The Reign of Trees Read Free

specific reason for leaving his wife’s side.
    His backside was still imposing, even at this distance. Although his horse was not any taller than the others, Leif towered over the other men. He was a good head taller than any man she had ever seen. But Leif was more than just tall: he was large in stature as well. His shoulders were broad. His arms bulged with muscles. His thigh was as thick as her torso. It was no wonder King Gregory had selected Leif as heir to the throne. Leif was intimidating: a fearless warrior. He was someone who commanded respect based on size alone.
    Shortly before the wedding, her father had said, mostly in jest, “The Duke of Harrington might prove to be a better rule than I.” But her father’s forehead wrinkled as he said this, signifying this was a real concern. No king wanted to be outshined by his successor, especially when that successor was not even flesh and blood. Then her father had kissed both her cheeks and said, “The future of our kingdom sits upon your head.”
    Yes, she knew this all too well. If she died before producing an heir, or was found unfit to be queen through any other means, the law of the kingdom of Burchess would not allow Leif to inherit the throne. With her marriage came the expectation that within the year, she would become a mother as well. She dreaded that second life change more than the first. How could she love a child when she did not love the child’s father?
    Since there was no one else to talk to, Illianah began a conversation with her horse. Her name was Kasba, indicating her southern heritage. But her bloodlines must have been muddled somewhere, as she was not as regal as her predecessors. “Tell me Kasba, how it feels to bear such weight upon your back,” Illianah said, not caring if she was seen speaking out loud to her horse.
    The horse whinnied appropriately, as if she had actually understood Illianah. “I cannot say I would like it much. I prefer to be free. Unencumbered.” This time the horse did not acknowledge Illianah, but she continued talking anyway, “I suppose you have never known what it is like to be free.… Then again, I’ve never been truly free either, but I have dreamt of it.”
    Just as Illianah began to ponder whether Kasba had ever had a wild heart, or whether she had been born into captivity, two soldiers crested the hill just ahead, rushing at full speed toward the royal procession. They stopped and spoke with their Highness, Prince Harrington. His horse stopped as well. And while she could not hear the words, she could tell that the soldiers had brought distressing news. Leif turned and raced his horse toward her, the small pack of soldiers at his tail.
    Leif’s eyes were wide, his face panicked. “An army from Deltegra has crossed our border. They are marching here … to Freidlenburg.” His words were rushed and full of fear.
    “What? From Deltegra? That is impossible.”
    “It is not impossible. It is happening. Our scouts have discovered them, just north of here by three miles.”
    “What?” Illianah again asked. Deltegra was a small country. Its army, also small. And they were initiating an attack on Burchess? That was absurd.
    “I must go warn your father. You, you and you,” Leif said, pointing to three soldiers, “ride with me. The rest of you take the princess and secure the castle.”
    “You will leave me here … while we are under attack?” Illianah’s shock had grown to bewilderment.
    “We cannot fight them, Your Highness. They outnumber us ten to one. We must get the army from the capitol and return. You will be safe inside.” Leif’s horse was prancing nervously, obviously sensing the anxiety of his rider. He cast his fear-filled eyes upon her momentarily, then he nodded at the men, who then turned their horses back to Freidlenburg Castle.
    “Do not leave me here! I can ride with you.” Leif instantly shook his head, but she continued to plead her cause. “I am an expert rider. I will