One
A few days ago no one in the High Court knew her name and now Robby Kase was expected to drop everything for their liking. Feeling rushed, the young woman was not ready to leave the small the one room dwelling she called home. She had learned to walk and talk here and there was no fairness in her having to leave and give up her claim on the land she inherited. Longing to say goodbye to someone, she finished packing her personal items. Mother had long past and Father followed soon after, He died of a broken heart, Robby was sure of it.
She breathed heavily, stepping out of the door and into the sunlight. She admired the herb garden that too all harvest to bloom. Juicy reds and greens sparkled as the sun’s rays danced along the plants. She sighed knowing the garden would not go to waste. Between the wild animals and the hungry people, it would be in ruins within days. Her eyes began to water. This land was soaked in her family’s blood and sweat, and all for nothing. She wiped her tears away and turned toward the med who waited for her. “I’m ready,” she said.
Robby had never ridden inside of a carriage before. She was awestruck. The seat was luxuriously covered in red silk with gold trim. White and gold drapes covered the two small windows. Once seared, the carriage took off in no time.
They followed Spring Trail to the Republic. There was no stopping to eat or sleep. Travelling outside of his rule was dangerous and King Eros could not chance an attack. He kept this trip confidential, speaking to only the men who accompanied him and his Consulate. The people of the Freeland wanted to overrule the royal family at all costs, and he would not give them the satisfaction.
King Eros, a handsome man, stood tall and broad. If his height did not make you uncomfortable, his electric blue eyes would. Wide and open, he all ways appeared to be in a trance. He grabbed Robby’s hand as the ride got rough. “We must be going through the Lowlands. Are you all right?”
No, she was not all right. She was contained to a small area with a man she barely knew. Forcing a weak smile, she tightened her grip on the King’s fingers as they hit a few more bumps. “I will be.” The emerald necklace that lay low on her neck any other time, danced in her face.
Robby sat upright as the ride smoothed out. She worried how being queen would fair. Royalty all ways married royalty, so her relationship with the King is most unusual. The two had just previously got engaged and the people were already talking. She had heard it all; she was a harlot, a beggar, a thief. The truth was much more boring than anything any one could have concocted.
The night the Tago War ended was beautiful. The stars and the moon shone bright and lit the sky. Robby sat in her beloved garden with Dozer enjoying the cool night air. Dozer’s ears pricked and he stood growling at the woods. “What’s wrong boy?” Robby stood rubbing the mastiff on his huge head. She watched as a band of men came out of the trees. “King Eros is upon you,” one of the men yelled, making their presence known. Robby held Dozer steady as two of the men in the group carried a wounded man closer. She did not refuse the seven men and readily let them take what she had to offer.
The King was hurt bad. A deep gash ran from shoulder to hip, and he had caught the Red Flu during battle. He lay on the floor coughing in a mixture of dirt, blood, and sweat. A small fire burned before him. The men refused to let Robby near His Highness until he was on his deathbed. “Let me help,” Robby pleaded.
“Stay back,” a burly man warned placing his hand on his sword.
Robby blocked Dozer’s view knowing if threatened, the beast would attack. “I can help if you let me.”
