And They All Fell Down

Chapter One

Christopher Degory walked into the grand hall and saw the poor lined up in two rows. He had heard that twice a year the Queen liked to give back to the people by giving them purses filled with coins and preparing packages of bread and other goods to take to their families. She was known as the generous Queen but her husband was known as the Selfish King, so it did not surprise Christopher that the King was nowhere in sight. He had met a lot of royals in his day and very rarely were their reputations wrong.

The double doors opened and a woman in a long brown dress, with modest bead work and the smallest tiara he had ever seen, walked into the room. The smile on her face was infectious and 2 woman followed behind her, holding baskets filled with purses. She walked down the isle and handed the bags to the people and would whisper "God Bless you," as she walked away from them. 

A man came up behind Christopher, "Funny to find you watching such a silly sight. The King hates this but the Queen insists." He bowed before Christopher but it was clearly forced and he introduced himself as Jasper Price who held a seat on the King's council. "Sorry I was late but I was delayed by important business. The King sends his regards and is waiting for you in the council room. Shall we go?"

Christopher nodded but looked back at the woman in the simple brown dress, "Who is she?" 

"The Queen, of course." 

He knew but he wasn't sure if he believed it, "I have never seen a Queen dressed like she belongs in a tavern rather than a castle." 

"She believes in dressing modestly around the peasants, as it apparently makes them feel more welcome. Now, shall we go?" 

They left the hall and took the walk to the council room, where the King was waiting alone for Christopher. Jasper opened the door and ushered him in but closed it behind Christopher, leaving him face to face with the King. 

"Your majesty," he bowed. 

"Yes, sir Degory." He gestured towards a chair, "Do sit down." 

He took a seat and the King glared at him

"I am not a man who enjoys small talk to I will simply get to the point. A diplomat is nothing but a glorified spy and I am aware that you are here to spy on my court and report back to your King." 

"Your Majesty, a Diplomat helps create peace, we are not sent to spy." 

"Nonsense! You help one nation take over another and that will not happen here. Do I make myself perfectly clear?" 

Christopher nodded, "Yes. I have no intention of helping anyone take over anyone else" 

"I have been told you will be here for 3 months so I will give you a fine chamber to stay in but you must know it is not out of friendship but rather because war is not something my kingdom needs right now and if you are placed in a servants quarter I am sure your king would have something to say about it. You arrived on a wonderful day because tonight is our Frost Festival, the last celebration before it becomes cold. Many of the festivities are held outside and I have everyone preparing for it so you should have plenty to entertain yourself. I trust you will be in attendance." 

"I am not one for parties, your majesty." 

"It isn't a request." 

Christopher nodded and tried to not look afraid

"You may go." 

Christopher has never gotten up and left a room for quickly in his life. It became clear that the rumors about the King were more than true. He had heard the kind was ruthless and vindictive but he had no idea that the look in his eyes would be that intimidating. Christopher began walking back to the hall and saw the Queen still there. Her ladies were handing out well woven baskets filled with breads and cheeses and what looked like mittens and scarves. The Queen was in a corner playing a game with some village children. He was no strangers to royalty and courts, as he had been to several all over the world but he had never seen a queen stand hand in hand with children who were far less superior than herself. The music stopped and the Queen said goodbye to the children and walked over to the villagers. She stood in front of them and her smile was so soft and inviting.