Securing Aisling: The Kingdoms of Kearnley, #1

By Andrea Boyd

A queen in need of a husband and a prince who had never been truly loved—will they overcome opposition to find happiness?

Brianna Reaner, Queen of Aisling, has never been on a date, been in love, had a boyfriend, or has even had a crush on a boy before. According to the laws of her country, she must marry by her eighteenth birthday or risk losing the right to rule her kingdom. How is she supposed to find a suitable husband in less than six months? What will the consequences be if she makes the wrong choice?

With the help of her advisors, she compiles a surprisingly short list of suitable mates. Her top choices include three princes all belonging to her nemesis, King Coman Barnali of Gilvary. None of the three seem particularly promising. Dunbar, the eldest, is his father's puppet. Next in line is Reagan, the biggest flirt in Kearnley. Then there is the elusive Garrett who seems to go into hiding whenever she is present. One by one she eliminates names from her list until she finds the man she feels destined to marry. But her choice is not pleasing to everyone.

King Coman has been plotting to take control of Aisling for years. Queen Brianna's choice causes him to have to come up with a new plan—one that could prove deadly for the newly wedded couple.

†Securing Aisling is Christian Romance.

Print version- 386 pages
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrea Boyd
• Release date: Feb 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781519981189

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© 2015 by Andrea Boyd

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transferred in any form or by any means except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Psalm 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

15 16 17 18 19 20 6 5 4 3 2 1

All Scripture is from the King James Bible.

Bonus- Independent Bible Study: Isaac and Rebekah’s story can be found in Genesis chapter 24.

Verses concerning marriage- Matthew 19:5-6; Ephesians 5:21-33; and I Peter 3:1-7;

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either a product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. All characters are fictional, and any similarity to people living or dead is purely coincidental.

Cover- Focused on You Photography by Tammy Jackson

Note from Author: Securing Aisling may feel like a Historical Fiction, but it is not meant to be historically accurate. Every piece of it was created from my own imagination.

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Securing

Aisling

Andrea Boyd

Laws Concerning Reign

*The reigning King and Queen will have joint rule over their kingdom. If one should die, the remaining King/Queen may choose to rule alone until death, at which time the eldest living child or Named Heir will preside.

*If the King/Queen should have no offspring, a Named Heir must be chosen by the reigning King/Queen. The Named Heir may be changed at any time during the reigning King/Queen’s lifetime.

*If a King/Queen should enter the throne in a single state and above the age of seventeen, they are required to enter into matrimony within one year of the date of coronation.

*In the event that the King/Queen should enter the throne before the age of seventeen, he/she must be married by his/her eighteenth birth date.

*Should any of these laws be broken, the right to rule the kingdom may be challenged by any worthy opponent(s). (See Laws Concerning Session)

*A King/Queen will not be restricted by Class when choosing a mate.

From the Book of Sovereign Laws of Kearnley

Matthew 19:6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.

What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

One

Brianna

"QUEEN BRIANNA, ARE you listening to me?"

I looked across the council room table directly at Reilly. Yes, you just told me that I have until my birthday to find a husband and get married. I am aware of that. Are you aware that my birthday is almost six months away, and the Session meeting we are supposed to be discussing today is just next week? We can plan a wedding after we get back from Gilvary. In fact, I will even allow you to coordinate it if that would please you.

No doubt my irritation showed as I took in his dark brown eyes and gray hair, more on his thin face than on his head. He had been going on about this for the last year, and I had grown weary of the subject. I had inherited Reilly Cassidy as my advisor when I gained the throne a little over a year ago. He was in charge of relations between our own kingdom of Aisling and the rest of the world. He had faithfully served my father, but I am not sure how he felt about serving me.

I had not needed nor appreciated his reminder of what was expected. My own dear father had counseled me concerning the need for an early marriage. The laws of this country had been part of my training almost from birth. I could lose the power to rule my kingdom if I did not comply. I felt more panicked over this particular rule with every passing month. I had tried in vain to have it changed. I had never been on a date, been in love, had a boyfriend, or even had a crush on a boy before. How was I supposed to find a suitable husband? The way I saw it, a woman was not meant to go searching for a husband. It should have been up to the man to find me, but this experience had been taken from me.

Reilly had not seemed the least bit daunted by my irritation. I can assure you that this is foremost on King Coman’s mind. He has made no secret of the fact that his greatest desire is to join our kingdoms together, and you can bet he will bring this up at the meeting. I just want you to be prepared, My Queen.

There were some who felt the small country of Kearnley should be under one rule. My father had never been of this mindset, and I fully agreed with him on this matter. I feared what could happen if one person was given so much power. Many thought the job should go to King Coman. He ruled over the neighboring kingdom of Gilvary. He was known to be ruthless and heavy-handed in dealing with his people. I would never willingly hand over my crown to anyone, especially someone like him.

Reilly is probably right. I agree that you should expect a great amount of pressure from King Coman. Even some of your own people are restless with the idea that you should be married and soon. They are worried about an outsider usurping the throne. You can add the fact that many of them believe the kingdom would be more balanced with a married couple ruling. That is why these laws were placed to begin with. I am not telling you this to upset you, My Lady, but you do need to know what you are facing. It had to be serious if Eamon was weighing in.

Of my three advisors, Eamon Alexander was the one I trusted and relied on most. He had been part of my father’s council since before I was born. Before becoming an advisor, he had been the General over our band of warriors, so naturally he oversaw the kingdom’s defense. But he was so much more than that to me. No one could replace my parents, but Eamon had filled part of that void after the death of my father. I had no doubt that my best interest, as well as that of the kingdom, was at the heart of his concern.

Have you given any more thought to Dunbar’s offer? I knew exactly what Reilly was referring to, but he was being ridiculous as far as I was concerned. Dunbar was Coman’s eldest son, heir to the throne in the kingdom of Gilvary. His father seemed especially bent on my marrying his son and had spent years attempting to push us together. The pressure had increased significantly since my own father’s death.

I raised my brows, trying for my most innocent look. What offer would that be?

Why, marriage of course. We have talked about this before. I do not understand your stubbornness.

Eamon cleared his throat. No doubt it was a warning to Reilly that he was overstepping his bounds again. I allowed for a relaxing in the rules of etiquette to make for an easier flow of communication during these meetings. That did not, however, include showing disrespect for the queen.

I remember all of your talk about how enamored he is supposed to be and of Coman’s approval on the matter, but I can assure you that Dunbar has made no offer. He never would if I could avoid it. Even if I had the desire for marriage, he was not my idea of a good match. Just thinking about a life spent with him sent an involuntary shudder running through me.

But he will, and it will probably happen as soon as your very next encounter. He spoke to me at my last meeting with King Coman. The boy is besotted with the thought of you as his bride.

I could just bet he was. Dunbar did nothing unless his father instructed him. I suspected the boy had never had an original thought in his head. I could not tolerate that in a husband. I knew I could not. His father’s prodding was without a doubt the true source of Dunbar’s interest in me. What better way for King Coman to fulfill his desire of uniting the two kingdoms?

I studied the bare walls as I mulled over ideas of how I could proceed. Looking out over the Moya Ocean always had a calming effect, helping me to slow down my thoughts. I would long for that view when one of these meetings became too intense, but there were no windows in this room. In fact, it was devoid of any adornment. There was only the small table where I sat alone on one side facing my three advisors. I suppose it was set up this way to avoid distractions. It was my least favorite room in the castle. I realized I was drumming my fingers, a nasty habit I was trying to break, so I placed my hand in my lap. Even without distractions, I had allowed my mind to wander. I reined it back in to the problem at hand.

First of all there was the law to be considered. Then, as Eamon had mentioned, some of my people were starting to lose faith in me. Their fears were to be considered more important than my own. In addition to all of this, there had been small attacks from the outside that must be addressed. Though we had no proof, it was suspected the threat was coming from King Coman. Marrying into his family would probably put a stop to this.

Even though I had never imagined wanting to do anything else, I had never asked to be queen. I had no choice in the matter. It was my duty to find a husband by my next birthday. I would not disappoint my kingdom. If I wanted to have any control whatsoever over whom I would share the rest of my life with, it was time to stop avoiding this marriage issue. I knew my responsibilities. I just needed to handle this problem more decisively.

I pulled a scrap of parchment closer to me. I want to do what is best for Aisling, so help me work through this. I know the law states that a queen in this country may marry whomever she chooses. If I were in love, that would be enough. Since that is not the case, what choices would most impress my people?  It was Eamon that I looked to as always.

He paused and studied my face. I knew him well enough to read the love and concern in his eyes. He was weighing me, a woman with a desire to be truly loved, versus me as a queen needing to do what was best for her kingdom despite her own desires. I also knew which side would win this time. A king, of course, would be the optimal choice, but unless you are willing to look outside of this country, there are only two and neither is available.

Go on. We all knew it was unlikely that I would choose anyone whose loyalties lie outside of Kearnley.

You could choose a prince. There are five, all belonging to Coman, as you are aware. And you could marry a duke, but that is as far down in rank as I would suggest if you really want to make an impression on your people.

Dunbar is the obvious choice. Think about it, he is the eldest prince and heir to the throne of Gilvary. Reilly simply would not give up. I thought back through all of my encounters with Coman’s eldest, searching out only the positives for now. He was certainly nice to look at with his curly hair and chocolate brown eyes. He was very attentive when we were together, but it bordered on being stifling.

I shook my head and wrote his name at the top of the parchment. Dunbar is an heir in his own right. I see no reason to add my kingdom to his. I also think his father has too much influence over him. Those are my concerns, but I will still take him under consideration. Does anyone have anything to add about Dunbar? I could not help but think it would take a lot of consideration on my part for me to choose this one. I had to silently remind myself once again to keep an open mind.

I looked to Owen, and he shook his head. What else did I expect from my newest appointed advisor? I had no one to blame for Owen Finlay but myself since I was the one who chose him. My only defense for such a choice was one I would never use. I was sixteen at the time, my father had just died, and I had the job of picking a replacement because one of Father’s advisors had decided to retire. I suspected that he found sitting under the rule of a teenage queen to be less than appealing. So I picked the youngest from a list that was presented to me, thinking a younger advisor would relate better with my ideas. I believe Owen’s faithfulness to this kingdom was sincere, but he never contributed unless he thought his response was a safe one. He was in charge of my relations with the people of Aisling.

I do not believe he would make a strong military leader if needed. Considering his position, I knew this would be Eamon’s concern.

I do not see where that would be an issue since we have a military advisor. As for the other charges against him, I would think less of him if he had no respect for his father, and instead of seeing it as your kingdom added to his, it makes more sense to think that his kingdom will one day be added to yours. Reilly sat back in his chair with the satisfied look of having won the battle.

It was all I could do to keep from rolling my eyes at him. Let us move on. Who is next?

That would be Prince Reagan. One safe answer from Owen, and he looked rather proud of himself for it.

Of all of the princes of Gilvary, my memories of Reagan were the most outstanding. He was easily the best looking man I had ever known. And the flirtiest. I only saw him during Session where he could usually be found in a corner somewhere, leaning way too close to any girl who would allow it. I remembered him to be an excellent dancer who always made his partner seem more graceful than she actually was. I blushed to think about how close he had held me before on the dance floor, but I never felt like he was giving me special attention.

My concern about Reagan is, well to be quite blunt, I believe him to be a skirt chaser. I will not tolerate unfaithfulness from my husband.

The corners of Eamon’s lips turned upward. For some men all of that ends once they are wed, but I cannot vouch for this young man particularly as I am not a personal acquaintance of his. Perhaps you can use the upcoming meeting to get to know him better.

Do you think he would make a good leader?

It does not seem to be of great interest to him, but from what I have seen, he certainly has no lack of confidence. This is a good trait for a leader to have, I think.

I looked to Reilly, but he seemed to be making notes of his own. Apparently he had nothing to say for or against Reagan. Owen just shook his head letting me know he had nothing to add either.

Prince Garrett is next in line for the throne of Gilvary, Queen Brianna. Ooh, Owen was volunteering information. This was a step forward, even if it was a baby ant step.

When was the last time I had even seen Garrett? To my memory, we were still children when I interacted with him last. He no longer traveled with his family to any of the Sessions, and when the meetings were held at Gilvary, I would only catch glimpses of him. I had often wondered what had changed. What do we know about Garrett?

We know he opposes his father’s every move. I must say, the last thing we need is a rebel. I am surprised King Coman has not brought up charges of treason against him. Think of how it would be if someone such as that held the power of a king. Reilly seemed to feel very passionately against Garrett. The fact that he opposed his father was more promising to me than anything discussed so far, but I had to take Reilly’s objection into consideration. With his dealings with the other kingdoms, he probably had a better understanding of Garrett’s character than the rest of us.

Eamon shifted his gaze toward Reilly with his lips pressed to one side. I do not believe it is as bad as all that. A son not seeing eye-to-eye with his father is not grounds for treason. Perhaps he is rebellious, though, which may be against him.

I will certainly keep this in mind as I speak with him in the near future. Let us move on, shall we? I looked directly at Owen this time. Surprisingly, he had seemed the most prepared for this discussion so far. I wondered how long ago he had compiled this list of possible suitors.

As for the list of princes, only Terence and Rian are left, and I believe neither would be suitable. I mean no disrespect, but we all know that even though Terence is of age, with his childlike mind he will never be mentally capable of ruling a kingdom. Rian is well below the age to be considered for marriage at only nine years old. I gave Owen two baby ant steps for that assessment.

So now we are down to the Dukes. Does anyone know which in all of the country are unattached? This should greatly add to our list. I looked around the table at my advisors with my quill poised above my parchment ready to continue. Reilly was still writing notes on his own parchment. Eamon cupped his chin, obviously trying to come up with a name. Owen seemed to have been just waiting for me to look his way before giving his answer.

Not as much as you would think, Your Highness. Actually, there are only two who are unattached, a Duke Brigid of Dermot and our own Duke Mannix. Duke Brigid has made it widely known that he has no intentions of marrying. His title and holdings are to be passed on to his nephew, an eleven-year-old named Brett Eveny. His mother, Duke Brigid’s sister, is married to a goat herder somewhere in the Kearnley Mountains. You already know Duke Mannix.

I added both of those names to my list. Owen, you seem to have given this a lot of forethought. I really appreciate your efforts. Duke Mannix must be in his nineties. He is a sweet man. I am sure he would make an excellent king, but I am also positive he is not the one for me. How old is Duke Brigid?

I believe he is in his early sixties, Your Highness. Reilly made no effort to hide his amusement at my expense. There were others with such a gap in age compared to their spouses, but I did not find this appealing in the least.

I looked down with dismay at the short list in my hand. I find it hard to believe that there are only five eligible men on this list and none of them very promising.

I tossed the page down on the table in front of me. I was more discouraged than before. I am assuming I will see all of these men at the Summer Session. I will make a point of talking with each one before I make any decisions. Who knows, maybe one of them will make a better impression than what I have in mind right now. I can only hope.

You only need one, and my vote goes to Dunbar.

There is no vote, Reilly. Ultimately, this is Queen Brianna’s decision. We are only here to give council. Eamon then turned his gentle blue eyes toward me. Do not lose heart, My Queen. I am sure after much thought and prayer the solution will become clear. We are behind you no matter what choice you may make.

Two

AFTER THE MEETING, I retired to my chambers only to pace the sitting room floor like a caged animal. That is exactly what I was—caged, blocked in, my life set by forces beyond my control. You would think being queen would put everything within your power, but really the opposite was true. It seemed every choice I made was for the benefit of the kingdom with no regard for my own hopes and dreams.

What I really needed was more time. It had been just a little over a year since my reign began. I was only now becoming comfortable with my position. I wanted my marriage to happen because of my own readiness, not because the law said I should be ready. I also wanted what every other girl of seventeen wanted—to know what it was like to fall in love.

Was it too much to hope for to be swept off my feet instead of having to choose from a short list of men who knew almost nothing about me? I wanted the kind of romance that inspired poetry. Years from now, I had wanted my great, great grandchildren to be telling their own children the story of how I fell hopelessly into love.

I was barely past the age of eleven when my mother died and then less than five years later my father joined her. It was sad to say that I did not remember much about the marriage my parents had shared. Had they been happy together? I wished more than anything that they were here to consult with me. But of course, if they were here, I would not be in this predicament. I could take all the time I needed.

This suite in which I now paced had once belonged to them. I had refused to move in here too soon after my father’s death. A few months ago these rooms had been cleared of all traces of my parents and completely redecorated according to my taste. It was not that I wanted to wipe away all memory of them, I just wanted it to feel like my own and not as if I were invading what once was theirs. In less than six months, I could be sharing this space with a stranger. Just thinking about it made my stomach tighten with fear.

Everything here spoke of Aisling and the sea that surrounded my home. The rugs covering most of the floors were woven from muted colors that hinted at the sandy beach seen through the large windows facing west. The teak wood used in all of the furniture had been harvested from our own coast. The fabrics mirrored the colors of the sea in soft shades of blue and green with small pops of red here and there to add interest.

These chambers once displayed a vast collection of art and mementos of my parents’ lives together. It was now decorated simply, with fresh flowers, fruit, and my own collection of seashells. There were a couple of beach-scene paintings on the walls that represented my inept attempt at watercolor, but that was it. Most of the things I had accumulated up until now had been left behind, along with my childhood. What would my future husband bring to these rooms? Would everything change again once I was married?

I walked over to the book case, flipped open the lid on the carved wooden box sitting on top and pulled out a bundle of letters. Only a few people knew what these correspondences held. The truth was I had received quite a few offers of marriage, but they were from men I did not know who resided outside of Kearnley. All were nobles who