NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 86 – The Circus
“I greet you, my loyal subjects!” The King’s raspy voice rolled over the hall. His gaze was even as he studied. “It has been years since-” His breathing seemed to hitch. He swallowed, then continued. “Since the last Gathering of such importance as today.”
The little mistake might have gone unnoticed by most, but the vultures surrounding the throne didn’t miss it. King was weak. His health - even worse than just a few days ago.
And while Elana didn’t consider herself a vulture, she too aimed at this weakness. But it wasn’t yet time.
“The reason for this gathering is unfortunate.” The King sadly noted. His following sigh was a mistake.
Duke De’Awry’s growl pushed against the King’s voice, overpowering it in intensity. “Your son killed mine.” He didn’t hide his rage. “It was a murder!”
“Duke Arkoly De’Awry!” Another voice clashed with the raging father. “This is inappropriate. You will act with dignity in front of our ruler!” Another Duke had risen to his feet, his whole bearing fighting back against Arkoly’s fury.
Catarina leaned closer, whispering in Elana’s ear. “Duke Noiom is part of King’s inner circle.”
“I see,” Elana enjoyed the tickle Catarina’s breath carried while passing her ear. She looked at Moira, then smirked.
Meanwhile, Arkoly wasn’t backing down. “This is not your place to speak, Noiom!” His voice thundered. “My grievances are with the King and his failure of a son.” Behind him, approving murmurs washed over his contingent and supporters.
Elana made sure Moira was watching her, then turned her head and licked Catarina’s lips. Then she gently kissed the girl.
Catarina let out an ‘eep’ sound, trying to retreat while glancing around. “This is not the place.” She hissed.
“Relax. Everyone is watching the circus.” Elana dismissed the girl’s worries. “Everyone but Moira. She is watching the show.” Her hand pulled Catarina back to her side. She felt the lithe body, letting her fingers dig into the girl’s back.
“Elana!” Catarina gasped. “We still-” She was silenced.
Elana pressed her lips against Catarina’s, then parted them. She sent a smug smile towards Moira, who finally looked a little bit peeved.
After receiving a middle finger from her woman, Elana began paying more attention to the developing farce. It looked like they were at an impasse.
Well, that wasn’t true. With Kurt’s father still standing, it was clear he had been the winner since his position was lower than that of a King. With this, the King’s position was undermined. The ruler was in a precarious position.
And Arkoly knew that, too. “All I ask for is a fair judgment. The same laws must apply to everyone. Even if the person is a prince.” His hair billowed as the air seemed to move around him.
“Calm down, Arkoly,” The Ruller’s voice was still unhurried. “Of course, we will do everything to reach a just conclusion. My son… He has sinned. That much is true. But what you are asking… It is to leave our home, our lands, without a leader. I cannot agree with this. And neither will people.”
“Ridiculous!” Arkoly’s demeanour grew wilder. “What our Kingdom needs is someone who will protect our people! Not kill them!” His finger pointed at the Prince.
“Arkoly is correct in one aspect,” Another voice joined the chaos. Vermont stood up, masking his weakness with an expression of concern. “We cannot have a weak ruler.” His voice suddenly was the foremost sound in the hall, carrying within winds of great change.
It appeared Elana’s father had grown tired of the bickering. His move shook the foundations of the ruling dynasty. Suddenly, hundreds of whispers moved through the palace, questioning the validity of the King and the Prince.
Vermont was not done. Elana’s father looked into the King’s eyes. “I cast doubt of your judgement, for you are sick and old. And your seed has failed. It is time for us to look towards the future.”
While the development seemed to surprise Arkoly, he didn’t let it impede his path to revenge. “We cast doubt on your ability to rule!” He joined his fellow duke.
As more unsatisfied voices joined the chaos, Elana observed the guards, wondering if the King would order a beheading.
The ruler did give a sign, but none of the guards moved, seemingly ageing the King by another twenty years, making him look ancient.
This was the end of the man. No matter who won, the King would meet his end. The situation in the hall devolved further as Asthon managed to insert news about a broken treaty and impending sanctions.
It was all very fun and interesting… for Catarina.
Elana was bored out of her mind. She shrugged, noticing Moira was looking at her. Then, she grabbed her small friend and pulled Catarina into her lap.
Now, Elana could rest her chin on Catarina’s shoulder as the girl continued to observe the bickering. With her friend’s back pressed against her breasts, she wrapped her hands around Catarina and squeezed her modest breasts, finally earning herself a reaction.
“I am watching.” Catirna pouted. “This is a historical moment. Books will speak of this moment for centuries!” Her breathing quickened as Elana bit her ear. “And people will notice.” She didn’t sound nearly as reluctant as her words would imply.
“Mhm,” Elana nibbled the earlobe. “I am counting on someone noticing.” She whispered, letting her arms cup the smaller girl’s breasts. Her fingers dug into the pliable flesh, gently mauling the sensitive peeks.
Elana could practically hear Moira’s dissatisfaction. She looked at the supposed guard, who was glaring back. “Oh, she is watching, alright. Spread your legs.”
One of Elana’s hands slid lower, then pulled up the hem of Catarina’s dress while the girl widened her legs. She flashed her friend's underwear, then allowed the hem to fall back on the ground.
“Good,” Elana enjoyed Moira’s soundless, frustrated scream.
Unfortunately, the surrounding world demanded Elana’s attention. She sighed, then straightened. It was time to see how things had progressed.