The King's Queen

Chapter 25

My father? Did Malekh just say my father wanted to see me? I stared at him, too stunned to even speak or react.

"It's usually a long journey from Crysauralia to the Spade Kingdom so I'd escort you to a guest room so you could rest first," he continued coolly. "but he hasn't seen you in twenty-one years. I'm sure a meeting is long overdue, don't you agree?"

"Do you mean to tell me that my father is here in the Spade Kingdom? Lucas is here right now?" I asked him.

Was this the reason Garrett had taken me here? Was this a part of his plan? But how was Malekh involved in this? And how did he know my father?

"Lucas?" The woman frowned, suddenly breaking her silence. "Are you referring to Luca?"

"Ah," Malekh said, seeming to realize something, "He mentioned that you might think his name is Lucas. Not to worry, it's the same person."

I didn't know whether I could trust Malekh or not. He often had a very cryptic air about him which made his actions seem incredibly suspicious.

"This is the second time you're kidnapping me," I pointed out to him.

"It had to be done, Elizabeth," he explained. "My kingdom is at odds with Crysauralia right now. I doubt you'd be allowed to simply visit us at your leisure."

He did have a point there. The woman standing beside him still held my phone in her hand. Was taking it really necessary?
"I'll hold on to this for you," she said as she caught my gaze.

"Shall we go?" Malekh asked, gesturing to door.

I nodded and we walked out of the room. The last time I'd been here was the mission to get Jackson back on our side. That had failed and CaVaughn had died... kind of. Even now, Jackson was still here somewhere. It would be so great to get to see him again but I wasn't sure if he'd want that or not.

My mind was whirring with all kinds of thoughts. Violet must have realized by now that Garrett and I had disappeared and I had no doubts that she would contact the emperor. Did Garrett even have a plan for what he would do after taking me here? I had to go back to Crysauralia without letting Emperor Caden or his father know that I was in contact with my father.

I should have been more worried about that, but at the moment I was too excited and anxious to meet my biological father to care. Sadly, my mom was no longer here. I wanted to meet at least one of my parents.

Anxiety coursed its way through my stomach as I thought about seeing him for the first time. What would he be like? How long had he known about me? Where had he been for all these years? Why did he suddenly want to see me?

I ran my hands down my dress, smoothing out the already even material. I was nervous. Even more nervous than I'd been when I thought the emperor was allowing me to meet my biological mother. This time felt different.

Before I knew it, Malekh came to a stop at a large set mahogany door that was trimmed with gold. The woman knocked once and announced that we were there. I didn't hear an answer, but she pushed it open and gestured for us to step inside.

The room was spacious and richly decorated, but it was not any of that which caught my eye. At the far end of the room, a man was standing with his back turned to us. He appeared to be gazing through a window. He was tall with broad shoulders and his dark hair was slightly curly. I couldn't put my finger on it but it was as if I could feel a powerful aura emanating from him.

Then, he finally turned around. His eyes shone like two burning blue diamonds. It was just as the letter had said; he had the face of an angel. Completely perfect, almost ethereal but still human-like.