Queen of Savon

by Tricia Andersen

  “Someone needs to go get him,” Joseph ordered.

  “No,” Cassandra objected. “Please, no. Maybe I just saw something. My mind is wandering with this pregnancy. Maybe I imagined it.”

  Otto stared at her. “I doubt you just imagined it, Cassa. Not as terrified as you are now.”

  “Please?” Cassandra begged. “I do not want to worry him.”

  Otto sighed. “Fine. But if this happens again, I will tell him.”

  “Thank you.”

  A courtier peeked into the room. “The carpenter is here with the cradle for her majesty to inspect.”

  “Not today.” Cassandra struggled to her feet. “Please, everyone go. I would like to lie down.”

  “Would you like me to bring you something? A goblet of wine?” Cook offered.

  “No. Please go.” Cassandra slipped across the floor and slumped onto the bed. The ensemble stared at her silently before they rose and left the room.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Cassandra remained to herself, still terrified over the intrusion that haunted her. She pushed everyone away, including Matthew. She knew he was confused by her withdrawal, as she never gave him any indication of the source of her mood change.

  However, his constant love and attention pulled her away from her fear, reawakening her heart towards him and the upcoming event of their son's birth. She held his hand in both of hers as she gasped in excitement over the presentation of the cradle. She chose fabric and styles as she ordered the production of the child's gowns. She busied herself in the preparation.

  She sat on the bed, sighing hopelessly as the courtiers set the wooden bed on the floor. “No, no. I do not think it should go there.”

  Matthew leaned on the bedpost of their bed as he shook his head. She could see the frustration in his eyes. “Why not?”

  “It is too far from the bed.”

  “When it was closer you were afraid we would trip on it.”

  “I just cannot find the best place for it.”

  “Maybe in his own room with the nurse.”

  Cassandra spun at him, aghast. “He is our son. I will not give the care of my baby to someone else.” She stood up and crossed over to the doorway to the child's room. “I need the other blanket. This one will not do.”

  She breezed into the nursery, rummaging through the basket of blankets next to the bassinet. She could hear the sound of a jiggling tray laden with dishes and voices coming from her own chamber.

  “You did not come for lunch,” Cook chided.

  “Cassa is trying to find a place for the cradle,” Matthew sighed. Cassandra could hear the exasperation in his voice. “She has refolded the baby's clothes four times. Yesterday, she wiped everything off in our room. Suddenly, this is all driving her insane. It is as if she is expecting this very important guest.”

  Cassandra stomped to the door. She let go a frustrated huff of breath as she frowned at his words. “I am expecting someone important. Our son.”

  Cook began to laugh. “She is nesting.”

  Matthew looked at Cook. “What does that mean?”

  “Like a bird, she is preparing her nest. She is making everything perfect for his arrival. But once she is finished, be ready.”

  “Why?” Matthew asked.

  “The baby will arrive within the day.”

  Matthew looked at Cassandra. The sweet smile that bloomed across his face made her heart race.

  “Really, it will not be good there,” Cassandra instructed as she pointed to the cradle. The two courtiers sighed as they bent over to pick up the heavy bed.

  “Enough. You are excused,” Matthew ordered. Cassandra glared at him. He continued, “You are right. We are expecting someone important. I will stay up here and help you until you find its perfect place.”

  Cassandra smiled happily as she crossed the room and hugged him tightly. He held her close as he pressed a kiss to her lips.

  A couple weeks passed, filled with preparations for the baby. Cassandra wiped her dust-covered hands as she looked over her room in the north tower. Their bedroom was still imperfect in her eyes. However, she also knew Matthew's patience with her was wearing thin again. She made up her mind that even though she never intended for her son to see this room she needed to clean here also. Gathering the few rags she brought with her, she opened the door.

  She saw a shadow descending the spiral staircase. “Matthew, wait for me,” Cassandra called, closing the door and trotting down the stairs. Her extra bulk made it difficult to chase him.

  “Matthew, please,” Cassandra begged as she tried to descend faster. Her breath grew rapid as she looked down below her feet. Crushed and torn roses were strewn on the stone steps beneath her.

  “This is not funny. Please wait for me,” Cassandra chided. She sighed in relief as she laid eyes on the landing. She stepped out into the hall, finding herself alone.

  “Matthew?” Cassandra called as she walked to its intersection with another. She looked up and down the passage then into the hall mirror. The same cold blue eyes that had frightened her in her bedchamber glared back at her.

  His arms crossed over his chest as his voice warned. “I will be back for you. I promise you.”

  Cassandra's legs crumpled under her as she cried out in terror, her screams echoing through the halls. It was not long before the sound of rapid footsteps found where she was. Otto fell to his knees, grasping her to him. “Where is the king?” he demanded from a soldier.

  “In the stables. He just returned from hunting,” the soldier replied.

  “Get him. Immediately.”

  “No!” Cassandra pleaded as she clung to him.

  “I told you if it happened again, I would tell.” Otto looked at the soldier. “Now.”

  Otto comforted her as they waited. It was only moments before the strong arms of the monarch pulled Cassandra away. He held Cassandra close, softly rocking her as she sobbed. “He was here. I saw him.”

  “Who, Cassa? You saw who?” Matthew insisted.

  Cassandra looked into Matthew’s eyes, her own tear-filled ones frightened. “He said he was coming back for me.”

  Matthew pressed Cassandra’s head against his chest then addressed Otto. “I want a detachment of soldiers stationed around the palace,” he ordered. “I also want guards around her at all times. Her only refuge from them is our bedchamber. I want this done now.”

  “They will be here by sunset,” Otto assured.

  Matthew smoothed back her hair. “I will not let him have you, Cassa. He will not take you from me. You are mine now. I will not let him have you.”

  * * * *

  Cassandra raised her head from her pillow, finding herself alone. She rushed to her feet then pulled her nightdress over her head and wrapped her bedspread around her flimsy, silk garment. She gasped as her back ached in a pain she had never felt before.

  She stormed out the door, ignoring the marching of the feet behind her. Crossing the balcony, she looked down at the assembly of soldiers gathered in the entrance hall. Several glanced up at her, including her husband.

  “Cassa,” Matthew chided. “What are you doing?”

  “Where are you going?” Cassandra asked, confused.

  “I told you last night, my love.” Matthew ascended the stone steps to her.

  “Was this as my lips were crying out in bliss, or when my eyes were closed?”

  Matthew took her hand as he laughed. “Aye. I believe your eyes were closed.”

  “Then I was sleeping. Where are you going?”

  “There was a report that Gorgon's entire army has moved north. We are going to attack and end this war.”

  “But I am due. The baby…”

  “I will hurry. I promise you.”

  “Everything is perfect. It is time.”

  “I must, Cassa. I am sorry.” He touched her face then pressed his lips to hers as if engraving the softness of them into his mind. “I love you, Cassa. Please wait for me,” Matthew begged.

>   “I will try. I love you.”

  Matthew kissed Cassandra once more then descended the stairs. He gazed at her one last time before following his commanders out the door.

  Cassandra hid in her tower the rest of the morning, studying her spell books for a relief from her pain. The spells she found were of little help.

  Finally, her stomach growled in discontent, wishing desperately for her lunch. She pushed herself slowly from the cushion and carefully descended the stairs. The generous offering of food spread across the table of the banquet hall sent her reeling. Disappointed, she resigned herself to a simple piece of bread.

  Pushing her chair back from the table, she stood and brushed her hands free of crumbs. She grasped her aching back as she swept back up the stone steps. Raising a hand to stop the regiment of soldiers that followed her through the palace, she opened the door to her bedchamber with a sigh. She slipped through the crack and closed it behind her.

  Sweeping across the room to the balcony, she looked out over the silent garden. Tears filled her eyes as she stretched her spine, trying to seek relief. How could Matthew go when he knew our child was coming? He promised to be by my side. Will he see his son born? She sighed again as she turned around, staring at the floor in heartbreak. Closing the glass doors to the balcony, she raised her head.

  “Hello, Cassie.”

  Cassandra gasped in terror as her eyes met the ice blue ones of Victor. She clenched her arms around her belly in protection. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

  “Corning for what is rightfully mine. My child. And therefore, its mother.”

  “The baby belongs to Matthew.” Cassandra took a step back in retreat.

  Victor followed her, pressing her against the panes of the doors. “Do not lie to me, Cassie,” he warned.

  “I am not,” Cassandra trembled. She laughed uneasily. “How do you plan to take me from here? I have been put under heavy guard.”

  Victor grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the glass doors. He slammed them open, the force shattering the panes. He dragged her to the balcony. She looked out in horror as the garden that had been tranquil moments before was now full of bloodshed. Gorgon's troops had overpowered the soldiers that guarded the palace, defeating them and storming the stone fortress.

  Cassandra gasped as she felt something cold and hard against her throat. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the hilt of Victor's favorite dagger, the one she had made disappear into a star.

  “Let us go,” Victor breathed into Cassandra’s ear. He led her from the room, towing her behind him as she stumbled over the dead bodies of the guards. She caught her breath as her eyes fell on the atrocities being delivered in the entrance hall. Gorgon's troops were brutalizing the maids and courtiers of the palace, leaving them bruised and bloodied.

  She struggled against Victor's grip as she dug her heels against the stone floor. He turned, brandishing his dagger at her. “Please, Victor, make them stop,” Cassandra pleaded. “Please. I will go anywhere willingly. Just make them stop. They are all innocent. Please.”

  Victor stared at Cassandra with a hard, cold glare. She folded her hands as she fell to her knees. “Have mercy on them,” she continued. “Have mercy on me.”

  Victor stared at Cassandra a moment longer before shouting, “Enough. Leave them. I have what I came for.”

  Victor roughly pulled Cassandra to her feet and led her down the steps. She heard the cries of protest from the bleeding servants as they helplessly watched Victor drag their beloved mistress out the entrance door. He lifted her to his horse then mounted it behind her. He gripped her close as he urged the animal on through the palace gates and away towards Gorgon's fortress.

  * * * *

  Angelique pressed the rag against her forehead as she pushed dizzily through the back door of the palace. She searched frantically through the courtyard for her lover. Henry led one of the horses out of the stable then quickly tossed a saddle on its back. She could tell by his blood-soaked shirt that he had taken a horrible beating.

  “Where are you going?” she asked as he mounted the stallion.

  “To find Matthew. To tell him they have taken Cassandra.”

  Angelique took a step toward him. “Take me with you.”

  “You need to tend the wounded here.”

  Tears filled Angelique's eyes. “And if they return?” she sobbed.

  Henry stared at her, unable to dispel the thought of what would happen to her if they did from his mind. He reached down to her. “Come.” Lifting Angelique up onto the horse, he sat her before him. Then, he slapped the animal’s rump and dashed out the back gate.

  He wrapped his arm tight around her as he urged the horse forward. She trembled at his touch, unsure whether it was from her injuries or the feel of him against her. He cradled her closer, nudging her to rest against him.

  Angelique watched Henry as he carefully drove through the trees, looking out for any black-clad soldiers that may be prowling through the forest. When he saw something suspicious, he reined his stallion in the opposite direction. It seemed like hours had passed when they finally reached the edge of the woods.

  “It won’t be long now, love, until we reach the army,” Henry breathed in her ear. “Stay strong for me. When we reach camp, I will find the physician to tend to your wounds, while I report to Matthew.”

  “You are far more hurt than I,” Angelique protested.

  “You are more important than I. I will seek treatment once I am finished with my task.”

  Angelique cuddled closer to the stable master as they traveled along the countryside. It was less than an hour before they ascended the peak of a hill. Below, the royal army’s encampment dotted the lush green valley. Henry tapped the flank of the horse with his boot heel to spur it on.

  * * * *

  Cassandra clung to Victor's arm as he impatiently dragged her through the halls of Gorgon's fortress. He shook her to a stop as they reached the great room. Gorgon stood by the dead fireplace, a wicked smile beaming from his face.

  “Greetings, your majesty,” he crooned. “It is lovely to see you again.”

  Cassandra stared back at him, terrified, as she clasped her trembling hands together to hide her fear from Gorgon's eyes. Any words she wanted to speak remained lodged in her throat.

  “No words, your majesty? Has royalty taken the fiery passion from you?” Gorgon looked at Victor. “Where are you going to secure her?”

  “In my chamber. I do not think she can change into a creature small enough to escape, nor put up much of a fight,” Victor answered.

  “Good. Go, so we can prepare our final battle plans.”

  “Battle?” Cassandra gasped out.

  “Well, since you are now our guest, I suppose we can let you in on our secret,” Gorgon began. “Tomorrow morning after breakfast, when everyone is gathered in the market place to buy and sell, half of my army is going to attack the village of Sebrone and kill every man, woman, and child.”

  Cassandra gasped, causing Gorgon to laugh. “The other half of my troops will circle to the west and attack the army encamped around the palace. When the first half has finished their task, they will attack from the east, pinning the army and the palace in the middle. My troops have been ordered not to return without the cold, lifeless body of our beloved king.”

  Cassandra shook her head as tears filled her eyes. “No, no,” she moaned.

  “Once the army has been decimated, the king is dead, and I have taken rule, the only remaining piece of the royal puzzle—you—will be given in gratitude to my first commander, along with the best piece of land in Savon.”

  Cassandra smiled through her defeat. “But the army is in the northern country. How can your plan work?”

  Gorgon looked to Victor for an answer. The younger man cleared his throat. “The stable master rode north shortly after we left the palace walls.”

  “There is your answer, my dear,” Gorgon sneered.

  “My lord
, you have been more than generous. But one last request?” Victor asked.

  “What is it?”

  “Let me run him through. I want Matthew's blood on my sword.”

  Cassandra cried out as she spun at Victor. Gorgon grinned again. “I will command the others that the privilege is yours alone.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Now, take your lady to your chamber. We have much to get ready.”

  Victor bowed his head then turned on his toe. He grabbed Cassandra and dragged her up the stairs.

  Several hours later, Cassandra sat staring out the window in Victor's bedchamber, her gaze resting on the golden towers of the palace that gleamed distantly in the twilight rays.

  She turned her eyes to the solitary goblet of water that he had left for her then turned her gaze back to the far away peaks. Victor was correct. She tried all afternoon to transform and escape with no avail. Her bulk was too large and the ache in her back too severe to complete the spell.

  Cassandra startled as the door opened. Victor slipped in, locking it behind him. He smiled at her. “Comfortable?”

  “I want to go home,” she replied flatly. “How dare you take me like this?”

  “Because you belong to me.” Victor strode over to her, pulling her into his arms. He nuzzled his lips against her soft neck. She stepped back in fury then raised her hand back, slapping him across the face. He grasped his cheek in anger. “He is not coming for you, Cassie,” Victor spat. “I am all you have now.”

  “You know nothing about Matthew,” Cassandra seethed.

  “He is a coward. He does not have one drop of bravery. He is a frightened child, who does not deserve the crown he was born to.”

  “And you,” she accused, “are a murderous, traitorous snake, who is willing to betray and slit the throats of the only ones who loved you.”

  Victor took a step towards her, towering over her small frame. “You are a whore. Giving yourself, lying to the father of your child about its paternity, marrying another man. Maybe all you wanted was the crown. Maybe you were willing to sell your soul for it.”