The Laws of Ilyria - 16/17
Title: The Laws of Ilyria (16/17)
Author: radiogaga33
Pairing: Adam/Tommy, Adam/Kris (friendship)
Setting: Fantasy AU
Rating: PG-13 (NC-17 overall)
Word Count: ~5000
Beta: sweet_poeia
Disclaimers: No claims to any copyrights, trademarks, or any other intellectual property. I do not own these characters. They belong to themselves. This is purely a work of fiction. It never happened.
Author’s Notes: Alright guys. Only one chapter left! How is this ending already? So here goes, the penultimate chapter. Promise me we'll still be friends when you get to the end, y/y? (Also, this chapter unbeta-ed. If you catch any errors, please let me know in the comments.)
Warnings: Pseudo-slavefic.
Summary: Adam is a conquering king hell-bent on revenge against the ruler who destroyed his life as a child. He ends up taking the ruler’s son, Tommy, as tribute after winning the war between the kingdoms. Events unfold.
The Laws of Ilyria
Chapter 16
Tommy wasn’t nervous at all. So what if his hands were trembling despite the fact that he’d curled them into clenched fists at his sides? So what if his heart was pounding so loudly that he was amazed that the entire caravan didn’t turn around to see where the harsh noise was coming from? Or if his throat felt hot and tight, and if his forehead was gleaming with perspiration? It didn’t mean that he was nervous. After all, yesterday’s hunt had been exhausting, a grueling trek through the particularly treacherous forests on the outskirts of Elysia. By the time the hunting party rejoined the caravan, Tommy had been filthy with sweat and mud. He’d spent a half hour scrubbing himself clean before he would allow Adam to come near him. And he hadn’t slept longer than a few minutes at a time all night long, tossing and turning even more than usual, mind ablaze with the knowledge that tomorrow, they would reach Elysia and this journey would finally be over.
He was tired. That was all. Any man would be after the day and night Tommy had had. And beyond that, there was the journey itself. Over six months spent marching day after day-save the few days they made camp outside a new kingdom’s city walls or the one day of silence after the Runners had come bearing their terrible news. They were all exhausted, so why should Tommy be any different? No, he wasn’t nervous at all. Tommy’s racing pulse had nothing to do with the fact that the caravan had reached Elysia two hours ago, and he had no inkling of what fate awaited him within its walls.
Tommy turned to look in the direction of the city once again. It was sunset now and he was standing outside his and Adam’s tent, watching as the soldiers bustled about, making preparations for the king’s triumphant march into his kingdom. How had it come to this so quickly? How had they reached this moment already, this moment that had seemed an eternity away only a short while ago? Tommy stared straight ahead of him with unseeing eyes as he fell into memories of the last six months spent travelling across Ilyria.
He thought of that long-ago morning in Troianus when the Inspection of Tribute had taken place, when he’d first seen Adam and thought to himself that the King of Elysia’s voice was meant for music, not for war. He thought of the weeks after that, of how he’d desperately fought his growing desire for Adam. Then he winced a little as he thought of that night between them, that wild night when they had both been half-mad and completely out of control. It amazed him still how far they had moved beyond the insanity of it, how close they had grown to each other in the months since. If anyone had told him back then of how different things would be only five months later, if anyone had told Tommy that he would be Adam’s lover, that he would share a bed with him every night, that he would come to love Adam so much that sometimes the feeling overwhelmed him, he would have mocked the absurdity of such a suggestion. And yet, here he was.
But what now? What would become of them now that they had finally reached Elysia? What would become of Tommy now that the journey was over? Tommy was sure of his place while the caravan still marched. During the journey, he knew with absolute certainty where he stood with Adam. He was Adam’s lover, his confidante. But in Elysia…. Tommy ran a hand roughly through his hair in an agitated gesture.
It wasn’t a foregone conclusion at all, staying with Adam. There were laws for this, for the complexities of dealing with tribute when a king returned to his kingdom. A king could not disavow tribute anymore than a man who had been given as tribute could abandon his obligation. But that was the only limitation the laws of Ilyria placed upon a king. He could do as he wished with those who had been given to him as worker-slaves or pleasure-slaves. Usually, a returning king would keep a small fraction of the slaves for service in his palace and give the rest away to the noblemen in his kingdom, or to his advisors and scribes, or to soldiers who had proven their valor in battle and other commoners who had earned his favor. But not all men given as tribute were slaves. Men who were given as tribute to serve as soldiers were considered free men and could order their lives as they saw fit once they reached their new kingdom. All the others however, lived and served as the king’s whims dictated. Just as Tommy would do now.
This is ridiculous. What you are doing is ridiculous. The stern voice shook Tommy out of his malaise. Adam wouldn’t give him away. To think otherwise was absurd. How many times had he declared, with fire in his eyes, and steel in his voice, that Tommy was his equal in all things? How many mornings had Tommy woken up to find Adam already awake, emotion suffusing his face as he stared down at Tommy as if he was the most treasured thing in all the world? Of course, Adam would keep him. But as what? Ever since Macedon, there had been a new undercurrent in Adam’s words and manner. Every once in a while, it had felt like Adam was keeping some secret from him, like he knew something. What if Adam had already decided that things wouldn’t be the same between them once they reached Elysia? What if Tommy had already lost his lover? What if Adam was already gone? This is ridiculous, the voice called again. And this time, Tommy listened.
He turned his gaze away from where the amber bricks of the imposing city walls gleamed bright with the reflected light of the setting sun and walked into the tent. The interior of their tent was in disarray, with chests gaping open and mounds of fabric everywhere. For the last hour, Adam had been preparing for the march into Elysia. In just a short while, he would ride into the city with the generals, the free workers who followed the army and all the soldiers, save the ones who had been given as tribute. The soldiers who had been pledged to Elysia by their former kings would march with the slaves as part of the Presentation of Tribute. Like the Inspection of Tribute, the Presentation was always at sunrise. And so, all the others would have to make night camp outside the city walls until morning. Including Tommy. And perhaps that was it. Perhaps it was the unpleasant thought of spending a night in this tent without Adam that had pushed Tommy into a tailspin and had made him vulnerable to unnecessary worry and ridiculous thoughts.
Tommy took a deep breath and stepped further into the tent. The sound of his sandals scraping along the wool rugs covering the ground alerted Adam to his presence. Almost immediately, a welcoming smile was directed his way. Tommy smiled in response and moved closer to where Adam stood in front of a mirror, adjusting his burgundy cloak. The nights had grown much colder now, and a simple tunic was no longer enough to ward off the coolness of the evening. When Tommy had stepped outside some fifteen minutes ago, he hadn’t expected Adam to be finished so soon. It was all moving too fast. Adam was ready to leave, and all Tommy wanted to do was drag him into their bed, curl up against him, and stay there forever.
“Are you alright?”
Adam’s question pulled Tommy from his reverie. Adam had turned around as Tommy approached so that now, they were facing each other by the mirror.
“Yes.”
“Are you certain? You look pale as a ghost.”
“I just…I wish the journey didn’t have to end.” Tommy grabbed Adam’s hand. “Let’s keep on marching. Let’s keep going. We’ll march into the Outerlands and whatever cities lie beyond them. I don’t want our journey to be over.”
“Tommy,” Adam whispered a moment before he pulled his hand from Tommy’s and reached up to cradle his jaw. “‘Never let go’, remember? We promised each other that we’d never let go. Our journey will never be over.”
“I know. I just…just….”
“Everything will be alright. Remember that saying? ‘Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.’ This part of our journey has to end so that the new part can begin. That’s all.”
Tommy dragged his gaze upward to look into Adam’s luminous eyes. “And what new part is that?”
Adam smiled. “The part where we spend the rest of our lives together, right here in Elysia.”
The rush of feeling that swept through him upon hearing those words propelled Tommy forward, made him strain up towards Adam’s lips and pull him into a deep kiss. The heartfelt caress went on for minutes, soft, sweet, rough and possessive all at once. When they finally broke apart, Adam groaned against Tommy’s lips.
“I have to go,” he said.
“I know,” Tommy replied.
Adam let go of Tommy and stepped back. As Adam adjusted his cloak, Tommy cast a despairing glance at their empty bed.
“You could come with me,” Adam said.
“You know that I can’t. I have to wait until sunrise with the others.”
“I could stay with you.”
“And spend the night camping outside the walls of your own kingdom? Who ever heard of such a thing? You have to go.” When Adam hesitated, Tommy spoke again. “I’ll be alright. I promise.”
Adam relaxed a little, but his concern was still evident. “Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
Adam nodded and began walking towards the entrance to the tent, with Tommy in tow. Outside, the preparations were finished, and the soldiers were already falling into formation. Longineu was there, ready with Adam’s freshly polished sword and shield. Kristopher had emerged from his tent, cloak thrown over his shoulders as well, ready for the march into Elysia. Tommy watched Adam take his armor from Longineu and dismiss the boy before nodding at Kristopher and walking to his horse. When Adam was seated on his horse with the leather reins held tightly in his hands, Tommy feet began to move, seemingly of their own volition. Too fast. It was all happening so fast.
“Adam!” Tommy called out as he moved.
“What is it?” Adam said, gaze trained downwards, concern darkening his eyes as he stared at Tommy’s upturned face.
“I….I-nothing. It’s nothing.” Tommy forced a cheerful smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Adam stared at him for a long moment. Then he returned Tommy’s smile and pulled the reins tighter. “I’m counting the seconds already.”
Tommy remained outside for almost an hour, watching the army march into Elysia. Even from where he stood, he could hear the wild cheers and fanfare that greeted the arrival of the king and his soldiers. Finally, Tommy turned away and slipped back into the tent. He began to fold the clothes strewn across the floor and tuck them away into the open chests, not stopping until all their things had been packed away for the morning’s march into Elysia. When he was done, he undressed quickly and climbed into the bed that was suddenly entirely too cavernous for Tommy’s liking. So strange, to lie alone in this bed without Adam. It was utterly disconcerting, and Tommy slept terribly because of it, tossing and turning through the night once again, clutching Queen Leila’s sapphire pin in his hand the entire time.
When dawn broke, Tommy was already awake, freshly washed and dressed. After a long moment’s hesitation, he had put on one of his old tunics, one made of the same dull blue broadcloth that the other slaves wore. They were all the same in this, the ceremony at hand. To set himself apart, seemed pretentious somehow.
The remaining soldiers and the worker slaves made quick work of breaking down the camp and packing everything up for the march into Elysia. By the time the sun began to rise, they were already in formation directly outside the gates to the city. The soldiers would march into the city first, underscoring their status as free men. Then the slaves from Xien would go next because they had been given as tribute first. After them, the slaves from Troianus would enter, and with them the horses and chariots and precious metals given by the old king.
Ahead of Tommy, a trumpet sounded and the noise of wild cheering increased exponentially. A minute later, they began to move, marching through the gates and into the city. As he marched through the gates himself, Tommy couldn’t help but look about him in awe. Elysia was…breathtaking. Finally, Tommy understood why they called this city the ‘jewel of Ilyria.’ He looked beyond the teeming crowd assembled along the path leading up to the coliseum where the Presentation of Tribute would take place and gaped at the modern architecture, at the marble and inlaid gemstones, at the splendor of it all. He remembered thinking that Syriana was the most beautiful place he would ever see in his life. Tommy knew now that he had been wrong.
At the coliseum, the crowd was even more boisterous. Tommy could hear them as he waited outside, listening as the royal crier announced each part of the tribute to the presented. As the minutes passed, the soldiers marched in, then the Xiennish slaves. Finally, the Troian slaves began to march in and it was suddenly Tommy’s turn to be presented.
“Citizens of Elysia, I present Thomas Joseph, young lord Ratliff, prince of Troianus!”
Tommy took a fortifying breath, squared his shoulders and marched into the coliseum. The moment he appeared in the arena, a hush fell upon the crowd. They were clearly stunned to see him, to see that the news had been true. Their king had really taken a prince of Ilyria as tribute, and here he was, in the flesh. The silence dragged on for a few more seconds before it was finally broken.
“Long live the king!” a voice rang out from high in the stands.
“To the glory of Ilyria!” another voice called.
With that, the Elysian citizens crowding the coliseum erupted in wild cheers once again, quieting only when all the men and women comprising the tribute fell to their knees. Tommy knelt down too, with his right hand pressed over his heart as the others were doing. Far ahead of him, Tommy could make out the striking figure that Adam cut where he stood high up in the royal mezzanine. Without warning, a memory of another morning just like this raced through him. The Inspection of Tribute. So much had changed since then. That morning he’d wondered what sort of man the King of Elysia was. This morning, Tommy knew. He knew the man behind the façade. He knew his hopes and fears. He’d lain in bed, holding his hand. He’d felt his heart beating in time with his own. The knowledge of that eased Tommy’s discomfort at being scrutinized by ten thousand people all at once.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Tommy saw the crier give the signal, and he parted his lips to recite the traditional salute.
“We who have come from far and wide, through forest and plain, across the earth and beneath the sky, salute you. We are forever pledged to this kingdom, by the will of the Oracle, and by the laws of Ilyria. We live to serve the king.”
Tommy saw Adam step forward and raise his hands.
“You honor our kingdom with your pledge. Welcome to Elysia. Arise and be at ease, travelers.”
Tommy rose to his feet along with the others and waited for Adam to end the ceremony. But instead of ending the Presentation as expected, Adam surprised them all with his next words.
“Dear citizens, before we end this ceremony, there is one last order of business to attend to. Prince Thomas Joseph, step forward.”
With those words, Adam turned around and disappeared from view. Was he coming down to the arena? Apparently, he wasn’t the only one wondering the same because the hum of conversation rose sharply in the coliseum. The men and women before him parted to let him through, and Tommy walked forward quickly until he emerged from the formation. When he reached the front, he saw that Adam was indeed coming into the arena. Tommy stared as he approached, dressed in rich burgundy velvet, jewel encrusted crown gleaming atop his long, black hair. Adam was followed by Kristopher and the other generals, and a few steps behind them were two young men, one carrying a burgundy velvet cloak and the other carrying a black silk cushion upon which sat a slightly less elaborate replica of Adam’s golden crown.
What was all this about? Tommy frowned in confusion as Adam and the others drew closer. When Adam finally stopped directly in front of him, Tommy fell to his knees.
“My lord?” Tommy said, stealing a quick glance upward.
Adam looked down at him with a smile that threatened to put the rising sun to shame. Then he turned his gaze upward to face the crowd.
“Citizens of Elysia, bear witness. I declare this day that Prince Thomas Joseph is my lover. And as the Oracle grants, and the laws of Ilyria permit, today, I ask him to be my High Consort, to be my partner in all things, to live with me, to rule with me until the day we draw our final breath. Prince Thomas Joseph, do you accept?”
Tommy stared at him, dazed and slack-jawed with shock. Dimly, he could hear the incredible roar of the crowd exploding with loud cheers. Through a heavy haze he saw Kristopher and the generals smiling down at him where he knelt. A new beginning. Unadulterated joy flooded through him. This was it. The beginning of the rest of their lives together, right here in Elysia.
“Tommy?”
Tommy looked up to see Adam staring down at him with a bemused look on his face.
“Tommy, you have to say something,” Adam whispered to him.
“Something,” Tommy whispered back without thinking, still dizzy from the shock of Adam’s unexpected proposal.
Adam chuckled softly. “I was thinking you could maybe say something a bit more elaborate than that,” he whispered. A second later, he spoke again, louder now, in a voice meant for the crowd’s ears.
“Prince Thomas Joseph, what say you?”
All of a sudden, the heavy haze cleared, and Tommy found his voice again. “I accept. I accept!”
The crowd erupted again. As they cried and cheered, Adam motioned the young men forward and took the burgundy cloak from the first one. Leaning down, he draped the cloak over Tommy’s shoulders. Then he took the golden crown that was almost identical to his own and set it gently onto Tommy’s head. When he was done, Adam stepped back a little and drew his sword from the sheath at his side. He touched the gleaming blade first to Tommy’s left shoulder and then to his right before re-sheathing the sword.
“Before Oracle and man, I declare that you are joined to me forever, and that henceforth, you shall be known as Thomas Joseph, Vice-lord Lambert and High Consort of Elysia.”
With those brief words, Adam had elevated Tommy from his status as slave. From now on, he would be a Vice-lord, as all noblemen were, save princes, who were ‘young lord’ all their lives and ‘Lord’ if they were eventually crowned king. As High Consort, Tommy’s command would be second to none except the king’s. He would rule beside Adam, his husband in deed, if not in title. For a brief moment, Tommy wondered if it was possible to die from happiness. Then he wasn’t wondering anything at all because a split-second later, he rose to his feet and wrapped his arms tightly around Adam’s waist.
“I love you. I love you so much,” he said.
“I love you too. Always,” Adam replied.
A moment later, they came together, eyes tightly shut and lips locked in a deep, soulful kiss. Around them, the crowd roared, cheering so loudly that Tommy imagined that they could be heard throughout all six kingdoms of Ilyria.
The rest of the day passed in a flurry of activity, as the tribute was divided. All but two hundred of the slaves were given away to various noblemen, soldiers, and citizens. The horses and chariots were left at the coliseum for the month of games to follow the triumphant return of the king. As for the gold, silver, and sapphires, they were locked away in the royal vault. By the end of the day, Tommy was exhausted and certain that when he retired to bed, he would be fast asleep within seconds. But when Adam led him into the elaborately appointed bedchamber which they would share from now on, Tommy found that he wasn’t nearly as exhausted as he’d thought. Eagerly, he reached for Adam, pulling him down onto the massive bed, and kissing him breathless. They made love slowly, secure in the knowledge that they would always have nights like this, nights filled with love and desire, with laughter and friendship.
Later, when they were finally breathing normally again, and the only noise in the room was the distant sounds of the city filtering in across the terrace and through the silk curtains, Tommy sighed as Adam stroked his hair lazily.
“So,” Adam began. “Now that you’re High Consort and you have all this power, what are you going to do first?”
Tommy thought of the men he’d seen in the palace halls earlier in the day, handsome men dressed in the unmistakable red hue of pleasure-slaves.
“The pleasure-slaves have got to go. I’m dismissing them first thing tomorrow.”
Adam’s eyes widened with surprise a moment before he burst into laughter, body heaving with amusement. “I love you,” he gasped out, between laughs. After a long moment, he pulled Tommy tighter and pressed a kiss against his damp hair.
“You should know that this morning, before the Presentation of Tribute, I dismissed them already. By dawn, not one man will remain.”
Tommy started with surprise and twisted a little so that he could look up at Adam’s face. “Really?” he asked with a smile.
“Consider them gone,” Adam replied with a soft smile of his own. “There’s nothing to be gained from keeping them here when I only have eyes for you.” Adam pulled Tommy closer.
“My darling,” Adam murmured sleepily.
Tommy couldn’t help himself. He pushed up onto his elbows and straddled Adam’s body. As he pressed a kiss to Adam’s lips, Tommy felt a rush of warmth flood through him. It was an indescribable feeling, an astounding mixture of joy and the most profound sense of peace. He was finally home.
* * *
Unsurprisingly, Kristopher disappeared-seemingly off the face of the earth-for the first three weeks following their return. Adam and Tommy would laugh about their friend’s vanishing act each night, speculating wildly about what he could possibly be about. It was all in jest of course. They understood perfectly well that after more than two years away, Kristopher would take to his wife’s bed and stay there until duty dragged him out of it. So when the High General finally reemerged twenty two days later at the first meeting of royal advisers since the king’s return, Adam and Tommy answered his rueful grin with identical ones of their own and welcomed him with as much cheer as any friend could expect.
It was around then that Tommy finally met Vice-Lady Allen. Within minutes, they were thick as thieves, Katherine and Tommy, already laughing wildly at each other’s jokes and once or twice finishing each other’s sentences. Katherine wasn’t the only one enamored with Tommy. It had taken no time at all for Isolde to be smitten-although that fact might have had less to do with Tommy’s sharp wit and more to do with the fact that Isolde had found a new ‘uncle’ besides Adam to spoil her rotten. It was just as well though, because ‘Uncle Tommy’ was happy to oblige, indulging his newfound sweetheart shamelessly, despite her mother’s half-hearted protests.
As the weeks turned into months, Tommy began to grow more comfortable with his new role as High Consort. It was strange at first, to wield so much power. Even in Troianus, his every word had never been so highly regarded. Back there, he had only been a third son. Here, he was second only to the king. As time passed, Tommy was able to arrive at a happy medium. Eventually, he realized that he didn’t have to conduct himself any differently that he had in Troianus. Within months, his sterling reputation spread throughout the kingdom. Soon enough, his kindness, his intelligence, and his sweetness were spoken of reverently in all corners of Elysia. Every last man and woman agreed that this Thomas Joseph was a man to admire indeed.
Ten months after the king’s return, there was new cause for joy. Elysia’s High General and his wife welcomed a new baby boy named Daniel, and Adam declared a week of celebration in the child’s honor, day after day filled with games in the coliseum and free food and wine for every last citizen, whether nobleman, commoner or slave. It was a time of joy and peace, of celebration and of laughter.
But eventually, war reared its frightful head once again. A year and a half after the return to Elysia, King Simon of Macedon rebelled against Adam’s protectorate and declared war against Elysia. The enemy had brought the war to their doorstep and Elysia rose up to fight. Despite Adam’s initial misgivings, Tommy took part in the war, leading the archers. They was able to keep the Macedonians on the outskirts of Elysia, and thus, the city itself sustained no damage during the ensuing five weeks of battles and skirmishes. It was a bloody war, but thankfully as brief as any king could hope for. It became clear as the days wore on that Lord Cowell had overplayed his hand. But the man kept on fighting, kept on sending soldiers to certain death, until one day, in an apparent fit of madness, the Macedonian king had taken to the battlefield himself. Just like it had over a decade ago, Kristopher’s dagger found its way into Lord Cowell’s chest. And this time, it went straight through his heart.
There were no more rebellions after that, and peace prevailed once again in Elysia and all the other kingdoms of Ilyria. The Supreme Protector was not a man to be trifled with, and all the other kings, including the new Lord Cowell, old King Simon’s eldest son, Bartholomew, took the slain Macedonian king’s example to heart.
From time to time, Tommy and Adam would receive news from Troainus when Runners passed through Elysia. But it was never anything important, always an addendum to more pressing news. As time wore on, there was hardly any word at all, and Troianus began to recede in Tommy’s consciousness, until it became little more than a half-formed memory.
Tommy was happy here. In all of his old daydreams, he had never once dared to imagine perfection like this or happiness like this. Every day spent with Adam felt like the greatest reward, a gift that Tommy was never entirely certain that he deserved. Even so, he embraced every tender moment, every whispered endearment, every gentle slide of reverent fingers across smooth skin. Each night spent together lived within his soul, colored his view of the world, and brightened his waking moments. Even the knowledge that Adam would have to marry eventually failed to dislodge Tommy’s sense of contentment. Adam would do his duty, and Tommy would stand by him through it. No matter what, they would be together forever. In Tommy’s heart, and in his soul, Adam was his husband. Nothing and no one could ever touch that.
And so it was that a little over three years after the return to Elysia, Tommy sat beside Adam in the palace’s throne room, holding court for the morning. That afternoon, there was to be a meeting of the royal advisors and Kristopher had arrived early and was chatting with the two rulers of Elysia when a small commotion erupted in the hallway outside the grand room.
“What is going on?” Adam called out.
Barely five seconds later, a guard hurried in, a little breathless, and fell to his knees in the middle of the room.
“My lord, Runners have arrived carrying news from Troianus.”
Troianus? Tommy shot the man a surprised look. They had heard nothing from Troianus in almost eight months. What news could there possibly be now? Had his foolish brother launched a rebellion against the Elysian protectorate? It would be suicidal to do so, but Patrick was egotistical and delusional enough to try.
“Escort them in,” Adam said.
A few minutes later, six Runners were escorted into the throne room. They fell to their knees in front of Adam and Tommy.
“Lord Lambert, we salute you,” the lead Runner said to Adam. Then he turned his gaze to Tommy. “Lord Ratliff, we salute you as well.”
“Welcome, travelers. You may rise,” Adam said.
Tommy watched them rise with a perturbed look on his face. Lord Ratliff? Why had they addressed him so strangely?
“So,” Tommy began. “We understand that you carry news from Troianus. What has happened?”
The lead Runner hesitated for a moment before speaking. “My lords, the tidings we bear are grave indeed. The King of Troianus is dead.”
Tommy gaped at the man in shock for a long moment. Then he shook himself free of the sudden haze and exchanged a confused look with Adam.
“I’m afraid you’re over three years late with your news,” Tommy replied. “We already know that the King of Troianus is dead. He died ages ago.”
“No, Lord Ratliff. Forgive my saying so, but you misunderstand. King Patrick is dead. He died six weeks ago.”
Tommy drew in a sharp breath. He hadn’t expected this. Dead? His brother was dead? But wait-wait. Once again, the Runner had addressed him strangely.
“Why do you keep calling me Lord Ratliff?” Tommy asked. “I am Vice-lord Lambert.”
“Not anymore, my lord.”
A cold feeling of dread began to crawl up Tommy’s spine upon hearing the Runner’s words. Tommy wrestled back the sensation and spoke again.
“What do you mean ‘not anymore?’”
“My lord…your brother, Prince Marcus is dead as well.”
No. No, no, no, no…. The ground beneath him had shifted, and Tommy was falling. The sensation creeping up his spine accelerated sharply, flooding his veins and making his blood run cold. Dimly, Tommy felt Adam jump to his feet and murmur “What?” in a dazed tone.
The Runners immediately fell to their knees once again.
“Lord Lambert, forgive us for delivering such terrible news, but the King of Troianus is dead, and so is his brother. We have come to inform Prince Thomas Joseph that he is now Lord Ratliff, King of Troianus. And as the Oracle commands and the laws of Ilyria dictate, he must immediately return to his kingdom and claim his throne.”
Dead silence settled over the room. No one moved. No one dared even breathe. The eerie silence dragged on, broken only when the glass goblet Tommy had been holding fell from his suddenly nerveless fingers and shattered into a thousand fragments on the marble floor.
Over. It was all over.
Author: radiogaga33
Pairing: Adam/Tommy, Adam/Kris (friendship)
Setting: Fantasy AU
Rating: PG-13 (NC-17 overall)
Word Count: ~5000
Beta: sweet_poeia
Disclaimers: No claims to any copyrights, trademarks, or any other intellectual property. I do not own these characters. They belong to themselves. This is purely a work of fiction. It never happened.
Author’s Notes: Alright guys. Only one chapter left! How is this ending already? So here goes, the penultimate chapter. Promise me we'll still be friends when you get to the end, y/y? (Also, this chapter unbeta-ed. If you catch any errors, please let me know in the comments.)
Warnings: Pseudo-slavefic.
Summary: Adam is a conquering king hell-bent on revenge against the ruler who destroyed his life as a child. He ends up taking the ruler’s son, Tommy, as tribute after winning the war between the kingdoms. Events unfold.
The Laws of Ilyria
Chapter 16
Tommy wasn’t nervous at all. So what if his hands were trembling despite the fact that he’d curled them into clenched fists at his sides? So what if his heart was pounding so loudly that he was amazed that the entire caravan didn’t turn around to see where the harsh noise was coming from? Or if his throat felt hot and tight, and if his forehead was gleaming with perspiration? It didn’t mean that he was nervous. After all, yesterday’s hunt had been exhausting, a grueling trek through the particularly treacherous forests on the outskirts of Elysia. By the time the hunting party rejoined the caravan, Tommy had been filthy with sweat and mud. He’d spent a half hour scrubbing himself clean before he would allow Adam to come near him. And he hadn’t slept longer than a few minutes at a time all night long, tossing and turning even more than usual, mind ablaze with the knowledge that tomorrow, they would reach Elysia and this journey would finally be over.
He was tired. That was all. Any man would be after the day and night Tommy had had. And beyond that, there was the journey itself. Over six months spent marching day after day-save the few days they made camp outside a new kingdom’s city walls or the one day of silence after the Runners had come bearing their terrible news. They were all exhausted, so why should Tommy be any different? No, he wasn’t nervous at all. Tommy’s racing pulse had nothing to do with the fact that the caravan had reached Elysia two hours ago, and he had no inkling of what fate awaited him within its walls.
Tommy turned to look in the direction of the city once again. It was sunset now and he was standing outside his and Adam’s tent, watching as the soldiers bustled about, making preparations for the king’s triumphant march into his kingdom. How had it come to this so quickly? How had they reached this moment already, this moment that had seemed an eternity away only a short while ago? Tommy stared straight ahead of him with unseeing eyes as he fell into memories of the last six months spent travelling across Ilyria.
He thought of that long-ago morning in Troianus when the Inspection of Tribute had taken place, when he’d first seen Adam and thought to himself that the King of Elysia’s voice was meant for music, not for war. He thought of the weeks after that, of how he’d desperately fought his growing desire for Adam. Then he winced a little as he thought of that night between them, that wild night when they had both been half-mad and completely out of control. It amazed him still how far they had moved beyond the insanity of it, how close they had grown to each other in the months since. If anyone had told him back then of how different things would be only five months later, if anyone had told Tommy that he would be Adam’s lover, that he would share a bed with him every night, that he would come to love Adam so much that sometimes the feeling overwhelmed him, he would have mocked the absurdity of such a suggestion. And yet, here he was.
But what now? What would become of them now that they had finally reached Elysia? What would become of Tommy now that the journey was over? Tommy was sure of his place while the caravan still marched. During the journey, he knew with absolute certainty where he stood with Adam. He was Adam’s lover, his confidante. But in Elysia…. Tommy ran a hand roughly through his hair in an agitated gesture.
It wasn’t a foregone conclusion at all, staying with Adam. There were laws for this, for the complexities of dealing with tribute when a king returned to his kingdom. A king could not disavow tribute anymore than a man who had been given as tribute could abandon his obligation. But that was the only limitation the laws of Ilyria placed upon a king. He could do as he wished with those who had been given to him as worker-slaves or pleasure-slaves. Usually, a returning king would keep a small fraction of the slaves for service in his palace and give the rest away to the noblemen in his kingdom, or to his advisors and scribes, or to soldiers who had proven their valor in battle and other commoners who had earned his favor. But not all men given as tribute were slaves. Men who were given as tribute to serve as soldiers were considered free men and could order their lives as they saw fit once they reached their new kingdom. All the others however, lived and served as the king’s whims dictated. Just as Tommy would do now.
This is ridiculous. What you are doing is ridiculous. The stern voice shook Tommy out of his malaise. Adam wouldn’t give him away. To think otherwise was absurd. How many times had he declared, with fire in his eyes, and steel in his voice, that Tommy was his equal in all things? How many mornings had Tommy woken up to find Adam already awake, emotion suffusing his face as he stared down at Tommy as if he was the most treasured thing in all the world? Of course, Adam would keep him. But as what? Ever since Macedon, there had been a new undercurrent in Adam’s words and manner. Every once in a while, it had felt like Adam was keeping some secret from him, like he knew something. What if Adam had already decided that things wouldn’t be the same between them once they reached Elysia? What if Tommy had already lost his lover? What if Adam was already gone? This is ridiculous, the voice called again. And this time, Tommy listened.
He turned his gaze away from where the amber bricks of the imposing city walls gleamed bright with the reflected light of the setting sun and walked into the tent. The interior of their tent was in disarray, with chests gaping open and mounds of fabric everywhere. For the last hour, Adam had been preparing for the march into Elysia. In just a short while, he would ride into the city with the generals, the free workers who followed the army and all the soldiers, save the ones who had been given as tribute. The soldiers who had been pledged to Elysia by their former kings would march with the slaves as part of the Presentation of Tribute. Like the Inspection of Tribute, the Presentation was always at sunrise. And so, all the others would have to make night camp outside the city walls until morning. Including Tommy. And perhaps that was it. Perhaps it was the unpleasant thought of spending a night in this tent without Adam that had pushed Tommy into a tailspin and had made him vulnerable to unnecessary worry and ridiculous thoughts.
Tommy took a deep breath and stepped further into the tent. The sound of his sandals scraping along the wool rugs covering the ground alerted Adam to his presence. Almost immediately, a welcoming smile was directed his way. Tommy smiled in response and moved closer to where Adam stood in front of a mirror, adjusting his burgundy cloak. The nights had grown much colder now, and a simple tunic was no longer enough to ward off the coolness of the evening. When Tommy had stepped outside some fifteen minutes ago, he hadn’t expected Adam to be finished so soon. It was all moving too fast. Adam was ready to leave, and all Tommy wanted to do was drag him into their bed, curl up against him, and stay there forever.
“Are you alright?”
Adam’s question pulled Tommy from his reverie. Adam had turned around as Tommy approached so that now, they were facing each other by the mirror.
“Yes.”
“Are you certain? You look pale as a ghost.”
“I just…I wish the journey didn’t have to end.” Tommy grabbed Adam’s hand. “Let’s keep on marching. Let’s keep going. We’ll march into the Outerlands and whatever cities lie beyond them. I don’t want our journey to be over.”
“Tommy,” Adam whispered a moment before he pulled his hand from Tommy’s and reached up to cradle his jaw. “‘Never let go’, remember? We promised each other that we’d never let go. Our journey will never be over.”
“I know. I just…just….”
“Everything will be alright. Remember that saying? ‘Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.’ This part of our journey has to end so that the new part can begin. That’s all.”
Tommy dragged his gaze upward to look into Adam’s luminous eyes. “And what new part is that?”
Adam smiled. “The part where we spend the rest of our lives together, right here in Elysia.”
The rush of feeling that swept through him upon hearing those words propelled Tommy forward, made him strain up towards Adam’s lips and pull him into a deep kiss. The heartfelt caress went on for minutes, soft, sweet, rough and possessive all at once. When they finally broke apart, Adam groaned against Tommy’s lips.
“I have to go,” he said.
“I know,” Tommy replied.
Adam let go of Tommy and stepped back. As Adam adjusted his cloak, Tommy cast a despairing glance at their empty bed.
“You could come with me,” Adam said.
“You know that I can’t. I have to wait until sunrise with the others.”
“I could stay with you.”
“And spend the night camping outside the walls of your own kingdom? Who ever heard of such a thing? You have to go.” When Adam hesitated, Tommy spoke again. “I’ll be alright. I promise.”
Adam relaxed a little, but his concern was still evident. “Are you certain?”
“Yes.”
Adam nodded and began walking towards the entrance to the tent, with Tommy in tow. Outside, the preparations were finished, and the soldiers were already falling into formation. Longineu was there, ready with Adam’s freshly polished sword and shield. Kristopher had emerged from his tent, cloak thrown over his shoulders as well, ready for the march into Elysia. Tommy watched Adam take his armor from Longineu and dismiss the boy before nodding at Kristopher and walking to his horse. When Adam was seated on his horse with the leather reins held tightly in his hands, Tommy feet began to move, seemingly of their own volition. Too fast. It was all happening so fast.
“Adam!” Tommy called out as he moved.
“What is it?” Adam said, gaze trained downwards, concern darkening his eyes as he stared at Tommy’s upturned face.
“I….I-nothing. It’s nothing.” Tommy forced a cheerful smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
Adam stared at him for a long moment. Then he returned Tommy’s smile and pulled the reins tighter. “I’m counting the seconds already.”
Tommy remained outside for almost an hour, watching the army march into Elysia. Even from where he stood, he could hear the wild cheers and fanfare that greeted the arrival of the king and his soldiers. Finally, Tommy turned away and slipped back into the tent. He began to fold the clothes strewn across the floor and tuck them away into the open chests, not stopping until all their things had been packed away for the morning’s march into Elysia. When he was done, he undressed quickly and climbed into the bed that was suddenly entirely too cavernous for Tommy’s liking. So strange, to lie alone in this bed without Adam. It was utterly disconcerting, and Tommy slept terribly because of it, tossing and turning through the night once again, clutching Queen Leila’s sapphire pin in his hand the entire time.
When dawn broke, Tommy was already awake, freshly washed and dressed. After a long moment’s hesitation, he had put on one of his old tunics, one made of the same dull blue broadcloth that the other slaves wore. They were all the same in this, the ceremony at hand. To set himself apart, seemed pretentious somehow.
The remaining soldiers and the worker slaves made quick work of breaking down the camp and packing everything up for the march into Elysia. By the time the sun began to rise, they were already in formation directly outside the gates to the city. The soldiers would march into the city first, underscoring their status as free men. Then the slaves from Xien would go next because they had been given as tribute first. After them, the slaves from Troianus would enter, and with them the horses and chariots and precious metals given by the old king.
Ahead of Tommy, a trumpet sounded and the noise of wild cheering increased exponentially. A minute later, they began to move, marching through the gates and into the city. As he marched through the gates himself, Tommy couldn’t help but look about him in awe. Elysia was…breathtaking. Finally, Tommy understood why they called this city the ‘jewel of Ilyria.’ He looked beyond the teeming crowd assembled along the path leading up to the coliseum where the Presentation of Tribute would take place and gaped at the modern architecture, at the marble and inlaid gemstones, at the splendor of it all. He remembered thinking that Syriana was the most beautiful place he would ever see in his life. Tommy knew now that he had been wrong.
At the coliseum, the crowd was even more boisterous. Tommy could hear them as he waited outside, listening as the royal crier announced each part of the tribute to the presented. As the minutes passed, the soldiers marched in, then the Xiennish slaves. Finally, the Troian slaves began to march in and it was suddenly Tommy’s turn to be presented.
“Citizens of Elysia, I present Thomas Joseph, young lord Ratliff, prince of Troianus!”
Tommy took a fortifying breath, squared his shoulders and marched into the coliseum. The moment he appeared in the arena, a hush fell upon the crowd. They were clearly stunned to see him, to see that the news had been true. Their king had really taken a prince of Ilyria as tribute, and here he was, in the flesh. The silence dragged on for a few more seconds before it was finally broken.
“Long live the king!” a voice rang out from high in the stands.
“To the glory of Ilyria!” another voice called.
With that, the Elysian citizens crowding the coliseum erupted in wild cheers once again, quieting only when all the men and women comprising the tribute fell to their knees. Tommy knelt down too, with his right hand pressed over his heart as the others were doing. Far ahead of him, Tommy could make out the striking figure that Adam cut where he stood high up in the royal mezzanine. Without warning, a memory of another morning just like this raced through him. The Inspection of Tribute. So much had changed since then. That morning he’d wondered what sort of man the King of Elysia was. This morning, Tommy knew. He knew the man behind the façade. He knew his hopes and fears. He’d lain in bed, holding his hand. He’d felt his heart beating in time with his own. The knowledge of that eased Tommy’s discomfort at being scrutinized by ten thousand people all at once.
Out of the corner of his eyes, Tommy saw the crier give the signal, and he parted his lips to recite the traditional salute.
“We who have come from far and wide, through forest and plain, across the earth and beneath the sky, salute you. We are forever pledged to this kingdom, by the will of the Oracle, and by the laws of Ilyria. We live to serve the king.”
Tommy saw Adam step forward and raise his hands.
“You honor our kingdom with your pledge. Welcome to Elysia. Arise and be at ease, travelers.”
Tommy rose to his feet along with the others and waited for Adam to end the ceremony. But instead of ending the Presentation as expected, Adam surprised them all with his next words.
“Dear citizens, before we end this ceremony, there is one last order of business to attend to. Prince Thomas Joseph, step forward.”
With those words, Adam turned around and disappeared from view. Was he coming down to the arena? Apparently, he wasn’t the only one wondering the same because the hum of conversation rose sharply in the coliseum. The men and women before him parted to let him through, and Tommy walked forward quickly until he emerged from the formation. When he reached the front, he saw that Adam was indeed coming into the arena. Tommy stared as he approached, dressed in rich burgundy velvet, jewel encrusted crown gleaming atop his long, black hair. Adam was followed by Kristopher and the other generals, and a few steps behind them were two young men, one carrying a burgundy velvet cloak and the other carrying a black silk cushion upon which sat a slightly less elaborate replica of Adam’s golden crown.
What was all this about? Tommy frowned in confusion as Adam and the others drew closer. When Adam finally stopped directly in front of him, Tommy fell to his knees.
“My lord?” Tommy said, stealing a quick glance upward.
Adam looked down at him with a smile that threatened to put the rising sun to shame. Then he turned his gaze upward to face the crowd.
“Citizens of Elysia, bear witness. I declare this day that Prince Thomas Joseph is my lover. And as the Oracle grants, and the laws of Ilyria permit, today, I ask him to be my High Consort, to be my partner in all things, to live with me, to rule with me until the day we draw our final breath. Prince Thomas Joseph, do you accept?”
Tommy stared at him, dazed and slack-jawed with shock. Dimly, he could hear the incredible roar of the crowd exploding with loud cheers. Through a heavy haze he saw Kristopher and the generals smiling down at him where he knelt. A new beginning. Unadulterated joy flooded through him. This was it. The beginning of the rest of their lives together, right here in Elysia.
“Tommy?”
Tommy looked up to see Adam staring down at him with a bemused look on his face.
“Tommy, you have to say something,” Adam whispered to him.
“Something,” Tommy whispered back without thinking, still dizzy from the shock of Adam’s unexpected proposal.
Adam chuckled softly. “I was thinking you could maybe say something a bit more elaborate than that,” he whispered. A second later, he spoke again, louder now, in a voice meant for the crowd’s ears.
“Prince Thomas Joseph, what say you?”
All of a sudden, the heavy haze cleared, and Tommy found his voice again. “I accept. I accept!”
The crowd erupted again. As they cried and cheered, Adam motioned the young men forward and took the burgundy cloak from the first one. Leaning down, he draped the cloak over Tommy’s shoulders. Then he took the golden crown that was almost identical to his own and set it gently onto Tommy’s head. When he was done, Adam stepped back a little and drew his sword from the sheath at his side. He touched the gleaming blade first to Tommy’s left shoulder and then to his right before re-sheathing the sword.
“Before Oracle and man, I declare that you are joined to me forever, and that henceforth, you shall be known as Thomas Joseph, Vice-lord Lambert and High Consort of Elysia.”
With those brief words, Adam had elevated Tommy from his status as slave. From now on, he would be a Vice-lord, as all noblemen were, save princes, who were ‘young lord’ all their lives and ‘Lord’ if they were eventually crowned king. As High Consort, Tommy’s command would be second to none except the king’s. He would rule beside Adam, his husband in deed, if not in title. For a brief moment, Tommy wondered if it was possible to die from happiness. Then he wasn’t wondering anything at all because a split-second later, he rose to his feet and wrapped his arms tightly around Adam’s waist.
“I love you. I love you so much,” he said.
“I love you too. Always,” Adam replied.
A moment later, they came together, eyes tightly shut and lips locked in a deep, soulful kiss. Around them, the crowd roared, cheering so loudly that Tommy imagined that they could be heard throughout all six kingdoms of Ilyria.
The rest of the day passed in a flurry of activity, as the tribute was divided. All but two hundred of the slaves were given away to various noblemen, soldiers, and citizens. The horses and chariots were left at the coliseum for the month of games to follow the triumphant return of the king. As for the gold, silver, and sapphires, they were locked away in the royal vault. By the end of the day, Tommy was exhausted and certain that when he retired to bed, he would be fast asleep within seconds. But when Adam led him into the elaborately appointed bedchamber which they would share from now on, Tommy found that he wasn’t nearly as exhausted as he’d thought. Eagerly, he reached for Adam, pulling him down onto the massive bed, and kissing him breathless. They made love slowly, secure in the knowledge that they would always have nights like this, nights filled with love and desire, with laughter and friendship.
Later, when they were finally breathing normally again, and the only noise in the room was the distant sounds of the city filtering in across the terrace and through the silk curtains, Tommy sighed as Adam stroked his hair lazily.
“So,” Adam began. “Now that you’re High Consort and you have all this power, what are you going to do first?”
Tommy thought of the men he’d seen in the palace halls earlier in the day, handsome men dressed in the unmistakable red hue of pleasure-slaves.
“The pleasure-slaves have got to go. I’m dismissing them first thing tomorrow.”
Adam’s eyes widened with surprise a moment before he burst into laughter, body heaving with amusement. “I love you,” he gasped out, between laughs. After a long moment, he pulled Tommy tighter and pressed a kiss against his damp hair.
“You should know that this morning, before the Presentation of Tribute, I dismissed them already. By dawn, not one man will remain.”
Tommy started with surprise and twisted a little so that he could look up at Adam’s face. “Really?” he asked with a smile.
“Consider them gone,” Adam replied with a soft smile of his own. “There’s nothing to be gained from keeping them here when I only have eyes for you.” Adam pulled Tommy closer.
“My darling,” Adam murmured sleepily.
Tommy couldn’t help himself. He pushed up onto his elbows and straddled Adam’s body. As he pressed a kiss to Adam’s lips, Tommy felt a rush of warmth flood through him. It was an indescribable feeling, an astounding mixture of joy and the most profound sense of peace. He was finally home.
* * *
Unsurprisingly, Kristopher disappeared-seemingly off the face of the earth-for the first three weeks following their return. Adam and Tommy would laugh about their friend’s vanishing act each night, speculating wildly about what he could possibly be about. It was all in jest of course. They understood perfectly well that after more than two years away, Kristopher would take to his wife’s bed and stay there until duty dragged him out of it. So when the High General finally reemerged twenty two days later at the first meeting of royal advisers since the king’s return, Adam and Tommy answered his rueful grin with identical ones of their own and welcomed him with as much cheer as any friend could expect.
It was around then that Tommy finally met Vice-Lady Allen. Within minutes, they were thick as thieves, Katherine and Tommy, already laughing wildly at each other’s jokes and once or twice finishing each other’s sentences. Katherine wasn’t the only one enamored with Tommy. It had taken no time at all for Isolde to be smitten-although that fact might have had less to do with Tommy’s sharp wit and more to do with the fact that Isolde had found a new ‘uncle’ besides Adam to spoil her rotten. It was just as well though, because ‘Uncle Tommy’ was happy to oblige, indulging his newfound sweetheart shamelessly, despite her mother’s half-hearted protests.
As the weeks turned into months, Tommy began to grow more comfortable with his new role as High Consort. It was strange at first, to wield so much power. Even in Troianus, his every word had never been so highly regarded. Back there, he had only been a third son. Here, he was second only to the king. As time passed, Tommy was able to arrive at a happy medium. Eventually, he realized that he didn’t have to conduct himself any differently that he had in Troianus. Within months, his sterling reputation spread throughout the kingdom. Soon enough, his kindness, his intelligence, and his sweetness were spoken of reverently in all corners of Elysia. Every last man and woman agreed that this Thomas Joseph was a man to admire indeed.
Ten months after the king’s return, there was new cause for joy. Elysia’s High General and his wife welcomed a new baby boy named Daniel, and Adam declared a week of celebration in the child’s honor, day after day filled with games in the coliseum and free food and wine for every last citizen, whether nobleman, commoner or slave. It was a time of joy and peace, of celebration and of laughter.
But eventually, war reared its frightful head once again. A year and a half after the return to Elysia, King Simon of Macedon rebelled against Adam’s protectorate and declared war against Elysia. The enemy had brought the war to their doorstep and Elysia rose up to fight. Despite Adam’s initial misgivings, Tommy took part in the war, leading the archers. They was able to keep the Macedonians on the outskirts of Elysia, and thus, the city itself sustained no damage during the ensuing five weeks of battles and skirmishes. It was a bloody war, but thankfully as brief as any king could hope for. It became clear as the days wore on that Lord Cowell had overplayed his hand. But the man kept on fighting, kept on sending soldiers to certain death, until one day, in an apparent fit of madness, the Macedonian king had taken to the battlefield himself. Just like it had over a decade ago, Kristopher’s dagger found its way into Lord Cowell’s chest. And this time, it went straight through his heart.
There were no more rebellions after that, and peace prevailed once again in Elysia and all the other kingdoms of Ilyria. The Supreme Protector was not a man to be trifled with, and all the other kings, including the new Lord Cowell, old King Simon’s eldest son, Bartholomew, took the slain Macedonian king’s example to heart.
From time to time, Tommy and Adam would receive news from Troainus when Runners passed through Elysia. But it was never anything important, always an addendum to more pressing news. As time wore on, there was hardly any word at all, and Troianus began to recede in Tommy’s consciousness, until it became little more than a half-formed memory.
Tommy was happy here. In all of his old daydreams, he had never once dared to imagine perfection like this or happiness like this. Every day spent with Adam felt like the greatest reward, a gift that Tommy was never entirely certain that he deserved. Even so, he embraced every tender moment, every whispered endearment, every gentle slide of reverent fingers across smooth skin. Each night spent together lived within his soul, colored his view of the world, and brightened his waking moments. Even the knowledge that Adam would have to marry eventually failed to dislodge Tommy’s sense of contentment. Adam would do his duty, and Tommy would stand by him through it. No matter what, they would be together forever. In Tommy’s heart, and in his soul, Adam was his husband. Nothing and no one could ever touch that.
And so it was that a little over three years after the return to Elysia, Tommy sat beside Adam in the palace’s throne room, holding court for the morning. That afternoon, there was to be a meeting of the royal advisors and Kristopher had arrived early and was chatting with the two rulers of Elysia when a small commotion erupted in the hallway outside the grand room.
“What is going on?” Adam called out.
Barely five seconds later, a guard hurried in, a little breathless, and fell to his knees in the middle of the room.
“My lord, Runners have arrived carrying news from Troianus.”
Troianus? Tommy shot the man a surprised look. They had heard nothing from Troianus in almost eight months. What news could there possibly be now? Had his foolish brother launched a rebellion against the Elysian protectorate? It would be suicidal to do so, but Patrick was egotistical and delusional enough to try.
“Escort them in,” Adam said.
A few minutes later, six Runners were escorted into the throne room. They fell to their knees in front of Adam and Tommy.
“Lord Lambert, we salute you,” the lead Runner said to Adam. Then he turned his gaze to Tommy. “Lord Ratliff, we salute you as well.”
“Welcome, travelers. You may rise,” Adam said.
Tommy watched them rise with a perturbed look on his face. Lord Ratliff? Why had they addressed him so strangely?
“So,” Tommy began. “We understand that you carry news from Troianus. What has happened?”
The lead Runner hesitated for a moment before speaking. “My lords, the tidings we bear are grave indeed. The King of Troianus is dead.”
Tommy gaped at the man in shock for a long moment. Then he shook himself free of the sudden haze and exchanged a confused look with Adam.
“I’m afraid you’re over three years late with your news,” Tommy replied. “We already know that the King of Troianus is dead. He died ages ago.”
“No, Lord Ratliff. Forgive my saying so, but you misunderstand. King Patrick is dead. He died six weeks ago.”
Tommy drew in a sharp breath. He hadn’t expected this. Dead? His brother was dead? But wait-wait. Once again, the Runner had addressed him strangely.
“Why do you keep calling me Lord Ratliff?” Tommy asked. “I am Vice-lord Lambert.”
“Not anymore, my lord.”
A cold feeling of dread began to crawl up Tommy’s spine upon hearing the Runner’s words. Tommy wrestled back the sensation and spoke again.
“What do you mean ‘not anymore?’”
“My lord…your brother, Prince Marcus is dead as well.”
No. No, no, no, no…. The ground beneath him had shifted, and Tommy was falling. The sensation creeping up his spine accelerated sharply, flooding his veins and making his blood run cold. Dimly, Tommy felt Adam jump to his feet and murmur “What?” in a dazed tone.
The Runners immediately fell to their knees once again.
“Lord Lambert, forgive us for delivering such terrible news, but the King of Troianus is dead, and so is his brother. We have come to inform Prince Thomas Joseph that he is now Lord Ratliff, King of Troianus. And as the Oracle commands and the laws of Ilyria dictate, he must immediately return to his kingdom and claim his throne.”
Dead silence settled over the room. No one moved. No one dared even breathe. The eerie silence dragged on, broken only when the glass goblet Tommy had been holding fell from his suddenly nerveless fingers and shattered into a thousand fragments on the marble floor.
Over. It was all over.