Oak, Cardan and Jude- Throne Room Scene

Oak followed the Bomb through the hallway. He noticed that the court had been redecorated; whorls and star prints were replaced with snakes and horns. They stopped at a large door laced shut with overgrowth. He thought recognised one of the two knights posted at each side. Bomb lowered her face mask and flashed one of them a smile. The guard nodded, lowering his halberd and lifting his helmet, revealing a scarred face hidden beneath tousled blond hair.  
Ghost.  
The large door groaned as it opened, and Oak caught a glimpse of Bomb brushing her hand against Ghost’s as they passed through. 
 Jude was sat on the throne. As usual, her hair was styled into horns, and she wore a silk green gown that hugged her figure and pooled beneath her like an estuary. A large ouborus crown snagged in her fawn-brown hair. A new accessory, stolen from Grimsen’s lair after his death. To his knowledge, it contained no particular enchantments or curses. Then again, with Jude, you could never be too sure. 
Beside her, Cardan was lounging in all black, his glittering, ringed fingers tapping the armchair impatiently. Bored with the festal revelry. 
Cardan had proved himself to be a competent ruler (or so he’d heard). He had managed to broker peace between Lord of Termites and Queen Orlagh, and kept Madoc imprisoned in the Court of Moths- which was already a feat on its own. Now, however, he chortled at a courtier who was reenacting the moment Jude decapitated Cardan in snake form.  
The pandemonium didn’t die as they entered.  
No one noticed them. 
 Even Jude appeared distracted, her eyes darting to Nicassia who was engaged in a circle in the far right, laughing seductively at what looked like a general from another court’s joke. 
“Queen of Elfhame,” the Bomb announced, ignoring Cardan. “Your brother has arrived.”  
Jude’s eyes lit up and Cardan stopped laughing, pushing himself up on his seat. 
“Oak!” Jude descended the altar and embraced him. “Welcome back to court.”  
Cardan shook his empty vassal, and a human he didn’t recognise refilled his cup. 
“Have you managed to find Lady Nore?” Jude whispered, pulling back finally and searching his face. Oak nudged his head towards the crowd, which had now fallen silent.  
Understanding registered on her face, and she turned to Bomb. “Bomb, will you watch over the court for me? Me and my brother would like some privacy.” 
Cardan got up. He swayed slightly, then braced feet. “I will accompany you.” 
“Your highness I believe it’s in your best interest to remain here. You’re drunk and I’d hate to interrupt your merriment.”  
Jude looked genuinely concerned. And judging from Cardan’s appearance, she ought to be. Cardan half-lidded eyes were glittering with drunken mischief. 
“Sober or drunk, I am perfectly able to command myself.” Cardan’s eyes bored into Jude’s. A silent challenge of her authority. Often, (particularly when he was drunk) Cardan would like to loosen the tethers Jude kept on his neck. Cardan still resented Jude for the command she had over him, and it would often be the cause of their public contentions. But like a master puppeteer with the strings, she always managed to elude him, to the point where it was obvious to all around him it was only a charade, and he was a willing participant. 
Jude pursed her lips and turned to Bomb, nodding. “Very well then. Bomb, please resume the celebrations. We will return shortly.”  
Cardan waved at the human to follow them with the carafe, and they all left the throne room. 
They walked into the courtyard, with Jude and Bomb leading them. 
When they had made it a comfortably out of earshot, Cardan flopped down under an oak tree, spreading his cloak across the grass for Jude to sit on. Jude hesitated at first, then settled beside him. Oak hovered awkwardly above them with the Bomb. 
“Did you find Lady Nore?” she said, squinting up at him.  
“Or have you been too busy forming allies with traitors?” Cardan said snarkily. 
Oak knew better than to entertain his taunts. He kept his tone smooth and aloof. “We did, but then a strange beast attacked us, and fled with her. Neither Teirnan nor the prisoner could recognise it, but I suspect Lady Nore has allies. It’s likely from another court.” 
Cardan snorted and turned away.  
“She probably didn’t make it far. Are you sure it is not an old loyalist?” Jude didn’t even look disappointed; her brows were already furrowed in concentration. Schemes working behind her eyes. 
Oak clasped his sister's hand in a way he hoped was reassuring. “I’ll have my sources investigate.” 
Cardan narrowed his eyes at him, a conniving smirk forming on his lips. “A beast, Princeling?” he said lowly, his chin dipped on his chest. “Which beast are you referring to? It can’t be the beast you share your tent with?” 
Oak cheeks heated. 
Jude elbowed his side. “Cardan,” she warned. 
“What’s wrong, dear brother-in-law?” Cardan continued, “you didn’t think you could deceive your King?” Cardan’s dark eyes were feline and deadly with amusement.  
Jude squeezed his hand. It was her turn now to reassure him. “Don’t mind him. He’s intoxicated. I’ve been trying to keep him sober for months.” 
Oak knew all too well what that meant. Old, cruel, ruthless Cardan was back. The brother who’d torment him.  
Oak remained silent. He couldn’t lie, but nor could he placate Cardan with the truth. It was futile to engage with Cardan in this state. He was also keenly aware of Jude’s eyes, which were looking at him with newfound questions. “If you doubt me, you may ask Tiernan.” 
Cardan raised his eyebrows. His top buttons were undone, exposing his toned chest- a physique honed for duelling. He tilted his head, his eyes still glinting with unrelenting wickedness. “Are you sure you were not side-tracked by this beast?” 
“Cardan,” Jude hissed. Oak noticed, however, her tone was less assertive. As if she too were starting to doubt him. 
“Let us meet her,” Cardan said diplomatically. 
“Over my dead body,” Oak gritted, but his lips quivered in rage. His face betraying horror and disgust before he could compose it. 
“Oh that can be arranged,” Cardan said smugly. 
Cardan got up, and before Oak could register his bearings, he drew the sword at Oak’s bandolier. “Did you mean to conceal the truth from me? Your own older brother?”  
Oak drew the sword at Cardan’s side. “I merely meant to protect my honour, dear brother.” 
Oak’s smirk was now mirrored his.
"If I win the duel, I will have you kiss my ringed fingers in front of court before you ever try robbing me again of my shirts," Cardan said, motioning with the tip of his sword to Oak's cerulean-blue blouse. "This one's one of my favourites, too. I hope it was well worth it."
Oak shifted into parrying stance. "You should ask her," he threw casually, echoing Cardan's smugness. "She seemed to like it well enough." 
"I will duel you both if you don't stop it," Jude said, crossing her arms.
In truth, Oak missed the drunk and debauched Cardan. The Cardan that was untamed. Cardan, who’d slip wine in his milk bottles when his sisters weren’t around. Cardan, who’d taught him to ensorcel his teachers into giving him A’s, and pour philtres into his enemies' drinks. 
Their swords locked, steel hissing against steel as they leaned in, panting. "I don’t remember you being this weak, brother,” Cardan said, gaining the upper hand by pressing his sword against Oak’s chest. “I hope your affections do not come in expense of your wits.” Cardan’s tail wrapped around Oak’s leg, tugging him to the ground. 
“I think you’ll find your wits are much more impaired than mine,” Oak said, baring his teeth as he fought to free his leg from Cardan’s grip. 
“Pity. I also recall you being more fun when you were less sober. It seems she has robbed you of your humour too.” 
“I’m not like you, Cardan,” Oak snarled. “You married my sister. Don’t forget you were her pawn before you ever became a king.” 
Cardan seemed shockingly impressed by the remark. His lips titled upwards, as if he relished Oak matching his pettiness. “You follow my example well.” 
“Oak! Cardan!” 
Only the Queen of Elfhame could address them by their names. 
Jude shoved herself between them, facing Cardan first. She drew her dagger against Cardan’s neck. “Leave,” she demanded, her jaw set. “Let me catch up with my brother alone.” Cardan’s tail unwinded reluctantly, and they both lowered their swords.
Long after his oath had terminated, Cardan remained obedient to Jude’s bidding. 
“Who told you of these rumours?” Oak asked sharply. 
“Oh, I don’t recall who exactly,” Cardan purred, pretending to inspect his nails. “Perhaps one of my spies or maybe the trees...” Cardan gestured to the forest vaguely “You underestimate me, Oak. Just like everyone.”  
“Forgive me- I forgot trees could speak,” Oak huffed, rolling his eyes. “Even if they could, you would be the last person they’d speak to.” 
Cardan was silent as he studied him pensively. “If you love her, why won’t you introduce her to us?” 
Oak gritted his teeth. Feign indifference.  
“ Who is ‘she’?” Jude said, eyes flickering between them. 
 “Suren,” he said slowly. “Ex-Queen of Teeth and a runaway. Oak’s childhood playmate, if you recall.” 
Oak refused to meet Jude’s eyes. 
He was too busy glaring at Cardan, creative assassination plots flashing in his mind. He took a steadying breath and motioned for the human to pass him a goblet. 
As he was about to take it, Cardan’s tail lashed out in front of him, and Oak spilled the drink on his blue tunic. 
Oak hissed.  
Jude swerved angrily to Cardan. “Cardan, I command you to return to court.” 
A fleeting wave of fury seemed to cross his eyes, then he smiled sweetly. Like a cat tamed. She pressed the dagger more threateningly to his throat.  
“As you wish, your Highness," he smirked. Cardan then cupped one hand behind Jude’s head and kissed her so forcefully her head tipped back. Oak groaned in disgust. 
When he finally pulled away, his lips were stained with blood, and his eyes were more dilated than before. Drugged and lustful.
Oak cleared his throat, trying to rid himself of the sour taste on his tongue. 
“Thank you for hosting me sister. It was truly an honour,” he said tightly, bowing his head. “I will not return next time until I have Lady Nore. As for the exiled Queen, I am using her to track down her whereabouts. My raven will send any updates.” 
Jude started, but Oak did not wait for her to change his mind. He turned and marched out of the orchid, Bomb racing behind him. He could see Tiernan in the distance, waiting for him beside a guard. 
“Oak, wait! She might not be as harmless as you think!” Jude cried from behind.
Oak turned and gave her a reassuring smile. Cardan seemed dizzy; his arm wrapped around Jude’s waist to steady himself.  
He knew Suren hated him. She hadn’t exactly made it a secret. But he had set out to win the only living heir to the Court of Teeth. If he was ever to become King, he needed supporters to legitimise his claim. But it was becoming embarrassingly difficult to convince himself (let alone Cardan) that he had no other intentions. And it made him resent her ever the more. 
Tomorrow, he’d order Suren to return to her Court. If he could not catch Lady Nore himself, perhaps he could lure her back to her own court and entrap her. The distance between them wouldn’t hurt him either. It might give him more perspective on the nature of their...relationship. 
And no matter how painful it was for himself; Oak knew he would always choose his head over his heart.