The Last Warrior Queen

Chapter 23

After witnessing the exchange between Halvor and Diana I decided that I should keep my distance from Halvor as much as possible. It was clear that he deemed me too weak to bear his children and would be taking a consort or two. Which was what I had expected of my husband anyways. Didn’t I hope my future husband to have many mistresses? Why am I so disappointed then?

On the morning of the coronation I called for Ann and Hilda to help get me ready. Ann was amazing at pinning hair and she was all too happy to assist me. She was amazed at the ornate hair comb that was provided to match my dress and immediately set to the task of braiding and pinning my hair to “do the comb justice” as she put it. The hair comb was silver with Topaz gemstones set in a fan pattern. It was quite stunning I will admit.

Hilda informed me of what to expect during the ceremony. “King Halvor will be sitting on his throne with an empty throne beside him. You will enter and walk down the aisle to him. He will place the crown on your head asking you to affirm your loyalty to the kingdom. Then he will ask if anyone objects and when no one does he will lead you to your throne and you will sit together while everyone cheers and then pays their respects.”

“Seems easy enough” I said. “Hilda, has anyone ever objected before?” Hilda laughed and said “Goodness no! No one would dare object to the king’s choice in wife.” I nodded, suddenly having an uneasy feeling about things. Even though I had already resolved to harden my heart towards Halvor, I still didn’t want to be dishonored in any way.

Ann made relatively quick work of my hair and we moved over to the gorgeous bright blue gown that had been made. It had a wide neckline that almost sat off my shoulders with silver embroidery. It would have been sleeveless, but there was sheer blue silk panels that came off the neckline at the top of my shoulders and cascaded down to the ground behind me. As Ann and Hilda moved to the gown I discreetly fastened my dagger to my thigh, not wanting to be caught unprepared. I didn’t know what this ceremony would bring, but the ominous feeling was growing within me.

I removed my robe so I was just in my shift and Ann and Hilda helped me into the gown. Ann gasped “It fits you perfectly Sylvia. You look like a real queen.”

I laughed and hugged her. “I’m glad you came here with me Ann.” She nodded and said “I’m glad you rescued me.”

There was a knock at the door and Eric and Gunnar had appeared to escort us down to the throne room. I had seen it only once, but knew it could hold almost a thousand people and it would be at capacity today. I focused on my breathing as we made our way down. We stopped at the doors and Ann and Hilda each gave me a hug before they entered with Eric and Gunnar. I was to wait until the doors opened for me and enter alone.

I shifted my weight nervously and finally the doors opened, revealing a mass of people who all turned to look at me. Halvor was sitting on his throne, looking every part the regal and handsome king with his embroidered tunic that matched me and his golden crown. On the empty throne next to him was a golden tiara set with diamonds.

I gulped and began the long walk towards him. His face was expressionless. I couldn’t tell if Halvor was upset or just wanted to get this over with. Finally I made it to him and took the three steps up to meet him. Halvor stood and grabbed the tiara from the other throne. He said the vows of loyalty and I repeated them. He then placed the tiara on my head.

We both turned to the enormous crowd and he asked “Does anyone object to your new queen?” After a moment of silence I started to let out a sigh of relief. But suddenly a voice rang out “I object my King.” Gasps filled the air as people backed away from the person who objected. It was Diana.

“On what grounds do you object?” King Halvor asked.

“On the grounds of weakness my King. Your queen has shown no indication of being strong enough to stand by your side. I challenge her for the position of Queen Consort.”

“As do I.” More gasps rang out as Gies appeared by Diana’s side. “And I,” Elsa said as she joined her treacherous friends.

I looked out and saw Gunnar and Eric looking enraged while Hilda looked mortified. Ann had a smirk on her face looking quite amused. I knew she had wished for this and I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing with her.

I turned to look at Halvor, waiting for him to object to the challenge like Gunnar said he would. There was still a small sliver of hope within me that he would come to my defense.

That hope was doused like water over a flame as he said “Very well. The challenged shall name the time and order she will fight her challengers.”

My jaw dropped slightly realizing he had no intention of stopping anything. Maybe he had even planned this with Diana. I had had enough of being dishonored by their schemes.

“We will fight now” I responded. More gasps filled the air and even Halvor raised his eyebrows in surprise. “And I will fight them all at once.” This time the gasps and murmurs were even louder.

“Surely we shall change into fighting gear first” Diana protested. I shook my head “I was taught that you must be ready to fight at a moment’s notice, no matter your attire.” Diana’s haughty smirk faltered slightly at my response, but she quickly resumed her composure.

“Very well” King Halvor said, “To the training grounds.”