Book 4, Chapter 1: Prelude
It was late and Brin was sleeping, her arms around me. On a giant bed, fit for a princess, this blond-haired, blue-eyed girl, my mistress of the bedroom and so much more, ever hugging me as she slept. It used to bother me, but I’d become used to her. And, with fall slowly turning into winter, she brought a welcome warmth.
I stared at the ceiling, almost happy. Everyone would be leaving soon, from the earls who argued with me nonstop, suitors who begged for my hand in marriage, and the Barclay priests who threatened me. Except for those I couldn’t get rid of or dissuade. Like the handsome, well-muscled and tall Gun, major of my infantry, and the young earl Maitlan, who fancied himself my only worthwhile suitor. Their attention, the reason for my happiness not getting past almost. Sigh. If only they could understand I had no interest in dating or whatever they called it. Suiting? I’d have to ask Brin later.
But they should have taken the hint already! I’d tossed Gun to the ground when he kissed me. I treated Maitlan like a trophy to be seen and not heard. At least Morry found it amusing. I think. Well, he didn’t beat them up, so that was his hint, I guess.
The magic in me was growing stronger. I could feel it. But thankfully, Etienne had decided to teach me to control it. Instead of killing me. That was nice. Kind of him. I couldn’t figure out why he decided to help. Yet he was extremely interested in the runes the late Bechalle had carved into my back, taking it upon himself to study them. I couldn’t tell if I wanted to know his findings, for that would mean revisiting the torture, at least the end results of it.
And I had more reasons to be happy. Laemacia agreed not to attack my kingdom – well, Serce, their ambassador and brother of their emperor had – at least for this year, in exchange for a promise to visit them at the end of my spring war. Perhaps at the end of summer. Yet, that was also a reason not to be happy. Who knows how safe I’d be there, but it was so far off, no need to worry about it.
I had a lot to do. Preparations for the war. Somehow get the earls to agree to the knighthood I created, despite it being against their interests. Continue working on the new weaponry I’d introduced, get the army up to speed using them, somehow increase production of the weapons and armor, which was really just me telling others how to do their jobs. Me, a fifteen-year-old girl rushing around the castle, telling everyone what to do. Oh! And the whiskey.
But the earls. One more argument with them tomorrow. I sighed. Rolled over to my side. Wished I could sleep. Brin rolled over, too, draping her arm around me. Yeah, alright, I guess we were cuddling. I should tell her she’s the reason I don’t need suitors. All my spooning needs were covered.
A damned fight on my hands tomorrow and I was going to be tired when I showed up. But they’d be leaving soon. And I could devote more time to sword and spear fighting. Then, then I’d lose the almost and simply be happy. As long as I could, until we went to war.
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