Anna

I sat up most of the night pondering my entire situation and even caught myself thinking about the King and his own situation.

I wondered if the young King has known love since the death of his mother. Miss Haggerty told me of the queen's death which was always suspicious since the beginning. She also said the King's mask is one of darkness but what's under it has always been hidden light. This does not, in any way, excuse him for Daniel's death.

Can his word be trusted? That is my biggest question.

I have been raised to fear two men most in my life, the dark king and the king of Cruálacht. Neither is worse than the other but the attack by the dark king was more likely than the larger army of Cruálacht. I was never told much about the young king that currently has me guarded in his castle so I have no reputation of his to judge other than what he did to my Daniel.

Daniel would never have approved of his father's cruelty in which I witnessed with my own two eyes. My father was always open about politics with his children and saw it part of our education. He never spared my sisters or I the gory details of war or the sins of other kingdoms. I have traveled the lands of A Stór with my father and only met the kindest and most grateful people of the lands. Even this young king has shown respect of how my father runs his kingdom because he has said my father has great power with loyalty.

Miss Haggerty so rudely came into my room to wake me at the first signs of light, explaining the day will start early and his majesty was already meeting with council and a new dress and undergarments were delivered promptly before sunrise.

I rose without hesitation because today is the day I may have a chance to collect my only defenses. After breakfast, I was dressed in a green satin gown and my hair was fixed down, flowing behind me like the king requested.

I waited for him as one of his men explained he took a quick detour to the towers to pay a visit to the man willing to execute my assassination last evening. If the dark queen's thirst for power is truly as strong as King Charles insists, my safety cannot be guaranteed until she is dealt with swiftly. Even my father would agree such crimes are best dealt with using great force so my host's word to deal with her might just be my only hope until my hands could hold within it the options needed for protection.

I also hope the council puts off any kind of nuptials before my father arrives so he can negotiate my freedom as I cannot marry the man that took Daniel's last breath.

Finally, the man himself showed up at my threshold ready to start our long journey for the day.

After the proper greetings, he promised a more comfortable journey than our last and this was confirmed by the royal carriage and a great number of men to ensure our safety. He helped me into the carriage and climbed in behind me without a word spoken.

"I am being led to believe council ruled on my fate this morning?" I asked and he nodded.

"Our nuptials are being planned as we speak, they will be complete in one weeks time." He said.

I could have received better news. "My father's arrival is planned for when?"

"In three weeks time, after he has toured Lámhach." He answered quickly and without as many words.

I looked outside the carriage as we rode, memorizing the route and looking for colors that may lead me to the herbs I need. After a few moments, he cleared his throat. "The queen is being transported outside the walls of the palace for her exile but she will stay in Cogadh indefinitely." He started.

"What's to become of the man that threatened my life?" I asked.

"He is still being questioned." He said.

I thought for a moment before turning back to him. "Will there be a bedding ritual?"

He nodded. "Of course." He turned his head to look outside. He seems upset or angry but I haven't put my finger on it yet. He turned his head back toward me. "Is your virtue still intact?"

I fidgeted with my handkerchief and didn't look up to him when I nodded my head. There were no reassuring words or reaction as he looked back outside as the carriage kept its same pace.

Several moments went by before he spoke again. "Plans are underway and it will be a large event. We will leave the following morning for a home I have on the countryside. A week away from the pressures of reality should help with your comfort level. Your father will be informed shortly before the ceremony as we will take no chance of interruption. An heir is vital so it will be important for us to concentrate on such matters."

The thought repulses me but as he has stated, I have no choice in the matter. My hope for freedom as diminished as I am aware of my duty.

The carriage came to a stop and I could see women and children running toward us, not away as they did in Lámhach. His introductions were made and the king climbed out before taking my hand and helping me out, stretching my stiff legs from the long journey.

"May I introduce your future Queen, Princess Annalise of A Stór." He said as the people whispered.

I was greeted bows and curtsies as King Charles was flashed smiles and excitement. I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome for the King. I understand he said he brought provisions prior to his father's death but they don't see straight through him? They don't see his lust for power?

The children keep calling him Taran which I have heard before so I wonder why they refer to him so casually.