The Wild Queen: The Peasant Queen Series, #2

By Cheri Chesley

Roweena is the crown princess of Norvallen, a tiny kingdom with only one thing of value—the Healer’s Grove. The trees in this small section of forest are enchanted, giving a sap that can be mixed into potions or salves to heal almost any wound. Lucien, the young king of neighboring Demarde, comes to Roweena’s father seeking an alliance, but comes away with a marriage contract for young Roweena’s hand. Furious and stubborn, this untamed beauty vows he will never conquer her. Before Lucien can return, Roweena’s home is attacked and her parents are murdered. With nothing more than her horse and the clothes on her back, Roweena goes to the only person she knows can help her. Lucien.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chesley Books
• Release date: Mar 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781516364213

Cheri Chesley

Cheri Chesley believes in miracles and the magic of books in everyday life. When not writing, she can be found reading the dictionary for fun or devouring any of the many books in her home library. She lives with her husband, children, and four-legged taskmasters in Waurika, OK. Look for updates on her latest works at www.cheri-chesley.com.

Book preview

For Kylie Rose

Dear reader,

This is an epic a love story, but not a happy one. While it is romantic, like Romeo and Juliet it does not have a happily-ever-after conclusion. I caution you on this only because I’d hate for you to be disappointed because the story did not end as you had hoped.

The events that shape Lucien and Roweena’s lives are what set in motion the choices made by the characters in the following novels—The Peasant Queen, The Tyrant King, and The Lost Princess. Without their suffering there would be no other books, no other stories.

Rest assured there will be resolution. By the end of The Tyrant King, you will know Roweena’s fate. If you’re observant, then by the end of The Peasant Queen you may know what happened to Lucien. If not, be patient. All will become clear when The Lost Princess is revealed.

Happy reading!

Cheri

PART ONE: COURTSHIP

CHAPTER 1

The swinging blade missed Lucien’s hair by inches, but he refrained from asking his adversary if a haircut had been the intent. Instead he dropped and rolled away before regaining his feet. The enemy blade cut smoothly across the air. Lucien smiled grimly and attacked.

His muscles strained when the blades met. His height advantage would count for little in this match, but he could outlast his opponent. He had to.

Lucien feinted left, then brought his sword low and right, but his attack had been anticipated. Blocked.

He spun and attacked from the left. Blocked again.

Sweat trickled down his neck. Lucien dropped to one knee and swung his sword at his opponent’s ankles, forcing him to leap. Then Lucien brought his blade and body upward to level the sword with the man’s chest.

I yield, his opponent panted. You’ve been practicing without me.

If I don’t, you knock me on my rump, Lucien said as he wiped his face on his sleeve. A king should win these fights once in a while.

Sir Aiden Bryant, Lucien’s friend since boyhood, led the way to the water barrel. You have nothing to prove. He took the dipper and sipped some water before refilling it to pour over his head. The cascade soaked his copper hair and trickled down the back of his shirt.

Lucien took the dipper from him and drank deeply. I wish I could believe that.

You can’t spend the rest of your life trying to atone for your father’s issues. Aiden put a hand on Lucien’s shoulder. No one blames you.

He was my father, said Lucien. I have a responsibility to prove I’m not like him. He looked back at the courtyard. Are you ready for another round?

I beg off, Sire, Aiden said with a smile. Lucien watched his friend’s pale blue eyes flicker to where a handful of young ladies had clustered under a tree. I think I deserve a rest.

You’ve become an old man, Lucien teased him.

Being four months your senior does not make me old, said Aiden. He waved to the girls; they giggled and one waved back. I simply have other interests than the sword.

I want to stay fresh, said Lucien, green eyes flashing. Our last battle was nearly six months ago.

Aiden sighed. What good is restoring peace if you don’t enjoy it?

Lucien looked to where a lone lady sat with a book in her lap. Then why flirt with that cluster of geese when you’re really interested in the swan across the courtyard? What’s her name again? Bethany?

Rebecca, Aiden said. Lord Tremayne’s youngest daughter.

That’s right. Lucien smiled. The one who pointedly ignores you at dinner.

The young knight smiled. I’ll crack her shell.

Lucien laughed. I’m sure you will.

Speaking of which, I’m surprised the Council doesn’t hound you about taking a wife, said Aiden. You are nearly twenty-two. A king needs heirs.

Unless those heirs turn out mad, Lucien said with trace of bitterness. And follow their grandfather’s example of trying to ride their horse over a cliff.

Aiden’s tone softened. You aren’t like your father. Your children won’t be, either.

Lucien shrugged. I had something else I wanted to discuss with you.

Ah, that’s why you brought me out here.

What do you think about forming an alliance with Norvallen?

To what benefit? Norvallen is too small to be a threat, and all they have of worth is the Salve, said Aiden. What would we gain?

You know as well as I the Salve is more a curse than a blessing, Lucien said. The supply has so depleted over the centuries that no kingdom is satisfied with the amount Norvallen sends out. He sighed, the force of it parting the brown hair hanging over his forehead. Not to mention the wild tribes to their north. They’ve pillaged the northern villages so much, I hear there’s hardly anything left. He turned and started to walk toward the castle.

Aiden fell in step beside him. I see. You want to become their protector.

I want to help them, true, said Lucien. But that’s not my only motive. I received a message from King Robert yesterday. He’s asked for an alliance.

Aiden’s eyebrows shot up. Norvallen wants to ally with Demarde? Why?

As he put it, he is a man besieged, Lucien said. He’s been watching the work I’ve done to fix what my father nearly destroyed. Among his neighbors, he feels Demarde is the best choice. He shrugged. We are larger, and more powerful. Norvallen’s enemies would think twice before challenging them. And we’d have a controlling interest in the Salve.

I admit the Salve is valuable, Aiden said. I wouldn’t be standing here today if not for its healing properties.

If someone doesn’t step in soon, the Salve may be completely gone in the next two or three generations.

Doesn’t he take a risk in even asking you? Aiden shook his head. If someone hears of this, they could decimate King Robert and Norvallen before you could lift a finger.

That’s why I have to be careful, Lucien said. If the wrong people hear Robert has contacted me, it could be disastrous. I wanted your opinion first.

I’d say put your idea to the Council, and see how they feel about it, Aiden said.

Lucien opened the castle door. I planned to do so this afternoon.

Duke Nantres and Lord Tremayne stood when Lucien and Aiden entered the conference room later that day. They were stoic, grey haired men with less of an inclination to smile as to compliment their king on his choice of tunics that day. They moved to their places at the table.

Good day, gentlemen, Lucien said.

Lord Tremayne nodded. Good afternoon, Sire.

Lord James Fenton appeared in the doorway. I hope I am not late, he said as he took his seat.

Lord Pierce Bowden entered behind him. Good afternoon, King Lucien. Hello, Sir Bryant.

Hello, gentlemen, said the king. Please take your seats. I don’t wish to take up too much of your time.

Lucien looked around the table. These men had advised him since he became king nearly nine years before, chosen because he knew enough to know he didn’t know everything. He didn’t socialize with them; personally he found Lord Tremayne to be arrogant to a fault, but they knew their areas of expertise.

After all existing business had been addressed, Lucien brought up his new desire. I wish to discuss a treaty with King Robert of Norvallen, he said.

Norvallen? Nantres leaned forward. Why ever for, Sire?

I plan to offer them Demarde’s protection in exchange for a controlling interest in the Salve.

The men erupted in murmurs as they reacted to this news. Lord Bowden alone didn’t react. He put up a hand to smooth his dark hair. Tremayne leaned toward Nantres and whispered something to him.

I don’t believe an alliance would be necessary, said Tremayne, addressing the group at large. Surely our interest alone would be enough to make Norvallen’s king consider any request.

I believe we have to offer their people something other than our friendship, Lucien said. We cannot expect to get something for nothing. I want King Robert to know my sincerity.

Nantres leaned forward. Is he even amenable to such a treaty?

I plan to send him a message to request a visitation, said the king. The rest we can discuss when I arrive.

I don’t see any harm in our king visiting a neighboring king, Pierce Bowden said. If nothing else, it will encourage border relations.

Very true, Lord Bowden, said Aiden. I agree with the king in that we need to put a face to his rule. Our neighbors need to know he is a king they can come to with issues. If he never communicates with them, then they won’t know what type of man rules Demarde.

His actions have spoken well for him, Fenton said. Ever since taking power he had protected his people and secured his borders. I agree with Nantres. If this Norvallen king can offer us the Salve we should consider it, but otherwise they have nothing of interest to us.

Lucien listened without replying. This issue did not require their approval; technically no issue did. He did intend to keep them informed but essentially the decisions belonged to him.

Enough. His voice created silence in the room. I will send the message to King Robert, and hopefully he will grant a meeting. I do intend to discuss the Salve and a possibly treaty with him. If I only come away from Norvallen with a friendship, I will be satisfied. I am not asking you to take your time to travel with me. This is something I willingly do alone.

Duke Nantres stood. If you require nothing further from us, then Majesty I would recommend we adjourn.

After they had gone Lucien leaned toward Aiden and sighed. That could have gone better.

Why didn’t you mention King Robert’s message? Aiden asked.

I don’t want too many people to know that yet, Lucien said. Though I didn’t realize my councilmen would be so resistant to the idea.

You must be patient with them, Sire, said Aiden. These are men very set in their ways. Change is difficult for them.

When did you become so astute?

It’s what I tell myself so I don’t scream at them.

Lucien laughed. I may have to try that.

What, screaming at them?

No, the other thing, said Lucien.

Aiden stood and stretched. It doesn’t always work.

I know.

So what now?

A messenger should only take about a week to get there, said Lucien. Given the weather can be unpredictable this time of year and that King Robert must have time to reply, I would say I should have a response in twenty days.

The knight put his hands together.  In that case, I suggest we do something to kill the time.  You write your message and I will go to the stables and saddle our horses.

Lucien looked suspicious.  What did you have in mind?

I want to ride, his friend said.  The day is calling to me and I find myself powerless to resist any longer.

The king turned a longing glance to the window.  Then he looked at Aiden.  I bet I can send my message off before you have the horses saddled.

Sir Bryant grinned.  What’s it worth to you?

If I win, you have to take that maid you like on a walk in the gardens.

Aiden paled.  How like a good friend to impose such a high price.  He sighed. Agreed.  Though if I win, you have to groom my steed for a month.

Deal.  Lucien flashed his friend another grin and raced to his desk.

CHAPTER 2

Roweena knew she shouldn’t be listening, but she couldn’t help herself. It had been a monstrous day and she only wanted a quiet, safe place to be alone. Unfortunately the hiding place she’d used since her childhood happened to be right above her parents’ chambers, and made her an unwilling audience to their discussion. More willing this time, though, since they talked about her.

Long day, my love? Her father’s voice.

If I live to be one hundred years old, I promise you I will never understand that girl, her mother said, her tone weary. "Never mind that. Today I already feel like I’m one hundred."

What has she done now?

Roweena’s spine stiffened. He seemed so resigned.

What hasn’t she done? Some days I feel all I do is chase after her, putting out fires!

King Robert’s voice sound alarmed. She’s setting fires again?

Queen Claudette clarified. Not since she was nine. I was being figurative.

Roweena snorted. One time; one fire. It hadn’t been on purpose.

The queen continued. No, today she took exception to the way your captain instructs your men in the bow. Do you have any idea how horribly she embarrassed the man? He stood before twenty or so of his subordinates, while the Crown Princess of Norvallen berated him at the top of her very healthy lungs. By the time I had straightened the mess she’d made of the kitchen staff—I had to rehire the cook, by the way—and caught up with her, Alen was red faced and furious.

It took all she had for Roweena not to shout. Alen, the conceited fool, couldn’t accept anyone—much less a female—knew more than he.

The queen’s voice persisted, though her daughter wanted to drown it out. After I apologized to him and dragged her to her room, she began to breathe her fire all over me. I only just left her. All I want to do now is crawl into our bed, but we have dinner tonight with our guests, don’t we?

I’m afraid so, but it is only the one night. They leave in the morning. King Robert’s voice took on a tone of alarm then. What is this? Did Roweena do this?

Mother’s bandage! Roweena tried to stand up, but in her cramped space she only hit her head. How could he think she would harm her mother?

Claudette spoke up for her daughter. No, my love, never since that one time. This is a result of my own carelessness. I was in the kitchens, as I said, and . . .

You have always come to harm in the kitchens. He chuckled. You’re fortunate to be a queen and not a cook. When will it occur to you, my dearest, to simply stay away?

Her mother’s reply sounded so weary. Robert, can I not beg off tonight?

I wish you could, my dear, but I must have a hostess. From your description, I hardly think Roweena would be able to substitute in your stead.

Pigs might fly, thought Roweena, though his lack of faith did sting.

Very well. I shall compose myself. Just give me time for a warm bath.

I will help you, said the king.

Though he probably only referred to the bandage, Roweena didn’t wait to find out. She headed to her room where she could be alone. Would she be forever misunderstood by her parents? She should have been born a prince, rather than be expected to keep her thoughts behind her teeth and her hands in her knitting. She almost laughed at that. Roweena’s skill at knitting wouldn’t clothe a mouse.

If only Norvallen had a prince to inherit the throne. Involuntarily, Roweena’s throat constricted. If only Tobyn still lived. If her little brother had survived his birth then things would have been so different.

When