Page 38 of An Archer's Redemption

Jess

The days passed in a blur as I spent most of my waking hours meeting with my Council. With most of the men sent to fight in a foreign land, the work of keeping families fed and industry moving rested on women and elderly. My chief responsibility, and my greatest challenge, was balancing the needs of the nation with the simple daily requirements of mothers and children. I could only push my people so far.

The ashes of my father and brother were expected to arrive within a week, and plans were made to honor them both. I overruled tradition and ordered Justin be laid to rest beside our father in the crypt. He would be the first non-monarch interred in that sacred place.

My coronation was another topic burning the tongues of my advisors.

They argued that my throne would not be secure until the crown was firmly seated on my brow. While I agreed with their sentiment and longed to give the people something positive tocelebrate, I insisted the ceremony be delayed until I returned from one last mission, the details of which I could not reveal—even to my Council. I told them I had to personally attend an errand vital to Kingdom security. Fearful of who I could trust as my reign began, I dared not share the location—or even the existence—of the cave I had hidden in following my escape from my mother. The place had been a secret for over a thousand years, and I wasn’t about to change that.

It might soon be the only place in the world I could be alone.

Two weeks following my return to the Palace, I stood staring at the bronze doors of the Throne Room, a small leather satchel at my side. Mage Ernest, whom I was coming to appreciate for his candor and positive spirit, stood beside my chief guard, blocking my exit.

The guard crossed his burly arms. “This is a terrible idea, Your Majesty. You barely escaped multiple attempts on your life, are finally safe, and now you want toleave the safety of the Palace again?”

“Majesty, I must agree. Surely there is someone else who could handle this errand for you. Any member of Council would go if you asked. I would go in your place. Please reconsider.” Mage Ernest’s tone was calm, a contrast to the captain’s urgency.

I let out a deep sigh and peered up at the men. “Captain, Mage, I understand how this must look and appreciate your concern, but this is a journeyImust take. There is no one who can speak for the Crown on this matter. I will be fine.”

“At least allow a complement of my men to travel with you.” The captain’s voice held a note of desperation. I knew how hard he had taken it when he learned of the recent deaths of three members of the royal family he had sworn to protect. He did not want to lose another.

I rested a hand on his arm, something I wouldneverhave done as Princess. “I will be fine. Where I travel,no onecanfollow. You are going to have to trust me, despite how I may have toyed with your trust in the past.”

The captain gawked at my admission. I had indeed been a terror to the Royal Guard.

He stared a moment, then relented and stepped aside. Mage Ernest followed suit and bowed as I strode through the gilded doors toward the Palace’s main entrance, where my carriage awaited.

I climbed up and peered out the window at the snow-covered city. We passed through quickly, but people stirred as the sun lit the horizon with a splash of brilliant orange and gold. A few waved and smiled or offered respectful curtsies.

Throughout those first weeks, I tried to keep my arrival quiet, to allow my father’s ashes to return before news of my ascension became too widely known, but I learned a vital lesson: A secret known by more than two people would rarely remain a secret. The moment the Council adjourned from our meetings on that first day, half the city was abuzz with news of their new ruler. Wild rumors raced like wildfires, some making ridiculous claims about the King’s death, others speculating on insane things the petulant girl who now wore the crown might do next. Few held even a kernel of truth, but each stung all the same.

The warmth I received as the carriage rolled through town was due to the work of Trade Minister Carver. I had always thought he was little more than a smarmy dandy in his frilly shirts and garish coats, but the man knew how to spread word across the inns and shops of the capital. His little mice scurried and spoke to boost their fledgling Queen’s reputation. One claimed I had fought crazed assassins in an attempt to save my father and brother while others talked of my valiant efforts to rescue the Kingdom from the iron grip of my now-maligned mother.

I protested the use of falsehood, arguing that my reign should be based on truth and honor.

Carver smiled, as if gentling a child, but explained that I was not well liked or respected as Princess, and some “stretching of the truth” was required to win the people to my side as Queen. After that painful admission, I gave him free rein to carry out his work and determined to focus on the myriad of other issues facing my people.

The carriage rolled to a stop at the steps of the Temple of the One, waking me from my thoughts. I reached for the handle, but the footman beat me to it, snapping to attention as I emerged. The liveried man offered a deep bow.

“How long will Her Majesty be at prayer?”

“You may return to the Palace. I will be a few days,” I said. “Thank you, Marcel,” I added.

The man’s eyes widened as he peered up from his bow. A smile bloomed on his face as I turned and strode into the Temple.

The nave was empty and dark, lit by only a few candles at the far end. A lone priest kneeled before the central altar. At the sound of my steps, the balding man turned to peek over his shoulder. I was only halfway down the central aisle when he leaped to his feet and bolted toward me.

“Your Majesty! Forgive me. I had no idea you were coming this morning,” he said through heavy breaths. “What brings you to the Temple so early? How may I serve?”

I waited for the priest to complete his bow and look up before speaking.

“I wish to spend some time in the crypt. I have enjoyed few moments alone since I returned, and I wish to mourn my family in private. Please see that no one disturbs me.” I raised a small book. “I will be some time.”

“Of course, Majesty.” He glanced from the book to the leather satchel in my other hand. He cocked a brow but held his tongue as he turned and led me to the stairs descending into the crypt.

At the top of the stairs, I placed a hand on his shoulder, causing him to startle. “Father, please go about your prayers. I will be fine from here.”

The priest bowed, then resumed his position before the altar.

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