Chapter 1: ACT I: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’
Clicks of heavy footsteps echoed along the corridor. The pitter-pattering of the rain had covered the kingdom whole as it had fogged the view. With each step getting louder and louder, the door slammed open.
"My Queen!" The servant who had run around to deliver the message instantly bowed at the sight of the Queen. "This servant has brought...grave news."
The Queen glanced at the heavy rain, a deep feeling of melancholy struck her. Her hands trembling nervously knowing what has to come. Yet, her eyes were already full of hatred and passion. "Prepare for the pyre tonight. The tribe will siege our borders in less than a day. I will be there with Calliope and my servants. Announced the news to the people."
"As you wish, Your Majesty. I will conduct as you ordered." The servant rushed out of the room. Leaving the queen alone in her solitude.
"The King is dead!" The cries of her subjects had filled the kingdom. Multiple chants and horrified screams were heard. Soon they had continued their grief. "The King is Dead, Long live the Queen!"
---
From the tall mountain, she heard the whispers in a voice so small. The Queen stared at what was left by her beloved. The kingdom that was standing tall, yet he wasn't beside her.
The Kingdom of Dewyth had the largest territory in the land of Tsur. Tsur had been governed by the Almighty Tsur the Third. The Dewyth alliance with Tsur had been a long-lasting agreement. Dewyth had always stood tall amongst other kingdoms and tribes, it had been only recently when the announcement of the engagement of two powerful people.
Jona, the son of Tsur. After the death of his father, he had been under the guardianship of Elog who ruled part of Tsur. Not only was he the son of the powerful leader Tsur, but Jona had also been taught by the greatest intellectual leaders of that time, Elog himself who had managed to take control of the rebellions for the past two years.
It wasn't a surprise that the eldest daughter of Elog would be bestowed upon Jona. Princess Adna of Dewyth was unlike any other princess. She had been trained for everything, whether it be women's etiquette, or war strategies and swordsmanship. Rumour has it that the two couples were meant to be with each other.
"Your Majesty, the court meeting will begin soon. We must leave immediately, Your Majesty." Her courtier, Calliope, had urgently reminded her. Though Queen Adna did not give a single reaction and turned her back from the view.
"It's going to set soon, Calliope," Queen Adna said, "tell me, when does the sun set in Xenian?"
"Around seven in the noon, Your Majesty."
"Where was my husband during the sunset, Calliope?" The courtier could only feel sympathy for her queen, but she answers.
"It was in the wild forest near the birch trees, Your Majesty."
"...It must have been lonely for Jona." The Queen muttered, "Bring me Aldr in the court meeting, I haven't seen him."
"As you wish. Your Majesty."
Queen Adna had her face blank when she entered the court meeting. No emotions, or expressions. Not a single ounce of grief or anger in her eyes. The nobles in court questioned if this was the right time to hold a court meeting.
"We have come here today, to talk about the Xenians. I have heard that they have sent a letter." The Queen's voice pierced through the tense atmosphere.
"Sir Kon, if you will." Calliope gestured towards a young man who was holding a letter. The young man gave a curt nod, as he walked towards the middle of the court.
"Dearest Greetings from Prince Dar of Xenian. I would like to offer a peace treaty between the Xenians and the Dewyth Kingdom. I would like for Queen Adna for her hand in marriage.-"
The moment Sir Kon finished the sentence, complaints rang through the air. It had angered the court, how dare the tribe that killed their king, offered their just recently widowed Queen. How awful their Queen must be feeling right now. To be subjected to this bastard of a man.
"Silence."
The court went quiet the moment the Queen had raised her right arm. Queen Adna sighed as she lowered her arm. "Calliope, bring me the previous letter that was sent a few days ago."
Calliope brought the letter in a hurry and gave it to the Queen. Queen Adna peered through the paper, as she began reading.
"Jona the Fourth has been punished for his greediness upon the lands of Xenian. Punishment was both legs were tied up against bent birch trees. Prince Dar ordered his men to let go of the two bending birch trees. As the force pulls the string so does the bastard of the man finally split in half. The king is dead."
More raging complaints came from the court. They had known about the grieving news, how their king was dead. But to be subjected to death in this kind of manner. It is insulting.
But Queen Adna did not give any other expression. There was no movement coming from her, her eyes weren't cold, they weren't burning. Something far chilling than anyone had thought.
"Prepare for their next siege upon the borders. Marquis Lescher, write a letter back to Xenian that I accept their proposal. In the meantime, gather all the soldiers to dig a hole deep enough to fit our war boats. From then on, continue your duties and stand your ground." The Queen ordered, her voice unwavering and filled with authority.
"But my Queen, these filthy Xenians are trying to take over our kingdom, what shall we do?"
It had been a thing since Adna was a mere child. Her father Elog knew something was in his daughter the moment she had held her first staff. The cynical smile on her face, the smirk that adorned her soft face sent chills down their spines.
"Bring out the best wines from the chamber, my husband will be celebrated. His death will not be in vain. There will be no grieving in this kingdom for he has led the kingdom well. We will bring honor to his name, for his name will live long!"
Calliope stared at the Queen who fixated her eyes upon the burning pyre. They could not prepare an official pyre without a body, and the King's remains are still in Xenian's land. It would be impossible to retrieve them now.
"Your Majesty, what will you do now? There will be many pursuers across the continent. Will you still accept the proposal from the Xenian Prince? What will happen to your son Aldr?"
Queen Adna turned to her and gave her a small smile. "Aldr will be fine, he has a strong spirit." The Queen cradled the glass of mead in hand. "How do you think revenge should be served, Calliope?"
Calliope glanced towards the night sky and let out a hum. "Isn't the saying, revenge is best served cold?" There are times where Queen Adna was comfortable enough to let go of her duties and speak to her like a friend. With all that has been happening to Queen Adna, she definitely deserves it
The Queen chuckled in agreement, "Well that is the right saying, but I think if it's served hot and slow it would be a perfect way. What do you think, Calliope?"
Calliope glanced at the floating burning pyre, as it slowly drifted towards the sea. It had burnt bright red and orange, yet it still lingers its aura of smoke.
"We will prepare for what's to come Calliope. But do not be weak, do not weep, for what will happen will be far more gruesome than what we will face." Queen Adna took a sip of her mead. Her hair is flowing ever so slightly because of the wind.
To the people, they are afraid of what's to come, For their leader has fallen and their heir was just a mere ten year old. But, people had forgotten that Queen Adna of Dewyth was the daughter of Elog the great.
Soon dawn passed by, as the new era of ruling finally began.
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