The Good Queen [The Last Kingdom] - [Erik Thurgilson]

Chapter 1

Dunnottar Castle, Alba

While the brothers Siegfrid and Erik were being a thorn in the side of all the Kings in England, the kingdom of Alba was enjoying a long and prosperous peace. Alba was situated directly above the English Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. With some of the greatest and most feared warriors the Saxons had ever heard of,the Picts and the Scots. Until the Danes and Northmen came to England many people thought that they were the devil incarnate themselves. The people of Alba just went about their day to day routine, with no need to worry about the chaos that affected those below them. No one dared to venture into Alba without paying the fee and making sure they were in possession of the proper documentation. King Áed mac Cináeda was known for his strict reputation. If you tried to come onto his lands he'd make all the Picts and Scots he could aware in order to ensure that the unwanted intruders were dealt with. And thus sent a clear message to anyone who tried to cross his border that if you tried to come into Alba you would die slowly and painfully. Fortunately for him, everyone including the vikings seemed to stay as far away from the border as possible.

Alba was known for their beautiful scenery, magical waters and most of all their good and beautiful Queen. Queen Rowena was the daughter and eldest child of King Alfred of Wessex and his Queen Ælswith. At the age of 15 her parents sent her off to be married to a King from a far away land that the only thing people knew about were simply stories. Upon meeting her future husband, when he came to Wessex for their wedding and the claim his bride, she knew she must play a role. She had to watch every single word and action that she made. She didn't want to be at a man's mercy and she certainly didn't want to put herself in a situation that would not benefit her, living so far away from her family. When she entered the room of her father's hall for their first meeting she was surprised that he was much more handsome than she had originally presumed. From the moment he saw her she could tell that he was taken with her beauty, as most men were. As she grew more and more, she quickly learned the art of reading people. Seeing them for who they truly were and thus determining what their intentions might be. If she wanted something all she had to do was smile or look in someone's direction and they would do whatever she asked of them. Yes, Rowena was a very beautiful woman and rumors of her beauty, grace and charity spread throughout all of Britain. Once the tale of the enchanting Princess Rowena of Wessex had reached the king and his advisors, he was determined that she would be his bride and his Queen. For the most powerful King, must have the most beautiful bride as his Queen.

As their marriage went on Rowena was the perfect wife and Queen. Although she loathed her husband's touch, she would endure, play along and make him think that she loved him just as he claimed he loved her. When in reality he only saw her as a trophy. He didn't care what she thought or if she was happy. No, all he cared about was himself and how she could benefit him.

As time went on Rowena found simple pleasures to occupy her time, preferably away from her husband. She would work and develop different charities, help those in need. But nothing took her mind off everything quite like a good horse ride or spending time with her children. Her two boys were everything to her. Her oldest Constantine was the future king and her sweet boy, his younger brother was her son Donald. The boys weren't blind to what was going on. Even if they didn't say anything, they knew the love that their mother showed them was unconditional. Whereas their father's love was anything but that. As she'd been enjoying her morning walk through the castle gardens. She soon heard someone call out to her.

"Your Majesty" Rowena turned her head around to see who was calling out for her. Only to discover that the culprit was a simple maid. The maid nervously continued "A letter for you, from your sister in Wessex." With that Rowena snatched the letter away from the nervous maid's grasp. Upon reading the contents of the letter she briskly made her way to lay all of her charms on her husband. Since if he said she couldn't leave then she was truly stuck here.

As she entered the great hall, the herald announced her entrance to everyone in the room. She made sure her charms were on full display as she made her way to where her husband sat, showelling more food than should be possible into his mouth. She moved her way to be standing right next to him. Upon realizing that he'd noticed her, Rowena began leaning down so that her mouth rested just by his ear and her hands traveled throughout his chest.

"Hello husband" She began, knowing that with patience she would get what she wanted.

"Good morning wife, I trust you slept well." Her husband stated, still engulfed in the pheasant leg. As she began to move her hands lower and lower she finally realized that she had gotten his undivided attention.

"Forgive me, it seems I've forgotten how to behave around you." He chuckled at her, clearly taking her bait. This would be much easier than she had originally thought.

"No need wife, It's good that my lord's know that my wife and their Queen knows how to treat and attend to her husband. You continue to be a shining example to us all. If only all the other men had such a wonderful wife as I, but then again they are not king." Here was her chance and she was going to take it. She kissed his cheek knowing that she had him right by the balls. For there was one thing that all men loved most and that was their egos being stroked.

"Well, my dear king and husband, if I'm such an example to everyone perhaps you will grant me my wish as a reward for such devotion?" Áed looked at his wife with a raised brow.

"What is it that you request? name it and it is yours." Rowena moved her head once more so that her lips were now definitely touching her husband's ear lobe. She could feel him shiver upon her sudden touch. Frankly she was worried that in this whole process that he would cum in his pants. Thankfully, he managed to keep it together while she got out her request.

"I wish to travel to Wessex to visit my family and to attend my sister's wedding." Áed looked at her with a devilish smirk in his eyes. Oh no not again.

"Everyone, please leave us. I wish to have a word with the Queen." When everyone got up to leave the room Rowena felt a pit in her stomach growing by the second as Áed got up from his chair and slowly began to walk toward her till her back was pressed up against the stone wall. "I will allow you to go on this little trip of yours, see your family, and attend your sister's wedding." Nervously smiling Rowena managed to get out a

"Thank you" then again it seemed those menacing eyes had returned to Áed's face. This time he grabbed her neck so that she was locked between his frame and his grasp.

"But, you will not take part in any politics that might benefit anyone but Alba. You will spy and gather information for me about the south if you can manage the simple task. But most of all, don't be gone too long. I'd hate to raise any army and destroy England just to get my wife back in my possession."

"You have nothing to worry, I'll do as you ask. You're my husband and I'm loyal to you." she said in a strained voice. As he looked in her hazel he eventually released her from his grip. Continuing to look into her eyes till all he said was.

"Good" Only his eyes held nothing but darkness behind them. As he made his way back to the table. She got ready to leave his presence.

"Thank you for your generosity, your majesty, you are too kind." She paused for a moment gathering her thoughts. "If you'll please excuse me I have to go attend morning prayers." And with that she was off. Off to plan for her journey and the little bit of freedom that she was allowed.