A Queen's Fate

by Nattie Kate Mason

  The Queen remained composed but sat thoughtfully for a moment. “Increase the lower-paid Legion warriors’ wages,” Annie replied. “With heavier pockets they will be less likely to defect. Offer monetary incentives for former Legion dissenters to return to our ranks.”

  “Very well, Your Majesty,” the General replied.

  “And General, one last thing,” Annie began, “recall all but a small percentage of the border patrol Legionnaires. Our city needs greater protection now than our Kingdom’s boundaries. Redeployment of troops to where they are most needed is the greatest way to maximise our resources,” Queen Annie declared.

  “As you wish, Your Majesty,” Alecia replied, unable to hide the frustration from her voice.

  ‘Annie knows next to nothing about managing a Legion. She should leave those decisions to me. Troops are not pawns on a chess board.’

  Alecia took a deep breath after regaining her composure and set to work explaining the finer details of the preliminary security plans for the wedding day.

  “Based off Lord Ashcott’s prior planning and recommendations,” Alecia continued, “a list of assignments has already been appointed to many of the Legionnaires possessing Goddess given giftings. But as I mentioned, our numbers are unreliable. A team of four wind whisperers will to be stationed in proximity of the Queen and her future King, maintaining a protective invisible air shield over the couple at all times. Wind whisperers are also to be stationed on the rooftops of the city proper buildings nearest to the temple, so they can monitor the surroundings. Fire-wielding Legionnaires will be stationed at regular intervals between the castle gates and city temple, maintaining a constant meter high barrier along the roads, both a symbolic gesture of the might and power of the Kingdom, but also as a protective measure. Water mages will be disguised in noble and peasant attire, hiding in plain sight amongst the crowd of spectators, on the watch for anything amiss,” General Alecia finished.

  “Your Majesty, I feel I must point out the flaw in our plan,” Lord Ashcott began, leaning forward in his chair, resting his forearms heavily upon the war council table.

  “Continue, Lord Ashcott,” the Queen commanded.

  “As our gifted Legionnaires form such a pivotal role in our Legion’s defenses, these warriors are also quite well known amongst the ranks including those who have deserted the Legion. Unfortunately, we are unable to work around this.”

  “So, you are telling me that our undercover Legionnaires will not in fact be undercover? So, what is the point of dressing them as nobles and peasants in the first instance?” Queen Annie asked.

  Alecia leaned forward in her chair. “The people are already concerned that we as a Monarchy are being too aggressive in our show of force. It merely reduces the Legion’s perceived physical presence to the general townspeople and visiting dignitaries. It is an empty gesture where the rebels are concerned,” Alecia admitted.

  “Very well,” Queen Annie conceded. “General Alecia, do you recommend proceeding with the event based off your security plans? “

  “It is risky, Your Majesty,” Alecia admitted, “but the wedding was planned with the intention of rallying the people behind the Monarchy. The potential reward at this stage may be worth the risk. The visiting dignitaries’ attendance may also work in our favor. Our defective warriors will not want to appear weak before representatives of other Kingdoms. The aim of the rebellion, with all due respect, is to unseat the Monarchy and turn power over to the High Priestess. Not to undermine the Kingdom’s might. Best case scenario, the rebels may not attempt to interfere in the event at all... If we are extremely lucky.”

  Annie reflected over Alecia’s recommendations for a moment; the remaining council members looking to her for guidance.

  “Thank you General, and Lord Ashcott, for all your hard work and planning. I feel confident that the day will run as smoothly as possible under your capable watch,” Annie concluded.

  Satisfied with the General’s planning, and after weighing up the risk, Queen Annie adjourned the meeting and they all went their separate ways.

  ~ ◊~

  37

  Queen Annalyse of Alearia

  Following the war council meeting, Annie invited Prince Liquire to join her for afternoon tea in one of her favourite spots in the castle. The moderately sized room overlooked the forest to the north of the castle. The room was initially where the first Alearian royals had situated their private library. Several generations later, the royal book collection had grown exponentially, and several library rooms had sprung up around the castle. This library, she had heard from Lady Margarette, had also been Queen Amealiana’s favourite room.

  Comfortable, velvet, wing backed chairs, ottomans and side tables, were arranged around each of the five fireplaces. Throw rugs were folded neatly upon a few of the armrests in homage to the former Queen’s love for curling up with a blanket and a book before the fireplace in the evenings. Annie fondly remembered doing the same in her cottage back in Lavender Grove with Lily. It warmed her heart to know that her mother had shared the same habit.

  A platter of small cakes, cheese and fresh bread had been laid out for the two royals, along with a decanter of wine and two glasses. Queen Annie had insisted that Lady Margarette and the other servants allow the pair an hour’s privacy while they got to know each other.

  Prince Liquire was dressed in a long sleeved, button down cream shirt with light brown pants. His sandy blond hair and blue eyes shining. He was exactly how Annie had always imagined an island Prince to be. He was formal but relaxed, with a spark of unpredictability to him. His brashness caught Annie off guard at times, but his eagerness to assist during the attempted breach of the castle gates proved to Annie that she could count on him.

  Annie could tell from the time they had spent together, no matter how brief, that Liquire had a loyal heart and an unmatched fearlessness to him. She felt her heart face every time she was around him, her hands often becoming clammy from giddy nerves. In many ways Liquire was the opposite of Annie. Where Annie was usually reserved and felt most comfortable with a book and a cup of tea, Liquire was outgoing and preferred adventures on the sea. But the two shared their impeccable work ethic and both recognised the importance of strong family bonds.

  With fond memories, Annie recounted to Liquire her days of assisting Lily in the Apothecary. Annie shared with the Prince how she often missed working with her hands. The Queen relayed that when she first arrived at castle Brandistone, she would sneak down to the castle infirmary to help prepare tinctures and ointments, but since being crowned Heir and then Queen, she had very little time to partake in such activities.

  Liquire shared with Annie how as a young Prince he learned to sail his own boat, and thus his love of the sea grew. Annie asked questions about his Kingdom and the Prince described the Isle of Treseme as a tropical paradise. The castle built of white sandstone, similar to castle Brandistone and the windows were made of colorful sea glass. Many of the archways and balconies were uncovered to maintain a moderately open plan for the cool sea breeze to filter through. Physical doors were limited to the secure parts of the castle like the dungeons, royal suites and council chambers.

  “We are a small Kingdom in comparison to Alearia, but our sea Legion is the most impressive fleet the realm has ever seen,” the Prince boasted. “Our people are usually Goddess blessed as water mages or wind whisperers, as I have mentioned in the past. Fire-wielders tend to avoid islands, being surrounded by the sea. Nor do they frequent Kingdoms full of water mages, so we do not often see their kind in Treseme, apart from visiting dignitaries,” Liquire explained with a shameless grin.

  Annie laughed in response. “I would love to see the Isle for myself one day.”

  “You would be most welcome Your Majesty. King and Queen Ocea would welcome you with open arms. They have always wanted a daughter. The Goddess only blessed them with sons,” he said with a wink.

  “Ha! That’s a little forward and presumptuous of you, don’t
you think Prince?” Annie replied in mock shock, holding a hand in front of her mouth.

  “Well I didn’t travel all this way just to see the sights My Queen,” Liquire joked, then took her hand in his own and pressed a light kiss upon it, his eyes gazing into her own daringly as he did so.

  “You flatter me, Prince Charming,” Annie chuckled, her cheeks flushing, earning herself a wicked grin from the royal in return.

  Prince Liquire rose to his feet, assisting the Queen like a gentleman, to do the same. “Come with me, and we shall go on an adventure. We do not have forests and mountainous alps in the Isle as you do. I would very much like to explore them further on horseback,” he exclaimed, his excitement infectious.

  “We couldn’t possibly, Liquire,” Annie replied hesitantly. “Alecia has warned me to stay within the castle grounds.”

  “Annie, you are the Queen now, you make the rules” Liquire objected. “I will protect you; I promise. But from what I hear you can protect yourself with your mind conqueror gifting just fine,” the Prince flattered the Queen, once again making her blush.

  “Very well...” Annie conceded defeat, rolling her eyes, causing Liquire to laugh at her sarcasm. “But we must be back before dark so I can prepare for dinner.”

  “As you wish, Your Majesty,” Prince Liquire replied with a mock deep bow, flourishing his hands before himself as he did so, obviously pleased with himself.

  *

  Annie felt as though she floated on a cloud throughout dinner. She barely recalled any of the conversation afterwards —her thoughts were consumed by her afternoon with the Prince of the Isle.

  “It was incredible Anastasia!” Annie exclaimed, feet stretched out in front of her, cosy by the fire in her suite, glass of wine in hand. The twins had been gossiping by the fire since dinner.

  “You must tell me all about your afternoon with the Prince! Spare no scrumptious details,” Anastasia instructed her sister wickedly, before taking a sip of her own wine. “But I must warn you, little sister, Alecia will be wanting your head after that stunt! Roaming around the forest with no one to guard you, ha! Do you have a death wish?” She teased.

  Annie took another sip of her wine before biting her bottom lip. “I am sorry if I worried you Tash,” Annie apologized, and she meant it.

  “You certainly did. Honestly Annie, all wisdom gets pushed aside the moment a good looking boy shows you a good time,” Anastasia laughed.

  Annie expelled a sigh, putting down her glass of wine on the side table and pulling her blanket higher up her lap. “You can’t really blame me; he is quite exceptional looking.”

  Anastasia burst out laughing, “exceptional looking? Is that the only way you can think of to describe the daredevil Prince,” she chuckled.

  “To be completely fair Anastasia, I have never courted anyone before, let alone several gentlemen at once! It’s a miracle there are any suitors left still interested in me.”

  Anastasia let out another bellowing laugh. “You make a very good point sister,” Anastasia teased. “But in all seriousness, you cannot run off like that again. Weeks of planning is going into making sure you live through your wedding day, and you throw all that effort in our faces the moment you disregard our warnings and show little care for your own wellbeing. I would have expected this kind of behavior from Alecia but never from you. It’s ironic that Alecia is currently the most level-headed, responsible one out of us sisters!”

  Annie straightened her back. “Pardon me? I am still responsible!” She replied, hitting her sister playfully with the pillow she was previously leaning upon. “I just had a momentary lapse of judgement,” Annie blushed.

  Anastasia stole the pillow and threw it right back at her sister, narrowly missing the glass of wine she held. “Ok, enough admonishment,” she chuckled. “Tell me all the gossip about the Isle Prince!”

  The girls chattered for hours until Lady Margarette re-entered the suite just after midnight, and gently reminded the royals of their meeting after breakfast with the High Priestess.

  “We’d better go to bed,” Annie resigned, rolling her eyes. “I am going to need all the rest and patience I can get in order to be civil with that woman,” Annie gritted her teeth, placing her fourth, or was it her fifth… glass full of wine reluctantly on the side table for Margarette to dispose of. “Goodnight Tash.”

  “Goodnight Annie, I hope the Goddess blesses you with sweet dreams about a certain dashing Prince,” Anastasia replied with a cheeky wink, to which Annie responded by throwing another cushion at her.

  The sisters burst into laughter. “I love you too, Annie,” Anastasia called audaciously as she left the suite, laughter following her down the hallway.

  ~ ◊~

  38

  Queen Annie of Alearia

  Annie tossed and turned; her dreams filled with every imaginable disaster occurring during her meeting with the High Priestess. Despite the crisp, spring morning air, Annie woke saturated in perspiration in her night gown. Annie beseeched the Goddess that her dreams were not prophetic. After her tonic and a bath to freshen up, Lady Margarette assisted the Queen to dress in a regal, deep red and gold gown, topping it off with her crown: the picture of Alearian royalty.

  In just four days, Annie was to be married in front of the entire Kingdom, and a new King was to be appointed. Royal guests from Alearia’s neighboring Kingdoms were expected to begin arriving the day before the ceremony. Of all their allied Kingdoms, Stanthorpe was the only Kingdom to decline their invitation to the wedding, which Annie had anticipated would likely be the case since Lord Margach, acting as their ambassador had already returned home from his brief stay in Alearia. The coming meeting with the High Priestess would likely play a pivotal role in the current civil unrest; it could either help or harm their campaign to win back the people’s support, but Annie honestly didn’t know what the result would be.

  Following breakfast, Annie, General Alecia and Princess Anastasia took their places upon the dais in the throne room, presenting a united front. The Queen sat center stage upon her throne, with her sisters sitting in smaller thrones on either side of her own. Alecia looked every part the General, dressed in full Alearian Legion ceremony attire. Princess Anastasia opted for a golden evening gown to symbolise her allegiance to her founding house and Monarch, as well as her fire-wielding gifting. A simple topaz tiara perched elegantly atop her sandy blond hair, which was arranged in soft curls and pinned into place.

  Sir Tomlin and Lord Ashcott were stationed on either side of the dais, closely guarding the royals for added protection. Sir Lawrence of the former Queen’s Guard and Lord Thornley, the Alearian prospective suitor, were also invited to attend, however Lord Thornley was nowhere in sight that day. He hadn’t attended breakfast either.

  A few minutes later a knock at the door sounded, and the Herald introduced High Priestess Elizabeth, who was accompanied by five ordinary peasants, as well as none other than Lord Jack Thornley. High Priestess Elizabeth’s guests took their places in the front pew of the throne room facing the Alearian royals. However, Elizabeth, escorted by Lord Thornley, walked right up the base of the dais, doing her best to appear the old weak crone. Lord Thornley showed a side Annie had never seen before. With his back straight and overconfident smirk across his face, Annie realised she had completely misread the suiter after all.

  “You summoned me, Your Majesty... Though I cannot imagine why. It is too late for peaceful democratic meetings,” the High Priestess informed the Queen, her tongue as sharp as the dagger Annie imagined the crone would like to stab into her heart.

  “Thank you for coming High Priestess,” the Queen greeted her guest with a sweet disposition. “How lovely to see you as well, Lord Thornley. You were missed at breakfast,” the Queen said, highlighting his absence earlier.

  “My apologies, Your Majesty,” Lord Thornley replied with an air of arrogance. “But you see, I already had plans to meet the High Priestess for breakfast, and I must say that our conversation was bo
th enlightening and informative to say the least.”

  “I am pleased to hear that,” Queen Annie replied, bemused.

  ‘That double crossing, slimy creep!’

  “Do tell, Jack, how long have you and the High Priestess been acquainted?”

  But it was the High Priestess that interjected. “Lord Thornley has been loyal to the Goddess and her temple since he was a young boy. I helped to ensure the young Lord was raised in accordance with the Goddess’s wishes and teaching. It was my privilege to do so not only as his High Priestess but also as his family,” Elizabeth added nonchalantly.

  “I see,” Annie replied, trying to hide her surprise though her knuckles grew white as she tightened her grip upon the arms of her throne. “How fortunate Lord Thornley was to have you as a mentor growing up,” Annie ground out. “Pleasantries aside, we have matters to discuss High Priestess,” the Queen declared.

  “Very well, Your Majesty,” Elizabeth replied, clearly pleased that she had been able to get beneath the Queen’s skin.

  “It has become clear,” Annie began, “that you do not approve of my appointment as Queen and have lost faith in our Monarchy. My previous offer remains. Call off these protests and we can work together to restore peace to our Kingdom. We can work together to restore peace for Alearia. A new reign to reunite a dark and twisted Kingdom,” Annie declared.

  “What are you proposing?” Elizabeth asked suspiciously.

  “Come live in the castle as my spiritual advisor,” Annie offered.

  Alecia choked on a surprised gasp.

  ‘I don’t think Alecia saw that offer coming,’ Annie thought to herself with amusement. ‘Keep your friends close and your enemies closer, isn’t that what they all say?’

  “I am a fair High Priestess. I will take your offer under consideration, if you can prove the value of your word,” High Priestess Elizabeth smirked.