The Last Warrior Queen

Chapter 22

I quickly followed Eric through the maze of hallways to a large room where Halvor and several others were. They were standing around a large table filled with maps and papers. I noticed Gala was standing next to Halvor.

Everyone bowed as I entered and as they stood up again Halvor spoke. “Your coronation will be in a week and Gala suggested we get you some clothes befitting a queen. I have called for the tailor and he will meet you in our chambers within the hour.”

I nodded and smiled at Gala to show my appreciation of her thinking of me. She gave me a small smile back, but it seemed genuine. I stood there for a moment, unsure if something else was required of me. Realizing that was all I curtsied to Halvor and left the room.

Eric stayed behind and as they shut the door behind me I realized I had no way of finding my way back to my chambers. I glanced around and spotted a maid walking down the hall. I quickly made my way over to her.

“Pardon me” I said to the maid.

“Oh, yes my Queen” the girl said as she curtsied to me.

“Do you mind showing me the way back to my chambers? I’m afraid I don’t quite know my way around yet.”

“Oh yes my Queen I can show you.” She quickly turned and started leading me through the hallways. I did my best to remember the way she took me. When we arrived back at my rooms I thanked the maid and asked her name.

“Aline, my Queen.”

“Aline, thank you again.” She curtsied and left to continue her duties. After a few minutes there was a knock on the door. The tailor had arrived already.

He took his measurements with the help of his assistant and began directing his assistant to note what gowns I would need. There were a total of ten gowns that I had to have as queen apparently.

I tried to protest “Surely I don’t need that many gowns. Only two at most. Besides that seems an unnecessary expense.”

“The king told me to spare no expense. He wants you looking like his queen, especially when you have to meet emissaries from the south” the tailor replied.

I sighed and resigned myself to getting ten new gowns. The tailor said they would make my coronation gown right away. Luckily they had just cut a tunic for Halvor from some bright blue fabric and they had enough left over for a gown for me. This shade of blue was the color worn by the king and queen. The tailor was very excited because he had not made a gown of that color in years.

Next he opened a small chest and began sorting through accessories for all the gowns he would make. I had to clench my jaw to keep myself from continuing to argue with the tailor about this being too extravagant. I finally just kept telling myself that I’m a queen now and this is expected.

Finally after emptying more than half the chest and giving me multiple necklaces, hair combs and bracelets, the tailor and his assistant left. I sat down on one of the large chairs in front of the fire and sighed.

The next few days passed quickly. I had multiple fittings with the tailor and I had to admit he was right, the green fabric did bring out my eyes. When I wasn’t being pinned and prodded by the tailor, I set myself to the task of learning my way around.

With Olga’s help I was able to learn the maze of hallways fairly quickly. I made her take me to the kitchens and stables to see what the servants and cooks needed. Initially everyone was wary of me. But within the week most had warmed up to me.

I made note of any deficiencies in supplies and any concerns of the servants. Olga mentioned to me that last winter there weren’t enough candles and that the servants often had to do their work in the dark. I would definitely be making sure we had a healthy supply of candles this year. I found the servants responsible for the candle making and had them start making more now, even though it was early spring.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Gunnar’s wife and sons. Hilda was very sweet and motherly, but clearly didn’t put up with any nonsense from the men in her life. I liked her a lot.

As we chatted I asked about the challenges. I was still curious about challenges to nobles. Hilda chuckled and said “Well you don’t have to worry about any challenges my dear. King Halvor would never allow it.”

“What do you mean?”

Gunnar chimed in “The king has the power to void any challenge to any nobles, including his queen. And with the way he seems enamored with you I doubt he would let any challenge come to pass.” I blushed and looked down. Halvor didn’t seem very enamored with me at all.

“Besides,” Hilda added “You need a good reason to challenge a noble. Betrayal or weakness for example. Otherwise you’d have nobles running around challenging each other on a whim. Anyone who cannot present a valid reason faces the wrath of the king.”

I nodded. It made sense to have some restrictions on the challenges.

“King Halvor comes from a long line of kings. No one has ever challenged his line as far back as anyone can remember. He works hard to appear strong and battle ready for that reason” Gunnar said. Yes I can see why he would need to do that in a kingdom such as this.

My time with Gunnar and Hilda and their boys felt too short, but Hilda promised she would make time to see me again. I was glad and I gave her a hug at the end of our meeting. She gave me a big grin and I was glad that she liked me.

On my way back to my chambers I came upon Halvor talking with a woman in the hall. I slowed my steps and paused behind a pillar, not wanting to interrupt. I peered around it and saw Diana brushing her hand up Halvor’s arm. The scene caused my heart to beat wildly.

“But my King, surely you can see how weak she is. She hasn’t even trained once in the time that she’s been here. She just watches everyone like a scared rabbit. You need a strong consort by your side. Someone who can win battles with you and give you strong sons.”

Halvor made no move to step away from her or defend me. He simply said “We will have the coronation tomorrow and see what unfolds.”

Diana gave him a big smile and replied “Then will you escort me to the training grounds?” Halvor nodded and walked with her down the hallway, away from the pillar I was hiding behind.