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“My lady! Is that Lawrence?” Veronica clutched Rohesia’s arm so tightly it sent a jolt of pain up into her shoulder. But Rohesia did not mind, nor could she blame Veronica for her enthusiasm. Unlike when Rohesia had climbed Leofe Tower back in the summer and watched the dreadful rout of her brother’s cavalry, this time, everything was going to plan. Of course, she realized this was in large part because the plan was not Lawrence’s this time.
In one of the endless books of military theory she had read over the past few years, one author, she could not now recall who, had said something to the effect that good sergeants made poor officers and excellent officers made bad commanders. Or something along those lines. Watching Lawrence lead this successful cavalry charge now, she wondered if perhaps he would have been more successful as a simple field officer than as a strategist. If only he would have accepted that role.
“What do you think, Caedmon?” Rohesia asked the hillichmagnar. He still refused to use his magy to do anything other than defend Edwin, but he had said he was prepared to leave the tower in a moment should Lady Jorunn openly take the field. Rohesia could not decide if she hoped for Jorunn to force Caedmon’s hand.
Rohesia was no expert on magy, but she had every confidence based on their past experience that Caedmon would prove far more useful to them than Jorunn would to Broderick. But if the lady hillichmagnar suddenly joined battle, she might do so with Diernemynster’s blessing, and Rohesia did not think Edwin could withstand the largest association of hillichmagnars in the world coming out against him.
“I think,” Caedmon finally answered, “that this plan is working out quite well. And I do not sense any magy.”
“Then we’re going to win?” asked Duchess Elena.
“At the moment, the outlook appears quite favorable,” Caedmon answered.
Margaret Llamu drained her glass of wine. “Then drinks all around, I think.”
The tension in the room released and people smiled and even chuckled a bit while the servants did, indeed, pour wine. Unlike that fateful day over the summer when Caedmon and Rohesia had been alone, this morning a small crowd had joined them in Leofe Tower to observe the field. Edwin, as well as Alice and Jennifer Stansted, had even come. Elwyn had spent the battle explaining things to them, quite expertly Rohesia noticed. She wondered if perhaps Sir Alfred had briefed her.
“Isn’t it all so wonderful, your majesty?” Veronica said, throwing her arms around Rohesia. She was beginning to show, and her emotions were running high. Honestly, Rohesia thought pregnancy suited her sister-in-law remarkably well.
Rohesia hugged Veronica back. “Quite marvelous. A true Seefest miracle. We shall have a feast in celebration!”
There was much cheering, although Presley glanced at her suspiciously. She slipped away from Veronica to join him. “There is no problem with a feast, is there? We already had a Seefest supper planned. We will just need to make it a trifle more splendid. I think we have the supplies.”
“No, we have enough for a feast tonight. But you are always so cautious, I didn’t expect the suggestion from you.”
“Morale is going to play an important role in getting us through the winter.”
“And we actually have something to celebrate.”
“Indeed, we do. Thanks to you, Professor Sobol, and Domina Stylianos. I’ll never be able to adequately thank Vita for such a generous gift.”
He smiled. “We’re happy to be here. Don’t think that Grigory and I have ever forgotten what we owe you.”
“Sir Presley, I must insist you stop. It will not do for me to start blushing. Besides, the favor to which you allude was one I owed you for a previous service rendered.”
“All the same, we are grateful.” He cleared his throat. “So, we should prepare for the feast, yes?”
***
WHEN ROHESIA REACHED the great hall, the festivities already seemed to have begun, even though the servants were still busy decorating and moving tables. But everyone went about their work with such joy, it could hardly be considered labor. Once the victorious heroes began arriving, nothing could diminish the excitement.
Professor Sobol returned with the first wave of soldiers, much to Presley’s delight. He told of how well his cavalry traps had worked and praised the Myrcian archers. In fact, the defense of the southeast wall had been so successful that the only casualties to report were three unfortunate men killed by one of the enemy’s trebuchets that managed a direct hit before Grigory’s own trebuchet destroyed it, and a soldier who suffered a broken leg when he tripped over a sewer grate.
“I cannot say anything about wounded and killed in the charge, but the report was good,” Grigory assured Rohesia before he and Presley excused themselves.
Not too long after, Sir Alfred arrived. He had been directing the return of men to their barracks and camps, as well as assigning guards to every part of the wall, lest they be caught unaware should Broderick renew his attack. There was also the duty of replacing the female decoys on the western gate with trained soldiers. Rohesia wanted to do something to honor these brave women, in fact, and was discussing the matter with Veronica, Duchess Elena, and Countess Margaret when Alfred walked in and announced the women had been relieved. Everyone in the great hall applauded.
“Well done,” Rohesia told him as soon as she could get through the crowd surrounding him and giving him much deserved praise. “Not only was the plan sound in its reasoning, but flawless in its execution. You should be very proud of yourself.”
Sir Alfred bowed deeply. “Your majesty is too kind. Sir Presley and especially Professor Sobol were the true brains behind our success today. As for the execution, well, the brave soldiers deserve the lion’s share of the praise. Along with the captain general. As brave and fine a cavalry charge as I’ve ever witnessed.”
Rohesia thought it did Sir Alfred credit to praise others over himself. If such had been her brother’s habit in the past, they might find themselves in very different circumstances now. She genuinely wondered how he would react when he finally made it back to the castle from the field of battle.
An hour later, as the servants were bringing in the food—venison and goose now, with a roast boar to come, along with all the bread and cheeses anyone could possibly desire—Lawrence finally arrived. He was dirty and favoring the arm he had hurt in the battle over the summer, but his smile was wide. Edwin ran over to him, and appeared on the verge of throwing his arms around his beloved uncle. But he came to an abrupt stop and stood up very straight. Lawrence bowed quite formally.
“Your majesty, it is my pleasure to inform you that your troops today have shown themselves to be the very finest in the world. We have repulsed the usurper’s attack, and claimed an even larger area of control around the city.”
“I thank you,” Edwin replied calmly, although Rohesia could see her son nearly bouncing with excitement. “But tell me about the cavalry charge! Did you see Cousin Broderick? Did you run him through with your lance?”
Lawrence tried to hide his smile, but he did not do an especially good job. “The usurper’s flag was on the field, but at a great distance. I do not believe he ever came out to engage with our troops.”
“The coward!” Edwin declared. “You would have had him for sure, Uncle Lawrence. You are the hero of the battle.”
Huzzahs went up around the hall, but Lawrence immediately set to waving them off. “Your majesty, I am quite proud to say that I played my part and led from the front as I always will. But there were many heroes today, some just as deserving of your praise.”
“Oh?” Edwin asked. “Who? I would like to personally thank them all.”
“That is very magnanimous of you, sire. May I begin by mentioning the fine planning skills of Sir Alfred Estnor.”
By this time, the few hundred people crammed in the great hall had all stopped whatever else they may have been doing to watch the captain general’s report to the king. At the mention of Alfred’s name, a loud cheer went up. Rohesia was extremely pleased to watch the man she was pinning so many of her hopes on receive this much deserved adulation. Although, another part of her wondered if her brother would be so generous with his praise of Sir Alfred if he knew Rohesia hoped this young man would be Lawrence’s replacement.
Sir Alfred stepped forward and bowed to Edwin. Rohesia couldn’t help but notice Elwyn behind Edwin and the wide grin on her face.
“Your majesty, the captain general does me too much honor. Professor Sobol had many ideas, without which the portion of the defenses I had the honor to command would have fallen. And none of us would have been properly supplied without the logistical acumen of Sir Presley Kemp.”
“Does no one want to be the hero?” Edwin asked, almost pouting.
“If I may, your majesty, I believe the point the captain general and I are both making is that no one man can win a battle. It is only through utilizing the talents of the many and the teamwork of all that we can claim victory.”
The concept seemed a bit much for little Edwin, but when everyone else in the room clapped, he smiled. Rohesia made a mental note to discuss this with Edwin later. It was a good lesson for him to learn and always remember.
The feast continued on with more food and wine constantly arriving, and soon there was music and dancing. Rohesia thought back to the distinguished parties of her youth, but for all their grander sophistication, she did not believe any function she had ever been to in the Empire could compare to this one. Certainly none of them had been this joyous.
Veronica came over to join Rohesia and share some candied oranges. They were some of Rohesia’s favorites, and she happily shared them with her beaming sister-in-law, who could not say enough of her husband’s bravery. (And for once, Lawrence truly deserved it.) Then Lawrence, who had begun to dote and worry a bit about his pregnant wife, joined them. He insisted Veronica go with him to sit quietly by the fire, and it was such a touching gesture, Rohesia did not object.
Not long after, Rohesia was enjoying a glass of wine with Duchess Elena, Countess Margaret, and some other ladies. Margaret was in the middle of a story about her ill-fated friendship years before with Muriel Gramiren when Elena smiled at something behind Rohesia.
“Well, if it isn’t the hero of the hour,” Duchess Elena said.
Rohesia turned to see Sir Alfred, looking rather heroic and quite handsome. His dark blond hair was neatly brushed and the exercise of the day (and no doubt some wine) made his blue eyes shine. She did wonder, though, why such an attractive and popular young man would wish to spend time here with the old, married ladies. “Sir Alfred, once more, allow me to congratulate you on a job well done today,” Rohesia said.
“Your majesty is too kind,” he replied with a bow. “And I hope you do not mind if I presume on your kindness for a quick, private word.”
Rohesia found herself unquestionably intrigued by this request. Sir Alfred had never been nervous or in any way uncomfortable around her as some people inevitably were in the presence of a queen. But he had also never been familiar or presumptuous. Not that she minded it from him today; it was simply unexpected.
“But, of course,” she said with a smile.
Duchess Elena hurried their group away, and Rohesia and Sir Alfred took a few steps to the window seat overlooking the river wall of the Bocburg. “What is on your mind?” she asked.
“Marriage, your majesty,” he blushed, awkwardly studying the backs of his sweaty hands, twisting in his lap. “Specifically my possible marriage to Princess Elwyn.” He now looked her in the eye, but she could tell he struggled not to look away again. “I would like your permission and advice on how I might proceed with her.”
So as not to draw more attention to their tête-à-tête, Rohesia did not allow herself to smile as widely as she wished. This was everything she had wanted! A suitable replacement for her brother as captain general thanks to an eminently suitable match for Elwyn. Sir Alfred was precisely what the Sigor dynasty required and the perfect husband for her stepdaughter. This day had gone from extremely good to nigh on unbelievable.
“My permission is most readily given. I think that in every possible way, a marriage between yourself and her royal highness would be advantageous, politically and personally. When did you intend to speak to her? In this matter, the final decision is hers.”
“I wish to speak to her today, your majesty. Right now, even. That is why I so boldly asked for this chance to speak to you. Battle is an illuminating experience. It allows a man to clearly see what matters and what he wants.”
Rohesia was inclined to tell Alfred to run over and grab Elwyn that very instant and propose. Very inclined. But she knew Elwyn, even if she did not always understand her, and she did not know if that would be the most effective way of eliciting a “yes.”
“I appreciate your eagerness, I really do, but you said you desired my advice.”
“I am more than happy to be guided by you in this.”
“Then I suggest waiting until tomorrow to make your proposal.” As she had known he would, Alfred frowned, but she tried to placate him with a sympathetic smile. “Let me prepare the way for you today. We both love Elwyn, but I think we can both acknowledge her...unpredictability. Perhaps if I can smooth over some of her rougher edges, it will provide you with an Elwyn in a more amenable frame of mind.”
“Yes, what you say is undoubtedly true, and yet, I was so hopeful.”
Rohesia longed to pat his hand, but they had already been talking together for so long that they had to have drawn quite a lot of attention, and she did not wish for anyone to draw conclusions—correct or otherwise—from a friendly gesture. “And you should continue in hope until tomorrow.”
Alfred thanked her and departed somewhat deflated. In the long run, though, Rohesia believed this would be for the best. Elwyn often reacted in unpredictable ways, particularly when surprised or if she felt cornered. If Rohesia could prepare her to start thinking about marriage, and marriage to Alfred specifically, she might not be shocked when Alfred proposed.
So Rohesia went in search of her stepdaughter and found her at the other end of the great hall, under the banner of the Hyrne family. She sat between two disparate groups. On her right were several members of her usual set, such as Kyle Llamu and Patricia Woolfe. They were drinking and laughing, clearly enjoying the festive atmosphere. To Elwyn’s left, Alice and Jennifer Stansted were engaged in a game with some other children that involved a good deal of spinning about. Elwyn seemed torn between the groups, occasionally commenting on something to one of her set and then turning to adjudicate a dispute in the children’s game.
“An exciting day for everyone,” Rohesia said, taking a seat beside Elwyn.
“I suppose so,” she answered, looking as though she really might be the one person in the room not enjoying herself.
“Well, it has certainly been a very important day for your brother.”
“Of course. I understand how important this victory was for Edwin. I just...I don’t know. I’m not personally in a party mood.”
Rohesia nodded with an expression that was half frown, half smile, but all seriousness. “I understand the sentiment quite well. And it does you credit. The day will come when Edwin will rely on you, and I will no longer be around to help him.”
“What?” Elwyn let out a little snort. “You aren’t much older than I am.”
“But a mother can only help for so long. You and your future husband could make all the difference for Edwin.”
“My...what?”
“Future husband, darling. You will wed one day, and hopefully that man is someone who can be a support to your brother, the true King of Myrcia. A man such as Sir Alfred Estnor.”
“Well, I’ve no doubt Sir Alfred will be useful to Edwin no matter who he’s married to. I mean, he was pretty useful today, and he’s not married to anyone.” Elwyn laughed. “But you’re simply teasing me.”
“I am not teasing you. He is a highly eligible young man.”
“That may be, but it’s too soon to think of anything like that. Far, far too soon. You have to be joking.”
“I am not joking, either. Come now; you told me you liked him.”
“Yes...yes, I do.” Elwyn blushed deeply, but a mysterious little smile played over her lips, too. “I was going to try to see him tonight, actually, but it looks like he’s too busy.” Her face fell.
This was excellent news, and Rohesia could barely contain her excitement. “There’s always tomorrow, my dear.”
Elwyn sighed. “I don’t know what to say or do when I see him, though.”
“You are a princess and the sister of a king. More to the point, you are a grown woman, not a little girl anymore. Be decisive. Trust your heart.”
“A grown woman. Not a little girl,” said Elwyn softly. “I understand.” Then, abruptly, she laughed. “Maybe we shouldn’t be so serious. Can I get you a glass of wine?”
Rohesia stopped herself from correcting Elwyn’s grammar. “That would be very nice. Thank you. But please do think on what I’ve said.”
“Of course,” she chuckled and then ran off to get the wine.
“Well,” Rohesia thought. “I’ve planted the seed. When Alfred makes his offer tomorrow, she won’t be completely surprised, and with Elwyn, that can be half the battle. I just pray to Earstien that Alfred can win the other half. If he does, well, we can announce their engagement in a few days at the Solstice party, and won’t that be lovely?”