The Unfortunate, стр. 23
She again scolded herself. She would not mention, not even think of, the guard. She had determined it would do no good. The queen would be unable to do anything. She will only be able to report the incident to her husband who will do nothing! King Beadurof would never betray a trusted guard because of a handmaiden. Even though she had no proof to support the claim, she still knew it to be true. The king would never heed Jenn’s claim. That would never change, no matter what she did.
CHAPTER EIGHT
MARLISA
No sooner had Marlisa sent for Jenn than she felt extremely tired. The exhaustion had been both sudden and unexplained, and despite her attempts, Marlisa was unable to ignore the feeling of increasing weakness. She somehow managed to reach a chair, and being reminded of happier times, she recalled the events of years past—not only as queen but also before she had ever been wedded to Beadurof, before she had even known him.
Two decades prior the kingdoms of Armania, the turmoil of a civil war had consumed the Lowlands and the Highlands. The conflict had been the ruin of countless families. Despite the hardship, however, Marlisa had been more than content. Not to mention having been the daughter of the king of the Highlands, she had also been in the prime of her youth, happy, and in love. Even though the man to whom she had given her heart had been a humble soldier, Marlisa had believed they would be together. She had believed she knew what her future entailed.
Most notable was the night she and her lover had attempted to alter their destinies. It had occurred shortly before the disbandment of Armania’s kingdoms. Despite the danger of being spotted, they had escaped to a local shrine. There they had joined hands and had recited their vows in unison.
“Our pasts have guided us to this union we now bind for Fate alone to loosen.”
Using their free hands, they had fumbled with the strip of white cloth, and even though the wrapping and tying had been far from perfect, the significance remained.
“With this we become one, body and soul, to learn from each other and in love, grow. Fate guide and bless us with a marriage strong, one where love survives this life and beyond.”
“My heart is with you,” he had added with a smile.
“And yours with me.”
But it had not lasted. Their vows had been spoken in vain, and within a fortnight, the only man she had ever loved had been taken from her. Her father had been forced to surrender, and with the treaty, Marlisa’s future had been determined. To maintain the newly-established peace, she had been betrothed to Beadurof, the Lowlands’ heir prince and the future king of Armania.
✽ ✽ ✽
Her memory ended as her eyes became weighted. Her vision became limited to mere slits and eventually the desire to sleep became overwhelming. That was the last Marlisa remembered before the dream began and before the memories of a score prior morphed into darkness and slowly revealed a different setting.
It was early spring, and a storm was approaching. Occasional flashes of bluish-white light illuminated the clouds that blanketed the sky. Shallow but still menacing rumbles of thunder echoed in the distance. The smell of rain loomed heavy in the air, and it intensified briefly with each gust of wind. With the moon having begun its cycle anew, and with the addition of the dense cover of clouds, the night was the dimmest pitch, and shadows all but blended into the darkness. Without the assistance of a torch, it would have been difficult for one with even the keenest sight to discern shapes and features. The environment would have been dangerous for one unfamiliar with the layout of Caberton and its surroundings, especially if that individual were to attempt travel in the uninhabited countryside. The queen was not worried, however. She was more relaxed than she had been in many years. Marlisa was able to see the entire city. But where am I?
She inspected her surroundings. Except the buildings below and the vastness of open land beyond, there was nothing. How have I gained such a vantage point?
Eventually the realization occurred. Her heart rate quickened when she discovered she was not in a sentry tower, not atop the castle’s outer-most wall, but suspended in midair. No. It cannot be. Can it? Before she could contemplate her situation further, she noticed a figure emerge from an alleyway of the city. Despite the darkness she could tell it was a man. No, not any man, her husband, and he was walking with a quickened pace. She continued to watch him, and it was then she noticed Beadurof was carrying something over his shoulder. Instantly she knew what it was. Despite there having been initial reluctance, her husband had regained his senses. She quickly forgot the nerves that had been heightened because of the odd situation, and she smiled. Soon the deed will be done. Soon our worries will be no more. Although Marlisa was aware of her husband’s doings, she still maintained an urge to follow. But is it my choice, or is it the result of another force?
The feeling of suspicion had not existed moments prior. She had not had reason to question the actions to come, but suddenly the queen became compelled to follow. Her movement through the air was effortless as if she no longer controlled her actions, but she was not frightened. While pondering her situation, Marlisa continued to survey the surrounding countryside, but upon hearing rumbles of thunder, the queen looked back to her husband and noticed he had paced far beyond the city’s outermost structures.
Once the king had