Blood Ward

Chapter 42

Just like that, it was time toend the siege and get our troops home. We set off without the armyand beat them to Banaila by two weeks. "Oh my gosh, Ana! Look atyou!" Valkyrie hugged me as I fought to breathe. "How are thingsup north?"

"The siege is over, Genovia isdead. Reif is a king." I shrugged.

She gaped. "A king?"

"I'll explain. We need anaudience with Brian and your father. They need to know what'shappened," I said, desperately wanting to get this over with so Icould sit down. Carrying around this extra weight was starting to gettaxing. I was actually looking forward to settling down for a while.

"I'll see what I can do,"she smiled.

I paced back and forth as Iwaited for Val to get her brother and the king to meet with us. "Ana,luv, would you stop pacing. You're making me dizzy," Anders said.

"I'm so restless anymore,"I said, not ceasing my pacing.

Anders stood and planted himselfin my path. "Take a seat and relax." He rubbed my upper arms.

My shoulders slumped and Ipouted. Reif smiled. "She's starting to feel it."

"Feel what?" I askedindignantly.

He sighed. "You will just getangry with me."

I crossed my arms. "I willnot."

He laughed. "Already, you'veassumed the position."

I looked down and saw my crossedarms and my hips twitched to the left. I forced myself to standstraighter and uncrossed my arms. I couldn't help smiling in spiteof myself. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Certainly not! She does notassume any positions." Anders pretended to scold Reif.

"Until after you've said whatyou have to say," Reif finished.

"I hate you both," I saidmockingly.

"Of course, and we acceptthat," Anders pulled me into a hug and Reif joined us.

That is how Val found us. Shesmiled widely. "My brother and father have agreed to see you."

"Wonderful," I broke the hugand walked over to her.

She walked with us to the throneroom where King Simon and Prince Brian waited. After I bowed, theking scoffed. "Rise child. There is no need for that in yourcondition.

I smiled. "Thank you, yourgrace."

"So, Valkyrie has spun us quitea tale, but it is sadly lacking in details. I would very much like tohear it from someone who was there," he said, glancing between thethree of us.

I proceeded to tell him the fullstory of our travels. Genovia's death at Anders' hands and Reif'ssubsequent crowning. He looked pleased when I'd finished. "Father,you don't believe this hogwash!" Brian blurted.

I was tempted to pull my sword asmy full attention fell on him with fury. I must have made some movebecause Anders' hand fell on my arm. "You question me?" Igrowled.

"Brian, you have a problem withthe lady's story?" the king asked.

"I do. She expects us tobelieve she did all of this while with child?"

"What does that have to do withanything?" I asked, my fists balled like a petulant child.

"Father," Valkyrie spoke uptimidly.

"Yes, my dear? You havesomething to add?" Simon glanced lovingly at Val.

"With all due respect, Ibelieve my brother is simply bitter because the child Anastasiacarries is not his. After the battle where Ana fought more bravelythan any man in our army, Brian proposed marriage to her and sherefused. He has hindered her movements ever since."

"Is this true?" Simon askedme, smirking.

"It is, your highness," Isaid, still glaring at Brian.

"It is not everyday a ladyturns down a proposal of marriage to a crown prince. In any case, Ibelieve your story, and for your efforts, Lady Drakor, I would liketo offer you the full rights and privileges that come with regainingyour family's territory, Countess." He bowed his head slightlywith respect.

I gaped. "Countess?"

"Your home has been restoredand your father's body claimed and given a proper burial. You mayreturn whenever you choose." He smiled.

"Thank you, your grace," Imanaged, still in shock.

Simon dismissed us and wereturned to the rest of our party. Beast bumped my leg gently,letting me know he was there. "You all look in a bit of shock,"Daeron pointed out. "What happened?"

"It seems our Anastasia is nowa full blown countess," Reif informed them.

"With lands and servants andher very own little army to command," Anders added grinning.

"They've reinstated yourtitle?" Beri asked.

I nodded. "So what are we doingnow?" Aelairwen asked.

"Well, if you all would like, Iwould go to see what has become of Malourne in my absence. Everyoneis free to live in my castle. There is plenty of room," I offered.

"I know I'm not going back toour people," Wen said.

"Where you go, I go," Daeronsaid putting his arm around her shoulder.

"I think you know our answer,"Anders said, speaking for him and Reif and earning an agreeing nodfrom him.

"Beriima?" I asked hopefully.

"I follow my commander," shesaid simply.

"I would appreciate if youwould be the one to command my men while I'm out of commission,"I requested, smiling.

She looked shocked. "What ofReif?" she asked.

"I have my own affairs. You arethe best choice," Reif conceded with his own smile.

"I would be honored,commander," Beri bowed.

I sighed. "You know better,"I said, touching her shoulder. "Don't bow to me."

"You'll have to get used toit," Anders teased.

"Not from my family," Iinsisted.

"So we're decided," Reifsaid.

 "To Malourne." I nodded.