The Unfortunate, стр. 40
Another commoner pushed his way past the queen, and in addition to the heavy odor of the man’s sweat-stained rags, Marlisa also noticed his grimy hands and dirt-encrusted fingernails. She felt her skin crawl as bile formed in the back of her throat. Why did I come this way? How much farther? In addition to the repulsive thoughts, she did her best to move faster. At first it was futile, but eventually as the crowd thinned, Marlisa’s pace gradually increased until she had returned to a normal stride. By then she had reached the desired alleyway. A turn there and a turn here, she followed, but despite having been cautious, it had not been needed. She encountered no one along the narrow street. Upon hearing voices, however, Marlisa again ensured her hood was pulled far over her brow before making a final turn and stepping into the open area of the main street.
As the queen approached the home she had provided Aurnia and Jenn nearly twenty years prior, Marlisa could see her handmaiden’s mother through a side window. She approached the door and checked no one was heeding her actions before knocking.
“Yes?” a wary tone replied.
Knowing Jenn’s mother had always been cautious and knowing she could not publicly speak her business, Marlisa answered with a statement that would seem plain to others but that would signify importance to Aurnia. “I need to speak to Jenn.”
The only response was the sound of slow, approaching footsteps, and Marlisa smiled because she knew her comment had been effective. Only a select audience used the shortened version of the young woman’s name. Herself, Banan, Aurnia, and the other handmaidens.
The movement ceased, and silence resumed, but eventually the door was opened enough for a peek from within.
The queen pushed her hood back slightly and smiled. “May I come in?”
Aurnia nodded and stood aside. It was not until she had closed the door, however, that she acknowledged her company’s presence with a curtsy. “Your Majesty.”
“There is no need,” Marlisa explained. “I came to speak with you as one queen to another.”
“The position I once held is no—”
“And why is that?” the queen interrupted. “I have not heard word from abroad or near to indicate your death or that Aengus has remarried.”
Aurnia sighed. “We must be cautious, nevertheless.”
“It is too late for caution,” Marlisa insisted. “Jenn told you of the plan, yes?”
The other woman nodded.
“And I understand you will offer your assistance.”
Despite her initial courtesy, Aurnia discarded her obedient manner, assumed a regal attitude, and was quick to counter, “I am not certain yet. I wish to better understand the situation, the possible treason, in which you have involved my daughter!”
So sharp a tongue should warrant a flogging in the least, but what did I expect? I acknowledged Aurnia as her equal. The queen nevertheless smiled and requested clarification. “The whole story?”
“Yes.”
Marlisa sighed. Already there had been numerous factors, but it was necessary for all to be explained in detail. She recalled how it had begun with Banan’s arranged marriage that she had suggested. It had been used not only to initiate the plan but also to mask what was occurring. Marlisa had known there needed to be something, some other diplomatic matter, to occupy her husband.
Once Banan had learned of the betrothal, he, as expected, had been enraged, and after having explained the situation, the queen had proposed a way to delay or even cancel the unwanted marriage. And then the idea of initiating a war between Drunacht and Yorcia which would have eventually occurred anyway had been introduced.
Next had been temporarily removing Beadurof from power and having Banan assume the responsibilities of lord regent.
Then the king’s advisor, Raedan, had become involved. It was his responsibility to initiate the conflict, something yet to occur as far as Marlisa was aware.
Later Banan, as lord regent, would pledge support to Yorcia in return for Drunacht upon victory.
“What then?” Aurnia inquired, still possessing a hint of uncertainty.
“Jenn’s true identity will be revealed, and I shall convince my husband to acknowledge her nobility and grant her a peerage worthy of her name. Such a title and lineage claim would be worthy of marrying an heir prince, too, I would think.”
Momentarily Aurnia considered what had been explained before eventually concluding, “How do I know you are not doing this for your own gain?”
Marlisa was immediately shocked that such an accusation would be offered, but she nevertheless remained calm and countered, “My own gain? What is that supposed to imply?”
“How do I know you are not attempting to use my daughter and me, not to mention your own son, as pawns to further your husband’s lands? Are your intentions fueled by compassion or greed?”
“I have done nothing but support you and Jenn, so I do not understand this sudden harshness.” Marlisa paused momentarily to observe Aurnia’s expression before concluding, “Yes, if this plan succeeds, Drunacht will be no more. It will fall to Armania’s control, but I swear I shall do everything in my power to watch over Jenn and see that she is restored to a position of nobility.”
For a second time, Aurnia considered the queen’s explanation before nodding and making reply. “It seems once Raedan discovers a means, your plan is set, so why do you require my support?”
“Because,” Marlisa countered. “You are the only individual I can trust with connections to Drunacht’s nobility, and we shall need their support to succeed.”
The handmaiden’s mother was initially hesitant as if she were pondering an excuse, but she at last clarified the queen’s statement. “There is one noble with whom I have remained in contact and who I know would never betray me, Lord Eamon.”
“How easy would it be to contact him?”
Rather than answer accordingly, Aurnia hesitated before she at last inquired, “What if I refuse assistance?”
Why will Aurnia not cooperate? Have I not done what I could to be convincing? But instead of chastising the other woman, the