The Last Great Battle (NaNoWriMo story, on hold)

Prologue

14th day of the 3rd month of the year 1785, in the Third Age

Saharen Royal Palace

Queen’s chambers

            “Darling,” Queen Reina motioned her only daughter over with a feeble wave of her hand. “Dearest daughter, come to me.”

            Reanne ran over to her mother’s bedside, pushing past her father and the various doctors and nurses at the bed. She fell to her knees beside the bed and clutched her mother’s limp hand to her cheek.

            “Darling, darling,” Queen Reina sighed as she slowly stroked Reanne’s hair with her free hand. “Do not weep for me, dearest, I go to be with my ancestors. I am at peace with it and I hope you to be so as well. We must be separated but remember that it is only for a short while. You too must have your time to fulfill—“ the queen broke into a fit of hacking coughs that racked through her whole body. Reanne let out a sob and hugged her mother’s hand tighter to her face. Lady Diane Palmsbury, one of the queen’s ladies in waiting, ran over with basin and cool cloths to mop the queen’s face.

            After a few minutes, the queen’s breathing fell back into a slow, steady pace. She continued, “Very soon, dearest, you will be queen of Saharen. You must love it as you love no other and protect it from all forces. I am to die happy,” Reanne let out another sob at this but the Queen did not acknowledge it, “knowing that I have left you a peaceful kingdom. Keep the peace and do not antagonize anyone or the world shall once again be in disarray.” Queen Reina took a deep, belabored breath, “Keep up with your studies. You were born with a great gift for magic rarely seen anymore,” another deep breath, “for you are destined to be,” a shuddering breath, “a great queen.”

            With that last statement, the Queen’s body fell into spasms, and her last breath left her with a sigh. The hand Reanne had been holding fell limp as she let out a cry that echoed through the whole palace.

            After the cry left the air, the now nine-year-old queen laid herself out alongside the still body of her beloved mother. No one in the room dare disturb her or the body of the Queen. Lady Diane and the now widowed King Richard shared a look over the deathbed of his wife.