Visions of a fallen crown

CHAPTER-TWO

The morning after King Eric and the royal army left the palace the air in Arandor felt colder. The sun rose behind a blanket of gray clouds and the kingdom that once breathed peace now held its breath in silence. Every villager woke with worry. Every shop opened with caution. Every guard walked the streets with a hand on his sword.

Queen Seraphina stood on the highest balcony of the palace and watched the distant horizon. She imagined the army far ahead. Marching. Pushing through the forest path. Crossing the stone bridge. Riding toward the smoke that had risen from the farms attacked by Lord Cassian. She pressed a hand to her chest as if she could feel Eric’s heartbeat through the miles that separated them.

She whispered a prayer. Not to any god. But to the memory of the peace Arandor once had. Please guide him. Please protect him. Please bring him back.

Behind her footsteps approached. Lady Miriam bowed her head. Your Majesty the council is waiting for your presence in the war chamber.

Seraphina nodded slowly. She did not want to leave the balcony. She wanted to remain where she could still imagine his figure riding in the distance. But a queen has no luxury of waiting. She must act even when fear threatens to crush her.

The war chamber buzzed with voices when she entered. Maps covered the table. Red tokens showed Arandor’s army. Black tokens marked the troops of Lord Cassian. Advisors argued about supplies. Strategists calculated how long the kingdom could withstand a siege if Cassian’s army pushed too far north.

Seraphina moved to the head of the table. The room quieted at once.

Lord Ranulf the oldest council member spoke first. Your Majesty we have not received a message from the king’s camp yet. They should reach the northern ridge by midday if the march is uninterrupted.

General Draeven pointed at the map. Cassian may try to intercept them here. The ridge is narrow. If the enemy waits in ambush the king’s forces could be separated.

Seraphina studied the map. Her voice remained steady even though her heart strained with worry. Has there been any sign of Cassian’s scouts near our borders.

Captain Hallor shook his head. None so far. But scouts are trained to stay hidden. They could be watching our movements.

Another council member stepped forward. Your Majesty I believe we should prepare the palace for the possibility of an attack. If Cassian defeats our army he will not hesitate to march here.

Seraphina lifted her chin. Then we will prepare. But we will not show fear. If the kingdom sees the palace frightened they will lose hope. Strength comes from the throne.

Some nodded with respect. Others looked unsure. But nobody argued.

After the meeting ended Seraphina returned to her private chambers. She removed her crown and placed it on the table. The weight of it lingered on her head even after it was gone. She sat on the edge of her bed and stared at the empty space where King Eric usually rested his cloak. She could still smell the faint trace of cedar wood and steel.

She closed her eyes and remembered his last smile. Tired. Brave. Loving.

A knock echoed at the door.

Sir Aldric stepped inside. His armor was polished. His posture sharp and ready. He bowed deep. Your Majesty I have come to give you the latest update from the watchtowers.

Seraphina stood. Tell me.

The northern towers reported distant movement this morning. It may be Cassian’s scouts or simply travelers. We do not know yet. Our own scouts are tracking them now.

Seraphina swallowed. And the king.

Aldric lowered his gaze for a moment out of respect. There is no word yet. But no message is not always bad news. The march is long. And communication is difficult across that terrain.

She nodded but fear still gnawed at her chest. She moved to the window. The wind brushed her face gently as if trying to comfort her.

Aldric stepped closer though he kept a respectful distance. Your Majesty the people look to you. If they see strength in your eyes they will believe King Eric will return safely.

Seraphina met his gaze. His eyes were steady. Loyal. Kind. She had always trusted Aldric. He had served the crown since he was a boy. Eric had often said Aldric would give his life for the kingdom without hesitation.

Thank you Aldric. You speak with courage.

He bowed again. I only speak the truth.

When he left Seraphina allowed herself a single moment to tremble. Just one. She clutched the window frame until her breath steadied again.

Later that afternoon she took a walk through the palace grounds. The soldiers training in the courtyard paused to bow. The servants straightened nervously when she passed. Children who lived within the palace walls watched her with wide hopeful eyes. She greeted each person with a calm smile even though her heart felt heavy.

In the gardens she paused to touch a single blooming red rose. Eric had planted this bush during their first year together. He had said the roses reminded him of her strength. Her fire. Her heart.

The memory made her blink away sudden tears.

While she wandered through the gardens a group of villagers approached escorted by guards. They bowed deeply.

Your Majesty forgive us but we seek comfort one said. Our farms were burned. Our homes are gone. We do not know what the future holds.

Seraphina stepped toward them. Her voice softened. I am sorry for your losses. Lord Cassian will answer for his crimes. The king is on his way to face him. You are not alone. The palace will provide food and shelter for your families.

The villagers looked relieved. One woman whispered. May the king return safe.

Seraphina forced a smile though she felt the same prayer hidden in her chest.

That night the palace grew quieter. Only the guards patrolling the halls broke the stillness. Seraphina stood at her window again watching the moon cast silver light over Arandor. Somewhere far away Eric was under the same moon. Leading the army. Facing danger with every step.

She pressed her palm to the cold glass. Come back to me Eric. Do not leave me in this darkness.

Hours passed. She remained awake. The night stretched long. Each minute felt heavy with dread.

Just before dawn a horn sounded in the distance. Seraphina’s heart leaped. She rushed to the balcony. Guards already gathered in the courtyard below.

A messenger on horseback galloped through the gates. His clothes were dusty. His eyes wide with urgency.

Seraphina gripped the balcony rail so hard her knuckles ached.

Please. Let it be good news.

Please.

Let him be safe.