Deathly in Love

 

 

 

 

By

 

G.R. Page

 

Keep a lookout for G.R. Page’s other books in The Andoran Archive Series:

 

A Deadly Adventure

Bigger Than Death

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Published by Boss Media and Publishing

 

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

 

 

 

 

This book is dedicated to my ever loving husband, Jordan. Thank you for being there for me during all the good and all the bad. Here’s to many more years together!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.

 

Jimi Hendrix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Chapter 1 - Coming Home

 

Chapter 2 - Complete and Utter Awkwardness

 

Chapter 3 - In the War Room

 

Chapter 4 - Trust and Treason

 

Chapter 5 - Behind Closed Doors

 

Chapter 6 - Thoughts on the Past

 

Chapter 7 - Regaining Control

 

Chapter 8 - The Squire

 

Chapter 9 - Figuring Out Love

 

Chapter 10 - Sitting in a Cell

 

Chapter 11 - Servant for a Day

 

Chapter 12 - Finding and Facing Consequences

 

Chapter 13 - Unwanted Fate

 

Chapter 14 - Making Decisions

 

Chapter 15 - In An Azzuchian Cave

 

Chapter 16 - When Life Hits

 

Chapter 17 - The Funeral

 

Chapter 18 - The Wedding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 1 - Coming Home

 

“I can’t believe Gayla’s already coming back from her study abroad. It feels like just yesterday she renounced the throne and said she wanted to get an education instead,” Hilda said to her younger sister.

 

“It has been four years. Plus you are now of age, Hilda. It’s your job to help govern our land,” Susie proudly replied.


“After getting married.” Hilda sighed. “Susie, what if Gayla is right? Do I really want an arranged marriage for the government, for dad, or should I try to find love like she is? I mean she called off her arranged marriage before she left. Couldn’t I do that? Of course, I could leave the throne to you.”

 

Susie chuckled, “I don’t think dad will give you that option right now or at all. It’s a little more than a week until you get married to Lord what's-his-bucket. Has dad even mentioned his name to you yet, Hillie?”

 

“I think he is from a Tudor family but it’s just another long name that I’ll have to hear at least ten more times before I remember it,” Hilda remarked as both of them started to laugh.

 

As Hilda laughed along with her sister, she remembered the original feeling she had when Gayla left. It was completely the opposite of how she was feeling right now.

 

 

 

The room was empty and everyone was down at the front gate. Gayla hugged her sisters and curtsied to her parents. It was time to set sail into her new world. A world where she could finally make her own choices.

 

However, this was the first choice that affected the people around her, especially her sisters.

 

Hilda’s heart fell into her stomach like a swallowed apricot pit. Why was Gayla leaving her? Why did Gayla dump all this responsibility on her? Hilda never wanted this responsibility. She was grateful to be a second born before, but not anymore.

 

As much as Hilda loved her sister, she hated Gayla at the moment.

 

 

“I can’t believe I’m finally home,” Gayla thought out loud, while the carriage wheeled closer to Andora. “Four years just breezed by. If only I had one more day. Even a couple hours would suffice.”

 

An idea sparked in her mind.

 

“Stop the carriage, please!” Gayla shouted to the driver. Gayla jolted out the door before the carriage actually halted. “I won’t be long; I just want to find some more books before I see my family. I'll meet you at the gate."

 

The driver nodded to her and drove on.

 

Stenger was quite the place to be that day. Music swelled in the streets, food flavored every corner, and a couple of town stores pushed to the corner with merchandise - everything Gayla could’ve imagined for the last few hours of freedom.

 

“Yes, a breath of freedom before reporting to my father,” Gayla thought. “All I need is an hour.”

 

It was Gayla's favorite town close to home. She knew Stenger's streets well. The bookstore was right across from the boulangerie. As Gayla got to the boulangerie, she noticed him.

 

Him. Who wouldn’t have noticed him?

 

Gayla’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of him.

 

He was a sight to behold. Gayla didn’t think a sight of a man could make her heart flutter so much.

 

The brown wisps of hair in front of his face flicked at his nose while his soft-looking hands stroked the back of the book he was holding.

 

Gayla snapped herself back to reality when she realized she had been staring for almost a minute. She thought she knew everyone in Stenger. Gayla had to look one more time.

 

As she did, the man looked up from the book and smiled boldly across the street at her.

 

Gayla sheepishly turned her back to the bookstore and started looking at the warmed bread. Why of all the ways to find love did Gayla have to find it through love at first sight? She told herself that she knew better and had to find love deeper than just physical attraction.

 

Why did he have to look so nice and charming?

 

She couldn't go over to the bookstore now. What if the man got the wrong idea of her? The best thing Gayla thought she could do was buy some bread and take her time getting there by stopping at other shops on the street.

 

Thankfully, bread was one of Gayla's weaknesses.

 

“Paris was crawling with bread when I was there. I miss eating bread and cheese below the Arc de Triomphe,” Gayla thought to herself as she snacked. “That city was packed with history.”

 

Not too many shops were open today, despite the festivities, so it took Gayla less time than she thought to get to the bookstore.

 

“Oh well,” she thought. “At least I won't be embarrassed coming in here now.”

 

As Gayla began to look around, she noticed the handsome stranger beckoning some nearby instruments and threw some coins in a pot next to them.

 

“What a great song,” Gayla thought. “Definitely haven’t heard this one in a while.”

 

“Would you care to dance?” The handsome stranger offered his hand to Gayla as he inched closer.

 

“Why, thank you. I’d be honored,” Gayla said, taking his hand.

 

“So, what brings such a beautiful girl with golden hair to the festival today?” He asked.

“I was mainly looking for new books. I thought it was more of a marche aux puces than a celebration.” Gayla said. “But so far all I have is bread.”

 

“Fair enough. Well, I noticed not too many vendors are selling things today. Whenever I have visited Stenger, the town always seems to be having a celebration of life.”

 

“Then, you are a visitor. I was wondering.”

 

“I like to go around the Pazinlea Peninsula once in a while to find some fun celebrations.”

 

“I tend to have more responsibilities and tasks to deal with instead of going out celebrating. Though I do often love a good dance. Speaking of, you have a great deal of technique to be doing these types of folk dances. And knowing the music,” Gayla noted from before.

 

“I did have a good upbringing in both dance and foil work.”

 

“Foil work? You fancy yourself a swordsman? Not too many people do these days,” Gayla smirked.

 

The stranger flashed her a noble smile, showing the dimple in the left corner of his mouth again.

 

“How about you? You don’t see too many women around here looking for books either. Some people think most women are still illiterate. I, myself, think that everyone deserves an education of some sort. "

 

"I am pretty determined in my education,” Gayla’s smile grew larger. Thankfully there was more to this stranger than Gayla had first seen.

 

Gayla continued, “There isn’t too much I can do outside my house. My home is more suited and designed to tasks that my father thinks I should do. Dad's a bit of a stickler on that. However, he let me create a library that I can’t get enough of. Oh, and thank you for the dance.”

 

The lively music had stopped and turned into bubbling conversations everywhere on the street.

 

“My pleasure. Wow, both gorgeous and intelligent. I would love to call on you later. May I get your name? Mine’s Callum,” the stranger introduced.

 

“It’s nice to meet you, Callum. Personally, I do have a fairly long name, but most just call me Gayla. My father is a difficult man to persuade to call on one of his daughters, so maybe I could just meet you here tonight instead of all the formality? I do have somewhere to be right now.”

 

“Of course, I look forward to seeing you later.”

 

Gayla turned to leave, but her hand stayed glued in Callum’s. It was as soft as she had thought, but strong and firm clasped.

 

“Sorry I guess you’ll be needing your hand back,” Callum slightly chuckled, and kissed the back of her hand. “Until this evening, sweet Gayla.”

 

As Gayla left the town towards her carriage, a young man sauntered up to Callum.

 

"Sire, what was that? Who was that? You are arranged to be wed within the week. You can't go off gallivanting with the first pretty girl you see."

 

"First off, squire, Gayla's not the first 'pretty' girl I saw. There's something different about her than anyone I've ever been around. Her blue eyes just glittered in the sun. She is quite smart and very witty. I was just drawn to her. I can’t explain it."

 

"I just hope I won’t have to explain any stupidity to your father. Maybe she'll be smart enough to leave you alone so you can be married to the de Ghant girl next Sunday. Your father will kill you if you back out of this wedding. We can't have this end up like the last wedding,” Callum’s squire stated.

 

"Trust me, Gordon, it will be nothing like that. I’m sure that no death will preclude this wedding unlike the last."

 

 

 

“Guess who’s favorite sister is home?” Gayla yelled playfully, while dropping some bags.

 

“AAAAAHHHH!” All three sisters screamed.

 

“Gayla, you’re home” Susie screamed as she hugged her sister tightly.

 

“Yes, I am. Now I am currently deaf and can’t breathe,” Gayla smiled.

 

“I’m extremely happy you’re home. I need help getting ready for a wedding in a week.” Hilda said. “I really need all the help I can get. You have no idea how stressed I am.”

 

“Don’t worry. I’ll be here for you. But first, I need to tell you what happened to me on my way home.”

 

“We are all ears,” Hilda replied.

 

“So I had the guard drop me off in Stenger outside the castle and I met the most interesting, intriguing guy. He was a little of a tease, but very respectful. He was such a gentleman that you’d think he was raised in a palace or something. You don’t meet too many guys like that. He asked for some music to play and he actually knew the whole folk dance. I was very impressed. We danced, we chatted, and it was just amazing.” Gayla sighed on the last word and fell completely onto Hilda’s bed.

 

“Sounds like someone might have had a first love encounter,” Hilda said.

 

“If that’s what you want to call it. Well, I might have a second one tonight if you help me. Please?” Gayla asked, leaning up on her elbows.

 

“I’m guessing you want us to make sure dad doesn’t catch you out too late?” Susie asked.

 

“Yep, you got it.”

 

“You can count on us,” Susie replied. “Sooooo, what did you bring us? You can’t have spent four years traveling all over the world and not bring us back any gifts.”

 

“You can count on Susie, especially, to be direct about presents,” Hilda smiled.

 

“I certainly got you guys presents. I also brought home some artifacts that I wanted to show you,” Gayla said. “First gifts. I got you both some turquoise necklaces I found in Cairo.”

 

“This is beautiful,” Hilda said, putting it on.

 

“Completely beautiful,” Susie agreed. “What about those artifacts? What ancient stuff did you find that you were able to keep?”

 

“I do have a couple of old scrolls you guys won’t be interested in. But I did find this emerald necklace. Isn’t the scarab in the main jewel just so cool?”

 

“That is pretty neat,” Hilda said.

 

“I also found this gold hair comb and mirror. I’m not sure about you, but I just love all the intricate details.”

 

“You always do love those intricate details on things,” Susie said. “Thanks again for the necklace. I can’t get over how beautiful it is.”

 

“Of course. Thanks for looking at my artifacts. I should probably go report to dad and mom. I know dad is expecting me,” Gayla said.

 

“Better get going then. Don’t want to make dad mad,” Hilda said.

 

“Sounds good. Also, remind me to tell you more about my trip later.”

 

 

 

“The Andoran court welcomes Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant home from her sequestered travels,” announced the royal mage.

 

“Welcome home, my darling girl,” Anastasia said. “I’m sure your sisters are thrilled to see you.”

 

“Is there anything important while you are here in court that you wish to report from your studies abroad?” Frederick asked..

 

“Nothing important comes to mind right now,” Gayla said. “If I think of anything relevant to the government or for Hilda’s rule, I will bring it to the next council meeting.”

 

“Good, I expect nothing less,” Frederick said. “This Saturday evening we shall have a celebration. It will be in celebration of your safe return and your sister’s recent engagement. The whole of Pazinlea court has been invited by order of King Magnus.”

 

“Yes, my Lord.”

 

 

 

"Thank you for meeting me tonight," Callum said to Gayla.

 

"Of course. It's my pleasure, Callum."

 

"Please, call me Cal. I like it better, especially coming from your lips."

 

Both smiled at Callum's line, Gayla a little sheepishly.

 

"Well Cal," Gayla said while tucking a braid behind her ear. "What do you have in store for us tonight?"

 

"I have a couple ideas. How about we find you some books first?”

 

“That sounds great. I wasn’t able to get any earlier before I had to leave.”

 

“Wonderful! Let’s get started. What types of books do you usually look for?”

 

“I’ve been quite fascinated with history recently. I think part of my fascination comes from wanting to be a part of history itself,” Gayla gushed.

 

“Wow. I’ve never met anyone as passionate about anything as you are about education!”

 

“What can I say? I love to learn. One day I hope to learn a second language. Maybe French. But enough about me. Tell me more about you, Cal.”

 

“Hmm,” Cal thought. “Well, obviously you know I’m not from here. I come from the land of Vamridge. It’s a land just northeast of here.”

 

“I know where it is. I’ve studied geography. Vamridge is the only place to leave this peninsula. Maybe the best place to live is on the edge,” Gayla teased. “I also know that the Vamridge royal flag has a falcon with a berry stem in its mouth. I know about Vamridge; I want to know more about you.”

 

Cal smiled at Gayla’s interest in him. “Well, I am the second out of four sons in my family. Unfortunately, my older brother died last year. My dad really relies on me now so I’ve learned a lot more about responsibility. Starting Sunday, I’ll have to shoulder a lot more of it. Is that deep enough for you?”

 

“Remarkable! I’ve never met someone with my type of passion. I’ve also never met anyone who wants and is willing to understand responsibility. I am sorry for your loss. I’m the oldest in my family and I can’t even imagine the hurt,” Gayla said.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome. Thank you for helping me find some books and for the bread. It’s been an enlightening and wonderful evening.”

 

“Of course. I am glad for the company. Thank you for joining me, even for a couple of hours. Would you mind if I walked you home?”

 

“Normally I would say yes, but only my sisters know I’m here and I don’t want to have anyone see me coming home.”

 

“I understand,” Callum said. “May I see you tomorrow?”

 

“I look forward to it,” Gayla said.

 

“Tomorrow?”

 

“Until tomorrow.”

 

 

 

Gayla tossed and turned in her bed. Her head, as well as her heart, was too excited to sleep. She couldn’t wait to see Cal again. It was just going to be a little difficult to get out of the castle tomorrow.

 

Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

 

Gayla slowly nodded off while picturing Callum’s face in her mind.

 

 

 

After grabbing some handfuls of food and throwing it into a satchel, Gayla made her way to the stables.

 

It was a good day to go riding. Gayla couldn’t remember the last time she rode.

 

“Good morning, Duchess,” Gayla said to her horse. “Did you miss me?”

 

Duchess licked an apple straight from Gayla’s hand. After just a couple of bites, the apple was completely gone.

 

“Are you ready for a ride?” Gayla asked. “We are going to have some fun today.”

 

Gayla saddled Duchess up quickly and made her way towards Stenger.

 

Just as Gayla reached Stenger’s border, she saw Callum talking with a young man. Similar to her, they were also on horseback. It seemed the younger man was upset with a scowl on his face and his arms gesturing every which way. He suddenly threw up his arms with a disgusted look and trotted off.

 

Gayla had seen a similar ‘I give up’ face from Hilda growing up and wondered what they could’ve been talking about.

 

She and Duchess walked over slowly to where Callum sat.

 

“Hi Callum. Are you alright? That looked a little heated.”

 

Callum smiled at her sensitivity.

 

“I told you: it’s Cal and I’m fine. Thank you for asking though,” Callum said softly.

 

“Of course.” Gayla smiled right back at the handsomeness in front of her. “I was wondering if you wanted to go on a ride today?”

 

“I would love to,” Callum said. He clicked his heels and turned to face the same direction Gayla was. “After you my dear. I’ll follow wherever you may go.”

 

Gayla couldn’t help but to smile. Callum knew all the right things to say. Without giving away her brightly lit face, Gayla galloped into the country with Callum in tow.

 

 

 

“Lady Winifred, have you seen my daughter? It is only the second day since she came home and I can’t find her anywhere,” Lady Anastasia said.

 

“My Lady, Lady Galadriel isn’t in the castle presently,” Winifred said. “Lady Greer, Lady Lilli, and I dressed her quite early today. I believe she was going on a morning run with Duchess. She decided on some really worn down clothes though. It was a little odd.”

 

“Ah, I see. Thank you for letting me know. Please inform me when she gets back.”

 

“Yes m’lady.”

 

 

 

After several hours of riding, the passengers found themselves at Rith River. Everybody needed a rest. While the horses bent their heads for a drink, Callum and Gayla stood with their feet in the water talking.

 

“Is it hot right now or is it just me?” Gayla said. “I’m gonna jump in the river. Would you like to join me?”

 

“Right now?”

 

“Might as well. It’s been a while since I had a good rinse,” Gayla said, taking off the heavier, outer layers of clothing, down to her petticoat and corset.

 

“Up to you,” Gayla said. “You know where I’ll be.”

 

Gayla waded into the river and started floating on her back after reaching the deepest part where she could barely stand.

 

Callum barely hesitated. He stripped down to his knickers and joined Gayla in the river. Both of their heads floated next to each other.

 

Just relaxing, soaking in the perfect moment.

 

Never wanting to move; wanting all time to stop.

 

After some time had passed, their bodies moved slowly toward each other. Callum was tall enough that his shoulders hit the river top. Gayla found her legs on top of Cal’s hips and his arms around her corset. Her arms gathered around his neck as Callum pulled both of them into a full embrace, including Gayla’s lips.

 

It was better than Gayla could’ve imagined. Callum’s skin was irresistibly soft everywhere she touched - which included all of Callum’s chest, arms, and nape of the neck..

 

Everything caught up to Gayla quickly and she stopped to catch her breath.

 

“Are you okay? I didn’t do anything to hurt you, did I?” Callllum asked

 

“No, no,” Gayla said. “I just need to catch my breath. You certainly know what you’re doing.”

 

Cal smiled a little sheepishly. “What can I say? I love being with you and getting to know you. I love getting to know almost every inch of you.”

 

“Same here. Okay, I really can’t breathe now,” Gayla gasped and turned around. “Would you mind untying the back of my corset?”

 

Cal’s hands fumbled at the knot on Gayla’s back for a second but quickly released the corset and Gayla was able to take a deep breath in.

 

“So much better. Thank you,” Gayla said, taking her corset off the rest of the way and throwing it ashore.

 

“I’m glad you can breathe,” Callum said, coming closer to her backside.

 

Feeling Callum closer, Gayla leant back and rested on his chest as his arms came around her stomach. There were plenty of perfect moments with Callum today and Gayla never wanted to forget any of them.

 

Once a couple minutes of perfection had passed, Gayla slowly turned around to face Cal - careful to leave his hands on her waist. She placed her hands tenderly on both sides of his smile and pressed her lips against his for a few brief seconds, then turned and walked to shore.

 

All Callum could do was watch Gayla. He kept his watch floating in the river. After a while longer, he rejoined Gayla on the shore where she had laid a picnic to rest.

 

“What’s all this?” Callum asked.

 

“I brought us some food. I figured we would need to eat at some point.”

 

“Thank you. That’s sweet of you to bring all of this.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“So tell me, what is your greatest adventure?” Callum asked.

 

“My greatest adventure?” Gayla said. “That is certainly a thing to think about. I did just return from traveling abroad, but I’d have to say being here with you might just be my greatest adventure yet. I’ve definitely never done anything as daring as this before.”

 

“You took the words right out of my mouth. I’ve never experienced anything so great and freeing at the same time. I love every minute I am with you,” Callum said.

 

“And I, you.”

 

“I’ve kept you all day,” Callum said. “I wish to keep you longer. However, I’m guessing you probably want to get home soon.”

 

“You read my mind. My family might be wondering where I am,” Gayla said.

 

“Fair enough. I can’t imagine what my parents would say if they knew where I was right now. They currently think I am somewhere else.”

 

“Disobeying mom and dad?” Gayla teased. “You seem a little too old to rebel against your parents.”

 

Callum chuckled. “No. No rebellion here. I just wanted to slow down for these past couple of days. There is a lot of change coming into my life and it’s nice to slow down once in a while.”

 

“I understand that logic,” Gayla said. “Maybe some of that change will be good. I hope I’ll be able to see you again soon.”

 

 

 

As the royalty of Pazinlea Peninsula arrived in Andoran court, the royal mage announced each of their entrances.

 

“Announcing King Magnus Percival Tristan Winthrop and your Queen Amelia Chantelle Eleanor along with their children Princess Leighton Eleanor Rosemary, Prince Jeremiah Lysander, and Princess Daphne Addison.”

 

In between each announcement, the royal orchestra flowed their music perfectly.

 

“Announcing the Duke and Duchess of Baskwell, Alexander Philip and Allaria Desmine.

 

“Announcing the Marquis Family de Gilthane, Silas Corwith, Seychelle Ada, and their son Andustus.”

 

Adustus de Gilthane. That was a name Gayla hadn’t heard since she left on her travels - a face she hadn’t seen since she broke off their engagement.

 

Gayla was finally finished packing. She was ready to go. She was ready to find out what her place was in the world, who she is, and what she could accomplish.

 

Her parents’ carriage was waiting. It would take her to the border where she would officially start her journey.

 

“Andustus, I appreciate you seeing me off, but it’s not necessary. None of this is necessary.”

 

“No worries, it’s my pleasure,” Andustus said.

 

“What I mean by 'it's not necessary’ is that you are no longer obligated to me or my family. Our engagement is fractured. There is no need to be pleased to do anything for me. We don’t need the other. We will only be holding each other back. Both of us are on our way to bigger and better things,” Gayla said, getting into the carriage and driving off.

 

The royal page didn’t miss a beat while Gayla zoned out in her memory.

 

“Announcing the Von Needlham Family, Earl Dixon Oliver and Countess Daisy Johanna.

 

“The Royal Vamridge family sends their regards and their sons, Callum, Walter, and Joseph.”

 

Once Lady Anastasia stood from heir throne, the music ceased.

 

“Thank you all of you in attendance this evening,” Lady Anastasia announced. “We are grateful that our eldest daughter Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia returned safely home from her study abroad. We are also proud to officially announce to the court the engagement of our daughter Lady Hilda Millicent Rowan de Ghant to Lord Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor. Let the festivities commence. The first dance will be shared by the betrothed couple.”

 

As soon as Lady Anastasia sat on her throne, the orchestra filled the Grand Hall once again and spilled out the doors.

 

“Lord Callum,” Gayla thought. “Well that certainly can’t be my Callum. Heaven knows that he isn’t a lord. There is no way he could be a lord, especially with the way he dressed.”

 

Hilda stepped down from the royal thrones and Gayla saw some bustling around in the crowd with people moving back and forth. Out stepped a man in a white suit and a couple medals on his chest.

 

Gayla gasped. It was Callum.

 

How could it be Cal? There was no inclination that he could’ve been royalty.

 

Callum reached for Hilda’s hand and began to spin around the room, just like Gayla’s mind.

 

Gayla had no clue how to react, what to do, what to say. How could the man she so easily fell in love with be engaged to her sister? What was Gayla to do?

 

“All I have to do right now is get through the night,” Gayla said to herself.

 

“What was that?” Susie asked.

 

“Oh nothing,” Gayla said. “I’m just talking to myself.”

 

“I missed that,” Susie smiled. “I forgot how much you talk to yourself.”

 

“Ha, ha, very funny,” Gayla teased Susie. “Have you heard much of the guy Hilda’s engaged to? How come I never got any messages that dad had finally arranged her marriage?”

 

“It only happened a couple weeks ago,” Susie said. “I guess dad figured you’d find out when you got back.”

 

“Well I just did, along with the rest of the Royal Court. What do you know of this Lord Callum?”

 

Susie sighed. “Nothing much. He comes from a decent sized family and Vamridge, but I don’t really know anything. Hilda might know a little more, but not much more.”

 

“That’s too bad,” Gayla said. “He seems like a nice enough guy.”

 

“I know I’m fairly young, but he is a looker.”

 

"Excusez-moi, Susie! What a line coming from you,” Gayla smiled.

 

The two sisters giggled softly, as Hilda and Callum swirled by.

 

“Well, those giggling girls we just passed are my sisters,” Hilda said. “I’ll have to introduce you later.”

 

“That sounds great,” Callum said, doing a double take at Gayla. “They do seem very lovely.”

 

“They usually are,” Hilda said with a smile.

 

Callum tried his best to finish the dance looking at Hilda, but every chance he got, his eyes glanced toward Gayla.

 

What were the odds Gayla turned out to be Lady Hilda’s sister? This was one of the worst situations Callum had ever put himself in and he didn’t know how to get out of it.

 

Callum felt like a fish out of water.

 

 

 

Lord Frederick watched Callum and Hilda dance around the ballroom. He wasn’t feeling nostalgic but a different feeling entirely. Frederick was worried if Hilda was actually ready for the crown and what would happen to his position if she wasn’t.

 

“Now, who would’ve thought that it would be Lady Galadriel to embarrass her father in court?” The Duke of Baskwell said, entering Frederick’s study. “You almost let her get the best of you. I thought I told you to make sure that never happens again, by anyone.”

 

“Last time was nothing. I have everything under control. I’ve never lost face,” Lord Frederick said as he poured out a couple of drinks.

 

“Nevertheless, there are things we need to discuss due to Lady Galadriel’s renouncement,” Duke Alexander said.

 

“So be it. What do you need to know and be assured of?”

 

“I need to be assured that once Hilda reaches her 18th birthday she will be fit to rule Andora. I’m guessing that may be how long Lady Galadriel may be on her expedition,” the Duke explained. “No more time will be given after that. If she is not ready by then, I will put someone in power who is.”

 

“I understand.”

 

“You better,” Alexander said. “You have four years.”

 

 

 

The night blew by with laughter, fine food, and an inordinate amount of dancing. Gayla had forgotten how much she missed dancing. The spinning, the form, a good leading partner - just a few things she missed about dancing.

 

Some of the men that her parents had invited still needed to work on their dancing form but Gayla still enjoyed the dancing as much as she could apart from the night’s main distraction.

 

Her mind was still in a frenzy. Besides dancing, Gayla had no clue how to act.

 

With a tap on her shoulder, Gayla turned around to find the person of her thoughts.

 

“May I have this dance?” Callum asked.

 

“I suppose so.”

 

Music started into a waltz and Gayla knew this was going to be the longest dance of the night. Heck, it was already the longest dance of her life.

 

“I think we need to talk,” Callum said.

 

“Oh really? What in the world could you possibly have to say to me?”

 

“I’m sorry I lied about who I am. Though I wouldn’t say it’s a lie, I know I didn’t tell you the truth and I’m sorry,” Callum said.

 

“Sorry, that’s the best you can do?” Gayla hissed into Callum’s ear. “Besides the fact that it’s my sister, you were still engaged to someone else and had the gall to lead me on. You let me fall. I thought I could trust you, but now I don’t think I’ll ever be able to trust anyone and that is entirely your fault.”

 

Once the unlikely couple reached the edge of the dance floor, Gayla rushed off into the crowd. It shouldn’t be likely for Callum to follow her, not with a crowd this thick.

 

“I can’t deal with this right now,” Gayla thought to herself. “Not until the shock wears off, at least.”

 

As she made it back to her room, Gayla was grateful Callum didn’t try to follow her. Maybe a good night’s rest would put everything into perspective.

 

The reality of being home was finally sinking in.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2 - Complete and Utter Awkwardness

 

“Officially introducing Lord Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor of Vamridge to the court of Lord Frederick Arthur and Lady Anastasia Genevieve Scarlett de Ghant,” announced the royal mage. “He is accompanied by his squire, Sir Gordon Stone.”

 

The two bowed before the Andoran court.

 

“Welcome to our home Lord Callum, Sir Gordon,” Anastasia said. “We are grateful that the ball went so well yesterday and that you are here in Andora.”

 

As Lady Anastasia finished speaking, Lord Frederick continued without missing a beat.

 

“Yes, we are pleased to finally join our two lands of Andora and Vamridge. After last night, please let me officially introduce my daughters to you. First let me present Lady Susanna Georgette Rayne de Ghant, my youngest.”

 

Behind Lord and Lady de Ghant’s thrones, Susie walked out from behind the purple curtain, curtsied in her yellow dress, and stood by her mother.

 

“And now my eldest, Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant,” Lord Frederick continued.

 

As Gayla walked in from the similar spot, she put on her most stoic face. It didn’t help though when she saw Callum. Her heart and feet skipped a beat tumbling her forward. Gayla ignored her dad’s gaze, tried not to look at Cal’s face, curtised as gracefully as she could under the circumstances, and joined Susie by the throne.

 

Lord Frederick was not pleased with Gayla, but went on without skipping a beat. “Lastly, the lady you danced with last night, my second child and your bride at the end of this week, Lady Hilda Millicent Rowan de Ghant.”

 

Following her cue, Hillie strutted out in a color similar to the curtain and pushed herself into a deep curtsy.

 

“Of course, you don’t have to call them by their entire names. Lady Gayla, Lady Susie, and Lady Hilda will do,” Lady Anastasia smiled, while gesturing to each of her daughters respectively. “We have started plans for the coming wedding. Lord Frederick and I wanted to confirm when your parents will be coming to plan for their chambers.”

 

Callum was grateful to finally speak. “They plan to be here Friday midday. I am honored to be here this week in preparation for the merging of our kingdoms and your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

 

Frederick was pleased, but, of course, didn't actually show it.

 

“Good. You may get settled in your chambers before dinner begins. I’ll have Lady Galadriel and some of our servants show you and your squire to your chambers. Perhaps she will be more graceful in the hallway on a flat surface.”

 

 

 

Gayla and Callum walked in silence for several minutes, with his squire and servants staying a few steps behind. Neither quite knew what to say.

 

At separate times, one would turn to the other to say something, but no words would come out of their mouths.

 

“If I may introduce myself,” the squire said, interrupting the silence. “My name is Gordon Stone and I can’t stand your awkwardness. Sire, I did warn you about doing something stupid.”

 

“Okay, thank you for that Gordon. Now that we’ve arrived at the rooms, why don’t you help the servants put the luggage away?” Callum sternly suggested.

 

As Gordon and the servants started to move items into the rooms, Cal turned to Gayla.

 

“You were able to speak last night; please let me speak now. Let me apologize for the awkward situation I’ve put us in. You are truly remarkable. You were, you are a wonderful escape from this arranged reality. I never thought it would end up this way. I just wanted to have some fun before I got married. Everything was so easy and wonderful with you. It was not at all what I expected would happen. It was just so wonderful.” Cal said.

 

“It was,” Gayla replied. “I didn’t think anything could ever be so easy and effortless with someone I’ve only known for a couple of days.”

 

“I know. I’m sorry. The best thing I can do for my kingdom and my family is marry your sister. My father is adamant about this match. After what happened with my brother, I know that my dad won’t give me an option anyways. I shouldn’t have given myself another option. I’m sorry for leading you on.”

 

“I’ll have to ask later about your brother. But for the most part, I understand. I believe we can go about our everyday business as friends.” Gayla said hesitantly, reaching for a handshake. “We can be friends. I think we can do that.”

 

Gayla hoped she didn’t sound as awkward as she felt, while she waited for him to accept the handshake. It would be the last time Gayla would let herself touch Callum, no matter how much she still might want to.

 

“Definitely.” Callum agreed, shaking Gayla’s hand.

 

“Okay, dinner will be in the grand hall in a couple hours. I will see you then.”

 

 

 

The entrance to the grand hall was unlike anything Callum had ever seen. Mahogany wood was covered in green banners with the Andoran symbol plastered around the room.

 

By the time Callum reached the dining table, everyone was already standing next to their chairs so he knew exactly which seat was his. Cal hurried to take his place by the table. As soon as Lord Frederick sat down, the rest of the family and Callum followed suit.

 

“I’m sorry if I kept you waiting to start dinner,” Cal said. “I got a little lost on my way to the hall.”

 

“Oh, don’t worry. It wasn’t too long until you got here,” Anastasia smiled.

 

“So Callum, tell us a little bit more about Vamridge. Is there anything specific I should know about your land before we get married?” Hillie asked.

 

“Not that I can think of. There hasn’t been any land developments for over 200 years, as far as I know.”

 

“Well,” Gayla said, “Within the last 50 years, the Vamridge flag changed from a fruit to a falcon. What inspired Lord Henry to make that change? Do you know what a falcon symbolizes?”

 

“You would have to ask my father. I’m sure it means something to him.”

 

“I’m not sure about the berry stem in its mouth but, according to some lore, a falcon symbolizes victory and the ability to rise above all situations. With some of the battles that Vamridge has fought in, I guess it makes sense to show some victory through it all,” Gayla stated.

 

“As usual,” Susie interjected, “my sister knows everything. It sounds like she knows more about your history than you do.”

 

“We have had our battles, but for the most part we have come out on top. The last fight we were in did have a heavy toll on our family. My older brother died and, inevitably, left me next in line for the crown - which brings me to your family.”

 

“We are grateful that Henry has agreed to uniting you and Hilda. After realizing we had several common enemies, it just made sense to combine forces - especially in matrimony,” Frederick added. “Whether or not it was you, we would’ve had one of Henry’s boys in matrimony to band us together.”

 

An awkward silence fell over the entire table due to Frederick’s last comment. After a couple eyerolls from different daughters, different conversations struck the table simultaneously.

 

Hilda and Susie started talking about the different dresses that were delivered for the ceremony, while Lord and Lady de Ghant went on about the reorganization of the Great Hall for holding the ceremony and celebration.

 

“Now you need to tell me what happened with your brother,” Gayla directed to Cal. “One way or another I will find out; it would just be easier if you told me. It might be important for at least one person to know before you marry my sister.”

 

“Fine. I just don’t think over a dinner table is the place to talk about it. I’m sure you’ll find out about it sooner or later. I shall arrange a meeting with Lord Frederick.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3 - In the War Room

 

“I’ve assembled us here because there are several things we need to bring to light and discuss,” Lord Frederick said.

 

Gayla, Hilda, and Anastasia gathered around the council table with Callum, Gordon, and other dignitaries Frederick had summoned.

 

Susie was off having fun, not worried about what was about to be discussed. Hilda wished she was still 16 and didn’t have any worries about the future.

 

“Normally,” Frederick continued, “we only gather together when a threat upon our land and people is imminent; however, due to the joining of Andora and Vamridge, a threat may be increasing among us. With this said, I will bequeath the time over to Lord Callum of Vamridge.”

 

“Thank you, Lord Frederick,” Callum said. “I’ve been asked to tell the council about the death of my older brother, Charles. It all comes down to Morzul assassins.”

 

“That’s right,” Gayla interrupted. “They are known to our villagers as the Zulkers.”

 

“Yes,” Lord Frederick said. “The Zulkers killed Charles Arthur Tudor. Callum will continue to tell of Charles’ death without interruption.”

 

His eyes flitted to Galadriel and back to Callum.

 

Callum started his story, “Something happened the day before Charles was to be married. He was marrying Lady Elena Catalie de Zara. A Spanish rose, or so I’m told. Everything seemed completely normal. My mom and dad, Lord and Lady Tudor, were overseeing the finishing touches in the courtyard and grand hall.

 

“I was in the kitchen with my younger brothers getting a snack before returning to our chambers for the night. We heard a clattering in the hallway and went to investigate. Walter, Joseph, and I saw nothing out of the ordinary in the main hallway. As we kept walking though, we realized that nobody was in the ordinary. That may not make the most sense. What I mean to say is the fact that normally there are at least 10 people close to the kitchen or working in the dining room.

 

“There was no one anywhere. That should’ve been our first indication that something was wrong. However, I can only look back with regret. That’s my hindsight bias. My brothers and I continued walking back to our chambers without thinking something was amiss. I didn’t even wonder where Charles was. I guess I just assumed he was with the bride to be.

 

“We didn’t find him until morning. Even with all the servants my father had around the castle, no one heard anything except the one clang my brothers and I heard. After looking in his chambers, courtyard, and throne room, we found him hanging in the library rafters. The bride-to-be was somewhat troubled, but not as much as our family, due to it being an arranged marriage.

 

“There was some fondness between them, but they had only really gotten to know each other within a month or so before they were to be married. That’s the main downside to arranged marriages. You don’t have too long to really get to know the other person until the actual marriage. It’s unfortunate, but I understand that’s the way it works. I don’t want to put a target on anyone’s back until the last minute.” Callum said. “I’ve heard of terrible things happening to other royal families.”

 

“Right you are,” Lady Anastasia said. “We don’t want anyone to get any bright ideas to attack us anytime soon.”

 

“Yes, but because of how quick the Zulkers got to Vamridge and Charles, we need to take every precaution this week in case there is a plot happening that we do not know about,” Frederick warned. “We need to determine what courses of action to take if anything should happen. We need to be prepared for anything. Before we allow the council to deliberate and take course, I’ll allow the women of the court to speak about the matter if they wish.”

 

“So are we drawing from Vamridge’s resources during the week to help against any attacks or are we only using what we currently have?” Gayla asked. “I’m curious because I’m sure you don’t want to draw any unwanted attention by being overzealous with soldiers posted at every entry.”

 

“A good question, Lady Galadriel,” Frederick said. “We will plan positions for Vamridge when Lord and Lady Tudor arrive, but until then, we will be using our own resources and men.”

 

“Also,” Gayla said, “ I don’t want to doubt or infringe on what you’ve said, but are you sure it was the Zulkers that killed your brother? Was there any indication the attack came from Morzul?”

 

“That is one thing Lord Henry and I are certain of. Morzul is a common enemy, not only to us, but other countries around as well,” Frederick stated. “If an attack comes from anywhere, it will come from Morzul. The man that leads the Zulkers is known as Zaaskos. He is brutal and determined. We will be prepared. Hilda, do you have any questions or concerns?”

 

“No, I can’t think of anything. I’m sure we are in fine hands with the council going into deliberation.”

 

Anastasia looked at Frederick with a slightly worried look. Subtle glances were thrown around by council members. The glance Lord Frederick could feel came directly from Duke Alexander Philip of Baskwell.

 

“All right, then. I announce this session ended and let the council have their separate meeting for resource discussion,” Frederick said.

 

 

 

“Four years. You’ve had four years to teach and train Lady Hilda. She is still no more of a lady than was those years ago. Hilda has no savoir faire in private or in public. Has she ever brought anything: questions or concerns to the council?”

 

“No, your Grace,” Lord Frederick said.

 

“Do you want your family to stay in power?”

 

“Yes, your Grace.”

 

“Do you want me to put the Von Needleham’s or someone else in charge of Andora? After all you’ve done and been through?”

 

“No, your Grace. You know I don’t want that. What needs to be done?” Frederick asked.

 

“There is one resource I’ll inform you of, but it is only used as a last resort. It may rid your court of its stupidity and the problem I am seeing..”

 

‘If it’s the only option left, then so be it.”

 

“Not many know of this resource and it shall remain this way.”

 

 

 

That evening a figure left through the south servant’s entrance. Normally the servants are either deep in the castle or already in their own homes by this time. The hooded figure started toward Stenger with an abrupt speed.

 

The figure didn’t even hesitate at the town’s edge. He continued on his course, not skipping a beat. He headed straight for the tavern and sat next to another dark cloaked man.

 

In fact, it was not a cloak. It was a robe. Cinched at the waist with tweed.

 

The robed man looked up with his scarred face, and stared straight ahead. Though it was years from the initial incident, there were four distinct scratch marks from his left eye to nose that distinguished him from others of his kind.

 

“I have a task for you and your men,” said the first man.

 

“Just tell me what it is so I can get out of this place. This town is deplorable.”

 

“I was told you know how to deal with problems in royal courts.”

 

“Yes, that is an obvious conclusion. Get to the point, what is the problem in Andora?” the second man sniped.

 

The first man sighed and reluctantly opened his mouth:

 

“Hilda Millicent Rowan de Ghant.”

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4 - Trust and Treason

 

“Gayla, there were several dresses delivered yesterday that I need your opinion on,” Hilda said. “I’m getting married in less than a week and I have no idea what I am going to wear.”

 

“Sure, let’s take a look in your chambers. I’m sure Susie wouldn’t mind a fashion show.”

 

“Definitely,” Susie said, walking up to them. “Let’s go right now.”

 

“Should I get one of your ladies maids?” Galadriel asked.

 

“No, there are no corsets. I should be fine,” Hida said.

 

Susie tugged at her sister's arms, “Come on, let’s go.”

 

 

 

As the ladies were walking to Hilda’s room, Callum was waiting around a corner. He quickly grabbed Gayla’s elbow and pulled her towards him, without the others noticing.

 

“Sorry to scare you,” Callum said. “I just wanted to check on where we are.”

 

“Despite the fact that I am almost always awkward around you now? Yeah, I’m fine,” Gayla said sarcastically.

 

“I’m sorry but you know what I mean.”

 

“I do know what you mean,” Gayla sighed. “I do still have feelings for you. As much as I wish I could, I can’t just turn them off but I can’t really trust you right now either.”

 

“What can I do to gain your trust back?” Callum asked. “I’ll do anything to have your trust again.”

 

“Let me think about it. I will let you know.”

 

 

 

“Okay, first dress please,” Gayla said.

 

Hilda walked out from behind the dressing partition to reveal a white floor length dress. From the right shoulder, an elegant train fell completely to the ground.

 

“I do like this first one a lot. The satin gives it a nice shine and it seems more traditional. Dad said he wanted you to try to look more traditional, right? Also, you look a few inches taller with the cinch waist,” Gayla said. “You look almost as tall as me, and I’m still not as tall as Cal. I swear that man is almost six feet tall. Then again, he’s still shorter than dad, so not completely six foot. Sorry I'm rambling. Susie, what do you think?”

 

“It’s very pretty. I do like how soft it is. You can also do your hair in almost any style and it will still work with the dress.”

 

“I’m not sure,” Hillie said. “It just doesn’t completely feel like me. Okay enough on this dress. I don’t like not feeling like myself. Let’s try the next one.”

 

The second floor length dress Hillie stepped out in made Susie gasp.

 

“I love it!” Susie squealed. “The light pinkish flowers on top are so cute and look so good on you.”

 

“I do like that cinch waist on you a lot. I’m glad the stylists knew to throw that into a couple of the dresses. The cream and blush colors actually work better together than I thought they would. I guess it’s how they both compliment your skin tone. How are you liking the halter top with this dress?”

 

Hilda smiled. “I do like the halter. It’s a little more comfortable than just doing one shoulder like the other dress. I know the other dresses aren’t as traditional as these first two. How “traditional” does dad want my wedding dress to be? We don’t live in the 12th century.”

 

“That’s a good question,” Gayla said. “I think he’d at least prefer a floor length dress. But I’m not sure what Cal would like to see you in. It looked like there was only one short one, so we don’t mind you trying them all on so you can see what you like.”

 

“Okay, I’ll try the short one on next.”

 

“Sounds good,” Gayla said, as Hilda stepped behind the partition. “Would you like me to curl your hair for the ceremony?”

 

“I’d like that a lot,” Hilda replied as she changed.

 

After struggling with the dress, Hilda stepped out once more.

 

“Wow, that is a lot of tulle,” Susie exclaimed. “You almost look like a giant marshmallow to me.”

 

“Thanks,” Hilda said, with some sarcasm behind her voice. “Gayla, your thoughts?”

 

“Besides the obvious poof, it is fun with the right hip to halter rope around,” Gayla said. “You do know me, I do love roses, so the gray rose strap with the cream tulle seems quite elegant.”

 

Hillie spun in a circle with her arms out. “The tulle is seriously crazy. I like the fluff but it might be a bit much. I don’t want others, similar to Susie, to remember me like a marshmallow or another giant pastry on my wedding day.”

 

“Sorry, sis. I didn’t mean to offend you,” Susie said.

 

“No worries. Well I have one more to show you both and then you can help with the official dress decision,” Hilda said, as she disappeared behind the partition again.

 

“Sounds good,” Susie said. “I think it’s going to be a hard decision. They are all so fun, aren’t they?”

 

“Yes, they are,” Gayla said. “Whatever she wears, Hillie will be gorgeous. I can’t believe how fast it is happening. Not including today, it’s only six days until she and Cal get married.”

 

“Yup. Um, Gayla, why do you keep calling Lord Callum, Cal? You’ve called him that several times now.”

 

“Sorry, I didn’t realize. I think I heard from somewhere, maybe the royal court gossip or something, that he prefers to go by Cal. It’s possible I might have overhead some servants saying something. I guess we’ll just have to ask Callum what he would like us to call him, especially after the fact that we become sister-in-laws,” Gayla said, trying not to make any type of distinguishable face while the thought of personally marrying Callum was in the back of her mind. “Hillie, we are ready for the last dress any time now.”

 

Gayla was ready for this conversation to end.

 

“It seems like it’s more than that, though.” Susie said, redirecting the conversation. “Whatever happened with your first love encounter? You never told us what happened that night after your rendezvous with the Stenger stranger. Also, I have heard several servants talking about how you seemed to be missing the entire weekend. Did that have anything to do with the Stenger stranger?”

 

“The Stenger stranger? Unfortunately, nothing has or will come of that. I mentioned before I got caught up with a horse ride. It doesn’t matter what happened; what matters is what will happen. What will happen is Hilda marrying Callum.

 

“Speaking of which, she should be out from behind the partition by now.

 

“Susie, keep talking.

 

“Tell me what you’re most excited about for Hilda’s big day.”

 

As Susie started to speak again about her excitement for the wedding, Gayla quietly stepped toward the wall and pulled a sword out from behind an Andoran crest. She inched toward the partition and pushed it to the ground to reveal a man.

 

A man was holding Hillie hostage, at his side. Gayla found a lump in her throat.

 

A man held a dagger to her sister’s throat and was covering her mouth with the other.

 

Gayla and Susie stared in shock.

 

Hilda stood shivering in her petticoat.

 

The albino man wore nothing but a black robe with simple tweed tied around his waist. If Hillie were not in trouble, he would be mistaken for a monk. His bald head mirrored his uncovered feet. The only thing that deterred him from looking like a monk was his birthmark.

 

A red mark inched down his face from the crown of his head. It formed around his right eye and sparked a sense of dread in Gayla.

 

“How did he get in here?” Gayla thought. “We already have dozens of men placed at castle points of entry.”

 

The bald man glared at Gayla with the most intensity she’d ever seen from green eyes. She raised the sword both in defense and duel.

 

“Let go of my sister,” Gayla fumed with an anger rising inside her she’d never felt before in her 25 years.

 

“Fine, I guess I’ll take you instead,” the man said, tossing Hilda to the ground. Hilda quickly whimpered over to Susie and held each other close.

 

In the blink of an eye, the man was across the room retrieving the other sword from the crest. One sword was enough for Galadriel to handle, but with both a dagger and a sword in the man’s hands, it was anyone’s game.

 

Metal clanged together. This was unreal in Galadriel’s eyes. Yet she continued to defend her home and her sisters. If no one else would, Gayla would. As Gayla maneuvered the foil work away from the entrance, she yelled at her sisters to go get help. Hilda slinked into a corner while Susie quickly ran from the room, not wanting to be there a second longer.

 

As Susie's calls for help echoed down the hallway, Gayla continued to fight vigorously against the unknown man. Right as she lunged at him with her sword, the man spun out of the way and onto Hilda’s bed. The sound of metal on metal was horrid to hear; it made Hilda’s teeth ache. But the fighting never stopped. Hilda’s bed curtains were being torn to shreds with every movement. Each movement was something that Gayla hadn’t seen before.

 

The way the traitor moved was almost impressive. Quiet, yet with such strength and determination. Every movement was terribly quick. It was difficult to keep up with him, yet she knew she had to.

 

Gayla moved instinctively. She tried to remember everything her father taught her.

 

Finally, Gayla could hear echoing running steps coming toward the room. The battle would soon be over. At least she was able to hold the man off long enough until help arrived. Gayla was getting tired.

 

Callum leapt into the room straight toward the stranger. A few quick blows was all that Cal needed before landing his sword in the albino’s chest cavity.

 

The man fell quickly and laid silently on Hilda’s bed.

 

Callum ran to Hilda.

 

“Are you alright?” Callum asked, wrapping her up in a blanket and his arms.

 

Hilda had no words. They literally couldn’t form and come out of her mouth. All she could was nod.

 

More footsteps bounded down the hallway coming towards Hilda’s chambers.

 

“What happened here?” Frederick’s voice boomed.

 

From behind him, Susie spoke up and Frederick turned to listen.

 

“Well at first, Hillie was trying on dresses for the ceremony. At some point, Gayla realized something was wrong or going on. All I remember was talking about how excited I was for the wedding, and next thing I knew Gayla had a sword in her hand pointing it towards the white man holding Hillie hostage.”

 

“The white man?” Frederick moved closer to look at the body. “That white man is a Zulker. He answers to Zaaskos. Surely you remember that from the council. Well, Hilda, it looks like you’re in good hands. I’ll let you and Lord Callum have some time together as this anxiousness subsides. Do throw on a robe or something though.”

 

Turning to Gayla, Frederick continued to speak. “Galadriel, sometimes I wonder what I’m going to do with you, but right now I am very proud that you did learn foil work at a young age and were here to defend your sister. I am glad that you had quick thinking and quick footwork.”

 

“Yes, I’m glad she was able to hold her own,” Anastasia said. “But why did she have to? How did this man even get inside the palace walls?”

 

“That is a very good question. I will research this and question the guards as to how the albino got in our home. Maybe he flew in the window,” Frederick lightly joked. “Come, now all of you. Let’s leave Hilda and Lord Callum alone right now.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5 - Behind Closed Doors

 

It was the first time being alone with their betrothed. Hilda and Callum sat there in silence. Callum was still holding Hilda from the initial scare. If you didn’t know better, just looking at them would’ve been a cute sight to behold. However, it was just awkward. Hilda didn’t know how or what to say. She wasn’t sure if words would even come out of her mouth, due to what just happened. Plus there was still a dead body on her bed.

 

Hilda just sat there in her petticoat, wrapped in a blanket. Next to the man she was about to marry, whom she knew nothing about.

 

“How…?” Hilda stammered, trying to connect her words. “Um, … thank you Callum. Thank you for being here. It means a lot that you would try to comfort me. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this day.”

 

“Why wouldn’t I be here? I’m so sorry that this happened to you. In all places, your home is somewhere you should never feel threatened. I’m sorry.” Callum thought for a second that they might kiss, but pictured Gayla’s face in his mind before it was even a possibility.

 

Callum thought of those gold locks always in some sort of braid. He pictured Gayla’s smile and sweet tingling laughter. Composing himself, Callum straightened his posture, and looked back at Hilda.

 

“I’ll get right on this. You can spend the day with Lady Susie while I will determine what happened and how. I will make sure that you can feel safe in your home and I’ll get someone to deal with this mess.”

 

As Callum stood up, he realized it was the least he could do since he only felt love for one person. Unfortunately, it wasn’t Hilda.

 

 

 

“How could something like this happen?” Anastasia said, pacing back and forth. “We have guards at every door. A zulker in the castle? What will Lord Henry say? You don’t think he’ll pull Callum out of our arrangement, do you?”

 

“Sweetheart, all will be fine,” Frederick reassured. “I have all able bodied men working now. Also, I already spoke to Henry via messenger and he is sending some troops as we speak to help show a united front. That’s all we could ask for before he actually comes himself, with more men.”

 

Anastasia sighed. “Well if that’s all we can do right now, then so be it. I’m still so angry that it was able to happen. I’m very grateful that we taught Galadriel when she was younger. Hilda didn’t even do anything. I’m glad one of our daughters knows how to fight.”

 

“I know. I saw that you were worried when Hilda didn’t say anything or ask any questions during the council. I’m sure she will be a fine governor over the land, but it seems we didn’t do much to get her ready,” Frederick said, showing the most emotion he had in almost four years when Galadriel declaimed the throne. “If Galadriel hadn’t gone, we’d already be ready for a new reign. Hilda will have more training within the next four days before the wedding. We must do what we can to make her into a decent ruler.”

 

“Without a doubt. Also, something for you to think about dearest - I think you should allow Galadriel a position on the council. Whenever both you and I are gone from this life, Galadriel should be a regent to Hilda and help make decisions.”

 

“I agree.”

 

 

 

After finding someone to attend to Hilda’s chambers, Callum forgot about what else he was going to do. He could only thing about one thing:

 

Gayla.

 

Callum wandered the halls with his mind on her. As much as he tried, Callum couldn’t stop thinking about her. He tried to think of Hilda - how she was feeling, what a life together could look like but it always turned back to Galadriel.

 

Callum tried to think of what Lord Frederick, or even his father, might say or do if they knew of his feelings toward the wrong daughter. At the same time, he didn’t care. He knew he wanted to be with her. As Callum had this thought, he had wandered up to Gayla’s chambers and knocked on the door without actually thinking.

 

As the door opened, the first thing Callum saw was Gayla’s sweet smile.

 

“Please, come in,” She beckoned.

 

“I’m not really sure what I’m doing here but I did want to say thank you for your help and courage today. I’m not sure what Lady Hilda would’ve done if you hadn’t been with her. I fear that she might’ve ended up dead. She’s lucky to have you as a sister.”

 

“Thanks,” Gayla said. “Thankfully, my mom trained me to fight a little bit when I was younger. I remember having sword fights when I was about ten years old. Of course, it was very different from today. I could barely keep up with that man. That menacing, awful man. How’s Hillie doing? You just left her, right?”

 

“She’ll be alright. There’s just the initial shock still there. As long as she stays wrapped up in a blanket, that should help her.”

 

“That’s good. You’ve definitely earned some of my trust back with all of your help. However, there is one thing I’ve been wondering about. Zulkers always kill. It’s pretty much their trademark. He had a chance to kill Hilda but he didn’t. Don’t you think that’s odd? What do you think? Do you think it’s weird or do you think that they were trying to send a message that our family is next or what?”

 

“Now you need to calm down,” Callum said. “I’m sure everything will be fine. Men have already doubled here and more troops are on their way from Vamridge. My dad quickly responded to Frederick’s inquiry. We are going to be fine.”

 

Callum took Gayla’s face in his hands with his last sentence. Her face was soft to the touch and Callum didn’t want to let go.

 

“Okay, thank you for saying that. I really needed to hear it.”

 

“Of course.” Callum couldn’t bear it any longer and brought her face to his. Their lips brushed each other before leaning into a kiss.

 

It was soft and tender, everything Galadriel remembered from the last time. As they continued to kiss, Cal’s hands caressed slowly down her body to her hips and she felt her arms grasping his biceps. He didn’t look it, especially with baggier clothing, but Cal was ripped. She should’ve touched his muscles sooner.

 

Such tight muscles.

 

She could picture Callum’s perfect chest in her mind.

 

She needed it now.

 

Galadriel untied his shirt and tugged it over his head. Their lips interlocked again without missing a beat.

 

Callum moved closer and closer until there was no space between them and Gayla’s head was into the pillows.

 

Gayla wished Cal could fill her whole soul. But Gayla wouldn’t let her soul be compromised when Hilda’s happiness came first.

 

Gayla rolled herself and Callum to their sides, put a pillow in between them, and faced the other way.

 

“Hilda’s getting herself a very passionate man,” Gayla said, with her back to him.

 

Callum put his arms around the pillow and Gayla’s stomach. “I’m only passionate about you. I don’t think I could ever love anyone the way I love you, let alone your sister. If I could do something about this legally, without angering either of our fathers, I would. I would do everything differently.”

 

 

 

Hilda stumbled to Susie’s room with her mind a blur. She couldn’t get past what just happened. A man laid dead on her bed.

 

A zulker tried to kill her. She should be dead.

 

Why wasn’t she dead?

 

Zulkers always carried out the deed, didn’t they? Why did she have to live with this trauma?

 

“Hillie, come sit on the bed with me,” Susie said. “You just need to relax and take a second to breathe.”

 

“I’ll try.”

 

The two sisters snuggled together. Susie grabbed a blanket from the edge of bed and threw it around them.


“It will be okay. Everything is going to be okay. By the end of the week, you’ll have married a nice gentleman who will be very fond of you. Everything will get back to normal,” Susie said, trying to soothe her sister.

 

“I don’t want someone to just be fond of me. Similar to Gayla, I dream of love not fondness. Unfortunately I don’t have a say in that anymore.”

 

Hilda felt like she was hyperventilating. Hilda had whipped herself up into such a frenzy that she started crying uncontrollably on Susie’s shoulder. Susie wrapped her arm around Hilda and just let her cry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6 - Thoughts on the Past

 

Gayla walked straight to the throne room.

 

She knew exactly what she needed to do. She knew what she wanted. She wanted only one thing, and it wasn’t the throne anymore.

 

Gayla wanted love.

 

Nay, she needed love.

 

“You must believe me when I tell you that I have found it impossible to carry the heavy burden of responsibility to this kingdom. I asked to be discharged of my duties as future Andora queen, as I abdicate the throne to Hilda.”

 

Frederick arose from his seat with the only true angry face Galadriel had ever seen from him.

 

“Before you say something, I have thought this through. I don’t want an arranged marriage. I want love. True, intimate love. I remember you saying that you grew fond of Anastasia over the years, but I don’t dream of fondness. I dream of love. And of education. I want to travel and enhance my knowledge. I can bring back my knowledge to help Hilda, but I don’t want the responsibility of ruling Andora any longer,” Galadriel said.

 

It seemed like an eternity that the court was silent. Frederick was silent, pondering what Gayla had just said.

 

Complete stillness all around.

 

“All right,” Frederick spoke up finally. “I’ll accept your abdication. We will have a document drawn up that recognizes your departure from the throne. However, you still answer to me as your king, and then to any future person who may sit on the throne. Whether or not that is your sister, you will respect and serve the crown. Understood?”

 

“Yes.”

 

 

 

Andoran Instrument of Abdication

 

I, Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant, of Andora, hereby declare my irrevocable determination to renounce the throne for myself, and for my descendents, and my desire that effect should be given to this Instrument of Abdication immediately.

 

In token whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of these witnesses whose signatures are subscribed.

 

Signed at Andoran Court

In the Presence of:

 

 

Abdicator:

 

Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant

Andoran Rulers:

 

Lady Anastasia Genevieve Scarlett de Ghant

 

Lord Frederick Arthur de Ghant

 

Council Members:

Lord Byron Malcom

 

Sir Owain Chevalier

 

Sir Hugo Adamer

 

Lord Warren Gerard Paul

 

Sir Richard Quinn

 

Lord Randolph Esteve Serlo

 

Sir Rolfe Percival Bartlet

 

 

 

Gayla couldn’t stop thinking of that day. It replayed over and over in her head. Besides that flash of anger, it couldn’t have gone any better than she thought. Now looking back, Gayla wished she’d just asked for time away to research or study. That way she’d be the one involved with Callum; it wouldn’t be Hilda. She could have the throne and love.

 

Gayla didn’t think it would be possible to have such a passion towards a man. Education and knowledge, maybe, but not a man. Plus, she shouldn’t and couldn’t take Callum away from Hilda, ruining her wedding, and disrespecting the throne. Her father would be furious with her.

 

Why did she have to feel this way toward Callum? Out of anyone she could’ve met in Stenger that day, why did it have to be him?

 

All Gayla could do now was focus on Hilda: help her feel better and plan the rest of the wedding. Mom and dad were taking control of the ceremony, so Gayla didn’t have to worry about that.

 

As long as she stopped zoning out in her memories, Gayla could find plenty of things to keep herself busy within the next few days.

 

Hopefully.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7 - Regaining Personal Control

 

“If I remember correctly,” Gayla said, “You still have one more wedding dress to try on.”

 

Hilda hung her head a little lower hearing Gayla say that. She did want to finish trying on dresses, but she didn’t want to go back to her room with what happened yesterday.

 

Gayla continued, “In response to your head action, you can try it on in my chambers. Not yours. Does that sound good?”

 

“Yes, please.”

 

“Great, I’ll go get the dresses from your room and meet you in about ten minutes.”

 

 

 

“Okay, so, would you like to try the other dresses on again or just skip straight to the last dress?”

 

“I think I’ll just try on the last one,” Hilda said. “I don’t need any flashbacks from the previous day or any of the dresses.”

 

When Hilda stepped out from behind the dressing partition, her demeanor had completely changed. Gayla could see a little spark behind Hilda’s eyes again. Gayla had been worried about how being attacked could affect Hilda but, seeing her sister’s smile, Gayla knew that Hilda would be fine.

 

“You certainly look happier in this dress than you ever did in those other ones. How do you feel about this beauty?”

 

“It feels really good. Its length should be perfect for dad’s traditional perspective but still it is different enough that I feel unique and actually beautiful in it,” Hilda said.

 

Gayla moved over on her bench and the two of them sat in front of the full-length mirror.

 

“You look beautiful.”

 

Indeed, Hilda did look beautiful for what she had gone through. The dress only highlighted her beauty. The cinched bodice pulling the fabric in different directions, the mermaid tail poof and sweetheart neckline enhanced every edge of Hilda’s 5’2” frame. Though Callum was seven inches taller than her, Hilda knew her heels would help her stand more confident on the wedding day.


“Yep, this is certainly the dress. Thanks for your help Gayla. I couldn’t get through this if it weren’t for you,” Hilda said. “Thank you for being there.”

 

Tears started streaming down Hilda’s face again, partially from the trauma but also in gratitude.

 

“Anything for you sis. I’ll always be there for you.” Gayla squeezed her sister from the side. “I never want to see you get hurt. I never want to be a threat to your happiness.”

 

 

 

“I’m working on the processional line up and I have a couple questions for you,” Gayla said.

 

“Of course,” Callum responded. “How can I help you?”

 

“Traditionally, we’ll start with the minstrels and you and Hilda will follow suit. The question I have is about your best man. Who will follow after you?”

 

“The best man on horseback will be my squire, Gordon Stone.”

 

“That scrawny thing? He barely looks like he could lift a sword. How is he supposed to protect you? He also looks super young.”

 

“He’s tougher and stronger than he looks. Plus he is only a year older than Hilda. Don’t worry about him. Just a spot in the processional is fine.”

 

“All right,” Gayla said, turning to leave.

 

“Wait,” Callum said. “I want to say that I’m not sorry about the other day. You are beautiful, smart, and unlike anyone I have ever met. I may be forced to marry your sister, but no one can force my feelings. How I feel about you. I love you, Gayla. Honestly, if I could do anything and have no repercussions, I would marry you instead. This may be hard for you to hear, but I needed to say it.”

 

Gayla stood there in shock. Not at any time in her life did she expect to hear something like that. She had no response. Gayla didn’t know if she should say anything back, let alone what she should or could say. Gayla didn’t want anything she did to affect Hilda’s future relationship with Callum. She seemed frozen in time.

 

While Gayla was struggling to move, Callum kissed her cheek and went about his own duties for the wedding.

 

So much for trying to get some control over her own life. Gayla couldn’t control her own thoughts.

 

All she could think about was that Callum just said he loved her. She thought about their brief moment on her bed.

 

Gayla thought about how his soft lips brushed against hers. She could picture Callum’s lips kissing the rest of her body, and wished she could feel them as well.

 

She thought about how she should’ve just thrown Callum under the bed sheets with her. She thought about his soft hands and soft words.

 

Those soft words of comfort and love.

 

As much as she knew she shouldn’t, Gayla loved Callum too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 8 - The Squire

 

“Now, when you get to Andora, you need to keep an eye out on Callum even more so than usual,” Lord Henry said. “Their kingdom isn’t as secure as ours is now.”

 

“Yes, sir,” Gordon Stone responded. “I won’t let him out of my sight.”

 

 

 

"Sire, what was that? Who was that? You are arranged to be wed within the week. You can't go off gallivanting with the first pretty girl you see,” Gordon said.

 

"First off, squire, Gayla's not the first 'pretty ' girl I saw. There's something different about her than anyone I've ever been around. Her blue eyes just glittered in the sun. She is quite smart and very witty."

 

"I just hope I won’t have to explain any stupidity to your father. Maybe she'll be smart enough to leave you alone so you can be married to the de Ghant girl next Sunday. Your father will kill you if you back out of this wedding. We can't have this end up like the last wedding,” Callum’s squire stated.

 

"Trust me, Gordon, I’m sure it will be nothing like that."

 

“Good, because you have a lot of responsibility coming up.”

 

“I know, I know,” Callum said. “All I wanted was to have some fun; nothing will come of it anyway.”

 

 

 

Callum was watching the sun rise when Gordon rode into his line of sight.

 

“I’m guessing it’s safe to say you haven’t followed a single word I said,” Gordon said.

 

Callum relaxed his shoulders with a sigh. “Gordon, you’ve got no say into what I do. This is my life and I get to choose how I live it. Right now, I choose to live my life with Gayla. I haven’t felt this way about anything my entire life. My father will see that when he gets here.”

 

“Your father will side with me. You will marry the de Ghant girl whether you want to or not,” Gordon said, starting to gesture his hands. “Why do you have to be such an idiot? Come with me, before you ruin everything your father has set up.”

 

“Just leave. I may be an idiot, but I stand by my choices. I know what I am doing.”

 

The squire shook his head disapprovingly but left as fast as his horse would let him. Gordon didn’t want to be around Callum right now anyway.

 

“How could Callum be such an idiot?” Gordon thought to himself. “I’ve never seen him be such an idiot before.”

 

 

 

“If I may introduce myself,” interjected the squire, “my name is Gordon Stone and I can’t stand your awkwardness. Sire, I did warn you about doing something stupid.”

 

“Okay, thank you for that Gordon. Now that we’ve arrived at the rooms, why don’t you help the servants put the luggage away?” Callum sternly suggested.

 

After Gayla left, Callum and Gordon finished putting things away for their stay.

 

“Sire, I’m sorry for interrupting you and Lady Galadriel earlier. It was the only thing I could think of to move you past completely blundering.”

 

“It’s alright; you are my best friend for a reason. Sometimes you seem like a younger brother than a best friend, but still I am grateful to have you around,” Callum said.

 

“Thank you,” Gordon said. “Well, is there anything you need me to do before dinner?”

 

“Yes, actually. Would you mind tending to the horses? They could use some help after the trip.”

 

“Of course.”

 

 

 

“Whether or not it was you, we would’ve had one of Henry’s boys in matrimony to band us together.”

 

Frederick’s line from dinner and the events from the few short days in Andora rang through Gordon’s head. No matter what Gordon did, he couldn’t stop thinking about things that Frederick had said, particularly that line. What did Frederick mean?

 

Gordon knew he needed to write Lord Henry about the events that transpired.

 

 

 

To: Lord Henry Montgomery Tudor

 

Lord Henry -

 

Some matters weigh on my mind that I figure you should know before your arrival.

 

At dinner the other night, Lord Frederick mentioned something to the fact that he would do anything to have one of your sons in matrimony. I’ve been worried that he may have already done something. To what end? I don’t know, but it’s a creeping feeling I’ve had for some time. I figured you may want to know, in case anything does come of it.

 

Also, I know Lord Frederick did write about the zulker attack on Hilda for reinforcements. He almost was making light of the incident; it seemed, after wracking my brain, like he might have known something about the attack.

 

I hope I have just been overthinking it all, but I wanted to take account of all that has happened and let you know my thoughts. You should be informed from all sides.

 

Blessings to you and Lady Jasmine about the betrothed couple again,

 

Squire Gordon Stone

 

 

 

“Hey, Hilda, how are you holding up?” Gordon asked. “Also I heard you need some help with swordsmanship. I’m all yours. Here catch!” He threw a sword with the hilt towards her.

 

Hilda almost caught it but it slipped out of her hand. She quickly picked it up and started sparring with him. “I’m doing alright, considering. Thank you for asking Gordon.”

 

“Certainly. I’m also grateful you knew my name,” Gordon said. “Not too many people remember it. I’m usually just the guy that’s with Lord Callum.”

 

Hilda giggled at the line. “I can tell you’re more than that, especially to Callum. Just the way you two interact with each other, it’s obvious that you’re good friends. Even with the age difference. How old are you anyway?”

 

“Heh, I’m 19. With Callum being 28, it is kind of a weird relationship. Sometimes we do kind of seem like siblings, but he does have enough brothers. Plus, I’ll do some stuff that his brothers won’t.”

 

“I’m sure. Thanks for the help. I should get back to Gayla with other preparations.”

 

“See you later,” Gordon said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 9 - Figuring Out Love

 

“Ladies, it’s been some time since we went out on the town,” Gayla said to her ladies in waiting. “Thanks for coming out with me.”

 

“Definitely,” Lady Winifred said.

 

“It’s nice to get out of the castle once in a while,” Lady Greer chimed in.

 

“Four bottles please,” Gayla directed to the tavern owner. “Well, let’s sit down. Boy do I have a story for you, which I need advice on.”

 

“Pray tell,” Lady Lilli said. “Give us all the juicy details.”

 

 

 

“Wow,” said Greer. “That is a lot to take in. Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor. For one thing, that is a very long name.”

 

“But the fact that he asked you to call him Cal just shows how quickly you made an intimate bond with him,” Lilli said.

 

“I know,” Gayla said. “And now the problem is that I can’t stop thinking about him but I know I don’t want to hurt my sister in any way.”

 

“No matter what does or doesn’t happen, eventually Hilda will find out about your feelings towards Callum,” Winifred said. “I’d hate to think what would happen if she found out from someone else and not you.”

 

“True,” Gayla said. “I’ll just have to figure out the best timing to tell her everything, officially.”

 

“Agreed,” Lilli said.

 

“How did it come to this? I’m pining for a man who is betrothed to my sister.”

 

“I’m sure no one would’ve ever imagined it,” Greer said.

 

“So, tell us more. Tell us all of your sexy thoughts,” Lilli urged.

 

“Sexy thoughts?” Gayla said. “Sexy thoughts? I wouldn’t know where to begin. I just can’t get Callum out of my head, his amazing intellect, his soft touch, his strong hands, his sweet tenderness…” Gayla’s sentence slowly trailed off as she zoned out picturing Callum in her mind.

 

“Earth to Gayla,” said Winifred, snapping her fingers in front of Gayla's face. “Yeah, girl, you have got it bad for Callum.”

 

“I don’t have a clue what you are going to do,” Greer said.

 

“Neither do I,” Gayla said.

 

 

 

“Okay, everyone. Today is the ceremony rehearsal. This is Bishop Pierre Beckett. He will be performing the ceremony,” Gayla said. “Let us begin.”

 

Bishop Beckett began, “Blessings and merry meet. Gentle lords and ladies, we are here today to join the fair Lady Hilda Millicent Rowan de Ghant and the noble Lord Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor together.

 

“They have asked you here to share in their joy, and to declare their love and loyalty for one another and their kingdoms.

 

“Lord Callum, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

 

Callum replied, “Aye, Father.”

 

The bishop then turned to Hilda, “Lady Hilda, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

 

“Aye, Father,” Hilda said.

 

Pierre continued the sermon, “In as much as this Noble Lord and Fair Lady have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Heaven to bless this union. Therefore if any one can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm, let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time.

 

“Lest it not be overlooked, however, there is rumor amongst the fair lady’s people that any such scurrilous objector shall be later beheaded today at the feast for the entertainment and amusement of the Lords and Ladies in attendance.

 

“There being no objection to this marriage let us continue.

 

“Swear you now, on this sacred blade, that there is no reason known to you that this union should not proceed.”

 

Silence rang through the room.

 

“Callum, you’re supposed to answer,” Pierre said.

 

Callum looked around in disbelief. He glanced at Gayla for a moment before turning his head back to the bishop. “Sorry, I forgot what I was supposed to say.”

 

“Your line is ‘I do so swear,’” Bishop Beckett said.

 

“I do so swear.”

 

“Okay,” Bishop Beckett said. “I think this is a good place to stop. Save some specialness for the actual wedding. Give you some time with emotions and remembering lines.”

 

“Thank you Bishop,” Gayla said. “We have a lot more to do before the big day finally arrives.”

 

“Yes m’lady.”

 

 

 

“Come away with me.”

 

“Excuse me?” Gayla said.

 

“I know you think you’re making a safe choice trying to stay away from me and protecting Hilda,” Callum said. “Safe choices don’t always mean that you will end up safe. Why not take a risk? I realized during the rehearsal, I couldn’t and can’t say those things to your sister. I only want to say those things to you.”

 

Callum took a deep breath before continuing.

 

“At a church by the edge of Zimset. If you agree, I’ll meet you there at sunset. I hope you’ll come. I pray you do.”

 

 

 

Gordon walked in the bedroom chambers and saw Callum packing.

 

“And may I ask, where are you going?” Gordon said.

 

“Away,” Callum replied. “I can’t stay here any longer. I can’t marry Hilda. I honestly can’t do it. I can’t do that to Hilda.”

 

“You can and you will marry Hilda. You are only thinking of yourself,” Gordon said. “If you were actually thinking about Hilda, about your kingdom, her kingdom or even your father, you wouldn’t be leaving. The only thing I know you’re thinking about, besides yourself, is Lady Galadriel.”

 

“I guess I can’t deny that. Well, that’s it. I’m out of here.”

 

“Sorry, I can’t let you go,” Gordon said. He took the key out from the inside and closed the door behind him. “You aren’t going anywhere, especially with Gayla. I know what you’re planning, and I can’t let you go through with it. You are not going to ruin Hilda’s life.”

 

“I won’t let anything ruin Hilda’s life,” Gordon thought, as he rushed to the grand hall.

 

 

 

Gayla tossed a few essentials in a bag and was ready to go. She didn’t need that much; heck, if Gayla didn’t need the throne, she didn’t need much else.

 

All she needed was Callum. All she wanted was Callum. Needed, wanted; they were the exact same thing right now.

 

Without even giving it a second thought, Gayla made her way to the stables and saddled up her horse. It was only then that she realized the gravity of the situation. Gayla was leaving her family. Though she loved them, Gayla knew that her future was with Callum.

 

Gayla shook her head and relaxed her body. This is what she wanted.

 

Gayla mounted the horse and rode to Zimset. The sun on the horizon behind her.

 

As Gayla waited at the church, she wondered where Callum could be. It was only five minutes after sunset, but Gayla was sure of Callum’s determinedness and thought he would be there by now.

 

“Where could he be?” Gayla thought

 

Finally, there were hoofbeats in the distance. However, just by the sound, it was more than one horse. Who else would be coming with Callum?

 

Once in sight of the church, Gayla realized it wasn’t Callum.

 

It was her father.

 

Frederick was there. It wasn’t Callum. Now Gayla knew that there never would be a moment of time with Callum. Even if there was a moment, it was brief. It could never happen now. Her father and a couple soldiers were there to take her home.

 

 

 

“You can’t do this,” Gayla yelled. “I’m your daughter. You can’t do this to me.”

 

“When you threaten Hilda’s wedding, our uniting kingdoms, it is within my right to do this,” Frederick said, walking away. “Maybe a night or two in the dungeon will cool you down. You could’ve been the ruler of Andora, but you have made too many stupid decisions to even be considered any more. Your notion of love is a fantasy and weakness.”

 

“Love isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. I may like fantastical and historical stories, but true love isn’t a fantasy. One day I will find it, no matter what you say.” Gayla said. “ Plus, you can’t lock me up in our dungeon.”

 

“No one tells me what to do. I make the rules here - in this house and this kingdom. My rule stands. I am firm in this decision. Until I believe you’ve learned your lesson, you, my dear Galadriel, are staying in this dungeon cell.”

 

“You can’t leave me here,” Gayla said. “I have rights. You can’t leave me here. I won’t accept this.”

 

“You don’t have to accept it, but it is happening. Now, goodbye Galadriel. You have a lot to think about tonight.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 10 - Sitting in a Cell

 

It was the right thing to do.

 

Telling Frederick was the right thing to do.

 

Locking Callum in his room was the right thing to do.

 

Gordon knew he did the right thing. He didn’t need to rationalize or justify it in his mind anymore.

 

He did the right thing. Of course, he didn’t think Gayla would end up in the dungeon, but Gordon did what he had to. Hilda deserved the best possible. She deserved to be the queen of this land. She’d be the fairest ruler of them all.

 

Everything Gordon did, he did it for Hilda. The one who deserved everything good.

 

 

 

“Thanks for letting me sleep with you last night,” Hilda said.

 

“Of course,” Susie said. “I’m sure you’ll be back in your own room in no time.”

 

“Right,” Hilda said. She just didn’t want to think about the assassination attempt at all. Never again. All Hilda wanted to think about, what she needed to focus on, was the wedding in three days. She needed Gayla and all her infinite wisdom. Yes, Hilda was willing to admit that right now she knew very little and needed her big sister. Now, where the heck was Gayla?

 

“Susie, have you seen Gayla anywhere? I need her help to get everything else right for the big day.”

 

“No I haven’t. I’ll ask around in a minute.”

 

“Okay, thanks. I have no clue what has and hasn’t been done. Apparently, dad has another training lesson for me today. Not sure how much more I can handle from dad before the wedding. Training me has him stressed out a lot more than usual.”

 

“Definitely,” Susie said. “You can actually see his stress, compared to the normal stress we can never see on his face.”

 

“We need to find Gayla. She’s the only one, out of the three of us, capable of dealing with dad.”

 

“Gayla is in the dungeon,” Lady Anastasia said, walking up to both of them.

 

“Why is she in the dungeon?” Susie asked. “Is she in a cell? Is she visiting someone? What happened? Do we want to know?”

 

“Suffice it to say, Frederick locked her in the dungeon last night and I’m not sure if or when he will let her out,” Anastasia replied. She turned to Hilda’s distraught face, “Don’t worry. Everything is and will be taken care of for your wedding.

 

“I know this isn’t the way you ever envisioned it happening, but it is happening this way. I will take care of everything while the situation with Gayla is handled. Hopefully, she will be back at our side soon.”

 

“Let’s pray she is,” Hilda said.

 

 

 

Lady Anastasia didn’t want to tell her children the real reason why Gayla was in prison. She wished she didn’t know why Gayla was in prison. In fact, Anastasia wished that Galadriel wasn’t imprisoned at all. Why was Frederick so cruel?

 

How could her husband be so cruel?

 

Anastasia knew this alliance meant a lot to Frederick. She just didn’t think about all that he might do to bring it about. She didn’t want to know. But now, Anastasia needed to.

 

“It all starts with a visit to the dungeon,” Anastasia thought somberly to herself, as she descended below the castle.

 

Anastasia sternly walked straight up to Galadriel’s cell. “Do I even want to know why you thought you could run away with Callum? What in heaven’s name were you thinking?”

 

“I wasn’t. At first I was thinking about love, but when it came down to it, I wasn’t thinking at all. I wish I could go back and not do it at all,” Gayla said. “The last thing I wanted to do was hurt Hilda. I obviously didn’t think about all the repercussions. I didn’t think I’d end up in the dungeon.”

 

“Obviously. I didn’t think you’d ever be the type to end up in prison,” Anastasia said. “I believe you. I’m sorry to be so stern. I’m mostly upset with your father. What I can’t believe is that he would put you in a dungeon cell.”

 

“Don’t you ever wonder if there’s anything he wouldn’t do for his kingdom? It’s only ever for his kingdom, not even us, his own family.”

 

“That’s what I am worried about. I’m starting to realize just how far he has gone. Once I have more to tell you, I’ll be back. If anything, maybe we’ll put Frederick behind bars instead of you. There are several things I can do, after I get you out of there. One step at a time though. I’ll be back later, unless you can sweet talk your father into letting you out. You do have a way with words,” Anastasia smiled with her last sentence.

 

“I’ll be here.”

 

 

 

Gayla’s next visitor was hiding in the shadows. He barely had the guts to approach her cell.

 

“So what, now you can meet me?” Gayla said, tossing snark in his general direction. “I’m guessing it took you all of three seconds to go back on your word to me. I get that you don’t want to marry my sister, but now I’m not an option either. You turned your back on me, especially when I needed you most. My dad showed up; you didn’t.

 

“If you had been there, I want to think you would’ve stood up and supported me. But you weren’t there. You’re barely even here now. You don’t have my back and I won’t have yours.

 

“I don’t know why I even fell for you. I can do everything for myself. I don’t need a man in my life. I only gave up the throne for a chance to find true love. I didn’t need anyone else making decisions for me. I made my choice to abdicate. I made my choice to leave last night.

 

“I am paying for my choices. I stand by my choices. These choices have made me and my mind into what they are now. I know who I am. I know what I stand for. I will defend my family and my name against people like you, who try to decide fate for others.

 

“What? Don’t you have anything to say? Anything at all? Or are you just too much of a coward to say anything?”

 

“If I could’ve been there, I would have. There are only two things that I would like you to know. Two things you need to know. One, my squire, Gordon Stone, locked me in my chambers and told your father where to find you. Two, despite everything you said and still may think, I love you. I’m sorry you ended up in the dungeon and I’m sorry I still have to marry your sister. I will do everything in my power to get you out and set things as right as possible.”

 

Gayla’s heart matched the sound of Callum’s feet running up the castle steps.

 

 

 

Gayla didn't really expect many visitors. She knew that her mother didn't want word getting out that her own father locked her up. However, you can never stop servants from gossiping about what's going on. Hilda slowly walked up to the cell.

 

"Do I want to know why you're in the dungeon?" Hilda pried.

 

"It's a long story," Gayla said. "But I don't want you to find out from someone else, so I'll just tell you. The gist of it all, the fact of the matter, is that the guy I met in Stenger when I returned home was Callum. So when he and I thought of leaving town together, dad threw me in here."

 

Hilda gasped at everything Gayla said.

 

"Take as much time as you need to digest it. I still don't understand all of it. I don't know why I'm in love with him. I just am. I'm sorry for all of this; I never wanted you to get hurt. That truly is the last thing I wanted."

 

"I trust you. I know you've always looked out for me. Once I've wrapped my mind around this, I'll be back. After everything that has happened this week, I just need some time alone," Hilda said.

 

"I understand. I love you sis."

 

"I love you too."

 

 

 

Time alone. What did that even look like? Hilda was literally forced into reckoning with her past week. She needed to string everything together. She needed to at least talk it out with someone.

 

“Hey Susie,” Hillie said. “Can I talk with you for a bit?”

 

“Sure, what’s up?”

 

“Well, I’m trying to string everything together that has happened and I need an ear. You may freak out a bit when you hear everything,” Hilda said. “It is a lot to take in.”

 

“I’m sure I can handle it. I’ll at least do my best to take it all in,” Susie said.

 

“Okay, here it goes. It all started when Gayla abdicated the throne and left on an educational sabbatical. After four years of my own training and coming into age, I was supposed to be ready to take the throne. I don’t feel like I’m even close to being ready and here it is right in front me,” Hilda gasped.

 

“You’re okay. Just breathe. You can talk through this,” Susie said. “You are ready enough, and you have plenty of support around you to do well. So, continue. Gayla was just about to come home.”

 

“Right. So Gayla got home, met Callum in Stenger, fell in love, tried to elope, and got thrown in the dungeon. In between all that, a zulker sneaks into our home and tries to kill me. But then, if the Zulkers wanted me dead, I should be dead. Shouldn’t I be dead?”

 

Susie just stared in awe of what Hilda was saying. She didn’t know how to respond, especially being only 16 years old. She barely had any life experience of her own.

 

“I should be dead. I should be dead. Why aren’t I dead? It’s like someone told the Zulkers to just threaten me, not actually kill me. Is that possible? I didn’t think the Zulkers took requests. I thought they just went around causing chaos and destruction for whomever they wanted.”

 

After thinking for a little, Susie finally spoke up.

 

“Well, maybe one of Gayla’s books or something in the library has something about the Zulkers or Morzul that could help.”

 

“Good idea. Let’s go.”

 

 

 

Lady Anastasia looked up from the book she was reading. “Looks like we all had a similar idea. What are you two looking for in here?”

 

Hilda had a first genuine smile come to her lips in a few days. “We were thinking we would look up some stuff about Morzul and/or the Zulkers. What are you reading?”

 

“The very thing you mentioned,” Anastasia said. “It was the only book I could find that actually mentioned Zulkers. The rest of the books I’ve gone through just go through the history and geography of Morzul. They weren’t real page turners, not too helpful in our situation.”

 

“Are you wondering why I’m not dead, as well, or what’s your reason for research, mom?” Hilda said.

 

“I am grateful you are alive, but yes, I have been wondering about that. There are also a couple other things that I wanted to look up to see if they had any weight.”

 

“Okay. So, what have you found out from this book then?” Susie asked, trying to be a part of the conversation.

 

“Let’s dive in together, shall we?” Anastasia said. “I’ve only just begun. So far what I’ve read is about their flag and skin color.”

 

“All right,” Susie said. “What’s it saying?”

 

“‘The Morzul people have a white flag that waves for their land. With the symbol of a black bat in the middle, many Morzulkians tend to fly under the radar more than other people. Living close to the Azzuchian Mountain Range, Morzulkians tend to take cover in caves when storms hit. It has been seen that a few Morzulkians started living in the caves. This has caused their skin to lighten more than usual. The skin condition is called achromasia. Others often refer to these light-pigmented people as albinos.’

 

“So based on that description, that’s how we at least know that it was a zulker who came into the kingdom. How he got into our home is another question entirely,” Anastasia said.

 

“Agreed,” Hilda said. “If it wasn’t for Gayla even suspecting something was wrong, I’m sure I would be dead.”

 

“Yes, we all know that Gayla is very smart,” Susie said. “Mom keep reading, please.”

 

“Okay, okay,” Anastasia said, smiling. “Where was I? Well there is more about achromasia. Let’s skip ahead a little bit. ‘One faction of people that stem from the Morzulkians call themselves Zulkers. They tend to have the lightest skin color because they hide in the deepest of caves.

 

“Throughout history, there hasn't been a known amount of Zulkers. There has only been one account recorded where six Zulkers were seen together. Masters change when there is a death in the current one, like with all realms.’

 

“From what your father has said, the current master is known as Zaaskos. I’m not sure what sets him apart or is significant about him to make him a master but apparently that’s what he is.”

 

“So what I’m curious about, now that I’ve done some more thinking, is how dad knows Zaaskos’ name,” said Hilda. “I mean if the Zulkers don’t really want anyone to know they exist but by their acts, how is it that we know what the master’s name is?”

 

“That is a very good point. Let me write that down,” Anastasia said.

 

While her mom and Hillie were talking, Susie took the book from in front of her mother and flipped through the pages. It was kind of fun flipping the pages from one cover to another. At one point, she noticed something on one of the pages. Susie knew that this definitely was a book that Gayla had read, as she noticed her sister’s handwriting in the margin.

 

“Hey, you guys. Look at this,” Susie said proudly, pointing to the page. “Gayla wrote something on this page.”

 

“Oh, this is one of the pages about the Azzuchian Mountain Range. I wonder what she wrote,” Anastasia said. “‘Maybe due to the way the range was formed, and some positions of the caves, Morzulkians learned to climb over rocky terrains. Maybe even up the rock walls. It looks difficult enough, but is it even possible? Parts of the mountain would have to have rockier parts, with possible hand and footholds. I guess I’d have to look at the mountain to see exactly how the rocks are formed along the bottom ridges.’

 

“Gayla may have just got you another answer. This may be the way the Zulker got into your room. He climbed up the wall.”

 

“Wow! Gayla is good,” Susie exclaimed. “I wish I was as smart as her. Granted she is nine years older than me, but still!”

 

“I’ll go and tell her what we know, as soon as I can,” Anastasia said. “It’s best if you two stay up here. Also, don’t tell your father what you know. I would like to tell him myself when the time is right.”

 

Both the girls looked a little confused and surprised by what their mother said. However, they did know not to question her. They did trust her more often and willingly than they did their father.

 

“Yes, mother,” the ladies said in unison.

 

Anastasia collected her thoughts and turned back from the library door to her children.

 

“What I am hoping for is that the zulker just got arrogant and wanted to try and kill Gayla as well as you, but ended up dead himself. I’m hoping that’s what happened and that we won’t have to worry about this after the wedding.”

 

 

 

Back in the dungeon, Gayla was wondering if they had found anything upstairs. All she could do was hope. Hope that she’d soon be out of the dungeon. Hope that Callum wasn’t mad at her, due to her almost yelling at him. Hope that all would be forgiven with Callum and her family, especially her father.

 

Gayla never knew why Frederick was always so strict. Did he ever have fun? Has he ever lived? How could Gayla ever relate to him? What was Frederick’s reasoning for leaving her in the dungeon so long? Gayla understood his initial anger, but she could put it behind her and continue to go ahead with Hilda’s wedding.

 

Gayla wanted to be there for her sister’s wedding. She needed to be there for her sister. Gayla never wanted to disappoint her sister or fail her in any way.

 

 

 

Hilda and Susie sat in the library wondering what to do next. Hilda decided to start looking through the library to find a “Book of Names” to look up what their names meant. It took about five minutes to finally spot what they were looking for.

 

“Wow, this is a really big book,” Susie said. “So many names throughout history. Just wow!”

 

“We’ll start with ‘A’, and look up mom’s name first and make our way through the alphabet,” Hilda said.

 

“Sounds like a plan,” Suie said.

 

“‘Anastasia’ means resurrection. Basically to live again. I like that, especially with our belief in the afterlife. Okay, next would be Frederick. ‘Frederick’ means peaceful ruler. Hmm…, interesting. What do you think about that?”

 

“I don’t think anything of that,” Susie said. “I figure dad’s done his best to be a peaceful ruler so far.”

 

“I’m glad that’s what you think,” Hilda said, convinced that her dad was more malicious than peaceful. “Galadriel and Hilda are next. What do those definitions say?”

 

“‘Galadriel’ means maiden crowned in garland of light. That suits Gayla with her blond hair always braided up in some way.”

 

“Definitely,” Hilda said.

 

“‘Hilda’ means battle and lastly, ‘Susanna’.” Hilda flipped to the very back of the book and looked for the ‘s’s. After thumbing her way through some pages, she said, “‘Susanna’ means true beauty.”

 

Susie smiled.

 

“That was fun. I am literally a true beauty. I like that a lot.”

 

As the two of them left the library in different directions, Hilda couldn’t stop thinking about what her name meant.

 

Battle.

 

Was all of her life supposed to be a battle, a war of some kind? Wasn’t one week of trauma and troubles enough?

 

Hopefully she won't have any more trauma for a while.

 

 

 

“All right, I’m here,” Hilda said to her dad. “What’s the lesson for today? Please tell me I don’t have to sit in court all day trading with villagers again.”

 

“No, we’re done with that part of your training,” Frederick said. “The next part of your training is making decisions that affect your kingdom and you, as a ruler.”

 

“Sounds good,” Hilda said. “What’s the first decision to be made?”

 

“Most of what we will discuss will be examples of decisions that rulers have to make,” Frederick said. “First, let’s discuss what you would do if someone tries to make you look like a fool.”

 

“Hmm, well I guess if they actually did make a fool of me, my first thought would be the stocks.”

 

“Good thought,” Frederick said. “Fruit thrown at stocks is a great embarrassment. Good choice.”

 

“Any other examples of decisions to talk about or is that it?” Hilda said, hoping there wasn’t anything else. She wanted to get back to getting Gayla out of the dungeon and planning the all-encompassing wedding.

 

“One more thing,” Frederick said, as he directed Hilda towards the place that was occupying her thoughts.

 

“Dad, what are we doing in the dungeon?” Hilda asked.

 

“Showing you how to make a decision,” Frederick said. “I’m not sure whether or not you’ve heard, especially with our servants gossiping around the castle, but your sister is sitting in our dungeon. Ah, here she is now.”

 

They looked in the cell where it looked like Gayla was sleeping. Her back towards them, while she curled up close to the wall.

 

“She has fought against your rule, and you aren’t on the throne yet. If word does get out of the castle, Gayla will humiliate you as the future leader. People will doubt that you can give guidance. People will doubt whether or not you should even be a leader. People can and will revolt if you give them the chance, even if it was unintentional. What do you plan to do about this?”

 

Hilda gulped. She definitely did not see things the way her father did. Hilda trusted her sister. But she didn’t think about how others might view the situation that they were in. Hilda had no clue what to say or what to do.

 

After thinking for a moment, Hilda responded.

 

“I guess my original idea of stocks is out of the question. We wouldn’t want to publicly humiliate a member of the royal family, especially with the reason unknown to villagers. The only thing I can think of, especially to help the wedding ceremony preparations, is to have Gayla live a day like a servant.

 

“Cleaning up messes, preparing meals, making beds, anything to get the castle ready but also to embarrass her around the castle. I figure that might also give the servants reason to stop gossiping.”

 

“I would’ve gone a different route, but I’m grateful that your training and decision making is getting better,” Frederick said. “I’ll get Gayla out tomorrow morning to finish preparations. She needs one more night to think about her actions.”

 

As Hilda and Frederick left, Gayla continued to stare at the wall, trying to warm herself up. She had hoped that she would be out of the dungeon by now. However, Gayla was eternally grateful to Hilda for what was said to Frederick. It could’ve been much worse if her dad had made the decision. It could’ve been a private execution for the rest of the family.

 

“Thank you Hilda,” Gayla whispered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 11 - Servant for a Day

 

Gayla almost leapt for joy when the guard opened the cell door. After sitting and sleeping two days in the dungeon, Gayla was very grateful to finally get out. She didn’t even mind having to clean up messes the entire day. In fact, Gayla was actually looking forward to it. It was something to occupy her mind.

 

Gayla started in Gordon’s room. Boy had he left a mess for her. She went around picking up clothes and putting them in folded piles on the nightstand dresser. She wiped down every surface she could reach. She stripped the bed of the old sheets and put on new ones. She tied down the bed curtains to each of the four corner bed poles. She shook out the rug from below her feet. She emptied the chamber pot. Then Gayla looked around the room.

 

“Not bad at all,” Gayla thought. “Only five more rooms to go: mom’s, Hilda’s, dad’s, Susie’s and a guest chamber for when Lord Henry and Lady Jasmine arrive. Maybe six rooms if they sleep separately like her parents.”

 

She would have to ask.

 

Once all the rooms were cleaned, Gayla took a mid-morning break. She had forgotten how tough some hard work is, especially when you push straight on through. Eight rooms done within four hours. Gayla had forgotten about rooms for Callum’s brothers. Boy, she was sweaty. Gayla savored her glass of water as long as she could before heading to the Great Hall to start cleaning again.

 

A princess cleaning her own castle. The gossip had already spread through the servants quarters.

 

“What was this world coming to? Just how mean could Lord Frederick be?” Andoran servants wondered.

 

The servants realized that they didn’t want to find out so they quickly went back to their work.

 

Gayla paid no attention to the servants around her. She just did her work. Whatever task may be assigned to her, Gayla was ready and willing to do it.

 

Gayla’s next task was fireplaces, floors, and walls. She made up her own lye soap and went to work scrubbing out the Great Hall fireplace. She easily could fit in the fireplace. It was at least three feet taller than her small frame. Gayla went through five cloth rags cleaning this fireplace. She couldn’t imagine what the other fireplaces in the castle looked like. But she’d see them eventually after the Great Hall was done.

 

After a few more hours of work, the Great Hall was completely done. All that needed to be done was adorning the walls with banners and other wedding decorations. She’d let the real servants get that stuff done. Gayla had more fireplaces to clean.

 

 

 

After Gayla was done with all the fireplaces, it was dinnertime. She knew that her dad wouldn’t want her at the dinner table. She knew he didn’t want to see her and she didn’t want to see him either. Gayla grabbed some food from the kitchen and headed outside to eat.

 

It was nice to have a cool breeze on her face, especially after being in the dungeon. It was nice to be out. It was nice to feel hope.

 

As she felt hope, Gayla also felt someone come up and sit beside her. Callum and Gayla sat in silence for several minutes before one of them spoke.

 

“I just want to apologize for everything that has happened,” Callum said. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to do anything to help you get out of the dungeon, but I am really grateful that you were able to get out before too long.”

 

“Thank you for saying that,” Gayla said. “I’m sorry for basically yelling at you in the dungeon. I didn’t let you speak when I should’ve let you.”

 

“It’s okay. You had every right to say what you did.”

 

“Yes I did and I still do have every right,” Gayla said. “Whenever I’m around you, I am not in full control of my faculties. Every inch of me wants to jump out of the shell of who I am and be a whole other person. I may love you; I’m not certain right now, but that’s not the point. I don’t really like who I become. I’m not the kind of person who likes to lose control. I can’t be in any position that I can’t control. I can’t control how I feel, but I can control what I do.

 

“All happiness comes with a price. My sister’s happiness is more important than mine. You will stay away from me and marry my sister. You will not derail this family any more than it already has been.”

 

“I understand. I respect what you have to say. As much as I want you, I know now that we can’t be together due to my impending marriage to your sister. I don’t want you to end up back in the dungeon. I can’t and won’t let that happen again.”

 

“Will you please leave?”

 

“Yes m’lady,” Callum said, as he stood up. Callum silently bowed his head to Gayla before going back inside.

 

 

 

Everyone was talking about the wedding as Callum walked into the Great Hall for dinner. As soon as Callum reached the table, the noise died down. It seemed almost everyone knew what had happened between him and Gayla. Callum barely knew how to react.

 

“I’m still getting to know these castle hallways,” Callum said. “I’ll stop being late to dinner; I promise. I am sorry for interrupting. What were we talking about?”

 

Lord Frederick picked at his plate, not willing to answer Callum. Callum had no right to ask anything to Lord Frederick at this time.

 

“What we are talking about is the processional for tomorrow,” Lady Anastasia said. “Gayla’s got most of it ready. Since we are having the ceremony here, the procession will start at the church doors and weave through several streets. Before the procession starts in the afternoon, would you be willing to go with Hilda and invite some more of the neighboring villagers?”

 

“Of course.”

 

“Good. We weren’t sure how many heard or even thought they were invited, so we figured to continue with tradition, the couple would go around inviting others to see them wed,” Anastasia finished.

 

“I think it’s a great idea,” Hilda chimed in. “Lord Callum and I could use some more time together before the ceremony anyway.”

 

Callum anxiously swallowed the bite that was in his mouth. Callum knew he had tasks to do but didn’t want to be with Hilda much until after the wedding when he was completely obligated to her. He didn’t want to bring any more awkwardness into the de Ghant family. Callum would be reprimanded by his own father if the de Ghant family was torn apart due to his foolishness.

 

“Okay, sounds good,” Callum said. “Also, my parents are on their way. They sent a letter last night confirming their arrival.”

 

“Thank you for letting us know,” Lady Anastasia said. “If we aren’t up, Frederick and I will make sure that there is someone to meet Lord Henry and Lady Jasmine when they arrive.”

 

Lord Frederick, Gordon, and Susanna ate their meals in silence, while the rest of them continued on about wedding preparations.

 

 

 

Gayla had a thought. Something she had forgotten about. Something she had never really used, but was in her possession. Something she could use to escape her current reality.

 

Gayla rushed to her room and pulled out one of her many jewelry boxes. As she laid newer things aside on her bed, Gayla unlatched a secret compartment at the bottom of the box. Gayla lifted a smaller box out of the jewelry box.

 

Gayla opened the box to find a small bronze ring. A red gem was latched in place at the top. With how small it was now, compared to when she got it, the ring could only fit on Gayla's pinky finger.

 

Gayla closed her eyes and cleared her mind before putting the ring on.

 

She pictured the way the servants dressed. She pictured several things: a white shirt, brown vest, white petticoat with a brown skirt sitting nicely on rounded out hips and flat comfortable shoes. She pictured black hair, not blonde hair, pinned up all nice and snug. She pictured a hook nose, brown eyes, and six moles around her face.

 

As Gayla opened her eyes, with the ring now glowing white, her appearance in the mirror was exactly what Gayla had envisioned. Now Gayla could leave the castle gate without arousing suspicion. She just needed to get away.

 

Get away from the awkwardness. The stress. Her family. The dungeon. Her father, especially her father. She wanted to just get away from everything for the time being.

 

Gayla was almost to the servants’ entrance when she ran into her mother. She almost forgot to curtsy as Anastasia walked past. After walking a bit further, Anastasia turned around and spoke to Gayla’s transformed self.

 

“Excuse me,” Anastasia said. “Have you seen Lady Galadriel? I haven’t been able to find her anywhere.”

 

“No ma’am,” Gayla’s persona said.

 

“All right,” Anastasia said. “If you or any other servants see her, please let Gayla know that I’m looking for her.”

 

“Yes ma’am,” the servant curtsied again, holding her hands in front of her.

 

Anastasia was about to walk away when she saw the ring on the servant’s finger.

 

“Just so you know,” Anastasia said to the supposed servant. “I often want to escape my own responsibilities. I’m sure you have plenty of duties yourself. But I want you to know that at the end of the day, there is no one else you can be. You can only be yourself. Have a good evening.”

 

 

 

“Life is not a fairy tale,” Callum thought to himself, walking away from dinner.

 

As much as he wanted more out of life, Callum knew what had to happen. Callum had to do this for his family, for his land, for his people. He understood what needed to take place.

 

He had to understand.

 

He had to push away his feelings for Galadriel. Callum never thought he could feel this way about someone in such a short time. At the same time, he wished he didn’t. As much as Callum enjoyed the feeling of real love, he almost regretted everything he had done since arriving. His sense of regret was almost stronger than the love he felt.

 

There was nothing he could do about it now. He had to move forward.

 

 

 

Galadriel watched her mother walk away. Somehow Anastasia knew. How did Anastasia know that the servant girl was actually Galadriel? Galadriel had gotten the ring from her father when she was 12 years old. She didn’t think that her mom even knew about it.

 

Galadriel told herself that she would think about that later.

 

She wanted to get out of the castle. She wanted an actual breath of fresh air. She didn’t want to feel her dad breathing down her neck. She just needed time. She needed time to be herself, away from everything happening in the castle.

 

All Gayla wanted was to be herself.

 

Galadriel wished there was someone, besides her sisters, that just wanted to be with her. Galadriel pushed herself to be better; she didn’t need someone else to push her. Why couldn’t someone want to be with her? With exactly who she is?

 

It couldn’t be anything about the throne. Sometimes marrying someone not attached to a throne was easier for royals because the betrothed wouldn’t have any extra, difficult responsibilities.

 

Gayla barely had any responsibilities now. Gayla had always followed her father’s orders until she actually knew what she wanted. Gayla realized, at 21 years too late, that what she wanted was love.

 

Pure, unadulterated love.

 

Love that can’t come from a parent or sibling.

 

Love that accepts and respects another.

 

Love that grows constantly, each moment that two people are together.

 

Many of Gayla’s friends, regardless of their royal position, have already found their loves. Several of Gayla’s old ladies-in-waiting had found love. So many had found happiness already.

 

Why couldn’t Gayla?

 

 

 

Twelve year old Gayla sat on the edge of her bed next to her father. She saw Frederick holding a small present in his hands. Gayla wondered what it could be.

 

“Sweetheart,” Frederick said. “I have a gift for you. Since you are my eldest child, this gift goes to you. It has been passed down throughout our family for generations. In fact, I’m not even sure exactly when our family got it or how. But here you go. Merry Christmas.”

 

“Thanks dad,” Gayla said.

 

Gayla took the box in her hands and took off the ribbon around it. As she opened the box, Gayla’s face lit up.

 

A bronze ring with a red gem sat inside the wooden box. You could tell it was an antique, even without any scratches on it. It was the most beautiful thing Gayla had seen in her twelve years. And she had seen and worn several beautiful dresses that the royal dress makers had made for her.

 

“Now this ring is more special than just being an heirloom. It contains a great power to those who use it. The secret of the ring has lied only with one person in each family, until the secret holder decides to pass down the secret. I believe that it is time to pass down the secret to you,” Lord Frederick said.

 

“What is the secret, dad?”

 

“Whoever wears this ring can alter their physical appearance. It’s called a transformation ring. There have only been a few known to the world throughout centuries. All you have to do is think about how you want to appear, quite specifically, and make sure you are wearing the ring. Whether or not you look in a mirror, you will know it's working when the gem turns white. Though you may already know, it’s important to understand that no one else ever finds out that you have it. Especially outside our family. It could put us in great danger. Many have sought to find transformation rings at great cost.”

 

“Yes sir,” Gayla said.

 

She felt a deep appreciation that her dad chose her to have the ring. She stared at it in awe. Gayla knew she should save it for emergencies only, but she also was excited to try it on and see what it could do.

 

“Thanks again, dad,” Gayla said, as Frederick was leaving her room.

 

He nodded his head and closed the door behind him.

 

 

 

Once Gayla had gotten out of the castle grounds, she could finally breathe a little easier. Gayla wondered for a moment where she could go so that she would be alone with her thoughts.

 

It only took a second but Gayla knew exactly where she wanted to go.

 

As Gayla walked to her destination, she thought back to her interactions with Callum.

 

Everything did seem too perfect from the start. From how they met, danced, and even shared a kiss, Gayla should’ve realized sooner that something was going to derail what she and Callum had. After what she almost did to Hilda, Gayla thought that she didn’t deserve anything.

 

“I deserve nothing,” Gayla whispered to herself.

 

Gayla continued to think to herself, “If I could change what happened, I would. If I could change how I feel about Cal, I would. Would I have walked away from the crown at the same time? Probably. In fact, I wish I would’ve walked away sooner. It certainly would’ve given my father a little less heartache.”

 

Gayla’s mind was going a million miles a minute. Her thoughts were intertwined in a giant loop that just seemed to get bigger. Her brain felt like a ball of yarn and Frederick was the cat playing with her mind, as well as her heart. Frederick always seemed to keep Gayla exactly where he wanted her, no matter how hard Gayla struggled against his demands.

 

Gayla hadn’t struggled much growing up against what her father wanted. For a while, it was what she wanted too. Once she even knew a little bit of what real love felt like, Gayla knew it was something that she would continuously strive for and wouldn’t let anything or anyone get in her way.

 

 

 

“Have either of you seen Gayla?” Lady Lilli asked the other ladies-in-waiting.

 

“No, I haven’t,” Winifred said.

 

“Neither have I,” Greer said.

 

Lilli sighed, “I don’t know where she would be. It’s at least a half hour past when we usually help her get ready for bed.”

 

“We know,” Greer said. “I’m sure everything is fine.”

 

“Exactly. Maybe Lady Gayla just wanted a bedtime snack or is looking for a book before going to bed,” Winifred said. “I’ll take the library and you ladies can search in the kitchen. If you need to ask anyone if they’ve seen her, that’s fine. Just don’t ask too many people. We don’t want to raise any alarms unless completely necessary.”

 

“Agreed,” Lilli and Greer said.

 

 

 

As Gayla reached the royal graveyard, she saw the familiar obelisks of her family tree. She’d forgotten how at peace she felt in the graveyard.

 

A weird place to feel at peace. But Gayla always had a sweeping feeling of relief when she stepped into the graveyard. There was just something about being here.

 

No matter what time of day she was there, Gayla always enjoyed being in the royal graveyard.

 

Maybe it was the sense of history. Maybe it was the fact that somehow Gayla was related to everyone that had a monument on the land.

 

It could be a handful of things but Gayla knew there was no better place that helped her feel like herself. She thought of how she originally looked and the ring on her finger subsided back to its red color.

 

No one knew if all of the de Ghant lineage was in the graveyard. But it did go back several generations.

 

She wasn’t there to visit anyone in particular. She just needed a place to think and relax.

 

Her favorite place was right here in the graveyard. On the steps of the oldest mausoleum. The mausoleum that entranced Gayla was one that belonged to an ancestor named Magdalena.

 

The arch of the door read: Magdalena Gwenivere Carolyn de Ghant - Semper Ad Ipsum Verum.

 

Semper ad ipsum verum.

 

Gayla had looked it up several years ago. It meant to always be true to yourself. Something for the last five years that Gayla really tried to take to heart. She learned more about who she is and what she wanted in life. She learned that she didn’t have to compromise who she is for anyone else. People could choose to accept who she was or not, it was their choice.

 

Gayla had also looked up to her ancestor, Magdalena. However, she couldn’t find anything on her. All that Gayla knew was that somehow she and Magdalena were related. The graveyard confirmed it. All known royals of Andora that had passed on were in the graveyard.

 

That was certainly one reason why Gayla was entranced with this certain mausoleum. The mystery of history and the individual motto. Gayla wished it was the family motto and not just a saying on a family member’s crypt. It would help others make more sense of Gayla’s actions. She wouldn’t seem like an idiot.

 

If only she wasn’t seen as an idiot to her family.

 

“Oh well,” Gayla thought. She pulled a book out and cosied up to the mausoleum steps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 12 - Finding and Facing Consequences

 

All of Gayla’s ladies-in-waiting were asleep on her bed. They had looked all over the castle for Gayla, to no avail. All they knew was that Gayla was not in the castle. They didn’t ask anyone for help, for fear of raising an alarm. They also didn’t want Gayla to get in any more trouble.

 

A knock on the door jolted all three of them awake. Lady Winifred quickly made her way to the door.

 

“Yes?” She asked, slightly opening the door so all you could see was her head with messy brown curls.

 

“Hello, Lady Winifred,” Lady Anastasia. “Is my daughter here? I’d like a word with her.”

 

“To be honest my lady, I don’t know where she is. None of us do. Lady Galadriel didn’t make it to her room last night,” Winifred admitted. “We didn’t want to raise any alarms or worries.”

 

Anastasia sighed. “I understand. It’s definitely for the best. We don’t want anyone else to hear about this. I”m sure Gayla is fine and will be home shortly. I mean her sister’s getting married today. She won’t miss it.”

 

“Yes ma’am. We will let you know as soon as we can when Lady Galadriel returns.”

 

“Thank you Winifred.”

 

 

 

Galadriel woke up still on the steps of the mausoleum. Somehow it had been the best night’s rest she had gotten all week. And on a cement walkway no less.

 

“I need to get home,” Gayla said. “Goodbye Magdalena. It was nice to see you again.”

 

Gayla immediately thought of the servant’s appearance she portrayed last night and started running back to the castle.

 

 

 

Along with Gordon Stone and a few other servants, Callum and Hilda headed out of the castle to canvas for their wedding. Callum knew his heart wasn’t in it, but knew that if he wasn’t out canvassing when his dad arrived, Callum would get an earful from Henry.

 

Everything Callum was doing was for his government and for his father. Callum was completely dreading the awkwardness of canvassing with Hilda.

 

“Hopefully it won’t be too horrible,” Callum thought.

 

In between each house, there was silence. At each door, either Gordon or one of the other servants would knock and introduce the couple. The knocker would then announce the wedding and what time the procession would start, noting that the procession would start at the church and end at the castle. Wishing the household would come and join in the festivities, the couple would bow in thanks and let the homeowner close the door.

 

Hilda was hoping that Gayla was putting the finishing touches on everything. Hilda could barely believe that she was getting married today. Actually, to put it in her father’s words, “forming a union.”

 

That’s what Hilda was doing.

 

Forming a union.

 

She didn’t even see it as getting married anymore. Hilda would get used to the fact that her union to Callum wasn’t about love. Hilda knew growing up that she would never get married due to love. It was always about the government and what her dad saw was best for her. But now she was starting to doubt her father. Hilda knew she shouldn’t, but her trust in Frederick had definitely been shaken this week.

 

Could everything Frederick ever told her be wrong? Was anything true that her dad had taught her growing up? Hilda’s mind was caught up, once again, in a frenzy. Plus, she also had nothing to say to Callum yet.

 

What would she say to Callum? “Sorry you’re in love with my sister, but you’re stuck with me.” No, that sounded way too harsh and, definitely, didn’t need to be said. They both knew it. Hilda and Callum would do what they needed to for their lands.

 

 

 

“I’m here, I’m home,” Gayla said quickly to her mother.

 

“I’m glad you’re here,” Anastasia said. “I’m glad you’re okay. Your ladies were worried about you.”

 

“I know. I just lost track of time with my book and fell asleep in an old spot.”

 

“I figured,” Anastasia said. “Pretty much everything for the wedding is done. We just have a few preparations. They should be here in a few hours. Per your father’s requests, there are a few more tasks for you to do today. Unfortunately, the tasks are similar to yesterdays. I’d suggest wearing something that doesn’t mind getting dirty.”

 

“Of course,” Gayla said. “Is there a written list? Or should I write it down myself as you tell me?”

 

“You know your father. Here’s the list of what Frederick wants done before the wedding this evening. Good luck.”

 

“Thanks,” Gayla said.

 

Things to Do Before Hilda’s Wedding Ceremony:

  1. Re-clean/dust chambers for Lord Henry and Lady Jasmine and their household
  2. Re-stuff Lord Henry and Lady Jasmine’s mattresses
  3. Polish all ornate items in visiting chambers
  4. Pull back all curtains in visiting chambers
  5. Help other servants finish and put linens on mattresses
  6. Help with set up in Grand Hall

 

Thankfully, it wasn’t much. It would just take some time. Without changing from yesterday’s outfit, Gayla headed off to start her father’s list.

 

 

 

The morning went by quickly enough for Hilda and Callum. They had only one street left for their morning canvas. They let the servants do all of the talking. Hilda and Callum had barely uttered a word for two hours.

 

Hilda knew that it was going to be her that broke the silence. She still didn’t know exactly what she was going to say, only that she knew there was something, somewhere, in her head that needed to be said.

 

“Thank you for agreeing to canvas with me this morning,” Hilda said.

 

“You’re welcome,” Callum said.

 

“I’m grateful that Gordon was here to help us. It didn’t seem to take too long, did it?”

 

“No, thankfully we got through it well,” Callum said.

 

“That’s one way to look at it, I guess,” Hilda said, trying to move past the awkwardness. “So, tell me, what is your favorite thing to do back home?”

 

“My favorite thing? Hmm, I don’t know. I guess after all my duties are done, I like to either sit back with a good book or practice my fencing with Gordon or one of my brothers.”

 

“That sounds like fun. I’ve practiced a little bit of sparring this week. Gordon actually helped me a little bit.”

 

“That’s nice of him. I hope he had finished all the tasks he was supposed to, before doing so.”

 

“I’m sure he did,” Hilda said. “Plus it wasn’t for long. Gordon went straight back to whatever he was doing.”

 

Hilda was worried for a second. She didn’t want to get Gordon in trouble.

 

“Fair enough,” Callum said.

 

Hilda was desperate to keep the conversation going. Hilda was determined to have, and know that she could have, an interesting conversation with the man she was going to marry.

 

“Is there anything, at all, I should know about you before our union this evening?” Hilda asked.

 

“Not that I can think of,” Callum said. “It is an honor and a duty to reunite our people and lands together. I’m sure that you’ll get to know me fairly well in our time together.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“Now I have a question for you,” Callum said. “Is everyone in your family as passionate as Gayla is?”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“Well, Gayla has such a passion for life, education, love, and other things. I was just wondering if everyone in your family has something they’re passionate about. Like, what are you passionate about? What drives you forward? What makes you want to be better?”

 

“That’s a loaded question,” Hilda said. “Basically, I’m passionate about my family. No, I don’t love learning as much as Galadriel does, but when I look something up, it makes me happy to have found an answer. I guess you could say that I am passionate about answers and knowing what’s in front of me.”

 

“Hence why you’ve been asking me questions,” Callum said. “You want to know who’s in front of you, as well.”

 

“Definitely,” Hillie said. “Whenever I have read a work of fiction, I tend to read the last page first. I like to know how things are going to end. It helps me so I can focus on the journey. The journey is easier when you know how something will end. Don’t you think so?”

 

“I’m not sure about that. I like to have some surprises. I like to think that we are all a part of a journey, part of a plan bigger than just us. There are certain pieces, even surprises, that fit together to make a beautiful picture. A beautiful future, if you will.”

 

“With just the way you talk, one can definitely tell that you’re a romantic, Callum,” Hilda said. “I agree with you, for the most part. It certainly makes sense. I just wish sometimes that I could know everything that was going to happen in my life, so I could prepare for it.”

 

“Understandable. Preparing for things is always a good idea. On the other hand, I also think it speaks a lot to someone’s character to how they handle something in the exact moment it happens.”

 

“Hmm. Okay, then,” Hilda said, feeling judged by how Callum said that. She felt almost belittled by that comment. She handled the zulker attack the best she could. If Gayla hadn’t been there to help her, Hilda knew that she would be in an even worse spot right now.

 

Possibly even dead.

 

“Well that’s the end of that conversation,” thought Hilda. “It couldn’t have been much better or worse. It’s exactly where we are.”

 

Callum and Hilda walked the rest of the way home the same way they had left the castle.

 

In silence.

 

 

“I want to officially welcome you to Andora,” Anastasia said to the Royal Vamridge Family.

 

“Walter, Joseph, I’m so glad to see you,” Callum said to his younger brothers.

 

“And we are grateful to have you, Lord Henry and Lady Jasmine,” Lord Frederick said. “We look forward to the union of Callum and Hilda this evening.”

 

“Please let us know if you need anything during your stay,” Anastasia said.

 

“We will,” Lord Henry said.

 

“Sounds good,” Anastasia said. “Our footman, Asher here, will help you to your chambers and anything else you need today.”

 

“Thank you,” Lady Jasmine said.

 

Callum turned to his brothers as his parents turned to go to their chambers.

 

“What do you guys want to do for this afternoon?” Callum asked his brothers, Walter and Joseph. “We could do some sparring, maybe shoot some arrows. What do you think?”

 

“Arrows sound like fun. We haven’t done that in a while,” Walt said.

 

“Sounds good,” Joseph agreed.

 

 

 

“Gayla, what are you doing?” Hilda asked.

 

Gayla jumped as far she could as she was under a pew, until she hit her head. Hilda had snuck up on her. Gayla didn’t hear Hilda come into the Grand Hall.

 

“Sorry for making you jump,” Hilda apologized.

 

“No worries,” Galadriel said, rubbing her head. “I was just making some small adjustments to the seats for the ceremony. I’m trying to make it flow as perfectly as possible for you to walk down the aisle.”

 

“You really are a great sister.”

 

“I try to be.” Gayla said. “I just want the best for you Hilda. I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused this week. I honestly didn’t mean to.”

 

“I know. What’s done is done. We can move forward; that’s all that matters. Plus dad will make us continue onwards. It’s better if we choose to move forward ourselves, than have someone tell us to,” Hilda said.

 

“Agreed. By the way, how are you feeling? Do you feel ready to get married in a few hours?”

 

“I’m not sure if anyone is truly ready to get married. But I guess I’m as ready as I can be. What else could I do to be more prepared, in only a few hours? No, I think I’m as prepared as I can be. Unless there is anything you can think of?”

 

Gayla giggled a little. “No, I don’t think I can think of anything else either. Come let’s start getting you ready.”

 

 

 

Gayla and Susie were finishing up a few touches on their faces as the ceremony inched closer. Though they were both wearing a light blue dress, Gayla stood out more with her radiance and confidence. When the light hit her just right, her curled, blonde locks glistened along with her shimmering dress.

 

If Gayla was feeling this beautiful, she couldn’t imagine how Hilda was feeling in her wedding dress.

 

In the other room, Hilda was scrunched in the fetal position on her bed. Her breathing wouldn’t slow down. Her chest felt tight, like it could explode at any second. Her mind was racing around the horse track. It wasn’t even in her head any more. She could barely feel anything. All Hilda could feel was fear.

 

After a few minutes, Hilda was finally able to sit up. Her breathing was a little more controlled. Her mind was back in her head.

 

“Okay, I can do this,” Hilda said out loud.

 

“Yes you can,” Gayla said, popping her head in the door.

 

Hilda’s face lit up to its normal self.

 

“And I’ll be by your side through everything,” Gayla continued.

 

“Thank you. I’ll definitely need your help,” Hilda said. “Especially starting with getting down the aisle after the long procession. I’m afraid my legs won’t hold up too well.”

 

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you don’t fall down,” Gayla said. “But thankfully you won’t be walking through the processional. I may have forgotten to tell you but I got you and Callum a carriage for the procession. There was no way you were walking five miles in heels.”

 

“Thank you, thank you!”

 

“Of course,” Gayla said. “Only the best for my sister.”

 

Hilda smiled again, but had different thoughts come into her head than before. This is what was best for her? No, it may be the best for her government and people, but certainly not for her. Hilda finally realized she had at least one characteristic of a great ruler.

 

She did put her people first. If that’s all Hilda could do as a ruler, then that is exactly what she would do. Hilda would always put what was best for her people first. She knew exactly what she needed to do for her people. Hilda didn’t deserve what was the best, her people did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 13 - Unwanted Fate

 

The processional started out with a bang. Music swelled in the streets, with even more gusto than when Gayla had returned home from her studies. Bagpipes, the six-stringed viol, flutes, drums, and trumpets filled the streets as minstrels danced and ran about at the front of the procession.

 

Lord Henry and Lady Jasmine followed right behind the minstrels, along with Frederick and Anastasia in pursuit. The adorned carriage continued the procession. Hilda and Callum looked absolutely gorgeous next to each other. They couldn’t have looked more like a perfect couple. To the naked eye, that’s exactly what they were.

 

The perfect couple.

 

No one had seen or would see the turmoil that Gayla had caused the family. For one thing, Lord Frederick would make sure it was never seen. Gayla had caused him too much embarrassment for one lifetime. She was determined to get through the rest of the day without doing anything that would cause any type of scene, either good or bad. Gayla would remain as stoic as possible and do everything that she could for Hilda.

 

Gordon followed behind the carriage on his horse. He did look regal in his own sense of the word. Gayla still couldn’t imagine how good of a swordsman Gordon could be. He was such a skinny, lanky guy. How much harm could he really do?

 

Gayla stared at him from behind. Susie and Gayla were stuck at the rear of the procession. Nope, Hilda didn’t have to walk at all, but Susie and Gayla did. All five miles. At least they were prepared with flat shoes to wear during the processional, and heels that waited at home. Hopefully their feet wouldn’t hurt much later.

 

As they walked, the villagers joined in behind them in the processional. Even though they could hear the excited whispers from the villagers, Gayla and Susie had nothing to say to each other. They both couldn’t think of anything to say. From what Gayla could see ahead of her, Hilda and Callum said fairly little to each other as well.

 

Once they get married, everything will change.

 

“It will be a good change,” Gayla thought to herself.

 

A good change into some normalcy. That’s exactly what Gayla needed right now. Some normalcy in her crazy life. She wanted to re-find and rediscover more of who she is and her position at home.

 

Though Hilda did not feel ready to get married, Gayla was ready to move on. Gayla was ready for Hilda to get married. It was the first time that week Gayla felt ready for Hilda to get married.

 

 

 

After arriving back at the castle, people took their positions in the Grand Hall. Villagers and invited dignitaries sat in the pews. Galadriel and Susie stood to the left of the patriarchal podium, while Gordon stood on the right with Callum. Gayla quickly glanced around the room before Hilda entered.

 

Gordon had his cheesy smile on, Callum was looking stoic, Anastasia seemed satisfied, and her dad actually looked pleased. Gayla had never seen Frederick this pleased. She was worried that something might be wrong; however, it only lasted a moment.

 

This was Hilda’s big moment.

 

Gayla was a little anxious for her, but mostly excited. Despite her mistakes, Gayla knew this is what needed to happen.

 

The redwood double doors swung open to reveal Hilda standing in all her wedding glory. To most in the room, Hilda was basked in love’s glow. However, to Gayla, she saw a difference in her sister. Gayla didn’t see a loving glow, but instead saw a new confidence under an emotionless stare. Gayla could see, and knew, that Hilda knew what she was doing. Gayla could tell that Hilda was doing her duty to her father, her government, and her people.

 

Honestly, Hilda was completely gorgeous. It was obvious to everyone in the room, except to the one person who didn’t care what she looked like. He was ready to do his duty as well, no matter the cost. Especially the emotional toll it was going to take. It had already taken a toll on Callum, but Callum knew it was going to be worse seeing Gayla every day, knowing he was married to someone else. Knowing he couldn’t do anything but his duty.

 

As soon as Hilda reached the podium, the patriarch began to speak.

 

“Blessings and merry meet,” Bishop Pierre Beckett said. “Gentle lords and ladies, we are here today to join the fair Lady Hilda Millicent Rowan de Ghant and the noble Lord Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor together. They have asked you here to share in their joy, and to declare their love and loyalty for one another and their kingdoms.

 

“Lord Callum, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

 

“Aye, Father.”

 

“Lady Hilda, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

 

“Aye, Father.”

 

The bishop continued, “In as much as this Noble Lord and Fair Lady have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Heaven to bless this union. Therefore if any one can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm, let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time.

 

“Lest it not be overlooked, however, there is rumor amongst the fair lady’s people that any such scurrilous objector shall be later beheaded today at the feast for the entertainment and amusement of the Lords and Ladies in attendance.”

 

Silence rang through the Grand Hall. Thankfully, there was no one stupid in this crowd. On the other hand, it was almost eerily quiet.

 

“There being no objection to this marriage let us continue.”

 

As soon as Bishop Beckett said his continuance, windows were breaking all around them. Several men swang in on ropes and dropped onto the castle grounds. All three pulled out their swords, in their own auspicious manner. Gayla was resolved to not let them win. She had to drive them out.

 

Pushing her mother aside on the pew, Gayla reached under and grabbed the sword she had placed underneath earlier. Gayla was glad that she prepared, as much as she didn’t want to be fighting against a zulker at her sister’s wedding. Her sword clanged against one of the assailants as Callum and Gordon were fighting with the others.

 

Lady Anastasia ran into action as soon as Galadriel had pushed her aside. She got everyone out of the Grand Hall and secured them in different places of the castle. Anastasia knew and did her duty. She headed back to join in the fight, to protect her kingdom.

 

For a moment, Frederick was nowhere to be seen, but then was back fighting against the goons who broke into the castle. Galadriel didn’t even think anything of it. She was just grateful her father was actually fighting alongside her and not against her.

 

Three zulkers against Gordon, Callum, Hilda, Frederick, and Gayla. You would think it would be an easy fight, but with how fast the zulkers moved, it was hard to get a hit on them.

 

Two zulkers. Gordon finished one off, in Gayla’s peripheral vision.

 

“I guess he is stronger than I thought,” Gayla concluded. “To finish off a zulker, that’s pretty impressive.”

 

Gayla continued to swing her sword with all her strength. It didn’t seem like enough. She wasn’t sure if she could even kill someone. Even with all the training she had done over the years, Gayla never thought she would be in this situation.

 

Fighting with zulkers, twice in one week. Will the fighting ever end? If Gayla had taken the throne, instead of giving it away, she would do everything she could to bring peace into her land. Hopefully Hilda will be able to do so, once they finish with this situation.


“Let’s finish this,” one Zulker said to the other. “We’ve been at this for too long.”

 

“Right,” the other Zulker responded.

 

Turning away from their current opposition, both zulkers turned toward Hilda. As one inched closer to Hilda, the other took swings at the royals around him. Hilda was getting closer to being trapped in a corner with a zulker swinging after her.

 

Out of nowhere, Anastasia came up behind the zulker and swung with her might. The zulker ended on the ground, with his legs swept up from under him. Instead of carrying out his duty, the bald, albino man took his sword and stabbed it straight into Anastasia, at the top of her right hip.

 

“NOOO,” Hilda screamed, causing everyone around to stop their fighting with the other zulker. Just like a reflex, the other zulker disappeared as quickly as he had arrived.

 

Frederick ran up and slashed through the other zulker. The swing of his blade was automatically fatal. He quickly turned to his wife.

 

“It wasn’t supposed to be you, it wasn’t supposed to be you,” Frederick said, cradling Anastasia in his arms.

 

“Mom, mom! No, no, everything will be fine,” Hilda exclaimed, burying her face in Anastasia’s clothing.

 

Galadriel quickly ran to get some towels. When she got back, Gayla put the towel on Anastasia’s hip and applied pressure. Hopefully the towels would help.

 

Gayla looked at her mom. Such pain, such sorrow, extended from Anastasia’s face. Why didn’t Anastasia stay with the others? Gayla had hoped to never see her mother shed blood, especially on Gayla’s behalf.

 

It was too late for that.

 

The whole family ended up around Anastasia’s body. Susie came out from hiding behind a tapestry and brushed her fingers through Anastasia’s hair. Callum and Gordon sat on the steps leading to the patriarchal podium. They knew better than to impose at such a crucial time.

 

Where was their main physician? Has anyone even called for him? How long would it be until he came? What if it was too late when the physician arrived? What else could the physician do?

 

Gayla prayed and pleaded for help. For answers. For comfort. Anything that she could receive, Gayla was completely open and willing to the idea.

 

Suddenly a thought popped into Gayla’s mind.

 

“Susie, I thought someone had called for the physician, but now I’m not sure. Will you and Gordon go to find him and bring to the Grand Hall? Make sure that he brings a stretcher so that we can move mom when we need to,” Gayla said.

 

“Gladly. I need to do something,” Susie said.

 

“Callum,” Gayla called.

 

“Yes ma’am, what can I do to help?”

 

“Most importantly, we need to get some more towels. Find anything you can, especially clean linens, that can wrap easily around Anastasia’s waist.”

 

“Of course, my lady,” Callum said.

 

“Gayla, what can I do?” Hilda asked, trying to be as brave as Gayla.

 

“Why don’t you get a glass of water? Actually, two glasses. One for cleaning out the wound and one to try and get mom to drink.”

 

“On my way.”

 

 

 

“Getting cups of water for mom; I can do that,” Hilda said to herself.

 

Two cups of water; easy peasy. Thankfully, Gayla had given her an easy task. Hilda had never been more grateful to have Gayla as her sister right now. Gayla was always quick on her feet. Hilda was almost jealous how ideas could just fly into Gayla’s mind. She wished she could think just as fast, especially in chaotic moments.

 

Why has this week been so chaotic? This was supposed to be the best week, heck, the best day of her life. If she could, Hilda would blame Gayla. But she couldn’t.

 

She wouldn’t even know who to blame.

 

Hilda knew that as much as she could blame Gayla, it wasn’t Gayla’s fault. If Hilda could’ve had a spark with anyone, even just a friendship spark, she would take it. Hilda was impressed how quickly and how deeply Gayla and Callum had connected.

 

Hilda thought what she would’ve done if she was in Gayla’s shoes. If she would’ve had a spark with another’s betrothed, what would Hilda do? Thinking about it, Hilda may have gone even further with her actions than Gayla did, depending on how much she felt.

 

No, she couldn’t blame Gayla.

 

If only that could’ve been the worst thing about this week.

 

Nope, the worst thing this week was the zulkers. Two separate zulker attacks; both times to kill her. Instead, they almost killed her mother.

 

Hilda couldn’t even spare a thought to what she might do without her mother. Anastasia had always been there for her. Anastasia always had Hilda’s back. Hilda couldn’t imagine her life without her mother. She needed to get those glasses of water back straight away.

 

In fact, Hilda grabbed a whole pitcher of water and a couple cups and ran back as fast as she could to the Grand Hall without spilling any water.

 

Any moment could be life or death. Hilda needed her mother to live.

 

 

 

Gayla kept on thinking about what Frederick had said.

 

“Dad, what did you say earlier?”

 

“What? What did I say?”

 

“You said it wasn’t supposed to be her. What did you mean by that?” Gayla questioned.

 

“Anastasia isn’t supposed to die. She can’t die; I won’t let her,” Frederick said, feeling like he explained himself well. “I can’t have my wife die.”

 

“I get that,” Gayla said. “I don’t want mom to die either. I don’t think any of us want mom to die.”

 

“True.”

 

“I just wanted to confirm that you didn’t mean someone else should be dead. I mean, it did seem like the zulkers have constantly been after Hilda. If mom hadn’t gotten in the way, would you have the same sentiment towards Hilda?”

 

“I don’t know why you should even ask that. Of course I would,” Frederick said, still as emotionless as ever.

 

Gayla couldn’t decide if her father was telling the truth or not, but ultimately knew she shouldn’t push the subject right now. She would find a better time to question the Lord of Andora. A time when she might be able to humble Frederick.

 

All Gayla knew was that she could barely call Frederick her father. In this past week, Gayla had seen him more of a ruler than as a parent. He may be the current lord of the land, but, whether or not he could see it, Frederick had lost all of Gayla’s respect in a week.

 

 

 

Susie and Gordon finally found the physician among some of the others still in the castle. Gordon told him what had happened to Anastasia. They promptly followed him to his chambers, helped grab essentials, and ran back to the Grand Hall with the physician in tow.

 

While running in the hallways, they saw Hilda running with water in her hands and Callum with a wad of linens. Everyone acknowledged each other and continued on their way to the Grand Hall.

 

Frederick was still somewhat holding Anastasia in his arms. Frederick’s grip had loosened but he still wouldn’t completely let go. However, when Frederick looked up, he nodded and backed away, giving the physician room to work.

 

With the pitcher of water, Anastasia’s wound was cleaned and some water was poured into her mouth to keep her hydrated. The physician also took a moist cloth and put it on Anastasia’s forehead. Gayla kept the cloth wet and continued to dab along her mother’s temples.

 

Gayla only wished she could do more for her mother.

 

“What’s the diagnosis doc?” Gayla asked.

 

“It’s a little difficult to say,” the physician said. “No major arteries were hit, but she has lost a lot of blood. Let’s move her to her bed chambers and I’ll keep attending to the wound. Hopefully with some more treatment, Anastasia will be okay. But it’s too soon to tell.”

 

“Okay,” Gayla said. “Should we move her now then?”

 

“Yes,” the physician said. “Would you gather some people to help move her onto the cot and to her chambers?”

 

“Callum, Gordon, we need your help over here.”

 

“Of course, m’lady,” they said in unison.

 

The edges of the cot consisted of Frederick, Gordon, Callum and the physician. Gayla stood close by to make sure her mother didn’t fall off the cot.

 

In a short amount of time, Anastasia was back in her own bed. The physician knelt next to her. Gayla convinced the rest of the family to leave the room and give Anastasia space to hopefully heal.

 

That was all everyone could do at the moment.

 

Hope was their only option.

 

Chapter 14 - Making Decisions

 

The tide raises all ships.

 

Hilda knew this now. She had heard about the ripple in the water growing up, but didn’t fully understand it until now. One thing, one event, can spiral into so many others. Just like the tide may raise one ship, it eventually raises all ships on the sea.

 

Hilda was being raised by the tide now. Her actions now would affect everyone else later. She knew she needed to make a big decision. She knew she needed her mother’s help. Hilda needed her mother’s advice.

 

 

 

“You are constantly surprising me,” Callum said.

 

“How’s that?” Gayla asked. “All I’ve ever done is try to be myself.”

 

“That’s what is so impressive,” Callum said. “Everything about you, everything you do, everything you know - the way you just do what you know, it’s surprising and impressive.”

 

“Yes it is,” Frederick said, coming up behind Callum. “We all owe you, Gayla, for getting Anastasia to this point. She possibly could have already been dead if you didn’t act when you did. We have a chance to possibly save her, due to your actions.”

 

Gayla was shocked to hear Frederick say that.

 

“Thanks, dad.”

 

“It’s the truth. Right now we need to make sure the rest of the castle is secure and attend to anyone that may have been hurt from initial impact from the zulkers. Gordon, will you take Lord Henry and Lady Jasmine to their chambers and see that they are taken care of?”

 

“Yes sire,” Gordon said.

 

“Susie, can you get a physician or a healer from the nearest village for any mental or physical injuries to others?”

 

“Of course, dad.”

 

“Now, has anyone seen Hilda?” Frederick asked.

 

“Last I saw Hilda, she went into mom's chambers to talk while Anastasia was still coherent,” Galadriel said.

 

“Okay,” Frederick said. “Once she is done speaking with Anastasia, please make sure the physician also takes a look at her possible injuries.”

 

“I was planning on it,” Gayla replied.

 

“Good.”

 

“Anything else we should do immediately? I can’t think of anything else on my emergency list that I originally made.”

 

“I’m pretty sure that is everything I taught you at sixteen years old,” Frederick said. “Once Hilda is out, and you have her checked out, feel free to hit the library. Maybe looking through some history books, you’ll find some more ideas to enact. Of course, nothing like this has happened in the past, but maybe you’ll find something for the future - something to help your sister rule Andora.”

 

Again, Gayla was surprised. Maybe she had jumped to the wrong conclusions about her father. It was maybe the second or third time in Gayla’s life that she had several doubts.

 

So many doubts. So many unanswered questions.

 

There was certainly something going on. Something that Gayla couldn’t see or understand. Gayla knew that she needed to uncover what it was.

 

One way or another, Gayla needed to find out the truth. She needed to know if she could trust her father.

 

 

 

The library was exactly what Gayla needed. Besides the Royal Graveyard, it was the only other place Gayla felt at peace.

 

She knew she needed to find answers. Hopefully she could. Present day problems and doubts usually require present day solutions. How could history help her right now?

 

This was certainly a first for Gayla in her own library. For the first time, Gayla didn't know where to look for answers.

 

Where would she even look for living answers?

 

Like clockwork, Galadriel’s brain remembered a book that had helped her in the past. A book that led her to what Gayla determined to be her greatest discovery. Something she had actually hid in her own library.

 

Before leaving on her educational travels, Gayla had read a book on Menkauhor, an Egyptian pharaoh. After reading the book, Gayla knew she needed to visit Egypt. In fact, Egypt was the first place that Gayla visited. Thinking about her Egyptian trip would have to wait; right now, Gayla needed to find her artifact.

 

Gayla hid her artifact before meeting Callum, the first night she returned. She didn’t think she would need to use it so soon. However, Gayla was grateful that she had found it.

 

Gayla pulled out a few books from a shelf and knocked on the wood behind it. It latched open to reveal a small key hole, the friend to the hole sitting in Gayla’s hand. After unlocking the hideaway location and pulling out her artifact, she had to admire it one more time before using it.

 

Menkauhor’s mirror of memories.

 

The gold mirror was entwined with tulips and stared back with Gayla’s reflection. Gayla just loved the history behind her artifact. Normally, Gayla knew that artifacts belonged in a museum, but when hardly anyone remembers Menkauhor and her family takes everything they can, no matter what. Gayla took it merely out of habit.

 

Gayla closed the hidden compartment and put the books back on the shelf, except one. The book she needed. Gayla figured she should double check how to use it, just in case there was any warning about any curses or what not.

 

After reading and doing the instructions found in her book, the mirror frenzied into a memory from earlier that day.

 

Gayla watched again as the zulker crept towards Hilda, cornering her in the Grand Hall. Hilda didn’t have a weapon any more and looked scared to death. Gayla saw Anastasia run into the Hall and towards Hilda and the zulker. The zulker was swept off his feet by Anastasia, landing on his behind with his sword right next to him. He quickly grabbed his sword, turned his body toward Anastasia away from Hilda, and stabbed.

 

“NOOO,” Hilda screamed, causing everyone in the mirror to stop their fighting with the other zulker. Just like a reflex, the other zulker disappeared as quickly as he had arrived.

 

Frederick ran up and slashed through the other zulker still on the ground. Frederick’s swing was automatically fatal. He quickly turned to Anastasia.

 

“It wasn’t supposed to be you, it wasn’t supposed to be you,” Frederick said, cradling Anastasia in his arms.

 

Gayla was honestly questioning what her father meant by that last line. It did look like the zulker was after Hilda originally, but went after Anastasia instead. Why did the zulker do that? Did he actually change his course of action?

 

Gayla’s mind was completely dizzy. Especially after the nice things Frederick said to her, Gayla didn’t know what to think about her father and his motives. She needed to look at a few more memories to fully grasp what was happening in her life.

 

 

 

“Thanks for listening mom,” Hilda said.

 

“Of course my darling,” Anastasia said. “I do understand what you are saying, but are you sure you want to do this? Everything in front of you is your right and privilege. No one else’s. Do you understand that?”

 

“Yes, I do.”

 

“Do you, in sound mind and well being, agree with what we have discussed?”

 

“I agree.”

 

“I will charge members of the council to come speak with me at once, in case anything might happen to me. I’ll see the matter settled at once,” Anastasia said.

 

Hilda smiled. “Thanks mom.”

 

 

“Here we are, my Lord and Lady,” Gordon said to Henry and Jasmine, as they reached the guest chambers.

 

“Thank you, Gordon, for showing us back to our chambers,” Lady Jasmine said. “It certainly has been a crazy day here.”

 

“You have no idea,” Gordon said. “Will both of you be all right for the rest of the day? You’re not too shaken up?”

 

“We will be fine,” Jasmine said. “It’s mostly just upsetting that zulkers have ruined another Tudor wedding. For Henry’s sake, it better happen soon or tempers might fly.”

 

“We wouldn’t want that,” Gordon said, as both he and Jasmine looked at the silent Henry. His face was stoic as Frederick but you could see the emotion in Henry’s eyes.

 

 

 

The mirror frenzied into another memory. This time Gayla followed the book’s instructions to see someone else’s memories. In fact, Anastasia’s memories.

 

“All right,” Frederick said. “I’ll accept your abdication. We will have a document drawn up that recognizes your departure from the throne. However, you still answer to me as your king, and then to any future person who may sit on the throne. Whether or not that is your sister, you will respect and serve the crown. Understood?”

 

“Yes,” Gayla said, and walked out of the Grand Hall.

 

“What a surprising turn of events,” Anastasia said. “I’ve heard her talk of love before, but I never expected that.”

 

“Certainly not,” Frederick said. “It was easy to teach her the ways of the crown, since she likes to learn. However, Gayla is certainly the most stubborn of our children. Once she has made up her mind about something, there is usually no changing it.”

“Definitely.”

 

“I might as well steer into this skid and start training Hilda immediately for taking over the crown someday,” Frederick said.

 

“Well, you certainly are taking this better than I thought you would,” Anastasia said. “I’m sure there will be an adjustment period with Hilda. She should do just fine.”

 

“Granted, Hilda isn’t Gayla. She’ll do fine for the time being; we’ll see what happens.”

 

The mirror frenzied back to its normal state.

 

We’ll see what happens; we’ll see what happens.

 

Frederick has said so many questionable things before and after Gayla returned home from her studies. Maybe one more memory would help Gayla make a decision about trusting her father. A normal person would think it would be easy to trust their father, but Gayla was in quite a pickle.

 

Quite a pickle indeed.

 

 

 

Frederick and Susie went to the kitchen after dealing with the current situation and talking with the physician. As they walked in, everyone was bustling about preparing the wedding feast. Quail and venison were roasting, sending a strong aroma through the room that made Susanna even more hungry than she already was.

 

Susie snagged a roll off the table, while Frederick started to address the room.

 

“Everyone, everyone. Can I have your attention?”

 

The room silenced as he spoke.

 

“I know some servants have been gossiping about events from earlier today. Apparently, it’s difficult not to talk about some things in this castle,” Frederick said. “For the time being, there is a hold on the ceremony and, therefore, the food. Food preparation will pause until further directed.”

 

“Yes m’lord,” the whole kitchen echoed.

 

 

 

Finally, Gayla realized what she needed. She needed to get inside Frederick’s mind to understand his motivation behind certain phrases, especially the ones she’d heard since being home.

 

As Gayla came to this conclusion, Hilda came into the library.

 

“Hey sis, thanks for saving my life again,” Hilda smirked.

 

“I just wish no one needed any saving these couple of weeks. It’s too bad that it couldn’t be just peaches and cream,” Gayla said.

 

“Peaches and cream, huh? I haven’t heard that in a while,” Hilda said, nudging her sister. “Anyways, whatcha doing?”

 

“I’m looking at an artifact that I brought home from Egypt. It’s actually helped me gain a little bit of insight into a little bit of what has happened,” Gayla said. “Here let me show you the last thing I was going to look at.”

 

Once more, the mirror frenzied into the past.

 

This time Gayla had set the mirror to show all of Frederick’s memories from the past two weeks. If there wasn’t anything important, it would be easy to fast forward through it. His memories started from the moment Gayla was welcomed home.

 

“The Andoran court welcomes Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant home from her travels,” announced the royal mage.

 

“Welcome home, my darling girl,” Anastasia said. “I’m sure your sisters can’t wait to see you. You can join them in Hilda’s room soon.”

 

“Is there anything important while you are here in court that you wish to report from your studies abroad?” Frederick asked.

 

“Nothing important comes to mind right now,” Gayla said. “If I think of anything relevant to the government, I will bring it to the next council meeting.”

 

“Good, I expect nothing less,” Frederick said.

 

Gayla fast-forwarded through a few meetings Frederick had.

 

“Wait,” Hilda said.

 

Gayla almost jumped. She had forgotten that Hilda was next to her. Gayla paused the image in the mirror and turned to her sister.

 

“Sorry, what’s up?” Gayla said.

 

“This mirror shows people’s memories?”

 

“It does,” Gayla said.

 

“So right now, it’s showing some of dad’s memories?”

 

“Correct.”

 

“This is so cool!”

 

“Yeah,” Gayla said. “It is pretty cool. I needed some clarity on some stuff that had happened, so I figured it was as good a time as any to whip it out.”

 

“Definitely,” Hilda said. “Sorry I interrupted the memory in the mirror and made you jump. You can unpause the mirror now.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

Gayla and Hilda watched as their father entered Stenger and crossed the tavern’s threshold.

 

The robed man looked up with his scarred face, and stared straight ahead. Though it was years from the initial incident, there were four distinct scratch marks from his left eye to nose that distinguished him from others of his kind.

 

“I have a task for you and your men,” said the first man.

 

“Just tell me what it is so I can get out of this place. This town is deplorable.”

 

“I was told you know how to deal with problems in royal courts.”

 

“Yes, that is an obvious conclusion. Get to the point, what is the problem in Andora?” the second man sniped.

 

Frederick sighed and reluctantly opened his mouth:

 

“Hilda Millicent Rowan de Ghant.”

 

Both of the girls gasped. Their dad did want Hilda dead. The sisters sat in silence.

 

Nothing could shake the shock of this revelation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 15 - In An Azzuchian Cave

 

Deep in the Azzuchian mountain range, a small group of men sat around a fire listening to the crackle of embers and keeping warm. Their voices barely raised above a whisper. Suddenly, a similar robed man appeared in the mouth of the cave.

 

“Zaaskos, we may have a slight problem,” the zulker said, coming into the cave.

 

The group of robed men silenced as Zaaskos looked up from the fire with his scarred face.

 

“What happened, Remek?” Zaaskos breathed every word.

 

“For starters, Halldor is dead,” Remek said.

 

“Who isn’t dead nowadays?” Hallstein said under his breath.

 

“What was that, Hallstein?” Zaaskos reamed.

 

“Nothing.”

 

“Continue, Remek,” Zaaskos said. “What do I need to know?”

 

“Hilda’s not dead. But Anastasia was stabbed and it’s possible she will die instead.”

 

“Why do we have to go through so much trouble to complete one little task?” Zaaskos said. “Every other task I have had set up for us went through without a hitch. You would think this is an impossible task..”

 

“It’s not an impossible task,” a voice said from the edge of the cave.

 

“Who said that?” Zaaskos’ voice boomed.

 

“The person who actually hired you.”

 

The figure glided over to the fire light and threw off his hood.

 

Duke Alexander Philip of Baskwell stood in the midst of the Zulker band.

 

The Duke continued once his hood was off his face.

 

“This definitely has proved to be most unfruitful. Your band has been most unuseful.”

 

“I apologize, Duke,” Zaaskos slightly bowed. “I was just telling them of their incompetence.”

 

“Yes, quite the incompetence. Suffice it to say, I will make this task more simple for the tentative minds that remain here.,” Alexander said, looking around the cave. “I need a change in Andoran royalty more than ever. Surprisingly, the younger generation isn’t doing too bad, especially since you all have had such a hard time trying to kill one of them.

 

“All I need done is one death. Clean slices, clean draws. No proof that you were even there. Is that possible?”

 

“I’ll see to it personally,” Zaaskos said. “No need for any more idiocy.”

 

“Quite right.”

 

 

 

Chapter 16 - When Life Hits

 

After some of the shock wore off the two sisters, they still could barely speak.

 

“How… How is mom doing?” Gayla asked, trembling a little. “You were the last one to see her, right?”

 

“It’s hard to say what will happen with mom. She helped clear a few things up for me,” Hilda said. “But I’m not sure what that wound will do to her. Her breathing was fairly shallow and she was sweating a lot.”

 

“I hope she’ll be okay,” Gayla said. “Thankfully the wound was cleaned quickly. The physician has always done a decent job, so hopefully this won’t be too bad to deal with.”

 

“Here’s to hoping.”

 

“Let me put this away and we can go get a drink or something to work off our nerves,” Galadriel said.

 

“That’s a great idea.”

 

After getting some hot chocolate, the girls were a little more at ease. Now that they knew their father pretty much signed Hilda’s death warrant, they needed to know why. What could possibly bring their father to commit such a treacherous act? Also, how and why would the Zulkers even listen and carry out his request?

 

They weren’t sure if they completely wanted to know, but figured they should. They needed more evidence to back them up if they did confront their father. There was no need to tell Anastasia right now; if her body gets any more stress, it could prove disastrous. They didn’t need to lose their mother right now. Losing one parent, even to treason, was enough today.

 

As Hilda and Gayla walked toward their father’s chambers, they heard a groan inside. Gayla launched the wood door open to find a zulker standing parallel to Frederick, in between a sword pierced through Frederick’s stomach. It was all the way through their father. The hilt on one side, the point on the other.

 

The zulker withdrew his sword and turned his scarred face towards the girls’ stunned faces.

 

“Don’t worry, I fixed the problem for you and I’ll make sure the rest of my followers don’t bother you again,” Zaaskos said.

 

Just as all the others, the robed man backed away from them and jumped out of the window.

 

“Dad,” Hilda exclaimed, running to him.

 

He was already gone.

 

“Dad, dad! Don’t go,” Hilda said, shaking his lifeless body. “I need to know why, I want to understand.

 

Gayla fell to her knees and held her sister.

 

“I know, I know.”

 

 

 

Once Hilda and Gayla got the physician and moved their father’s body, they started looking around his chambers. Before they spoke to their mother, let alone the council, the sisters knew they needed something more than just a memory in a mirror to explain what happened.

 

Time went by as they rifled through Frederick’s desk and other personal effects. Finally, Hilda found a document that seemed pertinent and called Gayla over to where she was.

 

“What does it say?”

 

Hilda took a deep breath and read from the document:

 

“I, Lord Frederick Arthur de Ghant, am saddened and weakened by my choices of late. I did what I thought would keep my family and me in power. I thought I was acting according to the Pazinlea Laws and Statues, as well as the Andoran Laws established by my progenitors. I now realize that I was in the wrong.

 

“I went to the Zulkers of Morzul to ‘get rid of the problem’ that was seen in Andora. Someone told me that the problem in Andora was my daughter Lady Hilda. I don’t know why I believed them. I acted out of fear, not love.

 

“I wanted power, but now, in my vulnerable state, I want and need my family. I will do what I can to protect all of them, despite how someone else may see them.

 

“No matter what may happen to me, I, Lord Frederick Arthur de Ghant, love my family with all my heart and with all the strength I have left in me. I sign and seal this with my own hand.

 

“Signed, Lord Frederick Arthur de Ghant.”

 

Gayla put her comforting hand on Hilda’s shoulder.

 

“He did love us. I wonder who he could be talking about, but I’m very grateful that we can continue on his legacy in the best way possible. This is the best news that we could find, after all we’ve been through.

 

“I agree. All we can do now is get this and your mirror to the council,” Hilda said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 17 - The Funeral

 

“What in the blazes is going on?” Lord Henry yelled, storming into the Grand Hall. “Will someone please tell me what is going on? Is a wedding happening or not?”

 

Anastasia finally sat back on the throne after a couple of days, her hand secured at her waist.

 

“Lord Frederick is dead,” Lady Anastasia announced to the court.

 

A hush fell over the small, summoned crowd.

 

“It does not matter why or how the Andoran King fell. What does matter is that the de Ghant legacy carries on,” Anastasia continued. “With this said, I give the floor to my daughter, Lady Hilda.”

 

“Thank you my lady,” Hilda said.

 

Hilda turned a deep breath and turned to the crowd.

 

“Through the help of Lady Anastasia and the council, I had this document drawn up. I will now read it to you:

 

I, Lady Hilda Millicent Rowan de Ghant, of Andora, hereby declare my irrevocable determination to renounce the throne for myself, and for my descendents, and my desire that effect should be given to this Instrument of Abdication immediately. This document overturns Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant’s abdication and hereby declares Lady Galadriel the true Andoran heir to the throne.

 

In token whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of these witnesses whose signatures are subscribed. It is signed by:

Lady Anastasia Genevieve Scarlett de Ghant, Lord Byron Malcom, Sir Owain Chevalier, Sir Hugo Adamer,

Lord Warren Gerard Paul, Sir Richard Quinn, Lord Randolph Esteve Serlo and

Sir Rolfe Percival Bartlet.


 

Thank you for your time.”

 

Gayla was stunned. Hilda has been and always will be the greatest sister. Hilda gave up the throne so that Gayla could have the throne and be married to Lord Callum. There was no way Gayla could ever pay Hilda back.

 

Anastasia resumed talking after Hilda had taken her seat.

 

“Due to all the events that have transpired over the past couple of days, Lord Frederick’s funeral will be held this afternoon. To those who want to attend, all are welcome to come and pay tribute to our Lord and Ruler.

 

“The following evening, Lord Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor and Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant will marry and be crowned as Andora’s Rulers. There will be no procession. All those who were previously invited to this weekend’s ceremony are still invited. The union will begin at 5 o’clock. Festivities will commence.”

 

 

 

The funeral was a somber affair. All who spoke gave anecdotes of Lord Frederick’s goodness and fairness. He traded well with the farmers and gathers. He always gave dignitaries and aristocrats a room for the night while traveling through Andora.

 

Anastasia stood up and made her way to the front, next to her husband’s casket.

 

“The memory I’d like to share with you all is my union to Lord Frederick. It was almost 30 years ago that he and I joined together. Unlike most arranged marriages, we honestly grew in love. Lord Frederick and I had great fondness and love for each other and our children.

 

“I know that he loved all of you, our people. Thank you for all the love you have shown us in our hour of grief.

 

“Continuing our program, we will recite our Tender Love Prayer and then Lady Susanna will speak. Following her, we will recite our Consolation Prayer. Lady Hilda will address us after the recitation.”

 

The crowd stood up and recited together: “In your hands, Oh Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping, no pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.”

 

As everyone sat down, Susie made her way forward.

 

“I don’t have too many memories of my father. I mostly remember him working. The main thing I remember was from when I was 10 years old. My dad decided it was time to teach me to shoot an arrow. I had several attempts that the arrow fell right out of my hands but my dad kept encouraging me to try again and be better than before. He knew how to keep going and to look forward. Thanks again for coming to support us.”

 

The crowd stood again and started the next prayer.

 

“May the love of God and the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ bless and console us and gently wipe every tear from our eyes: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

 

Once again the crowd sat down and the next daughter came forward.

 

Hilda released her shoulder tension with a sigh and opened her mouth.

 

“This past week has definitely been crazy. It’s been hard to breathe at times and to know exactly what is happening. What I do know, and what Lord Frederick confirmed in his last document, is that he loved his family. I’m very grateful for all his love and the attention he did give us.

 

“One memory I am very fond of happened just a couple of years ago. I was in our family orchard, helping some of our servants. I thought it would be fun to make a pie and say that I picked the apples myself. At the time, I didn’t think that many people would believe me.

 

“I guess Lord Frederick saw me outside from a window and came to join me. He helped me pick apples for a while. At one point, Frederick decided it would be funny to throw some apples at me. So it was fun to have an apple fight with my dad. I also found a steel rod laying by a fence and hit a few apples through the orchard. Thanks dad; I’ll miss you.”

 

Hilda touched her lips to her hand, then to her dad’s ornate casket, and walked back to her seat.

 

Bishop Pierre Beckett stood up and continued the funeral service.

 

“No matter how old we are, it’s never easy to lose a parent. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve. As we finish Lord Frederick’s funeral, his eldest daughter, Lady Galadriel will speak. We will adjourn the meeting reciting the Comfort Prayer from 2 Corinthians. Lady Galadriel.”

 

Galadriel stood up. It was finally her turn to speak, and she still wasn’t completely sure what to say.

 

“I want to thank you all for coming and for all that has been said. It’s hard to know what to say after everything that has been said.

 

“Where to start?

 

“My father was a very interesting man. Hardly anyone could ever tell what he was thinking. Lord Frederick was a very stoic man, but he did have a good heart. Like many have said, Lord Frederick dealt well with many dignitaries and land owners. I remember standing in Andoran court and watching my father make deals and settlements with everyone that came through.

 

“One thing I know that I got from my father was his stubbornness. Once either one of us decides to commit to something, there is hardly any stopping us from doing it.

 

“I’ve been racking my brain for examples to share, but I don’t have anything specific coming to mind. Yes, my father was a complicated man. I’m sorry that it is so difficult for me to sum up my feelings about my father.

 

“Thank you all for coming and I apologize again for my rambling.”

 

As Gayla walked back, she barely managed to put one foot in front of another. Tears streamed down her face, while she felt a few people gazing at her. When she got back to her seat, the crowd stood up to recite the last prayer:

 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction.”

 

 

 

While her sisters and mother individually thanked those who came, Gayla made her way swiftly back to her room. She didn’t want to be seen by anyone after what she thought to be an embarrassing display. However, before she reached the door, Gayla heard footsteps running down the corridor to her.

 

Callum was right at her side, without a moment’s hesitation. He took Gayla’s elbow and led her into his arms. He didn’t say anything. All Calllum did was hold her.

 

Within seconds, Gayla’s eyes erupted. Her body quivered with emotion. She didn’t know what to do. Callum just stood there, holding her and stroking her hair. Not saying a word.

 

It was exactly what Galadriel needed.

 

She was grateful that she did have someone that could hold her and help her. Gayla was grateful that whatever might happen next in her life, that Callum would be next to her. She was grateful that Callum didn’t pressure her to open up.

 

Words wouldn’t come right now anyways. It was so hard to know what to feel about her father. All Gayla did know was that Frederick did love her. Maybe not in the ways he loved her sisters; nonetheless, her father did love her.

 

Being the eldest was definitely the hardest. Since the age of 12, all Galadriel could remember was Frederick’s strictness and her upbringing to someday wear the crown. If there were any fun moments, before or during that time, Galadriel couldn’t recall them. There were no apple fights, no lazy days.

 

Everything that Frederick had done with Gayla had a purpose. The summation of examples that Gayla could remember always pointed to responsibility.

 

At least now with that responsibility, Gayla could also have love. Thanks to Hilda. Thanks to Anastasia. Especially thanks to Callum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 18 - The Wedding

 

Bishop Pierre Beckett stood at the front of the altar. Callum couldn’t stop waiting for Galadriel to appear. Hilda truly was selfless. Callum didn’t worry now about just doing his duty. He was completely in love with Galadriel and couldn’t be happier to marry her.

 

Once more, the Grand Hall door opened wide - this time revealing Gayla in her mother’s wedding dress. Gayla didn’t think she shimmered as much as Hilda did the first time, but Gayla still felt beautiful in the gold trimmed dress. The cinched waist fell into a gold ribbon down the front.

 

“Blessings and merry meet, for the last time,” Bishop Beckett said. “Gentle lords and ladies, we are here today to officially join the fair Lady Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant and the noble Lord Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor together.

 

“They have asked you here to share in their joy, and to declare their love and loyalty for one another and their kingdoms.

 

“Lord Callum, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

 

“Aye, Father.”

 

“Lady Galadriel, art thou here this day in pledged troth of thy own free will and choice?”

 

“Aye, Father.”

 

Bishop Beckett continued. “In as much as this Noble Lord and Fair Lady have pledged their troth to be married this day, we call upon Heaven to bless this union. Therefore if any one can show just cause, why they may not be joined together, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm, let them now speak, or else hereafter keep silent for all time.”

 

Gayla and Hilda looked at each with a deep appreciation in both of their eyes. Hilda sacrificing the crown would not be in vain.

 

“Lest it not be overlooked, however, there is rumor amongst the fair lady’s people that any such scurrilous objector shall be later beheaded today at the feast for the entertainment and amusement of the Lords and Ladies in attendance.

 

“There being no objection to this marriage let us continue.

 

“Swear you now, on this sacred blade, that there is no reason known to you that this union should not proceed.”

 

“I do so swear,” Callum replied.

 

“Is there any reason known to you why this partnership should not be made?”

 

“There is none,” Gayla said.

 

“Heavenly Father, creator of all things both in heaven and Earth, we humbly ask thee to bless this union, may these thy servants seek goodness all the days of their lives, may they be strong in defense of what is right, may they be united as one even as thou art with God.

 

“May they be numbered amongst thy sheep. We humbly pray in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

 

“Amen,” the crowd echoed.

 

“Do you, Lord Callum, take unto thyself as husband the Fair Lady Galadriel and pledge unto her before God and these witnesses to be her protector, defender and sure resort, to honor and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, with all thy worldly powers, to cherish and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?”

 

“I will.”

 

“Do you fair Lady Galadriel take unto thyself the noble Lord Callum to be thy rightful husband and pledge unto him before God and these witnesses to honor and cherish him, to cleave unto him, in sickness and in health, in fair and in foul, be his one true and lasting counselor and solace, and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

 

Gayla smiled at Callum and answered, “I will.”

 

“Heavenly Father, bless these rings which Noble Lord Callum and fair Lady Galadriel have set apart to be visible signs of the inward and spiritual bond which unites their hearts. As they give and receive these rings, may they testify to the world of the covenant made between them.”

 

“Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you,” Callum said.

 

“Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you,” Gayla reciprocated.

 

“This circle will now seal the vows of this marriage and will symbolize the purity and endlessness of their love. Thou hast pledged troth of thy own free will and sworn upon the sword. Thou hast exchanged rings and been bound together. May it be granted that what is done before the gods be not undone by man.

 

“Before I proclaim you joined thou must kiss three times on cue.

 

“Once for luck, twice for Love and thrice for long life.

 

“By the Power Vested in me by the Realm, I now pronounce you Lord Callum and Fair Lady Galadriel, husband and wife.”

 

 

 

Following the wedding, council members and the immediate families of Vamridge and Andora gathered together for a private coronation. Bishop Beckett continued to preside.

 

“Lady Galadriel, is your Majesty willing to take the Coronation Oath?”

 

“I am willing,” Galadriel answered.

 

“Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Andora and of your Possessions and the other Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?”

 

“I solemnly promise to do so,” Gayla said.

 

“Will you to your power cause Law and Justice, in Mercy, to be executed in all your judgements?”

 

“I will.”

 

“Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel? Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of Pazinlea, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in Andora? Will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of Pazinlea, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges, as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?

 

“I will,” Gayla responded to each question.

 

“Do you pledge your fealty to the whole of Andora and Pazinlea? Do you pledge that your duty is first to the Law of the land, in looking out for all in your guardianship?”

 

“I do.”

 

“I now pronounce you Queen Galadriel Margarette Anastasia de Ghant. Let your rule inspire and shape the whole of Andora.”

 

Galadriel took her place on the Andoran throne. Callum now knelt in front of Bishop Beckett.

 

“Lord Callum, do you pledge your fealty to Queen Galadriel and the whole of Andora?” Bishop Beckett asked.

 

“I do.”

 

“Will you guard and protect this land, as if your own, to the highest degree pertaining to Andoran and Pazinlea Laws and Laws of God? Will you solemnly promise and swear to govern the Peoples of Andora and of your Possessions and the other Territories to any of them belonging or pertaining, according to their respective laws and customs?”

 

“I will,” Callum said, and joined the seat next to Gayla.

 

“I now pronounce you, Callum Jameson Montgomery Tudor, King Consort to Queen Galadriel Maragrette Anastasia de Ghant. May your reign be prosperous and joyous.”

 

The reigning couple stood and locked hands, taking in the love of the room and of each other.

 

 

 

Despite the heartache and sorrow over the past fortnite, there was much merriment in the castle that evening. Mulled wine, cider, beer, and mead flowed freely among all those who attended. There was so much to eat Gayla worried she might get sick. However, she knew she had to try at least a bite of both the quail and venison that was brought in.

 

Gayla could never be happier. She was surrounded by all those who loved her and whom she loved. She knew her dad was watching over her.

 

She wasn’t worried at all about the consummation later, either. Gayla knew it would be done in love. That’s all she needed. Gayla had found her perfect love. She would be eternally grateful to Hilda for all that was done.

 

Gayla broke the baguette on her plate and gave the other half to her husband.