“I just cannot wait to meet him,” I gush, interlacing my hands over my heart like a lovestruck fool.
Lord Gunter claps happily, while my ealdormen appear to have suffered heart failure. It is a sight I will treasure.
“I ride to East Frankia with a small army. In my absence, my mother, the queen’s mother, will sit on the throne.”
Lord Rufus sags, needing to hold the back of a chair for support because by attempting to “save” Northumbria, he has just condemned it to a fate far worse than a woman ruling it—he has agreed to see it ruled by a Northman.
This ensures my safety as well as my sons’ because I know Lord Rufus, and he will never accept Skarth or my sons as king. Neither would the ealdormen.
I am the better choice out of a “rotten batch.”
This allows me some time. But I know these men will conspire for another ploy to overthrow me.
I just need to get to them first.
I fold the parchment and stamp it with my royal seal. The red wax seems fitting as it drips, sealing Northumbria’s fate…for now, at least.
“You will ride with my men and me?”
I coyly brush my fingers through my hair. “That would be rather uncouth, my lord. What would my people say if they knew I was riding with my future husband’s adviser before meeting my husband? No, I will ride with my men to East Frankia, so I may prepare my arrival as a queen should.”
“Of course, my Queen. Forgive me for suggesting such talk.”
“A small oversight, lord. You are forgiven.”
Lord Rufus clutches at his chest. “Are you well, Lord Rufus? Do you need to sit?”
My words are rolled in sarcasm, and only he and I know it. I don’t believe the other ealdormen are involved in the taking of my children. They may despise me, but they can see the choices I make are for Northumbria, as she has never been stronger under my reign.
They just hate that that is the case, thanks to a woman ruler. I can only hope the future is brighter for the female race.
“I am well, thank you. Well enough to accompany you on your passage to East Frankia.”
“That will not be necessary,” I counter. There is no way he is coming to spy on me.
“I insist.”
Lord Louis shifts, aware of what Lord Rufus is doing.
“I require you to remain in Northumbria and attend to my mother,” I order firmly. “She will need your guidance and intelligence on matters she may not be familiar with.”
His lips draw into a thin line, but he knows better than to disobey a direct order from his queen.
When I make it clear this is nonnegotiable, he bows.
“Splendid. I will prepare for the passage immediately.”
I make it clear that this meeting is adjourned when I stand and gesture to Lord Louis that he is to escort me. Lord Gunter is elated as he safely pockets the parchment and returns to East Frankia with good news.
As I pass Lord Rufus, he steps close and whispers, “Northumbria is in good hands, my Queen.”
I don’t allow my anger to shine because this arsehole is trying to bait me. I simply smile sharply and leave the room before I do something rash. Catherine waits for me in the corridor. I have taught her well, as no one would suspect what we have planned by looking at her.
She smiles and walks beside me in silence.
My court bows as I pass them. I have their respect, but I’m unsure it will remain the same once I return.
I must find Mother. And there is only one place to look.
