The Queen

by Suzanna Lynn

  The Queen

  Book three in the Bed Wife Chronicles

  By Suzanna Lynn

  Copyright © 2015 by Suzanna Lynn

  The Queen – The Bed Wife Chronicles

  Smashwords Edition

  All rights reserved. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is strictly prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without express written permission from the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, events and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to any persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Edited by Hollie the Editor

  Cover Art by Funky Book Designs

  Formatted by Sharon Kay of Amber Leaf Publishing

  (The following story contains mature themes and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.)

  Table of Contents

  Contents:

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Dedication

  For those who believe in dragons, elves, fairies and true love.

  Chapter One

  Baylin paced the floor. His eyes were heavy, having remained with Luana and the newest heir to Grasmere the entire night. The young handmaid, Meg, dozed in a chair near the bed. She had refused to leave Luana and the baby for a moment, even after the Prince’s urging.

  The labor had exhausted Luana beyond measure, nearly claiming her life. Yet she refused to let go of the sleeping little boy in her arms. She allowed Master Keon a few moments to examine them both, but only while she held the child.

  Luana was now resting comfortably, unable to fight the sleep that demanded to take over. Baylin’s mother gently wiped a warm, wet cloth over Luana’s forehead, cleaning her as she slept.

  Throughout the night, Baylin explained the treachery of Lord Cadman and the Kingdom of Mirstone to Queen Valasca and Master Keon. The long silence that followed was finally broken by the Queen.

  Valasca looked at her son in shock. “I knew Cadman was a vile creature, but to do such a thing.” She paused as tears formed in her eyes. “Oh Baylin, your poor father. How can we ever tell him? It would kill him!”

  “The Queen is right,” Master Keon said gravely. “With the King already in such failing health, this sad news would certainly cause him great distress.”

  “But we must tell Father,” Baylin said. “We are on the brink of war with Mirstone. Grasmere needs their King.”

  Master Keon gave a soft sigh as Queen Valasca lowered her head sadly.

  “What?” Baylin demanded. “What are you not telling me?”

  The old physician walked over to Baylin and placed a feeble hand on his shoulder. “My Prince, I’m afraid…” The words wouldn’t come.

  Baylin searched the Queen’s face as he saw tears forming in her eyes. “Mother?”

  “Oh Baylin,” Valasca said as tears began to wet her cheeks. “I believe your father is beyond fighting any wars. I fear his days with us are numbered.”

  Shock and disbelief took the young Prince as the reality of everything crashed down around him. My uncle, my own flesh and blood, has betrayed the Kingdom he swore to protect. Now when I need him most, my father is to die. The pain was too great for Baylin to bear. He sank to his knees beside the bed and let the anger, fear and agony flow over him.

  His mother stood from her chair, rushing to her son’s side to wrap her arms around him. “If I could take this sorrow from you, know that I would.” Tears rolled down her face as she spoke. “Today is a joyous day, a day that should be celebrated. You are a father, Baylin. You have a son.” She broke the embrace and tilted his chin to look at her. “Let us grieve and make battle plans tomorrow. Today, we must rejoice.”

  He gave his mother a weak smile, knowing she was hurting as deeply as he was. Yet she still has the strength to carry on for me. “All right, Mother, today we will be merry.”

  She gave him a tight embrace and kissed him on the forehead. “I will make arrangements for the news to be spread throughout the Kingdom. Grasmere has a new heir!”

  Master Keon began packing up his bagful of various instruments and bottles of tonic and herbs. “Yes, quite right. I believe a little celebration would be good for the morale of the entire Kingdom.”

  The Prince nodded; his strength was beginning to wane. He was exhausted, having been in battle for months, then fighting his way out of Mirstone and riding day and night to get to Grasmere. However, his fear for Luana and his son outweighed his heavy eyelids and aching muscles. I know Cadman has men here. Luana and my son are in danger. He said he would have them killed.

  “My Prince, you must rest,” Master Keon pleaded.

  “He is right,” Valasca said gently. “We will look after her while you sleep.”

  “No, Mother, you should rest,” Baylin interjected. “Plus, you have a celebration to plan.” He smiled at her.

  “Meg,” the Queen called to the handmaid who had woke and was stirring the fire to warm more water.

  “Yes, Your Grace,” the girl said, giving a slight bow.

  “Would you be so kind as to help me with the plans for the celebration?” the Queen asked. “I know Luana favors you so. I’m certain you would know what she would most enjoy eating and sharing with the Kingdom.”

  Master Keon, Baylin and Meg all looked at the Queen with the same expression—utter confusion. It was the old physician, however, who finally spoke. “My Queen, I am afraid I do not understand. Do you mean to have the young bed wife present for the celebration?”

  The Queen rose a rebellious eyebrow at the old man. “I most certainly do. She is the baby’s mother, after all.”

  Meg lit up with a big smile that spread over her face as she let out a gasp. She quickly covered her mouth, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Your Grace.”

  Baylin smiled at the girl. “Not at all. I believe you are right to be happy by such news.”

  Worry shown in the deep wrinkles on Master Keon’s face. “Your Graces, I mean no disrespect. You must know that I have become very fond of the young woman. However, to display a bed wife at a celebration is strictly forbidden. We are committing a crime by just allowing her to hold the little boy.”

  “You let us worry on that, Master Keon,” the Queen said in a sharp tone. “I believe it is time for new traditions to be made. The dark days of stealing young girls from the villages just so they can have their own children stolen from their arms is over.”

  “Yes, I agree it does seem a bit barbaric when you say it that way,” mumbled the old man. “But the fact remains, she is not royalty, nor is she of the Keld bloodline.”

  “Keld?” Valasca laughed. “You know as well as I the Keld bloodlines are peppered with the blood of commoners and even that of some servants. Royal blood. What really makes someone royal? By all rights, Cadman is royal. Does that make him better than our Luana?”

  “Certainly not!” Master Keon gasped. “Lord Cadman is a trai
tor to the crown.”

  “Exactly,” she said. “A person’s heart and loyalty to those around them should be considered over their bloodline.”

  Baylin could not believe what he was hearing. Mother is going to break the law for Luana and our son?

  “Your Grace,” the old man argued. “Without the King’s permission, this could cause a great deal of discourse in the Kingdom. We must tread lightly.”

  Valasca ignored his warning and turned her attention back to Meg. “My dear, could you please begin making preparations for the celebration? We have much to do, and very little time to do it in. I will meet with you shortly to work out some of the details.”

  Meg smiled and gave a curtsey. “Yes, Your Grace.” The young girl turned and hurried from the room.

  Though Baylin was overjoyed by the idea of allowing Luana to finally venture out of the bedchamber and to hold her by his side for all to see, he was also worried. “Mother, Master Keon does speak the truth. Without Father giving a public declaration denouncing the Bed Wife Law, we could be seen as rebelling against the laws of the realm.”

  The Queen’s expression softened and she placed a gentle hand against his cheek. “My dear, I think it is time you went to see your father.”

  Chapter Two

  It took a great deal of persuasion to get the Prince to leave Luana’s side. In the end, the Queen requested the presence of his closest friend, Ferric, to keep watch over the bedchamber in Baylin’s absence.

  Baylin and his mother walked to the King’s bedchamber through the dim halls in silence. Even during the warm summer days, the castle was cool and dark deep within the mountain.

  When they arrived at the King’s chamber, a steward guided them into the room. The sun was shining over the Kingdom, however the dark indigo curtains had been drawn, giving the illusion of a moonless night. The room was lit with candles and two blazing hearths, creating a heat that was already causing the Prince to sweat.

  Queen Valasca crossed the large room and sat in a chair placed beside Ashmur’s bed.

  Baylin’s heart sank as he looked at his father lying in the bed. The once great man appeared as though he had aged fifteen years in the few short months the Prince had been away at Mirstone. Ashmur’s hair was now a pale white, with only a few strands of darker silver showing through. His face was sunken, exaggerating the deep wrinkles that covered it. Even in the orange glow of the candles, Baylin could see how ashen the King’s complexion had become. He looks like Death himself! By the gods, how can this be?

  The Prince knelt beside the bed. “Father? Father, I am here.”

  Slowly, King Ashmur’s eyes fluttered open, revealing grey eyes where blue ones once shined. “Baylin? My son, is that you?” He reached out a feeble hand, turning to gaze upon his wife and son.

  “Yes, Father,” Baylin said, grabbing his hand. “I’m here. I have returned from Mirstone.”

  The King gave a slight smile. “Ah, good.” He coughed and tried to pull himself up in the bed. “It was a success then? Not that I had any doubts.”

  Baylin smiled at his father while helping him sit up more comfortably in the bed. It was so strange to see his father’s body so broken, yet he sounded exactly like the strong man he’d grown up admiring. It’s as though only his body is dying. A shell holding the man within. If there was only a way to heal him. “It was, Father. We burned the mountain pass and slayed them as they retreated. It appears to have been a success. We trenched the base of the mountain pass and set the mountainside ablaze after dawn. Many burned. Those that fled down the mountain were slain by our men. The vermin didn’t stand a chance, Father.”

  The King smiled at the story, appearing as though he was imagining himself on the battlefield alongside his son. “And what of your uncle? Has he returned, or does he remain in Mirstone?” The King began to cough again.

  Baylin used the distraction to give a questioning glance at his mother. He was unsure what to say. She shook her head slightly. She doesn’t want me to speak of Cadman’s betrayal.

  An apprentice to Master Keon came over and handed the King a small cup of steaming hot liquid. “Please, Your Grace, you must drink.”

  The King accepted the cup and took a long, slow draw. He moaned as he swallowed the hot liquid. “Thank you, young man.” He handed the cup back to the boy and turned his attention to Baylin. “So, your uncle Cadman. Where is he?”

  “He remains in Mirstone for now,” Baylin said, trying to seem casual. “I was in a hurry to return to Grasmere. I worried for you.”

  King Ashmur laughed. It was a sound that reminded Baylin of a much younger man. “Worried to see your little bed wife and child, more like. I hear she is to have the baby any day now.”

  The Queen smiled at Ashmur and stroked his hair. “Actually, my love, she had the baby early this morning.”

  A smile spread across the King’s face. To Baylin’s surprise, his father had the strength to sit up and reach out to pat him on the shoulder. “Well done, my son! What is it? Boy? Girl? Who cares! Oh, I’m a grandfather!”

  Baylin could not believe his ears, or his eyes for that matter. The King’s smile could not have been wider and it seemed the news had rejuvenated his ailing body. Perhaps now he will consider renouncing the Bed Wife Law.

  “It’s a boy, Father,” Baylin said with a smile. “You have a grandson.”

  “A grandson? A grandson!” Ashmur repeated the words as though they were a foreign language to him. He looked at the Queen with joy in his eyes. “Valasca, we have a grandson.”

  She looked at the King with a loving smile. “Yes, Ashmur. You should see him. He is beautiful!”

  “A grandson,” Ashmur whispered to himself. “An heir.” He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his body relaxing as though a great weight of burden seemed to leave his body.

  Baylin’s heart ached at the bittersweet situation. Father is too strong for something like this. He has hardly been sick in all my memory. He should be cradling his grandson, not fighting for his life. He watched his mother reach over and stroke his father’s hand, tears threatening to spill from her eyes.

  “My dear husband,” Valasca said. “There is to be a great celebration. We have already begun planning it.”

  “Very good,” the King murmured, trying to fight the sleepiness that was beginning to take hold. It seemed the excitement of even joyous news took its toll on him. “We must send for your uncle.”

  Baylin’s eyes flashed up to his mother’s, reading the alarm on her face. He fought hard to keep his expression relaxed. “I believe Cadman intends to stay in Mirstone for quite some time, Father. The warmer climate agrees with him.”

  “Balderdash,” Ashmur said through a soft chuckle. “He can’t honestly expect to get out of celebrating the birth of the next heir of Grasmere! Send a bird to Mirstone at once. Invite the King and Queen as well. Don’t forget your Isla.”

  The Princess’s name caused bile to rise in the back of Baylin’s throat, burning as he fought to shove down the nausea that accompanied it. He looked to his mother, pleading with his eyes to give him some kind of direction. We have to tell him. It’s not right keeping him in the dark.

  Baylin swallowed hard, preparing to break the news. “Father, I truly hate to say this but…”

  “Ashmur, my love, your brother… Your brother will not be coming to the celebration.” Valasca took a deep breath in, sighing deeply as she exhaled. “Cadman has betrayed you. He betrayed us all.”

  The King struggled to sit up in the bed, his eyes planted on those of his wife. A young steward came to the bedside, assisting the King, placing another pillow behind him for support.

  “My love,” the Queen said, gripping her husband’s hand. “It pains me to tell you, but—”

  “This is nonsense!” the King spat. “My brother would never betray me.” He turned his gaze to Baylin. “He would not betray his Kingdom.”

  “Father.” The truth weighed heavy in Baylin’s throat as he struggled to gi
ve the words voice. “He has aligned himself with Mirstone. They plan to take Grasmere for their own.”

  “No.” His father shook his head. “You must be mistaken.”

  “There is no room for misinterpretation here.” Valasca stood and placed a hand on her son’s shoulder. “With the help of your brother, King Gideon and Queen Fia, along with their insufferable daughter, took your son captive! They intended to use his marriage to Isla as a bridge to overthrow Grasmere.”

  “It’s true, Father,” Baylin said as he watched his father process the news. “They threatened Luana. They said they would kill her and our son.”

  “My brother is devoted to Grasmere,” Ashmur said. “There must be some other reason. He must be going along with their plans in order to gain information.”

  “Ashmur!” Queen Valasca came down on her knees next to the bed, gripping her husband’s hand. “You cannot honestly believe—”

  “This is ludicrous!” Baylin threw his hands into the air. “He blatantly betrays the entire Kingdom. He threatens my life and the lives of those I love, and you still defend him!”

  “My son, I simply—” The King began to cough, losing his breath as he struggled.

  The anger drained from Baylin as he watched his father gasp for breath. “Call for Master Keon!”

  A steward rushed from the room. Baylin reached an arm behind his father, helping to sit him up so he could better breathe while the Queen brought a goblet of water to her husband.

  Ashmur caught his breath and took a sip from the goblet before handing it back to Valasca and laying back down with Baylin’s assistance.

  “Thank you, my son,” the King uttered.

  “I’m sorry for upsetting you,” Baylin apologized, studying his father’s aged face. “It was never my intention to cause you pain.”

  “Your father needs his rest,” the Queen whispered. “I will stay with him until Master Keon comes.”