2nd Half of The Queen's Defense Ch.1

Here's the second half of chapter one. It probably needs more editing, but I thought I'd get it out there.

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The next few days were very busy with preparations, yet wonderful, having my father home. After hours of preparatory work, we played games, I told him stories, and sang songs Mother taught me. It was almost like old times, except without Jarrett. I had sent word that Father was home and we were to hear from him or see him soon. I enjoyed my father’s company, but I could see the sadness linger in his eyes.

 I do not believe he enjoyed being home. He would follow me with his eyes, squint in pain, then avoid looking at me for hours at a time. It stung, but I knew why, and I had grown accustomed to it, even understood it. I reminded him of Mother. Every night he was home I kissed his cheek, embraced him for a long time, then bid him goodnight. Once in bed, I would shed a few tears for him, pray for him, and slip into sleep.

The fourth day after Father’s return, I had decided late in the morning to go out and enjoy the warm weather. Everything was basically done, and my father had said, “You’ve done quite enough for the morning,” then added with a crooked smile, “Also, I will not have your nose in a book when the King arrives. I know how difficult it is to tear you away.” He winked and with a wave of his hand, shooed me outside.

 I wandered around our grounds and found myself on the outskirts near the forest. I leaned up against a tree and rested on the lush ground, careful to keep my skirt from wrinkling too much. Tara had taken extra care to make sure I looked my best.

I rolled my eyes a little before closing them. I wondered when Jarrett would come . . . or if he would. We had yet to receive a letter from him, and I knew one was due. I longed for word from my brother, missing him, especially at the moment. I took a deep breath and let the smell of the trees take me back to cherished childhood memories.

Jarrett’s young voice returned to my mind. “Come on, Evie. I need you to be my damsel in distress! You can be the captured princess that needs saving!” He waved his wooden sword around, making swishing sounds, his 6- year- old form standing in an almost perfect fighting stance.

My nose scrunched up in a disapproving scrunch. “What if I don’t want to be a princess?”

His little jaw dropped. “You need to be a princess! So I can be the brave knight, slaying the dragon and saving you from the tower!”

I looked into his face, my young mind giving into his logic. I shrugged. “Fine, but next time I get to save you.”

He made a face. “That is not how it works.”

“Then next time I get to be the dragon, and you can save Mother.”

He beamed. “Deal!”

We continued these games almost daily, taking our roles very seriously. We even made me a tower out of stones; a very short tower that I stumbled off of frequently. I was never a graceful princess.

We played out Jarrett’s dreams of being a knight for years, until that fateful day. The day Mother died, Jarrett ran out of the house, sobbing. I heard the door slam and raced out after him, tears of my own on my cheeks. I found him in the forest, not far from where I was currently located.

“Jarrett?”

He was sitting, curled in a ball, leaning against a tree. He did not look up as I approached. “I didn’t save her. I couldn’t save her.”

Tears ran down my cheeks as I knelt beside him. “Not eve the bravest of knights could have stop this.”

He grabbed me and pulled me into a clutching embrace. We cried together for hours until I helped him back to the house. He leaned on me heavily and I whispered, “The forest spirit now rescues the weary hero.”

Jarrett’s dreams of becoming a knight faded as he grew. He decided he wanted to make a difference in another way, more with words than with battle. He chose a profession in law and council instead of knighthood.  I truly believed he would make the difference he longed for and be a force of good.

A gruff clearing of a throat threw me back into the present day. My eyes shot open and I scrambled to my feet. A well-built, older man was mounted majestically on his horse. Decked in fine clothing, he had several armored guards around him. I blushed furiously and made a deep curtsy. The King had arrived.  

One of his guards spoke. “Pardon us, my lady, but are we near the Merchant Nicholas Astley’s residence?”

I nodded and curtsied again. “Yes. I am his daughter, Evalien Astley. If you would, Your Majesty, I will lead you to the stables so we may care for your horses?” I looked up, respectfully.

King Bairn’s mouth turned up in an amused half-smile. He looked at me for a moment before nodding his consent.  I curtsied once more in acknowledgement before turning and leading them onto our grounds. I was highly self-conscious and aware of their eyes on the back of my head. I hoped my hair had not come out of the intricate knot Tara had insisted on subjecting my hair to. His Majesty did not need another reason to think that I was crazy.

I led on attempting some light small talk, quietly wondering how in the world I could have been so wrapped up in memories as to not hear several horses’ hooves! I remembered how the thick forest seemed to swallow many sounds, but still . . .several horses would catch attention. The stable hand saw us approaching and rushed to his duty. A couple of the royal guards helped him by leading their own horses.

I waited quietly for the King and his men to stretch their legs a bit and indicate they were ready to follow me to the house. The King observed me several times, but I avoided looking directly into his eyes, until he approached me.

“Evalien, is it?”

I made a slight curtsy while I nodded. His lips curved into the half smile again. His features were still strong as well as his build. His hair was what gave away his age. Now a silver gray, a few streaks of black gave away that it was once thick, dark, and shiny. “How old are you, my child?”

I dared a careful look at his face. “Twenty- four, my liege.”

His dark eyebrows raised in surprise. “Really?”

I nodded and looked down again. “Yes, my lord.” I was far past the ideal age to be married and the surprised look on his face served as another reminder of that fact.

He seemed to consider this a moment before he offered me his arm. “Well, Lady Evalien, daughter of Nicholas, lead me to your father. I believe he has something for me.”

I smiled lightly and I gently took his arm, walking with him to the house, his guards trailing us closely. We conversed very little, as it was not my place to begin conversations. It was just as well. I had little idea as to what to say to a king.

My father greeted us at the door, raised his eyebrow when he saw me, and bowed low before the king.  Our few household servants behind him bowed and curtsied as well. The king inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Welcome, Your Majesty.” My father rose, beaming.

I released the king’s arm as we approached. He extended his hand to my father’s in greeting. “Hello Nicholas. I believe you have been keeping something for me.”

Father smiled and bowed slightly again. “Would Your Majesty like to see his new stallion or would you like to rest and enjoy some refreshment first?”

The king took my arm again. “Lead me to the refreshments.” I obeyed and followed my father into our large sitting room. There, trays of light snacks, such as breads, fruits, meats and cheeses were laid out.  We waited for the king to be seated before we, too, sat. Our servants served us the food and drink while we conversed.

“Nicholas, I commend you on your taste. Your home is elegant, even out here in the wild. I must say, the hunting grounds are wonderful. You will join us and show us your favorite spots, will you not?”

Father inclined his head with a smile. “Of course, Your Majesty. It would give me great pleasure. I will admit, though, it has been some time since I have been on a hunting excursion.”

The King’s laugh rumbled in his chest. “Then this shall be a treat for you, and for myself. I may bag more game than you!”

The hunting conversation continued, and I let my mind wander, not very interested in what was being discussed. I sat as I should, and was quiet, and hopefully looked lovely, as was my duty. However, I was not attentive, as was also my duty. I sat very still, but I must have had grass in my hair, because I kept feeling Tara pull on it lightly each time she walked by.

 The king finished his refreshments, and scratched his trimmed silvery beard as he suddenly turned his eyes to me. “Do you ride, Evalien?”

I blinked, forcing myself back into the conversation. I nodded. “Not very often, my liege. It is not something I am very skilled at. But yes,” I smiled at him, “I do and I enjoy it.”

He smiled. “Well then, you will accompany us on this ride. I am in need of a female to test out my new stallion. He is for my daughter, you see.”

My lips parted, mouth opening in protest, but I knew better. I shut it again, quickly. My father gave me a stern look before turning to the king. “Of course she will. Your Highness will allow her to change into a suitable riding outfit, then?”

The king tipped his head slightly in agreement. “Of course.”

Knowing that was my cue, I stood, curtsied, and made my way back to my room. Tara followed quickly behind me, not trusting me to keep up the appearance she worked so hard on earlier.

She helped me out of my dress and into riding slacks and tunic. I changed into my boots while she attacked my hair again. “How do you manage to mess up what I work so hard on?”

I sighed. “Tara, you should know me by now.”

“Yes, but all that schooling .. . “ she tsked. “It is exciting, though! Evie, you will be riding with the King!”

I swallowed, nervous. I had not used the skills I had learned in finishing school in quite a while. I knew, for Father’s sake at least, I needed to act my very best. I was not, I admit, very excited to be in the company of royalty, though it was something to remember.

After my boots were on I stayed as still as possible so her skilled hands could finish the magic faster. “Tara, you know the wind will just tear it out again,” I tried.

“Not if you ride like a lady. Plus, my dear, its tighter.”

I could feel it was tighter. I knew my scalp would be hurting later that day. “Well, you know I’m not a fast rider.” I smiled at her. She smiled back for the first time in a couple of days. She had been very worried about everything going well. “Do not try to beat the King’s men . . . no matter how much they flirt and goad.”

I chuckled. “I would not be able to, even if they goaded me. I do not much feel like falling off today. And this is a horse that is not familiar with me.”

She finished and gave me a gentle push. “Go. We should not keep His Majesty waiting.”

I returned downstairs to one of the king’s guards. He informed me that the king and my father were waiting for me at the stables. He escorted me outside where I was greeted with a warm smile from my father, and an approving grin from the king. The king’s grin was not necessarily warm and left me feeling unnerved. I returned their smiles with my own and moved closer to my father.

My father held onto two horses: his own and the new stallion. He led the gleaming chestnut horse to stand in front of me in preparation for my mounting. “He’s kind and gentle, and listens well. I promise he is very well-trained,” he told me quietly. Another of the king’s guards helped me quickly into the saddle as the king mounted his own stallion.  My father and a couple guards mounted as well and we started with an easy walk.

My father and the king discussed the stallion while I rode on quietly and slowly, trying to keep my nerves down and speaking in low tones to the horse. He, in turn, seemed to think I was fine and carried me slowly. The king decided to gradually pick up speed, and the others followed. The stallion, despite wanting to copy the faster horses, followed behind slower at my reining him in. I was grateful and let him know by telling him softly.

As we neared the end of the ride I gave him a little more freedom and he cantered, happily, back into our yard.  Father and His Highness had already dismounted and were discussing His Majesty’s new purchase. I was helped down from the stallion and I stroked his soft nose in thanks, giving him an apple piece.  The stable boy took him and I walked over to stand next to my father.

“So, the maiden finally returns,” the king teased.

I flushed bright pink. “My Lord, I am not very skilled, as I stated earlier.” I looked down. “Nor am I very courageous.”

“Nonsense!” The king chuckled. “You came out on a ride with the king and his men when you did not feel up to the task. That takes some courage.”

I looked up for a moment in surprise. I gave a little curtsy of gratitude.

“So, Evalien, will he suit a woman, especially a high-spirited one?”

I nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty. He obeys commands and will listen even when his spirit longs to be free and ride with the wind. He seemed to understand I was not comfortable with the speed, and was kind enough to oblige. Though, if her majesty would like him to run, he will.”

His eyes shone as I spoke. I felt self-conscious, but forced my eyes on keep contact with his. He observed me, then the stallion thoughtfully, while my father smiled. They must have discussed the something similar while waiting for me.

“Now, my good man, we will be off.” The King motioned for his guards as my father bowed. “It has been our honor to have you, Sire.”

The king smiled, took my hand, kissed it softly, then he and his guards mounted. He turned his new stallion in circles, and then trotted to us with a smile. He inclined his head toward my father and me. “We shall meet soon, I am sure, for we have some hunting to do.”

My father bowed and I curtsied.  My father sighed in relief as the company rode off into the trees. “Well, that went well.” I put an arm through his and we both strolled leisurely back to the house.  I relaxed gratefully, sure my part had been played, and I could return to life as usual.

First Bit of the Queen's Defense

*Takes a few deep breaths* Ok. Here we go. Do you know how hard it is to START a story? It is with shakey nerves that I put this out there. Again, If there are suggestions and help and all that, I'd be glad to hear it. Here's the very first installment of The Queen's Defense:

The Queen’s Defense-  Chapter One- Ripples

            Two women’s deaths altered my life forever. The first toppled everything in an instant, while the second took a little longer to make its transformation.

            My mother was content in her quiet life. She was peaceful, kind, and calm. She was friendly and wonderful with every person she met, but did not seek to be known among many. I was much like my mother that way: I preferred to be inconspicuous. She had loved our isolated home away from the crowds of the Royal City. She needed nothing else but her family and the trees. She loved the forest, the smell of the various trees and flowers, the songs of the birds and the peace.

            My mother met and fell in love with my merchant father when she was a young woman. She had lived in the Royal City and met him while he was an apprentice. Her calm complimented his restlessness. His ease with people and ready laughter brought out her own sunny personality. They were perfect for one another, and her peaceful, cheerful, and quiet ways helped her bear the long periods of time that my father’s trade took him away from her.  Giving birth to and caring for my younger brother, Jarrett, and me also helped fill the lonely times before Father would return, successful and overjoyed to be with his family again. He would remain home for as long as he could, until his love, our mother, died.

            She fell ill with a debilitating disease that left her sicker and weaker with each passing month. I was eleven and Jarrett was nine when the healer first diagnosed her. My father cut his trips shorter and shorter leaving his trade with his apprentices more and more to be home with her. We were all devastated.

I knew my mother was frustrated with her ever- weakening condition, and even more frustrated to cause the family pain, but she rarely showed it. Her eyes still lit up every time we walked into her room. She continued to love her less frequent and shorter walks through the forest until she was confined to her bed. We would then read stories, sing, and laugh with her in her room. We’d play make believe and defeat monsters, dragons, and evil sorcerers. I took over being the woman of the house and cared for my brother while my mother did what she could from her bed. She stayed with us for two years, and then left us, her content life cut much too short.

            My father was never the same. The light in his eyes faded. He returned to work full force and would stay away longer than he ever did before. When he came home there was only sadness in his eyes that would shift to guilt whenever he looked at us. He would then leave almost as quickly as he arrived. Jarrett and I were left with each other and our few servants, very well cared for monetarily, but not familiarly. We wanted our father back, and we no longer had our mother.

As the years flew by, my brother and I grew used to keeping ourselves occupied. We both were sent to school and my brother continued on to the Royal City. He wanted to become a man of the law and an advisor to the king and his cabinet, while I returned home after the four years of school for ladies. I became accustomed to the simple, solitary life once again, this time without my brother. I remained unmarried and found tranquility in music, books, and managing the house and my father’s affairs while he was away. I was satisfied in the quiet life, and despite my father and brother’s attempts at finding good suitors for me; they were few and did not work out. I was at peace with being alone.  My quiet life, however, did not last.

I was nineteen when the queen’s death rippled through the kingdom. We did not hear of it until three days after the Royal City had announced it. The queen was elegant and very well liked by all her subjects. I had heard that she was kind, and many appreciated and admired her. I heard it from my regular spot on the window seat, with the story of a run-away maiden in my hands. Tara, our housekeeper, answered the door and I heard the solemn voice of the messenger relay the sad news. I shut the book and my hand clenched near my heart. It had been eight years since my own mother’s death, and I shed a few tears for the King and his daughter. The news impacted the kingdom, and brought back deep sorrow for me, but I had no idea that it would play a significant role in the rest of my life. Another five years passed before my life would once again be turned upside down.

            I sat in my usual spot in the window seat of my room, twenty- four years of age and quickly approaching twenty- five. I had finished my duties for the day and was curled up with a fairy tale I had read hundreds of times. I smiled as I turned the worn pages of the book and bit my lip expectantly at my favorite part. No matter how many times I read it I still tingled happily. I twirled a strand of hair around my finger, shining more golden brown than its usual darker auburn in the late afternoon sun streaming through the window. My ears perked at a familiar yet rare sound. The faint patter of horse hooves and the creak of a cart’s wheels echoed against the trees on the road to our home. I dropped the book and sat up swiftly, my eyes scouring the road. My mouth curved into a wide smile and I ran out of my room toward the front door.

            “Evalien!” Tara scolded as I raced by the sitting room. “What in the world . . .?”

            “Father is home!” I called over my shoulder and tore open the door. I could feel her disapproving eyes on my back as I gathered up my skirts to speed across our courtyard to the road. I reached the cart and my father leapt down. I ran into his outstretched arms. “Hello my Evie.” He held me tight and waved his driver and assistants on.

            We held each other for a long moment before he released me and took my arm gently to walk with me back to the house. “How was the journey?” I asked cheerfully.

            He gave my arm a little squeeze. “Long as usual, but it was successful.” He smiled, his eyes tired. “I stopped in the Royal City on the way home with the intention of delivering that beautiful stallion to the King’s stable.” He pointed to the gorgeous chestnut steed tied to the back of his slowly retreating cart. My head cocked slightly, like I had seen a dog do, confused why the horse was still in his possession. He continued,  “His Majesty was not there to receive him. I believe it must be a present for someone, for I was to deliver it only to the King. So, I wait for word.”

            I raised my eyebrows in interest, knowing he was excited about his rise to being one of the King’s favorite merchants. “And you came home. I’m so glad you did.”

“I saw your brother.” His smile widened, proud. “He is doing well and told me something interesting.”

            I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye.

 “I understand the latest suitor did not work out.” He gave me a meaningful look.

I bit my lip and shrugged lightly. “He was not  . . . quite what any of us expected.”

“Evalien . . .”

“Jarrett did not approve either,” I tried to point out. “Did he not tell you?”

“He told me.” His face had darkened slightly, and his eyes looked off in the distance.

I took the opportunity to quickly change the subject. “The . . . King was not at home then?”

“Ah, yes . . .” He gave my arm a pat. “When I arrived at the castle there was a message for me stating that the King was out and wanted to me look over his stallion a little longer. He is vacationing at his hunting lodge that is located a little further out in these woods.” He nodded toward the trees at the edge of our courtyard. “It is closer to our home than the Royal City so . . . ,” he paused and turned to me, putting his hands on my shoulders. “His Majesty is coming to our home in a few days.”

My eyes widened. “The King? He . . . is coming here?”

He patted my arm again. “Now don’t worry. I knew a letter would reach you as soon as I did. We have a few days. It will only be a quick visit . . .We will get this place fit for a King.”

“Father . . .  why here? Why not have you deliver it to the lodge?”

He lifted his shoulders in a slow shrug. “I think he wants to visit the place and meet the family.” He avoided my eyes, which I thought was a little odd, but brushed it off at the time.  “Or he may be checking up on me and see if I am who I say I am.” He chuckled softly. “Mostly, dear, I think he just wants to try out the horse, get out of the usual spots, and get me to take him to the best hunting locations I know. Do not worry.”

I gave his arm a squeeze. “I’m not worried, just surprised. The King . . . .” I shook my head slightly.

My father chuckled. He led me back into the house to relay the news to the servants.