The Queen Of The Forest

Chapter 8

We must have sat down on the floor for so long.

We just talked about our lives up to that point, I must admit I was jealous of his life. It seemed so free and filled with adventure, I realised how sheltered I had been. But soon the conversation turned towards Peter, which I guess it would have done at some point.

"So, Lori, what do you like to do for fun around here, you know, before you became the queen?" Robert asked me, unfortunately I didn’t have much to tell him

"Well, Peter and I used to sneak into the lake a lot; we are not really supposed to, but we believe our fathers turned a blind eye."

"Peter, the one who you are supposed to be marrying, that Peter," I couldn’t help but note the tone of Robert’s voice.

"Peter is my best friend; the marriage was being forced on both of us. We don’t see each other that way, he’s like my brother." I replied slightly put out by his statement

"You might not, but he does; I’ve seen the way he looks at you. He's in love with you, Lori."

I couldn’t help but laugh at this; the thought was so ridiculous.

"He sees me as a sister no more; we have been friends our entire lives, and for the last five years, he’s been my only friend.” I argue back "My father put a stop to my other friendships; I was only allowed to talk to the people of the court."

"Well, your father is a horrible man, then. A friend should not be decided on status."

I didn’t like the impression Robert seemed to have about my father

"My father is not a horrible man; he’s just had a lot to contend with. He didn’t ask to have to rule; he wasn’t always like this. Before my mother got sick, he was fun and carefree. He had to change to survive the vultures who tried picking the kingdom apart.” I stood up for my father

"While that might be true, Lori, picking your daughter's friends and controlling her life might have been a step too far." Robert’s tone sounded like he thought he won

"I need to get back to the castle, Robert; it’s clear you have no idea." I could feel my anger growing and I didn’t like it "How dare you judge when you have no idea what he’s been through?" Lori replied angrily.

"I will escort you; look, I’m sorry; it was just an observation, and I’m sorry if I upset you."

Robert stood up and offered me his hand; however, just as I was about to place my hand in his, my father appeared at the top of the path and he looked angry.

"Lorelei, what is the meaning of this? How the people will talk. Do you know what they will say? He might be your fated child, but no ceremony has taken place. You are not allowed to be together without a guard or someone else to supervise you. And you," he aimed at Robert, "have no honor; I see your father has not shown you the proper customs."

"Father, enough! How is mother?" I watched as his expression flickered to show the pain he was hiding.

"She is fine; the healers managed to bring her around as usual; all the stress just got to her, that’s all. She didn’t sleep well last night, wondering if the Ceremony went well, so she snuck off this morning without taking her elixir. Now we have a meeting to go to before the guests can return to their homes." With this, he looked at Robert and said, "I believe your father is looking for you. I will help my daughter to the castle. I will not have rumors circulating the court."

"I will walk with you, seeing as we are all going that way anyway," Robert replied to my father.

And so began the most uncomfortable walk of my life. There was no conversation, just sidelong glances between Robert and my father. I could feel my anger building even further .

We walked through the main gate, and Peter stood with his father and brother. He smiled at me, and it was clear our friendship was always the way it was.

Peter didn’t like me like that; we were just good friends.

David, his brother, on the other hand, was just glaring at Robert, and that gave me the creeps.

"Ah, your highness, I’m looking forward to the meeting today." My inner turmoil being interrupted by Peter and David’s father “We have many things to discuss. I would like special permission for Peter to attend. I know it’s not a tradition and only my oldest son would attend, but I would like to show him how the inner workings of the kingdom are run." master Harkenfield directed at me

"Of course, Peter is welcome to every meeting from this point on. He will be named my personal advisor from this point on, and as such, deserves a higher seat at the table," I replied, smiling at Peter.

"Personal advisor, you honor us." It’s a shame though, because up until last night he was your betrothed.

"Father," a shocked Peter gasped.

"Well, things change, have you met Robert yet?" I inquired, "Robert, why don’t you come and introduce yourself to master Harkenfield?"

"It’s a pleasure to meet you," Robert held out his hand.

"Lorin's boy, are you? Strange that your father is moved to the furthest reaches of this kingdom, and you just happen to be the queen's hearith. I would be careful, my queen; there is a reason that the waterseed coven is not normally seen here. Up until a few short years ago, they were fighting for their independence. Master Lorain did a lot of things in that rebellion that some of us will never forget. I’ve always wondered if it was him that allowed the attack to happen that injured your mother, and even if not, he didn’t even come to his queen's aid. I would ask anyone, "Your Majesty," looking at Robert in disgust.

"I would be careful about the accusations you throw around. My coven might have wanted independence, which I will not deny, and maybe things were done on both sides, but we never crossed the line and we never allowed harm to come to the queen." "If we had, do you think the queen and regent would have brought us back into the fold and protected our lands when needed when the wolves attacked us?"

As I watched this exchange, my mind swirled was filled with alot of questions; surely i should have been made aware of this. Why was i never told? All that time talking, and not once had he mentioned anything.

"Excuse me, gentleman, I am tired. I think I need to rest and freshen up before the meeting."

"Let me accompany you," Robert offered.

"No thank you, I think I’ve had enough of men coddling me; I AM THE QUEEN; I decide what I know and where I go and with whom." I had really had enough; I’m sick and tired of the secrets. I have had enough of the men trying to control my life.

I looked at the guards at the door.

"If anyone, and I mean anyone, tried to follow me, throw them in the dungeon, that includes my father," she said, looking at her father, who tried to follow her probably to give her a peace of mind.

"Now wait just a minute, who do you think you are to think you have the power to tell me what to do?"

"Did I stutter, father?" I channeled my power and took on a strange green glow. "I am the queen; I have been accepted by the forest, and while I agree that you will stay on in a supervisory role that extends to coven matters only," she said. "When it comes to my castle and my guards, I am in charge, and if I say that no one is to follow me, then that is what is to happen."

I marched through the doors and heard them slam behind me. I had seen Robert and Peter both try to follow her, both being blocked by the guards. I found i just didn’t care anymore.

When I had cleared my eyes of the tears that had clouded them, I saw Elder Harkenfield standing in front of me .

"You spoke like a true queen, and I’m so proud of you."