My Right to the Throne

Chapter 1

The low hills of the farmland of Guanmar fitted naturally into the landscape, as they should have, for they had been there since before written record. Dorothea smiled as she walked over them, remembering how, at a younger age of five, her brother, Willem, had insisted they were bumps just waiting to grow into horns, like that on a goat. The wheat and other crops that grew on them, he proclaimed, were the hair on the goat's head. Although that had been seven years ago, and still no horns had grown, the two of them liked to think that one day they would. It was one of their friendly games, and while Dorothea visited the near-by villagers and farmers to see if they required more medicine or to help settle injustices, and Willem often had to attend formal occasions (when he would rather be somewhere else), they found time for enjoyment and laughter between their lessons and other royal duties.

Dorothea's smile changed to a frown, as her thoughts turned to her second cousin, Belinha. While nearly five years older than herself, her cousin (though invited) never joined in these festivities. She always seemed chilly when talking with Dorothea and Willem, but never gave any reason. Dorothea supposed Belinha might think they were to young to be of any importance or concern, but it seemed to run deeper than that. Dorothea was sure she was missing something, she just didn't know what. However, before she could think about it any more, she had arrived back at the castle.

She had often thought that Glarwarn Castle, her home, might seem imposing to a stranger. Its moat and black walls stood out against the green countryside, and its three storeys heightened by four lofty towers did nothing to suggest differently. It wasn't surprising when she thought about it, after all, her history tutor liked nothing better than to ramble on about the history of the castle. It was almost 600 years old and had been built by one of the most feared leaders of the time, Kemp of the Glarwarn Tribe, and her ancestor.

While not particularly wise to say so in public, Kemp's descendants had been like him in manner and brutality until the time of Dorothea's great-great Grandfather, Einar. He had the kind and soft-hearted ruler the people had hardly dared to hope for, and with his rule came a time of plenty. The villagers despaired at his death, for of his two children (twins), it was his son, Arnfried, who was the elder by less than quarter of an hour. He was ruthless and as cruel as his grandfather and ancestors before had been. He hunted for fun, for there was no use for the game, which was already in large supply. He gave away nothing, and gave no sign of respect to his elders. His sister, however, was like her father, and it was Lettice the people wished was their ruler.

According to records the people had been overjoyed to find that in the King's will stated that Lettice was the older child, but that the book-keeper had written the times down incorrectly. The book-keeper, realizing his mistake, and asked that it not be revealed until he was dead or until the correction needed to become known. Of course, Arnfried maintained that it was a forgery, and should not be believed, but the will of the people had made Lettice Queen, and so Dorothea's family ruled the kingdom.

Arnfried and his descendants (of which Belinha was the last and only in Dorothea's lifetime) seemed to be determined to get the crown back, and every few years a botched attempt would take place. As Dorothea entered the throne room to greet the king, the thought struck her. Perhaps Belinha, descendant of Arnfried, would try to take the throne, therefore her coldness towards the two children of the king.

"Ah, Dorothea! You are back from your visit to the townsfolk! I hope they are well?" King Carlisle, while not a naturally loud man, tended to boom when entertaining others of importance.

"Very well, father. They are benefiting from the loan you gave them and are very grateful." Dorothea had indeed spent nearly an hour in total listening and accepting thanks on behalf of her father.