The Queen Read Online Free PDF Page A

castle is wonderful. It’s
just going to take time, I guess.”
    Luana looked back up at the painting. She
felt connected with this woman, as though, in some strange way,
they were related. Not by blood or birth, but by the burden they
both had to bear. She let out a heavy sigh.
    “I believe I will have a painting made of
you as well,” Baylin said, smiling.
    “Of me?” Luana asked. “Whatever for?”
    “Because everyone will want to know the
beauty of the last bed wife,” he said. “They will want to know of
the bed wife who became Queen.”

Chapter Six

    It was just after sunup when Baylin received
word that Lord Cadman arrived at the mouth of Fagin Forest. He was
alone, as promised, on horseback, and was being escorted by a heavy
guard of Grasmere men to the castle to meet with the King.
    When Cadman and the guards arrived at the
castle gates, Baylin, Ferric and a dozen more Grasmere men were
waiting for him.
    “Prince Baylin, as I live and breathe,” said
Cadman, bowing low and fanning out his riding cape at his sides.
“I’m so relieved to see that you and your men made it out of
Mirstone unharmed.”
    “You son of a troll’s lo—” Ferric made a
quick move for Cadman, but Baylin was prepared.
    The Prince threw a hand up against his
friend’s chest. “No. He was promised no harm would come to him.” He
looked at his uncle. “Not today, at least.”
    Cadman smirked at Baylin. “Now, now, nephew.
Be careful, that almost sounded like a threat.”
    “Merely a promise,” Baylin retorted. “Now,
as I stated in my letter, I will take you to see the King in his
war room. You will be surrounded by guards at all times but will
otherwise remain unharmed as long as your intentions are sincere.
Should you make any attempt to cause harm to anyone within this
Kingdom, you will be immediately struck down and your head set upon
a pike.”
    The color drained from Cadman’s face. The
fine lines around his eyes reflected the worry he was feeling.
    “Good, it would appear we understand one
another,” the Prince said, turning and motioning for his uncle to
start walking. “I believe you know the way.”
     
    *****
     
    They arrived at the war room to find King
Ashmur already seated in his high seat. Baylin knew his father was
still very ill. Earlier that morning Baylin had tried to convince
his father to meet in his bed chamber. However, Ashmur was proud
and refused to let Cadman see him weak and confined to his bed. He
had insisted they would meet in the war room.
    The guards escorted Lord Cadman to a single
seat placed a safe distance from the King. Baylin climbed the five
steps up to his own seat next to his father, while the guards lined
up across from each other, creating a protective line between
Cadman and the King.
    “Really, brother,” Cadman spouted. “Is all
this necessary?”
    “It would appear it is,” rasped Ashmur. “Do
you care to explain yourself?”
    “Explain?” Cadman questioned. “I thought you
brought me here to explain your actions. I went to Mirstone as you
requested and made arrangements for Baylin and Isla to marry.
Again, just as you requested.”
    “Stop being a fool,” Baylin barked. “He
knows of your treachery.”
    “My question is,” Cadman continued as though
the Prince had not spoken, “why are you allowing him to back out of
his understanding with Isla? I have been working tirelessly to
appease King Gideon.”
    “Tirelessly, indeed,” the King murmured.
    “You’re not listening to this troll dung are
you?” Baylin snapped.
    “Nephew, you shouldn’t speak to your King in
such a way,” Cadman mocked.
    The Prince jumped to his feet and drew his
sword. “I’ve had it with your games. Let’s end this!”
    “Enough!” commanded the King. “Baylin, you
will sheath your sword and sit down or I will have you removed. We
promised he would remain unharmed.”
    His father’s words made him feel like a
child being scolded for disobeying. He clenched his teeth,