Obsidian Ridge - Jess Lebow [37]
Despite his best efforts, the Obsidian Ridge didn't budge.
The sound of footsteps drifted up the stone stairway, adding their rhythm to that of the king's pacing. Then the guest who belonged to the footsteps arrived-unannounced-inside the king's sitting room.
"King Korox," said Senator Divian, barging into the room, "might I have a word with you?"
Quinn stepped between her and the king, blocking her path. He didn't go for his weapon, but he left himself enough room to grab it if the need arose.
The senator pulled up short. "What is this?" She looked past Quinn to the king.
Quinn didn't budge. "I'm sorry, Senator," he said, raising his hands to make it clear he meant her no offense, "but you came in unannounced. I'm afraid I'm going to have to search you for weapons." He took a step closer. "Please lift your hands over your head. This won't take but a moment."
The senator took a step away from him. "You will not lay a finger on me." Her voice dropped very low. "Touch me, and you will regret it."
"Quinn," the king said. "It's fine. The senator can be trusted."
"I'm sure you are right, my lord," replied Quinn, not backing down. "Senator Divian is without a doubt above reproach, and I give her my sincerest apology. But since we have a magical fortress floating outside our window, illusions and doppelgangers are not outside of the realm of possibility."
The senator dropped her hands and stood up straight, tugging the front of her robe down and tightening her cloth belt. "Yes, of course," she said, clearly miffed at having her trustworthiness called into question, but also seemingly swayed by Quinn's argument.
"I will not touch you," continued Quinn, running a hand through his blond hair, "but perhaps the senator could humor me by answering a few quick questions." He took a step back, toward the king, and tried to smile. "Just to let us know that you are indeed who you… well, are."
Senator Divian crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. "Very well," she said. "Ask your questions."
"When did King Korox's wife die?"
"That's common knowledge," she said, glancing at the king. "Just after he took the throne."
"Yes," replied Quinn. "And what did she die from?"
The senator, a little taken back by the question, gave Quinn a sideways look. "That… that too is well known," she said. "She contracted a rare and difficult to treat disease, which ultimately proved to be fatal."
Quinn nodded. "Yes, and how did she contract it?"
Senator Divian uncrossed her arms. Her posture seemed to soften, as if she were saddened by this line of questioning. "She was… she was doing research, at my behest, in the catacombs just outside of Dajaan." Her gaze dropped to the floor, and her shoulders slumped. "We never learned what she contracted it from."
Quinn stepped aside. "I am sorry for bringing up such painful memories, Senator. Please forgive me." He bowed to her, and took a position at the edge of the room.
Senator Divian nodded but didn't say anything.
After a moment, the king crossed to her and touched her on the shoulder. "Perhaps we should talk in my private chambers," he said.
Nodding her agreement, she followed him out of the sitting room.
+++++
King Korox closed the double doors that led into his private chambers and turned to face the senator.
"I apologize for Quinn," he said. "We're all very much on edge with this… thing hanging over our heads. He is no exception."
Senator Divian took a deep breath and tried to regain her composure. "Can I ask you a question?"
The king nodded. "Of course."
"Do you blame me for the death of your wife?"
King Korox was stunned by her candor. "How can you think that?"
"It's just that-" She shook her head. "It's nothing." She wrapped her arms around Korox's waist and laid her head on his chest.
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