The Queen's Command

Maddoc Caddon, the true King of Calumbria, looked over the balcony off his bedroom in the summer palace of Calumbria. The first signs of spring were all around. The snow had melted away. The trees were regaining their leaves, and the grass on their small island had started to turn green. The wind off the ocean still held a bite, but it was much more bearable to be outside.

His thoughts shifted to Quinlan. It would be time for the spring planting, and the village would be busy. He always hated spring because it meant most of his friends who were lords would be busy with their fathers learning about their lands. The young women would be engaged with lessons and fittings for new spring and summer gowns, and Maddoc would have little companionship.

How different his life was now. The things that were once so important to him seemed so frivolous. A year ago, all he wanted was to drink and laugh with his friends before bedding attractive women. He ignored his kingdom, leaving the work of his position to his mother and his uncle. He thought at the time he enjoyed his life, but now he saw how empty it was.

He looked back towards the bedroom, seeing the large bed against the far wall. Still asleep amongst all its covers lay the reason his whole life had changed. He quietly said her name to himself, “Anwen.”

After being attacked outside her palace, Anwen saw to his safety and healing. When her aunt refused to give him shelter, she pledged to take him back to his kingdom. On their journey, she saved his life numerous times while placing her own in danger. She spent time teaching him what it meant to truly lead a kingdom. She told him the truth even when he didn’t want to hear it.

He quickly fell in love with her, and now he couldn’t imagine his life without her. He almost lost her a little over two months ago, and she was still feeling some of the effects of her injuries. Little by little, she was getting better. Whatever her aunt had given her to subdue her had started to wear off. Her wound had finally healed, and her strength had begun to come back. He was glad to see the sparkle back in her eyes when she talked with him. She was able to stay up longer in the day and even go for short walks on their island.

Soon, she would be fully healed, and though Maddoc wanted her well, he dreaded what it would mean. She would wish to go back to Quinlan and Lucidala. She would want to secure their kingdoms and crowns. He knew she was right, but the thought that she could be hurt again or worse was too much. He was so tempted to run away with her, to convince her to leave the land with him. A quiet life with Anwen by his side sounded much better than one where she was continually in danger.

Maddoc turned and walked back into the bedroom. Going to the bed, he lay back down and took Anwen into his arms. He hated to wake her but was desperate to hold her. Due to her injury and exhaustion, he could not express his love for her as he usually would. He wanted her to be completely healed and well, but he missed making love to her.

She gave a slight sigh as she burrowed into him. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Things were not ideal in Maddoc’s life. There was so much wrong and uncertain, but as he held Anwen against him and kissed her tenderly, he found himself content.

“Maddoc, what time is it?” she asked quietly.

“Very early, my love. You should sleep more if you like.”

She moved back from him and stretched. “I sleep too much. I will never regain my strength if I do not start pushing myself.” Her eyes opened, and she reached up to touch Maddoc’s face. “There is so much I need and want to do. I need to start training you with your powers, and we need to set a date to head back towards Quinlan or Lucidala.”

“I want you to be completely well first, and there is something else I insist happen before we leave this place.”

She moved back into his arms. “Do you think the town priest will actually do it? There is no telling what rumors have made their way here.”

“Whatever talk is going around the kingdom, the fact remains that I am the king. I believe I can convince the priest to marry us. If he will not, I will travel to other villages until I find one that will. I cannot wait much longer for you to be my wife.”

Anwen moved up until she was face to face with him, “I want very much to be your wife, and you, my husband.” She leaned in and kissed him.

It caught him off guard how passionate it was. Her kisses the past few weeks had been soft and short. This one was searching and firm. It was full of desire. As her hands moved up Maddoc’s chest, he felt himself start to get lost in his need and want for her. His body reacted to her touch almost immediately. Before it could go too far, he took her hands and pulled back.

“What is it?” she asked with a small pout. “Are you already tired of me?”

“Of course not, but I do not wish to push you too far. You still have trouble staying up for the whole day, and I know your side still bothers you. I will let nothing get in the way of your recovery, no matter how tempting.”

She moved back against him and kissed him. “I am feeling better. I have missed you, Maddoc. It feels wrong not to be with you in this way.”

He groaned a little before kissing her gently. “It will not be long, my love. We can go for a walk today outdoors after breakfast. You can try to help me with my gift. We will see how well your strength holds up. I believe you are getting better, and when you are completely well, I will love you like I have been longing to do.”

They both prepared for their day and went downstairs to eat breakfast in the smaller dining area. There were only a few servants at the summer palace. They had all been very helpful since Maddoc and Anwen arrived, but he could tell they were confused. He had spoken with the housekeeper about the situation, ensuring no one sent any messages to the Grand Palace about Maddoc and Anwen staying there.

Maddoc did not wish anyone to know where they were at the moment. He wished he could tell his mother he was safe, and he knew Anwen was desperate to contact her mother and Lord Aidan. Maddoc was afraid any messages sent would be intercepted. He worried about what his uncle would do to him and, more so, Anwen.

If Prince Korben believed that Anwen was really betrothed to him, he might demand she returned. Maddoc would never allow it. He didn’t care which lords his uncle had on his side or how many guards he held under his thumb. Maddoc knew he had his own support from many lords. The captain of the royal guard was firmly on Maddoc’s side. Many of Matthias's men would resign before they were forced to go against their commander.

They sat together at the table and ate breakfast. Maddoc was pleased to see Anwen eat better than she had in a while. She had grown thin, and there wasn’t much to her to begin with. While she was small, she had always exuded health and strength to Maddoc. Since they had come to the summer palace, she had been so pale. The servants had done their best to find her some gowns, but they all hung loosely away from Anwen’s waist. He hoped her appetite had truly returned, and she would soon regain the weight she had lost.

After breakfast, they prepared to go outside. As Maddoc helped Anwen with her cloak, the housekeeper came up to them with a displeased look on her face.

“May I help you, Mrs. Drivens?” asked Maddoc.

“I am about to make a list of supplies needed for the next few weeks. I was wondering how long you and the princess plan to stay here, so I can be prepared,” said Mrs. Drivens.

Anwen looked at Maddoc. “I believe we hope to move on soon, Mrs. Drivens. I know this has all been very odd, and you were not prepared to receive us when we came. With your lower numbers of staff, we must be a burden on you.”

Mrs. Drivens's expression softened. “We are pleased to serve our king and any guest he may have, Your Highness. It is not a burden. It is our duty. I only wish to be prepared for you and the King through your entire stay.”

“I think you can plan for us to be here for at least another month,” said Maddoc, causing Anwen to look at him sharply. “I would like my betrothed to be fully healed before we leave, and there is an important event that must take place before we go.”

“An event?” asked the housekeeper. “Will I need to procure more servants and food for this event?”

“No,” said Anwen. “It will be very small, just the King, myself, and you and your staff. You will not need to go to any extra trouble for it. Except, I might need a new dress.”

Mrs. Drivens looked Anwen up and down. “I think you need a few new things for the season since you did not bring anything with you. If you are traveling soon, you will need a dress for that as well. There is a dressmaker in town. She is not used to fitting a princess, but I am sure she can come up with something serviceable.”

“I am not picky. Whatever she can manage for me, I will be very satisfied.” Anwen finished clasping her cloak. “I can go to her in a few days.”

“She can come here, Your Highness. There is no need for you to trouble yourself by going into the village,” said Mrs. Drivens.

“I wish to go into the village. I am feeling better and want to see all this area has to offer. This palace is so lovely, and you do such a good job seeing over it. I am sure the village is very charming.”

“Well, I grew up there, so I will not argue with you,” said Mrs. Drivens with a smile. “I can accompany you to see the dressmaker if you like, Your Highness. I can show you whatever you want to see in the village.”

“I would like that very much,” said Anwen. “If it is convenient for you, I would like to go in two days. Could you send a note to the dressmaker to see if that works for her?”

“Of course, Your Highness. I will see to it at once.” Mrs. Drivens curtsied to Anwen. She turned to go before stopping and curtsying before Maddoc. “Your Majesty.”

She left as Maddoc offered Anwen his arm. “You certainly can be very charming, my love. You seemed to have won Mrs. Drivens over in less than a minute. I have always been a little afraid of her.”

“She strikes me as a very good woman though she is a little serious. She is very proud of her work here, and I think our arrival threw off her schedule. She was a little unsettled is all. She just wants to be appreciated for all she does.”

“I am glad I shall have a queen who understands these things. I am afraid that I am rather bad at reading people.”

“You are not,” argued Anwen. “You are just used to having your own way, and all your commands carried out without question. You are a king, and it is understandable. Your servants will do what you wish because of who you are. Most royals don’t care if their staff likes and respects them, but I have always taken pains to get to know my servants.

“They are people with lives that don’t always revolve around my wants and needs. I have met many worthy and wonderful people many would have overlooked. It is not why I do it, but I have benefited from having servants on my side. They hear many things that you and I would never hear. They know more of what is going on in our palaces and villages than we can imagine.”

Maddoc opened the door, and they walked out into the fresh, cool spring air. “I feel like you will forever be teaching me things, Anwen.”

“I do not mind it as long as you do mind learning, my king.” Anwen laughed a little. She put her free hand on his arm as she moved very close to him. “You have taught me things as well, and your teachings are much more fun.”

Maddoc looked down at her as she gave him a small smirk and a raised eyebrow. “I am not sure how much I have taught you, actually. You seemed rather skilled to me the first time.”

“I suppose I am a fast learner, or you were so far under my spell, you didn’t notice.”

Maddoc laughed. “I think it is probably a little of the first and most of the second. I do not mind. Loving you has brought me greater joy than I have ever known. I sometimes wonder what would have happened to me had I never met you.”

“I suppose you would have married as your mother and uncle liked. I believe you could have still been a very good king, but I am not sure how happy you would have been with Princess Meira.”

“Not happy at all. I would have always felt incomplete and like I was searching for something or someone. It would have been you, of course. What would have come of you, do you think?”

Anwen shrugged. “I am not sure. I was so miserable and angry. Even if I had remained single, I never would have been able to reconcile with Lachlan no matter how much he said he wanted and loved me. I could never trust him again, and I could not do it to Gwendolyn. Even if she might deserve it.”

Maddoc closed his eyes for a second as they walked to the side of the palace towards the sea. He had thought much of Lachlan and his stupidity. The man had almost inadvertently killed Anwen. He hoped never to see him again. If he did, he would have a hard time not killing Lachlan on the spot.

“You seem agitated, Maddoc. You must know I do not desire Lachlan. Perhaps I was in love with him when I was younger, but I am afraid it was a shallow, girlish love. If I had married him, I doubt either of us would have been happy for long.”

“I am not worried about you wanting Lachlan. I am thinking of what he did to you. He almost killed you, Anwen. He would have had not my hidden Gift responded. If I meet with him again, I do not think I could hold back my rage.”

They stopped walking as they came close to some bushes that held some pink buds. Anwen took both of his hands. “Do not think of it. I am alive and here with you. As much as I don’t like the man, he did not mean to hurt me. He was being stupid and impulsive, but it was I who walked into his path. I did not know where I was going, and I was so disoriented. All I knew was I heard your voice, and I had to get to you.”

“I still can’t believe what my uncle did to you, Anwen. I shouldn’t have underestimated how far he would go to have what he wanted. I should never have left you.”

“You left because you thought your people were in need. That is what a good king does. You could not have known your uncle was tricking you. I should have been warier of my aunt, but I didn’t believe she would stoop to such things. I knew she was never fond of me, but we are family. I thought that meant something.”

Maddoc raised Anwen’s hand and kissed it. “I would have done anything to spare you from the pain you must have experienced during that time I was gone. You must have felt so abandoned by me.”

“I did long for you. Even when I had no idea where I was, I thought about you. I dreamed of you many times when I was lost in sleep. I think those sweet dreams are what helped me keep my sanity.”

Maddoc leaned down and kissed her as her hand went to his cheek. He spent several moments just holding her close, happy and relieved to have her with him.

“Now,” said Anwen pulling back. “I am going to have to be your teacher once again. You have a Gift you must learn to use. While I do not pretend to have full control over all my powers, I believe I have more experience than you. I can help you up to a point, and then together, we can figure out the rest.”

She took his hand and led him to the bush with the pink buds. “These buds will blossom on their own in a few weeks, but with just a bit of our power, we can open them now.” Anwen touched a bud with two of her fingers. After a few seconds, it opened into a beautiful full pink flower.

“How do you do it?” asked Maddoc as he touched the soft petals of the flower.

She again put a bud between two of her fingers. “I just imagine the flower fully opened and ask my Gift to make it so.” She was quiet for a moment before another fully bloomed flower appeared. “You give it a try.”

Maddoc nodded and touched a bud as Anwen did with two fingers.

“Now imagine a fully bloomed flower from the bud. Try to imagine what its soft petals feel like and the exact shade of pink it should be. It sometimes helps if you close your eyes.”

Maddoc closed his eyes, keeping a hold of the bud. He tried to envision the flower fully open. He tried to think how soft the petals were and what a vivid shade of pink they should be. After a few moments, he opened his eyes to find the bud had not bloomed.

“It’s okay,” said Anwen. “It will take you some time to do it. You have just discovered your Gift. You have to learn to speak to it. Do not be discouraged; just try again.”

Maddoc tried several more times. The day around them started to turn from morning towards mid-day. The last time he tried, Maddoc opened his eyes, feeling exhausted and discouraged. “Perhaps, we were mistaken. Maybe it was you all along who healed yourself and brought us here.”

“No. A life-giver cannot heal themselves. It was you who saved me, and you helped bring us here. I was too weak to do it alone.” She took his hand and placed it over the bud. “Here, let me help you.” She kept her hand on his as he held the bud between his two fingers.

She spoke very softly to him. “Close your eyes, Maddoc. Look inside yourself for the Gift you know is there. You can hear it speak to you if you are very quiet and still. It is the smallest whisper. It will call your name, claiming you. It wants you to claim it back. Acknowledge that it is there.”

She was silent for several minutes as Maddoc looked inside himself. He stood as still as he could and tried to empty his mind. After a moment, he could feel something that laid deep within his chest. In his head, he could hear the quietest whisper saying his name.

“I hear you,” he whispered.

“Good,” said Anwen. “Now, ask it to do as you envision. Tell it to open this flower.”

Maddoc asked his Gift to use his power to open the flower. He felt Anwen’s hand start to warm on his. Her warmth spread to him. Something in his chest sparked, causing the warm feeling to go from his hand throughout his body. Keeping his eyes closed, Maddoc concentrated, envisioning the flower.

He heard Anwen gasp, and his eyes flew open. He looked at her to see her staring at the bush in wonder. He turned to the bush to find not just the bud in his hand had bloomed, but the whole bush. Vivid pink flowers covered the plant, every single one of them perfect.

Anwen laughed. “Well, Maddoc, I think this should show you that you definitely have the Gift. You are a life-giver.”

He picked one of the flowers and handed it to her. “I think this has more to do with your power than mine.”

She took the flower and smiled at him. “Perhaps it is our conjoined power. I could feel my Gift respond to yours. I wonder if other life-givers had the same connection.”

“You would know more about it than I would.” He took her hand. “It is almost lunchtime, and I will not have you miss a meal. Besides, I am sure the servants have gone to great lengths to make sure we have a nice lunch. I would not want their work to go unappreciated.”

“You are learning quickly, my king,” said Anwen as she started to walk with him.

“I have a very tempting teacher who makes it impossible to ignore her lessons.”

“I believe it is your turn to show me something soon,” she said with some significance.

He stopped and pulled her close to him. “There is much I wish to show you, my princess, and as soon as you are well enough, I will start.”

He brought his hand up to caress her cheek before putting it behind her head and gently pulling her into a kiss. It felt so right and good to have her so close. Every part of him wanted to pick her up and take her straight to their bed, but he composed himself and pulled back as she groaned.

“You will have to be patient,” he said as he kissed the tip of her nose. “What I have to show you will require you to be in top shape.”

She sighed. “Then I will do everything I can to get completely better as quickly as possible, including eating a good lunch.” They started walking again.

“I think some quiet time reading together in the library would help in your recovery. I wish to research some of the kingdom and plan our upcoming journey. After that, I think an afternoon nap would benefit both of us. I can at least hold you.”

“Sounds like as ideal of a day that is possible at the moment. I will follow your commands, my king. At least for today,” she teasingly said, causing Maddoc to laugh.

It was dark and cold. Anwen could find no source of light anywhere. She felt alone and scared. She had people around her almost all her life she could depend on, but now she felt abandoned. She called out for her mother, but there was no return. She yelled Brennan’s name, but he did not appear. She ran forward, not able to see where she was going. It felt as if thick briars tore at her skirt and pricked her arms.

There had to be someone, somewhere, who could help her. “Lord Aidan?” she called through the darkness. Again, she was met with silence. As she kept moving forward, she thought of Maddoc. He would not leave her. He promised he would stay by her side. He must be close by.

“Maddoc?” she called. “Maddoc, where are you?”

She saw a light appear up ahead, and she thought perhaps it was him. She increased her speed, running as quickly as she could towards the light. She was met not with hope or relief but with anxiety and a deep sense of fear as she got towards it. The light was not warm and welcoming. It was dim and eerie. She felt a coldness spread through her body.

She slowed down, moving very slowly towards the light. As she approached, she could see a tall figure of a man standing in the middle of the light. The man’s back was turned, but he had dark hair and broad shoulders.

“Maddoc?” she asked quietly.

The figure turned slowly, and she could see it was not Maddoc. “The king is off doing his duty, princess, but do not worry. I will see that you are taken care of.” Prince Korben walked towards her as Anwen stopped at the edge of the light.

“No,” she whispered. “Stay away from me.” She wasn’t sure why, but she had never felt so afraid. She did not want the prince to touch her. She was scared if he touched her, she would be forced to stay with him.

“Princess, why do you shy away from me? I am all you have left. Your mother cannot help you. Your friends have their own cares. The king has finally realized what is right for the kingdom. You have no choice but to come with me.”

She tried to back away, but she felt trapped in the prince’s presence. “I will not come with you. I do not believe you. My mother would never leave me alone. Brennan and Lord Aidan will come to help me.” She paused and felt tears fall down her cheeks. “Maddoc said he would not leave me again. He loves me.”

The prince shook his head as he walked very close to her. “Princess, haven’t you learned anything? Love isn’t real. All that matters is power and what you can gain from this life. You and I can rule this whole land if you let us. With your power and my alliances, we can make both of our kingdoms the most powerful forces in all the land. Do not resist me.”

She shook her head. “You are wrong.” She wanted to scream it, but it came out as a pathetic whisper.

She felt so weak and tired. Everyone had left her. Maddoc had broken his promise to her. What choice did she have? She reached out her hand towards Prince Korben. He smiled at her and reached out his own towards her. Right as their hands touched, Anwen bolted up awake in the bed.

She gave out a loud gasp and realized her face was wet with her tears. She shook as she clutched her blanket, trying to gain control of herself. It took her a moment to realize that she was back in the king’s bedroom of the summer palace. She could see the moon through the window in front of her.

“Anwen?” said Maddoc sleepily as he sat up. He looked at her before putting his arms around her and holding her close. “What is it?”

She cried harder as she held on to him. She felt so silly and weak. It was just some nightmare. It was not something that could really hurt her, but it had felt so real. The pain of thinking everyone who loved her had abandoned her was sitting in the center of her chest. It felt heavy and made it hard for her to breathe.

“It’s alright,” said Maddoc soothingly. “I’m here, and you’re safe.”

She had been having nightmares for a few weeks. The first few days at the summer palace, Anwen was too exhausted and weak to do anything but sleep. If she dreamed during those times, she did not remember it. As she regained her strength, she started experiencing some sort of bad dreams, at least every other night. Most she could shrug off and go back to sleep. None had been so terrifying as the one she had just had.

She pushed back from Maddoc and wiped her eyes as she sniffled. The heavy weight in her chest was starting to lessen, and her fear was dissipating.

“Do you want to talk about it?” asked Maddoc.

She shook her head. As her breathing calmed down and her shaking stopped, she suddenly felt exhausted. “I’m just very tired. I wish to sleep.”

They both lay back down, and Maddoc took her into his arms. She put her head against his chest and closed her eyes. “You will never leave me, will you?” she asked. She felt weak and foolish, but she needed to hear his reassurances.

“No, I will never leave you, Anwen. I could never be without you.”

She snuggled deeper into his embrace. “I love you, Maddoc. Sometimes, I wish we really could just run away.”

His hold on her tightened. “I would do it in a second, Anwen, if you asked me. I would do anything for you.”

“I will not ask it of you because it is not right. You must take care of Calumbria, and I must see to Lucidala. Our people need us.” She looked up at him. “It does not mean that I want to put anything ahead of you. I need you, Maddoc.”

He gently kissed her forehead. “I do not doubt your love, Anwen, and you should never doubt mine. I never thought I could love anyone as I love you.” She reached up and laid her hand against his bearded cheek. He turned and kissed it. “Sleep now, my love. You need rest. Everything will seem better in the morning.”

She put her hand down and burrowed into his chest, letting his warmth and comfort soothe her back to sleep.

The air outside was cool, but the day was sunny. Anwen looked across the sea in front of her. She could just make out the village in the distance.

“Are you ready, Anwen?” asked Maddoc.

Anwen looked at the boat before her in which Mrs. Drivens was already sitting. She nodded and took the hand Maddoc offered her. He helped her into the boat, and she sat down.

“Your majesty, Graves could have come with us and rowed. There was no need for you to do it yourself,” said Mrs. Drivens.

“I do not mind doing it, and I am sure Graves has other things he needs to do today.” Maddoc stepped into the boat and sat down, picking up an oar. He pushed off from the wooden platform, and they started their journey.

Anwen had not spent much time by the sea. She had gone when she was young, but it had been many years. She looked out, noticing how the sunlight reflected off the water. The water sprayed a little a couple of times, coating her face and dress in a fine mist. She laughed, enjoying the sensation.

“How nice it must have been to grow up close to the sea, Mrs. Drivens.”

“It has its advantages,” answered the woman. “I love sea air, though it can be fishy. In summer, it is nice to wade into the water, and travel is easy. Winters are a different story. It usually gets unbearable cold this far north, and we are stuck where we are for a few months. If one isn’t prepared, it can be a deadly season.”

“Your village looks prosperous,” noted Anwen as they got close to the shore.

“It is. There are many hardworking folk who make it so. Having the summer palace here has helped it to grow. When the king is in residence in the summer having parties, it makes for good work and easy sale of supplies.”

“I hope Princess Anwen and I will spend many happy summers here, Mrs. Drivens,” said Maddoc. “I can already tell my betrothed enjoys this place. We might even stay longer than usual in the years to come.”

Mrs. Drivens smiled but said no more. They pulled into a large dock as a man came and helped them. He tied up their boat as Maddoc stepped onto the platform. He held out his hand for Anwen and then Mrs. Drivens. They walked into the village on the cobbled streets. It was a very clean, handsome place that was a little smaller than Awbrey.

“The dressmaker is just down this way,” said Mrs. Drivens.

Maddoc looked towards the town’s temple. “Wil you be alright on your own for a short time?”

“Of course, we will,” said Anwen. “We will meet with the dressmaker, and then Mrs. Drivens can give me a small tour of the village if she doesn’t mind.”

“Only if you are up to it. I do not want you to tire yourself out,” said Maddoc.

“I feel very refreshed today. The sea air has done me much good, and it is so nice to see new sites,” said Anwen. She looked at Mrs. Drivens. “Shall we go?”

Mrs. Drivens nodded as Maddoc said, “I will not be long. I will find you when I am done and join you for your tour.”

The dressmaker was a short, plump woman who bustled around Anwen, taking her measurements and assuring her she could make her whatever she needed. Anwen only asked for three dresses for daywear, a simple traveling dress that would blend in with most villages, and one special dress. She wanted it to be red and gold as those were the colors of her kingdom. She wished for it to be simple but not forgettable.

“I know this might not be possible,” said Anwen. “But if there any way to have a tree with many branches and leaves stitched on it or incorporated in the fabric, I would appreciate it. It is the symbol of my kingdom, and I would like to wear it for this occasion.”

“What occasion is this dress for, your highness?” asked the dressmaker.

Anwen looked at Mrs. Drivens before saying quietly, “My wedding.”

The dressmaker stopped what she was doing and stared at Anwen. “Your wedding? Your wedding to the king? You wish me to make a wedding dress?”

“Yes, but it will be a simple affair. Maddoc and I will wed from the summer palace. I am sure we will have some other event one day in Quinlan, but he wishes to marry me before we return.”

“You will have your wedding here?” asked the dressmaker.

“I’m sorry, mam, but I believe the princess was very clear,” said Mrs. Drivens. “She will wed here and wishes you to make the dress for the event. You need no more information than that. You should be honored and humbled to make such an important garment for our future queen.”

The dressmaker nodded. “Very well. I believe I can do all you have asked. I have a couple of assistants, and we will put all other work aside to finish what you need. We can have it all done in less than a month.”

“Thank you,” said Anwen. “If you could work on the wedding dress first, that would be helpful. I believe it will need to be done as soon as can be.”

“I am sure the king will pay handsomely if you can have it done quickly,” said Mrs. Drivens.

The dressmaker nodded as Mrs. Drivens looked at some fabric. The dressmaker leaned in close to Anwen. “Do I need to make some of your dresses with a larger waistline? I do not wish to pry, but if you will be… expanding in the coming months, it would be helpful to know.”

Anwen felt her face burn and knew her cheeks were red. She shook her head. “There will be no need for that. I am not expecting to be expanding any time soon.”

The dressmaker paused for a moment but then nodded. “I shall do all as you ask, your highness.”

They left the dressmaker soon after, Anwen exhausted by the whole experience. She looked at Mrs. Drivens, wondering what the woman thought of her marrying the king so quickly and secretly.

“Are you ready for a tour, your highness?” asked Mrs. Drivens.

“I am, but first, I wish to speak to you of what happened in there.”

“We do not need to speak of it. I have no questions,” said Mrs. Drivens.

“You must be curious as to why the king would marry me here and so quickly?” Anwen paused. “If you are wondering, I can tell you there is no child on the way.”

Mrs. Drivens looked away with a smile. “I had thought of it, but I also see to your rooms. I know there is no baby on the way, your highness. I have seen signs enough to know you are not with child.”

Anwen felt her cheeks warm again, realizing, of course, the woman would know. “So you must have many questions as to why we showed up here and why we are getting married in this out-of-the-way place.”

“The king has spoken a little of your circumstances. I have heard rumors of what is going on in Quinlan as well.” They moved close to a tree away from the street. “I hate to say it since he is of the royal family, but I have never liked Prince Korben. I was very thankful to the gods his brother was born first. Never was there a more quiet or gentle person than the previous king. Prince Korben thinks of no one but himself. I have seen how he acts with the servants and those he believes beneath him. He has been known to take whatever he wants.”

“He tricked my mother into signing a pledge for me to marry him, but it is not valid. My mother would never do such a thing to me. She will let me make my own choice, and she knew my choice was King Maddoc.”

“You do not need to explain yourself to me, your highness. I can tell what sort of person you are. I can see how kind and courteous you are to my staff and me. I see the effect you have had on our king. He has never been a bad sort, but you have brought out in him such responsibility and gentleness. He is a new man from when I saw him last, and I am sure it has to do with you. It is not mine to have an opinion on, but I think you will be a fine queen.”

“I only hope we can settle things soon before the kingdom suffers. If Prince Korben is trying to take control of Calumbria, it is the people who will suffer.”

“I am sure our king has a plan. He is an intelligent man, and with your help, I have no doubt all will be well.”

They walked through the village together, Mrs. Drivens showing Anwen the principal buildings. She told her about the most important inhabitants, including the town mayor and a lord who lived outside town. It was a charming seaside village that was much more populated in the summer months. There were several manor homes just outside the village where many lords and ladies of the kingdom spent the warmer season.

They had just exited the town square when Maddoc caught up with them. He looked somewhat anxious as he took Anwen’s hand, greeting them both.

“How did things go at the temple?” asked Anwen quietly.

“It was interesting,” replied Maddoc.

“Is all set?”

“Not quite. I need you to go to the temple now. The priest would like to speak with you alone. If you do not wish to do it, I can accompany you, or we could find another priest.”

“I do not mind speaking with the village priest. I will go this instant. Where should I meet you when I am done?” asked Anwen.

“Mrs. Drivens and I will go into the local inn just over there. I will watch for you, and when I see you emerge, I will come to you.” He squeezed her hand. “I believe we are safe here but do not speak long with anyone you do not know.”

Anwen nodded and walked past him towards the town’s temple. It was a simple building, tall and skinny. She walked into one long room with benches on each side and an aisle up the middle. At the front were three large portraits. She saw that one looked much like one that hung in a temple Maddoc had taken her to. Looking up at the pictures at the front was an older man with dark gray hair. He wore a black robe with a hood that was pulled down.

He turned as he heard her come in. “Princess Anwen?”

Anwen nodded. “Yes, sir. King Maddoc told me you wish to speak with me.”

The priest gave her a kind smile. “I do, and I am glad you agreed to it. Would you like to sit up here on this bench? The king told me you have been ill.”

Anwen walked up and sat down where he indicated. “I am feeling much better, but it has been a long morning. Will you sit with me?”

The priest sat down, leaving some room between them. “The king has told me he wishes to marry you and wants me to perform the ceremony.”

“We are both anxious to be married as soon as we can.”

“Can you tell me why, your highness? The king has informed me there is no child on the way. Why do you wish to marry here far from the Grand Palace and all you know? If you are to be our queen, it would be better if you were recognized in the right way.”

Anwen took a moment, wondering how to respond. She knew there were probably rumors in the kingdom about what had happened in Quinlan, but she didn’t know if they had made it this far north.

“There are certain circumstances right now, things that have made the southern part of the kingdom unstable. Before we face the things we must, the king and I want to mark our commitment to each other. I wish things were different, but nothing is ever perfect. I only wish to be his wife, and he says he wishes to be my husband.”

“You are a princess of Lucidala, I believe? You will be the next queen?”

Anwen nodded. “My mother is Queen Eira, the queen of my kingdom. One day I will lead Lucidala. My kingdom and my people are very important to me.”

“It will be difficult for you to be the queen to your king, won’t it? How will you give him the support he needs to rule Calumbria?”

“Perhaps you should ask how he will be able to support me one day as the Queen of Lucidala,” said Anwen with a grin. “The answer to both is we will support each other in our endeavors, and we will not do anything alone. Not only will we rely on each other, but we will depend on our friends and families that love us. Too often, rulers are lonely and isolated. It will not be so with Maddoc and me.”

The priest laughed. “You are very outspoken, your highness. I supposed I should have expected it from a princess and future queen, but your small size threw me off. You look like you would be rather meek and quiet.”

“I have never been either of those things. I am small, but it has not stopped me from being strong and stating what I know is true. Now, will you tell me what is holding you back from marrying us?”

“Nothing really. I would never deny a request from my king. I only wished to meet you and see that you were not being forced into anything. I do not know King Maddoc well, but I have heard tales of his…experiences. I also know kings think they can have whatever they want.”

“They think that because it is usually true,” said Anwen. “Maddoc may want me, but I want him as well. You do not need to protect me from anything. I am very capable of knowing my own mind.”

“So I see, your highness. Before I agree to this ceremony, can you answer me one more question?”

“I will listen to your question and let you know if I can answer it.”

“You have your own kingdom. You will lead it someday. You don’t need to marry for position or power. I don’t know much about Lucidala, but you seem very fond of it. Why complicate your life and your kingdom’s matters by marrying the king? Surely there are others who are more appropriate for your station that you could live happily with?”

Anwen sighed. “My mother asked me those same questions. She even had me promise to try and find another I could marry that would be less complicated. I did as she asked, but I knew it would never work out. My heart belongs to the king. Perhaps it is selfish of me, but I can be with no other. I cannot let him go even for my beloved kingdom. I truly believe if we are together, everything else will work out.”

The priest nodded. “If you are so decided, I doubt me not performing the ceremony would stop either of you from finding someone that would. You seem to know what you want, and I dare not go against the king no matter what whispers have reached here from Quinlan. Tell the king I will perform the ceremony whenever he would like, but I need a few days of notice. I would like you to be married from the temple, but if the king commands it, I will come to the summer palace.”

Anwen glanced at the portraits of Calumbria’s gods. She looked around the simple building. It did remind her of temples back home. The gods even looked familiar to her. “I would like to be married from this temple, sir. I don’t know why, but it makes me think of home.”

“I suppose it is like many temples in other kingdoms. You find comfort here in remembering the times of prayer and worship in your temples, I imagine. You may call your gods by different names, but perhaps they are all the same,” said the priest with a smile.

Anwen smiled back. “I have long had that theory. I would like to think when I marry my king in this temple, the gods that bless us are the same ones I have prayed to for years.”

Anwen left the temple and found Maddoc and Mrs. Drivens out in the village center as they walked towards her.

“Well?” asked Maddoc.

“The priest says he will marry us anytime you would wish, though he would like a few days’ notice. He would also like us to marry from the temple, as would I.”

“Then we shall marry from the temple. I will do anything to make you happy, especially on our wedding day. I know it is not what you expected.”

Anwen took Maddoc’s arm, and they started walking towards the pier, Mrs. Drivens following behind. “All I want is to be your wife. I do not care how grand the ceremony is or where it is held. I do ask that you give me at least two weeks. I am having a special dress made. It may sound silly, but I wish for it to be completed before we marry.”

“I just said I would do anything to make this day special for you, and I mean it. It will be hard waiting another few weeks to marry you, but I will endure it for you.”

Anwen leaned her head against his upper arm as they walked to the pier.