boot still clutched in David's hands. "My mother believes that if my stepbrother is no longer around, you will forget him soon enough and turn to my brother instead. But I don't believe that. That is not the love I have read about in my books."
"No, it's not," David agreed.
"You are not quite so feebleminded as my mother believes," Prince Kristopher continued, displaying the bluntness that had been so offputting to David early in the summer. "You have concluded that she has taken Sir Cook and that I, as her less favored son, am the only one likely to both know where he is and consider telling you."
"So, will you?" David asked.
"Why should I?" Prince Kristopher asked, sounding genuinely curious.
"Because Cook has done nothing wrong and does not deserve to be imprisoned. And because nothing will make me want Prince Adam, regardless of whether Cook is around. And because I believe you are a good person and that you can see that it is the right thing to do."
Prince Kristopher looked at him for a long moment. "I have often wondered at my family's ability to rule. Perhaps it would have been best if my stepbrother had retained his rightful claim to the throne."
"Wait," David said, thrown off. "What?"
Prince Kristopher looked amused. "You were not aware that Sir Cook should have been first in line for the throne after his father the king died?"
"I thought the king was your father," David said dumbly, reeling. "I thought perhaps he was the son of Queen Paula's first husband."
"Not quite as feebleminded as my mother believes, but not quite quick-witted enough to understand what's truly at stake for the royal family. Or to look in the dungeons when someone goes missing."
"The dungeons!" David gasped. "Of course!"
"Come, I will take you there," Prince Kristopher said.
Immediately outside the library, they ran into Carly. "Carly, Cook is in the dungeons!" David burst out.
"I know," she said.
She glanced at Prince Kristopher suspiciously. "It's alright. He's helping me," David explained hurriedly.
"Go then, I will be there shortly," she said and swept off in the opposite direction.
"She doesn't quite carry herself as a maidservant," Prince Kristopher commented, staring after her. "I believe she is more than she seems."
"Yes," David said distractedly. "Can we go to the dungeons now?"
"Right this way, Lord David."
*
*
*
For the thousandth time since being thrown into the dungeon by the queen's personal guard, Cook wondered what David was doing and whether he was okay. He hoped that the queen would send him home to Murray unharmed. Certainly it would be difficult for her to do otherwise, with all of David's family anticipating his arrival.
He was pretty sure it was night again, although there were no windows anywhere in the vicinity.
He stretched out on the straw in his cell and closed his eyes. It wasn't very comfortable, but he managed to fall into a troubled doze.
*
He was still half-asleep a short time later when he thought he heard whispers. Guards, most likely, or else a dream, he decided and tried to go back to sleep.
"No, not that one, he has both his shoes," he heard, followed by "There! Only one shoe!"
Cook cracked an eye open.
"Cook!" he heard and sat bolt upright.
"David?" he asked in disbelief.
He squinted in the light of the torch that was shining through the bars. It was him.
"Oh my god, David," he breathed and scrambled to the entrance of the cell.
As soon as he was within reach, David dropped the boot he was carrying and grabbed his arms. Prince Kristopher was standing a few feet behind him, but Cook ignored him in favor of David. He slipped a hand out to cup David's cheek.
"David, what are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry, Cook, I'm so sorry," David said instead of answering. "This is all my fault. I should have listened to you, but I told her. I thought she would forgive you. I never thought she would--"
"Shh," Cook said, brushing at the tears on David's face. "I was taken in by her for years and years. I would never blame you."
David sniffled and Cook ached to pull him into his arms.
"Listen, David," Cook said. "You must leave here."
"What?"
"You must leave Tulsa and return to Murray immediately. It's not safe here, there's no telling what Her Majesty will do. Find Carly, she will help you. Even if you have to sneak out in the night, it's--"
"No, Cook," David said, shaking his head. "I'm not leaving here without you."
"David, don't be foolish," Cook snapped. "I'm already caught, it's too late. All I want is for you to save yourself."
"No," David said obstinately, much to Cook's dismay.
"David--"
"Quiet, you two," said Carly as she approached at a brisk walk. "I've packed the most important of both your things, as well as food to last you until you get to Murray. They are hidden outside waiting for you. Your sword and shield are there, Your Highness, although the armor had to be left behind."
"But how will I--" Cook started, only to fall silent when Carly held out a key to David.
"How did you--"
"Isn't it obvious?" Prince Kristopher said in tones of deep superiority. Cook rolled his eyes.
Then David was unlocking the cell. As soon as the door was open, Cook hurried into the corridor and immediately swept David into his arms.
"You must go!" Carly hissed. "Time is short!"
Cook took David's hand and they followed Carly back to the stairs, with Prince Kristopher trailing behind.
At the top, Carly turned to face Cook. "Go to the East Gardens. Your things are behind the rose fountain. Climb your tree and scale the palace wall from there. You will have to move quickly and find a hidden place to camp. I would be surprised if the alarm has not already been raised."
"Carly--" Cook said helplessly.
"Go!" Carly ordered. "We will meet again."
"Thank you for everything," David said over his shoulder as they turned together and ran.
*
The halls were deserted as Cook and David ran through the palace.
"The quickest way to the East Gardens is to cut through the throne room," Cook told David. "It'll be deserted at this hour."
"Okay," David said.
They arrived at the grand doorway and Cook pushed it open just enough for them to slip through. The room was pitch dark after the halls with their lanterns every several feet and it took a few minutes for their eyes to adjust, by which point they were halfway into the room.
When they could finally see a bit, they froze in horror, because they could just make out the shapes of people lining the perimeter of the room.
A match was struck and shortly thereafter, a lantern lit, which illuminated the throne and the queen sitting in it. "So."
Cook's heart dropped. David was clutching his hand tightly.
The queen stood, her expression stony. "So," she said again. "After everything I have done for you, this is how you repay me."
Feeling frozen, Cook looked around the room to see if there was any way they could escape, but it appeared that the entire guard, not to mention the twelve members of the Queen's guard were all in the room. Cook could have kicked himself for not noticing the lack of guards in the halls.
"And you," Queen Paula continued, turning to David, "I had such high hopes for you, if you had only been smart enough to give in to Adam. You would have been a prince escort and lived a life of luxury."
"Don't you understand? I don't want Adam and I don't care about any amount of luxuries," David said. "I want Cook. I love him. And he loves me."
The queen scoffed. "Love! A lot of good that will do you in this world. It's brought you nothing but pain, and now your love has committed treason."
"You know what is truly treason?" Cook snapped. "Killing the king."
Queen Paula's eyes glittered. "Indeed it is," she said. "You would know all about that, wouldn't you?"
"It was you who killed my father," Cook said. "You cut through the strap of his saddle the night he died."
"That's ridiculous. Now you lie to save your own skin when it was you who caused the king's death," Queen Paula snapped. "Enough of this. Guards! To me!"
Other than two at each door, the guards came and formed a rank in front of the queen's raised throne.
"Kill them," Queen Paula said.
Cook stepped in front of David automatically. "Wait! Let Lord David go home. He has committed no crime."
"It's too late for that," the queen said. "He knows too much."
"He won't tell anyone anything!" Cook said desperately.
"Guards! What are you waiting for? Kill them! The first to do so shall receive a promotion!"
There was a pause as the guards hesitated as a whole at the order to kill their captain, but then one guard stepped forward.
Cook's flinched when he recognized him. It was Andy.
Andy approached, sword raised, his expression unreadable.
Cook understood -- Andy was just doing his duty. As second-in-command, it was his duty to lead the rest of the guard. All the same, the pain was that much worse.
Cook was unarmed, and even if he'd had his sword, he wasn't sure he'd be capable of fighting his own men. There was no way out this time.
"I love you, David," he whispered. "I'm sorry."
"I love you too," David said.
Hands clasped, they waited.
Andy finally arrived within sword's reach of them. For a moment, no one in the room moved or even breathed.
Then Andy lifted his sword in a salute, and said, loud and clear, "Captain," before turning and holding his sword at the ready, his back to Cook and David. He was -- he was protecting them.
"How dare you!" Queen Paula shouted, even as Cook trembled with with relief and gratitude that Andy's friendship was true. "Kill them all! They are all traitors to Tulsa!"
Neal came forward next and winked at Cook before turning around as well. One by one, the rest of the guard followed suit, saluting or bowing to Cook before turning to face the queen.
Cook was awed and humbled. To betray their queen for him -- they must have truly loved and respected him, even more than he realized.
Soon, only the twelve members of the Queen's guard remained by her side, and Cook and David were flanked by the three hundred other guards.
Queen Paula was shouting and threatening everyone, but no one seemed to be paying her much mind.
Cook wasn't sure what he should do next -- it seemed they were at some sort of an impasse. He'd inadvertently staged some sort of coup, and now that it seemed he'd won, he didn't know how to act.
Then Carly walked into the room, followed by Prince Kristopher and Prince Adam.
"You!" Queen Paula gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to give everyone a little dose of the truth."
"How dare you? You're supposed to be my fairy godmother!"
"Yes, and I got you your happily ever after," Carly spat. "When your husband died, all you wanted was to be married again, to someone with high social standing. I landed you a king! That should have been that, but no, you got greedy. One taste of power and you wanted more."
"This is preposterous!"
"Tell them, Paula," Carly said. "Tell them how you used falsehoods and trickery to convince your twelve-year-old stepson that his father didn't love him. Tell them how you sent one of your own servants to him to poison his mind until he was so miserable that he ran away."
Queen Paula was turning redder and redder. "Lies! All lies!"
"Tell them how you went to the stable that night to bring the king his horse and sawed through the strap of the saddle before bringing it out. Tell them how you killed the king."
"I didn't mean to kill him!" Queen Paula burst out. "I only meant to convince him that David was troublesome and that Adam should be made heir in his stead!"
"And after he was dead," Carly continued, her voice deadly quiet but still echoing throughout the room somehow. "You convinced David that it was his fault and persuaded him that you were doing him some magnanimous service by keeping him out of the dungeons. You tricked him, a twelve-year-old boy, into relinquishing his right to the throne and you made him think he ought to be grateful for the fact."
"I only wanted the best for Adam," Queen Paula protested.
Carly shook her head. "You wanted a throne for yourself and power over everyone around you. But now you will lose everything."
She snapped her fingers and a glittery wand appeared in her hand. Cook gaped.
"Bibbidi bobbidi boo," Carly shouted. The words, which would have sounded utterly ridiculous in any other circumstance, sounded terrifying coming from her lips in that tone. There was a huge flash of light and when Cook could see again, Queen Paula was gone, and in her place, there was a fat black cat.
"I think I shall call you Lucifer," Carly said. "From now on you will not be able to terrorize anyone but mice. You shall be very useful. I believe there's an infestation in the larder."
Everyone in the room was still just staring, either at the queen-cat or at Carly.
Carly was either oblivious or used to it. She strode to the throne and picked up the crown that was now lying on the cushion. She brought it to Cook.
"Your Highness," she said, the corners of her lips twitching.
"Wait, but I -- how can I be king?"
"It is your birthright," Carly said.
Cook glanced around at David, who nodded at him encouragingly. He thought suddenly of all the things he'd wished were different about the kingdom, and had the dizzying realization that he would be able to fix them if he were king. He could truly help the people with the crown behind him. He bent his head and Carly placed the crown on his head.
She turned to the corner, where Prince Adam and Prince Kristopher were standing. "Any objections?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Not at all," Prince Adam said. "Quite honestly, ruling seems like the most terrible bore."
"I prefer my books," Prince Kristopher added.
"It's settled then," Carly said decisively, and turned back to Cook.
"All hail your rightful king, His Majesty David Roland Cook!"
A couple guards cheered and, as if a spell had been broken, the rest suddenly followed suit, so that the room was a clamor of shouts.
Cook dazedly turned to David, who was beaming at him.
"Your Majesty," he said. "I know you shall be a wonderful king."
Cook smiled suddenly. "You know, every king needs a consort. I wonder how the royal family of Murray would feel about a marriage alliance with the royal family of Tulsa."
"I don't know," David said, giggling. "Perhaps if it were a king or something."
Cook reeled him in and kissed him. "Excellent," he whispered. "Because the king of Tulsa is quite fond of one of the queen of Murray's cousins."
"Really? That's fortunate, because I heard that he is in love with the king of Tulsa."
"Then I suppose they shall live happily ever after."
And indeed they did.
*
rajkumari905
The queen summoned him as he was eating dinner with his men and Cook had a brief moment of terror that she'd somehow learned about either his treasonous conversation or his treasonous affair and was calling him for punishment.
He'd put his conversation with Carly out of his mind, or attempted to do so. It was just so far-fetched, and really, what did he even know about Carly that he should be so easily influenced by her?
Nevertheless, as he stood in front of the queen, he couldn't help but scrutinize her face for any sign that she was capable of regicide. She was ambitious and formidable, sure, but a killer? Cook wasn't convinced.
"Your Majesty," he said with a bow.
"David," she said warmly. Cook relaxed. He'd been getting carried away with Carly and all her nonsense -- he knew the queen. She wasn't ruthless -- hadn't she proven that by her generosity with Cook? "Adam told me that you were helping him at the ball. Your assistance is greatly appreciated."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Cook said uncomfortably. "Anything for the crown of Tulsa."
Queen Paula beamed at him. "Tell me, have you had the opportunity to speak with Lord David much?"
"Uh. No, Your Majesty, only very briefly," he lied.
"Hmm. He is proving far more difficult than I had anticipated. I would have welcomed your input as to what might make him give in to Adam. He seemed quite enamored of Adam earlier, but now he is less and less receptive to his advances. I don't understand it! Is Adam not handsome and charming and heir to the throne?"
"He is, Your Majesty," Cook said.
"Never mind, we will endeavor to keep trying."
"Your Majesty," Cook said tentatively. "Suppose Lord David does not fall for Prince Adam before summer's end, what will you do then?"
"Nonsense," she said. "If he continues to be difficult, well. People become much more amenable to these things when plied with drinks!"
She laughed heartily, luckily missing Cook's look of horror.
"I didn't think he was accustomed to partaking of alcohol," Cook said, carefully trying to sound neutral.
"Ah yes, they are so dreadfully old-fashioned in Murray, are they not? But we can use that to our advantage. With the help of a bit of liquid luck slipped into his drink, Adam can persuade him into bed, and I have no doubt that Lord David will view it as a lasting commitment."
Cook couldn't believe what he was hearing. He'd never imagined that the queen could be so manipulative. If she were willing to go to such lengths to secure a connection for the throne she already held, what would she have been willing to do to get the throne in the first place?
Cook had a feeling he already knew the answer.
Working hard to keep his dismay off of his face, he bowed and said, "Indeed, Your Majesty."
"Anyhow, I thank you again for proving once again your loyalty to the family," Queen Paula said, abruptly reverting to her sweet and harmless facade.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Cook managed, and fortunately was dismissed immediately thereafter.
*
Cook wandered through the halls in a daze for the next hour. He didn't know what to do. He wasn't actually sure that there was anything he could do, no matter what Carly seemed to have been implying. The only thing he'd decided for certain was that he had to end things with David. Now he knew for certain how the queen would react if she found out, and it wouldn't be pleasant for anyone involved. In fact, Cook was starting to think that it would be downright dangerous.
There was nothing for it but to stand firm and tell David that they had to stop. Without getting distracted, this time. When he next saw David and there was no one around, he'd end it and figure out what to do about the rest of it later.
He'd no sooner strengthened his resolve than he heard a sound as he was passing an alcove. David was inside, gesturing at him to approach. This wasn't exactly the most private of locations, although there was no one around. It was probably for the best that they weren't going to continue this, because if this was David's idea of being careful, the word would be out within the hour.
Cook could think of no way to soften the blow, so he just said, "David, we can't--"
"Meet me at the Athena statue in the maze at midnight," David interrupted, voice hushed, and then slipped out of the alcove before Cook could respond.
*
It was nearly half past midnight by the time Cook arrived at the indicated place to meet David. He'd debated not showing up and ending things with David in that way, but that seemed unnecessarily cruel, and cowardly to boot. He'd been mentally preparing himself to be firm this time, though, and he was certain he'd manage it.
He didn't bank on David not giving him an opportunity to speak, however.
As soon as he rounded the corner, David looked up, beaming. "You came!"
He flew at Cook, not appearing the slightest bit upset about Cook's tardiness, and threw his arms around Cook's neck, kissing him soundly.
Cook concentrated on savoring every moment of that kiss, knowing that all too soon it would be just a distant memory.
"David, listen to me," Cook said as soon as David pulled back.
"No, let me speak first," David said, seizing Cook's hand and pulling him to the birch tree in the corner, where he'd set up a candle and blanket, no doubt appropriated from his chambers. This portion of the maze opened out into a small courtyard, on the edge furthest from the palace, so there was no way that anyone in the palace would be able to see the light. It was clear that David had planned this out in great detail and Cook was forced to reassess his earlier thought that David wouldn't know how to be discreet.
Once they were both seated on the blanket, David took a deep breath. "I was not certain that you would come. I know what you were about to tell me earlier today and I have no doubt that you've been rehearsing it this whole evening."
Cook was a little taken aback by David's candor, but also impressed. One of the things that had drawn him to David was his lack of artifice. It probably seemed naive to some who thrived on the social intricacies of court, but Cook found it refreshing that David didn't seem to be able to feign much other than politeness.
Cook hurried to say, "It's not that I don't want this, I do. But you must understand that this could ruin me." He'd thought at length about how to explain it to David without accusing the queen of regicide. "Her Majesty has a very strict view of loyalty, and despite our intentions and the fact that you are not interested in Prince Adam or Prince Kristopher, she will view my involvement with you as treason. And I have worked so very hard to be where I am, David. I am charged with protecting my people and I would not throw that aside."
David was listening to him solemnly.
"I understand that completely and I cannot fault you for it," he said with a funny smile that was a bit sad around the edges. "I suppose I just -- I didn't expect to meet someone like you when I came here. I thought that I might never connect with someone in this way. You always know what to say to make me feel better. And I've been so homesick this summer, but I forget all that when I'm with you. You make me feel right at home."
Cook couldn't breathe with the sudden wave of emotion that hit him. He reached out to cup David's face in his hands.
"David," he said softly. "I've never felt for anyone the way I do about you."
And then David was crawling toward him and they were kissing again, clumsy and fast and perfect.
When they broke apart this time, David said, a little desperately, "What if I encouraged Prince Adam?"
The thought of David with Prince Adam was very effective in clearing the daze he'd fallen into. "What?"
"We could be careful, very careful," David explained. "And if I stopped rebutting his advances, the queen wouldn't have reason to be suspicious."
"David, no. I know he makes you uncomfortable. You shouldn't be subjected to that, much less encourage it. I regret that I pushed you toward him once."
"It would be worth it," David said, "If I knew I would get to see you later."
Cook suddenly felt an overwhelming conviction. Queen Paula had taken much from him -- more than he was capable of truly grasping at this point. Why should he let her take this away from him too?
"We'll meet only at night," Cook said, watching as a slow smile blossomed on David's face. "And you must not acknowledge me during the day."
"Of course," David agreed happily.
Cook met him in a slow kiss, this one lacking the urgency of the previous few. Finally, he allowed himself to stop thinking.
Some time later, he moved to lean back against the tree and David followed him, resting his head against Cook's chest and one leg over Cook's.
They were both quiet in their contentment and the peace of the night helped Cook to relax for once. It felt a bit like being with his men on a night off, after the fourth ale of the night, before the headache and nausea set in.
Which reminded him abruptly of what the queen had said earlier today about "persuading" David to consider Prince Adam one way or another. But how could he warn David without mentioning his doubts about the queen's integrity? David had a strong tendency to see the best in people and Cook wasn't at all sure that David would believe him, or even how he would take the suggestion that Queen Paula wasn't as motherly as she appeared.
"David, I've been meaning to tell you that you must be very cautious about what you drink here," Cook said carefully. "It has often happened that, er, people who want to cause mischief slip alcohol into the drinks purported to be non-alcoholic. And sometimes people unintentionally get intoxicated."
"Oh dear," David said. "Thank you for telling me. I shall have to stick to water."
Satisfied, Cook craned his neck to press a kiss to the top of David's head, before relaxing against the tree once more. David smiled up at him and snuggled in closer.
They stayed there for several hours. David fell asleep leaning against him there, but Cook stayed awake, relishing in his presence and keeping an eye on the progression of the stars so he'd know when they had to return to their respective quarters and distance.
He'd be exhausted during his patrols the next day, but Cook didn't even begin to care.
*
Their system worked well for several days. Most nights, they met in the maze, since it was the easiest and safest place that either of them could think of. But they didn't even really need all the caution -- the queen didn't appear to have noticed anything off at all, other than that David was a bit more tired than usual.
It was a warm night, the eleventh since Cook had given in to David, and the moon was a bright crescent hanging low in the sky. Though the evening had begun innocently enough, with both of them taking it in turn to invent ridiculous constellations and stories, it had digressed as they always did, until they were lying on the blanket, side by side, with their legs tangled and their mouths pressed together. David was making soft gasping noises which were starting to make Cook wild with desire.
"God, you're perfect," Cook murmured, pressing a kiss to David's cheekbone before moving forward to suck on his earlobe.
David whimpered, fingers pressing into Cook's back.
"Cook," he said, and waited until Cook pulled back to look at him. "I want..."
Cook waited, raising an eyebrow, but David appeared unable to continue verbally, so he took one of Cook's hands and brought it down to the bulge in his pants.
Cook sucked in a harsh breath as he abruptly pulled his hand back. "David--"
"You're the first person that's ever made me want to," David whispered and Cook's breath caught.
He knew that people in Murray, and consequently David, were more conservative than those raised in Tulsa by far, and his conversations with David on the subject had confirmed the fact. This was a big deal to David, something he would never have suggested lightly, or in the heat of the moment. This was premeditated.
Cook remembered Queen Paula's words, that David would view a sexual act as a commitment. And then he looked down at himself, with no land, no money, no connections, and felt grossly inadequate.
He didn't deserve this. He didn't deserve David.
"We can't," Cook said and sat up, moving away from David.
He got to his feet and walked away, not looking back lest David see his stricken expression.
That he was in love with David was beyond doubt. That was why he had to end this farce once and for all. It was one thing to meet at night and kiss under the birch tree. It was another thing entirely for David to think he was worthy of being his first, and probably his only. How could this ever work out in the long run with all of the barriers between them? He didn't want David to look back on these nights with regret, but it felt like that was inevitable.
*
"You do mope about a lot, don't you, Your Highness?"
Cook looked up from his shoes. Carly sat down next to him. He was sitting on a low wall in the far side of the rose garden, one of his few secret places he hadn't shared with David. He'd been doing his utmost to avoid him, and he hadn't gone to the maze the previous night, though he was sure David had been there.
"What's troubling you?" Carly asked
"What do you do when you -- you have feelings for someone, but you know you are not worthy of them?"
Carly raised an eyebrow. "It seems to me that it is your partner who should be allowed to decide for themselves who is worthy of them."
"But what if you know what they would choose and that it would be an error?"
"Then you clearly do not have enough faith in your partner's ability to make decisions and perhaps it is you who are the problem. If you are in an equal relationship, you should trust your partner's good sense and judgment."
Cook shifted uncomfortably. "He doesn't know the truth about me, however. My future is entirely uncertain. I haven't even thought about what action to pursue. How can I drag him into that unknowing?"
"Perhaps you should tell him."
Cook hesitated. "I can't."
"Do you really think Lord David would abandon you?" Carly demanded.
"How did you know I was speaking of Lord David?" Cook gasped.
Carly waved a hand. "I'm very capable of reading between the lines," she said dismissively, ignoring Cook's gaping. "And yes, of course your secret is safe with me. Now on the topic of what Lord David would do if he knew your true identity?"
"He wouldn't abandon me, but that makes it worse. He lives a life of luxury and I would be the one to destroy that. He would follow me to god knows where. I would not be able to provide him anything -- I have no funds, no lands, and only the emptiest of titles."
"You reveal more about your own thoughts of yourself than of Lord David's. It is your own self-doubt that speaks in you. You have allowed yourself to be ruled by fear for too long, Your Highness. It is time for you to move beyond it. Allow Lord David to choose what he wants for himself."
"Er. I already sort of chose for him when he propositioned me and I left him in the maze," Cook said, sort of guiltily.
"You left him?" Carly shrieked. "Your Highness, you are an utter imbecile."
Cook lifted his hands into the air defensively. "What do I do?"
"Apologize. Go to him tonight. Make it right. Grovel if you have to."
Carly's suggestions came out more like commands, but he knew she was right. "Very well, I shall go after dinner tonight."
*
Cook waited until several hours after dinner to go knock on David's door, hoping that it would be late enough that David would have already dismissed his attendants, but not so late that he would be asleep.
As it turned out, David still had an attendant in the room, but it didn't end up being a problem.
A few moments after he knocked, the door was opened by a maid. Cook had already prepared what he would say in that situation, so he started, "Please inform Lord David that--" before realizing that the person standing in front of him was none other than Carly. "You!"
She curtsied, the picture of deference if it hadn't been for the smirk on her face. "I will announce your presence and take your leave," she said.
A moment later, she returned and before he could think of anything to say, slipped out behind him.
Cook shook his head and went through the door.
David was standing in the center of the room, already in his dressing gown, though his bed was still made. He looked tired and troubled as he met Cook's gaze. He didn't say anything.
Cook shut the door behind him and walked forward a few steps, until he was in front of David. "I am a coward and a fool, and I'm sorry."
David took the remaining step to close the distance between them and wrapped his arms around Cook's neck. Cook pulled him close, something in his chest loosening at David's apparent forgiveness. David had his face buried in Cook's neck and Cook held onto him for all he was worth, tilting his head to press a kiss to his ear. "I love you," Cook whispered.
David pulled back and said, "You do?" in tones of awe and joy.
"I do," Cook confirmed and bent his head to kiss David.
David put his hands on Cook's face and kissed him back fervently.
"I love you too," he mumbled against Cook's mouth, the words just clear enough for Cook's heart to jump.
They kissed for a while until suddenly David pulled back, looking alarmed. "My attendant saw you come here!"
Cook brushed a hand down the side of his face. "Carly already knows. We can trust her."
David looked confused but Cook kissed him again because the last thing he wanted to discuss right then was Carly.
"In that case," David said after a moment. He took a step back, pulling Cook along with him in the direction of the bed. Cook followed readily.
*
When the knock on the door came the next morning, they were on their sides in bed, facing each other, close enough to kiss with only a tilt of the head, which they had been doing repeatedly. Cook had his hand on David's hip, sliding his thumb against the soft skin and feeling exhilarated and possessive and fulfilled.
"Who is it?" David called.
"Carly, My Lord," came the answer, and she came in without waiting for an invitation.
David squealed and slid down further under the quilt, so he was covered up to his chin. Cook grinned.
Carly looked deeply satisfied when she took in the sight of them in bed. "Good morning! I see that you've had an interesting night!"
"Carly!" David protested, his voice muffled by the blanket that was half-covering his mouth.
Cook just laughed and reached out to pull David into him. "Indeed we did."
"Oh my gosh, Cook!" David said.
"I am truly happy to hear that," Carly said, her expression fond.
"Carly," Cook said, suddenly struck by an idea. "Perhaps you could inform Her Majesty that Lord David is feeling a bit under the weather, and will be remaining in bed for the day in hopes of recovering his strength?"
"Oh," David said, and looked hopefully at Carly.
"Oh dear, I am so sorry to hear that," Carly said, sounding the opposite of sorry. "I shall tell Her Majesty's steward at once. Perhaps breakfast in bed will make you feel better."
"We are indebted to you," Cook said.
She winked and slipped back out the door.
As soon as the door was shut behind her, Cook leaned in to kiss David soundly. Right now, lying in bed with David with an uninterrupted day together stretching out before them, Cook wasn't sure that there was anyone happier in the entire palace.
*
It was several hours later, when David was lying with his head resting on Cook's outstretched arm, that they paused for conversation.
"Why did you leave, before?" David wanted to know.
Cook had been expecting this question -- had expected it much earlier, in fact -- so he was prepared. "I suppose I was caught up in worry for the future. I love you. But I have nothing to offer you. I am a poor match by any standard."
"You're not," David protested.
"I am, though. I'm certainly not worthy of Lord David Archuleta, of the Royal Family of Murray," Cook said.
"You're a noble!" David said.
"I am," Cook agreed, "but only in name. I have no lands, or inheritance, or family to support me."
"Well, I have plenty of all three," David said resolutely. "Everything that is mine is yours to share."
"Your family will be disappointed, if they do not reject me altogether. They were hoping for an alliance match with Tulsa."
"My parents want nothing more than my happiness," David said firmly. "Dowries are outlawed in Murray. If I had been interested in taking a bride rather than a groom, she would not have brought anything other than herself to the marriage, and nor would she have needed to. Why should it be any different if I choose a man?"
Cook opened his mouth and closed it. He hadn't thought of it that way before. "I suppose it shouldn't," he said finally.
David looked triumphant. He put a hand to Cook's cheek. "All I need from you is your trust, your respect, and your love."
Cook swallowed, overwhelmed. "They are already yours," he managed, and rolled over on top of David, kissing him desperately.
*
Cook had his head resting on David's chest. He was sleepily content, listening to David's heart beating, strong and steady. He was exhausted in the best way and he was considering letting himself drift off. David was already dozing, or so Cook thought until he spoke. "The summer is coming to an end soon."
Cook lifted his head so he could rest it on his hand and look at David. He'd had his worries put to rest earlier, but it seemed by his solemn expression that this was something that had been concerning David.
"It is," Cook agreed. "I think that shortly after you return to Murray, I shall take my leave of Tulsa and follow you."
David frowned. "But your loyalty to the people of Tulsa and the queen--"
Cook took David's hand and raised it to his lips. "There will never be a place for me before Queen Paula if I am with you. And I can just as well serve the people of Murray as I can the people of Tulsa. I would go anywhere if I could be by your side and I would have all the happiness in the world."
"Are you sure?" David asked, still sounding doubtful. "Perhaps Queen Paula would understand if I spoke with her."
"She wouldn't," Cook said, and then realized that he'd never gotten around to telling David his background and what Queen Paula had done to gain the throne. With everything else going on, he'd forgotten entirely that David didn't know all that he did. "There are some things that I've been meaning to tell you about that."
"About what?" David asked.
"I haven't fully explained my title and my unique position as a noble in the guard."
"I had wondered about that," David said.
Cook nodded and took a deep breath. "Queen Paula is my stepmother."
David blinked and stared at him for a couple beats, screwing up his face in confusion before slowly his eyes widened. It would have been funny if Cook hadn't been waiting for his reaction with bated breath. "Wait, what?"
"It's a complicated story," Cook said, "but my father died when I was twelve and so I was placed in the care of Queen Paula, and--"
There was a sudden, urgent knock, and then Carly burst into the room, her arms full of linens. "Her Majesty is planning on coming to check on you, Lord David. She is eating dinner currently, but it is her intention to come by immediately thereafter."
"Oh dear," David said, starting to get up before pulling the quilt back up and looking at Carly imploringly. Carly obligingly turned around, and David and Cook made short work of getting dressed.
"Is she suspicious that something is amiss?" Cook asked worriedly as he pulled his breeches on.
"No," Carly said. "She is only worried about Lord David feeling poorly. You shall be quite alright if you just leave here in the next few minutes. I shall change the sheets and help Lord David to look as if he is truly ill."
"You are a treasure," Cook said gratefully. "Thank you."
Carly gestured at him to hurry up but she looked pleased. Cook turned to David and took his face in both hands. He kissed him softly. "Meet me in the maze at midnight? I'll finish explaining then."
"Of course," David agreed.
Cook smiled at him one more time and then left the room hurriedly. He didn't encounter anyone out of the ordinary the entire way back to his chambers, where he finally allowed himself to relax. He stretched out on his bed fully clothed and drifted off, thinking of the taste of David's laugh and the feel of his smile.
*
*
*
Queen Paula arrived at David's bedroom about fifteen minutes after Cook had left in such a hurry. Carly had disappeared as well after fussing over him and tucking him back under the sheets.
David was feeling pleasantly sleepy -- for all that he'd spent the day in bed, he'd exerted himself quite a bit -- so he wasn't feigning his yawn or drooping eyes as Queen Paula walked in. He started to sit up, but she gestured at him to relax, moving forward.
"My dear Lord David," she said, sounding dismayed to see him ill. "I was disheartened to learn that you were feeling under the weather. Are you at all improved?"
"I believe I am, Your Majesty. I am sure that I shall be fully mended after another night of rest."
"I hope you are indeed," Queen Paula said. "The palace has been dull without your presence and Prince Adam has been disconsolate."
Privately, David thought it was unlikely that Prince Adam had been remotely bothered, but he didn't say anything.
Queen Paula added, "If you are not well tomorrow, I shall send him to keep you company."
David barely suppressed a wince. "May I be frank, Your Majesty?"
She smiled and put her hand on his. "Of course, Lord David. You may always be frank with me."
"I do not believe that Prince Adam and I are quite compatible," David said.
Queen Paula's expression was curiously blank, which was a bit offputting. He had been expecting some disappointment. "I see. May I ask why not?"
David opened his mouth, and then hesitated.
Cook had said that he would be just as happy in Murray as in Tulsa, but David wasn't sure he believed him. He'd worked so hard to become Captain of the Guard and protect the people and Royal Family of Tulsa. David couldn't be responsible for taking him away from that.
David was certain that Cook was mistaken -- surely Queen Paula would forgive him and embrace him with open arms once she saw how loyal he was and that he hadn't meant to betray her. David had felt a similar fear before telling his family about his preference for men, but in the end, all his fears had been for naught, and they had accepted him with open arms.
Queen Paula was kind and motherly, and she'd treated David like a son during his time here. Surely she would come around if David explained it to her properly. After all, what Queen Paula had been hoping for was an alliance between Murray and Tulsa. If he were to marry Cook and stay in Tulsa, that would be accomplished, just in a different way than she had initially imagined.
In the end, Cook was her family and family was always there for each other. Cook wasn't her biological son, true -- he must have been the son of her previous husband -- but he had mentioned on multiple occasions that he owed her a great deal. Surely that indicated that she viewed him as family just as much as Prince Adam or Prince Kristopher. And if that was the case, certainly she would not be upset with Cook.
Mind made up, he took a deep breath and said, "I'm in love with your stepson."
Queen Paula's face was still blank -- with shock, probably. She hadn't even known that they were acquainted after all.
David hurried to explain. "I met him by chance a few times as he was on guard and he was ever so kind to me. I had been feeling homesick and he consoled me. He was worried that you would be angry, that's why he didn't tell you." He faltered. Queen Paula's persistently blank expression was throwing him off. "You're not angry at him, are you? Truly, it was I who pursued him, rather than the inverse."
Queen Paula relaxed, finally, her expression reverting to its regular compassionate one. David let out a breath. "I'm not angry, Lord David. I was simply taken aback. All I truly desire for the both of you is your happiness, and if this makes you happy than I am glad for you."
"It does," David told her earnestly. "I am very happy."
Queen Paula squeezed his hand. "I am pleased to hear it. Well, Lord David, you should get some rest. I hope you will be fully recovered tomorrow."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," David said, smiling as she left the room. He felt light, with all his worries dissolving by the minute. Wait until Cook heard how understanding Queen Paula had been! He would be so relieved. David couldn't wait to tell him when they met at the maze.
*
David waited all night, but Cook never showed up. It was like the night before last all over again, as if the past 24 hours had never happened. David couldn't understand it -- he thought they'd been able to work past all of their misunderstandings. David sat under the tree until dawn. Most likely Cook had simply fallen asleep by accident, he told himself, but he couldn't silence the small worried voice in the back of his mind.
By evening of the next day, the small worried voice had grown into a loud shout that he couldn't ignore. He hadn't seen the slightest sign of Cook and it wasn't for lack of searching. It was possible that Cook was attempting to avoid him again, but David couldn't think of a reason why he would do so. Everything had been perfect between them when he'd left David's chambers the previous evening.
Hoping against hope, he went to the maze again that evening, but once again, there was no sign of Cook the whole night.
*
The next morning, he went directly to Queen Paula. "Your Majesty, have you seen Sir Cook?"
"Oh dear," she said, looking confused. "Sir Cook came to me yesterday morning and requested to be transferred to the south of the kingdom. I believe he left yesterday evening. I assumed he had spoken to you!"
David took a step back, shocked. "No, I didn't see him at all yesterday."
"Oh dear," Queen Paula said again. "I had so hoped this time would be different."
"What do you mean?" David asked numbly.
"I love him dearly," she said, "but my stepson is known for his philandering ways. This would not be the first time he left a paramour unexpectedly."
"No, it can't be," David said. "Cook wouldn't do that!"
"I'm sorry, Lord David," Queen Paula said.
*
David returned to his chambers, feelings raging within him. He had only to think on the matter for a moment or two before he knew for certain that what the queen had said was preposterous. He knew Cook better than that.
For the first time, he was mistrustful of the queen's intentions. He was certain that Cook wouldn't have left without saying something, so the only possibility was that she had lied to him. Why, he wasn't sure, but she had assuredly lied to him.
He didn't know what was going on, but he was going to figure it out.
The first thing he did was search the grounds thoroughly. It took him the better part of the day, but he found no trace of Cook. He went to the roof and also to the balcony, but none of the guards stationed there were Cook. On the balcony, he had an idea and approached the guard by the door.
"Do you know where I can find Sir Andrew or Sir Neal?" David asked. Cook had mentioned them as his closest friends on multiple occasions.
"Sir Neal is on patrols, My Lord, so I'm not certain where he is at the moment. However, I don't believe Sir Andrew is on duty. He is most likely in the guards' mess or the guards' quarters."
David thanked the guard, got directions, and set off.
It was evening by then, but David couldn't think of rest or food. He felt uncomfortable walking into the guards' area but his desperation to find Cook lent him courage. The more time passed, the more strongly he felt that something was gravely amiss.
Fortunately, Sir Andrew was easy to find and he immediately led David to a secluded area where they could talk.
"Do you know where, um, Sir Cook is?" David asked.
Sir Andrew looked worried too. "No, My Lord, I have not seen him. He was off duty the day before yesterday, but he has not been seen since and he missed several patrols, not to mention morning practice, which is most unusual for him."
David bit his lip, disheartened, although a small part of him was gratified that he'd been correct. Obviously his fellow guards would know if he'd been reposted.
Sir Andrew looked closely at David's expression and then said, slowly, "Perhaps you might like to take a look in his chambers?"
"That would be wonderful," David said.
He followed Sir Andrew up the stairs and to a door in the corner. Cook's room was small, but functional. A small bed opposite a closet, with a shelf on the far wall and a desk underneath. It didn't have much in the way of personal artifacts, although the care with which his sword and armor was kept demonstrated how much Cook loved them.
Nothing was out of place in his bedroom. His bed was made and the clothing in his closet undisturbed. It appeared that this was another dead end.
David was just giving up and turning to leave when he caught sight of something poking out under the foot of the bed. "Hey, what's that?"
Sir Andrew came to look as David pulled a boot out from its hiding place. David recognized it as the boot that went with Cook's guard uniform -- one of the boots that Cook had been wearing when he'd come to David's room.
David looked under the bed and in the closet but there was no sign of the other boot.
"Cook wouldn't have gone somewhere with just one boot, would he?" David said slowly.
Sir Andrew looked somber. "No, he would not," he agreed.
David tightened his fingers around the boot, trying to push down the panic that was trying to rise in him. It seemed clear that Cook had been taken somewhere against his will, and David was starting to realize that the only logical explanation was that this was a direct consequence of what he'd told the queen.
He followed Sir Andrew outside, still clutching the boot. "If you hear anything about where he is, will you send me a message somehow? Please?"
"Of course, My Lord," Sir Andrew said.
"Thank you, Sir Andrew," David said, turning to go.
"Call me Andy," he heard behind him, and he turned to share a quick smile with Cook's second-in-command.
*
David grabbed some bread from the kitchens and took it outside to eat. It was getting dark now, and David didn't know what to do. Where would Queen Paula have taken Cook? Any guard members who had been involved were probably loyal to her, so they wouldn't tell him. Prince Adam certainly wouldn't tell him. Already he'd been trying at breakfast and lunch to "comfort him in his time of distress". The funny thing was, David didn't even particularly think that Prince Adam liked him -- it almost seemed like he was flirting with David out of necessity or expectation. And Prince Kristopher--
David paused, thinking hard. He didn't know Prince Kristopher all that well, despite the two months he'd spent here thus far. David had been offended initially that he hadn't paid David enough attention. Every conversation he'd had with the younger prince since then had only made David feel stupid, because Prince Kristopher had always spoken only about the books he'd read and the advanced sciences he'd studied. They just hadn't hit it off.
Nevertheless, David thought there might be a chance that Prince Kristopher would tell him where Queen Paula was likely to have taken Cook. He had to at least try.
*
Just as David had hoped, Prince Kristopher was in the library despite the late hour. It seemed that he spent most of his time there. He was sitting at one of the large tables with a thick tome in front of him.
Though he must have heard David's approach, he didn't glance up until David had taken the seat across from him and said, tentatively, "Prince Kristopher?"
"Lord David," he said, only after slowly putting his bookmark in place and closing his book. "I know why you are here."
"You do?" David asked.
Prince Kristopher looked pointedly at the boot still clutched in David's hands. "My mother believes that if my stepbrother is no longer around, you will forget him soon enough and turn to my brother instead. But I don't believe that. That is not the love I have read about in my books."
"No, it's not," David agreed.
"You are not quite so feebleminded as my mother believes," Prince Kristopher continued, displaying the bluntness that had been so offputting to David early in the summer. "You have concluded that she has taken Sir Cook and that I, as her less favored son, am the only one likely to both know where he is and consider telling you."
"So, will you?" David asked.
"Why should I?" Prince Kristopher asked, sounding genuinely curious.
"Because Cook has done nothing wrong and does not deserve to be imprisoned. And because nothing will make me want Prince Adam, regardless of whether Cook is around. And because I believe you are a good person and that you can see that it is the right thing to do."
Prince Kristopher looked at him for a long moment. "I have often wondered at my family's ability to rule. Perhaps it would have been best if my stepbrother had retained his rightful claim to the throne."
"Wait," David said, thrown off. "What?"
Prince Kristopher looked amused. "You were not aware that Sir Cook should have been first in line for the throne after his father the king died?"
"I thought the king was your father," David said dumbly, reeling. "I thought perhaps he was the son of Queen Paula's first husband."
"Not quite as feebleminded as my mother believes, but not quite quick-witted enough to understand what's truly at stake for the royal family. Or to look in the dungeons when someone goes missing."
"The dungeons!" David gasped. "Of course!"
"Come, I will take you there," Prince Kristopher said.
Immediately outside the library, they ran into Carly. "Carly, Cook is in the dungeons!" David burst out.
"I know," she said.
She glanced at Prince Kristopher suspiciously. "It's alright. He's helping me," David explained hurriedly.
"Go then, I will be there shortly," she said and swept off in the opposite direction.
"She doesn't quite carry herself as a maidservant," Prince Kristopher commented, staring after her. "I believe she is more than she seems."
"Yes," David said distractedly. "Can we go to the dungeons now?"
"Right this way, Lord David."
*
*
*
For the thousandth time since being thrown into the dungeon by the queen's personal guard, Cook wondered what David was doing and whether he was okay. He hoped that the queen would send him home to Murray unharmed. Certainly it would be difficult for her to do otherwise, with all of David's family anticipating his arrival.
He was pretty sure it was night again, although there were no windows anywhere in the vicinity.
He stretched out on the straw in his cell and closed his eyes. It wasn't very comfortable, but he managed to fall into a troubled doze.
*
He was still half-asleep a short time later when he thought he heard whispers. Guards, most likely, or else a dream, he decided and tried to go back to sleep.
"No, not that one, he has both his shoes," he heard, followed by "There! Only one shoe!"
Cook cracked an eye open.
"Cook!" he heard and sat bolt upright.
"David?" he asked in disbelief.
He squinted in the light of the torch that was shining through the bars. It was him.
"Oh my god, David," he breathed and scrambled to the entrance of the cell.
As soon as he was within reach, David dropped the boot he was carrying and grabbed his arms. Prince Kristopher was standing a few feet behind him, but Cook ignored him in favor of David. He slipped a hand out to cup David's cheek.
"David, what are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry, Cook, I'm so sorry," David said instead of answering. "This is all my fault. I should have listened to you, but I told her. I thought she would forgive you. I never thought she would--"
"Shh," Cook said, brushing at the tears on David's face. "I was taken in by her for years and years. I would never blame you."
David sniffled and Cook ached to pull him into his arms.
"Listen, David," Cook said. "You must leave here."
"What?"
"You must leave Tulsa and return to Murray immediately. It's not safe here, there's no telling what Her Majesty will do. Find Carly, she will help you. Even if you have to sneak out in the night, it's--"
"No, Cook," David said, shaking his head. "I'm not leaving here without you."
"David, don't be foolish," Cook snapped. "I'm already caught, it's too late. All I want is for you to save yourself."
"No," David said obstinately, much to Cook's dismay.
"David--"
"Quiet, you two," said Carly as she approached at a brisk walk. "I've packed the most important of both your things, as well as food to last you until you get to Murray. They are hidden outside waiting for you. Your sword and shield are there, Your Highness, although the armor had to be left behind."
"But how will I--" Cook started, only to fall silent when Carly held out a key to David.
"How did you--"
"Isn't it obvious?" Prince Kristopher said in tones of deep superiority. Cook rolled his eyes.
Then David was unlocking the cell. As soon as the door was open, Cook hurried into the corridor and immediately swept David into his arms.
"You must go!" Carly hissed. "Time is short!"
Cook took David's hand and they followed Carly back to the stairs, with Prince Kristopher trailing behind.
At the top, Carly turned to face Cook. "Go to the East Gardens. Your things are behind the rose fountain. Climb your tree and scale the palace wall from there. You will have to move quickly and find a hidden place to camp. I would be surprised if the alarm has not already been raised."
"Carly--" Cook said helplessly.
"Go!" Carly ordered. "We will meet again."
"Thank you for everything," David said over his shoulder as they turned together and ran.
*
The halls were deserted as Cook and David ran through the palace.
"The quickest way to the East Gardens is to cut through the throne room," Cook told David. "It'll be deserted at this hour."
"Okay," David said.
They arrived at the grand doorway and Cook pushed it open just enough for them to slip through. The room was pitch dark after the halls with their lanterns every several feet and it took a few minutes for their eyes to adjust, by which point they were halfway into the room.
When they could finally see a bit, they froze in horror, because they could just make out the shapes of people lining the perimeter of the room.
A match was struck and shortly thereafter, a lantern lit, which illuminated the throne and the queen sitting in it. "So."
Cook's heart dropped. David was clutching his hand tightly.
The queen stood, her expression stony. "So," she said again. "After everything I have done for you, this is how you repay me."
Feeling frozen, Cook looked around the room to see if there was any way they could escape, but it appeared that the entire guard, not to mention the twelve members of the Queen's guard were all in the room. Cook could have kicked himself for not noticing the lack of guards in the halls.
"And you," Queen Paula continued, turning to David, "I had such high hopes for you, if you had only been smart enough to give in to Adam. You would have been a prince escort and lived a life of luxury."
"Don't you understand? I don't want Adam and I don't care about any amount of luxuries," David said. "I want Cook. I love him. And he loves me."
The queen scoffed. "Love! A lot of good that will do you in this world. It's brought you nothing but pain, and now your love has committed treason."
"You know what is truly treason?" Cook snapped. "Killing the king."
Queen Paula's eyes glittered. "Indeed it is," she said. "You would know all about that, wouldn't you?"
"It was you who killed my father," Cook said. "You cut through the strap of his saddle the night he died."
"That's ridiculous. Now you lie to save your own skin when it was you who caused the king's death," Queen Paula snapped. "Enough of this. Guards! To me!"
Other than two at each door, the guards came and formed a rank in front of the queen's raised throne.
"Kill them," Queen Paula said.
Cook stepped in front of David automatically. "Wait! Let Lord David go home. He has committed no crime."
"It's too late for that," the queen said. "He knows too much."
"He won't tell anyone anything!" Cook said desperately.
"Guards! What are you waiting for? Kill them! The first to do so shall receive a promotion!"
There was a pause as the guards hesitated as a whole at the order to kill their captain, but then one guard stepped forward.
Cook's flinched when he recognized him. It was Andy.
Andy approached, sword raised, his expression unreadable.
Cook understood -- Andy was just doing his duty. As second-in-command, it was his duty to lead the rest of the guard. All the same, the pain was that much worse.
Cook was unarmed, and even if he'd had his sword, he wasn't sure he'd be capable of fighting his own men. There was no way out this time.
"I love you, David," he whispered. "I'm sorry."
"I love you too," David said.
Hands clasped, they waited.
Andy finally arrived within sword's reach of them. For a moment, no one in the room moved or even breathed.
Then Andy lifted his sword in a salute, and said, loud and clear, "Captain," before turning and holding his sword at the ready, his back to Cook and David. He was -- he was protecting them.
"How dare you!" Queen Paula shouted, even as Cook trembled with with relief and gratitude that Andy's friendship was true. "Kill them all! They are all traitors to Tulsa!"
Neal came forward next and winked at Cook before turning around as well. One by one, the rest of the guard followed suit, saluting or bowing to Cook before turning to face the queen.
Cook was awed and humbled. To betray their queen for him -- they must have truly loved and respected him, even more than he realized.
Soon, only the twelve members of the Queen's guard remained by her side, and Cook and David were flanked by the three hundred other guards.
Queen Paula was shouting and threatening everyone, but no one seemed to be paying her much mind.
Cook wasn't sure what he should do next -- it seemed they were at some sort of an impasse. He'd inadvertently staged some sort of coup, and now that it seemed he'd won, he didn't know how to act.
Then Carly walked into the room, followed by Prince Kristopher and Prince Adam.
"You!" Queen Paula gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to give everyone a little dose of the truth."
"How dare you? You're supposed to be my fairy godmother!"
"Yes, and I got you your happily ever after," Carly spat. "When your husband died, all you wanted was to be married again, to someone with high social standing. I landed you a king! That should have been that, but no, you got greedy. One taste of power and you wanted more."
"This is preposterous!"
"Tell them, Paula," Carly said. "Tell them how you used falsehoods and trickery to convince your twelve-year-old stepson that his father didn't love him. Tell them how you sent one of your own servants to him to poison his mind until he was so miserable that he ran away."
Queen Paula was turning redder and redder. "Lies! All lies!"
"Tell them how you went to the stable that night to bring the king his horse and sawed through the strap of the saddle before bringing it out. Tell them how you killed the king."
"I didn't mean to kill him!" Queen Paula burst out. "I only meant to convince him that David was troublesome and that Adam should be made heir in his stead!"
"And after he was dead," Carly continued, her voice deadly quiet but still echoing throughout the room somehow. "You convinced David that it was his fault and persuaded him that you were doing him some magnanimous service by keeping him out of the dungeons. You tricked him, a twelve-year-old boy, into relinquishing his right to the throne and you made him think he ought to be grateful for the fact."
"I only wanted the best for Adam," Queen Paula protested.
Carly shook her head. "You wanted a throne for yourself and power over everyone around you. But now you will lose everything."
She snapped her fingers and a glittery wand appeared in her hand. Cook gaped.
"Bibbidi bobbidi boo," Carly shouted. The words, which would have sounded utterly ridiculous in any other circumstance, sounded terrifying coming from her lips in that tone. There was a huge flash of light and when Cook could see again, Queen Paula was gone, and in her place, there was a fat black cat.
"I think I shall call you Lucifer," Carly said. "From now on you will not be able to terrorize anyone but mice. You shall be very useful. I believe there's an infestation in the larder."
Everyone in the room was still just staring, either at the queen-cat or at Carly.
Carly was either oblivious or used to it. She strode to the throne and picked up the crown that was now lying on the cushion. She brought it to Cook.
"Your Highness," she said, the corners of her lips twitching.
"Wait, but I -- how can I be king?"
"It is your birthright," Carly said.
Cook glanced around at David, who nodded at him encouragingly. He thought suddenly of all the things he'd wished were different about the kingdom, and had the dizzying realization that he would be able to fix them if he were king. He could truly help the people with the crown behind him. He bent his head and Carly placed the crown on his head.
She turned to the corner, where Prince Adam and Prince Kristopher were standing. "Any objections?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Not at all," Prince Adam said. "Quite honestly, ruling seems like the most terrible bore."
"I prefer my books," Prince Kristopher added.
"It's settled then," Carly said decisively, and turned back to Cook.
"All hail your rightful king, His Majesty David Roland Cook!"
A couple guards cheered and, as if a spell had been broken, the rest suddenly followed suit, so that the room was a clamor of shouts.
Cook dazedly turned to David, who was beaming at him.
"Your Majesty," he said. "I know you shall be a wonderful king."
Cook smiled suddenly. "You know, every king needs a consort. I wonder how the royal family of Murray would feel about a marriage alliance with the royal family of Tulsa."
"I don't know," David said, giggling. "Perhaps if it were a king or something."
Cook reeled him in and kissed him. "Excellent," he whispered. "Because the king of Tulsa is quite fond of one of the queen of Murray's cousins."
"Really? That's fortunate, because I heard that he is in love with the king of Tulsa."
"Then I suppose they shall live happily ever after."
And indeed they did.
*