The Queen Read Free

Baylin
apologized, studying his father’s aged face. “It was never my
intention to cause you pain.”
    “Your father needs his rest,” the Queen
whispered. “I will stay with him until Master Keon comes.”
    Baylin nodded. “If you’re sure, then I will
take my leave.”
    “Wait,” the King rasped, reaching out his
hand to the Prince. “I would ask something of you.”
    “Anything, Father,” Baylin said, taking his
father’s hand.
    “Send a bird to your uncle,” Ashmur pleaded.
“Write to him and ask him to return home.”
    Baylin wanted to be angry, but seeing his
frail father made the resentment die before it could surface. “If
that is what you wish, Father. But know that he will not be allowed
into the Kingdom without a dozen of my guards on him at all
times.”
    “Spoken like a true King,” Ashmur murmured
as sleep finally took him.

Chapter Three

    Baylin returned to his chamber to find Luana
awake holding their son. The sun shone through the window, the
light creating a halo as it reflected off her silvery hair. He
smiled as her face lit up at the sight of him coming through the
door.
    Ferric stood inside the door, keeping watch
over them. “Baylin, back already?”
    The Prince shut the door behind him.
“Ferric, thank you for keeping watch. I refuse to take Cadman’s
threat lightly.”
    Ferric pulled in close to Baylin. “Any news
on Mirstone?”
    “Yes. Gather all the men and have them meet
in the great hall,” Baylin instructed. “I will be there within the
hour.”
    Ferric nodded and opened the door to leave
but then turned back toward the Prince. “Oh, and Baylin?”
    “Yes?”
    “He’s perfect.” Ferric smiled. “Well
done.”
    The Prince reached out and embraced him in a
firm hug. “Thank you, my friend. Now our job is to protect him and
this Kingdom.”
    “Understood,” Ferric said, turning and
leaving the room.
    Baylin shut the door behind Ferric, turning
his attention back to Luana at the bed.
    “Your Grace,” the handmaid Meg said with a
curtsey as Baylin crossed the room to the bed. “The young miss just
woke not but a few moments before you arrived. I urged her to rest
but she wanted to hold the baby.”
    The Prince turned to the young handmaid.
“That is perfectly fine. Your service is greatly appreciated. You
are a credit to us, Meg.”
    The young girl blushed at his compliment.
“Thank you, Your Grace. You are too kind.”
    “It is true,” Luana spoke, causing the
little bundle in her arms to wiggle and coo. “I truly believe I
would not have survived without you, my dear.” She smiled at the
girl, who continued to blush.
    “Meg, would you mind drawing a bath for
Luana?” Baylin asked. “I would have her cleaned and made
comfortable. Also, once she is recovered and feels able, I would
ask you to attend her as she makes her way through the castle.”
    “Through the castle?” Luana asked, her brow
furrowed with confusion.
    Baylin sat down on the bed next to her,
putting his arms around her gently. “Yes, I’m certain you will want
to give our son a proper tour of his home.”
    “Your Grace, is it true?” Meg piped up. “Do
you mean to say the Bed Wife Law has been overturned?”
    The Prince frowned. “It has not been
overturned yet, but I am resending the requirement that she be
confined to her chambers. She is the mother of my child, and in
time, I believe she will be the Queen of Grasmere.”
    Luana’s mouth dropped open in shock, worry
etched on her face. “Your father? He’s not…”
    “No, he is still with us,” Baylin soothed.
“Though, to be honest, I am unsure of how long that will be. I have
made this decision as presiding Regent, whether Father approves or
not. This nonsense must stop, and I begin with you, my love.”
     
    *****
     
    By the time Baylin walked into the great
hall, every general, captain and soldier stood waiting on him. As
he made his way to the front of the gathering, he could see the
anxiety and worry in their