The Queen Of The Forest

Chapter 9

"Uncle, will it always be like this?" I asked him

"No dear, you are young and they want to use that against you. Now I hear you met your haeirth? What is he like?

"He seems good but from what I just heard not so much"

"From the waterseed coven I heard, am I right?. They can’t be blamed for what happened to your mother. They wanted to be free from the kingdom and don’t take this wrong but I don’t blame them. They are the furthest away from the kingdom. At some point in our history, all the covens have wanted to break away. Unfortunately, our people are flawed, and prejudices run deep. My son, while I love him, has let the power go to his head. My brother's son is not much better, I know he’s your father but sometimes I think he forgets that you are his daughter, maybe it’s time he remembers. My own brother and his wife would have been disappointed in his actions now. Arranging a marriage for one goes against our customs. You follow your heart and no matter what you are told the people will always follow their queen and while I’m around you will always have the support of the amberwood coven. I will do everything in my power to make sure that continues after. Now go freshen up, wipe your face, and show them who is the queen." He smiled at me, his face reminded me so much of my grandfather.

"Thank you uncle, just never leave. With you around I’m sure to succeed" Lorelei whispered to the old man "can I help you anywhere"

"I’m fine, I’m going to make my way home. I’m tired"

"Let me get you a guard to help," I offered.

I looked to the nearest guard

"Can you help my uncle home please? And when I disappear from sight, let the others back in the castle, but do not tell anyone where I have gone."

"Yes, your majesty."

"Goodbye for now uncle" I hugged him goodbye.

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A few hours later, I was refreshed, and my powers had had a chance to recharge. The stupid maid had been back to see if I needed anything. Her smirk was back but one raised eyebrow had her scurry away after quickly finishing her task. I needed a new maid, one I picked myself.

I knew I had the meeting to get to, the last before everyone returned home and my first as queen. I quickly changed and made my way down there. I was surprised to find no one waiting outside the meeting hall and voices. I decided to wait and listen to what was going on in the room instead

"Don't you see that your wife was wrong, she is too young. "This council has worked like a well-oiled machine for the last ten years with you at the helm."

I was surprised to hear the uproar at these words.

"how dare you she is our queen and chosen by the forest" i'm sure that was master lorins voice

"Oh shut up Lorin, you haven't come to a meeting for years, now you're all for the monarchy seeing as she's fated to your son, funny that. Been making deals have we" oh great master harkenfield has to be the loudest voice

"How dare you, I was surprised as anyone was. My loyalty, how dare you question my loyalty? The old queen, even when we did her wrong, still came to our rescue. We saw the error of our ways. Do you question the last queen too? You accuse me of scheming, but maybe it's you who have that issue. The Harkenfields have always hated not being in charge. Not even content now that the new queen is family, you still had to try and get in deeper. An arranged marriage, seriously!!!," master Lorin sounded angry.

"Gentlemen that is enough" my father interrupted them

"My daughter, while young, is more than capable of ruling our people. It is also her choice to whom she marries. I have been stupid, and now I see that. My loyalties do not lie with any of you. If she chooses to marry Robert then that is her choice, my own wife fought for the right to marry me. Why would I allow my daughter to have to fight for the same thing" my father is full of surprises lately

"Now this meeting cannot go ahead without the queen, so if you cannot be friendly, we shall wait."

I gathered my nerves ready to face them when I felt a hand on my shoulder, quickly turning in fear I found Robert looking at me

"Look Lori I’m sorry; I was jealous. I know we have a lot to discuss and we still have a lot to learn about one another. "I shouldn’t have overreacted."

"No you shouldn’t have and neither should I" I smiled up at him "I’m sorry too. It’s been a very trying couple of days.”

"Now isn’t that the truth" Robert chuckled

"One minute, I’m being forced to come here by my father, begrudgingly, I might add. The next, I don’t think I can ever leave—well, leave you at least. I know what people mean now when they say that meeting the one picked by the goddess changes everything. Lori marry me? I will spend my life earning your love."

He looked at me with such love that I couldn’t look away; I was frozen in his presence. I felt such warmth just being here with him. He leaned down towards me and softly pecked me on the lips, moving slightly back. I moved my fingers to my lips in a slight daze.

"Of course I will marry you; you are my destined."

I decided to recite the ancient promise, the first part in binding our souls. I had made my choice. It was Robert it could be no other then Robert.

"To you I swear, My first and my last;

You will be loved by a love so vast,

No magic is as strong as the bond between two that belong.

You will be cherished even if outcast,

For I will follow you far and beyond, to the last of the moons in this time and on.

As unbreakable as this bond.

I am yours, and if you wish me, you are mine.

A beloved is someone sacred and unwithering with time."