The Dream Oath

Chapter 4.2

Maria watched Ralse, and his company ride off. The moment they were out of the gates, Maria turned on her heel and went to find the cleric. In going over the accounts, she had not found where her brother received a proper burial. That would be fixed before she tackled the rest of the absurd list.

Edgar trailed behind her, a step back and to the right. She was not enthusiastic about his presence but wasn't going to try and fight with him either. There was no reasoning with that man.

Maria decided it was difficult to storm into a place when everyone opened doors for you, but she hoped her face had the same effect as slamming the double doors open. The head cleric's face indeed registered in surprise.

"Where are my brother's remains buried?" She demanded.

The head cleric was lanky. It gave him a palor she didn't like. The man needed to get outside in the sunlight and do some work. With a mental laugh at her own double standard, she continued to press him.

"You will tell me what happened with his remains."

"He is, well, you see," the head cleric sputtered.

"I do not see. I have not seen a thing, which is why I am here. He was still the king and deserved the proper rites."

"I did not want to, the, um, well," the cleric still seemed to struggle with words. Maria cocked her head at him and tried to give him her best impatient stare. She felt the heat flood through her chest that told her she was getting close to losing her decorum. Instead of throttling the man she settled for planting one hand on her, her hip would be if it wasn't for the enormous skirts.

"Your highness," the priest took her arm like he would when trying to comfort a small child, "it is against the orders of our church to bury one who took his own life. He was properly disposed of in the sinner's yard."

Maria's face tightened as she threw off the cleric's arm. She didn't know who she was going to kill first. Edgar was in armor, Ralse was quickly putting distance between them. An something about the cleric's mannerisms incensed her. Maria took a large breath to steady herself before continuing.

"How." she phrased the question as a demand.

"Poison, your highness," the cleric almost sounded smug, but Maria wasn't quite sure.

"Is this true?" she turned on Edgar, giving him the same death stare she'd been focusing on the cleric.

"We found him barricaded in his rooms, like you. When we broke the door in, the scene was not what we expected. I am sorry, Maria." Edgar sounded contrite.

"Let us get one thing clear, General. You will never address me with my given name nor any name that would imply familiarity between us." Maria stared him down before turning on the cleric, "Dig him up. It seems more likely to me that the new leadership created a situation that would minimize their own wrongdoing and harm to this country. I am not interested in lies for political advancement. My brother will be buried properly. Do you understand me?"

The cleric looked like he was going to say something, but took one look at Edgar and closed his mouth before adjusting to a more humble stance.

"Yes, Your Highness. It has been some time since he was interred. I would recommend not seeing the body, but we can let you know when it is done."

"No, I will see it. Alert me when the body is exhumed. Thank you," Maria made a mental note to check back tomorrow in case the cleric decided to get any funny ideas. Ralse was gone. She was Queen. Even in spite of her own situation, which was less desirable than the life she had hoped for, she was going to do it right. These invading idiots could hang for all she cared. Her people would not suffer, even if she had to.

Edgar trailed behind her as she made her way to her study. She planned to break her fast there but found Gwen waiting for her.

"Yes, Gwen?"

"My Lady, the King instructed me to handle your schedule and day to day affairs in his absence." Gwen curtsied to Maria and ignored Edgar. Maria paused for a moment.

"When exactly did the King come and see you?" she asked with dangerous softness.

"He didn't. He sent his personal secretary to instruct me on my new duties."

"I'm not sure I appreciate my husband ordering my maids around. Will you make a note to remind me to discuss this with him on his return, please?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Thank you. Now, will you enlighten me about this schedule?"

"Everything is suspended today, but the court will resume tomorrow as well as council meetings and petitions. Today I have been instructed to prepare you for everything."

"Lovely, please send for June to bring us some breakfast, and we will proceed. Thank you, Gwen."