“What ya got there?”
Bronwynn snapped to attention.
“Sorry sir! I was actually coming to find you! I found this early this morning and couldn’t leave it there alone.”
The Black Thorn peered at the bundle in her arms, pullingthe blanket back away from the babe’s face. It flailed its little arm the minute it was free, waving in his direction, bright eyes blinking up at him.
“You mean to tell me, that you not only got yourself through the challenge undetected, but you did so with an infant?” Surprise laced his tone.
“Yes sir, I guess I did. I couldn’t leave it there.” Bron answered, meeting his eyes.
“Well, what are you planning on doing with it?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
“I was bringing it to you, sir. I don’t want to keep it, I just want it to be safe. I was hoping that you could guide me in what to do next.”
He stared at her for a minute, seemingly deep in thought.
“Give the little one to me”, he said quietly, reaching for the baby. “I will take it from here. You did a good job today, cadet. Now go get that shoulder checked out. And Bronwynn,” he paused, holding her gaze, “you will make a good addition to The Thorns.”
Chapter One
The Market
Rivka
26 years later…
The sun bathed the streets of Varon in golden light as Queen Rivka stepped into the bustling market. She had long cast aside the formality of her crown, wearing a simple, deep-blue cloak that concealed the regal embroidery of her gown, hugging her figure perfectly. Her brown hair reflected auburn highlights, flowing down her back, free of any jewels, and her lavender eyes sparkled with delight as she breathed in the scents of fresh bread, spiced meats, and blooming flowers. She smiled, taking it all in. It was her life’s goal to follow the path that her mother, the beloved Queen Regent Sophiana, had started years ago, forging a bridge where her citizens knew they were heard and valued.
The citizens of Varon crowded the cobbled streets looking for wares. They did not cower in fear when they saw their queen. They greeted her with warm smiles and kind words, asRivka had always ruled not from a gilded throne but from a place of love and compassion.
“Good morning, my Queen!” called an elderly woman selling apples.
“And good morning to you as well, Matilda”, Rivka replied, picking up a particularly rosy apple and taking a bite. “Still the sweetest in the province, I see.”
The old woman beamed. “Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear.”
Rivka laughed, shaking her head, putting a coin in the woman’s hand. “Not flattery, my friend, just truth!”
“Oh, no! It is on the house,” Matilda said, trying to return the coin. “I could not charge my Queen.”
Giving the old woman a quick pat, she bade her farewell, moving through the crowd, stopping here and there to chat with merchants, to admire the craftsmanship of a new blade, or listen to a storyteller mesmerizing a circle of wide-eyed children. It was in moments like these that she felt most alive, not in the grandeur of Court, but among the citizens she loved.
Her royal guard, Captain Colin McConnell, stayed a step behind her, giving her the space she craved but offering protection if trouble arose. His unruly curls bounced as he walked, highlighting his carefree demeanor. Rivka adored when Captain McConnell accompanied her to the market. He was the least stuffy and, more importantly, the most likely to indulge her impulsive nature.
Rivka used market days to mingle with her people, to listen to them and their needs. She believed in giving back to her citizens when she could, and very much enjoyed her time spent with them. Although, convincing Ria to let her out of the palace was becoming more of a challenge with all of the recent ripples of unease that spread through her province. Rivka knew how important it was for her to be seen and heard, how importantit was for her to see and hear her people as well. That sentiment had been drilled into her by her mother from an early age.
“Citizens who feel that they matter will always support their queen.”Her mother’s voice rang clearly in her head.
So, Rivka had snuck out of the palace and coerced Captain McConnell to be her personal guard on this venture. She would deal with Ria’s temper later.
Children played tag, darting between the legs of other citizens, laughing with such joy and mischief. Rivka was almost jealous. She missed the simplicity of being young and carefree.
Suddenly drawn by the heavenly smell of roasted meat, she stopped at a food stall, manned by an older couple.
“Good day, my Queen”, the woman started, jumping off her stool, dipping into a shallow curtsy. “What can we help you with today?”
Rivka let out a “hmmm” as she surveyed the array of spiced meats in front of her. “What would you recommend for today, Ness?” she asked, noticing that Reggie, Ness’ husband, was giving her a contemptuous look.
