Shadows of the Realm (The Circle of Talia) by Dionne Lister

their perverted pleasures. He shuddered.  Anything was better than that. 
    His mother had been excited to receive the gold piece it cost Leon to buy him. A tear came to his eye when he thought of his mother. He hadn't seen her since the night Leon had taken him, which, by his reckoning, was about six months ago. He dragged the back of his hand across his eye to remove some offending moisture. He was too old for that nonsense: ten-year-old boys weren't supposed to cry, especially not for someone who had never loved them. The young boy knew his mother wished he had never been born; she had told him so every day. He had never received the hugs or kisses he had seen other parents bestow on their children. Not wanting to wallow, he stood up and resumed his position, eye to the crack. He hoped someone worthwhile would turn up or his afternoon was going to be very boring and Leon would have an excuse to inflict another thrashing. He stood and waited.
    For a moment the boy thought his waiting had paid off. On sunset the queen emerged. She spoke to her guards. "I'm going for dinner. I will be back with my husband later." The guards nodded. Well that's just great, nothing . He had stood here for half the day, and there was nothing to report. His stomach grumbled. He had been told to stay there all day, and for Leon that meant until after the queen had returned and gone to bed. Remembering the oat biscuits he had pocketed from the kitchen that morning, he grinned. Although ravenous, he savoured his two biscuits, chewing every mouthful ten times.
    He decided he could sit down again seeing as the queen was gone. He was just settling to the ground when he heard soft footsteps. He jumped up, hoping he hadn't been caught sitting on the job. "Ah, there you are. I've decided you can have the night off. Follow me." The boy did as he was told—and hoped the only thing waiting for him would be dinner.
    ***
    Gabrielle wandered around the garden, pretending to admire the trees that were sprouting new growth. She headed toward a large maple and stood where she could enjoy the sunset. Hermas silently appeared at her shoulder. "Good evening , my queen." He executed a small bow.
    "Good eve to you , good sir. Did you find your cat?"
    "Yes. In fact she was hiding in this tree, but I think you've scared her away again."
    "I'm sure she'll be back. Why don't you enjoy the sunset with me." Hermas took a quick look around and lowered his voice.
    "My nephew is up to something. One of his hounds was sniffing around at King Suklar ’s court. It seems some arrangements are being made."
    The q ueen's voice was even quieter. "What arrangements?"
    "I’m not sure. But one of the hounds at the meeting was a priest of You Know Who."
    Goose bumps crowded the queen’s arms and she shivered. She fought the urge to grimace and managed a smile before speaking louder. "What a lovely sunset. I'm so glad I had someone to share it with. Do let me know if your cat doesn't come back. I'm sure we can get you another." Hermas bowed again and when he raised his head Gabrielle was walking away.
    Her curiosity was piqued. They had code names for everyone. The person they referred to as Hermas's nephew was Leon; hounds was just another word for his lackeys; and the priest of You Know Who was one of the priests who spread the depraved word of the god, Klar. King Suklar of Inkra, who worshiped Klar, was an unknown quantity at this stage. His kingdom kept its own council and distance from all other countries; one never knew who had their alliance—if indeed anyone could. The cruel way King Suklar treated his subjects was also widely known. The queen had a lot to think about as she made her way to the dining hall.
    The king rose as she approached the table. "Hello, my love, did you have a nice afternoon?" The queen wanted to relay the new information to her husband but couldn’t risk anyone hearing. She would have to keep quiet on the subject for now. "Yes, thank you. How were the