Queen of Jersia

By John G. Shaw

The kingdom of Jersia is crumbling under its own weight due to over expansion, oppression, and greed brought on by a ruthless king, Rupert Hastings. The true heir and ruler of Jersia, Alicia Hastings, is a queen without authority and a woman who has always obeyed her abusive husbands desires. She longs to chart her own course and re-establish her late fathers legacy of a thriving inspired kingdom.

When Sir Garrett Covington, Jersias most decorated knight, brings news of another gallant victory that obtains new mysterious land and fortress castle, Alicia sees it as a way to put her visions into action. Negotiating with Rupert, she gets him to agree to let her rule this new province. Almost immediately, those aspirations are dashed when she realizes the safety of her six year old daughter, Devon, would be at risk on such a long a treacherous journey.

Unable to leave her daughter and not willing to expose Devon to the dangers that exist outside the castle walls, the queen relinquishes her dream. However, when Devon secretly stows away on Garretts caravan back to the newly conquered region, Alicia confronts those dangers when she sets out with her chambermaid, Gwen, to bring her daughter back.

The journey to the new castle, will bring each of them face-to-face with Jersias treacherous terrain, the kings henchmen, and menacing bridge trolls. Even greater challenges lie ahead for her, when she realizes they will have to encounter a place known as Dragon Peaks, a haven for the kingdoms most ruthless beasts. Plunging headlong into turmoil, she risk her life to save Devon from the clutches of dragons. Alicia will also be forced to confront her past and the secrets she holds from both Rupert and Garrett, the only man she has ever truly loved. Jersias future lies in her ability to navigate all the external dangers, as well as deal with internal strife as she discovers new horizon within herself at Dragon Peaks.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 22, 2004
• ISBN: 9781462833498

John G. Shaw

John G. Shaw was born in Manhattan, KS in 1962. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science in 1984. Working for three years as a computer consultant, he has made his home in many cities across the United States, including Norfolk, Virginia and Las Vegas, Nevada. Currently, he resides in Wamego, Kansas. He has also had some poetry published in The Colors of Life and won awards from the International Society of Poets.

Book preview

Queen of Jersia

John G. Shaw

Copyright © 2005 by John G. Shaw.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

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Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

To my darling Princess,

For all the adventures we never got to take.

Love, Totes

Chapter One

The Deal

Much like the stone gargoyles that lined the castle ledges, Alicia Hastings stood motionless, framed by the archway of her chamber window. It was as if by mere posture alone, she could keep from absorbing the words that her husband, Rupert, was imparting to her.

With a firm grip, she felt the coolness of the heavy glass vase upon her palms. Realizing the cold was spreading throughout her entire body, she quivered. Rupert’s presence had completely closed her internal drawbridges.

Just moments earlier, he had arrived from the early morning briefing of the kingdom’s activities, handing her the vase with much fanfare. A dozen long-stemmed roses emerged crisply from the opening of the vase, filling Alicia’s nostrils with a sweet aroma. It did nothing to soothe her.

Alicia gazed at the meadow that lay just beyond the castle walls, an inviting diversion to the heavy matters at hand. She longed to be running free, feeling the earth beneath her bare feet as she had done when she was a child. What she wouldn’t give to be out in that boundless environment. The swaying grass of the rolling hills blanketed the countryside far below her in all directions, as the castle stood on the highest hill in the region. Not realizing it, she began to move with the rhythms as the gentle breeze oscillated the prairie. Spring, her favorite season, was in full bloom. Yet she found no joy in it this day.

The scenery held her attention as if it were one of her precious tapestries that adorned the castle hallways. Before her, lay the last testament to her late father, King Henry Worthington. The Kingdom of Jersia had been his finest legacy.

When the word spreads of how we quelled the uprising, fear will keep the other fiefs in line, Alicia could hear Rupert say, as she was no longer able to block his words.

She squeezed the vase, feeling her father’s heritage slipping further away with each new word from Rupert’s mouth. Suddenly, she was aware of the morning sun washing over her face, warming it. Or was it the sun’s rays? The coolness she had felt earlier was beginning to give way to a heat that was emanating from her pounding heart, until her blood became as hot as a dragon’s fiery breath.

The people must respect this kingdom’s power or they will die by it, she heard Rupert proclaim in his rather high-pitched voice.

His nonchalant approach to human life sickened her. Alicia’s anger surged, compelling her to spin to face her husband, spilling a few roses from the vase. Rupert was leaning against the post at the head of their canopy bed. It had been the bed in which they had consummated the leadership of Jersia just ten years ago, although he had not been allowed to sleep there in ages.

The wooden door to the right of the bed was merely a few strides away, a massive hallway to more appealing places in the castle awaited her there. Briefly she contemplating making a hasty exit from Rupert’s tormenting words, but where would she flee? Her husband was not one to leave such things unfinished. He would find her. Looking past his left shoulder, she got a quick glimpse of her dressing chamber, but quickly focused back on him. The king was never happy about distracted audiences, a painful lesson she had learned years ago.

Rupert’s lanky body barely filled out his long silk green tunic, which was belted with a wide jeweled leather strap at his waist. An extravagant crown bound his head, pressing into his long stringy jet black hair. He was never without it and for good reason. It was the only attribute about the man that showed he was a king. Alicia knew kings that could rule by statue alone, but Rupert needed his crown. Seeing him studying the floor, not even really paying attention to her, she softly growled.

Rupert, you must earn their respect, she said, forcing the words out. She was finding it hard to catch her breath mainly due to her anger, but also in part because the wood in her corset was pressing into her petite frame.

The sound of her voice must have alerted him, because he immediately looked up at her. Suddenly, Alicia was aware of how exposed she felt. She had been in the middle of dressing, when Rupert had entered her chamber. Her handmaidens had not had time to fully dress her, leaving her wearing only a low-cut chemise and petticoat.

What do peasants know of respect? he asked, a thin smirk crept onto his face as his stare fell just below her chin.

Infuriated, Alicia was determined to keep his attention to the matters at hand. Her father would have never stood for their own people being attacked, whether from an outside enemy or from within. Not wanting Rupert to change the course of this discussion, she raised the vase high above her head with both hands. She heaved it at him.

Although Rupert ducked the flowery missile, Alicia thought she detected that it grazed the side of his head. The vase, while missing its mark, did manage to shatter against the elaborate oak headboard sending water, shards of glass and the roses down upon Rupert’s neck.

I will not let you belittle this kingdom’s subjects, Alicia said, stomping her foot.

Rupert stood straight up, squaring his broad shoulders towards Alicia, and put his hand to the back of his head. She was amazed that he hadn’t lost his crown. As he pulled his palm away from his hair, Alicia saw no blood. Pity, she thought. When he took a step towards her, she instinctively backed away.

If this is how you treat my gracious gifts, then maybe you don’t deserve such things, he chided, brushing the glass from his hair.

She watched him take a wool glove from his belt to wipe the water from his face. While Alicia had long ago gotten accustomed to the small scars on his cheeks, the thick eyebrows that met above the bridge of his crooked nose, and his closely set eyes, she still found herself looking through him and not at him.

I don’t want your guilt offerings, Rupert, she declared, rigidly standing next to the window. She readied herself for Rupert’s advancement.

It was simply a tribute to your beautiful emerald eyes, Rupert said, smirking. Although Alicia was relieved he appeared to be content to stay where he stood, she was bothered by his smugness.

Did you think this would ease the news of what you are doing to my father’s people? Alicia demanded.

Your father’s people? Rupert exploded, throwing his hands in the air. They’re my people!

Jersia exists because of my father and his compassionate nature, Alicia shot back, crossing her arms on her chest and shaking her head defiantly. While she had succeeded in wiping the smirk from his face, it was not enough. She wanted him to know what his place was in her father’s kingdom.

Need I remind you, that had he not needed me to marry you, my dear king, then you would still be a ruler of sheep, as your father before you? she asked, glaring at her husband.

Rupert flashed Alicia a broad smile, surprising her how quickly his aggravation was tempered. While his anger kept her on edge, this kind of calmness filled her with uneasiness. It was like watching the grin of a snake, right before it struck.

Ah, yes. The great King Henry Worthington, may he rest in peace, Rupert said, in mock reverence. She pushed her back into the wall, trying to create more of a distance between them. He left me with only a fourth of the kingdom I have created, she heard his tone harden.

The stones of the wall pressed into her back, leaving her no retreat. She feared him, but still did not want to back down from what she felt was most important to her. Wanting him to see how serious she was, Alicia brushed back her bangs, which had fallen in her eyes when she threw the vase. Her blonde hair fell back into place, which rested on the middle of her back. She looked the king cold in the eyes. But look at what you’ve created, Rupert. With treachery, deceit and terror, you’ve amassed a kingdom of much land and wealth. But at what cost? she asked, but didn’t wait for his answer. It’s been at the expense of the people and your reputation among them. You are hated by nobles and commoners alike.

I do not lead to be liked, my dear wife, he said, walking to the end of the bed and sitting upon it. Alicia sensed weariness about him. I know you think it’s an easy task to maintain a nation, but it’s a rather arduous job managing the demands of the populace, its food supply, and responding to invading armies and other outside threats. It requires skillful leadership.

The reign of King Rupert Hastings III has neither, Alicia retorted, allowing herself to push off the wall.

Rupert looked at her, sighed heavily, and shook his head. You just don’t understand, Alicia.

I understand plenty, Rupert, she said, raising her voice, not liking his condescending attitude. This was her kingdom as well as his, even more so considering he had married into it. Her involvement in its affairs would not be relegated to just a wife sitting on a throne. I understand that you attacked our own people today. You burned down the village of Millingham, killing many innocent people.

They had to be dealt with. A message had to be sent to the other villages. For God’s sakes, they attacked our collectors! Am I expected to let that go unpunished?

Alicia just stared at Rupert.

Well, am I?

She closed her eyes, turning her thoughts to the plight of the villagers, who had just gone through a harsh winter. Rupert had sent his henchmen to extract their last remaining grain reserves, even after they had pleaded to him. When he refused, they tried to retain the only food they had left to feed themselves. For that, they were massacred. It was not what her father would have done, she thought.

They worked hard for that food and you barely throw them scraps to live on, she finally said, opening her eyes.

I need that grain for my armies, Alicia. The troops must be at full strength to expand this kingdom and defend those very people that rose up against us this day. I will continue to exact the price that’s needed to be paid for that protection, he said, pounding his fist on his leg.

I won’t have it! Jersia deserves better! she shouted, putting her hands on her hips. She wanted so badly to shake him, but couldn’t stand the thought of having to touch him.

Rupert smiled once again, leaning backwards on the bed until he rested on his elbows. I haven’t seen you this worked up since I renamed your precious father’s castle from Worthington to Hastings. Nevertheless, I am not asking your opinion, my dear wife, Rupert said.

You bastard! Alicia growled, stomping towards him. Approaching him, she took notice of his widening grin. His enjoyment at her irritation only succeeded in infuriating her more. You can’t just let your people starve like that. They need food, she appealed.

When you are ruler of this empire, you can make those decisions, he snapped back at her. Rising from the bed, he brought his face just inches from hers. She could smell his putrid breath but she did not dare back away.

He had barely uttered those words when there was a loud sharp knock on the chamber door, catching Alicia with her mouth open ready to reply. Hesitating for just a second, Alicia glanced at the door, and then hurriedly said, I’d do a much better job than you! Not wanting to give him a chance to answer her, she turned her back on him and towards the door. What is it! she shouted.

Messenger… . word from the North, Milady, a mild voice said from the other side of the door.

Alicia turned back to Rupert, who was grinning once again. Furrowing her brow she looked intently at him. What do you have going on in the North? she bemused.

Why, expansion of your precious kingdom, my sweet, he said in a hushed voice.

Alicia blinked at him, as if she hadn’t heard what he had said. Expansion? What do you mean expansion? she blurted. Her face was feeling flush once again. Is that all you think about? Jersia is crumbling under its own weight and you just want to add more to it, she said, clenching her teeth.

Milady? the beleaguered voice managed to say, coming from the door, sounding a bit more urgent.

Come! Rupert yelled.

I’m not going to subject myself to this. Besides, I’m not dressed to receive anyone, she said, brushing by him to make her way to the dressing chamber. Pausing just a step, she turned back towards Rupert long enough to see the surprised look on the face of the young teenaged boy entering the chamber. She took notice of the scroll of parchment paper neatly tucked into the youth’s belt.

You should take care of lives that serve you on your present lands before extending it further, she insisted to Rupert.

Twirling on her heels, Alicia headed into her dressing chamber, leaving their muffled voices in her wake. She entered the large room, heading straight for the padded red velvet settee. It was situated in front of her mirrored vanity against the back wall, opposite the door. Her mind raced with no clear direction on what she was going to do next. The thought of Rupert’s scheming caused her much concern for what was to become of Jersia.

Burying her face in her hands, she tried desperately to hide from the outside world. Her soft sobs echoed in her palms, as a few small tears pooled inside them. They were tears for the people of Millingham, who had been sacrificed for the sake of Rupert’s leadership.

Soon, Alicia became vaguely aware that an almost inaudible chorus of whispers joined the sounds of her weeping. Slowly, she lifted her head. Looks of concern, mixed with alarm, greeted her from her handmaidens. Alicia could see they were frozen in place, unsure of whether to approach her. In her haste to get away from Rupert, she had brushed right past them, completely forgetting they were still here. Undoubtedly, her swift entrance had startled them.

Alicia scooped the air in front of her, a quiet signal for them to approach. The group of servants, whom she had come to refer to as ‘the girls’, had only been with her for a few months. Cynthia, Mary, Victoria, and Brittany looked amazingly similar to one another, a product of having been handpicked by Rupert.

Cynthia approached her first, while the others fell in behind her. Being the eldest of the young group of girls, she often was the only one that would speak to Alicia, even though she was her junior by almost fourteen years. Her long brown hair flowed behind her, away from her slender face, as she stepped lively across the room. Plain woolen dresses hung from each youth, which did nothing to reveal the type of figure any of them possessed. Nor, did it hide their beauty, which could have been mistaken for purity and innocence. Alicia was not fooled, however. She was well aware they hadn’t been chosen for the way they attended to her needs.

Milady, are you ill? Cynthia asked, stopping in front of her. The three other girls gathered in front of Alicia forming a semicircle, effectively cutting off her view of the door.

Yes, Cynthia, I am, but it’s nothing that can be fixed by herbs, she assured.

What do you require, Milady?

A new husband, Alicia quipped, noticing how Cynthia looked pained as if she were biting her lip to keep from smiling.

Pardon me? Cynthia asked, stepping back a bit to study the other girl’s eyes. Alicia could see she was looking for comfort from her own nervousness. The girl doesn’t know how to handle my mood, she thought.

Nothing, dear, Alicia sighed. I’m just saddened, is all. Cynthia knelt down in front of Alicia crowding out the others.

What causes you such grief, Milady? Cynthia asked, reaching up to hold on to Alicia’s trembling hands.

Alicia immediately became wary of Cynthia’s concern but did not show it. This kingdom is in a dire way. It pains me to think of how Jersia is no longer a proud empire. My father practically built it from nothing, she said, looking down into Cynthia’s eyes, her voice filled with melancholy. Feeling the start of tears forming, Alicia quickly looked away. How could things have deteriorated so much since his death?

King Worthington? Cynthia asked.

Alicia grabbed a handful of her petticoat, bringing it to her face to wipe away the moisture. When she was certain that tears no longer threatened to pour from her eyes, she dropped the cloth and looked back down at Cynthia.

What do you know of my father? Alicia asked.

Just what King Hastings has told me.

Then I’m certain, you know nothing of him. Nothing that is true anyway.

Cynthia simply nodded.

He was a very kind, considerate, compassionate man, who put this kingdom before his own pursuits, Alicia said, drawing her hands back to her chest as if trying to preserve memories of him. He was a modest man… . for a king, she said.

Alicia knew her father well. He never boasted of himself, nor drew attention to his exploits. How he had come to power, at times, had been a mystery to her. During some of her visits with the older peasants, she had been able to piece together some of the history but her father never spoke of it.

As a follower of William the Crusader, Henry Worthington had become a distinguished knight, fighting against injustices that had been put upon them from an evil regime. After a long fierce war, which conquered the entire body of land within the Mystical Seas, William had wasted no time in dividing his spoils among his deserving associates. Sir Worthington, as he was referred to then, became a respected noble along with ten other men. Each were given rights to pieces of land in the feudal state of Brannox, a name the newly crowned King William had given the continent.

I was toddler, when the Savior took King Worthington. I have no memory of him, although my parents spoke of him fondly. Cynthia said, taking her place besides the rest of the girls.

My father became Lord over the province of Jersia in the year 1236 of the Savior’s resurrection, although it was much smaller than what it is now, Alicia stated, almost as if she were giving a lesson.

Alicia remembered how impressed she had been to discover that he was the youngest vassal, at age twenty-one, to ever own a fief under William the Crusader. Her birth didn’t come for another ten years, which she was certain had given him time to mature, allowing him to handle an entire kingdom and fatherhood.

He was one of eleven nobles that governed under King William, she said, noticing the girls were intent on her words.

King William? Victoria asked.

Alicia sighed heavily. Where had Rupert found this particular group? It seemed to her that they had had no formal teachings at all. She rose, standing straight, brushing her petticoat to smooth the wrinkles.

Let’s get me dressed and I’ll tell you all about it, Alicia said, pushing between Mary and Victoria on her way to the rack of gowns the two had been standing by when she had come in. The foursome followed her as she went to pick out a gown.

She talked non-stop, as she busied herself surveying her collection of garments, then picking out a gorgeous hand embroidered blue silk gown adorned with many small jewels. Engrossed by Alicia’s tales, the girls helped her into her dress.

As they began to fuss over Alicia’s appearance, she relayed the stories she had heard many times from many different sources of how her father had come to power in times of turmoil and uncertainty. When King William mysteriously vanished from the kingdom of Brannox, it left a void of supremacy throughout the land. Eleven nobles, including her father, were suddenly left to manage themselves without the benefit of a ruling authority. Each ruler had a different idea for how the landscape of the empire should be allotted.

Immediately, stronger neighbors conquered two of the weaker provinces. However, in the years to come, three more nobles asked to join her father. This was as much a validation of principles her father used to run his province, as it was a repudiation of the other noble’s menacing ‘conquer at all costs’ styles. Believing in a brotherhood which would work together for the common good of man not simply for the good of its king, Henry Worthington’s ideals were held in high esteem.

At about the time Alicia had been born, the other provinces surrounded her nation’s borders, making it landlocked. While still a much smaller country than its adversaries, Jersia remained strong. Its strength was due, in no small part, to the people’s will to remain in a place where they were not treated simply as a resource to their king. Alicia told the girls of how King Worthington allowed his subjects pursuits that enriched their lives and not just his kingdom’s wealth.

Alicia was once again seated in front of her mirror, as three of the girls continued to swarm around her, inspecting her gown. Cynthia stood behind her, gently tugging the brush through Alicia’s natural curls. With her hair pulled back against her head, Alicia was almost surprised to see how her features stood out upon her slender face.

And when your father passed away? Cynthia asked, pulling Alicia back into the conversation.

By then, I was married to Rupert. He assumed leadership and promptly absorbed three of the remaining six countries, Alicia understated, as she shifted upon her settee. Glancing into the mirror at Cynthia, she could see the look on the girl’s face was one of fascination, almost as if she seemed in awe of Rupert’s exploits. Believe me, he is no conqueror, she said.

Alicia caught movement in the reflection in the mirror coming from behind Cynthia. Immediately, all activity stopped as Rupert stood in the doorway. Spinning on her seat, Alicia almost knocked Cynthia down.

Ah, but you are wrong! I am precisely that, a conqueror of lands! Rupert announced. His mood seemed considerably more upbeat than when Alicia had left him, and the fatigue had left his face.

The girls turned towards Rupert, parting to give Alicia full view of her husband. Stretching his elbows to the sides by putting both hands on his hips, it appeared he was trying to make his physique bigger than what it was. The first thing that caught her eye was the parchment scroll tucked inside his belt. Eventually, she tired of watching him trying to fill the doorway, so she stood and touched Cynthia on the shoulder.

You girls may go tend to your other daily chores, she said. They gave a formal turn and curtsy and in single file headed for the door. Rupert never even moved. Watching Rupert eye each girl as they approached him, Alicia felt embarrassed by his behavior. Her maidens were forced to squeeze themselves, one by one, between him and the door, rubbing up against him.

When the last of the maidens had pushed themselves out of the room, Rupert’s gaze matched Alicia’s. She stood there for a minute, waiting for any sign that Rupert was about to speak. He simply smiled. Tilting her head, turning her ear to him, Alicia let out a small sigh.

What is it, Rupert? she finally asked. What was that little visit all about?

Some things are not for a queen to know, he said, smirking. I’m surprised one of your spies hasn’t filled you in.

Maybe they have and I’m just testing their information, she said, sitting down in front of the mirror. Trying not to appear anxious, she casually applied some powder to whiten her skin. She wasn’t going to play his game. Allowing herself a few quick glances in the mirror, she could see the disappointment on his face. The cat would have to find another mouse to amuse him.

I see no harm in telling you, he relented. Our northern territories have always been hard to control because of its distance from Hastings. Wincing at the sound of the name, Alicia checked her mirror to see if Rupert had noticed. He hadn’t. Concerned more with his hair than with her, he primped in the mirror. We suspected that these mountain dwellers were responsible for the instability in the region. They were trying to turn our commoners against us.

I’m sure our people are looking to us for help, Alicia defended the Northerners. They are probably in need of food, protection, and leadership.

The Langtons were more than willing, he began.

The Langtons?

Yes, it is what the mountain dwellers called themselves, given my spies are as good as yours. They were more than happy to remind our commoners that we have abandoned them, as you say.

Are they that much of a threat to us? Alicia asked, standing and turning to study his face. Her curiosity and concern for Jersia had finally overtaken her to the point she didn’t care how she was perceived. Information is what she wanted now.

Not anymore. Rupert pulled the scroll from his belt, unrolled it and began to study it. Doing her best to get a glimpse of the wording, she saw nothing as he held it up in front of him. They weren’t really a formal nation to begin with but they had proved quite formidable. This message that was sent tells of a great castle, and a well equipped force. However, we have won the battle we began over a year ago. It has been liberated!

What about the other neighboring countries? Alicia probed. Seldom was Rupert this talkative about the kingdom’s affairs and she wanted to take advantage of it. Unlike her earlier encounter, Alicia listened intently to him. Still, she never took her eyes off the scroll.

It has been our only real threat. The kingdoms of Assaria and Kerwin are kept at bay by the Vaultron mountain range that encircles us. Here in the south, Hastings is too well equipped that the Rimes kingdom wouldn’t dare make a frontal assault on us. Our only weakness came from that bothersome piece of land to the north. That has now been dealt with, Rupert said, rolling up the scroll and tucking it back into his belt. She frowned as he looked at her.

What is to become of the Northerners, now?

The region is still very unstable and dangerous, Rupert said, casually walking over to her gowns. I will need to put someone in charge of our newly acquired castle.

Alicia watched Rupert brush his hand across her rack of dresses, seemingly unconcerned. Whom do you have in mind? she asked.

Much to her surprise, he reached for the scroll once again. Striding across the room, he handed it to her with such vigor she nearly jumped. Maybe you’ll recognize the name, he announced.

She stared down at the parchment, lying still in her hands. Just moments ago it appeared to be unattainable information that Rupert would never relinquish. Feeling as if he was now scrutinizing her every action, Alicia unrolled the scroll, revealing the elaborate writings.

To our beloved King Rupert Hastings,

I am pleased to bring you good tidings concerning our efforts in the northern regions of Jersia. On the seventieth day of the year 1276 of our Savior, our gallant army has overcome a menacing foe of the empire. The spoils of the battle are great as it includes an enormous mountain fortress. I am sending this message with Godspeed to spread this glorious word. My arrival to Hastings will follow, so that I may give Your Highness a personal account of our victory. Some disturbing details remain. I estimate I shall succeed this message by a few hours. I trust the king will have everything in order for my arrival.

My loyalties to Jersia and its king,

Sir Garrett Covington.

The ornate signature at the bottom of the scroll mesmerized her. She had seen it on many documents, some that even Rupert hadn’t seen. While the handsome red calligraphy stood out upon dried sheepskin, it was whom the signature represented that had her entranced.

Garrett Covington’s whereabouts had remained a mystery to her for well over a year, which now made sense to her. The knight had simply vanished one day last spring. Although she had suspected Rupert’s hand in his departure, her inquiries always went unanswered, oftentimes met with laughter. It was one secret he had managed to keep from her quite well. Now, Garrett’s imminent arrival here at Hastings gave her something to look forward to. She allowed herself to smile.

Realizing Rupert was still watching her, she quickly let her face go blank. You are planning on having Garrett command the new region? she asked, with no inflection in her voice.

Alicia startled when Rupert snatched the scroll from her hands, rapidly rolled it up and shoved it into his belt. He is the only one familiar with the region, he snapped back at her, as he began to pace between her and the door.

I have no other option. This kingdom would be better served if control of the region was from royalty but at the moment I do not have that luxury. The people will not respect rule from a mere commoner but he will have to deal with that as best he can, he mused.

Alicia could barely keep from laughing out loud at the irony of his statement. Before she had married him, giving him access to the throne, Rupert had been a meager shepherd lost in his flock. Not wanting to anger him further, she did her best to stay composed.

Rupert’s pacing quickened, as he scanned the stones on the floor. His grin widened, giving Alicia the impression that he was becoming more enthused about whatever was going on in his head. Without warning, he strode right up to Alicia and grabbed her shoulders. This is such good news! I feel I can conquer anything, he stated.

Alicia looked away from him. Why so sad, my dear? This is exactly what you wanted. We will be closer to the peasants and hear their demands.

I fear you still will not hear them, she protested.

Rupert squeezed her shoulders tighter, as if to make a point. If they insist on foolish demands, then I will crush their insubordination and keep them all under my thumb.

She twisted from Rupert’s grip. Turning away from him, and stepping forward to look at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were tinged with streaks of red from her earlier crying. How could she live like this? Knowing that she was part of other people’s misery was beginning to weigh on her. Not wanting to see Rupert’s gloating, she closed her eyes.

Although Alicia heard no footsteps to give away Rupert’s approach, she could sense his closeness. He was slipping in behind her. Feeling his hot breath on the back of her neck, she could almost tell what he was thinking. Knowing that he always got this way after a victory, she felt his slimy lips touch her left ear. She cringed. Fearing a violent outburst from him, she fought the urge to run from the room. Alicia squirmed.

His lips brushed the back of her neck. See my precious, he hissed, as her shoulders tensed at his words. You ask for a ruler for your poor laborers that we were about to starve, and I can place one there for you. She could feel him working his way across her neck to her other ear. Your king has provided for you, he whispered.

Alicia was now on the verge of physically getting sick and she needed to be free of him. Wanting to be where he couldn’t touch her any more. Are you sure you want your best knight so far away from defending this kingdom? she asked, attempting to distract him.

Feeling his cold clammy hands run down the side of her neck and touch the exposed flesh of her right shoulder, Alicia wanted to jump from her seat. He droned on. It seemed to her that even he wasn’t interested in his own words. Maybe you would like to take charge of our northern region? he