Chapter 14
Although it meant the contest would continue, Santiago was grateful when the captain of the guardsmen returned within the bounds of the seventh day.
He presented her with a piece of coral that had washed ashore St. Sela, and his queen gratefully accepted it and thanked God for his safe journey.
When told of the prince’s actions, the captain of the guardsmen made an immediate yet shocking decision. “I will bow out of the contest and escort the prince directly to the City of Tents personally.”
Santiago respected him even more for the declaration.
“It can wait one more day,” her white-haired adviser Freen said. “First, we have the test of wisdom tomorrow, and the queen will make her choice from among the finalists.”
“If you are certain, My Queen,” the captain replied.
“Rest, Captain. You have done well. We are all proud of your accomplishment.”
From the glance the captain gave him, Santiago knew the man understood that his queen had already made her choice.
All that was left was the formality, provided he did not lose the wisdom contest. Santiago would not get ahead of himself, but in truth, he felt it was already over.
The prince was safely out of contention. Now, he just needed to show wisdom.
On the dawn of the final day, Santiago pressed a kiss to her lips as he rose from her bed.
“I must go. I must be on the beach before you.”
“After tomorrow, my love, you will stay until I let you leave.”
Never in his life had Santiago looked forward to taking orders from a woman like he was now.
“It will be my honor to do your will, My Queen.”
She grinned. “Good. Because I am quite partial to thrice weekly …”
He grinned in return. “It is only fitting that you be worshipped.”
He dressed and slipped from the room and into the solarium. As he stepped from the solarium into the hallway, Brolin peeked out of his chambers.
“Are you going to be my father? I hope so.”
He ruffled the little boy’s hair. “God will decide today, young Prince.”
“My mother loves you.”
“And I love her. And you and your brother.”
The little prince hugged him around the waist, and Santiago hugged him back.
“What is wisdom?” Brolin asked.
“To do what is right and just and in accordance with the will of God.”
“How do you know what that is?”
Santiago placed his hand on his own chest. “You let your heart lead.” He tapped the center of his forehead. “And you pray to discern what is right and true in the eyes of the Lord.”
“I want to be wise, even if I can never rule this land.”
“You will be. And your life may take you far beyond this land, young Prince. Perhaps, someday, you will marry a beautiful princess of another land, help her rule with wisdom, and secure a wise alliance for your family.”
Brolin smiled. “I would like to help a princess.”
“First, you must grow up. Give it time, My Prince.”
Brolin hugged him again. “Good luck. We pick you. May God also.”
“Thank you.” Santiago hugged the little boy once more with a soft and grateful heart. “I pick you too.”
On the beach, the captain waited between Freen and the other adviser. They all looked decidedly unhappy.
“What is it?” Santiago asked.
“The prince attempted to escape last night with his men. One guardsman was killed.”
Santiago nodded, feeling a pang of regret for the unnecessary loss of life. “Then wisdom says we take him away today. This cannot happen again, contest or no. He must leave these lands immediately.”
“I agree,” the captain said. “No contest is worth this. I formally withdraw to resume my duties.” He bowed to the adviser. “Please accept my decision, Freen.”
Freen looked from Santiago to the captain and then to the other adviser. “I believe you have both proven your wisdom in this moment. I declare you both finalists. The queen may choose from between you two who she wishes to wed.”
“What have I missed?” Katarine said as she dismounted behind them.
“The contest is over. Your choice is between two wise men,” Freen said as he gestured to him and the captain.
“Congratulations,” she said, but her brows drew together as she looked from Santiago to Freen. “Did something happen?”
“The prince’s man killed a guard in an attempted escape,” Freen replied.
Katarine closed her eyes and whispered a prayer. “He will stand trial for this.”
“As captain of the guardsmen, I formally request the prince and his men be banished immediately to remove this threat from our lands. If any of them return, they will face trial, but they must leave. All of them. As soon as possible.”
“I agree with the captain,” Freen said. “They are poison, and poison is best removed quickly.”
Katarine looked to Santiago, and he nodded. “Stranding them without resources in the City of Tents will keep them far from your shores, and if given the correct message, they will not dare return.”
The other two men agreed with Santiago’s words.
“I suggest, My Queen,” Freen began, “you make your selection for your king consort before they depart on the morrow’s morning tide. As I believe it is wise to send both the captain and the chieftain to make certain the correct message is delivered upon their disembarkation at the City of Tents.”
“I withdraw, My Queen,” said the captain of the guardsmen before she could reply. “It was an honor to take part, but I withdraw my bid.”
Katarine smiled as he bowed before her. “You are an excellent captain of the guardsmen, and I would be grateful for you to remain in your post. You serve me well and always have. There is no one I would rather have in that position than you.”
“Thank you, My Queen,” he replied.
Santiago felt her happiness radiating from her as she looked at him.
“I choose the chieftain and warlord of the Clan of Wind to be my king consort and husband. We will wed before you leave.”
Santiago bowed with relief. She is mine. Everything is as it was meant to be.
“I accept, My Queen. It is my greatest honor and privilege to do so.”
As Katarine held out her hand, he encircled her waist and lifted her off her feet.
Every man, woman, and child who had assembled on the beach cheered and clapped, and immense joy, unlike anything he’d ever known, poured through Santiago and surrounded him.
This woman is mine. The future is ours. God is great and merciful.
At the moment when he had thought he was doomed—as the ship crashed on the reef—he could never have imagined all the tragedy he’d experienced would lead him to such happiness as this.
It almost didn’t seem possible. But it was.
Of course it was. All I had to do was trust and believe.