The Last Warrior Queen

Chapter 19

We managed to make it to town by nightfall and they had a nice large inn. Ann seemed delicate, but she had to work hard at the nunnery, so she was able to keep the hard pace set by Halvor just fine. She never cared for fighting though and was just adequate as Halvor put it. However, Eric didn’t seem like he put much stock in her fighting abilities and was head over heels in love with her.

My husband on the other hand seemed to try and keep me at a distance, yet watched my every move. I found myself hoping that I could be left to myself once we reached his kingdom and that I would be his wife in name only. I didn’t like the tight feeling in my chest every time I thought about the motives behind his actions and whether or not he liked me. Perhaps it was best to maintain a simple cordial relationship.

Ann and I sat at a table in the dining area at the inn. Ann was the happiest I had ever seen her and I was glad.

“So, it looks like your scary husband let you ride with him. That’s something isn’t it?”

I laughed at Ann’s description of Halvor. “I suppose, although I don’t see the point of trying to figure him out anymore. I was always going to marry someone less than desirable and as Head Mother used to say I should be happy with a husband who doesn’t beat me.”

“Tsk, Sylvia. You know you deserve more than that. And your husband is quite handsome. Not as handsome as Eric obviously, but he does have all his teeth.” I laughed again. How I had missed Ann. She continued “Would it be so terrible to fall in love with your husband Sylvia?”

“Yes. If he didn’t love me back it would be quite terrible. Which is why I’ve resolved to stop this ridiculous speculation. He will either decide to allow me to bear his children and bed me, or he’ll ignore me altogether. But either way I don’t think much love will pass between us.”

“Oh Sylvia, you’re always so cynical. Never one for romance!”

“Well you’ll have enough romance for the both of us I think.” And right on cue, Eric walked into the inn and Ann’s attention was completely focused on him. I chuckled and decided to go up to my room to give them some time alone.

There was a small chair by the window. I opened the shutters and gazed out at the clear night sky and the full moon. I closed my eyes as I felt the cool breeze on my face.

“What are you doing wife?”

Startled I quickly turned around to see Halvor walking towards the bed and removing his cloak.

“I was just enjoying the night air” I replied as I quickly closed the shutters. I began to undress as well. Halvor sat down on a bench that was in front of the fireplace in just his undergarments. Once I was in my shift I climbed into bed and blew out my candle. After a short time I felt Halvor get in next to me.

I waited to see if he would wrap his arm around me and pull me towards him. When I realized I was being foolish I rolled over so I was facing away from him. I moved so that I was as close to the edge as possible, wanting to put some distance between us. I needed to stop wishing for a romantic relationship, or even a close friendship with Halvor. I was being used for my ability to grant Halvor’s kingdom access to mineral resources that they needed for weaponry and that was it.

When I woke the next morning, the bed beside me was empty and cold. I quickly washed and changed and joined everyone downstairs. We quickly got ready to depart. I found Halvor, remembering that he said I would ride with him the rest of the way. Bjorn bobbed his head with excitement at my arrival.

I laughed at petted his head, murmuring “I’m sorry, no carrots today my friend.”

“You will ride with Gunnar today” Halvor’s stern voice came from behind me.

“Oh” I said as I turned to him. I didn’t wait for any further explanation and simply left to find Gunnar.

“You with me today?” Gunnar asked as I approached him. I nodded and got on his horse without a word.

Gunnar and I chatted as usual during our ride together.

“So you lived with those knights that we met back at the nunnery?”

“Well, they lived in the castle with us, but in a separate wing. Most of our interaction was during combat training.”

“But you seemed close with the older knight.”

“Oh yes, Sir Roderick. Well, he was like a father figure to me I suppose. You actually remind me of him Gunnar.”

Gunnar laughed heartily and asked “Because of the grey hair?” I laughed too and said “Perhaps. But more so because of your disposition. You are very wise and put others at ease. I can tell Halvor values your opinion, and I gather he does not take much advice readily from others.”

Gunnar chuckled. “You’re right about Halvor. Stubborn as a mule, but extremely smart especially in battle.” I nodded.

“Gunnar, do you have family of your own in the Northern Kingdom?”

“Yes my Queen. I have a beautiful wife, Hilda, and two sons. Both are warriors, but neither one of the fools has found a wife yet.” I laughed, happy to learn that Gunnar had a family and a wife to look after him.

“You know, my wife always wanted a daughter. I’m sure she would be happy to know you my Queen.”

“Oh yes, I would like that very much. I don’t really remember my mother very well at all. The only thing I have from her is this necklace.” I pulled my necklace out from under my cloak and showed it to Gunnar.

He took it in his hand and examined it. “The Crest of Oran. How did your mother get this?”

“You know it? I never knew anything about it! My mother gave it to me on her deathbed and told me it was my heritage, but said nothing else before she passed.”

Gunnar didn’t say anything in response. “Gunnar where is this crest from? How do you know it?” I pressed him.

“Well it’s an ancient crest, not many would know it now. They were once a powerful family of kings to the east of our kingdom. Some said they had mysterious powers. But something happened. A betrayal or something. The family disappeared and now it is the Kingdom of Inhar. No one knows what happened to the royals of Oran, but most agree that they must have been killed. However, the royal family of Inhar is constantly looking for any descendants in order to kill them off and solidify their power. For the people still believe that any Oran royal is the rightful heir and would rise up against the current royal family.”

I gulped realizing that I might be a royal descendant of Oran and my heart quickened. That would explain my mother’s journey to a faraway land to try and buy me some sort of protection and her seemingly horrible deal with Lord Regan.

“My Queen, you should keep that necklace hidden from now on. There are spies everywhere in the north and some still know of Oran’s history. They would be willing to give you up for a few gold coins.” I nodded and hastily put the necklace back under my cloak. We continued the rest of the journey that day in silence, a rarity for Gunnar.