The Dream Oath

Chapter 6.5

"My Lady," June roused Maria from slumber with a gentle hand on the queen's shoulder. "I have your schedule for the day. You asked me to wake you at the normal time, but-"

"It's alright, June," Maria pulled herself up into a seated position. Her eyes were still puffy and red, as they had been for days now. "What's urgent this morning."

"It's, well, Gwen, your highness. The dungeon master wants to know if he should let her go or if she's to be executed for treason."

Maria had been thinking about this for days. Gwen had explained before being hauled to the dungeon that she was only protected Maria's best interest. Draco had been alive and planning her rescue and return of her kingdom. Gwen had helping thinking if her mistress knew, she would have felt the same.

Maria rose quickly. She broke her fast after dressing then went over the itinerary for the day with June. She'd make a decision on Gwen later. She needed to keep her kingdom together now. Work was the only thing that mattered. She'd grieve and process the bloodshed later.

She'd put off Edgar too long. Terra was insisting that he attend the next meetings. Maria was embarrased that her sister in law or maybe now ex sister in law was here to see the issues with their kingdom, but also glad for the help. Terra had been of service and her advice invaluable. This woman knew war better than she ever would. Maria also hoped to keep the treaty intact.

But the thought of him still turned her stomach. It wasn't his fault that he'd hacked Draco to pieces. Draco had murdered his brother - her husband - after all. It was just too much to process. She couldn't help it.

"My lady," June interrupted again. She'd give Maria a moment or two when she spaced out, thinking it a kindness to her poor mistress. "We also need to attend to the king's funeral today, and set up your coronation."

"My what?" Maria started out of her haze.

"Your coronation, my lady. The servants say Princess Terra wants Edgar to sit on the throne. But he doesn't want it. Unless you want to be annexed into the East Kingdom, you'll need to assume power officially."

Maria's mind raced down the implications. If she set herself up as the sole queen, which she already was she supposed, she'd still need to produce an heir someday. Another marriage. Doubtlessly, it'd be difficult to find someone who'd want to wed her this soon after her husband and former betrothed were killed. Bad luck the people would say. But the kingdom needed a monarch who understood it's people. Not some foreign influence who'd suck any riches out.

There was no other option. She'd sort out the unthinkable details later. She'd work out the details with Edgar now.