Chapter 3 #3
The inaccessible continent, making him most likely dead.
A father found and lost just as quickly.
“I’m half Verlorian?” She couldn’t help the shocked exclamation even as it confirmed what she’d long suspected given her unique coloring.
It also probably explained her fascination with Verlorian artifacts.
“You are. But don’t let anyone ever tell you that makes you less of a Draevian. Your mixed blood makes you stronger, and never forget you are my daughter.” A fierce claim.
“I don’t feel stronger.”
“You are, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If they try, take their head.”
The suggestion rounded Avera’s mouth. “I can’t kill people for having an opinion.”
The queen’s face hardened. “You should make an example of those who would oppose your rule. A few beheadings will quickly stop any muttering. Once the people see you’re capable and have Daerva’s best interests at heart, they’ll come around.
You’d think they’d remember we already have mixed blood in our line.
Your great-great-grandfather married a woman from Verlora. ”
“I read about her. She’s the reason we make fat loaves of bread instead of just flat.” The foreign consort had taught the cooks how to make the dough rise and remain fluffy when baked. Avera had learned about it in her history class.
“You see, you won’t be the first. Now, on to the secrets. You will need to visit Fraegus Spire as soon as you can after the coronation.”
“Whatever for?” Fraegus Spire, to the northeast of their capital, was considered to be dangerous, the mountain impassable and inhabitable.
“There is knowledge there, knowledge meant only for the Queen or King of Daerva as it would be dangerous in the wrong hands. It is tradition to visit it upon inheriting the throne.”
“How come I never heard about it?”
“Because the pilgrimage is kept secret. I managed my visit during my coronation voyage.” A trip where the newly crowned royal put themselves on display in all the towns and hamlets so the people might meet their new ruler.
“I pretended to be sick in Herder’s Respite which is the hamlet at the spire’s base.
In truth, I snuck out while my handmaid covered for me. ”
“This whole visit to the spire seems rather complicated. Wouldn’t it be easier to just tell me what you learned?”
The queen shook her head. “I can’t. You must discover it for yourself.”
“The spire is large. How am I supposed to find this knowledge?”
“You won’t. Start climbing and it will find you.”
“Must I do it alone?”
“You can take Gustav with you, as there are dangers in the mountains. However, when the time comes for the spire to reveal its secrets, you will find yourself separated from him.”
Mysterious and unexpected. Avera didn’t know much about the spire and now wondered if that lack of history was on purpose.
“Very well. Should you die and I’m made queen, I will leave right after the coronation.”
“There is no ‘if’ about it. I will die, and shortly. It will be up to you to find the traitor. Make an example of them and rout out any that might have aided. Avenge our deaths.”
“I will.” A solemn vow not so much made out of affection for this woman Avera barely knew, but because of the barbaric nature of the crime. They’d killed a child in its crib! An innocent baby. That kind of depravity deserved the worst kind of punishment.
“As soon as I’m dead you will host a somber but lavish coronation.
It might sound garish given the tragedy, but it will reassure the people they have a leader.
It’s important they know you’re in control lest anarchy flourish.
It’s also a power move to show the lords and ladies you are in charge.
Even then, expect them to try and manipulate you for their gain.
They need a stern hand to keep them in line. ”
“They won’t be happy that I’m queen.”
“If they disrespect you, throw them in the dungeon,” her mother hissed.
“That doesn’t sound like a good way to get them to like me.”
“You must be strong from the start or they will walk all over you. Over time they will recognize you are taking care of them and that their lives are the same or better under your rule.”
“Is there anything else I should know?”
The queen’s lips tilted downward. “Too much to cover with the scant moments I have left. I’d rather use what’s left to give you an apology. I know we were not close, and while I cannot change that, I do regret it. Of all my children, you resemble me most.”
Avera couldn’t help but blurt, “Me? But we look nothing alike.”
“I speak more of temperament. I too was curious. When you get a chance, look in my armoire. You’ll see what I mean.
Alas, I had to put aside my passion for duty.
As will you. Being a queen is hard work.
It is also lonely as there are few you can trust or call friend.
Many will claim to be both, and yet you will soon discover most want something from you. ”
“I’m already aware of that.”
“You can do this, Avera.” Her mother squeezed her hand. “You are strong. Just like your father. Smart, too. Much smarter than your brother. You’ll make a better queen than he would have made a king.”
“Except he wanted to rule. I don’t.”
“Which is why I think you’re better suited.” Mother suddenly coughed and gasped as she writhed in pain.
Avera’s eyes widened to see her mother hurting and ran to the door to fetch the doctors. “Come quick. My mother is in grave discomfort.”
For all her agony, the queen refused any drugs. She barked orders until almost her last breath.
The last words she spoke were reserved for Avera, whose hand she clutched. She whispered, “I love you.”
It left Avera teary-eyed and might explain why she could have sworn she saw a bright mist rise from the corpse. An ethereal wisp that dissipated, leaving behind a world changed.
Avera felt it in her bones. Her life would never be the same.