Trials of the Hierophant: Vol. II of epic fantasy The Sundered Kingdoms Trilogy Read Online Free PDF Page A

political tidings.” Mara poured the water from the pitcher into the bedside basin before setting it down and wiping her brow. “But, with child, I am sure you tire far more easily.”
    “Yes, thank you, Mara,” Bronwen said with genuine gratitude. The warm water would be a welcome comfort.
    “Are you certain you are well?” Mara studied her. “You do not seem yourself.”
    “I could say the same of you‌—‌winded from carrying a pitcher of water.” Bronwen sat on the bed and reached for the cloth draped over the side of the basin. “I feel uncertain as of late.”
    “What ails you, child?”
    Bronwen paused to gather her thoughts, but felt the words pour from her mouth. “I miss my father. I miss Annwyd. This place, even after all these months, it is still so foreign to me. It has grown cold, distant.”
    “It will take time.” Mara sat down on the small stool beside the hearth, her hands on her knees.
    “Mara, did you send a messenger to my father?”
    “Of the child? Yes, m’lady. He left earlier today.”
    “That is good. My father will be pleased at his status as grandsire. More so should I give birth to a son, but he will be pleased nonetheless.”
    “I am certain he shall send tribute to you and the High King at the joyous news. Gweliwch and Helygen will surely send tributes as well.”
    “Mara, do you think it wise to have sent messengers to them?” Bronwen placed her hand on her belly. “What if they seek to harm me or the heir to Cærwyn?”
    “It would be far more unwise to exclude either province from the announcement of the High King’s firstborn. We live in a most precarious political climate, and it would not be best for either Gweliwch or Helygen to think they had been scorned by the kingdom. Worse yet for them to think Cærwyn was aligning itself to Annwyd and forgetting its provinces.”
    “That is true.” She wiped the cloth across the back of her neck, leaning forward to allow the water to trickle into the basin.
    “It is bad enough that your husband is lacking in his duties.”
    “What do you mean?” Bronwen already knew the answer. She too had noticed how Rhodri had not only withdrawn from their marriage, but also ignored his duties as High King.
    Mara frowned. “Do not play the fool, it does not suit you.”
    “I feign ignorance to the goings-on of the kingdom. I do not feel it wise to appear more knowledgeable than the High King.”
    “That may be true for others, but you should know after all this time that you may speak candidly with me.”
    “What do you suggest?”
    “Do not be so sure that Cærwyn would reject a queen as their ruler.”
    “What?” Bronwen scoffed. “Mara, have you lost your faculties? You have seen how Rhodri’s advisors treat me.”
    “Cærwyn is not Annwyd, my dear. Allow yourself your own advisors. If Rhodri refuses, or is unable to rule, you must guide this kingdom to prosperity. He could sit as a mere figurehead while you lead from his side.”
    “Do not think that your suggestion has not entered into my thoughts before this time. You know I have dreamt of ruling as High Queen and not queen consort since I was a child, but, Mara, that was long before I knew of the political ramifications of such things. I was but a child then. I know better now.”
    “You do not seem yourself.”
    “Perhaps I am not myself.” Bronwen took a deep breath. “I sometimes forget who I am. My husband’s advisors believe me to have the power to sway his decisions. I feel that all eyes are upon me. My gown has many lengths of linen and yet I feel naked to the world.”
    “My Queen.”
    Queen, she thought. Her mind had been so clouded as of late that she had forgotten what the term meant. Perhaps she had never known and was only now learning.
    “Bronwen.” Mara’s tone softened. “You wished for power, and now you have all the power one could hope for. It is time for you to wield it and carve out the future for us all.”
    Bronwen stayed silent. She