October
622 Words
October
October 9
When we reached land, I was helped out of the vessel, and for a long time my legs felt unsteady. The ground swayed, for the movement of the boat stayed with me. As I write this, I am in a small cabin and safe. Fifty-eight days is a long time, and I would rather forget the long journey across the ocean. Closed quarters, lack of privacy, and much danger were our companions on our journey to the New World. I have been so thankful for Renée and her company, for my diaries were inaccessible to me, packed away as they were in my trunk, with all that I own, so little, now. Without Renée’s assistance, I do not believe I could have made the crossing.
For you, time has not passed, as you will read these entries right after each other, whereas for me, nearly two months are gone, and my world has changed, unutterably. Now that I have time, let me use my skills as a Chronicler, and tell you all that has taken place.
***
The king frowned at us. He sat on his throne and shook his head. “The queen trusted you to take her message to the sisterhood and instead you return to nearly destroy my kingdom.”
Renée curtsied low. “Your Majesty, I take full responsibility for not properly training my charge.” She glanced over at me, and I knew to remain silent.
“It is rumored that Napoleon is returning to France, and war is ripe in Europe. Now you have brought the Lord of the Fey down upon our kingdom.” He focused his gaze on us and banged his hand on the arm of his throne. “We should lock you away in the tower for your misdeeds!”
The queen’s gaze shifted toward Renée and me. “Your Majesty, if I may …”
She smiled at the king, and he visibly calmed. “Let us hear what you have to say.”
“With the Lord of the Fey attached to our daughter-in-law, would it not be in our best interest to send her away?” The queen spoke with disinterest, and I could see the game she played. In my heart, I thanked her.
“Yes, let us send her to France and be rid of her!” The king settled back on his throne and released his breath. He had retained control, and I suspect he partly feared what magic Renée and I could conjure forth.
“I would suggest we send her to a faraway land in order to prevent Napoleon from stumbling upon these witches and harnessing their power to harm our people.”
The king thought for a moment and said, “America.”
“With certainty, your suggestion is most wise.” The queen turned to us and held our eyes. “Far enough from England and Europe to allow us to focus on Napoleon.”
“An excellent suggestion,” the king boomed.
I could see Renée unclench her fists, as the queen’s idea would suit us well. We would not be imprisoned, but and instead be given a chance to start anew in America. I understood that the Silver Fox would haunt me no matter where I went, but a new start in America was most welcome to my heart. I could barely contain my hopes for a new freedom.
“Two days from now, you will be on a trade ship headed to America.” The queen touched the king’s arm lightly and he added, “As you were once part of our family, we will provide you with coin to help support you. Leave us!”
Renée and I curtsied low, and I made eye contact with the queen and thanked her with a nod. Though I had failed her by not bearing an heir, she had not entirely abandoned me. Upon leaving the room, I wondered if I would ever see her again.
- Writer
