The Unfortunate, стр. 37
Yes, I am certain! But despite the aggravation spawned by the prince’s questioning, Jenn could understand the concerns, but instead of revealing her frustration, the young woman instead turned her head and let her lips gently brush against the side of Banan’s face. “You have no reason for concern or doubt. There are still people, among them several nobles of Drunacht, who remember my mother as their former queen, who still know she and her daughter are alive, and who would do anything to bring about my father’s downfall.” She again kissed Banan’s cheek before adding, “All you need to do is remember that Fate has blessed us.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
MARLISA
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 reached what he must have determined was a safe distance, he retrieved the satchel he carried and gently lowered it to the ground.
To anyone else watching, the contents of the satchel could have been anything, but the queen knew. Soon it would be over.
She continued to watch as Beadurof eased the newborn from the cocoon-like enclosure and held the boy in his arms. Then he paused and gazed at the child.
Is my husband again having second thoughts? Damn him! Marlisa could feel her temples throbbing. Damn him! She was prepared to add to her curses when the king laid the boy on the ground and retrieved his dagger. Because her husband had leaned over the child, the queen could no longer see. All she could do was wait, but after several additional moments, she wondered if Beadurof would be overcome with guilt, if he would be able to end the child’s life. She did not have to wait long.
Her husband slowly lowered his arm, and Marlisa was filled with overwhelming relief when shrill cries pierced the night’s tranquility, but the emotion did not linger. When the crying continued long past what Marlisa had expected, she tried to hurry closer toward her husband, but it was to no avail. By the time she arrived, Beadurof had gathered the child in his arms and had departed the area.
She continued to follow the king as he advanced beyond the capital. They went so far that the city could barely be seen, and the outline of Caberton Keep was practically indiscernible. Upon hearing additional rumbles of thunder, Marlisa looked back to her husband and the area ahead, a small village. The queen knew Beadurof was familiar with the lands, urban and rural areas alike, so she was not surprised her husband had found the village seemingly without effort. She was, however, shocked when the king not only approached a house but went to the door and knocked.
What is he doing? Many questions cycled through her mind, but the inability to understand the events occurring was what most concerned the queen.
Time slowed to a crawling pace, but at last the door opened, and an elderly man greeted the king. In one hand he held a candle, and in the other was a dagger.
“Forgive me,” Beadurof explained. “I mean no harm. I—”
“What do you want?” The man’s tone was gruff, and he pointed his dagger forward in a threatening manner.
“I mean no harm. I need your help.”
“Help?” The man still acted uncertain, and he adjusted his grip on the weapon’s hilt.
The queen’s husband nodded and extended his arms which cradled the child. “He needs your help.”
The