The unfortunate, p.12
The Unfortunate, page 12
part #1 of The High King Chronicles Series
“Then what is?”
Her mother sighed heavily before answering, “What am I supposed to think of your sudden recklessness with words? You may have the love of an heir prince, and you may be in the queen’s favor, but that does not make you untouchable.”
Jenn again smiled. “You are correct,” she answered at last but not in response to her mother’s warning. “These are troubling times, but we shall have more hardships before it improves.”
“What is that supposed to imply?” The elder woman’s brow became even more wrinkled.
As she had intended, the bait had been taken. Her mother’s curiosity had been peaked, and Jenn waited for a cart to pass before she answered, “There is something you should know. There is to be a war.”
“War?” The word had been repeated in a loud whisper, and its implications hung heavy in the air.
“Yes, between our native Drunacht and Yorcia.”
“What of our current homeland?”
“Armania will also be involved.”
“How do you know this?”
“Queen Marlisa.”
“She tells you about her husband’s affairs?”
Jenn again smiled. This was her favorite part and her favorite words of the explanation. “King Beadurof does not know about this conflict, but that is for the best.”
“This is the queen’s doing?”
She nodded with pride.
The elder woman shook her head. “This is a dangerous game.”
“So is life. It is a game, and we are but the pawns.” Jenn could sense a slight understanding on her mother’s part, but she was not certain if it also included willingness. “Nothing is ever certain,” she added with a smile. “But when provided opportunity, one must be prepared to take chances.”
“Opportunity? Chances?” her mother exclaimed, obviously no longer concerned who heard. “Do you not hear yourself? You are not suggesting a way for a better life. You are describing treason!”
“It is not treason if the individual in power approves.”
“I thought you claimed King Beadurof knows nothing.” The confusion had returned. “The king allows this?”
Jenn’s smile broadened as she replied, “No, but his regent does.”
Her mother remained silent, and it was difficult to determine her thoughts. Knowing more convincing was required, Jenn added, “I know you are uncertain about this, but you will not alter my decision. Soon, if not already, it will be too late to turn back. If you do not wish to take part, I understand. I shall not involve you any more than I have, but you would serve as an asset to the cause.”
With reluctance, but also a hint of intrigue, her mother sighed. “What cause?”
The true answer was the plan, in the least, would delay if not annual Banan’s wedding and, if everything occurred as intended, would allow Jenn and the prince to be together. But first they needed support. They needed someone within Drunacht’s nobility who could assist their cause. That was the reason Jenn needed her mother’s support. It was still too early to reveal all, however, so the young woman carefully fashioned her answer. “Redemption and regaining what was stolen from us.” She took her mother’s hand. “I know you have not forgotten, and I know you still have support in Drunacht. Call on them. Implore them to help.”
The elder woman did not reply, but it was clear she understood.
“Please,” Jenn begged, doing her best to overwhelm any reluctance. “If for no other reason, do this for me.”
✽ ✽ ✽
As Jenn approached the castle’s great hall, she could hear muffled voices. Although she could not distinguish individual tones, the handmaiden knew one of them was Banan’s. She continued to move closer to the hall’s entrance, but no one appeared to notice. When she did not alter direction, however, a knight stepped forward and explained, “A council meeting is in session. They are not to be interrupted. These are the orders of His Highness, the lord regent.”
Having anticipated this the young woman was quick to answer, “I am expected.”
The sworn shield reacted with a confused expression as if he wanted to inquire, you? a servant? But he instead remained quiet before eventually making reply. “One moment.”
After the man had gone, Jenn chuckled to herself. She wanted to believe that the thought of her being a servant had crossed the knight’s mind. He was obviously unaware of her relationship with Banan, and he was ignorant of her identity, that she was of royal blood. If only he knew that! After her thoughts had ceased, Jenn continued to wait patiently and continued to listen. Still she could hear undistinguishable mumbling. Then it ceased, and she knew the knight was inquiring about her claim of being expected. That was followed by a mumbled response, possibly a simple, yes, or even, she is. Despite what had been the answer, the handmaiden knew what he would report.
After a lengthy duration, more than it should have been, the sworn shield returned, held the door open, and motioned Jenn to enter. “They have finished, and, yes, you are expected.”
The young woman offered the knight a smile and did her best to project an expression that suggested, yes, a servant. She then hurried past the man and chuckled to herself before looking to the room’s front where Banan and the council members were standing. Even as she approached, the men continued to talk, but the conversation ceased when Jenn was only a few paces away. As the sworn shield had and as King Beadurof always had, the councilmen also viewed her as inferior, being she was a servant and a woman at that.
Banan offered a brief smile before looking to the men and ordering, “You may leave us except for Raedan. There is something more we need to discuss.” The prince returned his attention to Jenn ad inquired, “How was your visit?”
She did not answer but only nodded.
“I did not want you to rush,” Banan added. “But I have delayed matters with Raedan until your return.”
Jenn looked to the advisor and was able to detect his impatience. “My apologies,” she answered with a meek smile.
Raedan nodded slightly, remaining stone-faced before returning his attention to Banan. “I think whatever matters you have been delaying should wait until we can have a private audience. Do you not agree?”
“No,” the prince countered. “There need be no secrets.”
“But I do not think it wise.”
Despite Raedan’s attitude Banan still smiled. “I have made my decision. Jenn stays.”
The Advisor’s discontent became more obvious, and it appeared he wanted to emphasize Jenn was a mere servant, but he instead sighed. “I must warn you, this is not something of which your father would approve, Banan.”
“But I am not he,” the prince answered sternly, and as he spoke the volume of his tone increased. “During my father’s absence, I am lord regent. Although you may offer advice, my decisions are final. Understood?”
“Yes.”
Banan glanced to Jenn and smiled before turning back to face the advisor. “Yes, what?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Good. Because these are challenging times.” The young man paused briefly before adding, “You should know the unrest between Drunacht and Yorcia is only a prelude to war.”
“My sources have confirmed there is indeed unrest,” the advisor countered. “But they have reported nothing about a war.”
“Because they are unaware.”
“Like everyone else,” Jenn added boldly, having remained silent long enough.
Raedan glanced at the handmaiden, obviously dumbfounded that she had had the nerve to speak out of turn. He then looked to the prince and back to Jenn several times before speaking. “I do not understand.”
“It is rather simple,” the young woman answered in an authoritarian tone and paced around the advisor like a beast that had cornered its prey. “There is to be a war, one that will forever change the Known Realms.”
“When is it to commence?” The advisor’s tone suggested nervousness. It was clear he had realized he no longer maintained his usual influence.
As if he, too, had sensed the change, Banan chuckled. “With the current unrest, such a conflict is inevitable. It could be a week or even a month, but I would have it be sooner rather than later.”
“Pardon?” Raedan’s voice quivered.
“The timbers are already in place, and all they require is a spark.”
The advisor continued his ignorance. “I do not understand.”
“I want you to be that spark. I want you to initiate a war between Yorcia and Drunacht using whatever means necessary.”
Raedan’s mouth gaped slightly. His awe was more than apparent, but he finally managed to inquire, “A war? You have no reason to initiate war! Why would you even consider such nonsense?”
Jenn quickly became aggravated by the advisor’s stubbornness. Of course there was reason! The conflict would eventually occur. It would be more convenient if it began prior to Banan’s marriage to Eadlin. It is the only way! Such thoughts were being shouted in her mind, but she had to force herself not to correct Raedan. He was, after all, King Beadurof’s most-trusted man, and if he learned of the plan to delay or even nullify the wedding, the monarch would be made aware, too.
The prince also appeared tired of the insolence, for he had clenched his jaw. It was obvious he was becoming aggravated, but he simply replied, “I am not asking your advice, I am ordering you to—”
“What if I refuse?”
The interruption caused Banan’s frustration to intensify, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Yes,” countered the prince. “You could refuse, but we all know you will not. While I may not be the true king of Armania, I, as regent, speak and act for my father during his absence. Refusal of my instructions would be comparable to refusing my father. It would be treason. Are you not aware what occurs to those who betray?”
The advisor did not answer, but he did not show any signs of disputing the prince’s comments. He briefly pondered the situation, but he eventually altered the topic slightly by inquiring, “How will this affect Armania?”
“You will know all in good time, but until then you are not to speak of this to anyone.”
“Of course not,” Raedan answered quickly, and his nervousness appeared to intensify as the prince moved closer and added, “Not even my father. Understood?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Banan continued to smile.
So, too, did Jenn.
✽ ✽ ✽
Long after Raedan had gone, Jenn and Banan remained in the great hall. A tranquility, a feeling that had never been more than a whisper and was both enthralling and unnerving, encompassed the room. Their plan, while still in its preliminary stages, had already reached the crucial point of no return, and everything hinged on Raedan’s loyalty. There were still many actions remaining and so many factors that could change everything. What if they lost the war? What if Raedan fails to initiate a conflict in time? Worse still, what if the advisor intentionally waits until Banan has been relieved of regent power to make King Beadurof aware of the plotting? Jenn had to force herself from imagining the paths to failure and focus on the present and what could be. Despite the challenges they would encounter, she and Banan had the entire world waiting for them. It was their turn in the game, and an opportunity had presented itself, an opportunity for them to become more than pawns. With Fate’s blessing the world would be theirs for the taking.
She eventually walked to the front of the hall and claimed the throne as her seat. She smiled and remained silent as she continued to study the room’s vastness. If only King Beadurof could have been here to see me. If only he knew. How would he react? What would he think of me sitting on his throne? Me, a mere servant, a wretch, a whore, whatever he would want to call me. What would he think? Jenn smiled because she was none of those. She was a loyal servant because that was the life she had been forced to lead, but she was no wretch, and she was no whore. She was of royal blood. She was the daughter of a monarch, and one day King Beadurof would know.
In addition to her thoughts, Jenn was reminded of her childhood and the myth her mother had told her about the stars.
“It has been claimed there is a star for every soul that has departed this world.”
“Is that true?” she had replied.
Her mother had chuckled. “It is a century’s-old myth like the tales of dragons and giants, but that does not mean you cannot believe.”
“I do believe!” she had been quick to proclaim. “What else does the myth foretell?”
“That when a star falls, it is a sign that the soul has been cast from the heavens as punishment.” A slight chuckle had followed her mother’s reply.
There had been a long pause before the girl had inquired, “So someday I shall be a star?”
“Yes, Jenn.”
“And will my star ever fall?”
“No,” her mother had assured. “You are too beautiful to be cast from the heavens. Yours will outshine all others.”
✽ ✽ ✽
Yes it will! Jenn concluded her memory, closed her eyes, and used her fingers to trace the arms of the throne. She could feel each smooth facet that composed the decorative-carvings, and she opened her eyes to see Banan at her side.
He leaned down, wrapped his arms around her, and inquired, “What are you thinking?”
Jenn took his hand in her own and gently squeezed. “Pondering the situation is all.”
“Are you experiencing second thoughts? There is still time to—”
“No. The war must occur. How else can your marriage be delayed?” Despite her response, however, the wedding was the least of Jenn’s concerns.
“I could forget this life, marry the woman I love, and begin anew.”
“Is that your answer for everything?”
He ignored the handmaiden’s criticism and continued, “We could leave Armania and go far away where no one would ever find us, where they will not even know us.”
“I am speaking of a serious matter,” she insisted. “You and I both are aware there is no where we could go that we would not be followed. You are not only your father’s heir. You are the only one who can further his bloodline. He would never allow you to leave. Security of his lineage and Armania are his only concerns!” Although she had not done so intentionally, Jenn’s tone had become more animated, but it had been necessary.
He nodded. “There must be a war, but if Armania’s involvement is too great a risk …”
“Part of me thinks it is,” she sighed. “But what is it you always claim? Greater risk, greater reward. It is necessary for Armania to provide support to Yorcia. Armania must be involved if we are to succeed, if we intend to fulfill the ultimate dream.”
There was another moment of silence before the prince added, “There is still something you are not telling me.”
She again sighed. Banan knew her too well, and he would eventually learn the truth. “It is nothing,” she finally admitted with a reluctant sigh. “I am thinking about my mother is all.”
“You told her about the plan?” The prince acted neither surprised nor angered.
“Only what was necessary, as you suggested.”
“And?”
“She was initially averse to the idea, but I managed to gain her favor. I think.”
“You think?” He smiled, but his expression offered the slightest hint of discontent.
It was an understandable reaction. Even though support from Drunacht’s nobles was not essential, it undoubtedly would help. “How certain are you she will assist the cause?”
The handmaiden smiled, and using her most assuring tone, she answered, “My mother will do her part to convince the officials in Drunacht when the time arrives.”
“And she is certain these officials will support her?”
“Yes.”
“And she is certain we shall not be betrayed and revealed to King Aengus?”
Yes, I am certain! But despite the aggravation spawned by the prince’s questioning, Jenn could understand the concerns, but instead of revealing her frustration, the young woman instead turned her head and let her lips gently brush against the side of Banan’s face. “You have no reason for concern or doubt. There are still people, among them several nobles of Drunacht, who remember my mother as their former queen, who still know she and her daughter are alive, and who would do anything to bring about my father’s downfall.” She again kissed Banan’s cheek before adding, “All you need to do is remember that Fate has blessed us.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
MARLISA
It was early spring, and a storm was approaching. Occasional flashes of bluish-white light illuminated the clouds that blanketed the sky. Shallow but still menacing rumbles of thunder echoed in the distance. The smell of rain loomed heavy in the air, and it intensified briefly with each gust of wind. With the moon having begun its cycle anew, and with the addition of the dense cover of clouds, the night was the dimmest pitch, and shadows all but blended into the darkness. Without the assistance of a torch, it would have been difficult for one with even the keenest sight to discern shapes and features. The environment would have been dangerous for one unfamiliar with the layout of Caberton and its surroundings, especially if that individual were to attempt travel in the uninhabited countryside. The queen was not worried, however. She was more relaxed than she had been in many years. Marlisa was able to see the entire city. But where am I?
She inspected her surroundings. Except the buildings below and the vastness of open land beyond, there was nothing. How have I gained such a vantage point?
Eventually the realization occurred. Her heart rate quickened when she discovered she was not in a sentry tower, not atop the castle’s outer-most wall, but suspended in midair. No. It cannot be. Can it? Before she could contemplate her situation further, she noticed a figure emerge from an alleyway of the city. Despite the darkness she could tell it was a man. No, not any man, her husband, and he was walking with a quickened pace. She continued to watch him, and it was then she noticed Beadurof was carrying something over his shoulder. Instantly she knew what it was. Despite there having been initial reluctance, her husband had regained his senses. She quickly forgot the nerves that had been heightened because of the odd situation, and she smiled. Soon the deed will be done. Soon our worries will be no more. Although Marlisa was aware of her husband’s doings, she still maintained an urge to follow. But is it my choice, or is it the result of another force?
