Coal Crown (Forging Royalty)

by Maggie Lee

I stay in place, frozen and confused. She knew this was coming?

  Everyone takes a seat at one of the tea tables except for me. I stay exactly where I am, waiting on some kind of explanation. When nothing comes and my body unlocks, I begin pacing. Jodi Ann comes in, bringing tea and scones. The sweet smell turns my stomach and I feel as though I could be sick at any moment.

  After enough laps around I adjust to the smell of food and my body calms, but it takes time before my breathing eases and the blood stops whooshing through my ears with every heartbeat. As my mind quiets I begin to hear June’s soft voice talking and realize that she is explaining to them that I have no idea what’s going on.

  My brain jumps to here and the blood rushing through my ears starts again. How does she have all of the answers? He said two spring weddings... We’ve been told our whole lives we would marry for the country, but God if it doesn’t aggravate me the same.

  “June! You knew about all of this? Spring weddings? I should be in school in spring!” I look feral in my reflection in the teapot in front of me. My wide eyes are bulging with anger and my chest is heaving with each deep, angry breath.

  “I know, but that isn’t happening. Father hasn’t told you that much?” she asks, breaking apart her scone while avoiding eye contact with me.

  I walk back to the table, standing in front of an empty chair and lean down on the table on my palms. “No, he hasn’t told me anything. I didn’t know you were coming home, I didn’t know I wasn’t going to school, and I sure as hell didn’t know I was getting married!”

  I slap my hands down on the last word.

  “Well, these are happening whether you’ve been told or not,” she says, shaking her head and taking a sip of her tea.

  “Are you getting married? Why is all of this happening right now?” My voice is downright violent, and I push the words out as hard as I can to make sure they don’t get interrupted by how bad I’m shaking.

  “I don’t know everything. The army is in its final stages. I’ve been working with Kraus to set up the medical program for them.” She gestures to the man seated beside her. He is a stark contrast to my betrothed general. Where everything about Arden is dark and dangerous, Kraus looks quizzical and safe. He has light ocean blue eyes and pale features that are smooth and clean.

  “So we are being sold off to his generals?” I stand back upright and rub my face, suddenly glad I didn’t wear makeup tonight as tears begin to fall. I knew I would end up married to someone eventually, but not at the ripe old age of twenty three, and not without getting to know them even just a little bit.

  “Sit down, Mackenzie,” Arden says, pulling out the chair next to him.

  I wipe my eyes and give him a glare. How dare he think he can already order me around. We aren’t married yet.

  “No.” I cursed him as tears continued to fall down my cheeks.

  “You’re shaking like you’re about to crash. You should have a seat. You didn’t eat and this is clearly traumatic for you.” His voice comes out gruff, and part of his tone makes me think he might actually care. His words cause a pang of guilt and regret for my actions and reactions. This isn’t his fault. I knew this was coming. I just thought I had more time.

  I’ve imagined leaving here so many times, I should have known that it wasn’t ever going to happen. I should have known that when father acted indifferent to what I was doing, it was true indifference. He didn’t care what I was doing with schooling, because all along he was working on picking his future king and my actions didn’t matter to him. Maybe Arden knows all of this, he’s in line to be king after winning over my father’s favor. Does he care that my world’s being ripped away? All so he can rule our country.

  I pull the chair in front of me out violently and then slam myself down into it. If that didn’t display my aggravation enough, I let out a huff and throw daggers with my eyes at Arden.

  “Mackenzie, enough, this isn’t Arden’s fault,” June says patronizingly.

  “No, but you knew!” I yell, throwing my hands up.

  “So did you, you just didn’t know when.” She makes a good point, so I let her keep speaking instead of yelling at her again. “Dad has had me coming back every few weekends to attend meetings with Kraus. Arden has been attending them along with the other generals, but his specialty is weapons. He likes to work with nature like you. Father could have picked a far worse husband for you. Be nice to him.”

  I ignore her praise of Arden. “Why did he make it sound like you get a choice whether you marry Kraus?”

  “Because Kraus hasn’t agreed to marry me yet.” She looks to him and he gives her a sad smile.

  “Wait, they have an option?” I ask curtly.

  I vaguely recognize that I should be calming down, and that there is more going on here, but I’m amped up all over again.

  “Would it hurt your feelings less or more if I told him no?” Arden asks and I finally really look at him sitting there. His strong natural disposition shows and I mentally laugh at how out of place he looks. He could easily fit in on a battlefield among the gore. So seeing him in a delicate wingback chair with mother of pearl inlays doesn’t quite add up.

  “I don't know. Are you reconsidering your answer now?”

  “No,” is all he says and I let out an exaggerated sigh. I don’t know what his game is, but if he wants the throne, then he can have it. My father has secured my idea that this kingdom is ludacris with his actions tonight.

  “What if I say no? What if this isn’t what I want?” I say to the room. I know the answers, but I’m too angry to care.

  “You don’t get a choice. You know that. Calm yourself down and let’s start this conversation over,” June says strictly and her pinched tone tells me she is just as aggravated as I am at this point. At least I’m not alone.

  Arden reaches across the table easily, sliding the tea cup that the server filled for him to me. After a moment or two of deliberation I cave and take a small sip. How is everyone else so calm right now?

  Maybe it’s that they already knew. They had time to process. June has been here for meetings and I haven’t heard nor seen from her since she left almost six months ago. My mind stews on that for a bit.

  “I’m going to ask the server to retrieve you something to eat while we talk, something other this sugar bread,” Arden announces as he stands and leaves the room.

  He’s back almost instantly and I watch his long strides back to the table. He’s easily over six foot and his height is matched by nicely shaped bulk of muscles. His skin is weathered like he’s spent much time outside, and I can easily picture him living a primitive life in a cabin hidden among the forest. Again, the thought that the suit doesn’t match him crosses my mind.

  “What do you do?” I blurt out over my teacup.

  “General,” June answers and I wave her off.

  “No, I want to hear about his specialty, what purpose he serves.” That earns a head shake from June and I suddenly realize how rude it is to question him. My future king.

  “I am a weapons specialist. I started out making weapons, but I also work with higher powered weaponry. I keep our militia outfitted with the best armament we could need,” he states matter-of-factly, and I genuinely believe that he cares about what he does when he doesn’t seem boastful, but honored to hold that position.

  “Ok,” I say with a nod, not sure how to continue.

  “What do you do, Princess?” he asks. I’m not sure if he is mocking me or actually curious. I look at the other two and I don’t think they know either. Both are silent and serious.

  “I teach, I plan to continue working with our future so you won’t be necessary. Smarter minds mean less silly arguments.” June lets out a gasp, and I see Kraus take her hand out of the corner of my eye.

  “Then I look forward to not being needed. Gives me more time in my shop.” Arden takes my comment in stride, which impresses me. He may make a good king if he is always this level headed. My father has a temper, and I�
�ve seen how comments like I just made play out for him. It isn’t well. No one makes remarks about him being a benevolent king, or forgiving in any way.

  A knock at the door interrupts us, and my maiden, Alexis, brings in a bowl of the chili I made earlier today. My mouth waters with excitement. It smelled good earlier, but now that I’m calm, the ache for food hits me suddenly.

  “I asked for a plate from the formal dinner to be brought in, not something from the service pot,” Arden says, stopping my maiden from setting down my bowl.

  “But sir—” Alexis says before I interrupt her.

  “I made it.”

  “You what?” he asks as I take the bowl from her.

  “I work in the kitchen most nights and tonight it was my pleasure to make food for the palace’s staff. I hope they enjoyed the last of our tomatoes for the season. It smells even better now than when I left it simmering earlier.” My tone is snarky, but I don’t feel apologetic for it.

  “You cook?” he asks me with genuine surprise.

  “Yes, almost every night that we don’t have guests.” I give Alexis a dismissive wave and start blowing on a spoonful of the hot chili.

  “Impressive...” Is all he says before letting me eat.

  I’m nearly done with my bowl before Kraus starts the conversation back up. “Your father won't be passive for long about our upcoming engagements, especially if you aren’t happy with Arden as a prospect. However, I need some time before your sister and I can move forward with a wedding.”

  “Why?” I fire back.

  “That’s not important.” June snaps.

  I take a moment to think before yelling back at her. This isn’t there fault, even if they knew it was coming. Hell, I knew it was coming. Knowing is so different than it actually happening right now though. A small pang of guilt hits me at my actions. I shouldn’t be fighting them.

  “I also didn’t say I was unhappy with Arden. I’m unhappy in general,” I answer truthfully. Deep down, I know this isn’t Arden’s fault. I know that.

  Embarrassed, I peek over at him and see the grin on his face. His boyish grin tells me he likes that answer. Maybe I should have let him sweat that he was the issue a little bit longer.

  I finish my chili and slide the bowl forward, reaching for Arden’s teacup before seeing that he took it back and is drinking from it.

  Noticing me eyeing the cup, he slides it down before I have a chance to ask. “If we’re going to share a drink, you could have at least sat next to me.”

  I shake my head and pour more tea from the opulent pink teapot that's placed in the center of the table. The decor in this room is almost over the top with all of the floral and fancy china that is spread across the table.

  With a full stomach and the adrenaline of the whole situation finally wearing off, “Are we finished here?”

  “Unfortunately, not until Father comes in to talk to us. The boys can probably be dismissed, if they would like to go.”

  Our attention turns to them and the both shake their heads, apparently content with staying.

  After I take a few sips of the tea, I pick up a scone from the silver serving platter. Gently, I set it on the side of the teacup and move over next to Arden. He’s kind after everything I’ve said to him to stay and face my father.

  “How long have you known that he wasn’t going to let me go get my certification?” I ask to no one in particular as I break the scone in half and give part of it to Arden.

  “He hinted at it, but he hadn’t confirmed spring until tonight. At least not to me. Arden?” June answers, watching our interaction with an eyebrow raised.

  “He hadn’t said any dates until tonight. I had no idea. I thought she was going to get brought up to speed tonight, not engaged.” He inspects the pastry before eating his half in one bite.

  “How were you chosen to be the future king of this co—” I start to ask but get interrupted by the door swinging open and my parents entering the room swiftly.

  We all try to stand at their entrance, but my father waves us off and comes to stand behind me and Arden.

  “General Arden, glad to see she has warmed up to you after her horrific display at dinner. We have some things to discuss.”

  My mouth starts off before my brain has a chance to think, “He doesn’t want to talk flowers and dresses, father. Maybe we should discuss how I won't get to finish the education I’ve been forced to endure in the shadow of my doctor of a sister, or the leadership training my brother got that I also won't be allotted because you have a ludacris patriarchal mindset.”

  I see his hand pull back and I brace for the slap that I usually get, but it doesn’t come. Instead, an arm comes across me and my chair is pulled closer to Arden. June and Kraus are both standing and in between my father and I before I know what happened.

  “We will discuss the wedding, but first we are going to discuss the plans up to it.” He angrily announces round them as he takes a small book from his shirt pocket.

  “Father, do you think we could excuse Kraus and Arden, they won't care what we have planned until spring,” June asks, cuddling up to him.

  “Actually I care. I have business that has to be attended to for shaping our new round of weapons. I also have meetings with the leaders in our allying countries on war tactics.” Arden speaks up and I turn to him, confused about why that affects anything. It’s nothing for a Princess’s husband to be traveling, certainly nothing if he is becoming a king.

  “When were you going to tell me this?” My father asks, a little disgruntled, but calmer than he was just a few moments ago. June and Kraus move out of father’s view of Arden and take their seats back.

  “Well, sir, I haven’t finalized the dates with the leader of Axree’s army yet. He’s a busy man.” Arden says moving a hand to my knee. I relax at his touch, but still a little confused at how forward he is being.

  “Does he know you’re going to be the next King of Schrielle? You are a busy man,” my father says, slamming a fist down on the table. He has a small smile in his eyes though, one that makes me think he actually enjoys talking to Arden.

  “He does. I’ll meet with him tomorrow and finalize the dates, but I’m going to be working with him for a few months. I was hoping to spend time over there this winter and into spring.” His tone is strong, like he is willing to argue it, but is taking a softer approach.

  Everyone else in the room is watching the exchange, even the maidens who’ve entered to take us ladies to our rooms for bed.

  “I think if you plan for us to have a wedding as soon as possible, Mackenzie should come with me on my journey. I plan to stay the six months she was planning to go, sir. Then we can say our queen is educator certified, and I will get to work on our militarial structure at the same time, all while courting your princess.” Warmth spread across me like a blanket, but it’s quickly pulled off and I’m doused with the iciness of guilt. I’ve been nothing but horrible to him and he’s trying to help me.

  “I don’t know about that. You can take her, but the degree is unimportant. She is a figure head. We could tell everyone she got it and no one will question us.” My father dismisses us, but he’s willing to let me go. Which means regardless of if he knows it or not, I’m getting that degree.

  “Alright sir, as long as she can come with me, then I will be happy.”

  “That sounds fine, but you also need to work with Grantafe. We are just building our alliance and I would rather them come to know you as a leader than me.” My father's words sound patronizing and I feel more than see Arden take a deep aggravated breath.

  “Father, I just came from Grantafe. I’m sure Kraus and I could get involved with their leadership there,” June says with a big smile and I’m unsure as to why she would even want to be involved. Outside of my degree, I don’t want any involvement in their buddy system.

  “That would be lovely dear. Maybe you and Kraus can take a trip there with your sister and Arden. They are ahead of the times in medicine. Have
you met their Governess of Health, Mavis Mackeena?” The gentle way father speaks to June has always bothered me deep down, but tonight, I’m happy to discuss anything but my upcoming nuptials.

  “No sir, but I did attend a lecture she gave. I would love to pick her brain on how she keeps her country so healthy.” Her soft tone and big smile garner another genuine smile from father before he turns his attention to me and Arden.

  “You two have the weekend to get your schedules in order because you will start classes on leadership in the next week. Expect to see Mistress Greer and the rest of the Monarch’s Council in your lessons as I do not have time until you are ready to start ruling. Although, Arden, you have seamlessly started integrating into working alongside me. Let’s hope Mackenzie continues with the trend and doesn’t start trouble.”

  “Wonderful,” Arden says at the same time as I say, “Awesome.”

  “Not to interrupt, but it’s time for us to retrieve the ladies to prep them for the bed. King, if you don’t mind us taking them?” Jodi Ann steps forward from the line of maidens waiting along the wall.

  When he gives her a nod, my sister and I both rise, holding eye contact. Everything went too easily. Father isn’t finished with us yet. At least not with me.

  My sister leans over and kisses Kraus on the cheek and then I’m left to follow their action or look rude. Arden did just go to bat for me, so I lean over and kiss his cheek lightly, just above the hairline where his coarse, thick, black beard starts.

  My heart rushes at the little intimate moment, and I whisper a quiet thank you as I pull back and exit the room. The maidens escort us to our rooms and Alexis stays with me when they continue down the hall with June. June calls back before I get through my door, “Lunch tomorrow. Tea room.”

  Chapter 3.

  My brain is too full, and I’m confused about everything happening around me. With Father requesting us to clear our schedule, I’m going to have to miss school. Which if it mattered, would have affected my amount of apprenticeship hours and possibly hurt my chances at going to school.