The Space Spoon novel Chapter 77

After the guards took Cato and C1313 out of the throne room and the doors closed behind them, Shayla turned her furious gaze upon her father.

“You told me no harm will come to Tejeda and his crew. I played my part even now in front of them.”

King Gurst sighed as he plunged into his cushioned seat. "Oh, Shayla, I feel like you have completely forgotten your training. Lies and deceit are the best ways to get what you want. I wanted you here, and look at you shining on my red carpet. If I couldn’t make a great assassin out of you, a pretty puppet should do the trick for now."

Shayla's breath remained trapped for a split second as her heart clenched. She glanced at the man she despised and dreaded the most, the man who had her on the run and devastated her life. Clutching her hands, she recalled how he had ordered the execution of her mother, a woman who was useless in his eyes because she couldn't bear him a male heir.

For the rest of her life, she would be a mere pawn on his playing board, something to move around according to his every whim. She thought she had escaped this life for good, but that was before she found something meaningful, something her father could use to blackmail her into submission.

The only thing she could do was hope that her message reached the Space Spoon and that they were able to release Cato and C1313 in some way. She couldn't do anything else.

“May I be excused now?” Shayla asked with a slight bow.

The doors opened wide before the king could respond, and the announcer stated, "Your Majesty, King Astin of Southern Beridian."

Guards in another type of uniform lined up outside the doorway. A wide grin spread across her husband's face as he entered the room with his crown crooked on top of his head.

Astin wasn't supposed to come here. As her father desired, her presence in Northern Beridian offered Astin the perfect opportunity to declare war. Nothing could stop her father from murdering them both if Astin was here right now. What a daring move from someone with a well-deserved reputation as a terrific strategist! He had just signed their doom.

“I wasn’t expecting your visit.” King Gurst appeared shocked though Shayla knew he never was.

On the red carpet, Astin took a step closer. "I'm taking my wife home and wanted to thank you personally for finding her."

Astin turned to face Shayla. His eyes demanded her attention and paralyzed her. His stare was familiar, but it didn't bring back memories of Astin. Sure, individuals might change in five years, but nothing about his behavior matched how she remembered him. A shiver of apprehension ran through her body. Those eyes, the way they focused on her, sucked the air right out of her lungs.

His strides eased up as a smooth-as-butter smile spread across his face. Friendly words came from a voice that rumbled against the heartstrings, settling deep within. "Hey, wifey, are you okay? I was wondering, why don't you come home?"

"I would be a terrible host if I sent you home at this late hour." King Gurst walked to the throne. "I can't risk having my reputation ruined." He smiled at Shayla as he turned to face her. "Please take your spouse into your chamber and do your wifely duties."

“I made my choice.” Shayla crossed her arms over her chest as always.

“I know everything about your past from Astin. You poison your soul with a misery you don’t deserve. Join me in my insanity and screw the rest and your past.”

She caught a glimpse of his two distinct personalities. One was carefree, funny, and swooning over her, a forever joker. The other was cool and calm, serious and quiet. She liked them both, but mostly how he chose the right persona at the right moment to meet her needs.

Confusion mixed with the shock of all that happened recently took hold of her. A heavy tear slipped down her cheek. As quickly as she wiped it away, another one slid down even faster. "Damn it! Something got in my eye," she said and cursed some more.

Tejeda only grinned as he heard her expletives. "You don't sound like a princess at all."

"Tejeda, you have no idea what a mess you've gotten us both into!"

She looked at the clock. The rhythms of tick-tock ran through her shivering breaths. She needed to show resolve and find a way out of this trap, though death was imminent.