Chapter 14 Queen Emeline
Fourteen
Queen Emeline
Ladies-in-waiting help me dress in royal silks, which can only mean one thing. I’m to attend a royal affair where my people will be in attendance.
Whatever the event, it can’t be good.
They place the crown into my hair, ensuring not a wisp is out of place.
I am unsure how long this facade will continue, seeing as I held my end of the bargain. I knew Aethelbald couldn’t be trusted. But I thought he would be happy to see the back of me. Something prevents him from disposing of me.
Whatever that is, it’s the only leverage I have.
I’m escorted from my chamber, never alone, of course. Guards bow in servitude, which is ironic because I don’t want to be queen.
But here I am, still held captive even though I do not want this title.
I am led to Aethelbald’s chambers, where two ladies-in-waiting help him slip into a fur cloak. He looks ridiculous. Not a leader, but a mere child.
I don’t speak.
When we’re left alone, he examines me and smiles. “Such a waste of beauty.”
“What is it you want? I have done what you asked. You can rule without my challenge. I do not wish to be here. So let me free.”
Aethelbald puts on his rings, weighing over my words. “I would like nothing more, but it seems there is some pushback from the church. There is no reason for our marriage to be annulled. Unless treason is acted out, then our marriage is cemented in the eyes of the church and the Lord.”
“This cannot be! I signed your paperwork. Isn’t that enough?”
“Apparently not. Trust me, I too am not happy with the fact. We must attend tonight’s feast to celebrate Saint Mark, Patron Saint, and then we can discuss ways to annul our partnership.”
“This makes no sense,” I say, trying to decode why the church would not accept my dethronement. “They should be elated. Someone does not accept my withdrawal, however. Who may that be?”
“Tonight, you shall uncover who that is, and he will be dealt with accordingly.”
“Fine, but I do this, and you release Skarth and my children. You promised I could see them, yet I have seen only your unsightly face.”
Aethelbald adjusts his crown before turning to me. “I gave him the choice, but he refused. He would rather remain a prisoner and jeopardize your children’s freedom because it seems your life is more important than theirs.”
“What?” I gasp. “You lie.”
But I know that, for the first time, Aethelbald speaks the truth.
How could he do such a thing? I have lived my life, but my children have their whole life ahead of them. Faced with the same choice, however, what would I have done?
The decision wouldn’t be easy, but deep down, I know that I would have done the same thing.
I am more determined than ever to uncover who stands in the way of my dethronement because this person endangers my children’s freedom. But perhaps this is a friend and not a foe, for he refuses to accept my decision, but for what reason may that be?
* * *
I sit at the royal table, a feast spread out before me, but I cannot eat.
The clergy, ealdormen, and guards, however, have no problem gorging themselves on the best wine and foods. Aethelbald ensured no expense was spared because this affair flaunted his supposed power and wealth.
But it’s all a facade.
Aethelbald is worried. He believed the church would happily agree to the terms and that he would be rid of me. And honestly, I too believed this.
This doesn’t make any sense.
Everyone’s spirits are lifted, and that is the best time to let one’s guard down.
Women who are far from godly sit on the laps of men, feeding them food and helping them gulp down their wine from golden goblets. The scene is pure debauchery. I closely examine each member of the church, hoping to see something which will distinguish him from the rest.
This man sides with me for some reason I cannot fathom. The church has never supported my decisions.
So why now?
Aethelbald hasn’t let me out of his sight. In fear that I consort with the traitor, I guess. An ealdorman approaches the table and whispers something into his ear. Aethelbald looks at me, torn because whatever the man said needs to be discussed in private.
I reach for my wine and smile sweetly. “I will mourn your absence.”
He grips my leg under the table. “Your children’s lives depend on your actions. Be smart.”
He stands and excuses himself.
Once gone, I take this opportunity to decipher who the insurgent is. When a young man in a godly robe meets my eyes, it seems my search is over. He nods once and disappears into the hallway.
This is my small window of opportunity. So without a moment to waste, I discreetly stand, not wanting to draw any attention, and follow the man into the hallway. I pass a guard who is hidden in the shadows, too busy to notice me, thanks to the woman on her knees in front of him.
The man has his back turned, but spins when he hears me approaching him.
“Forgive the secrecy, my queen, but we do not have much time.
I am Brother Maurice, and I come for Benedict, sent by the abbot.
Benedict and his brother, Bartow, have been in the care of the monastery.
We raised both boys with goodness in their hearts and the name of the Lord on their lips.
Word has spread that Benedict has been captured and that you have denounced your throne.
I cannot imagine this was a decision you made willingly.
“The abbot has influence in the church and is pushing back on your decision. We cannot allow Aethelbald to rule. England will be destroyed.”
I grip the gold crucifix around my throat. It appears that the Lord hasn’t abandoned me just yet. “So the pushback from the church is because of the abbot’s influence?”
“Yes. Please know that we support you and are doing everything we can to stop Aethelbald. The church will not agree to any of Aethelbald's terms. So please bide your time until he is stopped. The fate of England depends on it.”
Clasping Brother Maurice’s hands, I nod. “As God is my witness, I will. But please be quick, for I fear we are running out of time.”
Brother Maurice nods. “I will send word as soon as I can. Until then, please keep Benedict safe. He is nothing like his father. He was raised in the image of the Lord, and he sought you out to help.
“He does not wish to defy you. Only to be recognized as your kin. He looks up to you, my Queen. You have destroyed stereotypes and overthrown those who have challenged you. He is on your side and only wishes to be your confidant. As well as your nephew.”
I don’t sense any deceit in Brother Maurice’s words. And being a man of the Lord, I trust him. It’s because of the monastery that Aethelbald’s plans have been put on hold.
It seems my decision to imprison my nephews has worked in my favor. I don’t question whether this is a coincidence or divine intervention. Whatever the reason, we now have the upper hand.
Brother Maurice quickly escapes undetected whilst I compose myself.
I need to play nice until we can take Aethelbald down.
Ironically, my brother destroyed me repeatedly, yet it’s because of his son that I am now saved. It’s as if life has come full circle because even when this is done and over with, I still do not want the throne. Plagued with who should rule, I now see who the rightful ruler should be.
Benedict.
Things suddenly do not feel so dire.
I quickly make my way back to the great hall. I breathe out a sigh of relief when Aethelbald has not yet returned. I retake my seat and take in the lewd actions of the drunken men before me. Under Aethelbald’s rule, these men have reverted to uncouth beasts.
They engage in lascivious acts with women who should have more respect for themselves. My palace is a brothel.
Woe is me.
“Admiring my strapping army?” Aethelbald asks as he sits beside me.
I don’t bother with a response.
He places his hand on my thigh and squeezes. “Who was the man you were speaking with?”
I remain composed. “It appears you cannot handle your liquor.”
“Do not patronize me.”
“Get your hand off me this instant.”
I attempt to stand, but he gestures with his chin that I’m to be restrained by two soldiers. They place their hands on my shoulders, holding me down.
“What are you doing?”
“You will tell me what the brother wanted, or so help me God, you will be punished for your defiance.”
“Words I have heard before from your kin, and how did that end for them?” I can’t hold my tongue, which I know will cost me.
I am yanked up and dragged through the grand hall. I don’t fight. Or scream. If this is my time to meet my maker, then let it be with my head held high.
The scene sobers up the palace, and soldiers jump to command, following in hot pursuit. Aethelbald is furious. And whatever punishment he has planned will be torturous.
“Bring the prisoners into the courtyard,” he orders as I am forced outside.
The gallows stand ominously ahead, dominating the darkness. But they aren’t for me because Aethelbald would be hanged for treason if he killed me without cause. I am still his queen and under the protection of the church.
“Unhand me, you imbecile,” I demand, shrugging my captors off me.
We come to a stop a few feet away from the gallows, and when my friends and family are herded in front of me, I know death will be bestowed tonight.
Skarth is at the end of the line. He looks at me, nothing but worry in his eyes. Not for himself, however. But for me.
I nod at Benedict, for I judged him when I shouldn’t have. I hope he forgives me.
“You are here because of your queen,” Aethelbald says, parading in front of them. “She is loyal to no one other than herself! She refuses to cooperate, so this entire ordeal can be over for us all. Instead, she forces me to behave this way.”
“No one forces you to be cruel. That runs in your blood, as does being nothing but a coward.”
“See how she speaks! No woman should ever talk to a man in such a manner!”
“I will speak to whomever I wish, however I want.”