The Queen Of The Forest

Chapter 5

"What game is this, Lorin?" my father asked in anger.

"Game, this is no game, Fredrick. Are you one to stand in the way of destiny?" Lorain looked at my father is shock

"Her destiny is chosen; she is promised to another and has been since she was a baby. If what you say is true, then they will reject one another."

I watched as my mother stood up; she was showing a surprising amount of strength.

"Fredrick, we do not stand in the way of the goddess." "While I agreed the marriage to Peter was the best under the circumstances, it seems fate had another plan," she said, glancing at the woman who stood behind master Frederick with a smile.

"Anastasia, my friend, it has been an age since I have seen you," she said as she walked up to the woman, who I assume was Robert’s mother, and embraced her.

"Queen Isabel, it’s been too many years to count." "If I had known what our children were to each other, I would have been back sooner." Anastasia said while hugging my mother back.

"Just Isabel, how many times have I told you, it was Isabel when we were children; it was Isabel when I was the queen. And I’m no longer the queen," she laughed, letting her go.

"Lori I would like to introduce you to Isabel. We grew up together in these halls. She is my oldest friend. You won’t remember her much; the last time she visited here was for your birth celebration, and my goddess Robert, how you have grown. Now let’s give these two some time to become againted. Anastasia, come; we have much to catch up on, and you will sit next to me. "I will hear no arguments."

"Isabel, my love, we have no room at our table; I already assigned them to the Harkenfields." my father who had finally found his voice

"Then they can move; the table is reserved for the queen's family, and they are not her family.Her heariths family will be sitting at the table now that he is finally known.”

"Unfortunately, they are already seated, and the feast has begun.It’s too late to move them now.”

"Fine, then I will move. Robert can have my seat next to my daughter, and I will take his."

My father knew he had lost the argument as my mother had already linked arms with Anastasia and started to walk towards the hall with master Lorin following behind with the rest of his delegation.

He waited until everyone had exited the room.

“Lori, you have five minutes; it is rude to leave everyone waiting for you. We have much to discuss after the feast, so please meet me in my office after the feast."

"Yes, Father, we will be along shortly."

I watched as my father walked toward the waiting guests before I turned to look at Robert.

His sand-colored hair was glittering with an almost golden color. His piercing blue eyes held a splattering of gold. This man definitely held a measurable amount of power, almost enough to rival my own father.

"Queen Loreli, I am honored that the goddess sought to give me such a perfect hearith. I will do all in my power to make you feel loved and protected."

"Please, it’s just Lori; I think titles mean nothing to us.I wish you could have been here sooner. Your rightful place would have been beside me today during the coronation."

"Well, I guess it’s a matter of timing; we arrived late last night. Our coven is the farthest away, and it took us four days of riding to get here. But if I had known who I would find here, I would have moved the stars to get here faster. May I hold your hand?"

"Of course, come, let’s sit for a moment." I played my hand into his "We don’t have long, but we can have this moment."

I think my heart skipped a beat when he held my hand, leading me to my throne. He waited till I was seated before he gently lowered his lips to mine before sitting in the chair that my father had occupied mere moments before. The conversation flowed easily between us, like we had known each other our entire lives.

He was perfect; I felt my soul call to him, and for the first time I realized how my life would have been empty, missing a part of itself if I were to marry Peter.

"Loreli, your father asked me to come and check on you." Peter had interrupted Robert as he was telling me about the shoreline that lined his coven territory.

I watched Peter's eyes go from me to Robert’s hand holding mine and then to Robert. and was shocked to see a look of hurt flash across it.

"I don’t think we’ve been probably introduced; I am Peter Harkenfield of the Amberwood Coven," Peter addressed Robert, offering his hand.

Robert let go of my hand, standing to offer Peter his hand. I couldn’t help but notice how much taller Robert was than Peter.

"Robert Adamson of the Waterseed Covan," they shook hands before quickly letting go.

"Peter, I finally found my heairth, can you believe it?" I said excitedly to Peter.

"I cannot, but I am so pleased for you, Lori. Maybe there is still hope for me," he said, looking at me hopefully.

"Now your father has asked me to accompany you to the feast, how about I just lead the way and Robert here can accompany you, which is only fitting?"

"That sounds wonderful—two of the most important people in my life by my side. Let’s go"

As we made our way through the doors into the hall, I could see the celebration was in full swing; people nodded their heads to me respectfully as we walked past. I could see my father sitting at the table with a sour look on his face as he watched us approach. I scanned the hall searching for my mother and saw her sitting at the table with Anastasia, laughing. She looked happy and the healthiest I had seen her in years. Her whole face was animated, and this too brought a smile to my face.

I glanced at Cynthia and Master Harkenfield, whispering with their heads pressed together and glancing our way. They didn’t look very happy.

Robert led me to my chair and took the chair beside me, which is unfortunately now next to my father, who didn’t look very pleased about the new arrangements. Peter sat on my other side, next to his father.

I looked at the dishes that were placed on the table and realized how hungry I actually was. I reached for the spoon to help myself to a serving when my father stood up and cleared his throat.

"Good evening to all of our wonderful guests. I must say that I am the proudest man alive right now to see my little girl become the queen of such great people. I have helped Queen Isabel throughout the years to lead our people to where we are now, and I am pleased to say that I will be staying on in an advisory position for my daughter for the next four years, as was requested by the masters and elders." My father stopped to take a quick sip of his drink.

"I must also announce that my daughter will be getting married in seven short weeks. The preparations are already underfoot and all of you will be invited to the ceremony," this was met with a great deal of cheers from all around the room.

But something felt off to me. Robert and I had not even talked about that yet. Yes, it would have to happen soon, but would that be enough time to organize for the members of his coven who would want to be here?

"It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to the next consort of the queen, Peter Harkenfield."