Day 8

Tẽra realized things weren’t as big as she had been making them. Taking a step back and breathing fresh air made a difference.

If I am not ever going to return home then this is my kingdom and these people are mine. I will set things right one step at a time and I will make this the land everyone wants to be part of, a country that is proud and loving.

She returned to the castle where the general was horrified, she had left without an escort.

“My queen, what if something happened to you? Please allow me to travel with you or send men with you next time.”

“General Nathan, has Black beard Gruff been removed from the castle?”

“No, my queen, he’s a man of influence and carries loyalty from the men stationed in Point.”

“Have him locked up discreetly and station a new officer in Point. Telling them that Black Beard Gruff has been promoted to a special unit doing work for the queen.”

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

She liked that, it should work at keeping the peace and make things safer. From the dungeon Black Gruff Beard can’t cause trouble.

“My queen you are different.” General Nathan said.

“A good different or a bad different?” she asked.

“Just different my queen.”

Tẽra left him and on her way to her room she bumped into Zazo.

“My queen, you are looking…” his voice trailed off.

“Speak freely” she permitted.

“Windblown” he said.

Tẽra smiled, how polite, she thought.

“I went riding, it helps clear my head when I am troubled. Lately I am very troubled. But my spirits are lifted.”

“Maybe one day I can ride with you.” he ventured.

“Maybe.”

She smiled, she liked the idea, but then reminded herself he was betrothed.

“I wish to find any surviving relatives. It is important to me. I am starting over. This country will honor my parents.”

She wasn’t meaning Queen Tiffany’s parents but her own. She wanted to make her father proud. Run the country with the principles he taught her.

“I will search my queen.”

“James’ niece Lakisha is missing. She was last seen yesterday morning leaving the castle. Please find her. She had the skills required to save the late harvest.”

“She sounds important. I will find her my queen.”

“You don’t have to call me, my queen.”

“Your royal highness” he corrected.

“Te..”

She paused; she was about to tell him her name. Her real name was not the name of the queen. Her heart sank. Would she never be called Tẽra Trazzie again?

Would she always be Tiffany from now on or my queen?

“I must go, excuse me please.” Tẽra left.

Zazo noticed how her face fell. He didn’t understand why her name or whatever she wanted to be called would sadden her.

Zazo had a secret, a lie he had told that now shadowed him. He was afraid it would cost him too much to be honest. As the days passed it weighted on him. A man of honor, like he considered himself to be, shouldn’t be carrying such secrets. Yet he was.