Chapter 44: I'll do it my way
Reika sat at the head, resplendent in a flowing cream gown that oozed authority and style. Her sharp gaze swept over the assembled bakers, and a polite smile crossed her lips. Philip stood to her right, a look of nerves and honours washing over him, his hands clasped tightly in front of him.
Reika stood up, quieting the murmurs. "Today, I have gathered all of you here to recognize the backbone of our kingdom's culture-our bakers. You nourish the people, bring warmth to our homes, and mark every celebration with your craft. It's time we give you the honor and structure you deserve."
The bakers cheered, faces bright with gratitude.
She nodded toward Philip. "And to make sure voices are heard, I'm appointing Philip to lead the newly formed Baking Association. He has shown marvelous skill and leadership. I am so sure that under his wings, this association will prosper and bloom."
Following the roar of applause that erupted, Philip's face turned beet red as he bowed deep in front of Reika. "Thank you, my queen. This responsibility I shall undertake with diligence and pride.
Reika nodded graciously but firmly. "See that you do, Philip. The bakers of this city are in your hands."
As the meeting went on, there were talks over plans of funding, logistics, and events that could showcase the baking prowess of the kingdom. Ideas flowed as the bakers brainstormed, with Reika's involvement making their interest even more intense.
But just then, as the boisterous discussion was going on, a servant appeared at Reika's elbow, his face white as alabaster with urgency. He leaned in close, speaking in her ear in hushed tones.
"What?" Reika's voice cut through but was low enough not to alarm the room.
The servant repeated himself in a whisper, and her expression darkened.
"I'll handle this," she rose abruptly. "Philip, continue the discussions. I trust you to lead as in my absence."
Philip did look startled but nodded all the same. "Of course, my queen."
Reika swept out of the room, her guards flanking her. Her mind was racing as she moved through the palace corridors, her heels clicking against the polished floors. Riftan. The last person she would imagine stirring up trouble now, and yet there it was: her brother had been caught trying to break out of his cell.
The air had been cold and thick with dampness as Reika had entered the dungeons. Flickering torches weakly danced across stone walls. Riftan stood in the middle of his cell, wrists shackled, eyes defiant. Guards were scattered around him, their tight grips on their weapons a reflection of unease.
Reika stepped closer, her expression unreadable. "You just cannot help yourself, can you, Riftan?"
He snickered, leaning back against the wall as much as his restraints allowed. "I don't belong here, Reika. You know it as well as I do."
Her voice was icy. "What I know is that you betrayed me. You betrayed this kingdom. And now, instead of accepting your punishment, you try to flee like a coward.
The smirk fell from Riftan's face, replaced by a sneer. "Coward? You think shutting me away proves your strength? You're nothing without the power you've stolen, and deep down, you know it."
She clenched her fist, "Take him to the cell," she ordered the guards. "The one with no light. Let him sit in the dark and contemplate the choices he has made.
They moved promptly and spiritedly whisked Riftan away.
"Reika!" he called out behind him. "You can't keep running from the truth, Reika! It'll find its way to get you!"
To this, she wheeled, her face cold as steel.
By the time Reika made it back to her suite, the weight rested upon her chest. Reika sat on the plush chaise, her fingers shaking a little. Riftan's words replayed in her head, deeper than she'd care to admit.
Her brother, her only living kin, she had committed him to prison, confined him to darkness. And for what? For her ambition? To live?
One single tear slipped down her cheek, then another. She brushed them off, angry with herself for not being able to keep it together. Riftan had made his choices; she had made hers. This was the price of power.
And yet, with the firelight dancing before her like a latticework of spirits, the feeling of guilt gnawed inwardly. Might she have chosen otherwise? Had there not been a chance to turn Riftan once more unto her side-not destroyed him?
In the very hush after such thoughts, she heard the suite door open. Instantly, she composed herself, wiping off her tears and straightening her backbone upright in her chair.
Alpha Lleus entered, commanding the space around him in a simple action. He still wore his formal robes; his face was etched with curiosity and concern.
"Rieka," he said, closing the door behind him. "You're back sooner than I would have thought. How did it go with the bakers?"
She forced a small smile. "It went well. Philip is now the head of the Baking Association."
Lleus nodded, crossing the room to stand before her. "Good. You've always had a way of inspiring people."
He leaned down, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "But something's troubling you. I can see it in your eyes."
She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It's nothing. Just… the weight of responsibilities."
Lleus frowned, his eyes delving into hers. "This isn't just about responsibilities, is it? Tell me, Rieka. I want to help."
She looked away, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's Riftan. He tried to escape, and I had to order him into isolation."
The Alpha's face darkened somewhat, but he spoke quietly. "You did what you thought best. He's a danger to the kingdom, Rieka. To us. Don't let your guilt interfere with judgment."
"But he is my brother," she managed to whisper. "The only family I have left.
Lleus went to his knees before her, taking her hands in his. "You have a new family now. Me. This kingdom. The people who look to you for guidance and strength."
There was a firmness in his words, yet a tenderness within his eyes that had her heart ache. She didn't deserve his kindness, his faith in her unwavering.
"I don't know if I can do this anymore," she admitted.
"You're not alone in this," he replied squeezing her hands. "Not anymore. Together, we'll face whatever comes."
He kissed her forehead, and in that moment, the storm in her heart grew silent.
But as he rose and walked to the window, gazing out at the moonlit gardens, Reika's resolve hardened once more. Riftan's accusations still lingered, but she couldn't afford to waver now. Not when she was so close to securing everything she had worked for.
The tears dried; the ambition inside her was bigger than ever. If it would take more sacrifice to achieve her aim, then so be it. For now, she would put on the mask of a good wife and queen, but deep inside, the shadows of her plans continued to shift and grow.
Alpha Lleus turned back to her, his smile warm. 'Come to bed, Rieka. Tomorrow is a new day, and you'll need your strength."