Page 89 of Once Upon a Crown
“I’m quite relieved that I don’t have to be part of the fighting,” Anesta admitted. “Though as the queen of Everness and future queen of Norrandale, you ought to be careful as well, Your Majesty.”
“Don’t you get started on me too, Anesta.”
Her mouth curved into a slight smile, but it didn’t meet her eyes. “Maybe His Majesty isn’t being entirely paranoid. If you get killed, who is going to rule Everness? The kingdom cannot afford to lose you.”
“Nobody is going to lose me,” I assured her, “I’m tougher than I look.”
Anesta took a seat on the bed next to me. “You’re the toughest person I know, that’s for sure.”
I gave her a hug from the side. “Thanks for believing in me. And for everything you do all the time. I know I don’t thank you enough.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. You have given me one of the highest positions at court. I could never repay you for that.”
“I don’t expect you to repay me at all. Having you as my friend is more than enough.”
There was a knock at the door and Anesta quickly jumped up from the bed to answer.
I heard her speak to one of the servants for a moment before she turned around with a piece of paper in her hands.
“A letter for you, Your Majesty. It’s from Everness.”
I shot up from the bed, grabbing the envelope.
“It’s definitely Lance’s handwriting.” I could easily recognise it by now, and it was accompanied by the royal seal. I ripped open the paper and began to scan through his words.
“What’s the matter, Your Majesty?” Anesta asked, reading my expression. “Is something wrong?”
“It’s the princess.” I swallowed hard. “She’s dead.”
Chapter 36
Lance
I took a bite of my pastry, glad that I’d requested the cook make something savoury instead of some chocolaty doughy business. I was in a hurry to get to Gwen’s rooms, but my rumbling stomach had to be prioritised. It was the first day of relatively pleasant weather after many days of rain and storms. I thought it would be a good idea to go out for a ride.
I’d enquired with the stable boy and he informed me Gwen had been spending some time down at the stables again. Apparently, Windchaser was growing quite fond of her because of all the carrots and sugar cubes she’d been feeding him.
When I knocked on her door, nobody responded. I wondered if she was inside and simply didn’t want to see me. I knew she wasn’t in the library or the dining room as I’d made sure to check both places on my way from the kitchens.
“Gwen,” I called out. “Are you there?” Still there was no response.
I reached for the door handle, fearing she was purposely avoiding me. Perhaps it was ungentlemanly to burst into a lady’s room, but I didn’t care if Gwen didn’t want to see me. I couldn’t go back to the way things were before, with her ignoring me again.
Her bedroom door opened with a squeak, but I found the room void of life. I couldn’t see her cloak or riding boots anywhere. Maybe I was too late, and she’d already gone out riding. I could always try to catch up with her, but I had no idea in which direction she’d gone. Last time I went riding after Gwen, it took me more than an hour to find her.
I found a servant cleaning in one of the hallways.
“Have you perhaps seen Lady Gwen anywhere?”
“Your Highness.” The girl did a quick bow. “I believe I saw her making her way towards the stables.” I was right. She’d used the opportunity of the fine weather to get some fresh air.Great minds think alike, I suppose.
“And was that long ago?”
“Not at all, Your Highness.” The girl shook her head. “It was only a few minutes ago.” She couldn’t be very far, then. If I was quick, I might still catch her on her way out. I hurried down to the stable yard, beyond which the horses grazed in their paddocks. After all the rain, there were many large patches of mud. I would have to remind the grooms to keep an eye on the horses’ hooves so that they didn’t get infected.
“Your Highness.” The stable boy was in the midst of cleaning some tack. He looked a little surprised to see me.
“I’m looking for Lady Gwen. Has she gone out already?”
