Baylin sat in the war room, drawing up strategies on a map of Grasmere.
A young steward came in carrying a tray of bread, cheese and wine. “Your Grace, the Queen asked that I bring you something to eat.”
“Ah, yes,” Baylin said. “Just sit it down here.” Mother is constantly fretting over me, even now that I’m a grown man.
The steward turned to leave but hesitated. “Your Grace?”
“Yes?”
“Is it true that your bed wife actually saved His Grace, the King?” the young man asked with a nervous smile.
“Yes, she did.” The Prince returned the smile.
“I heard she was the one to create the antidote!” The steward blushed at the display of his excitement. “Apologies, Your Grace.”
“No need to apologize,” Baylin said. “It was an impressive show of bravery and intelligence. Luana and Master Keon managed to reverse the poison with herbs until they were able to create an antidote from a vial found in the maid’s chamber.”
The steward smiled. “Well, lucky we have her then.” He turned and hurried from the room.
Yes, lucky indeed. Baylin smiled to himself.
Baylin’s heart swelled as he thought of the maids and stewards discussing how Luana found the traitor and healed the King. Her plan to save King Ashmur not only succeeded, but he was actually well on the mend.
Baylin continued to make battle plans for another half hour in the war room. He felt like he had not seen his bed in months. I should be holding my son, not studying maps.
“Still at it, I see?” King Ashmur’s voice broke the deafening silence in the room.
“Father?” Baylin jumped to his feet and crossed the room to the door. “Should you be up and moving about already? Does Master Keon think it wise?”
“Stop your fussing, boy,” Ashmur said, waving away his words. “I’ve been through worse than this.”
Always so strong, even when he knows everyone knows he lies. Baylin laughed to himself. “Of course, Father.”
The King seated himself in front of a map. “Tell me where we’re at. What defenses have you implemented?”
Baylin told his father of the guards at Rivermouth and Fagin Forest, how he ordered the villagers be moved into the mountain and the harvest taken early.
“To bring the harvest in early will be a risk,” Ashmur said. “Much of the wheat and grain will not be ready.”
“We will have to make due,” Baylin said. “Otherwise, not only do we have nothing to keep in our stores, we would be handing fields ripe for the taking over to Mirstone and Kardell soldiers.”
“Have you had any word from Ranhold or Strathen?” the King asked. “Are they with us?”
“Strathen is with us,” Baylin replied. “They are sending men and much-needed supplies. Ranhold, it would seem, has chosen to not choose a side.”
“King Lars has always been a bit pitiable,” Ashmur remarked. “He was only given the crown because he was the only son. A boy raised by three sisters will never prove to be a strong man. If only his father had been around to show him how to be a man.”
“I sent word that if he turns his back on us now, he will not have our blessing when we arise victorious,” Baylin spat, thinking of the pathetic King. “He will not be allowed to reap the rewards when he refused to help fight the battle.”
“You sound like a King already, my son,” Ashmur observed with a smile. “You are a credit to the Kingdom, truly. And I don’t just say this because you’re my son. You have everything it takes to be a great King. You’re not only brave and honorable, you understand duty and tradition.”
“Tradition?” Baylin whispered. “Like the tradition that dictates Luana is a bed wife?”
“Well, yes, that is one of the many traditions we have kept over the years,” Ashmur said.
Baylin clenched his teeth, staying his temper. “I’m sure you have heard how many would like the law overturned. She saved your life, Father.”
Ashmur sighed. “That she did.”
“I know you’re tired of hearing about it,” Baylin pleaded. “But I refuse to give up on this. Luana—”
“Enough, my son,” Ashmur said, reaching out a hand, patting him on the shoulder. “She saved my life, and perhaps this Kingdom. I am not so blind as to overlook her value.”
Baylin’s eyebrows rose. “What does this mean? Are you—”
“I’m willing to bend the law,” Ashmur said. “Mind you, don’t get yourself excited. She is still a bed wife and must adhere to the law. However, I do not see the harm in allowing her and the other bed wives to walk freely in the castle.”
“Thank you, Father!” Baylin reached out and embraced him. Usually, he would have been embarrassed to show such a display of affection to his father, but he couldn’t contain his pleasure. It is a move in the right direction. Soon I will be able to show him we have no more need for the law, and I can make Luana my Queen.
“I will expect you to keep a close eye on her and all the others,” Ashmur instructed. “Everyone in the Kingdom is under enough stress as it is. These young women need to make themselves useful.”
“We must all do our part to survive,” Baylin uttered.
Ashmur nodded. “Now more than ever.”