The Voice of the Nightingale

Part VII

Ash lay on her bed, appreciating the time she had alone. The covers were soft and warm. It was only morning, but she felt like going to sleep.
There was a knock at the door and Ash sat up. A man stepped in, Nicholas, carrying a small box.
"My Queen, this is a gift from Lady Clemente."
The Queen signalled for her guard to come over to the bed and moved herself to the side, so her feet touched the floor. She took the small box and untied the ribbon wrapped around it. Ash opened it and found a small earring engraved with the Nightingale crest on one side and a crown on the other. As she stared at it, her eyes began to fill with tears. It was made to match the earring from her father, which was the same shade of blue. The earring was a last gift from a new friend, a friend that she wouldn't be able to see for a while. Finally, the tears overflowed and fell onto her lap.
"My Queen! Is everything alright?" Nicholas asked. Ash felt the sinking of the bed next to her when Nicholas sat down.
"Yes, I'm fine."
Ash hastily wiped the tears away. There was silence for a second. It felt uncomfortable, like it needed to be filled with something.
"Would I be allowed to ask a question, My Queen?"
"Yes, of course."
"Why would you come back crying from most council meetings?"
Ash froze. What should she do? If she talked about the way Theodor threatened her, rumours might spread. This would give a bad reputation to the King, and would cause Ash to be punished. However, this guard seemed to genuinely care for her ; he made sure she was in good health, he tried to make sure she was happy, carrying out his job to the fullest extent.
"My husband threatens me, with the annulment of our marriage. If I fail to carry out my job, to stay Queen, my family will most likely reject me for it."
Nicholas tried to respond, but couldn't find the words. His expression was one of pity. He pitied his Queen for the situation she was in.
"I must leave." He said abruptly, getting off of the bed. He walked out of the door and left Ash in her room.

Soon, Ash finished admiring her new gift. She walked to the vanity and put the small earring on. It matched the one from her father perfectly. The Queen got up and left the room. Outside the door, was stationed one guard ; Nicholas was missing.
"Where has my other guard gone?" Ash asked.
"Nicholas has left for training, My Queen."
"Okay, thank you."
The Queen left and walked through the castle : she wanted fresh air. There was a slight spring breeze coming in from the open windows. She passed most of the castle's bed chambers and soon made it outside. The air was clear and refreshing. Ash walked through the grounds of Bidcambrough castle. It was her first time actually enjoying the views around her home, and they were wonderful. Flower patches filled the gardens. The trees around her were filled with birds that sung out of delight. The Queen began to sing herself, a cheerful song that she had sung many times before. Her mother had taught it to her. Ash was often praised for her singing voice, but never thought it as good as people said. The song she sang was one passed down by her family. It was said to be filled with a magic that enticed even the deafest birds in the area, mostly nightingales. A few birds glided towards Ash, flying around her like the moon and sun did the Earth. When her song ended, they all went back to their respective homes, but it was fun while it lasted.
Soon, she made it to a separate part of the garden, where two guards were in combat. Wasn't Nicholas training?
The Queen walked towards the fight. Ash watched as Nicholas fought his opponent. Her heart beat faster. She assumed that this feeling was fear. He knows my secrets, of course I'm scared, she thought. Nicholas overpowered his challenger and walked to the side. He began to turn around, and Ash quickly fled as he did so, heading inside : it would be lunch soon, and she needed to change out of her riding gear.

The Queen made it back to her chambers and ignored her guard as she walked in. She didn't want to be late to lunch today, so she changed quickly, putting on a royal blue gown : all of her purple dresses were gone, and this was the only outfit she would consider out of the dozens of brightly covered fabrics. She walked out of the door and looked through the windows as she walked. Suddenly, a large figure walked into her and she was knocked down.
"Oh god! My Queen, are you okay?"
Ash's heart began racing again. The hand of her guard appeared, ready to pull her up. She took it, getting up off the ground.
"Your not hurt at all, are you?" Nicholas asked.
Without thinking or even knowing why, Ash ran off to lunch. She slowed down as she approached the doors and calmly walked in. Theodor was sat at the head and she made her way to the foot, glad to be far away from her husband. Only a few men were seated, all council members. As there was no time for the daily meeting this morning, it had been decided it was to be at lunch. Soon, everyone had entered and the meeting began. Ash ate her food, watching over the conversations taking place. After a while, a man rose, tapping his glass with a spoon.
"There is a matter which must be addressed!" He called out to everyone at the table.
"What is it, my good sir?" Theodor said in reply.
"In the west, on the boarder, it has been reported that another nation's men are attempting to take several town's income. It is said that they might be attempting to take over said towns."
"Which Nation do you speak of?" Theodor's tone was dead serious.
"It's Riadian, My King."
Riadian was the richest nation in the continent and could easily defeat Theodor's with the supplies they owned.
"Well, send troops down to kill these men."
Ash nearly spat out her wine. Try to defeat Riadian, the richest nation? Despite her strong opinion on the matter, Ash said nothing, as there was nothing she could do.
"I'm afraid you can't do that, sir," said the Council Member.
"What!"
"Please let me finish. I'm afraid you can't do that, sir, as it is an act against another nation. To do so, you would need a signature from both you and the Queen."
All eyes turned to Ash, their Queen. For once, she was allowed a say in things.
Is it worth it? The Queen asked herself. If we attack, we risk war against the richest nation in the continent, and who's to say that these men are taking money on order of the government. However, if they are, we can rid of them, and there is still a chance that we can win this battle with good strategy and luck.
Ash breathed in and spoke, "No."