The First Queen: The Kingmaker Series, #4

By Gemma Perfect

Everleigh finally sits on her throne, crown on her head, and her entire reign before her, in the last book in The Kingmaker Series.

But a new enemy comes along with murderous intentions, and soon Everleigh is questioning everything.

If you've read the first three books in The Kingmaker Series, you cannot miss the final instalment.

Find out how it all ends by grabbing your copy now!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gemma Perfect
• Release date: Aug 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393989493

Gemma Perfect

Thank you for reading The Kingmaker – I hope you enjoyed it. I started writing it in 2011. I was watching Junior Apprentice on the BBC, and one of the female contestants had to choose which of the two boys in her team would be team leader. She said, “I’m like the Kingmaker,” or words to that effect and something in my brain just sparked. I wrote about 30, 000 words but then, for some reason I can’t even remember, I ignored it until the summer of 2015. In the mean time I wrote and self-published a set of three children’s books, an adult romance, which was also traditionally published, before coming back to The Kingmaker. I was struggling to write another romance, and questioning whether I should stop writing altogether when I picked The Kingmaker up again. Within four weeks I had written another 40, 000 words. That’s when I realised that I was finally writing what I should be writing – not what I thought I should be writing or what I believed people would want to read. Suddenly it was easy to do and, more importantly, enjoyable again. I finished the book and sent it off to publishers and agents, hoping that someone would want it. They didn’t. I decided to have faith in myself and my writing and self-publish again, but I waited until I had written the whole trilogy first. If readers liked it, I wanted the whole trilogy complete so they wouldn’t have to wait. I know how impatient I am when I read a book I love and want to read the next one straight away. So on that note, if you enjoyed The Kingmaker, then book two – Seize The Crown and book three – Born to Rule, are both written and available to buy now. For updates and excerpts as I write my new book - The Cursed Princess - please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, via my website – www.gemmaperfect.com There are two things readers can do for authors they like once they’ve read their book: Review and Recommend. Reviews really do help books become more visible to other readers and a good review can make an author’s day. Recommendations are what make a book take on a life of its own, finding new readers and fans and there’s nothing like word of mouth for spreading the word about books we love.  You can get in touch with me via fb.me/gemmalperfect or you can visit my website www.gemmaperfect.com and I really hope that you do. xxx

Book preview

1

CORONATION COMPLETE, Everleigh – Queen of the Realm – faces her subjects for the first time and cannot stop the tears from running down her face.

She can hear trumpeters trumpeting, singers singing and musicians playing, while a thousand or more people bow before her.

It’s a heady feeling and a queasy feeling. All these people are her responsibility; she has to make the hard decisions that will keep her people safe.

She smiles as Archer takes her hand – her knight and first love, always by her side. She intends to keep it that way. On the other side of her is her little sister; only eleven years old and cursed by ancient magic. Everleigh has vowed to keep her safe and happy, too. She has subjects to rule over and a sister to protect. She wants to do an outstanding job of both.

The people form an aisle for Everleigh to walk through. She is aware of Archer scanning the crowds for danger, and when she glances to the side of Addyson, Ceryn is doing the same. Ceryn has quickly become one of Everleigh’s favourite people in the Realm. Feisty, smelly, sweary and utterly loyal and good beneath her grubby habits and foul mouth. Initially, she thought they would be enemies, and yet she has become so dear to her. She knows the feeling is mutual, because Ceryn is holding her sword, ready to fight or die for her new Queen.

The procession moves through the crowds, through the courtyard and into the great hall. Cook has outdone herself, yet again, the food and ale are a feast for the eyes.

Everleigh takes her seat on her throne, a crown on her head, and surveys the room.

The benches and seats around are taken up by visitors to the Realm and beyond. Important guests closest to the dais, with the cheap seats further away.

Archer nods to Ceryn, who is standing at the door, and she slips out of the hall. He watches the crowd, able to see every face.

Where’s Ceryn going? Everleigh asks.

She’s just securing the perimeter. We’ve made sure no one in the hall has a weapon on them. And any of your brother’s men who made it out of the battle alive, have been put in the tower.

She glances at him, a slight frown of concern on her face, and he shakes his head. No – we have to keep you safe. You are Queen now, and it’s our job to look after you. I’ve spoken to the teacher and we’ll meet with your father’s general in the morning. You cannot be worried about your safety all the time.

Everleigh takes a deep breath. Tomorrow, this feast will be over, the reality of her brother’s death will sink in and her new role will be as Queen of the Realm. But for tonight... a banquet and a celebration of her victory!

Your majesty. Everleigh looks up at Cook, presenting the first dish of the coronation feast for her to taste, a little maid by her side. A shy eyed, familiar little maid.

Everleigh jumps to her feet, a sob catching in her throat as she tries to speak. Molly?

The little maid steps forward, meets Everleigh’s eyes and nods.

I thought you were-

Cook interrupts. I hid her away, your majesty. I hope you don’t mind. I knew your brother would kill her.

Everleigh sinks into her chair, her knees buckling. Both of her brothers spread so much destruction around in the last few weeks of their lives.

Macsen, her oldest brother, killed their father and would have killed her too and then Millard, her other brother, murdered Macsen and Halfreda, the wise woman who had looked after them all and loved them since they were born. He killed Lanorie, Everleigh’s handmaiden, then Ginata – Halfreda’s replacement. He’d murdered Finn, Della’s brother, and finally Weaver. Sweet, kind Weaver who was Archer and Ceryn’s best friend. There were others – men who fought for her who she didn’t even know. The destruction and death of the last few weeks has taken such a toll on Everleigh, on everybody.

And poor little Molly who had helped Everleigh twice had definitely been on Millard’s list of people to finish off. It overwhelms Everleigh that she is alive. One splendid thing to come out of so much misery. Cook. I would never blame you. What a wonderful thing you did. Oh, Molly, I am so sorry I put you in harm’s way.

Molly shakes her head to protest but cannot speak. She’s too in awe of her beautiful new Queen.

Cook – my brothers did so many things wrong, and I am more than glad that killing Molly wasn’t one of them. Too many people are no longer with us. I thank the gods you are safe, Molly.

Cook grins and gives Molly’s hair a ruffle. Now get back to the kitchen. I want all the dishes out. People need feeding!

Molly rushes off and Everleigh smiles at Archer. I cannot believe she is alive. I thought Millard had killed her for sure.

I’m sure he wanted to.

I wish we could have saved everyone...

Not now, Everleigh. Not now.

She nods, knowing he’s right. The Realm is watching her now and there will always be someone looking for signs of weakness. It’s the way of the world.

She takes a forkful of the dish Cook placed before her and raises it up. Everyone cheers. And as she takes a bite, they cheer even louder.

Ceryn slips back into the room and nods over at Archer who visibly relaxes; maybe he will be able to look after his Queen after all. Ceryn sits next to Will, shaking off a boot to scratch her foot. Everleigh looks appalled. Ceryn!

What? I’ve got an itch.

Everleigh shakes her head. Ceryn’s itchy feet are the least of her problems and she will never alter.

She has an entire Realm to worry about and even though she knows she cannot fret right now; slight doubts continue to creep into her mind.

The great hall itself holds more than a hundred people. She sits at the head of them all, on her fancy throne, with her beautiful gown and her pretty crown weighing heavy on her head, and she knows how she is feeling – like an imposter, like a little princess dressing up in the Queen’s furs. And it’s exactly what she is: a little princess.

Ruling the Realm was never a part of her future. Her future has been death since she was old enough to understand her role as Kingmaker.

Death was certain. Leaving her sister and one of her brothers behind was certain. Leaving her father to mourn the loss of her was certain. Being alive and in charge of a Realm full of people who would have no trust in her is daunting. There has never been a Queen without her husband – the true ruler of the Realm – by her side. There has been no one as young as she in charge. How will she do it? How will she convince all her subjects she is worthy of the title?

Queen.

A Realm full of people with their own pressing concerns who need her to lead them, guide them, guard them. They will have troubles they need to bring to her, squabbles she will have to help with, crimes to report. The task ahead of her is overwhelming. She cannot breathe for a second, then Archer passes her a goblet of wine and she slugs it down. She needs courage of some sort at a time like this.

Will beckons for the musicians, and they play. The music drowns out Everleigh’s doubts, as he hoped it would, and she feels herself calm.

She has been through so much to get to where she is, to sit on her throne, crown on her head, Queen of the Realm.

She cannot afford to lose it now. She cannot let it all be for nothing. If she must prove herself, then she will do so. Daily if necessary. Continuously. Until the day every one of her subjects kneels before her – not because she expects them to, or because they are forced to out of tradition or fear, but because they want to.

2

THE DAY ENDS JUST PERFECTLY.

Everleigh is in Archer’s arms where she feels she belongs. She has held a merry court during her coronation celebrations and she is ready for the proper work to begin tomorrow. She knows she will always have doubts, but if no one else is aware of them, then no one can comment on them or exploit them.

The teacher clears his throat, interrupting their dance. Queen. Excuse me for being presumptuous, but there are certain things you must do – protocols that need to be followed.

Reluctantly, Archer lets his arms drop from her waist.

Everleigh smiles. This is the man who has replaced Halfreda in her mind. A mentor, a wise and kind guiding hand – someone she desperately needs as she heads blindly into her future. Her brothers spent so much time with their father – they sat in on council meetings, they decided about land, security, things she does not know of, and she knows she is lacking in more than just confidence. Go on.

You must offer a thank you and goodnight to all who have attended before people can leave. Some will always slope off, but you will not have a mass exodus from the hall until you have spoken. Same in the morning – people do not breakfast until you are here. I have arranged three things for you and again, forgive me for being bold.

I need your help; it cannot upset me when you give it.

He nods. We have a meeting first thing with your father’s council. These are wise men and schooled in every area of the Realm. They will be invaluable to you... but I cannot imagine it will be easy. Next, the head of your father’s army – we have diminished numbers with all the bloodshed but there will be men loyal to you still, and I am sure Archer and Ceryn will want to be involved in that – but he will meet with you any time you are free. Last, I have asked your mother’s lady-in-waiting – Hailsee – to look after you. You don’t have Lanorie anymore and you need someone who understands what it is to be Queen – clothes, protocol, etiquette. She knows it all but will not patronise you. She was your mother’s absolute favourite.

Thank you, teacher. I have much to do, I know, but-

You can do it. And, please, call me Kenneth. I am more than a teacher now. I am a subject.

You are more than a subject.

He takes one of her hands and kisses it. Now if you can speak to your subjects, maybe I can get to bed. I am old, you know.

Everleigh weaves through the people who are dancing, drinking, eating, talking and stands before her throne. Archer bangs the table with a fist and Everleigh grins at him as silence falls around the great hall.

Thank you for sharing my first evening as Queen with me. You are welcome to continue celebrating; you are just as welcome to go to bed.

That’s welcome news, my Queen, Della says touching her sleeve, before pulling back her hand. Oh, sorry, I shouldn’t just touch you, I-

Della, it’s fine. Please. We can carry on as we were before – I want you at ease, not worrying about royal etiquette continuously. Addyson needs you by her side, relaxed and happy. And are you trying to tell me that my sister is tired?

They turn to look at Addyson, feet tucked underneath her, head resting on the table, half asleep and exhausted, only eleven and already been through so much. Everleigh melts when she looks at her – resolving again to keep her sister safe and happy throughout her reign.

Let me get Archer to escort you to her rooms.

Is there a need for that?

I think so. I am only just crowned – who knows how many idiots who still favour my brother roam the Realm, or indeed this castle. Archer believes they are all locked up, but I would never forgive myself if I put you or Addyson in danger through complacency now.

Della nods, not just agreeing with her Queen because she should, but because in the brief time they have known each other, they have seen eye to eye on so much. Her role, as she understands it, is to look after and nurture Addyson, but she also feels motherly towards Everleigh – alone in the world, all her family but one dead.

Archer is talking to Ceryn, interrupting her chatter with Will, and Everleigh beckons for him. Ceryn and Will follow, and the four of them huddle together.

Archer, please escort Addyson and Della to her rooms. Ceryn, will you wait with me until he returns?

Of course.

Will grins. I’ll bid you goodnight my Queen and see you tomorrow. Goodnight Ceryn. Archer, may I walk with you?

The two young men head out of the hall, Archer’s sword ready to protect the little princess should the need arise. He is pretty certain they have cleared the castle of any immediate threat, and the men Weaver brought to fight for their new Queen have taken up guard around the perimeter. He is still cautious though as he leads them away from the hall.

EVERLEIGH SMILES AT Ceryn. Thank you for staying, looking after me.

I don’t want to be rude to you – you are a Queen now – but we need to be clear; I will protect you every single day, give my life to save yours, defend your honour, and so on, but if you keep thanking me all the time I will poke you with the end of my sword. Gratitude makes me bashful, which I hate, and so I get grumpy. I’m grumpy enough as it is. I’ll take your thanks this one time, but I won’t hear it again.

Everleigh cannot help but laugh, and she quickly grabs Ceryn in a hug before she can wriggle away.

I don’t want to be rude to you – you are handier with a sword than I will ever be – and I am thankful that you’re willing to protect me but if you don’t bath at least once a week and put on clean clothes daily, I will take your sword and poke you with it!

They are both laughing now and Ceryn nods, trying to look solemn. I promise to protect you and smell nice.

Everleigh sits down on the edge of the dais, her legs hanging over the edge, not touching the floor. Ceryn sits next to her, hand on her dagger.  

I cannot believe that not long ago, poor Will had a noose around his neck.

I will never be sorry that your brothers are dead. Macsen for killing your father and Millard for killing Weaver.

They are silent for a moment, remembering all that has happened in such a scant space of time. So many things changed forever, so many lives lost.

I am glad of one thing: that you are staying here with me.

I will never leave. Unless you need me to go to war or something.

We are too young for this, don’t you think? Two little girls – a Queen and her protector?

I think so. But what else can we do? Slink away because we don’t have a tail between our legs, and years on this Realm to fill us with unending wisdom. Age doesn’t mean you know anything that cannot be learned. Experience is only doing something many times – what if you’ve always done it wrong? We will be better – a true Queen, a fresh set of eyes on an old Realm. A new beginning. Think of all you could do.

I do, and it petrifies me.

Really? It should excite you, you can do anything. Go anywhere. Have anything. What’s so scary about that?

Everything.

They are still smiling and chatting when Archer comes back in the room.

All is well. They are both safe and I’ll station a guard outside their door.

Ceryn stands up, stretching, and scratching her belly as her tunic rides up. I’ll do that. I’ll bring someone from outside. We have enough. Goodnight Queen. And you. She pokes Archer with the toe of her boot and he laughs as she walks away, swinging her dagger.

He slips his arms around Everleigh and she rests her head on his shoulder. They stand still, the bustle of the great hall and the merrymaking going on around them forgotten, ignored, as though they are alone under the stars.

She can feel that he is tense, and she knows he will never relax fully while they are in public. Any time there is a threat to her or the smallest possibility of a threat, he will be on guard. She likes it.

The castle was so unsafe when her brothers were alive, danger at every and any turn. Her own brother trying to murder her; she finds she cannot relax in public either.

She is glad that she has her own room, a haven to retreat to, her bedroom since she was a tiny baby.

My Queen. The voice interrupting them is familiar to Everleigh, and it dawns quickly on her that this is Hailsee, her mother’s lady-in-waiting. After her mother, Isabella, died giving birth to Addyson, Hailsee remained at court but without a proper role. The Queen had been so fond of her that the King could not bear to send her away. But Hailsee had been so fond of the Queen that she could not bear to look after little Addyson without breaking down in tears. 

Now she smiles at Everleigh with genuine love and affection in her eyes, tears too.

Everleigh takes her hand and Hailsee curtseys. My Queen, you are ever like your mother was.

Thank you.

I am humbled that Kenneth has asked me to look after you. It will be a joy for me after all these years to have a Queen to attend to.

I am glad to have someone who knows the role so well.

"I met your mother off the ship, the