Michael choked. “Evan? Evan who?”
“King Evan,” she said absentmindedly. “He took over when his father died. It was probably after you left Suffrom, so I’m not surprised you didn’t know…Michael, are you alright?”
He stood up and paced the interior of the room. Tears filled his eyes, and he covered his face with his hands. Katherine rushed to him. “Michael, what’s wrong? Is it something I said? I didn’t mean to burden you with my problems…” Her stomach rolled. “It’s just…I hadn’t mentioned my family, not really. I felt you should know. We are married after all…”
“Katherine, I should have told you…should have told you…”
“Told me what?”
He straightened. His body was still weak from the abuse he’d taken while in captivity, so it took him a moment to recover and breathe normally. “I talked to Eli.”
“When?”
“Before I came in here to be with you. I assured him that I loved you and that I was not a wandering vagrant.”
“He didn’t mean any of that. Eli was just confused…” she soothed.
“It doesn’t matter, because I’m not. I’m a king of my people…but I was something before that.”
“You mean, back in Suffrom?” Her eyes were shocked and confused. What did any of this mean? Would it change her and Michael…and the little one inside her? Her stomach rumbled.
“Yes.” He turned to face her. “Katherine, I know Evan…King Evan. We grew up together. Do you understand?”
Frustration welled up in her at this confusing turn in the conversation. “Michael, if there’s something you want to say just say it. I can’t play these silly guessing games.”
“Evan’s my brother, Katherine. That’s why I knew none of Eli’s accusations were right. I am of high royal blood. I’m Prince of Suffrom. That’s my title.”
“Evan’s your brother?”
He nodded.
Katherine just looked at him. He wasn’t sure what else to say or do. They just waited.
Suddenly she laughed. A joyous ringing laugh that filled the whole castle with her happiness. “Michael! You’re Evan’s brother! I love you!” She threw her arms around him and danced around the room. “Praise God!”
With that she raced from the room. Michael was left standing alone in the prayer room, a little unsure of what had just happened.
“Eli!” Katherine came bursting into the dark room, shouting his name. She slipped on one of the documents lying on the floor and fell. Laughter was heard coming from the far side of the room.
“Still a little girl at heart, Katherine?” Eli stood and shuffled his feet through the papers. When he reached her, he helped her stand.
“Michael told me everything. I’m so happy, Eli!” She grabbed his hands but felt nothing but cold skin. “Eli?”
He sighed and sat down on the bed.
“Eli? You can’t still be unsure? Eli, I love him.”
Another sigh.
“Eli? Please don’t be mad at me. Please talk to me; just like you used to when I was a little girl.”
He looked up at her, searching her eyes for whatever answers he sought. “I just want to make sure you aren’t making a mistake. Are you really happy?”
“Yes, Eli.”
Sad sigh. “Then I have nothing else to say.” Pause. “There’s something else you haven’t told me.” A long pause. “What is your God like?”
“My God?”
“I prayed to Him. I thought He might bring you back to me sooner.”
“You prayed to Him?”
Eli nodded.
Now she was thoroughly confused. “But how…”
“I found your prayer room, read your proclamation. I prayed. That is it.” He shrugged to emphasize the end of his story.
“You want to know about Him?”
“You seem so sure of your faith, and Michael as well. I want to know why you are so sure. I prayed and offered sacrifices to the gods everyday but felt no comfort. When I prayed to your God, I was still unsure; but I felt some comfort, like someone actually heard me.”
Katherine thought for a long time. Her own faith had been so rocky of late… “Eli, the gods that you serve are weak and powerless. They cannot answer prayers and cannot grant miracles. They require much for so little. My God hears and answers your prayers. He gives miracles, like bringing me home safely. And best of all, He requires nothing. He takes you as you are without regret.” She rose and walked through the mass chaos of papers to the covered windows. She tore down the drapes and light filled the room. “When He comes into your life, it is like light breaking through the darkness. And He loves you, Eli. Not just me or Ralyn. He loves you for who you are.”
Eli sat on the bed surrounded by the musty papers and documents of his forefathers staring at the light shining into his formerly dark room. He felt as though he was seeing everything anew. “He is light in the darkness. I want to know that light, Katherine. I think perhaps I already do know it.” He stood and walked to the window as he grew more passionate. “I knew from the moment I first spoke to Him that something was different. I felt that light. I know the Light.” He turned to Katherine. “I will never pray to the gods again. I will pray to the God of Light.”
She hugged him as tears once again streamed down her face.
Chapter Eleven
For the first time since their marriage, time seemed to slow, and life settled into a predictable rhythm. Winter came trickling in with enough snow to discourage fighting; but not enough to slow activity around the castle. When Katherine returned, life in the castle was revitalized. People laughed and talked to each other again. They had fun and did their work well. Katherine began talking with the Regents about taking over the rule of the kingdom, both her and Michael. Adam, Edwin, and the other men made friends among the various people staying at the castle for the winter. The people grew to love Katherine’s friends and grew to trust Michael as a future king. Winter would soon come in force as the weeks turned into months; but for now, the castle was filled with warmth and laughter.
“Are you excited?”
“I’m a little nervous to be honest.”
“Don’t worry! Tomorrow will go exactly as planned.”
Katherine rolled over to face him and give him a stern look. “Michael, have you ever spoken to a roomful of grumpy old men who still view you as a child?”
“Yes, not recently though.” He smiled.
The single candle on the table next to the bed lit up the large bed that filled a good portion of the bedroom. Katherine and Michael had decided not to take her father and mother’s old room; so, until their new room was built, they were staying in a very small room used for visiting guests. The windows were closed and covered with dark forest green drapes, but when they were open, the forest behind the castle was in full view. Other than the bed and the table, there was very little furniture. A chair sat over by the window, and a wardrobe was off to one side. The door was now closed to the outside; both because it was night, and because it kept some warmth in the room. Layer after layer of blankets lay on top of the couple, almost so they couldn’t see each other, due to the fact that winter temperatures were finally here. The wind howled outside as a reminder of the current blizzard that had lasted almost a week.
“I’m nervous, Michael. What if they don’t listen to me? Some of them like their status that comes from being a Regent. They don’t like change; and after two and a half years, they feel almost like kings themselves.”
“What can I do to help?”
She frowned. “Nothing, I suppose. You aren’t allowed in the meeting; not yet anyway.”
“Then there is only one person who can help.”
She rolled her eyes as she already knew his answer. “God?”
Michael smiled. “I’m too predictable.”
“You’re never predictable.” She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.
“I think it’s you who are unpredictable.”
&nb
sp; Her stomach rolled. “Perhaps we should go to bed. I have a few more things to prepare tomorrow.”
Michael turned over and blew out the candle.
“Princess Katherine, it is our job to interview you to make certain you are prepared for royal appointment. You are still young and newly married…”
“To a man none of us know,” added another Regent.
“To a man who must also be evaluated before royal appointment,” the Chief Regent glared at the offending Regent. “We have heard various testimonies both from the King’s staff and others who know you. None of it gives any reason to dismiss your claim to the throne.”
A younger Regent spoke up, running his hand through his graying hair. “But there is still the matter of your youth. You are only twenty-one, and that is just barely an adult. Why should we allow you to rule the kingdom of Adven? Why shouldn’t we insist you grow in your relationship with your husband and raise a family?”
Katherine stood to her feet. Her hands were shaking so she hid them behind her back. It took every ounce of concentration to keep her voice from wavering. The Regents were all looking at her. She looked every inch the Queen of Adven. She had no crown, but her confident stance told the story. Her blood was truly that of royalty, born to live and die as a Queen. Hopefully that confidence hid the fear that fluttered around inside her.
She took a few steps toward the group. It was deadly silent. Her long black dress was thick and warm, almost too warm. Finally, she spoke.
“I cannot tell you to vote one way or the other; I cannot tell you how to think or act. I can only tell you what I think: I love Adven. It is my home and my life. I have endured terrible things to make it back here safely to do what is right. My father was a great king, and he did many great things for this kingdom. He died defending Adven, because he felt that was right. I have come home, because I felt that was right. Now, I am petitioning for another right. Mine.” She paused briefly to let her words resonate through the room. “It is my right to inherit the kingdom my father left behind. As for my youth, there is no question that I am young. But that gives me all the more time to grow and learn with this kingdom. And as I grow older and more experienced, I will have more responsibility, but for now, being a queen is quite enough.”
Laughter around the table.
“But what is this we hear from Eli? What about this new God?” It was the oldest and cruelest member of the Regents, the one who had made fun of her marriage. “Would you abandon the gods of our forefathers, of your father, and follow a new untested God?”
“He is far from untested, as Eli will testify to, if asked. He has stood the test of time and of many doubts and questions, from me and the others who follow Him. Michael…”
“See! Her husband has led her astray! He has convinced her to follow a false god and turn away from the true ones!”
The council erupted in commotion. The various Regents were shouting and fighting; the Chief Regent was trying to regain control. Her chance at the kingdom would be lost if it didn’t stop.
Katherine leapt on top of the table that had been placed in the center of the room. Papers and notes scattered, and there was more shouting and confusion. She drew her sword, and the light that flashed from it brought instant calm. With the sword in her hand pointed at the sky, she spoke.
“Who here would deface the name of Queen Aimi?”
No one said a word.
“It was not Michael who led me to God. It was my mother, Queen Aimi.”
“Lies!” shouted the ancient Regent.
“Truth!” she shouted back at him. “Do you want the truth? The truth is my mother Aimi brought love and life into my life. When she died, had it not been for my faith, I would have died with her. She also brought Ralyn to believe in Him. He is true. Whether you believe me or not, believe that Queen Aimi would not have led me astray. She would not have led anyone astray.”
The ancient Regent was furious. “You think you can become queen by coming in here, giving a speech and waving a sword. We are civilized, and you have proven what a child you are! I call for the vote now!”
“I second it!” cried someone else.
The Chief Regent waved his hand and said, “She is not allowed in here for the vote!”
“I vote nay!” the ancient Regent cried. “Who votes with me?”
“I am still Chief Regent, and there are still rules to follow! Princess Katherine must either continue her questioning or leave for the vote.”
“She must leave!” The ancient Regent pointed an accusing finger at her. “I know all I need to know! She is unfit to be queen!”
Katherine let her anger get the best of her. “And you are unfit to be a Regent!”
“Princess Katherine!”
Her sword had come dangerously close to the offending Regent’s head. She sheathed it and marched out, listening as the argument continued behind her.
“Katherine, it’s not your fault. There was nothing you could do, other than perhaps not pointing a sword at an elderly man.”
She paused her violent pacing just long enough to glare at him. Ignoring Michael’s pleas to eat while she waited, she had done nothing but pace for the next two hours. The argument still continued. The Regents could not decide what to do about her. The council was divided between the ancient Regent who voted against her and the younger Regent who voted with her. The Chief Regent was having a terrible time keeping order because tempers were so high.
“There was nothing you could do” her husband repeated calmly.
“They accused you of leading me away from the gods! I couldn’t let that stand. I knew there was no way they’d accuse my mother. They adore Queen Aimi.”
“Katherine, just calm down.”
She glared at him again. “I will not calm down! A group of old big mouths are the only thing standing between me and the kingdom of Adven. While they sit in their council chamber, there is a madman out there trying to destroy me!”
Her fist pounded the table. The sound echoed throughout the great hall, where she and Michael were at one end of the long table. The servants kept the huge fireplace going constantly, in an attempt to keep the castle warm. The fire flickered and danced on the hilt of Katherine’s sword, which sat on the table after Michael insisted she best not carry it while she paced.
Footsteps echoed across the tile floor as Adam and Edwin entered. Adam spoke first. “We heard what happened…your stable boys are rather chatty,” that comment was accompanied by a brief chuckle. “When we didn’t hear anything else, we felt it wise to see how you were.”
Edwin smirked. “It didn’t take long to find you; the servants are all scared to come in and stoke the fire.”
Her shoulders fell, and she blushed with embarrassment. “I didn’t mean to upset anybody. Those silly Regents just…”
Michael eased her into a chair. He stroked his beard while he thought about what to say. The other men took chairs next to Katherine and him.
Katherine felt sick. Her stomach rumbled. It was a miracle she had not lost this baby. She had heard horror stories like that, where women lost their children because they were upset or traumatized. Why was God going to such lengths to keep this one alive?
“Katherine?”
She raised her head and tried to focus sleepy eyes. “Michael?”
“No, it’s Eli. Michael came and found me; he thought perhaps I could convince you to go to sleep.” He sat down at the table beside her.
“I have to wait and see what the Regents say.”
He shook his head. “You know them. They’ll argue halfway through the night before they realize the sun went down. They’re not going anywhere, remember? There’s still a blizzard going on.”
“Is everyone safely inside?”
“Yes, I’ve checked on everyone.”
“Have you heard anything from Ralyn?”
“No, were you expecting something?”
Katherine shrugged. “I suppose not. I know the baby is to be born soon,
so I suppose I should expect something from her then. It just feels odd not to have heard anything from her for so long.
Eli laughed and helped her stand. “I’m sure all is well, and Olvin will be on his way soon to tell us the good news. Now, you should go to bed. I’ll come and get you if the Regents decide anything.” He gave her a fatherly look before adding, “Michael is worried about you.”
She hugged him. “I’m glad the two of you are getting along now.”
“I didn’t have much of a choice, did I?”
Katherine crawled into bed beside Michael, who appeared to be asleep. It was dark and cold when she finally got comfortable and closed her eyes. It seemed like only a minute before someone was shaking her awake.
“Katherine! Katherine! Katherine!”
“Huh? Who? What?” Her sleepy eyes weren’t yet open, and she struggled to put words together.
“Katherine! The council has called Michael to testify.”
Finally, she awoke. Eli was frantically shaking her and shouting to get her to understand. “He’s in there now, Katherine! Do you understand?”
She glanced to the side to confirm her husband’s apparent absence. “Where is Michael?”
“He’s in the council with the Regents. They are questioning him to approve him for royal appointment!”
She leaped out of bed and began to throw her clothes on. “Why didn’t you say that?” Hurriedly, she pushed Eli out of the room to finish dressing and offered a quick prayer for her husband.
Adam and Edwin were standing guard at the door to the Council Room. It was clear they weren’t sure what to think or do. Katherine came running up to them and immediately peppered them with questions.
“How long has he been in there?”
“About half an hour.”
“What did they say when they called for him?”
“I don’t know.”
“Why didn’t anyone wake me sooner?” she said angrily.
“Michael said to let you sleep. He didn’t want you to worry.”
“Do you know what’s going on?”
To Love in Peace: 10th Anniversary Edition Page 8
