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

Chapter 2

Wintanceaster, Wessex

Once everything was settled and Rowena said goodbye to her boys and husband, she was off, with her guards of course. In two days she would be back in Wessex and back with her family. She tried her best to not think about her children. She knew that they were safe and well taken care of and that's all she could ever wish for.

As they made more and more south people came to warn them of the Danes that were nearby. Not at all surprised Rowena thanked them for their warning and continued their way to Wintanceaster. Some people would ask if she was indeed the Good Queen Rowena and ask her to bless them. She'd tell the guard to throw the poor a piece of silver and be done with it.

As she and her guards made their way finally to the gates of Wintanceaster she smiled. She was finally home and free from her husband. As she glazed around she noticed that everyone was staring at her and whispering amongst themselves. Nonetheless she ignored it and made her way inside the palace. As she made her way through the walls she was instantly greeted by Steapa.

"Your majesty," he said, nodding his head. She smiled at his sudden formalness.

"Oh Steapa, it's so wonderful to see you."

"And you, your majesty."

"Thank you, would you happen to know where my father, mother and sister are?" He nodded his head and ushered Rowena to where her parents were enjoying their evening meal. Knocking, then opening the door, Steapa asked permission to speak. Rowena was blocked by the other door right beside it as Steapa stood in the doorway.

"Excuse me, Lord." Steapa stated.Her father the King sounded annoyed. What the hell happened previously to put him in such a sour mood?

"Steapa, What is it now? Please come in" Steapa tried to keep the grin from his face. Even he couldn't hide his delight that Rowena was home.

"Lord, I bring you news and a visitor, this I swear you'll enjoy." As Steapa began to move out of the way for Rowena to come through the door she could hear her mother's objections of who this person was and something else regarding Uhtred. Regardless, she didn't care. All that mattered to her was that she was back home with her family.

"Miss me anyone?" Rownena asked her parents. Both were clearly surprised that she had made the journey for her little sister's wedding.

"Rowena!" her mother said and smothered her in a deep hug "I missed you so much my dear. You have no idea."

"I missed you too, mother." Rowena said as she raised her eyes and found her loving father's. Staring at her as if she was a ghost. "Hello father." she said as she made her way over to her father, the King. Once she was close enough to him he reached out and touched her shoulders and hugged his oldest child as well.

"You've constantly been in our thoughts and prayers. I can't believe that you're here in Wessex." he stated. Then her mother started up with her usual questioning.